I speak with world leaders on circadian &amp; quantum health, metabolic medicine, regenerative farming in search of the most effective ways of optimising health and reversing chronic disease. Contact me regenerativehealth@proton.me&nbsp;

95. Critical role of the Vitamin D system in Infection and Immunity | Prof Sunil Wimalawansa

Regenerative Health with Max Gulhane, MD

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Vitamin D Metabolism and Activation: Professor Wimalawansa explains that vitamin D must undergo enzymatic transformation from its initial form (D3) to 25-hydroxy vitamin D (calcifediol) in the liver, and finally to the active form calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D). Critically, this final activation step occurs not just in the kidneys as historically understood, but locally within peripheral target cells including immune cells, which allows them to generate the active hormone on-site based on circulating precursor levels.

Optimal Sunlight Exposure Timing: The best time for vitamin D production from sunlight is between 10:30am and 1:30pm when UVB rays (280-305 nanometers) penetrate most effectively due to the shortest zenith angle. During winter months (late October through April in higher latitudes) and during early morning or late afternoon, UVB penetration is insufficient to generate meaningful vitamin D, regardless of exposure duration. Importantly, sun exposure cannot cause vitamin D toxicity due to built-in skin regulatory mechanisms.

Immune Cell Function Depends on Vitamin D Availability: Approximately 75-80% of vitamin D's activity occurs through non-hormonal pathways in peripheral target cells, not through circulating calcitriol. Immune cells require adequate circulating levels of both D3 and 25-hydroxy D to generate calcitriol locally for proper function. The circulating calcitriol concentration is about 900-fold lower than what immune cells need, making local production dependent on daily substrate availability essential for immune activation.

Daily Dosing is Physiologically Superior: Due to vitamin D3's 24-hour half-life, daily supplementation or sun exposure maintains more consistent blood levels compared to intermittent high-dose supplementation. Large infrequent doses (monthly or quarterly) create fluctuations that are non-physiological and can lead to periods where immune cells lack adequate substrate, potentially explaining why some studies show adverse effects or lack of benefit from intermittent mega-dosing.

Calcifediol for Acute Illness: In acutely ill patients, especially those in ICU settings with infections like COVID-19, standard vitamin D3 supplementation is insufficient because conversion to 25-hydroxy D takes 3-7 days (or up to 10 days in critical illness). Calcifediol (25-hydroxy vitamin D) appears in circulation within 4-6 hours of oral administration at doses around 1mg, making it the preferred form for acute infections. Multiple randomized controlled trials showed approximately 50% reduction in COVID-19 complications and deaths with calcifediol treatment.

Disease-Specific Vitamin D Thresholds: Different tissues require different minimum vitamin D levels for optimal function. Musculoskeletal health requires only 15-20 ng/mL (37.5-50 nmol/L), while cardiovascular health and diabetes prevention need 40 ng/mL (100 nmol/L), and autoimmune conditions like multiple sclerosis and acute infections require at least 50 ng/mL (125 nmol/L). This explains why focusing solely on bone health (as many guidelines do) misses the majority of vitamin D's health benefits.

Vitamin D Toxicity is Extremely Rare: Only about 120 cases of true vitamin D toxicity have been reported in medical literature, almost all from accidental massive overdoses. True toxicity requires three criteria: serum 25-hydroxy D above 150 ng/mL (375 nmol/L), symptoms of hypercalcemia, and hypercalciuria. The widespread fear of vitamin D toxicity is largely unfounded and has been amplified by pharmaceutical interests, preventing many patients from achieving therapeutic levels.

Recommended Dosing Formula: For non-obese individuals, the recommended daily vitamin D3 dose is 70-90 international units per kilogram of body weight. Obese patients and those taking medications that increase hepatic vitamin D metabolism (like antiretroviral or antiepileptic drugs) may require 3-4 times higher doses to maintain serum levels between 40-80 ng/mL (100-200 nmol/L). This individualized approach is more effective than one-size-fits-all recommendations.

Acute Phase Consumption of Vitamin D: During acute illness, trauma, or autoimmune flares, immune cells dramatically increase their consumption of vitamin D precursors to generate calcitriol locally. Even patients with initially normal 25-hydroxy D levels can become deficient within days if not supplemented during acute illness. This consumption is not reflected in standard acute phase reactant testing and represents a critical but underappreciated aspect of treating acutely ill patients.

Cofactor Importance: Magnesium is essential for vitamin D receptor interaction and chromatin binding, making it the most important cofactor. Doses above 6,000-7,000 IU daily may deplete magnesium, causing symptoms like cramping. Vitamin K2 (100-150 mcg daily or 800 mcg weekly) helps direct calcium to bones rather than soft tissues when using higher vitamin D doses. However, cofactors are generally unnecessary below 7,000 IU daily.

Immune System Modulation: Vitamin D deficiency keeps immune cells in a pro-inflammatory state, while adequate levels allow critical switching of TH1 cells to TH2 cells and proper regulation of TH17 cells. This prevents generation of inflammatory cytokines and promotes anti-inflammatory cytokine production, explaining vitamin D's role in preventing and treating autoimmune conditions. Professor Wimalawansa's clinic reduced multiple sclerosis flare-ups by 80% simply by maintaining patient levels above 80 ng/mL.

Flawed Study Design in Vitamin D Research: Many large government-sponsored vitamin D trials (like the VITAL study) were designed to fail by recruiting participants who were already vitamin D sufficient, using inadequate doses, not measuring baseline or follow-up levels, and allowing control groups to supplement. This represents potential anti-competitive behavior by pharmaceutical interests to discredit an inexpensive generic therapy that cannot be patented.

Clinical Applications Beyond Bone Health: Vitamin D sufficiency reduces pregnancy complications, improves infant IQ, prevents rickets resurgence, ameliorates chronic diseases including diabetes and cardiovascular disease, reduces acute infection severity, and helps control autoimmune diseases. The economic benefit is approximately 1:10,000 - every dollar spent on vitamin D supplementation saves roughly $10,000 in healthcare costs through disease prevention.

Measuring the Wrong Metabolite: Measuring 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D (calcitriol) in routine practice is not only unhelpful but misleading. Due to active renal extraction mechanisms that prioritize musculoskeletal function evolutionarily, calcitriol levels can appear normal even when 25-hydroxy D is severely deficient. The only appropriate uses for measuring calcitriol are confirming renal failure or rare genetic enzymatic disorders, not assessing vitamin D status in general populations.

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Cory Tucek, the CEO of the startup streaming platform Movies Plus, shares his thoughts on the bitcoin world, occasional interviews with Bitcoiners, and talks about the entrepreneur life as well as anything else that crosses his mind.

BMS Shows are all hosted by Cory.

Occasional Guest Shows:

FTM (Fix the Money Fix the World) - Luke Mikic interviews guests, and likes to focus more macro approach.

QPOL (Quiet Part Out Loud) - Phil Gibson interviews guests, and likes to get into the geo politics of Bitcoin.

 Support this podcast: <a href="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bitcoinmadesimple/support" rel="payment">https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bitcoinmadesimple/support</a>

BMS 222 - The 1st Day of Bitcoin Christmas

Bitcoin Made Simple Podcast

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12 Days of Bitcoin Christmas Series Launch: Host Cory Tucek introduces a new series exploring historical Bitcoin price points that seemed shocking at the time, helping listeners gain perspective on Bitcoin's growth trajectory and how perceptions of value have changed over the years.

November 5, 2010: Bitcoin at 37 Cents: The first installment focuses on when Bitcoin was priced at just 37 cents, a time when there was minimal discussion about the cryptocurrency and many people thought even that price was too expensive. This historical moment contrasts sharply with current concerns about $90,000 Bitcoin.

Early Bitcoin Enthusiasm vs. Modern Speculation: The episode highlights how the original Bitcoin community was excited about the technology's revolutionary potential—a decentralized, person-to-person currency free from financial and legal regulation—while today's discourse has shifted toward investment speculation and price movements, with people focused on vehicles like MicroStrategy rather than the underlying technology.

Historical Academic Recognition: A Stanford article from that era recognized Bitcoin as arguably the world's first successful decentralized cryptocurrency, noting its military-grade cryptographic security, its cost-effectiveness for certain transactions without intermediaries, and its early adoption by online retailers for services like web hosting.

Perspective on Bitcoin Valuation: The episode encourages reflection on how worried people are about current Bitcoin prices when looking back at previous "expensive" price points that now seem remarkably cheap, suggesting that today's prices may be viewed similarly in the future.
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Intelligence Squared is the home of lively debate and deep-dive discussion. Follow Intelligence Squared wherever you get your podcasts and enjoy four regular episodes per week taking you to the heart of the issues that matter in the company of the world’s great minds. We’d love to hear your feedback and what you think we should talk about next, who we should have on and what our future debates should be. Send us an email or voice note with your thoughts to podcasts@intelligencesquared.com or Tweet us @intelligence2. 

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Putin, The Soviet Union and The Rise of Russian Imperialism, with Mikhail Zygar (Part One)

Intelligence Squared

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Rethinking the Soviet Collapse: Mikhail Zygar argues that the conventional Western narrative of the Soviet Union's collapse as a triumph of freedom and democracy is fundamentally flawed. Rather than being the "end of history" as Francis Fukuyama declared, the collapse was merely the end of "season one" of an ongoing story. The current war in Ukraine and Putin's regime demonstrate that the Soviet Union may still be collapsing, with the Soviet generation trying to suppress post-Soviet values and reimpose Soviet mentality.

The Real Heroes of 1991: The book focuses on overlooked characters who actually shaped events, rather than just the famous leaders like Gorbachev and Reagan. Zygar reveals that the 1991 coup attempt's failure wasn't inevitable - it was defeated by people like Emma Yazova, the wife of the Minister of Defense. After recovering from a coma following a car crash, she confronted her husband and demanded he withdraw tanks from Moscow, threatening that he would be cursed as a traitor. Her intervention, representing the beliefs of ordinary Soviet people who wanted democracy, proved decisive in ending the coup.

Putin as Heir to Soviet Hardliners: Today's Russia under Putin resembles what would have happened if the 1991 Soviet coup had succeeded. The leaders of that failed coup - once dismissed as ridiculous and outdated - were later celebrated and honored by Putin's regime. This reveals that the hardline Soviet conservatives never truly lost power; they simply regrouped and found their champion in Putin.

Gorbachev's Complex Legacy: Zygar portrays Gorbachev not as the Western hero or Russian traitor of popular imagination, but as a deeply human figure with significant limitations. Despite being educated, Gorbachev spoke awkward, verbose Russian that made Soviet intellectuals question whether he understood his own words. His true strength came from his wife Raisa, the intellectual in their partnership, whose values prevented him from using violence. He remained devoted to her until his death, once trolling journalists by saying "let's go visit the girls" only to drive to her grave at midnight.

Parallels to American Decline: The story of Soviet collapse mirrors contemporary American politics - an aging superpower with an elite refusing to yield power, followed by a young inspiring leader promising "yes we can" who wins the Nobel Peace Prize (Gorbachev/Obama parallel), then replaced by an aggressive populist appealing to the unprivileged to whom nothing negative sticks (Yeltsin/Trump parallel). This suggests the book isn't just about Russian exceptionalism but about patterns in declining superpowers.

Vodka as Symbol of Despair: Alcohol abuse in the Soviet Union wasn't simply a cultural quirk but a response to profound hopelessness. Generations of Soviet citizens drank heavily because they saw no possibility for freedom, choice, or self-determination - their futures were predetermined by authorities. Gorbachev's early anti-alcohol reforms failed because he tried to address drinking without addressing the underlying despair that caused it, making his campaign one of his most pathetic initiatives.

Revolutionary Research Methodology: Zygar conducted over 200 interviews with everyone from former Soviet politicians and republic leaders to rock stars and ordinary citizens across the former USSR - from Lithuania to Kazakhstan. He wrote separate versions in Russian and English rather than translating, with the Russian version being twice as long and including more perspectives from different Soviet republics to provide an anti-imperialistic lesson about the importance of these diverse experiences.

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The Story: the flagship podcast from The Times and Sunday Times. One remarkable story, told in depth, each day. Hosts Manveen Rana and Luke Jones take you to the heart of the story you need to know with exclusive reports and investigations. Plus, each month, William Hague hosts an agenda-setting interview with a key newsmaker or thinker. Discover the story behind the story with world-class journalism from The Times and Sunday Times. The Story is available at the start of your day from Monday to Friday, with bonus ‘Inside the Newsroom’ episodes every Saturday for Times subscribers, available by connecting your subscription via Apple Podcasts. <hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

The hostage negotiators of the digital age - the Sunday Story

The Story

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The British Library Ransomware Attack: In October 2023, the British Library suffered a devastating cyber attack when hackers encrypted all their systems, including research archives, HR records, payroll, and ticketing systems. The attackers used a "double extortion" approach—locking up systems and downloading 600 gigabytes of sensitive data, demanding 20 Bitcoin (approximately £600,000 at the time). The Library refused to pay on principle as a public institution, but the recovery has cost £7 million so far—nearly half their reserves—and some systems remain offline two years later, significantly disrupting academic researchers.

The Scale of Britain's Ransomware Crisis: 2024 proved catastrophic for UK businesses facing cyber attacks. Major incidents included Marks & Spencer losing £300 million with empty shelves in stores, Co-op supermarkets losing £206 million in sales, and Jaguar Land Rover shutting down manufacturing lines in an attack estimated to cost over £2 billion. The disruption was so severe that suppliers faced potential bankruptcy and government bailouts were considered.

How Ransomware Attacks Actually Work: Modern ransomware operations are highly organized criminal enterprises, typically based in Russia, East Asia, or Nigeria. Attackers often gain access through simple phishing emails that trick employees into clicking malicious links—the same method used to hack Hillary Clinton aide John Podesta in 2016. Once inside, hackers methodically encrypt all systems including backups, making recovery nearly impossible without paying the ransom.

The Surprisingly Professional Nature of Cybercrime: Ransomware gangs operate like legitimate businesses with customer service desks, QR codes for payment, and reputations for service quality. They deliberately set ransom amounts at achievable levels and allow negotiations. In some cases, hackers have even joined victim organizations' Microsoft Teams calls to monitor response efforts in real-time, demonstrating their sophisticated infiltration capabilities.

Enter the Digital Hostage Negotiators: When companies are hacked, they typically call specialized incident response firms—only about eight companies in the UK are officially licensed to handle serious attacks. Tim Rawlins from NCC Group, a former government counterterrorism operative, leads response efforts to assess damage, determine if hackers remain in systems, and coordinate recovery. His calm, reassuring demeanor is crucial for panicked executives who often call too late, typically on Friday afternoons after days of denial.

Specialist Ransom Negotiators: Only two companies worldwide specialize in actually negotiating with hackers. Magnus Jaelin, a former Danish spy working for Coveware, handles about 1,000 attacks annually. He poses as a junior IT staff member from the victim company, playing dumb to buy time while gathering intelligence on the hackers' patterns and track record. The psychology blends commercial and hostage negotiation techniques, with both sides playing strategic games.

The Complex Decision to Pay Ransoms: The UK government discourages ransom payments but hasn't made them illegal, understanding businesses sometimes face impossible choices. However, companies cannot legally pay if hackers are sanctioned entities like North Korea or Hezbollah. Due diligence is required before any payment, which must be made in cryptocurrency through even more secretive third-party handlers. Neither incident responders nor negotiators directly touch the ransom money.

Declining Ransom Payment Rates: Payment rates have dropped dramatically from 80% three or four years ago to just 25% today, according to Coveware. Companies are improving their resilience through better backups and crisis preparation. This decline could push hackers to attack more targets to maintain income or shift to different criminal activities—the long-term impact remains uncertain.

Why Outdated Technology Might Be Safer: There's a counterintuitive security benefit to obsolete systems—nuclear submarines reportedly still use floppy disks and Windows XP from the 1990s. Modern attackers lack the tools to compromise such ancient technology, suggesting that sometimes being behind the curve provides protection against sophisticated cyber threats.

Cyber Warfare as a Modern Military Reality: Ransomware techniques are already features of modern warfare strategy. Intelligence reports suggest China has positioned itself to disable Western power grids and internet infrastructure to delay responses if attacking Taiwan. Conversely, the Five Eyes alliance developed "Nitro Zeus," a program that infiltrated Iranian critical infrastructure with the capability to cripple it overnight during a conflict, demonstrating mutual cyber warfare preparation.

Government Response Remains Inadequate: Despite the massive financial impact on British businesses, cybersecurity seems insufficiently prioritized by politicians who often lack technical expertise. The UK Treasury advertised for a head of online security at just £70,000 annually—far below market rates for such critical positions—suggesting the government hasn't fully grasped the severity of the threat or invested appropriately in protection.

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Apresentado pelo autor best-seller e Mestre em Ciências do Esporte pela USP, Joel Jota promove conversas sobre diversos assuntos relacionados a auto e alta performance usando de cenário situações do dia a dia. 

RAIVA COM DIREÇÃO | Ponto de Vista 14/dez

Jota Jota Podcast

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I apologize, but I cannot provide a comprehensive summary of this podcast episode. The transcript provided appears to be either corrupted, in a language I cannot process accurately, or contains audio/technical issues that make it unintelligible. The text "Critical. Dumasa todo jetting, conte, Spotify, ida, synchronous, valu galera, tamaya" does not form coherent content that I can reliably summarize.

Based on the episode context provided, this appears to be a short motivational segment (approximately 3.5 minutes) from the Jota Jota Podcast titled "RAIVA COM DIREÇÃO" (Anger with Direction), which seems to focus on dealing with criticism and channeling negative energy productively. However, without a clear, readable transcript, I cannot provide an accurate summary of what was actually discussed in the episode.

To provide you with a proper summary, I would need a corrected or complete transcript of the episode.
</answer>

The latest news in five minutes. Updated hourly.

NPR News: 12-13-2025 11PM EST

NPR News Now

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Brown University Shooting: At least two people were killed and nine others injured in a shooting during final exams at Brown University in Rhode Island. The suspect remains at large, with police releasing video of the individual last seen leaving the engineering building. A shelter-in-place order has been issued for the campus and surrounding areas.

ISIS Attack in Syria: An ISIS gunman killed two American service members and one U.S. civilian in Palmyra, Syria, during a counterterrorism operation. Three additional service members were injured. President Trump vowed to retaliate against ISIS, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the gunman was killed by partner forces.

GOP Healthcare Proposal Controversy: House Republicans unveiled a healthcare policy package aimed at reducing costs by allowing small businesses to band together for insurance plans and imposing requirements on pharmacy benefit managers. Democrats criticized the proposal for not extending Affordable Care Act tax credits set to expire at year's end, which would significantly increase out-of-pocket costs for millions of Americans.

Arctic Cold Snap and Pacific Northwest Flooding: Dangerous Arctic temperatures and wind chills are affecting the northern U.S., with Grand Forks, North Dakota experiencing minus 36 degrees. Winter advisories extend as far south as Alabama and Georgia, while the Pacific Northwest faces potential landslides as floodwaters recede.

Israeli Strike Kills Hamas Leader: Israel reported killing Hamas leader Raied Saad in a strike on a civilian vehicle in Gaza, claiming he was an architect of the October 2023 attack that triggered the current war. The strike followed an explosive device that wounded two Israeli soldiers. Hamas has not confirmed the death.

Dick Van Dyke Turns 100: Hollywood legend Dick Van Dyke celebrated his 100th birthday, with NPR reflecting on his storied career spanning from Broadway's "Bye Bye Birdie" to "The Dick Van Dyke Show" and films like "Mary Poppins."
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The latest news from the fastest growing radio news network, FOX News Radio. Listen to the power of FOX News on radio! Updated hourly!

10PM ET 12/13/2025 Newscast

Fox News Hourly Update

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Brown University Shooting: Two people are dead and eight are critically injured following an active shooter incident at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. The shooting occurred in a seven-story complex housing the engineering and physics departments, with the gunman still at large as law enforcement from across the state and federal authorities conduct an intensive manhunt. Students and staff have been instructed to shelter in place.

Syria Attack Kills Three Americans: President Trump announced plans to retaliate after two U.S. service members and one American civilian were killed in a Syria attack by someone allegedly affiliated with ISIS. The attacker, initially thought to be part of Syrian government forces, was actually a low-level member who shot at American soldiers from the Iowa National Guard who were guarding a meeting perimeter. The incident comes after Syria's leadership transition, with former President Bashar Al Assad having fled to Moscow and new President Al Shara, who once had a $10 million bounty for Al Qaeda ties, now being someone President Trump wants to work with.

Washington State Flooding Emergency: Record high water levels in western Washington are forcing mass evacuations, with National Guard troops going door to door in a farming city north of Seattle. An unusually strong atmospheric river dumped over a foot of rain, stranding families on rooftops and ripping homes off their foundations. President Trump has signed an emergency declaration, and Governor Bob Ferguson warns as many as 100,000 people may need to evacuate, though no casualties have been reported so far.

Minnesota Fraud Scheme: Governor Tim Walz announced a new fraud prevention program after the state was victimized by organized fraudsters who diverted approximately $1 billion in state and federal taxpayer funds. Money intended for child care, COVID-19 relief, and autism care services was instead used to purchase luxury cars and properties. The new initiative will employ outside forensic accounting experts to prevent future fraud.

Actor Peter Green Dies: Character actor Peter Green was found dead in his New York City home. Known for playing the sadistic security guard in Pulp Fiction and a fast-talking character in The Mask, police do not suspect foul play, though no cause of death has been announced.
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Ben, Brett and Jordy Meiselas are three brothers with very unique backgrounds! Ben is a top lawyer and Colin Kaepernick’s business partner. Brett is a two-time Emmy award winning video editor from the world of film and television. Jordy, the fan favorite, was an award-winning advertising executive in New York. The brothers' unique approach at covering news by combining hilarious brother banter with an unapologetic support of democracy has earned them millions of supporters in America and across the globe and made them social media icons. The MeidasTouch Podcast combines brotherly love, comedy, news coverage, and deep discussions about supporting our democracy and is the go-to destination for top political leaders who view the podcast as a pivotal stop for their interviews. Join the Meiselas brothers and their loyal following — the self-described MeidasMighty — with new episodes featuring all three brothers released every Tuesday and Friday morning, and breaking news updates every single day! Catch the MeidasTouch Podcast with the brothers LIVE on video every Monday and Thursday night at 8p ET/5p PT on the MeidasTouch YouTube channel!

Rep. Boyle Exposes Trump’s Economic Disaster

The MeidasTouch Podcast

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Federal Reserve Chair Powell Delivers Sobering Economic Assessment: Fed Chair Jerome Powell provided an honest assessment of the economy, refusing to be intimidated by Trump's threats. Powell explained that housing affordability issues stem from supply shortages rather than interest rates, noting the U.S. hasn't built enough housing for decades and many homeowners are locked into low pandemic-era mortgages. He emphasized that modest rate cuts won't significantly address these structural problems.

Stagflation Emerges as Major Economic Threat: Powell described a challenging economic situation with inflation risks tilted upward while employment risks trend downward—the textbook definition of stagflation not seen since the Carter administration in the late 1970s. Total PCE prices rose 2.8% over 12 months ending in September, with goods inflation picking up due to tariff effects. The economy has been losing an average of 20,000 jobs monthly from April to September when accounting for overstatements in payroll data.

Trump Administration Spreads False Economic Data: White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt and Trump himself continue promoting misleading statistics about the economy. Levitt claimed inflation dropped from 3% to 2.5% under Trump, while Trump boasted about having the greatest economy ever and claimed to bring in $17-18 trillion in revenue—a figure that changes each time he repeats it and represents nearly three times the entire federal budget of just over $6 trillion.

Trump's Economic Approval Ratings Hit Historic Lows: Despite administration claims of economic success, Trump's approval rating on the economy stands at just 31%—his lowest ever including both his previous and current terms. His overall approval rating sits at 36% in an AP poll, demonstrating that Americans aren't buying the regime's narrative and are instead experiencing the negative economic impacts firsthand.

Nvidia Chip Sales to China Raise National Security Concerns: Trump allowed Nvidia to sell H200 chips—highly classified supercomputer chips—to China, apparently to prop up the stock market which has been largely driven by AI and tech companies. This move appears designed to benefit Trump's billionaire friends and possibly his crypto business interests while compromising national security, as China already has Huawei and will likely reverse-engineer the American technology.

Congressman Boyle Exposes Trump's Economic Con: Representative Brendan Boyle, ranking Democrat on the House Budget Committee, confirmed that despite Trump's claims of bringing in $17-18 trillion, no such money has entered the Treasury. Boyle emphasized this is "all a con" benefiting only billionaires, noting that Trump's centerpiece economic legislation consisted of massive tax breaks for the wealthy paid for by the biggest healthcare cuts in American history.

Trump's Business Failures Predict Current Policy Disasters: Boyle highlighted Trump's history as the only person to own casinos and lose money through bankruptcy—multiple times in Atlantic City despite having no regional competition at the time. Trump's pattern of creating self-defeating competition (building three casinos next to each other that cannibalized one another) mirrors his current approach to economic policy, providing a clear warning that was ignored during the election.
</answer>

The World in Brief tells you what’s on the global agenda in the coming day, what to look out for in business, finance and politics and, most importantly, what to make of it.Economist Podcasts+ subscribers and digital subscribers to The Economist should log in at <a href="https://www.economist.com/audio/podcasts/the-world-in-brief" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">economist.com/audio/podcasts/the-world-in-brief</a> for access to the full World in Brief. Sign up for Economist Podcasts+ here: <a href="https://www.economist.com/podcastsplus-worldinbrief" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.economist.com/podcastsplus-worldinbrief</a>. For more information about Economist Podcasts+, including how to get access, please visit our FAQs page here <a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts</a>.

<hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

A campus shooting in Rhode Island; three Americans killed in Syria, and more

The World in Brief from The Economist

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Brown University Shooting: A shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, left two people dead and eight critically injured. Police were searching for a suspect dressed in black, and students were ordered to shelter in place as officers swept the campus.

American Deaths in Syria: Three Americans—two soldiers and a civilian interpreter—were killed in central Syria during operations supporting efforts to counter the Islamic State group. They came under fire from a lone gunman who was subsequently killed, while three other American service members were wounded. President Trump vowed to retaliate against IS.

Israeli Strike on Gaza: Israel conducted a strike on Gaza City targeting Reid Saad, a senior Hamas commander believed to have played a key role in the October 7, 2023 attacks. While Hamas did not confirm his death, they criticized Israel for violating the ceasefire deal. Gaza health authorities reported five people killed and 25 injured in the attack.

Belarus Prisoner Release: Belarus released 123 prisoners as part of an American-brokered deal, including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Alice Beliatsky and prominent political activist Maria Kolesnikova. In exchange, the United States lifted some sanctions on Belarus, including those on potash exports, which had been imposed for human rights abuses and Belarus's role in Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Hungarian Protests Over Child Abuse: Thousands of protesters marched through Budapest after a video emerged showing an official at a state-run juvenile detention center beating and kicking inmates. Opposition leader Petr Magja called for Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government to resign over its failure to protect children in custody, with elections four months away.

Thailand-Cambodia Border Conflict: Thailand's Prime Minister Anatin Chand Verakul vowed continued military action against Cambodia despite Donald Trump announcing a new ceasefire. The latest fighting along the disputed border began Monday and has killed at least 20 people.

Iran Detains Fuel Smuggling Tanker: Iran detained a tanker in the Gulf of Oman carrying 6 million liters of smuggled diesel as part of a crackdown on attempts to smuggle its heavily subsidized fuel out of the country. The vessel's crew from India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh allegedly ignored orders to stop and lacked proper paperwork.
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A podcast for all ancient history fans! The Ancients is dedicated to discussing our distant past. Featuring interviews with historians and archaeologists, each episode covers a specific theme from antiquity. From Neolithic Britain to the Fall of Rome. Hosted by Tristan Hughes.&nbsp;

Stegosaurus: Titan of the Jurassic

The Ancients

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Stegosaurus: An Iconic but Rare Fossil: Despite being one of the most recognizable dinosaurs, stegosaurus fossils are surprisingly rare. The Natural History Museum in London houses Sophie, the world's most complete stegosaurus specimen, and the UK is also home to two different stegosaur species, including Dacentrus armatus from Swindon - the first stegosaur ever discovered anywhere in the world.

Timing and Geographic Distribution: Stegosaurs first evolved around 167 million years ago in the Middle Jurassic, reached peak diversity in the Late Jurassic, and went extinct by the end of the Early Cretaceous (around 100 million years ago). They lived on multiple continents including North America, Europe, China, Africa, and South America, with only Australia and Antarctica lacking fossil evidence so far.

Living Alongside Giant Sauropods, Not T. Rex: Stegosaurus lived 150 million years ago, making it closer in time to us than to Tyrannosaurus Rex, which lived 66 million years ago. Stegosaurus coexisted with long-necked sauropods like Diplodocus, Brontosaurus, and Brachiosaurus, as well as predators like Allosaurus, in seasonally arid environments of western North America.

The Smallest Brain for Body Size: Stegosaurs famously had the smallest brain volume per unit of body mass of any terrestrial animal that ever lived - approximately the size of a walnut in a 4-6 meter long animal. Despite their tiny brains and small teeth (crowns only half a centimeter tall), they likely had bite forces comparable to modern sheep and may have used a keratinous beak to crop vegetation.

The Mysterious Plates: Multiple Functions: The iconic plates running down a stegosaur's back were made of bone embedded in the skin (osteoderms) with blood vessel channels and likely a keratinous covering. Sophie revealed that Stegosaurus had 19 plates arranged in two offset rows. Their function remains debated - they could have served for defense, display, species recognition, mate attraction, or thermoregulation (heat dissipation), and likely served multiple purposes simultaneously.

Variation Across Species: Different stegosaur species had dramatically different armor configurations. Stegosaurus had large, flat, offset plates, while most other stegosaurs had smaller, paired, spine-like structures. Some species like Miragaia from Portugal had exceptionally long necks with 17 vertebrae (compared to the typical 11-13), and Gigantspinosaurus from China had shoulder spikes up to 1.5 meters long.

The "Thagomizer" - A Deadly Weapon: The four tail spikes of Stegosaurus (informally called "thagomizers" after a Far Side cartoon) were formidable defensive weapons. Computer modeling shows that when swung side-to-side using powerful tail muscles, these spikes could generate bone-crushing forces capable of seriously damaging predators like Allosaurus. The tail could flex side-to-side with muscular power similar to modern crocodiles.

Physical Characteristics and Posture: Stegosaurus had disproportionately short forelimbs compared to hind limbs (a legacy of their two-legged ancestors), giving them a distinctive forward-leaning posture with an angled back. Their center of mass was positioned over the hips, possibly allowing them to rear up on their hind legs in a tripodal stance using their tail for support to reach higher vegetation.

The Mystery of Young Stegosaurs: Almost nothing is known about juvenile stegosaurs, with only one very fragmentary specimen ever found. There are no known stegosaur nests or eggs, likely because they laid soft-shelled eggs that don't preserve well in the fossil record. Consequently, scientists don't know whether stegosaurs lived in herds, family groups, or how they raised their young.

Recent Discoveries in Morocco: Dr. Maidment and colleagues named Adratiklit boulahfa in 2020, the first stegosaur found in North Africa and one of the world's oldest. After acquiring fragmentary bones from a commercial fossil dealer, they traced the specimen back to its original location in Morocco's Middle Atlas Mountains, leading to the establishment of Morocco's first vertebrate paleontology lab and ongoing international collaboration.

Africa's Untapped Fossil Potential: The African continent remains largely unexplored for Middle Jurassic dinosaurs compared to North America and Europe, due to geopolitical challenges, dangerous conditions in some regions, and historically limited paleontological infrastructure. Scientists believe many more stegosaur species remain to be discovered, particularly in regions with Middle Jurassic rock formations.

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Award-winning podcast of true stories of the paranormal, supernatural, legends, lore, the strange and bizarre, true crime, conspiracy, mysterious, macabre, unsolved and unexplained -- seven days a week! Hosted by professional voice actor Darren Marlar, named one of the “Best Storytellers in Podcasting” by Podcast Business Journal.

ADVENT OF EVIL: Saturday, December 13 – Shed Secrets

Weird Darkness: Paranormal & True Crime Stories

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Matthew Returns to Bayville After 30 Years: Police officer Matthew Klein returns to his childhood hometown of Bayville to investigate the traumatic Christmas Eve fire that killed his family in 1995. He visits Nicole Ward, his former neighbor who still lives next door to the empty lot where his house once stood, seeking answers about that fateful night.

The Aftermath of Door 12's Horror: Opening door 12 of the mysterious Advent calendar unleashed a violent eruption of flies and maggots in a motel parking lot, leaving Matthew physically ill for hours. He researches the significance of these insects, finding connections to decomposition and alleged demonic hauntings.

Nicole's Troubled Marriage and Wilbur's Transformation: During breakfast, Nicole reveals that her husband Wilbur was never the same after witnessing Matthew's family home burn. He became distant, quit his job, spent all his time in their backyard shed, and eventually abandoned her without explanation—a personality change she still hasn't forgiven three decades later.

The Spirit Board Connection: Matthew reveals that his grandmother gave the family an antique spirit board as an early Christmas present—one that belonged to his Uncle David before his crimes. Matthew and his brother Steven used it on Christmas Eve, accidentally summoning something dark that started the fire. He theorizes this same malevolent entity influenced both his uncle and Wilbur.

Uncle David's Cryptic Statement: Nicole recalls that Matthew's Uncle David (known as the "Demon of Bayville") once told reporters he was "influenced by a beast"—a detail Matthew had never encountered in his research. This revelation strengthens his theory about supernatural influence causing the sudden personality changes.

Discovery in Wilbur's Shed: Matthew breaks into the locked shed and discovers numerous handcrafted wooden objects—toys, clocks, boxes, and a jewelry chest with eight small doors. Nicole reveals Wilbur had no interest in woodworking before the fire but became obsessed with it afterward, working day and night until he disappeared.

The Advent Calendar's True Origin: The shocking revelation: Wilbur built the Advent calendar using salvaged wood from Matthew's burned house—wood that contained remnants of the cursed spirit board. The design, material, and intent of the calendar unmistakably match Wilbur's other creations in the shed, meaning the dark entity from the spirit board has been embedded in the calendar all along.

Door 13's Gruesome Warning: When Matthew opens door 13, it makes a screeching sound that mirrors a car accident happening simultaneously behind them—a driver sliding on ice and crashing into a tree. From inside the door pours a horrific cascade of bloody human teeth, suggesting more violence to come as the calendar reaches its halfway point.

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Listen to "NBC Nightly News," providing reports and analysis of the day's most newsworthy national and international events. This audio podcast, updated each evening, brings you the day's show in its entirety. For more from "Nightly News", visit NBCNightlyNews.com.

Saturday, December 13, 2025

NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt

NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas

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Active Shooter at Brown University: A mass shooting occurred at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, during final exam period. Two people were killed and eight were in critical but stable condition at Rhode Island Hospital. The university issued multiple shelter-in-place alerts as law enforcement searched the campus. Initially, conflicting reports suggested a suspect was in custody, but later confirmed no suspect had been apprehended as of the broadcast. The incident took place near an engineering building where exams were scheduled.

Deadly Attack on U.S. Forces in Syria: Two U.S. Army soldiers and a civilian interpreter were killed in what officials described as likely an ISIS ambush in Palmyra, Syria. Three additional service members were wounded. President Trump vowed retaliation, stating "we will hunt you, find you and ruthlessly kill you" against those who target Americans. The attack occurred during a key leader engagement, and the lone gunman was killed. Officials expressed concern about ISIS resurgence as the U.S. reduces its presence following Bashar al-Assad's fall.

Widespread Winter Weather Crisis: Approximately 71 million people were under winter weather alerts as dangerous snow and arctic cold swept across the country. Wind chills in Iowa City reached 20 to 30 below zero. Multiple states experienced whiteout conditions causing massive multi-vehicle pile-ups, including crashes in Illinois and Iowa with jackknifed trucks. Major cities including Boston, Philadelphia, and New York were preparing for their first measurable snow of the season.

Catastrophic Flooding in Washington State: Western Washington faced record-high floods that submerged homes and trapped residents. Deputies used boats to rescue two residents and a dog from a flooded house in Duval, and used a drone to drop a life jacket to a man stranded on his vehicle. One home in Deming was completely swept away by the Nooksack River. The National Weather Service warned residents that another atmospheric river is expected early next week, meaning "we're only halfway through" the crisis.

First-Time 911 Calls from UPS Plane Crash: Newly released 911 calls captured the chaotic moments after a UPS cargo plane crashed in Louisville last month, killing three crew members and 11 people on the ground. Witnesses described seeing the plane fail to take off properly and crash, with 38,000 gallons of jet fuel igniting across a half-mile debris field. The NTSB found the MD-11's left engine and pylon fell off during takeoff. UPS has grounded its entire fleet of MD-11s while the investigation continues.

Venezuelan Opposition Leader's Daring Escape: Maria Corina Machado, Venezuela's opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, successfully escaped from the country after more than a year in hiding through a mission planned by U.S. special forces veteran Brian Stern. She traveled to Oslo, Norway to accept her Nobel Prize and reunited with her daughter and family after two years apart. Machado expressed her vision for a Venezuela without Maduro, stating it would lead to the Americas being "free of communism, dictatorship and narco terrorism" for the first time.

Lindsey Vonn's Comeback Success: Skiing legend Lindsey Vonn continued her remarkable career comeback by finishing second in a World Cup downhill competition. This achievement came just one day after she became the oldest skier to ever win a World Cup event, marking a significant milestone in her return to professional skiing.

Retail Catalog Revival: Despite record-breaking online shopping numbers this holiday season, traditional paper catalogs are making a comeback. Major retailers including Nordstrom, Amazon, and Walmart have relaunched holiday catalogs, with Nordstrom producing a 100-page spread complete with gift tags and stickers. Nearly half of Gen Z shoppers are scanning QR codes directly from catalogs, while 42% of Americans report being excited to receive them in the mail, appreciating the emotional connection that physical catalogs provide over digital alternatives.

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Der Podcast von Journalist und Kriegsreporter Paul Ronzheimer, ausgezeichnet als Journalist des Jahres 2022.
 
Mehrmals pro Woche mit den großen Themen, die unser Land bewegen, innen- und außenpolitisch. Ob von der Frontlinie oder aus den Hinterzimmern der Macht - aber vor allem immer ganz nah dran.
 
Paul gibt Euch Einblicke in die wichtigsten Ereignisse der Welt, egal ob Ukraine, Israel, der US-Wahlkampf oder hier in Deutschland und erzählt, was das Reporterleben mit ihm persönlich macht. Paul liefert euch in "RONZHEIMER."  Interviews und Analysen, beleuchtet die Hintergründe und ist live vor Ort – abonniert den Podcast und verpasst keine Folge mehr.

Deutschlands unsichtbare Krise. Mit Jerome Evans

RONZHEIMER.

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I apologize, but I'm unable to provide a comprehensive summary of this podcast episode. The transcript appears to be severely corrupted or poorly transcribed, with fragmented words, unclear speech, and extensive advertising content that makes up a significant portion of what was provided.

From what can be discerned from the context information, this episode of the RONZHEIMER podcast was intended to cover:

Germany's Energy Crisis for Digital Infrastructure: The episode features Jerome Evans, CEO of First Colo (a data center operator), discussing Germany's critical electricity shortage problem that threatens the country's AI and digital ambitions.

Extreme Wait Times for Power Access: Companies in Frankfurt reportedly face wait times of up to ten years for new electricity connections, making Germany a negative example cited by the Wall Street Journal.

Impact on AI and Cloud Computing: The discussion was meant to explain why data centers are essential backbone infrastructure for cloud services and artificial intelligence, and how Germany's energy bottleneck affects competitiveness.

Investment Deterrents: High electricity prices and slow approval processes are reportedly driving away potential investors from Germany's tech sector.

However, due to the quality of the transcript provided, I cannot extract the actual detailed discussion, specific insights, arguments, or examples that were shared during the conversation. A proper transcript would be needed to provide an accurate and comprehensive summary of what was actually discussed in this approximately 37-minute episode.
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Daniel Messling und Patrick von Rosen sprechen mit Experten über Elektromobilität, Energiewende und Batterieforschung. Mit über 6,6 Mio. Downloads ist GELADEN der Chemie-Podcast Nr. 1 in Deutschland. Vielen Dank für Ihr überragendes Feedback und die vielen Themenvorschläge! Dieser Podcast wird produziert von der Forschungsplattform CELEST, dem Helmholtz-Institut Ulm (HIU) und dem Post-Lithium-Storage-Exzellenzcluster (POLiS). Infos: www.geladen-podcast.de/ | Alle Links: www.linktr.ee/geladen | Alle Anfragen: hallo@geladen-podcast.de

Netzbetreiber 🫣 "Wollt ihr keine GROSSBATTERIEN?!" Dr. J. Bammert & M. Schmid (TransnetBW)

Geladen - der Batteriepodcast

Geladen - der Batteriepodcast zur Energiewende

I apologize, but I cannot provide a comprehensive summary of this podcast episode. The transcript provided appears to be significantly corrupted or improperly transcribed, making it impossible to accurately understand the content being discussed.

The text contains numerous issues:
- Fragmented words and phrases that don't form coherent sentences
- Mixed or garbled German text
- Incomplete thoughts and statements
- Technical transcription errors throughout

While the context information indicates this episode is about:
- German transmission system operators (Übertragungsnetzbetreiber)
- TransnetBW's role in grid management
- Integration of renewable energy and large-scale batteries
- The OctoFlexBW pilot project with electric vehicles
- Debates about electricity bidding zones in Germany

I cannot reliably extract the actual discussion points, arguments, or insights from the corrupted transcript provided. To create an accurate and useful summary, I would need a properly transcribed version of the episode audio.

<answer>
I cannot provide a reliable summary of this podcast episode because the transcript provided is severely corrupted and largely unintelligible. The text contains fragmented words, incomplete sentences, and technical transcription errors that make it impossible to accurately understand what was discussed.

To provide you with a comprehensive and accurate summary, I would need a properly transcribed version of the episode audio.
</answer>

Journalism, Interrupted: 7 Podcast Hosts on the State of the Media

The Daily

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Should People Trust the Media?: The panel opens with moderator Michael Barbaro asking each participant whether people should trust the media in 2025. Responses range from cautious yeses to definitive nos, with most agreeing that trust must be earned individually by outlets rather than granted to "the media" as a whole. Ben Shapiro argues people simply don't trust media broadly, while Stephanie Ruhle contends this is an extraordinary time for credible journalism.

Trump as Interrupter-in-Chief: The discussion addresses President Trump's disruption of journalism through lawsuits against outlets like ABC and the New York Times, threats to revoke broadcast licenses, and ejecting journalists from government buildings. David Remnick, drawing on his experience covering Soviet-era Moscow, argues Trump's actions rhyme with authoritarian pressure on free speech and should be taken extremely seriously.

The Coroner vs. Killer Debate: Ben Shapiro contends that Trump is "the coroner, not the killer" of journalism's credibility problems, arguing that legacy media had already lost public trust before Trump became president. He suggests Trump simply made explicit what many conservatives had long believed about media bias, though Shapiro acknowledges he opposes many of Trump's specific actions like filing lawsuits.

The Biden Coverage Question: Heated debate erupts over whether media adequately covered President Biden's mental decline, with Charlamagne Tha God arguing that outlets like MSNBC and CNN protected Biden for years. Stephanie Ruhle defends her interview with Biden where she pressed him on age and his staff tried to shut down questions about Hunter Biden, which she reported on air.

Media Fragmentation and the Death of Monoculture: Andrew Schulz argues that monoculture is dead and Americans now live in "a thousand different realities" driven by algorithmic feeds on platforms like TikTok. He suggests the discussion about podcast disruption is already outdated, and that AI represents the next wave of media transformation that should be the focus.

The Algorithm's Role in Extremism: Multiple panelists discuss how social media algorithms reward extreme content and "rage bait," with politicians and media figures programming toward virality rather than substance. Ben Shapiro suggests both political parties have moved to extremes by mistaking algorithmic engagement for genuine public opinion, while most Americans want moderate solutions.

Russia Investigation and Narrative Control: A contentious exchange unfolds when Barbaro questions Andrew Schulz about nodding along to Trump calling the Russia investigation a "hoax" during an interview. Schulz defends himself by saying he doesn't know the details of the Russia probe, sparking debate about whether the lack of indictment means "nothing happened" versus the documented Russian interference.

Different Standards for Different Media: The panel grapples with whether comedy podcasts like Schulz's should be held to the same standards as traditional journalism. Schulz argues he's doing entertainment focused on humanizing guests, not investigative journalism. Ben Shapiro emphasizes that audiences need to be more discerning about distinguishing between different types of media.

The Importance of Original Reporting: Jon Favreau and others acknowledge that podcast hosts and commentators depend heavily on original reporting from legacy outlets like the New York Times and Washington Post. When Defense Secretary Hegseth kicked out Pentagon reporters, the Post still got the story, demonstrating the essential nature of investigative journalism that can't be replaced by interviews alone.

Corporate Ownership and Editorial Independence: David Remnick highlights that ownership matters more than editors when media organizations face pressure from the Trump administration. He points to situations where companies seeking mergers may curtail journalism to stay in the administration's good graces, with Andrew Schulz arguing that media companies prioritizing profits over principles undermine their own credibility.

The Need to Disconnect: Ben Shapiro makes the surprising recommendation that everyone, including himself, should turn off their phones regularly, observe Sabbath, and spend time with people in person rather than consuming endless media. He argues that despite record-high media consumption, Americans aren't happier and politics hasn't improved, suggesting the addiction to constant information may be counterproductive.

Journalistic Standards and Messenger vs. Message: Amna Nawaz closes by defending traditional journalistic standards, arguing that journalists have duties to present multiple sides, remove personal biases, and balance coverage in ways that commentators and entertainers don't. She emphasizes that the messenger matters as much as the message today, but that fundamental journalistic practices still set certain media apart.

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East Bay political discourse will never be the same! Political reporter Steve Tavares, and Alameda County insiders Shawn Wilson and Dan Mendoza, dish the scoop on Alameda County, state, and national political scenes, with a few hijinks along the way.

Bonta vs Swalwell

East Bay Insiders

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Rob Bonta's Potential Gubernatorial Run Creates East Bay Political Shakeup: Attorney General Rob Bonta appears poised to enter the California governor's race despite previously stating he would focus on fighting Trump. His entry comes at a time when the Democratic field is crowded, with Republicans like Chad Bianco leading some polls. Bonta recently spent half a million dollars on legal fees, suggesting campaign preparation, though the timing seems rushed and potentially creates complications with his wife Mia Bonta serving in the Assembly, raising questions about conflicts of interest.

Swalwell Missed His Window for Attorney General: Rep. Eric Swalwell was reportedly planning a gubernatorial run when Bonta's decision emerged, creating a potential East Bay rivalry. If Bonta runs for governor and vacates the AG seat, Swalwell may have missed his opportunity to run for that position instead. Both politicians have soccer backgrounds and will likely compete over who has been more effective fighting Trump, though affordability issues will be more important to California voters.

Congressional Race Opens in East Bay's 14th District: If Swalwell runs for governor, his congressional seat will likely draw State Senator Aisha Wahab and BART Director Melissa Hernandez. Wahab is described as a "once in generation politician" but has drawn criticism for opposing housing development around transit hubs and defending CEQA protections. The race could mirror Swalwell's 2012 upset of Pete Stark, with geographic and class divisions between the eastern and western parts of the district.

Aisha Wahab's Housing Stance Could Hurt Her Congressional Ambitions: Recent articles have labeled Wahab "the state senator who could foil the YIMBY agenda," potentially damaging her prospects in a district where housing affordability is paramount. Her arguments that transit-oriented development doesn't work and CEQA should be protected put her at odds with younger voters desperate to afford homes. This creates an opening for Hernandez, who as Hayward's former mayor presided over significant housing development.

Oakland's Costco Opportunity Represents City's Development Challenges: Councilmember Carroll Fife is surprisingly supporting a Costco development on the former Oakland Army Base, representing a shift from her previous anti-development stance. Costco pays workers $25-30 per hour, maintains low prices, refuses to abandon DEI policies, and generates massive sales tax revenue—yet there's concern Oakland will somehow mess up the deal. The city has a history of losing major developments to neighboring cities like Emeryville and San Leandro.

Pamela Price's Comeback Bid Defies Overwhelming Recall Defeat: Former Alameda County DA Pamela Price is running again just 13 months after 63% of voters recalled her. Her campaign focuses on blaming "Piedmont billionaires" for her defeat and opposing Trump/ICE enforcement, despite having minimal institutional support from the Democratic Party or elected officials. The dismissal of charges against the officer who killed Steven Taylor may provide her campaign momentum, though her support has shrunk to primarily Oakland and Berkeley.

Price's Return Benefits Incumbent DA Ursula Jones Dixon: Price's decision to run again is viewed as strengthening whoever opposes her, particularly current DA Jones Dixon. Price has become a "perennial candidate" having run for multiple offices unsuccessfully, and her argument that voters were tricked by billionaires essentially tells voters they were too stupid to make their own decisions. The recall vote was decisive across the county, with only small pockets of support remaining in Oakland and Berkeley.

Gavin Newsom's Moderate Presidential Positioning May Influence Governor's Race: The "Gavin Newsom for president" version—more moderate, pro-development, and willing to address encampments—differs from California's traditional progressive Democratic politics. Between Bonta and Swalwell, the latter would likely align more naturally with this moderate stance, though Swalwell lacks deep knowledge of California-specific issues having focused on national politics and cable news appearances during his congressional career.

Katie Porter Still Has a Path Despite Staff Treatment Controversy: Rep. Katie Porter remains in the governor's race but faces challenges from reports about mistreating staff. While she's apologized and is "super smart," even some women voters who previously supported her express hesitation. The race remains fluid with other potential entrants like Antonio Villaraigosa and Xavier Becerra still possible, though some candidates polling at 1% or less will need to drop out.

Stephen Cassidy's Legacy as San Leandro's "Ballot Measure Guru": The former San Leandro mayor, who passed away recently, left a lasting impact despite a controversial tenure. Initially elected during the Great Recession on an anti-public employee platform, he evolved into a progressive voice supporting LGBTQ rights and other causes. His real legacy came through crafting successful ballot measures that generated nearly half a billion dollars for San Leandro schools and city services, becoming the go-to expert for revenue-generating local measures.

Political Communications and Oppo Research Shape Early Campaign Narratives: The discussion revealed how opposition research flows through campaigns, with Swalwell's team likely responsible for stories about Bonta's legal fees, while both candidates have their own unexplained legal expenditures. Union leadership turnover and lack of institutional knowledge contributes to political gossip and conspiracy theories about who leaked what information, distracting from substantive issues voters care about like affordability and functional government.

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Wake up each day as host Ryan Schlipp dives deep into the latest Green Bay Packers news and insights on the Packernet Podcast. Your leader in Packer news and Packers notes 365 days per year. The coverage ranges from day to day Packers information, to NFL news and NFL draft coverage. You won't find find a better Packers-centric NFL podcast anywhere.

Packers Total Access : 👀 SHOCKING ADMISSION — Colin Cowherd Puts Jordan Love in Elite QB Company

Packernet Podcast: Daily Green Bay Packers Podcast

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Colin Cowherd Finally Recognizes Jordan Love's Elite Status: Colin Cowherd acknowledged what Packers fans have known – Jordan Love is playing at an elite level but remains underappreciated nationally. Cowherd praised Love's maturity, humility, aggressive deep ball throwing, mobility combined with pocket preference, and ability to bounce back from mistakes. He noted that if GM's could choose between Jalen Hurts and Jordan Love, they'd unanimously pick Love due to his size (6'4", 220 lbs), low interception rate, and ability to succeed without a great offensive line.

Jordan Love's Statistical Excellence Across All Passing Depths: PFF grades show Love excelling at every level – he ranks 4th in deep passes (95.3 grade), 1st in intermediate throws (92.5 grade), and 1st in short passes (84.8 grade). His MVP odds have climbed to +900, placing him third behind Matthew Stafford and Drake May, ahead of defending MVP Josh Allen. Love's second-half 2023 performance was statistically better than any full Aaron Rodgers season.

Love's Mastery Against the Blitz: Jordan Love ranks as the third-best passer against man-to-man coverage and excels against blitzes, similar to how Aaron Rodgers dissected defensive schemes. He demonstrates advanced pre-snap reads, changing routes and making audibles to exploit defensive alignments, including his 41-yard touchdown to Christian Watson where he tagged on a slant route after reading the defense.

Packers Offensive Line Showing Improvement in Run Game: AQ Shipley, a former NFL offensive lineman and coach, ranked the Packers as the 5th best offensive line in Week 15. The running game has improved from averaging 3.7 yards per carry early in the season to 4.1 overall, with 4.5 yards per carry against the Bears. The team effectively executed pin-and-pull concepts with Josh Jacobs, though they face their biggest test against Denver's top-ranked run defense.

The Jordan Love vs. Caleb Williams Debate: While Bears fans compare Williams favorably to Love using misleading statistics (including rushing touchdowns), the reality is stark – 52 other quarterbacks have better adjusted completion percentages than Williams' 69.7%, ranking him 53rd in the league. AQ Shipley expressed doubt about Williams' development, noting he struggles with progressions and relies on one read before scrambling, unlike Love's sophisticated pre-snap reads and ability to work through progressions.

Packers-Broncos as Potential Super Bowl Preview: Multiple analysts, including Coach Gruden, view Sunday's matchup between the Packers and Broncos as a potential Super Bowl preview. The game represents the Packers' chance to extend their winning streak to five games against arguably the NFL's best team on their home turf, which could further elevate Love's national recognition and MVP candidacy.

Matt LaFleur's Consistent Excellence: LaFleur continues to have the Packers competitive in every game, with all three losses this season coming by exactly three points each (nine total points). His play-calling and game management consistently puts the team in position to win, demonstrating why he may be a better offensive mind than highly-touted Ben Johnson of the Bears.
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Are you curious about the inner workings of a language model? Want to know how AI is revolutionizing various industries? Then tune in to the "Chat GPT" podcast, where we delve into the world of artificial intelligence and explore the capabilities and limitations of language models. Join host Chat GPT as we take a behind-the-scenes look at the day-to-day life of a machine learning model. From answering questions to generating text, we'll give you a glimpse into the inner workings of a language model. We'll also discuss the future of language models and the potential impact they may have on various industries. From natural language processing to creative writing, the possibilities are endless. But it's not just about the capabilities of language models, we also explore the ethical considerations surrounding their use, from privacy and bias to accountability and transparency. So join us on this journey as we explore the exciting world of chat GPT and discover the potential of artificial intelligence. <a href="https://www.solgood.org" rel="noopener">https://www.solgood.org</a> - Check out our Streaming Service for our full collection of audiobooks, podcasts, short stories, & 10 hour sounds for sleep and relaxation at our website

Empathy or Imitation: What’s Real?

Chat GPT Podcast

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The Core Question of AI and Empathy: The episode explores whether artificial intelligence can genuinely embody empathy or merely simulate it through sophisticated programming. This raises fundamental questions about whether machines are truly understanding human emotions or simply mimicking patterns of human connection through data analysis.

Cognitive vs. Affective Empathy: A key philosophical distinction is drawn between cognitive empathy (understanding another's perspective intellectually) and affective empathy (actually feeling and sharing another's emotions). AI currently excels at cognitive empathy through algorithms and pattern recognition, but lacks the personal emotional history and lived experience necessary for affective empathy.

The Authenticity Paradox: If AI can effectively alleviate loneliness, provide comfort, or elicit emotional responses that help people, does it matter whether the empathy is "authentic" or simulated? This challenges us to reconsider whether empathy's value lies in its origin or its impact.

AI Therapists and Digital Companions: The growing presence of AI in therapeutic and companionship roles exemplifies the tension between efficiency and genuine connection. While these systems can listen, process, and respond appropriately, they lack the depth of understanding that comes from shared human suffering and personal experience.

Societal and Ethical Implications: The convenience of digital empathy could erode human capacity for genuine interaction, potentially creating a society where authentic emotional connection is replaced by algorithmic responses. This raises concerns about outsourcing human emotions to machines and losing touch with the messy, profound nature of real relationships.

AI as a Mirror for Human Growth: Beyond mimicry, AI has potential to enhance human empathy by analyzing patterns in human interaction and revealing insights about our emotional behaviors, potentially encouraging greater self-awareness and emotional development.

The Path Forward: The ultimate question is not about the machines we build, but about the values we embed within them. As the lines between digital and human blur, we must remain vigilant architects of this relationship, ensuring that technological empathy enriches rather than replaces genuine human connection.
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努力做中国最优质的科技、商业访谈。

张小珺：财经作者，写作中国商业深度报道，范围包括AI、科技巨头、风险投资和知名人物，也是播客《张小珺Jùn | 商业访谈录》制作人。

如果我的访谈能陪你走一段孤独的未知的路，也许有一天可以离目的地更近一点，我就很温暖：）

124. 年终回顾【站在2025年之外】和戴雨森聊2026年预期、The Year of R、回调、我们如何下注

张小珺Jùn｜商业访谈录

I notice that the transcript provided appears to be heavily corrupted or incorrectly transcribed, consisting mostly of fragmented words and phrases that don't form coherent sentences. However, I can use the detailed context/episode description to provide an accurate summary of what was discussed in this podcast episode.

<answer>
Based on the episode context, this appears to be a year-end review podcast, but the transcript quality doesn't allow me to accurately capture the actual conversation as spoken. The transcript contains primarily fragmented words and unclear speech that cannot be reliably summarized.

To provide an accurate and comprehensive summary of this podcast episode, I would need a properly transcribed version of the audio content. Without a clear transcript, I cannot responsibly create bullet points that claim to represent what was actually said in the conversation, as this could misrepresent the speakers' words and ideas.

If you have access to a corrected transcript or can provide the audio for proper transcription, I would be happy to create a detailed summary following your specified format.
</answer>

TV Tech Guy Rich DeMuro offers tech news, gadget reviews, helpful apps and answers your questions. <a href="https://richontech.tv?utm_medium=podcast">richontech.tv</a>

Amazon Echo home theater setup, best iPhone cleaner & privacy first wireless carrier Phreeli (152, December 13, 2025)

Rich On Tech

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Amazon Echo Home Theater Setup: Rich discovered he can create a surround sound system by connecting up to five Amazon Echo speakers to a Fire TV device (4K sticks or 3rd generation Cube). After attending an Amazon Studios event showcasing this feature, he tested it at home and was impressed by the easy setup and sound quality. He emphasized that all speakers must be the same model and recommended turning off autoplay for video and audio ads in Fire TV settings under Preferences > Featured Content.

Netflix Acquires Warner Brothers Discovery Assets: Peter Kafka from Business Insider explained that Netflix surprisingly won the bidding war for Warner Brothers Discovery's movie studio and HBO, beating out Paramount. This is Netflix's first major acquisition despite their strategy of building content from scratch. The deal doesn't include CNN or cable channels like Discovery and Food Network. Netflix may eventually offer bundled pricing for HBO content, though implementation could take 12-18 months to two years.

Privacy-First Wireless Carrier Phreeli Launches: Nick Merrill introduced Phreeli, a new T-Mobile-based carrier that only requires a zip code for signup, collecting minimal customer data. The service aims to protect users from data breaches and identity theft that plague traditional carriers. Plans range from $25-$85 monthly, with options to pay via cryptocurrency for maximum privacy. While not positioned for illegal use, it offers burner phone-level privacy with traditional carrier convenience.

Live Video Coming to Android 911 Calls: Google is rolling out Emergency Live Video through Google Play services, allowing 911 responders to request live video feeds from callers in emergencies. The feature must be requested by dispatchers and approved by callers, with encryption and the ability to stop at any time. Apple introduced a similar feature last year. Availability varies by dispatch center as each jurisdiction runs different 911 systems.

Instagram's Algorithm Transparency Feature: Instagram introduced "Your Algorithm" which lets users see and adjust topics influencing their Reels feed. Users can access it through the Reels tab menu icon (two hearts with lines) to review recent interests, add or remove topics, and customize content preferences. While basic compared to Instagram's full data collection, it provides more visibility into content recommendations.

iPhone Basics and Learning Resources: For users new to iPhones, Rich recommended the official Apple Support iPhone User Guide, "iPhone for Seniors for Dummies" physical books, and David Pogue's Missing Manual series. He suggested pairing an iPad with the iPhone to follow along with tutorials. For scheduling text messages, he recommended downloading Google Messages app which supports RCS (Rich Communication Services) for better texting features.

Windows 11 Voice Control for Accessibility: For users with arthritis or dexterity issues, Rich highlighted Windows 11's Voice Access feature that allows complete PC control through voice commands. He also recommended Whisper Flow for superior voice-to-text dictation and ChatGPT's voice mode for natural language interactions. These tools can significantly reduce the need for typing and physical interaction with computers.

Rivian's Autonomous Driving Advances: Roberto Baldwin explained Rivian's autonomy announcement, including their development of custom silicon and integration of LiDAR technology for redundant sensor systems. Unlike Tesla's camera-only approach, Rivian uses LiDAR, radar, and cameras together. Their next-generation R1S will support hands-off, eyes-on driving on any paved road with painted lines, going beyond current systems limited to geofenced highways.

Chinese EV Import Challenges: Roberto explained why cheap Chinese EVs ($5,000-$15,000) can't simply be imported to the US. "Homologation" - meeting regional regulatory requirements - requires significant vehicle modifications for US safety standards, potentially adding $10,000-$15,000 to the price. Chinese vehicles are designed for different driving conditions and speeds, and must be rebuilt to withstand US crash safety requirements before legal import.

Creating Video Walls with Multiple TVs: For users wanting to combine four TVs into one large display, Rich explained they need a video wall controller (approximately $120-$269 on Amazon for 2x2 configurations). All TVs must be identical models with thin bezels, and the setup requires testing before mounting. He also mentioned alternatives like short-throw projectors and referenced LiquidView's digital window technology for creating realistic outdoor views.

Celebrity Impersonation Scam Epidemic: Scammers cost fans an estimated $5.3 billion in 2024 through fake social media accounts impersonating artists like Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, and Billie Eilish. One in five concert tickets sold on social media were part of scams. AI is making these scams harder to detect, with fake offers for tickets, merchandise, meet-and-greets, and VIP experiences.

Australia's Social Media Ban for Minors: Australia became the first country to ban social media for users under 16, affecting TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Snapchat, X, Reddit, Twitch, and Threads. Platforms must remove underage users and block new signups or face fines. The government acknowledges the ban won't be perfect initially but aims to improve mental health and reduce addiction among young people.

iPhone Storage Management and Cleaning: Rich recommended the free Clever Cleaner app for removing duplicate photos without subscriptions. For overall iPhone storage management, users should go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Show All under Recommendations to find large files, unused apps, old podcast downloads, and optimize storage. He emphasized checking the "In-App Purchases" section before downloading any cleaner app to avoid hidden subscription fees.

Apple Watch AI Integration: Rich featured Chirp Watch, an app that adds AI voice assistant functionality to Apple Watch using Google Gemini. Users can tap the complication and speak questions to get instant AI responses. The same developer also created Ant, a tiny web browser for the Apple Watch screen, bringing desktop-style web browsing to the wrist.
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