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Chris will be having a meetup in London March 8th, 2026 click here for more info. He will also be at Embedded World the following week at various events. Dave is also headed to a meetup in Sydney that he has presented at in the past. The "lazy man move" for meetup organizers: scheduling events within walking distance of home to simplify travel logistics. Chris provides details on his latest high-density hardware project, a 22mm circular board packed with 0201 components, Bluetooth, and a suite of sensors, noting a move from BGA to QFN for better assembly reliability. There is significant skepticism regarding "solid-state transformers" and tech articles claiming they will replace the traditional power grid, with the hosts citing efficiency losses that become massive at megawatt scales. A fascinating look into global supply chains reveals how a single AI prompt can be traced back through layers of manufacturing to sugarcane fermentation and high-purity quartz mines in Spruce Pine, North Carolina. The creeping normalization of biometric face scanning in public spaces, from water park lockers to international airport terminals. The marketing tactics behind Donut Lab's solid-state battery claims, explaining how "independent third-party testing" can be carefully hand-picked to avoid industry standards. They want us to talk about it like this The nuances of UL certification explains how companies sometimes use specific lab reports to imply broader official endorsements that do not actually exist. Dave shares his experience watching the show Silicon Valley with his son and discusses the "hideous accuracy" of the Australian public service comedy Utopia. The pros and cons of modular hardware are debated, covering the Framework laptop's "Ship of Theseus" repairability model versus high-end gaming tablets like the Asus ROG Flow Z13. Dave's viral social media quest for the best Linux distribution leads to a consensus on Linux Mint as the top choice for beginners, fueling the ongoing joke about the "Year of the Linux Desktop". Recent industry news highlights the release candidate for KiCad 10 and the discovery of a three-cent Paduk microcontroller performing auxiliary functions inside Rode wireless microphones. Pimoroni did extreme an cooling project back in 2024 that successfully overclocked the RP2350 microcontroller to 800 MHz. We just found out about it from a post from Jeff Geerling.
The US President says 'everything's been knocked out' in Iran. As the conflict enters a fifth day there have been more explosions overnight in both Iran and southern Lebanon. While Tehran is continuing to retaliate with strikes across the Gulf region. Donal Trump says the US military operation has been a success so far. Meanwhile, Irish citizens in the United Arab Emirates, could be evacuated in the coming days as plans are finalised for a government charter flight to leave Oman - provided they get the all-clear. The Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee says this first flight will be targeted at Irish citizens currently in UAE, particularly those who are non-resident and require assistance most urgently. Pregnant women, the elderly and those with health conditions are to be given priority in the first Irish airlift out of the Middle East. They will be the first to travel home as the government begins chartering flights out of the Gulf from Oman. 280 people will be on the first plane out of the region. The Taoiseach is facing increasing pressure from some quarters to cancel his St. Patrick's Day visit to the White House, in light of America's attack on Iran. Labour's Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Duncan Smith says the meeting with the US president should not go ahead in its traditional form. And consumers are being warned they should expect the cost of fuel and home heating oil to increase over the coming weeks. It's due to growing instability in the Middle East, with a barrel of oil up 20 dollars since the weekend. Alan Morrissey spoke with Dr. Scott Fitzsimmons, Associate Professor of international Relations at UL and Micheál Collins, Ennis-based economist and Assistant Professor of Social Policy at University College Dublin, to find out more. Image © Getty Images Signature via Canva
Joe is joined by Fay O'Donoghue, lead author of the most recent study at UL, which looks at Gestational diabetes.Image via Getty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Energia AIL title race is tightening… but one team still hasn't blinked.In This Episode:Maeve Óg O'Leary is joined by Christy Haney to break down Rounds 14 & 15 of the Energia AIL and the table is starting to show clear separation.UL Bohemian remain perfect.Blackrock College keep the pressure on.Railway Union are peaking at the right time.And Wicklow have thrown a serious curveball into the race.With dominant scorelines, gritty defensive battles, and standout individual performances, we ask: are the tiers now locked in — or is there one more twist before the knockouts?
AI Unraveled: Latest AI News & Trends, Master GPT, Gemini, Generative AI, LLMs, Prompting, GPT Store
Listen to Full Audio at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/scientist-vs-storyteller-benchmarking-gpt-5-2-claude/id1684415169?i=1000752001078For years, Latent Diffusion Models—the tech behind Stable Diffusion and DALL-E—have relied on a bit of an 'art form' called KL-regularization. Basically, researchers had to manually guess how much to compress an image before the AI started to lose the details. If you compressed too much, the image got blurry. Too little, and the model became too expensive to train.Enter Unified Latents, or UL.In a new paper out of DeepMind Amsterdam, researchers have introduced a framework that replaces that guesswork with a single, cohesive mathematical objective. Instead of training the compressor and the generator separately, UL trains the Encoder, the Prior, and the Decoder all at once.The 'Secret Sauce' here is something called Fixed Gaussian Noise Encoding. By injecting a constant, specific amount of noise during the encoding process, DeepMind has created a 'Maximum Precision Link.' This forces the encoder to be incredibly efficient, focusing only on the most important structures of an image.The results are staggering: UL achieved a state-of-the-art Video Distance score on the Kinetics-600 dataset and hit a competitive 1.4 FID on ImageNet—all while using significantly less computational power than traditional methods.This episode is made possible by our sponsors:
Joe is joined by Dr Clodagh Toomey from UL on her research on Osteoarthritis.Image via Getty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, recorded live at AHR Expo 2026, Bryan sits down with Louise from UEi (United Electronics Inc.) for an in-depth conversation about one of the most underestimated dangers in the HVAC trade: carbon monoxide. Rather than treating CO as just another checkmark on a safety list, Bryan and Louise dive into the full history of the gas — all the way back to early publications from 1922 and 1923 that were already studying the effects of low-level CO exposure. One of the most fascinating takeaways from their discussion is just how long the industry has known about the dangers of carbon monoxide, yet how frequently it remains misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and overlooked on the job site. Louise breaks down the science behind CO poisoning in a way that is both accessible and eye-opening. Unlike high-level acute poisoning — where symptoms are immediately obvious — low-level, chronic carbon monoxide exposure is an entirely different beast. It can mimic the flu, chronic headaches, early-onset Alzheimer's, and even heart attack symptoms. Because CO is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, it is notoriously difficult to diagnose, and victims often have no idea what is causing their illness. Compounding the problem is the cumulative nature of CO toxicity: the gas builds up in the bloodstream over time and can linger in the body for days, months, or even years after exposure ends. Bryan draws an entertaining but sobering historical connection between the prevalence of carbon monoxide poisoning during the Victorian era — when gas lamps were common inside homes — and the widespread reports of ghost sightings, fugue states, fainting spells, and the spiritualist movement of the time. It was almost certainly CO poisoning, not the paranormal. The conversation then shifts to practical, on-the-job guidance for technicians and contractors. Bryan and Louise walk through the proper process for combustion analysis: starting your analyzer outside in fresh air, identifying test ports on furnaces, boilers, and water heaters, and understanding what readings at steady state actually mean. They emphasize that CO production is not limited to furnaces alone — ranges, ovens, dryers, fireplaces, water heaters, and even propane-powered forklifts are all legitimate sources. One of the most critical points they make is that carbon monoxide hazards are often intermittent and condition-dependent. A system can appear to be working perfectly during one visit and be producing dangerous levels the next time a door is closed or a vent is accidentally blocked. Visual inspection, awareness of combustion air sourcing, and thoughtful analysis are just as important as having the right instruments. On the product side, Louise introduces two exciting new offerings from UEI. The first is the UEI Clip, a compact personal CO detector that clips onto a bag, belt, or lanyard, activates automatically at 20 ppm, and is designed as a set-it-and-forget-it safety device with a two-year sealed battery lifespan. Priced under $100, it is an affordable way to outfit an entire team with a baseline layer of personal protection. The second highlight is the new High Accuracy Clamp Meter (HAC), a commemorative product celebrating the United States' 250th anniversary. This meter excels at wattage measurement — particularly with low-draw ECM blower motors where most meters fall short — and Bluetooth integration with MeasureQuick is on the horizon. Louise also walks through UEI's revamped combustion analyzer recertification program, UEI Service Plus, which offers same-day turnaround on standard recertifications at their Indianapolis facility, extended warranties with each annual service, and transparent, upfront pricing directly on their website. Topics Covered The history of carbon monoxide research dating back to publications from 1922 and 1923, and a 1923 patent for a hot water heater that sparked a friendly debate between Bryan and Louise about terminology. How low-level, chronic CO exposure is underdiagnosed and can mimic conditions like the flu, chronic headaches, early-onset Alzheimer's, and heart attack symptoms — and why CO builds up cumulatively in the bloodstream. The fascinating historical theory connecting widespread Victorian-era reports of ghosts, fugue states, and fainting spells to chronic carbon monoxide poisoning from indoor gas lamps. CO safety thresholds: residential standard (9 ppm), World Health Organization guideline (4 ppm), first responder evacuation threshold (35 ppm), and how UL-rated home alarms may not trigger until 70 ppm sustained for 1–4 hours. Sources of CO that technicians often overlook, including ovens, ranges, dryers, fireplaces, water heaters, propane forklifts, generators, and vehicles idling near garages. Proper combustion analysis procedure: starting the analyzer outside in ambient air, identifying or installing test ports, running tests at steady state, and interpreting O2, CO, and stack temperature readings. Industry CO standards for furnaces: official standard (400 ppm), HRI recommendation (200 ppm), industry best practice (100 ppm), and modern high-efficiency benchmarks (50 ppm or less). How combustion air sourcing — and changes to it (new roofs, blocked vents, swapped doors) — is one of the most commonly missed risk factors for CO production. Why even "heat pump markets" like Florida still need combustion analysis, since over 90% of homes have at least one fuel-fired appliance. Introduction of the UEi Clip personal CO detector: set-and-forget, activates at 20 ppm, sealed 2-year battery, priced under $100, and its unexpected popularity among refrigeration technicians. Introduction of the UEi High Accuracy Clamp Meter (HAC) commemorative edition: exceptional accuracy at low current draws (ideal for ECM blower motors), full accessory kit included, and upcoming measureQuick Bluetooth integration. UEi's Service+ combustion analyzer recertification program: same-day turnaround at their Indianapolis lab, extended warranty with each annual service, prepaid UPS shipping labels, and transparent pricing on their website. A brief spotlight on UEi as a family-owned business founded by Michael Kane's parents, with their own manufacturing operations in the UK and Korea. Learn more about UEi's new and longstanding products, as well as the Service+ guarantee, at https://ueitest.com/. Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.
It's EV News Briefly for Thursday 26 February 2026, everything you need to know in less than 5 minutes if you haven't got time for the full show.Patreon supporters fund this show, get the episodes ad free, as soon as they're ready and are part of the EV News Daily Community. You can be like them by clicking here: https://www.patreon.com/EVNewsDaily EV LIST PRICES FALL AS GAS GUZZLER PRICES RISENew EV list prices (excluding Tesla) dropped 2.3%, or roughly $1,500, from an average of $63,327 in September 2025 to $61,860 in January 2026, while average new gas-powered vehicle prices rose 2.5% to $47,427 over the same period. The sharpest cuts came after the federal EV tax credit expired, with the Hyundai IONIQ 5 leading the slide at a 13.8% drop of over $7,000, followed by the Chevrolet Equinox EV at nearly $4,000 off — six models in total posted drops above 5%. FORD TEASES EUROPE CAR RETURN AFTER FIESTA, FOCUSFord CEO Jim Farley used the Q4 2025 earnings call to signal "exciting plans" for passenger cars in Europe, framing the comeback as a selective, profitable return to specific segments rather than a volume land grab. Two new EVs built on Renault's Ampere platform are expected in the subcompact segment from the Ford–Renault partnership, with new passenger cars set to start arriving in 2027 under a new dedicated Europe passenger-car leadership role. UBER EXPANDS EV RIDES ACROSS EIGHT UK CITIESUber has rolled out its EV ride option to eight more UK cities — Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield, Edinburgh, Cambridge, Belfast and Merseyside — at standard UberX prices, after falling short of its pledge to run an all-electric London fleet by end-2025. Only 40% of London miles are now covered by EVs, with UK General Manager Andrew Brem citing charging access as "the biggest barrier," prompting Uber to announce driver support measures including discounted home and public charging in partnership with Pod Point. BMW TALKS PRICE FLOOR TO DODGE EU MINI DUTYBMW and the European Commission are in advanced talks to replace the EU's 20.7% countervailing duty on China-made Mini BEVs with a minimum import price agreement, according to Handelsblatt — covering the Mini Cooper Electric and Mini Aceman, both built at BMW's Zhangjiagang joint venture with Great Wall Motor. The approach would mirror the "price undertaking" the EU accepted from Volkswagen Anhui in early February, which freed the Cupra Tavascan from countervailing duties in exchange for a confidential price floor, volume cap and EU investment commitments. EU CITY BUS SALES HIT 60% ZERO-EMISSIONSix in ten new city buses registered across the EU in 2025 were zero-emission — 56% battery-electric and 4% fuel cell — a dramatic jump from just 12% when the Clean Vehicles Directive was adopted in 2019. Five member states hit 100% zero-emission city bus sales in 2025 (Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, Latvia and Slovenia), and Transport & Environment says a fully zero-emission EU city bus market is achievable as early as 2028.MG2 SET FOR 2027 UK LAUNCH AT £20,000MG will enter the electric supermini segment in 2027 with the all-new MG2, targeting a starting price of around £20,000 (~$25,200), to take on rivals including the Renault 5, Citroën e-C3, Fiat Grande Panda and the incoming VW ID. Polo. The car will use the newer E3 architecture from the MG4 Urban, run front-wheel drive with a torsion-beam rear axle for cost efficiency, and feature a 12.8-inch touchscreen with physical climate controls — a reveal is expected in the second half of 2026. MG CONFIRMS MGS9 PHEV SEVEN-SEATER FOR UKMG will launch the MGS9 plug-in hybrid SUV in the UK later in 2026 as its new flagship, offering three full adult-sized rows and targeting rivals such as the Peugeot 5008, Kia Sorento and Skoda Kodiaq at a value-led price point. The model already holds a five-star Euro NCAP rating and could reach UK showrooms as early as summer 2026, extending MG's line-up to 11 models. AUSTRALIA NVES DATA SHOWS HYBRIDS DO THE HEAVY LIFTAustralia's National Vehicle Emissions Standard published its first half-year performance data (July–December 2025), showing EVs made up roughly 12% of new vehicles supplied, with about two-thirds of manufacturers — including BYD and Polestar — meeting their fleet-wide emissions targets. Petrol- and hybrid-focused brands such as Mazda and Hyundai fell short and face penalties if they don't improve, while the data reveals that near-term emissions gains are leaning more on efficient hybrids than on full EVs. LECTRON ADAPTERS WIN UL 2252 SAFETY CERTIFICATIONLectron has earned UL 2252 safety certification across its full range of EV charging adapters — covering J3400, CCS1 and J1772 in both AC and DC variants — with its two DC adapters handling up to 500 amps at 1,000 volts for peak power of 500 kW, and built-in thermal sensors that trigger derating if heat rises during fast charging. The certification comes as the North American charging landscape remains split between NACS and CCS1 on DC networks and J1772 on AC infrastructure, making a certified bridging adapter an increasingly essential tool for EV drivers navigating the transition.
This week on the show, you're going to ride along with me from the incredibly comfortable and stylish VW ID.Buzz, which served as the mobile podcast studio at CEDIA Expo / CIX this September in Denver, Colorado. Were going back for more conversations from the show. Designer Resources Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise. TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep CEDIA (Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association) is the global trade association for home technology professionals, specializing in smart home, automation, audio-visual, networking, and integrated systems. Its mission is to advance the home technology industry through education, certification, advocacy, and networking. Members include integrators, designers, manufacturers, and consultants who shape the connected environments we live and work in. CEDIA Expo is the industry's largest annual event for residential technology professionals. With hundreds of exhibitors, educational sessions, live demos, and global networking opportunities, it's where new ideas and innovations in smart home and AV integration take center stage. The Commercial Integrator Expo (CIX), co-located with CEDIA Expo, focuses on commercial integration technologies—from conferencing and IT infrastructure to building automation and emerging AV solutions—bringing together commercial integrators, IT pros, designers, and tech managers. Jason McGraw | Group VP and Show Director, CEDIA Expo / CIX Scope of the Show: McGraw details the scale of CEDIA Expo 2025, featuring over 350 exhibitors and immersive demo rooms that showcase integrated audio, video, and control systems. Integration Meets Design: Discussion centers on the critical partnership between integrators and the design-build community (interior designers, architects, builders). McGraw emphasizes that technology—ranging from AI and energy management to lighting—must be a foundational element of the design process, not an afterthought. The Business Case: Designers are encouraged to view integrators as essential trade partners, similar to electricians or plumbers, to better service clients and protect home networks. Dale Sandberg | Product Manager for Electronics, Sonance Aesthetic Performance: Sandberg discusses Sonance's philosophy that sound should support the design of a space rather than dominate it. The focus is on blending high-fidelity performance with discreet aesthetics. New Innovations: Highlights include the compact UA Series amplifiers designed to fit behind displays or in tight spaces, and the integration of professional-grade Blaze Audio amplifiers into the Sonance family. Outdoor Living: The conversation covers the growing trend of outdoor entertainment, where amplifiers and speakers are used to create immersive environments in backyards and outdoor kitchens. Jim Garrett | Senior Director of Product Strategy, Harman Luxury Audio Group Hidden Technology: Garrett addresses the challenge of eliminating “wall acne” through invisible speakers and design-integrated solutions that do not compromise acoustic performance. Pandemic Influence: The discussion explores how the pandemic shifted focus toward outdoor living and unconventional entertainment spaces, including garages and multi-generational gaming setups. Brand Portfolio: Insights into the product strategies for Harman's luxury brands—JBL, Revel, Mark Levinson, and JBL Synthesis—and the importance of gathering direct feedback from integrators to drive R&D. Links & Resources CEDIA Expo Commercial Integrator Expo NKBA – National Kitchen & Bath Association KBIS – Kitchen & Bath Industry Show Show Topics & Outline CEDIA Expo 2025 Snapshot Denver, Colorado Convention Center 350+ exhibiting brands, 100+ conference sessions, 115 manufacturer trainings Demo rooms showcasing integrated audio, video, and control systems The Wave Effect of Trade Shows Innovation as unseen currents shaping the industry Ideas incubated at CEDIA spreading across markets and returning as trends Integration Meets Design Town hall insights with CEDIA's Daryl Friedman & NKBA's Bill Darcy Bridging integrators with interior designers, kitchen & bath professionals, and architects Untapped opportunities in collaborative smart home projects Technology as a Design Driver AI, energy management, lighting trends, and seamless AV systems Why technology must be discussed at the start of design projects Case studies: motorized shades, outdoor AV, invisible speakers, custom veneers Outdoor Living & Luxury Spaces Kitchens and backyards as multi-hundred-thousand-dollar investments Expanding living spaces through technology Luxury demo rooms and high-performance home theaters Why Designers Should Be Here Missing out on competitive advantages without CEDIA exposure Seeing products in person vs. static web images Real examples of design-centric AV solutions and invisible tech The Business Case Designers need integrators just as they need electricians, plumbers, and fabricators Protecting networks and ensuring cybersecurity in the home Service and maintenance as part of the client experience Looking Forward Progress and serendipity at trade shows Extending collaboration with KBIS and IBS (Orlando, 2026) Building lasting bridges between integrators and designers Links & Resources CEDIA Expo Commercial Integrator Expo NKBA – National Kitchen & Bath Association KBIS – Kitchen & Bath Industry Show Dale Sandberg on Sonance, New Electronics, and Designing for Sonic + Aesthetic Experience Dale Sandberg, new Product Manager for Electronics at Sonance, shares how the company is blending high-fidelity performance with discreet design solutions, introducing amplifiers and loudspeakers that elevate both sonic and aesthetic experiences in residential and commercial spaces. At his first CEDIA Expo, Dale highlights Sonance's latest innovations, from compact UA Series amplifiers designed to disappear behind displays to Blaze Audio's professional-grade amplifiers now integrated into the Sonance family. With a philosophy that sound should enhance the design of a space rather than dominate it, Sonance is shaping how integrators and designers deliver immersive, comfortable experiences both indoors and out. Guest: Dale Sandberg, Product Manager for Electronics, Sonance. Background: from pro audio to Sonance, less than one year with the company. Context: first CEDIA Expo experience, excitement about Sonance's direction. New Product Highlights Loudspeakers High Output Series (professional side). Wedge speaker for outdoor/architectural blending. Re-engineered Power Pipe subwoofers for stronger low-end performance. UA Series Amplifiers Compact two-channel models (UA-125, ARC-enabled versions). Mountable behind TVs, under tables, or in tight spaces. Features T-slots for stacking/mounting other gear. Energy-efficient design with minimal heat output. Blaze Audio Amplifiers Sonance acquisition of Blaze Audio brand (Pascal, Denmark). Range from 60W per channel up to 400W bridged. Full DSP capability, rack-mountable, UL-rated. Outdoor applications via weather-rated cases. Design & Integration Perspective Compact electronics give designers freedom to hide gear while maintaining performance. Balancing performance and aesthetics: sound follows the design, not the other way around. Example: background music at parties that fills space without overwhelming conversation. Outdoor living trend: amplifiers and speakers enabling outdoor kitchens, theaters, and entertainment spaces. Company Ethos & Philosophy Mission: deliver complete audio solutions—amplification, processing, and speakers. Philosophy: the sonic experience should support the aesthetic experience of a home or space. Growth vision: expand residential dominance while building commercial presence. Takeaway: not just about volume—it's about creating the right experience. Jim Garrett | Harman Luxury Audio Jim Garrett on Harman's Audio Innovations, Hidden Tech, and Pandemic-Inspired Entertainment Jim Garrett, Senior Director of Product Strategy and Planning at Harman Luxury Audio Group, shares how the company balances high-performance audio with design aesthetics, explores emerging opportunities in outdoor and unconventional home entertainment, and highlights why integrator feedback is vital to shaping future products. From invisible speakers to immersive home cinema solutions, Jim Garrett takes listeners behind the scenes of Harman's engineering and R&D process, discussing product development for brands like JBL, Revel, Synthesis, and Mark Levinson. He explains how the pandemic inspired new entertainment spaces, how technology can be seamlessly integrated into interiors, and why CEDIA Expo remains an essential hub for innovation, collaboration, and awareness in the custom electronics industry. Guest: Jim Garrett, Senior Director of Product Strategy & Planning, Harman Luxury Audio Group. Role: Oversees product roadmap, development direction, and exhibition strategy. Context: Recorded in Volkswagen ID.Buzz at CEDIA Expo 2025. CEDIA Expo 2025 Overview Largest booth shared with parent company Samsung. Opportunity to engage integrators directly and gather actionable feedback. Importance of listening to installation professionals to improve products. Product Strategy and Brand Focus Harman Luxury Audio Group brands: JBL, JBL Synthesis, Revel, Mark Levinson. Focus at Expo: JBL Synthesis for home cinema and immersive audio. Solutions include invisible speakers, wall/ceiling installations, and custom home audio products. Balancing Performance and Aesthetics Challenge: high-performance products that are visually unobtrusive. Goal: eliminate “wall acne” with invisible or design-integrated speakers. Inspiration drawn from evolution in lighting design to minimize visual clutter. Engineering and R&D Harman's science-based approach: performance must meet visual and acoustic demands. Innovation includes weatherproof outdoor speakers and displays for bright sunlight. Teams challenged to create high-fidelity systems that integrate seamlessly into homes. Expanding Entertainment Spaces Pandemic influence: growth of outdoor living and unconventional entertainment areas. Multi-generational engagement: home theaters, garages, patios, bathrooms, and gaming setups. Flexibility of audio/video systems allows new experiences across the home. Integration and Awareness Educating interior designers, architects, and end users about hidden tech. Raising awareness of capabilities beyond audio: lighting, shades, HVAC, security integration. Emphasis on simplifying life at home while elevating performance and experience.
Joe is joined by Dr Jim Buckley, Principal Investigator at Lero and a Professor in the Department of Computer Science & Information Systems at UL, to discuss the future of AI software code in academia.Image via Getty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A small detail on an official document has sparked a wider question about identity and geography in the Mid-West. Pádraig Langsch from Shannon took to social media after his mother's renewed driver's licence listed her address as “Tullyvarraga, Shannon, Limerick.” Now, we've all noticed over the years the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa listed as being in “Limerick,” despite actually being located in Clare. Meanwhile, parts of UL straddle the border, and even Shannon Airport has incorrectly been referred to as being in the Limerick. Pádraig joined Alan Morrissey to discuss this further.
On this episode of Discover Lafayette, we welcome Charles Boustany, a retired cardiovascular surgeon who served as the U.S. Representative for Louisiana's Third Congressional District from 2005 to 2017. Most recently, he earned a Master's degree in history from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Dr. Boustany was honored with the Richard G. Neiheisel (Phi Beta Kappa) Graduate Award, recognizing the graduate student with the highest academic accomplishment in a classical arts and sciences degree. Dr. Boustany reflects on a life that has bridged medicine, public service, and now scholarship, and what lifelong learning means at every stage. Growing Up in Lafayette — Medicine and Mentorship “I grew up here in Lafayette and went to the old Cathedral Carmel, which was 1st through 12th grade,” he shares, recalling his early education before attending USL (now UL Lafayette) for pre-med studies. Following in his father's footsteps, he completed medical school and surgical training at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, an experience he describes as legendary in its rigor and reputation. A formative influence on his life and career was Dr. John Ochsner. “John taught me not only the techniques and things you learn as a heart surgeon. He taught me how to be a surgeon, how to be a doctor. He was an amazing individual and a lifelong friend.” After additional cardiovascular surgery training in Rochester, New York, Dr. Boustany returned home, practicing for 14 years before an unexpected health challenge changed his trajectory. Dr. Boustany speaks with pride about his family's immigrant story and how it shaped his view of opportunity, responsibility, and community. “For me, the oldest of ten kids, a doctor, a mom who believed in community service… thinking about the fact that my grandparents all came from Lebanon. They had nothing. They came to this country and the opportunities were there if you took advantage of them.” He describes that journey as something bigger than one person's career: “It's just one of many great American stories.” He ties his family's arrival and the immigrant fabric of Lafayette to what makes the community distinct: “That's what makes Lafayette so unique for a city its size. It's got a very diverse population, and it has a population that has an international outlook, which creates all kinds of opportunities.” And he adds a personal glimpse into the household that raised ten children: “My mother had a lot of energy and she kept us all in line, amazingly.” A Turning Point — Health Care and Public Service At age 48, after developing severe cervical spine issues that forced him to retire from surgery, Dr. Boustany faced a crossroads. That moment coincided with a deeply personal family health crisis in 2001: “This was a very distinctive point in time for me. I was at the peak of my career in my surgical practice. But 2001 was this horrible year for me, my wife and our kids. Both kids had different life threatening conditions that cost a ton of money out of pocket over and beyond what insurance could pay. It was a huge, huge struggle. Navigating the health care system is a disaster. It was hard for me. I wondered, “What are people doing? How are they managing this?” The experience stayed with him. As he watched national debates over health care and foreign policy unfold, he felt called to act. “Honey, I gotta make a difference,” he told his wife Bridget one early morning before announcing his decision to run for Congress. Dr. Charles Boustany pictured while serving in Congress. Photo credit: Ed Lallo/Gulf Seafood News In Congress — Katrina, Rita, and “Rita Amnesia” Dr. Boustany's first year in Congress was defined by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. While national attention centered on New Orleans, much of Southwest Louisiana was devastated by Rita. “I had to get all of it amended to include Rita. And that’s when I coined the term ‘Rita Amnesia.'” He recalls warning a national reporter: “My fear is that we’re going to have Rita amnesia.” The phrase stuck and became part of the legislative fight to ensure Southwest Louisiana was not forgotten. He also recounts a pivotal moment after Katrina, when First Lady Laura Bush spent the day touring Lafayette with him. “I was told initially she’s going to be on the ground for about 45 minutes. So I arranged to take her to the Cajun Dome and then Acadian Ambulances’ communication center to see what was going on. Well, she ended up spending the whole day with me. When I took her back to the airport, she thanked me and said, what else do you need? I said, I need 15 minutes on the phone with your husband. Sure enough, Sunday morning at 6 a.m., my cell phone rings and it’s President Bush. He called me Doc. You know, he had nicknames for everybody. He said, Doc, I heard Laura had a good trip down there. What’s going on? What do you need? I said, bottom line is the state doesn’t have the capacity to deal with the magnitude of what we have. We need federal assets down here to help out in New Orleans. He said, ‘I’ll talk to the staff. You get the delegation to Baton Rouge at 9:00 tomorrow morning. Monday. The governor is going to be there. I’m coming in with my team, and we’re going to have a powwow, and we’re going to talk about this and organize it.’ And that’s when everything changed. That’s when he brought in General Honore.” That conversation helped catalyze greater federal coordination and response. Reflecting on those chaotic days, he credits his surgical training: “My career as a surgeon dealing with really dire, immediate emergencies, I just sort of methodically figured out, okay, this is what I can do. This is what I’m going to do. And I didn’t panic.” How a Surgeon Approaches Congress Dr. Boustany explains how medicine shaped his legislative style: “As a surgeon, I had to deal with people from all walks of life. It could be a grandmother or the CEO of a prominent company. It could be a farmer, or somebody who has no insurance and is poor. I had to learn to be able to communicate with the full spectrum of humanity. I think that gave me an advantage, as a doctor, but also as a surgeon, because I had to gain the trust of these people. You know, I’m going to operate on your heart, stop your heart and do all this stuff. So, being able to present yourself in a way and communicate with people from all walks of life, different levels of education and earn their trust was a big asset for me when I traveled the district and tried to find support. That training, that background was very helpful.” He approached Congress with humility, seeking advice from senior members in both parties. One piece of counsel stood out: “One of the most prominent ones was don’t be a know it all. Pick a few subjects and learn everything there is about it. Once you start to speak about these things, people will quickly see that you know what you’re talking about and then they’ll respect you. But if you go down there and spout off on every issue, people see through that pretty quickly.” He developed expertise in health care, foreign policy, energy policy, and international trade, areas that later informed his graduate studies in European history and international affairs. Returning to the Classroom After leaving Congress and later retiring from consulting, Dr. Boustany found himself restless. A seminar course at UL Lafayette rekindled a lifelong passion for history. “The more I’m thinking about this, I really love this history stuff. I don’t want to just be a consumer of history. I don’t want to just read about it. I want to maybe I can contribute to the field.” His master's research took him to Columbia University's Rare Books and Manuscripts division, where he spent a week combing through primary source documents to complete his thesis. Receiving the Neiheisel Award was especially meaningful: “It was thrilling for me when I finished this master’s program to get the Richard Neuheisel Award, because my very first semester at USL in 1974, I took a world Civilization class with him, and I was told he’s a really hard, demanding teacher. And other students, when they asked me what I had signed up for and I told them, they said, you need to drop that class. He’s a really tough professor. You don’t want to take it with him. And I said, oh, that’s the kind of guy I want to take it with. And I did. And you know, I got an A in his class and he and I subsequently became friends. I’d go sit and talk in his office. We’d just talk about history.” Dr. Charles Boustany on UL – Lafayette campus. He was awarded the Richard G. Neiheisel Phi Beta Kappa Graduate Award, named in honor of the professor who ignited his passion for the subject more than five decades ago. The Neiheisel award is presented to a graduating master's student each fall and spring for the highest academic accomplishments in a classical arts and science degree. Dr. Boustany has now been accepted into the PhD program in history at Louisiana State University, where he plans to study modern European history beginning in 1500 — research that will require time in European archives. Health Care Philosophy — “Information, Choice and Control” When asked what still matters in health policy, Dr. Boustany reduces it to six words. “Information, choice and control.” “People want clear information about their health condition and their options… They want that to be between them and the doctor.” And equally important:“Affordability, accountability and quality.” “Quality is critically important. If you put quality first, I think the cost will come in line.” Lifelong Learning and Adaptability Dr. Boustany closes with a reflection that defines this next chapter: “I repeat a quote from Louis Pasteur, who was a famous scientist, and he was once asked, what’s the key to all this amazing stuff you’ve discovered? He said, it’s simple. Chance favors the prepared mind. You prepare your mind for whatever’s going to happen. And one of the keys in getting older and being able to deal with challenges in life is adaptability and education, and preparing your mind for what you know, to be able to pivot, to be adaptable is critically important for anybody going through life. And we also see that we will survive. Sometimes it doesn’t seem like it.” From the operating room to the halls of Congress to the archives of Columbia, and now toward a PhD, Dr. Charles Boustany's journey is a testament to resilience, intellectual curiosity, and a lifelong commitment to service. He is even considering expanding his master's thesis into a book, and perhaps, one day, a memoir. For Lafayette, it is another reminder that some of the most compelling American stories begin right here at home.
Most solar asset owners still manage performance data the same way they did 10 years ago. Dan Leary, founder of Denowatts, says that needs to change. In this episode, recorded live at RE+ Northeast in Boston, Tim Montague sits down with Leary and Doug Macmillan of Portside Systems to explore energy accounting, a method for identifying exactly where solar production losses occur and what owners and operators should do about them. Denowatts is collaborating with Sandia National Laboratories to build what Leary calls "GAAP for solar," a common standard for reporting and benchmarking solar asset performance. If you manage solar assets or invest in solar projects, this conversation explains how better data practices lead to more predictable returns.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTSDan Leary explains that most solar operators still manage data the way they did a decade ago, despite significant advances in monitoring and analysis tools. Denowatts built a smarter weather station (the Deno) and a real-time analytics platform to close that gap.Denowatts breaks down solar production losses into four categories: climate-related issues, modeling errors, external factors beyond anyone's control, and problems within the commercial boundary that owners and operators are able to fix. This framework gives asset managers clear direction on where to focus recovery efforts.Doug Macmillan explains Portside's role as the system integrator for the Denowatts platform on distributed generation sites. Portside handles design, equipment fabrication, delivery, and commissioning, working from their UL 508 panel shop.This episode is for solar asset managers, project developers, EPCs, and clean energy investors who want more from their performance data. With Denowatts and Sandia Labs working toward a common reporting standard, the solar industry is moving closer to the kind of financial transparency that attracts long-term capital. If you own or operate solar assets, the time to modernize your data strategy is now.Connect with Dan Leary and Doug MacmillanDan Leary Denowatts Doug Macmillan Portside Systems Support the showConnect with Tim Clean Power Hour Clean Power Hour on YouTubeTim on TwitterTim on LinkedIn Email tim@cleanpowerhour.com Review Clean Power Hour on Apple PodcastsThe Clean Power Hour is produced by the Clean Power Consulting Group and created by Tim Montague. Contact us by email: CleanPowerHour@gmail.com Corporate sponsors who share our mission to speed the energy transition are invited to check out https://www.cleanpowerhour.com/support/The Clean Power Hour is brought to you by CPS America, maker of North America's number one 3-phase string inverter, with over 6GW shipped in the US. With a focus on commercial and utility-scale solar and energy storage, the company partners with customers to provide unparalleled performance and service. The CPS America product lineup includes 3-phase string inverters from 25kW to 275kW, exceptional data communication and controls, and energy storage solutions designed for seamless integration with CPS America systems. Learn more at www.chintpowersystems.com
Research to develop future approaches and strategies for the use of AI-generated software code in academia and industry is to be conducted by Lero, Ireland's top software research centre, at University of Limerick (UL). The research project will seek to understand how Generative AI and its related software development practices will impact future programmer knowledge, deployment of cognitive models and the strategies used by engineers for the development and comprehension of software systems both in industry and academic settings. The project, led by Lero researchers within the Immersive Software Engineering Program (ISE) at UL, will explore how computer science education is evolving in response to emerging technologies, with a particular focus on preparing students for careers in modern software development. The project aims to develop strategies to enable educators to integrate and deploy artificial intelligence (AI) based code-generation tools and practices into curriculum design and delivery. Professor Chris Exton, Academic Director of ISE at University of Limerick, who will lead the research team, with Professor Jim Buckley and Dr. James Patten, said: "This research will help us understand how to best prepare students for careers where technology is constantly evolving. We are examining fundamental questions about how students learn and develop the skills they need to succeed in a software industry that is rapidly changing due to AI." The project is supported by Amazon Web Services (AWS) and builds on UL's existing collaboration with the company. In August 2022,UL announced the launch of its Global Fellowships programme as part of its BSc/MSc in Immersive Software Engineering, which is funded through a philanthropic gift from AWS, allowing UL to establish and fully fund the programme in perpetuity. The collaboration between UL and AWS has brought global thought leaders from industry and academia to Limerick, reshaping computer science education and research in Ireland. Lero General Manager, Joe Gibbs, added: "This research project will enhance our understanding of software education's future. We're grateful for AWS's continued support in enabling our researchers to pursue important questions about how we prepare the next generation of software professionals." Ian McGarry, Director at AWS in Ireland, said: "AWS is committed to supporting independent research that advances and transforms computer science education. We're pleased to expand our collaboration with the University of Limerick to enable this important work." See more stories here. More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too. You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at Simon@IrishTechNews.ie now to discuss. Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help promote your business. Why not drop us a line at Info@IrishTechNews.ie now to find out more about how we can help you reach our audience. You can also find and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.
durée : 00:32:11 - Breizh Storming - Le Fun Club Rade Brest lance un appel à participation financière pour l'achat d'un lieu situé au 136 Rue Paul Masson à Brest ! Cet ancien café concert, permettra d'accueillir un lieu autogéré dédié aux pratiques et cultures alternatives et collectives Vous aimez ce podcast ? Pour écouter tous les autres épisodes sans limite, rendez-vous sur Radio France.
Louie and Zach begin with Bologna or Salami including if UK is no longer a tournament lock, and if the Seahawks would be making a mistake not resigning Kenneth Walker. The Kentucky sports commission discusses the upcoming gymnastics meets this weekend, and a recap of UK and UL's losses to end the show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
All-Ireland winners Paul Murphy and James Skehill join Will O'Callaghan to review UL's win over Mary I in the Fitzgibbon Cup final and to look forward to the fourth round of matches in this season's National Hurling League. They also discuss whether the art of defending is being lost and whether it's full-forward or nowhere for Kilkenny captain TJ Reid this summer. The Hurling Pod on Off the Ball with Applegreen - helping you relax, recharge, and enjoy the journey ahead
The only way is up for the Cork footballers... The Echo Podcast looks at the Rebels' terrific start to the league after a third successive league victory leaves them in a strong position to gain promotion back to Division 1, bridging an 11-year gap.John Cleary's side were heavy favourites in Tullamore but haven't always handled that tag well, which allied to their inconsistency in recent years, meant the trip to Offaly was loaded with danger.A brilliant first half was crucial to the result, with Cork leading by nine points at the break, thanks in no small part to a Colm O'Callaghan brace of goals from midfield.A third green flag raised by Mark Cronin in the third quarter effectively sealed it but the hosts, despite being against the wind in the second half, battled until the end and had the gap down to five points at the finish.Ultimately, the result was all that mattered and it was never in doubt.Cork are at home to Meath in Páirc Uí Rinn next where a victory would be huge given the Royals are also unbeaten with three wins on the board.With genuine momentum, having won the McGrath Cup on Kerry turf in January, it's time for the supporters to get out in force for the Meath clash. The footballers deserve and need their backing.There's also a look back at the Sigerson Cup final where missed goal chances cost UCC though a handful of Leesiders in UL colours did collect the cup at Croke Park.On the hurling front, with the hurlers off until March 1, the podcast crew discuss the trends from the first three games, who from the extended squad deserves a go in the remaining matches and whether Ben O'Connor will continue to go all-in at every interview.His fiery approach is delighting the national media while also taking the heat off the Cork players who are still trying to escape the shadow of last year's All-Ireland final nightmare.Plus, after an excellent showing for UL in the Fitzgibbon Cup final where he was in contention for Man of the Match, is Jack Leahy hard done by not to be in the Cork hurling squad?Now in its fourth season, every week Éamonn Murphy is joined by The Echo team, including Barry O'Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, Jack McKay, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Scientists at Dublin City University (DCU, Ireland), in collaboration with research teams in Chimie ParisTech – PSL (France), Chalmers University of Technology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg (Sweden), and the University of Limerick (Ireland), have developed a new chemical strategy for designing metal-based compounds capable of damaging cancer cell DNA, offering a potential new direction for future anticancer drug development. Led by Professor Andrew Kellett, this European consortium has created a series of molecules that cut DNA through a distinct chemical mechanism compared with existing chemotherapy drugs. The research focuses on early-stage compounds that could form the basis of future therapies, particularly in cancers that become resistant to treatment. The scientists used click chemistry—a fast and reliable method for assembling molecular components—to create a family of compounds known as Tri-Click ligands. When combined with copper ions, these ligands form artificial metallo-nucleases, metal-containing agents designed to cleave DNA. Drug resistance remains one of the biggest challenges in cancer treatment. Tumours can adapt by repairing specific forms of DNA damage or by blocking the activity of conventional drugs. A key advantage of this new chemical strategy is that the compounds damage DNA via pathways that differ from those targeted by many current cancer treatments. This means they may avoid some of the typical mechanisms that cancers use to become resistant. Professor Andrew Kellett, Professor of Inorganic and Medicinal Chemistry at DCU, said: "Click chemistry has transformed how we build complex molecules, but its potential as a platform to assemble DNA-damaging chemotherapeutics is underexplored. One of the major challenges in cancer treatment is drug resistance. By developing compounds that damage DNA in a different way, we aim to open up new possibilities for overcoming some of the limitations of existing therapies. While this research is still at an early stage, it provides a valuable platform for future drug development." Professor Gilles Gasser, Professor of Bioinorganic Chemistry at Chimie ParisTech, said: "This work is clear evidence of the potential of metal-based compounds for anticancer research, going beyond the currently heavily used platinum-based drugs. While still in its infancy, this study is a first step towards new solutions for cancer treatment. On a completely different note, this work is another demonstration of the power of collaboration between European scientists and institutions." Professor Damien Thompson, Director of SSPC, the Research Ireland Centre for Pharmaceuticals & Professor of Molecular Modelling at UL, said: "This work exemplifies the value of systematic, deep screening of molecular properties in the development of more effective medicines. Support from SSPC, the Research Ireland Centre for Pharmaceuticals, enabled strong collaboration between our experimental and modelling teams, and this new design strategy marks a key milestone in developing sustainable, well-tolerated anticancer drugs." Professor Fredrik Westerlund, Professor of Molecular Bioscience at Chalmers University of Technology, said: "This study truly highlights how combined expertise across Europe can lead to innovative results in a research field of paramount importance. Novel treatments to resistant cancer tumours are highly desired in the clinics, and the metal compounds developed in this study have many of the properties that are eagerly sought for." The findings are published in the journal Nature Communications: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-68911-5 The researchers emphasise that the findings are preclinical, and further testing is required before any potential clinical application. More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too. You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe ...
Listen back to the Friday February 13th 2026 edition of Across The Line as Paul Carroll looks ahead to the weekend's sporting action in Tipperary. On this week's show: - We talk football with Anthony Shelly as Tpperary take on Carlow on Sunday whilst we also reflect back on a Sigerson Cup victory for UL with plenty of Tipperary interest - New Tipperary senior camogie manager James Heffernan joins us in-studio to look ahead to their league campaign - Tipperary racecourse manager Andrew Hogan speaks as work begins on their new all-weather track - Barry Drake provides our weekly greyhound racing update.
Rachel Sheehan is joined by 2016 Fitzgibbon Cup winner's Declan Hannon (Limerick) and Niall O'Meara (Tipperary) to preview Friday's Fitzgibbon cup final between MIC and UL in Croke ParkGAA on Off The BallThis week our live League of Ireland commentary comes from a sold-out Tolka Park as the 2024 champions Shelbourne, welcome 2025 champions Shamrock Rovers across the Liffey.Jonathan Higgins will be joined by Richie Towell in the gantry and you will be able to hear live and exclusive commentary on Off The Ball on your radios from 7 and on the GoLoud App.
In this episode of Roofing Road Trips, host Megan Ellsworth is joined by Jordan Loudon, executive director of RICOWI, and Al Janni, chairperson of the organization, to share what's ahead for the RICOWI Spring 2026 Conference happening March 11-12 at the SAFE Convention Center in Sacramento, California. The trio discusses how the conference brings together contractors, consultants, manufacturers and researchers to examine roofing performance and weather-related challenges across the industry. They highlight the seminar sessions, committee meetings and collaborative learning taking place throughout the event, including presentations from IBHS, UL, ICC and more, in addition to the RICOWI Foundation Fundraiser event. Jordan and Albert also explain why RICOWI's research and field documentation efforts are so essential to improving real-world roofing outcomes. For professionals focused on resilience, technical accuracy and long-term system performance, this is a gathering designed to connect knowledge with practice. Learn more at RoofersCoffeeShop.com! https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/ Are you a contractor looking for resources? Become an R-Club Member today! https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/rcs-club-sign-up Sign up for the Week in Roofing! https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/sign-up Follow Us! https://www.facebook.com/rooferscoffeeshop/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/rooferscoffeeshop-com https://x.com/RoofCoffeeShop https://www.instagram.com/rooferscoffeeshop/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAQTC5U3FL9M-_wcRiEEyvw https://www.pinterest.com/rcscom/ https://www.tiktok.com/@rooferscoffeeshop https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/rss #RoofersCoffeeShop #MetalCoffeeShop #AskARoofer #CoatingsCoffeeShop #RoofingProfessionals #RoofingContractors #RoofingIndustry
Joe is joined by UL journalism students and team members of the Limerick Voice newspaper to discuss its latest edition. Social media editor Nicole Kenihan and features editor Aoife Cahill chat to Joe. Image via Getty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rachel Sheehan spoke to former DCU teammates James McCarthy & Colm Begley about their Sigerson success, Colm joining the team as a "mature" student, and the future of the Sigerson Cup. The lads also give their predictions ahead of this evening's final between UL and UCC.
The Football Pod is back and looking forward to a major weekend in the National Football Leagues - we pick out some of the feature games in Division 2 and Division 1, we're also chatting ahead of the 2026 Sigerson Cup final in Croke Park tonight, as UL take on UCC.Chapters(01:00) - (14:00) - Around the Grounds - league fixtures in Division 3 and 4.(18:00) - Tyrone v Cavan - the fine line between trouble and promotion(27:00) - Louth's mental challenge v Meath's new-found size.(35:00) - Big boys clash - Donegal v Mayo preview(43:00) - Relegation calling - Dublin v Monaghan The Football Pod is brought to you every week, thanks to AIB. Proud supporters of the AIB All-Ireland club championships for men's football, hurling, ladies football and Camogie. Because we believe support is what gets you the life you're truly after.
In hour one, Louie and Zach discuss the ceilings and the seeds for UL, UK, and IU. Kyle Tucker joins to discuss the landscape of CBB, and question if recruiting is still fun to follow. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On Hurling Chat this week, Niall and Sean are joined by Cyril Farrell and they discuss: Pres Athenry's win over St Rapheals in the Connacht PPS Final with both teams now going to the All Ireland series UOG bow out of the Fitzgibbon Cup to favourites UL to set up an all Limerick Final Wins for Cork, Waterford and Limerick in the League Was the brawl between Cork and Tipp handled correctly? What is Ben O' Connor's aim with all his comments about hurling becoming like soccer? And is Johnny Kelly right about Management teams not being able to get messages out to players on the field? And silverware for Tommie Larkins! == All of this and more on Hurling Chat, Galway Bay Fm's weekly hurling podcast out every Wednesday
The show opens with Mikel Brown's historic night and how Louisville might've elevated its ceiling with their dominance over NC State. Brooks Holton from the Courier-Journal joins to recap UL's win and where he was most impressed, and then Louie and Zach finish with Olympic talk.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This is going to be a fun, laid back episode as the boys get together to discuss all things UL. We chat about the transfer portal, Walker going to Ole Miss, our NIL situation, and give our take on what our ideal UL Athletic Department would look like. It's an open dialogue about ALL things Cajun!
Hi, Christiaan here, host of Out to Lunch Acadiana. Everyone’s got a story. It’s why I got into journalism. People are just interesting. But having a story doesn’t mean you’re any good at telling it. That part takes skill. And a lot of discipline — Even if you’re using a large language model to help. Everyone needs an editor. It’s our motto at The Current. And it’s generally true in the world of business. Having someone to bounce ideas off of is vital for a composition of any size. Writing a book, however, takes a special kind of dedication. You might need something more supportive than an editor. How about a coach? LaToya Guillory is the founder of The Intentional Author and the creator of the Acadiana Black Author Expo. LaToya grew up in an Air Force family, bounced around the country, and eventually landed in Lafayette to attend UL, where she earned a degree in Child and Family Studies. She went on to get a master’s in Human Service Counseling with a specialization in Marriage and Family, and spent more than twenty years as a social worker. Along the way, LaToya has always been “the helper”: starting a kids’ club in her apartment complex, babysitting for children with Down syndrome, leading worship bands, guiding couples. On track to become a licensed counselor, she hit a major detour when her graduate program lost its accreditation, forcing a rethink at the exact moment she was also raising a young son. As The Intentional Author, LaToya now coaches writers through self-publishing — from the “I’ve got an idea” phase all the way to publication. She offers group masterclasses, year-long coaching plans, and one-on-one support, and she’s published several books of her own on purpose, marriage and faith. LaToya also saw a gap in Lafayette’s literary scene and launched the Acadiana Black Author Expo in 2023 to give local Black writers a place to be seen. A cancer diagnosis is a scary and all-too-common story. And it helps a lot to have someone to walk you through one of life’s most difficult chapters. Phyllis Weaver is the Executive Director of Miles Perret Cancer Services. Phyllis grew up in north Louisiana and moved to Lafayette for college. She thought she might be a teacher or an artist, but what really stuck was her love of community work. She joined the Lafayette YMCA as an assistant program director while she was still in school, and stayed there for fourteen years — eventually becoming Senior Program Director. After that, she led LA Soar, a nonprofit focused on youth, before joining Miles Perret Cancer Services as an event coordinator in 2024.In 2025, she stepped into the role of Executive Director. Miles Perret is a cancer resource center serving ten parishes across Acadiana. They provide everything from care kits and wigs to transportation help, school supplies for kids, counseling groups, fitness and nutrition classes, art therapy, and more — all free to clients. On the fundraising side, the organization is probably best known for big events like the Camellia Crossing “gleaux” run and Games of Acadiana. Out to Lunch is recorded live over lunch at Tsunami Sushi in downtown Lafayette.You can find photos from this show by Alisha Zachery Lazard at itsacadiana.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode of Discover Lafayette, we sit down with two leaders deeply involved in shaping student career readiness at University of Louisiana at Lafayette: Brandi Hollier, Director of the B.I. Moody College of Business Internship Program, and Kim Billeaudeau, Director of the Office of Career Services. Together, they share how internships, professional preparation, and employer partnerships come together to help students transition confidently from the classroom into the workforce — while also supporting local businesses looking to grow talent. Kim Billeaudeau: A Career Built on Mentorship Kim Billeaudeau has served in Career Services for 25 years, including nearly 19 years as director. A Louisiana native from Opelousas, Kim's journey began close to home. “I grew up right down the street in Opelousas, and I taught high school,” she shared. After earning her degree from UL and teaching high school for two years, she realized her passion was helping students navigate life beyond graduation. “I remembered mentors that I had as a student at UL Lafayette; professional staff members who saw something in me as a student leader,” Kim said. “When Career Services came available, it was perfect.” Over the years, Kim has helped students with résumés, interviewing, dining etiquette, career fairs, and professional presence. She still sees the long-term impact today. “They'll say, ‘Miss Kim, you taught me dining etiquette' or ‘you helped me with my résumé.' What I do is amazing, and I'm so blessed to be able to help students each and every day, to graduate and be successful from our institution.” Professional Skills Beyond the Classroom Kim emphasized that many students simply haven't had exposure to professional environments before. “Sometimes students don't have an opportunity to put on professional clothing or go through a four or five course meal,” she explained. “The more we can provide them that hands-on experience, that's part of the education experience.” Career Services offers mock interviews, interview preparation, and coaching on everything from researching employers to follow-up thank-you notes. “We do a lot of mock interviews with students. Everything from preparing for the interview, not only choosing what to wear, but researching the company, getting notes together, thinking of what questions you can ask in the interview and getting them to understand that it’s a two way street. Everything to giving a good firm handshake, introducing yourself, when to sit, where to sit, looking the employer in the eye, smiling, and then answering interview questions. And then the follow up with thank you, and online applications. We coach students all through the process.” Kim is also a certified etiquette consultant through The Etiquette Institute and completed refresher training on post-COVID etiquette, which she now incorporates into student preparation. Brandi Guidry Hollier: From Student to Professor to Internship Director Brandi Hollier is an associate professor in the Department of Management and has served as Director of the Moody College of Business Internship Program for more than 12 years. A Lafayette native, her career path has come full circle. She’s currently the recipient of two endowed professorships. “I was born and raised here in Lafayette, Louisiana. I kind of grew up at UL,” Brandi said. She earned both her undergraduate degree and MBA from UL before starting as an adjunct instructor, later becoming full-time faculty and earning her doctorate. “There are professors at the university that have taught me that I now work with, which is a beautiful thing.” Brandi also oversees internship programming that connects students with real-world experience before graduation. “There are opportunities to go out into an organization and get some professional experience prior to entering the workforce,” she said. “It's my honor and it's a blessing to be able to help students in doing that.” Research, Technology, and the Changing Business Landscape Brandi's research focuses on technology adoption, including telemedicine, artificial intelligence, and personality in human-computer interaction, work that directly influences how she teaches. “Artificial intelligence is here to stay,” she noted. “We have to allow students the opportunity to engage with that, and teach them how to properly do so within ethical realms.” She emphasized that curriculum is evolving to reflect rapid changes in technology and business practices. Internships: Events, Employers, and Real Connections Through collaboration with Career Services, the Moody College of Business offers internship panels, employer seminars, networking receptions, and career fair prep seminars. One standout event is the business internship networking reception held at the UL Lafayette Alumni Center. “Resumes are not brought in. We discourage that,” Brandi explained. “We just want them to have a conversation.” Employers often leave these events already knowing who they intend to hire or having significantly narrowed their candidate pool. “Small, medium, large sized enterprises — we welcome any and all,” she said. Handshake: A Central Portal for Students and Employers Both offices rely on Handshake, a centralized online portal where employers can post internships, part-time, and full-time positions at no cost. “It's all online,” Kim said. “Handshake is really a powerful tool.” All UL Lafayette students automatically have access and can build profiles with résumés, cover letters, and skills. Alumni also retain access. Paid vs. Unpaid Internships and Academic Credit Brandi explained that guidance comes from the National Association of Colleges and Employers, which encourages compensated internships whenever possible. Students may also earn academic credit if the internship aligns with their major and is approved through a multi-step process involving the employer, department coordinator, and internship office. “It's a three-hour credit,” Brandi noted, often taken as an elective, though required in some programs. Preparing Students — and Employers Both Kim and Brandi emphasized that their offices support not only students, but also employers who may not know where to begin. “We never want it to be frustrating for a company to hire a student,” Kim said. “We can help make the connections.” They also encourage employers to think ahead, create clear job descriptions, provide orientation, mentorship, and regular feedback. “That feedback loop is so very important,” Brandi stressed. Confidence, Clothing, and the Career Closet One of the most impactful resources discussed was the Career Closet, which provides free professional clothing to students. “We had over 700 students take items out of the closet last semester,” Kim shared. Students keep the clothing, helping ease financial barriers to professional attire. UL Lafayette students can shop for up to 16 free professional clothing items per semester to prepare for events such as interviews, banquets, student organization events, and much more. Career Services also offers free professional headshots at career fairs. “They'll say, ‘I can't wait to send this to my mom,'” Kim said. “They get so much pride seeing themselves in that professional photo.” Donations of gently used professional clothing and accessories are encouraged and much needed. For more information on how you can contribute, please visit https://louisiana.edu/career/students-alumni/career-closet Advice for Students Brandi Holllier shared, “One of my favorite questions, and I do share this with students to ask at the end of the interview is, ‘How would I get feedback on my job performance if hired?’ That shows the company you want their feedback. You want to learn, you want to grow. You know, that’s the experience. It’s about learning and growing. I feel that’s a really great question for students to pose in an interview.” Both Kim and Brandi strongly encourage students to maintain a professional online presence. “Employers will search you online,” Brandi noted, emphasizing the importance of LinkedIn and being mindful of social media and what photos you share online. Life Outside of Work Outside of campus, Brandi enjoys reading and occasionally playing piano alongside her daughter. TV is not a part of her life, and her quiet, beautifully serene nature is reflected in her wise choices as to how she spends her free time. Kim, meanwhile, is currently actively wearing the hat of wedding planner as her daughter prepares for an April 2026 wedding. “Every moment I have outside of my job is spent on wedding planning,” she said with a big smile. This conversation offers a valuable look at how UL Lafayette prepares students for professional success — and how local employers can engage meaningfully with the next generation of talent.
Rachel Sheehan caught up with former UL teammates and former Cork and Tipperary camogie players, Cáit Devane and Julia White as they preview the Ashbourne Cup Final between UCC & UCD, part of the Electric Ireland Camogie Third Level Championships this weekend.
A Missouri state senator wants to ban all solar construction for two years, threatening a 430 MW project already under construction. On the Clean Power Hour Live, Tim Montague and John Weaver cover the Missouri solar moratorium, the first UL standard for balcony solar, Elon Musk's 100 GW solar manufacturing ambitions, and Vineyard Wind's court victory sending its final turbine to sea. They also dig into LFP cell prices hitting $60/kWh in China, zinc battery economics for commercial projects, and what a $2.3 trillion global energy transition spend means for the US market.Episode Highlights:A Missouri state senator filed legislation to halt all solar construction, including projects already underway, through the end of 2027. A 430 MW project set to double the state's solar capacity faces risk. (LinkedIn)Balcony solar UL 3700 standard. UL released its first standard for balcony solar, UL 3700. (PV Magazine)Musk's 100 GW solar manufacturing plan. Elon Musk announced SpaceX and xAI will each source 100 GW of solar to power data centers. (PV Magazine)LFP cells race to 500+ Ah. Chinese battery manufacturers are scaling LFP cells from 314 Ah to 500 Ah and beyond. (PV Magazine)Global clean energy investment reached a record $2.3 trillion in 2025, up 8% from 2024. (Bloomberg NEF)Solar module prices from China rose 20 to 30% ahead of an April 1 export tax, adding 9 to 10% to costs. (PV Magazine)This episode is for solar professionals, battery storage developers, project developers, and clean energy investors tracking policy risk and market shifts. Support the showConnect with Tim Clean Power Hour Clean Power Hour on YouTubeTim on TwitterTim on LinkedIn Email tim@cleanpowerhour.com Review Clean Power Hour on Apple PodcastsThe Clean Power Hour is produced by the Clean Power Consulting Group and created by Tim Montague. Contact us by email: CleanPowerHour@gmail.com Corporate sponsors who share our mission to speed the energy transition are invited to check out https://www.cleanpowerhour.com/support/The Clean Power Hour is brought to you by CPS America, maker of North America's number one 3-phase string inverter, with over 6GW shipped in the US. With a focus on commercial and utility-scale solar and energy storage, the company partners with customers to provide unparalleled performance and service. The CPS America product lineup includes 3-phase string inverters from 25kW to 275kW, exceptional data communication and controls, and energy storage solutions designed for seamless integration with CPS America systems. Learn more at www.chintpowersystems.com
Monty, Nick, and Micah deep-dive preview the 2026 Louisville Cardinals. The trio discuss UL's losses/newcomers, projected rotation/lineups, schedules, and more.
This episode explores what it means to eat sanely and joyfully in an age of ultra-processed food, GLP-1 drugs, and endless conflicting nutrition advice — through the lens of Jeff Siegel's “Eating 2.0” and Integral theory. Jeff begins with his own origin story: as a teenager he developed severe anorexia, dropping to a dangerously low weight while locked in a “civil war” between his mind and body. That crisis sent him on a long journey through neuroscience, behavioral biology, Eastern philosophy, and eventually Integral theory as he tried to understand what had gone so wrong in his relationship with food—and how to help others avoid the same fate. Out of this comes a view of eating that is biological and psychological, personal and cultural, individual and systemic all at once. Using the four-quadrant map (inner/outer, individual/collective), Jeff and Keith reframe eating as a fundamentally integral affair. There's the chemistry of food and metabolism (UR), our inner stories and emotions around eating and body image (UL), the cultures and microcultures that tell us what's “normal” or desirable (LL), and the wider food system of industrial agriculture, subsidies, marketing, and access (LR). Any real change, they argue, has to acknowledge all four, rather than reducing the problem to “just your macros,” “just diet culture,” or “just Big Food.” At the heart of the conversation is Jeff's “inner eaters” model: a cast of five parts—Survival, Pleasure, Social, Strategic, and Ecological eaters—each corresponding to different developmental needs and values. The survival eater wants basic nourishment and regulation; the pleasure eater craves enjoyment and immediacy; the social eater longs for belonging and ritual; the strategic eater optimizes for performance and control; and the ecological eater cares about ethics, animals, and the planet. Most of us over-identify with one or two of these and pathologize the rest, which leads to predictable distortions—rigidity, bingeing, moralizing, or burnout. Integral eating means recognizing who's “holding the fork” in any given moment and learning to coordinate these voices under a wiser inner leadership. The episode then locates these inner dynamics inside what Jeff calls “Food 2.0”: a radically novel, engineered food environment built to be irresistible, effortless, and endless. Ultra-processed products, omnipresent snacking, and algorithmic food media are not neutral—they are designed to capture our pleasure eater and overwhelm our survival eater's signals. Against this backdrop, the usual moralizing about “willpower” looks naïve. Instead, Jeff emphasizes designing environments, habits, and inner agreements that make it easier to stay centered in a world of superabundance. GLP-1 drugs (Ozempic, Wegovy, etc.) enter as both a genuine breakthrough and a test of our maturity. For some, these medications finally quiet a lifetime of intrusive food noise; for others, they risk becoming another one-dimensional fix that ignores deeper psychological, cultural, and systemic factors. Jeff walks through how GLP-1s interact with each inner eater, and argues that the real opportunity is to use the pharmacological breathing room to re-educate taste, renegotiate social patterns, and embed tech within a broader upgrade in sleep, stress, movement, and meaning—rather than outsourcing the entire project of eating to pharma.
In Hour One Louie and Zach preview the local games this weekend, and Zach plays his top 3 Kenny Payne sounds of his time at UL. Matthew Desantis joins to preview the races, then talk about Lou Holtz and his legacy to CFB.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on Electrek's Wheel-E podcast, we discuss the most popular news stories from the world of electric bikes and other nontraditional electric vehicles. This time, that includes a range of stories from new e-bike laws in New Jersey and Amsterdam, Rad Power Bikes getting bought out of bankruptcy, the clever way that e-bike batteries can be used for extra power during storms or even power a food truck, Honda's new 50 MPH electric scooter, and more. The Wheel-E podcast returns every two weeks on Electrek's YouTube channel, Facebook, Linkedin, and Twitter. As a reminder, we'll have an accompanying post, like this one, on the site with an embedded link to the live stream. Head to the YouTube channel to get your questions and comments in. After the show ends, the video will be archived on YouTube and the audio on all your favorite podcast apps: Apple Podcasts Spotify Overcast Pocket Casts Castro RSS We also have a Patreon if you want to help us to avoid more ads and invest more in our content. We have some awesome gifts for our Patreons and more coming. Here are a few of the articles that we will discuss during the Wheel-E podcast today: Rad Power Bikes may be saved? A mysterious buyer steps forward Another US state just signed a harsh new law requiring licenses, insurance for e-bikes The clever way food trucks are now using e-bike batteries How fake UL certifications lead to Amazon's major Chinese e-bike lawsuit Amsterdam just banned fat tire electric bikes The surprising way your e-bike could be a lifeline after a big storm Honda's new 50 MPH commuter ‘electric motorcycle' rolls out with interesting battery choice Here's the live stream for today's episode starting at 9:00 a.m. ET (or the video after 10:00 a.m. ET): https://www.youtube.com/live/rfSPE2LYtsc
In this informative episode, Bryan and Bert dive deep into gas appliance safety and combustion analysis from the unique perspective of Florida HVAC technicians. While they humorously acknowledge that Florida's mild winters mean they don't work on gas furnaces daily, they make a compelling case that this actually makes their training even more critical. When technicians only encounter gas appliances occasionally, the stakes are higher—which is why they've developed rigorous protocols to ensure safety every single time. The conversation covers everything from the basics of gas leak detection to the nuances of carbon monoxide monitoring, combustion air zones, and proper venting. Bryan and Bert share real-world stories of dangerous situations they've encountered, from exploding pool heaters to improperly capped gas lines at vacation rentals. Their approach emphasizes that every gas leak is your problem when you're on site, regardless of why you were originally called out. This episode is packed with practical wisdom for both seasoned professionals working in gas-heavy markets and those who encounter these systems less frequently. Throughout the discussion, the hosts stress fundamental safety principles that apply across all markets: using your nose to detect leaks, understanding the difference between unspent gas and carbon monoxide, ensuring proper combustion air zones, and never ignoring warning signs like delayed ignition or flame rollout. They also tackle common misconceptions about equipment like flexible gas connectors, orphaned water heaters, and the real risks of cracked heat exchangers. The conversation wraps up with important reminders about company lockout/tagout procedures, the critical importance of low-level carbon monoxide detectors, and the tools every technician should carry. Bryan and Bert's candid, no-nonsense approach makes complex safety topics accessible while never losing sight of how serious the consequences can be when gas work goes wrong. Topics Covered Gas leak detection and response protocols - Why every gas leak on site becomes your responsibility, using your nose as the first line of defense, and never leaving a leak for someone else to fix Carbon monoxide safety and monitoring - Understanding CO as a combustion byproduct, the limitations of standard UL-rated detectors, and the critical importance of low-level CO monitors Combustion air zones and depressurization - Identifying risks from sealed spaces, return air leaks, exhaust fans, and other equipment that can create dangerous negative pressure Delayed ignition and flame rollout - Recognizing warning signs, understanding causes, and why you should never ignore scorched wires or tripped rollout switches Proper gas line assembly and materials - Selecting appropriate materials for different environments, avoiding flexible connector failures, and ensuring proper sizing Combustion analysis fundamentals - Measuring CO levels in the flue, targeting air-free CO under 100 ppm, and understanding when adjustments are needed Natural draft vs. induced draft systems - Differences in safety considerations, orphaned water heaters, and the myth of oversized flue pipes Venting requirements and back drafting - Identifying improper venting, looking for evidence of back draft on water heaters, and ensuring proper flue design Gas pressure testing and adjustment - When to adjust and when not to, reading data tags, and understanding that most flame problems are air-related, not gas pressure Cracked heat exchangers in context - Why they're less common in warm climates, the role of proper airflow, and focusing on actual safety risks vs. edge cases Tools and equipment recommendations - Combustion analyzers, personal protective CO detectors, combustible gas detectors, precision manometers, and low-level CO alarms Lockout/tagout procedures - Following company protocols, communicating clearly with customers, and balancing safety requirements with homeowner autonomy Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.
Most people are taught to buy term insurance and invest the rest—but what if that advice is based on a massive misunderstanding of how life insurance actually works? In this episode, we break down why dividend-paying whole life insurance is fundamentally misclassified, how insurance companies really make money, and why Nelson Nash believed banking, not investing, was the missing piece. In WTB Episode 253, we continue our deep dive into Becoming Your Own Banker by Nelson Nash, focusing on mortality tables, underwriting, modified endowment contracts (MECs), and why whole life insurance behaves more like a banking system than an insurance product. We explore: Why term insurance is incredibly profitable for insurance companies How underwriting selects for people who actually live longer Why retirement at 65 was built on a flawed assumption How MEC rules really work (and why they're not the end of the world) Why universal life, variable life, and indexed UL fail long-term How to properly structure a whole life policy for Infinite Banking If you've ever been told "whole life is bad," this episode explains where that belief came from—and why it persists. Key Takeaways: Death is not an if—it's a when, and insurance should be structured accordingly Term insurance is statistically designed not to pay out Responsible, underwritten individuals live longer—and insurers know it Whole life insurance is misclassified, leading to bad financial decisions Infinite Banking works best when cash value is prioritized over death benefit MEC policies aren't catastrophic—but understanding the rules matters Chapters: (00:00) – Why the insurance industry misunderstands its own products (05:50) – Mortality tables, underwriting, and who actually lives longer (10:52) – Retirement at 65 and the Social Security fallacy (18:03) – MEC rules, overfunding, and policy design explained (31:27) – Why universal, variable, and indexed life insurance fail (39:21) – Why Infinite Banking is caught, not taught
Imaginez une guerre déclenchée… non pas par un roi, un général ou une frontière contestée, mais par un pâtissier. Et pourtant, c'est bien ce qui s'est passé au XIXᵉ siècle avec ce qu'on appelle aujourd'hui la Guerre des Pâtisseries.L'histoire commence au Mexique, dans les années 1830. Le pays est jeune, instable politiquement, secoué par des révoltes et des coups d'État. Dans ce chaos, des commerces étrangers sont régulièrement pillés. Parmi eux, une pâtisserie tenue par un Français installé près de Mexico : Monsieur Remontel. Un jour, des soldats mexicains auraient saccagé sa boutique, consommant et détruisant ses marchandises sans payer.L'affaire aurait pu rester un simple fait divers. Mais Remontel réclame réparation. Il évalue ses pertes… et demande une indemnisation énorme : 60 000 pesos, une somme jugée extravagante. Surtout pour une pâtisserie. Mais son cas devient symbolique : il cristallise les plaintes de nombreux ressortissants français au Mexique, qui accusent les autorités de ne pas protéger leurs biens.La France décide alors d'intervenir. En 1838, le gouvernement de Louis-Philippe exige du Mexique le paiement d'indemnités, pour Remontel et d'autres commerçants français, à hauteur de 600 000 pesos. Le Mexique refuse ou traîne. Paris s'impatiente.Et là, la diplomatie bascule dans la démonstration de force. La France envoie une flotte dans le golfe du Mexique et impose un blocus maritime du port de Veracruz, l'un des points stratégiques du commerce mexicain. Quand le Mexique ne cède pas, les Français bombardent la forteresse de San Juan de Ulúa, qui protège l'entrée du port.Le conflit devient réel : il y a des combats, des morts, et même une figure célèbre qui s'y illustre… Antonio López de Santa Anna, futur homme fort du Mexique. En affrontant les Français, il perd une jambe, ce qui renforce sa légende nationale.Finalement, le Mexique cède. En 1839, un accord est signé : le pays accepte de payer l'indemnité exigée et la France lève le blocus. Ainsi se termine cette guerre au nom improbable… née d'un commerce de gâteaux.Derrière l'anecdote, la “Guerre des Pâtisseries” révèle surtout une réalité du XIXᵉ siècle : les grandes puissances européennes utilisent parfois des prétextes — même une pâtisserie pillée — pour imposer leur influence et protéger leurs intérêts économiques à l'étranger. Hébergé par Acast. Visitez acast.com/privacy pour plus d'informations.
661. Today we talk to Rachel L. Doherty about Louisiana folklore and folklife. Rachel is the Assistant Director for Programming and Special Projects at the Center for Louisiana Studies. Dr. Rachel Doherty is a scholar of contemporary Francophone art, literature, and creolized identities in Louisiana and Canada. She is an alumna of UL Lafayette's Francophone Studies program, a former lecturer at UL and Université Sainte-Anne, and a former French immersion teacher. Dr. Doherty specializes in occult and magical lore in minority Francophone literatures and arts, and analyzes folklore's place in today's language and identity movements. Now available: Liberty in Louisiana: A Comedy. The oldest play about Louisiana, author James Workman wrote it as a celebration of the Louisiana Purchase. Now it is back in print for the first time in 222 years. Order your copy today! This week in the Louisiana Anthology. “At the 'Cadian Ball” by Kate Chopin is about a Fais Do Do in the late 1800s. "BOBINÔT, that big, brown, good-natured Bobinôt, had no intention of going to the ball, even though he knew Calixta would be there. For what came of those balls but heartache, and a sickening disinclination for work the whole week through, till Saturday night came again and his tortures began afresh? Why could he not love Ozéina, who would marry him to-morrow; or Fronie, or any one of a dozen others, rather than that little Spanish vixen? Calixta's slender foot had never touched Cuban soil; but her mother's had, and the Spanish was in her blood all the same. For that reason the prairie people forgave her much that they would not have overlooked in their own daughters or sisters." This week in Louisiana history. January 16, 1962. Students at Southern Univ. begin civil rights demonstrations. This week in New Orleans history. Mayor C. Ray Nagin's "Chocolate City Speech" January 16, 2006. The "Chocolate City Speech" is the nickname that some have given to the Martin Luther King Jr. Day speech by Mayor Ray Nagin on January 16, 2006, several months after Hurricane Katrina. Prior to Nagin's speech, some commentators were suggesting that the city's demographics would change from majority African American to majority Caucasian. In an interview with Public Radio International's Tavis Smiley (originally broadcast on January 13, 2006) Nagin used the phrase "chocolate city" in reference to New Orleans' future demographics. This week in Louisiana. January 31, 2026 Louisiana King Cake Festival 402 West 3rd Street Thibodaux, LA 70301 A large-scale outdoor food festival where attendees can sample dozens of different king cakes from across the state. This event serves as a major fundraiser for the Lafourche Education Foundation: 10:30 AM: The “Krewe of King Cake” Children's Parade kicks off the festivities around 201 Green Street. 11:00 AM: The festival grounds officially open for tasting and live music. Highlight 1 (The Tasting): Guests purchase “tasting tickets” to sample various king cakes and vote for the “People's Choice” winner. Highlight 2 (The Music): Local Louisiana bands perform on the main stage throughout the afternoon. 4:00 PM: The winners of the best traditional and non-traditional king cakes are announced. End: The festival wraps up at 5:00 PM. Website: louisianakingcakefest.com Email: info@lafourcheeducation.com Phone: (985) 688-4662 Lafourche Education Foundation P.O. Box 486 Thibodaux, LA 70302 Postcards from Louisiana. Little Freddie King. Listen on Apple Podcasts. Listen on audible. Listen on Spotify. Listen on TuneIn. Listen on iHeartRadio. The Louisiana Anthology Home Page. Like us on Facebook.
Our annual Zeigler episode! Dean Damon Andrew joined to talk about his journey to becoming a sport management student, first thoughts about doing a PhD, becoming a faculty member at UL, and starting his career path. Then we discussed his Zeigler article (JSM): reputation of sport management, strengths and weaknesses, growth of enrollment, prominent programs, growth of faculty, and much more!
On the UL podcast, we believe that leadership can happen with and without formal authority. Sometimes, the most challenging leadership role is leading up to a person who technically has more formal authority, but might be unintentionally causing some of the chaos you are trying to address. In this episode, we'll learn from two examples from different contexts but have very similar patterns for how to lead up to what we affectionately call "Chaos Monsters." In one case, Jesse shares his experience as a volunteer leader working within a non-profit civic organization with a charismatic executive director who is asking for increased operational structure ... and yet sometimes working in exact opposition. In the other case, Jesse will share his experience as an officer in the National Guard working in a matrixed command military structure to achieve particular mission readiness objectives ... and yet encounters higher ranking officers who sometimes contradict their own directives. Both examples sound totally different - one volunteer non profit, the other an officer in the military. And yet both illustrate similar patterns of how to lead up effectively. By day, Dr. Jesse Mix is a primary care and ER physician at the Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Center in Boise, ID. In the evenings, he volunteers across a few community/civic organizations (which shall remain nameless). And as a National Guardsman, Lt. Col Jesse Mix is the Flight Surgeon/Medical Officer to an elite Pararescue (PJ) squadron within the US Air Force. He is also the past President of the Leadership Boise program. I personally love talking to Jesse because he makes me feel less stressed about whatever else I have going on in my life! Key Takeaways: Recognizing when you are dealing with Chaos Monster(s) Scaling your responses from nudges to more direct intervention to higher level escalation Knowing when to hold em, and when to fold em! Additional Resources: By day, Dr. Jesse Mix is a primary care and ER physician with the Boise VA Medical Center. As a National Guardsman, Lt. Col Jesse Mis is a Flight Surgeon and Medical Officer for one of the US Air Force Pararescue (PJ) squadrons. He also leads as a volunteer across a few community/civic organizations. Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram
People in Acadiana love restaurants. They love talking about them, reviewing them, arguing about them. They always seem to think they could run one. Hey, if you can cook, why not? Here’s the thing: Restaurants are famously unforgiving businesses. Margins are thin. Labor is hard to find and harder to keep. One bad weekend, one broken piece of equipment, one stretch of slow traffic — and suddenly you’re wondering why you ever thought this was a good idea. And yet, people keep opening them. Maybe that’s because a successful restaurant can be an institution, a fixture of community from generation to generation. Take Ton’s, the diner and plate-lunch place founded in 1963 by the grandparents of Christiaan's lunch guest, Hollie Girouard. Hollie grew up in the restaurant. Ton’s was her second home long before it was her responsibility. A volleyball scholarship brought her to UL, where she studied graphic design and imagined a future in the visual arts. But restaurant life always sucked her back in. In 2023, Hollie opened Ton’s Downtown in Downtown Lafayette. It’s got all the Ton’s staples people expect — gumbo, burgers, plate lunches — with a little bit of a Downtown twist. Belly up to the bar and you can grab fresh juice, vegan options, frozen coffee, cocktails, and late-night service on weekends. Between the Broussard and downtown locations, Ton’s employs about thirty people. Hollie runs both, takes a long-term view of growth, and describes her downtown strategy as a “slow burn.” Dillon Van Way is the founder of Uncle Bob’s Food Truck Roundup, a boutique food truck park in downtown Lafayette. A food truck park makes a lot of sense in Downtown Lafayette — a dense area with relatively high foot traffic and a reputation as a food destination. But Dillon will be the first tell you it’s not easy getting a no-brainer. Dillon is an architect by trade. And as you can by now guess, his name is not Uncle Bob. The food truck park grew out of a real estate project. Dillon redeveloped a building into apartments and found himself with a vacant adjacent lot. Rising construction costs and inflation made traditional development unattractive, so he tried something else: a carefully designed food truck park. Uncle Bob’s opened during Mardi Gras of 2025. Out to Lunch Acadiana was recorded live over lunch at Tsunami Sushi in downtown Lafayette. You can find photos from this show by Astor Morgan at itsacadiana.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this essential episode, Bryan Orr sits down with Elliot, the residential install supervisor at Kalos Services, to unpack a critical issue that's causing confusion among HVAC technicians, electricians, and inspectors alike: the new standards for breaker and conductor sizing on inverter-driven equipment. The conversation was sparked by Elliot's frustrating experience of having two inspectors in the same county fail the same installation for opposite reasons—one for an oversized breaker and another for an undersized breaker. This contradiction led to a deep dive into recent changes in UL standards and how they affect everyday HVAC installations. The heart of the issue stems from the transition to low-GWP refrigerants and the updated UL 60335-2-40 Edition 3 standard, which replaced the 1995 certification approach. This new standard introduced more conservative calculations for electrical characteristics, particularly affecting equipment using A2L refrigerants. The result? Data tags now show higher Minimum Circuit Ampacity (MCA) ratings than before, even though the equipment itself hasn't changed—only the math used to calculate these values has shifted. This has created a puzzling situation where the MCA can be higher than the recommended breaker size, which seems counterintuitive to anyone familiar with traditional electrical principles. Bryan and Elliot clarify the fundamental rule that still applies: size your wire to the MCA and your breaker to the MOCP (Maximum Overcurrent Protector). The confusion arises because manufacturers like Mitsubishi are now including "recommended breaker" sizes on data tags that are lower than the MCA—a courtesy to contractors, not a code requirement. The higher MCA reflects conservative safety margins that account for extreme operating conditions, but in practice, inverter-driven systems have multiple built-in protections that prevent them from ever actually reaching these calculated amperage levels. The key takeaway is that contractors can safely install breakers at the recommended size without safety concerns, as long as the breaker's lugs are rated to accept the wire size required by the MCA. The episode also explores how inverter-driven equipment fundamentally differs from traditional PSC motors, particularly regarding locked rotor amps (now more accurately termed "inverter input") and voltage drop considerations. Unlike conventional motors that simply run slower with reduced voltage, inverter-driven compressors and ECM motors compensate by drawing more current to maintain performance, creating a potential compounding effect with voltage drop that installers need to understand—even though voltage drop itself isn't an enforceable NEC code requirement. Topics Covered: New UL 60335-2-40 Edition 3 standards and their impact on electrical calculations for HVAC equipment The relationship between MCA (Minimum Circuit Ampacity) and MOCP (Maximum Overcurrent Protector) and why they can now seem contradictory Recommended breaker sizes on modern data tags and why they may be lower than the MCA Handling inspector conflicts and failed inspections related to breaker sizing Differences between inverter-driven equipment and traditional PSC motors in electrical behavior The transition from "locked rotor amps" to "inverter input" terminology for modern equipment Voltage drop considerations with inverter-driven systems (NEC 210.19A and 215.2A) Why inverter-driven equipment draws more current at lower voltages compared to traditional motors Proper wire and breaker sizing for A2L refrigerant equipment (454B systems) NEC Section 440 requirements specific to air conditioning and refrigeration equipment Breaker lug ratings and ensuring they can accept the required wire size Practical advice for communicating with inspectors and resolving code disputes Read the tech tip on this topic HERE. Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.
What separates people who build lasting wealth from people who just chase the next hot investment? David Greene from BiggerPockets has a clear answer, and it's not what most people want to hear. Joe Saul-Sehy and OG revisit a standout 2023 conversation with David that still resonates today. His story isn't about shortcuts, hacks, or getting lucky. It's about skill building, discipline, and learning to turn everyday work into long-term opportunity. From scooping ice cream at Baskin Robbins to building a successful real estate career, David breaks down what actually creates momentum over time and why "passive income" still requires serious intention. This episode showcases the kind of conversation that belongs in the vault. David explains what makes work feel worth it, how to develop skills that compound, and why the unsexy fundamentals matter more than the flashy strategies everyone's talking about. If you're tired of hype and ready for substance, this interview delivers. The show also tackles two critical protection topics. Adam Barowy from UL's Fire Safety Research Institute joins to explain the real (and often overlooked) risks of lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes, scooters, and everyday devices. He shares practical steps every family can take to reduce fire risk without panic or overreaction. Then Joe and OG field a listener question about keeping family property in the family. The discussion explores estate planning tradeoffs, communication challenges, and how to think through shared ownership without creating future conflict. Every segment connects to the same core idea. Building a life that's not only financially strong but resilient, safe, and meaningful. What You'll Walk Away With: • David Greene's framework for building wealth through skill mastery, not investment shortcuts • Why "passive income" is never truly passive and what actually makes work sustainable long term • Practical fire safety guidance for lithium-ion batteries you probably already own in your home • Simple steps to reduce household fire risk based on real research, not fearmongering • Thoughtful estate planning insights for preserving family property across generations • How to think about money not just as growth but as protection and stewardship This Episode Is For You If: • You're tired of wealth-building advice that sounds too good to be true • You want to hear how someone actually built success through discipline and skill development • You've got lithium-ion batteries around the house and never thought twice about fire safety • You're thinking about how to pass property or wealth to the next generation without creating conflict • You believe the smartest money moves involve both growing and protecting what you have Before You Hit Play, Think About This: What's one area of your financial life where you're focused on growth but might need more protection or structure? Share your thoughts in the Spotify comments or bring the discussion into the Basement Facebook group because this episode tends to spark great follow-up conversations. Sometimes the smartest money move isn't about earning more. It's about keeping what you've built safe and aligned with what matters most. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hour One begins with Louie and Zach recapping Louisville's bowl win and Jeff Brohm staying at Louisville. Matt McGavic joins to talk all things UL, and the guys wrap up the hour with discussing the On3 absurdity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this edition of the Coach me up podcast, we are joined by the University of Louisville FCA director, Chris Morgan. Chris coaches us up on his early days of sports ministry and how an 8 minute opportunity ended up being the turning point moment on how God moved through his ministry at UL. Join us to hear this great example of being faithful in the little things and how God has turned Chris's faithfulness into 20+ years of impact.•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••As always we thank our title sponsor OneCountry.com for making this podcast possible, and to Konexial.com for their continued support of our podcast.COACH ME UP TEAMOneCountry.comKonexial.comFollow us on Twitter:@CoachJimmyDykes@ChrisBurke02••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Hosted by Jimmy Dykes and Chris BurkeProduced by Jared Mark FincherAll audio is subject to copyright 2025 Jimmy Dykes Inc.Contact us at coachmeuppodcast@gmail.com
Some episodes help you protect your money. Some help you protect everything your money makes possible. This episode does both. Joe Saul-Sehy and OG welcome fire safety expert Steve Kerber from UL's Fire Safety Research Institutes, who delivers simple, practical, "do this today" steps that dramatically increase your home's safety. From upgrading outdated smoke alarms to understanding lithium-ion battery risks to spotting hidden hazards most people walk past every single day, Steve gives everyday Stackers the tools to keep their homes and families safer. This isn't scare tactics. It's straightforward guidance from someone who's spent his career studying what actually prevents fires and saves lives. Then the show shifts gears for the headline segment. Joe and OG unpack T. Rowe Price's latest Global Retirement Survey to explore what savers around the world are most anxious about right now. How are people adapting to inflation? Are retirement expectations shifting across different countries? What can you learn from how others are handling the same fears you probably have? The data reveals patterns that might surprise you and insights you can actually use to build more confidence in your own retirement planning. Between these two segments, you'll get Doug's trivia throwdown, a TikTok detour through airport lounge mythology, and a few classic basement moments that remind you why this show mixes serious topics with serious fun. It's a wide-ranging episode packed with actionable takeaways and a good reminder that your financial plan works best when your home, your health, and your long-term outlook are all protected. What You'll Walk Away With: • The small home safety upgrades that make the biggest difference in fire prevention • Why smoke alarms fail more often than you think and how to pick the right replacement • Lithium-ion battery safety covering where to store them, what to avoid, and which myths to ignore • How real-world fire prevention thinking overlaps with smart financial planning habits • What savers around the world worry about most when it comes to retirement • How inflation, longevity concerns, and economic uncertainty are reshaping retirement expectations globally • Practical steps to feel more confident about your long-term retirement plan based on what the data reveals • Permission to take simple safety steps today that your future self will thank you for This Episode Is For You If: • You can't remember the last time you checked your smoke alarms (or know they're overdue for replacement) • You've got lithium-ion batteries around the house but aren't sure if you're storing them safely • You're curious what retirement worries look like around the world and how yours compare • You want retirement insights based on actual data instead of just one expert's opinion • You believe protecting what you have is just as important as growing what you're building Before You Hit Play, Ask Yourself: When's the last time you actually tested your smoke alarms or checked their expiration dates? And what's your biggest retirement worry right now? Drop both answers in the comments because Steve's fire safety tips and the global retirement data might address fears you didn't even realize were universal. FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/holiday-fire-safety-tips-steve-kerber-1774 Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/201 Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices