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Entering the 2024 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers cornerback room could be seen as among the most volatile on the roster. Why? Well, the health concerns of former first round pick Jaycee Horn has a lot to do with the position groups outlook heading into the draft. Undoubtedly,  Horn is a phenomenal player when he's on the field. The problem is Horn has missed 29 of the first 51 games of his NFL career, calling into question is future with the team past 2024. How will Horn's health issues impact the Panthers plans in the draft next week?Whether Horn is able to stay healthy or not, the Panthers need to find long-term options in the CB room. The best way to do that is by identifying a talent in the draft. While that's clearly a need for the team, that's not the only need the Panthers have heading into the draft. Will the Panthers prioritize selecting a starting caliber CB over other needs on the team?During Scott Fitterer's tenure as the Panthers GM, it appeared that the Panthers leaned heavy on players traits when evaluating the draft. Now with Dan Morgan at the helm, will the Panthers keep that same philosophy or will the organization focus more on college production for players they're scouting?Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Monopoly GO!Get in the game and join your friends. Download MONOPOLY GO! now free on The App Store or Google Pay. The mobile hit twist on classic MONOPOLY.Yahoo FinanceFor comprehensive financial news and analysis, visit the brand behind every great investor, YahooFinance.com.eBay MotorsFor parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit at eBayMotos.com. Let's ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.LinkedInLinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONNFL. Terms and conditions apply.BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDON today to get 10% off your first month.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNFL for $20 off your first purchase.FanDuelFanDuel, America's Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning GUARENTEED That's A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – win or lose! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to get started.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Did you ever think about what kind of impression you make on people? We create these impressions through our communications with others. Basically, we communicate in three ways: verbally, the words we speak; vocally, the tone of our voice; and non-verbally, our body language, facial expressions, etc. Frequently we don't even realize that what we're doing is causing poor or negative impressions. As Christians working in a world that needs to know Christ, we should make the best impression we can. We are, after all, ambassadors for Jesus Christ; we represent him to our world. Since we are perceived by others by the way we communicate with them—including our verbal, vocal and non-verbal communications—don't you think we should be intentional about improving in all those areas, so that we put “our best foot forward,” so to speak? Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 8:21: For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men. Taking pains to do what is right—that's a good way to put it, because it really does take effort and concentration to do what is right sometimes. So, let's talk about these three areas of communications and perhaps give you some ideas about how you can improve—take a few extra pains to do what is right—so that you are making the best impression you can. Verbal Skills Verbal communication is our choice of words. You've probably heard the jingle that says, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Well, don't believe it. Words can and do hurt very much. Many times, people react not to the message we have given them, but rather to the way we gave the message. Think of how often someone has given you some work to do, but she didn't ask in a nice way; no please or thank you. She just demanded you do it and showed no consideration for what you were doing already. If you think about it, you probably reacted very poorly not because you didn't want to do the work, but simply because she didn't ask in a nice or considerate way. The Bible tells us that: Sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness (Proverbs 16:21 ESV). If we choose our words carefully, not only will it be good for the other person, but we'll discover that we are more persuasive and effective in reaching people. Watch out for phrases like It's not my fault. It's not my job. That's not a good idea. You can't do that. You'll have to wait until tomorrow. That's so stupid. That's a dumb idea. Remember that you don't like to be told what to do; you don't like to be talked down to in a condescending way; you don't like to be scolded or humiliated or made fun of. So, be careful not to use words that sound demanding, condescending or humiliating to others. In a meeting one woman was expressing a concern for her parents, and without thinking, another person told her what to do, in a very direct, dictatorial way. I know this person meant very well; she was really trying to help. But the way she communicated, both in her choice of words and the dictatorial tone of her voice, just brought a cold blanket over the whole meeting. Try your best to avoid sounding like a dictator. Put your instructions in the form of a question; it works beautifully. Instead of "You'll have to call back later," say instead, "Could I ask you to call back later?” Slight change of words but what a difference it makes. Remember, no one likes to be told what to do, so ask instead. Be especially careful about your choice of words when you have to give someone bad news. Undoubtedly there are times on your job and otherwise when you are required to tell people something they really don't want to hear. When you have bad news, at least soften the blow. Proverbs 16:24 says: Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. If you'll soften the blow, they'll handle the bad news better. Proverbs 25:11 tells us that: Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a ruling r...

On this Tuesday edition of The Morning Shift, Tiffany Blackmon, Mike Johnson and Beau Morgan kick off the show by recapping what they did yesterday, including how they enjoyed their April Fools Day Shows. Next, The Morning Shift crew continues the opening hour by reacting to the women's NCAA Tournament Elite 8 games last night between Iowa and LSU and UConn and USC. Tiffany, Mike, and Beau also discuss whether or not Caitlin Clark is a generational talent. Finally, Tiffany, Mike and Beau close out the opening hour by reacting to the Atlanta Hawks taking down the Chicago Bulls last night in Chicago 113-101 thanks to a career night from Vít Krejčí Then, Tiffany, Mike, and Beau close out the segment by diving into the life of Tiffany Blackmon in TB's Timeout! On this edition of TB's Timeout, Tiffany talks about how her friends ratted her out to her other friend that Tiffany talked about on the radio for splitting their dinner bill even though he got a more expensive meal than everyone else. Tiffany, Mike and Beau also debate whether or not Tiffany is an influencer.

Luke 24:1-12 The resurrection is truly unique in its nature. Undoubtedly you've never seen someone rise from the dead. Death doesn't seem very hopeful when we look at the cross. However, when we arrive at the empty tomb we find true and lasting hope. So, how does the resurrection change our lives? And how does it bring hope? Listen this week as we celebrate the resurrection of our Savior for a special Easter message.

Mpho Pholo (37mph) on Life, Faith & Music Mpho Pholo, known to many in the industry as 37mph, is an award-winning and highly skilled music composer, producer, music director and performer from South Africa. Undoubtedly one of the most accomplished and talented producers and musicians of our time, 37mph has been a returning music producer and director on Africa's biggest music shows.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Psalm 88:1-8 Transition in church should not be common, but it is inevitable. And when transition does happen, we should be sad AND extremely hopeful. SADNESS, JOY, LOVE, ANGER, FEAR, SURPRISEIntroduction to the Psalms and Sadness16 All scripture is inspired by God…2 Timothy 3:16aChristian writers throughout history have insisted that the only way we can come to understand the Psalms is by praying them and by using them in ways that allow them to shape us. This involves a conscious choice that contradicts common habits. It means that instead of working on the text, we let the text work on us. It means reading formationally rather than informationally, which is the habit we bring to reports, newspapers, textbooks, and most of the reading we do. It means embracing the text rather than holding it at arm's length. It means being vulnerable to hear how God might address us through the text rather than managing the text to serve our curiosity and need to control. Howard R. MacyZamar [psalm]: to make music, to touch strings or parts of a musical instrument; to hum or murmur.Undoubtedly they [the psalms] were simple read or chanted without any accompaniment, but indications are that their performance was at times replete with musical instruments, choir, and dance.Life With God Study Bible“The Bible in miniature.”Martin LutherEven my close friend in whom I trusted,    who ate of my bread, has lifted the heel against me.Psalm 41:98 He it was who struck down the firstborn of Egypt,    both humans and animals;9 he sent signs and wonders    into your midst, O Egypt,    against Pharaoh and all his servants.Psalm 135:8-91 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?    Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning?2 O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer;    and by night but find no rest.Psalm 22:1-2The Book of Psalms is fuel for Praise and PrayerPraise and prayer - these two spiritual practices articulate our most fundamental relationship to God. The Psalter expresses, with more immediacy and completeness than any other part of the Bible, how the people of God are formed spiritually.Richard J. Foster The Psalms are not meant to make us smart, they're meant to help us feel.13 After the men who were carrying the Ark of the Lord had gone six steps, David sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf. 14 And David danced before the Lord with all his might, wearing a priestly garment.[f] 15 So David and all the people of Israel brought up the Ark of the Lord with shouts of joy and the blowing of rams' horns.16 But as the Ark of the Lord entered the City of David, Michal, the daughter of Saul, looked down from her window. When she saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she was filled with contempt for him.20 When David returned home to bless his own family, Michal, the daughter of Saul, came out to meet him. She said in disgust, “How distinguished the king of Israel looked today, shamelessly exposing himself to the servant girls like any vulgar person might do!”21 David retorted to Michal, “I was dancing before the Lord, who chose me above your father and all his family! He appointed me as the leader of Israel, the people of the Lord, so I celebrate before the Lord. 22 Yes, and I am willing to look even more foolish than this, even to be humiliated in my own eyes! 2 Samuel 6:13-22Frankly, there is no such thing as purely inward religion. That would defy the reality of our embodied selves and the significance of the body and behavior in our godly formRichard J. FosterThe Book of Psalms is fuel for Praise and Prayer & The Psalms are not meant to make us smart, they're meant to help us feel.YOU CAN BE SAD AND STILL TRUST IN GOD.Sadness, depression, disappointment, dismay, hurt, grief, guilt, loneliness, neglect, regret, remorse, shame, sorrow, and sympathy.He was despised and rejected by men,    a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief;and as one from whom men hide their faces    he was despised, and we esteemed him not.Isaiah 53:3The Psalms are not a license to be sad all of the time, they are an encouragement to deal with our sadnessAllow the spirit to grow us in how we experience sadness11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways. 1 Corinthians 13:11 14 We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine by people's trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming; 15 but speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,Ephesians 2:14-15

Boosting Confidence – One of the most significant reasons behind applying hair extensions for thinning hair is boosting confidence level. Undoubtedly they will improve the overall appearance of your hair. Hence, you can feel more confident and comfortable inside out so that you will get yourself prepared every day with renewed self-assurance.

Disclaimer: The content of this podcast episode includes discussions about personal experiences, including topics such as abuse and suicide. The stories shared are based on the personal perspectives of the individuals who are bravely sharing their journeys. The views and opinions expressed in these stories are solely those of the individuals sharing them and do not reflect the views of the podcast host, production team, or any affiliated individuals or organizations. We want to acknowledge that abuse and suicide are serious and sensitive topics. It's important to understand that the experiences shared here are deeply personal and may not apply to everyone's situation. The purpose of discussing these topics is to create a platform for open conversations, increase awareness, and promote understanding. If you or someone you know is in need of support or assistance related to abuse, suicide, or mental health issues, it's crucial to seek help from professionals or appropriate resources in your area. The content provided in this episode is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, counseling, or medical treatment. Names and identifying details may have been changed to protect the privacy and confidentiality of individuals mentioned in the stories. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. By listening to this podcast, you agree that the host, production team, and platform are not responsible for any actions you take or decisions you make based on the content of this episode. We appreciate your understanding and empathy as we explore these important topics. Our intention is to foster awareness, empathy, and support within our diverse audience. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse or suicidal thoughts, please seek help immediately. For mental health support or crisis intervention, contact a qualified mental health professional or reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Thank you for being a part of these conversations and for respecting the sensitivity of the topics discussed. Host,  Nani  NRIPelliGola Podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nripelligola/⁠⁠⁠ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nripelligolashow/message

Ronna McDaniel, the erstwhile chair of the Republican National Committee, is stepping across the aisle in a manner of speaking, now serving as a commentator for NBC and its affiliated cable network, MSNBC. This move comes hot on the heels of her stepping away from her leadership role within the Republican National Committee. It appears she will grace the NBC platform for the first time on the upcoming episode of 'Meet the Press'. Having previously functioned as the chair for the Republican National Committee, McDaniel's fresh enlistment with NBC comes in the wake of her resignation from the Republican institution this very month. NBC has publicly announced McDaniel's new position, which speaks much about the analysts that the network has been recruiting. The addition of McDaniel to NBC adds a hint of conservative insight to their team of political experts. NBC's audience can expect the she would offer informed commentary, not just on NBC but also on MSNBC, which is widely seen as a network with a left-leaning bent. This is a platform that has been criticized in the past by former President Donald J. Trump and his supporters for being a mouthpiece for the Democratic Party. Carrie Budoff Brown, the person responsible for NBC's political coverage, stressed the importance of adding someone with McDaniel's voice and perspective to the network, stating how vital it is to have her unique perspective as part of their lineup. The expectation is that she will provide a new angle, an insider's look at nationwide politics and the direction the Republican Party is headed. An interesting aspect is her involvement in the coverage of the 2024 election cycle. Chosen by the former President, Donald J. Trump, to helm the Republican Party following her instrumental role in securing his 2016 presidential election victory in Michigan, McDaniel has had an eventful tenure as the chairwoman. Her stint witnessed occasional disagreements with Trump. In particular, Trump expressed discontent last year regarding her decision to support multiple Republican presidential primary debates, one of which NBC hosted, a fact that drew attention as it featured the contenders to Trump. In the early stages of 2020, McDaniel appealed to Republicans to rally behind Mr. Trump following his win in the New Hampshire primary, a decision which met with less than warm response from Nikki Haley, considered a rival to Mr. Trump who had yet to withdraw from the race. Subsequent developments saw Mr. Trump assign his daughter-in-law and a trusted advisor to steer the Republican National Committee, further solidifying his hold over the Republican establishment. McDaniel joins a prominent roster of Republican commentators at NBC News which already features Marc Short, the previous chief of staff for Vice President Mike Pence, and Brendan Buck, who has been an influential aide to political figures such as Paul Ryan and John Boehner. Counterpart panellists bringing in the Democratic viewpoint include ex-Senator Claire McCaskill and Barack Obama's past campaign manager, David Plouffe. NBC and MSNBC have been expanding their team of expert commentators since the commencement of President Biden's tenure. Notable talent includes Jen Psaki, who performed the role of President Biden's original press secretary, and Symone D. Sanders, who has previously acted as the chief spokesperson for Vice President Kamala Harris. Eager observers are bound to be riveted by this development and its potential to shift the narration of contemporary political discourse. Undoubtedly, the vastly experienced McDaniel looks set to make her presence felt and exert a positive influence on NBC's political coverage, notably beginning with her first appearance on 'Meet the Press' this Sunday. Real News Now 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.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The renowned technology magnate and Facebook's Chief Executive, Mark Zuckerberg, appears to have made a discreet departure in the high-end Woodside neighborhood in California. Emerging reports from real estate insider sources suggest that a company associated with Zuckerberg swiftly transferred the ownership of a 'Europeanesque mansion.' This precipitous property deal has sparked widespread chatter about the secretive nature of Zuckerberg's real estate activities. Significantly, this swap marks the second time the tech pioneer has silently divested of a property in California. The sumptuous residence, hidden in the verdant embrace of 75 Roberta Drive, showcases an impressive 4,800-square-foot home nestled within an ample expanse of 3.5 acres. Per Zillow's data, the grand residential marvel equipped with four bedrooms and 3.5 baths has been signed off in an attention-grabbing $29.6 million deal as of March 4, the San Mateo County records confirm. Enclosed within private gates, the property is home to a fully-equipped chef-grade kitchen, an expansive open-plan living and dining space with welcoming access to the broad outdoor area. Additionally, it offers the enchanting prospect of enjoying an al fresco meal with a view of the modern patio and various outdoors features. These comprise of a swimming pool, a hot tub, and an alluring open fireplace set on 'park-like grounds.' The residence also comfortably accommodates multiple electric car charging ports and a sizable garage. Much like the swift nature of the property sale, the specific details regarding the property brokers who facilitated the transaction were kept under wraps. This includes Mary Gullixson, a seasoned agent at Compass, who was in charge of the listing before but stated she wasn't involved with this recent sale. Going down the ownership rabbit hole uncovers a complex system of unnamed corporations. The sales entity, identified as 75 Roberta LLC, traces its management lineage to the A7P Services. Reports suggest this enigmatic LLC is stationed in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Interestingly, the office address of A7P Services matches that of A7P Trust Company Inc. Trustee, as found in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Moreover, it isn't the first time this particular trustee company has been noticed entwined with Zuckerberg's affairs. There's an intriguing tale about Jack Sweeney, man popular for monitoring the private flights of prominent figures like Elon Musk and singer Taylor Swift. Sweeney had once tracked Zuckerberg's aircraft using its registration code, finding it tied directly back to this very A7P Trust. On closer examination, Apercen Partners, a respected tax consultancy firm serving the Silicon Valley elite, emerges as the signatory for 75 Roberta's company registration. Apercen's connections with Zuckerberg and his family stem from past high-profile transactions like the purchase of a $22.3 million townhouse in New York City back in 2015. Zuckerberg's venture into and out of the property world isn't limited to Woodside alone. He maintains an impressive portfolio across California and Hawaii, with his real estate holdings valuated at a whopping $320 million. The tech giant's knack for real estate also displayed in 2022, when he sold a magnificent San Francisco mansion valued at $31 million. Still, he holds onto a residential block in Palo Alto that covers half a city block. Be Sure To Like Real News Now on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/RealNewsNowApp/ Despite these intriguing series of real estate moves by the tech leader, the representatives from Zuckerberg's team maintained silence and didn't respond immediately to the request for comments from The Post. The shroud of secrecy around these real estate shifts presents an intricate puzzle that only time will unravel. This strings of property transactions points to a broader trend of the tech elite, like Zuckerberg, remaining relatively flexible with their real estate investments. Picking up and offloading properties with haste, and often maintaining a level of privacy that leaves the public playing guessing games. Zuckerberg's deft and discreet moves around his real estate portfolio maintain the intrigue and speculation inherent in his high-profile life. Whether these shifts are part of a wider investment strategy, a simple reshuffling of assets, or tied to personal reasons, remain topics of conjecture. While the tech giant's real estate maneuvers raise both eyebrows and questions, they also quite adeptly highlight the realm of possibilities and maneuvers available in the world of luxury real estate. Undoubtedly these sort of real estate activities of the Silicon Valley elite provide a fascinating glimpse into how the other half lives. Parallels are often drawn with other tech heavyweights who showcase a knack for handling their realty portfolios with a similar level of complexity, privacy, and intrigue. As these stories unfold, they continue to paint a compelling picture of the lifestyles and business acumen of the world's leading tech magnates. Real News Now 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.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are delighted to be chatting with one of our all-time favourite British pop songwriters, Hannah Robinson. Over the past two decades; you would've no doubt had on repeat the tracks Hannah worked on. Many of which were hit singles and eternal pop fan favourites like 'Some Girls' and 'So Good' (Rachel Stevens), 'Bittersweet' and 'Me & My Imagination' (Sophie Ellis-Bextor), 'Chewing Gum' (Annie), 'You Won't Forget About Me' (Dannii Minogue), 'Love Never Loved Me' (Geri Halliwell) and more.  In this very special episode, Joel and David sit down with Hannah to chat about how she went from recording Steps covers to writing with Richard X, and the aforementioned 2000s pop icons.  She spills about the outrageous and unforgettable lyric from Geri Halliwell she rejected and their colourful sessions, a scandalous Frankie Bridge solo track, Nicola Roberts demos that were buried in the woods, and her career highs working with Lana Del Rey and Kylie! Undoubtedly the best "HR" meeting of our lives. Follow Right Back At Ya! https://www.instagram.com/rightbackpod/ https://twitter.com/rightbackpod https://www.facebook.com/rightbackpod Follow Joel https://www.instagram.com/dr_joelb/ https://twitter.com/DR_JoelB Follow David https://www.instagram.com/lovelimmy/ https://twitter.com/lovelimmy Email us rightbackpod@gmail.com Follow Hannah Robinson https://twitter.com/hazzarozza https://www.instagram.com/hazzarozzasongs/ 

Undoubtedly, most fans of Britain's mighty Status Quo revere the band's 70s output while poopooing everything thereafter. Personally, I laugh in their direction, as the boogie merchant's discography is littered with great tracks and albums after their 70s heydays. Here we have compiled the cream of the crop of Status Quo's 80s output for your listening pleasure proving once again why they are the best rock'n'roll band of all time. Run to mommy if you can't handle the boogie!!! Side One Just Supposin' (1980) (0:00) Run To Mommy (3:09) Lies Never Too Late (1981) (7:08) Enough Is Enough (10:00) Riverside 1+9+8+2 (1982) (15:08) Resurrection Side 2 (18:57) Dear John Back To Back (1983) (22:09) Can't Be Done (25:13) Win Or Lose In The Army Now (1986) (27:48) Rollin' Home Ain't Complaining (1988) (32:12) Cream of the Crop (36:15) Magic

Who is Chris Corbould? Chris Corbould OBE has worked on 15 James Bond movies, THE DARK KNIGHT Trilogy, 2 Superman movies, and he won an Acadamy Award for his work on the movie INCEPTION.  Chiefly, his specialty has been visual effects, leading the team on many of these movies. Dan and Tom had a chance to chat with Chris in Chicago at the press event prior to the opening of the “007 Science: Inventing the World of James Bond” exhibit.  This fantastic exhibit is at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. What movies do we discuss with Chris Corbould? During this interview, Chris talks about visual effects in several of his James Bond movies and THE DARK KNIGHT.   So, listen to hear how they did the explosion in SPECTRE, which involved about 300 explosions in succession! Chris tells us how that worked.  Additionally, Chris mentions the warning he gave to Daniel Craig about this scene. Undoubtedly, you remember the doughnut scene in NO TIME TO DIE.  You know, the scene where the Aston Martin spins in the square in Matera, Italy. Chris talks us through that scene and how they coordinated the “bullets” hitting the side of the buildings with the spinning of the car. The tank scenes in GOLDENEYE! Chris also tells us the origin and some of the challenges of these tank scenes. What are the challenges of buying real tanks for a movie? Listen to find out! One of Tom's favorite Bond gadgets is the cello case in THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS. Chris Corbould was involved with this gadget's development. And he gives us insight into the creation of the device.  Oh, and he lets us know what actress Maryam d'Abo, who played Kara Milovy, certainly thought about this sled. SKYFALL train crash in the subway! Chris discusses the challenges in designing this spectacular train crash.  Lots of details had to be worked out simultaneously for that one. It's not all James Bond Finally, since we were having this discussion in Chicago, Chris talked about the semi-trailer scene in THE DARK KNIGHT.   This is the scene where the truck flips over, backend over the front end.   They filmed this scene in Chicago, on LaSalle street.  Chris lets us know how they got that to work. Let us know what you think! So, take a listen. Chris Corbould is not only a visual effects master, he's a great guy and a fun interview.  Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode by dropping us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com.  The more we hear from you, the better the show will be! You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Check out our YouTube channel as well. The Exhibit As we mentioned, we met with Chris at the "007 Science: Inventing the World of James Bond" exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. This exhibit has vehicles, gadgets, screen-used props, and educational materials based on the James Bond movies. You can find out more about the exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry's website. Webpage: https://bit.ly/3x9Zngo  

EVEN MORE about this episode!Ever wondered about the magic behind successful book writing and publishing? We unravel this mystery with Lisa Tener, an award-winning author and coach, who generously shares her expertise in proposal development, self-publishing, and ghostwriting. Lisa also brings us into the world of Qigong and its power to enhance creativity, providing a fascinating insight into the S-curve technique to connect with our essence and set intentions for our projects.Delve deeper into the world of publishing as we discuss the significance of having a platform, identifying potential agents, and crafting compelling book proposals. Get firsthand experience from Lisa on working with different publishers and the essential role of an intellectual property attorney. Ever thought about writing a book but feel you lack the skills? We address this concern too, discussing the role of ghostwriters and the power of storytelling, emphasizing that a strong desire is key to bring your book to life.Lastly, we explore the transformative benefits of journaling for personal growth, creativity, and self-expression and introduce an interactive book called "Writing Journal" that offers prompts and resources to ignite your creative spark. Undoubtedly, this episode is a treasure trove of valuable insights for aspiring authors and anyone seeking to unleash their creativity. Listen in, and let's embark on this exciting journey together!Guest Biography:Lisa Tener is an award-winning author, book writing and publishing coach, and speaker. Her recent book, The Joy of Writing Journal: Spark Your Creativity in 8 Minutes a Day, won five prestigious awards including the Nautilus Book Award. Lisa received the Stevie Award for Coach/Mentor and has helped thousands of writers tap into their creativity and publish. Her clients have signed 5- and 6-figure book deals with Hachette, Random House and other top publishers. Lisa is quoted in the New York Times, Boston Globe, Vice, and appeared on national and local TV, including PBS. Lisa is a graduate of my Angelic Attendant Training.Episode Chapters:(0:00:01) - Writing and Publishing Books(0:15:16) - Accessing Creative Essence Through Clearing(0:32:17) - Ghost Writers for Celebrities(0:45:07) - Power of Storytelling and Publishing(0:48:46) - Publishing Industry(0:58:22) - Writing JournalPlease join Julie next week with your question.Thursdays at 8pm ET, 7pm CT, 5pm PT.https://askjulieryanshow.comAnd, please leave a five-star review and subscribe so you can hear all the new episodes.Sponsors & RecommendationsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Marc Chandler, Managing Partner at Bannockburn Global ForEx and Editor of the Marc to Market blog, joins us to focus on the rise in US interest rates, recent inflation data and look ahead to a big week of central bank meetings and statements.   The yield on the 10 year is now over 4.3%, closing in on a 4 month high. With higher inflation data last week, rate cut odds have been lowered and pushed back to later in the year. We also tie the interest rate moves into currency trading specifically the US Dollar.   In terms of this upcoming week, there are a wide range of central banks meeting, including the Fed. Some countries might be raising rates (Japan) while other could start cutting and the Fed will release its dot plot. Undoubtedly some volatility this week.   Click here to visit Marc's website - Marc to Market.  

Elliot Moriarty has been enamored with dance music from a very young age, gradually transitioning from DJing at local parties to global events like ADE. Undoubtedly, much of his rise can be attributed to his breezy productions on labels like The Soundgarden. Consider the 2023 release "By My Side” (Songuara), which reached number 1 on the Beatport Organic House chart. It's a light and effervescent tune, brimming with optimism. That energy is also bristling in ‘Balance', a track he produced exclusively for this Balance Selections mix. And with the troubling times we find ourselves in, his unabashed cheerfulness is a breath of fresh air. Featuring tracks from the likes of Guy J and Juan Deminicis, this is a deep yet sanguine selection that hooks you in from the start.

Throughout time immortal, mankind has asked itself a question that echoes through the millenia still today - what compels us to do, to be, to strive and to move forward? Is it evolutionary, baked into our very DNA over eon after eon of continued growth and development? Is it learned behavior, some sort of cosmic experiment conducted by the gods or the powers that be to propel our collective narratives forward? Are we overthinking this particular topic far more than we ought? Undoubtedly so, but we move forward boldly, motivated by the idea that we might actually be freed from the writer's room if we please our overlords … err… hosts in so doing. In this week's episode of the Overlap Podcast, our boys Sid and Keith will make moves to motivate us listeners on rethinking the very idea of motivation in the business world altogether, piercing the veil of the “Incentive Illusion.” Amusing anecdotes, appreciated advice and banal banter - all will be encountered herein, so tune in and turn up this week's Overlap Podcast.  Speaking of incentive - if we get the listener rate up, they might actually feed the writers for once, so, please, for the love of all that is holy, listen this week… Resources Mentioned:  Harvard Business Review   Alfie Kohn

We all have to start somewhere.There used to be a Bryan who had never made a dollar as a coach or consultant…never sold a thing online…and was far less capable than you are right at this very moment at building a coaching business.Yet somehow I managed to build an 8-figure business.Today on the podcast, I want to share with you the story of where it all started for me.Have a listen and reply back to this email and let me know where you are RIGHT NOW in your business.Undoubtedly you're further along than I was :) 

Why do we crave comfort so fervently? Jordan Peterson and Andrew Huberman have gained fame by dissecting the pitfalls of pursuing comfort. They offer a roadmap out of the rut many find themselves in, emphasizing the crucial role of discipline. Undoubtedly, discipline is essential, yet it alone cannot propel you to the heights of success. Today, we delve into why discipline, while necessary, is just one piece of the puzzle – whether it's advancing in life or battling demons. We show that without hope, discipline falls short in sculpting the best man you can become. Listen to discover how to transcend mere discipline and how to achieve that success you want. ✅ We love to answer questions on the show. If you have any questions that we can answer on the show, please, send your questions to us at podcast@catholicgentleman.com. If you record yourself on your phone and send us the audio clip we will play it on air.

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Lost and Found: A Journey of Self-Discovery in Beijing's Hutongs Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.org/lost-and-found-a-journey-of-self-discovery-in-beijings-hutongs Story Transcript:Zh: 北京，这座千年古都，繁杂的大街小巷就像迷宫，绵延伸展，充满无尽的神秘。在其脉络错综、风味买卖的一角，让我们找到了我们故事的主人翁，张伟。En: Beijing, this ancient city of a thousand years, with its complex streets and alleys, is like a maze, stretching endlessly, full of endless mysteries. In the intricate network of its bustling streets and diverse businesses, we found the protagonist of our story, Zhang Wei.Zh: 一道斜阳射过簌簌的柳树，折射在张伟镶了近视镜的眼睛上。他在层叠的胡同中左穿右插，却仿佛打开了任意门，却任意不到家的门。毫无疑问，他迷路了——在二环的心脏，被诗和远方藏在胡同里。En: The slanting sun cast its rays through the rustling willow trees, reflecting in Zhang Wei's eyes behind his glasses. He wandered through the layered hutongs, seemingly opening doors at will but never reaching the door he intended. Undoubtedly, he was lost - in the heart of the Second Ring Road, where poetry and distant lands were hidden in the alleyways.Zh: 幽深的胡同，石板路上斑驳的光影，如同画卷。张伟向一位颤颤巍巍的老者询问，老者冥思苦想，讲述了一条冗长而复杂的路线，张伟虽然强装镇定，但眼神里无法掩盖的迷茫让人心生同情。En: The dark and secluded hutongs, the dappled light and shadows on the stone road, were like a painting. Zhang Wei asked a trembling old man for directions, and after much contemplation, the old man narrated a long and complex route. Despite Zhang Wei's attempts to appear calm, the confusion evident in his eyes evoked sympathy in others' hearts.Zh: 每个胡同都像一篇冷冽的联想诗。张伟按照老者的诉说，沿着小径拾级而上，然后又绕过一个古老的井，但最后只是抵达了一个陌生的四合院。张伟无奈又不甘地站在院子前，感叹自己的困境。他珍贵的度假时间就这样被这世界级的迷宫耗尽。En: Each hutong was like a cold and vivid poem. Following the old man's instructions, Zhang Wei climbed up steps along a pathway and passed by an ancient well, only to end up at an unfamiliar courtyard. Helpless and frustrated, Zhang Wei stood before the courtyard, lamenting his predicament. His precious vacation time was being consumed by this world-class maze.Zh: 当然，故事的旅程总不能这样结束。从一个人走向另一个人的张伟，在这迷失中寻找的并不仅仅是方向，而是北京里的那个自己。他再次找到了一个人，这次是一个扎着双马的小女孩。他听着她清亮带着北京口音的指点，用最简单的路线，绕过那些迷人而陌生的胡同，找到了回家的路。En: Of course, the journey of the story could not end there. From one person to another, Zhang Wei sought not just directions but the essence of himself within Beijing's labyrinth. Once again, he encountered someone - this time, a little girl with pigtails. Listening to her clear Beijing-accented instructions, he followed the simplest route, avoiding those enchanting yet unfamiliar hutongs, and finally found his way home.Zh: 日落的金光洒在张伟的脸上，他感到了从未有过的轻松和自由。高楼大厦，快速发展，他在这座古老而现代的城市寻找着自己，却发现最原始最真实的自己就在这狭窄的胡同里。En: The golden light of the sunset bathed Zhang Wei's face, as he felt a newfound ease and freedom. Amidst towering skyscrapers and rapid developments, he sought himself in this ancient yet modern city, only to realize that his truest, most authentic self was within those narrow hutongs.Zh: 阳光照在胡同的石板路上，张伟留下了自己的脚印，那是他在胡同中迷路的见证，也是他在寻找自己的过程中留下的印记。他的故事不再围绕于他曾经的迷失，而是变成了他如何找到自己的路线。尽管他曾在这个大城市中迷失，但他找到了自己和那个原始社区的连接，分享了他的经历和他的乐趣，让每一个夹在老胡同和现代城市之间的人都找到了家的感觉。En: The sunlight shining on the stone roads of the hutongs bore the imprints of Zhang Wei's footprints - witness to his moments of getting lost and his journey of self-discovery. His story no longer revolved around his past confusion, but transformed into how he found his own path. Though he once wandered lost in the vast city, he found a connection to himself and the primal community, sharing his experiences and joys, allowing everyone caught between old hutongs and modern cities to feel a sense of home.Zh: 从此以后，虽然北京的胡同对张伟而言依然如同迷宫般复杂，但他已经找到了他的方向。他不再害怕迷路，反而会想念那种在胡同中寻找方向的感觉。因为他明白，走在这座城市的每一条胡同里，都能找到属于他自己的一部分。En: From then on, although Beijing's hutongs remained as complex as a maze for Zhang Wei, he had found his direction. He was no longer afraid of getting lost; instead, he would miss the feeling of seeking direction in the alleyways. Because he understood that walking through every hutong in this city, he could find a part of himself. Vocabulary Words:Beijing: 北京ancient: 千年古都streets: 大街小巷maze: 迷宫mysteries: 神秘protagonist: 主人翁willow trees: 柳树hutongs: 胡同directions: 方向lost: 迷路poetry: 诗dark: 幽深shadows: 光影painting: 画卷pathway: 小径vacation: 度假lamenting: 感叹encountered: 遇到enchanting: 迷人self: 自己footprints: 脚印witness: 见证community: 社区alleyways: 胡同中afraid: 害怕connection: 连接experiences: 经历journey: 旅程transformed: 变成seeking: 寻找

Love in Dangerous Waters.In 4 parts, by RachaelJane. Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories.Serf Jasmine seeks her freedom by entering the Argonaut.Chapter 1: The next stepThe domed city of Argon is a marvel of engineering created in the dying days of the old regimes. Uninterrupted wars; the plundering of rapidly diminishing resources; and extreme weather events, had reduced most of the planet’s population to little more than scavengers and refugees, dependent on the largesse of the privileged few who controlled most of the Earth’s remaining wealth and resources. The ideas of democracy and freedom had been swept away by the unstoppable return of the medieval concept of feudalism. The wealthy elite became the new aristocracy, while the bulk of the population was reduced to modern day serfs; indentured to their local overlord from cradle to grave.History doesn’t record exactly when the planet’s ruling elites decided to create huge domed cities like Argon. Possibly the domed cities simply evolved as the ravages of war, and the uncontrollable elements, destroyed wide swathes of land. Floods and wild fires herded those with the wealth and ability to move into defensible towns and cities. Those who lacked the means were abandoned to their fate. Hundreds of millions died. Taxes were directed solely towards protecting the new centers of population. Many old and famous towns and cities were left to the elements, or to the marauding armies who lived off the misery of others. Within a few decades, there was little trace of the old world. Even the rogue armies finally disbanded when it became too difficult to find food and supplies to service their rapacious needs.We’re told that Argon is typical of the domed cities scattered around what is left of the inhabited world. Argon’s large central city houses about eighty thousand people. Access to the domed part of the city is strictly controlled, and no serf is allowed into the central city without a special permit. To live inside the domed center requires wealth far beyond most people’s imagination. No city citizen ever dirties their hands doing menial tasks. Consequently, in order to service the needs of the new elite, nearly two hundred thousand people commute daily into the city from one of sixteen outer settlements. Most of the commuters are serfs who have purchased short term freedom from their settlement overlord. The commuting workforce provide all the essential services that keep the city operating from day to day. Laborers and house servants are in great demand, along with those who provide personal services ranging from hairdressing to sexual services.Despite the strict rules that control our lives, we are generally a happy population, or so I am lead to believe. Our rulers constantly remind us that these days we have a steady supply of food, and that most settlements now boast their own medical center, albeit with unqualified medics and very few drugs or medicines. New laws limiting a serf’s work hours to only sixty hours a week mean that we have more leisure time. None of this existed until as recently as eight years ago. I can remember the days when my family went without meals, and my parents’ reliance on dubious folklore remedies for dealing with ailments.The strictures of modern day serfdom prohibit those living in the settlements from obtaining jobs in the central city without compensation for ‘loss of future labor’ being paid to their local overlord. For young people, where 'future labor’ may represent forty or more years of service, the cost of compensation for a lifetime of freedom is well beyond the means of a young serf. Many must opt for purchasing their freedom for a limited time in the rarely-achieved hope of earning enough in the city to purchase an extension of time.Those seeking permanent freedom usually take an indirect route towards achieving their goal. One such route is to undergo one of the quarterly assessments and authentication conducted by the Bureau of Ancillary Services. The Bureau’s authentication process ensures that the never-ending demands for young workers in the city are satisfied. Success in the Argonaut, as the assessment and authentication process is commonly called, means freedom from serfdom; although that freedom invariably comes at the price of a large debt to be repaid. The Bureau will lend the successful serf the amount of compensation due to the serf’s overlord, enabling a city work permit to be issued. However, even attending one of the quarterly assessments can be a costly affair. Firstly the serf must compensate his or her overlord for the three days absence from work, and secondly the serf is required to cover the cost of accommodation for the duration of assessment.Argon’s settlements are named after American presidents and European royal houses, reflecting the origins of most of the city’s population. Governance of Argon, and hence its settlements, is by a military junta who appoint all the administration and military officers, including each settlement’s leader. The junta also creates and enforces the laws which control our daily life. Anybody who voices dissent against the junta’s reign is rapidly and severely punished without any right to a trial. Even those living in the city are careful about what they say. Rumors says that the worst offenders are executed, but none of our heavily censored news-feeds make reference to anyone suffering that fate. Minor offences usually result in longer work hours, or the loss of access to the few recreational facilities.But enough about my world, it is time to tell you of my place in it. My name is Jasmine, and Buchanan settlement has been my home for all of my nineteen years. I’ve worked in one of the local recycling plants ever since I left school at eight years old. For a decade I have had a dream of buying my freedom so that I can work inside Argon’s central city. Now I have a chance. I am one of those who will be assessed at the next Argonaut, thanks to an anonymous benefactor who has sponsored my application.For better or worse, I have chosen my next step. My arrival at the old boarding school that houses the Bureau of Ancillary Services assessment center is the gateway to my future.Chapter 2: The lacy nightie.It’s nearly midnight and I can’t get to sleep. The first session of the Argonaut starts in nine hours. I still can’t get over my sponsor’s generous offer that has allowed me to attend. I realize that the very late arrival of the sponsor’s offer confirms that I’m a last minute substitute. Given my father’s blemished political record, I suspect my anonymous sponsor is scraping the bottom of the barrel in choosing me. But he or she did, and that has enabled me to be here at the old boarding school which serves as the headquarters of the Bureau of Ancillary Services. The original school closed decades ago when Argon’s junta decided to close the last remaining links with the decaying towns and cities beyond the borders of Argon’s self-proclaimed territory, effectively isolating us from the world. There was no need for schools with boarding facilities after that.Every three months, Argon’s Bureau of Ancillary Services accepts the applications of exactly fifty settlement adults between the ages of eighteen and twenty-seven. Successful applicants become contestants in the Argonaut, which consists of a series of interviews and tests supervised by an assessment panel. Some of the interviews are broadcast on the news-feeds throughout Argon and its settlements, with the intention of attracting future employers for the hopeful contestants should they secure a city work permit. The number of permits available each quarter is a closely guarded secret. Consequently, passing all the tests doesn’t automatically result in a contestant being granted a permit. And obtaining a permit doesn’t guarantee a good job. Not all city jobs are better than those in the settlements, but that doesn’t stop the competitiveness for the permits. That competitiveness often includes a range of sabotage and underhand tricks targeting the weaker contestants.These days the Argonaut doesn’t automatically favor the handful of contestants who have served a ten-year term in the military, and who are now into their twenties. The leaders of some settlements still prefer the old tradition of favoring the applications of those who have served in the military. Former soldiers are often trained to do well in the Argonaut’s tests. A contestant’s success can give a boost to their own settlement’s ranking in the eyes of the junta; a ranking that determines the priority given to the funding of a settlement’s civic improvements.It’s no secret which contestants were formerly in the military. Knowledge of their status is intended to intimidate the other contestants. Their names and reputations are etched in every other contestant’s mind; Paulo and Chloe from Eisenhower, Heidi from Grant, and Mansel from Bourbon. All contestants have the support of volunteer helpers who do everything from offering advice to helping solve minor problems. These helpers are an eclectic selection of oddballs and do-gooders from among the city’s bored residents. Not all of them are model Argon citizens, and three of the female contestants have already complained about being groped by one of the helpers.I give up trying to sleep, and I decide to take a walk around the old school building housing the fifty contestants for the current Argonaut. I slip my short dressing gown over my even shorter nightie. Normally I sleep naked, but I had the sense to borrow a nightie and gown from my twelve-year-old sister. I’m not a blushing maiden, but sleeping naked in a mixed gender dormitory is asking for trouble.The eight dormitories are designed to accommodate six people in each. Seven are single-sex dormitories. However, the late applicants, like me, must put up with eight of us crammed into the room, which now houses three male and five female contestants. Everywhere is quiet as I head towards the communal dining area. Everyone else must have had no trouble in falling asleep. In Harper’s case that probably has more to do with the quantity of alcohol he consumed during the evening meal, since he’s asleep on the dining room floor. Suddenly a movement catches my eye. I duck behind a door in case it is Patrick. He also comes from Buchanan, and he’s the closest person I have to a friend in this place. I’m not certain I want him seeing me dressed like this. I watch the figure at the other end of the dormitory for a few moments before realizing it is one of the robots that clean up after us. They try to be invisible, hovering just out of sight unless one is needed to clean up after us. The robot is using our absence to finish clearing away the empty glasses and plates from our evening meal.The robot leaves the room through a side door. It dawns on me that there must be a service corridor somewhere in this rambling jumble of rooms to enable the robots to come and go. The main door to this wing of the old school is locked and monitored at this time of night. The sophisticated sensors provide security against intruders, and ensure the contestants don’t do anything underhand before the assessment begins. I feel the urge to explore.I go through the door the robot used and find myself in a corridor with a relatively new door at the far end. Undoubtedly the robot is going to the kitchen and I follow it at a discreet distance. I follow the robot through the end door and I see that it opens onto a corridor crossing at right angles to the one I’ve just travelled. More doors are visible along the corridor, but I notice that each has one of the security pads used to unlock the door. My adventure is going to be short lived if all of the doors need a security code to operate them. I head in the opposite direction to the kitchens and try one of the doors at the end of the corridor. It’s unlocked. A set of rickety wooden stairs are on the other side of the door and I descend to the level where the recreation and practice rooms are located. The door at the bottom of the stairs opens and I tentatively peek out in case anyone is around. Everything seems quiet.I’m now in the main corridor on this level, not far from where the main stairs are located. I know my way to the recreation rooms, but not what lies behind the many other doors branching off the main corridor.The lack of security guards concerns me for a moment before I recall that everywhere is monitored by cameras. My little adventure is probably already being observed by the security guards in a control room somewhere. Any minute now I can expect to hear the sound of stomping feet and being faced with a squad of burly guards wanting to know what I’m doing. My best plan is to ignore the cameras and just walk as though I’ve every right to be here. Sneaking about will just raise suspicion that I’m up to no good. Fortunately my dressing gown is a similar color to the robots, so an inattentive guard may mistake me for a robot.I walk along the corridor not daring to breathe in case I trigger an alarm, or my actions make the security guards decide to investigate. I haven’t thought about where I’m going other than I don’t really want to go into the games rooms. A door off the main corridor is ajar and on impulse I go through it into another short corridor with a door at the end. This part of the building is much newer than the area behind me. There’s plenty of light streaming through the window in the door. The lighting has been dimmed everywhere else, but the room on the other side of this door is fully lit.The window in the door is misted, and the smell of chemicals makes me think that it’s a laundry. I open the door and peek inside. Not a laundry. It’s a large swimming pool. Much larger than anything Buchanan settlement can boast. The room is warm and the water looks inviting. At least to someone like me who can swim. I walk around the pool to check that nobody is about. I come across some racks with towels but there are no swimming suits. Nobody said to bring a swimming suit, so I must either forgo a swim, or swim naked.The water looks enticing, but I’m also aware that the pool, like everywhere else, will be monitored by cameras. I can see at least three cameras around the walls. What I can’t understand is why I’ve not been accosted by security guards. Even the dopiest guard must surely have realized by now that I’m not a robot. But I push my concerns about that to one side and prepare to enter the water. I slip off my dressing gown and dive into the water wearing my short nightie. I’m not brash enough to strip myself naked in front of whoever is monitoring the cameras. That’s something I quickly regret. The way my wet nightie is clinging to me I can see that I’m leaving very little to the imagination.I swim a couple of lengths of the pool before I realize that I have company. Someone else has entered the water. I make a sudden cry of alarm. Who is it? I’m in two minds whether to leave the water and make a hasty exit, or to stand my ground. The daunting prospect of running around the corridors wearing nothing but a wet translucent nightie settles my dilemma. I turn to face whoever is here with me.The swimmer heads in my direction. As the distance between us shortens I realize the swimmer is male and that he has no clothes on. Suddenly running around the complex in a wet nightie doesn’t seem such a silly idea any more. My indecision causes me to waste my only chance of leaving the pool without confronting him.The swimmer comes directly for me. He stops a few meters from me and treads water.“I didn’t think any of the other contestants knew about this place, nor be brave enough to take a midnight swim,” he says.Chapter 3: Swimming with a naked girl.“We don’t need to fight,” replies Paulo. “There’s time for that soon enough. I intend to enjoy my swim and then go to bed. I suggest you do the same. Or can’t you sleep? You wouldn’t be the first contestant to be nervous and suffer sleepless nights before the Argonaut.”“I’m not nervous,” I say defiantly, mostly for my own benefit. “I just can’t get used to sleeping on a soft bed.”“Yeah, whatever,” he replies dismissively. “Well, in that case, you can race me to the other end of the pool and back.”“Why?” I ask.“Because it’s fun and I don’t often get the chance to swim with a naked girl. Are you normally so argumentative?”“I’m not naked. And I’m not arguing. I’m being; um; curious.”“Ha! You may as well be naked for all that is hidden by that flimsy thing you are wearing. You have a nice body. You shouldn’t be afraid to let people see it.”Paulo’s comments immediately cause me to feel awkward. He’s a rival and ex-military, so he’s a serious threat to my chances during the Argonaut. But my traitorous body would be happy to yield to his desires. I mustn’t let him see how much his comment has disturbed me, so I move into position for the race that he wants.“Are you ready? Go!” I call as I launch myself off in the direction of the far end.“Hey! Cheat!” he calls before taking off after me.I’ve never tried swimming in a race, but I soon see Paulo’s point. It is fun. I’m almost reach the far end before Paulo manages to draw close to me. He’s a strong swimmer but doesn’t have the elegant style that my father drummed into me. We turn only seconds apart and I try to increase my speed on the return leg. Half way down the pool I realize that Paulo’s strength is starting to tell, and that I’m struggling to keep my lead. Moments later we are level and I draw on my last reserves to regain the lead. We reach the end of the pool neck and neck. I don’t think either of us can tell who touched the end first.We are both breathing heavily as we climb out of the pool and collapse on the floor. It is only then that I realize that we are virtually touching. I’m lying next to naked young man. That’s something I’ve only ever done in my wildest fantasies. My limited sexual experiences to date have involved remarkably little nudity. Fortunately Paulo seems too preoccupied in regaining his breath to notice my discomfort. I should move away before he recovers, but something inside me makes me stay where I am.“Is that the best your settlement’s wonderful training regime can teach you?” I say.“Swimming isn’t an essential skill, even in the military. The Argonaut tests rarely require the need to swim beyond having sufficient skill to avoid drowning. Where did you learn to swim like that? I didn’t think there would be much call for swimming in the industrial settlements.”“There isn’t, but my parents always hoped I would gain a permit to work in the city. It’s impossible to know what skills might be required if I land a job in the city. I suppose my father thought it useful for me to learn to swim well.”Paulo turns towards me. As hard as I try not to look below his waist, my eyes are drawn like a magnet. I notice he is looking at me in a way that makes me both excited and uncomfortable. I look into his eyes and immediately sink into their depths. I don’t even notice when he moves closer so our bodies are actually touching. The kiss that follows seems so natural my body responds by itself.“We shouldn’t be doing this,” I say with half-hearted sincerity when we break for air.“Why not?” is his reply.“Because we are rivals. We will be expected to try and outsmart each other tomorrow.”“And does doing this make any difference? This is now. The assessments are later.”“I don’t know if I can separate the two.”“Not all contestants are selfish machines. Chloe may fit the classic win-at-all-costs profile, but unlike her I don’t enjoy sabotaging another contestant’s chances.”“But your training will still make you sabotage that person’s chances regardless of how you feel now. And that person could be me.”“I know. I won’t like doing that to a fellow contestant, but I’ll do it if necessary. It would be unfortunate if you and I come face to face in one of the tests. But you are right, my training will help me make the right choice.”“I’m sure I shall be a lot happier knowing how cut up you are as you sabotage my efforts,” I say with as much sarcasm as I can manage.“Yes, I may even shed a tear,” he replies with equal sarcasm as he leans towards me and shares a second kiss with me.My mind and body are confused. Even fully clothed I’ve never been this intimate with anyone before. My near nakedness is sending all the wrong signals to both of us. I should stop and walk out of here, but as crazy as it sounds there is no way I want to do that.Our third kiss is accompanied by roaming hands. His on my yielding torso and mine onto the rock hard shaft pushing against my thighs, and seeking entrance to the throbbing slit between my legs.“Do you think the security cameras in this room are switched off?” I ask before Paulo can claim the prize his cock seeks.“No. I’m fairly sure we are being watched.”“Then why haven’t the security guards frog marched us back to our dormitories?”“We aren’t trying to kill each other so there’s no need for them to intervene. Anyway, if they do then they’ll miss all the fun? Can you imagine how boring it must be to watch banks of screens for hours, with absolutely nothing happening to break the monotony. We are livening up their night for them. For all we know they could be selling tickets to watch the main event.”“That’s disgusting. Anyway, what main event? I hope you aren’t implying that we are going any further with this liaison.”“I’m not implying anything.”Chapter 4: The hunter’s proposition.“And what makes you think I want there to be a main event?” I say.“Because you do,” says Paulo. “Otherwise you would have dressed more modestly before you left your dormitory. And you wouldn’t have stayed in here when you saw me in the water with you. Nor would you have let me lie close to you like this.”“I don’t have to explain myself to you. If I choose to say 'no’, then that is my right. Or did you have something more forceful in mind? Something more in keeping with your special training.”“Nonsense! Have I in any way hurt you while we have been here? As far as I can tell you’ve so far enjoyed my company.”I suddenly feel awkward and uncomfortable. My own feelings are strange to me and causing some confusion. Paulo is right. I have enjoyed his company, and I have no complaints about his behavior so far; other than his suggestion that this has all been the appetizer, and that the main course is about to follow.His remarks have hit home more than I’m willing to admit. He’s right. I chose not to put on more clothes, because I felt an urge to free my sexuality from its everyday constraints. And the more daring I’ve been tonight, the more alive my body has felt. Even now the prospect of allowing Paulo to perform the most intimate acts with me is sending a thrill through my body. But common sense is telling me to stop. And I’m the sort of person who pays a lot of attention to common sense; well, most of the time.“I’m sorry,” I say. “Your behavior so far doesn’t deserve my last remark. But I still have the right to say 'no’.”“And I’ll respect your decision. But can I remind you that is well past midnight and we might not have the opportunity another time.”“Where I come from, it is customary to seduce a girl before leaping on her,” I say, not really knowing if that statement is true.“Really? You would surrender yourself to someone who told you your eyes are beautiful, that your body is just perfect, and your choice of clothes is divine? Surely you are far too level headed to fall for that sort of line.”“Hmmm; Well you aren’t persuading me at the moment.”“Hah! You’re perfect! I love a woman who plays hard to get. The chase is just as much fun as the end result.”“You’re talking from experience, I presume?” I retort.“You are an interesting challenge! I notice that despite your reluctance, you haven’t ruled out accepting my suggestion.”“You’re stalling. As you said, it is getting late and as much as I’ve enjoyed our time together, we both have a busy schedule tomorrow.”“I agree. If I can’t make you say 'yes’ within five minutes then I shall concede defeat and we shall go back to our dormitories.”He looks at me and I nod in agreement.“So, what really excites a girl from Buchanan?” he muses to himself. “We can’t be that different. Your settlement has industrial factories and my last ten years have been in the military. Both require heavy manual labor. Sweating bodies and dirt everywhere. Which explains why you aren’t swooning at the sight of my bare chest. There are girls who almost faint at the sight; but not you. Despite what you said, I don’t think sweet-talking you is going to make you want to say 'yes’. So, that leaves a more physical approach. I think you are the type who likes to be hunted. Not the fake chases and mock play about being captured and becoming a helpless victim of a man’s wicked desires. No, I think you really want a man to prove to you he is able to outsmart you and is therefore worthy of your body.”“What a bizarre idea,” I say, trying hard to sound casual. My already heightened senses are being pushed into overdrive. I’ve never thought about what attracts me sexually, but Paulo’s comments are setting me alight with desire. “How are you going to prove your theory?”“I shall give you a thirty second start. If I can’t find you within four minutes then I shall return to my bed a sorry man. But if I corner you, then you are mine.”“I thought I had the right to say 'no’,” I say.“And you do. It will only take you ten seconds to reach the door to the main corridor, and from there you are free to return to your dormitory. I shall not attempt to stop you. You have twenty five seconds left.”I leap up and bolt for the side rooms holding the towels. There are other rooms on the far side. Saunas and hot pools. All ready for use, but currently devoid of people.There is a lack of good hiding places, but I only need to stay free for four minutes. It will take Paulo most of that time to check all these rooms. I settle for a room with several sunken hot tubs in the middle and clothes lockers around the walls. Some lockers are just large enough for me to hide inside. It isn’t until I’m hidden that I realize that by staying in these rooms I have made a major decision. If Paulo finds me then I’ve promised him that he can fuck me.One minute passes; then another. I can’t hear anything. My hiding place offers only a limited view of the hot tubs. I begin to wonder if Paulo is actually looking for me. How embarrassing it would be if he simply left for his dormitory, leaving the security guards monitoring us to laugh at my folly. But I saw the look in Paulo’s eyes. He definitely had the look of a wolf eager to devour a lamb. A lamb called Jasmine.The three minute mark must have passed before I hear something in the adjacent room. The sound of doors being opened and closed. He must be searching the lockers in that room. The speed at which he is doing it suggests he knows he is running out of time. He won’t have time to search the lockers in this room. I’ve won!Or have I?Chapter 5: Are we done talking?Although I don’t have a watch, I know that Paulo’s time is definitely running out. Paulo must know that too. I do something I would never have thought myself capable of doing in these circumstances; I leave my hiding place.Paulo bursts into the room with the hot tubs with what can only be seconds of his four minute deadline remaining. He stands by the door in shock.“What kept you?” I say. “Your four minutes are nearly up. You almost missed enjoying a treat. This water is divine. Not too hot and not too cold.”Paulo recovers from his shock and joins me in the tub. The tub is only two meters in diameter so we are fairly close together as soon as he enters the water. But he doesn’t immediately touch me as I had expected. He waits on the opposite side of the tub as though waiting for permission to approach me.“You allowed me to find you when you could have easily hidden in one of these lockers,” says Paulo. “What does that mean?”“What would you like it to mean?” I say.“I would like it to mean that you have proved your cleverness and that you are now ready to continue where we left off before.”“Are you sure you aren’t too tired and wish to go to bed?” I tease.“I think I could manage to stay awake all night given the right incentive. How about you?”“The same. Are we done talking?”“I thought women like to talk,” he says as he wraps me in his arms.“There’s a time and a place for everything. And talking isn’t what I need right now.”He kisses me and I melt into his arms. My hands reach down to massage his already solid cock.Just at that moment the lights go out and we are plunged into pitch darkness. But I don’t care. Paulo’s arms are wrapped around me and I simply don’t care.Less than a minute later the emergency lighting activates and the room changes from pitch black to something akin to a moonlit night.“Stay where you are and don’t move,” comes a man’s voice over a hidden speaker.The warm glow flowing through my entire body makes me wonder why the man would think I would wish to move from this position.“I think we are about to be arrested or something,” whispers Paulo into my ear.I don’t care. I just want to hold Paulo like this and feel him pressed against me. The normal lighting comes back on and we break our hold on each other to look around us. I take the opportunity to retrieve my nightie which is floating in the water. I don’t recall whether it was Paulo or me who removed it during our brief interlude. I put it back on with some difficulty. The wet fabric clinging to me in a way it didn’t seem to do just moments before.Three security guards enter our room accompanied by a man with enough gold braid on his uniform to indicate that he’s somebody important.“This is most irregular. Most irregular,” grumbles the man. “These facilities are closed for the duration of the Argonaut. I don’t know how you gained entry to this building, but you must leave. It is fortunate you didn’t enter the old school. We would have had to arrest you if you went up there. Now, make yourselves decent and I’ll escort you to the door.”I look at Paulo and realize that he is as baffled as I am at what is going on. As Paulo and I fetch some towels to dry ourselves it dawns on me that these security guards think we are central city residents who have found a way into this recreation center. They don’t know we are Argonaut contestants, and have sneaked down here from our respective dormitory.Neither Paulo nor I have clothes, unless you count my flimsy wet nightie. I can’t remember where I left my dressing gown. Paulo presumably arrived wearing something, but he doesn’t seem inclined to go and fetch it. We both wrap towels around us and knot them to preserve a modicum of decency. The security officer signals for us to follow him. We meekly follow him like two naughty children.“I know the festivities during the Argonaut are a time for high spirits, but you mustn’t enter a secure area like this,” lectures the man. “Now go home before you get into more trouble.”With that brief lecture over, we are escorted out of a side door to the large plaza outside. The door is closed firmly behind us. The plaza is just outside the domed city, between the dome support wall and the huge drainage channels that funnel storm water away from the inhabited areas. Consequently this area is accessible to both city residents and the serfs of the settlements. However, the distance to the nearest settlement means that few serfs will bother travelling here for pleasure.“You heard the man. We must go home,” says Paulo.“In case you haven’t noticed, we have no clothes, no money, and it’s a long walk home,” I say. “Besides, if we go missing we are automatically disqualified from the Argonaut.”“That’s true,” replies Paulo. “But we won’t be missed until morning. We have at least seven hours to ourselves. We can do a lot in seven hours.”“Yes. We could look at the statues over there, and; ”I almost break into laughter at Paulo’s reaction to my suggestion. He clearly has something quite different in mind and, in truth, so do I. I take his hand and walk along the wide boulevard that runs next to the recreation center and the old boarding school next door. I soon realize that this area is what passes for an entertainment zone, but the various places are closing for the night.The boulevard is busy. Mainly with young couples like us enjoying each other’s company. In their case, they are returning towards their homes under the domed part of the city. Having worked myself up into deciding tonight is going to be my big night, I feel slightly disappointed that we can’t find somewhere to go.“Can you climb?” asks Paulo, pointing to a wide balcony above a café which has already closed for the night. Climbing the wall to reach the balcony shouldn’t be too difficult.“Yes. Can you?” I reply already heading towards a promising looking place on the side wall.Paulo follows me as I make light work of climbing the fixtures adorning the café wall. Despite his military training, Paulo doesn’t find it quite so easy. Something I must remember when the Argonaut starts. We scramble onto the balcony and see it is laid out like a terrace with tables and chairs for the café customers. This place will be perfect.Chapter 6: Games in the night.I find a large sofa with a low table in front of it. I clear away the glasses and plates the last occupants of this area left behind. The owners of the café clearly intends to clear up in the morning.“Hey, look what I found,” says Paulo. “A half-finished bottle of wine. I’ll fetch some glasses.”It won’t be real wine, but I’m sure the technicians of the central city can produce something akin to the real thing. I make myself comfortable. Even outside the dome, the ambient temperature is several degrees warmer than in Buchanan; a product of the hot exhaust air pumped out of the city. The huge domes act like greenhouses, and the air inside must be continually vented to regulate the temperature.I lie back and look at the starlit sky. It’s all very romantic, which helps put me back in the mood for what I know is about to happen. When we were in the hot pool we thought we were pressed for time and needed to rush things. Here we are alone and unlikely to be disturbed before morning.Paulo returns with two glasses and a bottle of what I presume is pseudo-wine. I’ve never drunk wine before, real or fake. It isn’t the sort of luxury anybody in Buchanan can afford. Paulo pours some of the wine into the two glasses. He samples some wine before passing my glass to me.“Need to check the wine hasn’t gone off,” he says when he sees my puzzled look. I shrug in response. Either he is showing off, or drinking Argon wine is a far more common event in the military than I thought.“Ah! A Chardonnay, if I’m not mistaken,” he says has he sniffs the wine and takes another sip.“Are you an expert on wine?” I ask incredulously. “Or are you just making that up?”“Neither. That’s what is written on the label,” he laughs.I join in his laughter. His playfulness is helping me relax and I’m no longer nervous about what is going to happen. By the time we’ve finished the wine we are sat side by side on the sofa. He puts his hands on me. Mine echo his movements. The real world seems a million miles away. I can’t tell whether it is the effects of the wine or Paulo’s attentions which are causing me to think only of this moment and the intense pleasure I’m feeling as our limbs entwine.Then he starts kissing me. At this point I lose control of myself and crave for more of what he is doing. I’ve no experience at this level of intimacy, and only the vaguest idea of what I’m supposed to do. Knowledge gained from teenage gossip in the factory, which is probably completely wrong. But I needn’t have worried. Somehow my body seems to know what to do by instinct. When I’m not doing something quite right, Paulo quietly guides me towards the right action. Our bodies respond as though we are one.Then, before I realize it, he is on top of me. I feel that I’m at his complete mercy. That should alarm me and make me struggle, but all I want to do is to surrender myself to his desires. I’m rewarded with the most sensational feeling I can imagine. Heavy petting is as far as I’ve gone before. Paulo’s actions make it clear that we are going well beyond that tonight. I had been told there would be some pain involved, but I’m too far gone into the stratosphere of my arousal to notice. Paulo senses my submission and rewards me with a gentle and unhurried treat. His cock pushes its way into my moist cunt and I wrap my legs around his thighs to hold him in position.“Careful. I don’t want to get pregnant,” I say in a brief moment of lucidity.If he hears me he doesn’t alter his actions in any way. I’m too light-headed to force the issue. It’s a problem for another day.Finally Paulo and I are spent. Our emotions can only remain at fever pitch for so long. We eventually return to the real world. I’ve no idea how long I’ve been away. We lie in each other's arms for a while regaining our breath.“That wasn’t bad for a first timer,” says Paulo.“More of your experience talking, I suppose?” I reply, not certain whether to feel complemented or insulted.“You’re not my first, if that’s what you mean. There are benefits to being chosen as a contestant long before the Argonaut starts. Good performance in training is rewarded by a bevy of young women eager to be fucked by a contestant. But I meant what I said. I could tell that you were inexperienced, but you let go of your inhibitions. Few young women can do that the first time.”“Well I’m not sure we will be in a position for there to be a second time. Things get very competitive once the Argonaut starts.”“Who knows. Perhaps we will come face to face in one of the tests and you can throw yourself at my mercy and beg me to let you win in exchange for a repeat of just now.”“In your dreams! I was thinking more of the other way round. Would you like to be my plaything, Paulo?” I tease.“Now who is dreaming? You are bold, and you control your fears well. I can see you are someone I must regard as a serious rival. My chances of achieving a permit would be much better had you not been accepted as a contestant.”The afterglow of our coupling is still flowing through me, making me feel mellow. The ambient temperature is dropping now that the local businesses are closed for tonight. I snuggle closer to Paulo, both for warmth and to try and renew the strange and wonderful feelings I’ve experienced tonight. He gently caresses me and I start feeling aroused again. Surely he doesn’t have the energy for another round of sex. Tiredness is starting to overtake me, and I can’t believe it isn’t affecting Paulo as well. But his caresses are divine. I don’t want them to stop. He gently runs his fingers up and down my spine and sends more waves of pleasure coursing through me. I respond in kind and despite my obvious inexperience my efforts are having a visible effect on him.“I wish we could stay here like this forever,” I say. “But we both know we must return to our dormitories before dawn. If we don’t turn up for roll-call, our absence will be noticed by the officials and we’ll be disqualified from the Argonaut. Despite the security officer’s error in throwing us out of the center, I doubt we will be shown any mercy if we miss roll-call.”“Yes, I know,” replies Paulo, deep in thought. “If only there was another way. Thanks for tonight. I can honestly say I really enjoyed it, and in other circumstances I would hope for many more. I’m going to be selfish and keep your nightie as a trophy to remind me of tonight.”I was planning on doing the same thing, but I don’t refuse his request. “As long as I can have a trophy in return,” I reply.“Agreed. I seem to be out of suitable offerings at the moment. Let me know tomorrow what you would like.”I feel so comfortable that I easily forget that Paulo and I are soon to face each other as rivals during the Argonaut. Either Paulo is a superb actor or his feelings mirror mine. Eventually tiredness overcomes me. The warmth of Paulo’s embrace, and the after effects of the wine and our coupling, causes me to doze off despite my nakedness.It must be an hour or so later when I wake. I’m disoriented at first, and wonder what has woken me. However, I soon realize it is the absence of Paulo’s warmth that has caused me to wake. I sit up to see where he has gone, but there’s no sign of him.However, Paulo’s absence isn’t my main problem. As I move I realize there is a length of chain locked around my ankle, the other end of which tethers me to a heavy table.To be continued in part 2, by Rachael Jane for Literotica.

Love in Dangerous Waters.In 4 parts, by RachaelJane. Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories.Serf Jasmine seeks her freedom by entering the Argonaut.Chapter 1: The next stepThe domed city of Argon is a marvel of engineering created in the dying days of the old regimes. Uninterrupted wars; the plundering of rapidly diminishing resources; and extreme weather events, had reduced most of the planet’s population to little more than scavengers and refugees, dependent on the largesse of the privileged few who controlled most of the Earth’s remaining wealth and resources. The ideas of democracy and freedom had been swept away by the unstoppable return of the medieval concept of feudalism. The wealthy elite became the new aristocracy, while the bulk of the population was reduced to modern day serfs; indentured to their local overlord from cradle to grave.History doesn’t record exactly when the planet’s ruling elites decided to create huge domed cities like Argon. Possibly the domed cities simply evolved as the ravages of war, and the uncontrollable elements, destroyed wide swathes of land. Floods and wild fires herded those with the wealth and ability to move into defensible towns and cities. Those who lacked the means were abandoned to their fate. Hundreds of millions died. Taxes were directed solely towards protecting the new centers of population. Many old and famous towns and cities were left to the elements, or to the marauding armies who lived off the misery of others. Within a few decades, there was little trace of the old world. Even the rogue armies finally disbanded when it became too difficult to find food and supplies to service their rapacious needs.We’re told that Argon is typical of the domed cities scattered around what is left of the inhabited world. Argon’s large central city houses about eighty thousand people. Access to the domed part of the city is strictly controlled, and no serf is allowed into the central city without a special permit. To live inside the domed center requires wealth far beyond most people’s imagination. No city citizen ever dirties their hands doing menial tasks. Consequently, in order to service the needs of the new elite, nearly two hundred thousand people commute daily into the city from one of sixteen outer settlements. Most of the commuters are serfs who have purchased short term freedom from their settlement overlord. The commuting workforce provide all the essential services that keep the city operating from day to day. Laborers and house servants are in great demand, along with those who provide personal services ranging from hairdressing to sexual services.Despite the strict rules that control our lives, we are generally a happy population, or so I am lead to believe. Our rulers constantly remind us that these days we have a steady supply of food, and that most settlements now boast their own medical center, albeit with unqualified medics and very few drugs or medicines. New laws limiting a serf’s work hours to only sixty hours a week mean that we have more leisure time. None of this existed until as recently as eight years ago. I can remember the days when my family went without meals, and my parents’ reliance on dubious folklore remedies for dealing with ailments.The strictures of modern day serfdom prohibit those living in the settlements from obtaining jobs in the central city without compensation for ‘loss of future labor’ being paid to their local overlord. For young people, where 'future labor’ may represent forty or more years of service, the cost of compensation for a lifetime of freedom is well beyond the means of a young serf. Many must opt for purchasing their freedom for a limited time in the rarely-achieved hope of earning enough in the city to purchase an extension of time.Those seeking permanent freedom usually take an indirect route towards achieving their goal. One such route is to undergo one of the quarterly assessments and authentication conducted by the Bureau of Ancillary Services. The Bureau’s authentication process ensures that the never-ending demands for young workers in the city are satisfied. Success in the Argonaut, as the assessment and authentication process is commonly called, means freedom from serfdom; although that freedom invariably comes at the price of a large debt to be repaid. The Bureau will lend the successful serf the amount of compensation due to the serf’s overlord, enabling a city work permit to be issued. However, even attending one of the quarterly assessments can be a costly affair. Firstly the serf must compensate his or her overlord for the three days absence from work, and secondly the serf is required to cover the cost of accommodation for the duration of assessment.Argon’s settlements are named after American presidents and European royal houses, reflecting the origins of most of the city’s population. Governance of Argon, and hence its settlements, is by a military junta who appoint all the administration and military officers, including each settlement’s leader. The junta also creates and enforces the laws which control our daily life. Anybody who voices dissent against the junta’s reign is rapidly and severely punished without any right to a trial. Even those living in the city are careful about what they say. Rumors says that the worst offenders are executed, but none of our heavily censored news-feeds make reference to anyone suffering that fate. Minor offences usually result in longer work hours, or the loss of access to the few recreational facilities.But enough about my world, it is time to tell you of my place in it. My name is Jasmine, and Buchanan settlement has been my home for all of my nineteen years. I’ve worked in one of the local recycling plants ever since I left school at eight years old. For a decade I have had a dream of buying my freedom so that I can work inside Argon’s central city. Now I have a chance. I am one of those who will be assessed at the next Argonaut, thanks to an anonymous benefactor who has sponsored my application.For better or worse, I have chosen my next step. My arrival at the old boarding school that houses the Bureau of Ancillary Services assessment center is the gateway to my future.Chapter 2: The lacy nightie.It’s nearly midnight and I can’t get to sleep. The first session of the Argonaut starts in nine hours. I still can’t get over my sponsor’s generous offer that has allowed me to attend. I realize that the very late arrival of the sponsor’s offer confirms that I’m a last minute substitute. Given my father’s blemished political record, I suspect my anonymous sponsor is scraping the bottom of the barrel in choosing me. But he or she did, and that has enabled me to be here at the old boarding school which serves as the headquarters of the Bureau of Ancillary Services. The original school closed decades ago when Argon’s junta decided to close the last remaining links with the decaying towns and cities beyond the borders of Argon’s self-proclaimed territory, effectively isolating us from the world. There was no need for schools with boarding facilities after that.Every three months, Argon’s Bureau of Ancillary Services accepts the applications of exactly fifty settlement adults between the ages of eighteen and twenty-seven. Successful applicants become contestants in the Argonaut, which consists of a series of interviews and tests supervised by an assessment panel. Some of the interviews are broadcast on the news-feeds throughout Argon and its settlements, with the intention of attracting future employers for the hopeful contestants should they secure a city work permit. The number of permits available each quarter is a closely guarded secret. Consequently, passing all the tests doesn’t automatically result in a contestant being granted a permit. And obtaining a permit doesn’t guarantee a good job. Not all city jobs are better than those in the settlements, but that doesn’t stop the competitiveness for the permits. That competitiveness often includes a range of sabotage and underhand tricks targeting the weaker contestants.These days the Argonaut doesn’t automatically favor the handful of contestants who have served a ten-year term in the military, and who are now into their twenties. The leaders of some settlements still prefer the old tradition of favoring the applications of those who have served in the military. Former soldiers are often trained to do well in the Argonaut’s tests. A contestant’s success can give a boost to their own settlement’s ranking in the eyes of the junta; a ranking that determines the priority given to the funding of a settlement’s civic improvements.It’s no secret which contestants were formerly in the military. Knowledge of their status is intended to intimidate the other contestants. Their names and reputations are etched in every other contestant’s mind; Paulo and Chloe from Eisenhower, Heidi from Grant, and Mansel from Bourbon. All contestants have the support of volunteer helpers who do everything from offering advice to helping solve minor problems. These helpers are an eclectic selection of oddballs and do-gooders from among the city’s bored residents. Not all of them are model Argon citizens, and three of the female contestants have already complained about being groped by one of the helpers.I give up trying to sleep, and I decide to take a walk around the old school building housing the fifty contestants for the current Argonaut. I slip my short dressing gown over my even shorter nightie. Normally I sleep naked, but I had the sense to borrow a nightie and gown from my twelve-year-old sister. I’m not a blushing maiden, but sleeping naked in a mixed gender dormitory is asking for trouble.The eight dormitories are designed to accommodate six people in each. Seven are single-sex dormitories. However, the late applicants, like me, must put up with eight of us crammed into the room, which now houses three male and five female contestants. Everywhere is quiet as I head towards the communal dining area. Everyone else must have had no trouble in falling asleep. In Harper’s case that probably has more to do with the quantity of alcohol he consumed during the evening meal, since he’s asleep on the dining room floor. Suddenly a movement catches my eye. I duck behind a door in case it is Patrick. He also comes from Buchanan, and he’s the closest person I have to a friend in this place. I’m not certain I want him seeing me dressed like this. I watch the figure at the other end of the dormitory for a few moments before realizing it is one of the robots that clean up after us. They try to be invisible, hovering just out of sight unless one is needed to clean up after us. The robot is using our absence to finish clearing away the empty glasses and plates from our evening meal.The robot leaves the room through a side door. It dawns on me that there must be a service corridor somewhere in this rambling jumble of rooms to enable the robots to come and go. The main door to this wing of the old school is locked and monitored at this time of night. The sophisticated sensors provide security against intruders, and ensure the contestants don’t do anything underhand before the assessment begins. I feel the urge to explore.I go through the door the robot used and find myself in a corridor with a relatively new door at the far end. Undoubtedly the robot is going to the kitchen and I follow it at a discreet distance. I follow the robot through the end door and I see that it opens onto a corridor crossing at right angles to the one I’ve just travelled. More doors are visible along the corridor, but I notice that each has one of the security pads used to unlock the door. My adventure is going to be short lived if all of the doors need a security code to operate them. I head in the opposite direction to the kitchens and try one of the doors at the end of the corridor. It’s unlocked. A set of rickety wooden stairs are on the other side of the door and I descend to the level where the recreation and practice rooms are located. The door at the bottom of the stairs opens and I tentatively peek out in case anyone is around. Everything seems quiet.I’m now in the main corridor on this level, not far from where the main stairs are located. I know my way to the recreation rooms, but not what lies behind the many other doors branching off the main corridor.The lack of security guards concerns me for a moment before I recall that everywhere is monitored by cameras. My little adventure is probably already being observed by the security guards in a control room somewhere. Any minute now I can expect to hear the sound of stomping feet and being faced with a squad of burly guards wanting to know what I’m doing. My best plan is to ignore the cameras and just walk as though I’ve every right to be here. Sneaking about will just raise suspicion that I’m up to no good. Fortunately my dressing gown is a similar color to the robots, so an inattentive guard may mistake me for a robot.I walk along the corridor not daring to breathe in case I trigger an alarm, or my actions make the security guards decide to investigate. I haven’t thought about where I’m going other than I don’t really want to go into the games rooms. A door off the main corridor is ajar and on impulse I go through it into another short corridor with a door at the end. This part of the building is much newer than the area behind me. There’s plenty of light streaming through the window in the door. The lighting has been dimmed everywhere else, but the room on the other side of this door is fully lit.The window in the door is misted, and the smell of chemicals makes me think that it’s a laundry. I open the door and peek inside. Not a laundry. It’s a large swimming pool. Much larger than anything Buchanan settlement can boast. The room is warm and the water looks inviting. At least to someone like me who can swim. I walk around the pool to check that nobody is about. I come across some racks with towels but there are no swimming suits. Nobody said to bring a swimming suit, so I must either forgo a swim, or swim naked.The water looks enticing, but I’m also aware that the pool, like everywhere else, will be monitored by cameras. I can see at least three cameras around the walls. What I can’t understand is why I’ve not been accosted by security guards. Even the dopiest guard must surely have realized by now that I’m not a robot. But I push my concerns about that to one side and prepare to enter the water. I slip off my dressing gown and dive into the water wearing my short nightie. I’m not brash enough to strip myself naked in front of whoever is monitoring the cameras. That’s something I quickly regret. The way my wet nightie is clinging to me I can see that I’m leaving very little to the imagination.I swim a couple of lengths of the pool before I realize that I have company. Someone else has entered the water. I make a sudden cry of alarm. Who is it? I’m in two minds whether to leave the water and make a hasty exit, or to stand my ground. The daunting prospect of running around the corridors wearing nothing but a wet translucent nightie settles my dilemma. I turn to face whoever is here with me.The swimmer heads in my direction. As the distance between us shortens I realize the swimmer is male and that he has no clothes on. Suddenly running around the complex in a wet nightie doesn’t seem such a silly idea any more. My indecision causes me to waste my only chance of leaving the pool without confronting him.The swimmer comes directly for me. He stops a few meters from me and treads water.“I didn’t think any of the other contestants knew about this place, nor be brave enough to take a midnight swim,” he says.Chapter 3: Swimming with a naked girl.“We don’t need to fight,” replies Paulo. “There’s time for that soon enough. I intend to enjoy my swim and then go to bed. I suggest you do the same. Or can’t you sleep? You wouldn’t be the first contestant to be nervous and suffer sleepless nights before the Argonaut.”“I’m not nervous,” I say defiantly, mostly for my own benefit. “I just can’t get used to sleeping on a soft bed.”“Yeah, whatever,” he replies dismissively. “Well, in that case, you can race me to the other end of the pool and back.”“Why?” I ask.“Because it’s fun and I don’t often get the chance to swim with a naked girl. Are you normally so argumentative?”“I’m not naked. And I’m not arguing. I’m being; um; curious.”“Ha! You may as well be naked for all that is hidden by that flimsy thing you are wearing. You have a nice body. You shouldn’t be afraid to let people see it.”Paulo’s comments immediately cause me to feel awkward. He’s a rival and ex-military, so he’s a serious threat to my chances during the Argonaut. But my traitorous body would be happy to yield to his desires. I mustn’t let him see how much his comment has disturbed me, so I move into position for the race that he wants.“Are you ready? Go!” I call as I launch myself off in the direction of the far end.“Hey! Cheat!” he calls before taking off after me.I’ve never tried swimming in a race, but I soon see Paulo’s point. It is fun. I’m almost reach the far end before Paulo manages to draw close to me. He’s a strong swimmer but doesn’t have the elegant style that my father drummed into me. We turn only seconds apart and I try to increase my speed on the return leg. Half way down the pool I realize that Paulo’s strength is starting to tell, and that I’m struggling to keep my lead. Moments later we are level and I draw on my last reserves to regain the lead. We reach the end of the pool neck and neck. I don’t think either of us can tell who touched the end first.We are both breathing heavily as we climb out of the pool and collapse on the floor. It is only then that I realize that we are virtually touching. I’m lying next to naked young man. That’s something I’ve only ever done in my wildest fantasies. My limited sexual experiences to date have involved remarkably little nudity. Fortunately Paulo seems too preoccupied in regaining his breath to notice my discomfort. I should move away before he recovers, but something inside me makes me stay where I am.“Is that the best your settlement’s wonderful training regime can teach you?” I say.“Swimming isn’t an essential skill, even in the military. The Argonaut tests rarely require the need to swim beyond having sufficient skill to avoid drowning. Where did you learn to swim like that? I didn’t think there would be much call for swimming in the industrial settlements.”“There isn’t, but my parents always hoped I would gain a permit to work in the city. It’s impossible to know what skills might be required if I land a job in the city. I suppose my father thought it useful for me to learn to swim well.”Paulo turns towards me. As hard as I try not to look below his waist, my eyes are drawn like a magnet. I notice he is looking at me in a way that makes me both excited and uncomfortable. I look into his eyes and immediately sink into their depths. I don’t even notice when he moves closer so our bodies are actually touching. The kiss that follows seems so natural my body responds by itself.“We shouldn’t be doing this,” I say with half-hearted sincerity when we break for air.“Why not?” is his reply.“Because we are rivals. We will be expected to try and outsmart each other tomorrow.”“And does doing this make any difference? This is now. The assessments are later.”“I don’t know if I can separate the two.”“Not all contestants are selfish machines. Chloe may fit the classic win-at-all-costs profile, but unlike her I don’t enjoy sabotaging another contestant’s chances.”“But your training will still make you sabotage that person’s chances regardless of how you feel now. And that person could be me.”“I know. I won’t like doing that to a fellow contestant, but I’ll do it if necessary. It would be unfortunate if you and I come face to face in one of the tests. But you are right, my training will help me make the right choice.”“I’m sure I shall be a lot happier knowing how cut up you are as you sabotage my efforts,” I say with as much sarcasm as I can manage.“Yes, I may even shed a tear,” he replies with equal sarcasm as he leans towards me and shares a second kiss with me.My mind and body are confused. Even fully clothed I’ve never been this intimate with anyone before. My near nakedness is sending all the wrong signals to both of us. I should stop and walk out of here, but as crazy as it sounds there is no way I want to do that.Our third kiss is accompanied by roaming hands. His on my yielding torso and mine onto the rock hard shaft pushing against my thighs, and seeking entrance to the throbbing slit between my legs.“Do you think the security cameras in this room are switched off?” I ask before Paulo can claim the prize his cock seeks.“No. I’m fairly sure we are being watched.”“Then why haven’t the security guards frog marched us back to our dormitories?”“We aren’t trying to kill each other so there’s no need for them to intervene. Anyway, if they do then they’ll miss all the fun? Can you imagine how boring it must be to watch banks of screens for hours, with absolutely nothing happening to break the monotony. We are livening up their night for them. For all we know they could be selling tickets to watch the main event.”“That’s disgusting. Anyway, what main event? I hope you aren’t implying that we are going any further with this liaison.”“I’m not implying anything.”Chapter 4: The hunter’s proposition.“And what makes you think I want there to be a main event?” I say.“Because you do,” says Paulo. “Otherwise you would have dressed more modestly before you left your dormitory. And you wouldn’t have stayed in here when you saw me in the water with you. Nor would you have let me lie close to you like this.”“I don’t have to explain myself to you. If I choose to say 'no’, then that is my right. Or did you have something more forceful in mind? Something more in keeping with your special training.”“Nonsense! Have I in any way hurt you while we have been here? As far as I can tell you’ve so far enjoyed my company.”I suddenly feel awkward and uncomfortable. My own feelings are strange to me and causing some confusion. Paulo is right. I have enjoyed his company, and I have no complaints about his behavior so far; other than his suggestion that this has all been the appetizer, and that the main course is about to follow.His remarks have hit home more than I’m willing to admit. He’s right. I chose not to put on more clothes, because I felt an urge to free my sexuality from its everyday constraints. And the more daring I’ve been tonight, the more alive my body has felt. Even now the prospect of allowing Paulo to perform the most intimate acts with me is sending a thrill through my body. But common sense is telling me to stop. And I’m the sort of person who pays a lot of attention to common sense; well, most of the time.“I’m sorry,” I say. “Your behavior so far doesn’t deserve my last remark. But I still have the right to say 'no’.”“And I’ll respect your decision. But can I remind you that is well past midnight and we might not have the opportunity another time.”“Where I come from, it is customary to seduce a girl before leaping on her,” I say, not really knowing if that statement is true.“Really? You would surrender yourself to someone who told you your eyes are beautiful, that your body is just perfect, and your choice of clothes is divine? Surely you are far too level headed to fall for that sort of line.”“Hmmm; Well you aren’t persuading me at the moment.”“Hah! You’re perfect! I love a woman who plays hard to get. The chase is just as much fun as the end result.”“You’re talking from experience, I presume?” I retort.“You are an interesting challenge! I notice that despite your reluctance, you haven’t ruled out accepting my suggestion.”“You’re stalling. As you said, it is getting late and as much as I’ve enjoyed our time together, we both have a busy schedule tomorrow.”“I agree. If I can’t make you say 'yes’ within five minutes then I shall concede defeat and we shall go back to our dormitories.”He looks at me and I nod in agreement.“So, what really excites a girl from Buchanan?” he muses to himself. “We can’t be that different. Your settlement has industrial factories and my last ten years have been in the military. Both require heavy manual labor. Sweating bodies and dirt everywhere. Which explains why you aren’t swooning at the sight of my bare chest. There are girls who almost faint at the sight; but not you. Despite what you said, I don’t think sweet-talking you is going to make you want to say 'yes’. So, that leaves a more physical approach. I think you are the type who likes to be hunted. Not the fake chases and mock play about being captured and becoming a helpless victim of a man’s wicked desires. No, I think you really want a man to prove to you he is able to outsmart you and is therefore worthy of your body.”“What a bizarre idea,” I say, trying hard to sound casual. My already heightened senses are being pushed into overdrive. I’ve never thought about what attracts me sexually, but Paulo’s comments are setting me alight with desire. “How are you going to prove your theory?”“I shall give you a thirty second start. If I can’t find you within four minutes then I shall return to my bed a sorry man. But if I corner you, then you are mine.”“I thought I had the right to say 'no’,” I say.“And you do. It will only take you ten seconds to reach the door to the main corridor, and from there you are free to return to your dormitory. I shall not attempt to stop you. You have twenty five seconds left.”I leap up and bolt for the side rooms holding the towels. There are other rooms on the far side. Saunas and hot pools. All ready for use, but currently devoid of people.There is a lack of good hiding places, but I only need to stay free for four minutes. It will take Paulo most of that time to check all these rooms. I settle for a room with several sunken hot tubs in the middle and clothes lockers around the walls. Some lockers are just large enough for me to hide inside. It isn’t until I’m hidden that I realize that by staying in these rooms I have made a major decision. If Paulo finds me then I’ve promised him that he can fuck me.One minute passes; then another. I can’t hear anything. My hiding place offers only a limited view of the hot tubs. I begin to wonder if Paulo is actually looking for me. How embarrassing it would be if he simply left for his dormitory, leaving the security guards monitoring us to laugh at my folly. But I saw the look in Paulo’s eyes. He definitely had the look of a wolf eager to devour a lamb. A lamb called Jasmine.The three minute mark must have passed before I hear something in the adjacent room. The sound of doors being opened and closed. He must be searching the lockers in that room. The speed at which he is doing it suggests he knows he is running out of time. He won’t have time to search the lockers in this room. I’ve won!Or have I?Chapter 5: Are we done talking?Although I don’t have a watch, I know that Paulo’s time is definitely running out. Paulo must know that too. I do something I would never have thought myself capable of doing in these circumstances; I leave my hiding place.Paulo bursts into the room with the hot tubs with what can only be seconds of his four minute deadline remaining. He stands by the door in shock.“What kept you?” I say. “Your four minutes are nearly up. You almost missed enjoying a treat. This water is divine. Not too hot and not too cold.”Paulo recovers from his shock and joins me in the tub. The tub is only two meters in diameter so we are fairly close together as soon as he enters the water. But he doesn’t immediately touch me as I had expected. He waits on the opposite side of the tub as though waiting for permission to approach me.“You allowed me to find you when you could have easily hidden in one of these lockers,” says Paulo. “What does that mean?”“What would you like it to mean?” I say.“I would like it to mean that you have proved your cleverness and that you are now ready to continue where we left off before.”“Are you sure you aren’t too tired and wish to go to bed?” I tease.“I think I could manage to stay awake all night given the right incentive. How about you?”“The same. Are we done talking?”“I thought women like to talk,” he says as he wraps me in his arms.“There’s a time and a place for everything. And talking isn’t what I need right now.”He kisses me and I melt into his arms. My hands reach down to massage his already solid cock.Just at that moment the lights go out and we are plunged into pitch darkness. But I don’t care. Paulo’s arms are wrapped around me and I simply don’t care.Less than a minute later the emergency lighting activates and the room changes from pitch black to something akin to a moonlit night.“Stay where you are and don’t move,” comes a man’s voice over a hidden speaker.The warm glow flowing through my entire body makes me wonder why the man would think I would wish to move from this position.“I think we are about to be arrested or something,” whispers Paulo into my ear.I don’t care. I just want to hold Paulo like this and feel him pressed against me. The normal lighting comes back on and we break our hold on each other to look around us. I take the opportunity to retrieve my nightie which is floating in the water. I don’t recall whether it was Paulo or me who removed it during our brief interlude. I put it back on with some difficulty. The wet fabric clinging to me in a way it didn’t seem to do just moments before.Three security guards enter our room accompanied by a man with enough gold braid on his uniform to indicate that he’s somebody important.“This is most irregular. Most irregular,” grumbles the man. “These facilities are closed for the duration of the Argonaut. I don’t know how you gained entry to this building, but you must leave. It is fortunate you didn’t enter the old school. We would have had to arrest you if you went up there. Now, make yourselves decent and I’ll escort you to the door.”I look at Paulo and realize that he is as baffled as I am at what is going on. As Paulo and I fetch some towels to dry ourselves it dawns on me that these security guards think we are central city residents who have found a way into this recreation center. They don’t know we are Argonaut contestants, and have sneaked down here from our respective dormitory.Neither Paulo nor I have clothes, unless you count my flimsy wet nightie. I can’t remember where I left my dressing gown. Paulo presumably arrived wearing something, but he doesn’t seem inclined to go and fetch it. We both wrap towels around us and knot them to preserve a modicum of decency. The security officer signals for us to follow him. We meekly follow him like two naughty children.“I know the festivities during the Argonaut are a time for high spirits, but you mustn’t enter a secure area like this,” lectures the man. “Now go home before you get into more trouble.”With that brief lecture over, we are escorted out of a side door to the large plaza outside. The door is closed firmly behind us. The plaza is just outside the domed city, between the dome support wall and the huge drainage channels that funnel storm water away from the inhabited areas. Consequently this area is accessible to both city residents and the serfs of the settlements. However, the distance to the nearest settlement means that few serfs will bother travelling here for pleasure.“You heard the man. We must go home,” says Paulo.“In case you haven’t noticed, we have no clothes, no money, and it’s a long walk home,” I say. “Besides, if we go missing we are automatically disqualified from the Argonaut.”“That’s true,” replies Paulo. “But we won’t be missed until morning. We have at least seven hours to ourselves. We can do a lot in seven hours.”“Yes. We could look at the statues over there, and; ”I almost break into laughter at Paulo’s reaction to my suggestion. He clearly has something quite different in mind and, in truth, so do I. I take his hand and walk along the wide boulevard that runs next to the recreation center and the old boarding school next door. I soon realize that this area is what passes for an entertainment zone, but the various places are closing for the night.The boulevard is busy. Mainly with young couples like us enjoying each other’s company. In their case, they are returning towards their homes under the domed part of the city. Having worked myself up into deciding tonight is going to be my big night, I feel slightly disappointed that we can’t find somewhere to go.“Can you climb?” asks Paulo, pointing to a wide balcony above a café which has already closed for the night. Climbing the wall to reach the balcony shouldn’t be too difficult.“Yes. Can you?” I reply already heading towards a promising looking place on the side wall.Paulo follows me as I make light work of climbing the fixtures adorning the café wall. Despite his military training, Paulo doesn’t find it quite so easy. Something I must remember when the Argonaut starts. We scramble onto the balcony and see it is laid out like a terrace with tables and chairs for the café customers. This place will be perfect.Chapter 6: Games in the night.I find a large sofa with a low table in front of it. I clear away the glasses and plates the last occupants of this area left behind. The owners of the café clearly intends to clear up in the morning.“Hey, look what I found,” says Paulo. “A half-finished bottle of wine. I’ll fetch some glasses.”It won’t be real wine, but I’m sure the technicians of the central city can produce something akin to the real thing. I make myself comfortable. Even outside the dome, the ambient temperature is several degrees warmer than in Buchanan; a product of the hot exhaust air pumped out of the city. The huge domes act like greenhouses, and the air inside must be continually vented to regulate the temperature.I lie back and look at the starlit sky. It’s all very romantic, which helps put me back in the mood for what I know is about to happen. When we were in the hot pool we thought we were pressed for time and needed to rush things. Here we are alone and unlikely to be disturbed before morning.Paulo returns with two glasses and a bottle of what I presume is pseudo-wine. I’ve never drunk wine before, real or fake. It isn’t the sort of luxury anybody in Buchanan can afford. Paulo pours some of the wine into the two glasses. He samples some wine before passing my glass to me.“Need to check the wine hasn’t gone off,” he says when he sees my puzzled look. I shrug in response. Either he is showing off, or drinking Argon wine is a far more common event in the military than I thought.“Ah! A Chardonnay, if I’m not mistaken,” he says has he sniffs the wine and takes another sip.“Are you an expert on wine?” I ask incredulously. “Or are you just making that up?”“Neither. That’s what is written on the label,” he laughs.I join in his laughter. His playfulness is helping me relax and I’m no longer nervous about what is going to happen. By the time we’ve finished the wine we are sat side by side on the sofa. He puts his hands on me. Mine echo his movements. The real world seems a million miles away. I can’t tell whether it is the effects of the wine or Paulo’s attentions which are causing me to think only of this moment and the intense pleasure I’m feeling as our limbs entwine.Then he starts kissing me. At this point I lose control of myself and crave for more of what he is doing. I’ve no experience at this level of intimacy, and only the vaguest idea of what I’m supposed to do. Knowledge gained from teenage gossip in the factory, which is probably completely wrong. But I needn’t have worried. Somehow my body seems to know what to do by instinct. When I’m not doing something quite right, Paulo quietly guides me towards the right action. Our bodies respond as though we are one.Then, before I realize it, he is on top of me. I feel that I’m at his complete mercy. That should alarm me and make me struggle, but all I want to do is to surrender myself to his desires. I’m rewarded with the most sensational feeling I can imagine. Heavy petting is as far as I’ve gone before. Paulo’s actions make it clear that we are going well beyond that tonight. I had been told there would be some pain involved, but I’m too far gone into the stratosphere of my arousal to notice. Paulo senses my submission and rewards me with a gentle and unhurried treat. His cock pushes its way into my moist cunt and I wrap my legs around his thighs to hold him in position.“Careful. I don’t want to get pregnant,” I say in a brief moment of lucidity.If he hears me he doesn’t alter his actions in any way. I’m too light-headed to force the issue. It’s a problem for another day.Finally Paulo and I are spent. Our emotions can only remain at fever pitch for so long. We eventually return to the real world. I’ve no idea how long I’ve been away. We lie in each other's arms for a while regaining our breath.“That wasn’t bad for a first timer,” says Paulo.“More of your experience talking, I suppose?” I reply, not certain whether to feel complemented or insulted.“You’re not my first, if that’s what you mean. There are benefits to being chosen as a contestant long before the Argonaut starts. Good performance in training is rewarded by a bevy of young women eager to be fucked by a contestant. But I meant what I said. I could tell that you were inexperienced, but you let go of your inhibitions. Few young women can do that the first time.”“Well I’m not sure we will be in a position for there to be a second time. Things get very competitive once the Argonaut starts.”“Who knows. Perhaps we will come face to face in one of the tests and you can throw yourself at my mercy and beg me to let you win in exchange for a repeat of just now.”“In your dreams! I was thinking more of the other way round. Would you like to be my plaything, Paulo?” I tease.“Now who is dreaming? You are bold, and you control your fears well. I can see you are someone I must regard as a serious rival. My chances of achieving a permit would be much better had you not been accepted as a contestant.”The afterglow of our coupling is still flowing through me, making me feel mellow. The ambient temperature is dropping now that the local businesses are closed for tonight. I snuggle closer to Paulo, both for warmth and to try and renew the strange and wonderful feelings I’ve experienced tonight. He gently caresses me and I start feeling aroused again. Surely he doesn’t have the energy for another round of sex. Tiredness is starting to overtake me, and I can’t believe it isn’t affecting Paulo as well. But his caresses are divine. I don’t want them to stop. He gently runs his fingers up and down my spine and sends more waves of pleasure coursing through me. I respond in kind and despite my obvious inexperience my efforts are having a visible effect on him.“I wish we could stay here like this forever,” I say. “But we both know we must return to our dormitories before dawn. If we don’t turn up for roll-call, our absence will be noticed by the officials and we’ll be disqualified from the Argonaut. Despite the security officer’s error in throwing us out of the center, I doubt we will be shown any mercy if we miss roll-call.”“Yes, I know,” replies Paulo, deep in thought. “If only there was another way. Thanks for tonight. I can honestly say I really enjoyed it, and in other circumstances I would hope for many more. I’m going to be selfish and keep your nightie as a trophy to remind me of tonight.”I was planning on doing the same thing, but I don’t refuse his request. “As long as I can have a trophy in return,” I reply.“Agreed. I seem to be out of suitable offerings at the moment. Let me know tomorrow what you would like.”I feel so comfortable that I easily forget that Paulo and I are soon to face each other as rivals during the Argonaut. Either Paulo is a superb actor or his feelings mirror mine. Eventually tiredness overcomes me. The warmth of Paulo’s embrace, and the after effects of the wine and our coupling, causes me to doze off despite my nakedness.It must be an hour or so later when I wake. I’m disoriented at first, and wonder what has woken me. However, I soon realize it is the absence of Paulo’s warmth that has caused me to wake. I sit up to see where he has gone, but there’s no sign of him.However, Paulo’s absence isn’t my main problem. As I move I realize there is a length of chain locked around my ankle, the other end of which tethers me to a heavy table.To be continued in part 2, by Rachael Jane for Literotica.

[SEGMENT 1-1] The SC Primary SC is over and what's changed for Republicans? Nothing. Donald Trump has won the South Carolina Republican presidential primary, CNN projects, defeating Nikki Haley on her home turf as he completed his sweep of the early voting states. Already the prohibitive favorite to claim his third straight nomination, the former president's victory in the Palmetto State, where Haley was twice elected governor, has all but ended the race — even as Haley insists that she will keep battling at least into next month. Trump's dominance in South Carolina was hardly surprising. The state is among the most conservative in the country and has backed the former president every time he's been on the ballot. According to a CNN exit poll of primary voters, more than 4 in 10 described themselves as being affiliated with the MAGA movement, while roughly 8 in 10 described themselves as conservative. Only a third of respondents acknowledged President Joe Biden as the rightful winner of the 2020 election. Biden and Trump both pivoted to the general election campaign weeks ago, but Haley's decision to play out the race has been gnawing at the former president, who is positioning himself to close his grip on the GOP political apparatus. While the result in South Carolina was never really in doubt — most polls showed Trump with a 25- to 30-point lead — there are still a few outstanding details. Chief among them: How many delegates can Haley win? South Carolina gives most of its plunder to the statewide winner but also doles out delegates to the winner in each of its seven congressional districts. CNN projected late Saturday night that Haley will win the state's 1st Congressional District and its three delegates. [SEGMENT 1-2] The SC Primary 2 It's official. We can refer to Nikki Haley as Nikki "Who-ly", as in "Remind me...who is she?" Trump as the Republican nominee has been a foregone conclusion since the Coup of 2020. Trump performed amazingly as president and deserved his second term. The Republican establishment partnered with Democrats to defeat him. And their continued efforts to destroy Trump and his family led to Trump's resurgence. Oh the irony. Nikki Haley and others were sanctioned to take Trump out. I commented many times that the Uniparty hoped that the sheer volume of people going against Trump would be enough to take him out. DeSantis, Haley, Christi, Hutchison, and others. Former governors, Senators, Attorneys Generals, and Trump staffers were cajoled into making Trump look bad. The idea was "Look at all these formidable people running against Trump". The "field" never had a majority, and the most votes any of them got when they ran collectively was around 20 percent. South Carolina put the nail in the coffin for the RINO faction of the Republican Party. What is the makeup of the Republican Party? According to a CNN exit poll of primary voters, more than 4 in 10 described themselves as being affiliated with the MAGA movement. Forty percent MAGA. The exit poll doesn't tell the whole story, since 80 percent of people polled described themselves as conservative. Consider that 80 percent of the people don't think of themselves as Republicans. Put another way, MAGA is double the size of Republicans. I consider the 80 percent conservatives as ReTrumplicans. And while some may not like Trump's style, the love his results. Another poll question had to do with Biden. Only a third of respondents acknowledged Joe Biden as the rightful winner of the 2020 election. So calling ReTrumplicans "election deniers" isn't doing the party any harm. The majority of Republican voters believe that Democrats stole the elections. What next for Trump? Undoubtedly, Trump has ground to make up. But his ground is smoother than the Democrats. How many of "Who-ly'" 39 percent can he garner? I say most of it. However, before we get into that, let's look at the one-third of voters who believe Biden won. How will the "free and fair election" thinking shift over the next few months as more Democrat skullduggery gets revealed? Trump remains defiant about the big cheat, something that irks the Democrats. Part of destroying Trump meant destroying the idea of a tainted election. But Trump has held firm and his stature has grown. Thus, as the myth of a fair election dissipates, more of those voters will move to Trump. One thing is for sure, election deniers have been growing since Democrats started this lie. Look back at the polls right after the election, and Democrats did a decent job of convincing people that Biden won fair and square. However, those numbers have steadily dropped over three years. How many more people will see the light between now and election time? [SEGMENT 1-3] More on Plan B… Not long ago a report asked Biden about Plan B. The media sense that Biden is toast, no matter how some of them present the man. The house of cards is about to fall down, so what is Plan B? [X] SB – Man speaks of life in CA under Newsom Most popular state to LEAVE 170 years population increased, until Newsom declined every year over last 4 years Led the nation in U-Haul rentals Highest taxes, highest poverty rates Gas prices, worst roads Flood emergencies and drought emergencies Spend more on homelessness, most homeless Most lockdowns, worst public health outcomes Education, worst education outcomes Sacrifice the most, put get the least $68B deficit [SEGMENT 1-4] SC Primary 3 What of the perception of Biden? He has been painted as "Average Joe"; trustworthy and honest. Do you think this is how people will think of the Bidens in the next 60 days? Jim Biden has already recanted his testimony about his big brother, aka "the big guy". And that recanting by the FBI agent changed nobody's mind about the Biden family grift. They can't make 20 LLCs, 170 suspicious activity reports, and million of dollars Joe Biden said they never got go away. The hurdle Trump must jump is people don't like him? That's what they said about him in 2016. Then in 2020 he managed to win over millions more voters than in his previous election. With the current witch hunts by the embattled Fani Willis, and soon to be embattled Judge Engoron, Letitia James, and Alvin Bragg, how do you think things will look for Trump by election time? Democrats have bet their strategy on a Trump conviction, even if it's jaywalking. And while the media touts polls that show people declining to vote for Trump if he's convicted, that narrative is a ruse. As CNN reported, Still, Trump saw hefty advantages with other demographics, according to the exit polls. Primary voters thought he was more electable in November than Haley by a 23-point margin, and more voters said he has the physical and mental health needed to serve effectively as president than Haley. Overall, he also demonstrated more loyalty among his voters at the same time that the exit polls hinted at how he can motivate his critics. Ninety-three percent of Trump voters said they mainly voted for their candidate, rather than against his opponent. Among Haley voters, 58% mainly supported her -- and 40% voted mainly to oppose Trump. Telling numbers, particularly the last datapoints. Ninety-three percent of Trump voters voted FOR Trump. Only 58 percent voted for Haley. Trump has without a doubt the most loyal supporters of any candidate, running or planning to run. And that base grows each time he defeats a challenger. Trump can lose part of the Republican Party and comfortably defeat Biden or anyone else. Have you seen polling of Trump vs Michelle Obama? Google it; I dare you. Recently there appeared Trump versus Newsom poll and it wasn't good news for Newsom. And what of Trump versus Harris? Not good news for Harris, though surprisingly she did better than Newsom. Anybody think Democrat want to share the results of these polls. Trump will heal the Republican Party, even if it means dragging McConnell around by a dog leash. But major roadblocks lie ahead for the Democrats. Headwinds they knowingly sailed into. Nikki Haley was never a factor against Trump. Just more Leftist propaganda to get real Republicans' eyes off the ball. Another fail by the Left and a nail in the RINO Deep State coffin.

Connor Pugs tells a Storytime about this spoiled brat, and he's undoubtedly the most spoiled rich kid ever

Ben & Rob get cancelled for ‘American Fiction'; the utterly hilarious 2024 Best Picture nominee that has every white person second guessing if they've been the wrong kind of ally to minorities! With an all star cast that features Jeffrey Wright, Sterling K Brown, Issa Rae, Erika Alexander and Lesie Uggams, ‘American Fiction' challenges the culture of positive discrimination with equal parts hilarity and drama. When writer Thelonius ‘Monk' Ellison's cliche-ridden satire of a “black” novel is hungrily gobbled up by publishers and Hollywood, his private and professional life are thrown into turmoil as he is forced to deal with the falling apart of his family.Undoubtedly the funniest of this year's Oscar contenders, do its themes of racially charged annoyance help or hinder its hilarity? Is this tale of commercial success too subtle to really matter when it comes to race issues in contemporary America? Or is this in fact one of the most incisive, delicate comedies to have been released all year? CONSUUUME to find out all this and much, much more!PLUS! We have a YouTube with EXCLUSIVE content just for you - click the link below!Find us on your socials of choice or watch this episode at www.linktr.ee/everymovieeverpodcast

Ground Control to Gravitron: Take your coffee sweet and put your space suit on…. The Moonbase isn't just the first Cybermen reboot, it's the template for every base under siege story since. Undoubtedly, Patrick Troughton grows in the role before our eyes. But what about sick jealous Jamie, chemistry expert Ben, and the rest of this Polly cocktail? Join us as we throw an explosive bottle of 2024 straight at the Cybermen of 2070! Give your own rating for The Moonbase on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and become a True Companion of the podcast and get new episodes before everyone else! Subscribe to our newsletter at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠pulltoopen.net⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for extended notes on The Moonbase. Support the podcast by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠becoming a patron⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ of Pull To Open on Patreon. Please review Pull To Open on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow us on: TikTok! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@pulltoopen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@pulltoopen63⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@pulltoopen63⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Threads: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@pulltoopen63⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Bluesky: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@pulltoopen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Play ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pull To Open Bingo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (NEW upgraded card!) Story Essentials Season 4, Serial 6 Story number: 32, per the The Pull To Open Codex Writer: Kit Pedler Director: Morris Barry Producer: Innes Lloyd Aired 11 February – 4 March 1967 Pull To Open: The Moonbase Season 5 Episode 8 Hosts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Pachal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Chris Taylor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Music: Martin West/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thinking Fish⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ©️AnyWho Media LLC 2024 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pull-to-open/support

TikTok, with 1.8 billion monthly active users and a presence in over 150 markets, has emerged the #1 app globally for content consumption. As we look ahead to 2024, it's evident this will be a big year for the platform. And the thing they're driving hardest? Undoubtedly, TikTok Shop.In a world where people crave entertainment in e-Commerce, TikTok stands out. As a content-first consumer destination, it is fast redefining Social Commerce as we know it. Join Paul & Verity LIVE from the Social Commerce Summit: London 2024, as they talk to Laura Mallows (Founder @ Mallows Beauty and TikTok Shop legend) and Broghan Smith (Fashion Lead @ TikTok Shop) on the topic. First, explore how TikTok is revolutionizing the shopping experience with an exclusive deep-dive from Broghan. Hear how to harness the power of TikTok Creators and where the big opportunities lie for 2024,, before discovering case studies from Victoria Beckham, Pretty Little Thing & Mallows Beauty. It's time to uncover the facts, tactics, and insider strategies shaping the fashion & beauty landscape within TikTok Shop.This episode explores:The power of #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt: Why is this hashtag a phenomenon, with over 78 billion uses, and how is it reigniting the joy of shopping? TikTok is becoming the new storefront for customers, with content creators playing a pivotal role in driving true customer Advocacy. With ‘family & friends' still the No. 1 trusted source of purchasing recommendations, the authentic content driving TikTok Shop powerfully bridges the gap between brands and consumers.From your ‘for you page' to basket: This is the next frontier of shopping. It's revolutionizing the shopping experience – from Live Shopping, to in-feed videos and product showcases. There's something for every user here.Mallows Beauty's TikTok journey: The platform is already changing the game for brands like Mallows Beauty. Delve into the Mallows TikTok Shop story, and learn how the brand saw a 500% increase in revenue from a bold Live Shopping strategy; seeing the Mallows team go live for 8 to 10 hours a day and utilize 10k+ affiliates.Fashion & beauty brand builders looking to win on TikTok Shop, you'll want to join us.The future of Social Commerce starts here.Rate & review Building Brand Advocacy:Apple PodcastsSpotifyConnect with Broghan & Laura:Broghan's LinkedInLaura's LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we're joined by Jamillah Parker, whose social work expertise revolutionizes how we approach teaching and learning in education. Undoubtedly, the rhythm of our daily lives can benefit from a sprinkle of mindfulness, a practice that transcends cultural and religious divides. Today, we unpack the art of bringing serenity into the classroom and home, highlighting the simplicity of deep breathing exercises and their power to calm and center our youngest learners. Through engaging anecdotes and relatable activities, we'll guide you on respectfully introducing these practices to children and their families, fostering a dialogue of understanding and acceptance, and setting the stage for our upcoming workshop to soothe the edges of anxiety.The episode concludes with an ode to self-care and the relentless pursuit of accurate information. We share the personal self-care rituals that keep social-emotional wellness afloat, from experimenting in the kitchen to the soothing melodies of music. So, wrap yourself in the warmth of this conversation that celebrates the love and commitment we hold dear in our professional and personal lives.EPISODE RESOURCES:Connect with Jamillah on LinkedIn and  X.

[SEGMENT 1-1] Shock and Awe 1 What should we be focused on if we really wanted to change America? We have Democrats on the ropes in all areas of society: Crime; just saw illegals beat down 2 NYPD cops. What better example of Leftism can you find? Defund the Police, take THAT! And how about we revisit building that wall? And what about Affirmative Action: Talk about showcase that monumental fail front and center, look at Fani Willis. Her appearance was a trainwreck. Letitia James will likely get a temporary win, but it will be overturned. Alvin Bragg's case is doomed. The justice system? Forget how Fani Willis is behaving, let's not forget the Bidens. Now we are told that the chief FBI whistleblower is a LIAR? Well we can't have a LIAR in our midst, when the job is to protect the Liar-In-Chief and his family. Super Bowl shooter. Those dang GUNS! All distractions from what? The corrupt Biden family; would you want to investigate fully a business with ties to our enemy, and who is selling influence in our political system. Shouldn't this be JOB ONE? How much scratching around the surface can we do, when we have all the evidence. And now Democrats pretend that our evidence is bogus with this latest farce. More on that in a bit. [SEGMENT 1-2] Shock and Awe 2 [X] SB – Jill Biden blames Trump on border https://twitter.com/RNCResearch/status/1758170556166197692 Joe and Jill Biden walk in front of a big valentine on the WH lawn after having taken a picture in front of it. As they head towards the WH, Joe asks Jill if they want to get a picture in front of it. She responds, we already did. Inflation through the roof. Or is it? Not according to Biden. Just when you start believing the life that you're living, the Biden administration reports new data. Now you can recalibrate. Data emerges about Covid that doesn't support the government experts, yet no apologies. No recompense for those hurt by the allegations of being anti-vaxxers or spreading disinformation. Even to this day, the Left try to act as if their being BLATANTLY wrong is not their fault. They did their DUTY and trusted the experts. [X] SB – Media mashup Covid do your own research Don't let it dominate your life?! Everyone should be afraid of Covid Won't be free until we look at the acknowledged truth Science is truth. Openly questioning science Do what you are told You are a THREAT! A denier Seek out the scientists. Trust the experts. Do my own research. Roots of this phrase Tased over not wearing mask. Want to KILL them. Don't listen to Trump. But listen to Gates Follow science The government lying about a supposedly deadly disease that cost $6T and we are no more safe than we were previously. Who all is involved in that lie? The border invasion that disrupts every area of our lives… Joe Biden IS old and demented [SEGMENT 1-3] Shock and Awe 3 Atlanta Fani Willis had another chance to make her case. Prosecutors are often frustrated actors, and prone to courtroom theatrics. Fani is no exception. Too bad, as one wag put it 'every time she opens her mouth she admits to another felony.' She really has been promoted above her level of competence. Looks like she, and her case, will be tossed out pretty soon. Of course, to Fani, all of this is a lie, and she is not really on trial here. NY This was another grand theatre performance. Judge Arthur Engoron, who has made quite a few courtroom performances, decided that Trump was guilty (without allowing him a defense or to even speak), and fined him $364 million for 'fraud' and ordered him not to conduct business in NY for three years, nor to use any NY bank for that time. PersecutionThis is really blatant political persecution, trying to bankrupt the opposition and keep them off the ballot. Unlikely that this will hold up on appeal. What is likely is that 'as you treat others, so shall you be treated'. Keep an eye on this judge. At some point, things are not going to go well for him. NYC By the way, the average price for a one-topping pizza in NY now is $34 - thanks to the politicians, illegals, criminals and court system. No wonder people are moving out as fast as they can. Gangs The illegals who attacked the cops and beat them were members of the gang "Tran de Aragua". They were released after a local sanctuary church posted bail for them. (The Venezuelan gang is 'teaming' with MS-13, the animals from El Salvador. Ed) 23 & Me This company has tanked. They collected DNA on millions of people, and now all that data is compromised. Big Tech and various government agencies now have access to all that very personal information, and no restrictions on what they do with it. So much to look forward to... Tranny of the Year This person calls his/her self Pattie Gonia. Looks like the makeup is applied with a trowel. [SEGMENT 1-4] Shock and Awe 4 - Backfire Despite shock and awe, we as conservatives are FEASTING! Two things are about to happen that won't be good for Joe Biden or the Democrats. First, America will learn the truth about how the Biden family used Joe Biden for their individual grifts. Second, Joe Biden will be outed for being a corrupt politician, no different from most of his Democrat cronies. Regarding the latter, Biden's days are numbered. So Leftist elites have authorized the leak of information formerly kept under wraps in the media. Case in point, this article in Politico about Jim Biden's health care scam. Politico explains, In 2017, a hospital operator set out to build a rural health care empire with the help of a Philadelphia-area consultant. The consultant, Jim Biden, had no experience running hospitals. But he did understand the federal government and had ties to labor unions. Perhaps more important, he was the younger brother of Joe Biden. Sound familiar? A Biden family member involving himself in business where he has no experience? What could Jim Biden possibly be selling? I suspect if "investigators" follow the money, there will be a circuitous path that ends with "the big guy" getting his part. The article further explains that Joe Biden understood the finality of his tenure as Obama's VP. The final years of the Obama administration had cemented the former vice president's towering stature in the world of health care, where he had made the fight against cancer a top federal priority and, then, a centerpiece of his legacy-building efforts. For then 67-year-old Jim Biden, the third of four Biden siblings, his ties to his older brother made up much of his pitch as he pursued deals that could help Americore make money from drug rehab, lab testing and even cancer treatment. “This would be a perfect platform to expose my Brothers team to [your] protocol,” Jim Biden wrote to the CEO of a Tampa-area company that controlled licensing rights to an experimental cancer treatment the hospital operator wanted to offer. “Could provide a great opportunity for some real exposure.” Recall that Obama put Joe Biden in charge of curing cancer. How did Biden perform? Like a Biden. I documented how Biden's cancer charity was a scam: The charity took in $4,809,619 in contributions in fiscal years 2017 and 2018, and spent $3,070,301 on payroll in those two years. The group's president, Gregory Simon, raked in $429,850 in fiscal 2018 (July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2019), according to the charity's most recent federal tax filings. Simon, a former Pfizer executive and longtime health care lobbyist who headed up the White House's cancer task force in President Barack Obama's administration, saw his salary nearly double from the $224,539 he made in fiscal 2017, tax filings show. With a scam like this, why not introduce the Biden family racket to the health care industry. They could print money. The article continues, The email, obtained by POLITICO from a person close to the company, documents one of the many ways in which Jim Biden invoked his brother's name and clout in the course of his work with Americore, which has since gone bankrupt, wreaking havoc in rural communities in the process. Unearthed email? Joe Biden was vetted, and Democrats knew every detail of his life. The pathological lies. The philandering and sexual assaults. And of course the grifts. Joe Biden has been for sale for decades. After he was hand-picked from the collection of Leftist losers to get shoe-horned as POTUS in the coup of Trump, Biden was given a license to steal. He could fully entrenched himself in his family's larceny, behind the scenes of course. Duplicate email accounts with fake names, multiple bank accounts, and burner phones is how the family operated. Undoubtedly, no legitimate business in America operates like the Biden family businesses. And you can bet if Trump set his businesses up like this, the entire Trump family would be in prison, including Barron. While Leftists focus on Donald Trump's admitted and sanctioned business bankruptcies, they never discuss those of the Bidens. Almost every deal touched by the Bidens ends up in bankruptcy or insolvency of some sort. The bigger the company, the bigger the fall. Americore. Gone. Burisma. Gone. Even the partnership the Biden family had with a Chinese spy who worked for the Chinese Communist Party. Gone. America. GONE! Why would anybody "invest" with the Bidens? The Bidens bring no market expertise to any businesses they pursue. Worse, they suck millions of dollars from the bottom line; yet companies seem anxious to work with them. Back to the email. Th

READ on Real News Now: https://www.realnewsnow.com/jpmorgan-state-street-realignment-moving-away-from-climate-action-100/ Global finance behemoths JPMorgan and State Street have made headlines this week with their decision to withdraw from the Climate Action 100+ assembly, a conglomerate of competitive investors championing ESG initiatives. Representing a staggering $68 trillion in assets, this body engages in a forceful push for sustainability in business environments. Black Rock, recognized as the world's most significant assets manager, has also publicized its intention to retract investment from the Climate Action group. Notably, the recent divestments equate to a roughly $14 trillion slash in the Climate Action group's financial strength. State Street justified their departure by stating that the Climate Action's 100+ prerequisites no longer align with the internal structure and strategies of their firm. Thus, a gap presents itself between these financial major players and the climate initiative. Since its establishment in 2017, Climate Action has built a network of more than 700 investors who push for businesses to enhance their approach towards climate change governance. They advocate current incumbents to cut their emissions, bolster their climate-related financial disclosures, and press the world's largest companies into taking decisive action on climate change. The move by these financial titans has managed to garner some commendation from certain circles. Among those lauding this decision is House Judiciary Chair, Jim Jordan. He has encouraged Black Rock to take further steps to disconnect completely from Climate Action. West Virginia's State Treasurer, Riley Moore, known for deep skepticism of ESG policies, has also hailed the choice made by JPMorgan and State Street. He had previously severed ties with Black Rock, citing contrarian viewpoints towards handling resources such as coal and natural gas. It is noteworthy that this is not an isolated case. A team of Republican attorneys general had earlier expressed their concerns to financial asset managers concerning their participation with Climate Action. They issued a warning about the potential peril of utilizing American citizens' savings to serve political agendas versus adhering to more traditional investing models. The recent developments have reverberated across the financial sector, hinting at a potential shift in attitude towards ESG initiatives among major financial institutions. It also underscores the impact and reach of Climate Action 100+, reaffirming their operability within the investing landscape despite these recent withdrawals. On one hand, this move may be seen as a setback for organizational bodies such as Climate Action 100+ that broadly leverage their investor influence to foster environmentally friendly business practices. Yet on the other hand, it affirms the autonomy of financial institutions to align their investments with their established standards and policies. It's also worth noting that the move might foster greater scrutiny towards the alignment of investor group's mission and the individual business strategies of its members. Given the ongoing debate over climate-related measures among various industry fronts, such dynamics are intricately balanced and intertwined. This occurrence poses a broader question related to the role of financial institutions and their potential influence on climate-related matters. As we continue to witness the implications of climate change on various sectors, the dialogues between investment strategy and measures to combat climate change are increasingly significant. Undoubtedly, these events are a notable indicator of the continued debate surrounding ESG policies, as well as the ongoing tug of war between climate change action and economic considerations. The severity of these issues demands a careful balancing act, wherein businesses need to encapsulate both profitability and sustainable practices. The prevailing views towards ESG practices are continually evolving, factoring in diverse viewpoints from all corners of the financial world. The diversification of these opinions and their clash, reveal the intrinsic dynamics of the investment landscape. It remains to be seen how future policy changes and other notable events might influence the course. Indeed, the financial world must recognize the role of environmental considerations alongside its economic function. Excelling in this realm may require a fresh understanding of 'value' that goes beyond financial profit alone. It's an intricate relationship that requires careful navigation and a willingness to adapt. Concluding, JPMorgan and State Street's decision to retreat from the Climate Action 100+ organization, and the Black Rock's move to divert some of its investment, indicate broader implications for the ESG ecosystem. While it may seem like a challenge to initiatives like Climate Action, it also opens opportunities for re-assessing the dynamics between financial sustainability and environmental conscientiousness. Finally, the financial world remains a crucial player in navigating the complexities of climate change. The decision by these financial giants illuminates the constant push and pull between financial objectives and environmental responsibility. Even as financial institutions reshape their policies, the evolving dialogue of sustainability continues to resonate throughout the investment landscape. This shift poses both challenges and opportunities for institutions exploring the intertwining priorities of corporate, social, and environmental responsibilities. Real News Now Follow RNN 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/ Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@RealNews YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@realnewsnowapp Video: https://youtu.be/RjgqQ1ssVc8 End Wokeness: https://endthewokeness.com/?ref=fbcSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever said: "Lord, it's enough! When are you going to do something about this? Why are you waiting so long?” Well, I don't know anyone who hasn't asked those questions of God at some time or another in their Christian walk. Why is waiting so hard for us? Why do we chomp at the bit so easily when God doesn't do what we think he should do when we think he should do it? Let me share my own answers to those questions and see if you can identify with me. Waiting is difficult for me because I don't like the unknown. I want to know what lies out there; mysteries frighten me, especially where my own future is concerned. Waiting is tough for me because I'm a here and now person, and I want everything in neat little rows, no strings left hanging, no problems left unsolved. Waiting is hard for me when I think I know the right solution and can see no benefit in waiting for it to happen. In fact, it usually appears disastrous to me to think it won't happen on my schedule. Waiting is hard for me because I tend to be a controlling person, and I want to feel that everything's on schedule. Undoubtedly, you can relate to some of my difficulties with waiting and perhaps add a few of your own. When I take a closer look, I have to conclude my problem is I don't want to let go and trust God. I'm afraid to trust God. It is a sinful, though frequently undetected, attitude that I've got better solutions, better schedules, better ideas than God. It is a false trust in myself. That's a little tough to face, but I believe it is the root cause of my struggles—and yours too—when God keeps us waiting. The truth is the waiting periods of our lives are very important to our spiritual growth and understanding of God, for through them we learn to walk by faith and not by sight.

Meet my friend Aleeza Ben Shalom, a Jewish matchmaker, dating coach, and podcast host who has captivated hearts and sparked laughter across the globe. Especially in today's world of dating apps and digital connections, having a matchmaker can lessen the anxiety and stress of dating and give you hope that your bashert, or soulmate, really does exist. Upon meeting Aleeza, I was overwhelmed by her empowering support of Jewish couples, helping them connect and build a life of honor, compassion, and commitment. As she says, “World peace begins at home." Undoubtedly, her calling as a messenger is something that she takes quite seriously. She definitely exudes a light that transcends all that she encounters and undertakes. Her blessings are incredibly beautiful and as she says are her superpower.  ❤️ Thank you Aleeza for joining us on the podcast! Thank you for giving us real-time dating advice for the world of dating apps. It was an amazing honor to share space on the podcast, and I look forward to many more conversations and collaborations in the future.  You can follow Aleeza on Instagram @aleezabenshalom, and you find more info about her matchmaking and coaching services on her website, marriagemindedmentor.com.

We live in a culture that is very protective of personal rights.  But as believers, how can we find the balance between standing up for ourselves and following Jesus' example of laying down His life? Join host Julie Harwick as she explores the topic Laying Down and Giving Up. *** Welcome to Women World Leaders podcast. I'm your host, Julie Harwick. Thank you for joining me today as we celebrate God's grace in our lives, in this ministry and around the world. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” If you are an American, these words should be familiar to you as the second paragraph of our nation's Declaration of Independence. No previous government had ever enumerated such rights and the fact that the United States of America did, set the stage for a government of the people, by the people and for the people. I am thankful for the rights our Constitution guarantees, although many of them seem to be under attack lately.  However, I think it has created in Americans in particular, a heightened focus on protecting our rights that doesn't always conform to scripture.  Our speech is peppered with phrases like, “I know my rights,  what gives you the right?  I have every right to…” People devote their lives to fighting for animal rights, women's rights, gay rights…the list goes on.  Our culture places a very high value on defending our rights. From a purely secular perspective, that seems like a good thing. But recently, God has been challenging my perspective about my rights and the lengths to which I'll go to defend them. ------------------------------------------------- I had the privilege of teaching about the Persecuted Church at last month's Leadership Connect and as I was researching, I watched a video produced on behalf of the underground church in Iran that really convicted me. A missionary who was part of the underground church in Iran was describing how he and the members of his church often discuss what they will do if or when the radical Islamists discover them and break into their hidden place of worship.  A young woman who had been part of a radical Muslim faction herself, pointed out what she had already given up for her faith. “I have given up my rights.  I have given up my position. I have given up everything for Jesus,” she said. These persecuted Christians are prepared to carry out the command of Romans 12:1 which says, “Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship.” In spite of beatings, prison, assault and murder, these people are willing to lay down their rights, rather than deny their Savior. ------------------------------------------------------ The Church in America has had it so good for so long, that it's hard for us to identify with believers like this woman. We don't like to think, much less talk, about suffering and being willing to lay down our rights.  For many of us the concept of suffering equates to putting up with a miserable job situation, marital difficulties or experiencing financial problems.  These are the very type of problems that many spiritual leaders have focused on as issues we can overcome, if only we learn the spiritual principles that lead to success and happiness.  After all, we're the King's kids and He owns the cattle on a thousand hills, so why wouldn't He want us to prosper, enjoy good health and the best of everything this world has to offer? That type of prosperity doctrine  has encouraged adherents  to focus on all the wrong things…in a nutshell,  their own selfish, fleshly desires – a far cry from being a living sacrifice. I heard a teaching on Romans 12:1 years ago that caused me to consider for the first time that the problem with being a living sacrifice is that you have the option of crawling off the altar at any time.  Throughout the Old Testament, the animal sacrifices required by God were always slaughtered before they were placed on the altar.  But there is one instance of a living sacrifice in the Old Testament.   In the story of Abraham sacrificing his only son, Issac, we usually focus on the aspect of God testing Abraham's faith. That's the point, after all,  even in the book of Hebrews, Abraham is listed as an example of faith we're meant to emulate because he was willing to obey God even if it cost him the most precious thing God had ever given him. But have you ever thought about this story from Issac's perspective? He was probably excited to get to go with his father on such an important mission at 13-years-old. But scripture tells us that he noticed the lack of an animal to sacrifice and even asked his father about it. Abraham simply explained that God Himself would provide the sacrifice and evidently that was good enough for Issac. The boy carried the wood for the sacrifice himself while Abraham handled the torch and a knife.  At what point did Issac begin to grasp that he was to be the sacrifice? Genesis 22 tells us that Abraham built an altar and placed the wood on it. Then he bound his son Issac and laid him on top of the wood.  I'm guessing this is when Issac came face to face with what would seem to be a terrifying realization.  But there is no mention of Issac struggling to break free or questioning Abraham.  At 13, he may not have had the strength to resist a grown man, but it's hard to imagine a 13-year-old boy being unable to outrun a 100-year-old man.  From the biblical account though, it appears that Issac was fully compliant. How?  How could anyone just lay there on an altar looking up at the knife that was about to end his life?  There can be only one answer.  He trusted his father. If you're not familiar with this story, you'll be relieved to know that God stopped Abraham before the knife came down and told him he had passed the test of obedience.  Out of nowhere a ram was suddenly caught in a nearby thicket and God instructed Abraham to release Issac and sacrifice the ram He had provided. In this instance, God only required Abraham and Issac's willingness to provide a living sacrifice, but there are times when He doesn't provide any alternatives.  The New Testament is full of stories of the sacrifices made by the original followers of Jesus.  Many were stoned, sawed in two and killed by the sword according to Hebrews 11. Ironically, the man responsible for many of those deaths would be called to lay down his life and write the words of Romans 12:1 encouraging others to do the same.  Originally known as Saul, this man had a life that would have seemed enviable by any standard of his day.  As a Roman citizen and a respected Pharisee, he had wealth, status and a very bright future. He was known throughout the region for leading the most devout Jews to put an end to the heretical followers of Jesus. Scripture tells us that he held the cloaks of those who eagerly sought to please him by carrying out his orders to stone the Christ followers.  No need for him to dirty his hands or exert himself – such activity was beneath him. But a very personal encounter with Jesus Himself on the road to Damascus set his life on an entirely different course. With a new God-given name and a new heart wholly dedicated to the One he had so vigorously persecuted, the Apostle Paul did more to advance the church of Jesus Christ than anyone else, but at great personal cost.  In Philippians 3 he reminds his readers of his impressive pedigree as a Hebrew of Hebrews – one who faultlessly kept the law. In verse seven he says, “Whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of knowing Christ.  What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.  I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.” In 2 Corinthians 11, Paul details some of the ways he was willing to offer himself as a living sacrifice, saying, “Five times I received from the Jews 40 lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea.  I have been constantly on the move.  I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles, in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea and in danger from false believers.  I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.”  This is quite a contrast with the life he had known as Saul and explains perfectly how he could say in Philippians 2 that his life was being poured out like a drink offering. While the Apostle Paul is an incredible example of laying down rights and offering everything as a living sacrifice, there could be no greater example than Jesus Himself. It's laid out for us in my favorite passage in all of scripture, Philippians Chapter 2, written by none other than the Apostle Paul.  It' says, “You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though He was God, He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, He gave up His divine privileges; He took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.  When He appeared in human form, He humbled Himself in obedience to God and died a criminal's death on a cross.” Think of that!  He was God and yet He didn't think equality with God was something to cling to. He willingly set aside His divine rights and privileges in exchange for the infinitely inferior mind and body of a human being. And it would've been more understandable if He had chosen to inhabit the body of a strong young man of wealth and power, but instead He came to this world as a helpless infant, born to the poorest of parents.   I love this passage so much because it really encapsulates what He sacrificed for us.  Not just in coming to earth and limiting Himself to a human form, but in taking upon Himself the sins of the world when He deserved no punishment at all! When I consider what Jesus was willing to do for my sake and the examples set by Paul, other apostles and even modern- day members of the Body of Christ, I am so convicted of my unwillingness to freely lay down my rights.  When I feel that they're being violated, even in the smallest of ways, my defenses go up and I'm ready for a fight. There may be instances when that's an appropriate response, but I think in many cases, God is bringing me to an Abraham and Issac moment.  But rather than climbing up on that altar, I'm running from it as far and as fast as possible. ----------------------------------------------------- I suspect I'm not the only one who may struggle with laying down my rights. No doubt it's one of the reasons Jesus warned that the gate He wants us to pass through is narrow and very few find it. But we do not struggle alone.  2 Corinthians 12 tells us that God's power is perfected in our weakness.  His grace is sufficient in any area of weakness. Undoubtedly that truth is what the young Iranian woman clings to when she imagines what the consequences of following Jesus may be. Like Issac, she knows her Father can be trusted, no matter what. --------------------------------------------------------- Thanks for listening to Women World Leaders podcast!  Join us each week as we explore together God's extravagant love and your courageous purpose.  Visit our website at www.womenworldleaders.com to submit a prayer request, register for an upcoming event, and support the ministry.  From His heart to yours, we are Women World Leaders .  All content is copyrighted by Women World Leaders and cannot be used without written consent.  

Wendy Kyle took secrets to her grave—now, Clare Carlson is digging them upNew York City has no shortage of crime, making for a busy schedule for TV newswoman Clare Carlson. But not all crimes are created equal, and when an explosive planted in a car detonates and kills a woman, Clare knows it'll be a huge story for her.But it's not only about the story—Clare also wants justice for the victim, Wendy Kyle. Wendy had sparked controversy as an NYPD officer, ultimately getting kicked off the force after making sexual harassment allegations and getting into a physical altercation with her boss. Then, she started a private investigations business, catering to women who suspected their husbands of cheating. Undoubtedly, Wendy had angered many people with her work, so the list of her suspected murderers is seemingly endless.Despite the daunting investigation, Clare dives in headfirst. As she digs deeper, she attracts the attention of many rich and powerful people who will stop at nothing to keep her from breaking the truth about the death of Wendy Kyle—and exposing their personal secrets that Wendy took to her grave.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/houseofmysteryradio. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/houseofmysteryradio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

By the time Josiah, King of Judah, noticed that pagan worship practices had crept into the land of Judah — and even into the Temple itself —, apostasy, wickedness, and idol worship were rampant. The Temple was filled with altars to and symbols of false gods, the area around the Temple and around Jerusalem was filled with centers of false worship, and the valley adjacent to Jerusalem even saw the sacrifice of children to demons. Undoubtedly, these false beliefs and false practices did not creep into Judah all at once — Satan brought them in bit by bit. The apostasy of Judah was not the first time humanity lost the Word of God (although perhaps none have done this as literally as Judah forgetting the actual scroll somewhere in a pile of rubble in the Temple); by the time of Judah's apostasy, Israel (the Northern Kingdom) was already apostate and in the process of being eradicated by the Assyrians. We see the same happening all over the world as the sons of Noah lost the Word of God over time — some certainly faster than others. And, of course, the entire world, save Noah and his immediate family, had lost or rejected God's Word by the time of the Flood. Today, the churches face a similar crisis as that which faced Josiah: We are beset on all sides by false worship, and false shepherds and wolves have even brought these false beliefs and false practices into the church. We have fallen so far that supposed pastors, priests, and teachers will recoil when presented with the words of God. This does not mean that there is no hope, but it is surely a call for repentance and prayer. Josiah would not see the destruction of Judah, which God promised as recompense for their wickedness, but his grandson would. Let us not be like the wicked Northern Kingdom or the apostate Southern Kingdom. Joel 2:12–14 (ESV): »“Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster. Who knows whether he will not turn and relent, and leave a blessing behind him, a grain offering and a drink offering for the LORD your God?« Subscribe to the podcast here. Show Notes 2 Kings 17 2 Kings 22 2 Kings 23 Matthew 7 Matthew 24 Matthew 25 Mark 1 Luke 8 1 Timothy 4 2 Peter 2 See Also “The Gods of the Copybook Headings” by Rudyard Kipling [Wikipedia] Further Reading Parental Warnings None.

You never know when you will be in a situation where God's word is necessary more than ever before. There are myriad reasons you need to stay close to God's word. A situation I recently experienced confirmed this need. Undoubtedly, the Holy Spirit is needed and the word He breathed into life is critical for staying aligned with our faith. The story that made me aware of the need to stay close to God's word It all started with a podcast interview, one I'd forgotten about. You know those days. Something was added to your calendar many moons ago and you had the best intentions of remembering it and doing the necessary preparation. But then, at 12:10, your intuition reminds you to look at your calendar. And there it is, the thing you scheduled months ago peering at you, screaming be ready in 20. Oh shucks! A sense of panic rises but then you tell yourself no biggy, I've got this. This was me Wednesday afternoon. But when I logged onto the Zoom call, I didn't have it. Oh, I thought I did. Until I admitted my mistake and unpreparedness and asked if there was anything I needed to know about the interview. Then the truth came out. The podcast that I assumed was about God and the Christian faith, which it was, was hosted by an agnostic/atheist. The second the host said this, I thought oh no! Why didn't I look at my calendar earlier? I would have canceled. But then I quickly reframed that thought to, no, there is a reason I didn't look. God planted me here. He knew if I'd done my homework I wouldn't have held to my commitment. Thankfully, I've known for a long time that I need to stay close to God's word because it sure came in handy to calm my nerves and keep my stake in the ground so to speak. I was in over my head. . . or was I? Read the full show notes and access all links.  Learn how to start a blog and reach your ideal audience. The limited-time coupon code for the Blog Course is 8B29KZB. The code expires on January 28th, 2024.   

In this Bible Story, Abraham shows his true devotion to God by testing him to sacrifice Isaac. Abraham with anguish and sorrow, obeys, but the Lord provided a ram instead and blesses Abraham for his obedience. This story is inspired by Genesis 22. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year. Today's Bible verse is Genesis 22:2 from the King James Version. Episode 16: After several years of getting to raise his son Isaac, Abraham is commanded by God to sacrifice him, the son of promise, on a mountain to which God would lead him. Undoubtedly tormented inside but trusting God, Abraham obeys. Just as the knife is about to come down on his son, an Angel of the Lord shows up, praising his faithfulness, and provides a ram for him to slay instead. Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world's greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham. Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories. Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living. This episode is sponsored by Medi-Share, an innovative health care solution for Christians to save money without sacrificing quality. Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store. Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max Bard Producer: Ben Gammon Hosted by: Pastor Jack Graham Music by: Andrew Morgan Smith Bible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hi everyone, and welcome to The Magellan Network Show. In this episode, we'll continue our "How to Have a Breakthrough in 2024" series. We aim to ensure you have all the information and strategies for a successful year. Two weeks ago, we released a recording of a masterclass with about 20 different strategies for 2024. Last week, we discussed practical goal setting, recognizing that many advisors struggle. Today, I want to focus on what I believe will define 2024, which I will refer to as a "separation year." Undoubtedly, advisors who take specific actions in the coming year will distinguish themselves from their colleagues and competitors. I also discussed the following: (03:41) Why I believe that 2024 is going to be a year of distraction (04:56) The liquidity event that will happen in the next five years (05:59) Why advisors need to commit to being 100% focused on things they can control (11:16) Negative Thinking vs. Being Prepared (11:53) An essential piece of advice I'm giving all my clients today — Ready to elevate your game exponentially? Discover the key to your next-level success with the impact of a meticulously crafted 10X strategic plan. Enjoy exclusive on-demand access to recordings, tools, and templates for developing a robust, actionable, and trackable strategic plan. Don't miss out on the chance to propel yourself toward unparalleled success – Sign up for the Magellan Vision 10x 2024 Masterclass and turn 2024 into your year of exponential growth! Get Access Here → https://www.fabizplan.com/

Undoubtedly the best flute album of 2023, Julien Beaudiment's "California Dreamin" has became one of my all time favourites. I've had it on repeat for weeks, and I just had to share my enthusiasm with the world.So sit back with me as I take you through each track, and why this is the new blueprint for great flute albums (excluding 2 minor points.)If you enjoyed this week's episode, subscribing to my YouTube channel and following me on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok is a HUGE way to support the podcast. It'll cost you nothing, and it really makes a difference to the algorithm gods. So please interact however you can; like, comment, or subscribe, and help keep this podcast lit xChapters:0:00 - Intro3:55 - The Album Cover8:38 - Track 1: La La Land10:30 - Track 2: Angela's Theme11:40 - Track 3: An American in Paris14:50 - Track 4: Speedy Gonzales16:00 - Track 5: La Californienne17:06 - Track 6: L'automne californien17:35 - Track 7: Hollywood18:42 - Track 8: Die Heimkehr19:47 - Track 9: Lujon21:55 - Track 10: Mahnung23:50 - Track 11: Korngold Serenade25:35 - Track 12: Rhapsody on Paganini26:47 - Track 13: No word from Tom28:36 - Track 14: Star Spangled Banner30:55 - Track 15: California Dreamin'36:05 - Supporting the podcast (for free!) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Divorce. Infertility. Disability. The sudden loss of a job or a loved one. Undoubtedly, your story includes something you didn't plan. So, if you can't change it, how can you make peace with it? (Originally released July 19, 2022.)

All the dysfunction in Foxboro will undoubtedly come to a head this weekend

Holiday traditions are in the details… Whether it be the specific way you decorate the Christmas tree, the precise angle the wreath is hung on the door, the Christmas card that gets mailed to friends and family has to be perfect. Undoubtedly, a large portion of the holiday season gets spent on… gifts. Finding gifts, buying gifts, and wrapping gifts.   Decades ago, most gift givers would cover packages with brown shipping paper or newspaper, even fabric. The brown shipping was usually what the post office would accept when those packages were shipped to that special someone. The latter, fabric, was also preferred, but could be rather pricey. Fast forward to 2023, the gift wrap industry in the United States is a nearly $3 billion market, in part, because of some quick thinking by a Kansas City, Missouri entrepreneur a century ago.  Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Missing Chapter Podcast website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more information, previous episodes, and professional development opportunities. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to send us a voice message of your name, where you're from, what your favorite MC story is and be featured on an upcoming episode! Don't forget to click subscribe! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/themissingchapter/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/themissingchapter/support

Tony Dadante is the CEO of Disruptive Execution Strategy Group, and is a Fortune 100 executive at Mattel Toys running both HR and World Championship Hot Wheels NASCAR brand.In this episode of After Hours Entrepreneur, host Mark Savant is joined by Tony Dadante, the founder of Disruptive Execution Strategy and a former Fortune 100 executive. They discuss the importance of differentiation, risk-taking, and the changing landscape of talent acquisition in the corporate world. Tony Dadante shares insights and experiences from his extensive career and offers valuable advice for entrepreneurs and business leaders.Undoubtedly, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and thought-provoking ideas for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and individuals seeking to thrive in an ever-evolving business environment.To listen to the full episode and gain valuable insights from Tony Dadante, visit After Hours Entrepreneur podcast.Takeaways:Differentiate to stand out in business.Embrace failure for growth and success.Continuous learning is key in evolving business.Connect with Tony Dadante:Email: tony@disruptiveexecutionstrategy.comLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anthonydadanteConnect with Mark Savant:Launch and Automate your Podcast: www.marksavantmedia.comIG: www.instagram.com/marksavantmediaLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mark-savant-ba777145X: www.twitter.com/marksavantmediaListen on YouTube: @afepodcastAI on YouTube: @MarkSavantTimestamps:05:55 Understanding company as system fosters innovation.07:10 Ken Blanchard taught getting everyone to succeed.10:16 College scam is over, skills matter more.15:19 Develop new skills to grow business effectively.17:45 Failing leads to winning and learning.Support the show

Today's guest is Larry Taylor.   Larry Taylor is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Christina. Mr. Taylor is responsible for vision, strategy and leadership. Mr. Taylor is a seasoned investor with over 40 years of real estate experience in the Westside region of Los Angeles.   Show summary:  In this podcast episode, Larry explains how his company identifies valuable properties and adjusts their portfolio in response to market shifts. He also discusses the expansion of Christina's investor base, now open to all 50 states, and the opportunities this presents. The episode concludes with Larry sharing his insights on the desirability of owning real estate in Manhattan and the host directing listeners to Christina's website for more information.   -------------------------------------------------------------- The perception of buying rent controlled properties (00:00:00) Larry Taylor's background and starting in real estate (00:01:11) The impact of regulatory environment on real estate business (00:04:53) The importance of performance certainty in property sales (00:12:14) Adapting portfolio strategy in response to changes in tax and securities laws (00:13:55) The benefits of real estate ownership and the government's support (00:16:17) The growth of investor base and potential for discounted properties (00:22:29) The vision of owning the best real estate (00:23:49) Contacting Christina (00:24:28) -------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with Larry:  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/christinala/   https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrence-taylor-7679479/   Web: https://christinala.com/     Connect with Sam: I love helping others place money outside of traditional investments that both diversify a strategy and provide solid predictable returns.     Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HowtoscaleCRE/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samwilsonhowtoscalecre/ Email me → sam@brickeninvestmentgroup.com   SUBSCRIBE and LEAVE A RATING. Listen to How To Scale Commercial Real Estate Investing with Sam Wilson Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-scale-commercial-real-estate/id1539979234 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4m0NWYzSvznEIjRBFtCgEL?si=e10d8e039b99475f -------------------------------------------------------------- Want to read the full show notes of the episode? Check it out below: Larry Taylor (00:00:00) - There's a perception amongst investors that buying rent controlled properties which have depressed rent rolls because those rents have not been allowed to go to market is a bad investment. And I say, oh no, no, no, that's a good investment. You're never going to have a vacancy. And the value can only go up because ultimately, no matter what, rents will rise because they have to rise.   Sam Wilson (00:00:25) - Welcome to the how to scale commercial real estate show. Whether you are an active or passive investor, we'll teach you how to scale your real estate investing business into something big. Larry Taylor is the founder and chief executive officer of Christina. He is a seasoned investor with over 48 years of real estate experience in the West Side region of Los Angeles. Larry, welcome to the show.   Larry Taylor (00:00:51) - Hello there. And how are you?   Sam Wilson (00:00:53) - I'm great sir. How are you today?   Larry Taylor (00:00:55) - I'm doing really great and I appreciate the opportunity to be on your show.   Sam Wilson (00:00:59) - The pleasure is all mine. Larry, there are three questions I ask every guest who comes on the show in 90s or less.   Sam Wilson (00:01:06) - Can you tell me where did you start? Where are you now? And how did you get there?   Larry Taylor (00:01:11) - Uh, I am a self-made self-starter. Uh, started as a USC junior. I was a scholarship student. I formed the my first real estate company while I was a student. Uh, the premise of that was to buy real estate in the west side of Los Angeles during the, uh, Nixon wage and price level freeze. And, uh, today we're doing the same thing in the same location.   Sam Wilson (00:01:40) - Wow. Most people. I would assume. Maybe I'm wrong, but. You know, the strategy shift over the years or the asset classes or the type shift. I mean, doing the same thing and the same location for 48 years. It sounds like you guys have either, um, just gone really, really niche or I just found a gold mine and just don't want to leave it. What? What's the story there?   Larry Taylor (00:02:09) - Well, the West Side region of Los Angeles is like the Permian Basin.   Larry Taylor (00:02:14) - Basin? Basin is to oil. It's drilling oil on a proven field.   Sam Wilson (00:02:21) - Okay.   Larry Taylor (00:02:22) - It's fully it's fully developed. It's highly desirable. It is the best year round climate of the United States. Has the highest concentration of millionaires and billionaires in the world. It's the center of tourism center of an entertainment center of technology, two largest ports, and the two busiest ports in the United States. I could go on and on, but, um, uh, if you're drilling oil in a proven field, you're always going to hit oil, right?   Sam Wilson (00:02:50) - Right. I mean, you a lot of things have changed. I think maybe we maybe you said this off air. Maybe we said this, uh, at the beginning of this recording. I'm not not quite sure which one it was, but I think you said you guys formed your company in September of 1977.   Larry Taylor (00:03:06) - That's correct.   Sam Wilson (00:03:06) - A lot of things have changed in in your region, I would think in particular both socially regulatory wise. I mean, a lot of things have kind of come down the pipe that have have made, uh, a lot of people kind of steer away from California.   Sam Wilson (00:03:20) - I know you just mentioned at least ten reasons. I think right off the top of your head as to why what you're doing is, is, is the right time and the right place to be there. But kind of give us, if you can, some of the history of how some of the changes of have have, uh, come about and then how they've affected the way you guys have done business.   Larry Taylor (00:03:38) - Well, first of all, California is a huge state. Yeah, California, the the economy of California, if it was a separate country, would be the sixth largest economy in the world. Uh, there's a world of difference in California, where the northern part of California doesn't resemble the southern part. Um, it's a very, very huge area. And Los Angeles is a very, very huge geographical community. And so when people talk about California, you might as well be talking about southern South America, or you might as well just talk about Western Europe. I mean, California is a huge and diverse, uh, state, which is, you know, larger than most countries.   Larry Taylor (00:04:28) - And so when people talk about California, I don't know what they're talking about, because I can only talk to you about the hundred square miles of the west side of Los Angeles. I don't know anything about the rest of California.   Sam Wilson (00:04:41) - Got it. Very good. But can you. Can you give us a little insight maybe as to kind of the, the way the regulatory environment has shaped the way you guys do business, if it has it all.   Larry Taylor (00:04:53) - Well, of course it has. And its constantly regulations are constantly are constantly being enacted, reenacted, revised. Um, and and that's just not just Los Angeles or just California. It's the entire United States. So the regulatory environment is, you know, again, it creates opportunities. If you look at it strategically, it's the regulatory environment that creates opportunities rather than, uh, acts to, you know, uh, restrict opportunities.   Sam Wilson (00:05:34) - Can you give some insight?   Larry Taylor (00:05:36) - Sure. For example, a couple of years ago, California passed Assembly Bill 330, which ultimately became Assembly Bill uh, SB eight, which basically was designed to stimulate the creation of housing because the state of California is generally considered to be lacking of housing.   Larry Taylor (00:06:00) - So this was an idea that was passed by the state legislature to encourage housing and all the communities. And in California, however. There was an exception that was added very, very last minute to that bill which said, yes, we want to accelerate the ability to build housing by eliminating local restrictions or being able to expedite local over local restrictions. Unless what you're going to do is remove existing affordable, rent controlled housing, in which case, if you remove something that's already rent controlled or restricted in some fashion and you decide to build something on that site, you have to bring back that which you removed. At the same rent or less than what they were when you removed them. What that does is it takes away all of the incentive to remove existing rent control. So you can't really remove it. What happens is if it can't be removed, it can only become more valuable. So in a sense, what everybody's saying. Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God. This new regulation which was designed to stimulate housing, I'm saying, is all that did was it may stimulate the growth of housing in areas where there isn't already housing, but where there is protected housing, it is now protected from demolition into perpetuity, which means no more competition.   Larry Taylor (00:07:43) - So if you have a fully developed area and all of these properties are protected and nobody will ever come in and tear them down and build new, that which exists can only become more valuable because the demand exceeds the supply. So in that situation, regulation actually made a rent control property more valuable, which.   Sam Wilson (00:08:05) - I think entirely. I mean, that's that's all together. I mean, it's unique, you know, in the, in the just in the, in the concept itself. But let's assume maybe that you aren't the one holding those properties. How does that how how can that situation be made advantageous for an investor looking to get into that market?   Larry Taylor (00:08:27) - Well, it's advantageous because there's a perception amongst investors that buying rent controlled properties which have depressed rent rolls because those rents have not been allowed to go to market is a bad investment. And I say, oh no, no, no, that's a good investment. You're never going to have a vacancy. And the value can only go up because ultimately, no matter what, rents will rise because they have to rise.   Larry Taylor (00:08:56) - Period.   Sam Wilson (00:08:58) - Right. They have to. And is that is that what you guys are? Let me ask this a different way. What are you guys specifically focusing on then? Are you guys building new or are you buying existing assets like what's your what's your core focus?   Larry Taylor (00:09:11) - Our core focus is to buy existing. Properties from people that need to sell, not from people that want to sell. And we are not property specific. We are property agnostic, location specific. We like street retail, for example. That's been one of our primary property types that we focus on. We like pedestrian oriented street retail property. Uh, that's one of our hallmarks. We're not really specialists in any one particular property type, because rent is rent. Uh, space is space. Uh, doesn't really matter as long as you're buying in the right location. Location, location, location is going around is as a we've all grown up with location, location, location. They never said apartments, apartments, apartments only or they never said only the southern five states.   Larry Taylor (00:10:08) - Miami, uh, you know, Florida, Arizona. Texas, right? No, it's always been location, location, location. And there aren't that many locations in any one particular state or country, uh, that are investable. And what I mean by investible is where development is restricted. Demand exceeds supply and the entry barrier is very, very high. Those are the components that add to success in investing in real estate. There's very few places in the United States or any country that are investable, right? Period.   Sam Wilson (00:10:54) - That's wild, I love that. So you guys are. You guys are, um, you mentioned there you said asset kind of agnostic, and you want to find people that need to sell, not want to sell. Why are people needing to sell in today's environment?   Larry Taylor (00:11:10) - In any environment, there's always death. Okay. And, you know, for anybody that has a net worth of over 12 or 13 million, uh, they have to pay a state taxes. So if they have a portfolio of real estate, they have to sell the real estate to pay the estate tax.   Larry Taylor (00:11:31) - So death, divorce, bankruptcy, foreclosure, partnership disputes, there's always something like that happening, particularly in a vast environment like the hundred square miles of the West Side region in Los Angeles. There's always, I like to say, there's always someone dying.   Sam Wilson (00:11:49) - There is. There is.   Larry Taylor (00:11:52) - As long as it's not me.   Sam Wilson (00:11:54) - That's, uh. That's that's a good idea. I like that, yeah. So you I mean, in being market or, I guess, asset agnostic, how do you how do you effectively weed through the. I mean, there's got to be just a ton of property coming across your guys's desk. How do you weed through that and actually find the assets that are worth pursuing?   Larry Taylor (00:12:14) - Well, when you've been on the ground in the same location for nearly 50 years, they find you. Number one. If it's listed for sale, it's retail. We're not interested. Okay, so. But they find us. We have a long track record of performance. Certainty of performance to people.   Larry Taylor (00:12:36) - Who need to sell is more important than price.   Sam Wilson (00:12:42) - Can you clarify that?   Larry Taylor (00:12:44) - Yeah. If you need to pay your estate taxes nine months from the date of death, okay, you're going to be more focused on selling a property to somebody who definitely is going to be able to close and provide you with the money that you need to pay your taxes. Yeah. So, I mean, certainty of performance is what comes from companies that have track records within a given geographical location of performance.   Sam Wilson (00:13:14) - How have you how have you guys adjusted your portfolio over the years? I mean, I know, I know, you said, you know, the finding the assets that are it sounds like off market assets finding people that need to sell. You're not necessarily asset specific, but I would imagine I mean, you guys have gone through the savings and loan crisis. You've gone through the.com bust, you went through the GFC. I mean, you went through Covid. You guys have seen all sorts of of incredible market shifts.   Sam Wilson (00:13:43) - I mean, that's that's a wild ride to have gone through the last 50 years. How have you changed or repositioned your portfolio accordingly along the way, if at all?   Larry Taylor (00:13:55) - Well, we did change about ten years ago in response to changes in the tax law and changes in the securities law brought about by the, uh, Jobs Act. Um, it became very clear for real estate investors to be able to benefit from the tax treatment. They had to be able to own multiple properties because the depreciation and amortization, uh, deductions, which are non-cash deductions, which allows an owner of real property to actually earn a positive income. But after tax report a loss, those losses are suspended for most, uh, property owners, unless they own other properties that are producing income, which they can use to offset, they can use the losses to offset the income. So what we did was we formed private equity companies, and we said, we'll have one company that will buy ten properties, and we will allow our investors to invest in the company.   Larry Taylor (00:15:06) - By owning an interest in the company, they'll own an interest in ten properties. And then as properties are throwing off income, other properties are throwing off losses and therefore they'll be able to use the losses within the portfolio and not have to pay tax. So and then we set it up as a private equity company, because a private equity company basically says don't expect great results in the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth year. Real estate is a long term. Most of our real estate partnerships when we were syndicators had a 30 year to 35 year term. Wow. So our private equity companies on average have a 30 year term. Now, if you're lucky enough to own great real estate, the smartest thing that you can do is having purchased it. The dumbest thing you can do as ever selling it. My only regret in the last 50 years is having ever sold anything. Wow. So the government rewards you to keep it, and the government penalizes you by taxation to sell it.   Larry Taylor (00:16:17) - So, you know, in the typical investor mind, which is different than the real estate mind, which is how much am I investing? How much am I going to get back? What's my cash flow? What am I going to get my money back? That works for stocks. That works for bonds. Maybe that works for businesses. Uh, works for a lot of things. It does not work for real estate. Hmhm real estate is buying the best property and the best location at the lowest possible price, and mining it for all of the tax benefits and the appreciation and value creation. Because the government rewards you by allowing you to continue to make money, build value and never pay tax. That's what makes real estate work.   Sam Wilson (00:17:06) - I love it that that's that that's extremely clear. I want to kind of circle back to your greatest regret. Is selling it comet and maybe tie that back into the 30 to plus year hold that you guys project on this. What type of investor gets in and how do you attract that investor? I mean, you know we've got a fund right now.   Sam Wilson (00:17:27) - It's an eight year fund. And people are like, oh, eight years. That's a long time. And I'm like, I don't I don't think it's that long. So obviously it sounds really short compared to what you just, uh, you just said it 30 plus years. How do you attract, attract capital that is looking at a 30 plus year hold?   Larry Taylor (00:17:46) - Well, there's all forms of capital throughout the world, and there's all forms of investors who have different strategies and different requirements. But ownership of real estate is something that's been around longer than human beings. And and so, I mean, real estate has been around longer. And once you own something and you extract value, for example, if you own a property that you purchased for X amount of dollars, call it a $10 million, right. And over a 20 year period, it becomes worth $35 million. And you originally invested 5 million and borrowed 5 million. And then over the first ten years, you earned $3 million in operating income.   Larry Taylor (00:18:33) - But in the 10th year, you had an opportunity to put a $15 million loan on the property, but you only paid ten and you only had five in, but you got three out. Now you have a loan for 15 million. You get three times or four times your money out tax free. And the interest that you pay is deductible at the property level as an operating expense. Now. Five more years go by, go down, and now the property is worth $30 million. And you have a financing opportunity to borrow $20 million. So you pay off your $15 million, put another $5 million in your pocket, and you still own the property. You still pay no tax. Then when you finally die and you have already set up your estate plan, that asset goes to your beneficiaries at a stepped up basis so that they pay little or no tax when they sell the property. You may have an estate tax issue, but in our structure, where you only own a portion with other investors in that in that private equity company, if you're transferring to your beneficiaries a percentage interest in, let's say, ten properties that are owned in this private equity company, the government allows you to apply a discounted value up to 35%.   Larry Taylor (00:19:57) - So let's say 15 years after you made an investment in one of our private equity companies and you invested 10 million, and now that 10 million is worth 20, right? You can leave it to your your beneficiaries that like 16. Okay, so real estate has been the greatest form of wealth creation. Ever. Okay. And I don't discount the stock market and I don't discount the S&P 500 and so on and so forth. But those investments do not offer the tax benefits that the government gives to real estate. And there's a reason for that because stimulating real estate stimulates the economy. So when government is always looking for ways to get people to invest in real estate because it is illiquid. You can wake up in the morning and sell a stock. You can wake up in the morning and sell a bond. You can wake up in the morning and sell out a mutual fund. You can't wake up in the morning and say, oh, I'm going to sell my building in 30 minutes. Okay. So again, but when the government stimulates real estate, it employs a lot of people.   Larry Taylor (00:21:08) - When there's construction, it puts together a lot of a lot of people are working architects, engineers, plumbers, electricians, carpet manufacturers, furniture makers. I'm saying is the way to stimulate an economy is always to stimulate real estate. And that's been going on in this country for the last 100 years. So real estate still is the most significant beneficiary of the government's largesse.   Sam Wilson (00:21:37) - Undoubtedly. Undoubtedly. Larry, I've got one. Uh, maybe two final questions here for you. I've certainly enjoyed your insights. Uh, I love your enthusiasm. What you bring to the table. I mean, you guys have done some really, really cool things, and I love just how you've hyper focused in one very, very specific part of the country there in the West side of Los Angeles. But maybe give me this insight if you can. What what's the favorite part of your business now and then? Where are you guys going?   Larry Taylor (00:22:07) - My favorite part of the business right now, of course, is growing. Christina real estate investors and opening up Christina Real Estate Investors to more and more participants across the United States because the Jobs act allows us now to market the opportunity to invest to in to people in 50 states.   Larry Taylor (00:22:29) - Right. Whereas before we were limited, very, very limited to just California. So that is very exciting. And the other thing that's exciting is, uh, as the Federal Reserve has raised interest rates 11 times consecutively in the last couple of years to rates that we haven't seen in more than 22 years. It's creating a lot of what I call finance stress on very, very good properties. And so we might start to see for the first time, we're starting to see some investors who bought in the last 20 years, or 15 or 10, particularly in the last five, that might be willing to throw in the towel, uh, because if they borrowed at three and they have to re borrow at seven, and the lender is saying, we need you to pay down the loan, they might be more willing to sell the property at a discount. So we're starting to see some pretty good properties become available at some very attractive prices. So between the growth of our investor base coming from 50 states and the potential to have that unlimited and the ability to buy great real estate, but like I said, staying within the hundred square miles of the West Side region of Los Angeles, it's a bigger location to bigger geographical area than Manhattan.   Larry Taylor (00:23:49) - And wouldn't you love to own Manhattan? Some of the biggest titans in real estate will tell you that they've made their greatest fortunes only owning real estate in Manhattan. So I mean, like, this is our our vision, which is, you know, own the best. Forget the rest.   Sam Wilson (00:24:06) - I love it, I love it, Larry, thank you for taking the time to come on the show today. I certainly appreciate it. I've enjoyed, uh, I've enjoyed having you and I've learned an absolute ton from you. I think what you guys have done, and something we'll continue to do is, uh, inspiring. So thank you very much for that. If our listeners want to get in touch with Christina, what is the best way to do that?   Larry Taylor (00:24:28) - Go on our website. It's very, very friendly. Uh, it'll immediately direct you to, uh, our company just by filling out a few things and giving us your information, and you'll get an immediate response.   Sam Wilson (00:24:40) - Fantastic. And for those of you who are just listening, that website is Christina.   Sam Wilson (00:24:44) - Christina la.com. That's Christina la.com. And Larry, thank you again for your time today. I do appreciate it.   Larry Taylor (00:24:54) - You're welcome. Thank you very much. I appreciate the opportunity. I hope your audience enjoyed it.   Sam Wilson (00:24:59) - Hey, thanks.   Sam Wilson (00:24:59) - For listening to the How to Scale Commercial Real Estate podcast. If you can do me a favor and subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, whatever platform it is you use to listen. If you can do that for us, that would be a fantastic help to the show. It helps us both attract new listeners as well as rank higher on those directories. So appreciate you listening. Thanks so much and hope to catch you on the next episode.

Every day, we consume a mind-boggling amount of information. We scan online news articles, sift through text messages and emails, scroll through our social-media feeds — and that's usually before we even get out of bed in the morning. In 2009, a team of researchers found that the average American consumed about 34 gigabytes of information a day. Undoubtedly, that number would be even higher today.But what are we actually getting from this huge influx of information? How is it affecting our memories, our attention spans, our ability to think? What might this mean for today's children, and future generations? And what does it take to read — and think — deeply in a world so flooded with constant input?Maryanne Wolf is a researcher and scholar at U.C.L.A.'s School of Education and Information Studies. Her books “Proust and the Squid: The Story and Science of the Reading Brain” and “Reader, Come Home: The Reading Brain in a Digital World” explore the relationship between the process of reading and the neuroscience of the brain. And, in Wolf's view, our era of information overload represents a historical inflection point where our ability to read — truly, deeply read, not just scan or scroll — hangs in the balance.In this conversation, recorded in November 2022, we discuss why reading is a fundamentally “unnatural” act, how scanning and scrolling differ from “deep reading,” why it's not accurate to say that “reading” is just one thing, how our brains process information differently when we're reading on a Kindle or a laptop as opposed to a physical book, how exposure to such an abundance of information is rewiring our brains and reshaping our society, how to rediscover the lost art of reading books deeply, what Wolf recommends to those of us who struggle against digital distractions, what parents can do to to protect their children's attention, how Wolf's theory of a “biliterate brain” may save our species' ability to deeply process language and information and more.We'll be back on Friday, Dec. 1, with a new episode.Mentioned:The Glass Bead Game (Magister Ludi) by Hermann HesseHow We Read Now by Naomi S. BaronThe Shallows by Nicholas CarrYirumaBook Recommendations:The Gilead Novels by Marilynne RobinsonWorld and Town by Gish JenStanding by Words by Wendell BerryLove's Mind by John S. DunneMiddlemarch by George EliotThoughts? Email us at ezrakleinshow@nytimes.com. (And if you're reaching out to recommend a guest, please write  “Guest Suggestion” in the subject line.)You can find transcripts (posted midday) and more episodes of “The Ezra Klein Show” at nytimes.com/ezra-klein-podcast, and you can find Ezra on Twitter @ezraklein. Book recommendations from all our guests are listed at https://www.nytimes.com/article/ezra-klein-show-book-recs.This episode of “The Ezra Klein Show” is produced by Emefa Agawu, Annie Galvin, Jeff Geld and Rogé Karma; fact-checking by Michelle Harris and Kate Sinclair; original music by Isaac Jones; mixing by Jeff Geld; audience strategy by Shannon Busta. Special thanks to Kristin Lin and Kristina Samulewski.