The John Batchelor Show

.SURVIVAL STORY: WOMAN OUTLASTS SNAKE TRAPPED IN HER SHOE Colleague Jeremy Zakis. In Southwest Sydney, a woman survived a bite from a deadly eastern brown snake that became entangled in the loop of her trainer shoe. Displaying remarkable calm, she remained still to slow the venom's spread while waiting for emergency services. A snake catcher carefully removed the heat-stressed reptile before the woman was treated at a hospital. Zakisnotes that her quick thinking and composure likely saved her life.

ENGLAND SECURES SURPRISE VICTORY AMIDST ASHES CONTROVERSY Colleague Jeremy Zakis. Zakisreports that England unexpectedly won the fourth Ashes test despite playing poorly earlier in the series. The match ended quickly, causing controversy regarding the Melbourne pitch and accusations of poor play on both sides. Commentators blame England's aggressive "Bazball" style and lack of technical skill for previous losses. Conversely, Australianbowlers are praised for successfully mixing brute force with technical precision to dismantle English batting throughout the contest. 1862 ASHES AT MELBOURNE

DALLAS THE DOG TEAMS UP WITH MAGPIES TO FIGHT COCKATOOS Colleague Jeremy Zakis. Zakisrecounts how his dog, Dallas, successfully chased destructive cockatoos off their property. While usually friendly, Dallasidentified the birds as enemies, aided by territorial magpies that swooped in to drive the cockatoos away. Although cockatoos are often considered pests that raid trash bins and damage homes in New South Wales, Dallas's vigilance has protected Zakis's yard, forcing the birds to target the neighbor's roof instead.

SUN, SAND, AND SANTAS IN BOARD SHORTS: AN AUSTRALIAN CHRISTMAS Colleague Jeremy Zakis. Jeremy Zakis describes Christmas in Australia as the polar opposite of the Northern Hemisphere, featuring clear skies and temperatures in the mid-80s ideal for outdoor barbecues. While Queensland faced heavy rain and floods, most of the country enjoyed hot weather perfect for beach visits. Zakis details traditions like the Boxing Day cricket test and notes that while mall Santas wear wool, outdoor Santas often don board shorts and flip-flops. 1933 SYDNEY

THE ATOMIC BOMB AND POST-WAR LEADERSHIP Colleague Craig Symonds. Nimitz and King believed a naval blockade could force Japan's surrender without a costly invasion, which they feared would result in millions of deaths. Nimitz was informed early about the atomic bomb to ensure it wouldn't interfere with operations. After the war, despite resistance from the aviation community and Secretary Forrestal, Nimitz served a two-year term as Chief of Naval Operations. Spruance, denied a fifth star in favor of Halsey, took the high road by leading the Naval War College, ensuring future officers learned from the Pacific war's lessons. NUMBER 8 1945 OKINAWA TEN YEAR OLD SURRENDERS WITH WHITE FLAG