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We have been watching an incredible game of chess being played out on the world stage with the latest sham election and annexation of Ukrainian territory by Vladimir Putin.  While some decry it as desperate measures by a desperate man, it can also be looked upon as a wily move to force the West into direct confrontation with Russia.   Whether we like it or not, we are on the board and with the sabotage of the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines (most likely by Russia) we are also looking at some more moves on the board by Putin. 

Why now?  Well Putin has lost a lot of his pieces in this match over the last seven months.  Ukraine patiently moving pawns has now been able to masterfully start marching some of the larger pieces down the board.   

Analogies aside, the real concern is whether Russia will go nuclear (tactical or strategic nukes) to coerce Ukraine (and the West) to the negotiating table.   If that happens, all bets are off as to what the West can and will do. 

Does anyone in Russia have the backbone (and the necessary support) to take down this regime?  Or will it ultimately have to be the West in some dark scenario?  Martin discusses this.  

Martin also talks about the success of NASA's DART mission which hit the asteroid Dimorphos this past week.   NASA hopes DART moved the asteroid out of its current trajectory.  If successful, it spells a new era in asteroid avoidance. 

Finally, Hurricane IAN moved across the Caribbean and ripped through Florida.   We can successfully combat climate change if our elected officials choose to move away from lobbies and carbon fuel companies that have the right to act as individuals.   

All of the above really boils down to YOUR MOVE. 

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The flurry of activity on the world stage is at once alarming and also hopeful.  As we bid farewell to the reign of Elizabeth II, we can use her as an example of a figurehead of an empire that once stretched around the world.  There was a deliberate decision after World War II to have that empire evolve into what is known as the Commonwealth Nations.  While far from perfect, it has been none the less peaceful.  Contrast that with the naked power grab of Russia and you have a lesson on autocrats, despots, democracy and how to create a union of nations through peace rather than force.  

Force has not worked for Putin.  The west, primarily through the United States, has given Ukraine sophisticated weapons, such as the HIMARS to help the regain lost territory.  Last week Putin called for a mobilization of 300, 000 reservists.  This is the beginning of the end for the reign of Vladmir Putin.  

What also seals his fate is his weaponization of the fossil fuel industry Russia carefully built since the fall of the Soviet Union.  Now, Europe, being burned more than once by Russia's fuel blackmail will need to find new resources of clean, cheap energy.  That hope is coming rapidly in the form of hydrogen fuel cell energy.  HIMARS and Hydrogen will easily change the face of the world in the next 12 months.   

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We are always grateful to have you listening to STRUNG OUT.    Here are some important links:

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Martin talks with musician, historian and director of the Chicago School of Irish Music, Sean Cleland and champion Irish dancer, musician and founder of the O'Leary School of Irish Dance in New York, Niall O'Leary about the status of Irish music and Irish-American music today.  Some notable deaths, Paddy Maloney, Mick Maloney (no relation) and on the Chicago scene Dennis Cahill and publican Tom Looney have left a void in the Irish music world.  Will that void be filled and who will fill it?   In addition, some fantastic Irish music is on hand to enjoy and prepare for that most glorious of days--Saint Patrick's Day. 

You can support Martin's efforts by clicking the green line: Martin McCormack is creating visual art, music, a YouTube show, a podcast and community. (buymeacoffee.com)

Sign up for a weekly update by going here and wait for the dropdown: www.MARTINMcCORMACK.com 

Support the show

We are always grateful to have you listening to STRUNG OUT.    Here are some important links:

SUPPORT THE SHOW:
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MARTIN'S WEBSITE:
http://www.MARTINMcCORMACK.COM 
(note---you can get my weekly bulletin when you sign up on the list!)

MARTIN'S MUSIC:
Music | Martin Laurence McCormack (bandcamp.com)
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There are some people in this world who have been blessed with amazing talent.  And as the saying goes "to whom much is given, much is expected."  In the case with Marcus Gentry, we have an individual who took that saying to heart.  Marcus Gentry MGA (marcusgentry.com) is a motivational speaker, singer, songwriter and actor.  His portrayal of Dr. Martin Luther King in his show " I have a dream, a King's journey," has been seen by audiences around the world. 

Support the show

We are always grateful to have you listening to STRUNG OUT.    Here are some important links:

SUPPORT THE SHOW:
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MARTIN'S WEBSITE:
http://www.MARTINMcCORMACK.COM 
(note---you can get my weekly bulletin when you sign up on the list!)

MARTIN'S MUSIC:
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In the United States, we have this odd holiday, called Labor Day.  Labor Day was created because the day for labor, May Day was considered too "anarchist and socialist" after the Haymarket Affair took place in Chicago.  There were a lot of people; anarchists, socialists and even communists helping to form the fledging labor movement in the US.   At that point in history, such ideas were fresh and untested.  But this was the Gilded Age, and the Robber Barons were not going to concede to the need of the humble worker.  These new concepts were dangerous and needed to be brought to heel. 

The Haymarket Affair, in which a peaceful rally to create an eight-hour workday was thwarted by a confrontation between police, workers and someone who threw a bomb. The result was a taint that has stayed with us in the United States until today.  

What resulted was that labor throughout the world, embraced the May Day rally as a cause for the working person.  In Chicago and the rest of the United States, May Day was distanced for the very reason it was embraced elsewhere.  The result is this confusion about labor, about the terms conceived by Marx (including the term capitalism) and this lack of understanding of how our economic system is markedly different from our political system.   

We attempt to cut through the hyperbole with history and expert analysis and just plain definitions of what these terms mean. 

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We are always grateful to have you listening to STRUNG OUT.    Here are some important links:

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As we approach the end of August, Martin takes a look at the big headlines and stories that are making the news.  Everything from Mar-a-lago to Bison gorings.  One of those is good. 
And recording outside in the beautiful Chicago weather, the podcast at one point goes to the dogs.  Tune in. 

Support the show

We are always grateful to have you listening to STRUNG OUT.    Here are some important links:

SUPPORT THE SHOW:
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MARTIN'S WEBSITE:
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(note---you can get my weekly bulletin when you sign up on the list!)

MARTIN'S MUSIC:
Music | Martin Laurence McCormack (bandcamp.com)
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Reading a BBC article about Jonas Hill's latest movie, Stutz, mentioned that he would not support the promotion of the film through appearances at festivals and other public events.  The reason being is that Hill suffers from anxiety.  The movie itself is about anxiety and his work with a therapist to comes to grips with it.   This weekend being the Chicago Air and Water Show, with low flying fighter jets interrupting a relatively quiet neighborhood, along with the article on Hill, made Martin think about his own battle with anxiety.   

For the first time, since getting several panic attacks in 2009, Martin shares his own struggle and what he has done to cope with anxiety.  

Support the show

We are always grateful to have you listening to STRUNG OUT.    Here are some important links:

SUPPORT THE SHOW:
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MARTIN'S WEBSITE:
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(note---you can get my weekly bulletin when you sign up on the list!)

MARTIN'S MUSIC:
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Martin draws the correlation between the drought in Europe, the War in Ukraine, the destabilizing effect of finding top-secret documents in Mar-A-Lago and where we are at right now in the world.  Are you tired of the chaos yet?

Support the show

We are always grateful to have you listening to STRUNG OUT.    Here are some important links:

SUPPORT THE SHOW:
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MARTIN'S WEBSITE:
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(note---you can get my weekly bulletin when you sign up on the list!)

MARTIN'S MUSIC:
Music | Martin Laurence McCormack (bandcamp.com)
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Travel along with Brian FitzGerald and Marty McCormack as they roll down I-80 during a four-day Iowa tour.  It's almost like you are part of the band, as Brian restrings his instruments, the guys fiddle with the air conditioning and shake off the heat from the first of two gigs that day.  Discussion covers the new album, fame and our amazing fanbase.  

Support the show

We are always grateful to have you listening to STRUNG OUT.    Here are some important links:

SUPPORT THE SHOW:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MartyfineaK

MARTIN'S WEBSITE:
http://www.MARTINMcCORMACK.COM 
(note---you can get my weekly bulletin when you sign up on the list!)

MARTIN'S MUSIC:
Music | Martin Laurence McCormack (bandcamp.com)
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On this episode, Marty talks about loss.  How some people equate it with material things, others loved ones.  Loss comes in all shapes and sizes and the true difference is spontaneous loss and deliberate loss.  The former being everything and anything that is both impartial and emotional.  The latter is when loss is chosen by another to affect you.   Loss can also be a sign of change, and in the last part of the podcast, Marty explores an interesting loss of fencing on the plains in an attempt to restore habitat for wildlife.  What would scientists use to keep cattle in their place?   Tune in and don't forget to support Marty by clicking here.

Support the show

We are always grateful to have you listening to STRUNG OUT.    Here are some important links:

SUPPORT THE SHOW:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MartyfineaK

MARTIN'S WEBSITE:
http://www.MARTINMcCORMACK.COM 
(note---you can get my weekly bulletin when you sign up on the list!)

MARTIN'S MUSIC:
Music | Martin Laurence McCormack (bandcamp.com)
Martin McCormack | Spotify

MARTIN'S YOUTUBE CHANNEL
Martin McCormack - YouTube

FACEBOOK
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