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Discerning Geeks Portal
by Discerning Geeks Portal
Discerning Geeks Portal is a gateway into the exploration of all things geek: Star Wars, Star Trek, Marvel, ‘80s movies, TV, and more. Dave, Todd, Andruw, and Preston, take a discerning look into the world of geek fandom.We care about intriguing storytelling, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes, but we also love action, special effects, and comedy. We break down the positives, negatives, and mixed feelings about everything we cover. Step through the portal with us for fun and analytical discussions about geek culture, for fans, by fans.
Episodes
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#206 - Twilight Zone Episode Reviews - "The Monsters Are Due On Maple Street" and "Two"
One of Preston's favorite shows is the classic "Twilight Zone," and this week, he and Todd review the episodes "The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street" and "Two." These two episodes examine the timeless issues of fear, paranoia, war, and peace. Note: Due to a crunch time trying to release…
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#205 - Pluribus 1.04 to 1.06 - "Please, Carol" - "Got Milk" - "HDP"
This week, the Geeks take a look at the middle three episodes of "Pluribus" season 1. This is where we see Carol playing amateur detective, trying to figure out a way of getting more truth out of the hive mind and finding out what their mysterious milk-like nutrition is actually made of. Note: At...
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#204 - Movie Review - Spider-Man: Brand New Day
The Discerning Geeks Portal finally went to the movie theater this summer (one of us twice, for the same movie). We went to see the same movie that $2 billion worth of other people also went to see..."Spider-Man: Brand New Day." - Why is the good stuff section of this review called, "Flowers,...
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#203 - Pluribus 1.01 to 1.03 - "We Is Us" - "Pirate Lady" - "Grenade"
Preston & Todd review the first three episodes of "Pluribus," one of their favorite shows of the previous season. The world is hit with an alien virus that turns humanity into a hive mind. Fantasy romance author Carol Sturka is one of very few humans, barely over a dozen, in the whole world...
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#202 - Drive-Time Chat - TV Shows of 2026
Preston & Todd are back to review great TV shows of 2026. Which shows are we recommending to each other and to you, the audience? Which shows are we both watching? Are they all great, or are there any disappointments so far? And, what are we looking forward to in the near future? In this episode,...
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#201 - Movie Review - Project Hail Mary
This week we take a discerning look at "Project Hail Mary," a pleasant & uplifting story of a human and an alien working together to save their worlds. - Which Geek pointed out believability & humor as two of the main strengths of the movie? - Which Geek sited a charismatic & likable main…
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#200 - Episode 200 Extravaganza - A Ranking of the Best Episodes from 101 to 199
Welcome, Discerning Listeners, to our 200th episode! :) In this episode, Preston and Todd take a look back at some of the best of the previous 99 episodes. This podcast was started in the year 2000 as a way for friends to stay in touch during the pandemic. The pandemic is over, and after 200...
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#199 - The Simpsons - Treehouse of Horror #09 to #12
We return to "The Simpsons" with a review of "Treehouse of Horror" installments 09 to 12. Themes in these special Halloween stories include a cursed toupée, cartoons brought to life, alien parentage determinations on "The Jerry Springer Show," murder cover-ups, "Xena: Warrior Princess," Y2K…
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#198 - Movie Review - Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle (Kimetsu no Yaiba)
A few weeks ago, Preston introduced Todd to his first big screen anime film, "Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle," a movie about warriors trained in magical martial arts taking on demons in a hell-adjacent lair known as the Infinity Castle. Note: The official name of the movie is "Demon Slayer…
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#197 - Movie Review - Superman (2025)
It took a little while for both guys to see it and then to record about it, but Preston & Todd finally review the new "Superman" movie. - Did the Geeks think this movie got the tone for Superman correct, especially when compared to the Superman interpretation in the DCEU? - Do the Geeks feel like...
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#196 - Movie Review - Fantastic Four: First Steps
Preston & Todd review one of the most anticipated movies of the 2025 summer season, "Fantastic Four: First Steps." Was F4:FS a hit for dynamic duo of movie reviews? Did they both love it? Did one Geek like it more? Was Galactus done well? Did the Fantastic Four themselves have satisfying family...
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#195 - 2025 Mid-Year-In-Review - Part 2 - TV Shows
Todd & Preston conclude their mid-year review focusing on the following TV shows from the 2nd half of 2025. - 9-1-1 (ABC / Hulu) - Am I the A-Hole (Smosh YouTube Channel) - Andor (Disney+) - Common Side Effects (Cartoon Network - Adult Swim) - Daredevil: Born Again (Disney+) - Doc (Fox / Hulu) -...
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#194 - 2025 Mid-Year In Review - Part 1 - Movies
Join Preston & Todd as they recap the first half of 2025. In Part 1 of this two-parter, they cover movies they've seen from January to June of 2025. Granted, they didn't see a lot of new 2025 movies, so some of their picks are older movies that they just saw for the first time this year. In this...
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#193 - TV Review - Batman TAS Episodes "Almost Got 'Im" and "Baby-Doll"
In this trip back to the 1990s, the Geeks investigate two "Batman: The Animated Series" episodes, "Almost Got 'Im" and "Baby-Doll." These are two episodes chosen by Preston for Todd to sample. - "Almost Got 'Im" is an episode where a handful of Gotham City's biggest villains play poker &…
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#192 - Movie Review - Robocop (1987)
This week, the Geeks review the original 1987 cybernetic law enforcement movie, "Robocop." I'd buy that for a dollar...but, you get to listen for free. - This was one of the picks still remaining from our dearly departed Dave Teague. When asked why he might have chosen this movie for the list…
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#191 - Lost Drive-Time Chat #10 - Transformers One, Borderlands, IF, Inside Out 2, TV, Wrestling, and more...
Better late than never. Right? Maybe? This special time-capsule episode is a Todd & Preston's Drive-Time Chat from October 2024 that was held back, first to make room for other time-sensitive episodes...and then forgotten. But, it's finally here. Take a trip back in time to hear Preston & Todd...
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#190 - Movie Review - Real Genius (Val Kilmer's 2nd movie)
In this episode, we review "Real Genius" (1985), the 2nd feature film in the long career of Val Kilmer (b. 1959, d. 2025). Recorded on 22 June 2024, this is a "time capsule" episode. - Which Geek was the most excited about reviewing this movie? - Which Geek was the most...confounded(?)...by the...
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#189 - Post-Review Discussion - Summer 2025 Movie Trailers, Episodes of This Podcast, Killer Klowns From Outer Space, Anora, and more...
We hope you enjoyed the "Thunderbolts*" review from episode #189. During that recording we also talked about summer movie trailers, classic episodes of this podcast, the 1980s horror-comedy "Killer Klowns From Outer Space," the Oscar-winning "Anora" (and what Todd thought about it; can you guess...
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#188 - Movie Review - Thunderbolts*
The Geeks have their first review from summer 2025, the new MCU movie, "Thunderbolts*." - How do the Geeks feel about the use of prevalence of guns in a Marvel movie? - What real-life politician did Preston relate to Julia Louis-Dreyfus's character in the movie? - Was this movie too drab, and how...
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#187 - Movie Review - Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)
We're back with a review of a classic movie, "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory." Sure, it's gotten another adaptation and a prequel, but this is the original 1971 version starring Gene Wilder. - Is Willy Wonka benevolent & eccentric or a psychotic child-murderer? Do the Geeks have an answer to...
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#186 - Special Topic - Favorite Female TV Characters - PART 2 of 2
The wait is over. It's time to reveal our top 8 picks! Preston & Todd complete the Favorite Female TV Characters countdown, highlighting standout women from space opera, fantasy, gritty dramas, comedies, animation, and more. The female characters in this episode include... - 3 military officers...
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#185 - Special Topic - Favorite Female TV Characters - PART 1 of 2
From brilliant scientists and fearless leaders to quirky oddballs and animated icons, television has given us some unforgettable female characters. In this episode, Preston & Todd kick off a two-part countdown of their all-time Favorite Female TV Characters, revealing ranks 20 through 09. Way…
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#184 - 2024 Year In Review - PART 2 - TV and more
Continuing with the 2024 Year In Review, the Geeks list and rate their favorite TV seasons of 2024. There's also a little bit about music, wrestling, and books. The TV shows covered in this episode include: ABC / Hulu - 9-1-1 (seasons 7 & 8) - High Potential (season 1) - The Rookie (season 6)...
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#183 - 2004 Year-In-Review - PART 1 - Movies of 2024
Welcome to 2025, and thanks for returning to the Discerning Geeks Portal. In PART 1 of our two-part 2024 Year-In-Review, we take a look back at movies we've seen & even some movies we were only tempted to see & a few we were glad we did not see. Throughout the discussion, the following movies get...
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#182 - Cmas TV Review - Grimm Christmas Episodes
Finishing off the holiday season, we review the Christmas episodes of the TV show "Grimm": 3.08 "Twelve Days of Krampus" and 4.07 "The Grimm That Stole Christmas." Technically, we also briefly mention 1.07 "Let Your Hair Down," but that episode would barely be about Christmas at all if not for…
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#181 - Cmas Movie Review - Muppet Christmas Carol (again)
The movie doesn't have a sequel, but now the review does. We revisit the holiday classic, "The Muppet Christmas Carol." This time, Todd re-evaluates the movie with Preston, who wasn't with us the first time around, in episode #028 (check out that episode for the first version). - What examples…
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#180 - Cmas Movie Review - The Nightmare Before Christmas
Merry Christmas! Next up in our Christmas movie reviews is "The Nightmare Before Christmas." - If the various holidays (each represented by a tree in this movie) each got their own movie and eventually crossed over to form the "Nightmare Before Holiday" Cinematic Universe, which holiday (or maybe...
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#179 - Cmas Movie Review - Iron Man 3
Merry Christmas, and welcome to the last minute marathon of Christmas-related movie reviews for 2024. First up, we review "Iron Man 3." We reviewed "Iron Man" and "Iron Man 2" in episodes #011 & #099. This makes the 3rd trilogy that we've completed, having reviewed the "Back to the Future"…
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#178 - TV Review - The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror 05 to 08
We return to "The Simpsons," one of Preston's favorite shows, to review the "Treehouse of Horror" specials 05 to 08. Check out episodes #168 & #169 of our podcast for our two-part review of "Treehouse of Horror" 01 to 04. In this batch The stories, spoofs, and themes covered in these four…
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#177 - Special Topic - Political Movies & TV Shows: The West Wing, Veep, The American President, My Fellow Americans, Madam Secretary, House of Cards, and much more
Just in time for listening while standing in line at the polls on Election Day, Todd & Preston discuss movies & TV shows of a political theme. Political-Themed TV Shows Discussed The West Wing Veep Madam Secretary The Simpsons episode 6.05 "Sideshow Bob Roberts" Commander-In-Chief House of Cards...
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#176 - Drive-Time Chat #09 - Halloween 2024 Edition - Beetlejuice 2, Agatha All Along, Grotesquerie, Salem's Lot, VHS Beyond, I Watched the TV Glow, and much more
Welcome to the Halloween 2024 Edition of Todd & Preston's Drive-Time Chats. This episode starts with Preston's review of "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice." Preston then continues with reviews of the following streaming movies: - A recent remake of "Salem's Lot" - "VHS Beyond" - "I Watched the TV Glow"…
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#175 - Drive-Time Chat #08 - Franchises, Writing, and Failures, Oh My!
This week, we take a deep dive into the importance we place on entertainment, whether we're being too picky about movies & TV shows, why some of them fail, and how much writing is responsible for successes or failures. Note: Please excuse this brief description when first being published. I had…
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#174 - Movie Review - Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets
This week, we review the sci-fi film, "Valerian and the city of a Thousand Planets," a passion project of "The Fifth Element" director Luc Besson. - What record does this movie hold among independent films and European films? - What did the Geeks think about the story structure and pacing? Did…
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#173 - Todd & Preston's Drive-Time Chat #07 - PART 2 of 2 - Late Night With The Devil, Arcadian, Deadpool & Wolverine, X-Men, Batman, Agatha All Along, Spider-Man
We continue with Part 2 of our Drive-Time Chat #07, covering the following topics... - "Late Night With The Devil" movie - "Arcadian" movie - "Deadpool & Wolverine" trailers (recorded before the movie itself came out) - The "X-Men" franchise, in general - "Batman: Caped Crusader" TV show…
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#172 - Todd & Preston's Drive-Time Chat #07 - Part 1 of 2 - X-Men '97, House of the Dragon, The Acolyte, The Ark, The Bear, and Jules
Tune in to our Drive-Time Discussion #07 as Todd & Preston cover: X-Men '97, The Ark, House of the Dragon, The Acolyte, The Bear, Jules - Preston is finally caught up on "X-Men '97," so we're finally able to talk about it, including some spoilers. What did the Geeks think about it? - What reasons...
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#171 - Movie Review - Deadpool & Wolverine
It's another new member of the $1 billion club. We review the superhero blockbuster, "Deadpool & Wolverine." - Plain & simple, which Geek is the grump this episode and how badly? - What were the Geeks' opinions about performances in the movie? - Which of the Geek(s) felt like one or more of the...
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#170 - Movie Review - The Hunger Games
May the odds be ever in your favor...for enjoying this week's review of "The Hunger Games," the first movie in the young adult political action-thriller franchise. - Which Geek has read the Hunger Games book trilogy, which Geek didn't see any of the Hunger Games until now, which Geek is the only...
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#169 - TV Review - The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror 01 to 04 - PART 2 of 2
In Part 2 of our discerning look into "The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror 01 to 04," we start with the two literary parodies and then delve into broader discussion about the general appeal of "The Simpsons." - One of these stories makes a reference to the political primaries of 1992 that included...
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#168 - TV Review - The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror 01 to 04 - PART 1 of 2
This week, we take a haunting look into the first four "Treehouse of Horror" episodes from "The Simpsons." In Part 1 of this super-sized two-parter, we review the movie parody and "Twilight Zone" parody stories from those first four annual Halloween-themed episodes. Each "Treehouse of Horror"...
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#167 - Movie Review - Army of Darkness
This week, we join a time-traveling S-Mart employee named Ash against Deadite zombies as we fight with, "Army of Darkness." - Did the Geeks agree whether this movie felt like a Looney Tunes cartoon brought to life? - What did Dave feel was the target audience for "Army of Darkness," and did he...
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#166 - Movie Review - The Thomas Crown Affair
This week, we review the 1999 romantic heist film, "The Thomas Crown Affair." - Were the Geeks on the same page with this movie, or was this another contentious review? - What did the Geeks think about the heist aspect of the money? Was it still enough of a heist movie with certain elements…
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#165 - Movie Review - The Fall Guy
Folks, you're missing out if you haven't seen "The Fall Guy." The Geeks recently saw the new action/romantic-comedy in the theater (one of them twice), and now they're reviewing & recommending it to you, our discerning stunt team. - This movie is part action movie, part romantic comedy. For the...
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#164 - Movie Review - Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
We are back with a review of a 2024 movie, "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire." Dave, Preston, and Todd, all saw this in the theater together recently, and all liked it. - Did the Geeks think this movie was fun? Was the comedy good? - How well did the movie handle its older characters from the...
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#163 - Todd & Preston's Drive-Time Chat #06 - Part 2 - Two-Season TV Shows, Wrestling, Star Trek, Mr. Holland's Opus, and more...
Part 2 of Todd & Preston's Drive-Time Chat #06 continues with the following topics. - TV shows that only lasted two seasons (at least 19 shows mentioned) - Preston's Wrestling Corner - Todd's Star Trek Challenge - Upcoming topics on the podcast: "The Thomas Crown Affair," Ranking MCU Phase 2…
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#162 - Todd & Preston's Drive-Time Chat #06 - Part 1 - X-Men '97, Shogun, Invincible, Darkplace, The Rookie, 9-1-1, and more...
It's time for another Drive-Time Chat with Todd & Preston. As usual, they packed in more topics (and side tangents) than they expected, so be on the lookout for Part 2. For now, here's what they they cover in Part 1. - "X-Men ’97" first half of season 1 - "Shogun" (up to the penultimate episode…
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#161 - Web Series Review - Don't Hug Me, I'm Scared - Season 1
This week, we take a...hopefully discerning...look into the British musical horror comedy web series, "Don't Hug Me, I'm Scared." Technically, this is just season 1, which only takes about 35 minutes to watch six episodes, and somehow this led to our 2nd-longest podcast episode ever. - What were...
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#160 - Movie Trilogy Review - Fear Street (Netflix Exclusive)
With the triumphant return of Andruw, we finally review the Netflix horror trilogy, "Fear Street." Each of the movies in the trilogy are named after the year in which they're based: 1994, 1978, and 1666. - How well did the Geeks think these three movies worked as a collective trilogy? Was there...
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#159 - Todd & Preston's Drive-Time Chat #05 - Part 2 - Crime Shows & Movies, Spaghetti Westerns, Better Navy: SW Empire vs. ST Federation, Star Trek Adventures RPG, and Star Trek Continues Web Series
This week is PART 2 of Todd & Preston's Drive-Time #05. Topics discussed include... - "NCIS" franchise - "JAG" - "Magnum P.I." - "Hawaii Five-O" - The movie "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" - The movie "2 Days in the Valley" - Spaghetti Westerns - Who had the better navy, the Empire from Star Wars...
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#158 - Todd & Preston's Drive-Time Chat #05 - Part 1 - Ghostbusters, Deadpool, Godzilla & King Kong, Wonka, Fargo, Popcorn In Bed, Quantum Leap, and The Rookie
With Dave & Andruw incognito this week, Todd & Preston go on another imaginary car ride for their Drive-Time Chat #05. And, once again, the discussion lasted long enough to make a two-parter. This is Part 1. This time, Todd & Preston discuss... - Preston's audio issues (sorry about that, folks) -...
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#157 - Movie Review - Field of Dreams
This week, we review the 1989 fantasy/sports/road-trip movie, "Field of Dreams," a favorite of one of our co-hosts. - This movie makes a lot of nostalgic connectionss between baseball and Americana. Which Geek is a fan of Japanese baseball? - Which Geek described this as a "Hallmark movie for...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Discerning Geeks Portal is a gateway into the exploration of all things geek: Star Wars, Star Trek, Marvel, ‘80s movies, TV, and more. Dave, Todd, Andruw, and Preston, take a discerning look into the world of geek fandom.We care about intriguing storytelling, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes, but we also love action, special effects, and comedy. We break down the positives, negatives, and mixed feelings about everything we cover. Step through the portal with us for fun and analytical discussions about geek culture, for fans, by fans.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Discerning Geeks Portal have?
Discerning Geeks Portal currently has 207 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Discerning Geeks Portal about?
Discerning Geeks Portal is a gateway into the exploration of all things geek: Star Wars, Star Trek, Marvel, ‘80s movies, TV, and more. Dave, Todd, Andruw, and Preston, take a discerning look into the world of geek fandom.We care about intriguing storytelling, compelling characters, and...
How often does Discerning Geeks Portal release new episodes?
Discerning Geeks Portal publishes regularly with 207 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Discerning Geeks Portal?
You can listen to Discerning Geeks Portal on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Discerning Geeks Portal?
Discerning Geeks Portal is created and hosted by Discerning Geeks Portal.
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