Podcasts about Krum

  • 174PODCASTS
  • 317EPISODES
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  • 1EPISODE EVERY OTHER WEEK
  • May 15, 2025LATEST
Krum

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Best podcasts about Krum

Latest podcast episodes about Krum

Harry Potter and the Sacred Text
Storytelling: The Wedding (Book 7, Chapter 8)

Harry Potter and the Sacred Text

Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2025 51:22


This week, Vanessa and special guest Micaela Blei explore the theme of Storytelling in Chapter 8 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! They discuss Dumbledore's legacy, Krum's wedding experience, and Bill and Fleur's wedding! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do the stories we tell shape the way we view the world?Thank you to Stacie for this week's voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 9, A Place to Hide, with special guest Courtney Brown through the theme of Uncertainty.Harry Potter and the Sacred Text is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on InstagramLearn more about What Matters--It's two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Near Memo
Google's Power Grab: AI Journeys, Monetized Moments, & the End of SEO as We Know It with Cindy Krum

The Near Memo

Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 45:44


Send us a textIn this thought-provoking episode of the Near Memo podcast, SEO veteran Cindy Krum joins Greg Sterling and Mike Blumenthal to unpack how Google's evolving use of AI, including MUM (Multitask Unified Model), is reshaping the search landscape. Krum explains how Google is moving from keyword- and entity-based indexing to modeling “journeys” that reflect a user's intent — aligning with Google's long-abandoned concept of “micro-moments” like “I want to know,” “I want to go,” “I want to do,” and “I want to buy.” These journeys are increasingly being monetized across different verticals such as YouTube, Merchant Center, and local results, as Google balances expensive AI integration with ad revenue optimization.The trio also explores the convergence of Google Discover, AI Overviews, and personalized browsing experiences — warning that this personalization could result in unprecedented data tracking and loss of consumer privacy. Krum emphasizes that marketers and SEOs must adapt quickly: diversify traffic sources, optimize across social and non-Google platforms, and consider how Google's motivations (data consolidation and monetization) are shaping an experience that prioritizes corporate interests over user needs. The message is clear — traditional SEO tactics won't survive the AI-driven tide unless they evolve dramatically.TakeawaysCindy Krum discusses the MUM model and its impact on SEO.Google's monetization strategies are evolving with AI integration.Personalization in search is becoming increasingly important.Marketers need to optimize for user intent and MUM journeys.Informational queries represent a significant portion of search traffic.Diversifying traffic sources is crucial for digital marketers.Branding and social media presence are essential for visibility.The search landscape is changing rapidly due to AI advancements.Marketers should be proactive in adapting to these changes.Understanding user journeys will be key to future SEO strategies.Subscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Potter Revisited
#89 Adult Incompetence | GoF 29, The Dream

Potter Revisited

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2025 37:23


Potter Revisited Episode #89 Adult Incompetence AKA Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 29 "The Dream" **Content Warning: Discussion of Hocruxes and potential cannibalism at 32:15 ** Hermione does not like Crouch but still thinks it's odd for Crouch to attack Viktor Hermione does not seem super concerned about Krum being attacked The trio is back to being detectives - give them a murder board!  Fred, George, Hermione, Ron and Harry reenact the Spiderman accusation meme  Ron reveals how serious the Twins are about making money and their joke shop plans  Would Percy turn in the Twins?  Fake Moody thinks Hermione would be a good Aurror and Ron just wants to be included  Fake Moody is doing his best to stop the dream detective team from finding out his crimes  Sirius actually acts like a proper parent and guardian in GoF - why does he regress in OOTP? Does the Dream Harry has seem redundant?  Why isn't this dream through Voldemorts perspective - isn't Harry supposed to see all the Voldemort bits through Voldemort because of the Horcrux connection?  Could this be a plot hole?  How would Trelawney respond if Harry did actually tell her about his dream?  Harry has some great logic thinking Dumbledore's password must still be candy themed We love Harry judging Dumbledore on his candy choice At this point we have seen Fudge as kind of pompous but generally good, and now the cracks are starting to form with him  We discuss how Horcruxes are made - Content warning - cannibalism  Snape Sucks total for Chapter 28: 0 Email any thoughts, questions or feedback  potterrevisitedpodcast@gmail.com Music: Shelter Song by Alexander Nakarada (www.serpentsoundstudios.com) Licensed under Creative Commons BY Attribution 4.0 License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Follow Us:  Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/potterrevisited Twitter https://twitter.com/potterevisited Instagram https://www.instagram.com/potterrevisited_/ Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4v2Xt0OIQ8_LCVYhKf2S5A TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@potterrevisited

Four Four Magazine
Local Selection 264: Victor Krum [Live from Index Feb 7th 2025]

Four Four Magazine

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2025 86:49


This week's Local Selection comes from one of Ireland's most talked-about rising artists, Victor Krum, who supplies an earth-shattering contribution spanning hardcore, rave, and thundering grooves live from Index. Victor Krum is a Dublin-born DJ and producer whose sonic exploration is defined by a bold, high-octane energy, underpinned by experimental sampling and innovative composition techniques. His productions embody an unwavering passion for hard, unapologetically raw music, earning him support from artists such as Sara Landry, I Hate Models, Shlømo, Lee Ann Roberts, Jacidorex, AIROD, CLTX, and Kander. With a strong foothold in Dublin's club culture, Krum has graced iconic local venues such as Index, The Grand Social, and Wigwam, while also expanding his reach to renowned international spots like The Wav (Liverpool), Club Ava (Berlin), and Club 69 (Glasgow). His breakout track, “WTF is Hardcore”, amassed over 1 million streams, claimed the #1 spot on the Hypeedit download charts, and quickly became a fixture in the sets of prominent DJs around the globe. To date, his catalog has surpassed 2 million streams, with releases across notable labels like Influence Records, Rebellion Records, TX Records, The Meaning of Rave, Whalien, Barong Family, and more—alongside a steady stream of self-released material that continues to solidify his place in the global hardcore landscape. His contribution to the Local Selection Mix is, as expected, a relentless, screeching, and unforgiving journey. Krum keeps his foot firmly on the gas, delivering an intense ride from start to finish. The mix is packed with startling hardcore-infused cuts that twist and turn through shocking drops, plunging into suffocating, high-energy rabbit holes, only to erupt into moments of euphoric, 90s rave-inspired ecstasy. This is not a mix for the faint-hearted. Victor Krum ------------------- SC: @user-91739872 IG: www.instagram.com/victor_krumwav2023 Four Four Magazine 
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 FB: www.facebook.com/FOURFOURDANCE/ IG: www.instagram.com/fourfourmagazine/
 Web: www.fourfourmag.com/

Potter Revisited
#88 Percy Weasley's Boggart | GoF 28, The Madness of Mr Crouch

Potter Revisited

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2025 38:36


Potter Revisited Episode #88 Percy Weasley's Boggart AKA Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 28 "The Madness of Mr Crouch" Is this confirmation that Butterbeer is alcoholic?  Winky is so sad, yet none of the House Elves besides Dobby don't seem to have any empathy for her Hermione is sent a bunch of hate mail due to Rita Skeeter's article - shouldn't there be process to check the mail students are sent? Why are adults sending a minor child (at a SCHOOL) hate with curses and dangerous substances?? It the grand scheme of things, if there was a bit of truth to Rita's article - is this amount of hate really necessary?  Hermione has a real strong sense of self for a girl her age - most teens would not be able to handle this with the amount of grace as she does  Hagrid seems to finally hit the sweet spot with teaching - the lesson he plans with the Nifflers is interactive, fun and not overly dangerous  How the Weasley siblings deal with their financial insecurity is all very interesting  Ron internalizes it  The Twins are proactive and work on creating a business  Percy follows in his fathers footsteps and enters the Ministry, and plans to work his way up the corporate ladder Bill and Charlie both take career paths that lead them out of the country  Rita is not ready for the wrath Hermione has coming for her  It is disappointing how Mrs Weasley is treating Hermione - why does she believe this article when she knows how Rita Skeeter is?  Does the way Mrs Weasley treat the boys VS the girls show a character flaw?  Percy sends his letter regarding Mr Crouch and he is not pleased  Viktor pulls Harry aside for a private word - this would have been such a great scene for the film  Why does Snape stop Harry when it is obviously an emergency? + 1 Sucks point  Karkaroff does have a point from his perspective - this tournament is very suspicious Is this the first time we really see Hagrid's rage?  Is it odd hearing very negative and prejudice talk from Hagrid, who is generally very open and friendly  Its unfortunate the Mr Crouch plotline with pretty much cut from the films - this would have been a great dramatic scene after the comic relief of Harry and Krum's talk  Seeing Mr Crouch like this would be Percy's boggart  Lots of foreshadowing from Crouch  Snape Sucks total for Chapter 28: 1 Email any thoughts, questions or feedback to potterrevisitedpodcast@gmail.com Music: Shelter Song by Alexander Nakarada (www.serpentsoundstudios.com) Licensed under Creative Commons BY Attribution 4.0 License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Follow Us:  Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/potterrevisited Twitter https://twitter.com/potterevisited Instagram https://www.instagram.com/potterrevisited_/ Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4v2Xt0OIQ8_LCVYhKf2S5A TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@potterrevisited

Potter Revisited
#87 The Scarlett Woman | GoF 27, Padfoot Returns

Potter Revisited

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2025 32:54


Potter Revisited Episode #87 The Scarlett Woman AKA Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 27 "Padfoot Returns" Is it strange that people were teasing Hermione about Krum? wouldn't people try and cozy up to her to get close to Krum?  Rita's next article comes out which is an attack on Hermione's character - how was she able to publish this about a minor?   Hermione doesn't care what Rita says about her, but it is sad to think that Mrs Weasley believes this article and it changes how she treats Hermione later on  Ron handles the article pretty well, and only seems concerned that Krum invited Hermione to visit him in the summer  Is it weird that Krum invited Hermione to visit him due to the age gap? +1 Snape Sucks point for Snape deciding to embrass Harry by reading the article out loud  +1 Snape Sucks point for threatening Harry with truth serum  Karkaroff being suspicious  It's nice that Harry kept his promise and bought Dobby socks Bagman is such a red herring in this book, and it turns out his is just a bad employee and kind of bad person It's so nice seeing Sirius as a real character  Crouch sent Sirius to prison without a trial - if Sirius had gotten a trial, would things have been different?  Sirius brings up an interesting point to the kids that people on the 'good side' can also be bad  Crouch sent his own son to prison - why didn't he recuse himself?  It feels odd when Sirius talks about his childhood with Snape that he never mentions that Snape was friends with Lily Ron says that Percy would turn them in if it stood in the way of his career - interesting foreshadowing to Percy choosing the Ministry over his family in OOTP Rita has unlocked Hermione's unhinged petty side and she is not ready for what is coming  Snape Sucks total for Chapter 27: 2 Email any thoughts, questions or feedback to potterrevisitedpodcast@gmail.com Music: Shelter Song by Alexander Nakarada (www.serpentsoundstudios.com) Licensed under Creative Commons BY Attribution 4.0 License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Follow Us:  Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/potterrevisited Twitter https://twitter.com/potterevisited Instagram https://www.instagram.com/potterrevisited_/ Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4v2Xt0OIQ8_LCVYhKf2S5A TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@potterrevisited

Potter Revisited
#86 Gillyweed: High in Moral Fiber | GoF 26, The Second Task

Potter Revisited

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2025 39:55


Potter Revisited Episode #86 Gillyweed: High in Moral Fiber AKA Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 26 "The Second Task" Procrastination Harry is at it again  We miss the hats in the movies! Neville accidentally banishing Prof Flitchwick - is it impressive? Ron is back on the Snape is Evil train Harry wondering what Snape did to lose a first chance with Dumbledore - we remember Harry's reaction in HBP Harry thinking of Aqua Lungs - would he lose points for using a Muggle solution for a task? Hermione brings up Human Transfiguration - which makes us reflect on Harry's dad and friends accomplishing this  Hagrid knows a lot more about 'normal' magical creatures - he definitely teaches what he thinks is cool  How much planning went into this task? Were parents aware of their kids doing this? Harry assumes what the Merpeople will take is an object, notably his firebolt  Dobby comes to save the day! Do the other champions know it was a person taken from then? Harry cares so much about Ron, he takes this so seriously Do the champions hostages make sense? Krum has only known Hermione for a few months, and Cedric and Cho just started dating Why was Percy permitted to judge the tournament? He is just an assistant! Is this one of Harry's character-defining moments? He doesn't care about the competition, he is only focused on saving everyone Really nice how much more character Fleur has in the book  Shay is not a fan of the Merpeople song, and rewrites it Snape Sucks total for Chapter 26: 0 Email any thoughts, questions or feedback to potterrevisitedpodcast@gmail.com Music: Shelter Song by Alexander Nakarada (www.serpentsoundstudios.com) Licensed under Creative Commons BY Attribution 4.0 License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Follow Us:  Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/potterrevisited Twitter https://twitter.com/potterevisited Instagram https://www.instagram.com/potterrevisited_/ Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4v2Xt0OIQ8_LCVYhKf2S5A TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@potterrevisited

Raising Your Inner Voice with Jay Foss
99 Mixing Musical Genres with Peter Daily

Raising Your Inner Voice with Jay Foss

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2025 61:48


This episode of RYIV features singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Peter Daily. Peter shares about his musical upbringing in the Christian Music Industry as well as his collaborations - ranging from Sir Paul McCartney's guitarist Brian Ray to indie Hip-Hop legends Krum, Pigeon John & Gr.Jsn.Beits. For More information on Peter Daily, check out: https://peterdailymusic.univer.seLogo was manifested by branding sherpa: Juan Carlos Morales: https://www.facebook.com/FabrikaStudioPhot...Opening beat produced by J. Ferra Music: https://www.instagram.com/jferramusic/Intro edits & snippets weaved by https://www.jayfoss.com The Galileans "Sin Cristo"    • The Galileans - Sin Cristo (Without Him)  Peter's music: "Trouble Down" Feat. Drum:    • Peter Daily - Trouble Down feat. Krum...  Royal Band "Me & You" Feat. Brian Ray:    • Me & You  "The Great Find":    • The Great Find  Royal Band "Never Go Away":    • Never Go Away  "Dangerous Times" Feat. Pigeon John:    • Peter Daily & Pigeon John - Dangerous...  "Make It" Feat. Gr.Jsn.Beits :    • Peter Daily - Make It feat. Gr. Jsn B...  Royal Band "Nothing's Changed" -UNRELEASED "Good News":    • Peter Daily - Good News (Official Lyr...  "Be Kind" - RYIV ExclusiveBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/raising-your-inner-voice-with-jay-foss--5671409/support.

Heteroakuten
#126 – En air av rökrum och harem

Heteroakuten

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2025 57:08


En lyssnares kompis beter sig gränslöst när hen blir dumpad och vägrar lyssna på vännernas råd. Vad ska hon göra? Var finns alla polyamourösa i 20-årsåldern? Och varför är bögmatcherna i Gift vid första ögonkastet så jävla dåliga? (Vi ger lesbiska expertråd till GVFÖ-experterna) Dessutom två rafflande återkopplingar och fortsatta trendspaningar! ________ Tack till våra patienter, ni är UNDERBARA!! Bidra till Heteroakutens fortsatta existens genom att bli vår patient: www.patreon.com/heteroakuten Du blir vår stammispatient och får tillgång till material såsom många fler livepoddar, bonusavsnitt, musik, ölrecept, livepoddar, rabatt på merch och annat vi hittar på. Du kan även bli en högaktad STALKER för endast 25 kr i månaden för att stötta vårt arbete – även då får du tillgång till våra bonusavsnitt. __________________ För att lyssna på allt gött ni hör i våra avsnitt, följ världens längsta spellista HETEROAKUTEN GREATEST HITS på Spotify. Uppdateras efter VARJE avsnitt! open.spotify.com/playlist/7qdONgO…0kTx-O8dlL47L5Iw __________________ Heteroakuten är Niki Yrla och Freja Holmberg Nytt avsnitt släpps varannan onsdag. Maila dina relationsfrågor till heteroakuten@gmail.com och följ oss på Instagram där vi kort och gott heter: heteroakuten Produktion, originalmusik och ljudmix: Niki Yrla

Who Ya Know Show
Todd Krum | The Future of Hiring: Surviving and Thriving in a Tech-Driven World

Who Ya Know Show

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2025 26:47


About the Guest(s): Todd Krum is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in talent acquisition and executive job search. Throughout his career, Todd has made significant strides in implementing transformational leadership approaches to recruiting and consulting, focusing on client collaboration and strategic alignment. Based in Houston, Todd has honed his expertise primarily in staffing, recruiting, and talent search, with a notable period in IT consulting. Currently, he holds a key position at Sudduth Search, where he continues to drive forward the mission of connecting clients with the right talent while fostering strong, transformative relationships. Episode Summary: Join Trevor Houston and co-host Mark Elder as they explore the dynamic world of talent acquisition with industry expert Todd Krum at the Code Launch event. This episode unpacks Todd's fascinating journey over 25 years in recruiting, with a focus on transformational leadership and strategic alignment in hiring processes. Highlighting the importance of understanding client needs, Todd shares insights from his experiences, particularly about navigating the evolving tech landscape. The discussion takes a deep dive into the future of talent acquisition against the backdrop of technological advancements, including AI. Todd emphasizes the significance of maintaining the human element amidst such changes and predicts an optimistic hiring outlook for 2024-2025 despite potential challenges. The conversation also tackles the intricacies of the hiring process and how AI tools have helped expedite it. Additionally, Todd delves into the challenges of ageism, the importance of skill development, and maintaining relationships for career growth. He stresses the need for alignment and agility in the fast-changing tech hiring landscape. Resources: Todd Krum LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddkrum/ Career Transition Summit: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/67/04404igv  LinkedIn e-book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://online.flippingbook.com/view/714118097/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/who-ya-know-show ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Trevor Houston is a licensed financial professional offering insurance/financial products through various carriers. For more info visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://cpwstrategies.com Chapters: (0:00) Navigating Talent Acquisition Challenges and Opportunities (8:10) The Importance of Networking and Relationships in Business Growth (16:35) Rethinking Interview Processes and Compensation for Candidates (19:10) Strategies for Effective Job Applications and Networking (25:46) Networking Insights with Todd Krum on The Who You Know Show

Potter Revisited
#84 Hearsay & Slander | GoF 24, Rita Skeeter's Scoop

Potter Revisited

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2025 31:03


Potter Revisited Episode #84 Hearsay & Slander AKA Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 24 "Rita Skeeter's Scoop" Just like in this chapter, we are over the Christmas holidays  Hermione used SleekEasy for her hair - which is where Harry's fortune comes from  Hermione is so unfazed by Hagrid being a half-giant  Hermione and Ron are acting overly polite to each other - definitely not discussing their fight  Harry is facing the consequences for his procrastination - the 2nd task is coming up Harry is so petty, not wanting to use Cedric's advice for the egg clue  We are introduced to Professor Grubbly-Plank  Malfoy saved this article just to ruin Harry's day - Malfoy is such a Twitter guy  The interview Hagrid gave to Rita is out - but it definitely isn't the interview he gave  This is 100% slander and Hagrid should sue  The Article reveals Hagrid as a Half-Giant and how he is a vicious, terrible person/teacher.  The article is really prejudice and reminds us of the terrible tabloid media in the 90s - especially in the UK  It is nice for the students to get an actual proper lesson for once  The trio see Viktor swimming in the lake - does he have the egg figured out and is scoping out the lake?  Hermione is trying to talk Krum up but Ron just wants him to be eaten by the Giant Squid  Bagman is hanging out at the Three Broomsticks - does he ever work?  We learn that Mr Crouch is ill and Percy is filling in - shouldn't this have been a red flag for the Ministry?  Bagman offers Harry help again and Harry brings up Cedric - we love Harry being so honest and a good sport  Interesting how Rita speaks with Harry despite him calling her out in front of the whole bar compared to how she speaks to Hermione - Harry is someone as note whereas Hermione isn't anyone important to her Rita should be more scared of Hermione Hermione is fired up and marches down to Hagrid's to get him to come back and ends up face to face with Dumbledore - this would have been such a great scene for the films  Dumbledore seems to be a good friend to Hagrid here Alberforth is mentioned by Dumbledore - does the way Dumbledore refers to him come off as elitist?  "I don't trust goats" - Tori  Its nice to see Hagrid voice the similarities between himself and Harry - they have a very weird relationship but it's very sweet at the same time Harry decides he has to figure out the egg clue because he can't let Hagrid down  Harry should be suing people all the time  If Hermione killed Rita as a bug would it be murder?  If you die in Anamagius form, would you stay like that? Let us know what you think!  Snape Sucks total for Chapter 24: 0 Email any thoughts, questions or feedback to potterrevisitedpodcast@gmail.com Music: Shelter Song by Alexander Nakarada (www.serpentsoundstudios.com) Licensed under Creative Commons BY Attribution 4.0 License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Follow Us:  Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/potterrevisited Twitter https://twitter.com/potterevisited Instagram https://www.instagram.com/potterrevisited_/ Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4v2Xt0OIQ8_LCVYhKf2S5A TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@potterrevisited

Crush This - A Monster Truck Podcast!

Mud racer at heart and monster truck owner a builder from the 90s. Ken Krum joins us with Mark Warner as the guest host

Voices of Search // A Search Engine Optimization (SEO) & Content Marketing Podcast

Cindy Krum, CEO of Mobile Moxie, discusses insights from the Brighton SEO conference, emphasizing the importance of new voices and fresh ideas in the SEO industry. Key topics include the evolving role of AI, the impact of Google's changing algorithms, and the need for SEO strategies to adapt. Krum highlights the challenges of relying on incomplete or biased data from tools like Google Analytics and Search Console. She also introduces Mobile Moxie's tools, which provide more accurate mobile search data by bypassing APIs and using real search results. The conversation underscores the need for SEO professionals to critically evaluate data and adapt to Google's shifting practices. Show NotesConnect With: Cindy Krum: Website // LinkedInThe Voices of Search Podcast: Email // LinkedIn // TwitterBenjamin Shapiro: Website // LinkedIn // TwitterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Voices of Search // A Search Engine Optimization (SEO) & Content Marketing Podcast

Cindy Krum, CEO of Mobile Moxie, discusses the evolving landscape of Google's crawling and indexing processes. She highlights the shift from separate mobile domains to responsive design and AMP, emphasizing the importance of clean URL structures and efficient rendering. Krum theorizes that Google uses Chrome data for rendering and indexing, which impacts SEO strategies. She advises SEOs to diversify traffic sources and use secondary analytics platforms to reduce reliance on Google. Krum also notes the potential for Google to use personalized data from Chrome for ranking, complicating the SEO landscape further. Show NotesConnect With: Cindy Krum: Website // LinkedInThe Voices of Search Podcast: Email // LinkedIn // TwitterBenjamin Shapiro: Website // LinkedIn // TwitterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Potter Revisited
#83 Yet Another Cinderella Story | GoF 23, The Yule Ball

Potter Revisited

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2024 61:30


Potter Revisited Episode #83 Yet Another Cinderella Story AKA Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 23 "The Yule Ball" The Yule Ball is here and it is just as chaotic as any other school dance  This was Tori's favourite chapter growing up  Ron keeps trying to find out who Hermione's date is - why does she keep it a secret?  Even Malfoy can't bring Hermione down  Ron notices that Hermione had her teeth shrunk  Does Ron treat Pigwidgeon poorly due to what happened with Scabbers? Hermione points out that Krum did what Sirius suggested - foreshadowing to her date?  Sirius is team Don't Procrastinate Harry - listen to him!!! Harry is jumpscared by Dobby Christmas Morning  Should Harry given Dobby a better pair of socks?  The best gift Dobby could give Ron is positive affirmation - he needs it  Who did Hermione get ready with?  Why didn't Ron ask for help fixing his robes? Hermione's "Cinderella" moment - did the film adaption nail this better than the books? When did Ron notice Hermione at the dance with Krum? We get to see Viktor speak for the first time  Little bit of Room of Requirement foreshadowing  Is Pavarti on to something with how creepy Moody is?  Harry and Ron are the worst dates Ron goes to his default when confronting with overwhelming emotions - picks a fight with Hermione  Snape is actually being a good chaperone  Hagrid reveals he is a half giant - showing a very vulnerable and different side to him  Should Cedric been more direct about his tip? Hermione has her Mic Drop moment "Next time there is a ball, ask me before someone else does, and not as a last resort!"  Is Ron mature enough to understand and process his feelings for Hermione?  Does Hermione and Krum's age gap change how we view their relationship?  Snape Sucks total for Chapter 23: 0 Email any thoughts, questions or feedback to potterrevisitedpodcast@gmail.com Music: Shelter Song by Alexander Nakarada (www.serpentsoundstudios.com) Licensed under Creative Commons BY Attribution 4.0 License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Follow Us:  Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/potterrevisited Twitter https://twitter.com/potterevisited Instagram https://www.instagram.com/potterrevisited_/ Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4v2Xt0OIQ8_LCVYhKf2S5A TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@potterrevisited

Potter Revisited
#79 Burning Fire & Cutting Words | GoF 19, The Hungarian Horntail

Potter Revisited

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2024 39:48


Potter Revisited Episode #79 Burning Fire & Cutting Words Me AKA Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 19 "The Hungarian Horntail" Harry procrastinated too hard and the first task is upon us  It's crazy the first task was supposed to be a complete suprise Rita Skeeter's article comes out and it's terrible  How does Rita keep her job? Is she blackmailing people? The article claims that Hermione is Harry's girlfriend - does she like the attention?  Does Ron believe that Harry and Hermione are dating and that's why he didn't speak to him during their detention Tori reveals the fanfiction she wrote about Ron's reaction to Rita's article  Why was Mrs Weasley so quick to believe Rita's article? Hermione is such a good friend for hanging out with Harry when he's under the invisibility cloak  Hagrid basically invites Harry to third wheel his date  The first task is dragons - does that feel cruel?  Charlie is here! It's such a shame he was missed him the films  Hermione is over Ron and Harry's fight  Hermione is annoyed by Krum always hanging in the library Lots of Ron and Hermione hints! Are they aware of their feelings at this point?  Harry is finally able to talk to Sirius - who is very on it and able to reassure Harry  Of course Ron interrupts just when Sirius was going to reveal how to get past the dragons  Harry explodes at Ron and directly points out his jealousy in a cutting line  Does hearing Harry point out how ridiculous his jealousy is cause him to get over it and help him make up with Harry next chapter?  Snape Sucks total for Chapter 19: 0 Email any thoughts, questions or feedback to potterrevisitedpodcast@gmail.com Music: Shelter Song by Alexander Nakarada (www.serpentsoundstudios.com) Licensed under Creative Commons BY Attribution 4.0 License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Follow Us:  Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/potterrevisited Twitter https://twitter.com/potterevisited Instagram https://www.instagram.com/potterrevisited_/ Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4v2Xt0OIQ8_LCVYhKf2S5A TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@potterrevisited

Harry Potter and the First Time Readers
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Ch 5-8

Harry Potter and the First Time Readers

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2024 78:02


Chapter 5 - Fallen WarriorQ1 - How convinced were you that this was Hagrid?No sooner had Mrs. Weasley bent over her son than Lupin grabbed Harry by the upper arm and dragged him, none too gently, back into the kitchen, where Hagrid was still attempting to ease his bulk through the back door. “Oi!” said Hagrid indignantly. “Le' go of him! Le' go of Harry!” Lupin ignored him. “What creature sat in the corner the first time that Harry Potter visited my office at Hogwarts?” he said, giving Harry a small shake. “Answer me!” “A — a grindylow in a tank, wasn't it?” Lupin released Harry and fell back against a kitchen cupboard. “Wha' was tha' about?” roared Hagrid. “I'm sorry, Harry, but I had to check,” said Lupin tersely. “We've been betrayed. Voldemort knew that you were being moved tonight and the only people who could have told him were directly involved in the plan. You might have been an impostor.”Q1 - Who was the betrayer?“So you think I should have killed Stan Shunpike?” said Harry angrily. “Of course not,” said Lupin, “but the Death Eaters — frankly, most people! — would have expected you to attack back! Expelliarmus is a useful spell, Harry, but the Death Eaters seem to think it is your signature move, and I urge you not to let it become so!” Q2 - Why is Harry so defensive of Stan?“The last words Albus Dumbledore spoke to the pair of us?” “ ‘Harry is the best hope we have. Trust him,' ” said Lupin calmly. Q3 - What does Dumbledore mean by this?Perhaps roused by the sound of Fred and their father's arrival, George stirred. “How do you feel, Georgie?” whispered Mrs. Weasley. George's fingers groped for the side of his head. “Saintlike,” he murmured. “What's wrong with him?” croaked Fred, looking terrified. “Is his mind affected?” “Saintlike,” repeated George, opening his eyes and looking up at his brother. “You see . . . I'm holy. Holey, Fred, geddit?” “Ron was great,” said Tonks warmly, relinquishing her hold on Lupin. “Wonderful. Stunned one of the Death Eaters, straight to the head, and when you're aiming at a moving target from a flying broom —” “You did?” said Hermione, gazing up at Ron with her arms still around his neck. “Always the tone of surprise,” he said a little grumpily, breaking free. “Are we the last back?” Q4 - Did Ron kill someone?Lupin nodded. With a wave to the others, Kingsley walked away into the darkness toward the gate. Harry thought he heard the faintest pop as Kingsley Disapparated just beyond the Burrow's boundaries. Q5 - Confirmation Kingsley's got a small butt?Mrs. Weasley ran forward, but the hug Bill bestowed upon her was perfunctory. Looking directly at his father, he said, “Mad-Eye's dead.” Q6 - What are your thoughts on Mad-Eye's death?She glared around at them all, tear tracks still etched on her beautiful face, silently daring any of them to contradict her. Nobody did. The only sound to break the silence was that of Hagrid hiccuping from behind his handkerchief. Harry glanced at Hagrid, who had just risked his own life to save Harry's — Hagrid, whom he loved, whom he trusted, who had once been tricked into giving Voldemort crucial information in exchange for a dragon's egg. . . . “No,” Harry said aloud, and they all looked at him, surprised: The firewhisky seemed to have amplified his voice. “I mean . . . if somebody made a mistake,” Harry went on, “and let something slip, I know they didn't mean to do it. It's not their fault,” he repeated, again a little louder than he would usually have spoken. “We've got to trust each other. I trust all of you, I don't think anyone in this room would ever sell me to Voldemort.” Q7 - Is Harry foolish to be saying this?The rest of them now dropped into chairs, all except for Harry, who remained standing. The suddenness and completeness of death was with them like a presence. “I've got to go too,” said Harry. Ten pairs of startled eyes looked at him. “Don't be silly, Harry,” said Mrs. Weasley. “What are you talking about?” Q8 - Is Harry and idiot?“No,” said Harry. “The bike was falling, I couldn't have told you where Voldemort was, but my wand spun in my hand and found him and shot a spell at him, and it wasn't even a spell I recognized. I've never made gold flames appear before.” Q9 - What spell did Harry perform?And then, out of nowhere, the pain in his scar peaked. As he clutched his forehead and closed his eyes, a voice screamed inside his head. “You told me the problem would be solved by using another's wand!” And into his mind burst the vision of an emaciated old man lying in rags upon a stone floor, screaming, a horrible, drawn-out scream, a scream of unendurable agony. . . . “No! No! I beg you, I beg you. . . .” “You lied to Lord Voldemort, Ollivander!” “I did not. . . . I swear I did not. . . .” “You sought to help Potter, to help him escape me!” “I swear I did not. . . . I believed a different wand would work. . . .” “Explain, then, what happened. Lucius's wand is destroyed!” “I cannot understand. . . . The connection . . . exists only . . . between your two wands. . . .” “Lies!” “Please . . . I beg you. . . .” And Harry saw the white hand raise its wand and felt Voldemort's surge of vicious anger, saw the frail old man on the floor writhe in agony — “Harry?” It was over as quickly as it had come: Q10 - What is going on here? Is Olivander lying?“But it was supposed to have stopped! Your scar — it wasn't supposed to do this anymore! You mustn't let that connection open up again — Dumbledore wanted you to close your mind!” When he did not reply, she gripped his arm. “Harry, he's taking over the Ministry and the newspapers and half the Wizarding world! Don't let him inside your head too!” Q11 - Did Voldemort want Harry to see this?Chapter 6 - The Ghoul in Pajamas“Well, you can't do anything about the” — Ron mouthed the word Horcruxes — “till you're seventeen. You've still got the Trace on you. And we can plan here as well as anywhere, can't we? Or,” he dropped his voice to a whisper, “d'you reckon you already know where the You-Know-Whats are?” “No,” Harry admitted. Q1 - Where are the Horcruxes?Harry understood “they” to mean Fleur and Mrs. Weasley. “It's one extra day,” said Ron, when Harry looked mutinous. “Don't they realize how important — ?” “ 'Course they don't,” said Ron. “They haven't got a clue. And now you mention it, I wanted to talk to you about that.”“Ron and Hermione seem to think that the three of you are dropping out of Hogwarts,” she began in a light, casual tone. “Oh,” said Harry. “Well, yeah. We are.”Q2 - Do you find it shocking that Mrs Weasley is still sending Ginny to Hogwarts?“Now, Ron, have you cleaned out your room yet?” “Why?” exclaimed Ron, slamming his spoon down and glaring at his mother. “Why does my room have to be cleaned out? Harry and I are fine with it the way it is!” “We are holding your brother's wedding here in a few days' time, young man —” “And are they getting married in my bedroom?” asked Ron furiously. “No! So why in the name of Merlin's saggy left —” “Don't talk to your mother like that,” said Mr. Weasley firmly. “And do as you're told.” “We were just talking about Mad-Eye,” Ron told Harry. “I reckon he might have survived.” “But Bill saw him hit by the Killing Curse,” said Harry. “Yeah, but Bill was under attack too,” said Ron. “How can he be sure what he saw?” “Even if the Killing Curse missed, Mad-Eye still fell about a thousand feet,” said Hermione, now weighing Quidditch Teams of Britain and Ireland in her hand. “He could have used a Shield Charm —” “Fleur said his wand was blasted out of his hand,” said Harry. “Well, all right, if you want him to be dead,” said Ron grumpily, punching his pillow into a more comfortable shape. Q3 - Do you think Ron could be right?“What are you doing with all those books anyway?” Ron asked, limping back to his bed. “Just trying to decide which ones to take with us,” said Hermione. “When we're looking for the Horcruxes.” “Oh, of course,” said Ron, clapping a hand to his forehead. “I forgot we'll be hunting down Voldemort in a mobile library.” “Ha ha,” said Hermione, looking down at Spellman's Syllabary. “I wonder . . . will we need to translate runes? It's possible. . . . I think we'd better take it, to be safe.” Q4 - If you were hunting Voldemort, what 5 items would you bring?“Listen,” said Harry. He had sat up straight. Ron and Hermione looked at him with similar mixtures of resignation and defiance. “I know you said after Dumbledore's funeral that you wanted to come with me,” Harry began. “Here he goes,” Ron said to Hermione, rolling his eyes. “As we knew he would,” she sighed, turning back to the books. “You know, I think I will take Hogwarts, A History. Even if we're not going back there, I don't think I'd feel right if I didn't have it with —” “Listen!” said Harry again. “No, Harry, you listen,” said Hermione. “We're coming with you. That was decided months ago — years, really.” “But —” “Shut up,” Ron advised him. “I've also modified my parents' memories so that they're convinced they're really called Wendell and Monica Wilkins, and that their life's ambition is to move to Australia, which they have now done. That's to make it more difficult for Voldemort to track them down and interrogate them about me — or you, because unfortunately, I've told them quite a bit about you. “Assuming I survive our hunt for the Horcruxes, I'll find Mum and Dad and lift the enchantment. If I don't — well, I think I've cast a good enough charm to keep them safe and happy. Wendell and Monica Wilkins don't know that they've got a daughter, you see. Q5 - Will Hermione's plan work?There was silence in the room, broken only by gentle thuds as Hermione continued to throw books onto one pile or the other. Ron sat watching her, and Harry looked from one to the other, unable to say anything. The measures they had taken to protect their families made him realize, more than anything else could have done, that they really were going to come with him and that they knew exactly how dangerous that would be. He wanted to tell them what that meant to him, but he simply could not find words important enough. Harry, who did not believe that Hermione really understood his desire to return to Godric's Hollow. His parents' graves were only part of the attraction: He had a strong, though inexplicable, feeling that the place held answers for him. Perhaps it was simply because it was there that he had survived Voldemort's Killing Curse; now that he was facing the challenge of repeating the feat, Harry was drawn to the place where it had happened, wanting to understand. Q6 - What answers will Godric's Hollow have?“And the more I've read about them,” said Hermione, “the more horrible they seem, and the less I can believe that he actually made six. It warns in this book how unstable you make the rest of your soul by ripping it, and that's just by making one Horcrux!” Harry remembered what Dumbledore had said about Voldemort moving beyond “usual evil.” “Isn't there any way of putting yourself back together?” Ron asked. “Yes,” said Hermione with a hollow smile, “but it would be excruciatingly painful.” “Why? How do you do it?” asked Harry. “Remorse,” said Hermione. “You've got to really feel what you've done. There's a footnote. Apparently the pain of it can destroy you. I can't see Voldemort attempting it somehow, can you?” Q7 - Do you think he'd ever experience remorse for what he's done?“It has to be something so destructive that the Horcrux can't repair itself. Basilisk venom only has one antidote, and it's incredibly rare —”Q8 - What else do you think can kill a Horcrux?“Hang on,” said Ron, frowning. “The bit of soul in that diary was possessing Ginny, wasn't it? How does that work, then?” “While the magical container is still intact, the bit of soul inside it can flit in and out of someone if they get too close to the object. I don't mean holding it for too long, it's nothing to do with touching it,” she added before Ron could speak. “I mean close emotionally. Ginny poured her heart out into that diary, she made herself incredibly vulnerable. You're in trouble if you get too fond of or dependent on the Horcrux.” “I wonder how Dumbledore destroyed the ring?” said Harry. “Why didn't I ask him? I never really . . .” Q9 - Will any of them become possessed by Voldemort's soul?Q10 - How did Dumbledore kill the Horcrux?Chapter 7 - The Will of Albus DumbledoreHe was walking along a mountain road in the cool blue light of dawn. Far below, swathed in mist, was the shadow of a small town. Was the man he sought down there, the man he needed so badly he could think of little else, the man who held the answer, the answer to his problem . . . ?Q1 - What is going on?Q2 - Who's Gregorovitch?Harry seized the wand lying beside his camp bed, pointed it at the cluttered desk where he had left his glasses, and said, “Accio Glasses!” Although they were only around a foot away, there was something immensely satisfying about seeing them zoom toward him, at least until they poked him in the eye.  Q3 - What was your most memorable “18” or “21” story?“This isn't your average book,” said Ron. “It's pure gold: Twelve Fail-Safe Ways to Charm Witches. Explains everything you need to know about girls. If only I'd had this last year I'd have known exactly how to get rid of Lavender and I would've known how to get going with . . . Well, Fred and George gave me a copy, and I've learned a lot. You'd be surprised, it's not all about wandwork, either.” Harry sat down, took the square parcel she had indicated, and unwrapped it. Inside was a watch very like the one Mr. and Mrs. Weasley had given Ron for his seventeenth; it was gold, with stars circling around the face instead of hands. “It's traditional to give a wizard a watch when he comes of age,” said Mrs. Weasley, watching him anxiously from beside the cooker. “I'm afraid that one isn't new like Ron's, it was actually my brother Fabian's and he wasn't terribly careful with his possessions, it's a bit dented on the back, but —” The rest of her speech was lost; Harry had got up and hugged her. He tried to put a lot of unsaid things into the hug and perhaps she understood them, because she patted his cheek clumsily when he released her, then waved her wand in a slightly random way, causing half a pack of bacon to flop out of the frying pan onto the floor. Q4 - Do you remember who Fabian Pruitt is?“The Prewetts, Gideon and Fabian. It took five Death eaters to bring them down, they fought like heroes.”  (GOBLET OF FIRE)Although Lupin smiled as he shook Harry's hand, Harry thought he looked rather unhappy. It was all very odd; Tonks, beside him, looked simply radiant. Q5 - What's going on between them?“The Minister — but why — ? I don't understand —” But there was no time to discuss the matter; a second later, Mr. Weasley had appeared out of thin air at the gate, accompanied by Rufus Scrimgeour, instantly recognizable by his mane of grizzled hair. Q6 - What do you think of the Minister for Magic?“That law was created to stop wizards passing on Dark artifacts,” said Hermione, “and the Ministry is supposed to have powerful evidence that the deceased's possessions are illegal before seizing them! Are you telling me that you thought Dumbledore was trying to pass us something cursed?” “Are you planning to follow a career in Magical Law, Miss Granger?” asked Scrimgeour.Q7 - Do you think Ministry members think Dumbledore was evil?However, Scrimgeour did not seem to be listening. He put his hand inside his cloak and drew out a drawstring pouch much larger than the one Hagrid had given Harry. From it, he removed a scroll of parchment which he unrolled and read aloud. “ ‘The Last Will and Testament of Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore' . . . Yes, here we are. . . . ‘To Ronald Bilius Weasley, I leave my Deluminator, in the hope that he will remember me when he uses it.' ” Scrimgeour took from the bag an object that Harry had seen before: It looked something like a silver cigarette lighter, but it had, he knew, the power to suck all light from a place, and restore it, with a simple click. Scrimgeour leaned forward and passed the Deluminator to Ron, who took it and turned it over in his fingers, looking stunned. “That is a valuable object,” said Scrimgeour, watching Ron. “It may even be unique. Certainly it is of Dumbledore's own design. Why would he have left you an item so rare?” Q8 - Why did he leave this to Ron?“ ‘To Miss Hermione Jean Granger, I leave my copy of The Tales of Beedle the Bard, in the hope that she will find it entertaining and instructive.' ” Scrimgeour now pulled out of the bag a small book that looked as ancient as the copy of Secrets of the Darkest Art upstairs. Its binding was stained and peeling in places. Hermione took it from Scrimgeour without a word. She held the book in her lap and gazed at it. Harry saw that the title was in runes; he had never learned to read them. As he looked, a tear splashed onto the embossed symbols. “Why do you think Dumbledore left you that book, Miss Granger?” asked Scrimgeour.Q9 - Why did he leave this to Hermione?“ ‘To Harry James Potter,' ” he read, and Harry's insides contracted with a sudden excitement, “ ‘I leave the Snitch he caught in his first Quidditch match at Hogwarts, as a reminder of the rewards of perseverance and skill.' ” As Scrimgeour pulled out the tiny, walnut-sized golden ball, its silver wings fluttered rather feebly, and Harry could not help feeling a definite sense of anticlimax. “Why did Dumbledore leave you this Snitch?” asked Scrimgeour.Q10 - Why did he leave this to Harry?“Dumbledore left you a second bequest, Potter.” “What is it?” asked Harry, excitement rekindling. Scrimgeour did not bother to read from the will this time. “The sword of Godric Gryffindor,” he said. Q11 - Why did he leave this to Harry?“It — it was nothing,” he growled. “I . . . regret your attitude,” he said, looking Harry full in the face once more. “You seem to think that the Ministry does not desire what you — what Dumbledore — desired. We ought to be working together.” He nearly dropped the Snitch in surprise and excitement. Hermione was quite right. Engraved upon the smooth golden surface, where seconds before there had been nothing, were five words written in the thin, slanting handwriting that Harry recognized as Dumbledore's: I open at the close. Q12 - What does this mean?“Ron, you know full well Harry and I were brought up by Muggles!” said Hermione. “We didn't hear stories like that when we were little, we heard ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs' and ‘Cinderella' —” “What's that, an illness?” asked Ron.Chapter 8 - The WeddingHarry had taken a large dose of Polyjuice Potion and was now the double of a redheaded Muggle boy from the local village, Ottery St. Catchpole, from whom Fred had stolen hairs using a Summoning Charm.Q1 - How do you feel about this identity theft?“When I get married,” said Fred, tugging at the collar of his own robes, “I won't be bothering with any of this nonsense. You can all wear what you like, and I'll put a full Body-Bind Curse on Mum until it's all over.” Q2 - Who do you think Fred and George are going to marry?An odd symbol, rather like a triangular eye, glistened from a golden chain around his neck. “Sign?” said Harry, looking over at Xenophilius too. The strange triangular eye was gleaming on his chest. “Why? What's wrong with it?” “Grindelvald. That is Grindelvald's sign.” “Grindelwald . . . the Dark wizard Dumbledore defeated?” “Exactly.” Krum's jaw muscles worked as if he were chewing, then he said, “Grindelvald killed many people, my grandfather, for instance. Of course, he vos never poverful in this country, they said he feared Dumbledore — and rightly, seeing how he vos finished. But this” — he pointed a finger at Xenophilius — “this is his symbol, I recognized it at vunce: Grindelvald carved it into a vall at Durmstrang ven he vos a pupil there. Some idiots copied it onto their books and clothes, thinking to shock, make themselves impressive — until those of us who had lost family members to Grindelvald taught them better.” Krum cracked his knuckles menacingly and glowered at Xenophilius. Harry felt perplexed. It seemed incredibly unlikely that Luna's father was a supporter of the Dark Arts, and nobody else in the tent seemed to have recognized the triangular, runelike shape. Q3 - Victor nearly fights him because of this symbol…what is it?“Hello, Harry!” she said. “Er — my name's Barny,” said Harry, flummoxed. “Oh, have you changed that too?” she asked brightly. “How did you know — ?” “Oh, just your expression,” she said. “Hmm. Made an excuse, did he? Not as gormless as he looks in press photographs, then. I've just been instructing the bride on how best to wear my tiara,” she shouted at Harry. “Goblin-made, you know, and been in my family for centuries. She's a good-looking girl, but still — French. Well, well, find me a good seat, Ronald, I am a hundred and seven and I ought not to be on my feet too long.” Q4 - Is this tiara anything special?Harry did not answer. He pretended to watch the dancers, like Krum, but he was thinking hard. So Voldemort was looking for a celebrated wandmaker, and Harry did not have to search far for a reason: It was surely because of what Harry's wand had done on the night that Voldemort had pursued him across the skies. The holly and phoenix feather wand had conquered the borrowed wand, something that Ollivander had not anticipated or understood. Would Gregorovitch know better? Was he truly more skilled than Ollivander, did he know secrets of wands that Ollivander did not? Q5 - Does Gregorivitch know secrets of wandlore that Olivander doesn't?“Well, in that interview,” Harry went on, “Rita Skeeter hinted that Professor Dumbledore was involved in the Dark Arts when he was young.” “Don't believe a word of it!” said Doge at once. “Not a word, Harry! Let nothing tarnish your memories of Albus Dumbledore!” Q6 - What's the truth here?“Why did nobody ever see her, Elphias?” squawked Muriel. “Why did half of us never even know she existed, until they carried the coffin out of the house and held a funeral for her? Where was saintly Albus while Ariana was locked in the cellar? Off being brilliant at Hogwarts, and never mind what was going on in his own house!” “What d'you mean, locked in the cellar?” asked Harry. “What is this?” Doge looked wretched. Auntie Muriel cackled again and answered Harry. Doge looked to be on the verge of tears. Auntie Muriel, who seemed to be enjoying herself hugely, snapped her fingers for more champagne. Numbly Harry thought of how the Dursleys had once shut him up, locked him away, kept him out of sight, all for the crime of being a wizard. Had Dumbledore's sister suffered the same fate in reverse: imprisoned for her lack of magic? And had Dumbledore truly left her to her fate while he went off to Hogwarts, to prove himself brilliant and talented?Q7 - Could this be true?“And I'll tell you something else,” Muriel said, hiccuping slightly as she lowered her goblet. “I think Bathilda has spilled the beans to Rita Skeeter. All those hints in Skeeter's interview about an important source close to the Dumbledores — goodness knows she was there all through the Ariana business, and it would fit!” Q8 - Is Bathilda Bagshot the source?“Bathilda Bagshot lives in Godric's Hollow?” “Oh yes, she's been there forever! The Dumbledores moved there after Percival was imprisoned, and she was their neighbor.” “The Dumbledores lived in Godric's Hollow?” “Yes, Barry, that's what I just said,” said Auntie Muriel testily. Harry felt drained, empty. Never once, in six years, had Dumbledore told Harry that they had both lived and lost loved ones in Godric's Hollow. Why? Were Lily and James buried close to Dumbledore's mother and sister? Had Dumbledore visited their graves, perhaps walked past Lily's and James's to do so? And he had never once told Harry . . . never bothered to say . . . Q9 - Is Dumbledore a good person?Harry did not know where to begin, but it did not matter. At that moment, something large and silver came falling through the canopy over the dance floor. Graceful and gleaming, the lynx landed lightly in the middle of the astonished dancers. Heads turned, as those nearest it froze absurdly in mid-dance. Then the Patronus's mouth opened wide and it spoke in the loud, deep, slow voice of Kingsley Shacklebolt. “The Ministry has fallen. Scrimgeour is dead. They are coming.” 

Goes Without Saying
jealousy, resentment, & fizzling friendships: is this play about us?

Goes Without Saying

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2024 38:20


podmothers sephy & wing enter the chat: spiralling on feeling misunderstood, fizzling friendships, loneliness, difficult parents and crying about Krum. ✷see more ✷ www.youtube.com/@sephyandwing ✷ www.instagram.com/sephyandwing ✷ www.tiktok.com/@sephyandwingshop ✷ www.sephyandwing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Real Weird Sisters: A Harry Potter Podcast
Ron Weasley: Character Study, Part 4.3

The Real Weird Sisters: A Harry Potter Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2024 57:59


The fourth book Ronversation continues as Alice and Martha discuss Ron's relationships with many extremely important side characters. Pigwidgeon Xes madly, Fleur uses her veela charm, and Krum looks really grumpy every time the sisters rewind back to the Quidditch World Cup. Next week, it's onto the fifth book! Please consider supporting us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/realweirdsisters New episodes are released every Monday and special topics shows are released periodically. Don't forget to subscribe to our show to make sure you never miss an episode!

Potter Revisited
#76 Glory is the Priority | GoF 16, The Goblet of Fire

Potter Revisited

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2024 40:53


Potter Revisited Episode #76 Glory is the Priority AKA Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 16 "The Goblet of Fire" Title chapter is here - the plot is thickening  Ron is living his fanboy dreams with Krum at Hogwarts  Interesting the Durmstrang students choose to sit with the Slytherins and the Beauxbatons sit with the Ravenclaws Ron sees Fleur for the first time and is transfixed - but Harry seems fine. Why is Ron so affected?  The Goblet of Fire is introduced and the students are old putting your name in is a magical contract - are they old enough to understand that? Harry runs into Karkaroff - foreshadowing for his past?  Are the Twins desperate to enter the tournament for the money they need for their future?  Everyone agrees that Cedric is super fit - good for him  Angelina would have been another great candidate for Hogwarts champion Hagrid is also quite taken by someone from Beauxbatons - even ditching the trio  Hagrid says he never thought he'd live to see the tournament again - has he seen it before?  Why does Krum enter the tournament? Wouldn't it conflict with his Quidditch training?  The three champions are chosen, and then it all goes wrong when Harry's name is chosen as well! #PlotTwist Why is Harry forced to compete when he didn't put his name in?  What is the consequence of breaking the magical contract forced by the Goblet of Fire?  Is Harry's name in the goblet weak writing?  Emotionally preparing for the Harry/Ron falling out next chapter  Snape Sucks total for Chapter 16: 0 Email any thoughts, questions or feedback to potterrevisitedpodcast@gmail.com Music: Shelter Song by Alexander Nakarada (www.serpentsoundstudios.com) Licensed under Creative Commons BY Attribution 4.0 License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Follow Us:  Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/potterrevisited Twitter https://twitter.com/potterevisited Instagram https://www.instagram.com/potterrevisited_/ Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4v2Xt0OIQ8_LCVYhKf2S5A TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@potterrevisited

Harry Potter and the First Time Readers
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince: Ch 13-16

Harry Potter and the First Time Readers

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2024 69:33


Chapter 13 - The Secret Riddle‘Ah,' said Dumbledore, ‘perhaps she could. But it is my belief – I am guessing again, but I am sure I am right – that when her husband abandoned her, Merope stopped using magic. I do not think that she wanted to be a witch any longer. Of course, it is also possible that her unrequited love and the attendant despair sapped her of her powers; that can happen. In any case, as you are about to see, Merope refused to raise her wand even to save her own life.'‘She wouldn't even stay alive for her son?' Dumbledore raised his eyebrows. ‘Could you possibly be feeling sorry for Lord Voldemort?' ‘No,' said Harry quickly, ‘but she had a choice, didn't she, not like my mother –' ‘Your mother had a choice, too,' said Dumbledore gently. ‘Yes, Merope Riddle chose death in spite of a son who needed her, but do not judge her too harshly, Harry. She was greatly weakened by long suffering and she never had your mother's courage. And now, if you will stand …'Q1 - What does Dumbledore mean that Lily had a choice?Q2 - It mentions that Dumbledore's hair was Auburn…is he a Weasley?And then –' Mrs Cole took another swig of gin, slopping a little over her chin this time, ‘on the summer outing – we take them out, you know, once a year, to the countryside or to the seaside – well, Amy Benson and Dennis Bishop were never quite right afterwards, and all we ever got out of them was that they'd gone into a cave with Tom Riddle. He swore they'd just gone exploring, but something happened in there, I'm sure of it. And, well, there have been a lot of things, funny things …'Q3 - Should Dumbledore have denied entrance for Tom knowing these things?‘I don't believe you,' said Riddle. ‘She wants me looked at, doesn't she? Tell the truth!' He spoke the last three words with a ringing force that was almost shocking. It was a command, and it sounded as though he had given it many times before. His eyes had widened and he was glaring at Dumbledore, who made no response except to continue smiling pleasantly. After a few seconds Riddle stopped glaring, though he looked, if anything, warier still.‘I can make things move without touching them. I can make animals do what I want them to do, without training them. I can make bad things happen to people who annoy me. I can make them hurt if I want to.'Q4 - Is it alarming that he is this advanced in magic already?‘I knew I was different,' he whispered to his own quivering fingers. ‘I knew I was special. Always, I knew there was something.'Q5 - What do you think of Tom and Dumbledore's interaction?‘He believed it much quicker than I did – I mean, when you told him he was a wizard,' said Harry. ‘I didn't believe Hagrid at first, when he told me.'Q6 - What's the difference in Harry and Tom?‘Did you know – then?' asked Harry. ‘Did I know that I had just met the most dangerous Dark wizard of all time?' said Dumbledore. ‘No, I had no idea that he was to grow up to be what he is. However, I was certainly intrigued by him. I returned to Hogwarts intending to keep an eye upon him, something I should have done in any case, given that he was alone and friendless, but which, already, I felt I ought to do for others' sake as much as his.‘Firstly, I hope you noticed Riddle's reaction when I mentioned that another shared his first name, “Tom”?' Harry nodded. ‘There he showed his contempt for anything that tied him to other people, anything that made him ordinary. Even then, he wished to be different, separate, notorious. He shed his name, as you know, within a few short years of that conversation and created the mask of “Lord Voldemort” behind which he has been hidden for so long.‘I trust that you also noticed that Tom Riddle was already highly self-sufficient, secretive and, apparently, friendless? He did not want help or companionship on his trip to Diagon Alley. He preferred to operate alone. The adult Voldemort is the same. You will hear many of his Death Eaters claiming that they are in his confidence, that they alone are close to him, even understand him. They are deluded. Lord Voldemort has never had a friend, nor do I believe that he has ever wanted one‘And lastly – I hope you are not too sleepy to pay attention to this, Harry – the young Tom Riddle liked to collect trophies. You saw the box of stolen articles he had hidden in his room. These were taken from victims of his bullying behavior, souvenirs, if you will, of particularly unpleasant bits of magic. Bear in mind this magpie-like tendency, for this, particularly, will be important later.Q7 - Why is this important?Q8 - What happened to the ring?Chapter 14 - Felix Felicis‘But I still don't get why Dumbledore's showing you all this. I mean, it's really interesting and everything, but what's the point?' ‘Dunno,' said Harry, inserting a gum shield. ‘But he says it's all important and it'll help me survive.'Q1 - Why is Dumbledore showing him all this?‘“Slug Club”,' repeated Ron with a sneer worthy of Malfoy. ‘It's pathetic. Well, I hope you enjoy your party. Why don't you try getting off with McLaggen, then Slughorn can make you King and Queen Slug –' ‘We're allowed to bring guests,' said Hermione, who for some reason had turned a bright, boiling scarlet, ‘and I was going to ask you to come, but if you think it's that stupid then I won't bother!'Q2 - Is Ron being stupid?Q3 - Is Harry an idiot for interrupting their communication session?When Harry pushed open the tapestry to take their usual short cut up to Gryffindor Tower, however, they found themselves looking at Dean and Ginny, who were locked in a close embrace and kissing fiercely as if glued together. It was as though something large and scaly erupted into life in Harry's stomach, clawing at his insides: hot blood seemed to flood his brain, so that all thought was extinguished, replaced by a savage urge to jinx Dean into a jelly.Q4 - Have you experienced the large scaly thing in your stomach?‘You go!' said Ginny. ‘I want a word with my dear brother!' Dean left, looking as though he was not sorry to depart the scene. ‘Right,' said Ginny, tossing her long red hair out of her face and glaring at Ron, ‘let's get this straight once and for all. It is none of your business who I go out with or what I do with them, Ron –' ‘Yeah, it is!' said Ron, just as angrily. ‘D'you think I want people saying my sister's a –' ‘A what?' shouted Ginny, drawing her wand. ‘A what, exactly?' ‘He doesn't mean anything, Ginny –' said Harry automatically, though the monster was roaring its approval of Ron's words.Q5 - What was Ron going to call her?‘Been kissing Pigwidgeon, have you? Or have you got a picture of Auntie Muriel stashed under your pillow?'Q6 - Is Ginny a savage?They hurried up the stairs and along a seventh-floor corridor. ‘Oi, out of the way!' Ron barked at a small girl who jumped in fright and dropped a bottle of toad-spawn. Harry hardly noticed the sound of shattering glass; he felt disorientated, dizzy; being struck by a lightning bolt must be something like this. It's just because she's Ron's sister, he told himself. You just didn't like seeing her kissing Dean because she's Ron's sister …Q7 - Harry loves Ginny, right?It seemed as though Gryffindor could do no wrong. Again and again they scored, and again and again, at the other end of the pitch, Ron saved goals with apparent ease. He was actually smiling now, and when the crowd greeted a particularly good save with a rousing chorus of the old favorite Weasley is our King, he pretended to conduct them from on high.Q8 - What was your favorite sports moment that made you feel like Ron?‘I didn't put it in!' said Harry, now grinning broadly. He slipped his hand inside his jacket pocket and drew out the tiny bottle that Hermione had seen in his hand that morning. It was full of golden potion and the cork was still tightly sealed with wax. ‘I wanted Ron to think I'd done it, so I faked it when I knew you were looking.' He looked at Ron. ‘You saved everything because you felt lucky. You did it all yourself.'Q9 - Is Liquid Luck a placebo?Q10 - What's the deal with Ron and Hermione? Chapter 15 - The Unbreakable VowHarry had to put up with the frequent presence of Lavender Brown, who seemed to regard any moment that she was not kissing Ron as a moment wasted.‘She can't complain,' he told Harry. ‘She snogged Krum. So she's found out someone wants to snog me, too. Well, it's a free country. I haven't done anything wrong.'‘I never promised Hermione anything,' Ron mumbled. ‘I mean, all right, I was going to go to Slughorn's Christmas party with her, but she never said … just as friends … I'm a free agent …'Q1 - What will the outcome of this be between the two?‘There isn't anyone I want to invite,' mumbled Harry, who was still trying not to think about Ginny any more than he could help, despite the fact that she kept cropping up in his dreams in ways that made him devoutly thankful that Ron could not perform Legilimency.Q2 - What is Harry dreaming about?Q3 - What's your favorite prom/dance story?Q4 - Hermione mentions that love potions aren't dark…is she right?‘The library is now closed,' she said. ‘Mind you return anything you have borrowed to the correct – what have you been doing to that book, you depraved boy?' ‘It isn't the library's, it's mine!' said Harry hastily, snatching his copy of Advanced Potion-Making off the table as she lunged at it with a clawlike hand. ‘Despoiled!' she hissed. ‘Desecrated! Befouled!' ‘It's just a book that's been written in!' said Harry, tugging it out of her grip. She looked as though she might have a seizure; Hermione, who had hastily packed her things, grabbed Harry by the arm and frogmarched him away.Q5 - Do you write in books?Q6 - Harry mentions there might be something going on between Pince and Filch. Is that possible?‘She's a bit upset,' said Luna. ‘I thought at first it was Moaning Myrtle in there, but it turned out to be Hermione. She said something about that Ron Weasley …' ‘Yeah, they've had a row,' said Harry. ‘He says very funny things sometimes, doesn't he?' said Luna, as they set off down the corridor together. ‘But he can be a bit unkind. I noticed that last year.'Q7 - Is Ron unkind?‘Hi, Harry,' said Parvati who, like him, looked faintly embarrassed and bored by the behavior of their two friends. ‘Hi,' said Harry. ‘How're you? You're staying at Hogwarts, then? I heard your parents wanted you to leave.' ‘I managed to talk them out of it for the time being,' said Parvati. ‘That Katie thing really freaked them out, but as there hasn't been anything since … oh, hi, Hermione!'Q8 - Let's rehash what has happened at Hogwarts…There was a noise like a plunger being withdrawn from a blocked sink and Ron surfaced.Q9 - Is Hermione kinda a low-key it girl?Ron looked strangely blank and said nothing. Harry was left to ponder in silence the depths to which girls would sink to get revenge.Q10 - Is Rufus Scrimgeor a vampire?Q11 - Are Slughorn's parties good parties?Q12 - Should Harry have a biography written about him?‘Harry Potter!' said Professor Trelawney in deep, vibrant tones, noticing him for the first time. ‘Oh, hello,' said Harry unenthusiastically. ‘My dear boy!' she said in a very carrying whisper. ‘The rumors! The stories! The Chosen One! Of course, I have known for a very long time … the omens were never good, Harry … but why have you not returned to Divination? For you, of all people, the subject is of the utmost importance!'Q13 - Should Harry have taken divination this year?‘Remind me what other subjects you're taking, Harry?' asked Slughorn. ‘Defense Against the Dark Arts, Charms, Transfiguration, Herbology …' ‘All the subjects required, in short, for an Auror,' said Snape, with the faintest sneer. ‘Yeah, well, that's what I'd like to be,' said Harry defiantly. ‘And a great one you'll make, too!' boomed Slughorn. ‘I don't think you should be an Auror, Harry,' said Luna unexpectedly. Everybody looked at her. ‘The Aurors are part of the Rotfang Conspiracy, I thought everyone knew that. They're working from within to bring down the Ministry of Magic using a combination of Dark magic and gum disease.'Filch's expression of outraged disappointment was perfectly predictable; but why, Harry wondered, watching him, did Malfoy look almost equally unhappy? And why was Snape looking at Malfoy as though both angry and … was it possible? … a little afraid?Q14 - Why is Snape afraid?‘Who suspects me?' said Malfoy angrily. ‘For the last time, I didn't do it, OK? That Bell girl must've had an enemy no one knows about – don't look at me like that! I know what you're doing, I'm not stupid, but it won't work – I can stop you!' There was a pause and then Snape said quietly, ‘Ah … Aunt Bellatrix has been teaching you Occlumency, I see. What thoughts are you trying to conceal from your master, Draco?'Q15 - Is it shocking to know that Draco has learned Occlumency?Q16 - Who is his master?‘Looks like you'll have to break it, then, because I don't need your protection! It's my job, he gave it to me and I'm doing it. I've got a plan and it's going to work, it's just taking a bit longer than I thought it would!'Q17 - What is going on?Chapter 16 - A Very Frosty Christmas‘An Unbreakable Vow?' said Ron, looking stunned. ‘Nah, he can't have … are you sure?' ‘Yes, I'm sure,' said Harry. ‘Why, what does it mean?' ‘Well, you can't break an Unbreakable Vow …' ‘I'd worked that much out for myself, funnily enough. What happens if you break it, then?' ‘You die,' said Ron simply. ‘Fred and George tried to get me to make one when I was about five. I nearly did, too, I was holding hands with Fred and everything when Dad found us. He went mental,' said Ron, with a reminiscent gleam in his eyes. ‘Only time I've ever seen Dad as angry as Mum. Fred reckons his left buttock has never been the same since.'Q1 - Thoughts on Fred and George wooing muggle women with magic tricks?There was silence for a moment or two, then Ron said, ‘Course, you know what they'll all say? Dad and Dumbledore and all of them? They'll say Snape isn't really trying to help Malfoy, he was just trying to find out what Malfoy's up to.' ‘They didn't hear him,' said Harry flatly. ‘No one's that good an actor, not even Snape.' ‘Yeah … I'm just saying, though,' said Ron. Harry turned to face him, frowning. ‘You think I'm right, though?' ‘Yeah, I do!' said Ron hastily. ‘Seriously, I do! But they're all convinced Snape's in the Order, aren't they?'Q2 - Do we trust Snape?‘You are determined to hate him, Harry,' said Lupin with a faint smile. ‘And I understand; with James as your father, with Sirius as your godfather, you have inherited an old prejudice.Q3 - Do you think this is true?Q4 - What do you think of Lupin's background and being bitten by Greyback?Everybody was wearing new sweaters when they all sat down for Christmas lunch, everyone except Fleur (on whom, it appeared, Mrs Weasley had not wanted to waste one) and Mrs Weasley herself, who was sporting a brand new midnight-blue witch's hat glittering with what looked like tiny starlike diamonds, and a spectacular golden necklace.Q5 - Is Fleur that unbearable?She gave Lupin an annoyed look, as though it was all his fault she was getting Fleur for a daughter-in-law instead of Tonks, but Harry, glancing across at Fleur, who was now feeding Bill bits of turkey off her own fork, thought that Mrs Weasley was fighting a long-lost battle. He was, however, reminded of a question he had with regard to Tonks, and who better to ask than Lupin, the man who knew all about Patronuses? ‘Tonks's Patronus has changed its form,' he told him. ‘Snape said so, anyway. I didn't know that could happen. Why would your Patronus change?' Lupin took his time chewing his turkey and swallowing before saying slowly, ‘Sometimes … a great shock … an emotional upheaval …' ‘It looked big, and it had four legs,' said Harry, struck by a sudden thought and lowering his voice. ‘Hey … it couldn't be –?'Q6 - What was Tonk's new patronus form?Q7 - What do you think of Scrimgeor and his proposal?Q8 - HOW is Umbridge still working at the ministry?‘I don't want to be used,' said Harry. ‘Some would say it's your duty to be used by the Ministry!'You don't care whether I live or die, but you do care that I help you convince everyone you're winning the war against Voldemort. I haven't forgotten, Minister …' He raised his right fist. There, shining white on the back of his cold hand, were the scars which Dolores Umbridge had forced him to carve into his own flesh: I must not tell lies.Q9 - Is Harry right or wrong?‘Well, it is clear to me that he has done a very good job on you,' said Scrimgeour, his eyes cold and hard behind his wire-rimmed glasses. ‘Dumbledore's man through and through, aren't you, Potter?' ‘Yeah, I am,' said Harry. ‘Glad we straightened that out.'

Two Peas and a Pod
Book Club: Harry Potter #4 (Ch 26-30)

Two Peas and a Pod

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2024 31:02


We are back for chapters 26-30 of Harry Potter and the Goblet of fire!With a very unlikely, last minute assist from Dobby, the 2nd task sees Harry take a dive into the muck of the Black Lake where he encounters everything from merpeople to mega creep Moaning Myrtle. We learn some Lestrange information about some estranged inhabitants of Azkaban. Rita Skeeter feeding off of every Krum of information she gets has Hermione in the crosshairs of hate mail, but Viktory will be hers as Rita will learn messing with Hermione can be quite grangerous. Call in sick to work (Or send your pal Weatherby), Crouch down in your favorite chair, and join us!

The Near Memo
Reframing how search ranking works, Google Doubles Down on Income, Voice Search Redux? w/ Cindy Krum

The Near Memo

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2024 44:39


Send us a Text Message.SEOs need to reframe how search ranking works - click thru data being the most important factor:  Click data is a cornerstone of Google's ranking algorithm, as highlighted by recent DOJ findings. Google uses its heavy reliance on click data to grasp new trends swiftly as well as to “understand” page quality. Traditional SEO elements like title tags, meta descriptions, scheme, great photos and content provide enduring value but with a new twist. These elements are tools to drive clicks and engagement and thus ultimately drive higher rankings.Google Doubles Down on Tried & True Income Generators: Big changes are happening in the search results whether its AI overviews, Bing's Generative Search, Reddit's exclusive relationship with Google and decision to exclude others and all seem related to the rollout of AI on Google. But Google's has been scaling back AI overviews due to high costs and the need for better monetization. With AI responses being expensive, Google's focus is shifting towards proven money makers like YouTube, Merchant Center and Local results. Krum highlighted Google's continued play on its “micro moments”—know, go, do, buy—each tied to different monetized Google services.Is Voice Search Set for a Comeback? SEOs Should Stay Calm and Test: With the evolving landscape of voice search and AI assistants, improvements in natural language processing and better ML programming could solve past issues, such as background noise interference. While voice commands for simple tasks like turning on lights or adding items to a shopping list have become second nature, using voice in public or work settings still feels socially awkward.Cindy Krum emphasized the expansive nature of what constitutes a "search" in Google's eyes. A simple voice command involves complex data retrieval and context understanding, transforming voice interactions into a broad and intricate type of search. This perspective shift means SEOs might need to rethink their strategies to include optimization for these varied and nuanced queries.While voice won't ever entirely replace screen-based interactions, its role could significantly expand if user experiences improve. Despite past disappointments with voice technology, there's cautious optimism that advancements could lead to broader acceptance and use.Cindy advised SEOs to stay calm amid Google's rapid and sometimes erratic changes. She recommended continuing with proven strategies while experimenting with new platforms and search engines. The consensus was clear: it's a volatile time in SEO, but understanding and adapting to these changes is crucial for future success.The Near Memo is a weekly conversation about Search, Social, and Commerce: What happened, why it matters, and the implications for local businesses and national brands.Ep 167Subscribe to our 3x per week newsletter at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Badass of the Week
The Bulgar Slayer

Badass of the Week

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2024 71:06


In today's episode Ben and Pat dive into Basil II also known as The Bulgar Slayer a super hardcore dude from Byzantine history who took on Krum the Horrible.  No this is not a Conan the Barbarian movie. This is real life and just goes to show we need way better nicknames for our leaders these days. 

Harry Potter and the First Time Readers
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: Ch 32-37

Harry Potter and the First Time Readers

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2024 78:18


Chapter 32 - Flesh, Blood, and BoneSquinting tensely through the darkness, they watched the figure drawing nearer, walking steadily toward them between the graves. Harry couldn't make out a face, but from the way it was walking and holding its arms, he could tell that it was carrying something. Whoever it was, he was short, and wearing a hooded cloak pulled up over his head to obscure his face. And - several paces nearer, the gap between them closing all the time - Harry saw that the thing in the person's arms looked like a baby...or was it merely a bundle of robes?From far away, above his head, he heard a high, cold voice say, "Kill the spare." A swishing noise and a second voice, which screeched the words to the night: "Avada Kedavra!" A blast of green light blazed through Harry's eyelids, and he heard something heavy fall to the ground beside him; the pain in his scar reached such a pitch that he retched, and then it diminished; terrified of what he was about to see, he opened his stinging eyes. Cedric was lying spread-eagled on the ground beside him. He was dead.Q1 - What is your favorite Cedric moment?Q2 - Did you expect Cedric was going to die.Q3 - When Wormtail is doing this potion, have you ever seen magic like this?But then, through the mist in front of him, he saw, with an icy surge of terror, the dark outline of a man, tall and skeletally thin, rising slowly from inside the cauldron. "Robe me," said the high, cold voice from behind the steam, and Wormtail, sobbing and moaning, still cradling his mutilated arm, scrambled to pick up the black robes from the ground, got to his feet, reached up, and pulled them one-handed over his master's head. The thin man stepped out of the cauldron, staring at Harry...and Harry stared back into the face that had haunted his nightmares for three years. Whiter than a skull, with wide, livid scarlet eyes and a nose that was flat as a snake with slits for nostrils... Lord Voldemort had risen again.Q4 - Did you think Voldemort was going to come back this early on?Chapter 33 - The Death EatersWormtail's robes were shining with blood now; he had wrapped the stump of his arm in them. "My Lord..." he choked, "my Lord...you promised...you did promise..." "Hold out your arm," said Voldemort lazily. "Oh Master...thank you, Master..." He extended the bleeding stump, but Voldemort laughed again. "The other arm, Wormtail." "Master, please...please..." Voldemort bent down and pulled out Wormtail's left arm; he forced the sleeve of Wormtail's robes up past his elbow, and Harry saw something upon the skin there, something like a vivid red tattoo - a skull with a snake protruding from its mouth - the image that had appeared in the sky at the Quidditch World Cup: the Dark Mark. Voldemort examined it carefully, ignoring Wormtail's uncontrollable weeping.Q1 - Jenn, how did you know about the tattoo?"You stand, Harry Potter, upon the remains of my late father," he hissed softly. "A Muggle and a fool...very like your dear mother. But they both had their uses, did they not? Your mother died to defend you as a child...and I killed my father, and see how useful he has proved himself, in death...."Q2 - Why does Voldemort call Lily a Muggle?Q3 - At this point, what is your initial impression of Voldemort?"And then I ask myself, but how could they have believed I would not rise again? They, who knew the steps I took, long ago, to guard myself against mortal death? They, who had seen proofs of the immensity of my power in the times when I was mightier than any wizard living?Q4 - Is this why Voldemort didn't die? What is he really talking about here?“You ask for forgiveness? I do not forgive. I do not forget. Thirteen long years...I want thirteen years' repayment before I forgive you. Wormtail here has paid some of his debt already, have you not, Wormtail?"Q5 - Wormtail gets a hand…have you ever seen this kind of magic?Q6 - Lucious was the originator of the Quidditch World Cup fiasco…did you expect him to be a Death Eater?The Dementors will join us…they are our natural allies…we will recall the banished giants…I shall have my devoted servant returned to me, and an army of creatures whom all fear.Q7 - What other creatures is he talking about?"And here we have six missing Death Eaters...three dead in my service. One, too cowardly to return...he will pay. One, who I believe has left me forever...he will be killed, of course...and one, who remains my most faithful servant, and who has already reentered my service."Q8 - Who is he referring to?"He is at Hogwarts, that faithful servant, and it was through his efforts that our young friend arrived here tonight....Q9 - Who is this?!"I miscalculated, my friends, I admit it. My curse was deflected by the woman's foolish sacrifice, and it rebounded upon myself. Aaah...pain beyond pain, my friends; nothing could have prepared me for it. I was ripped from my body, I was less than spirit, less than the meanest ghost...but still, I was alive. What I was, even I do not know...I, who have gone further than anybody along the path that leads to immortality. You know my goal - to conquer death. And now, I was tested, and it appeared that one or more of my experiments had worked...for I had not been killed, though the curse should have done it. Nevertheless, I was as powerless as the weakest creature alive, and without the means to help myself...for I had no body, and every spell that might have helped me required the use of a wand.... "I remember only forcing myself, sleeplessly, endlessly, second by second, to exist....I settled in a faraway place, in a forest, and I waited....Surely, one of my faithful Death Eaters would try and find me...one of them would come and perform the magic I could not, to restore me to a body..., but I waited in vain...."Q10 - What questions is this answering and leaving?Wormtail would have had me use any wizard, would you not, Wormtail? Any wizard who had hated me...as so many of them still do. But I knew the one I must use, if I was to rise again, more powerful than I had been when I had fallen. I wanted Harry Potters blood. I wanted the blood of the one who had stripped me of power thirteen years ago...for the lingering protection his mother once gave him would then reside in my veins too....Q11 - Does Voldy have the protection of Lily now?Dumbledore invoked an ancient magic, to ensure the boy's protection as long as he is in his relations' care. Not even I can touch him there.Q12 - What is he talking about here? Did Dumbly actually prepare?Chapter 34 - Priori Incantatem"We bow to each other. Harry," said Voldemort, bending a little, but keeping his snakelike face upturned to Harry. "Come, the niceties must be observed....Dumbledore would like you to show manners....Bow to death, Harry...."Q1 - What do you think of Voldemort and Harry's character here?"We are not playing hide-and-seek, Harry," said Voldemort's soft, cold voice, drawing nearer, as the Death Eaters laughed. "You cannot hide from me. Does this mean you are tired of our duel? Does this mean that you would prefer me to finish it now, Harry? Come out, Harry...come out and play, then...it will be quick...it might even be painless...I would not know...I have never died...." Harry crouched behind the headstone and knew the end had come. There was no hope...no help to be had. And as he heard Voldemort draw nearer still, he knew one thing only, and it was beyond fear or reason: He was not going to die crouching here like a child playing hide-and-seek; he was not going to die kneeling at Voldemort's feet...he was going to die upright like his father, and he was going to die trying to defend himself, even if no defense was possible....Q2 - What is happening to Harry and Voldemort as they duel?He concentrated every last particle of his mind upon forcing the bead back toward Voldemort, his ears full of phoenix song, his eyes furious, fixed...and slowly, very slowly, the beads quivered to a halt, and then, just as slowly, they began to move the other way...and it was Voldemort's wand that was vibrating extra-hard now...Voldemort who looked astonished, and almost fearful....Q3 - Is this how Ghosts are made?And now another head was emerging from the tip of Voldemort's wand...and Harry knew when he saw it who it would be...he knew, as though he had expected it from the moment when Cedric had appeared from the wand...knew, because the woman appearing was the one he'd thought of more than any other tonight....Q4 - Did you expect his mother and father to show up?Q5 - Did you expect Harry to escape?Q6 - What happened in this chapter?Chapter 35 - VeritaserumHarry let go of the cup, but he clutched Cedric to him even more tightly. He raised his free hand and seized Dumbledore's wrist, while Dumbledore's face swam in and out of focus. "He's back," Harry whispered. "He's back. Voldemort."Q1 - Why did Fudge want to tell Amos his son died before he got to his son? Meta Question…"Karkaroff's gone? He ran away? But then - he didn't put my name in the goblet?" "No," said Moody slowly. "No, he didn't. It was I who did that." Harry heard, but didn't believe. "No, you didn't," he said. "You didn't do that...you can't have done..."Q2 - What were you thinking when he was saying all this?Decent people are so easy to manipulate, Potter. I was sure Cedric would want to repay you for telling him about the dragons, and so he did.Q3 - Do you still suspect Krum?At that moment, Harry fully understood for the first time why people said Dumbledore was the only wizard Voldemort had ever feared. The look upon Dumbledore's face as he stared down at the unconscious form of Mad-Eye Moody was more terrible than Harry could have ever imagined. There was no benign smile upon Dumbledore's face, no twinkle in the eyes behind the spectacles. There was cold fury in every line of the ancient face; a sense of power radiated from Dumbledore as though he were giving off burning heat.Q4 - Is this cool, or terrifying?Q5 - If Crouch had to take it every hour, did he become crouch when he slept?Q6 - What do you think of Crouch Jr's whole story?Q7 - Are there any unanswered questions?Chapter 36 - The Parting of the Ways"If I thought I could help you," Dumbledore said gently, "by putting you into an enchanted sleep and allowing you to postpone the moment when you would have to think about what has happened tonight, I would do it. But I know better. Numbing the pain for a while will make it worse when you finally feel it. You have shown bravery beyond anything I could have expected of you. I ask you to demonstrate your courage one more time. I ask you to tell us what happened."Q1 - Is Sirius right, to want to let Harry sleep, or Dumbledore?"He said my blood would make him stronger than if he'd used someone else's," Harry told Dumbledore. "He said the protection my - my mother left in me - he'd have it too. And he was right - he could touch me without hurting himself, he touched my face." For a fleeting instant, Harry thought he saw a gleam of something like triumph in Dumbledore's eyes. But next second. Harry was sure he had imagined it, for when Dumbledore had returned to his seat behind the desk, he looked as old and weary as Harry had ever seen him.Q2 - What is this gleam of triumph?"No spell can reawaken the dead," said Dumbledore heavily. "All that would have happened is a kind of reverse echo. A shadow of the living Cedric would have emerged from the wand...am I correct, Harry?"Q3 - Do you understand what happened here?Q4 - Is Fudge a coward?"You are blinded," said Dumbledore, his voice rising now, the aura of power around him palpable, his eyes blazing once more, "by the love of the office you hold, Cornelius! You place too much importance, and you always have done, on the so-called purity of blood! You fail to recognize that it matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be! Your dementor has just destroyed the last remaining member of a pure-blood family as old as any - and see what that man chose to make of his life! I tell you now- take the steps I have suggested, and you will be remembered, in office or out, as one of the bravest and greatest Ministers of Magic we have ever known. Fail to act - and history will remember you as the man who stepped aside and allowed Voldemort a second chance to destroy the world we have tried to rebuild!"Q5 - Why doesn't Fudge believe this?Q6 - What do you think of Dumbledore here?Time is short, and unless the few of us who know the truth do not stand united, there is no hope for any us."Severus," said Dumbledore, turning to Snape, "you know what I must ask you to do. If you are ready...if you are prepared..." "I am," said Snape. He looked slightly paler than usual, and his cold, black eyes glittered strangely. "Then good luck," said Dumbledore, and he watched, with a trace of apprehension on his face, as Snape swept wordlessly after Sirius.Q7 - What is happening here?Q8 - How do you think Harry is going to deal with his survivors' guilt?There was a loud slamming noise, and Mrs. Weasley and Harry broke apart. Hermione was standing by the window. She was holding something tight in her hand.Q9 - What is she holding?Q10 - Does all this make sense?Chapter 37 - The BeginningThey did not blame him for what had happened; on the contrary, both thanked him for returning Cedric's body to them. Mr. Diggory sobbed through most of the interview. Mrs. Diggory's grief seemed to be beyond tears.Q1 - What are your thoughts on the Diggory's?"She went to ask him if you could come straight to us this summer," he said. "But he wants you to go back to the Dursleys, at least at first."Q2 - Why does Dumbledore want Harry to go back?"No good sittin' worryin' abou' it," he said. "What's comin' will come, an we'll meet it when it does. Dumbledore told me wha' you did. Harry."Harry caught a glimpse of Cho through the crowd. There were tears pouring silently down her face. He looked down at the table as they all sat down again.Q3 - What kind of crier are you guys?"Remember Cedric. Remember, if the time should come when you have to make a choice between what is right and what is easy, remember what happened to a boy who was good, and kind, and brave, because he strayed across the path of Lord Voldemort. Remember Cedric Diggory."Q4 - Do you think people will believe Dumbledore, or not?Q5 - What do you think about Hermione keep Rita in a jar with a few twigs?Q6 - What questions do you still have?

Harry Potter and the First Time Readers
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: Ch 28-31

Harry Potter and the First Time Readers

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2024 70:16


Chapter 28 - The Madness of Mr Crouch"Master is - hic - trusting Winky with - hic - the most important - hic - the most secret..."Q1 - What is this secret?Q2 - What do you think of Nifflers?"Oh..." he said, the memory coming back to him at last. "I dunno...I never noticed it had gone. I was more worried about my wand, wasn't I?" They climbed the steps into the entrance hall and went into the Great Hall for lunch. "Must be nice," Ron said abruptly, when they had sat down and started serving themselves roast beef and Yorkshire puddings. "To have so much money you don't notice if a pocketful of Galleons goes missing."Hermione hung back in their next Defense Against the Dark Arts lesson to ask Professor Moody something. The rest of the class was very eager to leave; Moody had given them such a rigorous test of hex-deflection that many of them were nursing small injuries.Q3 - Is this Moody or Crouch?Q4 - If Rita isn't using an invisibility cloak and she can't use bugging equipment, how is she learning all this stuff?Suddenly a man staggered out from behind a tall oak. For a moment, Harry didn't recognize him...then he realized it was Mr. Crouch.Q5 - What is Crouch doing out there and in that state?Q6 - How does this line up with your theory, Jenn?Crouch's eyes were rolling in his head. Harry looked around at Krum, who had followed him into the trees, and was looking down at Crouch in alarm. "Vot is wrong with him?" "No idea," Harry muttered. "Listen, you'd better go and get someone -" "Dumbledore!" gasped Mr. Crouch. He reached out and seized a handful of Harry's robes, dragging him closer, though his eyes were staring over Harry's head. "I need...see...Dumbledore...." "Okay," said Harry, "if you get up, Mr. Crouch, we can go up to the-" "I've done...stupid...thing..." Mr. Crouch breathed. He looked utterly mad. His eyes were rolling and bulging, and a trickle of spittle was sliding down his chin. Every word he spoke seemed to cost him a terrible effort. "Must...tell...Dumbledore..." "Get up, Mr. Crouch," said Harry loudly and clearly. "Get up, I'll take you to Dumbledore!" Mr., Crouch's eyes rolled forward onto Harry. "Who...you?" he whispered. "I'm a student at the school," said Harry, looking around at Krum for some help, but Krum was hanging back, looking extremely nervous. "You're not...his?" whispered Crouch, his mouth sagging. "No," said Harry, without the faintest idea what Crouch was talking about. "Dumbledore's?" "That's right," said Harry. Crouch was pulling him closer; Harry tried to loosen Crouch's grip on his robes, but it was too powerful. "Warn...Dumbledore..." "I'll get Dumbledore if you let go of me," said Harry. "Just let go, Mr. Crouch, and I'll get him...." "Thank you, Weatherby, and when you have done that, I would like a cup of tea. My wife and son will be arriving shortly, we are attending a concert tonight with Mr. and Mrs. Fudge." Crouch was now talking fluently to a tree again, and seemed completely unaware that Harry was there, which surprised Harry so much he didn't notice that Crouch had released him. "Yes, my son has recently gained twelve O.W.L.s, most satisfactory, yes, thank you, yes, very proud indeed. Now, if you could bring me that memo from the Andorran Minister of Magic, I think I will have time to draft a response...."Q7 - What is this conversation about?He raised his wand into the air and pointed it in the direction of Hagrid's cabin. Harry saw something silvery dart out of it and streak away through the trees like a ghostly bird. Q8 - What kind of magic is this?Chapter 29 - The Dream“You can't disapparate in the Hogwarts grounds, haven't I told you enough times?” said Hermione.Q1 - Who attacked Krum?"Maybe he didn't want you to get there!" said Ron quickly. "Maybe - hang on - how fast d'you reckon he could've gotten down to the forest? D'you reckon he could've beaten you and Dumbledore there?" "Not unless he can turn himself into a bat or something," said Harry.Q2 - Is Snape a vampire?Q3 - What do you think Snape would turn into if he were an animagus, and what do you think his Patronus would be? Or any characters for that matter…Somebody was climbing the steps up to the Owlery. Harry could hear two voices arguing, coming closer and closer. "- that's blackmail, that is, we could get into a lot of trouble for that-" "- we've tried being polite; it's time to play dirty, like him. He wouldn't like the Ministry of Magic knowing what he did -" "I'm telling you, if you put that in writing, it's blackmail!” "Yeah, and you won't be complaining if we get a nice fat payoff, will you?" The Owlery door banged open. Fred and George came over the threshold, then froze at the sight of Harry, Ron, and Hermione.Q4 - What are Fred and George doing?Q5 - Is Harry's dream real?Q6 - Who was killed in Harry's dream?"Or else - well..." Fudge sounded embarrassed. "Well, I'll reserve judgment until after I've seen the place where he was found, but you say it was just past the Beauxbatons carriage? Dumbledore, you know what that woman is?" "I consider her to be a very able headmistress - and an excellent dancer," said Dumbledore quietly.Chapter 30 - The PensieveA shallow stone basin lay there, with odd carvings around the edge: runes and symbols that Harry did not recognize. The silvery light was coming from the basin's contents, which were like nothing Harry had ever seen before. He could not tell whether the substance was liquid or gas. It was a bright, whitish silver, and it was moving ceaselessly; the surface of it became ruffled like water beneath wind, and then, like clouds, separated and swirled smoothly. It looked like light made liquid - or like wind made solid - Harry couldn't make up his mind.Q1 - Before Dumbeldore explained this, what did you think this basin was?"Crouch is going to let him out," Moody breathed quietly to Dumbledore. "He's done a deal with him. Took me six months to track him down, and Crouch is going to let him go if he's got enough new names. Let's hear his information, I say, and throw him straight back to the dementors." Dumbledore made a small noise of dissent through his long, crooked nose. "Ah, I was forgetting...you don't like the dementors, do you, Albus?" said Moody with a sardonic smile. "No," said Dumbledore calmly, "I'm afraid I don't. I have long felt the Ministry is wrong to ally itself with such creatures."Q2 - Is Dumbledore right to not want to ally themselves with dementors?"Not yet!" cried Karkaroff, looking quite desperate. "Wait, I have more!" Harry could see him sweating in the torchlight, his white skin contrasting strongly with the black of his hair and beard. "Snape!" he shouted. "Severus Snape!" "Snape has been cleared by this council," said Crouch disdainfully. "He has been vouched for by Albus Dumbledore." "No!" shouted Karkaroff, straining at the chains that bound him to the chair. "I assure you! Severus Snape is a Death Eater!" Dumbledore had gotten to his feet. "I have given evidence already on this matter," he said calmly. "Severus Snape was indeed a Death Eater. However, he rejoined our side before Lord Voldemort's downfall and turned spy for us, at great personal risk. He is now no more a Death Eater than I am."Q3 - Do you think Snape is still a Death Eater?Q4 - What kind of person do you think Karkaroff is?Q5 - Do you think Bagman is more seriously a Death Eater than portrayed in this memory?The dementors placed each of the four people in the four chairs with chained arms that now stood on the dungeon floor. There was a thickset man who stared blankly up at Crouch; a thinner and more nervous-looking man, whose eyes were darting around the crowd; a woman with thick, shining dark hair and heavily hooded eyes, who was sitting in the chained chair as though it were a throne; and a boy in his late teens, who looked nothing short of petrified. He was shivering, his straw-colored hair all over his face, his freckled skin milk-white. The wispy little witch beside Crouch began to rock backward and forward in her seat, whimpering into her handkerchief."We have heard the evidence against you. The four of you stand accused of capturing an Auror - Frank Longbottom - and subjecting him to the Cruciatus Curse, believing him to have knowledge of the present whereabouts of your exiled master, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named -" "Father, I didn't!" shrieked the boy in chains below. "I didn't, I swear it. Father, don't send me back to the dementors -" "You are further accused," bellowed Mr. Crouch, "of using the Cruciatus Curse on Frank Longbottom's wife, when he would not give you information. You planned to restore He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named to power, and to resume the lives of violence you presumably led while he was strong. I now ask the jury -"Q6 - What do you think of Crouch and his son?Q7 - Are any of the other people recognizable to you?Q8 - What do you think about the person they were cursing?The dementors were gliding back into the room. The boys' three companions rose quietly from their seats; the woman with the heavy-lidded eyes looked up at Crouch and called, "The Dark Lord will rise again, Crouch! Throw us into Azkaban; we will wait! He will rise again and will come for us, he will reward us beyond any of his other supporters! We alone were faithful! We alone tried to find him!" ​​But the boy was trying to fight off the dementors, even though Harry could see their cold, draining power starting to affect him. The crowd was jeering, some of them on their feet, as the woman swept out of the dungeon, and the boy continued to struggle. "I'm your son!" he screamed up at Crouch. "I'm your son!" "You are no son of mine!" bellowed Mr. Crouch, his eyes bulging suddenly. "I have no son!""What is it?" Harry asked shakily. "This? It is called a Pensieve," said Dumbledore. "I sometimes find, and I am sure you know the feeling, that I simply have too many thoughts and memories crammed into my mind." "Er," said Harry, who couldn't truthfully say that he had ever felt anything of the sort. "At these times," said Dumbledore, indicating the stone basin, "I use the Pensieve. One simply siphons the excess thoughts from one's mind, pours them into the basin, and examines them at one's leisure. It becomes easier to spot patterns and links, you understand, when they are in this form."Q9 - Do you like the idea of the Pensieve?"Yes," said Harry. "Professor - I was in Divination just now, and - er - I fell asleep." He hesitated here, wondering if a reprimand was coming, but Dumbledore merely said, "Quite understandable. Continue.""D'you - d'you know why my scar's hurting me?" Dumbledore looked very intently at Harry for a moment, and then said, "I have a theory, no more than that....It is my belief that your scar hurts both when Lord Voldemort is near you, and when he is feeling a particularly strong surge of hatred." "But...why?" "Because you and he are connected by the curse that failed," said Dumbledore. "That is no ordinary scar."Q10 - Do you understand why his scar hurts?"You know - you know the trial you found me in? The one with Crouch's son? Well....were they talking about Neville's parents?" Dumbledore gave Harry a very sharp look. " Has Neville never told you why he has been brought up by his grandmother?" he said. Harry shook his head, wondering, as he did so, how he could have failed to ask Neville this, in almost four years of knowing him. "Yes, they were talking about Neville's parents," said Dumbledore. "His father, Frank, was an Auror just like Professor Moody. He and his wife were tortured for information about Voldemort's whereabouts after he lost his powers, as you heard." "So they're dead?" said Harry quietly. "No," said Dumbledore, his voice full of a bitterness Harry had never heard there before. "They are insane. They are both in St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries. I believe Neville visits them, with his grandmother, during the holidays. They do not recognize him." Harry sat there, horror-struck. He had never known...never, in four years, bothered to find out…Q11 - What are your thoughts on this?Harry looked into Dumbledore's light blue eyes, and the thing he really wanted to know spilled out of his mouth before he could stop it. "What made you think he'd really stopped supporting Voldemort, Professor?" Dumbledore held Harry's gaze for a few seconds, and then said, "That, Harry, is a matter between Professor Snape and myself."Q12 - What do you think this is, and is Dumbeldore right?Chapter 31 - The Third TaskHarry and Hermione went to see. Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle were standing in the shadow of a tree below. Crabbe and Goyle seemed to be keeping a lookout; both were smirking. Malfoy was holding his hand up to his mouth and speaking into it. "He looks like he's using a walkie-talkie," said Harry curiously.Q1 - What are these three doing?"Yes," said Hermione breathlessly. She ran her fingers through her hair again, and then held her hand up to her mouth, as though speaking into an invisible walkie-talkie. Harry and Ron stared at each other. "I've had an idea," Hermione said, gazing into space. "I think I know...because then no one would be able to see...even Moody...and she'd have been able to get onto the window ledge...but she's not allowed...she's definitely not allowed...I think we've got her! Just give me two seconds in the library - just to make sure!" With that, Hermione seized her school bag and dashed out of the Great Hall.Q2 - How does Rita Skeeter know these things?Harry finished his breakfast in the emptying Great Hall. He saw Fleur Delacour get up from the Ravenclaw table and join Cedric as he crossed to the side chamber and entered. Krum slouched off to join them shortly afterward. Harry stayed where he was. He really didn't want to go into the chamber. He had no family - no family who would turn up to see him risk his life, anyway. But just as he was getting up, thinking that he might as well go up to the library and do a spot more hex research, the door of the side chamber opened, and Cedric stuck his head out.Q3 - Who did you think was going to show up for Harry?Q4 - Do you really believe Mr and Mrs Weasley were going for a nighttime stroll at four in the morning?He had been hurrying along the new path for a few minutes, when he heard something in the path running parallel to his own that made him stop dead. "What are you doing?" yelled Cedric's voice. "What the hell d'you think you're doing?” And then Harry heard Krum's voice. "Crucio!"Q5 - Is this the first bit of bad language in the books?Q6 - Why was Krum torturing Cedric?Q7 - Did you take time to guess what the Riddle was? Did you get it right?"I was the only one who was thick enough to take that song seriously!" said Harry bitterly. "Just take the cup!” "No," said Cedric. He stepped over the spider's tangled legs to join Harry, who stared at him. Cedric was serious. He was walking away from the sort of glory Hufflepuff House hadn't had in centuries.Q8 - What do you think of Cedric?Q9 - Which of the tasks would have tripped you up?

Harry Potter and the First Time Readers
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: Ch 23-27

Harry Potter and the First Time Readers

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2024 66:11


Chapter 23 - The Yule BallHarry and Ron both whipped around, but Hermione said loudly, waving to somebody over Malfoy's shoulder, “Hello, Professor Moody!” Malfoy went pale and jumped backwards, looking wildly around for Moody, but he was still up at the staff table finishing his stew. “Twitchy little ferret, aren't you, Malfoy?” Hermione said scathingly.Q1 - What do you think of Hermione shrinking her teeth?“Dobby knew sir must be a great wizard, for he is Harry Potter's greatest friend, but Dobby did not know that he was also generous of spirit, as noble, as selfless—”Q2 - Is Ron these things?The left sock was bright red, and he had a pattern of broomsticks upon it; the right sock was green with a pattern of snitches. “They're…they're really…well, thanks, Dobby,” said Harry, and he pulled them on, causing Dobby's eyes to leak with happiness again.Krum was accompanied by a pretty girl in blue robes Harry didn't know…His eyes fell instead on the girl next to Krum. His jaw dropped. It was Hermione.Q3 - What do you think about Krum and Hermione?!“Are we not right to be proud that we alone know our school's secrets, and right to protect them?” “Oh I would never dream of assuming I know all Howart's secrets, Igor,” said Dumbledore amicably. “Only this morning, for instance, I took a wrong turn on the way to the bathroom and found myself in a beautifully proportioned room I have never seen before, containing a really rather magnificent collection of chamberpots. When I went back to investigate more closely, I discovered that the room had vanished.Q4 - How do you like Dumbledore after all this?Hermione was now teaching Krum to say her name properly; he kept calling her Hermy-Own. “Her — my — own — knee.”"How's it going?" Harry asked Ron, sitting down and opening a bottle of butterbeer. Ron didn't answer. He was glaring at Hermione and Krum, who were dancing nearby. Padma was sitting with her arms and legs crossed, one foot jiggling in time to the music. Every now and then she threw a disgruntled look at Ron, who was completely ignoring her. Parvati sat down on Harry's other side, crossed her arms and legs too, and within minutes was asked to dance by a boy from Beauxbatons.Q5 - Trelawney's Prediction!Q6 - What is Ron so angry about?“...Don't see what there is to fuss about, Igor.” “Severus, you cannot pretend this isn't happening!” Karkaroff's voice sounded anxious and hushed, as though keen not to be overheard. “It's been getting clearer and clearer for months. I am becoming seriously concerned. I can't deny it.” “Then flee,” said Snape's voice curtly. “Flee, I will make your excuses. I, however, am remaining at Hogwarts.”Q7 - What is Karkaroff worried about? Q8 - What is Snape's background?Q9 - Did you think that Hagrid was a half-giant?Q10 - What is Cedric talking about?Ron and Hermione were having a blazing row. Standing ten feet apart, they were bellowing at each other, each scarlet in the face. “Well, if you don't like it, you now know what the solution is, don't you?” yelled Hermione; her hair was coming down out of its elegant bun now, and her face was screwed up in anger. “Oh yeah?” Ron yelled back. “What's that?” “Next time there's a ball, ask me before someone else does, and not as a last resort!” Ron mouthed soundlessly like a goldfish out of water as Hermione turned on her heel and stormed up the girls staircase to bed.Chapter 24 - Rita Skeeter's ScoopQ1 - Is Harry stupid or smart for not just taking Cedric's advice?Q2 - Why do you think Dumbledore secured a job for Hagrid when he was expelled?Q3 - Why are the Goblins looking for Barty CrouchQ4 - Where do you think Barty Crouch is?“How about giving me an interview about the Hagrid you know, Harry? The man behind the muscles? Your unlikely friendship and the reasons behind it. Would you call him a father substitute?”Q5 - Is Hagrid the closest thing to a father that Harry has had?Hermione went slightly pink, but Dumbledore smiled at her, and continued, “Hermione, Harry, and Ron still seem to want to know you, judging by the way they were attempting to break down the door.” “Of course we still want to know you!” Harry said, staring at Hagrid.“My own brother, Aberforth, was prosecuted for practicing inappropriate charms on a goat.”Q6 - What was Aberforth Dumbledore doing?Chapter 25 - The Egg and the EyeQ1 - What is the nicest bathroom you've ever been in?“What d'you do, sneak up here in the evenings to watch the Prefects take baths?“Sometimes,” said Myrtle, rather slyly, “but I've never come out to speak to anyone before.”Q2 - How creepy is Myrtle?Peeves was not the only thing that was moving. A single dot was flitting around a room in the bottom left-hand corner — Snape's office. But the dot wasn't labeled "Severus Snape"...it was Bartemius Crouch.Q3 - What was Barty Crouch doing in Snapes office?Q4 - Before Moody came into the picture, how did you think Harry would escape this?“Reckon they were after potion ingredients, eh?” said Moody, “Not hiding anything else in your office, are you?”Q5 - Do you think Snape is hiding something in his office?Snape suddenly did something very strange. He seized his left forearm convulsively with his right hand, as though something on it had hurt him.Q6 - What is this description?“Oh if there's one thing I hate,” he muttered, more to himself than Harry, his magical eye was fixed on the bottom left hand corner of the map, “It's a Death Eater who walked free…”Q7 - Who is at the bottom left-hand corner of the map? Q8 - Do you think Moody will catch this person now he has the map?Moody winked at him…Q9 - Was Moody just blinking?Q10 - Do you think Harry would be a good Auror? Isn't Moody great for encouraging that in Harry?Chapter 26 - The Second TaskOwing to the potential for nasty accidents when objects kept flying across the room. Professor Flitwick had given each student a stack of cushions on which to practice, the theory being that these wouldn't hurt anyone if they went off target. It was a good theory, but it wasn't working very well. Neville's aim was so poor that he kept accidentally sending much heavier things flying across the room - Professor Flitwick, for instance.Q1 - Is Neville secretively really good at magic?“Moody said Dumbledore only lets Snape stay here because he's giving him a second chance or something…”"I just want to know what Snape did with his first chance, if he's on his second one," said Harry grimly.Q2 - What did Snape do that he needs a second chance?Q3 - What is Snape's deal?Q4 - Grubbly-Plank or Hagrid?“I should've learned to be an Animagus like Sirius.”Q5 - What would you be if you could be an animagus?Q6 - How amazing is Dobby for helping Harry? The unsung hero of this book so far.Q7 - How is the crowd watching the second task?Harry looked around. There was no sign of any of the other champions. What were they playing at? Why didn't they hurry up? He turned back to Hermione, raised the jagged rock, and began to hack at her bindings too.Q8 - Is Harry an idiot for doing this?Q9 - Would you rather face a dragon or face an hour in icy water looking for your loved one?Dumbledore and Ludo Bagman stood beaming at Harry and Ron from the bank as they swam nearer, but Percy, who looked very white and somehow much younger than usual, came splashing out to meet them…Percy seized Ron and was dragging him back to the bank ("Gerroff, Percy, I'm all right!")Q10 - Does this change your thoughts on Percy?Q11 - Hermione is angry that Fleur kissed Ron on the cheek…does Hermione love Ron?Q12 - Danny, Do you like Fleur more after this chapter?Chapter 27 - Padfoot ReturnsOne of the best things about the aftermath of the second task was that everybody was very keen to hear details of what had happened down in the lake, which meant that Ron was getting to share Harry's limelight for once. Harry noticed that Ron's version of events changed subtly with every retelling. At first, he gave what seemed to be the truth; it tallied with Hermione's story, anyway - Dumbledore had put all the hostages into a bewitched sleep in Professor McGonagall's office, first assuring them that they would be quite safe, and would awake when they were back above the water. One week later, however, Ron was telling a thrilling tale of kidnap in which he struggled single-handedly against fifty heavily armed merpeople who had to beat him into submission before tying him up.Q1 - They make something called a wit-sharpening potion, would you take this all the time, and would it be healthy to take a potion daily?Q2 - How does Rita Skeeter keep finding this stuff out? Does she have an invisibility cloak?“I don't care how many times your picture appears in the papers. To me. Potter, you are nothing but a nasty little boy who considers rules to be beneath him."Q3 - What is Snape's issue?"It is Veritaserum - a Truth Potion so powerful that three drops would have you spilling your innermost secrets for this entire class to hear," said Snape viciously. "Now, the use of this potion is controlled by very strict Ministry guidelines. But unless you watch your step, you might just find that my hand slips" - he shook the crystal bottle slightly - "right over your evening pumpkin juice. And then. Potter...then we'll find out whether you've been in my office or not."Q4 - What do you think of Veritaserum?"What's so urgent?" he heard Snape hiss at Karkaroff. "This," said Karkaroff, and Harry, peering around the edge of his cauldron, saw Karkaroff pull up the left-hand sleeve of his robe and show Snape something on his inner forearm. "Well?" said Karkaroff, still making every effort not to move his lips. "Do you see? It's never been this clear, never since -" "Put it away!" snarled Snape, his black eyes sweeping the classroom.Q5 - What is happening here?"Thanks," said Sirius, opening it, grabbing a drumstick, sitting down on the cave floor, and tearing off a large chunk with his teeth. "I've been living off rats mostly. Can't steal too much food from Hogsmeade; I'd draw attention to myself."Q6 - Do you think Sirius is trying to eat Peter Pettigrew?Q7 - What is the deal with Crouch?Sirius shook his head and said, "She's got the measure of Crouch better than you have, Ron. If you want to know what a mans like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals."Q8 - What do you think of everything Sirius is saying about Crouch?"Well, times like that bring out the best in some people and the worst in others. Crouch's principles might've been good in the beginning - I wouldn't know. He rose quickly through the Ministry, and he started ordering very harsh measures against Voldemort's supporters. The Aurors were given new powers - powers to kill rather than capture, for instance. And I wasn't the only one who was handed straight to the dementors without trial. Crouch fought violence with violence, and authorized the use of the Unforgivable Curses against suspects. I would say he became as ruthless and cruel as many on the Dark Side. He had his supporters, mind you - plenty of people thought he was going about things the right way, and there were a lot of witches and wizards clamoring for him to take over as Minister of Magic. When Voldemort disappeared, it looked like only a matter of time until Crouch got the top job. But then something rather unfortunate happened...." Sirius smiled grimly. "Crouch's own son was caught with a group of Death Eaters who'd managed to talk their way out of Azkaban. Apparently they were trying to find Voldemort and return him to power."Q9 - What do you think about Barty Crouch's son dying?He wasn't the only one," said Sirius bitterly. "Most go mad in there, and plenty stop eating in the end. They lose the will to live. You could always tell when a death was coming, because the dementors could sense it, they got excited. That boy looked pretty sickly when he arrived. Crouch being an important Ministry member, he and his wife were allowed a deathbed visit. That was the last time I saw Barty Crouch, half carrying his wife past my cell. She died herself, apparently, shortly afterward. Grief. Wasted away just like the boy. Crouch never came for his son's body. The dementors buried him outside the fortress; I watched them do it.""Rosier and Wilkes - they were both killed by Aurors the year before Voldemort fell. The Lestranges - they're a married couple - they're in Azkaban. Avery - from what I've heard he wormed his way out of trouble by saying he'd been acting under the Imperius Curse - he's still at large. But as far as I know, Snape was never even accused of being a Death Eater - not that that means much. Plenty of them were never caught. And Snape's certainly clever and cunning enough to keep himself out of trouble."Q10 - What are your thoughts about everything Sirius mentioned?

Harry Potter and the First Time Readers
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: Ch 11-15

Harry Potter and the First Time Readers

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2024 59:05


Chapter 11 - Aboard the Hogwarts ExpressQ1 - How do you like the name Mad-Eye?Mrs Weasley took a piece of buttered toast from a stack on the kitchen table, put it into the fire tongs and transferred it into Mr Diggory's mouth.Q2 - have you guys ever had a mountain pie?“Your father thinks very highly of Mad-Eye Moody,” said Mrs Weasley sternly. “Yeah, well Dad collects plugs, doesn't he?” said Fred quietly, as Mrs Weasley left the room. “Birds of a feather.”Q3 - Which is your favorite Weasley?Q4 - What is your favorite part of the books?Q5 - You don't know a ton about Durmstrang and Beauxbatons, but which would you rather go to?“But Hogwarts is hidden,” said Hermione, in surprise, “Everyone who's read Hogwarts: A History, anyway.” “Just you, then,” said Ron. “If a Muggle looks at it, all they see is a moldering old ruin with a sign over the entrance saying DANGER, DO NOT ENTER, UNSAFE.”Q6 - Is this sign keeping you out?Q7 - What do you think of the summoning charm?Q8 - Would you wear Ron's robes?Chapter 12 - The Triwizard TournamentQ1 - Do you like Peeves?Q2 - What's the best prank you ever pulled?“Now slip me snug around your ears, I've never yet been wrong, I'll have a look inside your mind and tell you where you belong!”Q3 - Thoughts on Dennis Creevey?“There are house-elves here?” she said….”Certainly,” said Nearly Headless Nick, looking surprised at her reaction. “The largest number in any dwelling in Britain, I believe. Over a hundred.”Q4 - What are your thoughts on Hogwarts having house elves?A man stood in the doorway, leaning upon a long staff, shrouded in a black traveling cloak. Every head in the Great Hall swiveled toward the stranger, suddenly brightly illuminated by a fork of lightning that flashed across the ceiling. He lowered his hood, shook out a long mane of grizzled, dark gray hair, then began to walk up toward the teachers' table. A dull clunk echoed through the Hall on his every other step. He reached the end of the top table, turned right, and limped heavily toward Dumbledore. Another flash of lightning crossed the ceiling. Hermione gasped. The lightning had thrown the man's face into sharp relief, and it was a face unlike any Harry had ever seen. It looked as though it had been carved out of weathered wood by someone who had only the vaguest idea of what human faces are supposed to look like, and was none too skilled with a chisel. Every inch of skin seemed to be scarred. The mouth looked like a diagonal gash, and a large chunk of the nose was missing. But it was the man's eyes that made him frightening. One of them was small, dark, and beady. The other was large, round as a coin, and a vivid, electric blue. The blue eye was moving ceaselessly, without blinking, and was rolling up, down, and from side to side, quite independently of the normal eye - and then it rolled right over, pointing into the back of the man's head, so that all they could see was whiteness.Q5 - Is this her best description of someone that she's given so far?“It is my pleasure to inform you that the Triwizard tournament will be taking place at Hogwarts this year.” “You're joking!” said Fred Weasley loudly. The tension that had filled the hall every since Moody's arrival suddenly broke. Nearly everyone laughed, and Dumbledore chuckled appreciatively. “I am not joking, Mr Weasley.” he said, “though, now that you mention is, I did hear an excellent one over the summer about a troll, a hag, and a leprechaun who all go into a bar —” Professor McGonagall cleared her throat loudly.Q6 - What are your thoughts on the Triwizard Tournament and what do you think they'll have to do in it?Q7 - Neville falls through a trap step…why does Hogwarts have these?Chapter 13 - Mad-Eye MoodyQ1 - Would you want to squeeze the pus out of a bubotuber?Q2 - Which lesson would you rather go to—care of magical creatures or herbology?You are preoccupied, my dear. My Inner Eye sees past your brave face to the troubled soul within. And I regret to say that your worries are not baseless. I see difficult times ahead for you, alas… most difficult… I fear the thing you dread will indeed come to pass… and perhaps sooner than you think.”Q3 - What do you think Trelawney is talking about here?“I was saying, my dear, that you were clearly born under the baleful influence of Saturn,” said Professor Trelawney, a faint note of resentment in her voice at the fact that he had obviously not been hanging on her words. “Born under — what, sorry?” said Harry. “Saturn, dear, the planet Saturn!” said Professor Trelawney, sounding definitely irritated that he wasn't riveted by this news. “I was saying that Saturn was surely in a position of power in the heavens at the moment of your birth… Your dark hair… your mean stature… tragic losses so young in life… I think I am right in saying, my dear, that you were born in midwinter?” “No,” said Harry, “I was born in July.”Q4 - Trelawney is wrong.“Oh, professor, look! I think I've got an unaspected planet! Oooh, which one's that, Professor?” “It's Uranus, my dear,” said Professor Trelawney peering down at the chart. “Can I have a look at Uranus, too, Lavender?” said Ron.Q5 - Do you still like Rita Skeeter? Do you think her portrayal of Moody is accurate? (A handshake from attempted murder)“Professor Moody!” said a shicked voice. Professor McGonagall was coing down the marble staircase with her arms full of books. “Hello, Professor McGonagall,” said Moody calmly bounding the ferret still higher. “What — what are you doing?” said Professor McGonagall, her eyes following the bouncing ferrets progress through the air. “Teaching,” said Moody. “Teach — Moody, is that a student?” shrieked Professor McGonagall, the books spilling out of her arms.Q6 - What do you think of Moody?Chapter 14 - The Unforgivable Curses“So…do any of you know which curses are most heavily punished by wizarding law?”Q1 - Should Moody be teaching them these things?Q2 - Thoughts on the imperious curse?“Some job for the Ministry, trying to sort out who was being forced to act, and who was acting of their own free will?”Q3 - How do you think the ministry did this?Hermione's hand flew into the air again and so, to Harry's slight surprise, did Neville's…Neville looked surprised at his own daring. “Yes?” said Moody, his magical eye rolling over to fix on Neville. “There's one — the Cruciatus Curse,” said Neville, in a small but very distinct voice. Moody was looking very intently at Neville, this time with both eyes. “Your name's Longbottom?” he said, his magical eye swooping down to check the register again. Q4 - Thoughts on the Cruciatus Curse?“Not nice,” he said calmly. “Not pleasant. And there's no counter-curse. There's no blocking it. Only one known person has ever survived it, and he's sitting right in front of me.”Q5 - What are your thoughts on the killing curse?Q6 - What do you think this means to Harry to know?Q7 - Do you side with the students in thinking this was a good lesson, or with Harry and Hermione?“You've got to know. It seems harsh, maybe, but you've got to know. No point pretending.Q8 - What do you think about Neville?“No—that sounds like we're accusing him. Got to be careful…”Q9 - What are Fred and George up to?Q10 - What do you think of Harry and Ron's predictions, and what would you predict about yourself?“You're treasurer, Ron. I got you a collecting tin upstairs — and Harry, you're secretary, so you might want to write down everything I'm saying now, as a record of our first meeting.”Q11 - Why is Harry such a bad pet owner?Q12 - Do you think Sirius coming back is a good thing?The dormitory was completely silent, and, had he been less preoccupied, Harry would have realized that the absence of Neville's usual snores meant that he was not the only one lying awake.Q13 - Why is Neville awake?Chapter 15 - Beaubatons and DurmstrangQ1 - Do you think Dumbledore really wants Moody to teach these things, or is he just using the name of Dumbledore as an excuse to teach what he wants?Q2 - Why do you think Harry was able to resist the Imperius curse when everyone else in the class couldn't?“Well, the Heads of the participating schools are always on the panel,” said Hermione, and everyone looked around at her, rather surprised, “because all three of them were injured during the Tournament of 1792, when a cockatrice the champions were supposed to be catching went on the rampage.”Q3 - What do you think a cockatrice is?“Will you inform zis ‘agrid zat ze ‘orses drink only single malt whisky?”Q4 - How drunk are these horses?Q5 - Which school entrance do you like better?Karkaroff beckoned forward on of his students. As the boy passed, Harry caught a glimpse of a prominent, curved nose and thick black eyebrows. He didn't need the punch on the arm Ron gave him, or the hiss in the ear, to recognize that profile. “Harry—it's Krum!”Q6 - What do you think of Victor Krum being a student at Durmstrang?

NOBODY LIKES ONIONS
June 25, 2024: HAWK TUAH-SDAY! Angie Krum FINALLY Releases Haircast! Fatties Galore!

NOBODY LIKES ONIONS

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2024 248:15


Patrick tries to get in to some other topics as we sit and wait for some expected bombshell from the Nick Rekieta and Aaron Imholte love triangle with Minnesota egg-trash, April Anderson. What is expected to come out next? We don't know but it's supposed to be really big and shocking news. Planet with a Palate is back and she wants to show off her boy to the channel while using her air fryer. Angie Arum has finally released her re-recorded podcast where she cuts the hair of nobody wannabe comedians around the Vegas area from her budget high-rise above the strip. Let's watch as a comic who can't "cut it" attempts to create a show where her dud personality merges with other boring failures from around the comedy flop scene. Celebrate the fat wit NLO on this magical Tuesday! ...

MuggleCast: the Harry Potter podcast
Kromance (GOF Chapter 28: The Madness of Mr. Crouch) feat. The Fantasy Fangirls!

MuggleCast: the Harry Potter podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2024 92:54


What's that in the bushes? It's another introduction into the horrors of true crime as we follow Harry and Viktor Krum into the woods of the Forbidden Forest! Joining us for this episode are Nicole and Lexi of Fantasy Fangirls podcast! With plenty of laughs and deep coverage of another massive chapter of Book 4, listen now as we discuss "The Madness of Mr. Crouch!" Welcome back Nicole and Lexi of the Fantasy Fangirls podcast! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 28: The Madness of Mr. Crouch 7-Word Summary: Harry finds Crouch disturbed inside the forest Main Discussion #1: Drinky has a winking problem Down in the kitchens, Harry and Hermione uncover more clues at the expense of making every situation worse. Laura has calculated Winky's BAC, and it's not good. Is Crouch Sr. careless to not have taken Winky back, and does he rely on House-Elf magic to feel confident that she'll keep his secrets, which she does? Main Discussion #2: a wild Mr. Crouch appears! Down on the pitch, we learn that the points so far haven't mattered... much. Nicole explains why she would quit the Triwizard Tournament at this point. Krum pulls Harry aside... to talk about girls! Has Crouch Sr. traveled all this way on FOOT? Or by magic? Should Harry have asked Crocuh Sr. more direct follow-up questions before leaving Krum alone with him? Does Dumbledore fear Krum, or fear for Krum in this moment? Does Igor Karkaroff kind of have a point about fairness? Is Hagrid about to be revealed to be Uncle Vernon in disguise? Odds & Ends include the principality of Andorra! Cornelius Fudge's wife! Christmas Nifflers, Barty Crouch Jr.'s test scores, and more. Quizzitch: Who is the second person Mad-Eye Fakey tells should become an Auror as a career? Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! For twice-monthly Bonus MuggleCast, as well as other great benefits, including the chance to co-host the show, a new physical gift every year, and a video message from one of the four of us visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast! Reminder: Micah and Eric will be at LeakyCon! Visit LeakyCon.com to check out the latest guests, the full con schedule and use code ‘MUGGLE' while registering for a discount! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Maximum Octane
The Importance of Strategic Planning in the Face of the Unexpected. The Story of John and Jackson Blanton

Maximum Octane

Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2024 38:05


Can we be ready for the unexpected? Of course not; its main characteristic is arriving without previous notice. Still, there are things we can have in place to reduce the impact of unforeseen events: it's called strategic planning.In today's episode, you'll hear about the challenges John Blanton and his son Jackson went through, from John starting his business in his garage to opening a second location, all while dealing with Jackson's health issues and, by the end of this episode, I bet you'll want to be just like Jackson when you grow up. John has been the Owner of Barebones Automotive in Danton since 2011 and his second location in Krum since 2019.We had a fantastic conversation about John's journey from working seven days a week, 20 hours a day for years to getting coached and figuring out how to spend less time in his business and more time on the business. They talked about Jackson's heart transplant and his miraculous recovery, their future plans, the benefits of coaching and strategic planning, and so much more.In This Episode, You Will Learn:From fixing cars in his garage to opening a successful shop (2:00)Jackson talks about his heart condition and the whole transplant odyssey (5:50)How it was for John to run a business while Jackson was at the hospital (12:40)The importance of teaching our kids about business in the real world (17:00)Jackson talks about where he sees himself in three years (29:50)Geoff reflects on legacy, and living to make an impact (36:00)Connect with John Blanton:Barebones AutomotiveLet's connect:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookEmail: info@maximumoctane.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

MuggleCast: the Harry Potter podcast
'You Available To Be Stolen This Friday?' (GOF Chapter 26, The Second Task)

MuggleCast: the Harry Potter podcast

Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2024 90:38


Grab your House-themed pennants and something to do for an hour, because today we're heading down to the Black Lake and celebrating a Triwizard Task that nobody above ground can see or appreciate! Join Eric, Laura, Micah and special guest Chloé as they discuss Chapter 26 of Goblet of Fire, “The Second Task.” Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 26: The Second Task 7-Word Summary: The merpeople mock Harry incessantly under water Main Discussion #1: Leading up to the task Hagrid's back teaching. Do we miss Professor Grubbly-Plank? Could Harry be reaching out to Lupin or other folks for help? Have we ever overslept on the day of an exam and had to wing it? Main Discussion #2: The Task and Immediate Aftermath Why are the other headmasters so visibly annoyed at Harry? Could they tone it down a bit? What does the Second Task look like, for the audience and spectators? Even Dumbledore has to ask the merpeople what happened at the end of it. Micah's Hot Take: Hermione is not meaningful enough to Krum for her to be his hostage. The hosts debate: were the ‘hostages' ever really in danger? We also polled our Patrons... twice. Are we disappointed by the writing's handling of Fleur's performance? Do we agree with the final results of the Second Task? Odds and Ends touches on a Skeeter sighting, and another mention of their school hats! Quizzitch: Who authorized Aurors to use the Unforgivable Curses during the first Wizarding war? Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! For twice-monthly Bonus MuggleCast, as well as other great benefits, including the chance to co-host the show, a new physical gift every year, and a video message from one of the four of us visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast! Reminder: Micah and Eric and Chloé will be at LeakyCon! Visit LeakyCon.com to check out the latest guests, and use code 'MUGGLE' while registering for a discount! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Potter Discussion: Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts and the Wizarding World Fandom
Rewriting the Tri-Wizard Tournament! | Fleur is a stronger competitor, Krum isn't on the side, More

The Potter Discussion: Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts and the Wizarding World Fandom

Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2024 31:09


Send us a Text Message.In this episode, we rewrite the Tri-Wizard Tournament. Enjoy!Topics/Summary:Listen to The Tri-Wizard Tournament is the smartest and dumbest competition of all time here·      2:16 Cedric should get hurt in the first task. This would be a good way of foreshadowing his death, but further, it would show the dangerous nature of the competition. None of the champions receive terrible injuries that shock the schools into realizing that this is no joke, so a moment where the audience goes silent after a blow would go a long way.·      6:55 Fleur should come out stronger. She is the bottom of the pack character and she doesn't do well in any of the tasks. If she were to do well in the first task, it would set her up as a stronger competitor. More importantly, it would create more of a buzz around the times when she is stopped like when she was attacked in the lake and then again in the maze.·      15:38 Harry and Cedric should switch places. Harry stays behind to make sure every prize is brought up and Cedric arrives second but doesn't hesitate to go up and gets first. These two should be switched. Harry should get a leg up and shown to be in the tournament for the win. It would also make Cedric's loss so much worse if she was shown to be a truly good person and willing to stay behind and sacrifice first place.·      19:23 Giving Krum and Fleur less sideline parts. Their big moments aren't very central to the story and it might make for a more interesting task if they were involved. Maybe Harry and Krum work together to find the settlement because they both want to find Hermione. Maybe Fleur arrives late and they all have an underwater conversation about what kept her and they all go up after that.·      24:34 Cedric should have put up a fight. He was killed far too easily. Pettigrew walked out, got the order from Voldemort, and Cedric was killed. If someone walked out from a building in a graveyard and yelled “Kill the spare” I wouldn't stick around to find out what he meant. Cedric's end in wrought too easily for the caliber of character which he brought. He deserved and much more fitting end.Having anything you want to hear or say? Click here for a voice submission or here for text. ThePotterDiscussion@gmail.com@thepotterdiscussion on InstagramSign up for The Quill and Ink Newsletterthepotterdiscussion.com

KRLD All Local
Former Krum ISD teacher charged with child sexual assault

KRLD All Local

Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2024 7:31


Plus city council wants to keep Garcia in Dallas amidst report he could be on Houston's short list, interim city manager says, and meeting held on teen fentanyl overdoses.

MuggleCast: the Harry Potter podcast
Rita and Micah's Hagrid Hot Take (GOF Chapter 24, Rita Skeeter's Scoop)

MuggleCast: the Harry Potter podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2024 85:01


This week, open up your copy of The Daily Prophet and settle in for some hot goss as the hosts break down Rita Skeeter's Scoop on Rebeus Hagrid and his qualifications as a Hogwarts professor! Plus, between Ludo and some goblins and Rita and Hermione, were we moments away from a good ole fashioned pub brawl at The Three Broomsticks? Join us and find out! Welcome Patreon member, Liza! Check out her book club by following her on Twitter and Instagram We discuss the recent news that all seven Harry Potter audiobooks will be transformed into new full-cast ensemble productions! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 24: Rita Skeeter's Scoop 7-Word Summary: Rita ignites rumors in The Three Broomsticks Do we think Cedric gave Harry a good clue about the egg? Main Discussion #1: Dumbledore's Giant Mistake Draco Malfoy... the 1950's cartoon villain?! Why does Hermione fail to grasp certain larger wizarding world dynamics? Micah's Hot Take: While definitely scathing, Rita's article about Hagrid is... TRUE! Should Dumbledore sack Hagrid as Care of Magical Creatures professor? Why didn't Hagrid start as an assistant and receive proper training? How do we feel about the students getting a proper Care of Magical Creatures lesson?  Lupin and Hagrid have drastically different reactions to being outed! Why did Dumbledore accept Lupin's resignation but not Hagrid's? Main Discussion #2: A Bagman In The Pub. Why is Ludo really meeting with the goblins? Is he trying to plant a story about his boss with Rita? How concerned should we be about Barty Crouch Sr.'s absence? Should Hermione have been more careful calling out Rita in a crowded pub? Main Discussion #3: Justice for Hagrid. Dumbledore shows up for Hagrid on a whole new level! Do the letters of support Hagrid receives actually support his role as professor? Does Dumbledore's trust in people and belief in second chances stem from his own family situation and relationship with Grindelwald? Odds and Ends cover Krum practicing for The Second Task, Sleakeazy's Hair Potion, goblin rebellions and Aberforth's lust for goats! Next week: We're busting open the Muggle Mail bag, so send us your feedback! Quizzitch question: The tub in the Prefects' Bathroom features roughly how many golden taps? Submit your answer at MuggleCast.com/Quizzitch! Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Check out the MuggleCast Overstock Store to grab MuggleCast t-shirts, signed album art, and so much more! Supplies are limited, so act fast and help us support the show! For twice-monthly Bonus MuggleCast, as well as other great benefits, including the chance to co-host the show, a new physical gift every year, and a video message from one of the four of us visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chronicle Podcast Network
Coach’s Corner with Eric Krum (4/29/24)

Chronicle Podcast Network

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2024 13:07


Coach's Corner with Boys Lacrosse Program Head & Head Coach with Eric Krum. A look at the recently completed season and a look-ahead to next year. Hosted by Aaron Milburn '24 & Sammy Glassman '25.

The Real Weird Sisters: A Harry Potter Podcast
Take Five, Take 4.12: Goblet of Fire, 55:01-60:00

The Real Weird Sisters: A Harry Potter Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2024 91:57


Well done, Dragon! Alice, Martha, and special guest Shut Up Tim have made it through the first hour of Goblet of Fire... oooOOOhhhh! Harry fights the Horntail (what's that, boy??), Krum fights Rita, and Alice fights to understand perspective and time jumps!  Please consider supporting us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/realweirdsisters New episodes are released every Monday and special topics shows are released periodically. Don't forget to subscribe to our show to make sure you never miss an episode!

The Explorer Poet Podcast
E62: Geof Krum

The Explorer Poet Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2024 69:00


Geof Krum is an artist, producer, facilitator, and entrepreneur. His passion is in creating beautiful, no-bullshit human-centered systems that run themselves while slowly transforming the world. Geof is also the Producer and Dean of Authentic Revolution's Facilitation Academy, an organization with a mission to create a more connected and empathic world. Authentic Revolution has popularized the field of Authentic Relating through the Authentic Relating Games Manual and founded Authentic Relating and Circling communities all around the world. Whether you're looking to improve your marriage or friendships, or become a better leader, Authentic Revolutions books and training programs can help you become a more vulnerable, more authentic, more connected communicator. In our conversation we discussed Authentic Revolution, depth, connection, authenticity, loneliness, polarization, circling, the Integral Center, introversion, extraversion, community, leadership, isolation versus loneliness, context dependency, personal responsibility, integrity, internal frames, emotional vocabularies, karma yoga, conflict avoidance, archetypes, magician, cave, vulnerability, intimacy, responding on autopilot, education, homeschooling, esoteric beliefs, belonging, tribalism, affirmations, stated objectives, and Carl Rogers. Episode Details: Guest Name: Geof Krum Website: https://www.authrev.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theauthenticrevolution/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthRev/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/spesmira Gong Sound: 68261__juskiddink__bell4.wav Other Content from the Explorer Poet Download my latest writing: Myth for Modern Men: A Letter to My Son Where to find The EXPLORER POET Podcast: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theexplorerpoet/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheExplorerPoet Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIQxs0F0mGoEJYNNJx4ph5g  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Z9WKzUIWbq5qOJE1zmRJQ  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-explorer-poet-podcast/id1621189025  Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/ead95bf9-2f53-4965-8c29-b787a198891c/the-explorer-poet-podcast  Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy85MmM5ZTY5NC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ4aUDahcKEwjA6v_KhPn3AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQLA

Small Business Celebration
Sales Approaches To Make The Complicated, Simple - Episode #266, Neil Knaac and John Krum, AgProz

Small Business Celebration

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2024 47:40


Neil Knaak and John Krum, the co-owners of AgProz, specialize in innovative sales approaches that simplify intricate concepts. They stress the importance of striking a balance when catering to clients, as excessive accommodation can negatively impact your business. Furthermore, they advocate for the use of mailers as a powerful tool for promoting technology products effectively. With their expertise, they aim to revolutionize sales strategies and help businesses thrive in a competitive market. 00:00 Introduction 01:00 Traveling To Florida To Meet Your Business Partner Just Miles Away In California 15:42 Discovering The Line Where You Accommodate Your Customer Too Much 23:02 Visioneer Game! 32:12 Sales Techniques To Making The Complicated Simple! 43:49 Final Thoughts: "The Highlights To Make The Complicated, Simple" 46:56 Dad Jokes / Credits Support small business owners, like you, celebrating BIG breakthroughs by supporting Small Business Celebration's Patreon page at: https://www.patreon.com/smallbusinesscelebration! As well as our sponsor for this episode: Mike Saba: https://msaba.watsonrealty.com and https://minthcbakersfield.com for our blog today! Reach out to us at: https://smallbusinesscelebration.com Read our blog at: https://smallbusinesscelebration.com/blog Reach out to our guest at: https://agproz.com Tags: sales techniques, client accommodation, business strategies, technology products, marketing tactics, AgProz, sales experts, customer relations, promotional mailers, sales innovation. https://youtu.be/8os4au5Jw8c

MuggleCast: the Harry Potter podcast
For the Love of Chicken Tendies (GOF Chapter 16, The Goblet of Fire)

MuggleCast: the Harry Potter podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2024 68:49


Arriving with the foreign visitors to Hogwarts is a whole new set of cuisine options in the Great Hall, and - like some of the MuggleCast hosts - Ron is having none of it! Fred and George attempt to hoodwink a 700-year-old cup and a 150-year-old headmaster, failing spectacularly. And the trio learn that Hagrid has a crush! Join us as we deep dive into Chaper 16 of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, "Goblet of Fire"! Welcome to our very special musical guest James Durbin, whose new single "Hallows" excites us in all the right ways! Also check out his website and follow him on Instagram Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 16: The Goblet of Fire 7-Word Summary: Poliakoff wants eternal wine because Krum's better Mini Discussion #1: Cultural differences at Hogwarts While Ron turns his nose up at French cuisine, the hosts discuss which foreign foods they most enjoy since growing up. The Beauxbatons students are laughed at for standin when Madame Maxime does. But isn't it just showing respect and discipline? Mini Discussion #2: Karkaroff and his favoritism What exactly is headmaster Igor's game? Is he gunning for a career in the celebrity entourage industry? Why bring 19 other students to Hogwarts when it is so clear that Karkaroff detests the other kids? What is Karkaroff really thinking when he bumps into Harry Potter? Mini Discussion #3: Fred and George's whimsy Mini Discussion #4: Hagrid and His Crush Odds and Ends: Despite Ron feeling cheated by Harry later, Harry never says out loud that he would love to enter the Tournament. Quizzitch: What was the birthday present that Mad-Eye Moody received and smashed, thinking it was a basilisk egg? Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Line Drunk
Conan the Barbarian

Line Drunk

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2024 45:27


Conan the Barabarian stars Arnold Schwarzenegger and according to IMDb is about a young boy, Conan, who becomes a slave after his parents are killed and his tribe destroyed by a savage warlord and sorcerer, Thulsa Doom. When he grows up he becomes a fearless, invincible fighter. Set free, he plots revenge against Thulsa Doom. This film is available on Starz or you can rent it. Conan the Barbarian Cocktail (superherococktails.com): Ingredients 1 part lager 1 part cider 1 part red wine dash (to few very plentiful dashes) of Cynar Directions Build into a suitable container, ice is optional. All ingredients can be room temperature, although I personally prefer beer and cider taken from the fridge and red wine room temperature. Drinking Game (reeldrinkinggames.com & alcohollywood.com): Drink every time: The words "Snake", "Krum" or "God" are said.  If there is nudity (twice for sex). Chains are shown. 2 Snakes are shown. Someone/Something is decapitated.  A horse gets injured.  There is a ridiculous amount of blood. Lines of dialogue (lines being an entire piece of dialogue from an individual) Snake iconography (images of snakes, not real snakes/things that are supposed to be real snakes) Whenever you see fire Finish your drink: When Conan escapes with the gem. Thulsa's head rolls. Conan prays to Crom, finishing with “Grant me revenge….and you do not listen…then TO HELL WITH YOU!” As always, drink responsibly and with others. Follow or subscribe wherever you listen to the podcast. Follow me on Instagram and Twitter at @Line_Drunk. Join the Patreon at patreon.com/linedrunk for bonus content. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/linedrunk/support

The Strong[HER] Way | non diet approach, mindset coaching, lifestyle advice
Feel better in your body by breaking free from body image struggles w/ Risa Hasbrook (REPLAY)

The Strong[HER] Way | non diet approach, mindset coaching, lifestyle advice

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2024 47:54 Transcription Available


Struggling with your self-image or feeling shackled by the 'never good enough' syndrome? My conversation with mindset coach Risa Hasbrook shares  how a shift in perspective can liberate you from these constraints, fostering a celebration of your body as it is, and as it can be. Risa, with her journey from South Africa to the U.S., provides powerful insights into appreciating ourselves without being fixated on the scale. We tackle the myths surrounding food, exercise, and body image, and the cultural entrapment in the 'no pain, no gain' philosophy, illustrating how developing a healthier mindset is the key to sustainable life changes.This episode full of gold --Risa shares personal stories and transformative experiences, highlighting the power of coaching across all life areas. From the positive impact of mindset shifts on relationships and time management to sustainable weight management, we weave through the narrative of growth and wellness. Risa and I explore how redefining daily activities as exercise, inspired by Dr. Krum's research, can lead to tangible health benefits, and how adopting a more fulfilling approach can turn the mundane into a catalyst for wellness.Our discussion rounds off with actionable tips for shifting your mindset and thought patterns towards a more positive body image. We explore the nuance of self-talk, the impact of adding "yet" to our critical inner dialogue, and the importance of quantifying and recognizing moments of body appreciation. Do you sometimes feel selfish for taking time for yourself?Tired of doing things that only lead to short term changes? Want to feel MORE like yourself again? if that's you, click the link to book a call to learn more about the power of the non-diet approach to help you feel and look better all while juggling motherhood and work. BOOK A CALL

The Potter Discussion: Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts and the Wizarding World Fandom

In this episode, we rank every Christmas in Harry Potter. Enjoy!Topics/Summary:·      2:15 Deathly Hallows. This is the Christmas on which Harry and Hermione met “Bathilda Bagshot” who was really Nagini. Voldemort showed up and tried to kill them, all this being after Harry saw the graves of his parents. His wand broke, many attempts were made on their lives, and they didn't find the sword or anything else for that matter. Not their best.  ·      7:18 Chamber of Secrets. This might be a bit better than book seven, but it's not great. This is the holiday season where Hermione turns into a cat and Ron and Harry turn into Crabbe and Goyle to question Malfoy, which was a complete disaster. They had a hilarious exchange around stomach pain and ran out.·      13:24 Goblet of Fire. The Yule Ball might seem cool at first glance, but it really didn't end very well. Hermione managed to have a good time, but Ron was man that Krum chose Hermione over him and he had to destroy their nights. On top of that, Harry and Ron weren't very kind to their own dates (“Do you want to dance?” Harry and Ron: “Naw”). ·      18:51 Half Blood Prince. This is middle of the road because there are some good and some bad events. The main bad reason is Harry's spying on Malfoy. He ducks out of Slughorn's party early just to spy on him! However, he does have a good time and also goes to the Burrow. Not a loss, not a victory.·      21:13 Order of the Phoenix. In both the book and film, this Christmas is spent very well. In the book, they spend a lovely dinner with Sirius at Grimauld Place, then they head to St. Mungo's to see Arthur. In the film, Arthur is with them and they have a merry time. No complaints there.·      23:41 Prisoner of Azkaban. This is a good Christmas because of the Firebolt. Quidditch is one of Harry's favorite things in the world, and this broom is the key to even more enjoyment out of it. Malfoy tries to catch him out and points out the fact that he has a broom, but he can't do anything about it because it is completely allowed just like he tried to in the first book.·      26:14 Sorcerer's Stone. There is nothing wrong with this one. It is the very first time we see a magical Christmas. There are no evil people to fight or huge problems that need solving. It's just enjoying a fantastic Christmas with Harry's best friend. He receives the invisibility cloak which turned into one of the most valuable things he has. There are so many good things happening here and it is hard to fault. Having anything you want to hear or say? Click here for a voice submission or here for text. ThePotterDiscussion@gmail.com@thepotterdiscussion on InstagramSign up for The Quill and Ink Newsletterthepotterdiscussion.com

MuggleCast: the Harry Potter podcast
637: Crouchy Ouchy (GOF Chapter 7, Bagman and Crouch) feat. Fantasy Fangirls

MuggleCast: the Harry Potter podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2023 83:16


Grab your plainest clothing, because we're journeying to the Quidditch World Cup under cover and meeting Ludo the Gamblin' Man and Grouchy Crouchy! Join Andrew, Eric, Micah, Laura and our friends Lexi and Nicole from Fantasy Fangirls for a camping trip you won't soon forget! Welcome, the hosts of Fantasy Fangirls, Nicole and Lexi! Fantasy Fangirls is currently covering Fourth Wing / Iron Flame, which has been one of the most popular book series this year! Follow them for hours of entertainment on Instagram and TikTok! Lexi leaves everyone in awe as she rattles off every Goblet of Fire chapter from memory! And yes, she can do the entire series from Sorcerer's Stone to Deathly Hallows - a fantastic holiday party trick! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 7: Bagman and Crouch 7-Word Summary: Arriving at the campsite makes much happen  Main Discussion #1: Hiding the Quidditch World Cup from Muggles How does Arthur Weasley not know how Muggle money works? What is the lasting impact of wiping Mr. Roberts' memory 10 times per day? Prohibiting witches and wizards from doing magic at the Quidditch World Cup is ABSURD! Why hasn't a better plan been devised after all these years? Just Hhw many witches and wizards are there in the world? Why should Harry and Hermione have to put the tent together? Could it be foreshadowing to Deathly Hallows? Brother and sister? Former lovers? Could there be a secret connection between Perkins and Mrs. Figg? Main Discussion #2: Bagman and Crouch (our initial impressions) We examine the ethics of Ludo Bagman placing and collecting bets on the Quidditch World Cup What sticky situation did Arthur get Ludo out of that awarded him 10 VIP tickets? What does it say about Barty Crouch Sr. that he completely botches Percy's name? Odds & Ends cover Ron fangirling over Krum, other wizarding schools, Bode The Unspeakable, magic carpets, water taps, Seamus Finnegan's mom and more! Quizzitch: What broomstick does Harry see advertised as being, "for All the Family" at the Quidditch World Cup? The MuggleCast Overstock Store is STILL OPEN! Ever wanted one of our cool physical gifts that we send to Patrons, but didn't want to subscribe to our Patreon? WELL, for the first time ever, we are selling leftover physical gifts from years past! Only while supplies last! This week's episode is brought to you by Uncommon Goods (get 15% off your first order at UncommonGoods.com/MUGGLECAST) & Indeed (claim your $75 credit at Indeed.com/MuggleCast)!

Harry Potter and the First Time Readers
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Ch 8-9

Harry Potter and the First Time Readers

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2023 112:07


Chapter 8 - The WeddingHarry had taken a large dose of Polyjuice Potion and was now the double of a redheaded Muggle boy from the local village, Ottery St. Catchpole, from whom Fred had stolen hairs using a Summoning Charm.Q1 - How do you feel about this identity theft?“When I get married,” said Fred, tugging at the collar of his own robes, “I won't be bothering with any of this nonsense. You can all wear what you like, and I'll put a full Body-Bind Curse on Mum until it's all over.” Q2 - Who do you think Fred and George are going to marry?An odd symbol, rather like a triangular eye, glistened from a golden chain around his neck. “Sign?” said Harry, looking over at Xenophilius too. The strange triangular eye was gleaming on his chest. “Why? What's wrong with it?” “Grindelvald. That is Grindelvald's sign.” “Grindelwald . . . the Dark wizard Dumbledore defeated?” “Exactly.” Krum's jaw muscles worked as if he were chewing, then he said, “Grindelvald killed many people, my grandfather, for instance. Of course, he vos never poverful in this country, they said he feared Dumbledore — and rightly, seeing how he vos finished. But this” — he pointed a finger at Xenophilius — “this is his symbol, I recognized it at vunce: Grindelvald carved it into a vall at Durmstrang ven he vos a pupil there. Some idiots copied it onto their books and clothes, thinking to shock, make themselves impressive — until those of us who had lost family members to Grindelvald taught them better.” Krum cracked his knuckles menacingly and glowered at Xenophilius. Harry felt perplexed. It seemed incredibly unlikely that Luna's father was a supporter of the Dark Arts, and nobody else in the tent seemed to have recognized the triangular, runelike shape. Q3 - Victor nearly fights him because of this symbol…what is it?“Hello, Harry!” she said. “Er — my name's Barny,” said Harry, flummoxed. “Oh, have you changed that too?” she asked brightly. “How did you know — ?” “Oh, just your expression,” she said. “Hmm. Made an excuse, did he? Not as gormless as he looks in press photographs, then. I've just been instructing the bride on how best to wear my tiara,” she shouted at Harry. “Goblin-made, you know, and been in my family for centuries. She's a good-looking girl, but still — French. Well, well, find me a good seat, Ronald, I am a hundred and seven and I ought not to be on my feet too long.” Q4 - Is this tiara anything special?Harry did not answer. He pretended to watch the dancers, like Krum, but he was thinking hard. So Voldemort was looking for a celebrated wandmaker, and Harry did not have to search far for a reason: It was surely because of what Harry's wand had done on the night that Voldemort had pursued him across the skies. The holly and phoenix feather wand had conquered the borrowed wand, something that Ollivander had not anticipated or understood. Would Gregorovitch know better? Was he truly more skilled than Ollivander, did he know secrets of wands that Ollivander did not? Q5 - Does Gregorivitch know secrets of wandlore that Olivander doesn't?“Well, in that interview,” Harry went on, “Rita Skeeter hinted that Professor Dumbledore was involved in the Dark Arts when he was young.” “Don't believe a word of it!” said Doge at once. “Not a word, Harry! Let nothing tarnish your memories of Albus Dumbledore!” Q6 - What's the truth here?“Why did nobody ever see her, Elphias?” squawked Muriel. “Why did half of us never even know she existed, until they carried the coffin out of the house and held a funeral for her? Where was saintly Albus while Ariana was locked in the cellar? Off being brilliant at Hogwarts, and never mind what was going on in his own house!” “What d'you mean, locked in the cellar?” asked Harry. “What is this?” Doge looked wretched. Auntie Muriel cackled again and answered Harry. Doge looked to be on the verge of tears. Auntie Muriel, who seemed to be enjoying herself hugely, snapped her fingers for more champagne. Numbly Harry thought of how the Dursleys had once shut him up, locked him away, kept him out of sight, all for the crime of being a wizard. Had Dumbledore's sister suffered the same fate in reverse: imprisoned for her lack of magic? And had Dumbledore truly left her to her fate while he went off to Hogwarts, to prove himself brilliant and talented?Q7 - Could this be true?“And I'll tell you something else,” Muriel said, hiccuping slightly as she lowered her goblet. “I think Bathilda has spilled the beans to Rita Skeeter. All those hints in Skeeter's interview about an important source close to the Dumbledores — goodness knows she was there all through the Ariana business, and it would fit!” Q8 - Is Bathilda Bagshot the source?“Bathilda Bagshot lives in Godric's Hollow?” “Oh yes, she's been there forever! The Dumbledores moved there after Percival was imprisoned, and she was their neighbor.” “The Dumbledores lived in Godric's Hollow?” “Yes, Barry, that's what I just said,” said Auntie Muriel testily. Harry felt drained, empty. Never once, in six years, had Dumbledore told Harry that they had both lived and lost loved ones in Godric's Hollow. Why? Were Lily and James buried close to Dumbledore's mother and sister? Had Dumbledore visited their graves, perhaps walked past Lily's and James's to do so? And he had never once told Harry . . . never bothered to say . . . Q9 - Is Dumbledore a good person?Harry did not know where to begin, but it did not matter. At that moment, something large and silver came falling through the canopy over the dance floor. Graceful and gleaming, the lynx landed lightly in the middle of the astonished dancers. Heads turned, as those nearest it froze absurdly in mid-dance. Then the Patronus's mouth opened wide and it spoke in the loud, deep, slow voice of Kingsley Shacklebolt. “The Ministry has fallen. Scrimgeour is dead. They are coming.” Chapter 9 - A Place to Hide“When you say you've got the Cloak, and clothes . . .” said Harry, frowning at Hermione, who was carrying nothing except her small beaded handbag, in which she was now rummaging. “Yes, they're here,” said Hermione, and to Harry and Ron's utter astonishment, she pulled out a pair of jeans, a sweatshirt, some maroon socks, and finally the silvery Invisibility Cloak. Q1 - Is Hermione the greatest or what?Harry threw the Invisibility Cloak around his shoulders and pulled it up over his head, vanishing from sight. He was only just beginning to appreciate what had happened. “The others — everyone at the wedding —”Q2 - You think everyone is safe?After a minute or two, Ron said, “You know, we're not far from the Leaky Cauldron here, it's only in Charing Cross —” “Ron, we can't!” said Hermione at once. “Not to stay there, but to find out what's going on!” “We know what's going on! Voldemort's taken over the Ministry, what else do we need to know?” “Okay, okay, it was just an idea!” They relapsed into a prickly silence. The gum-chewing waitress shuffled over and Hermione ordered two cappuccinos: As Harry was invisible, it would have looked odd to order him one. A pair of burly workmen entered the café and squeezed into the next booth. Hermione dropped her voice to a whisper. Q3 - How did the Death Eaters find them?“What are we going to do with them?” Ron whispered to Harry through the dark; then, even more quietly, “Kill them? They'd kill us. They had a good go just now.” Hermione shuddered and took a step backward. Harry shook his head. “We just need to wipe their memories,” said Harry. “It's better like that, it'll throw them off the scent. If we killed them it'd be obvious we were here.”Q4 - What should they do with these people?“It's no wonder I can't get it out, Hermione, you packed my old jeans, they're tight.” “Oh, I'm so sorry,” hissed Hermione, and as she dragged the waitress out of sight of the windows, Harry heard her mutter a suggestion as to where Ron could stick his wand instead. Q5 - Would you go back to the Burrow for your good pair of jeans?Gingerly Harry took another step forward. Something shifted in the shadows at the end of the hall, and before any of them could say another word, a figure had risen up out of the carpet, tall, dustcolored, and terrible: Hermione screamed and so did Mrs. Black, her curtains flying open; the gray figure was gliding toward them, faster and faster, its waist-length hair and beard streaming behind it, its face sunken, fleshless, with empty eye sockets: Horribly familiar, dreadfully altered, it raised a wasted arm, pointing at Harry. “No!” Harry shouted, and though he had raised his wand no spell occurred to him. “No! It wasn't us! We didn't kill you —” On the word kill, the figure exploded in a great cloud of dust: Coughing, his eyes watering, Harry looked around to see Hermione crouched on the floor by the door with her arms over her head, and Ron, who was shaking from head to foot, patting her clumsily on the shoulder and saying, “It's all r-right. . . . It's g-gone. . . .” Q6 - Are these good defenses?“But then you've got to close your mind!” said Hermione shrilly. “Harry, Dumbledore didn't want you to use that connection, he wanted you to shut it down, that's why you were supposed to use Occlumency! Otherwise Voldemort can plant false images in your mind, remember —” Q7 - Would Voldemort do this again and would Harry be tricked by it again?He turned his back on Ron and Hermione, pretending to examine the old tapestry of the Black family tree on the wall. Then Hermione shrieked: Harry drew his wand again and spun around to see a silver Patronus soar through the drawing room window and land upon the floor in front of them, where it solidified into the weasel that spoke with the voice of Ron's father. “Family safe, do not reply, we are being watched.” Q8 - Can you fake Patronuses?“More, Rowle, or shall we end it and feed you to Nagini? Lord Voldemort is not sure that he will forgive this time. . . . You called me back for this, to tell me that Harry Potter has escaped again? Draco, give Rowle another taste of our displeasure. . . . Do it, or feel my wrath yourself!”Q9 - Do you feel bad for Draco?

NOBODY LIKES ONIONS
October 19, 2023 – Steel Toe Is QUITTING! Angie Krum Readies a NEW Show, Keanu Is a SITTING DUCK

NOBODY LIKES ONIONS

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2023 240:34


On Thursdays, NLO gives thanks to the gods above for bestowing upon us a bounty of idiots to comb through. Angie Krum has been quietly headlining some of the crappiest Vegas gigs while secretly preparing to do a haircut show. You'll see. Keanu got shot at and showed the world exactly how to act like a helplessly marooned idiot. Stuttering John keeps coming for Patrick. Heather Gillespie thinks people are wearing skin suits and she likes cooking in her tent with a hair dryer, Chad Zumock is being paid a fist full of cash to talk to a psychiatrist this afternoon, and we will be here for it. ...

The Real Weird Sisters: A Harry Potter Podcast
Take Five, Take 4.7: Goblet of Fire, 30:01-35:00

The Real Weird Sisters: A Harry Potter Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2023 94:28


Alice and Martha are once again joined by special guest Shut Up Tim to discuss the next five minutes of a very Newell-that-just-happened five minutes. Fred and George have one of their characteristic brawls, Krum and Hermione share in some intense eye contact, and Dumbledore begins his evolution into the DIDYOUPUTYOURNAMEINTHEGOBLETOFFIRE Dumbledore that we'll be seeing before we know it! Please consider supporting us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/realweirdsisters New episodes are released every Monday and special topics shows are released periodically. Don't forget to subscribe to our show to make sure you never miss an episode!This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3296753/advertisement

NOBODY LIKES ONIONS
NLO LIVE: Steel Toe's CRINGE Show, Angie Krum is DREAMING Again! (August 14, 2023)

NOBODY LIKES ONIONS

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2023 233:07


It's Monday! Patrick hears some info about the Steel Toe Morning Show and their ninth anniversery party. Let's see how Aaron tells the story in comparison to the reports Patrick received about the event. Las Vegas comedians are running amuck since Patrick has been distracted by comedians in other parts of the country. Today we refocus on a couple of these nuts to try to bring some balance to our lives! Clench your bubble guts and join the fun! ...

Harry Potter and the Sacred Text
Silence: The Madness of Mr. Crouch (Book 4, Chapter 28)

Harry Potter and the Sacred Text

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2023 40:59


This week, Matt and Vanessa explore the theme of Silence in Chapter Twenty-Eight of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss the trio's uncomfortable trip to the Hogwarts kitchens, Krum's explosive encounter with Barty Crouch Sr., and Hermione's hate mail. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can silence be both oppressive and empowering? Thank you to Sully for their voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter Twenty-Nine, The Dream, through the theme of Intention.--It's two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars to join our Patreon for extra bloopers every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Super Carlin Brothers
Harry Potter: How the Weasley Twins Knew What to Bet Ludo Bagman

Super Carlin Brothers

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2023 21:13


This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp — go to http://betterhelp.com/super to get 10% off your first month. Go to http://meundies.com/THEORIES to get 25% off your first order and free standard shipping. Today J dives into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to finally reveal How Fred and George Weasley knew EXACTLY what to bet Ludo Bagman in Goblet of Fire.  Ireland wins but Krum catches the Snitch indeed… #supercarlinbrothers #HarryPotter #