This is another video from my YouTube channel, Jack’s World. This is a CreepyPasta that I wrote and narrated myself. Enjoy!
Mother’s Day Memories (Featuring The Terminator)
Tomorrow is Mother’s Day.
It’s a special day, in and of itself. And it’s a day we should totally recognize. I don’t care what the anti-Hallmark people say. It’s not a bullshit holiday. It’s a great day to recognize and appreciate the wonderful mothers who make us who we are, literally and figuratively.
And when you have an awesome mom like I do, it’s extra special. I’ve gone out of my way to give my mom extra love and praise on this website. I don’t intend to stop anytime soon. I know she reads this site, so I have every reason to continue.
As I’ve done before, I like to use this day to share a brief story to help illustrate why my mom is so wonderful. Picking a story is not easy because there are just so many. My mom does plenty to craft great memories for me and my siblings. From the time I was a kid to just a few weeks ago, she never hesitates to create lasting memories that are worth celebrating.
So, for Mother’s Day 2023, I’m going to single out one particular story from my youth. And as it just so happens, this story involves the Terminator.
Yes, I’m referring to that Terminator.
I promise I’m going somewhere with this. My mother probably already knows the story I’m about to tell and I imagine she understands why I’m telling it.
To appreciate this story, it’s also important to appreciate how my parents went about setting boundaries for me and my siblings. Like all responsible parents, my mother and father set clear rules. There were some things we weren’t allowed to do. There were also certain shows, movies, and video games that we weren’t allowed to play. The list wasn’t long, strict, or petty. And if I or any of my siblings asked, they would offer simple, understandable explanations.
It wasn’t always just a matter of “Because I said so.” My parents did try to be more reasonable than that. And as a result, it was easier to respect those rules.
It wouldn’t be accurate to call my parents overly strict. It also wouldn’t be accurate to call them overly lenient. They always found a way to strike just the right balance in terms of setting clear rules and letting their kids explore the world. It’s the kind of parenting that might as well be a superpower these days.
This leads me to their approach to R-rated movies, such as Terminator movies. My parents weren’t one to take their underage kids to R-rated movies, nor were they the kind to let us stay up late and watch R-rated movies on cable. However, they did make some rare exceptions, provided that they watch the movie with us. And one of the earliest exception was “Terminator 2: Judgement Day.”
That movie is considered one of the greatest movies ever made and for good reason. If any parent is going to make an exception, it’s a movie like this. And that’s what my mother did.
When I was around eight years old, my mother rented the movie. She and my dad actually loved the first one. I don’t know if they had ever seen it in the theaters, but I know they knew the franchise. And even though this movie was rated R, she let me and my younger brother stay up and watch it with her one night. This wasn’t something we had to beg her to do. She just let us do it because she’s just that awesome.
Now, being a kid, I didn’t appreciate all the complexities and nuances surrounding “Terminator 2: Judgement Day.” To my young mind, I just saw a movie full of great action scenes and intense moments. I didn’t really care about the content. The violence and action was just so thrilling to me. My young mind thought it was like a roller coaster ride. The trill of just being part of it was so incredible.
Along the way, my mother did take some time to explain what was going on. At the time, I hadn’t seen the first Terminator movie in full. She also made it a point to note when the violence was excessive. She didn’t try to shield me and my brother from it, but she did make sure we were aware. Even though we were kids, we still appreciated it.
Then, we got to the emotional ending of the movie when the Terminator sacrifices himself. To this day, it’s still one of the greatest moments in cinematic history. And even though I was young, I still felt the impact of that moment when John hugged the Terminator. Then, as he was being lowered into the steel and Sarah embraced her son, my mom embraced me. And that just made the moment all the more powerful.
To this day, “Terminator 2: Judgement Day” still holds a special place in my heart. In addition to being a great movie, it’s also a movie I will always associate with my wonderful mother.
Watching it with her that fateful night is a memory that has stuck with me over the years. It’s just one of the many I cherish between me and my mother. They come in so many forms and in unexpected ways. Whether it’s on Mother’s Day or while watching an R-rated movie as a kid, these moments are special. And for that, I will always be grateful.
So, to all the wonderful mothers out there, especially my wonderful mother, Happy Mother’s Day!
Hasta La Vista, Baby!
Filed under Jack Fisher's Insights, real stories
How The New DC Cinematic Universe Can Succeed (Or Fail)
This is another video from my YouTube channel, Jack’s World. This video is a deep dive into the past, future, and potential of the DC Cinematic Universe (a.k.a. the DCEU). Now that it’s all but official that the whole endeavor is getting revamped, I explore what the new DCEU needs to do in order to succeed and the potential pitfalls it might face. I’m genuinely rooting for DC and Warner Brothers to succeed. But they will face major challenges to become a full-fledged cinematic universe.
Filed under DC Comics, Jack's World, movies, superhero comics, superhero movies, X-men, YouTube
What Is An Appropriate Age For A Kid To Have A Smartphone?
When I was a kid, the most advanced device I could put in my pocket was a Gameboy. It didn’t do much other than play games. And while I did sometimes annoy my friends and family by playing it too much or taking it everywhere, having one really wasn’t too controversial. Once I was in middle school, I didn’t have too many restrictions, other than simply needing money for games and batteries.
Today, smartphones are much more powerful than a Gameboy by several orders a magnitude. It’s not just about what they can do. Even with a poor internet connection, a smartphone can give anyone of any age access to countless forms of information, media, and entertainment.
Some of it is good. A lot of it is bad.
Some of it is critical information for most people to know. A lot of it is misinformation or propaganda that can destroy someone’s life.
In the wrong hands of even a capable adult, a smartphone can ruin your life. Just ask anyone who has ever sent out an ill-advised tweet. Things only get more complicated when it comes to young children or teenagers using smart devices. And those complications are going to intensify in the coming years.
I know this and sense this because over the past several years, quite a few friends and family members have started having kids. At the moment, they’re all under the age of eight. They’re all growing up with loving, caring parents who genuinely want what’s best for them. They have all the support and encouragement they could need from their family and extended family. I try my best to be part of that support.
However, these kids have been born into a world that I never could’ve imagined as a child. They came into a world in which the internet is everywhere, smartphones are everywhere, and social media has a huge effect on everyone’s life, even if they’re not on it. The world is always changing, but this is a different kind of change.
And these kids definitely sense it too. A while back, I was hanging out with one of my nephews during a family gathering at my parents’ house. While we were hanging out in the living room, my mother brought out an old photo album. And my nephew, even with severely restricted exposure to screens and smart devices, kept trying to tap on the pictures to make them play. He basically thought they were like the photos on his dad’s iPhone, which played videos when you tapped on them.
It was funny to some extent, but it was also revealing. It shows that, even at a young age, these kids are picking up on what these devices can do. And as they get older, they’re certain to become a big part of their lives.
Their parents certainly understand that. Even before they were born, I heard them say outright that they’re going to work hard to restrict the use and exposure of smart devices to their children. That included phones and tablets, including those that didn’t connect to the internet. They’re serious about that effort. On more than one occasion, they’ve asked me to keep my phone in my pocket so that the kids don’t see it. I always try to respect that. I understand completely where they’re coming from.
That’s not to say they hide these devices from them completely. Their parents do allow their kids to play very specific kid-friendly games on their devices, but usually for a very limited amount of time and often as a reward for good behavior. They’ll also let them watch movies on a tablet if they’re good or if they’re on a long drive. The key is to find a healthy balance that doesn’t expose the kids to the objectively toxic parts of the internet and electronic media.
For now, I think what they’re parents are doing is working. However, at some point, they won’t be able to completely control their child’s access to technology, the internet, etc. I know this because when I was a kid, we found a way to access forbidden media, be it games like Mortal Kombat or shows like South Park. It doesn’t matter how strict a parent is. Kids will find a way. Even if they fail, they’re already aware that these devices exist and they’re aware of what they can do. The question is how do we, as parents and a society, manage it appropriately?
This is something I honestly don’t know how to assess. I am not a parent yet. I might be one day and even then, I might not know when and how to appropriately expose my children to smartphones and the internet. I don’t doubt they’ll be curious. I also don’t doubt these devices will be part of their lives. As they get older, they’ll want more access. At some point, they’ll even want a smart device of their own.
For parents of young kids, that’s a scary prospect. I’m not a parent yet and I find that scary, too. I’ve seen some of the uglier parts of the internet. I shudder to think of the impact they would have on any child. But scary or not, it raises a relevant question.
At what age do we let kids have their own smartphone?
I ask this question knowing that the answer will likely vary from child to child. There will always be some children who are more responsible than others. When I was in grade school, I knew a kid who couldn’t be trusted with paintbrushes because he kept trying to paint things on other kids’ faces. I even knew this one kid who couldn’t be trusted with markers because he would sniff or try to lick the tip.
Those are not the kinds of kids you can trust with a smartphone or any device connected to the internet, for that matter. But even well-behaved kids might be harmed by smartphones at a certain age and through no fault of their own. There are applications, games, and sites that are specifically designed to get everyone, kids included, addicted to their content. There are multiple studies that have noted detrimental effects to kids and young adults who use apps like TikTok, Instagram, and FaceBook.
At the same time, there are tangible benefits that can be gained from smartphones. There are also programs that can help kids learn other languages, improve critical thinking skills, and even develop forms of emotional intelligence. Depriving kids and even teenagers access to such functions could be just as detrimental.
It’s a tough balancing act. You can never completely eliminate the drawbacks and gain only the benefits, nor can you truly know how a child or teenager is going to use their smart device. Some will use it to better themselves. Some will be ruined or destroyed by it. There’s just no way to know for sure.
The best any parent can do is to just teach their child to be smart, responsible, understanding, and careful. That’s not easy. Very few things about parenting are. I’ve noticed that from just watching my siblings and friends. I’m sure I’ll learn it first-hand if I ever have kids of my own.
Like it or not, smartphones are a critical tool for kids, teenagers, and adults alike. Like any tool, there’s a right way and a wrong way to use it. And like any action or choice, there are risks and rewards to weight. We can never know for sure how they’ll help or hurt us. Parents can and should do whatever they can to help their kids get the most out of these tools, even if it means restricting their use.
To help hammer this point home, I’ll share one last anecdote. When I was in school, all cell phones were banned. At the time, they didn’t connect to the internet or have cameras. But the school had a clear policy that no student could posses them. Then, there was an incident near my neighborhood that involved an active shooter. It made the local news and, as a result, parents of students began frantically calling students on the cell phones they weren’t allowed to have.
Some students managed to hide their phones enough in order to answer. But those who didn’t ended up causing serious concern from their parents. I remember several basically leaving work in the middle of the day to get to the school in order to check on their kid. Nobody was hurt, but I can’t imagine how stressful that must have been.
As a result of this incident, the school changed its cell phone policy. That might have made sense in wake of that incident. And I know there are far issues to consider with modern smartphones. But I think it helps illustrate how crude, simplistic approaches to this issue can only go so far. We can’t ban these devices, nor can we uncreate them or the world they’ve fostered. It’s up to us to guide the next generation as best we can into an increasingly complicated world.
Filed under psychology, technology
Why You Should Side With The Writers In The Latest WGA Writers Strike
Back in late 2007, there was a three-month strike between the major studios of Hollywood and the Writer’s Guild of America (WGA), the largest labor union representing professional writers working in the entertainment industry. That strike was one of the most disruptive forces to hit the industry in decades. Like many other labor strikes, much of the issue came down to money. MOst of it came down to how much writers were getting paid in residuals for things like DVD sales and other emerging distribution channels.
Even though the dispute was resolved, there were major effects on various shows and movies. If you want to know why there were so many reality TV shows that emerged in the late 2000s, this is a major factor. Shows that don’t employ elaborate stories or scripted content don’t have to pay a large writing staff. That means more profits for the studios and the executives.
As someone who tends to despise reality TV, I hated this trend.
And to those who watched those shows and continue to do so, just know that the situation we now find ourselves in with respect to entertainment is largely because of you.
Flash forward to today and the WGA has gone on strike again. Now, I’m sure most peoples’ primary concern is whether or not this will affect their favorite shows. As someone who loves binging non-reality TV shows, I admit that is a concern for me too. However, even if your favorite shows end up affected, do not cast the blame on the writers. That’s like blaming the miners who get trapped in a mine and not the corrupt executives who skimped on safety.
This latest strike promises to be different compared to what happened in 2007. A lot has changed in the entertainment industry since then, even before the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, residual revenue for DVD sales is less a concern because fewer consumers are buying DVDs. So much of everything has gone to streaming now and that’s seriously impacting writers’ ability to make a living from their craft.
On top of that, there’s the emergence of AI chatbots like ChatGPT that could potentially undermine writers even more by allowing studios to basically let AI fill in rather than paying another writer. And anyone who knows anything about how most industries operates, including entertainment, understands that if executives can increase profits by squeezing out workers, they’ll do it. And they usually won’t hesitate because the financial incentives are just too strong.
This, more than anything, is why we the consumers should side with the WGA. Even if it means your favorite shows get delayed, this is one labor struggle that goes beyond just pay disputes. Writers in entertainment weren’t making much beforehand. I’ve even heard a few jokes online among the comic publishing crowd that certain comic writers, especially those who independently publish, make more money than some of the writers on major shows and movies.
And it’s set to get worse and many studios are seeking to treat their writers like gig workers. Instead of employing a consistent, stable writing staff that knows each other and understands the product, studios think they can just hire a few freelancers, pay them less, and get a product that’ll still be watched by fans. And since these writers won’t have rights to residuals or copyrights, then the studio can keep more of the profits.
This should concern you, the consume. Because if the entertainment industry is screwing skilled writers out of money, then that will eventually affect the quality of every show and movie you see. If you think things are bland now with every major studios just milking established franchises to death, I promise it’ll get worse if they squeeze out talented writers.
Great writing is how underrated shows like “Arcane” can somehow find an audience.
Great writing is how shows like “Avatar: The Last Airbender” can become beloved franchises.
Great writing is how movies like “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” can end up being way better than anyone thought it could be.
As someone who still aspires to be a good writer one day, I may have some bias when it comes to who I side with in an issue like this. But if you’re a consumer of entertainment that doesn’t suck, or just don’t want to go through another glut of reality TV again, it’s in your interest to side with the WGA.
They work hard to entertain us.
They work hard to enchant, inspire, and enlighten us.
That’s not something you can reduce to gig work. That deserves both our respect, as well as fair compensation for their labor.
Filed under Current Events, movies, television, writing
Why Mr. Sinister Should Be The X-Men’s Main Villain In The MCU
This is another video from my YouTube channel, Jack’s World. This video is me making the case for Mr. Sinister to being the X-Men’s primary antagonist in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He was only teased briefly in the Fox movies. And we’ve already had over a decade of Magneto being the X-Men’s main villain on the big screen. The time is right for Mr. Sinister to show just how devious he can be. And given the current state of the MCU, the timing couldn’t be better. Enjoy!
Filed under Jack's World, Marvel, Marvel Cinematic Universe, movies, superhero comics, superhero movies, X-men, YouTube
Bracing/Preparing For The End Of Comixology
Just a few years ago, Comixology was the center of the world for comic fans like myself. It was the primary hub through which we accessed the comics we know, love, and consume on a weekly basis. It made Wednesday mornings the best day of our week. Instead of trying to figure out how you’d get to a comic book store, you just rolled out of bed, turned on your computer, and purchased the books you wanted for the week.
I started waking up at 4:30 a.m. every Wednesday morning, just to get a head start on new books. Once Comixology started publishing new comics the same day they came out in stores, the floodgates opened for me. I suddenly had the perfect avenue to enjoy comics as I saw fit. And I genuinely loved it. Comixology had a special place in my heart.
Then, February 2022, that all changed. And years from now when we’re looking back on the history of comics, we might look at this moment as the beginning of the end for Comixology. Because that was the day that once-iconic website that we came to know and trust over the course of a decade disappeared. Instead, it was folded into Amazon’s Kindle store, a hub that was not designed for comics and not at all equipped to provide the same experience.
I remember that moment well. I just kept constantly trying to get back to the old site, only to be redirected to Amazon at every turn. I kept saying “I hate this!” again and again. I reached out to Comixology support, who have always been so responsive. They didn’t respond this time. They made public statements claiming they were committed to improving the interface. Absolutely none of those promises have been kept and it’s been over a fucking year.
Now, the story of how Comixology got folded into Amazon is a long one that I won’t recount. Amazon has actually owned Comixology since 2014. But that really wasn’t an issue because it didn’t change the site, the experience, or the service. If you didn’t see the Amazon logo on the front page, you probably wouldn’t have known that Comixology was an Amazon-owned company.
But for reasons that probably have to do with greed, arrogance, callousness, and cost-cutting, Amazon decided Comixlogy had to be completely integrated with their Kindle store. In addition, over half the staff working at Comixology was fired. And even though Amazon is a trillion-dollar company, the experience still sucks. The web reader still sucks. And I’ve yet to find a single person who prefers to the new site over the old Comixology site.
It’s now at a point where the future of Comixology, as a whole, is very much in doubt. Amazon didn’t care enough to keep the workers who made Comixology great, nor do they seem to care about providing the same experience that past customers grew to love. And once big corporations stop caring, you can assume things will never get better.
It’s at a point now where major publishers are taking notice. For years, Comixology was the perfect middleman for publishing companies. They provided the digital storefront while the publishers provided the comics. They share in some of the profits and everyone is happy, including the customers. Now, that dynamic is all screwed up and unhappy customers are not good for business.
Now, Marvel and DC Comics are investing heavily in their own digital comics services. I’ve sung the praises before of Marvel Unlimited, the Netflix-like service that essentially allows fans to binge Marvel’s vast catalog of comics. DC Comics is developing a similar service called DC Infinite. At the moment, these services don’t offer the newest issues. You usually have to wait 30 days for them to come out on the site.
But with these publishers shutting down applications that once integrated with Comixology, I think the stage is set. Publishers now have an incentive to cut ties with Comixology completely and develop their own apps. That will be quite devastating to the many smaller publishers and indie comics that once relied on Comixology’s brand to get their work out there. But I fear it’s already too late for them.
This likely means that if you’re a Marvel or DC fan, getting your favorite comics every week will eventually require you go through them instead of Comixology. That means learning how to use Marvel Unlimited and DC Infinite fast. It also means looking at your current collection and gauging which comics you’ll be able to keep and which will be at risk. That’s going to be tedious and you may lose some stuff you legitimately paid for. But don’t expect Amazon to care enough to fix it for you.
I’m already preparing. As soon as Marvel Unlimited starts offering some way of getting new comics the date of publication, I’ll have a very good reason to ditch Comixology. I still rely on it for a number of non-Marvel and non-DC titles I follow. But alternatives are already popping up. Hopefully, they get to a point where they offer a better value than Comixology/Amazon.
This transition is going to suck. There’s no way around it.
Chances are it’s also going to mean more money than we’d be spending if Comixology had remained unchanged. There’s no way around that, either.
But that’s the world we live in. It sucks and it will get worse before it even begins to get better. I take no pleasure in saying this, but this is where we are right now.
Sexy Short Story: The Love Pod
The following is a sexy short story about a couple in the not-so-distant future enjoying a little high tech intimacy. Enjoy!
“Please enter the staging area. And please be sure to turn off any electronic devices. By policy, this is a private space in the highest degree.”
“That sounds like a script from a lawyer and read by an unpaid intern,” noted Kyle Elder as he and his wife entered the area, hand-in-hand.
“Spoken like a man who deals with both too often,” replied Daniella “Dina” Dillon, his ever-radiant wife of three years.
“I’d plead the fifth. But I know that would just prove your point.”
“All the more reason to shut up. Besides, we didn’t come here to talk.”
“No. We certainly did not.”
Kyle gave his wife’s hand a firm squeeze and grinned widely. It was painfully clear how much they needed this. It had been clear before Dina pitched the idea the other day after dinner. They’d both been working overtime for two straight weeks. That was to be expected, with him working at a law firm and her working at an investment bank. Having graduated college four years ago, they were in the early stages of their burgeoning careers.
As a result, he and Dina had less time for each other. That was a new, but unfamiliar situation. Having known one another since childhood, falling deeply in love at a young age, they were used to sharing their lives with one another. Having full-time jobs that kept them apart for most of the day proved difficult. And working so hard left them with less energy than usual to be intimate.
That meant when they did have an opportunity, like a stormy Saturday morning, they had to make it count. That led Kyle to splurge for some quality time in a Love Pod. It was a relatively new practice for lovers, couples, and casual partners of all kinds. But it had quickly become an integral service to anyone who desired a special intimacy.
“I’m so glad we’re doing this,” Dina said as she admired the pod-like structure before them. “I can only imagine how many couples need it as much as us.”
“Kind of makes me feel bad for our ancestors. They had to build meaningful sex lives without them,” Kyle commented while looking on with similar awe.
“They seemed to manage. We’re here, after all,” she quipped.
“True. But for a love like ours, I want to do more than manage.”
“Me too.”
They shared a warm smile as they approached the Love Pod. Behind them, the door had already closed and locked itself, ensuring there would be no unwanted disturbances. They had also turned off their phones completely, not even wanting an emergency text to distract them from one another. For once, this was all about being together in a private, intimate space.
The room itself certainly accommodated that. Most Love Pods were built within premium spas. And most of those spas were located in small, unremarkable office structures that most wouldn’t recognize even if they walked by them. Even the high-end facilities often kept a low profile.
As for the pod, it didn’t look like much from the outside. It was just this large, egg-shaped structure that had been built into the corner of the room. The exterior was smooth and polished, giving off a glossy sheen. There were some lights built into the top and base, indicating it required electricity. It also gave off a low, radiating a unique energy that beckoned couples towards it like moths to a flame.
Kyle found himself reaching out and touching the surface. Through it, he felt the distinct heat that only Love Pods ever generated. It was enough to evoke excitement and passion in any couple, even those who had been grossly overworked.
“Thank you. Your session is about to begin,” said the same robotic voice from earlier. “Please remove all clothing. Storage compartments are available if desired.”
“Finally! We can ditch these itchy clothes,” Dina said as she loosened her shirt.
“Speak for yourself. You’re not the one who has to wear suits and ties during a summer heat wave,” Kyle said as he did the same.
“Less talking. More stripping,” his wife quipped.
Kyle just grinned and shook his head as he disrobed. He couldn’t help but be somewhat distracted by his beautiful wife eagerly taking off her clothes, abandoning her usual modesty with such glee.
Dina was downright playful in how she wiggled out of her pants, unclasped her bra, and slipped out of her panties. Kyle swore she was tempting him, like a stripper at one of the clubs his older brother kept trying to drag him to. Once fully nude, she even bent down a bit, showing off her bare butt as she picked up her clothes and stored them neatly in a nearby cupboard.
“Damn, you look good naked,” Kyle said under his breath.
She giggled slightly, sounding like the playful schoolgirl she’d been when they started dating in high school. He was so fixated on her heart-shaped butt that he almost forgot his pants were only halfway off. When Dina turned around, giving him a full-frontal view of her breasts and vagina, it helped him refocus. And he couldn’t get his pants and boxers off fast enough.
“I missed seeing you and all your manly glory,” Dina said to him.
“You saw me in the shower two nights ago,” he pointed out.
“I was too tired to enjoy it. But trust me. I’m very rested right now.”
There was an erotic undertone to her voice. That tone always got Kyle’s blood flowing to the right parts of his body. But he refused to get too far ahead of himself. He had to save the bulk of his passion for the Love Pod.
He and Dina had discovered the joys of Love Pods shortly after their honeymoon. Dina’s older sister, who worked for a popular chain of day spas that specialized in their use, had even provided them with a special voucher. That allowed them to make an appointment at some of the best spas in the region. And for the next several hours, it was theirs to enjoy.
Eager to lose track of time with the woman he loved, Kyle stuffed his clothes into another cupboard. He then joined his wife at the entrance to the pod, taking her hand in his and standing together as naked as the day they were born.
“Are you ready for this, my love?” he asked her.
“As ready as any naked woman can be for her handsome hubby,” Dina answered with a grin.
His heart raced with anticipation. Dina leaned in close, the warmth of her body mixing with his. She had that glint in her eyes – the one that told him she yearned for his loving, sensual touch. Kyle delighted in giving that to her as often as possible. Using a Love Pod just made it easier, as well as more satisfying.
The robot voice within the room must have sensed their anticipation. The front doors to the pod opened, revealing the enticing interior to the both of them. It was like an elevator opening to take them to Heaven. And they were ready to ascend.
“Thanks again for your cooperation. Please enter the pod and enjoy your time together,” the voice instructed.
“Oh we will,” said Kyle with the utmost confidents. “We definitely will!”
Like a couple of newlyweds entering a honeymoon suite, Kyle led Dina into the pod. As soon as they were inside, they felt its unique ambience. And it supplemented their blossoming passion perfectly.
Entering a Love Pod was like entering a small sliver of Eden. It consisted mostly of a large, circular shaped bed. But it was no regular king-sized bed that anyone could buy at a mattress store. This thing had a unique cushion. And crawling atop it with his wife felt like getting on top of a magical cloud – one that lovingly supported their naked bodies to the utmost.
In addition to the uniquely shaped mattress, there were also sheets and comforters consisting of an exotic, dark red fabric. Nobody knew what the fabric consisted of. That was a closely guarded secret within the Love Pod industry. Kyle once heard a rumor that the fabric was laced with some kind of special chemical that stimulated skin in a unique way. It would explain why everyone was encouraged to enter Love Pods naked. But the rumors didn’t stop there.
“I swear this place looks much bigger from the inside,” Dina commented.
“Probably some sort of optical illusion,” Kyle said as he admired it himself.
“Do you really believe that?” she said skeptically.
“Does it matter? More so than just being here…together…and increasingly horny?”
“Not in the slightest!” she said curtly.
As Kyle and Dina followed one another atop the mattress and to the center of the pod, they kissed and embraced. That quickly escalated into heated foreplay. Within any Love Pod, the foreplay always seemed more intimate.
A big part of it was the ambience. All along the interior surface of the pod was this silverish surface that resembled a high-definition TV screen. When the chamber door closed behind them, parts of that screen lit up to illuminate the interior in this soft reddish light. It was so warm and radiant. It made Kyle and his love feel so hot from the inside, as though their respective libidos were being ignited from the outside.
On top of that, the unique lighting coincided with this unique aroma that quickly filled the chamber. It was so thick and heavy, like an invisible cloud surrounding them. It did not at all resemble anything most couples smelled, even during their hottest, sweatiest rounds of lovemaking. Many believed it was some kind of synthetic pheromone developed by Love Pod companies – designed specifically to evoke passion, lust, and a level of horiness that could not be achieved naturally. It wasn’t so much a rumor as it was a poorly kept secret within the industry.
Kyle always figured the truth lay somewhere between the craziest rumors and harshest truths. Whatever it entailed, he and Dina could care less about the specifics. All that mattered was that they were alone, sealed in this Love Pod, and deeply in need of one another’s sex. And once the effects of the pod took hold, neither of them held back.
“Touch…kiss me…taste me,” Dina gasped, every word a blend of cries and whispers.
Kyle answered with a series of masculine grunts that sounded like something right out of a nature show. He had already followed Dina to the center of the pod where the mattress was its most comforting. Once there, he serenaded her with his soft lips and loving touch. And before long, they were making out like a couple of restless prom dates.
As Dina lay on her back, her arms wrapped around his neck, he hovered over her – hungrily kissing her lips, trailing his eager hands along her feminine curves, and letting the sinews of his upper body mesh with her naked skin. Kyle was gentle where he needed to be, especially when kissing her lips or nibbling on her ear lobe – something that always drove her wild. He was also a bit more overt when necessary, such as when he squeezed her thighs or cupped her breasts.
“Mmm…Dina,” Kyle said under his breath, “you taste so good…feel so good. God, I want you!”
They were already working up quite a sweat together. All that touching and body contact supplemented the heat, as well as the uniquely sensual aroma. It also intensified their growing sexual arousal, which had begun the second they got naked, but accelerated from their foreplay.
Kyle felt his heart race as blood rushed to his lower body, causing his penis to stiffen to a state rarely achieved outside the most sensual of situations. And as the veins in his manhood throbbed, he reached between Dina’s thighs to feel the outer contours of her vulva. She was already so hot with arousal. And when he sneakily slipped a couple fingers into her vagina, he confirmed she was just as aroused.
“Please…I can’t wait any longer!” Dina said, breaking the kiss and already short of breath. “Do me, Kyle! Make love to me now!”
It wasn’t a command as much as it was a desperate plea. Kyle, never one to deny the woman he loved, acted quickly. Like a soldier springing into action, he pushed her legs apart and got between them. He then aligned his rigid cock with his wife’s moist outer folds, their bodies aching for their fleshly union.
Dina locked eyes with him, grabbing onto his arms and beckoning him with her intense gaze. There was so much she could’ve said to him in that moment. He could’ve said just as much to her. But after being together and being in love for so long, words simply didn’t cut it. A simple, affectionate act was all they needed.
“Dina…” was all Kyle said before thrusting his hips forward and entering her.
They each let out an impassioned gasp as their sex commenced. That sweet feeling of hard, masculine flesh penetrating soft, feminine depths washed over them. They knew this feeling well, but the Love Pod seemed to amplify it. That might have been another secret function that nobody understood. But neither Kyle nor Dina cared for the specifics.
Their flesh now entwined, they began moving their bodies in that special lover’s dance. Kyle was slow at first, just letting his love’s flesh embrace his. But the movements intensified quickly. With great passion and urgency, he worked his body with hers – their flesh rocking, grinding, and slithering with perfect harmony. Hands roamed and lips followed chaotic whims, tasting and tantalizing each other’s flesh with growing delight.
“That’s it, Kyle! Ooh that’s it!” Dina panted. “Like that! Just like that!”
It was sweet music to his ears, hearing his wife’s joyous words. He soon fell into a daze, burying his face in his wife’s neck as their naked bodies rocked and writhed.
Kyle wasn’t doing anything special. He was just making love to his wife in variation of the missionary position, aligning his body with hers in just such a way to maximize their union. It might have just been another byproduct of being too busy or having not enjoyed unhindered lovemaking in a while. The ambience of the Love Pod probably had something to do with it as well, even without all the wild rumors of how it functioned.
At this point, only one thing was clear.
They needed this.
They wanted this.
They loved this.
It ultimately showed when Dina’s moans took on that distinctly orgasmic undertone.
“Ooh I’m close! I’m close! I’m so…so close!” she panted.
“Mmm…me too, Dina,” Kyle said into her ear, making sure to sound extra masculine.
His voice didn’t do justice to just how close he was. Dina was so hot and tight, her womanhood squeezing his member with its moist flesh. He longed for his release, but not before his love could join him in the ecstasy. Through several more focused movements, they carried one to the edge of that special threshold.
Then, they leapt off together.
“Ohhhh Kyle!”
“Dina!”
The rush of orgasmic bliss washed over them. It wasn’t simultaneous, but it was pretty damn close.
It hit Dina first. She closed her eyes, curled her toes, bent her knees, and raked her nails over his back before contorting to the onslaught of sensations. That extra throbbing in her vagina got Kyle past the point of no return, as well. His face still buried in her neck, he grasped her hips, dug his knees into the bed, and thrust extra deep into her depths. Within those depths, his seminal fluid mixed with her juices, their sex taking form and substance. But the feeling went beyond the sex.
When the rush coursed through him, it was like a warm blanket composed of raw pleasure wrapped around them. It made every breath, every heartbeat, and every touch feel more meaningful – and every emotion behind it more profound.
“Wow,” said Kyle through his breathless state.
“I know…wow,” Dina said, still swimming in a sea of bliss.
“Even after all this year…you still amaze me, Dina,” he said.
“So do you…and not just with sex.”
“Well…it helps get the point across.”
“That, it does!” she said lovingly.
Still in the throughs of orgasmic delight, they met in a loving kiss. Even the joys of a near-simultaneous climax couldn’t keep Kyle from sharing a simple gesture of affection with his wife. The interior of the Love Pod even seemed to react to it, the ambient lighting on the surface shifting to become more vibrant.
It was tempting to just lay with Dina and enjoy the afterglow. Given how stressed they’d been lately, it might have been the most prudent. But after one shared trip to this sensual paradise, Kyle wasn’t feeling too prudent at the moment. When their lips parted and he saw that seductive glint in her eyes, he knew Dina felt the same.
“We still have plenty of time left in this pod,” Kyle reminded her.
“Is it enough time to catch up on all the sexy things we’ve been meaning to do?” she asked curtly.
“Don’t know. Wanna try anyway?”
“Shut up and kiss me again!”
Never one to deny his wife’s loving desire, they kissed again. Just like before, that kiss turned into heated foreplay. And from there, an impassioned chaos ensued.
He and Dina rolled around together in the Love Pod, enjoying the soft feel of the exotic fabric on their naked skin. They were a bit less urgent than before, just making out for the simple enjoyment of one another’s bodies. But eventually, the desire returned, as did the arousal.
It never ceased to amaze Kyle. His penis almost fully erect, despite being somewhat sensitive after his release. Within these Love Pods, it was as though the limits of the male body had been briefly nullified. More than a few men wondered how that was possible. But Kyle was content to attribute it to a greater desire to make love to Dina. The pod just gave him the perfect domain in which to realize that desire.
And after taking such a direct approach before, he and Dina dared to mix things up a bit. They took turns giving each other oral, which resulted in Dina having another orgasm. He then had Dina lead them into various positions – some of which involved her on top, riding him like a sex goddess – some of which involved him pinning her up against the wall of the pod, bouncing her up and down his cock.
One moment it was slow, sensual, and romantic.
The next it was rough, raw, and energetic.
The full breadth of their passion was on full display within this tiny structure. And they refused to leave until every last bit of desire was spent, shared, and exhausted. That made it easy to lose track of time, as well as how many orgasm they had. Kyle didn’t bother tracking how he and Dina had. They might be very sore tomorrow, but it was so worth it.
And once their last round of ravenous lovemaking concluded, they found themselves back in the center of the pod. Lying side-by-side, still as naked as they day they were born, they just cuddled in a gentle embrace.
“I love you,” said Kyle through his breathless state.
“I love you too,” Dina said, still swimming in a sea of bliss.
“We needed this…so much,” he said.
“More than usual. Good thing these pods making overdue lovemaking so damn satisfying!”
“That’s for sure. I’m already looking forward to our next trip. Maybe next time, we won’t wait so damn long to enjoy it.”
“But even if we do,” Dina said curtly, “I’ll make sure it’s worth the wait.
“Me too, my love. Me too.”
Filed under Sexy Short Story
Hey Arnold! | Helga And Arnold: A Tragic, But Genuine Love Story
This is another video from my YouTube channel, Jack’s World. This video explores the tragic, but unique love story between Helga and Arnold in the classic 90s animated series, Hey Arnold! It’s a story that started off as a strange obsession between a girl and a boy with a football-shaped head. But over the course of the series, it became so much more. Enjoy!
Filed under Current Events, Jack's World, television, YouTube
Jack Fisher's Official Publishing Blog 