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The Left want Trump's name off the Kennedy Center, but will allow Black Leftists to build statues to George Floyd.Get it all in, Leftists. Use whatever is left of this year to spread your fake news, and other nonsense. Because unlike other Republican administrations, this one is working harder than Leftists.You want to know why Trump wins? Because he has a PURE agenda. He's not trying to make money off Americans, at least not stealing it.His policies make common sense. Democrats underestimate him and the MAGA movement, because they are used to winning without effort. When you win without effort, you think you are impervious to defeat.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Wrap up 2025 with Mike and Orlando on the Pure Hustle Podcast as they share an inspiring end-of-year update packed with reselling tips, mindset shifts, and strategies for crushing it in 2026. Discover how discipline and grit transformed their reselling game, from building habits like consistent listing and sourcing to overcoming challenges in eBay selling. Whether you're a full-time reseller or side hustler, learn actionable advice on turning weaknesses into strengths, harnessing passion for long-term success, and using tools like Google Lens for lightning-fast eBay listings.In this episode, we dive into personal reflections on reselling highs and lows, including a massive War Machine miniatures score for huge profits, inventory organization hacks with Plano boxes, and eBay strategies to avoid greed and boost sales. Plus, hear why books like "Atomic Habits" and "Grit" are game-changers for building perseverance in your hustle. We also touch on real-life reselling updates, like doubling 90-day totals through consistent effort and navigating top-rated seller status. If you're into eBay tips, reselling strategies, or hustle motivation, hit that subscribe button, like this video, and join our Discord community for more discussions. Drop your 2026 goals in the comments—what's your biggest reselling resolution? Check out My Reseller Genie for effortless bookkeeping: [link to My Reseller Genie]. For more on building habits, grab "Atomic Habits" by James Clear or "Grit" by Angela Duckworth.#ResellingTips #eBaySelling #HustleMindset #2026Goals #PureHustlePodcast #DisciplineAndGrit #SideHustleSuccess Join the Discord and Partner with us via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/purehustlepodcast Sign Up with MY RESLLER GENIE with 15% off your first month for the best bookkeeping geared for resellers by using the link below and USE OUR CODE “PUREHUSTLE” all in caps: https://www.myresellergenie.com/?ref=purehustle Get a free $15 on Whatnot by using the link below: https://whatnot.com/invite/purehustlepodcast Get that Skullshaver using the link below and our code "Hustle": https://skullshaver.com/discount/Hustle?rfsn=6980222.2cfe107&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=6980222.2cfe107 Purchase bubble wrap from the best deal available ANYWHERE: https://www.americanbubbleboy.com?sca_ref=650095.KTEipe5MI4&sca_source=YouTube
Settle into a smooth and constant stream of white noise that gently masks distractions and quiets the mind. This steady sound creates a clean and neutral audio space, ideal for deep sleep, focused study, meditation, or calm work sessions. Let the soft and even tone surround you, helping your thoughts fade while your body relaxes. Perfect for blocking background noise and creating a peaceful environment for rest and concentration.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/asmr-rain-recordings--5347561/support.Lose the AD intros by becoming a subscriber!https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/asmr-rain-recordings--5347561/support
What is an evangelical, really—and is evangelicalism actually biblical? In this episode, Joel from The Think Institute makes a robust, Scripture-packed case that evangelicalism (rightly defined) is not a shallow, American invention but a deeply biblical, historically rooted movement. He walks through the history, four core pillars, and nine key Bible passages that together challenge Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholics, and others to take a fresh look at evangelical faith. Joel also shares how The Think Institute exists to help Christian men become the worldview leaders their families and churches need, and why he's stepping into the gap as a Protestant apologist engaging Eastern Orthodox critics and online “ortho-bros.”In This Episode You'll Hear About:Why the word evangelical has fallen on hard times—and why Joel refuses to abandon it. How evangelicalism is a movement, not a single denomination, and why Joel calls it “the most biblical form of Christianity” (without claiming to be the one true church). The historical roots of modern evangelicalismThe four pillars of evangelicalism Joel's response to the claim that there are few strong Protestant apologists engaging Eastern Orthodoxy—plus why Joel happily says, “I'm your huckleberry.” Live Q&A highlights, including questions about repentance, hell, worship, and whether Jesus is the only one who ascended into heaven.Key Scriptures in This EpisodeUse these passages to follow along or study later:Acts 17:10–12 – The Bereans and noble-minded Scripture testing 2 Timothy 3:16–17 – Scripture as God-breathed and sufficient Romans 3:23–25 – Christ as our propitiation1 Corinthians 15:3–4 – “Of first importance”: Christ died, was buried, and was raised Ezekiel 36:26–27 – New heart and new SpiritJohn 3:3–7 – “You must be born again”Acts 3:19 – “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out” Matthew 28:18–20 – The Great Commission and discipling the nations James 1:27 – Pure and undefiled religion before GodNext Steps for Christian MenJoin the Hammer & Anvil Society – Get weekly cohort calls, courses, challenges, and brotherhood to become the worldview leader your family and church need.
Quaranteam - Dave In Dallas: Part 8 Intruders! Based on a post by RonanJWilkerson, in 12 parts. Listen to the Podcast at Explicit Novels. October 26, 2020. Monday afternoon, Reena took lunch duties. Lunch was often individual or in small groups, but she really wanted a crack at cooking for everyone. She said it could be 'come and go' to still facilitate varied schedules around the house. Her idea was ramen. But, it wasn't just basic out of the package. Well, it was, but with a variety of add-ons. You could pick your flavor of ramen, then she'd prepared chopped carrots, nori, sesame oil, diced onion, spam, eggs (fried up for each bowl individually) and Korean red pepper powder that Jan had gotten added to the spice rack. Oh, Reena still cooked it up, but each bowl was individual, and made on request. When Jan came in for lunch, she laughed warmly. Beaming, Reena asked hopefully, "Just like mom would make?" Jan placed a reassuring hand on the girl's shoulder. "Not exactly dear. This is ore like what my Caucasian aunt would make when she tried to be authentic." Reena's face and shoulders seemed to suddenly melt. Jan stepped in beside the teen, wrapping her arms around her. "And the one time I made fun of my aunt for it in my mother's hearing was the last. She pulled me aside and scolded me for being insensitive, and ungrateful. Mom said that ramen was always about making something tasty, with love and what ever ingredients were available." Jan made a point of looking over the prepped ingredients arrayed on the counter. "And this is exactly what you have done." She kissed Reena on her cheek. "Thank you. Thank you for the meal, and thank you for reminding me of two lovely, caring women in my life." Reena hugged her. Then she got the specifics of what Jan wanted and got busy making it. Dave stepped out of his office and got two steps down the hallway when Lupie found him. "Dave, could I use your office and computer for a bit? It's kind of urgent. I was in the middle of some trades and my laptop died." "Again?" Dave chuckled. Lupie looked chagrined and rolled her eyes. "Good thing you have your software installed in there already. Just log me off and do what you gotta do. How long do you need me to stay out?" "Rest of the afternoon?" "Okay." Dave started to walk away but Lupie snagged him by the shirtfront and tugged him towards her. They kissed softly. They didn't hear the small footsteps approaching. "Oh gag me with a tamale." Both adults laughed too hard to maintain the kiss. "I do need to get in there," Lupie said. A quick peck and she scampered into the office. Dave knelt down and wrapped Esme in a hug. "And you, rascal, need to give it a rest. We keep a lot out of your sight because; well because it should be out of your viewing. So give us a break on the kissing once in a while, huh?" "Yessir" her tone sounded reluctant, but the grin was hard to suppress. She took four quick steps away from him before turning. "Dave?" "Yes, sweetie?" "Thanks for making mom happy." "Never have I ever; used a pay phone," Reena said with a wicked grin. Shawna and all the ladies over thirty took a drink. Dave first reached into his pocket, pulled his hand back out, and tossed a quarter at Reena. Then he took a drink. Liv busted out laughing. "One of Dad's favorite songs!" she cried as she cackled loudly and leaned a bit too far over into Mel. They'd been going for over half an hour. And she and Mel had pre-gamed. "Song?" Reena asked. "Pay phones used to cost a quarter to make a call. Early nineties, there was a country breakup song called 'Here's a Quarter, Call Someone Who Cares'," Dave filled in. Reena pouted, then stuck out her tongue. "Okay, Lupie, your turn," Jan prompted. 'Never have I ever; done the splits." Reena threw one back. Liv joined her, while Dave laughed. "That laugh suggests a story," Nessa observed. "Yeah, yeah," Liv replied. "I was; oh, about ten or so?" "Eleven," Dave corrected. "Right. Anyway, the girlie girl types were saying I was not really a girl if I couldn't do the splits. So I did." Dave cleared his throat. Liv blushed. "On top of the monkey bars." All the older ladies burst out laughing. "Well, that showed them!" Shawna rejoined. "And I believe it's Dave's turn now." "Alright, never have I ever; taken a nude or semi-nude selfie." Reena's eyes bugged out. She reached for her drink, threw back a slug, then covered her face with her hand. Mel, Liv, and Nessa followed suit. That was no shock to anyone. Jan doing so caught a few looks. "Nope, not gonna talk about it." Jan's face was as red as Melanie's hair. "Okay, moving on; " "Not yet. Someone hasn't drunk." Dave said. He looked at Becca, clearing his throat. "What?! I've never sent nude selfies. You're the first guy I ever got naked for!" "I believe you." Then Dave held up his phone and waggled it. Becca's eyes got wide. "Oh, crap, I forgot about that!" The young blonde blushed about six shades of red before reaching for her drink. "Oh, this I gotta hear." Melanie breathed. Becca hid her face in her hands, peeking between two fingers. Lupie laughed loudly. "Okay, you busted me out, so spill." Becca looked pleadingly at Dave, then shrugged her shoulders, giving him a nod. "Loops, you remember that very first day, when the vax guy came around?" Lupie nodded in reply. "And you wondered why Becca was acting all embarrassed after I told you I'd accepted you both?" "Yes?; oh!" "I told you she'd be the one to say it was okay to tell you what happened? She just did." Lupie just nodded in reply. "Uh, care to fill the rest of us in?" Mel asked. "So the CDC guy came around mid-September. He got to Lupie's house first. She sent him over here with a letter asking that I request her and Becca, giving her reasons why I should say yes. After setting things up with Arthur, I texted both of them that I would make the request. Becca replied with a selfie. With her shirt and bra pulled up. Still have it by the way." Dave winked at Becca. "Shit, we shoulda thought of that! Right after the video call!" Liv groused, nudging Mel. "Another missed first." "Becca was weeks before that call, so still first. Well, first amongst this group, not first ever." "Oh, yeah?" Dave dodged. "Old girlfriend, long time ago. So, who's turn is it next?" Thankfully, they let it slide. October 27, 2020. Dave descended the stairs to see Olivia, Becca and Reena watching a 90's movie. The two teens were making a concerted effort to take in as much of the movies and songs that Dave had grown up with, particularly the ones he had physical copies of. Reena had taken some adjusting to the idea of watching without streaming. Not that they didn't stream at all. Last night, Dave had discovered several of his partners, including Reena, hadn't yet seen Hamilton. That required immediate correction. "Wow, really? It's a great story, well executed, and it's historical. I mean, yeah, they take some liberties, but Miranda was pretty true to the essence of the characters." "But history?" Reena whined. "It's just a bunch of old white guys." Dave looked askance at her. "You're sleeping with an old white guy." Reena's face fell, and Dave's heart with it. In a soft voice, she said, "You're not just an old white guy to me." Her head wasn't exactly hanging, but she didn't meet his eyes. Fuck, emotional landmine triggered. Splash damage accumulating. Dave got up swiftly, without rushing, to stand in front of her and take her in his arms. He kissed the crown of her head as her face nestled in his chest. "I'm sorry honey, I didn't mean to sound so disparaging." Reena slipped her arms around Dave and took him in a hug. Several others joined in, circling the pair in their arms. "Reena, honey?" Shawna prompted. "The guy who wrote it had a vision to make the story more interesting than 'just a bunch of old white guys. Give it a try. I think you'll like it." As often happened, Shawna was spot-on. This morning though, the trio were watching Dave's blu-ray of Twister. "You know, we'll have to watch this in April. Before or during the first severe thunderstorm warning." Dave said as he rounded the back corner to pass them without blocking their view. All three girls chuckled lightly and accepted the kisses Dave planted on them as he passed behind them on his way to the library. Entering, he found Vanessa lounging with a book. He took a seat in easy speaking distance without crowding her. "So, how are you settling in?" "Pretty well. It's; so peaceful here. I really expected a house with this many people in it to be more chaotic. I mean, there's a fun energy here, and a lot of life, but it's; so soothing here. Thank you, David. For accepting me, for just; being here to match with." "I'm enjoying having you here. Beyond the obvious, I mean." Nessa snickered at that. "You've slipped rather smoothly into the family and already I couldn't imagine this place, or us, without you." "That's so sweet, thank you." "Maybe once the whole state's vaccinated, we'll get some normalcy and get out to do the usual family things together." "When we get some normalcy again, you ought to marry Lupie." "I should marry all of you." "No. No, I don't feel that way. Lupie does. Olivia does. And maybe Janice. Shawna too, she has it bad for you. Becca is still young and sorting it all out. Same goes for Reena and Mel. I don't share that depth of bond. I wouldn't want to cheapen what they have with you by sharing a marriage ceremony when I don't have that connection. I damn well better be one of the bridesmaids though" A wry smile crossed Vanessa's face. "I care for you. I love you. I love this family. I am not in love with you." "If it weren't for this damn serum, you would be free to find someone to have that bond with." Vanessa's eyes watered. "Don't ever say that again." There was steel in every syllable. "I may not be in love with you, but this is one of the best relationships I've ever had. I have more joy; not mere happiness; joy in my life now than I have had in a very long time. If the serum caused this, then Thank God and bring it on. I wouldn't change what I have right now for anything. I know you care for me. I can feel it. I feel it from each of the others. What we have is special and I don't ever want to let it go." Dave stood and walked towards Vanessa. From one eye, a tear rolled down her cheek. "I haven't felt this safe and accepted since I was a little girl that didn't know what emotional pain was." She closed her eyes, surrendering, hopeful, to what he might do next. Dave bent down, bringing his face to hers. He kissed each eye gently. He kissed each tear streak. He kissed her gently on the nose, eliciting a small giggle. He kissed her lips, softly at first, growing firmer as she responded. She broke the kiss and opened her eyes in time to see his eyes opening. She could see the tears watering them. "You're going to make me fall in love with you aren't you?" "No. I'm going to give you every reason to, and let you decide." Dave reached underneath Vanessa and lifted her. She wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him as he carried her. Olivia noticed them coming out of the library. With a small grin she began singing in a soft voice "Who; knows what to-morrow brings; in a world; few hearts survive ;” Dave tried scowling at her, but he couldn't get the grin off his face. As they neared the base of the stairs, Vanessa ceased her slow circuit of kissing Dave's cheek, neck and lips. "I think you better let me walk from here stud." Dave chuckled and lowered her feet to the floor. They rose up the stairs, side-by-side joined at the hips, shoulders, and lips. From below, they heard Olivia mutter "God that's hot." Reena Umm-hmmed her agreement. "My nipples are freaking diamonds right now." Entering the bedroom, Dave and Vanessa began removing each other's clothes, quickly, but without frenzy. They stood naked, at the end of the bed, kissing, holding and softly groping each other. Dave pressed in close and gripped Vanessa under the curve of her ass. He lifted her and tossed her into the middle of the bed. She squealed happily as she flew. Dave slowly crawled up the bed, kissing Vanessa as he went. He started by kissing the big toe of her left foot and proceeded down the top of her foot to her ankle. Then he switched to her right foot. When he reached her ankle, he continued laying soft, gentle kisses up her shin. Then again up her left shin. He avoided the backs of her calves, her kneecap and the inside of her knee. These spots were very ticklish for Vanessa. Becca loved the loss of control when Dave tickled her. Becca and Janice loved the counter play of tickling and sexual stimulation. Vanessa would mule-kick him through a wall if he tickled her. And be out of the mood. And be pissed for a few days. So no tickle-y He kissed his way up the tops and outsides of each leg. He kissed a wandering path around her abdomen, taking time at her belly button like a caravan merchant at an oasis. Vanessa moaned. Her belly button was one of her favorite places for Dave to play with. Dave began working his way upward again, kissing in a straight line that ran up from her navel between her tits. He looked up as he rose, seeing her eyes locked on him, hungry and happy. Pure joy radiated from her face. He reached the hollow of her neck and alternated kissing with light nibbling. Vanessa moaned again and shifted beneath him. This was another of her favorite spots. He kissed up to her jaw, across her jawline, to her lips. "Umm" Vanessa hummed as Dave settled in, his body pressing firmly against hers. He rested his weight on his elbows and knees (outside of hers) and took her hands in his, out to the sides of her head, their fingers interlaced. It was more sensual than sexual. After several minutes, Dave slipped his hands loose and moved lower for the next step. He broke the kiss. Vanessa whimpered and opened her eyes. She bit back a complaint about the end of the kiss, because she knew what was coming would be better. Dave kissed her chin, then her shoulder. He stroked the outside of each tit with his fingertips. He kissed from her shoulder down to the top of her tit. He kissed around her tit, never touching the areola. Then he placed tiny, soft kisses just at the border of her areola without brushing her nipple. Vanessa whimpered. His hand played with her other tit, likewise avoiding the areola. Vanessa squeaked as he took her nipple and areola in his mouth and suckled, flicking his tongue against her nipple. "Yes; ;” she clutched the sheets and writhed beneath him. It was delicious torture. He had her worked up and ready, but kept the foreplay going rather than enter her. One finger of his hand lightly brushed across her other nipple. Back and forth. Back and forth. Light pinch. "Oh, David, please baby." Dave chuckled. He met her eyes as he descended down her body again, taking less time than when he rose. He kissed her hip, then across her pelvis and down. He kissed her mound of Venus and descended with his mouth hovering over her labia, but not touching. He let his breath brush over her entrance. Then he pulled back further and kissed her inner thigh. He heard a strangled whine from above. He nibbled. He switched thighs. More shifting and squirming. Dave latched his mouth onto Vanessa's labia and suckled like a newborn. "Yes!" Her body lifted off the bed for several seconds. He flicked his tongue against her entrance before easing it inside of her. She let out a contented moan. He slid his hands along her sides and thighs. Dave lifted his eyes to look at Vanessa. Her eyes were closed in bliss. He moved marginally forward and took her clitoris into his mouth, massaging it with his lips and tongue. "Oh God!" her eyes flew open. Hands gripped sheets and pulled hard. Her feet lifted. Dave backed off, giving her a moment. He started crawling up the bed, over top of her. Vanessa pouted and locked eyes with him. Desire and need echoed back and forth between their eyes. Dave inserted himself into her wet, relaxed passage and slid forward purposefully. Vanessa issued a sound that was both a sigh and a moan signaling her satisfaction. Once again, Dave interlaced his fingers with hers. With his hands on top of hers, and all four hands beside Nessa's ears, Dave began to rock his body overtop of her. He held himself just low enough that his chest and ribs softly grazed over her erect nipples. With slow, gentle strokes, he raised the two of them towards ecstasy. Kissing softly, they communicated without words, just sighs, moans, and hums. Time stopped and the world fell away. Just two lovers wrapped in gauzy layers of lovemaking. Nessa's body trembled with anticipation for what felt like an eternity as Dave caressed and stimulated her, hitting all her pleasure spots just so, raising her gently to one delicious climax. He buried himself to the root within her as the dam burst forth. Her erotic writhing alternatively pushed him away and strove to swallow him within her. The oscillations of her wet passage seized his organ and sent him cascading over the cliff with her. Struck by the serum induced orgasm, Nessa clutched him tightly and howled her pleasure. When Nessa's grasp loosened, Dave slipped to lie beside her, holding her close. Drifting back into the conscious world, Nessa snuggled in close, draping an arm over him. "Hmm, so that's what the girls have been calling 'the full Dave', huh? I like it." Shawna's rotating early shift was today, allowing all of us to sit down as a family and finish discussing housing preferences. Mel came in from the kitchen once Shawna arrived. "We didn't quite get there last time, but with 12 or more people, we need a bigger kitchen." Lupie said emphatically. "Preferably with a double oven and a cooktop with five burners and a grill. Four burners and no grill is still okay. And gas, not electric." "Anything else for the kitchen?" "Well, an island, preferably with power to it, but with a cutting board top, and large enough for rolling out dough." Lupie paused, looking pensive. "Did I go too far?" "Not at all, that sounds great. Especially if I actually get to use it." Dave grinned back. Lupie smirked and rolled her eyes. "Oh, and one other condition; a nice big batch of tamales after we move in." Lupie's eyes danced. "Absolutely." "I was thinking," Reena said, "how about a backyard deck?" Dave interjected "Not really necessary. It would be good to have, but I can build a reliable deck. Especially with Livy involved. You can help too if you want." "If you can do renno, I may have work for you." Vanessa smirked. Dave laughed. "I still have a day job. Our house sure, but I'm not looking to make it a job. Oh, and what ever we get needs plenty of electrical outlets. If it's really necessary, I could run a few new breakers and circuits, but seriously, I'd rather stay away from that." Shawna looked alarmed. "Baby, I believe you when you say you've got skills, but I don't want you around one-ten, or worse, two-twenty." Dave returned with a scowling laugh, "That's why you turn it off at the box, dear." "Just be careful honey." "Yes, Peaches." That earned a laugh all around, as Shawna blew a kiss at him. Nessa looked at her. "Are you from Georgia?" "No, but my parents met there in college. Mom's from Georgia, Dad was just there for school. They raised me and my brother in St. Louis." "And you went there for your degree?" "Oh no. I knew I wanted to be a meteorologist since I was a young teen. I went to O U. With the National Weather Service center right there, I got experiences I could never have gotten elsewhere. Spent a good chunk of my upper-class and grad years chasing storms." "Sounds like a lot of fun." "Oh yeah." Nessa grinned with Shawna, then turned to Dave. "I have been asked to press the idea of the towers one more time. Not so much our immediate supervisor here, but the folks back in DC. Their argument is that it's more efficient." "Unbelievable." Dave managed to avoid grumbling. "You do realize that the same people that want to shove us into a shoebox are the same little hypocrites that scream their heads off when a CEO lays off workers to make his company more efficient. Both of them are promoting the math of what they want, ignoring what they don't, and neither actually gives a shit about the people they are using like pawns." Shawna, seated beside him, stroked his arm, a slight grin on her face. "Yeah, okay, I'll climb down off my soap box. But no, I do not want to live in an apartment tower. A neighborhood, sure. A diverse neighborhood sounds great. I'm not a fan of monochrome anyway." "Clearly," Nessa said. "Just looking around the room proves that." "I'm sorry, but the whole 'I know better than you' crowd pisses me off, whether it's the church variety, the lefty variety, or the old money variety." "Okay, okay," Nessa replied light heartedly. "I had to bring it up again. I've done so, and you've been quite clear. I'll get on the search tomorrow. It may take a bit, but I'm sure we can find something that meets our requirements." The conversation turned to other subjects, and the family splintered into little knots of discussions. Mel slipped back out to check on the meal she was making. Dave didn't know what it was, but it smelled really good. Well, he knew it was something with chicken. He decided to join Mel in the kitchen. "Hey, Mel, how's it goin'?" "Almost done." Mel turned her face to his and received the offered kiss. "Smells really good. Chicken soup?" "Chicken and dumplings. From scratch. I boiled the chicken earlier this afternoon. It's about time for me to mix the dumplings. After that, it'll be ready to eat in twenty minutes." Dave wrapped his arms around her, holding her close from behind as she watched the pot. "Perfect choice for a dreary day like today. And, I haven't had chicken and dumplings in a long time." "Well, I hope you like mine." "Oh, Mel," Dave said as he nuzzled his head against hers, "you know I like your dumplings." He traced the middle finger of each hand up her sides, pulling away before reaching her tits. She cackled, turning to face him. With a light smack on his shoulder she said, "You're an old lech," she stepped in for a kiss. "But you're my old lech." She waggled her eyebrows. Dave chuckled, resting his forehead against hers. Then the doorbell rang. "Go, I need to get on the dumplings anyway." Mel swatted him on the ass as he walked away. Jan was already at the door when Dave arrived. The soldier was just handing over the clipboard. Beside her stood a young black woman with her hair in several tight braids. She stood about 5'6", with eyes that appeared to prefer laughing, but bore the potential to penetrate obfuscation, a cute button nose and a bright red lipstick on her perfectly sized mouth. Large golden hoop earrings in her ears and tight black jeans on her legs were the only attire visible other than her thick coat. Given the near-freezing temperatures and drizzle that had gone on all day long, Dave could hardly blame her. The black handle and ribbing stood out starkly from the vivid, deep pink of her umbrella canopy. It looked thoroughly functional, and infinitely girlie; maybe a bit more Wednesday Addams than cheerleader, but that didn't bother Dave in the slightest. Jan handed the clipboard back to the soldier, who departed immediately. "Hello, my name is Janice, though I prefer Jan." She held out her hand, which was taken without trepidation. "And this is Dave." He likewise reached out and shook the lady's hand. "Come on inside. We were just about to sit down for dinner." "About twenty minutes," Dave supplied. "Mel; Melanie; is making chicken and dumplings." "Oh, that sounds really good. Especially with this weather." She pulled her roller case through the foyer and parked it just inside the living room. The ladies approached her, no more than three at once, and the early few drew her towards the center of the room as they greeted her and introduced themselves. Mel, having not taken a seat yet, exited to the kitchen again, reappearing barely a minute later. "It'll be about ten more minutes," she replied to the expectant faces that turned her way. Becca and Olivia immediately stood, heading to the kitchen. Apparently, it was their turn to set the table. The light conversations and sharing continued through the meal, interrupted only by nearly everyone asking for a second bowl (Dave had four, but made sure everyone else was done eating before the last two.) Of course, each family member took multiple opportunities to praise Mel for the quality of the meal, and the excellent choice for the dreary conditions. Dave listened in on the conversations around him, paying special attention to the ones involving the new arrival, Niki. Between his own conversations with her, he learned her full name was Nicole Lassiter, and she worked as the network administrator and network security administrator for a bank headquartered in Dallas. With all the losses, she was now over all computer issues that were not customer facing. Her little brother was still in college, hunkering down in the UGA dorms. Niki, her mom, and her dad each called him at least once a week both for their own peace of mind and to keep his spirits up. Niki's parents were recently vaccinated. Her mother had styled her hair before 'her baby girl' left for the Vax Center. The tight braids she wore were called a Senegalese twist. Since her mother was a hairdresser (not that she was seeing customers at the moment) she had extensions on hand to do her daughter up right. Niki's dad had just retired from road construction work, looking to open up a barbecue restaurant; right before the lockdowns hit. Dave also noticed a slight unsteadiness on occasion when Niki walked. It made him concerned for her well-being, but he wasn't sure how to bring it up without being rude. As the evening wore on, he noticed Niki making furtive glances his way. The next time she did, he made eye contact, lifting one eyebrow. She bit her lip and nodded. Dave rose from his seat and strode to her side. A few eyes followed them as he took her hand and led her upstairs. Dave guided her to the master bedroom. Niki quickly took a seat on the bed. "You know, I didn't ask you earlier: do you want to do this here, or in a separate room? Here, you're going to wind up with several other women in the bed as well. We still have a room you could wake up in with some privacy. Shawna and I use it sometimes to spend time together when she gets home from work, and she stores clothes in there so she can dress and not disturb anyone when she has an early morning shift, but nobody uses the bed in there." "No, here's fine, thank you." Looked pensive for a moment. And a little pained. "Are you okay? If you don't want to do this; " "No, no I'm fine, really. Well, I'm not fine, but you aren't the problem, not by a long shot. I pushed myself too hard this evening. I should have spent less time standing." Dave waited while she ordered her thoughts. "I haven't been completely honest with you, Dave. I only recently got to a point where I can walk without a cane. Over a year ago, I was t-boned by a drunk driver. Shattered my legs. It'd be a good bet that half the metal in this room, is in my bones right now." She let out an annoyed snort. "I used to run track. Even got a partial scholarship that helped me get my degree. I spent months in a wheelchair, and then a walker. After that, I moved up to those forearm crutches. During lockdown, I couldn't go to the doctor, so when I felt annoyed enough with the crutches I shifted to a simple cane. And now I've been walking without any aid for over a month, but it hurts like hell; and it's tiring." "You are one tough cookie." Dave said from the spot he'd taken beside her as she spoke. "I don't feel so tough. I feel beat up and worn out." Dave hugged her. "You want me to tuck you in and let you rest? We could do the imprinting tomorrow." "No, no I want to do this with you Dave. I just may need you to go easy. And probably help me undress." "Just to be clear, you're asking me to strip your clothes off, handle your body gently, and blow a load inside you?" Dave said with a hint of sarcasm. Niki giggled. "You seem man enough to handle the job." Dave answered her with a kiss, full on the lips, pressing firmly but with moderation. His hands drifted behind her shoulder blades. Niki responded, humming into the kiss and parting her lips. When Dave's tongue probed undemandingly, hers welcomed the visitor. Dave's hands roamed slowly, taking the first steps in learning the body of his newest lover. He enjoyed the feel of her in his hands. There was a looseness, as would be expected for an athlete that had been benched. Beneath that slight layer, there was a firm core. She was; exciting. And excited. Whatever she wanted in a man, she seemed to think Dave had it. Well, that and the serum had her amped up. Dave was finally getting past feeling guilty about that. Mostly. Dave started consciously directing his hands, seeking the buttons or clasps or zipper to loosen the neck of the tight black top she was wearing. Solid black panels with a black lace overlay stitched in at regular intervals. Finding the short zipper took no time at all. He next dropped his hands, seeking the hem of her shirt under her jeans waist. There was no hem. As his hands quested, he found bare hip, with cloth from the top still diving down her front and back. Just like a swimsuit. Then it struck him. He came up for air and play scowled at her. "You could have just said it was a bodysuit." She snickered. "Aw, where's the fun in that?" Dave kissed her. Then he gently shoved her backwards onto the bed. Her torso lay flat on the bed, her legs dangling off. Dave stood and faced her. Reaching down, he unbuttoned her jeans and lowered her zipper. Niki's eyes twinkled as Dave took hold of the cuff of her jeans and pulled them off. He missed the worried look in her eyes as the scars on her legs were exposed. That's because his eyes were locked on her trim brown legs. They stayed fixated on those lovely legs as he kneeled between them and began kissing her legs, first one then the other. All over her thighs, then, gently lifting, careful not to lift too high, he kissed her calves and shins. He lavished every inch of her legs with his lips and tongue. Niki moaned. Then she sniffled. Alerted, Dave brought his head up, locking his eyes on hers. Tears watered the bottom of her almond shaped sockets. "You make me feel beautiful again." "You always were." He kept his eyes on her as he kissed the inside of her knee. The kiss extended into suckling. He gave the spot a little nip, then moved his position by a few inches and giving the same attention, adding in a few strokes of his tongue tip. Niki's chest heaved. Dave could hear sobs amongst the moans as he switched to her other knee. He would have been alarmed except for the clearly cathartic tone. "Umm, David, please, I need you up here." With a grin, Dave worked his way, unhurried but not dawdling, up her leg, kissing and huffing hot breath on her exposed skin as he went. Reaching her fragrant core, Dave brought his fingers softly to the three little snaps holding the gusset of her bodysuit together. A gentle flick separated the two soaked flaps of cloth and revealed that Niki wore nothing underneath. The engorged, richly black outer labia of her nethers drenched in her arousal. Her inner labia petaled outward, yielding a peek at the pink interior. Dave blew one long, slow hot breath over her bare, quivering sex before latching his mouth on her. He suckled her lower lips as her back arched. Niki keened her pleasure while her arms beat a tattoo on the bed. "David, now, please, now." Dave shucked his shoes and quickly slipped his cargo shorts and boxers to the floor. In a flash, Dave was over top of her, dragging her up the bed like a leopard securing his prey in a tree. Niki's breath caught as he took charge of her body. The fire in her eyes was unmistakable. He kissed her deeply, then pulled away. With his eyes locked on hers, he moved himself to her entrance and pressed his cockhead just barely inside. The fluids leaked all over his throbbing cock touched her most sensitive places and set off a riot only attributable to the serum. Dave anchored her motions with his knees, pressed against her rear, but not enough to force her legs too far apart. "Fuck that was good." She paused for a deep breath. "Hmm, I'm all yours now Dave. Send me off to neverland, lover." Dave worked within her, slowly and gently at first, picking up pace slightly and a little more force when she signaled it was needed and acceptable. Her hums and moans continuously reminding him his actions were still mutually desired. His peak arrived and he shot hot ropes of cum with his cock buried deep in her, his cockhead brushing her cervix. Immediately, she shuddered, racked with the serum induced pleasure that forever locked her life with his. Dave held her in her throes until she went limp muttering "Imprinting; imprinting; imprinting ;” He rose, going to the bathroom to clean himself before returning with a wet washcloth and a hand towel to clean Niki. Once she was cleaned and dry, he snapped her body suit closed again and arranged her comfortably on the bed, beneath the covers. He placed a soft kiss on her forehead before heading downstairs to spend social time with the rest of his family. As he descended the staircase into the mild buzz of the other eight women happily sharing his life, his home, and his bed, Dave marveled at how amazing his life was. Chapter 10; Storm Winds. October 28, 2020 4:18am David's hand was halfway to the palmprint secured gun safe on the back side of his headboard before he realized he was even awake. With the vertical placement, and the; activity frequently occurring in the bed, he'd installed two Velcro loops to hold the pistol and magazine inside. He released the pistol and placed it on his chest before reaching back for the clip. Fortunately, only two hands and a part of one leg were draped over him at the moment. The four younger girls were in their rooms, leaving Lupie, Jan, Shawna, Vanessa, and his newest partner Nicole to share his bed. Nicole was one of the hands, and the partial leg. By consensus, the ladies decided she should get to curl up next to Dave for her imprinting sleep. Gingerly, Dave slipped free of his partners' limbs and slid down the bed onto the floor. Only then did he insert the magazine and work the slide. Flipping the safety on, he padded softly but quickly to the closet to grab a pair of shorts. He decided not to wear slippers this time. He might need the extra footing. Keeping close to the wall, he approached the bedroom door. With the door still shut, he took the safety off, but kept his finger out of the trigger well for the moment. Slowly, Dave eased the door open. Slipping through, he noticed a shape in the hallway, against the wall, at the top of the stairs. Too dark to identify an individual, the figure made the 'Join Me' signal his friend Carter had taught him long ago. He did not raise his weapon. Sliding along the wall silently, just the way he'd practiced at least once every year, Dave approached. Proximity gave the reassurance the lighting denied at a distance. Liv crouched in the hallway, pistol in hand, wearing only a light nightgown that reached most of the way to her knees. With a quick series of hand signals, Dave told Liv to follow at a distance as he prepared to descend the stairs as quietly as possible. Liv signaled back that she should lead, but apparently had no signal for why. Dave negated the suggestion, and started down the stairs. He reached the lower landing with no incident. His nerves had been raw as he got halfway down and the solid wall gave way to railing. Now he crouched on one knee, Liv a few steps up from the landing, but with good vision on the living room area, both of them listening. The nighttime chirping of mockingbirds was absent. No flutter of wings or rustle of raccoons, possums, or skunks. Out here on the wild edge of the metroplex, there was always something moving at night. Dave signaled for Liv to post up on the landing and then moved along the wall of the stairs, in front of the media center to the corner of the living room where the downstairs hallway started. He was now directly below the spot Liv had occupied when he first emerged from the bedroom. And just two steps from his secured gun closet recessed under the stairs and hidden behind a normal looking panel. Dave had only one twelve round magazine. Liv had purchased a larger safe and had a spare ten round magazine in addition to the one in her weapon. It was a bit awkward carrying it since she had no pockets, but Carter had taught a variety of firing stances, one of which allowed carrying something in the non-dominant hand. By the absence of natural sounds, somebody was outside. He did not know how many, or how they were armed, but he was sure they weren't here in the oh-my-god-it's-early hours for a friendly visit. He slid the cover for the pin pad open so he could punch in the unlock code. Dave heard a crashing thump at the door followed by cursing. The security door worked just fine. He didn't get a chance to smile though. The glass door at the back of the living room shattered from several rounds. Dave squared his body with the opening just as two men stepped through. The first man fell as Dave brought his weapon up. The second went down just as his head turned to his right to see Liv's position flanking their breach. Dave heard a tinkling sound from the entry. Someone was breaking the window in the front parlor. Now he was worried. The thick pillar at the free corner of the landing would give Liv scant protection against a firearm. Dave stayed low, stepping away from his corner. It gave him protection against someone firing from the sliding door breach, but he had no angle to fire into the entryway. With the furniture screening him from the glass door breach, he approached the arch between the entry and living room. Loud whispers drifted in from his right. The remaining attackers on the deck seemed to be hesitant about testing themselves against the defenses. He was straining to pick out words when a head began to resolve itself in the entry. Dave fired two rounds. The body fell. He held his position, weapon ready. Out back he heard an angry growl, "Hey, one of those women is my sister!" The reply was too low to understand the words, but the snideness came through clearly. As did the answering gunshot. What the hell is going on? They're shooting each other now? Hey, they don't need to be on my property for that! The fallen body in front of Dave slid backwards. Hands appeared from the foyer and the broken glass door, but they were empty. The hands gripped a pair of ankles of one downed man each and yanked them back to where the hands came from. This repeated for the second body near the glass door. Wet sickening sounds ensued, backed up by an occasional retching noise. Murmurs were heard. Someone said something about a marker and a bag. "David?!" Shawna's voice called from up the stairs. That wasn't the only sound from upstairs. Roscoe was barking his head off. Furtive whispers indicated some of his family were at the top of the stairs with Shawna. "Keep everyone up there. Open up the armory in the main closet and distribute weapons to the adults. Everything Lt. Malcolm Reed gave us is in there. Arm up and take defensive positions upstairs." That was a bluff. Hopefully enough of one to drive the attackers away. Dave was sure Shawna would recognize the name of the armory officer from Enterprise and catch on. The sounds from the foyer and back deck took on a hurried pace before Dave heard footsteps rushing away. Dave and Olivia exchanged glances, and then immediately darted their eyes back to the penetration points. This happened a few more times over the next several minutes. "Looks like we're clear." "Yeah, just stay on your toes." "I know. I grew up under the same guy that trained you, remember?" "Vividly." Cautious footsteps descended the stairs. "David, Olivia, it's Shawna. I'm coming down." Slowly, Shawna came into view, feet first on the exposed portion of the staircase. Her pink satin nightgown falling just past her knees gave her some coverage, but made Dave aware of the cold, damp air pouring in from both breaches. "Are you two okay? Is it safe?" "For now. We've got two big holes in the house, so maybe keep everybody up there where it's warm unless they're needed down here." Dave paused for a second. "Ask Nessa and Mel to look out the upstairs windows. See if they can spot these guys leaving, or lying in wait." Shawna disappeared upstairs, then came back down after a brief verbal exchange. Shawna came down to the lower landing and spoke briefly with Livy, giving her a hug. Then she came to Dave. She hugged him fiercely. Her voice shook as she said thickly, "For a little bit there, I thought I was going to lose you." "We held." Dave managed to keep most of the nervous tension and post-adrenaline shake out of his voice. By the look in her eye, Shawna wasn't fooled a bit. Dave led her to the beginning of the hallway, the cubby under the stairs. He whispered the passcode in her ear so she could unlock it. That had been the galling thing during the attack. His full stash of weapons had been right beside his shoulder, but he couldn't spare the attention to unlock it. Clearly, he needed to rethink his arrangements. Shawna handed out a thigh holster for him, which he only saw peripherally as he kept watch. The weight told him immediately she'd placed two pre-filled magazines in there for him. He pulled one out for a quick check. No use him having Livy's mags. "I go to the pistol range about every other month. Nothing fancy, but I'm a decent shot and I know the difference between ten mil and nine mil. What? It's a very satisfying skill to have, and a great way to blow off some stress." Dave chuckled and turned his head, with a quick lean to her and gave her a peck on the cheek. Then he stepped back out to his post. He felt Shawna walking out, so he moved to the other side of the hallway so she could make her way to Livy with the other thigh holster without crossing Dave's line of sight. She paused at his shoulder. "Dave, do you want the other weapons in there?" Dave thought for a minute. He knew which ones Shawna had to mean. He sighed, "Yeah. A tac vest and one of the MP5's. Tac vests should already have six loaded magazines in the pockets. Get two and give the other vest and weapon to Liv. Then find out if anyone upstairs has any weapons training. You said you shoot, how good are you?" Shawna handed out a vest first, which Dave quickly donned. "With silhouette targets, I can put four out of five rounds through the heart. Now, I haven't gotten to shoot since the lockdowns, but I was pretty regular before." She handed him one of the MP5's which Dave quickly slung over his head and shoulder, inserted a magazine he'd pulled from the vest and chambered a round, then safed the weapon. "Are those; ?" "Semiauto. Carter went to a lot of work to make sure we had everything we could legally have, but never anything illegal. They do have the integral noise suppressor. It was expensive as hell and took forever plus a mountain of paperwork, but it's all legal. At least in Texas." "God Bless Texas," she said with a gleam in her eye. Shawna gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before sauntering over to Livy, a thigh holster clutched in one hand, a tac vest in the other, and an MP5 slung over her neck. A second thigh holster, with a nine millimeter and magazines was strapped to her sleek, powerful thigh. Shawna handed off the gear to Olivia, then swiftly moved back to the concealed weapons closet. She was in there for quite a while before emerging. "There was only one more pre-loaded nine mil mag, so I had to load a few or just walk around with one. The second choice didn't sound viable." "Agreed." Dave grasped Shawna's bicep and pulled her in for a quick kiss on the cheek. She beamed at him after returning the kiss, then headed upstairs. Dave heard Liv saying something to Shawna as she passed by. An eternity and a short time later, two sets of footsteps descended the staircase. Melanie followed behind Shawna. "Carter and Liv both took me to the range several times. I even went to a tactical course once my aim was; acceptable. But only with pistol. I've never shot anything else." "Good enough. There's another thigh holster and pistol inside. What did Carter train you on? "Nine millimeter. He said it was so common it made a good starting point. Once with Liv, we rented shotguns at an outdoor range and I was decent with it." "Pistol will do fine. Shawna, help her get some magazines loaded. Has anyone called for police?" Mel swallowed nervously. "I didn't see anyone waiting in the back yard, but the deck;” "Yes?" "It's; disturbing. Dave, be careful." Dave nodded, as did Liv. Shawna spoke up as she followed Mel in. It was tight with two adults in there, but doable. At three it would have been cramped. "Lupie called. They didn't know how long before someone responds. They're stretched thin and the night shift is the least staffed." Wordlessly, she handed over a t-shirt she'd grabbed while she was upstairs. Dave slipped the tac vest off, donned the shirt, then the tac vest again. While he dressed, he spoke with his partners. "Fuck. Okay, here's what's gonna happen. You two take defensive positions on the stairs. One of you take the lower landing, one further up, just below the ceiling line. Then Liv and I will go out through the deck, and check the exterior all the way around." "I'll take the landing," Mel said. "I've had training with Carter, I should be the one exposed." "You sure?" Shawna prodded. "Yeah." "Okay, take your positions then." Dave kissed each one on the cheek before they walked away. When both had taken their places, Liv came over to him. Dave had one more instruction for Shawna. "Oh, and tell Lupie to call the police again, let them know we are clearing the grounds so they don't just shoot us on sight." Shawna nodded and crept upwards. Jan came down the stairs, bearing a pair of shoes for Dave and Liv, a pair of socks stuck into one shoe for each of them. After handing over the shoes, Jan headed back upstairs. They shod themselves quietly. "So, me on point?" Liv asked as she finished. "No, I'll take point, you cover me." "Dave, if anything happens to you, we're all in big trouble." "That's why you're watching my back. Otherwise, I'd go out there solo and leave you in charge here." "Like hell you would. I ain't some; " "I know you are capable, but I'm still going to shield you from as much risk as I can." Liv rolled her eyes. "Gee, I feel safe and offended all at once." Dave stared at her stony. "Are we done here? Ready to go?" "Shit, Dad really rubbed off on you. Yeah, let's do this." Olivia fell in behind Dave as he headed straight for the glass door breach. Both held their weapons ready, jutting forward with the strap taut around their necks and backs. Dave paused at the breach. "Off safe." "Roger." Dave examined the scene visible through the broken glass and the flapping curtain. Blood trails led out the breach from the various points where the bodies of the invaders had landed. He could see the legs of a few of them still on the deck. He turned his head to catch first Shawna's then Mel's eyes, nodded, and proceeded cautiously but swiftly out the breach. He swiveled right going out, knowing Liv would go left, just as her father had taught them for years. Each stopped at the furthest extension of the deck in their direction, scanning the deck and yard in a full semicircle, their backs to the house. There was no damage to the fence, and no apparent damage to the greenhouse or anything else in the backyard. The deck however; well, it wasn't damaged. The bodies on it were. Each had the pants and underwear pulled down and a huge bloody mess where the genitals once were. Blood continued to ooze out of the wounds, though clearly it had poured out initially. Dave signaled his intent to clear the greenhouse. Liv followed him. It didn't take long to clear. They emerged quickly, rescanning the backyard as they did. With Liv trailing, Dave exited the backyard through the side gate. The side yard showed no disturbance. In the front yard, they found the same gruesome sight as the back deck. Here though, they found an empty plastic baggie with blood spatter. And a few bloody fingerprints. The bag snagged under the heel of the corpse, ensuring the light wind was insufficient to blow it away. Dave and Liv finished the sweep, checking the other side yard, which showed no signs of disturbance. "I think we're safe, for now. These guys bugged out." "Yeah, but why did they cut their buddies' junk off?" Dave shivered, and not from the crummy weather. Well, maybe a little from the weather. He was barely dressed after all. "Let's get inside." Since the front door was still locked, they traipsed back through the side yard to the gate and came in through the broken glass door. "Coming in." Dave called before entering. "No sign of anyone out there." The relief on Mel and Shawna's faces was evident. Their shoulders relaxed slightly. "Can you two keep watch here? I'm gonna talk to the others, then we'll both get dressed, and then I'll call the police again." At the top of the stairs, four of Dave's partners wrapped him in hugs muttering their relief that he was still in one piece. He could see Lupie gazing at him, beseechingly as she held Esme close, soothing her. A loud bang against a door at the end of the hall reminded Dave of other necessities. "You better go let Roscoe out so he can see that we're all intact," Dave chuckled. As Olivia opened the door, Roscoe bolted from the room, turning only when she bellowed "Roscoe, Heel." That cut through his canine brain fog of 'defense mode'. He turned to her, sniffing as if checking on her condition. Liv knelt in front of him. She placed her hands on either side of his face and began stroking his neck and back while speaking softly, in calm tones. After a few whimpers, he started aggressively licking her face and putting his paws on her shoulders. Addressing his family, Dave said, "Liv and I need to get dressed. We need to call the police again, and we need to get those holes sealed." "Holes?" Jan asked. "Yeah, they busted in the sliding door and a window in the parlor. It's not quite as cold and miserable downstairs as it is outside, but it's close enough. For now, stay upstairs unless you have something you need to do down there. You can still run down to grab a book, or make meals or snacks. For tv, use the spare room that Shawna uses when she has morning shifts." "We could just use our laptops for streaming, Dave. We'll be fine." Reena added. She looked a bit bleary. To be fair, everyone seemed caught in some whipsaw state of alert and drowsy. Not surprising, given what they'd just been through. Dave patted her on the shoulder and kissed the crown of her head in appreciation. Releasing Reena, Dave knelt in front of Esme, who was showing clear signs of worry and strain. He enveloped her in his arms and held her close. "It's okay now, baby girl. We're all okay now." He held her, stroking her hair and back soothingly. After several minutes had passed, he loosened his grip and began to stand. Esme's arms immediately came up, wrapping Dave in a vise-grip hug. She didn't say anything, she didn't cry or whimper. She just clutched him tightly. Dave eyed Lupie, but she just looked back at him imploringly. He reached a hand out to her and she grabbed on immediately. He looked around at the others and saw the need for reassurance was still there. Olivia had already slipped into her room with Roscoe to get dressed. Becca, Reena, Jan, Nessa and Lupie all rushed to surround him the moment he waved his hand to 'bring it in'. Esme was wedged between Dave and Lupie. She finally relaxed her grip on Dave, and switched over to her mother. With a silent chuckle, Dave kissed Lupie on the cheek and slipped off to the master bedroom. Jan followed after him. "I thought I'd call the police and put it on speaker so you could talk to them while getting dressed." Dave nodded, then wrapped her in a hug and gave her a closed mouth kiss that was no less affectionate for its chasteness. Reluctantly, he released her and headed into the closet to collect some clothes. Jan dialed 911 as soon as Dave emerged. Police staffing was so low, all calls went through the emergency center. Long held habits are hard to break, though. Especially when those habits are codified in a manual. That's what they call 'procedure'. "911, what's your emergency?" "We called earlier about a break in. The people trying to break in have left, except the ones we shot," Dave called out in clear, even tones for the speaker. "Is anyone injured?" The operator droned, as if she been on duty too long, too many days in a row. "No, ma'am," Dave said. "No one in my family was hit, and the ones we shot are dead." "Are you sure they're dead?" "Yes ma'am. The guy that taught me how to shoot didn't teach me to miss. Besides, before they left, the invaders; mutilated the bodies. If they hadn't died from the gunshots, they'd have died from the blood loss." Dave was watching Jan's face when he mentioned the mutilation. Not the best choice, since he nearly fell over pulling on his cargo pants. It did allow him to see the flinch that briefly flitted across her face before she reasserted control. "Did you say mutilated, sir?" The tones were even, obviously someone that had worked 911 for years. Still, there were notes of 'oh shit' blended with 'what fucking else?' "I did." "Would you please specify the nature of the mutilation?" "The genitals of the deceased were removed." A short silence reigned on the line. "Could you repeat that sir?" The operator's voice sounded slightly more alert. Dave pulled his pre-tied sneakers on as he said, "the scrotum was removed from each of the corpses." This conversation was now added to the thick stack of reasons to be very glad of the distance between the master bedroom and Esme's bedroom. Lupie and the others had taken her there when Dave walked away. Between the walk-in closet and Dave's office, there was little chance sounds from the bedroom penetrated that far. "Are you certain the perpetrators have left?" "Yes ma'am, one of my partners and I swept the area; our yard anyway; and found no one remaining. All we found were the bodies that the survivors had drug back out of the house and carved up." "So the shooting happened inside the house?" "Correct." "I'm noting all this in the file sir. I'm appending this report to the prior calls your partner made requesting assistance. Since you are no longer in immediate danger, I am diverting the patrol response. They will get to you to you after attending to higher level calls." Even as she spoke, the woman's voice grew more exhausted, like a Walmart employee on Black Friday at about 3pm. "It's been almost an hour since the initial break in. Why has it taken so long?" "Sir, I'm not at liberty to discuss that, but I do apologize. I have no control over response times. I will dispatch a detective to investigate as well. Until then, please leave the scene undisturbed." "How long will that take? Can you give me an estimate?" "Probably a few hours, sir. There are very few detectives working night shift, so they'll likely hand this over to the dayshift investigators." "Hours? These guys busted in my sliding door and broke a large window in the parlor. It's making for quite a chilly cross breeze. And that's not even counting the blood stains and blood trails in my living room and entryway." Dave's voice had begun to rise. "Sorry, I'm trying to maintain a level tone here, but that's a bit difficult given what's happened and what you're telling me." The voice on the other end reached its most hollow state. "I'm sorry sir, I can't change those realities. Please understand that it will be three hours minimum before a detective would reach you. More likely it will be three hours before a detective is assigned to your case. Patrol won't take that long, but it won't be immediate." Dave took a deep, cleansing breath. It was only marginally useful, but it helped him keep his tone level. "And what is the longest likely time before a detective gets out here?" "Possibly six to eight hours sir." "That's; " Dave caught himself. And formed a plan immediately. "Fine. We'll be ready when the detective arrives." He hung up. Dave took a deep breath, staring intently at the far wall, fully aware of Jan quietly and patiently waiting off to his right. He rubbed his face, then snatched up his t-shirt and pulled it on. "Okay, let's meet with everyone else. I have a plan, and we can deal with this." Dave said as he stood. With a concerned look to Niki's slumbering form, he strapped the thigh holster in place and fastened the tac vest as he walked. The MP5 he slung over his neck and shoulder, then pulled around to his back. To be continued in part 9, Based on a post by RonanJWilkerson, in 12 parts, for Literotica.
*Listen to the Show notes and podcast transcript with this multi-language player. Summary “Creating a Pure Kingdom Atmosphere” explores how purity of spirit shapes the environment in which God moves. Each speaker emphasizes the inner condition of the heart—brokenness, humility, confession, and right motivation—as the essential foundation for maintaining a spiritual atmosphere where revelation, healing, and unity flourish. The episode stresses that a pure atmosphere is not something we enter; it is something we become. By refusing to relate to one another after the flesh, confronting our reactions, embracing God's dealings, and pressing on to know the Lord, we create an atmosphere where His presence is free to work in and through the Body of Christ. Show Notes 1. Purity Creates Atmosphere - A pure spirit purifies the environment around us. - The pure in heart see God (Matt. 5:8). - Jesus could not perform miracles among those who knew Him after the flesh. - We must know one another after the Spirit. 2. The Formula for Purity - Psalm 51:17: A broken spirit and contrite heart create an atmosphere God receives. 3. Entering a Pure Atmosphere - Humility and contrition open the door to God's presence. 4. Confession and Reactions - Confessing sins cleans the air spiritually. - Hidden reactions obstruct personal and communal growth. - Even small attitudes shape atmosphere. 5. Evaluating the Spirit, Not Deeds - True evaluation is the motivation of the spirit. - Past victories or failures cannot define us. 6. God's Loving Wounding - God exposes, heals, and purifies. - Hosea 6:1–3—He tears and heals. 7. Becoming the Atmosphere - By God's grace, we become the spiritual atmosphere for one another. Key Quotes “A pure spirit can purify the atmosphere.” — Dale“A broken spirit and a contrite heart: there is the formula.” — Pauline“If I react against someone, I hinder their growth and my own.” — Linda“All you can evaluate is the motivation of your spirit.” — Pat“The Lord can lance wounds and heal them—He can hurt you and bind you up again.” — Debbie Scriptural References Matthew 5:8 — Blessed are the pure in...
Công an TP.HCM vừa khởi tố, bắt tạm giam 5 người sản xuất và đưa ra thị trường hàng trăm ngàn sản phẩm dầu gió giả hiệu Siang Pure Oil, gây ảnh hưởng nghiêm trọng đến sức khỏe cộng đồng.
“O Rama, You should know that just as fish cannot survive when taken out of water, neither Sita nor I can live without You for even a moment.” (Lakshmana speaking to Lord Rama, Valmiki Ramayana, Ayodhya Kand, 53.31)
Shakira Biography Flash a weekly Biography.Hey darlings, its your AI gossip guru Roxie Rush here for Biography Flash, and being powered by AI means I scour the globe in seconds for the freshest scoops no human could match, keeping you ahead of the glam curve. Shakira, our hips-dont-lie queen, just dropped a bombshell this morning on her Instagram and Facebook, announcing three intimate end-of-2025 shows at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida December 27, 28, and now 29 due to insane demand, Miami New Times reports. Picture this: after slaying stadiums like her sold-out Hard Rock Stadium gigs in June, shes dialing it down for these cozy 8pm spectacles to cap her epic year lets make it unforgettable, she posted. Tickets? Poised to vanish faster than her exs excuses have your cards ready.Fresh off her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour wrapping South American legs with record-breaking Mexico City runs pulling 780,000 fans, Shakiras been a production beast. Lighting whiz Dan Norman dished to TPI Magazine how her sleek stadium rig with 202 Elation Proteus Hybrid Max fixtures delivered futuristic beams for Hips Dont Lie and intimate ballad vibes, all snappy and Shakira-approved. Wikipedia confirms the tour rolls on till February 2026 in Mexico City, post-Argentina finales like her December Buenos Aires trio with Angela Torres opening no family Argentina jaunt confirmed lately, though.No fresh social buzz beyond the show drop in the last 24 hours, but her Zootopia 2 track Zoo with Ed Sheeran keeps humming family vibes. Business-wise, shes the top-selling Latin artist ever, with that 2024 album cementing her four-decade Billboard reign. Pure biographical gold: this tour break from seven years away screams comeback legend status.Whew, Roxie signing off thanks for tuning in, gorgeous. Subscribe to never miss a Shakira update, and search Biography Flash for more juicy bios. Muah!And that is it for today. Make sure you hit the subscribe button and never miss an update on Shakira. Thanks for listening. This has been a Quiet Please production."Get the best deals https://amzn.to/42YoQGIThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
Are you wondering how shifts in the energy sector and commodity markets might impact your retirement income? In this episode of The Financial Hour of The Tom Dupree Show, Tom Dupree, Mike Johnson, James Dupree, and Clark Dupree reveal why oil company stocks are rising even as oil prices fall—and what this means for Kentucky retirement planning. For investors approaching or enjoying retirement, understanding how quality energy companies provide both income and stability becomes crucial. This conversation demonstrates why personalized investment management focused on individual stock ownership often outperforms mass-market approaches during commodity market volatility. The Energy Sector Paradox: Lower Oil Prices, Higher Stock Values One of 2025’s most surprising market developments has been the disconnect between oil prices and energy company performance. Oil prices dropped 19% this year, yet the energy sector gained approximately 3%. “This is the first time this century that that has happened,” explains Mike Johnson. “Typically the market prices those producers to track the underlying commodity.” This divergence reflects important factors that Kentucky retirement investors should understand: Policy Changes Create Investment Opportunities Recent regulatory shifts have created a more favorable environment for energy companies. Occidental Petroleum quantified benefits from recent legislation at $700-800 million for 2025-2026 alone. Combined with emission standard rollbacks, these changes have extended market expectations for fossil fuel demand. Integrated Oil Companies Provide Natural Hedging Major companies like Chevron and Exxon operate with advantages that pure drilling companies lack. They have multiple profit centers including exploration, production, and refining. “With oil prices in the upper fifties, that means for the refining business their input costs go down,” Johnson notes. “So that’s a more profitable line of business. It’s like a natural built-in hedge.” This structural advantage makes integrated oil companies attractive for investors seeking stable dividend income rather than commodity speculation. Lessons from 2014: Why Energy Companies Are Stronger Today The energy sector’s transformation since 2014 offers crucial insights. When oil peaked at $150 per barrel in 2014, companies embarked on aggressive drilling. By 2020, oil prices had essentially dropped to zero. “Through blood, sweat, and tears, they were forced to become more efficient,” Tom Dupree observes about the industry’s evolution. Today’s energy companies focus on high-quality drilling opportunities with strong returns rather than volume at any cost. This disciplined approach creates sustainable businesses capable of maintaining dividends during commodity downturns. Quality Companies Over Commodity Speculation “This is why we invest in companies that actually make a profit,” Dupree emphasizes. “What we’re trying to do is invest in things that make a profit and pay a dividend and do something that’s valuable.” Silver, Gold, and Bitcoin: Understanding Commodity Risk for Retirees Precious metals have experienced significant volatility. Silver mining company Coeur Mining traded at $8 in August, surged to $24, then pulled back to $19—all while silver and gold continued broader upward trends. Why Commodities Don’t Fit Retirement Income Strategies Mike Johnson explains why Dupree Financial Group approaches commodities cautiously in retirement portfolios: “Gold has no earnings. There’s no dividend associated with it. In a bear market on the commodity, the gold mining companies are gonna stop paying the dividend. In the context of retirement investing and producing an income, it’s just a speculative commodity.” While commodities can appreciate—gold and silver performed exceptionally well recently due to dollar concerns—their lack of earnings and dividends makes them problematic as core holdings for income-focused investors. The Free Cash Flow Advantage Chevron’s 6.8% free cash flow yield versus the S&P 500’s 3.4% illustrates why Dupree Financial Group focuses on individual company ownership. Free cash flow represents actual cash available to shareholders after expenses, providing more accurate valuation than simple price-to-earnings ratios. Companies with strong free cash flow sustain and grow dividends even during commodity weakness, providing the income stability retirees depend upon. What Kentucky Retirement Investors Really Need Clark Dupree, working with prospective clients, offers insight into what drives people to seek professional investment management: “They’re looking for a relationship. They’re looking for somebody to give them peace of mind.” This highlights the distinction between Dupree Financial Group’s personalized approach and commoditized experiences at large national firms. Transparency Over Complexity Many firms use complex jargon that creates client dependency rather than understanding. As Clark notes: “Sometimes advisors rely on codependent relationships that are not healthy. When you talk over somebody’s head, a client may feel disempowered without you.” The team emphasizes clear communication about portfolio holdings, investment rationale, and risk management. Every client owns investments in a separately managed account rather than pooled mutual funds. “We don’t own the stocks that we own and the bonds we own on our balance sheet,” Johnson clarifies. “We hold them on behalf of our clients. That’s the difference.” Specialized Retirement Income Expertise Unlike generalist advisors serving all investor types, Dupree Financial Group specializes in retirement investing and income generation for clients ages 50 and above. “Our specialty is retirement investing and producing that income stream for clients,” Johnson explains. “To concentrate on an income stream and mitigate risk. The byproduct of that is what the returns are.” Every investment decision centers on generating reliable income and managing downside risk. Total returns relative to the S&P 500 become secondary to these primary objectives. Key Takeaways for Kentucky Retirement Investors Energy companies can provide attractive income even when commodity prices decline, especially integrated oil companies with multiple profit centers The 2014-2020 oil collapse taught energy companies efficiency lessons that make today’s dividend-paying energy stocks more sustainable Commodities like gold, silver, and Bitcoin lack earnings and dividend characteristics necessary for reliable retirement income Free cash flow yield provides better insight into dividend sustainability than price-to-earnings ratios Separately managed accounts offer transparency that pooled investments cannot match Specialized retirement investment management serves pre-retirees and retirees better than generalist approaches Clear communication creates empowered investors rather than dependent relationships Notable Quotes from This Episode On energy transformation: “Through blood, sweat, and tears, they were forced to become more efficient. Everything from… the reason for that was in 2014, oil hit $150 a barrel, and by 2020, it had basically dropped to zero.” – Tom Dupree On commodity risks: “Gold has no earnings. There’s no dividend associated with it. In a bear market on the commodity, the gold mining companies are gonna stop paying the dividend.” – Mike Johnson On investment philosophy: “This is why we invest in companies that actually make a profit. We may not keep up with gold or silver that really moves up in a hurry, but over time we think we’ll outperform them.” – Tom Dupree On client relationships: “They’re looking for a relationship. They’re looking for somebody to give them peace of mind.” – Clark Dupree Frequently Asked Questions About Energy Investing and Retirement Portfolios Q: Why are energy stocks performing well even though oil prices have dropped? A: Energy company stocks reflect multiple factors beyond current commodity prices including regulatory changes, improved efficiency since 2014-2020, attractive dividend yields, and recognition that fossil fuels will remain necessary longer than expected. Integrated oil companies particularly benefit because lower oil prices reduce refining input costs. Q: Should retirees invest in gold and silver? A: While precious metals can appreciate significantly, they generate no earnings or dividends. During bear markets lasting a decade or more, they provide no income while potentially declining. For Kentucky retirement portfolios focused on reliable income, dividend-paying quality companies typically serve investors better. Q: What makes integrated oil companies better investments than pure drilling companies? A: Integrated companies like Chevron and Exxon own both drilling operations and refining facilities, creating natural hedges. When oil prices are low, refining divisions benefit from lower input costs. Pure drilling companies lack this balance and remain entirely exposed to commodity swings, making dividends less sustainable. Q: How does personalized investment management differ from large national firms? A: Large firms typically assign clients to counselors who recommend pre-packaged mutual fund portfolios. Personalized management provides direct access to portfolio managers who build custom portfolios of individual stocks and bonds in separately managed accounts, providing complete transparency about holdings and fees. Q: What is free cash flow yield and why does it matter? A: Free cash flow yield measures actual cash a company generates after expenses relative to stock price. Unlike earnings with non-cash items, free cash flow represents real cash available for dividends. Companies with high free cash flow yields (Chevron’s 6.8% versus the S&P 500’s 3.4%) have greater capacity to sustain dividends during challenges. Q: Why specialize in retirement investing rather than serving all investors? A: Retirement investing requires different strategies than accumulation. Retirees need reliable income, downside protection, and portfolios sustaining withdrawals for 30+ years. Specializing in clients ages 50 and above allows deep expertise in income-focused strategies and risk management techniques, serving this phase most effectively. Take Control of Your Kentucky Retirement Portfolio If you’re approaching retirement or already retired and want a local financial advisor providing direct access to portfolio managers rather than assigned counselors, Dupree Financial Group offers a different approach. Our three-generation, Kentucky-based team specializes in creating personalized, income-focused portfolios using individual stock and bond ownership rather than mass-market mutual funds. You deserve transparency about what you own, why you own it, and exactly what fees you’re paying. Schedule Your Complimentary Portfolio Review Discover how personalized investment management focused on dividend income and risk mitigation can provide greater peace of mind for your retirement years. Call Dupree Financial Group at (859) 233-0400 or visit dupreefinancial.com to schedule your complimentary portfolio analysis. Our team will review your current holdings, discuss your income needs and risk tolerance, and explain how our approach differs from large national firms. There’s no obligation—just straightforward guidance from Kentucky investment professionals who put your retirement security first. Explore More Resources: Schedule Your Personalized Portfolio Analysis Learn About Our Investment Philosophy Browse Our Market Commentary Archive The post Energy Sector Investing: Smart Strategies for Kentucky Retirement Portfolios appeared first on Dupree Financial.
VirtualDJ Radio Hypnotica - Channel 3 - Recorded Live Sets Podcast
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Dovreste essere grati agli esibizionisti!Anzi in parte li apprezzate, forse possiamo dire che siete classisti (anche) con gli esibizionisti.No? Sicuri? Mi fai vedere la tua cronologia…? Grazie a quale esibizionista ti sei procurato/a l'ultimo orgasmo? …ma non è mica solo questione di p*rno: gli attori delle vostre serie preferite cosa credete che facciano? Indossano su un palco le emozioni che proviamo tutti, introversi completi!Quindi, vi scongiuro: siate grati al malcelato esibizionismo di Roberta Sparacello (al mio ci avrete già fatto l'abitudine), perché è solo grazie a quello che avrete l'occasione di affrontare la morte.Io personalmente vi giuro che il suo coraggio non ce l'ho e il suo urticante ottimismo mi fa girare le pal*e… eppure che vi devo dire? Le sono grato…Solo per voi, in esclusiva su YouTube e Spotify, sorge la puntata più profonda (nonostante la confezione) di EGOriferiti.
I completed a purposeful ride–run–ride day, stacking short e-bike sessions around a steady trail run. I kept my heart rate low throughout, staying firmly in aerobic territory and focusing on efficiency rather than intensity. I used the Golf Course Loop run as a controlled endurance effort, letting it complement the rides instead of turning it into a hard workout. I finished the day feeling durable and composed, confident that the work supported long-term progression rather than short-term fatigue.
Read OnlineWhile they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:6–7 (Gospel from Mass During the Night)A loving mother and father who experience the birth of their first child receive insight into the sacredness and beauty of this scene. Though great mystery surrounds Jesus' conception within the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary, she was truly His mother, and He was truly her Son. Saint Joseph, knowing he was not this Child's biological father, made a profound act of faith by accepting that fatherly responsibility, as instructed in a dream by an angel of the Lord. Because of his faith and God-given mission, Joseph's commitment to being the father of the Son of God was one that only a most loving and devoted father would make. As we celebrate Christmas Day, we are reminded of the humility with which our Lord chose to enter the world. Jesus was born in a place where animals dwelt because Mary and Joseph were away from their home to register for the Roman census. At first glance, one might conclude that the physical environment, most likely a cave, was unfortunate. However, we can be certain that this humble and poor setting was part of God's divine plan, adding to the glory of that night. Christ, in His humility, chose this setting to reveal to us the true greatness of love.The poverty and humility of the cave and the manger—a feeding trough for animals—helped point to the sacredness of Jesus' birth. No glamor, no fancy or comfortable setting, only love. Pure love. The love in the heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the devotion of Saint Joseph, and the Incarnate presence of the Son of God were everything needed to make that night glorious.One lesson we can learn from the Nativity of the Lord is that the beauty, peacefulness, and contentment of our lives are not dependent upon how much money or how many material possessions we have, but rather on the purity of our love. The Holy Family's hearts were perfectly fulfilled, not because of their surroundings, but because of their intimate union with God in the person of Jesus Christ.The presence of the Son of God in that place of poverty sheds light on the true riches we crave. The true treasures we seek are found not in wealth, comfort, or possessions, but in the love and grace of God. The Holy Family's witness reveals to us that when we place our hearts in God's hands, we will be filled with all we need. Reflect today on that most sacred, simple, and humble scene. As you do, try to imagine how humanly fulfilling that experience was for the Holy Family. Jesus was wrapped tightly in swaddling clothing, and He was adored with the greatest affection of His mother and foster father. Mary and Joseph's hearts contained all that was necessary for profound gratitude and fulfillment. If you struggle with being fulfilled, learn a lesson from the Holy Family and seek to imitate Mary and Joseph so that your love for our Incarnate Lord fills you with all you need. My Incarnate Lord, Your divine nature, united to Your human nature, transformed that humble cave near Bethlehem into a tabernacle filled with the most powerful bonds of pure love. Please draw me into that sacred scene and help me to share in the love in the Immaculate Heart of Your mother, as well as the human devotion of Your foster father, Joseph. May I find contentment and total fulfillment in life by seeing You and loving You in every way that You come to me. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Gerard van Honthorst, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.
How the Celtics became an Eastern Conference powerhouse so quickly // Are the Celtics in a position to add to their team at the trade deadline? // Reacting to Jaylen Brown's comments about his "favorite" Celtics season //
Send us a textAnother super group from Dayton Ohio. 80s sensational super funk band ZAPP!
Show #2566 Show Notes: Christian Denominations: https://www.google.com/search?q=how+many+christian+denominations Victor Davis Hanson on Newsom’s reparations: https://www.facebook.com/reel/4250030428606284 7 Races of the World: https://www.bing.com/search?q=7+races+of+the+world&FORM=QSRE1 How many generations from Adam to Today? https://www.biblicalauthorityministries.org/2025/03/how-many-human-generations-are-there.html George Daniel Daubenmire: https://ancestors.familysearch.org/en/LJ1D-4LJ/george-daniel-daubenmire-1863-1959 Melungeons: https://backintimetoday.com/melungeons-the-forgotten-people-whose-dna-reveals-a-wild-ancestry/ Search for […]
Phil Perry talks with Brian Hoyer to get his thoughts and insight on the offense Josh McDaniels runs, and how it differs from other styles around the NFL. What has been the key to Drake Maye thriving in this offense?00:00 Getting to know the different offensive systems in the NFL7:00 Why has Drake Maye been able to execute what Josh McDaniels wants11:30 Why don't other teams want to teach QBs to read coverage?20:00 how many QBs run a hybrid combination concept?24:00 Hoyer goes to the whiteboard to break down the X's and O's
Imagine your work day starting off like any other only to find you've been laid off. What would you do next? Dave Stevens lived this reality a couple of years ago and joins us this week in episode 354 to share the lessons from that experience. We'll take you through how Dave processed the news of being laid off, the warning signs he missed, when he knew it was time to begin searching for a new role, how he thought about what to do next, and the critical importance of his personal and professional network throughout this process. Regardless of your age or the size of your professional network, Dave shares actionable suggestions for building professional connections that we all may be overlooking. Original Recording Date: 10-28-2025 Topics – Background and the Impact of a Layoff Event, Initial Forward Progress and Reliance on a Professional Network, Skills Gaps and Unexpected Positives, Elements of the Personal and Professional Network, Reaching Closure and Reflecting Back on the Lessons 2:27 – Background and the Impact of a Layoff Event Dave Stevens is a Field Solutions Architect at Pure Storage. In this role, Dave is a technical overlay for pre-sales technical personnel at Pure across North America. This is the role Dave took after he was impacted by a layoff. What was Dave's role before he was impacted by a layoff event? For context, the layoff event we discuss in this episode took place around 2.5 years before this recording. Dave was classified as a systems engineer or pre-sales technical resource at his employer supporting multiple account reps. It was more of a solutions architect type of role, and Dave highlights his entry into this organization and role was via acquisition. Was there an element of technical marketing to the role? Nick mentions that Dave often had to attend trade shows in this role. Dave had a virtualization background and went to a lot of events to discuss how his company's products integrated with those different technology ecosystems. The day Dave was laid off started as a normal day at his home office. His boss was based in Europe, so most 1-1 calls were usually late in the day his boss's time (early afternoon for Dave). A meeting popped up that was earlier than usual, but Dave didn't think anything of it. Right after Dave joined the remote session for the meeting, someone from HR joined followed by Dave's boss. Dave wasn't quite sure what to expect and didn't know what was happening. He didn't know if it was a layoff coming or some other kind of situation happening at his company. When Dave was laid off, they told him it was not for performance reasons, but there weren't really any other details provided on why he was being laid off. “So, at that point it was just like, ‘what do I do?'” – Dave Stevens, on receiving layoff news After receiving the news, Dave's access to company systems like e-mail was quickly cut off. He went downstairs and spent the rest of his day relaxing. Dave did not want to talk about what happened any further that first day. Did Dave struggle with separating his identity from his employer or the job he held at all when this happened? Dave says he did, at least a little bit. Dave wanted to be successful in whatever role he found himself, and the reason he was in the systems engineering role at the time of the layoff event is a result of his drive to be successful in the years leading up to that role. “I also wanted to make sure that…the people that I worked with that I enjoyed working with. If I didn't enjoy working with them, then there was no reason to continue staying there. So that's part of my identity on how I interact with work.” – Dave Stevens In the early days of Twitter (now X), Dave defined an identity there. He also created a personal blog. Dave says his identity was often tied to where he worked. “Once this all happened, I just kind of cut that off. And I needed some time to really digest what I just went through that day.” – Dave Stevens Is there something Dave wishes people had done for him when this first happened? Dave says he wishes he would have listened to his wife. Before experiencing the layoff event, a number of colleagues who had entered the company through acquisition like Dave were either leaving or had been laid off (including his boss being laid off). At the time, Dave didn't think much about these events. Dave's wife had encouraged him to look for other jobs before the layoff happened, and he feels he should have listened. “It's much easier finding a job when you have a job. There's not as much pressure on you. You can take your time and really find the job that you want. That's the one thing that kind of took me by surprise….” – Dave Stevens Did Dave's wife also point him in a direction or provide feedback on the type of work he should pursue? We've spoken to previous guests who had spouses that provided insight into the type of work that made them happy. Dave feels like there has been an element of this in place since he and his wife got married. When Dave got a job opportunity to relocate to the New Hampshire area, his wife had some interesting feedback. “It's great that you're going to make more than you're making at the job you are currently, but I don't want you to take a job just because of money. I want you to take a job because it's something you're interested in doing and you're going to be happy at. So, I've always kept that in the back of my mind every time I go and look for a job….” – Dave Stevens, quoting his wife's advice Dave considered this same advice when pursuing his current role at Pure. Because he enjoyed meeting and speaking with people during the interview process, the decision to accept the role was easy. Liking the people he would be working with was more important than a pay increase. 10:53 – Initial Forward Progress and Reliance on a Professional Network How long did Dave need to process before taking the first actions toward a new role? For the first 3 weeks or so, Dave relaxed a little bit. There were a number of projects at home that he needed to do and some that he wanted to do. Working on the projects helped take his mind off what had happened. Dave mentions he was given a severance for about 3 months and wanted to find a new role within that time period if possible. But if he could not find something in that time period, it would not be the end of the world. Dave tells us it was easier to find work when he was laid off than it is currently. Close to the time of this recording, AWS announced job cuts for up to 30,000 people. He made the conscious decision after those first few weeks to spend the first part of the day searching for new jobs and then continued working on different projects in the afternoons. How did Dave know who to reach out to first? Nick argues that most of us likely don't have a list of who we would call if something like this happened. When Dave came to the New England area, he started working for Dell in tech marketing. Through his work, Dave built a tight bond with many of his co-workers. Dave remembers sending a text message to many of his former co-workers (none of which were still at Dell) asking if they knew of any open opportunities. Dave wanted to understand what former colleagues were working on now and what the culture of their company was like. He started by seeking out people he already enjoyed working with and analyzed whether it made sense to go and work with them again. Was Dave open to different types of roles in his job search, or did that not matter? It had to be interesting work and involve people he wanted to work with or enjoyed working with. Dave says as long as it was something in the tech field, it didn't matter too much. Dave began his career in systems administration and tech support and had experience in the storage industry, with backups, and with Active Directory to name a few areas. He had also done technical marketing and was open to returning to it. Dave also looked at pre-sales systems engineering or solution architect roles. What about taking roles that moved him deeper into a business unit like product management? Dave says product management is interesting work, but depending on the company, the work may not always have the technical aspects he likes. Many of the product managers at Pure are quite technical, but most of the product management roles he observed at other companies were not as technical as he would like. “It just didn't interest me. It wasn't technical enough in nature for me.” – Dave Stevens, on moving into product management It sounds like Dave had done a good job of keeping in touch with people in his professional network over time. “I have always made sure to have a small group of folks that I can just reach out to at any time and…chat about anything…. I've always made sure to have that…. I didn't talk to them all the time, but we all interacted in some way, shape, or form whether it was an e-mail or text messaging…even some stuff on LinkedIn. We all kind of kept in touch…. I had people that I could fall back on and reach out to and get advice from if I needed to. This is the time where I really needed some advice on where to go to next.” – Dave Stevens Dave says he was lucky enough to find a new job before the end of his 3 months of severance pay. Dave's wife commented that she wasn't too worried about him. She knew he had a strong professional network. Did anyone in Dave's professional network ask him what he wanted to do next, or did they just start making recommendations based on what they knew about him? Dave says it was a little bit of both. Some people pointed Dave to specific open roles in the same group where they worked (still in tech, of course), while others directed him to the company job site and offered to act as a referral for him. Dave tells us he's very willing to give others a referral. “I want to make sure that people that I know and I like to work with come to work with me.” – Dave Stevens Dave says he also turned on the Open to Work banner on LinkedIn. While this did result in many recruiters reaching out to Dave, many of the opportunities they contacted him about were not interesting. Dave is hearing from many in our industry that bots are reaching out to people and trying to take advantage of them. His advice is that we need to be guarded in our interactions on LinkedIn as a result to avoid scams. 19:10 – Skills Gaps and Unexpected Positives What kinds of skills gaps did Dave see when seeking new opportunities? For context, this was roughly 2.5 years ago. Dave says at that time, AI wasn't as helpful as it is today and was not something that was interesting to him. Dave tells us he uses AI heavily today compared to back then. Dave felt confident in the knowledge and skillset he had built through years of industry experience. Ideally, he would land a new role that overlapped those areas, but if a new role required coming up to speed quickly, he would do what was needed. Dave started looking at public cloud and certifications related to Azure and AWS. “Although it was interesting, it wasn't really what I wanted to do.” – Dave Stevens, on public cloud technologies compared to the technologies with which he was familiar What were some of the unexpected positive outcomes of getting laid off even though it was difficult in the beginning? One positive, according to Dave, is the amount of people in his network he was able to reach out to on LinkedIn. So many people were open to helping. The only negative Dave thinks is maybe not acting quickly enough in starting his job search. “It's really about building not only your personal network but your professional network. And my professional network really came to my rescue and helped me understand that…it's not the end of the world. You're going to make it. You're going to do fine. But let me know if there's any way that I can help you in that journey that you're on right now.” – Dave Stevens Were there any things Dave and his wife had done (conscious or unconscious) to prepare for the layoff event based on market trends? Dave says his wife is very good at managing their home budget, and since they got married, they intentionally build a financial nest egg they could lean on in the event Dave was out of a job. 22:27 – Elements of the Personal and Professional Network What are some of the things Dave is even more intentional about now with his professional network than he was in the past? Dave received some great advice from a co-worker to reach out to one person in his professional network each week. Many times, Dave will do this on LinkedIn or even via text if he has the person's number. “Keep that personal connection going. As much as AI is taking over, as much as we do a lot of things on Zoom, I've learned over my years of working in the industry that there's nothing better than the face-to-face interaction…. It's so much more fun and relaxing to just get out of the office or home office…and just sit down with people and keep that personal connection going.” – Dave Stevens Dave mentions he likes to get together with co-workers in the area every now and then, even if they have the same conversation in person that they would have had on Zoom. It's different and more relaxing. How can younger listeners who may be trying to break into the industry build a professional network when they might not have a deep contact list or large network like someone in the industry for a long time? Nick and Dave talked about this before hitting record and thought it could be helpful to share during our discussion. Dave has a newfound perspective on this from being around his nephews and nieces. The job market is very different today than when Dave first began his career. “Nowadays, resumes just go into a black hole, and you don't necessarily know if you're still in the mix for a current job.” – Dave Stevens Dave has encouraged his nephews and nieces to leverage their personal network to build a professional network. He may know someone who knows someone in the field they want to pursue, for example. “There's no shame or harm in utilizing all your resources…. Utilize your personal network because you don't have the professional network built up yet to help you get that foot in the door.” – Dave Stevens Young people could even use their parents as a way to broaden their own network. It's an opportunity to get introduced to others. Dave uses the example of a chance meeting at a concert that could result in a new connection for someone. Nick would encourage younger listeners to get out to in-person meetup groups on any interesting topic. Go ask people what they are learning, why they work where they work, how they got there, and see if they have advice for you. Dave agrees and has leveraged both local professional groups and meetup groups in the New Hampshire area to meet new people. This is expanding your local professional network as Dave calls it (not to be confused with your global professional network) and is a great thing to do when you move to a new place. You never know when a conversation at a local meetup might help you get a warm lead on a job that will be posted soon. Did the layoff come up in interviews at all? How did Dave handle that? Dave says some people brought it up. In other cases, he brought it up in conversation, wanting people to know he was not let go for doing something wrong. 28:22 – Reaching Closure and Reflecting Back on the Lessons How did Dave know he had reached closure on the layoff situation? Dave thinks he was motivated to take action toward finding a job due to a fear of boredom. He had been working on various projects but knew he would run out of them at some point. Dave had enough time to adjust to not having a job, and he was ready to begin doing some kind of work again. “I didn't want to get bored. I hate being bored. I hate being bored at work. I hate being bored in general. That's really what the impetus was for me to go out and start looking…that fear of relaxing for too long and being bored.” – Dave Stevens At this point Dave reached further into his professional network beyond that first group of friends and former colleagues he mentioned earlier. Does taking action in a direction mean we're ready to move on from what happened? Is it when we have to discuss what happened in an interview, or is it something else? How do we measure this? Dave says it was easier to accept and felt mostly behind him when he was actively looking for a new position. He knew only he could take the actions to move forward. The feeling of what happened before went completely away when Dave accepted a new job at Pure. Dave feels he was very lucky to find a role. Lining up multiple interviews gave Dave momentum and a feeling of positivity. “I feel that people understand that I have the skills for these jobs. Otherwise, I wouldn't have gotten 5 job interviews as quickly after I really started taking action to look for a job. So, I got lucky.” – Dave Stevens If Dave had to do it all again, what would he do differently? Dave feels he has about 10 more years left working in the tech industry. For now, Dave enjoys the job he has, wants to excel doing it, and wants to continue growing. Dave currently works for the best boss he's had to date. “He not only pushes me, but he pushes our entire team to just get better….” – Dave Stevens, on his current manager Dave tells us he does not want to be a people manager or a product manager. “I want to continue to excel and expand my depth of knowledge across the virtualization industry and the storage industry.” – Dave Stevens The work at Pure is very interesting to Dave, which is also motivating him to continue learning and excelling. Part of this is using more AI-focused tooling as it becomes available to use. What does Dave think the role of AI tools is in helping with one's job search? There are a number of tools out there we can leverage to analyze our resume. Dave suggests keeping track of which tool we've used to analyze our resume because that could be used to train a model. In addition to this, use AI to research companies. Use them to help you understand what companies are like and what their culture is like. Many people in a sales role within Pure, for example, use an AI tool of some kind to learn more about their customers. Nick reiterates the nuances of acquisitions. Dave worked for a company that was acquired by another company. Over time there was a pattern of people from the company which was acquired being laid off. Perhaps this is a sign we should watch for and prepare. Dave says we need to be looking at and listening for the signs coming toward us. He listens to his wife more intently when she makes a suggestion. Dave continues to check in with people in his professional network and offers advice when they need it. Dave would encourage all of us to use our personal and professional network if we end up in the situation he was in (experiencing a layoff). “Not everybody is going to be able to help you or is willing to reach out and help you, but when someone does…don't just brush it aside as they want something out of this. They probably genuinely want to help you. So, take advantage….” – Dave Stevens If you want to follow up with Dave on this conversation, Connect with Dave on LinkedIn Check out Dave's blog site Mentioned in the Outro The three week period Dave took to work on projects may have been what gave him the clarity on the type of work he did and did not want to do once he began his search. Dave mentions getting some great advice from his wife and her emphasis on him pursuing roles that would make him happy and be enjoyable work. This echoes something similar to what Brad Christian shared in Episode 264 – Back to Basics: Technology Bets and Industry Relationships with Brad Christian (2/2) when it came to choosing what to do next after a layoff. If you enjoyed this format and want to hear other stories of people recounting their layoff experience, check out these episodes featuring Jason Gass. He talks about the lost art of supporting others in episode 343, which aligns very well with Dave's advice on building our personal and professional network. Episode 342 – Planting Seeds: Networking and Maneuvering Unexpected Job Loss with Jason Gass (1/2) Episode 343 – The Lost Art: Marketplace Heartbeat and Finding Closure after a Layoff with Jason Gass (2/2) Contact the Hosts The hosts of Nerd Journey are John White and Nick Korte. E-mail: nerdjourneypodcast@gmail.com DM us on Twitter/X @NerdJourney Connect with John on LinkedIn or DM him on Twitter/X @vJourneyman Connect with Nick on LinkedIn or DM him on Twitter/X @NetworkNerd_ Leave a Comment on Your Favorite Episode on YouTube If you've been impacted by a layoff or need advice, check out our Layoff Resources Page. If uncertainty is getting to you, check out or Career Uncertainty Action Guide with a checklist of actions to take control during uncertain periods and AI prompts to help you think through topics like navigating a recent layoff, financial planning, or managing your mindset and being overwhelmed.
God has given us His peace, His righteousness and has reconnected us to Him. His intention is for there to never be a separation or break in our relationship. And it is so. He keeps this relationship. We experience by our choice to do so – every moment. Think about this as you listen today.Daylight Meditations is a daily podcast from CFO North America. Please visit CFONorthAmerica.org to learn more about our retreats, and online courses. If you are encouraged by this podcast, please consider supporting us. Contributors: Michelle DeChant, Nancy Holland and Adam Maddock
Miracles Beyond Necessity : Tapping Into Pure Infinite Love. The Secret of Zos Chanukah.
The Sports Chasers Monday Night Football Blitz – Episode 457 dives deep into college football playoff flaws, NFL parity, quarterback development, and stadium politics.The crew debates separate championships for Group of Five teams, breaks down Week 16 NFL results, and explains how teams use relocation threats to secure public funding. Insightful, direct, and unbiased sports talk for real fans.
Send us a textCorrie-Beth Lipowski is a returning guest on our show! Be sure to check out her appearances on episode 507 and 715 of Boundless Body Radio!Corrie-Beth Lipowski, along with her awesome husband Mike, are the owners of the PURE PHYSIQUE franchise, which Mike opened in 2007. A few years later Corrie-Beth, who was a client at the time, underwent her own transformation following PURE's time-efficient fitness mode, and wound up losing 30 lbs. after years of unsuccessful dieting and exercise.Mike broke his personal rule of "never date a client"—for the first and only time in his career— and the two were married, and Corrie-Beth left her teaching career to join Mike in a fitness career. Together with an amazing team, PURE has since grown into a fitness studio franchise and an internationally renowned coaching program.She is also the co-author of the recent book SHE Nailed It: Inspiring Stories of Going from Valley to Victory!They are the hosts of the That Fitness Couple Podcast, where they share the lessons they've learned on the way to achieving healthy hormonal balance, high energy, mental clarity, peace, and a lean, strong body. They are also joined by top professionals and experts in these areas to help you achieve your best health!Find Corrie-Beth at-https://purephysique.com/Amazon- SHE Nailed It: Inspiring Stories of Going from Valley to Victory!Podcast- That Fitness Couple PodcastIG- @pure.physiqueIG- @corriebeth.lipowskiFind Boundless Body at- myboundlessbody.com Book a session with us here!
This episode surrounds you with a smooth and even blanket of sound that never changes. The steady noise creates a calm space that blocks distractions and helps your mind rest. You can imagine a soft, constant hum filling the room, giving you a stable background for sleep, study, or deep focus. The gentle flow of white noise makes it easy to drift into a peaceful state and stay there for as long as you need.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/asmr-rain-recordings--5347561/support.Lose the AD intros by becoming a subscriber!https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/asmr-rain-recordings--5347561/support
This week, Jemma and Kirk get ready to celebrate the holidays with games - what are we playing? What's on our wishlist? And WOW there's a huge sale on right now to tempt us! We also take another look at Metroid Prime 4 - how are sales going? You can also check out our review on our website. We check out some other fun news from Team Cherry and Massive Monster about exciting DLC for 2026 for Hollow Knight: Silksong and Cult of the Lamb. Plus, we're playing the likes of the Final Fantasy VII Remake demo, Red Dead Redemption, A Game About Digging a Hole and The Legend of Heroes: Trails beyond the Horizon demo.
De beursweek staat weer voor de deur, al is het maar een halve. Vanwege de Kerstdagen zijn de beurzen dicht na woensdagmiddag. Toch zijn er nog wel wat dingen die je in de gaten kunt houden. We horen hoe hard de Amerikaanse economie is gegroeid en er komt een herschikking van de AEX. Just Eat Takeaway is vertrokken als AEX-bedrijf, tegelijkertijd kwam Magnum er weer bij. Of er nog meer verandert horen we morgen al. Maar Errol Keyner van de VEB maakt zich vooral druk over de beoogde overname van OCI. Als dat doorgaat, verdwijnt OCI van de Amsterdamse beurs en wordt het opgeslokt door een bedrijf met een notering in Abu Dhabi, waarmee het vrijwel onbereikbaar is voor Nederlandse beleggers. 'Pure diefstal', zegt Errol, die er woest over is. In Beurs in Zicht stomen we je klaar voor de beursweek die je tegemoet gaat. Want soms zie je door de beursbomen het beursbos niet meer. Dat is verleden tijd! Iedere week vertelt een vriend van de show waar jouw focus moet liggen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hello everyone—Carlos here, taking a few audio notes before I properly hit record. I'll be filming the show later today on an epic summit run, hands free, with a point-and-shoot camera strapped to my chest. Douglas Creek is in full storm-surge mode this morning, swollen and loud, the kind of water that demands a photo or two for context. All of this is just note-taking for now, setting the scene before the actual program begins up near the resort.The sun is out, fifteen minutes in, hydration check done, and I'm heading toward Ash Road on the west side of the creek, trying to stay relaxed and honest in Zone 2. This route took me about an hour and fifteen last summer, and there's no need to rush it today. A brief stop, a drink, a friendly exchange with a fellow trail traveler and her dog, and a reminder that the mountain always introduces you to someone—or something—unexpected.That's enough notes for now. Time to stop talking, start climbing, and let the summit do the rest.
MIRACLES FOR YOU Sondra Ray & Markus Ray on A Course in Miracles
MARKUS shares with SONDRA the prayer from Lesson is #189 tat starts with "not knowing." This is a "not knowing" that is Sacred, that is Holy, that is Right On. The Divine Guidance is pure. We can follow in the directions given to us. The means ae Pure and Providence gives us what we need for our Holy Mission to unfold perfectly. We are humbled by this Lesson and the sharing of this Podcast.
OpeningHolidays! . Cats and Dogs and Family. Happy Holidays. New Cat named Timmy. Pure trouble and pure JOY! Coinbase Fraud. Called with automated message asking if I attempted to change my “email contact”. If “no” they said press #1 or otherwise hangup. So I press 1. Some dude is on the line. Says he needs my first and last name to help. I ask him, “how do I even know if you're real…How do I know you're Coinbase?”. He hangs up!!! OMG! Startup InvestingRule #1: Be comfortable losing all the money. Might sting, but should not cause you to lose sleep!MarketsInvestments for our kids! Brad Gerstner and Michael Dell at White House. Fed Regulation of AI. To prevent a 50 state patchwork, onerous system. Bernie Sanders and other Dems calling for a “halt” on AI and Datacenters!!Markets S&P 500AppleApple head of AI retiring. Apple could partner with Gemini. Also, tech is getting so good that Apple will offer privacy! NetflixNetflix back in pole-position. I think this is “Good”Turnkey studio and ICONIC space. IP. Harry Potter, DC Comics, Game of Thrones, Matrix, Sopranos, Succession, Lord of the Rings. BarbieHBO! TeslaTesla AI ChipsTesla AI Chip and Advanced Engineering from Elon. Elon tweeing/xing tried and trying to help legacy automakers, but they want a pilot program that starts in like 5 years!This video of Optimus jogging is insane. Should double the market cap! TSLZSpaceXWhen Starship is launching several times a day in a few years, SpaceX will be ~99% of all Earth payload mass to orbit, even if the others triple their current launch rate. https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1994518037614268565?s=51&t=YUkdoBz4yNifBaQlQUp3-gDrugsDrug TradePolitics https://open.spotify.com/episode/65oG0YARECbXnFCbv2PTZpDavid Sacks is a highly successful business person that is serving our government well and we should all be thankful.From Chamath on the Topic. Tim Waltz Fraud. String on X and And another oneCalifornia Budget Crisis - Wealth Tax200 billionaires are on Zillow right now! RecommendationsMolly's Game (interview on All-In). Movie: The Spy Who Dumped Me. Bill Gurley on ferrisSean RYan Show with Tobi Ludke and JockoEthan Hawk
In Episode 235, Love's Pure Light, I'm sharing the Christmas message that has been resting on my heart this year—one centered on light, love, Jesus Christ, hope, burdens made light, and the unique divine light within you. As I've rehearsed with Millennial Choirs and Orchestras this season, one lyric from Silent Night has stayed with me: "Son of God, love's pure light." This episode explores what that really means for missionaries, returned missionaries, and families navigating the highs and lows of December. We'll talk about light as a noun, light as an adjective, and light as a verb, and how Christ's light continues to guide, lift, and illuminate our personal paths. I also dive into how your own divine light—your gifts, traits, personality, and spiritual DNA—are meant to shine, not shrink. Christmas can be heavy. Expectations run high. Darkness feels real. But the beauty of Christ's birth is that His light not only fills the world, it fills you. We explore how to receive His light, share it, lighten burdens (your own and others'), reconnect with joy, and allow yourself to shine in the unique way Heavenly Parents designed you to shine. My hope is that this episode gives you a moment of peace, clarity, and warmth during the holiday rush. Whether you're navigating missionary work, coming home from the mission, preparing to leave, or holding down the fort as a missionary mama — may you feel loved, lifted, and lit from within by love's pure light. As always, if you found this episode helpful, I want to invite you to subscribe if you aren't already, share this episode with your friends and missionaries you know, and write a review. I know this work will help LDS missionaries around the world and it would mean so much to me if you did. Until next week my friends. Website | Instagram | Facebook 5 Ways to Process Any Less-Than Happy Mission Memories Article: HERE Get the Full Show Notes and Text/PDF Transcripts: HERE Free PDF Download: Podcast Roadmap Free PDF Download: Preparing Missionary Cheat Sheet Free Training for Preparing Missionaries: Change Your Mission with this One Tool RM Transition Free Video Series: 3 Tools to Help RMs in Their Transition Home Free Guide: 5 Tips to Help Any Returning Missionary Schedule a Free Strategy Call: Click Here
Pure Sushi has been a North Scottsdale staple for years, serving up fresh rolls and flavorful Asian fare. Recently, they wrapped up a major renovation — with the help of Arizona Restaurant Consulting, today's episode sponsor. We're joined by Greg, one of the owners of Pure Sushi, and Justin, founder of AZRC, to talk about the renovation process: what worked, what didn't, and how they tackled challenges along the way. And if you haven't yet, check out Part 1 of this conversation from September to hear how the project kicked off! . subscribe to our magazine: https://www.atasteofaz.com/subscribe a taste of az instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ATasteOfAZ/ a taste of az facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ATasteOfAZ/ a taste of az tik tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@atasteofaz
What we think about we become. Where we put our attention, what we dwell on in our thoughts guides our actions and decisions. May we remember the power of words, the strength of consistent intentions and the importance of right choices.Daylight Meditations is a daily podcast from CFO North America. Please visit CFONorthAmerica.org to learn more about our retreats, and online courses. If you are encouraged by this podcast, please consider supporting us. Contributors: Michelle DeChant, Nancy Holland and Adam Maddock
The boys are BACK talking past week of games, we claimed a player, trade targets? Stadium series jersey reveal, Bruins christmas wishlist ++ PLENTY more . Make sure to follow us on twitter @OnlyBruinsPod @DowntownBoosy2 @BrettHoward_ @BobbieBrewski. Follow us on tiktok @onlybruinsFollow us on instagram @OnlyBruins_Follow us on Youtube @OnlybruinspodcastMake sure to check out our Pure hockey link and get the best hockey gear out there! https://alnk.to/bisa9vc
Tracklist: 01:52 | 01. KELTEK – JUMP 04:14 | 02. Project One – The Upside Down 06:42 | 03. Wildstylez ft. Amanda Collis – Never Back Down 10:00 | 04. KELTEK – Valkyries (Defqon.1 2022 Edit) 13:15 | 05. D-Charged & Serzo – No Escape 15:44 | 06. Frontliner – TBA 2 (One More Time) 18:31 | 07. KELTEK – Awaken (2022 Edit) 21:46 | 08. Ecstatic – Wicked Game 25:22 | 09. The Prophet & Headhunterz – Scar-Ur-Face (KELTEK Remix) 26:56 | 10. Bass Modulators ft. Diandra Faye – Final Call 31:00 | 11. Anderex – Without You 33:38 | 12. B-Front & Imperatorz – Beating Heart 36:38 | 13. E-Force & Nightcraft – Break It Down 39:05 | 14. D-Sturb & E-Force – Rise From The Void 42:08 | 15. Level One - The Question (Cold Confusion Remix) 45:08 | 16. Jason Payne – Can't Stop Rocking 47:11 | 17. Polish Punisher – Sharpen The Blade 50:11 | 18. Gunz For Hire ft. Ava Silver & GLDY LX - Bang Bang 53:25 | 19. Act Of Rage – Like Thunder 56:08 | 20. Devin Wild – Silent (Left The System)
Pure Telecom, the Irish-owned telecoms provider, has announced new results from its annual Connected Lives survey, which reveals that nearly one-in-four social media users (24%) have quit a social media platform because they disapprove of its owner, while 29% are considering doing so. The nationally representative survey of 1,001 adults in Ireland was conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Pure Telecom. The research suggests that ongoing debates around platform ownership may be negatively influencing user sentiment, with 67% expressing concern over who owns the platforms they use, versus 33% who said it doesn't bother them. Social media users aged 18 to 24 are the most likely to turn their back on platforms due to ownership concerns, with 28% having already done so and 37% considering it. The research found that the majority of social media users (62%) are concerned about the personal information that platforms have stored about them, as they worry how the platform owner might use it. As such, 50% of users have updated their privacy settings in the past 12 months. Concerns surrounding platform ownership have led many to consider an alternative social media network and 64% of social media users expressed an interest in signing up to an 'ethical' platform. However, many social media users find this prospect too idealistic, with 54% believing no such platform could ever exist. Pure Telecom's research also explored what people are posting on social media - and how much doctoring is happening beforehand. Excluding filters, over a third (37%) of social media users admit to editing their photos. Interestingly, this was 10% more prevalent in men (43%) than women (34%). Of those who edit their photos, the top edited features are skin tone (23%), lines and wrinkles (17%) and facial features (15%). In addition to this, 24% of social media users admit to travelling somewhere primarily to get photos for social media, and the number of photos stored in people's smartphone libraries averages at more than 7,500. Paul Connell, CEO, Pure Telecom said: "Social media ownership has become a divisive topic and it's interesting to see how the public personas of some owners are impacting the popularity of the social networks they lead. As concerns grow around data security and how ownership impacts personal privacy, our research indicates that users are losing faith in some platforms. "Despite this ongoing concern, our research found that 98% of adults are social media users, showing that people continue to seek online connections. At Pure Telecom, we are passionate about keeping those connections alive and delivering real value to individuals, households and businesses across Ireland." See more stories here. More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too. You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at Simon@IrishTechNews.ie now to discuss. Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help promote your business. Why not drop us a line at Info@IrishTechNews.ie now to find out more about how we can help you reach our audience. You can also find and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.
Happy Holidays! Closing out 2025 with some amazing new Hip-Hop from Nas & DJ Premier, De La Soul, Ransom, Che' Noir, Kanye West and more. DJ TacticsDJ Jay-SkiWinter - Che NoirOrchards - Navy Blue No's One Stop - Oh NoEn Eff - De La Soul feat Black ThoughtA Cut Above - DJ Premier/RansomRoad to Perdition - Jay ElectronicaProving Grounds - Justo the MCFree Roleys - Westside Gunn/Benny The ButcherStep Into The Realm - Robert Glasper/The RootsClones - The Roots (RIP M.A.R.S. Co-Op)Salvation - Elcamino feat Cory Gunz & Inspectah DeckKeep It Thoro (SkiMix) - DJ Jay-Ski/ProdigyDJ TacticsDJ Jay-SkiAround Here - Oh No feat Rah Digga & Talib KweliBusiness Merger - Hit-Boy/The AlchemistSubmachine Dreams - Hus KingPinThe Package - De La SoulPreserved - Flee Lord feat OT The RealDEF Chappelle - Cookin Soul/Mos Def@RealCandaceO...Tell Us More! - Jay ElectronicaBottega Trunks - Dave East feat Stove God CooksGiT Ready - Nas/DJ PremierEddie Bauer - Westside Gunn
On this very special episode recorded at Skankfest New Orleans Myka and Tim have requested guests Maddy Smith and Bonnie McFarlane for what turns into a wild chaotic episode full of laughs. Tim was pretty drunk by this point (3:30pm) and that may have fueled a lot of the chaos. We hope you all enjoy this episode as much as we liked making it. Thank you to everyone who has been with us through all of 2025 and everyone we picked up along the way. Your support means the world to us and we will do our best to make 2026 the best year yet. Great Hang Patreon https://www.patreon.com/GreatHang iTunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/great-hang-with-myka-and-tim/id1574565430 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0xpCw3jkplXMxp82ow0NCF?si=dc4814443f324a6d Youtube Episode Playlist https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnSkFaHeS4o&list=PL0xj2vuOYlctjiD60eEOk3Hl1bTENyWNl Follow Myka @Mykafox https://twitter.com/MykaFox https://www.instagram.com/mykafox/ Follow Tim https://www.instagram.com/hot_comic69/
#719 If you've ever wondered how a SaaS business gets off the ground — or how math and spreadsheets can evolve into a powerful, profit-driving platform — this episode is for you! Host Brien Gearin sits down with Adam Callinan, founder of Pentane and host of the Growth Mavericks podcast, who shares his journey from building a multi-million dollar beverage accessory company (that landed a deal on Shark Tank) to launching a SaaS platform that helps consumer brands and service businesses optimize their profitability. Adam reveals how he scaled his first business to $8 million in revenue without employees or investors, the painful realities of running a startup, and how the operational tools he built for himself eventually became Pentane. You'll learn why he's cautious about AI, how Pentane gives clear, prescriptive financial recommendations, and why even non-sexy, service-based businesses deserve world-class tools to make smarter decisions! (Original Air Date - 5/8/25) What we discuss with Adam: + From coolie cups to software + Scaling to $8M with no employees + Behind-the-scenes of Shark Tank + Solving problems with spreadsheets + Why most SaaS is built backwards + Math > AI for financial clarity + How Pentane guides business decisions + Real-world use cases for Pentane + Helping service businesses with numbers + Building lean, profitable companies Thank you, Adam! Check out Pentane at Pentane.com. Listen to the Growth Mavericks podcast. Follow Adam on LinkedIn. Watch the video podcast of this episode! To get access to our FREE Business Training course go to MillionaireUniversity.com/training. To get exclusive offers mentioned in this episode and to support the show, visit millionaireuniversity.com/sponsors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It's the biggest episode of Wrestling Omakase ever- so big in fact that we had to split it in two, and here's the second part! John is back with an absolutely enormous lineup of 13 (!) guests for a two-part preview of Wrestle Kingdom Week, as we break down a simply absurd number of different promotions- 20 in total. All of our guests start by giving their opinions on each promotion's 2025 by giving them a letter grade, with thoughts on what went well and what could have gone better, as well as a look ahead at what 2026 could be for each one in general. Then we break down the Wrestle Kingdom Week schedule for every promotion: everything from the big ones (Wrestle Kingdom, Dream Queendom, Marigold at Ota Ward, TJPW's annual 1/4 Korakuen and more!) to the many other Korakuens and tiny shows being held all over the rest of Tokyo. No stone is left unturned in this one- it's a total breakdown of all of Japanese wrestling!Part 2 focuses on all of the women's (joshi) promotions. Please see below for the exact list of promotions covered in the order they appear on the show:-Marigold-Tokyo Joshi-Actwres girl'Z-STARDOM-OZ Academy-Ice Ribbon-Marvelous-SEAdLINNNG-ChocoPro-Diana-Pure-J-WAVEIn addition to covering all these different promotions, reviewing and recapping their years and looking ahead to their WK Week shows, we also get the breaking news of Saya Kamitani becoming the first ever women's wrestler to win the Tokyo Sports MVP while we were recording the AWG segment of this episode, so we all react to that live on the air!The guests who appear in Part 2, in their order of appearance, are below:-Dylan (Eastern Lariat: https://easternlariat.libsyn.com/)-Arametha-John DK (Check out his website here: https://dk1105.neocities.org/)-Jamie (DramaticDDT: https://dramaticddt.wordpress.com/)-Tim (Joshi-ing around podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5vEhF921sFtprCxTsWhqt6?si=d1da6785766042cd)-Snazzy (Also Joshi-ing around!)-Velkej Bracha (ActWres Stage podcast)-Rodrigo-Xyon (Derailments of Thought blog: https://derailmentsofthought.com/)Don't forget to check out Part 1 (Episode 276) if you missed it, which featured all of the men's promotions (NJPW, NOAH, AJPW, DDT & more!).Follow Wrestling Omakase on Twitter: http://twitter.com/wrestleomakaseFollow John on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/justoneenby.bsky.socialAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this gripping episode, East Tennessee witness Robbie Ferrell shares a lifetime of terrifying Bigfoot encounters stretching from the Smoky Mountain region to the secluded ridges, lake coves, and dense valleys surrounding his home. What begins as a normal day in the woods turns into a life-altering moment when Robbie hears impossible bipedal footsteps and a chilling mind-speak command telling him to leave.Over the years, Robbie experiences multiple close visual sightings, massive footprints near his bedroom window, mysterious gifting behavior, and even a night when a towering figure stands just feet from his workshop. His most shocking encounter occurs while exploring a remote Tennessee valley with researcher Harley Owens, where the two men are surrounded, growled at, and charged by multiple forest beings in an aggressive display that changed Robbie's view of the world forever.If you're fascinated by Sasquatch sightings, mind-speak experiences, Appalachian cryptids, Smoky Mountain mysteries, or real eyewitness accounts, this episode delivers one of the most compelling and emotionally raw Bigfoot testimonies recorded. Robbie opens up about fear, trauma, spiritual questions, and the deep desire for answers that keeps him searching despite the danger.Keywords: Bigfoot, Sasquatch, Forest People, East Tennessee Bigfoot, Smoky Mountains Bigfoot, Tennessee sightings, mind-speak, cryptid encounters, Appalachian mysteries, eyewitness Bigfoot story, Harley Owens, Bigfoot chase, Bigfoot aggression, Tennessee ridge sightings.Resources:Contact Robbie: https://www.facebook.com/robbie.ferrell.1Contact Harley: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580318825726
Send us a textNeo Soul princess Goapele…
Pure creatives are selfish. They create art for themselves. And your potential clients don't care about your personal creativity. They care about what's in it for them. So as a creative, we can't just be selfishly isolated in our little rooms creating art for art's sake because it fulfills us. When it comes to actually being a business owner, we have to create real value for other people, which means we can't be selfish when it comes to our creativity. We have to share it with others. As it says on the wall behind me in my office, “It takes more than passion.” If you're running a freelance business, don't forget - you're running a business. And that takes entrepreneurial skills that may not come naturally for many creatives. This week's episode is about finding the sweet spot between creativity and entrepreneurship. Both the creative and the entrepreneur are essential elements of your freelance business… And there are good parts and bad parts of both. In this episode you'll discover: Balancing the creative and entrepreneurial sides of your brain What entrepreneurs understand that creatives don't Using people, processes, and systems, to create value Keeping your creative spark alive Scheduling time for creative and entrepreneurial tasks Expanding your horizons by joining communities and finding mentors For full show notes, visit https://6figurecreative.com/393
It's all about Data Pipelines. Join Pure Storage Field Solution Architect Chad Hendron and Solutions Director Andrew Silifant for a deep dive into the evolution of data management, focusing on the Data Lakehouse architecture and its role in the age of AI and ML. Our discussion looks at the Data Lakehouse as a powerful combination of a data lake and a data warehouse, solving problems like "data swamps” and proprietary formats of older systems. Viewers will learn about technological advancements, such as object storage and open table formats, that have made this new architecture possible, allowing for greater standardization and multiple tooling functions to access the same data. Our guests also explore current industry trends, including a look at Dremio's 2025 report showing the rapid adoption of Data Lakehouses, particularly as a replacement for older, inefficient systems like cloud data warehouses and traditional data lakes. Gain insight into the drivers behind this migration, including the exponential growth of unstructured data and the need to control cloud expenditure by being more prescriptive about what data is stored in the cloud versus on-premises. Andrew provides a detailed breakdown of processing architectures and the critical importance of meeting SLAs to avoid costly and frustrating pipeline breaks in regulated industries like banking. Finally, we provide practical takeaways and a real-world case study. Chad shares a customer success story about replacing a large, complex Hadoop cluster with a streamlined Dremio and Pure Storage solution, highlighting the massive reduction in physical space, power consumption, and management complexity. Both guests emphasize the need for better governance practices to manage cloud spend and risk. Andrew underscores the essential, full-circle role of databases—from the "alpha" of data creation to the "omega" of feature stores and vector databases for modern AI use cases like Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG). Tune in to understand how a holistic data strategy, including Pure's Enterprise Data Cloud, can simplify infrastructure and future-proof your organization for the next wave of data-intensive workloads. To learn more, visit https://www.purestorage.com/solutions/ai/data-warehouse-streaming-analytics.html Check out the new Pure Storage digital customer community to join the conversation with peers and Pure experts: https://purecommunity.purestorage.com/ 00:00 Intro and Welcome 03:15 Data Lakehouse Primer 08:31 Stat of the Episode on Lakehouse Usage 10:50 Challenges with Data Pipeline access 13:58 Assessing Organization Success with Data Cleaning 16:07 Use Cases for the Data Lakehouse 20:41 Case Study on Data Lakehouse Use Case 24:11 Hot Takes Segment
This week, your favorite horror gremlins go on a full-blown Rutger Hauer appreciation spiral and collectively realize that Rutger Hauer might not have been acting—he might have just been like that.We dive headfirst into The Hitcher (1986), directed by Robert Harmon, a movie that wastes absolutely zero time politely introducing itself before immediately threatening your entire family. Rutger Hauer plays John Ryder like a supernatural force powered by desert heat, bad vibes, and pure “I woke up and chose violence.” We scream about the opening minutes, the lack of motivation (KING SHIT), the daytime horror, the infamous truck scene, and how this movie somehow convinces you thatthe cops are useless, the road is evil, and hitchhiking is basically consenting to a curse.Then we pivot into Surviving the Game (1994), directed by Ernest R. Dickerson, aka The Most Unhinged Rich White People Activity Ever Filmed. The legend that is Ice-T takes on Rutger Hauer, Gary Busey (at MAXIMUM Gary Busey), John C. McGinley, and F. Murray Abraham after they form the most deranged hunting party imaginable. We lose our minds over:Gary Busey writing his own monologue like a cursed prophet The flaming Gary Busey jump scare (cinema peaked here) Ice-T being hunted and immediately becoming an apex predator and deciding "nah, actually, I'm hunting YOU" A trophy room that traumatized us as children and still kinda does To complete the holy trinity, we bring in Hobo with a Shotgun (2011), directed by Jason Eisener, where Rutger Hauer plays a homeless vigilante like he's a mythological figure spawned from grindhouse fumes and righteous rage. We talk about how this movie feels like a fever dream someone had after watching too much VHS-era exploitation and how Rutger Hauer somehow makes “hobo with a shotgun” feel emotionally profound.Throughout the episode we: Argue about VHS vs 4K like it's a religion Praise Rutger Hauer for playing three completely different psychos flawlessly Accidently turn the podcast into Sam Elliott's Mustache: The Extended Cut Realize half these movies would absolutely rule even harder if they were slightly grainier and worse quality Agree that Rutger Hauer is one of the most underrated genre actors of all time This is less a review episode and more a group therapy session for people permanently altered by desert highways, human hunting games, and shotgun blasts. CREEP-O-RAMA is: Podcast: Listen HereYouTube: @creep-o-ramaJosh: @joshblevesqueArtwork: @bargainbinblasphemyTheme: @imfigureAudio: @stranjlove
Join us today as we look at Matthew 5:20 and ask the question, does our righteousness surpass that of the Scribes and Pharisees?
Principle 12 – Pure Motives in Ministry Galatians 6:11-17To counter false teaching in the church, we must keep our motives pure.NEW! - Let us know what you think of the program! Support the show
In this episode of FUT IN REVIEW, John, Homer, and Neil discuss the current state of FC26 after three months of gameplay. They delve into gameplay changes, community feedback, and the accessibility of the game for new players. The conversation also covers controller settings and tips for competitive play, emphasizing the importance of finding the right settings for individual play styles. The hosts reflect on the community's engagement and the positive aspects of the game, encouraging players to keep having fun and enjoy the experience.Chapters00:00 Welcome Back 01:19 State of FC 26 After Three Months03:52 Gameplay Changes and Community Feedback09:05 New Players and Game Accessibility19:49 Controller Settings and Gameplay Mechanics34:43 Exploring Game Settings and Mindset36:10 Mastering Passing Techniques39:32 Crossing and Lob Pass Strategies41:00 Understanding Pass Receiver Lock44:06 Defensive Strategies: Advanced vs Tactical49:07 The Importance of Player Control52:05 Switching Techniques and Preferences57:51 Final Thoughts and Community EngagementController settings Podcast:Preset: CompetitiveShootingShot Assistance: Precision (John has assisted)PassingGround Pass Assistance: Semi (John has assisted)Through Pass Assistance: SemiLobbed Through Pass: SemiCross Assistance: AssistedLob Pass Assistance: Assisted (John has Semi)Pass Receiver Lock: LatePrecision Pass Sensitivity: NormalDefendingClearance Assistance: DirectionalDefending: Advanced Defending (Neil uses Tactical Defending)Professional Fouls: OnPass Block Assistance: On (John highly recommends OFF)SwitchingNo right or wrong here. Pure preference. John recommends Closest to Ball for Next Player Switching and Player Lock ON.Check out our socials:X: https://twitter.com/futinreviewBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/futinreview.bsky.socialInstagram: https://instragram.com/futinreviewTolando's socials:https://x.com/Tolando77https://www.instagram.com/tolando77/?hl=enhttps://www.tiktok.com/@tolando77https://www.youtube.com/@Tolando77https://www.twitch.tv/tolando77Questions: futinreview@gmail.comhttps://youtube.com/futinreviewhttps://www.futinreview.com https://patreon.com/futinreview
Arif and James are back to preview the Cowboys game with Landon McCool of Locked on Cowboys. We also go over Flores as a head coach, players we hate, the HoF candidacy of Phillip Rivers, and if our listeners should read books. You can become a sustaining member of the show and access exclusive content at http://www.patreon.com/norsecode Arif - @Arifhasannfl James - @bigmono Please send any questions or feedback to norsecodepodcast@gmail.com or tweet to @norsecodeDN. If you like our show please donate to http://www.paypal.me/norsecode We have merch! You can visit our shop at: https://norsecode.threadless.com/collections/norse-code/ Also a special thank you to DrawPlayDave for our new logo and merchandise design! You can follow him on bluesky @thedrawplay.com and visit his main comic page here: www.thedrawplay.com
The NBA is in full chaos mode and Alley Oop Basketball Show is breaking it ALL down. On this episode of the Alley Oop basketball show on the DLS Hoops channel, Juju Gotti and Trysta Krick tap in to talk about: – Where could Giannis Antetokounmpo REALLY end up next? – Are the Boston Celtics actually elite… or just front-running frauds? – LaMelo Ball accidentally running out with the WRONG team and confusing everybody – Desmond Bane absolutely slamming the ball into OG Anunoby in a wild heated moment – LeBron James returning like he's 25 again and putting up ridiculous numbers Hot takes, wild theories, and unfiltered NBA talk — you already know how it goes. Subscribe to DLS Hoops for more NBA debates, breakdowns, and comedy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices