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With a film career spanning 56 years, there's no easy way to encapsulate a class act like Gena Rowlands... so Scott and Marty dedicate a two-parter to this luminous lady, whose filmography threads the careers of some of cinema's most maverick auteurs.Didja get all that? It's Gena time.Shadows (1958, Dir. John Cassavetes) at 2:20A Woman Under the Influence (1974, Dir. John Cassavetes) at 15:50Gloria (1980, Dir. John Cassavetes) at 33:40Another Woman (1988, Dir. Woody Allen) at 33:40Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Amazon Music.Visit us at slackandslashpod.comEmail us at slackandslash@gmail.com
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Didja Catch The Game Last Night?...We Did, Ted's Duck Boat Memories + Mavs Media Go Soft. Listen live 6-10am on the iHeartradio App.
Didja ever want to know the entire story of exactly what happened on that first Palm Sunday? It's all here in the episode of Turning Home, aptly entitled "The Palm Sunday Story".
Didja ever want to know the entire story of exactly what happened on that first Palm Sunday? It's all here in the episode of Turning Home, aptly entitled "The Palm Sunday Story".
Didja miss us???+ More RED FLAG hobbies!
Didja ever notice how one little annoyance isn't a big deal, but if you get twenty of them in a day it's a problem? Doubly so when they're about your very identity? Every person from every marginalized community deals with this, and trans people are no exception. So let's talk about trans microaggressions, what they are, and why they're so awful. We've got lots of examples! Improv performer, cook, and thrifter extraordinaire April Kirby returns to discuss the masks we put up and coming out of the polybag! Are we all always learning to be more of a human? Nunya bizness! APRIL KIRBY Insta: @msaprilkirby Mastodon: @aprilkirby@chaosfem.tw FURTHER READING (topics discussed with essays available at TillysTransTuesdays.com) Implicit Queerphobia, Internalized Transphobia, Gendered Childhoods, Trans Intersectionality, Gender Dysphoria, Misgendering and Passing, Names and Pronouns, Cis is Not a Slur (there is no default human), Disentangling Sexuality from Transness, Cis People Get Gender Affirming Care Too, Photos and Reflections, The Only Trans Person You Know REFERENCE MATERIAL The Lies and Dangers of Efforts to Change Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity - https://www.hrc.org/resources/the-lies-and-dangers-of-reparative-therapy Special thanks to Daisy and Jane for the use of "Sorry Not Sorry" as our show's theme music. Please stop by and show your support at daisyandjane.bandcamp.com and soundcloud.com/daisyandjane --Please leave us a rating on Apple Podcasts/iTunes!-- Website: pendantaudio.com Twitter: @pendantweb Facebook: facebook.com/pendantaudio Tumblr: pendantaudio.tumblr.com YouTube: youtube.com/pendantproductions
In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Jack discusses one specific reduction of Did you: "Didja."Transcript:00:00:01JackWelcome to the A-Z English podcast. My name is Jack and I'm doing another solo episode today. As we step into the vocabulary spotlight, we are going to talk about something called reductions and.00:00:15JackThis is a a kind of odd.00:00:18JackI don't. I didn't know which category to put this episode in be. I think vocabulary spotlight is probably the best.00:00:28JackWhat we're when we're talking about reductions reductions are words that we kind of smashed together.00:00:36JackBut they're not formal words, OK? And the ones that everybody knows are wanna gonna agada wanna gonna and gotta wanna want to gonna going to gotta got to OK native speakers rarely.00:00:56JackPronounce going to.00:00:59JackAs going to.00:01:01JackWe mostly pronounce it when we're talking as gonna.00:01:09JackI'm going to get up at 8:00.00:01:12JackOK, uh, we rarely say want to. I want to go to an amusement park. No, we say, you know what I want to.00:01:22JackGo to an amusement park.00:01:23JackWanna. But if you look in the dictionary for wanna gonna and gotta.00:01:28JackYou're never going to find it because they're not words. It's not like.00:01:33JackUMA compound word such.00:01:37JackBook store bookstore.00:01:40JackOK, that's a that's a formal word. You can find that in a in a dictionary with the definition bookstore. A store that sells books.00:01:49JackBut if you look in wanna WANNA.00:01:53JackYou'll never find it because it's not in the dictionary. OK, it's not a word. It's a reduction. That's what we call them reductions. So we're not going to talk about, alright? Used gonna there. We're not gonna talk about wanna gonna gotta today I want to talk about.00:02:11JackAnother one that I think can be.00:02:14JackIs very common that a lot of teachers overlook, but students are kind of left confused because.00:02:22JackThey're they don't know what the teacher said, right? So this one is did you did you? So this is the title of today's episode, Didja.00:02:33JackDid you have a good weekend?00:02:35JackDid you have?00:02:36JackA good weekend.00:02:39JackDid you have lunch?00:02:41JackDid you have lunch?00:02:45JackDid you go to the mall?00:02:46JackDid you go to the mall? OK. And what is that? Did you is a reduction of did in you again it's not a compound word. It's not a word. It's just.00:02:58JackA reduction. It's just an easier way to pronounce it, and it's tends to be it's it's informal. You cannot write this in an e-mail. You cannot write. Wanna gonna gotta didja in an e-mail. You have to write it. Did you want to going to? Got to.00:03:18JackHowever, when you're talking, you're gonna hear it a lot.00:03:24JackI think students should understand that there's, and there's kind of some minor rules around this. For example, when D&Y are next to each other, when the a word ends with a D sound.00:03:38JackAnd the next word starts with a Y sound. Native speakers, Native English speakers. Speakers tend to insert a J sound there. Did you did you? Did you? Did you? OK, so it you could you? A reduction could be. Did you? That's fine. That works. Did you have a good weekend? Did.00:03:57JackDidja is a much shorter and more common reduction of did you? Did you have a good weekend? Did you have lunch?00:04:06JackDid you go to the mall?00:04:08JackOK, now if you so when you're talking, feel free to, you know practice this a little bit throw it in there. You know when you hear did you you know now it means did you did you did you did you now sometimes native English speakers will get really crazy with their.00:04:28JackProduction of did you?00:04:30JackAnd they'll even make it short.00:04:34JackAnd I'll give you an example here of I'll use the same examples.00:04:39JackYou have a good weekend.00:04:41JackYou have a good weekend.00:04:43JackOK. Did you have a good weekend? Have a good weekend. So we reduced. Did you all the way down to Joe?00:04:56JackYa did you did ya?00:05:01JackYou have a good weekend.00:05:03JackHey, Bob.00:05:05JackJeff, lunch.00:05:07JackHey Bob, did you have lunch?00:05:11JackOK.00:05:15JackDid you go to the mall this weekend?00:05:17JackDid you go to the mall this weekend?00:05:21JackOK, so you can notice how we can reduce it even more. So what I want you to do this is your your uh homework assignment here for my A-Z listeners out there.00:05:32JackThe next time you have a speaking opportunity and you find yourself using, did you try it? Try it out, throw in a didja.00:05:39JackDid you did JA or JA?00:05:42JackAnd see how the other person that you're talking to reacts to that. I see if they notice it because again, these reductions are so common that.00:05:55JackI think people won't even notice, but your, your, your, your, your English will sound so much more natural and authentic and like a native speaker.00:06:06JackSo this is just I'm giving you guys a little tiny clue, a hint into sounding more like a native speaker, so next time don't say, did you say did you? OK, but remember, this is only when speaking. When writing you must write it out formally. Did you? OK, so this is not acceptable.00:06:29JackMaybe in text messages it's OK, but in emails or any sort of formal business setting you have to write, did you? But when you're talking, feel free to throw in a didja and that's the title for today's episode. I think is didja alright.00:06:47JackDid you have a good time with this episode?00:06:49JackLet me know in the comments A-Z englishbroadcast.com send us an e-mail A-Z englishpodcast@gmail.com. You can also join our WhatsApp group and leave a message in there. I will reply to you. You can also join our WeChat Group. I know a lot of our Chinese listeners are.00:07:10JackActive in the WeChat.00:07:12JackAnd I try to jump in there from time to time and talk to our our Chinese listeners as well. So with that said, thanks everybody. I will see you next time. Bye bye.Podcast Website:https://atozenglishpodcast.com/vocabulary-spotlight-didja/Social Media:WeChat: atozenglishpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok:@atozenglish1Instagram:@atozenglish22Twitter:@atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ADonate to the show: https://app.redcircle.com/shows/9472af5c-8580-45e1-b0dd-ff211db08a90/donationsRobin and Jack started a new You Tube channel called English Word Master. You can check it out here:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2aXaXaMY4P2VhVaEre5w7ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Intro/Outro Music: Daybird by Broke for Freehttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/Directionless_EP/Broke_For_Free_-_Directionless_EP_-_03_Day_Bird/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcodeSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
We are serious about this cheese. we also have thoughts on how the Pro Bowl should be more like Battle of the Network Stars. We have thoughts on Aerosmith rescheduling the Peace Out tour and we take a trip through the Grammy's past & present (Didja know the Black Crowes were nominated for Best New Artist in the way back?) and Steve makes some show recommendations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
+Specijalni izveštaj sa prezentacije VR46+Detalji prezentacija timova za 2024.+Zvezde MotoGP-a na testu WSBK.Podrška Infinity Lighthouse ekipi!
+Ocenite sa nama ko je bio na kom nivou u drugom delu godine.+Ko je iznenadio pozitivno, ko negativno?+Najnovije vesti iz sveta motociklizma. Domaćini: Dejan Potkonjak i Srđan Erceg#lap76#infinitylighthouse#motogp 00:00:00 Početak00:06:00 Krecemo lagano sa Superbike-om00:12:45 VESTI (uglavnom Brivio)00:21:00 Ciji motocikl ce voziti Mark Markez?00:34:00 Prvi deo sezone - Banjaja juri ka novoj tituli00:41:00 Martin se vraca u igru00:46:00 10 za Banjaju, 10 za Martina00:54:00 Beceki je postao zvezda - 901:14:30 Bred Enigma Binder - 901:17:00 Milerove cudne izjave - 5.5001:27:00 Zarko - nategnutih 7.7501:31:30 Vinjales 6.70 - Espargaro 7.6001:40:00 Marini - ukratko 6.7001:46:30 A. Markez - mora to bolje - 6.7301:48:00 Kvartararo - djavolski bledih 701:52:00 Didja - za zvezdu zavrsnice 7.4902:01:00 Morbideli - teska srca 5.2102:04:30 M. Markez - za srcanost 5.9302:08:00 Bastianini - zbog pobede 602:09:45 Oliveira - posle svih pehova 5.8802:11:00 Fernandez - za rukija godine 6.3702:14:00 Nevidljivi vozac Nakagami - 5.0302:16:00 Rins - na talenat 8.4202:17:15 Ne moze vise tako Raule - 5.5202:18:00 Pedrosa - 26002:19:00 Mir - 5.0202:20:00 Espargaro - neocenjen02:22:30 Ostali...02:25:00 Sta cemo sad kad je sezona zavrsena?02:34:45 Pitanja iz publike03:14:00 PATREON------------------------------HUMANITARNI KUTAKPomozimo Martinu!Slanjem SMS poruke: Upišimo 1503 i pošaljimo SMS na 3030Slanjem SMS poruke iz Švajcarske: Upišimo human1503 i pošaljimo SMS na 455Uplatom na dinarski račun: 160-6000001670866-23Uplatom na devizni račun: 160-6000001671337-65IBAN: RS35160600000167133765SWIFT/BIC: DBDBRSBGUplatom platnim karticama putem linka: E-doniraj (https://www.budihuman.rs/edonate/sr?user_id=1503)Uplatom sa vašeg PayPal naloga putem linka: PayPal (https://www.budihuman.rs/paypal/sr/donate?user_id=1503)-----------------PODRŠKA ZA INFINITY LIGHTHOUSEUkoliko želite da podržite ekipu Infinity Lighthouse i sve što radimo, najbrže je kroz Patreon i YouTube članstvo.Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/infinitylighthouse YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ2D37u3DU1XGxxriq5779Q/join-----------------NAŠA PRODAVNICA - ️https://shop.infinitylighthouse.comSvi koji žele da obogate svoju biblioteku prelepim delima o Formuli 1 i MotoGP-u ili se obuku u naše, zajedničke, boje, tu je naša zvanična prodavnica knjiga, majica i kačketa.PATREON I YOUTUBE MEMBERSHIP ️- www.patreon.com/infinitylighthousePodrška na Patreonu i YouTube-u nam veoma znači i pre svega hvala svim našim pokroviteljima, a ukoliko ste u mogućnosti i vi da nas podržite, pomoćićete nam da dalje napredujemo i razvija se naša, nadamo se zajednička, priča.NAŠE DRUŠTVENE MREŽE Instagram - https://instagram.com/infinitylighthouse Facebook - https://facebook.com/theinfinitylighthouseTwitter - https://twitter.com/infinitylighthsSPORTSKE VESTI - https://sportsmagazin.rsMusic credit: Envato Elements Item/Cinematic Heroic by StudioKolomnaAutor: Srđan ErcegDatum: 12. decembar 2023.Lokacija: Studio na kraju UniverzumaProdukcija: Infinity Lighthouse https://www.youtube.com/infinitylighthouseWebsite: https://infinitylighthouse.com/Zabranjeno je svako kopiranje i neovlašćeno preuzimanje video i/ili audio snimaka i postavljanje na druge kanale! Nije dozvoljeno koristiti materijal sa ovog kanala, bilo u celosti ili iz segmenata, bez licenciranja / plaćanja kako za komercijalnu, tako i za nekomercijalnu upotrebu.Svaka upotreba bez licenciranja za komercijalnu ili nekomercijalnu / privatnu upotrebu biće procesuirana. Za sve informacije o pravima, za upite o licenciranju i dobijanju dozvole za korišćenje možete nas kontaktirati putem naše zvanične email adrese.Copying, re-uploading and illegally distributing this copyrighted work is strictly prohibited! Label and copyright: Infinity Lighthouse ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
Didja catch the Cowboys game last night? ESPN let an F-bomb fly during the NFL Pregame show!
Someone asked me to put together a Top 10 list of the things a guy (or girl) should know to make buying jewelry less painful, and maybe even fun. I personally believe buying jewelry should be fun. When I spend money I want it to feel good, and I'd guess you feel the same way. There is no pleasure in paying an electric bill or that speeding ticket, but there is certainly a feeling of excitement and anticipation when you find something wonderful that you know she's gonna love, and you just can't wait to give it to her. As I said, that's my hope for anyone who is jewelry shopping and buying. I think a Top 10 List will help in that endeavor, so without further ado, here is The Buy Like a Guy Top 10 List of Things You Should Know to Make Buying Jewelry Easy and Less Painful. 10. Remember, jewelry is a necessity, not a luxury. It's been put in the “luxury” category by just about everyone, but I don't think it belongs there. Yes it's a big investment, but it's an investment of the highest kind. It's an investment in the people we love and our relationships…and nothing fills the gap between our hearts and the words we try to say to these people, quite like fine jewelry. (Listen to Episode 10 for more.) Jewelry marks moments, and as human beings, we need symbols and expressions of the mile markers and important events in our lives. It's deep in our hearts to do so, and nothing does it better than fine jewelry. And so yes, we need these things. 9. Understand and accept that most women love diamonds, especially as a gift. Why? It doesn't matter. It's unexplainable. There is an attraction there, and that's to your advantage, because it's a safe bet that if you give her diamonds, she's gonna love it. Don't overthink this one…just know it. (Listen to Episode 38 for more.) 8. Appliances and other related implements of work and toil will get you in trouble, so don't give them as gifts. This is true at all times. Buy that shit on any given Saturday, but don't present it to her on special holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and so on and so forth. That's why jewelry was invented, so use it, and feel confident that you're giving a great gift. (No episode for this one. It's just something you should know.) 7. The Greatest Gift Giving Secret in the World: If you have no idea what to get her, or him, simply look at what they have a lot of, and give them more. She likes diamond jewelry? Give her more. He likes watches? Get him another one. This approach is almost fail safe. Promise. (Listen to Episode 6 for more.) 6. Do not ask her to decide what piece of jewelry you should get for her, especially if it's a gift. What I'm referring to is that moment when you see a bunch of things you want to give her, and they're close to the hints she's so graciously given you, or maybe she set up a wish list all neat and tidy for you, but you're not sure if she's going to like the specific item you settle on. Don't present her with your options, and ask her to choose. Instead, you pick it, and give it to her like the man that you are. That simple act, leaving her out of it, is actually part of the gift, and she'll dig it. (Listen to Episode 4 for more.) 5. Don't tell her how much it cost. There is no quicker way to turn what should be a special moment into an awkward one. She doesn't need to know how much that diamond ring or those earrings or that bracelet set you back. It's gonna make her feel stupid, and then you're going to feel stupid, so don't do it. It just wrecks things…trust me on this. I know whereof I speak. (Listen to Episode 47 for more.) 4. When it comes to diamonds, Cut is King. The better a diamond is cut, the bigger, brighter, and more beautiful it will look. So pay special attention to how well the diamonds you're looking at are cut. It's the human element, and the equivalent of how a steak is prepared, how bourbons are distilled, and cabinets are made. Just like steaks, bourbons and cabinets, the better diamonds are “made,” or cut, the better they will perform. (Listen to Episode 13 for more.) 3. If she picked out a bunch of jewelry at a jewelry store, and put it on what we call a "Wish List," do not deviate from it. Just get what's on the list, and get ready to be the hero. Don't blow this one by going rogue also as my wife likes to say. Stick to the list, and all will be simple, well, and easy. (Listen to Episode 3 for more.) 2. Buy with your eyes, and not your ears. Meaning, pay less attention to how something is described, and pay more attention to how it actually looks. Buying jewelry online, and relying on 3D images and descriptions is nothing like seeing it in the flesh. In fact, it doesn't come close. Especially when it comes to jewelry. (Didja ever see someone's profile online and then you meet them in real life and you're like, “Whoa! Are you sure that's you in those pictures?” It's like that.) (Listen to Episode 45 for more.) 1. Find your place, a local, independent jewelry store, and then walk in, and find “your guy on the inside,” (and yes, it can most definitely be a woman). And who is that “guy on the inside?” It's a jewelry professional who lives to help you get the right piece of jewelry for your situation. He or she will tell you as much or as little as you would like to know, and they'll be your guide and help you navigate the strange but fascinating landscape of the fine jewelry world. There is no better way to get things done, than to have experts do it for you, and with you. These jewelry stores, and the people that work there, spend immeasurable amounts of time, money, and dedication and do their best to have what you need, i.e. jewelry that can be proud to give and she can be proud to wear. Jewelry professionals, the good ones, are not clerks, any more than a CPA is a bookkeeper. (No disrespect intended to clerks or bookkeepers. We need you too.) My point is, professionals have a different level of expertise that comes from a different level of training and experience in their chosen profession. Going to a jewelry store, and consulting with a professional jeweler saves you time, money, frustration, and in the process, your confidence in what you're doing is going to sore. (Listen to Episode 36 for more.) If you want to talk with me personally you can email me at andy@buylikeaguy.com. I'm happy to personally help you find the right jewelry for your situation, or put you in touch with a jewelry pro that's closer to home. Music credits: Preacher Man by Miles Neilson and The Rusted Hearts, used with permission. A killer band with original songs that get stuck in your head. They're awesome. Listen To Preacher Man on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/7ImcaJKIk0ZVtPzuUVV4vc?si=80581c74a9be4987
Chances are, you did.
Didja take something petty when you broke up with someone???
It's all come down to this... Not just six episodes of Countdown to Five, but forty-two years of Indiana Jones movies starring Harrison Ford. Sean & Paul welcome Justin Bowler into a makeshift studio in Orange Co. to dive deep into their experience watching Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Justin has stories from playing Indiana Jones at Disneyland (and on Countdown to Five!) and the Dial of Destiny premiere, plus he brings a game of "Indiana Jones Book Title or Not?" while Paul has a running game of "Didja notice?" throughout the show. Follow us: https://www.Instagram.com/CountdownToFive https://www.Twitter.com/Countdown25Show https://www.Facebook.com/CountdownToFive https://www.themovieguys.net https://www.creativemotionentertainment http://www.Youtube.com/user/CountdownToNine
Didja miss us? We're back! Steve was on a road trip across country last week, so we caught up on what it's like to just need to get out of a state before dawn. We discuss the lawsuit brought against the parents who the movie "The Blindside" was based on, which has been filed by the football player who claims that not only did they not adopt him, but they tried to Britney him with a conservatorship. Guns n Roses tried some shenangigans with releasing new music, but forgot about jukeboxes & some more about Taylor Swift, cause at this point, we can't stop. It may be a problem, See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
SCIENCE! It's certainly closer to our areas of expertise than sports. In fact, Mike (a science teacher) says a lot of impressive-sounding science words when discussing various games, which some of you may understand. In addition: Smog plumes! Didja ever notice that most "evolution" boardgames are actually "intelligent design" boardgames? The most terrifying game board - oh, I'm sorry, "math map" - ever. Frank says, "It's a decent game for people who like that crap." Best score track ever? Thanks as always for listening! If you have a few extra minutes and are willing to help us with our scientific research, we're trying to study the effects of an iTunes review on our number of listeners. Please leave one if you can! We'd also love to have you visit our website and let us know what kinds of games we should discuss next. You're also more than welcome to comment on the episode page, or our Facebook page, or tag @ascentofgames on Twitter (for as long as Twitter still exists). Whatever way you prefer to share your opinions with us, we'd love to hear them. As always, we appreciate your listening - stay safe out there! Website: https://www.ascentofboardgames.com Email: ascentofboardgames@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ascentboardgames/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ascentofgames Discord: http://discord.ascentofboardgames.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ascentofboardgames/ And, occasionally, Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/ascentofboardgames Intro and outro music is "Evening Melodrama" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under a Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License. The Ascent of Board Games is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Some rights reserved. Thank you for listening!
Because he was...and he saw ALL the celebrities!
Happy Friday everyone! Since the Fireside Talks have ended, we're posting this Patreon series "Didja Hate It" to the main feed so you can hear some quality 10/10 Will content as he returns to the show and hold you over a bit longer before we officially start Season 2! (Keep your eyes peeled for announcements)This series is the end result of when Will and I let you pick the game we play through voting on both Patreon (and Twitter if we need a tie breaker). It was originally just going to be a gag to finally get William to pick up a Nintendo Switch Joycon and mess around a bit, but turns out this works really well as some exclusive content that you all very much deserve. The idea behind this is, Will and I will go back and forth to pick games we think have a 50/50 shot of making us hate our time with it, or end up really loving the experience. Then we'll leave the final determination up to you all!Support the show
Carol Burnett Turned 90 Yesterday... Damn, I'm getting older by the minute ;) It'll be 50 years in September since we lost Jim Croce... Will the Bruins make it to the Cup Final this year? Will the Leafs make it out of the first round? Is the Harold Ballard curse real? Didja know that Joe Biden and Mick Jagger are the same age? I've not heard anyone say Mick is too old to tour the world and play in front of millions of fans, so hey, go get 'em Joe! So, Skippy tried to sing "New York, New York" was scolded for doing so as singing in the HOC is not allowed. One more time with Gusto... "Christ, What an asshole." Ok lots to talk about, Here, We, GOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Hey Kits! Weekdays at 7-ish Eastern, we livestream The Daily Beaver Morning Show, a (sometimes) quick take on the news, in addition to our usual formats. After Day 9 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Leafs and Oilers are one away from closing up their series while the Jets are one away from elimination. Join us for this THursday morning Nibble. Today -- we talk about: The Bruins The Leafs Jim Croce Candace Owens Lizzo Gun Control & more... Our morning show is the purrr-fect thing for busy Kits who are on-the-go, but still want to stay engaged. PS: This episode is also available in audio version on our Apple Podcasts page at [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast...]. PPS: If you wish to encourage us to do more, leave us a positive review and stars on Apple Podcasts and/or buy us a cup of coffee. Just go to [https://ko-fi.com/eagerbeaver] to find your way to our tip jar. This is episode number 107 of The Daily Beaver Morning Show. ________________ Not everyone can do everything. But everyone can do something. Because #DemocracyIsSomethingYouDo... Help support The Rosie Project by making a one-time, or a monthly year-long commitment, donation to our cause via our Ko-fi page -- ko-fi.com/eagerbeaver. Make sure you indicate it is For Rosie. We here at the TNEB will cover all the administration costs for your donation. Thank you. And write to your MP, MPP, MLA, MNA, Senator, or preferred local media outlet to tell them you reject Nazis and want them to hold feet to fire on supporting the Convoy, Stag and Dough, MGTOW, and Nazi-Brunch... and while you're at it, tell them to pay our public servants that which they're worth! ________________ Of course, retweets, shares, gentle corrections, constructive criticism, compliments, tips, requests, bribes to be on the show, and positive reviews (if you think we deserve some stars, please rate us) are always welcome. You can do that via our show's Facebook blog page, via Twitter @TrueEager, or by e-mail at TrueNorthEagerBeaver@gmail.com. And if you really enjoy our podcast, why not subscribe via our Podpage [https://www.podpage.com/the-true-nort...], and tell a friend? Until next time, be kind to, and gentle with, yourselves, Your Eager Beaver __________________ Thank you to our podcast's founding sponsors: * The Peppermaster * The Miss Vee Mysteries from Corvid Moon Publishing * Canadian Tarot Dot Com Artwork Credit: Pete Jarvis [Recording Date: April 27, 2023]
Hey! Glad to be back at it after a wonderful three week trip back home to Jersey. In this episode, Joey and I talk about the Racing roster and heightened expectations for the team before their season opener this weekend in Houston, LouCity's excellent start to their season, and amongst some other topics ... the success of our first fundraiser! He asks me some of the questions used, and I mumble and stumble through it all. So thankful for all of you that participated! Keep an eye out this summer for our next one ... Can't wait to see you all this weekend at LFS. SHARE THE LOVE!
Mason gets a new bass and delivers a hot take. Daniel reveals some personal truths during a game of "Digimon or... Didja get tricked 'cause I made it up?". Danny hosts an incredible MadLibs Lyric Edition to top the episode off.
Hannah pops in with a little life update and a "thank you!" for listening to Season 2
Have ya had plastic surgery? Didja have a recovery food? Is "Karma" just a cool jingle? Do ya have a special support system? Let us know your answers at BitterOldCatLady1@gmail.com or BitterOldCatLady.com
A girl living in a haunted house must find a way to protect her way of life.. Written and produced by Julie Hoverson Cast List Eden - Jaiden Douwes Henry - Danar Hoverson Callandra - Julie Hoverson Frederick! - Reynaud LeBoeuf Ethan - Scott Douwes Mrs. Sherman - Angela Kirby Garth Sherman - Luke LeBoeuf News - Suzanne Dunn Henry's Mom - Gwendolyn Gieseke-Woodard Music by Kevin MacLeod (Incompetech.com) Sound mastering: Julie Hoverson Cover Design: Dennis Hager "What kind of a place is it? Why it's an old brownstone home, can't you tell? Where else would you expect to find ... a couple of ghosts? *************************************************************** A Ghost of a Chance Cast: Eden Anderson, precocious 11-year old Ethan Anderson, her dead father, 47 Callandra O'Doul, dead Irish maidservant, 20 Henry Torrence, burglar, 23 Frederick Ferryman, dead actor, 40s-50s Ms. Sherman, CPS, 32 Garth Sherman, her son, a bully, 13 News [anything] OLIVIA Did you have any trouble finding it? What do you mean, what kind of a place is it? Why, it's a big old brownstone, can't you tell? Where else would you find a ghost or two? SCENE 1 – coming home MUSIC SOUNDS MODERN STREET NOISE. SOUND WE FOLLOW THROUGH A CREAKY GATE. STREET NOISE QUIETS A BIT. FOOTSTEPS ON LEAVES, THEN ON WOOD PORCH. KEY IN LOCK, DOOR OPENS, FOOTSTEPS PASS THROUGH. SCENE 2 – HALLWAY AND KITCHEN EDEN Hey! I'm home! SOUND BACKPACK FLUNG ONTO TABLE. DOOR SHUTS AND IS CAREFULLY LOCKED. CALLANDRA You're going to have to do some shopping soon, miss. We're almost out of soap powder. EDEN [sigh] I'll put it on the list. SOUND FOOTSTEPS, THEY HESITATE, THEN STOP EDEN What? Move it. I'm tired. CALLANDRA [evasive] You're looking a mite peaked. You could use a bite to eat. Come into the kitchen and have some soup. EDEN [slightly suspicious] O-kay... SOUND MODERN JAZZ, PLAYED LOW, SLIGHTLY MUFFLED EDEN Dad's not at the videos again is he? SOUND OPENING CUPBOARDS, CANS BEING PULLED OUT AND PLACED ON THE COUNTER CALLANDRA [not quite convincing] No. EDEN Then why don't you want me to go upstairs? SOUND POP TOP ON CAN, SOUP INTO BOWL CALLANDRA Whatever gave you that idea--? EDEN Oh, please. CALLANDRA Can I not just be concerned about you? Someone has to be! SOUND MICROWAVE OPENS, FOOD IN, SETTING TIME EDEN I'm fine. SOUND TURNS ON MICROWAVE MUSIC SCENE 3 – A BIT LATER AMBIANCE TELEVISION PLAYS LOW IN THE BACKGROUND News ....was stolen from the J.J. Holdings museum at the university today. The vase is attributed to the school of Cellini, and has been valued at nearly half a million dollars. SOUND CELLPHONE DIALS, RINGS, PICKS UP EDEN Hey Ariel. ... Nothing. Look, I've been thinking about-- SOUND THUMPING ON CEILING EDEN --trying out... for... Can you wait a minute, Ariel? SOUND HOLD BUTTON IS PRESSED SOUND DOOR OPENS. STEPS INTO FOYER, SLIGHT ECHO SOUND THUMPING FROM ABOVE. A COUPLE OF RAPID STEPS. SOUND [WHOOSHING SOUND OF A GHOST ARRIVING] CALLANDRA Oh no, miss. EDEN Yeah? Stop me. It's not dad - I can hear his computer going, and it's not you, since you're right here. Maybe Frederick? [yelling] Frederick? CALLANDRA [worried] Oh... SOUND [WHOOSHING SOUND OF A GHOST ARRIVING] FREDERICK [overly theatrical, as always] Enter stage right. Yeeeees? CALLANDRA See, it's all gone now-- SOUND THUMPING FROM ABOVE CALLANDRA [dismay] Ooh! EDEN [grim] What is it? FREDERICK Shall I make a recon, my young commander? EDEN Oh! Shoot! SOUND BEEP ON PHONE EDEN Gotta call you back, Ariel. Yeah, it's dad. SOUND PHONE HANGS UP EDEN Callandra? You want to explain-- SOUND DOORBELL RINGS. WHOOSH [GHOSTS LEAVING] EDEN [exasperated sound] Uuh! SOUND STAMPING FEET, CHAIN LOCK GOES ON EDEN [sighs] SOUND DOOR OPENS EDEN [sweetly] Yes? SHERMAN Good evening. Are your parents around? EDEN My father is asleep. He hasn't been feeling very well. SHERMAN I think he'll want to speak to me. FREDERICK [whisper] Why? Is she covered in chocolate? EDEN [gritted teeth] Maybe when he's feeling better. Can he call you? SHERMAN Here's my card. EDEN Oh. CALLANDRA What's C-P-S? Does that mean she's with the coppers? EDEN What's this about? I would invite you in, but-- SHERMAN No, I understand. Safety first. [serious] There's been a complaint. EDEN By who? FREDERICK [booming voice] Whom. EDEN I mean - by whom? SHERMAN I'll discuss all that with your father. Please do have him call me. [going off] All my info's on the card. EDEN [calling] Thanks - uh - Ms. Sherman. SOUND DOOR SHUTS EDEN Oh, shoot! CALLANDRA Now, it's not that bad. Is it? FREDERICK Of course it is. CPS are the child police service. They arrest bad little children. CALLANDRA The devil you say! Oh, Eden, tell me darling! They won't arrest you! EDEN They don't - but they do take children away from the wrong type of home environment. CALLANDRA [relieved] Ohhh! We're safe enough then. EDEN [as if] Ri-ight. SOUND THUMPING EDEN Are you going to tell me, or do I just get to find out for myself? CALLANDRA Oh, my stars... MUSIC SCENE 4 - UPSTAIRS SOUND DOOR UNLOCKS, OPENS HENRY [gasps] Jeez! About flipping time! You ever hear of unlawful imprisonment? EDEN I've heard of burglary. HENRY You're kinda small for a cop. EDEN [exasperated noise] Dude. You can come out now, but just so you know, I've got a taser. SOUND SLOW FOOTSTEPS EDEN [gasps, shocked] You look like--! HENRY Got my hands up, all that. [quoting] Don't tase me, [ending lamely] uh, bro. SOUND A COUPLE MORE STEPS, THEN HENRY [grunt as he lunges at her] SOUND SCUFFLE. FALLING FURNITURE, SOMETHING BREAKS, THEN... FREDERICK [unearthly wail] HENRY [screams, then gibbers until noted] SOUND SOMETHING SMALL CLATTERS TO THE FLOOR EDEN I hate when you do that! That is so gross! [tsk, annoyed sigh] You coulda left your head on... FREDERICK [huffy] It was effective. EDEN [sigh] You. What's your name? HENRY [gibbering] ...head came off, and cold, so cold! SOUND SLAP HENRY [sharp intake of breath] Wha-ah-ah? EDEN Your name, mister burglar. HENRY Henry. Henry Torrence. [whispered] What the heck was that? EDEN A ghost. Now, Mister Torrence, I suppose I'm gonna have to tie you up or something, so you don't try and jump me again-- HENRY Howzabout just letting me - ya know - go? EDEN You broke in. I have to do something, and I really don't want to have to deal with the cops - they'll bother dad. HENRY Look, I never hurt no one, I ain't the type. I swear! EDEN Still... I think you need to stay locked up for a while. CALLANDRA Can I keep him? Please? I caught him! FREDERICK Shut up woman, we may be able to use this fellow's services. EDEN [ordering] March! I'll put you somewhere better than that closet, but you better stay put or - FREDERICK Boooooo! HENRY [gasps] EDEN [unenthusiastically] Yeah, that. Boo. MUSIC SCENE 5 - DOWNSTAIRS CALLANDRA What do you plan to do with him? Please say I can have him for me own - he's such a fine specimen of a man. EDEN If you keep him, I have to feed him. CALLANDRA Well... not necessarily... EDEN No. No. No. I'm not having any more ghosts around here. CALLANDRA You never let me have any fun! EDEN Besides, didn't you notice the resemblance? CALLANDRA To a man? SOUND WHOOSH, FF ENTERS FREDERICK Our dear Callandra never looked above his [mocking her accent] "luuuvly broad shoulders!" CALLANDRA Bite your tongue, Frederick! I still have those clippings of yours, and you will sorely regret having a jape at my expense-- EDEN Shut up! MUSIC SCENE 6 – BREAKFAST IN BED SOUND MORNING BIRD NOISES SOUND MUFFLED THUMP, RATTLE AT DOORKNOB HENRY [yawns, waking] SOUND CHAIN RATTLES, BEDCLOTHES RUSTLE EDEN [muffled] Are you awake? HENRY Yeah, sure. Whatever. SOUND DOOR OPENS WITH DIFFICULTY SOUND EDEN ENTERS WITH TRAY EDEN I hope you like bacon. HENRY Uh, yeah! [surprised and enthused] SOUND SHIFTING AS HE SITS UP IN BED, CHAIN MOVES HENRY Thanks. Breakfast in bed. Almost like a dream, except-- SOUND RATTLE OF CHAINS CALLANDRA [snarky] Well, we can't have you wandering around the house like some sort of ... burglar, can we? HENRY Does she need to be here? SOUND SETS DOWN TRAY, DISHES RATTLE EDEN She's my backup. I need to talk to you. HENRY [annoyed] Go ahead. I don't eat with my ears. SOUND EATING NOISES EDEN [snort of laughter] This is going to sound really dumb, but... [thinks hard] I have a kind of proposition for you. HENRY [offended] You are way too young, and she's dead. EDEN Huh? CALLANDRA Shame on you! HENRY Nothing. [eats noisily] EDEN Ew! [angry sigh] Look, no. My dad is out of town, and I need someone to pretend to be him and talk to CPS. HENRY CPS? The CPS? Hell no. I hate those bast‑‑ uh-- buttheads. EDEN Why? You got kids? HENRY Never mind. No way you can talk me into-- EDEN We'll pay you. HENRY --into-- How much? EDEN Dad said we could give you a thousand. For staying here for two weeks and pretending to be him. HENRY He's not coming home for two weeks? [truly offended] What the hell is wrong with him, leaving you all alone? CALLANDRA Language!! HENRY I don't give a flying rat's patoot about my language! If your dad is so flipping negligent to leave you all alone for weeks at a time, [losing steam] then maybe you'd be ... better off-- EDEN [anguish] In foster care? No way!! HENRY Well, no, but... don't you have any other family? EDEN [mumbled] Not anywhere around here. HENRY [sincere] That sucks! EDEN Look, I'm not supposed to say anything, but my dad... He [whispers importantly] he works for the government. Top secret. HENRY Seriously? EDEN Uh-huh! So he can't always control when he'll be back. HENRY Why would he - why would you even trust me? EDEN You won't get paid until after the two weeks is up. Besides... I'm a pretty good cook? HENRY Okay, but I have to be able to tell my mom. She'll worry if I don't get home. EDEN You live with your mom? But you're like a grownup. That's weird. HENRY Why do you think I don't have a real job? MUSIC SCENE 7 – MEETING CPS FREDERICK [sharp whisper] Now you just behave now, my lad, or I'll give you what for again. HENRY [trying to be flippant] “Boo.” I get it. This makeup itches. EDEN Sorry. You had to look a little older. HENRY It is kinda creepy how I look so much like your dad. EDEN Yeah. [fretting] Where IS she? SOUND KNOCK ON THE DOOR CALLANDRA Eep! EDEN [to the ghosts] Scat! [quiet] Ready? HENRY Guess we'll find out. SOUND FEET, DOOR UNLOCKS and OPENS EDEN Hello? Ah. Right on time. SHERMAN Your father--? EDEN Right here. Come on in. HENRY [trying too hard to sound old] Ethan Anderson. Pleased to meet you. You're Ms. Sherman? EDEN [warning] Dad! [explaining] He's had a cold. SHERMAN [warm] Ah! I hope you're on the mend? HENRY [clears his throat, sounds more normal] Yes, yes. Much better. MUSIC SCENE 8 – WAITING IN THE KITCHEN SOUND FLAP OF KITCHEN DOOR, FEET CALLANDRA [very nervous] How goes it? EDEN Seems OK, so far. HENRY [off, furious] What? EDEN Oh no! SOUND RUNS OFF, FLAP OF DOOR EDEN [breathless] What? HENRY [grim] Tell her. SHERMAN [sweet] My dear, um, Eden. I was just telling your father that your school has raised issues about your father's involvement-- EDEN Why? He emails them all the time. They understand how busy he is. SHERMAN We still have to take it under advisement. Now, off the record, and with the understanding that you, sir, are a fairly wealthy man, I might ask why you haven't engaged a nanny or other similar household staff-- EDEN [QUIET, prompting] DAD! HENRY [angry] What business is it of yours, lady? SHERMAN Perhaps you should step out and leave us alone again, dear. EDEN No. I may be too young for my opinion to count, but I want to hear what you plan to do to me. We don't need anyone to look after the house. I can do that. SHERMAN But you shouldn't have to - you are a child, dear, and you have better things to do. EDEN Like what? Play Xbox and get fat? MUSIC SCENE 9 – AFTER SHE LEAVES SOUND FRONT DOOR SHUTS, LOCKS HENRY You have 20 million dollars? EDEN And a half. Not like I can spend it. They don't trust me - that's why they call it a trust fund. HENRY [snort] SOUND SHE STARTS UP THE STAIRS HENRY Hey, we're talking here. EDEN [upset] You're only my dad while there's an audience. HENRY [calling] Why don't you want a nanny or something? SOUND RUNS UP THE STAIRS CALLANDRA Poor child. HENRY [gasps] Oh, right. CALLANDRA Pity you're not much of a father. HENRY [offended] You're not much help, either. CALLANDRA Oh? And what do you expect from me? I've been dead over a century, boyo. HENRY How's that work, anyway? CALLANDRA [pouty] Don't know. Wouldn't tell you if I did. HENRY Fine. Whatever. You have anything to drink around this place? CALLANDRA [rolls eyes] Oh, yes. That would look terrible good to Ms. Sherman, wouldn't it? HENRY I'm going out for a while. Don't worry - I'll sneak out the back. I'm good at THAT. MUSIC SCENE 10 – HENRY'S HOME SOUND DOOR OPENS, MUSIC PLAYS IN THE BACKGROUND HENRY [sigh, then calling] Hey mom! MOM [bleary drunk] Baby? That you? HENRY [resigned] Yes, mom. MOM Where you been? HENRY I gotta job, mom. Been working. MOM You bring me back a little something, baby? Medicine? HENRY [down] Tomorrow. I promise. MOM [sarcastic] Such a good boy. You gon' expect me to bail you out again? You need to get you some better friends, baby. HENRY I'm not a baby, mom. I'm thirty-five. MOM You'll always be my baby, Henry, won't you? You know how much I count on you. How much it hurts every time you been taken away from me. What would I do if you were in jail? Do you ever think about that? HENRY Yeah. [under his breath] All the time. MUSIC SCENE 11 – CHAT WITH DAD SOUND COMPUTER KEYS SOUND DOOR OPENS HENRY Eden? EDEN [gasps] What? Oh! You're back! SOUND FOOTSTEPS HENRY You shouldn't sit in the dark like that. EDEN [sarcastic] Thanks dad. [serious] I've been chatting with my real dad. HENRY I didn't hear anything, if that's what you're worried about. EDEN Duh. Computer chatting. HENRY Typing. Right. I'm not much for the whole computer thing. EDEN That could be awkward, if Ms. Sherman decides to quiz you on what you do for a living. Dad's a programmer. HENRY For the government? EDEN [scornful] No! [realizing] Oh, I mean... uh... he's a programmer for real, but he doesn't program for them. HENRY [suspicious] Can I type something to him? EDEN Sure. SOUND CHAIR SHIFTS, CLUMSY, SLOW TYPING EDEN Is this a secret, or can I type it for you? HENRY Yeah, go on - at this rate I'll be here all night just to say Hi. Um... [thinking] Mister... uh ... can I call him Ethan? EDEN [responding to dad] All right. He says let's turn on the microphone. SOUND CLICK EDEN Now you can just talk. He still has to type, though. His mike is broken. HENRY I don't know you, so maybe I'm not the one who should be saying this, but - here goes. Dude, leaving your kid alone makes you a bad dad. So what if the government needs you! EDEN You're... serious? HENRY Hell yeah. You're gonna grow up robbing banks and stuff. EDEN Hmm. He says, just because your dad was a deadbeat, doesn't mean -- HENRY What the hell do you think you know? EDEN He says-- HENRY I can see what he says. Background check, my ass! EDEN I told you he's a computer guy. HENRY Fine. You need to take care of-- EDEN Don't tell me how to raise my daughter. Oh, and he says "watch"-- SOUND [some CCTV video comes on the computer] HENRY [shocked] How did he get that? EDEN Is that you? Breaking into a building? Wow. Wait, is that the museum? HENRY So that's your way of keeping me in line? EDEN Are you the one who stole the Cellini vase? HENRY I plead the fifth. [angry sigh] Fine. I'll do my two weeks, and then I am the hell out of here. EDEN [angry] Very well, you worthless wretch! HENRY What? EDEN [innocent] Just what he said. MUSIC SCENE 12 – RUDE AWAKENING SOUND POUNDING ON DOOR CALLANDRA Mr. Anderson!! HENRY [sleepy] What? CALLANDRA That woman is at the door! HENRY I can't answer it like this! I don't have that old-age makeup-- CALLANDRA Frederic! HENRY No, no - I can do it-- SOUND POUNDING AGAIN FREDERIC Did I hear a cue? HENRY No, we-- CALLANDRA He needs to look old and ill. And right fast. HENRY Really, I-- FREDERIC Hmm. Here. [horrible ghostly noise] HENRY [screams] CALLANDRA Shh! FREDERIC Damnation. Once that would have turned your hair quite white - as it is, you will have to wear a cap. MUSIC SCENE 13 – CPS AGAIN SOUND DOOR OPENS SLOWLY HENRY [shaky] Yes? SHERMAN Took you long enough. HENRY I was in the shower. Nearly killed myself slipping when I came down the stairs. SHERMAN Are you going to ask me in? HENRY You might have heard the scream. SHERMAN No. [hinting to let her in] It is rather chilly out here. HENRY [sigh] Very well. SOUND THEY GO IN, HE FAKES A LIMP CALLANDRA You watch out for that one! HENRY Shh! FREDERICK She can't hear us unless we want her to. SHERMAN I expect Eden is at school right now? HENRY She's a very good student. SHERMAN [disdainful] B plus. HENRY That ain't nothing to sneeze at, lady! SOUND SITS SHERMAN But we both know she could do better. HENRY What makes you think that? SHERMAN You could get her tutors. HENRY Why? She's real smart. FREDERICK You tell her! But you might try using proper grammar. SHERMAN There's so many things your money could do for your daughter. HENRY I'd rather let her be herself. CALLANDRA Oh, that's touching, that is. SHERMAN You could send her to private school. My own son Garth is in private school. HENRY [faltering] She has ...friends.... here. SHERMAN [hinting] A very expensive private school. HENRY You recruiting or something? I ain't making any decisions behind my kid's back. SHERMAN You could pay me to leave you alone. HENRY She wants to stay -- WHAT? CALLANDRA Horrors! FREDERIC Bezom! SHERMAN You must understand, Mr. Anderson, just how poorly compensated we civil servants are these days. What a completely thankless job we do. HENRY You really just hit me up for money? SHERMAN And how particularly expensive a really good school is. HENRY [incredulous] Money. You're asking for money. SHERMAN Of course. HENRY You're a skanky money-grubbing ho! FREDERIC Filth straight from the bowels of satan's own thrice-crowned hounds of hell! SHERMAN Language! [evil nice again] You have plenty of money. I've looked into your financials. Not just Eden's little trust fund, but liquid assets as well. HENRY That's blackmail! SHERMAN Technically, it's extortion. So far. Extortion is getting money with a threat of something yet to come. HENRY It's still illegal. CALLANDRA Oh, horrors! SHERMAN Blackmail, on the other hand, is getting money with the threat of revealing something from the past. Like your criminal record? HENRY My... [confused] what? SHERMAN Mr. Anderson, I have no wish to go into detail, but do you really think I would come here with just the might of CPS behind me? HENRY Maybe. SHERMAN No. I have something concrete on you. HENRY Doesn't ring a bell. [chuckles lamely] Criminal record? Me? [laughs] SHERMAN Do the words 1987 and dot com mean anything to you? HENRY But I was just-- ["a kid", but he cuts off] SHERMAN Using an assumed name? You're very lucky no one thought to cross-reference your fingerprints before, but once they do what I did... HENRY Oh, crap. SHERMAN I'm in no hurry. I'd be happy to take a little something up front, and then a larger payment by the end of the week, perhaps? HENRY I'll ...see what I have lying around. MUSIC SCENE 14 – CHAT WITH DAD SOUND DOOR OPENS, FEET STORM IN HENRY Is your mike on, Mr. Anderson? SOUND COMPUTER BEEP HENRY Good. Cause I don't know jack about how to work these things. SOUND COMPUTER BOOP HENRY You heard what happened? How? SOUND BOOP HENRY I didn't even notice a computer in the living room. SOUND BOOP HENRY Huh? Which button? SOUND BOOP HENRY No need to get snippy. SOUND BUTTON PUSHED ETHAN [computer generated voice] You will go immediately to the first hill bank and trust-- HENRY What do you mean immediately? I gotta do grocery shopping this morning. ETHAN Delivered. HENRY Not for here. for my mom. ETHAN Get it delivered. HENRY Hey! Mom may be an old lush, but she expects to see me from time to time. ETHAN Bank after. HENRY What's all this crap that witch was talking about, anyway? ETHAN No time. Bank today. Take three thousand dollars-- HENRY I can't pass for you at a damn bank! I can't sign your name! ETHAN Account in your name. Use your own I-D. HENRY What? In my name? What makes you think I won't just walk off... [back on topic] Second - why three thousand? She won't settle for just three-- ETHAN Three thousand will pay off her car. HENRY Damn. You really can find out anything, can't you? MUSIC SCENE 15 – HENRY HOME SOUND DOOR OPENS, MOM'S HOUSE. TV ON HENRY I brought your groceries. MOM Good. Didja get any beer? HENRY It's still in the car. MOM Bring that in next, woudja? That's a good boy. HENRY [from other room, confused] Mom? Where's my TV? MOM Mine was ...uh...on the fritz, so I moved yours in here. HENRY You did? MOM I had help. HENRY You forgot to pay, didn't you? MOM That is no way to talk to your mother! Besides, if you weren't gone all the time, I wouldn't have such a problem. You know I never was good with money. HENRY Yeah. MOM When did you say you'd get paid for this new job you got? MUSIC SCENE 16 – DINNER WITH EDEN SOUND DINNER NOISES HENRY You made this? EDEN [sullen] Yeah. HENRY It's pretty good. EDEN Should be. Been cooking since I was [Callandra's accent] "just a wee thing". [change of tone, sullen] You were gone all day. Again. HENRY I came back. EDEN Well, duh. We're paying you to be here. HENRY Are the ghosts joining us? EDEN [still sullen] Frederic gets too jumpy around food, and Callandra "doesna feel tis proper." MOMENT OF SILENCE HENRY Are you mad at me? SOUND THUMP - VASE ON TABLE HENRY What the h---ay? You going through my room? EDEN Callandra saw you hide it. SHE's very upset with you. CALLNDRA [from off] Though it is a right pretty wee thing! HENRY I had to bring it along - mom was about to use it as an ashtray. EDEN Why do you steal? HENRY Whoa! That ain't polite to ask. EDEN It isn't polite to steal. MOMENT OF SILENCE HENRY What else am I gonna do? Shove burgers? I ain't even got a GED. Without that… well… EDEN If you're trying to convince me to stay in school, there's no point. HENRY No way! You gonna drop out? Smart kid like you – you could be any darn thing you want! EDEN Oh, please. I already have a GED. Or at least, I took the test – just to see, you know? And I've taken a few college courses on the Internet. I stay in school for the socialization. HENRY Huh? EDEN I stay in school to look normal and have friends. The work is boring as hell, but I don't want to stand out. Do you know how hard it is to manage a B+ average? HENRY [sarcastic] Never had that problem, myself. EDEN [mounting upset] I have to guess on each test what the correct percentage of answers is to get wrong. I have to dumb my writing down for essay questions. I have to-- HENRY Why? EDEN Why? HENRY Why not just say to hell with it, and let em see how smart you are? EDEN Smart kids get noticed. I can stand out when I'm older. When it's safe. MUSIC SCENE 17 – WHERE'S DAD SOUND COMPUTER NOISES HENRY You need to get your butt home, dude. Your government might need you, but your daughter needs you more. ETHAN Not possible. HENRY What, are you in deep cover or something? In a foreign prison? [slow realization] Oh.... crap. ETHAN We are both in crap. HENRY No, I mean you - you're like them, aren't you? ETHAN Define "them". HENRY The ghosts. ETHAN [beat] Yes. HENRY Holy crap. ETHAN No. Just regular crap. HENRY I can't stay here forever! ETHAN Eden needs you. HENRY [wobbling] My mom... she needs me, too. ETHAN Open the scanner. HENRY What? Oh, that. SOUND SCANNER NOISE ETHAN I need your hand. MUSIC SCENE 18 – WHERE'S MOM SOUND SILENT HOUSE, KEY IN LOCK, DOOR OPENS HENRY Mom, why's the TV --? [panicky] Mom? SOUND MOVES THROUGH, TALKING HENRY Mom, please say you're okay. Say something! Hello? Oh, jeez, what could they'a done to‑‑ [cuts off as he spots something] What? SOUND PAPER PICKED UP HENRY [Reading] Hope you get this. Woulda called, but-- MOM [continuing, guilt tripping] --you never gave me your number at "work". Won a cruise in a mail-in contest. Back in a month. "Mom." P-S, all expenses paid - how you like them apples. Oh, and make sure to pay the electric bill. Want heat when I get home. HENRY [half amused, half annoyed chuckle] Ethan, you king of all shits. MUSIC SCENE 19 – LIKE MOTHER SOUND OUTSIDE, DAYTIME STREET GARTH Hey! EDEN [suspicious] Can I help you? GARTH [mean chuckle] You bet. SOUND CLICK OF CAMERA PHONE GARTH [annoyed] Hey! EDEN [scared, but standing her ground] If this is a mugging, I just e-mailed your picture to my dad. GARTH He's not gonna do anything. EDEN What makes you so sure? GARTH My mom has him by the short hairs. EDEN Your mom? GARTH Sherman? From CPS? Ring any bells? EDEN She went away. Everything is fine. GARTH Course it is. It's fine as long as you guys play ball. EDEN [starting to get it] As long as we--? GARTH Pay up. EDEN But that's-- GARTH You wanna complain, go whine to your dad, he'll explain the facts of life. For now... you got an ipod? EDEN [starting to break] I-- GARTH [threatening] Or should I say, do I got an ipod? [snarl] Hand it over. SOUND HAND OVER EDEN [nearly in tears] There. Choke on it, you bully! GARTH Uh! [shoves her] SOUND EDEN FALLS EDEN [gasp, trying hard not to cry] SOUND GARTH WALKS AWAY GARTH Hah! She got the Bieber fever. [nasty laugh] Ooh! Beyonce! EDEN [long sniffle] SOUND RUNNING FEET HENRY What happened? Here, let me-- SOUND SHE JUMPS UP AND THROWS HER ARMS AROUND HIM EDEN [crying] HENRY [nervous, not sure what to say] It's okay! I'll handle this. It's-- [determined, personal] It's going to be okay. MUSIC SCENE 20 – getting even SOUND QUIETLY DRESSING HENRY [whispering] It's easy to forget she's just a kid. FREDERIC [stage whisper] She is a most self-possessed young lady. HENRY Shh. She only just got to sleep. FREDERIC And you? Are you leaving her now, in her hour of need? HENRY [grim] Something I gotta do. FREDERIC In the middle of the night? SOUND ZIPPER ZIPS FREDERIC And dressed all in black? I sense skullduggery! HENRY Sense all you want, but stay quiet about it. FREDERIC Alas that I cannot do more than keep the light burning for your return. HENRY Yeah. See you in the morning. MUSIC SCENE 21 – SATISFACTION SOUND LOUD BANGING ON THE FRONT DOOR, DOOR OPENS HENRY [self satisfied] Ahh! [yawns] So sorry. Long night. SHERMAN Your check bounced! HENRY [congenial] No, I put a stop payment on it. Won't you come in? SHERMAN You WHAT? HENRY I - we - aren't playing your game any more. SOUND DOOR CREAKS OPEN A CRACK, UP CLOSE EDEN [whispered, eavesdropping] Go, Henry! FREDERIC I could always give her a visitation - maybe we'll get lucky and she'll keel over from the shock! EDEN No! He may be a butt, but I don't want you to kill some kid's mom! CALLANDRA They've gone into the living room! EDEN I'll have to listen on the laptop then. Right dad? SOUND BEEP MUSIC SCENE 22 – REVELATION HENRY Would you like a soda? SHERMAN I would like an explanation. What makes you think I won't go through with turning you in? HENRY Go ahead. When they take my fingerprints and they don't match the ones you have on file, you'll look pretty silly. SHERMAN You - you...! HENRY You might have noticed that I'm a bit of a computer nerd. SHERMAN Oh-ho-ho! [getting composure back] You may have changed the prints on the system, But you can't get into my backups. HENRY Call my bluff. SHERMAN Very well-- HENRY BUT-- SOUND MOMENT OF AWKWARD PAUSE SHERMAN [worried] What? HENRY I'm afraid you have a problem of your own. SHERMAN I have a what? Are you trying to blackmail me? I am very careful. HENRY About your money stuff, yeah - I'm sure you are. This is something else. A vase. SHERMAN A what? HENRY Have you read the papers recently? The museum? SHERMAN The Cellini Vase? HENRY Yeah, that thing. SHERMAN What does that have to do with me? HENRY It's in your house. MUSIC SCENE 23 – FINALE EDEN What if she finds it? HENRY What's she gonna do with it? She don't know no fences. CALLANDRA Or any place to sell it either. EDEN She might give it back? FREDERIC And try to explain how she happened to come by such a fugitive object? Hah! HENRY Hah is right. EDEN [down] So I guess this means you're gonna go now. I mean now that it's all clear. HENRY I guess. EDEN Would you stay? I mean, if you could? HENRY I'd like to but.... I dunno. My mom-- SOUND BEEP ETHAN [computer voice] Was lucky and got an apartment in a new full-service assisted living community. HENRY What? You can't just-- ETHAN Try and get her out. They have KeNo every Thursday. HENRY [annoyed but thinking] Hmm..... Does she get to have a nice TV? ETHAN No. HENRY What? How can you--? ETHAN You will bring one to her. EDEN Clever. FREDERIC Brilliant! CALLANDRA [sniffling] Touching. HENRY Gotcha. And what about me? EDEN I have four more years before I can technically be emancipated. If you're willing to be my dad til then, we'll-- ETHAN Pay you one hundred thousand per year. HENRY [dubious] That's pretty good. Hmm... Four years. EDEN Well, what do you want, then? HENRY Four years sounds like a heckuva lot like college. EDEN I'm still too young. HENRY Nah... I was thinking... you know... [quiet] For me. [up] But only if you'll help me get my GED and stuff. EDEN I bet I could be a really good tutor! MUSIC END
Jeff Shifley carved out some time from his busy schedule to come kick it with me of noon on a Sunday. We enjoyed a couple of beverages and attempted to dissect a few of his favorite albums: Jane's Addiction's Ritual de lo Habitual (1991), Phish's Hoist (1994), and one of the most badass records of all time, Physical Graffiti by Led Zeppelin (1975).In addition to sharing our novice-like expertise on a truly fantastic trio of releases, we also talked about work and parenthood and growing up and the weird thing that is this world we live in today.It was a really great time, and I couldn't be more pleased that we found a window on the calendar to bullshit and just be a pair of duderinos.When Jeff's not busy parenting or husbanding or slingin' brown paper bags, you can probably find him on the diamond or on the court wearing his coaching hat.He's a hell of a guy. I do hope you'll check out our chat.copyright disclaimer: I do not own the rights to the inro/outro audio clips. They are samples taken from a tune called "Mount Airy Hill (Way Gone)," which is off of the new (April) Kurt Vile album, watch my moves, which you can (and should) stream or buy in one of all of the places in which one does such things. Said track, by the way, comes to you and I courtesy of Verve Records, c/o overnite kv incorporated, under exclusive license to Verve Label Group, a division of UMG Recordings. Whew! Didja' catch all that? 'Cause it was kind of a lot.
Didja ever notice how no two of my LIVE hours ever sound the same. Kinda like they are a show of their own! Cool…ain't it!? The Music Authority LIVE STREAM Show & Podcast...listen, like, comment, download, share, repeat…heard daily on Podchaser, Deezer, Amazon Music, Audible, Listen Notes, Google Podcast Manager, Mixcloud, Player FM, Stitcher, Tune In, Podcast Addict, Cast Box, Radio Public, and Pocket Cast, and APPLE iTunes! Follow the show on TWITTER JimPrell@TMusicAuthority! Please, are you listening? Please, are you sharing the show & podcast? Please, has a show & podcast mention been placed into your social media? How does and can one listen in? Let me list the ways...*Listen LIVE here - https://fastcast4u.com/player/jamprell/ *Podcast - https://themusicauthority.transistor.fm/ The Music Authority LIVE STREAM Show & Podcast! Special Recorded Network Shows, too! Different than my daily show! *Radio Candy Radio Monday Wednesday, & Friday 7PM ET, 4PM PT*Rockin' The KOR Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 7PM UK time, 2PM ET, 11AM PT www.koradio.rocks*Pop Radio UK Friday, Saturday, & Sunday 6PM UK, 1PM ET, 10AM PT! October 7, 2022, Friday, set two…@David Bowie - I Can't ExplainAli Comerford - Cool GirlJoe Normal & The Anytown'rs - Stand Up!Agent 13 - 04 Rise Up [Unexploded Bomb]Brendan Benson - How 'Bout YouThe Kinks - Picture Book [The Village Green Preservation Society]Jaimie Vernon - 02 I Bet [So You Are A Star] (Bullseye Records of Canada, Inc.)Cirrone Band - 07 How Does It Feel [Uplands Park Road]Hans Rotenberry & Brad Jones - Puttin on airs tonight [Mountain Jack]Mink DeVille - You Just Keep Holding On [The Mink DeVille Collection]The Nits - The Young ReporterLeslie Pereira & The Lazy Heroes - 04 Hot Tamale [Good Karma] (Big Stir Records)The Difficult Stranger - 15 - Worst Kind Of Lover [Flavour Of The Month Volume 2] (Ice Cream Man Power Pop and More)The Cheap Cassettes - 01 See Her In Action! [See Her In Action! Maxi-Single EP] (Rum Bar Records)Leisure McCorkle - Transmission [IPO Vol 20]The Smithereens - Don't Bother Me@Maureen Leeson - 07 Wasted [aka Moe] (Bullseye Records of Canada, Inc.)Mod Hippie - Cricket LaRue [Wannabe Nobody] (Karma Frog Media)Whitney Road - Hold On [Lean In]
They're back! And they're… prebusecent?!?! In this glorious return from a definitely planned and warned about absence, Joshua and Dan find themselves in an Indiana middle school with the cast of the new Netflix film adaptation of 13! Armed with nothing but cooties and a copy of The Bell Jar, our hosts try to once again navigate the metaphorical hallways of life while trying to re-learn that goddamn torah portion. With sweet kicks on their feet and a song in their heart, our hosts wait for the final bell while talking about cheating ballads, the Disney Channel Original Movie, and composing post-childbirth. Didja miss us? Tune in next time when we discuss Vampire Lesbians of Sodom; specifically, the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS 20th Anniversary Benefit from March 28th 2005! Contact us: unccpodcast@gmail.com Twitter: @unccpodcast Instagram: @unccpodcast
Read the Previous Chapter hereChapter TwoA Tale in the DarkAfter the last of the hot scones were handed out, fresh from the ovens of Fatty, cups of sipping chocolate for the little'uns, boch of course for the olds, then the pipes were lit and hushes to be quiet administered, for the Telling of the Show was to begin. Malrond settled himself in a great tufted leather chair near the hearth, center stage within the main room, and for a long moment there was quiet. Then, with little to no fanfare he began at once.“I come none too late from the war in the south, my little friends…” began the old wizard. “To tell you the war that was coming, that we have felt in sky and stone, seen in omens and even bones… is over now. You may rest easy knowing this.”A hush deeper than the one that began the affair fell over the main room of the Last Friendly Inn as Malrond spoke this and all that could be heard in that solemn and stunning moment was the murmur-crackle and an occasional snap of the fire turning to grey ash within the grand hearth of the main room.The room was darker now. Only the struggling candles burned from behind Fatty McFarlane's perch at the end of the lovingly and oft-polished red oak bar and in the occasional sconce along the alcoves across the swollen room. Some later would remark that the dark seemed unnatural and was perhaps part of the showing. At the time this passed unnoticed, and the Littles collectively leaned forward at the beginning of the telling, willing themselves to miss nothing, knowing a great magic of the showing would soon begin as the wizard wove his quiet storytelling spell over the room, and them all in turn.The Littles, and others who were there that early spring night, in the back among the shadows, alone or keeping to their small traveling stranger clusters, all in the old pile of an inn were aware that war and death had been raging across the lands to the south around the great tower of Sirith Osildor itself and along the Black River that was the natural boundary for that southern region the Elves of Indolién referred to as The Undómë.The Twilight.Many travelers referred to those lost southern regions where the map seemed incomplete and even uncharted at times as… Ungondor.Lands of Cloud and Shadow.The quiet crowd in the normally merry old inn hovered over the old elven wizard's next words for surely there was more to this than what had been said already. Malrond took a deep draw from his long-stemmed clay pipe, held the smoke, his eyes watching them all, and then with a delicate movement of his old mouth sent the first smoke ring out and into the dark rafters above them all.“The crisis in the south… has been averted for now,” stated Malrond the Wise with a theatrical gravitas that bespoke a certain finality one must accept if the story were to go on.The Littles being great lovers of any travelling show that happened along the back roads agreed to the terms of the deal and accepted what the wizard had said with an acquiescent silence. Indicating old Malrond should go on with the rest of it, and already quick if you please.“The fell host of the Shadow Hordes has been turned back at the ancient Gates of Sirith Osildor itself. Just a few nights ago you may have seen lights of the terrible magics worked with much wroth in the crucial moments of that dire battle… just the other night in fact, a long night if you'll remember so, that is if there ever was one such as that one. A night in which those of us standing the watch against the coming shadow on the walls of the great tower guessed perhaps all was lost, and we had seen our last day. And even the last of all days to be seen by such as those who walk the Gentle Lands.”Yes, many of the Littles would later remark. The night had seeming restlessly long. There had been tossing and turning. Little'uns had nightmares and strange dreams that required attending and cold drinks of water to console. Some Littles even remarked that there had been the not unheard of, but not necessarily common, last meal of the several Littles generally consume per day.Second Creepies. A light comforting snack of catch as catch can from the larders to see out the last hours until dawn and Bacon.The wizard took a puff of his pipe, seemed to hold it for a moment as though wordlessly reciting a secret prayer, or a chant for good luck, good health, fair weather and a fast horse, and then finally let go with an almost melancholic exhale, sighing out the great weights that surely must rest on his narrow shoulders, the Littles assured themselves.Angelic blue smoke floated out from the wizard, its tendrils reaching among them, falling to the floor. Rising into rafters, seeking the shadows.The Littles breathed a sigh of relief and some even hoisted their mugs and took deeper draughts than unusual.This was, indeed, good news. The hordes of the Shadow defeated.“I was there…” announced the wizard to them all.No one had asked that. But in hindsight of the statement, it seemed the most natural of questions to be asked by ones not just seeking information but dying for its full reveal, and the tidbits and morsels must surely fall like so many crumbs of the Inn's famed Lavender Crumble Scones travelers from far and wide made detours just for. One of the younger little'uns, even more hot blooded and rash-tempered than quick with his fists Shane McFie, suddenly spoke from the dark floor where those of that age and stripe were gathered betwixt the main body and the old mage telling the show of what had happened there to the far and misty south.And even as this young one spoke up, rudely interrupting the proceeding with something about the elves and their swords, Malrond's continued smoke wafted through the room and over them all. Everywhere there were thin smoking tendrils like clever little garden snakes there in the stuffy atmosphere above the curly-haired Little heads who stared in rapture toward the wizard at the hearth, half lit by the simmering fire. Half in shadow by the darkness of the room.His face looked old now, they would all agree. Older than the last time they'd seen him come this way.And how long ago was that, some wondered.Time's a funny thing, answered others.Careworn and weather-beaten by many years on the road was the cause agreed on by all in the conversations and dissections that followed the days of the Showing of the Tell. As though some greater work than had been guessed at, was behind the old elf now. Though Malrond was clearly Andaari, noted by the long pointed ears, he seemed the opposite of that fair and noble race with their smooth features and almost almond eyes. Where he aged, they, other elves, did not. Where the bright sun did not touch them, it had carved deep lines in Malrond's long face, and brought bags to be under his baleful dark watching eyes. Time had bent the long nose that stared down upon them. Some old scar left barely visible ran down beneath one large eye. His eyes, they were dark. Dark like burning coals where the average Andaarian Elf tended toward blue and blue green eyes, and in this too he was different than those of his kind. And of course, his eyes were not like the royal green, burning like living fire in a fantastic jewel beyond price, reserved for those of the House of Eäron. Those Ancient Wayfaring Lords and founders of fair Indolién by the Sea. To have seen such eyes of the royal line, for a Little, even for a moment once in a lifetime, would have been considered a blessing to be noted and measured. A life event much talked about over field and farm and festival across the long years of the Littles which at best reached one hundred and thirty-seven. And even so special as to be noted when death came as it had been for Old Ori Farbanks, the former Mayor of Sheepshead who passed just five years back.Even the elves, merchants who seemed something more, had come out for that burying, staying just the day, and gone with the night and mist from off the coast.But those royal greens of the line of Eäron were not the eyes of Malrond the Wise. His were dark and glittering with tales, mischief, and yes jokes or at least funny stories for the most part. Sometimes they were sad and staring, seeing things only imagined when no one was watching him. Which was a mistake when in the company of Littles. Littles may be many things, silly, practical, laughing much, stuck in their ways constantly, angry about nothing just for the sake of it, faithful unto death, quiet like thieves when they meant to be, and occasionally mad, Littles were always watching. It was their nature to do so.The Littles knew the old elf as Malrond the Wise. But they also knew he was known by many names in other quarters even beyond the lands of Elves. Greystaff by the rock dwarves for the gnarled old ironwood he carried wherever he went about on his travels. Whisperer Tallhat by the strange and silent Children of Men far to the north. Gothminion some said in the ancient Elvish, older than Indarri, that was all but forgotten these days by most. But that was an unconfirmed [NC1] rumor that had only been heard and handed about and it seemed a strange one, a strange name for one such as he. And there were many other names suspected, and even hinted at.But as far as the Littles were concerned, Malrond was friendly when you thought about him and there was always a certain much needed excitement when he came about with his tales and spells and good talk.He remembered your business though you might not talk with him for a year, or even five in a stretch of seasons. He knew what you were about and what mattered to you and could speak and question at length regarding your affairs. And of course, he always came around at Harvest, and when there was great news afoot in the lands. The things said during his visits would keep the villages and hamlets of the Littles going for weeks at least.Malrond continued as the fire murmured and the smoke drifted heavy from his pipe though he had not puffed it and instead, wove it about with his long and crooked fingers, sparkling with many strange runic rings, and one… one that was uncommonly beautiful.“The hordes came out of the Ash south of the river… beyond the Forgotten Districts where much lies in ruin now, but those great wrecks still can be seen from the heights of the Sirith Osildor itself…”“Wot is the Ash?” some other impious young Little'un asked from the floor where the barefoot urchins had gathered with mugs of then[NC2] warm chocolate. The older Littles erupted with a hiss of shushes and explosions regarding the impetuousness of youth, the abundance of bad parenting, and common lack of manners these days when you took count and measure of the state of affairs and all.A look crossed the old wizard's face at this second interruption. Like some flashing brief summer storm coming across the waters when you liked it least. This was because Malrond did not like being interrupted when he was on about something. That was clear. But the look was queerly gone as soon as it had come and the wizard obliged the question from the floor, smiling briefly as he did so.Some would say… it was not a warm smile. But that may have been due to the subject matter. The Southern Waystes where the map was shadowy, and things left botheringly unsaid.“The Ash is a low and broken land, burnt by great and terrible magics from the days of Inthol the Bright. But that was long ago when great monsters [NC3] heaved about the land and caused much trouble. Now the silent place is little but wretched blight where the low shadow hordes hunker, avoiding the light when they can, preferring to move with the night and the moon to seek their mischiefs and murders. Goblin tribes coming out to raid and strike fear into the hearts of good people everywhere if they can violate the waters of the River and the Watch at the Tower. My order has long kept an eye on these lands, and it was a year ago this time we first heard the war drums rumbling from the deep ruin there even though we dared not tread that far south into the southern Waystes often. Rumors and tales that a new war leader, Khahuz Ulghûl of the Black Feather Orcs, had come to power over that land and was looking to make trouble farther north for his sleeping master. Binding the boiling tribes beyond the river itself into their ancient hordes, this new foe called for great war against our peoples and dear Indolién itself if such folly can be imagined.”Now this was shocking, and the Littles gasped in horror at thought of what the wizard had just said. Orcs attacking Indolién.That would be the very definition of dark times indeed.For a long moment old Malrond mused over some matter just to himself, stoking his pipe with short breaths, smoothing his long grey beard with a long and gnarled old hand.Then he began once again, oblivious that the Littles had exercised so much patience during this interminable pause and not just interrupted into a chaotic chorus of questions hurled like summer ‘maters when there's too many to be had for anyone with sense.“Long did the council work to forestall Khahuz Ulghûl's efforts but it was soon clear enough what the black fiends' [NC4] intentions were. The tribes were coming north across the Black River come Unqualë or high water. It was clear their desire was to smash into the Sirith Osildor itself. If they were successful, then Indolién's southern port of trade toward the Lost Lands would be gone and he[NC5] who is not to be spoken of would grow even greater still in power as he slumbers. To lose the Tower would have been a mighty blow against the Emerald Throne itself, and, the doom of us all.”Unqualë or High Water is a common expression among the Littles. Unqualë is an ancient elven word for an agonizing death. Malrond's usage was in keeping with the Littles' usage of it as a flooded farm was just about as bad as an agonizing death to a Little. They could not abide waste unless it was August ‘maters. By that time, they were giving them away, making midnight raids to deposit bushels of them on other neighbors' steads, or ambushing small bands of rogue boys to ward them off the melons the rascals would cut the hearts out of to eat in the heat of the day, or the cool of the misty late nights when they went roving before it was time to marry and settle.Seeking adventures to be had. Knowing the time for such things was short.The Littles drew in a deep breath and all at once began to babble in fear as the wizard paused and surveyed the impact of his words on their terror-struck faces at the fact the Gentle Lands were in jeopardy.“Was this known?”“How did this happen?”“We were almost done fer!”And it was at this fearful moment, the Showing of the Tell… truly began.Suddenly and much to their amazement, above their curly heads there in the smoke hanging amid the rafters with the hams and other lanterns, drifting charcoal images of some vast horde of foul orcs and lesser scheming goblins could be seen marching through the mists the smoke of Malrond's pipe had created. Just barely as some light show of travelling players working in puppetry might, but this in an otherworldly ash, charcoal, and blackest dust, began to show the Littles and those in the inn that night, the ferocious anger as Orc and Gob carried torch and shield forward, silently chanting their marching songs and war cries. Axes and swords forward in battle, ready for mayhem and slaughter.There were other beasts of the nether, dark among their host as shown in the image of darkness and smoke up there, the candlelight making it all seem more real, more alive. Terrible troll lords with demonic eyes and savage strength, dark beings of such wrath and terror marching above that Littles, some and not a few, hid their faces. The troll's fiery glaring eyes alight with mischief and deviltry.[NC6] Ancient wraiths too, curst armored knights of the Old Age come back to slay once more, leading divisions of drum-beating, horn-blowing, snarling orcs as large as any savage north man and more. Powerfully built and wielding great cruel tree-cutting axes, or wide-bladed swords whose very metal seemed dirty and corrupted in evil. Broad and curved like the Corsairs of Ambar who sail far south beyond the Lost Lands into areas of myth and spice and tales beyond belief, or so some say.The overwhelmed Littles gawped in amazement at the sudden imagery forming and marching over their heads in the Inn's upper reaches of the main room. Muttering darkly, or even angrily at times, among themselves, for Littles hated orcs with a passion as they were the enemy of all growing, thriving things. Some averted their eyes, turning toward their simple prayers, mumbling words as if to sustain themselves in a swoon brought on by the relentless host above. In the smoke of the shadow show, the ghostly nether blue pipe rings of Malrond turned to a sea of black arrows filling the skies of the battle the shadow host was marching out to. Rising like some unclean squall of crows come from out of the east to pick the late summer fields clean of corn and ‘maters, as the Littles called tomatoes.An unlucky thing and curse if there ever was one.Then, as the Littles gasped in horror, the shadow arrows were falling now. Falling like flaming stars suddenly alight from the heavens above.But these arrows were not alight with flame, but surely with witch-magic. The flames were necrotic purple in ghost-light, seething and smoking as they fell through the rings of Malrond's smoke show and almost seemed to come down on the Littles themselves right there on the floor of the inn.Children, the little'uns, cried out or screamed with such sudden terror that the tiny, round Little Mothers threw themselves and their shawls over the children as if that could protect them from the storm of deadly flights falling and exploding among them. The Little farmers stood quickly as though hoping to stand between their young and the strike and the covering mothers. Other younger Littles like Shane McFie and those in his band, roared in anger, hoisting their mugs like small swords or clubs, and made ready to answer any violence in kind.In an instant the shadow arrows rained down on the mighty broken tower of Sirith Osildor itself, rising in image among the coals and torched logs of the hearth near the murmuring wizard. The Littles saw some of the smoke arrows, things of figment surely, smash into the floor of the inn after they'd fallen from the rafters, exploding on Fatty McFarlane's polished boards like wraiths of smoke and nightmare that never were. But by then the Littles were staring into the images within the hearth conjured by the wizard and his pipe for they were far more fascinating and as though viewing the living thing itself with one's own eyes.It was… mesmerizing.Few to none had ever seen the Tower. Sirith Osildor itself. An ancient place buried deep in the lore of the Andaar and some say… even far older into the Old Ages of long ago when things were different. Gleaming elven defenders were struck and fell from the high stone ramparts and crumbling parapets into the thronging masses of shadow invaders even now approaching the lower battlements with unquenchable flame and relentless spear. Around the main room of the inn, the thousand fires of the shadowy host seemed alive and more real than the candles that burned from their recesses. Shadow of imposing troll and goblin sneak marched like ghosts through the room toward the tower itself and if one could hear past the gasps and screams of the Littles, one might it seemed, hear terrible drums and ululating horns of war.The hellish hearth of the inn, a place of gathering and tales listened to and told of, cast its steady orange glow along one side of the old wizard's face, making him seem something stronger, stranger, older.Murmuring as though in a dream, the wizard continued his telling.[NC7] Within the hearth the flames leapt, the grey logs almost ash turning suddenly black, and a battle in minute detail broke out along the fabled Ivory Causeway within the consuming logs. The old, fabled road that once made itself over the Black River and into the districts of Sirith Osildor. The shadow of the host spread like a rot across summer's best fruits as they raced for the tower through the flames and the images revealed along the burning wood. Soon they were at the very gates of the old fortress that guarded the good lands and the Littles crowded, not close, but tippy toed, and pressed to see what the wizard was showing them with the hearth.The hoary face of a wraith, garbed in ancient almost translucent armor, appeared in a sudden burst of flames within the fire, and roared wordlessly in a sudden snap of a log and spray of flames, the thing's breath a hiss as the dead thing waved a runed sword, dented and old, forward, leading more of the shadow host into battle against the Tower. The orcs, tiny scrambling ashen figures threw themselves onto the tower walls, working their ashen bows and shooting down the defenders above with fiery arrows as they crawled like a pestilence among mighty battlements of Sirith Osildor.The crowd of Littles and others within the inn recoiled in horror at this spectacle of what seemed certain to be the sack of the mighty southern tower that defended the gateway to the Gentle Lands. Revealed within the images of the hearth and its flames were horrors and terrors never contemplated. Some began to whimper and cry, and parents who had brought their children, expecting some great wonder or reward from the travelling wizard, felt suddenly terrible at having arrived with their little'uns to such a tragedy witnessed in flame, fire, smoke, and shadow.The wizard, silent, and musing his beard and pipe[NC8] , watched them all as they remained helpless to tear their eyes away from what he was showing them in the telling.Then… he spoke. His voice old and creaking, and yet, something more. Words, some would say later, the words of Malrond were like the only things that existed in that moment.But that was what some said, and others said nothing on the subject.“All was lost in those first moments of the battle,” began Malrond once again and paused with such a sense of weight he seemed to have nothing more to add. That the loss of the defenders, the tower, and the certain arrival of the Shadow in the Gentle Lands was imminent. As though each Little should fly home at this very moment to their stead and take to the hills and mountains in the east with haste and everything on their back if only to save their lives right now.“But then came Adoras himself, Champion of the Emerald Throne, riding the field of battle to the aid of the defenders of Sirith Osildor. Bringing with him a host of the Elven Horse just in time out of the North Lands where they had been rumored to be but mere months ago. And you may think this is where everything will be alright and the day, or rather night, saved. But my Little friends, this was where the battle truly became its most terrible, and defeat was as close as it would come to snuffing out the light of us all had the tides not turned.”Silence fell over the whole inn.“At dawn, just when all seemed lost, like a bright shining scythe sweeping the late harvest of wheat, Adoras and the Horse came out of the east, crossing into the outskirts of southern Osildor and sweeping into the armies of the Shadow with the sun at their backs. Making their attack between the gate and the bridge. Now… the battle was begun in full and both forces descended into the madness of battle as it was joined.”Above their heads, the Littles and those in the inn gaped in amazement as the images of the Elven Horses, riders in armor shining like bright death itself, appeared with the weak grey dawn light and swept into the wide districts of that southern city beyond the tower. Districts buried under the forces of the shadow. Instantly great fights were begun within the streets. Orc and goblin carrying fire and spear were driven off the face of the mighty tower and slain as they fled back for the dark waters of the river and shadows of the south.“Adoras' wrath was indeed terrible,” Malrond stated solemnly. “The Champion of the Emerald Throne, true and faithful as he is known to be, wrought much wrath and destruction as his final charge carried straight into the shadow army's line holding near the bridge. Even the trolls and wraiths who make their homes among the Broken Rock along the Forgotten Coast were carried away like so much flotsam in the spring flood that was Adoras' triumph on the field that day I have just come from.”Malrond made some gesture, suddenly with a deft movement tossing his drink into the fire, and the flames within the hearth exploded, sending showers of sparks and smoke rising into the inn. Within this choking miasma, a mighty demon of a troll rose up among the press of goblins in their leathers with bloody red silks and black masks of that command to stand against the charge. With their misshapen and ugly heads, twisted green creatures fled as the beautiful stallions and shining riders of the Horse came at them and the terrible rampaging troll. This foe, a tall and lean thing with long gangly arms ending in great dirty claws, turned to fight back the charge with the aid of an antique axe from the elder ages carried over one lumpen shoulder. The terrible scythe dripped with inky blood, notched and smoking along the charcoal blade. The ghost image of the troll's eyes were desperate but still malevolent enough, as a winged helmed elven warrior atop a white steed, the perfection of the fabled Elven Horse of Indolién, swooped in with bright and shining spear, a sword on the belt, to do single combat in the street with the abomination of the troll.This was a great spectacle to those gathered in the Inn for it surely seemed the valiant warrior was outmatched from the first by the towering height of the foe and the ferocity of its terrible rage. The bloody troll moved fast and swept the scythe of his vicious axe into the breast of the incoming mount of the rider, but the mount reared and the wounded horse, a beautiful and noble creature within the image of smoke in the Inn, cried out in sudden indignation and terror as it tried to back away, throwing its great hooves forward to attack the looming horror. In the same instant, the elven warrior fired his spear forward in a savage strike as though it was the merest shaft from off the meanest bow fired at ease. Except the power and speed with which it flew from the rider's powerful arm told that the blow was something far more potent than at first expected. Something from the tales of the Great Bow of Aeostir the Hunter himself.An unbelievable second later the spear landed amid the troll's gaunt chest, planting itself with all the stern refusal of something that could never be shaken or moved again. No mortal thing would have survived its piercing. But the spear's appearance within its body only seemed to outrage the beast even more. The troll dragged its axe over its devil's head, intending to smite the dying horse and warrior as once again both horse and rider went down in the street near the tower. But the elf was as all elves are, quick and agile, spritely in battle. Literally walking off his dying and noble mount, surging suddenly forward into the close quarters fray with the evil troll, the warrior drew his blade for a swift stroke.The shining warrior delivered the victorious slash against the guts of the troll with his quickly drawn blade. Green blood and pestilent ichor splashed out onto the wet stones of the ravaged street and the elf was at once wielding the blade against his foe again and again in angry fury. Striking wounds that would never heal for such is the fabled metal of the elven smiths of Indolién as everyone knows.They do not heal.In the smoke and fading ash within the hearth images, the Littles stared in amazement and horror at the battle revealed just for them as more of Malrond's smoke rings plied the airs among them yet again.“But the enemy was not finished yet,” crooned the wizard from the asides. “Within the hour of Adoras' great victory, the enemy played their last tricky hand, and a new foe was come to put paid to the matter…”The ground around the warrior began to shake all at once as more of Malrond's blue smoke seemed to come from nowhere and everywhere all at once across the Inn. For some, and they would discuss this later over all the meals the next day between Bacon and Creepies, it was hard to say whether you were in the Inn, or at the battle itself.“Troll and elf strove on in deadly battle even as the goblin horde streamed past in full pell mell retreat, certain the battle for the Tower was truly lost to them now, their captains dead. The view within the smoke about them all changed to a circling raven's eye view of the fields beneath the heights of the ancient tower itself. From those heights, those within the inn could see the individual melees taking place on the narrow and twisting streets below in and among the bright and glittering merchants' houses who made their homes there along the southern edges. It was amazing to witness and again, something much discussed over cold draghts in the afternoon and nuts and cheese before supper. One could see the masses of both sides, Shadow and Elven Horse, colliding into one another at no less than three points beyond the tower.“Within the tower, under the command of that fabled general who all the Gentle Lands trusted to never give up the southern watch, bowmen began to return fire and shoot down into the streets at the goblins and raging trolls to be found and targeted there for effective fire.Surely all was not lost as day became real and of course the news must be most wonderful, thought every watching Little as they paid witness to the images of smoke and magic the wizard had manifested for their knowing right there in the Inn.Then a great shadow cast itself across the battle and over every warrior on all sides. Even the Inn itself. Some looked around as though to see some great thing passing overhead through the rafters and curing meats there. The shadow come from the south was like some insect plague swarming a crust of cast bread. Warriors of both sides gazed skyward suddenly into the morning grey light to see the coming of the great dragon to the battle at Sirith Osildor.“Out of the ancient mists of time the enemy had found our oldest of foes…” spoke the wizard softly, almost reverently. “An ancient drake from the brood of Gathmar herself. In an instant the dragon fell among the warriors under Adoras and did much damage with tooth and claw, choking smoke and black fire, as dragons are wont to do.”Within the smoke of the images swallowing everyone within the Inn, the dragon settled into the thick of the battle before the old Port Gate on the west of the Citadel itself. Bright armored warriors of the Elven Horse and their mounts were scattered as the dragon swept its terrible claws across them all, sending shattered armor and broken weapons in shadowy smoke across the destruction of the orcs, even themselves fleeing from the terror of the beast. All was chaos and terror among those who'd fought for that street and not given an inch in the hours of deepest night and coming dawn that marked the battle.“It was into this destruction and impending peril and loss that Adoras rode Telemnar against the dragon.”If this was true, if the images the wizard conjured within the smoke were to be believed, then this was the stuff of tales and song and the Littles were seeing it here, above and among them. The mightiest of the elven scions of the Emerald Throne rode into the battle where it was thickest, as orcs, goblins, and even the troll rallied to protect the dragon's flanks even though they were clearly in stark terror of the terrible and mighty thing at their sides. It was here, cutting and slaying, Adoras drove impossibly forward and struck a mighty blow against the dragon with his fabled sword Norsus.“Long was this contest fought,” intoned Malrond solemnly as though in some trance. The smoke dragon reared high into the sky of the rafters and hams in the Inn's darker recesses, towering over the mighty houses that had been broken and sundered in that noble district of Sirith Osildor, breathing green fire across the foes confronting it.“The shields of Adoras' vanguard held and once more the elven Horse charged into the dragon, wounding the wyrm sorely as the fight grew desperate. But…” spoke Malrond softly. “…Twas not without cost.“All those who stood against the dragon save Adoras himself were felled by the piercing of the dragon's fangs, the rending of its claws, and great buffets from off its mighty wings.“Elves of greatness and renown fell in vain against its strength. The onslaught of the raging termagant was so awful even orcs and goblins were too afeared to draw near the wrath of its ancient evil, and instead withdrew into the wreckage and ruin to await the outcome of the contest between the champion and the dragon beneath the great tower.“But Adoras would not relent though sorely wounded himself,” continued Malron. “And so at the last he raised his mighty sword and struck the dragon in its black heart, bringing the great beast down in sudden thunder and blood all at once.”Within the Inn the image seen was incredible. All were filled with fear and wonder in the same instant. Light exploded, shadows reigned, and all that was seen was the silhouetted image of dragon and elf prince against the color of flame and ruin in the background. The mighty elf seemed slain to them and then, as if in final spite, he lashed out with the bite of the blade Norsus and found home, striking down and into the great and ancient wyrm.Little ‘un, lone traveling man, sand elf, and those others of the Littles who found themselves in the Inn that night, rejoiced and gasped in horror at the mighty spectacle of the sight of the slaying of the dragon.Indeed, it was a mighty thing to behold. A thing that made the tales of the Lost Ages seem trifles of the here, and the now. That what had just been witnessed was even something mightier and greater than any ever told round hearth or fire, or along the waysides where one passed nights with such wild fables and smoke.The inn erupted as the dragon heaved its last and died, collapsing into the river.And over this roar the voice of Malrond thundered for them all to hear once gain.“The Shadow Host was broken and driven back beyond the river!” cried the old wizard to them all. “Adoras triumphed over foe and fiend and in the name of the Emerald Throne for the cause is just, and it is right. The Gentle Lands, and all other homes that lie under the Sway of Indolién… are safe once more.”He paused as the smoke of the showing of the tell faded like dreams barely remembered… and for a moment the entire Inn was in darkness and not even the faintest glow of the hearth could be seen in its black emptiness.There were just the fading whispers of the wizard.Then Malrond added, “For now.”Suddenly the Littles were swarming the broad oaken bar of Fatty and demanding frothy pints of the finest, celebrating the victory of Adoras himself and at the same moment recounting what they had just seen as though they and they only had been there amid the smoke and flame of the battle and its recounting needed immediately.Those not engaged in such unmannerly drinking were swarming the legs of the wizard asking for more and other details, and to show them all once again the things of wonder they had seen within Malrond's smoke and showing.Malrond, who was known to be kind, and to have a special place within his heart for the Littles of the Gentle Lands, stayed for a while more, telling them more of how Adoras had put sword to the fell host and pursued them back to their caves and barrows beyond the river, and even to the very ruins of the Fallen Kingdom of Amnanor of the Old Age. A place of strange spirits many who went there never returned from. Malrond reminded the clustering Little farmers who seemed less inclined to wait for the next succulent detail that fell from the lips of the wizard, that all was safe now and some of the darker details were best left unsaid if one valued sleep. And there were sleepy-eyed little'uns about that needed carrying back to their beds.“Ave yer been there, Malrond?” asked one.“Tis true that time's gone daft beyond the Black Gate?” asked another.“Didja see any of the warewoofs of Lord Suth?”Littles are always going on and on about werewolves from the south and are as likely to blame the myth of such creatures for any of their ills more than anything else they can quite name.“I did accompany Adoras and the Bright Fist, his personal guard, into the south and there we fought at the very foundations of the Doom Gate, the Manarandon itself, forcing them to draw it closed once more and defend the unnamed one within. Then we turned back for needs must. Adoras is now to appear before the throne but bid me come and bring you this great news.”“Will'ee stay Malrond?”“Say more and we shall carry on and sing songs to dawn in celebration of the evil that almost befell our little farms and has been smashed now!”But Malrond would not stay among them long. There were other communities and holdings within the Gentle Lands that knew him by other names and to these he told the Littles he must depart at once to and show the telling of once again.Soon it was time for Malrond to be off, so with much sorrow, and not a few tears from the gathering Littles, Malrond made the old door of the aged inn and was gone just like that, off into the misty night as strangely as he'd appeared among them that morning.Outside the inn all was quiet dark, and misty night. A few stood with pipes, waving farewell to the tall striding figure in the night, watching as the mist took him, and soon he was unseen once more.Subscribe Now and get the Audio version of this and so much more… This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nickcole.substack.com/subscribe
Brutal Brittany, Killer Kenna and guest Leslie Borden talk about Ouija, the most basic bitch horror movie out there. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Your daily Horoscope! READ FOR YOU BY PAYTON! If we missed your sign go to www.johnjayandrich.com and look for the blog tab!
How to design Zen?No need to redesign it —It is already!* * *In this segment we will continue to explore the underlying or implied question of Buddhism: What is your worldview, exactly and in detail? And: How can you mount challenges to it? Again, there are multiple dimensions, or spheres of influence, to our world, namely the personal, social, natural, and universal. Also again, the influence we can have on these various spheres is a case of diminishing returns, as we move from the inmost personal dimensions of life to the outer realms of the world at large. And the relationship is asymmetrical — the outer dimensions can have a disproportionate effect upon the inner. Cases in point include mass shootings in the news again, and looming climate disasters.“Didja ever notice...?” This familiar lead-in from standup comic routines is appropriate to any consideration of worldview, and to Zen and Design training. It is often the things we don't notice that trip us up, or get us in the end. Leaders of guided meditation — which zazen is not — will often use an expression such as “Notice that your anxiety triggers physical sensations, in your solar plexus…” Then they suggest what to do about it, such as “Hold that feeling…” et cetera. There is no real problem with this approach for newcomers, depending on the practice-experience of the person doing the guiding. But once one has been practicing meditation for some time, such guidance is not only not needed, it can be downright aggravating. We don't need to be led by the nose to enlightenment. In fact it is probably guaranteed to get in the way. Zen recommends unguided meditation, with minimal instruction, and that mostly on the physical plane. Mental discipline will develop on its own eventually, in the most natural way, as body and mind cannot separate. Worldview can evolve but does not need to be guided.Is your worldview accurate? The Eightfold Path lays out three constituents of daily practice. Right Wisdom, comprised of Right View and Thought; Right Conduct, meaning of Speech, Action and Livelihood; and Right Discipline in Effort, Mindfulness and Meditation. The first two form the axis of wisdom between our view and understanding of the reality we face. The second is the outer person, whose conduct is witnessed by others, and the third is the inner person, those things about us, good and bad, that may be hidden from the world. The theory is that by eliminating wrong views, we come to appreciate, and approximate, a worldview closer to Buddha's own. This would then amount to the “right view” of reality, meaning one that is all-inclusive, not self-centered, and characterized by a balance of compassion and wisdom in our interface with, and reaction to, the four worldly spheres. The Path is thus a comprehensive outline or plan, a model of manifesting Zen in daily life.Buddhism's related teaching of the five Skandhas, or “aggregates of clinging” — beginning with Form, proceeding through Sensation, Perception, Impulse, and finally Consciousness itself — offers a complementary, complete model of sentient awareness. It may be considered an example of the science of the times, reflecting an intuitive grasp of biological sentience and its psychological aspects, or a design exercise in attempting to describe the discernible constituents of consciousness or worldview. Nowadays we can parse these differentiations to a nearly infinite level of detail, but the aggregate reality is still where we place our attention in Zen meditation.The first four aggregates might be mistakenly interpreted as concepts, mere objects of differentiated consciousness. That is, we may think we are fully conscious of external forms as well as internal sensations, perceptions, and impulses. But we cannot be cognizant of all of them simultaneously, not at all times, when we are preoccupied with our mission of the moment. Sensation adapts to constant stimulus, and we can become numb to reality. “The world is too much with us” — shout out to William Wordsworth — and our adaptive reaction reflects the central line of his brief poem: “For this, for everything, we are out of tune; it moves us not.” In Hsinhsinming [Trust in Mind], Ch'an Master Sengcan reminds us similarly, “A hairsbreadth deviation and you are out-of-tune.”On the other hand, we tend to focus our attention selectively. In doing so, we mistake our initial impression to be the way the world is, ignoring the greater reality: that the aggregates are also empty. This notion of emptiness — a translation of the Sanskrit shunyatta that may create as much confusion as clarity — is one of the most troubling for students of Buddhism and Zen. Without going into book length, perhaps the shorthand of comparing the nonduality of form and emptiness to that of matter and energy may give us the modern equivalent of the intuitive conception of 2,500 years ago. Form is that aspect of our worldview that we can perceive and conceive, its appearance as the material world, and emptiness is that invisible, energetic reality underlying the form, or matter. Science and Buddhism come to the same conclusion, that both things can be true at the same time.We learn our worldview partly though agreement with our peers, as well as parents, teachers and others, unfortunately including politically-motivated ideologues. This may account for most of the mental objects of indirect conception that retroactively affect our direct perception. The extreme exemplified as traumatic memories leading to PTSD.Tribal members tend to share the same worldview, as well as the same language, as do citizens of modern nations. But when it comes to sensations and perceptions that are not broadly shared by the larger community, we must resort to our own means, and develop an original conceptual framework, and language, for them. This is characteristic of Zen. We all have to reinvent Zen for ourselves, for it to become real in our lives, and to have any significant effect on our direct worldview. “Not understanding the Way before your eyes, how will you know the path you walk?” as another Ch'an poem, Sandokai [Harmony of Sameness and Difference], challenges us to consider.The “Dreamtime” of aboriginal Australians is an example of a significant tribal preoccupation not usually seen in modern society, thought to date back to some 65,000 years ago. It has been supplanted in our times by psychological studies of dreams, perhaps. Meditative insight would be another example from the Buddhist tradition, the closest parallel in Christianity being centering prayer, and the epiphanies of the saints. We do not pretend to know the complete process by which the formation of our worldview takes place. But we want to posit that in Zen, it is not as simple and straightforward as it may seem. Our current worldview may be skewed. As a comic asks, “Did you ever look at yourself in the mirror, first thing in the morning, and think: That can't be accurate!” Your view of yourself, the person with whom you are most familiar in the world, may not match the reality. Especially as we grow older, this contradiction continues to gain more clarity and force. This challenges our sense of self.Our sense of a separate self is reinforced by our perception/conception of being a being in an environment. We definitely perceive the boundaries of where we end and it, the environment, begins. Our skin, for example, the outer shell of our body and its largest organ — while obviously separating our insides from the outside — simultaneously connects us to the environment, and so stands as an example of nonduality. It both is and is not a barrier, a membrane through which we absorb and excrete various forms of energy such as sunlight and temperature, as well as moisture and other chemicals, in exchange with the local environ. The same may be said of all the other senses as well.If we leave the building, and go outside, it seems that now, we are in a different environment, which would argue that the environment is separate. And indeed, we may experience different environments, simply by traveling around the world in which we live. However, no matter where or how far we go, the being-in-the-environment dyad is still present. There is no existence of being without accompanying environment. Again, Zen teaching is largely belaboring the obvious, once it is pointed out. Like the punchline of a cosmic joke.Thus, the being and its environment are relatively separable, but absolutely inseparable. Once the latter conception becomes our new normal perception, we can see that with every move we make, the environment responds with a seemingly equal and opposite move. If we lean left, it shifts to the right. If we move forward, it flows backward, through our senses, notably the visual, the auditory, and the tactile, and perhaps more subtly, the olfactory and even gustatory, depending on circumstance. Running into a burning house, for instance, all the senses are likely to be fully engaged. This sense of unity with the surround is a more normal state of awareness than the sense of isolation that comes with sustaining the sense of a separate self, today heightened by social media. It is probably acute in primitive tribal societies, where sensing the environment is directly connected to immediate survival.So what does all this Zen stuff have to do with Design? The personal, social, natural and universal spheres of existence cannot be separated, according to Zen, nor can they in terms of Design. We are challenged to design our life and our world in such a way as to optimize the positive influences we have on the surrounding spheres in which our personal world is nested, and to minimize the negative effects that we have on them, and that they have on us. The media, materials and methods by and through which we actualize our plan in order to achieve and maintain this design intent vary by the individual, the context, and over time. The teachings of Zen fit into this process as expressed in the “Dharma opening verse” recited before each presentation of teachings in a formal setting: “The unsurpassed, profound and wondrous Dharma is rarely met with, even in a hundred-thousand-million kalpas. Now we can see and hear it, accept and maintain it. May we unfold the meaning of the Tathagata's truth.”The verse is relatively self-explanatory. The vast time span indicated may sound discouraging, until you come to the phrase “now we can see and hear it,” meaning both now is the only time it is met with, but also, thanks to our good luck, we can look and listen to someone expounding this teaching. The “ accept and maintain” it part puts the onus on us to make an attitude adjustment of acceptance if we find we are resisting as usual, and if not, to maintain the teaching for the sake of ourselves and others. “Thus the realm of self-awakening and awakening others invariably holds the mark of realization with nothing lacking, and realization itself is manifested without ceasing for a moment” as Master Dogen asserts with his usual unshakeable confidence.Seeing and hearing the true Dharma, another vintage Dogen expression, relies on this “mark of realization,” which is the crux of the matter of awakening to the truth, whether on the personal or social level. All we need do in order to avail ourselves of this Dharma, which has the connotation of “truth,” is to put the emphasis on realization rather than understanding, and look for its manifestation moment by moment. In this way our worldview becomes something that already is, rather than something that we need to achieve. A little fine-tuning is needed, that is all.* * *Elliston Roshi is guiding teacher of the Atlanta Soto Zen Center and abbot of the Silent Thunder Order. He is also a gallery-represented fine artist expressing his Zen through visual poetry, or “music to the eyes.”UnMind is a production of the Atlanta Soto Zen Center in Atlanta, Georgia and the Silent Thunder Order. You can support these teachings by PayPal to donate@STorder.org. Gassho.Producer: Kyōsaku Jon Mitchell
JENNY BLAZE FROM BRAVO AND BLAZE joins Lauren and Cash for a pot packed episode! We are discussing all of the ins and outs of the devil's lettuce. Can you get arrested for having a doobie while driving?? (yes). When did weed stop being dope!? Didja know ganga was sold in pharmacies? I miss those days. Grab your friend Erika Jayne and spark up a little Mary Jane ;) Check out our patreon: https://www.patreon.com/allegedlybravoWebsite: https://allegedlybravo.com/Merch: https://www.morallycorruptshop.com/shop/morally-corrupt-x-allegedly-bravo AD FREE listening! https://plus.acast.com/s/allegedly-bravo. Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.
I've been away. But now I'm back. In this short episode, I talk about what led to me having to step away from both podcasting and Precinct Omega in general, what I learned from the experience and, a little bit, about what's coming up from Precinct Omega now that I'm back.
Run your home, and your dough, like a BIBLICAL BOSS! Today you get to hear from one of E.J.'s favorite podcast hosts, Steven Manuel. E.J. and Steven talk about what a Biblical family looks like. They discuss why Jewish families stick together and find success no matter where they are globally despite being the most perpetually persecuted group of people in history. They juxtapose living the "American Dream" versus living Biblically as a multi-generational family team. Finally, you get to learn what everyone is wondering - WHY ABRAHAM??Abe's Wallet is for family leaders and those who aspire to think multigenerationally about their money, culture, work, family and community. Living out a multigenerational mindset that embraces good stewardship as a building block of God's Kingdom on Earth might produce Abrahamic levels of impact. Can you imagine?!From Abe's Wallet - "Now then: our Bottom Line and operating belief is that the God Of All wants you to get very very VERY good at handling and growing money. (And if you want to fight about it, that is totally cool and you'll soon see we've given you ample opportunity with gobs of posts you can complain about.) Jesus spoke about money more than any other single topic. Maybe that's old news to you, but did you know that when he talks finances – Jesus VERY RARELY mentions giving to the poor? Didja?? Probably not; this isn't the kind of thing often hyped in the dependent-upon-charitable-contributions church house. My Southern Baptist upbringing would have me believe that the Bible's counsel on money is mostly about giving it away. But NAY, friend. Tisn't the case." Read the rest at What is Abraham's Wallet? – Abraham's Wallet (abrahamswallet.com)Series mentioned in show:Wealth is Inevitable – Part 1 – Abraham's Wallet (abrahamswallet.com)
Adapted by Julie Hoverson from a story by Phillips Barbee (pseudonym of Robert Sheckley) Published in Galaxy Science Fiction, December 1952 Classic era science fiction about a very odd visitor from outer space. Cast List Professor Michaels - Grant Baciocco (Radio Adventures of Dr. Floyd) Frank Connors - Bryan Hendrickson Mrs. Jones - Kimberly Poole (Warp'd Space) Sheriff Flynn - Glen Hallstrom General O'Donnell - Chuck Burke Allenson, scientist - Cary Ayers Moriarty, physicist - Eleiece Krawiec Brigadier-General - H. Keith Lyons Driver - Cary Ayers Soldier1 - John Carroll Soldier2 - Lothar Tuppan Pilot - Mark Olson The Leech - Suzanne Dunn, Will Watt, James Sedgwick, Julie Hoverson Many thanks to Project Gutenberg and Librivox for curating these classic stories. [Link to The Leech in short sci fi collection 24 at Librivox] Music by misterscott99 [Thanx to Steve Guy for suggesting searching YouTube for a Theramin artist!!] Editing and Sound: Julie Hoverson Cover Design: Brett Coulstock "What kind of a place is it? Why it's a cabin in upstate New York, can't you tell?" ************************************************ The Leech By Phillips Barbee (Robert Sheckley), Galaxy Science Fiction December 1952 Cast: [Opening credits - Olivia] The Leech Frank Connors, assistant Professor Michaels, anthropologist Mrs. Jones, housekeeper Sheriff Flynn / Jerry General O'Donnell / driver Allenson, scientist Moriarty, atomic physicist [bring in the leech voice, subtle, under the opening credits] LEECH A LEECH hungry. Empty. hungry. Empty. hungry. hungry. Empty [repeats under] OLIVIA Did you have any trouble finding it? What do you mean, what kind of a place is it? Why, it's a professor's rural retreat, circa 1952, can't you tell? LEECH falling falling falling heat impact FOOD! ...eat. MUSIC STING 1_BIG NEWS AMBIANCE OUTDOORS, BREEZE, CREAK OF HAMMOCK SOUND [OFF A BIT] KNOCK ON DOOR, SCREEN DOOR OPENS MRS. JONES What? FRANK Where's the prof? I have to talk to him! MRS. JONES You can give me his mail, young man. FRANK But this is big news! MRS. JONES If it's school business-- FRANK It's not! MRS. JONES It can still wait. This is Professor Michaels' resting week, and you know it. SOUND SCREEN DOOR SLAMS MRS. JONES [fading out] Bad enough those army convoys have to drive by at all hours of the day and night. FRANK Wait! Oh, heck. SOUND A COUPLE OF STEPS ON WOOD PROF [sigh] [calling] Conners? What the devil are you on about? SOUND FOOTSTEPS ON GRAVEL FRANK Oh! Professor! Say - I'm awfully sorry to disturb you, but there's something damn funny out in the ditch. PROF Ditch? SOUND DOOR OPENS MRS. JONES Oh, you! I told him to go, professor! PROF It's all right, Mrs. Jones. I'll handle this. MRS. JONES Dinner in half an hour! You know how you get when you don't eat. SOUND DOOR SHUTS FRANK So, the ditch. Didja hear me? There's something weird. PROF Of course I heard you. [sigh] You found a pixie. Feed him some milk, and go away. FRANK No sir, I think it's a... a rock. PROF A rock. In the road. How quaint. FRANK But sir-- PROF [annoyed, but languid] What is your job, Frank? FRANK Sir? PROF If you don't know, then perhaps I should hire someone else. FRANK I'm to keep everyone off you while you relax. See to the mail, the shopping. PROF And does any of that involve spotting "rocks"? FRANK No. PROF Warning me of rocks? FRANK No. PROF Protecting me from rocks? FRANK No, but-- PROF So move the rock and get on with your-- FRANK But sir, I tried! See? SOUND SHOVEL MOVEMENT PROF [sigh] what? [sharper] What? SOUND DOOR SLAMS OPEN MRS. JONES What on god's green earth did you do to my shovel, young man? FRANK I didn't do anything. The rock thing did! MUSIC LEECH B SOUND [UNDER] FEET ON GRAVEL LEECH food dull food warm light FOOD cold dark food slow food sloooooow... MUSIC 2_THE LEECH AMBIANCE OUTDOORS SOUND WALKING QUICKLY FRANK [a bit breathless] I really wouldn't have bothered you for just nothing, but look! SOUND DOINK ON METAL FRANK Two inches! It melted two inches right off! SOUND FEET HALT PROF [incredulous] That? FRANK That! You can see it better from up close. PROF Shh! SOUND SLOWER FOOTSTEPS PROF [whispered] Do you hear anything? FRANK [whispered] No. I mean, not beyond birds and things. PROF [grim] Neither do I. FRANK So? PROF [brighter] Well, it's indicative of something, isn't it? SOUND BRISKER FOOTSTEPS PROF You have a notebook on you? FRANK No. PROF Anything to write on? FRANK Uh, no. Just - just your mail. PROF Here. SOUND SHUFFLE ENVELOPES PROF No... no... no... Ah. Here. They won't notice if I don't respond. SOUND SLAPS PAPER INTO HAND FRANK Okay. PROF We have what appears to be a round item of a stone-like appearance. Greyish-black and striated. SOUND JUGGLE SHOVEL, WRITING NOISES FRANK Gotcha. PROF [dictating] Sitting in the ditch. Nearest edge, say, three feet off the road. FRANK It's a bit farther than that, isn't it? PROF I wouldn't say so. FRANK [acquiescing] Okay. PROF About the size of a truck tire. FRANK No, really now, I think you have your proportions mixed up... SOUND WALKS FORWARD FRANK [dismayed] Oh. PROF What? Think I'm getting senile or something? FRANK No, just... PROF "Just" is not quantifiable. Just spit it out. FRANK It was smaller. Before. PROF How much smaller? FRANK I dunno - an inch maybe. But definitely smaller. PROF Find me a stick. FRANK A... stick? PROF Here. [give me that] SOUND TAKES SHOVEL FRANK Don't touch it! PROF I'm not planning to. Not yet. SOUND A COUPLE OF STEPS, DRAGGING SOUND PROF As you observe, I am drawing a line approximately three inches beyond the edge of the thing. FRANK [noting] Three inches. Got it. PROF Now, we'll have something to measure by in case it grows again. FRANK Right. PROF Now. Let's see what happens. SOUND METAL ON STONE - SORT OF SOUND SIZZLING NOISE PROF It's not unyielding - the shovel seems to sink in-- FRANK Oh no it's not! SOUND SCRAPE PROF What? Aha! You're right. It's not sinking in, it's being melted away. Gives the same impression. Odd how the mind interprets things.... FRANK I think it just got bigger. PROF Really? FRANK I was watching, and I think it swelled a little. PROF Could be heat waves. I suspect something like this would reflect like asphalt. But let's test it. The shovel's not good for much any more anyway. SOUND METAL ON STONE GRATE, SIZZLING FRANK Don't touch it! PROF My hand is nowhere near touching it. I merely want to see... FRANK Look! It's getting larger! I can see it! SOUND WOOD ON STONE PROF [impressed] Well! [clinical] But it generates no appreciable heat. Odd. I would assume some sort of acidic chemical reaction, which would almost invariably generate heat. FRANK And it grew! Just a fraction of an inch-- PROF I was paying attention to other things. [sigh] SOUND WOOD LANDS ON STONE, SIZZLING FRANK D'you see it swelling? PROF I doubt there was enough left of that handle to do much. What else--? FRANK Rocks? PROF Sound thinking. SOUND PICK UP SOME ROCKS, DROP THEM, SIZZLE FRANK Isn't that just about the damnedest thing you ever saw, Professor? What do you think it is? PROF It's no stone... I'm going to phone the college and ask a physics man about it. Or a biologist. I'd like to get rid of that thing before it spoils my lawn. MUSIC LEECH C LEECH food sharp food fall food lie food move moist food dry food grow food air grow bigger grow.... wake! MUSIC 3_BACON AMBIANCE IN PROF'S HOUSE SOUND DISTANT POUNDING ON DOOR MRS. JONES What is it? SOUND BUSTLING THROUGH HOUSE SOUND DOOR YANKED OPEN MRS. JONES You better have a brilliant explanation for this-- FRANK Absolutely vital. Professor Michaels knows‑‑ PROF I'm coming. It had better be particularly important to drag me away from Mrs. Jones' bacon. MRS. JONES [amused annoyance] And Mrs. Jones better leave you boys to your business and see to her bacon before it all burns away. SOUND BUSTLES OFF FRANK It's nearly eighteen feet across! PROF The thing? FRANK Yup! PROF I was trying some acids on it yesterday, and nothing seemed to even ruffle it. FRANK None of them? PROF Nope. I'll finagle a bacon sandwich or two and we'll head out presently. MUSIC LEECH D LEECH so small. how is one so small. one was large. one was grand. Miniscule now. Hungry. sooooo hungry. food is slow. Dull. Eat... MUSIC 4_SHERIFF AMBIANCE OUTDOORS, AT THE SITE FRANK See what I mean? PROF Seems the larger it gets, the faster it grows. Not surprising, if what I suspect is happening is true. FRANK What's that? PROF Say it absorbs whatever it touches. The more surface area, the more it can touch, the more it can absorb. FRANK That's not good. It's like some kind of... of leech. PROF I don't know that I would characterize it so narrowly just yet, Frank-- SOUND CAR DRIVES UP, STOPS FRANK Morning Sheriff! SHERIFF Morning. What the devil is this? PROF Don't know. Just showed up. SHERIFF Ha. Ha. We gotta get it out of the road! Something like this, you can't let it block the road. The Army's gotta use this road. FRANK We didn't-- PROF Shh. [up, dry] Terribly sorry. Go right ahead and move it, Sheriff. But be careful. It's hot. FRANK [quiet] Hot? PROF [quiet] Close enough. SHERIFF Should just be able to-- SOUND OPENS TRUNK SHERIFF Where is the--? FRANK [quiet] Shouldn't we warn him? PROF [quiet] We'll stop him if he goes to touch it. But if he doesn't see for himself, he'll never buy it. FRANK Oh. MUSIC LEECH E SOUND [UNDER] METAL HITTING STONE, GUNSHOTS SHERIFF [frustrated noise] LEECH slow food. fast! energy impact. ahhhhhh. more. more hit. more energy. give! MUSIC 5_MONKEY'S UNCLE AMBIANCE OUTDOORS, AT THE SITE SHERIFF Well, I'll be a monkey's uncle. PROF [quiet] That would make deputy Jerry, there, "cheetah". FRANK [snickers] PROF Ready to listen yet, sheriff? SOUND ARMY CONVOY APPROACHING SHERIFF What? Hey look! NOW we'll get some action! PROF [quiet] That's rather what I'm afraid of. MUSIC LEECH F SOUND [UNDER] CONVOY STOPS, IDLES, DOORS OPEN, ETC. LEECH more energy. more food. need. senses very dim. Thoughts very dim. grow. waken more. food. MUSIC 6_ARMY AMBIANCE OUTDOORS, AT THE SITE O'DONNELL You can't block this road. Clear that away. PROF Sorry. It's not ours. And we can't seem to do anything with it. O'DONNELL What in sam hill is it? FRANK A leech. SHERIFF A what? PROF [annoyed but covering] Simply a name to refer to it by - we have no real idea what it is. O'DONNELL But you've tried moving it? PROF Every way we could think of. O'DONNELL Crowbar? FRANK Didn't help. O'DONNELL Blowtorch? PROF More or less. No effect. O'DONNELL Gunshot? SHERIFF Sad to say... O'DONNELL [calling orders] Driver? Ride over that thing. FRANK But sir! PROF Shh. SOUND JEEP STARTS INTO GEAR FRANK [to prof] We have to stop him! PROF You thought the sheriff was bad, having to see it first? This is the military. FRANK Oh. SOUND JEEP ROLLS FORWARD SLOWLY, TAKES A BUMP, THEN HALTS, SIZZLING SNEAKS IN, UNDER. O'DONNELL [bellowing] I didn't tell you to stop! DRIVER I didn't stop it, sir! O'DONNELL Get moving! DRIVER It's stalled out sir! PROF General? Pardon me, but if you look closely, you'll see that the tires are melting down. SOUND POP, HISS OF TIRE FRANK Yikes! O'DONNELL Criminee! [orders] Driver! Jump clear! Don't touch any of that grey stuff! MUSIC LEECH G SOUND [UNDER] DRIVER CLIMBS ONTO HOOD OF CAR AND JUMPS LEECH large food. energy. much movement. nice. hungry. more large? Need food. waking waking... more self, more hungry. need food MUSIC 7_JEEP AMBIANCE OUTDOORS, AT THE SITE SOUND CAR SLOWLY SINKING INTO THE THING, MUCH SIZZLING DRIVER It's up to the chassis already! O'DONNELL How fast can it eat? PROF [quiet] you are keeping track aren't you? FRANK Sure thing, professor! It's been about three minutes, give or take a few. PROF Make a note - Frank needs a stopwatch. FRANK Oh. Ok. Right. SOUND SCRIBBLING O'DONNELL You called this thing a leech, professor? PROF As I said, it is nothing but a name to refer to it by. O'DONNELL But it is leeching, far as I can tell - eating anything that gets near it. PROF Which bodes rather ill for the underside. O'DONNELL Whazzat? PROF You're only thinking about things that get near it on the top - who knows how far below this thing may have eaten away the dirt, or even the bedrock. FRANK Dirt and stones do seem to digest a bit slower. O'DONNELL You've been experimenting with it, eh? Did you by any chance MAKE this thing with one of your experiments, professor? PROF [sigh] First, general, I am not that type of scientist. I am a professor of anthropology. I do, however, understand scientific method and felt that if we established some parameters up front, such as rate of growth, speed of dissolution, etc., we might be able to more easily convince some of my hard science colleagues to come and have a look. O'DONNELL [after a pause] So you say. SOUND MARCHES OFF FRANK You did that on purpose, didn't you? PROF [over innocent] did what? FRANK Oh, no - don't play innocent! I've seen you lecture someone til their eyes glazed over, before this! PROF [chuckle] DRIVER [background] There goes the aerial! SOUND SIZZLING OUT O'DONNELL [commands, off] You! DRIVER Sir! Yes sir! O'DONNELL [commands, off] Go back and have some men bring up hand grenades and dynamite! DRIVER Yes sir! FRANK That will get it! PROF I am not so sure. O'DONNELL [from off, yelling to prof] I don't know what you've got here, but it's not going to stop a U.S. Army convoy! PROF I pray he's right. MUSIC LEECH H SOUND UNDER EXPLOSIONS - HAND GRENADES AND DYNAMITE LEECH waking more. thinking more. sensing more. hungry. [boom] food! yes yes food! [boom] Ahhhhh eat and grow. [bullets] mass and movement. energy. more. yes. please! [huge explosion] yesssssss! MUSIC 8_EVACUATE AMBIANCE OUTDOORS, NEAR PROF'S HOUSE SOUND WOOD CRACKING THROUGHOUT UNDER MRS. JONES Well, I never. PROF Did you get everything moved out all right? MRS. JONES Well, yes, but I've cooked for you in that very house for nearly ten years now. Where am I supposed to feel at home? Where are you? [supposed to feel at home] PROF [muttered] That may not be a problem for long. SOUND HUGE CRACK, SHATTER OF GLASS MRS. JONES There goes the front porch! Who would have thought such a terrible thing could spread so darn far? PROF The government surely didn't. MRS. JONES It looks like one of them - what's the word? Blasted heath. Yes. That's exactly what a blasted heath would look like. PROF [musing] Or a cooled lava flow. [snapping out] Either way, it's pretty darn blasted. MRS. JONES Blasted leech. SOUND FEET ARRIVING PROF I do wish people would stop calling it that. SOLDIER Pardon me, sir? General O'Donnell would like to see you at the command post. PROF Right. I already know the end to this little melodrama. [to soldier] See to it Mrs. Jones gets back to the city, will you? SOLDIER Sir, I'm supposed to escort you-- PROF But I know where I'm going. She does not. SOLDIER Yes, sir! MUSIC LEECH I SOUND CRUSHING HOUSE UNDER LEECH slow food. want fast food. more awake now. why no more fast come. good energy. big food. hungry. more food make more pieces. more pieces make more hungry. more hungry wants more food. MUSIC 9_PERIMETER AMBIANCE OUTDOORS, AT THE EDGE OF THE LARGER SITE SOUND CROWD NOISE, FADING IN PROF What's that over there? SOLDIER2 Perimeter. Barbed wire. Half mile out. PROF I doubt the barbed wire is making all that noise. SOLDIER2 Oh, them. Reporters. Rubberneckers. FRANK [calling from off] Professor! PROF Assistants. SOLDIER2 You need assistance? PROF Just my assistant. Let him in would you? SOLDIER2 I don't have any orders-- PROF Well, he takes all my notes, so I guess I'll have to stay within earshot. Which ends about here. SOLDIER2 But the general-- PROF Will it be easier to move the general, or my assistant, do you think? SOLDIER2 Um... MUSIC 10_HQ AMBIANCE INSIDE HEADQUARTERS TENT SOUND TENT FLAP SWOOP, PROF AND FRANK ENTER TENT O'DONNELL I've been put in charge of operation leech. Ah, professor... and...? PROF My assistant. He is also the one who found this thing in the first place. Absolutely indispensable. FRANK Hi. O'DONNELL Is he trustworthy? PROF Think of him as my right arm. FRANK The one he writes with. O'DONNELL You're a professor, right? PROF Yes. Anthropology. O'DONNELL Good. I'd like you to stay around in an advisory capacity. I'd appreciate your observations on the... enemy. PROF I think this is more in the line of a physicist or a biochemist. O'DONNELL I don't want this place cluttered up with scientists. FRANK But he isn't-- O'DONNELL Don't get me wrong. I have the greatest appreciation for science. I am, if I do say so, a scientific soldier. I'm always interested in the latest weapons. You can't fight any kind of a war any more without science. PROF Of course not. O'DONNELL But I can't have a team of longhairs poking around this thing for the next month, holding me up. My job is to destroy it, by any means in my power, and at once. I am going to do just that. PROF I don't think it will be that easy. O'DONNELL That's what you're here for. Tell me what the problem is, and I'll figure out how to solve it. FRANK [muttered] Usually a scientist's job. PROF Very well. As far as I can figure out, this thing-- O'DONNELL The leech. PROF It isn't really-- O'DONNELL It's the codename. FRANK [muttered] I'm the one who called it that in the first place. PROF The "leech" appears to be an organic mass-energy converter, and a frighteningly efficient one. I'm guessing here, and keep in mind that this is really not my-- O'DONNELL Get on with it. PROF It appears to convert external mass into energy, then back into its own internal mass. Energy is directly converted into the body mass. How this takes place, I do not know. The leech is not protoplasmic. It may not even be cellular-- O'DONNELL So we need something big against it. That's all right, then. I've got plenty of big stuff here. FRANK Oh boy! PROF I don't think you understand me. Let me rephrase. [intense] The leech eats energy! It will consume any energy weapon you use against it. O'DONNELL [considering] And what happens if it keeps on eating? PROF I think it will only be limited by its food source. O'DONNELL So when it runs out, we'll all be safe? PROF When it runs out, we'll all be gone. MUSIC LEECH J LEECH senses growing. Feel moving food. Sitting food. Food near. Food far. Waiting for food to come near. Hungrrrrry. MUSIC 11_NEED HELP AMBIANCE INSIDE HEADQUARTERS TENT PROF I insist you contact some physicists. Biologists and chemists too. Give them a chance to figure out how to nullify it. I can give you some names. O'DONNELL I don't have time to wait while a passel of scientists wrangle! I have this axiom - Muster enough force, and anything will give. Anything. FRANK [muttered] Military thinking. O'DONNELL [pleased] Thanks. PROF [sigh] But I am not that kind of-- O'DONNELL Don't sell yourself short, Prof! And don't underestimate the army. We have, massed under North Hill - right over there - the greatest accumulation of energy and radioactive weapons ever assembled in one spot. I bet even this leech won't withstand the full force of all that. FRANK [worried] Professor? PROF [doubtful] I suppose it could be possible to overload the thing. O'DONNELL [smug] I'll go and give some orders. We're gonna crack that leech in half! SOUND HE LEAVES FRANK Did he listen to a single thing you said? PROF [sigh] He is the military. FRANK Then why are you - we - even here? PROF I fear the general wants to be able to say he consulted a scientist. I'm convenient since I can't possibly have a relevant opinion. MUSIC LEECH K SOUND [UNDER] RAY GUNS, EXPLOSIONS, ETC. LEECH Fooooood! Rich food! Needing more! Ray food, energy food, liquid food! Needing more! More food makes more hungry!!!! Sensing. Sensing for food. Ahhhh. THERE. MUSIC 12_STOCKPILE AMBIANCE INSIDE HEADQUARTERS TENT O'DONNELL [incredulous and furious] It did what? SOUND NANA OF VOICE ON WALKIE-TALKIE. FRANK It flew! PROF It might be better described as a type of hovering. O'DONNELL Shh! Over and out. SOUND WALKIE SQUAWK - OFF PROF [resigned] Where did it go? O'DONNELL The damned fools! Why'd they have to panic? You'd think they'd never been trained! FRANK They couldn't exactly expect that! PROF [urgent] Where? O'DONNELL North Hill. [angry sigh] Our armory. FRANK But that's a whole mile away! PROF At least. O'DONNELL Sixty-seven men died! And the leech just - just jumped there! PROF I still say it hovered. It definitely moved with some sort of self-propulsion. FRANK I'll write that down. PROF The way it looked, it floated across the sky, blacking out the sun, and then, when it reached its goal, it simply dropped. O'DONNELL [snarling] How can you be so clinical about this? FRANK I - I- PROF It's OUR job to take notes for the scientists you will eventually have to call in. MUSIC LEECH L LEECH So good! So nice! Rich food. Much energy. Growwww. Yessss. Ahhhh. More cells. Now, more hungry. MUSIC 13_EXPERTS AMBIANCE INSIDE HEADQUARTERS TENT SOUND PACING O'DONNELL Haven't those eggheads made up their minds yet? We've had to evacuate six nearby farms. FRANK It's not like choosing a tie. O'DONNELL But they're the experts! PROF No one's an expert on this. It's never happened before. The physicists consider it a biological matter, and the biologists seem to think the chemists should have the answer. We can't even agree on whose problem it is! O'DONNELL It's the military's problem! I don't give a hang what the thing is! I just want to know how to destroy it! [offhand] They better give me permission to use the bomb. SOUND STRIDES OFF FRANK Will that work? PROF Well, I have a theory. FRANK Yes? PROF Which I hope will remain a theory. FRANK How can I make notes if you don't tell me? PROF The Bomb might overload it. MIGHT destroy it. Or give it what it needs to grow big enough to devour the entire continent. Sooner. SOUND FEET STRIDE BACK O'DONNELL Still talking! Gah! I've been pushing for the Bomb for a week now! And I'll get it, but not til they run out of doubletalk! FRANK Could be a while. O'DONNELL [intense] I am going to destroy that leech. I am going to SMASH it, if it's the last thing I do! It's gone beyond national security now. THIS is personal. SOUND STRIDES OFF PROF I knew you shouldn't have named it. FRANK Why? PROF Once you name something, you get to thinking you KNOW it. And no matter how much you think you won't, you start applying traits to it. Anthropomorphizing it. Attaching motives and feelings to it. FRANK Who says it doesn't feel? PROF It does. O'DONNELL [from off] Here come the bright boys now! MUSIC LEECH M LEECH So big. Big now. Big makes hungry. So much to fill. So much to feed. Need more. More good rich food. MUSIC 14_SCIENTISTS AMBIANCE INSIDE HEADQUARTERS TENT O'DONNELL Well, have you figured out what it is yet? ALLENSON [weary sarcasm] Just a minute - I'll hack off a sample. Hah. O'DONNELL [exasperated] Have you figured out some scientific way of killing it? MORIARTY [dry, offhand] Oh, that wasn't difficult at all. FRANK Really? MORIARTY Wrap it in a perfect vacuum. That'll do the trick. Or blow it off the earth with anti-gravity. FRANK Can they really? PROF Don't be silly. ALLENSON Failing that, we suggest you use your atomic bombs and use them fast. O'DONNELL Yes! [vainly trying to curb his enthusiasm] Is that the opinion of the entire think tank? MORIARTY [sigh] Yes. SOUND GENERAL HURRIES OFF ALLENSON He should have called us in immediately! There's no time to consider anything but force now. PROF Have you come to any conclusions about the nature of this thing? MORIARTY Only general ones. Very much in line with your notes and conclusions. ALLENSON As you mentioned, it's a perfect converter--it can transform mass into energy, and any energy into mass. MORIARTY Naturally that's impossible and I have figures to prove it. We're positing that this thing was in some dormant spore-stage until it was pulled in by the earth's gravity. ALLENSON Incidentally, we should be damned grateful that it didn't land in the ocean. We'd have been eaten out of house and home-- FRANK Literally. ALLENSON --before we even knew what we were looking for. PROF [musing] I wonder how long it will take him to get permission to use the bomb. MUSIC LEECH N LEECH slow grow. Hungry. No grow. Dull food not enough. Want more. Want grow. Want be big again. MUSIC 15_BOMBS AMBIANCE INSIDE HEADQUARTERS TENT O'DONNELL Brigadier-General, with all due respect sir, how many MORE scientists can there be? We've been waiting for-- BRIG-GENERAL [on phone] Washington had to explore every alternative before detonating an atomic bomb in the middle of New York! O'DONNELL So now I can use the bomb? BRIG-GENERAL We need some time to evacuate people in an orderly fashion. O'DONNELL Sir! This leech is still growing! We have to stop it before it gets out of hand! FRANK Bit late for that. PROF Shh. He's doing the best he can. BRIG-GENERAL We've signed you out five bombs. Use them well. But not until the order comes through. MUSIC LEECH O LEECH slowing. Drowsing. Waiting. Cells starving. Too much need food. Tired... SOUND EXPLOSION LEECH YESSSS! Foooooood! Much! Too much! Holding! Choking! No! straining.... straining! More cells. Need more cells! Building! Feeeeeeeeding! Choking? [beat] No. SOUND BOMB LEECH Enough cells now. Rich food. More. Grow. Build. JOY. MUSIC 16_SIXTY MILES AMBIANCE INSIDE NEW HEADQUARTERS TENT O'DONNELL Sixty miles across. PROF There was no way to know. O'DONNELL This was supposed to KILL it. FRANK At least there was no fallout. PROF I'm sure it ate THAT too. O'DONNELL I have to KILL IT! Do you hear me! The blasted thing has spread all the way to the Adirondacks! FRANK What's next? More bombs? PROF I don't think it's advisable. If we throw enough at it to crack it, we might crack open the earth's crust. O'DONNELL The leech has to be blown up quick. What are the bright boys hedging for? PROF They don't know what will happen. The concentration of bombs it would require-- O'DONNELL Perhaps they'd like me to order a bayonet attack. FRANK They've got to do something. PROF It's frustrating. I keep feeling like I should be doing more, but this simply isn't my area of expertise! That thing thrives on force - and the scientists don't have time to consider any alternatives. FRANK Fight fire with fire. PROF But it's not fire. Fire is fickle. Fire is Loki. Fire is a trickster. This thing is... is... O'DONNELL Where the heck are the scientists? SOUND TENT FLAP ALLENSON [coming in] We've finished the calculations. O'DONNELL Good. I'll call in the strike. MORIARTY There's a damned good chance of splitting the earth wide open with that much power! O'DONNELL You have to take chances in war. FRANK He doesn't even care! PROF He cares. He just doesn't care about that. Hercules himself couldn't turn the general from his course. ALLENSON Hear us out! O'DONNELL Your own calculations show that the leech is now growing at twenty feet per hour. So how much time is that before it reaches this post? FRANK He's got a point. PROF [musing] Hercules.... Something... ALLENSON And speeding up. But this can't be done in haste-- PROF Aha! O'DONNELL What? PROF I may have a counter-offer. O'DONNELL Does it involve me blowing up the leech? PROF It's a very dim chance, but... [trails off] O'DONNELL Yes? PROF have you ever heard of Antaeus? MUSIC LEECH P LEECH more large. more thought. More memory. Large rock and dirt and stone food. Devoured. Joy. Huge mass of combustibles - light and heat and energy! Food. True joy! SOUND MEMORY SOUNDS LEECH then all devoured. Dark. Cold. Empty. Cells Shrinking, dying, self-devouring self. Moving. Seeking. Food. MUSIC 17_DRONE SHIP AMB OUTSIDE SOUND SMALL PLANE PASSES OVERHEAD FRANK So that's what a drone looks like. PROF Pretty much like any other rocket ship. The pilot just happens to be over there in the tent. O'DONNELL I hope you're right about this, professor. MORIARTY The calculations all validate the hypothesis. If what you said about the creature's motivational capability is accurate-- FRANK There it goes! O'DONNELL Straight up! Son of a biscuit! PROF It's - it's - enormous! MUSIC LEECH Q SOUND FIGHTER PLANE BUZZES PAST LEECH Food! Rich food! Above! Out of reach! Why not fall? Come to me? Food! ... seek. SOUND BUZZ OF FIGHTER PLANE MOVING AWAY LEECH heat! Small food. Cold! Nothing. Ah, little flying food, come to - oh. Oh, yes. Far. There. Huge bright glowing mass of combustibles. Food. MUSIC 18_ANTAEUS AMBIANCE OUTDOORS FRANK Wow. Now, that's a crater. PROF You can look at it later. I keep worrying that I've missed something. FRANK But the leech is gone, professor! Right up and out of the atmosphere. PROF There's no way to be sure it won't come back. FRANK Everybody's going to be watching for the leech. PROF Please don't call it that. FRANK What then? Antaeus? Who's that anyway? PROF Greek Mythology. Son of Gaea and Poseidon - the earth goddess and sea god. He was an invincible wrestler, drawing his strength from the earth itself. FRANK His mom. Apron strings, even in mythology. PROF [chuckles] Well, Hercules had to wrestle him, and every time Hercules threw him to the ground, he rose refreshed. FRANK Didn't Hercules know about the earth? PROF He figured it out. After that, he just held Antaeus up in the air until he gave up. O'DONNELL [off slightly] Come on, join me in some champagne. Even you brainy folks can use a little celebration! MORIARTY [happily] Maybe just a sip! ALLENSON I don't mind if I do. FRANK Be there in a minute! [to prof] So the fighter rocketship they sent up will just keep leading it around in space til it gets tired and drops dead? O'DONNELL Better. It's going to take it right into the sun. Big or not, the damn thing can't eat THAT. PROF Lord, I hope not. O'DONNELL [to pilot] How's the ship, pilot? PILOT Just reached the orbit of Mercury, sir. O'DONNELL Fine! Fine. I swore to destroy that thing. Not the way I wanted to do it - too far out to see it go up with my own eyes - If I had a choice, it would be more personal. But the important thing is the destruction. Destruction is at times a sacred mission. Man, I feel wonderful! MORIARTY [panicky] Turn the rocket!!!! TURN IT! O'DONNELL What the devil? MORIARTY Considering rate of growth, energy consumption capacity, and speed versus projected energy retention, figuring in the energy it will receive from the sun as it approaches-- O'DONNELL Speak English! MORIARTY [dire warning] It's gonna devour the sun. MUSIC LEECH R LEECH closer! Closer! More heat! More light! All! Must have all! Small rich food moving away. Choice. Nearby small food? Far big food? Hungry NOW. Close first. Catch quick, feed enough to move to big food. Yes! MUSIC 19_TURN AWAY AMBIANCE INSIDE HEADQUARTERS TENT PILOT It's turning, sir! ALL [general sounds of relief] ALLENSON Take it out at right angles to the plane of the solar system. SOUND RADAR [start much earlier] FRANK So the blob is the leech and the dot is the ship? PROF Yes. O'DONNELL What portion of the sky would the leech be in just now? MORIARTY Somewhere out in that section - just over that tree. O'DONNELL Fine. [calling order back over shoulder] Soldier! Carry out your orders! ALL [surprised concern - "what?" "huh" "what are you up to?" etc.] FRANK [calling] The dot is slowing down! The blob is catching up! PROF What are you up to, general? O'DONNELL [grim satisfaction] I told you this was a personal matter. I swore to destroy that leech. We can never have any security while it is alive. [chuckles triumphantly] I had that ship especially built. PROF To do... what... precisely? O'DONNELL Shall we look at the sky? SOUND FEET, TENT FLAP, ETC. as they leave. O'DONNELL Soldier? PILOT Three seconds, sir! O'DONNELL Push the button. PILOT Yes, sir! FRANK is something supposed to-- Whoah! MORIARTY Not a good idea to look directly at the explosion! PROF What... did... you... do? O'DONNELL [smug] That rocket was built around a hydrogen bomb. I set it off at the contact moment. FRANK How come there's no sound? Thought there'd be a loud bang or something. Is it like thunder? ALLENSON Sound doesn't travel in a vacuum. PROF [explaining] We're anthropologists. O'DONNELL [calling to pilot] Anything on the radar? PILOT [from within] Nope! Not a speck, sir. O'DONNELL Men - and scientists - I have met the enemy and he is MINE. Let's have some more of that champagne. PROF I wish I was that sure. MUSIC LEECH S LEECH Catching food. Slowing. Tiring. Catch. Massive surge! Too much! Holding! Holding! Absorbing! Building! No! No! overload! Too much! Breaking! Come apart! Losing thought! Losing cohesion! Breaking. Broken. Shattered. SOUND [long moment of silence, then in squeaky little voices:] LEECHETTE1 Hungry LEECHETTE2 Hungry LEECHETTE3 Hungry LEECHETTE4 cold. hungry LEECHETTE5 Hungry [more and more leechettes until they populate the entire soundscape] LEECH [MANY VOICES] hungry. Empty. hungry. Empty. hungry. hungry. Empty [repeats under] MUSIC END CREDITS
NOTE: Sorry we're late! My job is in shipping and as you know, the holidays are approaching fast and all is madness. Hopefully this won't happen again, but I can't guarantee that! On to the episode!In which we discuss (somehow) more 70s Marvel! This time, we talk about Gerry Conway's stint on the book, joined by the likes of John Romita, Gil Kane, and Ross Andru! It's a truly important run that people need to remember for its whole, rather than just some blonde lady dying. Join us!For our 31st episode, we break down what happened after the original scripter of Amazing Spider-Man left the book. Remember Stan Lee? Yeah, that's the guy. Anyway, what do you think so far? Didja know we has Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok (oh yeah, and Twitter too)? Hit us up there and talk to us! If you wanna email us, you can do that too! Links are as follows:Website: https://pencilusinpodcast.buzzsprout.comFacebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PencilUsInPodcastTwitter: @pencilusinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/pencilusinpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pencilusin email: PencilUsInPodcast@gmail.comPhil here: Research on this one kinda went to multiple places, but there was some big help in fairly focused articles on just what I was looking at! As per usual, it was from TwoMorrows Publishing! Surprise! Anyway, which particular issues? See below:Back Issue (TwoMorrows Publishing): 44Alter Ego (TwoMorrows Publishing): 53, 54 , 131Finally, what comic issues did we read? Well:Amazing Spider-Man (Marvel): 111-149This excludes the writings of Conway on Spider-Man in a few other series like Marvel Team-Up or Giant-Size Spider-Man, but I didn't feel they were that necessary thematically. Hope you enjoyed!
Didja catch the new title for the inventory episode? It's Pencil Us INventory. Get it? GET IT??Anyway, this week we don't have a lot of time so we just do a little basic house cleaning and some previews of what is ahead. Listen in on probably our shortest recorded episode! Also, we need more Leddy! MORE LEDDY! #freeleddy
This Week, Paul takes through an offbeat indie film about the dark web mystery of Cicada 3301, and makes a recommendation for Resrvation Dogs. Grab your popcorn and join us! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/didjahearthis/message
This Week, Paul dives into 2004's Shark Tale, before chasing his own white whale-Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Grab some Popcorn and tune in! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/didjahearthis/message
It's Summer 1974 on ABC and Boy is it weird! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/didjahearthis/message
This week, Paul talks Netflix's Gunpowder Milkshake, Awards both the First Ever "Steve Buscemi Award for Elevating a Film" and the First Ever "Matthew Lillard Award For Over-the-Top Performance," and Pitches a Heist movie about ridding the world of Confederate Monuments. Don't forget the Popcorn! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/didjahearthis/message
This week, Paul talks Maury Terry's anti-stanic cult quest and pitches a Workplace dramedy! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/didjahearthis/message
This Week Paul reviews 2020's "The Vast of Night" and pitches a humans vs. nature thriller! Grab the popcorn and settle in! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/didjahearthis/message
This Week, Paul reviews 2004's The Perfect Score, and Elevator Pitches a love story told across time and Audtory Space. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/didjahearthis/message
This week, Paul Reviews 2006's "Everyone's Hero" and Elevator Pitches a Rom-Com. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/didjahearthis/message
In a new Bonus segment, each week Paul will review the strangest, funniest, or most fascinating tv show, movie, or video he's seen. This week, he joins you to talk 1979's Spider-Woman! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/didjahearthis/message
Didja hear thar be treasure in these mountains? Follow weird af on Instagram and Twitter: @weirdafpodcast
Johnjay and Rich saw JAY-Z AND BRUNO MARS this weekend! Guess who stayed for all of both shows! PLUS, we've got a brand new MISSED CONNECTIONS, hearing all about Delany's love-life, and we're checking in with our pal, FRANKIE MUNIZ, about Dancing With The Stars!!!