Podcasts about fortress

Einon's Journal Summary: After appeasing Karuk and gaining access to the maze's exit, we set out to hunt down Doris. Kade noticed an interesting source of energy. I assisted in directing our entry. Maxine sensed something odd. Our excitement at finding such a unique place was overshadowed by the pervasive fear that was soaking its halls ------ Content Warning: Language ------ You can support The Critshow through our⁠⁠ Patreon⁠⁠ to get more weekly TTRPG Actual Play content, access to our discord community, and much more! Follow The Critshow on⁠⁠ twitter⁠⁠, join our⁠⁠ subreddit⁠⁠, and follow us on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠. Get two free MotW mysteries and some Keeper tips from Rev by⁠⁠ signing up on our website⁠⁠! Check out what's coming up on our⁠⁠ monthly publication calendar⁠⁠. And don't forget to check out our wonderful⁠ ⁠sponsors⁠⁠! This episode of The Critshow featured Megan as Maxine Hollis, Rev as Arkady Atwater, Tass as Einon Kerning, and Jake as the GM This episode was edited and produced by Brandon (Rev) Wentz with music by Jake Pierle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is a NerdySouth Entertainment joint!   Season 7 of 30&Nerdy Podcast is brought to you by Fanboy Expo. With multiple shows throughout the year, Fanboy Expo has something for everyone. Whether you're a fan of anime, comics, cosplay, sports, or any other aspects of the Nerdiverse; Fanboy Expo is the show for you. Whether we're in Knoxville, Tennessee, Orlando, Florida, or in your city, You don't want to miss out on the excitement. Come see why people travel from all across the globe to take part in Fanboy Expo. To get the latest info like celebrity guest announcements, event information, cosplay contests, giveaways, and so much more, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or sign up for our newsletter at fanboyexpo.com.   Welcome back into the pod with the Duke of Nerds and The Juice. In this episode, they reminisce and break down The Goonies   30&Nerdy Podcast's Opening Rift: Kyle Standifer The Ballad of 30&Nerdy: Beth Crowley Fanboy Expo Ad Music: “Omega” by Scott Buckley   This Episode is brought to you by: Fan Boy Expo  Fill Her Cup use the code 30&Nerdy at checkout for 30% Off Hippie Water use the code NERDYSOUTH at checkout Advertising Expressions Encore Theatrical Company Shane's Rib Shack Hwy 81 McDonough, GA   Reaper Apparel Company 30&Nerdy Podcast is an Ambassador for Reaper Apparel Co. If you are interested in checking out all the great attire they have, or learning more about them; click here and if you want to purchase something, don't forget to use our code 30ANDNERDYPOD at check out for 10% off of your order!   You can learn more about NerdySouth Entertainment and its content by visiting The Fortress of NERDitude and while you are there, subscribe to our Nerdly Newsletter for behind the scenes, announcements, and Nerdly News updates. You can also check out the other shows and content under NerdySouth Entertainment   For more NerdySouth content, find us on all social media outlets: Instagram YouTube TikTok Facebook   Email us at 30andnerdypod@gmail.com    Shop Nerdy at NerdySouth Studios   Cheers To Ya Nerds!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Christopher "Highlander" Lambert stars as a side-character in his own story. He's a businessman, she's dead, and the real protagonist has a cool vendetta and a sword!DISCLAIMER: Language and Spoilers!THE HUNTEDdir. J.F. Lawtonstarring: Christopher Lambert; John Lone; Joan Chen

Fortress Acquisition Sponsor I v. ATI Physical Therapy, Inc.

024.พระเจ้าผู้ทรงเป็นป้อมปราการ(A Mighty Fortress Is Our God) by คริสตจักรตรัง

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit sempremilan.substack.comLorenzo and Stefano discuss Milan's home form this season, seeing as San Siro hasn't been the fortress they expected. Furthermore, they extend the conversation to the squad building, which is clearly lacking something at the moment.

"The Fortress of the Focused Mind," is a powerful spiritual blueprint for anyone struggling with overthinking and mental fatigue. Hosted by Harold Mawela, it breaks down the "Law of Focus," teaching you how to transition from a frantic mindset to a state of "Perfect Peace" as promised in Isaiah 26:3. Learn why internal noise creates external instability and how to activate your "Morning Protocol" to turn analysis paralysis into divine strategy.​#MorningPower #HaroldMawela #PerfectPeace #MindsetShift #AfricanWisdom

Picture this: Eric's off gallivanting at Design and Construction Week in sunny Orlando, probably sipping on a piña colada while we're here holding down the fort. But hey, no worries, because we've got a gem of an episode from the vault featuring Fred Malik from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety. We dive into the absolutely riveting world of home resilience—yes, we're talking about how to fortify your castle against those pesky storms that seem to pop up out of nowhere. Fred, with his wealth of knowledge, breaks down the Fortified Home program, which is basically a superhero cape for your house. Who wouldn't want their home to withstand whatever Mother Nature throws at it? We chat about the nuts and bolts (pun intended) of building structures that can weather the storm, from the roof to the garage door—yes, even that garage door you thought was just a pretty face. It's shocking how much a little wind can turn it into a pancake if it's not up to snuff. So, kick back, grab a snack, and get ready to take notes because this episode might just save your home from becoming the latest headline news during storm season. Spoiler alert: you'll never look at your garage door the same way again!Takeaways:Understanding how to fortify your home can save you a fortune in repairs after storms.Garage doors are often the weakest link in your home's storm defense; don't skimp on quality!Making simple upgrades like sealing gaps can drastically reduce water damage during heavy rainstorms.The Fortified program offers valuable resources to help homeowners make informed decisions about resilience.Links referenced in this episode:aroundthehouseonline.comibhs.orgfortifiedhome.orgwildfireprepared.orgCompanies mentioned in this episode:FortifiedInsurance Institute for Business and Home SafetyGulf CoastFloridaIBHSWildfire PreparedThanks for listening to Around the house if you want to hear more please subscribe so you get notified of the latest episode as it posts at https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listenIf you want to join the Around the House Insider for access to the back catalog, Exclusive Content and a direct email to Eric G and access to the show early https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/support We...

"An affair is the murder of a marriage." Pastor Gary Thomas explains how extra-marital affairs develop and how to avoid them. He also offers hope and healing for spouses who want to restore their relationship. Receive the book Making Your Marriage a Fortress and a free audio download of the broadcast "Preventing Heartbreak: Strategies to Stop an Affair Before It Starts" for your donation of any amount! Plus, receive member-exclusive benefits when you make a recurring gift today. Your monthly support helps families thrive. Get More Episode Resources If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, please give us your feedback.

This is a NerdySouth Entertainment joint!   Season 7 of 30&Nerdy Podcast is brought to you by Fanboy Expo. With multiple shows throughout the year, Fanboy Expo has something for everyone. Whether you're a fan of anime, comics, cosplay, sports, or any other aspects of the Nerdiverse; Fanboy Expo is the show for you. Whether we're in Knoxville, Tennessee, Orlando, Florida, or in your city, You don't want to miss out on the excitement. Come see why people travel from all across the globe to take part in Fanboy Expo. To get the latest info like celebrity guest announcements, event information, cosplay contests, giveaways, and so much more, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or sign up for our newsletter at fanboyexpo.com.   Welcome back into the pod with the Duke of Nerds and The Juice. In this episode, they discuss the power of nostalgia and how nostalgia is used in today's pop culture landscape.   30&Nerdy Podcast's Opening Rift: Kyle Standifer The Ballad of 30&Nerdy: Beth Crowley Fanboy Expo Ad Music: “Omega” by Scott Buckley   This Episode is brought to you by: Fan Boy Expo  Fill Her Cup use the code 30&Nerdy at checkout for 30% Off Hippie Water use the code NERDYSOUTH at checkout Advertising Expressions Encore Theatrical Company Shane's Rib Shack Hwy 81 McDonough, GA   Reaper Apparel Company 30&Nerdy Podcast is an Ambassador for Reaper Apparel Co. If you are interested in checking out all the great attire they have, or learning more about them; click here and if you want to purchase something, don't forget to use our code 30ANDNERDYPOD at check out for 10% off of your order!   You can learn more about NerdySouth Entertainment and its content by visiting The Fortress of NERDitude and while you are there, subscribe to our Nerdly Newsletter for behind the scenes, announcements, and Nerdly News updates. You can also check out the other shows and content under NerdySouth Entertainment   For more NerdySouth content, find us on all social media outlets: Instagram YouTube TikTok Facebook   Email us at 30andnerdypod@gmail.com    Shop Nerdy at NerdySouth Studios   Cheers To Ya Nerds!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

In this engaging conversation, CJ Hudson returns to discuss the evolution of Summit Comics and the launch of Granite: Powerless. He shares insights on the challenges of comic book production, the importance of collaboration in a shared universe, and the strategies for navigating the direct market. The discussion also delves into character development, the significance of continuity, and the future plans for Summit Comics, emphasizing the need for a robust digital strategy and the role of backers in the success of indie comics.https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tinyisland/granite-powerless/descriptionhttps://www.kickstarter.com/projects/summitcomics/pinnacle-1?ref=user_menuCJ Hudson's Social Media: X - @CeeJTheHudson BlueSky - @CeeJTheHudson.bsky.socialGet your Fortress Comics merchandise with the link belowhttps://www.teepublic.com/user/fortress-comicsFortressofComicNews.comhttps://chriscomicscorner.substack.com/YouTube.com/FortressComicsFind Chris: https://linktr.ee/tacticalsquirrelmediaMike twitter @fortressrickerMike's Comic Bone Graft: https://globalcomix.com/c/bentbox-shorts/chapters/en/4/1Patreon.com/FortressComicshttps://www.tiktok.com/@chriscomicscornerThanks for Listening!#marvel #marvelcomics #mcu #dccomics #comicbooks #comicnews #podcast #indiecomics #batman

Welcome back! It's been about 2 months since we got to talk about what we've been up to, so this is a jam-packed episode full of games, movies, and weird tangents. So many weird tangents.00:00 Introduction, door to door salesmen16:24 Remembering James Van Der Beek24:17 The new focus for The Stage Select32:52 Octopath Traveller 059:30 Quartet01:21:09 Electric snow shovels, final thoughts on Unbeatable01:45:48 198X, Resident Evil VII: Biohazard02:15:19 Silent Hill f (FULL SPOILERS!)02:40:40 Return to Silent Hill (FULL SPOILERS!)03:09:01 The search for Richard Harden, Private Detective03:14:57 Justin's mega movie roundup (The Menu, Witchboard, One Battle After Another, Black Phone 2, Bone Tomahawk, The Running Man 2025, Drop, Children of the Corn, The Amityville Horror, Roofman, The Substance, The Naked Gun 2025)Theme song and interstitial music by Megan McDuffee: https://meganmcduffee.comLogo and artwork by John GholsonAnnouncer: John GholsonJoin our Discord, learn about how you can support the show, and more: https://linktr.ee/TheStageSelectEmail: thestageselectpod@gmail.com

On this episode of The 3DO Experience we cover the the 1995 education interactive experience Carrier: Fortress At Sea a borderline "game"!Check Out Call of Duty: Thrak Ops: https://superpodnetwork.com/podcast/call-of-duty-thrak-opsProud Member of https://superpodnetwork.com/Follow us at: https://linktr.ee/ThebarberwhogamesFollow Thrak at: https://bsky.app/profile/thrak.bsky.socialCheck out Thraks streams at: https://www.twitch.tv/thrak94

Hef and Iain will discuss the result on Sunday against Hearts, as well as looking forward to Sunday's game against Livingston. Hef will develop the point that Rangers is a fortress in the league just now, whilst asking Iain his opinion on whether or not this could be title defining. This Is Ibrox - Your number one Rangers Podcast for daily news, transfer updates, match previews, reaction, and exclusive interviews. Whether it's breaking stories or deep analysis, we deliver trusted, up-to-date coverage of everything happening at Rangers Football Club.

"An affair is the murder of a marriage." Pastor Gary Thomas explains how extra-marital affairs develop and how to avoid them. He also offers hope and healing for spouses who want to restore their relationship. Receive the book Making Your Marriage a Fortress and a free audio download of the broadcast "Preventing Heartbreak: Strategies to Stop an Affair Before It Starts" for your donation of any amount! Plus, receive member-exclusive benefits when you make a recurring gift today. Your monthly support helps families thrive. Get More Episode Resources If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, please give us your feedback.

Guest: Daniel Lyman, VP of Threat Detection and Response, Fiserv Topics: What is the right way for people to bridge the gap and translate executive dreams and board goals into the reality of life on the ground? How do we talk to people who think they have "transformed" their SOC simply by buying a better, shinier product (like a modern SIEM) while leaving their old processes intact? What are the specific challenges and advantages you've seen with a federated SOC versus a centralized one? What does a "federated" or "sub-SOC" model actually mean in practice? Why is the message that "EDR doesn't cover everything" so hard for some people to hear? Is this obsession with EDR a business decision or technology debt? How do you expect AI to change the calculus around data centralization versus data federation? What is your favorite example of telemetry that is useful, but usually excluded from a SIEM? What are the Detection and Response organizational metrics that you think are most valuable? Is the continued use of Excel an issue of tooling, laziness, or just because it is a fundamentally good way to interact with a small database? Resources: Video version "In My Time of Dying" book EP258 Why Your Security Strategy Needs an Immune System, Not a Fortress with Royal Hansen EP197 SIEM (Decoupled or Not), and Security Data Lakes: A Google SecOps Perspective The Gravity of Process: Why New Tech Never Fixes Broken Process and Can AI Change It? blog

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When famine strikes the Promised Land, Abram's faith is tested under pressure. Fear drives him to Egypt, where Abram's Faithlessness is revealed as he relies on deception rather than trust in God's promises. Yet, in God's surprising grace, Abram's Fortune increases even in the midst of failure, showing that God's covenant purposes are not undone by human weakness. Ultimately, the passage points to Abram's Fortress—not his own wisdom or schemes, but the Lord Himself, who intervenes, protects Sarai, and preserves His promise. This account reminds us that while faith may falter, God remains faithful and is our true refuge.

After the long, agonizing experience of the Babylonian captivity, Psalms 91-92 begin to shift the tone of how Israel thought about God. For the first time in a long time, God is depicted as Israel's fortress and the Sabbath is resumed. Learn more in this lesson.----------------------------Please follow us on these platforms:Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JointhesearchPodcast: https://thesearch.buzzsprout.com/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jointhesearchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jointhesearchtodayFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jointhesearchtoday

When you fight with your spouse, do you know what you're really fighting about? Dig deep and ask yourself what the real root problem is. Be ruthless in your evaluation of yourself. Gary Thomas, a bestselling author and speaker, advises honesty, reflection, and a direct approach to overcoming conflict. He dishes out critical advice on how to heal and harmonize in the wake of devastating betrayal within marriage, highlighting a need for true repentance on the part of the offender. He also doesn't shy away from talking about the importance of healthy and edifying sex in marriage. How does it change as we age? How do expectations or methods of connecting shift? Gary also offers insight on how to coordinate and communicate about finances to lessen financial problems that could arise in marriage.TAKEAWAYSAs you age, intimacy will look different, but it is just as meaningfulTrue repentance is marked by actions, not feelingsIt's okay to change your preferences and intimacy triggers over timeMarriage involves two people, not just one - we should serve and love each other as Christ loves His church

In this episode of Fortress Comic News, hosts Chris and Mike discuss a variety of topics including sports, their favorite audiobooks, and an exciting interview with Gary Hodges about his book 'Dinosaurs vs. Marsbots'. They also dive into the latest comic news, including updates from Marvel and DC, and share their thoughts on recent comic releases. The conversation flows seamlessly from one topic to another, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the comic book world and related media.In this engaging conversation, Gary Hodges shares his journey from a childhood fascination with comics to creating his own series, D vs M, which features dinosaurs battling Mars bots. He discusses the evolution of his storytelling, the challenges of indie comic pricing, and the importance of physical comics in a digital age. The conversation also delves into UFO lore and conspiracy theories, highlighting the significance of eyewitness accounts and the creative freedom that comes with indie publishing. Hodges emphasizes the joy of storytelling and the unique experiences that shape his work.https://www.etsy.com/shop/DINOSAURSvsMARSBOTS?dd_referrer=https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySMveQkCBrvxYZw5ThVVwAhttps://www.redbubble.com/people/DvsM/explore?asc=u&page=1&sortOrder=recentGary Hodges's Social Media: Instagram - @dinosaursvsmarsbotsGet your Fortress Comics merchandise with the link belowhttps://www.teepublic.com/user/fortress-comicsFortressofComicNews.comhttps://chriscomicscorner.substack.com/YouTube.com/FortressComicsFind Chris: https://linktr.ee/tacticalsquirrelmediaMike twitter @fortressrickerMike's Comic Bone Graft: https://globalcomix.com/c/bentbox-shorts/chapters/en/4/1Patreon.com/FortressComicshttps://www.tiktok.com/@chriscomicscornerThanks for Listening!#marvel #marvelcomics #mcu #dccomics #comicbooks #comicnews #podcast #indiecomics #batman

* Fortress of Sky Point* Josh avoids gushing about Expedition 33* 800 feet tall* Founding of Sky Point before the Scourge* Comparisons of Sky Point to existing buildings and structures* Context for impressive architectural presence* Basic structure; five pillars around the outside and one central pillar* Constructed over 50 years* Deserted during the Scourge* Base of operations for incursions after the Scourge* Conceptually similar to a military base outside a city* Main platform is 2000 feet across* Pillars are 300 feet in diameter* Alternate between solid stone and hollow structure* Comparing Sky Point's "footprint" to real world scale* Impressive magically reinforced engineering* Demonstration of Theran military might* Northern pillar is airship hanger and repair* Southwest tower is slave pens* Southeast tower is Overgovernor's palace* Wall around entire platform except northeast edge for airship launching* Elemental elevators only non-airship access from the ground* Secure fortress; very hard to sneak in or infiltrate* Elevators are guarded, vedette and kila patrols* Fourth edition timeline and destruction of Sky Point* The ruins and comparison to Ground Zero of World Trade Center* Engineering discussion of the collapse; forces out of balance* Sky Point and Parlainth; military vs cultural might* Quick overview of stationed Theran fleetFind and Follow:Email: edsgpodcast@gmail.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EDSGPodcastFind and follow Josh: https://linktr.ee/LoreMerchantGet product information, developer blogs, and more at www.fasagames.comFASA Games on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fasagamesincOfficial Earthdawn Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/officialearthdawnFASA Games Discord Channel: https://discord.gg/uuVwS9uEarthdawn West Marches: https://discord.gg/hhHDtXW

How do you keep your marriage strong when the trials of life threaten to pull you apart? Gary Thomas may have the answers you've been looking for! He is the author of 23 books that have sold over 3 million copies. Being married for over 40 years, Gary brings tremendous insight into the importance of cultivating an intimate and deeply Christ-centered relationship from the moment marriage vows are exchanged and beyond. He challenges couples to cherish each other and to give grace to one another. Gary emphasizes, “Get married for the better, but make your vows for the worst.” Manage your expectations. Marriage will not be easy, but helping each other through the storms of life will be the biggest blessing you've ever experienced.TAKEAWAYSMarriage can produce little moments of reconnection in the midst of disappointmentDuring trials and tribulations, affirming each other is key and checking in with your spouse every week to see how they are feeling is criticalNew parents must reprioritize their lives as they adjust to taking care of their infantSetting boundaries with your children is a good and healthy marriage trait

Find rest and refuge in the inexhaustible grace of God. We will never reach the end of it! Tonight's reading is: Ephesians 2:4-9.No matter what kind of day you've had, rest in hope and peace tonight as you draw near to the heart of God. This short, uplifting meditation from His Word will create a space at the end of the day for you to refocus on the goodness and nearness of the Lord, entrust your burdens to Him and fill your mind with His promises and faithfulness towards you. Tonight's meditation is read by Howie. Meet the team at odb.org/meet-the-team.Send us a text message to let us know how we can make the Evening Meditations an even better experience for you! Please be aware, that while we read and value every message, your phone number is kept hidden so we cannot respond.Support the showYou can now share the Evening Meditations through the updated Our Daily Bread app! If you've not done so already, download it for free from your app store.We hope that you have enjoyed this Evening Meditation from Our Daily Bread Ministries! You can find more exciting content from Our Daily Bread Ministries by following us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. You can even sign up to receive Our Daily Bread Bible reading notes sent straight to your door for free: ourdailybread.org/meditation. All our funding comes from our listeners, like you, who value what we do and want to help us reach more people. You can make a donation towards our mission at eveningmeditations.org.

The Homeland calls for Gunnar, And So Does Love.Based on a post by Jorunn, in 4 parts. Listen to the ►Podcast at Connected.‘You are the Tin Man. This tour; is the Oil Can. Figure it out.'A recently widowed Norwegian American plans his escape from a Minnesota nursing home to travel abroad and join a ‘Christmas in Norway Tour’. While battling his fears, he meets a beautiful young tour guide and her divorced mother, who years later, still bears scars from her unfaithful husband’s affair. This story is about overcoming those fears to let healing begin. This story picks up after that, and shows the lingering effects of a husband’s extra-marital affair on his family. This is also a Christmas story, so expect to travel to locations in Norway, encounter Norwegian Christmas traditions, and maybe even get sprinkled with pixie-dust!“A man has only one escape from his old self: to see a different self - in the mirror of some woman’s eyes” - Clare Booth LucePrequel: The Ruined ChristmasOslo, Norway - Three Years AgoMy name is Jorunn. As a Norwegian landsby girl, Mamma and I spent Christmas week in Bergen, visiting her family and celebrating my 22nd birthday. We decided to leave Bergen two days early so that Pappa would not have to celebrate New Year’s Eve alone. During the week, while we were away, Pappa told us how he missed us.We arrived back home in mid-afternoon, just as the sun was setting, and saw our Christmas Star lit up in the window. After entering the house, we heard Pappa moaning upstairs and went up to see if he was all right. Opening the bedroom door, we saw him humping a strange woman!“What are you doing?” shouted Mamma.Pappa replied, “Leah, you’re home early.”“Who is this woman?”“She’s just a slut. She means nothing to me.”The woman yelped, “I am not a slut! I am a happily married woman.”Mamma yelled, “I can see what keeps you happy.”Pappa yelled back, “I still love you, Leah. Let me get rid of this slut. She’s only here because I was lonely. We can talk.”Mamma replied, “You can talk to my advokater. We’re through! How can I ever trust you again, you bastard? Do you realize what you have done to our family!”Mamma began sobbing and ran down the stairs.Pappa looked at me and said, “Jorunn, none of this would have happened if your mother hadn’t come home early and seen us.”I looked at Pappa and saw his slime-covered beard slick with the woman’s juices. “You’re wrong Pappa. It did happen. Mamma and I just wouldn’t have known. You said you didn’t want to be seen by us. That works both ways! I don’t ever want to talk to you or see you ever again!”I ran downstairs to Mamma, and with our suitcases still in the boot, we drove to a friend’s house.Gunnar and Nurse RatchedDecember 13 - MorningMinneapolis, Minnesota - Present DayI pressed the button on my cell phone and hung up after talking with Roger Mans, my long-time friend and attorney. My two adult children texted a few days ago they wanted to visit me here in the nursing home. I had not seen them since the funeral of my wife, Solveig, and that was two months ago. Their plan was for me to sign their power of attorney forms, giving them full control over me and my affairs. But my plan was different, and now was time to put it into place.Two years ago, at just 54 years old, I had a stroke. A devastating paralysis left me needing a lot of care, and therapy to regain my mobility, speech, and other functions.I realized Solveig was unable to care for me at our home. She tried with all her heart, but she was also fighting her own battle with cancer, and undergoing her own rigorous treatments.So I decided to enter a nursing home, while I continued to get rehab. I wanted a facility with a stroke recovery unit. This limited my nursing home choices. The only thing making life bearable here, was Solveig faithfully visiting me, and sneaking an occasional home-cooked meal past the head nurse and her staff. Sadly, Solveig succumbed to the cancer while I was still a resident at the ‘Bethel Retirement Center'. At Solveig’s funeral, my children promised to visit often, but as usual, I could never count on them for anything.Without my wife here to check on things, my decent clothes never came back from the laundry, and instead, the staff returned excuses. I put on old sweatpants and an old sweatshirt. It would do for now. I prepared myself for this day by walking the halls of the nursing home, attending physical therapy sessions, and taking care of myself without help from the staff. Still not fully recovered, but like my clothing, it would do for now.I said goodbye to Alfred, my shared roommate. He nodded, wished me luck, and said he would love to go with me. I felt sorry for him. He was a great storyteller but needed to use his walker, and physically, he required the kind of care they provided here.I walked down the hall to the nurse’s station and found Molly Turner, the rather brusque chief nurse, and her two assistants sitting behind it. “Good morning, Nurse Ratched,” I said.“Good day to you, Gunnar,” she replied.“I’m checking out,” I said.“Be serious, Gunnar. No one ever checks out of a nursing home, unless they are flat on their back with a toe tag.”I looked at her and smiled, “I only hope that will be your Fate, Molly.”“That’s not a nice thing to say, Gunnar. Now, return to your room or I will have dietary take away your rice pudding for a week.”The rice pudding here was a pale imitation of the riskrem, which Solvieg would make every Christmas. I would miss it this year. I gave Nurse Ratched a one-fingered salute, then walked toward the exit. There was a scramble of squeaky chairs and shouts behind me, and I heard their footsteps closing in on me. As I pushed the two doors open to the main lobby, there was Roger, standing next to the nursing home administrator. I walked up to my lawyer, and shook his hand, “Thank you, old friend.”I turned to see a stunned Nurse Ratched. “Allow me to escort Mr. Larsen back to his room,” she meekly pronounced.The nursing home administrator said, “That won’t be necessary, Molly. Mr. Larsen is leaving us. He isn’t taking anything with him. You may clear out his room and get it ready for the next resident.”I looked Nurse Ratched in the eye and saw the fires of hell blazing within. Then, it was my turn to smile back.All my therapists had agreed that my rehab was successful. My speech skills were quite restored. My left arm and leg took longer to restore. But it was good enough to ditch the wheelchair, then the walker, then the cane. What really set me back was the grief of losing my wife, and the guilt of not being there when she needed me most.Gunnar’s HouseRoger drove me to my house. I hadn't been there in two years. It looked pathetic. No one bothered shoveling the snow on the walkway, and I feared what my children may have done to the inside. I found the hidden key I placed under a rock years ago and used it to enter through the front door. The living room and dining room furniture were mostly gone, or should I say, stolen. They had rifled through the small office nook next to the kitchen, with papers scattered over the kitchen countertops and floor.I turned and said, “You’re going to have your work cut out for you, Roger.”“This is exactly what you said would happen, Gunnar. Our firm will take care of it for you.”I opened a small drawer in the office nook and thankfully found my passport intact. It was useless to my children. I went to the master bedroom and saw the dresser drawers partially opened, with clothes scattered all about the floor. On top of the dresser was Solvieg’s jewelry box. I opened it, and few things remained. I was glad to see the gold charm bracelet I gave her 35 years ago for Christmas. She wore it a couple of times, then stopped, complaining it turned her wrist green as the fake gold coating wore away. But she kept it all these years. A worn-out trinket to my children, as precious as the Sauron’s Ring of Power to me. I picked it up and put it in the pocket of my sweatpants.I went into the walk-in closet and picked out some clothes, tossed them into an old gym bag, and said, “I’m done. We can go.”Roger said, “The locksmith and security company will meet me here this afternoon. Once they are done, your children will no longer have access.”“I’d rather not have an auction of whatever is left in the house. I don’t think Solveig would have liked that. Once you go through the papers, just throw everything left in a dumpster and haul it away. Whatever the two pirates plundered will be the only inheritance they will ever see from me.”Miller And Mans Law OfficeRoger and I next went to his office. I said hello to Jane, the long-time receptionist. I have always suspected that Jane knows everything that goes on here, and secretly runs the whole place, not unlike the way Nurse Ratched does in her domain. However, Jane does so with more efficiency, happiness, and joy for both clients and staff.Jane asked, “Can I get you anything, Gunnar?”“I’d love a cup of decent coffee, and an Apple Fritter if you have one.”“I’ll bring them to Roger’s office. Two creams and no sugar, if I remember right.”“Perfect, as always, Jane.”We went into Roger’s plush office, and I sat down in a chair more comfortable than any I sat in for the last two years.“Are you actually going to go through with this?” Roger asked.“Every bit of it,” I replied.I signed multiple papers, removing my two children as beneficiaries from my life insurance and investment accounts. I also gave Roger limited power of attorney to sell my house and dispose of its possessions.Jane arrived with the coffee and Apple Fritter. “Norway? Why would anyone want to go to Norway in December?”“Did Roger spill the beans?” I asked.Jane replied, “Every piece of paper that comes into this office passes through my hands. I opened your travel visa when it came in.”“Jane, I can’t spend Christmas here in Minnesota. The bitter wintry weather pales in comparison to the cold hearts of my own two children. The further away from them I am, the better. I’ve never been to Norway and have always wanted to see the 'home country’ of my ancestors.”Like I said, Jane knows all. The coffee tasted great, and the deep-fried Apple Fritter, one of Nursed Ratched’s 'prohibited foods’, was outstanding. Roger slid me a packet labeled 'Gunnar - Norway’. As Jane left, I opened it and looked at the contents. As planned, there was an international cell phone with a different number, a stack of krone, and three new credit cards bearing the name of a fictitious business. I handed Roger my old cell phone.“We’ll dispose of this for you. Your children will have no idea where you are unless they hire a private detective with exceptionally good connections. Legally, they have no rights to any of your assets, so even if somehow they track you to our law office, they will not get past Jane.”I believed Roger on that.“The tour company you asked us to sign you up with seems pretty sketchy. Their contract looks like something generated off a free online legal site. We reviewed it, it is crude, but legal and binding. If you back out, they still get paid. Why did you pick this tour company? There are many larger and more reputable companies we might have booked you with.”“It’s silly, Roger. I know it’s only a one-person company, run by a young vlogger in Norway. It was terribly boring in the nursing home, so I would spend evenings watching her videos as she traveled around Norway visiting various places, and leading small groups of tourists. It looked like the people were having fun and she made me laugh. Watching her videos was one of the few things that brought me any happiness.”“Why did you reserve for four persons?” asked Roger.“I wanted to make sure her Christmas in Norway tour wouldn’t be canceled. She has a four-person minimum.”“You won’t get those other bookings back, even if more people are going.”“I don’t need the money, Roger, but I do need this tour.”“How about clothing? You don’t have many clothes in that gym bag, Gunnar. Do you want to stop somewhere before we get to the airport?”“No. I’ll travel light. It’ll be easier when going through airport security. I’ll buy more clothes when I get to Norway.”“How about after you come back?”“I’m going to someplace warm and sunny. Maybe visit a mouse in Florida. I’ll be in touch if I need anything while I’m in Norway, and call you when I get back in three weeks.”Jorunn, The Tour GuideDecember 15 – Morning, Two Days LaterI spent yesterday shopping for the new clothes I would need. The tour is a mix of city and outdoor activities, so I bought a basic wardrobe, along with good walking shoes, snow pants, a warm jacket, and gloves. I ate lunch and dinner at two smaller restaurants. The food was good, but I felt lonely eating by myself, in a city I didn’t know, in a strange country. I missed Solveig very much and wished she were here with me.The next morning, I walked to the nearby hotel where the tour group would be meeting and followed the “Christmas in Norway Tour” sign to a small room off the lobby. There she was! Jorunn. My vlogger! She was about as tall as I am, at least when I can stand straight, with long blonde hair parted in the middle, clear blue eyes, and her signature radiant smile. She wore a Norwegian Dale sweater and brown pants.Jorunn spoke to me in Norwegian. “Excuse me, sir, this room is reserved for a tour group.”I hobbled closer. “Yes, and I’m one of the people taking the tour.”“We have a pretty active schedule for the next seven days, from December 15th through the 22nd. Do you think you are well enough to take this tour?”I wasn’t sure if I was, but I didn’t want to tell her that. “I won’t slow you down,” I replied.“What is your name?” she asked.“Gunnar Larsen.”She opened a small notebook and flipped through the pages. “It says here you are in a group of four. I see three other names. When are they coming?”“There won’t be any others from my group. One of the names is my recently deceased wife, the other two are my estranged adult children. I’m all there is.”Jorunn looked puzzled. “Only four people in total signed up, including you, all from your group. If the others aren’t coming, then you will be the only one. I don’t… I can’t… I mean, I have reservations I cannot cancel. You’re going to cost me a fortune whether I go through with the tour or not.”I replied, “The contract states that you have a four-person minimum. I am paying you in full for all four people. You won’t lose any money.”Jorunn smirked and looked like she was thinking. “I don’t know if you’re some kind of dirty old man, but if I agree to continue this tour, you should know that we will have separate rooms every night and there will be no sex of any kind. Judging by the way you look; I hope you can at least wipe your own butt!”“Your terms are acceptable. I had a stroke two years ago, but I have mostly recovered. I can walk, talk, and listen. I have trouble with my balance at times and sometimes slur my words. If you think something is too strenuous for me, I am willing to skip that part of the tour.”“Well, Mr. Larsen of Minnesota, you need to sign some release forms. As stated in the contract, I get to film the tour group for my vlogs, so I expect smiles when I am filming you. For now, go help yourself to breakfast. There is coffee, brunost, bread, and milk. Enough to feed four. Don’t expect me to serve you, and if you don’t know how to use a cheese sliver, learn fast.”She looked puzzled earlier but was now the confident Jorunn with whom I spent virtual evenings. I was delighted we worked this out. Smiles would not be a problem.OsloDecember 15 - MorningJorunn left the room and returned shortly with a small basket of food. “We have a lot of brunost left over, so I am going to make us a food packet for lunch called matpakke. I have a place in mind where we can sit and picnic.”“We will use the Vy app and Oslo Pass and travel by train and Metro. But today, we will mainly walk around Oslo. You will need to check into this hotel under the tour name if you have not done so. We will be in Oslo for two nights. The prepaid room is part of your tour package. I will try to cancel or change some reservations. Meet me back here in one hour.”I went back to my hotel to retrieve my belongings, then checked into the one Jorunn requested. It was not as nice as the one I left, but it was clean, and I did not want to make a fuss on the first day. I purchased a surprising amount of clothing yesterday and needed to make two trips to bring everything over. Then I returned to the meeting room and found Jorunn waiting.Jorunn and I walked from the hotel to Oslo Central Station and took a tram to the Vigeland Sculpture Park. Jorunn told me it is the world’s largest sculpture park made by a single artist, Gustav Vigeland, with over two hundred sculptures combining the human form with an element of fantasy. Most figures were naked, with a mix of vagueness and rather notably open precision. The most prominent sculpture was a 17-meter-high monolith consisting of 121 intertwined human figures clambering to the top, carved from a single stone block. We spent over an hour walking the grounds, and while it was interesting, I told Jorunn that I didn’t see much in the way of Christmas here.A combination of walking and a short bus ride brought us to the grounds of the Akershus Fortress. Constructed in the 13th century, it protects the waterfront and Oslo harbor. Also on the site was the restored Akershus Castle, which was formerly a residence of prior kings of Norway. Jorunn said it serves today as an entertainment and event center for the Norwegian government, and this close to Christmas was not open to the public.I found it challenging to walk the grounds of the Fortress, as there were steep inclines mixed with stone steps and cobblestone paths. Remnants of a prior snowstorm still lingered in shady areas and under arches, making the footing treacherous. We did stop at places offering magnificent views of the city of Oslo, the bay, and the fjord, and several ramparts still bore cannons. Jorunn was rather businesslike and did not seem to be enjoyin

The Homeland calls for Gunnar, And So Does Love.Based on a post by Jorunn, in 4 parts. Listen to the ►Podcast at Connected.‘You are the Tin Man. This tour; is the Oil Can. Figure it out.'A recently widowed Norwegian American plans his escape from a Minnesota nursing home to travel abroad and join a ‘Christmas in Norway Tour’. While battling his fears, he meets a beautiful young tour guide and her divorced mother, who years later, still bears scars from her unfaithful husband’s affair. This story is about overcoming those fears to let healing begin. This story picks up after that, and shows the lingering effects of a husband’s extra-marital affair on his family. This is also a Christmas story, so expect to travel to locations in Norway, encounter Norwegian Christmas traditions, and maybe even get sprinkled with pixie-dust!“A man has only one escape from his old self: to see a different self - in the mirror of some woman’s eyes” - Clare Booth LucePrequel: The Ruined ChristmasOslo, Norway - Three Years AgoMy name is Jorunn. As a Norwegian landsby girl, Mamma and I spent Christmas week in Bergen, visiting her family and celebrating my 22nd birthday. We decided to leave Bergen two days early so that Pappa would not have to celebrate New Year’s Eve alone. During the week, while we were away, Pappa told us how he missed us.We arrived back home in mid-afternoon, just as the sun was setting, and saw our Christmas Star lit up in the window. After entering the house, we heard Pappa moaning upstairs and went up to see if he was all right. Opening the bedroom door, we saw him humping a strange woman!“What are you doing?” shouted Mamma.Pappa replied, “Leah, you’re home early.”“Who is this woman?”“She’s just a slut. She means nothing to me.”The woman yelped, “I am not a slut! I am a happily married woman.”Mamma yelled, “I can see what keeps you happy.”Pappa yelled back, “I still love you, Leah. Let me get rid of this slut. She’s only here because I was lonely. We can talk.”Mamma replied, “You can talk to my advokater. We’re through! How can I ever trust you again, you bastard? Do you realize what you have done to our family!”Mamma began sobbing and ran down the stairs.Pappa looked at me and said, “Jorunn, none of this would have happened if your mother hadn’t come home early and seen us.”I looked at Pappa and saw his slime-covered beard slick with the woman’s juices. “You’re wrong Pappa. It did happen. Mamma and I just wouldn’t have known. You said you didn’t want to be seen by us. That works both ways! I don’t ever want to talk to you or see you ever again!”I ran downstairs to Mamma, and with our suitcases still in the boot, we drove to a friend’s house.Gunnar and Nurse RatchedDecember 13 - MorningMinneapolis, Minnesota - Present DayI pressed the button on my cell phone and hung up after talking with Roger Mans, my long-time friend and attorney. My two adult children texted a few days ago they wanted to visit me here in the nursing home. I had not seen them since the funeral of my wife, Solveig, and that was two months ago. Their plan was for me to sign their power of attorney forms, giving them full control over me and my affairs. But my plan was different, and now was time to put it into place.Two years ago, at just 54 years old, I had a stroke. A devastating paralysis left me needing a lot of care, and therapy to regain my mobility, speech, and other functions.I realized Solveig was unable to care for me at our home. She tried with all her heart, but she was also fighting her own battle with cancer, and undergoing her own rigorous treatments.So I decided to enter a nursing home, while I continued to get rehab. I wanted a facility with a stroke recovery unit. This limited my nursing home choices. The only thing making life bearable here, was Solveig faithfully visiting me, and sneaking an occasional home-cooked meal past the head nurse and her staff. Sadly, Solveig succumbed to the cancer while I was still a resident at the ‘Bethel Retirement Center'. At Solveig’s funeral, my children promised to visit often, but as usual, I could never count on them for anything.Without my wife here to check on things, my decent clothes never came back from the laundry, and instead, the staff returned excuses. I put on old sweatpants and an old sweatshirt. It would do for now. I prepared myself for this day by walking the halls of the nursing home, attending physical therapy sessions, and taking care of myself without help from the staff. Still not fully recovered, but like my clothing, it would do for now.I said goodbye to Alfred, my shared roommate. He nodded, wished me luck, and said he would love to go with me. I felt sorry for him. He was a great storyteller but needed to use his walker, and physically, he required the kind of care they provided here.I walked down the hall to the nurse’s station and found Molly Turner, the rather brusque chief nurse, and her two assistants sitting behind it. “Good morning, Nurse Ratched,” I said.“Good day to you, Gunnar,” she replied.“I’m checking out,” I said.“Be serious, Gunnar. No one ever checks out of a nursing home, unless they are flat on their back with a toe tag.”I looked at her and smiled, “I only hope that will be your Fate, Molly.”“That’s not a nice thing to say, Gunnar. Now, return to your room or I will have dietary take away your rice pudding for a week.”The rice pudding here was a pale imitation of the riskrem, which Solvieg would make every Christmas. I would miss it this year. I gave Nurse Ratched a one-fingered salute, then walked toward the exit. There was a scramble of squeaky chairs and shouts behind me, and I heard their footsteps closing in on me. As I pushed the two doors open to the main lobby, there was Roger, standing next to the nursing home administrator. I walked up to my lawyer, and shook his hand, “Thank you, old friend.”I turned to see a stunned Nurse Ratched. “Allow me to escort Mr. Larsen back to his room,” she meekly pronounced.The nursing home administrator said, “That won’t be necessary, Molly. Mr. Larsen is leaving us. He isn’t taking anything with him. You may clear out his room and get it ready for the next resident.”I looked Nurse Ratched in the eye and saw the fires of hell blazing within. Then, it was my turn to smile back.All my therapists had agreed that my rehab was successful. My speech skills were quite restored. My left arm and leg took longer to restore. But it was good enough to ditch the wheelchair, then the walker, then the cane. What really set me back was the grief of losing my wife, and the guilt of not being there when she needed me most.Gunnar’s HouseRoger drove me to my house. I hadn't been there in two years. It looked pathetic. No one bothered shoveling the snow on the walkway, and I feared what my children may have done to the inside. I found the hidden key I placed under a rock years ago and used it to enter through the front door. The living room and dining room furniture were mostly gone, or should I say, stolen. They had rifled through the small office nook next to the kitchen, with papers scattered over the kitchen countertops and floor.I turned and said, “You’re going to have your work cut out for you, Roger.”“This is exactly what you said would happen, Gunnar. Our firm will take care of it for you.”I opened a small drawer in the office nook and thankfully found my passport intact. It was useless to my children. I went to the master bedroom and saw the dresser drawers partially opened, with clothes scattered all about the floor. On top of the dresser was Solvieg’s jewelry box. I opened it, and few things remained. I was glad to see the gold charm bracelet I gave her 35 years ago for Christmas. She wore it a couple of times, then stopped, complaining it turned her wrist green as the fake gold coating wore away. But she kept it all these years. A worn-out trinket to my children, as precious as the Sauron’s Ring of Power to me. I picked it up and put it in the pocket of my sweatpants.I went into the walk-in closet and picked out some clothes, tossed them into an old gym bag, and said, “I’m done. We can go.”Roger said, “The locksmith and security company will meet me here this afternoon. Once they are done, your children will no longer have access.”“I’d rather not have an auction of whatever is left in the house. I don’t think Solveig would have liked that. Once you go through the papers, just throw everything left in a dumpster and haul it away. Whatever the two pirates plundered will be the only inheritance they will ever see from me.”Miller And Mans Law OfficeRoger and I next went to his office. I said hello to Jane, the long-time receptionist. I have always suspected that Jane knows everything that goes on here, and secretly runs the whole place, not unlike the way Nurse Ratched does in her domain. However, Jane does so with more efficiency, happiness, and joy for both clients and staff.Jane asked, “Can I get you anything, Gunnar?”“I’d love a cup of decent coffee, and an Apple Fritter if you have one.”“I’ll bring them to Roger’s office. Two creams and no sugar, if I remember right.”“Perfect, as always, Jane.”We went into Roger’s plush office, and I sat down in a chair more comfortable than any I sat in for the last two years.“Are you actually going to go through with this?” Roger asked.“Every bit of it,” I replied.I signed multiple papers, removing my two children as beneficiaries from my life insurance and investment accounts. I also gave Roger limited power of attorney to sell my house and dispose of its possessions.Jane arrived with the coffee and Apple Fritter. “Norway? Why would anyone want to go to Norway in December?”“Did Roger spill the beans?” I asked.Jane replied, “Every piece of paper that comes into this office passes through my hands. I opened your travel visa when it came in.”“Jane, I can’t spend Christmas here in Minnesota. The bitter wintry weather pales in comparison to the cold hearts of my own two children. The further away from them I am, the better. I’ve never been to Norway and have always wanted to see the 'home country’ of my ancestors.”Like I said, Jane knows all. The coffee tasted great, and the deep-fried Apple Fritter, one of Nursed Ratched’s 'prohibited foods’, was outstanding. Roger slid me a packet labeled 'Gunnar - Norway’. As Jane left, I opened it and looked at the contents. As planned, there was an international cell phone with a different number, a stack of krone, and three new credit cards bearing the name of a fictitious business. I handed Roger my old cell phone.“We’ll dispose of this for you. Your children will have no idea where you are unless they hire a private detective with exceptionally good connections. Legally, they have no rights to any of your assets, so even if somehow they track you to our law office, they will not get past Jane.”I believed Roger on that.“The tour company you asked us to sign you up with seems pretty sketchy. Their contract looks like something generated off a free online legal site. We reviewed it, it is crude, but legal and binding. If you back out, they still get paid. Why did you pick this tour company? There are many larger and more reputable companies we might have booked you with.”“It’s silly, Roger. I know it’s only a one-person company, run by a young vlogger in Norway. It was terribly boring in the nursing home, so I would spend evenings watching her videos as she traveled around Norway visiting various places, and leading small groups of tourists. It looked like the people were having fun and she made me laugh. Watching her videos was one of the few things that brought me any happiness.”“Why did you reserve for four persons?” asked Roger.“I wanted to make sure her Christmas in Norway tour wouldn’t be canceled. She has a four-person minimum.”“You won’t get those other bookings back, even if more people are going.”“I don’t need the money, Roger, but I do need this tour.”“How about clothing? You don’t have many clothes in that gym bag, Gunnar. Do you want to stop somewhere before we get to the airport?”“No. I’ll travel light. It’ll be easier when going through airport security. I’ll buy more clothes when I get to Norway.”“How about after you come back?”“I’m going to someplace warm and sunny. Maybe visit a mouse in Florida. I’ll be in touch if I need anything while I’m in Norway, and call you when I get back in three weeks.”Jorunn, The Tour GuideDecember 15 – Morning, Two Days LaterI spent yesterday shopping for the new clothes I would need. The tour is a mix of city and outdoor activities, so I bought a basic wardrobe, along with good walking shoes, snow pants, a warm jacket, and gloves. I ate lunch and dinner at two smaller restaurants. The food was good, but I felt lonely eating by myself, in a city I didn’t know, in a strange country. I missed Solveig very much and wished she were here with me.The next morning, I walked to the nearby hotel where the tour group would be meeting and followed the “Christmas in Norway Tour” sign to a small room off the lobby. There she was! Jorunn. My vlogger! She was about as tall as I am, at least when I can stand straight, with long blonde hair parted in the middle, clear blue eyes, and her signature radiant smile. She wore a Norwegian Dale sweater and brown pants.Jorunn spoke to me in Norwegian. “Excuse me, sir, this room is reserved for a tour group.”I hobbled closer. “Yes, and I’m one of the people taking the tour.”“We have a pretty active schedule for the next seven days, from December 15th through the 22nd. Do you think you are well enough to take this tour?”I wasn’t sure if I was, but I didn’t want to tell her that. “I won’t slow you down,” I replied.“What is your name?” she asked.“Gunnar Larsen.”She opened a small notebook and flipped through the pages. “It says here you are in a group of four. I see three other names. When are they coming?”“There won’t be any others from my group. One of the names is my recently deceased wife, the other two are my estranged adult children. I’m all there is.”Jorunn looked puzzled. “Only four people in total signed up, including you, all from your group. If the others aren’t coming, then you will be the only one. I don’t… I can’t… I mean, I have reservations I cannot cancel. You’re going to cost me a fortune whether I go through with the tour or not.”I replied, “The contract states that you have a four-person minimum. I am paying you in full for all four people. You won’t lose any money.”Jorunn smirked and looked like she was thinking. “I don’t know if you’re some kind of dirty old man, but if I agree to continue this tour, you should know that we will have separate rooms every night and there will be no sex of any kind. Judging by the way you look; I hope you can at least wipe your own butt!”“Your terms are acceptable. I had a stroke two years ago, but I have mostly recovered. I can walk, talk, and listen. I have trouble with my balance at times and sometimes slur my words. If you think something is too strenuous for me, I am willing to skip that part of the tour.”“Well, Mr. Larsen of Minnesota, you need to sign some release forms. As stated in the contract, I get to film the tour group for my vlogs, so I expect smiles when I am filming you. For now, go help yourself to breakfast. There is coffee, brunost, bread, and milk. Enough to feed four. Don’t expect me to serve you, and if you don’t know how to use a cheese sliver, learn fast.”She looked puzzled earlier but was now the confident Jorunn with whom I spent virtual evenings. I was delighted we worked this out. Smiles would not be a problem.OsloDecember 15 - MorningJorunn left the room and returned shortly with a small basket of food. “We have a lot of brunost left over, so I am going to make us a food packet for lunch called matpakke. I have a place in mind where we can sit and picnic.”“We will use the Vy app and Oslo Pass and travel by train and Metro. But today, we will mainly walk around Oslo. You will need to check into this hotel under the tour name if you have not done so. We will be in Oslo for two nights. The prepaid room is part of your tour package. I will try to cancel or change some reservations. Meet me back here in one hour.”I went back to my hotel to retrieve my belongings, then checked into the one Jorunn requested. It was not as nice as the one I left, but it was clean, and I did not want to make a fuss on the first day. I purchased a surprising amount of clothing yesterday and needed to make two trips to bring everything over. Then I returned to the meeting room and found Jorunn waiting.Jorunn and I walked from the hotel to Oslo Central Station and took a tram to the Vigeland Sculpture Park. Jorunn told me it is the world’s largest sculpture park made by a single artist, Gustav Vigeland, with over two hundred sculptures combining the human form with an element of fantasy. Most figures were naked, with a mix of vagueness and rather notably open precision. The most prominent sculpture was a 17-meter-high monolith consisting of 121 intertwined human figures clambering to the top, carved from a single stone block. We spent over an hour walking the grounds, and while it was interesting, I told Jorunn that I didn’t see much in the way of Christmas here.A combination of walking and a short bus ride brought us to the grounds of the Akershus Fortress. Constructed in the 13th century, it protects the waterfront and Oslo harbor. Also on the site was the restored Akershus Castle, which was formerly a residence of prior kings of Norway. Jorunn said it serves today as an entertainment and event center for the Norwegian government, and this close to Christmas was not open to the public.I found it challenging to walk the grounds of the Fortress, as there were steep inclines mixed with stone steps and cobblestone paths. Remnants of a prior snowstorm still lingered in shady areas and under arches, making the footing treacherous. We did stop at places offering magnificent views of the city of Oslo, the bay, and the fjord, and several ramparts still bore cannons. Jorunn was rather businesslike and did not seem to be enjoyin

The Homeland calls for Gunnar, And So Does Love.Based on a post by Jorunn, in 4 parts. Listen to the ►Podcast at Connected.‘You are the Tin Man. This tour; is the Oil Can. Figure it out.'A recently widowed Norwegian American plans his escape from a Minnesota nursing home to travel abroad and join a ‘Christmas in Norway Tour’. While battling his fears, he meets a beautiful young tour guide and her divorced mother, who years later, still bears scars from her unfaithful husband’s affair. This story is about overcoming those fears to let healing begin. This story picks up after that, and shows the lingering effects of a husband’s extra-marital affair on his family. This is also a Christmas story, so expect to travel to locations in Norway, encounter Norwegian Christmas traditions, and maybe even get sprinkled with pixie-dust!“A man has only one escape from his old self: to see a different self - in the mirror of some woman’s eyes” - Clare Booth LucePrequel: The Ruined ChristmasOslo, Norway - Three Years AgoMy name is Jorunn. As a Norwegian landsby girl, Mamma and I spent Christmas week in Bergen, visiting her family and celebrating my 22nd birthday. We decided to leave Bergen two days early so that Pappa would not have to celebrate New Year’s Eve alone. During the week, while we were away, Pappa told us how he missed us.We arrived back home in mid-afternoon, just as the sun was setting, and saw our Christmas Star lit up in the window. After entering the house, we heard Pappa moaning upstairs and went up to see if he was all right. Opening the bedroom door, we saw him humping a strange woman!“What are you doing?” shouted Mamma.Pappa replied, “Leah, you’re home early.”“Who is this woman?”“She’s just a slut. She means nothing to me.”The woman yelped, “I am not a slut! I am a happily married woman.”Mamma yelled, “I can see what keeps you happy.”Pappa yelled back, “I still love you, Leah. Let me get rid of this slut. She’s only here because I was lonely. We can talk.”Mamma replied, “You can talk to my advokater. We’re through! How can I ever trust you again, you bastard? Do you realize what you have done to our family!”Mamma began sobbing and ran down the stairs.Pappa looked at me and said, “Jorunn, none of this would have happened if your mother hadn’t come home early and seen us.”I looked at Pappa and saw his slime-covered beard slick with the woman’s juices. “You’re wrong Pappa. It did happen. Mamma and I just wouldn’t have known. You said you didn’t want to be seen by us. That works both ways! I don’t ever want to talk to you or see you ever again!”I ran downstairs to Mamma, and with our suitcases still in the boot, we drove to a friend’s house.Gunnar and Nurse RatchedDecember 13 - MorningMinneapolis, Minnesota - Present DayI pressed the button on my cell phone and hung up after talking with Roger Mans, my long-time friend and attorney. My two adult children texted a few days ago they wanted to visit me here in the nursing home. I had not seen them since the funeral of my wife, Solveig, and that was two months ago. Their plan was for me to sign their power of attorney forms, giving them full control over me and my affairs. But my plan was different, and now was time to put it into place.Two years ago, at just 54 years old, I had a stroke. A devastating paralysis left me needing a lot of care, and therapy to regain my mobility, speech, and other functions.I realized Solveig was unable to care for me at our home. She tried with all her heart, but she was also fighting her own battle with cancer, and undergoing her own rigorous treatments.So I decided to enter a nursing home, while I continued to get rehab. I wanted a facility with a stroke recovery unit. This limited my nursing home choices. The only thing making life bearable here, was Solveig faithfully visiting me, and sneaking an occasional home-cooked meal past the head nurse and her staff. Sadly, Solveig succumbed to the cancer while I was still a resident at the ‘Bethel Retirement Center'. At Solveig’s funeral, my children promised to visit often, but as usual, I could never count on them for anything.Without my wife here to check on things, my decent clothes never came back from the laundry, and instead, the staff returned excuses. I put on old sweatpants and an old sweatshirt. It would do for now. I prepared myself for this day by walking the halls of the nursing home, attending physical therapy sessions, and taking care of myself without help from the staff. Still not fully recovered, but like my clothing, it would do for now.I said goodbye to Alfred, my shared roommate. He nodded, wished me luck, and said he would love to go with me. I felt sorry for him. He was a great storyteller but needed to use his walker, and physically, he required the kind of care they provided here.I walked down the hall to the nurse’s station and found Molly Turner, the rather brusque chief nurse, and her two assistants sitting behind it. “Good morning, Nurse Ratched,” I said.“Good day to you, Gunnar,” she replied.“I’m checking out,” I said.“Be serious, Gunnar. No one ever checks out of a nursing home, unless they are flat on their back with a toe tag.”I looked at her and smiled, “I only hope that will be your Fate, Molly.”“That’s not a nice thing to say, Gunnar. Now, return to your room or I will have dietary take away your rice pudding for a week.”The rice pudding here was a pale imitation of the riskrem, which Solvieg would make every Christmas. I would miss it this year. I gave Nurse Ratched a one-fingered salute, then walked toward the exit. There was a scramble of squeaky chairs and shouts behind me, and I heard their footsteps closing in on me. As I pushed the two doors open to the main lobby, there was Roger, standing next to the nursing home administrator. I walked up to my lawyer, and shook his hand, “Thank you, old friend.”I turned to see a stunned Nurse Ratched. “Allow me to escort Mr. Larsen back to his room,” she meekly pronounced.The nursing home administrator said, “That won’t be necessary, Molly. Mr. Larsen is leaving us. He isn’t taking anything with him. You may clear out his room and get it ready for the next resident.”I looked Nurse Ratched in the eye and saw the fires of hell blazing within. Then, it was my turn to smile back.All my therapists had agreed that my rehab was successful. My speech skills were quite restored. My left arm and leg took longer to restore. But it was good enough to ditch the wheelchair, then the walker, then the cane. What really set me back was the grief of losing my wife, and the guilt of not being there when she needed me most.Gunnar’s HouseRoger drove me to my house. I hadn't been there in two years. It looked pathetic. No one bothered shoveling the snow on the walkway, and I feared what my children may have done to the inside. I found the hidden key I placed under a rock years ago and used it to enter through the front door. The living room and dining room furniture were mostly gone, or should I say, stolen. They had rifled through the small office nook next to the kitchen, with papers scattered over the kitchen countertops and floor.I turned and said, “You’re going to have your work cut out for you, Roger.”“This is exactly what you said would happen, Gunnar. Our firm will take care of it for you.”I opened a small drawer in the office nook and thankfully found my passport intact. It was useless to my children. I went to the master bedroom and saw the dresser drawers partially opened, with clothes scattered all about the floor. On top of the dresser was Solvieg’s jewelry box. I opened it, and few things remained. I was glad to see the gold charm bracelet I gave her 35 years ago for Christmas. She wore it a couple of times, then stopped, complaining it turned her wrist green as the fake gold coating wore away. But she kept it all these years. A worn-out trinket to my children, as precious as the Sauron’s Ring of Power to me. I picked it up and put it in the pocket of my sweatpants.I went into the walk-in closet and picked out some clothes, tossed them into an old gym bag, and said, “I’m done. We can go.”Roger said, “The locksmith and security company will meet me here this afternoon. Once they are done, your children will no longer have access.”“I’d rather not have an auction of whatever is left in the house. I don’t think Solveig would have liked that. Once you go through the papers, just throw everything left in a dumpster and haul it away. Whatever the two pirates plundered will be the only inheritance they will ever see from me.”Miller And Mans Law OfficeRoger and I next went to his office. I said hello to Jane, the long-time receptionist. I have always suspected that Jane knows everything that goes on here, and secretly runs the whole place, not unlike the way Nurse Ratched does in her domain. However, Jane does so with more efficiency, happiness, and joy for both clients and staff.Jane asked, “Can I get you anything, Gunnar?”“I’d love a cup of decent coffee, and an Apple Fritter if you have one.”“I’ll bring them to Roger’s office. Two creams and no sugar, if I remember right.”“Perfect, as always, Jane.”We went into Roger’s plush office, and I sat down in a chair more comfortable than any I sat in for the last two years.“Are you actually going to go through with this?” Roger asked.“Every bit of it,” I replied.I signed multiple papers, removing my two children as beneficiaries from my life insurance and investment accounts. I also gave Roger limited power of attorney to sell my house and dispose of its possessions.Jane arrived with the coffee and Apple Fritter. “Norway? Why would anyone want to go to Norway in December?”“Did Roger spill the beans?” I asked.Jane replied, “Every piece of paper that comes into this office passes through my hands. I opened your travel visa when it came in.”“Jane, I can’t spend Christmas here in Minnesota. The bitter wintry weather pales in comparison to the cold hearts of my own two children. The further away from them I am, the better. I’ve never been to Norway and have always wanted to see the 'home country’ of my ancestors.”Like I said, Jane knows all. The coffee tasted great, and the deep-fried Apple Fritter, one of Nursed Ratched’s 'prohibited foods’, was outstanding. Roger slid me a packet labeled 'Gunnar - Norway’. As Jane left, I opened it and looked at the contents. As planned, there was an international cell phone with a different number, a stack of krone, and three new credit cards bearing the name of a fictitious business. I handed Roger my old cell phone.“We’ll dispose of this for you. Your children will have no idea where you are unless they hire a private detective with exceptionally good connections. Legally, they have no rights to any of your assets, so even if somehow they track you to our law office, they will not get past Jane.”I believed Roger on that.“The tour company you asked us to sign you up with seems pretty sketchy. Their contract looks like something generated off a free online legal site. We reviewed it, it is crude, but legal and binding. If you back out, they still get paid. Why did you pick this tour company? There are many larger and more reputable companies we might have booked you with.”“It’s silly, Roger. I know it’s only a one-person company, run by a young vlogger in Norway. It was terribly boring in the nursing home, so I would spend evenings watching her videos as she traveled around Norway visiting various places, and leading small groups of tourists. It looked like the people were having fun and she made me laugh. Watching her videos was one of the few things that brought me any happiness.”“Why did you reserve for four persons?” asked Roger.“I wanted to make sure her Christmas in Norway tour wouldn’t be canceled. She has a four-person minimum.”“You won’t get those other bookings back, even if more people are going.”“I don’t need the money, Roger, but I do need this tour.”“How about clothing? You don’t have many clothes in that gym bag, Gunnar. Do you want to stop somewhere before we get to the airport?”“No. I’ll travel light. It’ll be easier when going through airport security. I’ll buy more clothes when I get to Norway.”“How about after you come back?”“I’m going to someplace warm and sunny. Maybe visit a mouse in Florida. I’ll be in touch if I need anything while I’m in Norway, and call you when I get back in three weeks.”Jorunn, The Tour GuideDecember 15 – Morning, Two Days LaterI spent yesterday shopping for the new clothes I would need. The tour is a mix of city and outdoor activities, so I bought a basic wardrobe, along with good walking shoes, snow pants, a warm jacket, and gloves. I ate lunch and dinner at two smaller restaurants. The food was good, but I felt lonely eating by myself, in a city I didn’t know, in a strange country. I missed Solveig very much and wished she were here with me.The next morning, I walked to the nearby hotel where the tour group would be meeting and followed the “Christmas in Norway Tour” sign to a small room off the lobby. There she was! Jorunn. My vlogger! She was about as tall as I am, at least when I can stand straight, with long blonde hair parted in the middle, clear blue eyes, and her signature radiant smile. She wore a Norwegian Dale sweater and brown pants.Jorunn spoke to me in Norwegian. “Excuse me, sir, this room is reserved for a tour group.”I hobbled closer. “Yes, and I’m one of the people taking the tour.”“We have a pretty active schedule for the next seven days, from December 15th through the 22nd. Do you think you are well enough to take this tour?”I wasn’t sure if I was, but I didn’t want to tell her that. “I won’t slow you down,” I replied.“What is your name?” she asked.“Gunnar Larsen.”She opened a small notebook and flipped through the pages. “It says here you are in a group of four. I see three other names. When are they coming?”“There won’t be any others from my group. One of the names is my recently deceased wife, the other two are my estranged adult children. I’m all there is.”Jorunn looked puzzled. “Only four people in total signed up, including you, all from your group. If the others aren’t coming, then you will be the only one. I don’t… I can’t… I mean, I have reservations I cannot cancel. You’re going to cost me a fortune whether I go through with the tour or not.”I replied, “The contract states that you have a four-person minimum. I am paying you in full for all four people. You won’t lose any money.”Jorunn smirked and looked like she was thinking. “I don’t know if you’re some kind of dirty old man, but if I agree to continue this tour, you should know that we will have separate rooms every night and there will be no sex of any kind. Judging by the way you look; I hope you can at least wipe your own butt!”“Your terms are acceptable. I had a stroke two years ago, but I have mostly recovered. I can walk, talk, and listen. I have trouble with my balance at times and sometimes slur my words. If you think something is too strenuous for me, I am willing to skip that part of the tour.”“Well, Mr. Larsen of Minnesota, you need to sign some release forms. As stated in the contract, I get to film the tour group for my vlogs, so I expect smiles when I am filming you. For now, go help yourself to breakfast. There is coffee, brunost, bread, and milk. Enough to feed four. Don’t expect me to serve you, and if you don’t know how to use a cheese sliver, learn fast.”She looked puzzled earlier but was now the confident Jorunn with whom I spent virtual evenings. I was delighted we worked this out. Smiles would not be a problem.OsloDecember 15 - MorningJorunn left the room and returned shortly with a small basket of food. “We have a lot of brunost left over, so I am going to make us a food packet for lunch called matpakke. I have a place in mind where we can sit and picnic.”“We will use the Vy app and Oslo Pass and travel by train and Metro. But today, we will mainly walk around Oslo. You will need to check into this hotel under the tour name if you have not done so. We will be in Oslo for two nights. The prepaid room is part of your tour package. I will try to cancel or change some reservations. Meet me back here in one hour.”I went back to my hotel to retrieve my belongings, then checked into the one Jorunn requested. It was not as nice as the one I left, but it was clean, and I did not want to make a fuss on the first day. I purchased a surprising amount of clothing yesterday and needed to make two trips to bring everything over. Then I returned to the meeting room and found Jorunn waiting.Jorunn and I walked from the hotel to Oslo Central Station and took a tram to the Vigeland Sculpture Park. Jorunn told me it is the world’s largest sculpture park made by a single artist, Gustav Vigeland, with over two hundred sculptures combining the human form with an element of fantasy. Most figures were naked, with a mix of vagueness and rather notably open precision. The most prominent sculpture was a 17-meter-high monolith consisting of 121 intertwined human figures clambering to the top, carved from a single stone block. We spent over an hour walking the grounds, and while it was interesting, I told Jorunn that I didn’t see much in the way of Christmas here.A combination of walking and a short bus ride brought us to the grounds of the Akershus Fortress. Constructed in the 13th century, it protects the waterfront and Oslo harbor. Also on the site was the restored Akershus Castle, which was formerly a residence of prior kings of Norway. Jorunn said it serves today as an entertainment and event center for the Norwegian government, and this close to Christmas was not open to the public.I found it challenging to walk the grounds of the Fortress, as there were steep inclines mixed with stone steps and cobblestone paths. Remnants of a prior snowstorm still lingered in shady areas and under arches, making the footing treacherous. We did stop at places offering magnificent views of the city of Oslo, the bay, and the fjord, and several ramparts still bore cannons. Jorunn was rather businesslike and did not seem to be enjoyin

This is a NerdySouth Entertainment joint!   Season 7 of 30&Nerdy Podcast is brought to you by Fanboy Expo. With multiple shows throughout the year, Fanboy Expo has something for everyone. Whether you're a fan of anime, comics, cosplay, sports, or any other aspects of the Nerdiverse; Fanboy Expo is the show for you. Whether we're in Knoxville, Tennessee, Orlando, Florida, or in your city, You don't want to miss out on the excitement. Come see why people travel from all across the globe to take part in Fanboy Expo. To get the latest info like celebrity guest announcements, event information, cosplay contests, giveaways, and so much more, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or sign up for our newsletter at fanboyexpo.com.   Welcome back into the pod with the Duke of Nerds and The Juice. In this episode, they dissect where everything changed for the multi-media world. They talk about the birth of YouTube, social media, and The Fandom Menace.    30&Nerdy Podcast's Opening Rift: Kyle Standifer The Ballad of 30&Nerdy: Beth Crowley Fanboy Expo Ad Music: “Omega” by Scott Buckley   This Episode is brought to you by: Fan Boy Expo  Fill Her Cup use the code 30&Nerdy at checkout for 30% Off Hippie Water use the code NERDYSOUTH at checkout Advertising Expressions Encore Theatrical Company Shane's Rib Shack Hwy 81 McDonough, GA   Reaper Apparel Company 30&Nerdy Podcast is an Ambassador for Reaper Apparel Co. If you are interested in checking out all the great attire they have, or learning more about them; click here and if you want to purchase something, don't forget to use our code 30ANDNERDYPOD at check out for 10% off of your order!   You can learn more about NerdySouth Entertainment and its content by visiting The Fortress of NERDitude and while you are there, subscribe to our Nerdly Newsletter for behind the scenes, announcements, and Nerdly News updates. You can also check out the other shows and content under NerdySouth Entertainment   For more NerdySouth content, find us on all social media outlets: Instagram YouTube TikTok Facebook   Email us at 30andnerdypod@gmail.com    Shop Nerdy at NerdySouth Studios   Cheers To Ya Nerds!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Guest: Alex Shulman-Peleg, Global CISO at Kraken  Topics: You mentioned that centralized security can't work anymore. Can you elaborate on the key changes—driven by cloud, SaaS, and AI—that have made this traditional model unsustainable for a modern organization? Why do some persist at centralized, top down approach to security, despite that? What do you mean by "Freedom, Responsibility and distributed security"?  Can you explain the difference between "centralized security" and what you define as "security with distributed ownership"?  Is this the same "federated"? In our conversation you mentioned "cloud and AI- native", what do you mean by this (especially "AI-native") and how is this changing your approach to security?  You introduce the concept of "Security as quality" suggesting that a security-unaware developer is essentially a bad software developer. How do you shift the culture and internal metrics to make security an inherent quality standard, rather than a separate, compliance-driven checklist? You likened the central security team's new role to a "911 emergency service." Beyond incident response, what stays central no matter what, and how does the central team successfully influence the security posture of the entire organization without being directly responsible for the day-to-day work. Resources: Video version EP129 How CISO Cloud Dreams and Realities Collide EP258 Why Your Security Strategy Needs an Immune System, Not a Fortress with Royal Hansen EP212 Securing the Cloud at Scale: Modern Bank CISO on Metrics, Challenges, and SecOps

Fortress Iron, LP v. Digger Specialties, Inc.

Many people think I'm a negotiation coach, but I'm really a practitioner of change working at the intersection of ancient Eastern philosophy and modern Western neuroscience.The Science: Quantum physicists like David Bohm and Zen masters in the mountains agree: Everything you think is "solid" (your desk, your body, your obstacles) is actually 99.9999999% empty space. Similarly, neuroscientists like Michael Gazzaniga have found that there is no singular, fixed "I" in your brain. You are a "Society of Mind," an aggregate of different parts negotiating conflicting and inherently empty impulses in real-time. The Philosophy: In Zen, this is encapsulated in a single character: Mu (無). It often gets translated as “empty,” but it can also reference a kind of boundlessness.The Intersection: When you realize matter is mostly space, the "solid" walls in your mind begin to soften. You realize you are not your self-talk, the very thoughts that lie at the root of professional stress. Instead, you are the boundless potential behind the action. What you'll learn in this episode: 02:15 – The Humble, Good News: Why you don't need a PhD or to become a monk to benefit from these fundamental truths04:30 – Your "Society of Mind": How the illusion of being a fixed, singular "I" is dismantled by both modern neuroscience and ancient wisdom. 06:50 – Tyranny of Self-Talk: Getting to the root of all professional stress when external circumstances don't seem to go your way. 07:45 – The Liberation of "Mu": What becomes possible when new perspectives enable new ways of thinking, feeling, and responding to circumstance beyond our control. 09:30 – The 3 Stages of Change: A roadmap through Dissolution (of negative self-talk), Mental Rehearsal, and Embodied Brave Action.11:00 – The Fortress of Trust: Why true trust comes from realizing your "self" is not a fragile, solid thing that can be broken.12:15 – Creator & Masterpiece: When tangible results like getting promoted and better paid are the byproduct of accessing a deeper truth of who you really are. To learn more about working with me 1:1, come on over to https://www.jamieleecoach.com/apply Text me your thoughts on this episode!Enjoy the show? Don't miss an episode, listen and subscribe via Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Leave me a review in Apple Podcasts. Connect with me Book a free hour-long consultation with me. You'll leave with your custom blueprint to confidence, and we'll ensure it's a slam-dunk fit for you before you commit to working with me 1:1. Connect with me on LinkedIn Email me at jamie@jamieleecoach.com

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off across North America, all eyes are on Sebastián Beccacece's Ecuador. Known for a suffocating defense led by Piero Hincapié and the midfield engine of Moisés Caicedo, La Tri has become the team no powerhouse wants to face. But can veteran Enner Valencia and rising star Kendry Páez find the goals needed to turn defensive grit into a deep knockout run? We break down Ecuador's pragmatic tactics, their "dark horse" potential, and whether their lack of scoring depth will be their downfall on the global stage. Ecuador World Cup 2026, Moises Caicedo, Enner Valencia, FIFA World Cup Predictions, Goalya, Soccer Tactical Analysis

In this conversation, Chris interviews Brian Wolfe and Daniel Kalban from Summit Comics, discussing the formation of their comic book universe, the collaborative process behind character creation, and their current Kickstarter campaign for Summit Pinnacle. They explore the anthology approach to storytelling, the business structure of Summit Comics, and their marketing strategies. The discussion also covers their plans for future projects, engagement with the comic community through conventions, and individual endeavors of the creators. The conversation highlights the excitement and challenges of building an indie comic brand.https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/summitcomics/pinnacle-1/descriptionhttps://readsumm.it/https://danielkalban.com/https://wolf-comics.square.site/Summit Comic's Social Media: X - @ReadSummit Instagram - @ReadSummit FaceBook - https://www.facebook.com/summitcomics BlueSky - @ReadSummit.bsky.social Get your Fortress Comics merchandise with the link belowhttps://www.teepublic.com/user/fortress-comicsFortressofComicNews.comhttps://chriscomicscorner.substack.com/YouTube.com/FortressComicsFind Chris: https://linktr.ee/tacticalsquirrelmediaMike twitter @fortressrickerMike's Comic Bone Graft: https://globalcomix.com/c/bentbox-shorts/chapters/en/4/1Patreon.com/FortressComicshttps://www.tiktok.com/@chriscomicscornerThanks for Listening!#marvel #marvelcomics #mcu #dccomics #comicbooks #comicnews #podcast #indiecomics #batman

What if the future of the church isn't found in choosing between old and new—but in learning how both can flourish together? In this episode, Loren is joined by Dwight Zscheile and Blair Pogue for a wide-ranging conversation about their book, Embracing the Mixed Ecology, and what it means to form Christian communities in a changing world. Drawing on their experience in congregational leadership, theological education, and diocesan innovation, Dwight and Blair make the case for a mixed ecology of church—where inherited congregations, new communities, fresh expressions, digital ministry, and lay-led initiatives work together to embody the gospel. Rather than dismissing institutions or chasing quick fixes, the conversation emphasizes discipleship, listening to neighbors, and adapting church forms without abandoning the substance of the faith. The episode also explores why activism alone cannot sustain Christian identity, how polarization distorts formation, and why the church must recover practices that shape people into a distinct way of life centered on Jesus.   Topics Include What a “mixed ecology” of church actually means Why inherited churches still matter—and where they fall short Fresh expressions, microchurches, and lay-led ministry Discipleship vs. political or cultural substitutes for faith Listening as the starting point for mission Digital ministry as doorway, not replacement When and how churches may need to end faithfully The Rev. Dwight Zscheile, Ph.D. is professor of congregational mission and leadership at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. He is author of Embracing the Mixed Ecology: Inherited and New Forms of Christian Community Flourishing Together (with Blair Pogue, Seabury Books 2025), Leading Faithful Innovation: Following God into a Hopeful Future (with Michael Binder and Tessa Pinkstaff, Fortress, 2023), Participating in God's Mission: A Theological Missiology for the Church in America (with Craig Van Gelder, Eerdmans, 2018), The Agile Church: Spirit-Led Innovation in an Uncertain Age (Morehouse Publishing, 2014), People of the Way: Renewing Episcopal Identity (Morehouse Publishing, 2012) and The Missional Church in Perspective: Mapping Trends and Shaping the Conversation (with Craig Van Gelder, Baker Academic 2011), editor of Cultivating Sent Communities: Missional Spiritual Formation (Eerdmans, 2012) and co-editor (with Ed Olsworth-Peter) of The Starter's Way: Leading New Contextual Christian Communities (Church Publishing, 2025). A graduate of Stanford University (BA), Yale University (MDiv) and Luther Seminary (PhD, Congregational Mission and Leadership), he has served congregations in Minnesota and Virginia. Dwight's experience growing up in a secular home in California has shaped his commitment to helping the church cultivate Christian community with neighbors in today's changing world. The Rev. Canon Blair Pogue is the Canon for Innovation for the Episcopal Church in Minnesota. In that capacity she helps congregations all over the state go deeper in their practice of the Christian faith and rethink how they form disciples and engage the communities surrounding their church. She also runs learning communities for Episcopalians wanting to learn how to form Christian community with neighbors where they live, work, and play. Before joining Bishop Craig Loya's staff she was the rector of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in St. Paul for 16 ½ years, and before that she served two churches in the Diocese of Virginia, with a special focus on Christian formation. She is a graduate of Luther Seminary (D.Min in Congregational Mission and Leadership), Yale Divinity School (M.Div), and Whitman College (B.A.).   Mentioned Resources:

Ancient Interdimensional Temple in Arizona? In remembrance of friend of the show, Jim Wilhelmsen, who recently passed away, Josh Peck shares an older interview.To get the audio-only podcast version of full videos and Josh Peck's blog, which includes original articles, show notes, and more, subscribe to Josh's Substack at http://joshpeck.substack.comIt is with a heavy heart that I (Nathan's father) inform you that Nathan went home to be with the Lord on Monday, Sept. 22nd, 2025. He fought an extremely rare form of cancer bravely, but in the end, his heart couldn't keep up the fight anymore. He went fast with no prolonged suffering. We want to thank all of you who have kept him in prayer. Please know that those prayers were not in vain. Our son lives with Jesus now. We are now updating this campaign to reflect our financial need for his remaining hospital bills, funeral expenses, and housing for our family. As most men, I do not enjoy asking for help. However, as most fathers and husbands can relate to, there isn't anything I won't do for my family. In light of that, I wanted to first ask all of you to pray for us. Also, because of the overwhelming expenses that inevitably come from all these things happening at the same time, if you feel led to help us financially, there's a couple different ways you can do that:GiveSendGo: http://www.GiveSendGo.com/NathanTheBravePayPal: http://PayPal.me/JoshPeckDisclosureOr send in your donation to:P.O. Box 270123Oklahoma City, OK 73137

❖ Today's Bible reading is Psalm 46: www.ESV.org/Psalm46 ❖ To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional: www.crossway.org/books/in-the-lord-i-take-refuge-hcj/ ❖ Browse other resources from Dane Ortlund: www.crossway.org/authors/dane-c-ortlund/

This Week on Earth Station DCU! Drew Leiter and Cletus Jacobs review the upcoming DC Movie slat e. Superman investigates a mysterious Arctic threat tied to global-warming technology and ultimately battles Kilg%re in a high-stakes finale that turns his Fortress of Solitude into the key to saving humanity in Action Comics #1085 & 1086. Uncover the catastrophe that shattered Evie Hall's crew and set Selina Kyle on the path to becoming Catwoman, as we return to the moment where everything began to fall apart in Catwoman #74, 75, and 76. All this plus, DC News, Shout Outs, and much, much more! ------------------------ Table of Contents 0:00:00 Show Open 0:00:50 DC News 0:11:08 Action Comics #1085 & 1086 0:17:05 Catwoman #74, 75, 76 0:21:27 Show Close   Links Action Comics #1085 Action Comics #1086 Catwoman #74 Catwoman #75 Catwoman #76 Earth Station DCU Website The ESO Network Earth Station DCU/BatChums Patreon If you would like to leave feedback, comment on the show, or would like us to give you a shout out, please call the ESDCU feedback line at (317) 455-8411 or feel free to email us @ earthstationdcu@gmail.com

This is a NerdySouth Entertainment joint!   Season 7 of 30&Nerdy Podcast is brought to you by Fanboy Expo. With multiple shows throughout the year, Fanboy Expo has something for everyone. Whether you're a fan of anime, comics, cosplay, sports, or any other aspects of the Nerdiverse; Fanboy Expo is the show for you. Whether we're in Knoxville, Tennessee, Orlando, Florida, or in your city, You don't want to miss out on the excitement. Come see why people travel from all across the globe to take part in Fanboy Expo. To get the latest info like celebrity guest announcements, event information, cosplay contests, giveaways, and so much more, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or sign up for our newsletter at fanboyexpo.com.   Welcome back into the pod with the Duke of Nerds and The Juice. Well, there is a lot packed into such a short episode. It will have you second guessing if Tyler took his ADHD medication.   30&Nerdy Podcast's Opening Rift: Kyle Standifer The Ballad of 30&Nerdy: Beth Crowley Fanboy Expo Ad Music: “Omega” by Scott Buckley   This Episode is brought to you by: Fan Boy Expo  Tennessee Legend Distillery Hippie Water use the code NERDYSOUTH at checkout Advertising Expressions Encore Theatrical Company Shane's Rib Shack Hwy 81 McDonough, GA   Reaper Apparel Company 30&Nerdy Podcast is an Ambassador for Reaper Apparel Co. If you are interested in checking out all the great attire they have, or learning more about them; click here and if you want to purchase something, don't forget to use our code 30ANDNERDYPOD at check out for 10% off of your order!   You can learn more about NerdySouth Entertainment and its content by visiting The Fortress of NERDitude and while you are there, subscribe to our Nerdly Newsletter for behind the scenes, announcements, and Nerdly News updates. You can also check out the other shows and content under NerdySouth Entertainment   For more NerdySouth content, find us on all social media outlets: Instagram YouTube TikTok Facebook   Email us at 30andnerdypod@gmail.com    Shop Nerdy at NerdySouth Studios   Cheers To Ya Nerds!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Revolutionary leader Oliver Cromwell was executed on 30th January, 1661 - despite having been dead for more than two years. His body was exhumed from its tomb in Westminster Abbey on the instruction of King Charles II, who sought retribution for those involved in the trial and execution of his father, Charles I. Along with other Regicides, Cromwell's corpse was disinterred and subjected to public abuse. On the anniversary of Charles I's beheading, Cromwell's head was mounted on a spike and stuck on the roof of Westminster Hall - where it remained for thirty years. In this episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly track the illustrious history of Cromwell's head from that date forth; consider whether the crowd in attendance at the ‘execution' really hated their former Lord Protector as much as their jeering suggests; and explain how the intervention of a future Prime Minister prevented Cromwell's relic being put on public display as recently as the 19th Century… Further Reading: • ‘Oliver Cromwell: Hero or Villain?' (HistoryExtra, 2014) : https://www.historyextra.com/period/stuart/oliver-cromwell-hero-or-villain/ • ‘The Strange Saga of Oliver Cromwell's Head' (Mental Floss, 2019): https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/585591/oliver-cromwells-head-history • ‘Opening The Coffin Of Oliver Cromwell' (The Fortress, 2023): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SR0_DE2zQgU We'll be back on Monday - unless you join CLUB RETROSPECTORS, where we give you ad-free listening AND a full-length Sunday episode every week!Plus, weekly bonus content, unlock over 70 bonus bits, and support our independent podcast.Join now via Apple Podcasts or Patreon. Thanks!The Retrospectors are Olly Mann, Rebecca Messina & Arion McNicoll, with Matt Hill.Theme Music: Pass The Peas. Announcer: Bob Ravelli. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Edit Producer: Ollie Peart.Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2026. This episode originally aired in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Send us fan responses! Paperwork beats myth every time. We walk through an end-to-end playbook for operating privately while staying effective in public systems: EIN-first setups, layered holding companies, trusts as beneficiaries, and documented cash flow that builds real business credit. Along the way, you'll hear candid wins, including arbitration results against major carriers for inaccurate credit reporting and the exact framing that turns “bad credit” into provable harm.We break down why treating all courts as tax courts changes your approach, how to get an EIN without a Social Security Number, and why the county recorder can be your strongest ally. The structure matters: multiple holding companies reduce risk, a 508(c)(1)(A) private ministry can serve as beneficiary, and a public-facing 501(c)(3) can make banks more comfortable. Private membership associations help legitimize inter-entity fees and create receipts that support funding and underwriting, while careful recordkeeping turns accounts into assets instead of liabilities.IDs and jurisdiction come up with nuance: tribal IDs, Palau IDs, private titles, and county filings are tools, not shields. We stress responsibility, informed use of affidavits and explanatory statements, and the difference between travel claims and legal compliance. The core rule is simple and repeated: you only control what you create. Build the entities, keep the records, move the cash flow, and use arbitration clauses the right way. It's not about gaming the system; it's about understanding it well enough to stand your ground.If you're ready to replace guesswork with process and hear what actually works from people doing it, this one's for you. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs a blueprint, and leave a review telling us which tactic you'll apply first.https://donkilam.com FOLLOW THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD - DON KILAMGO GET HIS BOOK ON AMAZON NOW! https://www.amazon.com/Cant-Touch-This-Diplomatic-Immunity/dp/B09X1FXMNQ https://open.spotify.com/track/5QOUWyNahqcWvQ4WQAvwjj?autoplay=trueSupport the showhttps://donkilam.com

It's time for our January Movie of the Month, as voted by the members of our Patreon. This month, we're taking a look a dystopian societies, for no reason whatsoever, and our subscribers chose to look at this trope through the eyes of Stuart Gordon. It's Fortress on this week's episode of They Called This a Movie. Join us as we discuss Kurtwood Smith being a simp, Christopher Lambert's voice, and an ending that chickens out. Find us on Bluesky, Instagram, and Threads @TCTAMPod and on TikTok @theycalledthisamovie.Our theme music was written and performed by Dave Katusa. He can be found on Instagram @dkat_productions.

This is a NerdySouth Entertainment joint!   Season 7 of 30&Nerdy Podcast is brought to you by Fanboy Expo. With multiple shows throughout the year, Fanboy Expo has something for everyone. Whether you're a fan of anime, comics, cosplay, sports, or any other aspects of the Nerdiverse; Fanboy Expo is the show for you. Whether we're in Knoxville, Tennessee, Orlando, Florida, or in your city, You don't want to miss out on the excitement. Come see why people travel from all across the globe to take part in Fanboy Expo. To get the latest info like celebrity guest announcements, event information, cosplay contests, giveaways, and so much more, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or sign up for our newsletter at fanboyexpo.com.   Welcome back into the pod with the Duke of Nerds and Doctor Juice as they watch along with the spin off from The Mummy…The Scorpion King. Does it sting as much as a scorpion or as much as we thought it did? Well, follow us back to the world build curses, death, mysticism, and sand. Watch along with us and let us know your thoughts.    30&Nerdy Podcast's Opening Rift: Kyle Standifer The Ballad of 30&Nerdy: Beth Crowley Fanboy Expo Ad Music: “Omega” by Scott Buckley   This Episode is brought to you by: Fan Boy Expo  Tennessee Legend Distillery Hippie Water use the code NERDYSOUTH at checkout Advertising Expressions Encore Theatrical Company Shane's Rib Shack Hwy 81 McDonough, GA   Reaper Apparel Company 30&Nerdy Podcast is an Ambassador for Reaper Apparel Co. If you are interested in checking out all the great attire they have, or learning more about them; click here and if you want to purchase something, don't forget to use our code 30ANDNERDYPOD at check out for 10% off of your order!   You can learn more about NerdySouth Entertainment and its content by visiting The Fortress of NERDitude and while you are there, subscribe to our Nerdly Newsletter for behind the scenes, announcements, and Nerdly News updates. You can also check out the other shows and content under NerdySouth Entertainment   For more NerdySouth content, find us on all social media outlets: Instagram YouTube TikTok Facebook   Email us at 30andnerdypod@gmail.com    Shop Nerdy at NerdySouth Studios   Cheers To Ya Nerds!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

We must address the reality of our national situation and the way ahead. STREAM LINKS: Rumble (https://rumble.com/c/JeremyMacKenzie) YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyMacKenzieSSC) Odysee (https://odysee.com/@JeremyMacKenzie:9/rc515:0) Twitch (https://www.twitch.tv/jeremymackenzie) Kick (https://kick.com/ragingdissident) ᚦᛖᚱᛖ•ᛁᛊ•ᚨ•ᛒᛖᛏᛏᛖᚱ•ᚹᚨᛁ • SUPPORT (https://fymm.ca/) (NEW) • SOCIALS AND WEBSITE (https://kick.com/ragingdissident)

In this episode of Fortress Comic News, hosts Chris and Mike discuss a variety of topics including personal anecdotes, the upcoming Marvel Magic: The Gathering set, the trailer for Invincible Season 4, updates on Marvel and DC movies, and a review of the Masters of the Universe movie trailer. They also share insights from their interview with The Creative Extreme. In this episode, Chris and Mike discuss various topics in the comic book industry, including diversity in comics, new releases from Marvel and DC, and exciting upcoming projects. They delve into the significance of anniversaries for major comic events like Civil War, explore new series announcements, and share their thoughts on recent comic book reviews. The conversation highlights the passion and creativity within the comic community, showcasing both established and emerging talents.In this engaging conversation, Chris hosts Steffon Thomas and Christopher Ikpoh, who share their journey from college basketball teammates to co-creators of a new superhero universe. They discuss their backgrounds, the importance of representation in the superhero genre, and their collaborative project, Project 365, which aims to introduce diverse characters and stories. The discussion also touches on the creative process behind their multimedia approach, including comics, short films, and more, emphasizing the need for authentic storytelling and representation in the entertainment industry. In this conversation, Christopher Ikpoh and Steffon Thomas discuss their creative journey with the Alpha Initiative Zero project, their collaboration with VetStreamTV, and their vision for a diverse and expansive creative universe. They delve into the importance of honoring veterans through storytelling, the strategies for distributing their work, and their innovative approach to crowdfunding. The duo emphasizes the significance of building a passionate fanbase and their aspirations to sit alongside major players in the industry like Marvel and DC.https://www.thecreativeextreme.com/The Creative Extreme Social Media: X - @CreativeXtreme1 Instagram - @TheCreativeExtreme FaceBook - https://www.facebook.com/thecreativeextreme/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTMGrdWRDjPxRQR50crxbcA Get your Fortress Comics merchandise with the link belowhttps://www.teepublic.com/user/fortress-comicsFortressofComicNews.comhttps://chriscomicscorner.substack.com/YouTube.com/FortressComicsFind Chris: https://linktr.ee/tacticalsquirrelmediaMike twitter @fortressrickerMike's Comic Bone Graft: https://globalcomix.com/c/bentbox-shorts/chapters/en/4/1Patreon.com/FortressComicshttps://www.tiktok.com/@chriscomicscornerThanks for Listening!#marvel #marvelcomics #mcu #dccomics #comicbooks #comicnews #podcast #indiecomics #batman

Are you tired of repeating the same arguments and feeling misunderstood?

Why is it impossible for a narcissist to say "I'm sorry"? In this episode, Lee Hammock explains the internal mechanics of the narcissistic ego. Learn about the "Narcissistic Injury," why projection is a survival tool, and how the "False Self" acts as a shield against the truth. If you've ever felt like you were fighting a brick wall, this episode explains why that wall was built in the first place.Connect with Lee:My Courses: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://courses.mentalhealness.net⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 1-on-1 Coaching Calls: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://link.me/mentalhealness⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠All My Link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://beacons.page/mentalhealness ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow on Instagram/TikTok: @mentalhealnesssIf this episode helped you gain clarity, please leave a 5-star review on Spotify! It helps others find the validation they need to heal.

If your business disappeared from under you tomorrow, would your balance sheet, cash strategy, and exit plan keep you standing?In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Mark Willis, CFP®, and David Barnett, best-selling author and veteran buy/sell advisor. Together, they unpack their new book The Business Fortress: How to Grow, Protect, and Exit Your Business with Confidence. David shares what thousands of real-world transactions reveal about banker risk, valuation blind spots, and why owners too often discover their exit gap too late. Mark outlines liquidity-first strategies, “be your own line of credit” concepts, and how fortress-style cash design creates moats for growth, resilience in shocks, and negotiation power at exit.Key Takeaways:→ How scaling low-margin activities dilutes valuation. → Why you should build strength before deploying capital. → How golden-handcuff tools help keep key clients through growth and transition.→ Why internal, policy-style lending frameworks can shorten cycles and capture distressed opportunities. → Where you store your cash changes how you act and how stable stores enable decisive moves, acquisitions, and better terms across the table. Mark Willis, CFP® is a man on a mission to help you think differently about your money, your economy and your future. Mark is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, a three-time #1 Best Selling Author and the owner of Lake Growth Financial Services, a financial firm in Chicago, Illinois. As co-host of the Not Your Average Financial Podcast™, he shares some of his strategies for investing in real estate, paying for college without going broke, and creating an income in retirement you will not outlive. Mark works with people who want to grow their wealth in ways that are safe and predictable, to become their own source of financing, and create tax-free income in retirement. International speaker, author, and consultant David C. Barnett has spent over two decades guiding small and medium-sized business owners through buying, selling, financing, and managing their companies. He is the author of ten books, including the best-selling How to Sell My Own Business, and creator of the Business Buyer Advantage program. Barnett's YouTube channel and podcast reach a global audience, with over 2.9 million views and 667,000 podcast downloads. Recognized for making complex deal-making concepts accessible, David works with entrepreneurs worldwide to structure successful transactions and avoid common pitfalls. His engaging talks and workshops equip audiences with actionable insights for building and exiting businesses strategically.Connect With Mark:Website: https://lakegrowth.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notyouraveragefinancialX: https://x.com/lakegrowthLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marklakegrowth/Connect With David:Website: https://www.davidcbarnett.com/ Website: https://www.davidcbarnettlist.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dbarnettmoncton/X: https://twitter.com/DBarnettMonctonLinkedIn: http://ca.linkedin.com/in/davidbarnettmoncton

Sydney, Nova Scotia's historic North End has a haunted reputation. Many of the buildings here have stood for more than 100 years and a handful are now museums. The Cossit House is one of the oldest houses on Cape Breton Island and haunted by its former occupants. The same is true with the Jost House. There are also a couple of haunted churches of all things. And the nearby Fortress of Louisbourg endured a couple of sieges and is today a National Historic site with several ghosts. Join us for the history and hauntings of Sydney, Nova Scotia. Check out the website: http://historygoesbump.com Show notes can be found here: https://historygoesbump.blogspot.com/2026/01/hgb-ep-621-haunted-sydney-nova-scotia.html      Become an Executive Producer: http://patreon.com/historygoesbump Music used in this episode: (This Month in History) "In Your Arms" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Title: "Wizardly Intro" Artist: Tim Kulig (timkulig.com) Licensed under Creative Commons By Attribution 4.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0997280/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1