Before we begin, just a short note.

You may know about the devastating wildfires that are picking California right now.

Our air quality has been greatly affected across the state.

Although I am over 300 miles away from the nearest fire, our local air quality is also in

the danger zone.

Yesterday was reported as the worst air quality day in the history of the state.

While recording the last episode in this one, my voice keeps sliding into raspy due to my

dry throat, and you may notice that.

I've done everything I can to try and remedy it, but at this point I'm just trying to work

around it.

Partially for this reason, today's episode will be a little shorter, and I apologize

for that.

But I still feel I'm sharing an interesting story and a little known one, especially here

in the US.

As for all of you who are living near fire zones or have been displaced by the fires,

I'm thinking of you daily and hoping you stay safe.

To all the men and women fighting the fires, thank you for your bravery, and I'm praying

for your safety as well.

And all of those who are helping the victims on the front lines, you are also our heroes.

Thank you for all that you do.

If you'd like to donate to help those whose homes have been affected by the California

wildfires, here are a couple of ways you can do that.

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