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Last time we spoke about the Changsha fire. Chiang Kai-shek faced a brutal choice: defend Wuhan to the last man or flood the land to slow the invaders. He chose both, pushing rivers and rallying a fractured army as Japanese forces pressed along the Yangtze. Fortresses at Madang held long, but the cost was high—troops lost, civilians displaced, a city's heart burning in the night. Wuhan fell after months of brutal fighting, yet the battle did not break China's will. Mao Zedong urged strategy over martyrdom, preferring to drain the enemy and buy time for a broader struggle. The Japanese, though victorious tactically, found their strength ebbing, resource strains, supply gaps, and a war that felt endless. In the wake of Wuhan, Changsha stood next in the Japanese crosshairs, its evacuation and a devastating fire leaving ash and memory in its wake. Behind these prices, political currents swirled. Wang Jingwei defected again, seeking power beyond Chiang's grasp, while Chongqing rose as a western bastion of resistance. The war hardened into a protracted stalemate, turning Japan from an aggressive assailant into a wary occupier, and leaving China to endure, persist, and fight on.   #175  The Soviet-Japanese Border Conflicts Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. So based on the title of this one, you probably can see we are taking a bit of a detour. For quite some time we have focused on the Japanese campaigns into China proper 1937-1938. Now the way the second sino-japanese war is traditionally broken down is in phases. 1937-1938, 1939-1942 and 1942-1945. However there is actually even more going on in China aside from the war with Japan. In Xinjiang province a large full blown Islamic revolution breaks out in 1937. We will be covering that story at a later date, but another significant event is escalating border skirmishes in Manchukuo. Now these border skirmishes had been raging ever since the USSR consolidated its hold over the far east. We talked about some of those skirmishes prior to the Sino-Soviet war in 1929. However when Japan created the puppet government of Manchukuo, this was a significant escalation in tensions with the reds. Today we are going to talk about the escalating border conflicts between the Soviets and Japan. A tongue of poorly demarcated land extends southeast from Hunchun, hugging the east bank of the Tumen River between Lake Khasan to the east and Korea to the west. Within this tongue stands Changkufeng Hill, one of a long chain of highlands sweeping from upstream along the rivers and moors toward the sea. The twin-peaked hill sits at the confluence area several miles northwest of the point where Manchuria, Korea, and the Russian Far East meet. The hill's shape reminded Koreans of their changgo, which is a long snare drum constricted at the center and tapped with the hands at each end. When the Manchus came to the Tumen, they rendered the phonetic sounds into three ideographic characters meaning "taut drum peaks" or Chang-ku-feng. The Japanese admired the imagery and preserved the Chinese readings, which they pronounce Cho-ko-ho. From their eastern vantage, the Russians called it Zaozernaya, "hill behind the lake." Soviet troops referred to it as a sugar-loaf hill. For many years, natives and a handful of officials in the region cultivated a relaxed attitude toward borders and sovereignty. Even after the Japanese seized Manchuria in 1931, the issue did not immediately come to a head. With the expansion of Manchukuo and the Soviet Far East under Stalin's Five-Year plans, both sides began to attend more closely to frontier delimitation. Whenever either party acted aggressively, force majeure was invoked to justify the unexpected and disruptive events recognized in international law. Most often, these incidents erupted along the eastern Manchurian borders with the USSR or along the 350-mile frontier south of Lake Khanka, each skirmish carrying the seeds of all-out warfare. Now we need to talk a little bit about border history. The borders in question essentially dated to pacts concluded by the Qing dynasty and the Tsardom. Between the first Sino-Russian Treaty of Nerchinsk in 1689 and the Mukden Agreement of 1924, there were over a dozen accords governing the borders. Relevant to Changkufeng were the basic 15-article Convention of Peking, supplementing the Tientsin Treaties of November 1860, some maps made in 1861, and the eight-article Hunchun Border Protocol of 1886. By the 1860 treaty, the Qing ceded to Tsarist Russia the entire maritime province of Siberia, but the meaning of "lands south of Lake Khanka" remained rather vague. Consequently, a further border agreement was negotiated in June 1861 known as "the Lake Khanka Border Pact", by which demarcations were drawn on maps and eight wooden markers erected. The border was to run from Khanka along ridgelines between the Hunchun River and the sea, past Suifenho and Tungning, terminating about 6 miles from the mouth of the Tumen. Then a Russo-Chinese commission established in 1886 drew up the Hunchun Border Pact, proposing new or modified markers along the 1860–1861 lines and arranging a Russian resurvey. However, for the Japanese, in 1938, the Chinese or Manchu texts of the 1886 Hunchun agreement were considered controlling. The Soviets argued the border ran along every summit west of Khasan, thereby granting them jurisdiction over at least the eastern slopes of all elevations, including Changkufeng and Shachaofeng.  Since the Qing dynasty and the house of Romanov were already defunct, the new sovereignties publicly appealed to opposing texts, and the Soviet side would not concede that the Russian-language version had never been deemed binding by the Qing commissioners. Yet, even in 1938, the Japanese knew that only the Chinese text had survived or could be located.    Now both the Chinese and Russian military maps generally drew the frontier along the watershed east of Khasan; this aligned with the 1861 readings based on the Khanka agreement. The Chinese Republican Army conducted new surveys sometime between 1915 and 1920. The latest Chinese military map of the Changkufeng area drew the border considerably closer to the old "red line" of 1886, running west of Khasan but near the shore rather than traversing the highland crests. None of the military delimitations of the border was sanctified by an official agreement. Hence, the Hunchun Protocol, whether well known or not, invaluable or worthless, remained the only government-to-government pact dealing with the frontiers.  Before we jump into it, how about a little summary of what became known as the Soviet-Japanese border conflicts. The first major conflict would obviously be the Russo-Japanese war of 1904-1905. Following years of conflict between the Russian Empire and Japan culminating in the costly Battle of Tsushima, Tsar Nicholas II's government sought peace, recognizing Japan's claims to Korea and agreeing to evacuate Manchuria.  From 1918 to 1920, the Imperial Japanese Army, under Emperor Taishō after the death of Meiji, assisted the White Army and Alexander Kerensky against the Bolshevik Red Army. They also aided the Czechoslovak Legion in Siberia to facilitate its return to Europe after an Austrian-Hungarian armoured train purportedly went astray. By 1920, with Austria-Hungary dissolved and Czechoslovakia established two years earlier, the Czechoslovak Legion reached Europe. Japan withdrew from the Russian Revolution and the Civil War in 1922. Following Japan's 1919-1920 occupations and the Soviet intervention in Mongolia in 1921, the Republic of China also withdrew from Outer Mongolia in 1921. In 1922, after capturing Vladivostok in 1918 to halt Bolshevik advances, Japanese forces retreated to Japan as Bolshevik power grew and the postwar fatigue among combatants increased. After Hirohito's invasion of Manchuria in 1931–1932, following Taishō's death in 1926, border disputes between Manchukuo, the Mongolian People's Republic, and the Soviet Union increased. Many clashes stemmed from poorly defined borders, though some involved espionage. Between 1932 and 1934, the Imperial Japanese Army reported 152 border disputes, largely tied to Soviet intelligence activity in Manchuria, while the Soviets accused Japan of 15 border violations, six air intrusions, and 20 cases of "spy smuggling" in 1933 alone. Numerous additional violations followed in the ensuing years. By the mid-1930s, Soviet-Japanese diplomacy and trust had deteriorated further, with the Japanese being openly labeled "fascist enemies" at the Seventh Comintern Congress in July 1935. Beginning in 1935, conflicts significantly escalated. On 8 January 1935, the first armed clash, known as the Halhamiao incident, took place on the border between Mongolia and Manchukuo. Several dozen cavalrymen of the Mongolian People's Army crossed into Manchuria near disputed fishing grounds and engaged an 11‑man Manchukuo Imperial Army patrol near the Buddhist temple at Halhamiao, led by a Japanese military advisor. The Manchukuo Army sustained 6 wounded and 2 dead, including the Japanese officer; the Mongols suffered no casualties and withdrew after the Japanese sent a punitive expedition to reclaim the area. Two motorized cavalry companies, a machine‑gun company, and a tankette platoon occupied the position for three weeks without resistance. In June 1935, the first direct exchange of fire between the Japanese and Soviets occurred when an 11‑man Japanese patrol west of Lake Khanka was attacked by six Soviet horsemen, reportedly inside Manchukuo territory. In the firefight, one Soviet soldier was killed and two horses were captured. The Japanese requested a joint investigation, but the Soviets rejected the proposal. In October 1935, nine Japanese and 32 Manchukuoan border guards were establishing a post about 20 kilometers north of Suifenho when they were attacked by 50 Soviet soldiers. The Soviets opened fire with rifles and five heavy machine guns. Two Japanese and four Manchukuoan soldiers were killed, and another five were wounded. The Manchukuoan foreign affairs representative lodged a verbal protest with the Soviet consul at Suifenho. The Kwantung Army of Japan also sent an intelligence officer to investigate the clash. On 19 December 1935, a Manchukuoan unit reconnoitering southwest of Buir Lake clashed with a Mongolian party, reportedly capturing 10 soldiers. Five days later, 60 truck‑borne Mongolian troops assaulted the Manchukuoans and were repulsed, at the cost of three Manchukuoan dead. On the same day, at Brunders, Mongolian forces attempted three times to drive out Manchukuoan outposts, and again at night, but all attempts failed. Further small attempts occurred in January, with Mongolians using airplanes for reconnaissance. The arrival of a small Japanese force in three trucks helped foil these attempts; casualties occurred on both sides, though Mongolian casualties are unknown aside from 10 prisoners taken. In February 1936, Lieutenant-Colonel Sugimoto Yasuo was ordered to form a detachment from the 14th Cavalry Regiment to "drive the Outer Mongol intruders from the Olankhuduk region," a directive attributed to Lieutenant-General Kasai Heijuro. Sugimoto's detachment included cavalry guns, heavy machine guns, and tankettes. They faced a force of about 140 Mongolians equipped with heavy machine guns and light artillery. On February 12, Sugimoto's men drove the Mongolians south, at the cost of eight Japanese killed, four wounded, and one tankette destroyed. The Japanese began to withdraw, but were attacked by 5–6 Mongolian armored cars and two bombers, which briefly disrupted the column. The situation was stabilized when the Japanese unit received artillery support, allowing them to destroy or repel the armored cars. In March 1936, the Tauran incident occurred. In this clash, both the Japanese Army and the Mongolian Army deployed a small number of armored fighting vehicles and aircraft. The incident began when 100 Mongolian and six Soviet troops attacked and occupied the disputed village of Tauran, Mongolia, driving off the small Manchurian garrison. They were supported by light bombers and armored cars, though the bombing sorties failed to inflict damage on the Japanese, and three bombers were shot down by Japanese heavy machine guns. Local Japanese forces counter-attacked, conducting dozens of bombing sorties and finally assaulting Tauran with 400 men and 10 tankettes. The result was a Mongolian rout, with 56 Mongolian soldiers killed, including three Soviet advisors, and an unknown number wounded. Japanese losses were 27 killed and 9 wounded. Later in March 1936, another border clash occurred between Japanese and Soviet forces. Reports of border violations prompted the Japanese Korean Army to send ten men by truck to investigate, but the patrol was ambushed by 20 Soviet NKVD soldiers deployed about 300 meters inside territory claimed by Japan. After suffering several casualties, the Japanese patrol withdrew and was reinforced with 100 men, who then drove off the Soviets. Fighting resumed later that day when the NKVD brought reinforcements. By nightfall, the fighting had ceased and both sides had pulled back. The Soviets agreed to return the bodies of two Japanese soldiers who had died in the fighting, a development viewed by the Japanese government as encouraging. In early April 1936, three Japanese soldiers were killed near Suifenho in another minor affray. This incident was notable because the Soviets again returned the bodies of the fallen servicemen. In June 1937, the Kanchazu Island incident occurred on the Amur River along the Soviet–Manchukuo border. Three Soviet gunboats crossed the river's center line, disembarked troops, and occupied Kanchazu Island. Japanese forces from the IJA 1st Division, equipped with two horse-drawn 37 mm artillery pieces, quickly established improvised firing positions and loaded their guns with both high-explosive and armor-piercing shells. They shelled the Soviet vessels, sinking the lead gunboat, crippling the second, and driving off the third. Japanese troops subsequently fired on the swimming crewmen from the sunken ships using machine guns. Thirty-seven Soviet soldiers were killed, while Japanese casualties were zero. The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs protested and demanded the Soviet forces withdraw from the island. The Soviet leadership, apparently shocked by the incident and reluctant to escalate, agreed to evacuate their troops. By 1938 the border situation had deteriorated. The tangled terrain features, mountain, bog, stream, forest, and valley, would have complicated even careful observers' discernment of the old red line drawn in 1886. Fifty years later, the markers themselves had undergone a metamorphosis. Japanese investigators could find, at most, only 14 to 17 markers standing fairly intact between the Tumen estuary and Khanka—roughly one every 25 miles at best. The remainder were missing or ruined; five were found in new locations. Marker "K," for example, was 40 meters deeper inside Manchuria, away from Khanka. Japanese military experts noted that of the 20 markers originally set along the boundaries of Hunchun Prefecture alone, only four could be found by the summer of 1938. The rest had either been wrecked or arbitrarily moved and discarded by Russian or Chinese officials and inhabitants. It is even said that one missing marker could be seen on display in Khabarovsk. The Chinese had generally interpreted the boundary as the road line just west of Khasan, at least in practice. Free road movement, however, had become a problem even 20 years before the Japanese overran Manchuria in 1931–1932 during the so-called Manchurian Incident. The Japanese adopted, or inherited, the Chinese interpretation, which was based on the 1886 agreement on border roads; the key clause held that the frontier west of Khasan would be the road along the lake. Japanese sources emphasize that local residents' anger toward gradual Soviet oppression and penetrations westward into Manchurian territory fueled the conflict. Many natives believed the original boundaries lay east of the lake, but the Soviets adjusted the situation to suit their own convenience. In practice, the Russians were restricting road use just west of Khasan by Manchurian and Korean residents. There was speculation that this was a prelude to taking over the ridgelines, depending on the reaction of the Manchukuoan–Japanese side. Villagers who went to streams or the lake to launder clothing found themselves subjected to sniper fire. Along a 25-mile stretch of road near Shachaofeng, farmers reported coming under fire from new Soviet positions as early as November 1935. Nevertheless, Japanese and Koreans familiar with the Tumen area noted agrarian, seasonal Korean religious rites atop Changkufeng Hill, including fattened pigs sacrificed and changgo drums beaten. Village elders told Japanese visitors in 1938 that, until early the preceding year, no Russians had come as far as Changkufeng Hill. Looking only at the border sector around Changkufeng, the easy days were clearly behind us. In the summer of 1938, Gaimusho "Foreign Ministry" observers described the explosive situation along the Korea–Manchuria–USSR borders as a matter of de facto frontiers. Both sides pressed against each other, and their trigger-happy posture was summed up in the colloquial refrain: "Take another step and we'll let you have it." Near dawn on 13 June 1938, a Manchurian patrol detected a suspicious figure in the fog swirling over Changlingtzu Hill on the Siberian–Manchurian frontier. Challenged at 15 feet, the suspect hurled two pistols to the ground and raised his hands in surrender. At headquarters, the police soon realized this was no routine border-trespassing case. The man was a defector and he was a Russian general, in fact he was the director of all NKVD forces in the Soviet Far East. Beneath a mufti of spring coat and hunting cap, he wore a full uniform with medals. His identification card No. 83 designated him as G. S. Lyushkov, Commissar 3rd Class, countersigned by Nikolai Yezhov, NKVD head in Moscow. Lyushkov was promptly turned over to the Japanese military authorities, who transferred him to Seoul and then to Tokyo under close escort. On 1 July, the Japanese press was permitted to disclose that Lyushkov had sought refuge in Japan. Ten days later, to capitalize on the commissar's notoriety and to confound skeptics, the Japanese produced Lyushkov at a press conference in Tokyo. For the Japanese and foreign correspondents, who met separately with him, Lyushkov described Soviet Far East strength and the turmoil wracking the USSR, because for those of you unfamiliar this was during the Stalinist purges. Clearly, the Japanese had gained a unique reservoir of high-level intelligence and a wealth of materials, including notes scratched in blood by suspects incarcerated at Khabarovsk. A general tightening of Russian frontier security had recently been reported. Natives of Fangchuanting asserted that a Soviet cavalry patrol appeared in June, seemingly for the first time. Contact with Yangkuanping, northwest of Khasan, was severed. More importantly, Japanese Army Signal Corps intelligence detected a surge of Soviet message traffic from the Posyet Bay district. After Lyushkov's defection, a drastic reshuffle in the local Russian command apparently occurred, and responsibility for border surveillance seems to have been reallocated. Japanese records indicate that the Novokievsk security force commander was relieved and the sector garrison replaced by troops from Vladivostok. Gaimusho intelligence also received reports that a border garrison unit had been transferred from Khabarovsk or Chita to the Tumen sector. The Kwantung Army signal monitors also intercepted two significant frontline messages on 6 July from the new Russian local commander in the Posyet region, addressed to Lieutenant General Sokolov in Khabarovsk. Decoded, the messages suggested (1) that ammunition for infantry mortars amounted to less than half the required supply; and  (2) a recommendation that higher headquarters authorize Russian elements to secure certain unoccupied high ground west of Khasan.  The commander noted terrain advantages and the contemplated construction of emplacements that would command Najin and the Korean railway. As a start, at least one Russian platoon should be authorized to dig in on the highest ground (presumably Changkufeng) and deploy four tons of entanglements to stake out the Soviet claim. Korea Army Headquarters received a telegram from the Kwantung Army on 7 July conveying the deciphered messages. On the same day, the 19th Division in North Korea telephoned Seoul that, on 6 July, three or four Soviet horsemen had been observed reconnoitering Manchurian territory from atop a hill called Changkufeng. The alarming intelligence from the Kwantung Army and the front warranted immediate attention by the Korea Army. Some Kwantung Army officers doubted the significance of the developments, with one intelligence official even suggesting the Russian messages might be a deliberate ploy designed to entrap the Japanese at Changkufeng. On 7–8 July, all staff officers in Seoul convened at army headquarters. The name of Changkufeng Hill was not well known, but maps and other data suggested that neither the Japanese nor the Russians had previously stationed border units in the ridge complex west of Khasan. As early as March 1936, Army Commander Koiso Kuniaki had distributed maps to subordinate units, indicating which sectors were in dispute. No patrol was to enter zones lacking definitive demarcation. Until then, the only Japanese element east of the Tumen was a Manchurian policeman at Fangchuanting. Ownership of the high ground emerged as an early issue. A number of other points were raised by  the Kwantung Army: At present, Soviet elements in the area were negligible. The intrusion must not be overlooked. The Russians could be expected to exploit any weakness, and half-measures would not suffice, especially regarding the Japanese defense mission along a 125-mile frontier. In Japanese hands, Changkufeng Hill would be useful, but two excellent observation posts already existed in the neighboring sector of the Manchurian tongue. With dissidence and purges underway, the Russians may have judged it necessary to seal border gaps, particularly after Lyushkov's defection. They may also have sought to control Changkufeng to offset Japanese dominance of the high ground to the north. Soviet seizure of Changkufeng would upset the delicate status quo and could provoke a contest for equivalent observation posts. In broader terms, it mattered little whether the Russians sought a permanent observation post on Changkufeng Hill, which was of relatively minor strategic value. Japan's primary concern lay in the China theater; Changkufeng was peripheral. The Japanese should not expend limited resources or become distracted. The matter required consultation with the high command in Tokyo. In the absence of more comprehensive intelligence, the assembled staff officers concluded that the Korea Army should, at a minimum, ignore or disregard Soviet actions for the time being, while maintaining vigilant observation of the area. The consensus was communicated to Major General Kitano Kenzo, the Korea Army chief of staff, who concurred, and to Koiso. Upon learning that the recommendation advocated a low posture, Koiso inquired only whether the opinion reflected the unanimous view of the staff. Having been assured that it did, he approved the policy. Koiso, then 58, was at the threshold of the routine personnel changes occurring around 15 July. He had just been informed that he would retire and that General Nakamura Kotaro would succeed him. Those acquainted with Koiso perceived him as treating the border difficulties as a minor anticlimax in the course of his command tour. He appeared unemphatic or relaxed as he prepared to depart from a post he had held for twenty-one years. Although neither Koiso nor his staff welcomed the Soviet activities that appeared under way, his reaction likely reflected a reluctance to make decisions that could constrain his soon-to-arrive successor. On 8 July Koiso authorized the dispatch of warnings to the 19th Division at Nanam, to the Hunchun garrison, and to the intelligence branch at Hunchun. These units were instructed to exercise maximum precautions and to tighten frontier security north of Shuiliufeng. In response to the initial appearance of Soviet horsemen at Changkufeng, the Kucheng Border Garrison Unit of the 76th Infantry Regiment maintained close surveillance across the Tumen. By about noon on 9 July, patrols detected approximately a dozen Russian troops commencing construction atop Changkufeng. Between 11 and 13 July, the number of soldiers on the slopes increased to forty; there were also thirty horses and eleven camouflaged tents. Operating in shifts on the western side, thirty meters from the crest, the Russians erected barbed wire and firing trenches; fifty meters forward, they excavated observation trenches. In addition to existing telephone lines between Changkufeng, Lake Khasan, and Kozando, the Russians installed a portable telephone net. Logistical support was provided by three boats on the lake. Approximately twenty kilometers to the east, well within Soviet territory, large forces were being mobilized, and steamship traffic into Posyet Bay intensified. Upon learning of the "intrusion" at Changkufeng on 9 July, Lt. General Suetaka Kamezo, the commander of the 19th Division, dispatched staff officers to the front and prepared to send elements to reinforce border units.  The special significance of Suetaka and his division stemmed from a series of unusual circumstances. Chientao Province, the same zone into which Lyushkov had fled and the sector where Soviet horsemen had appeared, fell within Manchukuo geographically and administratively. Yet, in terms of defense, the configuration of the frontier, the terrain, and the transportation network more closely connected the region with North Korea than with southeastern Manchuria. Approximately 80% of the population was of Korean origin, which implied Japanese rather than Manchukuoan allegiance. Consequently, the Korea Army had been made operationally responsible for the defense of Chientao and controlled not only the three-battalion garrison at Hunchun but also the intelligence detachment located there. In the event of war, the Korea Army's mission was defined as mobilization and execution of subsidiary operational tasks against the USSR, under the control and in support of the Kwantung Army.  The Korea Army ordinarily possessed two infantry divisions, the 19th in North Korea and the 20th stationed at Seoul, but the 20th Division had already departed for China, leaving only the 20th Depot Division in the capital. Beyond sparse ground units, devoid of armor and with weak heavy artillery, there were only two air regiments in Korea, the nearest being the unit at Hoeryong. The Korea Army was designed to maintain public security within Korea as well as fulfill minimal defensive responsibilities. Such an army did not require a full-time operations officer, and none was maintained. When needed, as in mid-1938, the task fell to the senior staff officer, in this case Colonel Iwasaki Tamio. In peacetime, training constituted the primary focus.  Thus, the 19th Division was entrusted with defending northeastern Korea. Its commander, Suetaka, a seasoned infantryman, resented the fact that his elite force had never engaged in combat in China. He intensified training with zeal, emphasizing strict discipline, bravery, aggressiveness, and thorough preparation. Japanese veterans characterized him as severe, bullish, short-tempered, hot-blooded, highly strung, unbending, and stubborn. Nonetheless, there was widespread respect for his realistic training program, maintained under firm, even violent, personal supervision. His men regarded Suetaka as a professional, a modern samurai who forged the division into superb condition. Privately, he was reputed for sensitivity and warmth; a Japanese phrase "yakamashii oyaji" captures the dual sense of stern father and martinet in his character. At the outset, however, Suetaka displayed little aggression. Although not widely known, he did not welcome the orders from army headquarters to deploy to the Tumen. Until late July, he remained somewhat opposed to the notion of dislodging the Soviets from the crest, a proposition arising from neither the division staff nor, initially, Suetaka himself. Colonel Sato noted that, for a week after reports of Soviet excavation at Changkufeng, the division's response was limited to preparations for a possible emergency, as they perceived the matter as a local issue best settled through diplomacy. Korea Army officers acknowledged that, around the time the Soviets consolidated their outpost strength at Changkufeng, an informal and personal telegram arrived in Seoul from a Kwantung Army Intelligence field-grade officer who specialized in Soviet affairs. If the Korea Army hesitated, the Kwantung Army would be obliged to eject the Russians; the matter could not be ignored. While the telegram did not demand a reply and struck several officers as presumptuous and implausible, the message was promptly shown to Koiso. Koiso was driven to immediate action, he wired Tokyo asserting that only the Korea Army could and would handle the incident. One staff officer recalled "We felt we had to act, out of a sense of responsibility. But we resented the Kwantung Army's interference." The Korea Army staff convened shortly after receipt of the unofficial telegram from Hsinking. Based on the latest intelligence from the division dated 13 July, the officers prepared an assessment for submission to the army commander. The hypotheses were distilled into three scenarios: The USSR, or the Far East authorities, desires hostilities. Conclusion: Slightly possible. The USSR seeks to restrain Japan on the eve of the pivotal operations in China: the major Japanese offensive to seize Hankow. Conclusion: Highly probable. The Posyet district commander is new in his post; by occupying the Changkufeng ridges, he would demonstrate loyalty, impress superiors, and seek glory. Conclusion: Possible. Late on 13 July or early on 14 July, Koiso approved the dispatch of a message to the vice minister of war, and the Kwantung Army chief of staff:  "Lake Khasan area lies in troublesome sector USSR has been claiming . . . in accordance with treaties [said Secret Message No. 913], but we interpret it to be Manchukuoan territory, evident even from maps published by Soviet side. Russian actions are patently illegal, but, considering that area does not exert major or immediate influence on operations [Japan] is intending and that China Incident is in full swing, we are not going to conduct counterattack measures immediately. This army is thinking of reasoning with Soviets and requesting pullback, directly on spot. . . . In case Russians do not accede in long run, we have intention to drive Soviet soldiers out of area east of Khasan firmly by use of force."  The message concluded with a request that the Tokyo authorities lodge a formal protest with the USSR, on behalf of Manchukuo and Japan, and guide matters so that the Russians would withdraw quickly. Dominant in Japanese high command thinking in 1938 was the China theater; the Changkufeng episode constituted a mere digression. A sequence of Japanese tactical victories had preceded the summer: Tsingtao fell in January; the Yellow River was reached in March; a "reformed government of the Republic of China" was installed at Nanking several weeks later; Amoy fell in early May; Suchow fell on the 20th. With these gains, northern and central fronts could be linked by the Japanese. Yet Chinese resistance persisted, and while public statements anticipated imminent Chinese dissension, private admissions acknowledged that the partial effects of Suchow's fall were ominous: control might pass from Chiang Kai-shek to the Communists, Chinese defiance might intensify, and Soviet involvement could ensue. A Hankow drive appeared desirable to symbolize the conclusion of the military phase of hostilities. The Japanese and their adversaries were in accord regarding the importance of the summer and autumn campaigns. Even after Suchow's fall, the government discouraged public insinuations that enemy resistance was collapsing; when Chiang addressed the nation on the first anniversary of hostilities, Premier Konoe prophetically proclaimed, "The war has just begun." Colonel Inada Masazum served as the Army General Staff's principal figure for the Changkufeng affair, occupying the position of chief of the 2nd Operations Section within the Operations Bureau in March 1938. A distinguished graduate of the Military Academy, Inada completed the War College program and held a combination of line, instructional, and staff assignments at the War College, the Army General Staff, and the War Ministry. He was recognized as a sharp, highly capable, and driveful personality, though some regarded him as enigmatic. Following the capture of Suchow, Imperial General Headquarters on 18 June ordered field forces to undertake operational preparations for a drive to seize the Wuhan complex. Inada favored a decisive move aimed at achieving a rapid political settlement. He acknowledged that Soviet intervention in 1938, during Japan's involvement in China, would have been critical. Although Japanese forces could still defeat the Chinese, an overextended Japanese Army might be fatally compromised against the Russians. Soviet assistance to China was already pronouncedly unwelcome. The Soviets were reported to possess roughly 20 rifle divisions, four to five cavalry divisions, 1,500 tanks, and 1,560 aircraft, including 300 bombers with a range of approximately 3,000 kilometers, enabling reach from Vladivostok to Tokyo. Soviet manpower in Siberia was likely near 370,000. In response, Japanese central authorities stressed a no-trouble policy toward the USSR while seeking to "wall off" the border and bolster the Kwantung Army as quickly as possible. Nevertheless, the envisaged correction of the strategic imbalance could not occur before 1943, given shortages in ammunition, manpower, and materiel across existing theaters in China. By the end of 1937 Japan had committed 16 of its 24 divisions to China, bringing the standing force to roughly 700,000. Army General Staff planners reallocated three ground divisions, intended for a northern contingency, from north to central China, even as the Kwantung Army operated from a less favorable posture. Attitudes toward the northern problem varied within senior military circles. While concern persisted, it was not universal. As campaigns in China widened, planning at the high command level deteriorated, propagating confusion and anxiety to field armies in China. The Japanese Navy suspected that the Army general staff was invoking the USSR as a pretext for broader strategic aims—namely, to provoke a more consequential confrontation with the USSR while the Navy contended with its own strategic rivalries with the Army, centered on the United States and Britain. Army leaders, however, denied aggressive intent against the USSR at that time. The Hankow plan encountered substantial internal opposition at high levels. Private assessments among army planners suggested that a two-front war would be premature given operational readiness and troop strength. Not only were new War Ministry officials cautious, but many high-ranking Army general staff officers and court circles shared doubts.  Aggressive tendencies, influenced by subordinates and the Kwantung Army, were evident in Inada, who repeatedly pressed Tada Shun, the deputy army chief of staff, to endorse the Wuhan drive as both necessary and feasible, arguing that the USSR would gain from Japan's weakening without incurring substantial losses. Inada contended that Stalin was rational and that time favored the USSR in the Far East, where industrial buildup and military modernization were ongoing. He argued that the Soviet purges impeded opportunistic ventures with Japan. He posited that Nazi Germany posed a growing threat on the western front, and thus the USSR should be avoided by both Japan, due to China and Russia, due to Germany. While most of the army remained engaged in China, Tada did not initially share Inada's views; only after inspecting the Manchurian borders in April 1938 did he finally align with Inada's broader vision, which encompassed both northern and Chinese considerations. During this period, Inada studied daily intelligence from the Kwantung Army, and after Lyushkov's defection in June, reports suggested the Soviets were following their sector commander's recommendations. Russian troops appeared at Changkufeng, seemingly prepared to dig in. Inada recollects his reaction: "That's nice, my chance has come." I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. The simmering Soviet–Japanese border clashes centered on Changkufeng Hill near Lake Khanka, set within a broader history of contested frontiers dating to Qing and Tsarist treaties. Japan, prioritizing China, considered Changkufeng peripheral but ready to confront Soviet encroachment; Moscow aimed to consolidate border gains, with high-level war planning overlaying regional skirmishes. Conflict loomed over Manchuria.

Developers who wanted to rebuild a cherished country pub which burnt down after being struck by lightning say they've had to “abandon the dream” after costs “ballooned”.Plans to restore The Green Man were approved in April, with the intention of renting it to someone who would create a nice community pub.Also in today's podcast, an XL bully owner agreed to have nine puppies put down when police warned him of the kennel costs he faced after they were seized.It's after he failed to register his adult dogs in time for a national deadline on the banned breed.The boss of a catapult shooting club is inviting teen tearaways to hand in their “homemade” weapons and instead learn to use the device responsibly.The West Kent Catapult Club opened last year to create a legitimate place for target shooting as a sport.Villagers are gearing up to fight plans for a huge lorry park near their homes - fearing it will bring round-the-clock noise and pollution to the countryside.The proposals for the 70-acre site, between West Hougham and Capel-le-Ferne, would accommodate up to 600 HGVs – a public meeting is being held today. And a village could go without its Christmas lights due to flags put up over the summer.Harrietsham has had the decorations every year along the A20 Ashford Road for as long as residents can remember but the parish council say that's now under threat.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The year is 1692. In a small, snowbound Puritan settlement on the edge of the Massachusetts wilderness, two young girls begin convulsing, screaming, and claiming to see dark spirits. Within weeks, their strange afflictions ignite the most infamous witch hunt in American history. In this first chapter of The Salem Witch Trials, the boys unravel the eerie beginnings of the hysteria that consumed Salem Village.It starts inside Reverend Samuel Parris's home, where his daughter Betty and niece Abigail writhe and shriek as neighbors whisper that the Devil himself has entered the village. When a local folk remedy—a “witch cake” baked with the girls' urine—is fed to a dog in secret, it backfires spectacularly, pointing suspicion toward Parris's enslaved servant, Tituba. Dragged before magistrates, Tituba confesses under pressure and spins a vivid tale of the Devil's book, spectral animals, and a coven hidden among them. Her confession doesn't calm the town—it detonates it.From there, the accusations multiply. Respectable churchgoers like Martha Corey and beloved grandmother Rebecca Nurse are suddenly named as witches. Even a four-year-old child is chained in irons. Villagers who once shared pews now turn on each other in panic. By spring, fear and superstition rule Salem.The boys dive deep into the dark psychology of the era—how religious zeal, personal grudges, and brutal living conditions created the perfect storm for mass hysteria. They explore the bizarre early investigations, the use of “spectral evidence,” and the tragic logic that if a witch could look innocent, it was only because the Devil made her so.This episode sets the stage for the horrifying trials to come—the hangings, the confessions, and the infamous pressing of Giles Corey. But before the gallows rise, Part One reveals how one cold New England winter and a few terrified children tore a community apart.Part Two will take listeners to the courtroom and the gallows, exposing the gruesome outcomes—and the haunting question that still lingers: what truly possessed Salem in 1692?www.patreon.com/theconspiracypodcast

Welcome to Media Club Plus: a podcast about diving into the media that interests us and the stories that excite us. This season we're watching a selection of M Night Shyamalan movies. This episode we watched The Village and next time we'll be back with Lady in the Water. The Village is an isolated, idyllic(?) settlement deep in the forest, surrounded by dangerous, territorial, but ultimately peaceable creatures called, by the Villagers, The Ones We Don't Speak Of. In this movie a generation of elders use fear and love to control a new generation of children, but the promises of the outside world (and the increasing danger and dissatisfaction inside the village itself) is too strong a call. The Village is a movie about where Peace and Innocence come from, how evils are movtivated by love and fear, but without a solid grasp on the answers to those questions. Sometimes boring and slow, sometimes exciting and beaituful, and often shallow and patronizing. Featuring Keith Carberry (@KeithJCarberry, @KeithJCarberry), Sylvi Bullet (@SYLVIBULLET), Ali Acampora (@Ali-online), Arthur Martinez-Tebbel (@amtebbel), ans Jack De Quidt (@notquitereal) Produced by Keith Carberry Music by Jack de Quidt (available at notquitereal.bandcamp.com) Cover Art by by Annie Johnston-Glick (@dancynrew) anniejg.com To find the screenshots for this episode, check out this post on our patreon, friendsatthetable.cash This episode was made with support from listeners like you! To support us, you can go to http://friendsatthetable.cash ...Or find our merch here http://friendsatthetable.shop To find transcripts of the episodes, go to http://TranscriptsattheTable.com

This week we discuss two recent sightings of the extinct New Zealand Fiordland Moose, a disease that could have started the jackalope rumors, and a mystery animal that is stealing villagers clothes. Enjoy! (TWT 182)Underdog: Download the app today and sign up with promo code WILD to score $50 in Bonus Funds when you play your first $5.Soul: Get 30% off your entire order! Go to https://www.getsoul.com/ and use the code WILD.Poncho: Go to https://www.ponchooutdoors.com/wild and enter your email for $10 off your first order.Rag & Bone: Upgrade your denim game with Rag & Bone! Get 20% off sitewide with code WILD at http://rag-bone.com/ #ragandbonepodToyota: toyota.com/trucks/adventure-detoursGet More Wild Times Podcast Episodes:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wildtimespod/subscribehttps://www.patreon.com/wildtimespodMore Wild Times:Instagram: http://instagram.com/wildtimespodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wildtimespodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/wildtimespod/X: https://x.com/wildtimespodDiscord: https://discord.gg/ytzKBbC9DbWebsite: https://wildtimes.club/Merch: https://thewildtimespodcast.com/merchBattle Royale Card Game: https://wildtimes.club/brOur Favorite Products:https://www.amazon.com/shop/thewildtimespodcastMusic/Jingles by: www.soundcloud.com/mimmkeyThis video may contain paid promotion.#ad #sponsored #forrestgalante #extinctoralive #podcast

Twitch isn't just for gamers anymore, as evidenced by a cow named Winnie who has become a viral sensation on the livestreaming platform. Winnie lives at the Alveus Sanctuary, which is a nonprofit organization run by Maya Higa, a popular wildlife conservationist and Twitch streamer. A cameraman touring with pop artist Benson Boone was arrested yesterday for relieving himself on about $700 worth of clothing at a beachside shop in Florida, according to police. In a bizarre turn of events, villagers in Karnataka locked Bandipur National Park forest staff inside a tiger trap after they failed to capture a big cat roaming the forest fringes. A blind man can see for the first time in more than 20 years after undergoing a rare “tooth-in-eye” surgery. Stadiums always seem to be competing to go viral for the most indulgent, extravagant menu items, so here is a collection of some of the weirdest stadium menu items available this year. FOLLOW TNR ON RUMBLE: https://rumble.com/c/c-7759604 FOLLOW TNR ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/7zlofzL... FOLLOW TNR ON APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... WEBSITE: https://nextroundlive.com/ MOBILE APP: https://nextroundlive.com/the-ne.... SHOP THE NEXT ROUND STORE: https://nextround.store/ Like TNR on Facebook: / nextroundlive Follow TNR on Twitter: / nextroundlive Follow TNR on Instagram: / nextroundlive Follow everyone from the show on Twitter: Jim Dunaway: / jimdunaway Ryan Brown: / ryanbrownlive Lance Taylor: / thelancetaylor Scott Forester: / scottforestertv Tyler Johns: /TylerJohnsTNR Sponsor the show: sales@nextroundlive.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In an eastern UP village, the paddy fields turn black after harvest—like night seeping into the soil. Villagers whisper, “Never listen beneath the crops…” before falling silent. The earth remembers names, pressing them into circles of mud where thumbs fit too perfectly. And once your mark is taken… the soil writes you in—before swallowing you whole. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Legends of Godiva: Part 5Surviving a Viking camp is not easy.Based on a post by LingeringAfterthought in 5 parts. Listen to the Podcast at Explicit Novels.Godgifu found Cnut sitting by the stream, absentmindedly throwing rocks into it with a sour look on his face. She walked to his side and rested her hand on his shoulder, "I'm sorry;" she said quietly."Why the Pindsvin sorry?" Cnut said quietly, "Afraid of Cnut the beast? Think he cut off the Pindsvin face for arguing with Cnut? You think easy? Be king to three countries?""And some of Sweden;" Godgifu added. "No; I don't. Half the time I can't deal with Coventry, much less Mercia. No; I meant I was sorry for assuming the worst about you. I only knew about you from stories told by people angry and hurting about what they had lost in war. After all that, I didn't even want you to be a man, much less one who's; well, goofy and likeable," she said, sitting down next to him."Not likeable. The Emma; she not like Cnut," he said with tired resignation."Look, if you say another woman's name during sex, of course she's going to be mad;""No. The Pindsvin not understand. The Emma not mad. The Emma not like Cnut. The Leofric say 'everyone like Cnut,' but the Emma; no," he said, throwing a pebble into the water."Well, what have you given her to like?" Godgifu asked, pulling a blade of grass out of the ground and putting it between her thumbs and blowing, making a loud screeching squawk sound. "What I mean is, you were in Coventry just a couple hours, and you got Sir Hulgar to like you; and he doesn't like anybody," she said, bumping his elbow with her shoulder."We play dice;""So, you spent some time with him, doing something he likes to do? Okay; when do you spend time with Emma?""Cnut king of three countries; spending time difficult. Give her good fuck. She even make the squirrel sound with good fuck, but then turn away after. Not talk. Not make the spoons. Just take the candle and the feather and scratches the paper with the ink and cries. The Emma not happy, not like Cnut. Maybe she think Cnut beast, too.""So, now you're going to Torksey so Leofric can tell her that, despite you saying Aelfgifu's name during sex, you're not fucking her anymore? Your plan is to prove the Emma's wrong to be upset and that you're right?" Godgifu asked."Yes. Tell her Cnut is right, good husband;" he said, his voice trailing off until he sighed heavily. "This; not good plan.""Nope. Telling us we're emotional and wrong about feeling something is pretty much going to go very badly for you every single time. You know what's a good idea?" she asked. Cnut glanced over at her uneasily. "Bringing me along with you," she finished."The Leofric; he not like this idea. The Pindsvin is small; break easy," he said, throwing a larger stone into the water."Yes, and the Leofric also won't tell you when you have bad ideas. I will. Bring me along, keep me safe somewhere and I'll help you win over the Emma. No problem. Everything fine," Godgifu said, imitating him and earning a scowl from Cnut."Pindsvin; you know Cnut not think 'everything fine' when he say 'everything fine,'" he admitted."Yes, Sire. Leofric knows, too. He just won't tell you so. He's too nice. He'll just help you anyway and probably get himself killed. Then, you would have an even bigger problem than no Emma," Godgifu said."What problem then?""Me.""Ah," Cnut said. Then, he stood and slowly pulled his tunic up and over his head, revealing a tanned and toned torso, bulging with muscles, so ridiculously gorgeous and perfect that Godgifu started laughing aloud. Knowing exactly the affect he had on her, Cnut grinned, threw his tunic at her, shucked his pants, and waded into the water to wash himself."Leofric! Help! I need to come again!" Godgifu laughingly yelled through the trees, watching Cnut bathe."Dammit woman, I'm currying Harold!" Leofric yelled back. "What happened? You were just supposed to apologize, for God's sake!""I am Cnut!" the King announced in explanation, causing Godgifu to burst into giggles. "Leofric! The Pindsvin comes with us to Torksey! Help us to win the Emma!" he yelled."What?" Leofric said, quickly running into the clearing. "Sire, that's; that's not; I mean; perhaps we should consider; it might not be;""The Pindsvin come! I am Cnut!""Don't I get a say in any of this, Sire?""See, I told you," Godgifu said, gesturing to Leofric. "He's too nice. You need me." She stood and pulled Leofric's tunic over her head and threw it down at his feet."Well, why does he need you?" Leofric asked, exasperated."I am Pindsvin!" she yelled happily, running naked into the water.Cnut, Leofric and Godgifu scouted the camp at Torksey, a fertile swath of land close to the banks of the River Trent. Numerous shelters and lodges lined the rough paths of the Vikings' army's winter home. Smoke came up in several places, no doubt from fires stoked by metalworkers that were melting down items stolen from England's holy places.Much to their surprise, there was also a small, but steady, stream of people approaching the camp. Cnut explained that it was known that many English towns nearby did business with the winter camp, but he never heard tell of numbers that would explain what they saw today. Everyone funneled toward a single entry point, where they would relinquish their weapons, submit to inquiries, and hand over a sum of money or goods before being allowed into the camp.Godgifu whispered to the two men crouched over where she lay behind the bush, "All right, so the plan is, I get in line, go in there and tell them I am a maid you sent to Emma, and then I talk with her and try to get her out of there;""No. That is not the plan. You're staying safe here at the ca;" Leofric said, frowning down at her, only to be interrupted by the King.Cnut grunted in agreement. "Yes. Plan very good. And the Pindsvin not say about when Cnut spray seed on numsen;"Godgifu looked over her other shoulder to Cnut and rolled her eyes, "Why on Earth would you think I'd tell her about you coming on my ass? Honestly; you think that we'd just be chatting about court or hairstyles and I'd just blurt out 'Oh, by the way;""No. You won't be chatting with anyone about anything because you will be here;" Leofric said, tugging her braid to turn her head toward him. Godgifu tugged her braid out of his hand, turned back to the King and raised her eyebrows, waiting for the answer to her question.Cnut held up a hand, effectively covering Godgifu's entire face, "Cnut knows the women. They get together. They say all the things," he said darkly.Leofric growled in frustration, "Diva, stop ignoring me. That is a Viking camp. Do you have any idea what they do to people, much less to someone like you?"Godgifu clenched her jaw and shook her head, "Leofric, you know I should be the one to go. I speak the language and I'm not, well; you two. If you two go and they recognized Cnut in there, they might hold him hostage and there's not a lot of people in the Witengamot that would pay to get him out. You can't go because you look exactly like every guy that's been fighting them all this time and they'd probably kill you on sight. Nobody ever worries about me because I look like a little;""Pindsvin; hedgehog, yes," Cnut said absently, patting the top of her head while squinting at the line of men entering the camp."So; what do I tell her to get her to leave?" Godgifu asked, worriedly watching Leofric rise angrily and stalk back to their camp."Tell her Cnut is here," he said, shrugging as if saying the obvious.Godgifu snorted and rolled her eyes, "Well, why would that make her leave the camp? You go off to another country after saying the wrong name when you were having sex and all of a sudden she's supposed to jump for joy when she gets a summons from you? No. You need to soften her up a bit. Be nice. Remind her of the good times. Like, what did you say when you asked her to marry you?""Not ask. Treaty. Treaty say 'Marry Cnut and promise not kill the Emma's Aethelred children. Send them to France. Not-dead children love France. Chalk cliffs. Good cheese. Everything fine.""Oh, dear God, you've really been leaning hard on this good-looking thing, haven't you?" Godgifu grumbled under her breath."I am Cnut;" he said, shrugging."Yeah, you are Cnut; and the Cnut is handsome. But, you know what? If you want to stay married and be a good king, you've gotta work harder than that. You've had it easy because you're tall, gorgeous, rich and powerful. Problem is, you're no longer trying to get a woman to bed, now. You're trying to make your wife happy and that's a completely different thing. A woman might get stupid once or twice about a handsome man, but unless you build more than that, she'll only hate herself more and more every time she gives in to you. Orgasms only make you happy for so long. Not-dead children living in another country aren't a good basis for a marriage, either. It doesn't give you a lot to talk about. I wish Leofric didn't hate the idea of it so much. He would know what to say," Godgifu said, glancing back to the grove of trees where Leofric had disappeared.Cnut grunted, "The Leofric has good words. Good words; ugly face.""Shut up!" she said, slapping his shoulder, "He's not ugly! He's just bruised. Don't be a jerk!""Why the small women always smæk big men?" grumbled Cnut scowling and rubbing his shoulder. "What Leofric say to win grumpy Pindsvin?" he asked.Godgifu thought for a while and smiled, shaking her head, "Not a thing, actually. In a situation where most people would have said a whole bunch of wrong things, Leofric just stayed quiet and close and invited me choose whether to talk to him; and it made me want to. He red me perfectly. That's what you need to do. Emma needs you to notice her, to enjoy her; to see what makes her happy." Godgifu sighed, looking up the trees to where Leofric had disappeared in the distance. She hated to do this. She wished there was another way."So, what makes the Emma happy?" she asked, poking Cnut in the hip with her elbow to draw his attention away from the camp.Instead of looking down at her, he kept his eyes fixed on the rough looking camp and sighed. "Not Cnut," he answered simply."Well, fine. I'll talk with her and get her to you, but just think about what I said, because making this woman happy just became your biggest challenge," Godgifu said.Cnut grunted in agreement and handed her a small pack, strapping it on her back and across her front in a way that seemed odd, yet comfortable. Looking back to the camp, she squared her shoulders, trying to be braver than she felt. "Okay;" she said, coughing to cover for her throat tightening in fear, "I'll come back as soon as I can. Tell Leofric; tell him; you know;" she said, wiping away the tears that started falling down her cheeks.Steeling herself, Godgifu started off for the Viking camp, but found her progress hindered when her feet left the ground. "What are you doing?" she squawked, as Cnut lifted her over his shoulder by her waistband and returned to the grove where Leofric had gone."The Leofric ready?" Cnut said, casually hanging Godgifu's kicking and squirming body from a branch on the tree and securing the strap around it that he had wrapped around her body under the guise of securing her pack.Leofric turned from Harold to Cnut, his face a mask of confused relief. "She's; not going then?""Pindsvin easy to catch when think she get her way. You not know this? Why work so hard?" Cnut said, casually ducking as Godgifu's foot grazed his ear. "She watch from here. Know her Leofric safe."Leofric nodded, glad Cnut couldn't see the fury in Godgifu's eyes. Leaning in and hoping she didn't take a bite out of him, he murmured, "Watch us. If anything goes wrong or if we don't come back by morning, go back to Coventry and tell Sir Hulgar what has happened. Tell no one who supports the Witengamot, just Sir Hulgar," he said, brushing Godgifu's hair back behind her ear."How am I supposed to do that? Loosen these straps. Cut me free. He's tied me up here like I'm going to be spit roasted," she hissed."How is it that treason is always the answer to every problem you come across? After we're gone, use the knife you're trying to wriggle out of your sleeve. You'll be free in 20 minutes. Now, give me a kiss for luck;" he whispered. Godgifu's lips trembled, unshed tears filling her eyes. Finally, she nodded and lifted her face to his. Expecting trouble, Leofric pecked her lips quickly and just barely dodged a head-butt from his future wife.With a glare of annoyance, Leofric reached behind her and pulled the hidden knife out of her sleeve, throwing it to the ground out of reach. Then, purposefully, he ran his hands over every inch of her body, removing three more weapons before he finished with her. "You come back," she said, wriggling against her bindings. "You come back, Leofric, or so help me I'll; I'll do the most dangerous thing I can think of; and then I'll keep doing dangerous things until I can join you again," she vowed.Leofric only smiled, took her face in his hands and kissed her tenderly, coaxing her lips with his until he felt her soften and kiss him back. "What did I do to deserve you?" he asked, smiling and pressing his forehead to hers."The Leofric was punishment for the Pindsvin tax debt! Come!" Cnut shouted, starting down the hill toward the camp. Leofric sighed, kissed Godgifu one last time, and took off to join the King.Godgifu watched the two men stride downhill and join the line of people waiting to enter the camp, slipping a length of thick wire out of the cuff of her tunic, careful to avoid the serrated edge carved into one side and began sawing away at the leather straps binding her to the tree. Her eyes never moved from the two men casually joining the line of men waiting to join the camp, trying to read their body language, drawing any possible meaning from the slightest gesture.Just as the men reached the front of the line, Godgifu cut through her bindings and climbed onto the branch to which she had been bound. When it was their turn to enter, Cnut spoke briefly to the guards. Then, he nodded to Leofric, who reached into his pack for a pouch; probably the money they were charging for admittance to the camp. Leofric handed the pouch to Cnut who passed it over to the guards. They were in! It was working!Then, Leofric turned toward her, his face lit up by the golden setting sun, and smiled. Godgifu almost raised a hand to wave to him; and then he sneezed. Leofric had done nothing more exciting than sneeze, when suddenly, as Godgifu watched in horror, the guards started shouting and sacks were thrown over both Leofric and Cnut's heads as the men protested, their hands were bound behind them, and they were dragged away kicking and struggling."Watch us. If anything goes wrong or if we don't come back by morning, go back to Coventry and tell Sir Hulgar what has happened;" Leofric's parting words echoed in Godgifu's mind. She had no intention whatsoever of heeding them, but having his voice with her was a comfort as she crept through the darkness around the edges of the Viking camp.Godgifu was accustomed to sneaking around unseen. After years of sneaking out of the castle, past servants and Sir Hulgar's watchful eye to rid herself of the veils she had to wear and put on the comfortable dress that she wore as Lady Godiva, she could easily melt into shadows or walk through lit places and be mistaken as someone else. These skills served her well as she prowled the cold marshes surrounding the encampment, watching and learning.She had seen the men drag Leofric and Cnut toward an area where numerous boats had been pulled onto the land and prepared for wintering. Had they been killed? Why would they have been brought to such a place? It didn't look like anyone spent much time out here with the boats. Most of the camp's population preferred the warmer areas where the metalworkers' fires burned. After searching the boat area, the only thing she saw was a disgruntled man arguing with himself as he carved a knife handle out of a piece of bone.Frustrated, Godgifu took to watching the occupants of the camp instead. Most of the men were engaged in some form of metalworking. Some were sorting pillaged items according to their metal into piles, where they would be moved to different areas of the camp to be broken into pieces and melted into coins or ingots by the ever-burning fires. Slaves were everywhere. Mostly boys and young men, though there were some women, as well. The most menial tasks were reserved for the male slaves: feeding the fires, carrying non-precious items around. The female thralls were most often seen sewing or cooking food, when they weren't regularly being pulled into a shelter to service one of the Vikings.From what Godgifu could tell, when they weren't counting their plunder or forcing themselves on their slaves, the Vikings mostly argued with each other. It appeared the camp was made up of several disparate groups of Vikings from different areas in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. The languages were all somewhat similar, and because Godgifu spoke Danish, she was able to understand most of what they were saying. As for why they were arguing, it was surprising how petty it all was.Apparently two enormous blonde men, Hafdan and Gorm, were at odds because Hafdan used Gorm's favorite cup without permission and dented it when Hafdan came to blows with Toke over the proper lyrics to the song "Orm's Bloody Stump." After knocking Toke unconscious with the cup, Hafdan won the argument, but sadly the exceptional cup was irreparably damaged, in Gorm's view.Skarde told anyone that would listen that Leif's campsite was encroaching on his campsite. He ended his rants by pointing to a large rock marker he had placed at the border between the two shelters, promising that anyone who dared to touch it would be smelted along with the copper. Godgifu also saw Leif emerge and nudge the rock over a touch when Skarde had gone back inside his tent.Bjorn was despondent after burning half his beard away while playing a smelting prank on Balder. Apparently, the smelting prank involved a comical explosion of sorts, which killed Balder's favorite bed slave, as well as leaving half of Bjorn's beard charred away. Balder was insisting that Bjorn pay for the loss of his bed slave, and Bjorn was insisting that Balder should cut off half of his own beard first. Balder, for his part, did not appreciate Bjorn's logic.Most of all, the Torksey Vikings argued about something called "hnefatafl." Godgifu didn't understand the word, but it appeared it was a game involving many pieces on a board. It seemed to be like chess, but with one player starting with their pieces clustered in the middle of the board and the other player's pieces surrounding them.Godgifu learned that the Torksey camp was having a hnefatafl tournament, which explained the steady stream of people entering the camp after paying a fee. What she also gathered was that the tournament was not going well. Apparently, all the Viking groups that populated Torksey had different rules for playing hnefatafl, and because there was no recognized leadership among the different groups, the tournament that was likely intended as an enjoyable diversion for the colder weather had mounted quite the death toll amongst them. Indeed, it was rare that two Vikings of different bands would sit down at a hnefatafl board and it wouldn't end in blows or bloodshed.None of this explained why Leofric and Cnut were bagged and dragged away at the main entrance to the camp, but Godgifu hoped that an explanation and news of their welfare would come in time. Considering that the Vikings had no problems with maiming or striking each other dead for the slightest infractions, the fact that Leofric and Cnut were not killed immediately was actually encouraging. Godgifu had no doubt that if the Vikings wanted them dead, Leofric and Cnut would be dead.It was in a tent-like shelter on the outskirts of the camp that Godgifu found Queen Emma. Unlike the other shelters, it appeared somewhat cleaner and even more telling were the cracks of light between the walls of the tent by someone using candles inside. Gathering her courage, Godgifu waited until she would not be seen, and then crept up to the opening in the tent, where a soft voice could be heard muttering English in a vaguely French accent. "He roughly clasped her slender frame in his manly arms, shocking her untested virtue with the passionate, throbbing heat of his turgid;""Um; my Lady?" Godgifu whispered loudly.The voice fell silent, the occupant obviously pretending that no one was there. Godgifu would have found the situation amusing, if it weren't also so serious. "My Lady, I need to speak with you," she pressed.Silence."My Lad

Villagers near the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in Guizhou province are anticipating a tourism boom as the world's highest bridge prepares to open. 随着世界第一高桥 —— 贵州花江大峡谷大桥即将通车，桥附近的村民们正期待着旅游业的蓬勃发展。 In about a month, the bridge, with a height of 625 meters from deck to water, will open as part of the local expressway system and cut travel time between the two banks from about one hour to just 90 seconds. 这座大桥桥面至水面的高度达 625 米，约一个月后将作为当地高速公路系统的一部分正式通车。届时，两岸的通行时间将从约 1 小时缩短至仅 90 秒。 Huajiang village in Zhenfeng county sits about 1 kilometer from the span. The village, listed among China's traditional villages, has seen the promise of improved access quickly turn into preparations for incoming tourists. 贞丰县花江村距离大桥约 1 公里，这个被列入中国传统村落名录的村庄，已从交通改善的前景中看到机遇，迅速为迎接游客做起了准备。 "We are the village closest to the bridge, and we have the best view," said 35-year-old resident Lin Guoquan. Three years ago, when he learned the massive project would be built on his doorstep, Lin — who had worked in the tourism sector in Yunnan province — returned home and launched a homestay business. “我们是离桥最近的村子，视野也是最好的。”35 岁的村民林国权说。三年前，得知这个大型工程将在家门口动工，曾在云南从事旅游业的他回到家乡，开起了民宿。 In May 2024 Lin began converting old village houses into guest rooms decorated in Bouyei ethnic style. The homestay opened in October the same year and now offers 27 rooms. 2024 年 5 月，林国权开始将村里的老房子改造成具有布依族风格的客房。民宿于同年 10 月开业，如今共有 27 间客房。 "You can see the bridge directly from your bed," Lin said. “躺在床上就能直接看到大桥。” 林国权说。 As the opening date approaches, Lin's homestay has become popular. Occupancy rates are high and the rooms often sell out. 随着通车日期临近，他的民宿越来越受欢迎，入住率居高不下，客房常常一房难求。 "With the bridge opening in September, rooms are filling up fast," he said.“大桥 9 月通车后，房间预订会更火爆。” 他说。 Lin also posts videos of the bridge, the gorge and the surrounding sea of clouds on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok. Several of his accounts tied to the project have attracted more than 1 million followers. 林国权还在抖音上发布大桥、峡谷及周边云海的视频，几个与大桥相关的账号已吸引超 100 万粉丝。 Some villagers are recording daily construction progress on their phones as the structure rises. One blogger who documents the work almost every day on Douyin has drawn more than 240,000 followers, attracting more visitors from nearby areas. 还有些村民用手机记录着大桥一天天 “长高” 的建造过程。一位博主几乎每天都在抖音上更新施工进展，已吸引超 24 万粉丝，也带动了周边地区更多游客前来。 At present, Huajiang village has only Lin's homestay and two or three farm restaurants, but more renovations are already underway. Official plans released in July incorporate the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge and roughly 50 square kilometers around it into a coordinated tourism development scheme designed to turn distant check-ins into immersive, zero-distance experiences. 目前，花江村只有林国权的民宿和两三家农家餐馆，但更多房屋改造工程已在进行中。7 月发布的官方规划将花江大峡谷大桥及周边约 50 平方公里区域纳入协同旅游发展方案，旨在将远距离观光转变为沉浸式、零距离体验。 "The bridge's opening is an important milestone," Lin said. "Via ferrata, paragliding and other outdoor attractions are expected to arrive here. The focus will not be limited to the bridge itself; it will drive development across the surrounding area and help retain visitors." “大桥通车是一个重要的里程碑。” 林国权说，“岩壁探险、滑翔伞等户外项目也有望落户这里。重点不会局限于大桥本身，它将带动周边地区整体发展，留住更多游客。” In July the bridge's viewing corridor, high-speed racing track and viewing platforms were completed. 7 月，大桥的观景走廊、高速赛道和观景平台已建成。 Visitors can test their driving skills on a 1,411-meter-long racetrack situated about 600 meters above the ground. Earlier plans also call for glass sightseeing elevators and a cafe. 游客可在距地面约 600 米、长 1411 米的赛道上一展车技。早前规划中还包括玻璃观光电梯和咖啡馆。 "Not a day can be wasted and nothing can be sloppy. We are now completing the final painting and other finishing work," said Wang Songyu, deputy project manager for the contract section. He added that overall progress has surpassed 99 percent, and the bridge is expected to open to traffic by the end of September. “每一天都不能浪费，每一项工作都不能马虎。我们正在完成最后的涂装等收尾工作。” 该合同段项目副经理王松宇说。他还表示，工程整体进度已超 99%，大桥预计 9 月底通车。

Friday's “What's Buggin' You” segment for 8-15-25

Socerton, Askallad, and Draxos talk about the big trending topic in AoE IV! No, not THAT topic, we're talking about auto-queueing villagers (again!?). All that and more as we preview KotR rules and maps!  Support us on Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/TheExtraSheep    Follow us on Twitch and YouTube!  Socerton: https://www.twitch.tv/socerton Beale: https://www.twitch.tv/aoe_beale Sir Nevels: https://www.youtube.com/@sirnevels4603   Join a Discord!   The Griot Bara: https://discord.gg/JH2E5Afe5j The Rising Empires: https://discord.gg/rising-empires-aoe4-957044242520375336 Socerton's Discord: https://discord.gg/BjU8QcVgFQ    We're also proud partners of www.moreknights.com

A young woman's told us she's scared to walk in Maidstone town centre alone after being victim of a violent robbery.Mercie Doe was attacked as she walked near the Archbishop's Palace in August last year, she was thrown to the ground and her bag was stolen.Mercie has bravely spoken about her ordeal and told the podcast what she thinks should be done to improve safety for women and girls.Also in today's podcast, a coroner's criticised the training and lack of basic medical kit provided by a private ambulance firm - after a teenager died at Margate's Dreamland.A mum from Sevenoaks has told the podcast how she wasn't able to enjoy being pregnant with twins - after they developed a potentially life-threatening condition.Beau Yeung's babies had something called twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome which happens when they share a placenta.It's been revealed the cost of buying a new-build home in Kent has almost doubled over the past 20 years, while sales have plummeted.Our business editor Chris Britcher has been analysing data and joins today's podcast.Residents in a village near Ashford say it's only a matter of time before someone is seriously hurt, because of inconsiderate parking.Villagers in Hamstreet say drivers consistently ignore double yellow lines - which they say has led to damaged homes and blocked routes.And in sport, Kent cricket have been deducted 8 points following poor conduct in the County Championship.The most recent of four penalties they have received came in last week's defeat to Glamorgan - when Daniel Bell-Drummond showed dissent to the umpire.

A hugely talented emerging singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer and voiceover artist with a passion for lyricism, song-crafting and storytelling, Kildare native Ross A.'s singles to date, 'Some Other Time, Maybe', 'Flowing To You, Flowing Through' 'Be OK' and 'Heartland Girl' personify his evolution into an act who creates a world in which its listener can become submerged. Formerly Ross Breen, the Irish musician continues to cultivate his reputation as a respected songwriter through extensive radio coverage of his work, TV appearances and consistent presence on the live scene and festival circuit (Electric Picnic, Body and Soul, Indiependence). Vestiges is a weighty, moody song which shifts from loose, sparse arrangement at the track's outset, into a tight groove where drums and bass lock in with piano before a stirring string arrangement by Cormac Curran (John Grant, Villagers, Lisa Hannigan) lifts the piece further towards its ethereal finale, its soundscape opening out into a wide expanse along the way. In tandem with Ross A.'s freeform style of piano playing on Vestiges, its lyrics, influenced by the Ray Bradbury novel, ‘Something Wicked This Way Comes', are abstract and impressionistic.

Uno scontro al confine, un soldato morto, misure economiche reciproche, una telefonata trapelata: Thailandia e Cambogia stanno vivendo un momento complicato a causa di antiche rivendicazioni territoriali. E a farne le spese per ora è la premier thailandese: la Corte costituzionale l'ha sospesa, aprendo una nuova, ennesima, crisi politica del paese. Gli inserti audio della puntata sono tratti da: Leaked call between Thai PM Paetongtarn and Cambodia'sHun Sen worsens tensions, canale YouTube CNA, 19 giugno 2025; Primo Ministro thailandese sospeso dopo che una telefonata trapelata con Hun Sen, canale YouTube The Financial Express, 1 luglio 2025; Villagers caught in Thai-Cambodia border dispute, Al Jazeera English, 18 ottobre 2008; Deadly border clash between Cambodia and Thailand, Abc News, 6 giugno 2025. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on villagers in the southwestern region of Xizang, also known as Tibet, to uphold ethnic unity and strive for a happier and better life.

It's Tuesday, June 17th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Kevin Swanson and Adam McManus North Korean Christian, arrested in 2007, has disappeared International Christian Concern remembers another persecuted saint today among those who have disappeared into the hands of a tyrannical state.  Kim Sung-sik of North Korea, who was arrested at the age of 49 in 2007 at his home, was remembered for distributing Bibles and for handing out gifts to needy folks. A North Korean defector described this man of God as having “character like steel.” He never bowed to anyone, and would even confront public officers for accepting bribes. His grandfather was a Presbyterian minister who had been persecuted and imprisoned by the Communist regime. Sung-Sik's wife and children, who were also arrested, have also disappeared. According to Open Doors, North Korea is the most dangerous place worldwide to live  as a Christian. Chinese Communists want churches to sing worship songs praising communism The Chinese Communist Party, China's ruling political class, released a plan on May 7 mandating that Protestant churches include songs in their worship praising communism. Sadly, reports of Protestants representing the official Three-Self Patriotic church indicate they are complying with the new regulations. Nigerian Muslims massacred 200 villagers, mostly Catholic This just in from Truth Nigeria. Fulani Muslim jihadists massacred 200 villagers from the farming community in Guma County located in Benue State. Most of the residents are Catholics. Witnesses report that  40 gunmen stormed the village shouting “Allahu Akbar.” The terrorists opened fire on civilians while setting homes on fire, and killing indiscriminately. Over 10,000 survivors who escaped are now needing clean water, medical aid, and facilities to house them. Equipping the Persecuted ministry is collecting resources to provide for immediate needs.   Over the last two years, 10,217  Nigerians have been killed in Muslim-inspired massacres, and about 6,900 of those killings have occurred in Benue State. Israel bombed 80 more Iranian targets In its ongoing war with Iran, Israel bombed 80 more targets on Sunday. At least 200 Iranians have died thus far in the attacks. The International Atomic Energy Agency's director Rafael Grossi has stated that Iran's underground nuclear development has not been compromised at this point. Global military spending up 37% Sabers are rattling. Louder than ever. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute's Yearbook, published on Monday, world military spending rose by 37 percent in the past decade, and by 9.4 percent last year alone, to $2.7 trillion.  That's the largest bump since the early 1990s. China and India are installing nuclear bombs on warheads. That's a change in policy for these countries.   China is up to 600 nukes, and North Korea has enough fissile materials for 90 total warheads. Proverbs 21:31 says, “The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.” South Korea's largest homosexual pride parade South Korea is touting its largest homosexual pride parade ever this year.  The organizers claim 170,000 participants. South Korea has absorbed western immorality faster than other eastern countries. The proportion of South Koreans holding that homosexuality is never justified decreased from 67% in the 1990s to 24% in the most recent survey. That's even lower than Taiwan -- the most pro-homosexual country in Asia. The Christian faith is falling off by generations in South Korea. At this point, 29% of their elderly people adhere to the Protestant faith, but only 13% of the 18 to  29-year-old age group call themselves Protestant Christians. Psalm 78:9 warns of “The children of Ephraim, being armed and carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle. They did not keep the covenant of God; They refused to walk in His law, and forgot His works and His wonders that He had shown them.” The rise of apostacy in America and China Christian apostasy continues to rise across the world. The recent Pew Research report on worldwide religious affiliation found that 35 nations have seen an increase between 2010 and 2020 in atheism or a non-affiliation with a church. And 40 nations have seen a substantial decrease in people aligning themselves with the Christian faith.   Of all nations in the world, the United States has the second largest number of atheists or people unaffiliated with a church -- at 100 million people. China has the largest number of atheists or unaffiliated at 1.3 billion.   Christians are still in the majority in 60% of the world's nations, while Muslims are in the majority in 26% of the countries. U.S. unemployment 4.2%, but higher for recent college grads Unemployment in the United States is running at 4.2%. But for recent college grads  -- ages 22 through 27 -- the rate stands at 5.8% — the highest since 202, according to the US Labor Department. Minnesota political assassin captured Sunday night The gunman, Vance Boelter, wanted in the slaying of a Minnesota lawmaker and her husband, as well as in the shooting of a state senator and his wife, was found Sunday night armed and crawling in a field in a sparsely populated stretch of Minnesota, reports NBC News. Police Chief Mark Bruley of the Brooklyn Park Police Department said it was without a doubt the biggest manhunt in the state's history. Authorities allege Boelter, age 57, who posed as a policeman, tried to kill state Senator John Hoffman, a Democrat, and his wife, Yvette, at their home in Champlin at roughly 2 a.m. Saturday before fatally shooting state Rep. Melissa Hortman, a 55-year-old Democrat, and her husband, Mark, in nearby Brooklyn Park. Boelter was arrested without incident.   His motive is still unclear. NBC Chicago reports that police found a manifesto in Boelter's car with the names of 70 politicians including those in Illinois and Wisconsin. Worldview listeners in Georgia and Indiana and share their hearts I invited Worldview listeners to share what they enjoy about the newscast in 2-6 sentences by email.  You can share your thoughts — along with your full name, city and state — and send it to adam@TheWorldview.com Max Wood in Macon, Georgia wrote, “Let not your heart be troubled by the slow response this year to your annual fundraising campaign. Americans are more mobile and active this summer than last because of the improved economy. You and the team produce a quality product that blesses many and will, in turn, be blessed by God. Keep the faith. American Miracles don't just happen on movie screens.” And Mary Collins in Elkhart, Indiana wrote, “I LOVE your newscast!  Every day in our homeschool, I read the “good news” stories to my kids.  I LOVE that you use biblical language; it helps us also think in such terms.  I love that I can trust it to be from a Biblical worldview and I don't have to sift through any jargon.  I love that I can trust it to be accurate and from God's perspective! I love that sometimes you include interesting things that no other news outlet would even consider.  We have sure enjoyed those neat stories. THANK YOU for such a quality way to stay up to date with the world's current events.” 14 Worldview listeners gave $4,982.50 to fund our annual budget And finally, toward our $92,625 goal by this Friday, June 20th  to fund three-quarters of The Worldview newscast's annual budget, 14  listeners stepped up to the plate. Our thanks to Cody in Hortense, Georgia who gave $32.50 as well as Braelon in Lincoln, Nebraska, Christina in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania, and Joshua in Hortense, Georgia – each of whom gave $50. We're grateful to God for Eric in Tazewell, Virginia and Henry in Tazewell, Virginia –- both of whom gave $100 as well as James in  Kennewick, Washington who gave $200, and Richard and LeAnn in Zeeland, North Dakota who gave $300. And we were touched by the generosity of Donovan in Denton, Texas, William in Pleasant Hill, Missouri, and Madilynn in Green City, Missouri – each of whom gave $500, as well as Kathryn in Reddick, Florida who pledged $50 per month for 12 months for a gift of $600, Stephen in California, Maryland who gave $1,000, and Scooter in Naples, Florida who will match Stephen's gift with another $1,000. Those 14 Worldview listeners gave a total of $4,982.50. Ready for our new grand total? Drum roll please.  (Drum roll sound effect) $43,874.70 (People clapping and cheering sound effect)   Toward this Friday, June 20th's goal of $92,625, we need to raise $48,750.30 Remember, if you are one of the 3 final people who give a one-time gift of $1,000, Scooter in Naples, Florida will match you with a corresponding $1,000 gift.  Now, if that happens today, Tuesday, June 17th, we will have raised an additional $6,000. I'm wondering whether you might be one of four Worldview listeners to give $5,000 today. In order to raise the remaining amount, I need to find 23 Worldview listeners who will pledge $50/month for 12 months for a gift of $600. And another 46 listeners to pledge $25/month for 12 months for a gift of $300. Please, we need your help right now!  Go to TheWorldview.com and click on Give on the top right.   Click on the button that indicates a recurring monthly donation if that's your wish. Close And that's The Worldview on this Tuesday, June 17th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  You can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

NEWS: Soldiers, villagers live under China's shadow | June 11, 2025Visit our website at https://www.manilatimes.netFollow us:Facebook - https://tmt.ph/facebookInstagram - https://tmt.ph/instagramTwitter - https://tmt.ph/twitterDailyMotion - https://tmt.ph/dailymotionSubscribe to our Digital Edition - https://tmt.ph/digitalSign up to our newsletters: https://tmt.ph/newslettersCheck out our Podcasts:Spotify - https://tmt.ph/spotifyApple Podcasts - https://tmt.ph/applepodcastsAmazon Music - https://tmt.ph/amazonmusicDeezer: https://tmt.ph/deezerStitcher: https://tmt.ph/stitcherTune In: https://tmt.ph/tunein#TheManilaTimes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sakshi Gupta, 26, a relationship manager at ICICI Bank's Kota branch, turned financial inexperience of her mostly elderly customers into personal opportunity. She's now in judicial custody.    

Stephen Rabe, historian and author of The Lost Paratroopers of Normandy: A Story of Resistance, Courage, and Solidarity in a French Village, joins the show to discuss one of the countless, incredible stories from D-Day.  ▪️ Times      •      01:18 Introduction     •      01:25 Marine        •      02:50 Origins      •      06:48 Normandy     •      09:29 507th           •      15:20 Training     •      18:23 Overlord           •      21:21 The Villagers        •      25:20 A change in plans      •      30:07 HQ Battalion     •      36:17 Armageddon           •      39:00 17th SS Panzergrenadier Division       •      44:01 Staying behind     •      46:37 Return       Follow along on Instagram, X @schoolofwarpod, and YouTube @SchoolofWarPodcast Find a transcript of today's episode on our School of War Substack

Join Little c and Bearded Sloth in the 198th episode of The Block Party (A Minecraft Podcast). We cover your comments, questions, our past weeks, and all the latest changelogs from Mojang/Minecraft.Remember to visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠theblockpartymc.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more ways to engage with us, celebrate the magic of Minecraft, and join our passionate community of fellow players.Please ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SUBSCRIBE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to help support us and get access to ALL of our podcast shows including TBP After Hours Show and previous episodes!!!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-official-block-party/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠contact@theblockpartymc.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TBP DISCORD⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠discord.com/invite/cKY4zH9PXQ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://theblockpartymc.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube Podcast Channel ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@theblockpartymc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube Video Channel ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TheBlockPartyMinecraft⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Past Week in Minecraft (Change Logs)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠All Change Logs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support Us Directly⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Cash App⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://cash.app/$BeardedSloth33⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PayPal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://paypal.me/TheBlockPartyMC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Intro MusicComposed by: JohnDairy270⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube Channel:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Castle Gate Studios (CGS)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@CastleGateStudios

A pub landlord has stepped down from his role after a barmaid was overheard warning customers to ditch drugs moments before police arrived with sniffer dogs.It happened while two undercover officers were in the bar in Sandgate, during a covert operation targeting drug use in pubs and bars. Also in today's podcast, a court has heard a drunken clubber punched a taxi driver eight times in the face after she refused to pay for her £8 ride home.The 41-year-old, who is originally from Russia, had been on a night out in Maidstone and was said to be “aggressive from the off” when she jumped into the cab. A group of young people have been seen running amok at a derelict secondary school just days after a suspicious fire at the building.Firefighters have tackled a spate of suspected arson attacks at St John Fisher School in Chatham – it's led to calls for its demolition to take place sooner. Villagers fear there are “dark and depressing times ahead” after plans for a controversial 1,350-home estate were officially submitted.School facilities are also lined up for land in Chestfield. And an animal sanctuary has announced the birth of a snow leopard cub.She's been nicknamed “Little Lady” and was born at The Big Cat Sanctuary  – you can hear from one of her carers. 

Hey hey BATT Family! Thanks for coming on back for the next full episode of the show! If you've joined in after our recent interview with Jamey Stegmaier, thanks for coming back around! This week we got to have a dear friend of the show on to discuss the effects of colour vision issues in board gaming and the ways that games try and handle that - successfully and otherwise. We should note that it is a conversation with only one person with those colour vision issues, so his experience is replicable to his singular experience. But hopefully it helps provoke some thought and lets you hear some other opinions you may not have had the ability to yet! This episode we're also talking some games provided to us from Hobby World and Bellows Intent as well as finally getting Scott to play Ethnos and how that treated him. Like normal, hit us up with any thoughts or comments you may have! --- This episode's segments: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:00:55 - What's Been on the Table 00:06:06 - Topic of the Week: Colour Vision Issues in Board Gaming 00:31:08 - Why Did I Play That: Ethnos 00:40:15 - Table / Shelf / Trade 00:54:22 - Rotating Segment: The Archives 00:58:45 - Contact Info / Sponsors  01:00:07 - Outro ---   Notes! 1) We should mention that this episode was recorded prior to the tariff stuff all dropping, which is why it wasn't mentioned in this episode. We're certainly not going to keep hammering on that topic as there isn't much we can directly do about it, but if you're wondering how we go from the interview we did to this episode, that would be why. 2) You can also hear just how long it's been since we recorded this since Scott was talking PopiCon at one point. Just general reshuffling of stuff between all the various issues of the past couple months.  3) Scott was right! There was a third bigger expansion to Tiny Towns. Fortune, Villagers, and Architects (which released in 2024!).  4) So it turns out that Scott's Archive game of Get Bit, we talked about in episode 19! Because I guess, let's just rip the curtain right away for this set of episode notes: The episode you heard as E19 was originally intended as E21 and this was to be E19. We figured since we had *just* had MacWagCon the previous weekend, we'd talk about it and release it while it was all fresh in our minds. So we recorded this PRIOR to MacWagCon where we summarily played Get Bit. But because it was better explained here, I decided to leave it in.  5) And we did play Bob Ross: the Art of Chill (actually after we finished recording!). Scott enjoyed it, but I'll let him provide his commentary on it at a later date. 6) Also, my dog coughed an enormous amount through this episode. I decided to not stick you with that very odd, repetitive noise but that last tag made me laugh regardless. 7) And for those of you that have asked, my younger son is thankfully fine. The hospital stay went fine and he's back home and bouncing around like normal at this point. Sorry for the delay on the episode, we appreciate the patience.  --- You can email us at boardallthetimegaming@gmail.com. We can be found at www.boardallthetime.com and on Facebook at Board All The Time.  We're on BlueSky now and loving it! At this point it really feels like BlueSky is for board gaming, so definitely check us out on there at https://bsky.app/profile/boardallthetime.bsky.social If you would like to check out Mark's Top 100 list, it can be found at: https://boardgamegeek.com/geeklist/347553/top-100-games-2024-edition If you'd like to help support the show and assist with the hosting costs, you can do so with our Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/boardallthetime Our Discord server, which is still in Beta, can be joined at https://discord.gg/VbRWEpc6 We'd like to thank our sponsors as well: Robin's Nerd Supply: www.robinsnerdsupply.com Eco Owl Press: www.ecoowlpress.com  We'd also like to thank SoulProdMusic for the intro/outro music. 

Turns out, shielding your team from stress doesn't protect them—it breaks trust. And if you've ever found yourself trying to carry it all alone? You're not the only one. There's a swirl every modern leader experiences. So we're going there. Keynote speaker for joy at work Jenn Whitmer and podcast and livestream producer Shelby Merryweather are digging into what actually builds trust, especially when the pressure's on and you're figuring out how to lead through change. We're talking team culture and honest leadership, helping you communicate with clarity and redefining what “professional” even means. Listen in on our transparent convo about what makes modern leadership work — and where we all still get stuck. Oh! At 12:45, Shelby names the moment every leader's lived but few say out loud. If you're Googling “how to lead with being exhausted” at your desk right now? Start here. Key Takeaways for Leaders: 03:07 How to be professional. Can you be professional and human? Professionalism shouldn't mean fake, stuffy, or perfect. 08:03 Change is scary, but not changing is worse.Trying (and potentially failing) is often better than staying stuck in fear. 11:08 Transparency builds trust. Trying to “protect” your team by hiding your stress usually backfires. 15:58 Villagers make the village. Stop buying into the myth of the solo hero. We need each other to be healthy for the long term. 21:00 What tech can't do. When you get distracted by the Shiny Object Syndrome that is AI and tech tools, you make it worse 24:29 Why your internal people matter the most.Clients and customers will stay if you take care of your people. And a great story about a mop. Send this to your village, and especially the ones who want to be more human at work. And if you haven't already, subscribe to the Joyosity Podcast and leave us a quick review. It's like being the cream in the coffee of someone's day. Got thoughts about change, leadership, or fronds? Leave your comment or shoot us a message on LinkedIn: Jenn Whitmer https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennwhitmer/ We're here for the richness. Featuring: Host: Jenn Whitmer – Joy-bringer, keynote speaker, and leadership consultant helping leaders create positive culture with complex people. Producer: Shelby Merryweather – Podcast producer, business owner, and fellow human navigating the push-pull of professionalism and play. Resources & Links: - Join the Joyosity™ Works VIP: Joyosity: Cultivating Joy at Work – jennwhitmer.com/books http://jennwhitmer.com/books - Grab Ron Tite's upcoming book: The Purpose of Purpose – Amazon link https://amzn.to/4cFqMYw - Need help figuring it out? Grab a Spark Session for 15 minutes — https://jennwhitmer.com/spark-call

Hey everyone!!! Grab your Flint and Steel and come with us to the Nether....WE'RE COMIN' IN HOT!!!!Today, join Mike and Corey as they give their thoughts on one of the hottest cinematic events of the year...A Minecraft Movie! Did this make them want to play the games more? Did this movie make them want to chill with the Villagers? Or were they left in The Nether to be eaten by piglins? Find out all of that and more, right here!Click here to send us a message! If you would please go follow us on all the socials? We would love you all forever...in a friend way...don't be weird!!!Please go rate and review us anywhere you get your podcastsPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/CultureShockedPodcastTwitter/X: https://www.twitter.com/cspodcast21TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cspodcast21?lang=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/cultureshockedpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultureshocked21YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/cultureshocked21Website: https://cultureshocked.buzzsprout.com/

Brendan talks about games where experience and depth of knowledge gives players a dramatic advantage in play. Join us, won't you?Fantasy Realms (2017)Knowing the DeckRace for the Galaxy (2007)Everdell (2018)Res Arcana (2019)Villagers (2019)Mastering Complex SystemsThrough the Ages: A New Story of Civilization (2015)Underwater Cities (2018)Ark Nova (2021)Terraforming Mars (2016)The Nature of EfficiencyAgricola (2007)Trickerion: Legends of Illusion (2015)Century: Golem Edition (2017)What games do you think offer extreme home field advantage? Share your thoughts over on boardgame geek in guild #3269.Transcript: Txt or PDF

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Legal reporter Jeremy Sharon and archaeology reporter Rossella Tercatin join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Yesterday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused police of holding two aides “hostage” after they were arrested over their alleged engagement in illicit ties with Qatar while working for the premier, who interrupted his ongoing corruption trial to provide testimony in the controversial Qatargate investigation. Sharon delves into the latest developments. The High Court of Justice ruled unanimously on Thursday that Israel has taken a variety of steps to provide for the humanitarian needs of Gaza’s civilian population during the current war with Hamas, and that there was no cause for the court to order the government and the army to take any additional action. We hear why this ruling is important in the context of other accusations against Israel on the international stage. The IDF issued a statement on Monday night announcing that it had disciplined several officers and troops for vandalizing Palestinian property in Jinba after an investigation it conducted into the incident. Villagers claim that troops had stood by while the settler extremists attacked residents and prevented a Red Crescent ambulance from evacuating the wounded. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir went to Jinba himself to investigate the incident on Sunday, as did Sharon. He reports back. Almost one in four US adults who were raised Jewish no longer identify as such, a new report by the prominent Pew Research Center released on Wednesday has shown. The report focuses on the phenomenon of “switching religions” around the world, and it is based on data obtained by polling almost 37,000 Americans and over 41,000 individuals in 35 other countries, including Israel. Tercatin gives highlights. For the first time, a team of Israeli archaeologists has uncovered ancient artifacts at northern Israel’s “Armageddon” site that might offer proof of an epic battle documented in the books of Kings II and Chronicles between a king of Judah and an Egyptian pharaoh. We hear how the old adage "an army marches on its stomach" may give us insight into this historical battle. Please see today's ongoing liveblog for more updates. Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. For further reading: Netanyahu says his two aides ‘being held hostage’ in Qatargate ‘witch hunt’ High Court says petitioners ‘not even close’ to showing Israel starving Gazan civilians ‘There’s no justice’: Palestinian villagers reel after brutal settler, IDF rampage Pew Research Center survey: A quarter of US adults raised Jewish no longer identify as Jews Archaeologists find first evidence of epic biblical battle at ‘Armageddon’ IMAGE: People protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government outside the Knesset, Israel's parliament in Jerusalem, March 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the violence in Mexico continues to spin out of control, we are seeing more and more stories of locals banding together to fight back against the cartels and their violence. In this episode, members of a local community take justice into their own hands and publicly execute a man they say was responsible for a hit.(commercial at 8:16)to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:https://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/world-news/vigilantes-lynch-drug-cartel-assassin-28640035

There have been various reports in Thailand about Mass sigthings in Thailand of UFO's. One particualr village is known as the Roswell of Thailand. There was a vlogger who documented some cases. Kristian Harloff gives his thoughts. #ufo #ufos #uap #uaps #alien #aliens #ufonews #uapnews  PUBLIC REC:   For a limited time, you can get 20% off at Public Rec by using code DTE at checkout. Just head to http://www.PublicRec.com , use code DTE, and you're all set. 

In my version of a traditional teaching story, a village is terrorized by a crocodile. This story explores the dangers of dismissing threats to others while hoping that we’ll be spared. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bring Out Your Stagnation!In the bustling village of Progressia, every Tuesday morning, the town crier—an overworked man in a tattered robe named Nigel—pushed his old wooden cart through the cobbled streets, shouting:"Bring out your stagnation! Bring out your stagnation!"It was a longstanding tradition. Villagers would shuffle out of their homes, dragging out bad ideas, outdated habits, and half-baked projects, dumping them onto the cart so they could be disposed of properly.One day, old farmer Reginald hobbled out, dragging something heavy behind him.“Here's my career,” he grumbled. “It hasn't moved in years.”Nigel peered down at the heap of dusty resignation letters, ignored training courses, and a suspiciously untouched LinkedIn profile. He poked it with a stick.“Oh no, that's not quite dead,” Nigel said. “It just needs a bit of effort!”“Nonsense,” said Reginald. “I'm stuck, out of ideas, and might as well give up.”Suddenly, the heap of career mistakes coughed and sat up. “I'm feeling much better,” it croaked. “I think I'll take a course on Agile leadership and try networking again.”Reginald frowned. “Look, can we just throw it on the cart? Makes things simpler.”But Nigel shook his head. “You see, mate, the problem isn't that your career is dead. It's that you stopped improving. If you're still breathing, you can still grow.”A murmur of agreement spread through the crowd. People began dragging out their own half-forgotten goals—neglected gym memberships, dusty musical instruments, and an entire sack labeled "New Year's Resolutions (2009-2024)".Nigel grinned. “See? You don't need to get rid of your past—you need to upgrade it! Continual improvement, people! That's how you avoid ending up on the cart.”From that day forward, Progressia changed. Every Tuesday, instead of throwing away their “stagnation,” people took their old ideas and revitalized them—learning new skills, trying new methods, and embracing a growth mindset.And as for Reginald? Well, he got himself a Scrum Master certification and became quite the success. (Though he still grumbled about it.)Moral of the story: Don't throw yourself on the cart too soon. If you're still breathing, you can still grow!How to connect with AgileDad:- [website] https://www.agiledad.com/- [instagram] https://www.instagram.com/agile_coach/- [facebook] https://www.facebook.com/RealAgileDad/- [Linkedin] https://www.linkedin.com/in/leehenson/

Join us for another epic episode of MSRcast, where we dive into the latest in the world of metal! We break down our experiences at the Swallow the Sun and Dream Theater concerts, discuss the sudden viral rise of Bobby Liebling, and explore the latest on Bruce Dickinson's solo tour and ProgPower updates. Plus, we dive into the unfortunate events on the 80's Cruise involving Faster Pussycat's Taime Downe and his fiancée, unpacking what went down and its impact. We also celebrate Queensrÿche's triumphant return to the charts, proving their legacy is stronger than ever, and honor the lives and legacies of In Vain's Sindre Nedland and former Annihilator vocalist Coburn Pharr, paying tribute to their contributions to the metal world. Our playlist is packed with killer tracks from Ebonheart, Noirum, Kilmara, Annihilator, Brainstorm, Pentagram, and Avantasia, and we introduce our brand-new segment, "Well, I've Never...", featuring Villagers of Ioannina City. Horns up and keep it metal! Playlist: Ebonheart - You Are Alone - Face Our Fear Noirum - Jotunheimen - Nature Tiktaalika - Gods of Pangea - Gods of Pangea  Kilmara - Take Me Back (ft Daniel Heiman) - Journey to the Sun  Annihilator - Stonewall - Never, Neverland Villagers of Ioannina City - Age of Aquarius Brainstorm - False Memories - Plague of Rats  Pentagram - I spoke To Death - Lightning In A Bottle Avantasia - Avalon (with Adrienne Cowan) - Here Be Dragons Explore the metal universe at msrcast.com, your one-stop hub for all things MSRcast. Immerse yourself in podcast archives, interviews, reviews, and more. Connect with us via msrcast@gmail.com, and stay updated on Twitter @msrcast and @themetalpigeon. Join Cary and Sean on Facebook, and don't forget to like our fan page at http://www.facebook.com/msrcastofficial. Find us on Instagram @msrcast. Spread the metal love – share the show, tweet about it, subscribe on iTunes, and leave a review. Enjoy the metal journey, and Keep It Metal!

Sheriff Labrador's much-needed day off took an unexpected twist!

In this episode of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar sits down with Gary Kemp—legendary songwriter, guitarist, and Spandau Ballet co-founder—to discuss his highly anticipated third solo album, This Destination. As one of the UK's most successful songwriters, Gary wrote 23 hit singles for Spandau Ballet, including iconic classics "True" and "Gold"—helping the band sell over 25 million records and achieve 500 weeks on the charts. His acclaimed songwriting earned him an Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Song Collection and the BMI Icon Award (2023), placing him alongside legends like Queen and Peter Gabriel. Beyond his solo career, Gary co-hosts the Rockonteurs podcast with Guy Pratt and has spent six years touring globally as part of Nick Mason's Saucerful of Secrets, reviving early Pink Floyd classics. In this exclusive interview, Gary delves into: The creative process behind This Destination The influences that shaped his songwriting journey His experience with Band-Aid and the legendary charity single Do They Know It's Christmas? His top five most significant songs Don't miss this must-listen conversation with one of Britain's greatest songwriters. Listen now to The XS Noize Podcast – Episode #216. Or listen via YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | RSS – Find The XS Noize Podcast's complete archive of episodes here. Previous XS Noize Podcast guests have included Doves, Gavin Friday, Anton Newcombe, Peter Hook, The Twang, Sananda Maitreya, James, Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, John Lydon, Bernard Butler, Steven Wilson, Ocean Colour Scene, Travis, New Order, The Killers, Tito Jackson, Simple Minds, Divine Comedy, Shaun Ryder, Gary Numan, Sleaford Mods, Michael Head, Villagers, and many more.

In Germany some 300 villages have been destroyed since the Second World War because of the coal that lay beneath them. Villagers have grown up in the knowledge that one day their house will be torn down and generally they've accepted the deal on offer: the mine buys their house and they build a new one in a brand-new village. But the demands of climate change and the need to curb CO2 emissions has changed attitudes to fossil fuels. In one region west of Cologne all mining activity will cease by 2030, 15 years earlier than planned. Which means that villages designated for demolition are now going to survive. That news isn't always welcome. Tim Mansel has visited one of them.

Your daily news in under three minutes. At Al Jazeera Podcasts, we want to hear from you, our listeners. So, please head to https://www.aljazeera.com/survey and tell us your thoughts about this show and other Al Jazeera podcasts. It only takes a few minutes! Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

AP correspondent Laurence Brooks reports on Lebanese villagers preparing to return home as Israeli troops withdraw under a ceasefire deal.

Israel pulled its forces from a key Gaza corridor Sunday as part of a fragile ceasefire deal with Hamas. Meanwhile, on Israel’s northern front inside Lebanon, concerns are mounting that its forces there may stay past a second deadline to withdraw by Feb. 18. Special correspondent Simona Foltyn reports from the Lebanese border. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Israel pulled its forces from a key Gaza corridor Sunday as part of a fragile ceasefire deal with Hamas. Meanwhile, on Israel’s northern front inside Lebanon, concerns are mounting that its forces there may stay past a second deadline to withdraw by Feb. 18. Special correspondent Simona Foltyn reports from the Lebanese border. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

New Q&A! What's your favorite Minecraft Easter egg or hidden feature? One Block Challenge! THEME: Winter! Email me your idea or leave it on the Discord. Only give me one idea. You can include art if you want, but that's optional. Provide the name of the block, a description of what it looks like, how you would obtain it in Minecraft, and any function it has. Keep your descriptions simple and to the point. The winners will be announced in the next Friday episode. Links Discord: https://discord.gg/jcTmQteGBs Email: digstraightdowncast@gmail.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/RebelJC_92 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/RebelJC Music: Above and Beyond, MilesRocksAlot

In Part 2 of our Best of 2024 podcast, we revisit some of the more memorable excerpts from our interviews over the past year: -- Thomas Austin, on what it's like to deal with being fired by Dabo Swinney. In 2008, Austin was an offensive lineman on the team that helped Swinney secure the head-coaching job with a victory over South Carolina. Swinney even rode on Austin's shoulders to midfield that day to shake the hand of Steve Spurrier. -- Otis Pickett, on returning to his alma mater from Mississippi to be the historian of Clemson University. A significant part of Pickett's mission is introducing and framing the public conversation on Clemson's past, which includes difficult and complicated topics on race. -- Cliff Ellis, former Clemson basketball coach, shares numerous stories about his musical career. Had he not chosen coaching, Ellis could've easily spent his life as a professional musician. In the mid-1960s, his group The Villagers was a sensation and even recorded at the legendary Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, Ala. Ellis remembers joining Roy Orbison on stage at a sold-out concert in Dothan, Ala. "If you can perform in front of people with Roy Orbison behind you, you're going to be OK going up against Dean Smith and Mike Krzyzewski," he said. -- Tommy West looks back to a totally different time for Clemson football in the 1990s when the Tigers didn't have any facilities to speak of and were so behind on that front that he once tried to stage an August practice at a local livestock arena.      

The complete archive of Subversive episodes, including exclusive episodes and my writing, is available on Substack. For a bit less, you can also subscribe to the podcast sans writing on Patreon. This is how the show is financed and grows, so I appreciate every contribution! Please subscribe at: ⁠⁠https://www.alexkaschuta.com/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/aksubversive⁠ In this chat, we explore the complexities of modern parenting, the longing for a supportive village, the difficulties of navigating parenting norms, and the importance of creativity and play in child development. We also talk about the rise of online experts, the grift in wellness and parenting advice, the allure of biohacking, the romanticization of traditional values, and the challenges of navigating dating advice in a crowded space. Cartoons Hate Her is a mom, writer, very online commentator, comedienne, and Trump impersonator. You can find her on X at https://x.com/CartoonsHateHer, and you can find all her excellent work here: www.cartoonshateher.com Chapters 00:00 The Need for Community in Parenting 05:10 Navigating Modern Parenting Challenges 09:48 Creativity and Play in Child Development 14:57 The Impact of Parenting Norms on Family Life 19:56 The Evolution of Childhood Experiences 24:57 The Role of Validation in Parenting 29:50 Finding Balance in Parenting 36:09 Navigating New Experiences Alone 36:33 The Rise of Online Experts 37:31 The Grift in Wellness and Parenting 39:28 The Illusion of Hormone Specialists 40:43 Diet as a Path to Purity 41:50 The Cycle of Self-Improvement 42:54 Biohacking and Modern Rituals 44:00 The Aesthetic of Home and Work 46:28 The Challenge of Political Engagement 48:03 Navigating the Crowded Dating Advice Space 49:56 The Search for Validation in Modern Life 01:01:17 Romanticizing the Past vs. Modern Luxuries 01:02:30 Recommendations for Underrated Thinkers