Podcasts about aleve

Thank you for joining us for our 2nd Cabral HouseCall of the weekend! I'm looking forward to sharing with you some of our community's questions that have come in over the past few weeks…   Tricia: Hi Dr Cabral - I recently discovered your show about a year ago and I'm so glad I did! You are a wealth of knowledge and I appreciate you helping the community. I'm a 55 year old female diagnosed with spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis and degenerative disc disease since 2017. Basically, I'm in and out of pain a lot. I stay in physical therapy and try to stay as active as possible. I hate taking OTC pain medicines but at time Aleve is the only thing that will get me through. My question is what do you think about taking NAC supplementation to assist my liver. Any advice is appreciated. I eat a very clean whole food based diet to assist with inflammation. I haven't tried your detox yet but have a 21 day supply. I take many of your vitamins. I love them! Thank you in advance.                                                                         Rachel: Dr. Cabral, NO ONE talks about women with “lean” PCOS… insulin resistance seems to be at the root & center of PCOS but I've been tested & do not have it… I'm around 20% body fat & very muscular. I was on the birth control pill for about 10 years, when I came off I didn't have cycle. It was then we found the follicles on my ovaries & I developed cystic acne. Since then I dialed back my exercise, fed more & after 22 months got my cycle back for the last consecutive 6 months. Do you have any insight or advice for someone in a scenario like mine? Will the follicles ever dissipate back to normal? I am 32 & so concerned about fertility for when I hopefully meet my person. What can I do to optimize… if I was your daughter would you recommend freezing my eggs at this stage, all things considered?                                           Yvonne: Did a search for a previous podcast but didn't find anything about reversing swollen finger joint by right index knuckle. Assume this was the first of an arthritic flare which has subsided but and the swelling went down from what it was but it won't go away completely. Is there a way to return to its normal size or is the damage permanent?                                              Anonymous: Hi Doctor Cabral! Question about a 7 month old baby. She's happy, eats & sleeps well, breast fed, just started some solids, no medical ‘interventions'. She struggles with congestion & her right eye has been irritated since birth. It's almost always watery & boogery. She was born a month early & mom had pretty severe preeclampsia, baby's oxygen was low at birth so she was on oxygen for her 1st 12 hours or so, but quickly recovered on her own. Wondering if there's something that can be done naturally for her breathing & eye. We're not sure what is causing it. Clogged tear duct? Mom & dad eat healthy & live as close to a toxin free life as humanly possible. 1st thoughts are the pets or possible mold, but she doesn't improve when they leave their home for 3-4 day trips. Thoughts? Thanks!!                                             Sarah: Hello!!! Context - Im 28, I've done 7 day detox, HTMA, CBO, heavy metal detox, gut testing about to do hormone testing. I take your DNS, greens, omegas, zinc, b complex, magnesium, digestive enzymes. I dry brush, sauna, weight training, lots of walking, daily breath work etc. I feel like my stress is the lowest it's been and yet I still experience debilitating fatigue that can last for few days/weeks where even just walking is a struggle. Could this just be part of the 'healing' process as I know it's not linear. Is there anything else I should look at/do? Sometimes when I'm moving around going on with my day I'm fine but then when I sit down a full load of fatigue hits me. I also notice when I drink coffee/green tea I yawn alot. I've experienced this for a few years.      Thank you for tuning into this weekend's Cabral HouseCalls and be sure to check back tomorrow for our Mindset & Motivation Monday show to get your week started off right! - - - Show Notes and Resources: StephenCabral.com/3404 - - - Get a FREE Copy of Dr. Cabral's Book: The Rain Barrel Effect - - - Join the Community & Get Your Questions Answered: CabralSupportGroup.com - - - Dr. Cabral's Most Popular At-Home Lab Tests: > Complete Minerals & Metals Test (Test for mineral imbalances & heavy metal toxicity) - - - > Complete Candida, Metabolic & Vitamins Test (Test for 75 biomarkers including yeast & bacterial gut overgrowth, as well as vitamin levels) - - - > Complete Stress, Mood & Metabolism Test (Discover your complete thyroid, adrenal, hormone, vitamin D & insulin levels) - - - > Complete Food Sensitivity Test (Find out your hidden food sensitivities) - - - > Complete Omega-3 & Inflammation Test (Discover your levels of inflammation related to your omega-6 to omega-3 levels) - - - Get Your Question Answered On An Upcoming HouseCall: StephenCabral.com/askcabral - - - Would You Take 30 Seconds To Rate & Review The Cabral Concept? The best way to help me spread our mission of true natural health is to pass on the good word, and I read and appreciate every review!  

Okay, so what should we know when picking an over the counter medication?? Dr. Ratzloff, Sanford Health, helps break down everything you should know about picking an over the counter medication. Because, you know we all have one we think is best... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Knowing too much, sexual curiosity and dusky obsessions.In 25 parts, edited from the works of FinalStand.Listen and subscribe to the ► Podcast at Connected..“People take for granted that they cannot see. If you don't think so, try not breathing.”Having received Katrina's orders, off we went. Buffy looked worried and I thought she was going to tear me a new one. The reactions of the Executive Services group when we got there were totally unexpected."Send out the word," Buffy detailed to the first worker she came across, "Madi made a run at Katrina."The woman blanched and headed off. Buffy took me to Katrina's office and pushed me onto the sofa. Paula and Fabiola appeared at the door looking worried."How badly have I fucked up?" I groaned."What?" Buffy blinked in surprise. "You did fine.""I don't understand," I ran my hands through my hair."You're bleeding," Paula remarked."What happened?" Fabiola demanded. Oh, crap. Another layer of the onion. The female 'new hires' weren't only new hires, they were legacies.Buffy, for all her expertise and seniority, wasn't part of the program. I didn't think she was ignorant of the basic agenda. She simply wasn't allowed to know the full scope of the goings on. That was the real reason she and I were at the meeting; because we weren't part of the true conspiracy, thus politically neutral."Cáel was attacked by Madi's assistant," Buffy said. I wanted to correct Buffy and say 'apprentice'. "He defeated her then defeated Madi when she attacked him, though it was a close thing." Oh yeah, Fabiola was part of the conspiracy. She gave this little smug smirk when Buffy got the relationship description wrong then was outraged that I would attack one of her elite.Daphne sailed into the room, took one look at me then grabbed Paula."Let's get him cleaned up," Daphne suggested."He attacked Madi and her apprentice," Fabiola blustered; in Hittite. Daphne looked like she wanted to slap Fabiola. Then they all looked at me.Had I turned away, I would have looked guilty. Instead I let my eyes flicker between the three."What is it?" Paula murmured to me."You are speaking the same language they were speaking upstairs," I enlightened them. "I find that a bit odd.""Don't mention that to anyone," Daphne threatened me."No; you are not my boss," I glared. "Right now I'm working with Buffy and I am being mentored by Katrina. It is their right to know. Of course I can't talk to any outsiders about that because that violates corporate policy.""How dare you," Fabiola came steaming my way."Make the first one count," I seethed as I stood up and got ready to kick her entitled, pompous ass. "I've already put down two conceited bitches and you aren't even in their league." Fabiola stopped and reassessed her situation."Cáel!" Buffy snapped. "Come to my right side." There I went. "Kneel." I knelt. The three newbies were stunned, mouths open and gaping."What; what was that?" Daphne mumbled, referring to my actions. Buffy looked very haughty and superior."Cáel works for me right now," Buffy told them. "That means, within the scope of his duties, he does what I say." The girls were taking in this bizarre scene. "Cáel, if I told you to go over to Fabiola and beat her black and blue, what would you do?""I'd ask you for a good explanation," I answered."She's hurting Katrina's position at Havenstone," Buffy responded. Up I stood. "Kneel," Buffy finished her demonstration as I knelt. She started running her hands through my hair. Not something you would do to a dog unless; well, you went that way. It wasn't like Katrina; this was highly sexually aroused hair-play. "I believe you said that Cáel needed to be cleaned up.""Are you in pain?" Daphne inquired."A half bottle of Aleve wouldn't kill me," I groaned. I was in some serious pain, much of it centered on my cranium. Buffy moved me back to the sofa, which I liked. Her sensually stroking my palm was a bit scarier.More women gathered around the door, whispering and looking my way. Finally Katrina came back to the office. The crowd parted for her. Daphne and Paula returned with some wet cloths and a first aid kit. Without consulting with me, they started peeling off my clothes."What are you doing?" Katrina stared at the two young ladies."Tending to his wounds," Daphne hastily replied. Katrina rubbed her forehead."For a moment try to imagine him doing that to you in a public place," she advised them. They caught on real quick and the strip-down stopped."Cáel, may we tend to your wounds?" Daphne politely requested."Fine by me, but let's keep the pants on. I'll deal with the rug burns at home," I grinned."I knew you boxed and practiced a form of jujitsu, Cáel," Katrina remarked. "I had no idea you were that good.""I also practice ninjitsu," I tried to look innocent. "I tried to put that on my application, but auto-correct kept erasing it.""Does he have a concussion?" one of the normal workers asked Desiree."No, unfortunately not," Desiree snorted. "He's always like that.""Thank you for your martial valor in defending my prestige, Cáel," Katrina spoke loudly. "Your ability to navigate a very difficult situation bordered on the precognitive. It was of great service to the sisterhood of this office.""Is there anything you need?" she tacked on."Gosh, it's almost four o'clock. Since I've been working since three this morning, can I go home early?" I pleaded."No, we are having dinner tonight," Katrina stated."I actually have to clean up the apartment tonight," I lied. "Can I have a rain check?""If you were under any delusion that I was making a request, let me dispel that right now. You are having dinner with me tonight," Katrina smirked."Doesn't that violate;” I mumbled."End of discussion," Katrina declared. "Buffy and Helena, take Cáel to the Men's room and get him cleaned up and presentable. I need the (she then used 3 dead words), to stay behind. We have much to discuss." What did I get out of that little exchange? Buffy and Helena weren't part of the real Havenstone, Desiree was and the fact that naming status positions 'charioteer', 'archer' and 'shield maiden' in Old Kingdom Hittite only confirmed my worst fears.You see, Achilles, Odysseus and their crowd knew these people. They'd frolicked and played with those troublesome Greeks then been raped, slaughtered and enslaved by them. Apparently after 3000 years, these ladies were still pissed about that. We only knew about them today from Greek sources. It stood to reason though, that since they were allies of Troy, they lived in Asia Minor, not Greece.Therefore, they didn't speak Greek of any flavor. That was the language of their destroyers. No, the Amazons would speak the language of their home region from 3000 years ago, the native tongue for their rituals and secret communications, which just so happened to be Old Kingdom Hittite."Tell me what happened," Helena requested while I was leaning against the Men's bathroom sink."Rhada became bored, I was asked to alleviate her boredom with a game of Scrabble, and she didn't like my use of the word 'butt-monkey'," I sighed. "She said it wasn't a word. I explained that she was, in fact, a butt-monkey and she took offense.""Are you sure you don't have a concussion?" Buffy studied my eyes."Can I reliably determine my own mental malfunction? If so; I guess I'm good," I grinned."What really happened?" Helena repeated so I told them the whole story. This was the first time Buffy heard the whole thing in a language she could understand; English."Why didn't you simply let her hit you that second time?" Helena asked. Buffy nodded."Seriously, you two need to get some backbone," I glared at them. They looked peeved. "Listen, those other ladies don't have the right to treat us like crap. We are not doormats, we are facilitators and fuck them if they don't appreciate our worth.""Yet you bowed down to Hayden, Katrina and me," Buffy countered."You are my bosses," I sounded exasperated. "I'm here to learn and that means listening to, and observing, those who have progressed farther than me. That means when you tell me to bow, I presume you have a good reason for it and do as I'm told.""The other new hires don't kneel," Helena pointed out."It's not my fault they are not as smart as me," I snickered. We all knew that was a lie."I hope you make it," Buffy patted my knee. She didn't mean get fired. She meant she hoped I didn't get relocated. I didn't know what that meant yet, but I couldn't imagine it being a good thing.I decided to press my luck."You mean you hope I don't get relocated," I smiled. The two women shot worried looks at one another. "Ladies, I'm twice as smart as I look; well, that still might not be much, but I'm working on it," I chuckled."What do you know about being relocated?" Buffy prodded."Nothing really. I do get this creepy feeling that if I get posted to a corporate holding in Paraguay, I probably won't end up in Paraguay," I shrugged."Are you going to quit?" Helena tag-teamed. She meant, 'are you going to make a run for it?'"Havenstone has corporate resources on all seven continents. Where am I going to go where some insidious Human Resources agent from the company won't hunt me down and try to make me reenlist," I teased them. Translation: I'm not dumb enough to think I can get away. They politely chuckled which meant they knew what I knew about my projected promotion path."What are we going to do about your clothes?" Helena altered course. Ugh."I'll give Katrina official notification that we three are heading over to your place to let you change into something; better," Buffy decided. Better? This was my best suit, or had been.Permission was granted and off we went. Surprise, surprise, security stopped me and got confirmation that I could actually leave the building. Next, we were mugged in the parking lot closest to my apartment building. Technically, it was a legal mugging because the criminal owned the lot from which he extorted the 'parking fee' from us.I was curious to see if I could have the ladies wait in the hallway while I changed. Buffy noticed the fire escape and made sure she loudly pointed that out. In we went and sure enough, they followed me to the bedroom. I began going through my sparse business suit collection."Those look dreadful," Buffy commented. "Where do you shop? Walmart?""Sears," I corrected. Buffy looked cruelly amused."You work for a Fortune 500 company and you shop for your clothes at Sears?" she mocked me."I'm not very good with money," I laid out my second best/now best suit. "I blew all of last month's paycheck on the Ferrari, Catalina 470 and Gulfstream. Stupid, eh?" We both knew I hadn't been paid yet."What did you do with your signing bonus?" Helena plopped down on my bed. "Hey, this is lumpy.""I killed a hobo for it," I teased. "I take no responsibility for whatever diseases you might pick up from sitting on that overly pretentious compost heap." It actually wasn't all that bad. "Besides, what signing bonus? Do you even know what college I atte

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ASKDAD and get on your way to being your best self. In this week's episode David and Gabby bring an energy to the episode that one might see when hyped up on bee pollen! From how to get someone to stop eating off of your plate, to what to do if your friend is being bullied by a boy in school, the advice this week is going to leave you needing a big bottle of Aleve! To submit a question to David & Gabby email: letmeaskmydadpod@gmail.com Follow Gabby & David:  Let Me Ask My Dad on Instagram: @letmeaskmydadpod Let Me Ask My Dad on TikTok: @letmeaskmydadpod  David Bryan on Instagram: @davidbryanmusic Gabby Bryan on Instagram: @gabbyisbryan Gabby Bryan on TikTok: @gabbyisbryan Let Me Ask My Dad is produced by Lizzie Stewart in partnership with W!zard Radio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A Hiking Accident brings Mark and Carrie Together.by T. Foxal. Listen to the ► Podcast at Connected.Mark and Carrie never met before, until an accident to Carrie, brought them together, and now maybe for good.Chapter 1.I’m Mark. 39 years old, single, a computer geek who is lucky enough that I can work from home, and make my own hours. I wasn’t always like this. When I was 18, I had a choice, jail or join the service. I just made some bad decisions back then, doing drugs and getting in fights. So I opted for the Marines. I spent 15 years with them, and advanced to Master Sergeant, which is the fourth highest position an NCO can go. Served 3 tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, which are true shit holes. Great thing about the service, besides 3 square meals a day and a place to sleep, you can be taught almost any useful job in the world, which is where I learned computer programing.Now I pretty much free-lance my abilities out and make a good wage. Most times I have jobs to do, but sometimes I don’t and have lots of free time. If I do have jobs, I can make my own hours.I don’t have a steady woman at this time, and I am  okay with that. Being deployed all the time, whether it was in the Middle East, or on some ship with a bunch of Squids, I really had no time for a relationship.I had been out almost a year this past August, when I decided I needed some down time. I decided I was going to the Adirondacks and do some hiking. I grew up outside of Syracuse NY., and have always wanted to go there. My one uncle owns a cabin up there and offered it to me when he heard I wanted to go hiking up there. He told me it had one bedroom, a bathroom, kitchen, and a living room with fireplace. It had running water and electricity. He warned me that I would need to turn on the hot water tank, since they shut it down last fall, after they used it last.I had decided that I would take two weeks to explore all the different mountain ranges this area had, finishing up at Mt. Marcy, the highest of them all. Since it was just after Labor Day, tourism should be at a low, with vacationers and school kids back into their routines. My plan was to hike daily, a different range, and if need be, camp out at night. Being a Marine, we are taught all types of survival skills, so this would be no problem for me. One thing my uncle did ask me to do, is stop at the Ranger station and let them know I would be occupying the cabin for a length of time. People sometimes like to use squatter rights and just use cabins, regardless if they are allowed, or not.I also like that the temperature doesn’t get to warm up there either. I prefer cool nights and just warm days. Maybe it’s because of my time in that hell hole of the middle east. My trip took almost 4 hours to get to where I wanted to go.Chapter 2.The skies were quite cloudy when I pulled into the Ranger Station. I got out of my truck and headed to the stations door, and when I opened it, a woman was coming out at the same time and we bumped into each other. We both apologized, then laughed, and then she continued on to her vehicle.After letting a ranger know where I was going and for how long, I exited the station and headed back to my truck. That’s when I noticed her again. She was 5 ‘7, maybe 130 lbs., caramel colored skin, hair just past her shoulders, when she let it down. From the side, she did not look like she had very big boobs, they were smallish medium, just the way I actually like them. She was wearing camo style shorts, and a tan polo shirt. Boy, she had nice legs, long and muscular, very toned. If I had to guess her age, early 30’s. Whoever was getting lucky with that, was one lucky son of a bitch. One thing I did notice, she was wearing white running shoes, and not hiking boots. Judging from the backpack she was attempting to put on, she was going hiking and camping out. Running shoes are not the smartest thing to wear hiking. No ankle support what so ever.As I drove off, I stole another look at her, as I drove by. Great looking ass. Bigger than a model would have, but smaller than many of the women I have seen in my lifetime. I exited the parking lot and started heading up Whiteface Mountain. My uncle’s cabin is up about 4 miles from this point, on a long and windy road. If I had to guess, it would be about a third of the way up the mountain, and only because of the road, which I believed was cut out by a snake.Once I arrived, I unloaded everything into the cabin. Found the circuit breaker and turned them on, especially the hot water tank. Too many cold showers in my life, so no need to suffer this time now. One thing I did notice too, the temp was cooler up this high. It was around 70 down by the station, but I bet it dropped a good 10 degrees.Next, I unload my coolers, which had meats and eggs, butter, and all of the necessities needed to eat well. I had enough for 2 weeks, if not more. Also brought along two 12 packs of beer as well, and water. Man I love roughing it.After stowing away my gear and food, I checked the place out. Nice queen size bed, in the bedroom. They even had TV, which I could care less about. May to use for the weather is all I can see a use for it. I’m not one to sit and watch TV much, except for football and maybe playoff baseball.I then went and checked the area out. The back porch had a gas grill on it, plus what looked like a cord of wood. I figured if I used any, I could go into town and buy some to replenish, unless Unc had a chain saw, then I would do my own. I then went for a small hike just around the area.I did not want to venture to far today. It was already after 4pm, and the skies were really getting dark, so some rain, if not storms, were moving in soon. About a ¼ mile into the woods, was a hiking trail, well used too. I wondered if that lady was on this trail, if she even made up this far yet. If she did, she better start preparing her campsite for the weather that was due in soon. I kept hiking for another 30 minutes before heading back to the cabin. I figured a good early start in the morning, may get me to the top by the afternoon, early evening.Chapter 3.I was now back from my little hike and relaxing, but also getting hungry. I settled on frying up some home fries and grill up some Polish kielbasa. I cooked up the potatoes first, and then set the pan in the oven and set it to warm. Then took the meat out to the porch and fired up the grill.It was a little after 6 now and the wind had really picked up and the skies hung low, full of rain that to start shortly. As I waited for the grill to heat up some, I thought I heard someone cry out. At first I thought it could be just the wind, but then I heard it again.I stepped off the porch and headed towards the trail, behind the cabin. As I got on the trail, I heard the cry again, but this time could make out the word Help. I yelled out for the person to keep yelling, so I could judge where it was actually coming from.Whoever it was, must have heard me because the Helps were coming more quickly. I was at least a good half mile now from the cabin when I came upon a woman, lying on the ground, holding her foot. It was the lady I saw down by the ranger station when I first arrived.When she saw me coming she said, “Oh Thank God. I wasn’t sure anyone could hear me.”“What happened?” I asked. “Oh stupid me wasn’t watching where I stepped and then all of a sudden, I’m on the ground from twisting my ankle.” she explained, then went on,“I tried walking on it, but damn, it hurts. I don’t think it is broken.” I kneeled in front of her and took off her shoe, then her wool sock, and could see the ankle was swollen and just starting to turn a little purplish. I’m no doctor, nor was I corpsman in the service, but I have had my share, and have seen many a sprained ankle, and this sure did look like one.After looking at it, I looked up at her face and could see the pain written all over her gorgeous face. I then gently removed her backpack, which had to weigh a good 25 to 30 pounds. “Christ, what the hell is she carrying in this.”, I thought. Then I put the backpack on over my shoulders. Just then, the rain started. “Great, just what I needed”, I thought.“Oh damn. This isn’t good. What are we going to do now?” she asked.“First off, grab my arm and let’s get you up, then we’ll hike back down to my cabin, which I think is about a ½ mile from here.” I said. “By the way, my name is Mark” She retorted back to me “Carolyn, or Carrie to my friends, which you are fast becoming.”With my help, she stood up, using her good leg. Now I am not a tall man, 5’ 10 175 lbs., and still in great shape, since I work out 4 times a week. I then asked her to put her right arm around my neck and I would hold her waist, and we would try and keep all the weight off of the foot.We did quite well actually, and she didn’t complain one time. Only twice did we have to stop and rest a minute. That didn’t matter, we were both soaked to our skin by now, and it was quite chilly out. What should have taken maybe 5 minutes to walk, turned into almost 25 minutes, by the time we got back to the porch of the cabin. At one point, I felt I should have just carried her fireman’s style, just to speed this up.We then entered the cabin. Luckily it was still pretty warm in there, but I knew that wouldn’t last long. I guided her over to a leather chair and had her sit. Then went and got some towels to at least dry off some of the rain.I then went into the bathroom and saw that my uncle had 2 inch wide medical tape and some gauze. I went into my pack and pulled out some Aleve. I came back out, got some water and then handed her the medicine. Then I knelt down and removed her shoe again, sans the sock, since we didn’t put that back on. I carefully dried her foot and ankle, and then wrapped gauze around it, then taped it up.After I finished, I could see she was shaking from being cold now. Both of us were soaked to the skin. I went into my uncles dresser and looked around. My aunt had a set sweats in there. I hope they fit her. My aunt is only 5'4, but is big chested, so the top should be fine. I also pulled out some socks for her as well. I then looked in the closet, and in the back, found a pair of crutches. Uncle’s family comes up here a lot to ski, so crutches would be a wise investment, especially for my one cousin Carol, she is a klutz.I came back into the living room and looked down at her. “ How does that feel now Carrie”“Still hurts, but not like it was, and thank you.” she said. I extended a hand to her and told her to grab it, then pulled her up. “I got you some clothes to change into, and these crutches. The shower is down the hall. A good hot shower should help you warm up a bit . Also, take this baggie and wrap it around your foot and ankle and tape off the top, to keep it dry.”“Oh My God, you are so nice. I am so sorry for being a pain in your ass, but thank you so much.”She trudged down the hall to the bath. I couldn’t help but look at her great legs and chubby ass as she went. I did notice she wore no wedding, or engagement ring, so that was a good thing. Just before she opened the bathroom door, I told her I was going to finish making dinner. She just grinned, but said nothing. Before I did that though, I pulled out some sweats. Both the top and the bottoms had the Marine logo on it. Those sweats last forever.I had to reheat the fried potatoes and then went and relit the grill. The kielbasa was done in about 10 minutes. So when I came back in, she was still not out of the shower. “Women”, I thought. They take so friggin long to get clean. Although I did have some thoughts about how she looked in the shower.I had just finished setting the table, when she arrived back out in the living room. The sweat top was definitely too big for her, yet looked cute. The sweat pants were a little snug and stopped short about two inches from the top of her feet. She was like staring at me, but didn’t speak.“Is something wrong?” I asked. “No, not a thing, except for those Jarhead sweats you have on.”“What? You don’t like Marines?” She laughed and said, “They are okay, but to a Navy gal, they don’t get my motor running”“Oh shit. I helped a god damn Squid? Christ sakes”, then laughed, and so did she. “Come on, let’s eat”I asked her what she would like to drink, which was limited to beer or water. She chose a water, as I did too, and sat down to our little feast.Chapter 4.She was quiet at first, so I broke the silence and asked her “So Miss Carrie, and I presume Miss, what has you up here by yourself?”She chuckled then spoke “ I love hiking and always wanted to come explore these mountains. And Yes, I am a miss. Divorced actually, 5 years now. I have a 20 year daughter too, who attends Syracuse University.“Good God” I interjected; “How the hell did you ly you way into the navy as a 10 year old? You can't be past your early thirties!”I spent 14 years in the Navy. I was also a Navy brat too. My dad and mom live in Pensacola, after he retired from the Navy as a Master Chief. I left the Navy 7 years ago, but that’s another story.”She took a drink of water, then continued. “ I live right outside of Syracuse now, mostly to be close to my daughter. We adopted her when she was 3 years old. I couldn’t have kids, and she was orphaned when her parents were killed in an auto accident in Norfolk. What about you Mr. Mark?”I smiled at her and looked her right in the eye, which were hazel in color. “Let’s see, I spent 20 good years in the Navy, and then retired from it. I did pick up a good vocation, programming computers, so that’s what I do now. Mostly free-lance myself out. I make a good wage doing it. My uncle owns this cabin and I needed a vacation, so I too, wanted to explore here. I took the next two weeks off and hope to finish up on Mt. Marcy. I grew up just east of Syracuse and moved back there. Both of my parents are deceased now, and I have one sister, who is two years older than me”She then asked, “What did you end up at?”“An E8, Master Sergeant,” I answered. “and you?”She chuckled and said, “E8 as well, Senior Chief. How many deployments?”“3 tours in the sandpit, then countless boat rides. Served on the George Washington and the Lincoln, and ended my career at Quantico.”“Oh shit. My dad served on the Lincoln too, John Reynolds. Master Chief of the Boat.”I laughed and said, “I know your old man. I served with him on the Lincoln for 6 months. At the time I was a E6 (Staff Sergeant), but I got to know him well. I even got to meet your mom too, when we got done at Norfolk. Beautiful lady and not being forward, I can see where you get your looks. Your old man had a way with the crew. They all respected him and did anything he told them to do. I can still remember his one saying, "Son. Don’t fail me, or I will open a can of whoop ass on you.” Usually scared the shit out of some teenage kid”She laughed and said, “Yeah, he did have their respect, but at home he was a teddy bear, at least to me and mom. I remember in high school, any boy I would date, he would just stare at them, which usually scared the shit out of them”We laughed and told stories about our time in the service. Then I did the dishes up while I had her go relax on the couch. When I finished, I asked if she would like a beer now, which she gladly accepted. Before I came out with the beers, I wrote down my name, address and phone number, and handed it to her.“What’s this for?” I told her, “Look. You were injured and I would like you to call your family and tell them and that you will be staying here tonight. Plus give you peace of mind that you are not bunking with some crazy guy in the woods. So let them know that info, and all should be good.”She chuckled then said, “Well, for one. all of you jarheads are crazy, so I am not too sure how safe I am with you, but so far, you haven’t shown any craziness. But I will call my daughter and let her know.”She then called her daughter and explained the situation to her. They chatted for about 10 minutes or so. Her daughter must have asked her if I was cute, because she softly spoke, “yeah. pretty cute” After that she hung up her phone and sat back on the couch.“I want to thank you again for saving me from a very bad situation. I know I have to be a pain in the ass to you, and you weren’t planning on someone screwing up your vacation like this.” Carrie said.“Number one, you are not a pain in the ass at all, and two, you haven’t screwed anything up. I rather enjoy your company, if I am being honest here. Granted, I came up here alone, but now I have made a friend, or at least, an acquaintance, and if I may add a very beautiful one at that..Carrie blushed, "Thank you. I mean for a Gyrene, you are pretty nice, and a bonus, you can cook too. How come some pretty woman hasn’t snatched you up?”I just chuckled at that, “Well, you know how it is in the service. Always deployed to some ungodly place, or never being able to put roots down in one place. That’s not fair to anyone. Plus, there has been no one who really rocked my world. The closest I came was living with this one girl for like 6 months, but she opted out after seeing me off to Iraq, and just couldn’t handle the unknown. When I got back 8 months later, she was long gone. Never heard a word from her either, except for the letter she left behind. So from that point on, I just dated here and there, nothing steady. And now, I haven’t really looked. You say you are divorced, what happened there, if you don’t mind telling.”She smiled, and when she did, her whole face smiled. Her almond shaped eyes were to die for. A man could get lost in those eyes. I know I was. I also wondered if she had a special man in her life. If so, he was a complete idiot for letting her go on this by herself. Not to keep her safe, or anything like that, but just to be with her.“We met at Pensacola when I was just 2 years into my first term. He was a Seal. So of course he hung the moon and stars. But growing up Navy, I knew what this entailed. We had a great marriage, at least I thought we did. Only when he got deployed, did I get scared. You know how it is with them, they are not going to some amusement park. When he got transferred to a base, I got one too, since I worked in procurement and distribution, it was no big deal.”She took a swig of her beer and breathed out, then continued. “We tried having kids, but I came to find out that my tubes were closed and I couldn’t have any. So we started looking at adoption and then about a year later we were informed about Jenny. Her parents killed in an auto accident and she had no living relatives. We took her in as a foster child and then about a year after, we adopted her. Things were going good for us. We both got transferred to Norfolk, and luckily, Dad was stationed there too, but as

A Hiking Accident brings Mark and Carrie Together.by T. Foxal. Listen to the ► Podcast at Connected.Mark and Carrie never met before, until an accident to Carrie, brought them together, and now maybe for good.Chapter 1.I’m Mark. 39 years old, single, a computer geek who is lucky enough that I can work from home, and make my own hours. I wasn’t always like this. When I was 18, I had a choice, jail or join the service. I just made some bad decisions back then, doing drugs and getting in fights. So I opted for the Marines. I spent 15 years with them, and advanced to Master Sergeant, which is the fourth highest position an NCO can go. Served 3 tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, which are true shit holes. Great thing about the service, besides 3 square meals a day and a place to sleep, you can be taught almost any useful job in the world, which is where I learned computer programing.Now I pretty much free-lance my abilities out and make a good wage. Most times I have jobs to do, but sometimes I don’t and have lots of free time. If I do have jobs, I can make my own hours.I don’t have a steady woman at this time, and I am  okay with that. Being deployed all the time, whether it was in the Middle East, or on some ship with a bunch of Squids, I really had no time for a relationship.I had been out almost a year this past August, when I decided I needed some down time. I decided I was going to the Adirondacks and do some hiking. I grew up outside of Syracuse NY., and have always wanted to go there. My one uncle owns a cabin up there and offered it to me when he heard I wanted to go hiking up there. He told me it had one bedroom, a bathroom, kitchen, and a living room with fireplace. It had running water and electricity. He warned me that I would need to turn on the hot water tank, since they shut it down last fall, after they used it last.I had decided that I would take two weeks to explore all the different mountain ranges this area had, finishing up at Mt. Marcy, the highest of them all. Since it was just after Labor Day, tourism should be at a low, with vacationers and school kids back into their routines. My plan was to hike daily, a different range, and if need be, camp out at night. Being a Marine, we are taught all types of survival skills, so this would be no problem for me. One thing my uncle did ask me to do, is stop at the Ranger station and let them know I would be occupying the cabin for a length of time. People sometimes like to use squatter rights and just use cabins, regardless if they are allowed, or not.I also like that the temperature doesn’t get to warm up there either. I prefer cool nights and just warm days. Maybe it’s because of my time in that hell hole of the middle east. My trip took almost 4 hours to get to where I wanted to go.Chapter 2.The skies were quite cloudy when I pulled into the Ranger Station. I got out of my truck and headed to the stations door, and when I opened it, a woman was coming out at the same time and we bumped into each other. We both apologized, then laughed, and then she continued on to her vehicle.After letting a ranger know where I was going and for how long, I exited the station and headed back to my truck. That’s when I noticed her again. She was 5 ‘7, maybe 130 lbs., caramel colored skin, hair just past her shoulders, when she let it down. From the side, she did not look like she had very big boobs, they were smallish medium, just the way I actually like them. She was wearing camo style shorts, and a tan polo shirt. Boy, she had nice legs, long and muscular, very toned. If I had to guess her age, early 30’s. Whoever was getting lucky with that, was one lucky son of a bitch. One thing I did notice, she was wearing white running shoes, and not hiking boots. Judging from the backpack she was attempting to put on, she was going hiking and camping out. Running shoes are not the smartest thing to wear hiking. No ankle support what so ever.As I drove off, I stole another look at her, as I drove by. Great looking ass. Bigger than a model would have, but smaller than many of the women I have seen in my lifetime. I exited the parking lot and started heading up Whiteface Mountain. My uncle’s cabin is up about 4 miles from this point, on a long and windy road. If I had to guess, it would be about a third of the way up the mountain, and only because of the road, which I believed was cut out by a snake.Once I arrived, I unloaded everything into the cabin. Found the circuit breaker and turned them on, especially the hot water tank. Too many cold showers in my life, so no need to suffer this time now. One thing I did notice too, the temp was cooler up this high. It was around 70 down by the station, but I bet it dropped a good 10 degrees.Next, I unload my coolers, which had meats and eggs, butter, and all of the necessities needed to eat well. I had enough for 2 weeks, if not more. Also brought along two 12 packs of beer as well, and water. Man I love roughing it.After stowing away my gear and food, I checked the place out. Nice queen size bed, in the bedroom. They even had TV, which I could care less about. May to use for the weather is all I can see a use for it. I’m not one to sit and watch TV much, except for football and maybe playoff baseball.I then went and checked the area out. The back porch had a gas grill on it, plus what looked like a cord of wood. I figured if I used any, I could go into town and buy some to replenish, unless Unc had a chain saw, then I would do my own. I then went for a small hike just around the area.I did not want to venture to far today. It was already after 4pm, and the skies were really getting dark, so some rain, if not storms, were moving in soon. About a ¼ mile into the woods, was a hiking trail, well used too. I wondered if that lady was on this trail, if she even made up this far yet. If she did, she better start preparing her campsite for the weather that was due in soon. I kept hiking for another 30 minutes before heading back to the cabin. I figured a good early start in the morning, may get me to the top by the afternoon, early evening.Chapter 3.I was now back from my little hike and relaxing, but also getting hungry. I settled on frying up some home fries and grill up some Polish kielbasa. I cooked up the potatoes first, and then set the pan in the oven and set it to warm. Then took the meat out to the porch and fired up the grill.It was a little after 6 now and the wind had really picked up and the skies hung low, full of rain that to start shortly. As I waited for the grill to heat up some, I thought I heard someone cry out. At first I thought it could be just the wind, but then I heard it again.I stepped off the porch and headed towards the trail, behind the cabin. As I got on the trail, I heard the cry again, but this time could make out the word Help. I yelled out for the person to keep yelling, so I could judge where it was actually coming from.Whoever it was, must have heard me because the Helps were coming more quickly. I was at least a good half mile now from the cabin when I came upon a woman, lying on the ground, holding her foot. It was the lady I saw down by the ranger station when I first arrived.When she saw me coming she said, “Oh Thank God. I wasn’t sure anyone could hear me.”“What happened?” I asked. “Oh stupid me wasn’t watching where I stepped and then all of a sudden, I’m on the ground from twisting my ankle.” she explained, then went on,“I tried walking on it, but damn, it hurts. I don’t think it is broken.” I kneeled in front of her and took off her shoe, then her wool sock, and could see the ankle was swollen and just starting to turn a little purplish. I’m no doctor, nor was I corpsman in the service, but I have had my share, and have seen many a sprained ankle, and this sure did look like one.After looking at it, I looked up at her face and could see the pain written all over her gorgeous face. I then gently removed her backpack, which had to weigh a good 25 to 30 pounds. “Christ, what the hell is she carrying in this.”, I thought. Then I put the backpack on over my shoulders. Just then, the rain started. “Great, just what I needed”, I thought.“Oh damn. This isn’t good. What are we going to do now?” she asked.“First off, grab my arm and let’s get you up, then we’ll hike back down to my cabin, which I think is about a ½ mile from here.” I said. “By the way, my name is Mark” She retorted back to me “Carolyn, or Carrie to my friends, which you are fast becoming.”With my help, she stood up, using her good leg. Now I am not a tall man, 5’ 10 175 lbs., and still in great shape, since I work out 4 times a week. I then asked her to put her right arm around my neck and I would hold her waist, and we would try and keep all the weight off of the foot.We did quite well actually, and she didn’t complain one time. Only twice did we have to stop and rest a minute. That didn’t matter, we were both soaked to our skin by now, and it was quite chilly out. What should have taken maybe 5 minutes to walk, turned into almost 25 minutes, by the time we got back to the porch of the cabin. At one point, I felt I should have just carried her fireman’s style, just to speed this up.We then entered the cabin. Luckily it was still pretty warm in there, but I knew that wouldn’t last long. I guided her over to a leather chair and had her sit. Then went and got some towels to at least dry off some of the rain.I then went into the bathroom and saw that my uncle had 2 inch wide medical tape and some gauze. I went into my pack and pulled out some Aleve. I came back out, got some water and then handed her the medicine. Then I knelt down and removed her shoe again, sans the sock, since we didn’t put that back on. I carefully dried her foot and ankle, and then wrapped gauze around it, then taped it up.After I finished, I could see she was shaking from being cold now. Both of us were soaked to the skin. I went into my uncles dresser and looked around. My aunt had a set sweats in there. I hope they fit her. My aunt is only 5'4, but is big chested, so the top should be fine. I also pulled out some socks for her as well. I then looked in the closet, and in the back, found a pair of crutches. Uncle’s family comes up here a lot to ski, so crutches would be a wise investment, especially for my one cousin Carol, she is a klutz.I came back into the living room and looked down at her. “ How does that feel now Carrie”“Still hurts, but not like it was, and thank you.” she said. I extended a hand to her and told her to grab it, then pulled her up. “I got you some clothes to change into, and these crutches. The shower is down the hall. A good hot shower should help you warm up a bit . Also, take this baggie and wrap it around your foot and ankle and tape off the top, to keep it dry.”“Oh My God, you are so nice. I am so sorry for being a pain in your ass, but thank you so much.”She trudged down the hall to the bath. I couldn’t help but look at her great legs and chubby ass as she went. I did notice she wore no wedding, or engagement ring, so that was a good thing. Just before she opened the bathroom door, I told her I was going to finish making dinner. She just grinned, but said nothing. Before I did that though, I pulled out some sweats. Both the top and the bottoms had the Marine logo on it. Those sweats last forever.I had to reheat the fried potatoes and then went and relit the grill. The kielbasa was done in about 10 minutes. So when I came back in, she was still not out of the shower. “Women”, I thought. They take so friggin long to get clean. Although I did have some thoughts about how she looked in the shower.I had just finished setting the table, when she arrived back out in the living room. The sweat top was definitely too big for her, yet looked cute. The sweat pants were a little snug and stopped short about two inches from the top of her feet. She was like staring at me, but didn’t speak.“Is something wrong?” I asked. “No, not a thing, except for those Jarhead sweats you have on.”“What? You don’t like Marines?” She laughed and said, “They are okay, but to a Navy gal, they don’t get my motor running”“Oh shit. I helped a god damn Squid? Christ sakes”, then laughed, and so did she. “Come on, let’s eat”I asked her what she would like to drink, which was limited to beer or water. She chose a water, as I did too, and sat down to our little feast.Chapter 4.She was quiet at first, so I broke the silence and asked her “So Miss Carrie, and I presume Miss, what has you up here by yourself?”She chuckled then spoke “ I love hiking and always wanted to come explore these mountains. And Yes, I am a miss. Divorced actually, 5 years now. I have a 20 year daughter too, who attends Syracuse University.“Good God” I interjected; “How the hell did you ly you way into the navy as a 10 year old? You can't be past your early thirties!”I spent 14 years in the Navy. I was also a Navy brat too. My dad and mom live in Pensacola, after he retired from the Navy as a Master Chief. I left the Navy 7 years ago, but that’s another story.”She took a drink of water, then continued. “ I live right outside of Syracuse now, mostly to be close to my daughter. We adopted her when she was 3 years old. I couldn’t have kids, and she was orphaned when her parents were killed in an auto accident in Norfolk. What about you Mr. Mark?”I smiled at her and looked her right in the eye, which were hazel in color. “Let’s see, I spent 20 good years in the Navy, and then retired from it. I did pick up a good vocation, programming computers, so that’s what I do now. Mostly free-lance myself out. I make a good wage doing it. My uncle owns this cabin and I needed a vacation, so I too, wanted to explore here. I took the next two weeks off and hope to finish up on Mt. Marcy. I grew up just east of Syracuse and moved back there. Both of my parents are deceased now, and I have one sister, who is two years older than me”She then asked, “What did you end up at?”“An E8, Master Sergeant,” I answered. “and you?”She chuckled and said, “E8 as well, Senior Chief. How many deployments?”“3 tours in the sandpit, then countless boat rides. Served on the George Washington and the Lincoln, and ended my career at Quantico.”“Oh shit. My dad served on the Lincoln too, John Reynolds. Master Chief of the Boat.”I laughed and said, “I know your old man. I served with him on the Lincoln for 6 months. At the time I was a E6 (Staff Sergeant), but I got to know him well. I even got to meet your mom too, when we got done at Norfolk. Beautiful lady and not being forward, I can see where you get your looks. Your old man had a way with the crew. They all respected him and did anything he told them to do. I can still remember his one saying, "Son. Don’t fail me, or I will open a can of whoop ass on you.” Usually scared the shit out of some teenage kid”She laughed and said, “Yeah, he did have their respect, but at home he was a teddy bear, at least to me and mom. I remember in high school, any boy I would date, he would just stare at them, which usually scared the shit out of them”We laughed and told stories about our time in the service. Then I did the dishes up while I had her go relax on the couch. When I finished, I asked if she would like a beer now, which she gladly accepted. Before I came out with the beers, I wrote down my name, address and phone number, and handed it to her.“What’s this for?” I told her, “Look. You were injured and I would like you to call your family and tell them and that you will be staying here tonight. Plus give you peace of mind that you are not bunking with some crazy guy in the woods. So let them know that info, and all should be good.”She chuckled then said, “Well, for one. all of you jarheads are crazy, so I am not too sure how safe I am with you, but so far, you haven’t shown any craziness. But I will call my daughter and let her know.”She then called her daughter and explained the situation to her. They chatted for about 10 minutes or so. Her daughter must have asked her if I was cute, because she softly spoke, “yeah. pretty cute” After that she hung up her phone and sat back on the couch.“I want to thank you again for saving me from a very bad situation. I know I have to be a pain in the ass to you, and you weren’t planning on someone screwing up your vacation like this.” Carrie said.“Number one, you are not a pain in the ass at all, and two, you haven’t screwed anything up. I rather enjoy your company, if I am being honest here. Granted, I came up here alone, but now I have made a friend, or at least, an acquaintance, and if I may add a very beautiful one at that..Carrie blushed, "Thank you. I mean for a Gyrene, you are pretty nice, and a bonus, you can cook too. How come some pretty woman hasn’t snatched you up?”I just chuckled at that, “Well, you know how it is in the service. Always deployed to some ungodly place, or never being able to put roots down in one place. That’s not fair to anyone. Plus, there has been no one who really rocked my world. The closest I came was living with this one girl for like 6 months, but she opted out after seeing me off to Iraq, and just couldn’t handle the unknown. When I got back 8 months later, she was long gone. Never heard a word from her either, except for the letter she left behind. So from that point on, I just dated here and there, nothing steady. And now, I haven’t really looked. You say you are divorced, what happened there, if you don’t mind telling.”She smiled, and when she did, her whole face smiled. Her almond shaped eyes were to die for. A man could get lost in those eyes. I know I was. I also wondered if she had a special man in her life. If so, he was a complete idiot for letting her go on this by herself. Not to keep her safe, or anything like that, but just to be with her.“We met at Pensacola when I was just 2 years into my first term. He was a Seal. So of course he hung the moon and stars. But growing up Navy, I knew what this entailed. We had a great marriage, at least I thought we did. Only when he got deployed, did I get scared. You know how it is with them, they are not going to some amusement park. When he got transferred to a base, I got one too, since I worked in procurement and distribution, it was no big deal.”She took a swig of her beer and breathed out, then continued. “We tried having kids, but I came to find out that my tubes were closed and I couldn’t have any. So we started looking at adoption and then about a year later we were informed about Jenny. Her parents killed in an auto accident and she had no living relatives. We took her in as a foster child and then about a year after, we adopted her. Things were going good for us. We both got transferred to Norfolk, and luckily, Dad was stationed there too, but as

A Hiking Accident brings Mark and Carrie Together.by T. Foxal. Listen to the ► Podcast at Connected.Mark and Carrie never met before, until an accident to Carrie, brought them together, and now maybe for good.Chapter 1.I’m Mark. 39 years old, single, a computer geek who is lucky enough that I can work from home, and make my own hours. I wasn’t always like this. When I was 18, I had a choice, jail or join the service. I just made some bad decisions back then, doing drugs and getting in fights. So I opted for the Marines. I spent 15 years with them, and advanced to Master Sergeant, which is the fourth highest position an NCO can go. Served 3 tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, which are true shit holes. Great thing about the service, besides 3 square meals a day and a place to sleep, you can be taught almost any useful job in the world, which is where I learned computer programing.Now I pretty much free-lance my abilities out and make a good wage. Most times I have jobs to do, but sometimes I don’t and have lots of free time. If I do have jobs, I can make my own hours.I don’t have a steady woman at this time, and I am  okay with that. Being deployed all the time, whether it was in the Middle East, or on some ship with a bunch of Squids, I really had no time for a relationship.I had been out almost a year this past August, when I decided I needed some down time. I decided I was going to the Adirondacks and do some hiking. I grew up outside of Syracuse NY., and have always wanted to go there. My one uncle owns a cabin up there and offered it to me when he heard I wanted to go hiking up there. He told me it had one bedroom, a bathroom, kitchen, and a living room with fireplace. It had running water and electricity. He warned me that I would need to turn on the hot water tank, since they shut it down last fall, after they used it last.I had decided that I would take two weeks to explore all the different mountain ranges this area had, finishing up at Mt. Marcy, the highest of them all. Since it was just after Labor Day, tourism should be at a low, with vacationers and school kids back into their routines. My plan was to hike daily, a different range, and if need be, camp out at night. Being a Marine, we are taught all types of survival skills, so this would be no problem for me. One thing my uncle did ask me to do, is stop at the Ranger station and let them know I would be occupying the cabin for a length of time. People sometimes like to use squatter rights and just use cabins, regardless if they are allowed, or not.I also like that the temperature doesn’t get to warm up there either. I prefer cool nights and just warm days. Maybe it’s because of my time in that hell hole of the middle east. My trip took almost 4 hours to get to where I wanted to go.Chapter 2.The skies were quite cloudy when I pulled into the Ranger Station. I got out of my truck and headed to the stations door, and when I opened it, a woman was coming out at the same time and we bumped into each other. We both apologized, then laughed, and then she continued on to her vehicle.After letting a ranger know where I was going and for how long, I exited the station and headed back to my truck. That’s when I noticed her again. She was 5 ‘7, maybe 130 lbs., caramel colored skin, hair just past her shoulders, when she let it down. From the side, she did not look like she had very big boobs, they were smallish medium, just the way I actually like them. She was wearing camo style shorts, and a tan polo shirt. Boy, she had nice legs, long and muscular, very toned. If I had to guess her age, early 30’s. Whoever was getting lucky with that, was one lucky son of a bitch. One thing I did notice, she was wearing white running shoes, and not hiking boots. Judging from the backpack she was attempting to put on, she was going hiking and camping out. Running shoes are not the smartest thing to wear hiking. No ankle support what so ever.As I drove off, I stole another look at her, as I drove by. Great looking ass. Bigger than a model would have, but smaller than many of the women I have seen in my lifetime. I exited the parking lot and started heading up Whiteface Mountain. My uncle’s cabin is up about 4 miles from this point, on a long and windy road. If I had to guess, it would be about a third of the way up the mountain, and only because of the road, which I believed was cut out by a snake.Once I arrived, I unloaded everything into the cabin. Found the circuit breaker and turned them on, especially the hot water tank. Too many cold showers in my life, so no need to suffer this time now. One thing I did notice too, the temp was cooler up this high. It was around 70 down by the station, but I bet it dropped a good 10 degrees.Next, I unload my coolers, which had meats and eggs, butter, and all of the necessities needed to eat well. I had enough for 2 weeks, if not more. Also brought along two 12 packs of beer as well, and water. Man I love roughing it.After stowing away my gear and food, I checked the place out. Nice queen size bed, in the bedroom. They even had TV, which I could care less about. May to use for the weather is all I can see a use for it. I’m not one to sit and watch TV much, except for football and maybe playoff baseball.I then went and checked the area out. The back porch had a gas grill on it, plus what looked like a cord of wood. I figured if I used any, I could go into town and buy some to replenish, unless Unc had a chain saw, then I would do my own. I then went for a small hike just around the area.I did not want to venture to far today. It was already after 4pm, and the skies were really getting dark, so some rain, if not storms, were moving in soon. About a ¼ mile into the woods, was a hiking trail, well used too. I wondered if that lady was on this trail, if she even made up this far yet. If she did, she better start preparing her campsite for the weather that was due in soon. I kept hiking for another 30 minutes before heading back to the cabin. I figured a good early start in the morning, may get me to the top by the afternoon, early evening.Chapter 3.I was now back from my little hike and relaxing, but also getting hungry. I settled on frying up some home fries and grill up some Polish kielbasa. I cooked up the potatoes first, and then set the pan in the oven and set it to warm. Then took the meat out to the porch and fired up the grill.It was a little after 6 now and the wind had really picked up and the skies hung low, full of rain that to start shortly. As I waited for the grill to heat up some, I thought I heard someone cry out. At first I thought it could be just the wind, but then I heard it again.I stepped off the porch and headed towards the trail, behind the cabin. As I got on the trail, I heard the cry again, but this time could make out the word Help. I yelled out for the person to keep yelling, so I could judge where it was actually coming from.Whoever it was, must have heard me because the Helps were coming more quickly. I was at least a good half mile now from the cabin when I came upon a woman, lying on the ground, holding her foot. It was the lady I saw down by the ranger station when I first arrived.When she saw me coming she said, “Oh Thank God. I wasn’t sure anyone could hear me.”“What happened?” I asked. “Oh stupid me wasn’t watching where I stepped and then all of a sudden, I’m on the ground from twisting my ankle.” she explained, then went on,“I tried walking on it, but damn, it hurts. I don’t think it is broken.” I kneeled in front of her and took off her shoe, then her wool sock, and could see the ankle was swollen and just starting to turn a little purplish. I’m no doctor, nor was I corpsman in the service, but I have had my share, and have seen many a sprained ankle, and this sure did look like one.After looking at it, I looked up at her face and could see the pain written all over her gorgeous face. I then gently removed her backpack, which had to weigh a good 25 to 30 pounds. “Christ, what the hell is she carrying in this.”, I thought. Then I put the backpack on over my shoulders. Just then, the rain started. “Great, just what I needed”, I thought.“Oh damn. This isn’t good. What are we going to do now?” she asked.“First off, grab my arm and let’s get you up, then we’ll hike back down to my cabin, which I think is about a ½ mile from here.” I said. “By the way, my name is Mark” She retorted back to me “Carolyn, or Carrie to my friends, which you are fast becoming.”With my help, she stood up, using her good leg. Now I am not a tall man, 5’ 10 175 lbs., and still in great shape, since I work out 4 times a week. I then asked her to put her right arm around my neck and I would hold her waist, and we would try and keep all the weight off of the foot.We did quite well actually, and she didn’t complain one time. Only twice did we have to stop and rest a minute. That didn’t matter, we were both soaked to our skin by now, and it was quite chilly out. What should have taken maybe 5 minutes to walk, turned into almost 25 minutes, by the time we got back to the porch of the cabin. At one point, I felt I should have just carried her fireman’s style, just to speed this up.We then entered the cabin. Luckily it was still pretty warm in there, but I knew that wouldn’t last long. I guided her over to a leather chair and had her sit. Then went and got some towels to at least dry off some of the rain.I then went into the bathroom and saw that my uncle had 2 inch wide medical tape and some gauze. I went into my pack and pulled out some Aleve. I came back out, got some water and then handed her the medicine. Then I knelt down and removed her shoe again, sans the sock, since we didn’t put that back on. I carefully dried her foot and ankle, and then wrapped gauze around it, then taped it up.After I finished, I could see she was shaking from being cold now. Both of us were soaked to the skin. I went into my uncles dresser and looked around. My aunt had a set sweats in there. I hope they fit her. My aunt is only 5'4, but is big chested, so the top should be fine. I also pulled out some socks for her as well. I then looked in the closet, and in the back, found a pair of crutches. Uncle’s family comes up here a lot to ski, so crutches would be a wise investment, especially for my one cousin Carol, she is a klutz.I came back into the living room and looked down at her. “ How does that feel now Carrie”“Still hurts, but not like it was, and thank you.” she said. I extended a hand to her and told her to grab it, then pulled her up. “I got you some clothes to change into, and these crutches. The shower is down the hall. A good hot shower should help you warm up a bit . Also, take this baggie and wrap it around your foot and ankle and tape off the top, to keep it dry.”“Oh My God, you are so nice. I am so sorry for being a pain in your ass, but thank you so much.”She trudged down the hall to the bath. I couldn’t help but look at her great legs and chubby ass as she went. I did notice she wore no wedding, or engagement ring, so that was a good thing. Just before she opened the bathroom door, I told her I was going to finish making dinner. She just grinned, but said nothing. Before I did that though, I pulled out some sweats. Both the top and the bottoms had the Marine logo on it. Those sweats last forever.I had to reheat the fried potatoes and then went and relit the grill. The kielbasa was done in about 10 minutes. So when I came back in, she was still not out of the shower. “Women”, I thought. They take so friggin long to get clean. Although I did have some thoughts about how she looked in the shower.I had just finished setting the table, when she arrived back out in the living room. The sweat top was definitely too big for her, yet looked cute. The sweat pants were a little snug and stopped short about two inches from the top of her feet. She was like staring at me, but didn’t speak.“Is something wrong?” I asked. “No, not a thing, except for those Jarhead sweats you have on.”“What? You don’t like Marines?” She laughed and said, “They are okay, but to a Navy gal, they don’t get my motor running”“Oh shit. I helped a god damn Squid? Christ sakes”, then laughed, and so did she. “Come on, let’s eat”I asked her what she would like to drink, which was limited to beer or water. She chose a water, as I did too, and sat down to our little feast.Chapter 4.She was quiet at first, so I broke the silence and asked her “So Miss Carrie, and I presume Miss, what has you up here by yourself?”She chuckled then spoke “ I love hiking and always wanted to come explore these mountains. And Yes, I am a miss. Divorced actually, 5 years now. I have a 20 year daughter too, who attends Syracuse University.“Good God” I interjected; “How the hell did you ly you way into the navy as a 10 year old? You can't be past your early thirties!”I spent 14 years in the Navy. I was also a Navy brat too. My dad and mom live in Pensacola, after he retired from the Navy as a Master Chief. I left the Navy 7 years ago, but that’s another story.”She took a drink of water, then continued. “ I live right outside of Syracuse now, mostly to be close to my daughter. We adopted her when she was 3 years old. I couldn’t have kids, and she was orphaned when her parents were killed in an auto accident in Norfolk. What about you Mr. Mark?”I smiled at her and looked her right in the eye, which were hazel in color. “Let’s see, I spent 20 good years in the Navy, and then retired from it. I did pick up a good vocation, programming computers, so that’s what I do now. Mostly free-lance myself out. I make a good wage doing it. My uncle owns this cabin and I needed a vacation, so I too, wanted to explore here. I took the next two weeks off and hope to finish up on Mt. Marcy. I grew up just east of Syracuse and moved back there. Both of my parents are deceased now, and I have one sister, who is two years older than me”She then asked, “What did you end up at?”“An E8, Master Sergeant,” I answered. “and you?”She chuckled and said, “E8 as well, Senior Chief. How many deployments?”“3 tours in the sandpit, then countless boat rides. Served on the George Washington and the Lincoln, and ended my career at Quantico.”“Oh shit. My dad served on the Lincoln too, John Reynolds. Master Chief of the Boat.”I laughed and said, “I know your old man. I served with him on the Lincoln for 6 months. At the time I was a E6 (Staff Sergeant), but I got to know him well. I even got to meet your mom too, when we got done at Norfolk. Beautiful lady and not being forward, I can see where you get your looks. Your old man had a way with the crew. They all respected him and did anything he told them to do. I can still remember his one saying, "Son. Don’t fail me, or I will open a can of whoop ass on you.” Usually scared the shit out of some teenage kid”She laughed and said, “Yeah, he did have their respect, but at home he was a teddy bear, at least to me and mom. I remember in high school, any boy I would date, he would just stare at them, which usually scared the shit out of them”We laughed and told stories about our time in the service. Then I did the dishes up while I had her go relax on the couch. When I finished, I asked if she would like a beer now, which she gladly accepted. Before I came out with the beers, I wrote down my name, address and phone number, and handed it to her.“What’s this for?” I told her, “Look. You were injured and I would like you to call your family and tell them and that you will be staying here tonight. Plus give you peace of mind that you are not bunking with some crazy guy in the woods. So let them know that info, and all should be good.”She chuckled then said, “Well, for one. all of you jarheads are crazy, so I am not too sure how safe I am with you, but so far, you haven’t shown any craziness. But I will call my daughter and let her know.”She then called her daughter and explained the situation to her. They chatted for about 10 minutes or so. Her daughter must have asked her if I was cute, because she softly spoke, “yeah. pretty cute” After that she hung up her phone and sat back on the couch.“I want to thank you again for saving me from a very bad situation. I know I have to be a pain in the ass to you, and you weren’t planning on someone screwing up your vacation like this.” Carrie said.“Number one, you are not a pain in the ass at all, and two, you haven’t screwed anything up. I rather enjoy your company, if I am being honest here. Granted, I came up here alone, but now I have made a friend, or at least, an acquaintance, and if I may add a very beautiful one at that..Carrie blushed, "Thank you. I mean for a Gyrene, you are pretty nice, and a bonus, you can cook too. How come some pretty woman hasn’t snatched you up?”I just chuckled at that, “Well, you know how it is in the service. Always deployed to some ungodly place, or never being able to put roots down in one place. That’s not fair to anyone. Plus, there has been no one who really rocked my world. The closest I came was living with this one girl for like 6 months, but she opted out after seeing me off to Iraq, and just couldn’t handle the unknown. When I got back 8 months later, she was long gone. Never heard a word from her either, except for the letter she left behind. So from that point on, I just dated here and there, nothing steady. And now, I haven’t really looked. You say you are divorced, what happened there, if you don’t mind telling.”She smiled, and when she did, her whole face smiled. Her almond shaped eyes were to die for. A man could get lost in those eyes. I know I was. I also wondered if she had a special man in her life. If so, he was a complete idiot for letting her go on this by herself. Not to keep her safe, or anything like that, but just to be with her.“We met at Pensacola when I was just 2 years into my first term. He was a Seal. So of course he hung the moon and stars. But growing up Navy, I knew what this entailed. We had a great marriage, at least I thought we did. Only when he got deployed, did I get scared. You know how it is with them, they are not going to some amusement park. When he got transferred to a base, I got one too, since I worked in procurement and distribution, it was no big deal.”She took a swig of her beer and breathed out, then continued. “We tried having kids, but I came to find out that my tubes were closed and I couldn’t have any. So we started looking at adoption and then about a year later we were informed about Jenny. Her parents killed in an auto accident and she had no living relatives. We took her in as a foster child and then about a year after, we adopted her. Things were going good for us. We both got transferred to Norfolk, and luckily, Dad was stationed there too, but as

See all the Healthcasts at https://www.biobalancehealth.com/healthcast-blog I bet you have heard the idiom, “There is no free lunch”, or  “There is no medication without a side effect”, but did you know that medications that are prescribed by your doctor can have negative effects on your health that are never even discussed with you….so you should protect yourself by replacing the nutrients that your medications  remove from your body, and that must be replaced for you to be healthy. Statins -→ COQ 10 DEFICIENCY= fatigue and depression Beta Blockers -→ COQ-10 DEFICIENCY= fatigue and depression Oral contraceptives and oral estrogen/progestins-→ COQ-10 DEFICIENCY= fatigue and depression Antidepressants called SSRIs-→ COQ-10 DEFICIENCY= fatigue and depression Dosage: If you take any of these medications you need to take COQ10 200-400 mg/day every day! Thiazide Diuretics=HCTZ -→ Magnesium and Zinc Deficiency muscle spasms, prostate issues, constipation Take 50 mg of Zinc and 400-600 mg of Magnesium Glycinate a day to replace what is lost. NSAIDS (Motrin, Advil, Aleve, Ibuprofen, Meloxicam, Naproxen, Indomethecin, Daypro, Mefenamic acid, Voltaren)-→ malabsorption, depression, anxiety, and the vitamin and mineral deficiencies listed: Folic Acid Deficiency- Take Methyl- Folate 500 mg Iron Deficiency—Take Iron Bisglycinate (Ferrabsorb) Vitamin C deficiency—Take Vitamin C 500-1000 mg/day Amino acid deficiency—take Arginine +/- Ornithine. OR change your medication to Celebrex 200-400 BID  PPIs=Proton Pump Inhibitors (Omeprazole, Prilosec, Pantoprazole, Lansoprazole, Protonix) are taken for stomach ulcers, H. Pylori infection and gastric reflux PPIs Increase Homocysteine which increases your risk of stroke, MI, and Pulmonary embolism.  PPIs decrease the absorption of many nutrients.  They actually cause malabsorption of essential nutrients.   Replace these nutrients with supplements, but much of what you take won't be absorbed unless you take daily Probiotics:  B12 – take methyl B12 1000 mcg/day Folate – take as methyl folate 5,000mcg/day Vitamin D – take 5,000 IU/day Note: PPIs can even cause the growth of dangerous gut bacteria causing chronic Hemophilus. If you have chronic vaginitis that smells fishy, it could be your PPIs! If you have this stop the PPI, take Pepcid instead (histamine receptor blocker) or nothing and take probiotics to repair the damage the PPIs have caused. These nutrients need to be replaced to keep you healthy, however it is better for most patients to only take PPIs for 2 weeks at a time or substitute a histamine receptor blocker like: Pepcid, Zofran. Surgery It is not just the medications doctors prescribe for their patients; sometimes surgical procedures can cause chronic diseases through preventing nutritional nutrients to enter your body.   Removal of the gall bladder must be done, yet patients are not told what they can do to be healthy after the surgery. The gall bladder provides enzymes that help you breakdown foods, primarily fats and absorb fatty vitamins from your food and supplements.  If you have had your gallbladder removed you can become nutritionally deficient in A, D, E fat soluble vitamins, and you will promote the growth of abnormal gut bacteria and are at risk for leaky gut, Celiac disease, autoimmune diseases and malnutrition. Everyone who has their gallbladder removed should take digestive enzymes with every meal and take Probiotics daily. Bariatric Surgery for Obesity The last iatrogenic nutritional deficiency that I will discuss is Bariatric surgeries, all kinds that remove part of the stomach, or band the stomach or in any way physically makes the stomach smaller is related to nutritional deficiencies caused by malabsorption of vitamins and minerals.  The way to combat these deficiencies include taking: a probiotic daily digestive enzymes with every meal and all vitamins should be chewable or sublingual to be absorbed from the mucosa of the mouth  In Conclusion: Remember I am a physician, and my job is to promote wellness in my patients.  It is sometimes more important and lifesaving to take the above medications or have these surgeries, than to prevent a nutritional deficiency in the future.  We must follow those medical decisions with trouble shooting addition of nutritional supplementation to replace what these necessary medications and surgeries remove.  That is preventive medicine and why supplementation is often needed for our health.  

Send us a Text Message.Although today's' theme has nothing to do with actors, quite a few of them popped up in today's grid.There were some LOL clues / answers as well, and let us not gloss over some very nice pairings in the grid -- EDIE v. EDDY, LIEV v. ALEVE, those surely can't ONE, um, we mean ALL,  be coincidental! TLDR,  we loved this debut crossword from Sara Muchnick and can't  wait for more, which is why we've awarded this fine puzzle 5 squares on the NIST-approved* JAMCR scale.*just kidding: the National Institute of Standards and Technology has not expressed an official opinion as to the validity of our scale, but as soon as they get the metric system sorted out we're sure to be next in the queue.Show note imagery: BAD, Michael Jackson's first concert tour after leaving the Jackson 5, but definitely not an appropriate adjective for that tour! Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

Work with me privately About Angela Mickey: Angela Mickey is the Managing Director of Casting at Liz Lewis Casting Partners, and has been working as a Casting Director for 24 years.  Angela works across the board on commercial, voice-over, film, TV, and theater projects, with a concentration on comedy, real people, and theatrical casting.  She enjoys working with both veteran and up-and-coming creatives, developing the best, unique plan for each project, and working as a partner to the producing process.  Recent on-camera commercial projects: Spectrum, UberEats, DCU, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Tillamook, Door Dash, Woodbridge, NJ Lottery, Marriott.  Recent real people projects: New York Presbyterian, Aleve, NorthAmerican Bancard, Redemption Whiskey, Chevy, Wells Fargo, JC Penney, as well as a variety of editorial projects for Condé Nast. Recent animation/podcast vo projects: Dee and Friends in Oz (Netflix), SuperKitties (Disney Jr), Get Rolling with Otis (Apple TV +), The Snow Globe (in conjunction with Chik-Fil-A), This Job is History (Wondery), Killer Questions with Daryn Carp (ID).  Recent film projects include "Martyr of Gowanus", Lifetime's "12 Days of Christmas Eve", "The Legend of Lake Ronkonkoma: The Lady of the Lake", Filipino movie musical "The Girl Who Left Home", and Hallmark's "Where Are You Christmas" and "Mystic Christmas."  Angela's got a treasure trove of tips, secrets, and stories that are pure gold for anyone in the acting game, whether you're just starting out or you've been around the block a few times. Here's the lowdown on what we covered: What You Need to Know: Reading Instructions is Key: Angela talks about how something as simple as sending the wrong file type can throw a wrench in your audition. She's all about paying attention to the details. Make sure you know what they're asking for and nail it. Ace Your Online Auditions: With auditions going digital, Angela shares the scoop on making sure your setup is on point. Good internet, good lighting, and a space where you can do your thing without distractions are your best friends here. Bring Your Flavor to the Role: Angela's not looking for robots. She wants to see what you bring to the character. It's all about showing up with your take on the role and being ready to collaborate to make something awesome. Self-Care for the Win: One of the big themes Angela hits on is looking after yourself. Acting's a marathon, not a sprint, and giving yourself permission to take breaks and live life outside the acting bubble is crucial. Top Quotes from the episode: "Making me work harder to fix your audition tape? Yeah, that's gonna make me think twice about calling you back." "Don't just show up expecting to be directed. Bring your own magic to the role. That's what gets noticed." "Worried about your online audition setup? Just do your best to keep things simple and stress-free. It's about what you do, not where you do it." "The industry isn't going anywhere. Taking a break for a bit of self-care or to just breathe is totally fine. You do you."

In this episode we discuss some of the lessons we've learned in 4,000 days of sobriety. We discuss pain management, and our partnership with Aleve in their new awareness campaign called "The Painful Truth." Our story is as much about healthy and safe pain management as it is addiction recovery and we discuss what pain management looks like today. We get personal and talk about the beauty of a recovered life and our family weekend where every aspect of the lessons we learned were on display. Patience, gratitude, mindfulness and presence, spirituality, reframing positivity and hope, and acceptance were all on display within a short time period and it's important to remember that things CAN get better if you're willing to work for it.Find video clips and full length video from this episode on YouTube and our other social media pages!On the web:www.twfo.comOnline Course: www.independentlystrong.comUse code WHEELIES75 for 75% off the entire course!Follow us on TikTok:https://tiktok.com/@twfo_coupleFollow us on Instagram:https://instagram.com/twfo_couple/Follow us on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/TWFOCoupleFollow us on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@twfo_coupleFind Taylor Counseling Group:https://taylorcounselinggroup.com/Donate to Counseling for the Future Foundation:Donate Here

View all show notes and timestamps on the KoopCast website.Episode overview: In this first of four episodes on drugs in ultramarathon running, Eve Pannone joins the podcast to discuss NSAIDs in endurance sport. The widespread use of NSAIDs like ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) in ultramarathon running is alarming due to the health risks associated with kidney disease, electrolyte imbalance, and other factors. NSAIDs exacerbate some of the stresses of endurance sport to dangerous levels and have no proven performance benefit, yet changing public perception is a challenge. In this episode we break down why NSAIDs are harmful, what we can do as a community to protect athlete health, and viable alternatives to painkillers. If you enjoy this episode, be sure to check out the next three episodes in this mini-series.Episode highlights:(6:15) Defining NSAIDs: demystifying pain relievers, Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, pain relievers that work by reducing inflammation, ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve), and others, controversy around Aspirin, Tylenol is not an NSAID(10:28) Why NSAIDs are harmful: NSAIDs do not improve performance, risks and side effects, acute kidney injury, electrolyte imbalances, no positive and all negative effects(40:48) Alternatives to NSAIDs: caffeine, paracetamol (Tylenol) is low risk but medical interventions to reduce pain are generally a bad idea, accept that ultrarunning is going to hurtAdditional resources:What is known about the health effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use in marathon and ultra-endurance running: a scoping reviewKoop's article on Ironman's Partnership with AlleveSUBSCRIBE to Research Essentials for UltrarunningBuy Training Essentials for Ultrarunning on Amazon or Audible.Information on coaching-www.trainright.comKoop's Social MediaTwitter/Instagram- @jasonkoop

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Veronica “Niki” Fielding is the CEO and President at Digital Brand Expressions (DBE), a digital marketing agency with 23 years of experience helping companies with SEO, analytics and integration alignment, and social media and paid search marketing. Niki and her team have worked with manufacturers, B2B brands, and Fortune 500 companies, including Aleve, the Ritz Carlton, Mitsubishi, and the Wall Street Journal. As an entrepreneur and executive, she is a recipient of the Best 50 Women in Business award. In this episode: Two of the most crucial components of business growth are task delegation and networking. Some entrepreneurs are particular about executing tasks, which inhibits their team from completing projects. Others limit their networking opportunities by only partnering with potential clients. What processes can you create to master both of these business development areas? As a recognized connector and seasoned entrepreneur, Veronica “Niki” Fielding has refined and honed many systems for delegation and business growth. She affirms that you should delegate difficult and time-consuming tasks to experts who can complete them efficiently. When documenting processes for delegation, you must consider evolving industry standards and provide your team with objectives and clear expectations, allowing them to govern the execution. Networking requires connecting with others who may not fit your client profile but can introduce you to potential clients.  In this episode of Systems Simplified, Adi Klevit hosts the Founder and CEO of Digital Brand Expressions (DBE), Veronica “Niki” Fielding, to discuss task delegation and networking. Niki shares the issues entrepreneurs encounter when delegating, how she pioneered social and search marketing, and how to follow up with connections after networking events.

Episode 126 – New Gurus Coach, Kevin Kilpatrick It's time! We can officially announce our new Voiceover Gurus coach and on this episode, Kevin comes aboard the podcast to chat about his life, experiences and how he coaches. He is a welcome addition to the team! Join us for a workout or a private coaching session with Kevin. About Kevin Kilpatrick: Ever since stepping onto a stage at age 5, Kevin Kilpatrick had an unshakable desire to perform. Throughout his school years and into college, he was always acting; even attending college on a theatre scholarship. After college and a successful 18-year career as a radio personality, Kevin made the leap to full-time voice actor in 2004.    Today, Kevin is an Emmy-nominated and multiple SOVAS award-winning voice actor, producer and coach. He's known for his documentary work on National Geographic, REELZ and PBS. He's voiced commercials for GE, Hard Mountain Dew, Aleve, Cracker Barrel Cheese, American Express, FedEx, Nutri-System and others. He's proud to be a regular narrator for corporate clients Apple, Pepsi, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Pizza Hut, Kia, Lowe's and countless others.    One of his “bread and butter” genres though is Automotive. Kevin can be heard nationwide in over 50 markets helping automotive dealers “move metal.” Kevin is also heard regularly on radio stations throughout the country as the imaging voice of the station.   When Kevin is not in the booth performing, he's usually producing audio or working with others as voice-acting coach. Having trained with elite acting coaches himself, Kevin is passionate about helping talent of all skill levels improve.  Another fun fact about him is that he is an avid sports fan. Away from the studio, chances are you will find Kevin on the golf course, tennis courts or at the ball field. Want to talk sports? Kevin is the guy you want to chat with, preferably over a nice glass of bourbon.   Visit his website: https://kevinkilpatrick.com/ FOR MORE INFO ON THE SHOW, PLEASE VISIT: Coaching Website: https://voiceover.guru/  and https://learnwiththegurus.com/ Linda Bruno Voice Actress  https://www.lindabruno.com Alyssa Jayson Actress and Musician http://www.alyssajayson.com Join our Circle Community: https://the-voiceover-gurus.circle.so/home

Detailed Shownotes for This Episode of The 6-8 Weeks Podcast:-- What is Knee Arthritis? https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/knee-arthritis#:~:text=What%20is%20knee%20arthritis%3F,to%20smoothly%20bend%20and%20straighten.-- What is Bursitis? https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bursitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353242-- What is Return to Play? https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/what-does-return-to-play-really-mean-- How Often Does Arthritis Impact Construction Workers? https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/20166-construction-agricultural-workers-at-higher-risk-of-knee-osteoarthritis-study-- What is an Anti-Inflammatory? https://www.healthline.com/health/pain-relief/otc-anti-inflammatories-- What is Advil? https://www.advil.com/faqs-en/-- What is Aleve? https://www.aleve.com/frequently-asked-questions-safety-and-usage?gclid=CjwKCAjwp8OpBhAFEiwAG7NaElXGOEjUEaFYifyMEVBvwGwZaj2pvDOTihkIH0ASBdL0rycLV3ewkRoCtXAQAvD_BwE-- What is Motrin? https://www.motrin.com/what-is-motrin-- What is Meloxicam? https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/meloxicam-oral-route/description/drg-20066928-- How Does the Human Bloodstream Carry Medications? https://www.nigms.nih.gov/education/Inside-Life-Science/Pages/A-Medicines-Life-Inside-the-Body.aspx-- What is Prednisone? https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/20469-prednisone-tablets-- Learn All About the Knee Joint: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_q-Jxj5sT0g-- What is Synovium? https://www.physio-pedia.com/Synovium_%26_Synovial_Fluid-- What is a Narcotic? https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Narcotics-2020.pdf-- What is Vicodin? https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/hydrocodone.pdf-- What is Norco? https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/040148s073lbl.pdf-- What is Hip Arthritis? https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/hip-arthritis-- What are Meniscus Root Tears? https://tcomn.com/meniscus-root-tears-on-the-rise/-- Be Sure to Listen to Our Episode on Meniscus Tears! https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/74f824ce-3c64-4e14-8c64-da985a8ea19a/episodes/d4b9f236-ce61-4abb-9eb5-dba27edd8a7d/6-8-weeks-perspectives-on-sports-medicine-meniscus-tears---when-should-you-worry-- What is Knee Replacement? https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/knee-replacement/about/pac-20385276-- Learn All About the British Medical Journal: https://www.bmj.com/-- What are the Tell-Tale Symptoms of Arthritis? https://www.painandtherapy.com/blog/5-telltale-signs-of-arthritis-- What is a Knee Injection? https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/hyaluronic-acid-injection-route/description/drg-20074557-- What is a Spine Injection? https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/spinal-injections/-- Learn All About the Journal of The American Medical Association (JAMA): https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama -- What is a Placebo? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RhG_ySxhDA-- What is the Value of Utilizing a Placebo? https://www.health.harvard.edu/mental-health/the-power-of-the-placebo-effect-- What is an ACL Tear? https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/anterior-cruciate-ligament-acl-injuries/-- What is Bicep Tendinitis? https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/biceps-tendinitis/-- What is Arthroscopic Surgery? https://losrobleshospital.com/your-health/video/what-is-arthroscopy-or-arthroscopic-surgery-- What is a Hamstring?— A Little Something About Steroid Injections to Read Over on Reddit:https://www.reddit.com/r/science/comments/j32d4q/cortisone_injections_increased_risk_for_knee/— Will There Be Trouble When Getting Injections Prior to Surgeries?https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37058158/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36737032/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35829737/— Should You Get a Steroid Injection Before Rotator Cuff Surgery?https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36734466/ — Learn About the Differences Between Cuff tendinopathy Vs PRP: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34020672/=== Connect with Dr. Brian Feeley:On the Web: https://twitter.com/drbrianfeeley On X: https://twitter.com/drbrianfeeley=== Connect with Dr. Nirav Pandya:On the Web: https://www.ucsfhealth.org/providers/dr-nirav-pandyaOn X: https://twitter.com/drniravpandya=== Connect with Dr. Drew Lansdown:On the Web: https://www.ucsfhealth.org/providers/dr-drew-lansdown

We all have preconceived notions when it comes to "injected steroids". Now - thanks to our three orthopedic surgeons, it's time to learn all about HOW AND WHY, in many cases, injecting steroids makes definitive sense. Whether it be to treat a soon-to-be-vacationing construction worker or a troubled athlete, all of the answers to resolve your questiosn are here inside this episode of The 6-8 Weeks Podcast. Connect with The 6-8 Weeks Podcast: There's a LOT of detail included in this program. Do you want to share YOUR perspective about it? Connect with The 6-8 Weeks Podcast Now! Subscribe to, Like and Share The 6-8 Weeks Podcast Everywhere:     The Detailed Shownotes for This Episode of The 6-8 Weeks Podcast: -- What is Knee Arthritis? https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/knee-arthritis#:~:text=What%20is%20knee%20arthritis%3F,to%20smoothly%20bend%20and%20straighten. -- What is Bursitis? https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bursitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353242 -- What is Return to Play? https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/what-does-return-to-play-really-mean -- How Often Does Arthritis Impact Construction Workers? https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/20166-construction-agricultural-workers-at-higher-risk-of-knee-osteoarthritis-study -- What is an Anti-Inflammatory? https://www.healthline.com/health/pain-relief/otc-anti-inflammatories -- What is Advil? https://www.advil.com/faqs-en/ -- What is Aleve? https://www.aleve.com/frequently-asked-questions-safety-and-usage?gclid=CjwKCAjwp8OpBhAFEiwAG7NaElXGOEjUEaFYifyMEVBvwGwZaj2pvDOTihkIH0ASBdL0rycLV3ewkRoCtXAQAvD_BwE -- What is Motrin? https://www.motrin.com/what-is-motrin -- What is Meloxicam? https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/meloxicam-oral-route/description/drg-20066928 -- How Does the Human Bloodstream Carry Medications? https://www.nigms.nih.gov/education/Inside-Life-Science/Pages/A-Medicines-Life-Inside-the-Body.aspx -- What is Prednisone? https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/20469-prednisone-tablets -- Learn All About the Knee Joint: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_q-Jxj5sT0g -- What is Synovium? https://www.physio-pedia.com/Synovium_%26_Synovial_Fluid -- What is a Narcotic? https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Narcotics-2020.pdf -- What is Vicodin? https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/hydrocodone.pdf -- What is Norco? https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/040148s073lbl.pdf -- What is Hip Arthritis? https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/hip-arthritis -- What are Meniscus Root Tears? https://tcomn.com/meniscus-root-tears-on-the-rise/ -- Be Sure to Listen to Our Episode on Meniscus Tears! https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/74f824ce-3c64-4e14-8c64-da985a8ea19a/episodes/d4b9f236-ce61-4abb-9eb5-dba27edd8a7d/6-8-weeks-perspectives-on-sports-medicine-meniscus-tears---when-should-you-worry -- What is Knee Replacement? https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/knee-replacement/about/pac-20385276 -- Learn All About the British Medical Journal: https://www.bmj.com/ -- What are the Tell-Tale Symptoms of Arthritis? https://www.painandtherapy.com/blog/5-telltale-signs-of-arthritis -- What is a Knee Injection? https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/hyaluronic-acid-injection-route/description/drg-20074557 -- What is a Spine Injection? https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/spinal-injections/ -- Learn All About the Journal of The American Medical Association (JAMA): https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama -- What is a Placebo? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RhG_ySxhDA -- What is the Value of Utilizing a Placebo? https://www.health.harvard.edu/mental-health/the-power-of-the-placebo-effect -- What is an ACL Tear? https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/anterior-cruciate-ligament-acl-injuries/

In this episode of the Liver Series, Dr. Niket Sonpal discusses drug-induced liver injury (DILI), a common and potentially serious side effect of many medications. DILI can occur in people of all ages, but is more common in older adults and people with pre-existing liver disease. DILI can be caused by a wide variety of medications, including over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs, and herbal supplements. Some of the most common medications that cause DILI include Tylenol, NSAIDS such as Advil and Aleve. DILI is usually treated by stopping the medication that is causing the injury. But, in severe cases, the patient may need to be hospitalized. October 2, 2023 — Do you work in primary care medicine? Primary Care Medicine Essentials is our brand new program specifically designed for primary care providers to increase their core medical knowledge & improve patient flow optimization. Learn more here: Primary Care Essentials —

Frank Murphy is joined by his friend Kathryn Frady of Marble City Opera. Frank asks Kathryn if we are still in the “off-season” for opera companies.  Frank's wife Jere asked him to donate some of her old clothes to the Ladies of Charity Thrift Store on Baxter Avenue (https://www.ladiesofcharityknox.org/). While he was there, he picked up fifteen neckties to wear while hosting Tennessee Scholars' Bowl on East Tennessee PBS or when emceeing an event.  At his last teeth cleaning, Frank found out that his dentist was not in his new insurance network and he had to pay the full rate for a cleaning and x-rays. When he called to make an appointment with a new dentist, he was offered an appointment at 2:30 p.m., which is the best dad joke ever.  Frank's wife joked that he would search for an attractive blonde dentist, based on his choice of dermatologist. Kathryn is thinking of dying her hair blonde again. In 2018, she went from bleach blonde to black hair in order to sing Tosca with the Helena Symphony.  This episode is sponsored by BoneZones.com (don't forget the S). Buy books and other merchandise autographed by Body Farm founder Dr. Bill Bass at https://bonezones.com/ including Body Farm t-shirts. You can also get several of Sam Venable's books, signed by the author and the new book by former UT counsel Ron Leadbetter.  Marble City Opera used to schedule one mainstage performance in the Fall, one in the Winter, and one in the Spring but this season's shows will be The Christmas Spider on January 6, 2024; The Doctor and the Devils on June 6 and 8, 2024; and Puccini's Il Tabarro on a party barge on June 20, 2024. Season tickets are on sale now at https://www.marblecityopera.com/events/seasonticket  Frank and Jere were walking from a parking garage to a birthday party for Alex and Jenny Stokes in a downtown bar. Frank tried to swallow an Aleve gel-cap without water but it began dissolving in his mouth. Frank recalls that he knew some ballet dancers who used to pop the capsules and rub the gel on their toes.  Kathryn is headed back to Baton Rouge. She is concerned about recent wildfires and the possibility of hurricanes in Louisiana. Frank recalls that the owners of Little Nicky's New York Pizza in Solway lost their Florida restaurant in a hurricane. Kathryn and her husband James once got stuck in a Florida hurricane.  Frank went to a reception after Mass at which representatives of the various ministries recruit new members. Frank was speaking with the members of the Haiti Outreach Program because he will emcee their annual fundraising dinner on September 22, 2023. Admission is free but you are asked to RSVP at https://haitioutreachprogram.org/  Frank was recognized by a member of the group that holds an annual fishing trip called the Fly Fishers of Men Retreat. The man asked if Frank was the host of Tennessee Scholars Bowl. Frank returned the favor by recognizing the man as the guy who saved the day when a teenager's hair caught fire at the Easter Vigil in 2022 as described in episode 0043, “Hair on Fire” https://youtu.be/m4hsynpCJGM  Kathryn offers to sing a special aria when we finally surpass 1,000 subscribers on YouTube. Tell your friends.  Sign up for a 30-day trial of Audible Premium Plus and get a free premium selection that's yours to keep. Go to http://AudibleTrial.com/FrankAndFriendsShow  Find us online https://www.FrankAndFriendsShow.com/  Please subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://YouTube.com/FrankAndFriendsShow  and hit the bell for notifications.  Find the audio of the show on major podcast apps including Spotify, Apple, Google, iHeart, and Audible.  Find us on social media:  https://www.facebook.com/FrankAndFriendsShow  https://www.instagram.com/FrankAndFriendsShow  https://www.twitter.com/FrankNFriendsSh  Thanks!

Northwestern Medicine Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kevin Most joins the Steve Cochran Show to discuss a new smoking cessation drug that may be hitting the market soon, over-the-counter birth control that may be available as soon as 2024, and the potential long-term health implications associated with Ozempic usage. Dr. Kevin Most's Show Notes: Over-the-counter oral contraceptive pill FDA approved. On Thursday the FDA approved the first OTC birth control pill. Drastic change? There are 100 other countries that already have this in place, so we are lagging not cutting edge The drug named Opill  has been safely used for years across the world The medication is expected to be available in January and will not have an age restriction Will be interesting to see the pricing and if insurance companies will cover the cost. The medication is sometimes called a “mini pill” it has progestin, it suppresses ovulation The FDA voted unanimously that the benefits outweigh the risks There is obviously the political as well as religious concerns It is not uncommon for a drug to go from prescription to OTC  (Aleve, Nexium, Pepcid, Zyrtec) Drug for smoking cessation does well in clinical trial Smoking cessation has always been a difficult thing to accomplish Many things have been tried- nicotine patch, nicotine gum, antidepressants, acupuncture, hypnosis- most with little or no success Currently a Phase 3 study on a drug historically known as Cytisine being done at Mass General Results out in JAMA recently are very positive- effective and well tolerated Cytisine is a natural plant based compound that binds to the nicotine receptors in the brain that slow the urge to smoke This is better than the slow decline in nicotine replacement This was done at 17 sites with over 800 participants with the end goal being total stopping of smoking for a 4 week period Individuals in the trial noted a rapid and sustained decline in the craving and smoking urges in the first month Over the long term it continued to show great success at the 6 month mark Well tolerated  with low rates of side effects  Drug information- Drugs have a patent life where no generics can be made and a company has the exclusive rights to produce and sell the drug The patent life for a drug is 20 years from the date the patent was submitted, however there are extensions for antibiotics, some pediatric drugs, orphan drugs The patent does not mean that a company has 20 years of sales without a competitor as some of these drugs will take 10-15 years to go thru the trails necessary for approval There are 51 drugs coming off patent in 2023 including billion dollar drugs used to treat diabetes, depression, arthritis, ADHD If you are taking a brand name drug and want to see when it will come off patent Pharsight is a great resource Drug shortages- safety lapses- razor thin margins- tough competition Drug shortages in the US are at the highest level in 9 years Medications currently in short supply include Chemotherapy drugs, ADHD drugs and antibiotics Drug shortages are not where a drug is out 100% it is where the current supply exceeds the current need Chemotherapy shortages are the most detrimental as patients are on specific medications with specific dosing and alternates are not easy to find if even possible Chemotherapy in those cases is delayed, or lower doses are given Currently close to 2 dozen chemotherapy drugs and in shortage status Why is it occurring? Multi factorial – a factory in India, Intas Pharmaceuticals , that made about one half  of Chemo used in the US, had quality issues and was shut down by the FDA last December, other companies did not step up and fill that void This has forced the FDA to allow for some chemo drugs to be imported from China Information on demand is not easy to get as drug companies often want to keep that private to minimize competition 90% of prescriptions are for generic medications- the goal is to keep prices down- encourage sufficient supplies – ensure the meds are safe and effective in generic format Those 3 goals are difficult to hit all at once the 3 pull at each other. Margin on generic drugs is small as companies had a race to the bottom as they tried to gain market share. Continuing to lower the price to knock out competitor but also shrinking margins Covid, inflation and work force shortages have impacted many generic drug manufacturers No perfect solution Medicare to finally negotiate pricing on medications- good or bad? We are all waiting to see the list of drugs that federal officials will target as they pen negotiations on pricing later this year. The new law, part of the Inflation Reduction Act, allowing for Medicare to negotiate on drug prices goes into effect in September of this year For the past 30 years this negotiation was not allowed by law The first round will focus on 10 drugs that are selected for being the most expensive with high use. The list is not yet decided on but a few expected include Embrel- for arthritis, Xarelto- a blood thinner, Januvia- a diabetes medication The price difference in different companies is ridiculous. An example- Xarelto the blood thinner, in the US a years prescription costs $6,240. While in Canada it cost just above $1,000 Now, don't expect any quick changes, the negotiations are scheduled for 2024 and 2025, with the negotiated price change going into effect Jan 1, 2026, however one drug has been impacted with Insulin having a $35 / month cap for Medicare patients that is now in effect.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Start the summer off smarter with the answers to listener medical questions! What old-timey diseases should I worry about if I time travel? Are meat sweats a real thing? Is there any risk in being exposed to drugs in giving someone mouth-to-mouth? And why does Aleve get the short end of the stick when it comes to choice painkillers?Music: "Medicines" by The Taxpayers https://taxpayers.bandcamp.com/

Vandaag bevinden Julia, Noa en Luna zich in work-out wonderland en hebben ze het uitgebreid over hun work-out routines: van power pre-workouts tot killer sporty looks, en zelfs over het aanpakken van ongewenste vibes in de sportschool. Wie van de meiden rockt de fitste body? Wie zijn de absolute sporticons van dit moment? En wie moet regelmatig dealen met hitsige dudes in the gym? Julia heeft alle balsporten uitgeprobeerd, maar haar competitive aard weerhield haar ervan om zich aan één sport te committen. Luna deelt haar onvervulde meisjesdroom om door te breken als prima ballerina, terwijl Noa weer in sportritme probeert te raken na een intense geschiedenis op de dansacademie. Benieuwd wie van de F1-coureurs ze wel zien zitten en de laatste fitness trends? Tune in en luister de hele podcast!Volg ons ook op: InstagramTikTokMet dank aan:Aleve

Op Menstruatiedag omarmen Luna, Noa en Kymora vol trots hun vrouwelijkheid en delen ze openhartig hun ervaringen met ongesteld zijn. Van flowin', clotin', crampin' tot acnin' en mood swingin', er is geen onderwerp dat ze uit de weg gaan. Kymora heeft een confession: ze plant haar ongesteldheid en slaat bewust een paar cycles over. Noa heeft een hekel aan mood swings, die haar telkens weer in een emotionele rollercoaster meeslepen. Luna houdt het liever classy met tampons, terwijl Kymora de voorkeur geeft aan good old maandverband. Wie van de meiden werd er als eerste ongesteld? En wat vinden ze het aller-vervelendst aan die "time of the month”? Benieuwd naar bizarre, bloederige weetjes? Luister dan de hele podcast.Volg ons ook op: InstagramTikTokMet dank aan:Aleve

David Goodman, V.P. of Marketing for Advantice Health Parent Company of the Kerasal Foot Care Line Kerasal.com David Goodman is Vice President of Marketing for Advantice Health, the parent company of Kerasal. Kerasal is a complete foot care line that offers visible results. With Kerasal products, your feet will see a Visible Difference. For more product information and where to buy, visit Kerasal.com or Amazon.  Advantice Health is a rapidly growing OTC company, based in Cedar Knolls, NJ., with a well-known portfolio of brands including Kerasal, Amlactin, Triple Paste, Dermoplast, New Skin and Domeboro. David is a Brand Marketing Leader with a unique combination of experience and leadership roles in large companies (Reckitt, Novartis, Bayer) as well as in a smaller PE owned organization. Under his guidance, brands received significant experience driving growth on established brands (Lysol, Alka-Seltzer, Aleve, Bayer Aspirin, MiraLax, etc.) as well as for emerging equities.

Today we're speaking with Denise Vitola of Bayer. Marketing & Communications pro and celebrated health and wellness influencer Denise Vitola wakes up every day on a mission to make people feel inspired, healthier, and stronger-willed. A slew of awards, industry-wide admiration, and years of personal and professional accomplishments are proof that she gets the job done. In July 2021 she became Bayer's VP Brand Integration PR, Social and Influencer for Consumer Health and quickly applied her proprietary process emphasizing social and digital consumer outreach, building Bayer's digital footprint from a tiptoe to a tidal wave. Within months she launched nearly 100 influencer campaigns and award-winning integrative marketing campaigns like Midol's “No Apology Period”, Aleve's “Worst Golf Swing in America” with Charles Barkley, Bayer Aspirin's “Most Meaningful Melody,” and T-Pain's remake of the classic Alka Seltzer jingle, resonating with consumers and elevating Bayer's market reach by the millions. In 2021, she was named a PRNews “Top Woman in PR.” Denise is the Co-Lead of GROW (Growing Representation & Opportunities) at Bayer, an employee business resource group focused on equal representation, leadership, and recognition, and she actively works to recruit a diverse team of employees that can speak to the health needs of diverse audiences. Outside of the office, she continues to follow her own passions: working out, teaching spin, and walking her dogs near her home in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Creative and confident. Playful and proactive. Bold, badass, and a leader in the business of making people and communities healthier and stronger…that's Denise Vitola. TIMESTAMPS 10:14 - Denise's Upbringing, Work Background. 15:14 - Through line regarding upbringing and working at Bayer. 18:11 - Working in-house at brand vs agency. 23:44 - How to best work with influencers. 28:05 - Bayer's emphasis on conversions. 31:23 - Call to action that worked well. 34:15 - Testing and learning while working with a lot of brands. 35:26 - Ramping up at Bayer. 37:43 - Small business utilizing influencer marketing. 40:32 - Influencer marketing tactics for small businesses. 42:11 - Female domination in influencer marketing. 44:42 - Equal pay philosophy. 46:58 - Win-win negotiation tips. 50:24 - Handling work-life balance. Checkout Bayer: Website LinkedIn Connect with Denise: Instagram LinkedIn Want to join WIIM's Membership? ⁠⁠Check out our website⁠⁠ Don't forget to ⁠⁠follow us on Instagram --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wiim/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wiim/support

You can also check out this episode on Spotify!Did you know things like sugar-free gum, Advil, or simply eating too fast can cause gas and bloating? Everything we put into our ecosystem affects our gut health.Our gut often reflects our emotional health, too. In today's solo podcast, Dr. McBride explains the practical framework she created to help patients conceptualize their health, integrating medical evidence, the patient's story, and real life.She calls it the FOUR “I”s:* Information & data = the elements of our health that we can measure and see.* Inputs = everything that we put into our health ecosystem.* Infrastructure = the vehicle (i.e., the skeleton) that drives us through life.* Insight = the process of laddering up from self-awareness to acceptance to agency over our health and well-being.It turns out that this framework can help explain and trouble-shoot common gastrointestinal woes.Health is about more than the absence of disease. Health is about having awareness of data and the stories we tell ourselves, acceptance over the things we can't control, and agency over our life.Join Dr. McBride every Monday for a new episode of Beyond the Prescription.You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on her Substack at https://lucymcbride.substack.com/podcast. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter at lucymcbride.substack.com/welcome.Please be sure to like, rate, review — and enjoy — the show!The full transcript of the show is here!Intro: Hello and welcome to my home office. I'm Dr. Lucy McBride, and this is Beyond the Prescription. Today it's just you and me. Every other week this season, I'll talk to you like I do my patients, pulling the curtain back on what it means to be healthy, redefining health as a process of self-awareness, acceptance, and agency.[00:00:28] In clinical practice for over 20 years, I have found that patients generally want the same things: a framework to evaluate their risks; access to the truth and data; and tools and actionable information to be healthy mentally and physically. We all want to feel more in control of our health. Here, I'll talk to you about how to be a little more okay tomorrow than you are today. Let's go.[00:00:56] Today is a deep dive into gastrointestinal health. There is no possible way I could cover every crevice of the vast amount of knowledge we have on the gut, but I will focus on common things I see and common causes for gastrointestinal distress that often are missed. You may remember from a couple of months ago that I explained in detail the visual representation of how I think about patients.[00:01:26] I call it the four I's. It's a two by two grid. Imagine a box with four squares in it. And today what I want to do is talk about the gut and how the different I's inform gastrointestinal health using some patient examples, things that I see commonly in my office. You can listen to that 15 minute podcast about the four I's for more of a dance remix version of the concept. But briefly, the four i's, are this: the top left square is information. Information and data. Things we can measure, things we can see like lab tests and colonoscopy reports. The top right corner is inputs; things we put in our body from kale and quinoa to alcohol and recreational drugs.[00:02:15] The bottom left box is infrastructure. Our skeleton, literally the skeleton, literally the vehicle we drive through life, the container of all of our parts. And then finally, the bottom right box is insight. Awareness of the stories that we tell ourselves. Awareness of how our stories manifest in our bodies, and our understanding of our mental health, our anxiety, our moods, our relationships with food, alcohol, each other, and so on.[00:02:45] So let's talk about a common complaint I see. I don't think a day goes by in my clinic where I don't see someone who has gastrointestinal complaints like bloating, irregular stools, gas or abdominal discomfort. Now the list of possible diagnoses for these complaints is vast, from diverticulitis to colon cancer to I ate a hot chili pepper. [00:03:11] But common things are common. That's a very favorite expression that doctors use all the time. And so I wanted to go through how I might conceptualize thinking about the diagnosis or how to help a patient troubleshoot these symptoms when it's sort of bread and butter. Take a middle-aged guy who comes in complaining of bloating, gas, and irregular bowel movements.[00:03:32] When I think about the top left square, that information, I want to know, what do his lab tests look like? If he's over the age of 45, has he had a colonoscopy? Because 45 is the age where we start screening colonoscopies. By the way, if you have a family history, you should start earlier. So I want to know what's going on internally.[00:03:52] What's his information? For example, if his lab tests show that he has hyperthyroidism or liver enzyme abnormalities, or a pancreas problem or celiac disease, that may directly inform how I'm going to recommend treatment. In other words, the data and the things we can measure are very important. So let's say he had a normal colonoscopy.[00:04:14] Let's say his liver tests are normal, his pancreas is normal, his gallbladder is normal, and his blood counts show no evidence of infection or inflammation, and he's negative for celiac disease. So those are just some broad brush stroke tests I might order. I also might not order tests because sometimes it's a simple solution, but let's say that his information is normal.[00:04:35] Then we'd move over to the inputs. That's the one I'm most interested in. When people have these kinds of complaints, I want to know, how much alcohol do they drink? What is the cadence of their eating? Are they eating a lot of processed, greasy food? Are they consuming a lot of sugar? What's the level of acidity in their diet and how fast do they eat? People who eat fast often swallow a lot of air and can get gas in the colon. Do they drink a lot of soda? Do they chew gym? Sugar-free gum is notorious for causing gas and bloating. So I would do a thorough history of what the patient's inputs are. What are they putting in their ecosystem?[00:05:15] Sometimes people can get gas and bloating from taking too much fiber. I think most people know that fiber is healthy and fiber can help with digestion. But if people escalate the dose of their fiber intake too quickly, that can backfire and they can get bloating and gas. This is a common phenomena. The other thing I would ask in the input department is, are they taking any supplements or vitamins? Because even though supplements and vitamins are considered natural, sometimes they contain fillers or the supplement itself can accidentally cause bloating and gas. Magnesium, for example, which people often take to help them sleep, can cause diarrhea. [00:05:50] It's important to think about all the different things you put in your ecosystem and how they might affect your digestive health. One of the most helpful interventions I find for patients with this kind of complaint is to keep a food journal. It sounds really boring and it sounds kind of onerous, but writing down every single thing you eat is kind of an interesting exercise.[00:06:12] People often connect the dots between their digestive health, their mood, their energy, and their bloating and gas when they look at the things they're eating. It's really interesting how mindlessly we consume foods, supplements, vitamins, and how little attention we pay to the things we pop into our mouth all day long. So I would suggest writing things down if you haven't done it already and you have this complaint.[00:06:35] The next quadrant I would look at is infrastructure, our skeleton. So it's not uncommon for people who have a bum hip, a bum knee, an aching back to pop an Advil, to take Tylenol, to take supplements that are over the counter that they think will help with their achy joints and skeletal health. One of the more common triggers of gastrointestinal stress is NSAID's, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Advil is one of them. Aleve. Naproxen. So we want to think about are we taking any medicines to treat our skeletal woes? And then we can also think about pain and how pain itself can cause distress. Distress can show up in the gut.[00:07:17] The other thing we need our skeleton for is just basic, everyday mobility. If we have some sort of limitation in our mobility, or we're just living a sedentary lifestyle, like we sit behind a desk most days, then that can affect our gut function, too. Often, one of the solutions for a chronic constipation is just regular walking, regular exercise, hydration, and movement to get our motor running. Our infrastructure really does matter. Sometimes just moving our bodies, hydrating and avoiding Advil is the way to keep our gut healthy. [00:07:49] Moving over to the insight quadrant, it never ceases to amaze me how patients will report to me these terrible gastrointestinal woes. We will think it may be an appendicitis, a diverticulitis. They will have a colonoscopy, they'll have extensive lab work and maybe even a CAT scan. And some of the times we find a diagnosis, someone has diverticulitis and I put them on ciprofloxacin and Metron dissolve for 10 days and they get better. Other people have a diagnosis that we can name through blood work like celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn's or ulcerative colitis.[00:08:24] When a patient has gastrointestinal distress and we have no obvious cause, tis is when I get my mojo on because I love talking about how our gut is often the home for our emotional health. It sounds kooky to many people, but I see it every day. Stress and anxiety in particular can manifest itself in our gastrointestinal tract. So when I have a patient who has a normal set of labs, normal imaging, a normal colonoscopy, and they're still suffering, we default to calling this irritable bowel syndrome. Now, patients often don't like having that diagnosis because they consider it a throwaway diagnosis. And I totally understand that because being diagnosed with IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome feels like the medical establishment is dismissing the patient.[00:09:13] It's like, we can't figure it out. We're gonna slap a diagnosis of IBS on it, and say, “see you next time, good luck.” But irritable bowel syndrome is a real phenomenon. It is literally the spasm and irritability of our colon, and it's from something. Just because it's IBS doesn't mean it's not real. IBS, however, is not a life-threatening diagnosis. It is not a result of inflammation. It is simply a functional issue that is often driven by emotional distress. One of my favorite exercises with patients is to take inventory of where they are on the continuum of anxiety. Where are they on the continuum of mood? Where are they on the continuum of their relationship with work, parenting, caregiving and just being alive in the modern world.?[00:10:03] In other words, we all have fears. We all have moods, we all have relationships to food, alcohol, our work, and to each other. When those things are on the fritz, when our anxiety is out of proportion to the actual threat; when our moods are not stable, despite our best effort to get sleep and to get exercise; and when our mental health is not in balance; those are often the triggers for gastrointestinal distress. So sometimes, dare I say, often the solution for gastrointestinal woes, if we can't find an obvious cause again, to identify thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that are causing us to feel distressed. In the short term, I will recommend to a patient that they try this, I don't wanna call it a diet because diet to me implies weight loss, but there's a diet, or actually call it a framework called the low FODMAP Diet.[00:10:55] You may have heard of the FODMAP Diet from a friend or on the internet or on Instagram. And when people say the FODMAP diet, they often mean a diet that is low in FODMAPs, F-O-D-M-A-P-S. And the diet is really designed to help people with irritable bowel syndrome, and one of the problems I think people run into is I give them the list of foods and they accidentally hear me say, cut all these foods out of your diet and good luck.[00:11:20] That's not my plan. All I want people to do is use that list of foods that are potentially irritating to the gut, that potentially accelerate that gastrointestinal spasticity and see if they can connect the dots between what they're eating by that journal we talked about and how they feel in their gut. FODMAP stands for Fermentable, oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and Polyols.[00:11:45] What that basically means is that these are some foods that the small intestine absorbs very poorly, and people can experience cramping, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and gas. So one of the occupational hazards of recommending the low FODMAP diet to patients is that people often go and restrict and then feel worse.[00:12:03] Maybe their diarrhea and cramping is better, but they're hungry. So the other potential occupational hazard of recommending the low FODMAP diet is people using the diet as a panacea and not then addressing the other triggers of their irritable bowel in the first place. From work stress to the Advil they took for the headache to the alcohol they overdid and kind of forgot they did because they didn't count it because it was the weekend.[00:12:29] In other words, there's really no one size fits all prescription for IBS/irritable bowel syndrome. But in my experience, it's usually a little bit of a lot of things and it's usually one little piece of something from the information quadrant. Maybe you have a predisposition to constipation or diarrhea given your family history.[00:12:51] It's one little piece from the inputs, like maybe you had too much alcohol and you didn't really register it, or maybe you're eating too much tomato or Brussels sprouts. Maybe it's in the infrastructure space where your body isn't moving enough. You need to give your body and your colon a little more time and space for activity.[00:13:09] And then sometimes it's in the insight. We need to recognize that our stories live in our bodies, and that self-awareness is often the key to health and wellbeing. So that is my little spiel about gastrointestinal health. It's pretty basic, but I find often that when we have these symptoms, we tend to overdo and over-test and over-worry when actually some of the solutions that I find the most helpful are really, really simple.[00:13:35] It's paying attention to thoughts, feeling. Taking stock of what we're putting in our body and our everyday habits, and then thinking from the ground up about how to be more self-aware and how to problem solve using a very basic set of tools we already have inside us. I hope that's helpful. If you enjoyed this podcast, I would be so happy if you liked it, if you subscribed, and if you recommended it to a friend. Thank you so much for joining me, and I'll see you next time. Get full access to Are You Okay? at lucymcbride.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Quah (Q & A), Sal, Adam & Justin answer four Pump Head questions drawn from last Sunday's Quah post on the @mindpumpmedia Instagram page.  Mind Pump Fit Tip: The MOST important/valuable investment you will ever make in your fitness journey is hiring a good coach/trainer. (2:26) Fun Facts with Justin: Who was originally cast as the Predator monster? (16:12) The tragic story of Whitney Houston and her daughter. (21:14) Alarming news regarding A.I. (25:03) What are liquid trees and why is there controversy surrounding them? (31:58) Aurelius GETS it! (34:30) Older dad wisdom. (36:30) How feet are the map of the entire body. (42:52) Organifi's Peak Power is still getting rave reviews! (54:37) Reactions to the UFC/WWE merger. (55:14) Is fame a curse? (59:33) Shout out to Dr. Nicole LePera. (1:03:10) #Quah question # 1 - What are the best glute building exercises as alternatives to hip thrusts? (1:05:04) #Quah question #2 - What are some of the biggest limitations for people who begin lifting for the first time at 40? (1:09:15) #Quah question #3 - If inflammation is necessary for muscle growth, should i still be trying to eat an anti-inflammatory diet? (1:15:39) #Quah question #4 - What are some tips for coming out of contest prep, or a deep strict deficit, to regulate hunger hormones without binging on all the foods? (1:19:50) Related Links/Products Mentioned Visit NCI's Freedom Challenge for an exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners!  Visit Organifi for the exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! **Promo code MINDPUMP at checkout** April Promotion: MAPS Anabolic or MAPS Split 50% off! **Code APRIL50 at checkout** Mind Pump #1492: Five Things To Look For In An Online Coach With Jason Phillips Mind Pump #2025: How To Be A Successful Fitness Coach With Jason Phillips Kevin Peter Hall (The Predator) 'Predator (1987)' Behind The Scenes Why Jean-Claude Van Damme Was Fired From Predator - ScreenRant Remember That One Time Bobby Brown Dropped His Coke Live on Arsenio Hall Married father kills himself after talking to AI chatbot for six weeks about his climate change fears Elon Musk's AI History May Be Behind His Call To Pause Development The 10 Smartest Animals in the World – 2022 Rankings New 'Liquid Trees' Divide the Internet Watch My Octopus Teacher | Netflix Official Site A Billion Wicked Thoughts: What the Internet Tells Us About Sexual Relationships The Woman Who Had Orgasms in Her Left Foot WWE and UFC will combine to form $21.4bn sports entertainment company Visit Mobility Wall for an exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! **Code MINDPUMP at checkout for 20% off** The Best Deadlift Variation You're NOT Doing!! (2 of 3) | MIND PUMP How To Sumo Deadlift (The RIGHT Way) | Jordan Syatt The Only Way You Should Be Doing Bulgarian Split Squats! (BUTT GROWTH) What is the First Step to Better Mobility? MAPS Prime Pro Webinar Why you should almost NEVER take Advil, Aleve, or Aspirin (NSAIDS) before or after exercise Mind Pump Podcast – YouTube Mind Pump Free Resources People Mentioned Jason Phillips (@nci_ceo_jason) Instagram Dr. Becky Kennedy | Parenting (@drbeckyatgoodinside) Instagram Jordan Omogbehin (@thegiantomos) Instagram Dr. Nicole LePera (@the.holistic.psychologist) Instagram Kyle Pullin (@kilepullin) Instagram

Learn more about Denise at:Denise Vitola | LinkedInVitola Strategies | Public Relations | Corporate CommunicationsMarketing & Communications pro and celebrated health coach Denise Vitola wakes up every day on a mission to make people feel healthier and stronger. A slew of awards, industry-wide admiration and years of personal and professional accomplishments are proof that she gets the job done.A New Jersey native who studied in Italy and Greece before graduating from Rowan University, Denise kicked off her career in sports marketing at Alan Taylor Communications, where she immediately plugged in to the thrill of a fast-paced environment, high-profile celebrity clients, and travel to sporting events around the world. She jokes that she moved from the “locker room” of sports marketing to the “cheerleading team” of the tech sector when she started as Account Director at Kaplow. While developing innovative campaigns for iconic digital brands like PayPal, eBay and Netflix, her nimble thinking and inspirational leadership made it clear that Denise was more than a standout member of the squad; she was ready to manage the team. But unlike leaders who move up and away from the heart of ideation and execution, Denise was determined to remain a key creative player at every step of the development process.That was evident when she moved to MWW as Vice President and Director of Sports Marketing, overseeing the Bank of America account. Denise developed landmark integrated marketing strategies like the award-winning “Keep the Change” campaign that invited passersby everywhere from Grand Central Station to NFL games to dive into a giant couch and find change that could be exchanged for prizes. At the same time, she continued to hone her signature leadership style: a risk-taker confident in her skills and her talent; deeply involved in every account, but knowing when to step back and let her team shine.In 2006, Denise was recruited by Ogilvy to work on some of the biggest accounts in the marketing game: J&J, Unilever and TJX. She worked closely with powerhouse Barby Siegal, who, like mentors Jane Mazur and Maureen Lippe, taught Denise how to be fearless in her craft. She quickly found herself leaning in to untapped marketing opportunities in digital and social, certain it was the core of connection with consumers. It was at MSL Group that Denise applied the full power of her creativity and process to the #1 marketer in the world, P&G. She became a social media savant, taking big swings that led to big payoffs, and increasing revenue by over 80%. In 2013 Denise moved to MSL Atlanta, where she coached her team to create innovative digital campaigns for clients like Home Depot.Returning to New York in 2014, Denise had an a-ha moment of her own: every day she was helping the world become stronger and healthier through marketing. She felt that brands had a responsibility to do just that. But what about her own passion for health and wellness…the joys of fitness, nutrition and teamwork that led her to work in sports marketing at the very beginning of her career? Denise made two big moves: she got certified in nutrition and as a health coach (Vitola Well); and she launched her own marketing consultancy, Vitola Strategies. Denise was not only well-ing the world, she was well-ing herself, and the result was transformational. In 2016 she won PR Campaign of the Year for Abbott Similac “Sisterhood of Motherhood”; and in 2017, she was named a Women's Health magazine Action Hero. To this day Denise teaches three spin classes a week, unwilling to forgo the psychological and physiological boost that powers her body, mind and soul.Many of Denise's former clients followed her to Vitola Strategies; one of them, Patrick Lockwood-Taylor, put her on speed dial when he landed as President of Bayer USA. The closer she worked as a consultant with Bayer brands and embraced the Bayer tagline (“Science for a Better Life”), she realized she had found a place where her personal and professional insights aligned. In July 2021 she became Bayer's VP Brand Integration PR, Social and Influencer for Consumer Health and quickly applied her proprietary process emphasizing social and digital consumer outreach, building Bayer's digital footprint from a tiptoe to a tidal wave. Within months she launched nearly 100 influencer campaigns and award-winning integrative marketing campaigns like Midol's “No Apology Period”, Aleve's “Worst Golf Swing in America” with Charles Barkley, and T-Pain's remake of the classic Alka Seltzer jingle, resonating with consumers and elevating Bayer's market reach by the millions. In 2021, she was named a PRNews “Top Woman in PR”.For Denise, well-ing the world goes far beyond what happens in the office (or outside of it – she's a big fan of remote work). Like the influential female mentors in her own life, she works with young women to nurture their professional selves and shape their futures. She is the Co-Lead of GROW (Growing Representation & Opportunities) at Bayer, an employee network group focused on equal representation, leadership, and recognition; and she actively works to recruit a diverse team of employees that can speak to the health needs of diverse audiences. Of course Denise continues to follow her own passions: working out, teaching spin and walking her dogs near her home in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. She loves the beach and the great outdoors, reading war and crime novels, and traveling the world with her husband of over 20 years.Creative and confident. Playful and proactive. Bold, badass, and a leader in the business of making people and communities healthier and stronger…that's Denise Vitola. 

Veronica “Niki” Fielding is the CEO and President at Digital Brand Expressions (DBE). DBE is a marketing agency with 22 years of experience, helping companies with services such as SEO, paid search, social media, and more. Additionally, Niki and her team have worked with manufacturers, B2B brands, and Fortune 500 companies, including Aleve, the Ritz Carlton, Mitsubishi, and the Wall Street Journal.  In this episode… Though the concept isn't a new one, the height of the Covid pandemic made working from home essential. Albeit conditions are safe to return to the office, managers and leaders have realized that remote workers are just as productive working from the comforts of home. But how does the isolation affect company and employee morale? Executive leader Niki Fielding says that with plenty of team effort and brainstorming, company culture can be fun — even when the work environment is entirely remote. When employees are happy and having fun, that energy transfers to partnerships. Therefore, when a team of workers has a set of values, it's easy to partner with companies that share the same ethics. So, how can you implement an enjoyable culture for your remote work team? Listen to this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast with Dr. Jeremy Weisz as he speaks with the CEO and President of Digital Brand Expressions, Veronica “Niki” Fielding. They discuss creating a fun and positive work culture where employees are excited to show up for work. Additionally, Niki discusses company values, how to attract strong talent, and how to avoid bias during the hiring process.

Niceville, FL - 27-year-old Makayla Crandall might have trouble finding her next job. She stole Adderall from a locked cabinet (to which only SHE had a key) and refilled the kids' prescription bottles with Aleve and aspirin. She got caught when parents noticed changes in their children's behavior.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Download the cheat: https://bit.ly/50-meds  View the lesson: https://bit.ly/NaproxenAleveNursingConsiderations    Generic Name naproxen Trade Name Aleve Indication pain, dysmenorrhea, fever, inflammation Action inhibits prostaglandin synthesis Therapeutic Class nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, nonopioid analgesics, antipyretics Pharmacologic Class none Nursing Considerations • use caution with GI bleeding • may increase risk for stroke and MI • can cause GI bleeding, anaphylaxis, Steven's Johnson syndrome • aspirin can decrease blood levels and effectiveness • assess pain • patients should remain up-right for 30 minutes after administration

Knowing too much, sexual curiosity and dusky obsessions.By FinalStand. Listen and subscribe to the podcast at Steamy Stories.People take for granted that they cannot see. If you don’t think so, try not breathing.Having received Katrina’s orders, off we went. Buffy looked worried and I thought she was going to tear me a new one. The reactions of the Executive Services group when we got there were totally unexpected.“Send out the word,” Buffy detailed to the first worker she came across, “Madi made a run at Katrina.”The woman blanched and headed off. Buffy took me to Katrina’s office and pushed me onto the sofa. Paula and Fabiola appeared at the door looking worried.“How badly have I fucked up?” I groaned.“What?” Buffy blinked in surprise. “You did fine.”“I don’t understand,” I ran my hands through my hair.“You’re bleeding,” Paula remarked.“What happened?” Fabiola demanded. Oh, crap. Another layer of the onion. The female ‘new hires’ weren’t only new hires, they were legacies.Buffy, for all her expertise and seniority, wasn’t part of the program. I didn’t think she was ignorant of the basic agenda. She simply wasn’t allowed to know the full scope of the goings on. That was the real reason she and I were at the meeting - because we weren’t part of the true conspiracy, thus politically neutral.“Cáel was attacked by Madi’s assistant,” Buffy said. I wanted to correct Buffy and say 'apprentice’. “He defeated her then defeated Madi when she attacked him, though it was a close thing.” Oh yeah, Fabiola was part of the conspiracy. She gave this little smug smirk when Buffy got the relationship description wrong then was outraged that I would attack one of her elite.Daphne sailed into the room, took one look at me then grabbed Paula.“Let’s get him cleaned up,” Daphne suggested.“He attacked Madi and her apprentice,” Fabiola blustered - in Hittite. Daphne looked like she wanted to slap Fabiola. Then they all looked at me.Had I turned away, I would have looked guilty. Instead I let my eyes flicker between the three.“What is it?” Paula murmured to me.“You are speaking the same language they were speaking upstairs,” I enlightened them. “I find that a bit odd.”“Don’t mention that to anyone,” Daphne threatened me.“No…you are not my boss,” I glared. “Right now I’m working with Buffy and I am being mentored by Katrina. It is their right to know. Of course I can’t talk to any outsiders about that because that violates corporate policy.”“How dare you,” Fabiola came steaming my way.“Make the first one count,” I seethed as I stood up and got ready to kick her entitled, pompous ass. “I’ve already put down two conceited bitches and you aren’t even in their league.” Fabiola stopped and reassessed her situation.“Cáel!” Buffy snapped. “Come to my right side.” There I went. “Kneel.” I knelt. The three newbies were stunned, mouths open and gaping.“What…what was that?” Daphne mumbled, referring to my actions. Buffy looked very haughty and superior.“Cáel works for me right now,” Buffy told them. “That means, within the scope of his duties, he does what I say.” The girls were taking in this bizarre scene. “Cáel, if I told you to go over to Fabiola and beat her black and blue, what would you do?”“I’d ask you for a good explanation,” I answered.“She’s hurting Katrina’s position at Havenstone,” Buffy responded. Up I stood. “Kneel,” Buffy finished her demonstration as I knelt. She started running her hands through my hair. Not something you would do to a dog unless…well, you went that way. It wasn’t like Katrina; this was highly sexually aroused hair-play. “I believe you said that Cáel needed to be cleaned up.”“Are you in pain?” Daphne inquired.“A half bottle of Aleve wouldn’t kill me,” I groaned. I was in some serious pain, much of it centered on my cranium. Buffy moved me back to the sofa, which I liked. Her sensually stroking my palm was a bit scarier.More women gathered around the door, whispering and looking my way. Finally Katrina came back to the office. The crowd parted for her. Daphne and Paula returned with some wet cloths and a first aid kit. Without consulting with me, they started peeling off my clothes.“What are you doing?” Katrina stared at the two young ladies.“Tending to his wounds,” Daphne hastily replied. Katrina rubbed her forehead.“For a moment try to imagine him doing that to you in a public place,” she advised them. They caught on real quick and the strip-down stopped.“Cáel, may we tend to your wounds?” Daphne politely requested.“Fine by me, but let’s keep the pants on. I’ll deal with the rug burns at home,” I grinned.“I knew you boxed and practiced a form of jujitsu, Cáel,” Katrina remarked. “I had no idea you were that good.”“I also practice ninjitsu,” I tried to look innocent. “I tried to put that on my application, but auto-correct kept erasing it.”“Does he have a concussion?” one of the normal workers asked Desiree.“No, unfortunately not,” Desiree snorted. “He’s always like that.”“Thank you for your martial valor in defending my prestige, Cáel,” Katrina spoke loudly. “Your ability to navigate a very difficult situation bordered on the precognitive. It was of great service to the sisterhood of this office.”“Is there anything you need?” she tacked on.“Gosh, it’s almost four o'clock. Since I’ve been working since three this morning, can I go home early?” I pleaded.“No, we are having dinner tonight,” Katrina stated.“I actually have to clean up the apartment tonight,” I lied. “Can I have a rain check?”“If you were under any delusion that I was making a request, let me dispel that right now. You are having dinner with me tonight,” Katrina smirked.“Doesn’t that violate…” I mumbled.“End of discussion,” Katrina declared. “Buffy and Helena, take Cáel to the Men’s room and get him cleaned up and presentable. I need the (she then used 3 dead words), to stay behind. We have much to discuss.” What did I get out of that little exchange? Buffy and Helena weren’t part of the real Havenstone, Desiree was and the fact that naming status positions 'charioteer’, 'archer’ and 'shield maiden’ in Old Kingdom Hittite only confirmed my worst fears.You see, Achilles, Odysseus and their crowd knew these people. They’d frolicked and played with those troublesome Greeks then been raped, slaughtered and enslaved by them. Apparently after 3000 years, these ladies were still pissed about that. We only knew about them today from Greek sources. It stood to reason though, that since they were allies of Troy, they lived in Asia Minor, not Greece.Therefore, they didn’t speak Greek of any flavor. That was the language of their destroyers. No, the Amazons would speak the language of their home region from 3000 years ago, the native tongue for their rituals and secret communications, which just so happened to be Old Kingdom Hittite.“Tell me what happened,” Helena requested while I was leaning against the Men’s bathroom sink.“Rhada became bored, I was asked to alleviate her boredom with a game of Scrabble, and she didn’t like my use of the word 'butt-monkey’,” I sighed. “She said it wasn’t a word. I explained that she was, in fact, a butt-monkey and she took offense.”“Are you sure you don’t have a concussion?” Buffy studied my eyes.“Can I reliably determine my own mental malfunction? If so; I guess I’m good,” I grinned.“What really happened?” Helena repeated so I told them the whole story. This was the first time Buffy heard the whole thing in a language she could understand - English.“Why didn’t you simply let her hit you that second time?” Helena asked. Buffy nodded.“Seriously, you two need to get some backbone,” I glared at them. They looked peeved. “Listen, those other ladies don’t have the right to treat us like crap. We are not doormats, we are facilitators and fuck them if they don’t appreciate our worth.”“Yet you bowed down to Hayden, Katrina and me,” Buffy countered.“You are my bosses,” I sounded exasperated. “I’m here to learn and that means listening to, and observing, those who have progressed farther than me. That means when you tell me to bow, I presume you have a good reason for it and do as I’m told.”“The other new hires don’t kneel,” Helena pointed out.“It’s not my fault they are not as smart as me,” I snickered. We all knew that was a lie.“I hope you make it,” Buffy patted my knee. She didn’t mean get fired. She meant she hoped I didn’t get relocated. I didn’t know what that meant yet, but I couldn’t imagine it being a good thing.I decided to press my luck.“You mean you hope I don’t get relocated,” I smiled. The two women shot worried looks at one another. “Ladies, I’m twice as smart as I look…well, that still might not be much, but I’m working on it,” I chuckled.“What do you know about being relocated?” Buffy prodded.“Nothing really. I do get this creepy feeling that if I get posted to a corporate holding in Paraguay, I probably won’t end up in Paraguay,” I shrugged.“Are you going to quit?” Helena tag-teamed. She meant, 'are you going to make a run for it?’“Havenstone has corporate resources on all seven continents. Where am I going to go where some insidious Human Resources agent from the company won’t hunt me down and try to make me reenlist,” I teased them. Translation: I’m not dumb enough to think I can get away. They politely chuckled which meant they knew what I knew about my projected promotion path.“What are we going to do about your clothes?” Helena altered course. Ugh.“I’ll give Katrina official notification that we three are heading over to your place to let you change into something - better,” Buffy decided. Better? This was my best suit, or had been.Permission was granted and off we went. Surprise, surprise, security stopped me and got confirmation that I could actually leave the building. Next, we were mugged in the parking lot closest to my apartment building. Technically, it was a legal mugging because the criminal owned the lot from which he extorted the 'parking fee’ from us.I was curious to see if I could have the ladies wait in the hallway while I changed. Buffy noticed the fire escape and made sure she loudly pointed that out. In we went and sure enough, they followed me to the bedroom. I began going through my sparse business suit collection.“Those look dreadful,” Buffy commented. “Where do you shop? Walmart?”“Sears,” I corrected. Buffy looked cruelly amused.“You work for a Fortune 500 company and you shop for your clothes at Sears?” she mocked me.“I’m not very good with money,” I laid out my second best/now best suit. “I blew all of last month’s paycheck on the Ferrari, Catalina 470 and Gulfstream. Stupid, eh?” We both knew I hadn’t been paid yet.“What did you do with your signing bonus?” Helena plopped down on my bed. “Hey, this is lumpy.”“I killed a hobo for it,” I teased. “I take no responsibility for whatever diseases you might pick up from sitting on that overly pretentious compost heap.” It actually wasn’t all that bad. “Besides, what signing bonus? Do you even know what college I attended?”“Ah…Brookstone,” Buffy guessed.“I’ll give you points for the 'B’,” I sighed. “I got the callback for Havenstone and fell on my knees and thanked God that I didn’t have to go back to working nights as a repo man, or end up in retail sales, food services, or custodial work. Done them all - not fun, believe me.”“You appear to be a pretty smart guy,” Buffy gave me those 'come hither’ eyes. “Why didn’t you end up going to a better school?”“I was pretty much a jerk until my senior year. I could have done better but I was ignorant, ugly and lazy. I was happy to get into Bolingbrook,” I related.“What is this?” Helena held up a braid of red, blue and green ribbons. The top quarter was intertwined with the rest of the ribbons hanging free.“It’s a heart cord,” I replied. “Each knot is a sexual liaison.” She counted out twenty-one.“Not bad,” she gave me those sexy eyes.“The other three that I completed are in the closet,” I winked back. She thought I was joking. I wasn’t and soon enough she found that out.“What the hell?” Helena regarded my handiwork dubiously.“Oh yeah. I think I slept with half women in my college town between the ages of 18 to 70, students and faculty included,” I enlightened them.“That seems like a large group of women,” Buffy examined the braids held aloft by Helena. “Are you some sort of Casanova?”“It is more like I have an out of control libido,” I admitted rather shame-faced.“Tell me again why you didn’t jump me yesterday?” Buffy looked miffed.“You are my boss, it was an obvious trap, and you bow hunt predators and rip out their teeth. That last bit combined with that aforementioned problem with my libido…,” I grinned sheepishly. “I wanted to keep my job…and my life.”“Do you think I’d shoot you for a sexual indiscretion?” Buffy postulated.“Do you want my honest assessment?” I looked into her golden eyes.“Yes,” she smiled warmly.“You, and by that I mean Havenstone, are a bunch of raving psychopaths masquerading as feminists who use economic exploitation to cover up your numerous crimes,” I unloaded.The two women looked at one another then started giggling.“We like you,” Helena walked up and patted my chest.“I’m glad Katrina chose you,” Buffy added. “Let’s go buy you a suit, or three.”“I’m glad to see my ranting has had no effect on our relationship whatsoever,” I observed.They let me dress, under their watchful eyes, into jeans and a t-shirt. Arm in arm, they led me from my home across town to a clothier who regularly did business with Havenstone.“Don’t you think it is unfair to put a man in restrictive clothing before the hunt? Don’t we at least get a sporting chance to run?” I joked.“I can kill a bounding deer at 50 meters. Running won’t help you,” Buffy informed me.“Well, I’ve hunted moose before,” I countered.“What did you use?” Helena asked.“A hammer,” I smirked. “I’m a real caveman.”“How did that work out for you?” Buffy played along.“How do you think? I sobered up, realized I was hunting a 600 kg monster with a ballpeen hammer, ran my naked ass back to the car and drove home,” I chuckled.“You are smarter than you look,” my female tailor muttered.“Why were you naked?” Buffy looked at my reflection in the three-sided mirror.“We won the lacrosse finals,” I told them.“Were you on the team?” Helena inquired.“Bolingbrook only has a Women’s Lacrosse team,” I sighed happily.“So why were you the one who ended out in the woods, alone, naked, hunting a moose?” Buffy mused.“I repeat, we won the finals,” I winked, “and I never said I was alone.”“Is this your fabled libido you’ve been talking about?” Buffy teased.“Three or four beers and my inhibitions fly right out the window,” I lamented.“Right,” Buffy shoved me - not fun when a woman is adjusting your inseam.“When is your trash day?” Helena came out of nowhere.“Why do you ask?” I gazed at her.“I’m thinking about a place closer to work,” she lied pathetically.“Oh come…wait, you looked in my trash can,” I gasped. Helena had the decency to blush. “Three days ago,” I admitted.“Oh my God…” she blurted out. “You’ve been murdering a box of condoms.”“How is this work related, or in any way not to be confused with sexual harassment?” I stated.“I’m okay,” Buffy smiled. “Helena, how many? Besides, do you feel sexually harassed?”“Gross, Buffy; I didn’t pick them out. I don’t feel harassed either, not really. I feel that getting our new intern to open up and talk about his life experiences is a real team-building success,” Helena beamed sexual menace my way.“Hold on,” I grumbled. “Buffy, yesterday you were setting me up for something and today, you set me up to fail at the board meeting. Helena, I didn’t even know you two hours ago. So why are you both so comfortable busting my balls?”“Cáel, yesterday and today until three o'clock this afternoon, you didn’t belong,” Buffy told me.“I don’t understand the whole picture yet, but you fought and bled for Katrina. You didn’t even know that this male internship program was her and Tessa’s idea,” she enlightened me. “You provided evidence their proposal had merit without understanding what you were doing.” I hesitated a while as I took Buffy’s interpretation of events in.“Hmmm…yay us?” I offered. “I’m not going to insult you by pretending that what happened this afternoon was anything but leagues beyond the ordinary. I also resent the hell out of Katrina ordering me to have dinner with her - it goes against policy and is plain wrong.”“She stood up for you today, Cáel,” Buffy pointed out. “I don’t think you truly appreciate the gesture.”“What I do appreciate is that as screwed as I am, I’m still better off than you two,” my look hardened.“How do you come to that conclusion?” Helena snickered.“Really? Well, I hope you both like Fabiola because in a few years she is going to be ordering you both around,” I reasoned.“It doesn’t matter that Buffy - I don’t know you Helena - is more competent and capable. Fabiola is going to end up on top and you two will still be picking up the laundry. What makes me better than you two is that I know this to be true and you two still think you can be rock stars when all you’ll ever be is roadies,” I explained.“That’s absurd,” Helena snorted.“Please believe me, it isn’t something you two have done. You haven’t screwed up. Fabiola…she seems to be what’s wrong with Havenstone. She’s an arrogant know-it-all who doesn’t listen to the Goddamn professionals she’s been sent to learn from,” I continued.Whenever you separate people into groups, a rift develops. There is not necessarily friction - unless someone upsets things and that was what I was trying to do. I wasn’t trying to topple Havenstone. That was a pipe dream. All I was looking for was some allies who had my back. If I asked for more than that, Buffy and Helena would turn on me.They were both smart women. That was one of the reasons they had been recruited, along with their stunning good looks and willingness to treat men like pets.“Fabiola’s acting did suck,” Buffy giggled. “Goddess, that was pathetic, wasn’t it?”“What happened?” Helena leaned forward. Fabiola was rubbing the staff the wrong way alright.“She asked 'where is everybody’…after she stepped in the room,” Buffy rolled her eyes.“I pity you,” Helena nodded. “Daphne’s working out well for me. She’s trying really hard.” A barrier had been breached. They were talking shop - the real Havenstone - in front of me. I had graduated from 'test subject’ to actual male intern; emphasis on the male.They were no longer upset that a male had set foot into their world. I clearly 'knew my place’ though they hadn’t even known what that was on Monday morning. Despite my badly biased work reviews, I was able and willing to work. More importantly, I obeyed while doing the aforementioned things.I was not a threat if all they had to do was tell me to 'stop’, 'stand by my side’, and 'kneel’. Better yet, from their own sexually driven side, I could remain a man while doing so. I was slavishly devoted to the hierarchy yet didn’t take crap from others. I could fight and bleed for them while they remained in complete control. In their ferocious world, I was a 'safe’ predator.The fact that these ladies picked up bows and hunted down predators wasn’t lost on me. I would never be truly safe among them, nor would I ever be accepted into their world. I was, at best, a bystander they reluctantly allowed to observe their wickedness.“Done,” the tailor announced. “Don’t go sprinting across Central Park and you should do fine.”“Come by tomorrow morning and I’ll finish the work,” she offered.“Work up five more suits for him,” Buffy ordered in an off-handed manner. “We’ll pick them up tomorrow afternoon.”“Two o'clock,” the lady tailor nodded.“How in the heck am I going to get here at two?” I whispered to Helena. She flicked my nose.“Put it in an order with Executive Services, you Idiot,” she mocked. “You know - where you work.” Okay, I had walked into that one. I looked suitably ashamed. We were given my old clothes in a bag and headed out. Dinner with Katrina wasn’t for a half hour so we decided to walk around.My new shoes were killing me so, of course, we were taking a long walk.“Why does Havenstone - a female-only company - have an account with a men’s clothier?” I wondered.“They do both men’s and women’s suits,” Helena offered.“How silly of me,” I glanced her way. “It stands to reason they would have women’s suits in my size, with my shoulder span and corresponding pants…and shoes.”“Be careful,” Buffy snickered. “He’s clever.”“So?” I prodded. The two exchanged looks. Apparently they decided I was never getting away.“Most of the Havenstone 'men’ can’t be trusted to tie their own shoes, much less buy their own clothes,” Buffy confessed. She gauged my reaction. I had little doubt I paled at the news.“Shit!” I exclaimed. The two jumped. Maybe they thought I had changed my mind and was going to make a break for it after all. “My bike is at work,” I informed them.“How am I going to get to work tomorrow?” I groaned.“Oh…I’ll come by early and pick you up,” Buffy slapped me on the back.“I could stay the night instead,” Helena offered.“On the hobo bed?” I reminded her.“Good point,” Helena shrugged. “Buffy, on Day 83 we need to get him a new mattress.”“Nice,” Buffy agreed. Day 83? Oh…fuck. My internship lasted 84 days; 3 times 28. For some now less arcane reason, Havenstone used a 28 day cycle for all their business. Two things usually kept to a 28 day calendar - the Moon and menstrual cycles.There was no good way to inquire exactly when my officemates had 'that time of the month’. I was tuning into the fact that they might all do it at once - that whole female hierarchy thing. For a few days every woman in my section would be exhibiting a plethora of emotions, few of which were positive to my way of thinking.I knew that not all women were 'on the rag’ during that time period. Some had little reaction. Most times, I wasn’t so lucky. There was spontaneous rage, tears, loneliness and, yeah, horniness. I’d been through them all. My favorites were the ones who randomly leapt through the kaleidoscope of emotions with no sense, or rhythm.I’ve had a woman try to brain me with a vase then fuck me on the shards - all inside of twelve seconds. Maybe I shouldn’t have slept with her roommate, or her dorm advisor. I repeat, I’m a great lover, but a lousy boyfriend. Hell, I’ve even had sex with a girlfriend’s mother - within ten minutes of meeting her. While those two were having a screaming fit, I did her little sister too.I don’t think I seduced them. I looked at them. They looked at me. We both suddenly realized we wanted to have sex. That happens to me a lot. This is probably why I ended up at Havenstone - karmic payback for my promiscuous ways. Or, maybe I did get it right and Tessa Carmichael really did want to come across that interviewer’s desk and fuck my brains out.There I was thinking that ravishing my future employer’s point woman would cost me the job. Wait…that’s probably how they wrangled Khalid. They flashed him some smoking tits and ass, he went all 'jungle fever’ on them and “Bang!” some girl was crying rape, and they had witnesses and footage. Khalid was looking at his whole magnificent life going down the tubes.Then his boss agreed to help him because he was 'invaluable’. If he requested an out-of-country transfer, she could mislead the criminal investigation thus saving himself and his family’s reputation. When it was safe to come back, she’d let him know. Now that smug, superior bastard was in Angola, or maybe Terra del Fuego with my penguins…wearing a shock collar.Ignoramus. Seven to fifteen in a comfy US prison would have been paradise considering what he was about to go through. Run away? The moron probably still thought he was facing rape charges back in the States and that if he played along, his boss, who clearly thought the world of him, would call him home soon. I hoped I never saw him again.Not because I hated him - I didn’t - but because if I did see him it meant I’d colossally fucked up as well. I was sure Katrina was going to determine my fate at dinner. All of that came to a head when they showed me the door of a private dining club. The maître de recognized Helena and Buffy, but not in a way that suggested they were acceptable patrons (aka lackeys).“Ms. Love’s table?” I requested. Buffy patted me on the back again and wished me luck. The maître de was a man and a right snooty bastard, too. He looked down his nose at me from his elevated perch. He hand-motioned a female server over, gave her a table number and sent us on our way.“Did they forget to remove his jalapeno enema again?” I teased the girl as we left.She coughed, stumbled then shot me a wickedly happy look. This guy had to be a peach to work for because she clearly hated him.“You can talk to me,” I told her quietly. “I’m not going to freak out, or anything.” She looked at me and smiled again.“I haven’t seen you before,” she whispered back.“I have a very forgettable face. I’ve seen you before,” I replied. She seemed confused. “You are the girl of my dreams,” I grinned.“I’m married,” she brandished her banded ring finger.“He’s a lucky man,” I sighed. “I hope he appreciates this snobbish hell you work in on a daily basis.” She studied me which was all the more remarkable because she was navigating the floor while doing so.“I’m not married and I don’t work EVERY day,” she gave me a cute grin. “The ring is camouflage.”“Pen?” I asked. She grew nervous because we were at Katrina’s table and Katrina was looking us both over. “Ms. Love is my boss. We are not romantically involved,” I assured the waitress. The woman gave me her pen and I wrote my number on her palm. “If you feel like it.”“You don’t even know my name,” she tried to look upset yet settled on precocious.“You don’t know mine,” I countered. “It is Cáel Nyilas, by the way.”“I’m Odette Sievert,” she smiled. She took my drink order then sashayed away. I sat down opposite Katrina. The lady was smirking at me. In a flash, she grew deadly serious.“How?” she redefined intensity for me. I wish it hadn’t been in Hittite.“Excuse me?” I responded. I was afraid I knew exactly what she was asking for me to both admit to and explain. Katrina’s eyes were flinty and heartless.“I really don’t want to repeat myself, Cáel,” she said in a chilling voice. “You trusted me this afternoon. Trust me now.”“How far am I going to get if I get up and walk away right now?” I sipped my water.“What makes you think I mean you any harm?” Katrina asked.“You are evil,” I began to match her gaze. “You are all evil fucking caricatures of human beings - monsters really.”“The worst thing about you is that you don’t think you are like the rest. You think you are somehow more humane yet you don’t have a fucking clue what that means,” I accused her. “The 'how’ is really tragic. The woman who took my virginity, my first love, devoted her life to the study of Near Eastern Ancient cultures.”“Not the early city-states, or the well-worn Greeks; she spent her life delving into the first nation-empires including, obviously, the Old Kingdom and Neo-Hittites. She didn’t care about ruins; she loved the literature, art and culture of those people. She would read me poetry in a dozen dead languages. Later she taught me those tongues so I could let her hear those words in a voice not her own,” I continued.“By the spring, we would walk around her house all weekend speaking only in voices long stilled by the passage of time. She loved that. To her, it was the closest she’d get to being in some ancient marketplace; Babylonians haggling with Egyptians over beeswax, Assyrians arguing religion with Phoenicians, and Hittites and Cretan lovers sparring with poetry,” I fondly recalled.Katrina’s gaze had slowly softened until it became a mixture of wonder and envy.“She sounds like a remarkable woman. Why did this not come up in your background search?” she questioned.“I listed her as an acquaintance,” I said.“I never took any of her courses since that would have threatened her job. I didn’t hide anything. If anyone asked me if I spoke any dead languages, I don’t recall it,” I softened as well. “You have to admit that it is rather bizarre that I am one of a dozen men in the United States that knows the language of the Amazons and I ended up in that board room.”“Amazons,” she said in Old Kingdom Hittite. “You really figured it out.”“It took me a while,” I responded in the same lingo. Katrina jolted. It then occurred to me she’d never heard her native language spoken by a male. In English, “that’s when I realized you were all raving psychotic lunatics and if I didn’t play along, I was going to be murdered.”“So all that obedience and kneeling was an act?” Katrina studied me.“The respect wasn’t false. I do admire you. You are rather pleasant to work for, but it is telling that not one of your group realized that an outsider male wouldn’t act the way I did,” I related.“I was hoping there was a foundation for my project,” Katrina sighed.“There is,” I asserted. “Body posturing and obedience are normal, healthy male activities, Katrina. The military and Boy Scouts are built on it. All you have to do is create something males can believe in. Loyalty and obedience will follow.”“The problem is my culture takes a dim view of male martial activity,” Katrina informed me.“You only got away with your actions today because the others believed - mistakenly believed - you were obedient to me,” she reinforced my view.“What makes you think I wouldn’t obey you again?” I countered.“Would you?” she mused.“Do I still have a job?” I gave a lopsided grin.“Yes. Is that what motivates you? Pay?” she studied me.“Katrina, you do not understand men,” I chuckled. “There is not enough money in the world to make me keep this job.” Katrina looked menacing once more.“I’ll show up to work tomorrow because if I make a run for it, the others will take it out on you,” I enlightened her. “You saved my life today - twice. You risked your social position by intervening on my behalf and I imagine there are some freaking stiff penalties for not telling your sisters that I know Old Kingdom Hittite.”“Very true,” she admitted. “My sisters would not be pleased. It is also nice to have confirmed my thoughts about the 'New Directive’. Men can be trained to be helpmates and stand at our sides, even if it is a half-step behind.” She contemplated some things. “Why do you consider us evil?”“You are holding onto a blood-feud for three thousand years even though the genetic descendants of those crimes have most likely died out eons ago. You use your hateful, paranoid religion to justify every atrocity under the Sun. What is even more insane is that your activities are no longer warranted. There are places around the globe where you can live freely, own property and have all the legal protections enjoyed by men,” I stated.“The majority of the globe is still dangerous for us,” Katrina reposed. “Even in this country, women are enslaved, brutalized and murdered simply for being the 'weaker’ sex.”“If you are waiting for a perfect world all I have to ask is 'when will it be my time?’” I regarded her sadly. It was obvious to both of us I was in a hopeless position. My fate was in her hands.“Come home with me tonight,” Katrina ordered.“No,” I replied. “It is against corporate policy. You’ll have to wait 82 days like the rest.”Katrina snorted, snickered then laughed out loud.“Remembering that we have to explain things to you men will be an exasperating experience for most of us,” she chuckled. Katrina motioned Odette over, signaling our conversation was over for now.The 16 oz. Porterhouse steak was heavenly and I made sure to keep the beer-drinking down to two steins. Katrina teased me about my appetite though she was no slouch. I explained that I’d need my strength - I was having sex tonight. She insinuated I was conceited. I laughed. Short of her embarrassing Odette, our waitress was going to be waking up at my side come dawn.As we prepared to depart, the office called. I had a client appointment…with Rhada. She was going to pick me up at my place. I imagined that the addresses of the other employees was rather confidential. Rhada was a 'somebody’ and I was only a male. I didn’t bother asking Katrina to intervene. This was my job. She was respectful enough not to inquire one last time if I’d make a run for it.A taxi got me home and I took the stairs three at a time, racing up to my apartment. My keys worked the lock. I heard the TV on and it was loud. I was moving through our cramped common area on the way to the bedroom.“Timothy,” I greeted my roommate, “I’m expecting a client to come by any minute, so don’t be surprised if some bossy chick shows up and treats you like crap.”“Let me guess,” Timothy mused. “A late teen/early twentyish, long black hair in a braid, the complexion of Southern India, clearly exercises with B-cup breasts and sweet ass.”“Ah…yeah?” I worried.“Oh, she came by thirty minutes ago. She’s bound up, naked and gagged on your bed, waiting for you.”“What the fuck!” I screamed. “I’m dead. Hell, you are probably dead too.”“Nah,” Timothy smirked. “This was how it was going to end up anyway. All I did was save you the anxious and pointless foreplay. Go in there and fuck her silly. You’ll have to change the sheets - she’s gushing.”I rushed into my room. Sure enough, Rhada was nude, her hands bound behind her back by black leather cuffs, as were her ankles. She had a bright orange ball gag, secured with black straps, in her mouth and her eyes were bombarding me with a deadly furor.“Shit, Rhada, I’m sorry. My roommate doesn’t know who you are,” I pleaded. I crawled onto the bed and pulled down the ball gag.“I’m going to fucking kill you,” she screamed. “I’m going to cut out your heart and shove it down your throat. You are so fucking dead, you Asshole! I’m going to slice…” I put the ball gag back in place and staggered out to see Timothy. I tossed my coat and tie aside then sat down beside him.“I can’t begin to describe how massively screwed we are,” I muttered. Timothy sidled down the sofa and put his arm around my shoulder. I wasn’t worried. Timothy respected my life choices.“Brother, trust me. That girl came over to be tied down and fucked. My Ex was really into that, so I recognized the signs,” Timothy consoled me.“You are worrying about nothing. Trust me. Hammer her the way you did that flight attendant on Saturday and she’ll leave here with a bounce in her step,” Timothy chuckled. “Oh, she’ll act bitchy, but when she makes for the stairs, she’ll look back and smile at you. I’d bet my life on it.”“We are, you knucklehead,” I sighed. I returned to my bedroom. I wasn’t a rapist. Power games were games, not something I got off on. Determining how to get out of my personal tragedy was short-circuited by Rhada herself. Her look was still as lethal, her body was still struggling against her bonds, and a teardrop of vaginal fluid was making it down the crease between her buttocks and thigh.I turned around and walked back to Timothy, who looked amused.“Did she bring any weapons?” I inquired.“Yeah, this decent double-edged blade,” he nodded. “On the counter.” I went to the kitchenette, retrieved the sheathed knife - an early 20th century ceremonial creation, I guessed - and returned to Rhada. I shut the bedroom door and locked it.“Well, Rhada,” I leered. “Katrina is probably going to kill me for this. I might as well tear some enjoyment out of you before I die.” I brandished the sheathed blade. Rhada’s eyes grew wide with arousal and fear. I slowly stripped myself bare. Rhada’s eyes feasted on my physique. She didn’t even try to hide her fascination.After I crawled over her body, the knife was unsheathed and the point pressed to her neck. Rhada moaned through her ball-gag. I leaned down and kissed her cheek.“Rhada, I am going to despoil you,” I whispered, my lips only millimeters away. “I’m going to wreck your body.” The tip of the knife migrated down her chest, between her breasts in an achingly slow process.Four years of some serious sexual exploration told me Rhada was on the cusp. My free hand moved unseen until it hovered over the juncture between her ass cheeks and thighs, giving minute access to her dripping cunt. I rammed two fingers into her vagina, praying she wasn’t a virgin. She wasn’t, my intrusion sent her off into convulsions and I yanked the knife away to keep her safe from the blade.As her orgasm spent itself a final series of tremors, I rolled Rhada onto her stomach and began spanking her. First she gasped then gave forth furious, but muted, declarations. The moaning started with a few stifled utterances. I broke off the beating long enough to sheath the knife and put on a condom before resuming my play.“Now you get fucked, my slave - my prisoner,” I taunted her. She moaned louder and sobbed. I pulled her up by her hips and unceremoniously shoved my cock into her love canal. It was snug, not tight. Her shudder of shame and pleasure pulsed throughout her body. A few rotations into her pleasure center and I realized the strain on her shoulders, neck and head had to be harsh.I quickly decided that putting Rhada with her knees off the bed to make it easier on her. My withdrawal then rapid manhandling caught her off-guard. My penetration returned her to that state of bliss. I put my pinkie in my mouth, got it nice and slick, then began wiggling it against Rhada’s sphincter.Her protestations were more verbal than physical though she winced when I actual pushed in to the first knuckle. That accomplished, I began to mercilessly pound that pussy and tease that ass for thirty minutes, until she was unresponsive. I took the break to lay out some more condoms - and answer my bedroom door. Timothy had a bagel in his mouth and a box of 'toys’ in his arms.He shoved it at me, mumbled something that could have been 'get to work’, laughed and lastly shut the door. A quick sniff test suggested the goodies were clean. A few clearly contravened the UN Accords on Human Rights so I hid them away. I wasn’t sure what would have been worse: Rhada freaking out when she saw them, or begging for one to be used on/in her.The vibrators checked out, the lube seemed reasonably fresh and clamps, lash and paddles were in working order. Rhada moaned softly when I began working the blue, ribbed dildo into her cunt. Even after it was deeply in place, she didn’t react much. Only when the smaller, more flexible, dildo began penetrating her ass did she come around.Rhada frantically thrashed around in a futile effort to save her back passage.“How wretched does a woman have to be to submit to a man forcing something up her ass?” I teased her softly. “What would Madi think if she could see you like this, giving up your pleasures like some breeding bitch?”Rhada’s resistance turned feeble and I could tell she was crying. I finished pressing the second dildo up her butthole before turning them both into vibrators. Her whole body was wrapped up in the throes of passion. I got off the bed, retrieved my phone then moved around so she could see me.“Say 'I’m a harem-slut’,” I mocked her. The humiliation-driven climax overwhelmed any semblance of self-control she might have retained.I kept taking pictures and verbally tormenting her as I described each scene. Rhada began choking and jerking as if she was in a seizure. I was on her in a flash, pulling the gag off and pulling her wet, sweaty hair away from her face. I then cut off both vibrators and carefully removed them. It took her several minutes to recover enough to do anything.“Kill me,” she feebly pleaded. “Kill me and end my shame.”“I haven’t finished tormenting you, Rhada,” I replied compassionately. “A woman as proud, noble and fierce as you would never fold up after just one battle. Are you giving up?” The junior Indian struggled to focus on me.“No,” she croaked. I reached down, fondled her right breast then grabbed and pinched her nipple. Rhada winced.“Do you surrender?” I taunted her. Rhada shook her head negatively. “Lucky for me, I have clamps, paddles and a crisp lash just for you.” Rhada’s eyes grew wider, her heart rate quickened and her jaw set.(Later)Rhada was splayed out on the bed, staring at the ceiling. With the raw, swollen appearance of her nipples, I didn’t envy Rhada putting on her sports bra. She had raised lash marks over her buttocks, thighs and back. It had taken me a few tries to figure out what was a glare (not hard enough), an orgasmic squeal (right on the money) and 'Argh!’ (too much).She had carried a freight-load of sexual frustration into my apartment and I’d worked through a healthy dose of it. I had no illusions we were done. I did know we were done for the night, though. I put on some pajama shorts and left the room. When I came back, she propped herself up on both elbows and seethed hate/lust at me.I tossed her clothes at her.“Get dressed,” I commanded. She exuded defiance. “In five minutes you are going to be on the street. If you want to be naked, that’s on you. I’m finished with you.” The last bit was like a slap to her face. “For tonight,” I added. That did the trick. She wanted more of her Enslaved Amazon Rape fantasy.Rhada dressed. She pretended not to notice me soaking up her beauty with undisguised hunger and I pretended not to notice her arousal under my gaze. When she finished, Rhada slipped to the edge of the bed and placed her feet on the floor. I handed her a glass of crushed ice. She had to be parched.She drank and chewed on the ice while her eyes tried to gauge my mood. When she was mostly finished with the ice, I half turned and retrieved her blade - sheathed, of course. She appeared uncertain until I crossed my left arm level with my torso. I slapped the scabbard down on the arm, pommel toward Rhada. According to a movie I’d seen once, this was supposed to be the honorable thing to do.Rhada gingerly reached for the pommel as if expecting me to yank it away. Once she held the pommel, she took hold of the scabbard with the other hand and drew the blade. Finally she stood up.“Give me the phone,” she demanded.“No,” I replied in a bored tone.“I’ll kill you if you don’t,” she threatened.“There are no pictures, Rhada,” I let my eyes run over her body once more. “Every image of you that I need is right up here,” I tapped my temple.“The feel of your enticing flesh, your erotic sounds and your intoxicating scents are here if I need them and, if I want new ones, I’ll hunt you down and make more,” I licked my lips and grinned.“Touch me again, I’ll cut off your balls and burn them before your eyes,” she threatened. I slapped the knife out of her hands, grabbed her upper arms and pulled her to me.I savagely ripped a kiss from her lips, subduing her tongue and pressing her head back. I released her arms so that I could grasp her braid and a full ass cheek. Rhada groaned with a desperate hunger as she began humping me. I maneuvered her body around despite her grunted protests. Her head was forced around so I could maintain my kiss while I ground my cock against her ass.Rhada tentatively stroked my hand holding her braid, suggestively leading my hand to her breasts. Feeling generous, I obliged and soon was mauling her right nipple through her silk blouse and bra. Right as I felt she was ready to gift me with one more orgasm, I pushed her face first on the bed. Her lustful gaze as she rolled over turned to frustration.“Time for you to leave,” I commanded. She slithered off the bed, gave me a hateful glare, retrieved her knife and stormed out of the room. I followed laconically along because Timothy was under the impression we both might not be dead soon. Sure enough, at the stairs, Rhada turned and presented me with this wistful smile then left.I walked back into my abode. Timothy chuckled.“I told you, Cáel,” he rubbed it in. “Sometimes you pet that kitty and sometimes you spank it.”“For a man who truly appreciates a good phallus, you sure know a great deal about women’s sexuality,” I regarded my roomie as I sat beside him.“Bro, you would be astounded by the number of female strangers who spill their deepest, darkest secrets, fantasies and desires the second they find out I’m gay,” Timothy explained. “I guess they don’t think I’ll be judgmental, or jealous.”“So you are a gay man who is a closet heterosexual?” I joked. He punched me.“Give away my secret and next time, the nutjob will come in to find you trussed up on the bed,” he countered. My phone rang. It wasn’t work so I didn’t weep.“Cáel Nyilas,” I answered.“Cáel, this is Odette. I didn’t wake you did I?” she sounded chipper.“Wide awake. I just tossed an Indian princess out of place after a marathon S&M session,” I responded with the truth dressed up like a lie. “Do you want to do something tonight?”“What do you have in mind?” she teased. She had to be thinking the whole 'Indian Princess’ thing was a joke - poor, naive girl.“Before we make love, I’d like to give you a massage,” I suggested.“You think I have sex on the first date?” She wasn’t pissed. They never were.“Girls have sex, women make love and our first date should involve doing something that convinces you to want a second date,” I suggested. “We can discuss where you want to go on the first date after your first orgasm.” There was a long pause.“Do you want me to come to your place?” she asked. I gave her my address. An added bonus was that I didn’t have to worry about Buffy knowing where to pick me up in the morning.“Few men who are not professional escorts are so confident they can nail a woman a day,” Timothy laughed. I looked him over. I hadn’t had sex - Sunday night, or Monday.“Bitch, help me clean my room. Half of Rhada is your fault after all,” I grumbled. That led to the discussion that Rhada had peed on my bed, flipping it over wasn’t nearly enough and that a wastebasket with tissue wads and used condoms probably wasn’t the message I wanted to send to this latest conquest.Don’t get me wrong. I wanted a first and second date with Odette. Usually, somewhere along the line, each girl figured out I was nailing one, two, or three other women and they got pissed. Then came the screaming, crying, yelling and various insinuations about my parentage and anatomy. Finally there was the breakup sex, her hating me (and herself) for the break-up and then another round of break-up sex so she could convince herself we were done.That was usually it, discounting the 'showing up drunk at my door’ sex, the 'I’m lonely and it’s your fault’ sex, and the 'let’s get back together’ sex. I’ve taken back a lady who stabbed me so I clearly have no common sense or morals. It’s my damn libido, I swear. I’m really not some asshole who never returns their call, makes them sleep in the wet spot, or ignores their litany of life’s woes. I like to think I’m better than that.To be continued in Part 3By FinalStand for Literotica.

Knowing too much, sexual curiosity and dusky obsessions.By FinalStand. Listen and subscribe to the podcast at Steamy Stories.People take for granted that they cannot see. If you don’t think so, try not breathing.Having received Katrina’s orders, off we went. Buffy looked worried and I thought she was going to tear me a new one. The reactions of the Executive Services group when we got there were totally unexpected.“Send out the word,” Buffy detailed to the first worker she came across, “Madi made a run at Katrina.”The woman blanched and headed off. Buffy took me to Katrina’s office and pushed me onto the sofa. Paula and Fabiola appeared at the door looking worried.“How badly have I fucked up?” I groaned.“What?” Buffy blinked in surprise. “You did fine.”“I don’t understand,” I ran my hands through my hair.“You’re bleeding,” Paula remarked.“What happened?” Fabiola demanded. Oh, crap. Another layer of the onion. The female ‘new hires’ weren’t only new hires, they were legacies.Buffy, for all her expertise and seniority, wasn’t part of the program. I didn’t think she was ignorant of the basic agenda. She simply wasn’t allowed to know the full scope of the goings on. That was the real reason she and I were at the meeting - because we weren’t part of the true conspiracy, thus politically neutral.“Cáel was attacked by Madi’s assistant,” Buffy said. I wanted to correct Buffy and say 'apprentice’. “He defeated her then defeated Madi when she attacked him, though it was a close thing.” Oh yeah, Fabiola was part of the conspiracy. She gave this little smug smirk when Buffy got the relationship description wrong then was outraged that I would attack one of her elite.Daphne sailed into the room, took one look at me then grabbed Paula.“Let’s get him cleaned up,” Daphne suggested.“He attacked Madi and her apprentice,” Fabiola blustered - in Hittite. Daphne looked like she wanted to slap Fabiola. Then they all looked at me.Had I turned away, I would have looked guilty. Instead I let my eyes flicker between the three.“What is it?” Paula murmured to me.“You are speaking the same language they were speaking upstairs,” I enlightened them. “I find that a bit odd.”“Don’t mention that to anyone,” Daphne threatened me.“No…you are not my boss,” I glared. “Right now I’m working with Buffy and I am being mentored by Katrina. It is their right to know. Of course I can’t talk to any outsiders about that because that violates corporate policy.”“How dare you,” Fabiola came steaming my way.“Make the first one count,” I seethed as I stood up and got ready to kick her entitled, pompous ass. “I’ve already put down two conceited bitches and you aren’t even in their league.” Fabiola stopped and reassessed her situation.“Cáel!” Buffy snapped. “Come to my right side.” There I went. “Kneel.” I knelt. The three newbies were stunned, mouths open and gaping.“What…what was that?” Daphne mumbled, referring to my actions. Buffy looked very haughty and superior.“Cáel works for me right now,” Buffy told them. “That means, within the scope of his duties, he does what I say.” The girls were taking in this bizarre scene. “Cáel, if I told you to go over to Fabiola and beat her black and blue, what would you do?”“I’d ask you for a good explanation,” I answered.“She’s hurting Katrina’s position at Havenstone,” Buffy responded. Up I stood. “Kneel,” Buffy finished her demonstration as I knelt. She started running her hands through my hair. Not something you would do to a dog unless…well, you went that way. It wasn’t like Katrina; this was highly sexually aroused hair-play. “I believe you said that Cáel needed to be cleaned up.”“Are you in pain?” Daphne inquired.“A half bottle of Aleve wouldn’t kill me,” I groaned. I was in some serious pain, much of it centered on my cranium. Buffy moved me back to the sofa, which I liked. Her sensually stroking my palm was a bit scarier.More women gathered around the door, whispering and looking my way. Finally Katrina came back to the office. The crowd parted for her. Daphne and Paula returned with some wet cloths and a first aid kit. Without consulting with me, they started peeling off my clothes.“What are you doing?” Katrina stared at the two young ladies.“Tending to his wounds,” Daphne hastily replied. Katrina rubbed her forehead.“For a moment try to imagine him doing that to you in a public place,” she advised them. They caught on real quick and the strip-down stopped.“Cáel, may we tend to your wounds?” Daphne politely requested.“Fine by me, but let’s keep the pants on. I’ll deal with the rug burns at home,” I grinned.“I knew you boxed and practiced a form of jujitsu, Cáel,” Katrina remarked. “I had no idea you were that good.”“I also practice ninjitsu,” I tried to look innocent. “I tried to put that on my application, but auto-correct kept erasing it.”“Does he have a concussion?” one of the normal workers asked Desiree.“No, unfortunately not,” Desiree snorted. “He’s always like that.”“Thank you for your martial valor in defending my prestige, Cáel,” Katrina spoke loudly. “Your ability to navigate a very difficult situation bordered on the precognitive. It was of great service to the sisterhood of this office.”“Is there anything you need?” she tacked on.“Gosh, it’s almost four o'clock. Since I’ve been working since three this morning, can I go home early?” I pleaded.“No, we are having dinner tonight,” Katrina stated.“I actually have to clean up the apartment tonight,” I lied. “Can I have a rain check?”“If you were under any delusion that I was making a request, let me dispel that right now. You are having dinner with me tonight,” Katrina smirked.“Doesn’t that violate…” I mumbled.“End of discussion,” Katrina declared. “Buffy and Helena, take Cáel to the Men’s room and get him cleaned up and presentable. I need the (she then used 3 dead words), to stay behind. We have much to discuss.” What did I get out of that little exchange? Buffy and Helena weren’t part of the real Havenstone, Desiree was and the fact that naming status positions 'charioteer’, 'archer’ and 'shield maiden’ in Old Kingdom Hittite only confirmed my worst fears.You see, Achilles, Odysseus and their crowd knew these people. They’d frolicked and played with those troublesome Greeks then been raped, slaughtered and enslaved by them. Apparently after 3000 years, these ladies were still pissed about that. We only knew about them today from Greek sources. It stood to reason though, that since they were allies of Troy, they lived in Asia Minor, not Greece.Therefore, they didn’t speak Greek of any flavor. That was the language of their destroyers. No, the Amazons would speak the language of their home region from 3000 years ago, the native tongue for their rituals and secret communications, which just so happened to be Old Kingdom Hittite.“Tell me what happened,” Helena requested while I was leaning against the Men’s bathroom sink.“Rhada became bored, I was asked to alleviate her boredom with a game of Scrabble, and she didn’t like my use of the word 'butt-monkey’,” I sighed. “She said it wasn’t a word. I explained that she was, in fact, a butt-monkey and she took offense.”“Are you sure you don’t have a concussion?” Buffy studied my eyes.“Can I reliably determine my own mental malfunction? If so; I guess I’m good,” I grinned.“What really happened?” Helena repeated so I told them the whole story. This was the first time Buffy heard the whole thing in a language she could understand - English.“Why didn’t you simply let her hit you that second time?” Helena asked. Buffy nodded.“Seriously, you two need to get some backbone,” I glared at them. They looked peeved. “Listen, those other ladies don’t have the right to treat us like crap. We are not doormats, we are facilitators and fuck them if they don’t appreciate our worth.”“Yet you bowed down to Hayden, Katrina and me,” Buffy countered.“You are my bosses,” I sounded exasperated. “I’m here to learn and that means listening to, and observing, those who have progressed farther than me. That means when you tell me to bow, I presume you have a good reason for it and do as I’m told.”“The other new hires don’t kneel,” Helena pointed out.“It’s not my fault they are not as smart as me,” I snickered. We all knew that was a lie.“I hope you make it,” Buffy patted my knee. She didn’t mean get fired. She meant she hoped I didn’t get relocated. I didn’t know what that meant yet, but I couldn’t imagine it being a good thing.I decided to press my luck.“You mean you hope I don’t get relocated,” I smiled. The two women shot worried looks at one another. “Ladies, I’m twice as smart as I look…well, that still might not be much, but I’m working on it,” I chuckled.“What do you know about being relocated?” Buffy prodded.“Nothing really. I do get this creepy feeling that if I get posted to a corporate holding in Paraguay, I probably won’t end up in Paraguay,” I shrugged.“Are you going to quit?” Helena tag-teamed. She meant, 'are you going to make a run for it?’“Havenstone has corporate resources on all seven continents. Where am I going to go where some insidious Human Resources agent from the company won’t hunt me down and try to make me reenlist,” I teased them. Translation: I’m not dumb enough to think I can get away. They politely chuckled which meant they knew what I knew about my projected promotion path.“What are we going to do about your clothes?” Helena altered course. Ugh.“I’ll give Katrina official notification that we three are heading over to your place to let you change into something - better,” Buffy decided. Better? This was my best suit, or had been.Permission was granted and off we went. Surprise, surprise, security stopped me and got confirmation that I could actually leave the building. Next, we were mugged in the parking lot closest to my apartment building. Technically, it was a legal mugging because the criminal owned the lot from which he extorted the 'parking fee’ from us.I was curious to see if I could have the ladies wait in the hallway while I changed. Buffy noticed the fire escape and made sure she loudly pointed that out. In we went and sure enough, they followed me to the bedroom. I began going through my sparse business suit collection.“Those look dreadful,” Buffy commented. “Where do you shop? Walmart?”“Sears,” I corrected. Buffy looked cruelly amused.“You work for a Fortune 500 company and you shop for your clothes at Sears?” she mocked me.“I’m not very good with money,” I laid out my second best/now best suit. “I blew all of last month’s paycheck on the Ferrari, Catalina 470 and Gulfstream. Stupid, eh?” We both knew I hadn’t been paid yet.“What did you do with your signing bonus?” Helena plopped down on my bed. “Hey, this is lumpy.”“I killed a hobo for it,” I teased. “I take no responsibility for whatever diseases you might pick up from sitting on that overly pretentious compost heap.” It actually wasn’t all that bad. “Besides, what signing bonus? Do you even know what college I attended?”“Ah…Brookstone,” Buffy guessed.“I’ll give you points for the 'B’,” I sighed. “I got the callback for Havenstone and fell on my knees and thanked God that I didn’t have to go back to working nights as a repo man, or end up in retail sales, food services, or custodial work. Done them all - not fun, believe me.”“You appear to be a pretty smart guy,” Buffy gave me those 'come hither’ eyes. “Why didn’t you end up going to a better school?”“I was pretty much a jerk until my senior year. I could have done better but I was ignorant, ugly and lazy. I was happy to get into Bolingbrook,” I related.“What is this?” Helena held up a braid of red, blue and green ribbons. The top quarter was intertwined with the rest of the ribbons hanging free.“It’s a heart cord,” I replied. “Each knot is a sexual liaison.” She counted out twenty-one.“Not bad,” she gave me those sexy eyes.“The other three that I completed are in the closet,” I winked back. She thought I was joking. I wasn’t and soon enough she found that out.“What the hell?” Helena regarded my handiwork dubiously.“Oh yeah. I think I slept with half women in my college town between the ages of 18 to 70, students and faculty included,” I enlightened them.“That seems like a large group of women,” Buffy examined the braids held aloft by Helena. “Are you some sort of Casanova?”“It is more like I have an out of control libido,” I admitted rather shame-faced.“Tell me again why you didn’t jump me yesterday?” Buffy looked miffed.“You are my boss, it was an obvious trap, and you bow hunt predators and rip out their teeth. That last bit combined with that aforementioned problem with my libido…,” I grinned sheepishly. “I wanted to keep my job…and my life.”“Do you think I’d shoot you for a sexual indiscretion?” Buffy postulated.“Do you want my honest assessment?” I looked into her golden eyes.“Yes,” she smiled warmly.“You, and by that I mean Havenstone, are a bunch of raving psychopaths masquerading as feminists who use economic exploitation to cover up your numerous crimes,” I unloaded.The two women looked at one another then started giggling.“We like you,” Helena walked up and patted my chest.“I’m glad Katrina chose you,” Buffy added. “Let’s go buy you a suit, or three.”“I’m glad to see my ranting has had no effect on our relationship whatsoever,” I observed.They let me dress, under their watchful eyes, into jeans and a t-shirt. Arm in arm, they led me from my home across town to a clothier who regularly did business with Havenstone.“Don’t you think it is unfair to put a man in restrictive clothing before the hunt? Don’t we at least get a sporting chance to run?” I joked.“I can kill a bounding deer at 50 meters. Running won’t help you,” Buffy informed me.“Well, I’ve hunted moose before,” I countered.“What did you use?” Helena asked.“A hammer,” I smirked. “I’m a real caveman.”“How did that work out for you?” Buffy played along.“How do you think? I sobered up, realized I was hunting a 600 kg monster with a ballpeen hammer, ran my naked ass back to the car and drove home,” I chuckled.“You are smarter than you look,” my female tailor muttered.“Why were you naked?” Buffy looked at my reflection in the three-sided mirror.“We won the lacrosse finals,” I told them.“Were you on the team?” Helena inquired.“Bolingbrook only has a Women’s Lacrosse team,” I sighed happily.“So why were you the one who ended out in the woods, alone, naked, hunting a moose?” Buffy mused.“I repeat, we won the finals,” I winked, “and I never said I was alone.”“Is this your fabled libido you’ve been talking about?” Buffy teased.“Three or four beers and my inhibitions fly right out the window,” I lamented.“Right,” Buffy shoved me - not fun when a woman is adjusting your inseam.“When is your trash day?” Helena came out of nowhere.“Why do you ask?” I gazed at her.“I’m thinking about a place closer to work,” she lied pathetically.“Oh come…wait, you looked in my trash can,” I gasped. Helena had the decency to blush. “Three days ago,” I admitted.“Oh my God…” she blurted out. “You’ve been murdering a box of condoms.”“How is this work related, or in any way not to be confused with sexual harassment?” I stated.“I’m okay,” Buffy smiled. “Helena, how many? Besides, do you feel sexually harassed?”“Gross, Buffy; I didn’t pick them out. I don’t feel harassed either, not really. I feel that getting our new intern to open up and talk about his life experiences is a real team-building success,” Helena beamed sexual menace my way.“Hold on,” I grumbled. “Buffy, yesterday you were setting me up for something and today, you set me up to fail at the board meeting. Helena, I didn’t even know you two hours ago. So why are you both so comfortable busting my balls?”“Cáel, yesterday and today until three o'clock this afternoon, you didn’t belong,” Buffy told me.“I don’t understand the whole picture yet, but you fought and bled for Katrina. You didn’t even know that this male internship program was her and Tessa’s idea,” she enlightened me. “You provided evidence their proposal had merit without understanding what you were doing.” I hesitated a while as I took Buffy’s interpretation of events in.“Hmmm…yay us?” I offered. “I’m not going to insult you by pretending that what happened this afternoon was anything but leagues beyond the ordinary. I also resent the hell out of Katrina ordering me to have dinner with her - it goes against policy and is plain wrong.”“She stood up for you today, Cáel,” Buffy pointed out. “I don’t think you truly appreciate the gesture.”“What I do appreciate is that as screwed as I am, I’m still better off than you two,” my look hardened.“How do you come to that conclusion?” Helena snickered.“Really? Well, I hope you both like Fabiola because in a few years she is going to be ordering you both around,” I reasoned.“It doesn’t matter that Buffy - I don’t know you Helena - is more competent and capable. Fabiola is going to end up on top and you two will still be picking up the laundry. What makes me better than you two is that I know this to be true and you two still think you can be rock stars when all you’ll ever be is roadies,” I explained.“That’s absurd,” Helena snorted.“Please believe me, it isn’t something you two have done. You haven’t screwed up. Fabiola…she seems to be what’s wrong with Havenstone. She’s an arrogant know-it-all who doesn’t listen to the Goddamn professionals she’s been sent to learn from,” I continued.Whenever you separate people into groups, a rift develops. There is not necessarily friction - unless someone upsets things and that was what I was trying to do. I wasn’t trying to topple Havenstone. That was a pipe dream. All I was looking for was some allies who had my back. If I asked for more than that, Buffy and Helena would turn on me.They were both smart women. That was one of the reasons they had been recruited, along with their stunning good looks and willingness to treat men like pets.“Fabiola’s acting did suck,” Buffy giggled. “Goddess, that was pathetic, wasn’t it?”“What happened?” Helena leaned forward. Fabiola was rubbing the staff the wrong way alright.“She asked 'where is everybody’…after she stepped in the room,” Buffy rolled her eyes.“I pity you,” Helena nodded. “Daphne’s working out well for me. She’s trying really hard.” A barrier had been breached. They were talking shop - the real Havenstone - in front of me. I had graduated from 'test subject’ to actual male intern; emphasis on the male.They were no longer upset that a male had set foot into their world. I clearly 'knew my place’ though they hadn’t even known what that was on Monday morning. Despite my badly biased work reviews, I was able and willing to work. More importantly, I obeyed while doing the aforementioned things.I was not a threat if all they had to do was tell me to 'stop’, 'stand by my side’, and 'kneel’. Better yet, from their own sexually driven side, I could remain a man while doing so. I was slavishly devoted to the hierarchy yet didn’t take crap from others. I could fight and bleed for them while they remained in complete control. In their ferocious world, I was a 'safe’ predator.The fact that these ladies picked up bows and hunted down predators wasn’t lost on me. I would never be truly safe among them, nor would I ever be accepted into their world. I was, at best, a bystander they reluctantly allowed to observe their wickedness.“Done,” the tailor announced. “Don’t go sprinting across Central Park and you should do fine.”“Come by tomorrow morning and I’ll finish the work,” she offered.“Work up five more suits for him,” Buffy ordered in an off-handed manner. “We’ll pick them up tomorrow afternoon.”“Two o'clock,” the lady tailor nodded.“How in the heck am I going to get here at two?” I whispered to Helena. She flicked my nose.“Put it in an order with Executive Services, you Idiot,” she mocked. “You know - where you work.” Okay, I had walked into that one. I looked suitably ashamed. We were given my old clothes in a bag and headed out. Dinner with Katrina wasn’t for a half hour so we decided to walk around.My new shoes were killing me so, of course, we were taking a long walk.“Why does Havenstone - a female-only company - have an account with a men’s clothier?” I wondered.“They do both men’s and women’s suits,” Helena offered.“How silly of me,” I glanced her way. “It stands to reason they would have women’s suits in my size, with my shoulder span and corresponding pants…and shoes.”“Be careful,” Buffy snickered. “He’s clever.”“So?” I prodded. The two exchanged looks. Apparently they decided I was never getting away.“Most of the Havenstone 'men’ can’t be trusted to tie their own shoes, much less buy their own clothes,” Buffy confessed. She gauged my reaction. I had little doubt I paled at the news.“Shit!” I exclaimed. The two jumped. Maybe they thought I had changed my mind and was going to make a break for it after all. “My bike is at work,” I informed them.“How am I going to get to work tomorrow?” I groaned.“Oh…I’ll come by early and pick you up,” Buffy slapped me on the back.“I could stay the night instead,” Helena offered.“On the hobo bed?” I reminded her.“Good point,” Helena shrugged. “Buffy, on Day 83 we need to get him a new mattress.”“Nice,” Buffy agreed. Day 83? Oh…fuck. My internship lasted 84 days; 3 times 28. For some now less arcane reason, Havenstone used a 28 day cycle for all their business. Two things usually kept to a 28 day calendar - the Moon and menstrual cycles.There was no good way to inquire exactly when my officemates had 'that time of the month’. I was tuning into the fact that they might all do it at once - that whole female hierarchy thing. For a few days every woman in my section would be exhibiting a plethora of emotions, few of which were positive to my way of thinking.I knew that not all women were 'on the rag’ during that time period. Some had little reaction. Most times, I wasn’t so lucky. There was spontaneous rage, tears, loneliness and, yeah, horniness. I’d been through them all. My favorites were the ones who randomly leapt through the kaleidoscope of emotions with no sense, or rhythm.I’ve had a woman try to brain me with a vase then fuck me on the shards - all inside of twelve seconds. Maybe I shouldn’t have slept with her roommate, or her dorm advisor. I repeat, I’m a great lover, but a lousy boyfriend. Hell, I’ve even had sex with a girlfriend’s mother - within ten minutes of meeting her. While those two were having a screaming fit, I did her little sister too.I don’t think I seduced them. I looked at them. They looked at me. We both suddenly realized we wanted to have sex. That happens to me a lot. This is probably why I ended up at Havenstone - karmic payback for my promiscuous ways. Or, maybe I did get it right and Tessa Carmichael really did want to come across that interviewer’s desk and fuck my brains out.There I was thinking that ravishing my future employer’s point woman would cost me the job. Wait…that’s probably how they wrangled Khalid. They flashed him some smoking tits and ass, he went all 'jungle fever’ on them and “Bang!” some girl was crying rape, and they had witnesses and footage. Khalid was looking at his whole magnificent life going down the tubes.Then his boss agreed to help him because he was 'invaluable’. If he requested an out-of-country transfer, she could mislead the criminal investigation thus saving himself and his family’s reputation. When it was safe to come back, she’d let him know. Now that smug, superior bastard was in Angola, or maybe Terra del Fuego with my penguins…wearing a shock collar.Ignoramus. Seven to fifteen in a comfy US prison would have been paradise considering what he was about to go through. Run away? The moron probably still thought he was facing rape charges back in the States and that if he played along, his boss, who clearly thought the world of him, would call him home soon. I hoped I never saw him again.Not because I hated him - I didn’t - but because if I did see him it meant I’d colossally fucked up as well. I was sure Katrina was going to determine my fate at dinner. All of that came to a head when they showed me the door of a private dining club. The maître de recognized Helena and Buffy, but not in a way that suggested they were acceptable patrons (aka lackeys).“Ms. Love’s table?” I requested. Buffy patted me on the back again and wished me luck. The maître de was a man and a right snooty bastard, too. He looked down his nose at me from his elevated perch. He hand-motioned a female server over, gave her a table number and sent us on our way.“Did they forget to remove his jalapeno enema again?” I teased the girl as we left.She coughed, stumbled then shot me a wickedly happy look. This guy had to be a peach to work for because she clearly hated him.“You can talk to me,” I told her quietly. “I’m not going to freak out, or anything.” She looked at me and smiled again.“I haven’t seen you before,” she whispered back.“I have a very forgettable face. I’ve seen you before,” I replied. She seemed confused. “You are the girl of my dreams,” I grinned.“I’m married,” she brandished her banded ring finger.“He’s a lucky man,” I sighed. “I hope he appreciates this snobbish hell you work in on a daily basis.” She studied me which was all the more remarkable because she was navigating the floor while doing so.“I’m not married and I don’t work EVERY day,” she gave me a cute grin. “The ring is camouflage.”“Pen?” I asked. She grew nervous because we were at Katrina’s table and Katrina was looking us both over. “Ms. Love is my boss. We are not romantically involved,” I assured the waitress. The woman gave me her pen and I wrote my number on her palm. “If you feel like it.”“You don’t even know my name,” she tried to look upset yet settled on precocious.“You don’t know mine,” I countered. “It is Cáel Nyilas, by the way.”“I’m Odette Sievert,” she smiled. She took my drink order then sashayed away. I sat down opposite Katrina. The lady was smirking at me. In a flash, she grew deadly serious.“How?” she redefined intensity for me. I wish it hadn’t been in Hittite.“Excuse me?” I responded. I was afraid I knew exactly what she was asking for me to both admit to and explain. Katrina’s eyes were flinty and heartless.“I really don’t want to repeat myself, Cáel,” she said in a chilling voice. “You trusted me this afternoon. Trust me now.”“How far am I going to get if I get up and walk away right now?” I sipped my water.“What makes you think I mean you any harm?” Katrina asked.“You are evil,” I began to match her gaze. “You are all evil fucking caricatures of human beings - monsters really.”“The worst thing about you is that you don’t think you are like the rest. You think you are somehow more humane yet you don’t have a fucking clue what that means,” I accused her. “The 'how’ is really tragic. The woman who took my virginity, my first love, devoted her life to the study of Near Eastern Ancient cultures.”“Not the early city-states, or the well-worn Greeks; she spent her life delving into the first nation-empires including, obviously, the Old Kingdom and Neo-Hittites. She didn’t care about ruins; she loved the literature, art and culture of those people. She would read me poetry in a dozen dead languages. Later she taught me those tongues so I could let her hear those words in a voice not her own,” I continued.“By the spring, we would walk around her house all weekend speaking only in voices long stilled by the passage of time. She loved that. To her, it was the closest she’d get to being in some ancient marketplace; Babylonians haggling with Egyptians over beeswax, Assyrians arguing religion with Phoenicians, and Hittites and Cretan lovers sparring with poetry,” I fondly recalled.Katrina’s gaze had slowly softened until it became a mixture of wonder and envy.“She sounds like a remarkable woman. Why did this not come up in your background search?” she questioned.“I listed her as an acquaintance,” I said.“I never took any of her courses since that would have threatened her job. I didn’t hide anything. If anyone asked me if I spoke any dead languages, I don’t recall it,” I softened as well. “You have to admit that it is rather bizarre that I am one of a dozen men in the United States that knows the language of the Amazons and I ended up in that board room.”“Amazons,” she said in Old Kingdom Hittite. “You really figured it out.”“It took me a while,” I responded in the same lingo. Katrina jolted. It then occurred to me she’d never heard her native language spoken by a male. In English, “that’s when I realized you were all raving psychotic lunatics and if I didn’t play along, I was going to be murdered.”“So all that obedience and kneeling was an act?” Katrina studied me.“The respect wasn’t false. I do admire you. You are rather pleasant to work for, but it is telling that not one of your group realized that an outsider male wouldn’t act the way I did,” I related.“I was hoping there was a foundation for my project,” Katrina sighed.“There is,” I asserted. “Body posturing and obedience are normal, healthy male activities, Katrina. The military and Boy Scouts are built on it. All you have to do is create something males can believe in. Loyalty and obedience will follow.”“The problem is my culture takes a dim view of male martial activity,” Katrina informed me.“You only got away with your actions today because the others believed - mistakenly believed - you were obedient to me,” she reinforced my view.“What makes you think I wouldn’t obey you again?” I countered.“Would you?” she mused.“Do I still have a job?” I gave a lopsided grin.“Yes. Is that what motivates you? Pay?” she studied me.“Katrina, you do not understand men,” I chuckled. “There is not enough money in the world to make me keep this job.” Katrina looked menacing once more.“I’ll show up to work tomorrow because if I make a run for it, the others will take it out on you,” I enlightened her. “You saved my life today - twice. You risked your social position by intervening on my behalf and I imagine there are some freaking stiff penalties for not telling your sisters that I know Old Kingdom Hittite.”“Very true,” she admitted. “My sisters would not be pleased. It is also nice to have confirmed my thoughts about the 'New Directive’. Men can be trained to be helpmates and stand at our sides, even if it is a half-step behind.” She contemplated some things. “Why do you consider us evil?”“You are holding onto a blood-feud for three thousand years even though the genetic descendants of those crimes have most likely died out eons ago. You use your hateful, paranoid religion to justify every atrocity under the Sun. What is even more insane is that your activities are no longer warranted. There are places around the globe where you can live freely, own property and have all the legal protections enjoyed by men,” I stated.“The majority of the globe is still dangerous for us,” Katrina reposed. “Even in this country, women are enslaved, brutalized and murdered simply for being the 'weaker’ sex.”“If you are waiting for a perfect world all I have to ask is 'when will it be my time?’” I regarded her sadly. It was obvious to both of us I was in a hopeless position. My fate was in her hands.“Come home with me tonight,” Katrina ordered.“No,” I replied. “It is against corporate policy. You’ll have to wait 82 days like the rest.”Katrina snorted, snickered then laughed out loud.“Remembering that we have to explain things to you men will be an exasperating experience for most of us,” she chuckled. Katrina motioned Odette over, signaling our conversation was over for now.The 16 oz. Porterhouse steak was heavenly and I made sure to keep the beer-drinking down to two steins. Katrina teased me about my appetite though she was no slouch. I explained that I’d need my strength - I was having sex tonight. She insinuated I was conceited. I laughed. Short of her embarrassing Odette, our waitress was going to be waking up at my side come dawn.As we prepared to depart, the office called. I had a client appointment…with Rhada. She was going to pick me up at my place. I imagined that the addresses of the other employees was rather confidential. Rhada was a 'somebody’ and I was only a male. I didn’t bother asking Katrina to intervene. This was my job. She was respectful enough not to inquire one last time if I’d make a run for it.A taxi got me home and I took the stairs three at a time, racing up to my apartment. My keys worked the lock. I heard the TV on and it was loud. I was moving through our cramped common area on the way to the bedroom.“Timothy,” I greeted my roommate, “I’m expecting a client to come by any minute, so don’t be surprised if some bossy chick shows up and treats you like crap.”“Let me guess,” Timothy mused. “A late teen/early twentyish, long black hair in a braid, the complexion of Southern India, clearly exercises with B-cup breasts and sweet ass.”“Ah…yeah?” I worried.“Oh, she came by thirty minutes ago. She’s bound up, naked and gagged on your bed, waiting for you.”“What the fuck!” I screamed. “I’m dead. Hell, you are probably dead too.”“Nah,” Timothy smirked. “This was how it was going to end up anyway. All I did was save you the anxious and pointless foreplay. Go in there and fuck her silly. You’ll have to change the sheets - she’s gushing.”I rushed into my room. Sure enough, Rhada was nude, her hands bound behind her back by black leather cuffs, as were her ankles. She had a bright orange ball gag, secured with black straps, in her mouth and her eyes were bombarding me with a deadly furor.“Shit, Rhada, I’m sorry. My roommate doesn’t know who you are,” I pleaded. I crawled onto the bed and pulled down the ball gag.“I’m going to fucking kill you,” she screamed. “I’m going to cut out your heart and shove it down your throat. You are so fucking dead, you Asshole! I’m going to slice…” I put the ball gag back in place and staggered out to see Timothy. I tossed my coat and tie aside then sat down beside him.“I can’t begin to describe how massively screwed we are,” I muttered. Timothy sidled down the sofa and put his arm around my shoulder. I wasn’t worried. Timothy respected my life choices.“Brother, trust me. That girl came over to be tied down and fucked. My Ex was really into that, so I recognized the signs,” Timothy consoled me.“You are worrying about nothing. Trust me. Hammer her the way you did that flight attendant on Saturday and she’ll leave here with a bounce in her step,” Timothy chuckled. “Oh, she’ll act bitchy, but when she makes for the stairs, she’ll look back and smile at you. I’d bet my life on it.”“We are, you knucklehead,” I sighed. I returned to my bedroom. I wasn’t a rapist. Power games were games, not something I got off on. Determining how to get out of my personal tragedy was short-circuited by Rhada herself. Her look was still as lethal, her body was still struggling against her bonds, and a teardrop of vaginal fluid was making it down the crease between her buttocks and thigh.I turned around and walked back to Timothy, who looked amused.“Did she bring any weapons?” I inquired.“Yeah, this decent double-edged blade,” he nodded. “On the counter.” I went to the kitchenette, retrieved the sheathed knife - an early 20th century ceremonial creation, I guessed - and returned to Rhada. I shut the bedroom door and locked it.“Well, Rhada,” I leered. “Katrina is probably going to kill me for this. I might as well tear some enjoyment out of you before I die.” I brandished the sheathed blade. Rhada’s eyes grew wide with arousal and fear. I slowly stripped myself bare. Rhada’s eyes feasted on my physique. She didn’t even try to hide her fascination.After I crawled over her body, the knife was unsheathed and the point pressed to her neck. Rhada moaned through her ball-gag. I leaned down and kissed her cheek.“Rhada, I am going to despoil you,” I whispered, my lips only millimeters away. “I’m going to wreck your body.” The tip of the knife migrated down her chest, between her breasts in an achingly slow process.Four years of some serious sexual exploration told me Rhada was on the cusp. My free hand moved unseen until it hovered over the juncture between her ass cheeks and thighs, giving minute access to her dripping cunt. I rammed two fingers into her vagina, praying she wasn’t a virgin. She wasn’t, my intrusion sent her off into convulsions and I yanked the knife away to keep her safe from the blade.As her orgasm spent itself a final series of tremors, I rolled Rhada onto her stomach and began spanking her. First she gasped then gave forth furious, but muted, declarations. The moaning started with a few stifled utterances. I broke off the beating long enough to sheath the knife and put on a condom before resuming my play.“Now you get fucked, my slave - my prisoner,” I taunted her. She moaned louder and sobbed. I pulled her up by her hips and unceremoniously shoved my cock into her love canal. It was snug, not tight. Her shudder of shame and pleasure pulsed throughout her body. A few rotations into her pleasure center and I realized the strain on her shoulders, neck and head had to be harsh.I quickly decided that putting Rhada with her knees off the bed to make it easier on her. My withdrawal then rapid manhandling caught her off-guard. My penetration returned her to that state of bliss. I put my pinkie in my mouth, got it nice and slick, then began wiggling it against Rhada’s sphincter.Her protestations were more verbal than physical though she winced when I actual pushed in to the first knuckle. That accomplished, I began to mercilessly pound that pussy and tease that ass for thirty minutes, until she was unresponsive. I took the break to lay out some more condoms - and answer my bedroom door. Timothy had a bagel in his mouth and a box of 'toys’ in his arms.He shoved it at me, mumbled something that could have been 'get to work’, laughed and lastly shut the door. A quick sniff test suggested the goodies were clean. A few clearly contravened the UN Accords on Human Rights so I hid them away. I wasn’t sure what would have been worse: Rhada freaking out when she saw them, or begging for one to be used on/in her.The vibrators checked out, the lube seemed reasonably fresh and clamps, lash and paddles were in working order. Rhada moaned softly when I began working the blue, ribbed dildo into her cunt. Even after it was deeply in place, she didn’t react much. Only when the smaller, more flexible, dildo began penetrating her ass did she come around.Rhada frantically thrashed around in a futile effort to save her back passage.“How wretched does a woman have to be to submit to a man forcing something up her ass?” I teased her softly. “What would Madi think if she could see you like this, giving up your pleasures like some breeding bitch?”Rhada’s resistance turned feeble and I could tell she was crying. I finished pressing the second dildo up her butthole before turning them both into vibrators. Her whole body was wrapped up in the throes of passion. I got off the bed, retrieved my phone then moved around so she could see me.“Say 'I’m a harem-slut’,” I mocked her. The humiliation-driven climax overwhelmed any semblance of self-control she might have retained.I kept taking pictures and verbally tormenting her as I described each scene. Rhada began choking and jerking as if she was in a seizure. I was on her in a flash, pulling the gag off and pulling her wet, sweaty hair away from her face. I then cut off both vibrators and carefully removed them. It took her several minutes to recover enough to do anything.“Kill me,” she feebly pleaded. “Kill me and end my shame.”“I haven’t finished tormenting you, Rhada,” I replied compassionately. “A woman as proud, noble and fierce as you would never fold up after just one battle. Are you giving up?” The junior Indian struggled to focus on me.“No,” she croaked. I reached down, fondled her right breast then grabbed and pinched her nipple. Rhada winced.“Do you surrender?” I taunted her. Rhada shook her head negatively. “Lucky for me, I have clamps, paddles and a crisp lash just for you.” Rhada’s eyes grew wider, her heart rate quickened and her jaw set.(Later)Rhada was splayed out on the bed, staring at the ceiling. With the raw, swollen appearance of her nipples, I didn’t envy Rhada putting on her sports bra. She had raised lash marks over her buttocks, thighs and back. It had taken me a few tries to figure out what was a glare (not hard enough), an orgasmic squeal (right on the money) and 'Argh!’ (too much).She had carried a freight-load of sexual frustration into my apartment and I’d worked through a healthy dose of it. I had no illusions we were done. I did know we were done for the night, though. I put on some pajama shorts and left the room. When I came back, she propped herself up on both elbows and seethed hate/lust at me.I tossed her clothes at her.“Get dressed,” I commanded. She exuded defiance. “In five minutes you are going to be on the street. If you want to be naked, that’s on you. I’m finished with you.” The last bit was like a slap to her face. “For tonight,” I added. That did the trick. She wanted more of her Enslaved Amazon Rape fantasy.Rhada dressed. She pretended not to notice me soaking up her beauty with undisguised hunger and I pretended not to notice her arousal under my gaze. When she finished, Rhada slipped to the edge of the bed and placed her feet on the floor. I handed her a glass of crushed ice. She had to be parched.She drank and chewed on the ice while her eyes tried to gauge my mood. When she was mostly finished with the ice, I half turned and retrieved her blade - sheathed, of course. She appeared uncertain until I crossed my left arm level with my torso. I slapped the scabbard down on the arm, pommel toward Rhada. According to a movie I’d seen once, this was supposed to be the honorable thing to do.Rhada gingerly reached for the pommel as if expecting me to yank it away. Once she held the pommel, she took hold of the scabbard with the other hand and drew the blade. Finally she stood up.“Give me the phone,” she demanded.“No,” I replied in a bored tone.“I’ll kill you if you don’t,” she threatened.“There are no pictures, Rhada,” I let my eyes run over her body once more. “Every image of you that I need is right up here,” I tapped my temple.“The feel of your enticing flesh, your erotic sounds and your intoxicating scents are here if I need them and, if I want new ones, I’ll hunt you down and make more,” I licked my lips and grinned.“Touch me again, I’ll cut off your balls and burn them before your eyes,” she threatened. I slapped the knife out of her hands, grabbed her upper arms and pulled her to me.I savagely ripped a kiss from her lips, subduing her tongue and pressing her head back. I released her arms so that I could grasp her braid and a full ass cheek. Rhada groaned with a desperate hunger as she began humping me. I maneuvered her body around despite her grunted protests. Her head was forced around so I could maintain my kiss while I ground my cock against her ass.Rhada tentatively stroked my hand holding her braid, suggestively leading my hand to her breasts. Feeling generous, I obliged and soon was mauling her right nipple through her silk blouse and bra. Right as I felt she was ready to gift me with one more orgasm, I pushed her face first on the bed. Her lustful gaze as she rolled over turned to frustration.“Time for you to leave,” I commanded. She slithered off the bed, gave me a hateful glare, retrieved her knife and stormed out of the room. I followed laconically along because Timothy was under the impression we both might not be dead soon. Sure enough, at the stairs, Rhada turned and presented me with this wistful smile then left.I walked back into my abode. Timothy chuckled.“I told you, Cáel,” he rubbed it in. “Sometimes you pet that kitty and sometimes you spank it.”“For a man who truly appreciates a good phallus, you sure know a great deal about women’s sexuality,” I regarded my roomie as I sat beside him.“Bro, you would be astounded by the number of female strangers who spill their deepest, darkest secrets, fantasies and desires the second they find out I’m gay,” Timothy explained. “I guess they don’t think I’ll be judgmental, or jealous.”“So you are a gay man who is a closet heterosexual?” I joked. He punched me.“Give away my secret and next time, the nutjob will come in to find you trussed up on the bed,” he countered. My phone rang. It wasn’t work so I didn’t weep.“Cáel Nyilas,” I answered.“Cáel, this is Odette. I didn’t wake you did I?” she sounded chipper.“Wide awake. I just tossed an Indian princess out of place after a marathon S&M session,” I responded with the truth dressed up like a lie. “Do you want to do something tonight?”“What do you have in mind?” she teased. She had to be thinking the whole 'Indian Princess’ thing was a joke - poor, naive girl.“Before we make love, I’d like to give you a massage,” I suggested.“You think I have sex on the first date?” She wasn’t pissed. They never were.“Girls have sex, women make love and our first date should involve doing something that convinces you to want a second date,” I suggested. “We can discuss where you want to go on the first date after your first orgasm.” There was a long pause.“Do you want me to come to your place?” she asked. I gave her my address. An added bonus was that I didn’t have to worry about Buffy knowing where to pick me up in the morning.“Few men who are not professional escorts are so confident they can nail a woman a day,” Timothy laughed. I looked him over. I hadn’t had sex - Sunday night, or Monday.“Bitch, help me clean my room. Half of Rhada is your fault after all,” I grumbled. That led to the discussion that Rhada had peed on my bed, flipping it over wasn’t nearly enough and that a wastebasket with tissue wads and used condoms probably wasn’t the message I wanted to send to this latest conquest.Don’t get me wrong. I wanted a first and second date with Odette. Usually, somewhere along the line, each girl figured out I was nailing one, two, or three other women and they got pissed. Then came the screaming, crying, yelling and various insinuations about my parentage and anatomy. Finally there was the breakup sex, her hating me (and herself) for the break-up and then another round of break-up sex so she could convince herself we were done.That was usually it, discounting the 'showing up drunk at my door’ sex, the 'I’m lonely and it’s your fault’ sex, and the 'let’s get back together’ sex. I’ve taken back a lady who stabbed me so I clearly have no common sense or morals. It’s my damn libido, I swear. I’m really not some asshole who never returns their call, makes them sleep in the wet spot, or ignores their litany of life’s woes. I like to think I’m better than that.To be continued in Part 3By FinalStand for Literotica.

Welcome to Fictionary. In this episode, your host Deitra talks about the dangers of twerking, the powers of Aleve, and the book the Other Black Girl. BOOK GANG- Send me your book suggestions on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. I'll be announcing our new book on Tuesday.  Today, Deitra reads an original spooky short story. Story : THE WALKGenre-  Ghost StoryAction-  Whispering to SomeoneWord- TwilightDo you know stuff? Do you always win at trivia? Then you should definitely download VersusGame today and follow Fictionary_Podcast:https://versusgame.com/app/game/?invite_code=J8KZ4MH3NIf you like the show check us out:Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/FictionaryPODTikTok-  @fictionary_podcastInstagram- @Fictionary_PodcastEmail Fictionary at: keepreading.fictionary@gmail.comMUSIC FROM THIS WEEK'S EPISODE:Into the Unknown- Hill- CCG7QOOYCJUEWBIXCrocuta- Hill- 5LJ1DGDMWIHVQNGZTwennysomething- Daniele Musto- ENP7MEFKLKBWVLQZCotton Candy Clouds- Lunareh- ENP7MEFKLKBWVLQZCelestial Being- Lunareh- 2DRBQNX8GUHZ4FN8Spring Cleaning- Lunareh- CJDTSDFJHLUUOPKASobre El Mar- Sam Brash- 7YHFSNGZ8B9SZUH4

Exactly what is Sciatica you askSciatica is discomfort that diminishes beyond the thigh down the back of the thigh when it is truly bad and can enter into the foot. Particular cases will have tingling and tingling along with sharp shooting discomfort. Going from a seated to a standing position can provoke discomfort and some discover getting in and from the vehicle to be hard. Others will discover relief resting on one's side. The discomfort can be incapacitating.The discomfort generally impacts just one leg and might worsen when you sit, cough, or sneeze. The leg might likewise feel numb, weak, or tingly sometimes. It is often one-sided in its discussion and it can make your life unpleasant. Exactly what you need to understand is that it can be assisted particularly if you act rapidly. Yes, it is all right to take Advil or Aleve to reduce the pain. Try to comprehend the mechanical contribution to your sciatica that will not be fixed through medication alone. So think about massage, physical treatment, or seeing a chiropractic physician as legitimate treatment options.Sciatica occurs from various underlying pathologies like back degenerative disc illness, spondylolisthesis, spine stenosis, or osteophytes, and arthritis in the spinal column. These conditions have 2 things in typical, discomfort and absence of movement. By setting in motion the ilia( pelvic bones you have one on each side) and the sacrum (the big triangle-formed bone that is the base of your spinal column) you will minimize the discomfort drastically by strengthening the base. The more steady the base the less the supporting muscles will need to do. When the ilia and sacrum are effectively placed they use the spine vertebra with sufficient assistance and you will have less sciatic discomfort.When instability exists in the hips the lumbar (lower back) spine bones can vacate location triggering additional tension on the nerves that leave the spinal column near the sacroiliac joint. The nerves are huge and can trigger great deals of discomfort when pinched by bones or disc material. Lasting relief frequently needs severe action. Who understands you might even have to begin working out to remove the terrible pain in the back? Some are fortunate adequate to have the discomfort disappear on its own, though unusual it is possible.An easy natural home remedy would be to warm up a tub and put some Epsom salts into the bath water. Make your method into the tub extremely gradually. Let the heat and magnesium in the salts permit your overworked muscles to unwind. Take your time these muscles have actually been working overtime to support your unsteady spinal column. By unwinding the muscles you will take the extra stress off and reduce up your sciatic discomfort.Core Health Darien-Dr.Brian Mc Kay551 Post RoadDarien CT 06820203-656-3636

Neck Discomfort  DarienPerhaps you have had a little problem resting where you can not appear to obtain comfy. Maybe you have an old neck injury that creates you to have neck discomfort every once in a while. These can be small inconveniences till they are not. Your neck begins to trouble you extra frequently, so you transform to Advil and also Aleve. When do you intend to quit the insanity? I recommend prior to it's far too late. Frequently easy neck discomfort morphs right into frustrations or shoulder discomfort. Exactly how close is the head as well as shoulders to the neck? Pretty close I would certainly state that several shoulder troubles as well as frustrations begin with the neck.Neck Pain Turns Into HeadachesIn case you did not know the nerves from the top neck enter into your head. This can create occipital migraines. An additional think about is the brainstem (medulla oblongata) mosts likely to the degree of the 2nd cervical vertebra. Ouch! , if That obtains squeezed.. When the cervical vertebra are misaligned these muscle mass are called to function also harder, the muscular tissues in your neck are not that solid so. The continuously stretched neck muscle mass placed included stress on the spinal nerves resulting in, you presumed it a lot more frustrations. My recommendation is to take treatment of a straightforward neck issue when it is small. Go see a chiropractic doctor as well as straighten the cervical spinal column. This can go a long way in preventing migraines as a result of underlying neck concerns.Neck Pain develops into Shoulder PainThe closeness of the cervical spinal column to the shoulders is plainly noticeable. The cervical spine nerves wrap at the base of the neck right into what is called the brachial plexus. The brachial plexus guidelines the upper extremities. The nerves regulate motor and also sensory control over the arms, certainly the shoulders also. When your neck is limited, maybe extra aching than normal it would certainly be a great time to see a chiropractic doctor for your neck discomfort. Think of resolving one issue prior to it comes to be much more challenging as well as develops into a neck as well as a shoulder issue. The factor I am attempting to make is that your neck is carefully pertaining to your shoulder. Neck discomfort left neglected over a long period of time can begin to trigger you to have shoulder issues. When attempting to rest, it can begin as easy as light pain in the neck. When you have a lot more discomfort and also much less rest it is time to discover a chiropractic physician to handle your neck discomfort.Neck Pain Darien CTCore Health Darien- Dr.Brian Mc Kay551 Post Road Darien CT 06820203-656-3636

Hip Pain Stamford CT You may be shocked by the number of individuals who experience hip discomfort, particularly as they grow older. I recommend you venture to the closest Walmart and also have a look at just how a few of the seniors are easily moving around. Good chance they have had hip discomfort for a rather long time. They probably make good use of Advil or Aleve to handle the hip discomfort. There is a great probability that some will require hip replacement surgical treatment. If you desire to prevent hip surgical procedures you must read much more on this.Hip Pain for beginers Hip discomfort is typically a wide term to define any type of pain in the location where you would certainly place your hands right into your pocket. The hip is actually comprised of 2 bones the ilium and also the femur, with each other they create the hip joint. Extreme wear can with time produce an excruciating discrepancy in the hips that results in deterioration of the hip joint. Left neglected this can cause the requirement for a medical hip substitute as the hip discomfort ends up being unbearable. A word of care, persistent hip discomfort can cause pelvic instability, making significant falls more likely.Prevent Hip Replacement.If you desire to stay clear of hip discomfort or hip substitute, the hips require to function mechanically efficiently. The hips contain the sacrum and also both ilia bones. When the hips are steady it sustains the femoral head much more effectively. You will certainly more than likely not have hip discomfort. Bones can subluxate as well as that uses to the ilia and also sacrum producing discomfort in your hip. This is where a chiropractic care modification of the hip can do you marvels. Biomechanical effectiveness will certainly maintain your hip functioning effectively as well as go a long way to assist you to stay clear of pain in the back. Massage therapy sessions might really feel great, yet it will certainly not do anything to restore the pelvic bones to their correct area.Hip Pain or Back Pain?Well is it hip pain or back pain? It may be both. The pelvis is a major driver of pain in the lower half of your body. When there is instability in the pelvis this can easily turn into a hip issue because the hips are supported by your pelvis, Similarly, when the lower back is hurting it can be from the pelvis not doing its job. Basically, if you want less hip pain and or lower back pain you should be under the care of your chiropractor. The chiropractor's job is to keep your skeletal system operating at mechanical efficiency. When your spine is mechanically sound it will function better to help you avoid pain in the back and hips.Chiropractic Care for Hip Pain.Chiropractic care can balance out an uneven pelvis that in many cases is the culprit in hip pain cases. Therapy or medication alone will not balance out bones that are out of place. A hip that has extra stress placed on it will cause you to have pain. If the problem persists it can lead to degeneration of the hip and ultimately lead to the need for hip replacement. Again be forwarned that a painful hip puts you at increased risk for a traumatic fall that can cause a hip fracture. Wouldn't it be easier to just get the hip fixed early on and save yourself the misery? Core Health Darien has been fixing bad hips for over 30 years. If you would like help with your hip problem call us 203-656-3636.

This is a replay of Jason Raznick's interview with Fyllo Founder and CEO Chad Bronstein at the Benzinga Cannabis Conference.Jason and Chad talk about:How Fyllo startedData of the futureTyson 2.0Hosts:Jason RaznickTwitter: https://twitter.com/jasonraznickSign Up to Benzinga Pro today to receive most exclusive interviews, news and stock picks fast!https://pro.benzinga.com/Click here for more episodes of The RazReport.Disclaimer: All of the information, material, and/or content contained in this program is for informational purposes only. Investing in stocks, options, and futures is risky and not suitable for all investors. Please consult your own independent financial adviser before making any investment decisions.Transcript:This is a replay of Jason Raznick's interview with Fyllo Founder and CEO Chad Bronstein at the Benzinga Cannabis Conference.Chad Bronstein is the most energetic driven entrepreneur that I am going to say in this industry. This guy not only has Fyllo , not only Tyson 2.0 and more companies, we are pumped to introduce the man, the myth, the legend, Chad Bronstein from Fyllo.Jason Raznick: So what time do you get up, what time do you end your day at ?Chad Bronstein: I get up about six o'clock in the morning.Go for a run. Then my son wakes up. Work pretty much until later on and then hang out with my son and my wife. And then I am in conference calls late into the night.Jason Raznick :Fyllo - how did you start this company?Chad Bronstein: So prior to starting Fyllo , I was running a large ad tech company and I was bored. And I just want to do something new.And so I had to make a crucial decision. I had a bunch of offers, I was doing well. I decided I'm going to go start a cannabis company.And we started Fyllo three years ago. And it's been a great ride. So we told Brian Spears, Britney Spear's brother. Hey, can you get us in front of Mike Tyson? Brian lived in Vegas. And so he got us to Mike's brother-in-law and then we brought Mike on as a strategic advisor to really talk about traumatic brain injury and the effects of psychedelics.Jason Raznick: And what do you do to stay in shape and to have these guns?Chad Bronstein: Right now I just do cardio.Jason Raznick: Do you eat healthy?Chad Bronstein: I eat really healthy, I don't eat red meat.Jason Raznick: What does Fyllo do in the most basic terms?Chad Bronstein: We offer multiple services.So we have brands like Dunkin Donuts, buying data from us and why they do that is because they don't know that Jason wears a Rolex. He drives a nice car. He shops at Nordstrom's, but they don't let Jason goes to Michigan and buys a bunch of marijuana. And there's all these different correlations you can make.You're literally spending $200 a week on weed. Why wouldn't Nike want to target you? Because they know you can afford it. Why wouldn't a car manufacturer want to target you because you're spending $200 a week on weed because they know you can afford leasing a car. pharma buys data, because they don't want to lose, share shift to the cannabis industry because instead of buying ibuprofen or Aleve, you're taking cannabis medicinal products.So we have over 7,000 brands buying data from us. And we're integrated into every major platform like Google trade desk, et cetera, where you can go into the platform and buy our data.Jason Raznick: Are you a much better Nielsen?Chad Bronstein: Nielsen is a great company. Fyllo is the data of the future. Cryptocurrency is now becoming more and more talked about and trend, right? You have gaming, which is a big conversation. Those data sets are where Fyllo is going.Jason Raznick: So you're going to get into other sectors. What's the sales process like?Chad Bronstein: So for us, what was great was we talking about something different and everyone opened up like "I ate edibles with my husband last night".So it opened up the flood gates to have more of an intimate relationship with them versus that uptight vendor relationship.So that was fun for us and we had to educate the large brands.Jason Raznick: So you're basically at level 1 with this company now in terms of revenue or scale, but you've gotten the acceptance by mainstream companies. So now what?Chad Bronstein: I think the thing for us is we're going to grow, continue to grow at scale. We have 300% growth YoY. Our growth is pretty astronomical and it's because we have a good team. We are 300 people.Jason Raznick: : Where are you guys based in, mostly in Chicago?Chad Bronstein: We just bought a data company called Semasio based in Germany. We are in a lot of major cities.Jason Raznick: : Can we talk a little about Tyson 2.0, so what's Tyson 2.0?Chad Bronstein: Tyson 2.0 is a cannabis company formed with legendary boxer Mike Tyson. We have become the most well-known brands in the space. We created Mike Bites and it went viral. We had Howard Stern, Jimmy Kimmel, everyone talking about it.We raised $8 million from some of the most strategic investors in the cannabis space. And so the key for our success was that we struck a deal that allowed us to get distribution.Mike is an advocate for cannabis. He smokes a lot of weed every week. It helps him and he's outspoken about it. And so it's very much on brand.Jason Raznick: Thank you for coming on.Chad Bronstein: I am honored to be here.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-raz-report/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Why Cortisone is not good for Tennis ElbowThe name has actually been transformed to safeguard the innocent if you have side epicondylitis you additionally have Tennis Elbow. Ice will certainly obtain the sting after you play a couple of rounds of tennis. , if the ice does not do the technique you can get to for Advil or Aleve.. Advil, as well as Aleve, are anti-inflammatories? Yes, they are yet have you ever before asked yourself why Advil and also Aleve do not truly aid Tennis Elbow? Given that you asked, I will certainly inform you.Tennis Elbow is generally not an inflammatory problem.Side epicondylitis is more frequently a degenerative problem including the extensor carpi radialis brevis. For brevity, we will call the extensor carpi radialis brevis the ECRB from now on. Brevity suggests brief if you researched Latin you would certainly obtain the wit. The ligament of the ECRB inserts over the elbow joint. With the recurring pressure on the ligament, it begins to deteriorate the ligament, therefore deteriorating the joint as well as creating you to have side epicondylitis.What do you do following Tennis Elbow?Your physician might advise a cortisone shot. If that does not function after that perhaps a couple of even more cortisone shots should do the technique? Well, assumption once more. Cortisone is an effective anti-inflammatory yet it additionally reduces the body's immune system. I currently pointed out that the tennis elbow joint is not an inflammatory problem so treating it with an anti-inflammatory does not make good sense currently, does it?Damages from Cortisone for Tennis ElbowResearch has actually revealed that Cortisone can create damage to ligaments and also might incline individuals to a tendon tear. Additional research reveals cortisone shots in arm joint joints can harm the continuing to be cartilage material within the elbow joint. Drawn-out therapy with cortisone can trigger degenerative adjustments in the joint surface area and also ligament insertions. I ask you is Cortisone worth the danger?Supporting for Tennis ElbowI strongly rely on supporting for tennis joint. Any kind of support that can convert the force on the arm joint past the elbow joint is great by my requirements. This permits the ECRB to get a break and also potentially recover much faster. I suggest the Cho-Pat brand name for Tennis Elbow, It fits to put on as well as it is simple to tidy up in the wash.Tennis Elbow StretchesCore Health DarienDr.Brian McKay551 Post RoadDarien CT 06820203-656-3636

In this episode of Quah (Q & A), Sal, Adam & Justin answer Pump Head questions about how often one should see a chiropractor, the benefits of using calorie cycling, what their workouts will look like at age 45, and if taking painkillers before or after lifting inhibits muscle growth. Mind Pump Fit Tip: One of the easiest and best ways to know that you are doing the right kind of training, eating the best diet, and living the best lifestyle is if you are getting STRONGER. (3:43) How conversations with friends have changed since becoming fathers. (8:28) Awkward moments with your children. (11:57) Sal recaps his recent business trip to LA. (17:22) The guys discuss how our media covers high-profile trials. (26:13) Elon wins! (30:00) The guys provide a follow-up on their minerals & metals test from equi.life. (44:51) Why being deficient in vitamin D is not good. (49:25) The issue Mind Pump has with people taking things out of context on social media. (51:55) Organifi crushes in the flavor department! (58:35) #Quah question #1 - How often should you see a chiropractor? (1:00:20) #Quah question #2 - Other than reducing the risks of metabolic adaptation, what are the positives of using calorie cycling over the same caloric intake? (1:09:57) #Quah question #3 - What would your routine go-to workouts look like at age 45? (1:16:29) #Quah question #4 - Can taking painkillers before or after lifting inhibit muscle growth? (1:26:00) Related Links/Products Mentioned April Promotion: Get MAPS Anywhere, MAPS Prime and Prime Pro all for $99.99! MP Hormones Mind Pump #1762: Tony Robbins – Life Transforming Breakthroughs In Precision Medicine Mind Pump #1290: The Homeless Crisis With Dr. Drew Johnny Depp and Amber Heard defamation trial: Summary and timeline Elon Musk reaches deal to buy Twitter for $44 billion Florida's Gov. Ron DeSantis vs. Disney: What happens now? Netflix stock plunges on shocking subscriber loss Mind Pump #1780: Why Blood Tests Are Overrated With Dr. Stephen Cabral Equi.life is offering all Mind Pump listeners an at home Minerals & Metals At-Home Lab Test for 50% off! Combined Vitamin D, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and a Simple Home Exercise Program May Reduce Cancer Risk Among Active Adults Aged 70 and Older: A Randomized Clinical Trial True Transformation Podcast w/Josiah Novak - The Growth of Mind Pump with Adam Schafer  Visit Organifi for the exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! **Promo code MINDPUMP at checkout** Visit Serenity Kids for an exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! **Promo code MP20 at checkout** Calorie Cycling For Bulking and Fat Loss – Mind Pump Blog How to Undulate Your Calories for Faster Weight Loss & an Improved Metabolism – Mind Pump TV Mind Pump #1137: The #1 Form Of Exercise For Health & Longevity Why you should almost NEVER take Advil, Aleve, or Aspirin (NSAIDS) before or after exercise – Mind Pump Blog Mind Pump Podcast – YouTube Mind Pump Free Resources People Mentioned Tom Bilyeu (@tombilyeu)  Instagram Elon Musk (@elonmusk)  Twitter Dr. Stephen Cabral (@stephencabral)  Instagram Josiah Novak (@josiahfitness)  Instagram Layne Norton, Ph.D. (@biolayne)  Instagram Max Lugavere (@maxlugavere)  Instagram Jordan Shallow D.C (@the_muscle_doc)  Instagram Justin Brink DC (@dr.justinbrink)  Instagram

Shockwave Treatment New Method to Deal With Bad Back PainWhat is Shockwave Therapy?Shockwave Therapy is a therapy that is being made use of to speed up healing from bone and joint injuries. A fascinating note is that shockwave treatment in orthopedics initially obtained its begin as a therapy to break up kidney stones. Basically the exact same treatment is currently being utilized for an entire host of orthopedic conditions.You have persistent discomfort in your lower back. You attempt massage therapy, perhaps take a couple of Aleve which should care for it? When the discomfort comes to be extra significant do you take into consideration chiropractic treatment or physical treatment? When that does not function what do you do beside treat your pain in the back? Well, the bright side is you have an alternative. It is called Shockwave Therapy. Yes, it seems frightening however if you think of it there is something to it if you have persistent discomfort or an injury that will not recover.What Does ShockWave Treat?Achilles tendinitisPatellar tendonitisQuadriceps tendinitisSide epicondylitis/tennis elbow jointMedian epicondylitis/golfer's jointBiceps/triceps tendinitisPartial-thickness potter's wheel cuff splitsTrochanteric tendonitisPlantar fasciitisShin splintsMuscular tissue Spasmslower Back PainScientific Research Behind Shockwave TherapyShockwave Therapy is specified as a wave with a fast boost of stress within an extremely brief refactory time and afterwards having a progressive decline of stress with a little unfavorable stress stage.The shockwaves produced have countless peer-reviewed advantages with really couple of adverse effects.Discomfort decrease is most likely the greatest advantage of Shockwave Therapy. One method it reduces discomfort is by enhancing cell membrane layer passage by boosting the cell's leaks in the structure with ionic networks.Just how does Shockwave operate in the body?Nitric oxide manufacturing seems boosted by Shockwave Therapy. NO2 (Nitric Oxide) has the capacity to expand capillary. This permits even more blood circulation which permits the dissolution of toxic substances that collect in a hurt location. Extra blood quicker recovery. Angiogenesis is one more included advantage because the shockwaves boost your body to generate even more arteries in the therapy location. When treated with shockwave treatment permitting it to recover quicker, basically the hurt location has actually boosted metabolic rate.Is Shockwave Therapy Painful?When dealing with a hurt body component making use of Shockwave Therapy, there can be some pain. The shockwaves liquify lactic acid that often tends to swimming pool in muscle mass that are worn or wounded. The waves generated additionally permit broken cells to be gotten rid of by the blood vessels. There is a little discomfort yet we frequently see faster recovery times. Individuals with tennis elbow can begin to return to typical play in a couple of brief weeks. Somebody with a persistent lower back pain concern can begin extra hardcore physical treatment after a couple of sessions. Below ia an excellent way to consider shockwave treatment. After that Shockwave is a means to obtain over the obstacle to begin significant recovery, if the soft cells is not reacting.Is Shockwave Therapy covered by Insurance?Shockwave is not covered by insurance coverage. That might transform as insurer see it as a method to conserve

https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/pope-francis-pushes-moral-obligation-of-covid-jabs-calls-for-reality-therapy-against-baseless-information/ ‎El Papa impulsa la "obligación moral" de las vacunas contra el COVID y pide una "terapia de realidad" contra la información "infundada"‎ ‎El Papa Francisco pronunció lo que se ha descrito como "algunas de sus palabras más fuertes hasta ahora" al impulsar las vacunas contaminadas por el aborto.‎ https://www.crisismagazine.com/2021/stop-pretending-the-covid-jab-is-morally-equivalent-to-other-meds ‎En la desafortunada batalla entre los católicos‎‎ ‎‎ que promueven las inyecciones de COVID-19 y los que se oponen a ellas, han surgido varios argumentos engañosos. Los defensores señalan una larga lista de medicamentos de uso común que dicen que también se desarrollaron o probaron utilizando las células de HEK-293. Esta es una línea de células madre fetales propagada a partir de un bebé abortado a quien los que se preocupan por la humanidad de los niños llamado ‎‎ ‎‎ ‎‎Johanna‎‎ ‎‎ ‎‎ (ella era una persona no un número de matrícula). Las células de Johanna se utilizaron para ‎‎ ‎‎desarrollar o probar‎‎ tres de las cuatro‎‎ inyecciones disponibles‎‎ de‎‎ COVID-19, mientras que la cuarta utilizó células madre de otro bebé abortado.‎ ‎Los promotores católicos de jab nos dicen a los opositores que si renunciamos a la inyección debido a su derivación de Johanna, entonces es mejor que boicoteemos la aspirina, Tylenol, Aleve, Advil, Tums, Maalox y una serie de otros medicamentos comunes porque también se probaron en Johanna u otras líneas de células madre fetales.‎ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8205255/ Muchas personas con convicciones religiosas informan dudas sobre las vacunas COVID-19. Una encuesta de Pew Research realizada en febrero de 2021 encontró que el 36% de los protestantes y el 22% de los católicos no están dispuestos a vacunarse.

In this episode, Ayesha discussed a new blood test developed by researchers at the University of Oxford that can detect cancers and even if they've metastasized. The test is based on measuring metabolites produced by tumor cells in blood samples using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The researchers found that the test could identify cancer among healthy people, those with localized cancer and individuals with cancer that has metastasized. The test could help detect cancers even before the use of conventional imaging-based methods.The editorial team also discussed Bayer's commitment to 100 percent green packaging for its consumer products by 2030. The target is part of the company's sustainability program, which includes shifting to renewable energy sources and sustainably sourcing recyclable and reusable paper materials. Bayer's most popular consumer products like Aspirin, Aleve and Claritin will all have green packaging by the target year, which will also include recycling information that is consumer friendly. Other pharmaceutical companies like AstraZeneca, GSK and Biogen also have similar sustainability programs, reflecting the growing awareness of the pharmaceutical industry's large carbon footprint and the importance of efforts to reduce it.Read the full articles here: Cancer Blood Test Developed by University of Oxford Researchers Can Detect MetastasisBayer Commits to 100 Percent Green Packaging by 2030For more life science and medical device content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social MediaTwitter: @Xtalks Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

Health care has been a constant presence in Matt Parks's life for much longer than most people. His mother is an ER nurse. His older brother was born with a rare condition and was often hospitalized as a child. And as a college baseball player, Matt started taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to cope with a shoulder injury. He became dependent on the medications and started to experience migraines. He also developed depression when his parents divorced, which he still struggles with. By 2019, having been Vice President and Sales Manager at Williams Medical Supply Inc. for over a decade, Matt was a veteran of the medical supply industry. Conversations with people in his field who had looked into cannabidiol — better known as CBD — and customers who had used it, convinced him that the majority of CBD products were ineffective. This inspired him to see if he could come up with something better. He had three main areas of improvement. He wanted to create a hemp-derived topical CBD cream that he could verify did not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. He also wanted to build a company that was directly accessible to customers who had questions, and a brand that didn't traffic in the usual hype. That year, he founded One Less CBD — as in “one less pill to take.” Listen to this episode of Back Talk Doc to find out what CBD is and isn't, how to choose a CBD product, and to hear about Matt's journey from patient to employee to entrepreneur.

CONCERNED ABOUT lEAKY GUT Why You Should Be w/ Leaky Gut Your body is under attack and you don't even know it. Many symptoms can be happening and yet you have no idea where or why. So you take an Advil or Aleve and don't pay much attention to the symptoms. Then you learn to live with the symptoms because they are minor and nothing to worry about. So you think. Were you aware that your immune system is mainly in the intestines? It is estimated that 80% of your immunity resides in the gut. The body was designed to protect you from harm's way. The immune system tries to keep law and order inside our bodies by keeping bad things like bugs and viruses in check. We rely on good bacteria to keep the bad bacteria from taking over. When a bug or virus escapes the good bacterial environment in your intestine they create problems with inflammation. There are certain endotoxins that are created when the bugs break loose. The big-name for these endotoxins are cytokines which produce what is called a cytokine storm. This is where the body attacks the endotoxins and produces macrophages that create inflammation. In the short term, this is not a bad thing because the macrophages are doing their job. When there is prolonged exposure to these endotoxins the body is constantly inflamed. Inflammation is a problem for your brain. An inflamed brain is not healthy for you in the long run. So let's try and dumb this down to layman's terms. The wall around your intestine cannot keep the bugs from leaking out. The bugs can sneak past the blood-brain barrier thus causing the cytokine storm. The constant presence of these macrophages can lead to a host of autoimmune symptoms that can take years to manifest with clinical symptoms. Then the problem tends to be addressed with medications to deal with symptoms but not fix the walls of the intestines meant to protect you. Everyone by now has heard about the benefits of probiotics. These help seed your intestines with nutrients to keep the good bacteria strong. The good bacteria will keep the bad bacteria in check. I personally recommend a good probiotic with a good prebiotic to give your immune system a fighting chance to keep inflammation in check. Core Health Darien is located at 551 Post Road in Darien. We can be reached at 203-656-3636Dr.Brian McKayCore Health Darien

Millions of Americans are on NSAID drugs like ibuprofen to help with their arthritis, but these drugs can actually deplete important nutrients in the body. This is why it's important to turn to foods and supplements that will help you replete your levels of these vitamins and minerals. Take advantage of an exclusive podcast offer today by visiting http://www.invitehealth.com/podcast. For more information on the products or studies mentioned in this episode, click here. 

Band, Brad, and Chris the Pharmacist compare Tylenol, Aleve, Turmeric, and Ibuprofen. Medical Disclaimer All information, content, and material of this website is for informational purposes only and are not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider. Affiliate disclaimer: Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We are highly selective in our products and try our best to keep things fair and balanced in order to help you make the best choice for you.

How To Ease Your HERNIATED DISC PAIN In As Little As 7 Days… Even if you´ve tried everything else and failed! https://www.herniateddiscsecrets.com/01 What is the best medicine for a herniated disc? 1.Over-the-counter pain medications. If your pain is mild to moderate, your doctor might recommend over-the-counter pain medication, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve). 2.Cortisone injections. 3.Muscle relaxers. 4.Opioids.

In today's world, particularly in western society, you'd have a tough time finding someone who has never taken an antibotic or NSAID (things like Advil or Aleve) in their life. In fact, not only would it be hard to find someone who HASN'T taken those things, it'd be fairly easy to find people who take one or both REGULARLY. But, do these things impact mental health? Well, the studies suggest they both do, but in completely different ways. That's right, one of these classes of drugs seems to worsen mental health issues, while the other seems to temporarily help them.  In today's short and sweet episode, we're talking all about which one does what, and what this means for the mental health epidemic we are facing as a society. References: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/publications/hopkins_medicine_magazine/medical_rounds/fall-2016/a-link-between-antibiotics-and-mental-illness https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26580313/ https://bigthink.com/health/depression-relief/ You can find out more about FDNthrive by going to www.fdnthrive.com  

Leslea Kent is in the studio to talk about how switching from pharmaceutical painkillers like Aleve to CBD oil had a transformative effect, relieving her of the stiffness and pain which was part of her daily life. Not all CBD is the same; the differences between CBD from hemp vs. marijuana are discussed.