holiday originating in Christianity, usually celebrated on December 25 (in the Gregorian or Julian calendars)
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Brandon welcomes back, friend of the podcast, Jeremy Arnold to celebrate Christmas in July. Jeremy is the author of "Christmas in the Movies: 35 Classics to Celebrate the Season" and is highlighting two lesser known gems. We start of with We're No Angels from 1955 which is celebrating its 70th anniversary. Brandon and Jeremy, then, discuss the 20th anniversary of Joyeux Noel from 2005. "Christmas in the Movies" is still available from TCM and Running Press wherever books are sold.
Watch on Philo! - Philo.tv/DTHPaul tells Lori that the script is off to a really good start. Thank god! They start giving her some tips and she's so happy! It's 2 hours until the wedding ceremony and Rob and Donna are in the pool chillin cuz Paul said he's handling everything. Kerry and her girls are bummed that the trip is coming to an end. Paige has her phone number bracelet ready to go in case she bumps into Tyler again, but I'm sure she won't. Gail and Alicia are preparing for the last day. Gail wants to come up with a fun way of thank Alicia for getting her out of her comfort zone before they leave. Rob is getting ready for the ceremony and he rolls out a red carpet and it's wrinkly AF and that's why I love Rob. True to her word, Paige is doing Donna's makeup for the wedding. Gail finds Wes Brown getting ready for his cocktail tasting and pitches an idea - at the next Carol-oke, she wants to sing jingle bells with an original Christmas song. Of course, Wes has his guitar ready to go help. She's like here's what I have so far….dashing through the snow….ok so I have nothing. Wes is being so patient and they're gonna work it out great. It's wedding time. Donna is in her dress and it's real nice. Most people are in their Christmas pjs. Of course the Vaneer family show up in dresses. Ben, Kim, and Andrew are there. Drew is the best man. But who will be the maid of honor??? Nikki DeLoach obviously. The gym connection is real. And Tyler Hynes is gonna step in as daddy and walk her down the aisle. It's magical. They've FaceTime'd in their family. Paul crushes the ceremony. He asks if anyone objects, and Ben does a bit. Alicia gets a note from Gail to meet her at Carol-oke. She shows up and Gail goes up there and sings her song and crushes it! Alicia and Gail sing jingle bells. Everyone's giving them high fives including this kid dressed like the grinch that they ignore. Back to the wedding, they exchange their vows. Big cries. My guy jacked Rob crushed it. They kiss. Woohooooo! Lori gets a text from Jonathan Bennett. She gets down there and Andrew and Taylor Cole are there, acting out her screenplay! They're just playing around and giving pointers to the script. It's a dream come true. So Alicia and Gail show up for dinner, dresses with tiaras, ready to celebrate their birthdays. Get outta here Nate. But then I find out they've been celebrating their birthdays all year. I don't think it's their birthday either. But it's their 60th and they have a lovely dinner. And Gail gives Alicia a teacup just like her grandma used to have. She starts to cry. She says at first, she wasn't happy to be turning 60 but now she realizes what a gift it is to even get to 60. I love them so much. Kerry and her daughters are up on the top of the ship playing ball. Apparently Paige played college ball at Yale. Suddenly Tyler and Ben walk up and Kerry, the ultimate momma wingmen, calls them over and invites them to play. Paige gives Tyler her bracelet. And they have a moment. I think it's gonna work out between them. The episode ends at the Christmas ball on the final night. Everyone is super dressed up. All of our cruisers talk about how amazing the cruise was and they can't wait for next year.
George Noory and author Leslie Rule explore her research into ghosts and the tragic events that lead to hauntings, growing up in a haunted house, and shares stories of a ghost at a Christmas party, a haunted roller coaster, and the crying ghost of a little boy who drowned.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Bible Reading: Matthew 2:1-2; Luke 2:1-16"Visit our store and enjoy Christmas every day of the year!" Georgia read the billboard out loud as she and her family traveled home from a weeklong vacation. "Cool!" she said. "That's in the town at the next exit, isn't it? Can we stop at that store?"Dad shrugged. "Why not? We could use a break from driving. Watch for signs so we'll know where to turn."They found the store, and everyone smiled when they heard "Jingle Bells" playing over the loudspeaker as they walked in. The store was filled with all kinds of Christmas decorations--ornaments, trees, twinkling lights, and wreaths. In one corner, a woman was handing out decorated Christmas cookies.As Georgia and her parents ate their cookies, they wandered over to a large manger scene. The animals looked so real, Georgia could almost imagine she was in Bethlehem. As she thought about the events of that night long ago, she imagined Mary putting baby Jesus in a manger with all the sounds and smells of animals around them. She thought about the angels singing, the shepherds running to the stable to see Jesus, and the wise men traveling from far away to worship the new King."Come on, Georgia," said Mom, interrupting her daydreams. "Time to be on our way."Georgia continued thinking about the manger scene on the drive home. "I wish we could celebrate Christmas all year long like they do at that store," she said. "We can!" said Dad. "What is Christmas, Georgia?""It's the time when we remember Jesus being born," Georgia replied."Exactly!" said Dad. "The night God sent His Son to earth as one of us so He could save us from sin. Don't you think that's something we should celebrate all year long?""Well, sure," said Georgia. "We should thank God every day for sending Jesus, shouldn't we?" She grinned. "So can we put up the Christmas tree when we get home?"Mom laughed and shook her head. "We'll save that for December," she said. "We can remember God's gift of Jesus and the meaning of Christmas without the tree." –Linda WeddleHow About You?Are you thankful every day for God's amazing gift? He sent His Son, Jesus, to earth as a human being to take the punishment for your sin so you could have eternal life with Him. There's no better gift than that! Don't wait until December to thank God for His great gift. Jesus is the reason to celebrate Christmas all year long! Today's Key Verse:Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! (NKJV) (2 Corinthians 9:15)Today's Key Thought:Think of God's gift all year long
HITM: Listener Kim Porter returns live from the 100th Chincoteague Annual Pony Swim and organizer Richard Alvey joins us to share in the excitement of the victory of the HRN Virtual Tevis Team. Plus, Dr. Jaini L. Clougher speaks about laminitis and protocols for insulin resistant horses and some weird news. Listen in…Auditor Post Show: Horse girl Christmas.HORSES IN THE MORNING Episode 3742 – Show Notes and Links:Hosts: Jamie Jennings of Flyover Farm and Glenn the GeekGuest: Kim Porter returns live from the 100th Chincoteague Annual Pony SwimGuest: Auditor Richard Alvey on the HRN Virtual Tevis win.Guest: ECIR Group Inc. President Dr. Jaini L. ClougherAdditional support for this podcast provided by: Daily Dose Equine, Spalding Fly Predators, use code HRN for an additional discount. Equine Network and Listeners Like YouTIME STAMPS:07:28 - Daily Whinnies20:30 - Kim Porter34:20 - Auditor Richard Alvey42:00 - Dr. Jaini L. Clougher58:20 - Weird News
Dr. Marquel Russell is a former 9th-grade dropout turned multimillion-dollar business strategist and CEO of Strategic Scale Institute. He's the creator of the Predictable Scale Flywheel™—a proven system that helps service-based entrepreneurs scale from six to eight figures by streamlining operations, automating marketing, and building high-performing teams. His strategies have helped over 3,000 clients generate more than $1 billion in revenue. Marquel has built multiple 7-figure businesses and landed on the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies list. But for him, true success is freedom—working just four days a week, taking unplugged vacations each quarter, and celebrating Christmas abroad with his family. He lives what he teaches, using the same systems that have transformed his clients' businesses and lives. Through Strategic Scale Institute, Marquel empowers entrepreneurs to escape burnout and grow with intention. Whether they're earning $30K or scaling past 7 figures, his Predictable Scale Flywheel™ turns businesses into self-sustaining, profit-generating machines. Simply put, Dr. Marquel Russell doesn't just teach growth—he lives it. During the show we discussed: The Predictable Scale Flywheel™ for burnout-free growth Building a 20-hour workweek system Morning and bedtime rituals for peak performance The power of quarterly vacations Mastering your calendar with the 80/20 Power Grid Delegating to focus on high-level tasks Creating a yearly War Map for business clarity Using a scorecard to track health and performance Weekly mapping for consistent productivity Resources: https://scalethesmartway.com/ https://scalemadeeasy.com/
HITM: Listener Kim Porter returns live from the 100th Chincoteague Annual Pony Swim and organizer Richard Alvey joins us to share in the excitement of the victory of the HRN Virtual Tevis Team. Plus, Dr. Jaini L. Clougher speaks about laminitis and protocols for insulin resistant horses and some weird news. Listen in…Auditor Post Show: Horse girl Christmas.HORSES IN THE MORNING Episode 3742 – Show Notes and Links:Hosts: Jamie Jennings of Flyover Farm and Glenn the GeekGuest: Kim Porter returns live from the 100th Chincoteague Annual Pony SwimGuest: Auditor Richard Alvey on the HRN Virtual Tevis win.Guest: ECIR Group Inc. President Dr. Jaini L. ClougherAdditional support for this podcast provided by: Daily Dose Equine, Spalding Fly Predators, use code HRN for an additional discount. Equine Network and Listeners Like YouTIME STAMPS:07:28 - Daily Whinnies20:30 - Kim Porter34:20 - Auditor Richard Alvey42:00 - Dr. Jaini L. Clougher58:20 - Weird News
In this session, CRO of ServiceTitan, Ross Biestman, and Chemistry's Managing Partner and Co-Founder, Kristina Shen, discuss ServiceTitan's founding principles and growth from a small company to a $11 billion vertical SaaS leader. Together they cover ServiceTitan's mission-driven approach, and its successful adoption of AI for operational efficiency. Ross shares personal anecdotes about customer interactions and pivotal moments leading to ServiceTitan's massive success. The episode underscores the importance of on-site customer interactions and the role of AI and disciplined expansion in their growth strategy. ------------------ This episode of the SaaStr podcast is sponsored by: get.tech The best .coms are taken or overpriced. So you settle on a workaround domain for your website. Don't compromise. Get a clean, sharp .tech domain that instantly says: this is a tech startup. Grab yours at get.tech/saastr or via domain registrars like GoDaddy. ------------------ Hey everybody, SaaStr AI's next stop takes us to London on December 2nd and 3rd! It's Christmas with SaaStr and 2,000 of the best SaaS and AI leaders. The biggest names will be there. The best networking. Early adopter tickets are selling faster than we expected. So don't wait. With only 5 months until the event, we expect this year's SaaStr London event to sell out to capacity. Use my code jason20pod for exclusive savings. Get your tickets now at podcast.saastrlondon.com or use code jason20pod at checkout. SaaStr AI London – where SaaS Meets AI in London. See you there. ------------------ Hey everybody, SaaStr Annual will be back in May of 2026. The world's largest SaaS + AI gathering for executives. Just this May we hosted: 10,000 attendees with 68% VP-level and above, 36% CEOs and founders and a growing 25% were AI-first professionals. This is the very best of the best S-tier attendees and decision makers that come to SaaStr each year. But here's the reality, folks: the longer you wait, the higher ticket prices can get. Early bird tickets are available now, but once they're gone, you'll pay hundreds more so don't wait. Lock in your spot today. Use my code JASON100 for exclusive savings. Get your tickets at podcast.saastrannual.com or use code JASON100 at checkout.
It's natural for children to ask their parents “why"...
Hasbro is warning parents to buy Christmas toys early this year because something something tariffs they may be harder to get. Or, you know, they just want to boost their stock next quarter? Watch this podcast episode on YouTube and all major podcast hosts including Spotify. CLOWNFISH TV is an independent, opinionated news and commentary podcast that covers Entertainment and Tech from a consumer's point of view. We talk about Gaming, Comics, Anime, TV, Movies, Animation and more. Hosted by Kneon and Geeky Sparkles. D/REZZED News covers Pixels, Pop Culture, and the Paranormal! We're an independent, opinionated entertainment news blog covering Video Games, Tech, Comics, Movies, Anime, High Strangeness, and more. As part of Clownfish TV, we strive to be balanced, based, and apolitical. Get more news, views and reviews on Clownfish TV News - https://news.clownfishtv.com/ On YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/ClownfishTV On Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4Tu83D1NcCmh7K1zHIedvg On Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/clownfish-tv-audio-edition/id1726838629
197 - Ketch Secor (Old Crow Medicine Show) In episode 197 of “Have Guitar Will Travel”, presented by Vintage Guitar Magazine, host James Patrick Regan speaks with multi instrumentalist Ketch Secor founder of Old Crow Medicine Show. In their conversation Ketch tells us about his new solo album “Story the Crow Told Me” which contains a lot of the original Old Crow members. Ketch describes his musical instrument history starting on jew's harp, moving to the fiddle, banjo and guitar… and his musical tastes went from Stevie Wonder to punk rock to old time music and the music of activism. Ketch discusses his love of Hokum music and his love of Garrison Keillor and the Prairie Home Companion and Ketch describes his friendship with Marty Stuart. Ketch tells us about the beginning years of the band surviving busking and finding safe harbor which is described in his solo album. Ketch talks about his instrument collection and working with Gallagher guitars and his partner's Molly Tuttle's guitar collection and his friendship with George Gruhn. Ketch tells us about his tour dates with Old Crow Medicine Show, Solo and with Mumford and Sons. Ketch describes the song “Wagon Wheel” and how he ended up splitting the publishing with Bob Dylan and he also discusses Old Crow's Christmas album which will be out soon. Finally Ketch tells us about the importance of the Public Broadcast System (PBS). To find out more about Ketch and find about his solo album and tour dates you can go to his website: ketchsecor.com Please subscribe, like, comment, share and review this podcast! #KetchSecor #OldCrowMedicineShow #StorietheCrowToldMe #VintageGuitarMagazine #MollyTuttle #GallagherGuitars #JamesPatrickRegan #WagonWheel #BobDylan #PBS #MumfordandSons #theDeadlies #haveguitarwilltravelpodcast #HGWT Please like, comment, and share this podcast! Download Link
Summers Christmas tree farm is operated by Bill and Judy Summers. During the summer months, ideal weather is crucial for Christmas tree development. Bill tells Kiley Allan about the summer care of trees, the effects of weather, and the evolution of consumer tree demand.Today's Compeer Financial ag weather update calls for a cool front bringing rain and a Canadian wildfire smoke advisory.Pam Jahnke checks in with Randy Cath of the Steffes Group on big auctions they have lined up.What's old is new again at Wisconsin State Fair Park. Ben brings us a story about the "new" Dairy Building.Joe Tomandl, a fourth-generation dairy farmer in central Wisconsin and founder of both the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship and the newly formed Dairy Grazing Alliance, says he’s proud of how far the movement has come since 2010. The Alliance, he explains, builds on that foundation to grow the dairy grazing sector as a whole.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“The kid had wandered off near the base of Christmas Hill, chasing something—maybe a rabbit, maybe just curiosity. Witnesses said a huge eagle swooped down and lifted her clean off the ground before anyone could react. Searchers scoured the hill all day, expecting the worst, until someone spotted her calmly sitting at the summit, legs dangling over the rock. She wasn't crying, wasn't scared—just holding an eagle feather and staring out over the valley. No one could explain how she got there without a scratch, and she never told.”
Amanda Greenlee says it may seem odd but they are appealing now for help for their Christmas lunch. The eleven local churches that make up PACT - Petersfield Area churches together - amongst many other things provide a free Christmas lunch at the Community Centre for about 60 people who may be on their own but have space for more. It may be months away but they are starting now and need nominations and volunteers to help; drivers especially. Amanda Greenlee is one of the organisers and spoke to Mike Waddington. You can volunteer your time, your self or your ideas at PACT or Christmaslunch.pact@gmail.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Watch on Philo! - Philo.tv/DTHWelcome to the township of Gilford. We meet Lindsey Monroe, a city planner who is having to deal with Mayor Fred Barnes' current pressing project: rebuilding the long-gone gazebo in the town square exactly as it was, to be completed in time for the historic Christmas Eve town lighting. You know how it goes.The mayor hired Scott, a Gilford newbie, and someone who literally made me say oh my gosh when he walked on screen. He is tasked with building the gazebo. The problem is there are no records of the old gazebo itself. Lindsey and Scott meet for the first time and it's immediately clear that they are going to clash and fall in love.Lindsey is a widow who gets pretty sad around the holiday season. Her daughter, Hannah is ready to start celebrating Christmas again. So while at this Christmas market thing, she is given some Christmas decorations, including this stocking. When they get it home, they hang up the stocking and it magically falls to the ground. Lindsey reaches inside and finds an old locket. I'm sure it's nothing. Lindsey's mom comes and brings a Christmas tree. Lindsey is not thrilled. The stocking falls again and Hannah picks it up. Feels something in it so she reaches in and it's a dog tag with the word "magic". Hannah is pumped. WE'RE GETTING A DOG!!!!! Her mom is like sorry we're not getting a puppy. A side story is the mayor is very into Lindsey's mom. He is shooting his shot. He is all sorts of thirsty. She's not having it. The next day, she goes to check on Scott and how the gazebo is going. She just wants to get this project done but he wants to make sure it's authentic. He asks her on a date and she says no. But then she's like if you end up showing up to dinner tonight with my family and the mayor, I'm sure no one will mind. But they all ditch them so that they end up having dinner just the 2 of them. When Hannah and her grandma get back to their house, Hannah finds a puppy in their bushes. It's magic and it's meant to be. And the magic keeps coming including grandma getting the numbers exactly correct to the towns coin guessing competition. don't ask. Hannah and grandma are now completely convinced that the stocking is magic. Everything seems to be coming up aces. They even find pictures of the original gazebo. It's going great. Until Hannah sees a flyer for a missing song. She doesn't want to give the dog back but her hands are tied. She has to give it back.But Scott surprises her by getting her a dog named Magic. YOU KIDDIN ME RIGHT NOW?! So Lindsey is really unsure about Scott and the dog and stuff cuz her husband died in a car crash on the way to get a puppy. so that's tough. On her way out of the house to go to the town square, the stocking drops. Inside, a single Christmas light. What does it mean?!?! well when she gets there, she finds out that the Christmas lights are missing one light. She gives it to him and he fixes the light just in case. It works and the town lights up. He gives her the locket that he fixed. And then they kissssss. Cut to one year later. We're back at the Christmas market and they return the magical stocking to the lady and she winks. yay magic, yay us.
(Any pricing discussed in this podcast is for entertainment purposes only. See full terms and conditions at Smart Moms Travel)Let's talk about Holiday parties during the jolly-est time of the year at the Most Magical Place on Earth! Are the Jollywood Nights and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party tickets “worth it” and are these something you should include in a Disney vacation? Listen to us rank all the things as “naughty or nice!” Spending the Christmas holidays at Disney World is a wonderful way to make memories that you will cherish for a lifetime!Ready to plan your magical Disney vacation with a podcast team member? Fill out our 1-minute form here and we'll be in touch:JOIN OUR PATREON! Support the podcast with Patreon and we will thank you with more resources and access to the podcast hosts! Your support keeps us going and producing this great content! Smart Moms Plan Disney Podcast PatreonSmart Moms Plan Disney Podcast FacebookSmart Moms Plan Disney Podcast Instagram Smart Moms Plan Disney Podcast AmazonHosts: Aly Thomas, Katie Boone, Stacy WalkerEditing: Stacy WalkerAds from the show:~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~BabyQuip - Pack Light. Travel Happy. Use code SMPOD to get $30 off order of $150 or more!BabyQuip on FacebookBabyQuip on Instagram~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~MCO2Disney - Walt Disney World Car Service - Where Your Memories Begin! Use code SMARTMOMS to save 10%!MCO2Disney on InstagramMCO2Disney on Facebook~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~VOTE FOR US!PodcastAwards.comPlease vote for us in:People's Choice PodcastBest Female Hosted PodcastBest Leisure PodcastBest Kids/Family PodcastFriend Like Me SegmentSmart Moms Splurge at Disney | Facebook with Christine SeibertSmart NY Moms Plan Disney, Universal and Beyond | Facebook with Frances Day~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Think you may want to become a Smart Moms Agent? Consider applying here: Smart Moms Travel Agent Application_Some background music from __FASSounds at Pixabay_(Any pricing discussed in this podcast is for entertainment purposes only. See full terms and conditions at Smart Moms Travel)
Over 6 hours of scary small town or forgotten village terror that will have you yearning for population density. Become an Eeriecast PLUS Member! https://eeriecast.com/plus Background from this music comes from: Myuu https://www.youtube.com/@Myuu CO.AG Darkness Prevails Epidemic Sound LXZURAY GIMU SCARY STORIES TIMESTAMPS 0:00 INTRO 0:57 Margret's House from Sabrina 7:11 Extra Crispy, Extra Wrong from coopandcai 13:36 Butterflies from Thick_Mick_Chick 17:50 They Always Come Back on Christmas from L1NDO (leendor) 24:31 He Wasn't a Gentlemen from Mr. B 33:26 Limbs in the Rain from John O'Rourke 46:56 Working from Home can be Scary and Weird from PupPup23 GET MY WIFE'S ADORABLE STICKERS!!! https://ko-fi.com/ruffledragons/shop ORDER PHANTOM PHENOMENA: https://a.co/d/3hQAV7e ORDER APPALCHIAN FOLKLORE UNVEILED: https://a.co/d/iteR5xZ Get CRYPTID: The Creepy Card Battling Game https://cryptidcardgame.com/ Read our new wendigo horror novel https://eeriecast.com/lore Sign up for Eeriecast PLUS for bonus content and more https://eeriecast.com/plus Get our merch http://eeriecast.store/ Join my Discord! https://discord.gg/3YVN4twrD8 Follow the Unexplained Encounters podcast! https://pod.link/1152248491 Follow and review Tales from the Break Room on Spotify and Apple Podcasts! https://pod.link/1621075170 Submit Your Story Here: https://www.darkstories.org/ Subscribe on YouTube for More Stories! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh_VbMnoL4nuxX_3HYanJbA?sub_confirmation=1 --- slavic folklore,folklore stories,folklore horror stories,scary folklore stories,folklore,slavic stories,scary slavic stories,slavic horror stories,true stories,horror stories,creepy stories,ghost stories,scary stories,unexplained encounters,eeriecast,darkness prevails,slavic mythology,mysterious creatures,strange creatures,paranormal activity,deep woods,deep woods stories,scary deep woods stories,deep woods horror stories Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Lexi Silver is 15 years old. She lost both of her parents before she turned 11. That should tell you enough—but it doesn't. Because Lexi isn't here for your pity. She's not a sob story. She's not a trauma statistic. She's a writer, an advocate, and one of the most emotionally intelligent people you'll ever hear speak into a microphone.In this episode, Lexi breaks down what grief actually feels like when you're a kid and the adults around you just don't get it. She talks about losing her mom on Christmas morning, her dad nine months later, how the system let her down, and how Instagram trolls tell her she's faking it for attention. She also explains why she writes, what Experience Camps gave her, how she channels anger into poems, and what to say—and not say—to someone grieving.Her life isn't a Netflix drama. But it should be.And by the way, she's not “so strong.” She's just human. You'll never forget this conversation.RELATED LINKS• Lexi on Instagram: @meet.my.grief• Buy her book: The Girl Behind Grief's Shadow• Experience CampsFEEDBACKLike this episode? Rate and review Out of Patients on your favorite podcast platform. For guest suggestions or sponsorship inquiries, email podcast@matthewzachary.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In today's episode of Reddit Podcast, a wild Karen completely loses it. You won't believe how this one ends! Sit back, relax, and enjoy this binge-worthy Reddit podcast, featuring Karen freakouts, entitled people stories, and pro revenge tales.
https://justiceteamnetwork.com This week, we're revisiting a classic episode from last year's JTP lineup. What's better than working with your family? On today's episode of the Justice Team Podcast, Bob Simon is joined by his own father, Bob Simon. The duo talks about what it's like to run a family practice, talking shop over Christmas dinner, parenting, and just how many bottles of whiskey Big Bob has at home.
This week on the summer series - Chelsea! Of course, we had to invite our good friend, Peter, onto the pod to get his thoughts on the club's season. From a potential title run up through Christmas, to finishing as Conference League and Club World Cup champions, there were many ups and downs.We break them all down this week!
The first ruler of the House of Sverker, Sverker the Elder, had come out as the winner among contenders for the position of Ruler of Sweden, even though he wasn't from royal roots. He was the ruler of the country, but various pieces of Sweden were considering themselves under or not under his authority, and other countries altogether were also working on taking Sweden or bits of it (that would be Denmark and Russia), and what with one thing and another, life wasn't very restful. And then one of the Danes got a trusted servant to murder Sverker. It was Christmas, and Sverker was on his way to church. After that, the House of Sverker and the House of Erik handed the country back and forth for a while. Using battles. Both hosts are concerned about how many people were getting murdered on Christmas day, Michelle found the most expensive movie ever made in Sweden, and Anne is confused by the several deaths in the episode brought on by local peasants.
In this episode, Holidays After Dark explores the Victorian tradition of telling ghost stories during Christmas time and uncovers how books like A Christmas Carol helped the practice seep into popular culture all throughout the world.Buy some merch: https://holidaysafterdark-shop.fourthwall.com/ and https://www.etsy.com/shop/HolidaysAfterDarkEmail your holiday stories to kristin@holidaysafterdark.com. Follow on Twitter and Instagram: @holidayspodcast Like on Facebook: Holidays After Dark Buy a Simulockrum Lock Picking Game here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TemporalTravels?ref=shop-header-name&listing_id=1520054429&from_page=listingThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/holidaysafterdark. Special thanks to Night Owl Productions for producing and editing the podcast!Thank you to Pete Byrnes for composing the theme song!
News; The US premiere of Smetana's opera Dalibor is being staged at Bard College with all-American cast; Prague Pride is “more important than Christmas” for Czech transgender activist Lenka Králová; Simon Rawlence shares the story of his father-in-law Věněk Šilhán: from Communist Party secretary for a week, to a banished dissident and signatory of Charter 77.
Why would they even need my prayers?...
Finishing off this comic book month with a movie that fits both the genres that matter, Constantine. Jesse had previously had a negative opinion about this one but we're gonna find out if his tastes have matoored or not.Before that we have to talk a trailer for a new Christmas horror, The Silent Night Deadly Night remake. After that we're making up for Jesse missing last week's Punisher episode so we decided to check out the Dirty Laundry, Punisher short starting Thomas Jane.Then it's onto Constantine where we'll finally let you know if it is indeed... A BLOODY GOOD FILM!We encourage everyone to watch along while you listen and make sure to comment and let us know what you think. If you haven't already please follow us on Facebook, TikTok, "X" and Instagram @bloodygoodfilmpodcast and remember...Keep it bloody buddies!!!https://linktr.ee/BloodyGoodFilmPodcast...#fantasticfour #reedrichards #doom #invisiblewoman #mrfantastic #humantorch #superman #constatine #vomics #frankcastle #thephantom #comics #newepisode #thephantom #ghostwhowalks #podcast #superheropodcast #punisher
Send us a textBoxing's dual identity was on full display this weekend as Netflix's groundbreaking all-female card delivered exceptional entertainment while a questionable pay-per-view left fans wondering why they'd part with their money. The contrast couldn't have been more striking.Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano concluded their historic trilogy with Taylor securing a legitimate victory after two previous controversial decisions. Though starting painfully slow – the hosts jokingly scored round one "0-0" – the fight eventually delivered meaningful action between two pioneers who have transformed women's boxing. Meanwhile, Edgar Berlanga learned the harsh lesson that trash talk requires skill to back it up, as Hamza Shiraz systematically dismantled him despite Berlanga's pre-fight antics that included mocking Oscar De La Hoya with women's lingerie at press conferences.The Netflix card featured several standout performances, including the action-packed Skye Nicolson versus Raven Mercado bout that showcased non-stop offensive exchanges. Shadasia Green's victory over Savannah Marshall demonstrated how speed can neutralize technical prowess, while Trinica Johnson delivered a one-sided beating that had viewers uncomfortable with the mismatch. Even Shakur Stevenson – often criticized for his defensive style – delivered an entertaining performance against William Zepeda, though he later admitted he'd return to his less fan-friendly approach in future fights.Looking ahead, while Manny Pacquiao's return from retirement generates mild curiosity, the upcoming Usyk versus Dubois II rematch has hardcore fans genuinely excited. As our hosts put it, "If Pacquiao's comeback is Easter, Usyk-Dubois is Christmas." The weekend showcased boxing's capacity for both brilliance and frustration – moments of skill and heart alongside questionable business decisions that continue to plague the sport.Ready to dive deeper into boxing analysis that doesn't pull punches? Subscribe to Punches and Punchlines for weekly breakdowns of everything happening in the sweet science – delivered with both expertise and humor.
Send us a textThis week on Love on the Pod, we're unwrapping the Great American Family classic A Kindhearted Christmas, starring Jennie Garth as Jamie, a small-town tour company owner with a giving heart and a big holiday secret. When a mysterious donation kicks off a wave of generosity, big-city newscaster Scott (played by made-for-tv heartthrob Cameron Mathison) rolls into town to uncover the identity of the anonymous giver—and maybe discover a little love along the way.We chat about secret Santas, surprise kisses and whether or not a TV news anchor can really fall in love in three days. Expect plenty of giggles, a few 'suspend your disbelief' moments and a lot of love for Jennie Garth's cozy style.Pour yourself a peppermint mocha and join us as we sleigh through another made-for-TV holiday gem! Support the showThank you for listening to this episode of Love on the Pod! Subscribe, Rate, and Review: Don't miss an episode—subscribe to Love on the Pod on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. If you enjoyed the episode, please rate and review us! Shop Our Merch: https://www.loveonthepod.com/category/all-productsConnect with Us: Email: loveonthepod@gmail.com Instagram: @LoveOnThePod Visit Our Website: For show notes, episodes and more, visit https://www.loveonthepod.com. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we'll discuss another holiday favorite. See you next time!
Britt Scholte (28) is actrice en presentatrice. Als jong meisje zag ze elke stoep, elk balkon of elke verhoging als een podium voor haar zelfbedachte dansjes en toneelstukjes. De creativiteit zat er al vroeg in en begon met toneelspelen in het amateurtheater. Later speelde ze in televisieprogramma's, zoals Brugklas en Goede Tijden, Slechte Tijden, waarmee ze landelijke naamsbekendheid kreeg. Eind 2025 is ze op het podium te zien in de musical Christmas in the Air. presentator: Stijn de Vries
Blending Our Lives.by T. Foxal. Listen to the ► Podcast at Connected.Chapter 20.The next morning I was awakened by a beautiful sensation on my hardened shaft. Carrie was licking and sucking me. When my hand caressed her face, she popped off of it and looked at me. “I couldn't help it Babe. It was so hard and wanting attention. Lay back and enjoy.”I smiled at her and said, “You know, if you are quiet, I too, could be licking and sucking something as you do that.” She smiled and moved so we could 69. As her damp panty clad cunt came down to me, my fingers moved the fabric to the side and I began enjoying her sexy slit.It wasn't long before Carrie's body stiffened and she began to cum. I have no idea how she kept from yelling out, like she usually does, but she managed. I was already close when she started cumming, and that just helped me along, because about a minute later I was ejaculating into her mouth, which she somehow kept in and swallowed. After taking one last lick, she came off of me and moved so we could kiss. It was a very passionate kiss, that we both could taste our handy work. After kissing, she looked at me and said, “Good Morning Honey. I like this new mouthwash we use.”, then giggled softly.After resting a bit, I had to get up and pee. Carrie just snuggled back under the covers and smiled at me. It was only 6:30 in the morning, but I was up now. I told her I needed some coffee. She said that I should make two cups and bring one back for her. I looked down at her and said, “You getting used to this morning service young lady?” “You betcha Baby.” then directed me to where the coffee pods were for her Keurig.As I entered the kitchen, lo and behold, Chief was sitting at the table, drinking coffee and reading the newspaper. I didn't even think that the paper was even delivered anymore. I red the news online. “Morning Chief” He looked up and said, “Morning Mark.” Good sign I thought. At least he didn't call me Shitbird, or any other name.I got my coffee and started to get Carrie her's. John cleared his throat and told me to take a seat. “So Mark. Tell me what's up with my little girl. I know they found some spot on one of her ovaries.”“Trust me John. That's about all I know. It took some prying to get that out of her. Hell, she was going to send me packing because of this. No way would I walk away from her, especially with something like that. But, I think it is just a cyst, that time and some meds will take care of.”He just stared then said, “Mark. Honestly, I am an overprotective father, and grandfather. I just want only the best for my two girls. I know you and I like you. You have always been a man about things and someone I can trust, unlike that fuck knuckle she was married too. I never trusted that guy from the first day I met him. I know from just looking at Carrie, she is in love with you, and judging how you look at her, the same is true for you. All I ask, is don't play games with her. Either be all in, or all out. I don't want her hurt again. As for her cyst, or whatever it is, I'm sure it is nothing. Connie has had those in the past.”“Sir. And I mean sir as respect as her father. We both know that we had to call officers sir, but we both know they couldn't fight their way out of a paper bag, with a knife and directions on where to cut. But John, truthfully, this is the real deal for us and me. I have never let a woman into my life before. I saw too much when I was in. How they were in love but deployment after deployment, took a toll on those marriages and most ended in divorce, so I never got into that situation. But your daughter has my heart and soul now and I will do anything for her.”He chuckled then said, “Well, I am not complaining. I've seen the same as you. I got real lucky with Connie. We have been together almost 43 years now, married 42 of them. She is the love of my life. Best thing that ever happened to me. How she endured all of my deployments, I'll never know. But I never took her for granted. Every time I was gone, I hurt inside, but I'd never show you assholes that side of me. I made sure when I was home, that she, and Carrie were the only things important to me. And I always acted like we were dating. We had date night a couple times a week. I don't mean sex either. Taking her to dinner, or a movie, or anything that she had an interest in. You do that, and you'll have a very happy home life. And, the sex is great too, even to this day.”“Yeah Chief, Really? Last night?” I said and laughed. He just chuckled and told me “Hey. When she wants it, who am I to deny her”, then laughed again.“Deny Who?” we both heard, and there, standing near us was Carrie. She walked over and behind her dad. Put her arms around him and kissed his head. “Morning Daddy. So who weren't you denying.”“Nothing Princess. Some things you don't need to know.” then laughed. She looked at me and said, “Glad I wasn't dying of thirst Honey” then shot me a glare. “Sorry Babe. But your dad wanted to speak with me. Here, let me get yours now.”, then laughed. Her dad then chimed in, “Christ Carrie, you broke him already. 20 years in the Marines and never broke the man, and you do it in two weeks.”“Mwah? Not me. But you know those Gyrene's, they sometimes need direction. They're not as cool as us Navy people.” then laughed, which made us all laugh. I was glad to see her sense of humor back, and the twinkle in her eye.We were gone most of the day. There was a huge craft show at this one park they we stayed at for most of the afternoon. I did learn that John got into woodworking as a hobby now. He said he always wanted to do that, but being away so long, he never found the time. At one point, I found myself with Connie, while Carrie was with her dad, looking at something a few booths down from us.“Mark. I am so happy you came into Carrie's life. I have never seen her this alive before, except when she took in Jenny. I know that you are worried about her, with whatever this growth is. As I told her last night, it is probably nothing, but a simple cyst. I have had 4 in my lifetime, and they always go away. The specialist will know better on Tuesday. I bet they don't even do an exploratory on her. Her lab results will tell the tale. Her doctor should have eased her mind some, but some reason didn't. Just be there for her, no matter what. That's all I ask.”I told her I would. After a bit we headed to this little Italian place her parents knew of, for dinner. John picked up this tab, although I was willing too, but he told me my money was no good tonight. I did invite them to join us the next day at my sister's, but Connie said they already had made plans to spend the day with Jenny and Alan.After dinner we headed back to Carrie's. I stated I needed to go home and get some clothes. Carrie offered to go with me. But I told her stay and enjoy her time with her parents. I wouldn't be long. Just needed to shave and shower and get some more clothes. I was back within an hour. We stayed up some and chatted more, then we all retired to bed. After the I love you's, Carrie said she wished we were alone right now, and that she needed me inside her. I just held her close and told her soon Baby, soon.Chapter 21.We left for my sister's around noon. The get together was to start at 1pm, but I wanted to see Ann before any others arrived. I knew she would just love Carrie, there was no question in my mind. She'd probably love any woman who could tie me down. Ann and my brother in law have been married 18 years. They have two kids, Kyle, who will turn 16 in November, and Katie, who turned 14 yesterday. They have a very nice and modern house, which they moved into a few years back.Ann met us at the door, when we pulled into the drive. She is 41, same as Carrie, and stands 5'6, 130 pounds. She has dirty blond hair, and blue eyes. She is a spit fire too. Never afraid to speak her mind and tell you like it is. She has tried, unsuccessfully, to fix me up with a multitude of her friends or single neighbors. Nothing ever came to pass with them. A few became sex buddy's, but that was it. None ever made my heart beat fast, or my stomach tighten up in a knot, like Carrie does.After the introductions were made, and a few cracks about how Carrie somehow managed to corral me in, the girls went off to the kitchen, while Brad, Kyle and I went to the family room to watch some football. Eventually, my uncle and aunt showed up, along with 2 of their kids and grandkids. Also was some of my sister's neighbors and friends too. Two of which I had dated, but nothing was ever said around Carrie. At one point, Ann got me alone and said, “I love that woman. She is so right for you. You better not fuck this up little brother.”We stayed until after eating and cake was served, and presents opened. I did not what to get a 14 year old, so I went the safe way and got her a card with $100 visa gift card. She loved that. I signed the card from Uncle Mark and Carrie. When she gave me a hug and a kiss, she whispered in my ear, “I like her Unc. I hope she will be my aunt one day.” I just smiled at her, knowing full well that was my plan too.Carrie's parents left Tuesday morning, to visit, and stay with Connie's sister Bev. Connie did tell me to call her if there was anything wrong, after the doctor visit. I did not stay Monday night at Carrie's. I figure they all needed a break from me. Of course Carrie really did not like that, but I thought it best. We've laid a lot on her parents by being together as a couple and actually sleeping together.I went with Carrie to the doctor's office and sat with her in the waiting room. The whole time, I held her hand and at times, felt as though she was crushing mine, because she was so nervous. Once she was called, I stayed in the waiting room. About forty minutes later, a nurse called for me to come with her. She led me to an office that had Carrie and the doctor.I looked at Carrie and she was smiling. The doctor introduced himself to me, and I did the same. He then looked over some papers, then looked at Carrie.“Ms. Reynolds, you can rest assured that you do not have any tumor, benign, or cancerous. It is what we call a functional cyst. It is a sack that usually contains an egg, then releases that egg during your monthly cycle. The sack normally then goes away. Well this one did not, as of yet. They sometimes don't, which is what has happened to you. It may take a few weeks, but it will go away, and when you come back in three weeks, if it hasn't, we'll give you some medication that will help with that process. Otherwise, you are very healthy. If you have stopped having intimate relations, like many women do at this time, you are very safe to resume, and did not need to stop in the first place. I only say this, because that is the first question I am usually asked.” he said with a slight chuckle.As we were driving home, Carrie was all smiles. This was a huge relief for her, and me too. Maybe our lives could get back on track, after this slight derailment. I asked her if she was hungry, but she said no. She just wanted to get home.After arriving, she excused herself and went upstairs. Lord knows what she was doing, but I finally heard heard coming down the stairs. When I looked up, there she stood, with this white lace Baby doll outfit on. You talk about sexy looking. “Oh My Sweetie. You look absolutely beautiful and very sexy”“Thank you Honey. I feel absolutely sexy right now and I need you to make love to me all afternoon.”She grabbed my hand and led me upstairs to her bed. I did not waste any time in disrobing. My cock was as hard as a rock, before my boxers hit the floor. As I stripped, Carrie got on the bed and lay there, with her legs spread wide, inviting me to take her. Her white thong barely covered her moist sex, and the top did not hide the excitement she felt , with her nipples already hard as pebbles on her beautiful tits.I kneeled between her legs and slipped my fingers under her thongs waistband and gently tugged them down and off of her body. Her labia was glistening in the afternoon sunlight, filtering through the window. I leaned in and blew on her sex, which elicited a moan from her. Then lightly licked her swollen lips. “Later Baby. I need you inside me now” she softly said.I rubbed my head all over her soaking wet slit and then slowly inserted the head. “Oh Gawd” she moaned out. I slowly inched my way into her inner being, which was so soft, and so hot. “God. You feel so good Carrie.”My mouth lowered to her chest, as I sucked in one fabric cover tit. She arched her back some, like she was giving me her tit. I then sucked the other one, which made her moan so loud. Then I moved up and started kissing her. Her legs wrapped around me and we made slow, and very passionate love to one another. Neither of could hold back though. We were like teenagers doing it for the first time, and erupted in orgasm. I shot first. As I was shooting my love juice deep inside her, Carrie crushed me with her legs as this set her off on her own orgasm. Her nails dug into my back, but neither of us cared. My grip around her neck was tight as well. I felt like I hadn't cum in ages. As we settled down, we lay in each other's arms, panting from our euphoric bliss.I was still inside her, and surprisingly, still hard as well. I gently rolled us over, so she was now on top. Our lips still together. Our tongues exploring every inch of tongue. I loved her kisses, but best of all, I loved her more than ever. She sat up on me and looked down at me, smiling. Then slowly removed her teddy from her body, exposing her beautiful tits to me.“My God. You are so beautiful Carrie. You can stay her all day like this.” I told her. She smiled then said, “I had all intentions of doing this all day.” then she started to giggle. I asked what was so funny.“Last night, after we went to bed, I was laying here missing the hell out of you by the way, but I had to endure another night of my parents going at it. You have no idea how horny that made me.” she exclaimed. I asked, “Did you take care of that?”She sort of blushed, then laughed and said, “Yeah. I did. All I could think of was you, making love to me. This sure beats my fingers, or any toy I have.”I chuckled and said, “Wish I could have watched that. That would be so sexy to see.”“Maybe one day I will let you watch. But right now, Fuck me Babe. Fuck me so good”Later that evening, after napping and then showering together, we headed out to dinner at a local bar and grill. Afterwards, I brought her over to my house for the first time.She was in awe of it, just coming down the driveway. The house is big. It is 4 bedroom, Victorian style farm house. It was, at one time, 5 bedrooms. But my grandfather combined two bedrooms into one and made a new master bath in one portion of it. Otherwise, it only had one bathroom.When we entered the house and I turned on the lights, Carrie sort of gasped. I asked what was wrong, but she just smiled and said, “I'm waiting for June Cleaver to come out of the kitchen with her pearls and high heels on. God Mark, this is so 60's looking.”“I know, but it serves it purpose for me, at this time. I do plan on buying furniture, just never got around to doing it. Ann bitches at me all the time. Come on with me, while I gather some clothes for the morning.”We went upstairs to the master bedroom. When she saw the furniture up there, she really gasped. “Oh My Mark. This stuff is gorgeous. Please don't replace this. This stuff has to be from the 20's. I just love the bed.”“Yeah. Gramps said his father built it.” The bed was a big four poster and had matching dressers and nightstands. It was old, but finely built and well maintained.As I was gathering things, she laid out on the bed. “You know, maybe this weekend, we stay here and let the kids have the condo. I'd love to make love to you right here. Also, pack up some underwear and some shirts and pants, so you can leave them at my place.”“Sounds like a plan to me. Where does Alan live anyways?” I asked“He actually lives with his mom. Close by campus. She is divorced for years now. I am actually pretty friends with her. We have gone out for drinks a few times and have had dinners at each other's places. She just adores Jenny, which makes it a whole lot nicer.”After a few more minutes, we left and went back to Carrie's. Of course we made love again that night, and early the next morning, before she had to leave for work. This arrangement worked out quite well for us.Chapter 22.By Thanksgiving time, we were comfortably into our relationship. Most nights were spent at her place, and most weekends were spent at mine. There wasn't a night we did not spend together. I was hooked on her. I never, in a million years, could believe I could wake up every morning with someone. This felt awesome to me and so special. I loved looking at her while she slept. I also enjoyed just sitting with her at night reading, or just watching TV, then retire to bed. The best part is when she folds herself into me and falls asleep. I love that most.Thanksgiving is time for family. This year though, I was spending dinner with Carrie, Jenny and Alan, and Alan's mom, Brenda. I usually would be at Ann's, but she understood. I did tell Ann we would be over after dinner to visit.Carrie and Brenda did all the cooking. Alan and I set the table, but then retired to the couch to watch some football. Jenny was out with the ladies, so this left only Alan and I alone. As we watched, Alan and I would talk some. He was a nice young man and had his head together. He told he would be graduating in the spring and already had a job lined up. He wanted to work a while before he went for his Masters.Then he looked around to see where the ladies were, and saw they were still very busy in the kitchen. “Mr. Roberts, Mark. I… I want to ask Jenny to marry me this Christmas. Do I ask her mom beforehand?”“Well Alan. To be honest, I think that would be a great idea. Are you absolutely sure of this? This is a huge step in your life?” He smiled and said, “Oh yeah. I have never been sure of anything like this. I love her so much and can't wait to start our lives together.”“Tell you what. You get Carrie alone one day soon and ask her. I'm sure she will give her blessing. But, she's not the one you need the blessing from. You know who that belongs to.” I told him.He chuckled, then said, “Yeah. I kind of had a feeling you would say that. But I don't know when I will ever see them before Christmas. That's not something you ask over the phone.”I laughed, then said back to him. “Oh you are so right there. That old bastard would kill you if you did it like that. When can you get a Friday off in the next couple of weeks?”He shrugged his shoulders, “I guess any Friday. I usually have labs on those days, so no biggie, why?”I shook my head. “Between you and I, and I mean this, you don't say a word to Jenny. I too, plan on asking Carrie to marry me. So pick a Friday. We'll tell our fine ladies we are doing a guy thing that day, which we are. But we'll fly down to Florida, and ask the Chief and Connie in person.”“Oh wow Mark. But I can't afford that. Heck, the ring I want to get is a bit over my budget.”“Don't worry about the flight, I'll handle that. Where did you get the ring, or see it?He smiled and said, “Over at the mall, at Kay Jewelers. It's only a half carat, but one day, I'll get her a bigger one.”“Look, tomorrow, the girls are going shopping with my sister, god help me. So why don't you come with me. A friend of mine is a jeweler and has a lot of nice rings. We'll figure it out from there.” He just nodded, and as he was about to speak Jenny popped in.“What are you two talking about. It looks like a very deep conversation.” We both laughed and said football.Dinner was excellent, but the people really made it nice. By the end of the meal, we were all tired. I helped, as did Alan, wish dishes. We figured the girls spent all morning in there fixing it, it's the least we could do. Thank God for dishwashers.That night and Ann's, Carrie and Ann talked nonstop. Jenny and Alan had also come along, but weren't staying long. I was very happy that Carrie and her family were so accepted by my family. Ann and Brad made them feel right at home. I announced that Christmas Eve dinner was at my house this year. Ann, of course, had to bust my balls and ask what take out I was using.“I'll have you know, I am a pretty damn good cook, huh Honey?” Carrie smiled, “Oh Yeah. He actually is. I was very surprised. Jarheads usually know only a couple of things. Walk, March, shoot guns and eat.” then laughed. “Nice Squid. Real Nice”Katie then asked, “Mom? What's a Jarhead?” which made us all start busting out in laughter.“Well Pumpkin, it's like this. See a Marine is a very special person. He, or she, is the very best and people in the other services are very jealous of us. So they call us very derogatory names, to make them feel better about the lowly service they belong too, like the Navy. Squids are so jealous.” then laughed.Carrie was rolling her eyes, then said “Dream on Jarhead. We are just smart enough to stay on a boat, while you get all the crap jobs on land. But, I still love ya.”Once home and lying in bed, Carrie told what a great day she had. She just loves my sister and feels rather close to her. She also said she was so glad that they even accepted Jenny and Alan. I told her that I was glad that they have accepted her as well, and that spending the day with her and Jenny, and Alan's family made this pretty special to me.“Carrie. I don't want any secrets between us, so I need to tell you this.” “Uh Oh” was her response. “It's not bad, not bad at all. Alan is going to come ask you for permission to marry Jenny”Carrie got to her knees, “Really? When? Oh my God. I knew that they would do this.”“Not sure when he is going to ask you, but I do know it is Christmas time he asking her. He's pretty much laid out his life and how he sees it, and he does have a good head on his shoulders. He said they would wait until Jenny graduates in a year and a half.”Carrie was still on her knees, but crying now. “I am so happy for them. Jenny wants to marry him, that I am sure of. She loves him as much as I love you. I just told her when the time comes, be smart, and wait on having kids. Enjoy being a couple, because once kids come, it's whole new ballgame.”“Now you better act surprised about this. He is so scared of what you may say.”“I will. I promise. He has nothing to fear from me, it's gonna be a YES”, then leaned down and kissed me. That kiss turn into a hot, passionate kiss, which led to a love making session. Can't wait to see what she is like when I ask her the same thing.Chapter 23.The next morning Carrie was up and out the door by 7am. I knew I had most of the day to myself, so I got dressed and headed over to my place. Alan and I were to meet at the jewelers around noon.Alan was right on time as we entered the building, which was in one of those strip style shopping centers. My friend, John, was behind the counter when he saw me walk in. After a few good minutes of catching up he directed us to the engagement ring area . Alan stated he had $1200 to spend. John showed him quite a few rings in that price range. He was looking for a pear shaped style. I saw one that was one carat and asked the price. John said he could let that one go for $1800. Alan said it looked great, but he couldn't afford it.“Do you think Jenny would like it?” “Yeah. She's love that.” he said. “Well then, get it. I'll make up the difference. My future stepdaughter should have the best.” “Mark. I promise to repay you as quick as I can.” “You pay me when you can afford too, and nothing sooner. We'll be family for many years to come.”Then John directed me to this one ring. It was marquis shaped with 6 small diamonds around it. It just screamed Carrie to me. It was set in a platinum band, which I already knew she liked. It wasn't to pretentious, or gaudy. John said I could have that one for five grand , normally $6500 for it. He said it was a size 8, but I am not sure of her size. He said, no matter, just bring it in after I give it to her and he would resize it, unless I could find out her size. I chuckled to myself, and thought, I should call her ex and ask.After leaving there, we grabbed a sandwich and beer at this one bar and grill I knew. Then headed over to my house to see about flights to Florida. Alan was so excited, and kept thanking me over and over. I knew now the kid's father had very little to do with him, since the divorce. He's been gone from their lives for almost 12 years now. So this felt pretty good, acting like a father figure to him. Kids coming out of boot camp are kind of like this. They look up to the sergeants when you get them in your platoon. So I know the look all too well, except I'm not going to yell at this one.Once at my house, we went online and found a flight, non-stop to Pensacola, that got us there by 10am, and then one returning at 2:30, arriving back here at 5pm. Before I made the purchase, I called Connie. She had given me her cell number before they left back in October.After the obligatory how are you's and how's Carrie. I told her my plan. I really wanted to surprise them both, but had to make sure they would be home that day. It would have sucked to fly down and find they were gone.“Oh Mark. You are such a good man. John will be so happy you did this. I know he likes and respects you. He has been hoping you would do something like this, marrying his little girl. But to fly all the way down here to ask his permission, well, you'll be at the top of his list. You already are on mine. I promise I won't say a word either.”We hung up after that, and I hit the button to buy the tickets. I didn't tell Connie about Alan coming or his question too. That should make the old man really feel good. Tickets for both of us, just set me back a grand, but it was worth it. I told Alan this one is on me, which he protested too, but I told him tough, get over it.Later that night, while in my bed, Carrie told me about her day with Ann, and shopping. She said she thinks this will be the best Christmas ever for her. Ann told her what she thought I needed and clothes sizes and such. I can just imagine what Ann helped her pick out. I got to admit, when it comes to clothes for me, Ann knew what I liked.Since that few days back in October, when I thought she wanted to call this whole thing off, we have grown closer. Although we are not in our early twenties, we still made love quite a bit. Four or five times a week. But just going to bed with her and waking in the morning and see her next to me, was like heaven. I could care less about the sex actually. That was the bonus. Great thing too, is that she loves sex and on the weekends, it was two or three times a day, unless her monthly friend showed up, but even then, when it first starts, she isn't opposed to doing it in the shower. That has happened twice since we started.Weekends too, was when naughty Carrie comes to play. She is very boisterous, and loves talking dirty. She is always a lady outside of the home, but inside, she gets down right slutty. One evening I let her tie me up to the post of my bed. She teased quite a bit that night. 69ing with me, but having her sex hover above my face, where I couldn't reach it. While she played with my cock. Then she'd lower herself down to let me lick her for about thirty seconds, then pull away again. It drove me insane with lust. When she finally turned around and lowered herself onto me, she rode me like a bull. The whole time asking me how her cunt felt and did I want to cum, and things like that. It was fun and adventurous for us, and we both love it. I really think she has a Domme side to her, deep down.Chapter 24.A few nights before Alan and I took off to Florida, I fibbed a bit and told Carrie that on Friday I was going to help Brad close up their cabin, that he and Ann have by a lake near us. Ann knew of my plans and was willing to go along with it. I told her that Alan was going to help too and that we should be back by 6 that evening. Since the cabin is only 20 minutes from the airport, I was going to swing by before our flight, and move a few chairs on the porch, to a shed he had. That way, I really didn't lie. I hate lying to her.We arrived in Florida about ten minutes early, which was good. I rented a car and was at John and Connie's in no time, thanks to GPS. The look on John's face was priceless when he opened the door and saw both of us standing there. Of course, he thought something was wrong.“What in the world are you two doing down here? Are the girls okay?”I laughed and said all is fine with them. He let us in and we took a seat on the couch. “Well? What's up. You didn't fly down here for your health.”“John. Connie. I came down here to ask permission to marry your daughter.”“You flew down here just to ask that? What the hell, you could have called on the phone and saved time and money Shitbird.”“No John. You deserve more respect than that. If I am doing this, I want to do it right. So, do I have your permission?”He looked at Connie, who shook her head yes, then said, “Mark. I would be proud to call you my son in law. I may seem gruff at times, but I do like you and respect you, and I know you will treat my daughter good, which is all I can ask for. Connie and I want only the best for her, and Jenny too. So yes, you have our permission.”We shook hands and he actually gave me a hug, and of course Connie did too. Then John asked,“Did you need a wingman, bringing Alan down with you?”“No sir”, Alan said. “I would like permission too, to ask your granddaughter to be my wife.”“Jesus H. Christ. Both of you? Well son, are you sure you are ready for a step like this. That is one person I never want to see hurt, besides my wife and daughter.”“Sir. I have never been so sure of anything in my life. I graduate in May and have a job already lined up and Jenny graduates the following year, and then we would marry.”After looking at his wife again, who stood there smiling, he spoke, “Then I guess I see no point in denying you her hand. Promise me you will always take care of her and love her with all your heart, like we do.”“I promise Mr. Reynolds, I swear.” He chuckled, “I bet you were as nervous as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs to ask me this. Both of you clowns, so help me God, if you ever hurt those girls, I will hunt you down and hurt you real bad, and if I am too old, I still know people who can do it. You know the last one Carrie was with, the asshole, the best I could do is have him shipped to San Diego. I wanted to have him put on that team in the Aleutians (Alaska), but the CO thought that would not be a good fit for that team.”We stayed and had lunch with them, then got back to the airport with plenty of time. We did ask if they could come up for Christmas. They had plans for a few days later that week, but said they would be up on Christmas Eve, which I thought was perfect. We also planned on surprising the girls with their presence , that evening at my house since I was cooking dinner that night. John did make a crack about eating before he got there, in case my meal sucked.I got to Carrie's around 6:30, and we went to eat, then to my place. We just cuddled on the couch that night, then went to bed. I was pretty tired, and she completely understood, so we just fell asleep in each other's arms.The next day, we met Jenny and Alan back at Carrie's and headed over to this tree farm to cut down two Christmas tree's They take you out on a wagon, then when you find and cut it down, pick you up and bring you back to the Chalet, where you pay. The four of us had a great time and Carrie, and Jenny were giddy most of the day. I dropped the kids off at Carrie's and helped put the tree in its stand. Jenny was going to start decorating it, while Carrie and I did the same at my place. This is the first tree I have decorated in over twenty years. I was usually never home for the holidays, or if I was, it was for a few days and it was spent with mom and Ann.It took most of the afternoon and part of the evening to string lights and attach the antique ornaments my grandmother had at the house. Carrie did run out to the store and bought ribbon and bows, and some garland too. While we did this, she had Christmas music playing in the background and I had a fire lit in the fireplace. What was real nice, was that it was now snowing some. Not heavy, but a nice downfall, just like you would see in any Christmas movie.We were both dressed in jeans and sweaters, but she looks a lot cuter than I do, in hers. After we finished and ate delivered pizza, we retired to the couch, which faces the fireplace, and the tree, all lit up, standing in the corner by it. Carrie sat next to me, sipping wine, with her legs curled under her. We talked about what we needed to get for people. I had told her I wasn't sure what to get Ann and Brad, or even Jenny and Alan. I did buy the kids laptops for each of them. Ann had only one computer, which they all shared, so this would help out in that department. I know Ann and Brad were going to buy Kyle a used truck, for when he passed his driver's license test. He was taking the driver's ed course now.Carrie said she would help with Ann and Brad, but I didn't need to get Jenny anything. I told her to stop there. She is part of you and she deserves presents as well. Carrie did tell me she is going to get Jenny a car, after the first of the year. Right now, she didn't have one, but she was taking an internship at this one accounting agency, and needed one for that. Then we started kissing, which led to more kissing. I stopped, and got up.“Hold that thought”, I said. Then went to the back closet and pulled out my sleeping bag. I came back in and unrolled it, and unzipped it. I laid it out over the oval rug in front of the fireplace and went and took her by the hand and had her stand up.“Umm, I like how you think Mr. Roberts.” I slowly removed her sweater, then her bra. Of course I had to suck her tits a few times, before unbuttoning her jeans and slowly peeled them down, exposing her black thong. With me now on my knees, I used my teeth to pull her thongs down, and when they hit the floor, she stepped out of them. I didn't even bother with her socks. Now naked, I leaned in and lightly licked her sex, tasting her juices that she was already emitting. God, I love how she taste.She pulled me up then and pulled my sweater over my head and then my t-shirt. She now got on her knees and removed my jeans and then my boxers. When my engorged member sprung free, she licked it a few times, especially on the tip. “Yummy” she said.I had her lay on the sleeping bag, and she readily spread her legs for me, letting me gaze at her beauty. The Christmas lights, and the glow of the fire made her especially beautiful. I wasted little time in going down on her. I wanted her to orgasm in my mouth. I needed to taste her. I stayed down there for a long while. Bringing her off two times, before I kissed my way back up to her mouth, stopping along the way to such each tit into my mouth, which I knew she loved having done.As I kissed her passionately, I made sure my weight was not fully on her, and my hardened member lay at her opening, ready to enter paradise. Her hips gyrated below me, trying hard to have me enter her.“Baby. Please put it in. I need you so bad. I love you”I too, couldn't wait any longer and slid in. Once I was fully in, we both moaned out. We then proceeded to make slow love to one another. We had no rush to this, just two people, deeply in love, joined together, making us one. I have no idea how long we made love for, but it had to have lasted at least a good fifteen minutes. We were lost in each other, until Carrie finally moaned out “Oh God, I'm cumming Baby.” I didn't last too much longer and started shooting my seed deep within her. “I love you baby.” I said as I was cumming.After we calmed a bit, I noticed I was still hard and rolled us over so she was on top. I looked at her, as she sat up. The firelight danced over her skin. She looked incredible to me. “My God Baby, you look so beautiful” I said. “You are beautiful Mark. I love you so much. This is going to be the best holiday ever.” I smiled, and thought, “If you only knew my Love”Chapter 25.The next two weeks flew by. I had talked with Connie a couple of times. She said she told Carrie that they were going to New Orleans to visit with friends down there, from their Navy days. Carrie was a little bummed, but understood. Connie said their flight got in at 4pm that day. Jenny was going to pick them up and bring them over a little past 7, on that evening, along with Alan's mom. Ann was going to meet them out front, so they could follow her up the drive, without lights on. Very clandestine like. I had told Ann to wait until I turned the kitchen and dining room lights out, before sneaking in the back door, and to stay in the dining room until I actually proposed to Carrie. God I was nervous now. This to me, was the biggest leap of faith I would ever take in my life.Carrie came over around 5, on Christmas Eve. She was wearing this beautiful red dress that made her look like a Goddess. Had no one been coming over, I would have taken her then and there.“My God. You are more beautiful than I have ever seen you Ms. Reynolds.” I told her. She smiled and said, “You are just biased, and you want to get into my panties JH. Thank You though. Compliments are always welcome. I love you.”She helped me prepare the rest of dinner. We were having Standing Prime Rib, mashed potatoes, rolls, gravy, and a bean casserole that Carrie prepared. We then set the table for 8, on the dining room table. This table was big enough to feed a platoon on. Everything was almost ready.It was now just coming on 7pm. The roast was done and I removed it from the oven, to let it sit a while before carving. Carrie was standing near me, sipping a glass of wine. I reached the light switch and turned it off, and then walked into the dining room and did the same there. The only light was from the tree and fireplace.I went to the stereo and put on Carrie's favorite artist, Shania Twain. I took Carrie's hand and led her to the middle of the living room, as the music started. I took her glass and set it down, then pulled her into my arms and started to dance to “From This Moment On”As we danced, I made sure her head was not turned so she could see into the dining room. Towards the end of the dance I softly sang the lyrics to her.You're the reason I believe in loveAnd you're the answer to my prayers from up aboveAll we need is just the two of usMy dreams came true because of youFrom this moment as long as I liveI will love you, I promise you thisThere is nothing I wouldn't giveFrom this momentI will love you as long as I liveFrom this moment on.As the music started to end, I looked into her eyes, which were now glazed over with tears, and got to my knee. With her one hand in my, I looked up at her, then reached into my sport coat, and pulled out the ring.“Carolyn Ann. I love you more than life itself, and like the lyrics said, I can't wait to start living my life with you. Would you do me the honor and be my wife, and I your husband?”Her whole body tremble as I awaited her answer. “Oh My God Sweetheart, Yes”I stood and pulled her into me and we kissed a long and very passionate kiss. Just then, our combined family's started clapping and cheering. Carrie broke the kiss and saw her mom and dad coming towards us, with Jenny and Alan, then Ann and her family.Carrie broke from me and ran to her mom and hugged her tight, then her dad. She was now full out crying, and since she yes, it must be from joy. Connie then hugged me and told me how beautiful that scene just was. Jenny and Carrie were hugging and crying together now. Brad and Alan both shook my hand. Ann went up and hugged Carrie and welcomed her to the family, then she came to me.“Brother. You sometimes shock the hell out of me. I never knew you could be this romantic” Then kissed me and told me she loves me and I better take care of that woman, always.John finally came over to me, “Mark. Never in a million years would I have thought I'd be calling you son. But you know what, I am glad I am. You are the type of man I would want for a son. Welcome aboard to our family Son.” then hugged me. I could have sworn I saw a tear in his eye.Dinner was excellent and everyone was in a very festive mood. Carrie made a toast, after saying grace before dinner. “To the best Christmas ever. To Ann and Brad, and the kids, I am so grateful to be part of your lives now. You have made me feel part of your family since the day I met you. To you, mom and dad, and you Jenny, for always being there for me and teaching what love really is, so I can now share that with my future husband Mark, who I plan on growing very old with. I love you all”After dinner, the girls shooed us away and told us to relax while they did the dishes. Connie said it was only fair, since I did the cooking. It was well past 9pm when we were all together in the living room. Carrie and I already decided we would open our gifts the next morning, at her place with Jenny and Alan, and now her dad and mom. But we still had to exchange gifts with Ann and the family.Carrie handed out our gifts to them. To Ann, Carrie picked out a couple of sweaters and we got her a $200 visa gift card, so she could buy what she wanted for herself. We got Brad a new fishing reel and a $200 visa gift card. The gift cards were in a Christmas card signed Mark and Carrie. The kids each got a laptop and $100 gift cards. When they opened the cards, their mom asked what was written. Of course they could care less about what was written but said it was from “Uncle Mark and Aunt Carrie” I had signed all of the cards, but Carrie had no idea I wrote that. She squeezed my hand tightly then.Alan and Jenny were sitting by the tree and had opened their presents from my sister. Then Alan reached around the tree and produced a box, and handed it to Jenny. “Please open this Honey.”Jenny was now sort of kneeling and slowly opened the box. Inside was a figurine of a bride. Around the head and neck, was the ring he bought a few weeks back. Jenny just Gasped. Alan was kneeling now too and took her hand.“I was going to wait until the morning, but I just can't. I want everyone to see and hear this. Jennifer Lynn, would you marry me and become my wife and the mother, someday, to our children”Jenny broke down and started crying, but finally said “Yes”, then actually tackled him and started kissing him. Jenny was over the moon now, as was Carrie and Connie, and Alan's mom. Lots of excitement this night, that's for sure. I went out to the fridge and took out 2 bottles of champagne that I had snuck in the back and opened them. With John's help, we gave everyone a glass, including the kids and toasted to a merry Christmas.Katie made me chuckle when she asked if Jenny was now their cousin. I said officially, no, not until Carrie and I marry, but yeah, she is. “Oh Cool. I don't have any girl cousins”, which made us all laugh.I was sitting in the one arm chair, and Carrie in my lap. Of course she had to wiggle her ass a few times, which wasn't the best thing to do, because Mr. happy liked the attention and started to rise. I whispered in her ear, “Keep it up and I'll take you upstairs and take care of this problem I am having.” She giggled and said, “Promises. Promises”Then Carrie asked, “Mark. Did you ask my dad for permission?” I just smiled and said, “Oh Yeah. I'm not that dumb. Actually. Remember two weeks ago when I was helping Brad at the cabin?” she nodded, “Well, Alan and I did go there at 5:30am. I can see Alan is not the type that likes getting up at Oh Dark Thirty either, but, we did go over there. Moved three things to the shed, then left for the airport. We flew down to Florida, got to your parents by 11, had lunch, asked Chief and your mom for their blessings, then back up here by 5 that evening, and you two fine ladies weren't the wiser. So before you say anything, we did not lie, but did not disclose our whole agenda. No way could I lie to you Babe.”John was laughing as I was recounting that day. “Oh yeah, I open the door to find these two Shitbirds. My first thought was something happened to one of you, but then Mark sorted it out for me. Connie already knew he was coming. But I'll tell you. I couldn't ask for two finer men to take care of my girls, than these two.After that, everyone started to leave. We told them we'd be over in the morning, and to not open stuff without us there. As soon as we saw the lights of their cars fade away, Carrie turned off the lights and pulled me upstairs.Carrie turned on the lamp, next to the bed, then turned off the overhead lights. She seductively stripped down for me, and I just stood there in amazement. Once naked, she stood there. So I stripped as well. Not as seductive as she had done, but still slow. I stood a foot away from here and she took both of my hands in hers.She smiled at me, “Baby, you have no idea how lucky I feel and so loved right now. What you see in front of you, is yours, until the day we die. I am all yours.”I smiled at her then, and said, “Babe. For the life of me, I don't know how I ever got as lucky to be with a beautiful person, as you are. I don't mean just in looks, but the whole essence of you. You are my life, and no one will ever come between us. I Love you Carrie”She led me to the bed and we lay beside each other. Her newly ringed hand reached around the shaft of my member and held it gently. “I love this ring Baby. And, quite frankly, it looks really good right now. When did you know you wanted to marry me?”My eyes looked into hers, “Honestly, I wish I could say that first kiss on Whiteface Mountain. But it wasn't then. I knew at that point I had a shot with you though. But, it was the night I made you dinner and drew your bath. I knew then, when you said I love you back to me, that this was it. And, it's gotten better every day since.”She crawled up on top of me, and without any help from our hands, slipped my hard member into her waiting sex. Looking up at her, after we both moaned, “When did you know this was real for us?”“When we kissed on that rock. There was just something about it. But when we made love that Saturday night in the cabin and professed our love to each other. I knew in my heart then. But finally, when you stuck by me, with that stupid ordeal back in October, I knew this man was it.”“Baby, there was no way I was walking away from you. Not then , not ever. Were you surprised this happened tonight?” I asked.She grinned, “Yes and no. I thought maybe tomorrow, and if not then, then Valentine's Day. But tonight threw me. But picking one of my favorite songs to dance too, then asking me then, well it made me speechless. Then to have our whole family here too. You made this the best Christmas I have ever had.”Carrie started pumping up and down on me now. She didn't want to talk anymore. She wanted to complete our love making. It really did not take us long either. Throughout the whole time, our lips were locked together, until we were both ready to cum.“Oh God Baby. I have to cum” I spoke out loudly. “Cum Baby. Give me it all. I Love You Mark”I started cumming deep inside her, and about half way through, she started cumming. My hands were holding her ass as she did. I could feel goosebumps on her cheeks, as she let loose with her orgasm. It was very powerful too. Her whole body was wiggling around as our orgasms continued.We kissed one last time, then both told each other I love you. I wouldn't let her leave me though and she settled in on top of me and we both fell asleep.Chapter 26.Christmas Day saw us going all over the place. First, I took Carrie out to the barn out back. Inside was my old 93 Ford Mustang Boss. I bought this right after boot camp. It was rarity that I got to drive it much. Sometimes, six months would elapse before it got driven. The most use I got out of it was when I was stationed at Quantico. When I moved back here, after getting out, I bought my truck. So this car just sits, except for an occasional spin. It's silver with black interior, and has the 5 liter engine, which is a small V8. The only enhancement it has, is a new radio that has Bluetooth for the phone. It is in mint condition and only has 22,000 miles on it.Carrie asked where did I get this. So I told her about its history. Then I told her I was going to give this to Jenny. “Oh My God Mark. You can't do that. This is an antique, isn't it?”“No. Not yet. Couple of more years. But she needs a car and I never use it. So why not let someone, who I happen to like and is going to be my daughter one day, have it.”“You amaze me JH. You don't have a selfish bone in your body. And you are right, she is going to have you for a father one day. I know she likes that idea too. The ex was never really close with her in the first place, and when I kicked him out, he has never even tried to contact her. Just be patient with her and love her Mark. That's all I ask.”I knew I was going to do this too, after Carrie said she had to buy a car for her. So I had it checked out at the garage I go too, and had new tires put on it. So it was good to go. She'll just have to watch driving in snow. Rear wheel drive and snow don't always mix well.When we arrived that morning, everyone was up. Connie had made cinnamon buns and coffee, which we all enjoyed, while opening presents. After all the presents were opened, I handed Jenny a small gift bag. “From us” I said. Her eyes got real big when she saw they keys. Then ran to the front door and opened it. When she saw the car, she squealed with excitement. This girl was in a fuzzy robe and put on sneakers and ran out to it. Then came back inside and ran up to me and hugged me.“Thank You so much Mark” then planted kisses all over my cheeks. Then she thanked her mom. I told her it was hers to use and to be careful with it. I then told her we would help with insurance and stuff like that. But it is her responsibility to maintain it. “You guys are the best. Come Papa. let me show you my new car.” she said. Jenny, Alan, and John trudged out into the cold. I told Connie that the car is old, but nowhere near the mileage that the old Seadog has on him. Connie winked at me and said, “You know Mark. I think you are going to make one great father.”That New Year's Eve, we were invited to a couple of parties, but we begged off and stayed home. We made dinner together. Watched some movies, then made love at midnight. We did talk about Carrie moving in here, with me. She readily agreed, and two weeks later, she moved in. Jenny and Alan moved into her condo. All Carrie asked of them was to make sure no babies were produced yet. At some point, once the kids were established, and found their own place after they were married, she would sell the condo. Luckily for us, this was not a drain on finances. She made almost $100 grand a year at her job and mine was bringing in almost double that, and this house was paid for.We did settle down and bought new furniture for all over. I let that up to her, and Ann helped out. Those two become thick as thieves. If I was to ever argue with Carrie, I'd never win, but we never argue. We do discuss stuff and come to common ground. One thing was constant though, and that was our love making. I made sure we had at least one date night a week, and I always try to be romantic.The first weekend in October, Carrie and I married. When Carrie got married the first time, it was in front of a judge. So she never had a real wedding, and, her parents weren't there for it, depriving her dad the chance to give her away.The one thing she did ask me to wear was my dress blues. I had to check to make sure that I was still allowed, and found out that it was okay for that. I had to bring that out of mothballs. I even had the sword. MY uni had 5 gold service stripes indicating 20 years, plus a lot of ribbons and medals on the pocket area.John too, wore his dress blues, or winter uniform. Now he had 9 gold sleeve stripes, since he was just shy of 40 years in. His front pocket area had to weigh a ton with all the service ribbons and medals. He wore blue, so he wouldn't upstage his daughter, in her white dress.Seeing her come down the aisle, with her father, was one of the best days of my life. She was radiant and so beautiful. She picked From This Moment On as her entrance song, instead of the traditional wedding march. Jenny served as her maid of honor, and Brad served as my best man. Alan and Ann were in it as well, as was Kyle and Katie. We both have a small circle of friends, and limited family, so the reception wasn't really big, maybe 50 people in all, but we all had a great time. We spent our first night of the honeymoon, in my uncle's cabin, after climbing up Whiteface Mountain and kissed on that very same rock, where we did the first time.I do remember, as I stood there, at the altar, holding Carrie's hands and was reciting her vows to me, all I thought was,“All this, because I bumped into a this beautiful woman at the ranger's station, who just happened to be a bit clumsy and sprain her ankle later, on a path near the cabin I was staying at. Life is good.”by T. Foxal.
Watch on Philo! - Philo.tv/DTHTeenager Billy Jackson is helping his dad out with some deliveries despite it being Christmas Eve and he just wants to goof off with his buddies. He overhears his dad talking about some rumors about the future of the store but he doesn't care. It's basketball time! He's claims he's been working on his shot but his bully Joey isn't having it. To make matters worse, Joey is dating his crush, Diane. After getting humiliated on the court, he forget the bag that he's supposed to deliver for his dad.He heads to the church where his mom is preparing for the pageant and he heads up to the rafters to try to get back at Joey by replacing all of the snow that's gonna fall with water and Joey will get blamed because he's the stage manager. They wake up on Christmas morning and Billy's dad surprises him with a new hoop & ball. His uncle David shows up and he's a fancy pants money man. He tells them that he's building a super mega store in this town and Billy's dad is like that'll put me out of business! David is like you'll be fine, you'll be running the store. They all head to the Christmas pageant and Billy's plan to get back at Joey works but Joey punches him in the eye and David, who had the water fall on him, leaves angry. Worst Christmas ever. His sister comes in to sleep in his room cuz she's scared and they get in an argument about Christmas being the best ever. She wishes it was Christmas every day and she makes him say it with her so that she'll go to sleep.Much to his surprise, he wakes up and it's Christmas again!!! He is so confused. He thinks its just a giant prank, but when he wakes up the next day and it's Christmas again... he's very confused. His parents are concerned about him and get a doctor to check him out but they think it's just puberty. He figures if nothing really matters, he might as well kiss Diane without her consent and Joey punches him in the face. He tries all sorts of different things - trying to make the perfect day, trying to get Diane to fall in love with him, trying to kill his uncle David, and even trying to be a hero by stopping bad stuff from happening around town. He finally decides, you know what, I'm just gonna be kind to everyone. I'm gonna try to give everyone in town the most wonderful Christmas. Ultimately, he figures out that the lesson here is to just love your family and embrace them and in doing so, his uncle remembers how much he loves being back home and decides he wants to come back and work in the store.
What happens when the only Christmas gift you receive as a child… might be cursed? A listener revisits a childhood memory involving a porcelain doll with a hauntingly sad face—one that seemed to come to life during moments of deep emotional pain. After a brutal night at the hands of an abusive parent, the doll falls, toys speak in broken voices, and something begins dragging across the floor. Years later, a chance encounter with a university parapsychology group reveals the truth: it may have been a vessel doll, intentionally or not. If you have a real ghost story or supernatural event to report, please write into our show or call 1-855-853-4802! If you like the show, please help keep us on the air and support the show by becoming a Premium Subscriber. Subscribe here: http://www.ghostpodcast.com/?page_id=118 or at or at http://www.patreon.com/realghoststories
What's the best way to dispose of a sex toy? Do cats have nails? And is it wrong to take a piss in your cheating husband's bathwater? Nobody is asking these questions, but we attempt to answer them anyway in this special episode! As we take a break from gigging for the summer, we reflect on the opening leg of our Hot Mess tour, and share some of our favourite confessions from those first 43 shows. Tune in to hear tale of what one naughty toddler did with some Rice Krispies, how one woman ended up with tits that smell like Big Macs, and a top tip for managing screen time that involves Russia. Plus: we discuss the confessions that are too scummy to read out...An amazing FIFTEEN THOUSAND PEOPLE have already been to see Hot Mess. Thank you so much to everyone who's come along and shared confessions. If you've been to the show and enjoyed it, please tell your friends! And/or, bring them along to the next one! We start gigging again in the autumn, then it's our Christmas tour, and we have shows booked in right the way up to 2027... New dates are announced all the time, so keep an eye on scummymummies.com for tickets.A huge thank you to all our podcast listeners - especially the ones who have been with us for the last 12 years, through all three hundred and something episodes. We never thought we'd last this long, but here we are, and we love it, so we're going to keep going. We are so grateful for your support. Until next time, thank you for listening! E&H xxx Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In today's episode of Reddit Podcast, a wild Karen completely loses it. You won't believe how this one ends! Sit back, relax, and enjoy this binge-worthy Reddit podcast, featuring Karen freakouts, entitled people stories, and pro revenge tales.
Today, we're heading to Long Beach, California, to talk to someone with a unique perspective on youth programming. Captain Jared Arnold runs The Salvation Army Red Shield Community Center, and he recently caught my attention when he said, "Summer is our Christmas." Now, when most of us think about summer, we might think about vacations, beach days or maybe just trying to keep the kids entertained. But for Captain Arnold and his team, summer represents something much more profound. While school is out and many families are scrambling to figure out childcare, the Long Beach Red Shield becomes a hub of activity serving kids from kindergarten through eighth grade. Their summer day camp runs from June through August, providing not just a safe place for children, but a launching pad for growth, learning and character development. But this isn't just about keeping kids busy. The Red Shield operates year-round programming that includes everything from homework assistance and technology labs to 3D printing classes and partnerships with the LA Rams for flag football. They're serving multiple generations—from young children to seniors—creating what Captain Arnold calls a truly intergenerational community space. Serving communities that include Long Beach, Lakewood, Signal Hill, Hawaiian Gardens and Avalon, they've made their programs intentionally accessible to diverse neighborhoods with varying needs. So I wanted to understand: How do you create programming that truly serves everyone? What does it mean when summer becomes your Christmas? And what happens in the daily life of a community center that's touching multiple generations? Today, we're getting an inside look at the energy, the programs and the victories—from puzzles to pickleball, from senior programming to youth development, and how one community center is working to ensure that every person who walks through the doors knows they matter. EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. JOIN THE HOPEFULS. Get inside the group. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. DO GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.
Today Mitu and Rachel celebrate Christmas in July with Random Acts of Christmas Check out all our Christmas episodes https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXv4sBF3mPUDo41tHqhkjHCvedmZwLzHx This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/hallmarkies and get on your way to being your best self (ad) New merch store! https://hallmarkies.dashery.com/ Follow Mitu at The Pilot Podcast on twitter https://twitter.com/thepilotpod Listen to The Pilot Podcast https://thepilotpodcast.simplecast.com/ Join the patreon or give a one time donation on ko-fi https://ko-fi.com/hallmarkiespodcast Support the patreon https://www.patreon.com/hallmarkies Please support the W Rated podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/2x7Ag7oDjg1e9mKOw9eGDO?si=TPpqMslUQ4Kgw1oftXVT4A&nd=1 For all of our 2021 Christmas Season coverage https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXv4sBF3mPUArQQNyFLq7uEL0-NVuvQhs For all of our Christmas Coverage https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXv4sBF3mPUDo41tHqhkjHCvedmZwLzHx For all of our interviews https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXv4sBF3mPUA_0JZ2r5fxhTRE_-RChCj Check out the merch store https://teepublic.com/stores/hallmarkies?utm_campaign=Hallmarkies&utm_medium=8581&utm_source=affiliat Please support the podcast on patreon at https://www.patreon.com/hallmarkies Follow us on ITunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hallmarkies-podcast/id1296728288?mt=2 https://twitter.com/HallmarkiesPod on twitter @HallmarkiesPodcast on Instagram Check out our website HallmarkiesPodcast.com Follow Rachel's blog at http://rachelsreviews.net Follow Rachel on twitter twitter.com/rachel_reviews Follow Rachel's Reviews on youtube https://www.youtube.com/c/rachelsreviews Follow Rachel on facebook www.facebook.com/smilingldsgirlreviews Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What's up, dudes? Kim Cooper from Planning for Christmas and Holiday Seasons is with me to dive into the Better Homes and Gardens Christmas issue from December 1985! It's a Christmas across America, as the publication presents a treasury of Yuletide gifts, decorations, and traditions!Founded in 1922, the magazine became known as one of the Seven Sisters, geared towards married women and homemakers. This issue focuses on stylings from New England, the Midwest, the South, and the Southwest. Page after page is dedicated to Nativity piñatas, table settings, crocheted Christmas signs and more!Following that, all the food contest winners are announced one each category. Each contestant won a prize, with the winners hitting a $1000. In 1985 money, that's quite a haul. Meanwhile, a ton of cigarette ads adorn the pages of the magazine. We also get a look at quite a few families who work to better their neighborhoods and cities! Joy to the world, indeed!Recipes? Check. Grocery ads? Yep. Tips on keeping holiday weight off? Only if it's got a drawing of a skinny Santa! So grab your M&Ms, craft your own decorations, and prep for a Better Homes and Gardens Christmas party with this episode!Planning for ChristmasFB: @planningforchristmaspodcastIG: @planningforchristmaspodcastHoliday Seasons IG: @holidayseasonspodcastGive us a buzz! Send a text, dudes!Check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Totally Rad Christmas Mall & Arcade, Teepublic.com, or TotallyRadChristmas.com! Later, dudes!
Send us a textGrief comes in many forms, but society often ranks and responds to them differently. Research suggests that divorce—particularly after betrayal—can be more painful than losing a spouse to death, though making this claim often raises eyebrows. The key difference lies not in the intensity of pain, but in how we process these losses and how others respond to our suffering.When someone dies, you're permitted to keep loving them. Your memories remain untainted, and their absence, while devastating, doesn't force you to question if anything was ever real. With divorce after betrayal, every memory becomes suspect. That anniversary trip? Was your spouse texting their affair partner throughout? That family Christmas? Was it all a performance? This questioning of your entire shared history creates a unique form of trauma.Society's response amplifies this pain. Widows receive casseroles, company at church, and flowers on anniversaries. Divorcees often face silence and isolation. As one client repeatedly expressed, feeling "rejected" compounds the abandonment. Co-parenting requires regularly facing the source of your pain—like voluntarily stepping into fire multiple times weekly. The healing journey demands moving from love to temporary hatred before reaching neutrality, a complex emotional path not required when grieving death.This isn't about comparing tragedies or diminishing the profound grief of losing a spouse to death. Rather, it's a call for equal compassion and understanding for different forms of loss. Both experiences require deep healing, support, and time. If someone you know is going through divorce, especially after betrayal, consider showing up for them with the same care you'd offer a widow. They're grieving too, just in a different way. Sometimes the person who needs a meal delivered or company on a hard day isn't who we traditionally think needs support—but they're hurting just the same.Ready to transform your post-betrayal journey? Follow me on social media @happilyevenaftercoach or email hello@lifecoachjenwithonen.com to learn how we can work together toward your own "happily even after."Please follow me on instagram and facebook @happilyevenaftercoach and if you want to see what coaching is all about I offer a free 45 min. clarity call via zoom. Email me: hello@lifecoachjen.com for any comments or questions. Thanks for listening, please like and review as well as share with your family and friends. My website is www.lifecoachjen.com
Coming out of the All-Star break, this team is 4-5. There might be more life than we gave them credit for. That Phillies series was rough. When was the last time you saw a walk off catcher's interference? Statistically, not in our lifetime. Ian misses Kyle Scwharber, the one that got away. Imagine what life would be like if we got 50 bonks out of Kyle Schwarber in Boston every year. It would be magical. But to take 2/3 from the Dodgers? We have never been so back. Pitching good, batting good, grit good. Garrett Crochet wheels DEI hire Clayton Kershaw out of the building. Also, Bregman is back. The trade deadline is Thursday. We tell you what we want. It's like Christmas (or Hannukkah, or Kwanzaa, or Diwali, or Yule, or Bodhi Day, or Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti, or Shogatsu, or...). Linktree NASP Instagram NASP Twitter Ian's Twitter Jack's Twitter
In this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jessica Rose is joined by Anna Campbell, Kelly Twigg, and Emma René to introduce something brand new: the first-ever Jewellers' Visibility Retreat, happening this September in Brighton, England. This intimate, in-person, three-day event is designed for jewellery business owners who are ready to get seen, connect deeply with their brand, and confidently attract customers, just in time for the busy Christmas sales season. You will learn about what to expect from this immersive retreat: powerful hands-on workshops in email marketing, social media strategy, smartphone photography, and vision setting, alongside opportunities for brand-new professional imagery, a post-retreat 1:1 mentoring session, and lasting community connections. You will also find out more about your mentors on the Retreat and how they are uniquely placed to support you. Whether you're struggling to stay visible, lost in content overwhelm, or simply craving a business refresh with like-minded creatives, this episode will give you the clarity (and inspiration!) to join us! Learn more about the Jewellers Visibility Retreat and secure your place now. https://www.jewellersacademy.com/jewellers-visibility-retreat Get £250 off when you enrol by 8th August 2025 with the discount code VISIBILITY250 (Offer available until that date or while places are available)
After threatening to do it for a couple years, Matt has Dylan listen to the Joy Electric Christmas album "The Magic of Christmas" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today on What's My Frame I'm joined by Writer/Director, Ryan Landels. This is a beautiful episode spotlighting the importance of community and finding your fellow collaborators. Ryan is a Canadian-born American writer/director who recently sold his genre-bending thriller CUL-DE-SAC to Sony, with his frequent collaborator Jon M. Chu (WICKED) producing.He is currently developing a project in the vein of PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN for Hobie Films, which got both Matt Shakman (THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS) and Joachim Rønning (TRON: ARES) attached in the pitch stage. Ryan is also writing a four-quadrant fantasy adventure for Electric Somewhere, and wrote the screenplay for JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS – Universal's live-action adaptation of Hasbro's toyline and animated series that was theatrically released worldwide.In TV, Ryan wrote the multiple Primetime Emmy-winning BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: A 30TH CELEBRATION for Disney+ and ABC, with the hybrid live-action and animation tribute starring Martin Short, Josh Groban, Rita Moreno, David Alan Grier and H.E.R. He recently wrote and directed the hit original movies SANTA TELL ME and SUGARPLUMMED for Hallmark, with SANTA TELL ME becoming the No. 1 new Christmas movie of 2024 across all broadcast networks and streaming platforms. Ryan also adapted TOM CLANCY'S GHOST RECON: WILDLANDS for Amazon and Ubisoft, created and directed ABBY NORMAL for Disney Channel, and wrote and directed on three seasons of Hulu and Paramount's hit streaming series, THE LXD.Ryan is a graduate of the USC School of Cinema-Television, which he attended with the support of a scholarship from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. His thesis film THE MIDNIGHT EXPRESS went to more than thirty festivals internationally, won the Audience Award at Slamdance and was featured in the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.Ryan is based out of Los Angeles and a member of the Writers Guild of America, the Producers Guild of America, the Directors Guild of Canada and the Television Academy. He is represented by Rob Carlson at the United Talent Agency and Mike Fera at Kaplan/Perrone.Official SiteFollow Ryan on InstagramTHE MIDNIGHT EXPRESS--What's My Frame, hosted by Laura Linda BradleyJoin the WMF creative community now!Instagram: @whatsmyframeIMDbWhat's My Frame? official siteWhat's My Frame? merch
"The market is running on volatility instead of this trade deal," says John Blank. He highlights that a lot of this trade deal is simply headlines for the media. He also talks about how uncertainty in the market will resolve after the Christmas shopping season but there no way to know before then. He then goes over the state of the labor market.======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day. Subscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – https://twitter.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/schwab-network/ About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about
Today On With Mario Lopez – We dig into the ON With Mario vault with a hilarious clip from Marlon Wayans, Mario ranks his #XMAS movies for Christmas in July, your comment of the week, the latest buzz, we remember Hulk Hogan and more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Daily Dose of Hope July 28, 2025 Scripture - Luke 1:1-25 Prayer: Everlasting Father, We thank you that you are a God of hope. You are a God who keeps his promises. You are a God who always has our best interest in mind. Forgive us for those times that we want things to go the way we want things to go. Fill us with your wisdom and discernment. Help us try to think about things from a more eternal perspective. How difficult that is for us! Lord, we submit to you our lives, our families, our jobs, our burdens, our physical bodies. We give them to you and we trust you. In Your Name, Amen. Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, a deep dive into the Gospels and Acts. Today, we begin the book of Luke. Luke is considered a Jewish Gospel. There are connections to the Old Testament throughout, specifically the fulfillment of God's promises and these promises are bigger than anyone expected. We will highlight those as we walk through the text. The point, though, is that the God who sent Jesus is the same God who operated throughout the Old Testament. There is a continuity with the nation of Israel but now salvation in Jesus is being offered to everyone. Luke is making a specific point here. Let's talk about the author, Luke himself. Who was he? He gives us a brief intro in Luke, saying he is writing to a man named Theophilius, a name that means lover of God. Some scholars say he is writing to generic believers but most think Theophilius was a specific person. We just don't know much about him. Luke also states that he has done a lot of research into the things that have happened but he doesn't tell us a lot about himself. What we know is that Luke was a physician and a Gentile. He is actually the only Gentile to write any portion of the New Testament. Paul briefly alludes to this in Colossians 4, when he makes a distinction between Luke and other colleagues “of the circumcision,” meaning the Jews. Paul calls him the beloved physician. Actually, while Luke doesn't name himself as author of Luke and the book of Acts, Paul refers to Luke several times. Besides the Colossians reference, he also mentions Luke in Philemon and 2 Timothy. Luke writes about Paul in Acts quite extensively and mentions himself a few times in subtle ways. In today's reading, we get the first portion of the story of Zechariah. Zechariah is a priest from the hill country near Jerusalem. Two weeks out of each year his division of priests was on duty at the temple in Jerusalem. Of course, this is where we find Zechariah faithfully going about his ordinary priestly duties. But this year, Zechariah is chosen by lot (which means he is chosen randomly, like drawing a name out of a hat) to be the one to go into the sanctuary and offer the incense offering. So, up until this point, all is pretty ordinary and expected. But then Scripture says in v. 11-12, Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. Whenever we read about an angel appearing to people in the Bible, they are usually afraid – angels are fierce beings. The angel tells Zechariah that his wife, Elizabeth, will get pregnant and have a son who will be a source of joy and gladness for them. This son will be filled with the Holy Spirit and set apart by God for a special purpose – to prepare the way of the Lord, to make people ready to receive Jesus Christ. But this clearly catches Zechariah off guard. He isn't convinced; in fact, he is skeptical. So Zechariah asks the angel, “Are you really sure? I mean my wife is kind of old.” He is a man who has probably had years of heartbreak and disappointment. You see, Zechariah is married to Elizabeth (Elizabeth is the cousin of Mary, who becomes the mother of Jesus) and Zechariah and Elizabeth have never been able to have kids. Now, they have gotten to the point in which they are too old to conceive. Zechariah will soon be forced to retire from the priesthood. Life surely hasn't happened the way he planned. So what happens? V.19-20, The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.” Zechariah is in the temple for a while and then when he comes out, he cannot speak. The people assume he has seen some kind of vision because he is just making signs to them but no words are coming out of his mouth. Nevertheless, the speechless Zechariah goes home to his wife Elizabeth, and she gets pregnant. And Elizabeth sees the Lord's hand in these events. She exclaims in verse 25, “This is what the Lord has done for me when he looked favorably on me to take away the disgrace I have endured among my people.” Not to spoil the story, although I figure most of you have heard it before, but Zechariah does not speak again until his son, John, is born. This is a story about a miracle, a birth that is not just unexpected but seemingly impossible. But it's also about how God keeps his promises. God is faithful. And while this is a portion of the Christmas story that we may often gloss over, it's really critical for us. Remembering how God has proven faithful in the past—even when all hope seemed lost—builds confidence that God can be trusted in the present and the future. There are so many times in our lives when problems seem overwhelming and when it's hard to see a way forward, when it seems like things aren't going as planned, when it feels like all hope for the future has reached a dead end. And maybe that's where you are right now. It's possible that you look at your life and you think, “This wasn't what I expected, God.” Maybe you are dealing with health issues or a loved one is ill or in pain. Maybe you are crippled by depression or anxiety. Maybe there is a broken relationship or a financial burden or you simply feel empty. Maybe, like Zechariah, you are feeling discouraged and a bit hopeless. I'll be the first to tell you that I don't understand God's ways or God's timing. But this is what I can say…the story that we read about in God's Word shows us that God is always faithful. God is never late. We may doubt him, we may get mad at him, we may defy him, but God will be faithful. In Scripture, we meet a God for whom there are no dead ends – detours perhaps – but not dead ends. You see, we meet a God who is always working for our good, even when we make a mess of things, a Jesus who specializes in making a way in the wilderness, opening up a future when none seems possible. If you ask him, he will show up in surprising, unexpected ways; maybe not the ways we want him to, but he will be there. You see, with Jesus, there is always HOPE for a way forward. Always, always, always. More tomorrow. Blessings, Pastor Vicki
"Be nice to everyone." Everyone?...
This week Jordan & Gaz are joined by former Everton, Crawley, Reading, Blackburn, Burton & Bradford midfielder...HOPE AKPAN! Hope sits down with the boys to discuss all things football from coming through the ranks at Everton to making his debut for the Nigerian national team. The lads start the pod by discussing Hope's time in Finland and why it lead to his early retirement from the game. Hope then talks about his life growing up in Liverpool before being scouted for Everton and coming through the ranks before eventually making his senior debut in the Europa League alongside Mikel Arteta, Yakubu & Tim Cahill. Hope then speaks about getting released by David Moyes before kick starting his football career with Steve Evans at Crawley and why playing lower league football is a completely different style of play. They then chat about Hope's big move to Reading which saw him eventually live his dream by playing in the Premier League, the heart break of relegation and narrowly missing out on play-offs before moving back up North to Blackburn. The trio then discuss Hope's time at Blackburn, why it was so enjoyable as well as the lack of training under Owen Coyle. Hope recalls his time playing for the Nigerian National Team alongside John Obi Mikel and what it was like to experience a different side of football. Finally they end the pod discussing Hope's time at Burton, why he needed to stay in the Championship to have a chance of going to the World Cup before honestly admitting his switch to Bradford was a bad decision. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
What Would You Do For Million Dollars?For the chance to score a seven-figure payday, 43% of Americans would ditch their romantic partner, according to a new survey.More than half (59%) would disappear and start a new life for a million bucks, while 41% would give up sex forever and 27% would marry someone they didn't love.Nearly half (46%) of the 2-thousand respondents would even participate in a real-life “Squid Game” competition for a shot at winning $33-million.⠀Wildest Things Kids Brought To School“A baby opossum — in his backpack that he found at the bus stop that morning.”“Sixth grader brought ‘brownies' and gave them to the ENTIRE grade level. There were students sitting against the walls on both sides of the hallway in the main office waiting to get interviewed by law enforcement.”“A life-sized cardboard cut-out of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. We propped her up in the window of the door overnight and scared extended-care folks and the janitor.”“Fifth grader brought weeks-old Jello shots from Mardi Gras.”“A kitten he found on his walk to school.”“Aztec death whistle.”“An expired Twinkie they had found on the bathroom floor.”“First grader brought his mom's copy of ‘Kama Sutra' and asked me to read it to the class.”“All the rent money from a mom's purse.”“Student ... unzips hoodie to reveal a boa constrictor snuggled around her neck.”“Grandma's wig. The good one. Gave it to me for Christmas.”“Fuzzy handcuffs that she said her mom loves.”Kids Embarrassing Their Parents“I made the mistake of telling my kid that if he didn't eat, he wouldn't grow. He told a person with dwarfism in the checkout line at the store that they needed to eat so they would grow.”“My son at 5 years old dropped a deuce in the toilet display at Lowe's.”“Just paid for an item at Walmart and walked out without it in a bag. My kid said loudly, ‘Are you stealing that?? We have to pay!'”“My daughter would ask every man she saw if they were her dad. Me and her dad were, and still are, together. She saw him daily, she just insisted on asking every man .... she even asked people when her dad was with us.”“When my daughter was 4, we were having breakfast in a restaurant and she asked the elderly lady next to us why she wasn't in heaven yet.”“I told my son he couldn't eat chips until we got home. He responded loudly, ‘But Mom, we don't have a home.' We very much did, and everybody at the store started offering housing resources.”“Walked into Wendy's and my 2 and 1/2 year-old looks at a lady and said in her loud, squeaky voice, ‘That lady is OLD. She's going to die soon.' Every head turned to look at said woman. We did not eat at Wendy's that night.”“My 5-year-old son asked if the gas station guy with the turban was a genie.”“My son loved to fake drown at water parks.”“My son told the pediatrician when he was 7 or 8, ‘My mom doesn't make us wear seatbelt and we duck if we see a cop.' NEVER HAPPENED and I was so speechless, I couldn't even react.”“My daughter asked the .... cashier (who was missing some teeth) if she ever brushed her teeth before.”Second Date UpdateAmanda calls us about Eli. They went out for drinks in Mountain View after meeting online. She thought he was attractive and smart, and they had a few hours of great conversation. Now nothing.
Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com.I sat down with Shannon Jean again and we walked through a whole new batch of insane liquidation deals you could flip for serious money. We talked about truckloads of auto parts from the Advanced Auto Parts and Pep Boys merger, flipping Costco returns like Blackstone griddles, and why now is the perfect time to buy Christmas trees for resale. Shannon also broke down strategies for flipping Lego sets, Google Glass, and even modular buildings and flooring from college auctions. We talked about how to use AI tools like ChatGPT or Manus to analyze manifests, how to talk to potential buyers before you even bid, and how these flips could turn into a full-time business. You can find Shannon on X: @ShannonJean (https://x.com/ShannonJean)And learn more at: https://shannonjean.com/If you liked this one and want more from Shannon, check out the other episodes with him here:How to Start Reselling (Even With $0 in the Bank) w/ Shannon Jean⏐ Ep. #199Start Here: How to Build a Business from Nothing with Shannon | Ep. #180This One Belief Will Kill Your Business Before It Starts with Shannon | Ep. #177Shannon returns! How to Know if You Will Win at Entrepreneurship and Love It Too? (+ a Few Biz Ideas). Part 2 of 2. Ep #064How to Start a Digital Detox Biz (+ a few other ideas) with Shannon Jean. Part 1 of 2. Ep #061Shannon returns! More high ticket flipping and deal making tips. Part 2 of 2. Ep. #041Asymmetric bets & flipping high ticket items for profit with Shannon Jean. Part 1 of 2. Ep. #038Timestamps below. Enjoy!---Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-ytAsk me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-askLearn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjkLearn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cofFollow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-xFree weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nlShare this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-allScrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os---00:00 Unlocking Wealth Through Seasonal Arbitrage02:47 The Power of Seasonal Selling06:03 Investing in High-Demand Products08:46 Maximizing Profits with Liquidation Auctions12:01 Exploring Unique Reselling Opportunities14:52 Navigating the World of Auctions18:07 Leveraging Market Trends for Profit20:55 Strategies for Successful Reselling23:49 The Future of Reselling and Investment
Three principles that can make your prayer more meaningful. David A. Bednar. ACU Sunday Series. Feeling stuck, lost, or overwhelmed? It's not your fault – you've simply been praying wrongly. In this powerful message, Elder David A. Bednar shares a profound revelation: the ONLY question that truly matters. Prepare for a groundbreaking shift in your understanding, as he guides you to clarity, peace, and the answers you've always longed for. Don't miss this life-altering insight. Watch now and learn to improve your prayer pattern to be more meaningful! For more Inspiration talk, Kindly Subscribe to @ldsgospelofficial Watch this video at- https://youtu.be/5C9QFrJg0eE?si=PEWq5tPdx92349pD LDS Gospel 12K subscribers 50,693 views Jun 18, 2025 UNITED STATES ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For over 10 ACU shows from our archives on the Atonement of Jesus Christ visit- https://acupodcast.podbean.com/?s=atonement From ACU- For Come Follow Me lesson manual and materials visit- Come, Follow Me For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-individuals-and-families-new-testament-2023?lang=eng For a list of 100+ episodes of ACU Sunday Series visit- https://www.podbean.com/site/search/index?kdsowie31j4k1jlf913=85cb8104bdb182c048b714ad4385f9e82a3aeb49&v=ACU+Sunday+Series+ Note- Click on “100 Episodes Found” in upper right corner. For many different Podcasts based on the ‘Come Follow Me' program visit- https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=come+follow+me+ Subscribe to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for the latest videos: http://bit.ly/1M0iPwY Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchofjesu... Twitter: @Ch_JesusChrist Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ChurchOfJes... Website: ChurchOfJesusChrist.org The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints BYUEducationWeek Get a Free Book of Mormon | ComeUntoChrist Church of Jesus Christ https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org › requests › free-... The Book of Mormon brings you closer to Jesus. Click to download a free digital copy of the Book of Mormon and learn about it with online missionaries. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- For the Strength of Youth To help you find the Way and to help you make Christ's doctrine the guiding influence in your life, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has prepared a new resource, a revised version of For the Strength of Youth. For over 50 years, For the Strength of Youth has been a guide for generations of Latter-day Saint youth. I always keep a copy in my pocket, and I share it with people who are curious about our standards. It has been updated and refreshed to better cope with the challenges and temptations of our day. The new version of For the Strength of Youth is available online in 50 different languages and will also be available in print. It will be a significant help for making choices in your life. Please embrace it as your own and share it with your friends. This new version of For the Strength of Youth is subtitled A Guide for Making Choices. To be very clear, the best guide you can possibly have for making choices is Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the strength of youth. So the purpose of For the Strength of Youth is to point you to Him. It teaches you eternal truths of His restored gospel—truths about who you are, who He is, and what you can accomplish with His strength. It teaches you how to make righteous choices based on those eternal truths.13 It's also important to know what For the Strength of Youth does not do. It doesn't make decisions for you. It doesn't give you a “yes” or “no” about every choice you might ever face. For the Strength of Youth focuses on the foundation for your choices. It focuses on values, principles, and doctrine instead of every specific behavior. The Lord, through His prophets, has always been guiding us in that direction. He is pleading with us to “increase [our] spiritual capacity to receive revelation.”14 He is inviting us to “hear Him.”15 He is calling us to follow Him in higher and holier ways.16 And we are learning in a similar way every week in Come, Follow Me. American Conservative University Podcast (ACU) is not an official representative for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. All opinions, selections and commentary are solely those of ACU. We post a variety of selections from various Christian denominations. ACU Endorsed Charities -------------------------------------------------------- Pre-Born! Saving babies and Souls. https://preborn.org/ OUR MISSION To glorify Jesus Christ by leading and equipping pregnancy clinics to save more babies and souls. WHAT WE DO Pre-Born! partners with life-affirming pregnancy clinics all across the nation. We are designed to strategically impact the abortion industry through the following initiatives:… -------------------------------------------------------- Help CSI Stamp Out Slavery In Sudan Join us in our effort to free over 350 slaves. Listeners to the Eric Metaxas Show will remember our annual effort to free Christians who have been enslaved for simply acknowledging Jesus Christ as their Savior. As we celebrate the birth of Christ this Christmas, join us in giving new life to brothers and sisters in Sudan who have enslaved as a result of their faith. https://csi-usa.org/metaxas https://csi-usa.org/slavery/ Typical Aid for the Enslaved A ration of sorghum, a local nutrient-rich staple food A dairy goat A “Sack of Hope,” a survival kit containing essential items such as tarp for shelter, a cooking pan, a water canister, a mosquito net, a blanket, a handheld sickle, and fishing hooks. Release celebrations include prayer and gathering for a meal, and medical care for those in need. The CSI team provides comfort, encouragement, and a shoulder to lean on while they tell their stories and begin their new lives. Thank you for your compassion Giving the Gift of Freedom and Hope to the Enslaved South Sudanese -------------------------------------------------------- Food For The Poor https://foodforthepoor.org/ Help us serve the poorest of the poor Food For The Poor began in 1982 in Jamaica. Today, our interdenominational Christian ministry serves the poor in primarily 17 countries throughout the Caribbean and Latin America. Thanks to our faithful donors, we are able to provide food, housing, healthcare, education, fresh water, emergency relief, micro-enterprise solutions and much more. We are proud to have fed millions of people and provided more than 15.7 billion dollars in aid. Our faith inspires us to be an organization built on compassion, and motivated by love. Our mission is to bring relief to the poorest of the poor in the countries where we serve. We strive to reflect God's unconditional love. It's a sacrificial love that embraces all people regardless of race or religion. We believe that we can show His love by serving the “least of these” on this earth as Christ challenged us to do in Matthew 25. We pray that by God's grace, and with your support, we can continue to bring relief to the suffering and hope to the hopeless. --------------------------------------------------------