Podcasts about Velvet Revolution

In last week's programme, we looked back at the Velvet Revolution and the events that brought down the communist regime in former Czechoslovakia. This week, we move from history to the present — exploring what the legacy of November '89 means for Slovakia today. This year, November 17th was no longer a day off work, following government austerity measures. Yet despite that, many schools, companies, and organisations chose to close their doors — and thousands of people took to the streets. The Nežná! festival brought crowds together in celebration, while others gathered in protest. The message was clear: the spirit of November '89 still resonates, perhaps even more strongly among a new generation that never lived through the regime or the revolution.We hear reflections from sociologist Oľga Gyarfášová, November '89 student activist Zuzana Mistríková, and Linda Varošová — a young student and one of the organisers of the Nežná! festival — along with voices from the streets and many others.

In last week's programme, we looked back at the Velvet Revolution and the events that brought down the communist regime in former Czechoslovakia. This week, we move from history to the present — exploring what the legacy of November '89 means for Slovakia today. This year, November 17th was no longer a day off work, following government austerity measures. Yet despite that, many schools, companies, and organisations chose to close their doors — and thousands of people took to the streets. The Nežná! festival brought crowds together in celebration, while others gathered in protest. The message was clear: the spirit of November '89 still resonates, perhaps even more strongly among a new generation that never lived through the regime or the revolution.We hear reflections from sociologist Oľga Gyarfášová, November '89 student activist Zuzana Mistríková, and Linda Varošová — a young student and one of the organisers of the Nežná! festival — along with voices from the streets and many others.

Max Diesing runs Maximum Underground, an alternative music shop located in Prague's Old Town for many years. In fact the American says he is just about to mark his business's “33 and a third” birthday as a fixture on the city's alternative music scene. But what was it like setting up an independent store here just a couple of years after the Velvet Revolution? And what motivates him to keep running the business after all this time? We spoke at the store on Jílská St.

November 17, 1989. A student demonstration in Prague is violently shut down by the police, sparking the Velvet Revolution in Czechoslovakia. This episode originally aired in 2023.Support the show! Join Into History for ad-free listening and more.History Daily is a co-production of Airship and Noiser.Go to HistoryDaily.com for more history, daily.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

November 17 marks one of the most significant moments in modern Slovak and Czech history. In November 1989, people across Czechoslovakia took to the streets with hope and courage, ringing their keys in a symbolic call for change – and won their freedom. Thirty-six years after the fall of the totalitarian communist regime, our programme takes listeners back in time to revisit the atmosphere of the Velvet Revolution. Through archival recordings and interviews, we hear the voices of key figures of November '89 – such as Milan Kňažko and Fedor Gál – along with reflections and insights from participants and experts, among them student activist Zuzana Mistríková, historian Peter Jašek (Nation's Memory Institute), political scientist Juraj Marušiak (Slovak Academy of Sciences), and sociologist Václav Hrích, among others.

It has been 36 years since the Velvet Revolution in former Czechoslovakia – the peaceful uprising that ushered in a nonviolent transition of power and brought down communism. Nearly four decades on, the Czech Republic is undergoing political change again: last month, the party of “Trumpist” former premier Andrej Babis topped the parliamentary election and is returning to power. In this edition of Perspective we spoke to David Ondracka, author of “The Case of the Czech Republic: How billions disappear and why our state doesn't work" and the former head of Transparency International in the country.

November 17 marks one of the most significant moments in modern Slovak and Czech history. In November 1989, people across Czechoslovakia took to the streets with hope and courage, ringing their keys in a symbolic call for change – and won their freedom. Thirty-six years after the fall of the totalitarian communist regime, our programme takes listeners back in time to revisit the atmosphere of the Velvet Revolution. Through archival recordings and interviews, we hear the voices of key figures of November '89 – such as Milan Kňažko and Fedor Gál – along with reflections and insights from participants and experts, among them student activist Zuzana Mistríková, historian Peter Jašek (Nation's Memory Institute), political scientist Juraj Marušiak (Slovak Academy of Sciences), and sociologist Václav Hrích, among others.

The country of Czechoslovakia was born and died in the 20th century.  It was created after a war, suffered through another war, was occupied during the Cold War, and was finally liberated in 1989.  Once it did become free of Soviet Rule, they decided that maybe they should never have been made into a country in the first place.  Unlike almost every country that came before it, it managed to dissolve without any violence.  Learn more about Czechoslovakia, the Velvet Revolution, and the Velvet Divorce on this episode of Everything Everywhere Daily. Sponsors Quince Go to quince.com/daily for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Mint Mobile Get your 3-month Unlimited wireless plan for just 15 bucks a month at mintmobile.com/eed Stash Go to get.stash.com/EVERYTHING to see how you can receive $25 towards your first stock purchase. ExpressVPN Go to expressvpn.com/EED to get an extra four months of ExpressVPN for free!w Subscribe to the podcast!  https://everything-everywhere.com/everything-everywhere-daily-podcast/ -------------------------------- Executive Producer: Charles Daniel Associate Producers: Austin Oetken & Cameron Kieffer   Become a supporter on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/everythingeverywhere Discord Server: https://discord.gg/UkRUJFh Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everythingeverywhere/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/everythingeverywheredaily Twitter: https://twitter.com/everywheretrip Website: https://everything-everywhere.com/  Disce aliquid novi cotidie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 2018, Canadian-Armenian screen and stage actress Arsinée Khanjian made headlines for her vociferous support of Armenia's Velvet Revolution. It was to be her last major public appearance until only a few months ago—a long period marked by a life-threatening illness and vicious backlash following the 2020 Artsakh War. Reflecting on this traumatic experience, Khanjian made her return to the stage in the auto-fictional play, “Donation” directed by her creative and life partner Atom Egoyan. In an EVN Report exclusive, the actress breaks her silence on how her relationship to Armenian culture and her art have transformed over these past fateful years.

We got a couple of world-class curmudgeons here - who share more than might meet the ear initially: two native Californians renown for their curdled opinion of the world they inhabit, and the populace with whom they share the space; We're talking Hollywood, specifically, but their bile was generous enough to accommodate the whole of humanity - in all its corrupt, hypocritical manifestations; both lost too early - victims of cancer's cruelty; both musical geniuses with solid classical training and rock n roll credentials; and, funny? Goddamn right, they were!Frank Zappa and Warren Zevon, two outlaws who could not be silenced or ignored are being celebrated here today. It should be noted that Frank was inducted posthumously into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame; Warren is still owed his due. FRANK ZAPPAThe man loved freaks, and had to create his own label to promote them. From the time he appeared on the Steve Allen show in the early 60's, playing the bicycle, to the early 90's, when he visited Czech Republic as an honored guest to the President, playwright-turned politician, Vaclav Havel after their Velvet Revolution, and throughout his vociferous fight against censorship in the halls of our Congress, Frank always stood strong for freedom of expression, and against hypocrisy.In “Plastic People” from his second album ABSOLUTELY FREE, you can hear so many elements mixed together that have become tropes: the abrupt changes in tempo and mood, the stinging social satire, the weird orchestration, the rock n roll name checks…. Good stuff!WARREN ZEVONWe always knew that Warren was tortured by demons. He struggled with his alcoholism for a long time and was subject to depression. But, despite it all he kept his unique humorous perspective. And, with a prodigious gift for melody, he wrote some of pop's most haunting ballads. He was, to borrow the words of Kris Kristofferson, a “walking contradiction” who could go to the darkest of dark sides, like in his rockers about serial killers, such as Excitable Boy and Werewolves of London - then, swing 180 degrees to express wrenching heartbreak in such timeless elegies as Hasten Down the Wind and Carmelita.In Splendid Isolation you get both - the swinging of the hips, and the stinging of the poisoned barb. It has an autobiographical persuasion which illuminates the soul of a man who longs to be left alone - the world is just too fucked up to navigate. There's a bitter sadness articulated, but its flavored with that ever-present Zevon wit. 

In this deeply moving episode of Most Memorable Journeys, I speak with a remarkable woman whose life story reads like a journey from suppression to soulful awakening.Born and raised in Czechoslovakia, behind the borders of the Western world, her early years were shaped by the restrictions of life before the Velvet Revolution. But it was in the aftermath of political transformation that another, more personal revolution began—one of intuition, healing, and empowerment.✨ In this episode, we explore:• What life was like behind the Iron Curtain• How she discovered she was born intuitive and deeply empathetic• The synchronistic events that led her to manifest a life by the sea in Cyprus• Her journey through heartbreak, loss, and the healing power of inner work• Why emotional trauma lives in the body—and how it affects our health and relationships• How she now helps women heal through somatic therapy, quantum energy work, and NLPHer story is not just about healing—it's about remembering who you truly are and reclaiming your power after pain. Through the wisdom of her own experience, she now guides other women to live emotionally healthy, embodied, and fulfilled lives.

A version of this essay was published by firstpost.com at https://www.firstpost.com/opinion/shadow-warrior-west-asia-hostilities-will-resume-again-only-question-is-when-13903341.html West Asia is again on the boil. Well, to be precise, it has been on the boil for a very long time, but we have the additional spectacle of the Iran-Israel war. Despite the ceasefire, which I hope does hold, there is a lot here that should concern all of us based on the geopolitical and geo-economic fallout.There are at least three issues of interest: the geopolitics, the war tactics, and the impact on the rest of the world. GeopoliticsIt would be fair to say that much of the turmoil in the region dates back to British (and to a lesser extent French) meddling in the 20th century, for instance the Sykes-Picot Act, or the antics of TE Lawrence. Britain's broader actions—contradictory promises (Balfour), repressive mandates, oil-driven interference, and botched withdrawals—sowed division, resentment, and conflict that shaped the region's 20th-century chaos. Many of these issues, like sectarianism in Iraq and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, persist today.The nations Britain created with arbitrary lines marked on a map made no sense because they ignored ethnic, tribal, and religious realities, sowing seeds for future conflicts. Indians know all about this: the same sort of random map-making in the Indian subcontinent led to extraordinary misery (the Radcliffe Line, created in just five weeks, created East and West Pakistan with little attention paid to ground realities, using outdated maps and census data).The British Deep State (let us call it Whitehall for short) has lost much of its clout, but it has been leading the American Deep State by the nose in what I referred to as a “master-blaster” relationship. And the latter has a rather clear SoP: there needs to be constant wars to feed the Military Industrial Complex, and so they will arrange for wars, which will lead to a complex money-laundering operation, with petrodollars being whitewashed through the IMF etc and ending up in the coffers of Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, Palantir, and friends. It is notable that one of President Trump's main claims to fame in his first Presidency was that he scrupulously avoided going to war, in sharp contrast with his predecessors over the last several decades, all of whom had started or indulged in one war or the other. It appears that this time, though, the US Deep State has managed to co-opt Trump into its warmaking agenda, which, incidentally does not disqualify him for a Nobel Peace Prize: see Kissinger or Obama.What has happened in this 12-day war is that it became a stalemate, for all practical purposes. Neither Israel nor Iran can fully defeat the other, as neither has the resources to continue. A good metaphor is a boxing match, where evenly matched pugilists are both exhausted, covered and blinded with blood, and can hardly stand on their feet. The referee calling a halt is a blessing for both of them.Iran has, for years, shouted hair-raising slogans about obliterating Israel, although it is not clear how much of this was rhetoric, considering Uncle Sam's support for the latter makes the latter quite powerful. This sloganeering was supplemented by proxy allies, Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis, all of whom have been capable of mischief. Plus there is the nuclear bomb.Israel set out to tame Iran on all these fronts. Their goals were to deprecate, if not destroy, Iran's nuclear capability, defang the proxies, and impose a regime-change on the country. Let us remember the Stuxnet incident of 2010 when a computer virus was introduced into the Iranian centrifuges that are used for uranium enrichment, causing many of them to disintegrate. The assaults on Nataz, Fordow and Ispahan (much like Israel's raid on Iraq's Osiraq reactor long ago) were intended to stop Iran's nuclear weapons program altogether.With the US' help, it appears as though there has been serious damage to Iran's weapons capabilities, although there are rumors that 400 kg of highly enriched uranium was smuggled out just before the bunker-buster strikes via B-2 bombers on the fortified, underground sites. Among Iranian proxies or force-multipliers, its so-called Axis of Resistance, Hamas has been severely degraded, with top commanders eliminated (notably Yahya Sinwar and Ismail Haniyeh) and its tunnel network in Gaza largely inoperable. Hezbollah leader Hasan Nazrallah and several key aides have been targeted and killed. The Houthis have escaped relatively unscathed, although the Americans were bombing them.On the other hand, it may not be possible to effect regime change in Iran. There seems to be a standard playbook of so-called ‘Color Revolutions', wherein a ruler is replaced by someone close to the West through what is portrayed as a “popular uprising”. The Ukraine Maidan Revolution that placed Zelenksy in power, the Bangladeshi coup that brought Yunus to power, and the “Velvet Revolution” are examples.But one of the earliest examples was the CIA/MI6 coup in Iran that overthrew Mohammed Mossadegh in 1953 and brought Shah Reza Pahlavi back to monarchical power. And the reason: Mossadegh had nationalized the Iranian oil industry, and freed it from the clutches of British Petroleum. The 1979 coup by the mullahs succeeded because the Shah was unpopular by then. Iranians, despite widespread opposition to Khameini, probably don't want the Shah dynasty back, or for that matter someone else chosen to rule them by outsiders.There was also a fairly strange set of events: just as it is said the Iranians were allowed to spirit their uranium away, the Iranians seem to have given notice of their attacks on US bases in Qatar etc. (allowing the US to move their aircraft and personnel), and, strangest of all, a social media post by Trump that appeared to approve sanctions-free Iranian supply of oil to China!Thus there are some pantomime/shadow-boxing elements to the war as well, and some choreography that is baffling to the impartial observer. Geopolitics is a complex dance.War tacticsThe Israeli assault on Iran started with shock and awe. In the first phase, There was a massive aerial bombing campaign, including on Natanz. But more interestingly, there was a Mossad operation that had smuggled kamikaze drones into a covert base near Teheran, and they, as well as anti-tank missiles degraded Iranian air defenses. Mossad also enabled successful decapitation strikes, with several top commanders and nuclear scientists assassinated.This phase was a big win for Israel, and reminded one of the continuing importance of human intelligence in a technological age. Patiently locating and mapping enemy commanders' movements, managing supply chains and using psychological tactics were reminiscent of how Mossad was able to introduce the Stuxnet worm, and use pagers as remote explosive devices. In the second phase, the two were more evenly matched. Israel's Iron Dome was unable to deal with sustained barrages of Iranian missiles, as no anti-missile system can be more than 90% effective. Both began to suffer from depleted stocks of arms and ammunition. Thus the metaphor of two grievously wounded boxers struggling to stay on their feet in the ring. It took the bunker-busting US B-2 bombers in the third phase to penetrate deep underground to the centrifuges, but there is still the possibility that Iran managed to ship out its fissile material.We are now in a fourth phase: both parties are preparing for the next round of kinetic warfare.The lessons here were once again the remarkable rise of UCAVs or drones as weapons of war, and the continued usage of high-quality human intelligence. It is rumored that Israeli agents had penetrated to high levels in the Iranian military hierarchy, and there was allegedly a high-level mole who was spirited away safely out of Iran.Both of these are important takeaways for India. The success of India's decoy drones in the suppression of Pakistani air defenses will be hard to repeat; the Ukrainian drone strike against Russia's strategic TU-44 and other strategic bombers, which were sitting ducks on the ground, shows us what drones can do: India has to substantially advance its drone capability. India's counterintelligence and human intelligence suffered grievous blows when various personalities, including a Prime Minister, a Vice President, and the head of RA&W all turned hostile, with the result that India's covert presence in Pakistan will have to painfully recreated again. Perhaps India also does not have a policy of decapitation strikes. Should it?Impact on the rest of the world, especially IndiaIn general terms, it's hard to declare an outright non-loser in this war, except possibly China, because it is the one player that seems to be quite unaffected: its saber-rattling on Taiwan continues unabated. Russia lost, because it had been viewed as being an ally of Iran; it was unable to do much, enmeshed as it is in the Ukraine mess. Israel and Iran both came out, in the end, looking weakened, as neither could deliver a fatal blow.The US got kudos for the B-2 bombers and the bunker-busters, but it is not entirely clear if there was some kind of ‘understanding' which meant that Iran is still not that far away from being able to build its nuclear bomb. Indians will remember how President Reagan winked at Pakistan's efforts to nuclearize with Chinese help, and issued certificates of innocence.Pakistan in particular, and the Islamic Ummah in general, took a beating. Instead of expressing Islamic solidarity with Iran, it turns out Pakistan was quite likely opening up its air bases for possible US strikes on Iran. That would explain why Indian strikes on Pakistan's Nur Khan air base alarmed the Americans, who may have been bulking up their presence there partly as a way of opening a new front against Iran.None of the other Islamic powers, with the possible exception of Turkey, paid more than lip service to Iran's troubles, which was interesting to note. The Sunni-Shia schism holds. The worst outcomes were averted: the nightmare scenarios, in order of seriousness, would have been a) World War 3, b) nuclear bombs being dropped on one or more of the belligerents, c) a broad war in West Asia, c) the closing of the Straits of Hormuz and a serious spike in energy prices.From the point of view of a nation like India, it demonstrated, yet again, that superpowers have their own rationale of amoral transactional relationships with other countries. India, as an aspiring superpower needs to internalize the fact that foreign policy is the pursuit of war by other means, and there are only permanent interests, not permanent friends. Instead of the highfalutin' moralizing of the Krishna Menon and Jawaharlal Nehru days, what India needs is the pursuit of its own national interests all the time.In this context, both Israel and Iran are useful to India. There is a billion-dollar arms trade between Israel and India (and Israel long ago offered to destroy Pakistan's Kahuta nuclear reactor with India's help, but shrinking-violet India refused). Today India is Israel's biggest arms buyer, with products ranging from Phalcon AWACS to Barak missiles to Harop and other drones, with Hermes 900 drones co-produced in India and exported to Israel.As for Iran, India's investment in Chabahar port is a strategic counter to China's CPEC and Gwadar port in Pakistan. It enables India to avoid Pakistan in its trade to Afghanistan and Central Asia. It is also a node on the International North South Transport Corridor, using which India can connect to Russia and Europe. It cuts time and cost of shipping to Europe by 30% as compared to the Suez Canal. India has invested more than a billion dollars in Chabahar.Besides, India used to be a big customer for Iranian oil, but that has been cut to near-zero from 20+ million tons a year because of US sanctions on Iran. If and when sanctions are lifted, India will have an interest in buying Iranian oil again. India has interests in both Israel and Iran, and it should continue to maintain its good relations with both. Nevertheless, West Asia remains a tinderbox. Hostilities will resume again, the only question is when. Iran will not give up on its nuclear ambitions, and as with Pakistan, some nuclear power will proliferate to it sooner or later, quite possibly China. The grand ambition to topple Iran's mullahs is not likely to come to fruition. Israel will continue to be beleaguered. Status quo ante, after the current round of noise dies down.2075 words, 1 Jul 2025The AI-generated podcast in Malayalam from notebookLM.google.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rajeevsrinivasan.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Gill chats with Andrea about her fascinating journey from a corporate career to becoming a transformational coach and active member of Collaboration Global. They dive deep into the power of intuition, navigating life's transitions, and embracing love-based decision-making over fear.Andrea shares insights from her life in Prague, her experience of the Velvet Revolution, and how those events shaped her perspective on global citizenship and community. Together, they explore the importance of kindness, personal growth, and the courage to step outside of comfort zones.Gill and Andrea also pull back the curtain on the podcast creation process, discuss plans for growing their global community, and share tips on balancing wellbeing—plus a few laughs about tech hiccups and self-care remedies.The conversation explores how to trust and develop intuition in both personal and professional life. Andrea and Gill reflect on the natural cycles of personal growth and the importance of recognising and embracing life's major transitions. Andrea introduces her Glow Guide, a framework for making decisions based on love rather than fear. They also share real-life examples of how small acts of kindness can transform challenging situations. A key focus is on how to build meaningful collaborations rooted in connection and mutual support rather than transactional motives. Finally, they discuss how to expand business opportunities while fostering genuine global partnerships.

Conversations on Groong - May 28, 2025INTERVIEW IN ARMENIAN / ՀԱՐՑԱԶՐՈՒՅՑ ՀԱՅԵՐԵՆTopics:  - Criminal charges used to silence Edgar Ghazaryan / Քրեական մեղադրանքներ՝ Էդգար Ղազարյանին լռեցնելու համար  - Media freedom in Armenia under Pashinyan's rule / Մամուլի ազատությունը Հայաստանում Փաշինյանի կառավարման օրոք  - Public broadcasting under political control / Հանրային հեռարձակումը քաղաքական վերահսկողության տակ  - State-aligned actors spreading misinformation / Ապատեղեկատվություն տարածող պետական կողմի դերակատարներըGuest: Edgar GhazaryanHosts: Hovik ManucharyanEpisode 440 | Recorded: March 9, 2025SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/440VIDEO: https://youtu.be/5PINUG0Ng_ISubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Katarina Gephardt, editor of the compendium "Home and the World in Slovak Writing", presented the method of focusing on historical events - such as the condemnation of Stalin's personality cult, the Prague Spring and the Velvet Revolution - that have shaped the Slovak literary canon. Senior radio editor and producer Tomas Bartonek talks about the "Golden Fond" project, in which public radio is reviving the results of the "hay day" of radio play production in Slovakia. Cultural tips for Febiofest IFF, Moyzes Quartet concert, innovative display of traditional wirework and more.

Katarina Gephardt, editor of the compendium "Home and the World in Slovak Writing", presented the method of focusing on historical events - such as the condemnation of Stalin's personality cult, the Prague Spring and the Velvet Revolution - that have shaped the Slovak literary canon. Senior radio editor and producer Tomas Bartonek talks about the "Golden Fond" project, in which public radio is reviving the results of the "hay day" of radio play production in Slovakia. Cultural tips for Febiofest IFF, Moyzes Quartet concert, innovative display of traditional wirework and more.

Welcome to Monday Night Live Welcome to another insightful episode of and now a leading expert on mnday Night Live! I'm Derek Arden, and this week, I'm joined by the fantastic Michael Dodd – a seasoned journalist, foreign correspondent, Media communication and interview techniques. Michael's career kicked off in Sydney with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), where he was trained in the art of asking “blowtorch on the belly” questions – tough, persistent inquiries designed to put real pressure on political figures. This phrase, coined by an Australian politician, became the backbone of Michael's journalistic style, pushing for truth and accountability. In our conversation, Michael shares his journey from covering politics in Canberra to witnessing the historic revolutions of Eastern Europe, including the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Velvet Revolution in Prague. He tells a captivating story of interviewing Václav Havel, the Czech dissident-playwright who would later become president. Havel's masterful response to a tough question about his political ambitions became a defining moment in Michael's career and illustrates how great communicators can turn pointed questions into opportunities for impactful messaging. As we shift to modern-day media dynamics, Michael offers a behind-the-scenes look at how journalists operate during high-stakes press conferences, like those with Prime Ministers or Presidents. He explains how competitive journalists, from Sky News to the BBC, often don't coordinate their questions but instead aim to deliver the sharpest queries for their respective audiences and editors. We also dive into Michael's transition from journalism to media training. He now teaches business leaders, politicians, and even sports coaches how to respond to difficult questions with confidence and clarity. His approach is rooted in integrity – always advocating for honest and effective communication rather than evasiveness. Michael introduces us to his golden formula, the ABCDE method, for crafting powerful responses to tough questions: A: Answer the question (or acknowledge it if you can't fully respond).B: Bridge – smoothly transition to your key message.C: Content – deliver your core message clearly and concisely.D: Dangle – set up your example or supporting evidence.E: Example – share a compelling story or data point to reinforce your message.Throughout the session, Michael emphasizes the importance of preparation and truth, especially in an age where disinformation can easily sway public opinion. We touch on the rise of false narratives, citing figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk, and the challenges this poses for credible journalism. Michael underlines the critical role journalists play in combating misinformation and holding power to account – a responsibility that's never been more vital. We also discuss how these media dynamics affect leaders in business and sports. Michael shares anecdotes from his media training with rugby league teams and how captains and managers can apply the ABCDE formula to defuse criticism and refocus on positive actions, even under pressure from hostile media or frustrated fans. From dissecting press conference tactics to reflecting on the wider implications of truth and integrity in public discourse, Michael brings a wealth of wisdom, wit, and practical advice to this conversation. For those interested in learning more about Michael's approach, he mentions his book, Great Answers to Tough Questions at Work, which dives deeper into his ABCDE strategy and how to stay composed and effective when the heat is on. If you're a business leader, media professional, or just someone keen to sharpen your communication skills, you won't want to miss this masterclass.

Petr Brod grew up in a German-speaking Jewish family in communist Prague, soon learning it was wiser to converse in Czech in public. Brod fulfilled his ambition of becoming a journalist following a move to West Germany in his late teens, and found considerable success; after a stint at the BBC that saw him work on some of its top political shows, he joined Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, which posted him to his hometown when the Velvet Revolution ushered in democracy in Czechoslovakia. When we spoke Brod, today 73, also discussed his friendship with protest singer Karel Kryl – and what might have happened if the Sudeten Germans had not been expelled after the war.

How do we reinvigorate a global resistance that seems to have lost its way? In this thought-provoking episode of UPThinking Finance®, John Waters reflects on the challenges facing modern movements for change. Drawing comparisons to the unity and purpose of past revolutions, like the Velvet Revolution of 1989, Waters questions why today's resistance struggles to attract artists, intellectuals, and the broader public. He argues that fear, gatekeeping, and fragmentation have stifled the creative voices essential for meaningful progress.Waters offers a hopeful perspective, urging us to reclaim faith in humanity's potential for redemption and change. By fostering unity, humility, and purpose, he believes we can inspire the global resistance to serve its true goal—benefiting humanity, not power or profit. This reflection is a call to action, reminding us that hope and belief in a better world remain the most powerful tools for change.You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...Finding John Waters on substack (00:00)How to talk to people who are unaware of a problem (1:51)You can't trust people who are incentivized to follow the narrative (8:18)Why people won't speak out about the problems (12:30)Do we have hope—or do we surrender to the way things are? (16:07)Concerns and hopes of Trump's team (27:00)What do the political changes in America mean globally? (31:02) Question what technology and political systems are for (36:07)New hope, new thinking (40:00)Renewed Faith in things to change (52:10)John Waters is not affiliated with or endorsed by LPL Financial or Capital Investment Advisers.Securities and Advisory services offered through LPL Financial. A registered investment advisor. Member FINRA & SIPC.The financial professionals associated with LPL Financial may discuss and/or transact business only with residents of the states in which they are properly registered or licensed. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident of any other state. Resources & People MentionedThe Mythology of Progress by Charles Hugh SmithConnect With John WatersJohn's SubstackConnect with Emerson FerschCapital Investment AdvisersOn LinkedInSubscribe to Upthinking FinanceAudio Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK

Miroslav Wanek is the leader of Už jsme doma, a Czech alternative band who this year are celebrating 40 years of existence. Už jsme doma have performed in over three dozen countries, most notably in the US, where they have notched up a remarkable 800-plus shows. Wanek, today 62, also has other strings to his bow. He could have entered politics after playing an active role in the Velvet Revolution in his hometown of Teplice, has taught at Prague's FAMU film school and worked on a highly popular animated series.

In honour of the 35th anniversary of the velvet revolution Ben Pascoe talks with some of those who were involved. Boris Zala from VPN and student leaders Boris Ondreicka and Peter Chowanec talk about what it was really like and what their strongest memories are after 35 years.

Today's episode is about November 17 and the Velvet Revolution in Slovakia. In the Slovak lesson, you will learn some new words from my dialogue. You will also learn how to say ”That's enough!” and “The Gentle revolution was important“ in Slovak. At the end of this episode, you can find my short dialogue talking about this peaceful revolution. Episode notesIn today's episode, I'm talking about November 17 and the Velvet Revolution in Slovakia. In the Slovak lesson, you will learn some new words from my dialogue. You will also learn how to say ”That's enough!” and “The Gentle revolution was important“ in Slovak. At the end of this episode, you can find my short dialogue talking about this peaceful revolution. Slovak lesson1.    Nežná revolúcia (Gentle Revolution)2.    pokojná zmena (peaceful change)3.    komunistický režim (communist regime)4.    búriť sa (to riot)5.    trestať (to punish)6.    stretnúť sa (to meet)7.    protestovať (to protest)8.    napadnúť (to attack)9.    hnevať nahnevať (to get angry)10.  dosiahnúť (to achieve)11.  Stačilo! (That's enough!)12. Nežná revolúcia bola dôležitá. (The Gentle revolution was important.)DIALOGUE:Učiteľka: Dobre deti, dnes sa porozprávame o 17. novembri 1989. Viete, čo sa vtedy stalo?Žiačka 1: Nie, pani učiteľka. Čo sa stalo?Učiteľka: Bol to dôležitý deň pre našu krajinu. Vtedy začala takzvaná Nežná revolúcia. Viete, čo to znamená?Žiak 1: Revolúcia znamená zmena, však?Učiteľka: Presne tak. Nežná revolúcia bola pokojná zmena. Ľudia chceli viac slobody. Pred rokom 1989 sme žili v komunistickom režime. Komunisti kontrolovali všetko. Ľudia nemohli povedať, čo si myslia, a nemohli cestovať, kam chceli.Žiačka 2: Prečo sa ľudia nebúrili skôr? (Why didn't people riot earlier?)Učiteľka: Mnohí sa báli. Komunisti mali silu a trestali tých, ktorí nesúhlasili. Ale 17. novembra 1989 to všetko začalo. V Prahe sa študenti stretli, aby protestovali. Boli však napadnutí políciou. To nahnevalo ľudí.Žiak 2: A čo sa potom stalo?Učiteľka: Po tomto incidente začali masové protesty po celej krajine, aj na Slovensku. Ľudia už viac nemlčali. Chceli slobodu a demokraciu. Nakoniec komunisti ustúpili a odstúpili od moci.Žiačka 1: Bolo to bez násilia?Učiteľka: Áno, preto sa tomu hovorí Nežná revolúcia. Nebola to krvavá revolúcia, ako v iných krajinách. Ľudia dosiahli zmenu pokojne.Žiak 3: A čo sa zmenilo?Učiteľka: Po revolúcii sme mohli slobodne voliť, cestovať, a hovoriť, čo si myslíme. Slovensko sa stalo slobodnou krajinou. Každý rok si 17. november pripomíname ako Deň boja za slobodu a demokraciu.Žiačka 3: A to, že teraz môžeme ísť kam chceme, je vďaka tej revolúcii?Učiteľka: Áno. Vďaka ľuďom, ktorí vtedy stáli na námestiach, máme dnes slobodu. Bez nich by život vyzeral úplne inak.Žiak 1: Takže to bolo veľmi dôležité, že?Učiteľka: Presne tak. 17. november 1989 bol jedným z najdôležitejších dní v našej histórii.Timestamps00:35 Introduction02:34 About November 17, 198911:05 Why the Gentle Revolution matter13:07 Slovak lesson18:23 Dialogue21:57 Dialogue with the English translation28:13 Final thoughtsIf you have any questions, send it to my email hello@bozenasslovak.com. Check my Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bozenasslovak/ where I am posting the pictures of what I am talking about on my podcast. Also, check my website https://www.bozenasslovak.com © All copywrites reserved to Bozena O Hilko LLC

News; Freedom Week to commemorate 35th anniversary of Velvet Revolution; St. Martin's Day in Czechia; Adam Stewart on Cimrman plays.

News; senate approves restrictions of kratom and HHC; land exchange in flood-risk areas; songbook marks Velvet Revolution; Veronika Novotna, Czech UN Youth Delegate.

In 2018, widespread protests dislodged a decades-long kleptocratic regime in Armenia. Known as the Velvet Revolution, these protests represented a culmination of decades of civil society organization and activism and the first surge of revolutionary action against Serzh Sargsyan following his attempt to cling to power.   In this episode of Collectively Combating Kleptocracy, Gayane Abrahamyan, an award-winning journalist and social justice activist, who served as a member of the Armenian Parliament as part of the My Step alliance, joins the host, Max Levites (Senior Governance Specialist, Center for Global Impact, International Republican Institute), to discuss the key foundations and mechanisms that fostered a unity between civil society and citizens, leading to the Velvet Revolution. Abrahamyan shares her unique perspective on the trajectory of this unity and the involvement of marginalized groups while also outlining the importance of Armenia's new-found democratic narrative as an outcome of the Velvet Revolution, among other short-term but key successes.

Matthew Bannister on American TV host Phil Donahue – pioneer of the daytime talk show.Countess Diana Phipps Sternberg, the Czech born interior designer who was at the centre of a vibrant social scene in London during the swinging 60s.Professor Mary Gibby OBE, the botanist who specialised in the study and classification of ferns.Toumani Diabaté, the Malian musician known around the world for his virtuoso kora playing.Interviewee: Bill Brioux Interviewee: Michael Žantovský Interviewee: Jess Barrett Interviewee: Suntou SussoProducer: Gareth Nelson-DaviesArchive used: The Phil Donahue show, Radio Ident, WLWD, Dayton Ohio, 1968; Phil Donahue interview, Television Academy Interviews YouTube, uploaded 06/06/2011; Phil Donahue interview on his career and becoming a dad, Today, NBC, 23/10/2024; Phil Donahue on literacy and education, ABC News, Uploaded 20/09/2024; The Phil Donahue Show, Marlo Thomas, 1977, Marlo Thomas YouTube Channel, uploaded, 21/09/2012; The Czech Republic, 1989's Velvet Revolution, BBC World Service, 07/12/1999; Czechoslovakia (1948), YouTube uploaded 13/04/2014; Gardner 4VT in narrowboat Swan, Myk Askin YouTube channel, uploaded 19/04/2010;Toumani Diabaté interview, Front Row, BBC Radio 4, 05/06/2014; Toumani Diabaté interview, BBC Radio 3, 29/05/2021;

Allan Little recounts his journey from his student days in Edinburgh to working as a journalist the front lines of Cold War history in Eastern Europe and beyond. In 1989 he found himself on the night shift at the BBC's Today programme in London when the Berlin Wall fell. Witnessing the world change in real time Allan's desire to be part of these monumental events grew stronger. He shares is his experience as a journalist during the Velvet Revolution in Czechoslovakia. Allan describes the electrifying atmosphere of Wenceslas Square and the fear of a violent crackdown. Allan also takes us to Romania during the fall of Nicolae Ceaușescu's brutal regime. He recounts in detail the chaos, the gunfire, and the bloody reality of the revolution's human cost . The episode also delves into his time covering the 1991 Gulf War in Baghdad. He describes the eerie experience of watching the city being bombed from his hotel room and the resilience of the people around him. As the episode draws to a close, Allan reflects on the lessons he's learned from his career. He reminds us that while we may know what a society is transitioning from, we should be cautious in predicting what it is transitioning to. His insights are a powerful reminder of the complexities of history and the importance of journalism. Episode extras https://coldwarconversations.com/episode357/ The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You'll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, and get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and you'll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history. Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, We also welcome one-off donations via the same link. Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/ Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Love history? Join Intohistory https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this week's Hemp Podcast, I recap my recent visit to the Heart of Europe, the Golden City, the City of a Hundred Spires, the capital city of the Czech Republic and the historical capital of the Kingdom of Bohemia — Prague. The occasion for my trip was the European Industrial Hemp Association's 21st annual Conference, this year held in the Czech Republic. I was invited to be part of an American delegation representing the American hemp industry. The trip was funded through a grant from the USDA Market Access Program, or MAPS. The Market Access Program allows the Foreign Agricultural Service, the FAS, to partner with American trade associations, cooperatives, trade groups and small business “to share the costs of overseas marketing and promotional activities that help build commercial export markets for U.S. agricultural products and commodities,” according to the USDA website. The National Industrial Hemp Council was given official cooperator status by the USDA earlier this year, giving it access to MAP funding. At the conference, I witnessed my fellow Americans developing relationships and making business deals, and I saw the purpose of the USDA's Market Access Program playing out in real time. During the conference, I interviewed over 30 hemp people from around the world. On this episode we'll hear what people had to say about hemp in Europe, what the U.S. can learn from the Europeans, what the Europeans can learn from the U.S., and a whole lot more. Before the conference started June 5, Lorenza Romanese, managing director of the European Industrial Hemp Association, was hopeful for a successful event. “I hope that people will engage. I hope that people will go back home knowing more than what they knew when they arrived,” she said. “I hope that they are able to develop business opportunities.” Francesco Mirizzi is senior policy advisor at EIHA and focuses on the fiber and grain sectors. He said the fiber industry is well developed in Europe, thanks in large part to farmers and processors in France. “We kept production in Europe after the Second World War, and we have something like seven or eight big size decortication facilities that allowed us to build a market for fiber,” he said, “mostly dedicated to specific paper application composites, and especially in the automobile industry, and fibers for insulation material in construction and chives (hurd) for construction, like hempcrete.” An epicenter of hemp construction in Europe is war-torn Ukraine, less than 800 miles to the east of Prague. Sergiy Kovalenkov is a Ukranian hemp builder who has been teaching refugees displaced by Russia's war on Ukraine how to rebuild with hemp. “We train the refugees, the people that lost their houses. And they started to build their own homes during the war using local biomass,” he said. “So when you tell me you have problems, trust me, let's go to Ukraine. I'll show you what problems are,” he said. Hana Gabrielová, a recent podcast guest, is from Czech Republic and was instrumental in bringing the conference to her home country. She has worked with hemp for over 20 years and is involved in many ares of hemp in Europe, including as a board member of EIHA as well as a member of the CzecHemp Cluster, an advisory board to help guide and grow the Czech hemp industry domestically and abroad. Gabrielová was very kind to me, pointing me in the right direction on Czech food, restaurants, pilsner, and what I should see while visiting this ancient city. She recommended the svíčková (pronounced sveech-covah), which she described as the national dish consisting of a root vegetable cream sauce and high quality beef sirloin, served with dumplings. It was good. As for what to see in Prague, she said I should see the astronomical clock in Old Town Square and the Charles Bridge over the River Vltava. “They are not far from each other,” she said. “Prague is not too big so you can walk it out and have a nice afternoon and see everything basically,” she said. I took her advice and wandered around the city each day after the conference ended. I cannot express to you how impressive the city was to me, with its ancient streets of cobblestone and castles and medieval fortresses. So much history in one place. But not all ancient history. I was inspired to learn more about the Velvet Revolution that took place in 1989. It started as student protests against the one party rule of the Czechoslovakian Communist Party. Within a week, the crowd grew to over 500,000 people in Wenceslas Square, shaking their house keys, telling the communists to step down and go home. It worked. By the end of the month, the party relinquished control over the people. I think we can all learn lessons from this story. We the people hold the power. IN this episode you will hear: 15:22 Hana Gabrielová https://hempoint.cz/en/ https://www.konopius.com/ 17:05 Lorenza Romanese EIHA Managing Director https://eiha.org/ 21:18 Francesco Mirizzi Sr. Policy Advisor, EIHA 27:06 Laurie Blanchecotte Antoine Moussie La Chanvrière 32:51 Sergiy Kovalenkov Ukrainian Hemp Builder https://hempire.tech 36:13 Jörg Morgner Axel Philipps https://www.temafa.com/ 38:43 Otilia Frolu Romanian Hemp Cluster 42:45 Stephania Christodoulou Pavlos Kitsis https://klostiki.com/ 50:15 Daniel Kruse https://hempconsult.com/daniel-kruse/ 53:26 Catherine Wilson https://uk.linkedin.com/in/catherine-wilson-b2a7133b 58:20 Christophe Nourissier https://en.augur.associates/equipe 1:07:26 Maciej Kowalski https://kombinatkonopny.pl/ 1:10:27 Daniel Matthews, Caroline Matthews, Tatham https://tatham-uk.com/ 1:12:47 Frederic Vallier Maren Krings Federation of International Hemp Organizations     https://marenkrings.com/ Learn More about USDA's Market Access program https://fas.usda.gov/programs/market-access-program-map Learn More about the National Industrial Hemp Council https://nihcoa.com/ News Nuggets Pa. Gov. Visits Lancaster County Hemp Farm to Announce Ag Innovation Grant https://www.lancasterfarming.com/farming-news/news/shapiro-farm-visit-promotes-10m-for-ag-innovation-in-budget-proposal/article_65f3adfe-2755-11ef-a48b-4f9a0a14b320.html 2024 NIHH Hemp Building WorkshopJune 20 – 21 • maple park, IL Register: https://nihh.org/ Read Eric Hurlock's blog about his trip to Praguehttps://www.lancasterfarming.com/farming-news/hemp/follow-lancaster-farming-at-the-2024-european-industrial-hemp-conference-in-prague/collection_64c3071c-1f54-11ef-aa56-63dfa0a4ce3f.html Lancaster Hemp Circuit, August 20-21Learn more and register: info@kingsagriseeds.com Thanks to Our Sponsors! IND Hemp in Fort Benton, Montana https://indhemp.com/ Pennsylvania Hemp Industry Council https://www.pahic.org/ Kings Agriseeds https://kingsagriseeds.com/ Forever Green https://www.getforevergreen.com/ Music by Tin Bird Shadow https://tinbirdshadow.bandcamp.com/album/dot-dot-dot

Interview with Michal Horáček, a successful song lyricist who has been a journalist, was active in the Velvet Revolution, became a gambling mogul and ran for president.

I'm a big fan of the History Daily podcast, where my good friend Lindsay Graham takes you back in time to explore a momentous moment that happened ‘on this day' in history. Visit Historydaily.com or search History Daily in your podcast app to learn more. As an introduction to History Daily I have selected two Cold War-themed episodes that I know you will enjoy. The first is the story of the nuclear-powered submarine USS Scorpion which disappeared in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean with 99 men on board on May 22, 1968. The second is the story of the Velvet Revolution when on November 17, 1989. Police violently shut down a student demonstration in Prague, sparking a revolution that ended communist rule in Czechoslovakia. The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You'll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, and get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and you'll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history. Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, We also welcome one-off donations via the same link. Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/ Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Love history? Join Intohistory https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to the Instant Trivia podcast episode 1168, where we ask the best trivia on the Internet. Round 1. Category: Finish The Line 1: The Beatles:"Yesterday all my troubles seemed...". so far away. 2: Francis Scott Key:"Oh! Say, can you see...". By the dawn's early light. 3: President Bush:"Read my lips...". no new taxes. 4: Clark Gable in "Gone with the Wind": "Frankly, my dear...". I don't give a damn. 5: Your mom:"Penny wise...". pound foolish. Round 2. Category: My Tv Dads 1: James Gandolfini led 2 types of families, each with their own unique sets of problems, on this HBO drama. The Sopranos. 2: In "Two and a Half Men", he was just Duckie playing Alan Harper, dad to the half-man. (Jon) Cryer. 3: On this show, Will moved in with his Auntie Viv and Uncle Phil, parents to Hilary, Ashley, Nicky and dance master Carlton. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. 4: Taiwanese immigrant Louis Huang makes a go of it in 1990s Orlando with his wife and 3 sons on this ABC sitcom. Fresh Off the Boat. 5: His 2017 Emmy award as dad and son on "This Is Us" was his second in two years--for your information, the "K" is for Kelby. (Sterling K.) Brown. Round 3. Category: Let'S Play Clue 1: This murder weapon could also light up the table in the dining room. Candlestick. 2: In the 1985 film based on Clue, this "Rocky Horror" actor played Wadsworth the butler. Tim Curry. 3: It's the main claim to fame of Anthony E. Pratt, a fire warden in Leeds, England. He invented the game ("Cluedo"). 4: He's the only academic among the 6 suspects. Professor Plum. 5: In the U.S. version, the game of Clue starts when this man is found dead in his mansion. Mr. Boddy. Round 4. Category: National Velvet. With Velvet in quotes 1: Bobby Vinton revived this Tony Bennett song and took it to No. 1 in 1963. Blue Velvet. 2: "Dark" mixed drink of stout beer and champagne. Black Velvet. 3: Holy Roman emperor Charles V spoke of power as "An iron hand in" one of these. a velvet glove. 4: Classic songs by this '60s band include "Venus in Furs" and "All Tomorrow's Parties". The Velvet Underground. 5: 1989 Czechoslovakian uprising that led to democratic elections. the "Velvet Revolution". Round 5. Category: Soft Rock 1: This French-Canadian woman topped the adult contemporary charts with "The Power Of Love" and "All By Myself". Céline Dion. 2: Putting the "easy" into easy listening, Lionel Richie sang, "That's why I'm easy, I'm easy like" this. Sunday morning. 3: Now known as Yusuf Islam, he embarked on the Peace Train Tour in 2014. Cat Stevens. 4: In the '80s this duo had a string of hits beginning with "Lost In Love" and "All Out Of Love". Air Supply. 5: Seals and Crofts made us feel fine with this tune, "blowing through the jasmine in my mind". "Summer Breeze". Thanks for listening! Come back tomorrow for more exciting trivia!Special thanks to https://blog.feedspot.com/trivia_podcasts/ AI Voices used

Ahimsa ~ Velvet Revolution (14 August 2007 - MSN Sessions)

Georgia, Armenia, Partnership & Politics in the South CaucasusConversations on GroongTopics:Georgian Nationalism and IdentityGeorgia, Armenia, post 2018Accession to the EUStrategic PartnershipGuest:Archil Sikharulidze - TW/@achosikhaHosts:Hovik Manucharyan - TW/@HovikYerevanAsbed Bedrossian - TW/@qubriqEpisode 315 | Recorded: March 12, 2024Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

SynopsisToday's date marks the birthday of a 20th-century Czech composer you perhaps have never heard of. Viktor Kalabis was born in 1923 and by 6 was giving public piano performances. All signs pointed to a brilliant career. But first, Kalabis had to face — and surmount — two major political hurdles.First, his formal musical studies were delayed by the Nazi occupation of his country in 1938, when he was forced into factory work; then, after the war, Kalabis met and married young harpsichordist Zuzana Ruzickova, who was a concentration camp survivor. Kalabis was a gentile, but in Stalinist Czechoslovakia, anti-Semitism was rampant and marrying a Jew was frowned upon. To make matters worse, they refused to join the Communist Party, hardly what one would call a smart career move in those years.Even so, Kalabis began to attract commissions and performances of his music at home and abroad, and following the 1989 Velvet Revolution, he assumed a more prominent position in his country's musical life.His symphonies, concertos and chamber works are now regarded as some of the most important contributions to Czech music in the late 20th century.Music Played in Today's ProgramViktor Kalabis (1923-2006): Piano Concerto No. 1; Zuzana Ruzickova, p; Czech Philharmonic; Karel Sejna, cond. MRS Classics MS-1350

Czech yeah! Prague is the unofficial capital of gay porn, and they are great at churning out the good stuff. Since the days of the Velvet Revolution, the locals have had an open attitude towards sex that has given us access to extra hot models, Czech hunters, and in one of today's videos, an excellent slow-mo replay. Don't be an eastern cock bloc and listen!Vanessa's MassageBe sure to rate Girls on Porn 5-Stars on Apple Podcast and Spotify! And leave your favorite search term OR your porn star name in the review for a chance to have it read on-air. Follow Us on Social Media:Show: @girlsonprnLaura: @ramadeiRachel: @_rrratchelShow Credits:Producer: Amanda CMixed and Edited by Grace HarperIntern: Matt WoodwardTheme by Eli JanneyAdvertise on Girls On Porn via Gumball.fmSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this day, November 24, in legal history, a pivotal event unfolded in Czechoslovakia, marking a significant turning point in the country's journey towards democracy. In 1989, the leaders of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia, under mounting pressure and facing an undeniable surge for change, resigned from their positions. This resignation was a direct response to the widespread protests and political movements demanding democratic reforms, a wave that had been sweeping across Eastern Europe following the decline of Soviet influence in the region.Central to this movement in Czechoslovakia was Vaclav Havel, a distinguished playwright and political dissident, who emerged as a leading figure in the opposition. Havel, who had long been an outspoken critic of the Communist regime, played a crucial role in the Velvet Revolution, a peaceful series of protests that ultimately led to the end of 41 years of Communist rule in Czechoslovakia. His actions, characterized by non-violent resistance and powerful advocacy for human rights, not only symbolized the yearning for freedom and democracy but also inspired a nation to strive for these ideals.The resignation of the Communist Party leaders on this day was a landmark victory for the Velvet Revolution and paved the way for significant legal and political changes in Czechoslovakia. This event marked the beginning of a transition from a one-party system to a parliamentary democracy, a transition that culminated in the election of Vaclav Havel as the first democratically elected President of Czechoslovakia in December 1989. His presidency represented not only a new era for Czechoslovakia but also symbolized the triumph of democratic principles over authoritarian rule in the post-Cold War era.The United Nations Special Rapporteur on toxics and human rights, Marcos A. Orellana, has initiated an investigation into three companies historically linked to DuPont, along with the governments of the Netherlands and the United States. This probe concerns the human rights and environmental impacts stemming from the release of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from a Fayetteville, North Carolina plant. In letters sent to these entities, Orellana expressed deep concern over the apparent disregard for human rights and environmental protections demonstrated by DuPont de Nemours Inc., the Chemours Co. LLC, and Corteva Agriscience LLC in their handling of PFAS, known for their potential harmful effects.Chemours responded with details of their efforts to control PFAS release at their Fayetteville Works factory, including significant pollution control measures and water treatment systems, which have cost over $200 million. They also highlighted a barrier wall to prevent chemical migration to local waters and provided data showing decreasing PFAS levels in the adjacent Cape Fear River. Corteva, on the other hand, clarified that it is an independent agricultural company and has neither produced nor sold the PFAS in question, though it inherited some liabilities related to PFAS under a 2021 settlement.The Netherlands detailed its compliance with international law in its dealings with Chemours, including requesting U.S. EPA permission for PFAS waste export from a Dutch Chemours plant to the North Carolina facility, a move highlighted by Orellana as potentially exacerbating the problem.Orellana criticized the U.S. for inadequate health and environmental protections, alleging that American regulatory failures have deprived North Carolina communities of essential information to prevent harm and seek reparation. He pointed out that legal actions against the companies have been insufficient, with enforcement and remediation measures falling short. This, according to Orellana, undermines the community members' rights to information and effective remedies. As of the report, responses from the U.S. government and DuPont were not immediately available on the UN's website.You will remember we reported on 3M's $10.3 billion PFAS settlement back in September, it appears likely as more is learned about PFAS that more litigation and ultimately more settlements will be in the offing. UN Probes DuPont, Chemours Over Human Rights Harms From PFASA $25 million settlement between Apple Inc. and the Department of Justice (DOJ) over allegations of hiring bias against U.S. citizens has underscored a broader dilemma in Big Tech regarding compliance with immigration laws. The case highlights a disconnect between the Department of Labor (DOL) and the DOJ in enforcing these laws, particularly in the context of sponsoring foreign workers for lawful permanent residency. Apple's case is the second major enforcement action against a U.S. employer for biases in sponsoring foreign workers, following a similar case with Facebook in 2021.Under the PERM (Permanent Labor Certification) program, companies sponsoring foreign workers must meet additional DOL recruiting requirements, which some attorneys find outdated, such as advertising in Sunday print newspapers. Despite adherence to DOL regulations, companies like Apple find themselves scrutinized by the DOJ for potential recruitment failures. The DOJ alleged that Apple took measures to depress applications from U.S. workers, including requiring paper applications and not advertising PERM positions on its external website.Large tech firms are particularly vulnerable to such scrutiny due to their heavy use of the PERM process and the H-1B visa program. For many foreign workers employed in the U.S. on temporary visas, progress toward permanent residency is crucial for renewing their temporary status, especially given the long wait times for green cards. The DOJ's position is that employers are not permitted to deter job applications based on citizenship or immigration status. However, this has raised concerns among immigration attorneys who argue that complying with the letter of DOL laws might still invite DOJ enforcement actions, creating a challenging environment for employers to navigate.The Apple case, following the Facebook settlement, signifies a growing enforcement trend by the DOJ and raises questions about the consistency and clarity of regulations governing the sponsorship of foreign workers for permanent residency. It also suggests the need for federal agencies to harmonize their approaches and update recruitment mandates to reflect modern hiring practices.Apple's Hiring Bias Case Reveals Big Tech Foreign Worker DilemmaThe Biden administration has defended the race-conscious admissions policy of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in a recent legal challenge. In a brief filed by the U.S. Department of Justice, the administration argued that the academy's affirmative action policies are crucial for ensuring a diverse and effective military force, which is integral to national security. This stance comes despite the U.S. Supreme Court's June ruling that struck down similar race-conscious admissions policies used by civilian colleges.The lawsuit, filed by Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA), a group founded by affirmative action opponent Edward Blum, alleges that West Point's practices discriminate against white applicants, violating the equal protection principle of the U.S. Constitution's Fifth Amendment. However, the Justice Department contends that SFFA lacks legal standing to sue and points out critical differences between civilian universities and military academies in their use of race in admissions.The administration emphasizes that diversity in the Army officer corps, fostered in part by West Point's admissions practices, results in a more effective, lethal, and legitimate force in the eyes of the nation and the world. The lawsuit seeks to end an exemption that allows military academies to consider race as a factor in admissions, an issue the Supreme Court did not address in its recent ruling.The Justice Department's brief highlights the racial disparities in the Army, noting that while Black and Hispanic people make up a significant portion of active duty enlisted personnel, they are underrepresented in officer positions. In contrast, white individuals constitute a larger percentage of officers compared to their representation in the enlisted corps. The case, which will have arguments heard on December 21, raises crucial questions about the role of race in military academy admissions and its impact on the composition and effectiveness of the U.S. military.Biden administration defends West Point's race-conscious admissions policy | ReutersThe 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans is proposing a rule requiring lawyers to certify their use of artificial intelligence (AI) in drafting legal briefs. This proposed rule, a first among the nation's 13 federal appeals courts, aims to regulate the use of generative AI tools like OpenAI's ChatGPT. Lawyers would need to confirm that any AI-generated text in court filings has been reviewed for accuracy, particularly citations and legal analysis. Failure to comply could result in filings being stricken and potential sanctions.This move comes as the legal community increasingly grapples with the implications of AI in the courtroom. The need for such a rule was highlighted by an incident in June, where two New York lawyers faced sanctions for submitting a brief with fictitious case citations generated by ChatGPT. The 5th Circuit's initiative follows similar actions by district courts in its jurisdiction, including the Eastern District of Texas, which recently announced a rule requiring lawyers to verify any computer-generated content.These measures reflect a growing awareness of the potential inaccuracies in AI-generated legal content and the importance of ensuring that AI tools do not replace the critical thinking and problem-solving skills required in legal practice. The 5th Circuit is currently seeking public comment on this proposal until January 4.US appeals court proposes lawyers certify review of AI use in filings | Reuters Get full access to Minimum Competence - Daily Legal News Podcast at www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

News; Charter 77 signatory stages hunger strike over low pensions for ex-dissidents; experts sound alarm bells for children's mental health in Czechia; UK historian Timothy Garton Ash on the Velvet Revolution and where Europe is headed today

In the tenth part of "The Slovak Snapshots" podcast, we'll traverse through a diverse landscape of news in Slovakia. From groundbreaking scientific achievements that will leave you in awe, to inspiring community initiatives that'll warm your heart, we've got it all covered. This podcast is purely about Slovakia in English.On Monday, November 13, Robert Fico issued a press release announcing the four news organizations are not welcome at the premises of the Government Office of the Slovak Republic adding that “We will review their access and work. Until then, they are uninvited guests.”In 1989, just eight days after the fall of the Berlin Wall, a student protest against communist rule was violently staged in Prague, the capital of Czechoslovakia. The crackdown on November 17th only strengthened the protest movement, and within days hundreds of thousands of people were in the streets, starting the Velvet Revolution, the beginning of the end of the communist regime in Czechoslovakia.Slovak skier Petra Vlhová won the opening slalom of the new World Cup season in a commanding manner. In Levi, Finland, she performed the fastest ride in both rounds and triumphed with a victory of 1.41 seconds ahead of the German Lena Dürr. The podcast used a short sample from youtube.com/SME and youtube.com/EUROSPORT."The Slovak Snapshots" podcast is written and recorded by Zorislav Poljak in cooperation with Ivan Hrušovský and Peter Hanák.

November 17, 1989. Police violently shut down a student demonstration in Prague, sparking a revolution that ends communist rule in Czechoslovakia.Support the show! Join Into History for ad-free listening and more.History Daily is a co-production of Airship and Noiser.Go to HistoryDaily.com for more history, daily.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A phone call linking Bratislava with Prague on the occasion of the 34th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution opens a special program in which Martina, Ben and Martin are discussing not only the change of the communist regime in former Czechoslovakia but also revolutionary events in personal lives of listeners of Radio Slovakia International.

Here are some historical events that happened on November 17:1558: Elizabeth I acceded to the English throne.1869: The Suez Canal opened in Egypt, linking the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea.1911: The Omega Psi Phi fraternity, the first African-American fraternity at a historically black college, was founded at Howard University.1970: The Soviet Union landed an unmanned, remote-controlled vehicle called Lunokhod 1 on the Moon.1973: The Watergate scandal hearings began in the United States.1989: Velvet Revolution began in Czechoslovakia, leading to the end of 41 years of communist rule.2003: The world's first space tourist, American businessman Dennis Tito, returned to Earth aboard the Russian spacecraft Soyuz TM-32.2014: The Rosetta mission's Philae lander successfully landed on Comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko, marking the first time a spacecraft had landed on a comet.These are just a few examples, and many more events, both significant and minor, have occurred on November 17 throughout history.Podcast Website:https://atozenglishpodcast.com/a-to-z-this-day-in-world-history-november-17th/Social Media:Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok:@atozenglish1Instagram:@atozenglish22Twitter:@atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ADonate to the show: https://app.redcircle.com/shows/9472af5c-8580-45e1-b0dd-ff211db08a90/donationsRobin and Jack started a new You Tube channel called English Word Master. You can check it out here:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2aXaXaMY4P2VhVaEre5w7ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Intro/Outro Music: Daybird by Broke for Freehttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/Directionless_EP/Broke_For_Free_-_Directionless_EP_-_03_Day_Bird/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcodehttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/eaters/simian-samba/audrey-horne/https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Joplin/Piano_Rolls_from_archiveorg/ScottJoplin-RagtimeDance1906/https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today's storyteller is Petra Gatek, sharing a story about how her cancer diagnosis precipitated a major shift in pursuing her true passion. Then we have a conversation about growing up under communism in Czechoslovakia, and becoming an entrepreneur after The Velvet Revolution.Petra's branding and photography services can be found here: https://petragatto.comFollow True Story London online: https://linktr.ee/TrueStoryLDNFind out about our live shows, workshops and past podcast episodes on our website: https://www.truestorylondon.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michal Horáček, co-writer of several of Czechia's best-loved songs, shares some great stories about his family, the Velvet Revolution, his bid for president and far more.

The nation's hopes rose with the 2018 Velvet Revolution, then came crashing down during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh War. Ruben Malayan is a calligrapher who not only lived through these ups and downs but, through his art, helped shape them. Support the show

The Age is coming to an end, my friend. Twilight has fallen. But a little light still remains...== CAST ==Game Master - https://twitter.com/GrimJack21502Casey Mitchell - https://twitter.com/unMadeGamingShannon Locke - https://twitter.com/TheMetamancerGeorge Butts - https://twitter.com/BolognaSlapJerry Baker - https://twitter.com/MisterBittersCARobert Ott - https://twitter.com/KWFragsEditing by @unMadeGamingMusic / Instrumental by Aries Beats @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1At_G-08HQAtari Twilight is an unMadeGaming production. If you would like to learn more about the world of Atari Twilight and get some behind-the-scenes looks, please join Patreon at Patreon.com/uMGPodNetwork. Thank you for joining us on this 80's throwback, and we'll see you next time on Atari Twilight.

In-depth interview with Michael Horáček, popular song lyricist, journalist, Velvet Revolution figure, ex-betting industry heavyweight and 2018 presidential candidate.

answering questions from the gram @songsoftoriamos ~ 1. Maybe California (6 May 2009 - Vienna, AUS) 2. Purple People (16 December 2001 - Poland Radio 3) 3. Space Dog (13 April 1994 - Dusseldorf, GER) 4. Wild Way (1 August 2014 - St Louis, MO) 5. Take to the Sky (2 December 1999 - Wallingford, CT) 6. Bouncing off Clouds (11 July 2010 - Bruges, BEL) 7. Happiness is a Warm Gun (9 June 2014 - Stuttgart, GER) 8. Climb (29 September 2017 - Berlin, GER) 9. Don't Make Me Come to Vegas (26 May 2014 - Rotterdam, NET) 10. Northern Lad (4 October 2011 - Luxembourg, LUX) 11. Selkie (8 August 2014 - Nashville, TN) 12. Icicle (18 April 1994 - Milan, ITA) 13. The Beekeeper (19 June 2005 - Copenhagen, DEN) 14. Sweet Dreams (7 October 2001 - Washington, DC) 15. Velvet Revolution (8 November 2011 - Belfast, IRE) 16. Cruel/Sweet Sangria (1 August 2015 - Stockholm, SWE) 17. 16 Shades of Blue (31 May 2014 - Zurich, SWI) 18. Dragon (28 October 2011 - Antwerp, BEL) 19. Amber Waves (1 August 2008 - Dranouter, BEL)

Prague, Czechia: Travel Snaffoos, Bone Cathedrals and the Velvet Revolution

www.michaelstrangefoundation.org www.patreon.com/WARMODE  

Markos Kounalakis is a Visiting Fellow at Stanford University's Hoover Institution and an award-winning, nationally-syndicated foreign affairs columnist, author, and scholar. He's also a veritable legend in the world of Journalism, covering the developments in Eastern Europe at the end of the 20th Century, from the fall of the Berlin Wall to the Velvet Revolution in Prague. He was present at the Warsaw Pact meeting, covered the early phases of Yugoslavia's civil war, and went to Afghanistan with the Soviets to cover the last stages of their military occupation and the rise of the Mujahedin. He's also the first Second Gentleman of California, married to Lt. Governor Elani Kounalakis.