Podcasts about Sparta

In this episode we speak to Andrew Bayliss all about Sparta! We dispel myths about how militarised the city-state was, discuss their political system, and their relationship with PersiaKeep up to date with Andrew Bayliss via his University ProfileGrab a copy of SpartaIf you want to get in touch with History with Jackson email: jackson@historywithjackson.co.ukPlease support us on our Patreon!To catch up on everything to do with History with Jackson head to www.HistorywithJackson.co.ukFollow us on Facebook at @HistorywithJacksonFollow us on Instagram at @HistorywithJacksonFollow us on X/Twitter at @HistorywJacksonFollow us on TikTok at @HistorywithJackson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Starbucks Apologizes Over Viral Bearista Cup Obsession - https://www.eonline.com/news/1424759/starbucks-apologizes-for-sold-out-bearista-cupSlime, Battleship and Trivial Pursuit join the Toy Hall of Fame - https://www.polygon.com/toy-hall-of-fame-2025-inductees-battleship-trivial-pursuit/Man pulls knife on victim in Miami Publix bathroom because he ‘really needed to use' stall - https://www.local10.com/news/local/2025/11/04/man-pulls-knife-on-victim-in-miami-publix-bathroom-because-he-really-needed-to-use-stall-cops-say/Pizza Hut Has 67-Cent Wings Inspired by Viral 6-7 Meme - https://ca.news.yahoo.com/pizza-hut-launches-67-cent-165533879.htmlDriver tries to use Monopoly 'Get Out of Jail Free' card during traffic stop in Fullerton - https://abc7.com/post/driver-tries-use-monopoly-get-jail-free-card-during-traffic-stop-fullerton/18118952/Florida man, 18, arrested on DUI charge on Halloween while dressed as prison inmate - https://nypost.com/2025/11/03/lifestyle/florida-man-18-arrested-on-dui-charge-on-halloween-while-dressed-as-prison-inmate-video/Children mistakenly served pretzels contaminated with oven cleaner at middle school - https://www.live5news.com/2025/10/21/children-mistakenly-served-pretzels-contaminated-with-oven-cleaner-middle-school-officials-say/Henderson man caught stuffing stolen power tool in his pants - https://www.14news.com/2025/11/02/henderson-man-caught-stuffing-stolen-power-tool-his-pants-deputies-say/Man accidentally shoots himself in leg inside Lumberton Walmart - https://wpde.com/newsletter-daily/lumberton-walmart-shooting-crime-fayetteville-road-north-carolina-gun-violence-crime-arrestDirector of Las Vegas committee tackling DUI issues faces DUI charge - https://www.8newsnow.com/investigators/director-of-las-vegas-committee-tackling-dui-issues-faces-dui-charge/A Snowstorm Blew Over Mount Washington. More than 20 Hikers Were Trapped - https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/exploration-survival/mount-washington-20-rescue/Germany: Drunk man falls into butcher's, snacks on sausages - https://www.dw.com/en/germany-drunk-man-falls-into-butchers-snacks-on-sausages/a-74554276Kentucky woman expecting meds in mail gets box of human hands, fingers instead - https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/woman-expecting-meds-gets-box-human-hands-fingers-rcna241172Woman facing charges after police say she lit a crack pipe while on oxygen at hospital - https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/woman-facing-charges-police-she-011710609.htmlFollow The Rizzuto Show @rizzshow on all your favorite social media, including YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and more. Connect with The Rizzuto Show online at 1057thepoint.com/RizzShowSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episodeMichael Gibson's origin storyMeeting Peter Thiel and launching the Thiel FellowshipThe importance of AristotleIs intelligence enough?Failure of philosophy is present in Plato's work...not Aristotle'sAlexander the Great's major influenceInspiration from the immortalsWhy victory is better than happinessFriends as a second self Gigasoul

In today's episode, I talk to Angeria about growing up in Sparta, spicy DVDs, auditioning for X-Factor, pups at Folsom and so much more!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us a textIn this WTR Small-Cap Spotlight, host Tim Gerdeman and WTR's James Kisner sit down with Sparta Commercial Services (OTCQB: SRCO) CEO Tony Havens and WeDev Group CEO Eduardo Filho to unpack Sparta's pivot from powersports/municipal leasing into fintech and private credit. The conversation centers on Agoge, a trade-finance platform that automates onboarding, compliance, and dollar-settled payments for Brazilian importers—covering early traction, risk management, and targeted milestones such as scaling the loan book, launching a virtual card, and entering new international markets.

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In the middle of the Scottish hills, far from the museums and polite drawing rooms of Edinburgh, there's a garden unlike any other on earth. It's called Little Sparta, and it was created by one man. Ian Hamilton Finlay who turned a bleak stretch of moorland into a living battlefield of art and ideas. Diarmuid Gavin tell us more about LIttle Sparta.

FC Groningen speelde tegen zowel Sparta als FC Twente een geweldige eerste helft, maar liet het na de wedstrijd te beslissen, waardoor het team van trainer Dick Lukkien na rust het deksel op de neus kreeg. Het afmaken van kansen is een probleem van de FC. Moet topscorer Willumsson terug in de basis? Analist Joop Gall is resoluut in de podcast: „Komende zondag moet Van Bergen in Nijmegen gewoon in de spits staan. NEC laat veel ruimte en dan heb je meer aan hem.” Volgens Gall zorgt de jonge aanvaller voor beweging en sleurt hij de tegenstanders uit elkaar, waardoor er meer ruimte voor medespelers ontstaat. ­ * Vragen voor in de podcast? Mail naar: william.pomp@dvhn.nl * FC Groningen op de voet volgen? Abonneer je hier op onze nieuwsbriefSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In deze aflevering van de AZAlerts Podcast bespreken Anthony, Neal en Lucas de recente overwinningen van AZ: thuis tegen Slovan Bratislava en FC Utrecht, én de overwinning uit bij Sparta. Natuurlijk staat ook het veelbesproken Makkelie vs Goes-incident op de agenda. Daarnaast blikken ze vooruit op de spannende uitdagingen die nog komen: het uitduel tegen Crystal Palace in Londen en de thuiswedstrijd tegen PSV aanstaande zondag. Verwacht een aflevering vol analyse, een kritische blik en voorbeschouwing, met alle hoogtepunten, controverse en belangrijke punten die AZ-fans moeten weten. Luisteren dus!

In this special edition of Trap Talk, we bring you two great conversations that show both the history and heart behind the Grand American.First up, Phil Murray and Steve Ellinger from Clay Target Legends share how they're preserving the stories of shotgun sports icons — the legends who built the foundation we all shoot on today.Then, Red Bud Mayor Susan L. Harbaugh joins us to talk about what the Grand American means to her town, Sparta, and the entire Southern Illinois community. From local business impact to civic pride, this conversation reminds us why this tradition matters.Watch, listen, and share if you believe in keeping the history of trapshooting alive for the next generation.Follow & Subscribe to Trap Talk! It really helps the show! YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@traptalk27 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/traptalkfromthebackfence/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/traptalk27 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@trap.talk.podcast *** Email us your listener questions to askus@traptalkpodcast.com *** *** Visit TrapTalkPodcast.com for all our links! ***

In de FC Afkicken Daily van donderdag 31 oktober bespreken Lars van Velsum, Stan Wagtman en Alex Mazereeuw het laatste voetbalnieuws. Met vandaag de nipte overwinning van NEC tegen Rijnsburg, een doelpuntrijke wedstrijd in Rotterdam, de aankomende speelronde in de Eredivisie en een opmerkelijk verhaal over het Argentijns voetbalelftal. Genoeg redenen om te luisteren dus! (01:00) Charme van bekervoetbal (02:37) NEC wint nipt van Rijnsburg (05:51) Sparta – FC Groningen (10:48) De Treffers stunt (niet) tegen MVV (11:40) Twente wint van Rohda Rhaalte (12:10) Willem II droogt Dordrecht af (16:21) adidas (19:10) Voorbeschouwing Ajax – Heerenveen (23:07) CVHJ (25:37) PSV op vrijdagavond tegen Fortuna (28:25) Kan Volendam stunten in De Kuip (32:56) Het Hendrie Krüzen-effect (34:25) Argentinië gaat voetballen in Angola (38:00) Arne Slot krijgt het lastig In de Daily van vandaag verwijzen Lars, Stan en Alex naar: Huntelaar vs Suarezhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-hrcGErfRY adidasDeze aflevering wordt gemaakt in samenwerking met adidas #yougotthis De missie van adidas is om gelijkheid en inclusie te stimuleren door sport toegankelijk te maken voor iedereen, ook community’s die er minder mee in aanraking komen. Kijk voor meer informatie op hun website: https://www.adidas.nl/yougotthis Inschrijven voor onze FC Afkicken subleague bij Coach van het Jaar?Dat kan via: https://www.coachvanhetjaar.nl/app/ RØDEBen je zelf op zoek naar de beste podcast apparatuur voor in de studio of onderweg? Check: https://rode.com/en-nlSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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The Peloponnesian War is considered one of the most famous wars of the ancient world not only because it was a massive and devastating conflict that reshaped the Greek world, but also because its thorough documentation by the historian Thucydides transformed how we understand history and war. On the face of it, the Peloponnesian War, fought over 2000 years ago in a corner of the Mediterranean, shouldn’t have made history. While the war was quite long, lasting 27 years, and oftentimes brutal, the two major parties, Athens and Sparta, were politically irrelevant within a century of the war’s conclusion. Plus the war’s cause is murky and takes a detailed understanding of Greek’s chaotic political history. And yet, it was this conflict which would be remembered for centuries. As the subject of a detailed history by Thucydides, an Athenian war general and historian, the story of the Peloponnesian War remains essential reading for politicians, historians, and students. Today’s guest is Polly Low, who authored part of a new translation of The History of the Peloponnesian War. The translation depicts the events of the war between Athens and Sparta that began in 431 BC and would continue until 404, a conflict that embroiled not only mainland Greece but Greek states from the eastern Mediterranean and as far west as Italy and Sicily. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Maytham speaks to Andrew Bayliss, author and Associate Professor in Greek History at the University of Birmingham, about his major new history, Sparta. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the latest in business, sport, traffic and weather. The host’s eclectic interests mean the program often surprises the audience with intriguing book reviews and inspiring interviews profiling artists. A daily highlight is Rapid Fire, just after 5:30pm. CapeTalk fans call in, to stump the presenter with their general knowledge questions. Another firm favourite is the humorous Thursday crossing with award-winning journalist Rebecca Davis, called “Plan B”. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Afternoon Drive with John Maytham Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 15:00 and 18:00 (SA Time) to Afternoon Drive with John Maytham broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/BSFy4Cn or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/n8nWt4x Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sváteční speciál #254 je nabitej víc než sektor hostů!

Athens, Sparta, Thebes, and their neighbors fought a seemingly endless series of civil wars worthy of Westeros. But just like the War of Five Kings, Greece should have been more concerned with uniting against a greater threat massing to the North - one capable of conquering or enslaving them all. This is a grand story of deeds as infamous as the Red Wedding, as heroically selfless as Dunk or Brienne, and as disturbing as the worst Targaryen incest or Bolton torture.HoW Audience Survey - ⁠⁠⁠bit.ly/howsurvey⁠⁠⁠Bonus Eps & More -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ patreon.com/historyofwesteros⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shirts & Stickers -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠historyofwesteros.threadless.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.historyofwesteros.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Intro/Maps - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠klaradox.de⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Group -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ bit.ly/howfb⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Discord -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ bit.ly/howdiscord⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nina - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠goodqueenaly.tumblr.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Fluent Fiction - Serbian: Jovan's Choice: Balancing Tradition and New Horizons Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/sr/episode/2025-10-27-07-38-20-sr Story Transcript:Sr: У јесен, врвећа агора Спарте била је испуњена лаком енергијом.En: In the autumn, the bustling agora of Sparta was filled with lively energy.Sr: Јован, млади спартански ратник, корачао је кроз штандове док је размишљао дубоко.En: Jovan, a young Spartan warrior, walked through the stalls, deep in thought.Sr: Припрема за празник жетве била је у пуном јеку - сељаци су нудили плодове свог рада, а излагачи су се такмичили за пажњу сваког купца.En: Preparations for the harvest festival were in full swing—peasants were offering the fruits of their labor, and vendors were competing for the attention of every buyer.Sr: Јован је имао задатак.En: Jovan had a task.Sr: Желео је малени знак пажње за породицу, али се двоумио.En: He wanted a small token of appreciation for his family, but he was undecided.Sr: Да ли да изабере нешто традиционално или нешто што више одражава његову унутрашњу промену?En: Should he choose something traditional or something that more reflects his inner change?Sr: На штанду са стакленим посудама, срдачна Мила видела је Јованову истању и осмехнула се пријатељски.En: At a stall with glass vessels, the friendly Mila saw Jovan's indecision and smiled warmly.Sr: „Јоване,“ рекла је, „тражиш нешто посебно?En: "Jovane," she said, "are you looking for something special?"Sr: “„Желим дар за породицу,“ одговори он.En: "I want a gift for my family," he replied.Sr: „Не знам да ли да узмем традиционално или нешто друго.En: "I'm not sure whether to take something traditional or something else."Sr: “„Погледај ово,“ рече Мила и показа на малу, уредно урађену фигурицу.En: "Look at this," Mila said, pointing to a small, neatly crafted figurine.Sr: „Представља ратника са часним срцем.En: "It represents a warrior with an honorable heart.Sr: То је симбол и традиције и нових могућности.En: It's a symbol of both tradition and new possibilities."Sr: “Јован је посматрао фигурицу.En: Jovan observed the figurine.Sr: Помислио је на речи Марка, свог пријатеља.En: He thought of the words of Marko, his friend.Sr: „Будимо практични, Јоване,“ рекао му је Марко претходног дана.En: "Let's be practical, Jovane," Marko had told him the previous day.Sr: „Дар не треба да буде претеран.En: "A gift doesn't need to be extravagant."Sr: “Јован је тек требао да донесе одлуку.En: Jovan had yet to make a decision.Sr: Док је шетао около, његове мисли су биле оптерећене.En: As he walked around, his thoughts were burdened.Sr: Хоће ли фигурицом задовољити традицију и показати своје нове тежње?En: Would the figurine satisfy tradition and show his new aspirations?Sr: Или да се определи за нешто друго, чак и ако би било уобичајено?En: Or should he choose something else, even if it was more common?Sr: И на крају, када су бројни гласови разноврсних продаваца одјекнули изнад њега, Јован је дошао до сопственог закључка.En: In the end, when the numerous voices of the diverse vendors echoed above him, Jovan came to his own conclusion.Sr: Изабрао је фигурицу.En: He chose the figurine.Sr: Враћајући се кући, осетио је задовољство својом одлуком.En: Returning home, he felt pleased with his decision.Sr: Дао је поклон својој породици, а њихово одобравање и разумевање грејало му је срце.En: He gave the gift to his family, and their approval and understanding warmed his heart.Sr: Јован је прихватио своју двојну природу - ратнички дух и личну тежњу ка нечему изван традиционалних улога.En: Jovan embraced his dual nature—a warrior spirit and a personal quest for something beyond traditional roles.Sr: Празник жетве је дошао и донео радост.En: The harvest festival arrived and brought joy.Sr: Јован је стајао уз своју породицу, сигуран у својеврсном балансу који је пронашао.En: Jovan stood by his family, secure in the unique balance he had found.Sr: Промена је донела мир у његово срце и натерала га да корача даље сопственим путем, сада заслужујући и поштовање и дивљење.En: The change brought peace to his heart and drove him to walk his own path, now deserving both respect and admiration. Vocabulary Words:autumn: јесенbustling: врвећаagora: агораlively: лакаwarrior: ратникstalls: штандовиpeasants: сељациvendors: излагачиtoken: знакappreciation: пажњеundecided: двоумиоvessels: посудеneatly: уредноcrafted: урађенуfigurine: фигурицаhonorable: часнимsymbol: симболpossibilities: могућностиextravagant: претеранburdened: оптерећенеaspirations: тежњеdiverse: разноврснихconclusion: закључкаapproval: одобравањеunderstanding: разумевањеdual: двојнуembraced: прихватиоsecure: сигуранbalance: балансуdeserving: заслужујући

A conversation with the bestselling author, classicist and the military and naval historian Barry Strauss about his latest book Jews vs. Rome: Two Centuries of Rebellion Against the World's Mightiest Empire.We explore:Why Julius Caesar became a key patron of the Jews and how his support shaped Jewish life in the Roman EmpireThe pivotal moment when Antipater (Herod's father) saved Caesar in Egypt, and how it changed Jewish-Roman relationsCaesar's assassination: the personal ambitions and fears that drove the conspirators beyond Republican ideologyHerod the Great's extraordinary political survival skills: switching allegiances from Antony to Octavian and always landing on his feetThe ruthless pragmatism of Herod's reign, including the execution of his own talented sonsThe historical plausibility of the "slaughter of the innocents" story and what it reveals about Herod's characterFor Barry's previous appearance, check out episode 81.Subscribe to the Cost of Glory newsletter for detailed maps, images, and analysis of this pivotal moment in ancient history: https://costofglory.substack.com/Get in touch at:Website: https://costofglory.comX: https://x.com/costofglory

Empires can lose in stages—and the moments in between can matter most. We dive into the chain that turned Xerxes' massive gamble into Greek momentum: the trap at Salamis, the phalanx at Plataea, and the “forgotten victory” at Mycale that shifted the war from survival to liberation. Step by step, a divided world of city-states learned to think as one, using geography, coalition discipline, and psychological pressure to unmake Persian dominance of the Aegean.We start with the strategic stakes of 480–479 BCE, when Athens and Sparta put rivalry on hold to exploit narrow seas and favourable ground. Salamis shows how triremes, tight channels, and local knowledge shattered a larger fleet and denied Persia the supply lines that kept its army viable. Plataea follows with a land reckoning: Pausanias' coalition absorbed missile fire, closed ranks, and broke Mardonius' force, clearing central Greece and puncturing the myth of Persian inevitability.Then comes Mycale on the Ionian coast, where the meaning of victory changes. Persian ships beached, Ionian units peeled away, and Greek hoplites stormed fortified positions—liberating cities that had long lived under satrapal rule. Near-simultaneous success at Plataea and Mycale delivered a morale shock the Persians couldn't absorb and gave the Greeks ports, partners, and purpose. The result: a transition from defence to projection, the seeds of the Delian League, and a lasting story about unity, freedom, and the power of coordinated land–sea strategy.Support the show

Today's Democratic-Republican roundtable edition of MIRS Monday features Jim Lower – the former Republican state representative and Sparta village manager – and Eastpointe City Councilmember Cardi DeMonaco Jr., a Democrat (1:26).  Cardi and Jim share their reactions on Michigan's newest road funding system, lawmakers possibly tackling intoxicating hemp drinks and the future of government-run economic development. Also, which political figure is catching their attention as a star in fall of 2025? 

Christian College Sex Comedy: Part 8 Rio & Mercy In 30 parts, By FinalStand. Listen to the podcast at Explicit Novels.             If I love women, I'm straight; and if I love men, I'm confused; does being Bi make me greedy? "You and me, the bitter end," she said softly, then gave me a hug. Then she punched me in the shoulder because she's not the weepy, hug-you kind of girlie-girl,, not at all. When we stepped off the elevator, we spotted Barbie Lynn and Cappadocia standing watch over my door. "Don't be late to your own party," Cappadocia joked. "Iona's been frantic. She keeps calling but neither one of you answer." I pulled out my phone, only to discover it had been muted. I glared at Rio. "That would be because I cut off the ringer on my phone," then Rio looked to me, "and Zane's." "Which reminds me, Cappy; could you manage to give Rio some private Karate lessons?" I inquired. "Hey! Why can't you teach me?" Rio grumbled. "I've never taught a lesson in my life and I only have two years of experience," I answered. "Does Barbie-luscious have to take any? Iona?" Rio snapped. "I took Karate my first three years; I'm just concentrating on Soccer this year is all," Barbie informed Rio. "Iona has already agreed to lessons," I smirked back at Rio. "I'm not going to do it," Rio declared petulantly. "I can't wait for Iona to put her down," Cappadocia told Barbie Lynn. "She'll make me so proud." "Rio, you haven't won a single fight since you came here; it doesn't have to be Karate, or Cappadocia, but learn some way of defending yourself," I pleaded. Rio glared at me. "Fine, I'll think about it, but I make no promises," she muttered. "I'll count that as a partial victory; let's go upstairs and see how crazy Iona has become," I said. As it turned out, Iona wasn't too crazy, had everything in order, and blamed Rio for my delay, life was good. I also discovered there was a new term on campus; girls had been 'zaned,' and 'to be zaned' meant an upperclassman had given you some chore, like singing popular music, reciting poetry, or some other far more romantic/humorous task than previous years had put up with. Freshmen were beginning to recognize hardcore traditionalists and would scurry to a friendly 'neo-Handmaiden' for a duty to avoid the oppressors. Things were getting to the stage where the freshmen began preparing tasks in advance to make them more appealing to the 'good' upperclassmen. They were posting sound tracks, dance tracks, literary and poetry readings, and some even acted like newspapers, doling out the daily news between classes. In a way, we'd remade our world; the onerous burden meant to teach us humility had been transformed into a vehicle that united our class in common cause and presented ourselves as a gift to be sought after, not a lesson to be administered. The best part of this was the minimal role I'd played. What I'd done by accident, they had forged into a strategy. Of course, that meant I gained a chorus of "Zane's" when I reached the top of the stairs, along with a hug-tackle from Iona before things were explained. Even then, freshmen girls would come up and touch me, kiss me, or even hug me. "My sister told me how miserable her first year was," was a common refrain, "but this is turning out to be such fun." I was so important that Iona had to consult with me on what I was supposed to say; I divided the gathering into teams with dedicated tasks, such as pick-up, trash removal, and glass pane replacement. Cordelia and a dozen others (mostly non-freshmen) began working on the electrical systems, bringing them up to code, while a junior named Philadelphia, head of the Botany club, worked wonders on the hydro-works. At eight-thirty, Christina and the Soccer Team showed up and we all began to woman-handle rolls of carpeting into the Solarium, roll it out, cut it to fit the dimensions of the room, and tack it down, carpet and padding both. At the end we had nearly two hundred students up on the roof, helping out and soaking up the accomplishment. I thanked each one as they left, holding only my closest friends behind. Heaven was hanging surreptitiously around my bed but I had a special purpose for Hope and Chastity. "Guys," I whispered to them, "I need something from you but it is secret." They clearly understood who I wanted them to keep the secret from so they thought it over for some time. "Fine," Chastity finally, grudgingly allowed, "you've not steered us wrong so far." "If you are messing with us, you know we will find a way to make you pay where it hurts," Hope made clear. "That's fair. What I want you to do is keep the others occupied all of Saturday. That's when I'm actually moving the furniture in and I think the Chancellor will be keeping a close eye on you five." "Why can't we tell Christina?" Chastity questioned. "I'm not sure Christina would appreciate the risks I'm taking," I lied, "and I'm even more worried about Heaven in case I have trouble with Gorman." They digested that, then nodded. For my part, I was straining the bonds of friendship because I had to secretly test loyalties. With or Without Mercy I had cleared out the place, kissed Barbie Lynn good night, and turned to deal with my last guest of the night when the rough part began. "I have a little problem," I told Heaven as she came into my arms and looked up at me, expecting a kiss. "Yes," she said cautiously. "It seems Rio went a little, okay, a lot crazy this morning and invited a date up to my place," I explained. "I'll kill her," Heaven growled. "Rio or her date?" I wondered. "You are right; I'll kill both of them," she frowned in thought. "Okay, our worst choice, for me, is that you go home," I suggested. Heaven didn't like it but was kind enough to note I declared this was the worse choice. "I could tell Rio to go away," I went on, "or we could settle in and let Rio and her date have the floor and the extra sleeping bags we purchased earlier today." "What? I don't have to share you, again?" she grumbled. "No. I figured that if either of them wanted a piece of me after we were done, they'd be playing with a comatose body," I told her, which slowly drove disappointment and anger from her face and replaced it with a smile. "Fine. So who is Rio with?" Heaven finally asked, in a way accepting the situation. "Mercy Chaplain," I answered. Heaven's eyes grew wide. "Mercy, Rhaine's kick-ass girl Mercy?" Heaven boggled. "The very same. Long story, but apparently Mercy likes, diligent, urgent, and violent attention," I answered. "There is one problem, though." "Just one? What is that?" Heaven questioned. "I had to buy Rio some toys," I confessed. Heaven looked for further explanation. "A strap-on or two, four dildos, two vibrators, a ass pug, and five scented oils." "One or two strap-ons, don't you know how many you brought?" Heaven asked dubiously. Sigh. "She has a 'whoa' strap-on and an 'Oh My Gawd' one," I told her cautiously. "Zane," Heaven sounded exasperated, "what inspired you to this bit of madness? Rio is a complete nutjob." Pointing out that Heaven was pretty insane too didn't seem wise. "She's my friend, and I figured it was better to help her get some stuff she was comfortable using, as opposed to using whatever junk she could find," I reasoned. "Hmm, I hate to admit it but I think you have something there," Heaven sighed. "So, can she and Mercy stay the night?" I managed to say after a minute. "You know what I'm risking; right, Zane?" Heaven urgently warned me. "You are who matters, Heaven. I'll tell Rio to figure out another night," I grinned. I reached for my phone but Heaven covered my hand. "She's your best friend," Heaven stated, "like Christina and I. I won't get between the two of you. And you've always stood by me so if I stay under the covers, we should be good." "I note you didn't offer to go home yourself," I pointed out softly. Heaven huffed and sighed. "Damn it, I'm horny. I've been imagining touching, tasting, and looking at your body all day long," she related, tapping my chest for emphasis. The resultant kissing led to me stripping Heaven's clothes off with exaggerated care and occasionally batting her hands aside as she tried to assist or take off mine. She trembled with excitement as I planted my lips on her neck, breasts, stomach, and hips. Right as I got her to kick the skirt aside, there was a knock at the door. "Get underneath the covers," I told her. I noticed her skip over to her book bag before she hurried to obey. Shoes hit the dresser as I headed down the stairs. "Look what I found," Rio gloated, as she pushed Mercy ahead of her. Mercy looked somewhat traumatized; probably still grappling with where she was and what brought her here. Slap! Mercy yelped and jumped into me. "Up the stairs, my slut," goaded Rio. The three of us proceeded to the Solarium, Mercy, Rio, and me pulling up the rear after putting my 'back stop' in place. No one would be barging in on us. We gathered around the landing with Rio getting ready to push Mercy toward my bed and the sleeping bags rolled out on the floor. "Rio," I cautioned, "you know what not to do; right?" We had discussed that Mercy's virginity was a no-go, period. I didn't care if she begged to have her cunt fucked. If Rio didn't like my rules, she could take Mercy to her own dorm room. Mercy didn't see Heaven until Rio pushed her to the foot of my bed. She looked forward, her eyes met Heaven's, and Mercy's eyes bugged out. "What! Not her! Please!" begged Mercy. Rio grabbed a handful of Mercy's hair as she pressed her body hard against Mercy's back. "No, Bitch!" Rio growled. "We are all going to fuck your ass tonight, and if you backtalk again, I'm going to spank you so hard you'll think your ass is on fire. Hell, I'll probably do that anyway." Rio hauled off and gave one crackling swat to Mercy's ass to drive the point home. "Now, who is in charge?" Mercy's whole body vibrated in anticipation. While there was definitely an element of fear, the lustful needs of her body and psyche were overwhelming for her. That kind of hunger was scary, actually. "You are, Rio," Mercy whispered. "What am I going to do to you?" Rio continued. "I don-, yank, "ah, anything, anything you want, Rio," she gasped in pleasure/pain. "Good Girl," Rio purred into Mercy's ear. "Now strip; I want to stick two fingers deep inside you to see what a fucking slut you are." Rio walked behind my wardrobe to retrieve the secreted goodies Opal had snuck in earlier. While she was busy, I stripped quickly and joined Heaven underneath the sheets. Heaven had her knees up, a pillow in her lap, her arms wrapped around her knees, and her head resting on her arms. As I sidled in next to her and wrapped my arm around her, Heaven rested a hand on my crotch. "Am I hearing what I think I'm hearing?" she whispered, then I nodded. "I don't get it. Mercy can easily take Rio; she's a first team Karate and Rio's, Rio." "Sometimes what you have leaves you empty and what you want sets you on fire," I explained. "Now let's sit back and enjoy the beauty of Mercy stripping down." That was intentionally loud enough for Mercy to hear. She froze up but couldn't meet our gaze, then when she finally started undressing again, Rio came back around with her black bag of toys and her bundle of clothes, Rio was naked. Rio stalked right up to Mercy and spanked her hard yet again: Slap! "Ow!" Mercy choked back a sob. Even Heaven shivered, and she was a past master of the slap. "Why aren't you naked?" Rio snapped with barely contained rage. "I, they were watching and, I, I was afraid," Mercy stammered fearfully. "Feet apart, hands on the bed," Rio seethed, but when Mercy (near tears) leaned forward with Rio at her rear, my friend gave Heaven and I a wink. Heaven nearly lost it. "Damn it, you are one useless piece of tail," Rio grumbled. "I don't know why I even let you come here today. Zane, is it too late to get Brandi to come here instead?" Mercy looked stunned, then ready to burst forth with the tears. "I'm sorry, Rio, but Brandi said she had a ton of Bible Study to catch up on," I shrugged. "Heaven, who was that freshman on the first level that was hitting on Rio Friday?" "I think her name was Naomi," Heaven guessed, getting into our little production. "I'll behave," Mercy desperately told Rio, looking over her shoulder to her mistress. "One more chance, you whore; now finish stripping, then resume the position," Rio demanded. Mercy was up in a flash, quickly pushing her skirt and socks down, shedding her shoes, and finishing up with her bra and panties. She was leaning over my bed looking down. "Head up," Rio demanded, once more pulling on Mercy's hair. When the head came up, "Lock eyes with Heaven. If you break that gaze, I'll make you go around without panties tomorrow, and I'm going to detail ten freshmen to pinch your naked ass before lunch." Rio proceeded to kneel down behind Mercy and start working over her cunt in an interesting teasing/aggressive pattern that Mercy really enjoyed. It didn't take Mercy thirty seconds to break eye contact, her lids closing in intense pleasure. When it hit her what she'd done, she gave Heaven a fearful, pleading look. Now Heaven could be a real bitch, as I could attest, and I could see her making decisions based on her own experiences, wants, and desires at that moment. "Rio, if Mercy keeps eye contact with me, can I get a taste?" Heaven asked. Rio flexed her legs up enough so she could look at Heaven over Mercy's back. "She's my whore, but if she'd good, I guess she deserves a performance bonus," Rio allowed. I responded to Heaven's actions by shifting my pillow behind her, then pushing her back and diving onto her left nipple. Mercy mouthed a quick 'thank you'. Rio suddenly started giggling. "God damn, Heaven, the very thought of being passed around like a Popsicle at a blowjob workshop makes my little girl wet as hell." Mercy flushed with shame. "Rio, you struck gold," I commented between stimulating tickles of Heaven's breast. "Women who are as responsive as Heaven is, and Mercy might be, are treasures." Mercy looked surprised and Heaven breathed heavily in response to my little bit of bedroom prose. Mercy immediately bucked up as Rio added a finger to go along with her tongue wiggling between Mercy's labia. Her finger coaxed her clit and dipped into the top of her cunt as far as it could go. "Zane, Heaven began. I continued to push her onto her back and slipped between her legs. Heaven's eyes lit up as I moved one hand between us and grabbed hold of her cock and began stroking it. She responded by reaching between us and stroking mine. It didn't take us a minute for our grips to be switching back and forth, and sometimes working on the same cock, but always in tandem. At the foot of the bed Mercy's growls became louder and louder until she screamed "Rio!" violently. That really got to Heaven, who picked up her pace, her eyes closed and her legs up so high her calves were resting above my hips. Her eyes flew open and that gaze pierced me and held me in place as she humped me harder, as her strokes became more erratic. "Zane," she whispered, followed a second by, "Oh, Fuck!" and her body pounded up against mine, ropes of semen splashing between us. We kept close, if now sticky, contact for some time. "Oh, Christ," she whispered into my ear as we panted face to face. "Does it keep getting better and better?" "We'll see," I grinned, then started kissing my way down her body. Initially she was totally engrossed in my progress but when I moved between her breasts and licked up some of her seed, Heaven tensed up. "Zane? Zane, Zane," she ended up purring. I didn't actually give her a blowjob, she didn't ask for one but I did clean her up, taking her creamy, slightly chalky seed away with my tongue. When I looked up, Heaven pulled me up and flipped me over so she could return the favor on me, cleaning up her semen off my torso. From there, she descended on my cock and began to suck me off with gusto. Her tongue made crescent licks along the base of my cockhead, then used suction down my shaft until she began pulling her lips along my ball sack. "Someone has been, reading," I moaned. "Someone's shaved down here," she giggled back between slurps. Slap, Slap, Slap, "Ugh, ugh, ugh," Mercy groaned, then whimpered when Rio disappeared behind her. "Eyes forward!" Rio barked. I had become lost in Heaven's, heavenly blowjob but the look Rio shot my way, eyes on fire and eyebrows shooting up with glee, brought me back to earth. Rio settled a hand on Mercy's hip and pushed gently forward, her hand holding something against Mercy's ass crack. I did notice that one of her hands held a tube of lubricant but Mercy couldn't see that. Instead, Mercy's eyes grew wide when Rio thrust forward. "Rio," Mercy said with trembling lips, "are you, then there was silence. "I'll pop your cherry whenever I want to, you cow. I don't give a crap about your precious virginity but I do care about making you scream," Rio taunted her, trying to sound stern and not to snicker, ruining the moment. "What are you going to do, with that, she requested in a frightened whisper. "I'm going to fuck your ass, Mercy. Then I'm going to let Zane fuck your ass, and then I'm going to take you to Church on Sunday and find a guy or three to fuck your ass as well," Rio growled, but her eyes portrayed intense amusement. "You are my whore and I'm going to use you like one, Mercy; do you understand?" "Yes, Rio," she whimpered, but there was an undercurrent of desire as well. "Can I have a go at her too?" Heaven asked eagerly. Rio looked surprised but nodded. "Oh, definitely, Heaven," Rio shrugged playfully, "I want to wear this slut out," then, "Heaven, can I borrow Zane for a bit? I need him to gape her open. I need to use her mouth for stress relief." "Umm, slurp, Umm, slurp, I don't know. I'm enjoying what I'm tasting," Heaven grinned. "Wait. Have Mercy come up here, lie on her back pointed to the foot of the bed," I suggested. "You can straddle her face, I can lube her up, and Heaven can keep working on me." "Get to it!" Rio said with a 'Slap' to Mercy's thigh. Mercy scrambled to do as I instructed, though I had to take some care to ensure Heaven had a pillow once more in her lap until she rolled over onto her stomach. Rio handed off the lube and soon we had Mercy's legs pulled back to the point that Rio held them to her ankles as she lowered her glistening cunt onto Mercy's waiting mouth. Heaven's head was between me and Mercy; she was taking turns sucking me off and ravaging Mercy's cunt. I rested an arm beneath Heaven's chin and lubed up three fingers. I teased the crease of her ass, brushing her anus several times. At the last two contacts, her anus contracted and pulsed beneath my fingers, letting me easily circle it and finally sink a fingertip on the opening. "Ah," Mercy moaned wantonly. "Relax, Mercy," Rio cautioned her mount. "Relax and take it, my little Fuck Bunny." Mercy's chest raised sharply, breasts jiggling like mountains about to unleash an avalanche, and exhaled into Rio's love box; Rio shivered in pleasure. Sure enough, Mercy's butthole relaxed and my finger slipped down to the first digit. The muscles squeezed down to slow my progress but when I wiggled and curled it, she flexed, then relaxed once more. I sank my finger farther and farther in until my fist parted her cheeks down to the bone. I let it settle there a moment, giving time for her to adjust, then began slowly strumming it in and out. I barely touched my second finger to her anus when Mercy screamed into Rio's muff and ejaculated fluids into Heaven's mouth. Heaven took everything Mercy had to offer and drove in with her tongue to harvest even more of her juices. Rio drove her cunt all over Mercy's lips and nose as her own orgasm approached, and Mercy's climax kept coming and coming like some building tidal wave. Mercy gave one last spasm and flopped down, unresponsive and struggling for breath. Rio was coming down from her own excitement but eager for more. She twisted off Mercy's cum-covered lips and knelt down beside Mercy's dream-touched face. For a moment, Heaven and I saw a look of real compassion on the Wild One's countenance. "Zane, keep up your work; Heaven, tear up that cunt, and I'll wake her up with my tongue and fingers," Rio demanded. She swooped down on Mercy's lips and began kissing and licking all over her face while tweaking Mercy's nipples with her free hand. Heaven and I kept up our attentions where we were. "Ah, Rio," Mercy pleaded weakly when she came around, "it hurts, I'm sore." "Oh, shut it; I brought you here to be used and abused, so take it, you little cunt," Rio cooed to her. Rio added a strange counterpoint to her words as she slapped one of Mercy's breasts, causing her to yelp and jolt. Mercy's ass kept contracting and relaxing, making my penetration with my two fingers a bit of an exercise in rhythm-nastic gymnastics, but her gyrations were worth it. My third finger opened her up with a squeal of pain and a sharp push against my penetration, driving me even further in. "Umm, Zane, I can feel you with my tongue. Her cunt is going nuts," Heaven noted playfully. Mercy was whimpering and moaning, one hand clenching the sheets while the other one had reached out to Rio's hair, stroking it gently. Rio was kissing her neck, shoulders, chest, and breasts with speed and tenderness that forged a bond between mistress and the subject of her attentions. "She's as ready as she's going to be," I informed Rio after several minutes as I finally was able to twist three fingers around her distended rectum without a reflexive contraction from the pain. "Okay, Mercy," Rio said, as she poised her eyes right over Mercy's, speaking gingerly, "I'm going to tear your ass up now." "I want you to scream, to cry, to beg, and I know none of it will matter because I'm going to break you in as my bitch," Rio told her, and while her words were terrifying, her voice was passionate and loving. "Rio, I, please," Mercy pleaded. "What did I say I'd do to whiny little sluts?" Rio reminded Mercy with deceptive calm. "Rio, I'm sorry. I'll be good, I promise!" Mercy begged. Rio got up on her knees and picked up the strap-on she'd rested just out of Mercy's sight when they got on the bed. Now she affixed it to her crotch and let the purple cock bob right over Mercy's lips. "Roll your head to the side, Mercy, and suck on it like the good stripper-whore you are. If you do a great job, I'll stuff a ten dollar bill up your cunt," Rio directed. She didn't have to repeat herself; Mercy popped the top inch inside her mouth in one move. It was glaringly obvious to all of us that she'd never given 'head' before. A minute into the process Rio pulled away, the dildo popping out of Mercy's mouth. "I would say you were bad but you're more like pathetic," Rio degraded Mercy. "Zane, I may have to hire you to throat-train this sorry sack of shit; I'd be ashamed to give Mercy to someone I hated, much less someone I liked." "Don't you dare turn your head away," Rio snapped as Mercy tried to hide her tears by burying her head in the folds of the quilt. "Her ass looks a thousand times better," I offered. "And this cunt is one of the sweetest I've ever had," Heaven lauded. "I'd love to take her off your hands and share her with a few of my friends." That was awful nice of Heaven. "Hmm, in that case, maybe I'll give my Fuck Toy another chance," Rio mused. "Do you think I should give you another chance, Mercy? Can you beg me for another chance?" "Please, Rio, give me another chance," Mercy parroted. "Tell me you want me to fuck you up your ass," Rio sneered. "I beg you, take my ass," Mercy tried not to sound too eager. "I want you to beg all of us to fuck you up your ass until your tears dry up, you brazen tramp," Rio pressed on. Mercy looked to Heaven and I even before the words 'brazen tramp' came out of Rio's mouth. "Please, Zane and Heaven, fuck me, fuck me until I cannot stand, rip me up; break me," she exulted. Heaven looked to me with a 'what the fuck' look stamped on her face. I shrugged. "Who goes first?" I smiled at Rio. "That would be me, of course; my slut, so I get all her holes first!" Rio declared. "Mercy, assume the position, knees and elbows; Heaven, give her a pillow. I don't want to be annoyed by her baby-girl moaning and crying," Rio directed. I tossed Mercy a pillow instead of having Heaven risk it. In seconds, Mercy was on her knees and elbows, ass towards us and face in a pillow. Rio settled in behind her, a maniacal explosion of excitement on her face she shared with me. Rio lunged forward and drove a full inch of her artificial cock into Mercy's asshole. "Ah!" Mercy screamed. Her whole body shook and her sobs weren't totally buried by her face pressing into the pillow. "Come on, now," Rio coaxed her. "Push back against me. I'm not going to fuck you because I want you to fuck yourself. Now push back, damn it!" Nothing, then a Slap, and Mercy's body jumped from the impact. She did start backing into Rio, though. "Faster, damn it," Rio growled. "Impale yourself, you know you want to," and sure enough, Mercy kept trembling but she pushed back harder and harder. I knew it had to hurt like hell but she had been stretched well by me and this was Rio's smaller strap-on. "Wow," Rio said softly to Mercy as she leaned over her back, "you shoved that up your tight little ass, you slut." Mercy moaned. "That was, awesome. I've never met an ass as hungry as yours and I've known a few professional whores in my time. Now tell me, 'I'm a great ass-slut and I want the world to know'," Rio teased. "I'm a great ass-slut and I want the world to know it," she gasped. "I need to make you prove it," Rio mused as she established a smooth rhythm with Mercy. "You could advertise her services?" Heaven suggested. "Good idea!" Rio agreed. "We could take photos and make a video or two." "No, please," replied Mercy in a panicked voice. "My parents would die if they ever found out." "Mercy, I'm going to create of a whole gallery of you taking it up the ass, post it on the internet, and e-mail your Dad the link," Rio threatened. Mercy began crying. Rio pushed Mercy forward until her hips were almost on the bed, then pulled her, and the strap-on, back until it was almost out. "Impress me, Mercy, and your Dad may not get a Christmas present to remember," she offered. Mercy stifled a few more sobs, then pushed back up against Rio and her cock. "Fuck, that feels good," Rio exhaled. "How about this, Mercy: I'm going to take a few select pictures of your tits and ass and then send them to your Father anonymously so you know what he's beating off to but he won't it is his little girl. Deal?" Mercy didn't respond verbally but she did keep fucking her ass on all of Rio's eight inches. I detected a certain increase in enthusiasm. I could tack on exhibitionism to the list of Mercy's intriguing quirks. Quickly, Rio began alternating spankings from cheek to cheek as Mercy slammed herself back. "I see your point," Heaven joked as I moved over her. "I can think of a few people I'd like to send a Christmas card to with a picture of her rear end on it." "Let me think about it," Rio pondered. "Mercy, how would you like to be the most popular slut on campus, the one all the girls want a piece of?" "How would you like to be the one all those other members of the Karate team are thinking about when they are rubbing their nipples and their clits in the shower, the one whose name they wished they could call out when they orgasm if only they knew who you were? Could you be that kind of whore for me?" Rio inquired. "Yes," Mercy whispered. When Rio pounded Mercy's ass painfully hard, Mercy began chanting, "Yes, yes, yes!" Heaven looked over her shoulder at me with a 'whoa' expression, then pushed forward, pillow covering her midsection, and grabbed hold of Rio's hip. Rio looked over her shoulder speculatively; Heaven grinned up at her, then kissed the small of Rio's back. With her free hand, Heaven parted Rio's ass cheeks and began darting her tongue lower and lower. I rubbed Heaven's back down to the point I was rubbing against her anal ring. "Later, Zane," Heaven scolded me in a highly pleasurable way. We had all night. "Whoa, Heaven," Rio gasped, "I take back all that wicked stuff I ever said about you," as Heaven's tongue darted over Rio's puckered hole. "I'm doing this because of all the bull you said about me," Heaven teased. "Then I take it all back, but only so I can do it all over again," Rio responded with bated breath. "Umm, I think someone is an anal virgin," Heaven teased right back. Rio laughed at the absurdity. "I'll give you mine if you give me yours," Rio suggested. Whoops. "I am Zane's now," Heaven replied without hesitation, "so if he wants to share me, I'll lie down next to Mercy right now." Rio looked to me somewhat hopefully. "Not right now, Rio; Heaven is the best piece of ass I've ever had so I'm not ready to share, but when we get there, you will know why I was greedy," I evaded. "I think you are in love with that tight little ass squeezing that big cock of yours," Rio laughed. "How about you take my place and let me and Heaven figure out who gets on top?" "How about you give Heaven the strap-on, and you and I FINALLY get a little personal time?" I offered, which I hoped was the best of both worlds. I could tell Heaven's cock was raging hard at the thought of Mercy's inviting ass and that Rio and I had some unresolved sexual tension. "Heaven," Rio questioned, "are you okay with this? I know this is your date night." "Return him in a usable form and I won't mind, too much," Heaven reminded. No one asked Mercy what she wanted but I had a strong feeling she wanted it that way. For Rio's sake, I was glad she didn't just shove Mercy forward and pop her cock out painfully. "I'll get a few washcloths," I offered. Rio slipped to the edge of the bed and took off the strap on while occasionally petting Mercy's back, ass, and thighs. Heaven scooted behind her as well and began rubbing Mercy's cunt and penetrating a single finger into her anus, keeping the submissive sophomore on a razor's edge. Iona had cached a freezer bag full of wet cloths for me so I was able to help us all clean up. I quickly took Rio to the foot of the bed and pulled her down to a mutual kneeling position. "You know this doesn't change anything," Rio whispered to me. "You are still Iona's bitch." "Okay," I whispered in return. I read her emotions by looking into her eyes before lowering my mouth to her left breast. I brought my lips together to pinch her erect nipple, her sloped breasts jiggling as I teased it. "Oh, you are being gentle, you bastard," she moaned. She noticed Mercy looking at her wide-eyed. "This is how you make love," Rio panted to Mercy. "All you are good for is fucking." I gave her some deep suction, absorbing much of her tit into my mouth. "If you are really, really good, I'll show you how this is done someday." I didn't waste time talking; I let Rio's body soak up my attention, drifting to the right breast while slithering a hand around her small but firm and finely proportioned ass to her cunt from behind. "Damn you," Rio choked softly. She began thrusting her body against me, lowering her head to the top of my head, kissing it, and rolling her fingers through my hair. "Ugh," Mercy groaned as Heaven steadily pushed her cock into her ass. Heaven had hidden the strap on somewhere and was taking her second woman in a week. I had little doubt she was experiencing erotic bliss while Mercy had no real clue that the hot piece of meat in her ass wasn't some different technique with the dildo. She'd learn in time, but we would cross that bridge when we came to it, and right now Mercy was grinding into Heaven's pelvis while smiling with lustful fulfillment. I hooked one of Rio's legs, placing it around my side, then did the same with the other, letting me press her down to the ground. I worked up her body until we were face to face once more and my cock rested on her thigh, right below her exceedingly wet cunt. "Are you going to fuck me?" she asked with a foxy grin on her lips. "No," I replied. "I'm not going to blow this chance to feel up every inch of you." "Fuck me, damn it," she growled playfully. I let my weight settle on her body and allowed my hands free range over her body. "Zane," Rio called to me softly, her eyes wide, "fucking use me." I shook my head, managing to take one nipple between my fingers, and started to torture it. "Fuck me," she insisted vigorously, "fuck my ass, let me blow you, but use that magnificent cock on me. Don't just leave it there; it is fucking torture." The hornier Rio got, the more limited her vocabulary became. "Uh-uh," I shook my head, "you don't get off that easy. I want you to wear me out." "Use, uh, that tongue, yeah, on her, Zane," Heaven suggested to me as her thighs slapped loudly against Mercy's ass. "Heaven, Rio, oh, God, damn, harder, Heaven, yes, Heaven!" Mercy went off. Mercy slumped forward, but Heaven clearly wasn't done yet and the slap, slap, slap of flesh continued rapidly. "Can I pick the bitches, or what?" Rio sighed to me. "I trust you, Rio," I responded. There was a moment where we figured out what we really wanted to say. She pushed her head up to kiss me and my response pressed our embrace back down to the sleeping bag. Rio drew her legs outside mine and writhed her body so that my cockhead rested against her cunt lips. "You realize when I get out of here," Rio panted, "I'm going to hunt Iona down and lick her into unconsciousness." "She couldn't ask for a better lover," I stated serenely, which only made Rio give an even throatier growl and look to the glass ceiling. "Oh, God, take it, take it, take it, Mercy, you bitch! Oh, God! You bitch," Heaven went off. "Yeah, ugh, take it, oh, yeah, urgh, bitch, Umm," followed as Heaven pumped load after load of cum into Mercy's bowels. "Christ Almighty," Mercy howled. "That feels, fantastic." She had received her first ever anal injection of semen searing its way into her and she apparently loved it. "Zane," Rio embraced a different approach, "let me stay at your house this weekend." "Sure," I agreed. "I'd love to have someone to hang out with and share my Saturday night addictions on the sofa." "Damn, Mercy, clearly spanking you isn't good enough because Heaven has found your sweet spot without it," Rio told her 'toy'. "Zane, it is a date," she replied to me. "Now get up there and spank my bitch until she cries." I gave Rio one more long kiss, which was both very sweet and allowed Heaven to retreat behind the covers without anyone being wiser. I stood up, brushed Mercy's hair away from her face, and got her attention. "Mercy, are you okay with this?" I asked with the deep sympathy I felt for her. "If you tell him 'No', I'm going to stick a ass plug up your ass and make you walk around with it all day long," Rio threatened. "Please fuck me," Mercy blurted out, "take my ass. I need it." I moved around to her side, went on my knees, before knee-stepping between her legs and lined up with her anus. I could see Heaven's cum seeping out and starting to drool down over her cunt and starting to drip to her thighs. Heaven must have blown a huge load up there and I really had to get off myself to cover the situation. I was thicker than Rio's strap-on or Heaven, so I was afraid I might hurt Mercy, but I shouldn't have bothered worrying. No sooner had I pushed my bulbous cockhead through her abused anal ring and she ridden through the slight pain, Mercy pushed against me with great determination and drive. "Oh, God, Yes," she gasped. "Heaven gets to have that two or three times a week," Rio taunted Mercy as she settled in deceptively beside Heaven. I had the twin duty of keeping an eye on Rio, behind me and to my right, who was nestled with Heaven and yet stay attuned to Mercy who lasted all of fifteen seconds before her first orgasm hit her like a seizure. "Zane!" she screamed, there goes my name again. I wonder if Leigh is having a sympathetic orgasmic vibe because of this. Heaven wiggled her ass and Rio nudged her. "I never thought I'd feel this way but I love the way he works that inside me," Heaven sighed. "I love the feel of it deep inside as he holds me tight and works it in and out." Rio spoke with her lips on Heaven's neck and a hand on her left breast. I admit, I used Mercy harder than I would have liked, thrusting deeper and more violently into her rectum than either woman had done before. Mercy was sobbing and chocking with each stab and I could feel her body cascading toward one more orgasm. I reached forward, grabbed her shoulders, and pulled her up. When her arms swung loose, I worked my hands down her arms until I wrapped my hands and wrists around hers. My stabs took on a new brutality as I pounded her and pulled her up. When I had her high enough, Mercy was struggling for each breath and I felt positioned well enough to free up my left hand to grab hold of her breast. The tit was the right mix of soft yet firm and her nipple was already rubbed raw by her long torture, brought on by lying chest down on my bed's quilt while being fucked hard. "Zane, I can't take it, anymore, Jesus Christ, I'm going to cum, Ah," she pleaded. I pulled her hard to me one last time, then thrust up with my hips with such force, I propelled her knees off the bed. She screamed, I cried out, and we both came. I let go of her wrist and tightly wrapped both arms around her, right below her breasts. I kept thrusting and she kept crying and sobbing, but it was an oddly joyous sound. We were covered in sweat and grinding together in slower and slower gentle cycles. "Rio, Zane, was I good, she rasped, ", good enough?" This was Rio's game so I held my tongue. "What makes you think you are done?" Rio commented. "Clean Zane up." "What, huh?" Mercy stuttered. "What do you mean?" "I mean give him a blowjob," Rio snapped. "But, he's, I, it was in my ass," she whimpered. "It is called Ass-to-Mouth, Slut," Rio explained. "Now get sucking." In desperation, Mercy sent me a pleading look. I gave her a wink but used a stern voice. "On your stomach, Mercy. You have to do this so let's get it over with, and if you use your teeth, Rio's going to slap your tits until they glow bright red," I promised. I slipped off the bed, onto my knees, stealing a wet cloth from the bag and moving rapidly around to the foot of the bed. Mercy collapsed forward, still uncertain until she saw me vigorously cleaning my cock to the point she nodded in satisfaction. I then edged my semi-flaccid rod to her lips and let her have a taste. When she realized it didn't taste horrible, she began licking it and kissing my cock head. I would have been more supportive and attentive if I hadn't noticed Rio, Heaven, and the look of bafflement on Heaven's face. Rio was still nursing on Heaven's nipple, but while Heaven had been distracted by the interchange between Mercy and I, Rio had snuck a hand beneath the covers. My attempt to figure out how to play this out was short-circuited by Rio tucking herself up near the head of the bed, then slipping under the covers. She returned to her previous place snuggled beside Heaven and latched onto her nipple. She also began to rummage Heaven beneath the sheets, riling my tranny lover like few other things could. "Give me that little kitty," Rio teased Heaven as she shifted so that she was between her legs and working her body down Heaven's. I had to gulp down a shout as Mercy scrapped her teeth against my super-sensitive and rebounding head. Rio's kisses brought her to Heaven's waist level. With one hand Rio kept the covers up, and with the other, she spread Heaven's legs wider. "Umm, that looks delicious," Rio continued to confuse Heaven. She pressed Heaven's legs still wider apart and down to the mattress, then used her lips and tongue to trap Heaven's cock and start to suck on it. "I bet Zane loves this cunt," she slurped. With one determined effort, I saw Rio raise her head, then pump down until she pressed her nose against Heaven's pubic hair. Heaven groaned in lust and collapsed against the pillows at the head of the bed. Rio was working Heaven's cock over with what I had to imagine was expert tongue work and throat contractions. A tiny part of me wished I could turn Mercy around so she could see how a blowjob was supposed to work but that wasn't happening, no way, no how. "Umm, Heaven, I'm going to have to steal you away from Zane once in a while," Rio slurped and moaned. "This is one of the tastiest snatches I've ever put my lips to. Do you like my lips and tongue?" "Umm, yeah, it's great," Heaven managed a response. Rio bobbed a few more times, then Heaven asked, "Is your tight ass part of that deal?" Rio decided actions were better than words so, keeping the sheets covering them both, she crawled up Heaven's body until she was over her, tits in Heaven's face. Rio reached between them and undoubtedly spent several seconds rubbing Heaven's cock along her moist labia until she slowly inserted that cock down to the point their crotches ground against one another. Heaven looked like she was about to lose it right there and then. Rio grabbed Heaven's head and rubbed her mouth over her boobs. "Does that answer all your questions?" Rio said in hushed tones. "Yeah, yes," Heaven gasped. Rio dismounted and slid back down Heaven, leaving the transsexual deeply conflicted, cunt or blowjob? I turned my focus back to Mercy, who seemed desperate for some feedback from me and I had been neglecting her. "Take it slow, Mercy. Use your tongue to get a feel for it and use your lips to keep a light touch around the shaft. This isn't a race," I assured her calmly. "You grimaced, earlier," Mercy replied softly. "It was my teeth, wasn't it?" "Mercy, you didn't bite me, you dragged your teeth along my head. It isn't a great sensation but you are doing okay," I answered, "but if I feel those teeth again, I'm going to spank you." Mercy got back to work with some tenderness. "If you don't use those teeth, I'll spank you twice." Mercy kept my cock in her mouth but looked up at me; a tiny smile creased her face and she cupped her tongue more effectively and sucked harder. I shouldn't have been surprised that someone more attuned to pain would be a quicker learner, and Mercy was definitely pushing the curve. What might have been had Heaven not exploded into Rio's mouth, I wouldn't find out until later. "Rio! Take it, you vicious bitch," Heaven gasped. Rio was too busy gulping down Heaven's gift to Rio's gullet (as Heaven held a hand on Rio's hair) to probably thanking the Almighty that this was Heaven's third ejaculation for the night. I had to keep Mercy occupied until those two were done so I ran my hands through her hair, grabbed a handful on each side, and began fucking her face. "Ugh, gurgle, Umm," were the noises Mercy made as she struggled not to gag on my cock as it pushed further down her throat than had previously been attempted. Her eyes watered but she refused to push back, taking this as yet another punishment. We floated there in our own little corner of the world until a light smack to her left ass cheek brought us back to reality. "Damn, Zane, don't break my girl's jaw," Rio joked. "Mumph, I didn't finish," Mercy whined. Heaven intervened before Rio became more vigorous. "He can really work a girl over, Mercy. You can graduate to getting him off with your mouth the next time around," Heaven interjected. "Will there be a next time?" Mercy sought confirmation. "I don't know," Rio started off. "An ass that good is a terrible thing to waste," Heaven suggested. "She learns quickly and I like the way she screams," I added. Rio regarded Mercy haughtily. "Very well; against my better judgment, I'll keep Mercy around a little longer, but only because you guys want to use her slutty body and her ass is so damn spank-worthy," Rio stated with finality. "Mercy, get dressed and I'll take you home." As Mercy tried to get off the bed, her legs trembled and she could barely stand. "I'm not sure I can walk home," Mercy joked with a heavy undercurrent of exhaustion. I was half-tempted to let her spend the night. Rio's response was to grab her hips, pull her in backwards, and take a bite of her ass. "Ow!" Mercy squawked. "Oh," Rio addressed Heaven and I, "remind me to have this ass tattooed with my name." "People will see," Mercy muttered fearfully. "Only me, Sweetheart, and the people I give you to for whatever perverse pleasure they desire," Rio teased. "What would you prefer; Rio's Slut across your ass, or Milk Maid over your breasts?" Mercy remained silent on the matter. "I think she wants them both," I declared. Mercy shot me a surprised look. "Atta boy, Zane; you always figure out what a girl really wants," Rio chortled. "Both it is." "Now that the future of Mercy's tats has been decided, you two get out and let me and Zane have some private time, the way it was supposed to be," Heaven demanded. "I'll walk my delicious fuck toy home and come back for Good Night kisses," Rio laughed. She and Mercy dressed quickly and departed into the lower levels and the campus beyond. When we were alone, Heaven and I curled up next to one another and did some gentle explorations of our bodies. "What happened?" Heaven finally asked. "I haven't a clue," I shrugged. Rio could still be such a mystery to me. "When do you want me to go?" she inquired next. "I have the alarm set for 5:00, which should allow you plenty of time to get back into your dorm and pretend you slept there," I told her. Heaven rested her head on my chest and made some rumbling/purring noises while I stroked her hair. "Spending the night," she mused. "Spending the night at my boyfriend's, I like the sound of that. You know what this means; right?" "Why don't you tell me," I wondered. "It means you like me, Stupid," she griped with a snicker, then lightly punched me. "If I knew this was what it took, I would have tied you up and brought you here that day after Orienteering tryouts and saved me a world of pain," I teased her. "One more dumbass comment like that and no ass or throat for you tonight," Heaven threatened. I stayed tight lipped, beyond kissing Heaven repeatedly, until Rio returned with my key and some explanations. Heaven Gets Expelled "Hey, Love Birds," Rio grinned. "If you try to look any cuter, I swear, I'll vomit." "How did you know?" Heaven blurted out. "Girl's smell a certain way when they are banged, especially by Zane, and from what I heard, there were multiple orgasms in that Kappa Sig closet so I figured something was up," Rio explained. "Then all I had to do was keep my eyes open and observe you. The final piece was when I caught you hiding the strap-on before you mounted Mercy," Rio said. "You covered your equipment very well, I didn't see it until we fucked, but everything came together when you began tearing Mercy up," Rio snickered. "I know the difference between the sound of a cock and a dildo so when you came and she screamed out because you pumped what must have been a gallon of cum up her bum, I was absolutely sure." "What are you going to do?" Heaven asked cautiously. "Do? I'm not going to do anything. You are Zane's fuck-buddy," Rio stated. "I prefer the term 'girlfriend'," Heaven interrupted. Rio's crazy eyes mulled that one over. "Girlfriend, so as long as you keep him happy, I'm happy. If you hurt him, I'm not going to expose the fact that you have balls; I'm going to tear them off and feed them to you. Are we clear on that?" Rio smiled wickedly. "Well, I doubt you can take me but I understand the sentiment," Heaven countered. Rio shrugged, crawled up the bed, and kissed me. "Good night, you two, and Zane, try to keep her cries for mercy and screams to God Almighty to a minimum or I'll be forced to sick Barbie Lynn on both of you," Rio joked. Rio made a hasty exit and Heaven was left nearly as confused as when Rio left the first time. "I don't understand her. I know she hates me; I'm not even going to deny she has cause; so why did she act that way?" Heaven asked me. "That's because you and the others never tried to understand her. Rio hates hypocrisy and lies. I'm not sure why, but she's otherwise just like everyone else," I informed her. "If you can accept she's not going to put up with deceptive bullshit, she's a great friend. Her abrasive exterior is her way of dealing with the people who've been telling her to sit down and shut up all these years," I went on. "Put it this way: imagine what your life would have been like if Christina died your freshman year," I postulated. "That is what Rio is like, friendless, alone, and with a terrible secret." "What is her secret?" Heaven inquired. "Don't know; I've never asked. It is none of my business unless she makes it so," I explained. "You know I am with you for what is in here," I tapped her between her eyes, "and here," I put my hand over her left breast, "and not what is between your legs." "I certainly don't mind what you have but I'm mostly heterosexual," I told her. "I like you because you are fierce and loyal, and you fought against your fear. Cowardice is far too easy and too many people think of themselves first, so when you find someone who doesn't, you should always hold them close." "Is that what you are doing now, holding me close?" Heaven's voice became sultry. "Yes, I confess to an ulterior motive," I smiled. Heaven straddled me, pressing her crotch against my chest while she produced a different squeeze tube of lube and proceeded to coat my shaft with a generous dose. As I held her up by the ass with both hands, she guided my shaft along her crack until she wedged it into her anus. "Down," she whispered in a throaty voice. "Put that Beast in me." "Oh, fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck," Heaven babbled as she engulfed my entire length in one gentle yet persistent ride. "You," she panted, "never asked me, why I am with you." "In my experience, a woman will tell you things about her when she wants you to know them, even if she has to trick you into asking," I replied. "Well, this woman wants you to know that she hasn't a clue, but I feel like I've been looking for you my entire life but never knew it." Heaven breathed deeply as she began to rock back and forth while I lifted her up and re-impaled her time and again. When the alarm went off at 5:00 o'clock, I snapped to a painful awareness, physically and emotionally wasted. Heaven was far grumpier. "My ass hurts," she groaned. "That last round, I felt like you were trying to split me in two." "Excuse me, but wasn't it you who mounted me, at 11:30 and again at 3:00?" I answered groggily. "It is not my fault; at 3:00 o'clock I reached out to comfort you and your cock was as hard as granite. It would have been a sin to let that go to waste," Heaven pouted, and then began to caress my morning wood. "Okay," I admitted, "waking up and finding your ass bouncing up and down on my cock is one of the most pleasurable ways to come forth from a dream, but I like being asked, and I like even more the idea of not having Christina coming over and castrating me for keeping you out late enough to be caught." "At least she would let me keep it," Heaven smiled sweetly. "That works out a whole lot better for you than me," I pointed out. "Now who is being selfish?" she teased, still stroking me. Faster than she could react, I grabbed her wrist and yanked her over my lap, exposing her scrumptious buttocks to my reach. "Hey! Ow, ow, ow, ow," she screamed as I delivered alternating slaps to each ass cheek. "Will you behave now?" I teased her. &qu

In questa puntata:- Focus: l'attualità ci impone di ritornare a Capo Verde e noi lo facciamo facendoci guidare da Simone Pierotti- Giri del calcio: Gianmarco ci racconta della sua avventura in quel di Rotterdam

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In this episode, Tiffany Anton sits down with Sherri Stickler, founder of Synergy Herbal Works, to discuss her journey into holistic medicine. Originally a respiratory therapist, Sherri shares how her passion for herbology and natural healing led her to open her first shop in Sparta in 2018, eventually expanding into Cookeville. She explains the trial-and-error process she uses to tailor treatments for each client, including those facing serious illnesses like cancer. Sherri also highlights how her team is trained, emphasizing the importance of both physical and mental health in their practice. She reflects on her growth in the holistic health field and the impact her work has had on the local community. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

“THIS… IS… EPISODE 300!” Join Ian, Liam, Megs & Kev as we hit a huge milestone with our 300th episode by reviewing Zack Snyder's visually explosive, slow-motion-soaked epic 300 (2006). Four hosts, six-packs optional, and absolutely no capes required — though Kev may or may not have shown up in one. This week we discuss: 300 episodes strong — how did we get here, and who yelled the loudest doing it? How 300 redefined the look of early-2000s cinema and became the blueprint for a decade of digital epics. Is 300 the natural endpoint of a cinematic obsession with masculinity that began with Braveheart and Gladiator? Just exactly how much does this movie borrow from these films and which elements does it outright steal How the film balances mythic masculinity with questionable historical accuracy — and does it matter? Megs is here to give us some historically accurate statements on the battle of Thermopylae We've got a classic BFE taste test of a product you won't believe Several people reach out to congratulate us and some familiar voices show up to toast with us  Which one of us would make the best Spartan, and which one would be sent to tell the story? The surprising cultural impact of “This is Sparta!” — and which line from the movie we've all been yelling at each other for days. Ian breaks down the film's visual language and pacing — why Snyder's comic-book literalism both elevates and limits the story. And finally, whether 300 is the Best Film Ever—or just the most gloriously sweaty milestone we could've picked. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Paul Komoroski Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/

Forrest, Conan Neutron, Kristina Oakes and Lauren Chouinard talk about Robert Eggers debut feature film The Witch. It's episode 300!!! This is SPARTA!!!The directorial debut of Robert Eggers and the breakout film for Anya Taylor Joy. Eggers, who grew up in New England, spent alot of time around the Plimouth Plantation both on field trips and while writing the film. It tells the story of a Puritan Family in the 1630s, who are banished from Plimouth, and left to fend for themselves in the woods. While they slowly starve, they begin to realize they're being tormented and stalked by something evil and they begin feeling like one of the family members may be communing with the Devil. #roberteggers #thewitch #witches #witch #anyataylorjoy #puritans #puritan #nosferatu #moviepodcast #filmpodcast #film #300 #thelighthouse #ralphineson #a24 #indiefilm We are also streaming on @thisspacetv throw them a followJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/ZHU8W55pnhJoin our Patreon to get all our After Parties https://www.patreon.com/MovieNightExtra

Episode 145 of Trap Talk brings in three dedicated youth coaches — Paul, Montey, and Brad — from the Oklahoma Dusters AIM Youth Shooting Team. Recorded live in the Trap Talk Studio at the 2025 Grand American during the AIM Grand in Sparta, Illinois, the coaches sit down with Zach and Ricky to talk about building young shooters, the team's growth, and what it takes to keep youth trapshooting thriving.Check out the Oklahoma Dusters on Facebook: here:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057696343817Follow & Subscribe to Trap Talk! It really helps the show! YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@traptalk27 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/traptalkfromthebackfence/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/traptalk27 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@trap.talk.podcast *** Email us your listener questions to askus@traptalkpodcast.com *** *** Visit TrapTalkPodcast.com for all our links! ***

Popular culture has mythologised The Spartans as militaristic warriors who enjoyed nothing more than battling to the death. But how much of what we think we know is actually true?

What do chess clocks, jazz, and Postgres replication have in common? In Episode 32 of Talking Postgres, solution architect Boriss Mejías shares how the idea of “interconnectedness”—inspired by Douglas Adams—can help you untangle complex Postgres questions. We explore OpenAI's approach to scaling Postgres, how Postgres active-active mirrors Sparta's dual kingship, and how a holistic approach can reveal the behavior of synchronous replication. Also: Beethoven's 17 drafts, and why chasing perfection can hold you back. Listen to learn more about Boriss, Postgres, and the fundamental interconnectedness of all things.Links mentioned in this episode:Podcast Ep32 of Talking Postgres: What went wrong (& what went right) with AIO with Andres FreundPodcast Ep03 of Talking Postgres: Why give talks at Postgres conferences with Álvaro Herrera & Boriss Mejías:  Wikipedia: Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency, by Douglas AdamsTalk at PGConf NYC 2025: Scaling Postgres to the Next Level at OpenAI, by Bohan ZhangVideo of PGConf.dev 2025 talk: Scaling Postgres to the Next Level at OpenAI, by Bohan ZhangTalk at PGConf NYC 2025: Improved Freezing in Postgres Vacuum: From Idea to Commit, by Melanie PlagemanTalk at PGConf NYC 2025: Database Modeling to Study the New York Jazz Scene, by Boriss MejíasJazz Club in NYC: Patrick's Place in HarlemVideo of PGConf EU 2024 talk: Sparta's Dual-Kingship and PostgreSQL Active-Active, by Boriss Mejías Video of POSETTE 2025 talk: Postgres Storytelling: Cunning Schema Design with Creative Data Modeling, by Boriss Mejías & Sarah Conway Talk at FOSDEM PGDay 2024: High Availability Configurations Are Very Common for PostgreSQL, But How Do You Investigate Performance Problems When the Standby Can't Keep Up? by Boriss Mejías and Derk van VeenConference: PGDay Lowlands 2025, the second year of this “second-best Postgres conference in Europe” Conference Schedule: upcoming PGConf EU 2025 in LatviaWikipedia: Chess clockBook: Daily Rituals, by Mason CurreyArticle: It Takes Two to Think, by Itai Yanai & Martin J. LercherPoem: The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, by Samuel ColeridgeWikipedia: City of Bruges Belgium, a good place for beer and cheeseCal invite: LIVE recording of Ep33 of Talking Postgres to happen on Wed Nov 5, 2025

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Kristen Gunnels of Riverside Veterinary Hospital in Sparta joins host Tiffany Anton to share her journey from working with animals in college to discovering her passion for the business side of veterinary care. Kristen discusses the vision behind opening her own private practice, the process of renovating the facility, and assembling a brand-new team. She dives into her commitment to client communication, advanced medical care, and building strong ties with the White County community. Plus, she offers tips on how often your pets should see the vet and what signs to look for—especially with young kittens and puppies. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

12. díl pro sezónu 2025/2026

Thucydides called his work a “possession for all time,” and his History of the Peloponnesian War has been essential reading for generals and politicians for centuries.    Robin Waterfield's translation of Thucydides's sweeping narrative vividly depicts the events of the war between Athens and Sparta that began in 431 BCE and would continue until 404, a conflict that embroiled not only mainland Greece but Greek states from the eastern Mediterranean and as far west as Italy and Sicily. The only extant contemporary narrative of this conflict, Thucydides's History brims with military, moral, and political reflections, offering critical commentary on challenges that still dominate our world today, from the strife of civil war to the devastation of widespread plague to the nature of political power.   Thucydides died before completing the account—it ends in 410—but his legacy is timeless. One of the great masterpieces of classical Greece, The History of the Peloponnesian War offers an incisive and timely window into the conflicts of the past. BUY THE BOOK

The economist Yanis Varoufakis found himself in the eye of the storm as Greece's Minister of Finance in 2015, at the height of the country's debt crisis. Now he reflects on his political awakenings and the women who influenced him in Raise Your Soul. It's a family story that starts in Egypt in the 1920s and traces Greece's tumultuous century through Nazi occupation, civil war, dictatorship, socialism and economic crisis. The historian Professor Mary Vincent focuses on the Spanish Civil War and has written about fascism, political violence and its impact on the people. She sees both similarities and stark differences between the Greek and Spanish Civil Wars and ponders the question of how global politics influence what happens in nation states.As a new translation of Thucydides's The History of the Peloponnesian War (by Robin Waterfield) is published, the classicist Professor Paul Cartledge explains why this ancient text has remained essential reading for military leaders and politicians for centuries. Thucydides's account of the war between Athens and Sparta that began in 431 BCE depicts the devastation of civil war and reflects on the nature of political power.Producer: Katy Hickman Assistant Producer: Natalia Fernandez

Telemaco arriva al palazzo più splendido della Grecia cercando notizie di suo padre. Quello che trova è un re circondato da ricchezze ma devastato dal dolore, che gli confessa: "Su tutti questi tesori io regno senza gioia." A Sparta, tra ori e argenti, il giovane principe scoprirà che anche i guerrieri più grandi piangono per chi hanno perduto. Elena e Menelao raccontano due storie diverse su Odisseo, due facce dello stesso uomo. E alla fine, una promessa che sembra impossibile. Vuoi saperne di più sull'episodio? Vai qui e leggi gli approfondimenti: https://it.tipeee.com/mitologia-le-meravigliose-storie-del-mondo-antico/news .-.-. Per avere informazioni su come puoi supportare questo podcast vai qui: https://it.tipeee.com/mitologia-le-meravigliose-storie-del-mondo-antico/ Se ti va di dare un'occhiata al libro “Il Re degli Dei”, ecco qui un link (affiliato: a te non costa nulla a me dà un piccolissimo aiuto): https://amzn.to/3Q50uFR Se ti va di dare un'occhiata al libro “Eracle, la via dell'eroe”, ecco qui un link: https://amzn.to/46dAFYZ Altri link affiliati: Lista dei libri che consiglio (lista in continuo aggiornamento): https://amzn.to/3Q3ZYI9 Lista dei film che consiglio (lista in continuo aggiornamento): https://amzn.to/3DoqTa7 Lista hardware che consiglio per chi è curioso del mondo per podcast (lista in continuo aggiornamento): https://amzn.to/44TYKTW Uso plugin audio da questa Software House: Waves. Se vuoi dare un'occhiata, anche questo è un link affiliato: https://www.waves.com/r/1196474 Ami musiche rilassanti e i suoni della natura? Iscriviti a questo meraviglioso canale  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbRZLgwT37437fYK4YYKhXQ?sub_confirmation=1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mô hình Sparta đã không hiệu quả với Sparta, và tình hình sẽ còn tệ hơn với Israel.Xem thêm.

Feyenoord speelde in de eerste helft tegen FC Utrecht (3-2) als een kampioensploeg, zei trainer Robin van Persie na de late winnende goal van spits Ayase Ueda. Zijn de Rotterdammers nu titelkandidaat nummer 1? Redt het punt tegen Sparta de positie van trainer John Heitinga bij Ajax? Het John van den Brom-effect als opvolger van het Fritz Korbach-effect? De druk op Liverpool-coach Arne Slot na drie nederlagen op rij en de strijd onderin de Eredivisie komen ook ter sprake. In de AD Voetbalpodcast bespreekt Etienne Verhoeff het allemaal met Mikos Gouka en Johan Inan praat je bij over de situatie bij Ajax na de 3-3 op Het Kasteel. Beluister de hele AD Voetbalpodcast nu via AD.nl, de AD App of jouw favoriete podcastplatform. Meer weten over de maatschappelijke tak van voetbal? Ga dan naar vriendenloterij.nlSupport the show: https://krant.nl/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A conversation with Johnathan Bi (Cosmos Institute, The Great Books podcast) for a deep dive into Stoicism through the life and philosophy of Cato the Younger.We explore:Why Stoicism continues to attract modern audiencesJonathan's personal journey with Stoicism—and why he ultimately turned to other philosophiesNietzsche's critique of Stoicism as a coping mechanismHow Cato embodied Stoic principles (and where he may have fallen short)The tension between Stoic theory and Stoic practice in figures like Seneca and Marcus AureliusSubscribe to the Cost of Glory newsletter for detailed maps, images, and analysis of this pivotal moment in ancient history: https://costofglory.substack.com/Get in touch at:Website: https://costofglory.comX: https://x.com/costofglory

The complicated legacy of Pausanias, Spartan regent and commander at Plataea, reveals the razor-thin line between military glory and personal disgrace. When Persian forces under Mardonius threatened Greek freedom in 479 BC, it was Pausanias who stood at the forefront of the Hellenic coalition—a complex alliance of city-states with competing interests and traditions. His story offers a fascinating glimpse into the burdens of command during ancient warfare's most decisive moments.Standing as guardian of Sparta's royal legacy after Leonidas' heroic fall at Thermopylae, Pausanias embodied the Spartan military ethos: disciplined, patient, and tactically conservative. These qualities proved crucial during the tense weeks before battle, as he resisted pressure from more aggressive allies, particularly the Athenians, who pushed for immediate engagement. His calculated restraint preserved the coalition's strength until conditions favored decisive action.The battle itself began with chaos—a nighttime repositioning gone wrong left Greek forces scattered across the plain. When Mardonius seized this opportunity to attack, Pausanias demonstrated remarkable composure under intense Persian assault. Holding firm as arrows darkened the sky, he waited for the perfect moment to order the charge that would ultimately break the Persian line and claim Mardonius' life. This victory marked the definitive end of Persian ambitions on Greek soil.Yet Pausanias' triumph contained the seeds of his undoing. Leading subsequent campaigns in the Aegean, he began adopting Persian customs and displaying an arrogance that alarmed both allies and fellow Spartans. His trajectory from disciplined commander to suspected traitor raises profound questions about how success affects character. Can the same qualities that bring victory in war—decisiveness, authority, self-confidence—become dangerous liabilities in peace? The paradox of Pausanias continues to fascinate: how could the savior of Greece transform so quickly into a figure his own people came to distrust?Whether you're fascinated by ancient military tactics, the psychology of leadership, or the cultural tensions of the Greek world, Pausanias' story offers remarkable insights into how even history's greatest victories can cast long, complicated shadows over those who achieve them. Subscribe now to explore more untold stories from antiquity's most pivotal moments.Support the show

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“I'm here, just taking a stroll, stretching my legs. These, uh, 300 men are my personal bodyguard.” We watched “300,” directed by Zack Snyder, and we need to hit the gym. A lot has been said of Snyder's hyperfixation on the male form, and we're here to add to that conversation. While this movie may be 117 minutes of fit men strutting around in leather briefs, it's also a pretty fun adaptation of the 1998 graphic novel by Frank Miller— author of Sin City.  Gerard Butler and Lena Headey play a fierce power couple, King and Queen of Sparta, Leonidas and Gorgo. Gerry is giving us manic Brian Blessed in “Flash Gordon” realness, and Lena is serving proto-Cersei Lannister, and she's really holding her own as one of the only female speaking roles in the male-dominated movie. We also get some body beautiful from David Wenham, Michael Fassbender, and Rodrigo Santoro as the diva herself— Xerxes, the mad god-king of Persia with permanent makeup and one too many body piercings. We had our reading glasses on the entire time on patrol for any slip-ups in those banana hammocks, but as far as we could tell, there were no wardrobe malfunctions to speak of. Oh well.  www.patreon.com/moviesthatmadeusgay Facebook/Instagram: @moviesthatmadeusgay Bluesky: @MTMUGPod.bsky.social Scott Youngbauer: Twitter @oscarscott / Instagram @scottyoungballer Peter Lozano: Twitter/Instagram @peterlasagna

A conversation with Rob Henderson — Air Force veteran, psychologist, and author of the New York Times bestseller "Troubled". In this episode:Rob's journey from foster care to Cambridge and lessons about status, envy, and human natureThe psychology of envy and jealousy - from Julius Caesar's assassination to modern politicsDifference between dominance and prestige in human behaviorWhy envy is one of the most powerful yet unacknowledged human emotionsHow these dynamics shape personal relationships and societyWhy men are drawn to history and the Great Man theoryWhat academia misses in its focus on present-day issuesLuxury beliefs, status games, and why successful people downplay hard workAttention spans in the digital age and effects of TikTok and short-form mediaWhy biographies and long-form stories matter for character developmentHow reading about great and troubled historical figures helped Rob navigate teenage hardshipInsights on history, psychology, and the hidden forces shaping societySubscribe to the Cost of Glory newsletter for detailed maps, images, and analysis of this pivotal moment in ancient history: https://costofglory.substack.com/Get in touch at:Website: https://costofglory.comX: https://x.com/costofglory

Air Date 9/20/2025 The escalations are happening so fast now that even though this episode is about Russia increasing tensions by violating NATO airspace in Poland with drones and Israel intensifying their belligerence by bombing inside Qatar, those aren't even the most recent incidents now that Russian jets have entered NATO airspace in Estonia and Israel has launched a new attack on Gaza City while Netanyahu says he wants Israel to become like the doomed city-state of Sparta, which was weird. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991, message us on Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Full Show Notes Check out our new show, SOLVED! on YouTube! BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) Use our links to shop Bookshop.org and Libro.fm for a non-evil book and audiobook purchasing experience! Join our Discord community! KEY POINTS KP 1: Israel Bombs Qatar, Nepal Protests, Russian Drones Enter Polish Airspace - American Prestige - Air Date 9-12-25 KP 2: Qatar Today, Turkey Tomorrow - HasanAbi - Air Date 9-11-25 KP 3: Israels West Bank Annex Underway Jasper Nathaniel - The Majority Report w/ Sam Seder - Air Date 9-14-25 KP 4: UK Bans Palestine Action as 'Terror Group' - Mehdi & Owen on Censorship, Silencing of Pro-Palestinian Voices - Two Outspoken - Air Date 7-3-25 KP 5: Recognizing Palestine as a State Meaningful Farce Feat. Dana El Kurd - It Could Happen Here - Air Date 9-11-25 KP 6: Israel Bombs Hamas Leaders in Qatar - Pod Save the World - Air Date 9-9-25 KP 7: 'Putin Is Mocking' Trump, Polish Foreign Minister Says After Russian Drone Incursion - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 9-10-25 (00:58:31) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR On Israel as the new Sparta DEEPER DIVES (01:03:11) SECTION A: RUSSIA A1: Aftermath of Russian Drones Being Shot Down Over Poland - DW News - Air Date 9-10-25 A2: Putin Cozies Up To Modi And Xi - What A Day - Air Date 9-3-25 A3: AI and Drone Warfare in Ukraine, 'Trump Riviera' Gaza Plan, US Bombs Venezuelan Boat - American Prestige - Air Date 9-5-25 (01:27:06) SECTION B: QATAR BOMBING B1: Israel Bombs Hamas Leaders in Qatar Part 2 - Pod Save the World - Air Date 9-9-25 B2: Qatar Today, Turkey Tomorrow Part 2 - HasanAbi - Air Date 9-11-25 B3: Israels Qatar Strike We Have to Be Careful When We Attack People - MSNBC Reports - Air Date 9-15-25 B4: Israel Bombs Hamas Leaders in Qatar Part 3 - Pod Save the World - Air Date 9-9-25 B5: After Bombing Qatar, Why Did Israel Strike Yemen - The Take - Air Date 9-15-25 (02:06:29) SECTION C: OTHER GAZA UPDATES C1: Global Sumud Flotilla Vows to Keep Sailing to Gaza Israeli Drones Accused of Striking Two Boats - Democracy Now! - Air Date 9-11-25 C2: Israels Genocide Is Pure Cowardice w/ Jon Elmer - BreakThrough News - Air Date 9-15-25 C3: Recognizing Palestine as a State Meaningful Farce Feat. Dana El Kurd Part 2 - It Could Happen Here - Air Date 9-11-25 C4: AI and Drone Warfare in Ukraine, 'Trump Riviera' Gaza Plan, US Bombs Venezuelan Boat Part 2 - American Prestige - Air Date 9-5-25 C5: Israels Genocide Is Pure Cowardice W Jon Elmer Part 2 - BreakThrough News - Air Date 9-15-25 C6: Israels West Bank Annex Underway Jasper Nathaniel Part 2 - The Majority Report W Sam Seder - Air Date 9-14-25 (02:53:26) SECTION D: UK CRACKDOWN D1: Is Direct Action for Palestine 'terrorism' The UK Says It Is - The Take - Air Date 7-10-25 D2: UK Bans Palestine Action as 'Terror Group' - Mehdi & Owen on Censorship, Silencing of Pro-Palestinian Voices Part 2 - Two Outspoken - Air Date 7-3-25 D3: Is Direct Action for Palestine 'terrorism' The UK Says It Is Part 2 - The Take - Air Date 7-10-25 D4: Protesters Defy Palestine Action Ban Theres No Way They Get Through Everyone - The Guardian - Air Date 9-7-25 SHOW IMAGE CREDITS Description: Photo of protestors holding signs that say “Ceasefire Now” and “Stop the Genocide” Credit: “Free Palestine” by Can Pac Swire, Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0 | Changes: Cropped   Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere! Follow BotL: Bluesky | Mastodon | Threads | X Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Subscribe now to skip the ads and get more content! Derek is joined once again by guest co-host Alex Jordan to bring you the news. This week: in Israel-Palestine, Israel commences its ground operation in Gaza City (1:50), a UN commission rules that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza (8:14), and Netanyahu touts a “Sparta” model for Israel while Smotrich talks Gaza real estate (9:39); fallout from Israel's strike in Qatar continues (15:04); nuclear talks between Iran and European nations make little progress (20:39); India's Maoist rebels suspend their insurgency (23:28); Nepal elects a new interim prime minister via Discord (25:52); the US and China produce a “framework” for the TikTok sale (28:32); Australia commits billions to its AUKUS submarine investment (30:58); the RSF in Sudan advances on Al-Fashir (34:04); Libya's Tripoli-based government cuts a deal with a hostile faction (37:30); the US and EU clash over Russia sanctions (40:49); the US admits to blowing up at least one more Venezuelan boat (47:32); Trump decertifies Colombia as a drug war partner (52:04); and Trump deploys the National Guard to Memphis while also pushing international changes to asylum rules (55:31). Check out our big, beautiful website, featuring a searchable, categorized archive. Watch Alex with Courtney Rawlings on Always at War. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: Israel's Prime Minister admits the country is increasingly cut off from the world and warns it may need to transform into a self-reliant “super-Sparta” to survive. Fresh U.S. sanctions spark a sharp warning from Tehran, with Iran saying America could face a “crushing” military response. A suspect is in custody after what officials are calling a targeted terrorist attack on the FBI's Pittsburgh office. And in today's Back of the Brief—we're learning more about the proposed TikTok deal, with a U.S.-led group of tech giants poised to take control of the app's American operations. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting PDBPremium.com.Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief. YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybriefStash Financial: Don't Let your money sit around. Go to https://get.stash.com/PDB to see how you can receive $25 towards your first stock purchase.Birch Gold: Text PDB to 989898 and get your free info kit on gold Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Rich Zeoli Show- Full Show (09/15/2025): 3:05pm- Last week, conservative political commentator Charlie Kirk was tragically murdered while speaking at a Turning Point USA event on Utah Valley University campus. In the aftermath, some on the far-left abhorrently defended the radicalized assassin's actions—simply because they didn't agree with Kirk's political opinions. 3:10pm- On Monday, Vice President JD Vance hosted The Charlie Kirk Show from the White House, explaining that political violence “is not a both sides problem” right now. He continued: “24% of self-described very liberals believe it is acceptable to be happy about the death of a political opponent, while only 3% of self-described very conservatives agree. 3% is too many, of course. Another truth is that 26% of young liberals believe political violence is sometimes justified. And only 7% of young conservatives say the same…The data is clear. People on the left are much likelier to defend and celebrate political violence.” 3:15pm- Joining VP Vance on The Charlie Kirk Show, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. revealed that Kirk was “the primary architect” behind unifying Kennedy with Donald Trump during the 2024 presidential election cycle. 3:30pm- Drew Allen— VP of Client Development at Publius PR and the Editor of the Publius National Post—joins The Rich Zeoli Show to discuss his latest article “The Day Charlie Died.” You can find the full article here: https://substack.com/home/post/p-173559583. Allen is also the host of 'The Drew Allen Show' podcast, and author of the book, “America's Last Stand.” 4:00pm- Joseph Labarbera—Sussex County Republican Committee Chairman—joins The Rich Zeoli Show to discuss Sparta, New Jersey Mayor Neill Clark refusing to lower his town's flag to half-mast to show respect for Charlie Kirk. Clark also crashed a vigil for Kirk on Saturday—shamelessly arguing with attendees. 4:20pm- During a concert in London, Coldplay's lead singer Chris Martin took a moment to remember Charlie Kirk. Similarly, NFL teams like the Jets, Cowboys, Dolphins, Saints, Chiefs, Steelers, Titans, and Cardinals held moments of silence prior to the start of their games. 4:40pm- On Monday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told members of the press that U.S. and Chinese negotiators have agreed upon the framework for a deal involving the social media application TikTok. 5:05pm- President Donald Trump signed a presidential memorandum—and took questions from the press. In response to Rep. Ilhan Omar's appalling comments following Charlie Kirk's murder, President Trump said she should be stripped of her House Committee assignments. 5:50pm- Rich is preempted for sports!

The Rich Zeoli Show- Hour 2: 4:00pm- Joseph Labarbera—Sussex County Republican Committee Chairman—joins The Rich Zeoli Show to discuss Sparta, New Jersey Mayor Neill Clark refusing to lower his town's flag to half-mast to show respect for Charlie Kirk. Clark also crashed a vigil for Kirk on Saturday—shamelessly arguing with attendees. 4:20pm- During a concert in London, Coldplay's lead singer Chris Martin took a moment to remember Charlie Kirk. Similarly, NFL teams like the Jets, Cowboys, Dolphins, Saints, Chiefs, Steelers, Titans, and Cardinals held moments of silence prior to the start of their games. 4:40pm- On Monday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told members of the press that U.S. and Chinese negotiators have agreed upon the framework for a deal involving the social media application TikTok.