Podcasts about sir elton

More music trivia. This week, for the third Wednesday of June, it's Elton John trivia. Sir Elton has had hits across the decades and been featured in numerous movies, tv shows, and musicals. Let's see how well you know his work. Connect with the show: DorkyGeekyNerdy.com Patreon BlueSky Facebook Spotify Discord Reddit

Elton John is not only "still standing," he is a living superlative, the ultimate record-breaking, award-winning survivor of the great era of pop and rock music that he helped to shape during his six decades in the music industry. Yet few of his numerous biographies and song guides take him as a historical subject worthy of scholarly study.In contrast, On Elton John: An Opinionated Guide (Oxford University Press, 2025) approaches the artist seriously and analytically, while still couched in a highly accessible style. Author Matthew Restall offers a new way to explore Sir Elton's career and music within the contexts of other artists and of sweeping shifts in popular culture during his lifetime. Each of the ten chapters is anchored to an Elton song, rooted in its pop culture history, and advances a clear argument, pairing him with figures ranging from Bernie (Bernie Taupin, his lyricist) to Bennie (of the Jets), from "frenemy" David Bowie to artists like Rod Stewart, Aretha Franklin, and Dua Lipa, from Diana (the princess) to Jesus (yes, that one). Restall contends that Sir Elton's career offers us a novel way to see and understand the last half century of pop music and culture history--whether we call the era that of the album, of rock, of postmodernism, or of something else. The yellow brick road of Sir Elton's career has been long, winding, and bumpy, but, as Restall argues, his success has come not just despite but because of those challenges. The artist's transformations from Reg to Elton to Sir Elton to Uncle Elton, from ugly duckling to bedazzled swan, from the world's biggest rock star to creator of the world's largest AIDS fundraising organization, from tabloid punching bag to pop royalty, have all served as survival strategies that illuminate the era he has thereby navigated. Matthew Restall teaches at the Pennsylvania State University, where he is Edwin Erle Sparks Professor of History, Anthropology, and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, and Director of Latin American Studies. Caleb Zakarin is editor at the New Books Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/british-studies

Elton John is not only "still standing," he is a living superlative, the ultimate record-breaking, award-winning survivor of the great era of pop and rock music that he helped to shape during his six decades in the music industry. Yet few of his numerous biographies and song guides take him as a historical subject worthy of scholarly study.In contrast, On Elton John: An Opinionated Guide (Oxford University Press, 2025) approaches the artist seriously and analytically, while still couched in a highly accessible style. Author Matthew Restall offers a new way to explore Sir Elton's career and music within the contexts of other artists and of sweeping shifts in popular culture during his lifetime. Each of the ten chapters is anchored to an Elton song, rooted in its pop culture history, and advances a clear argument, pairing him with figures ranging from Bernie (Bernie Taupin, his lyricist) to Bennie (of the Jets), from "frenemy" David Bowie to artists like Rod Stewart, Aretha Franklin, and Dua Lipa, from Diana (the princess) to Jesus (yes, that one). Restall contends that Sir Elton's career offers us a novel way to see and understand the last half century of pop music and culture history--whether we call the era that of the album, of rock, of postmodernism, or of something else. The yellow brick road of Sir Elton's career has been long, winding, and bumpy, but, as Restall argues, his success has come not just despite but because of those challenges. The artist's transformations from Reg to Elton to Sir Elton to Uncle Elton, from ugly duckling to bedazzled swan, from the world's biggest rock star to creator of the world's largest AIDS fundraising organization, from tabloid punching bag to pop royalty, have all served as survival strategies that illuminate the era he has thereby navigated. Matthew Restall teaches at the Pennsylvania State University, where he is Edwin Erle Sparks Professor of History, Anthropology, and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, and Director of Latin American Studies. Caleb Zakarin is editor at the New Books Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/performing-arts

Elton John is not only "still standing," he is a living superlative, the ultimate record-breaking, award-winning survivor of the great era of pop and rock music that he helped to shape during his six decades in the music industry. Yet few of his numerous biographies and song guides take him as a historical subject worthy of scholarly study.In contrast, On Elton John: An Opinionated Guide (Oxford University Press, 2025) approaches the artist seriously and analytically, while still couched in a highly accessible style. Author Matthew Restall offers a new way to explore Sir Elton's career and music within the contexts of other artists and of sweeping shifts in popular culture during his lifetime. Each of the ten chapters is anchored to an Elton song, rooted in its pop culture history, and advances a clear argument, pairing him with figures ranging from Bernie (Bernie Taupin, his lyricist) to Bennie (of the Jets), from "frenemy" David Bowie to artists like Rod Stewart, Aretha Franklin, and Dua Lipa, from Diana (the princess) to Jesus (yes, that one). Restall contends that Sir Elton's career offers us a novel way to see and understand the last half century of pop music and culture history--whether we call the era that of the album, of rock, of postmodernism, or of something else. The yellow brick road of Sir Elton's career has been long, winding, and bumpy, but, as Restall argues, his success has come not just despite but because of those challenges. The artist's transformations from Reg to Elton to Sir Elton to Uncle Elton, from ugly duckling to bedazzled swan, from the world's biggest rock star to creator of the world's largest AIDS fundraising organization, from tabloid punching bag to pop royalty, have all served as survival strategies that illuminate the era he has thereby navigated. Matthew Restall teaches at the Pennsylvania State University, where he is Edwin Erle Sparks Professor of History, Anthropology, and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, and Director of Latin American Studies. Caleb Zakarin is editor at the New Books Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/popular-culture

Elton John is not only "still standing," he is a living superlative, the ultimate record-breaking, award-winning survivor of the great era of pop and rock music that he helped to shape during his six decades in the music industry. Yet few of his numerous biographies and song guides take him as a historical subject worthy of scholarly study.In contrast, On Elton John: An Opinionated Guide (Oxford University Press, 2025) approaches the artist seriously and analytically, while still couched in a highly accessible style. Author Matthew Restall offers a new way to explore Sir Elton's career and music within the contexts of other artists and of sweeping shifts in popular culture during his lifetime. Each of the ten chapters is anchored to an Elton song, rooted in its pop culture history, and advances a clear argument, pairing him with figures ranging from Bernie (Bernie Taupin, his lyricist) to Bennie (of the Jets), from "frenemy" David Bowie to artists like Rod Stewart, Aretha Franklin, and Dua Lipa, from Diana (the princess) to Jesus (yes, that one). Restall contends that Sir Elton's career offers us a novel way to see and understand the last half century of pop music and culture history--whether we call the era that of the album, of rock, of postmodernism, or of something else. The yellow brick road of Sir Elton's career has been long, winding, and bumpy, but, as Restall argues, his success has come not just despite but because of those challenges. The artist's transformations from Reg to Elton to Sir Elton to Uncle Elton, from ugly duckling to bedazzled swan, from the world's biggest rock star to creator of the world's largest AIDS fundraising organization, from tabloid punching bag to pop royalty, have all served as survival strategies that illuminate the era he has thereby navigated. Matthew Restall teaches at the Pennsylvania State University, where he is Edwin Erle Sparks Professor of History, Anthropology, and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, and Director of Latin American Studies. Caleb Zakarin is editor at the New Books Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Elton John is not only "still standing," he is a living superlative, the ultimate record-breaking, award-winning survivor of the great era of pop and rock music that he helped to shape during his six decades in the music industry. Yet few of his numerous biographies and song guides take him as a historical subject worthy of scholarly study.In contrast, On Elton John: An Opinionated Guide (Oxford University Press, 2025) approaches the artist seriously and analytically, while still couched in a highly accessible style. Author Matthew Restall offers a new way to explore Sir Elton's career and music within the contexts of other artists and of sweeping shifts in popular culture during his lifetime. Each of the ten chapters is anchored to an Elton song, rooted in its pop culture history, and advances a clear argument, pairing him with figures ranging from Bernie (Bernie Taupin, his lyricist) to Bennie (of the Jets), from "frenemy" David Bowie to artists like Rod Stewart, Aretha Franklin, and Dua Lipa, from Diana (the princess) to Jesus (yes, that one). Restall contends that Sir Elton's career offers us a novel way to see and understand the last half century of pop music and culture history--whether we call the era that of the album, of rock, of postmodernism, or of something else. The yellow brick road of Sir Elton's career has been long, winding, and bumpy, but, as Restall argues, his success has come not just despite but because of those challenges. The artist's transformations from Reg to Elton to Sir Elton to Uncle Elton, from ugly duckling to bedazzled swan, from the world's biggest rock star to creator of the world's largest AIDS fundraising organization, from tabloid punching bag to pop royalty, have all served as survival strategies that illuminate the era he has thereby navigated. Matthew Restall teaches at the Pennsylvania State University, where he is Edwin Erle Sparks Professor of History, Anthropology, and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, and Director of Latin American Studies. Caleb Zakarin is editor at the New Books Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/music

Elton John is not only "still standing," he is a living superlative, the ultimate record-breaking, award-winning survivor of the great era of pop and rock music that he helped to shape during his six decades in the music industry. Yet few of his numerous biographies and song guides take him as a historical subject worthy of scholarly study.In contrast, On Elton John: An Opinionated Guide (Oxford University Press, 2025) approaches the artist seriously and analytically, while still couched in a highly accessible style. Author Matthew Restall offers a new way to explore Sir Elton's career and music within the contexts of other artists and of sweeping shifts in popular culture during his lifetime. Each of the ten chapters is anchored to an Elton song, rooted in its pop culture history, and advances a clear argument, pairing him with figures ranging from Bernie (Bernie Taupin, his lyricist) to Bennie (of the Jets), from "frenemy" David Bowie to artists like Rod Stewart, Aretha Franklin, and Dua Lipa, from Diana (the princess) to Jesus (yes, that one). Restall contends that Sir Elton's career offers us a novel way to see and understand the last half century of pop music and culture history--whether we call the era that of the album, of rock, of postmodernism, or of something else. The yellow brick road of Sir Elton's career has been long, winding, and bumpy, but, as Restall argues, his success has come not just despite but because of those challenges. The artist's transformations from Reg to Elton to Sir Elton to Uncle Elton, from ugly duckling to bedazzled swan, from the world's biggest rock star to creator of the world's largest AIDS fundraising organization, from tabloid punching bag to pop royalty, have all served as survival strategies that illuminate the era he has thereby navigated. Matthew Restall teaches at the Pennsylvania State University, where he is Edwin Erle Sparks Professor of History, Anthropology, and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, and Director of Latin American Studies. Caleb Zakarin is editor at the New Books Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/lgbtq-studies

Elton John is not only "still standing," he is a living superlative, the ultimate record-breaking, award-winning survivor of the great era of pop and rock music that he helped to shape during his six decades in the music industry. Yet few of his numerous biographies and song guides take him as a historical subject worthy of scholarly study.In contrast, On Elton John: An Opinionated Guide (Oxford University Press, 2025) approaches the artist seriously and analytically, while still couched in a highly accessible style. Author Matthew Restall offers a new way to explore Sir Elton's career and music within the contexts of other artists and of sweeping shifts in popular culture during his lifetime. Each of the ten chapters is anchored to an Elton song, rooted in its pop culture history, and advances a clear argument, pairing him with figures ranging from Bernie (Bernie Taupin, his lyricist) to Bennie (of the Jets), from "frenemy" David Bowie to artists like Rod Stewart, Aretha Franklin, and Dua Lipa, from Diana (the princess) to Jesus (yes, that one). Restall contends that Sir Elton's career offers us a novel way to see and understand the last half century of pop music and culture history--whether we call the era that of the album, of rock, of postmodernism, or of something else. The yellow brick road of Sir Elton's career has been long, winding, and bumpy, but, as Restall argues, his success has come not just despite but because of those challenges. The artist's transformations from Reg to Elton to Sir Elton to Uncle Elton, from ugly duckling to bedazzled swan, from the world's biggest rock star to creator of the world's largest AIDS fundraising organization, from tabloid punching bag to pop royalty, have all served as survival strategies that illuminate the era he has thereby navigated. Matthew Restall teaches at the Pennsylvania State University, where he is Edwin Erle Sparks Professor of History, Anthropology, and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, and Director of Latin American Studies. Caleb Zakarin is editor at the New Books Network.

The last days before the Great Hunt.Book 3 in 18 parts, By FinalStand. Listen to the ► Podcast at Explicit Novels.“Can the scorpion ever stop being a scorpion? “"Do we get our legally permitted weaponry back?" The bishop still held my hand."Sure. If it makes you feel better.""I would like to meet your people then," he gave my paw one last shake then released me. "Shall we go?""I will have someone take you to your car. I want to briefly meet with the President, of Havenstone, then I'll join you in the garage. We'll drive over to JIKIT and I'll make the introductions. Good enough?""That is acceptable," he nodded."What about you two?" I regarded the nun and the Swiss Super-soldier. The nun remained vigilant, and silent. The Swiss' eyes flickered to his boss before settling back on me."It is what I volunteered for," he stated firmly."Okay. Please never say I didn't give you a chance to take the sane way out. Also, Bishop Nicolö, circumstances have conspired to up my prospective wedding date to January 1st.""That will be more difficult. Why the change?" he remained grim."We are having twins. By March, this will be very visible.""That is, unfortunate," he shook his head."You have no idea," and then a brainstorm. "And I am curious about resurrecting the Order of the Dragon, the Societas Draconistarum." Technically that meant 'Society of the Dragonists' which was more appropriate than the literal Ordo Draconis."Precisely how do you plan to recreate a crusading Christian Order which was the purview of the Hungarian monarchs?" he didn't sound the least skeptical, just curious."I have billions of euros to fund such a thing," I winked. "Of far greater critical importance, I know where I can find the supernatural guidance and spiritual imperative for such an organization.""You are going to produce a dragon?" his eyes grew larger even as he fought down his fear. Good man. He was adaptive. He'd need to be."I never said such a thing. That would make me sound crazy," I smiled broadly. "Besides, when I say 'dragon', you think 'devil' and that's way too pedestrian for where we are going.""I am not a moral relativist.""Neither am I. I'm out to save lives and nurture the drive in the human spirit to reach for freedom, love and liberty. As you might imagine, I'm pretty freaking outnumbered.""I think you are crazy," he re-evaluated things."I just might be. In all honesty, you should back out now. Take your two compadres back to 25 East 39th Street (the Holy See's Permanent Observer Offices to the UN in NYC) and report 'Mission Failure'. You'll most likely live longer," I reasoned."I am not afraid to die," Sister Rafaela Sophia finally voiced an opinion."That's idiotic," I scoffed before the bishop could reprimand her for opening her mouth. "You should be.""My soul is in God's hands," she set her jaw."Does he talk to you?" I countered."His message is clear.""Not what I asked. I asked if he specifically directed you to toss your life fruitlessly away as an object lesson for the reckless, or careless?""This is uncalled for," Nicolö intervened."Nope. I bet you a phone call to my Brother to physically restore your bishopric that there are four people in this room who have murdered in cold blood," I kept eye contact with the nun, "and she's the odd one out. Right Juanita?""Yes, Ishara," Juanita slipped up. Her spycraft, like mine, needed work."You were in the military?" the bishop asked my bodyguard."Was? I am. Right now," she related. "I will be until I die."That earned me looks from the three Catholics."She is loyal," Nicolö nodded slightly toward her, referring to Juanita's declaration."Huh? To me? Nope. She's loyal to my office, which we shan't get into right now. Back to you, Sister Rafaela Sophia. Are you out to be a martyr, or has some saint, or angel, given you a directive the other two seem to be unaware of which causes you to devalue your life?""I am devoted to the One True God, Christ, our Savior," and Juanita snorted, "and the Virgin Mary," the nun stated firmly. "I don't hear voices in my head.""Juanita, that was rude. Apologize to our guest," I kept looking forward."No." Well, fuck you too."Gun," I commanded. I held out my left hand."What? No. I will not give you one of my guns," she resisted."Juanita, give me your primary weapon, or I will ask Pamela to beat you up the moment I depart for the Great Hunt. After yesterday's stunt, you know she will," I threatened. Fair, I was not. She drew a Glock-20 and handed it to me. I went through the routine, dropped the magazine then ejected the round before opening the door.Oh look, there were four SD chicks outside, ready to escort my visitors downstairs. I didn't even need to waste a phone call. It wasn't like the conference room wasn't being monitored."Excuse me," I took a half step out the door then hurled all three items down the hall. Looking back at Juanita. "Go fetch.""Fuck you," she snapped."And insulting her faith was as degrading to both her faith and her as me doing this to you is degrading to you right now," I lectured her. "It is important to her, therefore it is important to me because she is my guest in the same way it is important to me that I let my bodyguard do her job without being a total asshole all the time. Now go get your God-damn weapon," I barked. Off she went. I left the door open."Now Sister Rafaela Sophia, the point of all this is: I don't give a crap if you are willing to die for God. In fact, that makes you less than worthless to me and the team. I want to know if you are willing to put other motherfuckers in the ground so that Bishop Nicolá, or Mathias, might get to keep doing their jobs.""Murder is a sin," she declared."Go home," I sighed while shaking my head."She answers to me, the Church and God, not you, Mr. Nyilas," the bishop stepped forward."Then you can go home too," I shrugged. "I'm not asking for remorseless killers. I'm asking for people willing to kill to get the hard work done and best of all, for people who know the difference.""Everyone on JIKIT is a professional soldier, or killer?" he asked."No, but the ones who aren't don't carry guns and know to get down when things get funky," I bantered."I vouch for her," he insisted. Juanita came running back into the room."Cool beans. I don't know you either.""You apparently know my service history," he volleyed."Yeah. Ten years a foreigner in the service of France, then you went straight into a university which turns out Jesuits," I riposted."What turned your life around?" he evaded. That was okay. I'd gotten what I wanted. I was willing to bet he had read every bit of public information about me and it was rumored the heavy Catholic membership in the FBI had its benefits to the Church as well. Not so much as to give them insight into JIKIT, but,"Someone risked their life for me. It's been pretty much downhill from there," I confessed. It was the truth. After Katrina gave me the life line on Day Two, it had all spiraled to the revelation of my heritage, Dad's death, Summer Camp, the Hamptons, Romania and Aya's kidnapping."A person, a soldier, died saving my life," the bishop empathized. "Her story is similar. She seeks redemption. She is not suicidal. I am staking both our lives on it."Did he mean him and Mathias, or him and me? I wasn't certain. Still, it was good enough for now. I'd gotten a look at their emotional make up, even the relatively quiet Swiss."Very well," I agreed. "I have to go see the President about my new job description. I'll catch up with you at your car." To the SD team leader, "Take them to the garage. I will join the group of you very soon.""Yes Ishara," she nodded. I exited the room, Juanita in tow. Two SD entered. I was gone before the Papal team left. Upstairs we went, with one last chore to discharge. I had to check on Ms. French to be absolutely freaking sure it was Shawnee, because anyone else would spell disaster.{8:30 am, Monday, September 8th. Last day}A Room full of asistants:Well, there it was, the office of the Executive Director to the President, and not 'Executive Assistant', because this was Katrina's final 'fuck you, no, just her final 'fuck you' before the Great Hunt got underway. I shouldn't assume things, dang it!Anyway, according to the gray-haired matron running gatekeeper to the Office of the President, this was where I was supposed to show up. I shot Juanita a worried look. She glanced my way and shrugged, momentarily willing to not give me shit about the past 24 hours because where I was situated would determine how easily she could do her job.In we went. In the suite were three desks, the 'big' desk situated at the far end of the office space and two far more modest ones on either side of the entryway. The room expanded beyond the chokepoint formed by the two closest desks into a cluttered area. The walls were cluttered with inset bookshelves and portraits of women. Facing one another were a loveseat on my left with bookend plush chairs in an 'L' facing and a full sofa on the right. There were end tables at the ends of the sofa and the corners between the loveseat and each chair.As the door opened, I hadn't knock as this was my office, or so it seemed, the occupants, who had all been sitting in quiet conversation in the central section, began reacting. Oh look ~ Constanza! I nearly had a heart attack before I realized there were three other Amazons also in the room. Sadly, none were behind the 'big desk', so I couldn't tell who was in charge. Two of the other three choices weren't too much better. First off,"Ishara," Marilynn Saint John stood to greet me. I'd last seen her when I'd dedicated her grandmother's (Hayden's) spirit to the halls of my ancestors, not hers, after forcing the political crisis leading to Hayden's suicide ~ her taking herself to the cliffs and in doing so, destroying the Amazon Cult of Blood Purity. Marilynne was clearly still bitter with me. Umm, I could still incite passion in women I hadn't slept with, yet, woot?"Cáel," the senior-most and only friendly face in the room spoke next. Thank goodness it was Beyoncé Vincennes, Head of House Hanwasuit and House Ishara ally."Cáel Ishara," the third individual was deferential which I wasn't sure how to take as the last time I'd encountered her, yeah, things hadn't gone well either."Beyoncé," I started off with a smile. From there, I had to figure out, ah, Beyoncé's eyes flickered to Constanza then Sabia. I knew Marilynn, with her young age, had the least seniority, "Constanza, Sabia, Marilynn. How's tricks?"Glum faces by everyone except Beyoncé. I didn't ask about Sabia's particular well-being. It had been months since I'd beaten her into the mats of the Full-blooded gym. She'd attacked Yasmin, the Brazilian Hottie and my Brazilian Jujutsu sparring buddy, and I'd retaliated by ambushed her when she turned her back on us. Besides, she'd been giving me shit before I even could see straight.Constanza was minus her left eye because of her dire insult to me. If she wasn't capable of working, she wouldn't be here. If she appreciated my 'mercy' in sparing her life ~ her insult was worthy of her death ~ Constanza hid it well. I hadn't spared her expecting a change of heart. I hadn't felt words alone warranted anyone's death. I was a big boy and could take a few insults. House Ishara, as represented by me, could care less. These days, my sisters would be less understanding despite them knowing my heart."Constanza Landau of House Jaya and Marilynn Saint John of House Anahit are Assistants to President Shawnee French," Beyoncé eased things along, "so will be working closely with us, at least for the short term. Sabia Noel of House Guabancex, who I now think you know as well, has joined you as the other 'Assistant' to the 'Executive Director to the President', (that would make me an 'adept', but adept at what?), and since two of the three Regents are unfamiliar with the workings of Havenstone proper, Shawnee has asked me to perform in that role."Beyoncé was, or had been, Havenstone HQ's CFO (Chief Financial Officer). From what I was quickly piecing together, she would essentially be making all the day-to-day decisions concerning the running of Havenstone (how the Host made the majority of its money) until the Regents got up to speed.Only Buffy had actual experience with the New York office and, from what she had told me, solely within Executive Services. While ES knew 'who' did what inside Havenstone, they weren't aware precisely how those Amazons got their jobs done. That would have been an impossible task. Katrina could do it, but she knew it was beyond the ability of most of us 'mere mortals'. Since we were currently at war, the Host needed Katrina completely focused on her duties as Chief Spy-mistress, not baby-sitting the adults.Shawnee indeed had much gravitas among the other House Heads. Not only had she risen up to lead a First House, she had performed heroically during the final days of the last Secret War. Afterwards she had moved into the realm of Amazon jurisprudence and mediation. Until yesterday, she had lived in a House Arinniti freehold in Minnesota's Great Lakes region thus her desire for the 'Training Wheels' period.The Regency would not rule through telecommunication (the upper echelons feared being eavesdropped upon beyond the standard Amazon (read: paranoid) levels) and Havenstone: New York was the center best situated for the current war-fighting operations, so here she lived. I was sure a team from Executive Services was buying, outfitting/spy-proofing and fortifying a dwelling suitable for the President of a Fortune 500 company. Hayden's home would remain the domicile of Sydney thus Marilynn.The same rigmarole would be done for Rhada and Buffy (though I imaged Buffy would bitch endlessly). Publically, they were VP's of a company worth hundreds of billions of dollars and they had to present the public trappings of such leaders.Why did the Amazons do this ~ unmask their leadership to public exposure? Legal-simple: they could request and expect all levels of public and private security for their executives who happened to also be important officials of the Host. Certainly not all executives at Havenstone were officeholders, House Heads, or House Apprentices, but the high level of competence which permitted one often led to the other.Beyonce:As an example: Beyoncé wasn't the most 'bad-ass' lethal chick in House Hanwasuit. As she was preparing to be casted, her intelligence, creativity and diligence at her future craft, finances, was noted by the Host and the members of her House. In due time her name was circulated as Apprentice and the elders approved. When her elder cousin, the prior House Head, took herself to the cliffs, Beyoncé assumed the top spot. Beyoncé wasn't even one of that woman's three daughters.Mirroring her advancement in her House was her advancement in Havenstone's Accounting, Acquisitions and Banking Divisions until she was appointed CFO Havenstone HQ ~ the supreme financial authority inside Havenstone, though the individual regional branches had a greater degree of autonomy than you might normally expect from a 21st century conglomerate, or a Bronze Age autocracy.I had to constantly remind myself, despite the near-constant feuding, Amazons exhibited a phenomenally higher level of trust than I'd ever found in any other society I'd ever witnessed, or read about, before. Though technically Beyoncé could have gone to President Hayden to enforce her decisions ~ or now the Regency ~ she was far more diplomatic in her approach in dealing with the other 'continental' CEO's and CFO's.That meant she had to wrangle the aspirations and resources from:North America (including Latin America, the 'Canadian Arctic' and the North Pacific Ocean),South America (includes both the South Atlantic and South Pacific as far as Samoa),Europe (mostly Central Europe these days plus Antarctica, the 'Russian' Arctic and the North Atlantic),Africa (mostly West-central Africa),India (the subcontinent plus the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean) and,Southeast Asia (which includes Australia)All of which suggested Havenstone hadn't redrawn the Amazons' geographic demarcations since the late 19th century. As an example, an East African venture, say in Tanzania, was as likely to be under the purview of Havenstone: India (due to its control over the Indian Ocean) as Havenstone: Africa (which traditionally had no East Coast holdings due to their constant struggles versus the Arabic slave trade).Returning to Beyoncé: initially she had held the proper 'conservative' (aka man-hating) mindset. My behavior during that first Board Meeting began to change her opinion of me and the New Directive. After the Archery Range incident, Beyoncé became a vocal proponent of the New Directive and faced challenges within her ranks. House Heads do not have to accept challenges and Beyoncé didn't, reasoning with her detractors they had no alternatives save the 'Old Ways' which spelled doom for the Amazon Race.Bing-bang-boom ~ I became the Head of a resurrected House Ishara by the Will of the Ancestors and Beyoncé was vindicated. Not necessarily in the New Directive, but in her support of me thus the rebirth of a sister First House. The purge following High Priestess' Hayden's death was her ultimate absolution. The Ancestors and Destiny had spoken and shown Beyoncé had been piloting House Hanwasuit along the proper course all along.Back to my current circumstances:Oh, why was I Assistant to the Executive Director to the President? It gave me direct access to the finances of Havenstone which was a critical leg of the war-fighting stool ~ people, morale, money and equipment. As Chief Diplomat, I helped with all four of those in varying degrees, allied troops, allied victories, allied bank accounts and allied armaments.The Great Khan, my spiritual 'Blood-Brother', was ramping up his logistic support for my Amazons in Africa, Asia and the Americas. We were 'Allies in the Struggle' and he wasn't going to wait for the Condottieri to begin coordinating with the Seven Pillars to declare them to be his enemies. They were already fighting the Amazons and 9 Clans, his allies, so their fates were sealed.In Japan, my Amazons provided small yet highly effective strike groups which the Ninja families furnished all the support services for. Everything from food to bullets to medical attention as needed. Without reservation, we shared their death-grapple with the Seven Pillars.From the dispatches I was getting back from my family members and envoys in Japan, we were making serious diplomatic inroads with the Ninja. Once again, it was the Amazons shocking capacity for violence as well as their fanaticism, professionalism and proficiency which all impressed our hosts and terrified our enemies, and this from people of a philosophical mindset which had them historically battling samurai.The Black Lotus were running around like rhesus monkeys on crack cocaine unleashed in a China Shop and given RPG's. While the Amazons couldn't help them in China, Indochina & Thailand ~ the Khanate could and was. The Amazons were of more help in the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia, where the Black Lotus and Amazons were going everywhere on the offensive against the Seven Pillars while the normal tight cohesion and iron-clad confidence, traits which made the 7P's so dangerous ~ were shaken by their horrendous losses in the 'Homeland' aka Mainland China.Less we forget, the 'military intelligence' wing of their organization had been decimated by the Khanate's Anthrax attack due to members of the Earth & Sky sacrificing themselves by being injected with the toxin then allowing themselves to be captured, which always ended in torture and death.Furthermore, the People's Republic of China, while having a scary 18% of the population either captured, imprisoned, dead, or displaced due to the Khanate invasion, that had come with the loss of 63% of their landmass (they had lost all of Nei Mongol, Ningxia & Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Regions, Qinghai and Gansu as well as 90% of Yunnan, 80% of Sichuan and 20% of Shaanxi provinces) to the Khanate and the 'abomination' that was a free Tibet.Then came the Russian 'stab in the back' which entailed the loss of another 10% of their people falling under foreign dominion as well as losing 8% of their most industrialized territory, Manchuria (Heilongjiang, Jilin and Liaoning provinces ~ the Nei Mongol portion of 'Manchuria' was in the Khanate's greedy clutches, from the viewpoint of a Seven P's warrior).Don't get me wrong, they weren't about to throw in the towel. If anything, they were becoming more dedicated to trying harder, digging deep into their knowledge of every atrocity, inhumanity and perversion now deemed necessary to re-chart history back onto its 'correct' path. It was this willingness to act in an even greater sociopathic manner which was being used against them. After all, the 7P's had plenty of proxy allies, who were starting to get really nervous about what their paymasters were now asking them to do,We Amazons were getting some extra special help too. The Booth-gan (Do not call them Thuggee ~ the confederate 9 Clan member based out of India though long since ensconced within various Hindi enclaves across the Globe) had created an all-female group of ultra-fanatical Kali-devotees ~ a gift for the upcoming battle fomented by the Will of the Goddess herself.While Aya was our Queen and the Regency would rule until she wished to assume command of the Amazon People, the nuts-and-bolts of the Host's activities were handled by Saint Marie as Golden Mare (our Minister of War) (technically she held the top spot due to our State of War, though no Golden Mare had ever exercised such authority over a Queen (and she definitely believed Aya was our Queen)), Katrina (as Minister of Intelligence and Security), Beyoncé (as Havenstone (the multinational corporation) ~ our Treasurer/Economic Tsarina) and me (our Foreign Minister).Saint Marie had decided to forgo a public face in order to better facilitate her moving around to various battle fronts and holding clandestine meetings with her junior regional commanders. Her Havenstone corporate title was 'Chief of Security Training and Certification'. As an extra level of deception, the head of Security Services wasn't even a Director-level position, instead being folded into the duties of the Office of the President.To my current circumstances ~ I had been given Constanza's house name which could only mean she wasn't currently assigned to the Security Detail; a fact that couldn't have made her bad attitude any better. Marilynn had completely lost her way as an Amazon when I first met her, burying her pain and confusion in endless partying and intoxicants. I believed only her grandmother's status as High Priestess kept her from the severest of reprimands, or death. I didn't even know what Marilynn's caste was. Sabia,"While I'm sure you are both far more qualified than I, precisely how did you two get these jobs?" I had to ask my two non-coworkers. Constanza glowered. Marilynn flinched."I have an in depth knowledge of Havenstone security procedures and resources," Constanza replied."Shawnee requested me," was Marilynn's comeback. "I also have intimate knowledge of the City of New York and its environs.""Actually, Buffy Ishara recommended you both to Shawnee," Beyoncé corrected their misconceptions. I knew the score. I'd be working intimately with the tight community around the President (Shawnee) and Vice Presidents (Buffy & Rhada). Buffy wanted me to be surrounded by women who hated my guts, so I wouldn't end up boinking them. It rarely worked that way. All too often ladies who hated my still-beating heart ended up punishing me with sex. I wasn't sure why that happened, but it did."Beyoncé, didn't the Chief Diplomat of the Host have her own office? I'm pretty sure Troika had one before her unfortunate collision with Saint Marie," I felt entitled to inquire."Do you feel you've earned that office space?" she riposted."Oh, fuck no!" I waved my hands one over the other to accentuate my denial. "I was just wondering where I could stick Juanita while I'm hanging around, here.""She has the desk right outside the door, Cáel," Beyoncé smiled knowingly. "So there is no way you can sneak past her.""Oh," I grunted. "Buffy again?""No. Pamela Pile put in that particular request.""Oh, Sweet Mother of God, now she is conspiring against me too?""Yes. Some of us realize the greatest hazard to your health is yourself, Ishara," Beyoncé chided me. "We'd like to keep you around, so we listen to those charged with that nigh impossible task.""Is she going to be hanging around the office often?" Constanza asked, either myself, Juanita, or Beyoncé; I wasn't sure. She = Pamela."Please, Constanza," I attempted to intervene, "don't make Pamela kill you. It will upset Mona." Constanza's scowl was accentuated by the eyepatch covering her ruined left socket, the one Pamela had carved out when Constanza had insulted me and House Ishara on our first day of rebirth. I didn't tell Juanita this, because Juanita might just shoot Constanza over the insult before Pamela got a chance to finish the job.The tension was palatable."Mona and I have talked, about Romania, and other things," Constanza grudgingly allowed. It took me a second to realize there was a hidden meaning to what she said. Mona was part of my personal Security Detail bodyguard unit. If she felt Constanza, the woman who had raised her after her birth-mother had died, was a threat to me, she'd feel duty-bound to snuff Constanza first. Amazons were hard-ass bitches alright and I think Mona had made that clear."I hope things can improve between us," I offered to Constanza. "Beyoncé, I just stopped in to say 'hey'. I'm off to JIKIT and I've got three of the Pope's people waiting on me in the garage so,""Vice President Varma requested a moment of your time," Beyoncé smirked. "She is in 2604.""Who?""Vice President Rhada Varma, a moment of your time, alone?" she clarified."Sure thing," I backed out of the office. Once I had some space, I turned to Juanita. "Give me three minutes then bust in and say, I don't know, a tsunami is about to overwhelm the city, or something. Otherwise, I won't get out for at least an hour and I think I've put the Bishop and his people through enough delays as it is.""Are you actually asking me to stop you from having an in-office liaison?" she studied me intently as we walked in the direction of Rhada's office."Yes. It's not likely to happen often, believe me.""Oh, I do, in that you won't ask me to do it often," she grumbled. I'd deal with Juanita's morale problem later. Right now, I had to gird my loins so they wouldn't do anything else with Rhada. I had work to do, damn it!Rhada was sitting at her desk, working on something, stylus raised up so she could chew on the end. Her hair was pulled back in a half-ponytail, the type that captured the rear half of the hair in a ponytail while leaving the front and bangs free to flow down. Rhada's blouse was white & billowy and, as I was soon to discover, her pants were ultra-tight and contour hugging."Mr. Nyilas," she greeted me. "I would like a moment of your time," she relayed what I already knew. She was more than a tad nervous to boot."Vice President Varma," I started off."When in private you may call me Rhada," she interrupted."Rhada, you look more ravishing than ever."That got up her and coming around her desk, which revealed her ultra-tight pants with no sign of her wearing underwear. Yikes! My cock was preparing to do what a cock was meant to do and I just didn't have the time, Really!"Do you have any time?" she let her bosom heave."Not today, ugh," I groaned. See, Rhada took the stylus and dragged it down her chin, throat and in between her bountiful mounds.All of which exposed the top of her black bra."Are you sure, Master?" she enticed me by turning around and then leaning over her desk, point that ass in my direction. My mouth began salivating and my groin ached. I found myself quick-stepping to her and giving those buttocks two firm slaps, one on each cheek."No, damn it, though I'm going to make you pay for this when I get back," I rumbled."Master will make me wait?" she taunted me."That will cost you even more," I growled. "I have business which simply won't wait and here is my captive teasing me with the treasures of her flesh. Bad, war captive," I spanked her yet again, hard. "Bad!" and I spanked her a fourth time. With each beating, Rhada gasped in pain and then exhaled in pleasure."If I've been bad, Master must be extra harsh with me when he returns in triumph from the Great Hunt," she gloated. Rhada had gotten what she wanted, which was another affirmation of my lust for her and our 'game'. I could provide her the release she so desperately craved while allowing her the safety of remaining in the Amazon fold. It was a perfect pairing, for her.I had other problems, such as all the other baby mamas in my life plus the extra-marital affairs I was contemplating. I still took the moments we had to snuggle with Rhada, her grinding that tush into my rod while I held both her arms tightly to her side while raining kisses down onto her neck and head."Sir! A giant tsunami is approaching the city!" Juanita exploded through the door."What?" I coughed. I had a face full of hair."Huh?" Rhada pushed up and away from me. I let her go."Right now," Juanita insisted. She really needed to stop taking me so seriously when I gave her such advice."Really?" from Rhada. She shot me a curious look so I shrugged. What else was I supposed to do with such a flimsy lie forcing our separation? At least I got out of there on time?{9:50 am, Monday, September 8th ~ Last day}(JKIT HQ)"Is this a common occurrence?" Sister Rafaela Sophia whispered to the closest woman, who happened to be Wiesława, the Polish Amazon. Since she hadn't arrived with us from Havenstone, the nun might have assumed she was with the 'Americans', or British."What?" Wiesława responded evenly."Weapons combat, they look real," the nun clarified."They are real. We always practice with real weapons.""Really?""Of course," Wiesława smiled at her. "We believe a few cuts and scrapes now will save lives when the true tests come.""Oh, you are with, Havenstone?" Rafaela clued in."Yes. I am Wiesława of House Živa. I am currently assigned to Unit L, Cáel's unit within JIKIT," she offered her hand to shake. Despite being a full-blooded Amazon from a freehold, her 'human' skills were progressing nicely. The nun shook it."I am Sister Rafaela Sophia of the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, that is a Roman Catholic Religious Order." Pause. "Do you hate Catholics too?""Yes. We have lived beside your people for many centuries and found your clergy to be much more dangerous than your pagan predecessors. Still, Cáel thinks you can be relied on and he's proven we can trust outsider women, which I was raised to believe was unlikely, and outsider men, which was basically anathema, so I'm willing to set aside my prejudices and judge you as an individual," the Pole imparted."Outsider men?" Rafaela mumbled."Well, yes," Wiesława smirked. "You are a nun, right?""Yes.""So you set aside the World of Men to live mostly among women, right?""Not entirely," the nun chose her words carefully. "We still rely on priests for religious rights and of course obey the life teachings of Christ and follow the leadership of his Holiness, the Pope, a man.""No one is perfect," the Amazon bantered back."Do you know the teachings of our Lord, Jesus Christ?" Rafaela ventured into dangerous waters."Yes. He was the semi-historical Son of your supposed One True God. We are not monotheists. We are Polytheists. Živa is my House's matron Goddess. It is also the name of the first woman to lead the House, her birth name surrendered to Destiny so all the daughters who came afterwards would be equals.""Oh, is Mr. Nyilas also pagan?" she inquired."I am unsure. From what I have been told, he has commended the spirit of his fallen father to your Jesus in a sacred ceremony then, in the presence of your Trinity and the Goddess Ishara, brought in new members to his House. I suspect he may be both," Wiesława reasoned. "Why don't you ask him?""Because he's fighting for his life?" Rafaela looked my way.See, the entire time their discussion had been going on, I had been sparring in a spare room at JIKIT HQ with Estere Abed, the Hashashin assassin (rather redundant ~ like saying the Sahara Desert). I had two tomahawks while she had a scimitar and curved dagger. While we sparred using the furniture as obstacles, Agent-86 was briefing me on various World events to get my input.Addison Stuart (CIA) and Lady Fathom Worthington-Burke (MI-6) were having a chat with Bishop Nicolé de Santis, verifying for themselves he was worth adding to the team. Juanita was having a similar discussion with Rikki Martin (US State Department) concerning my earlier encounter with the Papal team. Nicolé's buddy, Wachtmeister Mathias Bosshart of the Swiss Guard, was getting acquainted with the other security personnel.In comparison, those two had it easy. Both men were in their elements. Nicolé was a spook who pretended to be a diplomat for the Pope and was well acquainted with terms like 'deniable assets', 'plausible deniability' and your direct superior referring to requests concerning your identity/diplomatic status by saying 'I never heard of him and if I had, I have no idea what he was doing when you caught him doing what I don't know what he was doing', or something like that.Mathias was in the company of military-security specialists, brother professionals who were introducing him to his 'sister' professionals. Our Homeland Security gang were almost entirely former military by now. They got along with our JSOC folks and both had gained a limited acceptance with the Amazon security contingent.They bonded over the fact they were forced to work with really shady characters ~ the 9 Clans menagerie ~ who didn't always appreciate JIKIT operational security. Without going into particulars, the Wachtmeister was given the impression the abnormal was the norm and if you didn't think there was a 'down-side' to being able to carry your personally favorite bang-bang (the SG 552-2P Commando in his case) with some serious attachments (read: grenade launcher) around in downtown Manhattan, you probably didn't belong on this team.Back in the room,"He's not fighting for his life," Estere laughed. "He is fighting for mine.""Right," I responded sarcastically. We went through a flurry of exchanges, ending up with me kicking a chair at her. Estere stepped over it, colliding with me.I blocked her dagger, disarmed her scimitar and,"You are dead," she panted down at me, smiling. I was on my back, her straddling me. She had a belt-knife to my throat. I hadn't see her draw it. The scimitar 'disarm' had been a distraction."Woot!" I exhaled."But you're dead," Sister Rafaela misunderstood my good humor."He survived a minute and thirty-four seconds more today than his previous record," Estere responded. She slithered off of me, doing my arousal no good whatsoever, then offered me a hand up."And that's better?""He's a rank amateur with a few months on the job. I've been training to kill people for nearly two decades," Estere smiled. "Care to have a go?""With him, or you?""Either," Estere offered."I don't have a knife, or any hand weapons," she stated."We'll need to remedy that," Wiesława stated. "You should at least carry a knife.""Really? Why?""It is a nearly universal tool," I verbally stepped up. "Even if you are disarmed, you should be able to find one relatively easily, people are less likely to miss a stolen knife than a purloined gun, and a concealed blade could come in handy.""Do you train in knife-work?" Rafaela eye-balled me."Absolutely. It is part of my culture," I grinned."Okay. Can we spar, hand-to-hand?""Sure," I nodded. I put my tomahawks in their harnesses then put my harnesses aside. Estere gave me a wink before giving us the fighting space."So," Rafaela began to circle, "are you Christian?""By your definition, or mine?""By the definition of the Catholic Church."Oh cool, she went for a Savate stance. This was going to get ugly.My "no," was followed by her kick and my block, lunge and grapple. She wasn't nearly as good as Felix. I had her down and in a choke hold within fifteen seconds.Perhaps she thought I'd take it easy on her. She tapped out. I released her, retreated and flowed back to my boxing stance. It took her a moment to realize this was 'practice', not 'an interview'. She hadn't failed in anyone's eyes. We were both doing this to get better."See, I really, truly believe I have talked to supernatural entities ~ some who are considered divinities," I continued. This time she was more careful, trading jabs and blocks with me. "They don't claim to be the One True God. I believe in such a thing, but I also believe having been given the Message, Humanity has been left to muddle things out for ourselves."Whoops, she popped me one."The Woman-Thing this morning?""Yep," I evaded another flurry. She got cocky and I landed three blows, dropping her to the ground. I didn't help her up. Instead, I withdrew and let her get back up on her own before deciding if she wanted to continue. She did."I believe I've seen dragons and ghosts. I have felt legions of my ancestors give me quiet encouragement when I needed it. I know the dead have been brought back to life," I came at her. This time we both went for body blows, knees, elbows and fists. She was not SD-caliber and she needed to be. I grappled and she was forced to tap out again. After she regained her feet, she held up a hand for a pause."Do you believe any of that?" she addressed Estere."I am an adherent of Ismaili Islam yet nothing Cáel has encountered is contrary to my belief system. The Universe is a complex place and the Divine Light is often seen through a fractured lenses," she counseled the nun."Among the escapees were lawyer Francisco Luemba, Catholic Priest Raul Tati, economist Belchior Lanso Tati and former policeman Benjamin Fuca who are serving jail sentences of between three and six years each for supposed links to the rebel group FLEC (Frente para a Libertaé'o do Enclave de Cabinda), which carried out the attack on the Togolese football team at the start of the Africa Cup of Nations in January, 2010," Agent-86 read off yet another bit of global minutia."We need to get to them," I half turned. Sister Rafaela punched me in the gut and I folded up."Oh!" she gasped. "I'm sorry.""Okay," I mumbled. I had to keep with the plan. "Those men. We need to contact our Coils people in Kinshasa and the Warden of the Mountain Ways ('she' was the Amazon Host's leader of Africa ~ in the ancient times, the mountain ways had been the routes of southern vulnerability for the Amazon tribe thus the name).""Okay," both Agent-86 and Estere answered."Why?" 86 added."The Coils and the Host have had a serious problem with no nation in Africa giving them even back room recognition so we are going to take over our own country, Cabinda. It's been struggling to be free of Angola since 1975 and, by latest estimates, we've got strike elements of over 2,000 Amazons ready and waiting next door in Cameroon, Gabon and the Republic of Congo.""So you are going to go to war with Angola?" Estere frowned. "Don't we have enough enemies?""Au contraire," I grinned wickedly. "The resistance movement is genuine," I ticked off my points, "they have tons of offshore oil, and after we set off some spectacular explosions in the two main Angolan ports which are just down the coast, we allow global panic to bully the UN into intervening before the Angolan military launch an effective counter-offensive ~ considering the Angolan Armed Forces (I'd been reading up on a ton of CIA & MI-6 briefings) will most likely involve attrition warfare since they can't beat us in a stand-up fight.""They, the Angolans, have no overland access, they are separated by 60 kilometers of territory belonging to the Democratic Republic of Congo over some sad ass roads Plus the Congo River itself which is freaking huge by the time it gets that close to the Atlantic, Cabinda rests on the Atlantic Ocean by the way. No bridges. The Angolan Navy is anemic. Let me think."I began pacing."Hmm, they have no paratroopers though they have some Special Forces, we will need to hit as many of them in the barracks as we can. Their last invasion was from the north, overland, from the Republic of the Congo, in 1975, not likely to happen this time, though I may have my 'Brother' weasel up a battalion of Indian paratroopers to act as convincing peacekeepers after the initial take over.""Perhaps we can recruit some Vietnamese. I'm sure they'll love fighting in someone else's jungle for a change. We'll need some of 'our' guys to seize the port of Soyo, it is on the wrong side of the river, but has the major refinery the Cabindans will need. Since the entire surrounding province are the same ethnic make-up as the Cabindans, we'll have to take that too.""Man-o-man, I bet by the time this is over they'll really wish they'd given little Cabinda independence back in 1975. As for their other refinery, it is in their capital, Luanda, a few big explosions there too will get the markets jittery. Check that ~ the complete and utter destruction of their major petroleum facility will create a stampede for Peace," I continued. I walked over as our resident computer intelligence genius worked his magic."Blowing things up, you mean killing people," the nun blanched."Yes. This is what I do," I spared her a sympathetic glance. "I've got a madman roaming around in my head who provides me truly epic military advice which normally, but not always, means blowing shit up and killing folks. Welcome to the team," then as the data appeared, "Holy Shit! Did they build their oil refinery in the midst of their ghetto?" I was staggered. The refinery in Soyo was isolated from the town so it could be easily (and safely) seized. It was the one in Luanda which was the 'Holy Shit' site."It looks that way," Agent-86 agreed nonplussed. "Hmm, yeah, here is the port facility then your neighborhood of shoddily constructed one- and two-story dwellings between the refinery and the inland storage tanks, the perimeter barrier appears to be a chain link fence. I'd hate to be their Chief of Security.""Oh yeah," I choked. Estere slipped around to get a look."Whoops," she snorted."What are these people thinking?" I continued. "The whole shebang is exposed to the northern quarter of the city. The storage tanks have residential dwellings on all four sides with numerous side streets. Two teams with RPGs and four rounds apiece, Holy Crap. Sorry Sister.""But I want to save lives," she sputtered."Limiting the collateral damage could be pretty tough," Estere frowned. She toggled throw a series of maps to multiple pictures."Oh, look (dripping sarcasm); they light up the refinery at night. You can sit off the coast in a speed boat under cover of darkness and attack from there," she noted."Damn. Those are a lot of lights," Agent-86 agreed."24-7 operation," I suspected."We will need some experts," the government agent nodded."Or we are going to kill a fuck-load of innocent people. Not just the workers, but can you imagine a fire spreading to those neighborhoods? Shit," I muttered."You can't seriously be contemplating doing something like this," the nun sputtered. "It is inhumane. Think of the families, the children.""Lady, yes I am. Do you have any idea what the Human Rights record of the Angolan Army in Cabinda is? It is truly horrific and in case you missed it, one of the guys in dire need of rescuing by me, due to him being a huge rebel leader who has managed to escape, is also a Catholic priest. He's going to be part of the new government we are going to install once we kill a few hundred Angolans ~ mostly soldiers (more like well over a thousand).""We are going to kill a few hundred so a few hundred thousand can live free, democratic lives without worrying about the local police and political establishment torturing and murdering them. It is all part of the plan.""I think I need to talk with the Bishop.""Hang on. Let me finish," I forestalled her. "He'll get briefed along with everyone else. After all, it is a majority Roman Catholic country as is Angola, so I'm sure your guy can be of immense help.""The people you are putting at risk don't deserve this," she protested."They never do," I nodded in agreement with her. "It rarely stops terrible crap from happening to them though."I felt sorry for the Sister. She thought the Bishop was going to put a stop to this. Poor girl; he was going to do the exact opposite. See, the two competing forces at play here were a communistic kleptocracy (currently ruling Angola) and Catholic liberation theology united with a Cabindan national identity dating back to 1885. At stake was 900,000 barrels a day of petroleum. That was a bunch of funding for somebody. Last I checked, the state run energy conglomerate had misplaced $32 billion, in just three years.Mind you, the Coils of the Serpent and the Amazon Host didn't want to help the People of Cabinda out of the goodness of their hearts either. They wanted cover for the importation of weapons and other war-fighting material so they could kill the Condottieri in Africa. If the rebel leaders-turned-legitimate government didn't play ball well, the Coils were in the 'assassinating people' business and somewhere along the line the survivors would figure out keeping 'us' happy kept them alive. Problem solved.It was Bishop Nicolé de Santis' job to facilitate that understanding. If certain people with Vatican credentials explained the 'facts of life' to the new regime a lot more lives could be saved, Catholic lives. In turn, he could work to make sure the new group in power wasn't nearly as corrupt as the gang we were tossing out. Better education and quality of life, improved infrastructure & security and a nice shiny cathedral, or two.We, as in JIKIT and our component members, didn't want to rule the country and dominate the people's lives. We needed the ports and the airfields with a blind eye turned to our skullduggery. Sure, there would be future considerations. Amazons and Coil members would be fighting and dying for these people's freedom ~ public recognition definitely not required. No; the Amazons wanted to be left alone in their deep jungle homes which was an isolation they basically already had. This was a future chit which said 'don't come looking'.The Coils? Let's just say in the future Cabinda would have embassies around the globe and if occasionally they wanted someone to slip through under diplomatic cover ~ they were good for it. And if the Cabindans ever needed help in the future they knew they had friends in dark places who were now invested in Cabinda's survival. It was a win-win-win, unless you were an Angolan big-wig, or one of their foot-soldier currently serving in Cabinda. Amazons weren't big on taking prisoners, or even giving the opposition the option of giving up.For me, it wasn't lunch yet and here I was plotting to overthrow yet another government in yet another country ~ though in only two, small provinces this time. Thank the Goddess I had the rest of the week

Queenie and TT's Closet Disco Queen Potcast brings in the New Year with lots of highjinks and laughs. This week's show covers news from Sir Elton, an ancestor update, and ramblings about the Galapagos and Kon Tiki. TT tries to determine if Cosmic Kush is the name of an actual strain. What do you think? Listen for Mary Jane's favorite resolutions and start 2025 on a high note!Welcome to the Closet Disco Queen Pot-Cast, a comedy podcast with music and pop culture references that keeps you laughing and engaged. Join our hosts, Queenie & TT as they share humorous anecdotes about daily life, offering women's perspectives on lifestyle and wellness. We dive into funny cannabis conversations and stories, creating an entertaining space where nothing is off-limits. Each episode features entertaining discussions on pop culture trends, as we discuss music, culture, and cannabis in a light-hearted and inclusive manner. Tune in for a delightful blend of humor, insight, and relatable stories that celebrate life's quirks and pleasures. Our Closet Disco Queen Pot-Cast deals with legal adult cannabis use and is intended for entertainment purposes only for those 21 and older Visit our Closet Disco Queen Pot-Cast merch store!Find us on Facebook and Green Coast RadioSound from Zapsplat.com, https://quicksounds.com, 101soundboards.com #ToneTransfer

“Everything I've talked about is baked into our product” “It should come as no surprise to anyone that the message really underpinning Cisco's story across the board is around AI,” says Kristyn Hogan,  Vice President of Global Collaboration Partner Sales at Cisco. “When we think about how Cisco collaboration, and WebEx, are really leaning into that message, there's one north star: experiences matter. That's what is guiding us.” In this podcast we learn that Cisco is guided by a changing workplace landscape and work itself being re-imagined.  AI is to be deployed to create virtual agents who sound and act natural, and “not robotic”. “Several months back, we went live with some of those AI assistant features in our meetings portfolio. It's changed the game. When you record a meeting, at the end of the meeting, you get an email with a beautiful, accurate summary of the meeting and action items already assigned. We've polled our customers and 80% have said they've seen significant time savings just from that one feature.” We also hear about Cisco's partner story.  “We have enabled over 30,000 partner sellers' year to date, and the year's not over.” Kristyn stresses that AI is “baked into every product”. Recorded on the same day as the closing celebration featuring a private concert with Elton John, Kristyn notes that these AI features are not simply add on SKUs. The Las Vegas Review Journal, in reporting on Sir Elton's concert, described Cisco as an AI company. Visit www.cisco.com More Cisco News Kristyn Hogan: Experiences Matter, Cisco Live Podcast

Since at least March 1968, the world has been gifted with original music by Reginald Dwight, the artist better known as Elton John. From the 60s up through the 2020s, Mr. John would go on to have one of the most successful music careers in pop history, spanning 31 studio albums, 10 soundtracks, 5 live albums, 16 compilation albums, and a slew of awards and accolades. Now that Elton has recently retired from live performing, the Great Pop Culture Debate wants to look back at his inimitable songbook and attempt to determine the Best Elton John Single of all time. We consider: “Your Song,” “Honky Cat,” “Don't Go Breaking My Heart,” “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” “Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me,” “The Bitch is Back,” “Crocodile Rock,” “I'm Still Standing,” “Rocket Man,” “Philadelphia Freedom,” “Tiny Dancer,” “I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues,” “Candle in the Wind,” “Bennie and the Jets,” and more. Join host Eric Rezsnyak, GPCD panelists Derek Mekita and Kate Racculia, and extra-special guest John Higgins, Feature Writer at EltonJohn.com and Sir Elton's personal archivist, as they discuss 16 of the Rocket Man's most beloved songs, narrowing them down until they make their final decision! To listen to Round 1, showing how we got to the Sweet 16 down from the Top 32, become a Patreon supporter of the podcast today to access the exclusive Part 1 episode. RELATED CONTENT Best Phil Collins Song Best Gay Icon Best Song of 1994 Have a say in future episodes! Finally, if you want to have a say in what episodes we tackle next, vote in our Topic Polls! And we would love to have you pick your faves in the polls currently open for your votes! EPISODE CREDITS Host: Eric Rezsnyak Panel: Derek Mekita, Kate Racculia Special Guest: John Higgins Producer: Curtis Creekmore Editors: Eric Rezsnyak, John Higgins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Week of April 3, 2024 on The Metallica Report… A seemingly unlikely pairing, the paths of Elton John and Metallica have crossed over the years more than you might think. Ahead of PBS's Gershwin Prize for Popular Song broadcast honoring Elton John and Bernie Taupin, Kirk and Rob join Steffan and Renée to share a few fun stories about Sir Elton. Premiering on Monday, April 8 at 8 PM ET (check local listings), catch Metallica's rendition of “Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding” as part of a star-studded evening featuring Joni Mitchell, Garth Brooks, Brandi Carlile, Annie Lennox, Maren Morris, Billy Porter, Charlie Puth, and Jacob Lusk of Gabriels. The Metallica Report - your official, weekly guide for all things Metallica, straight from the source. New episode every Wednesday. Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song: https://www.pbs.org/show/gershwin-prize  Elton John: https://www.eltonjohn.com  Enter to win merch pack: https://pantheonpodcasts.com/metallica Wanna be featured on a future episode? Submit your questions or comments: http://metallica.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are very happy to have Mickey Curbishley back on the Podcast, the last time he was on the show was back in September 2019. You can listen to Mickey's previous Podcast recording on Spotify episode #45 and hear all about how he got into the industry by selling t.shirts on tour with AC DC and his first Lighting Tour with Sir Elton. Stories from growing up with his legendary father who was the tour manager for The Who, Robert Plant, Jimmy page etc  Five years later we are going to hear everything Mickey has been up to. Mickey is now the President of SoloTech with some amazing stories to tell. We will also be talking about sustainability in our industry. Mickey was taught an incredible work ethic and continues to teach that today.  This episode is brought to you by AVL Media Group and The ESA. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/geezersofgear/message

Over the years we have had some big names on the podcast, but it is safe to say that Sir Elton John could be up there with the biggest and best one yet (move over Prince William)Crouchy, Chris and Starkie leave the pub this week and take a trip down to Chris' stomping ground - Watford. Here they met up with global icon and former majority shareholder of Watford F.C to get an insight on one man's love of football and his old pal Graham Taylor. In his new book, ‘Watford Forever' Sir Elton details Watford's meteoric rise up the football pyramid to some of their most memorable moments and missed opportunities - and he is as every bit as entertaining as you would expect him to be.So sit back, dig out your best pair of shades and enjoy this week's That Peter Crouch Podcast. 00:00 Elton John's Podcast Introduction02:27 Vicarage Road Experience04:59 Pre-match nerves06:40 Festive Football 11s and Listeners' Messages09:54 Managerial Habits and Football Nostalgia15:27 Sir Elton John20:11 Community in Football21:32 Club Ownership23:21 Relationship with Graham Taylor24:57 Favourite Players26:21 Scouting & Development27:31 FA Cup Memories29:20 Watford Forever30:56 Cherished Career Moments32:19 Football & Financial Changes39:40 Beyond Music47:34 Chairman's Influence on Game Days52:21 Anecdotes of Football Club Owners Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of a new book launch, 'Watford Forever' by John Preston – which tells the story of how Sir Elton John and Graham Taylor saved Watford, the pop legend sits down with Gary Lineker to talk about his love of football, why FA Cup finals are like headlining Glastonbury and why Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney remind him of himself.

Graeme Smith is in Manchester this week talking to transmasculine-non binary legend Paris Munro from the Gaydio breakfast show about if things are OK with former cock destroyers star and OUTCAST UK guest Sophie Anderson. The LGBTQ meme star's partner (who appeared on this show with her just a few months ago) announced she was dead on social media and then backtracked days later causing deep concern amongst queer fans. This episode begins with a roundup of the world's queer news this week.. including: The UK home secretary Suella Braverman has doubled down on her anti LGBTQ+ asylum comments in response to criticism from Elton John that her views lack “compassion”. Sir Elton also said the senior tory was “legitimising hate and violence”. Incredibly disturbing news coming out of Russia over the last few days. A transgender woman has spoken about being forced to undergo conversion therapy, involving masculinity training and being ordered to castrate a pig.  California has signed new legislation to help LGBTQ+ youth. The new laws include LGBTQ+ cultural competency training by public school teachers and staff, the establishment of an advisory task force to identify LGBTQ+ pupil needs across the state and amending the foster care vetting process to make sure ensure LGBTQ+ youth in the foster system are not placed in anti-LGBTQ+ foster homes. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/outcastuk/message

Blue Jean Baby!Elton John is a Rock and Roll icon and with Sir Elton retiring from live performing it's a perfect time to celebrate over 50 years of music. Along with Bernie Taupin they are responsible for some of the greatest songs ever written!We are joined by broadcaster, editor and writer Jo Elvin as we wander down the Yellow Brick Road and count down his Top 10 songs!And listen out for a VERY SPECIAL Honourable Mention at the end of the pod!You can listen to Jo's podcast ‘Fame' right here -https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/fame-with-jo-elvin/id1659062309You can also listen to Pav as he guested on THE MY FIVE CENTS PODCAST right here - https://linktr.ee/themyfivecentspodcastOur new pal Bernie Taupin has a new book outScattershot - Life, Music, Elton and MeYou can order it right here -Scattershot: Life, Music, Elton and Me https://amzn.eu/d/6FbNubASOCIAL MEDIAwww.twitter.com/toptenpodswww.instagram.com/toptenpodswww.facebook.com/toptenpodsEMAILGet in touch with us right here:toptenpods@hotmail.comPATREONCome and support the podcast at Patreon for some great rewards including video playlists that accompany the podcast episodes - www.patreon.com/toptenpodsEPISODE LINKSApple: apple.co/3ica0FySpotify: spoti.fi/3BRhkypYouTube: https://bit.ly/3jQETisMERCH https://www.podcastmerch.co.uk/170026-top-10-of-anythingLINKTREEhttps://linktr.ee/toptenpodsBUY US A COFFEEhttps://ko-fi.com/toptenpodsSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-top-ten-of-anything-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Elton suffers a fall in France and spends night in hospital. This is your Daily Lowdown from HELLO! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did you think it said “Lock the Cash Box”? Maybe like Phoebe on friends you too believed Sir Elton was singing about Who's The Boss. This week we're discussing misheard song lyrics and yes, it gets a little silly but it's a whole lot of fun!   If you have not already done so Please leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts!   You can help the show by donating to our Buy Me a Coffee: The Mix Tape is Weekly Pop Culture Podcast (buymeacoffee.com)     Please visit our sponsor-  www.BustedTees.com   At checkout use code JASON25945 To receive a fat discount Follow us Online! www.TheMixTapeShow.com   Join us on YouTube with all the Twisted Kid and Rewind Toy goodness you could want!  Please take a moment to Subscribe: https://youtube.com/channel/UC01Q55dWT8mYLdjbP-x6GTQ Twitter-  Mix_Tape_Pod Facebook- Tapeworms! Fans of the Mix TapePodcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/1373722583092349 TikTok- Mixtapepod  https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRSG8CVm/ Instagram- https://instagram.com/the_mix_tape_podcast?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=   A little love to friends Not A Bomb Podcast- https://www.notabombpodcast.com/ Behind the Funny- https://behindthefunny.libsyn.com/ NOTLP- https://www.facebook.com/notlp/ Scream Queenz- https://www.screamqueenz.com/ Buy some Swag, show us some love- https://yourmixtapepodcast.wixsite.com/mixtapepodcast/general-4     --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mixtapepod/message

The Glastonbury hangover begins but what a way to finish with Sir Elton rocking the Pyramid stage without so much as a sip of water. Our competition winner Dale also had a good time and there's good news about the Asda Seagull.

Anne Aslett is the CEO of the Sir Elton John AIDS Foundation and with Sir Elton, she's launched The Rocket Fund - a $125 million campaign to help end AIDS by 2030.  The ambition for the fund is to create a world free from AIDS, for everyone. To reignite the conversation around HIV/AIDS and turbo-charge the mission to reach vulnerable people in most need of support as we celebrate PRIDE month in the UK.  On the latest episode of Show Me The Way, Anne talks about her 20-year career with Sir Elton John and his foundation. Her brother, whose death inspired her to join. And the global initiatives she's involved with that are helping provide access to HIV prevention and treatment services for over 1 million people. Did you know? LGBTQ+ people account for 17% of total HIV cases globally yet receive only 0.04% of development funding that provides medical care across the disease spectrum. Every two minutes in 2021, an adolescent girl or young woman was newly diagnosed with HIV.  Nearly 5,000 young women contract HIV every week. To find out more about the Fund go to The Rocket Fund or visit the Sir Elton John AIDS Foundation website here. For Emmeline's bookshelf Anne recommends The Rainbow Parade by Emily Neilson – a story about the diversity of family life and relationships.  Subscribe so you don't miss any new episodes.  

In der zweiten Icons-Folge von Musik ist Trumpf beschäftigen sich Till & Max mit dem Rocket Man - Elton John is in da house! Und obwohl Herr Hoheneder des öfteren mit vielen Songs von Sir Elton hadert, am Ende sind sich die zwei Hosts der weltbesten Musiksendung im Internet einig: Der Mann hat zusammen mit seinem Partner Bernie Taupin geniale Songs geschrieben und hat deswegen völlig zurecht eine „Icons“-Folge verdient!

Zoomin in from Ireland, Colm Gavin was a "Brilliant" guest to have on and hear his stories. Gavin brings us into his life as a child and reveals that he remembers listening to his moms favorite artist, Elton John as a child. These memories have created inspiration to hopefully share the stage with Sir Elton at some point in Colms lifetime. Colms knowledge of the actual workings of music is truly eyeopening and he lets us listen in on some of his hit songs. Colm has appeared on many music charts, not only in Ireland but the US Billboard charts and numerous other countries. May it be alone, with a full band or an outside collaborator , the music reaches audiences of all ages as well as genre preferences. Listen in to this great journey with our new Irish friend. #colmgavin #singer #songwriter #billboard #awardwining #podcast #musiciansandbeyond #ireland #brilliant #irish #friend --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/musiciansandbeyond/support

Sir Elton John wowed a sell-out crowd in Christchurch this week and tonight and tomorrow will be his last ever Auckland shows. Mt Smart Stadium is the venue for the two Farewell Yellow Brick Road shows. Auckland Transport is urging people drive to the concerts tonight and tomorrow, due to the shortage of public transport services. Wet and windy weather is also forecast for both nights. Sir Elton's tour manager DC Parmet told Tim Dower no matter what happens, the Rocket Man is determined to put on a show. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We get details on Fowlerville's Christmas in the Ville, Cougar's back with a review of Sir Elton, we plan our musical for Washington Crossing the Delaware and get catty about Peter Criss.

This week, I speak to singer and star, Tallia Storm, on the realities of navigating fame as a woman in her 20's.Tallia was just 13 years old when she handed her demo CD to Sir Elton's partner David Furnish in a hotel restaurant. Sir Elton called her 24 hours later and invited her to open his UK concert to 17,000 people to great critical acclaim. She now lives in an Instagram world that has enabled her to do what she wants and deliver the kind of music she wants. She has been featured on multiple TV shows and has a huge social media following.What struck me about Tallia was her genuine modesty. This conversation paints a portrait of exactly what it looks like to get famous by simply believing you can do it and saying "yes" when the opportunities come your way.Listen as we discuss:How Tallia got her big break at age 13 thanks to Elton John.The advantage of having 10 years of experience by age 23.When even famous artists can't afford to pay their rent.Taking the tube to the Brit Awards.The big break in the USA that almost was.The culture of bullying she encountered in Scotland.Her first heartbreak and the joy of being able to cry.A sit down I had with my mom at age 40.Dating, love, the usual.The "Year of Yes" and how she ended up writing with Nile Rodgers.Tallia's secret to happiness? Relinquishing control and enjoying the moment.YouTube: @mogawdatofficialInstagram: @mo_gawdatFacebook: @mo.gawdat.officialTwitter: @mgawdatLinkedIn: /in/mogawdatWebsite: mogawdat.comConnect with Tallia Storm on Instagram @talliastorm and her website talliastorm.comDon't forget to subscribe to Slo Mo for new episodes every Sunday. Only with your help can we reach One Billion Happy #onebillionhappy

If you're still "high as a kite" from watching Elton John's final US show at Dodger Stadium, we just might have the podcast episode for you. Gillian Gaar has authored a beautiful coffee table book, Elton John @75, examining Sir Elton through the lens of 75 career accomplishments and life events. Gillian steps into our virtual studios to say so much about Sad Songs and much more related to the Rocket Man. 

If you're still "high as a kite" from watching Elton John's final US show at Dodger Stadium, we just might have the podcast episode for you. Gillian Gaar has authored a beautiful coffee table book, Elton John @75, examining Sir Elton through the lens of 75 career accomplishments and life events. Gillian steps into our virtual studios to say so much about Sad Songs and much more related to the Rocket Man. We are a proud member of Pantheon Podcasts.

I'm back in Los Angeles so you know what that means... 6am trading days! This week I review the buy setups on QQQ, SPY, SQ, and NVDA as well as the major indexes. Also, Warren Buffett disclosed a $4 billion stake in Taiwan Semiconductors. Spicy!! Listen in. Cash Pineapples is sponsored by the Keanu Trades discord, get HALF OFF your first month of premium membership with link https://tiny.cc/cashpineskeanu

Few rock artists continue to gather more and more adulation with age. Sir Elton Hercules John is an exception who proves the rule. In “Elton John at 75”, veteran rock journalist Gillian Gaar presents a unique and beautifully produced celebration of the iconic and beloved rock star, examining Sir Elton through the lens of 75 career accomplishments and life events. Key studio albums are featured, of course, as are a curated selection of his earworm singles. But Gaar delves deeper to reveal the events that helped chart the course of Elton's career:- Key performances such as his breakthrough performance at LA's Troubadour, and the historic Soviet Union and Dodger Stadium concerts- Legendary collaborations with the likes of George Michael, Billy Joel, and Kate Bush- His many film and television roles, including Tommy and The Muppet Show- Tireless work on behalf of AIDS research- Notable awards and honors, including knighthood- And, of course, his collaboration with longtime cowriter Bernie TaupinBeginning with his 1969 debut LP, Elton John is regarded as one of the most influential musicians and performers of the previous five decades. In examining 75 touchstones, Gaar provides a unique presentation of Elton's career arc, from his first steps as a solo artist to the breakthrough album ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road' to his flamboyant stage presence, and beyond.Every page is illustrated with stunning concert and candid offstage photography, including gig posters, 7-inch picture sleeves, and more. This incredible package also includes a gatefold Elton John timeline, a previously unpublished gatefold artwork, an 8×10-inch glossy print, and a pullout poster. The result is a stunning tribute to one of the most admired stars in rock—in a milestone year.Gillian G. Gaar has written for numerous publications, including Mojo, Rolling Stone, and Goldmine. Previous books include “She's a Rebel: The History of Women in Rock & Roll”; “Entertain Us: The Rise of Nirvana”; “Return of the King: Elvis Presley's Great Comeback”; “The Doors: The Complete Illustrated History”; and “Boss: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band—The Illustrated History”. She lives in Seattle.Purchase a copy of "Elton John at 75" through The Quarto Group Website: www.quarto.com/books/9780760375525/elton-john-at-75Follow Gillian Gaar:Facebook: www.facebook.com/GillianGaarWriterTwitter: https://twitter.com/GillianGaarListen to a playlist of the music discussed in this episode: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6eBTbhte0G9gaBCaOSdsSH?si=896298840cd54cc3The Booked On Rock Website: www.bookedonrock.comFollow The Booked On Rock with Eric Senich:FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/bookedonrockpodcastTWITTER: https://twitter.com/bookedonrockINSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/bookedonrockpodcastSupport Your Local Bookstore! Find your nearest independent bookstore here: www.indiebound.org/indie-store-finderContact The Booked On Rock Podcast:thebookedonrockpodcast@gmail.comThe Booked On Rock Music: “Whoosh” & “Nasty” by Crowander (www.crowander.com)

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Children removed from Jewish sects jungle compound in Mexico House Jan. 6 committee postpones hearing as Hurricane Ian threatens Florida Newest addition to Trumps legal team sidelined in Mar a Lago search case Manchin didnt expect Republicans to join Bernie Sanders in opposition to energy permitting bill Nord Stream Ukraine accuses Russia of pipeline terror attack 5 migrant buses arrive in NYC as Mayor Adams tent city construction begins Russians continue to flee country after mobilisation drive for Ukraine war BBC News Judge rules Texas attorney general does not have to appear at hearing on abortion lawsuit after affidavit alleges he ran from person serving subpoena Hurricane Ian Approaches Florida, Threatens Tampa Bay Iran protests Death toll rises to 76 as crackdown intensifies rights group Watch Mystery leaks in Nord Stream pipelines spark sabotage concerns CNN Video Floridians brace for strengthening Hurricane Ian LIVE Hurricane Ian latest Florida updates as Tampa and Sarasota fear direct hit LiveNOW from FOX LiveNOW from FOX Cargo plane submerged nose first in French lake Ukraine war Russia to open war enlisting hub on Georgia border Hurricane Ian Florida fears catastrophic flooding as storm nears McConnell, Schumer back bill to prevent efforts to subvert presidential election results Ukraine war Disputed referendums close in Russian held regions Shakira to stand trial in Spain for tax evasion Timed Teaser How did Biden surprise Sir Elton

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Nasa tests planetary defence with asteroid crash Famed American ski mountaineer missing in Nepal mountain Mystery leaks hit Russian undersea gas lines, raising European suspicions Ukraine latest Putin poised to announce annexation of occupied regions UK Timed Teaser How did Biden surprise Sir Elton Meadows texts reveal direct White House communications with pro Trump operative behind plans to seize voting machines King Charles New royal cypher revealed Putin grants citizenship to Edward Snowden, who exposed U.S. surveillance Children removed from Jewish sects jungle compound in Mexico Ukraine war The referendums shunned by Kyiv and the West Hilaree Nelson US mountaineer missing after skiing into crevasse Nord Stream Mystery leaks in Russia gas pipelines spark warnings Floridians brace for strengthening Hurricane Ian DOJ declares seized Mar a Lago materials list full and accurate despite Trumps claims of planted evidence Russia issues new nuclear warning as it wraps up contested Ukraine referendums Hurricane Ian makes landfall in western Cuba as a Category 3 storm, threatening a path of destruction as it churns toward Florida Bad Bunny turns music video into Puerto Rico doco CBO says Bidens student loan cancellation plan could cost 400 billion

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Hurricane Ian Florida fears catastrophic flooding as storm nears Nord Stream Ukraine accuses Russia of pipeline terror attack Ukraine war Russia to open war enlisting hub on Georgia border Timed Teaser How did Biden surprise Sir Elton Ukraine war Disputed referendums close in Russian held regions Manchin didnt expect Republicans to join Bernie Sanders in opposition to energy permitting bill Judge rules Texas attorney general does not have to appear at hearing on abortion lawsuit after affidavit alleges he ran from person serving subpoena Cargo plane submerged nose first in French lake Floridians brace for strengthening Hurricane Ian House Jan. 6 committee postpones hearing as Hurricane Ian threatens Florida Shakira to stand trial in Spain for tax evasion Russians continue to flee country after mobilisation drive for Ukraine war BBC News McConnell, Schumer back bill to prevent efforts to subvert presidential election results Newest addition to Trumps legal team sidelined in Mar a Lago search case Iran protests Death toll rises to 76 as crackdown intensifies rights group 5 migrant buses arrive in NYC as Mayor Adams tent city construction begins Watch Mystery leaks in Nord Stream pipelines spark sabotage concerns CNN Video Hurricane Ian Approaches Florida, Threatens Tampa Bay Children removed from Jewish sects jungle compound in Mexico LIVE Hurricane Ian latest Florida updates as Tampa and Sarasota fear direct hit LiveNOW from FOX LiveNOW from FOX

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Russia issues new nuclear warning as it wraps up contested Ukraine referendums Ukraine war The referendums shunned by Kyiv and the West King Charles New royal cypher revealed Nord Stream Mystery leaks in Russia gas pipelines spark warnings Timed Teaser How did Biden surprise Sir Elton Hilaree Nelson US mountaineer missing after skiing into crevasse Hurricane Ian makes landfall in western Cuba as a Category 3 storm, threatening a path of destruction as it churns toward Florida CBO says Bidens student loan cancellation plan could cost 400 billion Floridians brace for strengthening Hurricane Ian Mystery leaks hit Russian undersea gas lines, raising European suspicions DOJ declares seized Mar a Lago materials list full and accurate despite Trumps claims of planted evidence Famed American ski mountaineer missing in Nepal mountain Meadows texts reveal direct White House communications with pro Trump operative behind plans to seize voting machines Ukraine latest Putin poised to announce annexation of occupied regions UK Bad Bunny turns music video into Puerto Rico doco Children removed from Jewish sects jungle compound in Mexico Putin grants citizenship to Edward Snowden, who exposed U.S. surveillance Nasa tests planetary defence with asteroid crash

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Famed American ski mountaineer missing in Nepal mountain Floridians brace for strengthening Hurricane Ian Nasa tests planetary defence with asteroid crash Timed Teaser How did Biden surprise Sir Elton Bad Bunny turns music video into Puerto Rico doco Hurricane Ian makes landfall in western Cuba as a Category 3 storm, threatening a path of destruction as it churns toward Florida Nord Stream Mystery leaks in Russia gas pipelines spark warnings CBO says Bidens student loan cancellation plan could cost 400 billion Hilaree Nelson US mountaineer missing after skiing into crevasse Ukraine latest Putin poised to announce annexation of occupied regions UK Meadows texts reveal direct White House communications with pro Trump operative behind plans to seize voting machines Ukraine war The referendums shunned by Kyiv and the West Putin grants citizenship to Edward Snowden, who exposed U.S. surveillance Children removed from Jewish sects jungle compound in Mexico DOJ declares seized Mar a Lago materials list full and accurate despite Trumps claims of planted evidence King Charles New royal cypher revealed Russia issues new nuclear warning as it wraps up contested Ukraine referendums Mystery leaks hit Russian undersea gas lines, raising European suspicions

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Timed Teaser How did Biden surprise Sir Elton Newest addition to Trumps legal team sidelined in Mar a Lago search case Hurricane Ian Approaches Florida, Threatens Tampa Bay Manchin didnt expect Republicans to join Bernie Sanders in opposition to energy permitting bill Cargo plane submerged nose first in French lake House Jan. 6 committee postpones hearing as Hurricane Ian threatens Florida Hurricane Ian Florida fears catastrophic flooding as storm nears Iran protests Death toll rises to 76 as crackdown intensifies rights group Shakira to stand trial in Spain for tax evasion Ukraine war Disputed referendums close in Russian held regions LIVE Hurricane Ian latest Florida updates as Tampa and Sarasota fear direct hit LiveNOW from FOX LiveNOW from FOX Floridians brace for strengthening Hurricane Ian 5 migrant buses arrive in NYC as Mayor Adams tent city construction begins Nord Stream Ukraine accuses Russia of pipeline terror attack Judge rules Texas attorney general does not have to appear at hearing on abortion lawsuit after affidavit alleges he ran from person serving subpoena Children removed from Jewish sects jungle compound in Mexico Russians continue to flee country after mobilisation drive for Ukraine war BBC News McConnell, Schumer back bill to prevent efforts to subvert presidential election results Ukraine war Russia to open war enlisting hub on Georgia border Watch Mystery leaks in Nord Stream pipelines spark sabotage concerns CNN Video

Afternoons 3-6 on 105.9 The X Mark opens up the second hour of the show by revealing his top five Elton John songs in honor of Sir Elton's concert tonight at PNC Park. Mark is the joined by Arthur Moats who shares with Mark what he liked and disliked from the Steelers wild win over the Bengals last week and how the Steelers can get their second win but in a much calmer way. Mark then talks about the Steelers secondary and how he liked the play of some of the depth guys who can help take the load off from some of the starters.

This week I am joined by queer pop sensation Rina Sawayama. Her debut album was pure genius and she has spent the summer touring with none other than Sir Elton himself. In this episode she shares some beautiful truths about her pansexuality that even her superfans won't have heard before. She also shares her story of discovering her queer chosen family, being raised by a single-parent and what an earth a SHE-E-O is, and how we can all become one! You can pre-order Rina's new album ‘Hold The Girl' here.

This week I am joined by queer pop sensation Rina Sawayama. Her debut album was pure genius and she has spent the summer touring with none other than Sir Elton himself. In this episode she shares some beautiful truths about her pansexuality that even her superfans won't have heard before. She also shares her story of discovering her queer chosen family, being raised by a single-parent and what an earth a SHE-E-O is, and how we can all become one! You can pre-order Rina's new album ‘Hold The Girl' here.

When Leeds outfit Yard Act released their debut album earlier this year, little did they know they would make a massive fan out of the legendary icon Sir Elton John, but he began telling the press about them. With nothing to lose, Yard Act reached out and asked if Sir Elton would like to join them on piano, which turned out to be just who you hear on the newly-recorded version of “100% Endurance.” 

Sir Elton's biggest triumph of his life was overcoming his addiction to alcohol and cocaine. In doing this, he saved not only his own life, but inspired millions of people around the world. ❌  You can apply for a Roadmap Call with me here: https://soberclear.com/bookcall-ytd

The pianos, they are a-duelin'! And the piano man, he takes a stand in the auditorium, but is it THE Piano Man, Billy Joel, or is it Sir Elton? We debate Elton John's "Tiny Dancer" and Billy Joel's "Piano Man," which piano star will end up on top?

Enjoy our discussion of Sir Elton's Madman Across The Water! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/three-different-ones/support

Sir Elton makes a surprise announcement, Billie Eilish gets candid about her success and Top of the Pops goes festive. Listen-up, this is your Daily Lowdown from HELLO! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Sir Elton makes a big announcement, Kanye West wants a family reunion, and Prince William gets candid about fatherhood. Hello! brings you all you need to know in the world of showbiz and royalty. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this, the first episode of the series, my guest is Sir Elton John. We talk about life during lockdown, what it's like watching a movie about yourself and much more...Sir Elton's charity of choice: The Watford FC Community Sports & Education Trust https://www.watfordfccsetrust.com/Produced by The Podcast Company for Deeney Media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back my friends to the show that never ends!!!! Got two chill hits coming at you, followed by a masterpiece from Sir Elton! Ep. 37 England Dan/John Ford Coley, Eric Clapton, Elton John

In this (probably roughly edited) episode, I spotlight Little Village and wish them luck. I talk about Sir Elton's tweets, Sussex Royal's IG stories and the FuTuRe kInG aNd KwEeN -- and in that order. Tune in.  Make sure to visit my YouTube channel for additional content beyond the podcast.  And follow me on Twitter and Instagram, I'm @sussexsquad on twitter and @Sussexsquadvee on IG. The Sussex Rising playlist can be found on Spotify. In every way, please be a Force for Change and a force for good. -Vee