Podcast appearances and mentions of Tommy Smith

Ryan Fox celebrated a victorious run at the Canadian Open - with some fellow Kiwi sporting figures showing up to cheer him on. The New Zealand golfer won the title in front of a group of the country's top men's footballers, who are in Toronto between games in an international friendly tournament. Veteran All Whites defender Tommy Smith was there - and he joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Pine returns to recap a full day in the world of sport! Highlights for tonight include: Ryan Fox's coach Marcus Wheelhouse on Fox winning the RBC Canadian Open. All Whites defender Tommy Smith on watching Fix during the Canadian Open. NZR head Mark Robinson on his decision to step down at the end of the year. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Championship play-off final reaction as Sunderland beat Sheffield United to reach the Premier League. Aaron Paul and Jobi McAnuff are joined by former Huddersfield play-off winner Tommy Smith. Also hear from match-winner Tommy Watson, Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris and Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder.02:45 Sunderland's young guns come up trumps 05:05 Tommy Watson INTERVIEW 10:55 Regis Le Bris INTERVIEW 13:00 Chris Wilder INTERVIEW 14:30 Burrows' disallowed goal 16:20 What next for Sheff Utd? 20:20 How will Sunderland adapt? 30:20 Milk, anyone?BBC Sounds / 5 Live Premier League final day commentaries: Sun 1600 Nottingham Forest v Chelsea on 5 Live, Sun 1600 Liverpool v Crystal Palace on Sports Extra 2, Sun 1600 Wolves v Brentford on Sports Extra 3.

We all know the saying, pressure makes diamonds. It's a wonderful theory, a beautiful axiom that is often delivered as a powerful reinforcement of the ability of athletes who exude titanium-like mental strength. We also know that pressure has the capability to wreak havoc. Pressure in the diving world can lead to nitrogen narcosis, oxygen toxicity and decompression sickness - more commonly and loosely known as the bends. Far from a precious rock. So how will Auckland FC behave under the most intense scrutiny that they have ever been subjected to? Melt under the blowtorch? Catch fire and burn to ashes through the concentrated glare of the A-League magnifying glass? Wilt? It's fair and right to say that the team have an almost irresistible momentum, their season has been one of almost mythical success, a fairytale if you will. Should they scale their Everest, it will become legend, one of the most extraordinary debut seasons in sport. Should they trip on the Hilary step and roll to their demise, the narrative will be one of a great season, but no cherry. There is no way of knowing which path this team will take, even with the influence of the uber successful Dan Hall, the hugely experienced Tommy Smith, the gatekeeper Alex Paulsen and the guiding light of one of the best coaches in the game, Steve Corica. No-one knows. Don't fear the unknown, that's where the magic is. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aaron Paul is joined by Jobi McAnuff and former play-off winning defender with Huddersfield Town, Tommy Smith to look ahead to the conclusion of the EFL season. Hear from Sheffield United forward Tyrese Campbell as they prepare for the Championship play-offs. Who'll join Leeds and Burnley in the Premier League next season and who'll be going up from League One and League Two? Plus, we'll reflect on Bradford's stoppage time winner to secure promotion, how Luton suffered back-to-back relegations and where some managerial changes have been made.Timecodes:05:00 Drama on the Championship final day 11:45 Sheffield United forward Tyrese Campbell 16:50 Championship Play-offs 25:20 Watford and Bristol Rovers sack their managers 29:10 League One play-offs 35:50 League Two play-offs 40:15 72 plus / 72 minusCommentaries this week: Wednesday 7th May CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: PSG v Arsenal, live on 5 Live. Thursday 8th May EUROPA LEAGUE: Bodo Glimt v Spurs, live on 5 Live. EUROPA LEAGUE: Manchester United v Athletic Club, live on 5 Sports Extra. Saturday 10th May WOMENS SUPER LEAGUE: Chelsea v Liverpool 1230 KO, live on 5 Sports Extra. PREMIER LEAGUE: Southampton v Manchester City 1500 KO, live on 5 Live. PREMIER LEAGUE: Bournemouth v Aston Villa 1730 KO, live on 5 Live. Sunday 11th May PREMIER LEAGUE: Nottingham Forest v Leicester 1415 KO, live on 5 Live. PREMIER LEAGUE: Manchester United v West Ham 1415 KO, live on 5 Sports Extra. PREMIER LEAGUE: Spurs v Crystal Palace 1415 KO, live on BBC Sport Website and App. PREMIER LEAGUE: Liverpool v Arsenal 1630 KO, live on 5 Live.

On this edition of The OneStream Podcast, Alex Ladd and Tommy Smith from MindStream Analytics join Peter Fugere to discuss the 606 Accrual Manager Solution and how it is helping companies with recurring revenue enter and store contracts, performance obligations and invoices; and accurately calculate accruals over the life of the contract based on ASC606. 

Riccardo is joined by All White and Auckland FC defender Tommy Smith to look ahead to Sunday's A-League men's match against Brisbane Roar. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mornings with Riccardo Ball - Full Show featuring Auckland FC defender Tommy Smith, Former Breaker Casey Frank, The Bulletin with Alex Chapman, NRL commentator & analyst Matt Russell, and a Love Racing update with Nick Quinn. Plus Talkback, a Sports Desk, a Mornings Multi and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here is a playlist featuring endless delights from recent and not so recent releases of Kenny Wheeler, and Kenny Wheeler-adjacent music, projects and musicians. The playlist features John Taylor; Arild Andersen; Rainer Brüninghaus, Kenny Wheeler, Jon Christensen, Brynjar Hoff; Tommy Smith [pictured]; John Surman; The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, Laura Jurd, Irini Arabatzi. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/20350038/Mondo-Jazz [from "Spring (Phases)" onward]. Happy listening! Photo credit: Derek Clark.

Aaron Paul and Jobi McAnuff are joined by ex-Huddersfield defender Tommy Smith. They react to the sacking of Michael Duff. Also hear from Charlton boss Nathan Jones as he bans bowling and shopping for the run-in. Catch up with Chris Wilder as Sheffield United concede a late equaliser in the Championship promotion race. Norwich captain Kenny McLean has strong words after his side crumbled at Carrow Road. And Reading first team coach Mikele Leigertwood joins the pod to discuss their charge for the League One play-offs.01:05 Jobi's pyjamas 01:45 Tommy Smith on retirement & rehab 02:25 Charlton's Nathan Jones bans bowling & shopping 07:15 Twists & turns in the race for the Premier League 11:10 Sheff Utd's Chris Wilder on conceding late leveller 15:15 Are Burnley losing their heads? 16:10 Steel City derby for Sheff Utd on Sunday 18:15 Kenny McLean on Norwich crumbling at Carrow Road 23:10 Huddersfield sack Michael Duff 28:05 Reading join the League One play-off race 42:35 72plus 72minusBBC Sounds / 5 Live commentaries this week: Wed 12 Mar 2000 Aston Villa v Club Brugge in the Champions League, Thu 13 Mar 2000 Man Utd v Real Sociedad in the Europa League.

(Rec: 13/2/19) Kev encounters a coffin, a medallion and a sword before Bob Paisley takes over - and Tommy Smith acts as a character witness after KK gets punchy… Join the Iron Filings Society: https://www.patreon.com/topflighttimemachine Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra has been Northeast Ohio's premier jazz voice since 1985. Led by award-winning composer and trombonist Paul Ferguson, the CJO promotes jazz in its historical and contemporary forms, through concerts featuring a stellar line-up of jazz luminaries, arrangers, composers, and educators. This performance is no exception, as the CJO welcomes Italian composer, arranger, conductor, pianist, and jazz composition professor Giuliana Soscia. Giuliana Soscia has been an award winning composer, conductor, jazz accordionist and arranger for twenty five years. In addition to her current role as a professor of Jazz Composition at the G. Martucci Conservatory in Salerno she has collaborated with Roberto De Simone, Dave Douglas and Tommy Smith and conducted the National Jazz Orchestra of the Italian Conservatories. Appearing before a sold out audience on February 23rd, 2024 courtesy of the Italian Cultural Institute of Chicago, it's the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra Featuring Giuliana Soscia - Live at the Bop Stop.

(Rec: 5/2/19) A telepathy show trial, Kev is recruited by MI5, a Tommy Smith boot deal rip-off, Shankly recruits from graduation ceremonies then brings the LOLs to Liverpool then leaves… Join the Iron Filings Society: https://www.patreon.com/topflighttimemachine Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1961, Chuck Dressen told Bob Uecker that there was no place in baseball for a clown. But Uecker proved him wrong over the next 64 years, becoming a beloved backup catcher, World Champion, scout, broadcaster, actor, raconteur and, eventually, Hall of Famer. He became the very manifestation of the American Dream, the son of an immigrant and high school dropout who found success through hard work, talent, good humor, and kindness. He turned being the butt of a joke into an art form over 90 years. This week, as Mike and Bill mourn his passing, they celebrate one of the great lives and people in baseball history. Plus, happy birthday to Jon Matlack and Chick Gandil! And farewell to Don Ferrarese, Al Ferrara, Don Young and Tommy Smith.

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Aaron Paul is joined by Wimbledon manager Johnnie Jackson, Middlesbrough defender Tommy Smith and former Wycombe full back Joe Jacobson to dissect New Year's Day's EFL action.We discuss the top of the Championship after leaders Leeds dropped points at home to Blackburn, Mark Robins appointment at Stoke City and whether Derby need to be looking over their shoulder after a 4-2 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday leaves them just four points above the drop zone. Wycombe scored late to beat Exeter and move to the summit of League One, we look at that, Birmingham's draw with Stockport and how the playoff picture is shaping up after Wrexham dropped points at Barnsley. And are Walsall already champions-elect, after they came from behind to beat Notts County and maintain their 12 point cushion at the top of League two? TIMECODES: 02:19 – Championship playoff positions 05:11 – Mark Robin's appointment at Stoke 09:23 – Three wins in a row for Gary Rowett at Oxford United 17:57 – Wycombe move top of League One 25:33 – Walsall maintain their 12 point lead in League Two 29:50 – Port Vale's winless run

What next for Millwall? Is Mike Phelan the answer to Wayne Rooney and Plymouth's problems? Middlesbrough defender Tommy Smith joins Aaron Paul and Jobi McAnuff to discuss Neil Harris leaving Millwall and what will come next for the club and who they'll appoint next? Plus, they discuss the managerial merry-go-round as Ruben Selles joins Hull with Noel Hunt taking over at Reading, while former Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan joins Wayne Rooney at Plymouth.

 A lonely damsel gets a chance at neighbor's Christmas ‘Yule, Log'.Based on a post by virgin_sexpert. Listen to the Podcast at My First Time.On Christmas Eve, I should have been out spending time with family or friends, but instead, I was in my sparsely-filled apartment, with a wine glass in my hand; all dressed up but nowhere to go. I put on my gold sequin mini dress thinking that I could maybe go out to a club.But when the time came, I wasn't really feeling it. I had just moved to a new city; far from my family and friends; and although I had enjoyed the freedom of walking around in the nude whenever I wanted, it was getting a bit lonely. I never pictured myself in my early twenties and still single. All of my friends were either married, engaged, or dating. I was totally lagging behind. I was hornier than I had ever been in my life.In college I could barely concentrate on class and I never took notes because I was always thinking and developing some sexual fantasy in my head that took my full attention. I go by ‘Mindy'. My parents named me Melinda, but I hate that name. I hate a lot of the things associated with high school. I was a wierdo. Then in college, I was a nerd.At work in the library, I would have to take frequent breaks to my office where I would unwind to a few dirty pages of a dirty novel. Sex was on my mind, way too much. Every man that I would see throughout my day, became the leading male in my latest fantasy. I must have been the horniest virgin who ever lived! But no one ever knew.I deliberately moved to a new city, just so I could start over. I changed my wardrobe and my hair style. But I had a very hard time changing my inner self.I could have spent another night with my oiled up hand, or the new vibrator that I ordered online. Or I could have been a little kinkier and did some anal play with my handy-dandy pink ass plug, but I wanted the real thing, damnit! I went on the pill, to make sex safer for my career plans. It grew my tits from a C cup to a D. And it also kicked up my libido. The holiday season really heightened my horniness, but it also heightened my loneliness. I wanted a man so bad. I wanted to hear a knock at my door, then open it and see a naked man on the other side, tied up with a big red ribbon tied in a bow, sporting an 8 inch stiff cock, just for me.But I guess that was all just fantasy. When would my fantasies come to pass? Aren't I allowed to get at least one of them?No matter how hard I wished and wanted something, it would never come to pass, so I decided to get up and go to a night club, downtown. Nothing ever came out of these things, but maybe tonight there would be some holiday magic working in my favor. Or maybe only losers would be desperate enough to be clubbing on Christmas Eve. But I was lusty, lonely, and stir-crazy.When I opened the door to my 4th floor hallway, my neighbor was just coming home. His door and mine were near each other. The hallway turned perpendicular right between our entries. Our two apartments were at the northeast corner of the 4th floor of the West building."Hey, how are you, Mindy?" he asked. His name was John. He was older than me by perhaps some years, and he was way out of my league. Oh, he was always very cordial to me, but it always seemed out of pity. John is a tall and comes from Scandinavian stock. His mailbox, in the foyer; says “J. Nelson”.I bet tonight his beautiful girlfriend would be coming over, maybe in sexy lingerie; and they would spend the evening making love, talking, and drinking wine."Hi, John. I'm Good! and you?" I asked back with a flirty smile.He looked so handsome, with his all-black ensemble, and red silk tie. I couldn't help but smile goofily, in the face of this great looking man. I didn't know what he did for a living, but every night I could hear him playing his acoustic guitar.  I laid in bed with my hands in my panties; pretending he was serenading me. But of course he would never know that."Yeah, I'm Fine. Merry Christmas! Where are you heading out to?" I could feel his stare on me, and it was making me quite bashful and self-conscious. I've been working so hard to keep eye contact with people.I knew I looked great in my form-fitting dress. It highlighted my warm olive Italian skin, long slim legs, deep red full lips, and dark wavy hair. Okay, I'm keeping focused on John's gorgeous eyes."Oh, I think I'll get go to a dinner club, or something.” Then I sighed; “I am spending the holidays alone.""Oh, Me too!" He started.I was surprised at his answer, and I almost didn't believe him. How could someone this handsome be alone?Then he shocked me; "Do you maybe want to spend it alone together? I just stole some nice wine from my company holiday party? I was going to come home and drink alone. But, you know; it's really not good to drink alone.” He winked and added; “Please, Mindy; Skip the bar tonight and come in." He was opening the door and gesturing for me to come in. I followed him in without a word. I had only dreamed about ever going in there. It was better than I had imagined!  There was lots of navy, platinum, and teak wood furnishings. His home kinda smelled of leather and a subtle hint of vanilla.We sat in the elegant living room. I was offered his wingback arm chair, adjacent the leather sofa. When he situated himself, he first started out apologizing to me for being such an aloof neighbor. He said he sort of developed this bad habit when his previous neighbors were rude. I forgave him, as long as he promised never to stop being friendly again.We sat drinking his sweet white wine. He had lots of questions to ask me, in the matters of my life, job, and interests.I told him that I was a teen freak, then a college nerd. I love literature to a fault. I'm even into comic book superheroes, collecting replica Lightsabers, reading classic novels, and watching way too much Netflix. I told him that I used to be a shy kid with ADHD, but it leveled out during my college years.I seemed very lame to myself, saying those things out loud. I revealed that I was just recently liberated from the thick eyeglasses of my childhood, by a successful laser eye surgery. “Most people didn't even recognize me without the horrible glasses.” But I added that it's probably all for the better, as I would rather build new friendships."So,” I asked him; “What type of things are you into?""Lots of things, gourmet cooking, chess, running, watching way too much Hulu, playing the guitar,” He sipped a bit more wine, then added; “sketching, and tying up sexy women, to play with their nipples and tease their clits. " I nearly choked on the wine that was almost down my throat. Suddenly my body temperature rose at least 10 degrees, and my hands began to tremble.He looked at me, straight into my big doe-like brown eyes. "Do you want to know what else I am into?"I tilted my head, as if I were under a spell."Beautiful, shy women, like you; who don't know how sexy they are. A woman who gets wet when a man looks her deep in the eyes, and tells her that.” His voice went deep as he slowly added; “I want to fuck every hole you have, and make you cum, again and again.“I was flushed and trembling, when he asked; “So, I ask again, my dear; what are you into?" He took the glass from my trembling hand and took my hand into his, and laid a sweet kiss on it.With a trembling voice I began: "I really like to write erotica, especially at night when I am listening to you play your guitar. I like to close my eyes and wish that someone was touching me, whispering how much they want to make love to me; " I closed my eyes and took myself to my inner thoughts. My eyes watered at his sultry words. I was being seduced for the first time in my life!I could feel him getting closer to me, his lip brushed against my ear. "I really like this;" I said as I felt the heat of his breathing, on my neck."You are your own kind of beautiful, Mindy." He told me.I opened my eyes, hoping that this wasn't just another dream. In the back of my mind I already started to ask myself the 'why' and 'how' questions, but why ruin a sexy moment? I was completely flattered and could not hide my obvious turned on state.  Already I could feel the wetness between my legs."Am I making you uncomfortable?" John grinned.My smile widened. "Honestly, You are making me wet," I laughed. I was never that frank about sex. But then again, I never really had a chance to be."Do you always do this to women you invite inside." I asked, with keen interest and looking him in the eyes."Have there been women in here that I'm unaware of?” John returned my question.I had to challenge my presumption. No, I honestly hadn't seen him bring a date to his place. “I'm sorry, John. No, I haven't any reason to accuse you of being a player. I just assumed you'd have women throwing themselves at you.”“Ha!” he laughed. “No, I am just in the Christmas spirit, I guess. It's the season for giving. I find myself in solitary circumstance, and reflecting on the need to appreciate the opportunities I haven't availed myself to. Start treating people better. Especially kind neighbors whom I should be kinder to. And I want to give you something. Something even your wildest virgin fantasies can't imagine.""Now, how did you know I was a virgin?" I felt more exposed than ever."I didn't. But, now I know for sure," he laughed.I blushed, but his laugh made it easier for me to relax and be vulnerable. Oh he was even sexier when he laughed."I know you probably think that no one notices you, but I notice you.” John wanted to build up my self-esteem. “I see you coming home, and you nearly always pull out the wrong door key first. You are always humming the same song to yourself, and you are always dressed so sexily. I especially like that purple dress; it makes your lovely breasts look great."My cheeks were so bright red, I didn't even know what else to say back to him. I felt so sexy now. "And I must say, I love this dress on you.” He paused, then added; “But for me to give you a proper Christmas Eve gift, you will have to lose it.""You want me to strip?" I smiled. I was hoping he was serious, because my clothes were begging to come off. ‘Thank you God, for sending me this sexy horny man!'"Yes! Have another glass of wine, if you'd like. But I want you to strip, and then walk right into my bedroom over there."John is inviting me to his bedroom! I was nervous, but even more so, I was terribly craving cock, his cock. With alcohol running through my veins, and 'bold' becoming my new middle name.I stood facing John. Then I stepped up on his wooden coffee table. Still looking him in the eyes with lust,  I pulled the halter tie from the back of my neck. I was swaying to an imaginary base rift, as I held a tie string in each hand.My shoulders pulsed alternately, which caused my tits to swing against my gold bodice. Now my nipples were erect and protruding. I leaned over toward John as my straps released.  Still swaying and twerking to my imaginary music, I reached behind to unzip the low-back of the dress; all the while entertaining him with my pendulous tits.Then I placed a hand on each hip, as I stood back upright.  I turned in several steps as I rocked my curvy ass to him, Then I slowly slid each hand down my hips, the thin dress descending with my hands. Before releasing, I looked over my shoulder, to catch his reaction. His eyes clearly conveyed; ‘Keep going'; so I did. I was being a tease, and he was into it.The garment dropped to my stilettos. I stepped out of my gold cocktail dress, leaving only my black lacy G-string and my high heels.Suddenly my rhythm stopped. I stood with my ass to him. I stepped my legs apart just enough to let my cunny make an appearance. In dramatic silence I slowly slid the waistband of the G-string down, guiding it continuously to my ankles.  I caught his delightful lust, as I smiled seductively, from between my spread legs.I stepped a leg out of the G-string and pivoted back facing him. Then I raised my other foot, with the lacy garment clinging to my toes. I swiftly grabbed the skimpy thing and  in one fluid motion I stretched it back with my other hand, and shot the black lacy thing against his chest.Now in front of him, I stood completely naked; like I was almost every night on the other side of that wall.  Yes, I had practiced this routine; often to the rhythm of his classical guitar selections."Fucking hell; Come here, my pretty little virgin. I want to show you something." He held out a hand and I grabbed it while placing my other hand on his shoulder. I collected my items and removed my heels, then placed them all on the chair.I followed him into his bedroom, where it was dark and mysterious. I sat naked on the corner of his bed, next to a corner bedpost. With lusty anticipation, I watched him as he pulled a big black box from underneath his bed. He pulled out a box of several candles. Silently he set them around the room, as he lit each of them.Also in the box, he pulled out an interesting rope contraption that he fastened to the four corners of the  bed. Then John laid a firm wedge cushion near the head of the bed. When he padded his hand on it, he said; "Ly down, dirty girl. I want to show you things that will blow your mind."I went up to the middle of his bed and laid down on the wedge cushion. My shoulders and head were now slightly elevated, to watch as he bound my ankles and wrists to the bed. The wide bands were held by Velcro, and each attached to a shiny black rope.I was now exposed for him, and vulnerable. With nowhere to go, and no idea about what would happen next. For all I know, he could chop me up to a million pieces. But I had a feeling that he was being as bold as I was being, tonight. It turned me on, to be this way with a handsome man I barely knew.From the look in his eyes, my naked body looked delicious; stretched out in the candlelight. My nipples peaked upward, begging to be touched, from atop the summits of my 34D breasts. Each curve of my classically soft and feminine figure; was highlighted and exposed.I could see little goosebumps rising up all over me. John disappeared from the room for a minute, but returned with the bottle of wine in his hand, and with no clothes on. But now he had a red ribbon, tied in a bow, around his swaying hard cock. I wanted to pounce, but I was tied up.Seeing his beautiful cock alive and ready, sent jolts of sexual energy down my body. Oh Gawd! I wanted to jump off that bed and go for his cock right away. But, no matter what I did, I could not free myself. With the bottle of wine in hand, he crawled onto the bed kneeling between my spread thighs. "You are such a beautiful girl. Damn, I think you are meant to be on my bed, nightly; so I can just look at you, and admire you." He looked down at me with a look that I had never seen before. I was ready to have fun with him, our great sexy holiday secret tryst.He tilted the bottle of sweet white wine right over my lips, for me to taste. The small trickle splashed over my lips as I opened my mouth to let some in.The wine tasted too good, I had to lick my lips to get every bit of it.Next, he dripped some onto my stiff nipples. We watched the wine roll down over my swollen breasts and pool at the side of my body. The wine looked so good, rolling around on my goose-pimpled tits. The wine also ran into the valley between my tits, then down my torso.If I could, I would have licked it from myself. But I really wanted him to lick me. Down my belly and into my belly button the wine rolled. "Do you like that?" He grinned."Yes," I said, trying to raise my body up to touch his. I wanted our skins to make contact, but he was teasing me and making me wet in more than one way. He put the bottle between my legs and rubbed the cool glass container against my moist pussy. I grinded my pussy lips against the wine, enjoying contact while I had it. When he was done teasing me like that, He took a last drink, leaving just an ounce behind. Then he poured that last bit of wine down my sweet cunny slit and all over my furry mound. Now the bottle was empty, and all that was left to taste, was me. "Taste me;" I invited him. I was on the verge of begging for his touch. But I didn't have to beg because his lips met my nipple. He didn't play around. He went straight for the hard suck, like he was reading my horny mind. I moaned loudly, arching my chest toward his face. When he released my nipple from his hard suck, I could see the trail of saliva from his lips to the tip of my nipple.He treated my other nipple just the same, sucking harder, and harder, encouraged by my positive reaction.My tits wanted more of him, but he pulled away; and to my surprise, started to slap my tits one after the other. From the outer sides, his alternating slaps sent the one hefty tit bouncing into the other, in a chain reaction.To watch them jerk and jiggle was fascinating him. My nipples seemed to be growing even bigger, and more sensitive to his tongue, and hard suction. I wondered if they tasted like the sweet white wine. "Are you ready for your present?" he asked.I looked down at his cock as he unwrapped the big red ribbon; and let it fall on my mound. My mouth was wide open, already anticipating being orally filled by his thick and long cock. It was the most beautiful cock that I had ever seen. Alright, so I haven't actually seen many erect cocks, in person. But his far surpassed my embellished fantasies. He gave me a closer look at his cock, as he straddled further up, on top of me. With his dick just centimeters away from my lips; he stroked himself and showed me the precum already seeping from his delicious head.“You know, darling; My ancestors celebrated the holidays with a big log, A Yule, log, they called it. A thick log that was slowly fed into the hearth, where it burned several night, until the new year.“ John slowly pulled the foreskin tightly back, and his shiny phallus reflected the lamplight. “The Yule, log was a warm treat to make the home a cozy place, and never failed to meet the need.” He said.John rubbed his cock all over my face, making me wet with his precum. I reached out my tongue to lick him but he withdrew teasingly. "Have you been a good girl, this year, Mindy?""A very good girl," I replied.He let his cock slap my cheeks, getting closer and closer to my mouth. Once he was close enough, I grabbed his cock with my lips and held onto him. He let out an initial moan as I welcomed in his fullness into my hungry mouth. His cock was getting more slippery by the second. Tantalizingly sliding in and out of my wet oral hole. As my lips clamped him in place, my tongue massaged his frenulum, just under the tip and along the ridge of his glans crown.It had been too long since I sucked a cock. Yes, I was a virgin, but I had the pleasure of sucking teen cock, a couple of times before. At a high school cast party, after the last night of the school play. That was a ‘truth-or-dare' event, and with some boys I had little interest in. My senior year's sexual history, in 2 sentences. Oh, and Tommy Smith's blowjob shouldn't really count. He ejaculated even before I got my lips around his youthful prick.Tonight, John's cock was much better than any cock I have ever played with. And if tonight he wanted to go all the way, I would let him. I continued the aggressive tongue-work, and he clearly responded quickly.His breathing got halted and urgent. His shaft pressed hard into my throat.After a series of grunts and my aggressive sucks, his cock filled me with sticky goodness. I was surprised, at first, at the amount of cum that spouted from his first blast. He drew his shaft out, and my hungry mouth strained forward to recapture. With jaws wide open, to retrieve his dripping wet head, his immediate second and third shots blasted my nose, lips, and mostly the roof of my wide open mouth.After I got my first taste of the salty substance, I was glad that it was all over me, coating my face and lips.I watched his cock after he caught his breath, and calmed down a bit. It was still very hard, despite the explosions that just took place.He let his cock rest in the valley between my breasts, and said; "Damn girl, you suck like a champ."I smiled broadly at my accomplishment. ‘I am a great cock sucker!' I told myself. ‘This great lover just told me so!'"Have you ever been finger fucked?" He wanted to know. I think he's going to reciprocate."By a lover? No I haven't, a man has never made me cum before," I admitted to him. “The boys who I had played around with in the past, were more of the 'taking' sort, than 'giving'. Once I got them off with a blow job, it was all over; tragic story of my life.”"What?" He was deeply sympathetic."But you can do whatever you want to me, John.""Under one condition," he started."And what's that?" I was struggling against an emotional letdown. My voice trembled.He got off the top of me, and laid beside me, very closely. His head on my up-stretched arm, and his upper leg over my out-stretched leg. His chest was leaning into the side of my tit, and hip.I took a deep breath to inhale the intoxicating scent of him. Being tied up was fun, but having him this close and not being able to touch him was torture."My condition is; we can't just stop after tonight. I want to see you every night. I want to have dinner with you, in that purple dress. I want to dance with you in that gold dress. I want to bring you back here, in no dress; to treat you right. I am not untying you until you agree to that condition."As he talked, his soft hand traveled down the valley of my heaving chest, past my soft stomach, and over my mound, to my cunt; that was now soaked. "Say that you want to see me again.""I want; I want to;" I could barely say, as his hand began to rub my swollen, and exposed clit."Tell me." He ordered.I tried to agree again, but he pushed his middle finger into my pussy. I cried out in a soft moan. My eyes closed as I slipped into the world of ecstasy;"Yes John!" I cried out as a second finger slipped into my wet hole, he was now vigorously fingering me, making my body twist, rise, and bend in ways I never thought it could.Just as I thought it couldn't get better, he went down there, to treat my pussy to his sweet lips and tongue.As his thick fingers slid deeper and deeper, he flicked my clit with his tongue, driving me crazy.My hands and feet pulled at the binds holding me, desperate to be released.  Then he slid each of his hands under my ass cheeks and pulled my cunt up firmly against his stroking tongue. His oral phallus was stroking deeply into my cunt hole, finding my elusive g-spot.Oh, Gawd!” I screamed.He relaxed his hands, easing the pressure of my cunt, against his delightful tongue. But just as I felt a finger creeping and peeping on my asshole, I came on John's face. Thighs shakings, hips jumping, and pussy juice seeping. It was fan-fucking-tastic!John drew his head back, and just knelt between my writhing hips, watching my convulsing body twerk. After a few moments, when I was regaining coherence, He declared; "I am not going to fuck you, tonight." He told me after my eyes opened back up. I wasn't sure if I had heard him right. “What?”I'm sorry darling." John saw my disappointment."Please John, I need your lovely cock right now, please unite me and fuck me," I begged."This is what I want you to do. I am going to untie you; and then I want you to go home. Take a nice long shower, and sleep well. Tomorrow I will take you out for Christmas breakfast, and we will see what happens next. We will celebrate these holidays with anticipation and growing desire; of spirit, soul, and body. You've saved yourself for a lovely event, and we will celebrate this gift with the appropriate fanfare and preparation. Thank you for making my holidays so fulfilling." John said, sincerely."If you untie me, I am going to jump on you and rape your wonderful cock!" That's just how badly I wanted him. I didn't want to leave without having that glorious cock deep inside of my very tight, very wet, and very warm pussy.He laughed deeply at my comment, and gave me a kiss on my forehead."You have one very healthy sexual appetite for a virgin. But get some rest, then we'll get a good meal. It will make our experiences better, with our strength and endurance at its peak.""So no matter how much I beg, you aren't going to fuck me now?""Nope, because over these days I am going to make love to you. I Just wanted to tease you a bit, tonight. I wanted to get you interested. Tomorrow is Christmas. More gifts will come.""Oh! I am more than interested." I earnestly assured him.He untied me and I resisted with all of my might, not to reach out and grab him. He slipped my dress over my head, affectionately. Kissing my neck as he then zipped me up; and tied my halter straps. I picked up my high heels and carried them with me, to his door.. "Goodnight beautiful," he said as he gave me a kiss, as if this was the end of a great first date. My knees went weak at his kiss. I took his hand and placed my G-string in it. “Place this on your bed, to hold my spot, til tomorrow.” I said with a wink."Goodnight." We both said, as I walked over to my own door. I felt myself grow warm again as I began to fully wrap my head around what just happened.When I got back to my apartment, I wasn't upset any more. The fact that I was still a virgin, was overtaken by the anticipation that tomorrow was going to be the best Christmas day of my life!Now I had a lot more to look forward too. Maybe this would not be my first Christmas alone, but my first Christmas with a fan-fucking-tastic cock to enjoy.Epilogue:I may share more details, later, but here's a hint. That Christmas Eve was the last night I slept in my own apartment.Based on a post by virgin_sexpert, for Literotica.

 A lonely damsel gets a chance at neighbor's Christmas ‘Yule, Log'.Based on a post by virgin_sexpert. Listen to the Podcast at My First Time.On Christmas Eve, I should have been out spending time with family or friends, but instead, I was in my sparsely-filled apartment, with a wine glass in my hand; all dressed up but nowhere to go. I put on my gold sequin mini dress thinking that I could maybe go out to a club.But when the time came, I wasn't really feeling it. I had just moved to a new city; far from my family and friends; and although I had enjoyed the freedom of walking around in the nude whenever I wanted, it was getting a bit lonely. I never pictured myself in my early twenties and still single. All of my friends were either married, engaged, or dating. I was totally lagging behind. I was hornier than I had ever been in my life.In college I could barely concentrate on class and I never took notes because I was always thinking and developing some sexual fantasy in my head that took my full attention. I go by ‘Mindy'. My parents named me Melinda, but I hate that name. I hate a lot of the things associated with high school. I was a wierdo. Then in college, I was a nerd.At work in the library, I would have to take frequent breaks to my office where I would unwind to a few dirty pages of a dirty novel. Sex was on my mind, way too much. Every man that I would see throughout my day, became the leading male in my latest fantasy. I must have been the horniest virgin who ever lived! But no one ever knew.I deliberately moved to a new city, just so I could start over. I changed my wardrobe and my hair style. But I had a very hard time changing my inner self.I could have spent another night with my oiled up hand, or the new vibrator that I ordered online. Or I could have been a little kinkier and did some anal play with my handy-dandy pink ass plug, but I wanted the real thing, damnit! I went on the pill, to make sex safer for my career plans. It grew my tits from a C cup to a D. And it also kicked up my libido. The holiday season really heightened my horniness, but it also heightened my loneliness. I wanted a man so bad. I wanted to hear a knock at my door, then open it and see a naked man on the other side, tied up with a big red ribbon tied in a bow, sporting an 8 inch stiff cock, just for me.But I guess that was all just fantasy. When would my fantasies come to pass? Aren't I allowed to get at least one of them?No matter how hard I wished and wanted something, it would never come to pass, so I decided to get up and go to a night club, downtown. Nothing ever came out of these things, but maybe tonight there would be some holiday magic working in my favor. Or maybe only losers would be desperate enough to be clubbing on Christmas Eve. But I was lusty, lonely, and stir-crazy.When I opened the door to my 4th floor hallway, my neighbor was just coming home. His door and mine were near each other. The hallway turned perpendicular right between our entries. Our two apartments were at the northeast corner of the 4th floor of the West building."Hey, how are you, Mindy?" he asked. His name was John. He was older than me by perhaps some years, and he was way out of my league. Oh, he was always very cordial to me, but it always seemed out of pity. John is a tall and comes from Scandinavian stock. His mailbox, in the foyer; says “J. Nelson”.I bet tonight his beautiful girlfriend would be coming over, maybe in sexy lingerie; and they would spend the evening making love, talking, and drinking wine."Hi, John. I'm Good! and you?" I asked back with a flirty smile.He looked so handsome, with his all-black ensemble, and red silk tie. I couldn't help but smile goofily, in the face of this great looking man. I didn't know what he did for a living, but every night I could hear him playing his acoustic guitar.  I laid in bed with my hands in my panties; pretending he was serenading me. But of course he would never know that."Yeah, I'm Fine. Merry Christmas! Where are you heading out to?" I could feel his stare on me, and it was making me quite bashful and self-conscious. I've been working so hard to keep eye contact with people.I knew I looked great in my form-fitting dress. It highlighted my warm olive Italian skin, long slim legs, deep red full lips, and dark wavy hair. Okay, I'm keeping focused on John's gorgeous eyes."Oh, I think I'll get go to a dinner club, or something.” Then I sighed; “I am spending the holidays alone.""Oh, Me too!" He started.I was surprised at his answer, and I almost didn't believe him. How could someone this handsome be alone?Then he shocked me; "Do you maybe want to spend it alone together? I just stole some nice wine from my company holiday party? I was going to come home and drink alone. But, you know; it's really not good to drink alone.” He winked and added; “Please, Mindy; Skip the bar tonight and come in." He was opening the door and gesturing for me to come in. I followed him in without a word. I had only dreamed about ever going in there. It was better than I had imagined!  There was lots of navy, platinum, and teak wood furnishings. His home kinda smelled of leather and a subtle hint of vanilla.We sat in the elegant living room. I was offered his wingback arm chair, adjacent the leather sofa. When he situated himself, he first started out apologizing to me for being such an aloof neighbor. He said he sort of developed this bad habit when his previous neighbors were rude. I forgave him, as long as he promised never to stop being friendly again.We sat drinking his sweet white wine. He had lots of questions to ask me, in the matters of my life, job, and interests.I told him that I was a teen freak, then a college nerd. I love literature to a fault. I'm even into comic book superheroes, collecting replica Lightsabers, reading classic novels, and watching way too much Netflix. I told him that I used to be a shy kid with ADHD, but it leveled out during my college years.I seemed very lame to myself, saying those things out loud. I revealed that I was just recently liberated from the thick eyeglasses of my childhood, by a successful laser eye surgery. “Most people didn't even recognize me without the horrible glasses.” But I added that it's probably all for the better, as I would rather build new friendships."So,” I asked him; “What type of things are you into?""Lots of things, gourmet cooking, chess, running, watching way too much Hulu, playing the guitar,” He sipped a bit more wine, then added; “sketching, and tying up sexy women, to play with their nipples and tease their clits. " I nearly choked on the wine that was almost down my throat. Suddenly my body temperature rose at least 10 degrees, and my hands began to tremble.He looked at me, straight into my big doe-like brown eyes. "Do you want to know what else I am into?"I tilted my head, as if I were under a spell."Beautiful, shy women, like you; who don't know how sexy they are. A woman who gets wet when a man looks her deep in the eyes, and tells her that.” His voice went deep as he slowly added; “I want to fuck every hole you have, and make you cum, again and again.“I was flushed and trembling, when he asked; “So, I ask again, my dear; what are you into?" He took the glass from my trembling hand and took my hand into his, and laid a sweet kiss on it.With a trembling voice I began: "I really like to write erotica, especially at night when I am listening to you play your guitar. I like to close my eyes and wish that someone was touching me, whispering how much they want to make love to me; " I closed my eyes and took myself to my inner thoughts. My eyes watered at his sultry words. I was being seduced for the first time in my life!I could feel him getting closer to me, his lip brushed against my ear. "I really like this;" I said as I felt the heat of his breathing, on my neck."You are your own kind of beautiful, Mindy." He told me.I opened my eyes, hoping that this wasn't just another dream. In the back of my mind I already started to ask myself the 'why' and 'how' questions, but why ruin a sexy moment? I was completely flattered and could not hide my obvious turned on state.  Already I could feel the wetness between my legs."Am I making you uncomfortable?" John grinned.My smile widened. "Honestly, You are making me wet," I laughed. I was never that frank about sex. But then again, I never really had a chance to be."Do you always do this to women you invite inside." I asked, with keen interest and looking him in the eyes."Have there been women in here that I'm unaware of?” John returned my question.I had to challenge my presumption. No, I honestly hadn't seen him bring a date to his place. “I'm sorry, John. No, I haven't any reason to accuse you of being a player. I just assumed you'd have women throwing themselves at you.”“Ha!” he laughed. “No, I am just in the Christmas spirit, I guess. It's the season for giving. I find myself in solitary circumstance, and reflecting on the need to appreciate the opportunities I haven't availed myself to. Start treating people better. Especially kind neighbors whom I should be kinder to. And I want to give you something. Something even your wildest virgin fantasies can't imagine.""Now, how did you know I was a virgin?" I felt more exposed than ever."I didn't. But, now I know for sure," he laughed.I blushed, but his laugh made it easier for me to relax and be vulnerable. Oh he was even sexier when he laughed."I know you probably think that no one notices you, but I notice you.” John wanted to build up my self-esteem. “I see you coming home, and you nearly always pull out the wrong door key first. You are always humming the same song to yourself, and you are always dressed so sexily. I especially like that purple dress; it makes your lovely breasts look great."My cheeks were so bright red, I didn't even know what else to say back to him. I felt so sexy now. "And I must say, I love this dress on you.” He paused, then added; “But for me to give you a proper Christmas Eve gift, you will have to lose it.""You want me to strip?" I smiled. I was hoping he was serious, because my clothes were begging to come off. ‘Thank you God, for sending me this sexy horny man!'"Yes! Have another glass of wine, if you'd like. But I want you to strip, and then walk right into my bedroom over there."John is inviting me to his bedroom! I was nervous, but even more so, I was terribly craving cock, his cock. With alcohol running through my veins, and 'bold' becoming my new middle name.I stood facing John. Then I stepped up on his wooden coffee table. Still looking him in the eyes with lust,  I pulled the halter tie from the back of my neck. I was swaying to an imaginary base rift, as I held a tie string in each hand.My shoulders pulsed alternately, which caused my tits to swing against my gold bodice. Now my nipples were erect and protruding. I leaned over toward John as my straps released.  Still swaying and twerking to my imaginary music, I reached behind to unzip the low-back of the dress; all the while entertaining him with my pendulous tits.Then I placed a hand on each hip, as I stood back upright.  I turned in several steps as I rocked my curvy ass to him, Then I slowly slid each hand down my hips, the thin dress descending with my hands. Before releasing, I looked over my shoulder, to catch his reaction. His eyes clearly conveyed; ‘Keep going'; so I did. I was being a tease, and he was into it.The garment dropped to my stilettos. I stepped out of my gold cocktail dress, leaving only my black lacy G-string and my high heels.Suddenly my rhythm stopped. I stood with my ass to him. I stepped my legs apart just enough to let my cunny make an appearance. In dramatic silence I slowly slid the waistband of the G-string down, guiding it continuously to my ankles.  I caught his delightful lust, as I smiled seductively, from between my spread legs.I stepped a leg out of the G-string and pivoted back facing him. Then I raised my other foot, with the lacy garment clinging to my toes. I swiftly grabbed the skimpy thing and  in one fluid motion I stretched it back with my other hand, and shot the black lacy thing against his chest.Now in front of him, I stood completely naked; like I was almost every night on the other side of that wall.  Yes, I had practiced this routine; often to the rhythm of his classical guitar selections."Fucking hell; Come here, my pretty little virgin. I want to show you something." He held out a hand and I grabbed it while placing my other hand on his shoulder. I collected my items and removed my heels, then placed them all on the chair.I followed him into his bedroom, where it was dark and mysterious. I sat naked on the corner of his bed, next to a corner bedpost. With lusty anticipation, I watched him as he pulled a big black box from underneath his bed. He pulled out a box of several candles. Silently he set them around the room, as he lit each of them.Also in the box, he pulled out an interesting rope contraption that he fastened to the four corners of the  bed. Then John laid a firm wedge cushion near the head of the bed. When he padded his hand on it, he said; "Ly down, dirty girl. I want to show you things that will blow your mind."I went up to the middle of his bed and laid down on the wedge cushion. My shoulders and head were now slightly elevated, to watch as he bound my ankles and wrists to the bed. The wide bands were held by Velcro, and each attached to a shiny black rope.I was now exposed for him, and vulnerable. With nowhere to go, and no idea about what would happen next. For all I know, he could chop me up to a million pieces. But I had a feeling that he was being as bold as I was being, tonight. It turned me on, to be this way with a handsome man I barely knew.From the look in his eyes, my naked body looked delicious; stretched out in the candlelight. My nipples peaked upward, begging to be touched, from atop the summits of my 34D breasts. Each curve of my classically soft and feminine figure; was highlighted and exposed.I could see little goosebumps rising up all over me. John disappeared from the room for a minute, but returned with the bottle of wine in his hand, and with no clothes on. But now he had a red ribbon, tied in a bow, around his swaying hard cock. I wanted to pounce, but I was tied up.Seeing his beautiful cock alive and ready, sent jolts of sexual energy down my body. Oh Gawd! I wanted to jump off that bed and go for his cock right away. But, no matter what I did, I could not free myself. With the bottle of wine in hand, he crawled onto the bed kneeling between my spread thighs. "You are such a beautiful girl. Damn, I think you are meant to be on my bed, nightly; so I can just look at you, and admire you." He looked down at me with a look that I had never seen before. I was ready to have fun with him, our great sexy holiday secret tryst.He tilted the bottle of sweet white wine right over my lips, for me to taste. The small trickle splashed over my lips as I opened my mouth to let some in.The wine tasted too good, I had to lick my lips to get every bit of it.Next, he dripped some onto my stiff nipples. We watched the wine roll down over my swollen breasts and pool at the side of my body. The wine looked so good, rolling around on my goose-pimpled tits. The wine also ran into the valley between my tits, then down my torso.If I could, I would have licked it from myself. But I really wanted him to lick me. Down my belly and into my belly button the wine rolled. "Do you like that?" He grinned."Yes," I said, trying to raise my body up to touch his. I wanted our skins to make contact, but he was teasing me and making me wet in more than one way. He put the bottle between my legs and rubbed the cool glass container against my moist pussy. I grinded my pussy lips against the wine, enjoying contact while I had it. When he was done teasing me like that, He took a last drink, leaving just an ounce behind. Then he poured that last bit of wine down my sweet cunny slit and all over my furry mound. Now the bottle was empty, and all that was left to taste, was me. "Taste me;" I invited him. I was on the verge of begging for his touch. But I didn't have to beg because his lips met my nipple. He didn't play around. He went straight for the hard suck, like he was reading my horny mind. I moaned loudly, arching my chest toward his face. When he released my nipple from his hard suck, I could see the trail of saliva from his lips to the tip of my nipple.He treated my other nipple just the same, sucking harder, and harder, encouraged by my positive reaction.My tits wanted more of him, but he pulled away; and to my surprise, started to slap my tits one after the other. From the outer sides, his alternating slaps sent the one hefty tit bouncing into the other, in a chain reaction.To watch them jerk and jiggle was fascinating him. My nipples seemed to be growing even bigger, and more sensitive to his tongue, and hard suction. I wondered if they tasted like the sweet white wine. "Are you ready for your present?" he asked.I looked down at his cock as he unwrapped the big red ribbon; and let it fall on my mound. My mouth was wide open, already anticipating being orally filled by his thick and long cock. It was the most beautiful cock that I had ever seen. Alright, so I haven't actually seen many erect cocks, in person. But his far surpassed my embellished fantasies. He gave me a closer look at his cock, as he straddled further up, on top of me. With his dick just centimeters away from my lips; he stroked himself and showed me the precum already seeping from his delicious head.“You know, darling; My ancestors celebrated the holidays with a big log, A Yule, log, they called it. A thick log that was slowly fed into the hearth, where it burned several night, until the new year.“ John slowly pulled the foreskin tightly back, and his shiny phallus reflected the lamplight. “The Yule, log was a warm treat to make the home a cozy place, and never failed to meet the need.” He said.John rubbed his cock all over my face, making me wet with his precum. I reached out my tongue to lick him but he withdrew teasingly. "Have you been a good girl, this year, Mindy?""A very good girl," I replied.He let his cock slap my cheeks, getting closer and closer to my mouth. Once he was close enough, I grabbed his cock with my lips and held onto him. He let out an initial moan as I welcomed in his fullness into my hungry mouth. His cock was getting more slippery by the second. Tantalizingly sliding in and out of my wet oral hole. As my lips clamped him in place, my tongue massaged his frenulum, just under the tip and along the ridge of his glans crown.It had been too long since I sucked a cock. Yes, I was a virgin, but I had the pleasure of sucking teen cock, a couple of times before. At a high school cast party, after the last night of the school play. That was a ‘truth-or-dare' event, and with some boys I had little interest in. My senior year's sexual history, in 2 sentences. Oh, and Tommy Smith's blowjob shouldn't really count. He ejaculated even before I got my lips around his youthful prick.Tonight, John's cock was much better than any cock I have ever played with. And if tonight he wanted to go all the way, I would let him. I continued the aggressive tongue-work, and he clearly responded quickly.His breathing got halted and urgent. His shaft pressed hard into my throat.After a series of grunts and my aggressive sucks, his cock filled me with sticky goodness. I was surprised, at first, at the amount of cum that spouted from his first blast. He drew his shaft out, and my hungry mouth strained forward to recapture. With jaws wide open, to retrieve his dripping wet head, his immediate second and third shots blasted my nose, lips, and mostly the roof of my wide open mouth.After I got my first taste of the salty substance, I was glad that it was all over me, coating my face and lips.I watched his cock after he caught his breath, and calmed down a bit. It was still very hard, despite the explosions that just took place.He let his cock rest in the valley between my breasts, and said; "Damn girl, you suck like a champ."I smiled broadly at my accomplishment. ‘I am a great cock sucker!' I told myself. ‘This great lover just told me so!'"Have you ever been finger fucked?" He wanted to know. I think he's going to reciprocate."By a lover? No I haven't, a man has never made me cum before," I admitted to him. “The boys who I had played around with in the past, were more of the 'taking' sort, than 'giving'. Once I got them off with a blow job, it was all over; tragic story of my life.”"What?" He was deeply sympathetic."But you can do whatever you want to me, John.""Under one condition," he started."And what's that?" I was struggling against an emotional letdown. My voice trembled.He got off the top of me, and laid beside me, very closely. His head on my up-stretched arm, and his upper leg over my out-stretched leg. His chest was leaning into the side of my tit, and hip.I took a deep breath to inhale the intoxicating scent of him. Being tied up was fun, but having him this close and not being able to touch him was torture."My condition is; we can't just stop after tonight. I want to see you every night. I want to have dinner with you, in that purple dress. I want to dance with you in that gold dress. I want to bring you back here, in no dress; to treat you right. I am not untying you until you agree to that condition."As he talked, his soft hand traveled down the valley of my heaving chest, past my soft stomach, and over my mound, to my cunt; that was now soaked. "Say that you want to see me again.""I want; I want to;" I could barely say, as his hand began to rub my swollen, and exposed clit."Tell me." He ordered.I tried to agree again, but he pushed his middle finger into my pussy. I cried out in a soft moan. My eyes closed as I slipped into the world of ecstasy;"Yes John!" I cried out as a second finger slipped into my wet hole, he was now vigorously fingering me, making my body twist, rise, and bend in ways I never thought it could.Just as I thought it couldn't get better, he went down there, to treat my pussy to his sweet lips and tongue.As his thick fingers slid deeper and deeper, he flicked my clit with his tongue, driving me crazy.My hands and feet pulled at the binds holding me, desperate to be released.  Then he slid each of his hands under my ass cheeks and pulled my cunt up firmly against his stroking tongue. His oral phallus was stroking deeply into my cunt hole, finding my elusive g-spot.Oh, Gawd!” I screamed.He relaxed his hands, easing the pressure of my cunt, against his delightful tongue. But just as I felt a finger creeping and peeping on my asshole, I came on John's face. Thighs shakings, hips jumping, and pussy juice seeping. It was fan-fucking-tastic!John drew his head back, and just knelt between my writhing hips, watching my convulsing body twerk. After a few moments, when I was regaining coherence, He declared; "I am not going to fuck you, tonight." He told me after my eyes opened back up. I wasn't sure if I had heard him right. “What?”I'm sorry darling." John saw my disappointment."Please John, I need your lovely cock right now, please unite me and fuck me," I begged."This is what I want you to do. I am going to untie you; and then I want you to go home. Take a nice long shower, and sleep well. Tomorrow I will take you out for Christmas breakfast, and we will see what happens next. We will celebrate these holidays with anticipation and growing desire; of spirit, soul, and body. You've saved yourself for a lovely event, and we will celebrate this gift with the appropriate fanfare and preparation. Thank you for making my holidays so fulfilling." John said, sincerely."If you untie me, I am going to jump on you and rape your wonderful cock!" That's just how badly I wanted him. I didn't want to leave without having that glorious cock deep inside of my very tight, very wet, and very warm pussy.He laughed deeply at my comment, and gave me a kiss on my forehead."You have one very healthy sexual appetite for a virgin. But get some rest, then we'll get a good meal. It will make our experiences better, with our strength and endurance at its peak.""So no matter how much I beg, you aren't going to fuck me now?""Nope, because over these days I am going to make love to you. I Just wanted to tease you a bit, tonight. I wanted to get you interested. Tomorrow is Christmas. More gifts will come.""Oh! I am more than interested." I earnestly assured him.He untied me and I resisted with all of my might, not to reach out and grab him. He slipped my dress over my head, affectionately. Kissing my neck as he then zipped me up; and tied my halter straps. I picked up my high heels and carried them with me, to his door.. "Goodnight beautiful," he said as he gave me a kiss, as if this was the end of a great first date. My knees went weak at his kiss. I took his hand and placed my G-string in it. “Place this on your bed, to hold my spot, til tomorrow.” I said with a wink."Goodnight." We both said, as I walked over to my own door. I felt myself grow warm again as I began to fully wrap my head around what just happened.When I got back to my apartment, I wasn't upset any more. The fact that I was still a virgin, was overtaken by the anticipation that tomorrow was going to be the best Christmas day of my life!Now I had a lot more to look forward too. Maybe this would not be my first Christmas alone, but my first Christmas with a fan-fucking-tastic cock to enjoy.Epilogue:I may share more details, later, but here's a hint. That Christmas Eve was the last night I slept in my own apartment.Based on a post by virgin_sexpert, for Literotica.

Auckland FC are planning to suck the life out of the Wellington Phoenix when they host their A-League derby this evening. The unbeaten Black Knights won the first outing between the new rivals two-nil in Wellington, with both goals coming in the dying minutes. Auckland defender Tommy Smith joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to explain the secrets to their success. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Cook talls about the return of Penske racing in 2025 to the Australian Carerra Cup Championship, and Tommy Smith discusses his move to Indy Nxt from the F3 series.

Matt Cook talls about the return of Penske racing in 2025 to the Australian Carerra Cup Championship, and Tommy Smith discusses his move to Indy Nxt from the F3 series.

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On this podcast of Welcome Home Radio, host Don Scordino spoke with special guests, Bob Voss with VAREP on, "VA Financing and Adopt a Vet Program" and Tommy Smith with Realty Concepts on, "How to Analyze Statistics".

Middlesbrough full back and former Huddersfield captain Tommy Smith joins Aaron Paul and Jobi McAnuff.In a special international break episode of 72+, Aaron and Jobi chat to Middlesbrough full back Tommy Smith about his career.He chats about coming through the Manchester City academy before a move to Huddersfield which eventually saw him lead the club to the Premier League as captain. They discuss the highs of play-off final celebrations and competing in the English top flight, and the lows of relegation back to the Championship.He also looks back on his time at Stoke and his experiences playing under Nathan Jones and Michael O'Neill.Time Codes:02:10 – Injury 04:20 – Youth career 07:50 – Joining Huddersfield 20:00 – Premier League with Huddersfield 27:45 – Stoke 34:30 – MiddlesbroughBBC Sounds / 5 Live commentaries this week:Greece v England – UEFA Nations League – 19:45 – Thursday 14 November Scotland v Croatia – UEFA Nations League – 19:45 – Friday 15 November Tottenham v Arsenal – Women's Super League – 13:45 – Saturday 16 November England v Republic of Ireland – UEFA Nations League – 17:00 – Sunday 17 NovemberPlus, Tommy talks about the circumstances which led to joining Chris Wilder at Middlesbrough and subsequent experience of playing under Michael Carrick, as well as his recovery from long-term injury.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for November 2nd 2024, Piney is joined by former English midfielder Will Greenwood to preview the upcoming test between the All Blacks and England at Twickenham The A-Leagues first ever Kiwi derby is upon us. Tommy Smith from Auckland FC and Isaac Hughes from Wellington Phoenix join the show ahead of the big match And two-time Olympic gold medal Canoeist Alicia Hoskin stops in to reflect on her hugely successful Paris Olympics Get the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast every Saturday and Sunday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland FC are trekking south to play the Wellington Phoenix on their home turf. It's the A-League's first ever Kiwi derby, and spirits and anticipation are high. Auckland FC vice-captain Tommy Smith joined Piney for a chat ahead of the match, giving an insight into the team's preparations. “We know that we can't rest on our laurels, and we wanna keep this run going, so we have to work extremely hard.” "We know it's gonna be a tough contest.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the course of a glittering career, Alan Kennedy won pretty much everything that there was to win during his time with Liverpool, but the closest he got to an FA Cup winners medal was in his time at Newcastle , who went all the way to the  final in 1974. Fifty years on, we spoke to Alan about a season of riots, tea dances and Tommy Smith.

Send us a textWhat drives athletes to risk it all for social justice on the world stage? Join me, Jeba Edmonds, on the Cultural Curriculum Chat Podcast as we uncover the powerful intersection of athletics and activism. From the historic 1968 Olympic Games protest by Tommy Smith and John Carlos to modern examples like Colin Kaepernick and Megan Rapinoe, this episode explores the impactful ways athletes use their influence to spark crucial conversations about social issues, despite the International Olympic Committee's stance on political neutrality.Discover the latest acts of courage and solidarity at the Paris 2024 Games, where athletes like Afghan break dancer B-girl To Lash and the Algerian team are making bold statements for justice and human rights. Learn about their sacrifices and the immense risks they take to amplify marginalized voices and bring global attention to pressing issues. This is a thought-provoking discussion that bridges the realms of sports and social activism, offering valuable insights for educators and community members alike. Tune in to hear stories that challenge the status quo and inspire transformation. COME SAY Hey!! Instagram: @cultrallyjebeh_ Facebook: @JebehCulturalConsulting Pinterest: @Jebeh Cultural Consulting LinkedIn: @Jebeh Edmunds Leave a Review on our Podcast! We value your feedback!Save time and effort with our informative newsletter that offers strategies, tools, resources, and playlists from the culturally competent and socially just educator and creator Jebeh Edmunds! https://jebehedmunds.com/digitalcourse/email-signup/

The dazzling First Lady of horse racing. And she sure does dazzle.  Gai Waterhouse is a force of nature who defied the odds and broke through every barrier known to become one of the most celebrated trainers in the sport's history. She was born into racing royalty as the daughter of legendary trainer Tommy Smith, and she not only inherited a love for horses but an unyielding determination to make her mark. She takes Howie through her journey to obtain her trainer's license, which was nothing short of a saga—battling industry scepticism, legal challenges, and even public doubt. But Gai's resilience was unstoppable. She blazed a trail that led to a stunning array of victories, including the coveted Melbourne Cup. With her trademark flair, boundless energy, and an infectious passion for the sport, Gai goes through it all! Get involved with Gai at www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au ***  Follow the Howie Games on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehowiegamespod/  Follow the Howie Games on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehowiegames See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us a Text Message.On this episode Tom and Bert discuss and debate the Greatest Moments in TV History!It's been close to 80 years since the Boob Tube entered our lives and when you consider that it really isn't that far removed from our lifetime.We give a synopsis of how the criteria for our show was gathered and from the resources we searched. In Part 1 we discuss the early days of the late 1940's and the early 1950's thru 1968.From "Meet The Press" in 1947 to  "I Love Lucy" in 1952 to the FIRST Color TV's and shows in 1953 we roll through the greatest moments. Elvis appears on The Ed Sullivan Show, John Kennedy and Richard Nixon are Presidential candidates on the first Televised debate, The "Flintstones" are the 1st animated major prime time TV show and on and on.We close Part 1 with the JFK Assassination and Jack Ruby murdering Lee Harvey Oswald, The Beatles on Ed Sullivan the First SUPERBOWL and the 1968 Olympic Games when Tommy Smith and John Carlos raised their fist in solidarity for the tumultuous times of the day. Enjoy the show!You can email us at reeldealzmoviesandmusic@gmail.com or visit our Facebook page, Reel Dealz Podcast: Movies & Music Thru The Decades to leave comments and/or TEXT us at 843-855-1704 as well.

Welcome to "Memory Lane" where at least once a month, I will share short clips, and previous full episodes from the South Shore Ave Catalogue. Reminiscing from some of my favorite moments in SSA History. On this episode, we dust off a classic episode of #TheStoop. With the spirit of the Paris Summer Olympics among us, we discuss the Tommy Smith & John Carlos' now iconic Black Power moment from the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. We discuss how the media would cover it now in comparison to then; the impact that moment has had on the world; discuss the similarities it has with recent major protests; plus more. (Originally posted on October 19, 2018)   - Cal Cee   Guest   Andrew Mambo - Producer of NPR's Invisibilia   Headley - SSA Family Member (Now & Forever); 2-Time All-Canadian Track Athlete @ Concordia; 2-Time All-American @ Lewis University; #RIPHeadley #BentNotBroken #HJB4EVA 

This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop - Executive Director Curt Macysyn is joined by Tommy Smith, COO, Suffolk Transportation Service, President, New York School Bus Contractors Association. Tommy outlines his background and talks about growing up in the industry. Tommy highlights some recent advocacy initiatives of the New York School Bus Contractors Association. The duo discuss recent trends in the industry and Tommy looks into the future for some changes he sees coming to the industry. Become a subscriber and listen to a new episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop every week - targeted advertising packages are available too!Support the Show.

In today's episode of the IC-DISC show, I chat with Jane Howze, founder and managing director of executive search firm Alexander Group. Jane shares her remarkable transition from commercial lending and law into this male-dominated industry. Her insight into culture, growth, and talent acquisition provided invaluable counsel for aspiring leaders. We explore nuanced career shifts and hiring new teams, emphasizing integrity's strategic importance. Jane highlights fact-checking credentials for ethics and vetting, referencing a shocking case of credential fabrication. Our conversation sheds light on work evolutions, from mentorship changes to communication innovations over the years.   SHOW HIGHLIGHTS Jane Howze shares her career transition from a commercial lending officer and lawyer to the founder and managing director of the Alexander Group, a top retained executive search firm. We discuss the early challenges Jane faced in a male-dominated industry and her experiences at Korn Ferry, emphasizing her success in executive search. Jane and I reminisce about shared history at Korn Ferry, including nostalgic and entertaining stories from the early days of our careers. li>Jane emphasizes the importance of integrity during career transitions, particularly when handling professional references and avoiding misrepresentation. We touch on the strategic advantages of honesty and the repercussions of fabricating qualifications, as highlighted by a CEO's false claim of a computer science degree. The episode covers the evolution of workplace dynamics, mentorship, and the practical advice Jane offers for aspiring paid board members. Crazy industry tales are recounted, such as an adventure with a $700 car in LA and setting realistic client expectations in executive search scenarios. Jane provides insights into networking and career strategy, especially relevant during the Great Resignation and for those aiming for public company board positions. We explore Dave's innovative client communication strategies and the impact of networking, as well as the significance of crafting a board-specific resume. The episode concludes with a light-hearted exchange about "tours of duty" within a firm, comparing it to conscription, and reflects on the demanding but rewarding nature of our work experiences. Contact Details Email (jhowze@thealexandergroup.com) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jhowze1950/) LINKSShow Notes Be a Guest About IC-DISC Alliance About The Alexander Group GUEST Jane HowzeAbout Jane TRANSCRIPT (AI transcript provided as supporting material and may contain errors) Dave: Hi, this is David Spray and welcome to another episode of the IC Disc Show. My guest today was a very special guest. Jane Howes is the founder and managing director of one of the world's top retained executive search firms, the Alexander Group. Jane was actually my boss two different times about 25 years ago. As we talked about on the episode, she was both the greatest boss I'd ever had and my least favorite boss I ever had, sometimes in the same day. Jane has a wealth of knowledge on all aspects of culture building all aspects of culture building, firm building, growing a firm, picking the right people. We also took some stories down memory lane back from the days we worked together and when the firm was very young. This episode has a lot of great information for any executive or business owner who has any hiring responsibilities. Finally, if you've ever considered becoming a board member, jane has some great insights and tips on how to start your career as a paid board member. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did. Jane, welcome to the podcast. Jane: Well, Dave, it's wonderful to be with you. Dave: This is so. I was so excited for this, so I think I've told you this before. Jane, you were my all-time favorite boss and my least favorite boss, sometimes in the same day. Jane: And probably sometimes within 10 minutes of each other right. Dave: Perhaps, but you're the only boss I ever had twice. So I had left. I was gone a couple of years and then I was in a spot where I needed some contract work. This was before Uber, so I couldn't just go start driving my car around and you all were gracious enough to have me come back and it was wonderful. But I just want to thank you for all the opportunities you've given me, all that you've taught me. I've learned. I learned so much about business, communication, ethics, client service, so that served me the rest of my career. So thank you, jane. Jane: Dave, when you came back the second time, I was like our ship has come in. Dave Spray is back for more punishment, more reward, and I just feel really honored that our paths have crossed, because you could have been a great, you were a great recruiter, could have and still could. Dave, You're the best. Dave: Well, that's very nice of you to say so. Yeah, I enjoyed a lot of my time at the firm, so where are you calling in from today? Jane: I am in our Houston office today. As you know, we have offices in California, new York and DC. As you know, we have offices in California, new York and DC, but I will work out of Houston until it gets too impossibly hot to work out of Houston, as you know, and we'll head west. Excellent, well, that sounds great. Dave: Now, are you a native Houstonian? Are you one of those rare people born here that lives here? Jane: No, what's the saying? I got here as soon as I could, but I am from Birmingham Alabama and went to college in Memphis, tennessee, and my roommate from college was Houstonian and back in the day, you know, the Galleria had just been built and Houston was just this huge boomtown and I was glad to come here back in the infancy almost. Dave: Wow, and what did you do for work when you got here? Jane: I worked as. Are your listeners mainly in Houston, or are they scattered all over? They're all over the country in Houston or are they scattered all over? They're all over the country. Yeah Well, I worked for the largest bank in Houston and I was a commercial lending officer and attended law school at night. And then the story goes I practiced law and I left Houston and went to California and practiced law and then came back. So you know, kind of roads lead back to Houston. Dave: Ultimately, Okay, and then what? Did you just like have a dream or a vision or something that you needed to leave the law business and get into executive search? What prompted that? Jane: Well, a lot of practicing law, as I'm sure your listeners know, a lot of it is very compliance oriented, very regulatory oriented, and I'm not a regulatory kind of person. And I had gone from being a commercial loan officer, where my job was to deal with people all day, to being stuck in a law library reading compliance regulations. Oh my goodness, this is not good, this is not my personality. And read an article in Fortune magazine about Korn Ferry, the largest executive search firm in the world, and it was like the proverbial bolt of lightning went off. Dave and I was oh my gosh, I would be fabulous at this. I need to go work for Korn Ferry. And they had an opening back in Houston. So I left the practice of law in California and joined Korn Ferry in Houston. Dave: Wow, and you were, and I'm guessing that you were one of many women at the firm. I'm sure, right, this was the 80s executive search. Jane: Let's see there were 200 partners and two women, and the minorities were all in the Hong Kong office. Dave: Okay, I mean diversity was achieved, but there were like six men in the Hong Kong office. Jane: Okay, I mean diversity was achieved, but there were like six men in the Hong Kong office and that is not a knock on Korn Ferry that the executive search business was oh, we want to give a CEO search to somebody we've served in the military with, or somebody that we go hunting with, or somebody on our bowling, you know that kind of thing, and women just weren't in that place then. So it was definitely an early time and a good time to get into executive search. In retrospect at the time it seemed a little challenging. Dave: And you. So how did it go, did you? Was it all you hoped it would be? Jane: You know, the minute I started recruiting I was happy I knew I had found my calling. Before I got into search, I had always been one of the people that said I'd love to introduce you to this person, I'd love to fix you up with this person, and so I finally got in a position that you got paid for it which is great by two partners from KPMG who wanted to do recruiting of C-suite positions for their KP clients, and K wouldn't let them do it. So they formed Korn Ferry, and so I was lucky. It was kind of the early days of Korn Ferry they were maybe 15 years old by the time I joined them and global, so it was a really great move to learn the search business. Dave: You weren't there too long, right Before you felt the need to unfurl your own wings. Jane: Yes, that is true. I was wow. There are not many women partners here and I know I'm good at this and I know I can be successful at this. So, dave, I hooked up with another woman at Corn Ferry and the other big search firm is Russell Reynolds and we were like, well, let's start our own search firm, and I don't know that I would have done it by myself. But we started, really got going in 19, which is 40 years ago now. I feel like I'm the oldest living person alive still doing it. But we started and back then you didn't have the internet to do research and our first client was Grant Thornton the public accounting firm and the number two person at Grant met us and we went walking in their offices and there were no women audit partners then, or tax partners, and we went strolling in and he goes. Well, I believe in you all and I want you to help me build the firm. I'm going to do acquisitions, I'm going to do partner searches, I'm going to do campus recruiting, and we rode along for over 50 searches and practice acquisitions in our first years, which made it really a great foundation upon which to build. Dave: Oh, that's awesome. That is awesome, and that's been 40 years ago. Jane: Yeah, Dave, I probably tried to recruit you back in the days you were at Arthur Anderson. You were probably one of my recruits, even not knowing it. Dave: Yeah, you never know, you never know. And one of the is that when you started, the billing by the hour approach, or did that come later. Did you do that from the beginning? Jane: We started because, having been with a law firm where you're basically selling your time, we thought, well, we're going to be a different kind of search firm, we're going to bill by the hour. And it proved to be a great thing. And, dave, we were so cheap that people would go, you'll do, you'll take over all our campus recruiting for $50 an hour. And we were like, oh great, well, here's 10 colleges we don't want to go. You guys go, just do our recruiting for probably 10, 12, 13 years, which made it challenging because not everybody wants to fill out timesheets to the 10th of an hour, which we were. Dave: Yeah, no, but I remember when we would talk to potential clients, that was part of the pitch and the fact that they could do we could do all a card search for them. It's wrong as the source candidates, you know, we would just do that. And the other thing I loved was the independence that gave, because I know there were times that right late in the search we had three finalists and they would say, hey, we identified somebody on our own, can we throw them into the mix? And of course we were very receptive because we were just paid by the hour, like we didn't care. Whereas I think a lot of other firms, especially if there was a success fee component you know, would be very resistant to that, so I always thought that was great. What caused you to move away from that? Jane: Just the cumbers of it or just the greater tendency to do fixed. But you know, we started out doing lower level positions and as we built our reputation we were, frankly, we were leaving. Frankly we were leaving. We weren't great timekeepers and we kind of thought, well, let's still provide a win for our clients Because the big search firms you are obligated to pay the fee. Even if they find their own candidate, you're obligated to pay the fee. So what we decided was we will do a fixed fee. We will tell the client at the beginning of the search this is what your fee is. So it's not really tied to the compensation but the complexity of the search. So, for example, if we were doing a search in Fargo, north Dakota, in December, that might be a harder search. You know, with the pain in the bottom 10% of compensation ranges, that might be a harder search than doing a search in December in Florida, for example, or with the time. So we just pivoted I think it was in 2001 that we'll give you a fixed fee for the search, but it will be less usually than a third of total comp. So even if you put your own candidate into the process, you're still paying for it, but you're paying for a process, not a candidate. So we still had a competitive advantage. And it's interesting. Here we are today, in 2024, and some of the other search firms are now doing what we do. Some of our biggest competitors are going. Well, we'll give you a fixed fee if the Alexander Group's giving you a fixed fee. So it's interesting how it's turned out. Dave: But you were a disruptor in a number of ways in the industry. Jane: I mean it didn't seem like it at the time but now that I see other firms doing the same thing to try and compete effectively, they don't want to. They'd rather just get a third. But one of the things we tell our clients when they retain us is for your budgeting purposes, you're going to know how much the fee is and we'll have no reason to present the most expensive candidates because our fee is already in your budget and we're just going to be on your side of the table trying to find the best person at the most cost-effective salary compensation package. So I think it's a win and it's something that has worked for the clients. And you know the thing that and I know you know this we said it when you were there and we still say it 85% of our business every year is the same people and we're really proud of that because most search firms their repeat business is 6%. And why is that? And you know we laugh and say, well, we have an unstable product. You know and you know there's so many things that can go wrong when you're dealing with people, but we try and provide very I want to say a really strong relationship focus. I mean I tell clients. I don't want to just see you one time. We want a long-term relationship with you and that's really important to us and I think it makes a difference and I think the clients feel like we really care about being part of their team and that's really important to us. Dave: Yeah, that's great and I did experience that, and life's just more fun when you have happy repeat customers and clients Instead of people you try to squeeze for every last dollar for one time transaction. Jane: And you're well. I hope we don't have to see each other again. Right, you know it's like no, we want to be around for the long haul and I know you know this because but our first client from Grant Thornton, who's now 88 years old, is still a friend and a client and a mentor of the firm and we wouldn't really have it any other way. That means a lot to us. Dave: You know, one of the most valuable lessons you taught me was when I went into your office after I worked there about a year and a half and I just said, jane, I don't think this is for me and I don't know what I'm going to do, but I just want to set expectations. And you said hey, as long as you continue to do good work, you can stay. You know, as long as you want, right, I mean, just keep doing good work. And then the other thing you told me do you remember what you told me? You said, and it was very, it was good advice, but it was also clever on your end too. What did you tell me? Jane: I told you, no one will remember the job that you did, but everyone will remember how you leave. Dave: Yep, yep, that's so true and it's such simple advice, right? Because you work someplace for years and then all you really have to do to even make up for mistakes you made is just end on a really high note, right, you could have been a average employee, but just end on a high note and they'll all say, oh yeah, that change, she was great. She was great. We loved having her around. Jane: No, I remember that Because I mean I tell people I was not the best lawyer in the world, but I left, left. Like how do I transition my clients? How do I help train the new person? Can I be available after I'm gone? If I need to come in on a Saturday to help out? And I tell people when I make speeches no one will. You could be really bad at your job, but you can be a good, a great departing employee if you aren't a current employee. And that is just so true. And you know today, you never know when you're going to need a reference. Today, with everything so transparent, even if you don't give somebody as a reference, people will look on LinkedIn and say, oh well, I'm going to call this person and see how Betty was as an employee. So you're going to be found out, good or bad. So you might as well be the best ex-employee you can possibly be. Dave: I love it. Yeah, I know one of the things we did when I was with the team was we would do reference checks, and I think we would oftentimes do them even before the offer was extended. I forget. I think we did it both ways. Sometimes we did it subject to reference checks, sometimes we did the references first and I was always surprised. Every so often you'd find out people lied on their resume or exaggerated. But I imagine with social media and such, that's probably all gone away, right, nobody tries to get away with that anymore, I suppose do they? Jane: You know, dave, it's really interesting. Somebody asked me the other day what surprises you the most. That happens today, that happened 20 years ago. And the answer is exactly as you say. People still try and fudge. They'll say, well, I received an MBA when they did the coursework but didn't write the final paper. Or they'll be credit short of a college degree. Just last month we weren't at the final stages. But we try and check educational background and someone had on their resume they had on their LinkedIn received a bachelor's degree. And we check and there's no bachelor's degree. And they say, oh well, but I was only four hours short and I go. But four hours short does not a degree make, and I'm always surprised that. And people will have maybe a year gap where they're unemployed. And it's okay with COVID and all the changes that we have all gone through as a country, as a business community, it's okay that you have gaps, but it's not okay to misrepresent the gaps and sometimes you'll have people go. Oh well, you know, it was during COVID, I'll just kind of fudge it a little bit. And you're always going to be found out almost every single time, and I'm always surprised that people still do it, though, but even at the highest levels, dave, they still do it Like even like at the C-suite level, you mean. Yeah, at the C-suite level. You know, I wrote an article as a commentator for MSNBC 10 years ago because the CEO of, I think, hp said he had a degree in computer science, but it was a degree in history, you know, which is a pretty big difference. And I wrote an article saying and this was even before the proliferation of social media 10 years ago and I said you will be found out. This guy did, and it was very public and it was he got fired from H. It was a big deal and I was like do not let it stand. If you fudged, go fix it, fess up. Dave: The irony was, if he was, you know, at that level, he probably had graduated at least 25 years earlier. So the irony was his degree had no nothing to do with his current level. Yeah, nobody cared, except that he lied about it. If somebody lies about something that can be checked. What are they lying about that can't be checked, right? Jane: Exactly Well. And the other thing is, when you think about somebody's personal branding, wouldn't it make a great story? Hey guys, I don't know. I had a history degree and look how good I am. I'm running HP now and I had to leave the hospital. But to say he had a computer science degree. I mean it made no sense. But people do that still and I always tell people I know some of your listeners are small businesses where they don't have huge departments but one of the most important things you can do is do background checks and reference checks, unofficial and official, because people they never will stop doing it and no matter how many commentators tell them don't do it, they do it. Dave: Well, you know, I guess it's time for me to go update my LinkedIn. For all these years, jane, I've been telling the world that I was the CEO of the Alexander Group and you worked for me, so I think I'd better go fix that before it backfires. Jane: Well, you know, people always say how did you get the name the Alexander Group? And we, truly the name Alexander kind of has a masculine kind of connotation and you know, even when you were with us, dave, we would get calls once a week going Mr Alexander, please, yeah, and so so. So I think you just, I think not only did you say you were CEO, I think your name you've been passing off your name is David Alexander, right. Dave: That could very well be and I learned so much about presentation because, you know, when I was there, a lot of the the recruiters were young, you know, fresh out of college. The recruiters were young, you know, fresh out of college, and you know you and John did a great job of mentoring these folks and developing them. But it was always so interesting that, you know, we had a pretty casual environment and back then you would leave a message for a candidate and they would call back the main switchboard. I don't know we've, I don't think we even had direct dial numbers back then and they'd call back and switchboard. I don't know, I don't think we even had direct dial numbers back then. And they'd call back and here's this scruffy 23-year-old unshaven guy wearing, you know, birkenstocks to work, named you know Tom, let's say. And when the person would call back and they'd say, yeah, tom Smith, please you train the receptionist to say, oh, hold on. May I ask Mr Smith, you know who's calling you? know, just to I mean there's no harm in saying Mr Smith because that is his name, but why say, oh yeah, let me see if Tommy Boy's you know done, you know done having his afternoon tequila shot, right, I mean there's no use in. Jane: No, it was all about. It was all about the, you know, because we were so small in Scruffy and the other thing we would do would be to say I'd train the receptionist to go never say Mr Smith is not at his desk. Dave: Right, he is not at his desk. Jane: Right, he is not in his office and I will have one of his assistants call you back. Dave: Nice, nice, one of them. I like that. Jane: I know, I mean, you know, I just am blushing, thinking about what we did to make ourselves sound substantial. And there's Tommy Smith back in the back office, sound asleep at his desk, you know. Dave: Exactly. Jane: And sometimes I go, oh well, and sometimes you know candidates would call back. Well, is Tommy Smith calling me? And if I happen to be at the office late at night, you know some of it is the smoke and mirrors of making yourself sound like you're Well, I remember when I would like when you or John would be like traveling. Dave: I would try to book the mother BD. Right, you're interviewing folks in Kansas City, what other companies are headquartered in Kansas City or just other things. And one of the things that the things I did that I learned a lot about this is that even though you and John were based in Houston, if I was trying to set up Houston appointments, I would act as if you and John were based in San Francisco, like I'd say oh, you know Miss Howes will be in, you know she'll be in Houston for two days next week. You know she'll. she won't be in the San Francisco office, she'll be in the Houston office for two days Now the reality is you were going to be there for two weeks, but you were going to be there for those two days and it was what's the biblical saying you can't be a prophet in your own homeland. And I think it's still true to this day that expert from out of town and they rearrange their schedule for the person from out of town. Jane: Well, you know, there's a Buddhist saying that says the visitor from afar brings knowledge and I like that. Dave: I like that. Jane: And you know, sometimes I get asked to talk to college students about how our young people, about how do you find jobs, and my clients, kids, want to know how do we find a job. And I don't I'm not a career counselor but what I tell them is the further like if you went to NYU, say you're going to have more success calling NYU alums in Houston trying to get them to help you than you will in New York City. If you're a University of Houston graduate and you're in San Francisco, there's probably only 20 of you in the whole town and all people are hardwired to help people who come from afar. If there's a limited population and it goes kind of with that thing of being unique, like you know how many people come from Houston to San Francisco for a meeting. 20 years ago I mean it happened, but it wasn't every day that a head of human resources got that phone call right. Dave: In my business that it's easier for me to get an appointment in Syracuse, New York, if I'm going to be up there for business anyway. It's easier to get that appointment than it is with somebody in Houston, Because in Houston they're just like I'm busy this week, you know. Call me next month, you know, because you're so available. It's just like it seems like if you're meeting somebody for dinner, the closer the restaurant, the more likely you are. The closer the restaurant, the more likely you are to be late, or the more likely I am to be late, because if I'm driving 30 minutes I'm going to allow 45 for traffic and stuff, but if it's three minutes away, I'm going to leave two minutes before the dinner and then exactly a stoplight pot ad and then the parking lot's full and yeah no, it is, but it is something about the further something is away. Jane: And I remember one of the ways I built up our and some of our first clients. Most of our first clients were California companies because California had more. They were more used to women in doing C-suite searches. But you know, I was in California every two weeks for probably 30 years and I would call and go well, I'm from Houston, I'm a woman-owned search firm, I'm going to be in LA, can I come see you? And we got a lot of great clients like Wells Fargo, warner Brothers, yeah, a lot of McKesson company, because they were like oh, the visitor from afar they're coming to, they're coming from Houston and they're women in the search business Great, they're coming from Houston and they're women in the search business Great, you know. And I I spent a lot of time where people would go well, I have time tomorrow morning at 11 o'clock and I'm going to be there. And I quickly hung up the phone and called United and called Continental Airlines and started booking that airline ticket as fast as I could. Dave: Yeah, I do remember my listeners love stories. What are some stories of just interesting or amusing or candidate screw up things that come to mind where, yeah, I don't know a candidate showed up intoxicated or a candidate showed up and forgot to put pants on that day, you know. I don't know a candidate showed up intoxicated, or a candidate showed up and forgot to put pants on that day. Jane: You know, I remember way back in the early days one of my first big searches was a senior lending officer for a regional bank here and the candidate was great and it was. I was so excited and so I called the CEO of the bank after the interview and I said Rex, how did the interview go? He goes, jane, he didn't come. I said he didn't come. What the hell? Why didn't he come? He said, oh, it was okay. He drove through the teller window and passed a note to the teller to pass to me that he wouldn't. He changed his mind, you know, and you just go, who drives through the go in for the interview but drives through and says will you give this note, handwritten note on a scrap of paper I'm not coming. And so that was kind of the early days. A second story, and I mean it's crazy what we did back in the early days but one client wanted us to live in LA and take over all their staffing for it. This is when we were hourly billing and we were pretty cheap and they said, yeah, we'll get your room at the Biltmore Hotel in downtown LA. We want you there for a month and we're trying to figure out how to save money, because back then, you know, we just wanted to be and so we bought Dave a $700 car so we wouldn't have rental car charges, and we called it the gray ghost. It was a delta 80 and we drove this car and I am embarrassed to tell you, and I hope your listeners will think we were really creative rather than really cheesy but when we were done with the car, when we finished the search and the client actually is still a client in other iterations we just left the car at a Friday's Marina Del Rey and that was it, because it was on its last legs, you know, and we just that was it. We just left the keys in the car and that was it. Dave: That was it. We just left the keys in the car and that was it. You know you reminded me of something. A good friend of mine owes you his job because you just reminded me of something and I know I learned this from you. So it's really good friend of mine. Cpa, a classic, stereotypical CPA, introverted, not very outgoing but very technically sound, and he was working at a public accounting firm and he was kind of stuck at the senior level. He couldn't get promoted to manager, which usually happens after like five years. And there's a firm in town that I knew a guy there and they were looking for like a first year audit manager. So he was perfect for it. Looking for like a first year audit manager, so he was perfect for it. And so the three of us met for a drink at Papa Do's on Westheimer, over in the Galleria. But I told him ahead of time. I said Pete, he is. I'm just going to tell you right now, he's not Mr Personality. If you're looking for a glad handing, you know, outgoing salesman type, he's not the right guy for you. And so, of course, what did he say? No, we're not looking for a salesman, we're looking for a manager, right, somebody technically solid. So we met and afterwards we had a good time. And afterwards I said so what'd you think? And he said I'm glad you told me that he wasn't Mr Personality, because I was kind of prepared for it. And he did the same thing when they met with the people at the firm. He told them on the front end hey, this guy's not Mr Personality, but he's really smart. I think he can do the job. And 30 years later he's a senior partner at this Houston CPA firm and I know I learned that line from you. Now let me just tell you this person's not Mr Personality. Does that sound like something you might've said for? Jane: Yeah, well, you know what I mean. Part of what I look at a recruiter's job, an executive search person's job, is you tell the client what's wrong or what's missing, because they're smart and they're going to get it themselves. And if you tell them, you are adding value, you're being a consultant and you've managed expectations. So when we do a search, we write a paper, basically a report. These are the things that might not exactly fit, but these are the things that overcome what you are looking for. And which reminds me of one more story. I remember doing a audit partner search, for I think it was Grant Thornton up in St Louis and it was in Chicago actually, and so, as you recall, we would fly to the cities, park ourselves at a hotel restaurant and just sit there and make that our office. It was pretty soon, and so I got to O'Hare sitting down and my 3 o'clock appointment comes up at one o'clock and I go buddy, you're here a little bit early. He said, oh, yeah, yeah, I've heard great things about the Alexander group and I'm just going to sit at this next table and watch you in action. And I'm like, well, buddy, that's just not going, not gonna. And mentally I'm thinking well, buddy is no longer a candidate, but he wanted to sit and listen in on every other interview so he could get some good tips of how to interview himself, and anyway not a bad idea if he had just simply kept that information to himself. Right and not done it when I'd already started the interview. You know, I mean, I kind of lost two candidates right in one sitting. You know, you can't make this stuff up. Dave: That is something. I got a question somewhat related to search. Some of this conversation is about executive search. Right, we probably should have at least maybe a third of it about search. What about board members? So you know, I've got clients who ran, built, ran, sold $50 million revenue successful privately held companies, sold $50 million revenue, successful privately held companies. And they maybe think, yeah, I might like to be serve on a board. Now for somebody to be on a public company board do they need public company experience? Jane: You know, Dave, I think the question as I'm kind of rounding third base in my career and a lot of my peers are in their 60s and they're finishing, They've sold their private company, they retired from a public company. They, for whatever reason, they say well, you know, I'm going to retire, I'm going to, I want to be on a board. Can I get on a board? My answer is always this yes. However, it's a question of how much time do you want to spend to get on your first board? Once you get on one board, even if you're a private company executive, can you get on a public board, Asterisk, if you're willing to really work hard on at that. The average board tenure is 10 years. Board positions don't really turn over that much of a healthy company. So people get on a board and especially if it's a public board, there's incentive comp, there's options. It's not a hard gig for a lot of companies. So the answer is yes. And then what do you do if you want to get on a board? If you want to get on a board? Probably 70 percent of all board positions are not gotten through search firms. Does that surprise you? Dave: Maybe, yeah, maybe some. It's the network, the network of the other board members. Jane: Yeah, yeah, because people will say, oh well, I know somebody I'm going to, I'll go back to my UT alum group and see if they, you know, kind of knows around there. Or I'll see if, oh, I know a guy that works at Goldman Sachs, Maybe he knows somebody. I know a friend that's a part retiring from Ernst Young and I'll ask her. And so there's a lot of you know, with the call for diversity, search firms are becoming more involved but and doing more and 30% is still a lot to be putting out to search. But so the things that if any of your listeners are interested, I tell people, If any of your listeners are interested, I tell people, do a board resume. A board resume is different than a job resume. It's talking about your experience assessing risk, building a company, governance compliance, things that a board member would look at, governance compliance things that a board member would look at and the board members not looking at the details of you know, do you get two weeks or three weeks for vacation? They're looking at what's our strategic plan, the being the boss of the ceo, representing shareholders. So you want a board, one page board resume that talks about what you've done. That would be analogous to that. And then you really want to get on. A not-for-profit board Helps because, especially if it's big enough, there will be other corporate people there and you will make contacts. But it's really about making contacts. A lot of investment banks they don't use search firms when they take a company public. They have databases, they go through their contacts. Bankers know people. It's all about the three sources. I would say. If any of your listeners are saying I want to be on a board one day, do you know anybody in investment banking, private equity, public accounting, M&A law firms anybody like that and tell everybody you're looking for those recommendations. And then the last thing is a lot of your listeners are successful people who've had roles in companies that are entrepreneurial in nature, and a lot of them I know people that have taught an entrepreneurship class or a lecturer at Rice University here. And there's a lot of smart kids who are starting businesses. Let's not forget Google, Facebook, some of these companies that started from college kids, and I think that's a great avenue to think about when, if you're thinking about ways to get on a board. Dave: I like it. That's really cool. Well, speaking of rounding third base, I can't believe how the time has flown by. I have just a couple other questions for you. One is I've heard about this great resignation. For you One is I've heard about this great resignation. What has been your experience? Is this trickled up to the C-suite and the board level, or is this a problem that those people are having to deal with? People lower in the organization? Tell me about the great resignation from your perspective. Jane: Well, one thing hasn't changed. If you look at CEOs of Fortune 500 companies that are recruited from the outside, I would say they have a 50% chance of being there two to three years out. And why is that? Culture fit so the top. You will always have CEO changes, especially if they come from outside and they don't fit with the culture. What I think we are seeing and we see from our clients is post-COVID. There's been so many obvious changes but a lot of things that aren't obvious. People don't want to relocate as much as they might have pre-COVID. Why is that? Well, covid scared people in terms of my parents I've got to take care of my parents, I may have to have my kids at home for high school, and do I want to go to someplace new and have something like that happen? So I think you're having that we're coming out of. But you're also having middle range employees who aren't as loyal, and you know I always tease that a lot of the younger people today. If they have a bad Monday, they may be somebody someplace else by Friday. So I think there's not quite that dickiness of what you grew up with and I grew up with. Hey, you know we want to. You know we don't want to be a quote job hopper and I think people today don't care if they're job hoppers quite as much. And there's not that people are more willing. I think in COVID accentuated that where they're more willing to take risk. And, you know, maybe I'll be without a job for a month, two months, and yeah, I think we're seeing that. And what I tell small businesses that you know be focusing on long how do you make a culture that will keep people invested long term? And there've been a lot written on that and it's different for every company depending on where your location is and what your employee mix. But I think that's a really important thing that everybody's got to do in a bigger way. And also, lastly, dave, the emphasis on mental health, something that has changed dramatically in the last three years, where you know we've got to take care of people financially. And also, how are they doing? Because so many people were isolated during COVID and had mental health issues and people talk about that more, which we never did back in the day. You just bucked it up and, you know, kept making those source calls, dave, you know. Dave: For every six you made, you got to check off a tenth of an hour of work. Jane: Exactly. You had to make a left message with 10 people to get that six. I had it backwards. Dave: It was even harder than I remembered. That's why you get so excited if somebody answered the phone because that, even if you only talk 30 seconds, you got to put them down as a yeah, no, that's right they go no, I'm not interested and you go, that's OK. Jane: Awesome, ten minutes ahead here. Dave: That is great. So so I think the two questions left, so one. Is there anything that I did not ask you that you wish I had? Is there anything we did not talk about that you think we should have? Jane: No, you're a really good interviewer, Dave, which? Dave: I learned it from you. I learned it starts with interviewing candidates and it translates to other things. Jane: Well, I'm, you know, I'm really honored to be here, dave, because the people that you serve and that you do work for. I think it is much harder to run a smaller private company than it is a big company, because you've got to have employees who are multifaceted, You've got to have employees who have an entrepreneurial mindset, you've got to have employees who have an entrepreneurial mindset. So my hat is off to the work you do the clients that you serve, because it is a hard business. Dave: Well, I appreciate that. I love serving entrepreneurs, that is for sure. So here's the last question. This is a curveball one you may remember. When you asked if you need to do any preparation, I said no, we're just going to talk about your life story and you don't need any prep. But I promise you one curveball, and here it is. Are you ready? If you could go back in time and give advice to your 25 or 28 year old self, what advice might you give yourself? Jane: Yeah, oh, that is a great. That is a great question. Don't sweat the small stuff and it's all small stuff. Dave: Okay. Jane: And the things that you worry about about 90% of them do not materialize. Dave: Was that? Was it Mark Twain or Will Rogers? I always get their two quotes conflated. But one of them said I'm an old man, man, and in my life I've known a great many. I've known a great many difficulties, most of which never came to pass, or something to that effect yes, that's right. Jane: And Mark Twain, as you will recall from our time together, said I didn't have time to write a short story, so I wrote a long story, right? Dave: Exactly. Yeah, I learned a lot about incise writing and just I'm always amazed that people that just the simplest stuff that I never picked up in English class. Like you know, bob is a person who does XYZ, he's not. It's not Bob that does something, it's Bob. Bob's not a that, he's a who. Jane: That's, that's right and word choice, and. But you know I, you know I sound like a geezer, but you know stuff like that is. I mean a lot of people today really don't know that. I mean even you know I see at the executive ranks a lot of people who, who just, and you know, I think one of the things when I talk to people early in their career is learn to write, learn business writing out there. I mean especially now with Zoom and you can do business with people by email A lot of people. And if I get a resume from somebody that doesn't spell check or anything else. Dave, one final story, and it's so good and it reminds me. It does remind me of you for obvious reasons, but I don't know if you remember that we sent a letter out one time when you joined, maybe when you rejoined us, and we said Dave is from you know, arthur Anderson, a leading public accounting firm, but we left out the L of public. Do you remember that? Dave: I remember that does sound familiar. I remember somebody saying well, I don't know what it is, but we want some right, that's funny because, yeah, when you send out as many, as much written correspondence as the firm has for so long, it can't try as you might, it can't all be perfect. Just like I'm amazed when I read, like a bestselling book that sold 20 million copies and you find a typo. You're like but you know, when I talked to an author about that they said, yeah, there's, you know, 100,000 words in here, like you, just sometimes they slip through the cracks. Jane: Well, Dave, I the thing I remember about you and I always feel like I can learn something from everybody, even though there's an you're younger than I am. But even back when you were really young and with us, you were so effective at client communication and getting business. And do you remember that? You are the ones that taught us that people are hardwired to want to help, but you have to give them a way to help you. And you would come up with a list, Like, do you know people from any of these five companies? And people would look at and go, oh yeah, I can help you, I do know somebody from here. And what a great way to teach someone how to develop their own clients as to teach the client how to help the potential client or source how to help them. Dave: Well, that's one of the benefits of being a bad employee who changed jobs every year is I was exposed to a lot of things. I learned that in the financial services business and what made it so powerful was because in the financial services business you're always trying to get you know referrals to folks and if you just say, hey, jane, you know who, do you know who's looking to buy life insurance, probably nobody comes to mind. Nobody, because nobody's come up and said hey, I need life insurance. Do you know anyone? But what I learned in that is still helpful today. But instead, if you give somebody a list of 10 people and you say, jane, I'm going to be calling these 10 people next week, I'm just curious, can you tell me, is there anyone on this list you think's particularly great or you think really highly of? And they'd say, oh sure, let me borrow your pen. They check off the before names, you're like great. And then I would say, hey, by chance, if you happen to talk to them before next week, will you tell them I'm going to call them and they, of course, would say, sure, I haven't talked to this guy. I went to law school in five years. It's unlikely I'm going to talk to him this week, but sure, I'll tell him, okay. And then, finally, jane, when I talked to John Lamar, is it appropriate to mention that you know that we had a conversation? You know that he came up in conversation? Sure, yeah, no problem. So then, when I would call the person, it was so easy. Hey, john Lamar, by chance did Jane Howes tell you I'd be calling? No, how's Jane doing? I haven't seen her since law school. Boy, she's really wonderful, I like Jane. And so, yeah, you know Jane. Huh, yeah, I haven't known her a long time. I haven't known her as long as I've known you. Meaning I've met her for 10 minutes, but all of my dealings with her were first rate, all of them. And then just say, hey, you know, jane had some nice things to say about you and she thought we might benefit from knowing meeting one another. You know, know, when are you? It was amazing how well that. But it all started with just having a list to start with, because there's a difference between if somebody like, let's say, that conversation went poorly and john lamar called you back and said, hey, why'd you have? that dave spray guy call me. Well, if you can say, I didn't tell him to call you. He already had your name. He was going to call you anyway he just asked me. Jane: Anyway, great guy, yeah right. Dave: He just wanted to know if you were a jerk or not. And apparently I was wrong because you're gonna give me a hard time. All I did was say you were a nice guy and and now you're giving me a hard time, but yeah and and dave. Jane: What I remember the funny thing was john lamar are my 30 year partner. He went to a meeting with you and he said jane, dave pulled out the list. And I said he pulled out the list. And he said yes, and it worked and we just like we were so nervous about the list. But, Dave, it really worked. Dave: It is funny. And the irony is, the time you pull the list out is when the meeting doesn't go well. You know, like it's a brief meeting and they're like no, my best man at my wedding is a partner at Horn Fairy. That's where all of our search goes. We'll never give it to anyone else. Well, now you have nothing to lose by pulling out the list. I mean, if they on the spot want to sign you up for some searches, well, just keep the list in your pocket. But and the irony was the worse the meeting goes, the more helpful. Jane: They would seem to be right because they kind of feel bad that you flew away from houston. Dave: You flew all the way from houston out to see them and they can't help you. So now, sure, I'll look at your list. I'll give you some. Jane: But it's true, the list, dave, I mean that is a course in business development and we were like God, that list is not going to work. But it works, it absolutely does. Dave: Well, and you know when I first used that this shows what how I approach business development when I was in the financial services business right at Arthur Anderson attorneys were my best prospects. So this was like 1990, excel hadn't even been invented, they were using Lotus one, two, three. And I bought the Martindale Hubble legal director. You remember this thing? The blue, yeah. Maybe it was an yeah, but it was a blue thing and what I did that I was so proud of myself. I went through that and I created a spreadsheet and I knew one attorney in Houston and he was like a second year attorney at some place and he went to U of H and I played basketball with him and I went and I had lunch with him and I pulled out the graduates from like the top 20 law firms in Houston and I'm sorted by year in college. So the first list I gave him was all of the people who graduated from law school, the ones in his start class. And then I gave him a list of all the other U of H grads who were like a couple of years older to a year younger Same thing, who do you know? And then I made the call to them and then, jane, it got to be so crazy. I would go to like V&E and I would be there like I'd have like 12 meetings in a row, like, and they would literally walk me from one office to the next and they'd be like, hey, so who's next on your list? Oh, bob. Oh, he's a hoot, yeah, you'll enjoy meeting him. And so they would escort me into the office. It was like it was this introduction from one stranger to another one, but then the new person I would meet with. So you know, lauren introduced me to a guy who started with him that went to UT, so I would have all the other UT guys at his firm and at the other firms in town and it just exploded. Like in three or four months I was like the guy for all the third year attorneys at Baker Botts and V&E and Fulbright, but anyway, that is so fun, but it works, dave, and it's something you know. Jane: 15, 20 years later I still remember. Quote the list. Dave: Yeah, yeah, some great times. So, jane, thank you so much for not only inviting me to the 40th anniversary party that was just spectacular. Seeing some of my former colleagues, that was just great and just having the ability to be friends with you and your husband and John Lamar all these years is very special. I like to say there's only one ex-girlfriend I keep in touch with and there's only one ex-employer I keep in touch with, and that's you all when you are a VIP favored status. Jane: you work for us twice and we keep hoping that phone will ring the third time, dave, and it'll be the charm. Dave: Yeah, you never know. And I would jokingly say I did two tours of duty which you know doesn't really sound very complimentary to the firm. I must say, tour of duty has a certain negativity to it in a way, you know, conscription drafted. Jane: Yes, it's. At least it's not like prison sentence. You know I'll give you that. Dave: That is awesome. Well, Jane, I could talk all day to you. Thank you so much. I really appreciate everything. Jane: Oh, my pleasure, Dave. How much fun this has been. Dave: It has been have a great day. Jane: Thanks, Dave Bye. Special Guest: Jane Howze.

Gary pays tribute to all those involved in D Day exactly 80 years ago, and remembers the wonderful voice of the late Rod Paterson, who died last week. PlaylistMike Katz with The Best Englishman, Chase the Train and Mr MacKinnon of Corry from A Month of Sundays Alasdair Gillies with Mrs John MacColl, Tulloch Castle and Dr MacPhail's Reel from 25 Years of the Glenfiddich Piping ChampionshipThe King's Own Scottish Borderers with Sleep Dearie Sleep and the Pibroch of Donald from Blue Bonnets O'er the Border  Rod Paterson with the D Day Dodgers from A the Bairns o Adam  Brighde Chaimbeul with Tornala Maika from The Reeling  Martyn Bennett and Tommy Smith with Karabach from Ceol Tacsi Colin MacLellan with The Faeries' Hornpipe, John F Kennedy, the Clachnacuddin Hornpipe from the World's Greatest Pipers, Vol 11 Rod Paterson with Auld Lang Syne from Songs from the Bottom DrawerLinksBagpipers of the World United Association Brighde Chaimbeul Tour DatesSupport the Show.

This celebrated British jazz pianist, songwriter and record producer was labelled a veteran by critics at age 19 and over the following decade won most of the major jazz music awards. Born in Surrey and raised in Wandsworth London, he was classically trained and attended the Guildhall School of Music . Emerging in the late 80s as a jazz pianist and influenced by Herbie Hancock and McCoy Tyner, he recorded three solo albums in his early 20s and his debut album A Clearer View in 1990 was produced by his dream choice of Wayne Shorter. This led to him appearing on the cover of The Wire magazine. He additionally worked with Jean Toussaint, Tommy Smith, and Branford Marsalis In the late 90's Sting invited him to join his band following the death of Kenny Kirkland which saw him tour with Sting for the next six years and recording three albums. He then became a member of Jeff Beck's band, touring for six years and recording a further three albums. During these years he also worked with Chaka Khan, Des'ree, Mica Paris, Carleen Anderson, Manu Katché, Phil Collins, and Peter Gabriel In 2013 after twelve years of touring as a session musician he reestablished himself as a solo artist and soon after, released the album Anything But Look on Lyte Records featuring Will Downing, Omar, Joy Rose, Jacob Collier, Tim Garland and Pino Palladino. He teaches music at Guildhall School of Music and Bath Spa University and additionally composes music for the London-based production music library, Audio Network.

On February 27th, Eoin Sheahan sat down with GAA and Rugby legend David Hickey to talk about his life in activism as well as his decorated sporting career.

TRAVIS, TAY-TAY, THE SUPER-BOWL AND AMERICA'S INSANE POLITICAL CIRCUS….PLUS NUKES, ASSANGE, LETHAL GAS & MORE OHIO MADNESS     In our first hour we start with TIM JUDSON of the Nuclear Information & Resource Service who joins with KARL GROSSMAN on the realities of America's bogus “Nuclear Renaissance.”   MYLA RESON, TATANKA BRICCA, and CONNIE KLINE update us on a wide range of issues.   We're then updated by ANNE BATIZA on a postcard campaign and other attempts to free Julian Assange.   We then hear from STEVE GOLDSMITH on the perils of a lethal poison gas now threatening Los Angeles.   STEVE CARUSO gives us the latest on the crazed efforts of Ohio officials to kill democracy.   With pop music on our music, we hear from the brilliant ALAN MINSKY the intersection of sports & politics as we head into the SuperBowl.   SANDY BOLZENIUS, MIKE HERSCH, MYLA RESON, WENDI LEDERMAN, STEVEN GOLDSMITH chime in.   ELISSA MATROSS explains the classic dilemma of a powerful political activists who roots for the home team….in this case the 49ers.   ALEX WILLIAMS adds his opinions about whether NFL games are fixed.    TATANKA BRICCA reminds us of the sacrifice of Tommy Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics.   RUTH STRAUSS brings us a reminder of Alabama football, ending this wonderful gathering on a Crimson Tide.

You can find me and the show on social media by searching the handle @DrWilmerLeon on X (Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube. Our Facebook page is www.facebook.com/Drwilmerleonctd All our episodes can be found at CTDpodcast.com.   TRANSCRIPT: Dr Wilmer Leon (00:13): Welcome to the Connecting the Dots podcast with Dr. Wilmer Leon. I am Wilmer Leon. Here's the point. We have a tendency to view current events as though they occur in a vacuum, failing to understand the broader historical context in which most events take place. During each episode of this podcast, my guests and I will have probing, provocative, and in-depth discussions that connect the dots between the current events and the broader historic context in which they occur. This will enable you to better understand and analyze the events that impact the global village in which we live. On today's episode, we explore the presidential candidacy of Dr. Cornell West. If you go to Cornell West 2020 four.com, it opens with this brother, Cornell West is a living embodiment of the power of an independent mind forever reminding us that greatness is born of the courage to stand apart and speak one's truth. (01:13) To help me connect these dots, let's turn to my guest. He needs no introduction, but I'll say he is the Dietrich Bonhoeffer professor of philosophy and Christian practice at Union Theological Seminary. He's the former university professor at Harvard University and Professor Emeritus at Princeton University. He graduated magna cum laude from Harvard in three years and obtained his master's and PhD in philosophy at Princeton. He's the first black person to receive a PhD In more detail, let me say, he's written 20 books, edited 13 and has written numerous forwards as we'll talk about in. He's one a sacramental zone and affectionately known to many as Brother West, Dr. Cornell West. Welcome, and let's connect some dots. Dr Cornel West (01:59): I'm with you though, man. We putting smiles on our precious mama's faces. I know mom was there right there in the living room and in the kitchen when you got home and your precious mother had passed. But just think how blessed we are. I think it's very providential as well as significant that we could start this year together. Dr Wilmer Leon (02:20): In fact, I'm glad you mentioned our parents because what would your folks be thinking of their son in these efforts today? Dr Cornel West (02:30): Well, it's hard to say Mom and dad were unpredictable in terms of their judgment and highly predictable in terms of their deep, deep love though, brother, so that they would be loving me to death as they always did up until their death and they loved me now after death on their life. But I think it's hard to say they were such independent thinkers, you know what I mean? Dr Wilmer Leon (02:53): I do. I do know. Lemme put you another way then. What are the two or three most salient points or lessons that you carry forward that your parents instilled in you? Dr Cornel West (03:09): Oh, one is that you want to be in the world but not of it. So that you always recognize as standards bigger than you. You will always fall short of those standards, but never forget what they are. And those standards are always hope. And the greatest of them is love, love of God, love of neighbor, love of especially the least of these love, especially of poor and working people love especially of those friends from on called The Wretched Up the Earth. That's what I learned. West Household, you can see it, my brother Cliff, my sister, Cynthia and Cheryl, and you certainly can see it, Shiloh Baptist Church right on Ninth Avenue at Old Park Brother with Reverend Willie P. Cook and others. So those were the crucial things, not just the values in the abstract sense, but the virtues in the lived concrete sense of ways of being in the world, modes of existing, trying to be forces for good in the language of the great John Coltrane. (04:05) You see his various incarnation in terms of his faces on the albums here in the backdrop of my room. I think my dear wife Vanta for that and buying me this gift. It's a beautiful gift, but I think for them, the question becomes, are you being true to that calling? Are you being true to that vocation? Are you being true to that? Which tries to lure out of you the best who you are given the crack vessel that you are? And I take those insights and those lessons very, very seriously though, brother. So I wake up every morning, I say, Hey, crack vessel, that I am center, that I've always been. I'm going to be a force for good. I'm going to tell some truth. I'm going to bear some witness. I'm going to seek justice and I'm going to do it no matter what costs, no matter what burden, no matter what responsibility it entails, because that's what I'm here to do. And I'm going to do it with fun. Joy. I just finished the biography, brotherly Stone. Thank you. Wow. Letting me be myself. And he talks about Cynthia Robinson, you know, from Sacramento. Yes, beloved sister Anita Robinson. We went to high school together. He talked about Cynthia Robinson when he moved to Sacramento for a while, Sacramento inspirational choir. He had played Shiloh sometimes with Clarence Adams, Bobby Adams, and Brother Clarence. Dr Wilmer Leon (05:33): I didn't know that. Dr Cornel West (05:34): Oh yeah, yeah. I used to see Sylvester on the organ right there. Shiloh man. Dr Wilmer Leon (05:40): I did not. He's Dr Cornel West (05:41): From Vallejo. Dr Wilmer Leon (05:42): Yeah, I know he's from Vallejo, but I didn't know that he had spent time in Sacramento. Dr Cornel West (05:47): Oh Lord. Yes. Dr Wilmer Leon (05:48): It says on your site, even as a young child, you exhibited the remarkable qualities that would define your life's journey and path to the presidency. In the third grade, you fearlessly stood up to your teacher challenging her ideas and defining the conventional norms of your time. And that stands out to me because during the medal ceremony of the Olympics in 1968, Mexico City, as you recall, John Carlos and Tommy Smith raised their black glove fists during the playing of the national anthem. And on October 17th, the day after that, I went to school, raised my fist during the morning pledge of the allegiance, and I got kicked out of school. And I read that on your site and thought about the parallels of our lives. And here we sit today still challenging the dominant narrative and the ideas and defying the conventional norms of our time. And I think is a very good summary of your candidacy. Dr Cornel West (06:59): That's beautiful. But I think that's also an example though, brother, of how your precious mother and my precious mother and precious fathers as well tried to support into us examples of integrity, honesty, and decency. And when you have a flag that's waving, that's not signifying what it ought in terms of it's talking about liberty and justice for all, but you got lynching going on and you've got degradation, discrimination, segregation going on is just decent to have integrity, to have honesty is to call it into question. And when you do that, you're going to be in the world or not of it because you're going to be going against the grain. You're going to be going against what is popular in the name of what ought to have a certain kind of moral substance and spiritual content to it. And here that was how many years ago now? Man, that was 1968 is, Dr Wilmer Leon (08:01): Oh, that was Dr Cornel West (08:02): 50, 52 years. Yeah, that's 56 years. You see, I refuse to salute the flag. My great uncle had been lynched in Texas and they wrapped the flag around his body. So that's what I associated as a young brother. Now that to me, I don't put other people down for salute the flag because some people see that flag and they think of their husband or their uncle or their wife who was killed in the war and they loved, they got right to support their loved ones, and they were fighting for that flag. But that's what goes in their mind. But my mind is the flag wrapped around the body s sw in the southern breeze, that strange fruit that Billie Holiday sing about. So everybody has their right to respond. Same was true with Brother Colin. When Colin saw that flag, he thought all of these young black brothers and sisters being killed, the police, yeah, he gets down. We can understand that somebody else see the flag and they think of their uncle, a great uncle in Hiroshima who's fighting against Japanese fascism. Sure. Everybody's got their lens through which they view the world. We have to be open to that. But most importantly, we got to be true to ourselves. Dr Wilmer Leon (09:15): In talking about your candidacy, you announced your candidacy in the People's Party switched to the Green Party, and now you're running as what you call a truly, truly a people's campaign that is a movement rooted in truth, justice, and love. Why the changes? And where are we with your candidacy today? Dr Cornel West (09:39): Yes, back in June, June 5th, it was the People's party that came forward. It met with myself and Brother Chris Hedges, my dear brother, I have great respect for, great love for. And they were kind enough to make the invitation. When I accepted the invitation, I realized very quickly that there were going to be some very deep challenges. There's going to be some very deep problems there. Chris Hedges and Jill Stein and Jammu Barack and others asked me to meet with the Green Party people and to see whether there's a possibility. We met, we made the shift to the Green Party. We worked very closely for a good while, and I realized that the Green Party had so many different requirements in terms of internal debates with presidential candidates going to different states and state conventions and so forth. And I wanted to go directly to the people because I've been going directly to the folk. (10:33) And I realized that even though the Green Party had 17 states in regard to ballot access, that I could actually get 15 or 16 states rather quickly. And that's precisely what we're doing now. We already got Alaska, we're moving on to Utah by eyes of March 15th. We should have, we hope a good 15 states or so. I would've caught up with the Green Party. But I have a freedom to really not just be myself more fully, but also to go directly to the people rather than spending so much time on inter-party activities that the Green Party requires. And so a lot of people say, well, you got false starts. I say, no, no, I'm a jazz man. That's first take. That's the first take. Dr Wilmer Leon (11:23): Folks can go to your website, Cornell West 2020 four.com, click on the platform tab and they can see a list of general areas such as economic justice, worker justice, environmental justice, and a number of others. And then below each of those, there are the bullet points that articulate your positions on those issues. And I'd like to get to this point, this particular point, because I think it allows us to speak to a number of things that are impacting not only this country but the world, and that is the United States supporting funding and arming genocide in Gaza. How does an American administration, the Biden administration with the backing of Congress, and particularly the Congressional Blackhawk Caucus, which is supposed to be the conscious of the Congress, how can they back this play? Dr Cornel West (12:27): Yeah, that's a wonderful question though, brother. I think we have to first begin by situating my campaign as a moment in a movement that's rooted in a great tradition of Martin Luther King, Jr. Fannie Lou Haman, rabbi Heschel and Dorothy Day. And what they were about was first there's a moral starting point. You see that a precious Palestinian baby has exactly the same value as your baby and my baby, an Israeli baby, a Haitian baby, an Egyptian baby, a Guatemalan baby, but there's been almost 9,000 babies killed a 50 some days. We can see just the level of baity there. Now, every life, no matter what color agenda for me, has the same value. There's no doubt about that. But you start with on a moral premise, then you got to move to your social analysis. How could it be that the United States, the American Empire, enables not just this genocidal assault that's been going on, but how has it enabled the apartheid regime for so long of Israel vis-a-vis those occupied territories with precious Palestinians have been subjugated and degraded. (13:47) How has it facilitated ethnic cleansing where you're seeing now almost 2 million fellow Palestinians who are pushed out of their land? Well, the same thing happened in 1948 with 750,000 Palestinians. They called Arabs at the time were pushed out. So you start on a moral note, and I begin on a spiritual note, just as a Christian, you know what I mean, that there's certain principles that I'm not going to give up. And there's oppressed peoples no matter where they are, no matter, it can be in cashmere, they can be in Chad, they can be in the south side of Chicago. They could be white brothers and sisters in Kentucky. They could be Latinos in South la. Their lives have exactly the same value as the lives of the rich and wealthy and famous. And when you proceed in that way, you have a set of lens that you're looking at the world that's very different from any of the parties because you see both parties, Republicans and Democratic parties have been so tied to Israel in a critical, Israel's been proceeding with impunity for decades, not just since October 7th for decades. (14:57) They've been able to do and say anything they want. They've been able to get billions and billions of dollars from taxpayers' money to the United States with no accountability whatsoever. And when people try to impose some accountability, be it United Nations or be it progressive Jews, or be it Palestinians or Arabs or other people around the world, Israel acts as if they can still do what they want to do with no answerability and no responsibility. They just proceed and do what they want to do. You say, well, wait a minute. And we've reached the point now where, oh, my brother, you got the invoking of Amalek, the first Samuel 15, and the third verse, what does that say in the Old Testament for Christians and Hebrew scripture from Jewish brothers and sisters, he would to kill every man, every woman, every child, every ox, every sheep. Well, that's genocidal intent. (15:52) And then you got genocidal execution when you got over 22,000. And that's just a modest count because you got so many in the rubble that are not counted, and the 9,000 children is just off the chart. I mean, it's just unimaginable that that could happen to so many precious children. You say, no, what is going on? Well, then you come back to United States and you say, wait a minute. Now we've got a politics where the lobby that is primarily responsible for the money that goes from the US government to Israel is one of the most powerful lobbies, not just in America, but in the history of the country, in the history of the country that owing to the high civic participation rate of Jewish Americans. And we talk about Jewish Americans, you're never talking about a monolith or a homogeneous group. You're talking about a variety of different kinds of Jews because we've seen the Jewish young people and Jewish progressives are as critical of Israel as I am, Dr Wilmer Leon (16:57): Jewish voices for peace, Dr Cornel West (16:59): That Jewish voices for peace. If not now, you've got a whole host of them that have been quite courageous in that regard. So it's not a matter and must never be a matter of anti-Jewish hatred, anti-Jewish sentiment. It's hating occupation, domination, subjugation. In this case, it's Israeli subjugation, Israeli domination, Israeli occupation. Now, the sad thing is, Dr Wilmer Leon (17:27): But wait a minute. It's also understanding the difference between Zionism and Judaism. And as much as the dominant narrative wants to try to equate those two, they are not the same. One is a religious practice, and the other for the most part is a political ideology. Dr Cornel West (17:51): That's exactly right. I mean, what makes it difficult really is that you see Jewish brothers and sisters have been terrorized and traumatized and hated over 2,500 years with different attacks, assaults, pogroms, culminating in the show and the Holocaust with the gangster Hitler and the gangster Nazis and so forth. And they jump out of the burning buildings of Europe and they're looking for a place to go. Zionism is a 19th century movement of nationalism that's looking for a home for Jews, a nation state for Jews, and they land on somebody else's land. It's like the pilgrims landing in the new world and saying, there's no people here. Yes, there are. Now of course, in America, what did they say? There's no human beings. There's just buffaloes and Indians. Hey, wait a minute, Indians are as human as you Europeans, we Africans, anybody else? Well, that's part of the deep white supremacy and racism that's happening. (18:58) What else was happening with Zionism? But they told a lie and they said, we got land with no people. That's not true. You got 750, got almost 1000080% of the population don't act like they don't exist. Oh, in your mind, they might be non-entities, but in God's eyes, in our eyes, they're human just like you and just like me. And so you end up with this ideology that responds to this indescribably vicious treatment of Jews for 2,500 years in the middle of Europe. So-called civilized Europe. Now, of course, Belgium already killed 7,000 Africans in Bellevue, Congo in the Dr Wilmer Leon (19:39): Congo, right? Dr Cornel West (19:40): Not too many Europeans said a mumbling word. Turkey had already killed Armenians with genocidal attacks. Europeans didn't say a mumbling word. Italy had already invaded Ethiopia. Europe didn't say a mumbling word. So you can already see the hypocrisy there. But what makes it difficult in the United States is that our Jewish brothers and sisters who are thoroughgoing Zionists, they use the fact that Jews have been hated for so long as a fundamental foundation of what they do and that they think allows them to rationalize, hating Palestinians, terrorizing Palestinians, traumatizing Palestinians. I'm against traumatizing, hating, terrorizing anybody, anybody. If black folk were terrorizing white folk, I'm going to defend white folk. If Palestinians are terrorizing Jews, I'm going to defend Jews. If Jews are terrorizing Palestinians, I'm going to defend Palestinians. That's morality and spirituality. Now, we live in a moment Dr Wilmer Leon (20:54): And consistency Dr Cornel West (20:55): And a certain kind of moral consistency that you try to hold on now. And I know, man, we live in a moment of such overwhelming baity man, organized greed, institutionalized hatred, routinized, indifference toward the suffering of others, especially the weak. So it's just a matter of the strong just thinking and the rich thinking. They can act and do anything. They like to crush the weak. And what happens now in the Middle East, especially in this situation with Gaza, is that you have Nathan, Yahoo, and others who are using the most reactionary tradition in the history of Zionism, which comes out of Jabotinsky that says that there will be Jewish security only when there's either Jewish domination of Palestinians or Jewish annihilation of Palestinians. That's in the writings of Jabotinsky. Netanyahu's father was an assistant to Jabotinsky that is a deeply, deeply right wing of not outright fascist version of Zionism. Now, there's liberal versions of Zionism that's very different, but even those liberal versions still want to argue that Palestinians would never have equality in their state have equal status in their state. And so we have to be able to put that in historical context. We have the right kind of morality and spirituality for people to understand why people like myself will never ever, ever be silent when it comes to Israeli genocidal attacks on Palestinians when it comes to Israeli ethnic cleansing of Palestinians. And when it comes to Israeli apartheid regime, that's why South Africa's taking him to the international court. Dr Wilmer Leon (22:45): How does a president Cornell West intervene, interject and change the trajectory of this ongoing genocide? Dr Cornel West (22:57): It means that the policy is qualitatively different than you get into Biden. It's clear that Biden has no concern for the most part with Palestinian suffering. No, Dr Wilmer Leon (23:07): He has said numerous times that he is a Zionist. Dr Cornel West (23:10): He's a Zionist. He doesn't talk about the numbers, he doesn't talk about the suffering. He doesn't talk about the unbelievable pain of Palestinians, not just now, but during the 40 some years he's been in office. You see? So from the very beginning, he makes it very, very clear that these Palestinian brothers and sisters don't count for me. Their lives don't really matter. Now, of course, we got memories of white supremacists in the United States. These black people don't count. These indigenous peoples don't count. They're just farter for our projects. We step on them like cockroaches. We crush them like they're creatures below. And you say, now, oh no, that's not my tradition. So as presidents especially shoot under a West administration, shoot, I'd be calling for the end of occupation, the end of the siege, a cease fire to sit down and come up with a way in which Jews and Palestinians can live together under conditions of equality, with equality under the law and equality in terms of assets to resources. So it's a qualitatively different way of looking at the world and proceeding in that part of the world. Dr Wilmer Leon (24:32): What about the most recent action of circumventing Congress and sending more arms, weaponry, and military resources to the genocide? What about how does a President Cornell West cut off the spigot of the funding? Dr Cornel West (24:55): Oh one, it is not just for me, just a matter of withdrawing aid and cutting off the spigot, but it's a matter of trying to get the leadership, Israeli leadership, Palestinian leadership, to sit down and come up with ways in which they can create a society in which they live together. And whatever financial support I provide is a financial support that would sustain that kind of egalitarian arrangement. There would not be a penny from a West administration for any apartheid regime, for any ethnic cleansing, and certainly not for any genocidal attack and assault on Palestinians or anybody else. Dr Wilmer Leon (25:40): So how do you negotiate with a Netanyahu who you just so accurately stated, his father was an advisor to Jinky who has compromised his own principles to go further, right, to formulate his government. And so with the Troches and all of those other genocidal maniacs, Dr Cornel West (26:11): That's right. Dr Wilmer Leon (26:13): How can you negotiate with someone who is sworn to the annihilation of an entire group of human beings? Dr Cornel West (26:24): Well, one, in any diplomatic process, you end up sitting down with people you disagree with. But you're absolutely right. It would not so much be a negotiation with the Nathan Yahu. It would be a teasing out of Israeli leadership that was open to egalitarian arrangement with Palestinians and teasing out the Palestinian leadership that's open to an egalitarian arrangement among Jews. So you really talking about trying to lure and to appeal to voices and figures and movements. The combatants for veterans, for example, that has Palestinians and Israelis working together, the Baim de meanies who are part of the Martin Luther King Jr tradition of struggling together Palestinians and Jews together, and even try to tease out some of the best of their labor movements, the trade union movements, Palestinian trade union movement, Israeli trade union movements where you do have some, not enough, but you got some overlap of people recognizing that Jews and Israelis can work together for something bigger than them. So you're right, it's not so much a matter of just negotiation, but it's a matter of withdrawal of funds. It's a matter of a certain kind of rejection. We've got to have some wholesale rejection of fascists. And that's true, not just as it relates to Israel and Nathan Yahoo, but that would be true for fascism in all of its various forms. It could be in Iran, it could be in Chad, it could be in Haiti, it could be anywhere. Fascism raises its ugly face. Dr Wilmer Leon (28:20): Moving this out to a slightly broader context, you have the United States through the US UN ambassador, Linda Thomas Greenfield vetoing the calls for a peace agreement in Gaza. Then you have the Ansara LA or the Houthis reaching a peace agreement or working, coming very, very close to a peace agreement with the Saudis and the United States intervening and saying, we will not accept that. We will not accept a peace agreement that we're going to label the Houthis as a terrorist organization, therefore Saudis will not be able to engage with the Houthis without incurring sanctions. Then you've got the conflict between Venezuela and Guyana, and they agree, I think in St. Croix, they come to an agreement and say, we're going to work on this peaceably. And then the United States gets Britain to send a warship off the coast of God. Point being, these are three within the last 10 days. These are three examples of entities in conflict agreeing to work for peace in the United States, injecting militarism into the negotiation. How does a President Cornell West put a stop to that? Dr Cornel West (29:53): One is my brother. We need exactly what you just did, which means you have to respect the people enough to tell them the truth. So a president also has to play a role of a teacher. See the large numbers of our fellow citizens, they don't really know the truth about the Middle East. They don't really know about the truth of Latin America. They don't really know about the truth of the ways in which the American Empire has been reshaping the whole world in its interest in image, both in Latin America for so long, when Latin America was viewed as a kind of a playground for America and all the various cos and Democratic elections overthrown by Dr Wilmer Leon (30:30): Chile, Argentina, Dr Cornel West (30:32): Chile, Argentina, Dominican Republic, Panama, Grenada. We can go on and on and on. When you look at how the US government has overthrown democratically elected governments when it was not in the interest of the corporate elite to accept those democratic elected democratic elections. But you have to just tell people the truth. But that in and of itself was a major move. That's a major move to tell people the truth. And then beyond that, to intervene and to act and you say, oh, now as president, based on the legacy of Martin King and Fannie Lou Hamer and others, and looking at the world through the lens of the least of these poor and working people, I'm going to be putting forward policies that strike you as so outside of the realm that you are used to because these two parties, Democrats and Republicans have been tied to big militarism abroad. Military adventurism abroad have been tied to overthrowing. Democratic regimes abroad have been tied to 57 cents for every dollar going to them. And oftentimes they get more than they request. But then there's austerity when it comes to education, when it comes to housing, when it comes to jobs with a living wage, when it comes to the healthcare and so forth. That's a very different way of looking at the world. I mean, the very idea of there being a US president who would be an anti-imperialist, and you see, I am a gut bucket. (32:19) And what I mean by that is that I want nations to be nations among nations. We do not need empires that try to get other nations to defer to their imperial dominance, to their imperial domination. The United States has 800 military units around the world over special operations in a hundred countries. China and Russia have hardly 35 or 40 combined. Why do we need 800 military units around the world? Why do we need a ship in every shore? Well, we got corporate interests, you got us geopolitical interests, and you've got elites in Washington who want to do what dominate the world. And that's precisely the thing that needs to be called into question. We can be a decent nation among nations. We can be a dignified nation among nations. We do not need to be an empire. Why? Because like the Roman Empire, like the British Empire, it's not only that they all dissolve, but they all have an arrogance and a hubris. (33:31) And his brother, Martin Luther King used to say, I can hear the God of the universe saying, I'll break your power if you keep crushing these poor people and acting as if you're doing in the name of liberty and equality, and you're really doing it in the name of your own greed, your own wealth and your own power. That's a great tradition, and we need to keep that tradition alive any way we can. I'm just trying to do it because the movement spills over into electoral politics. I'm going to be doing it till the day I die, and I've been doing it prior to being a candidate. Dr Wilmer Leon (34:06): So as you look at the development of the bricks, the new international economic organization that's Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and then I think they've just admitted about another seven countries into the bricks as both President Xi in China as well as President Putin of Russia, have been talking about moving from the unipolar or the unilateral where the United States is in control of everything to a multilateral dynamic. How does a president Cornell West deal with the development of the bricks? Dr Cornel West (34:45): Well, one, you see, I look at the multilateralism through the same lens. I look at the unilateralism, us unilateralism on the one hand and the multi-country multilateralism because you see the multilateralism is still a combination of elite. And many of the countries that you talked about have high levels of repression and domination in their countries. I look at the world through the lens of the poor and the working classes in their respective countries, and I want United States to be in solidarity with the poor and working classes in India, for example, I'm not impressed by Modi. I know Modi is a Trump-like figure. I know Modi is not concerned about the poor. He's not concerned about the dollars, he's not concerned about the working class in India. So even when he, at those bricks meetings, I know he's not speaking on behalf of the masses of Indians. (35:48) He's speaking on behalf of that very ugly Hindu nationalist movement that he's a part. And so even when I look at the bricks, I know that that is a sign that US empire and US power is waning, but it's not as if simply because they're outside of the United States, that they're not subject to the same criticism, the same standards as the United States itself is. They have their own elites. They have their own policies that do not speak to satisfying the needs of their own poor and their own working class or their own women, or those who are outside of the dominant religion. Look at the Muslims in India. I'm concerned about them. No Modi's a Hindu nationalist, very narrow one at that because there's many Hindus who oppose him as well. And the same would be true in the other countries as well, even South Africa, as you know, I have tremendous respect for the legacy of a Nelson Mandela or sister. (36:57) I had a chance to meet both of them when I was in South Africa. But the South African government today, it doesn't speak to the needs of poor and working class South Africans. I'll say that the brother Cyril, I have great respect for Brother Cyril, and I'm so glad he's taking Israel to the court, the International Court of Justice, no doubt about that. And I believe all the nations need to be called into question if they commit war crimes, Hamas itself commits war crimes. But those war crimes are not crimes of genocide. There are war crimes. They're wrong, they're unjust, but there's not an attempt to act as if they're trying to wipe out a people war crimes, crimes against humanity and crimes of genocide. Three different levels. And it's very important to always distinguish them so that when we talk about bricks, I still don't want us to in any way assume that just because you get an Indian face or a Brazilian face or an African face, that somehow they are concerned about the poor and working classes in their own respective nations. Most of them are not. Most of them are part of their own bourgeoisie. They're part of their own professional classes that look down and do not put the needs of poor and working people at the center of their government. And Nelson Mandela, for example, in some ways turning over in his grave, when you look at the situation of poor people in Soweto and what he was trying to do when he emerged out of that jail cell, Dr Wilmer Leon (38:36): Is there an attack on independent thought and a growing sense of anti-intellectualism in the United States? That we look at the rise of the attacks on social media sites. We look at the attacks on independent journalists, the recent resignation of former Harvard President, Claudine Gay, Harvard's first African-American president and a female, and particularly looking at the manner in which she was done away with accusing her of plagiarism. So not only removing her from her position as president, but doing it in a manner of attacking her very character as a scholar, which seems like they almost want to see to it that she never gets another job. And I in her life, is there an attack on intellectualism and you truly as an intellectual, speak to that, please? Dr Cornel West (39:38): Yeah. Well, one is that United States has always been a deeply anti-intellectual country. The business of America is business. America's always been highly suspicious of those voices. That's why they put a bounty on the head of Ida B. Wells. They put a bounty on the head of Frederick Douglass. That's why they murdered Martin Luther King and Malcolm. That's why they kept Paul Robeson under house arrest at 46 45 Walnut Street in Philadelphia. Why they put Du Bois under House of West A 31 grace place in Brooklyn. It's why Eugene Debbs had to run for president from the sale he ran on the Socialist Park. All he was doing was just giving speeches critical of the war. So America has always had a deep anti-intellectual impulse. It is certainly at work today and certainly is manifest today. And you're right. I'm glad you mentioned Sister Gay because I think it's a very sad situation. It shows what happens when you get a little small group of highly wealthy figures, billionaire figures in this case, primarily Jewish figures, who feel as if they can shape and reshape an institution by either withholding their monies or bringing power and pressure to bear to try to eliminate. Dear Sister Gay, they had these major buses with her picture on it right in front of Harvard Yard, national Disgrace. (41:09) They're organized in front of her house, and she got what she calls racial animus and these threats that she received. It's a very ugly and a vicious thing. But you know, there's an irony there, which is that, as you know, just a few years ago, I was actually pushed out of Harvard. Dr Wilmer Leon (41:30): That's why I'm asking you this Dr Cornel West (41:31): Question. pro-Palestinian stances. I was a faculty advisor to the Palestinian student Group, and they made it very clear that they were not going to have tenured faculties who had strong pro-Palestinian sensibilities, strong pro-Palestinian convictions. Now, at that time, sister Gay was head of the faculty. She was dean of the faculty, which is third in charge after the provost Larry be Kyle, Alan Garber, Claudine gay. And at that time, it was hard for her to come forward and support of me. No, and I didn't want to put her in a position. I know she was new. I know that she's betw and between, but the irony is that her silence at that time about those forces now comes back, or those same forces come back at her. Dr Wilmer Leon (42:34): And what's that adage? When they came for the Jews, I didn't say anything because I wasn't a Jew. When they came for the Christians, I didn't say anything because I wasn't a Christian, blah, blah, blah. By the time they got to me, wasn't nobody left to defend. Dr Cornel West (42:47): Nobody left. Now see, many of us still supported her because it's a matter of principle. It's a deep, deep racism belief because what is happening right now, as you know, when you look at Ackerman, you look at Bloom, you look at Summers, the folk who are very much behind these things, what they're saying is, is that all of the black folk at Harvard, for the most part, do not belong because they didn't get there based on merit and excellence. They got there because of diversity, equity, and inclusion. And we're calling all of that into question. You just read the recent piece by Brett Stevens, the New York Times. He's the same brother who says, anybody who calls it genocide must be antisemitic. And yet the next moment Nathan Yahu can call Hamas attack on precious Israelis genocidal. But that's not anti Palestinian. Oh, no, no. See, the double standards, the hypocrisy is so overwhelming that it's hard to even sit still. (43:47) And so now we are in a situation where it's not just the Harvards and University of Pennsylvanias and others, but you've got now these groups that say, we will dictate who your president is. We will dictate what the criteria is of who gangs, assets, and professorships. We will even dictate some of the content of your curriculum because we got all this money. We got our names on the buildings, we will withhold it. Now, it's not exclusively Jewish, but it is disproportionately Jewish because it has to do with the issue of antisemitism. And you and I, we fight antisemitism. We're not going to allow Jewish brothers and sisters to get degraded and demeaned, but we are not going to allow Palestinians to get degraded and demeaned, let alone black folk get degraded and demeaned. And it's very interesting. You see, when they come for us, you don't get a whole lot of defense and concern about free expression cancellation. The same groups that were against cancellation now, not just canceling a president, but forcing a president out. Dr Wilmer Leon (44:57): Where's the Congressional Black Caucus in defending her? Dr Cornel West (44:59): Oh, congressional Black Caucus is about as weak as pre-seed Kool-Aid. They ain't going to do nothing. So much of they money comes out of the big lobby, APEC and so forth. But also we could say naacp Sharpton n Urban League, so much of their money comes out of Jewish elites so that they got a noose around their neck. They can't say anything. They're not free. They're not free. Can you imagine John Coltrane showing up at the club and they got this scarf around his neck where he can't blow what he wants to blow. And they say, we want you to sound like you're playing Mozart. He said, yeah, I can play Mozart, but I feel like playing Love Supreme. I got to be free. We don't have enough free black folk. They locked in. They accommodated. They well adjusted the injustice Dr Wilmer Leon (46:02): On the domestic front as we move towards the 2024 election, and we see that Biden's numbers have, he's hustling backwards. He's around somewhere between 37 and 40% and on the wane, but one of the things that they're going to tout is omics. And what doesn't seem to get articulated in this discussion about omics is the financialized side of the economy is doing great. If you have a 401k, you are as happy as a clam. If you are invested in stock market, you are invested. You are just ecstatic at how well your portfolio has grown. But homelessness is up in America. Oh, yeah. Homelessness has reached a level in this country. The likes we have not seen in years. Dr Cornel West (46:58): That's right. Dr Wilmer Leon (46:58): So how, two things, one, how do the Democrats square that circle of omics doing so well, but I'll just say poverty as a overall blanket term is on the rise in America when in fact, the Democrats canceled the extra monies that were going into the Wix programs and the other child poverty programs during the Covid era, which I think came out of the Trump administration. And then what does a president Cornell West do? Dr Cornel West (47:32): Yes, again, you see, following the legacy of Brother Martin King, I'm an abolitionist when it comes to poverty. I want to abolish poverty. We could abolish poverty nearly overnight if we had a disinvestment from significant sums in the military and reinvestment in jobs with a living wage, basic income support, housing, and free healthcare for all. We could do that. We have spent $5.6 trillion for wars in 20 years. We could abolish poverty with a small percentage of that. Dr Wilmer Leon (48:17): And wait a minute, Dr Cornel West (48:18): And wait a minute. Dr Wilmer Leon (48:18): Wait a minute. Wars that we have started. Yes, we started a conflict in Afghanistan. Dr Cornel West (48:25): That's Dr Wilmer Leon (48:26): True. We started the Ukraine, Russian conflict. Dr Cornel West (48:29): Iraq, yes. Dr Wilmer Leon (48:30): We started, we went in and bombed Iraq. Dr Cornel West (48:33): That's right. Dr Wilmer Leon (48:34): We went in and assassinated Kaddafi. Dr Cornel West (48:37): That's Dr Wilmer Leon (48:37): True. And Kaddafi warned Barack Obama, don't mess with them. Folks in the West, you have no idea who you're dealing with, do not mess with them. And the United States, and we are right now trying our damnedest to start a fight with China. With Dr Cornel West (48:54): China, Dr Wilmer Leon (48:55): So the Lockheed Martins of the world and the Raytheons of the world. That's Dr Cornel West (48:58): Right. Dr Wilmer Leon (49:01): We are, it's a money laundering scheme. We're taking our hard earned tax dollars, starting fights around the world. And then Lockheed Martin comes in saying, oh, I got the solution. Let's sell 'em some more F 30 fives and let's sell 'em some more tomahawk cruise missiles at a million dollars a copy. Dr Cornel West (49:20): That's right. Dr Wilmer Leon (49:22): I interrupted you, sir. Dr Cornel West (49:23): No, but you are absolutely right. And you think about this though. You got 62% of our fellow citizens are living paycheck to paycheck. 50% of our fellow citizens have 2.6% of the wealth. 1% has 40% of the wealth, and of course, three individuals in the country have wealth equivalent to 50% of Americans. That's 160 million. 160 million has wealth equivalent to three individuals. Now, all the omics in the world, the world does not address that kind of grotesque wealth inequality. This is the kind of thing brother Bernie Sanders was rightly talking about. Now, Bernie hasn't been as strong as he ought on the Middle East, hasn't been as strong as ought on a number of different issues. But when it comes to Wall Street greed, when it comes to grotesque wealth inequality, he still hits the nail on the head. And if we're serious, I was just with my dear brother, pastor Q and others down at Skid Row here in la, because you got almost 40,000 precious brothers and sisters in Los Angeles had their own skid row, their own city, 40% of 'em black, 90% of the town is black. Dr Wilmer Leon (50:39): Sounds like Oakland to me. Dr Cornel West (50:41): Well, yeah, Oakland and I Dr Wilmer Leon (50:44): Sounds like Sacramento to me, Dr Cornel West (50:45): Sister. Sound like s though I live in Harlem, sound like Dr Wilmer Leon (50:50): Over there near Cal Expo in Sacramento, along the American River where all those encampments are. Dr Cornel West (50:56): That's exactly right. I mean, it is a crime and a shame that the richest nation in the history of the world and the history of the species still has that kind of poverty. And of course, it goes even beyond that because you've got fossil fuel companies with their greed leading toward ecological catastrophe and the calling and the question, the very possibility of life on the planet if we don't come to terms with the shift from fossil fuel to renewable and regenerative forms of energy. So that, I mean, part of this is the philosophical question, which is to say, how is it that we, human beings are just so downright wretched, what we used to talk about in Shiloh, the hounds of hell, greed, hatred, envy, resentment, fear all used and manipulate it to crush each other. That's so much the history of who we are as a species, but we're also wonderful. We have the capacity to be better, to think, to feel, to love, to organize, to be in solidarity, but those who are suffering to have empathy and compassion and those two sides, the wretchedness and the wonderfulness, Dr Wilmer Leon (52:16): The yin and the yang, Dr Cornel West (52:17): The yin and the yang, the ugliness and the beauty of a smile, a grin, the beauty of a friendship and a love, the beauty of a mama and a daddy. The beauty of people marching, fighting for something bigger than them. The beauty of being in solidarity with Palestinians and Gaza right now, given the indescribable realities that they have to deal with. But same is true with solidarity, with our brothers and sisters in Sudan, with brothers and sisters in India, brothers Jews in Russia, whoever it is who's catching hell, we ought to be open to our solidarity. Why? Because that fights against the greed and the hatred and the fear and the wretchedness manifest in who we are as a species. Dr Wilmer Leon (53:08): As I was trying to figure out how to close this conversation. Well, you know what, before I get to that, let me ask you this. As you are now not only talking to America, but talking to the world, what are the three salient very important things that you want, those that are listening to this podcast, watching this podcast, other than you being brilliant and being from Sacramento and Southland Park Drive like me, what is it that you want the audience to really understand about Dr. Cornell West? Dr Cornel West (53:51): I want them to understand that I come from a great people of black people who after being terrorized, traumatized, and hated for 400 years, have continually dished out love warriors, freedom fighters, joy shares, and wounded healers. And I'm just a small little wave in that grand ocean. And what sits at the center of that great tradition of black folk just like this, John Coltrane I got it could have been, could be Aretha, could be Luther Vandross, could be a whole host of others, could be a Phil Randolph early by Russian. Rusty is courage to think critically and quest for truth, the courage to act compassionately and in pursuing justice. And then also the courage to love and laugh. To laugh at yourself, to know that you a cracked vessel, to know that you try again, fell again and fell better. That nobody's a messiah, nobody's a savior. We're here to make the world just a little better than we found it. As Reverend Cook used to tell us, if the kingdom of God is within us, then everywhere we go, we ought to leave a little heaven behind. Dr Wilmer Leon (55:09): Amen, my brother. Amen. Let me, so I was trying to figure out how to end this conversation, and it dawned on me as I was going from idea to idea. I said, I've got a piece. This is from a book, knowledge, power, and Black Politics by Dr. Mack h Jones, who I think, Dr Cornel West (55:38): Oh, he's a giant. He's a giant, Dr Wilmer Leon (55:40): And I went to this. It's a collection of essays that he's written over the years and chapter 17, Cornell West, the insurgent black intellectual race matters. A critical comment, and this is part of what Mack writes. Cornell West has established himself as one of the leading political thinkers of our time, and it is fitting and appropriate that we pause and reflect on his ideas. When we engage in such an exchange of ideas, we continue a long enduring tradition within the black community that goes to the beginning of our sojourn on these shores in spite of what our detractors want to say. Principled dialogue and debate have always been a part of black cultural life in the United States, and it is alive and well even as we speak. I've been familiar with West Scholarship for quite some time. I've read and studied most of his published works and found them for the most part to be challenging, insightful, and often provocative. (56:53) I've used some of his essays in my classes with good results. They address issues and problems essential to our survival and evolution as a people, and he makes us think more deeply about them. Professor West is a decided asset to us as a people and to the human family in general. And so to that, I ask the audience, or I want to leave the audience with this, I'm not going to be presumptuous enough to try to tell people how they should vote or who they should vote for. I merely ask them to consider this. Do you want a former President Trump, a man who Senator Lindsey Graham called a race baiting, xenophobic bigot, and a jackass? Now, that's not me. That's Lindsey Graham. Or do you want a President Biden, who is in a state of cognitive decline, started a war in Ukraine, trying to start a war with China, is a self-proclaimed Zionist who is backing funding and supporting genocide? Or do you want to consider a man who the brilliant Dr. Mack h Jones says makes us think more deeply about these issues? He is a decided asset to us as a people and to the human family in general. My brother, Dr. Cornell West with that, what you got, man, wow. Dr Cornel West (58:33): You moved me very deeply though. Mac Jones was one of the great giants that he invited me to come to Prairie Review, and he was teaching there, and he and I talked together, wrestled together. I learned so much from him. I really just sat at his feet. He was just so, so kind. Adolf Reed worked with him as well, with Mack Jones there at Atlanta University, but for you to read his words at the beginning of 2024, you don't know what that means to me though, man, because I had such deep love and respect for Mack Jones, and he has such a, it is like Brother Ron at Howard Walters, and he has, he's the Dr Wilmer Leon (59:17): Reason I have a PhD in political science is because of him. Dr Cornel West (59:20): Is that right? Dr Wilmer Leon (59:21): Yeah. I studied under him. I went to Howard and studied on him in Howard. Dr Cornel West (59:24): Oh, yeah, yeah. Oh my God. Because both of those brothers, they were at the peak of academic achievement, but they had such a deep love for the people, the love for black people, a love for oppressed people, a love for people catching hell everywhere in the world, and to see that in the flesh in him meant so much to me, and for you to read those words just fires me up, brother. It fortifies me. I think I'm going run on and see what the end going be. Dr Wilmer Leon (59:59): Well, Dr. Cornell West 2024 candidate for President of the United States, I want to thank you for joining me today. I want to thank you for connecting the dots Dr Cornel West (01:00:11): As a young brother for me. This is 35 years ago, and I'm talking about Mac Jones. You see, it just meant the world to me, and I'd seen it before in other examples, but to be able to see it. Thank you, my brother. Love you. Respect your man, Dr Wilmer Leon (01:00:24): Man, and you know I love you folks. Thank you so much for listening to the Connecting the Dots podcast with me, Dr. Wi Leon, and stay tuned for new episodes every week. Also, please follow and subscribe. Leave a review. Please share the show. Follow us on social media. You can find all the links below because remember that this is where the analysis of politics, culture, and history converge in the show description. Talk without analysis is just chatter, and we don't chatter on connecting the dots. See you again next time. Until then, I'm Dr. Wilmer Leon. Have a good one. Peace and blessings. I'm out

Tommy's Obituary

Early voting in the City of Knoxville election wrapped up this week, with predictably low turnout. This week Scott and Jesse look at the numbers and look ahead to the Nov. 7 election. Also on the podcast: controversy at the Three Rivers Market food co-op, the city of Knoxville's various efforts to build more affordable housing, and questions about Knox County's proposed new ambulance contract. In the interview segment, the guys are joined by City Council member Tommy Smith to talk about development in South Knoxville. Then they look ahead to meetings next week of the school board, the county Ethics Committee and the Planning Commission. Don't forget to share this free service of CompassKnox.com

All The News & Knowledge You Need To Get You Through Your October 16, 2023. It's Motivation Monday! . On This Day In History – Raid On Harper's Ferry; Nursing Sorority Chi Eta Phi; General Benjamin O. Davis; Tommy Smith & John Carlos Raise A Fist; . News From UNN - www.myunn.net . All Episodes of This Is The G Podcast Are At: www.castropolis.net . #castropolispodcastnetwork #MotivationMonday #blackhistory #news #blackpodcast #podcast #HarpersFerryRaid #ChiEtaPhi #GeneralBenjaminODavis #TommySmithAndJohnCarlos #DailyPodcast #atlantapodcast #McDonoughGa

On this podcast of Welcome Home Radio, host Don Scordino spoke with special guest Jasmine Nguyen with WCP Real Estate, Inc., and Tommy Smith with Realty Concepts who discussed All Things Housing Market and Protecting Your Clients from Liability.

Episode 036: of the American Grown Podcast in the Colortech Creative Solutions studios with Greg Munnion Hybrid Athlete & Motivational Influencer. I've know Greg or as I like to call him Hollywood since 2010 during a football camp where I volunteered to help coach the younger athletes coming up through the program at Cedar Crest. He always struck me as a mature kid, someone that would put others before himself and motivated to be the best. But little did I know what battles he was facing at home. From a challenging up bringing Greg has turned his life into something he should be very proud of.In this episode Hollywood talks about his moms struggle with alcohol and how he coped with the uncertainties at such a young age. Friends & coaches played a huge role in his life and he has a bond with his father that is unbreakable. From a rough childhood he tried the college route but quickly realized that was not for him. With the help of coach Tommy Smith's father Linker he landed a job with Cornwall borough. Hollywood pours what free time he has into fitness and has earned some partnerships with fitness brands such as Kane Shoes & Bare Performance Nutrition (BPN). This is truly a story about rising up and moving forward.-To learn more about Greg Munnion click here: https://instagram.com/gregmunnion?igshid=Y2I2MzMwZWM3ZA==-#ad this episode is brought to you by Colortech Creative Solutions. Colortech Creative Solutions takes your creative projects from visualization to realization since 1980 while keeping your budget in mind.-To learn more visit https://www.colortechinc.com. #ad Engage with us on Social media: IG- https://www.instagram.com/americangrownpodcast/ FB-https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077655465940 or visits us at https://rss.com/podcasts/americangrownpodcast/

Mahmoud Abdul Rauf was Colin before Colin, Kobe before Kobe and Steph Curry before Steph Curry. That's real. He was destined for the Hall-of-Fame until HBO and the NBA railroaded him and his career. And now Showtime is doing the same. They all owe him a public apology in my opinion as does the Big 3. Shout out to Craig Hodges, Bruce Maxwell, Colin Kaepernick and Mahmoud Abdul Rauf in particular for the STAND that they all took (and there's many others like Tommy Smith, John Carlos, Serena and Venus, Jim Brown, and Ali) against police brutality and systemic racism. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-sports-deli/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-sports-deli/support

Clay Clark Testimonials | "Clay Clark Has Helped Us to Grow from 2 Locations to Now 6 Locations. Clay Has Done a Great Job Helping Us to Navigate Anything That Has to Do with Running the Business, Building the System, the Workflows, to Buy Property." - Charles Colaw (Learn More Charles Colaw and Colaw Fitness Today HERE: www.ColawFitness.com) See the Thousands of Success Stories and Millionaires That Clay Clark Has Coached to Success HERE: https://www.thrivetimeshow.com/testimonials/ Learn More About How Clay Has Taught Doctor Joe Lai And His Team Orthodontic Team How to Achieve Massive Success Today At: www.KLOrtho.com Learn How to Grow Your Business Full THROTTLE NOW!!! Learn How to Turn Your Ideas Into A REAL Successful Company + Learn How Clay Clark Coached Bob Healy Into the Success Of His www.GrillBlazer.com Products   Learn More About the Grill Blazer Product Today At: www.GrillBlazer.com Learn More About the Actual Client Success Stories Referenced In Today's Video Including: www.ShawHomes.com www.SteveCurrington.com www.TheGarageBA.com www.TipTopK9.com Learn More About How Clay Clark Has Helped Roy Coggeshall to TRIPLE the Size of His Businesses for Less Money That It Costs to Even Hire One Full-Time Minimum Wage Employee Today At: www.ThrivetimeShow.com To Learn More About Roy Coggeshall And His Real Businesses Today Visit: https://TheGarageBA.com/ https://RCAutospecialists.com/ Clay Clark Testimonials | "Clay Clark Has Helped Us to Grow from 2 Locations to Now 6 Locations. Clay Has Done a Great Job Helping Us to Navigate Anything That Has to Do with Running the Business, Building the System, the Workflows, to Buy Property." - Charles Colaw (Learn More Charles Colaw and Colaw Fitness Today HERE: www.ColawFitness.com) See the Thousands of Success Stories and Millionaires That Clay Clark Has Coached to Success HERE: https://www.thrivetimeshow.com/testimonials/ Learn More About Attending the Highest Rated and Most Reviewed Business Workshops On the Planet Hosted by Clay Clark In Tulsa, Oklahoma HERE: https://www.thrivetimeshow.com/business-conferences/ Download A Millionaire's Guide to Become Sustainably Rich: A Step-by-Step Guide to Become a Successful Money-Generating and Time-Freedom Creating Business HERE: www.ThrivetimeShow.com/Millionaire See Thousands of Actual Client Success Stories from Real Clay Clark Clients Today HERE: https://www.thrivetimeshow.com/testimonials/

Clay Clark Testimonials | "Clay Clark Has Helped Us to Grow from 2 Locations to Now 6 Locations. Clay Has Done a Great Job Helping Us to Navigate Anything That Has to Do with Running the Business, Building the System, the Workflows, to Buy Property." - Charles Colaw (Learn More Charles Colaw and Colaw Fitness Today HERE: www.ColawFitness.com) See the Thousands of Success Stories and Millionaires That Clay Clark Has Coached to Success HERE: https://www.thrivetimeshow.com/testimonials/ Learn More About Attending the Highest Rated and Most Reviewed Business Workshops On the Planet Hosted by Clay Clark In Tulsa, Oklahoma HERE: https://www.thrivetimeshow.com/business-conferences/ Download A Millionaire's Guide to Become Sustainably Rich: A Step-by-Step Guide to Become a Successful Money-Generating and Time-Freedom Creating Business HERE: www.ThrivetimeShow.com/Millionaire See Thousands of Actual Client Success Stories from Real Clay Clark Clients Today HERE: https://www.thrivetimeshow.com/testimonials/ --

We review the excellent Showtime documentary on Mahmoud Abdul Rauf's life: STAND. I talk about seeing him play live both when he was an 18 year old freshman at LSU and 30 years later as one of the stars of The Big 3 league. I detail in full his being blackballed from the NBA and how he should go down alongside Muhammad Ali, John Carlos and Tommy Smith as a Black man who never compromised his religious and political beliefs. EMAIL ME ROBERTSILVA57@HOTMAIL.COM FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER @ROBERTSILVA5768

Frank Michael Smith and his brother Tommy Smith break down the 2022-2023 NBA season. Topics below...   1 Question You Want Answered 1 Team You Know is Overrated 1 Team You Know is Underrated Who will be a surprise contender for Wemby sweepstakes? What is the fate of the Lakers and Westbrook situation? Which star gets traded mid season? How young the league is Notable Player Omissions Rookie Conversation Best offseason move Finals Predictions

Aaron Paul is joined by Luton striker Cameron Jerome and West Brom assistant coach Alex Bruce to look ahead to the Championship play-off final. Ex-Huddersfield defender Tommy Smith has his say as his old club faces Nottingham Forest at Wembley. The panel also react to Sunderland's success in the League One play-off final – can Alex Neil take them to the Premier League and what's next for Wycombe and Gareth Ainsworth? Port Vale defender Mal Benning joins the pod ahead of their League Two play-off final against his former team Mansfield, and he weighs in on the debate around pitch invasions following the semi-final scenes against Swindon. TOPICS: 3:55 – Teenage sensations, 8:42 – Championship play-off final preview, 22:49 – League One play-off final reaction, 32:00 – League Two play-off final preview, 37:00 – Pitch invasions.