Podcasts about Westlake

Join Mark Westlake, Founder and CEO of GearBrain, for an essential look at the architecture of our connected future. With over 25 years of digital media and product strategy leadership at foundational platforms like AutoTrader.com and About.com, Mark has built a career helping people navigate complex digital shifts. Today, as the creator of GearBrain's patented IoT Compatibility Find Engine, he is tackling the industry's ultimate bottleneck: fragmentation. In this episode, we move past the era of isolated smart gadgets controlled by disjointed phone apps to explore the rise of GearBrain Assistant—and how autonomous AI agents are quietly turning fragmented smart homes into fully unified, contextual environments.

Tune in to the June 2026 edition of the Westlake Weekly Podcast from Westlake Charter School. Music by Bensound.com

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Secrets of West Lake: Tradition Meets Ambition at the Tea House Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-06-04-07-38-19-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 西湖边的茶楼，有一处古色古香的地方。En: By the West Lake, there is a place that is quaint and deeply traditional within a tea house.Zh: 在那里，莲、雨飞、健三人聚在一起，阳光透过窗户洒在桌面上，空气中弥漫着莲花的清香。En: There, Lian, Yufei, and Jian gathered together, with sunlight streaming through the windows onto the table, and the air filled with the delicate fragrance of lotus flowers.Zh: 外面，龙舟在湖面上飞驰，岸上的观众欢呼雀跃。En: Outside, dragon boats raced across the lake's surface, and the spectators on the shore cheered with enthusiasm.Zh: 莲是一位充满抱负的企业家，她梦想扩展茶叶进口生意，希望能与名茶专家雨飞合作。En: Lian is an ambitious entrepreneur with a dream to expand the tea import business, hoping to collaborate with tea expert Yufei.Zh: 雨飞谨慎而聪明，他深知自己家族传统制茶技艺的重要性，担心大量生产会牺牲茶的质量和传统。En: Yufei, cautious and wise, is deeply aware of the importance of his family's traditional tea-making techniques and worries that mass production could compromise the tea's quality and tradition.Zh: 健则是三人中的调解者，他重视和谐，希望促成成功的合作。En: Jian acts as the mediator among the three, valuing harmony and hoping to foster a successful collaboration.Zh: 茶楼里，莲首先开口：“雨飞先生，我很欣赏您祖传的制茶技艺。En: In the tea house, Lian spoke first, "Mr. Yufei, I really admire your ancestral tea-making skills.Zh: 我希望通过我们的合作，让更多的人品尝到这份独特的茶香。En: I hope through our cooperation, more people can savor this unique tea aroma."Zh: ”她的目光炽热，充满期待。En: Her gaze was intense and full of expectation.Zh: 雨飞沉吟片刻，说：“我明白你的想法。En: Yufei pondered for a moment and said, "I understand your thoughts.Zh: 但我不会让我们的传统随意改变。En: But I won't allow our traditions to change lightly.Zh: 茶的品质是我们家族世代坚守的底线。En: The quality of tea is a baseline our family has upheld for generations."Zh: ”健在一旁插话，“也许我们可以找到一个平衡点。En: Jian chimed in, "Perhaps we can find a balance.Zh: 莲，你愿意进一步了解制茶的传统吗？En: Lian, would you be willing to further understand the tea-making tradition?"Zh: ”经过思考，莲点头同意。En: After some thought, Lian nodded in agreement.Zh: “是的，我愿意。En: "Yes, I am willing."Zh: ”于是，她开始亲身投入到雨飞的茶田中，学习从采茶到制作的每一个环节。En: Thus, she began to personally immerse herself in Yufei's tea fields, learning every step from picking to production.Zh: 在这过程中，莲渐渐体会到茶艺的细腻和背后的心血。En: During this process, Lian gradually appreciated the intricacies of the tea arts and the labor behind it.Zh: 不久后，端午节到了。En: Soon, the Dragon Boat Festival arrived.Zh: 莲邀请雨飞和健参加她特别筹备的茶道仪式。En: Lian invited Yufei and Jian to attend a tea ceremony she specially prepared.Zh: 她用心准备的茶艺，精致而注重传统，让雨飞眼前一亮。En: Her carefully arranged tea performance was exquisite and attentive to tradition, leaving Yufei impressed.Zh: 茶香弥漫，雨飞动容地点头：“我看到了你的诚意和对传统的尊重。En: As the tea's fragrance filled the air, Yufei was moved and nodded, "I see your sincerity and respect for tradition."Zh: ”雨飞意识到，在传统中加入适度的创新也许未尝不可。En: Yufei realized that integrating modest innovation into tradition might just be possible.Zh: 他终于同意达成一个既尊重传统又允许谨慎扩展的协议。En: He finally agreed to a deal respecting tradition while allowing cautious expansion.Zh: 随着最后一饮，清茶入喉，心意交融，三人都露出笑容。En: With the final sip, the clear tea slid down their throats, their minds intertwined, and all three smiled.Zh: 这样的结局让莲学会了欣赏茶艺之美，而雨飞则对战略性创新有了新的信心。En: This outcome taught Lian to appreciate the beauty of the tea arts, while Yufei gained new confidence in strategic innovation.Zh: 明媚的春日，茶楼的窗外，龙舟如箭，拍水而来，和谐在湖面上氤氲飘洒。En: In the bright spring day, outside the tea house window, dragon boats shot across the water like arrows, peace and harmony floating over the lake's surface. Vocabulary Words:quaint: 古色古香streaming: 洒fragrance: 清香spectators: 观众entrepreneur: 企业家expand: 扩展collaborate: 合作cautious: 谨慎compromise: 牺牲mediator: 调解者harmony: 和谐savor: 品尝intense: 炽热pondered: 沉吟baseline: 底线immerse: 亲身投入intricacies: 细腻arcane: 奥秘exquisite: 精致attentive: 用心intertwined: 交融modest: 适度innovation: 创新strategic: 战略性tradition: 传统chimed in: 插话respected: 尊重sincerity: 诚意appreciate: 欣赏ceremony: 仪式

Westlake, Lausanne, Jesus, Christ, Gospel, Romans, Justification

Matt is the CEO of Westlake. Over the past 20 years, he has worked on over 140 completed transactions totaling over $5 billion in private placement and M&A value. Matt has gained in-depth experience working with companies from the lower middle market up to public companies with market capitalizations in excess of $1.5 billion. Since joining Westlake in 2014, Matt has advised companies with a combined annual revenue of over $1.8 billion in the areas of strategy, capital, finance, and M&A. He currently sits on the board of three companies. In past roles, Matt has had full operational and P&L responsibility for a NYSE-listed company division with $15 million of EBITDA, led a multi-million dollar revenue geographic territory for a privately held company, and oversaw a multi-million dollar revenue product line for a NYSE-listed company. Matt has an MBA in banking and has attended executive programs at Harvard and the University of Chicago. Matt holds Series 6, 7, 63, 65, 24, 27, and 79 FINRA licenses. Connect with Matt Andersen:Website: https://westlakesecurities.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westlake-securities/,https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-andersen-8861811b/ Check out Matt Andersen's book, “Intentional Growth: A Proven Guide to Higher Performance and Better Outcomes for Your Company”: https://www.amazon.com/Intentional-Growth-Performance-Outcomes-Company/dp/1639081879/ TurnKey Podcast Productions Important Links:Guest to Gold Video Series: www.TurnkeyPodcast.com/gold The Ultimate Podcast Launch Formula- www.TurnkeyPodcast.com/UPLFplusFREE workshop on how to "Be A Great Guest."Free E-Book 5 Ways to Make Money Podcasting at www.Turnkeypodcast.com/gift Ready to earn 6-figures with your podcast? See if you've got what it takes at TurnkeyPodcast.com/quizSales Training for Podcasters: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sales-training-for-podcasters/id1540644376Nice Guys on Business: http://www.niceguysonbusiness.com/subscribe/The Turnkey Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/turnkey-podcast/id1485077152

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Left burned and cleaned out after the events of The Jugger, Parker is forced to start fresh with a group of six other professional heisters targeting the cash receipts from a big weekend football game. The score itself goes off without a hitch, but a meddling amateur manages to make off with the entire boodle, including Parker's seventh of a cut! One of the legit best books of the entire series, The Seventh boasts some of author Donald Westlake's best precision plotting and most colorful characters. We typically sneer at Parker taking unnecessary risks or making bad decisions, but his bad judgment in this book is so astoundingly lopsided it's fun to just slide along as the floor falls apart beneath him. The Seventh is The Pink Smoke's eighth episode covering Westlake's Parker novels (what?! how did that happen?), and we have a great time discussing both the book and its 1968 film adaptation The Split.

Tune in to the May 2026 edition of the Westlake Weekly Podcast from Westlake Charter School.   Music by Bensound.com

Westlake, Lausanne, Jesus, Gospel, celebration, boasting

Corruption, corruption, and more corruption. That's what crooked Leftist administrations gave us. I'm including any that fit, regardless of political persuasion. The Bush administration was corrupt. In many ways, they built the blueprint exploited by Obama.The crisis of the World Trade Center towers is what led to massive budgets and lack of freedoms.Our government started actively spying on us. Imagine how much you can control a person when you know literally everything about them?Pick winners and losers. And how do you think winners are picked in corrupt governments. Do you nice guys and gals win? Or do the most cutthroat and ruthless win?The abuse we've taken as citizens should be put in the Smithsonian. And not for its sheer volume, but for how we missed it, and allowed it. In no country has a group of people believed themselves to be so free, only to learn how little freedom we truly have.Free people would not tolerate the fraud that is happening in this country. We pay taxes so other people can steal it?In LA they likely knew the fire was coming.Leaked phone call from January 4, 2025 (3 days before the devastating Palisades Fire)The call is between Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and John Alle, a property manager and whistleblower in the Pacific Palisades, Westlake and MacArthur Park areasSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One Utah school cut absenteeism in half with incentives. Greg and Holly discuss absenteeism and hear from KSL’s Deanie Wimmer about how donuts, field trips, and other incentives are changing the attendance culture.

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Unveiling the Soul: A Dragon Boat Festival Tale Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-04-25-07-38-19-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 西湖的春日充满了活力。En: The spring day at West Lake was full of vitality.Zh: 空气中漂浮着粽子的香味，船桨拍打湖面的声音与观众的欢呼声交织在一起。En: The air was filled with the aroma of zongzi, and the sound of oars splashing on the lake mingled with the cheers of the crowd.Zh: 那是一个难忘的端午节。En: It was an unforgettable Dragon Boat Festival.Zh: 我，嘉翼，一个满怀热情的摄影师，来到杭州，想在这节日中捕捉一幅完美的照片。En: I, Jiayi, a passionate photographer, came to Hangzhou with the goal of capturing the perfect photo during this festival.Zh: 我独自在湖边徘徊，眼前的景象让我感到震撼。En: Wandering alone by the lakeside, the sight before me was breathtaking.Zh: 船队整齐地在湖面上划动，仿佛一条条巨龙在水中舞动。En: The boat teams glided across the lake in perfect harmony, like giant dragons dancing in the water.Zh: 可是，我始终无法按下快门。En: Yet, I couldn't bring myself to press the shutter.Zh: 照片不止是眼见之物，它需要捕捉灵魂的震颤。En: A photo is more than what meets the eye; it needs to capture the vibrations of the soul.Zh: 就在这时，我决定与当地人交谈，去真正理解这个节日。En: At that moment, I decided to talk to the locals to truly understand the festival.Zh: 我遇见了若兰，一个正在准备龙舟赛的选手。En: I met Ruolan, a competitor preparing for the dragon boat race.Zh: 她的眼中燃烧着热情，又夹杂着一丝不安。En: Her eyes burned with passion but also held a hint of unease.Zh: 我们聊起来了，若兰告诉我，端午节是她已故父亲最爱的节日。En: We started chatting, and Ruolan told me that the Dragon Boat Festival was her late father's favorite holiday.Zh: 她想要赢得比赛，以此告慰父亲的在天之灵。En: She wanted to win the race to comfort his spirit in heaven.Zh: 然而，她感到很大压力，总担心自己会让父亲失望。En: However, she felt pressured, constantly worrying she would disappoint her father.Zh: 我望着若兰，突然意识到，我和她的目标竟然如此相似。En: Looking at Ruolan, I suddenly realized how similar our goals were.Zh: 我们都在寻找某种意义，寻找某个能填补内心空白的时刻。En: We were both searching for a sense of purpose, looking for a moment to fill the void within us.Zh: 比赛开始了，若兰划船时全神贯注，我在岸边静静观察着。En: The race began, and as Ruolan focused intently on rowing, I quietly observed from the shore.Zh: 就在船只即将领前之时，意外发生了，另一艘船突然擦过，若兰的船摇晃不止。En: Just as her boat was about to take the lead, an unexpected incident occurred—a neighboring boat suddenly grazed hers, causing it to sway violently.Zh: 所有人都屏住了呼吸，我快速调动相机，捕捉那短暂的时刻。En: Everyone held their breath, and I quickly adjusted my camera to capture the fleeting moment.Zh: 最终，尽管若兰没能赢得比赛，她却在岸边对我微笑，那是一种释然。En: In the end, even though Ruolan didn't win the race, she smiled at me from the shore, relieved.Zh: 她说：“我父亲不希望我背负这么多负担，只希望我快乐。”En: She said, “My father wouldn't want me to bear such a burden; he just wanted me to be happy.”Zh: 我的相机记录下了若兰努力的瞬间，那张照片中有她坚定的眼神和湖面闪烁的波光。En: My camera captured Ruolan's moments of effort, with her determined gaze and the shimmering waves on the lake.Zh: 后来，那成为了我展览的至爱之作。En: That photograph later became the centerpiece of my exhibition.Zh: 那张照片不但赢得了称赞，我还将其献给若兰已故的父亲。En: The photo not only won acclaim, but I also dedicated it to Ruolan's late father.Zh: 看着她的微笑，我感受到一种从未有过的满足感，不止是一场成功的展览，还有一段新的旅程即将开始。En: Seeing her smile, I felt a satisfaction I had never experienced before—beyond a successful exhibition, a new journey was about to begin.Zh: 对于我和若兰，这一天都变成了心灵新的起点。En: For both Ruolan and me, that day became a new starting point for the soul.Zh: 我们学会了在珍贵的当下找到生活的意义。En: We learned to find meaning in the precious present. Vocabulary Words:vitality: 活力aroma: 香味oars: 船桨mingled: 交织unforgettable: 难忘capturing: 捕捉breathtaking: 震撼harmony: 整齐press: 按下shutter: 快门vibrations: 震颤soul: 灵魂competitor: 选手unease: 不安late: 已故comfort: 告慰pressure: 压力disappoint: 失望focus: 全神贯注incident: 意外grazed: 擦过sway: 摇晃relief: 释然burden: 负担determined: 坚定shimmering: 闪烁acclaim: 称赞dedicated: 献给exhibition: 展览satisfaction: 满足感

Praca jest bez wątpienia koniecznością dla większości z nas i pozwala zarobić na codzienne utrzymanie. Ale w dzisiejszym świecie znaczy o wiele więcej - jest częścią naszej tożsamości, określa nas, buduje poczucie własnej wartości. Dlatego kiedy Man-su traci pracę po 25 latach wiernej służby w firmie produkującej papier, jego świat wali się w gruzy. Jak teraz utrzymać poziom życia, którym jego wspaniała rodzina cieszyła się przez lata? Jak nadal czuć się użytecznym i pełnowartościowym mężczyzną? Jak odzyskać swoją pracę? W 82 odcinku Podkastu, przyglądamy się "Bez wyjścia", najnowszemu filmowi Park Chan-wooka, w którym komedia przeplata się z makabrą. Dlaczego pomysł na adaptację powieści Donalda E. Westlake'a koreański mistrz nosił w sobie przez ponad 20 lat? Dlaczego scenariusz ten był aktualny na początku XX wieku i nadal jest na czasie? W rozmowie wychodzimy poza film Parka i kreślimy szersze konteksty. Z  czego wynika to, że Koreańczycy pracują tak dużo? Jaki do problemów lokalnego rynku pracy podchodzą inni filmowcy? Zapraszamy do słuchania.

Network Rail is pivotal to whether GBR is a success or not. The reality will always be that Network Rail, with its resources, people, assets and role drives pretty much whether the railway performs day to day both now and in the future.Jeremy Westlake is the CEO. In taking over from Andrew Haines he stepped out of the relative shadow of Chief Financial Officer role into the full glare of the top job. Does he have what it takes to make the transition? And does he have the vision to take Network Rail forward into a future that involves it transferring into Great British Railways whilst at the same making sure it performs?We spoke with Jeremy about those questions and many more in this extremely candid and comprehensive interview.Note - the interview was recorded on Thursday, 26th March 2026 so the dates of some of the events Jeremy refers to in the discussion should be seen in that context. Membership: If you want to see even more from Green Signals, including exclusive content, become a member and support the channel further too.YouTube -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@GreenSignals/join⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/GreenSignals⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Green Signals: Website -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.greensignals.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merchandise - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://greensignals.etsy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Newsletter -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.greensignals.org/#mailing-list⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow: X (Twitter) -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/greensignallers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-signals-productions-ltd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠You can view our legal disclaimer, copyright information and privacy policy here - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.greensignals.org/legal/⁠

On this April 19, 2026 episode of The Outlaw Mudcast, I talk about the pairings in round 2 of the 2025 Create-a-Competitor Competition.  I also discuss the guests for the upcoming Grand Gathering in Westlake, OH as well as report on recent online tournaments and featured matches.

Stay connected with us at americangroundradio.com, on Facebook, and Instagram. You're listening to American Ground Radio with Louis R. Avallone and Stephen Parr. This is the full show for April 17, 2026. We open with a story that is equal parts political scandal and perfect metaphor — Gavin Newsom's political PAC spent $1.5 million buying 67,000 copies of his own memoir and handing them out to donors, manufacturing a bestseller label out of thin air. We break down what the FEC rules actually say, why this may or may not be legal, and why it doesn't matter — because the real story is that Gavin Newsom is exactly as artificial as this stunt suggests. A plastic politician buying his own book to build a presidential resume is not a campaign strategy. It's a confession. In our Top 3 Things You Need to Know, Iran has announced it is reopening the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping — and oil prices dropped 10% worldwide within hours. We give you our honest read on whether Iran's sudden cooperation is genuine or a strategic ruse, why Trump's blockade of Iranian ports remains in place as leverage over the nuclear program, and what it means that the first ship through the newly reopened strait was a cruise ship. Then we dig into the House blocking a FISA extension — the same surveillance law the Obama administration used to spy on the Trump campaign — and why the Democrats who used it are now suddenly against it. Plus, a Soros-backed Minneapolis district attorney has issued an arrest warrant for an ICE officer who drew his weapon during a confrontation on the highway, while refusing to prosecute a single activist for weeks of violent attacks against ICE officers in that city. Our American Mamas Teri Netterville and Kimberly Burleson tackle one of the most personal and emotionally complex questions families face — what do you do when one sibling carries the entire burden of caring for an aging parent while the others aren't showing up? We get into the difference between checking in and actually showing up, why resentment is a trap even when it's completely justified, how childhood dynamics resurface when parents need care, and why open communication may be the only thing that keeps a family from fracturing under the weight of it all. Then we dig into a stat that should stop every American who's been told we should be more like Europe dead in their tracks. According to a study by the Institute of Economic Affairs, if Britain became the 51st state, most Brits think they'd rank seventh in GDP per capita. The reality — they'd be dead last. Below Mississippi. We walk through where Ireland, Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, and most of Europe actually fall on the list, explain why open borders, green energy mandates, and free speech regulations have quietly gutted European living standards, and make the case that Europe should be trying to be more like America — not the other way around. We also cover the Artemis II mission's spiritual aftermath — Commander Reed Wiseman, who describes himself as not a particularly religious man, immediately sought out the Navy chaplain on the rescue ship when they splashed down in the Pacific. When the chaplain walked in wearing a cross on his collar, Wiseman broke down in tears. We talk about what it means when the farthest journey from Earth any human crew has ever taken ends with a man weeping before a chaplain he'd never met. We discuss Elon Musk's proposal for universal high-income checks funded by AI and robotics — and why, even if the robots are doing the work, universal government income is still communism. Scripture is clear. Genesis places man in the garden not to sit idle, but to tend it. And we close out with Fairfax County, Virginia — right next to Arlington National Cemetery, 50 miles from the Pentagon — canceling Veterans Day as a school holiday while keeping Indigenous Peoples Day. We call it what it is. And a 91-year-old woman in Westlake, Ohio didn't answer her daily wellness check call, didn't answer her family, and didn't answer the door when police knocked. Officers used the garage code to get in. They found her alive and well in her bedroom, chasing her all-time high score on a video game. May your pursuit of happiness bring you joy. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We wrap up the final episode of our 2026 trustee candidate series with a real powerhouse leader. Yale-educated attorney Kate Ivers joins Aaron Silva to explain why the Board desperately needs someone who actually reads the fine print. From the WACC legal dumpster fire to the "silent erosion" of academic rigor in our middle schools, Kate outlines a path for principled governance and "No More Surprises." We need a lawyer, not a therapist, to fix the math.

Westlake, Lausanne, Jesus, Gospel, Romans, Law, Righteousness

Eanes is treating a $6M deficit like a mystical puzzle, but for healthcare executive Swasti Apte, it's just arithmetic. Swasti joins Aaron Silva to discuss how she recouped $2M in lost revenue at Kaiser Permanente and why she's bringing that forensic eye to our Board. From the "Skittles for breakfast" communication gap to a 10-year plan to save our feeder schools, it's time for adult supervision. If you don't vote, the wheel stays in the ditch.

You don't keep the same mechanics when the engine is smoking. HR expert Jennifer Blackman joins Aaron Silva to bring private-sector discipline to a district facing a 20% teacher exodus. We discuss her SALT framework and the cold reality that teachers need rent money, not more bagels and tacos. Learn how Jennifer plans to restore fiscal health and liberate the EEF to fund excellence, not deficit holes. Stop the "sleepy" votes—vote on May 2nd.

Spring Break is over and Bill is back—barely surviving a trip to Kalahari thanks to some brutal motion sickness. Alyssa deals with serious FOMO after missing Coachella, but we're still bringing the Good Vibes! Plus, why did a 91-year-old Westlake woman scare her entire family just by not answering her phone? Bill recaps his downtown Cleveland staycation, Alyssa delivers another edition of College of Knowledge, and we get into spring vibes—Bill's already mowed the lawn, Alyssa… not so much. And we wrap it up with your weirdest (but somehow amazing) food combinations.

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Rediscovering Artistry: An Inspiring Encounter at Xizi Lake Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-04-10-07-38-19-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 西子湖畔的春季早晨，阳光洒在湖面上，闪烁着金色的光芒。En: On a spring morning by Xizi Lake, sunlight spilled across the lake's surface, sparkling with a golden glow.Zh: 柳树在微风中轻轻摇曳，满树的垂丝似乎轻抚着大地。En: Willow trees gently swayed in the breeze, their drooping branches appearing to lightly caress the earth.Zh: 游人们走在湖畔，遵循着清明时节的习俗，一边扫墓祭祖，一边享受与家人共度的时光。En: Visitors wandered along the lake, following the customs of the Qingming Festival, sweeping tombs to honor their ancestors while enjoying time with their families.Zh: 这一天，悠含和表姐美玲也来到了西湖，追忆家族的过往。En: On this day, Youhan and his cousin Meiling also arrived at West Lake to reminisce about their family's past.Zh: 悠含是一名安静的画家，目前正陷入创作瓶颈。En: Youhan is a quiet painter who is currently stuck in a creative rut.Zh: 他希望西湖的自然美景能为他的艺术创作注入新的灵感。En: He hopes that the natural beauty of West Lake will inject new inspiration into his artistic creations.Zh: 然而，湍急的人流令他分心，使他难以集中。En: However, the hurried crowds distract him, making it difficult to concentrate.Zh: “悠含，我们去那边看看吧，说不定那里会安静一些。”美玲说。En: "Youhan, let's go over there. Maybe it will be quieter," suggested Meiling.Zh: 悠含点了点头，决定改变路线，从湖边小径走。En: Youhan nodded, deciding to change his route and take a path along the lake's edge.Zh: 那里碧波荡漾，远离喧闹。En: There, the waves were serene and removed from the clamor.Zh: 在小径的拐角，悠含撞见了一位年轻的导游，那是子强。En: At the corner of the path, Youhan encountered a young tour guide named Ziqiang.Zh: 他神采飞扬地为几位游客讲述着西湖的历史故事。En: He was animatedly recounting the historical tales of West Lake to a group of tourists.Zh: 子强对故土的热爱和讲解的热情令悠含驻足倾听。En: Ziqiang's passion for his homeland and his enthusiastic storytelling made Youhan stop and listen.Zh: 讲完后，子强注意到悠含在旁，微笑着主动打招呼：“你好！我叫子强，是这里的导游。你喜欢西湖吗？”En: After finishing his story, Ziqiang noticed Youhan nearby and greeted him with a smile, "Hello! My name is Ziqiang, and I'm a guide here. Do you like West Lake?"Zh: 悠含点头，却不知从何说起。En: Youhan nodded, unsure of where to begin.Zh: 子强察觉到他的犹豫，问道：“你也是来找灵感的吗？”En: Noticing his hesitation, Ziqiang asked, "Are you also looking for inspiration?"Zh: “是的。”悠含答道，心中感到一丝亲切和认同，于是镇定下来。En: "Yes," Youhan replied, feeling a sense of warmth and recognition, which calmed him.Zh: 他告诉子强自己画画的烦恼，以及对西湖景色的期望。En: He shared with Ziqiang his painting troubles and what he hoped to find in the scenery of West Lake.Zh: 子强认真地倾听，分享了他对祖先遗产的看法，以及如何从历史中获得创造力和灵感的故事。En: Ziqiang listened attentively, sharing his own views on ancestral heritage and stories of drawing creativity and inspiration from history.Zh: 悠含被子强的热情和见解深深打动，内心的灵感源泉似乎被重新激活。En: Youhan was deeply moved by Ziqiang's enthusiasm and insights, feeling as if his wellspring of inspiration had been reawakened.Zh: “谢谢你。”悠含最终说道。“我从未想过这些景色背后的故事能带来如此的启发。”En: "Thank you," Youhan finally said. "I never thought that the stories behind these scenes could bring such inspiration."Zh: 告别时，两人互留联系方式。En: As they parted, they exchanged contact information.Zh: 悠含感到心情轻松，充满动力。En: Youhan felt light-hearted and motivated.Zh: 他取出随身带的画板，开始勾勒初春的西湖景色，脑海中浮现的是今日与子强的交流与对话，这些都将成为画中的灵魂。En: He took out a sketchpad he always carried and began to outline the early spring scenery of West Lake, his mind filled with the day's interaction and conversation with Ziqiang.Zh: 这些都将成为画中的灵魂。En: These would become the soul of his painting.Zh: 当天傍晚，金黄的夕阳挂在西湖上空，悠含收拾起画具，心里充满了希望和期待。En: That evening, as the golden sunset hovered over West Lake, Youhan packed up his art supplies, filled with hope and anticipation in his heart.Zh: 他明白，灵感不只是源于风景，更来自于意外相逢中的那份真诚与智慧。En: He realized that inspiration not only comes from the scenery but also from the sincerity and wisdom found in unexpected encounters.Zh: 与子强的相遇，成为了他艺术生涯新篇章的开始。En: His meeting with Ziqiang marked the start of a new chapter in his artistic journey. Vocabulary Words:spilled: 洒sparkling: 闪烁glow: 光芒willow: 柳树swayed: 摇曳drooping: 垂branches: 丝caress: 轻抚ancestors: 祖先reminisce: 追忆rut: 瓶颈inspiration: 灵感serene: 碧波clatter: 喧闹encountered: 撞见animatedly: 神采飞扬heritage: 遗产wellspring: 源泉reawakened: 激活artistic: 艺术journey: 生涯sketchpad: 画板outline: 勾勒scenery: 景色interaction: 交流anticipation: 期待heartfelt: 心中wisdom: 智慧chapter: 篇章greeted: 打招呼

Tune in to the April 2026 edition of the Westlake Weekly Podcast from Westlake Charter School. Music by Bensound.com

Michael interviews Adam Westlake, a worship leader and biblical counselor, about using music and singing as a growth assignment in counseling. Westlake describes singing as “integrative work” that aligns what believers know and feel, citing Colossians 3:16 and Ephesians 5 on singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, and discussing James' connection between suffering, prayer, and cheerful singing. They argue singing is often under-practiced outside Sunday services yet can help sufferers express truth “slant,” foster solidarity, and provide “portable theology” the Spirit brings to mind. They address concerns about emotional manipulation, emphasizing tethering emotion to what is true about Jesus, and note the value of varied song forms. Westlake shares a daily text-based devotional, “Sing,” and the episode ends with him leading the doxology.00:00 Podcast Welcome00:37 Meet Adam Westlake01:04 Why Singing Matters04:53 Singing in Suffering07:39 Worship Leading and Counseling09:56 Emotion and Worship13:26 Music as Homework17:22 Daily Sing Devotional19:41 Doxology and FarewellEpisode MentionsRegister Now for the 2026 Called to Counsel Conference All My Questions - Bethany Bernard (Spotify) Sing - Daily Devotional with the Worship Initiative Better Days Counseling - Adam Westlake Counseling 

What happens when the month looks successful from the outside, but behind the scenes it comes with hiring mistakes, disappointing experiences, and a few sharp lessons in trust? In this episode, I'm bringing back my end-of-month Get the Tea episodes and giving you a real snapshot of what March looked like in my world. This one is for the woman who wants honest behind-the-scenes insight into business, lifestyle, decision-making, and the personal lessons that come with building a freedom-led life.In this episode I spill the tea on... Behind the scenes of the Female Startup Summit and why it's still one of my favourite ways to market, collaborate, and build communityThe social media agency experience that left me questioning a lot, and what it taught me about virality, discernment, and trusting myselfA disappointing situation with a past mentor that had me thinking deeply about integrity in businessLittle snapshots from my China trip, including tea houses, West Lake, Chongqing, Chengdu, and the pandasWhat's on my mind now, from filling Female Leadership LIVE London to preparing for my Portugal retreat

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Mystery at West Lake: Mei's Journey into Qingming Past Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-03-24-22-34-01-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 春天的一个早上，在杭州西湖旁边的茶馆，梅正在忙碌地准备着。En: One spring morning, at the teahouse beside Hangzhou West Lake, Mei was busily preparing.Zh: 茶馆里飘着淡淡的茶香，柔和的樱花花瓣随风飘落，落在圆润的瓷杯上，发出轻微的碰撞声。En: A faint scent of tea wafted through the teahouse, and soft cherry blossom petals floated down with the wind, landing on the smooth porcelain cups, making a slight tapping sound.Zh: 梅是一个内敛的年轻女子，习惯安静地做事。En: Mei was a reserved young woman, accustomed to quietly doing her work.Zh: 然而，这一天，一封神秘的信封出现在她的桌上，上面写着她的名字——梅。En: However, on this day, a mysterious envelope appeared on her table, with her name written on it — Mei.Zh: 但梅没有期待收到任何东西。En: Yet, Mei wasn't expecting to receive anything.Zh: 梅盯着那个信封，心中充满了好奇，也有些不安。En: Staring at the envelope, Mei was filled with curiosity and a bit of unease.Zh: 她低声对自己说：“怎么会有我的信呢？En: She murmured to herself, "Why is there a letter for me?"Zh: ”信封很轻，似乎装着一张纸而已。En: The envelope was light, seemingly containing just a single sheet of paper.Zh: 她环顾四周，发现同事李和陈都在忙碌，但是他们的神情似乎有些异样。En: She glanced around and saw that her colleagues Li and Chen were busy, but their expressions seemed a bit unusual.Zh: 是清明节的时节，空气中透着一种祭祖的庄重感。En: It was the time of Qingming Festival, and there was a solemn ancestral feeling in the air.Zh: 梅记得爷爷曾经和她说过清明节的由来与传统，她总是很重视这个节日。En: Mei remembered that her grandfather had once told her about the origins and traditions of Qingming Festival, and she always valued this holiday.Zh: 想到这一点，她决定趁没人注意时，悄悄打开信封。En: With this in mind, she decided to quietly open the envelope when no one was looking.Zh: 走进后院，梅慢慢撕开信封，取出了里面的信纸。En: Entering the backyard, Mei slowly tore open the envelope and took out the letter inside.Zh: 信上是熟悉又陌生的字体，提到梅家的一些陈年往事和一个不曾听闻的亲戚。En: The letter was written in a script that was both familiar and unfamiliar, mentioning some old stories of the Mei family and a relative she had never heard of.Zh: 信的末尾写着，“探寻她的过去，将有助于你的未来。En: At the end of the letter, it said, "Exploring her past will aid your future."Zh: ”梅的脑袋里充斥着各种问题。En: Mei's mind was filled with all sorts of questions.Zh: 为什么在清明节？En: Why during Qingming Festival?Zh: 为什么是她？En: Why her?Zh: 梅想起多年来李和陈与她一直合作默契，但今天他们的表现却让她感到疑惑。En: She recalled how over the years, Li and Chen had always worked harmoniously with her, but their behavior today made her feel puzzled.Zh: 她决定去问个明白。En: She decided to ask them directly.Zh: 回到茶馆后，梅趁一个安静的时刻走向李和陈。En: Returning to the teahouse, Mei approached Li and Chen during a quiet moment.Zh: “你们知道这封信吗？En: "Do you know about this letter?Zh: 上面说起我家的故事，”梅问道，声音虽小但坚定。En: It mentions stories about my family," Mei asked, her voice small but firm.Zh: 李和陈对视了一眼，似乎下了决心。En: Li and Chen exchanged a glance, seemingly making a decision.Zh: 李缓缓开口：“梅，其实我们早就知道这件事。En: Li slowly spoke, "Mei, in fact, we've known about this for a while.Zh: 是你的远方亲戚拜托我们给你这封信，让你了解你的家族历史。En: It was a distant relative of yours who asked us to give you this letter so that you could understand your family history."Zh: ”梅听后感到既惊讶又释然，但更多的是一种好奇驱使着她去了解自己的过往和传统。En: Hearing this, Mei felt surprised and relieved, but more than anything, she was driven by a curiosity to explore her past and traditions.Zh: 在清明节的傍晚，梅站在西湖边，望着如画的湖景，回想着信中的每一个字。En: On the evening of Qingming Festival, Mei stood by the West Lake, gazing at the picturesque view while recalling every word from the letter.Zh: 她决定去探寻，去追溯家族的历史。En: She decided to delve into her family's history.Zh: 梅忽然意识到，好奇心如同西湖的微波，会带领她走向更广阔的世界。En: Mei suddenly realized that curiosity, like the gentle ripples of West Lake, would lead her to a broader world.Zh: 这一瞬，梅感受到一种深深的文化归属感，她知道自己的生活即将因此而改变。En: In that moment, Mei felt a deep cultural belonging and knew that her life was about to change because of this. Vocabulary Words:wafted: 飘porcelain: 瓷reserved: 内敛mysterious: 神秘的unease: 不安ancestral: 祭祖的solemn: 庄重的origins: 由来tore: 撕开glance: 神情harmoniously: 合作默契curiosity: 好奇gazing: 望着picturesque: 如画的explore: 探寻belonging: 归属感broader: 更广阔的aide: 有助于distant: 远方的relieved: 释然traditions: 传统driven: 驱使script: 字体recalled: 想起uneasy: 疑惑reluctantly: 慢慢momentarily: 一瞬envelope: 信封faint: 淡淡的petals: 花瓣

Next up on in our inaugural Industry Elite: The C-Suite honoree series is a conversation with Sean Morgan, who is executive vice president of finance and operations at Westlake Financial. Morgan talks with Cherokee Media Group senior editor Joe Overby about his career and the folks who have impacted that journey, the challenges and opportunities in auto finance, and his aspirations. The Industry Elite honorees will be recognized in the May edition of Auto Remarketing and at the Used Car Industry Summit, which runs April 13-15 at the InterContinental Miami.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Diane Adam talks to Matt Hautau, vice president of merchandising of Core-Mark, a wholesale distributor to the convenience channel based in Westlake, Texas. In this podcast, recorded Feb. 11 at the Core-Mark Midwest Expo in Indianapolis, Hautau unpacks the latest in consumer behavior and how Core-Mark works with vendors and suppliers to get the right products to store. He also discusses the importance of data when it comes to what's a hit or a miss in the c-store channel.

Nick Wilson and Jonathan Peterlin look into Justin Fields' decision to take a backup role elsewhere rather than competing for a starting job with the Browns. The discussion shifts to Kirk Cousins' potential fit in Todd Monken's offense and his affinity for Westlake's Chipotle. 01:00 - Justin Fields Snubs Cleveland 04:44 - Quarterback Value and Fit 07:28 - Kirk Cousins to Cleveland

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Finding Peace: A Journey of Healing at West Lake Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-03-15-22-34-02-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 微风轻轻拂过西湖，柳树的枝条随风摇曳，樱花在阳光下悄然绽放。En: A gentle breeze lightly brushed across West Lake, causing the willow branches to sway with the wind, while cherry blossoms quietly bloomed under the sunlight.Zh: 连坐在湖边的一张木椅上，凝视着平静的湖面，心中却翻腾着不安。En: Lian sat on a wooden bench by the lake, gazing at the calm water, but his heart was in turmoil.Zh: 手术后的恢复期间，他时时感到莫名的焦虑。En: During his recovery period after the surgery, he often felt inexplicably anxious.Zh: 他的朋友美坐在他旁边，一如既往地支持着他。En: His friend Mei, sitting beside him, supported him as always.Zh: "西湖真美，放松心情吧。"美轻轻说道，声音柔和却充满力量。En: "West Lake is truly beautiful, try to relax," Mei softly said, her voice gentle yet full of strength.Zh: 连点了点头，尝试着跟随美的节奏放松。En: Lian nodded, attempting to relax at Mei's pace.Zh: 今天是清明节，是缅怀先祖的日子，他希望借此机会找到内心的平静。En: Today was Qingming Festival, a day for remembering ancestors, and he hoped to find inner peace through this occasion.Zh: “你想去扫墓吗？”美问道，她知道这个节日对连的重要性。En: "Do you want to go pay respects at the graves?" she asked, knowing how important this festival was to Lian.Zh: 连轻轻叹了一口气，“我想，但我还有些害怕。En: Lian sighed lightly, "I do, but I'm still a bit scared.Zh: 手术后，我总担心未来是什么样子。”En: After the surgery, I constantly worry about what the future holds."Zh: 美握住连的手，“我们一起面对。En: Mei held Lian's hand, "We'll face it together.Zh: 你会好起来的。”En: You will get better."Zh: 正当此时，一个熟悉又久违的面孔出现在他们眼前。En: Just then, a familiar yet long-missed face appeared before them.Zh: “连？”是静，他过去的一位老熟人。En: "Lian?" It was Jing, an old acquaintance from his past.Zh: 静微笑着走近，但脸上有种神秘的气息。En: Jing approached with a smile, but there was a mysterious aura about her.Zh: 连的心微微一震，过去的种种往事瞬间涌上心头。En: Lian's heart was slightly shaken as memories from the past suddenly surged up.Zh: 静的出现让他不知所措。En: Jing's appearance left him at a loss.Zh: “好久不见。”静说，语气中带着些许怀念。En: "Long time no see," Jing said, with a tinge of nostalgia in her tone.Zh: 他们一起沿着湖边慢慢走着，湖水在阳光下闪烁着粼粼波光。En: They walked slowly along the lakeside together, with the lake's water shimmering under the sunlight.Zh: 空气中弥漫着春天的芬芳。En: The air was filled with the fragrance of spring.Zh: “手术后，我总是焦虑。En: "Since the surgery, I've always been anxious.Zh: 遇见你，我也不知道是好是坏。”连坦白道。En: I don't know if meeting you is good or bad," Lian confessed.Zh: 静微微停下，眼中闪烁着异样的光亮。En: Jing paused slightly, her eyes sparkling with a strange brightness.Zh: “我理解你的感受。En: "I understand your feelings.Zh: 当年我们之间的误会，我一直想澄清。”静的声音平静却诚恳。En: I've always wanted to clear up the misunderstanding between us back then," Jing said, her voice calm yet sincere.Zh: 两人面对面，空气中流淌着未曾说出口的情感。En: Facing each other, emotions unspoken flowed in the air.Zh: 连闭上眼，再次睁开时，心中已是另一番迸发。En: Lian closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, his heart felt a new burst.Zh: “我原谅你，也原谅自己。”连轻声说，仿佛一阵轻风抚平了内心的波动。En: "I forgive you, and I forgive myself," Lian said softly, as if a gentle breeze had calmed the turbulence within.Zh: 谈话的尾声，他们站在湖边，彼此释怀。En: As their conversation ended, they stood by the lake, each relieved.Zh: 连感到身体轻盈，心中积蓄已久的重担终于卸去。En: Lian felt light, the burden he had carried for so long finally lifted.Zh: 和美一起，连缓缓走向家中的祖坟，手捧香烛，脚步坚定。En: Together with Mei, Lian slowly walked towards his family graves, holding incense sticks, his steps firm.Zh: 清明节的祭祖仪式，让他感觉到与祖先之间深刻的联系，他终于找到了内心的宁静。En: The Qingming Festival ancestral rituals made him feel a profound connection with his ancestors, and he finally found tranquility within.Zh: 樱花纷飞，春意浓厚，连站在美身边，内心充满希望和对未来的信心。En: Cherry blossoms fluttered, spring was thick in the air, and standing next to Mei, Lian felt filled with hope and confidence for the future.Zh: 他明白，健康与生活都会在春天的阳光下重焕生机。En: He understood that both health and life would regain vitality under the spring sunlight. Vocabulary Words:breeze: 微风willow: 柳树bloomed: 绽放turmoil: 翻腾inexplicably: 莫名graves: 祖坟anxious: 焦虑respects: 扫墓recovery: 恢复acquaintance: 熟人mysterious: 神秘nostalgia: 怀念shimmering: 粼粼波光fragrance: 芬芳confessed: 坦白misunderstanding: 误会sparkling: 闪烁nostalgia: 怀念tranquility: 宁静turmoil: 波动fluttered: 纷飞vitality: 生机ancestors: 先祖incense: 香烛connection: 联系calm: 平静confident: 信心release: 释怀scape: 情景tension: 张力

More than 2.3 million voted in the Democratic primary, the party's highest turnout since at least 2000. It also marked the first time since 2008 that Democratic participation exceeded Republican turnout. In other news, Lancaster beat previously unbeaten Austin Westlake to win the UIL Class 6A Division II state championship; No. 4 Texas beat three-time defending champion and third-ranked South Carolina 78-61 on Sunday to win its first Southeastern Conference Tournament title.  In the Big 12 Championship game, West Virginia avenged two regular-season losses to TCU, beating the reigning Tournament champion 62-53 in this year's conference title game on Sunday; and Snarf's Sandwiches opened another location in North Dallas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Blending Traditions: West Lake's Spring Cultural Revival Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-03-09-07-38-19-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 梅琳站在西湖边，望着那清澈的湖水，心中充满期待。En: Meilin stood by West Lake, gazing at the clear waters with a heart full of anticipation.Zh: 今年的春季文化节要在这里举行，她希望借助清明节这个重要的节日，把大家聚集在一起，共同感受传统的魅力。En: This year's Spring Cultural Festival was going to be held there, and she hoped to gather everyone with the help of the important Qingming Festival, to collectively experience the charm of tradition.Zh: 她的朋友江和欣怡此时正走过来。En: Her friends Jiang and Xinyi were walking over at that moment.Zh: 江是大学时期的老朋友，总是以实际和理性的眼光看待事情。En: Jiang was an old friend from university, always viewing things with a practical and rational eye.Zh: 欣怡则是一位本地艺术家，总是充满热情，支持梅琳的希望。En: Xinyi, on the other hand, was a local artist, always full of passion, supporting Meilin's hopes.Zh: “梅琳，资金还不够，许可证也没有着落。”江一边翻看着手中的文件，一边无奈地摇头。En: “Meilin, we're still short on funds, and we haven't secured the permits either,” Jiang said, shaking his head helplessly as he looked through the documents in his hand.Zh: “我知道。”梅琳叹了口气，“但我相信我们一定能做到。”En: “I know.” Meilin sighed, “But I believe we can make it happen.”Zh: “如果我们可以加一点现代元素，也许能吸引更多人。”江建议道。En: “If we can add a touch of modern elements, maybe we can attract more people,” Jiang suggested.Zh: 梅琳犹豫片刻，她不想放弃传统的东西，但现实情况让她不得不思考江的话。En: Meilin hesitated for a moment; she didn't want to give up on traditional aspects, yet reality forced her to consider Jiang's suggestion.Zh: 这时，欣怡拍拍她的肩膀，说：“我们可以试着融合传统和现代，不是必须二择其一。”En: At this point, Xinyi patted her on the shoulder and said, “We can try to blend tradition with modernity; it doesn't have to be one or the other.”Zh: 清明节快到了，西湖两岸的柳树在微风中摇曳，樱花开得正艳，湖边满是春天的气息。En: As Qingming Festival was approaching, the willows on both banks of West Lake swayed in the breeze, cherry blossoms bloomed gorgeously, and the lakeside was filled with the atmosphere of spring.Zh: 然而，梅琳的心情却如天空那即将到来的乌云，有些沉重。En: However, Meilin's mood was as heavy as the impending dark clouds in the sky.Zh: 经过几天的思考和夜以继日的准备，梅琳终于决定，她要在保持传统的基础上加入现代元素。En: After several days of pondering and round-the-clock preparation, Meilin finally decided to incorporate modern elements while maintaining the traditional foundation.Zh: 这使得申请过程变得流畅了一些，资金问题也稍有缓解。En: This made the application process smoother, and the funding issues eased slightly.Zh: 终于，在期待中，春季文化节如期举行。En: Finally, with anticipation, the Spring Cultural Festival was held as scheduled.Zh: 然而，正当人们享受着湖边表演和艺术展览时，一场突如其来的暴雨打乱了节奏。En: However, just as people were enjoying the lakeside performances and art exhibitions, a sudden rainstorm disrupted the rhythm.Zh: “怎么办？”欣怡匆匆忙忙地问。En: “What should we do?” Xinyi asked hastily.Zh: 梅琳深吸一口气，说：“我们把活动搬到室内！”En: Meilin took a deep breath and said, “Let's move the activities indoors!”Zh: 在大家的共同努力下，活动虽然移到了室内，但是节日的气氛却没有减退。En: With everyone's combined efforts, although the event was moved indoors, the festival atmosphere remained undiminished.Zh: 最终，晚上的放灯仪式在雨过天晴之后美丽地展开。En: Eventually, the evening lantern ceremony unfolded beautifully after the rain cleared.Zh: 湖面上漂浮着无数的灯笼，像是闪烁的星星，映在每个人的眼中。En: Countless lanterns floated on the lake surface, like twinkling stars, reflecting in everyone's eyes.Zh: 梅琳看着这一切，心中感到温暖和满足。En: Meilin watched it all, feeling warmth and satisfaction in her heart.Zh: 她意识到，传统和现代结合可以创造出特别的东西，也为她的社区带来了新的生机与希望。En: She realized that combining tradition with modernity could create something special and brought new vitality and hope to her community.Zh: “谢谢你们！”梅琳对江和欣怡说。En: “Thank you!” Meilin said to Jiang and Xinyi.Zh: 通过这次文化节，梅琳找到了她在城市中的归属感，也看到了传统在现代生活中的新价值。En: Through this cultural festival, Meilin found her sense of belonging in the city and saw the new value of tradition in modern life.Zh: 这样一个银幕般的结束，西湖又恢复了它静谧的模样。En: With such a cinematic ending, West Lake returned to its tranquil state. Vocabulary Words:anticipation: 期待charm: 魅力practical: 实际rational: 理性permits: 许可证unconventionally: 无奈地swayed: 摇曳blooms: 开放pondering: 思考approaching: 临近burgeoning: 旺盛incorporate: 融合ensued: 随之而来eloquent: 表达力强rhythm: 节奏undiminished: 未减弱gratifying: 令人满意nurture: 培育vibrancy: 生机serenity: 宁静modernity: 现代性round-the-clock: 夜以继日hastily: 匆匆忙忙地disrupted: 打乱ceremony: 仪式twinkling: 闪烁的lantern: 灯笼sense of belonging: 归属感cinematic: 银幕般的tranquil: 静谧

Episode Description:What's the one name that can instantly send Tricia into full‑blown outrage—and why does it always make for great radio?

**THIS EPISODE CONTAINS FULL SPOILERS**More like "No Other NOMINATIONS," am I right?!?! Cuz it didn't get any Oscar noms! Get it?... this thing on? On this episode of the Film is Lit podcast, we dive into the latest film from one of our all-time favorite directors, Park Chan-wook, the razor-sharp black comedy thriller “No Other Choice.” It's a dark, shocking story about just how far one man will go after being laid off. And speaking of shocking, we did not expect the novel it's based on, “The Ax” by the legendary Donald E. Westlake, to completely knock us out. It quietly became one of the best books we've ever read. It's that good. So the big question: does Park Chan-wook's twisted vision live up to the cold-blooded brilliance of Westlake's novel? Or is the film its own beast entirely? Listen and find out.#NoOtherChoice #ParkChanWook #LeeByunghun #TheAx #DonaldEWestlake #BlackComedy #Thriller #FilmIsLit #SonYejin #booktoscreen #moviereview #FilmisLitpod #OscarSnub #bookreviewpodcast

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Unveiling Secrets: Lihua's Journey to Family Truths Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-03-01-23-34-02-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 丽华站在杭州西湖的岸边，微风轻轻拂过她的面颊。En: Lihua stood on the banks of Hangzhou West Lake, with a gentle breeze brushing against her cheeks.Zh: 春天即将到来，樱花树正悄然绽放，En: Spring was about to arrive, and the cherry blossom trees were quietly blooming.Zh: 粉色的花瓣随风飘落，倒映在湖面上，美丽如画。En: Pink petals floated with the wind, reflecting beautifully on the lake's surface like a painting.Zh: 然而，丽华的心情并不如西湖般平静。En: However, Lihua's mood was not as serene as West Lake.Zh: 清明节快到了，所有人都在准备祭扫先人，而丽华却被一个意外的秘密困扰着。En: With the Qingming Festival approaching, everyone was busy preparing to pay respects to their ancestors, but Lihua was troubled by a surprising secret.Zh: 这是一个可能改变她一生的秘密。En: It was a secret that could change her life forever.Zh: 几天前，她在整理祖父留下的旧信时，发现家族的过去隐藏着一个不为人知的故事。En: A few days before, while organizing some old letters left by her grandfather, she discovered an untold family story from the past.Zh: 她的祖父曾是一个名噪一时的画家，但在某个不明原因的事件后，家人决定封存这一切。En: Her grandfather was once a renowned painter, but after a mysterious event, the family decided to seal away everything.Zh: 丽华并不知道这是什么样的秘密，但她感到有必要面对真相。En: Lihua didn't know what kind of secret this was, but she felt the need to confront the truth.Zh: 这一天，丽华约了从远方回来的儿时好友真见面。En: That day, Lihua arranged to meet her childhood friend, Zhen, who had returned from afar.Zh: 真总是那么充满活力，喜欢冒险，她是丽华的好伙伴。En: Zhen was always so full of energy and loved adventure; she was Lihua's good companion.Zh: 两人在西湖旁的小茶馆里见面，真一眼就看出丽华心事重重。En: They met at a small teahouse by West Lake, and Zhen immediately noticed Lihua's heavy heart.Zh: “丽华，你怎么了？”她问道。En: “Lihua, what's wrong?” she asked.Zh: 丽华犹豫了一下，但还是决定告诉真她的发现和不安。En: Lihua hesitated for a moment, but then decided to tell Zhen about her discoveries and concerns.Zh: 听完后，真握住了丽华的手：“不要害怕真实，它是你的一部分。En: After listening, Zhen held Lihua's hand and said, “Don't be afraid of the truth; it's a part of you.Zh: 既然你找到了，就面对它。”En: Now that you've found it, face it.”Zh: 真坚定的话语给予了丽华很大的勇气。En: Zhen's firm words gave Lihua great courage.Zh: 接下来的日子里，丽华又去找了小波，一个当地的艺术家。En: In the days that followed, Lihua sought out Xiaobo, a local artist.Zh: 他的作品总是让丽华感到宁静，小波懂得如何从一种角度去解读事物。En: His work always brought Lihua a sense of tranquility, and Xiaobo had a way of interpreting things from a particular perspective.Zh: “丽华，”小波说，“艺术是一种自我表达的方式。En: “Lihua,” Xiaobo said, “art is a form of self-expression.Zh: 或许你可以通过绘画来理解这个秘密。En: Perhaps you can understand this secret through painting.Zh: 相信自己。”En: Believe in yourself.”Zh: 在清明节那天，丽华的亲戚们齐聚一堂。En: On Qingming Festival, Lihua's relatives gathered together.Zh: 这是一个难得的机会，丽华鼓起勇气向他们透露了她所发现的家族秘密。En: It was a rare opportunity, and Lihua gathered the courage to reveal the family secret she had discovered.Zh: 起初，这个消息让家人们惊讶不已，甚至有些愤怒和不安。En: Initially, the news shocked the family, even causing some anger and unease.Zh: 然而，随着大家的冷静和交流，他们逐渐理解了这个秘密的意义，并开始接受。En: However, as everyone calmed down and communicated, they gradually understood the significance of this secret and began to accept it.Zh: 这一刻，丽华感受到从未有过的轻松，她仿佛放下了一块沉重的石头。En: In that moment, Lihua felt an unprecedented lightness, as if she had put down a heavy stone.Zh: 她明白，自己的根源不会因为过去的秘密而改变，但这个秘密帮助她更深地认识了自己的家族。En: She realized that her roots would not change because of a past secret, but this secret helped her understand her family more deeply.Zh: 傍晚时分，西湖的湖面在夕阳下泛着金色的波光。En: By evening, the surface of West Lake shimmered with golden waves under the setting sun.Zh: 丽华静静地走在湖边，心中多了一份平静和力量。En: Lihua walked quietly along the lake, with a newfound peace and strength in her heart.Zh: 她学会了接受家族的过去，拥抱自己的真实身份。En: She learned to accept her family's past and embrace her true identity.Zh: 在这个初春的季节里，丽华终于找到了内心的和谐与新的开始。En: In this early spring season, Lihua finally found harmony within herself and a new beginning.Zh: 她微笑着，望向那片盛开的樱花，心中充满了希望。En: She smiled, gazing at the blossoming cherry blossoms, her heart filled with hope. Vocabulary Words:breeze: 微风blooming: 绽放petals: 花瓣serene: 平静Qingming Festival: 清明节ancestors: 先人secret: 秘密renowned: 名噪一时mysterious: 不明原因的confront: 面对discovery: 发现companion: 伙伴hesitated: 犹豫courage: 勇气tragedy: 悲剧expression: 表达tranquility: 宁静interpret: 解读opportunity: 机会calmed: 冷静unease: 不安unprecedented: 从未有过lightness: 轻松revealed: 透露significance: 意义shimmered: 泛着波光embrace: 拥抱identity: 身份harmony: 和谐hope: 希望

Tune in to the March 2026 Edition of the Westlake Weekly Podcast from Westlake Charter School. Music by Bensound.com

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Capturing Tranquility: A Journey of Creativity at Xihu Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-02-20-23-34-02-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 西湖的春天，总是让人心生向往。En: The spring of Xihu, or West Lake, always leaves people longing for it.Zh: 李娟和德伟决定在元宵节，去那里赏梅花。En: Lijuan and Dewei decided to visit there during the Yuanxiao Festival, or Lantern Festival, to admire the plum blossoms.Zh: 他们听说今年的梅花开的特别好，便早早出发。En: They had heard that the plum blossoms were blooming exceptionally well this year, so they set off early.Zh: 一路上，李娟带着她心爱的相机，而德伟则夹着一个小笔记本。En: On the way, Lijuan carried her beloved camera, while Dewei had a small notebook with him.Zh: 他们心中各有一个愿望，一个想拍出完美的照片，一个想写出动人的诗篇。En: Each had a wish in mind: one wanted to capture the perfect photograph, and the other wanted to write a moving poem.Zh: 到了西湖，果然如他们所料，到处都是人。En: Upon reaching Xihu, it was indeed as they expected; there were people everywhere.Zh: 节日的气氛使湖边热闹非凡，孩子们打着灯笼，人们的笑声此起彼伏。En: The festive atmosphere made the lakeside extraordinarily lively, with children carrying lanterns and laughter of people filling the air.Zh: 李娟环顾四周，发现找个安静的拍照位置几乎是不可能的。En: Lijuan looked around and found that it was nearly impossible to find a quiet spot for photography.Zh: 德伟坐在湖边的石凳上，看着笔记本发呆，他的思绪随着人群的吵闹而四处飘散。En: Dewei sat on a stone bench by the lake, staring blankly at his notebook, his thoughts drifting away with the clamor of the crowd.Zh: “我想去湖的另一边看看，”李娟提议，“也许那里会安静一点。En: "I want to see the other side of the lake," Lijuan suggested, "maybe it will be quieter there."Zh: ”德伟点头表示同意，于是他们沿着小路走去。En: Dewei nodded in agreement, and so they followed the path.Zh: 西湖的另一边果然人少了很多。En: The other side of Xihu indeed had far fewer people.Zh: 傍晚的阳光洒在湖面上，梅花树下显得格外柔美。En: The evening sunlight cast on the lake surface, making the plum trees appear exceptionally gentle and beautiful.Zh: 李娟为此景欣喜不已，迅速架好相机。En: Lijuan was delighted by this scene and quickly set up her camera.Zh: 她仔细调整了角度，把风景和节日的气氛一同收入画面。En: She carefully adjusted the angle to capture both the scenery and the festive atmosphere in the frame.Zh: 德伟坐在一旁，闭上眼睛，听着湖边微风拂过柳枝的声音，渐渐心渐安静。En: Dewei sat nearby, closed his eyes, and listened to the sound of the breeze rustling through willow branches by the lake, gradually finding peace of mind.Zh: 他的脑海中浮现出一句诗：“月影梅间落，灯筏映水光。En: A line of poetry emerged in his mind: "Moon shadows fall among the plums, lantern rafts reflect in the water's light."Zh: ”他微笑着，把这句诗快速写下。En: Smiling, he quickly jotted down this line of verse.Zh: 天色渐渐暗下来，李娟收好相机，德伟合上笔记本。En: As the sky gradually darkened, Lijuan packed away her camera, and Dewei closed his notebook.Zh: 他们在这片静谧中找到了各自的灵感，也体会到了意外之乐。En: They found their inspiration in this tranquility, as well as unexpected joy.Zh: 在返回的路上，他们都感到无比的满足。En: On the way back, they felt immensely satisfied.Zh: 李娟在这次旅行中学会了耐心和坚持的重要性，德伟也掌握了在喧嚣中寻找灵感的信心。En: During this trip, Lijuan learned the importance of patience and persistence, and Dewei gained confidence in finding inspiration amidst the noise.Zh: 他们带着满满的收获，和对西湖美好记忆，离开了。En: They left with a wealth of experiences and beautiful memories of Xihu.Zh: 对于李娟和德伟来说，这趟西湖之行不仅是一趟观光赏景的旅程，更是一次心灵的成长和收获。En: For Lijuan and Dewei, this trip to Xihu was not just a sightseeing journey but also an experience of personal growth and harvest. Vocabulary Words:blossoms: 梅花admire: 赏notebook: 笔记本festival: 节日exceptionally: 特别atmosphere: 气氛lively: 热闹clap: 吵闹persistence: 坚持inspiration: 灵感harvest: 收获tranquility: 静谧glee: 欣喜longing: 向往capture: 拍extraordinarily: 非凡path: 小路sunlight: 阳光gentle: 柔美drifting: 飘散rafts: 灯筏shadows: 月影branches: 柳枝overwhelming: 无比journey: 旅行memories: 记忆satisfaction: 满足adventure: 旅程poem: 诗篇gained: 掌握

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: By the Lantern Light: Mei and Zhang's Emotional Revelation Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-02-20-08-38-20-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 西湖的冬夜，静谧又美丽。En: On the winter night by West Lake, it was tranquil and beautiful.Zh: 湖水微微波动，灯笼的倒影在水面上晃动着。En: The water gently rippled, and the reflection of the lanterns danced on the lake's surface.Zh: 梅站在湖边，目光凝重，心中充满了复杂的情感。En: Mei stood by the lakeside, her gaze heavy, her heart filled with complex emotions.Zh: 春节刚过，今天是元宵节，杭州的节日气氛格外浓厚。En: The Spring Festival had just passed, and today was the Lantern Festival, with an especially strong festive atmosphere in Hangzhou.Zh: 她知道，这是最后的机会，再不说出自己的心里话，张就要离开这座城市了。En: She knew this was the last chance; if she didn't speak her mind now, Zhang would leave the city.Zh: 几个月来，梅一直感到心灰意冷。En: For months, Mei had felt disheartened.Zh: 张对事业的追求无懈可击，而她却把自己的梦想暂时搁置。En: Zhang's pursuit of his career was impeccable, while she had temporarily set aside her own dreams.Zh: 虽然她想支持他的决定，但心中一直有个声音在质问：这一切值得吗？En: Although she wanted to support his decision, a voice within her kept questioning: Is all this worth it?Zh: 正是这种情感上的摒弃感，使她和张的关系越走越远。En: It was this feeling of emotional abandonment that drove a wedge between her and Zhang.Zh: 现在，她只能在西湖边祈祷一切还能回到从前。En: Now, all she could do was pray by West Lake that everything could return to how it was.Zh: 夕阳即将落下，天边泛起了一抹橘红。En: The sun was about to set, painting the sky with a hint of orange-red.Zh: 梅终于见到了张，他站在不远处，一手提着个灯笼，静静地看着湖面。En: Mei finally saw Zhang, standing not far away, holding a lantern and quietly gazing at the lake.Zh: 梅深呼吸，鼓起勇气走过去。En: Taking a deep breath, she summoned the courage to walk over.Zh: “我们聊聊吧，”她轻声说道。En: "Let's talk," she said softly.Zh: “好。”张回答，但语气里充满了不安。En: "Okay." Zhang replied, but his tone was filled with unease.Zh: 两人沉默了一会儿，梅盯着手中的灯笼，不能再犹豫了。En: They were silent for a while, Mei staring at the lantern in her hand, unable to hesitate any longer.Zh: “张，我有很多话想说。我不想你走，不想失去你。”她的声音微微颤抖。En: "Zhang, I have a lot to say. I don't want you to leave; I don't want to lose you," her voice trembled slightly.Zh: “可是，这段时间我总在想，我一直在为你妥协，却也舍弃了自己的梦想。我害怕再这样下去，我们会变成陌生人。”En: "But lately, I've been thinking, I've been compromising for you while abandoning my own dreams. I'm afraid that if this continues, we'll become strangers."Zh: 张陷入了沉思，他没有打断梅的话。En: Zhang sank into thought, not interrupting Mei's words.Zh: “我从来没想过你会这样想。你为什么不早点告诉我呢？”En: "I never thought that you felt this way. Why didn't you tell me earlier?"Zh: “我怕，怕你觉得我不支持你。”梅眼中闪着泪光。En: "I was afraid, afraid you'd think I wasn't supporting you." Tears glistened in Mei's eyes.Zh: 张轻轻叹了口气，握住梅的手。En: Zhang sighed softly, holding Mei's hand.Zh: “我没有意识到这些，我只是一心想给我们创造更好的未来，却忽略了你的感受。”En: "I didn't realize these things. I was just focused on creating a better future for us, but I overlooked your feelings."Zh: 此时，天色已暗，西湖的灯笼一盏盏亮了起来，温暖的光芒包围了他们。En: By now, the sky had darkened, and the lanterns around West Lake one by one illuminated, surrounding them with a warm glow.Zh: 梅感受到一种未曾有过的轻松感。En: Mei felt a lightness she had never experienced before.Zh: “张，我只是希望我们能一同考虑未来，而不是只有一个人去追逐。”En: "Zhang, I just hope we can both consider the future together, rather than just one of us chasing it."Zh: 他们的目光再次在灯光中相遇，张点了点头。En: Their eyes met again in the light of the lanterns, and Zhang nodded.Zh: “我会留下，跟你一起面对。或许我们可以从头再来。”En: "I will stay and face it together with you. Perhaps we can start over."Zh: 梅的心如释重负，紧握住他的手。En: Mei's heart felt relieved, and she held his hand tightly.Zh: “谢谢你愿意留下。”En: "Thank you for being willing to stay."Zh: 冬夜的寒冷似乎变得不再刺骨。En: The winter night's cold seemed no longer biting.Zh: 湖边的对话结束后，梅和张携手走进了灯笼的海洋中，决定重新开始一起生活的旅程。En: After their lakeside conversation, Mei and Zhang walked hand in hand into the sea of lanterns, deciding to begin their journey of living together anew.Zh: 梅终于明白，直面内心的恐惧和诚实，才是感情维系的关键。En: Mei finally understood that facing inner fears and being honest are the keys to maintaining a relationship. Vocabulary Words:tranquil: 静谧rippling: 波动reflection: 倒影gaze: 目光complex: 复杂festive: 节日atmosphere: 气氛disheartened: 心灰意冷impeccable: 无懈可击wedge: 摒弃感sunset: 夕阳hint: 一抹courage: 勇气unease: 不安trembled: 颤抖compromising: 妥协strangers: 陌生人glistened: 闪着sigh: 叹气overlooked: 忽略lanterns: 灯笼illuminated: 亮glow: 光芒lightness: 轻松consider: 考虑nod: 点头relieved: 如释重负biting: 刺骨journey: 旅程maintaining: 维系

Episode Description:How far would you go for a gold medal—would you risk a scandal just for a few extra centimeters? That's the question that launches this episode of The JB and Sandy Show, where JB, Sandy, and Tricia dive into Olympic controversies, Super Bowl traditions, and the quirks of Texas sports legends.The show opens with the wild “Wienergate” scandal at the Olympics, as Sandy explains, “Guys are injecting their junk at the time their suits are being fitted so it looks like it fits properly. And then later after their junk goes back to normal, they still have the extra material.” Tricia's curiosity and JB's disbelief make for hilarious banter: “You really gotta want a gold medal to shoot your junk up.”

The Pink Smoke is back on track, picking up with the sixth entry of Donald E. Westlake's Parker series. A true outlier, The Jugger doesn't feature an epic heist or a ragtag mix of reliable and backstabbing criminals. In this one Parker's all alone, dropped into a situation he's not sure about, forced to make decisions that will have giant ramifications on his life and the series moving forward. We also discuss Made in U.S.A., Jean-Luc Godard's 1966 adaptation of The Jugger which is technically the first Parker movie even though you really have to squint to find any tract of Westlake. For one thing...Parker is a woman. And it just gets more estranged from the source material from there.

A heartbreaking mix of stories to open the show: an injured mountain lion cub is found on a Los Angeles County street and transported to Northern California for rehabilitation, while a man is fatally shot after getting off a Metro bus in the Westlake district of Downtown L.A. A deep dive into baseball history as Miguel “Miggy” Rojas’ game-tying home run in Game 7 of the World Series is broken down — the moment, the pressure, and why it will be remembered forever. Author and podcast host Mark Malkoff joins the show to talk about his book Love Johnny Carson: One Obsessive Fan’s Journey to Find the Genius Behind the Legend. Johnny Carson’s unmatched legacy is explored — from 4,500 episodes and 25,000 interviews to his lasting impact on American culture. Plus, a personal connection: Tim Conway appeared on The Tonight Show 27 times, sharing memories of television’s golden era. An emotional plea closes the hour as Savannah Guthrie, alongside her sister Annie and brother Camron, asks the public for help in the search for their missing mother, Nancy, sharing the message on Savannah’s Instagram. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

感谢金主妈妈Tims咖啡机！ 点击专属购买链接 【聊了什么The What】 实在是不好解释，把图放在这里大家自己体会吧。 IYKYK 【时间轴 The When】 01:32 - 重大发现——12月末是星期天晚上（虽然发节目的时间已经到了一月底，请别介意） 05:43 - 年度总结框架 06:58 - 卧槽：政治极化坟墓上跳舞的Eddington 9:56 - 我操我不行了：A Simple Accident 11:22 - 可以可以：电影Sorry Baby 15:29 - 可以可以：在西湖喝茶 22:33 - 我不行了：日语学不下去 26:15 - 我不行了：补课罗马史 35:24 - 卧槽我不行了：韩娱饭圈 40:28 - 卧槽我不行了：那不勒斯四部曲 43:46 - 卧槽可以可以：今年看过的一些非虚构 45:38 - 我操我不行了可以可以：戛纳电影节 47:38 - 我不行了可以可以：2025 年看山河故人别有风味 54:58 - 我操我不行了可以可以：Chichu Art Museum和James Turrell的艺术 66:22 - 我操我不行了可以可以：简中“反清复明”阴谋论宇宙 68:25 - 我操我不行了可以可以：西非舞 75:44 - 我操我不行了可以可以：医疗剧 The Pitt 01:32 – Major discovery: late December feels like Sunday night (even though the episode drops in late January—please don't mind us) 05:43 – Year-end recap framework 06:58 – Holy Shit: Eddington — dancing on the grave of political polarization 09:56 – I can't with this: A Simple Accident 11:22 – Okay okay okay: Sorry Baby 15:29 – Okay okay okay: drinking tea at West Lake 22:33 – I can't with this: Japanese is no longer happening 26:15 – I can't with this: crash-course on Roman history 35:24 – Holy Shit, I can't with this: K-pop fandom culture 40:28 – Holy Shit, I can't with this: The Neapolitan Novels (the four-book series) 43:46 – Holy Shit, okay okay okay: some nonfiction reads from this year 45:38 – Holy Shit, I can't with this, okay okay okay: Cannes Film Festival 47:38 – I can't with this, okay okay okay: watching Mountains May Depart in 2025 hits differently 54:58 – Holy Shit, I can't with this, okay okay okay: Chichu Art Museum & the art of James Turrell 66:22 – Holy Shit, I can't with this, okay okay okay: the Simplified-Chinese internet's “Restore the Ming Dynasty” conspiracy universe 68:25 – Holy Shit, I can't with this, okay okay okay: West African dance 75:44 – Holy Shit, I can't with this, okay okay okay: the medical drama The Pitt 【拓展链接】 小杨 Sorry Baby It's just an accident The Pitt 小蓝 Ulysses Everyday is for the thief Intermezzo 那不勒斯四部曲 Ailey Studios的西非舞传奇老师 一芳 Strike, Labor Unions, and Resistance in the Roman Empire Careless People MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios 阿花 西方文化的传统与演进 Rome Cleopatra 万历十五年 山河故人

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Sibling Harmony: Balancing Tradition and Modernity at West Lake Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-01-30-23-34-02-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 冬天，西湖的空气格外清新。En: In winter, the air around West Lake is especially fresh.Zh: 杭州的小茶馆安静地坐落在湖边，四周点缀着红灯笼，透着节日的气息。En: A small tea house in Hangzhou quietly sits by the lakeside, surrounded by red lanterns, exuding a festive atmosphere.Zh: 茶香在暖暖的灯光中弥漫，让人心神放松。En: The fragrance of tea permeates the warm light, soothing the mind and spirit.Zh: 茶馆里，三个兄弟姐妹——明宇、玲和佳豪，聚在一张老木桌旁。En: Inside the tea house, three siblings—Mingyu, Ling, and Jiahao—gathered around an old wooden table.Zh: 桌上摆满了准备农历新年的各种茶叶和点心，这是他们祖母最爱的传统。En: The table was filled with various teas and snacks prepared for the Lunar New Year, a tradition their grandmother loved the most.Zh: 祖母过世后，这间茶馆的未来成了他们迫切要面对的问题。En: After her passing, the future of the tea house became an urgent issue they had to face.Zh: 明宇是长子，理智且注重传统。En: Mingyu, the eldest son, is rational and values tradition.Zh: 他相信茶馆应该保持原有的历史风貌，以表达对祖辈的尊重。En: He believes that the tea house should maintain its historical appearance to show respect for their ancestors.Zh: 玲则是第二个孩子，向往新潮，想要将现代元素融入茶馆，吸引更多年轻顾客。En: Ling, the second child, longs for modernity and wants to incorporate modern elements into the tea house to attract more young customers.Zh: 最小的佳豪站在两人之间，显得有些不安。En: The youngest, Jiahao, stood between the two, appearing a bit uneasy.Zh: “我们不能忘记祖母的心血，”明宇坚定地说道，“茶馆不能失去文化根基。”En: "We can't forget grandmother's hard work," Mingyu said firmly. "The tea house cannot lose its cultural roots."Zh: “但我们也要与时俱进，”玲提出反驳，“如果我们什么都不改变，会被时代抛弃。”En: "But we also need to keep up with the times," Ling countered. "If we don't change anything, we'll be abandoned by the era."Zh: 空气中弥漫着些许紧张。En: A hint of tension filled the air.Zh: 佳豪看着哥哥姐姐，不知道怎么缓解他们之间的分歧。En: Jiahao looked at his brother and sister, unsure of how to ease the rift between them.Zh: 他抿了一口热茶，鼓起勇气说道：“我们能不能融合一些新想法？不丢掉传统，只是让茶馆更加吸引人。”En: He took a sip of hot tea, gathered his courage, and said, "Can we blend some new ideas? Without losing tradition, we could make the tea house more appealing."Zh: 玲和明宇对视片刻。En: Ling and Mingyu exchanged a glance.Zh: 玲微微点头。En: Ling nodded slightly.Zh: “或许，我们可以试试，”她妥协道，“我们可以增加一些现代茶艺展示。”En: "Maybe we can try," she conceded. "We can add some modern tea ceremony demonstrations."Zh: 明宇思考了一会儿，也终于开口：“好吧，我们可以做出一些改变，但不能失去茶馆的精神。”En: Mingyu thought for a moment and finally spoke: "Alright, we can make some changes, but we can't lose the spirit of the tea house."Zh: 他补充道，“比如，我们增加一些新年特供，不过还是要围绕我们的传统一起来。”En: He added, "For example, we can introduce some New Year specials, but they must be centered around our traditions."Zh: 这番话让佳豪心里一松。En: These words brought relief to Jiahao.Zh: 他们三人开始谈论具体计划，茶馆空气中的冬日寒意仿佛也消散了几分。En: The three of them began discussing specific plans, and the wintry chill in the air of the tea house seemed to dissipate a bit.Zh: 在新年的准备中，他们达成了和解。En: In preparing for the New Year, they reached a reconciliation.Zh: 明宇认识到接受一些创新也是对祖母的另一种敬意，玲赞同护持家族传统能带来独特魅力，而佳豪在过程中找到了自己的声音，成为了两者的桥梁。En: Mingyu realized that accepting some innovation was another form of honoring grandmother, Ling agreed that preserving family traditions could bring unique charm, and Jiahao found his voice in the process, becoming a bridge between the two.Zh: 随着春节的临近，茶馆门口的红灯笼闪耀得更明亮了。En: As the Spring Festival approached, the red lanterns at the tea house entrance shone brighter.Zh: 屋内，茶香依旧，却多了一层新的味道，承载着三个兄弟姐妹共同的心血。En: Inside, the tea fragrance remained, but with an added new aroma, bearing the shared effort of the three siblings.Zh: 通过理解和尊重，他们终于为茶馆找到了平衡点。En: Through understanding and respect, they finally found a balance for the tea house. Vocabulary Words:fragrance: 香气permeates: 弥漫soothing: 舒缓的siblings: 兄弟姐妹gathered: 聚集tradition: 传统passing: 过世rational: 理智maintain: 保持ancestor: 祖先modernity: 现代性incorporate: 合并uneasy: 不安的counter: 反驳tension: 紧张rift: 分歧courage: 勇气demonstrations: 展示conceded: 妥协innovation: 创新reconciliation: 和解preserving: 保护charm: 魅力approached: 临近aroma: 香味understanding: 理解respect: 尊重balance: 平衡festive: 节日的appealing: 吸引人的

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Lanterns of Renewal: Rebuilding Friendship at West Lake Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-01-27-23-34-02-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 梅琳和钟站在杭州西湖的岸边，四周是热闹的灯笼节景象。En: Meilin and Zhong stood on the shores of Hangzhou West Lake, surrounded by the lively scenes of the Lantern Festival.Zh: 湖面波光粼粼，被无数彩灯照亮，空气中飘着甜甜的汤圆香味。En: The lake's surface shimmered, illuminated by countless colorful lights, and the sweet aroma of tangyuan wafted through the air.Zh: 人们欢声笑语，享受着这节日的夜晚。En: People laughed and chatted joyfully, enjoying the festive night.Zh: 梅琳心事重重，她和钟之间有个未解的误会，让她一直心怀愧疚。En: Meilin was burdened with concerns; there was an unresolved misunderstanding between her and Zhong, leaving her feeling guilt-ridden.Zh: 她希望今天能和钟在一起放天灯，为他们的友谊画上一个美丽的句号。En: She hoped to spend the evening with Zhong releasing a sky lantern, marking a beautiful ending to their friendship.Zh: 但是，钟似乎还没有完全放下过往的争吵。En: However, Zhong seemed not to have completely moved on from their past arguments.Zh: 他一边看向远处的灯光，一边在心里犹豫不决。En: While he gazed towards the distant lights, he hesitated in his heart.Zh: 他想和梅琳享受这美好的夜晚，但心里那点疙瘩又让他无法全心投入。En: He wanted to enjoy this beautiful evening with Meilin, but a nagging feeling held him back from fully engaging.Zh: “钟，我们去找个地方，放天灯吧！”梅琳试探着开口。En: “Zhong, let's find a place to release a sky lantern!” Meilin suggested tentatively.Zh: 钟沉默了一下，然后点了点头。En: Zhong was silent for a moment, then nodded.Zh: 他们在人群中穿梭，寻找一个安静的地方。En: They weaved through the crowd, looking for a quiet spot.Zh: 走了一会儿，他们来到了一处较为空旷的湖边。En: After walking for a while, they arrived at a more open area by the lakeside.Zh: “我一直很抱歉，关于上次的争吵。”梅琳小心翼翼地说。En: “I've been sorry all along, about the last argument,” Meilin said cautiously.Zh: 钟叹了口气，把目光转向湖面。En: Zhong sighed and turned his gaze toward the lake.Zh: 他看着水中倒映的灯光，心中的不快似乎也没有那么沉重了。En: He watched the reflections of the lights in the water, and the heaviness in his heart seemed to lessen.Zh: “没关系，我也不对。”En: "It's okay, I was wrong too."Zh: 梅琳感到一丝轻松，她勇敢地继续说：“我们的友谊比任何事情都重要。En: Meilin felt a bit relieved and bravely continued, “Our friendship is more important than anything.Zh: 我们应该一起放天灯，忘记过去。”En: We should release a sky lantern together and forget the past.”Zh: 钟终于露出笑容，两人一起点燃了手中的天灯。En: Zhong finally smiled, and they lit the sky lantern in their hands together.Zh: 随着天灯缓缓升起，带着他们共同的愿望和和解的心，飞向夜空。En: As the lantern ascended slowly, carrying their shared hopes and the spirit of reconciliation, it flew into the night sky.Zh: 湖面倒映出灯光的辉映，见证着两人之间的默契与友谊的重生。En: The lake reflected the brilliance of the lights, witnessing the unspoken understanding and rebirth of their friendship.Zh: 梅琳知道，这一刻将会是他们最珍贵的回忆之一。En: Meilin knew this moment would be one of their most precious memories.Zh: 在灯火通明的西湖旁，梅琳和钟终于重新拾起了友谊，迎来了一个全新的开始。En: Beside the brightly lit West Lake, Meilin and Zhong finally picked up their friendship once more, welcoming a whole new beginning. Vocabulary Words:shores: 岸边lively: 热闹shimmered: 波光粼粼illuminated: 照亮aroma: 香味wafted: 飘concerns: 心事unresolved: 未解misunderstanding: 误会guilt-ridden: 心怀愧疚tentatively: 试探着weaved: 穿梭gaze: 目光heaviness: 沉重reflections: 倒映lessen: 减轻reconciliation: 和解ascended: 升起witnessing: 见证unspoken: 默契rebirth: 重生precious: 珍贵memories: 回忆releasing: 放hesitated: 犹豫不决engaging: 全心投入spirit: 心bravely: 勇敢地shared: 共同的brilliance: 辉映

Musical composer Chris Westlake talks to Seán about writing music for Star Trek Lower Decks, working with Mike McMahan, and more!Don't forget to use #AskTrekCulture for next week's questions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's show: A recap of last night's Golden Globes! Good Vibes. Aubrey in Westlake received a gift bag from her boss but didn't find a gift inside. Alyssa's College of Knowledge! Bill is terrified of catching the SuperFlu. Plus, we have an employee who's been working here since October and he wears shorts every day. Why is this a thing in Ohio?

In this super-sized episode of our ongoing series where we discuss the exploits of career criminal Parker from the books by Richard Stark a.k.a. Donald E. Westlake, we're tackling three big Parker-based works. We start by jumping ahead in our chronological reviews to discuss The Handle, the eighth book in the Parker series, in which our professional thief is enlisted by a former enemy syndicate to rob an island casino and burn it to the ground. Next, we dive into the new Shane Black written and directed adaptation Play Dirty, starring Mark Wahlberg as Parker and LaKeith Stanfield as fellow heister Alan Grofield. This opens up the table to talk about Westlake's spin-off series starring Grofield, with its first book The Damsel. It's an epic conversation with some surprising developments and unexpected turns - much like a job pulled off by Parker or Grofield!

A routine ride request in Los Angeles turns into a shock when a woman discovers a stranger locked inside the trunk of a self-driving Waymo near MacArthur Park in the Westlake area. An American grandmother is back home after being arrested in the Bahamas when authorities found a handgun and ammunition in her purse during a cruise stop in Nassau. Drew Nelson reports.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jackie is joined by Amanda McCants to discuss being late, Westlake mom's, Amanda's recent breakup, and everything on her hate list.Thanks for supporting my sponsors:Nutrafol: For a limited time, get $10 off your first month's subscription and free shipping at www.nutrafol.com/bibleHero Bread: Use code BIBLE at checkout to get 10% off your order at www.Hero.coPique: Get up to 20% off for life, plus a complimentary gift at www.PiqueLife.com/BibleBetterHelp: Get 10% off your first month at www.BetterHelp.com/BITCHBIBLEAddyi: Check out the FDA-approved treatment for certain premenopausal women who are bothered by low libido and want their sex drive back at www.Addyi.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

www.patreon.com/dopeypodcast This week on Dopey! Dave opens the episode feeling sick, dreading his upcoming dental implants, and joking about painkillers, nitrous, and Tylenol PM. He congratulates longtime dopes Margaret Hernandez (36 years sober) and Mattie Veach (recovering from cancer surgery), prays for the Knicks, and introduces guest RJ Elizarraz, co-host of Against All Odds with Rachel Slocum and founder of Oak Forest Recovery.Before diving in, Dave reads Spotify comments from the Brace Belden episode — about therapy, high memories, Suboxone, and more — gives shoutouts to listeners, and pushes the legendary Dopey socks. He jokes about how each platform reacts differently: Patreon loves him, Reddit hates him, Facebook doesn't care.He plays an old Miles Davis clip about Charlie Parker doing drugs and sex in a taxi while eating fried chicken, and finds the recovery moral in it — acceptance is the key. A listener named Nathan from San Francisco sends a disgusting classic: at 12 he cooked and ate his own poop hoping it would make DMT. It didn't. He puked, got bullied, overdosed, and finally got sober. Dave laughs, calls it top-notch Dopey storytelling, and awards him socks. Then comes the main interview with RJ Elizares. They record in RJ's Westlake Village home — complete with an infrared sauna, cold plunge, and jade crystal massage bed. RJ also runs a marketing agency for medical clients and has a 13-year-old daughter.RJ tells his story:Grew up in Westlake, straight-edge nerd playing video games and paintball.Swore he'd never do drugs, then caved at 15 after a best-friend betrayal.Smoked weed with his stepbrother, laughed hysterically at Maury Povich, devoured frozen peas, and instantly became “the stoner.”Started selling weed and stealing paintball gear; pulled off a heist from an optometrist's back-room store until his stepbrother turned him in for the reward.Skipped school, bribed attendance clerks with weed, got caught high at a parent meeting, expelled.At continuation school, excelled while high, manipulated teachers, and got expelled again for lying.Ran away on a dirt bike, sold weed full-time, then transferred to another continuation school where a rival stabbed him in the arm with a pencil for “selling on his turf.”Graduated early by testing out, kept selling, moved out, and lived off weed money.With his girlfriend (later the mother of his daughter) did ecstasy, coke, Xanax, mushrooms, pills — everything but heroin.She overdosed on ecstasy and stopped breathing before being revived — a turning point moment.