#Received/Responded 8 September 2024

[brian-in-finance]

Jamie Dornan's and Orlando Bloom's words of admiration for Caitríona.

https://x.com/yogini_koo/status/1832765943123951906

Thanks for the message, Anon. 😃

Video 📹 clip from Twitter (+19 seconds at link)

•••••

Twitter

Outlander-Online from SeanEllisPhoto Instagram

Remember… if every movie could be with someone as easy as Caitríona Balfe, it would be a very easy career choice. I think she is truly outstanding in this movie. — Jamie Dornan (Belfast, 2021)

[avaetin]

Percy Jackson Keychain Giveaway - AKM Edition

Hi! As per the title, I am going to giveaway PJO keychains - AKM Edition (which is the AU I created). I'm sharing it now because I want it to reach as many interested parties as possible. I will keep this pinned on my account as well. There will be a total of 15 designs (9 solo and 6 pairs), 5 keychains each, for a total of 75 keychains (total 75 winners). Below is a list of all the characters/pairs:

Nico

Aeon/Chronos

Alabaster

Hazel *

Reyna *

Percy

Jason

Erebus *

Ananke *

Nico & Aeon

Nico & Alabaster

Nico & Hazel *

Nico & Reyna *

Nico & Percy

Nico & Jason

* Remaining designs to be posted in the future, closer to the date.

A special and many thanks to @nyankocatnyan for all the awesome designs so far! Please check them out if you want to commission from them!

Why are you doing a giveaway? I always wanted PJO keychains, but there is a MOQ when you want this stuff made. I have no intention of selling/profiting, hence this giveaway. Also, I suppose, it's just sharing some positivity to everyone else.

How do I qualify? 1) Not a bot, 2) PJO fan, and 3) Tumblr account (for contact). You don't even need to be following me or be my mutual.

How do I enter? You need to fill up one of the forms (either solo chibi form or pair chibi form) that will be made available on August 27, 2024, 11pm SGT. Here is the timing for other zones:

The forms will be active from August 27 - September 3. It will be closed on September 3, 3024 at 11pm SGT. You don't need to rush to fill up the forms. This is NOT "First come, first serve." Please read the forms carefully, and make sure you submit the correct details.

You can only fill up one form (chibi form or pair form). Make sure you fill up the correct one as I will only consider your 1st submission (unless the one you really want has low demand, then I will consider).

4. How will I know if I won? I will post the results here on Tumblr on September 8, 2024, at 11pm SGT and tag said winners. From September 8 - 15, I will be sending the winners a link to a new google form for them to fill up for the delivery details of the keychain they won. (Please make sure I can message your inbox/messages.)

5. What if I won but don't respond to your message? You're essentially giving up your keychain to another person. The above period is fixed. One week is enough time to respond.

6. Do I have to pay for anything? Unless you are opting for fast delivery and/or tracked delivery, then no. I'm covering the shipping costs.

IMPORTANT NOTE: I'm not liable if package is lost if 1) You give wrong address after I confirm it with you. 2) Other reasons outside of my control. If the package gets returned to me, I will attempt to send it a second time. But if it still gets returned a 3rd time, I will give it to someone else.

7. When will it reach me? Kindly refer to the "Ordinary Mail- Air". Please note, however, that this is just an estimate. It will ultimately depend on your country's postal services.

8. I'm iffy about giving out my name and address. How can I trust you? I have to give my name and address for the return address in case the keychain doesn't get delivered. That's my trust to 75 of you. It's up to you if you wish to trust me back. I can only say that I will delete the forms once all the keychains are sent out, since there is no further use for them.

9. Will you have another batch of these keychains in the future? Nope. This is the one and only time. Which is why if you want one, I encourage you to participate.

10. What do you want in return? I want to joke something about firstborn here, but I guess it might not be appropriate LOL! Umm, nothing significant. All I want, and this is optional, is when you do receive, to share with me - or with everyone else via post - that you received the keychain. That's it.

BONUS: I'm pretty sure there was a post about a Luke keychain... 👀

That will be a separate post lol! Maybe around September/October. I'm still working out if I just want Luke and Ethan, or if I want one with Luke, Ethan and Alabaster. Something like that.

-----

Giveaway Timeline:

August 6, 2024: Posting about the giveaway

August 27, 2024: Official post with the google forms for interested individuals to fill up

September 3, 2024: Forms will be closed

September 4-7, 2024: Checking of accounts

September 8, 2024: Eligible participants' account names will be placed on the "Wheel of Names" to get the names of the lucky winners. Results to be posted as well

September 8-15, 2024: Contact winning accounts to confirm delivery details

mid-September - November 2024: Sending out of the keychains*

* Delivery might be split into two parts. It depends on the keychain production and, er, budget.

The forms will have terms & conditions (most already stated here), and hence would answer most questions you will probably have. But, if you have questions you wish to address now, feel free to send an ask. (Please don't spam my messages, thank you.)

P.S. Please be kind to anyone you're interacting with in this post.

[madamepestilence]

Go Fund Gaza - Palestinians that have reached out to me

Don't have money to donate? Head over to arab.org/click-to-help, they'll convert every click you have into one Lebanese Lira, which are converted at a rate of 15 Lira to 1 USD donation regardless of the Lebanese economic crash and other economic exchange rate changes

I offer my deepest and most sincere apologies to the countless families whom I've been unable to help and were left not responded to in my inbox. I should've shared these months ago. I hope that sharing these now can at least help some.

Folks of Tumblr, some of these haven't received donations in months and/or have less than 1% fulfilled. If you have any funds to spare, donate at least something. Even just a single euro. Please.

If you want verification, I advise you find a different person to ask or reach out to people who have the energy and means to verify them. I'm not qualified to attempt that, and I'd rather be scammed than subject someone to genocide, especially given GoFundMe has a scam protection policy that refunds donators.

Please keep in mind that names/grammar may be slightly different in some places: some names anglicize multiple different ways (for instance, shonen being anglicized from Japanese) and English is a complicated second language.

Thank you in advance. I expect to see both the Arab.org Daily Clicks (I DO MONITOR THIS. WHY IS LESS THAN THE EQUIVALENT OF 0.05% OF THE POPULATION OF THE UNITED STATES DOING THEM. 15000 PEOPLE ON AVERAGE? WHAT THE FUCK.) and donations go up.

I'll be posting these in threads of messages I've received at a time because there's a lot, and Tumblr doesn't care for posts with large quantities of links/@'s. 7 September 2024: Ahmed Khalil Tumblr: @ahmed0khalil GFM:

7 September 2024: Esraa Ayyad (with Maram Rafat) Tumblr: @esraayyad14 GFM:

7 September 2024: Muhammad Al-Sir Tumblr: @mohmadelser GFM:

7 September 2024: Ola Ahel Tumblr: @olagaza, @olagaza1, @olagaza2 GFM:

8 September 2024: Ahmad Salem Tumblr: @saveahmad2468 GFM:

8 September 2024: Ali Muqdad Tumblr: @alimeq92 GFM:

8 September 2024: Ahmed Al-Agha Tumblr: @ahmed-gaza12 GFM:

8 September 2024: Ahmed Zor Tumblr: @ahmedabuzuorfamily GFM:

8 September 2024: Jumana Hassan Tumblr: @mohmoud-j GFM:

9 September 2024: Noha Abed Tumblr: @nohabed GFM:

[isawthesainz]

Race Recap 16: Monza, Italy

Sunday 1st September 2024

Build-Up:

On 26th August, Uralkali confirm that they have received payment from Haas and Haas are now allowed to leave the Netherlands

Also on 26th August, Helmut Marko reports that Liam Lawson is likely to replace Logan Sargeant at Williams for Monza

On 27th August, Williams announce that Franco Colapinto will be replacing Logan Sargeant for the remainder of the 2024 season

Also on 27th August, it is reported thag Liam Lawson was Williams number 1 choice to replacing Logan Sargeant, but Red Bull wanted a deal where they could recall Lawson at any moment, in case they wanted to replace a driver at VCARB or Red Bull. Williams couldn't agree to these terms so chose Colapinto instead

On 29th August, the safety car crashes into the wall at Parabolica during test laps around the circuit

On 30th August, Kimi Antonelli - driving George Russell’s car - crashes into the wall 10 minutes in to FP1

Also on 30th August, it is reported that Valtteri Bottas is currently the favourite for the 2nd seat at Sauber/Audi next season. He has reportedly been offered a one year contract extension, but is ideally looking for a 1+1 deal. If Bottas’ deal falls through, Gabriel Bortoleto would then be Saubers next option

Also on 30th August, Kevin Magnussen crashes in FP2

On 31st August, Mercedes confirm that Kimi Antonelli will be replacing Lewis Hamilton at the team from 2025

Also on 31st August, McLaren is fined €10,000 for an unsafe release in the pit lane into the path of Max Verstappen during qualifying

On 1st September, it is announced that Ferrari’s sponsorship deal with Santander will come to an end at the end of 2024. Santander says they will look elsewhere for a new deal, with Williams a possible destination

Race Highlights:

Lando Norris makes a good start from pole, maintaining his lead ahead of teammate Oscar Piastri into Turn 1

George Russell locks up into Turn 1 trying to avoid Piastri’s car and runs off the track, conceding places in the run-off area

Piastri overtakes Norris for the lead on the exit of Turn 2, and Norris also loses P2 to Charles Leclerc

Sergio Perez complains that Russell’s car had suffered damage to the front wing end plate and that it would be potentially dangerous

On Lap 4, Daniel Ricciardo and Nico Hulkenberg are noted by Race Control for causing a collision at Turn 8

Hulkenberg also runs into the side of Yuki Tsunoda’s car into Turn 1, damaging his front wing and causing Tsunoda to use the run-off area

On Lap 8, Tsunoda is told to box and retire the car

Ricciardo is given a 5-second time penalty for the incident with Hulkenberg

On Lap 15, McLaren tells Norris to put to undercut Leclerc. Norris hits the speed entry board as he locks up across the pit entry line

Leclerc completes a 2.5-second pit stop but rejoins the race behind Norris

Ricciardo is given a 10-second penalty for failing to serve his time penalty correctly. The replay shows that a RB mechanic touched the car when Ricciardo came into the pits

On Lap 25, McLaren reminds Norris about ‘papaya rules’ on the radio, suggesting that Norris would need to cover and assist Piastri to maintain his lead

On Lap 22, Max Verstappen suffers a slow pit stop of 6.2 seconds due to the right rear tyres struggling to come off

On Lap 25, Kevin Magnussen is handed a 10-second time penalty for an incident with Pierre Gasly

On Lap 31, Norris locks up, extending the gap to Piastri to 4.8 seconds

Norris pits on Lap 33. McLaren asks Piastri if he thinks a one-stop is possible, and he responds that he doesn’t think so

Norris manages to overtake Verstappen on Lap 41

Carlos Sainz is overtaken by Piastri on Lap 45 followed by Norris on Lap 48

Leclerc crossed the line to take victory at Ferrari’s home race

Race Results:

1st Place: Charles Leclerc

2nd Place: Oscar Piastri

3rd Place: Lando Norris

[beardedmrbean]

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Videos the 8 News Now Investigators obtained show an alleged hit man committing four murders as part of what detectives said was retaliation in a federal loan fraud scheme involving tens of millions of dollars.

Officers arrested Michael Coleman, 41, in May 2023 for the murder of Kidada Stewart, 48. In September, Las Vegas Metro police announced they connected Coleman to three more murders from 2021 and 2022. Earlier this month, a Clark County grand jury indicted Coleman for the additional murders.

On Monday, Feb 27, 2023, officers responded to a 911 from a person who said they heard several gunshots near Fort Apache Road and Mountains Edge Way in the southwest valley, 8 News Now reported at the time.

Officers later found Stewart deceased outside of a home. Police tracked Coleman to Stewart’s murder from a traffic stop in Arizona 12 hours after the shooting. Officers arrested him in May 2023 after a standoff.

Throughout the investigation, police learned of a man named Carl Chester who allegedly defrauded the government of several Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, LVMPD Lt. Jason Johannson said. Chester and his associates would disperse the money and Chester would take a cut of the money for his work and help to get them the loan.

When Chester did not receive his cut of the money, he would threaten or use violence against the individuals to get his money, Johannson said. Chester would hire Coleman to kill those who shorted Chester of his money and if Coleman could not get to the targeted person, he would go after family members.

In May 2021, police suspect Coleman killed Benjamin McCarty, 49, while McCarty was working on his car in a parking lot in the 3900 block of Charleston Boulevard. Police said Coleman parked near McCarty and approached him before shooting and killing him.

Evidence the 8 News Now Investigators obtained showed video of a man police believe is Coleman running from the murder scene. Detectives also obtained photos from Coleman’s email, which they said showed him sending McCarty’s picture to Chester before the murder.

Coleman’s second murder charge involves the death of Marcus Larry, 39. Larry was shot multiple times inside the Teriyaki Madness on Charleston Boulevard near Town Center Drive. Police initially identified and arrested Oscar Richardson, Jr., Larry’s cousin, as the suspect, but he was later released once police obtained evidence that he was innocent.

Video from inside the restaurant shows Larry and a minor ordering food when a man barges in and shoots Larry and a cashier. The cashier survived and told the grand jury she spent five weeks in the hospital.

After the murder, police believe Coleman ditched the car he was driving at the nearby Red Rock Resort. DNA on the van’s handles later matched Coleman, police said.

In the third murder, Coleman is accused of shooting and killing William Hill Jr., 54, outside his home near Martin Luther King, Jr. and Lake Mead boulevards.

Police said the same red Hyundai that was used in Stewart’s case dropped Coleman off and Coleman shot Hill before being picked up by the Hyundai. The getaway driver was identified as Demarcus Banks who is now deceased.

Videos show the car parking near Hill’s house and then a man, who police believe is Coleman, walking toward the house.

Police said Hill’s murder was due to Hill’s son who is currently in prison on PPP loan fraud. Police said since Chester could not get to Hill’s son, they went after his father.

Chester, who organized the murders of Stewart, Larry and Hill, was murdered in May 2024 by members of Hill’s family in retaliation, police said. Metro police recently made more arrests connected to Chester’s murder.

Coleman remained in custody without bail as of Monday. A trial in the Stewart murder was scheduled to begin next month. Coleman was also scheduled to be arraigned in the combined criminal case for the three other murder charges next month.

[dhr-ao3]

Puppet Strings

Puppet Strings https://ift.tt/GQaBwmp by carpexdiemm Ms. Y/n Potter Dormitory Number 5 Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry Mount Greylock, Massachusetts United States of America Dear Y/n, There is no doubt you may find this opportunity a bit off-putting, considering how unanticipated it must have been. Nonetheless, I hope you will read this letter with an open mind. Ilvermorny is a highly respected school and I have no doubt that you would receive a stellar education from the professors there should you choose to remain, but I strongly advise that you consider coming to Hogwarts. In fact, I personally request it. I believe it would be beneficial for Harry to have the presence of his sister near him during his years at school—I’m sure you can see why, given that he’s already written you about the events taking place during this year and last. If you so choose to come to Hogwarts—and again, I urgently advise you to do so—there is no need to reply to me personally. Simply respond to the official letter from Minerva, and she will provide additional details regarding the logistics of your enrollment. Have a wonderful rest of second year. Sincerely, Albus Dumbledore Headmaster Words: 24218, Chapters: 8/?, Language: English Fandoms: Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling Rating: Not Rated Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death Categories: F/M Characters: Original Female Character(s), Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, Ginny Weasley, Fleur Delacour, Bill Weasley, Arthur Weasley, Molly Weasley, Charlie Weasley, Percy Weasley, Fred Weasley, George Weasley, James Potter, Lily Evans Potter, Draco Malfoy, Remus Lupin, Sirius Black, Albus Dumbledore, Regulus Black, Bellatrix Black Lestrange, Narcissa Black Malfoy, Lucius Malfoy, Tom Riddle | Voldemort, Minerva McGonagall, Original Characters Relationships: Harry Potter/Ginny Weasley, Fleur Delacour/Bill Weasley, Arthur Weasley/Molly Weasley, James Potter/Lily Evans Potter, Draco Malfoy/Reader, George Weasley/Reader, Draco Malfoy/Original Female Character(s), George Weasley/Original Female Character(s), Hermione Granger/Draco Malfoy Additional Tags: Reader-Insert, reader - Freeform, Harry Potter Epilogue What Epilogue | EWE, BAMF Harry Potter, BAMF Reader, Slytherin Reader, Harry Potter is Bad at Feelings, based on the books not the movies, because I said so, no beta we die like Hedwig, Reader is a Member of the Potter Family (Harry Potter), The Ministry of Magic is Corrupt (Harry Potter), Harry Potter is still the main character, But like the reader is cool too, Subplots are pretty neat, Reader is included in the prophecy, Reader Is Adopted, Female Reader, Ginny Weasley Has A Personality via AO3 works tagged 'Hermione Granger/Draco Malfoy' https://ift.tt/lmUoq7J September 24, 2024 at 06:51AM

[saintmeghanmarkle]

The by u/Mickleborough

The …4th anniversary of Megxit [typo, not dramatic effect].It was on 8 January 2020 that the Sussexes announced on Instagram that the chickens were flying the coop [word salad alert] - so it might be timely to remind ourselves what happened.https://ift.tt/RJjdKCh won’t get back the time I spent reading this twaddle.I‘m not aware how much notice the Palace had about this bombshell, but the Palace came out with their own statement very shortly after:In other words - nothing’s settled yet.The late Queen, the then Prince Charles, and the 2 princes agreed to what’s been called the Sandringham Summit, on Monday 13 January.There have been various accounts as to what happened at the Sandringham Summit, eg:- The late Queen had invited them to lunch, but Prince William declined.- Harry and Meghan had wanted to be some sort of semi-royals (the ‘half-in, half-out’ proposal). Harry said: ‘It became very clear very quickly that that goal was not up for discussion or debate…. It was terrifying to have my brother scream and shout at me, and my father say things that simply weren’t true and my grandmother quietly sit there and sort of take it all in.’After this, the late Queen issued a statement calling the discussion ‘positive’:68 years of diplomacy.On Saturday 18 January the Palace issued a statement making some things clear:- Harry had to give up his military appointments and Commonwealth Youth ambassadorship- The Sussexes wouldn’t receive an income from the Sovereign Grant, nor from public funds, for royal duties. They also had to repay the costs of refurbushing Frogmore Cottage.- Their new Sussex Royal [always reminds me of a breed of chicken] couldn’t be used to market their merchandise and activities.The late Queen gave the Sussexes’ a year’s grace, in case they changed their minds.They didn’t. Consequently, in February 2021:It was the Sussexes’ decision not to return. This promoted Meghan, I mean the Sussexes, to respond childishly: ‘We can all live a life of service. Service is universal.’2 years and 8 months to the day of the Sussexes’ Instagram announcement, on 8 September 2022, Queen Elizabeth II died at Balmoral.Daily Mail archived / unarchived post link: https://ift.tt/rAklMXq author: Mickleborough submitted: January 08, 2024 at 10:04PM via SaintMeghanMarkle on Reddit

[deancasroaringtwentiesbang]

DCRT 2023 - 2024 Schedule🥂

September 10, 2023 | Sign Ups Open - All Participants


Sign ups are open for all participants ages 18+. After reading the rules and familiarizing yourself with the schedule, you will be invited to join the Discord server via email.


December 1, 2023 | Sign Ups Close - Authors


There will be no exceptions or late entries after this date.


December 20, 2023 | First Check-In - Authors


Nothing is due at this point, but we want to make sure you are on track to finish the required amount by claims. The check in form will be emailed on December 15, 2023.


January 8, 2024 | 80% Drafts and Claims Info Due - Authors


Author drafts are due. More information in the Claims Info section found on Tumblr. The form will be open January 1, 2022.


January 8, 2024 | Sign Ups Close - Artists


There will be no exceptions or late entries after this date, though you may still participate in the second round of claims if applicable.


January 8, 2024 | Final Drop Out Day - Authors


This is the final day for authors to drop out without penalty. Please contact the mods via email if you would like to drop out. Dropping out after this date may disqualify you from future rounds.


January 17, 2024 | FIRST ROUND OF CLAIMS - Artists


Open to Registered users only and lasts 24 hours. Mods will be sending out emails to artists indicating which fic they have claimed with or without author contact info (depending on author preference.)


January 18, 2024 | SECOND ROUND OF CLAIMS - Artists


Open to the public and able to claim second fic until all fics are claimed. Mods will be sending out emails to artists indicating which pic they have claimed with or without author contact info (depending on author preference.)


January 19, 2024 | Introductory Emails - All Participants


Teams will receive emails with contact info. 


January 21, 2024 | Team Check-In - All Participants


Teams will be expected to contact each other and share current drafts within 48 hours of the end of claims. If your partner does not respond, contact a mod immediately.


January 21, 2024 | Posting Availability Due - All Teams


Availability forms will be sent out four days before they are due. Only one form per team needs to be sent in, so it is important to be in contact with your partner so that you are on the same page in terms of availability. Form opens January 19, 2024.


January 22, 2024 | Posting Schedule Released - All Participants


Posting schedule will be sent out to all participants. Contact the mods if there are any issues. Note that posting will only take place Monday-Friday.


February 19, 2024 | Check-In and Rough Drafts Due - Artists


This check in is to make sure our artists are on track to finish their art by posting. Line art, rough sketches, and first drafts will need to be submitted. The check in form will be available five days before the due date. Form open January 12, 2024.

February 19, 2024 | Pinch-Hit Emails


Mods will be sending out requests to pinch hit artists as required.


March 7, 2024 | Final Check-In - All Teams


Final polished art/fic drafts are due. This form will be open for five days before the deadline. Form open March 1, 2022.


March 11, 2024 | Posting Begins


The first teams will start posting, and mods will share posts on social media.


Sometime In March | Posting Ends and Masterpost Goes Live On Tumblr


Posting ends and all stories are compiled into a master post on Tumblr. The collection will be closed.


[jdgo51]

Daily Devotional

September 27, 2024

Daily Devotional

|God Is Far Above

Ecclesiastes 11:1–6

God Is Far Above

Read Ecclesiastes 11:1–6

"'Do you remember the story of Nicodemus, the Pharisee who came to Jesus at night? When the religious leader asked Jesus how it was possible to be born again, I wondered, “How in the world could Nicodemus be so dull?” As I’ve gotten older and less arrogant, I find that I identify more and more with Nicodemus. The ways of God are indeed mysterious to our limited human minds.

In Ecclesiastes 11, the Teacher continues his series of proverbs. Their literal meaning is fairly easy to understand. For example, in verses 1–2 we are encouraged to invest widely. In verses 4 and 6 we are urged to take action. But in verse 5, the Teacher points out what Nicodemus so clearly demonstrated: We mortals don’t understand the ways of God.

Jesus seemed to allude to Ecclesiastes 11:5 in His conversation with Nicodemus recorded in John 3. When Nicodemus didn’t understand about being born again, Jesus responded: “You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit” (vv. 7–8). Jesus then transitioned to foreshadow His own death and presented the gospel, encapsulated in the famous John 3:16.

In Ecclesiastes, the Teacher also pondered the mystery of God’s ways using the same language. We don’t know the path of the wind. And we don’t know how children are formed in the womb. To sum up, we “cannot understand the work of God” (v. 5). God’s ways are mysterious and seemingly impenetrable, but the Son of God descended to earth to make a way for us to be “born of the Spirit” and live in relationship with our glorious Creator."' Make your way among God's very mysterious world.

Pray with Us

"'We know, God, that we cannot fully understand Your ways, but we ask for humble faith to trust You and always rely on You. “All ye who pain and sorrow bear/ Praise God and lay on Him your care.”' (Francis of Assisi)

Ecclesiastes 11:1-6

Invest in Many Ventures

"11 Ship your grain across the sea;

after many days you may receive a return.

2 Invest in seven ventures, yes, in eight;

you do not know what disaster may come upon the land.

3 If clouds are full of water,

they pour rain on the earth.

Whether a tree falls to the south or to the north,

in the place where it falls, there it will lie.

4 Whoever watches the wind will not plant;

whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.

5 As you do not know the path of the wind,

or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb,

so you cannot understand the work of God,

the Maker of all things.

6 Sow your seed in the morning,

and at evening let your hands not be idle,

for you do not know which will succeed,

whether this or that,

or whether both will do equally well." Be diligent, for you have no idea what is next, but you want to please God. Be a blessing! Joe

[locustheologicus]

Catholic Charities USA: Oklahoma City

The Catholic Charities USA conference took place on September 16-19, 2024, in Oklahoma City. The conference brought us to a land that was weirdly beautiful. We took a journey where we shared in their history, their tragedy, their hope, and social renewal. We visited their cowboy museum (pic 7), we saw the site of the 1995 bombing of their federal building (pic 8&9). We saw the newly opened national shrine to Bl. Stanley Rother (pic 2&3) where we walked to Tepeyac hill and venerated la Virgen de Guadalupe (pic 4). Of coursem we also saw some of the amazing social ministries that Oklahoma City Catholic Charities offers (pics 6-7).

The newly built offices were designed creatively to respond to the emergency needs that would arise. They are equipped with access to potable water, emergency power and WiFi outside in order to assist the community in the midst of a disaster. They also have a warehouse that can transform into a 60 bed emergency shelter if necessary. They designed the building to be powered with geo-thermal energy and incorporated sun and green spaces in the spirit of Laudato Si’. They have a chapel dedicated to Mother Theresa of Calcutta and at their reception there is a powerful quote from her that guides their mission:

Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time and always start with the person nearest you. - Mother Theresa

Our sessions involved going over parish engagement and community collaboration. I also went to sessions on financial literacy and workforce development. The first picture has a presentation from the new CEO Kerry Robinson. She shared with us her insights in visiting many local Catholic Charities agencies throughout the nation and from those visits she highlighted six values that she feels defines who we are.

Conviviality - the idea that we coexist with the larger community as freinds to one another; being hospitable and integrative with those we serve and partner with.

Creativity - the recognition that all our agencies are able to adapt to the local reality and can design programs and services based on these realities and the crisis that emerge.

Tenacity - our ability to persevere in providing services through great social challenges and unbelievable struggles that are clients and communities face.

Magnanimity - our ability to incredibly generous and open to the people we serve and to the communities we are a part of.

Hope - we are inspired to do our work from the hope-filled message of the gospel. We are guided in the belief that creation can and will be redeemed by our service to one another.

Reverence - our commitment to the holy dignity that is imbued throughout all creation and especially with those that we serve.

In the spirit of creativity and magnanimity, I thought about the women sanctuary project that Catholic Charities in Oklahoma established in an old mission church. Catholic Charities rebuild that mission church (pic 6) to accommodate the growing needs of women and children. They maintained the mission architecture, but expanded it to build greater spaces for women and children to take showers, wash clothes, take classes, have access to food, clothes, and internet resources and rest.

Those values guided how many of us discussed the programs we each were looking at networking with. I both shared and was attentive to how we embraced these values within the area of parish engagement in social ministries, financial literacy, and workforce development. The conversations allowed us to network with national partners to receive modules from programs like Rework America Alliance, UNIDOSUS, CFPB and others. These modules and partnerships can help us improve programs we need to offer the communities in need throughout Brooklyn and Queens. At the end of the conference Brian Corbin (the last picture) presented on the history of our mission and methodology (see, judge, act) as we discussed what we, the local Catholic Charity communities, want to see with the strategic planning process CCUSA will be going through.

Part of the concluding discussion we had was the perception that Catholic Charities has both in the public eye and with its member agencies. In reviewing it's marketing and branding strategy we asked questions concerning what we members need from CCUSA in order to help be a resource for us and a useful public presence that can help bring awareness to our local agencies. As a resource, our discussion suggested that it needs to embrace a useful internal social media platform so that we members can have visual best practices and tools for the work that we do. If the platform (for now CC connect) has useful tools and resources that we can take and adapt, then many of us will gladly participate with the larger community through this platform. As for our mission and identity, this will be an ongoing discussion throughout the process. Our mission is clear in that it is based on the social mission found in the Gospel and specifically the works of mercy. But as to what we do, we need greater flexibility with how this will be presented. We are local agencies that answer to the diocese and the needs of our community. We apply the principle of subsidiarity in this way and it will be valuable for the local community to know how we operate within the diocesan structure. But CCUSA should be able to provide institutional solidarity with each of our agencies to enhance the work that we do while defining itself as the national advocacy think-tank for the issues we face. It will be interesting to see how we move forward as we go through this process.

Along with parishes, hospitals, and schools/universities the Catholic Church has always had a thriving social service componant that is very much part of our religious identity. In the past 300 years (since 1727) this has been institutionalized by agencies which we now identify as Catholic Charities here in the United States or Caritas Internationally. There are other Catholic agencies that many of us partner with including Catholic Relief Services, the Catholic Campaign for Human Developmennt and the St. Vincent DePaul Society but Catholic Charities has been the official diocesan arm of domestic charitable work. The needs are different in every location so we strive to be adaptable to the issues we face. The Brooklyn/Queens diocese has an amazing history of promoting this specific aspect of our Church's mission. Here in Brooklyn/Queens we are attentive to providing senior housing to our elderly population, early childhood programs for our struggling families, case management and food distribution for our low-income communities, social services and resources for pregnant women, and legal service and case management for our growing migrant community.

Through CCUSA we are part of a larger network of Catholic social services and this allows us to network with one another.

[sunflowersareonfire]

I decided to do a little bit of data analysis of my texting habits from June 16, 2016 to September 14, 2024.

Why? Shits and giggles, mostly.

Days, Months, & Years* Total Days in Sample: 3,010 Total Years: 8.25 Busiest Month: January Calmest Month: November

On Text Messages Total Messages: 499,040 Average Texts Per Day: 166 Average Texts Per Year: 60,515

On Word Counts Total Words: 4,958,137** Average per day: 166 Average Words Per Day: 1,647 Average Words Per Year: 601,236

On People Total Number of People: 1,413 Average People Per Day: 9 Minimum Number Per Day: 1 Maximum Number Per Day: 30 Work Related: 1,378 (97.5%) Family Related: 5 (0.3%) Friends & Romance: 30 (2.1%) Friends No Longer In Touch: 23 (76% of the 30 in the last 8 years)

On Photos & Media Total Number of Images: 26,104 Average Images Per Day: 9*** Average Images Per Year: 3,165

*My current streak is 1,713 days. That is, I haven't had a day in more than 4.7 years in which I haven't received or responded to a text message to at least one person.

**Fun fact, Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time spans 15 books and more than 4.4 million words. The total word count that I've sent/received via text messaging is 13% more words in 27% of the time it took for Jordan to have all of his books published (assuming we start in 1993).

***97.4% of these images of GIF responses that boil down to a top ten that is mostly annoyed gifs from Parks & Recreation (Ron Swanson), The Office (Michael Scott), and Brooklyn Nine-Nine (Captain Ray Holt).

On Hell During this particular period of time I was contending with a supervisor that was extremely micro-managerial. This was also during the COVID-19 pandemic and immediately after. So much more communication was being sent via text message than other forms of communication for all of the people that I knew. The number of emails that I was receiving from her per day was 70, on top of text messages for crisis calls (as I was on call ever other week).

What...what do you do? I'm currently a mid-level manager for a non-profit, which has been the case since August, 2023. I've been at the same agency since May, 2015, and have worked in three states for this company.

[brian-in-finance]

Thanks for the message, Anon. 😃

So… 18 links… 🤯. Tumblr wouldn’t let me post your message as “was,” so I followed the links, played a mean game of Copy & Paste and added some pics.

Reading through the reviews on Letterboxd to find the six you chose revealed a few things about the film no mainstream review I saw had revealed. Note to self: think carefully about the viewing company you keep.

Caitríona Balfe from “Outlander” plays the boxer’s girlfriend Caitlin, who exists in a constant state of worry. Understandably. But it’s a dull part for a magnetic actress.

New York Post 8 September 2024

Caitlin (an excellent Caitríona Balfe of “Belfast” fame)… a movie that ultimately doesn’t quite add up to enough, especially when Balfe walks out for too long in the final act. See it for the cast, especially the three leads, but it’s more of a technical knockout than a stunning victory.

Roger Ebert 6 September 2024

Caitríona Balfe (“Belfast,” “Outlander”) can be an uncommonly grounded actress, and she and Bloom create a lived-in relationship that humanizes and creates real stakes for the pugilistic histrionics that surround it. His character’s lack of a name may position him as an everyman, but the little moments of their relationship – glances, raised eyebrows, tilted heads – give his couple a specificity and a shared history in a way exposition never could… film is bookended by quiet scenes between a man and a woman, by beautifully understated performances by Bloom and Balfe.

The Wrap 7 September 2024

The boxer’s wife and business partner (Outlander’s Caitríona Balfe giving more than her role deserves)

The Guardian 6 September 2024

… wife, business partner, and one-time boxing manager, Caitlin (Caitríona Balfe, the film’s secret weapon).

The Playlist 6 September 2024

Despite a trio of knockout performances, The Cut is a lackluster boxing drama… (Caitríona) Balfe gives a thankless role her all as the lone woman in this boys' club. Caitlin has a dark past too, alluding to a struggle with addiction. But we never learn any of her past in detail despite numerous and repetitive flashbacks to Boxer's bleak childhood. Instead, it's left to Balfe to convey it all through Caitlin's stricken expressions and misplaced devotion to Boxer. She even gets a few moments to shine as a fighter herself, training Boxer for his fight before Boz takes over… Balfe is a sublime talent, but she deserves far better material that doesn't rely on her to make up for deficiencies in the writing… Because despite these three strong performances… The Cut has the potential to be something fresh and interesting with three particularly fine actors at its heart.

Entertainment Weekly 6 September 2024

Caitríona Balfe and John Tuturo’s colliding performances gave the film a realistic edge, which makes the audience question their own morals.

Movie Scene Canada (Twitter) 6 September 2024

Caitríona Balfe is equally compelling as a supportive wife and coach to her boxer husband.

Movie Moves Me 6 September 2024

The Cut is it is one of few boxing films that gives the female lead a pivotal role that’s more than a love interest/nagging the fighter to quit. Caitríona Balfe is a tough-as-nails trainer who gets in the ring w/ Orlando & may throw a punch!

Flick Chick DC (Twitter) 5 September 2024

(Caitríona) Balfe is fierce as Caitlin. She’s simultaneously supportive and a fighter. Her verbal spats with Boz are a treat, and she’s honestly the character who best balances strength and emotional maturity.

Screen Rant 7 September 2024

Caitríona Balfe was the main highlight, for me. It's difficult to pull off the role of voice of reason against the hell-bent protagonist without coming off as annoying or making it feel like they're just slowing the story down, but she killed it.

Reddit 6 September 2024

(Caitríona) Balfe (and John) Turturro.. are never less than engaging and believable in their side parts.

IndieWire 5 September 2024

Bloom… gives a great, dedicated, and physically challenging performance — as does the wonderful Caitríona Balfe

Bloom promised us all a stiff drink for enduring this movie and I think that says a lot. (Caitríona) Balfe was great.

The cast is phenomenal. Turturro is marvelous as The Boss, pushing our fighters to their literal breaking point. (Caitríona) Balfe gives a heart wrenching performance of a former addict watching their partner fall into their own addiction.

I think Caitlin's character gets a little bit lost, and she was such a great part of the movie, I wish they did a little bit more with her.

Orlando Bloom and John Turturro are very good but I really think the star is Caitríona Balfe!! She was very underutilized.

Performances are good, especially Orlando's and Caitríona Balfe's. To me she was the standout.

Letterboxd 5 & 6 September 2024

Remember… what distinguishes modern art from the art of other ages is criticism. — Octavio Paz

[randomishz]

The Moment You've Been Waiting For: Unveiling the Quiz Results!

Last Wednesday, I shared a Google Form survey with you all to explore student's online communication habits. Curious to see how you and your peers responded? Here are the results!

Social media apps dominate informal communication, with 59% of students using platforms like Facebook and Instagram to stay connected with friends and classmates.

Figure 1. Primary Online Platforms Used for Communication with Friends or Classmates

When it comes to academic tasks, though, the shift is clear—97.4% prefer group chats on messaging apps like Messenger and Whatsapp for coordinating school projects. This preference extends beyond group projects, with over 56% relying on these chats for clarifying assignments from teachers.

Figure 2. Preferred Methods for Group Communication During School Projects

Figure 3. Most Effective Tools for Clarifying Assignments from Teachers

Interestingly, students place a high value on visual aids during online classes, with 46.2% highlighting screen sharing as the most helpful feature for learning.

Figure 4. Top Features Students Find Helpful in Online Classes

Meanwhile, direct messages on social media become the go-to for expressing oneself more personally, chosen by 53.8% of respondents, indicating a blend of public and private digital spaces in their communication habits.

Figure 5. Platforms Preferred for Personal Expression Online.

What about staying updated?

For important school announcements, 46.2% still look to social media posts from the school, underscoring how established these platforms are in both their personal and academic lives.

Figure 6. Preferred Ways to Receive Important School Announcements

Yet, group projects present unique challenges—46.2% cite delays in responses as a major frustration, which might explain why 48.7% don't hesitate to ask for clarification in group chats when things get confusing.

Figure 7. Biggest Challenges Faced During Online Group Projects

Figure 8. Responses to Confusing Messages in Online Group Chats

Furthermore, when it comes to showing support online, 61.5% believe in sending a private, supportive message—suggesting that despite the widespread use of public social media, there's still a preference for intimate, one-on-one encouragement.

Figure 9. Best Methods for Showing Support to Friends Online

Lastly, balancing personal and school conversations seems easy for most, with 53.8% simply using the same app but keeping separate group chats.

Figure 10. How Students Balance School Communication and Personal Conversations

While students are adaptable, utilizing both public and private digital spaces, there's a distinct pattern towards efficiency, connection, and clarity in how they navigate their online interactions.

Therefore, the way students communicate online is a fascinating reflection of how digital tools have reshaped our interactions, especially in educational settings.

By Mary Frene Jan R. Timblor | September 13, 2024

[cryptidsurveys]

Monday, September 9th, 2024.

Yesterday 1) What was the weather like? Did it change your plans in any way? The majority of the day was sunny and the high was 90*F; however, it started to look a bit stormy as night rolled in (no rain, though). It didn't affect my plans.

2) What did you do yesterday, anyway? I was at the animal shelter from 8:00am-5:00pm. I was back in cattery until around 11:00am, but after that I made it my mission to reorganize the complete disaster that the laundry area had become (Kristen helped here and there as well). Went for lunch at 12:00pm and then it was back to cleaning. I think I was finally finished around 3:00pm. Then it was the usual afternoon cattery stuff until closing. Drove home, took a shower, put in some laundry, had dinner with my dad, cleaned litterboxes, and got ready for bed.

3) Did you eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner? What did you have? Breakfast was my usual oatmeal concoction and coffee. Lunch was a sandwich with peanut butter and cinnamon & sugar cream cheese, grapes, chips, and a mini Almond Joy. Dinner was a salad topped with some of the leftover chicken nachos my dad brought home the other day.

4) Did you do some form of exercise? What? I was on my feet and cleaning pretty much all day long.

5) Who did you spend the most time with? Kristen and River (coworkers).

6) What television shows or movies did you watch? I didn't watch any. I actually brought a book to read during my lunch breaks, though - A Short History Of The World by H. G. Wells. Obviously dated and somewhat inaccurate based on what we know now, but nice because the chapters so far seem to come in bite-sized chunks. Easy to read a bit and then get back to work.

7) What time did you get up and go to bed? I think I woke up sometime around 4:30am, but I got up around 5:35am. I was in bed around 7:00pm.

8) What was the best bit about yesterday? Paris (vet tech) was back!!! She was gone for 2-3 weeks after a cat bit her hand and caused a whole harrowing infection. I missed her chaotic energy. Cleaning up the laundry area was an extremely satisfying accomplishment as well.

9) What about the worst? Nothing all that bad happened. In fact, after the last couple of weeks (Saturday in particular - suffice it to say that shit went down lmao), yesterday was a blessed reminder of why I do love the animal shelter.

10) Did you talk to anyone on the phone? Who? Why? No.

Today 1) What time did you get up? Same as yesterday.

2) What are your plans for today? I was at the animal shelter from 7:40am-12:00pm. My dad came in to do laundry as well - for the first time in idk…weeks…months…? Came home, showered, ate lunch and chatted with my dad, cleaned the kitchen, and now I'm here.

3) Have you eaten any meals yet? What did you have? Breakfast was oatmeal. Lunch was a sandwich and mixed veggies. Snack following this survey will be fruit, yogurt, and pumpkin spice cereal. Dinner might be a salad if I don't end up having the same thing I had for lunch.

4) Are you planning on seeing your friends or boyfriend/girlfriend? Oh, this reminds me - I need to check/respond to a message from Oliver.

5) Does your favorite television show air today? N/a.

6) Have you spoken to your parents yet? I've spoken to my dad. I haven't spoken to my mom - but this also reminds me - we need to call her later and see where she wants to go for lunch this Thursday.

7) How many texts have you received? Zero.

8) Are you planning on going to bed early? Early by average standards, but probably right on time according to my own.

9) Have you done anything remotely productive today? Yes and frankly I'm sick of it!!!! ;D

10) How much money did you spend so far? Are you planning on spending more later? I haven't spent any money yet, nor do I plan on spending any later.

Tomorrow 1) What time do you have to get up tomorrow? I don't have to be up by a specific time because I'm taking tomorrow OFF. I would normally be at the shelter for a full day, but - you guys - I absolutely cannot tolerate another day alone with Alex. Even with the buffer of other people, she's become insufferable. The 21st can't come soon enough, but it's like the closer that date gets, the worse she gets. Pray for me, y'all. Gimme those thoughts and prayers. Gimme those condolences. Gimme whatever you GOT.

2) What do you hope the weather will be like? Hope…ahh. That's probably all it will amount to. But cloudy, cool, drizzly…basically like last Thursday.

3) Is there anything you’re dreading about tomorrow? No.

4) Is there anything important you need to do, or can you just relax? I want to catch up on some housecleaning, but otherwise it should be a relaxing day.

5) Do you have plans to see your friends? No.

6) What do you hope will happen tomorrow? Nothing in particular. Just chill stuff. Hang out with my dad and kitties, make some art, listen to some YouTube…

7) Are you going to wake up at home, or somewhere else? At home.

8) If you don’t have any plans, what do you think you’ll end up doing? Already mentioned.

9) Do you have to get a work out in at some point? No.

10) Will you be working or studying at all? No.

[twins2994]

Kansas City Royals-Minnesota Twins Series Preview

8.12.24-Brady Singer RHP (8-7) 3.03 ERA Vs. Pablo Lopez RHP (10-8) 4.74 ERA

8.13.24-Seth Lugo RHP (13-6) 2.72 ERA Vs. TBA

8.14.24-Cole Ragans LHP (9-7) 3.27 ERA Vs. Bailey Ober RHP (12-5) 3.52 ERA

The Royals At A Glance- The Royals had a solid July with a (13-10) record. They went (2-3) on their last homestand against the Red Sox and Cardinals and have a 2.5 game lead in the last American League Wild-Card spot. The Royals traded for Lucas Erceg, Michael Lorenzen, and Hunter Harvey during the deadline. The team released Jordan Lyles and Nick Anderson in July. Bobby Witt Jr. has been on fire since the All-Star Break. He is hitting .459 with six homers and twenty-four RBI. Vinnie Pasquantino has added six homers and twenty-two RBI. The Royals starting staff has a 3.53 ERA, which is third-best in baseball. Seth Lugo has had a fantastic year, Cole Ragans is proving to be the ace, and Brady Singer is finally finding his own in the Majors. The Kansas City bullpen has a 4.28 ERA, which is 24th in the big leagues. James McArthur has locked down eighteen saves, but has a 5.12 ERA. Lucas Erceg has not allowed a run over 6 1/3 innings in a Royals uniform. Sam Long has a 2.36 ERA from the left side.

The Twins At A Glance- The Twins had a good and bad weekend. They swept the doubleheader on Friday from the Indians then lost two straight close games to the Indians. They sit 3.5 games behind the Indians for first place. The injuries have piled up as Brock Stewart needs shoulder surgery and is out for the year, Joe Ryan has a shoulder injury and might not be back to mid-to-late September. Justin Topa was shut down again. Chris Paddack could begin a throwing program soon. The team has been talking to Rich Hill about returning. Zebby Matthews is also a name to watch to make a start for the team. Brooks Lee went on the injured list with a sore shoulder and received a cortisone shot. Carlos Correa has been sprinting on the field and won't begin a rehab assignment until he sees how his foot responds. Byron Buxton has been hot since the All-Star Break. He has seven homers and eleven RBI since the break. Christian Vazquez is hitting .382 since the break. The team is looking at their best starting pitching options past Pablo Lopez, Bailey Ober, and Simeon Woods Richardson. David Festa and Louie Varland might be relied upon in the absenses of Joe Ryan and Chris Paddack. Steven Okert was activated from the bereavement list prior to this series. Randy Dobnak was optioned back to St. Paul to make room on the roster.

What To Watch For- The Twins are (5-2) against the Royals in 2024. They took two of three at Kauffman Stadium to start the year then won three out of four at Target Field in the last week of May. Brady Singer is (3-6) with a 5.18 ERA in twelve starts against the Twins. Byron Buxton has two career homers off Singer. Pablo Lopez is (4-1) with a 2.41 ERA in five starts against the Royals. Seth Lugo has a 1.73 ERA in six games against the Twins. Cole Ragans is (0-2) with a 3.00 ERA in three starts versus the Twins. Bailey Ober is (0-4) with a 7.71 ERA in nine starts against the Royals. For some reason, the Royals have his number and they might know how he tips his pitches or something. Salvador Perez has two career homers off him. The Twins have not announced their starter for Tuesday's game. Zebby Matthews last pitched on Thursday and he would be on normal rest for the start on Tuesday. Josh Winder could get a spot start in a bullpen game as well.

-Chris Kreibich-

[packernet]

New Post has been published on https://www.packernet.com/blog/2023/12/19/2023-packers-season-in-review/

2023 Packers Season In Review

It isn’t every year that a team replaces a generational quarterback that has worn their uniform for 18 years. In 2023, that is precisely what the Packers had to do with Aaron Rodgers. While this isn’t common for most, Green Bay fans saw the same scenario with Aaron Rodgers in 2008 when he replaced Brett Favre. 2023 has been a tumultuous year for the Packers. Let’s take a look at what has transpired.

The Aaron Rodgers Saga

The 2022 season was, without question, Rodgers’ worst in Green Bay. He averaged just 217 yards per game and logged a 41.3 QBR, the worst career mark by a wide margin. His 26 touchdowns were the second-lowest mark of his career, and the 12 interceptions he threw were the most since his first season as the starter. Despite being favorites in the latest NFL fixtures, the Packers finished 8-9 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2018 and just the third time since Rodgers became a starter.

The season was marred by the drama between Rodgers and his young receiver core and constant rumors of his potential retirement. After the season, Rodgers went into his now infamous darkness retreat in February, claiming he was “90% retiring” before the withdrawal. When he came out, he knew his time in Green Bay was over one way or another. According to Rodgers, “it was evident that it was retire or move on to a new team.”

Both sides complained about the other, with the Packers claiming that they were unable to reach Rodgers, something he blamed on bad cellular service. Regardless of your side, the stalemate ended in April when the Packers traded Rodgers to the Jets for a 2023 first-round, second-round, sixth-round pick, and a conditional 2024 second-round pick. The trade came after Rodgers announced to the world that he wanted to play for the Jets on the Pat McAfee show. For the Packers, it was time to move on.

Starting The Jordan Love Era

While the demise of Green Bay’s relationship with its Hall of Fame quarterback was quick, the roots were deep, beginning with the Packers’ decision to draft Jordan Love in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. With Rodgers gone, Love finally had his shot, and it has been a roller coaster of a season.

Green Bay started hot, winning two of its first three games, blowing out Chicago on opening day, and narrowly beating New Orleans 18-17 in week three. The only loss in between was a one-point loss to the Falcons on the road. However, it went downhill quickly from there. Led by Love, Green Bay dropped its next four games and five of six overall. Love could have been better during that stretch, which included a loss to the hapless Raiders, throwing just seven touchdowns compared to nine interceptions. His quarterback rating was just 75 in those six games.

However, Love and the Packers responded well to the adversity by winning three consecutive games, capped by a thrilling win against the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs in Arrowhead. During the three-game winning streak, Love threw for eight touchdowns and no interceptions, with a quarterback rating of 117.5. The wins also brought Green Bay back to .500 for the first time since September, putting them back in the playoff hunt.

How The Rest Of 2023 And Beyond Is Shaping Up

Until now, the Packers had peaked with their Sunday night win in Kansas City. Love was brilliant in that game, passing for 267 yards and three touchdowns against a ferocious Chiefs defense and outdueling two-time MVP Patrick Mahomes. However, the team immediately followed up the marquee win with a brutal loss to the Giants in a game they needed for their playoff hopes. To make matters worse, the loss came on a Monday night, meaning they had a more extended rest period than usual and will have a shorter rest period for their next game.

Currently, the Packers sit at 6-7, holding on to the 7th and final playoff seed by a thread. However, things are looking up for Green Bay. The Packer remaining schedule is challenging, but it could be worse. They play games against the 1-11 Panthers, 5-8 Bears, and 6-7 Bucs. The most challenging remaining game on their schedule is a Christmas Eve trip to Minnesota, but the Vikings are missing their starting quarterback.

The Packers have a legitimate opportunity to make the postseason in Love’s first season, their first season without Rodgers in nearly 20 years. For all his bumps and bruises, Love has been good, too. He has 23 touchdown passes on the season, and his 58.7 QBR is pretty close to Rodgers’ 62.9 mark from his first year as a starter. Their first-year numbers are strikingly similar.

Can The Packers Make The Playoffs?

The Giant’s and Bucs losses hurts them, but they’re still in reasonable shape. They possess tie-breakers against the Rams and Seahawks, their two biggest competitors in the playoff picture. They have possibly the easiest remaining schedule of the three. Green Bay is still in a position to make the playoffs, and if Love can continue progressing, we could see them playing in January.