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Latest podcast episodes about unspoiled

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium
A Dance With Dragons - Chapters 10 & 11 (Jon III & Daenerys II)

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2025 133:06


In this episode, the 16-year-old leaders be making decisions as such.Discord: https://discord.gg/h8QBg3RGfxEmail: popculturesymposium@gmail.comInstagram and Facebook: @popculturesymposiumMusic by Maria Mihaylova (Maria's YouTube)Support the show

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium
A Dance With Dragons - Chapters 7, 8 & 9 (Jon II, Tyrion III & Davos I)

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2025 119:26


In this chapter, you won't hear it but Harmat killed a spider even though she's a vegetarian. I'm definitely not communicating the nuance of that moment. Ask her to clarify on Discord!Discord: https://discord.gg/h8QBg3RGfxEmail: popculturesymposium@gmail.comInstagram and Facebook: @popculturesymposiumMusic by Maria Mihaylova (Maria's YouTube)Support the show

ExplicitNovels
Quaranteam – Book 1: Part 14

ExplicitNovels

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2025


Quaranteam – Book 1: Part 14 Andy reconnects with his past, and Emily explores. Based on a post by CorruptingPower, in 25 parts. Listen to the Podcast at Explicit Novels. And, after two weeks of trying to subtly discern it from her, Andy eventually just asked Taylor what she did for a living, and Taylor informed Andy that she'd been a phlebotomist before moving into the Rook household, and once she was done with her time in the penalty box, she would go back to it. It was the first step she had taken towards eventually becoming an anesthetist, which was her long term goal. She'd met Lauren when the Aussie had needed someone to come in and blood test a few of the 49ers she was training. Taylor insisted that if Andy ever wanted her to stay in his bed for a night, she would without reservation, but that otherwise, she would be sleeping in the same bed with Lauren, who had set up her own bedroom now, so as to not wake Andy when she left early in the morning for practice.               Piper and Sheridan had also set up their own bedrooms, for similar reasons. Piper insisted her workout routine begin at the butt crack of dawn, and she also had a tendency to go to bed almost immediately after dinner, and Sheridan had started joining her in those hours, although the two women had very different work out routines in the morning. Andy had never been awake for any of them, but both of the women had filmed themselves working out, so he could see what they were up to in the wretched early hours. Aisling, Niko, Emily and Sarah had flatly refused to sleep away from Andy, although the order they laid against one another in the bed at night varied quite regularly. At various points over the last few days, he'd woken up in the night to find Emily quietly making out with each of the other three. He was a little surprised that Emily and Sarah didn't want another bedroom for times when the two of them wanted to fool around with just each other. He'd asked them about it, but Sarah had just teased him and insisted that when they did, he should be nearby in case he wanted to watch or join in. The craziest part of the day, however, was when Emily came to track him down in his office just before dinner with a rather baffling request. He'd spent most of the day writing, knowing that tomorrow there would be new women joining the household, and that he'd likely get very little work done on that day. He felt like he was very close to considering the draft for what he was now calling "The Doppleganger's Identity," the next book in the Druid Gunslinger series, ready for his first pass readers to take a look at, and hoped to wrap it up today. It would certainly stop Sarah from asking him yet again when she could read it, since she had insisted she get a spot on that esteemed small council. He kept the door to his office open most of the time, but Emily insisted on knocking before entering the room anyway. "Andrew, love, I know you're writing right now, but might I bother you for just a skosh?" she said, smiling at him in that disarmingly charming English way of hers. "It's never a bother, Em," he said, closing up his laptop. "You know, you're the only one of my partners I'm okay with calling me 'Andrew?' Anyone else does it, and I know I'm in trouble, but you somehow make me not hate the sound of my full name. C'mon in. Sit down, talk to me." The blonde Englishwoman sashayed into the room before lifting one of his legs so she could sit down on the footstool in front of his writing chair. She was wearing a billowy floral print dress that hung down past her knees, loose fitting but still draped enticingly well. Andy wondered if maybe it was tailor made for her, but before he could think to ask, she launched into the reason she'd come to see him. "My agent received a rather odd request today, and I wanted to come and talk to you about it before I answered it. If you're not comfortable with it, I would completely understand that, but I personally think that it would be an excellent thing for us to do, so I hoped we might talk a bit about it before you came to any decision, and perhaps I could bring you around to my way of thinking." Andy set his laptop on the coffee table to the side of his writing chair and shifted to sit up a little bit. "Who's the request from, and what is it that you think I might be uncomfortable with?" "It came from the office of the president, if you can believe it. My agent said President Pelosi didn't call personally, but a member of her staff did." Emily took his large hands in her small ones, holding onto them softly as she kept his gaze focused on her sapphire blue eyes. Clearly whatever they were going to discuss was of great importance. "When the announcement hits next week, they're expecting much of the nation to be in rather dire shock. Such massive casualties means the American way of life going forward is going to have to be something extremely different than what it once was, something radical and new." She licked her lips, a touch of nervousness Andy wasn't sure he'd seen from the usually confident young woman before. "Something like us. To sort of help assert the new norms in the minds of the general public, they want a handful of celebrities to do talk show appearances, with the hosts who are still alive anyway, and most of them seem to have made it out okay, and talk about their new family units, how polyamory is going to be the lay of the land, and how the laws are immediately being changed so that a single man can have multiple wives, to help repopulate the country after the severe losses." Andy laughed a little bit. "If you want to go on television, Em, you certainly don't need my permission. What makes you think I'd be against that?" She smiled at him kindly, and he realized immediately he'd missed what she'd been specifically asking him. "I don't just want to go on television by myself, Andrew. I want to go on television with you and with Sarah and maybe with a couple of the other girls, Niko in particular. I think it's important that we get out there as a new family unit, on The Daily Show, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Late Night With Seth Meyers, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Tonight Show, Good Morning America, anyone who wants to talk to us, so that we can help put the country a little more at ease that we are going to get through this. Normally, I would be most in favor of shielding all of you from the horror that is the paparazzi, just to keep my personal life simply that,  personal. But this is a very strange new world we find ourselves in, Andrew, and we need to help our fellow humans become comfortable with their new reality." "You sound pretty committed to the whole idea," he said, trying to keep his voice as non committal as possible, but Emily had gotten very good at reading him in the short time they'd been together, so he knew she could tell he wasn't entirely opposed to it, simply gauging how it would all work. The particulars of opening his private life to the entire world seemed a little daunting at first blush, but certainly not insurmountable. "We wouldn't be the only ones, I think it's important to stress that, love," she said, squeezing his hands a little bit. "And Sarah and I would also be coming out about our relationship with each other, so you wouldn't have to field a lot of questions if you didn't want to. We could take on the brunt of the questions if that makes it any easier. But I just know many people in this adopted homeland of mine are going to be frightened, and I think the idea to show them the way through would be a step in the right direction." She leaned her head down and kiss the tops of his hands before looking up at him. "Oh! And you could also use it to promote your books, if that might sweeten the pot a smidge. It might help, having twenty minutes of prime mental real estate for your face and your writing?" He chuckled, nodding his head. "You know as well as I do that my agent would string me up by my toes if I had a chance to get this much free publicity for my next novel and didn't take it, so how can I say no? I'm not going to hide from journalists. I'll do my fair share. Tell me how all this is going to work." She smiled, leaned in and kissed him, soft and tender, but for what felt like a delicious eternity. "We will set up the camera and microphones in Sarah and I's little studio, and then we'll just take an hour or so a day for a few weeks to record segments with whoever asks. The president's office wants us to do a 60 Minutes interview even before the announcement is made, as our sort of grand unveiling. For that, they're actually going to send Katie Couric here with a camera woman to do the interview in a few days. They're likely to want to do that in a larger room, or maybe out on the back deck, by the pool. They're going to do an entire show all about the deaths, the vaccine and the new post pandemic world we're starting to grow into. The ten to twenty minute interview with us will just be part of the larger package. They were hoping to have us for a day on the 14th. They're going to be filming at the base on the 13th and doing interviews with President Pelosi on the 15th. The president's representative seemed to think Niko might be a good link between the two segments, if she was one of the people helping to give the tour of the base, and the vaccination process. I asked Niko about it, and she said she wouldn't mind if you didn't, but that I had to ask you first. The whole episode of the show is going to air immediately after the President's speech on the 20th." "Good lord, sounds like they've got all this planned out. I'm surprised I didn't hear from the Office of the President personally." Emily offered him another smile, and considered her next words carefully. It wasn't that she worried about bruising his ego, because Andy had never come across that way, but she also didn't want to seem too full of herself. "Love, I've been a very well known movie star for a decade now, so I think they figured out where I was first and went from there. That's no slight against you! I'm just saying that you aren't a household name that millions of people recognize, and, for better or worse, I am. The Dagger Academy movies were everywhere, as were the books. Simon, my costar in the movies, he's still living in England, so he's in an entirely different world than we are here in the States." Andy grinned. "Oh, I know, I know. All I'm saying is that it wouldn't hurt for the President to have called me herself, y'know. But that's fine. It's fine." "Well, when the paparazzi are struggling to get topless photos of you in Ibiza, then we'll have a conversation about how you aren't being taken seriously as an artist, alright darling?" She giggled a little. "It was fun, teasing them, knowing they so desperately wanted to get images of my tits to sell, and that a bidding war would erupt for the image." "They are excellent tits, Em." "Bless you, love. But you're never going to convince me they're as nice as, say, Sarah's or Hannah's. And all those tits, theirs and mine, are exclusively the purview of this family now and forever more, so the paparazzo can fuck right off. So, the interview? You'll do it? You'll dance for the media circus with us, for the good of the nation?" "I'll do almost all of it, sure." She tilted her head slightly in confused amusement, that coy smile on her pink lips, as her tender fingers squeezed his thigh. "Almost all of it? Which part of it am I going to have to have to convince you for?" He rolled his eyes a little, a playful smirk on his lips. "I'll do all the evening shows, magazines, newspapers and website interviews you want me to, but doing Good Morning America might be a hill too far, simply because of how goddamn early I'd have to get up for it." "Or we could simply stay up very late and do it before bed," she said, moving to slide off the footstool so she could climb into his lap. "I'm sure we could find some way to keep you awake and alert that far into the night. Four thirty in the morning our time could give us the opportunity to go on live television with sex hair," she said, waggling her eyebrows at him lasciviously. "Oh, and I'm not gonna do Fox News." "Christ, love, haven't you heard? They're barely running a skeleton crew over there. Most of their on air talent died over the last few months, and now that the women are in charge over there, they're losing some of that ridiculous bullshit they used to be spouting." Andy chuckled, shaking his head a little bit. "All it took was most of the men dying." "It's pretty hard to pretend the plague isn't a real thing when it keeps killing people off left and right, dear," she said. "The rescheduled Presidential election next month is going to be between Senators Kamala Harris and Susan Collins, two women. That's never happened before in the history of this country. The vast majority of people voting in the election are going to be women. This is all completely unprecedented, so all those women who have felt powerless for so many years, this is their chance to shine. But the old tribal lines are still going to be there, even if the genders of the people leading those parties has changed. Republicans will still be Republicans and Democrats will still be Democrats. But there's too many dead people for everyone to go on pretending like the plague isn't real, or that it's not better to not get a grip on the new reality. One side was already telling their people that the plague wasn't real, so more of their men died than the on the other side. They can't afford to do that any more. So the new Fox News agenda is to go back to simple fiscal conservatism, pro military and pro old school Christianity stances. They're just going to drop all the anti woman bullshit that they've been poisoning their own wells with for so long." "And all it took was most of their men dying." Andy rolled his eyes. "Fine. I'll leave it up to you on whether or not you want to do any of the Fox News shit." "Oh heavens no," Emily laughed, shaking her head. "No, you couldn't pay me enough to appear in front of those horrid people. They've been trying to tell me they have the right to regulate my body for decades but that I should keep my mouth shut when it comes to how they spend the money I pay in taxes. At least a few of their remaining hosts have called me horrible things for daring to disagree with them. 'Entertainers should be sit down and be quiet when it comes to politics,' they've said about me for far too long. Fuck that, darling. I'm having none of it." "Well, on that we can agree." "Now, I do believe I have some convincing to be doing," she said, licking her lips playfully, as she slid off his lap and down onto her knees before him, pushing his legs apart. "That's really not necessary, Em," he said, reaching forward to put a hand on her shoulder, but her delicate fingers moved to grab his wrists, lifting them so that one of his hands was along the back of her neck, and the other was sliding up into that radiant cascade of blonde hair. "It might not be necessary, Andrew, but that isn't to say I wouldn't enjoy it anyway," she said, her hands moving to unbutton his jeans, slowly drawing the zipper down. "Because sometimes a girl just needs to get her fix, you know?" She leaned down and kissed part of his exposed stomach. "You wouldn't deny me that, would you, love? Not innocent little me?" "I don't know that I could deny you anything, Emily," he chuckled. She licked her lips, those inescapable blue eyes of hers looking up at him. "That's what I like to hear. Because it's time for me to do something before Sarah does." She fished out his cock, tucking his balls over his boxers to protect them from accidentally getting caught in the zipper of the jeans, because she wasn't willing to wait long enough to pull his jeans off. "I let her have first go at you, but I'm entitled to have some firsts with you before she gets a chance. That's fair, isn't it?" She leaned down and pressed her pink lips against the head of his cock, covering it in tiny kisses. "I think we can both agree that's only fair." "I seem to recall you and Sarah taking turns blowing me at the same time," he said, tilting his head a little. "I wouldn't say she got there first." "She got to fuck you first though, Andrew," she sighed, stroking his cock tenderly. "And I understand why. She's madly in love with you because of your writing, although she's very much fallen in love with the man behind that writing as well." Her tongue slipped out and dragged a long trail across the bottom of his cock, from the base up to the tip, teasing the slit with the tip of her tongue for only a split second. "Me, on the other hand, I fell in love with the man first, when I heard all the lengths you'd gone to in protecting the women who'd chosen to hitch their wagons to your train. Niko painted such a wonderful portrait of you, and you haven't failed to live up to that yet." "I'm always going to put my family's needs above my own, Em," he said, shivering as he felt her pursing her lips around the mushroom tip of his circumcised cock for a long moment. "So what is you want to do before Sarah, hmm?" "Oh, bless, Andrew, I would've thought it would've been obvious," she giggled, blowing air along his cock, teasing his balls with her finely manicured fingernails. "I want you up the serviceman's entrance. I want you in my ass, before Sarah thinks to ask you to do it to her. We've had fingers and small toys up both hers and my asshole before, naturally, but never the real thing, and I'm afraid I simply cannot risk the chance that she get the opportunity to convince you to do it to her before you do it to me. I want to have at least one first of my very own with you before she does, and while I'm a little nervous, I must confess I am also rather excited. First times are always so exhilarating." Andy licked his own lips, swallowing a breath of air. "First times can also be quite intense, Em. Even overwhelming." "Yes yes yes Andrew, that's why I'm going to ask you if you can remember a color code when you're worked up. I know those kinds of sensations can be, distracting to self control, but you've always struck me as level headed." Her tongue took a long swirling path around the underside of the head of his cock, and his fingers tightened in her sandy hair a moment, clenching a fistful of it, which evoked a clear quiver of delight from the girl. "What do you mean a color code?" "You see, when Sarah and I are adventuring into, shall we say, uncharted sexual waters between the two of us, we use a color code. If one of us says 'green,' then things are wonderful, enjoyable and the other should carry on full steam ahead. If one of us says 'yellow,' then perhaps a bit of caution or easing back is needed. If one of us says 'red,' then a moment's rest is needed, or second thoughts are being had, and it's best to stop, until the other is ready to go again. Like a stoplight. We strike the use of those colors for any other uses when we're on the code." She looked up at him with those tender azure orbs again, soft and warm, as her fingertips stroked his shaft and juggled his balls. "Would that be alright, Andrew?" He leaned forward and kissed her again, and this time he found her not only pliant but a touch more eagerly wanton than she'd been moments ago. "Of course, love," he said to her. "But just be careful and remember you can't use those words for anything else while we're in color code mode." She titled her head to the side, a curious expression of amusement on her face. "Oh? Do you anticipate me slipping? I'm quite bright, you know," she teased, winking at him. "I have a degree in feminist studies from Cambridge and everything." He smirked a little bit. "I simply thought you might ask me to paddle your ass red, and then I'd have been more than a little conflicted from the mixed signals." She began to giggle fiercely, having even to take one of her hands from his cock up to cover her mouth, as she nodded furiously, her blonde curls falling in front of her face before her hand lifted from lips and pushed it from her eyes. "You're right! You're right you're right you are absolutely right, I most certainly would have done that, said that without even thinking about it, and what a right git I would've looked, while you would've been standing there frozen in fear that you'd gone too far." "You think you can keep that in mind, then?" She nodded once more, this time more slow and deliberate, before she pressed her hands on the tops of her thighs, moving to stand herself up. "I had Nicolette conceal a couple of bottles of lube in nearly every room of the house, in case this particular stripe of lust struck one of us. She seemed to think it was an excellent idea." Andy couldn't help but snicker a little bit. "I'm sure she did. She seemed to enjoy the hell out of it when she got her turn at it a couple of days ago." Emily giggled again as she reached behind the couch in the corner of his writing studio, her fingers reemerging with a small bottle of lube in them. "I did notice her walking a little funny yesterday, but she wouldn't tell me when I asked her about it. She simply blushed a wonderful shade of crimson and walked away from me. So I take it you gave her the ol' heave ho?" He tried to keep that ain't I a stinker smile from spreading on his face, but in the end, he just couldn't help it. "She told me she likes to be a bit bratty and put into her place, so I stuffed her panties in her mouth while I had a go at her ass. She seemed to like that quite a bit." While Emily approached him, he stood up and tugged off his jeans and boxers, not wanting to get any of the lube on them, setting them on his writing chair. For the hell of it, he pulled off his shirt as well. The idea of resembling Donald Duck appalled him. Emily's eyes widened in amusement and delight, shaking her head frantically. "You didn't! You absolutely didn't! Tell me that you didn't, Andrew!" "I surely and truly did, and she loved it. She even made a point to tell me that it was exactly how I should have a go at her moving forward." "Well, not this time, but I might like to try something like that at some point in the future," she said, as she walked over to him, lifting her dress up and over her head, tossing it aside, revealing she was completely naked beneath it. "Mostly because it wouldn't let me speak the color code if need be, but also because I'm simply not wearing any panties today." She flashed him another saucy wink, as she moved to set up her cell phone to point at the couch. Andy suspected she might be filming it to show to Sarah later, or perhaps just for her own personal edification. "Now let me pour some of this lube on your cock, and you can tell me what position I should be in for my first time at this." He shivered a little as she drizzled clear fluid onto his prick, her slender fingers stroking his shaft again, making sure to get every inch of his thick cock slicked up as much as possible. "If you want total control, you could climb on for a ride, but some women think the sensations are just too intense, and tend to seize up, so they prefer to have the man controlling things. If that's more your speed, then you probably want to get on your knees on the couch, laying your arms down on the top of it, your head resting on your arms, or with your arms behind you, so you can grab at your legs, or rub on your clit. Lauren rubbed her cunt her entire first time, saying it helped the nerve endings get all tangled up in one another." She licked her lips, that tiny hint of reticence fading away the moment he saw it, as she nodded. "I do think it will all be simply too much for me to keep my head clear, so I think I will try the position on the couch, and you can be in the driver's seat." She handed him the small bottle of lube. "Make sure you get me slicked up before you go rampaging in, however." "You sure you  " His sentence was interrupted by her grabbing the back of his head, smearing lube on his skull while she pulled him into a feral, almost delirious kiss, her tongue rampaging into his mouth with a carnal frenzy that he didn't normally associate with his more restrained and reserved partner. When she pulled back, she didn't let her face move more than an inch away from his, her blue eyes peering directly into his greens. "I have been a posh prig my entire life, Andrew," she cooed at him in a sing song fashion. "Now it's time for you to take that stick out of my prim ass and jam this wicked cock up it instead. If you don't, I may well go mad, and that wouldn't be ideal for either of us, I somehow think. Now let's get to it." "As the lady requests," he said, watching her sashay away from him. She slid one knee up on the couch demurely, followed by the other, bending forward at the waist, leaning down until she was resting on her hands and knees on the plush sofa. God, she was gorgeous, he thought to himself. Almost criminally so. She held pose there as he walked over towards her, but as he got closer, she lowered her shoulders down towards the top of the couch, sliding her hands back behind her, to cup her perky porcelain white ass. "This is all yours, Andrew," she moaned. "Virginal. Unspoiled. Unsullied. Uncharted territory." She shivered and he could see goosebumps run across her skin as the lube started to drizzle down the cleft of her ass, smearing over that rosy pucker. "God, I feel so wanton and exposed like this, ready to be debauched and debased, your eager whore, giddy for you to introduce her to these new delights, to expand her horizons and blow her mind." Andy set the bottle on the table next to the couch, then moved to use two of his fingers to smear the clear liquid along her anus, seeing her body twitch and wriggle just a little bit, as he smeared the substance around, pushing his index finger inside of her, hearing her gasp sharply following by a tiny, high pitched yelp, as she clamped down on that digit. "How are we doing, Em?" She drew in a long breath that sounded like it took some effort before she exhaled, a slow controlled push of air over her lips, as that sphincter muscle relaxed around his fingertip. "Green! We're green, Andrew. I just, I simply needed a moment to compose myself once more. Your fingers are quick thicker than Sarah's," she said with a nervous laugh. "You're going to be getting something much bigger than that in a moment," he said. "If you still want it, that is. Not too late to change your mind." "I have come too far to back out now, Andrew." "You haven't cum at all, I don't think," he teased. "Shows what you know," she giggled once more, looking over her shoulder at him to stick her tongue out in his direction. "I definitely came when you pushed your finger in. The pre fuck jitters, one might think. Like a bloody schoolgirl, I am, right now." "Alright then," he said, as he slipped his fingertip out, her asshole closing up immediately. "Remember, you merely have to say what you want, and I'm going to listen." She nodded again, one hand reaching between her legs to rub her fingertips against her cunt, stroking her finely manicured digits against her cunt, as her other hand reached up and over behind her, grabbing one of her asscheeks, pulling it aside, as if to make sure she was open and exposed for him. "Let me feel it, Andrew, but go slow. Just a bit at first." Andy nodded, as he moved his hips, settling the tip of his cock against her asshole, which he felt spasm just a little when the mushroom head of his cock made contact with it. He gave her half a second to relax once more, then began to push forward. He leaned his body against hers, feeling some initial resistance, but after a few moments, the head of his cock popped through that ring of muscle, and a guttural, almost primitive moan erupted from her throat, loud and carnal. "Fuck that's big that's so fucking big yellow yellow Andy, yellow,” she rambled, and immediately Andy held perfectly still. "Too much?" he said, feeling her ass clinging onto the head of his cock with an intense amount of pressure. "Stop? Pull out? Just wait?" "Don't pull out! Are you fucking crazy?" she said, a borderline delirious laugh cackling from her lips. "I just, I just, just give me a moment, please, you're fucking big, you know that? You and your fat fucking cock feel like you've shoved a telephone pole up my tight young virgin ass, so I'm going to need a god damned moment, thank you very much, but don't you dare fucking slip out, or I will beat you bloody senseless with a cricket bat!" Andy blushed a little bit, a wry smile on his lips, as he held perfectly still. "In your own time, Em." The tiny blonde Brit drew in a long breath, then slowly exhaled it, like she was doing some form of yoga and trying to center her chi. She did it again, and Andrew started to get worried that maybe she simply wasn't ready for this, but just about the time that thought started to roll around in his head, he felt her starting to lean back against him just a little bit. "Green, Andrew, but,” she said, shifting her body just enough so that she could look back at him, "please, for heaven's sake, take it slowly." He nodded to her, and began to lean forward, feeling her body almost being pried apart as his cock worked his way inside of her virginal asshole. Her fingertips were rubbing down firmly on her clit, and while he tried to keep the forward momentum as slow as possible, when he was nearly half way into her ass, she suddenly pushed back into him, engulfing the rest of his cock in her back door, as a wash of goosebumps rolled across her flesh, starting at the small of her back and blossoming outwards in an instant flare, followed by a hard tremble intermingled with a high pitched whine that started racing upwards in octaves and volumes until it crested, breaking and dissolving into a frantic, almost demented giggle, as his balls rested against her fingers which hadn't stopped stroking at her cunt. "You alright, Em?" he asked. "Alright? Alright? Are you asking if I'm alright now, Andrew?" she hissed, although the tone was giddy and excited. "I am green, super green, all the greens! I am awesome, fucking brilliant. That felt,” she drew in a long breath, "So fucking good, and I came So fucking hard." Her head whipped to look directly at her cellphone camera. "Sares, it's like it builds and builds and builds, and you're getting more and more and more tense and then,” she said, pulling her hips forward, sliding his cock mostly back out of her ass before, "Wham!" she said as she slammed her ass back onto his cock hilt deep once more, and let out another unearthly moan. "Holy fuck, that feels so good. Your cock just jammed up right my ass, your balls resting right on my cunt." Her head snapped again to look back at him, and her soft and kind blue eyes had gone more than a little crazy. "Go on then, in for a penny, in for a pound. Pound your little penny. Go on, you dirty wanker. Do it to me! Fuck my ass!" At this point, he was pretty sure that if he had said 'red,' she would've ignored him and just played on through. The kind of wild lust in her eyes would've been completely unfamiliar to him if he hadn't seen it before, briefly, with both Piper and Sheridan, though those had been chemically induced. Later in the evening, he'd consider whether maybe she'd tapped into that same mental state that being deprived of his semen developed in women, but in that particular moment, the only thing he could do was to fuck Emily Stevens, film sweetheart of a generation, within an inch of her sanity. His hips drew back and then thrust forward, a solid grind on his first real pump, which was met by a hard squeeze of her ass around his cock and a burbling, uncorked moan oozing from her lips. He drew back again, but this time his forward thrust was met by the snap of her hips pushing her ass back into him, making her toned asscheeks ripple just a tiny amount. "Oh fuck, Andrew," she babbled, "I want more, but I know I'm going to cum soon, and once I start again, it's not going to stop, so I need it, I need you, I love you, I need you to fucking cum inside of my ass, fill it up with that hot spunk for the first time. Mark your territory with your seed! Please Andrew, I'm fucking begging you, let me have it, show my ass you love it, teach me this final thing. Fucking cum in my ass!" The entire time, she was doing more of the thrusting than he was, although he was trying to keep pace with her. And just towards the end, he knew that he wouldn't be able to stave off the impending orgasm for long, so at her insistence, he let loose a hot jet of jizz right into her ass. The minute he felt the first spurt escape him, it felt as though she clamped down on him in a fist like grasp, and then he felt a heavy rush of liquid against his balls, her cunt gushing all over them and down the inside of his thighs. The very sensation of it made him splattered a handful more blasts of cum into her ass before he stopped, one of his hands holding onto the back of the couch for dear life, as he felt her fingertips fall away from her cunt as her arm slumped downwards. He'd gone soft almost right away, but her ass was still trying to milk any last remaining droplets of cum from his cock with gentle squeezes, even as he finally slid out of her. Her body was mostly propped up by her knees, although her face was buried into the couch cushions. He waited a minute or so before he finally said, "You alright, Em?" She began giggling, slowly moving to roll onto her side, so he could see her face had turned bright red, the color of Sarah or Aisling's hair, and she was clutching one hand to her mouth, trying to contain the infectious laugh that would not be suppressed. "Holy fucking Christ, Andrew, I am so so so embarrassed by that," she whimpered. "I've, fuck, I've never done that before. I didn't know I could fucking do that, Christ, I'm made such a mess, how awful of me. I'm horrible." Andy knelt down alongside the couch, and leaned in to press his lips against hers. She struggled for half a moment, still caught up in her own awkwardness of the moment, before she gave in and simply returned the kiss, which he held for an endlessly long time. "Did you enjoy it?" he said, when he finally gave her a moment to breathe again. "Fuckin' 'ell, Andrew," she stumbled, "I think that would've been bloody obvious." "Then who the fuck cares about the mess?" He kissed her again, one hand stroking her sweaty hair from her face, the energy cooling down a little, as they both came down from the orgasmic plateaus they'd just been dancing in. "Besides, I'd have thought you'd enjoy the idea of telling Nicolette to come and clean my office without giving her any explanation into why." Emily face almost hurt from smiling so much as she nodded. "Thank you for this, Andrew, and for making me feel at home in my own body as it learns new things about itself." She looked down then looked up at him, almost a touch of fear in her eyes. "I know I've said it before, but it's important to me that you know this, Andrew. I well and truly love you, like no other man I've known before." "I love you too, Emily," he said, making sure he was looking directly into her eyes when he said it, so she would understand there were no reservations. "And I'm very glad you agreed to marry me. You've been not only good for me, you've been good for the whole house." "Oh shush, now my heart's all aflutter," she said, moving to stand up, pausing to wince for a second. "Well, I'll jolly well feel that for the next few days. It's sore and it's still tingling in pleasure. Both, together, at the same time. What an odd delight." He laughed, grabbing her dress for her, holding it out. "Go on, get dressed and bring Nicolette in here to see the mess that you've made for her to clean up. I'll bet she's not at all embarrassed, and more than a little jealous." "You know, I suspect you might well be correct, Andrew. Brilliant." A cast list intermission for Quaranteam The House of Rook Andy Rook,  A 38 year old content writer for Netflix, who also lives a double life as semi successful urban fantasy writer Blake Conrad, known for his Druid Gunslinger books. Shaved head, neatly trimmed brown beard, 5'11", hazel eyes, tattooed on the chest with a griffon, could stand to lose a few pounds. Originally from Ohio, has lived in the Bay Area for over a decade. Our protagonist, such as he is. Still reaping the benefits from one random act of kindness to a stranger named Dave. Aisling (Ash) Blake,  A 27 year old graphic design contractor for Google. Originally from Dublin, she's lived in the States for 4 years. Red hair, freckles, short (5'4"), fit. Outgoing and charming, but also protective of Andy. Aisling showed up first (at the same time as Lily) and has helped keep Andy level headed and sane throughout the entire ordeal. Pregnant with Andy's child. Engaged to Andy. Lauren White,  A 35 year old personal trainer for the San Francisco 49ers. Originally from Australia, she's lived in the States for 2 years. Very tall (6'6"), very tan, blonde, athletic, emotionally involved with Taylor as much as (if not more so) Andy. Lauren is big and boisterous, but has a tendency to not think things fully through. 2nd Lieutenant Niko RedWolf,  A 22 year old Air Force Security Forces officer (military police). Originally from South Dakota. Half Lakota, one quarter Mexican and one quarter Japanese. Long black hair, toned and slender. 5'4". Sarcastic, wry and witty, Niko has basically become Andy's right hand woman, along with Ash, whom she considers her best friend. She's helped provide endless insight to the vaccine program being managed at the local Air Force base, where she works. Also pregnant with Andy's child and engaged to him. Nicolette (Yvette) Seydeaux (staff),  The 22 year old maid of Rook Manor. Blonde, with long curly hair. Extremely buxom. 5'9" or 6'1" (in heels). Second generation French American. Enjoys wearing classic maids outfits and being a bratty submissive. Pretended to be named Yvette at first, at the suggestion of Phil. Katie Rodriguez (staff),  The 32 year old gardener of Rook Manor. Hispanic, butch, 5'8", with short black hair cut in a bob, almost always seen in overalls and a button up shirt. Lesbian and wife of Jenny Peters. Had reservations about the program, but wanted to ensure safety for her and her wife, so they took the deal and came to join the House of Rook. Jenny Peters (staff),  The 31 year old cook of Rook Manor. Midwestern and plump, 5'8", with brown bushy hair. Wears large circular glasses. Tends to be overly motherly. Bisexual and wife of Katie Rodriguez. Taylor Morrison,  The 25 year old ex ex girlfriend of Lauren White. Platinum blonde, stacked, short (5'2"). Currently still in the doghouse for cheating on Lauren almost a year ago, but close to working her way out of her trouble. As part of her current punishment (dictated by Lauren), she is not allowed to wear clothes. Piper Brown,  A 26 year old Olympic Volleyball player. Brunette, tall (6'2"), muscular but lean, blue eyed. Went viral for a video of her pre game warm up dance. Still slightly recovering from abusive treatment at Andrew Covington's home. Asha Varma,  An 18 year old college student and daughter of Dr. Charlotte Varma. Half Indian, half French, raised in London until last year. Brown skin, black hair, pierced navel, wild child attitude. 5'6". Party girl and socialite, Asha tends to enjoy causing trouble, as it gets her attention. Has some growing up to do. Sarah (Sares) Washington,  A 31 year old actress. 6'2", redheaded, quirky, clumsy and a bit dorky. Originally from New Jersey. Swears like breathing. Very girl next door. Huge fan of the Druid Gunslinger books, and had a crush on Andy before she even met him. Big lover of Broadway theater and musicals, both attending and performing in. Partner of Emily Stevens. Engaged to Andy. Emily (Em) Stevens,  A 30 year old actress, 5'1", blonde, blue eyed, pale, slender, very posh, British. Left London for L A just a few years ago. Incredibly charming and witty, with an almost supernatural social sense. Grew up as a child actress in a wildly popular series of movies called "The Dagger Academy" series, but has since struggled to establish a successful acting career outside that role. Partner of Sarah Washington. Engaged to Andy. Sheridan Smith,  A 32 year old acrobat and performer for Cirque Du Soleil. 5'7" Blonde, frizzy hair, slender and extremely flexible. Very laid back and go with the flow. Has been teaching the girls of the house yoga in her spare time. Hannah Nakamura,  And 18 year old college student and former cheerleader. Half Hawaiian, half Japanese. Short (5'1"), Asian, with long black hair with blonde stripes in it. Curvy, very well endowed (44G) and a firecracker of energy. Originally supposed to be joining the House of Watkins, she is much happier being part of the House of Rook. The House of Yang Eric Yang,  A 39 year old engineer, and Andy's former roommate. Second generation Japanese American. Short (5'5") but athletic, if a bit shy and bookish. Piggybacked on Andy's one good deed into a complete life change he wasn't expecting. Andy and Eric are friends, but not overly close ones, despite having shared a condo for most of a decade. Lily Wu,  a 25 year old coder for Door Dash. Second generation Japanese American. Dyed purple hair, short (5'2"), punkish. Eric's first partner, who expected to be his only partner only for life to get majorly in the way. Lily is the iron fist that runs the House of Yang, sometimes making decisions for Eric so he doesn't spend too long dwelling on them. Jenny Carnero,  a 28 year old meteorologist for the local Fox News channel. Statuesque brunette (5'10") who always remains overly tanned. Lily's ex roommate who had to be rescued after fleeing from the person she was supposed to be paired up with, before getting paired up with Eric. Threatened to tell her story to the reporters at the station she worked at, but Lily convinced her that doing so would be bad for all involved. Phil cleaned the mess up. Sarah Wilson,  a 26 year old HR specialist with Adobe Systems. Short (5'3"), blonde, Nordic and curvy. Originally from Kansas. The House of Marcos Phil Marcos,  a 34 year old Filipino project manager for Boeing, working in conjunction with the Air Force to manage the vaccine development/distribution program trying counter the epidemic. Probably involved in a sizable amount of heavily classified shit. Tall (5'11"), slender and usually exhausted. Has a deep love of fighting games and mischief. Phil always knows more than he can talk about. Audrey Percy,  a 29 year old Hispanic psychologist. Short (5'1"), very curvy. Also a big fighting games fan. Has been doing her best to keep Phil sane throughout the apocalypse. One of the first successful recipients of the current vaccine. Pregnant with Phil's child and engaged to him. Captain Linda Hayes,  a 35 year old Caucasian captain in the Air Force. Blonde, fit, lethal. Also doubling at Phil's bodyguard most days. Tamika Jefferson,  an 18 year old African American college student. Short (5'2"), curvy, disaffected and disinterested in most things. Yuko Takahashi,  a 22 year old first generation Japanese immigrant and video game engineer. Very short (4'10"), very slender but extremely agile. The most sarcastic of Phil's partners. Dr. Charlotte Varma,  a 44 year old French infectious disease researcher working with the Air Force and Boeing. Lead developer on the current vaccine. Average height (5'7"), blonde, matronly but also a bit bougie. Originally from Paris, she moved to London and married Dev Varma, before they emigrated to the US earlier this year with their teenage daughter, Asha (now part of the House of Rook). Was rescued by Andy but chose to go with Phil. The House of Covington Arthur Robert Covington IV,  a 63 year old investment banker. Considers himself the most important person in New Eden. Certainly is the richest. A horrible prick with a rumored proclivity for making his partners do awful things. Runs a regular poker game where people are used as stakes. The person Andy hates the most. Lisa Davis,  a 25 year old graphic design contractor for Google. Ex colleague of Aisling. Partner for Covington, who does not allow her to speak in public. Ash has been trying to find ways to talk to her on the side. Rachel DeMarco,  a 28 year old infectious disease researcher working with the Air Force and Boeing. Has only been spoken of, not actually see in the story thusfar. Veronica DeLaCruz (deceased),  a 27 year old Hispanic card dealer for the House of Covington privately, as well as professionally over at a local casino. Cheated on her partner (Arthur) with a man named Brian Morrison, and the sexual encounter resulted in her death. The first fatality in New Eden, her death is being used to remind women the dangers involved in being unfaithful in the new world. The House of Vikovic Gregor Vikovic,  a 52 year old business owner. Russian, huge (6'2", 275lbs), mucular, with a big braided silver beard and a fondness for expensive things, particular food and drink. One of the more elite members of New Eden. The House of Watkins Nathaniel Watkins,  a 41 year old investor and insanely rich self made gadfly. Tall (6'1"), lean and Waspy, Nathaniel tends to look more like an out of work yoga instructor than the forty first richest man in the world. His brown beard is always somewhat disheveled, and seems to relish always walking around in socks and Birkenstocks. Has a friendly relationship with Andy, whom he gave a shitload of money to, seemingly to punish his son. Benny Watkins,  an 18 year old high school student. Benny is Nathaniel's biggest failure, spoiled and thoughtless, entitled and arrogant. His claiming of Deborah Barnes resulted in his punishment by his father, and the reassignment of Hannah to Andy. Deborah Barnes,  a 34 year old veterinarian from Los Gatos, originally from Kansas. She was originally assigned to Nathaniel, who used her as a stake in one of Covington's poker games. She was won by Andy, but Benny claimed her before she could be relocated. As part of Benny's punishment, Deborah's been assigned control of Benny. Erin Donegal,  a 36 year old pharmaceutical representative. Dated and lived with Andy about a decade ago until she gave him an ultimatum “ "either your friends go, or I do." Andy gave her the boot, and she stalked him on and off since then. Second generation Irish American. Blonde (but dyes her hair brown), curvy. Andy refused to bring her into his house, and she was reassigned to the House of Watkins. The House Of Haunton Mayor James Haunton,  the 54 year old mayor of New Eden. Portly and short tempered. Has a mustache that whole bowls of soup could get lost in. Major Monica Peters,  the 36 year old wife of the mayor, who doubles as the greeter and tour guide of New Eden for the most recent arrivals. The House of Jacobson Jake Jacobson,  the 49 year old owner of the AllStore chain of department stores. Jet black hair with a pencil thin mustache. More reptilian than human, with beady eyes and a perpetual sneer on his face. Hot tempered, petty and vindictive.. The House of Baker Xander Baker,  a 38 year old auto mechanic and car restorer from Ohio. Andy's oldest and best friend. Being relocated to New Eden to get paired up with Captain Betsy Ross. Covered in tattoos, ridiculously muscular, Xander is a gentle giant. Not to be allowed near karaoke machines under peril of death. Captain Betsy Ross,  a 34 year old Air Force officer, working on the reconstruction program, rebuilding America's heavily damaged infrastructure. Soon to be Xander's first partner. Brooke Maloney,  a 24 year old Olympic swimmer, and friend of Piper. Second generation Swedish American. Blonde, short (5'4") and extremely athletic. Originally, Piper was trying to convince Andy to bring Brooke into the House of Rook, but Andy immediately recognized her personality would be a better fit for Xander, and asked Phil to help redirect her. The House of, Dave? Dave, something or other?,  a thirty(ish) something(?) quarantine management engineer for the CDC, who came to test Andy and Eric, and found out that Andy was secretly Dave's favorite author. In exchange for an advance copy of the newest unpublished Druid Gunslinger book, he put Andy and Eric into the system as Top Level V I P, which has changed their life forever. Nice dude, but Dave's just this guy, you know? Chapter 29 The next day, Andy and Ash met up with Eric and Lily for lunch in a restaurant, something they still weren't accustomed to, even though they'd done it a couple of times since moving into New Eden. They'd been in quarantine so long that the basic things like eating out felt alien. They'd found a nice little BBQ joint that someone had opened within the walls of New Eden, and Andy was ecstatic. Andy's hope was that they were going to keep getting more varieties of food in their new home town. The little 1950s dinner was nice, but the village needed things like a Mexican joint, a Chinese restaurant, a ramen house, a place where he could get a banh mi, Andy realized he really just needed the place to be less exclusively white. The guy who owned and ran the BBQ was a big black guy named Bryant Walters who'd apparently played football for the 49ers a couple of decades ago. He'd settled in the Bay after his football career ended, and he had brought his love of southern BBQ to opening his own restaurant, called "Smoke On The Water." He had a dozen of his own BBQ sauces, brisket that he smoked for at least twelve hours and some of the best damn ribs Andy had ever tasted. It didn't hurt that Bryant was also massively friendly, making sure to come out and talk to patrons of the place. The wait staff was comprised of his partners, five women in all, at least one a former 49ers cheerleader. Over lunch, Andy made sure to tell Bryant that he should have delivery service for the community, and the big burly man told him that was an excellent idea, and that he'd start working on a website for online orders. The meal was the first chance that Andy and Eric had really been able to sit down and catch up one on one since they'd gotten to New Eden. Sure, they'd seen each other at parties and big gatherings, but with just Ash and Lily there, it felt like a throwback to the first days of the whole adventure when they'd been a pair of new couples sharing a tiny little condo. "So yeah, what with all the casualties on my team, I've been promoted up the food chain to be director of the division," Eric said, poking at his brisket with his fork. "I like the responsibility and the increase in pay, but it's also incredibly depressing to think about all the former coworkers that died, none of whose funerals I can attend, because nobody's allowing funerals." "Yeah," Andy sighed, "Phil told me they're moving to mass cremations now, since so many people died. They'll probably build some sort of memorial after we're through all of this, like the Vietnam Wall or Ground Zero for 9/11." "It's so strange, seeing all the names on Slack that aren't lighting up any more," Eric sighed. "At some point, the death toll crossed from a number I can understand to a number I can't." "Kill one person and it's murder; kill a hundred thousand and it's a statistic. Good ol' Stalin," Lily joked, squeezing his hand reassuringly. "Don't try and think about it, dear. You're only going to get angry or depressed again, and we're having a nice lunch here, with everyone getting a chance to see one another. I mean, I love Niko to death, but if Andy shows up with his entire tribe, it takes over the whole room. How many are there now, fifty?" Ash giggled, rolling her eyes. "It really isn't tha' bad, Lily. How many're over there?" "Seven, including Lily," Eric said. "I refuse to let them send any more," Lily growled. "Each of the girls gets one day a week to spend with him, and he gets Sundays off." "Then when do ya get time with him?" "Any time I fucking want to," Lily laughed, waggling her beer in Eric's direction. "We're trying to have a kid now, and I'm refusing to let any of those other bitches get a go at getting knocked up until I'm well and truly swollen. Once I'm half way through my second trimester, then I'll let'em get off their birth control, and not a minute fucking sooner." "Still got Eric under your thumb, huh, Lil?" Andy teased. "Thumb, palm, e

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium
A Dance With Dragons - Chapters 4, 5 & 6 (Bran I, Tyrion II & The Merchant's Man)

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2025 95:36


In this episode, we carry an efficient palanquin.Discord: https://discord.gg/h8QBg3RGfxEmail: popculturesymposium@gmail.comInstagram and Facebook: @popculturesymposiumMusic by Maria Mihaylova (Maria's YouTube)Support the show

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium
A Dance With Dragons - Chapters 2 & 3 (Daenerys I & Jon I)

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium

Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 140:33


In this episode, we got lost in the ethics sauce. Discord: https://discord.gg/h8QBg3RGfxEmail: popculturesymposium@gmail.comInstagram and Facebook: @popculturesymposiumMusic by Maria Mihaylova (Maria's YouTube)Support the show

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium
A Dance With Dragons - Prologue & Chapter 1 (Tyrion I)

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium

Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 130:23


In this episode, everything's coming up dalmations.Discord: https://discord.gg/h8QBg3RGfxEmail: popculturesymposium@gmail.comInstagram and Facebook: @popculturesymposiumMusic by Maria Mihaylova (Maria's YouTube)Support the show

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium
Game of Thrones - Season 1: Episode 4 (Cripples, Bastards and Broken Things) Ft. Emily

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 165:59


In this episode, we expose all the exposition! A huge thank you to Emily from Game of Groans Pod for joining us!Notes from editing Nav:Bran's dream chapter is Chapter 17 of A Game of Thrones and not Chapter 16. I was so close!Jorah's quote: “The common people pray for rain, healthy children, and a summer that never ends. It is no matter to them if the high lords play their game of thrones, so long as they are left in peace.” Discord: https://discord.gg/h8QBg3RGfxEmail: popculturesymposium@gmail.comInstagram and Facebook: @popculturesymposiumMusic by Maria Mihaylova (Maria's YouTube)Support the show

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium
Game of Thrones - Season 1: Episode 3 (Lord Snow) Ft. Kate

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2025 164:26


In this episode, Harmat thinks everyone is hot! Shout out to Kate from Game of Groans Pod for joining us!Discord: https://discord.gg/h8QBg3RGfxEmail: popculturesymposium@gmail.comInstagram and Facebook: @popculturesymposiumMusic by Maria Mihaylova (Maria's YouTube)Support the show

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium
A Feast for Crows - Wrap-Up

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2025 194:54


In this episode, we settle the debate on the Book 5 foreword. Fanart shared by Max:Aeron and UrriLannistersSandor's NightmareTommen and CatsWarrior's SonsLady StoneheartHouse of the Undying VisionDiscord: https://discord.gg/h8QBg3RGfxEmail: popculturesymposium@gmail.comInstagram: @popculturesymposiumMusic by Maria Mihaylova (Maria's YouTube) Support the show

Hard Choices
Hard Choices 42 - Lost

Hard Choices

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2025 134:40


Something was in the air in 2004 and we're not entirely sure what it was. Whatever it was, ABC's Lost was chockful of it and boy howdy was the landscape of American television ever weirder because of it. Join Kam Servo of UNspoiled! The Constant: Lost and newcomers Jody Troutman of LongTallJodie and Claire J. Vannette of Relationship Mastery, along with absolute Lost newbie, MeganBob, as they return to The Island. Along the way, we flash forward, backward, sideways, and probably diagonally too. We'll meet smoke monsters, polar bears, and a bunch of hot people on a vacation that's considerably worse than any you've ever taken. Stir up a drink and sit down for a trip back to the height of must-see tv! Hard Choices on Patreon Instagram: hardchoicespod Twitter: @hardchoicespod Bluesky: @hardchoicespodcast.bsky.social MeganBob's OnlyFans: onlyfans.com/meganbob Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):   https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/funk-me  License code: PY3X4XBA59ZDUAVZ https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/funky-junk  License code: KIXMIV9S2VDVUHLW   https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/the-gentleman  License code: UWXG3BXPCASTYIHY   https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/lets-get-it  License code: MGTNINNDEXYJBAZQ   https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/high-life  License code: GE9B1XIV9R1VKMML   https://uppbeat.io/t/doug-organ/boogie-time  License code: QOVELAYOE1SDZQ4Y   https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/the-brighton-bop  License code: VWDJ4C60GOAIPACW   https://uppbeat.io/t/jonny-boyle/jazzed  License code: AVN7XPXUBHDBHFAM   https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/wake-me-up  License code: SPHCZLRSPZNRUK7R   https://uppbeat.io/t/walz/redcar-jazz  License code: A0MVEEBKYDDJ0EQY https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/rock-it  License code: QFNICKIQJYO3DCZO                          

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium
A Feast for Crows - Chapter 44 & 45 (Jaime VII & Samwell V)

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2025 109:37


In this episode, Harmat finds out the book is over.Discord: https://discord.gg/h8QBg3RGfxEmail: popculturesymposium@gmail.comInstagram and Facebook: @popculturesymposiumMusic by Maria Mihaylova (Maria's YouTube)Support the show

Global News Headlines
Spain: Azores - An Unspoiled Atlantic Escape with Volcanic Wonders

Global News Headlines

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2025 5:21


An article in Travel and Tour World highlights the Azores as an increasingly popular travel destination. Travellers from Portugal, Spain, the UK, and the US are flocking to these Portuguese islands. The archipelago provides a refreshing alternative to mainstream island destinations, offering unspoiled landscapes and volcanic wonders. The Azores balance adventure and relaxation with unique experiences such as geothermal cuisine and whale watching. Its sustainable tourism and relative remoteness also ensures the preservation of its natural beauty. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium
A Feast for Crows - Chapter 43 (Cersei)

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2025 113:06


In this episode, Cersei, oh, Cerseiry. Discord: https://discord.gg/h8QBg3RGfxEmail: popculturesymposium@gmail.comInstagram and Facebook: @popculturesymposiumMusic by Maria Mihaylova (Maria's YouTube)Support the show

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium
A Feast for Crows - Chapters 41 & 42 (Brienne VIII & Alayne II)

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2025 206:04


In this episode, we are passionate, pumped, and pedantic.Discord: https://discord.gg/h8QBg3RGfxEmail: popculturesymposium@gmail.comInstagram and Facebook: @popculturesymposiumMusic by Maria Mihaylova (Maria's YouTube)Support the show

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium
A Feast for Crows - Chapters 39 & 40 (Cersei IX & The Princess in the Tower)

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2025 151:51


In this episode, we try to imagine a better life for Cersei.Mentioned in this episode:If It Is Chains You Want: Samwell Tarly, Gender, and WarDiscord: https://discord.gg/h8QBg3RGfxEmail: popculturesymposium@gmail.comInstagram and Facebook: @popculturesymposiumMusic by Maria Mihaylova (Maria's YouTube)Support the show

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium
A Feast for Crows - Chapters 37 & 38 (Brienne VII & Jaime VI)

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2025 120:46


In this episode, we stand at the crossroads and choose… the sidetracks! Discord: https://discord.gg/h8QBg3RGfxEmail: popculturesymposium@gmail.comInstagram and Facebook: @popculturesymposiumMusic by Maria Mihaylova (Maria's YouTube)Support the show

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium
A Feast for Crows - Chapters 35 & 36 (Samwell IV & Cersei VIII)

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2025 153:08


In this episode, we finally get the prophecy that has been haunting Cersei for years.Discord: https://discord.gg/h8QBg3RGfxEmail: popculturesymposium@gmail.comInstagram and Facebook: @popculturesymposiumMusic by Maria Mihaylova (Maria's YouTube)Support the show

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium
A Feast for Crows - Chapters 33 & 34 (Jaime V & Cat of the Canals)

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 25, 2024 130:48


In this episode, we are oh-so Canadian and oh-so distracted. Warning: You may encounter an unedited 20-min. lore section... Merry Christmas?Discord: https://discord.gg/h8QBg3RGfxEmail: popculturesymposium@gmail.comInstagram and Facebook: @popculturesymposiumMusic by Maria Mihaylova (Maria's YouTube)Support the show

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium
A Feast for Crows - Chapters 31 & 32 (Brienne VI & Cersei VII)

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2024 107:00


In this episode, we get confirmation of the Hound's death... or do we?Discord: https://discord.gg/h8QBg3RGfxEmail: popculturesymposium@gmail.comInstagram and Facebook: @popculturesymposiumMusic by Maria Mihaylova (Maria's YouTube)Support the show

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium
A Feast for Crows - Chapters 29 & 30 (The Reaver & Jaime IV)

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2024 162:23


In this episode, Harmat learns a LOT of interesting things, including what's going on with Jon and Dany...Discord: https://discord.gg/h8QBg3RGfxEmail: popculturesymposium@gmail.comInstagram and Facebook: @popculturesymposiumMusic by Maria Mihaylova (Maria's YouTube)Support the show

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium
A Feast for Crows - Chapters 27 & 28 (Jaime III & Cersei VI)

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2024 125:12


In this episode, Jaime is chillin' with Ser Ilyn and Cersei makes a meal out of a deal. Discord: https://discord.gg/h8QBg3RGfxEmail: popculturesymposium@gmail.comInstagram and Facebook: @popculturesymposiumMusic by Maria Mihaylova (Maria's YouTube)Support the show

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium
A Feast for Crows - Chapters 25 & 26 (Brienne V & Samwell III)

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2024 97:25


In this episode, there are cameos upon cameos!Discord: https://discord.gg/h8QBg3RGfxEmail: popculturesymposium@gmail.comInstagram and Facebook: @popculturesymposiumMusic by Maria Mihaylova (Maria's YouTube)Support the show

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium
A Feast for Crows - Chapters 23 & 24 (Alayne I & Cersei V)

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2024 162:55


In this episode, we celebrate reaching the half-way point in the book!Discord: https://discord.gg/h8QBg3RGfxEmail: popculturesymposium@gmail.comInstagram and Facebook: @popculturesymposiumMusic by Maria Mihaylova (Maria's YouTube)Support the show

Active Travel Adventures
Unspoiled Sri Lanka 9 Day Cycling Adventure

Active Travel Adventures

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2024 43:43


Unspoiled Sri Lanka 9 Day Cycling Adventure See the Best of Sri Lanka on this nine day bicycling adventure travel tour.  Ride through little touristed villages (the people will come out to wave at you with big smiles that you are visiting their country), magnificent tea plantations, lush national parks and along pristine coastline.  Also take one of the world's most scenic train rides, visit the Buddhist temple that is said to contain Buddha's tooth, the Nine Arch Bridge and so much more! E-bikes are available in addition to manual bikes. Our guests, Terri and Ken chose Active Travel Adventures affiliate, Art of Bicycle Trips because of how happy they were with an earlier India cycling adventure.  EMAIL KIT to get an exclusive Art of Bicycle Trips Promo Code.   COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important links for planning your adventure, photos and more cool info about today's show. Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!).  Get the monthly newsletter here. CONTACT KIT Resources  Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies - no need to give any identifying information unless you decide to buy!  The best way to find the right policy for your adventures.  Train For Your Adventure  Ask Becki at Trailblazer Wellness to customize an at home, online personal training program for your upcoming adventure using whatever equipment you already have!  You'll get phone consultations, instruction videos and a plan to give you the best chance of success.  Becki offers a FREE initial phone consultation to see if you are a good fit.  AND she offers ATA listeners a 10% discount! Buy Me a Beer Want to support the program?  You can always buy me a coffee or beer - thanks! Amazon Kit's Picks   Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don't purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you'll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:) SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the “How to's of adventure travel) SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations) Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group Follow ATA on Twitter Follow ATA on Instagram Follow ATA on Pinterest (C) Active Travel Adventures, LLC - All Rights Reserved  

amazon art ride buddhist buddha sri lanka ata adventure travel unspoiled active travel cycling adventure llc all rights reserved adventure travel show active travel adventures
A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium
A Feast for Crows - Chapters 21 & 22 (The Queenmaker & Arya II)

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2024 107:44


In this episode, we are excited to be back! #TooImperfectToBeAIDiscord: https://discord.gg/h8QBg3RGfxEmail: popculturesymposium@gmail.comInstagram and Facebook: @popculturesymposiumMusic by Maria Mihaylova (Maria's YouTube)Support the show

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium
A Feast for Crows - Chapters 19 & 20 (The Drowned Man & Brienne IV)

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2024 105:16


In this episode, we sure hope we do do these chapters justice.Discord: https://discord.gg/h8QBg3RGfxEmail: popculturesymposium@gmail.comInstagram and Facebook: @popculturesymposiumMusic by Maria Mihaylova (Maria's YouTube)Support the Show.

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium
A Feast for Crows - Chapters 17 & 18 (Cersei IV & The Iron Captain)

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2024 155:44


In this episode, Harmat tries to wing it. Stay past the music for some core Canadian content. Discord: https://discord.gg/h8QBg3RGfxEmail: popculturesymposium@gmail.comInstagram and Facebook: @popculturesymposiumMusic by Maria Mihaylova (Maria's YouTube)Support the Show.

Four Corners Church
Room at the Table: Unspoiled Grace

Four Corners Church

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2024 38:35


Message by Joel Sims. Are you interested in learning more about Four Corners Church? Visit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.fourhuntsville.com⁠⁠

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium
A Feast for Crows - Chapters 15 & 16 (Samwell II & Jaime II)

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2024 144:27


In this episode, we announce the heir to the Symposium Throne. Currently accepting applications for co-heir. Discord: https://discord.gg/h8QBg3RGfxEmail: popculturesymposium@gmail.comInstagram and Facebook: @popculturesymposiumMusic by Maria Mihaylova (Maria's YouTube)Support the Show.

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium
A Feast for Crows - Chapters 13 & 14 (The Soiled Knight & Brienne III)

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2024 153:59


In this episode, Harmat thinks everything is a rom-com. Discord: https://discord.gg/h8QBg3RGfxEmail: popculturesymposium@gmail.comInstagram and Facebook: @popculturesymposiumMusic by Maria Mihaylova (Maria's YouTube)Support the Show.

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium
A Feast for Crows - Chapters 11 & 12 (The Kraken's Daughter & Cersei III)

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2024 124:47


In this episode, our two queens try to slay the day.Discord: https://discord.gg/h8QBg3RGfxEmail: popculturesymposium@gmail.comInstagram: @popculturesymposiumMusic by Maria Mihaylova (Maria's YouTube) Support the Show.

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium
A Feast for Crows - Chapters 9 & 10 (Brienne II & Sansa I)

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2024 135:34


In this episode, you're reading the book... But really, you're reading yourself. Discord: https://discord.gg/h8QBg3RGfxEmail: popculturesymposium@gmail.comInstagram: @popculturesymposiumMusic by Maria Mihaylova (Maria's YouTube) Support the Show.

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium
A Feast for Crows - Chapters 7 & 8 (Cersei II & Jaime I)

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium

Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2024 183:07


In this episode, Harmat's heart pangs for you to listen past the music. Mentioned in this episode:The Restricted Section PodThe Demigod PodDiscord: https://discord.gg/h8QBg3RGfxEmail: popculturesymposium@gmail.comInstagram: @popculturesymposiumMusic by Maria Mihaylova (Maria's YouTube) Support the Show.

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium
A Feast for Crows - Chapters 5 & 6 (Samwell I & Arya I)

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium

Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2024 137:16


In this episode, all of our takes are for no reason at all.Discord: https://discord.gg/h8QBg3RGfxEmail: popculturesymposium@gmail.comInstagram: @popculturesymposiumMusic by Maria Mihaylova (Maria's YouTube) Support the Show.

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium
A Feast for Crows - Chapters 3 & 4 (Cersei I & Brienne I)

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium

Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2024 98:32


In this episode, we finally have a Cersei chapter! Discord: https://discord.gg/h8QBg3RGfxEmail: popculturesymposium@gmail.comInstagram: @popculturesymposiumMusic by Maria Mihaylova (Maria's YouTube) Support the Show.

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium
A Feast for Crows - Chapters 1 & 2 (The Prophet & The Captain of Guards)

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2024 167:03


In this episode, what is religion if not ___? #commentaryDiscord: https://discord.gg/h8QBg3RGfxEmail: popculturesymposium@gmail.comInstagram: @popculturesymposiumMusic by Maria Mihaylova (Maria's YouTube) Support the show

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium
A Feast for Crows - Prologue

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2024 165:49


In this episode, we switch roles: Harmat is a nerd about the maester chain and Nav plugs the Discord server! Also, keeping listening for ALL the predictions in the second half of the episode.Discord: https://discord.gg/h8QBg3RGfxEmail: popculturesymposium@gmail.comInstagram: @popculturesymposiumMusic by Maria Mihaylova (Maria's YouTube) Support the show

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium
Game of Thrones - Season 1: Episode 2 (The Kingsroad)

A Song of Ice and Fire Symposium

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2024 105:59


In this episode, we uncover CSI Catelyn, sympathetic Cersei, and homie Kit.Discord: https://discord.gg/h8QBg3RGfxEmail: popculturesymposium@gmail.comInstagram: @popculturesymposiumMusic by Maria Mihaylova (Maria's YouTube) Support the show

To Dive For
Episode 41: The Unspoiled Queen of the Caribbean with Lynn Costenaro

To Dive For

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2024 60:12


This week's episode takes us to Saba, a small island in the Caribbean that makes up for what it lacks in land mass with abundant biodiversity both above and below the water. This beach-less island turns out to be an unexpected crown-jewel of the Caribbean! This is what Lynn Costenaro fell in love with when she moved to the island to work at and eventually become the owner of Sea Saba. Since 2003, she has incorporated annual eco-programming in her dive shop's operations, and eventually this became so successful that these programs became their own standalone organization known as Sea and Learn Saba. Lynn and her team have spent the past several years investing in this initiative which helps to educate visitors and conserve the nature and culture of Saba along with sister islands! Tune in this week to learn all about the amazing work this organization is doing in the Eastern Caribbean. Head over to https://www.seaandlearn.org/ to learn more about Lynn and her team's work! Find us on Instagram and Facebook at @Todiveforpodcast to see pictures from this episode and more! head to https://slbartco.com/pages/to-dive-for-podcast for podcast merch! Intro music and edits by Haley Daviscover art by Sydney Bell (SLB Art Co)

Harry Potter and the First Time Readers
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Ch 24-25

Harry Potter and the First Time Readers

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2024 101:37


Chapter 24 - The Wandmaker“I want to do it properly,” were the first words of which Harry was fully conscious of speaking. “Not by magic. Have you got a spade?” And shortly afterward he had set to work, alone, digging the grave in the place that Bill had shown him at the end of the garden, between bushes. He dug with a kind of fury, relishing the manual work, glorying in the non-magic of it, for every drop of his sweat and every blister felt like a gift to the elf who had saved their lives. Q1 - Why did Harry want to do this without magic?“No,” Harry said, and Bill looked startled. “I need both of them here. I need to talk to them. It's important.” He heard the authority in his own voice, the conviction, the sense of purpose that had come to him as he dug Dobby's grave. All of their faces were turned toward him, looking puzzled. Dobby would never be able to tell them who had sent him to the cellar, but Harry knew what he had seen. A piercing blue eye had looked out of the mirror fragment, and then help had come. Help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who ask for it.Q2 - What's the deal with the mirror?You gave Ron the Deluminator. You understood him. . . . You gave him a way back. . . . And you understood Wormtail too. . . . You knew there was a bit of regret there, somewhere. . . . And if you knew them . . . What did you know about me, Dumbledore? Am I meant to know, but not to seek? Did you know how hard I'd find that? Is that why you made it this difficult? So I'd have time to work that out?Q3 - Do you think he's right about Dumbledore here?Q4 - They're going to break into Gringotts? Are they going to succeed?“I took this wand from Draco Malfoy by force,” said Harry. “Can I use it safely?” “I think so. Subtle laws govern wand ownership, but the conquered wand will usually bend its will to its new master.” Q5 - Is Harry truly the master of Draco's wand?Yes, if you won it, it is more likely to do your bidding, and do it well, than another wand.” “And this holds true for all wands, does it?” asked Harry. “I think so,” replied Ollivander, his protuberant eyes upon Harry's face. “You ask deep questions, Mr. Potter. Wandlore is a complex and mysterious branch of magic.” “So, it isn't necessary to kill the previous owner to take true possession of a wand?” asked Harry. Ollivander swallowed. “Necessary? No, I should not say that it is necessary to kill.” Q6 - Do you think this is true? That wands can pass without killing?“You told him about the twin cores? You said he just had to borrow another wizard's wand?” Ollivander looked horrified, transfixed, by the amount that Harry knew. He nodded slowly. “But it didn't work,” Harry went on. “Mine still beat the borrowed wand. Do you know why that is?” Ollivander shook his head as slowly as he had just nodded. “I had . . . never heard of such a thing. Your wand performed something unique that night. The connection of the twin cores is incredibly rare, yet why your wand should have snapped the borrowed wand, I do not know. . . .” Q7 - Why do you think Harry's wand acted like this?“Gregorovitch had the Elder Wand a long time ago,” he said. “I saw You-Know-Who trying to find him. When he tracked him down, he found that Gregorovitch didn't have it anymore: It was stolen from him by Grindelwald. How Grindelwald found out that Gregorovitch had it, I don't know — but if Gregorovitch was stupid enough to spread the rumor, it can't have been that difficult.” Voldemort was at the gates of Hogwarts; Harry could see him standing there, and see too the lamp bobbing in the pre-dawn, coming closer and closer. “And Grindelwald used the Elder Wand to become powerful. And at the height of his power, when Dumbledore knew he was the only one who could stop him, he dueled Grindelwald and beat him, and he took the Elder Wand.” “Dumbledore had the Elder Wand?” said Ron. “But then — where is it now?” Q8 - What do you think about this?And here it was, beside the lake, reflected in the dark waters. The white marble tomb, an unnecessary blot on the familiar landscape. He felt again that rush of controlled euphoria, that heady sense of purpose in destruction. He raised the old yew wand: How fitting that this would be its last great act. The tomb split open from head to foot. The shrouded figure was as long and thin as it had been in life. He raised the wand again. The wrappings fell open. The face was translucent, pale, sunken, yet almost perfectly preserved. They had left his spectacles on the crooked nose: He felt amused derision. Dumbledore's hands were folded upon his chest, and there it lay, clutched beneath them, buried with him. Had the old fool imagined that marble or death would protect the wand? Had he thought that the Dark Lord would be scared to violate his tomb? The spiderlike hand swooped and pulled the wand from Dumbledore's grasp, and as he took it, a shower of sparks flew from its tip, sparkling over the corpse of its last owner, ready to serve a new master at last. Chapter 25 - Shell Cottage“Harry admits he could have imagined the eye! Don't you, Harry?” “I could have,” said Harry without looking at her. “But you don't think you did, do you?” asked Ron. “No, I don't,” said Harry. “There you go!” said Ron quickly, before Hermione could carry on. “If it wasn't Dumbledore, explain how Dobby knew we were in the cellar, Hermione?” “I can't — but can you explain how Dumbledore sent him to us if he's lying in a tomb at Hogwarts?”Q1 - Is Dumbledore alive?Q2 - Does the sword really belong to Goblins?Q3 - Do you think he plan will go well with Griphook?“So, au revoir, Mr. Ollivander,” said Fleur, kissing him on both cheeks. “And I wonder whezzer you could oblige me by delivering a package to Bill's Auntie Muriel? I never returned 'er tiara.” “It will be an honor,” said Ollivander with a little bow, “the very least I can do in return for your generous hospitality.” Fleur drew out a worn velvet case, which she opened to show the wandmaker. The tiara sat glittering and twinkling in the light from the low-hanging lamp. “Moonstones and diamonds,” said Griphook, who had sidled into the room without Harry noticing. “Made by goblins, I think?” Q4 - Could Danny's tiara theory be right all along?Lupin fell over the threshold. He was white-faced, wrapped in a traveling cloak, his graying hair windswept. He straightened up, looked around the room, making sure of who was there, then cried aloud, “It's a boy! We've named him Ted, after Dora's father!” Hermione shrieked. “Wha — ? Tonks — Tonks has had the baby?” “Yes, yes, she's had the baby!” shouted Lupin. All around the table came cries of delight, sighs of relief: Hermione and Fleur both squealed, “Congratulations!” and Ron said, “Blimey, a baby!” as if he had never heard of such a thing before. “Yes — yes — a boy,” said Lupin again, who seemed dazed by his own happiness. He strode around the table and hugged Harry; the scene in the basement of Grimmauld Place might never have happened. “You'll be godfather?” he said as he released Harry. “M-me?” stammered Harry “You, yes, of course — Dora quite agrees, no one better —” “I — yeah — blimey —” Q5 - What do you think about Lupin and Tonks having a baby?Harry had an ominous feeling now; he wondered whether Bill guessed more than he was letting on. “All I am saying,” said Bill, setting his hand on the door back into the sitting room, “is to be very careful what you promise goblins, Harry. It would be less dangerous to break into Gringotts than to renege on a promise to a goblin.” Q6 - Are they dumb to trust Griphook?

YUTORAH: R' Aryeh Lebowitz -- Recent Shiurim
Podcast - Raising unspoiled children in a spoiled world

YUTORAH: R' Aryeh Lebowitz -- Recent Shiurim

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2024 109:05


Headlines
2/3/24 – Shiur 454 – Raising unspoiled children in a spoiled world

Headlines

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2024 109:04


How much should parents do for their children? What are parents' financial obligations to their children? Is there a maximum? What causes a child to be spoiled? Is it detrimental to grow up with less than your peers? Do we need to treat all of our own children the same when buying them items? What are the implications of having a spoiled child when they grow up? ***Guest Hosted by Ari Wasserman *** Author of "Making it Work", "Making it ALL Work" (for women) and 10 other Seforim, Maggid Shiur, Yerushalayim with Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz – Rabbi of Beis Haknesses of North Woodmere, Head of Semicha at REITS – 13:12 with Dr. David Pelcovitz – Renowned Psychologist – 37:37 with Mrs. Elisheva Liss – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, popular lecturer and author – 1:00:31 with “Leah” – a twelve-year old girl giving her wise insights – 1:29:26 with Rabbi Berel Wein - renowned Rav, author, historian and lecturer – 1:36:50 Wrap-up, takeaways and lessons learned – 1:40:47  מראי מקומות  

Harry Potter and the First Time Readers
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Ch 12-13

Harry Potter and the First Time Readers

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2023 97:48


Chapter 12 - Magic is MightA large picture of a familiar, hook-nosed, black-haired man stared up at them all, beneath a headline that read: SEVERUS SNAPE CONFIRMED AS HOGWARTS HEADMASTER Q1 - What do you think of this?“Phineas Nigellus,” Hermione explained as she threw the bag onto the kitchen table with the usual sonorous, clanking crash. “Sorry?” said Ron, but Harry understood. The painted image of Phineas Nigellus Black was able to flit between his portrait in Grimmauld Place and the one that hung in the headmaster's office at Hogwarts: the circular tower-top room where Snape was no doubt sitting right now, in triumphant possession of Dumbledore's collection of delicate, silver magical instruments, the stone Pensieve, the Sorting Hat and, unless it had been moved elsewhere, the sword of Gryffindor.Q2 - Do you think Snape had ever spied on them using that before?Q3 - They are going to storm the ministry? Should they be doing this? The door opened: A laughing woman stood there. Her face fell as she looked into Harry's face: humor gone, terror replacing it. . . . “Gregorovitch?” said a high, cold voice. She shook her head: She was trying to close the door. A white hand held it steady, prevented her shutting him out. . . . “I want Gregorovitch.” “I hate it, I hate the fact that he can get inside me, that I have to watch him when he's most dangerous. But I'm going to use it.” “Dumbledore —” “Forget Dumbledore. This is my choice, nobody else's. I want to know why he's after Gregorovitch.” Q4 - Is Harry foolish to try this?Q5 - How is their plan to get into the ministry?Harry looked more closely and realized that what he had thought were decoratively carved thrones were actually mounds of carved humans: hundreds and hundreds of naked bodies, men, women, and children, all with rather stupid, ugly faces, twisted and pressed together to support the weight of the handsomely robed wizards. The golden grilles slid apart again and Hermione gasped. Four people stood before them, two of them deep in conversation: a longhaired wizard wearing magnificent robes of black and gold, and a squat, toadlike witch wearing a velvet bow in her short hair and clutching a clipboard to her chest. Chapter 13 - The Muggle Born Registration CommissionBeneath the title was a picture of a red rose with a simpering face in the middle of its petals, being strangled by a green weed with fangs and a scowl. There was no author's name upon the pamphlet, but again, the scars on the back of his right hand seemed to tingle as he examined it.Q1 - How vile is this?The witch glanced toward the shining mahogany door facing the space full of pamphlet-makers; Harry looked too, and rage reared in him like a snake. Where there might have been a peephole on a Muggle front door, a large, round eye with a bright blue iris had been set into the wood — an eye that was shockingly familiar to anybody who had known Alastor Moody.Q2 - Does this make you hate Umbridge even more?“Undesirable Number One,” Harry muttered under his breath as he replaced Mr. Weasley's folder and shut the drawer. He had an idea he knew who that was, and sure enough, as he straightened up and glanced around the office for fresh hiding places, he saw a poster of himself on the wall, with the words undesirable no. 1 emblazoned across his chest.Q3 - What do you think of Harry's new nickname?The lift doors opened; the old witch with the anthill hair left, and Ron darted past her out of sight. Harry made to follow him, but found his path blocked as Percy Weasley strode into the lift, his nose buried in some papers he was reading. Not until the doors had clanged shut again did Percy realize he was in a lift with his father. He glanced up, saw Mr. Weasley, turned radish red, and left the lift the moment the doors opened again. For the second time, Harry tried to get out, but this time found his way blocked by Mr. Weasley's arm. Q4 - Do you think Percy's still evil?And as he reached the foot of the stairs and turned to his right he saw a dreadful scene. The dark passage outside the courtrooms was packed with tall, black-hooded figures, their faces completely hidden, their ragged breathing the only sound in the place. The petrified Muggle-borns brought in for questioning sat huddled and shivering on hard wooden benches. Most of them were hiding their faces in their hands, perhaps in an instinctive attempt to shield themselves from the dementors' greedy mouths. Some were accompanied by families, others sat alone. The dementors were gliding up and down in front of them, and the cold, and the hopelessness, and the despair of the place laid themselves upon Harry like a curse. . . . At the foot of the platform, a bright-silver, long-haired cat prowled up and down, up and down, and Harry realized that it was there to protect the prosecutors from the despair that emanated from the dementors: That was for the accused to feel, not the accusersQ5 - How is Umbridge able to cast a Patronus?She cried harder than ever. Umbridge laughed a soft girlish laugh that made Harry want to attack her. She leaned forward over the barrier, the better to observe her victim, and something gold swung forward too, and dangled over the void: the locket.Whether because the Patronus had vanished or because they sensed that their masters were no longer in control, they seemed to have abandoned restraint. Mrs. Cattermole let out a terrible scream of fear as a slimy, scabbed hand grasped her chin and forced her face back. “EXPECTO PATRONUM!” The silver stag soared from the tip of Harry's wand and leaped toward the dementors, which fell back and melted into the dark shadows again. The stag's light, more powerful and more warming than the cat's protection, filled the whole dungeon as it cantered around and around the room. Q6 - What do you think Harry and Hermione thought of for their Patronus?Q7 - Ron let's them know that the ruse was up because Harry took the eye…was he dumb to take the eye?“LET'S GO!” Harry yelled. He seized Hermione by the hand and Ron by the arm and turned on the spot. Darkness engulfed them, along with the sensation of compressing bands, but something was wrong. . . . Hermione's hand seemed to be sliding out of his grip. . . . He wondered whether he was going to suffocate; he could not breathe or see and the only solid things in the world were Ron's arm and Hermione's fingers, which were slowly slipping away. . . . And then he saw the door of number twelve, Grimmauld Place, with its serpent door knocker, but before he could draw breath, there was a scream and a flash of purple light; Hermione's hand was suddenly vicelike upon his and everything went dark again. Q8 - What happened?

Places I Remember with Lea Lane
The Philippines: Sprawling Manila, Unspoiled Islands, Friendly People

Places I Remember with Lea Lane

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2023 22:58 Transcription Available


We'll transport you to the heart of the Philippines with our special guest, David Haldane. As an expat and author of the book, A Tooth in My Popsicle And Other Ebullient Essays on Becoming Filipino, David offers a uniquely insightful perspective on the blend of the Philippines' cultural landscapes --from bustling Manila, with its mix of modern skyscrapers and Spanish colonial architecture, to untouched islands including Cebu, Palawan and Boroquay.We'll not just traverse the geographical diversity of the Philippines, but delve into the country's rich culinary traditions (including delectable lechon and ube ice cream), and tight-knit village communities.  David recounts his warm welcome into a village, showcasing the Filipino's inherent hospitality and strong sense of community. And of course, we'll delve into tales from his book. _____David Haldane is an expat who lives in the Philippines part of the year, and is author of the  travel memoir, A Tooth in My Popsicle._____Podcast host Lea Lane blogs at forbes.com, has traveled to over 100 countries, and  has written nine books, including the award-winning Places I Remember  (Kirkus Reviews star rating, and  'one of the top 100 Indie books' of  the year). She has contributed to many guidebooks and has written thousands of travel articles. Contact Lea- she loves hearing from you!  @lealane on Twitter; PlacesIRememberLeaLane on Insta; Places I Remember with Lea Lane on Facebook; Website: placesirememberlealane.com.  New episodes drop every other Tuesday, wherever you listen. Please consider sharing, following, rating and reviewing this award-winning travel podcast. 

Harry Potter and the First Time Readers
S2 | Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: Ch 15-17

Harry Potter and the First Time Readers

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2023 103:53


Chapter 15 - The Forbidden ForestIt was the first time Hermione has ever failed to answer a teacher's question. She was staring at her slippers, as still as a statue.Q1 - Do you really think McGonagall has never heard of four students out of bed before?Q2 - At this point in the book were you convinced Snape was the main assailant to Quirrel? Would you have bet 12 sorcerer's stones?Q3 - Is a punishment of going in the forbidden forest too extreme for any students?“I want fang,” said Malfoy quickly, looking at Fang's long teeth. “All right, but I warn yeh, he's a coward,” said Hagrid.Q4 - Is it weird that Hagrid goes by Hagrid and not Ruebeus?“Always the innocent are the first victims,” he said, “So it has been for ages past, so it is now.”Yet again, Ronan took a while to answer. At last, he said, “The Forest hides many secrets.”Q5 - How much do you think Centaurs know? “The planets have been read wrongly before now, even by centaurs. I hope this is one of those times.”Chapter 16 - Through the TrapdoorQ1 - Do you think you could make a pineapple tapdance across the classroom?“I think it's a warning…it means danger's coming.”“Neville will play quidditch for England before Hagrid lets Dumbledore down.”Q2 - What do you think Dumbledore does on a day to day basis?“You can't!” said Hermione. “After what McGonagall and Snape have said? You'll be expelled!” “SO WHAT?” Harry shouted. “Don't you understand? If Snape gets hold of the Stone, Voldemort's coming back! “I'll use the Invisibility Cloak,” said Harry. “It's just lucky I got it back.” “But will it cover all three of us?” said Ron.“I won't let you do it,” he said, hurrying to stand in front of the portrait hole. “I'll — I'll fight you.” He took a step forward and Neville dropped Trevor the toad, who leapt out of sight. “Go on then, try and hit me!” said Neville, raising his fists, “I'm ready!”Q3 - What are your thoughts on Neville?“HAVE YOU GONE MAD?” Ron bellowed. “ARE YOU A WITCH OR NOT?”Q4 - What do you think was the level of difficulty for that chess game?“But Harry — What if You-Know-Who's with him?” “Well — I was lucky once, wasn't I?” said Harry, pointing at his scar. “I might get lucky again.” Hermione's lip trembled and she suddenly dashed at Harry and threw her arms around him. “Hermione!” “Harry — you're a great wizard, you know.” “I'm not as good as you,” said Harry, very embarrassed, as she let go of him. “Harry took a deep breath and picked up the smallest bottle. He turned to face the black flames. “Here I come,” he said and he drained the little bottle in one gulp.Q5 - Which was your favorite test?Q6 - If you could add a test to the group, what would you do?Chapter 17 - The Man With Two FacesQ1 - When you first read this, did you expect that it was going to be Quirrell?“He was at Hogwarts with your father, didn't you know? They loathed each other. But he never wanted you dead”“There is no good and evil, there is only power, and those too weak to seek it.”Q2 - What do you think Voldemort is at this moment?“How touching…” it hissed. “I always value bravery…Yes, boy, your parents were brave…I linked your father first and he put up a courageous fight…but your mother needn't have died…she was trying to protect you…Now give me the stone, unless you want her to have died in vain.”And other voices, maybe in Harry's own head, crying, “Harry! Harry!”“What happened down in the dungeons between you and Professor Quirrel is a complete secret, so, naturally, the whole school knows.”Q3 - How much elixir do you really think the Flamels have stored?Q4 - Thoughts on Dumbledore?“To one as young as you, I'm sure it seems incredible, but to Nicholas and Perenelle, it really is like going to bed after a very, very long day. After all, to the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure.”Q5 - What do you think Dumbledore means when he says the above quote?“The truth,” Dumbledore sighed. “It is a beautiful and terrible thing, and should therefore be treated with great caution.”“Your mother died to save you. If there is one thing Voldemort cannot understand, it is love. He didn't realize that love as powerful as your mother's for you leaves it's own mark. Not a scar, no visible sign…to have been loved so deeply, even though the person who loved us is gone, will give us some protection for ever. It is in your very skin.”Q6 - Do you think Dumbledore meant for Harry to go after Voldemort?“Sent owls off ter all ter parents old school friends, askin fer photos…knew yeh didn't have any…d'yeh like it?” Harry couldn't speak, but Hagrid understood.Q7 - How rigged is the point system?“It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends. I therefore award ten points to Mr Neville Longbottom.”

Overdue
Ep 612 - Cackle, by Rachel Harrison (w/ Natasha from UNspoiled!)

Overdue

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2023 111:38


Welcome to Spooktober 2023!We've all been through a bad break-up, right? We've all moved away to start fresh, we've all started a new job, we've all befriended witchy spider-ladies and felt a strange new power growing within us. Right? Tale as old as time. We're joined this week by Natasha from the UNspoiled! podcast family, hear more of her work at unspoiledpodcast.com.This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/overdue and get on your way to being your best self.Our theme music was composed by Nick Lerangis.Advertise on OverdueSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Quest for Well-Being
Emotional Freedom and The Divine Heart

A Quest for Well-Being

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2023 70:10


 — “The essence of divine love, the seed of the human expression of love, is impersonal and therefore passionless. In a sense, divine love is detached “emotionless!” Detachment should not be misinterpreted for lack of caring. We are emotionally attached when we expect validation and recognition from another. When we try to find ourselves through someone else, we end up losing ourselves. We attain emotional freedom when we enter the divine heart within our own heart for, it is there that the flame of unconditional, impersonal, divine love burns. Unspoiled by the ego and untouched by human consciousness, the divine heart clearly sees the light and darkness of the human soul and loves both equally. When we experience imbalance of any kind, it is because our lack of love, particularly self-love, prevents us from allowing God within to fully love us.  We are taught to love God, but the real challenge is to let God love us by loving ourselves. To love oneself is the ultimate divine command.” — Excerpt from From Childhood To Christhood Valeria interviews Jocelyne Ranucci — She is the author of  “FROM CHILDHOOD TO CHRISTHOOD: A Journey into Universal Divine Consciousness.” Born in Paris, Ranucci set out on her own while still in her teens. Her work and travels took her to New York City and Mexico, and finally, to Sag Harbor, NY where she found her “home,” and herself. A successful businesswoman, she is presently at work on her second book, which will show her readers how she has put the lessons she has learned into practical use in everyday life—and how they can too. To learn more about Jocelyne Ranucci and her work, please visit: jranucci.com             — This podcast is a quest for well-being, a quest for a meaningful life through the exploration of fundamental truths, enlightening ideas, insights on physical, mental, and spiritual health. The inspiration is Love. The aspiration is to awaken new ways of thinking that can lead us to a new way of being, being well. 

Uncle (the podcast)
Unspoiled Dial, Utp#302

Uncle (the podcast)

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2023 59:49


Uncle wouldn't dare spoil the new Indiana Jones movie for his customers.  topics include: no days off, Pure Blades new location, knives, Hitler stamps, mailbox rentals, Black Mirror, AI wedding officiant, Indiana Jones Dial of Destiny, Buckethead Power Rangers theme, mandalaing yourself, dogs scared of fireworks, Uncle's tweets, armadillos, Lara in Spain, beginning days of live show, Sanders video

Unspoiled! A Song Of Ice And Fire
ASOIAF 2: A Storm Of Swords- Chapter 80 & Epilogue

Unspoiled! A Song Of Ice And Fire

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2023 139:12


Tax time is here, and the deadline is almost upon us! If you haven't already talked to Mollie about how she can help and you're feeling a little panicked, get in touch ASAP! She's proven so helpful to me that we're going to be using her as a personal accountant for our household as well as my business accountant for UNspoiled! http://m3virtualaccounting.com/This illustration of Sansa building Winterfell out of snow is by Michael Komarck and you can follow him on Facebook here! https://www.facebook.com/MichaelKomarckIllustration/These chapters are the very final ones of A Storm Of Swords, and we are getting a satisfying end to Lysa Tully, and a creepy glimpse of someone who should be long dead.Credit to MetroGnome for the theme song, you can download it free and listen here! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XA6a7sYKeeAIf you'd like to join our Discord and get in on some of the convo, check it out here! Non-patrons welcome! https://discord.gg/rEF2KfZxfV

Overdue
Ep 558 - The Awakening, by LJ Smith (Vampire Diaries #1, w/ Natasha from UNSpoiled!)

Overdue

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2022 73:03


Dear diary: Today we talked to our friend Natasha from the UNSpoiled podcast about a high-school-aged vampire novel with a popular screen adaptation. No, it's not Twilight.  The UNSpoiled! podcast: https://www.unspoiledpodcast.com/UNSpoiled! on Twitter: https://twitter.com/unspoiledshow Our theme music was composed by Nick Lerangis. Advertise on OverdueSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.