This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed human. No one knows what the future holds, but you deserve a weather app that can help. Weatherbug is easy to use and provides forecasts for your every need, from storm warnings to pollen levels, right at your fingertips. Get the fastest local alerts and comprehensive 10-day forecasts wherever you are.
It's hyper-local, real-time, customizable alerts. Make sure the weather never takes you by surprise so you can plan every day with confidence. Download the free weather bug app from the App Store today and start getting accurate weather forecasts 24-7. Big adventures, family chaos, untethered exploration. The Nissan Pathfinder is built for it.
Powered by a lauded V6 engine and smooth nine-speed automatic transmission, the new Nissan Pathfinder is Adventure on Wheels. With seating for up to eight, a premium interior, and available second-row captain's chairs, it's adventure in comfort. And with 284 horsepower and 6,000 pounds of towing capacity, Pathfinder is adventure unlimited. The new Nissan Pathfinder, power your adventure. Towing capacity varies by configuration.
See Nissan Towing Guide and Owner's Manual for additional information. Always secure cargo. Support for the show comes from Public, the investing platform for those who take it seriously. On Public, you can build a multi-asset portfolio of stocks, bonds, options, crypto, and now generated assets, which allow you to turn any idea into an investable index with AI. It all starts with your prompt.
From renewable energy companies with high-free cash flow to semiconductor suppliers growing revenue over 20% year over year, you can literally type any prompt and put the AI to work. It screens thousands of stocks, builds a one-of-a-kind index, and lets you backtest it against the SP 500. Then you can invest in a few clicks. Generated assets are like ETFs with infinite possibilities, completely customizable and based on your thesis, not someone else's. Go to public.com/slash podcast and earn an uncapped 1% bonus when you transfer your portfolio.
That's public.com/slash podcast. Paid for by Public Investing. Brokerage Services by Open to the Public Investing Inc., member FINRA and SIPC. Advisory Services by Public Advisors LLC, SEC Registered Advisor. Generated Assets is an interactive analysis tool.
Output is for informational purposes only and is not an investment recommendation or advice. Complete disclosures available at public.com/slash disclosures. Mm. You're listening to a podcast.
So you're doing something else too, like maybe scrolling home listings on Redfin, saving places you like without thinking you'll get them. Because that's what house hunting has become. But Redfin isn't built for endless browsing, it's built to help you find and own a home. Redfin agents close twice as many deals as other agents, which means when you find a place you love, you've got a real shot at getting it. Redfin helps turn saved listings into real addresses.
Get started at redfin.com. Own the dream. Tired of spills and stains on your sofa? Wash away your worries with Anibay. AniBay is the only machine-washable sofa inside and out where designer quality meets budget-friendly prices.
That's right, sofas start at just $699. Enjoy a no-risk experience with pet-friendly, stain-resistant, and changeable slip covers made with performance fabric. Experience cloud-like comfort with high-resilience foam that's hypoallergenic and never needs fluffing. The sturdy steel frame ensures longevity, and the modular pieces can be rearranged anytime. Shop washable sofas.com for up to 60% off site-wide, backed by a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.
If you're not absolutely in love, send it back for a full refund. No return shipping or restocking fees. Every penny back. Upgrade now at washable sofas.com. Offers are subject to change and certain restrictions may apply.
And we continue with our American stories. It's called the first American Christmas because the Declaration of Independence was created for the previous summer. essentially divorcing America from England and declaring our country as an independent nation. Here is the story of Christmas. 1776.
Yeah. My name is Brian Benjamin. I recently wrote a children's book entitled Christmas 1776 that I'll be reading for you today. It covers the Revolutionary War and follows George Washington and the Continental Army in the late months of 1776 as they were fighting and mostly losing to the British for American independence. It of course culminates in the famous crossing of the Delaware River on Christmas night, 1776.
This book, I was actually reading a biography of George Washington. And uh I got to the part where the Continental Army is in Pennsylvania. Christmas is approaching and the war is looking really bleak. and you know they planned the crossing of the Delaware River. The two things that struck me were one, I didn't realize how bleak the picture was for the Americans at this point during the war.
We were really getting kicked around by the British. and heading into that winter of seventeen seventy six, the cause of American independence did not look well. And the other thing that struck me was how history really turned on a dime with this attack, but. This really saved America's cause. And so I tried to put that in the book.
You know, it is a children's book, but tried to get across both the. America was an underdog and was it was not looking good. And also, that contingency of things could have gone different, and there are cases where America doesn't come through this. But with the brave actions of these men led by George Washington, they saved American independence starting on Christmas night.
So, without further ado, Christmas seventeen seventy six. The year was 1776. America faced a crisis to fix. British taxation without representation Angered Americans of every station. They sought the freedom to make their own laws, The right to liberty their sacred cause.
American patriots took up their arms They left their homes, their shops, their farms. These farm boys had grit. but little training. the experience they lacked they would soon be gaining. General George Washington would lead them to fight.
Britain's oppressive imperial might. George Washington was an American, born and bred. taller than most men by a head. With six brothers, three sisters, he grew up strong. The start of his adventures did not take long.
He fought in the French and Indian War. and by the end he'd entered American lore. When the Revolutionary War broke out, America needed a leader, no one could doubt. they turn to their only living legend. barely another name was mentioned.
George Washington would lead them in this war. to take on all the British had in store. They'd face British regulars skilfully taught. perfectly disciplined before they fought. The Brits had a few other friends they'd brought Some German soldiers whose support they'd bought and all these troops would cross the sea.
aboard the world's best navy. General Washington and his new army prepared to defend New York City. This coveted crown jewel of the colonies, stood especially vulnerable to attack by sea. Yeah. The Americans worked to fortify their shore Before the Brits arrived to kick off the war.
The British came with one hundred ships or more. and three times the men, or maybe four. The Americans tried to stand their ground, but the British showed up and beat them sound. From Long Island they were displaced. From Manhattan they were quickly chased.
From the banks of the Hudson they were erased. and into New Jersey they ran, disgraced. To the Delaware River they anxiously fled. They crossed to safety but were filled with dread. The war was less than two years old.
and the Americans were stranded in the cold. their greatest city, conquered, lost. there's treasury wiped out by the cost. many Americans began to doubt. and feared they faced a certain rout.
The Brits pursued all the way to the river. Then looked across and saw their enemies shiver. With winter coming, December here. The Red Coats felt they'd had a good year. They retreated to Concord NYC.
warm beds and Tory hospitality. they left behind their German dogs of war. to guard the Delaware's Jersey shore. With American hopes plainly fading, and British troops relaxing, celebrating. Washington knew he must take bold action.
for the revolution to regain some traction. He gathered his men to plan and plot How to grab the victory they so desperately sought. Yeah. They decided on a holy night. to begin their brave and noble fight.
On Christmas night, they would embark. and cross the river in the dark. Then marched ten miles to surprise their foes, And arrived to attack just as the sun rose. Awaiting their final orders. The men held their breath.
George Washington stated gravely, Victory. or death. With the plan all set, Now just to wait. They must keep the plan a secret and their heads on straight. They braved a tense Christmas Eve and morn.
then approached the ships on which they'd be borne. In a light rain, General Washington crossed first. The river was choppy, with ice interspersed. When the sun fell on that Christmas day, the weather turned and their plan gave way. In an army with men of every station, 'twas the fishermen that rose to this occasion.
These expert sailors guided boat after boat, across nature's deadly makeshift moat. The rain had shifted to snow and hail. but these brave men refused to fail. They moved twenty four hundred men across. and not a single soul was lost.
But the vicious weather had another cost. three hours against the plan. were lost. Finally, by 4 a.m., their march began. and they braved the elements to a man.
They marched ten miles in hail and snow. To meet their skilled and rested foe. They arrived well after the morning sun. not sure if by their lateness they'd been undone. These brave men charged from the woods at a run.
and the German mercenaries were simply stunned. How could an army arrive ready to fight? after the terrible weather of the previous night. Mm-hmm. General Washington led from the front on horseback.
and rebuffed every German counterattack.
Okay. American cannons fired with precision. Guided by Alexander Hamilton. They raced through the town, took prisoners Galore. They shocked the mercenaries, pressing for more.
The Germans lost almost a thousand men. The Americans lost less than 10. After battling the weather all through the night, It took less than an hour. to finish the fight. The next ten days were a complete whirlwind.
They crossed the river back and again. first to deposit their prisoners in booty. then returning to continue their tour of duty. They stymied a British assault at Trenton. then launched a surprise attack at Princeton.
At Princeton the famed British regulars were beat. and the world was astounded by this colonial feat. In the space of ten days, they'd secured two victories. In the space of ten days, they'd change the course of history. On Christmas Eve the American cause had been dead.
but now Britain was back on its heels instead. Uh the morale of the troops and colonists soared. They again believed in what they were marching toward. towards life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. to secure their rights and to crush British haughtiness.
Uh America's birth was never a certainty. but it was filled with men that would fight for it fervently. These brave men volunteered to fight and die. not knowing what their sacrifices might buy. But we know the eventual success of their plan.
and the day America's future began. The day their deeds left the world transfixed. Christmas seventeen seventy-six. And a terrific job on the production and editing by our own Craig Hengler. and a special thanks to Brian Benjamin, his beautifully illustrated book, Christmas 1776.
is available wherever you buy your books. head over to Amazon or the usual suspects. And what a story he tells, and what a great way to share it with a child or a grandchild. And we try to tell every kind of story, but also in every kind of way. And my goodness, to hear the battle of Christmas 1776 reduced.
to rhyming poem.
Well, it's just spectacular. The story of Christmas 1776, as told in rhyming verse by Brian Benjamin, here on Our American Stories. No one knows what the future holds, but you deserve a weather app that can help. Weatherbug is easy to use and provides forecasts for your every need, from storm warnings to pollen levels, right at your fingertips. Get the fastest local alerts and comprehensive 10-day forecasts wherever you are.
It's hyper-local, real-time, customizable alerts. Make sure the weather never takes you by surprise so you can plan every day with confidence. Download the free weather bug app from the App Store today and start getting accurate weather forecasts 24-7. Big adventures, family chaos, untethered exploration. The Nissan Pathfinder is built for it.
Powered by a lauded V6 engine and smooth nine-speed automatic transmission, the new Nissan Pathfinder is Adventure on Wheels. With seating for up to eight, a premium interior, and available second-row captain's chairs, it's adventure in comfort. And with 284 horsepower and 6,000 pounds of towing capacity, Pathfinder is adventure unlimited. The new Nissan Pathfinder, power your adventure. Towing capacity varies by configuration.
See Nissan Towing Guide and Owners Manual for additional information. Always secure cargo. This is Julian Edelman from Games with Names. I want to take a second to talk about something that's personal to me. I've had the privilege of working closely with Robert Kraft for a long time.
And one thing I've always respected is how seriously he takes up standing up to hate. As a Jewish athlete my identity is something I am proud of. but I also know what it feels like to be singled out for it. That's why this new commercial for the Blue Square Alliance Against Hate that aired during the big game really hit home. It's about showing up for someone when they're targeted, even if you don't have the perfect words.
And sometimes standing next to someone is enough. And you can show support by sharing the blue square. Sink into affordable luxury. Anabay is the only machine-washable sofa inside and out. With stain-resistant slip covers and a cloud-like frame duvet, everything goes right in the wash.
Plus, the modular design lets you change the look of your space anytime. Visit washable sofas.com to upgrade your home. Shop up to 60% off site-wide, with sofas starting at just $699 and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Shop now at washable sofas.com. Offers are subject to change and certain restrictions may apply.
Cold and flu season happens. And when it does, your skin deserves comfort. That's why Kleenex lotion tissues are made with moisturizing ingredients and offer three in one skin-loving benefits, helping protect, soothe, and moisturize your skin.
So whether you're at home, on the go, or just living life, Keep Kleenex Lotion close for a little extra care that makes a big difference. For whatever happens next, grab Kleenex.
