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Speaking from London's Old Bailey, we're joined by The London Standard's courts correspondent, Tristan Kirk, with the latest on the major hack of the UK's justice system by cyber criminals.And in part two, we learn about the new Guinness micro brewery which will be coming to London's Covent Garden. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 171 Chapter 30, EMS Analog Synthesizers. Works Recommended from my book, Electronic and Experimental Music Welcome to the Archive of Electronic Music. This is Thom Holmes. This podcast is produced as a companion to my book, Electronic and Experimental Music, published by Routledge. Each of these episodes corresponds to a chapter in the text and an associated list of recommended works, also called Listen in the text. They provide listening examples of vintage electronic works featured in the text. The works themselves can be enjoyed without the book and I hope that they stand as a chronological survey of important works in the history of electronic music. Be sure to tune-in to other episodes of the podcast where we explore a wide range of electronic music in many styles and genres, all drawn from my archive of vintage recordings. There is a complete playlist for this episode on the website for the podcast. Let's get started with the listening guide to Chapter 30, EMS Analog Synthesizers from my book Electronic and Experimental music. Playlist: MUSIC MADE WITH EMS ANALOG SYNTHESIZERS Time Track Time Start Introduction –Thom Holmes 01:34 00:00 1. Delia Derbyshire, “Dance From ‘Noah' " (1970). Composed for a television program. Used the EMS VCS3. 00:55 01:44 2. Selections from the demonstration disc, EMS Synthi And The Composer (1971). Excerpts from Harrison Birtwistle, “Medusa,” Peter Zinovieff, “January Tensions,” and Tristram Cary, “Continuum.” 06:15 02:34 3. Peter Zinovieff and Harrison Birtwistle, “Chronometer” (1971–2). Featured both the EMS Synthi VCS3 and modified sound recordings of the ticking of Big Ben and the chimes of Wells Cathedral clock. 24:23 08:48 4. Mike Hankinson, “Toccata And Fugue In D Minor” (Bach) (1972) from The Classical Synthesizer. South African record realized using the Putney (EMS) VCS3. 07:04 33:06 5. Electrophon, “Arrival of the Queen of Sheba” (1973) from In a Covent Garden (1973). Electrophon Music was described as the studio where the electronics were recorded and produced in the UK by Radiophonic musicians Brian Hodgson, Dudley Simpson. A variety of synthesizers were used including the obscure EMS Synthi Range, a multi-effect instrument. 03:04 40:10 6. The Eden Electronic Ensemble, “Elite Syncopations” (Joplin) (1974) from The Eden Electronic Ensemble Plays Joplin. Realized using the EMS VCS3 and Minimoog synthesizers. 04:53 43:12 7. Peter Zinovieff, “A Lollipop For Papa” (1974). Realized with the EMS Synthi AKS. 06:26 48:04 8. Peter Zinovieff and Hans Werner Henze, “Tristan” (Long Section) (1975). Tape accompaniment realized with the EMS Synthi AKS. 07:40 54:40 9. J.D. Robb, “Poem of Summer” (1976) from Rhythmania And Other Electronic Musical Compositions. Realized using the EMS Synthi AKS. 02:04 01:02:18 10. J.D. Robb, “Synthi Waltz” (1976) from Rhythmania And Other Electronic Musical Compositions. Realized using the EMS Synthi AKS and Synthi Sequencer 256 (digital sequencer). 01:52 01:04:24 11. Bruno Spoerri, “Hymn Of Taurus (Taurus Is Calling You!)” (1978) from Voice Of Taurus. Realized using a host of equipment, including a few EMS instruments: EMS Synthi 100, EMS VCS3, EMS AKS, EMS Vocoder 2000, Alto Saxophone with EMS Pitch-to-voltage Converter & Random Generator, plus the Lyricon, Prophet-5 Polyphonic Synthesizer, ARP Omni & Odyssey, Minimoog, Moog Taurus Bass Pedal, RMI Keyboard Computer, Ondes Martenot , Vako Polyphonic Orchestron, Bode Frequency Shifter, AMS Tape Phase Simulator, Echoplex, Roland Echo, Roland Rhythm Box, Bruno Spoerri. 02:48 01:06:16 12. Henry Sweitzer, “Open Windows” (1979) from Te Deum. Realized with the EMS Synthi AKS. 11:11 01:09:02 13. Eduard Artemyev, Yuri Bogdanov, Vladimir Martynov, “Le Vent Dans La Plaine,” “Io Mi Son Giovinetta,” and “Why Ask You?” (1980) from Metamorphoses. Composed and realized using the EMS Synthi 100, a large synthesizer unit combining several EMS3 models and connecting circuitry. 08:38 01:20:14 14. Jean-Michel Jarre, “Les Chants Magnétiques,” (side 1) (1981) from Les Chants Magnétiques. Portions realized with the EMS Synthi AKS, EMS Synthi VCS3, and EMS Vocoder 1000. 17:58 01:28:52 15. Alessandro Cortini and Merzbow, “AAMC” (2017) from Alessandro Cortini And Merzbow. Recent recording with all sounds realized using a vintage EMS Synthi AKS. 04:49 01:46:40 Additional opening, closing, and other incidental music by Thom Holmes. My Books/eBooks: Electronic and Experimental Music, sixth edition, Routledge 2020. Also, Sound Art: Concepts and Practices, first edition, Routledge 2022. See my companion blog that I write for the Bob Moog Foundation. For a transcript, please see my blog, Noise and Notations. Original music by Thom Holmes can be found on iTunes and Bandcamp.
In this episode of the Tech on Toast Podcast, Chris Fletcher is joined by Jo Morgan, Operations Director at The Other House, for a brilliant conversation on how modern hospitality is evolving — and what it really takes to scale a hybrid hotel model that blends flexibility, technology and heart.Jo shares her journey from Yorkshire pot-wash to cruise ship director, through to leading one of London's most exciting hospitality concepts. They talk scaling without losing culture, how tech like Mews and Lightspeed power better experiences, and why warmth and human connection still matter most.
Štefan Margita vystupoval v Metropolitní opeře v New Yorku, v milánské La Scale, londýnské Covent Garden či pařížské opeře. Pro své rozloučení s velkými divadelními produkcemi si ale vybral Národní divadlo. „Mám pocit, že tam toho musíme dokazovat víc než kdekoli ve světě, protože jsme tam doma,“ říká v pořadu Alex a host.
Štefan Margita vystupoval v Metropolitní opeře v New Yorku, v milánské La Scale, londýnské Covent Garden či pařížské opeře. Pro své rozloučení s velkými divadelními produkcemi si ale vybral Národní divadlo. „Mám pocit, že tam toho musíme dokazovat víc než kdekoli ve světě, protože jsme tam doma,“ říká v pořadu Alex a host.
Štefan Margita vystupoval v Metropolitní opeře v New Yorku, v milánské La Scale, londýnské Covent Garden či pařížské opeře. Pro své rozloučení s velkými divadelními produkcemi si ale vybral Národní divadlo. „Mám pocit, že tam toho musíme dokazovat víc než kdekoli ve světě, protože jsme tam doma,“ říká v pořadu Alex a host.
Štefan Margita vystupoval v Metropolitní opeře v New Yorku, v milánské La Scale, londýnské Covent Garden či pařížské opeře. Pro své rozloučení s velkými divadelními produkcemi si ale vybral Národní divadlo. „Mám pocit, že tam toho musíme dokazovat víc než kdekoli ve světě, protože jsme tam doma,“ říká v pořadu Alex a host.
Štefan Margita vystupoval v Metropolitní opeře v New Yorku, v milánské La Scale, londýnské Covent Garden či pařížské opeře. Pro své rozloučení s velkými divadelními produkcemi si ale vybral Národní divadlo. „Mám pocit, že tam toho musíme dokazovat víc než kdekoli ve světě, protože jsme tam doma,“ říká v pořadu Alex a host.
Štefan Margita vystupoval v Metropolitní opeře v New Yorku, v milánské La Scale, londýnské Covent Garden či pařížské opeře. Pro své rozloučení s velkými divadelními produkcemi si ale vybral Národní divadlo. „Mám pocit, že tam toho musíme dokazovat víc než kdekoli ve světě, protože jsme tam doma,“ říká v pořadu Alex a host.
Štefan Margita vystupoval v Metropolitní opeře v New Yorku, v milánské La Scale, londýnské Covent Garden či pařížské opeře. Pro své rozloučení s velkými divadelními produkcemi si ale vybral Národní divadlo. „Mám pocit, že tam toho musíme dokazovat víc než kdekoli ve světě, protože jsme tam doma,“ říká v pořadu Alex a host.
Štefan Margita vystupoval v Metropolitní opeře v New Yorku, v milánské La Scale, londýnské Covent Garden či pařížské opeře. Pro své rozloučení s velkými divadelními produkcemi si ale vybral Národní divadlo. „Mám pocit, že tam toho musíme dokazovat víc než kdekoli ve světě, protože jsme tam doma,“ říká v pořadu Alex a host.
Štefan Margita vystupoval v Metropolitní opeře v New Yorku, v milánské La Scale, londýnské Covent Garden či pařížské opeře. Pro své rozloučení s velkými divadelními produkcemi si ale vybral Národní divadlo. „Mám pocit, že tam toho musíme dokazovat víc než kdekoli ve světě, protože jsme tam doma,“ říká v pořadu Alex a host.
Štefan Margita vystupoval v Metropolitní opeře v New Yorku, v milánské La Scale, londýnské Covent Garden či pařížské opeře. Pro své rozloučení s velkými divadelními produkcemi si ale vybral Národní divadlo. „Mám pocit, že tam toho musíme dokazovat víc než kdekoli ve světě, protože jsme tam doma,“ říká v pořadu Alex a host.
Štefan Margita vystupoval v Metropolitní opeře v New Yorku, v milánské La Scale, londýnské Covent Garden či pařížské opeře. Pro své rozloučení s velkými divadelními produkcemi si ale vybral Národní divadlo. „Mám pocit, že tam toho musíme dokazovat víc než kdekoli ve světě, protože jsme tam doma,“ říká v pořadu Alex a host.
Choreographer Sir Wayne McGregor is one of the most acclaimed, innovative and influential figures in contemporary dance. His works are often the result of creative collaborations with artists, musicians, filmmakers, or with scientists to explore technological issues. In 2006 he was appointed as Resident Choreographer at the Royal Ballet. He has created more than 20 new works at Covent Garden in that time, including Chroma, set to music by Joby Talbot and The White Stripes, and Woolf Works, a full-length ballet based on the life and writings of Virginia Woolf. More recently, McGregor brought the post-apocalyptic vision of Margaret Atwood to the stage in his ballet MaddAddam, based on the writer's acclaimed trilogy of novels. He has worked as a movement director on films including Harry Potter Goblet Of Fire and Mary Queen Of Scots, collaborated with bands including Radiohead and Chemical Brothers, and choreographed the virtual concert, ABBA Voyage. In October 2025, Somerset House in London will mount a landmark exhibition dedicated to McGregor's trailblazing collaborations that have radically defined how we think about performance, movement, and the body. Having won numerous awards, including two Oliviers, Sir Wayne McGregor was knighted in 2024.Wayne McGregor talks to John Wilson about his childhood in Stockport, where he took dance classes and was inspired by John Travolta's moves in Saturday Night Fever. He recalls the house and techno music of the late 80s when he was a student, and how the freedom of expression he felt on nightclub dance-floors informed his style of choreography. Whilst living in New York after leaving university, Wayne came across an open-air performance by the legendary American choreographer Merce Cunningham, whose company was dancing to live music conducted by the avant-garde composer John Cage. It was a chance encounter that had a profound impact on McGregor. He also discusses how science and technology has been a major thematic influence on much of his work in recent years, and how AI has been used to create new works through analysis of physical movement and artistic expression.Producer Edwina Pitman
NEW Mood Enhancing NonAlc Drinks, HOW TO Make Friends When Out, BEST Places for Tea, BEST place to Swim, BEST Alcohol Free Venues In London, Awarded an MBE from The Queen, Best of London with Laura Willoughby MBE and Ben HollandPlease FOLLOW and SUBSCRIBE to BEST OF LONDON as we have great shows coming up. For links on all the platforms and social media, just click here: https://linktr.ee/bestolondon E-mail:ben@lifemac.com I read and reply to all your e-mails.A great episode where we discuss:How Laura made being alcohol free feel normal in London's pubs and barsThe TWO revolution‑fuelers behind London's mindful drinking surgeClub Soda's “Nudging Pubs” research that kick‑started a movementThe story of London's alcohol‑free Drinks Festival Club Soda's Covent Garden “tasting room” your gateway to hundreds of non‑alcoholic drinksUnforgettable Club Soda events including alcohol-free cocktail masterclasses & private tastings The UCL‑backed behavior‑change program that helps you be in control of your drinkingThe NEW mood‑enhancing drinks: lion's mane mushrooms, ashwagandha, valerian & herbal power blendsBeing awarded an MBECheap London ticket secrets revealedLondon's hidden aquatic gems: from brutalist bathing to swimming in Royal Victoria DocksA food obsession: ricotta pancakes at Granger & Co, King's Cross—fluffy, banana‑topped heavenThe buzzy Drury Lane Vietnamese haunt (ring the bell for service!)The best teas : oolongs at Postcard teas, hidden Chinese Tea Company gems & clandestine Japanese tea barsMastering seat‑filler sites and solo chats to turn your London outing into an adventurePlease FOLLOW and SUBSCRIBE to BEST OF LONDON as we have great shows coming up. For links on all the platforms and social media, just click here: https://linktr.ee/bestolondon E-mail:ben@lifemac.com I read and reply to all your e-mails.Visit the Club Soda website here and sign up to the mailing list and book on eventshttps://joinclubsoda.com/You can order the audiobook or the kindle edition of Laura's book here:https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Be-Mindful-Drinker-Community-ebook/dp/B07YXRJG5G/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0The Club Soda Instagram account is at https://www.instagram.com/joinclubsodaEach week I ask a guest 7 questions including what's your best London venue, event, place to eat, area and London Lifehack. You'll find out the best things to do and places to go.Intro and Outro music by Ben HollandBest of London is presented and produced by Ben Holland and Ben Afleck.Ben's instagram is https://www.instagram.com/benpodz/ Ben's TikTok is https://www.tiktok.com/@benpodzBen's X is https://x.com/benpodzBEST OF LONDON logo and artwork by my good friend Bobby Magill of recolodesign.com. E-mail bob@recolodesign.com for all your logo, artwork and design needs.Chapters and transcript are created by Spotify and may contain inaccuracies these take 24 hours to show up. If you're listening to it in the first 24 hours thank you and why not guess what the chapters will be called. Follow and subscribe to BEST OF LONDON for links on ALL the platforms including Apple podcasts, Amazon music, Audible, Instagram, Twitter / X and Facebook, please click here for links to all of those : https://linktr.ee/bestolondon
Michelle is responsible for the management of Shaftesbury Capital's £5bn property portfolio, including asset management, investment, leasing, and marketing across Covent Garden, Soho, and Chinatown London, and is a member of the Executive Committee. Michelle was previously on the Board of Capco and has significant financial and real estate experience having joined Capco in 2014 undertaking a number of senior roles across the business. Michelle is an experienced Corporate financier and was previously at UBS Investment Bank, advising companies across the UK listed real estate sector.
Faheema Adia of Momentum Securities unpacks Shaftesbury Capital's confirmation of a 25% sale of Covent Garden estate at their valuation – could this be a prime real estate opportunity? Gibs's Professor Adrian Saville explores the budget vote stakes – what happens if it doesn't pass, and is the real issue a lack of imagination? Jashwin Baijoo from Tax Consulting SA breaks down the latest Sars revenue data – what's the story behind the numbers?
Was Dirigent Jakub Hrůša über das Arbeiten in der Provinz denkt und welche Stärken und Schwächen er hat, erfahren Sie in dieser Folge von „Erstklassisch mit Mischke“
The anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and the Achilles tendon captures much of our ankle attention. As JOSPT Insights listeners know, there's plenty more to the ankle than the ATFL. Today, Liz Bayley shares her approach to diagnosing, managing and ideally, preventing ankle pain in active people. Liz covers diagnosing the problem, where imaging fits, and how to support return to function, including high-level sport. Liz is a former professional dancer, who now works as a dance-specialist physiotherapist. Her clinic is in London's West End, in close proximity to the freelance professional and student dancers she works with, at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, and on 'Matilda The Musical' in Covent Garden. ------------------------------ RESOURCES Lateral ankle ligament sprains clinical practice guideline: https://www.jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2021.0302 Updated model of chronic ankle instability: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31162943/ Predictors of chronic ankle instability: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26912285/ Intrinsic foot muscle training systematic review: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35724360/ Neuromuscular electrical stimulation for foot intrinsic muscles: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35142810/
Our featured interview tonight is with Simon Bosko from the YouTube Channel London Calling with Simon. He also produces the LCS Briars line of handmade pipes. London Calling has over 9,000 subscribers and over 2,000 videos. In his pipe making, Simon focuses mainly on 9mm filter pipes in both classic shapes and artistic styles. Simon has lived in London his entire life. He bought his first pipe, which was a Butz-Choquin at the Segar and Snuff Parlour in Covent Garden. At the top of the show in our Pipe Parts segment, we will have Brian's last discussion on the fallout of the STG buyout of Mac Baren and Sutliff with the mass discontinuation of tobaccos.
We did it! (they did it!) Newcastle United are the 2025 Carabao Cup winners, and in some style...Grab your headphones and enjoy a weekend in stereo in London. From King's Cross, to Covent Garden, to Wembley, to Dreamland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We did it! (they did it!) Newcastle United are the 2025 Carabao Cup winners, and in some style... Grab your headphones and enjoy a weekend in stereo in London. From King's Cross, to Covent Garden, to Wembley, to Dreamland. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Proposer, en un seul spectacle, un aperçu des artistes les plus enthousiasmants, charismatiques et talentueux du monde de la danse, tel est le pari un peu fou que s'est lancé Marie Doutrepont, la fondatrice. Si, en théorie, ce projet semble irréaliste, il a toutefois donné naissance à l'un des rendez-vous culturels les plus attendus de l'année. Plus encore, il est désormais l'unique gala, de stature internationale, organisé sur le territoire belge. Ex-danseuse professionnelle de plusieurs compagnies (Royal Ballet de Covent Garden, Ballet du Capitole de Toulouse et Ballet de Flandres), la liégeoise a su capitaliser sur son réseau pour attirer à Liège la crème des solistes mondiaux. Depuis la première édition des Hivernales, elle a opté pour une programmation qui ne tombe dans aucun cliché du genre. À la fois pointu et accessible aux non-initiés, son programme comprend des extraits phares du répertoire classique ainsi que de petits bijoux contemporains, à cela s'ajoutent parfois des créations. La particularité ? Marie ne dévoile pas le programme du Gala, la liste des danseurs invités uniquement. L'idée est de s'installer sans attente, excité par la découverte et en totale confiance, puisque la qualité des prestations des Hivernales de la Danse est maintenant chose acquise Merci pour votre écoute N'hésistez pas à vous abonner également aux podcasts des séquences phares de Matin Première: L'Invité Politique : https://audmns.com/LNCogwPL'édito politique « Les Coulisses du Pouvoir » : https://audmns.com/vXWPcqxL'humour de Matin Première : https://audmns.com/tbdbwoQRetrouvez tous les contenus de la RTBF sur notre plateforme Auvio.be Retrouvez également notre offre info ci-dessous : Le Monde en Direct : https://audmns.com/TkxEWMELes Clés : https://audmns.com/DvbCVrHLe Tournant : https://audmns.com/moqIRoC5 Minutes pour Comprendre : https://audmns.com/dHiHssrEt si vous avez apprécié ce podcast, n'hésitez pas à nous donner des étoiles ou des commentaires, cela nous aide à le faire connaître plus largement. Distribué par Audiomeans. Visitez audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.
Hello! Andrew and Aaron have spent the afternoon in Covent Garden - but was it as good as two years ago? Or was it different? And is that a good thing. Owen Younger from the newsdesk at Chronicle Live also joins us to share his experience of travelling to London via the supporters bus! https://nordvpn.com/toon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Join us as we share highlights from our unforgettable winter trip to London! From navigating the iconic Tube to staying at one of the city's best hotels, this episode is packed with tips and stories:
durée : 01:28:43 - Jakub Hrusša, une direction noble et chaleureuse - par : Aurélie Moreau - Jakub Hrůša, chef principal de l'Orchestre Symphonique de Bamberg et directeur musical désigné de l'Opéra Royal de Covent Garden, conjugue les plus belles qualités d'une direction qui « laisse les phrases chanter jusqu'au bout. » (Christian Merlin).
This week Harriet and Producer Martin talk to Will Lewis, the publisher of the Washington Post, about WaPo's new editorial direction; we speak to friend of the show Sir Douglas Brown CBE, chairman of Southern Central Thames Oil, about why his company, like other oil producers, have ditched their green commitments; and after President Trump announced a $5m (£3.9m) "golden passport", Eshaan Akbar has a Hot & Spicy Take about rich foreigners.If you enjoy the show and fancy early, ad-free episodes, full videos of every segment, bonus podcasts and exclusive video content, as well as the nice warm feeling you get from supporting the arts, pop over to Patreon.com/NonCensored and sign up.With thanks to Rosie Holt, Brendan Murphy, Eshaan Akbar, Will Sebag-Montefiore, Oliver Izod and Ed Morrish.Rosie's book, Why We Were Right, is available now.Brendan is taking his show, Buffy Revamped, on tour all over Britain, and you can see dates and buy tickets here.Eshaan has a stand-up special on YouTube, The Pretender, and he is currently on tour with his show Can't Get No Satisfakshaan.Will has a podcast called Legitimate Likes that you can listen to here, and he does sketches on Instagram.Oliver can be found busking in Covent Garden.Ed also produces P.O.V., a sketch show that features a lot of NonCensored regulars, which is on Radio 4 at 6.30pm on Thursdays for six weeks from the 30th January, and Sound Heap With John-Luke Roberts, an improvised sketch show that returns for a fourth series on Monday 3rd March.Show photography is by Karla Gowlett and design is by Chris Barker. Original music is by Paddy Gervers and Rob Sell at Torch and Compass.NonCensored is a Lead Mojo production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Marianela Núñez is a Principal dancer of the Royal Ballet and Opera. Born in Argentina in 1982, Marianela knew she wanted to be a ballet dancer from the age of five and joined the Teatro Colón Ballet School in Buenos Aires when she was eight.She dedicated herself to becoming a professional ballerina and had the full support of her parents despite having to leave home at fifteen to join the Royal Ballet in the UK. After spending a year at the Royal Ballet School and learning English from watching episodes of Friends, she joined the corps de ballet and worked her way up the company to become Principal Dancer. She has danced the lead roles in the ballet repertoire on the London stage and around the world as a guest artist. In 2018, she celebrated her 20th anniversary with the Royal Ballet with a performance of lead roles in Giselle, The Winter's Tale, Manon, Marguerite and Armand, and Swan Lake in her anniversary year. Director of The Royal Ballet Kevin O'Hare called her “one of the greats of her generation”. Marianela has many awards for her dancing including the Laurence Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Dance in 2013. She lives in London with her two cats.DISC ONE: Adíos Nonino (“Goodbye Grandad”) - Astor Piazzolla DISC TWO: Hoy Puede Ser Un Gran Dia (“Today Could Be a Great Day”) - Joan Manuel Serrat DISC THREE: Dancing Queen - ABBA DISC FOUR: Don't Stop Me Now - Queen DISC FIVE: Tchaikovsky: The Sleeping Beauty, Op. 66, TH 13 / Act 1: 8a. Pas d'action: Introduction (Andante) - Adagio ("Rose Adagio") Performed by The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, conducted by Mark Ermler DISC SIX: Adam: Giselle / Act 2: Lever du soleil et arrivée de la cour. Performed by The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, conducted by Richard Bonynge DISC SEVEN: Count on Me - Bruno Mars DISC EIGHT: I Can See Clearly Now - Johnny Nash BOOK CHOICE: The Collected Works of Jorge Luis Borges LUXURY ITEM: A cashmere blanket CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Tchaikovsky: The Sleeping Beauty, Op. 66, TH 13 / Act 1: 8a. Pas d'action: Introduction (Andante) - Adagio ("Rose Adagio") Performed by The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, conducted by Mark Ermler Presenter Lauren Laverne Producer Sarah Taylor
In this episode I'm chatting about some of the things that have been happening in the ever busy beauty industry this week. Fom Lisa Eldridge's new launch to an exciting new makeup store in Covent Garden to a wonderful new plan for beauty therapists. Oh and I'll be talking about some of the beauty trends we can expect to see this year. Enjoy fellow beauty nerds xx
News; Martin Wágner's Negatives from the Trash; Jakub Hrůša brings Czech music to London's Covent Garden; Czechia's new treaty with Vatican: what are its uses and problems?
"I'm aiming for a few more": Dame Kiri Te Kanawa ahead of her 80th birthday Dame Kiri Te Kanawa has had an eventful life. One of New Zealand's most prolific performers, the opera singer has performed in countries all over the world in several different languages, receiving a slew of honours over the years. She retired in September 2017, her last performance taking place in October of 2016. Since then, Te Kanawa committed herself to nurturing young artists, sitting as a judge in singing competitions and establishing the Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation which supports young musicians and singers in realising their dreams. Te Kanawa recently moved back to New Zealand after living in the United Kingdom for over 55 years, and her connection to both countries saw her sent as one of NZ's official delegates for the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. Her 80th birthday is coming up this week, Te Kanawa telling Newstalk ZB's Jack Tame that she can't believe she got to this age. “I thought 70 was bad enough, now we're at 80.” The celebrations might not be exactly what you'd expect for such a milestone, Te Kanawa revealing that she and her husband are going fishing. They plan to just get enough for the table, as being out on the water is what Te Kanawa really enjoys. “I'm, you know, a Pisces, my husband's an Aquarius, so we're water people.” Te Kanawa moved back to New Zealand in 2021, settling down in the Bay of Islands. While she does feel that it was the right choice, she does still feel homesick for England after having lived there for such a long time. “We did it and we're pleased we've done it, but I've left an awful lot of my heart behind.” “But home is here, and I am thoroughly enjoying all the different things about New Zealand which I never knew about.” One such thing is kiwis' refusal to give way to others in traffic, a contrast to the politeness she's used to in England. “There's a whole lot of little things that people don't do or do do that are nice.” Despite having such a long career, Te Kanawa revealed that she doesn't look back on it all that much, the rapid pace of her life and career overwhelming. “It took me several years to calm down and about a year to sort of say that I'm not going to sing again.” “It's best not to look back, it's always best to look forward.” Since retiring from performing, Te Kanawa has instead put her efforts into supporting the next generation of artists with the Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation. “We've had a lot of great successes,” Te Kanawa told Tame. Some of the people the Foundation has supported have gone on to get major roles at Covent Garden, some singing in Glen Bourne and Salzburg. “I'm so pleased that we've, we've helped them a lot, and it's a lovely little group now that we've been sort of really mentoring.” Mentoring is what she'll continue to do, Te Kanawa having no plans to perform in public again. “The past is in the past,” she said. Te Kanawa told Tame that while her voice was very beautiful in the past, she hasn't trained it in years. She said that even if she tried to start training it again, it would take months to get it anywhere near what she would like it to be. “It's just best to leave it, go to sleep, and let's enjoy the youth of today.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If you're looking for a fragrance, are after something a little bit different and want to make a day of it then you need to listen to this episode.This is my guide to some of the very best perfume shops in London...the ones that will elevate the simple act of shopping to something truly experiental and unforgettable.I've got a store in Covent Garden where the knowledgable and passionate staff will help you explore the exciting world of niche fragrances, a perfume lounge which is so cosy you'll never want to leave, eccentric boutiques hidden down historic little parades in Piccadilly and a luxurious little store in Mayfair that is overflowing with rare and mind-blowing scents.I hope that this will inspire some of you to go on what Suzy Nightingale and I love doing most...a Scent Safari! Do it with your best friend, have some bubbly and have fun! Oh and don't forget to bring a notebook and pen so you remember your favourites!!
Libby is joined by David Pearl, Founder of Street Wisdom, a creative walking practice that encourages groups of people to go on guided walking workshops (ie - Walkshops) encouraging them to turn ordinary streets into extraordinary experiences. Having spent years exploring how our urban environment can deliver fresh insight, in 2013 David set up the first Street Wisdom event in Covent Garden, London. Since then, the movement has grown to over 87 countries and counting, led by volunteers sharing the power of Street Wisdom free of charge through communities across the globe. For more on Street Wisdom visit: https://www.streetwisdom.org Keep in touch: https://www.thismorningwalk.com/ Instagram: @thismorningwalk Alex Instagram: @alex_elle Libby Instagram: @parkhere Blind Nil Instagram: @blindnilaudio Please direct business inquiries to: blindnilaudio@magnolia.com Music Credits: Valante / Ramo / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Daphne: Alexandra von der Weth Gaea: Jane Henschel Mägde: Rebecca Nash / Gweneth-Ann Jeffers Apollo: Johan Botha Leukippos: Roberto Saccà Peneios: Alfred Reiter Schäfer: James Rutherford / Peter Auty / Graeme Broadbent / Darren Jeffery Conductor: Stefan Soltesz Royal Opera, Covent Garden 15 May 2002 Broadcast
The Current Keeper of the Museum of Sex Objects, Deborah Sims, joins Eva Oh for a fascinating discussion on women and freedom on the #teakink Podcast. We discover more about the origins of the Museum, WeWork Dominatrix Dungeons, Coven Garden Industrial Spanking, and the museum's objects - including a whip made from Meretrix hair of Roman times. Deborah and Eva chat rage, 'Poor Things', historical patterns of sexual and female liberation and the importance of remembering our history - including cases of forced female circumcision in Notting Hill not that long ago. Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/evaoh More on Eva Oh: https://eva-oh.com HIGHLIGHTS: Here are the timestamps for the video episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time. (00:00) - Welcome. What is #teakink (00:23) - Meet Deborah Sims, the Keeper of the Museum of Sex Objects (02:15) - The Objects, from Roman times to Today (05:50) - Why the Museum Came About, Untold Stories and Straightjacketed Women (11:10) - The Intersection of Freedom, Desire and Cat Ladies (15:30) - Rage and Forced Female Circumcision in Notting Hill (20:35) - 'Poor Things', Female 'Hysteria' and Roe vs Wade (21:30) - Historical Patterns of Sexual and Female Liberation? (27:10) - The Importance of Remembering History (30:10) - Matriarchal Sex Cults and 18th Century Industrial Spanking (33:40) - Societal Challenges and Hopes for the Museum (37:40) - Coco de Mer and the Ladies of Covent Garden (40:30) - Sexy Soho Walking Tours and the WeWork Dominatrix Dungeon (43:05) - Manet's 'Olympia' (44:45) - The Unpaid Sexual Labour of Marriage vs(?) Sex Work (48:50) - Rethinking Censorship on Social Media, Awareness and Freedom(51:40) - Pain is Pleasure
In episode 127 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, host Tracy Collins is joined by Melissa Jones, a first-time international traveller from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who shares her exciting London trip report. Melissa recounts her solo adventures in London, from iconic landmarks like Trafalgar Square, Kensington Palace, and the Tower of London, to cultural gems such as the Victoria and Albert Museum. Discover her tips for planning an itinerary, navigating public transport, and the importance of pre-booking attractions to avoid long queues.Melissa also shares her experiences of indulging in traditional British cuisine, including sticky toffee pudding, fish and chips, and a memorable afternoon tea at Claridge's. She offers insights into her shopping adventures, highlighting unique finds from Covent Garden's antique market and London's renowned department stores. Whether you're curious about solo travel in London or eager to hear about Melissa's favourite spots and tips, this episode is packed with inspiration for your own UK adventure.⭐️ Guest - Melissa Jones
It does not do, to speak mockingly of erections.By Drmaxc. Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories. "Men and their erections,""Men and their erections," Tacey laughed shrilly, "if you could harness them you'd solve the energy crisis. Forget the unpredictability of wind power, their erections rise and fall come sun, come rain, come snow; if you could only capture the energy of all those millions of cocks..."The girls giggled and laughed loudly in their gaggle at the bar. They had drunk too much and were being disrespectful of men. Jonathan did not like it, he expected women to speak of such things, the male sexual organ, in hushed, slightly awed tones: not make silly jokes as if, he paused and took a breath, a 'Teors' was something to laugh about. He used the Old English deliberately. To have used a slang term — a 'cock' as the girl had done, a 'willy' or the like would have been wrong. He gripped his glass; something would need to be done.Entering the subterranean halls of the Knights of the Teorsas always gave Jonathan a particular thrill. Unknown to virtually the whole population of London it was a closely guarded secret, not even disclosed to the authorities. All they knew about was the insignificant little house in a backstreet of Covent Garden and it was to that house that the bills for electricity and the like came. It was an unremarkable house that held a remarkable secret as it gave access, through its cellar, to the ancient home of the Knights, the Great Phallocrypt, a network of rooms, halls and passages built in stone many, many, many years ago.Jonathan was much more than an initiate, a Raphe, more than a mere knight but a man who had crossed the Fraenum, the narrow bridge between the Corpus Cavernosum, the great hall where the knights assembled in their pomp, and the grand domed meeting hall of the inner circle, the Corona, who ruled the order. Jonathan was himself a member of the Corona, albeit its most junior having only been erected to the position a bare month before. He had, by virtue of his status, access to the Grand Master of the Order, the Bacalum, and could speak to him as of right.Dressed in his ceremonial robes, the gold badge of the erect phallus woven in gold thread into the red material, Jonathan strode through the Corpus Cavernosum nodding to knights he met but there was no time to pause and engage in intercourse, he had urgent business, a matter of grave importance to report to the Bacalum himself. Crossing the bridge of the Fraenum still gave him a thrill. How many of the knights achieved that? Such a singular honour; he had been speechless for a full minute when he had been told to prepare himself. How many would ever wear the third gold band around their teors? How many of them were ever able to do the thing he was about to do? To raise the great brass phallic knocker and tap three times on the oaken door of the Lacuna Magna, the Grand Master's private office?As always, the Bacalum was dressed in his ancient robes, beautifully decorated with representations of the ancient Roman god, Priapus, and with his great red curving penile hat making him look so much taller than he actually was. A trick long realised by the designers of uniforms; whether the bearskins of the Guards, the Shako of yesteryear or, indeed, the 'tit' of the London bobby. Shaking his grey head wisely he listened as Jonathan described what he had heard only the night before."It will not do, it will not do." The Baculum's words of wisdom enervated Jonathan."I seek permission to use, to wield, the Great Mesmodildo." The words were out; Jonathan had made the request, an act of considerable presumption in one so junior.There was a sharp intake of breath, the great phallic hat jerked upwards, and the penetrating eyes of the Grand Master seemed to bore right into Jonathan. There was a pause, "It will do."They sat for a few moments in contemplation. On the walls were artists' impressions of wonderful buildings not built. Designs by some of the leading architects of their day for skyscrapers intended to be the tallest buildings in the world in their time, all unmistakeably phallic, as skyscrapers are, but not simply because they were structures pointed at the sky but true erections designed to look like erections, buildings particularly phallic in design. Unrealised plans by Mies Van de Rohe, Frank Lloyd Wright, Colonel Seifert and most recently Sir Norman Foster. Designs the Order had not been able to find sufficient backers to fund; statements to the world not yet realised; buildings intended to awe and strike a proper respectfulness, an understanding of their place in the world, in womankind.The Grand Master rose, drawing his robes around him and walked to a cupboard; opening its black ebonised door he drew out something about a foot long and wrapped in a cloth; with both hands he presented it to Jonathan who, standing, accepted it with a bow. "I shall take the greatest care, Grand Master.""Do."Walking slowly back down the Corpus Cavernosa, Jonathan mused on the wise words of the Bacalum and upon his mission. Tucked into his robes was the ancient object — it would not do for the knights to see that which he had been entrusted or to know it was amongst them.Shedding his ceremonial robes in the outermost halls, where the putative knights, the Raphes, met and took instruction in their twin, wonderfully spherical, meeting rooms, Jonathan ascended back into a rainy, wet London morning; the ancient object tucked in his duffle bag along with his laptop and sandwiches. He had his job in the world outside the Order which he must attend to from 9am to 5pm but then he would commence his mission.It was one thing to hold the Mesmodildo but another to set up the opportunity to use it. Jonathan neither knew where Tacey lived nor worked. He did not actually know her name. His only knowledge was that she sometimes frequented: rather had at least once frequented, the bar where he had heard her disrespectful statement. He should have found out more about her at the time; he realised that now — it would have been better to have gathered more evidence before reporting to the Bacalum — but he had been so incensed, so overcome that he had rushed ahead without careful reflection and contemplation. He would meditate upon it later that evening.Meditation was important to the Order. Sitting cross-legged on a mat woven with ancient designs, a knight would sit in contemplation of his teors until turgidity ensued, that First Wonder of the teors; his thoughts would roam free as he sought to better understand himself, resolve his problems and focus on the baseness of his desires whilst seeking to raise the Primo Cumum, that first flowing of the teors so aptly described as its Second Wonder; lastly came the conclusion of the ritual, the ultimate goal of the meditation—the full flowing of the teors, the Ejaculum, a sight wonderful to behold—when the teors of its own volition would spew forth its seed. Putative knights worked hard at achieving this, many sitting for hours trying to create in their heads the necessary images; erotic images necessarily to achieve the apparently spontaneous Ejaculum.At first, and Jonathan had to admit he was as one with them, putative knights would use the Manualum or hand to achieve the necessary final stimulation; but he had achieved so much more -- the result of hard work and dedication. Often appropriate texts or images were used, spread before the knight or novice to assist in his meditation. The Library of the Order, the Curiosa, contained many volumes and meditational material.Traditionally the knight would bow his head and orally accept the bounty of the Ejaculum. Ancient manuscripts, some written in Latin, some Sanskrit testified to this and the beautiful coloured illustrations showed no less. A variant much favoured in the modern Corona, and therefore too the Corpus Cavernosa, was the Art of Felicitation, requiring extensive practice, much suppleness of the body and, Jonathan admitted, a long teors. He, himself, had only managed the briefest of Teorsic Kiss at the moment of Ejaculum but the Bacalum and a few others of the Corona, knights of great experience, could hold the rounded terminus of their teors orally at the moment of the Third Wonder, an ideal act permitting the recycling of the seed so not one drop was lost to the body.Jonathan was lucky, very lucky. Inevitably he had returned to the very bar of Tacey's misdeed as the only reference point he had in relation to her; had sat there nursing a beer and wondering if he would have to use the power of the Mesmodildo on the very pretty bar girl who had, he recalled, been there on the previous night. Perhaps she would know about the disrespectful girl; know who she was and where she lived — and her name. The entrance of Tacey saved the need. It was a relief to Jonathan — the pretty bar girl with the large breasts might not have known anything about the disrespectful girl and left him with no obvious lead in his quest; it also saved the seed he might well have lost to her in the course of extracting the information; she was, after all, very pretty and perhaps worthy of the honour.Tacey moved across the room and sat on a bar stool, her long legs crossed one over the other drawing up the material of her trouser leg revealing a particularly fine pair of high heeled shoes—clearly new by the sight of the soles and undoubtedly expensive.Not for the first time Jonathan wondered both at the impudence and the illogicality of women. There sat the girl in a suit of clothes but with trousers not a skirt. Trousers were a male prerogative and unsuited to women; they were for men. A skirt would have shown her new shoes off but instead they were largely hidden by the trousers. What was the sense in buying shoes to be noticed and then wearing trousers? There was no logic. The girl would look better without the trousers. In his mind he imagined the girl naked but for the shoes; it was an appropriate image he would use for meditation later. He looked down at his own sensible, solid black shoes largely hidden by his own trousers — and that was perhaps just as well. He mentally gave himself a note to polish them in the morning—it was a task he tended to overlook though it would not do to keep the dome of his teors unpolished.A further shock came to Jonathan; instead of a white wine spritzer or some expensive but brightly coloured vodka concoction in a pretty bottle, the girl had ordered beer: not just a half but a whole pint. She was drinking beer from a pint glass! Had she no shame?Jonathan got up and walked across to her, "I have something to show you," he said without introduction and in a deep impressive voice.Tacey looked Jonathan up and down for a moment and then burst into laughter, "Ooh, you little pervert, you!" She seemed to find the whole scene very funny indeed. Jonathan was affronted. What had he said?"Well, what do you want? Who are you?" She said.It was not going well; it should be he who was asking the questions. As the Bacalum had wisely said, "it would not do." Slowly he drew from his duffle bag an object wrapped in a cloth. "I have this to show you," Jonathan said mysteriously, drawing the cloth down the object a little way.Tacey had never seen the like. It was a pearl, a great creamy, misty pearl; far, far bigger than any she had seen before; a pearl far bigger than the cultivated pearls of her best necklace; a pearl far bigger than the one Great Aunt Agatha used to wear when she, Tacey, was little and had so fascinated her on visits. Within it, great streamy swirls of creamy clouds seemed to move, captivating her, capturing her eye; she found it difficult to look away from the pearl, to stop watching the moving clouds of cream that appeared to roll around the jewel.Gradually Jonathan drew down the material covering the object and whilst her eyes could not leave the pearl she could see it was mounted on gold, indeed atop a golden acorn... or was it an acorn? As the material rolled back Tacey realised it was not so much an acorn as the bulbous end to a golden penis — a golden erect penis in exquisite detail surmounted by a great pearl; a pearl representing, quite clearly to her eye now, the bubbling up of semen or rather, what did they call it, yes, it was the 'pre-cum.' She was both shocked and fascinated; her eyes could not draw away and leave the pearl with its swirls of milky cream. Her mind was being taken.Jonathan watched Tacey's reaction; it was how it should be, no woman could resist the Great Mesmodildo, their pretty eyes were drawn to the pearl like moths to a candle and next would come the longing, a certain dryness of the mouth, an increasing need for something they could not quite place—it was no less than the desire for the milk of a man, a teosic longing in their loins. Jonathan had no need to completely un-sheathe the artefact, to reveal its shining golden glory, merely sliding back the material to expose the bulbous head was sufficientTracey's tongue moved slowly across her lips; they felt dry."Shall we sit over there, somewhere more private?" Jonathan sheathed the Mesmodildo. He had taken command of the situation.Tacey took a large swig of beer to ease the sudden dryness in her throat and followed him without question.Once again Jonathan eased back the covering revealing the golden head mounted with its strange pearl. Tacey stared; images of ejaculating penises came flooding into her mind and the thought of taking the head of this gold penis into her mouth, stroking it with her tongue, feeling the sensual smoothness of the pearl—smooth, yes smooth like... like... semen. Her nipples pricked at the material of her bra, they felt as hard as iron or, indeed, the gold of the strange penis before her. Within her panties, the new purple pair her especial friend, Diane, had bought her, she was flowing. Already the material felt soaked as if newly from the wash; it would seep into her trousers—an embarrassing wet stain."May I, may I please suck it," she asked in a small, little girl's voice.Jonathan smiled to himself. It was more like pleading. How easy these women were taken, how powerful the Mesmodildo, how easily their minds were beaten and taken and their lust aroused. In a moment she would be pleading with him to let her suck his teors, desperate to take his seed and feel it slipping down her throat. But now was not the time and not just because they were in a public bar.The bar actually was empty but for the pretty bar girl and the Mesmodildo would handle her easily. Jonathan looked again at her and thought that perhaps another time, if he had not returned the Mesmodildo, he would like to use the artefact upon her and see her kneeling before him."You may," he replied and held it for her, still wrapped, with just the very end, the beautifully rounded head showing, and watched as she made the proper rounded shape with her mouth, the Teoric Circle, that women must make, before bowing her head down and absorbing the smooth gold head. He could imagine within her mouth the rapid flicking tongue; all women did this; the tip caressing the smoothness of the pear imagining it a continuous spurt of male milk to assuage their desperate thirst.Gently he pulled, extracting the Mesmodildo. He liked the need to pull a little to overcome the natural suction of the girl wishing to retain the object. It was a pleasant resistance.Tacey looked up at him, her eyes wide and doe like, her mouth still in the shape of the Teorsic Circle ready for the Mesmodildo, his own teors or, indeed, any other teors. It was a temptation. So very pleasant to have been able to disrobe, but not there, and place his own teors in this girl's mouth; feel her tongue seeking the milk, trying to enter the very end of his teors; feeling the Second Wonder rising and watching, as his teors rested on her tongue, the small first clear drop of the Teorsic Fluid seep and run down from the acorn head; the sudden stiffening as the tongue tasted and induced a frenzy of sucking.From the bar the other girl stared. What had that man offered the girl to eat and why did her face now hold the expression of some plastic inflatable sex doll?"Come," he said — and she almost did — the feeling of arousal was so strong, but he meant for her to follow.It was but a short taxi ride; though Tacey would remember nothing of it nor walking into a small building and down some steps — the stone steps to the Great Phallocrypt, Jonathan leading her by the hand.It might have been thought that no women would have been permitted to enter the ancient halls of the Order. Certainly they could not be of the Order, being mere women and lacking teorsas though it was said in times past there had been exceptions; women who would rather have been men; women with slim boyish hips and small breasts who had worn cunningly made simulated, pseudo-teorsas and had been more than happy to join in the male rituals sometimes made upon and with other members of their sex. This, though, was most certainly not permitted by the current and recent Bacala.It was possible, though, for women to be brought for judgement, correction or punishment: but not for pleasure. It should not be thought the Order was in any way a society for 'randy' old men to enjoy countless women in a social way, a sort of 'Hellfire Club' or opportunity for hedonistic orgiastic activity. The Order's purposes were profound, mysterious and extremely serious. Any sexual gratification was a by-product, almost an accident: though to achieve the First, Second and Third Wonders of the Teors erotic thoughts a plenty were needed and sexual activity was something the knights were required to undertake regularly and in a brotherly fashion. The Wonders of the Teors, after all, had their root in sexual activity.It was appropriate for Jonathan to undress Tacey. It would not do for her to be presented to the Knights in clothes from the city above, least of all in that so wrong trouser suit. She needed to be modestly clad in a simple cream linen shift, a shapeless garment hiding her womanly attributes from the knights. First, though, she needed to be ritually washed; like the undressing it was a task Jonathan would need to undertake and it was a task he did not shirk. There were no female attendants in the Phallocrypt to assist female 'visitors' and, as Tacey was his charge, Jonathan would need to perform the ceremony. He led her into a side chamber, stone vaulted and with a stone bath sunken into the floor. The water splashed into the bath and Jonathan added scents of sandalwood, carbolic and spice.Firstly Jonathan undressed, glad to be free of his workaday clothes ready to dress in the wonderful robes of the Order; it was better for him to be naked whilst bathing Tacey as it would not do to wet his robes. Tacey stood motionless in her trouser suit, still with the Teorsic Circle fixed to her face but her eyes betrayed intelligence behind her fixed expression. It was right for her to be conscious, she now needed to remember the lessons she would be taught. He knew her eyes would be staring at his teors, she could not help it and it was right for women to focus on the teors, to think about its beauty and power. Generously, as he began to take off Tacey's jacket he permitted his teors to rise to help give her focus and bring her back from her Mesmodildo induced trance. His penis swayed magnificently and he paused to watch it in one of the many mirrors of the bath house. Inevitably she would compare it to her own biologically comparable but so much inferior organ, the Clitoris. Almost unnoticeable in some women, a mere pimple in others but for some there was an element of size, a proto-teors but, obviously, none could stand comparison with the Teors. The Bacalum was most particular and expected the size of the erect clitoris to be established and recorded. He thought it important. Jonathan was skilled in this and had a Clitometer ready.Jonathan fumbled at Tacey's bra strap. He always had difficulty with these and then pulled down her panties. Jonathan took a step back and frowned, staring at the naked girl and particularly her pudenda. Her pubic hair had been shaved into a long vertical band rising up with her Cleft of Venus. To Jonathan the upright band had an inappropriate element of the Teors about it, a column of dark curly hair standing vertically up her pubis—did it not represent a Teors—that great column of the male? Why even the top of the column, below her navel seemed rounded. Was this sign of her further disrespect or quite the opposite, a mark of respect? Jonathan did not know. He was torn between seeking out the Bacalum and asking, but thereby displaying ignorance, or leaving be, but that seemed indecisive. Perhaps it would be best for Tacey if he assumed the worse and shaved off the offending symbol leaving her pudenda naked of hair. The Bacalum, he knew, preferred girls like that— innocent and pure was Jonathan's understanding of his reasons.Leading Tacey by the hand into the water Jonathan picked up the soap and began to lather Tacey's skin. It was not an unpleasant task feeling his hands sliding over her smooth young skin, leaving no place uncleansed, but taking especial trouble over the ritualistic four parts of the woman's body which required greatest care—the nipples, the bottom and the pudenda. A full minute being allotted to each in the proper order. First the left nipple, then the right, followed by the bottom and lastly the pudenda. Jonathan looked into Tacey's eyes and saw considerable surprise as his right index finger, liberally coated in soap, slipped up her bottom. It was appropriate. A woman should be surprised at the unexpected acts of a man.Finally Jonathan washed Tacey's hair, lathering it enthusiastically as he stood and she knelt in the bath in the proper position a woman should take when a man is shampooing her hair. Equally properly Jonathan placed his teors between Tacey's lips, still in the Teorsic Circle, and pushed. A woman should always suck the man's teors when he is washing her hair. It was clearly shown in the old manuscripts. Tacey reacted rather dopily but instinctively seeking the Teorsic Fluid. It was not, though, appropriate yet.The full minute spent soapily washing, shaving and examining Tracey's pudenda also ensured, had the Mesmodildo not done its arousing work, the clitoris was fully erect. Drying Tacey with towels he had her lie down and open her legs wide, giving him not only full access but a full view of her sex. He readied his instrument, his Clitometer, adjusting the wheels and shiny metal dividers to measure both circumference and length. The cold metal touched Tacey's sensitive button and she winced slightly. "Why?" she said in a slightly slurred voice. Her faculties were returning."Because it is necessary." He was being kind. It was not necessary to answer a woman's questions or even to listen to her.The last part of the preparation now needed to be undertaken. Jonathan brought Tacey to a curved marble saddle surmounted by a gorgeous golden teors. Of realistic size; unlike many of the beautiful representations in the halls; not too large because this had to fit all women; and more stylistic in design than many more faithful depictions. It was in an art nouveau style which so fitted the curving nature of the teors and the artist had taken liberty with his depiction of the glans which swept unusually far down the shaft giving a particularly streamlined look. A beautiful object which would give any women great pleasure to mount. Carefully he sat Tacey astride ensuring she lowered herself so the teors pushed up inside her. Instinctively, as before, Tacey began to ride the teors. Jonathan smiled a little in pity. Women had such a need for and such a longing to steal the Teorsic Fluid. They could not help themselves.Jonathan depressed a lever and Tacey betrayed surprise. It was not Teorsic Fluid but a sweet Almond oil that was being injected by the golden teors into her as she rode. A cunning contraption pumped out the oil in carefully regulated spurts mimicking the Third Wonder but in a profusion only the most adept knights were able to achieve—and the truth was that Jonathan was not one of them; much to his chagrin. He was, though, working at raising his TFL, performing the exercises at morning and night. He carefully recorded the outcome in a spreadsheet stored on his laptop and the chart did show a rising trend. (TFL = Teorsic Fluid Level).The purpose of the Almond ejaculation was not the pleasure of the women, or deceiving her she had taken Teorsic Fluid, but to prepare her. In Tacey's case the Mesmodildo had caused her to literally drip but the liberal amount of Almond oil being pumped into her would ensure ease of teorsic insertion and a most appropriate sheen of oily lubrication running down the inside of her thighs. The Order expected not just the substance but the appearance of things and it was so very important for a woman appearing before the massed knights not only to be massively aroused by the honour shown but to visibly demonstrate it as well.Prepared, Jonathan dressed Tacey in the linen shift and finished his own ritual. Washed, he merely needed to don the badges of his rank and his robes. At the very base of his teorsic shaft, indeed clasping it tightly behind his scrotum, he tied, with leather thongs, a thin leather belt encircling the shaft forcing the scrotum forwards and the testes into greater prominence. It was the first symbol of a member of the Order and many wore it ordinarily under their street clothes.From a small red leather box Jonathon drew out three intricately engraved gold rings, rings prepared by the Order's goldsmith—a member himself. The first ring for a raphe, the second for a knight and the third ring for a member of the Corona. Jonathan had not possessed the third ring for long, indeed had only recently been erected to the Corona, and was only just getting used to wearing it tightly and impressively below his glans. Lifting his now unerect teors by the prepuce, with an ease gained by long practice Jonathan slipped the first, second and then third ring down the shaft and willed the First Wonder. His teors rose proudly, the flesh expanding into the rings so they were held tightly in their allotted positions as if the shaft was bound in gold. His teors looked magnificent in the mirror; Jonathan admired himself turning to the right and left as if trying on a new suit of clothes; it was big, knurled by veins, beautifully banded in gold and surmounted by the shiny purple head with its eye of mystery. It never ceased to impress him.Only the Bacalum wore the fifth symbol, a gold, bejewelled hat or helmet sitting atop his teors-head.Pulling on his great red robe Jonathan was prepared and led Tacey out into the great hall of the knights, the Corpus Cavernosum. The Knights of the Teorsas were assembled and waiting.The grand phallic ritual is concluded.The shock to Tacey must have been immense, shock and awe at walking into such a beautiful stone vaulted place and seeing the knights and raphes, perhaps a hundred in all, standing in their red robes watching her, their eyes focused just upon her; and, at their centre, the figure of the Bacalum looking so serene and wonderful in his great curving red penile hat. Jonathan could not but sense what she was feeling as he led her down the massed rows of the knights. Certainly her eyes were wide.A low chanting filled the hall as Jonathan led Tacey forward to the centre of the hall. Speaking in a clear voice he outlined to the assembly Tacey's grave misdemeanour. It was certain, very certain they were not pleased and Jonathan felt for Tacey as she must now realise how great was her error, how unwise and wrong it was to speak lightly of the teors and in a flippant manner. It was possible she thought herself there for punishment but that was not often the way of the Order. Perhaps once upon a time Tacey would have been bound tightly and her bottom roundly punished as the Knights watched; the sight of a helpless, naked, bound girl wriggling under torment greatly assisting their meditation.
It does not do, to speak mockingly of erections.By Drmaxc. Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories. "Men and their erections,""Men and their erections," Tacey laughed shrilly, "if you could harness them you'd solve the energy crisis. Forget the unpredictability of wind power, their erections rise and fall come sun, come rain, come snow; if you could only capture the energy of all those millions of cocks..."The girls giggled and laughed loudly in their gaggle at the bar. They had drunk too much and were being disrespectful of men. Jonathan did not like it, he expected women to speak of such things, the male sexual organ, in hushed, slightly awed tones: not make silly jokes as if, he paused and took a breath, a 'Teors' was something to laugh about. He used the Old English deliberately. To have used a slang term — a 'cock' as the girl had done, a 'willy' or the like would have been wrong. He gripped his glass; something would need to be done.Entering the subterranean halls of the Knights of the Teorsas always gave Jonathan a particular thrill. Unknown to virtually the whole population of London it was a closely guarded secret, not even disclosed to the authorities. All they knew about was the insignificant little house in a backstreet of Covent Garden and it was to that house that the bills for electricity and the like came. It was an unremarkable house that held a remarkable secret as it gave access, through its cellar, to the ancient home of the Knights, the Great Phallocrypt, a network of rooms, halls and passages built in stone many, many, many years ago.Jonathan was much more than an initiate, a Raphe, more than a mere knight but a man who had crossed the Fraenum, the narrow bridge between the Corpus Cavernosum, the great hall where the knights assembled in their pomp, and the grand domed meeting hall of the inner circle, the Corona, who ruled the order. Jonathan was himself a member of the Corona, albeit its most junior having only been erected to the position a bare month before. He had, by virtue of his status, access to the Grand Master of the Order, the Bacalum, and could speak to him as of right.Dressed in his ceremonial robes, the gold badge of the erect phallus woven in gold thread into the red material, Jonathan strode through the Corpus Cavernosum nodding to knights he met but there was no time to pause and engage in intercourse, he had urgent business, a matter of grave importance to report to the Bacalum himself. Crossing the bridge of the Fraenum still gave him a thrill. How many of the knights achieved that? Such a singular honour; he had been speechless for a full minute when he had been told to prepare himself. How many would ever wear the third gold band around their teors? How many of them were ever able to do the thing he was about to do? To raise the great brass phallic knocker and tap three times on the oaken door of the Lacuna Magna, the Grand Master's private office?As always, the Bacalum was dressed in his ancient robes, beautifully decorated with representations of the ancient Roman god, Priapus, and with his great red curving penile hat making him look so much taller than he actually was. A trick long realised by the designers of uniforms; whether the bearskins of the Guards, the Shako of yesteryear or, indeed, the 'tit' of the London bobby. Shaking his grey head wisely he listened as Jonathan described what he had heard only the night before."It will not do, it will not do." The Baculum's words of wisdom enervated Jonathan."I seek permission to use, to wield, the Great Mesmodildo." The words were out; Jonathan had made the request, an act of considerable presumption in one so junior.There was a sharp intake of breath, the great phallic hat jerked upwards, and the penetrating eyes of the Grand Master seemed to bore right into Jonathan. There was a pause, "It will do."They sat for a few moments in contemplation. On the walls were artists' impressions of wonderful buildings not built. Designs by some of the leading architects of their day for skyscrapers intended to be the tallest buildings in the world in their time, all unmistakeably phallic, as skyscrapers are, but not simply because they were structures pointed at the sky but true erections designed to look like erections, buildings particularly phallic in design. Unrealised plans by Mies Van de Rohe, Frank Lloyd Wright, Colonel Seifert and most recently Sir Norman Foster. Designs the Order had not been able to find sufficient backers to fund; statements to the world not yet realised; buildings intended to awe and strike a proper respectfulness, an understanding of their place in the world, in womankind.The Grand Master rose, drawing his robes around him and walked to a cupboard; opening its black ebonised door he drew out something about a foot long and wrapped in a cloth; with both hands he presented it to Jonathan who, standing, accepted it with a bow. "I shall take the greatest care, Grand Master.""Do."Walking slowly back down the Corpus Cavernosa, Jonathan mused on the wise words of the Bacalum and upon his mission. Tucked into his robes was the ancient object — it would not do for the knights to see that which he had been entrusted or to know it was amongst them.Shedding his ceremonial robes in the outermost halls, where the putative knights, the Raphes, met and took instruction in their twin, wonderfully spherical, meeting rooms, Jonathan ascended back into a rainy, wet London morning; the ancient object tucked in his duffle bag along with his laptop and sandwiches. He had his job in the world outside the Order which he must attend to from 9am to 5pm but then he would commence his mission.It was one thing to hold the Mesmodildo but another to set up the opportunity to use it. Jonathan neither knew where Tacey lived nor worked. He did not actually know her name. His only knowledge was that she sometimes frequented: rather had at least once frequented, the bar where he had heard her disrespectful statement. He should have found out more about her at the time; he realised that now — it would have been better to have gathered more evidence before reporting to the Bacalum — but he had been so incensed, so overcome that he had rushed ahead without careful reflection and contemplation. He would meditate upon it later that evening.Meditation was important to the Order. Sitting cross-legged on a mat woven with ancient designs, a knight would sit in contemplation of his teors until turgidity ensued, that First Wonder of the teors; his thoughts would roam free as he sought to better understand himself, resolve his problems and focus on the baseness of his desires whilst seeking to raise the Primo Cumum, that first flowing of the teors so aptly described as its Second Wonder; lastly came the conclusion of the ritual, the ultimate goal of the meditation—the full flowing of the teors, the Ejaculum, a sight wonderful to behold—when the teors of its own volition would spew forth its seed. Putative knights worked hard at achieving this, many sitting for hours trying to create in their heads the necessary images; erotic images necessarily to achieve the apparently spontaneous Ejaculum.At first, and Jonathan had to admit he was as one with them, putative knights would use the Manualum or hand to achieve the necessary final stimulation; but he had achieved so much more -- the result of hard work and dedication. Often appropriate texts or images were used, spread before the knight or novice to assist in his meditation. The Library of the Order, the Curiosa, contained many volumes and meditational material.Traditionally the knight would bow his head and orally accept the bounty of the Ejaculum. Ancient manuscripts, some written in Latin, some Sanskrit testified to this and the beautiful coloured illustrations showed no less. A variant much favoured in the modern Corona, and therefore too the Corpus Cavernosa, was the Art of Felicitation, requiring extensive practice, much suppleness of the body and, Jonathan admitted, a long teors. He, himself, had only managed the briefest of Teorsic Kiss at the moment of Ejaculum but the Bacalum and a few others of the Corona, knights of great experience, could hold the rounded terminus of their teors orally at the moment of the Third Wonder, an ideal act permitting the recycling of the seed so not one drop was lost to the body.Jonathan was lucky, very lucky. Inevitably he had returned to the very bar of Tacey's misdeed as the only reference point he had in relation to her; had sat there nursing a beer and wondering if he would have to use the power of the Mesmodildo on the very pretty bar girl who had, he recalled, been there on the previous night. Perhaps she would know about the disrespectful girl; know who she was and where she lived — and her name. The entrance of Tacey saved the need. It was a relief to Jonathan — the pretty bar girl with the large breasts might not have known anything about the disrespectful girl and left him with no obvious lead in his quest; it also saved the seed he might well have lost to her in the course of extracting the information; she was, after all, very pretty and perhaps worthy of the honour.Tacey moved across the room and sat on a bar stool, her long legs crossed one over the other drawing up the material of her trouser leg revealing a particularly fine pair of high heeled shoes—clearly new by the sight of the soles and undoubtedly expensive.Not for the first time Jonathan wondered both at the impudence and the illogicality of women. There sat the girl in a suit of clothes but with trousers not a skirt. Trousers were a male prerogative and unsuited to women; they were for men. A skirt would have shown her new shoes off but instead they were largely hidden by the trousers. What was the sense in buying shoes to be noticed and then wearing trousers? There was no logic. The girl would look better without the trousers. In his mind he imagined the girl naked but for the shoes; it was an appropriate image he would use for meditation later. He looked down at his own sensible, solid black shoes largely hidden by his own trousers — and that was perhaps just as well. He mentally gave himself a note to polish them in the morning—it was a task he tended to overlook though it would not do to keep the dome of his teors unpolished.A further shock came to Jonathan; instead of a white wine spritzer or some expensive but brightly coloured vodka concoction in a pretty bottle, the girl had ordered beer: not just a half but a whole pint. She was drinking beer from a pint glass! Had she no shame?Jonathan got up and walked across to her, "I have something to show you," he said without introduction and in a deep impressive voice.Tacey looked Jonathan up and down for a moment and then burst into laughter, "Ooh, you little pervert, you!" She seemed to find the whole scene very funny indeed. Jonathan was affronted. What had he said?"Well, what do you want? Who are you?" She said.It was not going well; it should be he who was asking the questions. As the Bacalum had wisely said, "it would not do." Slowly he drew from his duffle bag an object wrapped in a cloth. "I have this to show you," Jonathan said mysteriously, drawing the cloth down the object a little way.Tacey had never seen the like. It was a pearl, a great creamy, misty pearl; far, far bigger than any she had seen before; a pearl far bigger than the cultivated pearls of her best necklace; a pearl far bigger than the one Great Aunt Agatha used to wear when she, Tacey, was little and had so fascinated her on visits. Within it, great streamy swirls of creamy clouds seemed to move, captivating her, capturing her eye; she found it difficult to look away from the pearl, to stop watching the moving clouds of cream that appeared to roll around the jewel.Gradually Jonathan drew down the material covering the object and whilst her eyes could not leave the pearl she could see it was mounted on gold, indeed atop a golden acorn... or was it an acorn? As the material rolled back Tacey realised it was not so much an acorn as the bulbous end to a golden penis — a golden erect penis in exquisite detail surmounted by a great pearl; a pearl representing, quite clearly to her eye now, the bubbling up of semen or rather, what did they call it, yes, it was the 'pre-cum.' She was both shocked and fascinated; her eyes could not draw away and leave the pearl with its swirls of milky cream. Her mind was being taken.Jonathan watched Tacey's reaction; it was how it should be, no woman could resist the Great Mesmodildo, their pretty eyes were drawn to the pearl like moths to a candle and next would come the longing, a certain dryness of the mouth, an increasing need for something they could not quite place—it was no less than the desire for the milk of a man, a teosic longing in their loins. Jonathan had no need to completely un-sheathe the artefact, to reveal its shining golden glory, merely sliding back the material to expose the bulbous head was sufficientTracey's tongue moved slowly across her lips; they felt dry."Shall we sit over there, somewhere more private?" Jonathan sheathed the Mesmodildo. He had taken command of the situation.Tacey took a large swig of beer to ease the sudden dryness in her throat and followed him without question.Once again Jonathan eased back the covering revealing the golden head mounted with its strange pearl. Tacey stared; images of ejaculating penises came flooding into her mind and the thought of taking the head of this gold penis into her mouth, stroking it with her tongue, feeling the sensual smoothness of the pearl—smooth, yes smooth like... like... semen. Her nipples pricked at the material of her bra, they felt as hard as iron or, indeed, the gold of the strange penis before her. Within her panties, the new purple pair her especial friend, Diane, had bought her, she was flowing. Already the material felt soaked as if newly from the wash; it would seep into her trousers—an embarrassing wet stain."May I, may I please suck it," she asked in a small, little girl's voice.Jonathan smiled to himself. It was more like pleading. How easy these women were taken, how powerful the Mesmodildo, how easily their minds were beaten and taken and their lust aroused. In a moment she would be pleading with him to let her suck his teors, desperate to take his seed and feel it slipping down her throat. But now was not the time and not just because they were in a public bar.The bar actually was empty but for the pretty bar girl and the Mesmodildo would handle her easily. Jonathan looked again at her and thought that perhaps another time, if he had not returned the Mesmodildo, he would like to use the artefact upon her and see her kneeling before him."You may," he replied and held it for her, still wrapped, with just the very end, the beautifully rounded head showing, and watched as she made the proper rounded shape with her mouth, the Teoric Circle, that women must make, before bowing her head down and absorbing the smooth gold head. He could imagine within her mouth the rapid flicking tongue; all women did this; the tip caressing the smoothness of the pear imagining it a continuous spurt of male milk to assuage their desperate thirst.Gently he pulled, extracting the Mesmodildo. He liked the need to pull a little to overcome the natural suction of the girl wishing to retain the object. It was a pleasant resistance.Tacey looked up at him, her eyes wide and doe like, her mouth still in the shape of the Teorsic Circle ready for the Mesmodildo, his own teors or, indeed, any other teors. It was a temptation. So very pleasant to have been able to disrobe, but not there, and place his own teors in this girl's mouth; feel her tongue seeking the milk, trying to enter the very end of his teors; feeling the Second Wonder rising and watching, as his teors rested on her tongue, the small first clear drop of the Teorsic Fluid seep and run down from the acorn head; the sudden stiffening as the tongue tasted and induced a frenzy of sucking.From the bar the other girl stared. What had that man offered the girl to eat and why did her face now hold the expression of some plastic inflatable sex doll?"Come," he said — and she almost did — the feeling of arousal was so strong, but he meant for her to follow.It was but a short taxi ride; though Tacey would remember nothing of it nor walking into a small building and down some steps — the stone steps to the Great Phallocrypt, Jonathan leading her by the hand.It might have been thought that no women would have been permitted to enter the ancient halls of the Order. Certainly they could not be of the Order, being mere women and lacking teorsas though it was said in times past there had been exceptions; women who would rather have been men; women with slim boyish hips and small breasts who had worn cunningly made simulated, pseudo-teorsas and had been more than happy to join in the male rituals sometimes made upon and with other members of their sex. This, though, was most certainly not permitted by the current and recent Bacala.It was possible, though, for women to be brought for judgement, correction or punishment: but not for pleasure. It should not be thought the Order was in any way a society for 'randy' old men to enjoy countless women in a social way, a sort of 'Hellfire Club' or opportunity for hedonistic orgiastic activity. The Order's purposes were profound, mysterious and extremely serious. Any sexual gratification was a by-product, almost an accident: though to achieve the First, Second and Third Wonders of the Teors erotic thoughts a plenty were needed and sexual activity was something the knights were required to undertake regularly and in a brotherly fashion. The Wonders of the Teors, after all, had their root in sexual activity.It was appropriate for Jonathan to undress Tacey. It would not do for her to be presented to the Knights in clothes from the city above, least of all in that so wrong trouser suit. She needed to be modestly clad in a simple cream linen shift, a shapeless garment hiding her womanly attributes from the knights. First, though, she needed to be ritually washed; like the undressing it was a task Jonathan would need to undertake and it was a task he did not shirk. There were no female attendants in the Phallocrypt to assist female 'visitors' and, as Tacey was his charge, Jonathan would need to perform the ceremony. He led her into a side chamber, stone vaulted and with a stone bath sunken into the floor. The water splashed into the bath and Jonathan added scents of sandalwood, carbolic and spice.Firstly Jonathan undressed, glad to be free of his workaday clothes ready to dress in the wonderful robes of the Order; it was better for him to be naked whilst bathing Tacey as it would not do to wet his robes. Tacey stood motionless in her trouser suit, still with the Teorsic Circle fixed to her face but her eyes betrayed intelligence behind her fixed expression. It was right for her to be conscious, she now needed to remember the lessons she would be taught. He knew her eyes would be staring at his teors, she could not help it and it was right for women to focus on the teors, to think about its beauty and power. Generously, as he began to take off Tacey's jacket he permitted his teors to rise to help give her focus and bring her back from her Mesmodildo induced trance. His penis swayed magnificently and he paused to watch it in one of the many mirrors of the bath house. Inevitably she would compare it to her own biologically comparable but so much inferior organ, the Clitoris. Almost unnoticeable in some women, a mere pimple in others but for some there was an element of size, a proto-teors but, obviously, none could stand comparison with the Teors. The Bacalum was most particular and expected the size of the erect clitoris to be established and recorded. He thought it important. Jonathan was skilled in this and had a Clitometer ready.Jonathan fumbled at Tacey's bra strap. He always had difficulty with these and then pulled down her panties. Jonathan took a step back and frowned, staring at the naked girl and particularly her pudenda. Her pubic hair had been shaved into a long vertical band rising up with her Cleft of Venus. To Jonathan the upright band had an inappropriate element of the Teors about it, a column of dark curly hair standing vertically up her pubis—did it not represent a Teors—that great column of the male? Why even the top of the column, below her navel seemed rounded. Was this sign of her further disrespect or quite the opposite, a mark of respect? Jonathan did not know. He was torn between seeking out the Bacalum and asking, but thereby displaying ignorance, or leaving be, but that seemed indecisive. Perhaps it would be best for Tacey if he assumed the worse and shaved off the offending symbol leaving her pudenda naked of hair. The Bacalum, he knew, preferred girls like that— innocent and pure was Jonathan's understanding of his reasons.Leading Tacey by the hand into the water Jonathan picked up the soap and began to lather Tacey's skin. It was not an unpleasant task feeling his hands sliding over her smooth young skin, leaving no place uncleansed, but taking especial trouble over the ritualistic four parts of the woman's body which required greatest care—the nipples, the bottom and the pudenda. A full minute being allotted to each in the proper order. First the left nipple, then the right, followed by the bottom and lastly the pudenda. Jonathan looked into Tacey's eyes and saw considerable surprise as his right index finger, liberally coated in soap, slipped up her bottom. It was appropriate. A woman should be surprised at the unexpected acts of a man.Finally Jonathan washed Tacey's hair, lathering it enthusiastically as he stood and she knelt in the bath in the proper position a woman should take when a man is shampooing her hair. Equally properly Jonathan placed his teors between Tacey's lips, still in the Teorsic Circle, and pushed. A woman should always suck the man's teors when he is washing her hair. It was clearly shown in the old manuscripts. Tacey reacted rather dopily but instinctively seeking the Teorsic Fluid. It was not, though, appropriate yet.The full minute spent soapily washing, shaving and examining Tracey's pudenda also ensured, had the Mesmodildo not done its arousing work, the clitoris was fully erect. Drying Tacey with towels he had her lie down and open her legs wide, giving him not only full access but a full view of her sex. He readied his instrument, his Clitometer, adjusting the wheels and shiny metal dividers to measure both circumference and length. The cold metal touched Tacey's sensitive button and she winced slightly. "Why?" she said in a slightly slurred voice. Her faculties were returning."Because it is necessary." He was being kind. It was not necessary to answer a woman's questions or even to listen to her.The last part of the preparation now needed to be undertaken. Jonathan brought Tacey to a curved marble saddle surmounted by a gorgeous golden teors. Of realistic size; unlike many of the beautiful representations in the halls; not too large because this had to fit all women; and more stylistic in design than many more faithful depictions. It was in an art nouveau style which so fitted the curving nature of the teors and the artist had taken liberty with his depiction of the glans which swept unusually far down the shaft giving a particularly streamlined look. A beautiful object which would give any women great pleasure to mount. Carefully he sat Tacey astride ensuring she lowered herself so the teors pushed up inside her. Instinctively, as before, Tacey began to ride the teors. Jonathan smiled a little in pity. Women had such a need for and such a longing to steal the Teorsic Fluid. They could not help themselves.Jonathan depressed a lever and Tacey betrayed surprise. It was not Teorsic Fluid but a sweet Almond oil that was being injected by the golden teors into her as she rode. A cunning contraption pumped out the oil in carefully regulated spurts mimicking the Third Wonder but in a profusion only the most adept knights were able to achieve—and the truth was that Jonathan was not one of them; much to his chagrin. He was, though, working at raising his TFL, performing the exercises at morning and night. He carefully recorded the outcome in a spreadsheet stored on his laptop and the chart did show a rising trend. (TFL = Teorsic Fluid Level).The purpose of the Almond ejaculation was not the pleasure of the women, or deceiving her she had taken Teorsic Fluid, but to prepare her. In Tacey's case the Mesmodildo had caused her to literally drip but the liberal amount of Almond oil being pumped into her would ensure ease of teorsic insertion and a most appropriate sheen of oily lubrication running down the inside of her thighs. The Order expected not just the substance but the appearance of things and it was so very important for a woman appearing before the massed knights not only to be massively aroused by the honour shown but to visibly demonstrate it as well.Prepared, Jonathan dressed Tacey in the linen shift and finished his own ritual. Washed, he merely needed to don the badges of his rank and his robes. At the very base of his teorsic shaft, indeed clasping it tightly behind his scrotum, he tied, with leather thongs, a thin leather belt encircling the shaft forcing the scrotum forwards and the testes into greater prominence. It was the first symbol of a member of the Order and many wore it ordinarily under their street clothes.From a small red leather box Jonathon drew out three intricately engraved gold rings, rings prepared by the Order's goldsmith—a member himself. The first ring for a raphe, the second for a knight and the third ring for a member of the Corona. Jonathan had not possessed the third ring for long, indeed had only recently been erected to the Corona, and was only just getting used to wearing it tightly and impressively below his glans. Lifting his now unerect teors by the prepuce, with an ease gained by long practice Jonathan slipped the first, second and then third ring down the shaft and willed the First Wonder. His teors rose proudly, the flesh expanding into the rings so they were held tightly in their allotted positions as if the shaft was bound in gold. His teors looked magnificent in the mirror; Jonathan admired himself turning to the right and left as if trying on a new suit of clothes; it was big, knurled by veins, beautifully banded in gold and surmounted by the shiny purple head with its eye of mystery. It never ceased to impress him.Only the Bacalum wore the fifth symbol, a gold, bejewelled hat or helmet sitting atop his teors-head.Pulling on his great red robe Jonathan was prepared and led Tacey out into the great hall of the knights, the Corpus Cavernosum. The Knights of the Teorsas were assembled and waiting.The grand phallic ritual is concluded.The shock to Tacey must have been immense, shock and awe at walking into such a beautiful stone vaulted place and seeing the knights and raphes, perhaps a hundred in all, standing in their red robes watching her, their eyes focused just upon her; and, at their centre, the figure of the Bacalum looking so serene and wonderful in his great curving red penile hat. Jonathan could not but sense what she was feeling as he led her down the massed rows of the knights. Certainly her eyes were wide.A low chanting filled the hall as Jonathan led Tacey forward to the centre of the hall. Speaking in a clear voice he outlined to the assembly Tacey's grave misdemeanour. It was certain, very certain they were not pleased and Jonathan felt for Tacey as she must now realise how great was her error, how unwise and wrong it was to speak lightly of the teors and in a flippant manner. It was possible she thought herself there for punishment but that was not often the way of the Order. Perhaps once upon a time Tacey would have been bound tightly and her bottom roundly punished as the Knights watched; the sight of a helpless, naked, bound girl wriggling under torment greatly assisting their meditation.
In this exploration of backstage food, Jaega Wise meets actors and musicians to find out how they eat to fuel their performance. The journey begins backstage at the Criterion Theatre in the West End, to meet stars of the hit musical Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) Dujonna Gift and Sam Tutty. From there Jaega chats to baker Stacy Donnelly who's provided thousands of real-life pies for Waitress the Musical on broadway, and gets advice from nutritionist and dietician Jasmine Challis on the best diet to fuel dancers. She also heads to Joe Allen's in Covent Garden, which is renowned for feeding Hollywood stars, and chats to author of “My Family and Other Rock stars”, Tiffany Murray, who's written a memoir about watching her Mum Joan acting as chef for performers of the 70s such as Queen, Black Sabbath and David Bowie. And finally she'll be getting to know popstar couple Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Richard Jones, to talk riders, eating on tour, and the breakfast Sophie can't do without.Presented by Jaega Wise and produced for BBC Audio Bristol by Tory Pope.
In this special episode Iain and Al look at the best ski jackets for 2025. It's the third in our series of looking at the best snowsports equipment available for winter 2025. In our first two episodes, we looked at the best skis and the ski boots. In later episodes, we'll look at the best helmets, goggles, gloves and socks, plus there will be a special episode focusing on ski touring equipment. This Special Episode of The Ski Podcast has been made possible by Ellis Brigham. Ellis Brigham are the winter sports specialists, with 16 shops around the UK where you can find all the kit you need for this winter. Alternatively, simply go to their website at ellis-brigham.com and you can buy online now. SHOW NOTES Waterproofing (3:00) Taping (7:30) Breathability (8:30) MVTR (9:30) Gore-Tex (10:15) 3-layer (shell) v. 2-layer jackets (11:00) Membranes and Insulation eg PrimaLoft, Thinsulate (13:00) What is a ‘powder skirt'? (15:15) What is ‘Recco'? (16:45) What is DWR? (19:40) Gore-tex EPe (20:00) Mono-material garments (20:30) Find out more about the danger of PFCs (21:00) Iain visited the Arc'teryx repair shop in Covent Garden (22:00) Listen to Iain's interview with Arc'teryx in Episode 218 Al recommends NikWax for cleaning your technical clothing Find out more about Patagonia's donations to fight climate change (35:30) Listen to Iain's interview with Picture Organic Clothing (37:45) THE BEST SKI JACKETS OF 2025 (25:00) Descente Women's Welded Down Jacket, £789 (25:45) The North Face Men's Summit Verbier GORE-TEX Jacket, £630 (28:00) Henri Duvillard Women's Alicia Ski Jacket, £539 (30:15) Patagonia Storm Shift Jacket, £449 (32:45, available for men & women) Picture Women's Haakon Jacket, £350 (36:30) ELLIS BRIGHAM'S CHOICE (38:00) Harry Cavill is Ellis Brigham's skiwear buyer. Her choice for the Best Ski Jacket of the year is the Goldberg Women's Porter Jacket, £530 Ellis Brigham are the winter sports specialists, with 16 shops around the UK where you can find all the kit you need for this winter at ellis-brigham.com where you can buy online now. FEEDBACK (42:30) I enjoy all feedback about the show, I like to know what you think, especially about our features so please contact on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com Chalets Direct:“Very good overview of the design and material technology of the latest skis and how they perform on the mountain. Fun to listen too.” n-da-bunka2650: “Custom bootfitters sometimes focus on what they have in stock rather than a boot the client may have been interested in.” chrisbristol: “Thanks Iain, enjoying the podcast” If you like the podcast, there are two things you can do to help: 1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify 2) Subscribe, so you never miss an episode 3) Share with your friends You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast
Adam Reed @adamreedhair is one of the most passionate perfume-lovers we've ever met, filling his fabulous Covent Garden salon with his personal collection, and recently launching his own Arkive eaux de parfums. We just HAD to get him on the show!Adam is the founder of Arkive @arkivebyadamreed, having worked in the hair care industry for 35 years - trusted by clients such as Madonna, Reese Witherspoon, Sophie Dahl and Harry Styles, (to name a handful), as well as styling countless runway shows, with his editorial work featured in just about every glossy magazine you've ever heard of. He's also a Global Ambassador for both L'Oréal Professionnel, GHD and the Green Salon Collective.Always an advocate for openness about mental health, we were SO moved by Adam's emotional honesty during this interview - talking about the many connections he has to fragrance. We also discuss how although the right scent can't exactly mend everything that's broken in your life; it CAN give you something beautiful to hold on to while you find your way through a horrible time.Here are some of the scents that infuse Adam's life…[NB. Some images of vintage / discontinued products couldn't be found]@diorbeauty Christian Dior Jules Talcum Powder (Vintage)@santamarianovella1221 Melograno Talcum Powder (Discontinued)@avon_uk Tai Winds Bath Cubes (Vintage)@jomalonelondon Lime Basil & Mandarin Candle@thenue_co Forest Lungs@rpparfums Fracas@lorealparis Elnett Hairspray@bourjois_uk Soir de Paris@chanelofficial CHANEL N°5@oldspice Old Spice CologneInsignia Deodorant (Vintage)Claude Montana Parfum de Peau (Vintage)@cacharelparfums LouLou@diorbeauty Christian Dior Poison@cotyinc ExclamationMary Quant [possibly P.M. fragrance?]@poloralphlauren Ralph Lauren Polo@yslbeauty Jazz@calvinklein Obsession for Men / Obsession for Women@esteelauder Youth Dew / Youth Dew Amber NudeImperial Leather SoapTomato leaves@isseymiyakeparfums L'Eau d'Issey / Pour Homme@diptyque Tam Dao@alexandermcqueen Kingdom@4711 4711 CologneBadedas Bath Gel@arkiveheadcare ARKIVE Makes Scents:Decorated WoodsNo One ElsieFuture BloomA Kind of Floral
Have you ever thought about how you breathe? For many of us, the 20,000+ breaths we take each day go underneath our conscious awareness. But every now and then, a short-lived spout or a chronic case of breathlessness can remind us just how vital good breathing is for our health. But can we all breathe “better”? Some wellness trends suggest so... James Gallagher gets to grips with mouth-taping: the practice of taping the mouth shut during the night to promote exclusive ‘nasal breathing'. Many claim it has improved their sleep, their athletic performance and even given them a more chiselled jaw. Ken O'Halloran, professor of physiology at University College Cork, explains what research has been done looking into this trend and warns about when taping might do more harm than good. James also visits The Coliseum in Covent Garden to hear how an operatic training programme has improved the quality of life for people living with Long-COVID. ENO Breathe, designed by The English National Opera and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, has seen 4000 people learn to breathe like a classical singer to help them handle breathlessness. Creative director, Suzi Zumpe, and respiratory registrar, Keir Philip, talk through the programme and its impacts. Finally, could taking consciousness control of our breathing for a short time each day improve our health? Guy Fincham, researcher at the University of Sussex, dives into his PhD research on breathwork, including his initial studies looking at who might benefit from these practices. Presenter: James Gallagher Producer: Julia Ravey Content Editor: Holly Squire Studio Engineer: Giles Aspen Production Coordinator: Ismael Soriano This programme was produced in partnership with The Open University.
In this special on-location episode of the Good Food Podcast, join host Samuel Goldsmith as he sits down with the highly respected chef Jackson Boxer at his renowned restaurant, Brunswick House. Jackson shares insights into his culinary career, his daily routines, and the challenges and joys of being a chef and a father. Listen in to hear Jackson's thoughts on cooking for oneself versus cooking for others, his philosophy on food, and his love for simple yet exquisite dishes. Plus, what do his children think of his cooking, his culinary disasters and his favourite dish. Jackson Boxer began his career as a kitchen porter at the age of 16. He continued to pursue cooking jobs while finishing school and completing a degree in English at Cambridge University. After graduating, he joined the opening team at 32 Great Queen Street. After three years, he left to found Brunswick House at the age of 24, together with his brother Frank Boxer. What was initially intended as a six-month pop-up with a 10-seat counter snack bar and a café atmosphere, has grown into a dining room, bar, terrace, three private dining rooms and the cellars – a nascent speakeasy and dance dungeon. In March 2019, Jackson opened Orasay in Notting Hill, inspired by the western isles of Scotland, and now splits his time between the kitchens of Brunswick House and Orasay as Chef Proprietor. In summer 2023, Jackson joined Cowley Manor Experimental, the Experimental Group's first UK project outside of London, as Chef Consultant for the Cotswolds-based hotel. In September 2023, Jackson opened Jackson Boxer at the Corner restaurant on the second floor of Selfridges, Oxford Street. In 2024, he opened his newest restaurant in Covent Garden, Henri. Subscribers to the Good Food app via App Store get access to the show ad-free, and with regular bonus content such as interviews recorded at the good food show. To get started, download the Good Food app today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Join us for a conversation with UK Magician Samuel Osborne! Samuel captivates audiences with street shows in Reading Town Centre and Covent Garden, plus mind-blowing card magic at private and corporate events. Tune in to discover his journey, social media rise, and passion for modern magic! Follow Samuel on Insta @samuelosborne.magic Get The Magic Guys T-Shirt!!!! Email Us - themagicguysshow@gmail.com Leave a voicemail for The Magic Guys - https://www.speakpipe.com/themagicguys Join The Magic Guys Discord!!! The Podcast where Professional Magicians, Josh Norbido, Doug Conn & Nick Kay take on the important questions of life (Mainly from our youtube subscribers) and deliver answers from a Magicians point of view. Come hang out with us while we chat about our lives as Magicians and the ups and downs that go with it. Follow the show on social media: Facebook Page Instagram Youtube Or You Can Follow Josh Norbido Directly Here Instagram Facebook Website Youtube Or You Can Follow Doug Conn Directly Here Instagram Facebook Website Youtube Or You Can Follow Nick Kay Directly Here Instagram Facebook Website Youtube
Die Unruhen brachen im September 1809 aus und dauerten 67 Tage. Abend für Abend rotteten sich die Menschen zusammen, um ihren Unmut zu äußern. Die Volksseele brodelte, London kochte: Was trieb die braven Bürger der Millionenstadt auf die Straße? Der Aufstand der Massen entzündete sich am königlichen Opernhaus Covent Garden. Als OP Riots sind diese legendären Unruhen ein Teil der Londoner Stadt- und der englischen Kulturgeschichte. Unser ZOOM berichtet.
این شما و این کنارشی که گمشده بود و حالا پیدا شده. در این قسمت به اپرای لا تراویاتا اثر جوزپه وردی پرداختم و ستوان چارکی نقش مهمی در تمام اینها داشته. All Prepared by Raam Azodi Logo and Cover by Sepehr Omidvaar Giuseppe Verdi: La Traviata Performed by: Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Antonello Manacorda, Ermonela Jaho, Charles Castronovo, Plácido Domingo, Royal Opera Chorus Libertto: Francesco Maria Piave Conductor: Antonello Manacorda Outro: Kooshan حمایت ارزی از پادکست کنارش حمایت ریالی از پادکست کنارش Telegram | Instagram | Goodreads
In episode 114 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy Collins chats with Krista Beck about her family's unforgettable 12-night journey through the UK. Krista dives into their experiences in Bath, the Cotswolds, and London, sharing the joys of visiting the UK with her husband and children. Highlights include a stay in the picturesque Broadway Village, historical visits to Highclere Castle and the Tower of London, and engaging activities like air rifle lessons and miniature golf at Putt Shack. Krista also offers practical travel tips, such as using contactless credit cards for transportation and staying in hotels with breakfast included. Hear about their memorable meals and adventures through Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, and beyond. Tracy and Krista emphasize the importance of prioritising experiences, living in the moment, and the benefits of planning yet being flexible. Don't miss this episode filled with valuable insights, delightful anecdotes, and heartfelt recommendations for a perfect UK family trip! Tune in now to enrich your travel planning and get inspired for your next UK adventure.⭐️ Guest -Krista Beck
Artist, pioneer, and mentor, Peter Layton is one of the founding fathers of British Studio Glass. He discovered the art form while teaching ceramics in the US in the mid-1960s and has played a major part in elevating glass from an industrial medium to a highly collectable art form. Most importantly, he gave it a home in the UK. This month, London Glassblowing presents Glass Heaven, an exhibition uniting two exceptional glass artists: Layton and Tim Rawlinson. The show opened August 2 and will run through September 1, 2024. Representing the next generation of glass talent, Rawlinson combines innovative approach and vibrant compositions to offer a fresh perspective, challenging conventional boundaries and resonating with today's artistic landscape. Layton, a veteran in the glass world, has captivated audiences for decades with his bold, expressive works. His 50-year journey from the studio's beginnings on the Thames to international acclaim highlights his role in elevating glass art. Born in Prague in 1937, Layton is one of Europe's pre-eminent glass designers. He has directly influenced several of his country's leading glassmakers and inspired many more. Arriving in England in 1939, there he began his education. While at grammar school, he met another boy who had also won the attention of his art teacher – his name was David Hockney. Layton attended Bradford Art College, then went to London's Central School of Art and Design, to specialize in ceramics, where he was taught by several of the most respected potters of the time. On graduating, Layton was offered a teaching job in Iowa University's Ceramics Department. Once in the US, in 1966, he participated in one of the first experimental glass workshops with Harvey Littleton and was bewitched by the immediacy and spontaneity of hot glass. He went on to expand his connections and friendships on this side of the pond to include participating in a Los Angeles exhibition with Marvin Lipofsky, a San Francisco show with pop artist Mel Ramos, and an exhibition at The Art Institute of Chicago with Viola Frey. Back in Britain, in 1969 Layton helped Sam Herman build the first furnace at the Glasshouse in Covent Garden, and he subsequently established his own small glass studio at Morar in the Highlands of Scotland, a Glass Department at Hornsey College of Art (Middlesex University) and, in 1976, the London Glassblowing Workshop in an old towage works on the Thames at Rotherhithe. In 2009 Layton's London Glassblowing Studio and Gallery moved to much larger premises in Bermondsey. Since its opening, London Glassblowing has nurtured and produced some of the world's leading glass artists, including (most recently) Elliot Walker of Netflix Blown Away fame. Layton's colorful and painterly works of glass art can be found in numerous public and private collections, both at home and abroad, including the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge. He has exhibited widely both nationally and internationally, receiving an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Bradford for his contribution to arts and crafts in Britain. Layton is also the founder of the Contemporary Glass Society, which is Britain's foremost organization supporting and championing the work of glass artists, both established and new. A vigorous proponent of glassblowing as an art form, Layton has authored several books, become an Honorary Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers, an Honorary life member of the Contemporary Glass Society as well as been given the Freedom of the City of London. Layton has always taken inspiration from his environment, natural or manmade: a stone wall on a snowy day, the London skyline, or works by great painters. From a mere detail, a flash of a Klimt orange or a slick of oil on the Thames, he creates painterly works with a masterly use of color. The artist is inspired by whatever is around him. For example, during the winter of 2009, the heavy snow turned his long commute by train into an intriguing black and white world full of movement and texture, shaping his recent Glacier series. He has also created a number of conceptual pieces that reflect his specific concerns with issues such as ecology, religion and racial conflict. Layton says: “A fellow artist recently described a piece that I had made for her by saying, ‘…it's as though it holds all my travels in light.' Lovely compliments like that spur me on. You never, ever create the perfect piece of glass and there are always new ideas, techniques and challenges to master. Glass is such an underrated medium – there is a fluidity and uncertainty about it that I choose to embrace rather than overcome. Every piece is an adventure.” From October 8 – 13, 2024, PAD London returns to the iconic Berkeley Square in Mayfair, where London Glassblowing will be showcasing an extraordinary selection of work from their talented makers alongside designers and galleries from over 20 countries worldwide. To coincide with PAD and Le Verre, London Glassblowing is offering a series of exclusive events, providing a unique opportunity to explore and learn more about the captivating medium of glass. For more information visit https://londonglassblowing.co.uk/blogs/exhibitions/pad-london
Talk Art Live, recorded at Apple Covent Garden. We meet Rebecca Lucy Taylor aka Self Esteem to celebrate her first new music in 3 years, the new single Big Man featuring Moonchild Sanelly.Recorded in front of a live audience of 400 art lovers, we explore her rise to fame over the past few years, what it was like playing the Sally Bowles lead in Cabaret on London's West End and her love of art and how artists continue to inspire her creative process while recording her third album. We discuss her admiration for artists including Lindsey Mendick, Marina Abramović, Tracey Emin, Cindy Sherman, Corbin Shaw and Jenny Holzer. Her passion for visiting museums like Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Hayward Gallery and artist degree shows, responding to Tony Soprano and masculine archetypes in her new imagery and what it feels like to be permanently hanging on the walls in the National Portrait Gallery collection in a portrait by photographer Karina Lax.Rebecca Lucy Taylor, known professionally by her stage name Self Esteem, is an award winning English singer-songwriter. Nominated for the Mercury Music Prize for her last hit album, Prioritise Pleasure, Self Esteem had sell-out tours at ever-growing venues across the UK and played the largest gigs of her career including Glastonbury – in recognising herself and others, Rebecca Taylor has made countless people feel esteemed.We love Self Esteem SO much! You can stream her new single, which is without doubt THE song of the summer BIG MAN, and also listen to her award-winning album PRIORITISE PLEASURE now at Spotify, Apple or wherever you listen to your music!!! View her new video for BIG MAN here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mteCEloA1bsFollow @SelfEsteemSelfEsteem on Instagram and @SelfEsteem___ on Twitter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.