Podcasts about Annoyance

Wall of Annoyance

The Time Riders: Part 5 A Labyrinth Palace. Based on a post by BiscuitHammer, in 16 parts. Listen to the Podcast at Explicit Novels. The non-descript carriage had indeed made its way through Paris' winding streets, taking well over an hour to finally stop in front of the palace and allowing Mark to get out of the cramped cab before it rattled off. The sun had set some time ago, and night hung over the city heavily, the cloying air of Paris carrying the city's growing pains to his ears. Even at night, the city was not silent. Mark adjusted his outfit and marched toward the outermost gate of the vast palace, its arms spread wide and encompassing a massive courtyard. Two men wearing ornate red uniforms and holding pikes crossed their weapons at his approach, barring his entry. One of them gruffly asked him to state his business. Trusting to the plan, Mark said nothing, but merely held out one of his sealed letters, this one bearing the emblem of Richelieu. The guard examined it for several seconds, consulting with the other guard before handing it back and then opening the gate. Mark shot them both a dirty look for holding him up in his errand and then swept inside, doing his best to look haughty and full of bravado, which is what the Musketeers were apparently renowned for. He couldn't help but reflect that they seemed a lot less heroic than history let on and were more dickbags than anything else. Oh well. Faking being a dickbag was probably significantly easier than pretending to be a hero. He passed through another gate that got him closer to the palace, this one also manned by the Swiss Guard. He arrogantly presented them with the Richelieu missive, which once again satisfied their scrutiny and he was allowed to pass. He forced himself to not look around in wonder at his surroundings, instead heading straight to the great doors that would give him admittance to the palace. Alex once again presented his letter, but this time the guards squinted at him suspiciously. "Qui es tou?" demanded one of them. His throat was dry, but he answered as readily as he could, trying to sound authoritative and even haughty. "J'mappelle Benat de Ferres, of Soule, Second Company of the King's Musketeers under Monsieur de Treville. Let me through." "Fucking Basques and Gascons," muttered one of the guards in irritation. "Why would a musketeer be bringing a missive to his excellency, the Cardinal?" he demanded to know. Mark concealed his anxiety by looking pissed and rattling off one of the phrases Alexandra had given him, hoping it had the desired effect. "I have an idea, why don't we all go ask the Cardinal and you can fucking explain to him why you held up his envoy on an important errand? Does that sound good to you?" The two men looked at one another warily; the visitor was certainly obnoxious enough to be a Musketeer and a Gascon. Sighing and shaking his head in defeat, the one man handed the sealed letter back to Mark and they opened the doors, allowing him entrance. He swept by them, calling them shitheads in Spanish before the doors closed behind him. He knew he shouldn't, but he couldn't help Gawking as he stared at the palace around him; its splendor was beyond anything he had imagined. Walls of white plaster, carved in exquisite shapes and edged in royal purple, along with gold filigree, and incredible paintings and artifacts lined the walls. Endless numbers of servants scurried by, hardly noticing him. He shut his eyes for a moment and composed himself, remembering the details Alexandra had shown him, the way through the palace. He turned and began his search for his teacher. Lisette walked primly through the halls of the palace, bowing her head deferentially to just about everyone who passed her. Wearing an elegant gown, she seemed to almost glide along the hallway, walking with a practiced ease that her mistress had taught her. She had, in three years, only been in the royal presence twice before, in attendance to Lady Alexandra. The king had barely noticed her, but Lisette didn't mind one bit, because this was far more of a life than she ever could have hoped for. She had, of course, spent much more time in the presence of the queen, because her mistress served Anne directly. Anne of Austria seemed mostly amused by Lady Alexandra's quirky servant, but she was kind to Lisette, often sending her home with gifts of chocolate. Her devotion to the queen, while not equal to her fanatic love for Lady Alexandra, meant she would die in Anne's name if necessary. She hoped it wouldn't come to that tonight, but she had made her peace with God and the Lady Mary all the same. Alexandra had set her with the task of removing or distracting every guard she could from the route Mark would take through the palace. She was not to kill anyone, nor was she to be seen in the mayhem, if at all possible. If things went wrong, she was to retreat to the queen's quarters and be seen protecting her. It was the best alibi she could hope for. A guard up ahead. He was a sullen-looking brute, not carrying the long pikes of the gate guards, but a much more practical halberd, along with a short rapier on his belt. She knew he'd be trouble. She ducked into an alcove and pulled a small phial out of her cleavage, drinking the strong red wine from it and sloshing it around in her mouth, to make sure the aroma was on her breath. Replacing the phial, she lurched back out into the hallway and sauntered toward him lazily. "Hello, beautiful," she said drunkenly, giving him a lopsided smile. "You must' be off-duty by now." "No, I am not," he grunted, not looking at her. "Go away, slut." "C'mon," Lisette persisted, leering at him as she leaned against the wall to his left. "We could be having fun. Don' you like fun?" "Duty is not meant to be fun." "But these are fun," she drawled, as she stepped in front of him and leaned forward, using her hands to pull down the front of her bodice and exposing her perky tits to the man, whose eyes went wide at the sight. "These are all the fun you'll need;” He didn't stop her as she sidled up to him, stood on her tip-toes and put her arms around his neck. Her breath was sweet with wine, her dark eyes glassy with the lack of inhibition it brought on. Her tits pressed to his chest, her hips flat to his crotch. "Take me into that room and fuck me;” she breathed huskily, her lips no more than an inch from his. "I want to feel you inside me;” The man was rather pale at her suggestion, but nodded readily and turned around to open the door. The parlor behind was empty, the perfect place for a rendezvous with this slattern. She took him by the hand and led him inside, closing the door behind them. Mark walked down the hallway, trying to not look like he was hurrying, and staying alert. He was entering a difficult part of the operation, because he was no longer in an area of the palace that led to either the king's quarters or those of Cardinal Richelieu. If anyone stopped him now, he would probably be redirected rather forcefully, and he had precious little time to waste. He walked by a door, from which he heard a moaning noise. Then he heard a familiar woman's voice, gasping and urging someone on. His translator bud wasn't close enough to hear what was being said, but he was fairly certain he knew what was happening. He subtly pushed the door open and peered inside. Mark gaped as he watched Lisette, leaning over a small table, panting while a member of the House Guard fucked her from behind, her layered skirt bunched over her ass as he pushed in and out of her. The guard remained oblivious, but she noticed the door open and flicked a glance his way. She gave him an annoyed look and jerked her head, indicating that she had this covered and he needed to keep moving. He nodded and pulled the door shut quietly before heading down the hall again. He turned a corner and then headed up some stairs, leading up to the next floor, which was apparently where Becky was being kept. He was so busy thinking about what he needed to do next that he blundered right into two guards, who grunted and then glared at him angrily. "Stupid shit!" the one man he had smacked into spat. "Watch where you are; who are you?" Mark went wide-eyed, not having expected them. His mouth seemed to work, but no sounds came forth. They blocked his ascent and continued to glare at him. "Who; are; you?" the man demanded again. Mark regained control of his voice and tried to speak. "My name is; my name is Benat;” Fuck, he'd forgotten his last name. "My name is Benat DeFlepard," he managed to say. "I am from Sully and I have' "What sort of name is DeFlepard?" snarled the one guard. "I have sealed orders," Mark interrupted, not liking where this was going. "From the Cardinal!" "Is that so?" sneered the man. "Let's see them!" Mark handed him the sealed missive scroll. The man examined it and frowned. "This is the king's seal," he growled. "What is the meaning of this?” Before the man could finish his query, Mark punched him in the face and then pulled his crème-colored tabard over his head and threw him down the stairs. The guard cursed loudly as he rolled at least two floors. Mark was too late to stop the other man from drawing his short rapier, but managed to grapple onto him, keeping himself from being run through. Mark might have been taller, but the guard was a veteran of many wars, strong and cunning. It wasn't long before he had Mark's back pressed against the wall, both men fighting for balance on the stairs. "Little shit!" he shouted, trying to press the edge of his blade against Mark's throat and slit it. They tussled, and Mark managed to wedge his arm between his neck and the rapier, feeling the sickening cold pain of the keen edge creasing his forearm. His free hand, however, snaked down to the pistol on his belt, twisting the leather until the muzzle pointed down; The stairwell echoed with a thunderous crack as Mark pulled the trigger and discharged the weapon, the iron ball punching a hole in the guard's boot and then his foot. The man groaned and staggered, releasing Mark. His ears ringing, Mark managed to shove the man down the stairs, following his comrade. He shook his head and began sprinting up the stairs, knowing the whole palace would be coming down on his head any second now. Alexandra was concealed in a secret closet in a parlor not far from the queen's quarters, listening carefully. She was wearing the red uniform of the Cardinal's personal guard, her impressive bust flattened and pulled tight with linen straps. Her golden hair was held in a ponytail while a black mask concealed her facial features. Her rapier sat on her hip and three customized pistols were concealed around her person, along with several knives balanced for throwing. She heard the discharge of a firearm, followed by shouts of alarm and fright. She hung her head and sighed. She'd been hoping it wouldn't come to this, but there seemed to be nothing for it. She would see her obligation met. Alexandra crossed herself and exited the hidden space, heading toward the Cardinal's quarters, determined to cause a distraction for Mark as he went in the opposite direction to rescue Rebecca. It was all in God's hands now. All she could hope was that Mark had remembered what his name was. Mark raced down the hallway, ignoring people who poked their heads out of various rooms and parlors to see what all the commotion was, before closing their doors and locking them in panic at the sight of him. He had his sword in one hand, his pistol in the other. Having discharged his shot already and having no idea how to readily and safely reload the damn thing, the pistol was mostly for intimidation purposes at this point. Thankfully, if he pointed it at people, they tended to make themselves scarce. A guard rushed around the corner, his halberd in hand, but Mark smashed the ornate swept hilt of his rapier into his mouth, which dissolved in a welter of blood, lips and gum before he burbled and fell over. Mark kept running. He shoulder-blocked his way past another guard, but then found himself confronted by a small group of angry servant girls, who kept swearing in French and throwing bread rolls and potatoes at him. Covering his head, he sprinted past them, resisting the urge to take a swipe at the uppity wenches. There was the room! He raced up to it and tried to open the door, but it was locked. Given the amount of noise and commotion he was causing, he shouldn't have been surprised. He stepped back and then slammed the heel of his sturdy boot into the door with all his might, knocking it out of its frame and falling to the floor. He rushed inside, looking around for his teacher, but she was nowhere in sight. That's when the heavy vase smashed into the back of his head. He was on his face on the floor, reality swimming around him. He heard someone hissing at him as he was handled roughly by his neck and his tunic. He was turned onto his back and someone was straddling him now, their supple legs on either side of his throat and their heavy skirt bunched up between their legs, allowing him to goggle up at his assaulter. "Becky! Stop! Stop, I; Ow! Jesus! Quit Hitting Me! It's Me, Mark!" The flurry of fists halted and then there was a pause thick with confusion. He felt his cheeks being gripped tightly, immobilizing his face and then his neck pulled up so that whoever was sitting on him could look at him. "Mark?" Becky exclaimed in disbelief. "Mark! Oh my God!" She began smothering him with feverish kisses, still straddling him. Still dizzy, he was in no particular shape to stop her, in spite of the fact the whole palace was on its way to kill him. His eyes finally managed to focus, and he looked up at her. "I've missed you too, Becks, but can you let me up, please?" Becky blinked and then jumped off him hastily, helping him to his feet. She still seemed stunned to see him, not that he blamed her. "How?" she asked, her eyes wide with disbelief and wet with emotion. "You; you were." "Dead? Yeah, kinda." "The how are you here?" she asked, trembling. He shrugged. "To quote Neil De Grasse-Tyson, science, bitches." "Oh, it doesn't matter," she exhaled, crushing herself to him and hugging tight, her body shaking with raw emotion. "You're back, Mark. You came back for me;” He smiled and hugged her back, his hand on the back of her head. "Well sure I did. You're my time-travelling partner, aren't you? Can't leave you here with these smelly savages." She laugh-choked back a sob and look up at him, her eyes leaking tears onto her scarlet cheeks. "And we're gonna get out of here and; Becks, are you, like, really drunk?" Her expression of delight warped into a scowl at his query and she pushed herself away from him. "Well what do you expect? I only spent the past month trying to kill myself with alcohol while you were taking your unscheduled nap, you jerk!" "I'm sorry," he faltered, knowing that this couldn't possibly be the right time to make her angry, on so many levels. "Let me get you out of here and then I'll explain everything." "Hang on;” she huffed, stomping over to a table and grabbing her bottle of wine, tilting her head back and taking a stiff pull from it gulping loudly. Mark made a wan face and fidgeted, acutely aware of the time they were losing. "Becks, no offense, but I'm pretty sure every guard in Paris is looking for me right now, and I' "Sounds like more of a you problem than a me problem," she grunted, attempting to drain the bottle with several loud glucks. "Nobody was trying to kill me while I was here." "No, you seem to have that covered;” he said dryly. She shot him a nasty look, but didn't stop drinking. "Look, we need to go," he insisted. "Pretty sure Alexandra's risking her neck to make sure I can' "Alexandra?" Becky interrupted, stopping drinking to look at him pointedly. "The gorgeous blonde I want to fuck?" "I; sure," Mark replied, trying to keep up. "Pretty sure she and Lisette are' "Who's Lisette?" Becky asked suspiciously, lurching toward him. She was quite a bit drunker than he'd initially thought. "It doesn't matter," he declared, determined to get moving before Richelieu arrested and shot his ass again. "We need to get' Mark winced in fear as she surged toward him, the bottle raised over her head. She flew by him and smashed the bottle down on the head of a guard who had barged into the room. His eyes rolled up into his head and he went to sleep. "Weren't you drunk moments ago?" Mark asked in disbelief. "Looks like you're the one who need rescuing." Becky shot back. "You were half a second away from having an exit wound the size of an airport runway in your chest just now." Another guard sprang around the corner. Becky, who was closest to the door, kicked him savagely between the legs. The man staggered to a stop and stiffened, but didn't fall over, the impact of her foot cushioned by the many layers of baroque skirt she was wearing, not to mention the dainty, padded slipper. As the man gaped at her, she kicked him between the legs again, but her skirt interfered, softening the blow to the place where he merely doubled over from the ache. Becky snarled angrily, lunged in, grabbed him by the neck and DDT him, almost as smoothly as ‘Jake the Snake' did to fellow pro wrestlers. This time he stayed down. "Jerk!" she muttered, glaring at the man. Without a second thought, she used a knife on the man's belt to tear layers of skirt away, leaving herself clad only in the bodice and skimpy underwear, with garters holding up the silk stockings she wore. She knelt on the unconscious man's back and pulled his boots off, replacing her slippers with the sturdier footwear. She then stripped his rapier and pistol from his person before turning to look at Mark. "You ready now?" she asked pointedly, standing there in what basically amounted to negligee and musketeer boots, while holding a rapier and a wheellock pistol. He gaped at her for a moment, unable to say anything. "You have no idea how stupidly sexy you look right now, Becks." Mark managed to say. "I'll believe it when Alexandra says it to me," she sniffed, turning and heading out the door. "Let's go, hero." Mark sighed and trotted after her, leaving the two men lying on the floor in a spreading pool of wine and broken shards of glass. Lisette made sure the guard was arranged comfortably in the plush chair, snoring, his breeches still around his ankles, his soft cock oozing cum all over his balls. She shook her head in exasperation as she rearranged her skirts; no sooner had the man cum than he yawned and began to fall asleep. She'd been nowhere close to climaxing when he'd finished. Typical male. At least the boy from the future liked to make sure she came first, even if he was a naïve school boy. She left the door open, to make sure his shame was on display and then hurried down the hallway, holding her skirt up and allowing herself to run. The palace was ringing with shouts of alarm, anger and panic. Everything seemed to be going as planned, whatever that entailed. She just trusted that Mistress knew what she was doing. Guards from various regiments were racing around now, getting one another's way and shouting orders angrily. She passed through them virtually unnoticed, merely a servant girl looking for shelter. She made a beeline right for the queen's royal apartments, and she was stopped by no one, since she was known to the guards and stuff. She nodded hastily as she passed two guards outside the ornate doors and headed inside the boudoir. Anne of Austria looked up from a book to see Lisette scurry in, closing the door behind herself and then pressing her ear to the door, ignoring everyone else in the room. She then saw the queen, blinked, curtseyed hastily, and went back to eavesdropping on the frenzy of activity outside. The monarch shook her head wearily and went back to reading her book. "You may not pass through here!" shouted the house guard, blocking Alexandra's passage forward. She had identified herself as a member of the Cardinal's guard, using her well-practiced man's voice to give credit to her guise. Thought he believed her, the man remained unmoved, barring her way. "I told you, I need to reach the Cardinal!" she insisted, knowing full well he would not let her through. "That is no concern of mine," he said coldly, glaring at her, his hand on his sword, ready to draw it. "Find another way to reach your Cardinal, because if you come another step closer, I will run you through." "So be it!" she growled as she lunged in, her own rapier flashing in her hand. The man drew his weapon and thrust at her, but she parried and then drove the point of her blade through the shoulder of his sword arm, pinning him against the wall. He groaned as his sword fell to the ground, but then her foot slammed into his face while she pulled her rapier from his shoulder. He was unconscious, but he would live. She had no cause to kill these men. She ran down the hallway, listening all the while to the commotion that echoed through the Louvre. A young guard barred her progress at a juncture in the hallways, and before he was even ready, she struck him across the head with the basket of her rapier, knocking him out. Alexandra continued along the corridor, but then saw several guards rushing into the other end of the hall, outside of an ornate door that led to the king's royal apartments. Upon seeing her, the six men pointed their muskets at her, three kneeling while the other three stood behind. A series of barks shook the area as she ducked around a corner hastily, avoiding their barrage. She could hear them shouting orders to reload. She leaned her head back against the wall and sighed. Idiots. Before they had reloaded, she had pulled a small device made of two pieces of flint out of her pocket, along with a tiny clay pot out of the other. From the hole in the top of the pot hung a thin strip of rigid paper. She held the pot by its flat bottom and snapped the flint pieces against one another, producing sparks that caught on the paper and began to burn. As the flame made its way down the paper wick, she counted slowly and calmly before leaning around the corner, tossing the pot, which skated on its flat bottom along the floor toward the guards who opposed her. She then ducked back, waiting grimly. There were shouts and the sound of boots stampeding, but then an unreal hissing shriek and a bright, flaring white light as the magnesium powder inside the container ignited. Cries of pain followed. Ten seconds later, the light died, and she rounded the corner and strode down the hallway. Four of the six guards had fled before the grenade went off, while two were writhing on the ground, clutching at their eyes from the flash blindness. She stepped between them and kicked in the door toward the king's apartments before turning around and walking away, knowing that this would create additional confusion as they sought to find the assassin in the red tabard who sought to slay the Sun King. There was more chaos to sow. Mark and Becky sprinted down the hall, ignoring the pell-mell going on around them. Inevitably, though, they were confronted by a soldier of the Cardinal, one that Mark recognized. It was the captain who had shot him. Marks teeth clenched as he rushed forward, ready to run the sonofabitch through, but Becky was faster. She threw herself into a skid, sliding along the polished floor, hurtling straight toward the man. He gaped at her in disbelief, but by then, she had slammed her foot into his crotch, doubling him over with a grunt of unreal pain. With a roar, she surged to her feet, grabbed the man around the middle from behind and yanked him over backwards, suplexing his family jewels with zest. Mark had by now skidded to a halt and watched in disbelief while his teacher stood over the supine officer and kicked him in the ribs. "Bastard!" she raged. "Teach you to kill my students!" She knelt and yanked his head up, making sure his eyes were open as she pointed at Mark, her voice dripping with vitriol. "See that? He's alive! You can't even kill something right! Your life means nothing! Nothing!" She smacked his head off the tile floor and gathered up her weapons before looking at Mark, composing herself now. "Sorry," she said with a flush of embarrassment. "You probably wanted him, didn't you? I thought you were dead, so if I ever saw him again, I'd have to avenge you." Mark shrugged. "No harm done. Except to him, and I don't really' Mark stopped talking and stared down the hallway behind Becky. Three men in flamboyant uniforms, trimmed in blue and white like himself were now approaching them. One had a grim, patrician air and about him, the second a handsome boyish charm, while the third towered over the others by a head and shoulders, a contemptuous smirk on his face. "That can't be good;” he thought. Becky didn't even blink. Without turning around, she pointed her pistol backwards over her shoulder and pulled the trigger. The bark of the shot echoed around the palace and the giant staggered backward, eyes wide in shock, before he fell over like a redwood. The other two gaped at her in astonishment as she turned around to glower at them. They hastily took hold of their downed friend and hauled him out of sight, their duty to the king forgotten. "That's right, ladies, run!" Becky called out, her chest heaving. "How's it feel to get beat up by a girl?" "You are so sexy right now, Becks." Mark chuckled, approaching her. She turned back to face him; covered with gunpowder smudges, scratches and the occasional bruise, she'd never looked more attractive to him. Heedless of their surroundings, she threw herself against him and kissed him shamelessly. His hands found her ass and squeezed as he returned the kiss and she moaned into his mouth. If there'd been a rhino horn on his crotch, he'd have been impaled on it. She broke the kiss and looked at him hungrily, her eyes shouldering with desire. "I'm so glad you're not dead, Mark," she breathed. "I can't wait to prove it to you when we get the fuck out of here." Mark took her hand and pulled her down the hallway, breaking into a run. They weren't out of danger yet. "What're you laughing about?" she asked, scowling while she allowed him to lead her through the palace. "I think that was Porthos you shot," he said almost cheerfully. "Becks, you ganked Porthos." "Oh, I did not," she hissed, trying to not feel disgust at her student's lack of historical knowledge and basic temporal mechanics. "Porthos doesn't die until 1670. So if that guy dies, it wasn't Porthos. If it was Porthos, he isn't dead. Read a book, Mark." "Ha, you said bookmark!" he laughed as he pulled her around a corner and down another hallway, trying to reach the point Alexandra had designated. "Uh!" Becky groused. "Why was I so damn happy that you lived? I swear, Mark, I; Ack!" They both whirled in panic and threw themselves back around the corner as a withering hail of musket fire peppered the plaster of the walls where they'd been standing mere seconds before. They scrambled to their feet and began running back the way they'd come, determined to not die in some baroque version of Bullet Hell from the Matrix. "Fucking shit!" Mark yelped, yanking her around another corner as more soldiers appeared and filled the hall with musket balls. "This sucks!" "Ya' think?" she hissed as they kept running, their options becoming increasingly limited. "I'm in this too, Mister Spotlight!" "Yeah, well at least you don't have the Goblin City Battle music from the Labyrinth soundtrack stuck in your head while they chase us around and try to kill us!" "I do now, you fucker! Thanks a lot!" Becky raged. A lone house guard skidded to a stop near them and prepared to fire. Mark flung his pistol at the man, striking him in the head before knocking him aside as they continued down the corridor. "What did you throw your gun away for, dumbass?" she exclaimed, wondering if blood loss after getting shot had permanently damaged Mark's brain. She hoped he could still get it up, if they made it out of here. "It had no ammo in it." Mark grunted, trying to get his bearings, thinking back to the plans of the palace Alexandra had shown him. "Why were you carrying around an empty pistol?" Becky asked in disbelief. "Intimidation purposes? Were you gonna hold it sideways when you pointed it at people, hope you looked all gangster?" "I plugged a guy on my way to find you, okay?" he sighed as they kept running. "The first shot fired that started this whole mess, it was me shooting some jackoff in the foot as I tried to find you." Becky skidded to a stop, halting Mark's flight as well. She looked into his eyes and then hugged him in relief. "Thank you, Mark," she said quietly. "You came for me, after you nearly died, and we both could today. You're very brave." When she ended the hug, Mark found she had put her own pistol in his hands. He frowned in confusion. "Why'd you give me your pistol?" he asked. "Because let's face it, I'm a lot more likely to snag another one than you are," she sighed. "Let's go, I'm done with the Sun King's France." Out of breath, they settled for trotting down a hallway, surrounded by the echoing sounds of chaos. Things had gotten so confused that the guards were all fighting one another now, thinking the enemy in their midst. Panting, the pair stopped suddenly as they came to a major intersection of hallways. Not far away, a confused brawl consisting of house guard and the Cardinal's guard blocked their passage. Upon their appearance, though, both sides paused in their fight and stared at them. Then a captain raised a call to kill them. Without even thinking, Mark pointed his pistol at the huge iron chandelier over the soldier's heads and fired. The plaster ceiling broke as the iron ball struck at and the chandelier plummeted, crashing into the dozens of men before while clouds of plaster dust filled the hall. "I can't believe that worked!" Mark laughed as they ran down another venue. "Yes, it was very impressive, Gene Kelly," Becky sighed, shaking her head. "Next, you'll be swinging from the damn chandeliers or using your knife to ride down tapestries." Soldiers surged around the corner, charging into the couple. Mark shouted in fury as they tried to skewer him while they attempted to wrestle Becky to the ground. He dodged a blade and slashed his foe across the arm before leaping back to try and give himself room. He looked around in a panic and saw Becky kicking a soldier in the nuts before punching another in the face, her eyes flashing with fury. Someone slammed into him from behind and he tumbled forward, scrambling to gain his feet. More bodies joined the fracas and he realized that they were not only trying to kill him but fighting one another as well. It was difficult to breathe. There were too many bodies smothering him. He gasped in panic and strained to find room for himself. His shaking hand gripped a sword and she shoved it forward indiscriminately, feeling something soft give before him. He focused all his effort on crawling forward, finally emerging from the churning pile of men, locked in combat. He dragged himself along the floor but then grunted in pain as something speared into his thigh from above and behind. He turned to look, his eyes watering in pain, seeing a man in red, glaring at him, raising his rapier for another strike. Then a sword point burst through the man's chest from behind. His eyes widened, and he dropped his sword and crumpled to the ground. The man who had killed him was already moving on to another target. Exhausted and dull with pain, Mark dragged himself to a wall and slumped against it, looking around for Becky, but she was nowhere to be seen. No. Not again. He ignored the maelstrom of violence and pushed himself to his feet, limping down a hallway, sword held loosely in his hand as he went to find his teacher. Alexandra strode down the hall with purpose, her senses keen for trouble. She had caused as much trouble as she could, all the while keeping the fray well away from the queen's quarters. She regretted that men would die today, due to their poor judgement, but she understood that the girl Rebecca could not remain here in Paris. A deep foreboding warned her that almost any price was worth paying to see her safely away. Sparring with D'Artagnan. She stopped as a lone figure came into view, blocking her way down the corridor. He wore the blue of the king's mousquetaires, his young face etched with determination. His hand rested on the hilt of his rapier while he observed her. "So," he began, tilting his head. "You must be the cause of all this mayhem, oui?" "I am not who you seek." Alexandra said plainly. "I do not truck with liars and I do not appreciate being lied to!" the young man snapped. "I would have your name before I run you through in the king's. Are you an agent of Buckingham?" "No." "Charles of Spain?" "I have no time for this," Alexandra said testily, putting her hand on the hilt of her blade. "Move aside and let me complete my task, musketeer!" "Then it is death you crave!" he hissed, his rapier flashing in his hand now. "I shall happily give it to you in the queen's honor!" Alexandra drew her blade as her foe rushed forward. She parried his initial thrust and then counter-thrust, which he swatted aside. A flurry of thrusts and ripostes followed, the two warriors measuring one another, vying for advantage in the narrow hallway. Steel rang and flashed. Alexandra's sword point tore a vent in one of her foe's sleeves, and she followed up with a swipe at his eyes, but he dodged away nimbly. He lunged in with the speed of a striking serpent and she caught his blade on hers before it pierced her stomach, turning it aside. They pressed blade-to-blade, moving around one another in a slow, deadly circle, their eyes locked. He danced away again as a main-gauche flashed in her hand, nearly shearing his throat open. He spun around her next attack, and when he was facing her again, a pistol had appeared in his free hand. At point blank range, he pulled the trigger. The thunderous bark of the firearm rattled her teeth as she bent backwards, the bullet passing harmlessly overhead. Alexandra somersaulted backward gracefully, coming to her feet with her rapier guarding against a follow-up attack. A lot of bemusement crossed his face. "Very pretty, good sir," he said. "But it will not save you." He darted in again and another furious exchange of swordplay followed. His blade kissed the top of her thigh, leaving a shining crimson thread on her skin. She paid him in kind with a nick across his cheek, followed by cutting the red plume from his hat. He was nearly as fast as she was, and his recklessness made him dangerously unpredictable, even to one as skilled and experienced as Alexandra. Their blades grated as they strained against one another, teeth clenched and eyes flashing in fury. With a cry of effort, she shoved with all her might and threw him back. He kept his feet and remained on guard, irritated by his foe's grit and skill. "D'Artagnan!" shouted Athos as he and Aramis dragged the unconscious Porthos across the hallway behind the combatants, disappearing from sight. This distracted the Musketeer, who turned to look behind himself in confusion and then disbelief. He glanced back at his foe and then sighed, sheathing his blade. "Until next time, enemy mine;” he said, before darting around the corner to catch up with his comrades. Alexandra waited some seconds after he was gone and then sagged against the wall, sighing heavily. She rubbed her face for a moment before returning her rapier to its sheathe and continuing on. She had to find Mark and Rebecca. The door to the room swung open and Mark staggered inside, panting in pain. His entire leg felt like it was on fire, and it was maddeningly sticky. He had lost his sword while searching for Becky, but it mattered little if he couldn't find her. He tumbled into a sitting position, propping himself up on his hands and trying to breathe. Everything hurt now, and it was getting to the place where he couldn't move. His head throbbed and he was getting dizzy. With extreme effort, he managed to tear one of his sleeves off, and tied it around his leg, hoping it would act as a tourniquet and perhaps staunch the bleeding. It stung like fucking Hell and to his distress did nothing ease his pain. He sat there panting, when a solemn figure in red moved slowly by the door. There was a pause and then the person came back into view, peering at Mark quizzically. Clad in red robes and a little red skull cap, his tight, lemony features creased in recognition and then disbelief. "I know you," the Cardinal murmured, his eyes never leaving Mark. "Yes, you are the boy from the field, the one who claimed to be a Spanish noble and had the pretty girl with him." He stepped closer, still scrutinizing Mark, who tried to move backwards, his body screaming in protest. "But you died," the elderly man stated. "My captain shot you. You died in that field. What witchcraft is this?" Annoyance flashed in the Cardinal's eyes now. "So, you are the cause of all this tumult. The girl I was to give to the queen, she is missing and now I know why." He pulled a pistol from within the voluminous folds of his red robes and cocked it before pointing the muzzle down at Mark's face. "I think it is time I dealt with this problem myself, once and for all." Too hurt and exhausted to fight back, Mark squeezed his eyes shut; "I Kick You In The Nuts, Richelieu!" shrilled a voice from the doorway behind the Cardinal, the shout followed by a sickening thump as a musketeer's boot appeared beneath Richelieu's groin. The man stiffened for a moment in confusion, but then his eyes crossed, and he bit his lower lip as his skin turned a sickly shade of green. While Richelieu slumped forward and then fell on his side, trembling and holding the family jewels, Mark goggled up at Becky, who stood indignantly in the doorway with her hands on her hips, glaring down at His Eminence. "Asshole;” she muttered as she stepped over the Cardinal and came over to Mark, who was shaking with the effort of holding himself up. Her eyes welled with emotion as she knelt next to him. "Oh, Mark," she said in a gentle voice. "Look at you, you got stabbed, baby. I'm so sorry;” "I'll be alright," he managed to say as she hugged him to her. "At least you still look amazing, no matter how badly your ass has been kicked." Becky's laugh choked back her sob and she smiled at him, tears in her eyes. "Smart-ass," she murmured. "C'mon, let me bind your boo-boo properly and then we'll get out of here, before everyone in Paris is dead." She fixed his makeshift tourniquet and then helped him stand. Once he was upright, he took a deep breath and smiled at her. "I think I can walk, I was just in need of a breather, ya' know?" She giggled. "How the Hell are we gonna explain a rapier wound through your thigh when you get home?" "With any luck, Chester will have a little something' to fix me right up." Mark replied. "Let's go. If we are where I think we are, then our ride isn't that far away." They walked cautiously down several smaller hallways, avoiding any and all encounters. They chaos seemed to have abated, at least for now. Alexandra had predicted that if fighting broke out, there was be lots of confused violence, followed by the various guard companies withdrawing to their assigned wings of the palace, to directly protect their charges, such as the king, queen and cardinal. "Bet the Cardinal's guards are gonna be upset," Mark chuckled. "He's nowhere near his quarters, and they let him get kicked in the freaking balls." Becky giggled as she walked alongside him, her arm through his. "You have no idea how good that felt, Mark. A girl could get used to that. Maybe we should visit Berlin, see if I can kick Hitler in the nuts." "One grand adventure at a time, teach;” he said wearily, causing her to laugh. But her mirth was brought up short when a solitary figure appeared in front of them, wearing red and clad in a black mask, a rapier and several pistols on their belt. Becky scowled, getting ready to step in front of her student, when Mark seemed to sigh in relief. "I am glad to see you are both well," said the person, walking forward, pulling their golden hair out of its ponytail and removing the mask. Becky's heart leapt as she came face-to-face with Lady Alexandra once more. "Thank the Lord." She stepped in and embraced them both, all three of them trembling at being reunited. Alexandra finally smiled at her friends and nodded. "We must still get you out of here, before the guards return to some sense of normalcy. Mark, do you still have the place name I gave to you?" Mark smiled wearily. "I; it's in the little pocket in my pants here, but it's probably pretty red and unreadable by now." "It's a good thing, then, that I wrote a copy, non?" Alexandra lilted, pulling a small piece of vellum out from beneath the sash she wore and handing it to Becky. "Go to this place," the noblewoman instructed. "By carriage, it should not take more than three days. It is a sanctum I use on occasion and it will be safe. Lisette and I will find you there a day or two after you arrive." She then handed two small, round jars into Becky's palm as well. "Use these to salve your wounds, until I arrive. I promise you, they will work." "How can we thank you?" Becky asked, staring at Alexandra, enchanted. The French woman smiled and then pulled Becky to her, kissing her deeply and passionately. Becky shuddered and moaned, her arms wrapping around Alexandra and returning the kiss passionately. Mark smiled as he watched the blondes make out for almost a minute before Alexandra reluctantly pulled away. "We need to stop, or we will be fucking right here in the halls of the palace," she breathed, wiping at the corner of her mouth with a finger. "We will see one another soon, and celebrate then." She turned to Mark and smiled before leaning in and kissing him gently. "You are a brave man, my friend. Never doubt it, no matter what travails Heaven provides." She walked them through several secret passages now, until they emerged into a small courtyard, under the cover of night. Standing nearby, a non-descript carriage awaited them. Alexandra wrapped Becky in a cloak and then spoke to the driver while the clambered inside. His instructions were clear, and he would not deviate from them. Becky and Mark looked out a small window, smiling and waving at Alexandra, who held up her hand to bid them farewell. The carriage exited the Louvre via a small gate where the guards asked no questions, and then they were on their way through Paris. Mark sank back into the surprisingly plush seat and sighed heavily. "Try not to get kidnapped again, Becks," he said lazily. "I'm not sure how much more of this my body can take." "But being rescued by you is one of my favorite reasons to use tawdry sex as a thank you," she protested, turning to smile at him and tracing a fingernail up and down his chest. "You wouldn't deprive me of that joy, would you, hero?" "Perish the thought, teach;” he chuckled tiredly. A time to recuperate. Mark had Lisette pinned beneath him and rocked back and forth on top of her, his cock plunging in and out of her molten cunt, while she groaned in pleasure. It felt so good to have this boy's tool inside her again. Her legs were wrapped around his strong waist and her hips moved in time with his, taking him in as deep as she could. Lisette rarely kissed anyone who wasn't her mistress, but in this case, she was making a willing exception. Their tongues tangled wetly as they fucked, exploring one another. The tingling heat was overtaking her, and she knew it would not be long now. She crossed her ankles behind him and she bit at the skin of his chest, shuddering in delight. Mark arched his back, pushing as deep inside her as he could, before shaking and allowing himself release. Her wanton cunt gripped his cock while he came deep inside her, his whole being awash with unreal pleasure. They moaned through a frenzied kiss and then sagged together, spent and sated, at least for now. Moans, pants and sighs of bliss attracted Mark and Lisette's attention and they looked off their side; also on the huge bed with them, Becky and Alexandra were sitting together, with their arms and legs wrapped around one another, kissing hungrily as they squirmed their slick pussies together. Their matching golden hair was damp with the sweat of their exertions, skin slick and shining. The greedy smacking and sucking sounds their slits made as they mingled made the four lovers shiver in delight. Alexandra and Becky were groping and fondling one another with unreal need, their nails leaving red marks and their fingers gripping tight enough to leave welts. Neither relented, though, desperate to cum together. The moans became groans and they were panting as they gyrated their hips, churning rhythmically in a sensual dance of bliss. They pulled tighter against one another, clenching their teeth and craning their necks as they peaked, then crying out and pressing their molten, gooey pussies as they came. More feverish kissing punctuated the climax and the finally both collapsed backward, chests heaving, their legs still scissored together. Steam seemed to be rising from their bodies, skin flushed pink. The four lovers lay silent for some minutes, just basking in their shared bliss. Mark finally pulled himself out of Lisette and then knelt over her face, allowing the dark-haired girl to slide his cock into her mouth, cleaning their mingled cum from his cock, which she did with great delight. Becky and Alexandra finally clasped wrists and pulled themselves up into a sitting position, hugging tiredly, but not willing to relinquish their most intimate contact. They kissed deeply and contentedly, fondling one another's tits. Lisette looked over at them and giggled. Alexandra looked over at her servant, her eyebrow raised. "What is so funny, girl?" Lisette turned on her side and rested her head on her hand while Mark spooned in behind her. "I was just thinking, Mistress; you and Miss Rebecca look so much alike. What if you are her ancestor?" Becky and Alexandra both thought about that, looked at one another for a moment, shrugged and began kissing again, their tongues tangling loudly. "And if that was the case, think about what we discussed the other day," she continued, smirking mischievously. "You said you had wondered what it would be like to Monsieur Mark's child, yes? Wouldn't that also make him Miss Rebecca's ancestor?" Mark burst out laughing while Becky choked on her shock, interrupting the kiss she had been so enjoying. She looked at Lisette in disbelief. Alexandra just sighed and shook her head, used to her servant's twisted humor. The moment of metaphysical terror passed for Becky and they all cuddled together in the center of the bed, kissing tenderly and caressing. Alexandra had told Becky all about Mark's efforts to find her and reach her, what he had undergone and risked. Becky's eyes shone as she looked at Mark at promised to make sure he was properly thanked until the end of time. "I wish you could stay," Alexandra almost moped, regretting that she had to give her new friends up. "I enjoy your company, and I am not ashamed to say I love you both." "Feeling's mutual, Alexa," Becky lilted, tracing a fingernail across her generous tit. "But maybe we needn't end our association. If we designate a consistent place, when you know you are available, you can leave a message there. Mark and I will check for messages, and when we see one, we can visit you at the appointed time. No conflicts or dangers presented, as long as we're all certain of the clear lines of communication." "I like that idea," Alexandra said, grinning. "And I have a gift for you both." She climbed off the bed and went to retrieve something. She returned shortly with two bottles, which she presented to them. "A new type of wine, invented in my native region of Champagne," she said, kneeling on the bed as they examined the bottles. "Twice fermented and sweet on the tongue, not unlike my darling Rebecca." Becky blushed and Mark grinned. "You'll be glad to know that in our time, champagne is one of the most expensive and sought-after drinks in the world, used in every important celebration." "That does please me, Mark." Alexandra said, nodding her head and deciding to not chide him this time about telling her the future. "And now that I think of it, literally, I've got a present for you, Alexa." Mark mused, getting off the bed. The three women watched as he walked into a large closet, rummaging around loudly. When he returned, he was holding what appeared to be several unusual books, which he handed to Alexandra. "What are these?" she asked, puzzled. "Well, the graphic novel is a pictorial history of Wonder Woman, who you may recall I told you a little bit about," he explained, sitting on the bed again. "And the other three books are all written by a man named Alexander Dumas and are fictional works about the Three Musketeers. I figured they'd be humorous reading for you." She looked up at him incredulously. "But; why were they in my closet here in my chalet?" He grinned again. "Well, just a moment ago, I decided to give them to you. So in a few days, I'm gonna gather them up, bring them here to just before Becky and I arrive, and bury 'em in your closet, where I know they are. That way, I don't run into any of us. And clearly it worked." Becky made a wry face. "Ya' know, I'd say you're getting the hang of this whole temporal travel thing, but I'm pretty sure you're only getting the hang of abusing it." Mark smirked at her and pinched her nipple, making her shiver and bite her lip. He then looked back at Alexandra. "And when you're done with 'em, you can just leave 'em in our drop-off spot and Becks and I'll pick them up. That way, there's no anachronistic copies of nineteenth-century novels or twentieth-century comic books lying around to be discovered by archaeologists." "I take back what I said just now, you're gonna get us all clock-hammered right out of existence." Becky sighed, causing her lovers to laugh. Mark and Becky lay side-by-side in her bed and holdings hands, back in their own time and generally none the worse for wear. They'd learned some valuable lessons and had made some important contacts along the way. "Do' you really think Alexandra's my ancestor?" Becky mused, looking at her bedroom ceiling. Mark shrugged. "You sure look a lot alike, and you're both Hell on wheels. I'm still amused by the notion of me being your great-great-great-whatever grandfather." She sighed and shook her head. "I can handle the notion of fucking and falling in love with my great-whatever grandmother, but the notion of you as my whatever grandfather gives me the jibblies. Just promise me you won't impregnate Alexa and make that come true, Mark." He chuckled. "I promise. I have no idea how trans-temporal alimony or visitation rights even work." Becky giggled and turned in to face him, cuddling close. "So, who're you gonna save me from next, hero?" she purred, nipping at his earlobe and making him shiver. "Oh, God, Becks, can we start out with some really ferocious kindergartners from the Roaring Twenties taking you hostage? I can probably handle that right about now." She giggled again and crawled on top of him, staring down into his eyes and kissing his nose while she squirmed her tits against him. "Take me to New York in the Twenties and I'll show you how liberated a flapper girl I can be," she whispered. "Deal?" "Deal." Mark replied, pulling her down and kissing her soulfully. Count Mark and Becky in! I Think I'm Getting The Hang Of This! Finally home. Mark sat at his dining room table, eating dutifully. His mom had prepared short ribs and mashed potatoes for dinner, one of his favorites. What she didn't know was that Mark had substituted several herbs and spices into her collection, items he'd brought back from his temporal travels. At the very least, this meant they were technically several hundred years old, or sometimes that they didn't exist in the modern era at all. "I'm enjoying this particular batch of thyme that I put in the braise," Dhallyla Pritchard remarked as she gently stabbed some green beans with her fork. "Mark, where did you say you got it for me? The flavor is so; special." Mark shrugged. "Another shop I thought I'd try out," he replied. "Nowhere near our usual places." "Well, keep it up, son," his father said, sitting at the other end of the table. "No offence to your mother's cooking, but the spices we were getting before weren't helping the cause. Now this is flavor." "Such a good little minion," his mom said sweetly, reaching over and pinching his cheek. "First, you did amazingly well on your Physics exam and boosted your overall grade to the place where the university accepted you, and now you're an herbs and spices guru. Talk about an unexpected change." "Yeah," his sister Roxy said, sitting across from him, and trying to keep the suspicion out of her voice. "Unexpected is right." "Now Roxy, be nice," their mom chided. "You should be happy for your little brother, he'll be going to university with you." "As long as she pulls her grades up," grunted dad, pausing in eating to waggle his fork in her general direction. "You promised us you'd keep your grades up and we'd let you live here rent-free as a result, Rox. We're living up to our end of the bargain, what's so difficult about yours?" "Maybe I should study more and party less," she grumbled, scowling at her food. She hated to admit it, but her mom was right, the spices were great. Where had the little trouser-snake bought them? "Ya' know, open my mind more and my legs less?" "Dear!" Dhallyla gasped, looking at her daughter in shock. "Nobody said you were behaving licentiously! There's no need to use language like that!" "Sorry," the dark-haired girl sighed, putting down her fork. "Just been on edge lately. Seems to have been The Mark Show around here recently,

I had the great pleasure of meeting Jennifer Estin when I signed at the terrific online classes for the Annoyance, Improv Fiend! https://improvfiend.com We chatted about her childhood and how her mother created games that inspired her to pursue acting. Jennifer Estlin has been involved in the entertainment business as an actress and producer since 1986. Following her graduation from Northwestern University's School of Speech in 1987, she traveled to Edinburgh Scotland with the production of André Gregory's Alice! directed by David Schwimmer. Afterward, she spent three months traveling all over Europe until deciding to settle for awhile in Paris, where she earned her living singing on the Parisian Metro for close to a year. ​ Upon returning to Chicago, Jennifer spent several years working in many of Chicago's theatres including The Annoyance, Northlight, and The Body Politic. She toured for two years with Second City's National Touring company and was a company member on a Second City resident stage prior to moving to New York in 1994. There, she continued her career by working in regional theatres around the country, Off-Broadway theatre, film, and television. She returned to Chicago in 2002 to become President, Executive Producer and owner of the Annoyance Theatre, and continues to work on film, television and stage. Jennifer has appeared as recurring characters Judge Cohen on Proven Innocent and Cathy Briscoe on NBC's Law and Order, and also in shows such as Chicago PD, Empire, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, Exit 57, and in several national and regional commercials. Her feature film credits include the soon to be released (Fall 2024) Everything Fun You Could Possibly Do in Aledo, Illinois (for which she received Best Actress award at the Star City Film Festlval), The Eyes, iMurders, Chicago Boricua, and Volcano, and the award winning short films A Million Miles Away,(Sundance) and The Cure (Slamdance). ​You can learn more about Jennifer at https://www.jenniferestlin.com ​

Welcome to the Ekklesia Hattiesburg podcast.    Find out more at https://www.ekklesiahattiesburg.com

From restaurants to bartenders to diners, fast food, delivery and kiosks tips are becoming more ubiquitous and more aggressive. What do YOU tip for and how much? What services require tipping and what ones really don't? Remember tipping is ALWAYS optional! Don't give in to tipping shame. Tips for good service, tip less for poor service and never tip professionals.Listen for more info and Pete's flip out over kiosks.

Wow! What a fabulous trip chatting with Anděl We laughed so much and she reminded me how playful improv really is! She is a highly sought after improv coach and director and her performances are truly inspiring! Anděl Sudik is a director, improviser, actor and writer based in L.A. and Chicago known for her explosive energy onstage and in the classroom as well as her experiential teaching style. She considers herself proactively pessimistic and infused all her work-no matter how abstract- with organic honesty and emotional grounding. She was born in Chicago, raised in California and moved back to Chicago at the tender age of 17 to study comedy and improvisation. She is a faculty member of the Second City Training Center programs; A-E, Conservatory, Health and Wellness, Advanced and Teen and Youth program and has taught her workshops all over the states and the world(The Nest OH, The Improv Shop St. Louis, Monkey Business Institute Madison, OLLIE Northwestern, CLIP U of C, OKC, The Improv Retreat, WI, Improv Utopia East, Providence Fest, Red Rocks Fest, Gladstone Fest, The New Movement NOLA, Iceland, Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey, Ireland, N. Ireland, BIG IF, Neverending, Oslo Fest etc.) As an actor she is an alum of Boom Chicago in Amsterdam, the Second City Touring Company and performed in the Jeff Award award winning Second City ETC revue “We're All in this Room Together.” She has also produced countless successful two-man shows as Arch&Anděl(The Public House, Annoyance, OoB Festival) and improvisational experiences(Obits a theatrical experience exploring the lives of those that have passed) as well as directed in Chicago at Second City, iO and the Annoyance. Anděl's deep well of performance experience and her hands-on, in depth work within the disciplines of long form improvisation, short form, sketch and theater make her a thoroughly well-rounded and open minded conduit for art, creation, polish and playfulness. She values time efficiency, and recognizes that the most powerful thing we bring to the table is us. Whatever we are. She does not update her website enough. Connect with her at: website: https://www.yesandel.com insta @the_proactive_pessimist

Hugh’s turn!

Feeling annoyed, disturbed, or maybe even grieved? The Apostle Peter's bold preaching in Acts 4 wasn't met with polite applause—it was met with annoyance, anger and a strong desire to shut it down by people who allowed their emotions to rule over them. This sermon explores the incredible cost of proclaiming Jesus and the cost of letting our emotions go unchecked. Our emotions can serve as a warning sign, prompting us to humbly examine our hearts and run to the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross, who endured the ultimate grief so we never have to.Support the show

Skulk! Comedian! Musician! Story-teller! Friend! Delight! More! Skulk and I have a great chat about this project and more! THE MANY INCESSANT LIVES & SUBSEQUENT DEATHS DESERVED OF SKULK, The HULKING is a fictional video podcast built on music, performance, storytelling, and Ai visuals. Following the War to End All Wars and having depleted most of our resources, all people - by choice or by force - move to The City That's Always Falling Apart to try and stave off extinction. Giant forces inhabiting this final city both personify our desires and attempt to sway our fates, but an oafish beast known as Skulk tries to save us all. At times dark, goofy, aggressive, honest, and full of hope, The Many Incessant Lives and Subsequent Deaths Deserved of Skulk, The Hulking explores the decisions we make as a people - an allegory for our globalized world, the weaponization of capitalism, and the age-old ‘problem' of the human condition. Skulk, The Hulking is an ogre-like dolt trying to help a world that has fallen apart, yet he seems only to find unique paths to an early demise, while an Earth - knowing unfortunately that he's the planet's last hope - keeps bringing him back to life. He is a giant force that represents us all, trying to figure things out, wading through the muckiest parts of life, fighting the forces that none of us have the energy to fight against, making the choices none of us wants to make, failing miserably, like all of us probably would. No one even wants him to do it but man, his hope just can't be killed…or maybe he's just an idiot. In this story, things are rarely all-bad or all-good. The audience is asked whether they approve of the reasons they do what they do and if the ends justify the means.  Characters in the podcast originally appeared in Skulk (the band's) live shows and music videos. Lady Baghead and the Followers of Baghead were originally depictions of Rene Magritte's surrealist painting “The Lovers”. Hammerhands, a wrecking ball of hate with hammers for hands was played in Skulk music videos by Henry Zebrowski (Last Podcast on the Left, Wolf of Wall Street). And Camelman - originally a prancing merrymaker in a camel mask who pulled popsicles from his whitey tighties and handed them to the concert crowd - has evolved into the gangly overlord of our tantilizing addictions. With visuals created using MidJourney, the ‘near misses' of Ai creation become a style. When creating with Ai, it is nearly impossible to recreate the same exact character with subsequent prompts. Yet since Skulk is constantly dying and being re-born out of whatever material the earth can find at the time, these glitches are given context and woven into the tale. The differing looks of the central characters becomes commentary on how we all appear differently based on the observers' biases, and of course all Ai is ‘nurtured' by our culture's biases. Each podcast episode ends with Ai-altered music videos from Skulk (the band). Says Skulk (the artist) “I believe people fight against Generative Ai for the wrong reasons. It is a tool. How, not if it is used is the question. I believe what people actually want is regulation of Ai.  It is when it can be used for harm that it gets sketchy.” The goal is to help the audience question, with a mind further-opended, why those in power, their enemies, and they themselves do and believe the things they do and believe.  MORE ABOUT SKULK: Skulk, The Hulking (Steve Pasieka) is a multifaceted artist whose creative journey spans music, comedy, and technology. Part of Chicago's improv scene in the early 2000s, he eventually co-founded the improv group pH. His commitment to his craft led him to train at renowned institutions iO and The Annoyance, eventually joining the iO house team, The Chorus, and earning coaching by improv legend Noah Gregoropoulos. After moving to New York, Skulk transitioned to music, founding Skulk, The Hulking - fusing theatrical performance, socio-political lyrics and dark electronic beats. Opening for iconic musicians like Capadonna of Wu-Tang Clan and C-Knowledge of Digable Planets, the project grew to a full band releasing three albums. Recently, Skulk has become a skilled user of AI tools, creating images through MidJourney, animating visuals with MotionLeap, and exploring the artistic potential of generative AI. He believes that AI, like any tool, is only as good as the meaning and care you put into it, which he explores in his most recent project. The Many Incessant Lives and Subsequent Deaths Deserved of Skulk, The Hulking brings together many facets of Skulk's past work in a fictional video podcast built on music, performance, Ai and storytelling. AND THIS IS ONLY THE FIRST HALF OF OUR CHAT! For part two, subscribe via Apple Podcasts OR simply click on over here to Patreon.

Today, we dissect Little Farm Story Idle Tycoon — SayGames' latest farming-idle hybrid that feels like a mashup of Dreamdale, My Perfect Hotel, and Idle Breaker.Key insights:Gameplay Loop:Clearing grass → unlocking fields → harvesting → selling resources.Heavy reliance on ads for progression (resources, boosts, even eggs).“Annoyance monetization”: progress gates force you to watch ads or buy “No Ads” pack.Monetization:~$67–70K/day in revenue.~53% from ads, ~47% from IAP.Ad breakdown: ~$24K rewarded, ~$10K interstitials, ~$500–700 from banners (“why bother?”).“Remove Ads” pack is likely the top IAP — players pushed into it by frustration.Design Choices:Map expands with resource conversions (tomatoes → ketchup, chickens → eggs, wood → upgrades).Inventory/capacity upgrades disguised as RPG-like gear, but tied to ad rewards.Cosmetic shop + IAP items scattered on map.UA & Creatives:Ads mirror Township / Playrix resource ads and Century Games' UA tricks (suction devices, backpacks).Low-poly art style keeps CPIs down, but LTVs capped.Playables + AI-generated UGC, but “Township-from-Wish” vibe.Heavy interstitial cross-promo inside SayGames portfolio (even multiple in a row).Market & Scaling:Currently SayGames' #1 title by IAP revenue.~$2M monthly run rate, growing but not viral like Dreamdale or My Perfect Hotel.Audience skew: ~63% US revenue, Tier 1 heavy.Takeaway: Little Farm Story is a polished ad-driven idle hybrid, but its top IAP being “Remove Ads” caps its growth potential.PVX Partners offers non-dilutive funding for game developers.Go to: https://pvxpartners.com/They can help you access the most effective form of growth capital once you have the metrics to back it.- Scale fast- Keep your shares- Drawdown only as needed- Have PvX take downside risk alongside you+ Work with a team entirely made up of ex-gaming operators and investors---------------------------------------For an ever-growing number of game developers, this means that now is the perfect time to invest in monetizing direct-to-consumer at scale.Our sponsor FastSpring:Has delivered D2C at scale for over 20 yearsThey power top mobile publishers around the worldLaunch a new webstore, replace an existing D2C vendor, or add a redundant D2C vendor at fastspring.gg.---------------------------------------This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let's not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.Panelists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jakub Remia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠r,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Felix Braberg, Matej Lancaric⁠Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipgChapters00:00 Introduction and Game Overview03:48 Gameplay Mechanics and Features07:25 Monetization Strategies and Ads12:42 In-App Purchases and User Experience17:17 Revenue Insights and Conclusion18:15 The Decline of Traditional Ads19:23 User Acquisition Strategies in Gaming21:17 Ad Monetization Archetypes23:46 Comparative Analysis of Game Creatives25:57 Performance Metrics and Revenue Insights28:30 The Future of Game Scaling and IAPs---------------------------------------Matej LancaricUser Acquisition & Creatives Consultant⁠https://lancaric.meFelix BrabergAd monetization consultant⁠https://www.felixbraberg.comJakub RemiarGame design consultant⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar---------------------------------------Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!Please share feedback and comments - matej@lancaric.me

What does it say about you when someone's failure to use a turn signal sends you into a rage? Or when the sound of someone chewing makes your skin crawl? In this engaging conversation, we dive deep into the psychology behind our pet peeves and what they reveal about our values and expectations.The hosts share their most triggering annoyances – from drivers who don't signal to people typing loudly on keyboards, from inappropriate workplace attire to individuals taking loud personal calls in public spaces. What emerges is a fascinating pattern: most pet peeves stem from a fundamental desire for consideration from others. When someone cuts us off without signaling, they're breaking an unspoken social contract that prioritizes collective safety and predictability.We tackle the awkward conversations nobody wants to have – like addressing hygiene issues in the workplace or enforcing dress codes without crossing lines. How do you tell a coworker they need to shower more frequently? Is there a tactful way to suggest someone's outfit might be inappropriate for the office? The hosts share their real-world experiences navigating these delicate situations with empathy while still maintaining necessary boundaries.The discussion expands to modern irritations in our digital world – from delayed text responses when we know someone is glued to their phone, to people walking across streets while texting, endangering themselves and others. These behaviors trigger our frustration because they represent a perceived devaluation of human connection and safety.Take a moment to reflect on your own pet peeves as you listen. What might they reveal about your values? Perhaps they're not random sensitivities but meaningful indicators of what matters most to you in your interactions with others. By understanding the psychology behind our irritations, we gain valuable insights into ourselves and the implicit expectations that help society function smoothly.Listen now and join our community every Friday night at 6 PM Pacific/9 PM Eastern for our live shows. Don't forget to subscribe and share your own pet peeves in the comments!Thank you for stopping by. Please visit our website: All About The Joy and add, like and share. You can also support us by shopping at our STORE - We'd appreciate that greatly. Also, if you want to find us anywhere on social media, please check out the link in bio page. Music By Geovane Bruno, Moments, 3481Editing by Team A-JHost, Carmen Lezeth DISCLAIMER: As always, please do your own research and understand that the opinions in this podcast and livestream are meant for entertainment purposes only. States and other areas may have different rules and regulations governing certain aspects discussed in this podcast. Nothing in our podcast or livestream is meant to be medical or legal advice. Please use common sense, and when in doubt, ask a professional for advice, assistance, help and guidance.

Para saber demais informações e participar do clube de conversação depois do expediente, siga o link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://portuguesewitheli.com/cah⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you’d like to help our podcast, consider leaving us a review (Apple and Spotify). Or, alternatively, you can also make a small donation that will be used to cover costs and buy more books for me to research for the podcast

Get this full episode and support the pod! ⁠Join our Patreon ⁠for $3 a month for full episodes and $5 for Discord bonus eps, backlog eps, and exclusive premium content!⁠Join the Discord community⁠Dive into our discord channel to connect with fellow fans, discuss your favorite episodes, and meet the hosts of the show!Sup Pervs!This week on the cast, we're joined by the hilarious Ella Nagle and Jake Prizant! We Chat'n'prov about spooky old antique signs, Roman torture devices, and AI-generated pizza commercials. You can follow Ella on socials to see when and where she's dropping some stand-up and improv lore around town!Check out Jake on Cream Boy Saturday nights at iO and Missed Call at the Annoyance! You can also see him on the smash hit Deli Boys on Hulu!

Sal recounted his return home from work to a frustrating scene. He found the pool in disarray with toys left floating and stuck in the skimmer, and to make matters worse, one of his wife's friends was taking a nap on his couch at 7:30 p.m. He expressed his annoyance at the lack of consideration and accountability, noting that he was already tired and cranky, and the chaos only exacerbated his mood. Sal felt that his evening was ruined by the mess and the unexpected houseguest, and that the situation was a clear example of a lack of respect for his personal space and time.

Psalm 73

Send us a text- On-Demand Programme Link - https://mailchi.mp/bb2a7b851246/kairos-centreLet's continue our look at 'Repairing the damaged couples relationship, post Sex Addiction'.Does that image of the mules describe your relationship? of course not you, but your partner! Each trying to get their needs met. Those Core Emotional Needs. Remember that Core Emotional Needs are not negotiable. They want to be met and Fight/Flight/ Freeze will play out where they have been depleted for some time. (This dynamic is all so unconscious and not readily visible).Moving in one direction to get Core Emotional Needs met, without the partner, will put tremendous strain on the relationship. Pressure increases. Conflict is apparent.Interestingly, the other partner may not be pulling back - as the image seems to depict. They may just be digging in just to avoid the force of the pull taking them in a direction that they do not yet want to go!Tension in the relationship increases. Annoyance is apparent; hostility is in the air; conflict is palpable. Yet the process is working away in the unconscious and neither party may fully understand what is going on.Get some help from The Kairos Centre. See what you cannot see. Begin to change that which you begin to better understand.Get some help from The Kairos Centre. See what you cannot see. Begin to change that which you begin to better understand.Help someone access the Recovery Programme: https://igg.me/at/ThekairosCentreHelp is here: bit.ly/pornaddictionhelpBritish Podcast Awards 2025: Would you consider voting for this Podcast? https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/votingGary McFarlane (BA, LLM, Dip, Certs), Accredited EMDR Practitioner.Episode Keywords: sex addiction, addicted, sex counseling, partner, porn addiction, recovery, sex drive, sex addiction recovery, therapist, therapy, talk show, sex therapy, podcast, sobriety, counseling, relationships, relationship counseling, relationship advice, addiction, couples, relationship therapy, couples therapy, sex therapist, online counseling, emdr therapy, emdr, sex therapy, addiction, conflict management, love addiction, love addiction therapy, behavior, marriage, marriage advice, psychology, codependency, sex life, neuroscience, sex ed, sober, sobriety, sexual dysfunction, relationship issues, sex coach, sexual, sexual trauma, trauma, brain, sex science, The Sex Porn Love Addiction Podcast, biology, gender, Gary McFarlaneSupport the show

Adam creates a hypnosis session to help a client use their ability to direct their attention to manage triggers, especially loud noises, to reduce the feelings of annoyance. Adam helps them think of their worst triggers and still find that acceptance and empowering space to help free them from feeling annoyed just because the sound of a siren or heavy traffic is close by. 

I used to have a black belt in consequence-giving.

I. THE GRATITUDE OF PAUL'S PRAYER LIFE (vv. 3-8)     1) Paul thanks God and prays ... for a church, most of whose members he has never met Colossians 1:3, "We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you," Colossians 2:1-2, "For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face..." Carson, "We must ask ourselves how extensive our own praying is. Do all our petitions revolve around our own families and churches, our own cherished but rather small circle of friends? Of course, we are primarily responsible for praying for our own circle... But if that is the furthest reach of our prayers, we become parochial [narrow in outlook or scope]... Our prayers may be an index of how small and self-centered our world is."     2) Paul's gratitude results from paying attention. Paul says to Philemon: "[4] I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, [5] because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus" (Philemon 4-5) Paul says to the Colossian church (that Philemon hosted in his house): "[3] We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, [4] since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints," (Colossians 1:3-4) Paul is listening! He is paying attention to others. Acts 15:36, "Paul said to Barnabas, 'Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.'" Paul cares greatly about their spiritual state! Carson, "[I]t will do us good to fasten on reports of Christians in several parts of the world we have never visited, find out what we can about them, and learn to intercede with God on their behalf. Not only is this an important expression of the fellowship of the church, but it is also a critical discipline that will enlarge our horizons, increase our ministry, and help us to become world Christians." When a fellow believer comes to your mind, what is your first thought? Irritation? Annoyance? Jealousy? Bitterness? What is Paul's first thought? Gratitude! Philemon 4 "I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers," Colossians 1:3-4, "We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, [4] since we heard of your faith..." Gratitude for what? Their faith, love, and heavenly hope. Paul credits God with their own faith and love. Philippians 1:29, "For it has been granted [Dictionary: to give graciously] to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake…” Colossians 3:12, "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,"     3) Paul thanks God for the gospel's fruit as it comes through human means (vv. 5b-8) Epaphras, after being converted under Paul, brings the good news to Colossea! (Last week's sermon)   II. THE FOCUS OF PAUL'S PRAYER LIFE (vv. 9-12) Spiritual growth is always the dominant concern, over the physical! Carson, "Suppose, for example, that 80 or 90 percent of our petitions ask God for good health, recovery from illness, safety on the road, a good job, success in exams, the emotional needs of our children, success in our mortgage application, and much more of the same. How much of Paul's praying revolves around equivalent items? If the center of our praying is far removed from the center of Paul's praying, then even our very praying may serve as a wretched testimony to the remarkable success of the processes of paganization in our life and thought. That is why we need to study the prayers of Paul." See Matthew 6:31-33, "Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?' or ‘What shall we drink?' or ‘What shall we wear?' [32] For the Gentiles [the pagans] seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. [33] But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." So what does Paul focus on in his prayer?     1) Paul asks God to fill believers with the knowledge of his will (v. 9) "[9] And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding," This may seem simple, yet it takes "all spiritual wisdom and understanding" in the complicated nature of life to know what is best. Doug Moo, "[This] suggests the ability to discern the truth and to make good decisions based on that truth." "spiritual wisdom" means wisdom from the Holy Spirit. (Not how many use the word "spiritual" today) EXAMPLE: Colossians 4:5-6, "Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of [= redeeming] the time. [6] Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." How do I best love a fellow Christian who is in sin? How do I best evangelize a co-worker or family member? I only have limited money, how much do I spend, save, and give away? to whom? how often? How do I honor my parents if they are unbelievers and disagree with my faith? What does it look like to "speak the truth in love" when dealing with a rebellious student? or hostile unebeliver? or a timid Christian friend? When does hard work become sinful preoccupation with your career? When does rest become laziness?  You are posting something *true* on social media, but unsure if it will be edifying or needlessly distracting or contentious     2) Paul's purpose in prayer is that believers might be truly pleasing to the Lord (v. 10a)   v. 10 "so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him:" Knowledge must lead to action! "Knowing" God's will (with all spiritual wisdom and understanding) must lead to "walking/living out" God's will. We must walk in a manner worthy of the Lord. (Not earning, not perfection; but rather living "in accord with" the Lord, fully pleasing to Him)     3) Paul prays for four characteristics of a life that is pleasing to the Lord (v. 10b-12)   This will produce, among others, these four characteristics... "BEARING FRUIT in every good work" (v. 10b): Fruit is about character transformation and faithfulness, not mere "results." "INCREASING in the knowledge of God;" (v. 10c): it will lead to a fully experiential knowledge of God, as we walk with Him "BEING STRENGTHENED with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy;" (v. 11) "[Endurance] is what faith, hope, and love bring to an apparently impossible situation, [patience] what they show to an apparently impossible person." To endure ... takes power; to endure patiently with joy takes tremendous power "according to his glorious might." "GIVING THANKS to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light." (v. 12) Paul further reminds them why they should be thankful: (vv. 13-14) vv. 13-14 "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, [14] in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." All of this should be seasoned by thankfulness to the Father for our share in the "inheritance of the saints of light."   III. THE DEVOTION OF PAUL'S PRAYER LIFE     1) WHY does Paul pray so often for so many? Colossians 1:3, 9, "We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, .... [9] And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you," Carson, "In short, Paul is telling the Colossians that since hearing about them he has made it a point to intercede with God on their behalf in his disciplined, regular prayer times; he has 'not stopped praying' for them."  Carson, "Paul again and again prays for ... the Colossian believers, as if the supply must be constantly renewed." Think of it like watering the grass or flowers. It must be done continually! Colossians 4:12-13, "Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God."     2) HOW does Paul pray so often for so many? Philemon 4-5, "I thank my God always when I remember you [singular] in my prayers," G.K. Beale, "Paul is praying specifically for Philemon [the 'you' is singular], which implies that his daily prayer list must have been extensive." Richard Phillips, "When we consider the large number of people for whom Paul says that he is praying, he must have had not only a devoted prayer life, but also a highly organized one." APPLICATION: Don't turn these points from Carson into legalisms, but take them as practical suggestions to help you pray in a more regular, organized, and focused way. I. PLAN TO PRAY Don Carson, "Much praying is not done because we do not plan to pray. We do not drift into spiritual life; we do not drift into disciplined prayer. We will not grow in prayer unless we plan to pray. That means we must self-consciously set aside time to do nothing but pray. What we actually do reflects out highest priorities. That means we can proclaim our commitment to prayer until the cows come home, but unless we actually pray, our actions disown our words. This is the fundamental reason why set times for prayer are important: they ensure that vague desires for prayer are concretized in regular practice. Paul's many references to his 'prayers' suggest that he set aside specific times for prayer -- as apparently Jesus himself did (Luke 5:16)... Unless we plan to pray we will not pray." ('Praying with Paul,' p. 1-2). II. ADOPT PRACTICAL WAYS TO FIGHT MENTAL DRIFT Don Carson, "Adopt practical ways to impede mental drift.... [Perhaps] articulate your prayers, moving your lips...to...help deter meandering.... A great way to begin to overcome this problem is to pray through various biblical passages. In other words, it is entirely appropriate to tie your praying to your Bible reading... [The] truths and entailments [in your daily Scripture reading] can be the basis of a great deal of reflective praying. [Another option is] journaling [your prayers.] III. DEVELOP A SYSTEM FOR YOUR PRAYER LISTS Carson, "Develop a system for your prayer lists. It is difficult to pray faithfully for a large spread of people and concerns without developing prayer lists that help you remember them." Carson's personal "system": "I kept a manila folder in my study, where I pray... The first sheet ... was a list of people for whom I ought to pray regularly: ... My wife..., my children and a number of relatives, followed by a number of close friends... [Then] institutional names on that sheed [which] included [my] local church ... and the seminary where I now teach. The second sheet ... listed short-range ... concerns that would not remain indefinitely... In other words, the first sheet focused on people for whom I prayed constantly; the second included people and situations for whom I might pray for a short[er] ... time, but probably not indefinitely. The next item ... was the list of the students ... for whom I was particularly responsible....and of course this list changed from year to year." IV. KEEP YOUR PRAYERS TIED TO SCRIPTURE V. PRAY UNTIL YOU PRAY VI. FIND MODELS WORTHY OF IMITATION Don Casron's book, which Mark used to help with the message and numerous subpoints, can be purchased here. You can watch this message here.

This sermon was preached on July 27, 2025 at Antioch Presbyterian Church, a congregation of Calvary Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in America located in Woodruff, South Carolina. Pastor Zachary Groff preached this sermon entitled "A Wonderful Annoyance" on Exodus 8:1-15. For more information about Antioch Presbyterian Church, please visit ⁠antiochpca.com⁠ or contact us at ⁠⁠⁠info@antiochpca.com.

We've all got them – people in our lives that drive us crazy. People that seem to sap the energy, rob our joy, and leave us often feeling angry, guilty, frustrated, and confused. What does God say about dealing with the annoying people in our lives?

We've all got them – people in our lives that drive us crazy. People that seem to sap the energy, rob our joy, and leave us often feeling angry, guilty, frustrated, and confused. What does God say about dealing with the annoying people in our lives?

Texas flood rescue teams continue to search for scores of missing people as death toll climbs / 3 dead after floods in Ruidoso, New Mexico, Sweep Away Homes. Epstein files: Annoyance at Bondi's handling of case grows inside and outside the White House.

Texas flood rescue teams continue to search for scores of missing people as death toll climbs / 3 dead after floods in Ruidoso, New Mexico, Sweep Away Homes. Epstein files: Annoyance at Bondi's handling of case grows inside and outside the White House.

Sal kicks off the fourth hour in a fiery rant, dissecting Major League Baseball's botched All-Star announcements and questioning their baffling timing during live games. He doesn't hold back on the Yankees' organizational failures, particularly their mishandling of Anthony Volpe, whose struggles are clearly mental. Callers chime in with their own frustrations, from the Yankees' sloppy play to the Mets' abysmal losing streak, setting the stage for a tense Subway Series this weekend. Sal then hilariously pivots to his "Power of Power Rankings" of the worst days of the year, taking aim at everything from Valentine's Day to birthdays, before wrapping up with more passionate calls on player accountability and the ongoing woes of New York's baseball teams.

George McCleary reveals the wild world of title fraud, squatter scams, and how agents can protect clients and build lasting wealth. From house hacks to passive income, this episode is a blueprint for real freedom.See Full Article(00:00) - Introduction to The REI Agent Podcast(00:06) - Meet Your Hosts: Mattias and Erica(00:24) - Mattias Opens Solo: Viral Video, Client Value, and George's Arrival(03:57) - Welcome George McCleary: Real Estate Veteran and Developer(04:12) - George's Start: From Duplex to Developer(04:57) - Agent vs Investor: George's Path Through the Market Downturn(06:48) - Fast Nickel vs Slow Dime: Agent Commissions vs Development Returns(07:42) - Long-Term Wealth and Expense Replacement Strategy(08:22) - Teaching Kids Cash Flow with Board Games(09:01) - Income Balance, Market Swings, and Lifestyle Management(09:54) - The Tax Talk: Commissions, Deductions, and REP Status(10:55) - Accelerated Depreciation Breakdown(11:20) - Real Estate Itemization: Nails, Carpet, and Tax Benefits(12:12) - Should You Cost Seg a Single-Family Property?(13:19) - Is it Worth It? Real Life Cost Seg Examples(15:11) - Syndication Tax Write-Off Example: $66K on a $50K Investment(16:41) - George on Mobile Home Parks and Staying in Your Lane(17:31) - Diversification Without Operational Headaches(18:31) - Office Space Market Cycles and GP Compensation(19:05) - Planning for Retirement: Syndications for Busy Agents(19:56) - Agent Advantage in Evaluating Investment Properties(21:20) - Real Estate is Simple: Strip Away the Legal Jargon(22:09) - George Plugs His Syndication Project at McClearyRealty.com(22:34) - The Fraud Bomb: Deed Scams and Viral Fame(26:41) - The Ease of Title Theft and the Birth of Title Fraud Defender(29:01) - Land Fraud and Hard Money Lenders: Why Speed Isn't Always Safe(30:25) - County Chaos: Why the System Is Failing Property Owners(32:16) - Agent Tip: Use This as a Value Touchpoint(34:59) - The Viral Video That Changed Everything: “I Stole a House”(35:56) - International Implications: Squatters in Spain vs Portugal(36:10) - Squatter Defender: George's Online Course(37:03) - Roommate Tactics: Flash Shelton and the Art of the Bad Roommate(38:35) - Annoyance as a Weapon: Ski Pass Camping and Squatter Control(40:19) - From Investor to Educator: When Your Life Goes Viral(41:02) - Golden Nugget: House Hacking as the Best Starting Strategy(42:41) - Real-World House Hack Example: Roth IRA Funded Living(44:07) - The Way of the Superior Man: Book Recommendation(45:23) - Masculinity and Balance in Today's World(46:26) - Where to Find George: Websites and Discount Codes(47:24) - Wrap-Up and Final Words of Appreciation(47:41) - Show Outro and Subscription ReminderContact George McClearyMcCleary Realty

In Episode 297, it's all about safe listening levels, hearing protection and more, as Sean and Andy talk to three of the folks behind the Healthy Ears, Limited Annoyance Initiative (HELA) about all things loud (but not too loud)! This episode is sponsored by Allen & Heath and RCF.Returning guest Laura Sinnott, AuD is joined by Jon Burton and Jos Wilder to explain where HELA came from, its purpose, and much more. From World Health Organization standards for live event audio to which generic fit earplugs to recommend to friends, there's a ton of great info in this jam-packed hour.Healthy Ears, Limited Annoyance is a non-profit group of industry and academic specialists in audio, acoustics, and more, offering training and certification about the benefits of responsible sound management.Created in response to research conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Audio Engineering Society (AES), and hosted by the Electro-Acoustics Research Lab (EARLab), University of Derby, UK, HELA offers training and certification for everyone involved in the live event sector, from bar managers and security staff to sound technicians and concert promoters. It's designed to provide a clear understanding of the benefits of having a responsible sound management plan for audiences, staff and neighbors.HELA supports venues of all sizes, from grassroots to large-scale events, in creating positive relationships with their audiences as well as surrounding communities. Topics covered include the Fundamentals Of Sound, Noise Pollution, Sound Level Limits, Personal Hearing Protection, Management & Communication, Audience Expectations, Venue Design and more.Episode Links:Healthy Ears, Limited Annoyance Initiative (HELA) FAQsWHO Global Standard For Safe Listening Venues & EventsASI Audio 3DME Active-Ambient TechnologyEtymotic Research ER20XS EarplugsCurvd Everyday EarplugsLaura Sinnott, AuD: Choosing Earplugs, Loop Earplugs Review, Curvd Earplugs ReviewSTN Episode 177: Hearing Health MattersSTN Episode 152: Dr. Heather Malyuk, Soundcheck Audiology – “All Ears Are Famous”Episode 297 TranscriptAES Papers:Education and Certification in Sound Pressure Level Measurement, Monitoring and Management at Entertainment EventsSound Level Monitoring at Live Events, Part 1– Live Dynamic RangeSound Level Monitoring at Live Events, Part 2 — Regulations, Practices, and PreferencesSound Level Monitoring at Live Events, Part 3 — Improved Tools and Procedures

Get up to 10 Free HelloFresh Meals + First Box Ships Free!! Use code HF-0131 and my link https://www.filify.co/SH8CjIn this episode, I'm getting real about dating, intuition, and why raising your standards is the ultimate glow-up. We're talking red flags, gut feelings you shouldn't ignore, and how to stop putting men on pedestals they didn't earn. I'm sharing my take on why it's not about whether he likes you — it's about whether you even like him. If you've ever found yourself questioning your worth in dating, this is your reminder to trust yourself, protect your peace, and stop settling for crumbs. Let's talk boundaries, safety, and becoming the version of you that refuses to shrink! Enjoy & dont forget to tweet/ig story me a screenshot of you listening!Books mentioned:Why Does He Do That?: Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men by Lundy Bancroft https://amzn.to/3Txid9hThe Gift Of Fear: Survival Signals That Protect Us from Violence by Gavin De Becker https://amzn.to/4k715CdTakeaways:Raise your standards in dating.Understand the importance of intuition.Recognize red flags and manipulation tactics.Self-respect is crucial in relationships.Practice self-awareness and mindfulness.Modern dating dynamics require careful navigation.Empower yourself through knowledge and education.Prioritize personal growth and self-care.Don't be afraid to say no and set boundaries.Therapy can help in understanding relationship patterns.MY NEW WEBSITE!! Shop merch, sign up for my newsletter, book a coffee chat, & more: http://stellaraeherself.comGet $1000 off the health coach certification program I'm doing with promo code STELLACOACHING https://www.shareasale.com/u.cfm?d=1281553&m=96296&u=1030263I edit using Riverside! https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=stella-holtshop my new glo up merch!! https://stellarae.myspreadshop.com/instagram http://instagram.com/stellaraepodcastlisten to and/or support the podcast: https://anchor.fm/stella-raetiktok: http://tiktok.com/@stellaraeherselftwitter: http://twitter.com/stellaraegoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/10449999-stella-raemy fav books/products/health: https://www.amazon.com/shop/stellaraemy current filming set up:camera: https://amzn.to/4cEQiLOmicrophone: https://amzn.to/3Z2A5gctripod: https://amzn.to/3AEmxgKring light: https://amzn.to/3XxZrShbox lights: https://amzn.to/4e1Q1Ubportable light for phone: https://amzn.to/3XxZspjjoin my patreon for ad-free episodes, early access, merch discounts, behind the scenes, & more! https://www.patreon.com/stellaraepodlisten on spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2DMbeh7EqiqgROIjvW0sI9listen on apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-stella-rae-podcast/id1255618182[00:00] Introduction: Raising Standards in Dating[01:21] Avoiding Toxic Situations & Guys[02:14] Get 10 Free Meals[03:07] Recognizing Dating Scams & Games[03:52] The Simplicity of Dating[04:47] The Fairy Tale vs. Reality[06:40] Societal Pressure to Settle Down[08:44] Tuning into Your Intuition[09:05] Book Recommendation: The Gift of Fear[11:53] The Science of Intuition[14:50] Signs of Manipulation: Forced Teaming[16:32] Charm as a Verb[20:01] General Tips: Don't Be Timid[23:44] Prioritizing Yourself[25:31] Recognizing Lies & Red Flags[28:47] High Standards & Self-Respect[32:04] Not Tolerating Disrespect[37:37] Communicating Effectively[44:03] Putting Yourself First[47:35] No Contact & Moving On[54:15] Knowing Yourself & Practicing Self-Awareness[59:36] Staying Grounded & Recognizing Red Flags[01:02:51] The Annoyance of Dating[01:06:55] Conclusion: Self-Reflection & Prioritizing Safety#StellaRaePodcast

What are some mild annoyances in life that really stress you out?

Fringe Celebrity, Overcorrections, Wall of Annoyance

Daily Boost Podcast Show Notes Turn Your Annoyance Into Unstoppable Motivation May 14, 2025 | Episode 5093 Host: Scott Smith Episode Description Ever find yourself annoyed and wonder how to turn it around? In this episode, Scott shares a gym conversation about how irritation can fuel motivation. With his trademark upbeat delivery, Scott explains why those annoying moments might be precisely what you need to spark positive action. It's all about mindset and how you view the world — no unicorns or rainbows required! Featured Story Scott meets "Josh" at the gym who's frustrated about a car financing deal falling through. Instead of letting Josh spiral into more annoyance, Scott reframes the situation, showing how annoying moments can become powerful motivation. This real-world example demonstrates Scott's practical approach to handling life's frustrations and turning them into fuel for positive action. Sometimes the best kick in the pants comes from something that initially gets under your skin! Key Takeaways Annoyance can be transformed into powerful motivation when you shift your perspective and use it to fuel your passion. The world isn't always fair, but that's not necessarily bad — we're all on different paths, and recognizing this helps us respond better to challenges. Your mindset determines how you experience life — it's not about finding another "hack," it's about training your brain to respond differently to obstacles. Memorable Quotes "When you are annoyed, you have just fueled your passion. You've fueled your fight, and you're going to turn into the battle, and you're going to work it out." "Life is annoying sometimes. Life is not fun sometimes, but it's okay. It's all your mindset." "Every single thing we do is about how you think about the world, see the world, view the world, and live in the world." Scott's Three-Step Approach Recognize when you're annoyed and acknowledge it instead of pretending everything is fine. Reframe your annoyance as fuel for motivation rather than allowing it to derail your day. Use your newly energized mindset to face the challenge head-on and find solutions rather than dwelling on frustration. Connect With Me Search for The Daily Boost on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Email: support@motivationtomove.com Main Website: https://motivationtomove.com YouTube: https://youtube.com/dailyboostpodcast Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/motivationtomove Facebook Group: https://dailyboostpodcast.com/facebook #DailyBoost #Motivation #MindsetMatters #TurnAnnoyanceIntoAction #PersonalDevelopment #PositiveThinking #MentalStrength #MotivationTips #SelfImprovement #OvercomeObstacles #ResilienceBuilding #ScottSmith #PodcastWisdom #MindsetShift #EmotionalIntelligence #DailyMotivation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever feel so stuck in frustration and Annoyance - in parenting? Today I will be giving you 1 key tool that I believe is the secret to decreasing frustration (even if your kids don't change)!Key topics we will cover include:• Children's behavior isn't a sign of parental failure. It's a normal part of development• "A child's job is to test rules and boundaries to see what happens when they do"• Lowering expectations doesn't mean abandoning standards for respectful behaviorJoin our lunch and learn workshops held monthly on Wednesdays at noon. Find information at sustainableparenting.com/workshop-4✨Want more?1) Use this link for a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting.2) Download the FREE pdf. on getting kids to listen.3) Buy a 3 session Coaching Bundle (saving you $100) - for THREE 30-min sessions 1:1 with ME, where we get right to the heart of your challenges, and give you small, powerful shifts that make a huge difference fast.

It's our first ever CHICAGO LIVE SHOW! Take the jump with us as we take on the Annoyance Theatre with another fully improvised musical - and a surprise? Confused comas, purchased Portugals, grumbling grannies, and more on this week's Charm Scene! Cast: Lily Ludwig, Austin Packard Music Director: Sam Scheidler Drums: Chris Ditton Special thanks to Sam MacNerland, Christian Pitsch, Kathryn Courtney, Rockie Wenrich, John Moore, James Salvatore, Jennifer Estlin, and everyone at our home - The Annoyance. Follow us @CharmScenePod on Instagram and YouTube, or shoot us a message at CharmScenePod@gmail.com!

The Refill Month of May starts now! Listen closely as we travel down memory lane and drop a phrase that pays all month long. Shout out to us in the comments to take a peek at the prize closet.--Local THC enthusiast Brian Hooli (Spliff, Laugh, Love at the Annoyance) stops by to share his love of cookies and take us on a magic carpet ride. We sample some sweet treats from the Wake-N-Bakery and the 'Co while talking stoner movies and  Billy Madison memories. Hopefully brought to you by Smiling Friends on Adult Swim. Originally aired April 20, 2022 Visit our Merch closet at https://poppinbottles.threadless.com!

A hilariously brilliant weekend is discussed before we get to the serious business of the Lions squad. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vrbo launched a marketing campaign targeting Airbnb, but Airbnb dismissed it as ineffective, with Skift Research showing Airbnb's dominant market share of 44% compared to Vrbo's 9%. Sonesta remains optimistic about strong bookings despite economic concerns and is shifting towards franchising by selling 114 properties, particularly seeing growth in East Coast markets. Meanwhile, IHG has opened Western Europe's first net-zero hotel in the UK, powered by renewable energy and featuring sustainable practices, while maintaining competitive pricing. Airbnb Calls Vrbo Billboards 'Confused' and 'Desperate' Sonesta CEO: Bookings Are 'Still Strong' as it Aims to Sell 114 Hotels Inside IHG's New 'Net Zero' Hotel Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.

What are you REALLY attracting?

A very special Five Hundy this week with topics ranked by the annoyance they inspired. Plus, appearances by an especially vocal podcast canine The post FHBM 954: Annoyance Ranked first appeared on Five Hundy By Midnight.

The Annoyance may be over, but the struggle against certain wizards has only just begun! A new challenger approaches and attempts to wrest freedom away from Florian and his stupid brother, so it's up to the rest of the crew to try and stop this terrifying new threat! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In which an Annoyance of Wizards approaches, our heroes try to find a solution to a horrible Void corpse and one of their companions plans some murder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(00:00) The brown bag continues to fuel Fred’s annoyance. (17:05) Gay Myers is a sportswriter and author who has written for the Dallas morning news & The New York Daily News and joins Toucher & Hardy to talk about his upcoming book, the New York Jets and much more! (34:52) Great news! We’ve stumbled upon some tapes of the one and only Al Cole! CONNECT WITH TOUCHER & HARDY: linktr.ee/ToucherandHardy For the latest updates, visit the show page on 985thesportshub.com. Follow 98.5 The Sports Hub on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Watch the show every morning on YouTube, and subscribe to stay up-to-date with all the best moments from Boston’s home for sports!

We all have those moments when the smallest things just get us. Whether it's that person who cuts in line or the slow Wi-Fi, sometimes life's little annoyances can feel huge. That's why we love this tip to shift your mindset. All it takes it three little words. LINKS Follow @novapodcastsofficial on Instagram    CREDITS Host: Casey Donovan @caseydonovan88 Writer: Amy Molloy @amymolloy Podcast Producer: Adair SheppardEditor: Adrian Walton  Listen to more great podcasts at novapodcasts.com.au   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emotions like anger, frustration, and rage are part of the human experience, but how can we navigate them in a healthy way? In this episode, the guest dives deep into understanding these intense emotions, sharing practical tools to process them constructively and avoid their negative impacts on the body and mind. The discussion explores how emotions like annoyance and anger trigger physical responses, such as increased cortisol levels and heightened stress. The guest explains how unresolved feelings, like resentment, can build over time and lead to physical tension and disrupted energy flow, particularly in organs like the liver and heart, as seen through the lens of traditional Chinese medicine. They highlight the importance of acknowledging and processing emotions in real time to prevent long-term emotional and physical strain. Drawing inspiration from leaders like Nelson Mandela and insights from Brene Brown, the conversation emphasizes the power of vulnerability and emotional awareness. Techniques like breathing exercises, mindfulness, journaling, and body awareness are recommended to calm the nervous system and build emotional resilience. Through personal stories, including challenging travel experiences, the guest illustrates how self-awareness and self-compassion can transform emotional turmoil into personal growth. Listeners will walk away with tools to navigate their emotions and build deeper empathy and connection with themselves and others. Michael's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelyoga.pt/  Episode Chapters: 00:00:00 - The Science of Anger and Frustration 00:03:32 - Emotions, Physiology, and Traditional Medicine 00:07:22 - The Physiology of Anger and Rage 00:10:46 - Rage, Anger, and the Body's Response 00:13:52 - Unresolved Emotions and Their Impact 00:16:50 - Emotional Intelligence: Practical Techniques 00:20:44 - Techniques to Manage Anger and Frustration 00:29:50 - Emotional Trek and Flight Delays 00:32:02 - Navigating Airline Booking Mishaps 00:34:06 - Navigating Airport Frustration with Yoga-Inspired Calm 00:35:49 - Coping with Stress and Emotional Turmoil 00:37:53 - Navigating Emotional Challenges

How can businesses personalize their customer experience at scale?This episode explores the power of personalization in the age of AI and how businesses can leverage data to create a delightful customer experience. David Edelman discusses the challenges and benefits of personalization, and provides examples of companies that are doing personalization well, such as Cisco, Marriott, and Aetna.David Edelman is a personalization guru who's been shaking things up in the business world with his innovative ideas. From Harvard Business School to McKinsey and Aetna, he's got the know-how to help companies scale up their personalization game and create those "wow" customer experiences. He's also the co-author (with Mark Abraham) of Personalized: Customer Strategy In The Age of AI. Key topics Bill and Dave explore in this episode: - Personalization is not just a marketing tactic, but a holistic customer experience that requires cross-functional collaboration. - Companies need to shift their mindset from volume to value and focus on providing a personalized experience that delights customers without being creepy. - AI can be used to enhance personalization by predicting customer needs and preferences. - Data is essential for personalization, and companies need to gather both explicit and implicit data to understand their customers' needs and preferences. - Companies have to avoid overwhelming customers with too much information. - Personalization allows companies to differentiate themselves by providing a unique and valuable customer experience. Chapters in this episode: (02:42) Personalizing Music (07:51) Delight vs. Annoyance in Personalized Experiences (12:34) The Risk of Over-Personalization and the Aetna Example (14:52) Sungevity: A Case Study in Personalization Done Right (19:43) Cisco: Two Approaches to B2B Personalization (26:40) Marriott's Quest for Personalized Hospitality (31:45) The Value of Asking QuestionsThanks to David Edelman for being on the show! Learn more about Dave at Edelman Advisory Services: https://www.edelmanadvisoryservices.com/ Get Dave's book: Personalized: Customer Strategy In The Age of AI: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1647826276 (co-authored with Mark Abraham)Bill Gallagher, Scaling Coach and host of the Scaling Up Business podcast, is an international business coach who works with C-Suite leaders to achieve breakthrough growth. Join Bill in the Growth Navigator Coaching Program: https://ScalingCoach.com/workshop Bill on LinkedIn: https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/BillGallBill on YouTube: https://www.YouTube.com/@BillGallagherScalingCoach Visit https://ScalingUp.com to learn more about Verne Harnish, our team of Scaling Up Coaches, and the Scaling Up Performance Platform, which includes coaching, learning, software, and summit. We share how the fastest-growing companies succeed where so many others fail. We help leadership teams with the biggest decisions around people,...

Joe Dea is back with us this week to ask us a couple questions that have been circulating the Christian Podcast World, What do we do with the annoying Christians? and what does Christian unity actually mean? For My Seminary Life: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sn0NGj3gkQERs5KwTKzkE For The Whole Church Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2KBLdT930OvOcmSZE1UxVT For Anazao Ministries Podcasts: https://anazao-ministries.captivate.fm/ For more from BuddyWalk With Jesus: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/buddywalk-with-jesus-190313 For more from Faith Explained: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/faith-explained-602369 Check out the KFM Broadcasting Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566821334775 Check out the KFM Broadcasting BlueSky Account: https://bsky.app/profile/kfmbroadcasting.bsky.social Check out the KFM Broadcasting X Account: https://x.com/kfmbroadcasting For more information on Ministry Misfits visit www.ministrymisfits.comTo become a Patron for Ministry Misfits visit www.patreon.com/ministrymisfitsSend us a textSupport the showFollow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ministrymisfitFollow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ministrymisfitFollow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ministrymisfitBecome a Patron: www.patreon.com/ministrymisfits

"Would you want to hang out with someone who is exactly like you?" This week we freak into action with long time good buddies Ollie Hobson and Lindsey Smith. We chat about if we can stand someone just like ourselves and then get nasty on some improvised zoom calls to the doctor. See Tim and Dan at the Yard Theater August 15thCheck out Real Angels at LSI in Chicago Wednesday at 9:30 pmSee Ollie at Annoyance with Damian doing Downpour! Listen to Color for Colors!Looking for more content?Support the pod! Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes and TONS of exclusive premium contentJoin the Discord communityDive into our discord channel to connect with fellow fans, discuss your favorite episodes, and meet the hosts of the show!Performers:Guests: Ollie Hobson & Lindsey SmithHosts: Tim Lyons, & Damian AnayaEditor/Producer: Matthew Williams

Hour 2 of A&G features... A British study on trans surgeries... Questions about today's politics... Closing-in on the closing arguments in the Trump Hush Money Trial... SNL inspires a chat about school culture.   Stupid Should Hurt: https://www.armstrongandgetty.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Misophonia is a condition in which certain sounds trigger people in very negative ways that can really disrupt someone's life. Listen in today to learn all about this fairly recently recognized condition.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.