#University of Central Florida Arena

[collegesport]

Hey Guys, welcome to my first blog! My name is Leona, but most people I know call me Leo. I’m 19 years old, and I’m a College Athlete. I play soccer at a Junior College in Florida, but actually, I am from Germany, so you're probably wondering why I'm at a Junior College in Florida, the answer is pretty easy: in the US it is easier to do your sport at a high level and get a good education. In this blog, I want to inform you why college sports are so huge in the US and also how you get into a system like that if you are from a different country like me.  I will mention facts from well-researched sources and also share my own experience with such a complicated system. If you ask yourself now why you should read a blog like this, maybe the answer is that you can be the next one with a scholarship for a College in the United States. 

First of all, I will start with the facts. College sport plays a huge role in the culture of the United States; it is a central part of the culture and definitely more than just Leisure activities for students. The meaning of this reaches deep into American history, culture, and economy. The origins and current size of this phenomenon have a lot to do with historical developments, social values ​, and economic factors.

The roots of the college sport in the USA lie in the 19th Century. One of the first documented college sports events was the rowing competition between the elite universities Harvard and Yale in 1852. With industrialization, the question of leisure activities, and colleges and universities saw that as an opportunity to promote discipline, teamwork, and character development. These values ​​corresponded to the ideals of “Muscle Christianity,” a movement that combined physical fitness with moral strength. 1906 became the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), a recognized institution. The NCAA was founded to control college sports and to make sure that the safety of athletes is secured, and also to to set the standards for competitions. Since then, college sports developed into a huge part of the American education system. 

College sport is often referred to as expansion from high school sports. A lot of colleges and universities see the sport as an opportunity to get recognized:  they build up their whole identity around the sport and become proud of the successes of their sports teams. Games by teams like the Michigan Wolverines or the Alabama Crimson Tide draw tens of thousands of fans to stadiums that are often larger than many professional arenas. A lot of people support their College they went to in the past, or their parents went to, also the current students do not want to miss a major sporting event at their university. 

College sports is also a very good way to finance your studies. Athletes from less fortunate backgrounds in particular, can obtain a university degree through a sports scholarship and thus have a perspective for their future. This kind of bonding between sport and education is also a reason why college sports is so respected and a big part in the American society. 

The college sports is also a huge industry, TV contracts, sponsorship, and Merchandising generates billions of dollars. The NCAA's annual revenue is around $1 billion, with much of that coming from broadcasting games such as the College Football Playoff series. This revenue often goes toward funding other university programs.

To put it in a nutshell, the US college sports have a big meaning in the culture and is the result of a long history and work from the NCAA and the universities.  The aport is a central component in today’s culture and a society, it has a huge influence to the economy and the life for a lot of students. 

Now, let's look at how to apply for a place on a team and maybe get a scholarship. For that, it is good to know that the NCAA now has offshoot associations like the NJCAA (National Junior Athletic Association) and the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics). As an international student, it is most of the time easier to get into a smaller college like a junior college (juco). The first step is to know how good you are and realistically. You need to research what kind of colleges do they offer a program in your sport and what level this program is. You can research that on the websites of the different associations. The next step is that you need an online presence, you need an athlete profile where you tell every important information about you and your sport, in the best case, you have a highlight video. As an example you can take a lock on my profile under this link: Leona AthletesUSA. After that, you need to contact Coaches and tell them from you and your sport. Write personalized emails to college coaches. Introduce yourself, mention your athletic and academic accomplishments, and explain why you're a good fit for their program. Include your highlight video and resume. After that you need to register for the NCAA Eligibility Center to make sure that you meets all requirements. A good tip is to be present on social media like Instagram, but make sure you have a professional presence. 

I hope after this blog, you understand how huge the system is and how you can still get your foot in the door. By the way, for most international players, it is easier to start with a juco rather than directly with an NCAA team. A last thing, you need to make sure that your grades are on the top, because it is still a college application. 

Let me know if you found this post helpful and until then, good luck with your applications. Bye!

source reference:

Chudacoff, Howard P.. Changing the Playbook : How Power, Profit, and Politics Transformed College Sports, University of Illinois Press, 2015. ProQuest Ebook Central, https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/polk-ebooks/detail.action?docID=4306056.

Wiener, Gary, ed. The Business of College Sports : Who Earns What. First edition. New York, NY: Greenhaven Publishing, 2023. Print.

[mastermindxsl]

Diana Fletcher

Diana Fletcher stands as an eminent figure in the realm of financial technology, boasting a career spanning more than thirty years. Hailing from Canada, she has carved a niche for herself as an entrepreneur par excellence, Diana Fletcher a visionary in the fintech domain, and a savvy businesswoman. Throughout her journey in the financial sector, Diana has been characterized by her trailblazing initiatives and substantial contributions to the industry.

In 1986, Diana embarked on her entrepreneurial voyage by founding End Results Marketing and Promotions, showcasing her astute business acumen early on. This was swiftly followed by the establishment of Score Promotions in 1988, a venture that later merged into Carlson Marketing Companies Inc., a corporate entity valued at $30 billion. These early triumphs laid the groundwork for her subsequent ventures in the fintech arena.

Diana’s visionary outlook and innovative drive have played a pivotal role in shaping loyalty programs for Canada’s leading banks, pioneering the development of Mondex and Visa Cash payment card chip technology, and introducing the inaugural Mastercard Prepaid reload network in Canada. Her initiatives transcended national borders; she played a central role in forging groundbreaking collaborations, such as the one with Windsor Family Credit Union, challenging the hegemony of Canada’s major banks.

Her expertise and groundbreaking innovations have transcended geographical boundaries. Diana has spearheaded the acquisition of banks and licenses across diverse global markets, spanning Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. This global expansion underscores her stature as a key influencer in the global payments landscape. Overseeing corporate direction, innovation, and strategy, Diana navigates the company through a spectrum of activities, encompassing day-to-day operations to mergers and acquisitions in the fintech sector.

Beyond her corporate endeavors, Diana’s influence extends to her engagements as a keynote speaker at various fintech, digital, and payments conferences and events. She garnered attention in the "Business without Borders Report" (Banking Tech Magazine, May 2013) and has been honored with several accolades within the payment industry, including the prestigious "Paytech for Good Award." Her collaboration with the Canadian Forces, resulting in the launch of the "Best Incentive Program and Best Benefits Delivery" in 2017 (as recognized by Paybefore Media), underscores her commitment to leveraging financial technology for societal welfare.

Apart from her professional pursuits, Diana is renowned for her philanthropic endeavors. She actively contributes to local charities in the Greater Toronto Area, reflecting her dedication to giving back to the community. Her philanthropic support spans various causes, solidifying her position as a corporate leader with a profound sense of social responsibility.

Diana Fletcher, armed with an MBA from Florida State University, serves on the boards of several multi-million-dollar enterprises. Her extensive expertise in innovative payment solutions, encompassing mobile, cards, wallets, and digitally enabled financial products, positions her as a sought-after collaborator for banks worldwide aiming to fortify their payment divisions. Her objective is to amplify revenue and product outreach across diverse sectors, including credit, debit, prepaid, merchant processing, micro-loans, and innovative digital solutions.

In essence, Diana Fletcher emerges as a trailblazer in the fintech realm, serving as an inspiration for budding entrepreneurs and a philanthropist dedicated to effecting positive change in her community and beyond. Her visionary outlook, expertise, and unwavering pursuit of innovation continue to shape the landscape of digital banking and payment solutions on a global scale.

[heritageparkinn]

Discover the Best Affordable Hotels in Kissimmee for Comfortable and Economical Stays

Planning a visit to Kissimmee, Florida, and looking for the best affordable hotels that offer both comfort and value? Look no further! Kissimmee, located in Central Florida, is a prime destination for travelers seeking a magical experience near world-renowned theme parks and attractions like Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort. While the city boasts an array of accommodation options, finding the perfect balance between comfort and affordability is essential to make the most of your trip.

In this article, we have listed the best affordable hotels in Kissimmee that ensure a comfortable and economical stay without compromising on quality. These hotels offer various amenities, convenient locations and budget friendly prices, making them suitable choices for families, and solo travelers.

Comfort Inn & Suites Maingate South

Located just minutes away from Walt Disney World Resort, Comfort Inn & Suites Maingate South is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers seeking convenience and comfort. This hotel offers spacious rooms equipped with modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and free Wi-Fi. Guests can take advantage of the complimentary hot breakfast buffet before heading out for a day of adventure. The hotel also features a heated outdoor pool, fitness center, and free shuttle service to the nearby theme parks. With its affordable rates and proximity to the main attractions, Comfort Inn & Suites Maingate South provides a perfect blend of value and convenience.

Quality Inn & Suites by the Parks 

For those looking for an affordable hotel with a prime location, Quality Inn & Suites by the Parks is an excellent option. Situated near Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, this hotel offers comfortable rooms equipped with microwaves, mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs. Guests can enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast to fuel their day of exploration. The hotel features an outdoor pool, hot tub, and a game room, providing ample opportunities for relaxation and entertainment. The friendly staff and convenient amenities make Quality Inn & Suites by the Parks a great choice.

Red Lion Hotel Orlando Lake Buena Vista South 

With its affordable rates and modern accommodations, Red Lion Hotel Orlando Lake Buena Vista South is a popular choice for travelers visiting Kissimmee. The hotel offers spacious and well-appointed rooms, featuring plush bedding, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges. Guests can start their day with a delicious breakfast at the onsite restaurant or grab a quick snack at the convenience store. The hotel boasts a large outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a game room, ensuring that guests have plenty of options for relaxation and entertainment. Red Lion Hotel's convenient location, just a short drive away from Walt Disney World Resort and other attractions, makes it an ideal choice for both families and business travelers looking for a comfortable and budget-friendly stay.

Heritage Park Inn

Accommodations at Heritage Park Inn are designed to cater to the needs of every guest. The best hotel in Kissimmee Florida offers a range of room types, including standard rooms, suites, and family rooms, ensuring that there is an option suitable for individuals, couples, and families alike. The rooms are equipped with modern amenities, including a flat-screen TV, a mini-fridge, and a coffee maker.

One of the highlights of this hotel is its fantastic location. It is situated just 1.1 miles away from Osceola County Stadium, making it an ideal choice for sports enthusiasts. Additionally, being only 1.4 miles from Silver Spur Rodeo Arena adds to the hotel's appeal for those looking to experience some thrilling rodeo action. With its budget-friendly rates, convenient location, and welcoming atmosphere, Heritage Park Inn is a great choice for travelers seeking affordability and comfort in Kissimmee.

Baymont by Wyndham Kissimmee

Nestled in the heart of Kissimmee, Baymont by Wyndham offers affordable accommodations with easy access to major theme parks and popular attractions. The hotel features comfortable rooms with amenities such as flat-screen TVs, microwaves, and mini-fridges. Guests can enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast each morning and take advantage of the outdoor pool and fitness center to unwind after a long day of exploration. The hotel also provides a shuttle service to Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando, further enhancing its value for guests. 

Takeaway

When planning a visit to Kissimmee, finding a comfortable and economical hotel is key to ensuring a memorable trip. The aforementioned hotels, including Comfort Inn & Suites Maingate South, Quality Inn & Suites by the Parks, Red Lion Hotel Orlando Lake Buena Vista South, and Baymont by Wyndham Kissimmee, offer a combination of affordability, comfort, and convenient amenities. From complimentary breakfasts to outdoor pools and shuttle services, these hotels provide the perfect balance for budget-conscious travelers. By choosing one of these affordable options, you can enjoy a comfortable and economical stay, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the magic of Kissimmee and its surrounding attractions.

[transportationunknown]

the social justice (of) movement: how public transportation administrators define social justice (wellman, 2016)

purpose of this study: “The purpose of this study is to further the study of transportation equity and the relationship between social justice considerations and public administration research.” p. 117

Rather than targeting African Americans, it is suggested that contemporary American transportation policies disenfranchise the poor with strong racial overtones. p. 118

within the previous decade, 24% of African Americans, 17% of Latinos, 13% of Asian-Americans, and 7% of Caucasians lacked access to a private automobile (Sanchez, et al., 2003, p. 9; U.S. Department of Transportation, 2004)

Research questions: 

(primary) Do transit administrators believe social justice is a factor in the administration of transit agencies? p.123 

“To what extend are transit administrators aware of the concept of social justice as applied to public transit? 

How do transit administrators define and measure social justice?

A note from Wellman: A very important point of consideration beyond the scope of this research and worthy of future investigation is the extent to which transit administrators are simply interpreting or carrying out policies mandated to them by legislative bodies or other policy elites. 

Methods:

phone and four face to face Interviews w/30 mid-upper level administrators 

site: United States, organizations and agencies

gleaned from a database maintained by the Lehman Center for Transportation Research at Florida International University

Note: Agencies from metropolitan areas with more than 4 million inhabitants were removed on the presumption that social justice concerns in such places would be multi-factorial and beyond the scope of this research.

96 agencies were left which met the above criteria and were sorted geographically; then 30 agencies were randomly selected according to their Census Division

In spite of the fact that few authors have explicitly linked social justice and transportation, the argument that other arenas of public policy, such as housing, economic development, community development, and environmental protection policies, are inequitable between and within communities has been made by a plethora of scholars and activists (see Boschken, 2002; Bullard & Johnson, 1997; Bullard, Johnson, & Torres, 2000; Harvey, 2009; Litman, 2007; Logan & Molotch, 1987)

this article was published in 2015, meaning that the paper was written as early as 2013. social justice and transportation was going through a renaissance as this time. 

what is equity? Equity, similar to justice and fairness, is concerned with how the benefits and costs of public policy are distributed (Litman, 2007, p.2)

the issues of researching transportation equity:

Transportation equity has often been ignored because:

1. the difficulty of identifying and measuring its variables (Litman, 2007, p. 2: Paaswell & Recker, 1978)

The issue of needing quant analysis. How do you measure quality of life? Issue also shows up in the racialized roots of travel behavior (barajas, 2021)

2. because it is a problem that primarily affects the poor and many academics prefer to focus on issues of race and gender (Oldfield, Chandler, & Johnson, 2004; Johnson, 2004) 

3. because it is often not in the interest of the policy-making class of elites (Bullard, et al., 2000; Domosh & Seager, 2001; Sachs, 1992)

Wellman tends to lean on Robert Bullard and principles of environmental justice in formulating his thoughts on transportation equity/social justice in transportation 

Class conflict in transportation equity has been explored extensively

Class conflict, inequality, and social stratification occupy a central role in determining policy and service delivery decisions in public transportation policymaking p. 141 

Bullard on racial inequality and environmental justice 

Robert Paaswell and Wlfred Recker, Problems of the Carless (1978) 

Mary Chichocki (1980), Mona Domosh and Joni Seager (2001) on class conflict and transportation equity through feminist methodologies and the restrictions of women’s mobility lack of transportation options in patriarchal societies

awareness of social justice p. 126

Not surprisingly, transit agency administrators interviewed overwhelmingly indicate that they approve of, and pursue, principles of social justice, and that such concepts are part of their working environment — but the questions are more focused on when social justice was mentioned at work and why the interviewee thought social justice was important

It is important to note that "fairness" was overwhelmingly preferred to "social justice" by interviewees and was used interchangeably by them throughout (FIRST CHAPTER, SECOND CHAPTER)

“social justice” was perceived by some to be a loaded/political term; other preferred fairness as a more encompassing synonym

why they pursue social justice in their agency? four core issues were cited: 

interviewees' race, gender, or ethnicity 

perspectives on environmental justice 

pursuit of economic development (and by extension, access and mobility) 

awareness of the stigma of being a user of public transportation (particularly the stigma applied to bus riders

Rawlsian "justice as fairness," in which a public policy is just or fair if it benefits the least well off first(Rawls, 1971), seems to be embraced by public administrators working in mass transit 

race, gender, and ethnicity of interviewees p. 126

Some women interviewees cited their gender as mediator. One talked about the nexus of her gender, age, ethnicity, and political ontology and how it sets them a part (this one primiarly worked with older white male republicans who do not reflect their agencies’ riders) 

None of the male interviewees referenced their gender as a basis of orientation toward social justice

economic develpment and mobility

Public transportation is access.... It's movement. It's an opportunity that should be afforded to pretty much everybody who needs and/or wants it. (interviewee from the south) public transportation is, a springboard to independence and it is a necessity for everybody.... It's access to jobs, it's access to better life, it's access to independence… (interviewee from new england) Public transit allows people, many of whom have no other access to get to these [work] facilities and to utilize these programs and to be a part of the community… (interviewee from the southwest)

stigma of riding the bus

Interviewees who self-identify as a racial or ethnic minority were far more likely to cite the stigma of being a mass transit user in most metropolitan areas as a motivator for pursuing social justice and fairness

"perceptions of stigmas of people...[that] just because you ride the bus you’re a lowlife (interviewee of color from deep south) 

"there is a stereotype...about the population of bus riders, that they are, you know, socially and economically deprived” (interviewee of color from southwest)

defining social justice and its components

questions: but what do they believe social justice is, contains, or stipulates? How do they define it? the ubiquitous need for public transportation's availability and equal access 

World Cloud Visualization of Word Frequency to Define Social Justice

how to define it? p. 134

An interviewee from California, notably a transportation planner by training, defined social justice as ensuring objectivity in decision-making 

An East Coast interviewee, similarly, warned that areas that are "less diverse racially, or wealthier...receiving a higher level or even the same amount of service as an area" with more transit dependents would be socially unjust

Wellman notes from the definitions provided in this section

neighborhoods that are wealthy should not receive better or even the same level of service as neighborhoods that are poorer 

regardless of income, racially diverse neighborhoods deserve better - not equal, and certainly not less - access to public transportation

Some transit administrators define social justice as strict adherence to the requirements of Title IV - that is, to retain federal funding, agencies should not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, or nationality in the provision, level, or type of service provided 

A Southwest transit administrator described social justice as "almost like a way of life.... Social justice is like having things permeate your community that promote fairness and equity for all."

social justice discussed at work p. 136

wellman notes three groupings:

those whom actively discuss social justice in the workplace 

those for whom social justice is reactively discussed in the workplace 

those who do not discuss social justice at all

[itbeabbyc]

Orlando Entertainment Culture

When you are looking for a new place to live, with endless varieties of entertainment and culture, what kind of things do you look for? For me, I look for activities, food, drinks, festivals, and music.  Growing up on Long Island, and right outside of New York City, I was fully surrounded by all of the culture and entertainment I could possibly imagine.  But, after living there for the first 20 years of my life, I decided to make the hard choice of leaving my comfort zone, and moving to a new place. Since it was my first move though, I wanted to go somewhere where I could still feel a sense of community and familiarity.  Orlando, Florida has been a second home to me my entire childhood, as I grew up going to Disney World multiple times every single year.  So, this felt like the perfect opportunity to have my first big move to a new city with a new culture.

Orlando is a really amazing and unique place when it comes to culture. You have all of those aspects of culture and entertainment that most larger cities have, with a huge added layer. Orlando’s theme parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios were a huge draw for me when I made the decision to come here. I love the theme parks, and knew working at the parks would be a fun opportunity for me as an entertainment management major. I found that the theme parks brought such a different cultural experience than many other places I’ve been. There is a huge community just within the theme parks and there are endless things to explore within each park.

My favorite aspect of the theme parks is their festivals throughout the whole year. Each park has their own festivals full of food, drinks, theming, and entertainment during each season. As someone who loves EPCOT(and works there), my totally biased opinion is that they have the best festivals. I think they have the perfect combination of live entertainment and special offerings that I usually can’t even completely see throughout the whole festival. I love the focus EPCOT has on culture and how they incorporate that into every single thing they do. With their Flower & Garden festival or Food and Wine Festival, you can try new foods from different cultures while also experiencing live concerts and performances around the park from local artists and more well-known artists.

While I have explored the theme park culture thoroughly, I feel like I need to explore more areas of Orlando. There is so much to see and do in Central Florida. Something else that I love about this area is the cruise industry. Living in Central Florida is amazing because you are 45 minutes away from both coasts that have beautiful beaches and cruise ports that make it super easy to travel. The best part about living in Orlando is the array of opportunities I can have, as far as my future career goes.  With such an immense entertainment industry with such variety, I feel like I have so many options once I graduate and I have a lot of peace of mind when it comes to that.  

If there was one thing I could improve about the Orlando entertainment culture, it would be the music scene.  There are concerts and a lot of smaller venues, but as someone who sees a lot of bigger artists, I think we could use a midsize arena or amphitheater.  With many artists only going to Tampa, Jacksonville, or Miami, I find myself always traveling to shows that I want to see.  I would much rather be able to drive 15-20 minutes to my shows, and Orlando could become a bigger hotspot for more famous artists.

As the time goes on and I am about to graduate, I find myself looking for what is next.  Where could I possibly have my next big adventure and learn about a new culture in a new place.  My best friend just recently moved to Nashville, Tennessee, and I have been considering moving there for a while now.  If I want to work in the music industry, Nashville would be an absolutely amazing place to be.  Each little area surrounding Nashville has its own scene and culture, and the more you explore it the more you realize it isn’t just for country music lovers.  It is so hard to even think about leaving this amazing city that I have called home for the past two years, but it also excites me to think about learning about a completely new place as I start this crazy new chapter in my life.

[realmenband]

NEXT SHOW 🥳 we are sooo hype to play one of the best UCF shows of the year this friday, dogefest 2023! catch us outside at the addition arena march 3rd along with @jupiterstormband @pedhouseplaypen @trauttheband @saussofficial @thepheromonesband plus free food! see you there🫵🏻💗 (at University of Central Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpMC3HUs-AV/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[hslllot]

Part I. Draft Day

fic masterlist | rated: m, mature | word count: 4.6k content/warning: hockey harry, nosey family members, a very brief mention of anxiety, overzealous hockey stans. 

DRAFT REPORT: The 411 on Harry Styles by John Michaelson for Sportsnet

There’s this kid named Harry Styles. He plays hockey. Ever heard of him? 

At this point there’s not much else to be said about the british Fighting Hawks’ centre, a lock to be the No.1 pick in the 2015 NHL Draft. 

Dubbed a generational talent, Styles’ abilities are at a level typically only seen in video games. We all know the Edmonton Oilers will select him with the first overall pick on June 26. In years to come, hockey fans from around the globe (but especially Oilers fans) will be on the edge of their seats, watching to see if the phenom can develop into a future Hockey Hall of Fame talent the way Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux did. 

Here’s what you need to know about Harry Styles: 

Age on June 26: 19 Birthplace: Redditch, Worcestershire, England Current team: University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks  Position: Centre Shoots: Left Height: 6-foot Weight: 190 lbs NHL Central Scouting Rank (North American): 1st

Harry Styles is a franchise-changing player in every sense of the word. He looked like a pro player even before he flew across the pond at a young age to play in the Canadian Hockey League. This has been a long time coming but the future is finally here.

He is talented beyond his years and always has been… Styles has played against older competition his entire career. Growing up in the small village of Holmes Chapel in Cheshire, England, the options for minor hockey teams were limited. Styles struggled to find a team in his age group that matched his talent level and was forced to play with older kids - and even then his talent was unmatched. Like the two other players from the UK currently playing in the NHL, Styles eventually had to leave home and play junior hockey in Canada, where he still had to play up a year against Canadian kids that grew up in a country that eats, sleeps, and breathes the game. 

He should have been drafted 1st overall last year… Styles shocked the hockey world in 2013 when, instead of declaring for the 2014 NHL Draft, he announced he would be attending the University of North Dakota and lead the Fighting Hawks to an NCAA Championship. Styles, ever the media-trained athlete, dodged questions about why he chose to go to university for a year before joining the NHL, simply stating “University was always a part of the plan, no matter what happened with hockey.” The hockey community let out a collective sigh of relief when his agent, Jeffrey Azoff (whose father was, coincidentally, Wayne Gretzky’s agent), announced shortly after his championship win that after one year at UND, Styles would be declaring for the 2015 Draft. 

His trophy case is full... Harry Styles has won pretty much every individual hockey award he could possibly win in his career so far. During his CHL career with the Vancouver Giants he won Rookie of the Year, multiple MVP awards, the award for most goals, assists, and overall points, and scholastic player of the year. During his short-lived NCAA career with UND, he won Rookie of the Year, the Hobey Baker Award as the top men’s hockey player, and was named to the Academic All-American team. Unfortunately, Great Britain’s ice hockey team will not be qualifying for the Olympics or the World Championships any time soon, so unless Styles applies for Canadian citizenship, international trophies and medals will be difficult to come by. Regardless, I have a feeling that there will be many Stanley Cups in his future. 

He really hates underperforming… The kid puts a lot of pressure on himself. As we have seen with many successful athletes, an insatiable inner drive to compete can lead to greatness. Styles has that drive to be great and can be his own worst critic. “When I was growing up, my mum was worried about me because I was a bit of a perfectionist.” Styles told The Hockey News back in December. “When I had a bad game, I would get so upset about it. It’s just how I am and how I think every athlete should be. Good is never enough. It’s important to always keep learning and growing to better yourself.”

He is excited to play for the Oilers… Not that he would have anything bad to say about any of the 30 NHL teams, but the Oilers do hold a special place in Styles’ heart. “It’s a great hockey town with fans that are super passionate about the game.” He told The Hockey News. “They’ve been on a bit of a slide the last couple years but the team has a great history. Not many people watch the NHL where I’m from, but my dad was always interested in it and that’s how I got into the game. He was an Oilers fan during their dynasty years with Gretzky and Messier… So if they do end up drafting me first overall, I’ll feel honored to be a part of the team, and it’ll be a nice tribute to my dad.” 

Be sure to catch our live 2015 NHL Draft coverage on June 26 starting at 5pm EST/2pm PT only on Sportsnet.

“With the first overall pick in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft the Edmonton Oilers are proud to select, from Holmes Chapel in England, Harry Styles.”

The room erupted in loud cheers and applause as the Edmonton Oilers drafted the National Hockey League’s newest and most sought after commodity. 

Y/N’s closest friends and extended family roamed around her parents’ living room, congratulating one another with hugs and handshakes like one of their own family members was just drafted. That wasn’t the case though, they were all just deeply invested in the hockey team and the boy from England that was meant to turn things around after so many years of losing. They were so invested, in fact, that the family organized a gathering similar to something you might see on a holiday, like Thanksgiving or Christmas.

While it was not a normal holiday, for Y/N’s family it was just as significant. It was Draft Day. And every hockey fan in North America wanted Harry Styles to play for their team.

“That’s quite the suit, isn’t it?” Her uncle Will pointed to the television where the young man is dressed in an ornate red floral suit and black dress shirt. The suit was flashier than what most hockey players would wear, but it’s clear that Harry Styles is not like most hockey players. The camera panned to him as he stood up from his seat and hugged the two brunette women sitting next to him. He stuck out like a sore thumb among a sea of other young hockey players all dressed in variations of black and grey as they patiently waited to be drafted from the stands of the BB&T Centre in Florida. It was clear to Y/N that, much like his hockey skills, Harry Styles’ fashion sense was superior compared to his peers.

There was an air of excitement in the room as the draft party, all clad in blue and orange jerseys, watched the generational talent walk down the stairs of the arena and make his way to the stage. They collectively held their breath, the room becoming silent, when he arrived at the stage where both the owner and general manager of the team were waiting to greet him. Harry shook their hands before they handed him his own blue and orange jersey. As he slipped the jersey over his head and posed for a photograph with the executives, the silence in the room broke and excited conversations and speculations for the upcoming season continued. Y/N couldn’t help but feel a stir in her belly and a sense of anticipation for what the upcoming hockey season would bring. 

Her thoughts lingered on the man on the screen, wondering what it might be like to meet him, when her brother pulled her out of her reverie. “Can you believe you’ll be working with the Harry Styles?” 

No - she couldn’t quite believe it. 

In fact, everything happening in her life right now seemed a bit too good to be true.

Set to start her third year of university in September and having to complete mandatory practicum hours in order to graduate the following year, she somehow managed to secure a placement with her favourite hockey team. The Oilers were only taking three students from the university program and everyone in the program wanted one of those spots. 

The application process was incredibly stressful for Y/N. One telephone interview, one in-person interview, and a practical session where she had to demonstrate her athletic therapy skills to the team’s head trainer. She did well with the phone interview, given that they weren’t able to see her. She was able to look down at the talking points she wrote in her notebook and pause to take a couple deep breaths without making it obvious that she was reeling on the inside. Her anxiety got the best of her during the in-person interview though, freezing up when they asked simple questions like “why do you want to work for the team?” and “what experience do you have working with sport teams?”

She left the interview feeling embarrassed, but instead of taking the time to wallow and feel sorry for herself, she went home and spent hours upon hours taping her brothers’ ankles in preparation for the practical session the following day. There was no way she was going to let the opportunity fall through the cracks. Her dream of working for the Oilers was the whole reason she decided to go to school for athletic therapy in the first place. She was never any good at playing hockey but she knew in her heart that, someday, she would work for the team she loved so much. At the end of it all, she reckons her taping skills saved her, so she took her brother out to his favourite restaurant to thank him for letting her use his ankles for practice.

Fast forward a few months and she’s now stood in her parents living room thinking about how in three months she could be taping Harry Styles’ ankles.  

At the time of her application, no one knew the Oilers would be picking first in the draft. The aura around the team was a bit negative at the time (because of all the losing) and there were rumours circulating the city that some of the star players were rude to the support staff and liked to party a little too hard at The Ranch (which contributed to said losing). 

When she first decided to apply for the position her father warned her, “there’s a saying that you should never meet your heroes. What if they’re all a bunch of assholes and you end up hating the team you’ve loved your whole life?” 

Y/N ignored her father’s warning but silently hoped that others would feel that way, narrowing down the applicant pool. However, the rumours circulating the team had no effect on the amount of students applying for the job. The fans were loyal in Edmonton (a city not known by many around the world unless you follow hockey or are compelled to visit North America’s largest shopping mall) and although the team was losing, every kid studying athletic therapy wanted a shot with their favourite team. Y/N knew of at least fifteen students that she beat out for the position. 

Now, it’s late June and there is a general hype surrounding the team, as if Harry was about to come in and shine a light on the Decade of Darkness (a term Oilers fans use to characterize the recent years in which their favourite team hadn’t made the playoffs). That’s a lot of pressure to put on one person, but Y/N supposed that he’s been dealing with this kind of pressure since he was sixteen, maybe even younger. 

Everyone at her family’s draft party was, yet again, watching the television intently while Harry gave his first interview as an official member of the Edmonton Oilers hockey team. While Y/N normally loved watching these types of interviews, she was a bit zoned out- mesmerized by the look of him. The suit, the wavy chestnut hair, the dimple in his left cheek, the accent. The accent. She had never really been that attracted to hockey players, which many people found hard to believe given that she’s such a fan of the sport. All of the guys from her high school who played minor hockey were rotten and thought they were better than everyone else. She did have favourite players in the NHL, players that she loved and admired, but they were her favourites because she loves how they play the game, not because she wants to fuck them. 

There was something different about Harry Styles though. Not necessarily that she wanted to fuck him (especially since she recently signed an employment contract that would forbid it), but she was certainly feeling intrigued by him. He doesn’t look like the boys she went to high school with. Maybe it’s the fact that he’s British, or that he opted for a suit that set him apart from the rest of them, or maybe it was the duality of the way he held himself with unshakeable confidence in his floral suit, his gaze set intensely on the person interviewing him, posture strong and dominant, while simultaneously speaking so softly, his words laced with kindness and gratitude.

“When do you start working with the team, Y/N?” Her uncle Will asked from across the room, prompting everyone to look in her direction waiting for her response. 

The news that Y/N would be working for the Oilers this season shook the family. As soon as her dad shared the news with his brother, she started receiving messages expressing congratulations from her many aunts, uncles, and cousins, shortly followed by messages asking if she would be getting free tickets to games. 

“Um, mid-September, for training camp.” 

“You get to meet Harry Styles?” her 9 year old cousin, Billy, asked. 

“I do. I will be one of the team’s trainers.” The young boy held a look of wonder on his face, as if realizing for the first time that that his oldest cousin was actually kind of cool. 

“Do you think he’s single?” Her aunt Maria asked with a smirk on her face, turning to the television to look at Harry Styles. Aunt Maria doesn’t care much for hockey but she never failed to mention which players she believed to be handsome. She was also the nosey type of aunt that liked to inquire about Y/N’s dating life. “Maybe you two will hit it off.”

Y/N playfully rolled her eyes at her aunt, waving off her comment. But before she could retort, her father chimed in. “Ha! Yea, right! That’s not going to happen. She’s not allowed to date anyone on the team, it’s the rules. Plus, Y/N knows better than to get involved with any of these guys.” 

Her father was right. It is the rules. Y/N thought back to when she went into the Oilers headquarters back in April to sign her employment contract. She asked a lot of questions, making sure she understood everything about the document she was signing. 

“Personal relationships? Even friendships are forbidden?” she asked the head trainer, TJ, for clarification. 

“It depends. You can be friendly, sure, but I would avoid spending time with the players outside of training and game times. Could be seen as unprofessional.”  

Y/N understood why such rules were in place, and she had no issue with it at the time. A woman securing a position on a professional sports team was rare, let alone a woman securing a position with a professional men’s team. She knew when she chose this career path that it would always be an uphill battle and that she’d have to work harder and be more strategic than the men in her field. She wanted- no, needed to excel and prove that she could be a talented athletic therapist and a valuable member of the team, so she had no intention whatsoever of messing that up with any type of personal relationships. She also understood the power dynamic between the professional athletes and the support staff, the different ways in which power can be abused, and how personal relationships could complicate things. It all made sense to her. Plus, she was happy enough with just becoming friends with the other trainers and she probably wouldn’t have a lot of free time, anyways, balancing her practicum and her school work.

Today, however, she couldn’t help the very slight pull on her heartstrings at the thought of not getting to know Harry Styles on a more personal level. 

As if he’d even be interested in the first place.

In a hotel restaurant in Sunrise, Florida, a few hours after the draft, Harry Styles sat with his mother Anne, sister Gemma, and agent Jeff, celebrating his newly drafted status over a bottle of champagne. He knew he should be feeling elated, like it was the best day of his life, but all he felt was exhausted. The conversation at the table happened around him while he sat in his own head, unable to think about anything but what it might feel like to be tucked into his bed in his childhood bedroom in Holmes Chapel. 

The weeks leading up to the draft were an absolute circus filled with interviews and talking to the media nearly every day (he hates talking to the media), shooting promo for all of his endorsements (he’s thankful for the money they give him but he knows he is an excruciatingly terrible actor), and flying around North America to visit all of the potential cities where he might be drafted (it was a pointless tour because everyone knew where he was going to end up). 

He had only tonight to celebrate with his family before it was all set to start again. Him and Jeff will fly off to Edmonton tomorrow morning for a week to speak to the media there, meet the teammate he’ll be living with, and do a surprise skating session with some kids at a summer camp. Meanwhile, his mum and sister will fly back to England.

“Any idea where you’ll live then?” Anne asked her son, pulling him out of his thoughts and back into the conversation. 

“Hm?” He hadn’t a clue what his mum just asked him but he’d hate to admit that rather than listening to anything the three of them had been talking about for the last hour he’d been thinking about how he’d rather be sleeping “Sorry, I think the champagne’s got to me a bit.” 

“The team’s got him living with one of his older teammates and his family.” Jeff stepped in, knowing Harry wasn’t fully paying attention. “They do this with the young guys to get them used to living on their own. Teach ‘em how to cook, do laundry, and keep ‘em in line. He won’t be partying every night and bringing girls back to his place if he lives with the guy’s wife and kids.” 

“Oh please,” Gemma chimed in. “Not like any of that would be an issue for Harry. He’s been away from home for years. And he’s hardly got time for partying and dating.” 

Harry shot Jeff a look warning him to keep his mouth shut. When Harry found out about the living arrangements the team had planned for him, he was less than pleased. After all, he’d just spent the last year living in a dorm room at the University of North Dakota where he had complete freedom. Gemma was right, he didn’t have much time for partying and dating. But he liked having his own space, and he really liked being able to invite someone over after a game, either to celebrate a win or relieve some stress after a loss. 

“You never know, some of these young guys get their first big pay cheque and a taste of the big leagues and it can go off the rails pretty fast.”

“I like to think I raised my baby to know better than to get caught up in a pay cheque.” Anne placed a comforting hand on her son’s shoulder and he quickly reciprocated, reaching up to place his hand over hers.  

Not liking where this conversation was going, Harry finally cut in. “You did. And Jeffrey, you know I’m not that kinda guy. Either way, none of this matters if I don’t make it past training camp. For all we know I could be going back to the juniors for the season.”

“Doesn’t matter who you are or what kinda guy you are, H, it’s just what the team does. It’s tradition. And c’mon, I know you like to keep your expectations in check, but the team’s made it pretty clear that you’re gonna be in the starting lineup come October.” 

Jeff was right. The team had all but promised that he would make it past training camp. The question wasn’t if he’d make it past training camp, but in what shape he’d be in and how long it would take for the team to start winning games.  

“The coach said I’m small and need to bulk up, especially since I’ll be playing against older, more experienced men.” Harry could feel the weight of his mum’s gaze as she gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “I’m not quite where I need to be yet, but I’ll get there.”

Harry and his family were stood in the hotel lobby with Jeff, convening on plans for the morning when he felt a small tug on the hem of his red floral suit jacket. He spun himself around, ready to confront the individual bold enough to touch him without his consent, to find a young girl, no older than five years old staring up at him. 

Harry looked at her, a bit taken aback and undoubtedly with a bit of confusion written on his face, and then spotted, a few feet behind her, two individuals who were most likely her parents. Suddenly, he realized that he may have actually had a few too many glasses of champagne and immediately tried to compose himself, standing straighter and trying to will away the exhaustion in his eyes and the haziness in his mind. 

“Oh - um, hello there.” He cleared his throat before using the soft voice he reserves for adorable, small children like the one stood before him. 

“Are you Harry Styles?” She asked with wide eyes and a small, timid voice.

“I am, sweetheart. What can I do for you?” 

A bright smile etched itself onto her face. But instead of answering him, she looked back at the adults standing behind her, motioning for them to help as she was too shy to proceed on her own. The man, who Harry presumed was her father, moved to stand beside her. 

“This is Millie. She wanted to say hi to you because she’s a big fan of yours.” 

Harry lowered himself in front of the young girl so that he was crouched down and eye-level with her. “Hi Millie, it’s a real pleasure to meet you.” He reached out to shake the young girl’s small hand. “Have you got anything that I could sign? Or I suppose we could take a photo if you’d like?” 

The young girl removed her hand from Harry’s, nodding her head eagerly. She began to unzip her jacket, revealing a bright orange Edmonton Oilers jersey underneath. 

“Oh? Look at that! You’re an Oilers fan. In Florida?” Harry lifted himself from his crouched position and directed his question toward at the girl’s father.

“Yes, well, we actually travelled here from Edmonton, to watch the draft in person.” Harry raised his eyebrows in shock. He knew that the flight from Edmonton to Florida is long, and likely expensive. The tickets to attend the draft live probably weren’t cheap either. “It’s not every day your favourite team picks first overall! Let alone gets to pick a player like you. We were so excited so we decided to make a family trip out of it. Turn around, Millie, show him the back!” Millie’s father handed Harry a sharpie as Millie turned her back to Harry. 

It was at that moment that Harry started to understand the weight of the moment. The name ‘STYLES’ was embroidered on the back of Millie’s Oilers jersey, above the number ‘15’ indicating his draft year. He was speechless. This was, after all, the first time he was seeing his name in the classic Oilers’ orange and blue colours adorned on a fan’s back. 

The feeling was different from earlier at the draft when they presented him with his own jersey. This one belonged to someone else. Someone bought his jersey before he’d even ever played a single minute for the team. They flew across the continent, from Edmonton to Florida, just to watch him get drafted. It was a lot for his hazy, champagne-diluted mind to take in.

Realizing he’d just been standing there staring at the jersey, he cleared his throat once again in hopes that he could hide the unknown thoughts and emotions he was trying to reconcile. “Wow, um, I didn’t realize you could get these already.”

Millie’s father laughed, “Man, they’ve been selling these in Edmonton since they announced we’d be picking first in the draft.” Again, the feeling was overwhelming for Harry. 

We’d be picking first in the draft.

To this family, and probably others in Edmonton, the Oilers were “we”. They win together, they lose together. If the Oilers pick first in the draft, they all pick first. It was their team. And now he, Harry, was a part of that “we”.

Harry reached down to sign the jersey on Millie’s back, quickly scribbling his autograph on the left side. As he straightened himself, he felt Anne move to stand beside him, apparently having sensed her son’s unease and unconscious need for his mother to join him in this moment.

“Hi, I’m Harry’s mum, Anne. Would you like me to take a picture of the four of you?” Millie’s father eagerly handed his phone to Anne and waved his wife over to be in the photo. Several photos of Harry and the family were taken, followed by a few of just Harry and Millie. 

“Would you mind if I took one of Harry and Millie on my phone as well?” Anne asked as she snapped the last photo. “This is the first time Harry’s met a fan wearing his name on an Oilers jersey. We’d like to remember it.” 

The family was more than happy to oblige so Anne took a few more photos on her phone, including one where Millie’s back was to the camera and the ‘STYLES’ name in full view. 

It was so like his mum to understand how special the moment was and to come in and save him. He couldn’t quite articulate what he was feeling in that moment, as understanding emotions and sentimentality were not his greatest strengths, and he most definitely never would have asked to take a photo to keep for himself had she not done it. 

The obvious feelings were joy and gratitude. Every day he was thankful to play the game he loved, to be successful, and to have fans that loved and supported him. It didn’t always make sense that complete strangers paid him so much attention just for playing a game, but he accepted it and always tried to show those strangers kindness in return. However, there was another feeling lingering, one that he couldn’t quite put his finger on. Looking at his mum, he knew that she knew what it was. She always knew. And certainly she would make him talk about it later.

As they separated from the family and walked toward the hotel elevators, where Gemma and Jeff were waiting, Anne grabbed onto her son’s arm, holding him close as they walked side by side. 

“Do you see that they love you already, my darling?” She asked. Harry raised an eyebrow at his mum, unsure of what she was going on about. “I know you. I know that you care what people think and that you are scared to disappoint them. You just need to step out on the ice and be yourself. Just be Harry. They already love you and this is only just the beginning.”

WOW! OK. I know it’s a bit of a slow start, but I wanted this chapter to be more of an introduction to harry and the mc and to the fan culture that harry is about to experience!! I’ve already started on the next part so that should be up before Christmas! If you’ve made it this far, all I can say is that I love you and appreciate you. If you liked it, please let me know. I debated not posting this so many times (and I might even regret it later) so feedback will certainly ease my troubled mind!! I ALWAYS LOVE YOU, BUT ESPECIALLY TODAY!! xx Shan. 

Harry’s Draft Day Look

talk to me about generational | fic masterlist

[onestowatch]

Lollapalooza 2019: 13 Ones to Catch (Who Aren’t The Strokes or Ariana Grande)

The moment we have all been waiting for is nearly upon us -- who’s ready for Lollapalooza? The music fanatics’ equivalent to Christmas in August, Lollapalooza is set to fill Grant Park in Chicago, Illinois, starting August 1, with some of the biggest and best names in music for four days straight. We have personally been preparing by taking turns between moshing alone to The Strokes’ entire discography and getting over our ex thanks to Ariana Grande’s thank u, next.

While Lollapalooza is certainly the spot to be if you want to catch Flume’s first set in years or what may possibly be a stop on Childish Gambino’s farewell tour, if you do not read the fine print, you are missing out. Lollapalooza’s 2019 lineup features a host of not-to-be-missed up & coming artists who you can guarantee we’ll be front-and-center for. These are our 13 indisputable ones to catch at this year’s Lollapalooza

Scarypoolparty

When & Where: Saturday, 3:45pm at Lakeshore stage 

When we say an artist like Scarypoolparty comes around once in a lifetime, we do not say those words lightly. The spellbinding project of Alejandro Aranda, Scarypoolparty became a worldwide sensation after a heart-rending audition for American Idol went viral. Since that fateful audition, the last odd year has seen Aranda finish as the runner-up to Season 17 of American Idol, release his official debut single as Scarypoolparty, and sell out shows across the nation. This is a set and artist not to be missed.

half•alive

When & Where: Thursday, 2:50pm at American Eagle stage

How to begin describing half•alive… a wholly infectious amalgamation of R&B, funk, pop, rock, soul, and so much more all encapsulated under the iridescent reflective lights of an array of disco balls seems like a good as place as any to start. The Long Beach trio quickly became a pop-adjacent sensation after a seemingly one-take video for their single “still feel.” mesmerized us and more than 24 million others. half•alive is simply one of those bands you have to catch live, and what better a place than Lollapalooza?  

Alec Benjamin

When & Where: Friday, 1:50pm at American Eagle stage

With John Mayer taking him under his wing, Alec Benjamin may just turn out to be one of the greatest and most popular songwriters of the 21st century. Referring to himself simply as a “narrator,” the Phoenix-born singer-songwriter manages to elevate the seemingly mundane into rich, grand lyrically-driven narratives. Yet, to officially release his debut album, now is the time to catch Benjamin before he is quite possibly the biggest thing on the planet.

Joji

When & Where: Sunday, 3:30pm at Lake Shore stage

Joji’s music is an inescapable vibe–there is simply no other way to describe the ominous, space-age R&B of the Osaka, Japan-born artist and producer. A central figure of music collective and label 88rising, Joji stands at the forefront of a new wave of artists. It is a level of previously unheard innovation that runs through the pulsating electronic undercurrents of his phenomenal debut album BALLADS 1 and is sure to carry over into this rare live performance.

Sam Fender

When & Where: Saturday, 1:00pm at Bud Light stage

Sam Fender is the voice of a generation on the brink. The central figures in the electrifying British artist’s records are not lovelorn teens or heartbroken exes, but dystopic nightmares brought about by manmade failings, friends lost to suicide, and the eventual end of the world that seems to be creeping in at an alarming speed. It is not easy casual listening, but it shouldn’t be there. There is a pressing nature to Fender’s guitar-driven musings, a pressing nature that makes his music feel larger than life yet deeply personal.

Conan Gray

When & Where: Friday, 2:45pm at Bud Light stage

Conan Gray is the undisputed king of bedroom bops. First finding his start with nothing more than GarageBand and a bargain mic taped to a lamp, the current state of Gray is one defined by a legion of fans, national sold-out tours, and a polished take on anti-pop that runs the gamut from explosive to deeply heartfelt. Without a doubt the next big thing in pop, Gray is ready to take Lollapalooza by storm, and you will want to be front-and-center for it.

Yeek

When & Where: Sunday, 2:10pm at BMI stage

Yeek belongs to an era of artists not bound by genre conventions or norms. The Florida-born, Los Angeles–raised artist weaves together elements of pop-minded R&B, hip-hop, and indie rock to create a hypnotizing concoction of sounds that is just as apt to catch you in a nostalgic bout of feels as it is to open doors to a previously unrealized future. Hot off the heels of his acclaimed IDK WHERE EP, Lollapalooza will give you just the chance to catch the magic of Yeek in a setting quite like no other.

Lennon Stella

When & Where: Thursday, 2:45pm at Bud Light stage 

To say Lennon Stella has come a long way in a few short years would be a massive understatement. Getting her start covering pop and R&B hits on YouTube with her sister Maisy, the rapidly rising pop starlet is in the midst of joining the same ranks as those superstars she once covered. With only a lone debut EP and a handful of singles to her name, Stella is now racking up streams in the hundreds of millions. This festival may just be one of the few times you can see her before she is packing arenas.

Roy Blair

When & Where: Friday, 4:30pm at BMI stage

Roy Blair is a name you need to know. Quite possibly the very definition of anti-pop, Blair’s music sees him instilling all the emotional depth and unapologetic honesty of sprawled diary entries into the pages of sonically rich hip-hop, R&B, and pop influences. While he has only released a single full-length album, 2017’s Cat Heaven, the impressive debut feels like more than enough material, and then some, for a standout festival set. And if we’re lucky, this will be one of the few opportunities this year to hear new music from Blair firsthand.

Omar Apollo

When & Where: Friday, 1:00pm at Bud Light stage

There is a multidimensional appeal to the dreamy sonic musings of Omar Apollo. Blending elements of bedroom pop and idyllic R&B with a relaxed lull that drifts in and out of English and Spanish, Apollo arrives as a star for a new generation. The universal charm of Apollo is only heightened by the DIY feel of the entire experience, as the Indiana native coaxes you further into his dreamscape behind a perfectly imperfect wall of fuzz and textured instrumentation. Now, this is an act capable of whisking up an inimitable groove and dreamlike state in the same set.

GothBoiClique

When & Where: Thursday, 5:45pm at BMI stage

Truth be told, we cannot tell you what exactly to expect from a GothBoiClique set, and therein lies part of the excitement. The Los Angeles–based emo rap group formed in 2013 by WICCA PHASE SPRINGS ETERNAL, Cold Hart, and Horse Head paved the way for the modern-day emo rap that now pervades mainstream public consciousness and airwaves. Beyond a set poised to feature the most artists on stage at once, GothBoiClique is a not-to-be-missed affair for any of our sad boys and girls out there.

Yung Gravy

When & Where: Sunday, 5:40pm at BMI stage

Blurring the lines between self-aware parody and viral rap phenomena, Yung Gravy is our newest not-so-guilty pleasure. First going viral with the Seuessian smash hit “1 Thot 2 Thot Red Thot Blue Thot” in 2018, the Minnesota rapper returned a year later with a debut album that has no right being as good it is. Sensational, the debut album in question, sees Yung Gravy cementing himself as more than just a punchline but a genuine artist fully capable of turning what could be thought of as a passing joke into an international sensation.

DJ Diesel

When & Where: Sunday, 5:15pm at Perry’s stage

We don’t know how many times you will be afforded the opportunity to witness Shaq drop a DJ set at one of the largest festivals in the world. That is all.

[ucflibrary]

It’s a bright, sunshiny, break-from-finals Saturday. Time to smooth on some sunscreen and enjoy it. Bask at the Reflecting Pond. Play a pick up game at Memory Mall. Hang out on the patio in front of @theadditionfi arena. Hike through the @ucfarboretum. Paddle a kayak on Lake Claire. You’ve got this, Knights. Enjoy your weekend! #ucflibrary #finalsweek #librariesofinstagram (at University of Central Florida) https://www.instagram.com/ucflibrary/p/BwxRzFNgtlp/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=18cozv7oc4hbo

[anthonyquigley]

The Reserve at Estero, Fort Myers, Florida, USA https://goo.gl/maps/qyN2aWeja3F2 . http://bit.ly/2vlYbnW . The Reserve at Estero is a vibrant, engaged, and active community in Southwest Florida. Centrally located midway between Naples and Fort Myers, The Reserve at Estero is a community with picturesque open spaces and sparkling lakes. . Community amenities include a grand clubhouse with a multi-purpose room, fitness center, aerobics studio, library/craft room, billiard room, and community room. There are tennis courts, a basketball court, pickleball courts, a resort-style swimming pool with children’s pool, spa and playground. Residents enjoy a variety of on-going activities and special events. The 485 single family home community was developed by Toll Brothers and enjoys a gatehouse that is staffed 24 hours a day. . The Reserve at Estero offers an ideal location close to Coconut Point Mall, Gulf Coast Town Center, Miromar Outlets, Germain Arena, Florida Gulf Coast University and the spring training facilities of the Minnesota Twins and Boston Red Sox. Additionally, the Southwest International Airport, numerous golf courses, Gulf Coast beaches and all the cultural and recreational attractions of Southwest Florida are just minutes away. . Text: http://bit.ly/2APl1a5 . #earthimages #earthimage #upintheair #abovetheclouds #satelliteimage #satelliteimages #EarthOverhead #overview #overvieweffect #fortmyers #ReserveatEstero #miami #florida http://bit.ly/2T39iMd

[miss-sophie27]

UCF football puts QR codes on Spring Game jerseys to increase social media and sales

With the help of the best QR code generator, QR codes on UCF football Spring Game 2022 players increase social media awareness and product sales.

During the Spring Game on April 16, 2022, University of Central Florida (UCF) football players dazzled viewers by displaying their last names and a bespoke QR code across the back of their jerseys.

Last year, the UCF team used a similar trick during the game, displaying their Twitter usernames rather than their last names printed at the back of their shirts.

UCF team coach Gus Malzahn uploaded a video on Twitter demonstrating the functionality of the jersey QR code.

Instead of displaying Twitter identities, roster numbers, or game positions this year, the UCF football team upgraded its concept.

In an interview, Malzahn said the innovative tactic was the school's way of helping athletes keep up with Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL).

The coach is confident that adopting QR codes would help players create their brands and improve revenue.

How the sports industry uses QR codes

There has been some precedent for using QR codes in the sporting goods sector.

Many sports firms have used QRs in their marketing, which has benefited them and sports fans.

The following firms are involved in sports and have used QR codes in their respective endeavors:

URL QR code for website redirection

Bitso, a firm that deals in cryptocurrencies, announced earlier this year that it would sponsor Brazil's SPFC for about 400,000 dollars.

Both firms were the first to provide an interactive experience for viewers at home who were watching the game.

The football players used jerseys with QR codes printed on the sleeves of the shirts. After the viewers have scanned the barcode, they will be sent to a website for Bitso's giveaway spree.

QR code for seat reservation

NBA fans attending a game at the Vivint Arena may easily place orders for food and beverages, shop for Utah Jazz merchandise, pull up arena maps, and download interactive applications developed by the team without leaving their seats.

Digital Seat Media used QR codes put on the seats in the arena during a game played by the Utah Jazz.

The best QR code generator with logo online allows you to create a QR code for reservations.

Increase traffic with QR codes

During the football game, Dallas Cowboys vs. Atlanta Falcons, the 80,000-seat AT&T Stadium will be covered with QR codes.

The cryptocurrency corporation Blockchain.com and the professional sports team aim to boost their websites and, as a result, raise the number of visitors to those websites and knowledge of cryptocurrencies.

Conclusion

The UCF football team was the first in the world of college football to use a creative and intelligent way to market their team merch.

Instead of relying on old-fashioned team endorsement, the team and the school tried new ways to step up their game.

You can also start your QR code campaign online with the best QR code generator.

[mitchbeck]

CANTLON: HARTFORD WOLF PACK OFF SEASON NOTES

BY: Gerry Cantlon, Howlings HARTFORD, CT - Activity is picking up for every professional hockey franchise around the globe, including the Hartford Wolf Pack, preparing for the upcoming 2022-23 season. HARTFORD YARD GOATS WHALERS TRIBUTE The Yard Goats hope to add more names for their annual Hartford Whalers appreciation day next year. Dave Keon sent a thoughtful, heartfelt video message from his home in Florida to his former teammates and fans. Ron Francis and Ulf Samuelsson couldn’t attend this season because Francis’s daughter is getting married. Nick Fotiu, who has a heavy Connecticut connection, could not attend because his grandson graduated from the NYC police academy.  Fotiu played for the New England and Hartford Whalers and the New York Rangers in his playing days. He also played three separate times, coaching in New Haven, and was an assistant for the Wolf Pack. He hopes to attend next year. The Staten Island-born Fotiu lives in Cape Cod. Mark Howe, who retired as the Head of Scouting, may join his brother, Marty, a resident, who has attended every year. Sean Burke was set to attend; however, now he's in a scouting role after leaving the Montreal Canadiens for the Las Vegas Golden Knights, where he joins his old Whaler teammate, Jim McKenzie. THE AHL SCHEDULE RELEASED The AHL teams have agreed to a unified 72-game AHL season. That schedule was unveiled last week. Highlighting some key dates in the schedule, it starts with Hartford opening the '22-'23 campaign on the road with a two-game set against the Charlotte Checkers on October 14 and 15. The teams' home opener comes a week later when the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins come to the XL Center. Hartford takes on Bridgeport the day after Thanksgiving and will play host to the Springfield Thunderbirds on New Year’s Eve at 5:30. The schedule features three Central Division teams that Pack fans have not seen in Hart City in quite some time. They are the Grand Rapids Griffins, the Rockford IceHogs, and the Milwaukee Admirals. The Pack plays Rockford on December 2nd for the first time. Milwaukee arrives on December 9th and makes its first appearance since February 14th, 2003. They now play in the new Panther Arena, as the Bradley Center is gone. Grand Rapids travels in the next night. They haven’t seen the XL Center since January 2nd, 2009. The Laval Rocket and Belleville Senators have been dropped from their schedule. GETTINGER RESIGNED Tim Gettinger received a new one-year, two-way deal from the Rangers, paying him $750K in the NHL and $125K in the AHL. Kasperi Kapanen, the son of former Whaler Sami Kapanen, signs a two-year extension with the Pittsburgh Penguins for $3.2M per season. The Wolf Pack's spare goalie for the past two years, François Brassard, heads to the Providence Bruins, signing a two-way (AHL-ECHL) deal. Instead, he will likely end up playing in Maine for the Mariners. Connor Bleackley joins Brassard in Maine. He was a Pack Player for the last game before the pandemic hit three years ago. LOTS OF MOVING AROUND Former New Haven Nighthawk Sylvain Couturier is hired as the new GM by the Cape Breton Eagles (QMJHL). He leaves the Acadie-Bathurst Titan from the other side of the province. A former New Haven Senator has left Cape Breton as head coach for the University of Waterloo (OUAA) next season. Former UCONN player Ben Freeman signs with the Greenville (NC) Swamp Rabbits. Defenseman Zack Malik split last season in the Czech Republic (Czechia) Division-2. His father, Marek Malik, is a former Whaler, Springfield Indian, Ranger, and Beast New Haven defenseman. Marek was an assistant coach with HC Frydek-Mistek and HK Dukla Jihlava and heads to FPS (Finland Mestis Divison-2). COLLEGE TRANSFERS Nick Bochen of Quinnipiac University (ECACHL) transfers to Bentley University (AHA), making 89 known transfers and 95 grad transfers for 184 thus far. Over 100 players remain in the transfer portal. 51 AHL’ers have signed overseas. Russia, with eleven, leads the way. Sweden has eight. Germany has seven signees, while Switzerland and Finland each have six. 25 of 31 teams have lost at least one player. Ex-Pack, John Gilmour leaves CSKA Moscow (Russia-KHL) for Dynamo Minsk (Belarus-KHL). The WJC camp resumes the postponed December tournament next month in Edmonton. It features Ranger draftees Will Cullye and Brennan Othmann plus Chase Stillman, the grandson of former Nighthawk and Springfield Indian Bud Stefanski. One of the camp coaches is ex-Springfield Indian Brad Lauer from last year’s WHL champion, the Edmonton Oil Kings. He was recently hired as an assistant coach by the Winnipeg Jets. Ex-Pack/Bridgeport Sound Tiger, Ted Donato, has bowed out of the US WJC team as one of its assistants. Grant Potulny, a former Springfield Falcon and the brother of ex-Pack Ryan Potulny, the head coach of Northern Michigan (CCHA), takes his place. Former Whaler Brad Shaw has left the Vancouver Canuks and has been named the new assistant coach in Philadelphia. He joins John Tortorella's Flyers coaching staff. HARTFORD WOLF PACK HOME Read the full article

[gslabsoft]

The Benefits of an AI Revolution in Healthcare

The Covid -19 pandemic has brought healthcare into focus and Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been at the forefront in the global war against the pandemic. AI has been accelerating innovation with its ability to process data from the patients globally and find patterns and expose aspects of health that might be difficult to notice otherwise.

Properly designed AI-based healthcare solutions have the potential to make healthcare more efficient, accessible, and affordable. AI can be applied in the areas of improving care through remote monitoring, telemedicine, chronic disease management, early risk identification, workflow automation, and optimization of the revenue cycle. According to PwC, the AI market for healthcare applications is all set to witness a massive growth from 663.8 million in 2014 to 6,662 million in 2021. So apart from sparking innovation to deal with the pandemic, what are the other advantages of AI in healthcare?

In this article let us explore some of the key benefits AI has to offer.

Improved Accessibility

One of the primary benefits of AI is the accessibility it creates to healthcare. According to WHO, an 18.1-year gap in life expectancy currently is recorded between the world’s richest and poorest nations. This can be attributed to limited healthcare accessibility as most developing countries struggle to keep pace with technological advancements. With innovations in AI solutions, regions that are at a disadvantage can begin to benefit from an efficient healthcare system.

AI-backed digital systems can facilitate patient diagnosis and treatment. There are dedicated applications developed to help healthcare organizations come together globally to render necessary assistance to people in need. A shortage of healthcare professionals and the availability of well-equipped healthcare centres are also a challenge. AI-enabled digital platforms facilitate faster diagnosis and are able to triage patients to the right level and modality of care. In remote low-resource areas, ML can be leveraged to support imaging for diagnostic studies with the rapid interpretation of X-rays. CT scans and MRIs.

 Accurate and Quick Diagnosis

A staggering 12,000,000 Americans are misdiagnosed each year, according to a study conducted by a research team from the Veterans Affairs Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety and the Baylor College of Medicine. AI supports both faster and more accurate diagnoses. For example, an AI algorithm is trained to detect Covid-19. detected positive cases 84% of the time and negative cases 93% of the time. according to the University of Central Florida study.

By compiling and analysing large volumes of data AI is able to give a holistic view of the health status of a population. Automating the processing of health data increases efficiency and also provides real-time or almost real-time data that can be actioned to the health care professionals. Similarly, if a second opinion is required on a diagnosis, AI can provide a reliable way to do it rapidly.

Assisted Surgery

Artificial intelligence (AI)I/ Machine Learning (ML) can provide real-time insights into the patient’s condition. The doctors and surgeons who are attending to the patient can make quick and critical decisions based on the data even as the surgery is in progress as well as before and after the surgical procedure.

The application of surgical robots in healthcare has transformed the surgical arena. Highly developed AI systems can accurately execute the tiniest movements with the highest amount of precision demanded in healthcare.  The AI systems can perform complex surgical procedures reducing the risk of side effects, complications such as blood loss, and pain.

 AI-assisted surgery also would potentially reduce the wait-time for a procedure to be performed

Efficient operational performance

AI and ML play a key role in ensuring effective and efficient use of facilities through prioritizing services based on patient acuity and availability of resources. The revenue cycle can be improved by optimizing the workflow involved. Routine, repetitive tasks can be automated freeing up the capacity of human resources to take on tasks where they are most needed. They can help smoothen the transition of the patient through the many clinical transitions by supporting efficient decision-making.

According to Grandview Research Report, the global Artificial Intelligence in the healthcare market was valued at USD 6.7 billion in 2020 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 41.8% from 2021 to 2028. Like any other innovation, AI in healthcare is not without its risks and it is important that the use of AI is ethical and transparent to mitigate these risks. Having said that, AI and ML are set to revolutionise healthcare and will ensure better health outcomes for one and all.

[anthonycalascione]

Ever go to an event where all the cars were the same color?

When cars and trucks are being produced, there is an early stage known as the “body in white.” The phrase applies to completed body shells as they head into the paint shop for color to be applied. 

Perhaps taking the concept of “body in white” a giant step further, 

Guglielmo Miani, who heads Italian fashion brand Larusmiani, thought it would be great fun to stage a road rally, but only for cars wearing white paint, and thus the inaugural Fuori Concorso was held in the California desert early in 2020, with a second was later in the year on the Italian island of Sardinia.

It’s not unusual for red cars to dominate at Ferrari events, or black cars at a Model T club gathering, but what would you think about staging a car show or driving event exclusively for cars of a certain color? 

Or here’s an alternative: A car show where cars are parked neither at random nor by marque or model or model year, but by color? 

British Motor Show launches robot competition

These robots are made from car parts

Did you miss World Recycling Day? It was held recently and the British Motor Show used the occasion to launch a Car Robot Competition as part of its “Crazee Creations” category. 

So how does it work? 

“The Car Robot Competition will see showgoers able to create their own battle-style robots using old car parts, ahead of the show, to fight head-to-head in an arena, which will form a central part of the Show’s Crazee Car Corner, where you will find the weird and the wonderful, from monster trucks to modified cars,” motor show organizers announced.

“Participants are invited to design their very own robot, static or mobile, using recycled car parts. The robots will then be judged for style and creativity before a winner is announced… Teams are invited from schools, colleges, companies, or just groups of friends and individuals.”

The show’s Crazee Car Corner will feature a display of “modified cars, mental motorbikes, oddball caravans, upcycled automotive art and extreme machines. If you like the unusual, you’ll love the Crazee area.”

“The British Motor Show is about cars of all ages, shapes and sizes – it’s a celebration of cars in all their forms and the Crazee Corner is where those are taken to the extreme” said Andy Entwistle, the motor show’s chief executive. “That makes it the perfect place for visitors to create their own car robot creations and let their automotive imaginations run wild – and there’ll be some cool prizes on offer, too.”

The show is scheduled for August 19-22. For more information, visit the show website.

Beaulieu’s ‘Simply’ shows launch May 23

The 2014 Volkswagen XL1 was a diesel-electric 2-seat hybrid vehicle. Only 250 of the $130,000 vehicles were scheduled to be produced

British home computer producer Clive Sinclair also produced 1-person electric-powered tricycles called the Sinclair C5 but sold only 5,000 of them

The British National Motor Museum at Beaulieu opens its series of “Simply” car shows on May 23 with Simply Electric, a showplace for electric and hybrid cars and motorcycles and bicycles.

Organizers are particularly interested in any vintage electric vehicles and in classics that have been converted to electric powertrains.

The event will be the first of 15 such one-marque or one-type of vehicle shows scheduled to be staged this year at the British museum.

For more information and a full schedule, visit the museum website.

2 Jet Z Hot Wheels car set for Carlisle Imports show

2Jet Z won the national Hot Wheels competition held at the 2018 SEMA Show in Las Vegas | Larry Edsall photo

2 Jet Z, a home-built creation that became a Hot Wheels toy, will be among the vehicles featured May 14-15 at the annual Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals at the Carlisle Fairgrounds in Pennsylvania.

Built by Luis Rodriguez and powered by 630-horsepower version of the 2JZ engine from the Toyota Supra, the car looks like a fighter-jet cockpit on wheels. In 2018, the car was selected as a grand national champion of such full-scale Hot Wheels cars and was shrunk to 1:64 scale to become a real Hot Wheels die-cast toy.

In addition to 2 Jet Z, Rodriguez will show his newest creation, Scorp*lon, a car inspired by one of Syd Mead’s vehicles in the movie Thon.

The Import & Performance showcase also will feature a Volvo celebration, 20 years of the Honda K-Series, 30 years of the Toyota 2JZ engine and 50 years of Opel Manta.

Forest Grove concours postponed

The 48th annual Forest Grove Concours d’Elegance has been postponed until July 17, 2022, the organizing committee has announced. The event is held on the campus of Pacific University, which has become a coronavirus vaccination site.

2021 car show and concours calendar

The following are dates currently set (but subject to change) for a variety of concours d’elegance, car shows and driving tours scheduled during 2021:

April

10 – Meadowbrook Park, Prairie Village, Kansas; 16-18, Goodguys at Scottsdale, Arizona; 19-22, AACA Southeastern Division Chain of Lakes Tour, Florida; 21-25 – Spring Carlisle, Pennsylvania; 23-25 – Goodguys North Carolina Nationals, Raleigh; Derbuy GT tour, Belgium; 24 — Carolina Cruise, Kannapolis to Concord, North Carolina; 25 – Simply Aston Martin, Beaulieu, UK; 30-May 1, Darryl Starbird’s National Rod & Custom Show, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

May

1 – Big Displacement Showcase, Seal Cove, Maine; McPherson College CARS Club, Kansas; 1-2 – Keels & Wheels, Seabrook, Texas; 9 – Mother’s Day, KC Auto Museum, Olathe; Simply Vauxhall, Beaulieu, UK; 14-15 – Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals, Pennsylvania; 15 – Vintage Travel Trailer Rally, Hickory Corners, Michigan; 15-16, Goodwood Members’ Meeting, UK: 16 – Simply Audi, Beaulieu, UK; 20-23 – Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, Amelia Island, Florida; AACA Founders Tour, Davis, West Virginia; 21-23 – Goodguys Salt Lake Nationals, Utah; 23 – Simply Electric, Beaulieu, UK; 28-30 – Goodguys Nashville Nationals, Tennessee

June

2 – GM on Display, Macungie, Pennsylvania; 2-6, Retromobile, Paris, France, AACA Eastern Divisional Tour, Cambridge, Maryland; 4-6 – Carlisle Ford Nationals, Pennsylvania; Street Machine Nationals, DuQuoin, Illinois; Goodguys All Star Get-Together, Fort Worth, Texas; 5-6, Friends of Steve McQueen, Chino Hills, California; 6, Albuquerque Lowrider Super Show, New Mexico, Simply Porsche, Beaulieu, UK; 8-10 – London Concours, UK; 12 – Drop Top Showcase, Seal Cove, Maine; Oddballs & Obscurities, KC Auto Museum, Olathe; 12-13 – Cincinnati concours, Ohio; E-type 60 years, Shelsley Walsh, UK; 13 – Mini Cooper Day, Beaulieu, UK; 17-19, AACA Eastern Spring Nationals, Saratoga, New York; Simply VW, Beaulieu, UK; 18-19 – Micro-Mini Car World, Hickory Corners, Michigan; 19 – All Air-Cooled Gathering, Hickory Corners, Michigan; 20 – Father’s Day, KC Auto Museum, Olathe; Blackhawk Museum, Danville, California; Hot Rod & Custom cars, Beaulieu, UK; 25-26 – Carlisle GM Nationals, Pennsylvania; 25-26 – Congress of Motorcars, Hickory Corners, Michigan; 26 – Miles through Time, Clarkesville, Georgia; 27 – Oldsmobiles & Orphans, Hickory Corners, Michigan; Simply Jaguar, Beaulieu, UK

Have an event to add? Email details to journal@classiccars.com.

The post Ever go to an event where all the cars were the same color? appeared first on ClassicCars.com Journal.

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[kimberlykeebler34]

Steve Yzerman: Detroit Red Wings will have captain in 2021 season

The Detroit Red Wings haven't decided how to give the occasion the recognition it deserves, but the plan is to have a captain again for the first time in nearly three years.General manager Steve Yzerman, whose own naming to the captaincy was done at a news conference, wants somebody - think Dylan Larkin - to wear the "C" during the pandemic-shortened 56-game season. The Wings have relied exclusively on alternate captains since Henrik Zetterberg retired in September 2018.[ What Wings prospects Evgeny Svechnikov, Dennis Cholowski must do to make team ]"We haven't figured out how roll that out, but our plan hasn't changed," Yzerman said.That was one of the many subjects Yzerman discussed during a half-hour Zoom meeting with media Tuesday afternoon, two days after the NHL formally announced plans for a 56-game season.Here are the highlights.The Wings loaned multiple players to European teams, and some, like Filip Zadina and Michael Rasmussen, already have returned to Detroit. Yzerman said Gustav Lindstrom and Mathias Brome will be recalled. Moritz Seider and Joe Veleno are not eligible to be recalled from their Swedish Hockey League teams until their seasons are over. Players in the metro Detroit area have been skating at Little Caesars Arena since the start of December. The Wings can officially begin training camp on Dec. 31.MAILBAG: Why is Jeff Blashill still Steve Yzerman's coach?The season is slated to start Jan. 13. The NHL has yet to release a schedule, but the Wings will play eight games against each of the Carolina Hurricanes, Chicago Blackhawks, Columbus Blue Jackets, Dallas Stars, Florida Panthers, Nashville Predators and Tampa Bay Lightning in the temporarily realigned Central Division. Yzerman has seen a preview of the schedule and said there will be 10 games in 18 days in January. That should get guys into game shape quickly, given there won't be any exhibition games.THE FUTURE: Filip Hronek, Moritz Seider proving they're ready for bigger NHL rolesWith no fans in the stands - which not only affects ticket sales but also in-arena concessions - the NHL is looking at allowing advertising on players' uniforms to offset financial losses."I think it's a good opportunity to see if we can't generate revenue from it," Yzerman said. "It's the norm outside of North America."Yzerman sported a Red Wings "Michigan college night" hat that had a block M on the bill. "It's about as close I could get to ever getting accepted at University of Michigan," Yzerman joked.

[newstfionline]

Monday, November 9, 2020

Trump considers how to keep up fight, find a graceful exit (AP) President Donald Trump never admits defeat. But he faces a stark choice now that Democrat Joe Biden has won the White House: Concede graciously for the sake of the nation or don’t—and get evicted anyway. After nearly four tortured days of counting yielded a victory for Biden on Saturday, Trump was still insisting the race was not over. He threw out baseless allegations of voter fraud, promised a flurry of legal action and fired off all-caps tweets falsely insisting he’d “WON THIS ELECTION, BY A LOT.” Trump is not expected to ever formally concede, according to people close to him, but is likely to grudgingly vacate the White House at the end of his term. His ongoing efforts to paint the election as unfair are seen both as an effort to soothe a bruised ego and to show his loyal base of supporters that he is still fighting. That could be key to keeping them energized for what comes next. Would Trump ever concede? “I doubt it,” said Trump’s longtime friend and adviser Roger Stone, whom the president recently pardoned. As a result, Stone said, Biden will have “a cloud over his presidency with half the people in the country believing that he was illegitimately elected.” Allies suggested that if Trump wants to launch a media empire in coming years, he has an incentive to prolong the drama. So, too, if he intends to keep the door open to a possible 2024 comeback—he would be only a year older then than Biden is now.

Donald Trump has lost to Joe Biden, what’s next? (USA Today) America is unique among established democracies in many ways, among them the extraordinary length of time from an election to the actual transfer of power. Parliamentary systems that have a change in administration make the change overnight. We take 2 1/2 months. That period leaves the losing president in charge, with all his powers, while the winning president-elect prepares to take office. In modern times, this is a complicated process, as the winner creates a large series of “landing teams,” groups of experts and former officials for each agency, department and office that interact with the existing government executives, career and appointed, to discuss policy history, take possession of key documents necessary to understand what the agency has done and why, and plan for a new agenda with a new team. Transitions are not always smooth, even if they occur within a party. Outgoing people are often glum and resentful, and they don’t always feel an incentive to take time from the jobs they are still performing to help their successors succeed in undoing what they have done. Trump has repeatedly refused to commit to a peaceful transition. Also, there are actions he can take as president that will make life for Biden as president more difficult and tumultuous. Expect a slew of executive orders and executive actions. Second, expect a slew of pardons—for Trump himself, for his family and staff, for his Cabinet and other officials facing possible charges of corruption and malfeasance. Next is what Trump can do in the foreign policy arena. Possibilities include ways to make it harder to go back to the Iran nuclear deal, an escalation of tariff wars with China and mischief in the Middle East or the Pacific. Or worse. All that is in addition to the problems that can arise in the day-to-day contact between Trump officials in agencies and Biden’s transition team. Some might cooperate fully; others will move into full massive resistance. Change is coming, but along the way, fasten seatbelts for severe turbulence.

Biden Victory Brings Sighs of Relief Overseas (NYT) For a world that held its breath as Americans went to the polls last Tuesday, the triumph of Joseph R. Biden Jr. over President Trump provoked many emotions, but above all, a profound sigh of relief. As news of Mr. Biden’s victory reverberated from Europe and the Middle East to Asia and Latin America on Saturday, foreign leaders showered him with congratulations. Diplomats and commentators expressed gratitude, satisfaction and even jubilation that a new president would bring a much-needed return to normalcy. The former vice president is a familiar fixture on the global stage, a centrist Democrat who is likely to restore the traditional habits and methods of American power abroad. Mr. Trump, who held no office before the presidency, has been a great disrupter, leaving alliances in tatters and casting into doubt the liberal international order that the United States helped build after World War II. “I feel optimistic for the first time in quite a long time,” said Simon Fraser, a former head of Britain’s Foreign Office. “I’m not expecting a radical change in American foreign policy, but I do expect a change in body language and tone, and a shift away from unilateralism to collaboration with allies.”

Already flooded, South Florida feeling wrath of Eta (AP) Beaches and coronavirus testing sites were closed, public transportation shut down and some evacuations in place early Monday after Tropical Storm Eta made landfall in the Florida Keys, bringing heavy rains to already flooded city streets after leaving scores of dead and over 100 missing in Mexico and Central America. Eta hit land late Sunday on Lower Matecumbe Key, Florida. The system’s slow speed and heavy rains posed and enormous threat to South Florida, an area already drenched from more than 14 inches (350 millimeters) of rain last month. Eta could dump an additional 6 to 12 inches (150 to 300 millimeters), forecasters said.

Azerbaijani leader: Forces seize key Nagorno-Karabakh city (AP) Azerbaijani forces have taken control of the strategically key city of Shushi in Nagorno-Karabakh where fighting with Armenia has raged for more than a month, the country’s president said Sunday. Shushi is of significant military value because it sits on heights about 10 kilometers (6 miles) south of the region’s capital of Stepanakert and lies along the main road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia. Nagorno-Karabakh is within Azerbaijan, but has been under the control of local ethnic Armenian forces backed by Armenia since 1994. The latest outbreak of fighting started on Sept. 27 and has left hundreds—if not thousands—dead.

As Hong Kong Law Goes After ‘Black Sheep,’ Fear Clouds Universities (NYT) As China tries to quell the political upheaval in Hong Kong, the city’s universities—ranked among the best in Asia, if not the world—have become potent symbols of the shrinking space for dissent or even discussion. Politically active professors have been fired or denied contracts, in what they call retribution for their criticism of the government. Students are requesting more secure platforms for submitting assignments. Scholars are reconsidering whether Hong Kong is a viable home for their careers. The new law, which gives Beijing the broad power to crack down on political dissent, has even altered universities’ physical landscapes. The University of Hong Kong recently dismantled a wall of protest posters that students erected last summer. At the Chinese University of Hong Kong, a thicket of barbed wire now envelops a bridge where clashes had erupted between students and police. Government officials have been open about their intent to subdue the once-freewheeling campuses, even as they insist that academic freedom remains intact. Hong Kong’s chief executive, Carrie Lam, said last month that the city’s education secretary would meet with university presidents to discuss how they would roll out the law at their institutions. The scrutiny is part of a wider campaign to control education. The Education Bureau has offered to review textbooks, and last month it stripped a primary schoolteacher of his teaching credentials for discussing Hong Kong independence. Beijing’s top official in Hong Kong has called on the government to bolster “patriotic education.”

Japan emperor’s brother proclaimed 1st in line to throne (AP) Japanese Emperor Naruhito’s younger brother, Crown Prince Fumihito, was formally sworn in as first in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne in a traditional palace ritual Sunday that had been postponed for seven month and scaled down due to the coronavirus pandemic. Sunday’s proclamation for the 54-year-old crown prince paves the way for the government to start discussing what to do with the dire shortage of heirs. Naruhito’s succession left only two younger men in line for the throne—Fumihito and his 14-year-old son, Hisahito. Naruhito’s 18-year-old daughter, Aiko, and the crown prince’s two daughters Mako and Kako are not in line because they are women. Japan’s Imperial House Law, largely based on pre-war constitution, does not allow a female emperor and bars women when they marry commoners. Surveys have shown that most Japanese support having female emperors.

Thai police use water cannons on pro-democracy protesters (AP) Pro-democracy protesters in Thailand were confronted by riot police and sprayed by water cannons Sunday as they tried to approach Bangkok’s Grand Palace to deliver letters about their political grievances addressed to the country’s king. The pro-democracy movement has been pushing a bold challenge to reform the country’s monarchy with almost daily demonstrations. Sunday marked the second time water cannons were used against them during several months of demonstrations. The protesters pushed aside one of several buses that along with barbed wire was serving as a barrier to marchers trying to approach the palace, which houses the royal offices but is only used by King Maha Vajiralongkorn on infrequent ceremonial occasions. The attempt to break through came after police had declared their march illegal and asked for protesters to send representatives to talk. The water cannons were employed by the police for just a short time, and it appeared that no one suffered any serious injuries.

Ethiopia to replace Tigray region leadership as forces clash (AP) Ethiopia moved Saturday to replace the leadership of the country’s defiant northern Tigray region, where deadly clashes between regional and federal government forces are fueling fears the major African power is sliding into civil war. Tigray’s leader told the African Union that the federal government was planning a “full-fledged military offensive.” Neither side appeared ready for the dialogue that experts say is needed to avert disaster in one of the world’s most strategic yet vulnerable regions, the Horn of Africa. Experts and diplomats are watching in dismay as the two heavily armed forces clash. Observers warn that a civil war in Ethiopia, Africa’s second most populous country with 110 million people, could suck in or destabilize neighbors such as Sudan, Eritrea and Somalia. “It’s a very, very bad situation,” Audrey Van der Schoot, head of mission for aid group Doctors Without Borders in Ethiopia, told The Associated Press. Heavy shelling resumed Saturday morning, for the first time since Wednesday, near the group’s outpost in the Amhara region by the Tigray border. It was so close, Van der Schoot could hear it over the phone.

Global uncertainty could risk war (Reuters) Current global uncertainty and anxiety amid the economic crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic could risk another world war, the head of Britain’s armed forces has warned. In an interview aired to coincide with Remembrance Sunday, the annual commemorations for those who have been killed and wounded in conflict, Nick Carter, Britain’s Chief of the Defence Staff, said an escalation in regional tensions and errors of judgement could ultimately lead to widespread conflict. “I think we are living at a moment in time where the world is a very uncertain and anxious place and of course, the dynamic of global competition is a feature of our lives as well, and I think the real risk we have with quite a lot of the regional conflicts that are going on at the moment, is you could see escalation lead to miscalculation,” Carter told Sky News. Asked if that meant there was a genuine threat of another world war, Carter replied: “I’m saying it’s a risk and we need to be conscious of those risks.” Carter, who became the British military chief in 2018, said it was important to remember those who had died in previous wars as a warning to those who might repeat past mistakes. “If you forget about the horror of war, then the great risk I think is that people might think that going to war is a reasonable thing to do,” he said.