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A Humiliated woman continues her narrative. By LiminallySpaced. Listen to the Podcast at Explicit Novels. But before I could think too much about Stephanie's implied jealously toward Tara, Stephanie moved things along. "So Tim; what was this 'wild' thing you saw?" "Well," I began, conjuring up the images I had witnessed, "I was doing some prep for the grad ceremony after school, and I forgot my bag in Ms. Dorman's room. I went back to get it on my way out and,” the pause wasn't so much for dramatic effect as much as it was me still not totally believing what I saw. “ I saw Ms. Dorman bent over her desk. Getting fucked from behind."Stephanie's folding stopped. "What?" she said, excitedly, finally looking up at me. "Yeah, no shit," I chuckled, "she had her skirt up around her waist and she was getting fucking RAILED. And not by her fiance!" "Oh my God, who was it?" Stephanie blurted, raising an excited hand to her cheek, dropping her cold exterior to revel in the hot gossip. I looked her dead in the eyes. I knew the answer to this would elicit a response from her, and I wanted to see it. "Mr. Ridley," I said. Stephanie looked away from me. "Oh really?" she said flatly. She grabbed the shirt she had been folding and got up off the bed, heading towards her closet. "Good for him," she said, her back to me. "Yeah, Ms. Dorman actually caught me watching, we talked about it afterward," I continued, my eyes watching her back for any sign of expression, "she and her fiance are in a sexless rut, and Ridley kept hounding her, so she decided to give in. They do it every couple weeks or so, but she doesn't seem to find it very satisfying, I definitely don't think he's making her cum." "Hmph, not surprising," she reflexively chortled. That was it, that was something I was looking for. There definitely was something to her story of lost virginity, but I wasn't sure what. I needed to find out. "Stephanie, that story you told me the other night, about how you lost your virginity, was it true?" "Why does it matter?" She said, idling at the closet, her back still to me, "I was a virgin, I got fucked, and then I wasn't. Who cares how it happened?" "I care," I said, attempting to break through her defenses, "I care about, you." It wasn't a lie. Her fidgeting stopped and she turned towards me, a reticent look on her face. I was starting to put the picture together. "It was Ridley, wasn't it?" I said, a gross taste at the back of my mouth as I said it. "Just maybe not exactly like you described?" Stephanie paused a moment, a far away look on her face, then moved over to the bed. She climbed in and wedged herself between the pillows at her headboard, knees tucked up almost under her chin. She took a deep breath. "I had such a crush on him," she began. My stomach went cold. Ugh. Ridley. "I thought I was such hot shit - I had jerked a few guys off, but that was it, really. Didn't matter though, I thought I was the queen of sex and seduction. You start to see what you can do to a man, to his cock, and you start to feel powerful." She wasn't lying. I knew from first hand experience how powerful a woman can be with your cock in her hand. "He was the hot young teacher, all the girls talked dirty about him. He flirted with everyone, So when he became the assistant coach, I decided I was going to do what the other girls wouldn't dare; I was going to fuck him." I moved over to where she was, and sat on the edge of the bed. "On a tournament trip?" I asked, breathlessly. "No," she continued, "I had made it a point to start flirting back, and one day after practice It was just him and me putting the equipment away. It was quiet, we were alone, so I went up to him and grabbed his cock." My pants started to tighten. Decency be damned, her taboo story was making me hard. "He groaned and smiled," she went on, "and I reached in and pulled it out. I hadn't seen that many dicks at that point, and his was the first that was curved, which was interesting." I chuckled. This little detail confirmed her story was true. "I was rubbing his cock, jerking him off, and I kept wanting to go in to kiss him, but he just wouldn't shut the fuck up, so I'm standing there, jacking his cock, and he's going 'yeah, that's it, yeah, jerk it' like some fucking porno!" "Oh wow, that's classy," I said sarcastically. This supposed lothario of a teacher seemed to be a real jackass. "So I'm jerking him off, and he starts going 'yeah, you want it? You want that cock, baby?' and I mean, despite it being less than the sexiest thing I've ever experienced, it was what I came for, and as you know I always keep my word,” visions of Stephanie by my side at the prom flashed in my head as I nodded. "And so I just said 'yeah, baby, i want that cock!'" She shook her head in embarrassment. "My God, I can't believe I actually said that,'' she chuckled. "Well, in any event, that seemed to be all the invitation he needed," she sighed, "because as soon as I said that, he grabbed me, spun me around and started squeezing my tits." That cold twinge of jealousy grew into my stomach, but it was more than just jealousy. The thought of Ridley grabbing her tits, poking into her back with his hard, bent cock made me a little angry. He was a total tool, and he was getting to have this experience with Stephanie, a girl who definitely deserved better. "It was a pretty exhilarating experience. My cunt is wet, is what I'm saying, so when he started pawing at my shorts, I didn't stop him, and I reached down and helped him out." My cock throbbed at the imagery, I wished it was me sliding her pants off. "So he yanks my shorts and panties down," she said with a bit of a pause. Her eyes got kind of far away for a moment as she conjured up the memory. "And he bends me over. I'm grasping for anything to stabilize myself, and he's just saying 'you want this cock, don't you? You want me to give it to you?' and I wasn't lying when I said 'yes, give me that cock!' like a goddamn pornstar." Her legs shifted together a bit at this moment. I couldn't tell if it was from arousal or embarrassment. "So I'm expecting, I don't know what I was expecting, I guess a bit more tenderness? A bit of foreplay? Some consideration at all of my own needs at the very least, but instead, as I'm there bent over the equipment rack, I hear him spit into his hand. Then I feel the head of his cock line itself up between my cunt lips, and he just starts to push into me. There wasn't any pain, like I said, I sure was wet, but it was just a very sudden, surprising experience. I gasped, and he kept pushing, and my body keeps taking him in, and then I feel his hips against my thighs; I've got his whole cock inside me. I wanted to take a minute to get used to it all, but he immediately starts pulling out, and then he thrusts back in. I feel him grab my hips with both hands, and then he just starts pumping. He's fucking me. It feels good, but it's all so overwhelming, I can't really focus on anything. I'm gasping for a controlled breath, and he's just pounding away at me, grunting, saying "yeah, take it, take that cock, you volleyball girls are built for fucking!'" She laughed a bit at the ridiculousness of what was being said. I cringed. "So he's fucking me, pretty uncontrolled and erratically, and just as I'm starting to get used to the sensation, he pulls out of me, grunts loudly, and starts cumming on the back of my leg." "Again," I said, "real classy." She laughed in agreement. "Yeah, I mean it was all over so fast, and now there I was, leaning against an equipment rack, dripping with spunk, trying to figure out what the hell I just experienced" she laughed again. "Then to put the cherry on it, he slaps my ass, and says 'thanks babe,' in a gross 'bro voice,' can you believe it?" "I can, actually," I said. What a twat this guy was. "And so that was it," she concluded, "it was just the one time, and we never even really talked to each other for the rest of the season." "What'd the other girls say when you told them?" "I didn't. I just, I don't know, like I'm not mad about it or anything, but it just wasn't, it just wasn't worth talking about." We sat in silence for a moment. I looked at Stephanie. She deserved so much better. He could have felt those long, shimmering legs wrapped around him, felt her wet cunt grip his cock and pulsate as she orgasmed. He could have heard her squeal in delight as he took her nipple into his mouth. This gorgeous creature in front of me deserved to be worshiped and experienced, not treated like a kleenex. He didn't even kiss her. Silently, I shifted up next to her on the bed. She looked me in the eye. Her long legs stretched out in front of her. She had let her guard down. I reached my hand up and gently touched her face. She didn't flinch. I ran my thumb gently over her lips. Those full, luscious lips of her, he didn't even kiss them. So I did. It was electric. I heard her exhale quietly as our lips touched, and she let out a low moan as my tongue slipped into her mouth. I felt her hand touch my leg. It squeezed. Our lips glided over each other, and we began to pull each other close, when all of a sudden she broke our embrace and pushed away. No words were said, but the look on her face was one of trepidation. At this point, despite all the times she'd blown me, jerked me off, or all the times I'd eaten her out or sucked her nipples, we had never kissed. We had crossed a line into a new level of intimacy, and she wasn't sure how to handle it. What it meant. What I meant. I looked down and saw her hand gripping my thigh, oh so close to my hard cock. I reached down, took her hand off my leg, and put it back beside her. I would love to have felt her hand on my cock again, on my swollen balls, but this wasn't about me. It was about her. About experiencing her. About showing her that I was real. Putting her hand down by her side, I reached back up, cupped her cheek, and smiled at her. She closed her eyes. She was nervous. I leaned in and felt the heat of her breath on my face as we kissed once more. Her nervousness broke, her body relaxed, and I felt her tongue enter my mouth as I pulled her close. Our tongues sparred with each other slowly, passionately. She wrapped her arms around my head, and my hands ran up and down her body. We languished in each others' mouths with deliberate kisses. My lips and tongue loved on hers, sliding away for hot excursions to her neck and jawline that elicited shallow gasps from Stephanie before my lips joined hers once again. My hard cock pressed into her hip, and her legs began to slide back and forth against each other in arousal. Without ever leaving the safety of her lips, my free hand slid down her body, past the swell of her perfect breasts and hard nipples, down over her flat stomach, and under the elastic of her pajama pants. There were no panties to be found. My fingers quickly became slick as they slipped between the swollen lips of her cunt. Stephanie moaned into my mouth and her hand came up and gripped my face as we kissed. I dipped a finger inside her, feeling the tight heat of her body, then drew her wetness up in search of her clit. A gasp and a soft bite of my lower lip told me I had struck gold. My fingers massaged her hard clit in slow, smooth circles, around and around, dipping back into her wet core periodically to refresh their lubrication. Ragged breaths released into my mouth as our lips continued their passionate dance, and she pulled me tighter as the tension mounting in her core grew higher and higher. Around and around went my fingers. Her hand gripped my hair tight. Around and around went my fingers. Little squeals and yelps started to escape from her throat as her body started to twitch. Around and around went my fingers. She pulled her mouth away from mine and threw her head back, gasping for air. My continuous kisses on her neck and jawline egged her on. Around and around, around and around, my fingers summoned her orgasm. Her squeals and yelps came faster now. The hand that wasn't gripping my hair grasped wildly at the sheets of her bed, and with a final, exuberant "fuck!" I heard those three delicious moans burst from her throat in their short-short-long succession as she began to cum. It was at that moment that I sipped my finger down into her cunt while my thumb strummed her clit through her orgasm. I needed to feel it. I needed to feel her. Her body tensed around me, and my finger was deep in her spasming cunt. I felt it squeeze and release my finger in a wild rhythm. Her thighs squeezed my hand, and she shook as the pleasure worked its way through her body. Coming down from her euphoric high, I cupped her cunt gently with my hand and held it there as her breath began to return to normal. She turned to look at me, and took my lips back onto hers. We held each other, kissing slowly and romantically as I felt the warmth of her vagina and the pressure of her thighs. Somewhere along the way both of us drifted off to sleep. Minutes later, hours later, days later, who's to say, a pleasant feeling gently roused me from my sleep. A warm feeling. A wet feeling. The moonlight diffused through the curtains on Stephanie's windows was the only light, and as consciousness returned, the feeling became more pronounced. I looked toward the source of this glorious wake up call; my crotch; and through sleepy eyes I saw a dark figure hunched over me. Hair bobbing up and down in a messy bun, the only sound in the dark room the slight, subtle slurp of a mouth sliding slowly up and down my iron-hard cock. "Stephanie?" I squeaked out. The sucking came to a slow halt, and the figure rose up to look at me, perched on her knees between my legs. Bathed in the soft moonlight was Stephanie. She was completely naked. A soft smile skirted across her lips, and she leaned forward, a strand of golden hair falling in front of her face. It drew a line up my chest as her face floated down toward mine. Still only half awake, I felt her lips touch mine in a passionate kiss as she snaked her body, throwing her leg over me. Stradling me. My cock was straining to the heavens as we kissed. I could feel the heat radiating off of her cunt as it floated above me. Our lips parted, and her eyes found mine in the darkness. We made no sound, but for our ragged, excited breaths. Her eyes asked the question, and my eyes gave the answer. Reaching back with one hand, she gently grasped my straining cock, and positioned it snugly at her opening. "Oh my God," I gasped. My hands reached up and gripped her spread thighs tightly. Then with one, long, agonizingly slow movement, my step sister's best friend lowered herself down on top of me, taking the full length of my cock deep into her body with one stroke. We both gasped. My cock was completely enveloped by her hot, wet cunt; my cock was in Stephanie's cunt; and even the slightest shift or movement sent shocks through my whole body. I was inside my first woman, a woman I truly cared about, and this overwhelming new sensation sent me careening toward the edge. Stephanie ever so slightly began to rise up, drawing her tight lips along my screaming length. I gasped again, losing all control over my breath. My balls churned again, and that coil of sweet pleasure came rushing to my core. "That's it, Timmy," Stephanie cooed as she increased her deliberate up and down grinding on my cock. That name, Timmy, a name that had once been a weapon used to tease and torment me, took on a new, erotic meaning as this golden goddess took the length of my cock inside her. It was now a term of want. Of desire. This wasn't hard, fast, staccato fucking, this girl was using her whole body to coax me toward ultimate pleasure. My whole body was vibrating. "That's it," she said lovingly, placing her hand on the side of my head as she watched me lose control. "That's it, Timmy," she whispered once again, followed by the command of all commands: "Cum for me. Cum inside me." The white hot spring snapped. My head lolled back, and my mouth hung open, overcome with sensation. My balls rushed up tight, my cock flared out hard against the walls of Stephanie's cunt, and I began filling her with torrent upon torrent of hot cum. "That's it, baby, that's it," she encouraged as her tight cunt milked the pleasure out from my very soul. I felt the walls of her cunt twitch and slide as I flooded her with my semen, and Stephanie pulled me close to her as she rode me through the waves of euphoria. "That's it, baby, that's it." I pulsed inside her for what felt like days, and I felt as though I would have flown away if it weren't for the weight of her glorious body to keep me on earth. She laid down upon me fully now as my cock began to soften inside her. Her perfect breasts pressed tight to my chest, and our breathing matched in a deep, synchronized rhythm. I wrapped my arms around her and smiled as we both began to slip into sleep once more. "I might be in love" I thought as the world fell away, "and she leaves in three weeks." Chapter 13: It's graduation day, so that means party time! I was sweating my ass off in the heat, seated amongst my fellow graduating classmates, but I didn't care. My friend Mike sat next to me, and was talking to me about something or other, but I didn't hear a word he said. My mind was on one thing and one thing only. I woke up that morning alone. The previous night had to have been a dream, right? But as my eyes fluttered open and the blur of morning vision dissipated, Stephanie's room came into view. It was no dream. I laid there, wrapped like a snake in the covers of her bed, and basked in my memories of the previous evening. Stephanie had opened up to me in more ways than one, and a night of passion and care where I had given her my full attention had ended with her taking my virginity. Stephanie, my step-sister's best friend, the girl who tormented me relentlessly as kids, took my virginity, and fell asleep on top of me with a womb full of my cum. I smiled at the memory, and felt a throb between my legs. I hadn't realized it at first, but the magic of "morning wood" had drawn my cock out long and hard. I enjoyed the feeling. I reveled in my erection, a proud reminder of my manhood, and every thought replaying the previous night's events in my mind just reinforced the solid structure. I turned my attention toward the bedroom door as Stephanie came padding in. Fresh from the shower, she had a towel wrapped around her head, and wore nothing else but a black bra and panty set. She stopped at the vanity mirror across from her bed, and began drying her hair. For a moment she didn't notice I was awake. Her reflection in the mirror afforded me the pleasure of taking in both sides of her body at the same time. Her tight, flat stomach and the swell of her supple breasts on one side, the curve of her long soft back, the bump of her perfect ass, and the full length of her statuesque legs on the other. I had been between those legs last night. I had been inside that exquisite body. The stiffness between my legs did not abate. I watched her in silence, when her eyes suddenly caught mine in the mirror. She tried to stifle the smile that formed on her lips, looking down as she did so. Clearly she was remembering last night too. "Morning," she said, catching my eyes again as she continued to dry her hair. "Morning," I said back. I couldn't stop the grin forming on my face if I tried. "What time is it?" "Its early," she said, moving toward her closet to find some clothes, "You should be able to get back home without anyone noticing." "Trying to get rid of me?" I teased, sitting up in bed. She chuckled as she moved back toward her vanity, draping her shirt over the chair. She shifted her weight to one side, flaring her hips out deliciously. "I've gotta go to work," she said, affixing her earrings, "and you've got a big day in front of you." "What if we both just, skipped?" I said, shifting myself over to the edge of the bed closest to her. Stephanie turned around to face me, resting her ass on the edge of the vanity, arms crossed across her breasts. "You want to skip your high school graduation?" she said with a cocked eyebrow. "I would," I said, getting up off the bed, revealing my stiffened state. I slowly closed the distance between us, led by my erection. She chuckled again. Her eyes flicked down to my hard cock. She uncrossed her arms and braced herself on the edge of the vanity. I leaned in close, and paused for just a moment to watch Stephanie moisten her lips with her tongue. I smiled, and went in for a kiss. She sighed slightly as our lips met. Our tongues quickly began to tangle and spar. My hand drifted up to her stomach and felt the smooth skin atop tight muscle, then slid down over her hip. My finger slowly slipped beneath the band of her panties. Stephanie suddenly broke the kiss. "Listen Tim," she began. My stomach sank. This was it. The rejection was en route. She would tell me I was a good guy and it was fun, but it was a mistake and we should just go back to;  "We need to be smart about this." Her hand came up and gently touched my chest. "What is your step mom going to say if she catches you coming in?" I smiled. I leaned into her, laying my erection across her thigh. I slipped another finger into her panties and started to pull down. She didn't stop me. "I'll tell her I was out for a run." "You don't look like you were out for a run," she said through a shallow breath. As my hands slid her panties over her legs, I followed them down till I was on my knees in front of her. "Well then," I began as my hands started running up and down Stephanie's golden calves. Her eyes closed dreamily, and she instinctively parted her legs. "I guess we'll just need to find a way for me to work up a sweat!" Stephanie laughed in disbelief as my head drifted between her thighs. "Good God, I've created a monster!" A loud gasp escaped her throat as I drew my tongue up between the lips of her cunt; she was already wet. I immediately lifted one of her firm thighs over my shoulder as my tongue lapped away at her sweet center. Good lord she tasted good. Gasping breaths quickly turned to squeaks and moans. One hand left the edge of the vanity and gripped my hair tightly. Her hips gyrated and humped at my lips and tongue as I pleasured her. Wanting to drive her completely over the edge, I took one hand off her thigh, quickly dipped two fingers into my mouth, and then slid them up into her sweet cunt, eliciting a loud, throaty "oh!" It was a cry of pure sensation, with no care for whether anyone heard her. My fingers massaged her tight walls while my tongue ran circles around her clit. Her body began to vibrate. Her breaths came short and fast between syrupy moans, and then all at once her hand pulled my face tight to her cunt, her legs clamped closed around my head, and I heard that sweet chorus of moans; short, short,long; as Stephanie's body was rocked by orgasm. Before her cunt even finished pulsing, her leg slid off my shoulder, and she pulled me up by my hair with a breathy "c'mere, c'mere." I stood up quickly, and she kissed me hard. Her hands frantically grasped at my hips, and she broke the kiss long enough to exclaim "Fuck me; fuck me right now, Timmy!" That name sent a thick throb into my already rock-hard cock. She grabbed at me wildly as she sprung her legs up around me. I grasped for stabilization on the vanity and pushed toward her, my lips never leaving hers. Stephanie found her dripping opening with the head of my cock, her heels dug into my back, and I pushed. She gasped hard as the head entered her, but only the head. I drew back, pulling her sweet nectar back with me. Her hand on my cock quickly spread it around, coating my shaft, and I felt her heels in my back, harder. I pushed again, and in a single stroke my entire cock was enveloped by hot butter. Stephanie and I both let out a low moan as I bottomed out inside her, but there was no time to savor the feeling; where last night had been about a slow, gentle experience, this morning was all about pure lust. Her legs and cunt wrapped tight around me, I grunted into her hot mouth and began to thrust. The vanity began to shake and knock against the wall as I drove my cock deep into Stephanie's tight body over and over. I could feel the grip of her cunt lips on each outward stroke. My balls churned. Stephanie was slick, wet, and welcoming, and I glided in and out of her with ease. Her lips left mine with a wet pop as she caught her breath. The sensation was overwhelming us both, and I felt her arms wrap tight around me. "Yes, yes, fuck me, Timmy, fuck Me!" she gasped directly into my ear. I fucked her hard and fast, completely lost in her cunt. I felt the hot spring of pleasure coil itself up inside my balls, and short cries escaped my throat as I tried to hold it at bay. Stephanie heard my cries of approaching pleasure and egged me on. "Yes, that's it, baby," she whispered into my ear between staccato breaths every time her body accepted my thrusting cock, "that's it, cum for me, Timmy; give it to me; give it to me!" I let out a low howl and pushed my stone-hard cock as deep into her as I could. My balls wrenched up tight against my body and exploded, flooding her sweet cunt with an eruption of hot semen. I buried my face into the crook of her neck as the pleasure pulsed through me. As my orgasm subsided we held each other quietly for a moment. The only sounds in the room were our ragged, gasping breaths. I peeled myself off of my step sister's best friend, pausing to look down at her body beneath me. The thin layer of sweat on her chest glimmered in the light as her breasts heaved up and down in exhaustion. Her smooth stomach sucked in and out, flaring her ribs with each deep breath. Her legs were spread wide, wrapped around my torso. Her cunt, her cunt was spread wide, wrapped around the girth of my cock. My cock was inside her. Inside Stephanie. My cock was inside Stephanie. It flared again with renewed lust. "Down, boy!" she chuckled, gently pushing me back off of her. I watched my cock slide out of her hot core, ringed with a white froth of mingled bodily fluids. A thin string of juice reached from the tip of my dick to her juicy cunt, the last bit of our connection holding on for dear life as I slipped out of her. I stumbled back and plopped down on the bed, spent cock glistening and not yet deflated. I looked at Stephanie's hot, erotically charged body, and watched my semen begin to slowly drip from her swollen lips before she began to straighten up. "Jesus, Timmy, you just might be a natural," she exhaled as she tried to get her bearings. My spent cock twitched again. "I'm gonna have to take another shower!" "You want company?" I said with a big, Cheshire grin. To say I felt cocky was underselling it. I had just rocked a woman's sexual world for the very first time. At that moment I was fucking bulletproof. "no!" she exclaimed with a laugh. "Now get out of here before that gorgeous cock of yours gets us into trouble!" She said with a flustered smile. I took in the sight. God, she was sexy. "Go!" she chuckled loudly again. I snuck out the back door, in order to come in the front door, hoping to cement my alibi of going for a run, should my step mom Kelly, or step sister Alexa catch me. As I rounded the corner and started toward the door, I heard a giggle. My eyes darted toward the sound and were greeted by a broad smile framed with fiery red hair. Sarah, my next door neighbor and long time crush, watched me as she finished stretching her hamstring on her front steps. "You're up early," she said with a grin. "I was, out for a run." I said unconvincingly. "Um Hmm," she scoffed through a smirk. Unlike me, Sarah actually had just come back from a run, judging by the spandex that hugged her blossomed curves. She stared straight through me. She knew where I had been, what I had been doing; it was written all over me. "Well, definitely a good day for it!" she lobbed at me, preserving my alibi. I nodded sheepishly and turned toward my door. "Oh, and Tim?" she called from behind me. I turned back toward her curiously. "Don't forget to stretch,” she said with a syrupy lilt. My face turned beet red. She bounced her eyebrows, bit her lip through her widening grin, twirled away from me and hopped up the stairs into her house. As I stood under the hot shower minutes later, my brain was vibrating with hormones, memories, and fantasies. Despite all the activity of the morning, my cock was rock hard again, and I stroked it furiously as I cataloged my thoughts. Thoughts of fucking Stephanie. Thoughts of fucking Sarah in her tight running gear. Thoughts of fucking them both. Thoughts of them fucking each other. My sore balls wrenched themselves up toward my cock once again. With a quiet grunt I fired out even more cum, this time against the wet walls of the shower, and for a quick moment my mind was perfectly clear. Oh, to be eighteen and horny. Sitting under the hot sun at the graduation ceremony, lost in a memory of the morning, I began to think about what all this meant for the future. I wanted Stephanie, wanted to be with her, wanted to be inside her every chance I could get, but what were we beyond that? She was leaving for college in a month, and surely she wasn't going to want the baggage of a younger boyfriend at a different school as she began the next chapter of her life right? Or for that matter, did I want to have a long distance girlfriend? I was determined to just live in the moment, but it was hard not to think about what we were, or what we could be. Just then I was snapped out of my day dreaming as the P A system echoed a name through my ears: Tara Austin. My eyes quickly found the stage as Tara, the girl I considered one of my best friends, made her way across the stage. She had modified her black graduation gown to have a fiery, red fringe along the bottom, and had lined the edges of her flat mortar hat with metal studs. The principal shook his head as she took her diploma from him, which made Tara beam. Ms. Dorman was on the stage with some of the other teachers, and Tara stopped to hug her before heading down the stairs. My mind briefly wandered to Ms. Dorman; Julia; and wondered if she and Ridley had secretly fucked before the ceremony. Or maybe they planned to afterward. She looked good today, in sensible slacks and a nice blouse. I thought back to the vision of her shirt being snapped open and her breast jiggling erotically as she was pounded by Ridley's crooked cock. Had she ever swallowed his cum? I wondered when the last time she had an orgasm was. Tara stopped at the far edge of the stage and curtsied at the crowd with a big smile, eliciting a few whoops and claps. She was radiant. We hadn't talked in a long time, not since the night we told each other the truth about our activities at the prom, and honestly I wasn't even sure why. I had hurt her, but I was probably doing more damage by running away. I was jealous, no which way about it, and I didn't know how to handle it. We had both entered into sexual relationships with extremely unlikely people that the other didn't particularly care for, and It had driven us apart. Surely we were good enough friends to get past this though, right? But then again, Tara hadn't exactly reached out to me since then, so maybe she didn't want anything to do with me anymore. Soon enough it was my turn to cross the stage in graduation, and as I made my way toward Ms. Dorman I swear she started to blush. She held open her arms and I met her with a warm hug. Her breasts felt soft and nice against me. "Congratulations, Tim," she said warmly, "I'm going to miss you." "Thanks, Ms. Dorman," I replied. She pulled away from the hug and looked at me with a smirk that almost felt flirtatious. "What'd I tell you?" "Sorry; thanks, Julia," I chuckled. She smiled and squeezed my arms. "Listen Tim," she continued before we parted, "talk to her. She misses you, I can tell. Whatever it is that happened between you two it's not worth losing each other. Just put in the work." I nodded thankfully. She smiled again, pulled me in for a final hug, and then I was off. I sat back down under the sun and ran through a lot of things in my mind. Julia was right, someone needed to break the ice, it was just a matter of how and when. "Hey," I said, turning to Mike, "what's the deal, is there going to be any sort of graduation party tonight or this weekend?" "Of course!" He chuckled, "tonight at Suzie Travino's. They're saying the entire graduating class might be there, it's gonna be wild." "Why the fuck am I only hearing about this no; you know what, that's cool, I'll be there." Ugh, I was so lame and out of the loop. Regardless, if the whole class was going to be piling into Suzie's house, that means Tara would most definitely be there. So I needed to be there too. I had a lot on my mind all day, but the celebratory dinner with Alexa and Kelly helped take my mind off things. We had a great time, and had just come home for dessert when Alexa's voice boomed from the hallway "Hey, look who I found!" I looked up from my spot at the kitchen table just as she entered with Stephanie right behind her. I smiled. "I heard there was a celebration happening - you get your first pube or something?" Stephanie and Alexa laughed. My smile quickly turned to a frown; she did it again. Hours earlier I had been balls-deep in this girl's cunt, and she was still keeping up the charade in front of Alexa. I was more than happy to keep our relationship, or whatever this was, on the downlow, but I at least wanted some respect. Unfortunately for her, two could play at this game. "Oh come on, Stephanie, you know full well how many pubes I have" I responded dryly, "or did you not count them while you were sucking my dick?" Alexa choked on her drink, and the color drained from Stephanie's face. "JESUS, Tim," Alexa said between coughs, "getting a bit aggressive, aren't we?" Staring directly at Stephanie I didn't let up. "Oh, you didn't know? It's true. In fact just just this morning Stephanie and I had hot, heavy sex on the edge of her vanity." There was a long, thick silence. I watched Stephanie start to turn beet red, not sure how to respond. Alexa looked at her in disbelief. I smirked, our roles finally reversed. Then in a loud guffaw, Alexa burst out laughing. "Hahaha oh my god, Timmy, that is hilarious!" The smirk quickly faded from my face. "Never in a million fucking years!" She continued to laugh in disbelief. I looked at Stephanie, who nervously chuckled along with her. "What's so funny?" Kelly said as she entered with a small cake in hand. "Oh nothing, Tim's just being gross," Alexa handwaved. Kelly set the cake down and began to cut. My eyes were burning a hole through Alexa. "Hey Kelly, how's Brian?" I said just as Alexa took another drink, causing her to choke again. "He's good, honey, he's been out of town on business, but he'll be back soon." Kelly said with a smile. "That's great, we should all do something together when he gets back," I continued, my smirk returning, "I don't think Alexa has really gotten a chance to know him yet." Now it was Alexa's turn to go pale. "That sounds like a great idea, Tim!" Kelly said. I felt a little bad, because I could tell Kelly was happy that I was expressing interest in meeting her new boyfriend, a man who would potentially occupy the same role as my deceased father, and in reality I was just trying to stick it to Alexa. There would be plenty of time for me to get over that though, and right now I had cake to eat. It tasted great. Later, as I was getting ready for the party at Suzie's, my phone buzzed. It was Stephanie. "So what was that about?" it read "I should ask you the same question!" I replied. There was a long pause. No bubbles, nothing. I got ready to shower, and right as I wrapped my towel around myself my phone buzzed again. "Pick me up from work tomorrow night; I have a graduation present for you." I was annoyed at her, but couldn't stop my cock from flexing in arousal underneath my towel. Fuck, what was this girl doing to me? "Ok," I texted back, and then threw my phone across the bed. I stopped to pick up Mike on the way to Suzie's. He and Kerri were apparently having some sort of spat, and he poured it all out onto me on the drive. I couldn't tell you what it was about though, because my mind was full of its own hormone-crazed problems, and I just "yeah" and "uh huh"-ed him the whole way there. We could hear the thumping bass even before I turned the car through the tall gate of the Travino estate. Suzie's house, a gaudy McMansion paid for by her father's lucrative law firm, sat at the head of a snake-like driveway. Cars were strewn all about the sides of the long drive, and after finding a decent spot, Mike and I made the rest of our way on foot. Passing by two classmates passed out at the foot of a large fountain, we made our way into the throng of young adults ready to take on the world. Or at least the world's largest beer bong. I think Mike might have been right; it seemed like the entire class was there. Possibly the entire school. We found our way over to one of several kegs, got some drinks, and tried to mingle and talk over the din of music and voices. Only half listening, I scanned the ocean of bodies looking for Tara, but had no luck. Suddenly I felt Mike's hand grip me hard on the shoulder. His eyes were wide and livid. Turning to where the dagger of his gaze fell, I saw Chet Phillips, the captain of the football team, chatting up a hot, busty number near the kitchen island. A hot, busty number with a big mane of curly, black hair. Oh my God, it was Kerri. Kerri had all the curves befitting her Greek heritage, she wore a shimmering, backless blouse that showed a lot of chest, putting all her genetic gifts on display. With no room for a bra, her tits hung free under the fabric, jiggling erotically every time she moved or laughed. Funny, I don't think I ever really noticed her tits before. Damn, they were nice. A black, pleated skirt hung over the swell of her generous ass, and her thick, soccer player's legs descended down into high heeled ankle boots. She was dressed to impress, and Chet was getting the full court press. Touching his arm while laughing, leaning over to "accidentally" flash her full cleavage at him, cocking her hips just so; Kerri was out to prove a point, and it was safe to say it was a point not lost on Mike. He was fuming. After swearing a bit under his breath, he muttered something about having to "go do something," downed his 3/4-full beer, and began wading his way over to the kitchen. I laughed and took a sip of my own drink. Damn, she had nice tits. Making my way into the living room I continued my search; no Tara. I saw some recognizable cliques keeping to themselves, AV club over by the window, drama kids over by the bookcase. My mind drifted to thoughts of some of those drama girls. We all had heard the rumors about drama club just being a constant fuck fest, and frankly I regretted never joining. I'd love to have had the chance to eat out star actress Alyssa Mitchell, or feel up mousey Chrissy Thomas; Chrissy was one of those magical girls who was tall, stick thin, but had huge breasts. Not even her black turtleneck could hide them tonight. I wanted to suck them. I wanted to put my dick between them. I wondered if she had ever wrapped those beauties around a hard cock, if they'd ever been showered with jizz. My lewd day dream was cut short, however, as I spotted the math team. Sitting among the glasses and bad haircuts was a bright, beaming smile and a blaze of red hair; it was Sarah. God she looked good. Still playing it conservative for the general public, a nice sweater vest sat atop a buttoned down blouse, expertly hiding the exceptional breasts she had herself. Sensible jeans encased her toned, runner's legs, slip on flats on her feet. She wore no makeup, and frankly didn't need any. No one knew what kind of body she hid under her clothes. No one but me and Tara. Her smile seemed to be lighting up the whole room, and as she tossed her cascading red locks over to the other side of her head, her eyes clicked over and locked on to mine. She turned that beam of a smile over to me, and raised her glass at me. I returned the gesture, and with a sip and a wink, she went back to her conversation. That wink. God, that wink alone got me hard. I decided to keep moving, and continue my search. Following the thump of the music, I moved out onto the patio, where flashing lights and bouncing bodies bumped and gyrated to the rhythms. I peered through the pulsating mass, and was stopped dead by the flails and swivels of a luscious figure ringed with a bright aura of red and green party lights. Mesmerizing hips drew me in as the red plaid of her skirt spun outward with every twirl, jingling the rings and chains that hung from her black leather belt. Black stockings ran from mid thigh down into the tops of white, Doc Martens. Bracelets bounced and shimmered on her arms as she drew her hands over her body, over the black tank top that covered her stomach and sank low at the neck, displaying the cleavage of two, perfect breasts. Cleavage that almost seemed to try and devour the bangles at the end of the long necklaces she wore as they bounced around her globes. Black, spiky hair reached toward the sky off her bobbing, lolling head. Dark eye liner accented her lashes. And her lipstick, her lipstick matched the color of my tie. It was Tara. She looked amazing. Lost in the sounds and vibrations of the music, the lights caught the gentle spritzing of sweat that shone on the flat of her chest. She danced with no one, she danced with everyone. She just absolutely exuded sex. I couldn't help but stare. Snapping me back to earth was a tug at my side, followed by a loud bellow of "Hey, Tim Miller!" Turning sharply, I was greeted by the quirky smile and thick, black glasses of class valedictorian, and host of this blow out party, Suzie Travino. Suzie was half Italian, half Japanese, and all cute. Definitely an egghead, but not in a traditional nerd sort of way, Suzie was the jackpot mix of smart, popular, good looking, and rich. Skinny, with small, perky breasts, Suzie wasn't really my type. Not that I ever had the chance, and not that I ever would have thrown her out of bed if I did, but she just wasn't my type. That being said, her small ass looked phenomenal in her tight jeans, and she cocked her hips out to the side as she continued. "Great to see you!" she said, punching me in the shoulder, "I feel like I never see you at parties!" She had a glaze to her eyes that told me she was already pretty buzzed. "Yeah, I'm a bit of a homebody," I chuckled, darting my eyes past her trying to find Tara again in the dancing crowd. No luck. "Well I'm glad you made it, dude!" She laughed and took another swig of her drink. "Listen, Suzie, I have to; " I began, when suddenly there was a big commotion of cheers and whoops coming from across the patio. Both of us turning toward the rabble, we saw the recipients of all the accolades: it was Bud Pepper and fellow classmate Mark Prepon. Both beaming ear to ear with embarrassed smiles, each holding the other's hand. They chuckled, they hugged, and then in front of practically the entire graduating class, Bud and Mark kissed. The whoops and hollers got even louder. "Wow, good for them!" Suzie squealed, clapping along, "they're so cute together!" "Yeah, totally," I responded, but my attention was elsewhere. Looking back toward the dance floor I desperately searched for Tara. Bud was the guy she lost her virginity to at the prom, and he was her, well honestly I wasn't sure what he was to her at this point, since we hadn't been talking lately, but he was more than a friend, that's for sure. My eyes scanning the crowd, finally I caught her. She watched the new couple for a moment, a bittersweet smile forming on the edge of her lips, and then she quietly made her way away from the crowd, away from the bright colored lights, and into the shadows back toward the house. I had no idea what she was feeling right now. I thought back to our conversation the last time we talked, and her dismay at being viewed as nothing more than a sex object, and here, now, was her, whatever Bud was, celebrating a relationship with someone who wasn't her. She was alone again, and that hurt me inside. Suzie's attention was still held by the new lovebirds, so I quietly slipped away after Tara. I followed behind her and watched her slip upstairs and into one of the rooms. Quietly padding after her I stood outside the room and paused. I was nervous, but I wasn't sure why. Tara was one of my closest friends, we had shared so much, and I wanted now to be there for her if she needed me. That was all I wanted, to be there for her. As her friend. At least that's what I told myself. I slowly opened the door and entered. The room was dimly lit by a single bedside lamp. Tara sat on the edge of a large bed, one leg tucked under, typing away at her phone. She didn't even notice I had come in. "Hi," I finally said. Her head popped up from her phone, startled, her big, doe eyes wide with surprise. Relaxing as she recognized me, she plopped her phone on the night table. "Hey," she finally responded. It wasn't cold, it wasn't angry, it was just, her. "I saw what happened down there, with Bud,” I began timidly, moving closer, but stopping at the tall bedpost at the corner of the bed. "I just wanted to make sure you were ok. I know you guys were,” I honestly don't know if I could have finished that sentence even if I knew what term to use. A warm smile pulled at her lips. "Nah, I'm fine; I'm happy for them." She chuckled a bit to herself. "In fact, I'm the one who set them up!" "What?" I laughed loudly. I plopped myself down on the bed across from her. It was instinct. Just like old times. "Yeah, Bud and I, we, never really clicked." Her eyes drifted for a moment. "We tried, but it became pretty clear pretty quickly that we were, interested in different things." "What about the prom?" I said with a slight crack in my voice. "That was, just something we both needed, I think," she said wistfully. "We learned a lot from each other though," she continued, "I think we both learned how to be comfortable with who we are a bit more. He figured out who he was, what he wanted, and I knew Mark had a crush on him, so I had no problem playing matchmaker." "Sounds like all that applause is really for you, then!" I said lightly. She chuckled and blushed a bit. "I was happy to do it. It makes me happy when the people I care for are happy." she said. I smiled in response. "Plus it greatly increases your chances of a guy-guy-girl threeway!" I blurted out. A comment like that would have been par for the course a couple months ago, but now I wasn't sure how it would land. Luckily she burst out laughing and the tension between us began to drift away. "You know me too well, Miller," she said through a warm smile. "What about you, Tim," she continued, looking right at me now, "have you figured out what you want yet?" I just took in the room for a moment. It was quiet. The thump of the downstairs music was audible but faint. The slatted door of a closet across from us stood slightly ajar. The warm, low light cast deep shadows across Tara's body. "Yes," I finally let out, practically whispering, "I want us to be friends again. I miss you so friggin' much, Tara, I miss talking to you, I miss laughing with you, there's so much going on right now that I barely know how to process because I don't have you to talk to about it. Like,” I didn't know where to start, “ like Ms. Dorman!" I exclaimed, "I caught Ms. Dorman getting fucked by Mr. Ridley the other day!" "I'm sorry, What?" She said, her big doe eyes going wide again with surprise. "Yes! He had her bent right over her desk, and was railing her from behind, and it was awkward, and it was hot, and it was confusing, and I so desperately wanted to talk to you about it." My franticness calmed down and sincerity returned. "I am so sorry I ever made you feel bad for a single second. You're my best friend, and I want you in my life, Tara. I just hope, that maybe you want me in yours too." There was a long pause that bound my insides into tight, cramped knots. She breathed in deep, and let out a controlled breath before saying "I do, Miller, I miss you too." Breath escaped my body desperately, and I somehow managed to begin breathing again. "That is so good, to hear, Tara," I wheezed. She leaned in and gave me a big, tight hug. We were going to be ok. Tara and I were friends again, and that's all either of us wanted. "There's so much I want to tell you, seriously." We broke our warm hug, and Tara leaned back again, a look of slight trepidation on her face now. "Well," she began, fiddling with the hem of her plaid skirt, "in the interest of full transparency I should tell you," she paused. " I'm kinda seeing someone." "That's awesome!" I blurted out joyously. I may have over done it though, as my positive reaction was masking a cold dropping of my stomach. I wasn't sure why that pang of jealousy came back, I was legitimately happy for her, but there it was. "How big is his cock?" I joked. Like I said - overdoing it. "Well the thing is," she began, but was cut off by the creek of the bedroom door opening. "Shit!" she said in a loud, panicked whisper. Frantically she grabbed on to me, and seeing no other recourse, reached for the closet door, shoved me inside, and quickly jumped back onto the bed. Still trying to wrap my head around what was happening, I watched through the slats of the closet door as Tara breathlessly tried to appear calm and relaxed. I felt a stir in my pants as my more voyeuristic tendencies began to trigger. I couldn't yet see who entered the room, but I watched Tara's perfect breasts rise and fall beneath her tank top as her eyes met this mystery entrant. It had to be the guy she was dating. Why else would she be so flustered to have the two of us in the same room? Suddenly a voice pierced the silence. "Hey, I got your text." My breath stopped short in my chest. I knew the voice right away, but I couldn't believe it. I strained my eyes around the corner of the closest door, desperate to prove my ears wrong, but it was no use. Then I heard the swish of walking legs and all at once my eyes confirmed the sound. Looking through the slats of the closet, the curvy, jean-clad ass of a woman entered my eye line. Slowly my eyes traveled upward, not wanting to believe what I was seeing, but reality became undeniable as they locked on her hair. That lovely wave of fiery, red hair. Sarah, my next door neighbor and longest crush, the girl Tara and I witnessed get thoroughly dicked down while we jerked off together, climbed onto the bed, leaned in, and kissed Tara passionately. Tara melted. Kissing her way down Tara's neck, Sarah's hand drifted down over one of Tara's perfect breasts and squeezed. Tara moaned, and her legs pulled up and wrapped around Sarah's body. The movement bunched her skirt up around her waist, and from my vantage point I could see the cheek of her ass peeking out from her black panties. Sarah continued her travels down Tara's writhing body, briefly kissing and squeezing all the landmarks, but with a destination firmly evident. Her lips traipsed over the bunch of Tara's skirt, and she wrapped one arm around an exposed thigh as she pushed her face between my best friend's legs. Tara gasped. Kisses peppered her panty-clad cunt as her breasts heaved up and down in overwhelming sensation. Then Sarah suddenly stopped, planting a couple kisses on Tara's thigh as she pulled away. Looping her fingers through the band of Tara's panties, Sarah stood up, and pulled. Tara smiled, lifting her ass as Sarah slid the panties down her legs, off and over her boots. Any concern for me being in the room was gone now, and Tara was overcome with lust. Her hands ran over her own thighs as they butterflied open, giving me a full view of my best friend's sopping wet cunt. I had seen her perfect tits, I had seen her body shudder and shake with orgasm, but I had never seen her cunt. Now here it was on full display. Her lips were swollen and wide with desire, glistening with moisture in the low lamp light, and there wasn't a strand of hair anywhere; she was fully, smoothly shaven. I wasn't sure when the last time I had taken a breath was. I was overcome with a million conflicting emotions. I felt betrayed that Tara was in a relationship with the girl she knew I had lusted after for years. I also knew I had no right to feel that way. I was jealous of both of them. I was guilty that I was watching this so clandestinely. On top of this all, however, I was hard as a fucking rock. Reaching down and grasping the hem of her sweater vest, Sarah shimmied her hips as she pulled it up and over her head. She then made a show of it as she started unbuttoning her blouse. Tara smiled and drifted her hand down between her legs. She dipped her finger into her wet cunt, and began slowly rubbing herself as she watched Sarah undress. I couldn't see the reveal of Sarah's ample breasts and tight stomach, but as her blouse fell away, I found the smooth swoop of her back to be intoxicating. Then, with a shimmy of her hips, she turned her back to Tara and I was greeted with a full view of her stomach and bra-encased tits. Those tits. Oh, my God. Large and pale, they sat high in a lacy bra thin enough to see her hard nipples through. Sarah undid her belt, and with a sexy cock of her hips began to peel her tight jeans down her legs. I got a good deep look at her full cleavage as she bent over, and my cock throbbed. Straightening back up, she looked back over her shoulder at Tara, smiled, and reached up and unsnapped her bra. Tara stood up off the bed and embraced Sarah from behind, wrapping her arms around the redhead's scantily clad body. Tara ran her hands all over Sarah, kissing and licking at her neck and collarbone as she explored. Sarah sighed, and gyrated her ass tight against Tara's crotch. Both breathing heavy now, Tara slid her hands up to the cups of Sarah's bra, and in full view of my voyeuristic eyes, almost like she was doing it for my benefit, my best friend pulled the fabric away and set Sarah's large, beautiful tits free. My hand went to my cock and squeezed. Tara pushed Sarah's tits together, eliciting a deep moan from the redhead. Sliding under them, Tara lifted those hefty breasts, almost presenting them, and then pinched their hard, pink nipples between her fingers. Sarah gasped. My hand slowly lowered the zipper on my pants. This was so wrong, but I couldn't resist. Tara's hand slithered down Sarah's body, over her stomach, stopping briefly at the band of her panties before silently slipping inside. Sarah's hips began to gyrate as Tara bathed her fingers in the hot wetness I had literally dreamed about. My cock was practically screaming. Reaching in, I pulled it out through the fly of my pants. I could practically feel its throbbing heat without even touching it. Sarah turned around, grasped at Tara's shirt, and quickly pulled it up and over her head. Having no patience for the clasp of a bra, Sarah yanked Tara's bra down off her perfect tits, expressing a startled gasp from my best friend. Her hands gripped each globe, and she attacked them each with her mouth. Sucking, kissing, licking, Tara's tits soon glimmered with Sarah's wet saliva. Every time Sarah's lips latched on to a nipple, a short sexy moan escaped Tara's lips. Holding on for dear life at the erotic assault, Tara's breath heaved, and her hands gripped and kneaded at Sarah's full ass, desperately working the girl's panties off inch by inch. Stumbling forward, Sarah pushed Tara back down onto the edge of the bed; Tara's tits bounced playfully as her ass hit the mattress. Sarah bent over, sliding her panties all the way down her pale legs, giving me a full view of her ass, her cunt lips squeezed between her thighs. Tara just smiled, and used the moment to remove her boots and climb fully onto the bed. I think I began to drool. Or at least my cock did. It stuck out firm and hard from my zipper and I was losing my self control. I wanted to be mad, I wanted to be angry, but more than that, fuck, I wanted to cum. Tara's legs butterflied open and closed again in anticipation; clearly an excited tick she had that I never knew about. It was adorable. It was sexy as hell. Her hand drifted back to her own throbbing, wet lips. Those glistening, aroused lips, I think I wanted to taste them. My finger idly traced along the length of my iron cock. A small, static shock of pleasure surged through me. Tara took in the view of the redheaded goddess before her and smiled just as Sarah took a step forward, grasped Tara's thighs, and slowly lowered to her knees on the floor. Tara repositioned herself, shimmied forward slightly, and let out a long, wet moan as my biggest crush's tongue began dancing all over my best friend's clit. It was all I could take. My hand gripped my firm cock and began to stroke. My eyes strained through the slats of the closet desperate to take in every bit of the erotic sight before me. Tara gasped and moaned, writhed and shook, as Sarah lapped and sucked. Her tits rose and fell, nipples reaching for the sky as her breath heaved in her chest. They jiggled delightfully every time she shifted to regain stability, or after an unexpected shock of sensation. There was no stopping me now, I was in a trance, stroking my cock deliberately while transfixed by this sapphic exhibition. Tara hoisted herself up onto her hands so she could watch Sarah's tongue perform its magic. They locked eyes and Tara ran her hand lovingly through Sarah's ginger locks. Sarah's hand drifted down over one thick thigh to meet her tongue at Tara's dripping center. Stopping momentarily to catch her breath and lube up her fingers, Sarah's lips latched back on to Tara's clit and in one smooth motion she pushed two fingers deep into Tara's cunt. With a loud moan, Tara lost her stabilization and dropped back onto the mattress, her lovely tits bouncing wildly. Her breath was ragged and fast as Sarah slid fingers in and out of her wet cunt in time with the tongue playing pinball on her clit. Regaining her stabilization, at least on one elbow, she ran her hand back to Sarah's hair, but this wasn't a loving caress, this was a wanton grasp, a fist full of hair to hold on for dear life as Tara rocketed toward ultimate release. I stroked hard and fast as I watched my best friend's face crinkle and grimace, eyes squeezed shut, mouth dropping open in a pleasurable "O." Her moans came faster and shorter, tits jiggling with every breath, a slight, wet slurping no

Today's guest is Kelly Stradling, an entrepreneur, real estate agent, and interior designer based in Charleston, South Carolina.  She has over 2 decades in sales, marketing, construction, and real estate investment, while also having owned diverse businesses from a Yoga/ Pilates Studio, Clothing Boutique to a Construction Company.  In her latest endeavor, Cote Luxe,  she has combined her love of real estate, design and wealth building to assist clients in seeing their home dreams and visions come to life.   This conversation bridges the gap between business and mindfulness, providing you insight on entrepreneurship, passion, and what it means to live a more aligned life.  Some highlights we discuss are:  Knowing when to pause, pivot, and trust your intuition to make a change What alignment feels like, and when to know when you are out of alignment in work and life  Why sometimes passion isn't enough to start a business, and what you need to know  The moments in Kelly's day she holds to be most important, and how you can start to honor them as well  How we can create newness, intention, and adventure in our daily lives Resources: Gratisfied Healthified Online Magazine Instagram: @gratisfied @healthified Empower Bar Baking Mix  NEW Gratisfied Bars! Use the code HEALTHIFIED to save  ⁠Counting Colors Online Course ⁠ ⁠The Beauty of Blood Sugar Balance⁠

This Day in Legal History: Georgia Outlaws LynchingOn December 20, 1893, Georgia took a historical step by becoming the first state in the United States to outlaw lynching. This groundbreaking law declared lynching a criminal act, subject to a punishment of up to four years in prison. The enactment of this law was a response to the rampant and brutal practice of lynching, primarily targeting African Americans in the post-Civil War era.Despite the law's presence, its enforcement was another matter. The statute struggled to curb the barbaric practice, largely due to deep-seated racial prejudices and a lack of political will. This failure was notably highlighted by Ida Wells-Barnett, a prominent African American journalist and crusader against lynching. In her 1899 pamphlet titled "Lynch Law in Georgia," Wells-Barnett meticulously documented instances of lynching and the state's inability to enforce its own law effectively.Wells-Barnett's work served as a crucial document, shedding light on the harsh realities and ineffectiveness of the law in Georgia. Her detailed accounts provided a stark contrast to the legal intentions of the statute, revealing a disturbing continuation of racially motivated violence. The pamphlet not only exposed the failures of the legal system but also helped catalyze the anti-lynching movement nationally.This legislation in Georgia, while a legal landmark, underscored the complexities and challenges in addressing deeply entrenched social evils through law alone. The ongoing struggle against lynching highlighted the necessity for a combination of legal reform, societal change, and relentless advocacy. The efforts of individuals like Wells-Barnett were instrumental in keeping the spotlight on this critical issue, ultimately contributing to the broader civil rights movement in the United States.WilmerHale, a Big Law firm, is conducting an investigation into the sudden dismissal and subsequent reinstatement of Sam Altman as CEO of OpenAI, a Microsoft-backed startup. This probe aims to aid OpenAI in regaining trust and credibility, while also allowing WilmerHale to recover from its controversial handling of a congressional hearing involving two university presidents. Experts like James Park from UCLA and Simon Gaugush, a former federal prosecutor, see this investigation as crucial for restoring faith among OpenAI's employees and investors, especially after the turmoil caused by Altman's brief ouster.WilmerHale has a history of advising on high-profile crises, having worked with clients like Meta Platforms Inc. and PurduePharma. However, its reputation suffered a setback when it was criticized for the advice given to Harvard and University of Pennsylvania presidents during a hearing on antisemitism. Despite this, OpenAI chose WilmerHale for its expertise in crisis management, just days after the firm's mishap at the congressional hearing.Sam Altman's abrupt firing was reportedly due to a lack of candor with OpenAI's board. This event led to a leadership shakeup and a restructuring of the board, which now includes a non-voting observer from Microsoft. The investigation by WilmerHale, led by Hallie Levin and Anjan Sahni, is expected to delve into the circumstances surrounding Altman's dismissal and scrutinize OpenAI's corporate structure.Corporate boards often prefer law firm-led investigations as they can identify internal issues while maintaining attorney-client privilege. These probes, according to Jason de Bretteville, a partner at Stradling, are typically aimed at uncovering compliance failures and preempting any stakeholder challenges. The outcome of WilmerHale's investigation, especially whether it will result in a public report, remains to be seen. However, given the regulatory scrutiny over OpenAI's partnership with Microsoft, maintaining secrecy could potentially harm the company's public image.OpenAI Probe Is WilmerHale Test After College President DebacleDonald Trump was disqualified from appearing on Colorado's presidential primary ballot by the state's Supreme Court, citing his alleged involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. This ruling is based on Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which bars anyone engaged in insurrection from holding federal office. However, a lower court previously ruled that while Trump's actions could be considered insurrection, this section doesn't apply to presidents. The Colorado Supreme Court's decision is currently on hold pending review by the U.S. Supreme Court, to which Trump plans to appeal.The case raises unprecedented legal issues, especially since Section 3 of the 14th Amendment is rarely invoked and the U.S. Supreme Court, with a conservative majority including three Trump appointees, has shown skepticism towards expanding court powers. The dissenting justices in the Colorado decision emphasized that Trump hadn't been criminally convicted of insurrection and lacked basic rights such as subpoena power in this case.Trump's campaign has denounced the ruling as undemocratic, planning a swift appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. They argue that these disqualification efforts in Colorado and other states are politically motivated attempts to prevent him from holding office.The impact of this ruling on the 2024 election might be limited, as Colorado, a state with Democratic leanings, is not crucial for Trump's electoral success. However, similar lawsuits in more pivotal states could influence the election, with judges likely to consider the Colorado ruling in their decisions.Meanwhile, disqualification cases against Trump in over 12 states have seen mixed outcomes. Courts in Michigan, New Hampshire, Florida, and Minnesota have dismissed similar cases, often on procedural or jurisdictional grounds, indicating that courts generally resist unilaterally disqualifying candidates from ballots.Why was Trump removed from Colorado ballot and what does it mean? | ReutersTrump's Legal, Political Fate Rests With Supreme Court He ShapedCivil rights groups, led by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), filed a lawsuit challenging a new Texas law (SB4) that increases state powers to arrest, prosecute, and deport individuals for illegal border crossings. This law, signed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, conflicts with the federal government's authority under the U.S. Constitution to enforce immigration laws, according to the lawsuit. SB4, effective from March, criminalizes illegal entry or re-entry into Texas from a foreign country and empowers state and local law enforcement to act on these violations. It also authorizes state judges to order deportations, with severe penalties for non-compliance.The ACLU argues that this law, one of the most stringent state-led immigration measures in the U.S., could result in racial profiling, particularly against Brown and Black communities. The lawsuit also contends that SB4 illegally prevents migrants from seeking asylum or other humanitarian protections in the U.S. El Paso County, Texas, one of the plaintiffs, anticipates a significant increase in arrests due to this law, straining its resources and conflicting with its policy to incarcerate only high-risk individuals.Governor Abbott defends the law as a necessary response to the Biden administration's failure to curb illegal migration. However, legal experts, like Cornell Law School's Stephen Yale-Loehr, have pointed out the law's vulnerability to legal challenges based on a 2012 Supreme Court ruling that immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sees the law as an opportunity for the Supreme Court to revisit this precedent.This lawsuit is part of a series of legal challenges faced by Texas under its Operation Lone Star, aimed at deterring illegal border crossings. These include court rulings against Texas' measures such as installing razor wire fencing and floating barriers along the Mexico border.Lawsuit challenges Texas efforts to restrict illegal border crossings | ReutersIn Florida, a new bill is being proposed to regulate the collection of biometric data, such as fingerprints, from the deceased by funeral homes. This legislation was prompted by Mark Cady-Archilla, who discovered his mother's fingerprints were scanned and shared with Legacy Touch, a company that creates keepsakes, without his consent. The Florida bill, unique in its focus on the deceased, requires funeral homes to disclose in writing what data they collect and why, and whether it is sold to third parties, giving legal representatives the option to opt out.This move in Florida is part of a broader legislative interest in biometric privacy, with laws in other states like Illinois, Texas, and Washington already providing biometric privacy rights to living residents. However, the collection of biometric data from the deceased often falls outside current laws. Federal courts have held that privacy rights end at death, and funeral industry practices vary widely.Legacy Touch, which partners with funeral homes to collect and transfer fingerprint scans, states that homes do not legally need permission to scan fingerprints but should communicate with families. They also offer commissions to funeral homes for orders placed. The National Funeral Directors Association recommends obtaining written consent for fingerprint collection.In Massachusetts, a policy requires consent for the removal of personal materials, including fingerprints or DNA, from a deceased body. This policy came into effect after a family was upset to learn about the collection of a decedent's fingerprints for jewelry offerings.Cady-Archilla, who filed a civil suit against the funeral home that handled his mother's body, argues for the need to protect the deceased's privacy. He emphasizes the importance of dignity and informed consent in handling the remains of loved ones.The Florida bill, if passed, could set a precedent in regulating biometric data collection from the deceased, potentially influencing similar legislation in other states. It raises questions about the nature of biometric data and the rights of individuals after death, as well as the responsibilities of companies and funeral homes in handling such sensitive information.Florida Tests Waters for Privacy Law With Focus on Dead People Get full access to Minimum Competence - Daily Legal News Podcast at www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

Derek Muller, a professor at Notre Dame Law School, discusses the Special Counsel asking the Supreme Court to decide whether Donald Trump is entitled to absolute presidential immunity against criminal charges over his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. Shawn Collins, an attorney at Stradling who advises companies on consumer litigation, discusses consumer class action lawsuits against Sephora and Target over their “clean” beauty product claims. June Grasso hosts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Derek Muller, a professor at Notre Dame Law School, discusses the Special Counsel asking the Supreme Court to decide whether Donald Trump is entitled to absolute presidential immunity against criminal charges over his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. Shawn Collins, an attorney at Stradling who advises companies on consumer litigation, discusses consumer class action lawsuits against Sephora and Target over their “clean” beauty product claims. June Grasso hosts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Il est l'homme qui a inspiré l'histoire de Robinson Crusoé. Ce marin écossais est resté pendant quatre ans et quatre mois seul sur une île du Pacifique. Son nom: Alexandre Selkirk. Au fil de son aventure, découvrez son Fabuleux Destin. Un marin turbulent Alexander Selkirk est né à Lower Largo en Ecosse en 1676. Il est le 7e et dernier garçon de John Selkirk, un tanneur. Alexandre est un garçon turbulent qui se montre vite sombre et violent.  En 1695, alors agé de 19 ans, Alexandre quitte l'Ecosse. Suite à une affaire de “tenue indécente dans une église”, il décide de prendre la mer pour fuir sa communauté. Le jeune homme s'engage aux côtés du corsaire et célèbre explorateur William Dampier. Son seul but: gagner beaucoup d'argent. Replongeons-nous dans le contexte historique de l'époque A ce moment là, la puissance mondiale est l'Espagne. Les espagnols s'enrichissent des denrées en or de l'Amérique tout juste découverte. C'est pourquoi Dampier monte une expédition de deux navires, le Cinque Ports et le St Georges. L'expédition s'avère laborieuse et Alexandre, maintenant navigateur expérimenté est souvent à la tête des mutins à bord. Alexander le naufragé Nous sommes en octobre. Más a Tierra, située à 650 km à l'ouest des côtes chiliennes est la plus grande île de l'archipel Juan Fernández. Un bateau débarque sur ses côtes. Il s'agit du Cinque Ports. Le capitaine est Thomas Stradling et Alexandre Selkirk le maître d'équipage. Le bateau est fortement endommagé. Il a survécu à plusieurs batailles face à l'empire espagnol. Les vers en rongent petit à petit la coque. Le capitaine décide de s'arrêter sur l'île pour faire le plein d'eau et de nourriture. Alexandre en profite pour essayer de faire entendre à Stradling qu'il est nécessaire de réparer le bateau. Le capitaine n'en a que faire et Alexandre refuse de remonter à bord. Il essaye de convaincre le reste de l'équipage d'en faire de même. Ces derniers refusent. Alexandre se retrouve seul au milieu du Pacifique. Il voit le navire repartir, près à sombrer. Pour découvrir d'autres récits passionnants, cliquez ci-dessous : Conor McGregor, l'un des plus grands champions de MMA L'affaire Natascha Kampusch, l'enfant séquestrée pendant 3 096 jours L'affaire des faux carnets d'Adolf Hitler, l'une des plus grandes supercheries de l'Histoire Un podcast Bababam Originals Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Quick content warning: Plouffe notes at the beginning of the episode that the lyrical content of the album features talk of sexual assault and suicide. On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe listen to Plouffe's next pick, The Distillers Coral Fang. Their third studio album, and only major label release, Coral Fang came out in 2003 to positive critical reviews. Stradling the line between punk and grunge music, the album produced three singles, two of which charted. The tour supporting the album went from 2003 to 2004 and when it ended, the band never released another studio album. Some controversy ensued because the album was recorded and released in the midst frontwoman Brody Dalle's divorce from her then husband, Tim Armstrong, the frontman for the punk band Rancid. Speculation swirled in both the media and the fanbases for both The Distillers and Rancid as to whether the album was about the divorce. The album was released with two different covers, one the original artwork by Tim Presley, and another 'safe' artwork which was sanitized for sale in stores such as Walmart. Will the boys stir up controversy with their verdicts? Come along and find out!

Super STEM Saturday is a free science festival held on March 11, 2023, at California State University San Marcos. Daren Wade is the Director of General Atomics' Aeronautical Systems Integration Group (EIG) and has been involved with the event since 2010. Daren shares how the event engages young engineers and students curious about learning more about how the world works. General Atomics is an event sponsor along with ViaSat, Thermo Fisher Scientific, County of San Diego, Hologic, Encodia, Tri-City Medical Center, Nordson, CalSense, Cox Communications, The Difference Card, Erickson-Hall Construction, Kaiser Permanente, Pacific Western Bank, RBC Capital Markets, Stradling, Young, Minney & Corr, LLP, Cigna, North Island Credit Union, and HME. This free, rain-or-shine event is from 10:00 am-4:00 pm. Learn more here.View the event flyer here

In this sermon, guest speaker Thomas Stradling shares with us about missionaries around the world, and how we can have strength in our weakness when sharing the Gospel. He also tells us six things we can do to affect the unreached world. Thanks for listening! LAKEVIEW MISSIONARY CHURCH, 810 S. Evergreen Dr., Moses Lake, WA 98837, 509-765-5270, www.LakeviewMissionaryChurch.com Pastor Christopher sends a weekly update to our church every Wednesday with an encouraging article, prayer requests, and announcements. Subscribe here, http://eepurl.com/hC7SHD Scripture taken from the New American Standard Bible, Copyright The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995. Used by permission.

Nick Stradling talks to Siôn Jobbins about his World Cup Football and Euro films, and Wales in the Movies. In English/Yn Saesneg. Series 4 Episode 10. Link to Youtube chat: https://youtu.be/9FBh2c-VY9A Other Links: Wales in The Movies: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzHLBJw80AyLdPbaQ779UBg Spirit of '22: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXi9bx_b3cY

Today I am delighted to have 2 of my podcasting inspirations on the panel- the Rotoscopers' Chelsea Robson and Morgan Stradling Check out Morgan's youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/morganstradling Check out Morgan's website http://www.morganstradling.com/about/ Check out Rotoscopers.com https://www.rotoscopers.com/ Check out Chelsea on instagram https://www.instagram.com/chelsearobson/?hl=en Check out the Rotoscopers podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/animation-addicts-podcast-disney-pixar-animated-movie/id501373557 Get our awesome Female Film Critics Speak Out logo at our merch store for all kinds of designs for mugs, masks, shirts and more https://www.teepublic.com/stores/hallmarkies?ref_id=8581 For all our Female Film Critics panels https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7wz447AgL4y6x38rcvZNfRlfYQUgWpDP Check out the Online Association of Female Film Critics https://oaffc.com/ Check out Cherry Picks https://www.thecherrypicks.com Please support my content on patreon at https://www.patreon.com/hallmarkies Listen o Hallmarkies Podcast at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hallmarkies-podcast/id1296728288 Follow Rachel's Reviews on Itunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/rachels-reviews/id1278536301?mt=2 Follow Rachel's Reviews at https://rachelsreviews.net Follow Rachel on twitter https://twitter.com/rachel_reviews Follow Rachel on facebook https://www.facebook.com/smilingldsgirlreviews/ Find the patreon at https://www.patreon.com/hallmarkies Check out Hallmarkies Twitter at https://twitter.com/HallmarkiesPod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 65 It's the season finale! And what a finale! Today I am joined by Morgan Stradling of the Rotoscopers, and we're talking all about one of the most beloved animated adaptations of A Christmas Carol, Mickey's Christmas Carol! Make sure you also check out the Q&A episode I did with Morgan over on I Heart Movies! https://anchor.fm/iheartpodcast/episodes/Catch--Fire-with-Morgan-Stradling-of-The-Rotoscopers-e1cbn61 Follow Morgan Online! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganstradling YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MorganStradling Website: https://www.morganstradling.com Rotoscopers: http://www.rotoscopers.com Podcast: https://www.rotoscopers.com/category/podcasts Closing Music Courtesy of Kaleb Brasse - https://www.youtube.com/c/kbrasee For links to my latest episodes & videos, social media, and more, check out my Link Tree! https://linktr.ee/jonjnorth --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/everyversionever/support

Episode 120 It's the final episode of 2021! Today I am joined by Morgan Stradling of the Rotoscopers, and we're talking all about one of the most beloved animated adaptations of A Christmas Carol, Mickey's Christmas Carol! Follow Morgan Online! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganstradlingYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MorganStradlingWebsite: https://www.morganstradling.comRotoscopers: http://www.rotoscopers.comPodcast: https://www.rotoscopers.com/category/podcasts Closing Music Courtesy of Kaleb Brasse - https://www.youtube.com/c/kbrasee For links to my latest episodes & videos, social media, and more, check out my Link Tree! https://linktr.ee/jonjnorth --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/iheartpodcast/message

Episode 119 Leading into our final Christmas episode of 2021, Morgan Stradling is joining me to talk all about her favorite movies, Disney, animated, and otherwise. And make sure to come back soon for the next episode, talking all about Mickey's Christmas Carol! Follow Morgan Online! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganstradling YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MorganStradling Website: https://www.morganstradling.com Rotoscopers: http://www.rotoscopers.com Podcast: https://www.rotoscopers.com/category/podcasts For links to my latest episodes & videos, social media, and more, check out my Link Tree! https://linktr.ee/jonjnorth --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/iheartpodcast/message

Today's Living Your One True Authentic Life podcast is an inspiring interview with Cindy Stradling, the founder of the Courage In Action Organization.  When Cindy asked herself, “What if?” she had no idea how much joy that seemingly inconsequential question would bring to her life.  Now, 8 years after she asked that question and put her idea out to a few friends, she is sharing her happier with many.  I loved getting to know Cindy and more about the “Courage in Action” Organization in today's interview.  We aren't all going to start a charitable organization with the answer to our “what if?”, but as Cindy points out, “What if your purpose is just to be the best you, you can be?”  She really is an inspiring woman.  I hope you enjoy getting to know this amazing woman as much as I did.  And, maybe you know someone who could benefit from the Courage In Action Organization.Resources I referenced this week:Here is the link to the Courage In Action website so you can find more about the amazing work they do.Don't forget we are running a new and improved 21 Day Happiness Challenge starting January 31st, 2022.  You can register here !

We welcome David Stradling in a special opportunity to get inside the head of a long term Harlow player. I'm not sure why he's coming on, what he's going to say and how potty mouth he's going to be, but it's a deep (short) dark wobbly place so here goes, bleep machine at the ready, no risk no reward..

Stradling the line between a full-time corporate job and your side hustle is a tough balancing act. Throw being a mom on top of it and you get Rebecca Muriuki. Rebecca is a corporate side hustler with a full-time corporate job at one of the largest global audit firms. She also runs multiple side hustles all while being a mompreneur. Rebecca joins us on this episode of The Corporate Side Hustler to share how you can streamline your side hustle by getting organized, putting systems in place, and outsourcing or automating tasks. You don't want to miss this episode if you're feeling overwhelmed juggling your corporate job and side hustle. Tune in and stop stressing as you streamline your side hustle. Episode Highlights Why organization is key to juggling a full-time corporate job and your side hustle (3:05) The importance of getting a system in place (especially for solopreneurs) (6:55) Auditing your business to figure out what to outsource or automate (11:59) Using tools like project management softwares to create a workflow (16:30) Thank you for tuning in this week! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe for more on how to build your authority and audience on the gram while juggling all the things and other tips on building your side-hustle from myself and our amazing guests! Connect with Rebecca https://rebeccakay.co/ Plan and Organize Your Business in a Day https://www.instagram.com/thisisrebeccakay/ Busy to Boss Moms Facebook Group Connect with Lisa: http://www.thecorporatesidehustler.com/bingeworthy https://www.thecorporatesidehustler.com/podcast https://anchor.fm/thecorporatematchmaker https://www.instagram.com/thecorporatesidehustler

Zach Stradling was the first Software Engineer on the original Trainual team. He joins Brittany to discuss how he grew an engineering team from 2 to 15 (spoiler: they are hiring!), how to define engineering culture and their use of service objects.

Zach Stradling was the first Software Engineer on the original Trainual team. He joins Brittany to discuss how he grew an engineering team from 2 to 15 (spoiler: they are hiring!), how to define engineering culture and their use of service objects.

Zach Stradling was the first Software Engineer on the original Trainual team. He joins Brittany to discuss how he grew an engineering team from 2 to 15 (spoiler: they are hiring!), how to define engineering culture and their use of service objects.

Zach Stradling was the first Software Engineer on the original Trainual team. He joins Brittany to discuss how he grew an engineering team from 2 to 15 (spoiler: they are hiring!), how to define engineering culture and their use of service objects.

Zach Stradling was the first Software Engineer on the original Trainual team. He joins Brittany to discuss how he grew an engineering team from 2 to 15 (spoiler: they are hiring!), how to define engineering culture and their use of service objects.

Cindy Stradling is founder of Courage In Action, an organization that helps women coming from difficult circumstances move forward in their lives. Cindy is passionate about this because the circumstances of her early childhood led her to make choices in her life including living in an abusive relationship. She talks about what was happening at the time that enabled her the courage to leave her abusive situation and what she continued doing to create a new and amazing life for herself. She now helps other women do the same. Today is all about rising up from the feeling of not good enough. -- Today we talk about Rising up from not feeling good enough. She has so many great lessons to share. -- Cindy shares: ✔️ how her early childhood put her on a path of feeling not good enough. ✔️ she shares what her abusive relationship looked like and how she got out of it. ✔️ the turning point that shifted her life in a different direction. ✔️ education is key for helping people overcome their circumstances. ✔️ strategies for overcoming yourself. -- About Cindy Stradling Facilitator, entrepreneur and resilience coach. I truly believe each and everyone one of us has untapped potential! I am passionate about working with a team of powerful women on the Courage in Action Board and Committees to support the women we serve to move forward confidently in their lives. Honoured to provide the women we serve access to resources that can provide them with the inspiration, tools and build the skills to live THEIR best life. -- Social media links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindystradling/ https://www.facebook.com/cindy.stradling.9 https://www.facebook.com/Courage-In-Action-104701348157904 https://www.linkedin.com/company/courage-in-action/?viewAsMember=true

Episode 16: Michelle Stradling and her husband, Jesse, ended up in Melissa, Texas, because of the water tower. Not really. But kind of. They have a fun, adventurous story that got them from Arizona to Texas and ultimately to Melissa. They moved to town in the middle of a global pandemic, but that didn't keep them from falling head-over-heels in love with their new community. City of Melissa: https://www.cityofmelissa.com/Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

East Valley Leader Lab with Timm Esque and Amanda Stradling East Valley Leader Lab is a unique local resource focused on helping leaders see the power of personal commitment and the role embodied practices play in cultivating commitment to support a future that will surely need more true leaders in other words people who […] The post East Valley Leader Lab with Timm Esque and Amanda Stradling appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

In this episode Paul Eynon talks to Kev Harman about Fleabag, Thailand, Stradling's team talks, leaving Stortford behind and possible post match interviews. Alongside what is happening in the Rams this coming season.  Enjoy! 

Coach, speaker, and author, Cindy Stradling brings over 25 years of practical hands on business experience to her work.   This is where Cindy is today, not where she started.  She has developed unwavering resilience through her journey and is able to coach others how they can too. Cindy inspires others to be their personal best and keep moving toward their goals and gets how tough it can be to get started, stay motivated and ultimately prevail.Cindy brings a breadth of experience and richness to her training and coaching sessions that clients say provides a deep dedication and level of understanding of what it takes to create breakthrough results. She is upbeat and energetic, creating a fun and uplifting, sustainable learning environment.She works with entrepreneurs, individuals, and corporations such as Wakefield Canada, 3M Canada, Scotia McLeod, CIBC, CGI, Express Scripts, Kenaidan Contracting, MMM Group and many more.Find Cindy online;Website: https://cindystradling.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindystradlingTwitter - https://twitter.com/cindy_stradling

Bruce Feuchter is a partner with Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth, a Southern California law firm and member of the International Lawyers Network. In this episode, Lindsay and Bruce chat about the challenges of business development in a pandemic, why phone calls are better than email when it comes to your clients, and how to engage with your lawyers and professionals over the challenging issues that arise as part of a pandemic.

As Southeastern Pennsylvania moves into the state's “Yellow Phase” for economic reopening, many local businesses are pulling double duty – working to reopen their doors AND understand what comes next with their participation in the government's Paycheck Protection Program. In this episode, we're joined by Randy Stradling, Credit Officer II with Penn Community Bank, to better understand the PPP and how recent changes will impact participating employers. In our conversation we get a glimpse at the unprecedented volume of lending through the program, what Congressional and agency changes mean for loan forgiveness applications, and what comes next comes next for borrowers. ---- If you enjoyed today's episode, be sure to subscribe and leave us a rating. And, as always, keep up with the latest from Penn Community Bank by following us on social media: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn For more information about this podcast, links to past episodes, or to learn more about Community-first banking, just visit PennCommunityBank.com/podcast ---- Mutual Growth is the official podcast of Penn Community Bank - member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. It is produced for the benefit of current and prospective customers and partner organizations. This program is provided to you solely for educational and entertainment purposes. The information contained herein is based on sources believed to be reliable, but is not represented to be complete and its accuracy is not guaranteed. The opinions, views, and estimates expressed are those of the producer at this date and are subject to change without notice. Please email marketing@penncommunitybank.com regarding booking or repurposing of any part of this podcast.

The director of Waverley Abbey College and Head of Counselling, on why the challenges of mental health needs to be part of every leader's outlook. 

The director of Waverley Abbey College and Head of Counselling, on whether counselling might form part of a leader's ministry

Il est l’homme qui a inspiré l’histoire de Robinson Crusoé. Ce marin écossais est Resté pendant quatre ans et quatre mois seul sur une île du Pacifique. Son nom: Alexandre Selkirk. Au fil de son aventure, découvrez sa True Story.Un marin turbulentAlexander Selkirk est né à Lower Largo en Ecosse en 1676. Il est le 7e et dernier garçon de John Selkirk, un tanneur. Alexandre est un garçon turbulent qui se montre vite sombre et violent. En 1695, alors agé de 19 ans, Alexandre quitte l’Ecosse. Suite à une affaire de “tenue indécente dans une église”, il décide de prendre la mer pour fuir sa communauté. Le jeune homme s’engage aux côtés du corsaire et célèbre explorateur William Dampier. Son seul but: gagner beaucoup d’argent.Replongeons-nous dans le contexte historique de l’époque A ce moment là, la puissance mondiale est l’Espagne. Les espagnols s’enrichissent des denrées en or de l’Amérique tout juste découverte.C’est pourquoi Dampier monte une expédition de deux navires, le Cinque Ports et le St Georges. L’expédition s’avère laborieuse et Alexandre, maintenant navigateur expérimenté est souvent à la tête des mutins à bord.Alexander le naufragéNous sommes en octobre. Más a Tierra, située à 650 km à l’ouest des côtes chiliennes est la plus grande île de l’archipel Juan Fernández. Un bateau débarque sur ses côtes.Il s’agit du Cinque Ports. Le capitaine est Thomas Stradling et Alexandre Selkirk le maître d’équipage.Le bateau est fortement endommagé. Il a survécu à plusieurs batailles face à l’empire espagnol. Les vers en rongent petit à petit la coque.Le capitaine décide de s’arrêter sur l’île pour faire le plein d’eau et de nourriture.Alexandre en profite pour essayer de faire entendre à Stradling qu’il est nécessaire de réparer le bateau. Le capitaine n’en a que faire et Alexandre refuse de remonter à bord. Il essaye de convaincre le reste de l'équipage d’en faire de même. Ces derniers refusent. Alexandre se retrouve seul au milieu du Pacifique. Il voit le navire repartir, près à sombrer. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

I was sick and couldn’t talk so I let these faggots speak --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In the summer of 1969 the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland, Ohio, defied the laws of nature and caught fire. Time covered the event and cemented the fire’s place in national lore. The story that followed says this fire captured the country’s attention and brought to light the environmental hazards not only in Cleveland but in the country as a whole. And it went on to spark the modern environmental movement. This all sounds like such a nice, tidy story. But in reality things were much more complicated and involved politics, the space race, and just plain timing. Credits Hosts: Alexis Pedrick and Elisabeth Berry Drago Reporter: Larry Buhl Senior Producer: Mariel Carr Producer: Rigoberto Hernandez Audio Engineer: James Morrison Music courtesy of the Audio Network Research Notes “Carl Stokes and the River Fire.” National Park Service. Last updated May 2, 2019.  “The Cuyahoga River Fire: A New Mayor Tackles an Old Problem.” CSU Digital Humanities. YouTube video, 01:07, August 6, 2010. “The Cuyahoga River Fire, Part 1: Don’t Fall in the River.” CSU Center for Public History and Digital Humanities. Video, 01:23, 2010. “Cuyahoga River Pollution Ohio 1967.” YouTube video, 04:45, March 20, 2010.  Cuyahoga River Restoration. Doyle, Jack. “Burn On, Big River…,” Cuyahoga River Fires, PopHistoryDig.com, May 12, 2014.  Heaton, Michael. “Burning River Fest Parties in the Name of the Environment.” Plain Dealer, July 19, 2012. Holt, Lawrence R., and Diane Garey, dir. The Return of the Cuyahoga. 2008. Oley, PA: Bullfrog Films.  Rotman, Michael. “Cuyahoga River Fire.” Cleveland Historical Society, April 27, 2017.  Scott, Michael. “Scientists Monitor Cuyahoga River Quality to Adhere to Clean Water Act.” Plain Dealer, April 12, 2009. Stradling, David, and Richard Stradling. Where the River Burned: Carl Stokes and the Struggle to Save Cleveland. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press, 2015.  “Year of the River: A Look at the Cuyahoga River 40 Years after It Caught Fire.” Special series, Plain Dealer, 2011.

Josh Payne of Stack Commerce, Lauren Schulte of The FLEX Company, and Lidia Yan of NEXT Trucking captivate the audience with the stories of how they identified their niche, created their service, and continue improving to set themselves up for success—Ian Smith of Stradling moderates.

This week our guest is Bruce Feuchter, a Shareholder in the Newport Beach office of Stradling, where he has practiced since 1981. He specializes in corporate securities, corporate and general finance transactions and has represented investors, publicly held and privately held companies at various stages of their existence.

Episode 12: “Ohio v. Pollution” (Cuyahoga River Fire). Alex sits down with author and professor Dr. David Stradling to discuss the infamous Cuyahoga River fire of 1969. We analyze Cleveland’s role in the modern environmental movement by discussing David and Richard Stradling’s book, Where the River Burned. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UBWLHKO/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1 We look at the causes and sources of the absurd pollution of Lake Erie and the entire Northeast Ohio region. We ask Dr. Straddling if the burning river is responsible for the creation of the EPA in 1970 and the Clean Water Act of 1972. Stradling discusses the role of Mayor Carl Stokes in the cleanup efforts in Cleveland and why the burning river had such a profound effect on the world. Alex and David look at the mythology surrounding the river fire and many of the untruths that have permeated the consciousness of Clevelanders and its national perception in light of the fire. On this episodes’ Ohio History Connection Minute we are joined by Jen Aultman of the OHC and John Hancock from World Heritage Ohio. Jen and John lay out the efforts to place the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks on the United Nations’ World Heritage list. (30:00) Ohio v. The World is supported by our friends at GoBus! Go to www.ridegobus.com for a list of cheap rates and routes around the Buckeye State. Rate and review the show on iTunes and LIKE US on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ohiovtheworld/.

Opportunity is waiting for you. Sometimes you can access it by making a follow-up call, email or in-person meeting. But yet, not everyone does it. It's a shame because not following up can prevent you from attracting new bookkeeping clients, potential business partners or other rewards you've been searching for. Our returning guest is a master at following up. Cindy Stradling is a resilience coach, accomplished speaker and author. She has the skills and system that helped her align with great partners throughout her career and business life. She works with entrepreneurs, individuals and corporations (such as 3M Canada, Scotia McLeod and CIBC) to do what's needed to help them get where they need to go. During this interview, you'll discover... The importance of following up with your prospects Steps in making a strong follow-up call Why LinkedIn referrals are a trend you should investigate To find out more about Cindy, visit https://www.thesuccessfulbookkeeper.com.

In the first hour of our special live broadcast from CHI St. Alexius Health in Bismarck, hosts Frs. Josh and Justin Waltz began by visiting with Val Jundt and Donna Miller of FirstChoice Women’s Care Center about The Area's Largest Baby Shower and how Real Presence Radio, CHI, and churches around the area are helping support this great cause. Our hosts then joined student Dylan Stradling from Trinity High School in Dickinson to talk about his excitement for the upcoming March for Life. It was then time for our "Straight Talk" call-in segment. Listeners asked questions on topics including: how contraception is related to abortion and why the commercial media doesn't cover the March for Life.

In the first hour of our special live broadcast from CHI St. Alexius Health in Bismarck, hosts Frs. Josh and Justin Waltz began by visiting with Val Jundt and Donna Miller of FirstChoice Women’s Care Center about The Area's Largest Baby Shower and how Real Presence Radio, CHI, and churches around the area are helping support this great cause. Our hosts then joined student Dylan Stradling from Trinity High School in Dickinson to talk about his excitement for the upcoming March for Life. It was then time for our "Straight Talk" call-in segment. Listeners asked questions on topics including: how contraception is related to abortion and why the commercial media doesn't cover the March for Life.

Resilience is the key to dealing with change, stress and adversity. Whether you are an entrepreneur who wants to make more money and experience more success, an individual looking for professional development program or an organization interested in giving your employees new skills and tools to work more effectively, our returning guest has the information to help everyone become more resilient. Facilitator, coach, speaker, sales consultant and author, Cindy Stradling brings over 25 years of practical hands on business experience to her work. She has developed unwavering resilience through her journey and has developed her sales and resilience programs to show others how they can too. During this interview, you'll discover... The keys to lasting resilience The right tools you can thrive in times of change How to develop new coping techniques needed when life throws you a curveball To find out more about Cindy Stradling, visit https://www.thesuccessfulbookkeeper.com.

Our guest, Cindy Stradling, who is a resilience coach, has faced many difficult life challenges as a single mother with very little education and has developed the mental fortitude to keep going no matter what. In getting from there to here, Cindy has shined shoes, waited tables, cleaned houses and was a parking lot attendant while building her business. Undeniably, she knows firsthand what resilience is. She has developed it through her journey and has developed a program, Thrive, to inspire others to be their personal best and keep moving toward their goals. If you set your mindset right and have discipline, you can be successful at whatever you want to do in life. During this interview, you'll also discover... The importance of knowing your goals and objectives How the value of consistent approach will help you What are the keys to overcoming the fear of cold calls and sales To find out more about Cindy, visit https://www.thesuccessfulbookkeeper.com.

Cindy Stradling, CSP, CPC, Author, Facilitator, Keynote Speaker, Sales Agent and Coach, Cindy Stradling brings over 25 years of practical hands on business experience to her work. Cindy believes each of us has untapped potential and loves the growth individuals experience with effective training and coaching.Cindy works with Scarborough Women’s Centre delivering personal empowerment programs. She is also the founder of the annual Women Moving Forward Conference where women are celebrated for their courage to move forward in their lives in spite of difficult circumstances.Cindy owns and operates Athena Training and Consulting and with corporations such as Canon Canada, 3M Canada, Scotia McLeod, BMO,CIBC, RSA Canada, Marsh and Mercer, Express Scripts Canada, Wunderman, Y & R.

Cindy Stradling, CSP, CPC, Author, Facilitator, Keynote Speaker, Sales Agent and Coach, Cindy Stradling brings over 25 years of practical hands on business experience to her work. Cindy believes each of us has untapped potential and loves the growth individuals experience with effective training and coaching.Cindy works with Scarborough Women’s Centre delivering personal empowerment programs. She is also the founder of the annual Women Moving Forward Conference where women are celebrated for their courage to move forward in their lives in spite of difficult circumstances.Cindy owns and operates Athena Training and Consulting and with corporations such as Canon Canada, 3M Canada, Scotia McLeod, BMO,CIBC, RSA Canada, Marsh and Mercer, Express Scripts Canada, Wunderman, Y & R.

Cindy Stradling is an unbelievable female entrepreneur and the owner of two companies - one is her resilience coaching and facilitating business and the other is called Athena Training & Consulting which specializes in corporate training. She has a lot of great sales takeaways so tune in now!

Sean Stradling's life is a testament to that powerful quote from George Eliot. Sean grew up feeling like he was never good enough. “I didn't do things right and still sometimes to this day I still suffer from the self-limiting beliefs that I'm not good enough.”Early on he discovered that alcohol and drugs were an easy path to “feel 10 feet tall, bulletproof, all that good stuff.”But, life just got more difficult as his drug use escalated, and he entered his first treatment center at age 15. It didn’t get better anytime soon. Treatment centers, time in jail, and a family that abandons him as he sinks deeper into depression.What finally happened was something he can't explain, but he remembers the last day he used. He recalls a blank empty feeling, and he looked up and said, “God, if you're real you got to help me because I got to quit, this is killing me.”“I think finally somewhere inside I realized I am going to die this way.”Following that powerful turning point in his life at age 33, Sean discovered the support he needed and the fortitude to create a new story. He was able to ask for help and has found a way to heal himself, and now helps others to find their path towards living a better life.Sean has found freedom from his past. With hard work and discipline, long-term recovery has become his reality.A certified Addiction Recovery Specialist and Recovery Coach, he works closely to guide and mentor others in recovery to find success as well. And as a parent of children who also struggle with their life choices, Sean often finds himself assisting parents through the difficult decisions they need to make to empower their children to seek a better life.Listen to this amazing and honest story of determination and challenge where Sean shows us to believe that our past does not define our future.Web - https://therecoverycorps.com/--Find out more at http://beyondhoperadio.com--Show sponsors:The Addictions Academy - The Nation’s Leading Accredited Addiction Treatment Services, Recovery/Sober Coaching & Intervention Training Academy: https://theaddictionsacademy.com/Hassle-Free Books - You have a message to share, it shouldn't be so difficult to get it out to the world. Become an author in a little as 45 days: http://hasslefreebooks.comBeyond Hope with Shar Joneshttps://businessinnovatorsradio.com/beyond-hope/

Sean Stradling's life is a testament to that powerful quote from George Eliot. Sean grew up feeling like he was never good enough. “I didn't do things right and still sometimes to this day I still suffer from the self-limiting beliefs that I'm not good enough.”Early on he discovered that alcohol and drugs were an easy path to “feel 10 feet tall, bulletproof, all that good stuff.”But, life just got more difficult as his drug use escalated, and he entered his first treatment center at age 15. It didn’t get better anytime soon. Treatment centers, time in jail, and a family that abandons him as he sinks deeper into depression.What finally happened was something he can't explain, but he remembers the last day he used. He recalls a blank empty feeling, and he looked up and said, “God, if you're real you got to help me because I got to quit, this is killing me.”“I think finally somewhere inside I realized I am going to die this way.”Following that powerful turning point in his life at age 33, Sean discovered the support he needed and the fortitude to create a new story. He was able to ask for help and has found a way to heal himself, and now helps others to find their path towards living a better life.Sean has found freedom from his past. With hard work and discipline, long-term recovery has become his reality.A certified Addiction Recovery Specialist and Recovery Coach, he works closely to guide and mentor others in recovery to find success as well. And as a parent of children who also struggle with their life choices, Sean often finds himself assisting parents through the difficult decisions they need to make to empower their children to seek a better life.Listen to this amazing and honest story of determination and challenge where Sean shows us to believe that our past does not define our future.Web - https://therecoverycorps.com/--Find out more at http://beyondhoperadio.com--Show sponsors:The Addictions Academy - The Nation’s Leading Accredited Addiction Treatment Services, Recovery/Sober Coaching & Intervention Training Academy: https://theaddictionsacademy.com/Hassle-Free Books - You have a message to share, it shouldn't be so difficult to get it out to the world. Become an author in a little as 45 days: http://hasslefreebooks.comBeyond Hope with Shar Joneshttps://businessinnovatorsradio.com/beyond-hope/

In the latest installment of the StrategiesLIVE Podcast, we tackle the timely topic of budgeting—helping you navigate this important initiative for your firm. Whether you have your budgeting process nailed down or are proposing one to your firm for the first time, it helps to always be aware of the latest in best practices. Jonathan Fitzgarrald, Managing Partner at Equinox Strategy Partners and Robin Gerard, the CMO at Stradling, trade stories on their experiences, providing tips and practical takeaways that can be applied to firms of all sizes. More from the magazine: https://www.legalmarketing.org/strategies

I talk to the director of Zinc, Heather Stradling, about her career in the arts, and the importance of getting as many people engaged in the arts as possible. Zinc specialises in helping disabled or otherwise disadvantaged people progress in the arts, and their website is www.zincarts.org.uk, and can also be found on twitter and facebook.

The Doctor Who classic series DVD range is approaching the end of its run, but not before a few momentous releases hit the shelves around the world in celebration of the programme's 50th anniversary. Who better to discuss what's to come than the very folks who have restored and enhanced Doctor Who in DVD form for the past several years? We present to you the Enlightenment DVD panel from Gallifrey One, with commissioning editor Dan Hall, Restoration Team founder Steve Roberts, documentary producer Ed Stradling, and writer/documentarian Nicholas Pegg. With The Tenth Planet, The Ice Warriors, and many other hotly anticipated releases discussed, this is not a panel to be missed! Also, our friend Luke from TMDWP drops by to tell the Three Who Rule about his experiences at his first ever Gallifrey One!  Check out the show notes at http://www.radiofreeskaro.com

Pursue your destiny. God has given all of us a vision to partner with him in his redemptive work.

Pursue your destiny. God has given all of us a vision to partner with him in his redemptive work.