Podcasts about sledges

Sledges, Corkscrews, and other fears.Based on a post by Jorunn, in 4 parts. Listen to the ►Podcast at Connected.Once at the starting point, we both sat down on our sledges. I was grateful only a few others were preparing to ride, but gasped again when I saw how youthful their faces were. I doubted anyone here was over thirty years old. I wondered whether Jorunn was punishing me, or perhaps was hoping I would voluntarily quit the tour.“I don’t know if I can do this, Jorunn. I’m afraid.”Jorunn looked me in the eye with a grim look on her face.“Afraid is coming home with my mother, and finding my father sleeping with another woman. Afraid is watching how he broke apart my family and wondering how my mom and I would go on. Afraid is me cutting off my father and not wanting to ever see him again.”“Afraid is quitting a dead-end job and trying to earn a living as a vlogger in one of the most expensive countries on earth. Afraid is checking every morning for clicks, likes, and followers, and finding out the numbers did not change.”“Afraid is starting a private small-group tour company, all by myself, and weaving my way through the many regulations, laws, and insurance requirements. Afraid is knowing I have to book at least one trip a month just to cover those costs.”“Afraid is taking a group of six to Svalbard for a glacier hike in early summer, and spotting a polar bear less than 200 meters away lumbering towards us. Afraid is watching our guide fire off the last of her flares, but seeing the bear still coming. Afraid is the look in our guide’s eyes as she reached for her rifle.”“You don’t need to be afraid of sledging, Gunnar. What you need to be afraid of is being too afraid to try sledging. Meet me at the bottom of the hill. Either make the run or turn in your sledge and take the Metro down the hill.”I watched Jorunn push off and head down the run, then thought about her words. I lived a good life in Minnesota, meeting Solveig in college and then stepping right into a lifetime job with the 3M company. Adventure was going to our lake cabin where the only challenges were fighting off mosquitos, and figuring out how to remove burnt marshmallows off the end of a stick. After our first child, Solveig and I stopped doing anything like sledding, and instead sat and watched our kids having all the fun.What am I doing here in Norway? Why am I here? Jorunn answered that question for me. I pushed off and started my run.I fought my way down the mountain, and as I approached the end of the run, I was happy to see it level off. I saw Jorunn standing next to her sledge, her small camera pointed at me. I raised both hands over my head, waved, then yelled, “I did it!” I coasted to a stop three meters past her.Jorunn ran up to me, and as I stood, she hugged me. “I’m proud of you Gunnar.” As we hugged, under the clear blue skies and chilly temperatures, I closed my eyes and went back 35 years to a small hill in Minneapolis, where I hugged Solvieg after sledding. Jorunn released me and stepped back.I yelped, “It was wonderful! I kept to the side as other people whizzed past me. A few sections were bumpy, and my teeth rattled. The only time I was scared was when there was a steep drop-off on one side. Don’t you use guardrails in Norway?”“You may have seen a few small concrete walls, but we believe in personal responsibility here in Norway. If you cannot manage a sledge, you should not make the run. The authorities do monitor the conditions and sometimes close the run when it is too icy.”“Does that mean you believed in me? Believed I could make it down the hill?”“There is nothing wrong with you, Gunnar. While I was waiting here at the bottom of the hill, I read about your Iron Range in Minnesota. You are rusty. There is a Wizard of Oz Museum there. You are the Tin Man. This tour is the Oil Can. Figure it out. The Oil Can only works if you pick it up and use it. Stand tall and walk proudly for as long as you can. If you fall, get up and keep going.”It was an interesting way to look at life. I was only 56 years old, but for the last few years, I acted like I was 80. I still have many years to go sledging, if only I was not afraid to try.I turned to Jorunn. “Let’s go again!”Pea SoupDecember 16 - Mid-DayAfter three more runs, Jorunn and I turned in our sledges and ate lunch at the beautiful Frognersteren Restaurant on top of the hill. I followed her suggestion of a thick pea soup with meatballs and potatoes. It was delicious. As we sipped hot chocolate, it felt good to be alive again.“A week ago, I was in a nursing home in Minnesota. After my wife died, no one visited me, not even my adult children. I was alone. It was a terrible place, run by a terrible nurse. I had to get out. I made plans with my lawyer, then walked out the front door and got on a plane to come to Norway. What’s the worst place you have ever been?”“Dublin, Ireland. After the divorce, my mother and I were struggling financially. We had gone from living a comfortable life to living paycheck to paycheck. I saw a post on the Internet for a job as a body double for a Vikings television program. I wasn’t sure what a body double did, but it paid well for a short gig. I took all my clothes off while a dozen people stared at me and took photos and videos. I hadn’t been naked in front of any man in over a year, since before the divorce. They must have liked me because I got the part, and they flew me to Dublin. The next morning, I went to the studios. I sat there in a robe while they cut and styled my hair to match the actress I was portraying. Then off to the makeup department, where I removed my robe while they applied fake tattoos and full body makeup so I would look dirty in all the right places.”“After lunch in the studio, the costume department placed me in a white linen tunic. When it was time to film, they told me to stand in front of the lead actor while he lifted the tunic off me and tossed it aside. He was much older than me, and with his beard, he reminded me of my father. He exuded the same swagger as if the world revolved only around him. I would be fully exposed to him, and to the camera crew, who were filming me from behind. They told me to act submissive and let the lead actor hug me. It took several takes and a few tweaks before the director was happy.”“Next, I was ordered to lay down on a stylized Viking bed covered with furs. The sex scene was to be filmed twice. Once for television, then for an unrated video release. The make-up people gave me a once over, then thankfully positioned a flesh-covered patch over my vagina. In the first shot, I was naked, but the lead actor remained fully clothed. He stood and positioned himself between my legs, and they told me to keep my vagina pressed tight against his crotch as he bucked against me. We needed to make the audience believe we were having sex while showing them nothing. I remained in this position while they adjusted the lighting and camera angles, and beneath his trousers, I felt the lead actor’s erect cock pressed against me.”“The director yelled, ‘Action’. Once again, they told me to be submissive, and let the lead actor take charge. He started humping against me. Looking up at him, he was still a handsome man, and I wondered how many women around the world dreamed or fantasized about being in the same place I was. I wasn’t one of them, but I understood this was why they hired me, so I accepted it. Like earlier, it took several takes. The director would review the shot and make small adjustments each time. After the last take, I saw a large wet spot on the front of the lead actor’s trousers.”“Then it was time for the unrated scene. A host of costume and make-up people swarmed around the actor while I lay there naked. This time, he was to be naked as he approached the bed. The camera angle was off to the side to avoid full frontal and he used his left hand to shield his erection, thankfully contained in a flesh-covered sock. The scene began with the lead actor approaching me, and once in position, he began humping against me. His covered cock slid against the covering over my vagina, but the sensations passed right through. My nipples became erect, and I felt my wetness building.”“After several takes, the director was happy, and we moved on to the last scene for which I was needed. In this one, the lead actor would be laying on top of me, his arms extended and propping himself up with his hands placed on either side of my body. This scene was more challenging because it needed to be mixed with prior facial cuts shot separately with the lead male actor and lead female actress. The scene would be filmed from several angles including above and below. As the director reviewed the earlier footage, the makeup people worked on my face and hair.”“The next thing I felt was the lead actor lying on top of me, his body pressing his erect cock against the patch covering my vagina. I wanted to turn away, but he told me to look at him because it would help him release his creative juices. I feared the possible double entendre. Here I was, face-to-face with the avatar of the man I hated more than anyone, the man who destroyed our family. When the director was ready, he said to go at it and try to simulate real sex. He yelled 'Action’. I was sweating under the lights, and the patch covering my vagina began to slip, aided by the movement of the lead actor’s covered cock. As my pussy became more exposed, I was afraid his cock might slide into me, so I yelled 'Cut!’. Everything stopped, and I pushed him off.”“That was enough. I yelled I was through, gathered my things, and headed for the front door. I paid my own way back to Oslo, and thought about filing a protest, but later learned what they did was mostly proper. Most sex scenes are between two body doubles. It is rare, but sometimes a lead actor will film such scenes if they have it in their nudity clause. I had a new appreciation for body doubles, but my own acting career lasted one day, and looking at the final scenes after release, I was on screen for eight seconds, and no one knew it was me!”I said, “Wow. We have something in common. The nursing home did everything properly, but like you, I couldn’t stand it any longer, so I headed for the front door. I’m sorry for your terrible experience.”Jorunn shook her head, “Don’t be sorry. The experience ended up changing my life for the better. After I got back to Oslo, I swore to never work for anyone else again. I wanted to direct my own scenes, so I started doing vlogs. That led to the creation of my tour company. As things turned out, I walked out one door and right into something I loved. Plus, I walked out wearing this really cool, braided leather Viking headband I have on now. You are halfway there. You have walked out the front door. Now you must find something, or someone, to love.”A profound statement from someone so young.SpikersuppaDecember 16 - AfternoonI noticed the sun getting low on the horizon. Jorunn caught my glance and said, “The sun sets early here in Oslo, around 3:30 in the afternoon. In some of the northern cities, it set last month and will not rise again until spring.”I didn’t want to spend the rest of the day looking at museums, and flushed with my success on the hill, I took a chance. “Do you ice skate?”Jorunn replied, “I do, but not very well.”I said, “If you know of a skating rink with lights, maybe we can go there and skate.”“There is a nice lighted one in downtown Oslo called Spikersuppa,” said Jorunn. “When the sun goes down in Oslo, the twinkling lights are turned on, bringing with them their magic. The ice-skating rink is close to the Christmas market, which is our agenda for tonight.”“That sounds great to me,” I replied.We took the T-bane back to downtown Oslo and arrived as the sun was setting. There weren’t any clouds, but the multi-layered horizon was still beautiful. Orange along the bottom, and above it, increasingly darker hues of blue and purple, before turning to black in the night sky. After leaving the train station Jorunn and I walked along a pedestrian-only street named 'Karl Johns gate’ passing high-end stores and restaurants. Jorunn either pointed to, or mentioned, notable downtown buildings such as the Royal Palace, Parliament, the National Theatre, the Grand Hotel, and the original University of Oslo buildings. We also passed the brilliantly lit Freia clock, associated with the long-time Norwegian chocolate maker, and the unofficial symbol of Oslo.We rented skates and then stepped tentatively onto the ice. It wasn’t a big rink, and fortunately, not crowded. In the middle was a frozen water fountain. Christmas music was playing and twinkling lights glowed all around us.“I played ice hockey in Minnesota when I was in high school, but haven’t skated since.”“My father used to take me to figure skating lessons when I was young, but I stopped. I kept falling when trying to do spins.”“Maybe we can help each other out. Have you ever tried ice dancing?”Jorunn laughed. “No! Never!”“Neither have I. But a wise woman once told me that I should not be afraid of ice dancing. What I should be afraid of is being too afraid to try ice dancing.”Jorunn smiled, “A very wise woman, indeed! Let’s try it and see what happens.”I remember watching the wonderful British duo of Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean ice dancing in their last Olympics in 1994. The Olympics were here in Norway, in Lillehammer. I was not about to try any lifts or spins, but I reached my right arm behind Jorunn and placed my hand on her right hip. Taking her left hand in mine, I held her left arm across my body.“Ready?” I asked.Jorunn nodded, and together we pushed off. Right. Left. Right. Left. We moved slowly, side-by-side, in a steady rhythm, and made it around the rink making only a few wobbles. After three more passes, my ancient muscle memory awoke, and I wanted to do more. We separated and I joined my right hand to her left. “We can take longer strides and skate a little faster this way.”After another trip around the rink, we added a slow weaving pattern. Coming out of the last turn, I told Jorunn, “Here is your chance to be a figure skater. I’ll hold your hand. Try a spin.”I skated slightly just ahead of Jorunn, then pulled her forward so she would have enough speed. I raised her hand into the air as she went past, and she started spinning. She yelled, “I’m doing it.” And she was, at least until her speed slowed and she fell into me. “Dam toe pick!” she yelled. With her arms around me, our eyes met. Then she wrinkled her nose, her signature facial expression on the vlogs indicating she didn’t like something. Just as quickly, her face lit up and her big smile glowed. “I’m laughing too hard inside. That was such fun!” She burst out laughing and I joined her. We finally broke the ice, here on the ice.Jorunn separated from me and said, “It is time for Christmas Market.” I helped her up and we turned in our skates. The nearby lights and sounds beckoned.The Christmas MarketDecember 16 - EveningThe sun set long ago and was now just a memory. It was completely dark, but downtown Oslo turned into a Christmas wonderland. There were twinkling lights on almost every tree, with the large and stately buildings surrounding us outlined in white lights to accompany their dramatic uplighting. Oslo was so different than Minneapolis. In downtown Minneapolis, 30-year-old buildings were being torn down to build taller ones in the same location. Here, the buildings were massive, centuries-old, covering an entire block, and they were still in use, letting everyone appreciate the history and architecture. Jorunn and I saw glass-covered buildings in Oslo, with their clean modern architecture, but this was the heart of the city. The life, the pulse, and vitality of Oslo all sprang from here.Towering above everything at the Christmas Market was a brilliantly lit Ferris wheel, each spoke outlined in white lights. I looked at Jorunn and she nodded. She took my hand, and we ran for the Ferris wheel, artfully dodging between the growing number of people.When we boarded, we found each of the seats enclosed in a glass bubble, possibly as a safety measure, or just as likely, protection from the cold. One of the benefits of this was being able to move around a bit, which afforded us a 360-degree aerial view of downtown Oslo. We paused near the top, where Jorunn pulled out her camera.Jorunn said, “It’s rather romantic up here. We should do a selfie.” She sat down right me. “Kiss me. On the lips. Just a quick one. I have the timer set for three seconds. We’ll put our lips together and hold them for a few seconds until the flash goes off.”“Jorunn, I am much older than you. I don’t think it will look very romantic.”“Gunnar, you’re not too old to kiss someone. And if I need to, I can do a little digital touchup, or just flash a quick cut. It will be perfect.”“How do want me to kiss you? Do you want my eyes open or closed? Should I look at the camera or…”Jorunn quickly reached behind my head and pulled me to her. As our lips met, I closed my eyes, and my mouth responded. I felt her softness and a quick tease as Jorunn’s tongue glazed over my lips. A flash went off. But Jorunn did not separate, nor did I. I opened my eyes, and saw that Jorunn’s eyes closed. As our lips pressed together, it felt so warm and comfortable.We separated, and Jorunn said, “Perfect!” Then she looked at the photo just taken. I thought about the sequence of her words and her actions. Jorunn switched over to video and began doing her vlog. She was speaking in English. Immersed in Norwegian for three days, it almost sounded like a foreign language to me. When Jorunn finished, I asked her why she didn’t record her vlogs in Norwegian.She surprised me by continuing in English. “Norwegians already live here. Who would watch my videos if I recorded them in Norwegian? If someone in Norway wants to see the view from the top of this Ferris wheel, they will come here and ride it. People from every continent watch my videos and speak at least some English. It used to bother me when I would get comments on my videos complaining I spoke with a Norwegian accent. Now I just laugh.”I asked her, “Every continent? Including Antarctica?”“Yes. The Norwegian Polar Institute has a year-round research station in Antarctica named 'Troll’. Their mission is to study the polar regions and the effects of global warming and pollution. It’s not a tourist destination, but they have talked to me about possibly going there. They want to do more outreach, to spread the word to younger audiences on social media. I have followers there, but we haven’t been able to work out the permissions and details. The

Sledges, Corkscrews, and other fears.Based on a post by Jorunn, in 4 parts. Listen to the ►Podcast at Connected.Once at the starting point, we both sat down on our sledges. I was grateful only a few others were preparing to ride, but gasped again when I saw how youthful their faces were. I doubted anyone here was over thirty years old. I wondered whether Jorunn was punishing me, or perhaps was hoping I would voluntarily quit the tour.“I don’t know if I can do this, Jorunn. I’m afraid.”Jorunn looked me in the eye with a grim look on her face.“Afraid is coming home with my mother, and finding my father sleeping with another woman. Afraid is watching how he broke apart my family and wondering how my mom and I would go on. Afraid is me cutting off my father and not wanting to ever see him again.”“Afraid is quitting a dead-end job and trying to earn a living as a vlogger in one of the most expensive countries on earth. Afraid is checking every morning for clicks, likes, and followers, and finding out the numbers did not change.”“Afraid is starting a private small-group tour company, all by myself, and weaving my way through the many regulations, laws, and insurance requirements. Afraid is knowing I have to book at least one trip a month just to cover those costs.”“Afraid is taking a group of six to Svalbard for a glacier hike in early summer, and spotting a polar bear less than 200 meters away lumbering towards us. Afraid is watching our guide fire off the last of her flares, but seeing the bear still coming. Afraid is the look in our guide’s eyes as she reached for her rifle.”“You don’t need to be afraid of sledging, Gunnar. What you need to be afraid of is being too afraid to try sledging. Meet me at the bottom of the hill. Either make the run or turn in your sledge and take the Metro down the hill.”I watched Jorunn push off and head down the run, then thought about her words. I lived a good life in Minnesota, meeting Solveig in college and then stepping right into a lifetime job with the 3M company. Adventure was going to our lake cabin where the only challenges were fighting off mosquitos, and figuring out how to remove burnt marshmallows off the end of a stick. After our first child, Solveig and I stopped doing anything like sledding, and instead sat and watched our kids having all the fun.What am I doing here in Norway? Why am I here? Jorunn answered that question for me. I pushed off and started my run.I fought my way down the mountain, and as I approached the end of the run, I was happy to see it level off. I saw Jorunn standing next to her sledge, her small camera pointed at me. I raised both hands over my head, waved, then yelled, “I did it!” I coasted to a stop three meters past her.Jorunn ran up to me, and as I stood, she hugged me. “I’m proud of you Gunnar.” As we hugged, under the clear blue skies and chilly temperatures, I closed my eyes and went back 35 years to a small hill in Minneapolis, where I hugged Solvieg after sledding. Jorunn released me and stepped back.I yelped, “It was wonderful! I kept to the side as other people whizzed past me. A few sections were bumpy, and my teeth rattled. The only time I was scared was when there was a steep drop-off on one side. Don’t you use guardrails in Norway?”“You may have seen a few small concrete walls, but we believe in personal responsibility here in Norway. If you cannot manage a sledge, you should not make the run. The authorities do monitor the conditions and sometimes close the run when it is too icy.”“Does that mean you believed in me? Believed I could make it down the hill?”“There is nothing wrong with you, Gunnar. While I was waiting here at the bottom of the hill, I read about your Iron Range in Minnesota. You are rusty. There is a Wizard of Oz Museum there. You are the Tin Man. This tour is the Oil Can. Figure it out. The Oil Can only works if you pick it up and use it. Stand tall and walk proudly for as long as you can. If you fall, get up and keep going.”It was an interesting way to look at life. I was only 56 years old, but for the last few years, I acted like I was 80. I still have many years to go sledging, if only I was not afraid to try.I turned to Jorunn. “Let’s go again!”Pea SoupDecember 16 - Mid-DayAfter three more runs, Jorunn and I turned in our sledges and ate lunch at the beautiful Frognersteren Restaurant on top of the hill. I followed her suggestion of a thick pea soup with meatballs and potatoes. It was delicious. As we sipped hot chocolate, it felt good to be alive again.“A week ago, I was in a nursing home in Minnesota. After my wife died, no one visited me, not even my adult children. I was alone. It was a terrible place, run by a terrible nurse. I had to get out. I made plans with my lawyer, then walked out the front door and got on a plane to come to Norway. What’s the worst place you have ever been?”“Dublin, Ireland. After the divorce, my mother and I were struggling financially. We had gone from living a comfortable life to living paycheck to paycheck. I saw a post on the Internet for a job as a body double for a Vikings television program. I wasn’t sure what a body double did, but it paid well for a short gig. I took all my clothes off while a dozen people stared at me and took photos and videos. I hadn’t been naked in front of any man in over a year, since before the divorce. They must have liked me because I got the part, and they flew me to Dublin. The next morning, I went to the studios. I sat there in a robe while they cut and styled my hair to match the actress I was portraying. Then off to the makeup department, where I removed my robe while they applied fake tattoos and full body makeup so I would look dirty in all the right places.”“After lunch in the studio, the costume department placed me in a white linen tunic. When it was time to film, they told me to stand in front of the lead actor while he lifted the tunic off me and tossed it aside. He was much older than me, and with his beard, he reminded me of my father. He exuded the same swagger as if the world revolved only around him. I would be fully exposed to him, and to the camera crew, who were filming me from behind. They told me to act submissive and let the lead actor hug me. It took several takes and a few tweaks before the director was happy.”“Next, I was ordered to lay down on a stylized Viking bed covered with furs. The sex scene was to be filmed twice. Once for television, then for an unrated video release. The make-up people gave me a once over, then thankfully positioned a flesh-covered patch over my vagina. In the first shot, I was naked, but the lead actor remained fully clothed. He stood and positioned himself between my legs, and they told me to keep my vagina pressed tight against his crotch as he bucked against me. We needed to make the audience believe we were having sex while showing them nothing. I remained in this position while they adjusted the lighting and camera angles, and beneath his trousers, I felt the lead actor’s erect cock pressed against me.”“The director yelled, ‘Action’. Once again, they told me to be submissive, and let the lead actor take charge. He started humping against me. Looking up at him, he was still a handsome man, and I wondered how many women around the world dreamed or fantasized about being in the same place I was. I wasn’t one of them, but I understood this was why they hired me, so I accepted it. Like earlier, it took several takes. The director would review the shot and make small adjustments each time. After the last take, I saw a large wet spot on the front of the lead actor’s trousers.”“Then it was time for the unrated scene. A host of costume and make-up people swarmed around the actor while I lay there naked. This time, he was to be naked as he approached the bed. The camera angle was off to the side to avoid full frontal and he used his left hand to shield his erection, thankfully contained in a flesh-covered sock. The scene began with the lead actor approaching me, and once in position, he began humping against me. His covered cock slid against the covering over my vagina, but the sensations passed right through. My nipples became erect, and I felt my wetness building.”“After several takes, the director was happy, and we moved on to the last scene for which I was needed. In this one, the lead actor would be laying on top of me, his arms extended and propping himself up with his hands placed on either side of my body. This scene was more challenging because it needed to be mixed with prior facial cuts shot separately with the lead male actor and lead female actress. The scene would be filmed from several angles including above and below. As the director reviewed the earlier footage, the makeup people worked on my face and hair.”“The next thing I felt was the lead actor lying on top of me, his body pressing his erect cock against the patch covering my vagina. I wanted to turn away, but he told me to look at him because it would help him release his creative juices. I feared the possible double entendre. Here I was, face-to-face with the avatar of the man I hated more than anyone, the man who destroyed our family. When the director was ready, he said to go at it and try to simulate real sex. He yelled 'Action’. I was sweating under the lights, and the patch covering my vagina began to slip, aided by the movement of the lead actor’s covered cock. As my pussy became more exposed, I was afraid his cock might slide into me, so I yelled 'Cut!’. Everything stopped, and I pushed him off.”“That was enough. I yelled I was through, gathered my things, and headed for the front door. I paid my own way back to Oslo, and thought about filing a protest, but later learned what they did was mostly proper. Most sex scenes are between two body doubles. It is rare, but sometimes a lead actor will film such scenes if they have it in their nudity clause. I had a new appreciation for body doubles, but my own acting career lasted one day, and looking at the final scenes after release, I was on screen for eight seconds, and no one knew it was me!”I said, “Wow. We have something in common. The nursing home did everything properly, but like you, I couldn’t stand it any longer, so I headed for the front door. I’m sorry for your terrible experience.”Jorunn shook her head, “Don’t be sorry. The experience ended up changing my life for the better. After I got back to Oslo, I swore to never work for anyone else again. I wanted to direct my own scenes, so I started doing vlogs. That led to the creation of my tour company. As things turned out, I walked out one door and right into something I loved. Plus, I walked out wearing this really cool, braided leather Viking headband I have on now. You are halfway there. You have walked out the front door. Now you must find something, or someone, to love.”A profound statement from someone so young.SpikersuppaDecember 16 - AfternoonI noticed the sun getting low on the horizon. Jorunn caught my glance and said, “The sun sets early here in Oslo, around 3:30 in the afternoon. In some of the northern cities, it set last month and will not rise again until spring.”I didn’t want to spend the rest of the day looking at museums, and flushed with my success on the hill, I took a chance. “Do you ice skate?”Jorunn replied, “I do, but not very well.”I said, “If you know of a skating rink with lights, maybe we can go there and skate.”“There is a nice lighted one in downtown Oslo called Spikersuppa,” said Jorunn. “When the sun goes down in Oslo, the twinkling lights are turned on, bringing with them their magic. The ice-skating rink is close to the Christmas market, which is our agenda for tonight.”“That sounds great to me,” I replied.We took the T-bane back to downtown Oslo and arrived as the sun was setting. There weren’t any clouds, but the multi-layered horizon was still beautiful. Orange along the bottom, and above it, increasingly darker hues of blue and purple, before turning to black in the night sky. After leaving the train station Jorunn and I walked along a pedestrian-only street named 'Karl Johns gate’ passing high-end stores and restaurants. Jorunn either pointed to, or mentioned, notable downtown buildings such as the Royal Palace, Parliament, the National Theatre, the Grand Hotel, and the original University of Oslo buildings. We also passed the brilliantly lit Freia clock, associated with the long-time Norwegian chocolate maker, and the unofficial symbol of Oslo.We rented skates and then stepped tentatively onto the ice. It wasn’t a big rink, and fortunately, not crowded. In the middle was a frozen water fountain. Christmas music was playing and twinkling lights glowed all around us.“I played ice hockey in Minnesota when I was in high school, but haven’t skated since.”“My father used to take me to figure skating lessons when I was young, but I stopped. I kept falling when trying to do spins.”“Maybe we can help each other out. Have you ever tried ice dancing?”Jorunn laughed. “No! Never!”“Neither have I. But a wise woman once told me that I should not be afraid of ice dancing. What I should be afraid of is being too afraid to try ice dancing.”Jorunn smiled, “A very wise woman, indeed! Let’s try it and see what happens.”I remember watching the wonderful British duo of Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean ice dancing in their last Olympics in 1994. The Olympics were here in Norway, in Lillehammer. I was not about to try any lifts or spins, but I reached my right arm behind Jorunn and placed my hand on her right hip. Taking her left hand in mine, I held her left arm across my body.“Ready?” I asked.Jorunn nodded, and together we pushed off. Right. Left. Right. Left. We moved slowly, side-by-side, in a steady rhythm, and made it around the rink making only a few wobbles. After three more passes, my ancient muscle memory awoke, and I wanted to do more. We separated and I joined my right hand to her left. “We can take longer strides and skate a little faster this way.”After another trip around the rink, we added a slow weaving pattern. Coming out of the last turn, I told Jorunn, “Here is your chance to be a figure skater. I’ll hold your hand. Try a spin.”I skated slightly just ahead of Jorunn, then pulled her forward so she would have enough speed. I raised her hand into the air as she went past, and she started spinning. She yelled, “I’m doing it.” And she was, at least until her speed slowed and she fell into me. “Dam toe pick!” she yelled. With her arms around me, our eyes met. Then she wrinkled her nose, her signature facial expression on the vlogs indicating she didn’t like something. Just as quickly, her face lit up and her big smile glowed. “I’m laughing too hard inside. That was such fun!” She burst out laughing and I joined her. We finally broke the ice, here on the ice.Jorunn separated from me and said, “It is time for Christmas Market.” I helped her up and we turned in our skates. The nearby lights and sounds beckoned.The Christmas MarketDecember 16 - EveningThe sun set long ago and was now just a memory. It was completely dark, but downtown Oslo turned into a Christmas wonderland. There were twinkling lights on almost every tree, with the large and stately buildings surrounding us outlined in white lights to accompany their dramatic uplighting. Oslo was so different than Minneapolis. In downtown Minneapolis, 30-year-old buildings were being torn down to build taller ones in the same location. Here, the buildings were massive, centuries-old, covering an entire block, and they were still in use, letting everyone appreciate the history and architecture. Jorunn and I saw glass-covered buildings in Oslo, with their clean modern architecture, but this was the heart of the city. The life, the pulse, and vitality of Oslo all sprang from here.Towering above everything at the Christmas Market was a brilliantly lit Ferris wheel, each spoke outlined in white lights. I looked at Jorunn and she nodded. She took my hand, and we ran for the Ferris wheel, artfully dodging between the growing number of people.When we boarded, we found each of the seats enclosed in a glass bubble, possibly as a safety measure, or just as likely, protection from the cold. One of the benefits of this was being able to move around a bit, which afforded us a 360-degree aerial view of downtown Oslo. We paused near the top, where Jorunn pulled out her camera.Jorunn said, “It’s rather romantic up here. We should do a selfie.” She sat down right me. “Kiss me. On the lips. Just a quick one. I have the timer set for three seconds. We’ll put our lips together and hold them for a few seconds until the flash goes off.”“Jorunn, I am much older than you. I don’t think it will look very romantic.”“Gunnar, you’re not too old to kiss someone. And if I need to, I can do a little digital touchup, or just flash a quick cut. It will be perfect.”“How do want me to kiss you? Do you want my eyes open or closed? Should I look at the camera or…”Jorunn quickly reached behind my head and pulled me to her. As our lips met, I closed my eyes, and my mouth responded. I felt her softness and a quick tease as Jorunn’s tongue glazed over my lips. A flash went off. But Jorunn did not separate, nor did I. I opened my eyes, and saw that Jorunn’s eyes closed. As our lips pressed together, it felt so warm and comfortable.We separated, and Jorunn said, “Perfect!” Then she looked at the photo just taken. I thought about the sequence of her words and her actions. Jorunn switched over to video and began doing her vlog. She was speaking in English. Immersed in Norwegian for three days, it almost sounded like a foreign language to me. When Jorunn finished, I asked her why she didn’t record her vlogs in Norwegian.She surprised me by continuing in English. “Norwegians already live here. Who would watch my videos if I recorded them in Norwegian? If someone in Norway wants to see the view from the top of this Ferris wheel, they will come here and ride it. People from every continent watch my videos and speak at least some English. It used to bother me when I would get comments on my videos complaining I spoke with a Norwegian accent. Now I just laugh.”I asked her, “Every continent? Including Antarctica?”“Yes. The Norwegian Polar Institute has a year-round research station in Antarctica named 'Troll’. Their mission is to study the polar regions and the effects of global warming and pollution. It’s not a tourist destination, but they have talked to me about possibly going there. They want to do more outreach, to spread the word to younger audiences on social media. I have followers there, but we haven’t been able to work out the permissions and details. The

Sledges, Corkscrews, and other fears.Based on a post by Jorunn, in 4 parts. Listen to the ►Podcast at Connected.Once at the starting point, we both sat down on our sledges. I was grateful only a few others were preparing to ride, but gasped again when I saw how youthful their faces were. I doubted anyone here was over thirty years old. I wondered whether Jorunn was punishing me, or perhaps was hoping I would voluntarily quit the tour.“I don’t know if I can do this, Jorunn. I’m afraid.”Jorunn looked me in the eye with a grim look on her face.“Afraid is coming home with my mother, and finding my father sleeping with another woman. Afraid is watching how he broke apart my family and wondering how my mom and I would go on. Afraid is me cutting off my father and not wanting to ever see him again.”“Afraid is quitting a dead-end job and trying to earn a living as a vlogger in one of the most expensive countries on earth. Afraid is checking every morning for clicks, likes, and followers, and finding out the numbers did not change.”“Afraid is starting a private small-group tour company, all by myself, and weaving my way through the many regulations, laws, and insurance requirements. Afraid is knowing I have to book at least one trip a month just to cover those costs.”“Afraid is taking a group of six to Svalbard for a glacier hike in early summer, and spotting a polar bear less than 200 meters away lumbering towards us. Afraid is watching our guide fire off the last of her flares, but seeing the bear still coming. Afraid is the look in our guide’s eyes as she reached for her rifle.”“You don’t need to be afraid of sledging, Gunnar. What you need to be afraid of is being too afraid to try sledging. Meet me at the bottom of the hill. Either make the run or turn in your sledge and take the Metro down the hill.”I watched Jorunn push off and head down the run, then thought about her words. I lived a good life in Minnesota, meeting Solveig in college and then stepping right into a lifetime job with the 3M company. Adventure was going to our lake cabin where the only challenges were fighting off mosquitos, and figuring out how to remove burnt marshmallows off the end of a stick. After our first child, Solveig and I stopped doing anything like sledding, and instead sat and watched our kids having all the fun.What am I doing here in Norway? Why am I here? Jorunn answered that question for me. I pushed off and started my run.I fought my way down the mountain, and as I approached the end of the run, I was happy to see it level off. I saw Jorunn standing next to her sledge, her small camera pointed at me. I raised both hands over my head, waved, then yelled, “I did it!” I coasted to a stop three meters past her.Jorunn ran up to me, and as I stood, she hugged me. “I’m proud of you Gunnar.” As we hugged, under the clear blue skies and chilly temperatures, I closed my eyes and went back 35 years to a small hill in Minneapolis, where I hugged Solvieg after sledding. Jorunn released me and stepped back.I yelped, “It was wonderful! I kept to the side as other people whizzed past me. A few sections were bumpy, and my teeth rattled. The only time I was scared was when there was a steep drop-off on one side. Don’t you use guardrails in Norway?”“You may have seen a few small concrete walls, but we believe in personal responsibility here in Norway. If you cannot manage a sledge, you should not make the run. The authorities do monitor the conditions and sometimes close the run when it is too icy.”“Does that mean you believed in me? Believed I could make it down the hill?”“There is nothing wrong with you, Gunnar. While I was waiting here at the bottom of the hill, I read about your Iron Range in Minnesota. You are rusty. There is a Wizard of Oz Museum there. You are the Tin Man. This tour is the Oil Can. Figure it out. The Oil Can only works if you pick it up and use it. Stand tall and walk proudly for as long as you can. If you fall, get up and keep going.”It was an interesting way to look at life. I was only 56 years old, but for the last few years, I acted like I was 80. I still have many years to go sledging, if only I was not afraid to try.I turned to Jorunn. “Let’s go again!”Pea SoupDecember 16 - Mid-DayAfter three more runs, Jorunn and I turned in our sledges and ate lunch at the beautiful Frognersteren Restaurant on top of the hill. I followed her suggestion of a thick pea soup with meatballs and potatoes. It was delicious. As we sipped hot chocolate, it felt good to be alive again.“A week ago, I was in a nursing home in Minnesota. After my wife died, no one visited me, not even my adult children. I was alone. It was a terrible place, run by a terrible nurse. I had to get out. I made plans with my lawyer, then walked out the front door and got on a plane to come to Norway. What’s the worst place you have ever been?”“Dublin, Ireland. After the divorce, my mother and I were struggling financially. We had gone from living a comfortable life to living paycheck to paycheck. I saw a post on the Internet for a job as a body double for a Vikings television program. I wasn’t sure what a body double did, but it paid well for a short gig. I took all my clothes off while a dozen people stared at me and took photos and videos. I hadn’t been naked in front of any man in over a year, since before the divorce. They must have liked me because I got the part, and they flew me to Dublin. The next morning, I went to the studios. I sat there in a robe while they cut and styled my hair to match the actress I was portraying. Then off to the makeup department, where I removed my robe while they applied fake tattoos and full body makeup so I would look dirty in all the right places.”“After lunch in the studio, the costume department placed me in a white linen tunic. When it was time to film, they told me to stand in front of the lead actor while he lifted the tunic off me and tossed it aside. He was much older than me, and with his beard, he reminded me of my father. He exuded the same swagger as if the world revolved only around him. I would be fully exposed to him, and to the camera crew, who were filming me from behind. They told me to act submissive and let the lead actor hug me. It took several takes and a few tweaks before the director was happy.”“Next, I was ordered to lay down on a stylized Viking bed covered with furs. The sex scene was to be filmed twice. Once for television, then for an unrated video release. The make-up people gave me a once over, then thankfully positioned a flesh-covered patch over my vagina. In the first shot, I was naked, but the lead actor remained fully clothed. He stood and positioned himself between my legs, and they told me to keep my vagina pressed tight against his crotch as he bucked against me. We needed to make the audience believe we were having sex while showing them nothing. I remained in this position while they adjusted the lighting and camera angles, and beneath his trousers, I felt the lead actor’s erect cock pressed against me.”“The director yelled, ‘Action’. Once again, they told me to be submissive, and let the lead actor take charge. He started humping against me. Looking up at him, he was still a handsome man, and I wondered how many women around the world dreamed or fantasized about being in the same place I was. I wasn’t one of them, but I understood this was why they hired me, so I accepted it. Like earlier, it took several takes. The director would review the shot and make small adjustments each time. After the last take, I saw a large wet spot on the front of the lead actor’s trousers.”“Then it was time for the unrated scene. A host of costume and make-up people swarmed around the actor while I lay there naked. This time, he was to be naked as he approached the bed. The camera angle was off to the side to avoid full frontal and he used his left hand to shield his erection, thankfully contained in a flesh-covered sock. The scene began with the lead actor approaching me, and once in position, he began humping against me. His covered cock slid against the covering over my vagina, but the sensations passed right through. My nipples became erect, and I felt my wetness building.”“After several takes, the director was happy, and we moved on to the last scene for which I was needed. In this one, the lead actor would be laying on top of me, his arms extended and propping himself up with his hands placed on either side of my body. This scene was more challenging because it needed to be mixed with prior facial cuts shot separately with the lead male actor and lead female actress. The scene would be filmed from several angles including above and below. As the director reviewed the earlier footage, the makeup people worked on my face and hair.”“The next thing I felt was the lead actor lying on top of me, his body pressing his erect cock against the patch covering my vagina. I wanted to turn away, but he told me to look at him because it would help him release his creative juices. I feared the possible double entendre. Here I was, face-to-face with the avatar of the man I hated more than anyone, the man who destroyed our family. When the director was ready, he said to go at it and try to simulate real sex. He yelled 'Action’. I was sweating under the lights, and the patch covering my vagina began to slip, aided by the movement of the lead actor’s covered cock. As my pussy became more exposed, I was afraid his cock might slide into me, so I yelled 'Cut!’. Everything stopped, and I pushed him off.”“That was enough. I yelled I was through, gathered my things, and headed for the front door. I paid my own way back to Oslo, and thought about filing a protest, but later learned what they did was mostly proper. Most sex scenes are between two body doubles. It is rare, but sometimes a lead actor will film such scenes if they have it in their nudity clause. I had a new appreciation for body doubles, but my own acting career lasted one day, and looking at the final scenes after release, I was on screen for eight seconds, and no one knew it was me!”I said, “Wow. We have something in common. The nursing home did everything properly, but like you, I couldn’t stand it any longer, so I headed for the front door. I’m sorry for your terrible experience.”Jorunn shook her head, “Don’t be sorry. The experience ended up changing my life for the better. After I got back to Oslo, I swore to never work for anyone else again. I wanted to direct my own scenes, so I started doing vlogs. That led to the creation of my tour company. As things turned out, I walked out one door and right into something I loved. Plus, I walked out wearing this really cool, braided leather Viking headband I have on now. You are halfway there. You have walked out the front door. Now you must find something, or someone, to love.”A profound statement from someone so young.SpikersuppaDecember 16 - AfternoonI noticed the sun getting low on the horizon. Jorunn caught my glance and said, “The sun sets early here in Oslo, around 3:30 in the afternoon. In some of the northern cities, it set last month and will not rise again until spring.”I didn’t want to spend the rest of the day looking at museums, and flushed with my success on the hill, I took a chance. “Do you ice skate?”Jorunn replied, “I do, but not very well.”I said, “If you know of a skating rink with lights, maybe we can go there and skate.”“There is a nice lighted one in downtown Oslo called Spikersuppa,” said Jorunn. “When the sun goes down in Oslo, the twinkling lights are turned on, bringing with them their magic. The ice-skating rink is close to the Christmas market, which is our agenda for tonight.”“That sounds great to me,” I replied.We took the T-bane back to downtown Oslo and arrived as the sun was setting. There weren’t any clouds, but the multi-layered horizon was still beautiful. Orange along the bottom, and above it, increasingly darker hues of blue and purple, before turning to black in the night sky. After leaving the train station Jorunn and I walked along a pedestrian-only street named 'Karl Johns gate’ passing high-end stores and restaurants. Jorunn either pointed to, or mentioned, notable downtown buildings such as the Royal Palace, Parliament, the National Theatre, the Grand Hotel, and the original University of Oslo buildings. We also passed the brilliantly lit Freia clock, associated with the long-time Norwegian chocolate maker, and the unofficial symbol of Oslo.We rented skates and then stepped tentatively onto the ice. It wasn’t a big rink, and fortunately, not crowded. In the middle was a frozen water fountain. Christmas music was playing and twinkling lights glowed all around us.“I played ice hockey in Minnesota when I was in high school, but haven’t skated since.”“My father used to take me to figure skating lessons when I was young, but I stopped. I kept falling when trying to do spins.”“Maybe we can help each other out. Have you ever tried ice dancing?”Jorunn laughed. “No! Never!”“Neither have I. But a wise woman once told me that I should not be afraid of ice dancing. What I should be afraid of is being too afraid to try ice dancing.”Jorunn smiled, “A very wise woman, indeed! Let’s try it and see what happens.”I remember watching the wonderful British duo of Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean ice dancing in their last Olympics in 1994. The Olympics were here in Norway, in Lillehammer. I was not about to try any lifts or spins, but I reached my right arm behind Jorunn and placed my hand on her right hip. Taking her left hand in mine, I held her left arm across my body.“Ready?” I asked.Jorunn nodded, and together we pushed off. Right. Left. Right. Left. We moved slowly, side-by-side, in a steady rhythm, and made it around the rink making only a few wobbles. After three more passes, my ancient muscle memory awoke, and I wanted to do more. We separated and I joined my right hand to her left. “We can take longer strides and skate a little faster this way.”After another trip around the rink, we added a slow weaving pattern. Coming out of the last turn, I told Jorunn, “Here is your chance to be a figure skater. I’ll hold your hand. Try a spin.”I skated slightly just ahead of Jorunn, then pulled her forward so she would have enough speed. I raised her hand into the air as she went past, and she started spinning. She yelled, “I’m doing it.” And she was, at least until her speed slowed and she fell into me. “Dam toe pick!” she yelled. With her arms around me, our eyes met. Then she wrinkled her nose, her signature facial expression on the vlogs indicating she didn’t like something. Just as quickly, her face lit up and her big smile glowed. “I’m laughing too hard inside. That was such fun!” She burst out laughing and I joined her. We finally broke the ice, here on the ice.Jorunn separated from me and said, “It is time for Christmas Market.” I helped her up and we turned in our skates. The nearby lights and sounds beckoned.The Christmas MarketDecember 16 - EveningThe sun set long ago and was now just a memory. It was completely dark, but downtown Oslo turned into a Christmas wonderland. There were twinkling lights on almost every tree, with the large and stately buildings surrounding us outlined in white lights to accompany their dramatic uplighting. Oslo was so different than Minneapolis. In downtown Minneapolis, 30-year-old buildings were being torn down to build taller ones in the same location. Here, the buildings were massive, centuries-old, covering an entire block, and they were still in use, letting everyone appreciate the history and architecture. Jorunn and I saw glass-covered buildings in Oslo, with their clean modern architecture, but this was the heart of the city. The life, the pulse, and vitality of Oslo all sprang from here.Towering above everything at the Christmas Market was a brilliantly lit Ferris wheel, each spoke outlined in white lights. I looked at Jorunn and she nodded. She took my hand, and we ran for the Ferris wheel, artfully dodging between the growing number of people.When we boarded, we found each of the seats enclosed in a glass bubble, possibly as a safety measure, or just as likely, protection from the cold. One of the benefits of this was being able to move around a bit, which afforded us a 360-degree aerial view of downtown Oslo. We paused near the top, where Jorunn pulled out her camera.Jorunn said, “It’s rather romantic up here. We should do a selfie.” She sat down right me. “Kiss me. On the lips. Just a quick one. I have the timer set for three seconds. We’ll put our lips together and hold them for a few seconds until the flash goes off.”“Jorunn, I am much older than you. I don’t think it will look very romantic.”“Gunnar, you’re not too old to kiss someone. And if I need to, I can do a little digital touchup, or just flash a quick cut. It will be perfect.”“How do want me to kiss you? Do you want my eyes open or closed? Should I look at the camera or…”Jorunn quickly reached behind my head and pulled me to her. As our lips met, I closed my eyes, and my mouth responded. I felt her softness and a quick tease as Jorunn’s tongue glazed over my lips. A flash went off. But Jorunn did not separate, nor did I. I opened my eyes, and saw that Jorunn’s eyes closed. As our lips pressed together, it felt so warm and comfortable.We separated, and Jorunn said, “Perfect!” Then she looked at the photo just taken. I thought about the sequence of her words and her actions. Jorunn switched over to video and began doing her vlog. She was speaking in English. Immersed in Norwegian for three days, it almost sounded like a foreign language to me. When Jorunn finished, I asked her why she didn’t record her vlogs in Norwegian.She surprised me by continuing in English. “Norwegians already live here. Who would watch my videos if I recorded them in Norwegian? If someone in Norway wants to see the view from the top of this Ferris wheel, they will come here and ride it. People from every continent watch my videos and speak at least some English. It used to bother me when I would get comments on my videos complaining I spoke with a Norwegian accent. Now I just laugh.”I asked her, “Every continent? Including Antarctica?”“Yes. The Norwegian Polar Institute has a year-round research station in Antarctica named 'Troll’. Their mission is to study the polar regions and the effects of global warming and pollution. It’s not a tourist destination, but they have talked to me about possibly going there. They want to do more outreach, to spread the word to younger audiences on social media. I have followers there, but we haven’t been able to work out the permissions and details. The

Sledges, Corkscrews, and other fears.Based on a post by Jorunn, in 4 parts. Listen to the ►Podcast at Connected.Once at the starting point, we both sat down on our sledges. I was grateful only a few others were preparing to ride, but gasped again when I saw how youthful their faces were. I doubted anyone here was over thirty years old. I wondered whether Jorunn was punishing me, or perhaps was hoping I would voluntarily quit the tour.“I don’t know if I can do this, Jorunn. I’m afraid.”Jorunn looked me in the eye with a grim look on her face.“Afraid is coming home with my mother, and finding my father sleeping with another woman. Afraid is watching how he broke apart my family and wondering how my mom and I would go on. Afraid is me cutting off my father and not wanting to ever see him again.”“Afraid is quitting a dead-end job and trying to earn a living as a vlogger in one of the most expensive countries on earth. Afraid is checking every morning for clicks, likes, and followers, and finding out the numbers did not change.”“Afraid is starting a private small-group tour company, all by myself, and weaving my way through the many regulations, laws, and insurance requirements. Afraid is knowing I have to book at least one trip a month just to cover those costs.”“Afraid is taking a group of six to Svalbard for a glacier hike in early summer, and spotting a polar bear less than 200 meters away lumbering towards us. Afraid is watching our guide fire off the last of her flares, but seeing the bear still coming. Afraid is the look in our guide’s eyes as she reached for her rifle.”“You don’t need to be afraid of sledging, Gunnar. What you need to be afraid of is being too afraid to try sledging. Meet me at the bottom of the hill. Either make the run or turn in your sledge and take the Metro down the hill.”I watched Jorunn push off and head down the run, then thought about her words. I lived a good life in Minnesota, meeting Solveig in college and then stepping right into a lifetime job with the 3M company. Adventure was going to our lake cabin where the only challenges were fighting off mosquitos, and figuring out how to remove burnt marshmallows off the end of a stick. After our first child, Solveig and I stopped doing anything like sledding, and instead sat and watched our kids having all the fun.What am I doing here in Norway? Why am I here? Jorunn answered that question for me. I pushed off and started my run.I fought my way down the mountain, and as I approached the end of the run, I was happy to see it level off. I saw Jorunn standing next to her sledge, her small camera pointed at me. I raised both hands over my head, waved, then yelled, “I did it!” I coasted to a stop three meters past her.Jorunn ran up to me, and as I stood, she hugged me. “I’m proud of you Gunnar.” As we hugged, under the clear blue skies and chilly temperatures, I closed my eyes and went back 35 years to a small hill in Minneapolis, where I hugged Solvieg after sledding. Jorunn released me and stepped back.I yelped, “It was wonderful! I kept to the side as other people whizzed past me. A few sections were bumpy, and my teeth rattled. The only time I was scared was when there was a steep drop-off on one side. Don’t you use guardrails in Norway?”“You may have seen a few small concrete walls, but we believe in personal responsibility here in Norway. If you cannot manage a sledge, you should not make the run. The authorities do monitor the conditions and sometimes close the run when it is too icy.”“Does that mean you believed in me? Believed I could make it down the hill?”“There is nothing wrong with you, Gunnar. While I was waiting here at the bottom of the hill, I read about your Iron Range in Minnesota. You are rusty. There is a Wizard of Oz Museum there. You are the Tin Man. This tour is the Oil Can. Figure it out. The Oil Can only works if you pick it up and use it. Stand tall and walk proudly for as long as you can. If you fall, get up and keep going.”It was an interesting way to look at life. I was only 56 years old, but for the last few years, I acted like I was 80. I still have many years to go sledging, if only I was not afraid to try.I turned to Jorunn. “Let’s go again!”Pea SoupDecember 16 - Mid-DayAfter three more runs, Jorunn and I turned in our sledges and ate lunch at the beautiful Frognersteren Restaurant on top of the hill. I followed her suggestion of a thick pea soup with meatballs and potatoes. It was delicious. As we sipped hot chocolate, it felt good to be alive again.“A week ago, I was in a nursing home in Minnesota. After my wife died, no one visited me, not even my adult children. I was alone. It was a terrible place, run by a terrible nurse. I had to get out. I made plans with my lawyer, then walked out the front door and got on a plane to come to Norway. What’s the worst place you have ever been?”“Dublin, Ireland. After the divorce, my mother and I were struggling financially. We had gone from living a comfortable life to living paycheck to paycheck. I saw a post on the Internet for a job as a body double for a Vikings television program. I wasn’t sure what a body double did, but it paid well for a short gig. I took all my clothes off while a dozen people stared at me and took photos and videos. I hadn’t been naked in front of any man in over a year, since before the divorce. They must have liked me because I got the part, and they flew me to Dublin. The next morning, I went to the studios. I sat there in a robe while they cut and styled my hair to match the actress I was portraying. Then off to the makeup department, where I removed my robe while they applied fake tattoos and full body makeup so I would look dirty in all the right places.”“After lunch in the studio, the costume department placed me in a white linen tunic. When it was time to film, they told me to stand in front of the lead actor while he lifted the tunic off me and tossed it aside. He was much older than me, and with his beard, he reminded me of my father. He exuded the same swagger as if the world revolved only around him. I would be fully exposed to him, and to the camera crew, who were filming me from behind. They told me to act submissive and let the lead actor hug me. It took several takes and a few tweaks before the director was happy.”“Next, I was ordered to lay down on a stylized Viking bed covered with furs. The sex scene was to be filmed twice. Once for television, then for an unrated video release. The make-up people gave me a once over, then thankfully positioned a flesh-covered patch over my vagina. In the first shot, I was naked, but the lead actor remained fully clothed. He stood and positioned himself between my legs, and they told me to keep my vagina pressed tight against his crotch as he bucked against me. We needed to make the audience believe we were having sex while showing them nothing. I remained in this position while they adjusted the lighting and camera angles, and beneath his trousers, I felt the lead actor’s erect cock pressed against me.”“The director yelled, ‘Action’. Once again, they told me to be submissive, and let the lead actor take charge. He started humping against me. Looking up at him, he was still a handsome man, and I wondered how many women around the world dreamed or fantasized about being in the same place I was. I wasn’t one of them, but I understood this was why they hired me, so I accepted it. Like earlier, it took several takes. The director would review the shot and make small adjustments each time. After the last take, I saw a large wet spot on the front of the lead actor’s trousers.”“Then it was time for the unrated scene. A host of costume and make-up people swarmed around the actor while I lay there naked. This time, he was to be naked as he approached the bed. The camera angle was off to the side to avoid full frontal and he used his left hand to shield his erection, thankfully contained in a flesh-covered sock. The scene began with the lead actor approaching me, and once in position, he began humping against me. His covered cock slid against the covering over my vagina, but the sensations passed right through. My nipples became erect, and I felt my wetness building.”“After several takes, the director was happy, and we moved on to the last scene for which I was needed. In this one, the lead actor would be laying on top of me, his arms extended and propping himself up with his hands placed on either side of my body. This scene was more challenging because it needed to be mixed with prior facial cuts shot separately with the lead male actor and lead female actress. The scene would be filmed from several angles including above and below. As the director reviewed the earlier footage, the makeup people worked on my face and hair.”“The next thing I felt was the lead actor lying on top of me, his body pressing his erect cock against the patch covering my vagina. I wanted to turn away, but he told me to look at him because it would help him release his creative juices. I feared the possible double entendre. Here I was, face-to-face with the avatar of the man I hated more than anyone, the man who destroyed our family. When the director was ready, he said to go at it and try to simulate real sex. He yelled 'Action’. I was sweating under the lights, and the patch covering my vagina began to slip, aided by the movement of the lead actor’s covered cock. As my pussy became more exposed, I was afraid his cock might slide into me, so I yelled 'Cut!’. Everything stopped, and I pushed him off.”“That was enough. I yelled I was through, gathered my things, and headed for the front door. I paid my own way back to Oslo, and thought about filing a protest, but later learned what they did was mostly proper. Most sex scenes are between two body doubles. It is rare, but sometimes a lead actor will film such scenes if they have it in their nudity clause. I had a new appreciation for body doubles, but my own acting career lasted one day, and looking at the final scenes after release, I was on screen for eight seconds, and no one knew it was me!”I said, “Wow. We have something in common. The nursing home did everything properly, but like you, I couldn’t stand it any longer, so I headed for the front door. I’m sorry for your terrible experience.”Jorunn shook her head, “Don’t be sorry. The experience ended up changing my life for the better. After I got back to Oslo, I swore to never work for anyone else again. I wanted to direct my own scenes, so I started doing vlogs. That led to the creation of my tour company. As things turned out, I walked out one door and right into something I loved. Plus, I walked out wearing this really cool, braided leather Viking headband I have on now. You are halfway there. You have walked out the front door. Now you must find something, or someone, to love.”A profound statement from someone so young.SpikersuppaDecember 16 - AfternoonI noticed the sun getting low on the horizon. Jorunn caught my glance and said, “The sun sets early here in Oslo, around 3:30 in the afternoon. In some of the northern cities, it set last month and will not rise again until spring.”I didn’t want to spend the rest of the day looking at museums, and flushed with my success on the hill, I took a chance. “Do you ice skate?”Jorunn replied, “I do, but not very well.”I said, “If you know of a skating rink with lights, maybe we can go there and skate.”“There is a nice lighted one in downtown Oslo called Spikersuppa,” said Jorunn. “When the sun goes down in Oslo, the twinkling lights are turned on, bringing with them their magic. The ice-skating rink is close to the Christmas market, which is our agenda for tonight.”“That sounds great to me,” I replied.We took the T-bane back to downtown Oslo and arrived as the sun was setting. There weren’t any clouds, but the multi-layered horizon was still beautiful. Orange along the bottom, and above it, increasingly darker hues of blue and purple, before turning to black in the night sky. After leaving the train station Jorunn and I walked along a pedestrian-only street named 'Karl Johns gate’ passing high-end stores and restaurants. Jorunn either pointed to, or mentioned, notable downtown buildings such as the Royal Palace, Parliament, the National Theatre, the Grand Hotel, and the original University of Oslo buildings. We also passed the brilliantly lit Freia clock, associated with the long-time Norwegian chocolate maker, and the unofficial symbol of Oslo.We rented skates and then stepped tentatively onto the ice. It wasn’t a big rink, and fortunately, not crowded. In the middle was a frozen water fountain. Christmas music was playing and twinkling lights glowed all around us.“I played ice hockey in Minnesota when I was in high school, but haven’t skated since.”“My father used to take me to figure skating lessons when I was young, but I stopped. I kept falling when trying to do spins.”“Maybe we can help each other out. Have you ever tried ice dancing?”Jorunn laughed. “No! Never!”“Neither have I. But a wise woman once told me that I should not be afraid of ice dancing. What I should be afraid of is being too afraid to try ice dancing.”Jorunn smiled, “A very wise woman, indeed! Let’s try it and see what happens.”I remember watching the wonderful British duo of Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean ice dancing in their last Olympics in 1994. The Olympics were here in Norway, in Lillehammer. I was not about to try any lifts or spins, but I reached my right arm behind Jorunn and placed my hand on her right hip. Taking her left hand in mine, I held her left arm across my body.“Ready?” I asked.Jorunn nodded, and together we pushed off. Right. Left. Right. Left. We moved slowly, side-by-side, in a steady rhythm, and made it around the rink making only a few wobbles. After three more passes, my ancient muscle memory awoke, and I wanted to do more. We separated and I joined my right hand to her left. “We can take longer strides and skate a little faster this way.”After another trip around the rink, we added a slow weaving pattern. Coming out of the last turn, I told Jorunn, “Here is your chance to be a figure skater. I’ll hold your hand. Try a spin.”I skated slightly just ahead of Jorunn, then pulled her forward so she would have enough speed. I raised her hand into the air as she went past, and she started spinning. She yelled, “I’m doing it.” And she was, at least until her speed slowed and she fell into me. “Dam toe pick!” she yelled. With her arms around me, our eyes met. Then she wrinkled her nose, her signature facial expression on the vlogs indicating she didn’t like something. Just as quickly, her face lit up and her big smile glowed. “I’m laughing too hard inside. That was such fun!” She burst out laughing and I joined her. We finally broke the ice, here on the ice.Jorunn separated from me and said, “It is time for Christmas Market.” I helped her up and we turned in our skates. The nearby lights and sounds beckoned.The Christmas MarketDecember 16 - EveningThe sun set long ago and was now just a memory. It was completely dark, but downtown Oslo turned into a Christmas wonderland. There were twinkling lights on almost every tree, with the large and stately buildings surrounding us outlined in white lights to accompany their dramatic uplighting. Oslo was so different than Minneapolis. In downtown Minneapolis, 30-year-old buildings were being torn down to build taller ones in the same location. Here, the buildings were massive, centuries-old, covering an entire block, and they were still in use, letting everyone appreciate the history and architecture. Jorunn and I saw glass-covered buildings in Oslo, with their clean modern architecture, but this was the heart of the city. The life, the pulse, and vitality of Oslo all sprang from here.Towering above everything at the Christmas Market was a brilliantly lit Ferris wheel, each spoke outlined in white lights. I looked at Jorunn and she nodded. She took my hand, and we ran for the Ferris wheel, artfully dodging between the growing number of people.When we boarded, we found each of the seats enclosed in a glass bubble, possibly as a safety measure, or just as likely, protection from the cold. One of the benefits of this was being able to move around a bit, which afforded us a 360-degree aerial view of downtown Oslo. We paused near the top, where Jorunn pulled out her camera.Jorunn said, “It’s rather romantic up here. We should do a selfie.” She sat down right me. “Kiss me. On the lips. Just a quick one. I have the timer set for three seconds. We’ll put our lips together and hold them for a few seconds until the flash goes off.”“Jorunn, I am much older than you. I don’t think it will look very romantic.”“Gunnar, you’re not too old to kiss someone. And if I need to, I can do a little digital touchup, or just flash a quick cut. It will be perfect.”“How do want me to kiss you? Do you want my eyes open or closed? Should I look at the camera or…”Jorunn quickly reached behind my head and pulled me to her. As our lips met, I closed my eyes, and my mouth responded. I felt her softness and a quick tease as Jorunn’s tongue glazed over my lips. A flash went off. But Jorunn did not separate, nor did I. I opened my eyes, and saw that Jorunn’s eyes closed. As our lips pressed together, it felt so warm and comfortable.We separated, and Jorunn said, “Perfect!” Then she looked at the photo just taken. I thought about the sequence of her words and her actions. Jorunn switched over to video and began doing her vlog. She was speaking in English. Immersed in Norwegian for three days, it almost sounded like a foreign language to me. When Jorunn finished, I asked her why she didn’t record her vlogs in Norwegian.She surprised me by continuing in English. “Norwegians already live here. Who would watch my videos if I recorded them in Norwegian? If someone in Norway wants to see the view from the top of this Ferris wheel, they will come here and ride it. People from every continent watch my videos and speak at least some English. It used to bother me when I would get comments on my videos complaining I spoke with a Norwegian accent. Now I just laugh.”I asked her, “Every continent? Including Antarctica?”“Yes. The Norwegian Polar Institute has a year-round research station in Antarctica named 'Troll’. Their mission is to study the polar regions and the effects of global warming and pollution. It’s not a tourist destination, but they have talked to me about possibly going there. They want to do more outreach, to spread the word to younger audiences on social media. I have followers there, but we haven’t been able to work out the permissions and details. The

Treat this episode of The Wyness Shuffle as a massive Christmas selection box of ICT goodies that you can gorge yourself on over the entire festive period. We've put together our biggest festive pod to date, mainly due to some brilliant interviews with some ICT legends on and off the pitch. We welcome The Three Wise Men of Danny Devine, David Wotherspoon, and Joe Chalmers for a surprisingly competitive Christmas Quiz; new ICT Director George Moodie joins us to describe his early days on the board of the football club; and Caley Thistle stalwart of 20 years, ICT Community Development Trust Chief Executive Craig Masterton makes his pod debut to talk about the their outstanding commitment to social inclusion. Plus all the usual festive features and annual gubbins you'd expect. 01:10 Hello and straight into annual ICT festive puns. Hello Sleigh Keogh! 04:10 Summer Football? With the recent Tranent call-offs and more no doubt expected we have a quick chat about the pros and cons of summer vs winter football. 08:14 Game by Game. Discussion of two games as Hamilton's woes continue as ICT smash them 4-0 and rack up consecutive four goal wins at home, and the Tranent game finally goes ahead in Haddington of all places. 33:43 The Club. We take out regular look behind the scenes at The Club, looking at all things ICT on and mainly off the park, but we don't do that through our uninformed eyes, we do it through one of the four Directors of what is the new look Caley Thistle. Chairman of the ICT Supporters Trust and now one of four official directors of ICTFC. Mr George Moodie 1:08:38 Xmas Games of Old. A walk down a snowy lane of memories as we look back at some of the great festive games of old. Vestiges of Xmas' past at Kingsmills and Telford Street maybe, blizzard conditions amid the banks of the moray firth at Caledonian Stadium, and dark, delayed, dreadful conditions for away games that were worth it in the end for football memories that have not faded. 1:17:31 Quiz! And now The Magi, the Three Kings, the Three Wise Men of ICTFC. Like Jesus on Christmas morning (although it wasn't called that then, just Tuesday) we are delighted to have been visited by three of the wisest souls to don a Caley Thistle shirt: Danny Devine, David Wotherspoon, and Joe Chalmers. And it gets competitive! 01:56:46 WhatYiSayin Craig Masterton from the ICT Community Development Trust? 17462 participants this year! 1713 hours of free football! The ICT Community Development Trust's primary objective is to promote and improve the physical and mental health of both young and old through activity and provide an opportunity for everyone in Inverness and surrounding areas to participate in football! So we talked to Craig! 02:34:02 Gifts for Gaffers! What Xmas presents would we give to the assorted rogues gallery of League One managers? Sledges, fish suppers and an instruction manual for Keith Bray. 2:36:14 League Lookahead: We lookahead to the Dumbarton game that has already been played! We thought we'd do alright given the recent comments of their manager. We also look ahead to all the Festive Football that is the games in Stenhousemuir, Montrose, the first home of the 2026 v Peterhead, and AY's gig at the Market Bar at 10pm on Sat 20 Dec! 02:45:29 2026 Lookahead! Do we add any players? Do we lose any? And what lies ahead? We think we know. 02:48:16 The 2025 Story of Inverness Caledonian Thistle via an ill-advised Xmas (w)rap. There's it! Thanks for listening throughout 2025!  Merry Christmas!

Pete is still haunted by the experience from his blackout challenge where he stood up to bat against the Perth Scorchers!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us for the season-ending episode of The Holden Bachelor | Mick Molloy gets fired up | What are some the best best cricket sledges | What happened when you were driving?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James Buttler joins DJ of the Edges & Sledges Podcast to chat about the current series between England and India with two Tests to play and England leading 2-1. The Cricket Badger Podcast is sponsored by SeatFrog.com. SeatFrog is the app that helps you upgrade your standard class train tickets to first class for up to 60% off. So you can enjoy complimentary food & drink, free wi-fi and a lot more leg room - all for considerably less money. Use the discount code CricketFrog to claim £5.00 OFF. We are also pleased to welcome MatchBingo as a sponsor. Download their app and play their new cricket games. Quote the code CRICKET200 and you'll get a 200% bonus on your first deposit, whether a new or returning customer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 402 - AFL Rd 19 Tips w/ Myk Aussie “Sledges and savagery, Myk calls it like he sees it   Podcast Website  https://www.ayankonthefooty.com/   2025 Listener Survey - I'd love for you to take a moment to complete the survey   Guest Intake Form - link Want to help out the podcast? Leave me a review! Buy me a coffee, Podcast fundraiser https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ayankonthefooty   Edmonton Cricket TV https://www.mykaussie.tv/afl @mykaussie https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091519159881 Barrie Robran dies aged 77 as media personality niece Jade Robran rushes off FiveAA radio show | 7NEWS Kangaroo court: Xerri ban was the AFL's biggest Tribunal farce yet - here's why   Podcast "merch" storefront ayankonthefooty Shop | Redbubble   Best 80 AFL Australian Football League Podcasts  I am #7 in Australia?  That's awesome! Best 50 Australian Sports Podcasts – I made it to #10   A Yank on the Footy March 2024 Introductory episode   @Yank_on A Yank on the Footy Podcast - Home | Facebook ayankonthefooty@gmail.com   MAILING LIST signup: I hope you'll consider signing up for the mailing list, so you'll be the first to have the new  episode dropped off right into your inbox.  You can sign up for the mailing list that is on ayankonthefooty.com For crisis support, please contact: Lifeline http://lifeline.org.au 13 11 14  Beyond Blue http://beyondblue.org.au 1300 22 4636 In the U.S.: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ 1-800-273-8255 –  Active duty military and veterans, dial 988 and press 1

Featuring new music from 'Burner, Sledges, Writhe & Torzs. A live review of Cobra The Impaler & Hippotraktor at Corporation, Sheffield. We also review the brand new Mogwai documentary 'If The Stars Had A Sound'. Plus the usual news & chat from the alternative world.  Our new merch is now available at https://www.dethkult.co/collections/machograndepod Audible - audibletrial.com/machogrande Spotify Playlists Voicemail - 05603 689 842 contact us - info@machograndepodcast.co.uk Twitter - @machograndepod 'This (non profit) podcast is intended for promotional purposes only' Macho Grande Podcast' does not claim to own copyright etc, all copyright is respected to the artists and labels.

Celebrating her 150th match in Australia, gold medal winning Diamonds captain Liz Watson from the Sunshine Coast Lightning talk about being called 'old' by her teammates, what it's like living in QLD and being the new kid on the block. Chatting to Declan Byrne on 'The Saturday Sledge' Watson also tells us why fish and chips and a slurpee are a nostalgic netty treat from her younger days.

January 19, 2025 [Speaker: Pastor John Sitcler] – The word that God has given our church for 2025 is “Next.”  But what does that mean?  What's “Next” for us as a church?  What's “Next” for us individually?  Throughout this series we will explore an amazing prophecy from Isaiah.  As we do, we will discover four things that God wants us to apply to our lives for this year.  We won't discover everything that God has planned but we will begin to take our “Next” steps with Him. Today we learn that God uses worms to destroy mountains.  We need to ask God to use and reshape us for the next part of His plan.    Bible app sermon notes:  http://bible.com/events/49376731

Former Australia and Victoria batter Brad Hodge joins Brad Haddin, Adam Peacock and you to discuss his new book, 'Brad Hodge's Top Knocks' - the 20 best innings by an Aussie in the past 50 years. The guys then chat about his career, from teenage days with Victoria, to finally cracking the Test team and life as a coach.  Send your cricket club cap to Producer Sam at the following address: Sam Ferris50 Goulburn St, Sydney, NSW, 2000 Follow on Apple, Spotify and the LiSTNR app Watch on YouTube Drop us a message on Instagram and TikTok! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us a textFrom Autumn to Ashes, the post-hardcore band that has left an indelible mark on the emo and hardcore scenes, is making waves once again. Known for their intense emotional music and energetic performances, the band has announced three special shows this summer, much to the delight of their dedicated fanbase.Originating from Long Island, New York, From Autumn to Ashes (FATA) formed in 2000 and quickly rose to prominence with their unique blend of hardcore, metal, and punk rock. The band's signature sound is characterized by the interplay between harsh screams and clean vocals, driven by powerful guitar riffs and dynamic drumming. Their debut album, Too Bad You're Beautiful (2001), set the stage for their success, followed by influential releases like The Fiction We Live (2003) and Abandon Your Friends (2005).After a hiatus starting in 2008, FATA briefly reunited in 2014, much to the excitement of their fans who had longed for their return. Their music continues to resonate, bridging generational gaps and drawing in new listeners while maintaining a strong connection with those who grew up with their sound.This summer, From Autumn to Ashes is set to perform at three highly anticipated shows:July 12 – Los Angeles, CA at Echoplex: This show will feature performances by Dead American, Sledges, and Stateside, promising a night of high-energy music and unforgettable moments.July 13 – Pomona, CA at The Glass House: Fans can catch FATA along with the same supporting acts—Dead American, Sledges, and Stateside. The Glass House, known for its intimate atmosphere, is the perfect venue to experience the raw intensity of their live performance.October 2 – Birmingham, AL at Workplay Theatre & Canteen: This special performance will serve as a pre-party for the final Furnace Fest. The lineup includes With Honor, With Blood Comes Cleansing, Thoughtcrimes, The Undertaking!, Before There Was Rosalyn, Lethal Method, Stay Lost, and Blind Tiger. This eclectic mix of bands ensures a diverse and electrifying evening of hardcore and post-hardcore music.www.BetterHelp.com/TheBarnhttp://www.betterhelp.com/TheBarn http://www.betterhelp.com/TheBarnThis episode is sponsored by www.betterhelp.com/TheBarn and brought to you as always by The Barn Media Group. YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/@TheBarnPodcastNetwork SPOTIFY https://open.spotify.com/show/09neXeCS8I0U8OZJroUGd4?si=2f9b8dfa5d2c4504 APPLE https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1625411141 I HEART RADIO https://www.iheart.com/podcast/97160034/ AMAZON https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/7aff7d00-c41b-4154-94cf-221a808e3595/the-barn

The Edges and Sledges crew is back after a short break as India's Men's side returns to playing international cricket! After a few weeks off, as Bangladesh's tour of India begins with 2 tests, Varun and Ashwin get together to preview the squad, their playing 11 predictions and impact of Duleep Trophy performances on the upcoming tests. #IndvBan #IndvsBan #IndvBD #IndvsBD

Singer/guitarist Philly Gomez of Sledges joins us on Episode 253. Philly talks about his Southern California roots, musical background, and Sledges new EP "Losing Pace".  Support and listen to Sledges here: https://linktr.ee/Sledges

This week's bonus episode is a chat with India Under-19 World Cup Winner and UP Warrioz leg spinner Parshavi Chopra. Parshavi is the Surf Excel Young Ambassador and we talk about her cricketing journey, the challenges she faced and lots more. Don't forget to enter the #SukhaDaagOut contest to win some cool prizes! #Ad

Two great cricket nations prepare to go toe-to-toe as England tour India for a five-match Test series. The Cricket Badger, James Buttler, guests on the Edges & Sledges Podcast and talks to DJ about England's chances. The current Cricket Badger Podcasts are sponsored by Manscaped.com - quote 'BADGER' to get discounts and free shipping! They are also brought to you in association with cricketcoffeeco.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

DJ from Edges & Sledges and Stu from The Top Order Podcast get together to discuss the #IndvNZ #cwc23 game at Dharamsala. With both teams undefeated, match winning performances from Team India's Shami (5 wickets) and Kohli (95) overcame a spirited New Zealand performance led by Daryll Mitchell's 130 (127) to win by 4 wickets. 20 year wait stat: https://x.com/mohanstatsman/status/1716132646257094954?s=46&t=pgzzXnVqB1cLdWJQLrD42w The Top Order Cricket Podcast: https://spotify.link/BYqGicvb7Db

DJ (Edges & Sledges) and Machel (Caribbean Cricket Podcast) get together to review the West Indies v India test series and also preview the ODI series. Follow E&S on Twitter: twitter.com/1tip1handFollow CCP on Twitter: Twitter.com/caribcricket 

A special one-off collaboration podcast episode. Machel from the Caribbean Cricket Podcast linked up with DJ on the Edges & Sledges Podcast to do a thorough review of the recent West Indies vs India test series. There were a few technical hitches along the way but we got to do a really detailed conversation on the intricacies of the test series. As always with the Caribbean Cricket Podcast we go into a level of depth and analysis on West Indies cricket that you wont hear anywhere else. If you are listening on a podcast channel that allows you to leave a review and rating please do so as it really helps grow the podcast. If you'd like to support the Caribbean Cricket Podcast you can become a patron for as little as £2/$2 a month here - https://www.patreon.com/Caribcricket?... You can also find out more about Caribbean Cricket Podcast here - https://www.caribbeancricketpodcast.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Ed Kavalee brutally sledges Liam Martin's Mum ahead of State Of Origin 1.Subscribe on LiSTNR: https://play.listnr.com/podcast/hughesy-ed-and-erinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this exclusive interview with Edges & Sledges recorded before #IPL2023 kicked off, Mumbai Indians player Hrithik Shokeen tells us all about his cricketing journey. Questions include: - Are you by any chance named after Hrithik Roshan?- Tell us about your early years, who supported your cricket and who did you idolize growing up?- You changed your game from a pure batter to an allrounder. How did that happen and why?- What was it like being part of and then picked up in the IPL auction? Tell us about that moment you realised you would be playing in the IPL for MI.- What is it like sharing a dressing room with the likes of Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah?- How have MI coaching legends like Mahela and Sachin contributed to your development?- Best sledge you have received/given?- SMAT: you were the first ever impact player used, IPL has introduced the rule too - will it have a big “impact”?- You bowled to Virat before the recently concluded test series to help his preparation what is it like for a young player to have that opportunity?- Red ball or White Ball cricket? What do you enjoy more?- Goals in the upcoming IPL and how you have been preparing for the challenge- One piece of advice/funny story you'd like to tell young cricketers.

On this week's episode, it's a full house as Ashwin, Varun and DJ are extremely excited to get together to discuss India's comeback win in the Delhi test match against Australia. With this win, India will retain the #BGT with two tests to play. It also gives India a fantastic chance to make the #WTCFinal in June. We cover: - Chetan Sharma sting and resignation - selection (what next for KL Rahul?) - Shami's 4-for - the Kohli LBW controversy - Nathan Lyon's 5-for - Axar/Ashwin fightback with the bat - Jadeja's 7-42 and Australia's second innings meltdown - Pujara's 100th test - Indore test preview - WWT20 update as India lose to England #IndvAus #IndvsAus #BGT2023 - You can follow Edges & Sledges on social media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/1tip1hand Discord: https://discord.gg/D7UrjwyyZ6 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1tip1hand Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1tip1hand - You can download the 99.94DM app right here: iOS: https://apple.co/3ovg0M5 Android: https://bit.ly/3S29f1R You can also join the 99.94DM Community on our socials right here: Twitter: https://twitter.com/9994DM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/99.94dm/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/9994dm/ And our Podcasts are right here: Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3S643KC Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3otgVwz

Pitch doctors. Left handers. SKY. Bharat. Jadeja. Axar. Rohit. Ashwin. Ointments. Thumbs ups. Steve Smith. Happy Tod Murphy. Sad Marnus. Australia all out for 91. We discuss the first test of the #IndvAus series. India win the Nagpur test to lead the Border Gavaskar Trophy 1-0. Can Australia bounce back in Delhi? #BGT #indvsaus - You can follow Edges & Sledges on social media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/1tip1hand Discord: https://discord.gg/D7UrjwyyZ6 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1tip1hand Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1tip1hand - You can download the 99.94DM app right here: iOS: https://apple.co/3ovg0M5 Android: https://bit.ly/3S29f1R You can also join the 99.94DM Community on our socials right here: Twitter: https://twitter.com/9994DM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/99.94dm/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/9994dm/ And our Podcasts are right here: Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3S643KC Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3otgVwz

Jarrod drops by E&S on 99.94DM for a chat about the upcoming 4 test match series between India and Australia starting 9 February 2023. #IndvAus - You can follow Edges & Sledges on social media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/1tip1hand Discord: https://discord.gg/D7UrjwyyZ6 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1tip1hand Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1tip1hand Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we are joined by Jarrod Kimber as we talk about the upcoming 4 test match series between India and Australia starting 9 February 2023. #IndvAus - You can follow Edges & Sledges on social media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/1tip1hand Discord: https://discord.gg/D7UrjwyyZ6 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1tip1hand Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1tip1hand - You can download the 99.94DM app right here: iOS: https://apple.co/3ovg0M5 Android: https://bit.ly/3S29f1R You can also join the 99.94DM Community on our socials right here: Twitter: https://twitter.com/9994DM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/99.94dm/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/9994dm/ And our Podcasts are right here: Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3S643KC Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3otgVwz

PATREON OFFER - FROM JUST £5 A MONTH - patreon.com/thecricketpod We've recently added a whole lot to our Patreon offer and want to make sure you've heard! This is the best ever time to sign up as a supporter of the show, as from just £5 your perks include: Access to Jack's weekly solo show A bonus TCP episode every month Access to our Discord community AND (mid-tier and above) professional quality T20 preview packs, with digestible analysis for hundreds of players Support from our Patreons makes this show viable, so please do consider signing up - patreon.com/thecricketpod We are joined by DJ from Edges and Sledges to preview Australia touring India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The battle of Ashwin, Jadeja and Axar vs Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith and Marnus Labaschange. The pitch factor, the purity of test cricket and the need for Scott Boland to come up with the goods even when all around him he sees injury. Then, in part 2, we predict who will win the India vs Australia series, we preview the women's world cup and ask who can take down Australia women? Then, in part 3, we talk England's battle with franchises over their white ball series selection, discuss Chanderpaul's son recording a double century for the West Indies and we answer all of our followers and patreons questions. Our Twitter and Instagram: @thecricketpod Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thecricketpod Our channel membership: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1njF-8tUuQVbTZVyUaoBcQ/join Our website: www.thecricketpod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a momentous week for women's cricket, the 5 Women's IPL teams were selected and the India U-19 women lifted the World Cup!#U19womensT20WorldCup #WomensIPL In parallel, the India men levelled up the T20 series with NZ with a bizarrely low-scoring 2nd match. #IndvNZ. - You can follow Edges & Sledges on social media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/1tip1hand Discord: https://discord.gg/D7UrjwyyZ6 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1tip1hand Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1tip1hand - You can download the 99.94DM app right here: iOS: https://apple.co/3ovg0M5 Android: https://bit.ly/3S29f1R You can also join the 99.94DM Community on our socials right here: Twitter: https://twitter.com/9994DM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/99.94dm/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/9994dm/ And our Podcasts are right here: Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3S643KC Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3otgVwz

As Shubman Gill made a magnificent double century, India defeated NZ 2-0 in the 3 match ODI series with 1 match to go. Varun and Ashwin get together to debrief this the series! - You can follow Edges & Sledges on social media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/1tip1hand Discord: https://discord.gg/D7UrjwyyZ6 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1tip1hand Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1tip1hand - You can download the 99.94DM app right here: iOS: https://apple.co/3ovg0M5 Android: https://bit.ly/3S29f1R You can also join the 99.94DM Community on our socials right here: Twitter: https://twitter.com/9994DM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/99.94dm/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/9994dm/ And our Podcasts are right here: Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3S643KC Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3otgVwz

This week, Ashwin is joined by DJ and we talk about King Kohli's supreme form as India defeat Sri Lanka 3-0 in the ODIs. We also cover selection quandaries - Gill over Kishan, Kuldeep back in the side, KL Rahul's role, Siraj in ODIs, SKY in Tests, Shaw in T20s and much more! - You can follow Edges & Sledges on social media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/1tip1hand Discord: https://discord.gg/D7UrjwyyZ6 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1tip1hand Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1tip1hand - You can download the 99.94DM app right here: iOS: https://apple.co/3ovg0M5 Android: https://bit.ly/3S29f1R You can also join the 99.94DM Community on our socials right here: Twitter: https://twitter.com/9994DM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/99.94dm/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/9994dm/ And our Podcasts are right here: Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3S643KC Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3otgVwz

In this week's episode, the first of 2023, Varun, DJ and Ashwin get together and talk about: India vs. Sri Lanka T20s #IndvSL #IndvsSL - Heroics from Suryakumar Yadav and Axar Patel to deliver a series win - Hardik Pandya's Captaincy - India's bowling with Arshdeep, Umran and Chahal - Rishabh Pant's accident and #BGT concerns - World Test Championship scenarios #WTCFinal. - You can follow Edges & Sledges on social media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/1tip1hand Discord: https://discord.gg/D7UrjwyyZ6 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1tip1hand Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1tip1hand - You can download the 99.94DM app right here: iOS: https://apple.co/3ovg0M5 Android: https://bit.ly/3S29f1R You can also join the 99.94DM Community on our socials right here: Twitter: https://twitter.com/9994DM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/99.94dm/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/9994dm/ And our Podcasts are right here: Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3S643KC Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3otgVwz

This week Ashwin is joined by Varun to discuss India's massive win over Bangladesh in the first test match. They also talk about the Aus-SA test .. and a little about Leo Messi too. - You can follow Edges & Sledges on social media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/1tip1hand Discord: https://discord.gg/D7UrjwyyZ6 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1tip1hand Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1tip1hand - You can download the 99.94DM app right here: iOS: https://apple.co/3ovg0M5 Android: https://bit.ly/3S29f1R You can also join the 99.94DM Community on our socials right here: Twitter: https://twitter.com/9994DM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/99.94dm/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/9994dm/ And our Podcasts are right here: Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3S643KC Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3otgVwz

This week we discuss India's men losing to Bangladesh 2-1 in the #BanvInd ODI series, but a bonus match for Ishan Kishan where he made a tremendous double century. We also preview the #banvsind test series and talk about the India Women's stunning win over Australia in a Super Over and some of the test match action from across the globe. #auswvsindw #pakveng. - You can follow Edges & Sledges on social media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/1tip1hand Discord: https://discord.gg/D7UrjwyyZ6 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1tip1hand Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1tip1hand - You can download the 99.94DM app right here: iOS: https://apple.co/3ovg0M5 Android: https://bit.ly/3S29f1R You can also join the 99.94DM Community on our socials right here: Twitter: https://twitter.com/9994DM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/99.94dm/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/9994dm/ And our Podcasts are right here: Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3S643KC Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3otgVwz

Edges and Sledges is back after a week's break to talk about India's shocking loss to Bangladesh in the first ODI and the rain-affected India tour of. #BanvInd #BanvsInd #IndvNZ We also celebrate the return of Test cricket as Australia plays West Indies and England plays Pakistan all at once! - You can follow Edges & Sledges on social media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/1tip1hand Discord: https://discord.gg/D7UrjwyyZ6 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1tip1hand Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1tip1hand - You can download the 99.94DM app right here: iOS: https://apple.co/3ovg0M5 Android: https://bit.ly/3S29f1R You can also join the 99.94DM Community on our socials right here: Twitter: https://twitter.com/9994DM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/99.94dm/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/9994dm/ And our Podcasts are right here: Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3S643KC Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3otgVwz

This week Ashwin and DJ talk about SKY's second T20 hundred - 111* against NZ off just 51 balls and also the big talking points around the IPL retentions. - You can follow Edges & Sledges on social media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/1tip1hand Discord: https://discord.gg/D7UrjwyyZ6 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1tip1hand Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1tip1hand You can download the 99.94DM app right here: iOS: https://apple.co/3ovg0M5 Android: https://bit.ly/3S29f1R You can also join the 99.94 DM Community on our socials right here: Twitter: https://twitter.com/9994DM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/99.94dm/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/9994dm/ And our Podcasts are right here: Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3S643KC Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3otgVwz

On this week's episode. we look back at a rollicking final group stage week of the #T20WorldCup and look ahead to the knockout stages. Who will lift the trophy next Sunday? Join our Fantasy Cricket League: https://icc.dream11.com/icc-season/league/join/69TKDJZ3P20106@1 - You can follow Edges & Sledges on social media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/1tip1hand Discord: https://discord.gg/D7UrjwyyZ6 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1tip1hand Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1tip1hand You can download the 99.94DM app right here: iOS: https://apple.co/3ovg0M5 Android: https://bit.ly/3S29f1R You can also join the 99.94 DM Community on our socials right here: Twitter: https://twitter.com/9994DM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/99.94dm/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/9994dm/ And our Podcasts are right here: Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3S643KC Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3otgVwz

On this week's episode, we review Week 2 of the T20 World Cup, and India's last over loss to South Africa. Pakistan are still mathematically alive, but need some luck to qualify, and New Zealand look strong in Group 1! Join our Fantasy Cricket League: https://icc.dream11.com/icc-season/league/join/69TKDJZ3P20106@1 You can follow Edges & Sledges on social media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/1tip1hand Discord: https://discord.gg/D7UrjwyyZ6 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1tip1hand Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1tip1hand You can download the 99.94DM app right here: iOS: https://apple.co/3ovg0M5 Android: https://bit.ly/3S29f1R You can also join the 99.94 DM Community on our socials right here: Twitter: https://twitter.com/9994DM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/99.94dm/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/9994dm/ And our Podcasts are right here: Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3S643KC Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3otgVwz

As the super 12 phase of the T20 World Cup 2022 kicks off, we re-live #IndvPak and a #KingKohli masterclass for the ages at the MCG. #IndvsPak - You can follow Edges & Sledges on social media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/1tip1hand Discord: https://discord.gg/D7UrjwyyZ6 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1tip1hand Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1tip1hand You can download the 99.94DM app right here: iOS: https://apple.co/3ovg0M5 Android: https://bit.ly/3S29f1R You can also join the 99.94 DM Community on our socials right here: Twitter: https://twitter.com/9994DM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/99.94dm/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/9994dm/ And our Podcasts are right here: Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3S643KC Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3otgVwz

This week we cover the #IndvSA T20s and #IndvsSA ODI series. We also talk about the women's #AsiaCup and Bumrah's injury. Check out the Edges & Sledges Cricket Podcast community on Discord:- https://discord.gg/D7UrjwyyZ6You can follow Edges & Sledges on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook: @1tip1handYou can listen to this show and other incredible shows on the new and improved IVM Podcast App on Android: https://ivm.today/android or iOS: https://ivm.today/ios

This week, we bring you a very special episode where we dig deep into the world of Legends League Cricket, including very special guests Ross Taylor, Liam Plunkett, and Raman Raheja, the founder of Legends League. We discuss:The awesome new format to see Legends playing cricketHow has Ross Taylor enjoyed playing, especially under Gautam Gambhir's captaincyLiam Plunkett's perspective on the dressing room and atmosphere with legends of the gameFavorite sledges from this year's legends leagueWhat does the future hold for legends league cricket?We will be back next week to talk India vs. South Africa and the Women's Asia Cup!Check out the Edges & Sledges Cricket Podcast community on Discord:- https://discord.gg/D7UrjwyyZ6You can follow Edges & Sledges on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook: @1tip1handYou can listen to this show and other incredible shows on the new and improved IVM Podcast App on Android: https://ivm.today/android or iOS: https://ivm.today/ios

This week on the Edges and Sledges podcast, our hosts talk the #IndvAus T20 series and the India women's tour of England that concludes with a 3-0 win at Lords with Deepti Sharma running out Dean. Link to vote for E&S in Hubhopper Awards: https://twitter.com/1tip1hand/status/... Virat Kohli backing up: https://twitter.com/1tip1hand/status/... Peter Della Penna's thread: https://twitter.com/peterdellapenna/s...Check out the Edges & Sledges Cricket Podcast community on Discord:- https://discord.gg/D7UrjwyyZ6You can follow Edges & Sledges on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook: @1tip1handYou can listen to this show and other incredible shows on the new and improved IVM Podcast App on Android: https://ivm.today/android or iOS: https://ivm.today/ios

On this week's episode, we discuss - India v Australia T20s Preview - India Women's tour of England. Check out the Edges & Sledges Cricket Podcast community on Discord:- https://discord.gg/D7UrjwyyZ6You can follow Edges & Sledges on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook: @1tip1handYou can listen to this show and other incredible shows on the new and improved IVM Podcast App on Android: https://ivm.today/android or iOS: https://ivm.today/ios

In this week's episode our hosts talk about the Asia Cup 2022, India's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup and the much awaited Virat Kohli's 71st Century. Tune into the episode for all this and much more.Check out the Edges & Sledges Cricket Podcast community on Discord:- https://discord.gg/D7UrjwyyZ6You can follow Edges & Sledges on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook: @1tip1handYou can listen to this show and other incredible shows on the new and improved IVM Podcast App on Android: https://ivm.today/android or iOS: https://ivm.today/ios

This week we discuss:Afghanistan's surge to the Super 4sEvery single match thus far being won by the team who chased - except in the HK gamesSri Lanka defeating BangladeshIndia's team selection woes and the hurt from not having Jadeja availableA brilliant innings from Rizwan that led Pakistan to defeating Team India in the Super 4s matchCheck out the Edges & Sledges Cricket Podcast community on Discord:- https://discord.gg/D7UrjwyyZ6You can follow Edges & Sledges on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook: @1tip1handYou can listen to this show and other incredible shows on the new and improved IVM Podcast App on Android: https://ivm.today/android or iOS: https://ivm.today/ios

This week on the Edges & Sledges Cricket podcast, our hosts go LIVE on Youtube to discuss: -#IndvPak at the #AsiaCup22 - Bhuvi heroics with the ball - The resurgence of Hardik Pandya the bowler - India's Team Selection with Pant sitting out - The never-ending Virat Kohli discussion in T20 cricket - Sri Lanka vs. Afghanistan, the Asia Cup opener PR build up: https://twitter.com/1tip1hand/status/... Ind v Zim celebrations: https://twitter.com/1tip1hand/status/... Pak v Zim over celebrations: https://twitter.com/1tip1hand/status/... Asia cup memories: https://twitter.com/1tip1hand/status/... Kohli mental health struggles: https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2761961 Check out the Edges & Sledges Cricket Podcast community on Discord:- https://discord.gg/D7UrjwyyZ6 You can follow Edges & Sledges on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook: @1tip1hand

This week we discuss:why does DJ not know where his leg stump is?#EngvSA: The End of Bazball?#ZimvInd ODIs: who is watching and what does it mean to play for India?#AsiaCup22: Prediction on Indian batting line up, who will win the tournament and man of the seriesIndia v Zimbabwe memories: https://twitter.com/1tip1hand/status/1558477867872288769?s=21&t=69_j3zsgGEuSbU6tTsGWPQCheck out the Edges & Sledges Cricket Podcast community on Discord:- https://discord.gg/D7UrjwyyZ6You can follow Edges & Sledges on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook: @1tip1handYou can listen to this show and other incredible shows on the new and improved IVM Podcast App on Android: https://ivm.today/android or iOS: https://ivm.today/ios

In this week's episode we speak to Joy Bhattacharjya and Amit Sinha, who are the co-authors of the new MSD book "Do Different: The Dhoni Story"Scroll article: https://twitter.com/thefield_in/status/1556921640625532928?s=21&t=YDTPvqXdKT5KtPmbojDGIQJoy da on Twitter: https://twitter.com/joybhattacharjAmit's Youtube channel: @Random Cricket Photos PodcastThe Dhoni helicopter shot https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_zLgLjAeBQAmit on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RandomCricketP1Buy the book: https://www.amazon.in/Different-Joy-Bhattacharjya-Amit-Sinha/dp/067009482XCheck out the Edges & Sledges Cricket Podcast community on Discord:- https://discord.gg/D7UrjwyyZ6You can follow Edges & Sledges on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook: @1tip1handYou can listen to this show and other incredible shows on the new and improved IVM Podcast App on Android: https://ivm.today/android or iOS: https://ivm.today/ios