Welcome to the weekly podcast of Elevation Church led by Pastor Steven Furtick. To learn more visit our website at http://elevationchurch.org or download the Elevation App. To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: http://ele.vc/TI55jR

This Is The Time (Jonathan Josephs)

Elevation with Steven Furtick

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• Delayed Obedience is Still Disobedience: Pastor Jonathan Josephs uses the book of Haggai to teach about how God instructed the Israelites to rebuild His temple after they had procrastinated for 18 years. The Israelites had built the foundation but then stopped the work when challenges arose, prioritizing their own comfortable homes instead.

• When I Build God's House, He'll Bless Mine: A key principle shared is that when we prioritize what matters to God, our own lives fall into better order. The Israelites were stuck in a cycle of discontentment because they weren't prioritizing God's house. They claimed they didn't have enough resources, but their scarcity was actually a result of their misplaced priorities.

• Procrastination as a Spiritual Trap: When the enemy can't get us to disobey God, he'll try to get us to delay. Waiting for "perfect circumstances" or "peace" (often meaning comfort) before obeying God keeps us from experiencing His blessings. Spiritual growth involves aligning our priorities with God's priorities.

• Waiting vs. Obeying: The Israelites had several excuses for not rebuilding: waiting for peace, waiting for more resources, and waiting for clearer instructions. Pastor Jonathan emphasizes that peace often follows obedience rather than preceding it.

• Tithing as an Act of Trust and Worship: Tithing reminds us that God is our source and provider. It's not giving to avoid a curse but giving because in Christ we are blessed. The first tenth belongs to God, and it's not just about the amount but about prioritizing God in our finances.

• Obedience Leads to God's Presence and Stirring: After the Israelites obeyed, God promised His presence ("I am with you") and stirred their spirits to complete the work. When we surrender to God's instructions, He stirs something in our spirits that propels us forward in faith.

• The Heart of Worship: Using the example of the widow who gave her two small coins, Pastor Jonathan reminds us that Jesus isn't impressed with buildings but with sacrifice and trust. The upcoming year-end expansion offering is an opportunity for the church to tangibly demonstrate their trust in God.
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The Explaining History Podcast, created and hosted by Nick Shepley, offers a comprehensive exploration of 20th-century history through weekly episodes. For over a decade, this podcast has been providing students and history enthusiasts with in-depth analyses of key events, processes, and debates that shaped the modern world. The podcast covers a wide range of topics within 20th-century history, including: - Major historical events like World Wars I and II, The rise and fall of communism, fascism and imperialism- Political movements and ideologies- Economic developments and crises- Social and cultural changesEpisodes typically run for about 25 minutes, offering concise yet informative discussions on specific subjects. The podcast invites listeners to engage with complex historical topics in manageable segments, making it ideal for students and busy history enthusiasts. <h3>Expert Insights</h3> Nick frequently invites expert guests to contribute their knowledge and perspectives, enriching the podcast with diverse viewpoints and specialized expertise. This approach helps listeners understand the competing debates and interpretations surrounding historical events and processes. <h3>Educational Focus</h3> The podcast is particularly valuable for students, especially those studying A-level history. It offers targeted content aligned with specific curricula, such as the AQA syllabus for Russian history. This educational focus makes it an excellent supplementary resource for formal history studies. <h3>Chronological Approach</h3> While the podcast primarily focuses on the 20th century, it adopts a chronological approach to storytelling. This method allows listeners to follow the progression of events and understand how different historical moments are interconnected <h3>Engaging Presentation</h3> Nick's presentation style combines rigorous historical analysis with an engaging narrative approach. The podcast aims to not only inform but also captivate listeners, making complex historical topics accessible and interesting to a broad audience By offering this mix of comprehensive content, expert insights, and engaging presentation, the Explaining History Podcast serves as a valuable resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of 20th-century history. 
Become a member at <a target="_blank" rel="payment" href="https://plus.acast.com/s/explaininghistory">https://plus.acast.com/s/explaininghistory</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.

Code Breaking: From Bletchley Park to the Cold War

Explaining History

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- The Remarkable Moira Beattie: A Glasgow-born art student recruited to Bletchley Park at age 18, who became a codebreaker in Alan Turing's hut during WWII. Despite her ordinary background, Beattie's artistic eye helped her recognize patterns in German codes, leading to significant breakthroughs. She later described her time at Bletchley as "the happiest time of my life" despite the demanding work schedules.

- Bletchley Park's Meritocratic Environment: Moira described Bletchley Park as revolutionary in its lack of class or gender prejudice in early 1940s Britain. As she put it, "all that was important was your brain" and ability to break codes. This temporary erosion of social barriers created a university-like atmosphere that brought together diverse talents regardless of background.

- The Russian Connection: While at Bletchley, Moira fell in love with a White Russian who was a British intelligence officer focused on anti-Soviet espionage. This relationship and her wartime experiences inspired Maggie Ritchie's novel "White Raven," which uses Moira's story as a starting point but creates a fictional narrative extending into the Cold War era.

- The Joint Services School for Linguists: The novel incorporates the real-life JSSL at Crail, Scotland, which trained conscripts in Russian language during the Cold War. Similar to Bletchley in its intellectual environment, the school prepared approximately 6,000 young men (including notable figures like Michael Frayne and Dennis Potter) for roles as interpreters, translators, and potential intelligence operatives.

- Scotland's Cold War Significance: The novel highlights Scotland's strategic importance during the Cold War due to its geographic location, particularly regarding nuclear submarines and missiles. This setting provides the backdrop for espionage activities in the story.

- Motivations for Intelligence Work: The podcast explores the complex motivations that led people to engage in espionage during the Cold War period, including ideological beliefs, patriotism, the desire for purpose, and simply the excitement and thrill of spy work.

- British Identity in Post-War Scotland: The discussion touches on how shared wartime experiences created a stronger sense of British national identity that began to fragment in later generations. The character in Ritchie's novel reflects this dual identity as both a proud Scot and a British patriot, which was more common in the immediate post-war period than in later decades.
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The Classical Theism Podcast aims to defend Catholic Christian ideas in conversation. With the help of various guests, I defend three pillars of the Catholic Christian worldview: (1) the God of classical theism exists, (2) Jesus is our Messiah and Lord, and (3) He founded the Catholic Church. We place a strong emphasis on the first pillar, defending classical theism, drawing upon the work of Thomistic philosopher Dr. Edward Feser and many others. 

Thanks for listening! 
John DeRosa
jderosa@classicaltheism.com

Ep. #289 - Thinking Critically about IVF w/ Stephanie Gray Connors

Classical Theism Podcast

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## Comprehensive Summary of Episode #289 - Thinking Critically about IVF w/ Stephanie Gray Connors

The Pain of Infertility: Before diving into criticisms of IVF, Stephanie Gray Connors emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the profound suffering experienced by those facing infertility. The desire for a child is ordered and natural, unlike the disordered desire for abortion. Understanding this pain is crucial when engaging in conversations about IVF.

What Is IVF?: In vitro fertilization (IVF) involves creating human embryos in a laboratory setting rather than through natural conception. The process typically includes collecting sperm (often through masturbation), harvesting multiple eggs through hormonal stimulation, fertilizing them in a lab, and then selecting certain embryos for implantation while others may be frozen or discarded.

The Problem of Lost Human Life: A fundamental objection to IVF is that it routinely results in the destruction of human embryos. Those deemed less viable or with genetic issues are often discarded, while others may be frozen indefinitely. Statistically, IVF can result in more loss of human life than a single abortion.

Embryos as Full Human Persons: Embryos, though microscopically small, are full human beings from a scientific perspective. Our identity begins at fertilization, and our size, appearance, development, or dependency does not determine our humanity. Science confirms that a new human life begins at sperm-egg fusion.

Manufacturing Humans vs. Receiving Them as Gifts: IVF fundamentally treats children as manufactured products rather than persons received as gifts. Natural conception occurs through a communion of persons, while IVF involves a separation and division of parts handled by third parties. This manufacturing approach to human life changes our relationship to children.

Human Error and Endangerment: Even in theoretical "ethical IVF" scenarios where only one embryo is created, there remains significant risk of human error (wrong samples being used) and human endangerment (accidental destruction of embryos). These risks are inherent to the laboratory setting of IVF.

Restorative Reproductive Medicine as an Alternative: Instead of bypassing the reproductive system through IVF, restorative reproductive medicine seeks to identify and treat underlying fertility issues. Conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, or low progesterone can often be addressed through treatments that restore natural fertility rather than circumventing it.

Addressing the "Burning Building" Thought Experiment: When confronted with the hypothetical scenario of choosing to save either a born child or a cart of embryos from a fire, Stephanie notes this doesn't prove embryos have less value. Just as someone might save their own child over five strangers' children due to emotional connection, choosing the born child reflects our relationship to them, not their inherent value compared to embryos.

Navigating Conversations with Those Who've Used IVF: When speaking with someone who has used IVF and may be questioning their decision, Stephanie recommends being "compassionately curious" by asking thoughtful questions rather than interrogating. Emphasize God's mercy and forgiveness while affirming the value of children conceived through IVF, even while maintaining that the method itself is problematic.

Personal Testimony: Stephanie shares her own journey of marrying at 40, experiencing several miscarriages, and ultimately having two daughters through the help of restorative reproductive medicine rather than IVF. Her personal experience with infertility and pregnancy loss gives her compassion for those struggling while reinforcing her commitment to ethical approaches to addressing fertility challenges.
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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!

In California, They're looking for a suspect in a mass shooting at a banquet hall in Stockton

Fox News Hourly Update

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Manhunt for Stockton Banquet Hall Mass Shooting Suspect: Authorities are searching for the suspect(s) responsible for killing four people, including two children aged 8 and 9, at a banquet hall in Stockton, California. The shooting, which also killed a 14-year-old and a 21-year-old and injured 11 others, occurred at a child's birthday party and is believed to be a targeted attack. Governor Gavin Newsom described the incident as "horrific."

Afghan Suspect in National Guard Shooting Had Concerning History: New details have emerged about the Afghan man accused of killing two National Guard members near the White House. Reports indicate he had been unable to maintain employment, exhibited erratic behavior including sudden cross-country trips, and a community advocate had previously warned a refugee group about his declining mental state.

Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks Continue: American and Ukrainian officials met in Florida to discuss ending the war with Russia. Secretary Marco Rubio described the talks as "productive" but noted they're waiting for Russian input as discussions continue with a U.S. representative traveling to Moscow later in the week. The American-backed plan has faced criticism for allegedly favoring Russia.

Netanyahu Seeks Pardon in Corruption Case: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested a presidential pardon to end his corruption trial, a move described as "an extraordinary request with significant implications." Netanyahu faces charges of fraud, breach of trust, and accepting bribes.

Mass Kidnapping of Nigerian Students: Approximately 250 Nigerian students, aged 6 to 18, remain missing after being captured by terror groups. The attack on St. Mary's Catholic School in western Nigeria resulted in more than 300 students and 12 teachers being kidnapped, with only 50 managing to escape. Nigeria's president has declared a state of emergency.

Deadly Hong Kong Apartment Fire: A devastating fire in a maze of apartment buildings in Hong Kong has killed at least 146 people, with approximately 100 people still unaccounted for and 79 injured. Authorities have arrested several contractors due to safety concerns.
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Former drug trafficker and standup comedian Johnny Mitchell takes you inside the world of drugs, crime, prison, and the politics of the War on Drugs.

The Man Who Brought Down The World's Most Powerful Drug Cartel: The True Story Of The Cali Cartel

The Connect- with Johnny Mitchell 

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From Jersey Shore Cop to DEA Agent: Chris Feistel's journey to the DEA began as a 20-year-old seasonal police officer at the Jersey Shore where he got his first taste of undercover work. After college, he joined the DEA at 24 and was assigned to Miami in the late 1980s, which was ground zero for cocaine trafficking during that era. His success in maritime smuggling investigations led him to specialize in cases related to the Cali cartel.

The Rise of the Cali Cartel: The Cali cartel was founded by Gilberto and Miguel Rodriguez Orejuela along with Jose "Chepe" Santa Cruz in the late 1960s as a criminal group called Los Chemas. They began with kidnapping operations before transitioning to drug trafficking in the early 1970s. Gilberto, known as "the chess player," recognized cocaine's potential over marijuana and drove their first kilos up the Pan-American Highway to New York, where enormous profits kickstarted their empire.

Revolutionary Cell Structure: Unlike the Medellin cartel, Cali operated with a sophisticated corporate structure with five divisions: military, financial, trafficking, political, and legal. Their operations were completely compartmentalized in independent cells where members had no knowledge of other cells. This structure, which Feistel compares to Al-Qaeda, made them extremely difficult for law enforcement to penetrate and became the model for modern drug trafficking organizations.

Bribery Over Violence: While Pablo Escobar's Medellin cartel used extreme violence and intimidation, the Cali cartel learned from their rivals' mistakes. Cali's weapon of choice was bribery rather than assassination. They contributed millions to political campaigns, including $6 million to presidential candidate Ernesto Samper in 1994, and maintained a list of 2,800 corrupt officials on their payroll, making them even more dangerous and resilient.

The Hunt for Gilberto Rodriguez: After nearly a year of failed operations due to corrupt Colombian police tipping off the cartel, Feistel and his partner Dave Mitchell began conducting unauthorized surveillance and operations. With the help of high-level confidential sources within the cartel, they located and arrested Gilberto Rodriguez in June 1995, finding him in a hidden room with pistols in both hands.

Flipping Jorge Salcedo: Following Gilberto's arrest, the DEA made contact with Jorge Salcedo, the cartel's head of security who was looking for a way out. Despite the extreme danger, Salcedo provided critical intelligence about Miguel Rodriguez's security protocols, locations, and habits. His information about Miguel's late-night phone calls to European crime families gave the DEA agents a way to identify his hideout by watching which lights went out last.

The Capture of Miguel Rodriguez: Three days after meeting Salcedo, they attempted their first raid but failed when Miguel escaped through a hidden wall compartment. The raid did yield explosive documents revealing widespread government corruption. After regrouping and more surveillance, they executed a daring pre-dawn raid in August 1995, rappelling down a mountain to circumvent security and capturing Miguel just as he was entering a hidden compartment.

The Secret Files and Political Fallout: During the first raid on Miguel's apartment, they discovered hidden documents exposing the cartel's corruption network, including evidence that President Samper's campaign had received millions from the cartel. This sparked a major political scandal in Colombia called "Proceso Ocho Mil" (Process 8000), although Samper ultimately avoided removal from office.

Narcos vs. Reality: Feistel clarifies several discrepancies between Netflix's "Narcos" series and what actually happened. The dramatic shootout to rescue Salcedo never occurred, and his partner was Dave Mitchell, not Javier Peña (who had already left Colombia). However, many events, including the raid where they drilled into walls looking for hidden compartments, were accurately portrayed.

Prison and Extradition: After their arrests, the Rodriguez brothers continued running their operations from Colombian prisons with the help of Miguel's son William. They were extradited to the United States in 2003-2004 after Colombia reinstated its extradition treaty. Both received 30-year sentences and agreed to forfeit $2.1 billion in assets. Gilberto died in prison, while Miguel may eventually be released due to his advanced age.

Legacy and Ongoing Challenges: Despite the takedown of the Cali cartel, cocaine production in Colombia is now higher than ever. Feistel argues what's often called the "war on drugs" was never truly a war but at best a "skirmish" with insufficient resources. He maintains that corruption remains the fundamental enabler of drug trafficking organizations, noting that cartels cannot exist without corrupting government officials, which is why the United States doesn't have equivalent criminal organizations operating within its borders.
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Weekly discussions and perspectives on all aspects of psychology, neuropsychology, psychopharmacology, and mental health topics. Psychoeducation, information, misinformation, controversy, and passion about an incredibly relevant and misunderstood medical field. 

Quiet Suffering: High-Functioning Depression, Anxiety, and Masked Mental Illness

Psychology Unplugged 

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- Hidden Depression and High-Functioning Anxiety: These conditions affect people who appear to function normally on the outside - they go to work, maintain social niceties, and fulfill responsibilities - but are suffering internally. This "quiet unraveling" is structured and invisible, making it difficult for others to recognize.

- Emotional Starvation Disguised as Emotional Stability: High-functioning individuals with depression often don't identify with their condition because they're not crying all day or having panic attacks. Their calendars may be full of appointments and duties, but their lives lack joy. They've trained themselves to smile despite feeling hollow inside.

- Self-Preservation Strategy Developed in Childhood: This masking behavior often begins early in life when children learn not to burden their family with their emotions. They master the art of appearing "put together" out of fear that showing sadness or weakness will lead to abandonment. They don't collapse; they fold inward and fade quietly.

- The Contrast Between Outward Appearance and Inner Experience: While these individuals appear organized, responsible, and emotionally composed externally, internally they feel overstimulated, emotionally under-engaged, and disconnected from meaning. One patient described it as feeling "not unloved, but unfelt."

- Diagnostic Challenges: Standard testing may not reveal these conditions because the individuals perform well. Projective assessments like Rorschach and TAT are crucial to identify what's happening beneath the surface. Many seek help for ADHD-like symptoms that are actually manifestations of depression causing cognitive slowing and mental fatigue.

- Healing Begins with Permission: Recovery starts not with medication or worksheets, but with giving oneself permission to stop performing wellness. It involves recognizing that one's emotional needs matter and that being seen doesn't equal being a burden. Dr. Nigro encourages patients to be "appropriately selfish" and put themselves first in therapy.

- The Goal of Treatment: The therapeutic goal isn't to help these individuals work better, but to help them live authentically again. This involves building emotional awareness, establishing boundaries, attachment repair, and becoming someone who no longer needs to hide.
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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 : Micah Parsons or Aidan Hutchinson WHO'S BETTER?! + DOWN GO THE LA RAMS!

Packernet Podcast: Daily Green Bay Packers Podcast

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• Micah Parsons vs. Aiden Hutchinson Comparison: A statistical analysis shows Micah Parsons outperforming Aiden Hutchinson in every major defensive metric. Parsons has higher PFF defensive grade (91.9 vs 90.5), pass rush grade (93.2 vs 91.6), more sacks (12.5 vs 8.5), higher quarterback pressure percentage (20% vs 16.1%), more stops (32 vs 27), more hustle stops (5 vs 1), and more tackles for loss (12 vs 9).

• Lions Fans Quieting Down: Lions fans who previously argued Hutchinson was the better pass rusher have gone quiet as the statistics have mounted in Parsons' favor. The host emphasizes that Hutchinson is still an elite player, but the comparison isn't particularly close this season.

• Quarterback Pressure vs. Sacks: The host explains why pressure percentage is sometimes more valuable than raw sack numbers, as consistent pressure forces quarterbacks off their spots, leads to errant throws, and creates more turnover opportunities than the occasional sack.

• Brian Gutekunst's Trade Win: Credit given to Packers GM Brian Gutekunst for acquiring Parsons, who has proven to be an elite defender in both pass rush and run defense despite some critics questioning his run-stopping abilities.

• NFC Playoff Implications: Following the Panthers' upset win over the Rams (making Carolina 7-6), the Chicago Bears have become the #1 seed in the NFC, setting up a crucial matchup with the Packers that could determine playoff positioning.

• Packers-Bears Matchup Preview: The host breaks down the upcoming game against the Bears, noting the Packers' advantages at quarterback (Jordan Love over Caleb Williams) and pass rush, while suggesting coaching and offensive line might be pushes. Turnover differential will likely be the deciding factor.

• NFC Playoff Scenarios: If the Packers beat the Bears, they would move into the #2 seed (behind only the Rams if the Rams win their next game) and take over the NFC North lead. A loss would drop them to the #7 seed.
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A place where anyone interested in waking up from the dream of separation can find resources and support. Check out my YouTube channel for technicolor loveliness. My book is called "Awake: It's Your Turn," and is available on Amazon. My Website: www.SimplyAlwaysAwake.com

Serenity Now

Simply Always Awake

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- The Ideal of Serenity vs. Reality: Serenity, like other concepts such as peace, freedom, and wholeness, can become an ideal that we pursue. However, when we orient ourselves toward these ideals in a dualistic way, they can actually obstruct our awakening process by distracting our mind and attention.

- The Trap of Doubt: We often approach life from a place of pervasive doubt that's tied to our sense of being separate. When we view serenity through this lens of doubt, we mistakenly believe that achieving serenity will free us from doubt, when in reality, the only way out of doubt is to go through it.

- Ideals as Evidence of Insufficiency: When we hold an ideal of peace or serenity, we unconsciously use it as evidence that our current experience isn't enough. This perpetuates a cycle of feeling inadequate and believing we need to work harder or become different to reach this idealized state.

- Taking a Backward Step: Instead of pursuing an ideal that grows from doubt, awakening requires taking a "backward step" before doubt even arises. This means stepping back from the thought-based sense of self, which can result in experiencing spaciousness, freedom, peace, and clarity.

- True Serenity Accommodates Everything: Authentic serenity isn't about achieving a specific state like silence or stillness. Rather, it accommodates all movements, thoughts, judgments, and experiences. If it can't accommodate everything, then it's not true serenity.

- Serenity is Always Present: Serenity is always here, accommodating everything. To experience it, we must let go of our agendas, step back from doubt, and allow the subtle aspects of experience to come forward. This can happen gradually over time or as a sudden realization.

- Unbroken Serenity: True serenity has no reaction to what appears in it—whether sensations, thoughts, beliefs, pain, or joy. While we may physically respond to these experiences, there's no movement away into duality or the false sense of a separate self. When this false movement doesn't occur, serenity is naturally revealed.
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Sound like a tech pro, even if you’re not! Award-winning popular host Kim Komando is your secret weapon.

Kim is in a class all her own. Her widely successful radio show is heard on over 500 stations in the United States and internationally in 175 different countries. Kim has millions of fans who love her down-to-earth, deeply relatable, and easy-to-understand way of talking about consumer tech.

Every episode is loaded with the scoop about the latest gadgets, online security, social media trends, and digital privacy. Kim makes it all entertaining and fun. With a mix of important news, practical advice, and compelling conversations, you can make informed decisions and stay up-to-date with the latest trends in the tech world. 

In the Kim Komando Daily Tech Update Podcast, every episode is loaded with ways to better your tech life. New Kim Komando Daily Tech Update Podcast episodes drop every day, Monday through Sunday.

If you want Kim’s daily longer podcasts, search for Kim Komando Today in your favorite podcast player. 

To learn more about Kim, the things she mentions, or submit a topic or question, drop by www.Komando.com

Scammers pretend to be from Amazon

Kim Komando Daily Tech Update

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- Amazon Scam Alert: Criminals are impersonating Amazon employees through emails, texts, and calls. They claim your account is locked or on hold due to suspicious activities, then ask for payment information. To verify if there's a real issue, log in directly to your Amazon account and check your orders and payments section.

- Image Search Technology for Finding Products: In response to a caller seeking a replacement ceiling fan, Kim suggested several ways to find similar products using images. Options include uploading photos to ChatGPT, Google Lens, Google Images, or Google Shopping. These tools can search across multiple marketplaces including secondary markets like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and Poshmark.

- Printer Recommendations for Travel: A newly retired caller planning to travel in an RV asked about the best printer type for their lifestyle. Kim recommended a monochrome laser printer over an inkjet for travelers, citing durability and efficiency. For someone printing 10-15 pages weekly, she suggested looking at Brother or HP LaserJet models, which typically include scanning and copying capabilities and cost under $150, especially during Black Friday sales.

- Christmas Cash Giveaway: Throughout the episode, Kim awarded Amazon gift cards to callers as part of her show's Christmas cash giveaway. One caller received $200 and another received $100 toward their printer purchase.

- Kim's Newsletter: Kim promoted her free newsletter called "the Current," which provides tech updates in five minutes daily and has a 5-star rating on Trustpilot. Listeners can sign up at getkim.com.
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A dive into the top headlines in Chicago, delivering the news you need in 10 minutes or less multiple times a day from WBBM Newsradio.

Chicago Board of Education members "reconsidering" CEO search

Chicago All Local

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CPS CEO Search Process Under Review: Chicago Board of Education members allied with Mayor Brandon Johnson are reconsidering their process for finding a successor to fired CEO Pedro Martinez. This reconsideration may be discussed at the board's next meeting on Wednesday.

Lack of Transparency in CEO Search: School board members have signed non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that prevent them from discussing any aspect of the search for the next Chicago Public Schools leader. One board member indicated they're not even permitted to discuss the existence of the NDA itself.

Public Pressure on Search Process: When questioned by reporters at Austin High School, board member Mikella Blaise acknowledged they are "reconsidering the process," suggesting possible changes to how the search is being conducted.

Budget Advocacy Continues: The school board members had originally gathered at Austin High School to urge Chicago Aldermen to approve Mayor Johnson's proposed budget for the coming year.
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Deconstructing Media with No Agenda, by Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak

1821 - "Genesis"

No Agenda Show

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Ukraine-Russia Peace Negotiations: Peace talks are advancing with a Ukrainian delegation meeting in Florida with Trump officials, led by Steve Witkoff, who will subsequently visit Moscow. Russian President Putin has indicated the plan could be a basis for settlement but demands Ukraine surrender territories Russia claims. The negotiations favor a de facto arrangement rather than a de jure settlement, likely involving a demilitarized zone similar to North/South Korea.

Afghan Shooter in D.C. Controversy: The shooting of two National Guard members in Washington D.C. by an Afghan national who arrived in 2021 has sparked political debate. The administration is using the incident to push for stricter immigration policies, with Secretary Kristi Noem defending the government's actions while opposition politicians question why the suspect traveled from Washington state to D.C. for the attack.

Islamophobia Operation: Various figures including Michael Flynn, Laura Logan, Laura Loomer, and Alex Jones are pushing narratives about Islamic sleeper cells and imminent terrorist threats, particularly in Texas. This appears to be a coordinated effort aimed at the midterm elections, linking Democrats to Islamic extremists rather than a genuine security threat.

Economic Updates Under Trump: Kevin Hassett, likely the next Federal Reserve Chairman, claims inflation has been cut in half under Trump and that wages are growing faster than prices, though the hosts note inflation is cumulative and prices rarely decrease. The administration also launched "Genesis," an initiative putting the Department of Energy in charge of AI development.

Housing Crisis and Universal Basic Income: A PBS segment discussed America's homelessness problem, highlighting how many working people can't afford housing. The hosts interpret this as groundwork for pushing universal basic income, noting that corporations like Blackstone buying up housing could be preparing for such a system.

Digital ID and Online Age Restrictions: The European Union is advancing plans to implement age verification (minimum age 16) for social media access, which would require digital ID systems. The hosts see this as part of a broader trend toward digital control, along with digital currencies like the stablecoin being piloted by Coinbase in New York.

Consumer Fatigue with Online Advertising: A TikToker's viral rant about ad fatigue resonated with the hosts, who noted how everything online has become commercialized, with genuine content being overtaken by marketing and advertising in all aspects of online life.

EVs Facing Value Crisis: Electric vehicles are experiencing steep depreciation, with used EVs selling for nearly half the price of new models. Despite this, industry representatives claim the technology will improve and costs will decrease, though the hosts remain skeptical.

Pentagon Controversy Over Naval Strike: Reports claim Secretary of War Hegseth ordered the killing of survivors from a suspected drug boat targeted in international waters, with critics calling it a potential war crime. The hosts point out the hypocrisy of media outrage, noting similar incidents documented during previous administrations received little attention.

Airbus A320 Software Issue: Airbus ordered immediate repairs to 6,000 A320 family jets after discovering solar radiation could corrupt flight control data. The hosts question whether the issue is truly solar radiation-related or if it's a cover for faulty software, noting that the fix involved rolling back an update rather than hardware modifications.

Value for Value Model vs. Ad-Supported Media: The hosts contrast their listener-supported model with the increasingly ad-saturated mainstream media landscape, emphasizing how their approach allows for independent analysis without corporate influence. They encourage listeners to donate through various methods including cryptocurrency.

CME Trading Outage: A cooling issue at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange data center halted trading in stock index futures, highlighting vulnerabilities in centralized financial systems. The hosts point out that such incidents are becoming more common across critical infrastructure.

European Commission's Russian Asset Seizure Plan: The EU is pushing to seize frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine, despite Belgium (host of Euroclear) opposing the move. The hosts argue this would undermine trust in the global financial system and have far-reaching consequences.
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The logic of personal, philosophical and political freedom.

6205 The True Nature of GOD!

Freedomain with Stefan Molyneux

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- Omniscience vs. Calculation Engines: When discussing God's omniscience, we must understand it means complete knowledge of every particle and event throughout all of time and space. This contrasts with human "calculation engines" - the subconscious mathematical processes that help us catch balls, make decisions, and distribute risks, which some mistakenly use to argue against free will.

- True Nature of Free Will: Free will is not about random choices but about our capacity to compare proposed actions to ideal standards. Someone with no moral standards has limited free will because they lack the ideal standards against which to measure their actions. The more clearly defined one's moral standards, the more genuine free will they possess.

- Free Will in Morality, Not Mathematics: Free will primarily operates in the realm of ethics, not in mathematical or instinctive calculations. When experiments show brain activity preceding conscious choice in arbitrary decisions (like choosing red or blue), they're merely revealing our mathematical calculation engines at work, not disproving free will.

- God's Actions Exist Outside of Time: God, being omniscient, already knows all events past, present, and future. This means God's actions have "already occurred" from an eternal perspective - they are as fixed as events in a movie that's already been filmed. This creates a paradox regarding divine free will.

- The Contradiction of Divine Omnipotence and Omniscience: If God knows the future absolutely, then God cannot change His mind without invalidating His prior knowledge. This creates a contradiction between being all-knowing and all-powerful. If God changes events that He previously knew would happen, then His original knowledge wasn't perfect.

- Human Free Will in Light of Divine Foreknowledge: If God knows everything we will do throughout our lives, do humans genuinely have free will? This creates a similar paradox to the one facing divine free will - our choices would be as predetermined as characters in a movie whose ending is already known.

- Temporal Limitations of Free Will: While we may have free will moving forward, we have no "historical free will" - no ability to change decisions already made. We can learn from past mistakes but cannot undo them, similar to how God's eternal nature means His choices exist in a fixed, eternal state.
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Bruce Feldman and Stewart Mandel discuss the latest in college football, interview the biggest names in the sport and give insight into the most relevant topics dominating the discussion. From National Signing Day to the National Championship, Bruce and Stew have you covered year-round.

Week 14 Reactions: Rivalry Weekend Chaos and More Lane

The Audible with Stew & Bruce: A show about college football

The Audible with Stew, Bruce & Ralph: A show about college football

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• Lane Kiffin's LSU Drama: Lane Kiffin is expected to leave Ole Miss for LSU, creating an unprecedented situation where a coach might potentially coach a team in the College Football Playoff before leaving for a direct conference competitor. This has sparked debate about whether Ole Miss should allow Kiffin to remain as coach for their playoff game, with concerns about potential roster poaching and divided loyalties making it a complicated decision.

• SEC Coaching Carousel: With Lane Kiffin headed to LSU, several coaching dominoes fell across the SEC. John Sumrall is going from Tulane to Florida, Alex Golesh from USF to Auburn, and Ryan Silverfield from Memphis to Arkansas. These moves have essentially cleared out many of the successful coaches from the American Athletic Conference.

• DeBoer's Bold Decision: Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer made one of the boldest calls of the season in the Iron Bowl against Auburn, going for it on fourth-and-two which resulted in a game-winning touchdown. The hosts praised DeBoer's fearlessness, comparing it to his similarly bold fourth-down call during the Apple Cup when he was at Washington.

• Playoff Picture Remains Unsettled: Despite being late in the season, the playoff picture remains unclear. Teams like Oklahoma continue to win despite offensive struggles, Alabama remains vulnerable if they lose the SEC championship game, and the committee's previous rankings have created controversies about head-to-head results (like Miami vs. Notre Dame) not being properly valued.

• ACC Championship Controversy: The ACC's tiebreaker system has created a situation where Duke (with losses to non-conference opponents UConn, Northwestern, and Tulane) will play in the conference championship game over more deserving teams like Miami. This highlights problems with bloated conferences and inadequate tiebreaker systems that don't account for overall team quality.

• Texas's Playoff Argument: After beating undefeated Texas A&M, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian argued that leaving his three-loss team out of the playoff would be a "disservice to the sport." The hosts debated this claim, with Bruce strongly disagreeing due to Texas's bad loss to Florida, while Stu suggested we should focus more on quality wins than simply counting losses.

• Ohio State's Michigan Breakthrough: Ohio State finally defeated Michigan after a four-game losing streak in the rivalry, doing so convincingly. The performance, featuring quarterback Julian Sayin's resilience and an improved running game, cements Ohio State as a clear #1 team heading into their Big Ten Championship matchup with undefeated Indiana.

• Kirby Smart's Underappreciated Dynasty: Georgia head coach Kirby Smart deserves more recognition for his consistent excellence, having made the SEC Championship game in all but one year since 2017 and winning at least 11 games every full season during that span. His success has been somewhat overshadowed by Nick Saban's unprecedented run at Alabama.

• Issues with the Playoff Committee Process: The hosts criticized the weekly CFP rankings show, arguing it taints the selection process by forcing the committee to defend positions publicly before the final rankings. This creates locked-in thinking and reduces flexibility when evaluating teams, with Bruce calling it "making it up as they go along every week."

• Conference Championship Games Losing Importance: With the expansion to a 12-team playoff next season, conference championship games are becoming less meaningful as teams can make the playoff regardless of the outcome. This may lead conferences to reconsider the format or purpose of these games in the future.
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2182: Billionaire Still Calling for $250K Bitcoin THIS Year – China Renews BTC Ban

Crypto News Alerts | Daily Bitcoin (BTC) & Cryptocurrency News

Bitcoin News Alerts | Daily BTC News

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Bitcoin Market Update: 91,500 in Late November: Bitcoin was trading around $91,500 at the time of recording, with daily closes back in the green after a difficult November that saw a drop from the all-time high of $126,000 to as low as $80,000. Despite being historically one of the most bullish months, November 2024 instead delivered significant losses of 30-35%.

Correlation to 2022 Bear Market at 98%: Network economist Timothy Peterson highlighted an alarming 98% correlation between Bitcoin's 2024 price action and the 2022 bear market on monthly charts, suggesting a true price comeback may not happen until Q1 2026. This aligns with extended cycle theory predictions, though some analysts remain bullish on December.

ETF Flows Turn Positive After Major Outflows: BlackRock's IBIT ETF experienced $2.3 billion in outflows during November, but the company's Business Development Director called this "perfectly normal" for a liquid instrument controlled largely by retail investors. Spot Bitcoin ETFs ended four weeks of heavy withdrawals with a modest $70 million weekly inflow, reversing part of the $4.35 billion that left the sector during November.

MicroStrategy's Bitcoin Selling Strategy: MicroStrategy CEO Fung Lee clarified the company would only consider selling Bitcoin as a "last resort" if their stock falls below net asset value and access to fresh capital dries up. With 649,870 Bitcoin purchased at an average cost of $74,000 (currently at 22% profit), the company launched a credit dashboard to reassure investors they have enough dividend coverage for decades even if Bitcoin price stays flat.

Mining Difficulty Set to Rise Despite Low Hash Price: Bitcoin's mining difficulty is projected to increase in the next adjustment on December 11, even as hash price (profitability metric) sits at near-record lows around $38.3 per petahash/second. The mining industry faces ongoing challenges including regulatory scrutiny, with the US Department of Homeland Security investigating Chinese manufacturer Bitmain over potential security concerns.

China Reaffirms Crypto Ban: The People's Bank of China, along with 13 government departments, reaffirmed their commitment to ban all cryptocurrency trading and mining, citing threats to financial stability. This continues China's hostile stance toward crypto since 2021, with renewed emphasis on preventing "illegal activities" and potential risks from stablecoins.

Bitcoin Price Predictions: Arthur Hayes is maintaining his aggressive $200,000-$250,000 year-end price target for Bitcoin (within 30 days), attributing the recent drop to a liquidity drain but predicting a rebound as Federal Reserve policies shift. Another analysis comparing Bitcoin's historical milestones suggests it could reach $1 million between 2030-2035, based on previous price milestone patterns.
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The hosts of NPR's All Things Considered help you make sense of a major news story and what it means for you, in 15 minutes. New episodes six days a week, Sunday through Friday. Support NPR and get your news sponsor-free with Consider This+. Learn more at plus.npr.org/considerthis

Is MAHA influencing health policy?

Consider This from NPR

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- MAHA Summit Signals Shift to Alternative Medicine: The Make America Healthy Again summit, attended by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Vice President Vance, featured discussions on psychedelics, food as medicine, anti-aging, and biohacking. Most speakers were not academic researchers or doctors, indicating a shift away from conventional medicine toward alternative approaches.

- Vice President Vance's Criticism of Medical Establishment: At the summit, Vance criticized the medical establishment for silencing voices outside the "Overton window" and suggested conventional experts have been wrong. He advocated that medications should only be used when "necessary, safe and effective."

- FDA Announces Stricter Vaccine Rules: The Food and Drug Administration's announcement of stricter vaccine rules has alarmed numerous health experts who spoke with NPR, suggesting a potential sidelining of scientific consensus in health policy.

- Expert Response to MAHA Approach: Dr. Sandro Galea acknowledges valid concerns about overprescription but warns that the MAHA agenda "ends up being taken too far to suggest that science has nothing to offer." He cautions against abandoning scientific evidence in favor of alternative approaches not grounded in rigorous research.

- Scientific Guidance and Political Shifts: Dr. Galea expresses hope that the country can maintain core values of using "data and not belief" to inform health decisions, regardless of political leadership changes. He warns that abandoning evidence-based approaches leaves us with "only belief and opinion and perspective."

- Recommendations for Reliable Health Information: When asked where people should turn for trustworthy health information, Dr. Galea recommends starting with one's doctor, followed by public health agencies like the CDC, NIH, and FDA, noting that despite political challenges, these institutions employ "outstanding people who have spent a career in the pursuit of truth."
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Quillette is where free thought lives. We are an online magazine that is politically non-partisan, but rely on reason, science, and humanism as our guiding values.

A Gay Author’s Escape from Cults, Drugs, Queer Radicalism, and ‘Scrupulosity’

Quillette Podcast

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From Christian Cult to Gay Identity: Ben Appel grew up in a Maryland-based Christian cult called Lamb of God, a "covenant community" that emerged from the Catholic Charismatic Renewal movement. The cult functioned as a hierarchical structure with male "coordinators" and female "handmaids" as leaders, where members lived in close proximity, shared personal information through confession, and adhered to traditional gender roles as a bulwark against secularism.

Childhood Trauma and Mental Health Struggles: Though cult life had some positive aspects for children, Ben developed "scrupulosity" (a form of OCD centered on religious rituals) due to the community's teachings that homosexuality was sinful. When his family left the cult when he was 12, he was thrust into public school where he was bullied for being gender non-conforming, intensifying his mental health issues as he no longer had the religious authority figures to "forgive" him.

Addiction and Psychological Crisis: Without coping mechanisms to handle his sexual identity conflicts and mental health issues, Ben turned to drugs and alcohol as a teenager. His addiction escalated through his late teens, culminating in a psychotic break at age 19 that led to multiple psychiatric hospitalizations, initially misdiagnosed as schizophrenia.

Recovery Through 12-Step Programs: After hitting rock bottom, Ben found recovery through 12-step programs, though his first experience was with a cult-like AA group that discouraged taking prescribed psychiatric medications. Eventually, he found a more supportive 12-step community that helped him maintain sobriety.

The Shift from Gay Rights Activist to "Gender Heretic": Once comfortable with his sexuality, Ben became a gay rights activist supporting marriage equality. However, after enrolling at Columbia University at age 30, he encountered what he describes as a radical wing of the LGBT movement that emerged after marriage equality was achieved in 2015. This group focused on "queering" society, dismantling capitalism, and replacing biological sex with gender identity.

From Religious to Ideological Scrupulosity: Ben draws parallels between his experiences in the religious cult and in progressive activist spaces, noting how both demanded ideological conformity and created mental anguish when he questioned orthodoxy. In both environments, he experienced a form of scrupulosity—first seeking forgiveness from God, then from social justice ideological enforcers.

Finding a New Political Identity: Ben now finds himself in an unexpected political position where he, a former gay rights activist, shares common ground with conservatives and disaffected liberals on gender issues. He expresses surprise at being labeled "right-wing" for questioning certain aspects of transgender activism, highlighting how dramatically the politics around LGBT issues have shifted in recent years.
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The latest news, insight, analysis and big name guests from the Premier League, WSL and the Football League, plus Scottish, International and European football. Join us!Get in touch with us @5liveSport on social media and remember to leave us your ratings and reviews.

Premier League Review: A statement draw for Chelsea?

Football Daily

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Chelsea's Strong Performance Against Arsenal: Despite playing with 10 men for over 50 minutes following Moises Caicedo's red card, Chelsea earned a 1-1 draw against Arsenal. The panel agreed Chelsea were the better team even before the sending off and continued to threaten afterward rather than just defending. Luke Edwards labeled Chelsea as "the third best team in the country" behind Manchester City and Arsenal, with Reece James putting in a man-of-the-match performance with his exceptional passing range.

Isak's First Goal for Liverpool: Alexander Isak scored his first Premier League goal for Liverpool in their 2-0 win over West Ham. The panelists discussed how important this could be for his confidence after struggling to justify his £128 million price tag. Luke Edwards jokingly referenced Isak's previous "strike" at Newcastle, but acknowledged this goal could be a turning point for the striker at Liverpool.

Liverpool Without Salah: Arne Slot made the decision to rest Mohamed Salah against West Ham, giving a potential glimpse of a post-Salah Liverpool. The panel noted how well Liverpool played without him, with Dominik Szoboszlai having his best game and Joe Gomez providing solid defensive work at right back. Don Hutchison suggested Salah's poor form might be partially connected to the emotional impact of Diogo Jota's passing.

Manchester United's Mental Strength: After going behind to Crystal Palace, Manchester United showed improved mental fortitude to come back and win 2-1. Bruno Fernandes provided assists for both goals, including a stunning strike from Alejandro Garnacho. The panel noted that earlier in the season United likely would have folded after going behind, suggesting Erik ten Hag's team is developing more resilience.

Crystal Palace Manager's Discontent: Oliver Glasner has repeatedly expressed disappointment about Crystal Palace's lack of spending in the summer transfer window. The panel speculated this could be a sign he's potentially positioning himself for a move, despite Palace's relatively good league position (just two points off fifth place) and general good form.

Newcastle's Away Win Blueprint: Newcastle secured their first Premier League away win in seven months with a commanding 4-1 victory at Everton. The panel highlighted the transformative impact of young fullbacks Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento, whose pace and attacking threat allowed Newcastle to play with more offensive freedom. Alexander Isak scored another spectacular goal, continuing his impressive form.

Thomas Frank Deserves Time at Spurs: Luke Edwards made a passionate defense of Thomas Frank at Tottenham, arguing that despite their poor home form, the manager has only been in charge for four months and has Spurs level on points with Newcastle and just three points behind Liverpool and Manchester United. He cautioned against making Tottenham "the new crisis club" so early in Frank's tenure.
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Background Briefing goes far beyond the headlines and deep under the radar to bring forward truths unheard elsewhere in American media. Background Briefing features international and national news, expert guests, policymakers, and critics offering analysis and insight on national security, foreign and domestic policy, political, cultural, and social issues. 
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November 30, 2025 - Robert Young Pelton | Christine Fair | Tamar Jacoby

Background Briefing with Ian Masters

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• CIA-Run "Zero Units" in Afghanistan: These were Afghan paramilitary forces commanded by the CIA, initially formed to bolster security operations. They conducted night raids, kicked in doors of family compounds, and were used as "punishers" or "death squads." Many of these Afghan operatives, including the D.C. shooter Ramanula Lachenwal, joined as teenagers and witnessed extreme violence for years, often suffering from PTSD and other mental health issues without support.

• Corruption and Dual Loyalties in Afghanistan: The Afghan war effort was undermined by widespread corruption. Wali Karzai, President Hamid Karzai's brother, used CIA-trained units as muscle for drug operations. Many Afghans maintained "joint allegiance" - working for Americans when paid by them and for Taliban when paid by them. This corruption complicated U.S. efforts to stabilize the country.

• Trump's Surrender to Taliban: Trump and Pompeo effectively surrendered Afghanistan to the Taliban in 2020 through the Doha Agreement, freeing 5,000 prisoners and drawing down U.S. troops to just 2,500. This left Biden with an impossible situation that resulted in the chaotic withdrawal. Both presidents bear responsibility, though Trump initiated the collapse.

• The D.C. Shooting and Racial Double Standard: The Afghan shooter who killed a National Guard soldier in D.C. had worked for years with U.S. forces. Experts note a double standard in how this incident is treated compared to mass shootings by white Americans - when white shooters commit violence, mental illness is discussed, but with immigrant shooters, ethnicity and religion become the focus while mental health is ignored.

• Trump's Deployment of National Guard as Political Stunt: Trump sent National Guard troops to Washington D.C. without clear mission or strategy, which experts suggest was designed to provoke conflict. When the Afghan shooter attacked Guard members, Trump used this to justify his anti-immigration agenda targeting all immigrants from what he calls "the Third World."

• Ukraine's Democratic Progress Despite War: The recent resignation of Zelensky's powerful chief of staff Yermak, amid corruption allegations, represents a triumph for Ukrainian democracy. Despite being at war, Ukraine's anti-corruption institutions successfully investigated and forced out one of the most powerful figures in government, showing democratic institutions functioning even in crisis.

• Russia's Inflexible Negotiating Position: Putin is maintaining maximalist demands regarding Ukraine, unwilling to compromise. He wants to absorb Ukraine and dictate NATO's future. Trump's administration has multiple, sometimes competing negotiation teams (Rubio, Driscoll, Jared Kushner/Witkoff) creating confusion, while Putin remains stubbornly committed to his demands.

• European Response to U.S. Withdrawal from Ukraine Support: European nations are attempting to increase defense spending and cooperation, but they cannot fully replace critical U.S. intelligence assets and weapons systems like Patriot interceptors. Russia exploits political divisions by funding far-right parties across Europe, making increased defense spending politically challenging.

• Trump's Transactional Foreign Policy: Trump approaches international relations primarily through a financial lens rather than values-based considerations. He doesn't distinguish between Russia (described as a kleptocracy and police state) and Ukraine (a struggling democracy). Instead, he focuses on potential financial opportunities with Russia while viewing Ukraine as an obstacle.

• Kushner's Financial Dealings: Jared Kushner has engaged in questionable financial deals, particularly around the Abraham Accords. He and real estate developer Steve Witkoff were reportedly in Moscow pursuing business opportunities with Putin during the Ukraine negotiations.
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Jack Farley interviews the very best financial minds about macro, markets, and monetary matters. Follow Jack on Twitter @JackFarley96.

China’s Involution Trap | Michael Pettis on China's Excess Savings, Industrial Overcapacity, and Exporting of Deflation

Monetary Matters with Jack Farley

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- Global Economic Imbalances: Every country's internal economic imbalance must be consistent with its external imbalance, and all countries' external imbalances must be consistent with each other. This creates a system where countries that control their external accounts (like China) effectively impose industrial and trade policies on countries that don't (like the US), leading to manufacturing decline in deficit countries.

- China's Structural Problem: China has extremely low household consumption as a share of GDP—the lowest of any major economy. This is coupled with excessive investment that increasingly yields poor returns. While China saves an enormous amount, it also invests too much, leading to production that exceeds domestic consumption and investment combined, forcing it to export the surplus.

- "Involution" in Chinese Manufacturing: As China's property sector collapsed after 2022, investment shifted to manufacturing sectors like electric vehicles and solar panels, creating massive overcapacity. This led to "involution" where companies produce below variable costs to avoid inventory buildup. Now China is shifting investment again to other manufacturing sectors like petrochemicals and steel.

- The Debt Trap: China's growth model requires ever-increasing debt to sustain investment, while the US needs debt to sustain consumption. Since 2008, Chinese debt has grown faster than GDP, indicating unproductive investment. China has much higher debt-to-GDP than the US and one of the fastest growing debt burdens ever seen.

- Ineffective Tariff Policies: Current bilateral and sectoral tariffs don't solve trade imbalances—they merely shift trade routes. If the US puts tariffs on Chinese goods, these goods may simply flow through Vietnam or other countries. What matters is the system-level trade imbalance, not bilateral imbalances.

- Limited Options for Rebalancing: China faces three difficult paths: 1) a brutal contraction like the US in the 1930s, 2) decades of stagnation like Japan after 1990, or 3) a surge in consumption that no country has successfully engineered. Raising consumption would require transferring wealth from businesses to households, undermining China's manufacturing competitiveness.

- European Vulnerability: If the US successfully reduces its trade deficit, Europe may be forced to absorb China's export surplus, creating significant economic pressure. There's growing panic in Europe about becoming the "big loser" in global rebalancing if they don't begin controlling their external accounts.

- Better Policy Solutions: The most effective approach would be a customs union where countries face penalties for persistent surpluses, as Keynes proposed at Bretton Woods. Alternatively, restricting capital inflows through mechanisms like a "Market Access Charge" could address imbalances more effectively than tariffs.

- Manufacturing Competitiveness Illusion: China's manufacturing isn't necessarily efficient, but highly competitive due to massive subsidies—low interest rates, cheap labor relative to productivity, extensive infrastructure, and research funding. Removing these subsidies would likely undermine its global competitiveness.

- The Inevitable Adjustment: The current system is unsustainable. Eventually, deficit countries will try to regain control of their external accounts, leading to significant disruption in global trade. The world will either develop more intelligent globalization with balanced trade or face deglobalization and trade contraction.

- Deflationary Pressure: China is experiencing deflation not because of productivity improvements but because it's producing far more than it can consume domestically. This creates pressure to export, with many Chinese manufacturers avoiding the domestic market entirely because they can only break even by exporting.
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Deutschlands erfolgreichste Nachrichtensendung als Video-Podcast.

tagesschau 20:00 Uhr, 30.11.2025

tagesschau

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US Military Presence in the Caribbean: President Trump has ordered a significant military deployment to the Caribbean region, including 12,000 soldiers and warships positioned off Venezuela's coast. The aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford, the largest in the world, is among the vessels deployed.

Netanyahu's Corruption Case: Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu has requested a pardon from President Herzog related to a corruption process that could potentially result in a life sentence. The presidential office is reviewing the request, and Trump has reportedly called Herzog to advocate for the pardon. Correspondent Sophie van der Tann reports that Netanyahu maintains his innocence.

German Green Party Convention: The final day of the Green Party's federal convention in Baden-Württemberg featured a candidate who aims to succeed Winfried Kretschmann, Germany's only Green Party Minister-President.

Regional German Politics: North Rhine-Westphalia's Finance Minister-President Wüst expressed confidence regarding a vote in Berlin. Meanwhile, Hesse's Minister-President criticized that democracy is not threatened when large gatherings of people occur.

Football Updates: Coach Sebastian Hoeneß made two substitutions, with goalkeeper Hoyer Fernandes and Dennis Rundaf mentioned. A game finished with a 3-0 score after 13 minutes of extra time.

Weather Information: The forecast mentioned fog and variable weather conditions in Florida.
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