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    • Understanding business trends with Squarespace InsightsSquarespace Insights provides valuable data on site visits, sales, and effective channels to help businesses improve their website and marketing strategy.

      Squarespace offers valuable business insights to help grow your business through their analytics tool, Insights. This feature allows you to understand where your site visits and sales are coming from and which channels are most effective. With this information, you can improve your website and build a marketing strategy based on your top keywords or most popular products and content. Meanwhile, Ferguson is dedicated to ensuring the success of every project, providing expertise in bath, kitchen, and lighting products, as well as facilitating orders and delivery coordination. Unrelated to the discussion, a listener suggested exploring the Bender family, a notorious serial killing family from Kansas in the 1870s. While the discussion about the Benders was not based on any specific research or connection to the topic at hand, it's an interesting historical fact worth sharing.

    • The Bender Family's Tavern and InnThe Bender family, consisting of Pa, John Jr., and Ma, ran a simple tavern and inn in a remote area of Kansas, offering weary travelers a place to rest and supplies.

      The Bender family, who settled in a remote area of Kansas in the late 1800s, ran a simple tavern and inn for travelers. The family consisted of John Bender Sr. (known as Pa), his son or possible daughter (John Bender Jr. or Kate), and Ma Bender (also known as Elvira). The senior Bender was a quiet, mostly German-speaking man, while John Bender Jr. was described as a comedian who may have had intellectual disabilities. The family lived in a modest, 16-foot by 24-foot structure, which they referred to as a tavern but was more like a large room with supplies and a few beds. The arrival of Kate, who was sent for after the house was built, likely made the stopover more appealing for weary travelers.

    • An Unusual Family's Business in 1870s KansasIn the 1870s, the Livia and John Sr. family ran a successful bargain store, Ollie's, and were known for their prized orchard, despite Livia's reputation as a terrible person. Their daughter, Kate, was a spiritualist and free lover, adding to the family's intrigue.

      The family of Livia and John Sr., living on the edge of the Great Osage Trail in 1870s Kansas, ran an Ollie's bargain house and were known for their prized orchard. Livia, in particular, was widely reputed to be a terrible person and was avoided. Their daughter, Kate, was known for her spiritualism and free love, which attracted attention. The family was well-known in their small community due to their business and prized orchard. Ollie's was a deep discount store where people could sell and buy goods. It was a ubiquitous business model at the time. The family's odd behavior and Livia's reputation made them stand out. During this discussion, there was a brief mention of Zigazoo, a social media network for kids that is safe and human-moderated. The discussion also touched upon Squarespace's Fluid Engine, a next-generation website design system that makes it easier for anyone to unlock unbreakable creativity. However, the main focus was on the unusual family and their business in 1870s Kansas.

    • Easter shopping conveniences from Squarespace and CVSSquarespace offers customizable website templates for easy merchandise selling, while CVS simplifies Easter shopping with free pickup and a wide range of supplies. The late 1800s saw violent actions against travelers in Kansas, with the discovery of several bodies leading to investigations but ultimately failing to identify the killers.

      Both Squarespace and CVS offer convenient solutions for different needs. Squarespace enables easy merchandise selling through customizable website templates, while CVS simplifies Easter shopping with free pickup and a wide range of Easter supplies. Meanwhile, the Benders' violent actions against travelers in Kansas during the late 1800s went largely unnoticed due to the area's lawless nature, but their murders became a concern when bodies started turning up regularly. The discovery of a man named William Jones' body in Drum Creek, with his skull bashed in and throat cut, was the first of several similar murders. Jones had been carrying a significant amount of money, adding to the danger of traveling with cash during that time. Despite the distinctive wagon track leading to the crime scene, the investigation did not ultimately lead to the killers' identification.

    • A series of murders in Kansas leads to the discovery of the Benders' unusual behaviorAn eccentric family, the Benders, were initially overlooked as suspects in a series of murders. However, when the brother of a Kansas senator went missing, investigations led to their house, revealing gruesome evidence and their violent behavior.

      The Benders, a notoriously unusual family living near Cherryvale, Kansas, during the late 1800s, were initially overlooked as suspects in a series of murders due to their eccentric reputation. However, when the brother of a Kansas senator, Dr. William York, went missing along with his daughter, investigations led to the discovery of their abandoned belongings near Fort Scott. The disappearance of Dr. York, who was known to be searching for the missing man, raised suspicion and led to a search party of around 75 men. The party eventually identified the Benders as the culprits after discovering evidence at their house. This incident brought attention to the Benders' violent and unusual behavior, which included presenting guns and knives as supper, and their home became infamous as a murder site.

    • The Benders' strange behavior fueled suspicions, but didn't prove guiltDespite the Bender family's unusual behavior, lack of evidence led to a delayed investigation, and their eventual disappearance left questions unanswered.

      The Bender family, who were suspected of being involved in a series of murders in Kansas during the late 1800s, presented themselves as strange and eccentric to investigators. The family's behavior, including their supposed inability to speak English and the presence of guns and knives, raised suspicions but did not provide enough evidence to warrant a search of their property right away. However, when a woman claimed that one of the Benders had offered her "pistol supper" and threatened to kill her, the town held a meeting and eventually organized a search of their homestead. When investigators arrived, they found that the Benders had already left, leading to further speculation about their involvement in the crimes. Overall, the Benders' unusual behavior and evasive actions added to the intrigue surrounding the case but did not provide conclusive evidence of their guilt.

    • The townspeople's fear thwarts their investigation into Colonel York's disappearanceDespite their curiosity and desperation, the townspeople's fear prevented them from uncovering the truth about Colonel York's disappearance, leading to a tragic outcome.

      In the strange and mysterious tale of Kate's jam, the townspeople's curiosity and determination were ultimately thwarted by their own fear and skepticism. Kate, the jam maker, had offered to perform a seance to provide more information about the disappearance of Colonel York, but the townspeople, despite their desperation, were too afraid to take her up on the offer. When they finally entered the colonel's house, they discovered a gruesome scene in the cellar, which only added to their fear. Instead of continuing their search, they left the town in a panic. The volunteers who followed later found a trap door leading to the decaying remains of the colonel and his family. Meanwhile, in a completely different context, Zigazoo was presented as a safe and fun social media platform for kids during spring break. It offers features such as video uploads, prizes, and trending dances, all while being 100% human-moderated and bot-free. The NFLShop was promoted as the go-to destination for officially licensed NFL gear, and the Dexcom G7 was introduced as an innovative tool for managing diabetes with real-time glucose readings on compatible watches and phones. In summary, the first story highlights the consequences of fear and skepticism, while the second part introduces various products and services designed to provide enjoyment and convenience.

    • The Benders' Brutal Ritual of Killing and Robbing TravelersThe Benders, a notorious family, brutally murdered and robbed travelers using a hidden cellar, following a strict routine despite leaving behind clues.

      The Benders, a notorious family in the late 1800s, used a cellar under their house as a hiding place to kill and rob travelers. They lured their victims to sit by a curtain in their tavern, then brutally murdered them from behind. Bodies were disposed of in various locations on their property, leading to the discovery of around 21 victims. The Benders followed a strict routine, even turning down alternative seats that might have made their crime easier to commit. Despite this, they left behind clues, including bullet holes in their home, which eventually led to their capture during a media frenzy. Their meticulous yet amateurish approach to murder highlights the chilling detail with which they carried out their heinous crimes.

    • America's first serial killers and the media frenzy that followedThe Benders, believed to be America's first serial killers, gained infamy for their heinous crimes and the media attention and dark tourism that ensued. Despite extensive investigations, their true identities and motivations remain unclear, with theories linking them to a vigilante group.

      The Bender family, believed to be America's first serial killers, gained infamy not only for their heinous crimes but also for the media frenzy and dark tourism that followed. Their disappearance in the late 1890s led to a nationwide search, with many suspects arrested on allegations of receiving stolen goods. One of these suspects was a member of a vigilante group, the "regulators," who were known for their violent methods. Despite extensive investigations, the true identities and motivations of the Benders remain unclear, with many theories and misconceptions circulating online. The discovery of bodies with specific poses led to speculation of a connection between the Benders and the vigilantes, but this is not definitively proven. The Benders' story is a chilling reminder of the intersection of crime, media sensation, and the human fascination with the macabre.

    • The Benders' Connection to Laura Ingalls Wilder: A MysteryDespite various claims about the Benders' fate and encounters with Laura Ingalls Wilder's family, there is no concrete evidence to support these stories. Recent investigations have shed light but not definitive answers on their disappearance.

      The legend of the Bender family, also known as the "Bloody Benders," and their supposed connection to Laura Ingalls Wilder and her family, remains a mystery. Despite various reports of their whereabouts and alleged fates, including claims of capture, suicide, or vigilante justice, there is no concrete evidence to support any of these stories. The idea of Laura Ingalls Wilder's family encountering the Benders on their way to Homestead is also not true. Additionally, the offer of a substantial reward for information leading to the capture of the Benders would have likely been claimed if any of the reported vigilante actions had occurred. Recent efforts to investigate the property where the Benders were believed to have lived have shed some light on the mystery but have yet to provide definitive answers. The legend of the Benders continues to intrigue people, with some even attempting to capitalize on the story through books and reenactments. However, the truth behind their disappearance and potential connection to the Ingalls family remains elusive.

    • The Benders' Land: A Potential Burial Ground?The Bender family's former land may hold undiscovered evidence related to their crimes, with theories suggesting a Slavic god gained strength from their sacrifices. Original news articles provide insight into their notorious history.

      The Bender family, a notorious murder family in the late 1800s, may have left behind more than just tragedy on the land they once occupied. The family, who owned the land for over 60 years, turned it into cropland without ever showing interest in finding potential remains or artifacts. This has led to speculation that there could be undiscovered evidence related to the Benders and their victims on the property. One theory suggests that a Slavic god named Zernbog may have gained strength from their sacrifices. The Benders have been the subject of various forms of media, including a movie called "Binder" and the novel "American Gods" by Neil Gaiman. For those interested in learning more about the Benders and their crimes, original news articles from the time can be found on the website genealogytrails.com.

    • The Power of Media to Entertain, Educate, and ConnectListeners find comfort and connection through various forms of media, creating loyal fanbases and new traditions.

      People find comfort and connection through various forms of media, be it TV shows, podcasts, or even social media networks. The discussion revolves around a listener, Tanya Vanderpool from Texas, who discovered the podcast "Stuff You Should Know" and became so engrossed in it that she even listened to it during her dental appointments. The show's hosts, Josh and Chuck, have managed to create a loyal fanbase, with Tanya's dentist also being a fan. Another example is given of how a friend introduced someone to a podcast, leading to a new family tradition during road trips. The power of media to entertain, educate, and bring people together is highlighted in this conversation. Additionally, the safety and community aspect of Zigazoo, a social media network for kids, was also mentioned as a positive influence.

    • Preparing for Easter with Convenience and Team SpiritCVS offers free in-store pickup for Easter essentials, NFLShop.com has officially licensed gear, and Allstate encourages home insurance consideration for unexpected damages and potential savings.

      The Easter Bunny will be making an early appearance this year on March 31st, and CVS makes it convenient to prepare for the holiday with free in-store pickup of Easter basket essentials. NFLShop.com is another go-to destination for fans to showcase their team spirit with officially licensed NFL gear. Meanwhile, Allstate encourages fans to consider their home insurance coverage to protect against unexpected damages and potential savings. The Easter Bunny's early arrival, NFL gear shopping, and Allstate's home insurance reminders - these are the key takeaways for this discussion.

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    The Dark Devotion: Unmasking Israel Keyes (Part 1)

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    🎙 The Dark Devotion: Unmasking Israel Keyes - The Introduction (Part 1)🎙

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    🎙 The Dark Devotion: Unmasking Israel Keyes 🎙 – 🎞 Part I | 🎞 Part II | 🎞 Part III | 🎞 Part IV | 🎞 Part V

    Part I – The Introduction
    Part II – Who Was Israel Keyes?
    Part III – Into the Mind of Israel Keyes
    Part IV – Remembering Bill & Lorraine Currier
    Part V – Samantha Koenig


    Books
    📚 Devil in the Darkness By: JT Hunter

    Welcome, fellow true-crime enthusiasts, to today’s case file: “The Dark Devotion – Unmasking Israel Keyes”  

    Part I – The Case Introduction

     

    INTRODUCTION

    Today, we delve into the unsettling world of serial killers, a dark fraternity that constitutes just 1% of all homicides—or so we believe. It raises haunting questions: Is it their intelligence, their skill, the gaps in our investigative systems, or perhaps a sinister blend of all these factors that allows some of them to evade capture?


    In the United States alone, more than 3,000 documented cases of serial killers have sent shivers down our spines. Do we unwittingly cultivate them, or are they simply too cunning for our own good? And what about other countries, like the Netherlands with a mere dozen documented cases or England with 166? What sets these numbers in motion, and what lies beneath the surface of such a chilling contrast?


    In the year 2012, the nation's tranquility was shattered when law enforcement unmasked a serial killer believed to have terrorized the United States for a horrifying 14 years. His name was Israel Keyes, a seemingly ordinary 34-year-old from Utah—a father, a boyfriend, and the owner of Keyes Construction. But his facade crumbled when he abducted, raped, and murdered 18-year-old barista named Samantha Tessla Koenig, an Alaska native, from her workplace at Coffee Grounds Coffee. This quaint little coffee hut sat innocently in a parking lot on Tudor Road, Anchorage, Alaska, just over four miles from the very residence of Israel Keyes. 


    Join us as we unravel the chilling story of "The Dark Devotion: Unmasking Israel Keyes."

     

    SAMANTHA TESSLA KOENIG’S DISAPPEARANCE


    Anchorage, Alaska, a city with a storied history that traces its roots to the late 19th century Gold Rush, has evolved into a thriving urban center. It boasts the distinction of being the epicenter for the Alaska Railroad, a vital lifeline that stretches northward to Fairbanks. 

    Today, Anchorage stands as Alaska's largest city, home to both the formidable United States Fort Richardson Army base and Elmendorf Air Force Base. With its blend of first-class dining, luxury hotels, vibrant entertainment, enriching museums, and outdoor adventures, it's no wonder that tourists flock to this northern gem.

    But beneath the city's inviting exterior lies a tale of chilling events that unfolded on February 1, 2012. That evening, in the frigid embrace of a 37-degree Anchorage, 18-year-old Samantha Koenig, was not at work when her boyfriend, Duane Tortolani showed up to pick her up from work at 8:33pm.  The lights were out.  The door was locked, and Samantha was nowhere to be found.  Duane found the coffee shop shrouded in darkness.


    The perplexing situation took an ominous turn at 11:24 pm when Duane received a text message from Samantha's phone, accusing him of something sinister. It read, "FU asshole I know what U did I am going to spend a couple of days with friends need time to think plan acting weird let my dad know." Minutes later, at 11:53 pm, another message arrived, simply stating, "F U."

    As the night wore on, it became increasingly clear that something had gone terribly wrong. Police began to piece together the horrifying truth—a masked intruder had climbed through the window of the Coffee Hut, threatened Samantha, extinguished the lights, and led her away at what is presumed to be gun point.  At one point during the process, Samantha attempted to run, but the tall athletic stranger tackled her and escorted her away with a warning that this was just a kidnap for ransom.


    At approximately 3:00am, Duane noticed a figure wearing a mask rifling through Samantha's vehicle—a vehicle they both shared—at their residence.  The individual had returned to look for Samantha’s debit and identification cards. Unfortunately, they dod not connect Samantha’s disappearance with the break-in.


    Samantha's father, James, sensed that all was not well and contacted Duncan, the owner of Common Grounds Coffee, who was away on vacation. Duncan reviewed security footage and, by 12:39 pm, urgently reached out to the Anchorage Police Department, convinced that the footage depicted Samantha's abduction. 

     

    CONNECTING THE DOTS


    The search for Samantha began with furious intent.  A reward for her safe return was publicized almost immediately by her father who desperately wanted his daughter returned.  As the search continued with bated breath, a glimmer of hope emerged a little over three weeks after her haunting abduction. 

    On February 24, 2023, Samantha's boyfriend received a text message from her phone. The message contained cryptic instructions: "Conner Park sign under pic of albert aint she purty." It was a clue, a lifeline, a beacon of possibility.  The family responded instantly.


    Upon closer examination, the message revealed a chilling photograph—a gloved hand holding braided hair in the bottom left corner, and in the upper part of the screen, an Anchorage Daily Newspaper from February 13, 2012, prominently displayed. But that wasn't all; concealed on the reverse side of the photograph was a demand for $30,000 in ransom.


    The note stipulated a p...

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