Podcasts about South Carolina

Nyck Harbor is returning to South Carolina, joining Dylan Stewart and LaNorris Sellers. The Gamecocks got their first Class of 2027 commit and he is a good one. Also, Torrian Gray is now a million dollar man and is worth every penny. All of this is about momentum and investment to reverse South Carolina's football fortunes in 2026. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Congressman Jim Clyburn is a legendary statesman whose influence spans from advising presidents to serving as a beacon of change and unity in American politics. Representing South Carolina, he is not only a champion of justice and progress but has also shaped the course of history with his powerful endorsements and unyielding voice. With deep roots in the civil rights movement and a life devoted to public service, Congressman Clyburn's impact resonates across generations—especially inspiring young leaders and change-makers to envision what's possible through mentorship, storytelling, and unwavering purpose. Takeaways: Legacy and Representation: Congressman Clyburn's new book, The First Eight, uncovers the overlooked history of the eight African Americans who served in Congress from South Carolina before him, proving the power of representation and the importance of knowing one's history. Mentorship by Example: Though Clyburn didn't personally know his forerunners, their stories and those of his own father provided mentorship from afar—showing that guidance and inspiration often transcend direct relationships. Power of Storytelling: Clyburn emphasizes the importance of learning outside traditional education, absorbing wisdom from lived experiences, and communicating with passion and inclusivity—skills he encourages the next generation to develop for real impact. Sound Bytes: “No, before I was first, there were eight.” “Robert Smalls is the most consequential South Carolinian, bar none.” “There's a certain amount of education that you gotta get outside of the books.” Connect & Discover Jim: Instagram: @clyburnsc06 Facebook: @ClyburnforCongress X:  @RepJamesClyburn YouTube: @RepJamesClyburn Website: Congressman James E. Clyburn Book: The First Eight: A Personal History of the Pioneering Black Congressmen Who Shaped a Nation

Welcome back to Hardcore Penn State Football, your no-holds-barred hub for expert breakdowns, behind-the-scenes scoops, and unapologetic opinions on the Nittany Lions! In this timely episode – dropping just after Christmas on December 26, 2025 – hosts Cory Lestochi and Shawn Kane tackle the latest twists in Happy Valley as the Matt Campbell era takes shape. With the Pinstripe Bowl looming, we're covering the stinging loss of DL coach Deion Barnes to South Carolina, the surging 2026 recruiting class hitting nine commits, and how PSU is gearing up for a showdown with Clemson. From staff shakeups to future stars and bowl game strategies, this episode delivers the intel you need to stay ahead of the curve in Big Ten football. Ouch – another hit to the coaching staff! We start with the breaking news that defensive line coach Deion Barnes, a PSU alum and rising star in coaching circles, is bolting for South Carolina to join Shane Beamer's staff as their new DL coach and co-defensive coordinator. Barnes, who played a key role in developing beasts like Chop Robinson and Adisa Isaac, leaves a void after just a few seasons in Happy Valley. Recruiting is heating up under Campbell! After a rocky start with decommits following the coaching change, PSU has clawed back to nine verbal commitments in the 2026 class. Can Penn State get to 15 commits? Penn State takes on Clemson, Saturday, December 27th in Yankee Stadium. A matchup everyone at the beginning of the season thought could be for a National Championship, is now set for a meaningless bowl game. How will the team prepare? Coach Terry Smith leads the team one more time as interim head coach. If you're amped for the bowl and the Campbell rebuild, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and ring the bell for instant updates! Drop your reactions below: Devastated by Barnes' exit, or excited for fresh blood? Tag a fellow fan and spread the word! Visit rhettcoblentz.com for your graphic design needs! #WeAre #PennStateFootball #nittanylions

Lost At Christmas: Part 1 His First Christmas away from home, & His best gift ever. Based on a post by Tx Tall Tales, in 2 parts. Listen to the Podcast at My First time. After my first semester in College, I was eager to go home for the holidays. I was going to school in Rochester, New York, and anybody who'd experienced the lake-effect winters on the Great Lakes would understand my desire to get to somewhere warmer. For me, that somewhere warmer was a long ways away. As a military brat, home was often a moving target, and that winter it was Santiago, Chile, where my father was stationed and where I'd graduated high-school. It was summer in Santiago, and I was looking forward to a pool-party with my old school mates for the Holidays. We didn't have a lot of money, but I was allowed to travel space available on a military flight as a Navy ROTC student. I had to get down to Charleston, South Carolina, and catch an international C1 41 flight that made a loop through Latin America. After finagling a ride to Virginia followed by a very long bus trip down the coast, I finally made it to Charleston AFB. ROTC travel orders in hand, I checked in at the desk, and verified I was on the standby list for the flight leaving on the 23rd. I wouldn't get home until Christmas Day, but better late than never. With pockets nearly empty, a hotel room was out of the question so I slept in the terminal and snacked on the cheapest eats I could get away with. There was a festive mood in the terminal, so many people rushing to get home for the holidays, and I was getting caught up in the feeling, eagerly looking forward to that very long plane ride, first to Panama, then Lima, and finally Santiago. After what seemed an interminable wait, we were an hour away from boarding when I got bumped off the flight by a group of Marines headed to Panama on Active Duty travel orders. I was devastated. The next flight left early the morning of the 26th. At least that one was a huge plane, and nearly empty so I was virtually guaranteed to get aboard, but what was I going to do for Christmas? Looking up at the outgoing flight schedules, I saw a flight listed for Tyndall AFB, Panama City, Florida. "When is the flight to Tyndall headed out?" I asked the airman behind the desk. "In an hour-and-a-half, and it's all but empty. You want on?" He asked, offering some recompense for my last minute bump. I'd lived in Panama City during 9th and 10th grade, and still had some close friends there, many I still kept in touch with. Maybe I could find someone to spend Christmas with there. It had to be better than sleeping in the terminal for 2 more days. "Please," I told him, "but hold my space for Santiago. I'll be back for that flight." I recalled there being a pretty big Greyhound station in Panama City, so I called Greyhound and checked on a bus being able to get me back in time for the flight. They had one, a 7:30 am bus on Christmas morning would get me back before midnight on Christmas. I could easily make the flight the next morning, even if it were delay a few hours. I bought a ticket, using the emergency Am Ex card my parents had given me when I headed off to college. I'd explain the $67.00 to my parents. I called my family in Santiago with the news. It had to be short call because of the expense, so I let them know I had been bumped but would be there on the 28th. I told them I was headed to Panama City, and would be taking a bus back in plenty of time for my flight. My mother cried, and my father told me to go ahead and use the credit card, but to try to keep the expenses reasonable. By the time I hung up I was pretty depressed, but at least I had a plan. Before I could try to contact anyone in Panama City, an announcement was made and suddenly I was on my way to Florida for Christmas, with no place lined up to stay, and practically broke. I was feeling a bit melancholy, but was determined to make the best of it. So there I was, at Tyndall Air Force Base, at 11:20 pm on December 23rd. I was debating who to try first. I had several close friends nearby and I expected they'd all be home for Christmas. After a short internal debate, I had narrowed it down to two. I had always gotten along well with their entire families, and I was still in pretty regular contact with both of them. Mike lived the nearest to me in the old days. He came from a big family, with 6 siblings, including Peggy, who'd been one of my first real deep infatuations. When I had been in 9th grade she'd been a senior, and was pretty and sophisticated. My yearning for her was unrequited, but I relished the idea of seeing her again after four years. She was a college senior, and would probably be home. I knew they'd welcome me, but I was concerned it would be an inconvenience. They did not have a large house, and it was bound to be crowded, particularly with three college kids home for the holiday. On top of that who knew if they had anyone else in tow? Tommy on the other hand came from a relatively well-off family who always lived well within their means. He had an older brother, who was working in Japan and unlikely to be home, a sister, Sheri, just a year behind us in school, and two much younger siblings, who I guessed would be around 9 and 10 by now. They had a spacious house, each kid had their own room, and I wouldn't be putting anybody out if I stayed there. I'd always had a crush on Sheri, but although I'd dated her best friend, I'd never gone out with her. Getting a chance to see her again would be an extra bonus. Feeling nervous and awkward, I dialed Tommy's number from memory, and luckily got him on the first call. If I'd gotten somebody else, I would have really felt uncomfortable. Tommy's answer was unmistakable. He had a funny way of saying hello when he answered the phone, and the sound of his voice took me straight back down memory lane. "Hee-ello," he answered. "Tommy! Guess who?" I asked. I guess my voice must have been similarly recognizable, since he didn't hesitate a second. "Steve-o! What are you up to? Where're you at?" He answered eagerly. It put a smile on my face. Nice to hear a happy, upbeat voice that seemed genuinely pleased to hear from me. "Funny you should ask. It's a long story, but I'm in a bit of a bind. I'm at Tyndall, and stuck here until Christmas Day." I told him. "What happened to Chile, and Rochester?" He asked. "I was on my way home to Chile, when I lost my seat on the plane in Charleston. I couldn't get out again until the 26th, so when I saw an empty plane headed this way, I just hopped on and hoped for the best." I explained. "That's Great!" He almost shouted. "Not great that you couldn't get home, but great that you're here. You want to stay with us? You can have Greg's room, he won't be here, and I'm sure Sheri and Mom would love to see you. The place is kind of 'down' with Greg canceling his trip home at the last minute. Having you here should cheer things up a bit." He did sound enthused, and I couldn't help grinning in reply. "Don't you think you should check?" I laughed. A scream in my ear was the answer, as I heard half of a shouted conversation. "Mom! Guess Who's In Town." "No, Not Greg." "No, Go Ahead Guess." "Guess Again." "Ok, Ok - Steve." "Yeah, Steve Pelland. He's Stuck Here In Town 'Til Christmas Day." "Of Course I Told Him He Should Come Here, I'll Go Get Him." "I Will." "Yes Mom; Yes; I Won't; I Will." I was holding the phone a little away from my head, and almost missed it when he came back on. "Where should I pick you up?" He asked. "The Main Terminal, you know where that is right?" I answered. "Sure - be there in about 30 minutes. Man, this is Great!" I hung up with a big smile on my face, feeling 100% better than I had just 10 minutes earlier. I stood outside waiting for him, and about 20 minutes later the strings of Christmas lights shut off one at a time, as the place closed up for the night. It was dark and quiet, and I started to get nervous again, wondering if this had been such a good idea. I was 500 miles from my flight home and completely at the mercy of old friends. But as far as friends go, I couldn't do much better than mine, and figured at the least I wouldn't be sleeping in a lonely terminal in Charleston for two days, slowly eating my way through my meager funds. When Bob pulled up around midnight, I could see he'd gotten rid of the VW Bug he'd inherited from his mother upon turning 16, and was now driving his brother's old Two-tone Cougar. We spent a minute saying hi, and loading my gear into the trunk, and then we headed back into town, catching each other up on history. When I had first moved to Santiago, I used to write about once every couple of months, as well as call a couple of times a year. In the beginning I'd written Sheri a lot as well. She was one of the most prolific writers among my old friends, and would typically write twice to me for every one I wrote to her. Over the years, that had degenerated into holiday cards and a surprise call maybe once a year. I knew he was attending Florida State, and that Greg had graduated from Georgetown, and had moved to Japan on business. That was about it. Tommy told me all about the old gang, who was in town, who was going to what schools, what people had been up to. I told him a lot more detail about what I'd been up to. "So," he asked, "Got a girl?" "Not now. Thought I had one after the ROTC Christmas ball, but that seems to have been my mistake." I admitted. "Hard to believe. You always had someone. Every letter, every phone-call, just seems like they didn't stay the same all that long." He teased. "I don't know. I had several relationships last pretty long. Two were more than 6 months long." I argued. "Oh! Six Months!" He laughed. "How about you then," I asked in defense. "Still Erin. Almost two years now." He asked. "Shit. What does she see in you? She could do so much better." I teased. "Oh really? Like how?" "Like me!" I laughed. "Right, like that would ever happen! Don't even think about it, or you'll be sleeping in the street." He was laughing as well. "Not if I called Erin I wouldn't," I shot back. I thought it was a great comeback, but it earned me a sock in the arm. We pulled up to his house, which still looked exactly the same, and things were pretty quiet. They used the same window lights, same roof lights, same bush trimmings year after year. It was just as I remembered. Who says you can't go back? "Mom's got to work tomorrow, so I'm sure she's in bed, and you know Dave crashes early, so we better keep it down. We've got lots to do tomorrow anyway." We entered quietly and put my bag in Greg's old room. Tommy stayed and chatted for a few minutes then bid me good night, telling me to sleep in as long as I wanted, as long as it wasn't past 9:00 am, and left me to get settled. Past 9:00? Now I remembered, they'd always been an early-bird household. For me 9:00 am Was the crack of dawn. Tommy and I had breakfast at about 9:30. He was already chiding me for sleeping in and missing the whole family. We had the house to ourselves. He'd been on the phone arranging our day, and once we'd finished the pancakes, we were off to see Mike and his family. Entering Mike's house was the same as it had ever been, but more-so. People everywhere, noise, laughter, roughhousing, it was all taken in stride by Mrs. Frey. We spent a few hours visiting, and getting fed again before we could leave. Mike's older sister Peggy still looked cute to me, but not the amazing creature my memory had somehow stored away. I had to tease her about the Christmas gift she'd given me three years earlier. She'd bought me a Richard Pryor tape, thinking it was Bill Cosby. When I played it for her in my car, she exploded, calling me names and accusing me of vile intent. At the time I had felt bad, confused, angry and a host of other feelings, now thankfully we could laugh at it. When I'd been 16 I'd been somewhat in awe of her, now things were comfortable. Mike's older brother was home as well, with his live-in girlfriend who seemed awfully ill-at-ease, and must have been at least 5 years older than Dan, maybe more. That was a story I'd have to hear more about. The biggest surprise was Alice. She'd been a few years younger than us. I wasn't sure if she was 16 or 17 now, but she was a bombshell. And she was coming on to me like gangbusters. I was really nervous, with her acting all touchy-feely with her mother and Peggy there. I was suddenly glad I had chosen to stay over with Tommy. With a pretty, stacked girl that seemed so infatuated with me around, I'm afraid I might have gotten into a whole lot more trouble than I needed. When we left there Mike joined us, and it was off to see Jack and Russ. They were a year apart in age. Russ had been in our class, and we'd been friendly with him, but Jack, although a year younger was our buddy. We played on the basketball team together, and when Tommy and I formed our first band, Jack was our bassist. At the Chambers house, we once again reminisced, and had to relive our first 'gig'. We had decided to play in the school talent show. With Tommy on piano and Jack on bass, I played guitar. We had a fourth guy on drums we'd all lost contact with. We had played Elton John, Deep Purple, The Eagles, and The Beatles. We had opened with the opening riff of "Smoke on the Water", and had been a hit. We were pretty lousy, but the audience was our friends, our parents and the parents of our friends, and at the end the parents even took up a collection for us. Pretty heady stuff. We'd called ourselves Bronze Myth, and had already designed our first three album covers before we had our first birthday party gig. Jack had been tall then, and had not stopped growing; he was now 6'7" and was attending University of Florida, playing basketball. He reminded me of the time when we went on our first dates together. I had gone with Kathryn Best, easily the most lusted after girl in the whole school, who was in Jack's class a year behind me. Jack, on the other hand, had gone out with our "Valentine's Day Queen", Anne, who was in my class and almost two full years older than Jack. He was always precocious. There had been a third couple with us, Dennis and Suzanne, and Jack broke the news that Suzanne had gotten knocked up, just before I left to go overseas, and she and Dennis had gotten married. There was a huge scandal, but they stuck together, and had the baby. They lived with Suzanne's parents. Dennis was doing alright, working for Suzanne's father. While we were visiting, several friends dropped in, including the aforementioned Kathryn who lived one street over. Kathryn, the stunning brunette who had the body of a 20 year old when she was 15, and had a beautiful face with features that just slayed me. Kathryn, the very first girl I had gotten to Third Base with. She was as pretty as I remembered, and I found out she was going to be attending Mt. Holyoke the following year, which was an odd coincidence since my girlfriend from High School was a sophomore there. Going out with Kathryn, a year younger than me had been a total fiasco. We'd sat together on an out-of-town bus trip and ranked high enough in the pecking order that we got the right hand seat second from the back. These trips were our biggest dates back then. Ours was a small parochial school, and on the bus trips, the athletes, cheerleaders and student fans all rode the same bug. The 30-90 minute trips were like pep rallies on the way out, and like the back of movie theatres on the way back. There were frequent "hand-checks" and the lights would come one as our coaches would walk the aisle, but it seemed like after our wins, the checks would be a little less frequent. Our win at Pensacola was my first real 'make-out' session, as we cuddled and kissed the whole trip home. I even got a chance to play with her breast through her sweater. Less than a week later I asked her to the movies, and we sat in the back with the two other couples, probably both scared spitless and nervous as goldfish in a blender. We'd started necking, which got more and more intense, and my hands boldly went where no hands had gone before. An hour into the movie I was almost out of control, and feverish with desire, and it seemed she was willing to let me do whatever I wanted. If I'd had a little more confidence, or a little more knowledge, who knows what might have happened? As it is, I went pretty far, probably too far, and I was scared to death afterwards. She was the first girl whose flesh I'd touched underneath her clothing. I didn't call her for several days, and even avoided her at school, not knowing what to say. In short I was a total jerk. Everyone thought we should be together, she was the pretty captain of the cheerleaders, with the big boobs, and I was the Big Jock, playing all the sports, while at the same time excelling in school. She was voted "Most Popular." I was "Most Likely to Succeed." However, in this case it turned out she was "Most Slighted", and I was definitely "Most Inept." After waiting several days, amazingly patient in retrospect, she had tasked her best friend Sheri, Tommy's sister, with letting me know that she thought we shouldn't go out. Next thing you know, she was going out with some geeky looking kid, and she dated him for the rest of the school year. I'd changed schools at the end of that year, and had seen her only infrequently the following year, before moving to Santiago. Outside in the backyard, Kathryn and I walked off together and finally had a few minutes alone. "You know Kat, I don't think I ever apologized for being such an idiot, after our first date. I really am sorry." She was quiet for a while. She had a sad little look. "You know, I waited by that phone night after night, crying myself to sleep. I saw you dodging me at school and it broke my heart." "I was young and stupid. I'd never done Anything with a girl before, and could hardly even believe I was with the hottest girl in school. After all the stuff I did, God, I was so embarrassed that I'd overstepped the boundaries, and I had no idea what to say." She sat down underneath the big tree in the backyard and I sat beside her on the circular bench around it. "You could have said something to Jack maybe, or Tommy, and let them tell me. At least let me know that you liked me, or had fun. Something." She looked on the verge of tears, even 3 years later, and I felt even worse. "I know. I kept kicking myself over it. I was so angry with myself and jealous when you went out with Ricky." I admitted. "He was nice to me when I needed it." "But it seemed such an odd fit. He was a nobody; the only thing he ever did noteworthy was date you." I told her. "He lived two houses down. We'd grown up together, and when my heart was broken he picked up the pieces. He could tell something was wrong, and really made me feel a lot better." She confessed. That brought on a short period of silence. It did let me think better of Ricky, who wasn't just lucky or an opportunist. "You know, that was one of the most memorable moments in my life. Touching a girl like that for the first time. I had no idea what I should do, or what I could do, but I kept looking down the row at Dennis and Suzanne, and figured I should be able to do that too. I was in heaven; you were so amazing to be with." I told her, reaching out and taking her hand in mine. Her palm was moist. "You're telling me? You were the big 9th grader with the learner's permit and motorcycle. Big Man on Campus. The guy every girl wanted. And you wanted me. I had no idea what we should or shouldn't do on a date. I was hoping you knew." We laughed at that, remembering the intensity of those feelings. "Given a chance to do it over, I'd have camped out on your doorstep and professed my undying, eternal love the moment you walked out the door." I told her, half serious. "As I recall, you professed your love for me that evening, just before opening the top of my pants." She said with a wicked grin. I'm sure I blushed mightily. "I can't really ask forgiveness, but I really am sorry. Sorry now and sorry then. I fantasized about you for years afterwards, thinking of what could have happened if I hadn't been such a jerk. You have no idea how many of my fantasies you starred in back then." "If only you'd have let me know. Ricky was my first. It could have been you. Given half a chance, it would have been you." She had moved close and was speaking softly. "And this is my punishment. Knowing how bad I fucked up. Seeing you here, as beautiful as in my dreams, and knowing I've screwed up any chance of being with you." I placed my hand behind her head, stroking her hair. "I wouldn't say you'd screwed up Any chance, but you certainly blew that one." We were looking deeply in each other's eyes, recalling strong, painful feelings. I wanted her now, as I'd wanted her then, with a deep burning need, and I leaned forward those last two inches, and captured her lips with mine. She slid forward and melted against me, kissing me with every emotion boiling to the surface. She took my hand and placed it on her incredible chest, and I squeezed her breast, my thumb reliving that first caress of her nipple from so many years earlier. We stayed like that for a couple of minutes, and then broke apart. Her eyes glistened. "I've got a boyfriend." She confessed. I nodded understanding. "If I didn't?" I reached forward pressing my index finger to her lips. "I know. I missed my chance. It's my loss." We just sat side by side a minute, in silence. "You know," she said softly, "what you did to me that night, that was part of the problem." "I know. I'm sorry if I stepped over the line." I said, even now embarrassed at the liberties I'd taken. "No, not anything wrong. What you did to me, how you made me feel. You made me cream my jeans more than once that night. It was the first time I'd ever come. I'd heard about it, but it was almost unreal. Your fingers just drove me wild. It was over a year before another guy was able to do the same." She put her hand between her legs, seemingly remembering that first night. "That makes two of us. I don't know if you knew, but I came in my pants too, and you never even touched me there. By the time I got home I was a terrible sticky mess. I snuck out and threw that underwear away before my mother could find them and ask uncomfortable questions." I told her, laughing. She gave me an odd little look, and then slid around the tree, placing its 3 foot wide trunk between us and the house. She reached out for me, and of course I followed. "Could I, I mean would you mind?" She seemed lost for words. "What? Just ask. I certainly owe you one." I told her. She didn't ask, she just started unbuckling my belt. "I always wondered, and never really had a chance to find out." With the belt open she unbuttoned and unzipped my pants. "I mean, that night, you got to find out pretty much ALL about me, but I didn't; " I lifted my hips and let her pull my pants down a short ways, and then she reached up and pulled my underwear down exposing my fully erect monument to her sexiness. "I knew it, you bastard. Look at that." I didn't have to look. I knew it pretty well. And it was certainly standing tall and making me proud. She took me in hand and stroked me up and down, which after all the discussion and reminiscing was almost enough to get me off. "I just knew it. This should have been my first." She slowly stroked me up and down, and then she leaned over and took me in her mouth for just a second, sucking me deep and then releasing me. That was it. It was too much for me, and I stood up and shot my wad a good two feet out from where we were sitting. She giggled, as she helped me through my release, then pulled my underwear up back over my still dripping cock, and wiped her hand on the front of my briefs, before helping me pull my jeans back up. "If I wasn't tied up, I'd have you paying reparations," she told me as we both stood, and she slapped my hands away from my belt and finished straightening me out herself. "Let's consider it a delayed payoff. If things don't work out for you, maybe we can try it again. Rochester isn't That far from Amherst." Little did I know what the future held in store for us, but that's a different story. We walked back to the house hand-in-hand, laughing at the folly of youth, from the wizened experience of our 18 and 19 years. She had to leave shortly after, as did we, and I kissed her goodbye at the door. Once the door was closed I heard an exclamation from behind me. I turned to Tommy who said, "Now I've seen everything." "Amen," said Jack. "What?" I asked. "After how you treated her after our first date, I was certain you were on her shit-list for life." Jack explained. "Absolutely." Tommy chimed in. "Sheri said that Kathryn fantasized about doing mean and nasty things to you for years. I mean, hell, you did use her pretty bad." "I was a dope. I did some things I'd never done before, and was so embarrassed I didn't know how to even face her. So I screwed up and avoided her. I just made my apologies and we worked things out. I think she understands that I didn't try to be mean; I was just young and stupid. I didn't know what I was doing, and regretted it for years." I told them. "Geez. I always wondered how you could pass on that, when she was so available to you. You really did fuck up, didn't you?" Tommy pointed out. "Yep, not the first time, and I'm certain not the last. But we've buried the hatchet it seems." I answered "I'm just astounded that hatchet isn't in your back." Jack added. We left just a short while after that. We had one last visit to make. Teri Branson was passing through town, and wanted to see us if she could. She was just there for the day, and none of us wanted to miss out on that chance. The summer before 10th grade, I'd practically lived at Teri's. It was football time, and we were doing twice-a-days. We'd have morning practice, then a break so we wouldn't be out all day in the noon-time Florida summer sun. After the break it was afternoon practice. Teri was at our school and I never really knew her until that summer. She lived only a block from Mike, and we had run into her one day out washing the family car. We struck up a conversation, and the rest was history. I spent every football break at her house that summer. Mike didn't play football, but I'd pick him up on the way over there, and we'd hang out. She had a pool table, and a private rec-room with a stand-up arcade game. Her mother would always bring us snacks and drinks. Teri had not been popular, and was new to the school as well. But in a period of just a few months she went from a boyish figured tom-boy, to a devastatingly beautiful teen. Her breasts seemed to almost explode outwards, and once we'd met her mom, we knew where she got it from. She lost some weight, traded glasses for contacts, grew tits, lost the braces, and suddenly this beauty was in our midst, and nobody even knew about her but us. She was our secret. Tommy was going to a different high-school from me and Mike, but we still hung together most of the summer, and we had to let him in on our secret. The closest we'd come to having anything happen was a bizarre game of spin-the-bottle underneath the pool table. Mike, Tommy, me and Teri. Just an excuse for us to take turns kissing her. Her father was being transferred again at the end of the summer. I told her I was going to have a birthday party, and that we were going to play spin-the-bottle, I had hoped she'd be there, but now she was leaving. We were all upset. Tommy suggested we play now, since she couldn't make it then, and we did. It was strange but wonderful. Two weeks later she was gone. We met Teri at the mall, our planned rendezvous. We couldn't miss her; she was the center of a lot of attention. And still gorgeous. We ran up to her and had hugs all around. "I can only stay about 20 minutes," she told us with a pout. "Damn," was all I could say. So the three of us toured the mall, observing all the changes. It had been brand new the year we had been together. We grabbed some drinks, and wandered back outside, our time almost up, and barely even caught up. "Teri, I have a confession." I told her. "I know we acted pretty much like friends, but I was crazy about you. That summer I went home every evening and dreamed of you." "Hell, we all did." Tommy admitted. "We were such idiots," she said. She reached up to my collar and pulled me down for a kiss. Teri stood maybe 5 foot 1, so I had at least a foot on her in height. Bent over I let her kiss me, and I returned it eagerly. Finally she released me. "I was so confused. One day I'd like you, and then the next day you," she said nodding around the group, "and then you. I kept wondering who was going to be my first real boyfriend. I just knew it was going to be one of you. And then it was all over." She looked up at me. "I Still dream about you sometimes." All we could do was laugh it off, and say we'd get together sometime. She was living in Phoenix now, finishing high school, and it looked like she'd be going to Stanford. It was going to be hard to ever make that commute work out, not that she didn't seem like it would be worth the effort. Then her parents drove up. We said hi to her mom (who had been a secret fantasy of mine back then) and then with a last set of hugs it was goodbye to Teri. It was getting late so we dropped Mike back off at his house, driving mostly in quiet. I imagine we were all lost in thought over the quirks of fate and what might have been. For me, it was thoughts of Kathryn and Teri, two incredible opportunities that any teen would kill for, and I'd let them slip through my fingers. We dropped Mike off, but didn't go inside. As it was we were running late, and knew that if we went in, it would be a while before we got out of there. From Mike's it was a 5 minute drive back to Tommy's, but we drove past Teri's old house, just for nostalgia's sake. At Tommy's we were running late. Dinner was going to be at 6:00 pm, and somehow we'd burned the whole day. It was 5:45 before we even walked in the door, and we both wanted to clean up before dinner. The kid's rooms were served by two separate bathrooms, one at the end of the hall, and one off of Greg's room. So I stripped down to my shorts, and went to take my shower. I hadn't expected the bathroom to be full. Sheri was in their, applying the last of her makeup. Fortunately (or unfortunately) she was dressed. When I walked in, she gave a squeal, and came over and gave me a big hug. "I can't believe you're here! You're looking good." She said, stepping back and giving me the once over. "Wow, Sheri, you look great!" was all I could say. She had always been pretty. But the difference between a 15 year old Sheri and this one was night and day. The more mature Sheri was a beautiful young woman. "Thanks," she said, "I'll be out of here in a second, and you can have the place to yourself. I'm dying to talk to you." "I'll be here all night." I joked, stepping back into the room I was using, before my underwear had to undergo any more strain. I sat on the bed waiting, and after just a minute or so she poked her head in and said "It's all yours." She left the door open and walked out the other side of the bathroom. So that was one change at least that I hadn't noticed. Back in the day, this was Greg's bathroom. But since then someone had taken out the linen closet, and the old closet door now opened into Sheri's room. In retrospect it should have been obvious. With Greg away, the bathroom had a lot of stuff in it, although very neat. If I'd opened a cabinet or drawer, I would have seen all the makeup and girl's things. I was using Sheri's bathroom. I rapidly cleaned up and dressed. I was in a bit of a hurry, wanting to still wrap a couple of small presents for my hosts. I had bought several music tapes for my sister as a Christmas present, and decided to gift Tommy with one of them. I also had a photo in a frame for my mom, and decided to make the frame a family gift. It was simple, hand-made by yours truly from apple-wood. After borrowing some paper, tape, and scissors, I was ready to join everyone else just a few minutes later. To be continued in part 2. Based on a post by Tx Tall Tales, in 2 parts, for Literotica

Lost At Christmas: Part 1 His First Christmas away from home, & His best gift ever. Based on a post by Tx Tall Tales, in 2 parts. Listen to the Podcast at My First time. After my first semester in College, I was eager to go home for the holidays. I was going to school in Rochester, New York, and anybody who'd experienced the lake-effect winters on the Great Lakes would understand my desire to get to somewhere warmer. For me, that somewhere warmer was a long ways away. As a military brat, home was often a moving target, and that winter it was Santiago, Chile, where my father was stationed and where I'd graduated high-school. It was summer in Santiago, and I was looking forward to a pool-party with my old school mates for the Holidays. We didn't have a lot of money, but I was allowed to travel space available on a military flight as a Navy ROTC student. I had to get down to Charleston, South Carolina, and catch an international C1 41 flight that made a loop through Latin America. After finagling a ride to Virginia followed by a very long bus trip down the coast, I finally made it to Charleston AFB. ROTC travel orders in hand, I checked in at the desk, and verified I was on the standby list for the flight leaving on the 23rd. I wouldn't get home until Christmas Day, but better late than never. With pockets nearly empty, a hotel room was out of the question so I slept in the terminal and snacked on the cheapest eats I could get away with. There was a festive mood in the terminal, so many people rushing to get home for the holidays, and I was getting caught up in the feeling, eagerly looking forward to that very long plane ride, first to Panama, then Lima, and finally Santiago. After what seemed an interminable wait, we were an hour away from boarding when I got bumped off the flight by a group of Marines headed to Panama on Active Duty travel orders. I was devastated. The next flight left early the morning of the 26th. At least that one was a huge plane, and nearly empty so I was virtually guaranteed to get aboard, but what was I going to do for Christmas? Looking up at the outgoing flight schedules, I saw a flight listed for Tyndall AFB, Panama City, Florida. "When is the flight to Tyndall headed out?" I asked the airman behind the desk. "In an hour-and-a-half, and it's all but empty. You want on?" He asked, offering some recompense for my last minute bump. I'd lived in Panama City during 9th and 10th grade, and still had some close friends there, many I still kept in touch with. Maybe I could find someone to spend Christmas with there. It had to be better than sleeping in the terminal for 2 more days. "Please," I told him, "but hold my space for Santiago. I'll be back for that flight." I recalled there being a pretty big Greyhound station in Panama City, so I called Greyhound and checked on a bus being able to get me back in time for the flight. They had one, a 7:30 am bus on Christmas morning would get me back before midnight on Christmas. I could easily make the flight the next morning, even if it were delay a few hours. I bought a ticket, using the emergency Am Ex card my parents had given me when I headed off to college. I'd explain the $67.00 to my parents. I called my family in Santiago with the news. It had to be short call because of the expense, so I let them know I had been bumped but would be there on the 28th. I told them I was headed to Panama City, and would be taking a bus back in plenty of time for my flight. My mother cried, and my father told me to go ahead and use the credit card, but to try to keep the expenses reasonable. By the time I hung up I was pretty depressed, but at least I had a plan. Before I could try to contact anyone in Panama City, an announcement was made and suddenly I was on my way to Florida for Christmas, with no place lined up to stay, and practically broke. I was feeling a bit melancholy, but was determined to make the best of it. So there I was, at Tyndall Air Force Base, at 11:20 pm on December 23rd. I was debating who to try first. I had several close friends nearby and I expected they'd all be home for Christmas. After a short internal debate, I had narrowed it down to two. I had always gotten along well with their entire families, and I was still in pretty regular contact with both of them. Mike lived the nearest to me in the old days. He came from a big family, with 6 siblings, including Peggy, who'd been one of my first real deep infatuations. When I had been in 9th grade she'd been a senior, and was pretty and sophisticated. My yearning for her was unrequited, but I relished the idea of seeing her again after four years. She was a college senior, and would probably be home. I knew they'd welcome me, but I was concerned it would be an inconvenience. They did not have a large house, and it was bound to be crowded, particularly with three college kids home for the holiday. On top of that who knew if they had anyone else in tow? Tommy on the other hand came from a relatively well-off family who always lived well within their means. He had an older brother, who was working in Japan and unlikely to be home, a sister, Sheri, just a year behind us in school, and two much younger siblings, who I guessed would be around 9 and 10 by now. They had a spacious house, each kid had their own room, and I wouldn't be putting anybody out if I stayed there. I'd always had a crush on Sheri, but although I'd dated her best friend, I'd never gone out with her. Getting a chance to see her again would be an extra bonus. Feeling nervous and awkward, I dialed Tommy's number from memory, and luckily got him on the first call. If I'd gotten somebody else, I would have really felt uncomfortable. Tommy's answer was unmistakable. He had a funny way of saying hello when he answered the phone, and the sound of his voice took me straight back down memory lane. "Hee-ello," he answered. "Tommy! Guess who?" I asked. I guess my voice must have been similarly recognizable, since he didn't hesitate a second. "Steve-o! What are you up to? Where're you at?" He answered eagerly. It put a smile on my face. Nice to hear a happy, upbeat voice that seemed genuinely pleased to hear from me. "Funny you should ask. It's a long story, but I'm in a bit of a bind. I'm at Tyndall, and stuck here until Christmas Day." I told him. "What happened to Chile, and Rochester?" He asked. "I was on my way home to Chile, when I lost my seat on the plane in Charleston. I couldn't get out again until the 26th, so when I saw an empty plane headed this way, I just hopped on and hoped for the best." I explained. "That's Great!" He almost shouted. "Not great that you couldn't get home, but great that you're here. You want to stay with us? You can have Greg's room, he won't be here, and I'm sure Sheri and Mom would love to see you. The place is kind of 'down' with Greg canceling his trip home at the last minute. Having you here should cheer things up a bit." He did sound enthused, and I couldn't help grinning in reply. "Don't you think you should check?" I laughed. A scream in my ear was the answer, as I heard half of a shouted conversation. "Mom! Guess Who's In Town." "No, Not Greg." "No, Go Ahead Guess." "Guess Again." "Ok, Ok - Steve." "Yeah, Steve Pelland. He's Stuck Here In Town 'Til Christmas Day." "Of Course I Told Him He Should Come Here, I'll Go Get Him." "I Will." "Yes Mom; Yes; I Won't; I Will." I was holding the phone a little away from my head, and almost missed it when he came back on. "Where should I pick you up?" He asked. "The Main Terminal, you know where that is right?" I answered. "Sure - be there in about 30 minutes. Man, this is Great!" I hung up with a big smile on my face, feeling 100% better than I had just 10 minutes earlier. I stood outside waiting for him, and about 20 minutes later the strings of Christmas lights shut off one at a time, as the place closed up for the night. It was dark and quiet, and I started to get nervous again, wondering if this had been such a good idea. I was 500 miles from my flight home and completely at the mercy of old friends. But as far as friends go, I couldn't do much better than mine, and figured at the least I wouldn't be sleeping in a lonely terminal in Charleston for two days, slowly eating my way through my meager funds. When Bob pulled up around midnight, I could see he'd gotten rid of the VW Bug he'd inherited from his mother upon turning 16, and was now driving his brother's old Two-tone Cougar. We spent a minute saying hi, and loading my gear into the trunk, and then we headed back into town, catching each other up on history. When I had first moved to Santiago, I used to write about once every couple of months, as well as call a couple of times a year. In the beginning I'd written Sheri a lot as well. She was one of the most prolific writers among my old friends, and would typically write twice to me for every one I wrote to her. Over the years, that had degenerated into holiday cards and a surprise call maybe once a year. I knew he was attending Florida State, and that Greg had graduated from Georgetown, and had moved to Japan on business. That was about it. Tommy told me all about the old gang, who was in town, who was going to what schools, what people had been up to. I told him a lot more detail about what I'd been up to. "So," he asked, "Got a girl?" "Not now. Thought I had one after the ROTC Christmas ball, but that seems to have been my mistake." I admitted. "Hard to believe. You always had someone. Every letter, every phone-call, just seems like they didn't stay the same all that long." He teased. "I don't know. I had several relationships last pretty long. Two were more than 6 months long." I argued. "Oh! Six Months!" He laughed. "How about you then," I asked in defense. "Still Erin. Almost two years now." He asked. "Shit. What does she see in you? She could do so much better." I teased. "Oh really? Like how?" "Like me!" I laughed. "Right, like that would ever happen! Don't even think about it, or you'll be sleeping in the street." He was laughing as well. "Not if I called Erin I wouldn't," I shot back. I thought it was a great comeback, but it earned me a sock in the arm. We pulled up to his house, which still looked exactly the same, and things were pretty quiet. They used the same window lights, same roof lights, same bush trimmings year after year. It was just as I remembered. Who says you can't go back? "Mom's got to work tomorrow, so I'm sure she's in bed, and you know Dave crashes early, so we better keep it down. We've got lots to do tomorrow anyway." We entered quietly and put my bag in Greg's old room. Tommy stayed and chatted for a few minutes then bid me good night, telling me to sleep in as long as I wanted, as long as it wasn't past 9:00 am, and left me to get settled. Past 9:00? Now I remembered, they'd always been an early-bird household. For me 9:00 am Was the crack of dawn. Tommy and I had breakfast at about 9:30. He was already chiding me for sleeping in and missing the whole family. We had the house to ourselves. He'd been on the phone arranging our day, and once we'd finished the pancakes, we were off to see Mike and his family. Entering Mike's house was the same as it had ever been, but more-so. People everywhere, noise, laughter, roughhousing, it was all taken in stride by Mrs. Frey. We spent a few hours visiting, and getting fed again before we could leave. Mike's older sister Peggy still looked cute to me, but not the amazing creature my memory had somehow stored away. I had to tease her about the Christmas gift she'd given me three years earlier. She'd bought me a Richard Pryor tape, thinking it was Bill Cosby. When I played it for her in my car, she exploded, calling me names and accusing me of vile intent. At the time I had felt bad, confused, angry and a host of other feelings, now thankfully we could laugh at it. When I'd been 16 I'd been somewhat in awe of her, now things were comfortable. Mike's older brother was home as well, with his live-in girlfriend who seemed awfully ill-at-ease, and must have been at least 5 years older than Dan, maybe more. That was a story I'd have to hear more about. The biggest surprise was Alice. She'd been a few years younger than us. I wasn't sure if she was 16 or 17 now, but she was a bombshell. And she was coming on to me like gangbusters. I was really nervous, with her acting all touchy-feely with her mother and Peggy there. I was suddenly glad I had chosen to stay over with Tommy. With a pretty, stacked girl that seemed so infatuated with me around, I'm afraid I might have gotten into a whole lot more trouble than I needed. When we left there Mike joined us, and it was off to see Jack and Russ. They were a year apart in age. Russ had been in our class, and we'd been friendly with him, but Jack, although a year younger was our buddy. We played on the basketball team together, and when Tommy and I formed our first band, Jack was our bassist. At the Chambers house, we once again reminisced, and had to relive our first 'gig'. We had decided to play in the school talent show. With Tommy on piano and Jack on bass, I played guitar. We had a fourth guy on drums we'd all lost contact with. We had played Elton John, Deep Purple, The Eagles, and The Beatles. We had opened with the opening riff of "Smoke on the Water", and had been a hit. We were pretty lousy, but the audience was our friends, our parents and the parents of our friends, and at the end the parents even took up a collection for us. Pretty heady stuff. We'd called ourselves Bronze Myth, and had already designed our first three album covers before we had our first birthday party gig. Jack had been tall then, and had not stopped growing; he was now 6'7" and was attending University of Florida, playing basketball. He reminded me of the time when we went on our first dates together. I had gone with Kathryn Best, easily the most lusted after girl in the whole school, who was in Jack's class a year behind me. Jack, on the other hand, had gone out with our "Valentine's Day Queen", Anne, who was in my class and almost two full years older than Jack. He was always precocious. There had been a third couple with us, Dennis and Suzanne, and Jack broke the news that Suzanne had gotten knocked up, just before I left to go overseas, and she and Dennis had gotten married. There was a huge scandal, but they stuck together, and had the baby. They lived with Suzanne's parents. Dennis was doing alright, working for Suzanne's father. While we were visiting, several friends dropped in, including the aforementioned Kathryn who lived one street over. Kathryn, the stunning brunette who had the body of a 20 year old when she was 15, and had a beautiful face with features that just slayed me. Kathryn, the very first girl I had gotten to Third Base with. She was as pretty as I remembered, and I found out she was going to be attending Mt. Holyoke the following year, which was an odd coincidence since my girlfriend from High School was a sophomore there. Going out with Kathryn, a year younger than me had been a total fiasco. We'd sat together on an out-of-town bus trip and ranked high enough in the pecking order that we got the right hand seat second from the back. These trips were our biggest dates back then. Ours was a small parochial school, and on the bus trips, the athletes, cheerleaders and student fans all rode the same bug. The 30-90 minute trips were like pep rallies on the way out, and like the back of movie theatres on the way back. There were frequent "hand-checks" and the lights would come one as our coaches would walk the aisle, but it seemed like after our wins, the checks would be a little less frequent. Our win at Pensacola was my first real 'make-out' session, as we cuddled and kissed the whole trip home. I even got a chance to play with her breast through her sweater. Less than a week later I asked her to the movies, and we sat in the back with the two other couples, probably both scared spitless and nervous as goldfish in a blender. We'd started necking, which got more and more intense, and my hands boldly went where no hands had gone before. An hour into the movie I was almost out of control, and feverish with desire, and it seemed she was willing to let me do whatever I wanted. If I'd had a little more confidence, or a little more knowledge, who knows what might have happened? As it is, I went pretty far, probably too far, and I was scared to death afterwards. She was the first girl whose flesh I'd touched underneath her clothing. I didn't call her for several days, and even avoided her at school, not knowing what to say. In short I was a total jerk. Everyone thought we should be together, she was the pretty captain of the cheerleaders, with the big boobs, and I was the Big Jock, playing all the sports, while at the same time excelling in school. She was voted "Most Popular." I was "Most Likely to Succeed." However, in this case it turned out she was "Most Slighted", and I was definitely "Most Inept." After waiting several days, amazingly patient in retrospect, she had tasked her best friend Sheri, Tommy's sister, with letting me know that she thought we shouldn't go out. Next thing you know, she was going out with some geeky looking kid, and she dated him for the rest of the school year. I'd changed schools at the end of that year, and had seen her only infrequently the following year, before moving to Santiago. Outside in the backyard, Kathryn and I walked off together and finally had a few minutes alone. "You know Kat, I don't think I ever apologized for being such an idiot, after our first date. I really am sorry." She was quiet for a while. She had a sad little look. "You know, I waited by that phone night after night, crying myself to sleep. I saw you dodging me at school and it broke my heart." "I was young and stupid. I'd never done Anything with a girl before, and could hardly even believe I was with the hottest girl in school. After all the stuff I did, God, I was so embarrassed that I'd overstepped the boundaries, and I had no idea what to say." She sat down underneath the big tree in the backyard and I sat beside her on the circular bench around it. "You could have said something to Jack maybe, or Tommy, and let them tell me. At least let me know that you liked me, or had fun. Something." She looked on the verge of tears, even 3 years later, and I felt even worse. "I know. I kept kicking myself over it. I was so angry with myself and jealous when you went out with Ricky." I admitted. "He was nice to me when I needed it." "But it seemed such an odd fit. He was a nobody; the only thing he ever did noteworthy was date you." I told her. "He lived two houses down. We'd grown up together, and when my heart was broken he picked up the pieces. He could tell something was wrong, and really made me feel a lot better." She confessed. That brought on a short period of silence. It did let me think better of Ricky, who wasn't just lucky or an opportunist. "You know, that was one of the most memorable moments in my life. Touching a girl like that for the first time. I had no idea what I should do, or what I could do, but I kept looking down the row at Dennis and Suzanne, and figured I should be able to do that too. I was in heaven; you were so amazing to be with." I told her, reaching out and taking her hand in mine. Her palm was moist. "You're telling me? You were the big 9th grader with the learner's permit and motorcycle. Big Man on Campus. The guy every girl wanted. And you wanted me. I had no idea what we should or shouldn't do on a date. I was hoping you knew." We laughed at that, remembering the intensity of those feelings. "Given a chance to do it over, I'd have camped out on your doorstep and professed my undying, eternal love the moment you walked out the door." I told her, half serious. "As I recall, you professed your love for me that evening, just before opening the top of my pants." She said with a wicked grin. I'm sure I blushed mightily. "I can't really ask forgiveness, but I really am sorry. Sorry now and sorry then. I fantasized about you for years afterwards, thinking of what could have happened if I hadn't been such a jerk. You have no idea how many of my fantasies you starred in back then." "If only you'd have let me know. Ricky was my first. It could have been you. Given half a chance, it would have been you." She had moved close and was speaking softly. "And this is my punishment. Knowing how bad I fucked up. Seeing you here, as beautiful as in my dreams, and knowing I've screwed up any chance of being with you." I placed my hand behind her head, stroking her hair. "I wouldn't say you'd screwed up Any chance, but you certainly blew that one." We were looking deeply in each other's eyes, recalling strong, painful feelings. I wanted her now, as I'd wanted her then, with a deep burning need, and I leaned forward those last two inches, and captured her lips with mine. She slid forward and melted against me, kissing me with every emotion boiling to the surface. She took my hand and placed it on her incredible chest, and I squeezed her breast, my thumb reliving that first caress of her nipple from so many years earlier. We stayed like that for a couple of minutes, and then broke apart. Her eyes glistened. "I've got a boyfriend." She confessed. I nodded understanding. "If I didn't?" I reached forward pressing my index finger to her lips. "I know. I missed my chance. It's my loss." We just sat side by side a minute, in silence. "You know," she said softly, "what you did to me that night, that was part of the problem." "I know. I'm sorry if I stepped over the line." I said, even now embarrassed at the liberties I'd taken. "No, not anything wrong. What you did to me, how you made me feel. You made me cream my jeans more than once that night. It was the first time I'd ever come. I'd heard about it, but it was almost unreal. Your fingers just drove me wild. It was over a year before another guy was able to do the same." She put her hand between her legs, seemingly remembering that first night. "That makes two of us. I don't know if you knew, but I came in my pants too, and you never even touched me there. By the time I got home I was a terrible sticky mess. I snuck out and threw that underwear away before my mother could find them and ask uncomfortable questions." I told her, laughing. She gave me an odd little look, and then slid around the tree, placing its 3 foot wide trunk between us and the house. She reached out for me, and of course I followed. "Could I, I mean would you mind?" She seemed lost for words. "What? Just ask. I certainly owe you one." I told her. She didn't ask, she just started unbuckling my belt. "I always wondered, and never really had a chance to find out." With the belt open she unbuttoned and unzipped my pants. "I mean, that night, you got to find out pretty much ALL about me, but I didn't; " I lifted my hips and let her pull my pants down a short ways, and then she reached up and pulled my underwear down exposing my fully erect monument to her sexiness. "I knew it, you bastard. Look at that." I didn't have to look. I knew it pretty well. And it was certainly standing tall and making me proud. She took me in hand and stroked me up and down, which after all the discussion and reminiscing was almost enough to get me off. "I just knew it. This should have been my first." She slowly stroked me up and down, and then she leaned over and took me in her mouth for just a second, sucking me deep and then releasing me. That was it. It was too much for me, and I stood up and shot my wad a good two feet out from where we were sitting. She giggled, as she helped me through my release, then pulled my underwear up back over my still dripping cock, and wiped her hand on the front of my briefs, before helping me pull my jeans back up. "If I wasn't tied up, I'd have you paying reparations," she told me as we both stood, and she slapped my hands away from my belt and finished straightening me out herself. "Let's consider it a delayed payoff. If things don't work out for you, maybe we can try it again. Rochester isn't That far from Amherst." Little did I know what the future held in store for us, but that's a different story. We walked back to the house hand-in-hand, laughing at the folly of youth, from the wizened experience of our 18 and 19 years. She had to leave shortly after, as did we, and I kissed her goodbye at the door. Once the door was closed I heard an exclamation from behind me. I turned to Tommy who said, "Now I've seen everything." "Amen," said Jack. "What?" I asked. "After how you treated her after our first date, I was certain you were on her shit-list for life." Jack explained. "Absolutely." Tommy chimed in. "Sheri said that Kathryn fantasized about doing mean and nasty things to you for years. I mean, hell, you did use her pretty bad." "I was a dope. I did some things I'd never done before, and was so embarrassed I didn't know how to even face her. So I screwed up and avoided her. I just made my apologies and we worked things out. I think she understands that I didn't try to be mean; I was just young and stupid. I didn't know what I was doing, and regretted it for years." I told them. "Geez. I always wondered how you could pass on that, when she was so available to you. You really did fuck up, didn't you?" Tommy pointed out. "Yep, not the first time, and I'm certain not the last. But we've buried the hatchet it seems." I answered "I'm just astounded that hatchet isn't in your back." Jack added. We left just a short while after that. We had one last visit to make. Teri Branson was passing through town, and wanted to see us if she could. She was just there for the day, and none of us wanted to miss out on that chance. The summer before 10th grade, I'd practically lived at Teri's. It was football time, and we were doing twice-a-days. We'd have morning practice, then a break so we wouldn't be out all day in the noon-time Florida summer sun. After the break it was afternoon practice. Teri was at our school and I never really knew her until that summer. She lived only a block from Mike, and we had run into her one day out washing the family car. We struck up a conversation, and the rest was history. I spent every football break at her house that summer. Mike didn't play football, but I'd pick him up on the way over there, and we'd hang out. She had a pool table, and a private rec-room with a stand-up arcade game. Her mother would always bring us snacks and drinks. Teri had not been popular, and was new to the school as well. But in a period of just a few months she went from a boyish figured tom-boy, to a devastatingly beautiful teen. Her breasts seemed to almost explode outwards, and once we'd met her mom, we knew where she got it from. She lost some weight, traded glasses for contacts, grew tits, lost the braces, and suddenly this beauty was in our midst, and nobody even knew about her but us. She was our secret. Tommy was going to a different high-school from me and Mike, but we still hung together most of the summer, and we had to let him in on our secret. The closest we'd come to having anything happen was a bizarre game of spin-the-bottle underneath the pool table. Mike, Tommy, me and Teri. Just an excuse for us to take turns kissing her. Her father was being transferred again at the end of the summer. I told her I was going to have a birthday party, and that we were going to play spin-the-bottle, I had hoped she'd be there, but now she was leaving. We were all upset. Tommy suggested we play now, since she couldn't make it then, and we did. It was strange but wonderful. Two weeks later she was gone. We met Teri at the mall, our planned rendezvous. We couldn't miss her; she was the center of a lot of attention. And still gorgeous. We ran up to her and had hugs all around. "I can only stay about 20 minutes," she told us with a pout. "Damn," was all I could say. So the three of us toured the mall, observing all the changes. It had been brand new the year we had been together. We grabbed some drinks, and wandered back outside, our time almost up, and barely even caught up. "Teri, I have a confession." I told her. "I know we acted pretty much like friends, but I was crazy about you. That summer I went home every evening and dreamed of you." "Hell, we all did." Tommy admitted. "We were such idiots," she said. She reached up to my collar and pulled me down for a kiss. Teri stood maybe 5 foot 1, so I had at least a foot on her in height. Bent over I let her kiss me, and I returned it eagerly. Finally she released me. "I was so confused. One day I'd like you, and then the next day you," she said nodding around the group, "and then you. I kept wondering who was going to be my first real boyfriend. I just knew it was going to be one of you. And then it was all over." She looked up at me. "I Still dream about you sometimes." All we could do was laugh it off, and say we'd get together sometime. She was living in Phoenix now, finishing high school, and it looked like she'd be going to Stanford. It was going to be hard to ever make that commute work out, not that she didn't seem like it would be worth the effort. Then her parents drove up. We said hi to her mom (who had been a secret fantasy of mine back then) and then with a last set of hugs it was goodbye to Teri. It was getting late so we dropped Mike back off at his house, driving mostly in quiet. I imagine we were all lost in thought over the quirks of fate and what might have been. For me, it was thoughts of Kathryn and Teri, two incredible opportunities that any teen would kill for, and I'd let them slip through my fingers. We dropped Mike off, but didn't go inside. As it was we were running late, and knew that if we went in, it would be a while before we got out of there. From Mike's it was a 5 minute drive back to Tommy's, but we drove past Teri's old house, just for nostalgia's sake. At Tommy's we were running late. Dinner was going to be at 6:00 pm, and somehow we'd burned the whole day. It was 5:45 before we even walked in the door, and we both wanted to clean up before dinner. The kid's rooms were served by two separate bathrooms, one at the end of the hall, and one off of Greg's room. So I stripped down to my shorts, and went to take my shower. I hadn't expected the bathroom to be full. Sheri was in their, applying the last of her makeup. Fortunately (or unfortunately) she was dressed. When I walked in, she gave a squeal, and came over and gave me a big hug. "I can't believe you're here! You're looking good." She said, stepping back and giving me the once over. "Wow, Sheri, you look great!" was all I could say. She had always been pretty. But the difference between a 15 year old Sheri and this one was night and day. The more mature Sheri was a beautiful young woman. "Thanks," she said, "I'll be out of here in a second, and you can have the place to yourself. I'm dying to talk to you." "I'll be here all night." I joked, stepping back into the room I was using, before my underwear had to undergo any more strain. I sat on the bed waiting, and after just a minute or so she poked her head in and said "It's all yours." She left the door open and walked out the other side of the bathroom. So that was one change at least that I hadn't noticed. Back in the day, this was Greg's bathroom. But since then someone had taken out the linen closet, and the old closet door now opened into Sheri's room. In retrospect it should have been obvious. With Greg away, the bathroom had a lot of stuff in it, although very neat. If I'd opened a cabinet or drawer, I would have seen all the makeup and girl's things. I was using Sheri's bathroom. I rapidly cleaned up and dressed. I was in a bit of a hurry, wanting to still wrap a couple of small presents for my hosts. I had bought several music tapes for my sister as a Christmas present, and decided to gift Tommy with one of them. I also had a photo in a frame for my mom, and decided to make the frame a family gift. It was simple, hand-made by yours truly from apple-wood. After borrowing some paper, tape, and scissors, I was ready to join everyone else just a few minutes later. To be continued in part 2. Based on a post by Tx Tall Tales, in 2 parts, for Literotica

Parents!Listen to this podcast, audiobooks and more on Storybutton, without your kids needing to use a screened device or your phone. Listen with no fees or subscriptions.—> Order Storybutton Today The Spy Starter Pack

Fitty, Flounder and Shroppy are back in the studio the day after Christmas. The boys recap their Christmases and discuss Derrick Brown being snubbed from a Pro Bowl appearance this season. Why does he not get the respect he deserves? We then talk about the importance of LaNorris Sellers returning to South Carolina.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lord, Open My Lips is a daily devotional produced by Fr. Josh Fink and John Caddell in association with All Souls Church in Lexington, South Carolina. New devotionals are available every day. More information can be found at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠allsoulslex.org/dailyprayer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Original music is composed and recorded by John Caddell. Our liturgy is based on "Family Prayer" from the Book of Common Prayer (2019), created by the Anglican Church in North America and published by the Anglican Liturgical Press. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

The Hulu's series, ‘Murdaugh: Death in the Family' has generated renewed interest in the case. This special release of the original investigative series Laura shared in April 2023 is in addition to recent interviews about the series. Incensed that Maggie had become a footnote in her own murder, Laura began her deep dive that to fix the narrative and deconstruct and decode Alex Murdaugh's behaviour with forensic precision.  Don't forget to listen to the new episodes with Mandy Matney and creators of the show, starting from Ep 285 and join in for additional episodes and interviews with Mandy Matney, Liz Farrell and David Moses in the Crime Analyst Squad: patreon.com/CrimeAnalyst  ******  Laura analyses Alex Murdaugh's second interview with SLED's Special Agent David Owen and Senior Special Agent Jeff Croft on June 10, 2021. Murdaugh is once more interviewed in a car three days after the murders. On this occasion Jim Griffin, Murdaugh's lawyer, is present. SLED try and pin Murdaugh down on the timeline of events and his movements on June 7th.  Join Laura as she highlights tactics used by Murdaugh to avoid the concept of time and how sharp Murdaugh's memory is regarding some matters yet how hazy his recollection is about others that happened just a few days before in this hour-long interview. You won't want to miss this. #MaggieMurdaugh #PaulMurdaugh #MurdaughMurders #AlexMurdaugh #Interview #MaleViolence #DomesticAbuse #DomesticHomicide #WomenMatter #SLED #Timeline #CrimeAnalyst #Expert #Analysis #Behaviour #TrueCrime #Podcast  Clips  https://abcnews4.com/news/local/murdaughs-former-housekeeper-testifies-about-maggies-secret-concerns-and-31m-lawsuit-alex-murdaugh-paul-double-murder-trial-blanca-turrobiate-simpson-colleton-county-wciv https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rihFqhPHGCY&list=PLi5WopdqHC8Bf0jMNOsGibQPp6Ml5AG1w&index=15 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/alex-murdaugh-trial-week-3-trust-brotherhood-understanding/id1573560247?i=10005985951   Sources  https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/postandcourier.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/b1/4b1c1cc2-d2d6-11eb-afdb-d3f46ba7adfb/60d102ba870af.pdf.pdf https://www.wjcl.com/article/murdaugh-murders-timeline-evidence/42846491 https://murdaughmurderspodcast.com/ https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/alex-murdaugh-murders-verdict-timeline-b2293378.html   Masterclasses and Crime Analyst Resources and Community   For those interested in learning more, Laura offers Masterclasses covering topics such as profiling behaviour, preventing murder and suicide in slow motion, DASH, DASH Train the Trainer, coercive control, and stalking. Training information is available at:   www.dashriskchecklist.com   www.thelaurarichards.com   The Crime Analyst Squad is a growing and dynamic community offering expert insight, in-depth conversations, exclusive episodes and videos, and live events. Join the community or follow along:   Patreon: Crime Analyst Squad   YouTube: @crimeanalyst   Facebook: Crime Analyst Podcast   Instagram: @crimeanalyst, @laurarichards999   Threads: @crimeanalyst   X (Twitter): @thecrimeanalyst, @laurarichards999   TikTok: @crimeanalystpod   Website: www.crime-analyst.com   If you found this episode valuable, please consider leaving a five start review wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode, Larry catches up with Marcus Tate from Seeds Lawn Care in South Carolina. They talk about first meeting Marcus and his wife at the LCR Summit in Atlanta, then reconnecting at Equip 2025 to see how things are going and how his business has grown since then. Marcus shares updates on Seeds Lawn Care, his goals moving forward, and a few funny stories. 

Reality star from CBS' Big Brother 27, Will gives his take on the sports world. Stay informed on South Carolina Women's Basketball with Gamecocks Talk with Captain Will your premier source for the latest recruiting updates. As three-time NCAA National Champions, the team is preparing to defend their title season. Assessing Jerzy Robinson's potential impact, we're dissecting how her unique skillset and strategic fit could elevate South Carolina's championship aspirations. We'll break down her offensive versatility, defensive tenacity, and the specific ways she complements our existing roster, projecting her immediate contributions to the Gamecocks' title hunt. Under the leadership of Head Coach Dawn Staley, the team includes players such as Raven Johnson, Tessa Johnson, and Joyce Edwards, with strong bench support from Maddy McDaniel, Maryam Dauda, and Adhel Tac. Newcomers Ta'Niya Latson, Madina Okot, Agot Makeer and Ayla McDowell are expected to enhance the team's performance this season. Tune in to Gamecocks Talk with Captain Will, broadcasting daily. For comprehensive coverage of South Carolina Women's Basketball, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel. Follow every episode by subscribing to "Gamecocks Talk with Captain Will" on YouTube and clicking the "bell" icon to receive notifications.

Lord, Open My Lips is a daily devotional produced by Fr. Josh Fink and John Caddell in association with All Souls Church in Lexington, South Carolina. New devotionals are available every day. More information can be found at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠allsoulslex.org/dailyprayer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Original music is composed and recorded by John Caddell. Our liturgy is based on "Family Prayer" from the Book of Common Prayer (2019), created by the Anglican Church in North America and published by the Anglican Liturgical Press. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

By 1816, Frederic Tudor had spent a decade shipping New England ice to Cuba—with little to show for it. Setbacks and vanished profits nearly ruined him, and a gamble on shipping tropical fruit had left him barely solvent. Then a chance conversation sparked a bold new idea: expand the ice trade into the American South. Tudor rushed to South Carolina, only to clash with state officials who refused to grant him a monopoly on trade – a tactic he'd come to rely on. Their refusal forced him to rethink everything, and revise his strategy. But just as he began to find success, a series of catastrophes threatened his health, and events were set in motion that would transform the Ice King's future forever.Be the first to know about Wondery's newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to American History Tellers on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/american-history-tellers/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Watch The X22 Report On Video No videos found (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:17532056201798502,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-9437-3289"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");pt> Click On Picture To See Larger Picture The UK temps for the green new scam are fake, the manipulated the data to push the scam, it has now been exposed. Fake news has no choice to tell the people that the economy has been improving. Trump is getting to move the economic system to the new system which will include sound money. The [DS] is now using everything they have to stop the Trump and his team. Judges are now dictating that the President doesn’t have the authority to remove someones security clearance. The Supreme Court just set the stage for Trump to use the insurrection act when the enemy pushes the insurgency. Never interfere with an enemy while they are in the process of destroying themselves. Economy https://twitter.com/ScottAdamsSays/status/2003668549857055223?s=20 (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:18510697282300316,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-8599-9832"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");   uncertainties of 2°C to 5°C. That’s not a typo – 5 degrees Celsius of potential error. Only 19 pristine Class 1 sites remain capable of measuring actual ambient air temperature accurately. The rest? Located on airport runways, walled gardens, next to main roads, and inside solar farms. Places where concrete, engines, and infrastructure create artificial heat islands that have nothing to do with atmospheric temperature changes. The Met Office database also contains data from over 100 stations that don’t exist. They’re using “estimated” temperatures from unidentified neighboring stations and presenting it as real data. When journalist Ray Sanders started asking questions through Freedom of Information requests, the Met Office dismissed them as “vexatious” and “not in the public interest.” After media inquiries, the Met Office quietly removed estimated data from 3 non-existent stations. Of 17 new sites opened since April 2024, nearly 65% were immediately placed in the worst quality categories. UK Science Minister Lord Patrick Vallance is calling scrutiny of this mess “misinformation” that weakens trust in science. Perhaps what actually weakens trust in science is using temperature readings from imaginary thermometers next to jet engines to justify trillion-pound Net Zero policies that reshape the entire economy. The data might be fine for tomorrow’s weather forecast. Using it to revolutionize Britain’s energy infrastructure? That requires stations that actually exist. https://twitter.com/RNCResearch/status/2003537920624677163?s=20 https://twitter.com/JeffPasquino/status/2003667251426197766?s=20   dollars” already – language and words are important – but this time the difference will be to the benefit of stablecoin holders. “But if it is pegged to the dollar, why will it matter?” you might wonder. That's a great question. The difference will be that today's bank accounts are in Federal Reserve “dollars”, which are debt-based, inflationary and losing value at a rapid pace. The new digital dollar stablecoins will be backed by gold or other assets (yet to be defined, but it's clearly how they're heading) and the purchasing power will go up. This is the first step out of the debt-based system enslaving most Americans – and by extension of the world reserve currency, most everyone in the Western world. People will eventually see that the asset-backed “digital dollar” is far superior to the Federal Reserve dollar. Once noticed, stablecoin dollars will be hoarded while Fed dollars will flood the market (Gresham's Law). No one will want the dying dollar -or any debt denominated in it – and much like the rise of gold and silver now against the Fed dollar, the digital dollar will also rise in value. Then everyone will transition, by choice, to an asset-backed currency without even knowing why they want those new dollars – they will just know that they hold value better. In other words, the “digital dollar” will actually be a store of value – evidence that it is actual money, not just a currency. Fix the money, fix the world. Political/Rights https://twitter.com/amuse/status/2003631214939218223?s=20   amounts to a green light for radical activists already attacking federal officers to escalate. The incident has triggered mounting calls for Frey to resign. https://twitter.com/libsoftiktok/status/2003595914582364475?s=20 https://twitter.com/EndWokeness/status/2003559651586286006?s=20 https://twitter.com/TheSCIF/status/2003513211757134259?s=20   social media. No corroboration exists, no limo driver testimony, no Oklahoma death matching description. This story was a distorted version of another hoax that was debunked years ago. They are desperate and have nothing, and they know it and resort to literal A.I. pictures and confirmed hoaxes that have been debunked YEARS ago in an attempt to slander Trump because they are paid to and lie right TO YOUR FACE. You better wake up and stop listening to people who are paid to lie to you and telling you to stop asking questions. The truth ALWAYS prevails. https://twitter.com/TheSCIF/status/2003773196210692274?s=20  claimed he knew the 2nd Oklahoma City bomber. There was NO collaboration, NO limo driver testimony, and NO deaths in Oklahoma that even matched any real deaths. And they always pop up right before an election. Even the whole Trump on Epstein’s plane drama. YES, Trump never was on the Lolita Express. Epstein owned 5 aircraft. Trump took 7 trips between 1993 and 1997. Never with any underage girls or women, only family. Epstein didn’t even own the island until 1998. The flight logs have been out. They’re just recycling old information and acting like it’s new. How naive can you be? And how lame can you be for posting it? You’re not a journalist. You’re a fraud. The mainstream and every account pushing these lies didn’t verify their claims and authenticity before posting? Or did they know and were just hoping YOU wouldn’t check to push a false narrative? DOGE https://twitter.com/CynicalPublius/status/2003500113680085072?s=20 Geopolitical Disgraced Former Prince Andrew Stripped of His Gun License, Can Only Use Firearms Under Supervision Andrew had his gun license stripped by Met police. The hunter becomes the hunted. For his long association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Andrew Mountbatten Windsor is facing a long list of repercussions that seem to have no end. Now, the avid hunter has surrendered his firearms license to the Met Police – the same police force who dropped the investigation into his alleged crimes. The Telegraph reported: “The former Duke of York, 65, agreed to give up his firearms and shotgun certificates last month after he was visited by the Metropolitan Police at Royal Lodge in Windsor.   Andrew in Sandringham on the lap of five redacted women – presumably Epstein victims. Daily Mail reported:   Source: thegatewaypundit.com https://twitter.com/RobSchneider/status/2003720679892615609?s=20 https://twitter.com/MarioNawfal/status/2003737409440350530?s=20   commissioner who crafted Europe’s Digital Services Act, basically a censorship framework disguised as content moderation. Imran Ahmed of the Center for Countering Digital Hate is also on the list. He had a very specific mission. Want to know what his organization’s annual priorities were? Internal documents show “Kill Musk’s Twitter” at the top of the list. Not “reduce hate speech” or “improve online safety.” Kill Twitter. Destroy the platform entirely because Elon wouldn’t play ball with their censorship demands. These groups operated by labeling anything they disagreed with as “misinformation” or “hate speech,” then lobbying governments to force platforms to remove it. Clare Melford’s Global Disinformation Index used U.S. taxpayer money to create scoring systems that effectively blacklisted conservative American news outlets, steering advertisers away from them to financially strangle speech they opposed. Breton personally sent threatening letters to Elon warning of consequences under EU law right before his live interview with Trump during the campaign. Now the banned activists are claiming this is an “authoritarian attack on free speech” and calling it “immoral, unlawful, and un-American.” These are the same people who built entire careers pressuring tech platforms to silence voices they found problematic. Suddenly they care deeply about censorship when it affects them. Free speech isn’t negotiable. It’s not something governments should regulate away because certain viewpoints make them uncomfortable, whether in Europe or America. The U.S. just made clear that exporting censorship regimes to silence American speech won’t be tolerated  https://twitter.com/UnderSecPD/status/2003567940462084439?s=20 https://twitter.com/DNIGabbard/status/2003635821719466479?s=20 regulate or silence our free speech is a gross violation of our sovereignty that must be answered with accountability. Thank you, @UnderSecPD . https://twitter.com/amuse/status/2003641415465566593?s=20 to end their relationship with Denmark. https://twitter.com/CynicalPublius/status/2003571566131704124?s=20 War/Peace https://twitter.com/visegrad24/status/2003760225774444924?s=20  Russia has explicitly rejected the following point by insisting on stricter terms: Point 14 (Territorial issue): Russia rejects Ukraine’s proposal to “stay where we are” in Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions, demanding instead a full Ukrainian withdrawal from the Donetsk region.    No other specific rejections from Russia on the new 20-point plan have been confirmed yet, as Moscow is still formulating its official position.  The US has reached consensus with Ukraine on most points but has rejected or disagreed with Ukraine’s proposals on the following, offering alternatives instead: Point 12 (Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant): The US rejects Ukraine’s option for joint US-Ukraine management on a parity basis, proposing trilateral management (involving the US, Ukraine, and likely Russia) with a key role for the American side.   Point 14 (Territorial issue): The US has not fully agreed to Ukraine’s “stay where we are” principle, proposing a compromise in the form of a free economic zone, potentially subject to a Ukrainian referendum if no other agreement is reached.  These disagreements were highlighted by Zelenskyy himself as areas where no consensus was reached with the US.  Medical/False Flags [DS] Agenda https://twitter.com/amuse/status/2003629130516955478?s=20  inside the department. She was promoted to lead the EMS in 2019 but by 2022 she was forced to retire. The FDNY is a complex organization of 17,000 employees who need a qualified leader, not a diversity hire. https://twitter.com/WallStreetApes/status/2003615869008814124?s=20   realtor confirms Somalians have bought over 455 homes just in one neighborhood alone. The Somalians have nice cars like BMWs and Mercedes @Brookerteejones “Here in Minnesota, a local realtor reached out to me to tell me about another way that Somalians are scamming Minnesotans out of their taxpayer dollars. In her community alone, Somalians have bought up over 455 homes. They buy these homes claiming they’re turning these homes into home health care centers. She says the way we know Somalians have bought these homes is because all of a sudden extremely nice cars start showing up. Mercedes, BMWs, the nicest cars are parked in the driveway. She said, by law, the state will not come out and inspect these homes and make sure these homes even have clients living in these homes. — Somalians have bought that home and they’re using that as a home health care center. She said these homes can even take people in who’ve just been released from jail and the neighborhood does not need to know about this. But she says, many of these homes do not even have clients in them. But the state is writing them checks every month for the clients that the Somalians say are in these homes. These Somalians are making millions of dollars off of these homes every year.” “The Somalians have figured out exactly the perfect plan as to how to scam Minnesota taxpayers out of their money. They are banking on this making millions of dollars and the government here in Minnesota is too lazy to go and check it out and to see if there’s even clients living in these homes. The fraud in Minnesota is so deep” https://twitter.com/C_3C_3/status/2003104576766140813?s=20 Democrats from Minnesota, Ohio, Maine, and Boston Embrace Somalians Democrats across the country are praising and supporting Somali migrants, despite growing evidence of massive anti-social fraud by the foreign arrivals. As millions of dollars in more fraud and theft of state and federal welfare funding are uncovered in Ohio, Minnesota, and other places committed at the hands of Somali migrants, democrats are falling all over themselves to show their unmitigated support for the fraudsters. Source: thegatewaypundit.com President Trump's Plan  https://twitter.com/MikeBenzCyber/status/2003550668796350710?s=20 JUST IN: Biden Judge Blocks President Trump's Attempt to Strip Security Clearance From Deep State Lawyer Mark Zaid https://twitter.com/C_3C_3/status/2003674593995944077?s=20 US District Judge, Amir Ali, said Trump's attempt to strip the security clearance from Mark Zaid may violate the US Constitution. Recall that Mark Zaid represented Eric Ciaramella, the Trump-Ukraine impeachment ‘whistleblower.' Zaid also represents intelligence officials and other Deep State actors. Earlier this year, President Trump stripped the security clearances of at least eight corrupt ‘antagonists' who worked for Biden or targeted him for ruin over the last several years: Former Secretary of State Antony Blinken Former NatSec Advisor Jake Sullivan New York Attorney General Letitia James Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg Biden's Deputy AG Lisa Monaco Corrupt prosecutor Andrew Weissmann Deep State lawyer Mark Zaid Norm Eisen – the man behind all the lawfare against Trump Source: thegatewaypundit.com Jamie Raskin Reintroduces Radical “Ranked-Choice Voting” Scheme Ahead of Midterms in Latest Bid to Rig Future Elections Radical left-wing Jamie Raskin is once again pushing a sweeping overhaul of America's voting system, this time by reintroducing a federal mandate for so-called “ranked-choice voting” (RCV) just as the country barrels toward another high-stakes midterm election cycle. Raskin posted a video on X on Monday, pitching ranked-choice voting as a cure-all for American politics. The video was released after he reintroduced H.R. 6589, a bill that would mandate ranked-choice voting in elections for the U.S. House and Senate nationwide. Under the system, voters rank candidates in order of preference. If no candidate receives a majority of first-choice votes, the lowest vote-getter is eliminated and ballots are “redistributed” to remaining candidates until someone crosses the 50 percent threshold. Raskin even praised races where candidates who finished second in the first round ultimately “catapulted ahead” after vote redistribution. In Alaska, where RCV flipped a Republican seat to Democrat Mary Peltola despite 60% of voters backing GOP candidates, the system exhausted ballots and ignored second choices for top vote-getters. In New York, socialist Zohran Mamdani led on election night with 43.5% of first-choice votes, but after several rounds of eliminations and redistributions, he was declared the winner with 56%, while Andrew Cuomo finished with 44%. A study of Maine elections found that, of 98 recent ranked choice elections, 60 percent of the victors did not win by a majority of the total votes cast. RCV opens doors to fraud and manipulation. The multi-round tabulation delays create gaps ripe for accusations of tampering, while exhausted ballots mean winners often lack true majority support. Sites like RCVScam.com expose how it lets initial also-rans steal victories, undermining “one person, one vote.” In 2025 alone, Idaho, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, and South Carolina prohibited ranked-choice voting, joining 11 other states for a total of 17 bans. It is a scam, and Americans should push back hard. Source: thegatewaypundit.com  Supreme Court Rejects Trump Bid To Deploy National Guard In Chicago The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected Trump’s emergency request to allow National Guard troops to be deployed in Chicago, dealing a setback to the admin’s attempts to curtail high crime rates in major cities. The 6-3 decision left in force a judge's ruling that has blocked the deployment since Oct. 9. “At this preliminary stage, the government has failed to identify a source of authority that would allow the military to execute the laws in Illinois,” the majority said. The government hadn't shown the president could legally “federalize the Guard in the exercise of inherent authority to protect federal personnel and property in Illinois.”   Justice Samuel Alito dissented from the high court's ruling Tuesday, saying he had “serious doubts” about the majority's reasoning. “The Court fails to explain why the President's inherent constitutional authority to protect federal officers and property is not sufficient to justify the use of National Guard members in the relevant area for precisely that purpose,” Alito wrote, joined by Justice Clarence Thomas. Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote a separate dissent, contending that the challengers to the National Guard deployment – the state of Illinois and the city of Chicago – had forfeited the argument about the meaning of “regular forces” by failing to present that issue in the lower courts. Trump contends military force is needed to protect federal immigration agents from what he claims are violent protests.   Source: zerohedge.com https://twitter.com/WarClandestine/status/2003592327244447867?s=20   cause the President to use the US military more than the National Guard”. The Supreme Court just admitted that Trump has the authority to invoke the Insurrection Act to bypass Posse Comitatus and send the troops to Chicago, and any other city he wants. Trump tried to exhaust every legal avenue possible before resulting to the Insurrection Act, but the Dems resisted and refused to cooperate. Sounds to me like Trump just got the green light. INVOKE THE INSURRECTION ACT! https://twitter.com/WarClandestine/status/2003681206148251711?s=20  THAT'S the hard part. Especially when the MSM are compromised and telling the public that Trump is literally Hitler and is going to unleash a military dictatorship. This had to be done delicately, as not to cause panic. The public must be psychologically prepared. That's why Trump has been giving us soft disclosure about the Insurrection Act for a long time. They have been mentally preparing us for what they knew had to be done, by showing us why it needed to be done. Here he is back in September addressing all his Generals, and reminded them how Washington and Lincoln used the military to keep the peace. This was always the plan. https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/2003586519374717151?s=20 (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:13499335648425062,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-7164-1323"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="//cdn2.customads.co/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");

I love a good Christmas story.The kind where something strange and wonderful happens out in the wilderness. Where the magic of the season reaches places most people never go. Where even the darkest corners of the forest feel touched by something warm and old and meaningful.Over the years, I've told you stories like that.Stories of Sasquatch sightings on snowy December mornings.Of mysterious gifts left on remote cabin doorsteps.Of unexplained tracks leading to and from places where no tracks should exist at all.But tonight, friends, I'm not here to warm your heart.Tonight, I'm here to freeze your blood.South Carolina. 1985.A young insurance adjuster named Gerald Hutchins inherits a remote cabin deep in the forest from his great-uncle Amos. The old man had lived alone out there for more than twenty years, and the family whispered that he came back from the war… changed. Haunted. Given to muttering in languages no one recognized. Drawing strange symbols he would immediately burn in the fireplace.Gerald decides the cabin would be the perfect place to spend Christmas with his wife, Ellen, and their thirteen-year-old son, Marcus.A real holiday, he tells them. The kind they used to have before television and convenience took over. Just a family, a fire, and the quiet peace of the winter woods.What Gerald doesn't tell them is what he found when he first visited the cabin alone.The chains hanging above the fireplace.The birch switches stained dark with something he didn't want to examine too closely.And the mask. A horrible wooden mask with hollow eyes and a grin carved with far too many teeth.He doesn't tell them about the sound he heard coming from the second floor.The sound of hooves on hardwood. As Christmas Eve settles in, the temperature drops and the snow begins to fall. And the Hutchins family will learn that some traditions are older than Christianity. Some punishments are older than coal in a stocking. And some things that were meant to stay in the old country followed our ancestors across the ocean—hiding in the shadows of their ships, waiting patiently for the right moment to remind us that the old ways never truly died.They just learned how to wait.Long before Santa Claus became the jolly gift-giver we know today, the winter solstice was a time of fear as much as celebration in the Alpine regions of Europe. While Saint Nicholas rewarded good children, his dark companion dealt with the rest.Krampus. Half-goat. Half-demon. All nightmare. A creature with curved horns, a serpentine tongue, chains forged in hellfire, and birch switches for the wicked. A basket on its back to carry its prizes away—down to whatever hell it called home.Krampusnacht, celebrated on December fifth, saw young men dress as the creature and roam the streets, terrorizing towns. But the oldest stories—the ones whispered long before costumes—spoke of something far older than men in masks. A being that existed before Christianity tried to tame it. A being that still walks the winter forests when nights grow long and the barriers between worlds wear thin.A being that always comes back.Content Warning:This episode contains intense horror imagery, supernatural violence, and themes involving harm to a family, including a child. Listener discretion is strongly advised.  This one is not for the faint of heart—and absolutely not for little ones. I've spent a long time telling stories about strange things in the woods. Bigfoot encounters. Unexplained phenomena. Creatures that linger just beyond the firelight. Even the scariest of those stories often carry a strange warmth—a sense that whatever's out there might be mysterious, might be frightening, but isn't necessarily evil. This story is different. This story is about something very evil.Something that has been doing terrible things to humanity for a very long time.Something that doesn't care about your Christmas spirit, your good intentions, or your prayers.I wanted to tell this story because I think we've sanitized our holidays. We've forgotten that our ancestors celebrated the winter solstice not just with feasts and gifts—but with rituals meant to protect them from the darkness. They understood something we've chosen to forget.The longest night of the year is the longest for a reason.So as you listen, maybe keep a candle burning.Maybe check the locks on your doors.And if you hear something on the roof that sounds a little too heavy to be reindeer…Well. You know what to do.Until next time…Sweet dreams.And Merry Christmas.

Christmas comes two days early for Gamecock Nation as star defensive end Dylan Stewart has announced he will return to South Carolina in 2026 and Shane Beamer makes another big time hire to replace Sterling Lucas To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Heath discusses the College Football Playoff ratings and what they say about the average viewer. Plus Trevor McCue, Senior Editor at Maize and Blue Review, stops by to talk about the state of the Michigan program, and more from Heath about Georgia's upcoming matchup with Ole Miss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parents!Listen to this podcast, audiobooks and more on Storybutton, without your kids needing to use a screened device or your phone. Listen with no fees or subscriptions.—> Order Storybutton Today The Spy Starter Pack

Broadcast on Christmas Eve from South Carolina, JB White delivers a wide-ranging and candid episode that blends holiday reflection with sharp geopolitical analysis. After navigating technical hiccups and personal asides, JB turns to what he sees as growing confusion within alternative media, particularly surrounding “sovereign alliance” narratives. He critiques this framework through the lens of U.S. military posture, arms deals with Taiwan, regional containment of China, and America's commander-in-chief authority. JB argues that global power dynamics, alliance structures, and deterrence strategies make simplistic sovereignty narratives untenable. The episode also touches on markets, Bitcoin versus metals, long-term thinking versus short-term speculation, media-driven division, and cultural fault lines inside the conservative movement. Closing with Christmas Eve well-wishes, faith-centered reflections, and a call for discernment, this episode emphasizes patience, strategic clarity, and understanding reality as it is, not as people wish it to be.

Send us a textWhat does it take to turn three‑a‑day shed builds into a software platform that runs an entire industry? We sit down with Jason Graber to unpack that journey—starting in a Pickens, South Carolina shop and scaling to Shed Suite's vision of becoming the operating system for shed and carport businesses. Jason shares why you don't need to be a programmer to build meaningful software, how to turn field pain into product clarity, and why systems—not endless processes—unlock speed as you grow.We get tactical about the playbook: do the hard work manually first, then automate what you fully understand. Use AI not as a search engine, but as a thought partner to sharpen requirements, surface edge cases, and accelerate decision quality. From dispatch to e‑commerce and dealer management, we explore how openness and reliability beat feature lists, and why the true moat is a team's ability to innovate precisely and support customers relentlessly.You'll also hear what's next. Shed Suite is pushing into CAD‑driven configuration, material resource planning, and real per‑shed cost accounting—modeling components, labor, and consumption timing to deliver automatic job costing at scale. On the rental side, RTO Suite aims to replace legacy tools with an open API approach that closes the lifecycle loop: delivery, returns, repos, and resale routed cleanly through driver apps and inventory. Add in pragmatic features like order mapping for sharper marketing, and a services arm reserved for existing customers, and you get a focused path to modernize without chaos.If you lead a shed brand, carport operation, or RTO provider, this conversation offers a practical roadmap: think in systems, measure what matters, build for openness, and let innovation—not noise—set your pace. Subscribe, share this with a teammate who owns operations or finance, and leave a review telling us which workflow you're automating next.For more information or to know more about the Shed Geek Podcast visit us at our website.Would you like to receive our weekly newsletter?  Sign up here.Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube at the handle @shedgeekpodcast.To be a guest on the Shed Geek Podcast visit our website and fill out the "Contact Us" form.To suggest show topics or ask questions you want answered email us at info@shedgeek.com.This episodes Sponsors:Studio Sponsor: Shed ProThree Oaks Trading CoNewFound SolutionsCardinal ManufacturingShed Suite

Before Dick Harpootlian represented Alex Murdaugh in South Carolina's "Trial of the Century" he served as an assistant solicitor. During that time, he prosecuted one of the South's most notorious serial killers: Donald "Pee Wee" Gaskins. The experience would change Harpootlian. Gaskins even plotted to have Harpootlian's four-year-old daughter kidnapped. Now Harpootlian has written about the experience in a new book "Dig Me A Grave." Law&Crime's Angenette Levy talks with Harpootlian about the book and his experience in this episode of Crime Fix — a daily show covering the biggest stories in crime.PLEASE SUPPORT THE SHOW:If you're ever injured in an accident, you can check out Morgan & Morgan. You can submit a claim in 8 clicks or less without having to leave your couch. To start your claim, visit: https://www.forthepeople.com/CrimeFixHost:Angenette Levy https://twitter.com/Angenette5Guest:Dick Harpootlian https://x.com/HarpootlianSCCRIME FIX PRODUCTION:Head of Social Media, YouTube - Bobby SzokeSocial Media Management - Vanessa BeinVideo Editing - Daniel CamachoGuest Booking - Alyssa Fisher & Diane KayeSTAY UP-TO-DATE WITH THE LAW&CRIME NETWORK:Watch Law&Crime Network on YouTubeTV: https://bit.ly/3td2e3yWhere To Watch Law&Crime Network: https://bit.ly/3akxLK5Sign Up For Law&Crime's Daily Newsletter: https://bit.ly/LawandCrimeNewsletterRead Fascinating Articles From Law&Crime Network: https://bit.ly/3td2IqoLAW&CRIME NETWORK SOCIAL MEDIA:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawandcrime/Twitter: https://twitter.com/LawCrimeNetworkFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/lawandcrimeTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/lawandcrimenetworkTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lawandcrimeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

About the GuestTiffany Mitchell is a WNBA veteran and South Carolina Gamecocks legend with over 10 years of professional basketball experience. She has played for multiple WNBA franchises, including the Indiana Fever, Minnesota Lynx, Connecticut Sun, Las Vegas Aces, and Seattle Storm. Tiffany was the first player of the Dawn Staley era to have her jersey retired and be inducted into the South Carolina Hall of Fame. Today, she also serves as an online fitness coach, helping others prioritize health, discipline, and longevity.Episode SummaryIn this powerful episode of It's Just Different Podcast, host Ashley Roberts sits down with WNBA veteran Tiffany Mitchell to unpack what it truly takes to survive — and thrive — at the highest levels of basketball.Tiffany shares raw insight into her journey from elite youth basketball and South Carolina dominance under Dawn Staley to navigating the realities of the WNBA and overseas play. She discusses the mental toughness required to last in professional sports, the value of tough coaching, and how today's athletes must balance NIL opportunities with long-term development.The conversation also dives into Tiffany's remarkable recovery, a moment that reshaped her perspective on basketball and life. From resilience and adaptability to building purpose beyond the game through fitness coaching, this episode delivers real lessons for athletes, parents, and anyone chasing excellence.Key Takeaways- Mental and physical resilience are non-negotiable at the professional level- Elite competition and strong relationships accelerate athlete development- NIL decisions should align with long-term goals, not just short-term money- Adversity can redefine purpose and fuel growth beyond sports- Success on the court is strengthened by support systems off the courtResources for Parents & PlayersHow To Pick An AAU Team In 2026: https://stan.store/_thisisashleyr/p/h...Join the Basketball Parent Community (FREE 7-day trial):⁠https://www.ashleynroberts.com/community⁠Download the FREE Guide to Save Money, Time & Stress:⁠https://ashleyroberts.kit.com/subscribe⁠Get the Basketball Parent Toolkit (Your full roadmap):⁠https://www.ashleynroberts.com/product-page/basketball-parent-toolkit⁠Shop DIFFERENT merch (Use code “Podcast” for 15% off):⁠https://itsjustdifferentapparel.com

Reality star from CBS' Big Brother 27, Will gives his take on the sports world. Stay informed on South Carolina Women's Basketball with Gamecocks Talk with Captain Will your premier source for the latest recruiting updates. As three-time NCAA National Champions, the team is preparing to defend their title season. Under the leadership of Head Coach Dawn Staley, the team includes players such as Raven Johnson, Tessa Johnson, and Joyce Edwards, with strong bench support from Maddy McDaniel, Maryam Dauda, and Adhel Tac. Newcomers Ta'Niya Latson, Madina Okot, Agot Makeer and Ayla McDowell are expected to enhance the team's performance this season. Tune in to Gamecocks Talk with Captain Will, broadcasting daily. For comprehensive coverage of South Carolina Women's Basketball, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel. Follow every episode by subscribing to "Gamecocks Talk with Captain Will" on YouTube and clicking the "bell" icon to receive notifications.

Reality star from CBS' Big Brother 27, Will gives his take on the sports world. Stay informed on South Carolina Women's Basketball with Gamecocks Talk with Captain Will your premier source for the latest recruiting updates. As three-time NCAA National Champions, the team is preparing to defend their title season. Under the leadership of Head Coach Dawn Staley, the team includes players such as Raven Johnson, Tessa Johnson, and Joyce Edwards, with strong bench support from Maddy McDaniel, Maryam Dauda, and Adhel Tac. Newcomers Ta'Niya Latson, Madina Okot, Agot Makeer and Ayla McDowell are expected to enhance the team's performance this season. Tune in to Gamecocks Talk with Captain Will, broadcasting daily. For comprehensive coverage of South Carolina Women's Basketball, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel. Follow every episode by subscribing to "Gamecocks Talk with Captain Will" on YouTube and clicking the "bell" icon to receive notifications.

Lord, Open My Lips is a daily devotional produced by Fr. Josh Fink and John Caddell in association with All Souls Church in Lexington, South Carolina. New devotionals are available every day. More information can be found at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠allsoulslex.org/dailyprayer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Original music is composed and recorded by John Caddell. Our liturgy is based on "Family Prayer" from the Book of Common Prayer (2019), created by the Anglican Church in North America and published by the Anglican Liturgical Press. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

I love a good Christmas story.The kind where something strange and wonderful happens out in the wilderness. Where the magic of the season reaches places most people never go. Where even the darkest corners of the forest feel touched by something warm and old and meaningful.Over the years, I've told you stories like that.Stories of Sasquatch sightings on snowy December mornings.Of mysterious gifts left on remote cabin doorsteps.Of unexplained tracks leading to and from places where no tracks should exist at all.But tonight, friends, I'm not here to warm your heart.Tonight, I'm here to freeze your blood.South Carolina. 1985.A young insurance adjuster named Gerald Hutchins inherits a remote cabin deep in the forest from his great-uncle Amos. The old man had lived alone out there for more than twenty years, and the family whispered that he came back from the war… changed. Haunted. Given to muttering in languages no one recognized. Drawing strange symbols he would immediately burn in the fireplace.Gerald decides the cabin would be the perfect place to spend Christmas with his wife, Ellen, and their thirteen-year-old son, Marcus.A real holiday, he tells them. The kind they used to have before television and convenience took over. Just a family, a fire, and the quiet peace of the winter woods.What Gerald doesn't tell them is what he found when he first visited the cabin alone.The chains hanging above the fireplace.The birch switches stained dark with something he didn't want to examine too closely.And the mask. A horrible wooden mask with hollow eyes and a grin carved with far too many teeth.He doesn't tell them about the sound he heard coming from the second floor.The sound of hooves on hardwood. As Christmas Eve settles in, the temperature drops and the snow begins to fall. And the Hutchins family will learn that some traditions are older than Christianity. Some punishments are older than coal in a stocking. And some things that were meant to stay in the old country followed our ancestors across the ocean—hiding in the shadows of their ships, waiting patiently for the right moment to remind us that the old ways never truly died.They just learned how to wait.Long before Santa Claus became the jolly gift-giver we know today, the winter solstice was a time of fear as much as celebration in the Alpine regions of Europe. While Saint Nicholas rewarded good children, his dark companion dealt with the rest.Krampus. Half-goat. Half-demon. All nightmare. A creature with curved horns, a serpentine tongue, chains forged in hellfire, and birch switches for the wicked. A basket on its back to carry its prizes away—down to whatever hell it called home.Krampusnacht, celebrated on December fifth, saw young men dress as the creature and roam the streets, terrorizing towns. But the oldest stories—the ones whispered long before costumes—spoke of something far older than men in masks. A being that existed before Christianity tried to tame it. A being that still walks the winter forests when nights grow long and the barriers between worlds wear thin.A being that always comes back.Content Warning:This episode contains intense horror imagery, supernatural violence, and themes involving harm to a family, including a child. Listener discretion is strongly advised.  This one is not for the faint of heart—and absolutely not for little ones. I've spent a long time telling stories about strange things in the woods. Bigfoot encounters. Unexplained phenomena. Creatures that linger just beyond the firelight. Even the scariest of those stories often carry a strange warmth—a sense that whatever's out there might be mysterious, might be frightening, but isn't necessarily evil.This story is different. This story is about something very evil.Something that has been doing terrible things to humanity for a very long time.Something that doesn't care about your Christmas spirit, your good intentions, or your prayers.I wanted to tell this story because I think we've sanitized our holidays. We've forgotten that our ancestors celebrated the winter solstice not just with feasts and gifts—but with rituals meant to protect them from the darkness. They understood something we've chosen to forget.The longest night of the year is the longest for a reason.So as you listen, maybe keep a candle burning.Maybe check the locks on your doors.And if you hear something on the roof that sounds a little too heavy to be reindeer…Well. You know what to do..Until next time…Sweet dreams.And Merry Christmas.

Every year, we are told that Christmas is a stolen pagan holiday by those who constantly try to undermine it. Nick sat down with this well known Apologist and brought the factual truth to the holiday that the world knows as Christmas. Learn form this so you can tell others the facts.-----SPONSOR: Great Homeschool Conventions Join us at 2026 Great Homeschool Conventions in South Carolina, Ohio, California, and Texas! We spoke last year and met people from all over the US who travel in to attend. There are over 200 parenting and homeschooling sessions, plus a whole exhibit floor full of valuable resources. Get your tickets to see Nick & Tina: http://bit.ly/GHC-NF-----SPONSOR: 1613 Conference Join me at the 1613 Men's Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio on July 17-18,2-26. I will be there Friday and Saturday, speaking and hanging out at our exhibit booth. Come be in community with men from all over the country for this powerful, life-giving opportunity. And, bring your sons too! Get more information and your tickets at: 1613MensConference.com-----GET YOUR MERCH HERE: https://shop.nickjfreitas.com/BECOME A MEMBER OF THE IC: https://NickJFreitas.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/nickjfreitas/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NickFreitasVATwitter: https://twitter.com/NickJFreitasYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NickjfreitasTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nickfreitas3.0

From a newborn's first trip home to the day a teenager buckles into the driver's seat, car rides are milestones throughout childhood. Between those moments lie years of transition: rear-facing to forward-facing seats, boosters to seat belts, and countless opportunities for confusion, error and learning. This episode breaks down the latest recommendations in child passenger safety, addresses common misconceptions, and offers practical guidance pediatricians can use to help families keep children safe at every stage.  This episode was recorded on the exhibit floor of the 2025 American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference in Denver, Colorado. Meghan Beucher, MD, is an assistant professor of emergency medicine and pediatrics, as well as a trained child passenger safety technician instructor, with Hasbro Children's Hospital and the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. Raquel Denis, MD, is an assistant professor of pediatrics at Prisma Health and the University of South Carolina, as well as a child passenger safety technician.  Some highlights from this episode include: When to switch from rear facing to forward facing seats  Why medical guidance can differ from local laws How to best support families unfamiliar with car seat safety  Why recommendations have changed in recent years For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

The GamecockCentral Live podcast brings you the best of South Carolina Gamecocks sports and recruiting information and discussion.Below are the most recent episodes of GamecockCentral Live.Here are several options to make sure you never miss one:Watch on YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn Radio | PlayerFM | RSS feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Blake Lovell and Max Barr react Monday's slate with thoughts on Missouri's loss to Illinois, Georgia eclipsing 100 points yet again, South Carolina, Texas, Oklahoma, and LSU taking care of business, where the league projects in updated bracketology, and much more. Blake Lovell and Max Barr react Monday's slate with thoughts on Missouri's loss to Illinois, Georgia eclipsing 100 points yet again, South Carolina, Texas, Oklahoma, and LSU taking care of business, where the league projects in updated bracketology, and much more. YEARLY CO Use promo code SE16KIT for a free sizing kit! https://yearlyco.com/ ROKFORM Use promo code SEC25 for 25% off! The world's strongest magnetic phone case! https://www.rokform.com/ JOIN OUR MEMBERSHIP Join the "It Just Means More" tier for bonus videos and live streams! Join Link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCv1w_TRbiB0yHCEb7r2IrBg/join FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Twitter: https://twitter.com/16Southeastern ADVERTISE WITH SOUTHEASTERN 16 Reach out to caroline.bellcow@gmail.com to find out how your product or service can be seen by over 200,000 unique viewers each month! #sec #secbasketball #collegebasketball Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jay Greeson and Chris Lee preview the Music City Bowl between Tennessee and Illinois. Topics include: The Vols' 8-4 record was a disappointment, but they'll be playing in Nashville and, perhaps, with a wish to bury a regular-season-ending loss to Vanderbilt and make better memories going into the offseason. Illinois went 8-4 against a tough schedule, and Bret Bielema had the Fighting Illini ready to play last year, when Illinois upset red-hot South Carolina in a bowl game. Key players out for Tennessee include wide receiver Chris Brazzell II, cornerback Jermod McCoy (potential first-rounder who didn't play this season), Boo Carter (Carter was kicked off the team before the end of the regular season), linebacker Arion Carter, running back Peyton Lewis and backup quarterback Jake Merklinger. Safety Colton Hood (potential high NFL Draft pick) has not opted out as of the date of this video, but could. Key players out for Illinois include linebacker Gabe Jacas (its best pass rusher), All-Big Ten left tackle J.C. Davis and starting safety Matthew Bailey. Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar is trying to find eligibility to play in 2026, so he looks motivated to play here. He'll still have a pair of outstanding receivers in Braylon Staley and Mike Matthews available. The Vols' defense wasn't good on the whole, but it did find a pass rush in several games as well as the ability to put points on the board with defensive scores. The Fighting Illini will put their faith in veteran quarterback Luke Altmeyer, who completed 68% of his passes and was picked just six times. Illinois was good against the pass in the regular season on the whole, allowing just 5.9 yards on pass plays after adjusting for sacks. *YEARLY CO* Use promo code SE16KIT for a free sizing kit! https://yearlyco.com/ ROKFORM Use promo code SEC25 for 25% off! The world's strongest magnetic phone case! https://www.rokform.com/ JOIN OUR MEMBERSHIP Join the "It Just Means More" tier for bonus videos and live streams! Join Link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCv1w_TRbiB0yHCEb7r2IrBg/join FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Twitter: https://twitter.com/16Southeastern ADVERTISE WITH SOUTHEASTERN 16 Reach out to caroline.bellcow@gmail.com to find out how your product or service can be seen by over 200,000 unique viewers each month! #sec #collegefootball #predictions Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chuck reacts to the various QBs announcing plans to stay at their current schools. Chuck and Heath discuss the possibility Michigan can lure Jeff Brohm away from Louisville. Dave Bartoo of CFB Matrix joins for his weekly visit. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Text me!Friends, as we enter into the busiest time of the holidays.... don't forget to fill your cup and do something for YOU this season! Support the showLINKS TO FREEBIES BELOW: WEEKLY NEWSLETTER where I share all the tips and tricks on how to grow organically online HERE If you are interested in sponsoring the show, send me a DM ABOUT THE HOST: Former Executive Recruiter turned Online Marketing Expert & Entrepreneur. I'm here to show you that you can do it too! I help women to start, grow and scale their personal brand and business online through social media. In 2021 I launched ChilledVino, my patented wine product and in 2023 I launched The Feminine Founder Podcast and in 2025 I launched my Digital Marketing Agency called The Feminine Founder Marketing. I live in South Carolina with my husband Gary and 2 Weimrarners, Zena & Zara. This podcast is a supportive and inclusive community where I interview and bring women together that are fellow entrepreneurs and workplace experts. We believe in sharing our stories, unpacking exactly how we did it and talking through the mindset shifts needed to achieve great things.Connect with me on LinkedIn HERE IG @cpennington55 FB HERE Follow the podcast page HERE ChilledVino ...

“C” is for Columbia (Richland County: 2020 population 136,632). Named for Christopher Columbus and created in 1786 as the nation's first truly planned capital city, Columbia has a unique history that took shape in the wilderness near the geographic center of South Carolina.

Nick Cellini and Chris Dimino talk everything Atlanta Sports, the National Sports picture and the current (and WAY back when) in pop culture! Get the latest and your fill of Atlanta Braves, Georgia Bulldogs, Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Hawks daily from two "Southern" Yankees daily Mon-Fri from 10a-2p! Barret Sallee and Andrew Gardner fill in for Nick and Chris to talk all things College Football and Bowl Season! Pop-Tarts Bowl Preview: Georgia Tech vs BYU USC and Notre Dame cancel their annual games LaNorris Sellers and Nico Imaleava both returning to their schools See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve and Scott enter the Nexus to recall Christmas memories from the 70's through present day. Merry Christmas!

Lord, Open My Lips is a daily devotional produced by Fr. Josh Fink and John Caddell in association with All Souls Church in Lexington, South Carolina. New devotionals are available every day. More information can be found at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠allsoulslex.org/dailyprayer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Original music is composed and recorded by John Caddell. Our liturgy is based on "Family Prayer" from the Book of Common Prayer (2019), created by the Anglican Church in North America and published by the Anglican Liturgical Press. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

You're listening to American Ground Radio with Stephen Parr and Louis R. Avallone. This is the full show for December 22, 2025. 0:30 Immigration, assimilation, and the American Dream. We break down why equal opportunity — not equal outcomes — has always been at the heart of American success, and why past waves of immigrants embraced shared values to build a common culture. We turn to Vice President JD Vance’s warning about Europe’s immigration crisis, cultural division, and security fears in cities like Paris, and ask whether the United States is heading down the same path. 9:30 Plus, we cover the Top 3 Things You Need to Know. The US seized another oil tanker leaving Venezuela over the weekend. Over the weekend, a dump of Epstein files was released to the public. The Delaware Supreme Court ruled that Elon musk is indeed entitled to the largest compensation package for a CEO in world history. 12:30 Get Performlyte from Victory Nutrition International for 20% off. Go to vni.life/agr and use the promo code AGR20. 13:00 President Trump made a surprise announcement to build a new “Trump Class” battleship for the U.S. Navy — and it’s already sending the left into a frenzy. We dive into what this could mean for America’s military strength as China ramps up its naval power, and whether battleships could make a comeback in modern warfare. 16:00 American Mamas Teri Netterville and Kimberly Burleson react to a hilarious story involving Conan O’Brien, Will Arnett, and Jason Bateman — and a running joke about grief, friendship, and irreverent humor. The conversation explores how laughter can be a powerful way to cope with loss, even in the middle of heartbreak. From sharing personal family stories to debating why Hollywood comedians on the left embrace edgy humor — until it comes from conservatives — the segment dives into comedy, culture, and double standards in political humor. It’s a heartfelt and funny look at how humor connects people, celebrates life, and keeps friendships strong, even during the toughest times. If you'd like to ask our American Mamas a question, go to our website, AmericanGroundRadio.com/mamas and click on the Ask the Mamas button. 23:00 We break down President Trump’s pro-life legacy, the future of abortion policy after Roe v. Wade, and what it really means to stand for the sanctity of life. From states’ rights and constitutional limits on federal power to supporting single mothers, adoption, foster care, and post-abortion counseling, being pro-life must go beyond just opposing abortion. Republicans should defend life at every stage — and make compassion, not just legislation, the heart of the pro-life message. 26:00 We Dig Deep into Meet the Press moderator Chuck Todd and his Newsmax appearance, where he claimed Americans don’t trust the media because they don’t trust “the experts.” But the real crisis is media credibility — not public ignorance. From COVID coverage and government messaging to questions about President Biden’s mental fitness and climate change debates legacy media treated experts like gospel, dismissed dissent, and labeled skeptics as conspiracy theorists. The result? A collapse of trust in journalism and mainstream news. 32:00 Get Prodovite Plus from Victory Nutrition International for 20% off. Go to vni.life/agr and use the promo code AGR20. 32:30 New York City mayor-elect Zoran Mamdani, isn't just a Democrat — but an outright socialist poised to take control of America’s largest city. With Mamdani set to be sworn in by Bernie Sanders and New York Attorney General Letitia James, the symbolism couldn’t be clearer. From AOC and Bernie Sanders to politicized justice and government overreach, Mamdani’s rise is a warning sign for where the Democratic Party — and America — could be headed next. 35:30 And we have a Bright Spot coming from Mullins, South Carolina where a private citizens group set out to give their downtown a Hallmark-style holiday makeover — complete with Santa, snowmen, and a nativity scene. But when the town’s mayor stepped in and asked for the nativity to be removed from public view, the fight was on. From free expression to accusations of intolerance toward Christians, this discussion raises a bigger question: does tolerance mean respecting traditions — or erasing them? 39:30 We dive into the legal battle over nativity scenes in public spaces. We break down the First Amendment and explain why the government cannot ban a nativity display simply because “someone might be offended.” While cities can enforce neutral rules on time, place, and manner, singling out a religious display is classic viewpoint discrimination — and courts consistently strike it down. 41:00 And we finish off with the first plane to safely land with Autoland. Follow us: americangroundradio.com Facebook: facebook.com / AmericanGroundRadio Instagram: instagram.com/americangroundradioSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this emotional episode of The Radio Medium Laura Lee Show, Laura Lee connects with Nabi from South Carolina for a powerful spirit reading filled with love, grief, and divine reassurance. Nabi's late partner comes through with undeniable validation — acknowledging their long-distance relationship, unanswered goodbyes, shared plans for the future, and the heartbreak of sudden loss. Through spirit communication, Laura Lee reveals that Nabi's vivid dreams are true spirit visitations, offering comfort and proof that love continues beyond the physical world. Spirit speaks about unfinished plans, future relocation, commitment, and how this loss serves as a soul lesson in honoring time, self-worth, and future relationships. This episode offers healing guidance for anyone grieving a partner, navigating sudden loss, or seeking signs from loved ones in spirit. A touching reminder that love never leaves — it transforms.

South Carolina based MC Rocky Neal joined me on the final episode of 2025 this week! It was a very fitting outro to this year of the show as we highlighted his journey as an artist since 2017. He spoke with me about gaining confidence in his sound, his initial move from Brooklyn to South Carolina early on and the ability to build a team with a solid foundation around him. Having released several singles in 2025, Rocky plans to keep the momentum going into 2026 and beyond with long term goals of an acting career and an ever evolving brand as an artist and personality. I thank Rocky for his time and look forward to catching up with him in the near future! I also want to thank all of you for another amazing year of The Proven Knowledge Podcast! I look forward to bringing you more new episodes in 2026 and until then enjoy your holiday season!Consider becoming a monthly supporter of the show by visiting the link here

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As the holidays approach, the Dixie Dems take a step back—and a clear-eyed look forward—at a Southern political landscape that's shifting in surprising ways.In this special holiday episode, Bob Gatty (South Carolina), Arthur Hill (North Carolina), and Robert Thompson (Georgia) share season's greetings while digging into what's ahead for Democrats in the South as 2026 comes into view.

How do we love well? Bethany Allen explores the final theme of Advent: love. She shows us that receiving love requires surrender, vulnerability, and trust, and challenges us to intentionally receive God's love as an active, life-changing invitation to become the people we were always meant to be.Key Scripture Passages: Micah 5v2-5a; 1 John 4v10This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: James from Stafford, Virginia; Barb from Bluffton, South Carolina; Brandon from Havre, Montana; Jared from Huger, South Carolina; and Nicole from Kalamazoo, Michigan. Thank you all very much!If you'd like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.

We continue our deep dive into the death of Mica Miller, focusing specifically on April 27, 2024 — the day Mica died. Using police records, surveillance footage, 911 calls, and court filings, we walk through a detailed timeline of Mica's movements, including her purchase of a firearm, her final phone call to 911, and the search efforts at Lumber River State Park.We also examine where John-Paul Miller was at the time, what law enforcement has confirmed, and the official conclusions reached by investigators. This episode also covers events leading up to and following Mica's death, including:Claims made by JP Miller after her passingAllegations involving church finances that were later deemed civil, not criminalStatements released by law enforcement and JP's attorneyCourt filings by Mica's sister seeking control of Mica's estateThe legal implications of a pending divorce and South Carolina's Slayer StatuteALL MERCH 10% off with code Sherlock10 at checkout  - NEW STYLES Donate: (Thank you for your support! Couldn't do what I love without all y'all) PayPal - paypal.com/paypalme/prettyliesandalibisVenmo - @prettyliesalibisBuy Me A Coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/prettyliesrCash App- PrettyliesandalibisAll links: https://linktr.ee/prettyliesandalibisMerch: prettyliesandalibis.myshopify.comPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/PrettyLiesAndAlibis(Weekly lives and private message board)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/pretty-lies-and-alibis--4447192/support.

Vincent and Joel sit down with guest, FITSNews' own Will Folks, to discuss the crazy developments in South Carolina Politics, the course of state policy, proposed judicial reform, changes in the journalism industry, panhandling regulations, the governor's race, the decisions your elected officials are making, and much more!Get your latest Statehouse update and hear firsthand the rationale behind some of the legislature's most controversial bills. Join Senators Sheheen and Lourie in this week's episode where they take a deeper look at upcoming legislation and lawmakers' actions in S.C.  Support the showKeep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textThis breaks down the entire run across South Carolina, all 194 miles of fun. I share the heart behind Breaking Ribbons, the people who sparked it, and how purpose, planning, and community carried us through rain, injuries, police checks, and long miles on empty roads. We talk mindset shifts that mattered—reframing nerves, perspective shifts, and choosing gratitude when everything hurt. The real finish wasn't the run itself, but raising over $20,000 to bless five families, starting with a mom heading into another round of chemo.Key takeaways:Purpose changes how pain feels—and what it produces.Big missions are built on small details: logistics, people, and presence.Less than 1% of a year, done with intention, can redefine the other 99%.Thank you for tuning in! If you feel led, please subscribe & share the show to others who you believe would benefit from it.Keep in touch below! Join The Unshakeable Discipline Community! Winning Is... Weekly Newsletter! LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/in/ryanacass/ Instagram | @ryanacass

The Two Bobs episode 301 for Monday, December 22, 2025: What are The Bobs drinking? Rob enjoyed a Candy Cane Nitro Stout from Left Hand. https://untp.beer/pDm0X Robert nursed a Christmas Snow Salad from Evil Twin. https://untp.beer/mv44M Follow us on Untapped at @RobFromTTB and @lowercaserobert or we'll have you delivered to prison by drone. Rob was force fed Thanksgiving Oreos. Nasty! It's time for our annual Not-So-Secret Santa, where you get to listen to us open presents. It only happens once a year; you'll be fine. This week's CRAZY NEWS has been busy intercepting kayaks off the coast of Venezuela. According to government sources, they were full of narcotics and heading straight for Florida. “Tió de Nadal” is a Spanish tradition that can go ahead and stay in Spain. https://www.mentalfloss.com/holidays/christmas/tio-de-nadal-poop-tradition Authorities in South Carolina intercepted a drone delivering crab legs, Old Bay seasoning and weed to prison inmates. https://local12.com/news/nation-world/authorities-intercept-drone-carrying-steak-crab-legs-weed-for-prison-inmates-steak-old-bay-seasoning-marlboro-incident-shocking-images-arrests-unknown-dinner-early-holiday-plans-lee-correctional-institution-machine-ai-remote-control-contraband Joe Flacco's wife dresses as a giant football to spice things up in the bedroom. Hopefully he's better at scoring there than he is on the field. https://theonion.com/joe-flaccos-wife-dresses-as-giant-football-to-spice-things-up-in-bedroom/ Find us wherever you get your podcasts. Rate, review, and tell your equally twisted friends. Join us on all the social things: Follow us on Blue Sky Follow us on Twitter Check out our Instagram Find us on YouTube Follow Rob on Untappd Follow Robert on Untappd The Two Bobs Podcast is © The Two Bobs.  For more information, see our Who are The Two Bobs? page, or check our Contact page.  Words, views, and opinions are our own and do not represent those of our friends, family, or our employers unless otherwise noted.  Music for The Two Bobs was provided by JewelBeat (which doesn’t exist anymore but we still put it here because we like to do the right thing)

Parents!Listen to this podcast, audiobooks and more on Storybutton, without your kids needing to use a screened device or your phone. Listen with no fees or subscriptions.—> Order Storybutton Today The Spy Starter Pack

Parents!Listen to this podcast, audiobooks and more on Storybutton, without your kids needing to use a screened device or your phone. Listen with no fees or subscriptions.—> Order Storybutton Today

For almost 20 months, investigative journalists ⁠Mandy Matney⁠, ⁠Liz Farrell⁠ and ⁠Beth Braden⁠ have covered the Mica Francis case. They've filed dozens of Freedom of Information Act requests, listened to hours of recordings, gone through stacks of police reports, court documents, transcripts and text messages to piece together what the final months, weeks and days of Mica's life looked like as she tried to extricate herself from her husband, “Pastor” John Paul Miller.  On April 27, 2024 — the day Mica killed herself in a remote part of a North Carolina swamp — JP was the leader of Solid Rock Ministries in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where he had built, destroyed and rebuilt his megachurch all while, according to records and accusations made by family, friends and former church members, using his position of power and his so-called connection to God to bully, harass and torment his young wife, Mica — all the while denying wrongdoing and escaping accountability.  On Dec. 18, 2025, the United States Government announced that JP Miller (finally) was going to be held accountable for his alleged actions against Mica, who investigators say killed herself as a result of JP's threats and abuse.  He has been charged with one count of cyberstalking for his alleged actions between Nov. 16, 2022 and the day of Mica's death and one count of lying to federal investigators. Today we're enjoying vindication and a day of celebration that Mandy and Liz hope will have more people talking about the effects of coercive control abuse.  So much to cover, so let's dive in!