#and look how cool they made cincy look lol

[cementcornfield]

Pt. 332 (SHOTSBYSOLO)

[the-first-date]

A conversation with Madison Leigh Mumma [22/NB/Cincinnati]

Madge Maril: Hello! How are you today? 

Madison Leigh Mumma: Hi! I'm great, how are you?

MM: Doing OK! For those that don't know you (and your work), can you tell us about yourself? 

MLM: Sure! I live in Cincy, just graduated with a BFA, and for the most part consider myself an artist. I recently realized that I actually have no desire to go back to school so now I'm just working in coffee and saving up money to move. Oh, also, my pronouns are they/them! And I'm a Pisces!

MM: Oo, were you planning on going back to school before? And move where?

MLM: Yeah, I was dead set on going into critical theory and getting a PhD, but it took a break from academia for me to realize that it exhausts me way too much to be healthy. I'm thinking east coast, maybe Providence or Hadley?? 

MM: Well I don't know what critical theory is and I don't know where Hadley is but I have heard of Providence! 

MLM: It's very broad! I think I was mostly attracted to the idea of arguing and criticizing for a living.

MM: Pisces!!! 

MLM: EXACTLY.

MM: I love it. 

MLM: With an Aries fuckin moon, lmao. Constant combat.

MM: WOW. Rising?

MLM: Also Pisces!! Pisces Sun, Rising, Mercury, and Venus.

MM: Omg, that's so intense — what's it like for you?

MLM: Like you said — VERY intense. I'm either 0% or 100% and that can be... a lot. But I think it's exciting to feel everything as much as possible, too!

MM: Said like a true blue pisces. OK so seamless transition: What do you wear on the first date? And follow up: Do you think it's reflective of your sign?

MLM: I usually wear a lot of black and let my accessories do the talking — so on a first date I'd probably wear a trusty black velvet shirt, high-waisted skinny jeans with a cool belt, and Docs. I'm very superstitious and a heavy believer in luck so I'd be wearing aquamarine and maybe some red jasper, dagger earrings, and a pin or two. I think that makes sense as a Pisces — I have a solid base but otherwise can be pretty fluid.

MM: What do aquamarine and red jasper have to do with luck?

MLM: Aquamarine symbolizes courage, protection, and is meant to enhance communication (and it's my birthstone!). Red Jasper is the stone of ~empowerment~, I actually started wearing it because a friend told me it reminded them of my "fighting spirit.”

MM: That's so interesting. And I've seen your dagger earrings on IG before I think! Where did you get them, and what do they mean to you? 

MLM: My friend gave them to me as a gift! I like that they're elegant but still a little spicy. They feel like they go with the jasper in that respect — like there’s beauty in self-protection and putting yourself first.

MM: Completely agree. And it goes with the black outfit, too. Why a black shirt?

MLM: Black seems very secure and calm to me, plus it's always flattering and the velvet elevates just a liiiitle above a T-shirt.

MM: There's a lot of emotion in your outfit. What are you typically feeling on a date, if you can make it generic?

MLM: I have to be fairly comfortable talking to somebody before I go on a date with them, and I'm very selective about who I spend my time with. So at that point I'm usually really excited to see if there’s any **spark**.

MM: That's so opposite from me lol. When I'm single, I just like to go out and ~experience. 

MLM: Ahh sometimes I really wish I could do that! I mean, I COULD but I think it goes back to the Pisces/emotions thing. I exhaust myself so fast!

MM: How so, if you don't mind me asking?

MLM: Well, I tend to daydream a bit so I build up my ideas of strangers around their potential instead of what I know to be reality, and that can spiral real fast. I actually deleted Tinder this summer and made a sort of romantic vision board to break that habit.

MM: Tell me more about this mood board.

MLM: It's basically an incomplete list of things that are valuable to me in a partner, and things that I can't/won't compromise on. A couple of examples are like, being considerate and independent. Also, you can't be a cop lover. In the past I've just been attracted to people that make me beg for their affection because it feels like I'm winning something, but that high isn't sustainable or worth it! Having a physical list keeps me accountable.

MM: My mom actually told me to do the same thing when I was looking for a partner! So you have her sage wisdom behind you. I imagine it helps you reality check during the infatuation stage? Like oh, they're cute but they do XYZ and I promised myself that's a no-go.

MLM: Aw yay!! YES definitely, that actually just happened this past week. I had a crush on someone I don't really know and realized I actually just like the attention.

MM: God, preach. And also like, that's a deep thought, and kind of a hard one to unpack. How did it feel to realize that? 

MLM: Honestly, really good and kind of relieving! It took a lot of conscious effort to get to this point and it was like "A-HA! I am not a slave to my impulses! Incredible!"

MM: I'm envious that you were able to realize that all right out of college. I feel like post graduation was my most murky, in-my-own-head time, especially romantically.

MLM: It was definitely rough. I went sober this January and I don't think I would have been able to make this much personal progress without that. Once I made that change it kind of had to be all or nothing.

MM: Congratulations on your sobriety!! 

MLM: Thank you!! ❤

MM: I've done periods of sobriety, but had long-term partners for all of them iirc. What's being on the dating scene like when you're not drinking? I really can't imagine it.

MLM: It definitely slims down the pool, lol. I didn't realize how much of my social life involved drinking before, and I'm not currently in a place in my sobriety where I could be involved with somebody who drinks. That plus the fact that I deeply enjoy alone time has meant I go out way less. But I'm a lot kinder and intentional in the interactions I have now and generally enjoy myself more so I think it all balanced out!

MM: You know, I don't think I've ever heard someone say they really enjoy alone time. I think most people tolerate it at best. With so much changing and blossoming internally, do you think how you present yourself to the world through your personal style has shifted, too? 

MLM: I relish it! I think my style has become slightly less chaotic, maybe a bit more monochrome. This sounds super corny, but now that I've gained some self-confidence and am more stable I don't use my clothes to speak for me, hahaha.

MM: It's not corny at all!! I've been ruminating on that lately, too. I used to look in my closet and think of it as costume pieces.

MLM: Yesss! 

MM: Also I'm now realizing it's been like almost two hours somehow?? 

MLM: Time is not real!

MM: I'll wrap this up so you can get back to your evening! Do you have any social media/online places you want to shout out for people to follow? 

MLM: Ooh yeah! I run @groundscoresofficial on Insta, and post my art at @chaoskewpie! You can find my personal through either of those but I mostly post cats and my roommates, ha. Thanks so much for having me in your online space :^))

MM: Thank you for coming to hang out at the digital pad!! 

[kayoticevil]

meeting pm part 3 (??)

heeeeeere we go friends

so. i got to the place and their bus was Right There and then brandon was suddenly in the door so i waved and he waved back. and i walked in and they were, too so i was like “is this uhhh where i go for prettymuch?” and their manager was like “yeah i guess” like..... of course it is Austin is Right There following me

so i went to the desk and had to get on a different elevator and i was like... i should have muffied it and gotten trapped in an elevator with them. but i saw all of them as i walked in

then i met a girl ashley on the way in and now we’re friends! and another girl was dming me and i real life just shouted into the room “okay who is dming me??????”

so then we went in and i was in the back row. rip............ but they performed and i :’))))) every show i go to people are less and less hype but it was still so fun.

then they played a game of who’s most likely and it was cute

then meet and greet. ashley and i were last bc we were in the last row. but i waved to them when they went up there and they looked happy to see me.

we got our pic and i hugged austin first then nick then zion then brandon then edwin. and i said that i was excited to finally see them in my home town and i LITERALLY TOLD THEM I WORK AT FOREVER21 AGAIN LIKE WHAT THE FUUUUCK but they said it was nice to see me again and i died

they asked if we were coming to the show and i said yes and brandon was like “ill look for you”

as we left they were going to the bus and we got to say bye but they were super busy so they had to go. i told their manage that i love kobe and he was happy about it.

then i went to starbucks and then sam and i went to dinner and i thought the show started at 6:30 but luckily it was acutally 7:30.

so we roll up to the venue and they’re already on stage which like... fuck but it was fine.

it was the middle of hello and then they did another new one and then they did open arms and then they did WYM and then the new song with that french montana. 

in the middle of their set i went to noah to get the photo he was airdropping and i was like “what are we doing?” and he was like “airdropping a pic” and i was like “????? how????” and he was like “let me see your phone” and he did the thing and i was like “oh your mom is calling you” and he was like “yeah i know but i can’t talk rn” and i was like “in columbus i saw you and asked you a question” and he was like “oh cool”

then i went back to sam and we decided to wait it out and try to see PM. we bought merch and i saw my friend from chicago. so we went outside and literally stood there for like an hour talking to this one girl about hs because she did local theatre too and knew stuff.

then we heard the boys were still inside so we went back in and they were in a little like private room thing watching the show. so i went to the bathroom to try and feel better lol.

then we went and hung out near the bar and met a videographer for jack and jack which was cool

then we noticed the boys were Gone so we went outside and asked where the tour buses are and the girl told us :’)

so we went and waited and saw ashley again and finally i was like “okay ten more mins” and Then edwin and brandon came running out

so i go to brandon first bc his line seemed closer. and i waited a while until i was like there and he saw me and he was like “hey!!!!! how are you??? good to see you!!!” and i was like “hi omg” and we hugged so tight i was like about to fall over and then we took a pic and it was so cute and then ashley was like “oh do u want the flash on?” and brandon was like “yeah. always flash”

then i went to edwin and i was like : ))))) and i was going to take my pic but another girl went too so we were like “uhhh” and made awkward hand motions but then i went to hug him and he was like “heeeeey” and it was so cute

then zion came outside and got us to scream and then Bolted back to the bus

austin came out and i stood in line for him then he moved to the other side of the street. he complained about his acne and i was like wooooow same bud. i got my picture with him and then sam was like “earlier you said you liked my shirt so thanks” and he was like “oh yeah” and i was like “in columbus you said you liked my zelda shirt but you probably don’t remember” and he looked So Offended he was like “no i remember!!!” and i was like “oh lol”

then i went to nick and stood for awhile and then no one was really going up so i really slowly took a step forward and ducked under the tape and he was like “ohhh hey!” and i was like “december is going to be the first month in three months that i won’t be seeing you” and he was like “oh really” and i was like “yeah lol” and we took our pic

then we went back to edwin and asked if he had tried skyline and he said no and like?????????? and then he said he went to krogers?????? like imagine going to a place and being like “oh ya i went to the gorcery store that was cool” like how uncool must he think cinci is

then we left and i was like “ooooh shit i didn’t get my tattoo” but then i was like “motivation to see them again : )))”

so yeah moral is that they definitely remember me and im so happy that they do and next time i see them im going to ask for my tattoo and ill probably cry and i want to tell them how much they mean to me.

[auburnfamilynews]

While college basketball is gearing up, we’re only getting a few true SEC football games this weekend as the now-traditional cupcake day has arrived prior to rivalry week. The league only has three conference matchups (Missouri/Tennessee, Ole Miss/Vanderbilt, Arkansas/Mississippi State) and so there are slim pickins around college football to choose from. We found some stuff though.

Notre Dame (-10.5) vs Syracuse (O/U 65.5)

“Syracuse is ranked 12th in the CFP Playoff and if they were in the Coastal, they would likely get another crack at Clemson in 2 weeks. Still, their best win is over N.C. State and so how good is the Orange? There’s no better way to find out by going up against the Irish who will try to get 1 win away from securing their spot in the College Football Playoff. I’m hoping for a Syracuse upset (because we desperately need some chaos) but I think the Irish are the better team here. Notre Dame 38, Syracuse 23.” - Will McLaughlin

“Ever since Ian Book was inserted as the starter, this Fighting Irish squad has actually looked somewhat like a legitimate playoff team. The big question I have going into this game though is the health of Book. He missed Florida State but will supposedly be back this week. Real quick, can we all laugh about the fact that Notre Dame sat their starter against Florida State to recover so he can be good to go against Syracuse? Like they knew they would beat FSU without their starter but had to have him ready for a much stronger Syracuse team. HAHA FLORIDA STATE (it’s the little things these days). It’s the defense however that I think proves the difference. The Fighting Irish have the 3rd best D in the country according to S&P+. While I love watching Eric Dungey do Eric Dungey things and I believe the Orange make this game scary close, Notre Dame finds a way and keeps the undefeated season alive. ND 21, SYR 16.” - AU Nerd

“Goodness gracious! Who cares?! Notre Dame 32-21 or whatever.” - AU Chief

“I want Syracuse to beat the pinstripes off of Notre Dame. Syracuse 35-29.” - Son of Crow

“Sneaky good game. If it were in the sometimes air-conditioned dome, I would take the ‘Cuse. I will go with the Golden Domers however, but it will be close late and would not be shocked if the Urrrange take it out right. Take the points. ND 24, Cuse 21.” - Drew McCracken

“My heart says give me Syracuse for maximum playoff chaos, but my head says Notre Dame. The Irish defense is suffocating, even if their offense isn’t world-beating. Syracuse only wins this game if they make multiple big special teams plays, which might happen as they have the #1 ST per S&P+, largely driven by dynamite freshman kicker Andre Szmyt, who is 27 of 29 and 3-3 from over 50 this year. Notre Dame takes it 23-19.” - Ryan Sterritt

“This is the one at Yankee Stadium where Notre Dame is wearing those horrendous pinstripe uniforms right? I can’t pick them if that’s the case, or at least I can’t lay the points. Notre Dame 24, Syracuse 20.” - James Jones

“Notre Dame has a defense, they’re playing outside, and Syracuse hasn’t beaten anyone who’s decent this year. I’ll take the Irish. Is it snowing up there tomorrow? ND 38-24.” - Jack Condon

UCF (-7) vs Cincinnati (O/U 59)

“UCF gets College Gameday and the primetime attention they think they deserve. This is their toughest test of the season so far. My gut says the streak ends here and we can finally move on with our lives without UCF griping about where they should be in regards to national respect. Cincinnati 48, UCF 44.” - Will McLaughlin

“At some point, the 2017 national champion will lose. Cincinnati COULD be the team to do it. The Bearcats are ranked 29th by S&P+ making them the biggest threat UCF has seen since Memphis who they beat by only 1 point. But with the game being at home and Gameday on campus, I don’t think it happens just yet. UCF escapes again 41-38.” - AU Nerd

“My National Champs are definitely going to win this one. Reining National Champion UCF 33-23.” - AU Chief

“Nothing but respect for MY national champs. UCF 38-31.” - Son of Crow

“BEND THE KNEE FOR THE NATIONAL CHAMPS!! The Knights who say NEI! with the win. UCF 42, Cincy 31.” - Drew McCracken

“My national champion is going to win this one in a shootout, 42-38.” - Ryan Sterritt

“Finally a test for the defending national champions. The Bearcats have been fantastic this year, particularly on defense. Given the struggles the Knights have had on defense, that could set up the upset. As tempting as that is, I think UCF hangs on for the win late, but they don’t cover. UCF 37, Cincinnati 31.” - James Jones

“UCF’s at home with the Gameday excitement? That stadium will be pretty packed. I also like Josh Heupel and if we did lose Gus, he might be my top choice to replace him. I’m going to keep the train going and the winning streak extends one more week. UCF 40-30.” - Jack Condon

Texas (-3) vs Iowa State (O/U 48)

“Did ya’ll know freshmen Iowa State QB Brock Purdy turned down Alabama to go to Ames? I didn’t until this week and he’s made a name for himself, as has the Cyclones and Matt Campbell. (I know who my first call would be to if well.... you know) Iowa State and Texas both sit at 5-2 in the Big 12, a game out of being in the Big 12 Championship game picture. Texas got a win last week but have struggled the last 3 weeks. The Cyclones are on a roll right now and I like the feel good story to continue. Iowa State 38, Texas 35.” - Will McLaughlin

“Ohhhh man. I’m really struggling with this one. These teams are actually built sorta similar. While Air Raid has become king in the conference, these two programs are trying to find success by relying more on a power run game and dominant defense. If you have never watched an Iowa State game, I highly recommend it. They are on the cutting edge right now for shutting down high powered Air Raid attacks. However, this week they face a power rushing attack from the Longhorns. This Cyclone squad seems to do better against spread out attacks. I think I’m gonna go with Texas again this week but this game is gonna be a battle and I probably should pick ISU. But whatever, Hook em 20-17.” - AU Nerd

“I think I’m going to have to go with the Cyclones here. If we’ve learned anything, it’s that Texas ain’t back, and this ISU team is half-way decent. Iowa State 29-27.” - AU Chief

“Iowa state has a really fun team apparently but I haven’t watched many of their games, to be honest. (I haven’t seen a single of their games). Tom Herman is not a good person. Ok. cool Hook em UT 28-25.” - Son of Crow

“Man if this was in Ames.... EH! Why not, CLONES!!!! Iowa State 38, Texas 34.” - Drew McCracken

“Texas favored, you say? The Longhorns give up big passing plays like nobody’s business, and Iowa State QB Brock Purdy can throw the ball purdy well. Cyclones 31-24.” - Ryan Sterritt

“Oh man this would be exciting to watch IF IT WEREN’T ON THE DAMNED LONGHORN NETWORK. The Cyclones have really come into their own this season. Not only is it another bowl season, they still have an outside shot at the Big XII Championship Game. Texas has been better as a favorite recently, but I think the Cyclones are dangerous enough to push them. The defenses will keep this close. Iowa State 24, Texas 21.” - James Jones

“Texas can actually do a little bit of everything on offense, and I do like watching a quarterback plunge his body into defenders with little regard for safety. I’ve heard that there are some Browns fans that want Matt Campbell as their next head coach, so take that for what it’s worth. Horns get it done at home at night. Texas 27-20.” - Jack Condon

Texas A&M (-17) vs UAB (O/U 46.5)

“What Bill Clark has done at UAB is nothing short of remarkable. His Blazers are 9-1, should be in the Top 25 College Football Rankings, and going to play in their Conference Championship Game in 2 weeks time. And any guy that calls a certain school University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa is a good guy in my book. This will most certainly be their toughest game of the year going up against the Aggies. I’m pulling for you Blazers but I think the Aggies have a little too much firepower in this one. Texas A&M 38, UAB 24.” - Will McLaughlin

“LOL JIMBO!!!!!! I will not stop laughing about him blowing that game in Jordan-Hare for a good while. This season has been stanky but we have that lovely moment to remember. Bill Clark has become the darling of many in Auburn’s fanbase and I understand why. What he’s done at UAB has been outstanding and I think the Blazers have a chance to muck things up in College Station. But Trayveon Williams is freaking good. I think he proves the difference in an entertaining 28-24 Aggie victory.” - AU Nerd

“I know earlier in the season I talked a lot of noise about Bill Clark, but this UAB team is pretty solid, and it might be time for me to start showing Bill Clark some respect. It would be pretty wild, and pretty fun if UAB beat the Aggies. With that in mind, I’m going to pick the Blazers. UAB 28-27.” - AU Chief

“Trogdor was a man, he was a dragon man, or maybe he was just a dragon but he was still TROGDORUAB 31-30.” - Son of Crow

“Man I really want to, but I don’t think Jimbo loses here....but I will be watching... Texas A&M 35, UAB 24.” - Drew McCracken

“Jimbo is going 0-3 against the state of Alabama this year. The Blazer defense is no joke, particularly in limiting the passing game. If they can find a way to contain Trayveon Williams, UAB can win this game. Blazers, 24-20.” - Ryan Sterritt

“How poetic would it be for UAB to get their first win against a power 5 team since 2004 against the man they tried to hire, but were blocked by the very board of trustees that tried to take them out of existence. As wonderful as that would be, I think A&M has too much talent on offense, and UAB doesn’t have anything offensively to threaten the Aggies. I do think the Blazers keep it close, but they never really threaten. Texas A&M 24. UAB 10.” - James Jones

“I honestly have no idea what to make of this UAB team. They’ve played nobody, but have looked really good doing so. Where do you draw the line on what matters? Since I do have a little info on the Aggies, I think their running game and rush defense wear down the Blazers enough to pound them into submission late. A&M wins 31-14.” - Jack Condon

Rams (-3.5) vs Chiefs (O/U 63.5)

“An NFL Pick? Okay. This game has been moved back to Los Angeles due to the horrendous conditions of the soccer stadium in Mexico City. Both teams are 9-1. I need big games from Jared Goff and Todd Gurley for fantasy football purposes. I think this will be a fun game and a shootout but being in Los Angeles, I’ll take the Rams. Rams 45, Chiefs 41.” - Will McLaughlin

“What the hell is this? When did we become an NFL website?

But for real, this game is gonna be awesome. These 2 coaches have broken the dumb molds of what NFL offenses are supposed to look like and instead done this novel thing where you play to the strengths of your personnel. PRETTY COOL IDEA GUS AIN’IT?! REMEMBER WHEN YOU USED TO DO COOL STUFF LIKE THAT? Man I’m getting bitter... Anyway, I really have 0 idea who wins, I just hope that for 180K to Play’s sake that Tyreek Hill scores like 4 touchdowns. Chiefs 45, Rams 42.” - AU Nerd

“Dee Ford.” - AU Chief

“Pat Mahomes is a delight. I love when a guy comes into a league and turns it on its head. It makes it seem like not such a ‘tough man’s league’ when a young kid lights it up in a ‘college’ offense. I want him to win every game. Great googily moogily. Chiefs 34-30.” - Son of Crow

“Rhode Island is playing the New Hampshire Wildcats this weekend, Jack....geez.

“Rhode Island started off strong with a 2 point win over the Blue Hens of Delaware (ranked 15th in the country at the time), and started off strong with a 4-1 record before hitting conference play but have gone 1-4 down the stretch including a confusing loss in Greensboro to the Phoenix of Elon. To the northwest, things have been just as confusing for the Hamp. Normally a power in D-1, the Wildcats enter the contest at 4-6 but have won their last 3 including a yuge win over the Dukes of James Madison. It’s a close on but I will take the Wildcats....or “Chiefs” as Jack called them. (Go Dee Ford Go!).” - Drew McCracken

“I’m in the classic predicament of facing Jared Goff in one fantasy league and playing him in another. It’s not relevant to the outcome of this game, but I thought you all might like to hear me talk about my fantasy team. I’m that guy. Chiefs 38-34.” - Ryan Sterritt

“Game of the year so far, and the highest over/under in several years for Shield Ball. Neither of these teams has much of a defense. I think Mahomes is the better quarterback, and hopefully Dee Ford makes a play or two to get the stop that the Chiefs need. If this was still in Mexico City, I think it’s a definite win. Maybe it’s a little closer now that it’s in Los Angeles. Chiefs 34, Rams 31.” - James Jones

“Dee Ford’s playing like the best pass rusher in the game right now, Patrick Mahomes is playing like the best quarterback in the game right now, and I don’t think the home field advantage for the Rams has truly been established yet. Fun game that goes down to the wire, but KC wins 42-40.” - Jack Condon

BONUS AU CHIEF PICK BECAUSE

#7 Jacksonville Sate University vs #2 Kennesaw State University (-10.5)

“JSU enters this game as a dog against an FCS opponent during the regular season for the first time in many years. The Gamecocks season ended at the hands of KSU in the second round of the FCS playoff last year. The relative newcomer Owls put a stranglehold on the Cocks’ offense, something not too many teams have been able to do in recent years, and ended JSU’s title hopes. This is JSU’s chance for revenge, but it’s going to be quite the challenge. First off, KSU is great again this year, having lost only one game and that to FBS bottom feeder Georgia State. Secondly the game is being played in Cobb County at SunTrust park, which will probably prove to be a weird experience for both teams. At least KSU only has to travel a couple of miles from their own football complex. I really don’t know who to pick here. This isn’t a playoff game, and both teams have locked up a playoff spot by winning their respective conference. I would think JSU has the revenge factor in their favor here, so with that and my personal bias in mind i’m felling a little COCKY. JSU 37-21.” - AU Chief

from College and Magnolia - All Posts https://www.collegeandmagnolia.com/2018/11/16/18098484/staff-picks-college-football-week-12

[first-and-ten]

2017 Week 2 Recap

A happy week for the Broncos. I’m not sure I’ve ever witnessed a single division looking as dominant as the AFC West so far. I did some catching up this week, predictions-wise, and things returned a bit to normal.

Teams that need Kaepernick: Bengals, Colts, Jaguars, Jets, Vikings, Bears, Giants, Cardinals, 49ers

Hot seats: Marvin Lewis, Chuck Pagano, Bill O’Brien, Todd Bowles, John Fox, Sean Payton, Ben McAdoo

Teams on Bye: None, like a NORMAL SEASON.

HOU 13 - 9 CIN [L] Game ball: DeShaun Watson Another Thursday snooze fest. This one got Cincy’s O-Coordinator fired, so that’s nice. The only play worth seeing was Watson’s scrambling touchdown. He was the only player to sniff the end zone in a game played on his birthday, en route to a win in his first start. That sounds pretty cool.

BUF 3 - 9 CAR [L] Game ball: Cam Newton I was SO CLOSE, folks! If Zay Jones pulls in that pass on the one yard line on fourth down in the waning moments, I would look super smart right now. Of course it would help if Tyrod Taylor hadn’t thrown it high. I personally like games with no TDs but I know a lot of people hate them. Carolina gets a pyrrhic victory as they lose Greg Olsen. They’re the least legit 2-0 team.

CHI 7 - 29 TB [W] Game ball: Mike Evans LOL, how’s that return to Tampa going, Mike Glennon? (Answer: he threw two interceptions and got his team into a hole they could never hope to climb out of, potentially putting a rush on his inevitable benching for Mitch “Call Me Mitchell” Trubisky.)

CLE 10 - 24 BAL [W] Game ball: Javorius Allen The Ravens have generated as many turnovers as they’ve allowed points this season. That’s... Fucking insane. The Browns sure got a scare when DeShone Kizer had to leave the game and [insert journeyman incompetent backup here] came in to throw the team’s only touchdown of the game. Kizer had migraines, which is not a great harbinger for Cleveland. Then Cory Coleman broke his hand (again), so yeah, still the Browns.

MIN 9 - 26 PIT [W] Game ball: Martavis Bryant This is exactly what I’ve been talking about in terms of people overreacting to the Steelers offense: they are taking turns carrying the load, not all exploding at once all the time.  The Vikings have got to feel crushed about Sam Bradford, because if he was playing in this game the way he played week 1, they could have won in Pittsburgh.

NE 36 - 20 NO [W] Game ball: Tom Brady Brady had his best first quarter ever somehow, and the Saints could never recover. It was already over. I think the Patriots knew that for the sake of team confidence, they needed to put it out of reach early. It was all too easy against the Saints defense.  Gronk injured his groin after scoring his 69th receiving touchdown. He probably said “nice” afterward. He’ll spend the next month and a half as “questionable” but still playing games and then suddenly be placed on IR.

ARI 16 - 13 IND OT [W] Game ball: Tyrann Mathieu I can’t believe the Cards almost gave this one up, and I can’t believe Jacob Brisket actually did. 

PHI 20 - 27 KC [W] Game ball: Travis Kelce The Eagles can feel good about this game, but they should worry about how terrible their run game is. Also how many drops they’re still seeing. They loaded up the offense and still all they have is Carson Wentz Favreing it out there. How about that weird sequence of events before the half, though? Also, Kareem Hunt is legit and I am grumpy about it.

TEN 37 - 16 JAX [W] Game ball: Derek Henry This is what I’m talking about: the game was close late, but the Titans kept punching and the Jags ran out of gas. As a Derrick Henry fantasy owner, please can we see more of this?

MIA 19 - 17 LAC [W] Game ball: Jay Cutler Jay Ajayi carried the Dolphins offense, but Cutler gets the game ball because all eyes were on him and he didn’t fall on his face. The Chargers should have had this one in hand but they let the Dolphins hang around. In the end, LA made choices that didn’t exactly help their young kicker, who ended up missing a long attempt as time ran out for the second straight week. Please do not blame Yunghoe Koo for either loss.  All four AFC West teams hosted games this weekend, yet only two of them played on actual football fields. Bizarre. The Chargers failed to fill all 12 seats in the soccer joint they currently inhabit, so that’s going well. Probably a pretty cool fan experience though.

NYJ 20 - 45 OAK [W] Game ball: Michael Crabtree New York once again sputters. The Raiders ran them ragged, with Marshawn Lynch having himself a day and then dancing about it on the sideline. Cordarelle Patterson had a 49-yard untouched rushing touchdown, so, yeah, the Jets are bad. And, again, can this division not have a real field?

DAL 17 - 42 DEN [L] Game ball: CJ Anderson There are so many people who could get this game ball, but I’m giving it to the guy who makes the biggest difference on the Broncos. Zeke Elliott was held to 0.9 yards per carry. Dak threw 33% of his career INTs in this game. Von Miller affected 24 passing plays. Trevor Siemian threw 4 touchdowns. The Broncos have started 2-0 for the 5th consecutive season. Aqib Talib passed Primetime for 4th all time in pick-returns on a 103-yarder. Talib, Harris, and Roby made a clown of Dez all game. This was beautiful, but take it for what it is: we managed to shut down the run, and everything came from there. We forced the Cowboys to be a one-dimensional passing team against the league’s best pass rush, throwing into the league’s best secondary, in one of the league’s toughest environments. We won’t always be able to get teams into this position. Trevor Siemian still threw some should-have-been-interceptions, and took some silly sacks. Brandon McManus would appear to be enjoying the fact that he is not longer the only one on the team able to score by losing his ability to reliably kick long field goals. Soak up one of the funnest games I’ve seen in a long time, and get ready to see how the Broncos deal with playing on the road against a good defense that’s not missing its top 3 DBs.

SF 9 - 12 SEA [W] Game ball: Chris Carson Another gross game for the Seahawks offense. But this is what the Seahawks do: they look like shit for a month and then waltz to 11-5. I wish they would stop, but here we are. Everyone saying the Seahawks backfield will be unpredictable and you should avoid them in Fantasy were SO RIGHT. Ugh.

WSH 27 - 20 LAR [L] Game ball: Chris Thompson I would give the game ball to the linebacker who picked off Jared Goff when he had a chance to go tie the game in the last two minutes, but honestly, Goff telegraphed that throw so bad that I could have made that move. Not a great game for either team, but honestly both should be encouraged by the results: Washington won on a cross-country trip against a top-notch defense, and the Rams played another competent game.

GB 23 - 34 ATL [L] Game ball: Devonta Freeman I knew long before the half that the Packers had dug too deep a hole. Injuries all over the o-line, defense, and to both Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb all made this an uphill battle, but honestly the Packers were outmatched from the start. Yeah, it was ideal conditions for Atlanta, but they looked like their 2016 selves. Green Bay has found a running game but they still have deep issues. It’s gotta be worrisome that they still can’t get past the Falcons, if that’s still the case in January it won’t be fun.

DET 24 - 10 NYG [W] Game ball: Jamal Agnew Agnew’s punt return in the beginning of the fourth quarter put the game out of reach, but Giants ineptitude and an efficient offense that’s found some balance between Matt Stafford and Ameer Abdullah already had this one decided. 

Record this week: 11-5 Record this season: 18-13 Locks record: 6-1 (Survivors used: ATL, SEA) Upsets record: 3-6 2014 pace: 17-15 Pickwatch leader: 25-6 (Jack Jorgensen, Fansided)

NFL Title Belt: WSH (Won from LAR)

DSA candidates: KC, ATL, BAL, PIT, DET, OAK, CAR, MIA, TB, DEN

MMA candidates: NYG, CHI, CIN, CLE, IND, SF, NYG, LAC

The Room Where It Happens: N/A

Fallen Tributes: N/A

FANTASY CORNER

Danger Squirrels 149 - 123 Team Toomey [W, 1-1]

Thank goodness for Drew Brees garbage time points. Jordy and Greg Olsen both got injured, which is terrible, but my opponent left some serious points on the bench. I need to find a replacement for Olsen, remember to keep Ty Montgomery in my lineup, and keep an eye on Derrick Henry. Siemian the Finals 159.39 - 133.72 Wee Baby Victors [W, 2-0]

My deficiencies are starting to show. I’m worried about Jimmy Graham and Ted Ginn. Rawls needs to be replaced (I guess with Duke Johnson?) and I need to evaluate carefully the benefits of my QBs each week. My opponent was definitely AFK this week, starting two platers on IR, but when I’m up against real competition I could start losing when I miss my projections.

[surveyjunkie]

0106

Do you ever have days where you just don’t do anything? 

When I’m not working, my days are usually like that. I mean, I’ll play video games/watch Netflix/browse the web and all that but I’ll literally just be lying in bed. It’s the greatest. 

Have you ever been extremely tired but refused to go to sleep? Yeah, Josh called me when I was drifting off but I woke up because I wanted to talk to him

What is your favorite episode of True Life, if you have one at all? I liked the one about OCD a lot. It was really eye opening to see what they go through on a daily basis and how they got help and eventually were able to “overcome” it . I also like the ones about addictions too. 

Have you ever experienced something paranormal? No

What’s the longest amount of time you’ve been stuck in traffic? 2 hours or something like that. I remember it clearly too because at the time I didn’t have good AC in my car and it was like 100 degrees out

Best field trip experience? Chicago!

Have you ever been to New York City? Nope

If so, is it all its cracked up to be? I don’t know, I’ve never been there

What is the most amount of money you’ve spent on a meal before? Like 50 bucks. 

What museums have you visited, if any? Lots. The Cincy Art Museum, Taft Art Museum, Indianapolis Children’s Museum, Union Terminal, The Chicago Science & Industry Museum, The Chicago Art Museum, The Chicago Field Museum and The Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. 

Have you ever had a group project and one of your partners bailed on you? All the time

What’s your worst traveling experience? HILTON HEAD. Went there for Spring Break and it was like 50 degrees and raining the whole time so we couldn’t do anything. Sucked. 

Sims 1, 2, or 3? Why? Sims 2 Bustin’ Out for PS2 :) Sims 3 is cool though too, I’ve been playing that a lot lately. 

Have you ever dealt with noisy neighbors or roommates? How did that go? I just told them to keep it down.

Who was (or is) the teacher that gave you the hardest time in school? Chemistry teacher sophomore year of high school

Best muffin you’ve ever had? Not sure 

Have you ever taken a woodshop class? No

If so, was it required? ^

How much time do you spend on Facebook, if you have one? I spend like an hour a day on that website. 

What area of math are you best at? Worst? Calculus best, geometry worst. 

How do you feel when you meet someone with the same music taste as you? Extremely excited!

What is the strangest thing you’ve ever seen outside of your house? Outside of my house? Probably the realistic looking black Santa that my neighbors propped outside of their door during the holidays. I get that it was Christmas, but that thing looked creepy and always scared me because I thought it was a real person just standing there looking at me. Lol. 

Do you believe in luck? Why or why not? I never know how to answer this. Some people have better circumstances than others and that’s just a fact of life. It’s random, like chance, so I guess yeah, I do believe in luck. 

How often do you “half-ass” things (put little effort in)? When I find them boring to do

Do you ever feel self-conscious when you eat around other people? All the time. I always feel like I’m chewing too loud or being disgusting. And I never know when to start talking when I have food in my mouth. 

Has a teacher ever made you hate yourself/your work? Yep. Some people really shouldn’t be teachers. 

How reliable is your internet connection? It’s not very reliable. When it does work, it’s super fast, but a lot of times it will go out, or not let me connect for whatever reason. Something’s up with the modem/service. 

Have you ever missed a meeting/event that was required/necessary? I think a couples of times back in college or high school, but it’s been a while since I’ve flat out missed anything. 

What’s something that makes you incredibly nervous? Presentations. Sometimes I just get nervous WATCHING people give presentations. That’s how much they affect me. 

What’s the latest you’ve ever stayed up to finish homework/a project? 4 in the morning 

If you don’t have glasses, how would you feel if you had to get them? I have glasses

If you do have glasses, how would you feel if you didn’t need them anymore? Very happy

How many vegetarians do you know? I know one vegan

Have you ever considered going to art school? I thought about it a very long time ago, but I didn’t think I could handle the competition and putting myself out there like that. Looking back, I wish I had done it. 

Is there anyone in your life who consistently angers you? Yes. 

What is the worst thunderstorm you’ve experienced? There was one back in ‘08 where a bunch of trees and power lines fell and so I had to stay the night at my friend’s for like 3 days because she was the only one in the neighborhood with power. 

How quickly can you write an essay? Depends on how long it has to be

Have you ever had problems falling asleep in class? Haha yeah. Some classes are just too early and too boring.

Have you ever been on the barrier or front row at a concert? No

If you have a job, who is your least favorite coworker/manager? I don’t have a least favorite

Favorite episode of Spongebob? The Marching Band one

Do you have any silly/odd emotional connections to anything/anyone? A couple of items in my room, yes. 

What bug frightens you most? Spiders

Are your parents supportive of you? For the most part. I don’t know sometimes. 

How often do you take the train to go places? Never, there’s no train in this city. 

Do you play with your phone in awkward situations? Yes

Have you ever participated in a mock trial, or a real trial? I think we did a mock trial or two in high school? 

[kayoticevil]

meeting pm (again)

alriiiiight here we go

okay so i got there and we had to wait and then i was told i was second in line for the meet and greet

and we got in to sit down there was literally a bowling alley with their faces on it, it was amazing. and they were behind glass doors so we saw them sometimes. saw austin first and then noah and edwin and zion. then nick and nick looked at us and waved to me when i waved to him!

then they came out and it was Amazing. they sounded so good and austin and i made eye contact a ton lol. they did if i ever fall in love again, wym and then teacher. zion’s mic stand fell so he picked it up and then finally he just took it off and so did edwin and brandon.

then there was the q&a

i just started shouting my question but someone else raised her hand so austin was like “oh she started talking” and i was like “oh its okay lol” so someone suggested we play rock paper scissors. and she won so i was like “alright cool”

a couple other people asked questions and then austin was like “i like your shirt” and i was like “oh, thanks. it’s from forever 21″ and everyone was like ohhh and talked about it and i was like “yeah... i work there”

and then some more questions. nick was like “i feel like i need to be a comedian with this” and i was like “tell us jokes!!!” and he was like “no that’d be uhhhh bad”

then the radio host was like “oh she still has a question” and i was like “oh yeah. do u go into an arrangement knowing the parts everyone is going to sing or do you customize it?” and the girl behind me was like “good question”

and brandon gave me a long answer about how for the most part yes, but whoever writes it sings it usually. austin said he’s more of a bass so he always does it. and nick or edwin usually sing choruses and it’s just whoever it fits more. i’m glad they got to explain it!

then they asked if there were any more questions and i was like “i have one for noah” and they were like ohhhh get ready, noah. and noah was like “idk if i know how to do this” and then he pointed the camera to me and was like “who had a question for me” and i was like “how do u edit?” and he said premire and adobe and brandon talked about how good adobe was

then it was m&g so they left and turns out i’m first. through the glass austin was dancing so i did the dance back to him and he pointed to me and kept going it was so cute.

so i hugged brandon and i was like “i saw you in SF” and he was like “i remember. good to see you again”

and then i hugged edwin

and then zion and i was like “i think u got me sick in sf” and he was like “r u sure?” and austin was like “if anything it was probably me who got you sick” and i was like :/// well thx i got sick

and then i hugged nick and i thought i’d stand next to him but i was like “oh i stood next to you in my last picture” (why did i say that omfg) and he just laughed

and then i let brooke chose where to stand so i went between brandon and edwin and brandon put his arm around me and i was like : ))))))

and then i said “bye see u in cincinnati” and they were like “oh okay wow” and nick was like “oh lol cinci”

then i chilled and watched them meet everyone else and they were like “okay cool bye”

so i alsmot left but i saw they were going over to the food so i was like >.>

and i was by edwin so i was like “did u have the buckeyes” and he wa slike “what?” and i was like “in sf i gave you buckeyes. candies” and he was like “oh i didn’t” and austin was there and i was like “oh i had them” and i was like “were they good?” and he was like “yeah!” and i was like “they’re like... an ohio thing bc we’re the buckeye state” and he was like “oh hm” and a guy with them was like “oh yeah buckeyes”

and then i left :’))))))