#I blame daniel durant

[bbaecroyne]

"So you can't blame me." Disse de forma leve, tentando, a todo custo, tirar aquele peso que caia sobre os ombros dos dois jovens. O nó em sua garganta e o peso que afundava em seu estômago eram tão reais quanto a conversa que se acontecia naquele momento. Durante muito tempo, aquelas eram as palavras que Baekhyun mais ansiosa de ouvir algum dia na sua vida. No entanto, agora, era doloroso ouvi-las a ponto de desejar que elas jamais tivessem saído de Hanan. "I know." Respondeu de maneira fraca, sentindo o coração desengonçar. O aperto dela sem suas mãos enviava ondas elétricas por todo o seu corpo. Levou seus dedos pelo caminho das lágrimas, tentando seca-las da forma que podia. "Stop crying, please." Pediu gentilmente. "We're fome, Han. I promise you that." De todo o seu coração, Bae era sincero. Depois de tanto tempo, não havia qualquer mágoa ou rancor em relação a outra a sua frente. O amor que ainda sentia por Gamp parecia ser capaz de limpar qualquer traço de tristeza que algum dia já havia ocupado seu coração. "Nós somos amigos, lembra?! Podemos até sair algum dia desses, agora que você não namora mais o Daniel."

taking my breath a souvenir that you can keep; goyne

O lado bom de fumar, hipoteticamente falando, era que em eventos sociais, era sempre uma desculpa válida para procurar um lugar afastado e aberto. As vezes, só queria um pouco de tranquilidade longe da festa de confraternização do departamento do irmão. Conseguiu saiu da pequena roda de conversa e foi até a área externa do salão, onde, por sorte, se encontrava sozinho. Bateu nos bolsos da calça procurando o maço do cigarro e sua varinha, vivenciando um momento de tranquilidade, finalmente.

[fangirls-just-want-to-have-fun]

My Thoughts That No One Asked For on Dancing With The Stars season 31 ep. 8: Halloween Week!

Taken down in very real time

(get comfy I have a lot of feelings)

okay honestly tho Tyra is kinda slaying

DEREK’S LOOK HELLO??? 🤩 

Oh I just KNOW Shangela and Gleb are gonna eat this up (update: they ate that shit up)

DANIEL AND BRITT LOOK SO GOOD AAHHHH

I’m gonna say this right now if Vinny Guadagnino does not go home tonight I’m gonna lose my shit (update: I have lost my shit)

20 seconds in and Jordin is ALREADY slaying love that for her 

WELL HI THERE CARRIE ANN 🤩 

Hell yeah four nines for Jordin!!!

Mark back injury?? 🥺 

I actually think Charli’s dance was well scored it wasn’t perfect but it was AMAZING

DANIEL AND BRITT YES YES YES IM SO READY

I’m sorry they’re doing a PASO DOBLE?? Oh god I’m nervous

Oh yay! They slayed!!!

They’re the FIRST paso doble this season???? Oh my GOD 

I’m terrified you guys (if you can’t tell they’re my favorites and I am PRAYING they do not go home)

YES TWO NINES FOR DANIEL!!!!

Okay these little segments where Derek breaks down the dances are like one of my favorite parts 

Derek and Bruno have one of the single greatest dynamics ever, I swear

Okay but Shangela and Gleb just absolutely SMASHED THAT are you KIDDING

*to Derek* “Ooh, I’ve always wanted to be in your dreams!” SHANGELA SPEAKING FOR THE PEOPLE

Tens for Shangela…? 👀 

TENS FOR SHANGELA PERFECT SCORE BITCHES 🙌🏻 AAAAHHHHHHHH

Trevor having absolutely NO reaction to the spider was HYSTERICAL

Jordan’s little “Hi!” when Sasha tried to scare her was SO funny I’m sorry

Koko I love you but Vinny you are testing me

WHY DO YOU ALL KEEP VOTING FOR HIM HE’S BAD

“Nice guys finish last. Literally.” dude I want to like you so bad but you are making it so hard

I’m sorry but Daniel and Britt’s paso doble was LEAGUES better then theirs

Okay but it is NOT Koko’s fault that Vinny is just NOT a good dancer I will start yelling if anyone blames her choreo (judges you are on thin fucking ice with me rn)

WHY DOES EVERYONE LIKE HIM AM I MISSING SOMETHING WHAT

Like the dance was NOT GOOD Y’ALL

If one more person starts saying “I don’t have any dance experience 🥺” I’m gonna go insane

There is no WAY he’s getting out of the bottom two tonight

Okay I’m gonna be honest Heidi D’amelio is kind of starting to get on my nerves

I cannot BELIEVE they got away with using the song “I wanna be your slave” on DANCING WITH THE STARS 

“Bondage becomes you. Me too actually. Tie me up, tie me down, put me there. I’ll do it.” BRUNO PLS THIS IS ON DISNEY PLUS

Okay the rope thing was very confusing I didn’t get it I really think it was kind of pointless but that’s just me

NO WHY THE TEN

Ugh I’m sorry Gabby Windey is like my least favorite right behind Vinny I’m sorry I don’t like her she’s so irritating 

It’s nice to see Alan back though (but fr my man keeps getting the WORST partners #GiveAlanBerstenAnActuallyNicePartner2023)

I HATE THAT SHE’S SO GOOD GODDAMNIT I don’t like her but I have to admit she’s an AMAZING dancer it’s infuriating 

Every time Gabby claps for herself I lose two months of my life

Derek’s got puns for DAYS I live for it

I know I should be paying attention to Gabby’s interview or whatever but if Daniel and Britt are on screen I am ALWAYS staring at them at any given moment 

“I’m scared of taxes.” Wayne Brady you are so real

Witney and Wayne slaying!!!! We love to see it!!!

Trevor Donovan you know I love you but I’m really praying you do NOT do well to keep Daniel and Britt out of the bottom two

(That being said I have no idea HOW he ended up in the bottom two last week)

Oh fuck it looks like their dance is gonna be really good oh god oh fuck

Motherfucker like ten seconds in I’m already crying

FUCK THAT WAS REALLY GOOD

I’m sorry no one touch me the parallel between this week’s “How do you feel about dancing?” “I guess I love it!” and week 1’s “You love dance!!” I’m crying 

Ten for Trevor…? 👀

Trevor shouting out the singer 🙌🏻 

TENS FOR TREVOR AAAHHHHHH GOOD FOR HIM

But oh god oh fuck Daniel and Britt are in the bottom two I’m fucking panicking guys I don’t think I’ll be able to handle them going home

PRAYING this team dance goes well for them 😭 🙏🏻 

Trevor doing ASL applause to show he chose Daniel I’m 😭 

“I definitely don’t want to be the weak link.” Heidi my love I hate to tell you but you were literally chosen last idk what to tell you

Alright I’m not gonna lie Team Wicked’s doing pretty good so far 

Okay damn that was pretty good

Team Scream I’m praying for y’all fr

Not referencing anything specific but my girl Koko Iwasaki has been fighting for her LIFE in every single episode like this is her first season as a pro could y’all like let her BREATHE??

“What was your strategy?” He literally just picked the best dancers what do you mean what was his strategy 

Okay 33/40 for Team Wicked PRAYING for nines across the board for Team Scream 😭 

GET OUT THEYRE DOING THE SIGN FOR SCREAM I’m gonna cry they’re so real for that

HEADS WILL ROLL??? OH HELL FUCKIN YEAH

All of them working hard cause they wanna keep Trevor in the competition 🥺

OKAY THIS IS A SLAY OH GOD

not to be biased but Daniel and Britt’s solo section >>>>>

CHARLI AS THE KILLER SLAY!!

They better be getting MINIMUM nines across the board 

DANIEL GETTING A CALLOUT I’M YELLING AND CRYING RN 😭 🙌🏻 

I’m sorry but they are CLEARLY the superior dance team if they don’t win I’m suing

Len’s callout to the hair makeup and costume department!!! 🙌🏻 🙌🏻 🙌🏻 

I don’t know why but there’s something so adorable about Charli calling Britt “Brittany” like it seems like Charli just respects her so much

“Well, Tyra-“ okay Trevor is absolutely growing on me

39 FOR TEAM SCREAM BABY!!!!!

Mark taking the blame for the misstep 🥺 

THE SECOND CALLOUT TO THE HAIR MAKEUP AND COSTUME CREW WE LOVE TO SEE IT 👏🏼 👏🏼 👏🏼 

Okay Vinny is literally at the bottom if he doesn’t go home I swear

DANIEL AND BRITT ROCKETING UP TO 4TH WE LOVE IT!!!!! 🙌🏻 

DANIEL AND BRITT BEING THE FIRST COUPLE TO GO HOME YES PLEASE!!!

HOW IN THE FUCK ARE VINNY AND KOKO STILL HERE MOTHERFUCKER

If Jordin Sparks goes home I’m gonna scream (update: I screamed)

THANK YOU DEREK AND BRUNO

Len pls I’m begging please pick Jordan 

NO LEN WHY FUCK

Screaming and crying on the floor rn Jordin sparks you own my heart I’ll miss you 💕😭 

Anyways closing thoughts on all the dancers in no particular order:

Yay Daniel and Britt are still here!!! Absolutely in love with these two and I hope they go even farther!! (And then I hope they get married or smth cause goddamn)

Little upset that Heidi is still around, she’s kinda falling out of my favor I’m not gonna lie

I cannot fucking BELIEVE that Vinny is still on the show America what the fuck are you doing

Not gonna lie Trevor is really growing on me I love him and Emma a lot and I would love to see them go far

TENS FOR SHANGELA!!! WHAT MORE IS THERE TO SAY?? (All I need now is a ten for Daniel and I’ll be happy)

I’m gonna miss Jordin and her like actual sibling relationship with Brandon so much 😭 

Nothing really new from Charli, she’s still kickin ass and she’s also really growing on me (I didn’t like her all that much before DWTS but like I said, she’s growing on me)

Gabby is still really irritating to me I’m sorry I know she’s a good dancer but like I really don’t like her 

It’s nice to see Wayne climbing his way back up from last week!

Looking forward to 90’s week!!!

[god-i-dreamed-there-was-an-angel]

Can we please discuss how well thought out DWSA is? This is the director’s note in the playbill.

Failed. Moritz failed. He did everything he could, and he still failed.

I think a lot of DWSA and SA fans baby Moritz a lot due to his lack of knowledge on sexuality and things in that nature, and then add in his anxiety and school struggles. But Moritz is very wise, in his own ways.

He’s a teenage boy, he’s probably sarcastic with Melchior when he’s not so uncomfortable with himself that he’s oozing with anxiety. He has dark thoughts that shouldn’t be romanticized. He’s made mistakes, but those aren’t always his fault.

His parents, and all the adults in his life really, failed him. Failure is such a huge part of his life. He failed school, he failed his parents, he failed to fit the ideal student example (through schoolwork and through his inability to communicate the way everyone wanted). But all of his issues all sprout from the adults in his life failing him.

Moritz himself, he probably views himself as a failure. Honestly, how could he not? He was surrounded by it for his entire life. He can’t help but think of himself the way it’s been fed to him his entire life.

I think that Moritz is a character who has so much to him. Much like improv, there’s always that “yes and-“. Moritz is anxious? Yes, and that’s because of his upbringing. Moritz is like an onion, with layers upon layers upon layers. In actuality, all of the DWSA characters are like that.

It’s interesting to see a person’s feelings about certain characters. It shows how much someone looked into that character, how much they tore piece and piece away, until that character is reduced to nothing.

I think a common one to see is Melchior Gabor. The following are my own personal opinions, and you are absolutely allowed to have your own, but this is my blog so I post my own thoughts?

I understand why a lot of people dislike Melchior, with the entire teenage pregnancy thing. Maybe it’s simply the portrayal of Melchior in DWSA (Austin McKenzie) that makes me feel like this, but I honestly cannot find it in my heart to not like him. Yes, he made mistakes. But they weren’t exactly his fault. If anyone was to blame for Wendla’s pregnancy, it would be the adults.

Melchior likes to act as if he knows all. But he didn’t know that sex would result in a child. He didn’t know there were any outcomes besides the pleasure of Heaven breaking over those involved. He had to learn through books, not through his parents. In a way, Wendla and Melchior knew the same amount. Melchior simply knew more on how to actually make everything work/fit.

I’m speaking directly to DWSA here as I can’t remember exactly how it went down in the original, but before Wendla and Melchior go through with it all, Melchior asks Wendla why she wants to stop. But he still completely stops his actions when he stops. Then he and Wendla kiss, but it wasn’t only him. She leaned forward too.

Please please please note that I am NOT discussing the play, or the original Spring Awakening Musical, because I cannot remember exact details and scenarios right now.

Melchior, like all the others, was failed by the adults. And I don’t believe Wendla blames him. Obviously she doesn’t, based off of “Those You’ve Known”. If anyone is to blame for what happened, it was the adults. Melchior was left out of the very important details, yet he still takes ownership and promises to help father the child.

-

Ramblers Note: I know a lot of people say that fans of Melchior are r//pe apologists. Please do not put words in my mouth. Melchior’s actions were certainly not okay, but I simply don’t think he is the one to blame. I myself have a long history with s//xual ab//se, and I don’t take kindly to people trying to say I think it’s okay. It’s not and it never will be. I created this blog with my therapist’s advice, so I ask that you don’t try to accuse me of excusing terrible actions. Maybe before doing such, try to look from my point of view?

[junker-town]

NBA playoff predictions: 1 big question about each Eastern Conference series

The SB Nation communities preview every first round series in the East.

The Eastern Conference playoffs feature three heavy favorites and five other teams looking to make a Cinderella run to the NBA Finals. The Philadelphia 76ers have the homecourt advantage throughout the conference playoffs by finishing with the No. 1 seed, but the Brooklyn Nets are looming as the betting favorite to win it all. The Milwaukee Bucks are also lurking as they enter the postseason with an improved roster following last year’s early exit in the bubble.

The Eastern Conference playoffs get underway on May 22 and will lead up to the start of the NBA Finals on July 8. As the first round kicks off, the conference features four exciting series with storylines galore from every perspective.

Now that the playoffs are finally here, we asked the SB Nation NBA communities to preview their team’s matchup by asking one big question about each series. The communities also gave their predictions on who will win the series, as did staffers Sabreena Merchant, Sydney Umeri, and Ricky O’Donnell.

No. 1 76ers vs. No. 8 Wizards: Predictions and preview

76ers 49-23 vs. Wizards 34-38

Offensive efficiency: 76ers 112.5 (13th) | Wizards 110.7 (17th)

Defensive efficiency: 76ers 107 (2nd) | Wizards 112.3 (20th)

Net rating: 76ers +5.5 (5th) | Wizards -1.6 (22nd)

Season series: 76ers 3-0. Philadelphia swept the season series.

The Sixers swept the season series 3-0, but all of those games took place before the Wizards saved their season starting in April. Given Washington’s current hot streak and mid-season additions (led by Daniel Gafford), do you think the Wizards can make this series competitive?

Steve Lipman of Liberty Ballers: The Philadelphia in me deeply wants to hedge my bets here just in case, but short of significant injury, I really don’t see a path for Washington to make this series competitive. Throughout the season, the Sixers have done a really good job of punishing teams that cannot match them, physically, and Washington is a much smaller team than Philly. Embiid, Simmons and Harris should be able to hunt mismatches on the court all throughout the series, and by doing so create enough advantages either at the rim or beyond the arc to rack up points on the shoddy Wizards defense.

I guess there’s a universe where Simmons, Thybulle and company simply cannot keep up with Beal and Westbrook’s offensive output, thus stealing a couple of games for the Wiz, but I think it’s unlikely. Davis Bertans is basically guaranteed to shoot 75% from 3 against the Sixers in round one after struggling mightily in the play-in games, you can write that in stone. But Davis can’t do it on his own. Ultimately, I just think the Sixers’ defense is too good to get victimized by this Washington team in a really meaningful way, and the Sixers’ personnel is tailor-made to take advantage of the Wizards’ poor defense. — @SteveJLipman

Albert Lee of Bullets Forever:

Ahead of the series, our Wizards community wrote:

The Wizards are not favorites in this series, and that’s fine, given how wild this season has been. So at the end of the day, the players should be very happy to make it to this far. While I expect Washington to lose this best-of-seven series, I also would like to see them win one game, And anything more would be a bonus.

Liberty Ballers: 76ers in 5.

Sydney Umeri: 76ers in 6.

Ricky O’Donnell: 76ers in 5.

Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images

No. 2 Nets vs. No. 7 Celtics: Predictions and preview

Nets 48-24 vs. Celtics 36-36

Offensive efficiency: Nets 117.3 (1st) | Celtics 113.1 (10th)

Defensive efficiency: Nets 113.1 (22nd) | Celtics 111.8 (13th)

Net rating: Nets +4.2 (7th) | Celtics +1.2 (13th)

Season series: Nets 3-0. Brooklyn swept the season series.

Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving played just eight games together. Can the Celtics put a scare into the Nets if it takes them time to gel?

Jeff Clark from Celtics Blog: Predicting what the Boston Celtics will do from game to game or even quarter by quarter is a fool’s errand. However, given that I am a foolish fan, I’ll give it a shot anyway. If this series is to play out in a similar way to how the season has gone, we’ll see the Celtics come out flat and lose the first three games and the entire fanbase will start wearing black and sharpening pitchforks. They will then go on an absolute tear, winning three straight games and getting up the hopes of every optimist fan. That will of course be followed up by a game 7 loss in which the team tries really hard but can’t hit a shot to save their lives and Brooklyn’s 9th man goes off for 27 points.

Seriously though, the variability of this team really is maddening. Blame injuries, COVID, the schedule, or inexperience if you like. The bottom line is that they haven’t been consistent all season long and missing Jaylen Brown isn’t going to help that at all. Perhaps Jayson Tatum can carry the team to a win or two but ultimately there’s too much talent on Brooklyn’s side. I’ll be optimistic and say Nets in 6. — @CelticsBlog

Chris Milholen of Nets Daily: The Nets ‘Big Three’ of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden played only eight games together and as we all know, what separates great teams from championship teams is common history and elite chemistry in the postseason.

All three players have stressed to us over the course of the final weeks of the season that the lack of common history isn’t a problem nor a concern since their talent will make up for it. Although the ‘Big Three’ played even less games with key role players on the team, I believe their talent will make up for that lack of common history in the first round.

I believe Brooklyn will prevail over Boston in five games (4-1). The Nets are approaching the postseason as “a new season” and due to finishing second in the East, Brooklyn has had an extended period of rest mixed in with practices that have been focused on solidifying chemistry in different groups and lineups of players. Like Brad Steven’s said on Tuesday, it’s hard to see this team losing, so I’ll be going with Nets in five games. — @CMilholenSB

Nets Daily: Nets in 5.

Celtics Blog: Nets in 6.

Sabreena Merchant: Nets in 4.

Ricky O’Donnell: Nets in 5.

Sydney Umeri: Nets in 6.

Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

No. 3 Bucks vs. No. 6 Heat: Predictions and preview

Bucks 46-26 vs. Heat 40-32

Offensive efficiency: Bucks 116.5 (5th) | Heat 110.6 (18th)

Defensive efficiency: Bucks 110.7 (9th) | Heat 110.7 (9th)

Net rating: Bucks +5.8 (4th) | Heat -0.1 (17th)

Season series: Bucks 2-1. The teams split a back-to-back on Dec. 29-30, and the Bucks won on May 15 in a game at the very end of the regular season.

The Heat shocked the NBA by upsetting the Bucks in the bubble in last year’s playoffs. Is Milwaukee better prepared for a matchup with Miami this year?

Kyle Carr of BrewHoop: Milwaukee’s offseason moves were a response to their dismal bubble performance and the need to convince Giannis Antetokounmpo to sign the supermax and stay in Milwaukee. Trading Eric Bledsoe, who had another disappointing playoffs, was the biggest priority and Milwaukee found an upgrade in Jrue Holiday, who has brought the Bucks a two-way performance that’s been needed. The Bucks also added Bobby Portis and Bryn Forbes to provide some offensive firepower and PJ Tucker midseason to help with their defense.

The Bucks have spent most of this season tweaking their tactics, namely adding a player to the “dunker spot” on offense and switching on defense. All of these changes, plus an improved performance from Giannis, should put Milwaukee in a better position to be prepared for Miami this year. There will be some nervy moments, but with the previously mentioned adjustments, complete focus on basketball (which they did not have last year in the bubble with COVID-19 and the shooting of Jacob Blake) and playing in front of fans in an increased capacity Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee will look to show that last year was just a mixture of poor performances and bad luck. — @KyleCoche

Diego Quezada from Hot Hot Hoops:

Here’s what our Heat community wrote ahead on the series:

The Miami Heat’s upset over the Milwaukee Bucks last year stands as perhaps the team’s biggest upset playoff victory — knocking off the No. 1 overall seed in just five games. And yes, Jimmy Butler was amazing. But aside from Butler’s greatness, Miami also pulled off the upset thanks to varied contributions from other players.

....

Jae Crowder and Kelly Olynyk are both no longer with Miami. Dragic has regressed, and it seems ambitious to expect he’ll deliver another superb playoff performance this year. How can the Heat recapture that same balanced attack? The Heat will need Butler and Bam Adebayo to play like All-NBA and All-Defensive Team players in this first-round playoff series. But to pull off another upset and embarrass the Bucks yet again, the other players need to contribute.

Brew Hoop: Bucks in 6.

Ricky O’Donnell: Bucks in 7.

Sabreena Merchant: Bucks in 6.

Sydney Umeri: Bucks in 5.

Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

No. 4 Knicks vs. No. 5 Hawks: Predictions and preview

Knicks 41-31 vs. Hawks 41-31

Offensive efficiency: Knicks 110.2 (22nd) | Hawks 112.1 (18th)

Defensive efficiency: Knicks 107.8 (4th) | Hawks 101.5 (11th)

Net rating: Knicks +2.4 (9th) | Hawks +2.2 (11th)

Season series: Knicks 3-0. New York swept the season series, including winning a classic overtime battle in late April.

Both of these teams blew past preseason expectations this year. Whose success feels more sustainable for playoff basketball?

Zach Hood of Peachtree Hoops: I think both teams are legitimately good as currently constructed. However, New York enjoyed extremely hot three-point shooting late in the season, and had a few guys post career or near career marks from deep. The Hawks battled injuries all season and finished with the same 41-31 record as the Knicks. It feels like Atlanta at its peak would be the better team if they could get everyone on the floor at the same time, something they really haven’t done for an extended period this season. De’Andre Hunter appears to be ready to go for the series, so they may be as close to full strength as they have been all season when the series tips off Sunday evening. If Atlanta can stay healthy, I think they are the team with the higher ceiling.

I’m going Hawks in 7. New York is certainly going to battle and nothing will be easy. It’s also tough to pick against them in their building in a Game 7, but that’s what I’m doing here. Ultimately, a great deal of respect is due to New York for the season they have put together, but if the Hawks can keep the three-point line under control defensively, I think they will take this series. — @ZHood_

Joe Flynn from Posting and Toasting: I would disagree with the idea that the Hawks blew past preseason expectations. I think most experts had them contending for a playoff spot in the East after all their offseason improvements, albeit at a lower seed. The Knicks, on the other hand, finished damn near 20 wins higher than their preseason Vegas line in a 72-game season. That’s almost unprecedented.

The Hawks are the more talented team across the board, and that usually wins out in the postseason. The Knicks are carrying around the millstone that is Elfrid Payton - the league’s worst starting PG - despite the fact that Tom Thibodeau has 3-4 superior guards on the bench. That didn’t hurt them too often in the regular season, but it’ll catch up with them now. — @ChinaJoeFlynn

Posting and Toasting: Hawks in 6.

Peachtree Hoops: Hawks in 7.

Sabreena Merchant: Knicks in 7.

Ricky O’Donnell: Knicks in 7.

Sydney Umeri: Hawks in 7.

[mara-the-cactupus]

Tagged by @a-candle-for-sherlock... ohhhh boy, I am in SUCH a music mood right now for some reason, so thank you!! I’m just gonna cobble together a whole bunch of songs for each:

A song you like with a color in the title: Black Tears by Tyler Bates

A song you like with a number in the title: A Thousand Years by Christina Perri

A song that reminds you of summer time: Folding Chair by Regina Spektor

A song that reminds you of someone you’d rather forget: hmm, I have a weird relationship with the Sherlock s4 score, but David Arnold and Michael Price just create such heartbreakingly lovely music. My favorites this season are Murder This Time and Who You Really Are.

A song that needs to be played LOUD: Uprising by Muse, The Whyle by Qntal, Beautiful Crime by Tamer, Take You Down by Daniel Pemberton

A song that makes you want to dance: Ninna Nanna and Amado Mio by Pink Martini, Bailando by Enrique Iglesias, Wannabe by the Spice Girls, Toxic by Britney Spears, Hold Me Down by Halsey

A song to drive to: hmm, I don’t drive much... I like listening to Mamma Mia (the 2008 movie recording) or The Man From UNCLE score on long car rides, though.

A song about drugs or alcohol: You Were the Last High by the Dandy Warhols, Habits (Stay High) by Tove Lo (because of this), Something Good by Alt-J. I don’t support drug use, but there’s something that’s gotta be said about it as a metaphor for certain moods.

A song that makes you happy: Make Someone Happy by Jimmy Durante... I sob internally whenever I hear it, and the world just seems to slow into this glowing, carousel-christmas lights nostalgia.

A song that makes you sad: Wow, I’m gonna have to make a whole sub-paragraph because that’s such a big mood... but if I have to boil it down to just one song, the answer is simple: Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley. There are no words to describe it.

(And here’s the sub-paragraph, in case you’re wondering: Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, Kimi wo Nosete by Joe Hisaishi, Safe & Sound by Taylor Swift and the Civil Wars, and Atlas by Coldplay. These all give me this weird wrenching combination of nostalgia and despair. Then there’s the gut-punches, which you should not click on if you aren’t planning on clicking on something else afterwards: Dumbledore’s Farewell by Nicholas Hooper, and oh god I’ve been listening to that score again, so I’ll throw in In Noctem too; Aurora by Hans Zimmer, and most of the Inception score, which sounds awesome but then makes me feel really crappy. Also, Captain America by Henry Jackman puts me in a weird mood, but I absolutely love it; it’s like floating on an airplane. And We Are All To Blame by Rupert Gregson-Williams feels a bit cathartic.)

...and I didn’t know what category to put this one in, but it crushes me every time because I grew up listening to it every year around Christmas: Walking in the Air. Just watch the short film. You will cry.

Thank you so much for tagging me! Anyone who sees this post, PLEASE make your own list of songs! And tag me! Also tagging @bidianaprinxe, @sci-fi-hero, @little-bookbird, @bleedingsilverbird, @margheritart, @klixse, @toboldlygay : )

[chaquetadecuero]

Los renacuajos de la ciudad.

El tiempo se comparte cuando la estancia es agradable, aun cuando el taller se este quemando por las moscas.

Se esconden los huevos en los plateros de peces que de plata se vean cuando se hacen en el estanque. Intriga como nacieron, intriga verlos estancados y divierte cuando se van por las cloacas sin barco, los barcos de papel ni se mueven ni entran hormigas.

Algunos gritan recordando insectos, otros lloran, yo me enojo al verlos.

Yo encerrado y otros pocos igual encerrados haciendo el amor durante el tiempo de arenas movedizas nos reíamos y solo entraban al agua con sapos de agua estancada los que de poder vivían y de envidia murieron. Solo los solitarios en sus barquitos de papel disfrutaron. No hay dinero y hay compañía cuando el trabajo y esfuerzo de los nobles suda la frente y las axilas de peso de carga.

Los incautos brotaron con escamas y sin raíces treparon saltando para ser devorados todos los dias.

Triste agonía, risa perpetua , hasta los cristales se oxidaron cuando se engaño la risa interna personal como se.

Y los lazos de estrecha complicidad que prefiere sonar a musica sin instrumentos musicales no son mas que acorde de sinfonías tristes infectadas de pus de heridas viejas; reprendimientos de agonías que nunca pidieron ayuda solo se escuchan cuando no se ven las figuras de los ventanales del espíritu.

(Interlude)

-Fire on the hills, fleaming lips, watering the path getting out the border line.

Another track, another forgetten letter, aint no song in the background, carring chaos as candy jewelry.

Lossin my sight by my own, smells like pussy, smells like your exgirlfriend in your legs to tour vagina, taking out the wine of the backseat.

Take out the shotgun, sleeping keeping me in safe of my own riffs and disasters.

Fire before and after cry when I lost my wallet isnt the money it was the few or lot of family photos.

Laughing when fall by my own stupid on the space gravity, think was the acids dont ever blame the beer, the cow will have a son of my chivo loco, and the weed will produce better liqour aint rather the wine for the morning. Still in the night the lights fly as UFOs maybe is the weird sight for the song writting for you.

PUBLICACIÓN #157

JUAN DANIEL ALEJANDRE PELAEZ.

Y'HAX. 09:16m. 21/06/2018.

Y'HAX. 09:36m. 21/06/2018

[tophatal]

It’s all the media’s fault

The media reports the news and politicians will continue to use the media in its various formats to get their messages out. So let’s stop pretending the two sides don’t need each other as there tends to be a great deal of ambiguity and hypocrisy which comes from both sides. On Tuesday night there was the gregarious display of President Donald Trump addressing the nation on national television as he sought to unite the country. Dependent upon who you would like to believe, he was able to achieve that , or you might be persuaded that he simply provided us all with another glaring performance of a pompous arrogant ass playing to his audience. He took snipes at two Republican senators from the state of Arizona , blaming them for his party’s failure in the repealing of the Affordable Care (ACA/Obamacare) . Trump also presented the media as odious morons who misreport the facts, this coming from a Commander In Chief who has not always been willing to listen to the facts as given to him by his own inner circle of advisers. It will always be the media’s fault when you have nothing of substance to report or say.

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The media for its part will continue to be lambasted , rightfully so , when there is a great deal of hypocrisy and idiocy on their part. Nothing at present can be more asinine and idiotic than the story now emanating from ESPN and their removal of Robert Lee from the calling of College Football Game , because Lee’s name might be seen as insensitive after the recent events which have taken place in Charlottesville , Virginia. Robert Lee was due to call a game between the University of Virginia and William & Mary next month. ESPN took it upon themselves after they stated, having met with Lee , it would be more suitable were he to announce a game taking place in Youngstown Ohio , rather than call this upcoming contest.

President Donald Trump is seen here in Arizona , before taking the dais where he would give a rather incoherent speech on unity and the state of the country , while also lambasting the press for their poor reporting of the facts.

Political correctness, call it what you will, but ESPN remains a bastion of hypocrisy , stupidity and a network where not racial bigotry has existed , but also where male employees have been allowed to get away with rather salacious behavior and odious criminal acts. Misogyny and outright sexism is also part of the environment of the cable broadcast network outlet.

Former heavyweight champion now retired and business entrepreneur George Foreman remains in the public spotlight and is beloved for his heroics in the ring. Unfortunately , of late Foreman , has chosen to voice his opinion on what he believes are acts of non-patriotism with the actions of NFL player Colin Kaepernick and his refusal to stand while the national anthem is being played at NFL games. Kaepernick remains unsigned and his free agency status is likely to remain as it is long into the regular season. The former champion was not only critical of the NFL player but athletes in general and what he says are acts on non-patriotism and his directness in taking aim at Kevin Durant and Durant’s refusal to attend the White House when the Golden State Warriors are due to meet the President as the franchise is recognized for their championship series’ victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers , is to my mind a further indication as to the growing distance as what is seen as social awareness , the divergence where sports and politics are not meant to be aligned.

George Foreman’s criticism of Colin Kaepernick and Kevin Durant is hypocritical and dare I say it asinine , when you consider the boxer claims his friendship with the late Muhammad Ali and his recognition of Ali’s stance, due to his opposition of the Vietnam War .

It seems almost inconceivable that Jon Jones could fail a second mandatory drug test mandated by the UFC in conjunction with the California State Athletic Commission . Having regained the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship defeating Daniel Cormier UFC President Dana White now has to deal with the fallout from the serious ramifications of this latest controversy faced by MMA with Jones’ drug test failure. The champion’s decisive victory over Daniel Cormier at UFC 215 was as decisive as they come and perhaps the best of Jon Jones’ MMA career . What is likely to transpire now will be dependent upon any additional investigation being conducted by the California State Athletic Commission in conjunction with the UFC. Jon Jones could face another lengthy suspension , the second of his career or a recommendation could be made for a lifetime ban from the UFC. Jones and his representative s might well seek to fight any proposed suspension , but any type of explanation from the MMA fighter would prove difficult to accept given his past actions (testing positive for the use of cocaine).

Dana White will now have to use all of his persuasiveness to prove to the fans , that MMA remains a sport beyond reproach and one that is clean . He’s swung and might be in the process of hitting a home run , having now backed the proposed upcoming boxing match between UFC fighter Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather , which is due to take place on the 26th August at the T Mobile Arena in Las Vegas , Nevada . As a co-promotion between the UFC and Mayweather Promotions , this will be the biggest joint event and most financially beneficial for the UFC in their history. McGregor will certainly earn the biggest payday of his career, earning an estimated $25 million for this fight alone. Floyd Mayweather is likely to earn in excess of $250 million and a great deal more when one takes into account merchandising and overseas’ broadcast rights .

With all of the hype and theatrics used to sell this bout to the masses and Floyd Mayweather now trying to amp this fight even further with his claims , he’s not as quick as he once was in his prime , I am beginning to think the boxing match could end up being a monumental bore or actually turn out to be competitive fight. The former welterweight champion remains an odds on favorite , but as of late there has been a great deal of money being wagered on Conor McGregor pulling off the upset.

Well it appears the lights have yet to go out at the Quicken Loans Arena after all of the tumult and upheaval within the Cleveland Cavaliers’ franchise over the past six weeks. David Griffin was ousted as the general manager , being replaced by Koby Altman . Team owner Dan Gilbert in spite of his denials , suggested all as well within the franchise and that disgruntled point-guard Kyrie Irving remained a part of the Cavaliers’ long-term future. Clearly smoke was being blown up everyone’s ass by the front office , with Gilbert leading the choir. Irving’s relationship with LeBron James had gone sour and the rapport between the two players was certainly non-communicative . A blockbuster trade has come into being with Kyrie Irving being sent to the Boston Celtics in exchange for Isiah Thomas . Residual pieces also made up the deal, but the vital pieces in the trade were the point guards , Irving and Thomas. The Eastern Conference will certainly take on whole new shape and I do believe there will be a seismic shift which might not necessarily favor the Cleveland Cavaliers. Isiah Thomas is an exceptional talent , but I do believe the Boston Celtics got the better end of the deal with their acquisition of Kyrie Irving and the other players as part of this unbelievable blockbuster trade.

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics will meet during the NBA preseason , with the game taking place on the 17th October at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. They will also face each other during the regular season at home and on the road. It will be interesting to see how the two teams will fare with their new lineups .

So will this be the season where Steve Mills and Scott Perry bring the New York Knicks back from the brink of ruin or will this particular NBA franchise’s tailspin continue ? Having spent over $60 million on Phil Jackson to simply reaffirm that Jackson cannot spot NBA talent let alone spell the word , Perry has been brought in the oversee the roster of the Knicks while Mills runs the operational side of the franchise while still answerable to team owner James Dolan . These are dire times for the New York Knicks as they continue to go through transitional changes which might ultimately make them better . I am not so sure the patience remains with Carmelo Anthony to undergo another season of uncertainty and even less of a chance for the seasoned veteran to win an NBA title . He has seen a number of his contemporaries from the 2003 NBA Draft go on to win a championship ring or win the game’s highest singular award, League MVP . All of these accolades have escaped Anthony’s career resume’ as he toils with an aimless franchise heading nowhere.

The New York Knicks will begin their preseason schedule with a game against the Brooklyn Nets on the 3rd October , 2017 at Madison Square Garden , in New York City , New York . Yet their regular season schedule starts on the 19th October when they will face the Oklahoma City Thunder in a game which could prove to be highly entertaining with a great deal of offense .

There can be no denying in spite of the recent dominance of the Golden State Warriors , the NBA lures in the fans when the likes of the Los Angeles Lakers , Boston Celtics and New York Knicks are doing well. These three franchise might be the most followed in the league because of their respective histories. Yet it is clear as of late , neither Lakers or Knicks have provided their fans with a great deal of excitement in recent seasons. The Celtics ‘ front office might be one o the most underestimated in the game , while we already know both the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers are still finding their way. Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka have been brought in by Jeanie Buss and her siblings to steer the franchise back in the right direction. A great deal of hype has already been put in place with the Lakers’ having drafted Lonzo Ball . If he is the second coming of Kobe Bryant , then the franchise will fare well , but this roster is still in the making and I don’t expect them to be very competitive this season. They might be lucky to win thirty regular season games during the 2017-18 schedule.

With the first game of their regular season schedule taking place on the 17th October when they face the Los Angeles Clippers who this season are likely to struggle having seen the departure of Chris Paul . It should prove to be very interesting to see which of the three NBA franchises in the state of California comes out as the ‘Top Dog’ in the state at the end of this season.

I do believe that the Los Angeles Clippers will be taking a step back this season , even though they will remain the best team in their division , I just don’t believe they are a championship caliber team. There is not enough depth on the roster and it has become increasingly clear , neither Blake Griffin or DeAndre Jordan are leaders. They are merely overpaid NBA stars showing little sign of maturity and the will to lead by example. Doc Rivers as the head coach of the team as well as Head of Basketball Operations is stretched too thin and needs to relinquish his role as an executive within the Clippers’ organization. Rivers should concentrate on the coaching of the team , while Steve Ballmer works in conjunction with Jerry West , seeking to make this team better. West joining the Clippers’ front office as a special consultant does seem somewhat ironic and eerie especially when you consider his career with the Los Angeles Lakers a nd the fact both of the Los Angeles’ franchises share the same home venue . I would love to be a fly on the wall inside both front offices over the course of this season , as Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka try to outmaneuver Jerry West , Lawrence Frank and Dave Wohl . The Clippers’ front office is top-heavy with far too many front office executives and the coaching staff itself, while there is an abundance of experience to be found. It was clear last season the coaches were not able to get the best out of the team , leading to their dismal showing during the NBA Playoffs .

When it is all said and done , this season for the Detroit Tigers has been glaringly abysmal , with the team failing to show any drive whatsoever. The death of Michael Ilitch was a devastating blow to the organization and now the franchise is left in the hands of the late owner’s family. Chris Ilitch now steps into the role as the Chief Executive and owner of the Tigers , while Al Avila continues in his role of general manager. Where the Tigers now go from here will be predicated on how the season rounds out for the ball-club.

Brad Ausmus and the Detroit Tigers face a tough month ahead while simply playing for pride. Ausmus’ managerial staff will still try to instill some discipline and sense of purpose into the team. That will likely begin by out-playing the New York Yankees who they face on Thursday afternoon . The game itself should prove to be very interesting given what is at stake for both teams . During the off-season Al Avila will have to make a decision concerning the long-term future of stars such as Justin Verlander , Miguel Cabrera and several others of their highly paid players on the team’s roster. Over the last six seasons the Tigers have very little to show their fans by way of advancing during the postseason . While I don’t believe Al Avila will seek to make drastic changes , there has to be something done to improve this roster or ultimately , the paring down of the payroll must be a priority for the franchise moving forward.

Rich Hill a starting pitcher with the Los Angeles Dodgers toyed with a ‘no hitter’ in his most recent outing for the team , a game played against the Pittsburgh Pirates . One errant pitch broke up what would have been a career highlight for a player who has come so close to pitching a no hitter on several occasions during his career. The Dodgers would end up losing the contest 1-0, in ten innings . When these two teams are back on the diamond this Thursday evening , the opposing pitchers will be Hyun Jin-Ryu of the Dodgers against Chad Kuhl of the Pirates .

There is no doubt in my mind the Los Angeles Dodgers will run away with the NL West divisional crown, but I will continue to ask the question how good is this team really ? If they are unable to make a deep postseason run ,and play with consistency , then greatness cannot be foisted upon them. It has been over two decades since the Los Angeles Dodgers made an appearance in the World Series and subsequent postseason appearances have often ended in sheer failure on the part of this ballclub. If the Dodgers were to do the unthinkable and win the World Series in 2017, then the media would have a field day reporting the story creating a deal of hyperbole as to the Dodgers’ exploits.

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Byron Scott, the now fired former coach of the Hornets. GM , Jeff Bower who has now assumeed the position of head coach on an interim basis. And assistant coach , Tim Floyd. It’s safe to assume that the reins may well be handed over to Floyd at some time in the future given the fact Bower has no experience as a coach of any kind with regard to the NBA . picture apears courtesy of nbae/ getty images / Richard Tyson …………..

Rays’ third baseman , Evan Longoria at the plate for team. photo appears courtesy of Getty Images/ Vic Hallam

Carl Crawford’s three-run home run in the sixth inning highlighted Tampa Bay’s three-game sweep of the Angels. The Rays are five games over .500 for the first time in team history. photo appears courtesy of the Associated Press/ Mike Carlson ………….

Gatots’ player Tim Tebow (15) and his coach Urban Meyer discuss their options during a game. photo appears courtesy of Getty Images/ Chris Dickson ……………….

Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig’s steroids proposal, made to the union last month, calls for a 50-game ban for first offenders, a 100-game penalty for second offenders and a lifetime ban for a third positive test. photo appears courtesy of Associated Press / Adam Roundtree …….

Carolina Panthers’ Julius Peppers saluting fans as he walks off the field after the Panthers’ 23-10 win over the New Orleans Saints in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers have decided the price is too steep to keep their all-time sacks leader. It means five-time Pro Bowl defensive end Julius Peppers is about to become one of the top prizes in free agency. Agent Carl Carey says the Panthers have told him they won’t place the restrictive franchise tag on Peppers for a second consecutive year at a cost of more than $20 million. The move Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010, comes two days before the tag deadline. photo appears courtesy of Associated Press/ Rick Havner ……

Mike Dunleavy (#17) of the Indiana Pacers goes up for the lay up against Brendan Haywood (#33) of the Dallas Mavericks during a game at the American Airlines Center on February 22, 2010 in Dallas, Texas. photo appears courtesy of NBAE/ Getty Images/ Glenn James ……………….

University of Michigan President Mary Sue Coleman, left, and head football coach Rich Rodriguez, right, are shown at a news conference in Ann Arbor, Mich., Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010. The NCAA has found that Michigan’s storied football program was out of compliance with practice time rules under coach Rodriguez. Incoming athletic director David Brandon disclosed the finding Tuesday. He says there were no surprises in the NCAA findings. He also says Rodriguez remains the coach. Michigan has 90 days to respond and will appear at an NCAA hearing on infractions in August. photo appears courtesy of Associated Press/ Paul Sancya ……

Los Angeles -January 13th 2010. New head coach of the USC Trojans Lane Kiffin shakes a hand as he makes his way to his press conference at Heritage Hall in Los Angeles, California. photo appears courtesy of Getty Images/ Harry How ……………..

Duke’s Jon Scheyer collides with Virginia Tech’s Malcolm Delaney, left, during the first half. Scheyer scored 25 points and collected 10 rebounds in the win. The Blue Devils defeated Virginia Tech (Hokies) 67-55 in the game . photo appears courtesy of Associated Press / Sara Davis ……………..

Chicago Cubs owner Tom Ricketts speaks to the media Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010 at the Chicago Cubs spring training facility in Mesa, Ariz. photo appears Assoc. Press/ Matt York ….

Chicago Cubs manager Lou Piniella, right, along with coaches Matt Sinatro, middle, and Lester Strode watch pitchers warm up during spring training baseball camp practice Saturday, Feb. 20, 2010, in Mesa, Ariz. photo appears courtesy of Assoc. Press/ Ross D. Franklin ………..

Minnesota Twins pitcher Joe Mauer swings in the batting cage at baseball spring training in Fort Myers, Fla., Thursday, Feb. 25, 2010. photo appears courtesy of Assoc Press/ Nati Harnik …….

Florida Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria, left, watches batting practice with Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez during spring training baseball Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2010, in Jupiter, Fla. With the smallest payroll in the majors last year, the Marlins won 87 games and finished six games behind eventual league champion Philadelphia in the NL East. Visiting spring training to watch the first full-squad workout, Loria said the 2009 Marlins underachieved. photo appears courtesy of Assoc Press/Jeff Roberson ……..

Israeli model Bar Refaeli seen here doing a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition phot-shoot.

Ray Allen (#20) of the Boston Celtics looks for a play against LeBron James (#23) of the Cleveland Cavaliers on February 25, 2010 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. photo appears courtesy of NBAE/ Getty Images/ Brian Babbineau …..

Floyd Mayweather, left, and current WBA welterweight super champion Shane Mosley exchange words during a news conference in New York, Tuesday, March 2, 2010. The press conference was to promote their May 1, 2010 fight in Las Vegas, Nevada. photo appears courtesy of Assoc Press/ Seth Wenig ……..

Floyd Mayweather, left, and current WBA welterweight world champion Shane Mosley pose for a picture during a news conference in New York, Tuesday, March 2, 2010. The news conference was to promote their May 1, 2010 fight in Las Vegas, Nevada. photo appears courtesy of Assoc Press /Seth Wenig

Scott Boras, chided for bonus demands for amateur clients, says the Major League Baseball draft needs restructuring. “In this system, everybody thinks this is about money. No, this is about saving money. It allows for less mistakes,” he says. photo appears courtesy of USA Today Jason M. Millstein ………………..

Commissioner of Major League Baseball Bud Selig and actress Sarah-Jessica Parker take part in an on field presentation during the 79th MLB All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium on July 15, 2008 in the Bronx borough of New York City. photo appears courtesy of Getty Images North America / Jim McIsaac ……………

Stacey Dash , actress , designer and entrepreneur .

Jennifer Aniston shows us that she’s more than willing to be your ‘friend’ ?

Model & Playboby playmate Naureen Zaim . Who wouldn’t mind teaching her a lesson or two on human anatomy ?

Cuban American actress & model Natalie Martinez

Martinez again looking good as only she possibly can !

Oh mon ami ! she possibly can ! Je t’aime !</strong

Who wouldn’t want to play with Natalie Martinez ?

Well hello there !

Model & actress Natalie Martinez ……….

Actress & model Natalie Martinez …….. Who wouldn’t want to get ahold of her rims ? I know I would !

New York Yankees’ Alex Rodriguez watches his fly-out in the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Friday, March 26, 2010, in Tampa, Fla. photo appears courtesy of Assoc Press / Mike Carlson ….

Sarasoata , Fl ,. Infielder Adrian Beltre (29) of the Boston Red Sox throws over to first for an out against the Baltimore Orioles during a Grapefruit League Spring Training Game at Ed Smith Stadium on March 27, 2010 in Sarasota, Florida. photo appears courtesy of Getty Images/ J Meric ……….

St. Louis , Bobby Maze (3) of the Tennessee Volunteers looks to shoot the ball against Mike Kebler (20) and Draymond Green (23) both of the Michigan State Spartans during the midwest regional final of the 2010 NCAA men’s basketball tournament at the Edward Jones Dome on March 28, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. Michigan State beat Tennessee 70-69. photo appears courtesy of Getty Images/ Dilip Vishwanat …

The Duke Blue Devils hold up the trophy after a 78-71 win over the Baylor Bears in the south regional final of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday. photo appears courtesy of Getty Images/ Ronald Martinez …

Butler’s Nick Rodgers hold up the West Regional trophy as the team returned home to Indianapolis amid a throng of fans after earning a spot in the Final Four with a victory over Kansas State Saturday. photo appears courtesy of Associated Press/ A J Mast ………..

West Virginia’s Da’Sean Butler and Joe Mazzulla hug after the game. Butler scored 18 points and Mazulla pitched in a career-high 17 to help West Virginia hold off the Wildcats. The Mountaineers would defeat the Kentucky Wildcats 73-66 to make their way the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament. photo appears courtesy of Getty Images/ Jim McIsaac ……….

Russian actress & model Anya Monzikova . Who wouldn’t want some of Monzikova alongside some fresh Beluga caviar ?

2008 Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford. The player is widely expected to be taken number one overall in the upcoming NFL Draft. The team with the first pick are the NFC’s St Louis Rams . photo appears courtesy of Associated Press/ Chris Rogers ………..

Eagles’ quarterback Donovan McNabb. The player is said to want to remain with the Eagles but it’s becoming clear that he will be traded sooner rather than later. Eagles’ coach Andy Reid and team President Joe Banner are willing to listen to offers for the Pro Bowler. photo appears courtesy of US Presswire/ Jody Gomez ………….

Tebow (15) left is seen here alongside his former college coach Urban Meyer. The two proved to be very sucessfule as a team combining to win two national titles in four years. photo appears courtesy of boston.com/ articles …………

DeMaurice Smith Executive Director of the NFLPA. Smith who assumed the position after the death of his predecessor Gene Upshaw. He was elected to the position by the board members of the Players’ Association. Smith was a corporate litigation attorney for the DC law firm Patton Boggs. photo appears courtesy of Associated Press/ Phillip Mitchell

Carlos Boozer #5 of the Utah Jazz has his shot challenged by Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on April 2, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers would go on to defeat the Jazz 102-96 in the game . photo appears courtesy of NBAE/ Getty Images/ Andrew D Bernstein ………..

Donovan McNabb of the Philadelphia Eagles. The player was traded to the Washington Redskins a divisional rival in the NFC East. It adds to the flavor this upcoming season when the player meets his ‘former team’ . photo appears courtesy of Getty Images/ Hugh Malcolm ………………..

Baylor’s Brittney Griner and U Conn’s Maya Moore are seen here during the women’s Final Four game between the two teams. Geno Auriemma’s Huskies would go on to defeat the Baylor Lady Bears 70-50 in the game played at the Alamodome in San Antonio , Texas , Sunday April 4th 2010. photo appears courtesy of Getty Images/ Alicia Mack ………..

Cleveland Browns nose tackle Shaun Rogers and his lawyer Patrick D’Angelo, center, talk to reporters after leaving Cleveland Police Headquarters where Rogers was charged with one felony count of carrying a concealed weapon on Friday, April 2, 2010, in Cleveland, Ohio. Rogers was arrested at Cleveland Hopkins International airport on Thursday after he tried to take a loaded handgun through airport security. photo appears courtesy of Associated Press/ Jason Miller …..

Butler head coach Brad Stevens , left to right, Gordon Hayward and Ronald Nored smile during an interview session for the men’s NCAA Final Four college basketball championship Sunday, April 4, 2010, in Indianapolis. The Butler Bulldogs will face Mike Krzyzewski’s Duke Blue Devils in the championship game Monday night to be played at Lucas Oil Stadium , Indianapolis, Indiana. This in many ways will be very much a “home game” for the small and in-obtrusive college team from Indiana. The furor over over their improbable journey has resonated within the state and across the nation. photo appears courtesy of Associated Press/ Mark J Terrill ……………

Los Angeles, April 4th 2010. Manu Ginobil (20) of the San Antonio Spurs goes to the basket against Luke Walton (4) of the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on Sunday. The San Antonio Spurs would go on to defeat the Los Angeles Lakers 100-81 in a game played at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. photo appears courtesy of NBAE/ Getty Images/ Noah Grahame …………….

Tiki Barber and his wife Gina Cha. Barber’s wife is six months pregnant with twins and is now in the midst of separating from the former NFL star. photo appears courtesy of Wire Image/ Duffie Marie Arnoult ………….

23 year old Traci Lynn Johnson an intern with NBC Universal and who works alongside Tiki Barber on the NBC morning show “The Today Show” . Barber and Johnson are romantically involved and the former NFL star has now separated from his wife of 11 years , Gina Cha. The couple have two children with twin now on the way in terms of Cha’s pregnancy. photo appears courtesy of Social Media SEO ……….

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2010/tracker#dt-tabs:dt-by-round/dt-by-round-input:1

Playboy Playmate Kayle Collins …………August 2008. Is there a need to proceed further concerning Kayle’s attributes ?

Jameer Nelson of the Orlando Magic goes for the layup in the Eastern Conference semi-final game played against the Atlanta Hawks. NBAE/ Getty Images/ Fernando Medina ………

Head Coach Jerry Sloan of the Utah Jazz fields questions from the media following his team’s loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Two of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2010 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on May 4, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. NBAE Getty Images _ Andrew D Bernstein

Kobe Bryant (24) of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots against Deron Williams (8 )of the Utah Jazz in Game Two of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2010 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on May 4, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. NBAE Getty Images/ Noah D Bernstein

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – JUNE 24: (L-R) Robert Vittek, Martin Skrtel and Radoslav Zabavnik of Slovakia celebrate victory after knocking Italy out of the competition during the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Group F match between Slovakia and Italy at Ellis Park Stadium on June 24, 2010 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images ……

Johannesburg , South Africa – June 24 th 2010. Kamil Kopunek of Slovakia celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Group F match between Slovakia and Italy at Ellis Park Stadium on June 24, 2010 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images ……

Fabio Cannavaro, captain of Italy, leaves the field dejected after being knocked out of the competition by Slovakia during the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Group F match between Slovakia and Italy at Ellis Park Stadium on June 24, 2010 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images ………

In this Sept. 18, 2010, photo, Florida Marlins’ Dan Uggla bats in a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs in Miami. Uggla has been traded from the Marlins to the Atlanta Braves for infielder Omar Infante and left-hander Mike Dunn. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)

This is a 2008 file photo of Dan Uggla of the Florida Marlins baseball team. Uggla and the Atlanta Braves have reached a preliminary agreement on a $62 million, five-year contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press Wednesday Jan. 5, 2011 on condition of anonymity because the agreement was not yet final. (AP Photo/Rob Carr, File)

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Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Wei-Yin Chen (16), of Taiwan, comes into the dugout following the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Saturday, Aug. 4, 2012, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco)

ST. PETERSBURG – AUGUST 04: Designated hitter Jeff Keppinger #7 of the Tampa Bay Rays fouls off a pitch against the Baltimore Orioles during the game at Tropicana Field on August 4, 2012 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

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Brady

Picture gallery and by clicking on an individual image you can view that frame in a reformatted size alongside the accompanying narrative.

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 Tophatal ….. 08/23/2017

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USA Today Sports

It’s The Media’s Fault …. It's all the media's fault The media reports the news and politicians will continue to use the media in its various formats to get their messages out.

[dankfabio]

Psychotic

❝Who's the superior sibling now?❞

Carissa Durante didn't plan on her life turning out like this. She also didn't plan on her younger brother turning into an undiagnosed psychopath, but her life had taken that turn. She didn't plan on her brother hurting her every day and even hiring the students in her school to hurt her, but her life had also taken that turn. But the one turn she expected the least was for her psychopathic younger brother to come at her with a knife, her mom to walk into the kitchen at that very moment, and for her to almost be sent into an insane asylum. Until the brand new installed security cameras saved her innocence, but she managed to lose much more in the process.

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Jeremy Daniel Durante is psychotic; an apathetic monster that takes what he wants with a smile and leaves his enemies to die a slow and painful death. I've known this since we were kids. He always blamed things on me, always called me names no seven year old should know and always insisted I was the source of the family drama. And my parents believed him. Jeremy Daniel Durante is sixteen now. He's a sociopath, a grand one at that. He leads a mafia practically, has henchmen that back him on his every move and he's not afraid to back down, not without a fight. My parents still always believe him. He's the Mary Sue of my generation; the perfect child that speaks seven languages, has a perfect body with a defined set of abs and takes the most advanced classes. And he aces them. Every. Single. Time. But I'm used to it by now. Seventeen, the older sibling, shut away in a corner so she can be a depressed bulimic on her own. It's been like this for years. His forms of abuse vary from time to time, but if I know one thing, it's that he'll never stop tormenting me. Not as long as he knows he won't get caught. But I'm used to his brutality by now. There's nothing he can do that can get to me anymore. Or so I thought. What happens why my one year younger brother is cutting open his own wrists with the sharpest knife in our house, and of course, I try to stop him? Why, he comes at me with the knife, of course. But then mom walks in. He pleaded the fifth, instead screaming that I came at him with a knife. That it was MY fault. And she believed him. Jeremy Daniel Durante is a devil, the worst devil you could ever experience. He turns your life upside down, he turns it into your own personal hell, he uses all your imperfections, all your flaws against you. But my parents believe him no matter what he says. So what happens when he tells every that I'm psychotic? And, even worse... ...They believe him.

Psychotic

[junker-town]

Kawhi hasn’t he made a decision yet?

We have that and more in Tuesday’s NBA newsletter.

Dear Kawhi Leonard,

What it do, babeeeeeeeee?

The only superstar NBA free agent who didn’t agree to a deal on Sunday also didn’t agree to a deal on Monday. And here we all are all the way on July 2 for crying out loud, still waiting for Kawhi Leonard to decide between the NBA champion Toronto Raptors, the L.A. Lakers, and the L.A. Clippers. Everything is relative, and the other big names making their deals before free agency even began (even at its earlier than usual time market this season) has made the Kawhi wait unbearable, even though in reality it’s been only a matter of hours.

It’s been especially unbearable, one imagines, for the Lakers, who have a whole dang roster to fill out around LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Kyle Kuzma. L.A. did get a deal with Troy Daniels on Monday, so there will be *a* guard on the roster. (Whew.) The Raptors are in a holding pattern, too, and the Clippers’ only moves of consequence have been to bring back Patrick Beverley and absorb Mo Harkless and a pick in the reconstituted Jimmy Butler sign and trade.

I wrote that even as of Monday morning, the Lakers and Clippers were aiming at Kawhi or bust because the rest of free agency moved so quickly. It’d be interesting to have seen free agency evolve had Durant waited until a few days into July like he did in 2016, to see how everyone else would react and how situations like that of D’Angelo Russell would have played out. Alas.

Golden Hours

Consider me flummoxed at how many smart people are counting out the Warriors going into next season. No, D’Angelo Russell isn’t a perfect fit with Stephen Curry or Klay Thompson. But he’s not a bad fit, and he’s instantly Golden State’s third best healthy player (fourth best player overall). Thompson should be back at some point in the 2019-20 season. We don’t know what’s going to happen with Draymond Green -- a trade either now or in the middle of next season wouldn’t be a surprise given the Warriors’ salary issues -- but so long as he’s in Golden State the Warriors have a top-flight defender who can take on centers and point guards.

And they still have Steph freaking Curry, the two-time MVP and best shooter ever. And now Steph will again be unleashed with Kevin Durant gone.

The last two seasons Steph played without Durant, he won MVP. The Warriors won a title without Durant and came a couple shots from capping off a 73-win season with another title without Durant. The team is different and older now, sure. Klay missing time will hurt, sure. Green’s future is shaky, sure. But to act like there’s no way this team is a top-3 seed in the West, or that there’s no way this team actually competes for a title -- that’s ludicrous. These are still the Warriors! Put some respect on them.

Links

Best free agents remaining, starring DeMarcus Cousins, Danny Green, JaMychal Green, and more.

We’re still cooking on our rolling Winners and Losers.

Paul Flannery on the Jazz spinning from losing Gordon Hayward to contending for a championship in two years.

Heat check time for the Blazers: they traded for Hassan Whiteside.

I wrote about the Nets finally taking New York.

Michael Pina on how the Sixers can evolve with Al Horford.

Mike Prada explains why D’Angelo Russell was worth the risk for the Warriors.

The Kevin Durant vs. the Warriors narrative is beginning to form.

What type of player Durant might be when he comes back from his injury.

Real heads know the Royal Blues are the best classic Kings jerseys (over the baby blues and the vaunted, beloved blacks). And the royal blues are back!

How the Nets did it. Here’s Howard Beck on the Kyrie + Durant team-up.

Anthony Davis explains why he waived his trade kicker.

Dan Devine on the super-powered East.

Someone from the Suns is trying to explain their lack of a chase for D’Angelo by saying the team feared he’d be a bad example for Devin Booker, who is a grown man. How insulting. And is there a worse example being set than petulant, blame-shifting Bob Sarver?

Warriors franchisee Joe Lacob says no one will wear No. 35 for Golden State again so long as he runs the team.

The Kings won their version of free agency. The Bulls also did quite nicely for what they are trying to do.

How the Heat ended up in win now mode.

And finally: Harvey Araton takes a blowtorch to James “Jimmy” “J.D.” Dolan and the New York Knickerbockers.

Be excellent to each other.

[junker-town]

There’s only 1 great choice for NBA Coach of the Year

We dissect a crowded field from all angles and find one obvious candidate.

Every NBA award will be controversial this season. For some awards, this is the case every year. But the tight MVP race, the bizarre Rookie of the Year contest, and the always-confusing Most Improved Player battle should all bring out the knives.

Coach of the Year is one of those awards folks don’t get too hepped up about, despite fuzzy criteria and a perennial lack of consensus. This year’s race is really interesting precisely because there are no runaway candidates. There are a few contenders who have separated themselves from the pack as we approach April. We’ll get to them.

But in order to offer a full review of the league’s 30 head coaches — in this unusually stable season — we’ll start by eliminating those not in contention for consideration. This isn’t to say these coaches have done a bad job, just not a job worthy of league-wide accolades.

TEAMS ARE TOO BAD

Kenny Atkinson, Nets Luke Walton, Lakers Earl Watson, Suns Brett Brown, Sixers Frank Vogel, Magic Dave Joerger, Kings Jeff Hornacek, Knicks Tom Thibodeau, Timberwolves

We can scratch off eight candidates just because their teams are awful. Only one coach has ever won the award with a sub-.500 record — Red Kerr in 1967 for the Bulls’ inaugural season, where he went 33-40. Only twice have coaches won the award while going .500: Hubie Brown with the 1978 Hawks and Doc Rivers with the 2000 Magic.

These coaches, some promising and some less so, are all well under .500. There’s no chance for them.

TEAMS DIDN’T MEET EXPECTATIONS

Steve Kerr, Warriors Tyronn Lue, Cavaliers

Kerr will get some votes because the Warriors will have the best record in the league and the coach with the best record always seems to get votes. But Kerr won last year with a record-breaking 73-9 season, and his team added Kevin Durant. There’s some resentment toward the Warriors in general and there will be some penalty for finishing with a worse record, no matter how ridiculous that sounds. (There also has never been a back-to-back Coach of the Year.)

Lue’s Cavaliers, meanwhile, are currently in a dogfight for the No. 1 seed in the East despite having the most talented roster and the best player in the world. Coaches often take the most credit and blame for their teams’ defensive performances. Cleveland’s weakness on that end kills Lue’s case.

Alvin Gentry, Pelicans

Fred Hoiberg, Bulls

The Pelicans haven’t met expectations before or after trading for DeMarcus Cousins. Gentry is probably out the day after the regular season ends.

Hoiberg was right there with Gentry as a candidate for an in-season dismissal. He survived the season (well, so far) but the summer doesn’t look so comforting.

Michael Malone, Nuggets Terry Stotts, Blazers

One of these coaches will make the playoffs. Malone’s reputation as a defensive master is clearly misplaced, and it took him too long to devote his life to the siren song of Nikola Jokic.

Stotts followed up a shockingly good season with Portland with a shockingly mediocre campaign. He’s still a good coach, but falling this short of expectations disqualifies you for Coach of the Year.

Doc Rivers, Clippers

There is serious debate everywhere as to whether Doc Rivers is actually a good coach. I would argue in the affirmative, but ... no, he’s not the Coach of the Year with the Clippers hanging on to the No. 5 seed for dear life.

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Steve Clifford, Hornets Stan Van Gundy, Pistons

Disappointing seasons for well-respected coaches. The Hornets have talent issues, but fell off hard compared to both last season and to the early part of this season. Clifford is likely safe in the offseason, but the shine wears thin when you can’t put together a good team in back-to-back seasons with similar talent levels.

Van Gundy seems absolutely miserable. He gets paid too much to get fired now, but you almost wonder if that’s not what he’s after. This is perhaps his worst season ever in the NBA.

Nate McMillan, Pacers Mike Budenholzer, Hawks Dwane Casey, Raptors

McMillan has done a perfectly cromulent job with a weird roster. Nothing in Indiana is his fault. They are just ... there.

The Hawks have fallen fast, and Bud can’t exactly blame odd front office moves since he also runs the front office.

Casey looked like a contender until Kyle Lowry’s injury helped derail Toronto’s 50-win quest. (It’s again in play after a win streak.) But there are too many better candidates at this point. Casey had his chance, so to speak, last season when the Raptors leaped into contendership.

We have cut our list down to 10.

TEAMS HAVE NO REAL NARRATIVE

Jason Kidd, Bucks David Fizdale, Grizzlies

The Bucks and Grizzlies have been fine, and Kidd and Fizdale are doing fine jobs under difficult circumstances (as in, having no shooting). But neither Milwaukee and Memphis surprised anyone, and neither team is good enough to drive the conversation toward their coaches. The Bucks and Grizzlies just kind of ... are.

TEAM DOES NOT EXHIBIT QUITE ENOUGH WIZARDRY

Rick Carlisle, Mavericks

Carlisle deserves immense respect for pulling a team starring Seth Curry, Yogi Ferrell, Harrison Barnes, and Dirk Nowitzki to relative respectability. A playoff nod would have gotten Carlisle into the conversation.

We are now down to seven contenders.

OVERSHADOWED BY HIS SUPERSTAR

Billy Donovan, Thunder

For all we know Billy Donovan has done an exceptional job as the head coach of the Thunder. But it’s hard to think about anything other than RUSSELL WESTBROOK when you’re thinking about the Thunder.

A FEW WINS SHY OF REAL CONTENTION

Quin Snyder, Jazz

The Jazz are quite good, and will likely hit 50 wins. But they are no better than the fourth best team in the West, and that’s where expectations pegged them in the preseason. It’s not fair to discount the work Snyder has done to get the Jazz over the hump from intriguing upstart to legit challenger, but that’s what we have to do given what other coaches have pulled off. Snyder is hurt by so many of us recognizing that Utah could be awesome.

Down to five. Let’s break each one down.

Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

THE FOUR RUNNERS-UP FOR 2016-17 NBA COACH OF THE YEAR, IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER

Brad Stevens, Celtics

The boy wizard won over LeBron at All-Star, molded an unwieldy, guard-heavy roster into an elite team, and helped Isaiah Thomas become a flat-out star and local legend. Stevens has the juice of a top NBA prospect as a coach. That tells you something. He’d be an excellent Coach of the Year option.

Scott Brooks, Wizards

This is a classic Coach of the Year case. A new coach arrives at an underperforming franchise, takes a couple months to get the house in order, turns a young player or two into stars and puts together the team’s best record in decades. The Wizards need to finish 5-4 to win 50 games a year after missing the playoffs. That’s huge! Brooks’ involvement in turning Bradley Beal into a reliable scoring star, Otto Porter into a max player, and Kelly Oubre into a key defender will be smiled upon by voters.

Erik Spoelstra, Heat

If ever the coach of a .500 team deserved Coach of the Year, it’s Spoelstra right now. There’s no realm in which anyone thought Miami, with its 11-30 record in mid-January, would end up in the playoff race with LeBron and Wade gone, Bosh out, and Justise Winslow injured. But Spo has turned Goran Dragic, Hassan Whiteside, and Dion Waiters into the core of a juggernaut! If Spoelstra doesn’t win Coach of the Year, perhaps we can nominate him for a Nobel.

Mike D’Antoni, Rockets

Like Brooks, D’Antoni took over a clearly talented team that underwhelmed in 2015-16. Perhaps even more impressive than Brooks’ work to elevate the unreliable youth, D’Antoni has helped unleash James Harden, the likely MVP, and create a wholly inspiring attack while winning tons of games. (Houston is on track for about 57 wins.) A Coach of the Year trophy would also be a nice form of penance from the media for all the dismissive analysis we’ve given to D’Antoni since he left Phoenix.

Any one of those four candidates would be highly deserving of the honor. However, the award should instead go to ...

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

THE COACH OF THIS YEAR AND EVERY YEAR FOR TIME IMMEMORIAL

Gregg Popovich, Spurs

Another 60-win season. With one All-Star. (Albeit an MVP-caliber All-Star.) Plus he’s had time to serve as the conscience of the NBA at the same time.

Popovich and Pat Riley are the only coaches to have ever won three Coach of the Year award. Getting Pop another would put him in a class of his own, which is where he belongs.

Give it to Pop. You’ll never regret it.