Podcasts about tugging

Episode 2 has the boys Tugging on their fondness for the Ma and Pa Video Shows. The feeling and movie education they received in the hallowed VHS aisles, make them Tug hard and hope you will Tug along with them! Disclaimer, we are not responsible for getting caught Tugging with Boys in public!   www.goldenmojoent.com   www.ko-fi.com/goldenmojoent    As always find us on all your favorite streaming sites Linktree https://linktr.ee/thegoldenimage80s   Follow us on our social media Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092241900860 Youtube:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegoldenimage80s/ Hosted by Jeremy Golden and Brandon Taylor Nostalgia Tug hosted by Logan Cothran and Lance Menzie Produced and edited by Jeremy Golden Art by Esteban Gomez Reyes https://instagram.com/esteban.gomezr?utm_medium=copy_link Theme music by REDproduction  Golden 80's is a product of Golden Mojo Entertainment   And here are some other great shows from Golden Mojo Entertainment MurdNerds Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MurdNerds www.linktr.ee/murdnerds The Call Guys Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theCallGuysPod www.linktr.ee/thecallguyspodcast The United States of Paranormal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theunitedstatesofparanormal www.theunitedstatesofparanormal.com Indiana Chiefs Fans Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/INChiefsFansPod Golden Image Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoldenImagePodcast www.linktr.ee/goldenimagepodcast A Court of Books and Booze Facebook; www.facebook.com/ACourtofBaB https://linktr.ee/acobab The Puck Yeah Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566980128235 Gridiron Kingz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563283119317   #Goldenmojoentertainment  #Goldenmojo  #Goldenimage  #Goldenimagepodcast #IndianaChiefsFans  #TheUnitedStatesofParanormal  #TheCallGuys  #Murdnerds #ACourtofBooksandBooze #Music #Adventure #food #Wine #MiniGolf #spotifypodcast  #applepodcast  #podcast #80s #Golden80s 

In this premiere episode of the greatest show known to man, Just Logan and Wonderbread himself talk about what they hope the show will be, why they're doing the show and catching up after years apart. Come Tug along with us! Disclaimer, we are not responsible for getting caught Tugging with Boys in public!   www.goldenmojoent.com   www.ko-fi.com/goldenmojoent    As always find us on all your favorite streaming sites Linktree https://linktr.ee/thegoldenimage80s   Follow us on our social media Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092241900860 Youtube:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegoldenimage80s/ Hosted by Jeremy Golden and Brandon Taylor Produced and edited by Jeremy Golden Art by Esteban Gomez Reyes https://instagram.com/esteban.gomezr?utm_medium=copy_link Theme music by REDproduction  Golden 80's is a product of Golden Mojo Entertainment   And here are some other great shows from Golden Mojo Entertainment MurdNerds Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MurdNerds www.linktr.ee/murdnerds The Call Guys Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theCallGuysPod www.linktr.ee/thecallguyspodcast The United States of Paranormal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theunitedstatesofparanormal www.theunitedstatesofparanormal.com Indiana Chiefs Fans Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/INChiefsFansPod Golden Image Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoldenImagePodcast www.linktr.ee/goldenimagepodcast A Court of Books and Booze Facebook; www.facebook.com/ACourtofBaB https://linktr.ee/acobab The Puck Yeah Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566980128235 Gridiron Kingz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563283119317   #Goldenmojoentertainment  #Goldenmojo  #Goldenimage  #Goldenimagepodcast #IndianaChiefsFans  #TheUnitedStatesofParanormal  #TheCallGuys  #Murdnerds #ACourtofBooksandBooze #Music #Adventure #food #Wine #MiniGolf #spotifypodcast  #applepodcast  #podcast #80s #Golden80s   

Red Zone Tugging (RZT) is one of the largest contributors to customer defections. Perhaps today is the right time to investigate if your business is infected with RZT?Support the show

Super Bowl ads: they can be brilliant, they can be cringeworthy, and sometimes, they can just make you question everything. Welcome to part two where Ralph and Lauren go all in on the weirdest, most awkward, and most controversial ads of the year. From Coffee Mate's disturbing tongue commercial to Tubi's bizarre cowboy skin-hat fiasco, they break down which brands took big swings and which ones completely missed. Plus, they dig into the politics creeping into the Super Bowl, the unexpected Ontario ad (yes, Canada bought a Super Bowl slot), and the massive flex that was Tom Brady's $2M watch deal. Whether you love ads, hate ads, or just want to know which ones made Ralph's skin crawl, this is a breakdown you don't want to miss.Chapters:00:00:00 – The Return: Ralph & Lauren Take on Round 200:00:39 – The Ads That Made Us Cringe (Seriously, Why?)00:02:27 – Effective But Uncomfortable: Ads We Hated but Remembered00:05:49 – Tugging at the Heartstrings: The Emotional Plays That Hit (or Missed)00:13:45 – When Ads Get Political: The Ontario Ad, Trump, and More00:19:26 – The Biggest Letdowns: Ads That Flopped Hard00:25:01 – What We Learned: Key Marketing Takeaways from Super Bowl 2025LINKS AND RESOURCES:Best Super Bowl 2025 Commercials Ad Meter RankingBreast Cancer Super Bowl Commercial with Wanda SykesLeslie Jones Stops Your Annoying Relatives from Ruining Thanksgiving | The Daily ShowWatch All the Ads of Super Bowl 2025The 10 Most Viewed Super Bowls of All TimeOntario Commercial Highlighting Contributions to the USACharted: The Rising Cost of Super Bowl Ads 1965-2025Tier 11Mongoose MediaTier 11 JobsPerpetual TrafficMarketing Performance Indicators™ ChecklistPerpetual Traffic on YouTubeTier 11 on YouTubeConnect with Lauren on InstagramConnect with Ralph on LinkedInFollow Perpetual Traffic on TwitterThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to...

Today on the show 0.00 - Around The World 3.41 - 'Straya Day 7.43 - DYK DIY 18.05 - Quick Cashie 22.04 - Ripped Rog - Day 1 27.25 - Quick to Quit 32.44 - Beerfest Re-Cap 37.03 - Quick Cashie 41.16 - What Did You Want To Be 50.51 - Rumble Rev Up

Send us a textEver wondered why pulling a strand of hair can send a jolt faster than any other pain? Join us as we uncover this surprising discovery, complete with humorous anecdotes from our own lives, like kitchen mishaps and martial arts blunders. We share the remarkable research from Sweden revealing hair-pulling pain as the speed demon of all pain signals, zooming through your nervous system at an astonishing 160 kilometers per hour. Our lively chat not only highlights this quirky facet of human biology but also offers a fresh lens on how we experience pain.Curious about what cats and sharks might teach us about nature's quirks? We recount the whimsical world of feline experiments in Budapest, where cats tackle mazes with the enigmatic elegance only they can muster. Their unpredictable antics remind us of how bumblebees behave under scrutiny, underscoring the fun and challenges of studying animal behavior. Our clever cat Ginger might have danced through those tests, leaving fur and laughter in her wake. Then, we shift our gaze to the ocean, introducing Dr. ERin Spencer who takes us on a thrilling journey with hammerhead sharks. From bio-loggers resembling Fitbits for fish to the grand oceanic dance influenced by climate change, her insights are as vast as the sea.Amidst tales of tracking tagged sharks in the Gulf Stream, the episode takes an emotional turn with heartfelt stories, from a horse named King aiding veterinary science to the loveable Goose the burnadoodle, whose friendship with chickens Polly and Minnie warms the heart. Whether it's the thrilling unpredictability of shark research or the simple joy of sharing animal tales, this episode is a testament to the wonder and complexity of the natural world.Dr. Spencer's Links:On Twitter or XThe Incredible Octopus Bunsen and Beaker Links to support us!Join the Paw Pack!Our Website!www.bunsenbernerbmd.comSign up for our Weekly Newsletter!Bunsen and Beaker on Twitter:Bunsen and Beaker on TikTokSupport the showFor Science, Empathy, and Cuteness!Being Kind is a Superpower.https://twitter.com/bunsenbernerbmd

In this interview with Andrew Thomson, a Scottish seasoned professional in the energy sector, we delve into the multifaceted landscape of oil, renewable energy, and their global implications through a personal lens. Andrew shares his journey from working in the oil industry over 20 years to recently transitioning into nuclear and wind energy sectors. Through his experiences, he provides insights into the socioeconomic impact of oil, the challenges of transitioning to renewable energy, and the complexities of global politics that intertwine with the energy sector.Exploring Andrew's experiences working offshore in locations like Nigeria and Azerbaijan, the discussion uncovers the substantial influence of hydrocarbons and the cultural, socio-economic, and safety developments within the oil sector. The discussion delves into the critical role of energy across modern life, impacting everything from education to communication, while critiquing governmental actions on energy policies and advocating for a balanced energy strategy, similar to Japan's where currently works in setting up Wind Turbine Platforms (using much of the same technology as oil rigs). Furthermore, the dialogue highlights the philosophical and challenging practical shifts toward renewables, exploring political and economic challenges in this transition. Through Andrew's perspective, one can try to better attempt to begin to understand the global energy politics, the necessity of interdisciplinary approaches in energy careers, and the shifting dynamics in the energy sector.Time Stamps * 00:00 The Importance of Energy in Modern Life* 01:00 Introducing Andrew: From Oil to Climate-Friendly Energy* 01:46 Andrew's Background and Career Journey* 02:38 Life and Work in the Oil Industry* 07:34 Challenges and Dangers of Offshore Drilling* 10:54 The Culture and Lifestyle of Oil Workers* 20:58 Global Perspectives: Working in Africa and Beyond* 23:58 Corruption and Local Interactions in the Oil Industry* 38:09 A Costly Mistake and Cultural Reflections* 38:54 Corruption and Anti-Corruption Measures* 40:09 Cultural Differences and Acceptance* 41:13 Colonial Legacy and Historical Perspectives* 43:41 Nationalized vs. Private Oil Companies* 45:46 Transition to Renewable Energy in Japan* 46:12 Challenges in the Oil Industry* 48:22 Geopolitics and Energy Policies* 56:43 Experiences with Government Agencies* 01:03:56 Future Prospects and Peak Oil Debate* 01:08:06 Final Thoughts on Energy and PolicyHighlights and Quotes of Interest On Energy Source MixesJapan has a long term vision.It has a vision of a percentage mix of nuclear fossil fuels, renewables, whereas I feel like I'm fairly against it in my home country, in the UK, because we don't have a long term plan. We've had four prime ministers in the last two years. One of them wanted to build eight nuclear power stations, the next one to start fracking. I believe in an energy mix. I think there's a lot of irresponsibility talked about these days in terms of the energy transition. I do think there should be an energy mix.And then the one now wants to quadruple our offshore wind capacity in eight years, which is impossible. It's quite nonsensical. It's quite short term thinking. I'm not anti wind, I'm not pro oil, I'm not anti or pro any, anything. What I'm pro is a science based, long term, non subsidy, non corruption based market solution.On Incentives in Oil Vs “Renewables”So right now, it seems like oil is completely negative and then offshore wind is completely positive. You look at the motivations behind companies putting in offshore wind turbines or the service companies exactly the same as motivations behind all companies.Neither one is doing them. For anything other than to make money. And I think it's simplistic and a little bit silly to think that the boss of an oil company is some sort of J. R. Ewing, person that likes to run over puppies on the way home and the boss of an electricity company or a turbine installation company or whatever is some sort of, sandal wearing saint that doesn't care about money. Everyone in pretty much, I would say any corporation, that statistic about men are CEOs, they're psychopaths. All they care about is money. And I think there are a lot of like there's a lot of talk about subsidies in [renewables] On Oil's Beastly NatureIt only takes, one ignition source and then you're on top of a fireball…potential that the entire thing can blow up underneath your feet. On Life without Oil It's the world we have is impossible to have without oil. Sure. You can reduce it. It's going to run out eventually one day anyway.So reducing it is not a bad thing, but to pretend that you can just press stop and then you can put in a wind turbine is nonsensical. And the politicians know it's nonsensical as well.  The sheer scale of, Hydrocarbon involvement in our modern industrial life is so incredibly difficult to untangle. There's literally nothing more important than our energy because it ties into the availability of education and medicine and travel and communication. Right, without. some form of mass energy production. We're right back to the medieval ages.On The British State I speak from a very UK point of view because it's my country, it's my home. I feel As ever, the British state works against the British people, not for the British people, which is a contrast to some of the countries that we may look down our noses on a little bit more as not developed, where, and Japan is a great example of this, where Japan seems to do things for the benefit of Japanese people, which seems to be a controversial idea back home. Learning from Travel This is part of, traveling. You see so many countries where people are so proud of their country. Nigerians were some of the most proud people I think I've ever met, and it's the same in Japan. And I worry the direction our country's going, both the UK and the US, when we were raising a generation of children who are being taught to be embarrassed by where they come from. Though I really feel like in the West we've made a mistake over the years in trying to impose our way of looking at the world on other cultures.Post Interview Notes / Links from AndrewHere are some relevant links that might be of interest:"Empire of Dust", a fascinating documentary widely referenced online, but with no major release I don't think, that shows interaction between a Chinese contractor and locals in the DRC. It's a perfect example of culture clash, the strength in the documentary being there is no western-style narrative, it's simply two very different cultures interacting honestly with each other. The film-maker is Belgian which is particularly interesting given their colonial history in the DRC.Watch @ https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x5gdfm4I can particularly recommend Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness if you're interested in the dark side of colonialism, or any history of DRC or Zaire as it was. One of my favourite films is Apocalypse Now, which along with the book perfectly makes the point I was trying to, which is how these cultures are manifestly different from ours, and any attempt to convert or run these societies in a western way will ultimately end up in failure, unless it's done by complete dominance, which of course, is wrong. It's a subject I find really interesting, and my experiences in Africa really changed how I view the world.On Energy Prices “Strike Prices” and Renewables Some links explaining the Strike Price for electricity set through the CfD (Contract for Difference) mechanism that guarantees a specific rate for electricity to renewables companies.https://www.iea.org/policies/5731-contract-for-difference-cfdhttps://www.eurelectric.org/in-detail/cfds_explainer/ It's quite hard to find a non-biased article explaining this, but the basic mechanism is:What isn't always mentioned is the "top-up" when the price falls is paid to the generators by the consumer, in the UK at least, in the form of a levy on the electricity price. Which is fine in theory to have a set electricity price, but currently the UK has the 3rd highest electricity costs in the world:https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/cost-of-electricity-by-countryOn British Embassy Support (Weapons:Yes / Hydrocarbons: No)UK government ending support for oil and gas sector abroad:https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pm-announces-the-uk-will-end-support-for-fossil-fuel-sector-overseasBut no issue promoting UK weapons manufacturers:https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/3/15/uk-spent-1-3m-on-security-for-worlds-biggest-weapons-fairSubsidies provided to the oil and gas industry in the US: (this can be complicated to assess because the IMF considers environmental and health costs after production as an effective subsidy, whereas the OECD and the IEA do not)https://www.eesi.org/papers/view/fact-sheet-fossil-fuel-subsidies-a-closer-look-at-tax-breaks-and-societal-costsCorrection on Refinery Capacity in NigeriaI was slightly mistaken, there is some refinery capacity in Nigeria, in fact it's the highest in all of Africa, however it is still around half of what Houston alone produces per day.https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13203-018-0211-zOn Oil Piracy / Theft (Discussed During Interview as Another Source for Danger / Volatility / Environmental Damage) Oil pipeline theft still seems to be a problem in Nigeria sadly:https://www.pipeline-journal.net/news/explosion-nigeria-oil-pipeline-kills-12-shell-blames-crude-oil-theft-tragedyOn Working in the Pubic SectorI was thinking about one of your last questions afterwards, whether I'd ever work for the government. You know, I would actually love it, to be able to make some type of positive impact, I'd really enjoy that much more than my current job, it's just that what I would advocate is so far in the opposite direction of the UK foreign office and civil service's ethos (non-judgmental promotion of UK interest and people without imposing change on other countries) that I wouldn't get the opportunity. The British sitcom "Yes Minister" captures perfectly how the UK establishment works, it's from the 80s but still very relevant. It works to ensure the continued existence of the establishment, not the general population.AI Machine Transcription - Enjoy the Glitches!Andrew: The sheer scale of, Hydrocarbon involvement in our modern industrial life is so incredibly difficult to untangle.There's literally nothing more important than our energy because it ties into the availability of education and medicine and travel and communication. Right, without. some form of mass energy production. We're right back to the medieval ages.Leafbox: Andrew, thanks so much for making time for me. I know you're a busy guy. Yeah, I really appreciate it. Actually, when I first met you, I was actually fascinated with your work because you're one of the few people I know who has jumped from the oil sector to a climate friendly energy sector, I call it, so I was very curious about your perspectives on both. Having, your wife told me that you lived in Baku and that alone, it is probably a book's worth of questions. Andrew, why don't we just start tell us who you are, where you are, what's the weather like in Fukuoka? And where are you from?Andrew: Well, the most important thing the seasons in Japan seem to follow rules like the rest of Japan. So it's got the memo recently that it's not summer anymore, which is great because summers here are pretty brutal. And it's cloudy and rainy, which from someone from Scotland is nice and familiar.Yeah, I guess be brief biography. I'm Scottish from the North of Scotland. This is usually the point where someone says, well, you don't sound Scottish, but that's because I was born down in England. But moved up Scott, two parents from very remote rural part of Scotland. And we moved up when I was about six.So I went to the local university Aberdeen which at the time was the oil capital of Europe. So with a passion for engineering and a desire to Just have adventure really as a young guy wanting to see the world. Also oil is always historically been very well paid. Probably along the lines of, I don't know, market wise, your career options, lawyer, doctor, that sort of thing, which was never really my interest in an oil worker.So anyway financial motivations, adventure motivations, just an interest in big, heavy engineering pushed me in that direction. I joined, graduated, I took a master's in offshore engineering graduated and joined Halliburton about six weeks before 9 11. So this was in the year of of Dick Cheney, of course then I eventually ended up working offshore.For a company that worked on drilling rigs, doing directional surveys, so you would run drilling tools down the well and that was quite life changing, really very exciting. A lot of. Pressure. This is all gonna make me sound very old, but pre smartphone days. So you were a lot more on your own in those days.I did that for four years. Then I ended up running operations in Lagos, Nigeria. Did that for three years, joined a Norwegian company, worked for them in Aberdeen, and then again, oil service. And ended up running their operations in Baku and Azerbaijan. Then COVID came along and like for a lot of people turned the world upside down.So with the low oil price ended up being made redundant and Really struggled for about a year or so to find work and then it wasn't ideological either one way or another in terms of the energy transition, it's quite heavily marketed these days but I'm not overly convinced that it's as easy as politicians seem to say it is but I took a job for a company drilling offshore foundations.And I was working on a nuclear power station, the cooling shafts for a nuclear power station. And then I simply got a job offer one day an online recruiter to come to Japan to work on offshore wind which has some, Close. It's basically the same things I was doing, except it was in nuclear.So yeah, none of it's been a straight line or a plan, but just the opportunity came up. We really wanted to have another period abroad. So we took the move and then I find myself on a beach speaking to yourself after about a year or so. Leafbox: So Andrew, going back to university time, exactly what did you study? Was this petroleum engineering? Or Andrew: It was no, it was mechanical engineering. But being in it was Robert Gordon university in Aberdeen, but being in Aberdeen, it was very heavily oil influenced at the time. I was actually. obsessed with cars and motorbikes, anything with an engine. So I really wanted to do automotive, but I didn't have the grades to go to a lot of the bigger universities down South.And I was 16 when I went to university and didn't really want to go too far. So I did mechanical. And then that led on to a degree in offshore engineering at the same university, which was completely oil focused. Leafbox: And then Andrew, can you tell me a little bit about the makeup of, the demographics of when you entered the oil industry and especially in Scotland and what were these offshore platforms like, you have engineers with high degrees and then what about the workers themselves?Andrew: Yeah. Yeah. So, your average rig is made up of a lot of different job functions. At the top or guess with the most responsibility. So you've got your company that own the rig. They're the drilling contractor and they have their personnel the guy that manages the rig, and then they have all different personnel, including all the deck crew and all the roughnecks raised about, but then you have the oil company that contracts them.And they have someone offshore running it, but they have a lot of engineers. And then you have all these like service companies, which is what I've worked for that come in and do things. So you typically have on the oil company sides. You'd have someone with, degrees, you'd have like their graduate programs, you'd have young people coming offshore, their first time offshore, but they'd be quite high up relatively.And then you would have your deck crew, mechanics, electricians, which typically weren't university educated. And the guys right at the very top who'd be like, Oh, I am like the rig manager generally, especially in the old days, wouldn't be university educated, but they would just have worked offshore for a very long time.So that they'd be very knowledgeable and skilled in what we're doing. A lot of them took degrees as, technology increased. And it became, more important to have a degree, but especially in the old days, although I think at that level in that job, people wouldn't have had degrees, but you do have, it is a big mix between like I said, your deck crew and the people that are more like the, engineers, geologists, et cetera.And I can't speak for every region, but you do find that you've got, so say the comparative salary or career prospects of a welder, or a mechanic or somewhere you've suddenly got someone who could earn, I don't know, in the U S but in the UK, maybe Twenty five twenty twenty five thousand pounds a year.Maybe, like three years ago in their offshore making like 60, and it's I think it's the same thing in the U. S. you have people from very poor areas that can go offshore and just, quadruple more there their salaries and it's a, But there's a reason why they're, there's a reason why they're getting paid that is because it's a lot more difficult and dangerous when you're away from home and stuff. It's a strange old mix in a lot of ways. Leafbox: And then can you describe for people just what the actual dangers are? Give people an image of what these platforms are like to be on them and how to build them and the complexity of these devices.Andrew: There's so you have there's a lot of different forms, but basically you have a drilling rig. which can be like a semi submersible which floats or a jack up which legs are like sitting on the ground or you could even have a ship that comes like, it all depends on the the depth of the water depth usually.So you'll have this vessel that drills a well and then eventually, so they'll drill a number of wells and then you'll have a platform which is fixed to the seabed usually and then that can that has like a. A wellhead that connects all the wells and then takes the hydrocarbons on board and then it might pump it to another bigger platform or it pumps it to some like somewhere where it's processed and then it's pumped on shore.There's different. There's common dangers. Everything from there've been a number of helicopter incidents over the years. Generally, a lot of these rigs are so far away that you'll take a, you'll take a chopper backwards and forwards. And it's been well documented of things like gearbox failures and stuff.You're probably one of the biggest, I don't have the HSC statistics in front of me, but one of the biggest injuries are probably slips, trips and falls. Because, your average drilling rig has maybe four or five levels to it, and you're up and down stairs all day with big boots on and a hard hat and glasses and stuff, and people tripping on themselves.Obviously drilling, you've got well you've got a lot of overhead lifts, a lot of people get injured with the fingers getting caught between loads roughnecks, raced abouts on the drill floor when they're handling drilling pipe. I've met a lot of people over the years that have got one or more fingers missing, because it's very easy to get your finger nipped between two things are being lifted, especially when people put their hands on to try and direct them.And then obviously the pressure of the hydrocarbons look at deep water horizon, for example the oil and the gas, It's funny listening to your podcast with Jed about oil being sentient that the pressure that the oil is under.So when you tap into, obviously it wants to go, it wants to go up and out. And then that could literally rip a rig apart if it's not if it's not controlled. And then obviously you've got the ignition risk, which, you've got Piper Alpha in the UK and you've got, like I say, Deepwater Horizon, there's been a number of rig explosions and then going back to what I said about platforms.So Piper Alpha was a platform and that was processing gas. So you have 100 and 170, 200 odd people working and living. on a structure offshore where there are like an enormous amount of gas that's being pumped. extracted and pumped like underneath their feet and it only takes, one ignition source and then you're on top of a fireball.And I remember being offshore when they're flaring, which is a process whereby they burn off excess gas and just being stunned by the ferocity of the noise, nevermind the heat of the, that it's just like a primal hour, you, you can stand a couple of hundred. Yards away from it and you can feel it on your face, it's just, it's very different.I've been offshore on a wind turbine installation vessel, which has the same offshore industrial risks in terms of lifted injuries, slips, trips, and falls and suspended loads. But you don't have that. You don't have that like potential that the entire thing can blow up underneath your feet.Leafbox: So with this danger and this kind of. wild beast underneath you. How did the men and women respond? You had in your email, a little bit of this kind of cowboy culture. I'm curious what the culture of these workers are like, and maybe in Scotland and what you've seen around the world. If these people aren't usually they're more working class or what's the relationship with them and the engineers and yeah, tell me about that.Andrew: It's it's a very, it's a very masculine environment. That's not to say that there aren't women offshore in the industry. There, there absolutely are. And there, there are more and more these days especially in certain countries, like in Scandinavia, for instance But it's a very, especially when you get down to the deck crew, it's a very, the recruits are very masculine, very like macho environment.It's quite a tough environment. It's a very hard working environment. The it's not that people I wouldn't say a matter of fact to say the opposite in terms of people having a cavalier attitude to safety. There have been a number of incidents over the years in the industry and each incident spurred along quite a lot of improvements in health and safety.So I'd say probably in terms of. Industry, it's probably one of the safest industries, well, it's probably one of the industries with the best safety attitude. I'm sure maybe nuclear is probably up there as well, but people are aware offshore of the risks. There's a huge QHSE industry.There's a, most companies have some form of a HSE system, which allows anyone from someone who works for the camp boss, like someone who changes the sheets, the cleaners, the cooks to like the driller can stop operations if they think that something is dangerous and there can't be any comeback, and stopping operations offshore is a big deal.Because the average. Rigorate is, it fluctuates, but the average is, I don't know, a few hundred thousand, I don't know what it is at the moment, but let's say up to maybe a half a million more for the biggest rates, biggest rigs per day. That's what, 20, 000 an hour. So if you see something that's dangerous and you stop it for a couple of hours that's a lot of money.So it takes a lot of nerve to do that, but the industry has been pretty good. They have these systems called stop cards. Like I say, Different companies have different names for it, but it gives the ability to It gives you authority for someone not to be forced into doing something that they think is dangerous.So overall, I actually think the health and safety culture is quite good. But if you look at Deepwater Horizon, that was a classic example of even at the corporate level, people being frightened to say no and frightened to halt operations. So that does still persist due to the sheer amount of money involved.Leafbox: And then tell me about in your email, you had a quote line about, these workers spending their money, maybe not as wisely. I'm curious to describe and understand the cowboy. I have this image, my father worked for Exxon for a long time. And his biggest problem was piracy. They had so much issues with piracy, but this was in the Caribbean. So it's just constantly people stealing oil from them. So maybe yeah, tell me how it is now after I guess 2000s, how it's changed. You're describing this very safe sounding MBA driven culture, but I have trouble.Yeah. Tell me what it's like around the world. Andrew: So that's the sort of the day to day attitude offshore, which is pushed very heavily by the oil companies. It's a lot of recording. They record lost time statistics which also not to get sidetracked, but that has a slightly negative effect as well in terms of if a rig has, say.That they'll, quite often rigs will have a big display when you arrive and it says this amount of days from the last accident and if they go like a year without any LTIs, everyone on the rig could get like an iPad or some sort of bonus or something and it's a big deal not to have incidents that cause a loss of time and that, by that if someone has to go to hospital, someone has to leave the rig, but that also does encourage it can encourage hiding of things, someone maybe, they've smashed their finger, but can they just maybe report it, but maybe just go on like light duties or something rather than go to the hospital before, before their shift change sort of thing which does happen and it's not healthy.But anyway, to get back to your point I think it comes from, as I say it's, a way for someone who would have no other avenue to earn the amount of money that they would get offshore by taking on the additional risk and being away from home. So say an electrician, your average construction electrician wages are probably pretty good these days, but if you take someone working in, some rural place in, in the States who is like a car mechanic or something, and then they go offshore And they're multiplying their salary, but they're multiplying their salary, perhaps coming from an environment where no one's ever had that type of money.They're coming home with maybe try to think of some people I've known, hundreds of thousands of dollars a year when their salary may have been I don't know, sub six figures, but they don't come from an environment where that sort of money is common. So you then have a situation whereby they are the one person in their family or town or their local bar.who has loads of money, who's been away from home for four weeks, but he doesn't have the most stable relationship precisely because they're not at home, but yet they've got loads of money and loads of time. You can see how that can encourage perhaps resentment. Or just a feeling of alienation from that community.That sort of person, say they have a lot more money than their friends, maybe they want to buy them drinks, but then do they want to have to do that all the time? I've known people that have been divorced multiple times, that have bought boats and all sorts of things that they never use and they end up with, paying for There are families that they never see, the families that get remarried, the kids that they never see.I've worked with directional drillers that I've got a wife in one country, an ex wife in another country, kids that don't like them, and they just pay for all these families. They get onshore and then they spend the next couple of weeks with some, teenage prostitute blowing all the money on that drink for the rest of the month and then they're back offshore.the shakes and then they decompress over the month and then the cycle repeats itself. So in the one sense, it's a fantastic opportunity for social mobility, but it also can leave a lot of chaos behind it. And I'm certainly not at all. And having come from a work class background myself, I'm not certainly saying that.It shouldn't be there. I think it's a positive thing and it's up to these people what they want to do with their money. I'm just saying it's an interest in social observance that it's, you don't get that many working class people that can leave school and have a manual trade and can go and be a lawyer or a doctor or a CEO but you are all of a sudden getting these people in situations who are making the same amount of money, but without the family structure.Or the societal structure that can prepare them for that.Leafbox: Jumping to the next topic, I'm curious, you first mentioned Dick Cheney, what was your relationship, you're in Scotland, and how does that fiddle in with the Middle East? oil wars and just the general kind of, I feel like when my father worked in oil, there wasn't that much of a hostility in the general environment.It was just people drove cars and you worked in the oil industry and it wasn't that. So in post 2000, I would say things change both from the climate perspective and then from the kind of American imperialist association with oil. Andrew: It's changed massively in terms of hostility. Just, it's just like night and day. So when I graduated, I remember being at school in the early nineties and there was, I don't think it was climate, no, no global warming. It was called then. So there was discussion of it.But the greenhouse the ozone layer was the big deal. And there was environmentalism, Greenpeace was quite big at that time. But. The, there was no stigma like whatsoever into going into the oil industry. And you could see that in terms of the courses at the time they were called there was like drilling engineering courses, offshore engineering courses petroleum engineering.You go back to the same universities now and it's like energy transition. I think you'll struggle to find that many courses that have got the words petroleum or drilling in it. And also it was very easy to get a job in those days in the industry. The, yeah the Gulf War, so the second Gulf War at the time working for Halliburton, I was very conscious of, it was very interesting to me how the company was structured.So you had Halliburton Energy Services and you had KBR, Kellogg, Brennan, Root, and they were the company that won the uncontested contract to rebuild in Iraq. But the way the company was structured. Was that they were that they were split up basically. So if one of them had gone down the toilet for any of these issues, they were separated.I was very happy to join Haliburton. It was a big career wise. I thought it was very good. I look back now, it's funny how I look back, like inside, I look back on that whole Iraq war with absolute horror now, but I had grown up with Free internet with, what at the time were considered authoritative news sources with the BBC and British newspapers.It might sound naive, but you believe that people are doing the right thing. And I just thought at the time that, that, we were going into Iraq because it was a very bad person there. And I look back now, with I look at Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld and all the things that have happened with absolute horror.But at the time it just seemed quite straightforward. My, my view on the oil industry hasn't changed in terms of, I, I believe in an energy mix. I think there's a lot of irresponsibility talked about these days in terms of the energy transition. I do think there should be an energy mix.I don't think it should be any one source of energy. But I feel like we're in the same position that we're in before except instead of it being everyone's desperate to make money out of oil. I think everyone's desperate to make money out of renewables these days. Leafbox: Well, before we jump to that point, I want to I think that's a big topic we'll go to, but tell me about your jump to Nigeria.You're still naive then, or eager help, Nigerian oil industry or what you get assigned to Nigeria. What's that like? Andrew: Well, so I so that four years of us, so the three years I worked for that company originally was on it was on an ad hoc basis. So basically I would be at home. I'd get a phone call.And I could, I had to live within 45 minutes of the airport but I usually got at least a day. Sometimes it wasn't, it will, it was literally a day. Sometimes it was like a week, but I would get a call and then I could go anywhere in a region was Europe, Africa, Caspian. So I could go anywhere.Most of it was in West Africa. So I would go and work offshore in the Congo. Not the DRC, but the Republic of Congo Gabon, Nigeria, but all over Europe and occasionally like the Far East. So I had a lot of experience of Africa at that point. My very first, one thing I did want to, I was thinking the other day, one thing I did want to mention was when I first went, in terms of naivety, when I first time I ever went to Africa was in the Congo.And I'd grown up in the eighties where we had Live Aid was basically anyone's kind of opinion of Africa. And I remember at school we used to be forced to sing Do They Know It's Christmas, like every Christmas. So that was everyone's opinion of Africa was like just basically starving children. And I arrived in the Congo.They've got quite a decent airport now in Point Noir, but when I arrived it was literally a concrete shed with arrivals on one side and departures on the other and just like sand on the ground. And I can't remember coming out of that totally by myself just with my Nokia phone with the local contacts phone number and all these little kids appeared like Tugging it, tugging at my trousers asking for money and I was absolutely horrified I'd never seen like poverty like that and I felt horrible that I couldn't help them.But it's funny how You not that I don't care about children, but you harden yourself to what the reality of life is like in places like that. And I did that for three years. I was in Angola rotating for a year. In Cabinda, which is a chevron camp. And then I I got the job in Nigeria.And actually my father passed away just before I got that job. So I was a bit rudderless at that point. I really enjoyed it got to me in the end, I was there for three years and I started to get very frustrated when I was at home, that's when I thought I need to make a change.But there's a sort of happy level of chaos, I found. It's. in Nigeria, where things are, they don't work in the sense that they would do in, in, in what you'd call, developed countries. You can't rely on things to work. You can't really rely on people in a certain sense, but there's a sort of happy, it's difficult to explain.Like it's just, It's a very chaotic place, a very noisy, chaotic place. But once you accept that it's quite a good laugh actually. I have some quite happy memories from working there. Leafbox: So Andrew, when you enter in these places you first described your kind of exposure to Congo, but how do you conceptualize the interaction between the Western oil companies and I guess the local developing country?Do you think about that? Or are all the workers local? Or is everyone imported from all over the world? And Andrew: There's a big move towards localization in pretty much any location I've been which is, which has changed over the years. So when I first started working say in Africa, as an example.Pretty much all of the deck crew, all of the roughnecks were all Africans or locals from whichever ever country you're in. But once you got to the upper levels, like the Western oil companies, you would have, so you'd have like drill engineers, which weren't. You might describe them as like project managers of the drilling operations.So there you would have kind of a mix of locals and expats, but you pretty much always find once you went above that to like drilling managers. You'd find all what they call company men, which are the company's representative offshore, pretty much always expats. That has changed over the years, which I think is a very positive thing.A lot of countries, Azerbaijan's like this, a lot of countries in Africa, Nigeria is like this. They put within the contracts, like a local content. So for a company to win the license and which is then cascaded down to the subcontractors, you have to have a percentage of local employees and you have to have a system for replacing your senior people, training up locals and replacing them over time, which I think is very positive because after all, it's there.Oil is their resources. There are in certain locations with certain companies, a pretty bad history. Shell Nigeria, for example. You can your listeners can look all this up, but there have been, various controversies over the years on the whole, I think on the whole, I think.that it's a positive for these countries because I look at it in terms of a capitalist sort of capitalist approach that, you know and it's almost like the thing that I was saying where you have like someone who comes from a family or a class where they are not exposed to money and all of a sudden they have a huge amount of money where you could say the same thing with some tiny country where by a that they've had a level of civilization and a level of like income over the years and all of a sudden someone discovers oil and there's no way you can reasonably expect a society to just, you can't take somewhere that goes from like tribal pre industrial revolution conditions and make it New York City overnight.It's just, it's not going to happen. And just expanding that slightly, I was in Papua New Guinea in the eastern part And up in the highlands on a well site a while ago. And that was fascinating because Papua New Guinea is still, it's a country, but it's still very tribal. So once you leave Port Moresby you're really, it's not like you're going to call the police if someone tries to assault you or call an ambulance or something.It's very much like I say, pre industrial revolution, tribal. societies, but they're sitting on billions of dollars of gas. So you get these little pockets of on the shore drilling rigs. And they're just pumping millions and billions of dollars worth of gas out from under your feet, but they pay the locals.And the site that I was on right at the top of the hill overlooking it was a big mansion owned by the who, as soon as he started drilling, he would get 10 million. And then, as I was informed, would probably disappear down to Australia and, enrich the local casinos and stuff. But, who is to say that is, would it be great if he built a hospital and built a school and improved the lives of everyone around him?Oh, of course it would. But who's to say morally that we Chevron should be, I understand the point that maybe Chevron should be building these things, but who is to say that the condition should be attached to what that chief spends his money on. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I I think I place a lot of responsibility on hydrocarbons are located.I do think there have been a lot of very negative practices by By all companies over the years, and they absolutely have a duty to maintain the environment. But I think it's a bit hypocritical. I see a lot of rich Western countries, especially now saying to a lot of poorer, undeveloped countries that they shouldn't be drilling or they shouldn't be, should be using the money differently.And I think, well, it's their resource. I look at it more from a capitalist point of view, rather than, like I said in my email, I'm quite anti interventionist in that sense. So historically I'm going to, this continues now, but there have been issues with literally, so they put these big pipelines through people's villages and the way that a lot of these things are organized is like I said, about Papua New Guinea they'll contact, the tribal chief and we'll pay a rent or some sort of fee to, to put these big pipelines through, through these small places.But there are some times when, I haven't, I, the right tribal chief or they've not paid enough or there's some sort of dispute and you will get villagers literally drilling into these oil pipelines with drills and buckets to steal the oil. And of course someone's doing it and they're smoking or there's some sort of ignition source and the whole thing erupts and, the village is burnt and it's a horrible, tragedy but it's just it's a funny, again, it goes back to the theory of what I was saying, the juxtaposition of that very valuable resource with a very, with a civilization, with a community, probably better way of putting it, who has never had access to that amount of money.So you're literally pumping these, this thing through their village that is worth more money than they'll ever see in their lifetime. And obviously the temptation to try to take some of that. is there, almost like understandably, but then again it quite often results in a lot of death and destruction.So that's yeah, it's just it's part of the whole industry in a lot of ways. And other industries, when you look at things like lithium mining and diamonds and stuff, you have a very high value resource That has been, by pure chance, located in a very poor part of the world and it results in these tragedies sometimes.Leafbox: I was going to ask you about the processing of oil. So when export the raw crude. Mostly the oils and process somewhere else. You were, you're taking the oil from Nigeria. Like Venezuela, they have to ship it all to Houston or whatnot to get turned into different solvents and gasoline. And, Andrew: This is probably when I'll need some fact checking, but my recollection of the time in Nigeria was that they weren't processing the oil on shore.I stand corrected if that's wrong, but my understanding was that they weren't, or at least there wasn't very many refineries, so it was basically all, like you said, extracted and then sent abroad. To be refined. That's certainly the situation in in Papua New Guinea. A lot of it is turned an LPG there and then shipped abroad.I guess I would guess, I would assume that would be the situation in a lot of West African countries for a lot of reasons, you have an established. Supply chain, you have established skill set in other places, then it comes down to cost and then you have the security of, you can imagine the enormous amount of investment you would need in a refinery.And would you rather do that in a place that's had a history of civil war, or would you take the cost to ship it abroad and do it somewhere else, Leafbox: no, it's understandable. I think that's important for listeners to understand that. The refinery in Louisiana or whatnot, or, it's so massive, it's billions of dollars and it's such a dangerous place to work also. Right. Those are just like literally atomic bomb sized potential energy. Andrew: The one thing that, there's always been, say in Scotland, there's been a little bit of resentment towards, Aberdeen and they're all like rich up there from other places in Scotland, but I think that there is, people are aware of Deepwater Horizon and Piper Alpha, et cetera, but I do think that there has been an underappreciation of the, just the Crazy risks that are involved when you're working offshore and handling hydrocarbons.Like I said, you take a helicopter to work with all the risks that I had in, in tails, and then you spend a month or so working on top of something that is effectively, a bomb if if things aren't handled properly. And you're, how far away are you from like emergency services?There are supply vessels and stuff, but. It's very much an environment where you have to just be very careful and very aware of dangers, which I think the industry now has got very good at. But yeah, the wages are high, but they're high for a reason. It's not it's not an easy, it's not an easy job in terms of that.And like I alluded to before, in terms of family stability, working away and coming back is not really conducive quite often to, to a healthy home life.Leafbox: Going back to Angola for a second I read an account of the Chinese are very heavily in Luanda and Angola, and they had the terrible civil war.But one of the things that really stood out to me is that all the Chinese use Chinese labor. So their oil boats are all Chinese workers and they often use ex felons, which I thought was interesting. But there's, I guess they, all these ex felons in Angola, I don't know if you saw this, I wanted to confirm it, but there's a lot of half Chinese, half Angolan children now because all the Chinese roughnecks.They're all men. So there's a booming Angolan prostitution and it just was so wild. Angola think Luanda is the most expensive city in the world. But then the most violent too, so yeah, just what's your general impressionAndrew: I I've been in Luanda in total, probably just a couple of days.Most of my time was spent in a, so Chevron Texco have this place called Cabinda. Which is actually, technically speaking, if you look at the map, it's not actually connected to Angola, you've got Angola, then you've got a little gap, and then you've got Cabinda, which is the little gap is part of the DRC, I think but Cabinda is where all the onshore processing of the oil is.It's part of Angola and it's like a prisoner of war camp and you go up there and you can't leave pretty much until you've finished your work. But my impression of Lulanda wasn't great at all. I remember driving into it and there's these massive shanty towns on the edge of the city with just like literal rubbish tipped down the side of these hills.And then you get into the city and it's just a. massive continual traffic jam with Porsche Cayennes and Range Rovers and G Wagons. And it just felt in the way that I was describing Lagos and even Port Harcourt, which has a pretty bad reputation as a sort of, chaotic, but fun sort of chaos.I felt and this is just my personal impression, I felt Lwanda was chaos, but dangerous chaos. Not you wouldn't stay in a staff house there and you wouldn't go out for a drink anyway. You wouldn't even really go out for lunch much. You just stayed in. It looked to me like as if you'd taken a European city, which I guess it, that's how it was built.And then you just start maintaining it from like 1960s onwards, but then you'd add it in a civil war and I appreciate the civil war was like a proxy civil war and then just didn't repair any infrastructure and just peppered the whole place with like bullet holes.It wasn't, it was not particularly, it's not a place that I would recommend to be quite honest with you. In terms of the Middle East, the comparison with the Middle East I've not really worked that much in the Middle East, to be quite honest with you. I guess my closest is the Caspian, which is more Central Asia, but that was way more structured.Yes, there's massive amounts of corruption, massive amounts of poverty. But yeah, absolutely more structured and less chaotic in that sense. Leafbox: Andrew, what's the relationship in Nigeria, there's famous activists who, like the Shell, they polluted so heavily, but then I guess the military tribunals would erase or disappear people.Maybe this is before you worked there, but what, as, what was the relationship of the company men with the government? Was there open kind of corruption or? What was your general vibe of is the manager's job and kind of getting these contracts. Talk to me about that. Like Deanna, how did the, you know, Exxon versus Armco or whatever it is, whoever's ever getting these contracts, there's obviously backdoor dealings.Andrew: Yeah, in terms of, actual drilling licenses I was never near or even remotely near the people that will be making those sort of decisions. And I'm certainly not going to allege corruption at that level. And I don't have any evidence, but what I would say, and again, all of this is just my personal opinion.It's, I'm not disparaging any one particular place in general, but the level of corruption. that I would see was so endemic that I just came to feel it was cultural which again, it's not really don't want to make that sound like it's a slight, to me it was an understanding of I really feel, and just briefly going back to the whole Bob Geldof Live Aid thing, I really feel like in the West we've made a mistake over the years in trying to impose our way of looking at the world on other cultures.And what I would see in most West African countries was it was just an accepted way Of living, accepted way of dealing. So you would go to the airport. We used to have these boxes that would have electronic equipment in them. And we had to hand carry them cause they were quite fragile.And then you would go to the check in desk and they would be like okay, well we have to get some stairs to lift this into the plane. So that's an extra 50. I'm not sure you actually own this equipment. It's got another company written on it. You give me a hundred dollars.Sometimes it's not quite said, you'll just get so much hassle and you'd see other, you'd see some people there that would freak out in case thinking that they were gonna, arrested or something. They just open their wallet and hand over loads of money. The, but it's not it's not like some under the table nefarious plot it's just like the checking guy is getting paid next to nothing He sees someone who's obviously got all my money and he has How can I get that money off him and it's at every single level my I mean I suppose I would say I was wise to it, but even I would make naive mistakes.I remember on a leaving day when I left Nigeria I had this driver who I'd still consider a friend. I messaged him on Facebook sometimes, and he was a really nice young guy who would go out of his, literally out of his way to help me. And I made the silly mistake of handing in my bank card on my like, leaving due.I'd had a little bit to drink and I just thought, surely it'll be fine. And of course I get back to the UK, I check my statement and there's a couple of hundred dollars missing or a hundred pounds missing. At the time I was like, that must be a bank error, surely not. But I look back in it now and I just think, again, this isn't, this honestly isn't even a criticism, it's just the culture is to try and hustle.And if you, if it doesn't work, well, I tried. It's just, it's endemic in that sense. I don't doubt that there most likely have been over the years some very shady practices on the behalf of Western oil companies and Western governments. You only have to look at the history of, BP and the UK government and Americans in Iran and coups to get oil and all these sorts of things.But I'm just talking about like the corruption that I've seen, it seemed, Cultural in that sense. It's just everywhere. The one thing that I would say is that companies I've worked for within the contracts is very heavy anti corruption. So the FCPA, if I'm remembering that right, in the US. The anti corruption laws are very strong to the point where if a company official from a country, say like Scotland, is a manager and he signs off on a bribery expense, he can actually, if I'm right in recalling this, he can end up going to jail himself for that.So a hundred percent, I'm sure it's happening by at the same time legally, there are some very strict laws against it. Leafbox: When they just outsource to local sub providers, that's what I would imagine they do to get around that. Andrew: I think it's a case of well, just don't tell me sort of thing.Leafbox: Yeah. Andrew: I'm pretty sure that, that's why. Well, Leafbox: I think people don't understand if you haven't been to these countries, it's just it's just not Norway. It's not. Yeah. It's a very different. Yeah. Andrew: And. I, sorry to interrupt you, but I've done quite a bit of work in Norway and I have found that some countries and some cultures seem to have a difficulty accepting that the world isn't the way that they are.And I think that that, not to, not to boast or to my trumpet here, but I think that one thing that I've learned over the years is that some places they just are the way they are. And it's, of course you don't want to encourage. Corruption, you don't want to encourage mistreatment, but I don't believe it's your right.Like I'm like, I live in Japan now and some things, a lot of things about Japan I absolutely love, but there are also some things about Japan that just don't seem right to me. But it's not my place to come in and say, right, you're doing this wrong. You should be doing this the other way. It just isn't, it's not my country.And I felt the same way in Africa. There's loads of things about Nigeria that I was like, this is absolute madness. But it's their madness, it's not my madness, and I'm a guest in their country. Leafbox: What do you think the difference, in your email to me, you wrote about the colonial being British, how's that relationship been for you?You've, non interventionist now, but you wrote about, your forefathers or previous generations having quote, good intentions. Maybe tell me about that. Andrew: I think that I know that there's a lot in the UK as with America now that's quite, there's a lot of attempt to be revisionist within history and question history, which I'm a big fan of people questioning history.I just think once again, that we are tending to look at things from a very Western point of view without taking into account like global history. I know believe, through my experience of traveling, I now think, well, exactly like what I just said, I don't think it's our place to change countries to mold them in our ways, but I do have a more charitable view of a lot of our maybe not every one of them, certainly not every country's colonial adventures, but I do think that some of them were more motivated by, as I said, a Christian desire to end certain barbaric practices.If you look at, the I forget what the practice is called, but the practice of people burning their their wives on the husband's funeral pyre in India and the whole slavery, which, yes, Britain was a part of but it's quite clear that, the British Navy was very important, effective in, in, in ending the global slave trade.So I'm very proud of where I come from and I'm proud of my ancestors. I don't deny that They were put that they, there weren't some, as I said, some negative aspects and atrocities, but I just think that again, when it comes to, and I think about this more because I have kids now.So I think about how I want them to feel about the country going forward. This is part of, traveling. You see so many countries where people are so proud of their country. Nigerians were some of the most proud people I think I've ever met, and it's the same in Japan. And I worry the direction our country's going, both the UK and the US, when we were raising a generation of children who are being taught to be embarrassed by where they come from.Leafbox: Going back to oil for a second, Andrew, the colonial legacy is impossible to digest in a short interview, but do you have, what's the general like Pemex or the Venezuelan oil companies or the Russian oil companies? What's your general impression of nationalized oil companies versus the private?Andrew: Yeah. I so I guess my biggest experience is in Azerbaijan, there's a company called Soka which is the national oil company. And of course all these national oil companies, a lot of them have shares in international like private oil companies.So it's not always a clear divide of either one or the other, but I guess I, as someone who really. believes in capitalism. I think that in terms of efficiency and certainly in terms of safety, in terms of environmental compliance, I think that the private oil companies are much more answerable to activism, to just a sense of corporate responsibility than private oil companies.And if you're in somewhere like Russia, like you say, Venezuela and the national oil companies is polluting the water. Well, What are you going to do about compared to a private oil company who has, a much more, it has shareholders and I guess more of a global footprint. But I also come back to the point, as I was saying about localization that these resources are the country's resources and I think it's quite right that companies pay.I wouldn't say prohibitive amounts of tax, but I think it's quite right that companies pay a lot of money in tax when they extract the hydrocarbons, and they have local content. I guess the ideal for me is private, but with a level of public ownership. But not actually running the operations because I think as soon as you take away, as soon as you take away that meritocracy, you end up with health and safety risks, you end up with just waste, and when it comes to something like with the large amounts of money involved That just ends up taking money away from the actual people.I don't think it's, I don't think it's generally a great idea, but I think a sort of public, a bit like you see a lot here in Japan actually, a public private mix, if done properly, is probably the way to go for a lot of utilities. Leafbox: Great. So Andrew, maybe it's time to jump to the oil and energy diverse mix.Tell me about what brings you to Japan. First, you work on nuclear and now wind. Andrew: Yeah. For me, I can't claim any sort of high minded high minded drive to change from one industry to the other. It was purely, I had a mortgage and a new baby and I desperately needed a job. So that was how I made that jump.The one thing I have experienced over the years, it's certainly the place I've worked. It's very, Unless you're in a region that has like a national oil company, it's even then I guess depends who you are. It's very meritocratic, but it's quite cutthroat. So oil companies, service companies, as soon as oil price drops, it's very cyclical.People just get made redundant. People, I saw people at Halliburton had been there for literally 40, 50 years being made redundant just because the share price dropped a few points. I've been made redundant twice myself. And yeah, it's just horrible. And there's nothing you can do about it because it's an economic decision.It's nothing to do with your performance. And that happens to, it's probably very few people on the street that hasn't happened to It's the downside of the high salary really. So coming into wind it was really an opportunity to, as I say, we wanted to live abroad again for a little while.And opportunities to live in Japan don't come by very often. And it's interesting. It's interesting. It's very different. It's interesting from an engineering point of view. It's a lot of heavy lifts. And Japan, I think Japan has a good attitude towards offshore wind, because everything else, Japan has a long term vision.It has a vision of a percentage mix of nuclear fossil fuels, renewables, whereas I feel like I'm fairly against it in my home country, in the UK, because we don't have a long term plan. We've had four prime ministers in the last two years. One of them wanted to build eight nuclear power stations, the next one to start fracking.And then the one now wants to quadruple our offshore wind capacity in eight years, which is impossible. It's quite nonsensical. It's quite short term thinking. I'm not anti wind, I'm not pro oil, I'm not anti or pro any, anything. What I'm pro is a science based, long term, non subsidy, non corruption based market solution.Obviously you've got environmental aspect of climate change, et cetera, which needs to be taken into account. But I found, I find a lot of the attitude towards renewables and towards the energy mix quite histrionic and not really based on facts. Leafbox: Do you ever think about, geopolitics as an engineer in terms of, where these pressures are coming from.Europe particularly seems so against oil and hydrocarbons, but if you do any scientific research, you just, there's the capacity of hydrocarbons to produce energy is just unparalleled in terms of the input to output. And wind is just not a realistic option. Andrew: I think that, I think there's a general I would say it's a mistake, but I think it's done on purpose, but there's a general attitude that seems to be portrayed in the media that you can have one company or one industry is virtuous and everything they do is virtuous and there are no negative connotations or motivations behind what they're doing.And then the other is just all negative. So right now, it seems like oil is completely negative and then offshore wind is completely positive. You look at the motivations behind companies putting in offshore wind turbines or the service companies exactly the same as motivations behind all companies.Neither one is doing them. For anything other than to make money. And I think it's simplistic and a little bit silly to think that the boss of an oil company is some sort of J. R. Ewing, person that likes to run over puppies on the way home and the boss of an electricity company or a turbine installation company or whatever.is some sort of, sandal wearing saint that doesn't care about money. Everyone in pretty much, I would say any corporation, that statistic about men are CEOs, they're psychopaths. All they care about is money. And I think there are a lot of like there's a lot of talk about subsidies.You just touched on it, I think. And people talk about subsidies and oil when they're talking about subsidies and oil, what they're talking about is the The fact that when you drill an oil well, which can be anything between, I don't know, 30 and like upwards of 100 million, you basically get to claim that back off the tax.Now the tax in the UK is, it was about 75 percent on the oil that they extract and profit from the oil they extract. But if you have that say 100 million cost, how many companies can drill three or four wells at 100 That you're going to get anything out of that. Very few companies can afford to take that risk.I don't think it's a bit rich to call that a subsidy when you've got the whole CFD process for offshore wind, which effectively guarantees the strike price of electricity. So you imagine if you had that for oil, you would have, You would have countries buying oil off the oil companies when the price dropped, and they don't have that, they don't have that, that, that mechanism, but you simply wouldn't get offshore winds without a decent strike price, which you've seen recently in the auctions when no one bid on the licenses in the UK, and I think it was the US as well.Leafbox: So in essence you prefer just like a free market, totally. Not a totally free market, but in the sense that a clear transparent market. So if that really incentivized the right incentives, like you're saying in Japan, they have that mix of nuclear and hydrocarbon and wind and solar. And in Japan, I always feel like they're just burning trash.That's their real power generation. Andrew: It's funny that it's such a funny place in so many ways, but you've got this island, which has, a lot of geothermal resources. But in terms of mineral resources, it's not in a great position yet. It manages to be so incredibly self sufficient in terms of industry, in terms of fuel price.Like they, they said to me when I arrived here, Oh God, it's so expensive electricity. It's like about 60 to, to a month for the electricity in your house. And it's a four bed house with five air cons on 24 seven. I'm like, geez, you just see the price UK. You'd be like, 10 times almost. So they managed to make it work, but like everything else here, like I said, it's a long term, long thought process.And Obviously, I guess we haven't really talked about it, and I'm not, I don't feel qualified even to talk about it at all, to be honest with you, but in terms of climate change, I am very much meritocratic and capitalist in that sense that I think the market will identify the most efficient.way of providing energy, but I completely accept that there needs to be a level of environmental regulation because going back to what I said, CEOs, I think of any company would do anything if it made them money. And I've seen, I saw this in Azerbaijan. You go out, you're back, he's an absolutely beautiful city, but if you look back through its history of being part of the Soviet Union, the level of just pollution was unreal and it still suffers from a lot of that, especially out with the main city. So I 100 percent agree with environmental regulations. I think that, I think there's a lot of politics behind climate change. I'm quite skeptical of international NGO organizations, especially with the last few years that we've had.But I think that the yeah, I think that Japan's got it right. I think we need a mix and we need to not. Pretend like we are doing in the UK at the moment that for instance, the electricity price in the UK is doubled since 2019. And it hasn't here in Japan, and there, there tends to be a thought of, well, we just need to do all this because climate change is going to happen.It doesn't matter that, that people are suffering now, I don't think, I think people tend to. tend to maybe forget the, it's like the, the just stop oil extinction rebellion types. It's the world we have is impossible to have without oil. Sure. You can reduce it. It's going to run out eventually one day anyway.So reducing it is not a bad thing, but to pretend that you can just press stop and then you can put in a wind

 Missionary Girl Finds Expression in Her Sexuality at College By CelinasFantasy Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories. As I sit in class with the sixty or so other students, the lecture fades away. There's just Dr. Smith as he lays out the scenario to teach us about social inequality. He comes closer to my desk and his passionate blue eyes fall on me. Couldn't he just lean a little closer, drop that pen he always uses to teach with, that he clicks to make a point, and then get on his knees right in front of me? I bet the stubble on his sharp jaw would feel great against my calf. Then he'd just happen to notice that I don't have anything on under my skirt. He'd have the class do something, then stroke up my legs, kiss and lick up my thighs, hold me in place and tell me to be quiet so he can give me a 'private lesson.'Just like any other day in class, he'd be completely in control while I'd be struggling to stay quiet and fighting my blush so no one notices anything is a miss as he slowly licks and kisses up to my cunt, I squeeze my legs together tightly and try to focus on my notes. Getting distracted by another fantasy about Dr. Smith isn't going to help me get my degree, even if I think it's a better way to spend class time, study time, and those nights where my roommate is with her boyfriend. His eyes flick to me and I answer his question, "It's the institutionalized racism that sets the groundwork for such practices and methods of thinking to continue without change. It's easier to change minds than to dismantle an entire set of laws, communities, and address the history they're founded on." "Very good, Celina," he appraises with a smile. My own answers right away and I dip my head to try to keep it focused through the rest of class. Just thirty minutes left and I'll be free of the torture of watching Dr. Smith, trying to focus, and fighting the growing lust that keeps filling me. I reach for my cross necklace, trying to pull myself back into place. What would my mother think of me getting distracted by an older man after getting home from a mission trip! She always says I'm the best daughter she could ask for. She tells her friends I have a good head on my shoulder, that I'm going to do great things in the world someday and that I'm living just like a good Mormon girl should. I always took that as a compliment, until I realized I'm one of the only virgins in my dorm. I'm definitely the oldest virgin in the dorm. Twenty years old and I'm the only one who's never had sex. The thought makes me blush. A part of me just wants to get it over with. I've heard it's painful the first time, but after that it's magical and wonderful. Tugging on the cross again and feeling the chain bite into the back of my neck banishes the thought. It's a miracle I make it through class without embarrassing myself by answering a question wrong or voicing exactly what I'm thinking. Of course, Dr. Smith asks me to 'hang back' after class. When the others leave he hands me something. I stare at the paper. "You want me to be your teacher's assistant this year?" "You know what you're doing in every sociology class, Celina. I know you said you want to be a social worker and that's great, but I want you to be a teacher's assistant for me so you can see all the options. You could go into law and really defend people. You could teach, you could be a researcher, and become one of the people I teach about. Plus, being a teacher's assistant looks great on resumes," he winks at me. That one little move and the smile he gives me has me wetter than porn. I force the best and most innocent smile I can when I agree. I wave to him, "have a good weekend!" "You too, Celina! Don't do anything I wouldn't do," he calls. I hear him chuckle and catch something I shouldn't hear as it echoes down the hall, "that means you can pretty much do anything." I blush again and quickly head across campus to my dorm. I get back to the dorm and flop on the lower bunk bed. Less than ten minutes later, my roommate, Millie comes in. She sits with me on my bed. "Happy first week of classes," she says softly. "You too," I sigh. "Still thinking about some guy you met in, where did you go again?" She nudges my leg. "I went to the Dominican Republic. I met plenty of people, but no guy," I admit, playing with my necklace again. "I just didn't want to go another year as the reigning champ of those ice breaker games." "Aww, innocent little Celina being good for her parents," Millie teases. "Come on. You're twenty. You're a whole adult! When are you going to start living the life you want instead of the one your mother has all laid out for you?" "She has connections," I grumble. "To be a social worker? I'm pretty sure as long as you have a degree and you're willing to show up they'll take you. They're so backlogged and overworked," Millie huffs. "Anyway, working crazy hours and stressing about bills is right around the corner. Don't you want to have some fun before then?" "I have, " I can't make myself say fun. Going on Mission trips used to be fun. I got to work hard, I got to help people. I got to travel. I didn't always 'share the word of god' because I wanted to learn everything about the people who were already there. Lately, though, I feel like there's some leash on me that keeps getting tighter. My mom has been promising surprise visits, she's told me she's found some nice boys that might be an option for me someday. She's planning out every bit of my life and my control just keeps slipping away. "Celina?" Millie nudges me. "I've never been to a frat party, you know?" "Oh, I know. And if you would have told me that you had, I wouldn't have believed you," she laughs. "We should change that," I mumble. "Oh. My. God. I thought you'd never ask!" Millie squeals as she jumps up. She runs right to her closet and starts pulling things out. "You're going to be such a fun Barbie to play with. No more long skirts and flowy tops that hide your curves." "You haven't seen my curves!" "Honey, when you get back from the shower you clutch your towel so tightly that I get jealous of that hourglass figure. Now we just have to dress you properly and you're going to be all the guys can think of." "Millie, don't go crazy. There can't be any pictures that tag me, there can't be anything that my mom will see and-" "You're being a normal college girl for once in your life! I'm so excited that I'm not going to let anything ruin it. If you like one party, then we'll be able to go to more, and trust me, I want you there." I laugh and she goes over the rules with me while making me try on a ton of different outfits. From skin-tight jeans that won't button with my hips to skirts that are truly sinful. She finally hides me from the mirror with a bright smile while doing my makeup and hair. I'm stuffed in some little pink dress that feels amazing on my skin and at least covers my ass. It shows some cleavage, holds to my body until my hips, then flairs out just enough that I feel like I actually have clothes on. "What's the top three rules, Celina?" She asks after coating my lips with something. "Don't take drinks from anyone if they're already open. Don't go into a room with a bunch of guys alone. Always make sure I can see you," I repeat. "That's right. We're going to the frats together, so we're leaving together," she says seriously. "You're starting to scare me. It sounds dangerous," I grumble. "Frat guys can be like starved animals and tonight you look like a perfect steak. They're going to want to drag you back to their rooms and fuck you until you can't stand it anymore. Trust me, that's no way to lose your virginity," She points mascara at me. "Now, try to keep your eyes still." While she keeps working on my face and hair I think of that image. Multiple men fighting over me, wanting me, trying to claim me, and using every hole they can get. Even my back hole which I've seen in porn and, honestly, I enjoyed myself after taking off my cross and hoping God wouldn't judge. That doesn't sound terrible. Being wanted that badly that men are willing to share, being craved and taught so much in one night. Being offered everything, "You got quiet. Are you still going to go with me?" She asks. "Yes! I'm going. Trust me. I want to be there," I assure with a smile. "You look like you're going to be naughty. If that's what you want, just tell me before you disappear into a room. I can vet the guys for you," she says. "How?" "I've slept with some and my brother is at the frat we're going to. He knows the guys who understand the word 'no' and he'll make sure we stay safe. The guys already know that if they so much as insult me, Eric will kick their asses to the moon and then they'll get to explain why they can't have sex for a week or two," she laughs darkly. Finally, Millie lets me see my reflection. I feel brand new. I look like myself, only upgraded and I had no idea I was anything like this. I bounce a little and she hands me cut flats. "I'd say heels, but those take practice and we might be on our feet for hours, so we're not doing that." "Next time," I agree. "I like the idea of next time, especially since you're already so gung-ho about it!" She bounces while taking my hand. We walk to the frat houses and head to the largest one that has a crowd of people eagerly standing around. It's barely dark out and already people are openly drinking on campus. There's some odd-smelling smoke too. Millie rolls her eyes. "If someone offers you something to smoke, definitely say no." "No need to worry about that," I assure, wrinkling my nose. We head inside, using the door to the first floor where there's two wide open sections. People are playing beer-pong, other games, and dancing. Millie mixes a drink, tells no less than three guys to fuck off, then hands me the red-solo cup. "Sip that. I mix strong drinks," she warns. "Who's your gorgeous friend, Mills?" A tall boy asks. He looks familiar but I can't remember him. I take a full drink of what Millie made and sputter. She laughs. "I told you, Celina. Go slow." She turns to the guy. "Ryan, you know my roommate." "Holy shit. Look at you. Came out of the bible and looking good," he drinks me in. Millie elbows him. "Are you still my boyfriend or are you shopping around?" "All yours, beautiful. You did a great job." He kisses her neck and murmurs more compliments in her ear until she's giggling and more than happy to kiss him. "Really Mills? In the kitchen? Take it up to Ryan's room," Eric, her older brother orders. I've met him more than her boyfriend and had a little too much eagerness to come today since finding out he and his girlfriend broke up. Eric is as gorgeous as Millie, plus he's essentially a full wall of muscle. He's the kind of guy a girl can only dream about with deep green eyes, tan skin, wild surfer-boy hair and enough meat on his frame to make any girl want to swoon just so he'd catch them in his arms. He looks me over slowly as he takes a long drink from a bottle of beer. "Well, you look nice, Celina." "Thanks, it's all Millie," I mumble, feeling out of place now that Millie is actively making out with her boyfriend and lost to the rest of the world. Eric rounds the counter between us. "It's not all Millie." He offers me his hand and leads me to the dance floor. I stand on my toes as I notice how everyone else is dancing. I press myself against his chest after stumbling to try and reach his ear. "I don't know how to dance like this." "I'll teach you," he promises. He turns me around. "Take two big drinks." I do that, hissing as the alcohol hits my tongue. After my third drink, he steals my cup from me and takes a drink for himself. Eric guides me back until my ass is cradled by his hips. "Just move with me, Celina. Let me guide it and stay pressed to me like glue." I do what he says. It's easier to let go than I figured it would be. Eric dances with me, rubs my hips until I feel all gooey inside, and controls my drinking so I'm never more than buzzed. I can appreciate the fun without worrying, but I'm not tripping over myself like some other girls. Another guy comes up and dances in front of me. Eric chuckles and puts my hand on the other guy's shoulder. I giggle and stroke down his chest. He moves with me, slides his thigh between my legs so I'm grinding on him and I gasp at the rush of pleasure that pulses through my body in tune with the music. Two attractive men rubbing against me, hard and muscular, and, it's so much better than fantasizing about a professor or getting papers done early just to watch Friends re-runs. I moan when the guy in front of me runs his fingers through my hair and guides my head back. "You want a kiss, baby?" he croons. I nod hopelessly as I eye his full lips. He kisses me slowly, drawing it out like he knows it's my first time. I melt against him. Eric, unwilling to let me forget him, starts kissing across my neck in a way that sparks a fire low in my belly. I feel like I'm made of lava and the pressure just keeps building. I turn my head and Eric's mouth fits mine. Unlike the man in front of me, Eric doesn't take his time. He's not soft, he's full of demands. His tongue pushes between my lips and claims me entirely. All I can do is suck his tongue and try to answer the soft strokes as he explores my mouth and takes everything he wants. He cups my breast in one big hand while the guy in front of me palms my ass. I've never felt hornier in my life. I moan and roll my hips on the other guy's thigh, needing more of that delicious friction of his hard cock if we're going to be keeping this up. They both feed me kisses, press me harder between their bodies, fight over my attention until I'm so high on the lust coursing through my body, I can't get enough. I want all of them. The dress, their clothes, it's all in the way. Eric tosses back the rest of my drink, then throws me over his shoulder. I gasp. "Hey!" "You're coming with me, Celina," Eric decides. "Don't leave me out!" The other guy complains. He follows us and keeps playing with my hair. "You're a naughty thing aren't you?" "I want to be," I say, even as my cross necklace hits me in the face. I lean forward and bite Eric's ass through his jeans. He chuckles. "You're playing a dangerous game, Celina. Be careful since you don't know the rules." I giggle and bite him again. He tosses me down in a bed and I see two other guys already in the room he brought me to. I don't know them, but I don't care. Eric is someone I can trust. He takes off his shirt and climbs on top of me, feeding me more of his hot, controlling, delicious kisses. "Celina," he whispers against my lips, "I want you to meet my friends." "Hi," I say before pulling Eric back to me and stroking over his gorgeous body. His arms are so strong, so amazing. "James is the one you met on the dance floor," Eric says while sitting back on his heels and pulling one of my feet over his shoulder to kiss up my calf. James kisses me hungrily, his hand slipping into the top of my dress to stroke the sensitive skin of my breast. A moan bubbles from my throat as his fingers close around my nipple, tugging and massaging until I can't control my squirming. "Tuck and Aaron are both here in the room," Eric continues. I look over and see both of the other guys watching. Eric nips the inside of my knee. "Do you want them to kiss you too? To touch your gorgeous body?" "Maybe," I say before licking my lips. Eric chuckles. "Looks like you two are on the sidelines for the start." "Boo," One of them says. "Shut it, Tuck, enjoy the show," the other one, with thick blonde hair, says sharply. Eric and James pull the whole mattress off the bed and to the middle of the floor. I stretch out, enjoying the envious looks of the guys as the skirt of my dress rides up. Eric's face blushes despite the hunger in his gaze. "I don't think she needs underwear, what about you, James?" Eric asks. "Seems like a waste to me," he agrees. "Please," I tug at my own soaking panties. "Off?" "What a good girl," Eric pulls me closer to him and spreads my legs. "You want these panties off?" "Yes," I whimper, feeling exposed as he stretches my legs wide so everyone can see exactly how wet my cotton panties are. "So wet already," Eric croons. "Is your cunt aching to be filled?" "Yes!" I whine. "Please, I want you to fill me!" Eric and James slide my underwear off and I start fighting my dress. Tuck, the one with black hair and dark eyes slowly guides my dress up until it's only covering my breasts. He kisses me slowly, only breaking the kiss to finish removing my dress. I moan as the cool air hits my skin and tightens my nipples into hard, needy peaks. Tuck takes care of that, sucking one nipple into his mouth while massaging my other breast. I moan as his tongue swirls and flicks over my nipple. As if that's not enough, I see James lower his body between my legs. He kisses across my thigh and Eric smiles. "He's going to make sure you're all ready for us, Celina. We don't want you hurting." "Please!" I beg even as my fingers wind into Tuck's hair. "I want, " "I know you want plenty" Eric croons. "We're going to take our time and do it right. Especially if you want all of us." I nod and he strokes through my hair. I whimper and lift my hips when James licks over my clitoris. Eric grins. "You like that?" "Yes, so much!" I groan. James does it again and again, using his tongue in ways that have me dizzy. He moans and sucks the same spot, making my toes curl in the stupid shoes I still have on. Eric unzips his jeans in front of me. "You wanted to bite my ass, can you be a good girl and settle for sucking?" He asks. I eye his gorgeous big cock and nod as I lick my lips. "Yes. Please!" He grins and slowly eases into my mouth. He whispers instructions, "lick and suck. That's right. Use your tongue. Fuck, your mouth is so tight, so hot and wet. You're perfect, Celina. You've been hiding so much." I moan and take him deeper, wanting to fit as much as possible in my mouth. I like how full he makes me feel, how powerful I feel as he fills my throat again and again. It's wonderful, and I just want more. "Slowly. I don't want to cum without fucking you. I'm your warm-up, Celina," Eric purrs. I get him to the point where he's shaking, but then I can't hold back. My back arches and I moan. James' tongue demands my attention as he sucks and licks at the same time, just like Eric told me to do. I gasp and grip his hair tighter and nearly scratch Tuck's scalp as I try to find something to hold onto. Eric strokes through my hair. "Come, sweetheart. Just let go and enjoy it." I whimper, but when Tuck's teeth graze my nipple, I burst. My eyes flutter shut as pleasure shoots through me. I try to close my legs, try to wiggle away from the overwhelming feeling, but I'm locked between these three men with nowhere to go. I come down from the high and see them switching positions. Eric holds my leg up and groans. "Such a pretty cunt. I think you want something inside it, don't you, Celina?" "Yes," I say in a hoarse voice. "Good girl. Take Tuck in your mouth and I'll finger you," he barters. I do exactly as I'm told. Tuck thrusts into my mouth, so I get to take him even deeper than Eric. Even when I start to gag, I just pull him closer. My eyes roll back as Eric eases two fingers into my cunt. I know I can take more thanks to the toy I've been using -- the one Millie bought me as a joke. What I don't expect is something wet against my ass. I start to pull away from Tuck, but he holds my chin. There's a First For Everything, "Aaron likes eating ass. Is that okay?" he asks. I nod weakly. My legs are shaking. His tongue, Eric's fingers, Tuck's cock filling my throat. A hand cups my other breast, pinching and teasing my nipple. There's James. It's all too much and not enough at the same time. I cum again as Eric fingers me hard and fast. Tuck's legs shake and I suck harder, determined to pull him down with me. He groans and rasps, "you want my cum, baby?" I nod and grab his ass, jerking him further down my throat just as Aaron slides a finger into my ass. Tuck and I come apart together. He fills my mouth with cum as my whole body tightens and lightning bolts of ecstasy shoot through me. Tuck chuckles softly and pets my hair after I swallow. "Such a good girl. Where have you been hiding?" "In her dorm all this time," Eric says before pulling on a condom. "You belong right here, don't you Celina?" "More?" I ask. The guys chuckle, then I hear another condom being put on. Tuck sits on his bed, watching with hungry, eager eyes. James helps me onto my knees. Eric lifts me onto his lap until his cock nudges my cunt. "Can you take me?" I nod. "You're only a little bigger than my toy." "What about Aaron in your ass?" I look back at him and nod slowly, but face Eric. "You first." "Yes, sweetheart. Me first." He slowly guides me down his cock. I thought he was only a little bigger than my toy, but he feels a million times better. I grip his shoulders hard, whimpering as I take every inch. He helps me move up and down, his hands on my hips firmly. He kisses me softly, whispers encouragements, then settles for kissing my throat. I feel Aaron nudging my ass with his cock, then something wet and slippery coats that back hole and my crack. I can't look since James offers me his cock, tapping it against my lips. I open for him and moan as he fills me. He runs his fingers through my hair as Aaron kisses across my shoulder. "You're such a good girl, taking all of us. Such a treasure," he purrs. Already, my toes are curling. I love feeling this full of them. I love feeling this used, this valued. When Aaron slowly eases into my ass, I feel the pressure, the little pricks of pain, all of it, it feels so good. "Holy fuck give it to me harder" I yell. Eric increases the pace and rubs my clit while James keeps nodding and telling me how well I take his cock. By the time I realize I'm hurting, Aaron is already completely inside of me. I gasp and James pulls out of my mouth. "How does that feel?" "Do you want us to stop?" Eric asks seriously. "No, don't stop. Don't ever stop. So good," I moan as cum drips down my lips, my head hitting Eric's shoulder. When he and Aaron move, I nearly scream as I come apart. It's too intense, too overwhelming. My thighs are all slick with my own wetness and I feel dirty in the best way. I lean towards James once the orgasm passes and take him deep in my throat. I can't get enough of them. The way they grunt and groan around me, the compliments they give me, how they restrain themselves so I don't get hurt. James comes first, filling my mouth again until I have to swallow twice to get it all down. Then Eric and Aaron nod. They take everything up a notch. Instead of moving together like they were, they find a pace that's opposite of each other. I can't catch my breath, I can't think straight, all I feel is pleasure like I could only dream about. I take whatever kisses I'm offered, I hold onto both men as they share me, I cum more times than I can count, until finally, they both finish with growls and sharp grunts. They slide out of me and I lay on the mattress, sore all over from this new experience, breathless, and overwhelmed. "Get showered," Eric orders the other guys. They leave only once I have a blanket over me. Eric pushes my hair from my face and chuckles at whatever expression I have on. "You're a treasure, Celina," he whispers in my ear before kissing me slowly. I smile and he chuckles. "There you are." "I want more," I stroke down his chest. "I want to feel that good always." "I'm more than happy to make you feel that good again, but right now, you need to rest. You're already going to be sore," he kisses my forehead. After a few minutes, he manages to sneak me into a bathroom and helps me scrub down in the shower stall without getting my hair or face wet. Once I'm dry and dressed, he leads me back downstairs with a wicked glint in his eyes. We're keeping a secret from his sister, I know that. He dances with me again, gets me another drink, and doesn't hesitate to grab my ass whenever he wants. I realize I left my underwear in his room, but I can't make myself care about that either. I'm sure Millie won't like me dancing with her brother. I'm sure my best friend won't be happy that her brother and his friends took a whole lot of my firsts today, but all I can think about is when I can have them again. When I can have anyone again like that. Eric pulls me back against him. "I ruined your sweetness, didn't I?" "No," I stroke down his chest and grin. "You just made me a whole lot greedier for things I didn't even know were possible." He kisses me quickly. "Anytime you want fun, you know where to come." "Your room?" "Sure, I'll make you come there, the bathroom, your room, the library, there's a list of places. I'm a very kinky guy like that" he chuckles. I smile and twist under his arm. Why the hell did I wait so long to take what I want, especially when it means having this kind of pleasure and this kind of fun? By CelinasFantasy

Is Self-Brain Surgery "Real Surgery"?This episode answers that question! (Throwback Thursday for inter-season interlude)Season 11 is coming next week! The season 10 finale will be tomorrow, a final Frontal Lobe Friday to get you ready for the amazing Season 11, which starts Monday!Leave a voicemail with your question or comment!Five Ways You Can Support this show:Pray for us!Subscribe, like, and share it with your friends! (We even have a YouTube channel!)Leave reviews and comments wherever you listen to podcasts!You can become a paid partner of the podcast and get special bonus episodes and lots more content by clicking here. Visit one of our affiliate partners and consider using their products (we use them every day):Support and boost your immune system with Armra! Use DRLEEWARREN code at checkout for a discount!Improve your gut health, immune system, and protect your brain with Pique!Other Helpful Links:Click here to access the Hope Is the First Dose playlist of hopeful, healing songs!Be sure to check out my new book, Hope Is the First Dose!Here's a free 5-day Bible study on YouVersion/BibleApp based on my new book!Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here!All recent episodes with transcripts are available here! (00:02) - Introduction to Self-Brain Surgery (01:42) - The Reality of Self-Brain Surgery (05:22) - The Evolution of Neuroscience Beliefs (08:09) - Challenging the Reductionist Worldview (10:42) - Tugging on Threads of Scientific Discoveries (13:58) - The Purpose of the Podcast (16:02) - Taking Every Thought Captive (18:17) - Finding Hope in Suffering (19:42) - The Surprising Arrival of Mastery (20:48) - Becoming Healthier, Feeling Better, Being Happier

If you know Quentin Tarantino's movies, it's probably not a huge surprise that he's a fan of Spaghetti Westerns. Tarantino's 2012 movie, Django Unchained, references Sergio Corbucci's 1966 Spaghetti Western Django. But the tribute doesn't stop there.There's a scene in Django Unchained where a man asks Django how he spells his name. Django says, “The D is silent.” The man responds, “I know.” That man is Franco Nero, the actor who plays Django in the original 1966 movie. The two Djangos, 46 years apart, sitting side by side. This is what's called intertextuality.It's referencing, quoting or alluding to other content. And it helps increase views and engagement with your content.That's one of the things we're talking about today with Max Bard, VP of Content at Pray.com. Together, we're taking lessons from Oscar-winning director Quentin Tarantino, like exploring outside of what is considered “brand safe,” incorporating intertextuality and getting nostalgic in your content.About our guest, Max BardMax Bard is an Executive Producer and the head of PRAY Studios, PRAY.COM's content production arm. As the head of PRAY Studios, Max has produced over 5,500 original podcast episodes, audio books, and daily devotionals. Max has worked with Superbowl Champions like Drew Brees, Emmy Award winners like Dr Phil, and Grammy Award winners like Lecrae to create world-class content for the Christian audience.Prior to PRAY.COM, Max was the President of VideoFort, Hollywood's largest supplier of aerial and nature stock footage to companies like Getty Images, Adobe, and Shutterstock. VideoFort content has been used in Academy Award winning films, Cannes Lion award winning commercials, and Emmy award winning TV shows.Max is from Los Angeles and graduated from the University of Southern California in 2014. After graduation Max pursued his dream of writing, directing, and editing film & video content in genres ranging from Drama to Advertising to Music Videos.What B2B Companies Can Learn From Quentin Tarantino:Explore outside of what is “brand safe”. Sure, you can play it safe and continue to make slow but steady growth. But the big growth happens when you take risks. Max says, “If you want to hit the home runs, you have to take the big risks. And if you don't, then you can take the easy route and you'll probably keep that steady baseline. But if you want to get that massive spike, I think you got to try something every once in a while. Take that big risk.”Incorporate intertextuality. That is, use references to other popular content. You'll get more eyes on your content because you're piggybacking on what is already in the public consciousness. Max says, “Some people say that Quentin Tarantino copies other films.. But he is inspired by films of the past and TV shows and music and culture. Brands could do that too, and it's like an Easter egg. It's really cool if you can incorporate that into your campaigns. It could be massive, especially when it comes to memorability.”Get nostalgic. Pull from fondly remembered content. Tugging on those heartstrings, or the content people see with rose-colored glasses, creates that positive association with your brand. Max says, “You can see this a lot in Tarantino's films.  I think a prime example is in Pulp Fiction when they enter Jack Rabbit Slims and they're walking around the restaurant and you see Marilyn Monroe in there and you see James Dean. The waitresses and the waiters are all people from the fifties.”Quotes*”He has this distinctive style that stands out. If you're going to a [Quentin] Tarantino film, you don't have to go in saying, ‘Hey, we're going to watch this Quentin Tarantino film.' The moment that it starts, you're going to tell just from the visuals, from the cuts, from the camera work, that it is his. He has that immediate brand identity. That's a big part of your marketing, is having that memorable piece within your brand. This highlights the importance of developing a unique brand voice that can really help you stick out amongst this crowd of hundreds of other brands,”*”When you see these things that bring back positive memories, I think if you can do that with your branding, then whatever it is you're doing, whether it be a campaign or or a commercial spot, a Facebook ad, people will remember it better. And if they remember it better, ideally they'll purchase your product or want to work with you, or they'll have that positive brand association with you.”Time Stamps[0:55] Meet Max Bard, VP of Content at Pray.com[1:56] Discussing Quentin Tarantino's Films and Influence[6:21] Max's Role at Pray.com[16:30] About Quentin Tarantino's Unique Film Style[23:24] Marketing Takeaways from Tarantino[28:54] The Power of Over-the-Top Branding[30:27] Intertextuality: Borrowing from the Best[38:31] Nostalgia: Emotional Connection in Marketing[45:19] Familiar Voices: Leveraging Celebrity Power[50:34] Max's Advice for other Marketing ProfessionalsLinksConnect with Max on LinkedInLearn more about Pray.comAbout Remarkable!Remarkable! is created by the team at Caspian Studios, the premier B2B Podcast-as-a-Service company. Caspian creates both nonfiction and fiction series for B2B companies. If you want a fiction series check out our new offering - The Business Thriller - Hollywood style storytelling for B2B. Learn more at CaspianStudios.com. In today's episode, you heard from Ian Faison (CEO of Caspian Studios) and Meredith Gooderham (Senior Producer). Remarkable was produced this week by Meredith Gooderham, mixed by Scott Goodrich, and our theme song is “Solomon” by FALAK. Create something remarkable. Rise above the noise.

The hospital annunciation & reconciliationBy NavyRigger - Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories.Breathlessly she broke our passionate kiss for just a moment to stare into my eyes and speak.“Dammit Kurt, If you truly love me like you say you do, fuck me and fill my pussy already. I've been aching for you to be inside me,” she said as she brought her legs to her chest and continued to passionately kiss me.I brought my legs up and started to thrust into her. Softly she moaned into my mouth as my speed picked up. I thrust into her until my legs started to shake from fatigue and weakness. I thrust into her until my legs burned with exertion. I thrust into her until I felt I couldn't thrust any more, and then I thrust some more. I watched as Riza's legs quivered and shook. I felt her stomach and abs tense under my hand, felt her back arch against my chest. Her pussy pulsed and quivered around my shaft as I filled her with my length over and over again. Finally, she screamed in pleasure into my mouth. As if on queue with her orgasm, I felt my climax crest over the edge as I squeezed her tightly and two weeks of cum began to spill into her. She shifted her hips and planted me as deep as I could go into her and held on as I bucked like a bronco. I came as I'd never came before, as twitch after twitch of my seed filled her from inside. She moaned softly as she kissed me. Her body relaxed and shuddered. It was almost like her body had been having withdrawals and was finally relieved to have my cum inside of her again. When I had finally finished, I realized I was completely drained of energy and had to break apart from our kiss to catch my breath.“Holy, shit,” I said between deep breaths, “I don't,  know,  what felt better. That kiss,  or,  finally,  cumming after,  two weeks. What, was all that, about?”Riza caressed my cheek with her thumb and rolled onto her side as she slid me out of her and tucked herself next to me on the bed, her head resting on my shoulder. I pulled the hospital blanket up around us and held her as tightly to me as I could manage. When she finally looked up at me, her eyes were wet with tears and her lip was quivering.“Riza? Baby? What's wrong,” I said as my heart sank into my stomach."I was so scared. The whole time I was so scared, Kurt. You have no idea how terrified I was sitting by your side. I was afraid to sleep because I didn't want to miss you waking up.”“Baby, it's ok. I am ok. As long as my numbers keep looking good, I should be out of here in a couple more days,” I told her reassuringly.She pounded my chest, “No dammit! You don't understand! They told me you could die, and all I could think about was how terrible my life would be without you and that I would have to raise our baby without you!”“Our baby,” I said as my whole body went tingly with excitement, "You mean that your, ”“Four weeks,” she finished for me, “And before you ask, until last night, the last time Ronny came inside me was over six weeks ago.”Suddenly I found renewed strength and held Riza tighter than I ever had and kissed her with as much passion and love as I could out me.“Oh Riza, you have no idea how happy that makes me!” I told her before kissing her some more.I realized at that moment the alarms on my monitors were going off, and I had no idea for how long. No sooner did I realize this, my doctor and nurse barrel through the privacy curtain and stop dead in their tracks and looked at me and Riza with worry and concern on their faces. My immediate reaction was panic at Riza and I finally had been caught together. Riza on the other hand didn't even budge. I watched as both the nurse and doctor went from worried looks to disappointment as both of their shoulders dropped and their hands fell to their sides.“You told him already, didn't you,” my doctor said.Riza smiled and wiped the tears from her eyes as she nodded."Aw! We missed it!” said the nurse.Before leaving, the nurse said that she would let us have some private time together and would inform us if any surprise visitors showed up.Three days later I was released from the hospital, still a bit weak, but otherwise healthy. After wheeling me downstairs, Riza helped me into the passenger seat of my car, and we drove home. Her fingers laced between mine as we pulled out of the hospital parking lot. I told her about my dream, and she said she wasn't crying, but I could see she was. I told her about how beautiful our daughter was in the dream, how happy she had looked like a mother and my wife. I told her how much I looked forward to that day coming true.As we drove down our shared street, I was suddenly alarmed as she pulled into her driveway, and not mine. She hopped out before I could say anything and opened my door.“What are we doing at your place,” I asked as she helped me out of the car."Ronny wanted to see you, so I told him I would bring you by first,” she said, but I could tell by her tone there was more to it.Unsteadily, we stepped through her front door. She reached over and flicked on the lights.“Surprise!” I heard from twenty of our closest neighbors as they appeared from nowhere.They got me, and I am pretty sure my heart skipped a beat.“Geeze! Y'all trying to kill me or something,” I said as I held a hand over my intensely beating heart.Everyone got a good laugh out of that. One by one, my neighbors came by to check on me and tell me how happy they were to see me up and moving around. Riza waited until Ronny and everyone else shuffled out to the pool area and kissed me on the cheek."I am going to go put on my bathing suit. Don't go anywhere while I am gone,” she said mockingly.“Ha ha, very funny,” I said sarcastically.Halfway down the hallway she turned and blew me a kiss, and mouthed ‘I love you', before proceeding down the hallway. A few minutes later, she came down the hallway wearing a white and blue bikini. Her breast bounced and her hips swayed as she approached. She was so incredibly hot and beautiful then and there, I couldn't help myself. I had to have her again, right now.“I have to use the bathroom. Can you give me a hand,” I asked her."Of course,” she said, her beautiful smile melting my heart as she took my hand.Slowly, she held my hand as she escorted me to the bathroom. I watched as her ass cheeks swayed from side to side, the fabric on the back of her bikini barely enough to cover her ass crack. As the bathroom door opened, the light came on and I gently shoved Riza into the bathroom.“Kurt, what are you, ” she started before I hushed her with a kiss.I pushed the door closed with my foot and hastily pulled at the strings of her bikini. A new rush of energy filled me as her bikini pieces fell to the floor. She pushed me away and held her hands out, breathing heavy.“I am sorry Riza. I don't know what has gotten into me. Maybe it's the fact you're carrying our baby, or a new perspective after almost dying, but you've never looked more beautiful to me than you do at this moment. I can't resist you this time,” I took a second to take a breath in, “I have to have you. Right here. Right now.”She stared at me for a moment and absorbed my words. Then she lunged and dropped to her knees, ripping my shorts down and helping me out of them. She grasped my cock with both of her hands and gave me a quick, sloppy blowjob. Once I was fully hard, she tugged at my cock and bent over the bathroom counter with one leg propped up on it.“Hurry, we don't have much time!” she whispered loudly, “And don't cum in me! Otherwise, I might end up fucking you in front of the whole neighborhood!”“Oh my God,” I moaned as I slipped inside of her.She wasn't just warm inside, she was hot and wetter than she had any business being. We watched together in the mirror as my cock slammed in and out of her, stretching her little pussy to its limit. She covered her mouth with both of her hands as my cock slammed against her G-spot over and over again, and as she orgasmed I added my hands to hers as she screamed in ecstasy. Her juices dripped down my shaft as her pussy gushed from her wetness, the wet, sticky sound of our love echoing through the bathroom. She reached down and played with my balls, knowing it would make me cum quicker. It didn't take long after that before I was ready to climax.“Riza, I'm going to cum!” I said as quietly as I could.She slipped me out of her, and I flexed my cock as I tried to hold back the cum. She quickly dropped to her knees and looked up at me while she opened her mouth and leaned in toward my cock. I closed my eyes and strained to hold back the building pressure. Her fingers wrapped around my cock and made one stroke and I couldn't hold back anymore. I exploded and bit my lip as I tried to cum quietly. I felt my cum erupt from my cock as I rose on my feet. Riza's hands continued to stroke me as shot after shot left me. After the euphoria of my climax subsided, I suddenly realized I didn't feel Riza's mouth on my shaft. As I opened my eyes, I saw Riza smiling proudly up at me, cum streaked across her forehead, one of her eyes, both of her cheeks, her lips, in her mouth, and all over her chin. My eyes followed a drop of cum as it fell from her chin and landed on her breasts, joining several other drops of cum scattered across them."Fuck, baby. I am so sorry," I said apologetically, but loving the gorgeous mess I'd made all over her and admiring how beautiful she was covered in my cum."Don't apologize, Babe," she said as she pointed at the mirror and rubbed my cum across the top of her breasts, "I look fucking hot with your cum all over me."She grasped my cock with both of her hands and squeezed tightly as she worked the last few drops from me. As she stuck out her tongue and leaned up to lick away the last few drops of my climax, we heard a muffled voice and laughter in the hallway and froze with fear."Hold up a sec, Joe. I gotta take a damn piss," the voice called out.Neither of us had time to contemplate what to do next. We didn't even have time to take a breath. The door swung open quickly, and Ronny stood there, entranced by what he was seeing. Riza and I were entranced with the realization we'd been caught. There we were, in the bathroom, Riza on her knees beneath my cock, both of us naked, her hands still wrapped tightly around my cock, his wife's pretty face and breasts streaked with his best friend's cum. As the last vestiges of my climax dropped from the tip of my cock onto his wife's face, Ronny went white in the face in a different manner altogether. The shattering of glass snapped us all from our trance as his beer bottle shattered on the tile of the bathroom floor.Ronny went red in the face and bellowed, "WHAT THE FUCK!"I looked in the mirror as Kurt started to get dressed. His warm cum coated my face and breasts as I looked at myself in the mirror. I should be feeling ashamed, I should be feeling remorse, I should be terrified that my marriage was coming to an end. As I used a hand towel to wipe away Kurt's cum, and quickly splashed my face with water, I started to smile. In my head, I knew smiling about this was wrong, but I couldn't help myself. Ronny had taken both of us by surprise and caught us red-handed, or in my case, cock-handed. As I wrapped a towel around myself and took Kurt's hand into mine, I was overwhelmed with a new emotion.I felt relieved. No more lies, no more sneaking around, no more being stuck in a loveless marriage. I had no doubt Ronny would maneuver for everything in the divorce. That was fine. Between Kurt and the baby, I had everything I'd ever wanted. My skin flushed with goosebumps as the exhilaration and excitement of this moment had finally arrived."Well, let's get this over with," I said as I stood on my tiptoes and kissed Kurt on the cheek.Kurt kissed my forehead and smiled sweetly down at me. He squeezed my hand gently as I put my arm around his waist, supporting him as we walked out of the bathroom together. He was putting a lot of weight on me as we shuffled slowly down the hallway. Our intense lovemaking session in the bathroom had drained him more than he would ever admit. My mind had told me not to go into that bathroom with him and that no good would come out of it. My heart and body had overruled me as I looked into Kurt's eyes and saw love, desire, fondness, and longing staring back at me through his big brown eyes. I knew what awaited us around the corner, and I knew it wasn't going to be pretty. I knew if Kurt and I could get through this, we could get through anything together.When we turned the corner, Ronny was drinking straight from a bottle of Jack Daniels as he leaned against the island countertop. Dark, hazel eyes flicked towards Kurt and me as he saw us holding one another. His face turned to a disgusted scowl, and he paced the space between the back door and the island countertop, waving a menacing finger at the two of us. His face was full of anger, full of rage, full of fury. However, I noticed there was one thing lacking from his face that might have made me even a little bit remorseful.There were no tears. Not even a hint of moisture in his eyes at all. He wasn't upset that I was cheating on him, nor he was upset that his marriage was coming to an end. He was upset because he knew his dreams of getting me pregnant and cashing in that $300,000 so he could live easy and free just went up in flames. Not to mention he was angry because his best friend, of all people, was the culprit of all of it.I walked Kurt up to the counter, letting him lean against it to support himself while I dealt with Ronny. As I went to walk around Kurt, I was suddenly stopped as he held me back, pushing me behind him. Even in his weakened state, knowing good and well he was no match for Ronny right now, his first instinct was to protect me and our baby. My lip started to quiver as I put my hands on Kurt's back and felt his muscles tense and go rigid. It was at that moment that I knew Kurt would never let anything bad happen to me and the baby. He had neither the strength nor the energy to fight off Ronny, but he would keep himself between and my soon-to-be ex-husband for as long as it took to make sure we were safe. I peeked around Kurt's shoulder, and I could see Ronny with a white-knuckle grip on the bottle of Jack, finger pointed straight at Kurt. Several times, Ronny opened his mouth to speak, but no words would come out.Kurt was the first to break the tense silence between them, "Look, Ronny, I-""Shut the fuck up, Kurt," Ronny growled, "I can't even fucking look at you right now. I dropped everything, rushed to the hospital, and give you my fucking blood out of my arm to save your traitorous ass. And this is how you repay me for my kindness?""I am eternally grateful for that," Kurt said, the exhaustion thick in his voice. "Truly, I owe you my life.""You owe me your life, and yet you repay me by defiling my wife and her body!" Ronny snapped.I felt Kurt's chest expand as he took a deep breath in, "No. You don't understand. I love Riza. I've loved her for years. Without her, my life would have meant nothing, and I would have just have been better off dying in the hospital. She is the reason I get up in the morning, she is the reason I want to live every day to the best of my ability, and she is the reason I want to do better and be better, for her. Hell, she is the reason I keep on breathing, breathe after breathe.""Shut up. Shut UP. SHUT UP!" Ronny bellowed as he brought his palms to his temples and started to pace again. "How long has this been going on?"I watched as our party guests started to shuffle through the back door, anxious to see what all the commotion was about. Curious eyes flicked back and forth between Ronny, Kurt, and myself."Almost two months now. I came over to help her in the attic one day, and years of love and attraction just exploded out of me. I am sorry Ronny, I couldn't hold back my feelings for her any longer," Kurt lied, knowing full and well it was I who initiated everything."FUCK!" Ronny raged as he sent the bottle of Jack sailing across the kitchen, causing it to shatter against the wall in the living room.He stared at us, face more red than I'd ever seen it before. His shoulders rose and fell as he breathed deep, nostrils flared, jaw set, and lips pursed together. There was the slightest hint of a twitch in the corner of his eye."Riza, how could you do this to me?" Ronny whined when he realized our little exchange had an audience.Oh hell no. No way in hell was I going to let Ronny sit back and play the part of the victim, and make me into the villain of this story. I felt a burning rage grow inside of me anger from years of neglect, passive-aggressive words, lack of any kind of romance, and having my body used for the pleasure of a man who didn't even love me anymore. It all finally came out and boiled to the surface. For years I endured the treatment. For years I thought I was being selfish. For years I accepted the feeling that this was just how my life was now. Then, a wonderful man with a wonderful heart, warm eyes, friendly smile, and an amazing cock, finally found the courage to express his feelings for me and show me that there was more to life than sitting at home and being a walking fleshlight to a husband who didn't love me anymore. No more."Do this to you? Do this to you!?" I said and slapped away Kurt's hand as he tried to hold me back.I stomped up to Ronny and smacked him across the face as hard as I could. The slap was so loud that some of our neighborhood audience gasped. My body felt hot and stiff as I glared at Ronny. His eyes were wide with surprise as he finally saw a side of me he'd never seen before. It felt great, liberating even. I almost laughed as the fear set into his eyes."Do what to you, exactly, Ronny?" I shouted, my body trembling with anger, "Sit at home, alone, dreaming that when you got home you would pretend you loved me still? Lay under you while you use my body for your pleasure, but not even touch me in any way that made me feel like you still cared even the slightest bit for me? Clean our house, make you dinner, pay our bills, and not even get so much as a thank you? Let me ask you this Ronny, when is the last time you wrapped your arms around me and kissed me?""I... I... I don't-" Ronny started to mumble."YOU DON'T KNOW BECAUSE IT'S BEEN YEARS!" I screamed, "You put me through all that, and you have the sheer audacity to sit here and play the victim. I don't fucking think so! Oh, and I know all you care about is the trust fund. That's why for the past three years, I've been getting birth control shots behind your back. Do you want to know what the funny and ironic thing is? I finally meet a man who makes me feel loved, makes me feel special, makes me feel like I am more than just a walking cum dumpster, and the first time we have sex, he gets me pregnant."I almost laughed as I watched our onlookers out of the corner of my eye and saw many of them with shocked yet intrigued looks on their faces. When the fuck did my life turn into a daytime drama? I continued while I still had the upper hand in the argument."Before you ask, yes, you did hear me correctly," I said as I let a smile stretch across my face, "I am in love with Kurt, and pregnant with his baby."I watched as the realization set in and his face went from shock to pure unadulterated anger."YOU FUCKING UNGRATEFUL HARLOT!" Ronny bellowed, "I worked my ass off to put a roof over your head, pay for the food we put on our table, and I pay for the car

The breakdown of Game 5 and this entire Stanley Cup Final continues as we finally get to the stories of what happened ON the ice (and try to reverse Greg Cote's jinx). Then, Dan is winded from standing up all show, we watch a montage of gasbags getting everything wrong about the Celtics, listen to Jayson Tatum rip off other championship winners, and discuss Jack Nicklaus' effort in banging the drum at the Amerant Bank Arena. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Happy Pride!!! TT is a pinhead, Queenie loves the local product, and they laugh their way through updates, touching news, and our favorite game. Do you use the magic herb for health, medical purposes, or recreation? The words we use can effect research and how it is interpreted.  Be sure to listen to the very end for an important tip!Our Closet Disco Queen Pot-Cast deals with legal adult cannabis use and is intended for entertainment purposes only for those 21 and older Visit our Closet Disco Queen Pot-Cast merch store!Find us on Facebook and Green Coast RadioSound from Zapsplat.com, https://quicksounds.com, 101soundboards.com #ToneTransfer

This week, I'm delighted to have one of my favorite authors, Annabel Monaghan, back on the podcast to discuss Summer Romance, another heart-tugging, hilarious love story about a recent divorcee and professional organizer whose life is a mess, and the summer she gets unstuck with the help of someone unexpected from her past. This book is just the comfort read I needed - it's hopeful and funny and warm and you won't want to leave this world or the characters.

Join Premium! Ready for an ad-free meditation experience? Join Premium now and get every episode from ALL of our podcasts completely ad-free now! Just a few clicks makes it easy for you to listen on your favorite podcast player.  Become a PREMIUM member today by going to --> https://WomensMeditationNetwork.com/premium All those discomforts, Rumbling around inside. All those fears, Emerging from the deep. All those details, Whirling and twisting. Let them resolve, Let them dissolve.  PAUSE… All those unknowns, That are haunting you. All those worries, Weighing you down. All those insecurities, Tugging at your heart. Let them resolve, Let them dissolve. Feel the warmth humming in your hands, Open to the healing that's here. Receive it now, With every breath in, Resolving the tension, Dissolving the weight.  LONG PAUSE… When something's heavy on your heart, When you're not sure what to do, When a situation feels like a mess. Get quiet with yourself, And affirm this little prayer, Let it resolve and dissolve. PAUSE… Let it resolve and dissolve. LONG PAUSE… The knot inside, Will loosen and untwist. And everything will be okay. You'll find clarity, And faith will push you forth. As you find peace in your day.  PAUSE… Let it resolve. Let it dissolve. PAUSE… Be here. Deep in the oneness of you. Knowing you are divine. Knowing you are free.  Knowing there is nothing you can't handle. There is nothing you can't be.   PAUSE… Let it resolve. Let it dissolve. PAUSE… Surrender, my love, To the power that knows your path. Surrender to the purpose of all this.  Then breathe in your faith,  And your deep trust in yourself. Let it resolve. Let it dissolve. PAUSE… Namaste, Beautiful

Ida Ann Lorenzo was in a crowded Utah restaurant earlier this month when police say she thought a person's skirt was too short, so she pulled down on it. Lorenzo believed the girl was nude under the skirt and was exposing herself. The victim says that's not true. Video of the confrontation between the 19-year-old and Lorenzo has since gone viral. Law&Crime's Jesse Weber discusses the situation and the consequences with trial attorney Brian Claypool.PLEASE SUPPORT THE SHOWIf you've used Incognito mode in Google's Chrome browser, find out if you have a claim in a few clicks by visiting https://incognitoclaims.com/sidebarHOST:Jesse Weber: https://twitter.com/jessecordweberLAW&CRIME SIDEBAR PRODUCTION:YouTube Management - Bobby SzokeVideo Editing - Michael DeiningerScript Writing & Producing - Savannah WilliamsonGuest Booking - Alyssa Fisher & Diane KayeSocial Media Management - Vanessa BeinSTAY UP-TO-DATE WITH THE LAW&CRIME NETWORK:Watch Law&Crime Network on YouTubeTV: https://bit.ly/3td2e3yWhere To Watch Law&Crime Network: https://bit.ly/3akxLK5Sign Up For Law&Crime's Daily Newsletter: https://bit.ly/LawandCrimeNewsletterRead Fascinating Articles From Law&Crime Network: https://bit.ly/3td2IqoLAW&CRIME NETWORK SOCIAL MEDIA:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawandcrime/Twitter: https://twitter.com/LawCrimeNetworkFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/lawandcrimeTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/lawandcrimenetworkTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lawandcrimeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is Self-Brain Surgery "Real Surgery"?This episode answers that question!Leave a voicemail with your question or comment!Music by Tommy Walker(Music shared on The Dr. Lee Warren Podcast is authorized under BMI license #61063253 and ASCAP license #400010513 )Leave a voicemail with your question or comment!Five Ways You Can Support this show:Pray for us!Subscribe, like, and share it with your friends! (We even have a YouTube channel!)Leave reviews and comments wherever you listen to podcasts!You can become a paid partner of the podcast and get special bonus episodes and lots more content by clicking here. Visit one of our affiliate partners and consider using their products (we use them every day):Support and boost your immune system with Armra! Use DRLEEWARREN code at checkout for a discount!Improve your gut health, immune system, and protect your brain with Pique!Other Helpful Links:Click here to access the Hope Is the First Dose playlist of hopeful, healing songs!Be sure to check out my new book, Hope Is the First Dose!Here's a free 5-day Bible study on YouVersion/BibleApp based on my new book!Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here!All recent episodes with transcripts are available here! (00:02) - Introduction to Self-Brain Surgery (01:42) - The Reality of Self-Brain Surgery (05:22) - The Evolution of Neuroscience Beliefs (08:09) - Challenging the Reductionist Worldview (10:42) - Tugging on Threads of Scientific Discoveries (13:58) - The Purpose of the Podcast (16:02) - Taking Every Thought Captive (18:17) - Finding Hope in Suffering (19:42) - The Surprising Arrival of Mastery (20:48) - Becoming Healthier, Feeling Better, Being Happier

South Dakota's Governor, Kristi Noem, often mentioned as a likely vice-presidential nominee for previous President Donald Trump, willingly revealed in her forthcoming memoir difficult decisions she has had to make. These included the tough act of euthanizing one of her dogs, who proved to be more of a danger than a companion, and similarly a belligerent goat on her farm. The crux of sharing such personal accounts is to highlight her readiness to take on difficult tasks when necessary. Well-known in conservative circles, the 52-year-old Republican governor recounts these events, as an advance copy of the memoir reveals. Her memoir, soon to be published, holds the promise of offering insights into Noem's life and values, as a person who is unafraid of making tough decisions and standing by them, even when they appear harsh to others. In the memoir, Noem fondly mentions a wirehair pointer named Cricket. However, Cricket, barely a year old, turned out to have a temperament too aggressive to be tamed. Despite multiple attempts to train this pup, she proved to be a handful, even disrupting a hunting expedition by launching into an uncontrolled frenzy. She had introduced Cricket to other dogs during this hunting trip. The goal was simple - she was hoping Cricket could take cues from the other dogs and learn from them. However, the plan turned awry when the pup, filled with unprecedented excited energy, plunged into a flock of chickens, causing chaos. In Noem's words, it was akin to an 'experienced hunter' going rogue. Governor Noem's attempt to control the situation only led to Cricket lashing out. The dog turned around with ferocity and bit her. The pup's actions were indicative of a deep-seated aggression that Noem quickly realized posed a danger to anyone who approached her, deeming her a liability, especially in her role as a hunting dog. Faced with the grim reality of her dog's dangerous demeanor, Noem was left with the difficult decision of letting her go. Recall that for Noem, actions born out of necessity, however distasteful, are part and parcel of life, and true to her belief, she made the hard call. Noem narrates the saddening scene where she led Cricket to a gravel pit, firearm in hand. The act was difficult for her, but Noem pressed on, knowing that there was no other way forward if safety was to be assured. Tugging at the heartstrings of her readers, Noem details the moment when her daughter Kennedy came home, cluelessly looking around for Cricket. The timing of these incidents remains undisclosed in the memoir, but the emotional impact resonating from these stories is felt all the same. In another instance, the memoir mentions a male goat, which Noem describes as 'nasty and mean.' The goat's aggressive behavior, combined with its unpleasant, potent smell, became too much to bear when it started terrorizing Noem's children, chasing them relentlessly. Once again, faced with the goat's nuisance and the danger it posed to her children, Noem stepped in. She took a firm decision to euthanize the goat, much like she had Cricket. In Noem's mind, making tough calls, required for the safety of her family, proved she was a woman of action. However, the goat's ordeal did not end as swiftly as Cricket's. Upon firing the first shot, the goat survived, forcing Noem to make the drive back to her truck to retrieve another shell. With tangible urgency, she returned to the pit and completed her task. Noem concludes her account with a note of self-awareness, acknowledging that it may not be typical for a politician to share such stories. She seems to understand that her decisions, made from necessity, could position her as a politician who is not afraid to do necessary 'dirty-work.' The memoir states that a local construction crew witnessed the Governor in action, providing a sense of confirmation to the stories shared. The memoir, titled 'No Going Back: The Truth on What's Wrong with Politics and How We Move America Forward,' is set to be released next month. On social media, Noem spoke about these events, hinting at more such politically incorrect tales shared in her forthcoming book, much to the anticipation of her followers and critics alike. The governor illustrates her ability to be honest and upfront, the two qualities that may appeal to a conservative demographic. The resilient governor also took to the platform to address the recent media coverage ahead of her book release. She used her farm-life experiences to convey how hard decision-making is a norm in such a setting. Other instances, such as putting down their family horses, further cement her stance about the harsh realities and tough decisions that farm life calls for. If you're looking for a book that gives an honest portrayal of conservative, real-life stories often skipped in political dialogues, Noem encourages preorders of her memoir. Real News Now Website Connect with Real News Now on Social Media Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealNewsNowApp/ X Twitter: https://twitter.com/realnewsapp Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realnews/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realnewsnowapp Threads: https://www.threads.net/@realnews/ Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/realnewsnow Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@RealNews YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@realnewsnowapp End Wokeness: https://endthewokeness.com #realnewsnowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Peddler & the Fairy: Part 7 Devin introduces the girls to the big city. In 10 parts, by Scholarly Mori. Listen to the Podcast at Explicit Novels. More mountainous and nearly impassable compared to the eastern half of the kingdom, the western region of Lindone was a natural fortress fortified by the jagged peaks of the Snowsquall mountains to the south. This natural border, running the entire length of the country, was intersected only by the Frigid Fingers Peaks that curved northwest. [[MORE]] Along with three valleys that were the only feasible means of travel in the region, the peaks formed a T-shape. Nestled in one of these valleys was Iceford, the second largest city in terms of area but first in population. It was too hilly for farmland and lacked any valuable resources aside from stone, so all other raw materials had to be imported. Its value lay in it's strategic location, being the only practical access point connecting the two halves of the north, allowing them to share their industrial endowments. —---- "So you're telling me your eyes change color in winter, giving you scotopic vision?!?" wondered Devin as Reina led their wagon through the valley leading to Iceford. Reina nodded. Her previously-amber eyes were now sapphire. "It's an adaptation that helps us Whitehorns see better in dim light." Even though it was late morning, the light waned this far north, becoming darker as the sun's warming fingers loosened its seasonal grip. "Whichever color they are, they are lovely." "Thank you, herd-mate." "If I ever add color to my sketches, I'll have to remember that," commented Azalea, sitting next to Devin and working on drawings of everyone they met during their recent escapades on the farm. Devin stretched, glancing at Azalea's progress. "Was Ryna's chest really that big?" She cocked her head to the side. "They were big enough that I couldn't wrap my arms around them, so considering the scale of the drawing, yes. Speaking of which," she grabbed one of the gifted milk bottles. While offering Devin one, she heartily downed the other. "So thick and creamy. Do you want to stop and have some, Reina?" "I appreciate the offer. I will later. I have a good pace going." Reina seemed to have become accustomed to being the sole puller of the wagon. She glowed with healthful vigor as she thoroughly enjoyed the exertion. Azalea returned the bottle to the basket and resumed her work. "I had so much fun at grandpa Gylan's, life-mate!" "Grandpa, huh?" "Yes, grandpa. I've never had one, and he acts like it, or so I imagine what one acts like, and Ellyn was so kind to let me help with the farmwork. I learned a lot about how to milk the satyrs. Which reminds me -- life-mate, we need to have an important talk. "Reina and I were discussing a few things last night, and we decided we want to do more to help, especially me, since Reina is already assisting with the wagon." "What do you mean?" Devin asked. "Food and things." "What did you have in mind?" "Well, we wondered if you could sell our milk," she replied, lightly cupping her breasts. Devin took a swallow of Cyna's milk, considering Azalea's idea. "We could. I don't know what your milk would sell for. I don't think anyone has even considered fairy milk as a possibility, let alone sell it at a market before. We can check the records for any past transactions.'' "I can't speak for the taste as I've never tried it. Also, I'm worried I won't produce very much -- by big people's standards, anyway." "It's not always about quantity. Quality plays an important factor. Connoisseurs will pay a lot for rarity or novelty. We could take a sample and get it appraised. Who knows! We might have discovered and cornered a new niche market, but the first major hurdle is that you're not currently making any." Azalea jumped up. "Not to worry! Two lactation crests coming right up, but we'll have to adjust our affinity-sharing with Reina. I don't have enough for both of you, which means you're going to have to learn how to use the glyph I'm going to re-paint on you." Devin dug around in his pocket. "I asked Jyora to jot down some pointers before we left. Let's see what she wrote." Perusing the neat and stylish penmanship, "Huh. It's not very detailed." 1. Focus (helps to relax) & Visualize 2. Sense & Feel 3. Manipulate & Adjust *Ask Azalea for Assistance "Different people have different approaches, life-mate, so you'll have to find a way that works for you." Azalea got on all fours, her ass swaying happily as she rummaged in her pack for more of her painting tools. Finding what she needed, she sat cross-legged and laid out various accoutrements between them: a small bag of charcoal, a vial of some clear liquid, several darker liquids, and a pestle and mortar set. She poured some charcoal into the mortar, grinding it into a powder with the pestle. "Maybe think of it as something you can touch and move. You kinda have to visualize a stirring motion to both see and use it." In demonstration, she measured some of the charcoal powder into her inkhorn followed by several drops from the clear vial and what might have been a cruse of oil. Then she stirred it with quick motions. "It also helps to be a little horny," Azalia added. Her breasts spilled forward as she bent over to reach for more charcoal. As she sat back, the leaves of her dress parted slightly, giving Devin a peek of her puffy vulva squished against the wagon seat. Unless she was blatant about it, Devin was never sure if her seductiveness was intentional or coincidental. "What do you visualize, Azalea?" She smiled sweetly. "It's changed since I met you." She pumped the handle of her brush suggestively. "I find it easier to imagine a liquid, so naturally, I picture lots of delicious cum, specifically yours, and stirring my fingers through it so it coats them thoroughly, so I can slowly savor every slimy drop." After wiping the drool from her mouth, she checked the consistency of her ink. "I had to make a double batch since Reina might take a larger crest. Are you ready, life-mate?" "I guess," he responded reservedly. "Could you remove your shirt for me, please? You're giving me the 'why' look. Well, aside from enjoying looking at your topless body, I'm going to remove the supplementary crest." She reached into a pouch and rubbed iridescent, flecked powder onto his arm and chest. To Devin's surprise, the markings of the supplementary crest flaked off. "I've been wondering for a while -- won't this come off in water or fade over time?" "If it was left without activating, yes. When you pass affinity through it, it inscribes itself in and on you." Azalea brushed away the last remnants. "Now that I've seen a real glyph in action, I can paint the proper one on you." She straddled his leg, loosened the string on his pants, and pulled them as low as she dared lest she become too distracted. Devin lazily watched her work as she dipped a brush in the ink, and then stiff bristles tickled his skin. He enjoyed her closeness, the weight on his leg, and her body's warmth. "Azalea, you're going to get my lap wet," he teased. "Huh? Oh, sorry, I was so absorbed I didn't notice I was humping you." Devin cocked an eyebrow. "It's true! I kinda just do it when something is between my legs." "I didn't say I didn't like it." He grinned. Azalea playfully ground her hips with a bit more exaggeration. Their playful banter helped to pass the time. Before long, Azalea brushed some hair behind her ear, smudging her cheek with ink. "There we go! All finished," she declared. Devin looked down. Under his navel, a decorative glyph, slightly taller than it was wide, was meticulously painted in the shape of his internal reproductive organs. "Now you just need to learn how to use it. I'll leave you to it. I'm going to start on Reina now." Reina's ears swiveled upon hearing her name. "Do you need me to stop?" "I should be able to manage." Flitting her way under Reina's belly, she ran her hands through the cold, resistant fur. She ascertained a rough idea of the dimensions, but there was another issue -- painting while flying was a hassle. "Life-mate, do you have some rope?" Feeling around the bed of the wagon, he pulled out a frayed coil of rope and held it up. "Will this work?" "I think so." After retrieving the rope, Azalea returned to Reina and wrapped several loops around the Whitehorn's midsection. She left them loose to form a makeshift hammock to support herself. Then she gathered up her tools and carefully laid on her back across the loops. Reina adjusted her gait, attempting to minimize Azalea's swaying. "I've never done this before, and as far as I can remember, no one in my herd possessed any affinity. What's it going to feel like?" "What? The crest or lactating?" "The crest." "It won't feel like anything when it's not active. When it actually starts working, if the girls on the farm are any indication, it will probably feel quite nice." She placed the ink bottle on her tummy, patted down some unruly tufts, and proceeded to paint. Meanwhile, Devin was puzzling things out. Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes and relaxed his body.'Ok, now what?' He flexed and tensed various parts of his body, trying to detect anything remotely magical. Nothing. "I'm going to need more to go on, Azalea." "Try to paint a picture in your head, something significant or important to you." A hand extended out from under Reina, making broad strokes in the air. 'A picture, huh?' Closing his eyes again, he retreated into his mind:'Let's try envisioning a lake; a tranquil lake, still as a mirror, reflecting the starry sky.' Still nothing. 'What if I add Azalea into the scene, flying just above the water, skimming and frolicking over the surface in an elegant dance, arms swaying gracefully while performing pirouettes?' From there, his imagination took liberties: with crest aglow, she danced amongst the shadows of a cloud-obscured moon. The more she danced, the darker the color of the moon became until it blazed a fiery crimson. Skipping and flitting closer to him, she stopped at eye level with her freckled face flushed, her breath heaving white in the moonlight. A few droplets fell from between her legs, causing ripples as they broke the lake's surface. 'There; what's this feeling? It's warm but very faint. It's barely enough to be called an impression, but now that I'm aware of it, I think I just need to bring it to the surface.' Focusing on the lake, he dipped his mental hands in the warm ripples. The lower he submerged them, the hotter and more viscous they became until he hit something and couldn't reach any deeper. Everything but the water faded into the background. If only he could go just a bit further. He tried digging through the barrier, scooping out the imaginary liquid, but it all just trickled through his fingers. "Basic outline is done," announced Azalea, disrupting his concentration. "Also, you really create a lot of heat, Reina. Some cold night, we should snuggle!" She buried her face into Reina's belly and hummed. Reina had grown increasingly antsy within the last hour. "I; I wouldn't mind doing that. My kind's body temperature increases the colder it gets, s, so our faces get flushed," she purred as she bit her lip, trying to stifle a gasp. "It has led to some rumors t, that we are always a, aroused." "Oh? You mean kind of like now?" "Y, yes, but not from the cold. Azalea, Yo, your feet, " "What about my feet?" she feigned innocence. "They are; are rubbing me down there." "Rubbing your what?" Azalea giggled. "My; my udder." Azalea pressed her small feet into Reina's udder. Her tiny toes kneaded and massaged. "I remember you being sensitive down here and how much I enjoyed playing with this squishy plumpness. Does it feel nice?" "Y, yes, but shouldn't you focus on painting?" "I can do both," she reassured her. "Remember when we first met, how I flicked your cute little teats like this? I'll take those shivers as a yes. I can't wait till they are full and heavy with milk," she cooed. ------------------ As they neared the mountains, their steady progress west saw the terrain transform from milder green valleys to rocky foothills. A narrow mountain ravine stretched out before them. Stocky trees and stubby bushes climbed the edges, giving way to jutting peaks freshly powdered with snow. Reina continued to experience Azalea's full attention as the hours whittled away with each brush stroke during travel. Azalea added the finishing touches and smiled satisfactorily. Wriggling out from under Reina, she flew onto her shoulder and shared, "Definitely the largest crest I've ever drawn, but it looks great. Maybe, if we can find a mirror in the city, I can show you. Now, we just need life-mate to figure his glyph out so we can activate it." Reina leaned her head onto Azalea's and accused, "you love teasing me, don't you?" Tensing, Azalea hesitantly asked, "Did I go too far?" "No; I'm getting used to it, and; I'm kinda liking it," she encouraged her. Azalea, feeling relieved, nuzzled into her. "Only because I love you, you tell me if it's ever too much, ok?" "I will. After it's active, how long before I start producing?" "Depends. For smaller races, a few days. I'd guess maybe a week for you." Azalea nibbled Reina's ear and whispered, "I love warm milk before bed. These tiny fingers are going to have lots of fun extracting it." Reina's heart fluttered at the mental image, but before she could comment, Azalea gave her a swift but passionate kiss on the lips. "I'm going to go check on life-mate. Looks like he's been trying really hard." With that, she flew off, landing on Devin's head. "Making any progress, life-mate?" Devin opened his eyes and looked up at the cheery face looking down. "Sort of. I think I felt something but can't quite grasp it." "Keep trying. I'm sure you'll figure it out. That's more progress than I made during my first time." "What was your first time like?" "Such boldness, life-mate, asking about a girl's first time!" She put her hands to her cheeks, acting embarrassed. She dropped to his thigh and flipped onto her back, her head toward him. The flaps covering her breasts fell to the sides. Walking her fingers up his chest, she hummed, "Maybe I'll tell you about it sometime. I'll just say it was with a girl who needed some; inspiration and first-hand experience." She made a V with her fingers and licked between them. "But for now, life-mate, just keep practicing. The sooner you figure it out, the sooner you get to see these lovely beauties bigger and fuller." She puffed out her chest, squeezing her breasts in her hands. "I wonder how big they'll get? More interestingly, I wonder how much Reina will produce since she has two pairs?!" Reina looked back. "Whitehorn young are considerable eaters. Sometimes we need wet nurses. Some herds make the excess into a drink." "Have you tried any?" "I have not, but I think I remember the recipe." "Maybe we could sell that, too, life-mate!" "Possibly. Some of the local pubs or brewers might be interested." —-------------- The late morning sun was nearing its zenith. It smiled coldly down upon Snowhush Vale. Cut from what the locals called Mammoth Trees, the lofty, double-palisade wall girded the great metropolis that sprawled before the travelers. Lashed together with great bands of iron, the walls slanted sharply inward. It was hewed with a thicker base than the top. Its purpose was the same as most walls -- to keep unwanted things out. Instead of invasion or attack, however, it was a defensive measure against avalanches. Devin shielded his eyes from the sun's reflection off the snow. A line of people serpentined outward from the gate, waiting their turn to enter the city. "What's with the line, life-mate?" Azalea asked. "Just a routine checkpoint for non-citizens. It shouldn't take long." The trio took their place at the back of the line with the wagon, behind a pair of gossipy-sounding ant girls. "Oh, life-mate, don't they look cute with their pickaxe and miner hats?" whispered Azalea. She flew over to land on Reina's antlers to get a better look. Partially armored in a glossy black carapace that matched their pupil-less eyes, they were harnessed to massive wagons laden high with ore. Strapped to their backs were shovels. Each of them had one of their four limbs holding a mattock against their shoulders while two limbs rested on the runners of their wagon. Their antennae animatedly pointed at different people in the line as they held each other's free hand, giggling between themselves. "Antabelle, see that gorgeous unicorn with the silky white fur and jeweled coronet over there? The one next to the handsome Griffin women bodyguard; do you think she's a princess from the royal family?" "Maybe? What could they be doing so far from the capital?" her friend replied. "I don't know. Maybe they secretly eloped and are fleeing the country to escape an overprotective family member." "Such a romantic adventure would make a great bard tale, wouldn't it? Can you imagine if our princess did that, or worse yet, the queen? There'd be chaos! I'd have to find a new colony. Smearing your scent to all your new co-workers can be such a chore too." "I can sorta understand from the queen's perspective, though. Her highness has so many attendants it looks a bit smothering. Sometimes you just want to get out of the nest for a while and stretch your legs." "Don't you mean spread your legs?" her friend tittered. "Well, that too, but sometimes don't you crave the excitement when digging a new tunnel, hoping to find something amazing? And suddenly discovering it?" "Not me. I'd love to be a queen, just lazing around all day, pumping out eggs while all the girls fawn over my body." "You always did like a good fingering after work." "I won't deny that, but also smearing my scent all over you, so everyone in the colony knows what we did, just feels so naughty." "You have plenty to spare, even after dripping your scent trail all the way from home." Devin looked below the wagon. An evenly-spaced trail of droplets stained the ground. "I know a store in town that sells toys to stuff that slutty hole. Should we go check it out?" Azalea couldn't hear what the one named Antabelle whispered to her friend, but it was enough to make her friend blush and lick her lips. Losing interest in the two, Azalea smoothed Reina's hair. "Reina would make a lovely queen with a crown and flowing dress." "She doesn't need a crown. She's already our queen," complimented Devin "That she is, life-mate, and I love pampering her." "I think your idea of pampering is different from most," Devin taunted. "Nu-uh. Pamper is gratifying tastes, appetites, or desires. We both know Reina can't reach back there and is usually too shy to ask, so when we are on the road, it falls to me to take care of her sexy-time needs." "But you just end up teasing her without the gratifying part." "I'm building up her tolerance for edging, so when she does cum it'll be all the more satisfying," she said smugly. "You know I'd rather be the one pampering you two," interjected Reina meekly. Azalea stroked Reina's hair. "When the opportunity presents itself, I'll let you to your heart's content." Returning to people-watching, Azalea enjoyed her front row seat to everything she'd only ever read in books. "I've never seen so many humans in one place!" "Nor so many different demi-humans. How many people live here, herd-mate?" "Hmm. The last census put the population at around a hundred thousand with a split of three-to-one, with demi-humans outnumbering humans." "How do so many people manage to live together in one place?" Reina asked. "Sometimes not easily. Iceford's early history was tumultuous. Its rapid growth was very chaotic and disorganized, almost to the point of anarchy. Some semblance of civic management was needed, but how do you go about finding a form of hierarchy everyone is ok with?" "You'd need to find a common basis point," suggested Reina. "Correct. They formed a council with select representatives from each species. Initially, there was concern this wouldn't be welcomed by those who lived in swarms, herds, colonies, and other large-group-oriented races since they have a more monarchy or top-down hierarchy, but this turned out to be a moot point since those demi-humans felt Iceford was too confining and opted to live elsewhere. They do retain relationships through trade and consultation, though." Devin reached into his vest and pulled out a small, flat metal plate attached to a chain around his neck. "What's that, life-mate?" "It's my citizen and guild membership identification." "Can I see?" Azalea flew over, and she held it up to the light after he handed it to her. She marveled at the craftsmanship. It was double-sided and gold plated with embossed silver filigree twisted in interweaving vines along the edges. Written in liquefied obsidian was his citizen information: Devon Ebonplume, Human, Male Weight: 158 Ibs | Height 5' 8" Birth Date: Spring 24, 3610 Year of the Dryad Citizen of Iceford On the opposite side was the same decorated border. Etched on the right half was a cart loaded with cargo. Amidst the cargo, standing tall, was a pair of scales chiseled from an amethyst. Resting on one plate was a stack of coins, and on the other, a milk jug. In glossy text, on the left half, was written: Merchant Guild Member Amethyst Rank Subsidy Commodities & Milk Distributor Azalea's eyes sparkled as she commented, "It's beautiful!" "I'm glad you think so because you and Reina will be getting one." "We will?! Why?" "It'll be useful for skipping the obligatory guard checkpoints, and they imply a degree of trust that you are a person who'll maintain the laws within the city, so certain government employees might be more generous with their time." "Also, it'll denote we are a family, though maybe we should wait. If we really can sell your milk, we might register you with the merchant guild at the same time. It'll give you discounts at certain businesses." Azalea held it up to her body. "I won't be able to carry it if it's this big." "I'm sure they'll make one for your size. There is no small number of craftsmen available." Finally next in line, Devin flashed his ID to the guardsman. His hauberk was emblazoned with a sundial. In each quarter of the sundial were the emblems of the city's prosperity: an anvil & hammer, needle & thread, saw & plane, bread & milk. Recognizing the well-traveled merchant, the guardsman waved him on, giving the two girls inquisitive looks. They passed under the massive, arched gateway and ventured past several chiseled statues, each engaged in a specific craft. Reina leaned over and scanned a placard: Bruni Leadfoot, Guild master "Who are all these statues of herd-mate?" "Guild masters, crafters of renown, experts in their field who contributed greatly to the city who helped found the different guilds. Since the cities founding, there are statues and monuments all over the places." The entryway of statues widened into an expansive plaza with people milling about, chatting, relaxing, and some enjoying an early lunch. "Everything is so huge!" exclaimed Azalea. She darted every which way, attempting and failing to take in everything at once. "I want to know about everything, life-mate!" "Everything is a bit much," laughed Devin. "Well, there are four main districts: the Entertainment District in the northwest, the Manufacturing District in the southwest, old town in the southeast, and right now, we are entering the northeastern gate of the Commons District." Great lodges with steep A-frame roofs lined the road. Azalea noted many of the two- and three-story buildings' top floor possessed a door stepping out onto a very unsafe-looking porch. "Why do most of these buildings have a door up there, life-mate? They seem very inaccessible to anyone who can't fly." "That's precisely who they are for. There is a large population of winged demi-humans in the city who make homes up there." "They look cozy. Does Mavis live in one?" "No, she still lives at home with her parents; says it's more cost-effective." "Are we going to see her today?" "Yep, her office is in the entertainment district on the other side of the city." The trio ambled along the well-tended cobbled street. It gently sloped upward until they were above even the tallest building behind them. A trestled stone bridge came into view that was wide enough for three of Devon's wagons to cross side-by-side. "Reina, when you get to the bridge, try to stay on the left side. This is one of the best views in the city." In silent response, Reina angled the wagon, pulling up alongside the parapet near the center, and halted. The grand manufacturing capital of the north stretched out below. Wisps of smoke gently rose into the sky from the many cottages lining the busy streets. Comparable to the rings of a great tree, avenues and alleyways separated by homes and businesses encircled the city. Three of the largest thoroughfares, running parallel to each other, were paved darker and appeared better-maintained than the innumerable other connecting roads. The two outer roads were wider and sandwiched the narrower middle one. "Breathtaking," voiced Reina with awe. Azalea eye's sparkled. "I can't believe people could build all this!" "Then, would it surprise you to learn that the lake in the center was dug manually?" Azalea's jaw dropped. "It's called Chill Mirror Lake. The original river was fed by runoff from the mountains. Over time, the river was widened and deepened as a way to tame the waters during the spring melt until it became that lake. Now, the river and its tributaries double as a way to ferry goods between the various craftsmen within the city. "Centuries ago, there used to only be a small village here, surviving mostly through tolls ferrying people across during late and early winter when the waters were high." "And what's that above it?" asked Reina, pointing to an opulent complex of buildings. "That's where the city council and administration reside. I guess you could say that is where the city leaders physically and metaphorically keep an eye over the city." In the center of the lake, sitting atop mighty granite pillars sunk deep into the lakebed, were a cluster of ice-covered edifices surrounding a monumental tower. Clock faces pointed in each cardinal direction at its peak. Four arched bridges extended in the intercardinal directions, connecting to each district. Another set of bridges, running north and south, connected to H-shaped warehouses on the shores. Azalea tore her eyes away from the vista and fluttered to the edge. Far below was an unnaturally smooth ravine with a strong, flowing river. "Are those mermaids, life-mate?" she queried excitedly. "Describe them for me." Azalea set her hands on the stone guardrail and squinted, "Gills on their neck, some near their ribs. Scales on parts of their shoulders and partially around their stomach. Some look to have a big fish tail, others look like they have two." "The ones with a single tail are merfolk. The others are sahagins. They have a pair of legs with fins and can walk short distances on land. Under this bridge is the lake's exit point. Loaded barges are sent north downriver, where they'll merge into one of the fjords before finally meandering to the ocean. Once unloaded, the aquatic demi-humans bring it back." Azalea jumped back aboard the wagon, unnecessarily scrambling up onto Devin's head to make as much physical contact as possible. There, she laid flat on her belly and stroked his cheek. "Hi, life-mate," she sang. "Hi, Azalea. Having fun?" "More than I can say, but it's only extra fun because I get to experience it with you two!" Reina stretched her arms. "I feel the same way, Azalea. Even though our meeting was unorthodox, I wouldn't be here if not for you two. I'd probably still be with my herd, wondering if I'd become an old spinster mare. What are we going to do first, herd-mate?" "Let's see; we should stop by the guild since it's closest. Then we can drop the special order off with the alchemist and collect the money to give Mavis to deliver to Gylan. Depending on the request that Mavis received, we might have time for some shopping." Reina set off again, descending the arched bridge. With Devin's guidance, she turned onto a connecting road, carefully threading her way downhill. Less distracted by the sights and more self-conscious, she noticed many curious glances from passersby. Before they even exited the side road they were on, the murmur of countless voices met their ears. Reina came to an abrupt stop, almost colliding with a river of people flowing to and fro among the various stalls, storefronts, and each other in an organized cacophony of bodies. Sharp barks from vendors, shouts from customers haggling over goods, and the hollering of advertisers formed the general din of the middle ring of the city. Reina motioned, 'this way?' to avoid yelling over the noise. Devin responded with a nod. Soon after crossing the deafening street, the noise faded into the background. They continued even further down the slope they were descending, arriving at the inner ring. Two burly dockworkers carrying lumber hustled past them. They were followed by a small, brown-hooded figure with a long, hairless tail. "This is arguably the busiest ring of the city. Here, all the freight and shipments are ferried around to their respective clientele," Devin related. A moment later, a large bell tolled, causing ripples over the water as it echoed throughout the city to alert residents it was noon. Presiding near the clock faces above the bell were six stone gargoyles. They were female in design, and their large, stone, bat-like wings acted as cloaks around their muscular bodies. Four sets of horns, one pair smaller than the other, adorned their heads. They perched on fearsome-looking claws gripping the tower's ledge. Most noticeable were creepy calligrapher's brush-stroked marks, unseen during the day, glowing orange along portions of their bodies. Rumors and mysteries abound about whether the gargoyles were alive or not. On more than one occasion, Devin had felt eyes on him when he visited the council building. Once, he swore that one had changed position. Due to the height of the tower, though, he couldn't be sure. "Is that where we'll receive our ID?" "Yes, Reina, for citizenship. The other side of the ID is done at one of the two guilds -- those two buildings there." To their right was one of the H-shaped buildings they had seen from the hill. A weathered sign hung above a smudged glass window: Merchant Guild Headquarters. Approaching it, she realized it was more storage than an office building. Surrounding the many multi-story warehouses were colossal wind and watermills powering equally immense cranes. "It's a very impressive building," Reina observed. "It is. The merchant guild handles distribution orders of raw materials to the various artisans and tradesmen around the districts. The craftsman guild is on the south end. They manage the exports of finished goods to places outside the city. "Reina, pull the wagon around to the side unloading dock. I'm just going to step inside and let them know we have cargo to unload." "Ok, herd-made." Azalea sprawled on Reina's back. "This place is amazing, isn't it? I haven't even seen a fraction of it, and I feel exhausted." "It certainly does feel a bit overwhelming," Reina remarked. Amidst the flurry of activity, Azalea noticed two beady red eyes peeking at them from between two crates. She sat up to get a better look, but several people passed by blocking her gaze, and by the time they crossed, the mysterious eyes were gone. "Reina, what would you say if I said someone was watching us?" "I'd say there have been many people staring at us since we arrived. You know we are a rarity in these parts. Was this particular person different in some way?" "I guess not, though I couldn't really see anything but their eyes." "Probably just a curious townsperson wanting a look." Devin returned a few minutes later. "We can leave the wagon. They'll send someone to unload it later. Shall we walk?" Azalea jumped to the ground, strutting a few steps before exaggeratedly heaving for air." I disapprove of this suggestion," she joked, acting silly. Devin scooped her up, cuddling her. "The view under your dress is much better when you're flying, anyway." Azalea did a little twirl in the air. "And when you're tired, then you are always welcome to ride on me." "I can? I know something I'd love to ride someday," She said in a husky voice. "One day, my little nymph." He kissed her forehead and put her on Reina's back. "I'll unharness you, Reina." After grabbing their belongings, they retraced their steps, arriving back at the thronged shopping district. There, they altered their course and made their way counter-clockwise around the city. "This area looks different than the other, life-mate, even though it's the same street," Azalea observed. "Different neighborhoods have their own unique flare to them. Also helps to differentiate where you are. This one likes to feature lit lanterns and colored paper streamers over the street. Gives it a warm, inviting ambiance." With Devin leading the way, they zigzagged their way through back alleys and disorienting pathways, arriving at the more subdued edge of the manufacturing district. Making a final turn, they arrived at a dead end. Eroded brick and vines ornamented a heavily-knotted walnut door. A faded metal sign read: Owl Things Potionary. "Is that supposed to be a pun, life-mate?" "Yes, it was all I could come up with." "You came up with it?" "This Is where my alchemist friend lives. She couldn't think of a name, so I offered some suggestions." "Maybe we can persuade her to change it," chuckled Azalea. "I'm not a spur of the moment type of thinker," Devin admitted and shrugged. "Just a heads up, my friend has had a secluded upbringing, so she talks and acts a little; odd." At that, Devin reached for the handle. The hinges complained loudly as he nudged it open. They stepped into the dimly-lit room, and his nose was assaulted by the familiar, pungent scent of sulfur, preserving agents, acids, and others he couldn't identify. Long, short tables, covered in a hodge-podge of jars, bottles, beakers, and all manner of tools and apparatuses, ran the room's perimeter. Hanging over a square fire pit were several cauldrons, some bubbling actively and others slowly simmering. Azalea was the first to notice a figure standing at one of the tables, looking very engrossed in their work. Tugging at Devin's collar, she pointed to the corner. "Life-mate, " Upon hearing an unexpected voice, the figure spun its head backward. Azalea nearly fell off Devin's shoulder in surprise at the unnatural movement. The head's body soon joined in facing their way. The odd figure proceeded to walk-hop over to the trio. It was a rather cute-looking motion until they tripped over their long robe in the process, landing face down on the floor. Springing back up, they closed the distance, in the same manner, as if nothing had happened. Stopping within a comfortable, conversational distance, they pushed their hood back. Two wide, piercing eyes blinked at them from within a feathery, saucer-shaped face. The short, little boreal owlchemist adjusted her brass magnifiers. She rummaged through her apron pockets, bulging with corked beakers, bundles of dried herbs, and other paraphernalia. She pulled out a worn notebook, glancing at it. With an earnest voice, seemingly at odds with her expressionless face, she stated: "It has been 30 days, 12 hours, and, " she glanced at a wall clock, "7 minutes since the Young Patron last visited. This one is joyful you have returned safe." Bobbing her head curiously at Reina and Azalea, she fluffed her white and brown feathers, exemplifying a very thick physique. "This one's name is Jeni-feather, alumna from Queen's Tundra Academy. Minor field of study: alchemical fluid dynamics. Major field of study: practical applications for golemantic peripherals. Latest hobbies: interactive, experimental studies in cross-species mating, and soon to be Young Patron's semen extractor." "You're gonna be my what?!" Devin asked, startled. Azalea jumped up into the air about to barrage Jeni with questions when Devin grabbed her. "Now hold on Azalea, I'm pretty sure I know what you're thinking, but before you start wanting to ask to join in, let me get some clarification." Azalea clamped her hands over her mouth. Devin took a deep breath. "Jeni, would you like to elaborate on what you mean by that and why the sudden change in hobbies? Last time I was here, you were completely infatuated with documenting all of the tiny things you saw under your magnifying device." "Young Patron is not wrong. The recent investigation into the world of things too small to be seen with the naked eye was most curious. The surfaces of many objects, including blood and organisms in water, were insightful, but of particular interest was semen. The variation in smell, the gelatinous consistency, as well as the power to create life, has stirred a particularly strong desire for further academic understanding!" Jeni's statement was accompanied by short motions of her head to look at each of her visitors, but primarily Devin. "Wait; is that why you special-ordered from Gylan's farm?" he exclaimed in realization. "Partially. As the major ingredient for affinity replenishment tinctures, funds are needed to subsist during the interim until this one can collect her own samples to further her hobby. As the second most trusted and only male friend, this one has chosen Young Patron as the primary donor," she declared matter-of-factly. Devin mouth hung open, speechless. Jeni continued, "But this one lacks the necessary knowledge to extract such a precious substance, so this one has attended establishments and gleaned material about human courtship to learn human's complicated mating rituals. She has practiced with her egg hole almost every night to learn skills and techniques she is certain Young Patron will find pleasing during the extraction process. "In order to encourage Young Patron's participation, this one listened to lectures from professors in the oratory arts of human romance and attended interactive lessons in order to better learn efficient methods for extraction." Azalea, no longer able to contain herself, blurted out, "Hi, Miss Feath, " "Jeni," she cut in. "Young Patron's companions may call this one Jeni." "Jeni, my name is Azalea, and this is Reina! I, too, am very interested in the study of interspecies mating! I'd love to hear more about what you learned!" Jeni, pleased that another was interested in her research, hopped closer. "Choices for establishments were based on popularity and strictly-human participants. At first, this one was given many strange looks, possibly due to being the only demi-human attending." "A few of the patrons inquired as to this one's purpose for being there. After informing them, she received several solicitations for assistance from several males, but they were ultimately declined as this one was interested only in observation and note-taking." "Further prompting and encouragement finally led this one to accept the offers for extra samples. The process was disagreeable, though, and led this one to theorize that human males have poor hand-eye coordination as they kept expelling their semen all over this one's feathers instead of the collection vials." Devin sighed. "So, in short, you listened to licentious bardic songs to learn how humans have sex and then went to a brothel known for orgies and got tricked into being covered in strangers' semen." Jeni nodded. Azalea had pulled her notebook out from somewhere and was rapidly drawing rough sketches of the scenes as she imagined them. "What else did you learn?" she asked excitedly. Jeni blinked several times, searching her memory for a response to Azalea's question. "This one was startled by the extensive number of positions humans possess for mating as well as made confused over the particular appreciation given to the fatty lumps female mammals possess on their chests." Jeni stared at Reina's and even Azalea's more-than-modest bosoms. Placing her wings against what appeared to be a very voluminous and pillowy chest, she applied a little pressure on her feather down, deflating the trapped air. "This one does not possess such an attribute. Additional observation of a large percentage of the participating males indicated a preference to insert their breeding rod into the excretory hole in addition to the breeding hole. This one theorizes that her egg-hole might be viewed as superior as it is multipurpose and can satisfy both desires at once!" she posited, sounding strangely proud of this theoretical revelation. "The recollection even now makes this one salivate from her lower hole in intellectual curiosity." As if to drive home the point, she spun around, lifted her tail high in the air, and pushed aside her downy feathers revealing a tightly-closed cloaca. "Jeni, you might just be aroused?" suggested Reina. Devin stared at her wrinkled opening. From between her legs, Jeni's unabashed expression was ascertaining his reaction. "This one is ready to collect Young Patron's samples at any time." "Jeni, aren't you embarrassed in front of strangers?" Devin asked. "This one can smell the arousal from little Azalea, and Reina's body language suggests she is shocked but not averse to observing more." Devin looked at Reina, who shrugged bashfully. "Does Young Patron not like this one's egg hole?" "No; I mean, yes; I mean, it's a very beautiful shade of pink." "This one has read of distant lands where spectacles are performed for those who wish to see the egg-laying process. This one is more than willing to present a close-up example of how it is done in exchange for Young Patron's samples." Devin was losing this battle and quite a bit of his composure when Azalea flew to the floor, landing between Jeni's legs. She admired the inviting orifice above her head. Looking into Jeni's upside-down face, she offered, "Your egg hole is very pretty." Then she lifted up the leaf covering her own cunt. "Thank you, small one. Your breeding slit is also very aesthetically pleasing." "Might I suggest spreading your hole a little for added motivation?" "This one is unable to due to the limited dexterity of her wings. If this one had an apprentice, " "I'd be more than happy to be your assistant! In fact, I've recently had some experience! May I?" Jeni nodded. Azalea stood on her toes and spread her wide. "She's really tight, life-mate. Such a rosy color, not quite wet enough, but that shouldn't be hard to fix!" Devin, by now, had his face firmly applied to his palm. "Azalea, Jeni, we have many errands to run before nightfall. Maybe we should continue this at a later time?" coaxed Reina. "Yes," they both said in unison. Azalea reluctantly stepped away, and Jeni put her tail down and turned around. "This one, as per previous arrangement, ordered the mating secretions and milk from a female sheepgirl and a satyr male." Devin handed her the wooden box containing her order. Lifting the lid, she extracted the phial of semen and vials of pre-cum. Then she pushed her goggles down and held them up to the light. "These are most adequate. This one thanks you for your continued patronage and is glad for your support in furthering her livelihood." She pulled out a small purse. "Ten vols, as per the current market price." Devin took the square coinage and remarked, "You know you are more than welcome, Jeni." He pulled the little owl in a warm embrace. "It was good seeing you again. We have another appointment, so we must be off." Jeni didn't let go. "Thi, this one would like to request another order." "Of the same thing?" "This one requests an order of mermaid caviar." "Coastal goods, huh? Sure. Any time limit?" "No time restraints." "Alright. I'll be heading up there in a few weeks," he said. Jeni squeezed harder, looking like she desperately wanted to say something but hesitating to vocalize the words for a few moments. "This one would like to inquire how long Young Patron and company is going to remain in the city." "Maybe about three weeks," Devin replied. "Has reservations been made at any place of lodging?" "Not yet." "Is everything all right, Jeni?" asked Azalea. "This one rarely interacts with others and has a strong desire to offer you lodging until you are ready to leave," she blurted out. Devin looked at Reina, who smiled and nodded. Azalea hovered behind Jeni, nodding enthusiastically as she stroked the feathery head. "Alright, we'll try not to get too much in the way." Jeni's eyes lit up. "This one will be a good host and will prepare rooms for everyone." He added to her head pats. She closed her eyes, relishing the affection. "We do have another appointment. Can we leave our bags here?" Jeni held out her wings. They all handed over the bags they wouldn't need in town. Struggling to carry the load, Jeni waddled over to an open corner of her work table and set their things down. "We'll be back," Devin announced. Leaving Jeni's, the trio headed northwest toward the entertainment district. "Your friend is so cute and has the most interesting hobbies, life-mate!" "I'm sure she would be happy to hear you say that. She doesn't get much of a chance to share her interests with others. She was adopted by an eccentric golemancer who shunned the public, so her only friends growing up were golems he had created. Mavis and I met her when we were younger. She was insatiably curious about the world, very observant and quiet, but when she did talk, she lacked any tact or delicacy when conversing with people. She didn't do it maliciously; she just lacked experience. Mavis devoted herself to helping her acclimate to society as best she could. She left for academy a few years after I became an independent merchant, so we lost contact until she returned and opened up her shop." "She seemed rather insistent we stay with her. Is she lonely, life-mate? Why not bring her with us on our journeying?" "Several reasons, really. She's well-established here and has a successful business. While being a traveling merchant is a lot of sitting, the stress of traveling in all kinds of weather and unforeseen circumstances does take a toll. She doesn't have the strongest constitution, so it would be hard on her. Most importantly, she has her dream of creating her own golem." "Is that hard to do?" "I don't know the details, but the materials needed are not cheap. Actually building it, I hear, can take years or even decades. She wouldn't be able to accomplish that if she traveled around with us. I do feel bad that I can't be around more often to spend time with her," Devin admitted. "How about we do something fun with her while we are here?" Azalea proposed. "Like what?" asked Reina. Azalea rested her chin on her hand. "I don't know. I'll think of something." "Returning to the rest of our errands, are we going to see Mavis now, herd-mate?" "Yes, her office should be about twenty minutes from here." "Which way?" "Turn right and head north." With the exception of Reina, the trio had a chance to stretch their legs and wings. The clumped groups of stores and endless throngs of people became more sparse as they went farther north. The road and walkways became cleaner and spacious houses, decadent with costly cedar and intricate engravings, lined the more expansive streets. "Is this the right district, herd-mate?" "Yes. Locals humorously divide it up into two sections: the quiet and the loud. The quiet area is where the affluent live -- government officials and other high rankers in society -- and the loud area is coming up." Passing under a nondescript archway, lively music and laughter drifted through the air. "Oh! Musicians!" cried Azalea. "And a great many street performers," added Reina. Humans and Demi-humans, dressed in colorful regalia, gathered around the many entertainers and food stalls lining the streets, enjoying the gaiety and festivities. Azalea looked around, a bit mystified. "Mavis works here, mate?" "Yes. That building in the distance." Devin stopped and pointed up to a spire of white and blue that rose five stories above them. On each level were small porches with doors, similar to the residences they had seen earlier. They approached the tower and entered a set of double doors, triggering a sharp ringing to announce their entrance. Inside, smartly-dressed foot couriers were sorting through boxes and letters. "Why are they all wearing different colored uniforms, herd-mate?" "To differentiate between the delivery categories: blue and white is for regular mail, yellow with purple trim for express, and purple with yellow trim is for priority. For a slightly higher fee, express is a favorite option. Only a handful of applicants qualify for the last one." "Doesn't Mavis wear those colors?" asked Reina. "Yes, she does. To be ranked a priority deliverer, a large degree of trust and discreteness is required. Most of the items being delivered by these few are very costly or rare items that require speed and special care to get to their destination." "Mavis doesn't seem like a discreet type of person." "Despite her very airy behavior, she takes her job quite seriously. She is one of the elite delivery harpies who has never lost or been late delivering a package." Devin stepped up to the front desk. Without looking up, a stern old-looking looking secretary with tired eyes requested, "Send or receive?" "Appointment," was Devin's response. Pausing her wax sealing, she looked up over her glasses. "With who?" "Mavis Ebonplume." "And you are?" "Devin Ebonplume. Brother." She looked him up and down dubiously. Devin held out his ID car, anticipating the need. She shook her head and directed, "Top floor; NOT the roof; room E20." "Thank you." Heading to a circular staircase on their left, Reina tentatively put a hoof on the first step. "Can this support me?" "It should be able to. There are certain standards for civic buildings to allow accessibility for all types of demi-humans, including the four-footed ones." She added more weight, still tentative. When nothing happened, she slowly took several more steps. "Seems alright." Without any incident, they arrived on the fifth floor. Searching for Mavis' office, they found it near the northeast side. Devin knocked, but not hearing an answer, he pushed open the door. That yielded a surprisingly organized room, aside from a pile of clothes in the corner, void of Mavis. As Devin stepped in, Mavis was exiting a co-worker's office down the hallway. Seeing Reina standing in her office doorway, she sidled up to her, and gave her a quick hug. Motioning for her to be quiet, she snuck up behind Devin as he turned around. Giving a cry of joy, she jumped into his arms. As he grabbed her shapely thighs, in surprise, to support the sudden weight that landed on him, she wrapped her wings around him. Then she tilted his head back and locked her luscious lips over his. Making good on her promise from when she had met them on the road. A firm tongue requested access to his mouth. Knowing it would be futile to resist, he granted her access. Their tongues danced around one another as her familiar scent washed over him, conjuring nostalgic memories of sad times when he was alone, and her family took him in, of happy times when she complimented his cooking, and even of confusing times when he was unsure what her underlying feelings were, under all the teasing. Mavis broke the kiss. Their breaths were heavy as they stared at each other. She normally wore her mask and armor of confidence and self-sufficiency well, and she had the talent and foresight to back it up, but the mask slipped ever so slightly. Giving him pause, her sharp ruby eyes showed concern. The way her wings grasped him as if she wanted something of him but was afraid he would disappear at the mention of it reminded him of a similar time thirteen years ago, when he was eighteen, and she had turned twenty one. She was procrastinating on certain life decisions. Her parents and family were putting pressure on her about her future, but the feather that finally broke the harpie's back was the suddenness of her first egg-laying. As far as Devin could remember, that was the first time she had shown him that his older sister, while much less than most people, sometimes wanted someone to just be there and to know that he had her back when she needed it. Surprised by how intently he was looking at her, as if reading her thoughts, she released him and straightened her hat. The mask was firmly back in place. "Now that's a proper family greeting," she cooed. Azalea flew up, twiddling her thumbs, "Um, can I have one too?" "Of course, my new little-sister-in-mischievousness." Parting her lips, she let Azalea take the lead. Her tiny tongue lapped happily at Mavis'. The kiss didn't last nearly as long as with Devin, but Azalea was happy, nonetheless, at feeling included. "I originally started this to tease Devin, but maybe we should make it a family tradition," she laughed. "Well, that's two of three." She turned her attention to Reina out of politeness at not excluding her. Believing her being shy and more reserved than Azalea and that she would turn her down, she was taken aback when Reina actually nodded shyly. It wasn't often Mavis was thrown off her game. She stepped toward the tall Whitehorn, unsure how to proceed. Reina bent down. Their kiss was tentative at first, letting their lips feel each other out. As they warmed to each other, Mavis prodded with her tongue, looking for Reina's comfortability limit. Soon, the two women were going at it passionately. Azalea had recovered and flapped up to her usual perch on Devin's shoulder. "I didn't expect Reina to actually do it, too. That's actually pretty hot." "I wasn't, either. I think she'd show a formidable personality if she were just a bit more assertive." "I do love the shy, passive Reina, but if she ever wants to do anything to me, I'm totally letting her." "Once she becomes fully comfortable with you, she might just do that." The Whitehorn and harpy finally came up for air somewhat reluctantly. They let the feeling linger a second before pulling away from each other. "It's very rare when someone can get me hot and bothered, my dear. You certainly know how to kiss!" "This was only my third time." "Really? Must be a natural talent. Who was your first?" "Herd-mate." "And your second?" "Azalea." "I'm glad to see you three are getting along so well, but enough playing. We should probably get to the business at hand, or Devin might chastise me for taking work too lightly again." She winked at him. She went to her desk. Sitting down, she opened a drawer and withdrew a scrap of parchment. Then she handed it to Devin, pulled out a small pouch of what sounded like money, and set it on the desk. Devin scanned the note. "This says they would like to discuss the possibility of me being a broker for a long-distance trade negotiation between two parties, and they would like to discuss the details over dinner at Whitegold." Mavis pushed the bag toward him. "What's this?" Devin queried, making no motion to take the pouch. "A foreshadowing of what kind of profit this deal could lead to. Also, since the meeting place requires you to dress up, a reimbursement for formal clothing." "What's wrong, life-mate?" "Few things are scarier to a merchant than money given before a job is finished." Mavis pulled the drawstring

Bedroom Activities By Djmac1031. Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories. Nick crept silently back to his bedroom. He'd woken to the sounds of what he at first thought was crying. Thinking Adora / Vanda may be upset again, he'd gone to investigate. He'd stopped just short of entering her room, once he'd registered the cries coming from his daughter were not of pain or distress, but of pleasure. [[MORE]] It wasn't the first time he had ever overheard Adora masturbating; even without the enhanced hearing the Collective's experiments had given him, her bedroom was only right down the hall, of course. He'd paused to wonder what brought them to it, and what the experience must now be like for both her and the alien hitchhiker currently residing in her head. Realizing he'd lingered too long, he turned away, wanting to respect their privacy. Chloe sat up groggily as he slipped back into bed. "Everything okay?" "They're fine," Nick said softly. Another cry echoed in the distance. Chloe heard it too. "Sounds like they're, getting to know each other a little better," she smiled. "Good for them." "You're handling this whole thing pretty well," Nick chuckled, "Better than I am." "I trust Adora," Chloe shrugged. "Am I worried? Of course. I'm her mother, I can't help it. But Adora believes she can help them, and I trust her judgment. I think this could become something wonderful." "I hope you're right. For her sake. Me? I'm not so sure." Chloe gave him a concerned look. "You gonna be able to get back to sleep? Or be up all night worrying?" "I'll be fine," Nick assured her, brushing a soft strand of hair from his wife's face. "Go back to sleep." Chloe caught his hand before he pulled away. "No, you won't." Taking his hand, she guided it to her breast. "But I know a way I might distract you for a bit." Chloe, the horny MILF Despite their sweet, unhurried love-making that night, Nick still found himself up early the next morning. Leaving his wife to sleep, he quietly checked in on Adora. She was also still sleeping, tucked away under her comforter. Heading downstairs, Nick decided to start breakfast. Chloe joined him shortly after, clad in her favorite white satin robe. Her unkempt hair fell across her face beautifully as she embraced him for a good morning kiss. His arms fell naturally around her, pulling her into him. On a whim, he cupped her ass, lifting her robe just enough to confirm his suspicion that she was indeed naked beneath it. "Hey, down boy," Chloe purred. "If you wanted more of that, you should have woke me before you came down here." "I wanted to let you rest," Nick said in her ear, nibbling at her lobe. "And now?" Chloe smiled coyly, her hand dropping to the bulge rising from his sweatpants. "Not so much," Nick growled. "Are you two about to engage in intercourse?" Adora / Vanda stood in the kitchen doorway, staring curiously at the startled couple. "No, hunny," Chloe replied, adjusting her robe with an embarrassed grin, "we were just, about to finish breakfast. Are you hungry?" "I, do not know. Are we hungry?" "Yes," came Adora's reply. "Famished." Nick, who had turned away when he'd heard her voice to hide, for the second time now, his erection from his daughter, turned to find Adora, fully naked, taking a seat at their breakfast nook. "Um, sweetheart, don't you want to, um, perhaps, get dressed before you eat?" Adora laughed. "Sorry, Dad. I tried earlier, but Vanda felt clothing was too confining. Besides, aren't you both still nudists anyway? I didn't think it would bother you." Nick flushed slightly. "It doesn't bother me. I'm just surprised, that's all. You know your mother and I are fine with nudity. But you stopped walking around the house naked years ago, and we started wearing clothes around you more often after that because we thought perhaps you had grown uncomfortable with it." "I suppose I was, for a while," Adora smiled. "But Vanda is still getting used to the human experience, and I figured it might be better to just ease her into it. Besides, it's not like I completely abandoned the nudist lifestyle. I went to several nude beaches during spring break." "I am still trying to comprehend the human tendency to feel shameful about their own bodies," Vanda chimed in, "but if our current state of undress is causing you discomfort, I will try clothing again." "There's no discomfort, Vanda," Chloe answered. "In fact, now that I know Adora is okay with it again,” Slipping off her robe, Chloe threw it over the back of a chair. Slightly bewildered, Nick turned his attention back to finishing breakfast. As he cooked, he contemplated this strange new situation he found himself in. Not that there was anything unusual about the current state of undress his wife and daughter were now in, per say. Chloe and he had of course become very comfortable with nudism after their experience in the White Room, and were often naked around each other. Adora had been raised to see nudity as very natural. And it certainly wasn't the first time he'd ever seen her naked. So why was he suddenly uncomfortable, he wondered? Perhaps it was the presence of Vanda, the new and unusual being now residing in his daughter's mind and body, that made him suddenly feel self-conscious and less inclined to shrug off his clothes and join his family in comfortable nudity. Shunting those thoughts aside, he plated the food and joined his wife and daughter at the table. Vanda contemplated her dish with both nervousness and excitement. "This smells, very pleasing. It is causing an interesting sensation in our stomach." "That's called hunger pangs," smiled Chloe. "Please, eat." Vanda watched for a moment as Nick and Chloe dug into their own food with their forks, then carefully scooped up the first bite into her mouth. Using Adora's muscle memory as a guide, she chewed slowly as a plethora of sensations exploded across her taste buds. "This is, quite satisfying," she garbled. "I'm glad you like it," chucked Nick, "but don't talk with your mouth full." "My apologies." Swallowing, Vanda forked another bite into her mouth. Then another, her appetite voracious. "Slow down, dear," coaxed Chloe. "You're going to make yourself sick eating that fast." Vanda nodded, her mouth still full, and slowed her chewing, using Adora's memories to identify each new flavor; spinach omelet, turkey bacon, fruit salad, whole grain toast. Nick and Chloe watched in fascinated amusement as Vanda finished her breakfast, her face bright with excitement and joy. Without warning, she burped. "I am sorry. Is that, inappropriate behavior?" Chloe laughed. "No, not really. I suppose some people consider it rude, but it's just another natural human function. One we don't really control. So don't worry about it." "There are many bodily functions you humans have no control over," Vanda mused. "Release of excess gasses, both orally and rectally, the production of excess moisture in your nasal and oral cavities. And your waste removal process leaves much to be desired, we discovered earlier. A most unpleasant business; quite flawed. Something I will definitely wish to address with the Collective when I return." Nick tried to suppress his grin. "Well maybe you guys should have worked on that during our evolution." "Oh it was far too late for that by the time we arrived here," said Vanda. "There was only so much we could do by way of improvement at that point. We are not, as you might say, 'miracle workers.' Believe me when I tell you that before we intervened, it was far worse. Your species had absolutely no control over the release of body wastes, and would simply expel them randomly and without warning. It was quite unhygienic." "Okay, not really great breakfast conversation," Chloe broke in, trying and failing to stifle her laughter. "I understand," said Vanda, finishing her last few bites. "I also understand it is customary to express gratitude to the providers of sustenance after consuming, especially if it was particularly enjoyable. So, thank you for this wonderful, breakfast. It was most palatable. I enjoyed the experience of eating almost as much as I enjoyed the orgasms experienced last night." Nick almost choked on his coffee. "You're welcome for the food, Vanda," Chloe responded, "and while I'm glad you enjoyed your, other experience, again, it's not something we really discuss together. That's something that should remain private, between you and Adora." "Why? Is it not part of the normal human experience? "Yes," Nick answered, "it's perfectly normal. But it's not usually appropriate to discuss so casually amongst, family." Vanda looked confused. "But there are memories of discussions pertaining to it not being something shameful." "We're not trying to shame you, Vanda," said Chloe, "I know you may find it difficult to understand, but you'll have to learn that there are limits to what people share about their sexuality, and with whom." "I find it difficult indeed; the shame and guilt your species has created around your own bodies and sexual activities are unprecedented; it is not found in any other species. And from what I have witnessed throughout your history, it seems to create more problems than it professes to solve." "You're probably right," Nick nodded. "Our society has plenty of hang-ups when it comes to sex. And Chloe and I are grateful that you helped free us from many of them. But there are still things that can be, uncomfortable to talk about." "I believe I understand. It stems from your societal stance against what you call 'incest;' the concept that parents should never allow themselves to be sexually stimulated by, or drawn to, their offspring. Or to engage in any types of sexual activities with them. And for the most part, it is a correct stance, especially due to the proclivity for genetically flawed offspring stemming from problems inherent in your D N A. "In fact, it caused a lot of problems early on in your evolution; problems we rectified but could never entirely root out. It is why we ultimately had to help influence your species away from it." "So you're saying you also influenced our morality?" Chloe asked. Vanda sighed. "Minimally. It's very complicated. Your sexual desire stems from your most basic, primal instincts to procreate, to perpetuate the species. "What, or I suppose I should say who you find sexually desirable is far broader based, and stems from multiple influences. As your species evolved, forming families, tribes, societies, so did your morality; your need to develop standards of behavior that were mutually beneficial for the whole, not merely the individual. "All we influenced was a heightening of the protective nurturing instinct between parent and offspring over the more primal desire of sexual reproduction. Of course, we never truly eliminated incest from the equation. It remained prevalent throughout your history, despite the introduction of both ideologies and mythologies that taught against such acts." "So you guys helped create religion?" Nick marveled. "Oh, no," Vanda frowned, "that was entirely your own doing." "You know," Chloe mused, "there are many humans who would probably consider you and your species 'Gods.' You have powers, knowledge and abilities far beyond our own. You may not have created us, but you've certainly influenced and guided our development from behind the scenes. Perhaps we picked up on your presence subliminally." "Perhaps. Although it still leaves the question of who created the 'Gods?' On that, we have no more answers than you." "So you don't know the origins of life, or the universe?" Adora spoke up, joining the conversation. "Oh, no. Beyond the event you commonly call the 'Big Bang,' we have no further information." "So I guess the answer is still '42,'" Nick smirked. "I do not understand." "Reference my memories," Adora laughed. "Look for 'Douglas Adams." "Ah. A joke. I understand. Very, humorous." "Well, since we won't be solving the mysteries of the universe today," Chloe grinned, "what else shall we do with our day? I'm sure there is plenty we can show you." "According to Adora, there were plans made for this planetary rotation to visit the beach. I would also find that excursion acceptable. It will be beneficial to experience more of your world." A Nudist Alien at the beach Getting to the beach was more difficult than anyone expected. First, Vanda had to be convinced to put on clothes. Then there was the car ride which, while short, was utterly overwhelming for Vanda, prompting Adora to take back control after another panic attack. Things got better once they arrived, though. Vanda seemed to truly enjoy all the new sensory input; the warm sunshine, the light breeze, the salty scent of the air, the crash of the surf. Her face was a constant array of whimsy and wonder. Still, she complained about the bathing suit. "I simply do not comprehend the need for such an ineffective garment. It serves no protective purpose, and only barely covers the genital area. Also, why are the females of your species forced to cover up their mammary ducts, while the males are free to expose theirs?" Nick had to laugh. "Welcome to a male dominated society, Vanda." Vanda did not see the humor. "Male nipples serve no useful purpose; an evolutionary leftover. Female breasts provide sustenance for your young; if anything, the men should be forced to cover up their useless teats." Chloe struggled to contain her laughter. "While our society has come a long way, Nick is right; it's still predominantly run by men. Women have been fighting for equality for centuries, including body autonomy, and we've made a lot of progress. But not nearly enough." Vanda considered this. "In the Collective, all are considered equal. Of course, we are also without gender. I will make a very strong case for equality for all, regardless of gender, after we reclaim physical forms." "Good for you, Vanda," said Nick. "I truly hope your new society can actually achieve it." Vanda's nose twitched. "I smell something, appetizing? It is causing a stressful reverberation in our stomach." "You're hungry again already?" Chloe laughed. "Nick, how about you get us some hotdogs? I'm pretty sure that's what she's smelling." Nick went off to get the food. Chloe stayed behind, watching with both humor and contemplative concern as Vanda continued to take in her surroundings. A million distractions vied for her attention; a bird soaring overhead, the crash of the waves, the laughter of a child off in the distance. It was fascinating, yet frightening. The person sitting beside her was Adora, the daughter she'd raised, nurtured and loved since birth. But she was now also a brand new being, a child in her own way, with the curiosity and excitement to match. And yet, this "child" had existed for longer than Chloe could possibly imagine. "Vanda, if you don't mind, I'd like to talk to Adora for a moment." "Of course, Mom. What's up?" The change in both tone and facial expression whenever Adora took back control still startled Chloe, every time. "I just wanted to make sure you were okay. You've been, quiet." "I'm fine," Adora smiled, "I've been letting Vanda hold the reins so she can experience everything fully. She's adapting quite well, and I've been helping her to understand things she hasn't already figured out on her own. She's a fast learner." "So you two can, talk, hold conversations, within your head?" "Yes, but it's even better than that. Instead of having to completely explain something, I can point her towards the information already stored in my memory, information she can immediately absorb and process." "Yes," confirmed Vanda, "For example; I finished The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy collection during the journey to this location. Quite amusing, if highly inaccurate." Adora laughed. "Vanda still has a hard time with the concept of fiction," she explained to her mother. "I can see that," Chloe smiled. "I'm curious though; what's it like for you when Vanda is in control? Can you still, you know, see, hear, think?" "Oh yes," Adora affirmed, "I'm aware of my surroundings. Although it's kinda like I'm watching it happen on TV, or through Virtual Reality goggles. I can see and hear everything, but I lose most of the other sensory input, letting Vanda fully experience things like taste, smell and touch." "Well, as long as you're okay in there," said Chloe. "I'm happy you're so eager to help her experience the world, just remember to check in with us once in a while." "Will do." Nick returned shortly with the food. When they finished eating, Vanda decided, with coaxing from Adora, to finally brave the water. Nick went with her, holding her hand to steady her as Vanda took her first tentative steps into the cool, frothy surf. "That's deep enough for now," Nick cautioned once they'd reached waist level. "Let's take it slow until you're used to it." The tide was low, the waves gentle, yet Vanda struggled to maintain her balance as they came in, pushing her back, then pulling her forward as the water rolled back out to sea. Adora took back control just in time to save herself from toppling over face first. With both Adora and Nick's help, though, Vanda quickly got the hang of it, and soon was wading chest deep quite comfortably. While he was still uncomfortable with the fact that an alien intelligence now occupied the mind and body of his only daughter, Nick could not help but marvel at Vanda's childlike wonder as she frolicked playfully in the water, laughing as her borrowed body floated along the surface, bobbing up and down with the waves. Finding her feet, Vanda offered him the familiar smile he had come to know and love as his daughter's, even as she spoke with her own unique voice. "This is a most enjoyable experience. However, I am experiencing a drop in body temperature that is causing minor discomfort. Perhaps I need a respite to warm myself with infrared light produced by the star your planet orbits." "Of course," Nick grinned despite himself. "Maybe while you're warming yourself in the sun, you can work on accessing Adora's memories to learn how to sound more human when you speak." Ogling Hobbies "How about that one?" Vanda and Adora were currently engaged in an internal conversation about finding a potential sex partner while they basked in the sun. "Too old." "How is age difference a factor? It wasn't for your parents." Adora sighed. "I suppose it's not, but,” Vanda continued scanning the crowded beach. "How about that one? He appears to be close to your age." "Yes, but look closer. He's with someone." "Yes. But we have observed humans mating with multiple partners before quite often." Adora sighed, frustrated. "I'm sure you have. Look, Vanda, choosing a partner to have sex with isn't as easy as just picking someone at random." "But we have observed,” "I know what you've 'observed,' Vanda! But just because some people enjoy having casual sex with various partners doesn't mean all of us do. And it certainly doesn't mean I'm just going to fuck a random stranger!" "I am, sorry, Adora. I did not mean to be offensive. I merely based my suggestions off of the mental and physical responses of your body upon seeing others of your species you find attractive." "I understand that. But what you need to learn is that just because we find someone physically attractive doesn't mean we'd automatically have sex with them. Yes, there are those who choose their sexual partners strictly on appearances, and are willing to have sex with total strangers simply for fun. But I'm not one of those people. I need more of a, connection, with someone." "So you need to, fall in love? As your parents did?" "No. Not necessarily. Not everyone I've ever had sex with was because I was 'in love.' But I at least got to know them first, to develop a friendship and trust. I have to at least like someone before I fuck them." "I see. May I ask another question?" "Of course." "I see from your memory banks you have been with five different partners. Three male, two female. Is your sexual preference predominantly male?" "I, I don't know. I'm, still figuring that out." "I see." A quiet hung between them for a few moments. Then Vanda spoke again. "Do you object to my continued observations of people I find, 'fuckable?' Strictly as an, imaginative exercise?" Adora laughed out loud. "Not at all. Fantasize away." "What's so funny?" Chloe asked. Neither she nor Nick had been privy to the private conversation. "Nothing," smirked Adora. "It is what you would call an 'inside joke,'" Vanda chimed in. Grinning with self-satisfaction at her clever use of human word play, she continued to scan the beach. "What about her? She has very predominant bosoms. Even larger than yours." "Oh, yeah. She's pretty hot." "Yes. She is certainly producing excessive amounts of perspiration due to the, ah, I see. You meant the informal usage. Your colloquialisms will take some time to get used to." "I bet. But you're learning pretty fast." "Thank you. I am certainly, oh, look! Look at that one! I believe, based on the outline formed by his water soaked garment around his genitals that he has what you call a 'nice package!'" "Yep. Definitely." "Adora?" "Yeah?" "Our clitoris is engorged. May we masturbate?" "Not here, Vanda. Too public." "When we arrive home?" "Absolutely." Adora sighed inwardly. Despite all her talk about the need to get to know someone first, the fact was, it had been some time since she'd last gotten laid. And Vanda's persistent, if understandable, desire to experience sexual coupling with a partner wasn't helping to dull her own ache. Suddenly, she had an idea of how she might be able to scratch that itch for both of them. Aiden "Are you sure that's such a good idea?" Adora sat on the recliner across from the couch her parents occupied, the concern on their faces obvious. After arriving home and showering, (during which, Adora had shown Vanda the joys to be had with a handheld showerhead), she'd invited them to join her in the living room to discuss her plan. "It'll be fine, Mom. Aiden and I parted on good terms; we still stay in touch. And I happen to know he's currently single. And back in town. To be honest, I'd already been considering getting together with him again before, well, I met my new friend." Adora and Aiden had dated all through their senior year, but decided after graduation to end things since they were both going off to different colleges, neither believing a long distance relationship would work. Still, they'd remained friends, and there had even been several Skype calls over the years where they'd shared more than just some conversation. When Adora had arrived home for the summer, she'd reached out to him, discovering he'd be in town for a few weeks before heading overseas for vacation. While no definite plans had yet been made, they'd promised to make time to see each other, even if only for coffee or a meal together. Adora wasn't sure at that point if she'd wanted anything more; Aiden was a great guy, and had been a kind, caring boyfriend. But her high school crush had long since faded, and she certainly was no longer "in love" with him. Still, he'd been an attentive lover, and they'd had a great chemistry together. He would make a great candidate to give Vanda her first true sexual experience. "Do you really think it's fair to him, though?" Chloe asked, "What if he still has feelings for you? You might hurt him." "I'm sure it won't come to that," Adora smiled. "We're friends, and we've been nothing but honest with each other. We both know we have separate lives to go back to after summer break." "What about Vanda?" Nick asked, "Will you be honest with him about her? It could be more than a little, awkward, for him, her being involved." "I, I haven't decided how to address that yet," Adora admitted. "I'm not even entirely sure anything more than a simple get together will happen." "Well, if you're inviting him back here, I'm sure he'll probably be expecting a little more than conversation," Chloe smirked. She and Nick had never been squeamish when it came to the idea of their daughter having sex. They'd had "The Talk" with her, as well as teaching her about responsibility, respect and consent. They'd allowed her to have boyfriends over, believing it more practical, and safer for her, than having to sneak off somewhere to have their fun. "I suppose," Adora nodded. "Look, if you guys think it'll be too weird, I can always see if we can go back to his place, or,” "No," Nick interjected. "If you're determined to go through with this, I'd rather you do it here, in the safety and comfort of your own home. So we can be here for you, in case anything, goes wrong." "Geez, Dad, what do you think might happen?" "Adora, you're going to try having sex with him while an alien is living inside your head! anything could happen!" "Nick," Chloe said firmly, "Adora has handled all of this very well so far, and she's more than capable of taking back control if things go, awry. We've always trusted her choices before. Trust her again now." Turning to Adora, she continued, "I'm sure your father and I can find somewhere else to be for the night. Just promise you'll be careful, and to call if you need us." "I will, I promise," Adora agreed. "And please, don't worry. I'm sure everything will be fine." A Dinner Date "Is it normal to be this, anxious, before potential copulation?" Vanda had remained silent yet attentive throughout their dinner with Aiden, allowing Adora to do all the talking while she'd simply observed and studied their interactions and behavior. Now home, Adora had excused herself to "freshen up" in the bathroom. "Sure. Especially if you really like someone. Speaking of which, how do you feel about him, Vanda?" "He is a physically acceptable specimen. He would be a prime candidate for our genetic upgrade experiments." "Yes, but that's not what I asked. How do you feel about him?" There was a pause before Vanda answered. "It is, difficult to determine. I have only just come to know him, and have yet to actually interact with him personally, since you have maintained control throughout the events of our evening so far. "But he has been, most pleasant to be around. It is obvious he cares for and respects you. The attention he gives when you speak, the way his eyes meet yours with confidence, his, smile. Fascinating how such a simple facial gesture can communicate so much." "So you like him?" "I find his company, yes. Yes, I like him." "Good. Doesn't hurt that he's also drop dead gorgeous, huh?" "Drop dead, ? Ah. Yes. I see. While I'm sure my judgment is certainly biased by your personal tastes in such matters, I agree. He is quite the attractive male." "So. Shall we proceed?" "Yes. Let us, 'fuck his brains out.'" "Good. Now, remember, stick to the plan. I'll get things started, then allow you to come forward to experience things more personally. Try not to talk; it will confuse him. If you have questions, or just need to express how you're feeling, do it internally. I'll be with you, helping. Use my memories for reference. Let Aiden guide you as well, but don't be afraid to take charge, make clear what you want. Or don't want. If you feel uncomfortable at any point, tell me. We can stop." "I understand." "Good. Then let's do this." Aiden had been waiting for Adora in her room. His attention turned from the phone he'd been scrolling through aimlessly when he heard the door open. "Took you long enough. Thought maybe you fell, in?" His jaw dropped as she entered. Adora had shed the blouse and jeans she'd worn to dinner, clad now only in a black laced bra and matching silk panties. Adora met his stunned gaze with a smile. "Surprised?" Aiden gulped audibly before answering. "Um, yeah! I mean, I was hoping, but didn't wanna assume,” Adora straddled him on the bed. "Always the gentleman, you are. But I just wasn't in the mood to play coy tonight. Hope you don't mind." "Not at all! Jesus, Adora. You're as beautiful as ever." Pulling her to him, his lips found hers. Adora allowed Vanda to come forward enough to experience the feeling as their tongues danced playfully. And when Aiden's hands found her hips, pressing her down against the rising bulge in his jeans, it was Vanda who moaned, not Adora. "Oh, my. This is most, exquisite. Aiden looked startled. "What?" "Nothing," Adora quickly responded. "Just, keep doing that." "Your voice sounded different." "I, I had strep throat. A few weeks ago. Better now, but my voice still cracks sometimes." "Sounded more like an echo." Desperate to change the subject, Adora unhooked her bra. Aiden took that as an invitation, his hands quickly moving to her breasts. Again in control enough to feel his touch, Vanda struggled to contain her vocal responses, pressing her lips tight so that only a soft "Umm" escaped. Her nipples pulsed with an energy that spread through her chest into her abdomen. The panties she still wore were rapidly becoming damp from grinding against him, sending an electric sensation buzzing through every part of her sex as her hips rocked over his trapped manhood. Mindful not to speak aloud, she pleaded silently with Adora. "These feelings are beyond all expectations! I crave, more! How should I proceed?" Instead of answering, Adora took back control. "Aiden, do you remember our first time?" "You're kidding, right?" Aiden laughed. "How could I forget?" "I was wondering if we could, well, try something, different." Adora lowered herself over him, her bare breasts pressed to his chest, her face close to his. "I want you to pretend it's our first time again. That I'm still, a virgin. That I'm inexperienced. And you have to show me what to do, to take control, to, to treat me with care, like you did that night." "I'm not sure I understand," said Aiden. "What brought this on?" Adora offered what she'd hoped was an assuring smile. "Just, think of it as some fun role-play. I'm going to lay back, quiet and demure, and I want you to make love to me, gently, like it's my first time." Bewildered by her strange request, Aiden hesitated. But not for long. His throbbing cock was desperate to be freed, overriding any doubts he may have had about her suggestion. Taking her by the shoulders, he rolled her on her back, moving atop her trembling body. "Okay, Adora. We'll just take it slow, then." His lips met hers, his kiss strong and passionate. It was Vanda who kissed him back, following his lead, matching his enthusiasm. Removing his shirt, Aiden pressed his bare chest to her, kissing her neck behind the ears, a spot he knew she liked. Her breaths became rapid as he slowly kissed his way down her shoulder, moving to her breasts. Her nipples were hard pebbles atop her puffy areola. "I want to suck them now. Would you like that?" Vanda wanted to scream in affirmation, but managed to contain herself to a simple nod. As his lips found her nipple, though, his tongue running slow, torturous circles over it, she could no longer control herself. Aiden was too absorbed in his gentle suckling to notice the change in her voice, taking her increasing whimpers of delight as encouragement to continue. Vanda squirmed beneath him, her mind a blank canvas, for the first time in her long existence allowing herself to simply feel, not think. Without even realizing it, she guided his head down, her gyrating hips signaling her instinctive need. Vanda marveled as he kissed his way down her belly inch by tantalizing inch, drawing out the moment, until finally coming to a stop, his face hovering mere inches away from her hot, needy sex. "Are you okay, Adora?" he asked sweetly, his eyes shining up at her from between her legs. "Do you want this?" "Please! Please continue!" The change of voice again gave him pause, but he dismissed it, absorbed now in the strong scent wafting up from her soaked panties. "Wow, you're dripping already! I don't ever remember you getting this wet this fast!" Vanda grabbed his head, pushing his face into her. "Just do it! Stimulate me with your tongue! I beg of you!" Aiden almost objected, but with his nose now buried in her cleft, he again shook off his concerns and ceded to her demand. Her taste was strong even through the silky cloth, the heat of her radiating from beneath like a furnace. Pulling the delicate fabric aside, his tongue found her slit, hot and slick. Her swollen labia fluttered as he licked at them tenderly. Her hips rocked against his face, hands pulling at his hair, guiding him to the engorged little button now poking up from beneath its protective hood, begging for his attention. Vanda squealed as his lips engulfed her clit, his tongue fluttering like a hummingbird, and it was all he could do to hold her hips steady as she writhed in bliss beneath him. Vanda was overwhelmed. First, there were the physical reactions to contend with; the increased heart rate and blood pressure, the engorgement of her sex organs, the tightening and contractions of her pelvic floor muscles. Over top of that were her emotional responses, swirling like a typhoon of colors in her mind's eye; excitement, anxiety, desire, anticipation, fear, and abundant joy. As her orgasm approached, feelings, pure and raw, flowed like electric currents, surging from the tiny bundle of clustered nerve endings to spread like a glowing web, up through her abdomen and chest, down to her tightly curled toes. Try as she might, Vanda could not contain her involuntary vocal responses, belting out a long string of unintelligible gibberish as her rational mind completely shut down in a state of utter euphoria. Aiden looked up from between her legs with a sticky smile. "Wow! You came really hard!" Vanda could not yet respond, her body still shuddering with small aftershocks. Aiden moved up beside her, kissing her cheek. "You ready for more? Or still need a minute?" "One moment, please. I need time to, process." Something was off. He could feel it. This was not the Adora he knew. He couldn't put his finger on it, but something about her had changed. Her mannerisms, the way she spoke, that odd echo in her voice. It was disconcerting. He knew it was Adora, his friend, his former lover, lying beside him. But when she finally opened her eyes to look at him, it was like looking at a completely different person. Still, the lustful yet somehow innocent smile she gave made his heart skip a beat. "I am ready. Please, continue." "Adora, I,” Aiden froze, unsure how to express his confusion. He was suddenly hesitant, trying to work out exactly what it was that was wrong. "Aiden?" Suddenly she was his Adora again, her face, and voice, familiar. "Please. I'm, ready for you. Make love to me. I need you!" Pulling him to her, she kissed him passionately. Her hand found the bulge in his jeans, caressing it. "Let's get you out of these," she purred, undoing the button. Tugging them down, she reached into his boxers, freeing his desperate erection. Her eyes went wide at the sight of it. Suddenly her facial expression shifted, her voice changing again. "Interesting. I expected it to be larger." "Adora, what the hell is going on?" Aiden snapped. "Oh, fuck," Adora groaned. "Aiden, I'm so sorry! Look, forget I said that, I didn't mean,” "Adora, you've been acting really strange all night. There's something really OFF about you, and it's freaking me out. Maybe I should just go!" Throwing his clothes back on, he moved towards the door. "Aiden, please, wait!" Adora cried. "Look, I'm really, really sorry. I thought I could control this better, but after that orgasm, I kinda,” "Control what better?" Aiden was utterly confused. "Adora, tell me what's going on." "Okay," she sighed, pulling her blanket up around her, "I'll explain everything. But you're probably not going to believe me. Remember those dreams I told you about? The dreams where I woke up naked in a strange room? Well, they weren't exactly, dreams." To be continued in part 5. By Djmac1031 for Literotica Source: ex-plicitly-novel

Back for a longie! We celebrate a tiny Sky, tell off Chrissy and laugh at the simple Aussies. Then we uncover Ben's secret gambling, find an easy record to break and delight in David's return. And we round out by enjoying a fine margherita and examining naked bowlers' safety standards.Support the show

1. Storytelling: The Art of Emotional ResonanceStorytelling has been a cornerstone of emotional marketing, allowing brands to craft narratives that resonate with their target audiences. One of the most iconic examples is the "Coca-Cola Hilltop" commercial from 1971, featuring a diverse group of young people singing "I'd Like to Buy the World a Coke" on a hillside. This simple yet powerful message of unity and harmony struck a chord with viewers during a time of social unrest, solidifying Coca-Cola's brand as a symbol of togetherness.Another notable example is Procter & Gamble's "Thank You, Mom" campaign, which celebrated the sacrifices and unwavering support of mothers throughout an athlete's journey. By tapping into the universal bond between mothers and children, the campaign not only garnered widespread acclaim but also fostered a deeper emotional connection with its audience.2. Cause Marketing: Aligning with Social ValuesCompanies have increasingly leveraged cause marketing to align their brands with social values and tap into consumers' emotions. One powerful example is Dove's "Real Beauty" campaign, which challenged traditional beauty standards and celebrated diverse body types. By embracing a message of self-acceptance and empowerment, Dove struck a chord with women worldwide, fostering a strong emotional bond with its audience.Similarly, Patagonia's "Don't Buy This Jacket" campaign in 2011 encouraged consumers to think twice before making unnecessary purchases, aligning the brand with environmental consciousness. This bold move not only garnered widespread attention but also resonated with consumers who valued sustainability, cementing Patagonia's reputation as an ethical and socially responsible company.3. Nostalgia Marketing: Tapping into Cherished MemoriesNostalgia has proven to be a powerful emotional trigger, as brands leverage fond memories and shared experiences to create a sense of familiarity and comfort. One notable example is Budweiser's "Wassup" campaign, which revived a popular catchphrase from the 1990s and resonated with viewers who grew up during that era.Similarly, Nintendo's marketing campaigns often tap into the nostalgia of childhood, evoking cherished memories of gaming experiences from the past. By tapping into these emotional connections, brands can forge lasting bonds with their audiences, transcending mere product promotion.4. User-Generated Content: Empowering Customer VoicesIn the age of social media, companies have embraced user-generated content as a powerful emotional marketing strategy. By amplifying the voices and experiences of real customers, brands can foster authentic connections and tap into the emotions of their audiences.One standout example is Airbnb's "Don't Go There. Live There" campaign, which featured user-generated content from Airbnb hosts and guests, showcasing the unique experiences and personal connections fostered through the platform. By highlighting real stories and emotions, Airbnb created a sense of authenticity and fostered a deeper emotional bond with its audience.5. Humor and Relatability: Striking a Chord with LaughterWhile many emotional marketing strategies tap into poignant or heartwarming narratives, others have found success in leveraging humor and relatability. Brands like Old Spice and Doritos have mastered the art of creating humorous and relatable advertisements that resonate with viewers' shared experiences and cultural references.One iconic example is Volkswagen's "The Force" commercial from 2011, which depicted a young boy dressed as Darth Vader attempting to use "the Force" on various objects, only to be surprised when the Volkswagen Passat responds to his gestures. This charming and relatable portrayal of childhood imagination not only garnered widespread attention but also fostered a sense of emotional connection with viewers across generations.ConclusionIn the ever-evolving landscape of marketing, emotional strategies have proven their staying power. By tapping into the depths of human experiences, emotions, and values, brands have the ability to forge lasting connections with their audiences. Whether through heartwarming narratives, social causes, nostalgia, user-generated content, or humor, these campaigns have left an indelible mark on our collective consciousness, reminding us that emotions are often the driving force behind consumer decisions and brand loyalty.-Jason Use My Amazon Associate Link Below To Make Purchases Thanks For Listening Everyone! Pay Pal DonationVenmo - @jason-Stclair-09262CashApp - $stclair316Amazon Associates LinkGovernment Grants Home PageAtheoz Podcast Home PageCommission Earnedhttps://www.instagram.com/jason_stclair/

I spent a lot of time in the kitchen with my grandmother, the matriarch and best cook this side of the Mississippi. She'd be overcome with joy to see me with the amazing culinary artist Carla Hall in discussion on redefining gender roles within relationships. Weaving in perspectives from different generations, this episode is a heartfelt journey through the landmines and love notes of partnerships. We hear from Carla, who's stirred up success as the main breadwinner, and Kim, a young podcaster who adds a modern twist to the protector and provider narrative. As their stories unfold, we trace the contours of love, labor, and money within the intimate dance of marriage. Balancing a checkbook and a relationship is an art, and in this episode, we paint a picture of how couples navigate the financial arteries of their union. Tugging at the strings of financial independence and intertwined bank accounts, we examine how support and shared responsibilities echo louder than the clinking of coins. We delve into the personal anecdotes that reveal how providing for a household isn't just about the salary one brings home, but also the emotional labor and moral encouragement that fortify the foundations of love and partnership. Closing the loop on this episode, the conversation turns to the broader spectrum of what each partner contributes to the dynamic of a relationship. From the optimism that lights up a home to the practical management of everyday life, we celebrate the often overlooked assets that keep the wheels of partnership in motion. As we dissect these evolving roles and the communication that oils them, we embrace the beauty of growing together in a world where feminism, financial independence, and personal fulfillment are not just buzzwords but the very pillars of modern love and companionship. RATE, REVIEW, AND FOLLOW ON APPLE PODCAST ‌

This is the Kraft Dinner of sex podcasts!This week, we're going over some really bad sex advice that you should never follow - except for maybe one or two of them!Also: lights on every wall, a new fingering technique, and a surprising amount of forehead stuff!Want to fuck it and taste it? Then you should get some Jo Gelato Flavored Lube from Betty's Toy Box! Use the code LOVEEMMA at checkout to save 15% on your order and support the show!https://www.bettystoybox.com/search?q=jo+gelato&sca_ref=628789.JLRTrDmNLNRelevant Links:The Worst Sex Advice Post (Reddit)3 Flavored Lubes That Are Actually DeliciousBad Anal Sex Advice You Should Never Follow8 Bad Blowjob Tips You Should (Almost) Never Follow***Want to become one of our Friends With Benefits? Check out the Pillow Talk Patreon for bonus episodes, the Pillow Talk Discord, and early access to main feed episodes! https://www.patreon.com/PillowTalkPodcast***I write about sex on my blog Love, Emma and on Medium!Follow me on Bluesky, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok!Subscribe to my newsletter for personal updates and other fun, naughty stuff!Peep at my OnlyFans page or my JustFor.Fans profile for something even dirtier!Follow Jake on Bluesky or Twitter!Support my work! Email: mister.j.austin@gmail.com ***(These show notes contain affiliate links.) *** Music from https://filmmusic.io"Deadly Roulette" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Support the show

Join Premium! Ready for an ad-free meditation experience? Join Premium now and get every episode from ALL of our podcasts completely ad-free now! Just a few clicks makes it easy for you to listen on your favorite podcast player.  Become a PREMIUM member today by going to --> https://WomensMeditationNetwork.com/premium All those discomforts, Rumbling around inside. All those fears, Emerging from the deep. All those details, Whirling and twisting. Let them resolve, Let them dissolve.  PAUSE… All those unknowns, That are haunting you. All those worries, Weighing you down. All those insecurities, Tugging at your heart. Let them resolve, Let them dissolve. Feel the warmth humming in your hands, Open to the healing that's here. Receive it now, With every breath in, Resolving the tension, Dissolving the weight.  LONG PAUSE… When something's heavy on your heart, When you're not sure what to do, When a situation feels like a mess. Get quiet with yourself, And affirm this little prayer, Let it resolve and dissolve. PAUSE… Let it resolve and dissolve. LONG PAUSE… The knot inside, Will loosen and untwist. And everything will be okay. You'll find clarity, And faith will push you forth. As you find peace in your day.  PAUSE… Let it resolve. Let it dissolve. PAUSE… Be here. Deep in the oneness of you. Knowing you are divine. Knowing you are free.  Knowing there is nothing you can't handle. There is nothing you can't be.   PAUSE… Let it resolve. Let it dissolve. PAUSE… Surrender, my love, To the power that knows your path. Surrender to the purpose of all this.  Then breathe in your faith,  And your deep trust in yourself. Let it resolve. Let it dissolve. PAUSE… Namaste, Beautiful

Grief doesn't come with a how to book. And what works for one person might not work for someone else. One thing that's absolutely universal - if you want support and resources to get through a loss, it's up to you to find them. It shouldn't be that way, and people like me are working every day to change this, but unfortunately, it's the reality. Today's guest on The Be Ruthless Show made it her job to find any and every tool, resource, and support possible to help her after she lost the love of her life, her fiancé John. It's how we connected. Shawn Dinneen, owner of Heartstrings Journals, my dear friend, and the most unbelievable soul joins us today to share her story of loss and her story of how she's found her way through this loss. Connect with ShawnFind her journals here Pre order your Griefhab journal Learn about Ruthless in the Rockies Reach out anytime: sam@samantharuth.com

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Missionary Girl Finds Expression in Her Sexuality at CollegeBy CelinasFantasy Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories.As I sit in class with the sixty or so other students, the lecture fades away. There’s just Dr. Smith as he lays out the scenario to teach us about social inequality. He comes closer to my desk and his passionate blue eyes fall on me. Couldn’t he just lean a little closer, drop that pen he always uses to teach with, that he clicks to make a point, and then get on his knees right in front of me? I bet the stubble on his sharp jaw would feel great against my calf. Then he’d just happen to notice that I don’t have anything on under my skirt. He’d have the class do something, then stroke up my legs, kiss and lick up my thighs, hold me in place and tell me to be quiet so he can give me a ‘private lesson’.Just like any other day in class, he’d be completely in control while I’d be struggling to stay quiet and fighting my blush so no one notices anything is a miss as he slowly licks and kisses up to my cunt, I squeeze my legs together tightly and try to focus on my notes. Getting distracted by another fantasy about Dr. Smith isn’t going to help me get my degree, even if I think it’s a better way to spend class time, study time, and those nights where my roommate is with her boyfriend.His eyes flick to me and I answer his question, “It’s the institutionalized racism that sets the groundwork for such practices and methods of thinking to continue without change. It’s easier to change minds than to dismantle an entire set of laws, communities, and address the history they’re founded on.”“Very good, Celina,” he appraises with a smile.My own answers right away and I dip my head to try to keep it focused through the rest of class. Just thirty minutes left and I’ll be free of the torture of watching Dr. Smith, trying to focus, and fighting the growing lust that keeps filling me. I reach for my cross necklace, trying to pull myself back into place. What would my mother think of me getting distracted by an older man after getting home from a mission trip!She always says I’m the best daughter she could ask for. She tells her friends I have a good head on my shoulder, that I’m going to do great things in the world someday and that I’m living just like a good Mormon girl should.I always took that as a compliment, until I realized I’m one of the only virgins in my dorm. I’m definitely the oldest virgin in the dorm. Twenty years old and I’m the only one who’s never had sex.The thought makes me blush.A part of me just wants to get it over with. I’ve heard it’s painful the first time, but after that it’s magical and wonderful.Tugging on the cross again and feeling the chain bite into the back of my neck banishes the thought.It’s a miracle I make it through class without embarrassing myself by answering a question wrong or voicing exactly what I’m thinking. Of course, Dr. Smith asks me to 'hang back’ after class.When the others leave he hands me something. I stare at the paper. “You want me to be your teacher’s assistant this year?”“You know what you’re doing in every sociology class, Celina. I know you said you want to be a social worker and that’s great, but I want you to be a teacher’s assistant for me so you can see all the options. You could go into law and really defend people. You could teach, you could be a researcher, and become one of the people I teach about. Plus, being a teacher’s assistant looks great on resumes,” he winks at me.That one little move and the smile he gives me has me wetter than porn. I force the best and most innocent smile I can when I agree. I wave to him, “have a good weekend!” “You too, Celina! Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” he calls.I hear him chuckle and catch something I shouldn’t hear as it echoes down the hall, “that means you can pretty much do anything.”I blush again and quickly head across campus to my dorm. I get back to the dorm and flop on the lower bunk bed. Less than ten minutes later, my roommate, Millie comes in. She sits with me on my bed.“Happy first week of classes,” she says softly.“You too,” I sigh.“Still thinking about some guy you met in, where did you go again?” She nudges my leg.“I went to the Dominican Republic. I met plenty of people, but no guy,” I admit, playing with my necklace again. “I just didn’t want to go another year as the reigning champ of those ice breaker games.”“Aww, innocent little Celina being good for her parents,” Millie teases. “Come on. You’re twenty. You’re a whole adult! When are you going to start living the life you want instead of the one your mother has all laid out for you?”“She has connections,” I grumble.“To be a social worker? I’m pretty sure as long as you have a degree and you’re willing to show up they’ll take you. They’re so backlogged and overworked,” Millie huffs. “Anyway, working crazy hours and stressing about bills is right around the corner. Don’t you want to have some fun before then?”“I have, ” I can’t make myself say fun.Going on Mission trips used to be fun. I got to work hard, I got to help people. I got to travel. I didn’t always 'share the word of god’ because I wanted to learn everything about the people who were already there.Lately, though, I feel like there’s some leash on me that keeps getting tighter. My mom has been promising surprise visits, she’s told me she’s found some nice boys that might be an option for me someday. She’s planning out every bit of my life and my control just keeps slipping away.“Celina?” Millie nudges me.“I’ve never been to a frat party, you know?”“Oh, I know. And if you would have told me that you had, I wouldn’t have believed you,” she laughs.“We should change that,” I mumble.“Oh. My. God. I thought you’d never ask!” Millie squeals as she jumps up. She runs right to her closet and starts pulling things out. “You’re going to be such a fun Barbie to play with. No more long skirts and flowy tops that hide your curves.”“You haven’t seen my curves!”“Honey, when you get back from the shower you clutch your towel so tightly that I get jealous of that hourglass figure. Now we just have to dress you properly and you’re going to be all the guys can think of.”“Millie, don’t go crazy. There can’t be any pictures that tag me, there can’t be anything that my mom will see and-”“You’re being a normal college girl for once in your life! I’m so excited that I’m not going to let anything ruin it. If you like one party, then we’ll be able to go to more, and trust me, I want you there.”I laugh and she goes over the rules with me while making me try on a ton of different outfits. From skin-tight jeans that won’t button with my hips to skirts that are truly sinful. She finally hides me from the mirror with a bright smile while doing my makeup and hair.I’m stuffed in some little pink dress that feels amazing on my skin and at least covers my ass. It shows some cleavage, holds to my body until my hips, then flairs out just enough that I feel like I actually have clothes on.“What’s the top three rules, Celina?” She asks after coating my lips with something.“Don’t take drinks from anyone if they’re already open. Don’t go into a room with a bunch of guys alone. Always make sure I can see you,” I repeat.“That’s right. We’re going to the frats together, so we’re leaving together,” she says seriously.“You’re starting to scare me. It sounds dangerous,” I grumble.“Frat guys can be like starved animals and tonight you look like a perfect steak. They’re going to want to drag you back to their rooms and fuck you until you can’t stand it anymore. Trust me, that’s no way to lose your virginity,” She points mascara at me. “Now, try to keep your eyes still.”While she keeps working on my face and hair I think of that image. Multiple men fighting over me, wanting me, trying to claim me, and using every hole they can get. Even my back hole which I’ve seen in porn and, honestly, I enjoyed myself after taking off my cross and hoping God wouldn’t judge.That doesn’t sound terrible. Being wanted that badly that men are willing to share, being craved and taught so much in one night. Being offered everything,“You got quiet. Are you still going to go with me?” She asks.“Yes! I’m going. Trust me. I want to be there,” I assure with a smile.“You look like you’re going to be naughty. If that’s what you want, just tell me before you disappear into a room. I can vet the guys for you,” she says.“How?”“I’ve slept with some and my brother is at the frat we’re going to. He knows the guys who understand the word 'no’ and he’ll make sure we stay safe. The guys already know that if they so much as insult me, Eric will kick their asses to the moon and then they’ll get to explain why they can’t have sex for a week or two,” she laughs darkly.Finally, Millie lets me see my reflection.I feel brand new. I look like myself, only upgraded and I had no idea I was anything like this. I bounce a little and she hands me cut flats. “I’d say heels, but those take practice and we might be on our feet for hours, so we’re not doing that.”“Next time,” I agree.“I like the idea of next time, especially since you’re already so gung-ho about it!” She bounces while taking my hand.We walk to the frat houses and head to the largest one that has a crowd of people eagerly standing around. It’s barely dark out and already people are openly drinking on campus. There’s some odd-smelling smoke too.Millie rolls her eyes. “If someone offers you something to smoke, definitely say no.”“No need to worry about that,” I assure, wrinkling my nose.We head inside, using the door to the first floor where there’s two wide open sections. People are playing beer-pong, other games, and dancing. Millie mixes a drink, tells no less than three guys to fuck off, then hands me the red-solo cup.“Sip that. I mix strong drinks,” she warns.“Who’s your gorgeous friend, Mills?” A tall boy asks. He looks familiar but I can’t remember him.I take a full drink of what Millie made and sputter.She laughs. “I told you, Celina. Go slow.” She turns to the guy. “Ryan, you know my roommate.”“Holy shit. Look at you. Came out of the bible and looking good,” he drinks me in.Millie elbows him. “Are you still my boyfriend or are you shopping around?”“All yours, beautiful. You did a great job.” He kisses her neck and murmurs more compliments in her ear until she’s giggling and more than happy to kiss him.“Really Mills? In the kitchen? Take it up to Ryan’s room,” Eric, her older brother orders.I’ve met him more than her boyfriend and had a little too much eagerness to come today since finding out he and his girlfriend broke up. Eric is as gorgeous as Millie, plus he’s essentially a full wall of muscle.He’s the kind of guy a girl can only dream about with deep green eyes, tan skin, wild surfer-boy hair and enough meat on his frame to make any girl want to swoon just so he’d catch them in his arms.He looks me over slowly as he takes a long drink from a bottle of beer. “Well, you look nice, Celina.”“Thanks, it’s all Millie,” I mumble, feeling out of place now that Millie is actively making out with her boyfriend and lost to the rest of the world.Eric rounds the counter between us. “It’s not all Millie.”He offers me his hand and leads me to the dance floor. I stand on my toes as I notice how everyone else is dancing. I press myself against his chest after stumbling to try and reach his ear.“I don’t know how to dance like this.”“I’ll teach you,” he promises.He turns me around. “Take two big drinks.”I do that, hissing as the alcohol hits my tongue. After my third drink, he steals my cup from me and takes a drink for himself. Eric guides me back until my ass is cradled by his hips. “Just move with me, Celina. Let me guide it and stay pressed to me like glue.”I do what he says. It’s easier to let go than I figured it would be. Eric dances with me,rubs my hips until I feel all gooey inside, and controls my drinking so I’m never more than buzzed. I can appreciate the fun without worrying, but I’m not tripping over myself like some other girls.Another guy comes up and dances in front of me. Eric chuckles and puts my hand on the other guy’s shoulder.I giggle and stroke down his chest. He moves with me, slides his thigh between my legs so I’m grinding on him and I gasp at the rush of pleasure that pulses through my body in tune with the music.Two attractive men rubbing against me, hard and muscular, and, it’s so much better than fantasizing about a professor or getting papers done early just to watch Friends re-runs. I moan when the guy in front of me runs his fingers through my hair and guides my head back.“You want a kiss, baby?” he croons.I nod hopelessly as I eye his full lips. He kisses me slowly, drawing it out like he knows it’s my first time. I melt against him.Eric, unwilling to let me forget him, starts kissing across my neck in a way that sparks a fire low in my belly. I feel like I’m made of lava and the pressure just keeps building. I turn my head and Eric’s mouth fits mine.Unlike the man in front of me, Eric doesn’t take his time. He’s not soft, he’s full of demands. His tongue pushes between my lips and claims me entirely. All I can do is suck his tongue and try to answer the soft strokes as he explores my mouth and takes everything he wants.He cups my breast in one big hand while the guy in front of me palms my ass.I’ve never felt hornier in my life. I moan and roll my hips on the other guy’s thigh, needing more of that delicious friction of his hard cock if we’re going to be keeping this up. They both feed me kisses, press me harder between their bodies, fight over my attention until I’m so high on the lust coursing through my body, I can’t get enough.I want all of them. The dress, their clothes, it’s all in the way.Eric tosses back the rest of my drink, then throws me over his shoulder. I gasp. “Hey!”“You’re coming with me, Celina,” Eric decides.“Don’t leave me out!” The other guy complains.He follows us and keeps playing with my hair. “You’re a naughty thing aren’t you?”“I want to be,” I say, even as my cross necklace hits me in the face.I lean forward and bite Eric’s ass through his jeans. He chuckles. “You’re playing a dangerous game, Celina. Be careful since you don’t know the rules.”I giggle and bite him again. He tosses me down in a bed and I see two other guys already in the room he brought me to. I don’t know them, but I don’t care. Eric is someone I can trust. He takes off his shirt and climbs on top of me, feeding me more of his hot, controlling, delicious kisses.“Celina,” he whispers against my lips, “I want you to meet my friends.”“Hi,” I say before pulling Eric back to me and stroking over his gorgeous body. His arms are so strong, so amazing.“James is the one you met on the dance floor,” Eric says while sitting back on his heels and pulling one of my feet over his shoulder to kiss up my calf.James kisses me hungrily, his hand slipping into the top of my dress to stroke the sensitive skin of my breast. A moan bubbles from my throat as his fingers close around my nipple, tugging and massaging until I can’t control my squirming.“Tuck and Aaron are both here in the room,” Eric continues.I look over and see both of the other guys watching. Eric nips the inside of my knee. “Do you want them to kiss you too? To touch your gorgeous body?”“Maybe,” I say before licking my lips.Eric chuckles. “Looks like you two are on the sidelines for the start.”“Boo,” One of them says.“Shut it, Tuck, enjoy the show,” the other one, with thick blonde hair, says sharply.Eric and James pull the whole mattress off the bed and to the middle of the floor. I stretch out, enjoying the envious looks of the guys as the skirt of my dress rides up. Eric’s face blushes despite the hunger in his gaze.“I don’t think she needs underwear, what about you, James?” Eric asks.“Seems like a waste to me,” he agrees.“Please,” I tug at my own soaking panties. “Off?”“What a good girl,” Eric pulls me closer to him and spreads my legs. “You want these panties off?”“Yes,” I whimper, feeling exposed as he stretches my legs wide so everyone can see exactly how wet my cotton panties are.“So wet already,” Eric croons. “Is your cunt aching to be filled?”“Yes!” I whine. “Please, I want you to fill me!”Eric and James slide my underwear off and I start fighting my dress. Tuck, the one with black hair and dark eyes slowly guides my dress up until it’s only covering my breasts. He kisses me slowly, only breaking the kiss to finish removing my dress.I moan as the cool air hits my skin and tightens my nipples into hard, needy peaks. Tuck takes care of that, sucking one nipple into his mouth while massaging my other breast. I moan as his tongue swirls and flicks over my nipple.As if that’s not enough, I see James lower his body between my legs. He kisses across my thigh and Eric smiles. “He’s going to make sure you’re all ready for us, Celina. We don’t want you hurting.”“Please!” I beg even as my fingers wind into Tuck’s hair. “I want, ”“I know you want plenty” Eric croons. “We’re going to take our time and do it right. Especially if you want all of us.”I nod and he strokes through my hair. I whimper and lift my hips when James licks over my clitoris.Eric grins. “You like that?”“Yes, so much!” I groan.James does it again and again, using his tongue in ways that have me dizzy. He moans and sucks the same spot, making my toes curl in the stupid shoes I still have on. Eric unzips his jeans in front of me.“You wanted to bite my ass, can you be a good girl and settle for sucking?” He asks.I eye his gorgeous big cock and nod as I lick my lips. “Yes. Please!”He grins and slowly eases into my mouth. He whispers instructions, “lick and suck.That’s right. Use your tongue. Fuck, your mouth is so tight, so hot and wet. You’re perfect, Celina. You’ve been hiding so much.”I moan and take him deeper, wanting to fit as much as possible in my mouth. I like how full he makes me feel, how powerful I feel as he fills my throat again and again. It’s wonderful, and I just want more.“Slowly. I don’t want to cum without fucking you. I’m your warm-up, Celina,” Eric purrs.I get him to the point where he’s shaking, but then I can’t hold back. My back arches and I moan. James’ tongue demands my attention as he sucks and licks at the same time, just like Eric told me to do.I gasp and grip his hair tighter and nearly scratch Tuck’s scalp as I try to find something to hold onto.Eric strokes through my hair. “Come, sweetheart. Just let go and enjoy it.”I whimper, but when Tuck’s teeth graze my nipple, I burst. My eyes flutter shut as pleasure shoots through me. I try to close my legs, try to wiggle away from the overwhelming feeling, but I’m locked between these three men with nowhere to go.I come down from the high and see them switching positions. Eric holds my leg up and groans. “Such a pretty cunt. I think you want something inside it, don’t you, Celina?”“Yes,” I say in a hoarse voice.“Good girl. Take Tuck in your mouth and I’ll finger you,” he barters.I do exactly as I’m told. Tuck thrusts into my mouth, so I get to take him even deeper than Eric. Even when I start to gag, I just pull him closer. My eyes roll back as Eric eases two fingers into my cunt.I know I can take more thanks to the toy I’ve been using – the one Millie bought me as a joke. What I don’t expect is something wet against my ass. I start to pull away from Tuck, but he holds my chin.There’s a First For Everything,“Aaron likes eating ass. Is that okay?” he asks.I nod weakly. My legs are shaking. His tongue, Eric’s fingers, Tuck’s cock filling my throat. A hand cups my other breast, pinching and teasing my nipple. There’s James. It’s all too much and not enough at the same time.I cum again as Eric fingers me hard and fast. Tuck’s legs shake and I suck harder, determined to pull him down with me. He groans and rasps, “you want my cum, baby?”I nod and grab his ass, jerking him further down my throat just as Aaron slides a finger into my ass. Tuck and I come apart together. He fills my mouth with cum as my whole body tightens and lightning bolts of ecstasy shoot through me.Tuck chuckles softly and pets my hair after I swallow. “Such a good girl. Where have you been hiding?”“In her dorm all this time,” Eric says before pulling on a condom. “You belong right here, don’t you Celina?”“More?” I ask.The guys chuckle, then I hear another condom being put on. Tuck sits on his bed,watching with hungry, eager eyes. James helps me onto my knees. Eric lifts me onto his lap until his cock nudges my cunt.“Can you take me?”I nod. “You’re only a little bigger than my toy.”“What about Aaron in your ass?”I look back at him and nod slowly, but face Eric. “You first.”“Yes, sweetheart. Me first.”He slowly guides me down his cock. I thought he was only a little bigger than my toy, but he feels a million times better. I grip his shoulders hard, whimpering as I take every inch. He helps me move up and down, his hands on my hips firmly. He kisses me softly, whispers encouragements, then settles for kissing my throat.I feel Aaron nudging my ass with his cock, then something wet and slippery coats that back hole and my crack. I can’t look since James offers me his cock, tapping it against my lips.I open for him and moan as he fills me. He runs his fingers through my hair as Aaron kisses across my shoulder.“You’re such a good girl, taking all of us. Such a treasure,” he purrs.Already, my toes are curling. I love feeling this full of them. I love feeling this used, this valued. When Aaron slowly eases into my ass, I feel the pressure, the little pricks of pain, all of it, it feels so good. “Holy fuck give it to me harder” I yell.Eric increases the pace and rubs my clit while James keeps nodding and telling me how well I take his cock. By the time I realize I’m hurting, Aaron is already completely inside of me.I gasp and James pulls out of my mouth. “How does that feel?”“Do you want us to stop?” Eric asks seriously.“No, don’t stop. Don’t ever stop. So good,” I moan as cum drips down my lips, my head hitting Eric’s shoulder.When he and Aaron move, I nearly scream as I come apart. It’s too intense, too overwhelming. My thighs are all slick with my own wetness and I feel dirty in the best way. I lean towards James once the orgasm passes and take him deep in my throat.I can’t get enough of them. The way they grunt and groan around me, the compliments they give me, how they restrain themselves so I don’t get hurt. James comes first, filling my mouth again until I have to swallow twice to get it all down.Then Eric and Aaron nod. They take everything up a notch. Instead of moving together like they were, they find a pace that’s opposite of each other. I can’t catch my breath, I can’t think straight, all I feel is pleasure like I could only dream about. I take whatever kisses I’m offered, I hold onto both men as they share me, I cum more times than I can count, until finally, they both finish with growls and sharp grunts.They slide out of me and I lay on the mattress, sore all over from this new experience, breathless, and overwhelmed.“Get showered,” Eric orders the other guys.They leave only once I have a blanket over me. Eric pushes my hair from my face and chuckles at whatever expression I have on.“You’re a treasure, Celina,” he whispers in my ear before kissing me slowly. I smile and he chuckles. “There you are.”“I want more,” I stroke down his chest. “I want to feel that good always.”“I’m more than happy to make you feel that good again, but right now, you need to rest.You’re already going to be sore,” he kisses my forehead.After a few minutes, he manages to sneak me into a bathroom and helps me scrub down in the shower stall without getting my hair or face wet. Once I’m dry and dressed, he leads me back downstairs with a wicked glint in his eyes.We’re keeping a secret from his sister, I know that. He dances with me again, gets me another drink, and doesn’t hesitate to grab my ass whenever he wants. I realize I left my underwear in his room, but I can’t make myself care about that either.I’m sure Millie won’t like me dancing with her brother. I’m sure my best friend won’t be happy that her brother and his friends took a whole lot of my firsts today, but all I can think about is when I can have them again. When I can have anyone again like that.Eric pulls me back against him. “I ruined your sweetness, didn’t I?”“No,” I stroke down his chest and grin. “You just made me a whole lot greedier for things I didn’t even know were possible.”He kisses me quickly. “Anytime you want fun, you know where to come.”“Your room?”“Sure, I’ll make you come there, the bathroom, your room, the library, there’s a list of places. I’m a very kinky guy like that” he chuckles.I smile and twist under his arm. Why the hell did I wait so long to take what I want, especially when it means having this kind of pleasure and this kind of fun?By CelinasFantasy

Raise your hand if you're sweating! This week John Anthony offers up a hot and steamy tale that takes place in a sauna somewhere in North America. With respect to his boyfriends' (yes, plural) privacy, an exact location cannot be stated at this time. What we can say is that it happened in the middle of the night and that, because of this story, the special word of this episode is "tugging". We hope you'll tune in to find out why. Andrea reveals the SICKEST and dirtiest thing about her ex and your two hosts chat the politics of being nude. They determine that there are you friends and then there are your friends you feel comfortable seeing naked. Janth and Dre also chat fucking at parties, fucking in bathrooms, fucking in outdoor dining patio thingys...sorry. They also provide their two cents on two movies--"Saltburn" and "May December." Spoilers are abound. You've been warned!

I'm sorry, he pulled what? Out of whom? Well now this is a whole new problem we have to try and deal with, on top of everything else we've got going on. Let's see where this goes, shall we? As always, you can find us on Twitter (@inspired_incomp) and on Facebook to follow along with our exploits, you can shoot us an email at InspiredIncompetence@gmail.com if you're so inclined. You can find out more about us at InspiredIncompetence.com and join our Discord server from the link at the bottom, where we are always around to chat with our fans (or whoever wants to chat, we're not picky). Lastly, if you're enjoying the show, we humbly ask that you consider supporting us on Patreon to let us know that our efforts are not in vain. Thanks everyone, and enjoy the show!

Missionary Girl Finds Expression in Her Sexuality at CollegeBy CelinasFantasy Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories.As I sit in class with the sixty or so other students, the lecture fades away. There’s just Dr. Smith as he lays out the scenario to teach us about social inequality. He comes closer to my desk and his passionate blue eyes fall on me. Couldn’t he just lean a little closer, drop that pen he always uses to teach with, that he clicks to make a point, and then get on his knees right in front of me? I bet the stubble on his sharp jaw would feel great against my calf. Then he’d just happen to notice that I don’t have anything on under my skirt. He’d have the class do something, then stroke up my legs, kiss and lick up my thighs, hold me in place and tell me to be quiet so he can give me a ‘private lesson’.Just like any other day in class, he’d be completely in control while I’d be struggling to stay quiet and fighting my blush so no one notices anything is a miss as he slowly licks and kisses up to my cunt, I squeeze my legs together tightly and try to focus on my notes. Getting distracted by another fantasy about Dr. Smith isn’t going to help me get my degree, even if I think it’s a better way to spend class time, study time, and those nights where my roommate is with her boyfriend.His eyes flick to me and I answer his question, “It’s the institutionalized racism that sets the groundwork for such practices and methods of thinking to continue without change. It’s easier to change minds than to dismantle an entire set of laws, communities, and address the history they’re founded on.”“Very good, Celina,” he appraises with a smile.My own answers right away and I dip my head to try to keep it focused through the rest of class. Just thirty minutes left and I’ll be free of the torture of watching Dr. Smith, trying to focus, and fighting the growing lust that keeps filling me. I reach for my cross necklace, trying to pull myself back into place. What would my mother think of me getting distracted by an older man after getting home from a mission trip!She always says I’m the best daughter she could ask for. She tells her friends I have a good head on my shoulder, that I’m going to do great things in the world someday and that I’m living just like a good Mormon girl should.I always took that as a compliment, until I realized I’m one of the only virgins in my dorm. I’m definitely the oldest virgin in the dorm. Twenty years old and I’m the only one who’s never had sex.The thought makes me blush.A part of me just wants to get it over with. I’ve heard it’s painful the first time, but after that it’s magical and wonderful.Tugging on the cross again and feeling the chain bite into the back of my neck banishes the thought.It’s a miracle I make it through class without embarrassing myself by answering a question wrong or voicing exactly what I’m thinking. Of course, Dr. Smith asks me to 'hang back’ after class.When the others leave he hands me something. I stare at the paper. “You want me to be your teacher’s assistant this year?”“You know what you’re doing in every sociology class, Celina. I know you said you want to be a social worker and that’s great, but I want you to be a teacher’s assistant for me so you can see all the options. You could go into law and really defend people. You could teach, you could be a researcher, and become one of the people I teach about. Plus, being a teacher’s assistant looks great on resumes,” he winks at me.That one little move and the smile he gives me has me wetter than porn. I force the best and most innocent smile I can when I agree. I wave to him, “have a good weekend!” “You too, Celina! Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” he calls.I hear him chuckle and catch something I shouldn’t hear as it echoes down the hall, “that means you can pretty much do anything.”I blush again and quickly head across campus to my dorm. I get back to the dorm and flop on the lower bunk bed. Less than ten minutes later, my roommate, Millie comes in. She sits with me on my bed.“Happy first week of classes,” she says softly.“You too,” I sigh.“Still thinking about some guy you met in, where did you go again?” She nudges my leg.“I went to the Dominican Republic. I met plenty of people, but no guy,” I admit, playing with my necklace again. “I just didn’t want to go another year as the reigning champ of those ice breaker games.”“Aww, innocent little Celina being good for her parents,” Millie teases. “Come on. You’re twenty. You’re a whole adult! When are you going to start living the life you want instead of the one your mother has all laid out for you?”“She has connections,” I grumble.“To be a social worker? I’m pretty sure as long as you have a degree and you’re willing to show up they’ll take you. They’re so backlogged and overworked,” Millie huffs. “Anyway, working crazy hours and stressing about bills is right around the corner. Don’t you want to have some fun before then?”“I have, ” I can’t make myself say fun.Going on Mission trips used to be fun. I got to work hard, I got to help people. I got to travel. I didn’t always 'share the word of god’ because I wanted to learn everything about the people who were already there.Lately, though, I feel like there’s some leash on me that keeps getting tighter. My mom has been promising surprise visits, she’s told me she’s found some nice boys that might be an option for me someday. She’s planning out every bit of my life and my control just keeps slipping away.“Celina?” Millie nudges me.“I’ve never been to a frat party, you know?”“Oh, I know. And if you would have told me that you had, I wouldn’t have believed you,” she laughs.“We should change that,” I mumble.“Oh. My. God. I thought you’d never ask!” Millie squeals as she jumps up. She runs right to her closet and starts pulling things out. “You’re going to be such a fun Barbie to play with. No more long skirts and flowy tops that hide your curves.”“You haven’t seen my curves!”“Honey, when you get back from the shower you clutch your towel so tightly that I get jealous of that hourglass figure. Now we just have to dress you properly and you’re going to be all the guys can think of.”“Millie, don’t go crazy. There can’t be any pictures that tag me, there can’t be anything that my mom will see and-”“You’re being a normal college girl for once in your life! I’m so excited that I’m not going to let anything ruin it. If you like one party, then we’ll be able to go to more, and trust me, I want you there.”I laugh and she goes over the rules with me while making me try on a ton of different outfits. From skin-tight jeans that won’t button with my hips to skirts that are truly sinful. She finally hides me from the mirror with a bright smile while doing my makeup and hair.I’m stuffed in some little pink dress that feels amazing on my skin and at least covers my ass. It shows some cleavage, holds to my body until my hips, then flairs out just enough that I feel like I actually have clothes on.“What’s the top three rules, Celina?” She asks after coating my lips with something.“Don’t take drinks from anyone if they’re already open. Don’t go into a room with a bunch of guys alone. Always make sure I can see you,” I repeat.“That’s right. We’re going to the frats together, so we’re leaving together,” she says seriously.“You’re starting to scare me. It sounds dangerous,” I grumble.“Frat guys can be like starved animals and tonight you look like a perfect steak. They’re going to want to drag you back to their rooms and fuck you until you can’t stand it anymore. Trust me, that’s no way to lose your virginity,” She points mascara at me. “Now, try to keep your eyes still.”While she keeps working on my face and hair I think of that image. Multiple men fighting over me, wanting me, trying to claim me, and using every hole they can get. Even my back hole which I’ve seen in porn and, honestly, I enjoyed myself after taking off my cross and hoping God wouldn’t judge.That doesn’t sound terrible. Being wanted that badly that men are willing to share, being craved and taught so much in one night. Being offered everything,“You got quiet. Are you still going to go with me?” She asks.“Yes! I’m going. Trust me. I want to be there,” I assure with a smile.“You look like you’re going to be naughty. If that’s what you want, just tell me before you disappear into a room. I can vet the guys for you,” she says.“How?”“I’ve slept with some and my brother is at the frat we’re going to. He knows the guys who understand the word 'no’ and he’ll make sure we stay safe. The guys already know that if they so much as insult me, Eric will kick their asses to the moon and then they’ll get to explain why they can’t have sex for a week or two,” she laughs darkly.Finally, Millie lets me see my reflection.I feel brand new. I look like myself, only upgraded and I had no idea I was anything like this. I bounce a little and she hands me cut flats. “I’d say heels, but those take practice and we might be on our feet for hours, so we’re not doing that.”“Next time,” I agree.“I like the idea of next time, especially since you’re already so gung-ho about it!” She bounces while taking my hand.We walk to the frat houses and head to the largest one that has a crowd of people eagerly standing around. It’s barely dark out and already people are openly drinking on campus. There’s some odd-smelling smoke too.Millie rolls her eyes. “If someone offers you something to smoke, definitely say no.”“No need to worry about that,” I assure, wrinkling my nose.We head inside, using the door to the first floor where there’s two wide open sections. People are playing beer-pong, other games, and dancing. Millie mixes a drink, tells no less than three guys to fuck off, then hands me the red-solo cup.“Sip that. I mix strong drinks,” she warns.“Who’s your gorgeous friend, Mills?” A tall boy asks. He looks familiar but I can’t remember him.I take a full drink of what Millie made and sputter.She laughs. “I told you, Celina. Go slow.” She turns to the guy. “Ryan, you know my roommate.”“Holy shit. Look at you. Came out of the bible and looking good,” he drinks me in.Millie elbows him. “Are you still my boyfriend or are you shopping around?”“All yours, beautiful. You did a great job.” He kisses her neck and murmurs more compliments in her ear until she’s giggling and more than happy to kiss him.“Really Mills? In the kitchen? Take it up to Ryan’s room,” Eric, her older brother orders.I’ve met him more than her boyfriend and had a little too much eagerness to come today since finding out he and his girlfriend broke up. Eric is as gorgeous as Millie, plus he’s essentially a full wall of muscle.He’s the kind of guy a girl can only dream about with deep green eyes, tan skin, wild surfer-boy hair and enough meat on his frame to make any girl want to swoon just so he’d catch them in his arms.He looks me over slowly as he takes a long drink from a bottle of beer. “Well, you look nice, Celina.”“Thanks, it’s all Millie,” I mumble, feeling out of place now that Millie is actively making out with her boyfriend and lost to the rest of the world.Eric rounds the counter between us. “It’s not all Millie.”He offers me his hand and leads me to the dance floor. I stand on my toes as I notice how everyone else is dancing. I press myself against his chest after stumbling to try and reach his ear.“I don’t know how to dance like this.”“I’ll teach you,” he promises.He turns me around. “Take two big drinks.”I do that, hissing as the alcohol hits my tongue. After my third drink, he steals my cup from me and takes a drink for himself. Eric guides me back until my ass is cradled by his hips. “Just move with me, Celina. Let me guide it and stay pressed to me like glue.”I do what he says. It’s easier to let go than I figured it would be. Eric dances with me,rubs my hips until I feel all gooey inside, and controls my drinking so I’m never more than buzzed. I can appreciate the fun without worrying, but I’m not tripping over myself like some other girls.Another guy comes up and dances in front of me. Eric chuckles and puts my hand on the other guy’s shoulder.I giggle and stroke down his chest. He moves with me, slides his thigh between my legs so I’m grinding on him and I gasp at the rush of pleasure that pulses through my body in tune with the music.Two attractive men rubbing against me, hard and muscular, and, it’s so much better than fantasizing about a professor or getting papers done early just to watch Friends re-runs. I moan when the guy in front of me runs his fingers through my hair and guides my head back.“You want a kiss, baby?” he croons.I nod hopelessly as I eye his full lips. He kisses me slowly, drawing it out like he knows it’s my first time. I melt against him.Eric, unwilling to let me forget him, starts kissing across my neck in a way that sparks a fire low in my belly. I feel like I’m made of lava and the pressure just keeps building. I turn my head and Eric’s mouth fits mine.Unlike the man in front of me, Eric doesn’t take his time. He’s not soft, he’s full of demands. His tongue pushes between my lips and claims me entirely. All I can do is suck his tongue and try to answer the soft strokes as he explores my mouth and takes everything he wants.He cups my breast in one big hand while the guy in front of me palms my ass.I’ve never felt hornier in my life. I moan and roll my hips on the other guy’s thigh, needing more of that delicious friction of his hard cock if we’re going to be keeping this up. They both feed me kisses, press me harder between their bodies, fight over my attention until I’m so high on the lust coursing through my body, I can’t get enough.I want all of them. The dress, their clothes, it’s all in the way.Eric tosses back the rest of my drink, then throws me over his shoulder. I gasp. “Hey!”“You’re coming with me, Celina,” Eric decides.“Don’t leave me out!” The other guy complains.He follows us and keeps playing with my hair. “You’re a naughty thing aren’t you?”“I want to be,” I say, even as my cross necklace hits me in the face.I lean forward and bite Eric’s ass through his jeans. He chuckles. “You’re playing a dangerous game, Celina. Be careful since you don’t know the rules.”I giggle and bite him again. He tosses me down in a bed and I see two other guys already in the room he brought me to. I don’t know them, but I don’t care. Eric is someone I can trust. He takes off his shirt and climbs on top of me, feeding me more of his hot, controlling, delicious kisses.“Celina,” he whispers against my lips, “I want you to meet my friends.”“Hi,” I say before pulling Eric back to me and stroking over his gorgeous body. His arms are so strong, so amazing.“James is the one you met on the dance floor,” Eric says while sitting back on his heels and pulling one of my feet over his shoulder to kiss up my calf.James kisses me hungrily, his hand slipping into the top of my dress to stroke the sensitive skin of my breast. A moan bubbles from my throat as his fingers close around my nipple, tugging and massaging until I can’t control my squirming.“Tuck and Aaron are both here in the room,” Eric continues.I look over and see both of the other guys watching. Eric nips the inside of my knee. “Do you want them to kiss you too? To touch your gorgeous body?”“Maybe,” I say before licking my lips.Eric chuckles. “Looks like you two are on the sidelines for the start.”“Boo,” One of them says.“Shut it, Tuck, enjoy the show,” the other one, with thick blonde hair, says sharply.Eric and James pull the whole mattress off the bed and to the middle of the floor. I stretch out, enjoying the envious looks of the guys as the skirt of my dress rides up. Eric’s face blushes despite the hunger in his gaze.“I don’t think she needs underwear, what about you, James?” Eric asks.“Seems like a waste to me,” he agrees.“Please,” I tug at my own soaking panties. “Off?”“What a good girl,” Eric pulls me closer to him and spreads my legs. “You want these panties off?”“Yes,” I whimper, feeling exposed as he stretches my legs wide so everyone can see exactly how wet my cotton panties are.“So wet already,” Eric croons. “Is your cunt aching to be filled?”“Yes!” I whine. “Please, I want you to fill me!”Eric and James slide my underwear off and I start fighting my dress. Tuck, the one with black hair and dark eyes slowly guides my dress up until it’s only covering my breasts. He kisses me slowly, only breaking the kiss to finish removing my dress.I moan as the cool air hits my skin and tightens my nipples into hard, needy peaks. Tuck takes care of that, sucking one nipple into his mouth while massaging my other breast. I moan as his tongue swirls and flicks over my nipple.As if that’s not enough, I see James lower his body between my legs. He kisses across my thigh and Eric smiles. “He’s going to make sure you’re all ready for us, Celina. We don’t want you hurting.”“Please!” I beg even as my fingers wind into Tuck’s hair. “I want, ”“I know you want plenty” Eric croons. “We’re going to take our time and do it right. Especially if you want all of us.”I nod and he strokes through my hair. I whimper and lift my hips when James licks over my clitoris.Eric grins. “You like that?”“Yes, so much!” I groan.James does it again and again, using his tongue in ways that have me dizzy. He moans and sucks the same spot, making my toes curl in the stupid shoes I still have on. Eric unzips his jeans in front of me.“You wanted to bite my ass, can you be a good girl and settle for sucking?” He asks.I eye his gorgeous big cock and nod as I lick my lips. “Yes. Please!”He grins and slowly eases into my mouth. He whispers instructions, “lick and suck.That’s right. Use your tongue. Fuck, your mouth is so tight, so hot and wet. You’re perfect, Celina. You’ve been hiding so much.”I moan and take him deeper, wanting to fit as much as possible in my mouth. I like how full he makes me feel, how powerful I feel as he fills my throat again and again. It’s wonderful, and I just want more.“Slowly. I don’t want to cum without fucking you. I’m your warm-up, Celina,” Eric purrs.I get him to the point where he’s shaking, but then I can’t hold back. My back arches and I moan. James’ tongue demands my attention as he sucks and licks at the same time, just like Eric told me to do.I gasp and grip his hair tighter and nearly scratch Tuck’s scalp as I try to find something to hold onto.Eric strokes through my hair. “Come, sweetheart. Just let go and enjoy it.”I whimper, but when Tuck’s teeth graze my nipple, I burst. My eyes flutter shut as pleasure shoots through me. I try to close my legs, try to wiggle away from the overwhelming feeling, but I’m locked between these three men with nowhere to go.I come down from the high and see them switching positions. Eric holds my leg up and groans. “Such a pretty cunt. I think you want something inside it, don’t you, Celina?”“Yes,” I say in a hoarse voice.“Good girl. Take Tuck in your mouth and I’ll finger you,” he barters.I do exactly as I’m told. Tuck thrusts into my mouth, so I get to take him even deeper than Eric. Even when I start to gag, I just pull him closer. My eyes roll back as Eric eases two fingers into my cunt.I know I can take more thanks to the toy I’ve been using – the one Millie bought me as a joke. What I don’t expect is something wet against my ass. I start to pull away from Tuck, but he holds my chin.There’s a First For Everything,“Aaron likes eating ass. Is that okay?” he asks.I nod weakly. My legs are shaking. His tongue, Eric’s fingers, Tuck’s cock filling my throat. A hand cups my other breast, pinching and teasing my nipple. There’s James. It’s all too much and not enough at the same time.I cum again as Eric fingers me hard and fast. Tuck’s legs shake and I suck harder, determined to pull him down with me. He groans and rasps, “you want my cum, baby?”I nod and grab his ass, jerking him further down my throat just as Aaron slides a finger into my ass. Tuck and I come apart together. He fills my mouth with cum as my whole body tightens and lightning bolts of ecstasy shoot through me.Tuck chuckles softly and pets my hair after I swallow. “Such a good girl. Where have you been hiding?”“In her dorm all this time,” Eric says before pulling on a condom. “You belong right here, don’t you Celina?”“More?” I ask.The guys chuckle, then I hear another condom being put on. Tuck sits on his bed,watching with hungry, eager eyes. James helps me onto my knees. Eric lifts me onto his lap until his cock nudges my cunt.“Can you take me?”I nod. “You’re only a little bigger than my toy.”“What about Aaron in your ass?”I look back at him and nod slowly, but face Eric. “You first.”“Yes, sweetheart. Me first.”He slowly guides me down his cock. I thought he was only a little bigger than my toy, but he feels a million times better. I grip his shoulders hard, whimpering as I take every inch. He helps me move up and down, his hands on my hips firmly. He kisses me softly, whispers encouragements, then settles for kissing my throat.I feel Aaron nudging my ass with his cock, then something wet and slippery coats that back hole and my crack. I can’t look since James offers me his cock, tapping it against my lips.I open for him and moan as he fills me. He runs his fingers through my hair as Aaron kisses across my shoulder.“You’re such a good girl, taking all of us. Such a treasure,” he purrs.Already, my toes are curling. I love feeling this full of them. I love feeling this used, this valued. When Aaron slowly eases into my ass, I feel the pressure, the little pricks of pain, all of it, it feels so good. “Holy fuck give it to me harder” I yell.Eric increases the pace and rubs my clit while James keeps nodding and telling me how well I take his cock. By the time I realize I’m hurting, Aaron is already completely inside of me.I gasp and James pulls out of my mouth. “How does that feel?”“Do you want us to stop?” Eric asks seriously.“No, don’t stop. Don’t ever stop. So good,” I moan as cum drips down my lips, my head hitting Eric’s shoulder.When he and Aaron move, I nearly scream as I come apart. It’s too intense, too overwhelming. My thighs are all slick with my own wetness and I feel dirty in the best way. I lean towards James once the orgasm passes and take him deep in my throat.I can’t get enough of them. The way they grunt and groan around me, the compliments they give me, how they restrain themselves so I don’t get hurt. James comes first, filling my mouth again until I have to swallow twice to get it all down.Then Eric and Aaron nod. They take everything up a notch. Instead of moving together like they were, they find a pace that’s opposite of each other. I can’t catch my breath, I can’t think straight, all I feel is pleasure like I could only dream about. I take whatever kisses I’m offered, I hold onto both men as they share me, I cum more times than I can count, until finally, they both finish with growls and sharp grunts.They slide out of me and I lay on the mattress, sore all over from this new experience, breathless, and overwhelmed.“Get showered,” Eric orders the other guys.They leave only once I have a blanket over me. Eric pushes my hair from my face and chuckles at whatever expression I have on.“You’re a treasure, Celina,” he whispers in my ear before kissing me slowly. I smile and he chuckles. “There you are.”“I want more,” I stroke down his chest. “I want to feel that good always.”“I’m more than happy to make you feel that good again, but right now, you need to rest.You’re already going to be sore,” he kisses my forehead.After a few minutes, he manages to sneak me into a bathroom and helps me scrub down in the shower stall without getting my hair or face wet. Once I’m dry and dressed, he leads me back downstairs with a wicked glint in his eyes.We’re keeping a secret from his sister, I know that. He dances with me again, gets me another drink, and doesn’t hesitate to grab my ass whenever he wants. I realize I left my underwear in his room, but I can’t make myself care about that either.I’m sure Millie won’t like me dancing with her brother. I’m sure my best friend won’t be happy that her brother and his friends took a whole lot of my firsts today, but all I can think about is when I can have them again. When I can have anyone again like that.Eric pulls me back against him. “I ruined your sweetness, didn’t I?”“No,” I stroke down his chest and grin. “You just made me a whole lot greedier for things I didn’t even know were possible.”He kisses me quickly. “Anytime you want fun, you know where to come.”“Your room?”“Sure, I’ll make you come there, the bathroom, your room, the library, there’s a list of places. I’m a very kinky guy like that” he chuckles.I smile and twist under his arm. Why the hell did I wait so long to take what I want, especially when it means having this kind of pleasure and this kind of fun?By CelinasFantasy

Paul Weinfield (Spotify, webpage) musician, coach, teacher and more. Paul wrote a text about the heroes journey that grabbed Amit. This is a wonderful conversation about things like surrender, growth, truth, what it means to be human. But not in a high flying, abstract way, this is tangible, close and personal. Check the links if you're curious about Paul's work. Enjoy the conversation! Host: Amit Paul

We welcome back a couple of hilarious repeat offenders to the table and this might just be the show that ends it all... Cheers to all our supporters for how far we've gone. We hope you enjoy!

Tina Williams Brewer weaves ideas related to African diasporic history, spirituality, migration, and shared heritage into vibrant, hand-stitched quilts. Today's episode explores her exhibition Tina Williams Brewer: Stories of Grace. Ray sits down with exhibition curator Michael Neumeister to talk about creating this exhibition and what makes Brewer's work stand out among quilters today. Later, producer Drew chats with the artist to learn about why gathering community lore is so important to her process.

Crumbs, jingo and flippery! It's Dad's army, and he's only gorn and bladdy locked some time travellers in a hut! This week Jamie is joined by Nic Whitton and James Charnok in escaping Mike's frightfully patriotic take on the Home Guard, Britain's finest armed militia. There's a lot of assets in this episode, you'll find all of the visual ones below:

Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Tuesday June 6, 2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Tuesday June 6, 2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeff Depatie is is a former JTF2 Combat Sniper and is currently the Chief Course Architect of The Special Forces Experience.As a former tier 1 special forces soldier, he has refocused his form of service to dedicate his life to exploring the problem of PTSD and how we can turn life's adversities into opportunities for new life and personal growth. Help us fight censorship! Get immediate access to exclusive and censorship free content by donation or free by becoming a member here

On today's 4-7-23 Friday show: Another edition of "Chidi's Tweets", people are now adding parmesan cheese to their espresso martinis, a man dubbed the "Croc King" says he has more than 2 thousand pairs of Crocs, Graham proclaims that Peeps are the most overrated holiday candy of all time, a couple married 10 years with 3 kids discovers they are cousins, Diddy has to pay Sting 5k a day forever for sampling his song without permission, climate change is causing more homeruns in baseball, and so much more!

Join me & Mr. Anonymous Poltically Incorrect as we discuss masturbation & self pleasure  ____________________________________________________ FIND MY SOCIAL MEDIA: INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/thepumpumchroniclespod https://instagram.com/badass_jones_ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/TPPChronicles https://twitter.com/badass_jones_  YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS3sJxBSPSDNnSecLqVUb9A EMAIL: thepumpumchronicles@gmail.com CALL-IN LINE: (320) 270-1086 STREAMING PLATFORMS: https://pod.link/1480074196 Background Beats: Tallaz519 - tallaz59teen@gmail.com ___________________________________________________ OUTRO: HELLO STRANGER - BARBARA LEWIS

Ryan takes a deep dive with his opinions with rescues, sanctuaries, and aligning with just anyone as a content creator. Find Ryan on Tiktok @JRyanChastain Instagram @J_Ryan_Chastain Podcast Instagram @Behind_The_Horses_Eyes Email us @ HorsesEyesPodcast@gmail.com Check out the other shows on the The Illiterate Podcast Network https://illiteratepodcastnetwork.com/ Support The Appalachian Legacy Initiative https://www.facebook.com/AppalachianLegacy/ Get a free audio book on me! www.audibletrial.com/Jryan www.herd-of-zebras.com and use the code JRyan for 10% off! Get all your Horse Daddy merch! https://mediocre-horseman-store.creator-spring.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/horseseyes/support

Tugging along to another song by The Chads. (Song Facts music, "Secret Passages" from Hooksounds.) https://www.patreon.com/ELOPod Or check or money order to... P.O. Box 1932 Superior, AZ 85173.

Featured guests are Chrystal  & Relic from ANOXIASpecial Guest host: Tommy SinbazoThis week:We get into the Black Abbey Maryland Urban LegendWe talk to Chrystal and Relic about Anoxia Instead of the The Black Phone what if it's Black I Phones? The E True Hollywood Story: Sesame StreetThe Tug TonerOH The HumanityWTF Is That Food by Ray C HawkingsAnd more!www.thehhpod.comwww.YouTube.com/happyhourtvmd

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Join Premium! Ready for an ad-free meditation experience? Join Premium now and get every episode from ALL of our podcasts completely ad-free now! Just a few clicks makes it easy for you to listen on your favorite podcast player.  Become a PREMIUM member today by going to --> https://WomensMeditationNetwork.com/premium All those discomforts, Rumbling around inside. All those fears, Emerging from the deep. All those details, Whirling and twisting. Let them resolve, Let them dissolve.  All those unknowns, That are haunting you. All those worries, Weighing you down. All those insecurities, Tugging at your heart. Let them resolve, Let them dissolve. JOURNAL PROMPTS: What do you want to resolve and dissolve? Why? Did any insights come up during your meditation?    

Recognize idols in life. Points: What's in Your Temple? (Ezek. 8:3b-4,10) Do We Think God Is Unaware? (Ezek. 8:11-12) What's So Wrong with Idols? (Ezek.…

Jon chats with Emmy award winning television host and journalist Samantha Harris! You've seen her on "Dancing With The Stars", "Entertainment Tonight", and currently every weekday afternoon on the GSN network game show "Tug Of Words"!

On Episode 496, Ross Bolen and Jared Borislow share the best questions to ask on a first date, learn about one of the canine heroes of 9/11, and discuss an insane headline from the gaming world. Then it's time for “Trash or Not Trash,” a social media check in, and more! Get ad-free Friday episodes and additional bonus content exclusively on Patreon.com/RossBolenPodcast. Support our sponsors: Talkspace: Talkspace.com Code: RBP ($100 off your first month) Birddogs: Birddogs.com Code: ROSS (Free dad hat) MeUndies: MeUndies.com/RBP (15% off first order) MyBookie: MyBookie.ag Code: RBP Presented by Bolen Media: BolenMedia.com