#but this is also that team's second highest scoring game which honestly should say something about the defense of the winner

[the-physicality]

no offense to certain people but celebrating an 80 point win by an undefeated team to a winless team when the winner made more 3 pointers than the loser made field goals like it's the greatest victory in the team's history is...a choice

[mymemoirs]

Unrecorded Memories and Missing Taiwan #3

Gonna continue from the second part of my Taiwan trip. However, this post is definitely not going to be the last one regarding this trip since I went there for a whole month and I would like to go into the details so that I could reread this post one day. After all, this is my attempt to record those memories even though its already vague by now as two years have passed by. 

After the first weekend spent during my AI class, we had our last week of the class in which we were given group project and also interact with local middle school students near the campus and engage with them. 

7) I can’t remember much of what I’ve learnt in class but I remember we went to another field trip during our weekdays, to be specific, it was on Tuesday, 10th of July, 2018. There was a middle school near the Asia University campus site and  after our morning class session, everyone were guided by our TAs and professors to Taichung Guangfu Junior High School. I think it took us about 10-15 minutes walk away, it was really that close.

A Picture of The Taichung Guangfu Junior High Students and AI Program 2018 Students

The reason we went to the school was because Taichung Guangfu Junior High School old building was the one converted into the now Earthquake Museum we went last weekend. After having its building destroyed and turned into a museum, the school built a new building instead. I think the professor wanted to show us the new building that have been built for the school and let local students interact with expat students from the exchange program. 

When we arrived there, we were taken into a classroom. We were told to sit in a group and I happened to sit with Guy, Xin, and Hussain (an Indian student). We hit off pretty well and each of us was very competitive, since we’re given quizzes and games to play during our time there. I think the school is amazing since they were able to utilize various digital techs for the game and quizzes. 

Guy, Hussain, Xin and Me.

I don’t remember much of the details, but I think we won since each of us were given a notebook. It was really fun for us since we’re not only answering quizzes but we also went outside to do a bar code hunt (if I’m not wrong).

8) After the short field trip, we all went back to the campus to go back to our respective dorm. However, on our way back, we stumbled upon a newly opened restaurant and they were having a free fried rice or noodle promotion. So, almost everyone stopped by, I think even the professors and TAs too. Well, how could we say ‘no’ to freebies right? We all happened to be hungry at that time, *laughs*. Although, I had to admit that it’s memorable since the AI students never ate together, at least not as crowded as that day. Most of us sometimes just eat with a group of friends in different restaurants nearby the campus, since everyone have their own preference. Having this kind of activities actually help me bond with others. 

Eating Fried Rice/ Noodle at a Nearby Restaurant With Other Students.

9) The next day, we moved on with more data science materials that are very alien to me. I can’t remember much of the materials now since it’s more on practical skills but I guess my lack of understanding towards the subject was due to how little I was exposed to this topics before. I think, if I were to relearn it today, it will be much easier for me to understand now compared to last time. 

During that day, we were given details on our group project and everyone was asked to form a group. Since Guy were sitting beside me, he asked Xin and I if we wanted to join the team he��s forming. Apparently, he’s forming a group with Hussain. Xin and I agreed to join his team, because to be honest, both of us didn’t have any basics in computer science, let alone data science or AI. 

It’s funny, you see, since the group members: Xin, Hussain, Guy and I, were previously in one group too during the game session yesterday, and I think our team’s name is “Group 2″ in the game session, so we named our team as “Group 2″ again for this group project. During the game session, it was really fun doing group activities with them, and now that we’re having a chance to work together as a team, I was really excited to work with them again. Although, to be honest, I didn’t do much exactly. 

Group 2 Focusing on Their Project.

Hussain did the most work out of everyone, since he’s the one with a background in computer science. Guy did his best to accommodate Hussain, with his tech (cause apparently he’s the “Apple Guy”) stuff, since his laptop was the most powerful in running data science projects among the four of us. Besides, he also had a little exposure in machine learning (even when he’s actually a student with a degree related to design) so he was the second in command to help Hussain. Xin was a student in design too, so she was in charge of our power point presentation slides. The slides she made was beautiful. 

While me? Well, I felt like a burden to my team because I can’t do anything at all. It seems like I’m the only one at loss at what I should do, so I kept on asking what this and that means when Hussain was coding and I think that kind of hinders him so he said that he would explain to me later on. Although, I might not help much, I tried my best to be there as a teammate. We ate together and accompanied each other throughout the project. To be honest, I really enjoyed the times we spent together. I’m not sure about how they felt though. Nevertheless, I admired each of them as I get to know them better. They were one year older than me and they told me a lot of their experiences. It an was insightful moment.

10) So, the day of our presentation came the next day. We are only given less than 24 hours to finish the project, which is very short. I guess, we’re lucky that Hussain finished it on time and Xin managed to create the slides on such a short period of time. Our project is about image classification for breasts cancer. Of course, the datasets and the code Hussain used for the project can be found in the internet. Although most of this can be search up on the internet, I don’t think I will be able to do it at that time on that short amount of time, because I have no idea on how to search the code and even use it. 

Xin Turn To Present Her Part.

Our presentation are held in a presentation room. Everyone in my group, including me were given the opportunity to present about the project. I was the first to present since I get the easiest one which is an introduction to AI. After the presentation, questions are being asked by classmates and professors. Of course, only Hussain were able to answer it. I think I vaguely remembered he said that the time given were short and he admits that his teammates are still not familiar with how to use AI. Well, almost every team that give out their presentation complaint the same thing - the amount of time given were just too short. 

By the end of our presentation, our professor who was assessing everyone’s presentation said that there will be presents for the three teams with the highest score. I wasn’t expecting anything but our group turns out to rank second highest and we were given gifts to share with one another. It was really surprising for us but since we were competitive, we feel a sense of achievement.  We were really happy, and I really enjoyed working together with them so I asked for a picture together as a team (laughs). 

Group 2 Presents Their Presentation Second and Was Ranked Second! The Most Diverse Team Among The Other Teams (Consists of Indian, Indonesian, Thai, and Singaporean).

Honestly, I would love to spend more time together with them but the presentation day was on Thursday and it was the second last day of our AI class. The day after tomorrow, both Guy and Hussain will go home since they didn’t take any other class aside from this AI class. Only me and Xin took another class that will start after the AI class but we took a separate class. Xin took Product Design class while I took Creativity and Entrepreneurship Class. Boohoo.

A Group Picture with The Professors After Our Presentation

11) The next day was our farewell party which was held by our professors. It was really a simple one. There are food, beverages, music, etc. Most entertainment were provided by our Indian classmates, while the rest of us just sat and watched. It was really fun to see them sang and danced happily. Even though it was short, it was a memorable experience. I did take a video of my friends dancing, but alas, I don’t think I managed to save it on my hard disk. 

Receiving A Certificate of Completion For The AI Course

I think the AI course are memorable because of the classmates and friends I knew from there, especially my teammates from Group 2. I was really sad that we had to part so I decided to give them handmade letters that I crafted and wrote on my own. I remember I went to the convenience store and office supplies store just to find the materials that I was going to use for the letters. I was happy that I managed to give them something, even though it was just a letter. 

Anyway, I’ll continue the time when I’m in Creativity and Entrepreneurship Class in my next post! Adieu for now!

- Reina

[dietaku]

Amazing Quest 2: Chapter 1

The sequel to Amazing Quest. Honestly, I think this one is better.

-Controls-

Have you played an SNES-era JRPG before? Then you already know this.

-Cast-

Dood Z. Ma--

Wait, you haven't played an SNES-era JRPG before? Sigh. Okay then.

-Controls-

Control Pad – Move your characters or your cursor around, select things, etc.

A Button – Check/Speak/Confirm. You'll be using this a lot for obvious reasons.

B Button – Cancel. In battle, you can set this as a shortcut for Defend.

X Button – Open/Close Menu. In battle, you can use this to shortcut to your items menu. In the strategy guide, it lists this being used to launch things called the Push-of-War and the Dynamite Trigger. This is clearly not true, and has since become memetic in the fandom, where newcomers with questions that should be obvious are met with jeering posts of “Use the Dynamite Trigger!”

Y – Hold to dash on the overworld. In battle, this shortcuts to the Skill/Spell menu.

L/R – Rotates party members in order either back or forth.

Start – Pause the game. Also, in certain circumstances, unpauses it too.

Select – Opens the world map. Runs a 1/8126 chance of showing a pixelated green and black scene of Dood talking to some old man with a beret, who tells you to “SEEK DA TROOF”.

-Cast-

Dood Z. Male

Element: Light

Class: Pudding Warrior

Weapon: Swords. Four to be exact.

Special: Pudding Morph

Dood, as later side materials would go on to reveal, is the descendant of Hiro from AQ1, though with Pudding powers not dependent on the presence of others. Guess eugenics lost the bet on that one. Dood, like all AQ protags, can transform into the powerful Pudding Forms, but his have three-turn limiters where his MP is rapidly consumed away, however, this can be prolonged by feeding him MP restoration items. His stats are bolstered very, very high during this period, and can thus be a very potent character if built right.

Deliost Nu Toruble Element: N/A (Fire after her mid-game Time Wasp shenanigans) Class: Magic Student Weapon Type: Spoons Special Technique: Magical Assault

The quiet, reflective princess of Toruble, who is kept locked away from public viewing, due to her ever-growing chimeran traits (manifesting as kawaii cat eats and tail). She is a powerful offensive magic user, who only grows more potent as time goes on. However, she personifies the phrase “glass cannon” and has very low LP and Con scores for the duration. Also of note is her impressive figure, which I'm sure is an ancillary detail (You perverts.)

Kylie

Element: Earth (Default Form); Changes with Form

Class: Womanticore

Weapons: Variable Tail (Equippable Genes)

Special: Multi-Form

Kylie the womanticore was the result of a “DiY Womanticore Kit” project launched by the recurring miniboss fight, Balzac, who ended up escaping her captivity and mastering a life in the forest. Kylie is a “build your own” character, where she can equip up to three genes at a time, one in the “Head” slot, one in the “Body” slot, and one in the “Leg” slot. Her default form has middling stats and only a few skills it can learn on its own, but once she learns a skill from a particular gene, she will retain it forever, even if the gene is unequipped later on. Fans really like her, for... multiple reasons. Don't look! She's only 2 years old!

Genki Sake

Element: Wind

Class: Cat Thief

Weapons: Hair Clip

Special: Steal

Genki is of the kunoichi tribe (presumably of some relation to Kimyawa of AQ1, but that's just fan speculation), and strives to be the greatest cat thief of all time. In a very literal sense even, as her suit includes cat ears and a cleavage window you could lose mid-sized dogs in. Her weapons are hidden in plain sight, as she uses his hair clips as both weapons and tools of her trade to unlock doors and chests. When she's on point, she'll even automatically disable traps and she'll stop before running over trap floors. She has high attack and speed stats, but somewhat lacking in defense. And, to put the obnoxious fandom argument to rest, Sake is her family name and Genki is her given name. Now, stop fighting about it!

Chester D. Beaver

Element: Water, yup

Class: Beaver, yup

Weapons: Fish Guns, yup

Special: Spray, yup

Chester is quite an odd bucket of fish – literally and metaphorically. Being of the beaver tribe, he has a rather distinct means of punctuating most of his sentences, and as a mob boss over the beaver crime syndicates (which exist, apparently) he commands respect in such social circles. His spray attack allows him to make his normal attack target all enemies, which calculates damage akin to how all-hitting magic spell variants are done, and his bizarre fish gun series of weapons is always a joy to see in motion. He has high, all around stats, but very few skills to his name until almost at the endgame.

Deima the Immortal Element: N/A Class: Furry (Just Kidding) Weapon Type: Staves Special Technique: Magical Genocide

The eccentric and powerful chimera sorceress and eternal Pudding ally, Deima appears once more as a secret recruit you can find at around the midgame. She learns spells much faster and much earlier in the game than anyone else and has, bar none, the highest magical potency of the game and the biggest MP pools of any of the party, in particular her Hissatsu Zeikei Suki attack. Her field ability will also turn any animals you can hunt into burnt meat automatically, so, try not to use it!

Jaydea Varas Schoen Element: Dark Class: Pudding Noble Weapon Type: “Heaven's Blades” Guitars Special Technique: Regal Pudding Form

The Penultimate boss of AQ1 returns thanks to her gift of eternal life bestowed on her by the Goddess of Destruction. She retains her insane Pudding form, the Figgy Pudding Queen, and her love of Rock n' Roll. If you go out of your way near the tail end of the game and get her her fez and a Black Cow, you can have her join you, doubling your effective Pudding-related firepower. She has a stat build not unlike Dood's, but a heavier emphasis on defense, presumably reflective of her immortality. She does not want for offensive options, though, and will hold her own quite handily.

-Chapter 1: I'm Born! ~ Lone Idiot & Cub-

The game starts with a narrator speaking over a black screen.

Narrator: Nearly a century has passed since the legendary Hero-King of the Puddings sealed away the wicked goddess, Hulst.

JeffCom's translation team was not on point here. She was called Halst in the first game, Hulst in the second, and it wasn't until AQ3 where they finally got her actual name, Holstein, in the game correctly.

Narrator: When the red star appeared in the night sky, people called it the “Eye of Calamity” and said it was an omen of dark things yet to come. The people were without the heroes of legend and uncertainty took deep root in the tumultuous times. As a result, the Church of Sethan became home to many, seeking peace of mind and a road to hope, but not all was as it appeared to be.

Then, the image of a deformed skull appears on screen, in the center of what should be the forehead is a large, pulsating eye.

???: ****! Be careful!

Skull: I shall bring forth my revenge. Your efforts to stop me are in vain!

???: Oh yeah?! EAT THIS!

The Skull gets a large slash across its face. Uh, skull. Whatever.

Skull: Insolent Puddings! This is the will of the very stars themselves!

???: This is too dangerous! It's destabilizing!

???: But we're so close, ******! We can stop it now! ???: There's no time. Go on without me!

Skull: Trying to escape?! I won't let--

???: NOT WITHOUT A FALL GUY, BITCH! GLADIATOR!!! Skull OH SHIIIIIIIIII--!!!

The screen whites out then comes back in, late in the evening as some young boy in ragged clothes, with four sheaths around his belt stumbles into view.

Boy: … Huh? Wait... where...? Oh, I don't feel so good...

The boy shakily takes a few paces before falling flat.

Boy: Ungh! My face is in the dirt, isn't it?

The boy lies there for a moment as a well-to-do girl walks on screen, clad in a yellow ribbon and matching dress.

Girl: ! What?!

She hurries over to him and, for a moment, looks like she's going to help him up. Instead, she whips out a stick and begins poking him in the head.

Girl: Hey, are you dead?

Boy: …

After a moment of this, an elderly man in a suit, identified only as Butler, walks over.

Butler: I see. M'lady, allow me, if you would.

The butler, quite violently, kicks the boy.

Butler: WAKE UP, TWERP! THE LADY HAS DEMANDED YOU ACKNOWLEDGE HER!

Boy: OH GOD, THAT WAS MOST CERTAINLY ONCE SOMETHING VITAL!!!

The boy leaps awake and steps away from the two.

Boy: What was that all about?!

Butler: It's rude not to reply to a lady's inquiry! You vagabond!

Boy: Your... mom... is a bag of bonds...

Girl: What's your name?

Boy: I'm Dood.

Girl: I'm Deliost. Want to be friends? Dood: Sure, why not?

Deliost: Fantastic! Daddy always said I need to make some friends! And the last time I tried to make some, it didn't pan out so well.

Dood: Why not? Differences in hobbies?

Deliost: No, I tried to literally make them. Like build them. Out of straw and rocks. My therapist says I'm making great strides, though!

Dood: Great...

Deliost: I don't really get to go out and do much. Even when I do I have to stay close to the castle.

Dood: There's a castle? Deliost: Indeed. I am the princess of the kingdom of Toruble.

Dood: … What's a Toruble?

Butler: Shall I teach the boy a lesson, m'lady? Deliost: Please, do.

The Butler socks Dood in the face, knocking him out cold.

Deliost: BUTLER?! Butler: There. Lesson learned.

Deliost: I meant open a history book and tell him about the Toruble Kingdom! Butler: Oh. … Bully. Now I just feel silly.

The scene fades out, then returns with Dood laying in a bed.

Dood: Boy, I sure hope I get to maintain consciousness for longer than 10 minute intervals today. That'd be swell.

Deliost walks in.

Deliost: Dood, are you okay? Dood: I'm fine. I think.

Deliost: That's a relief!

A tall man in regal splendor walks in.

King: And this...? Deliost: This is Dood. You said I could keep him!

The King goes to Dood and eyes him.

King: You'd better take good care of my little girl, you got that? One step out of line and--

Dood: Sir. I'm pretty sure I'm like 10 years old. Probably. 10-ish.

Suddenly, some guards rush in.

Knight: Y-your highness! Monster attack! King: What you say?!

The scene cuts outside, as we see a knight get knocked down by some munchkins.

Knight: No!! Knight 2! He was the finest mind of his generation!!

Dood suddenly rushes outside.

Deliost: Dood, what are you--?!

Dood: It's fightin' time!!

Dood leaps into battle with the munchkins. This works as your tutorial, with the game briefly explaining Attack, Defend, Skill, Item, and Flee options that any RPG veteran should be very familiar with. If you try to flee from this battle, the munchkins hold up a pistol to a teddy bear's head and Dood insists it would be unjust to leave it as-is. But as Munchkins die to one attack each from Dood and his high offense build, it'll only take a moment. If you ignore the tutorials for Defend, Skill, and Item, and keep attacking, the game will let you do so, but scold you for not paying attention.

Dood: Hyaaa!!

Munchkins: Run away! Run away!!!

Deliost: Whoa, Dood... that was so brave! How did you do that?! Dood: Oh, it's easy.

Dood takes out one of his swords and points.

Dood: The pointy end is the business end.

Deliost: That's... not what I... okay. Sure. Alright.

Knight: That was incredible swordsmanship! Who taught you? Dood: … Um...?

Knight: You... do have a teacher, right?

You then get a prompt...

My parents!

My Master!

The Sun!

What's a teacher?

If you select My parents!

Dood: My parents!

Knight: Who are you parents? Dood: …

Tears well up in Dood's eyes.

Dood: Uwaaaaaaaah! I'm an orphan?!

Deliost: You didn't know that until just now?!

If you select My master!

Dood: My master! Knight: Who was your master?

Dood: … My Master. Obvs.

Knight: Yes, but what was his name? Dood: Mr. Ster.

Knight: You don't remember his name, do you? Dood: No.

If you select the sun!

Dood: THE SUN!!!

Deliost: What?

Dood: I stare into the sun and it fills me with power! Deliost: Dood, you really shouldn't do that...

If you select What’s a teacher?

Dood: … What's a teacher?

Deliost: Something you appear to be in dire need of...

Knight: … Well, your skills are undeniable! Maybe you should take up some work at the guild!

Dood: Work sounds good. Then I could buy MORE SWORDS!

Deliost: Um! Um! Yes, Dood, let us go and do good by the people!

Deliost grabs Dood's hand and pulls him off-screen as the knights idle. The camera soon catches up to them on a small dirt road.

Dood: Where are we going so fast?

Deliost: Anywhere! Now's our chance to get out and get away from the castle for a bit! C'mon!

Dood: Um. Okay!

You're then whisked away to FirstTown, where you're free to go around and talk to NPCs at your leisure. Here we can find a basic item and weapon shop, alongside a place with a sword and shield icon, wherein lies the guild and the plot. Inside is a lady in a dirndl is stationed at the counter.

Woman: Welcome, I am the guild stewardess. I'll post side miss-- I mean-- important jobs that you can accept here at the counter. In fact, there's a guild location in every city of the world, and due to our lightning-quick messaging services, we can relay information and jobs from all over the world to any location in a very convenient fashion!

Deliost: Ooo. What kind of work can we do here?

Dood: I wanna kill a dragon.

Deliost: Dood... do you know what a dragon... is? Dood: No, but I know I wanna fight one! Stewardess: No dragon slaying today, but I do have this. This might be a good test of your abilities.

Dood receives quest: find lost dog.

Dood: A lost dog?! That's... the saddest thing... I ever h-heeeeeeeeard!!!

Dood bawls.

Deliost: I had no idea you were so in-tune with your emotions, Dood! You're kind of like a puppy yourself...

Dood: I am? Deliost: Yeah. Like one of those small ones that never really gets terribly smart, and sometimes pees the floor out of excitement, but they mean well.

Dood: Aww, that's nice of you to say!

Now we can access the nearby inn, or leave town and see the world map. We're sort of stuck on a linear path for the time being, but we ultimately need to head to the north, near the mountains, but I wouldn't recommend going there until you're level 3 or 4, just to be safe.

Dood: I think it went this way!

Deliost: You can determine where the dog went... how?

Dood: Well, it's easy. To find a dog, you gotta think like a dog.

Deliost: You can do that? Dood: Watch me.

Dood gets down on all fours.

Dood: Woof! Woof! Barf, barf, barf!

Deliost: …

Deliost puts a hand to her mouth, trying not to laugh. You're then free to explore the mountain road. As you do, you'll see a deer munching grass.

Deliost: Dood, wait a sec.

Dood: What?

Deliost: Look there.

Dood: … Is that a dragon? Deliost: … Huh? No! Dood, it's a deer.

Dood: I'm-a kill it anyway.

Deliost: What?!

You then gain control of Dood and you're prompted to tap “Y” when near the deer, which you can sneak up on if you time it right. Dood will slash with his sword, turning the deer into large, cartoon meat on a bone. Deliost does her best impression of The Scream as Dood picks up and presents the meat.

Dood: I killed a dragon! Deliost: Uuuugh... I suppose hunting is a way to get supplies when our coffers are low... but... oh, Dood...

Now, when a random encounter concludes, there's a chance, depending on what map you're on, that a hunting event can occur, where you can kill some wildlife to get items. Dood hits with his sword, and will usually yield a meat, an item that restores health usually, and Deliost throws a small spark of electricity which is good for taking down small birds which Dood can't hit. As you go through the cave here, there's a healing spring.

Deliost: This is... it is. If we drink this water, it'll refresh us, body and mind. It's just like a good night's rest, Dood. … Dood?

Deliost looks over. Dood is shirtless.

Dood: So, we bathe in it, right? Deliost: KYAAAAAA!!! PERVERT!!!

Deliost gets a violent nosebleed, then smacks Dood in the face with her spoon. This sends Dood careening back into the wall.

Dood: BARF!

Dood and Deliost learn their first dual skill: Dood Toss, where Deliost swats Dood in the back, hurling him into the enemy for large damage. From here, you should grind at least a little, then proceed to the end of the cave. As you exit the cave, be sure you save, as not far from the entrance is the boss. Dood and Deliost walk a bit before the creature crosses their path. It's a duck with horns and large, pronounced feet.

Dood: Is that...?

Deliost: It is! It's a--

Dood: DRAGON!

Deliost: Dood! No! It's a Jackoduck!!

-Boss Fight!-

Jackoduck

LP: 500

MP: 100

The Jackoduck is strong, only because it's HP is very high compared to what you're likely used to at this point. However, it doesn't have many abilities of note, mostly involving its Duckaphony attack, which will hit you both for small damage. If you heal as needed, there shouldn't be any issue here, especially as at level 6 Deliost gets the first lightning spell, which deals good damage against it.

-Boss Fight!-

Dood: Whew. That wasn't so ba--

The Jackoduck gets up and bites Dood's arm

Dood: Oooooh nooooo! Deliost! Shoot it! Shoot it!!! Deliost: But it's still connected to you! Electricity will--

Dood: I don't care! Just shoot it! Deliost: Well, okay.

Deliost raises her hand as a massive storm of lightning drops down on Dood and the Jackoduck.

Dood: BARF!!!

The Jackoduck explodes and Dood drops.

Dood: I killed a dragon.

Deliost: Sigh...

You're then free to leave the mountain and you'll exit on the other side, whereupon you'll find... a frog.

Frog: Ribbit.

Dood: Is it--

Deliost: It's not a dragon, Dood!!!

Dood: No, obviously, it isn't.

Deliost: Oh, thank goodness...

Dood: It's the dog we've been looking for! Deliost: Say WHAT?!

Dood got... dog? Now we can head back to FirstTown. Once there, go to the guild.

Dood: We saved the dog! See? Frog: Ribbit.

Deliost: I'm sorry, he's slow on the uptake.

Stewardess: Ehn. Seems legit. Here's 500 currencies.

Dood: Yay!

Deliost's jaw falls and hangs open.

Dood: What next? Stewardess: Nothing right now, I'm afraid. But if you're curious, there's a new monster battle ring in the west where they've got a really neat lineup for the Monster Girl Festa.

Deliost: The... what?

Dood: Sounds kosher. Let's go!

You then can travel westward and enter into Corset, the mini-town that surrounds the coliseum area. Inside, you can't actually access the coliseum, due to a huge herd of people clamoring to battle with the monster girl champ, Balzac. Everyone in this town will tell you that to be anybody in this town, you have to win big at the coliseum, and that if you don't have one, a few stray monster girls run wild in the forest. You can tell this was a 90's RPG, as this, alongside a noteworthy minigame in AQ1 was wildly lambasted by Amelia Sardinian as the reasons why JeffCom+DTK and all its affiliates should, and I quote, “die horribly”. Anyway, we can go out into the forest and enter a little maze area where the enemies just love to spam poison as an ailment. The Mushroom Men, Dire Sparrows, and Vorpal Earthworms are indeed annoying, but if you brought lots of antidotes with you, it shouldn't be awful. At the end of it, you'll reach a clearing, where something considerably larger than you is leaping around the canopy, circling you.

Deliost: I don't think we're alone, Dood...

Dood: How can we be alone when there's two of us?

Deliost: I mean there's someone else here with us, Dood!

Dood: I didn't see anything.

The shadow blazes overhead again.

Deliost: There! Didn't you see that? Dood: Sorry, I can't see anything. I'm busy checking my eyelids for cracks.

Deliost grabs Dood's head and yanks it so he's looking up, just in time for the shadow to ninja past them again.

Dood: Whoa! There's someone here! Deliost: No, really?!

The shadow leaps down before them, revealing a curvaceous monster girl with large claws, long hair, and a long, scorpion-like tail.

Dood: It's...! It's...!

Deliost: Dood! Do not say “Dragon”!

Dood: … I'm still gonna think it.

The woman roars.

-Boss Fight!-

Womanticore

LP: 800

MP: 300

This is your wake-up boss fight. She follows up almost all her attacks with “Waffle Iron”, where she strikes with her claws after her normal attack, or she'll use “Mode Change” where she'll change color and use an elemental strike. She also has a huge pool of HP by comparison to anything we'd encountered. When her health dips below 25%, she'll give up using Waffle Iron, and grab one of your two characters with her tail, immobilizing them until the other hits her a few times, forcing her to drop them. This can be super frustrating, so heal early, heal often.

-Boss Fight!-

Monster Woman: Graaaaa--!!!

She falls.

Dood: I KILLED A D-- I mean... nothing.

Deliost rolls her eyes. The Monster Woman suddenly begins flailing, pounding her fists, feet, and tail up and down on the ground.

Monster Woman: Nooooo! It's not faaaair! I'm so hungry! All I want is a candy bar! But all there are to eat out here are bunnies and squirrels and they're TOO CUTE TO EAT! And the berries, good lord, the berries empty me out!!! A-bloo-bloo-blooooo!!!

She begins crying, with exaggerated anime water fountain tears and everything.

Dood: I can safely say I was not expecting that.

Deliost: Oh dear... maybe we should apologize to her?

Approach and speak to her, but all she does is continue her tantrum, reiterating how much she wants a  candy bar. For now, we have to leave and return to FirstTown's item shop, which just got a fresh batch of Candy Bar items in, which we can buy on the cheap. For zenny vs. healing, candy bars are actually more economical than mundane potions, amusingly enough! Anyways, take at least one and go back to the Womanticore.

Monster Woman: W-w-what do you want? Sniffle. Hic.

Dood: Here!

Dood gave her the candy bar!

Monster Woman: … Ah! A candy bar?!

She hurriedly unwraps it, break it in half, and feeds half to her tail and eats half with her mouth.

Dood: … Pssst! Deliost! She just ate that with her butt! … Does she poop out her mouth?!

Deliost: You're not whispering, you know. She can hear you just fine.

Monster Woman: I'm Kylie. Who are you? And why are two little kids wandering around the forest?

Dood: Oh, this is Del-- Deliost: I'M ENKI AND THIS IS DOO... uhh... DUDU!

Dood: … Huh?

Deliost: (Dood! I'm a runaway princess! We can't just go around telling everyone who we are! They'll take us back to the castle if we do that!) Dood: (Yeah, but, why do I have to be Dudu?) Deliost: (You started talking about pooping out your mouth, so it just popped into my head!)

Until it says otherwise, Dood is listed as Dudu and Deliost is listed as Enki, even on the menu screen.

Kylie: How... old are you two? Dudu: I'm... 10-ish? Yeah, let's go with that.

Enki: I'm 11.

Kylie: Hm. Well, I clearly have to be the adult here, seeing as I'm 2!

Dudu: That makes sense! Enki: It... doesn't really. But we can just tell people she's 20 and they'd believe it...

Kylie: I'll go with you! That way we'll be safe!

Kylie joins! She is a customizable character, who starts with three copies of the “Womanticore” gene. As you get more, you can customize her, which changes her Head (her hair and horns), her Body (mostly her arms and color palette), and her Legs (which alters her legs and tail). This has made her very popular, as some late game combinations can be game-breaking, due to any gene being able to slot into any of the three options. Her starting skill is Roar, which ups one character's offense for a few turns. At this point, we can return to Corset and the crowd huddled around the door to the coliseum has dispersed. Inside, we can now register for the battle!

Receptionist: I see. Entering the Monster Girl battle with this Womanticore, eh? Well, if you want to do so, you'll need to pass our preliminary match against our director of monster resources!

Dudu: Kay.

Kylie: Me?! But aren't there younger, prettier monster girls you'd want to enter?!

Enki: Actually, I'd be legitimately surprised if there were any monsters here younger than you...

Now we can head over to a small dungeon-like room, to find a horrifyingly muscular man, whose head appears to be too small for his frame.

Dir. Of MR: OH YEEEEEEEEEEAH! Dudu: … I think I peed myself a little in reflective terror.

Enki: Me too.

-Boss Fight!-

Director of Monster Resources

LP: 500

MP: 0

This guy is a joke boss, if his LP didn't tip you off. He just shouts “AGE?! SEX?! LOCATION?!” at you and punches, which barely does any damage. There's literally no reason you should lose here if you're trying.

-Boss Fight!-

Dir. Of MR: OH YEEEEEEEEEEAH!!!

Dudu: I guess we passed?

Kylie: Yay!

At this point, you're invited to speak to the manager, July.

July: Ah, the new rising stars here to challenge Balzac, I presume? Dudu: I don't know why but the answer is “Yes”!

July: Lucky you, your opponent is a girl, so it'll be easy! Kylie: But... I'm a girl too... what's that have to do with anything?

July: Well, the truth is... the outcome is already set.

Enki: What? The fight is a farce?!

Dudu: And it's fake too?!

July: The cruel up-n-comer, who wants to win at any cost... slowly tortures her enemy... and kills her for the sick entertainment of this crowd! … I expect very high ratings.

Kylie's face goes pale, as her tail turns downward and actually vomits.

July: There is no way you will lose, Dudu. During the battle's climax, we will fire poisoned darts at the enemy monster. She will die and you will win. The ratings will explode through the roof as the old champ is unseated, and we will become very, very rich...

Dudu: We... uh... need to... go... place... now.

July: Be sure to get your advanced payment from your locker room!

Go there, and you'll get 1000 zenny. Immediately head out and deposit it in the bank, then return and try to go into Balzac's prep room.

Dudu: Balzac! Balzac!!

Enki: Dudu, what are you doing? Dudu: We have to warn him! We have to protect his monster girl!

Balzac: I can't sign autographs right now! I'm, uh, preparing my girl for battle! Y-yeah, that's the ticket.

Kylie: It's no good. We'll have to do something else.

Kylie paces back and forth as her tail scratches her head.

Kylie: Ah! I got it!

Kylie's tail snaps like fingers as a light bulb lights up over her head.

Kylie: Dudu, let me borrow your coin purse!

Dudu: It's a coin pouch.

Kylie: Now's not the time to argue over your fragile masculinity. Hand it over!

Dudu gave Kylie all his money.

Kylie: I'm gonna get two antidotes. When I fight his monster, we'll both take one and then we'll be safe! Dudu: Great idea!

Enki: Be honest. You're taking all his money so you can stock up on candy bars, aren't you?

Kylie's tail nods.

Kylie: No! … Yes.

She hurriedly walks off screen.

Enki: Aren't you upset?! Dudu: Not if she gives me one!

Enki: Ugh...

You then take over as Kylie solo. At this point, you now have two antidotes in your key items, so you can get your money back and do any prep you need to before the fight. When you're ready, go inside and go to to the arena floor. There, a huge crowd excitedly cheers. Opposite you is a strange, cyclopean cat girl creature.

Kylie: Hi! I'm Kylie!

Monster Girl: Hmph! You're goin' down!

Balzac: Yeah! What she said!

-Boss Fight!-

Cat-oblepas

LP: 600

MP: 800

While Cat-oblepas (ugh, the puns) lacks the raw hitting power of Kylie, she has the ability to turn her to stone for one round with her “Cat's Eye” technique. In itself, this does no damage, but it gives her an opening to hit you before you can act again. If you leveled her a bit, Kylie should have the “Lick Wounds” skill which restores HP to one target, and is generally more efficient than the healing items you'll have access to at this point. This is a war of attrition and you'll be going back and forth and sometimes the random off-chance that is Critical Hitting or Counter Attacking can shift the tide, resulting in some infuriating lucksacking scenarios. Just be patient and you'll win!

-Boss Fight!-

Dudu: Kylie! Knock her out! Quickly! Enki: What he means is SHOVE HER OUT OF HARM'S WAY! The way he's saying makes it sound useless and vague, as she's already unconscious!

At this point, you have a few moments to act and push the KO'd Cat-oblepas out of harm's way. If you do, Kylie immediately chugs an antidote (one for her tail, one for her face) and presents a hearty thumbs-up to the player. If you don't, she force-feeds an antidote to Cat-oblepas and drinks one, but faints and you'll have to take on the next boss without her. Either way, this event gives Kylie her first customizable gene – Poison! The next scene is just the party walking to July's office.

July: What's the matter? You didn't like my script, Dudu? Dudu: MY NAME IS NOT DUDU. I AM DOOD.

Enki: Because that's so much different...

July: Come at me, bro, I'm fekken ripped!!

July bursts into smoke as the boss fight cues. An amusing point, Dood's name in Japanese is read as “Doo-dii”, so what he's actually screaming is “I AM NOT DOO-DOO, I'M DOO-DII,” because apparently JeffCom has 13 year olds as writers.

-Boss Fight!-

July

LP: 1200

MP: 500

If there was really a battle that you run the risk of losing in chapter 1, it's this one. He hits like a truck, can use Waffle Iron, can hit the entire party with ice damage, and also, you can accidentally end up fighting him and be a party member-down! So definitely come here with Kylie. Deliost should also have her fire spells at this point, which you'll want to use liberally here, as they'll do maximum damage against this guy. Dood should stick to attacking, and have Kylie use whatever buffs she has at the ready when you arrive. If she's a sufficiently high level, she should have “Proud Cry” which ups defense, which Deliost should definitely have cast on her. This guy doesn't have any weird tricks or gimmicks. It's just a heavy clash of titans here. Do your best.

-Boss Fight!-

July: N-no way! My script... run through the shredder?! Impossible...! B-but don't think for a second that just knocking me down will stop our God's wrath!

Kylie: You try to murder and deceive, yet speak of God?! What deity does one as sick as you worship?!

July: BARF!

July explodes.

Kylie: … I wasn't expecting that.

Dood: Wow. July was a real monster over his profits! Deliost: That joke sucked!!

And you then leave, concluding Chapter 1!

[seriouslyhooked]

Scoring Your Love (Part 15/18)

Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Part Four, Part Five, Part Six,Part Seven,Part Eight, Part Nine, Part Ten, Part Eleven, Part Twelve, Part Thirteen, Part Fourteen. Story also on FF here and AO3 here. Banner by the wonderful @timetravelandfairytales

Modern AU where Killian is a world famous soccer star who has hit rock bottom and been sentenced to the place where ‘football’ legends go to die – America. While here he crosses paths with Emma, an up and coming musician and film scorer who challenges everything he thought he knew and makes him want more than the game he’s always loved. Will be filled with fluff for days. Rated M.

A/N: Hello friends. This chapter is coming to you after a little extra time away, but I hope you will forgive me after you read it. I enjoyed writing this because it brings a little closure in some ways, and sets CS up for more of the cuteness that the end of my stories always bring. I hope that you guys like it and I would love to hear what you all think! Thanks for reading!

Sitting in Regina’s palatial office on the top floor of the Mills Inc. building, there was no denying that she and her family were loaded.

Killian was by no means a poor man. He’d been saving for years, and his contracts were some of the highest paying that the sport had ever seen. With Liam’s advice and know-how, Killian had taken large chunks of his wealth and made more money on the right kind of investments and endorsements, but still there was a difference between rich and obscenely wealthy. Regina was clearly in the latter category.

“I’d say you get used to it, but I’m not big on lying,” Robin whispered as they awaited their host. Killian shook his head and turned his attention back to his coach, amused by the commentary.

“So if I asked where you and Her Majesty are relationship wise you would say…?”

“I plead the fifth.” 

Robin responded with a grin and a jovial laugh that spoke to his happiness. Killian didn’t need more confirmation than that. His coach and the team’s owner were clearly together, and Killian was glad for them. Robin was a good man, and though Regina was… well, Regina… Killian wished them both well in whatever they were doing.

“Smart move,” Regina said as she walked into her personal office, giving away that she’d been listening for a while. Both men made to stand up but she waved them away. “No need for that. We’re at war gentleman. Ceremony has no place in a warzone.”

“War?” Robin questioned, clearly entertained by the ferocity in Regina’s voice. His lightheartedness in the face of her fire put Robin in a category all his own. Few men would see such intensity and be interested, but Robin looked downright infatuated. “Isn’t that a bit… much?”

“Maybe. But I love a good battle,” Regina said, looking happier than Killian could imagine any sane person being under the circumstances. “What do you think, Killian? Is it a war you want?”

“No,” Killian said, surprising himself and Regina as well. Honestly though, when he thought of it he didn’t want a never-ending saga. His heart wasn’t set on vengeance or revenge, it just wanted Gold to be gone and gone for good. “I want peace for me and Emma. Now if the only way to get that is through a fight, then so be it. But I’m willing to bet there’s another way.”

“Good. I like the no fighting idea. Let’s go with that,” Robin said enthusiastically, drawing a deep sigh from Regina.

“Well, I was going to save this for a big finale – let us get a few good rounds in before just to mess with him - but I guess if you two are hell bent on taking the high road…”

The revelations that came from Regina thereafter were astounding to Killian, and he almost didn’t believe the words that the team owner imparted to him and to Robin. It turned out that for more than a year Regina had been cultivating a plant within Gold Industries, and that plant had been slowly moving up the ladder, gaining more and more access to the deeply unethical underbelly of a company that seemed clean on the outside. They were tracking and logging all of the happenings, and to Killian’s amazement, Regina was now confident that there was enough to take to the feds and get Gold in seriously hot water.

“I honestly didn’t expect these kind of results so soon, but Gold got sloppy, as fickle minded men are prone to doing.”

Regina’s words again could have been a turn off for a more ordinary bloke, but when Killian glanced over at Robin he looked proud of his woman instead of put off by her disdain for the male population. At another time Killian would seek to further analyze such a dynamic, but instead he focused on Regina’s words, which were more than he could have ever hoped for.

“It turns out Gold couldn’t juggle his hatred for you and his illegal business dealings all at once. We’re talking everything – corporate espionage, bribery, a hint of treason… and a couple of people on his personal black list who just so happened to get hurt or go missing. My source has documented all she can. All I have to do is make a call to my contact at the Bureau and that’ll be the end of it. He’s going away, no matter how much money he has.”

“You’re serious?” Killian asked, still stunned at the revelation. Regina held the key to the demise of a man they all know to be abhorrent, but still she waited. She should have acted weeks ago, or whenever the bloody hell she’d had enough to take this to the authorities. “Then what are you waiting for? Make the call.”

“I want to, really, I do. There’s just one problem. The second I make that call, you don’t need me anymore. If there’s no Gold there’s nothing keeping you from leaving when your contract is fulfilled. You’ll be back to Europe the second the season’s over.”

And there it was, the ultimatum. Killian knew the other shoe was going to drop at some point and now it had, but it wasn’t as bad a prospect as it could have been. As far as blackmail went, this was of a rather tame variety: keep playing for Regina’s team and Gold would go away. It was an easy trade in Killian’s estimations.

“Regina.”

Robin’s tone of censure was harder than Killian was used to hearing it. He clearly did not find this funny any more, and this final proposal was not something Robin would let stand. In fact, this was the closest to angry that Killian had ever seen his coach. The usually calm man looked downright heated, and again the intrigue of what he was witnessing struck Killian. If only the team were here to witness this with him. This was something that needed to be seen to be believed.

“You want me to sign on for longer with the team in exchange for bringing down Gold?” Killian asked as Regina and Robin remained locked in some kind of stare down.  He only asked to clarify, and there was no resentment in his tone because the truth was he had already been thinking at length about staying on.

Meeting Emma had fundamentally changed Killian’s earlier expectations. Where before he viewed this relocation as a punishment that must be born to get back to a better place, now his time on the team represented a new start that he vastly preferred to the life he had before. All of that had to do with Emma, and since Emma’s life was here, his would be too. That left him with two viable options: continue playing for this team or leave the game for good. He found that he didn’t have an issue with either plan, but all things considered he’d like to stay on with the sport he loved, even if the competition would never match what he’d once known.

“No, she’s not saying that,” Robin exclaimed at the exact time Regina said, “Exactly.”

“Regina, are you kidding? Tell me you’re kidding,” Robin begged as Regina looked at him like the man had three heads.

“What? You want him on the team, you told me so yourself,” Regina explained. “I’m giving you what you want.”

By this time Robin had jumped up from his seat and begun to pace the floor of the office. His hands rested on his hips and his head shook forcefully, as if the action would physically erase the thought he found so terrible. He looked disgusted at the way Regina was going about this, and while Killian wasn’t quite as clueless as Regina, he had to admit he was taken aback by such a strong reaction. This situation didn’t merit such an incised response, but Robin was a man guided by character and integrity, so it stood to reason that such a play would make him uncomfortable.

“I don’t want it. Not like this, Regina. It’s bad enough he was forced to come here in the first place. You want to hold him hostage all over again? You want to take away his will, for what? Another winning season? No, sorry. I won’t be a part of that.”

“Fine,” Regina said with a sharp exhale after a moment’s pause. “I’ll make the call, no strings. Happy?”

“Thrilled,” Robin said, and though he still looked huffy he walked to where Regina was behind her desk and planted a kiss on her that was by no means work appropriate. Killian ducked his head to give them some privacy, but still, there was no denying he’d just been privy to something that was not fit for public consumption. “We’re going now.”

“I think that would be best,” Regina murmured, her voice so much softer and less testy than it was before.

“I’ll see you tonight?” Robin whispered lowly, but Killian still heard the man. He pretended to completely miss the question for everyone’s sake, but it was hard to act like everything was normal given the situation.

“Yes, tonight,” Regina agreed before she set her eyes back on Killian. “Sorry, Jones. Old habits die hard.”

Receiving an apology from Regina felt like a once in a lifetime kind of thing. The woman was hard headed, stubborn, and pushy. She’d crossed a few lines already and stepped on more than a few toes before, but never had he seen her apologize. He knew the change in her was likely brought on by her feelings for Robin, but either way Killian would accept it. There was no sense turning down her small display of humility, not when they were both on the same team.

“You handle Gold and send a competitive offer to my brother and I’ll consider it,” Killian replied, and though it wasn’t a direct verbal acceptance of her apology it was symbolically.

Leaving Regina with a victorious look on her face, Robin and Killian made their way to the elevator bay in silence. It had been quite a meeting they’d just attended, and there was a lot that could be said about what had just transpired inside the four walls of that office. Killian didn’t dare to broach any of it though. He had no desire to make things awkward with a man who he considered to be his friend and who had put himself on the line for Killian’s benefit. To do so would lack all honor, and Killian knew better than that.

“Not a word about this to the others.” Robin’s words might sound like a coach’s orders to some, but Killian knew it was a sincere request and not a demand.

“I was never going back to London,” Killian said, giving Robin his own secret to hold onto. It would keep things equal between them, and Killian could tell from the look in Robin’s eyes that his coach understood the gesture and appreciated it. “Do me a favor and keep that from the Queen for the time being, aye?”

Robin agreed that he would as the elevators opened on the first floor. At that point the two men said their goodbyes, and Killian headed off, allowing himself to fully rejoice in the good news now that he was alone. Gold was done for, and soon enough justice would be served. He and Emma might not be free from the pressures of the press, for those would never truly go away while he lived anywhere near the public eye, but his worst adversary was soon to be toppled. Knowing that that lifted a heavy weight from Killian’s shoulders, and by the time he ended up at Emma’s apartment, he was practically floating with that happiness.

Standing in front of the door, Killian pulled out the key that Emma had given him a few nights before. After they’d said I love you the exchange between them seemed merited. Killian wanted Emma in every corner of his life, and she felt the same way. Killian felt the privilege of her trusting him like this sincerely though, and as he walked inside his smile couldn’t be contained. This was a beautiful life that he’d stumbled upon and he, quite frankly, couldn’t imagine being happier.

“Oh come on! That’s a totally bogus call. He was off sides! Are you blind, ref?”

Emma’s irritated words spoken allowed led Killian to believe they might not be alone tonight despite his hopes, but when he walked into the living room and found his Swan she was very much by herself. It was quite a sight to behold: Emma, a novice to the game, who had no love in her heart for the sport before meeting him, was willingly watching a match between his next opponent and another team in the league. Her focus was entirely on the television before her, her eyes taking stock of the ball as it moved across the screen and there was no denying as he watched her for a moment before she could notice he was here that she was enjoying himself. It did something to his heart to witness this from Emma, because he knew she was invested because of him. Learning the game and watching it played was about trying to understand that part of his life, and Killian was flattered and elated that she loved him enough to take this on.

“Ugh, these calls are bogus. It’s gotta be rigged,” she murmured, talking to herself as so many millions of fans had done before her.

“Feels that way sometimes, doesn’t it?” Killian asked, pulling Emma’s attention to him. Her smile at seeing him was immediate, but he noticed the blush that spread over her cheeks. She’d been caught indulging in this and she knew it, but Killian couldn’t bear to comment on it before coming over to kiss her. He’d gone hours without getting the chance to do so, and he was about to share such happy news with her, it seemed only fitting.  

“If I knew watching ‘football’ would turn you on like this I would have started ages ago,” Emma said when they came up for air. During the kiss Killian had taken a seat with Emma and she had managed to find her way into his lap, just as he wanted her to be.

“You really want to pretend this is your first time watching, Swan?” Killian asked with a raised brow and Emma shrugged.

“It just happened to be on, that’s all.”

Killian laughed at her attempt to hide the truth and Emma caved to the laughter too, burying her giggle in the crook of his neck and sending the reverberation of that gorgeous sound pulsing through him. The reality of the situation was so transparent, especially since the channels to watch these games in the states was so obscure no one ever saw it. People were more likely to watch his old league play than American ‘soccer’ and so there was no chance of casually happening upon the station. It required active searching or a preexisting knowledge of what number would provide the right coverage, but Killian would let her words slide, knowing in his heart what she’d really been doing for him.

“You seem happy,” Emma claimed, her eyes coming back to meet his as if she was searching for any other kind of emotion.

“I am happy, Emma. Gloriously so,” he confessed as his fingers came up to brush a few wayward locks of her blonde hair back behind her ears. God she was perfect, and she was, thankfully, all his.

“So the meeting went well then?”

He explained to her all the ways in which it had gone better than well, watching as Emma’s eyes grew wider and answering any questions she had along the way. It shocked her that Gold could be undone like this and that the time for his demise would come so soon. A couple of times she asked for more details on Robin and Regina (since she and her friends had all long since heard of the strange match that existed between them), but her interest always circled back to Gold and the triumph of good over a bad.

“I can’t believe it,” she finally whispered. “He’s really going to be gone, just like that?”

“Well I imagine there will be some dramatics involved. A man of his stature isn’t going to go down without a fight, and he’s hardly the most even-tempered man to begin with.”

“How long do you think he’ll be in prison?”

“Depends on how the trial goes. But I suspect it’ll be a very, very long time.”

Relief washed over Emma at his words, and Killian wanted to promise her that he would take care of everything and that there was no way Gold would ever taste freedom again, but he couldn’t do that. All he could do was trust that the system would prevail, and rest assured that if it didn’t, Regina wasn’t above getting dirty to make sure he went down and stayed down. As it was, this was truly an ending to the chapter of their lives that had anything to do with Gold. His time had come and gone, and there would be no rise of that monstrous man every again.

“It’s just…” Emma paused, trying to find the right words to relay her thoughts on the extraordinary circumstances. “I mean you couldn’t write a cleaner ending. It’s like that part in the movies where the villain meets their terrible fate.  The bad guy lost and the heroes live to fight another day.”

“And in this movie what role do we play, Swan?”

“The heroes, duh,” she said, teasing him as a playful smile appeared at her lips.

“Right. And these heroes, they’re the ones that get the happy endings, correct?” Killian prompted as his hand ran up her side. He wanted to hear Emma say again how she loved him, and that, yes, they were destined for a happy ending. Instead she rolled her eyes at his cheesiness, but even that action couldn’t deter from how good he felt right now.

“Like you don’t know,” Emma huffed, pretending to be annoyed. Before she could take her act too far and leave him though, Killian’s hold on her tightened. The air between them swirled with a new delicious tension, and Killian saw the moment Emma felt the shift as lust colored her jade colored eyes.

“I do know, Emma. I know you and I are destined for miraculous things, and as for happy endings…”

Killian’s hand traced a delicate design along Emma’s skin, finding the flesh beneath her shirt and teasing her with his touch. He pressed a kiss to her lips, then to her jaw and to her neck and he felt Emma gasp for breath only to sigh into the action. Her heart beat at the same frantic rhythm as his, and she melted into him, her fingers grasping onto his shirt as if letting go would mean the end of this perfect thing between them.

“Yes?” Emma asked, reminding him about his earlier thought where her gorgeous body had driven him to distraction. He pulled back to look in her eyes, his hand cupping her cheek in a tender motion.

“Ours is bound to be better than any that came before.”

And with that promise, and some fancy maneuvering to get them both up from the couch and into her room, Killian attempted to show Emma just how breathtaking and wonderful and life-affirming their story was bound to be. For the road before them was long and light, and though dark days may come again, it was nothing they couldn’t handle, as long as they faced it as they always should: together.

Post-Note: Hey all! So I have closed the door (for the most part) on the Gold story line now. Still ahead we have some Liam stuff to get to, but rest assured next chapter will address that last hiccup for good.. I hope that you enjoyed and I would love to hear what you thought! Anyway thanks so much for reading and hope you have a great rest of your day!

[theuniversitychallengereview]

Episodes 25-28, Quarter Finals 1-4

Often, when I think about possible futures I could have, I get caught up in thoughts of how even the most exciting thing would become mundane if it was repeated day after day. Being a musician and playing shows every night would surely lose its lustre after a while. Anything, if you did it enough times, would take on an irremovable air of monotony. This is the reason I never learned to sing or play guitar or formed a relatable yet simultaneously alienating indie pop four piece.

It is also the reason that when I’ve thought about writing film reviews or think pieces about rock albums, I never really have. The idea that at some point in the future, I would run out of things to say and begin repeating the same tired phrases was so pervasive that it has always been a barrier for me. Anticipating the problems I would experience in a life that I do not yet have, and am in fact very far from having, is something I do a lot. 

And yet, here I am, 62 posts into a blog about a quiz show. The episodes are pretty much the same every week, and the list of things I can say about them is fairly limited, and I know I must have said the same things over and over again. I reckon I’ve even had a similar ramble about how repetitive I’ve become before. Of all the creative endeavours I could have chosen to pursue, why did I choose this one? And now, finally, I have reached the barrier.

Unmotivated to catch up on the past few weeks episodes because I felt like I’d simply be belching out standard lines about ‘buzzing early for the first starter’, I wondered if the time had come to shelve this whole thing. Why keep going if there’s going to be nothing new each week, apart from maybe one decent pun. 

But I realised that if I batched four episodes in one under the guise of a quarter-final retrospective, I could save myself a whole load of work and be back up to date in time for the first semi-final play-off. Also, I could fill most of the post with an introspective introduction about the artistic struggle to maintain originality and passion for what you’re doing, so wouldn’t have to do as much of the play-by-play business that’s been haunting me.

If I found myself writing anything that I felt like I could have written before, it would be cut. There are still plenty of things left to say, and even if there aren’t, I can always double down on the introspection, so here we go.

The quarter final stage of University Challenge is routinely described by Jeremy Paxman as something akin to an Iron Man triathlon of the mind. A seemingly never-ending intellectual wasteland, much like this blog post. In reality it is a simple competitive format, whereby each team must win two matches to progress to the semi finals, and are eliminated if they lose two. I don’t know why it is this way, but it means that we get to see all of the teams who have made it to this stage multiple times, which is good fun.

Newcastle produced what would be called a cupset in football with their second round victory over the much-fancied Southampton (whenever I say something like much-fancied, I should probably say that I just mean by me), while Bristol had eased through both of their previous matches. 

The match was supremely close up until the second picture round, which left the scores at 135-130 in Newcastle’s favour. This despite Reynard having buzzed in incorrectly on a starter and then corrected himself, at which point Paxman threw the question over to Bristol where it was gratefully accepted. But it wouldn’t matter in the end, as the Tynesiders grabbed the match by the scruff of the neck and went 85-0 to the gong. 

Bristol 130 - 225 Newcastle

The second quarter final was an Oxbridge derby. Fitzwilliam, of Cambridge, captained by the sardonic Hugh Oxlade, took on Merton, of Oxford, who had just dispatched Oxford Brookes in the highest scoring match for years. A small disappointment was that Cambridge’s Theo Howe, a sartorial wonder in the first two rounds, had opted to wear his civilian clothes for this episode. In fairness, it would have been difficult to maintain the trajectory he’d been on with his previous outfits, so maybe the safe option was the best one.

Fitzbillies got off to the better start, and they led up until the first picture round. But Merton had just been giving them a head start, and a ruthless streak on the buzzer soon put them in an unassailable position, despite having to navigate an abysmal Paxman pronunciation of ‘Marischal’ on a question about Aberdeen.

Wiberg won the intra team battle with Peplow to take the most starters (seven to six) and once Merton had it in the bag they graciously allowed Fitzwilliam into triple figures. The three highest scoring matches thus far have all involved Merton, who look fairly unstoppable.

Fitzwilliam, Cam 125 - 270 Merton, Ox

Ulster, whose elderly team had to come through the repechage to make the second round, faced free-scoring St John’s, Cam next. Many (here, “many” does refer to people other than myself) would have had this down as a certain rout. And for about half the time it was.

An early neg from the Irish meant that St John’s got to 150 before they got back above zero. A combination of Cambridge complacency, and excellent nothing-to-lose buzzing got Ulster to within touching distance of being back in the game, but they couldn’t quite claw themselves back into it, and St John’s won at a canter, albeit with a far smaller margin than it looked like being at the half way stage.

Ulster 130 - 185 St John’s, Cam

I had hoped to be back on track with these in time for Edinburgh’s first quarter final appearance, but a combination of laziness and the need to design an A1 poster about a six month internship got in the way. By the time I actually got to watch the episode, where they took on Emmanuel College, Cambridge, it was a few days after broadcast, giving me plenty of time to see some spoilers.

As it happened, the only spoiler I did see was a headline from the Daily Mail alleging a ‘fracas’ between the Edinburgh team. I waited the whole match for something that could by any stretch of the imagination be described as a fracas, but no such thing did I see.

What I saw was a spirited comeback from the Edinburgh quartet in a very low-scoring match. Having trailed for the entire game, captain Innis Carson taking his fifth starter on the final question of the night to seal victory for the Scots. So what on Earth was that headline talking about?

Edinburgh’s Heaton-Armstrong had negged on a few questions, and, unseen by the TV audience had been harshly berated by Paxman for one of these, so looked quite distressed after giving another wrong answer. Carson, turned to him and reassured him that it didn’t matter, as he had been doing throughout the match whenever any of his teammates made a mistake. 

A few people on Twitter had said, wrongly, that he’d been giving him in trouble, and the Mail bashed out an article on Innis’ control freakery. I honestly don’t believe the person who wrote the article can have watched the episode, because if they had they would surely have realised how nonsensical they were being. Gutter journalism at its finest (if such a thing can be said). So maybe if there is a point to me doing blog its that someone other than the Daily Mail is talking about University Challenge 

Edinburgh 125 - 110 Emmanuel, Cam

[waynekelton]

Things To Do in PUBG’S Cheer Park

Tencent has finally started pushing out the v0.18.0 update for PUBG Mobile. As expected, the major update introduces a whole host of new features to the game as well as a number of bug fixes and improvements.

The company notes that the update will take up about 1.97GB of storage space on Android and 2.21GB on iOS. In other words, players will have to make quite a bit of space if they are running out of storage space in their phones. 

With this update there have been many new and great additions to the game.

The biggest part of the update is the new version of Miramar, called Mad Miramar. An Oasis has been added to the northern part of the map, while to the northwest are some Urban Ruins. The developers have also added more housing areas, roads, and resources. 

Vending machines have also been added to the game. These machines will dispense Energy Drinks and Painkillers and those who are lucky might get as many as eight drinks at a time. 

There has been a really cool addition to this time’s update. I’m talking about the newly added Cheer Park.

What Is It?

It is basically a chilling area for all players. You can do a lot of things here that you wouldn’t be able to do in other modes of the game.

It resembles training ground a lot but has a ton of more features that make it the perfect chilling and training spot.

What All Can You Do?

So first of all when you enter the Cheer Park you will be presented with a whole ground/ park where players are doing random things. In my case, the first thing I noticed was the training area. The Cheer Park can accommodate up to 20 players at a once.

Training

There is a token machine of some sort in close proximity. Once you get close to it you will have two options that you can select, ie. Rules and Training.

Selecting rules will display the set of rules for training and well when you click on training a countdown will begin starting from 3. Once the countdown is over there will be a set of aiming dummies that you have to shoot down in order to gain points. One dummy down equals five points.

This training session lasts for sixty seconds after you which you will be able to share your sore with friends and also invite them to challenge your score. On the right hand side of the token machine you’ll be able to see a ranking board where players with highest points will be shown.

Interaction

Coming to the interaction and fun among those in the cheer park, the first thing to do is click on a player/friend.

When you click on the player you will be presented with many options, ie. Player profile, Send a gift, Chat, Squad, Interact, Quick Draw.

Yes, I know some of these sound quite exciting, don’t worry we will get to them. Coming back to the Interact option, when you click on it there will be three more options that will be visible. Once you click on any of those the opposite character has to accept the request.

You can drink with your friends: This creates a cool animation where your character and your friend’s character hold a can of beer and well have a toast.

Emote/dance: Another option will enable you to emote or dance with your friends, it does look quite fun honestly.

Give your friend flowers: It may sound weird but yes you an give your friend flowers with the third option.

Sending A gift

When you click on a player as you would have done previously for the interact option, you will also see an option to send a gift.

Once you select that option there will be six options that you will be able to see, you can send your friend some amount of in-game currency and also free stuff.

Checking Profile

You can also check the profile of the players in the Cheer Park. When you click on the option. The player’s Name, Level, Leader status, option to send a gift, option to follow, invite to a team, and Block player.

Chat

The next option is as basic as it sounds. You can chat with the player and send them text messages as you would from the main menu.

Quick Draw

This is one of the most fun things you could possibly do in the Cheer Park.

Once you send a request for a quick draw to the opposite player a six-second countdown will begin and as soon as the countdown gets over, you will have to be very quick and attempt to win the duel on the spot. The one who loses gets knocked down.

If you don’t want to have a very quick duel you can enable the quick draw and position yourselves within the countdown time or as you wish. The duel can last up to ninety seconds. So have fun shooting, sniping, shotgunning, etc!

Miscellaneous

Now there are a few other interesting options and features that we are going to go through.

The first one being Daily Rewards, on the top left side of the screen you should find a daily rewards button one that says something like 1/3. Here you will be able to collect gifts for doing daily tasks as in Cheer Park.

On the top left. You will also find a member list that includes the players currently in the Cheer Park the same as yours. When you click on the button you will see a few options like showing the profile of a player. The most interesting one I find is the tracking option.

The tracking option will take you to the player you clicked on without doing anything by yourself.

Roasting chicken

What’s more fun than just sitting with friends and having a good old chicken roast. Well, the latest update with the Cheer Park helps with that. You will be able to find a sitting area in the Cheer Park where you can sit and have chicken.

This Sums up most of the important and fun features of Cheer Park. Enjoy!

The post Things To Do in PUBG’S Cheer Park appeared first on GAMES INDIAN.

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[shslshortie]

Ladies SP @ Skate America

Wow. Like I said, this would be a really tough race. there is only a 7 point spread between 1St and 8th. It could literally be anyone’s game tomorrow in the Free.

And the only three women capable of getting a spot at the GPF are Polina Tsurskaya and Ashley Wagner, as well as Wakaba Higuchi who currently has 24 points.

Satoko Miyahara:

Aside from her stepout on the Triple Lutz Triple Combo, this was an incredible, technically difficult program that was almost perfect. I knew going into tonight that she was the one that was going to give Polina and Ashley a run for their money alongside Gabby Daleman, and I was not disappointed.

As I think I’ve said before (or I at least should have), this is such a strong statement piece of music (memoirs of a geisha) that she did not drop. She carried it through the whole way and fit the character perfectly. I love the subtle contrast of the soft and innocent pink with the vibrant fuschia in both her dress and makeup; which matched the same contrast of harshness and fragility in her choreography.

Absolutely phenomenal choreographic sequence unlike any of the other ladies, and honestly THIS is what an Olympic program is. Outside of Alina Zagitova’s, I have yet to see another short program as signature and technically dense as this one out of the contenders.

Kaori Sakamoto:

You can never go wrong with Moonlight Sonata, and she definitely did not. Perfect costume and styling to match the music as well as her own musicality.

It’s a ballsy component-filled program, and I applaud it. She is a ballsy little skater that can’t be counted out of this competition, even if she can’t qualify for the GPF, and can’t be counted out for the Japanese team either.

It’s amazing the contrast and energy she exhibited even through the second half. Her back loaded jumps, specifically her Triple Triple were phenomenal. I think her only room for improvement tomorrow would be a little more consistent with her spins.

Gabrielle Daleman:

God I’m gay. Like I knew this before, but her thumbnail in her short program video is SOMETHING. Like damn.

I’m not sure if I like Habañera as much for her as I did her programs last year, but it still is very strong. However she is a much more athletic skater, and her sass is different from the spice and precision that is needed for Carmen.

One of the things I love about her is that you can see in her every movement that she is an athlete and has layers of muscle to back up every jump and extension.

I feel next season like she would definitely be ready for a more sensual program to highlight the combination of flow and sass that she uses in her performances, as opposed to something as rhythm and precision heavy.

I do feel her last combination spin was overscored, and should have only been a level 3 with her movement and being slightly off beat.

Bradie Tennell:

Wow, what a BANG for her first ever Grand Prix event! She was graceful, polished, and had strength to match. She even scored the highest Short Program score by an American lady this season. I’d love to see her get higher grade spins because she has a gorgeous layback and needle. I think my favorite part was that she looked like she was enjoying her tine on the ice.

That spread eagle into her second half double Axel was gorgeous. I really hope she does this well tomorrow because this was a joy to watch.

Serafima Sakhanovich:

Yet another gorgeous lady who made a BANG at her first Grand Prix event after being added instead of Anna Pogorilaya Perfect costume, great styling. And you can TELL in her movements and finishes that she is Evengi Plushenko’s student.

Her jumps are a little wobbly but very quick and still strong on the landings. Her movements extend all the way from her toe pick to her every fingernail and movement of her chin.

Beautiful Tano Triple Lutz and Double Axel. And what a sassy ending. She was also a joy to watch, especially compared to her performance at Skate America last year. What a wonder Plushenko has done. Also, Sima and Evengi’s reaction in the Kiss and Cry was precious and priceless. Adorable.

Ashley Wagner:

That new costume though 😍 Perfect combination of her original Hip Hip Chin Chin exhibition costume, and her signature silhouette while still being new and eyecatching.

Performance wise, I think this was a lot better than in Canada. Much more of an Ashley Wagner skate, but still not back to her 2016 worlds level. It is honestly sad that this 64.12 is her seasons best. It definitely IS, but she can skate this so much better it pains me. Her musicality suffered more than it normally should, but I know she’s been off ice with an ankle injury and it sadly definitely showed.

Honestly though im not sure why her Triple lutz I had such a low GOE? I watched it a few good times, and it wasn’t underrotated, it wasn’t two-footed and they didn’t mark it for for an edge call…? Oh well I know she can do better, but it also could have been a lot worse since her technical components were solid. I just really don’t know if she can pull out of it for tomorrow… she needs to get 1St if she wants to go to the Grand Prix Final. For her to tiebreak Wakaba Higuchi if she gets Silver, she would need to score a 148.4 with her long program. Her personal best is a 142.23

Alena Leonova:

It’s a very interesting piece of music, but stylistically in not sure if her choreography, performance level or her costume matches it at all.

Technically, she is stunning with her opening combo and spin combo. But her musicality doesn’t go at all. She looks like she is having fun, but you would not be able to guess that she was a 27 year old skater from Russia. Instead she looks like a brand new out of juniors skater from a non-powerhouse skating federation. I sadly think it’ll be impossible for her to make the Olympics this year with how tough the Russian field is, but I’d love to see her improve tomorrow and by nationals.

Polina Tsurskaya:

Her jumps are very strong. and this is a very strong program that is unique in this field… but as a skater, I literally have no idea who Polina is. Because with her hair, facial expressions and even her movements in the choreography… she just looks like she’s trying to copy Evgenia.

I love the music and choreographic components, but just like seeing Alina Zagitova in the short in France… she looks scared going off of the ice, and that is never something I want to see a skater be if this is something they love. She has come so far in the last few years, and especially for he debut season she should not have any reason to go off the ice feeling like that.

For her to go to the GPF if she does not win 1st, she would need to get silver with a Free Skate score of 149.32 to tie break Wakaba Higuchi. Her personal best is a 140.15.

UM OH SHIT HOW HAD I NOT HEARD EVGENIA HAS A BROKEN FOOT?????? OH FUQ that could not only shake things up entirely at the GPF seeing how she recovers, but Russian Nationals and even the Olympics as well.

Karen Chen:

Oh thank GOD she went back to On Golden Pond for her short. I would love to see her revisit Tango de Roxanne in 3-4 years when she has matured as a skater and performer, but this program is such a better fit for her stylistically.

Her under rotations in her Triple Triple definitely hurt her, and YIKES that fall on her Triple Loop literally made me say “Ouch”.

Her extension is highlighted beautifully in this program, and at the beginning of Skate America, I thought she would be very likely to not even make the Olympic team, but as long as she reworks the kinks out of this Short, she still has a definite shot. Way more than she did with Moulin Rouge.

Also one men’s skater that I didn’t watch earlier since he wasn’t on TV: Liam Firus

Oh when I heard the first piano beat of his music I was so excited. Especially after getting my hopes up for Ashley Wagner’s never to-be LA LA land program.

He definitely captured little details and elements of La La Land in his choreography and acting and I very much enjoyed it.

He might not have been clean it consistent with his jumps, but he was very eye catching and hard to look away from so I greatly applaud him for his efforts after being added last minute.

I also loved the transition and contrast between City of Stars and the opening music. It made me long for him to be 5-7 years younger so we could see more of him in the future. I hope this isn’t the end for him since he is already 25. This was an absolutely amazing program and I loved it. So happy that even with his lower jump components, that was DEFINITELY a program worthy of 6th.

God I am so stressed for tomorrow. Literally anyone could take First through Third with the women. I have done calculations and I literally feel like I will be watching these free skates through my fingers so I can close my hands if anything goes wrong.

[chicagoredstars07]

Visible impact: Sofia Huerta could be more than just another player for USA

“My favorite thing about being Mexican-American is just having the culture in me.” It’s one of the first things Chicago Red Stars forward Sofia Huerta tells me when I ask what her favorite thing about being Mexican-American is.

When U.S. women’s national team head coach Jill Ellis announced the roster for the 2017 Tournament of Nations, it held all the familiar names of the senior national team. The press release listed several allocated players and a few NWSL standouts. It revealed facts about the team, and where and how to watch the upcoming Tournament of Nations.

In between all that was an interesting bit of news: Chicago Red Stars forward Sofia Huerta, 24, has been invited to train with the team for the duration of the tournament. U.S. Soccer is also filing a change of association with FIFA on Huerta’s behalf. Huerta played with Mexico in the 2012 U-20 World Cup, and some international friendlies as well, but is not cap-tied to Mexico. If approved, Huerta could have the opportunity to play for the United States.

In an interview this June, Huerta described herself as someone who is “open and emotional” and as someone who “views things very realistically.”

“It’s just a really competitive environment [breaking into the USWNT player pool],” she said. “And there’s this kind of grey area between being realistic and striving for your dreams. Like I’ve always had the dream to play for the U.S and I’m going to continue to try and control what I can control and hopefully maybe [I’ll] be in [conversations] of playing for them at one point. But at the same time, I do have to be realistic, and the reality is all I can do is continue playing as best I can with the Red Stars and that’s the only way I’m ever going to get to that level is if I perform and do well with Chicago.”

A lot can change in a month. And for Huerta, it did.

A different background

Her journey to fulfilling her dreams goes back much further than last month. It was a journey that began long ago when she was little girl with a dream of someday playing for the U.S. women’s national team. Like most of life’s journeys, they have twists and turns. Sometimes they have moments of joy and happiness. Other times there are moments of doubts and disappointment. Huerta’s road to the U.S. senior team might be different from others, but it is uniquely her own.

Huerta played soccer in her youth and on high school and club teams. She eventually made her way to Santa Clara, where she was presented with an opportunity: she was cut from the United States 2012 U-20 World Cup roster, and Mexico came calling. As a Mexican-American she was eligible to represent Mexico. Her father, Mauricio, is from Puebla, outside of Mexico City. “Puebla is a bit like you’re either really rich, or you’re really poor,” she said. “Like my dad grew up and had holes in his shoes and played soccer with a rolled-up ball of newspaper. So, in [coming to] America and being lucky and being so fortunate, my dad came here and made a name for himself. [He] became an engineer.”

She recounted her father’s story to me with pride; it isn’t an unfamiliar one in the diaspora that is growing up Mexican-AmericanHuerta doesn’t take that for granted as an adult. “Now that I’m older I understand,” she said, “But seeing [my dad] come to the U.S. and being the only one, and learning a different language and being in a different culture, and just doing that for his kids, is amazing. So, I always want to recognize that.”

Her parents settled down in Boise, Idaho, where she was born. According to 2010 census data, Boise is 89% White. While acknowledging the lack of diversity, Huerta admits growing up ‘different’ was something she appreciated. “Growing up in a bilingual household was so cool,” she said. “I mean, I’m from Idaho. So, it’s a low diverse area anyway, [and] being the only Mexican, or like one of the only Mexicans, in my opinion, was so cool.” Huerta smiled. “I understand Spanish, but only kind of speak it. I’ll eventually get there, I hope.” In the same sentence, she took the time to joke. “But I’ve always liked being different where I grew up. [Even now] I mean I am the only Mexican on the [Red Stars] team.”

Chasing dreams

Huerta’s dual eligibility allowed her to play for Mexico in the 2012 U-20 World Cup. Playing for Mexico was an opportunity to compete internationally, at the highest level, on one of the world’s biggest stages. At 19, the former Santa Clara Bronco did what most teenagers would do - she took the opportunity. She immediately impressed, scoring three goals in four matches. Huerta credits the international experiences with helping her game evolve. “From a young age, I always wanted to play for the U.S. and then in college I didn’t have the best freshman and sophomore year and then Mexico approached me,” she said. “And it was one of these things where it was like, ‘OK well I went to U-20 camp for the U.S. and got cut, and then I had an opportunity in front of me, and I’m 19 years old, why would I not travel around the world and play soccer?’ And so that’s a decision I made. I don’t regret that decision.”

She elaborated on the importance of taking that opportunity, that it showed her she had the talent to compete at that level. “Honestly that helped me because I did play internationally and I know that I can compete at that level. If I would have never played for [Mexico], I mean I really don’t know where I’d be at right now. If I didn’t play for them, honestly. I really don’t. Maybe I wouldn’t have played in the U-23’s, or maybe I wouldn’t have confidence in my international play. It’s all about the journey, and it was a good experience.”

In 2014, it was reported that Huerta declined further national team invitations from Mexico in a written letter. But Huerta set the record straight for me. “It’s not like I ever wrote a letter anyway by the way,” she said. “I’ve just had conversations, or phone calls. [Mexico] coaches spoke to my dad, and [we] explained my side of the story, which is that I chose to decline any invitation from Mexico [to play].” She further explained, “I just think in general as you get older your mind changes, the things you want change.”

If the request for a change in FIFA association gets approved, it will allow Huerta to perhaps eventually see playing time with the U.S. national team. It’s always been her dream. “I’m 24 now and my dream is still the same as it was when I was 5. I want to play for the U.S. team,” she said.

Visibility matters

When the news broke that Sofia Huerta received an invitation to train with the USWNT, it made an immediate impact, especially within the Latino community.

Latinas have not traditionally seen themselves represented that much among the ranks of WNT players. Should FIFA approve Huerta’s switch and should she eventually make her way to the pitch, she would be only the second Mexican-American player to represent the U.S. crest at the senior level in its nearly 32-year history. The first, Stephanie Cox (née Lopez), played for the team from 2005 through 2013 and won an Olympic gold medal with them in 2008.

Huerta’s hard work and persistence in pursuit of her goals have made her a role model. Her experiences have shaped the type of role model she hopes to be, and she takes the responsibility seriously. “Sadly enough, [in the community] it’s still kind of looked down upon to be athletic [and female],” she said. “I would like to be that role model. Like yes, I’m Mexican-American and I’m athletic and I like to play soccer. And that’s not a bad thing, that it’s a cool thing. That it’s something that I want people to look at and see.”

Huerta recognizes that all experiences are different, and that her story is just a part of a much bigger one. But her identity is what it is, and she has embraced it. “I just want to say that I think I’m still considered a Mexican-American. Like, whether or not I play for Mexico, I am. I’m half-Mexican and half-American and my lifestyle and the way I grew up might be different from other Mexican-Americans in the U.S. and their experiences. But if I didn’t play for Mexico I could still be a role model for Mexican-Americans.”

For a team that has always lived by the motto “Grow the Game” and now hosts an annual SheBelieves Cup, having a player like Huerta on the roster could have a significant impact much bigger than just on the pitch. In a supposed meritocracy like the USWNT, everyone should have the same opportunity, and part of that is getting to feel the same inspiration as other young players. It’s impossible to discount the effect of having role models that look like you, grew up like you, or have a similar last name as you. Sofia Huerta’s journey to the USWNT isn’t like a lot of other American players, and that’s why it could have a significant influence on the diverse, representative community American soccer hopes to be.

[gamerszone2019-blog]

Hearthstone Pros on the Improvements Coming to Grandmasters

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Hearthstone Pros on the Improvements Coming to Grandmasters

I caught up with a number of Hearthstone

Grandmasters during Masters Tour Seoul over the weekend, and quizzed them about how they liked season one of the Grandmasters program and what they think about moving away from the Specialist format and into a modified version of Conquest for season two. I’ve compiled their responses below, but bear in mind I spoke to Orange on his own, Viper and Tyler together, and then had a group chat with Feno, justsaiyan, FroStee and Fr0zen, so that’s why there’s some back in forth in some sections but not others.I also asked the guys which cards they think are problematic, and will publish their thoughts on Saviors of Uldum shortly too. And for an update on Hearthstone esports from the team at Blizzard, check out my interview with Sam Braithwaite and Alex Charsky.

IGN: How did you enjoy season one of Grandmasters? What did you like, what didn’t you like? How do you feel about the program so far?

Orange: Season one of Grandmasters was great… I play this game because I want to compete against the best of the best, and now I get to do that weekly. It’s kind of surreal and perfect for me.

I had a ton of fun, I thought it was challenging and actually, quite stressful, because you played every weekend and you had to submit decks by Wednesday, then you play your matches Friday through Sunday, you had to prepare for those matches, then as soon as the match is done on a Sunday, you’ve got to prepare for the next week – what decks and you practice the match-ups for the next of the days. So my whole life just revolved around Grandmasters while it was on, but it was a ton of fun and I can’t wait for the next season.

People hated on Specialist and I don’t think Specialist was great for Grandmasters, but I actually think it’s amazing for these type of events [- Masters Tour Seoul], which might be an unpopular opinion but for large scale events I think Specialist is a pretty good format, but when preparing for the two opponents it was a little bit so-so. I’m also excited about the new format coming up.

Viper: I enjoyed Grandmasters season one a lot. I mean, it was just the weekly competition thing, so going into it, it was different compared to the Tour Stops where you have like one a month or maybe two a month, so the preparation time was a lot different…

[It was] more like a championship, because you faced people you know beforehand each week, so just even here [at Seoul] for example, there’s a huge group of people, and you never really know what you’re going to face, at the beginning especially, because it’s just like, so many people, so many different ideas. And there’s always going to be, I don’t know, some guy that thinks that this generally constant bad deck is a good deck so you cannot be super, super bad against these decks, but in Grandmasters you just don’t expect that. In Grandmasters right now you could probably think of the two to three classes that are the best and would face them, so it changed the preparation… It takes away some of the match-up energy.

Tyler: First of all it’s a huge honour to play in Grandmasters. Being at the pinnacle of Hearthstone, being at the highest level, obviously that is exciting on its own. There was some critique from people who are not in it, that it’s not a fair system. It’s hard to get in. I get that. Most of us Grandmasters actually agree with that and we think it should be like some like league below it where people can get into it. Obviously season one was not the best way to present it, I see it more like a test season because like, we couldn’t even get relegated.

So in season two, that should change a lot where out of 16 players, there’s two players that will get relegated, also because of that it was not, to me, it was not that much pressure in season one. It started off very exciting – it’s this new thing, Grandmasters, but gradually for me over the weeks, I was getting less motivated. It felt like there was less at stake, so I think season two will change that. Because there will be pressure. Relegating would be the worst thing ever, no one wants that. Literally like, you have a career in Hearthstone and if you get relegated you have nothing. So, you know, it’s going to be way more exciting.

IGN: What about the stakes of trying get to BlizzCon for the finals? Because you were close, right?

Tyler: I got close, I made it to play-offs, I made it to top six. It hurt a little bit because you know that only one person makes it, so when you’re playing at that stage, you know that you literally have to win three matches… If you don’t, you get nothing, so I was a little bit sad that the rewards were so top-heavy. Second place gets nothing, third place gets nothing. So in a way I think that’s a bit of a flaw that places two to fourteen basically end up in the same spot.

“My whole life just revolved around Grandmasters while it was on, but it was a ton of fun and I can’t wait for the next season.” – Orange.

“

FroStee: I liked the amount of competition that there was. I liked the fact that it took place over seven weeks. I liked everything that was going on then. Didn’t really like the format as much, Specialist is not exactly my walk in the park. I feel like a lot of players also feel that way, but I know that some really didn’t.

justsaiyan: I like the higher level of competition. The Tour Stop system was kind of a longer way to get to the same kind of top eight, same kind of top 16… but sometimes you don’t make it and then GM, from day one to then, you need to be playing your best and it’s going to be against the best players. So the competition for us from the inside, I definitely feel is a step up compared to last year. So that’s something to be happy about.

Fenomeno: Season one of the competition was fun. You know, it’s the high level competition and I honestly didn’t hate Specialist that much. I thought it was okay because people still had no idea if it was good at the start. The format was kind of new, so no one knew how to take a good advantage out of it. And people just didn’t know what the best decks were. And it was more interesting at the beginning, to figure out what’s actually good. But once it gets to the later stages, when people actually realise what’s good, then it gets a bit worse. Also, I thought it was a better meta for Specialist. This meta, with Luna’s Pocket Galaxy, I don’t feel it’s that good. But yeah, I enjoyed it though.

IGN: What about the mind games of knowing who you’re coming up against and then guessing what they’re going to play.

Fenomeno: I actually really liked this part. I heard a lot of people-

Fr0zen: You played Mage, like, every single week.

Fenomeno: I know, because it was good. I like the fact that you know who your opponent is and you know what they’re going to play. Because, a lot of people were talking against that. They didn’t want to know their opponents or who they’re playing. But I think it makes it more interesting, because if you know your opponent, you probably know what he’s going to play, right? And you have an idea of how he thinks. For example, if I was playing against Boar[Control], my teammate, I know that he would play something to counter me and he would go out of his way to do it, you know? While if I was playing with someone like Kolento, for example, I knew that he wouldn’t care. So yeah, I like that part.

IGN: Fr0zen, how about you?

Fr0zen: Yeah, I like the mind games part as well, like predicting what people are playing. I think that’s something I did pretty well. I liked season one. I didn’t like the format, obviously. I think that best of three is bad. I think we should try to go towards best of five, in the future eventually.

I also don’t like the fact that all the matches were streamed. I think that they should stream less matches. Maybe like more of the higher scoring people who are doing well and then cut some of the other streams. Also drags on too long, and then for weekends we just sit there waiting for our match, for 8 to 10 hours. That part I didn’t like.

“I think that best of three is bad. I think we should try to go towards best of five, in the future eventually.” – Fr0zen.

“

IGN: How do you feel about moving away from Specialist? And what are your impressions of the new format and what it’ll do well and what it might struggle with?

Orange: So this format was tested by the Grandmasters before it came out. I’m not sure how much I’m allowed to say, but it was actually a Grandmaster that suggested the first sketch of the format and we kind of worked with Blizzard together, to be like ‘Oh, this is what we want it to look like.’ They were like ‘Yes, sounds cool.’ And then, so in the practice tournaments we played, it seems at first glance it’s like a lot of ‘just bring the four best decks.’

And that’s a kind of solid strategy, but I think that’s just a thing now when no one is really that experienced with it. I tried some things in these practice tournaments, I do think there is a lot of depth in it and like, a bunch of things you can do. But I think that no one can really offer a super solid opinion on it because none of us has really played it that much.

But the main thing, being Grandmasters, I think I talk for us collectively when I say that we wanted a multi-deck format. Because for season one of Grandmasters, if you played one deck and your opponents played up to two different decks – if they brought difference decks that week – it’s… I won’t say pretty easy but it’s doable for people at the top level if they have a few days where we only need to grind one match up non-stop, you achieve pretty close to perfect play. Or at least so there’s not too much edge to gain.

But in a multi-deck format, when we both have four decks and any combination of these match-ups can be played, then that gets, well, straight up impossible, which means that your fundamental knowledge about Hearthstone and like, improvising and just figuring things out – something we all like – becomes way more of a thing. I think that’s what everyone wanted back of a multi-deck format so, I’m super excited.

Viper: A multi-class format always seems more interesting to me than Specialist. Because, for example, the current set is really bad for Specialist, you can’t really prepare for everything. You’re going to lose to some decks, you’re going to beat some other decks. And, I mean, the general concept of the more games you play, the better it would be, so looking at best of fives and such, but even for best of three, I don’t think a single class format is good and I’m looking forward to playing more classes too…

Tyler: I didn’t like Specialist. Playing just one deck, I think, players who are not as strong can easily just focus on practicing one deck and still do it well. With a multi-deck format weaker players will be flushed out easier. The better players will have more of an edge when they play the multi-deck format, so I’m very much looking forward to that.

“The better players will have more of an edge when they play the multi-deck format, so I’m very much looking forward to that.” – Tyler.

“

Fenomeno: We haven’t tested it that much, but I think we all like multi-class. I mean, I personally, I like it a lot, because it makes you have to play other decks. So in the last meta, for example, I only played Mage and Rogue, right? Well, normally I would play all the decks, be at least decent at them. So when a tournament comes, you know what to do, right?

But with Specialist, you just needed to play like one or two decks. And that’s the part that I didn’t like about it. And I feel with this format, it makes it way better.

Fr0zen: The problem with this format is that when there’s a protect and a ban, it ends up being the best decks no matter what. Like, every single week, you just take the highest win rate decks and there’s no other strategy. The only strategy I heard was some Chinese players try to target two, because in China the recent tournaments are already using the new format. And the target two strategy doesn’t work, because in the past, target one strategy was already really hard to pull off. But now you have to target two decks and that’s the only way. You had to build an entire line-up for that and it’s just not worth it.

IGN: So you don’t like the shield concept?

Fr0zen: No, the shield concept makes it so that you don’t have to, well, the fact that you don’t have to play every single one of your decks, is pretty rough. And then, you’re able to avoid [an] entire matchup and then it ends up working out to be, you have to play the highest win-rate decks. And then, that’s the best way to play it.

IGN: saiyan, how about you?

justsaiyan: Well, with Specialist basically you could just have a hammer, right? And you just keep playing hammer every time. But at least with bringing more decks, you have to learn your tool kit.

Even if it’s not every week – you don’t end up playing it, some weeks you do. So you have to explore a wider range, just because there’s more decks. And on top of that, you have to look to find other counters within the meta as well, a little bit.

So it’s gonna take more of GMs. I think this should be kind of mandatory; learning the whole meta and being good all around. I mean, it makes sense as a GM status to be able to do that. So, I like that it’s at least raising expectations of us.

FroStee: One of the biggest things with the new format is, as we’ve all said here, that the multi-class format is a really big deal. Because, there’s only what, two, three classes seeing play in the current meta with Specialist and that’s huge, especially for other players to see that there are other classes, and to maybe explore some more niche decks, rather than sometimes just the best decks.

You may actually see with this format, people go out of their way to try new things and if the new things don’t work out then they can just shield it. So I’m interested to see where it goes. I do worry that as Fr0zen said, it will devolve into just people playing the best decks. But who knows what the GMs can come up with. Right?

IGN: How much more prep are you going to have to do with this format compared to Specialist?

Orange: Yeah, I mean, me and my teammate BoarControl we usually sit up for hours every day after deck lists came out and just practiced each other’s match-up against each other. And that was doable. I don’t know how we’ll do we practice this time around because now, since every match-up isn’t even played in a series. You know, you might just waste a lot of time, we’ll figure something out but you can’t practice in such a direct way. Like, [before] we could practice and be like ‘Oh, now I’m super happy with everything, like with my play in this match-up, we’re done.’ You can’t do that in this one. I’m not entirely sure how it will work, but I just like that figuring things out on the fly and things like that are going to be way more relevant again, because that stuff is really great.

Tyler: I think everyone will have to work harder. I think this is going to be a harder format, I think there’s going to be more preparation involved. And, yeah, like I said earlier, players can get exposed for being bad, so they’re going to have to practice more.

Viper: I think the same… if you mess up in multiple decks or if you mess up the general power level of whatever you play, I think that you’re going to get more punished. And figuring out the four best decks, like in order one-two-three-four is probably more difficult than figuring out, okay, is this one-two, or one or two, maybe, and I have these match-ups and my opponents probably play that so I’m going to bring this. And I think that was one of the biggest flaws of GM and Specialist as well, that in the end, you kind of just like rolled on ‘what are the decks my opponent is going to play?’ If they play Warrior, okay, I’m going to submit Book of Specters Mage, but then one of them is Warrior and one of was, I don’t know, Rogue, or Cyclone Mage and then you just go one-one. I feel like there were a lot of decks that just went one-one. But if you would have played for example, three matches a week, there were a lot of decks that would have been two-one. Like Holy Wrath Paladin or Book of Specters Mage. The more or less polarised decks. But they were always called to be good choices… I think the four-deck thing is going to defer that.

FroStee: Well, for the most part when it came to prep for Specialist, I certainly felt that it was more hands-off for me. I didn’t feel like I needed to put as much effort in… because I only had to specifically learn one deck and the ins and outs of that deck, for the most part for the week.

And coming into the new format, it means I’ve got the potential to learn four new decks, especially if I’m trying to add in a new deck into a line-up, there’s going to be the same deck seeing play possibly every single week. If we bring the best decks every week, you’re going to have to know how to play the best decks. But, I feel like as part of Hearthstone, it’s good to see different classes seeing play.

justsaiyan: I have another analogy – it’s all I can think of. But basically, at least with Specialist you could kind of cram for the test. You would see your opponent’s deck, you would see the deck that you brought and you just play that match-up, over and over again, between the time of deck list reveal and when you have to play.

But this [new format] is more or less learning the entire meta, like… you’re writing like a term paper. You’re writing the end of semester, 25 page [term paper] and it’s due, right? And you’re just kind of piecing it together, week by week, and learning the meta and making sure you know all the decks. It’s harder to cram after the deck lists are revealed. You kind of have to know what you’re doing beforehand as well.

Fenomeno: The thing I like is that it makes it more complicated, because I feel Specialist after a while it was super simple. The main deck is I don’t know, maybe you tech the main deck a bit, but other than that, like the side decks that you played were almost pretty standard every time.

And [what] I like about this, is that you get to actually have multiple decks to try to counter stuff. I don’t know if the countering thing is going to actually work, as Fr0zen said, because of the protect and the whole [idea that] you don’t have to play a deck, because this is like a self ban, right? It’s like kind of a self ban, that you don’t have to play a deck.

I think it’s just more complicated, and I think we kind of needed something more complicated. I thought Specialist was getting too simple after a while and I really didn’t feel like I needed to prep at all. I just didn’t feel the need to. But with this, I feel like you just have to do your research, you have to play, you know. Just test the format. It seems way more complicated.

“I thought Specialist was getting too simple after a while and I really didn’t feel like I needed to prep at all.” – Fenomeno.

“

FroStee: To put it in saiyan’s analogy, you’ve got to do your homework.

IGN: What does the shield phase mean for you as a player? Does it mean that you get to play the deck you want to play more often, is that the idea?

Orange: I actually have the most perfect example of why the shield phase is something that, I personally as a player want and I know that Blizzard also really wanted something that just prevented – the thing with a ban with a format was that it created a lot of depth, but people disliked that… they scrape together a line-up of like, four decks so that they can enter a tournament, they get to a tournament then their favourite deck just gets banned every time.

I had that exact thing happen to me in 2018, when Malygos Druid was [my deck]. And I faced so many people in Tour Stops that year that, I looked at their line-up and there’s no way they ban my Malygos Druid, and [yet] they just kept banning it because they were like ‘Oh, Orange, he’s pretty good at this deck’. And I’m like ‘God, I never get to play this deck in tournaments.’ Now, if we were back to that time, I’d get to show off with Malygos Druid and, I mean, it would be great, so I hope that I can find some decks pretty similar to that. And that I get to protect it… you’re not getting this from me. So I like the shield phase in that regard, that people get to play their favourite deck. The fear of it is if, like, one deck becomes ridiculously overpowered…

IGN: Thankfully we live in a world where Team 5 is really responsive, and making regular changes to keep things in line.

Orange: Exactly. This year, design-wise with the sets and everything, I think Hearthstone is just having its best year in that regard, and I’m very happy… last year there were a lot of times where it didn’t feel very fresh et cetera. And now it’s just, I never really have that downtime where I’m like ‘God, this is getting boring,’ maybe we had that for a few days before this expansion came out but like, that’s only natural.

IGN: And also, it’s not a couple of months. It’s a big difference, right?

Orange: Yes. The game is constantly fresh and fun to play, I love it. Team 5 is doing God’s work this year.

IGN: How much does having a shield phase influence building a line-up?

Tyler: We’re actually not sure yet, so me and my practice group, most of the other guys we’ve talked about it a bit. We’re actually not sure yet, but we’re just going to try and find like the four best decks, see what the best decks are and just go from there.

Viper: I think the whole shield phase thing and the change to the best of three, with still four decks available, it changes how Conquest used to work. Conquest used to work on – I think it was the best way, you could have approached Conquest – you targeted the third or fourth best deck of the opponent and then you… just ban out the worst match-up, which usually made those decks considered to be not that good. Meanwhile they had super high percentages against their third, fourth deck and that was just your game plan. Beat up the one or two things that the other guy’s weak point is.

With the new format, now you cannot always ban the deck you think you’re weak against. The other guy can recognise, “hey, my Warrior deck beats these four aggro decks.” So… you can still decide to commit and play the four aggro decks and take the loss against Warrior, but then you have to win the other two games, so it seems pretty difficult to wholly complete the line-up because of the shield phase, you have to be more the mid-way for everything, you have to just bring generally strong decks. And it’s going to be less about targeting them using weak decks.

IGN: Are there any other changes you would like to see in Grandmasters in season two and beyond?

Viper: One of the changes I would have loved to see in the first season… I would have liked to submit [deck lists] for two weeks last time… Because of the thing I just explained, where you know what somebody is going to play, so you cannot play whatever your favourite deck is, or the deck you’re known for. For example, someone like Fibonacci for Warrior, because it’s the OG example, you just play the Warrior counter against him. It could make people go one-one. I would have liked to submit for two weeks last season of Grandmasters to avoid this player targeting.

But with the new format, player targeting isn’t really a thing anymore, I feel like so far. So, I guess that’s one of the changes I would have liked to see and it kind of happened.

IGN: Any other comments on Grandmasters and season two?

justsaiyan: …there’s going to be a lot of mind games, and I don’t know if it’ll be too obvious to the viewers, but when you leave out one of the decks in your arsenal and you play the best of three, and one deck gets left out, there’s going to be a lot of mind games between, what the game two and game three queues are and things like that. So I think that at least is very interesting. I don’t know if that’s going to be a very big topic for the casters, but I hope so.

Cam Shea is Editor in Chief for IGN’s Australian content team. He’s on Twitter.

Source : IGN

[siodymph]

Science Bros Day 5

I decided to try doing something cute and fun for “Triumph”. Tony and Bruce duke it out to see who’s the true pinball champ! (Fair warning I know nothing about pinball scoring, just that they’re big numbers lol)

And just a reminder, I’m also taking science bro request all through this and next week till the 21st.

And you can read this story either under the cut or over on my AO3!

word count: 1635

In the common space at Avengers Tower, there was one room entirely dedicated to games. It had everything. A chess set at one end, several flat-screen TVs and nearly every video game consul known to man at the other. A pool table, a ping-pong stage, a foosball table and a round table that was perfect for any tabletop gaming. Arcade games and shelves of board games lined opposite walls. And the most recent addition to the room was a retro pinball machine. It was a great addition to the room, and secretly it was one of Tony’s favorites.

Lined up with all the arcade games, it gave off a warm glow from incandescent bulbs all over the thing and whenever the tiny stainless steel balls would bounce around they’d mike this happy sounding chime. It gave off a good vibe whenever the whole team was hanging out together, nice background noise. But Tony also enjoyed playing it even when he was one of the only guys in the game room. It reminded him of being a kid. Skipping pointless classes and sneaking off campus to hide-out in arcades.

And that’s how Bruce found him on one of their free-days. Most of the team had gone out to explore the city, but mostly everyone was taking their small break to catch up on sleep, relax. Tony seemed to be relaxing by playing pinball. But relax seemed like the wrong word. He was hyper-focused on the game in front of him. Eyes following the tiny silver ball as it bounced all over the board. Hands practically trigger happy, ready to punch the levers on each side of the board at a moment’s notice. It was a sort of fixation Tony usually saved for calculating difficult math work, or piecing together new equipment.

Bruce padded into the room quietly, trying not to blow Tony’s focus.

“Hey you!” Tony called out, not looking away from his game for a single moment. “Didn’t wanna go on a field trip to Brooklyn with Steve?”

Bruce shook his head, stepping close behind Tony, watching him play. “Nah. I decided to try reading some journals.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. Seems like everyone’s working with stem cells right now. Pretty fascinating medical breakthroughs…” Bruce trailed off, really watching him play.

Tony’s reaction time was near impeccable, always keeping the ball from plummeting down yet also not sending it blindly crashing across the board. And he was raking in a pretty decent score so far, upwards of 700,000 and still going strong.

“Hey you’re pretty good!” Bruce commented, watching Tony go. “How long have you been playing?”

Tony smirked at him and began singing under his breath. “Ever since I was a young boy, I played the silver ball-”

“Should have seen the Tommy reference coming a mile away.” Bruce sighed. Honestly, how could he not expect it? The guy was a walking encyclopedia for rock music, especially the classics.

“Probably. But it’s actually true in my case. When I was in boarding school I’d sneak out of all the boring classes.” Tony said. For a few moments though, he lost his concentration and he lost the ball. “Dammit! Eh, ain’t my best. At least I got on the leader board.”

“Not bad at all. You know I use to play a lot when I was younger too.” Bruce agreed. He didn’t remember everything that well from his childhood but he recalled going to a local arcade a handful of times

He could tell when Tony got an idea, smirking up at Bruce as he put more quarters into the machine. “No kidding. Why don’t we make this a little more interesting then? You vs Me. Whoever gets the highest score wins. You game?”

“Alright, I’m game.” This should be fun.

Bruce went first. Preparing for the worst. No doubt Tony was going to be cheating this whole game, he was certain. And as soon as he pulled back the spring and set the pinball loose, Tony leaned up on one side of the machine.

“Sooooooo,” Tony began, tapping his fingers against the glass obnoxiously. “Do you need silence when you play? Can’t afford losing you focus.”

“No, I’m good.” Bruce replied easily and refusing to make eye contact with his boyfriend.

“Oh good, good, that must be nice. Being able to get in the zone. Filter everything out. That way you don’t get DISTRACTED!”

Bruce was unfazed, continuing to play.

“Damn your good. Didn’t even flinch!”

“I’d hope so, I’ve spent years training to keep my nerves in check.” Bruce said with a little pride of his own. “It’d be a waste if I couldn’t handle a little cheating.”

“Hey! I’m not cheating, just a little taunting!” Tony defended himself.

“Sure. And it’s definitely not the fact that you’re a sore loser.” Bruce taunted. Smiling a little when he saw Tony straighten up from his faux-relaxed state.

“I’ll do whatever it takes to win. You know I will Bruce. Second place is first loser! And Starks don’t lose!”

Bruce stepped away from the machine as the words game over flashed across the board. Along with his score, 800,056. “I guess so, especially when there’s only two people playing.” Bruce replied with a smirk.

He watched as Tony read over his score. He bit the inside of his cheek and tried not to show how impressed and threatened he was.

“Looks like it’s your turn, Wizard.”

When Tony stepped over to the pinball machine, he glanced back at Bruce with a quick smile. “Go easy on me big guy, not all of us are meditating masterminds with nerves of steel.”

“Oh? What happened to doing whatever it takes to win?”

“I do what it takes to win.” Tony said, pointing to himself. “You’re the sweet nerd who would never stoop to lying or cheating... Trying to get into your boyfriend’s head to win. Right?”

“I don’t know Tony. You said it yourself, second place is first loser.”

Tony didn’t respond to that. He just pulled back the spring and started his game.

Bruce was ready to strike. And he stepped directly behind Tony. “You ok if I stand right here?”

“Sure, sure you’re fine.” Tony said dismissively, trying to block Bruce out.

“What about now?” Bruce asked as he set his chin on Tony’s shoulder.

Tony’s shoulders moved a little but he didn’t try to dislodge Bruce. “You’re good. Just don’t try to poke me or mess with my hands. That’s low even for you.”

“Oh I’d never!” Bruce said smirking, but he kept his hands to himself. Even if both of them were playing dirty he still had a code of honor. Instead he kept trying to pull at Tony’s focus. “So I gotta ask T-Bone, which hand are you dominant with? Cause you seem to be relying on that left hand pretty heavily.”

“You think?”

“Yeah. I mean, just look at it. You keep using the left levers. Even when the balls on the right side you keep hitting the left instinctively. Besides pulling the trigger, your right hand barely does anything. In your defense, the left side does have two different levers. I always wondered about that, you know. Why does the left side get an augmentation? Why did that ever become a thing? The right side doesn’t have any advantage. That means if the ball falls onto the right side of your board you’re more likely to lose.” Bruce carefully timed each thing he said. Saying left when the ball was on the right, keeping his words always opposite to try to annoy and throw Tony off.

“Yep. That sure sounds interesting or whatever. Keep talking.” Tony for his part tried to keep his cool. But he hissed when the ball narrowly missed falling through the center. As he played he kept sparing quick glance up at the score board to see how far he was from Bruce’s score. He’d broken 777,000. If he could just hang on a little bit longer…

Bruce wasn’t making it an easy task. He kept his hands to himself and didn’t shout randomly, but he did keep talking about opposites and all the technicalities to pinball.

But then he lost track of the ball, accidentally swayed by Bruce’s taunting and the ball fell.

“Shit!” He seemed disappointed, but when Tony turned to Bruce he was grinning. “Oh my god, that was diabolical, Bruce. I thought you were supposed to be the nice one.”

Bruce shrugged, smiling back. “It’s always the ones you least suspect!”

“Yeah, yeah. Laugh it up! If I’d done something like that I would have won for sure. And you would have complained the whole time, saying I was-” Tony’s grumbling was cut short when he caught sight of his score. 800,074. “Ha! In your face! I still won anyways!”

Bruce was surprised by the score as well, they’d come pretty close. But a win was a win and Tony’s triumph had been decently earned. Though Bruce couldn’t help but wonder how much better they’d both be when they weren’t terrorizing one another while they played?

“Nicely done. So what did you win exactly?”

Tony paused from his gloating. “I don’t know, we never agreed to any prizes…” He looked like he was thinking for a moment before looking back towards Bruce. “Wanna go again? This time whoever loses has to… Loser has to revise all the paperwork from SHIELD.”

“Oh you’re so on.” Bruce said, ready to play again. Though, if Bruce were honest, he didn’t care either way. Even when he lost he felt like he was winning.

And so did Tony.

But neither of them were looking forwards to the mountain of reports and tedious forms SHIELD expected the Avengers to take care of, so it was game on.

[burning-up-ao3]

20 Penguins Thoughts: The best trade-deadline approach is simple

February 12, 2019 8:13 AMBy Jason Mackey / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Enough already.

Enough screwing around with Patric Hornqvist on the fourth line, splitting up the No. 1 power play or starting Casey DeSmith over Matt Murray against NHL heavyweights.

Enough with these wonky defense pairings and forget trying to swing some sort of trade, which may or may not be the 73rd move of the season for general manager Jim Rutherford.

Roll with the guys you got. Let them jell and build some chemistry.

The Penguins will return home with three of a possible six points on this three-game road trip, at least one fewer than they probably should have had.

But they’re lucky in the sense that Monday’s 4-1 victory over the Flyers at Wells Fargo Center should’ve delivered a key message: While the Penguins need work in certain areas, they do have enough key elements to compete. They just need to iron out a few wrinkles.

2. The only exception here, I suppose, is if Olli Maatta winds up missing a bunch of time … and boy does it look like that’s possible.

Watching postgame, it looked like coach Mike Sullivan knew something; he just didn’t want to say it. I wouldn’t be surprised to soon hear that Maatta has a separated shoulder, the only question, of course, being how severe?

If it’s bad, maybe Rutherford should grab a Mark Streit-type depth defenseman, but that should be it. Put Brian Dumoulin and Kris Letang together, then see who works best alongside Justin Schultz. Shelter the remaining two with a metal roof.

3. Why didn’t Murray start Saturday in Tampa? Why didn’t Murray start Jan. 19 in Vegas?

Nothing against DeSmith, who’s a fine backup, but the Penguins literally chose Murray over Marc-Andre Fleury.

We can sit here and talk about DeSmith’s top-10 save percentage or debate the merits of showing Murray twice to Tampa in a 10-day span, but Murray is the proud owner of a pair of Stanley Cup rings. Per the Penguins decision-making, he’s the guy.

What his 50-save performance Monday told me was this: Here’s a guy who wants to be in the nets for big games, who thrives in them and who deserves to play every one of them the rest of the way.

4. The next time separating your top talent on the power play works, it’ll be the first.

I guess I understand why Sullivan did what he did for Monday’s game — putting Phil Kessel on what amounted to the second unit and using two defensemen with each group — but it didn’t work.

This power play runs through Kessel, although it’s unfortunate that path occasionally leads to odd-man rushes the other way. But using him less in favor of a third-pair defenseman (Marcus Pettersson) makes zero sense to me.

Figure out how to allow fewer short-handed goals or don’t. But removing Kessel shouldn’t be considered a viable solution here.

5. I can’t say I’m surprised that Evgeni Malkin will have a phone hearing Tuesday for high-sticking/slashing Philadelphia’s Michael Raffl.

It was dangerous, dirty and dumb, and it could turn out to be costly, if Malkin is suspended.

I just hope the NHL sticks with this precedent, where it’s seemingly addressing the act rather than the result. Far too often, that hasn’t been the case.

That said, Raffl punching Malkin in the back of the head was also dangerous, dirty and dumb. He should have gotten something. But whether Malkin missed his target — his explanation — you can’t let a stick-swinging incident like that go.

6. I don’t understand the decision to healthy scratch Teddy Blueger on Monday.

The rookie forward had two goals and three points in six games, plus a pretty solid fight in Tampa and plus-2 rating. I would’ve much rather seen Blueger stay in the lineup and either Dominik Simon or Tanner Pearson sit.

Blueger, by the way, has as many goals as those two combined over the past dozen games — of which Blueger, of course, has only played half.

I also don’t understand playing Patric Hornqvist just 9:10, which I believe is the lowest ice time for him in a game that he started and finished. Is he healthy? He certainly doesn’t look limited.

The effort with Hornqvist isn’t the issue, but he does need to be with people who create some of the trash that he’s so good at cleaning up. It’s a hard sell for me to be OK with him in the bottom-six.

7. To conclude this opening point, I don’t think the Penguins are a perfect team. They still have plenty to work on — role definition, depth scoring, defensive issues and the short-handed goals, to name a few.

But given their cap situation and what assets they would be dangling, I have a tough time seeing how one trade could be seen as the answer. Tell these guys that this is your team, now go work it out.

8. Moving on …

“I feel like if we keep playing that way, we’re going to get rewarded. We had some looks. I liked our line a lot.”

That was Derick Brassard after the Penguins’ 3-2 overtime win at Arizona on Jan. 18, talking about a line he centered with Pearson on the left and Simon on the right. By the next night, in Vegas, that line was history, separated as the Penguins faced a 3-1 deficit after the first period.

In talking to Brassard last week about why things didn’t work out in Pittsburgh, he brought up that succession of events as an example.

“Over the last year, you guys would ask me all the time, ‘Is it going to be good to have a few games and try to find some chemistry with your wingers?’ ” Brassard began.

“Me, Pearson and Simon in Phoenix, we had a strong game; we had a really good game as a line. The next game, it wasn’t clicking with [Sidney Crosby], [Jake Guentzel] and [Bryan Rust].

“Right away, you flip-flop Rusty and Dom. We just had a good game. We were thinking about that. It’s just the way it was.

“The lines were always switching. It felt like it was hard to get some timing and chemistry.”

9. Is that an excuse? Absolutely. Did Brassard make too many of them during our first one-on-one conversation last week? Yeah, probably.

But to his credit, Brassard did offer a few things I never thought about with the line switching.

“If Jake is set with Sid, that right side was switching all the time,” Brassard said of when things would dry up on the top line. “Sometimes it wasn’t working with Geno and Phil, and the left wing on that line was changing all the time.”

Brassard’s point, whether you agree or not, was that he wound up receiving the leftovers of whatever didn’t work with Crosby or Malkin.

10. Which, if you think about it, is exactly what should happen, right?

They’re the team’s highest-paid players, the big boys, the organization’s franchise centers … and Brassard doesn’t disagree.

“Sully was managing that right,” Brassard said. “He was just trying to get those two guys to always be producing and be on the top of their game. Like everyone knows, when those two guys are on, it’s hard to stop.”

Again, I see what Brassard is saying, but there comes a time when the player simply has to do what he’s being paid to do and that’s produce.

No matter the reason, Brassard wasn’t able to do that as much as he should have in Pittsburgh.

11. Funny anecdote from our second chat.

So Brassard did a scrum after Florida’s morning skate at BB&T Center. After the crowd dispersed, we chatted a little bit about the previous night’s interview and how the article came out. (Brassard said he doesn’t read but did receive some positive feedback on his end.)

After that, I said I had a couple more questions and wanted to ask him about why things never worked with Kessel.

“Oh, no,” Brassard said with a smile.

He never did answer the question. He pivoted to what I used above about the lines changing all the time.

12. We asked Rutherford a lot about Brassard, and he was always very honest with his answers.

In late December, Rutherford told me he thought Brassard “had more to offer” and it was close to decision time on whether or not he would remain the Penguins’ third-line center.

Last week I asked Brassard if he ever heard any of the GM’s criticism and whether he was OK with it.

Brassard said he had but that he didn’t have any problem with it because Rutherford said it to his face first.

“He has every right to criticize me,” Brassard said. “It’s his team. He’s the manager.”

I’ve tried to put myself in Brassard’s spot. I think I’d feel the exact same way … again, as long as Rutherford said it to me first.

13. One final nugget on the trade: Sullivan, not Rutherford, called Brassard and Sheahan to tell them they were traded.

Don’t know what to make of that. It’s honestly the first time I’ve heard such a thing mentioned; Brassard brought it up unprompted.

Hard to ascertain much more without context, but I do think it speaks to how involved Sullivan is in a lot of moves like this.

14. I spent some time in Florida chatting with Upper St. Clair native Vince Trocheck and J.T. Miller (Coraopolis) about the youth hockey teams they played on together along with Brandon Saad (Pine), Stephen Johns (Wampum) John Gibson (Whitehall) and others.

Miller had some fun with it last Saturday morning.

“There was this time,” Miller said, “when Vince had a turnover, and we lost to the Valley Junior Warriors. We were 12. Lost in overtime to Ottawa. It was the Bell Cup.

“Ask Vince about that.”

15. I didn’t, of course, since I had just come from South Florida and figured Trocheck probably didn’t need that text on the day of a game, but the insane amount of talent on those teams does amaze me.

“We didn’t know at the time,” Trocheck said, “but looking back, we had a pretty good squad.”

It was also small numbers-wise: just six forwards, four defensemen and a goalie, Miller said.

“We were, I think, fifth in the country,” Miller said. “We were really good. Plus, you never had to worry about ice time.”

16. Here’s something else Trocheck said that I really liked: They remain super competitive with each other.

Right now I think you could say Gibson is the best of the bunch, even though the Ducks are a mess. But not long ago Saad was a huge part of two Stanley Cup-winning teams, and last year Trocheck held the title with 31 goals and 75 points.

“We all grew up together,” Trocheck said. “We’re friends in the summer. We all hang out, work out together. It’s nice to see those guys doing well. But we’re definitely in a bit of a competition out there.”

17. This season has been a tough one for Trocheck, who broke his right ankle on a gruesome sequence back on Nov. 19. He returned on Jan. 18 and has five goals and 19 points in the 27 games that he’s played.

The injury was every bit as ugly as the one that Schultz endured, with Trocheck’s leg buckling underneath. But as nasty as I thought it was, Trocheck didn’t think it was that big of a deal.

“I’ve broken that leg before,” Trocheck said. “A little bit more severe this time. But I recovered from it. I’m just kind of looking forward now.”

18. One other leftover nugget from Florida: When Jared McCann was with the Panthers, he once shared a line with Jaromir Jagr.

McCann said that, without a doubt, it was one of the most intimidating things he’s done in the NHL.

“I was so nervous,” McCann said. “That was the main thing. He said to try and feed him the puck as much as possible. I tried to do that.

“Playing with a guy like that, it was incredible, something you’re going to be able to share with your kids.”

Man, I miss having Jagr in the NHL.

19. Stat of the week: 917

It’s too bad, huh? Had Crosby missed one more game in his career, Monday in Philly — when he had a goal and three points — would’ve been the night where he passed Mario Lemieux for the Penguins franchise mark.

So, so close.

20. Non-hockey thought of the week: Because colleague Matt Vensel covered Monday’s Flyers game, I spent Sunday visiting my mom in The Villages, Fla., and one of the things we did was go to the Orange Blossom Opry to see bluegrass legend Ricky Skaggs.

If you are at all into that type of music or just enjoy terrific live performances, I can’t possibly recommend seeing Ricky Skaggs enough.

I honestly don’t know if I’ve ever seen a better musician/vocalist live, he was that good. Here’s a little clip. Hopefully it’s not too painful for anyone who dislikes this type of music:

Spending an extra day in Florida visiting my mom in The Villages. Seeing Ricky Skaggs, who is just incredible live:

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First Published February 12, 2019 8:00 AM

[anfieldcentral]

Liverpool FC Overall Player Ratings: 2016/17 Season* |

| Goalkeepers |

Simon Mignolet: 7 - The Belgian started the season as Liverpool’s number two and was replaced almost immediately on Loris Karius return to form. After some seriously hard work and poor showings from his counterpart, Mignolet reclaimed his first choice spot and was utterly superb at times over the second half of the season. From zero to hero, Mignolet kept 5 clean sheets in his final 6 appearances of the season with a number of huge saves earning the Reds various points - especially away from homer.

Loris Karius: 6 - The German had an up and down first season on Merseyside and it would be interesting to have seen if he’d have fared any better if he hadn’t broken his hand in pre-season. There were a couple of good performances - he was superb in the first leg of the EFL Semi-Final - but a number of high profile errors saw him replaced by Mignolet from the Middlesbrough away game onwards. 

| Defenders |

Nathaniel Clyne: 7 - Mr reliable had a very good season defensively. Say what you want about him going forward but the right back provides stability down his side of the back four which is something we’ve lacked in recent years. His assist total of 2 wasn’t good enough but the fact he created 46 chances maybe says more about his team mates finishing than his creativity. 

Trent Alexander-Arnold: 7 - Gets an extra half mark for the fact that he’s 18 but looks at times as if he’s a seasoned Premier League player. Stepped up to the plate when thrown in the deep end at Old Trafford in January and a number of impressive cameos throughout the season have me very excited for this lads future. 

Joel Matip: 7 - Like Clyne, Matip is reliable without being a stand out. Honestly, this is no bad thing. The Cameroonian struggled with injuries over the winter but it’s no coincidence that when he managed a consistent string of appearances the Reds defence became far stingier. Was a part of 9 of Liverpool’s 12 clean sheets and provided us with a constant threat from set pieces. Needs to aim to improve on his tally of just one goal next season. 

Ragnar Klavan: 6 - Inconsistency plagued Klavan as one game he would have Romelu Lukaku in his pocket at Goodison and the next he was making Josh King look like Lionel Messi. The Estonian is a solid reserve option who defends in a refreshingly no nonsense manner but there are definite questions over whether he’s good enough long term. 

Dejan Lovren: 6.5 - It was a standard season from Lovren really. Impressive in a number of games but also disastrous every now and then. I still believe that handing him a new contract was the right thing to do as he most definitely has a long term future at the club, however, it should be as a back up option to a more reliable centre half. His injury record was also a huge problem at times this season as it saw him miss 8 games.

Lucas Leiva: 6.5 - I’m gonna miss him if he does leave this Summer to be honest. The Brazilian had a number of admittedly impressive performances, with his highlight perhaps against Spurs at home where Harry Kane never left his back pocket. Scored his first goal for 6 years against Plymouth in the FA Cup. 

Alberto Moreno: 5 - Didn’t really feature heavily - as could be expected really I suppose - but when he did it was more of the same. An awful showing at Arsenal on the opening day saw the final nail in his coffin as James Milner became first choice. Did put in a superb shift away at Palace however, picking up a nice assist for Emre Can’s goal. 

James Milner: 7 - Considering he played entirely out of position this season, Milner had a superb campaign. Okay, by the end of the season he was incredibly one-dimensional and predictable but he was still part of a back four that conceded just two goals in their last 6 games. Scored 7 penalties from 8 attempts with his strikes from the spot earning the Reds 6 points across the season. 

| Midfielders |

Emre Can: 7 - If you were rating him solely on his from from February onwards he’d have been a 9 but it was truly a season of two halves for the German midfielder. Struggling with injury and to adapt to playing further forward, the first half of his season was riddled with 5/10 performances as he just failed to get going. However, once Henderson was forced out with injury, Can came into his own. Match winning goals against Watford and Burnley were just the icing on the cake as he reminded us all of what he’s capable of by running himself ragged, clattering into challenges and knitting the Reds midfield and defence together like a seasoned pro. Really hope he signs an extension. 

Jordan Henderson: 7 - Looked completely out of place in the ‘6′ role to start the season but from the Spurs away game onwards it was clear he had found his new home. The Liverpool skipper was superb this season at keeping the Reds attacks ticking over and his ability to play penetrating passes from deep was key to a number of their good results in the Autumn. Also found the time to score a goal of the season contender at Stamford Bridge to sink eventual champions Chelsea. His injury record is becoming a huge concern however as he missed 14 out of 19 games during the second half of the season. 

Adam Lallana: 8 - If he’d carried on his form from the first half of the season for the entire 38 games then he’d have been in with a huge shout for the Reds player of the season. His 7 goals and 7 assists in 17 League appearances up until the New Year were just one of many reasons why he was so vital to Jurgen Klopp’s system while his pressing, movement, awareness and vision all contributed to the Reds biggest and best results. His output tailed off in the second half of the season as he made 13 appearances in 2017, scoring just once and failing to assist but his work rate, pressure and intelligence all saw him continue to score 7/10 regularly. A great season from the Englishman. 

Gini Wijnaldum: 7.5 - Eyebrows were raised when Klopp forked out 25 million for his services but he eventually developed into a key man for the Reds. The Dutchman thrived in a new position - halfway between an 8 and a 10 - and his understanding with Lallana was key to the Reds form against the top 6 this season. One of few bright spots through a tough winter for the Reds, Wijnaldum scored some huge goals across the season - not least his winner against Man City - and finished as our highest assist maker with 11. Love me a bit of Gini!

Philippe Coutinho: 8.5 - Started the season with an absolute bang by scoring a brace at Arsenal on opening day and continued on in such a manner until a cruel timed injury in December. Struggled for a while upon his return from injury and looked tired and off the pace but an international break in February sparked him back to life and then some. Finished the season as our top scorer with 14 goals and 9 assists in all competitions - his best return in an LFC shirt yet - and looked to have finally breached the world class bracket. Fantastic season.  

| Forwards |

Sadio Mane: 9 - The only player to outshine Coutinho in my honest opinion. The Senegalese divided opinion upon signing for the Reds but any doubts went out the window following his incredible performance at Arsenal. The Reds looked an entirely different animal with him in the team and his importance was highlighted by how impotent they looked in front of goal during his AFCON absence. Absolutely fantastic signing who was more than worthy of winning his Player of the Year award and place in the Premier League Team of the Season. 

Daniel Sturridge: 6 - Injuries and a seeming lack of fit to Klopp’s system hampered Sturridge for the season and he was often confined to bench starts due to the form of the Coutinho-Firmino-Mane trio. Contributed when it mattered however with a double against Spurs in the EFL Cup and a massive goal against West Ham in our second last game of the season. 

Divock Origi: 6 - A fairly disappointing season from the Belgian forward after such a solid break out year last campaign. Still managed to score 9 goals in all competitions and his return was honestly decent when you consider how little games he actually started, however, he looked laboured and at times lost on the field. Looked much happier in a diamond formation when playing up top with Sturridge rather than as a lone striker. 

Ben Woodburn: 6 - An impressive break out year for Woodburn, especially when given his age. Became the Reds youngest ever goalscorer with a smashing finish from close range into the top corner against Leeds in the EFL Cup. Looks a promising prospect for the future. 

Roberto Firmino: 8 - Finished the season as the Reds most creative player having managed to tee up 76 chances for his team mates in the Premier League. Is often an underrated player in my opinion with fans undervaluing his defensive contributions and work rate off the ball while his first touch and passing vision are nothing short of incredible. 12 goals and 8 assists was also a solid contribution considering he spent large periods of the season forced out wide. 

*Just players who made a consistent stream of appearances throughout the season. 

[jin-boyang]

Boyang Jin & Han Yan discuss their performance, next steps, Chinese figure skating, and more in an interview after the 2017 Asian Winter Games (translation below)

t/n: for simplicity, I mostly used Boyang and Han's given names although full names were sometimes said in the video.

Interviewer: (Introduces channel/networks, talks about 2017 Asian Winter Games.) Today our two guests are those you've already seen on TV, men's singles figure skaters who have represented China well here, Boyang Jin and teammate Han Yan. We've already spoken with Han once, before this competition started. Let's congratulate these two for achieving the silver and bronze medals at this competition.

Han: Thank you.

Interviewer: And thank them for joining us. This time, Boyang performed pretty well. The screen is giving us a replay [of his free skate]. This question is for both of you to answer together: after this event, both of you stood on the podium. Were you satisfied? Did it go as planned?

Boyang: Probably there are still some regrets.

Interviewer: Why?

Boyang: On the first day, there was the combination. It was still okay, as I ended up first.

Interviewer: You were leading after the short program.

Boyang: Yes. But compared to second place -

Interviewer: Let's look at the replay again, review your reaction to the score at the time. What does that [reaction in the K&C after the free skate] mean? Was it a bit of excitement?

Boyang: There was also a bit of regret.

Interviewer: Because you knew you were second.

Boyang: Yes, second.

Interviewer: Look, Han. This movement [at the beginning of the free skate] is very cool. I really wanted to say, your black costume is very cool, very handsome.

Han: Thank you.

Interviewer: And the modelling of the starting pose, right away it's very fierce. Today, right away it felt like Han would be dramatic, maybe because after our chat I could understand you better. Now, Boyang, you said there were still some small mistakes. After placing first in the short, how did it go afterwards?

Boyang: There was still, compared to second place, a difference of only 0.something. In the free skate, it was probably the error on just one jump that caused me to place second.

Interviewer: There was a bit of, it's called a pop, right?

Boyang: Yes.

Interviewer: Actually, I thought your overall performance, since you didn't fall or anything like that, didn't have [t/n: pause in audio, maybe something got censored out]. That should have made some difference. 7 points, 8 points?

Boyang: 7.5, maybe. (laughs)

Interviewer: 7.5, still 2.5 to go. Go for it. How did it go for Han this time? Before the competition, we went to your hotel to chat. At the time, you were a bit nervous, but also a bit excited, eager to show yourself. In the end, getting into the top 3 and standing on the podium, what's your evaluation?

Han: It was still, although this set of programs is different from what I usually perform, for my performance this time -

Interviewer: Let's look at these movements [in the free skate]. A slight interruption. These are some transitional moves.

Han: It's after the last jump.

Interviewer: After the last jump, at the end. At this time, in the ending section, does it feel like everything is already complete?

Han: At that time, I still wasn't thinking of what comes afterward. I was still thinking about how to get more points.

Interviewer: All of these count for points.

Han: Yes.

Interviewer: We're still following the replay, at this time you were behind the leader by about 6 points, so you were still trying to catch up. At the end of your program, you had the highest technical score.

Han: Yes.

Interviewer: Tell us a bit more. (gestures to screen) What are you thinking of at this time? How to complete the program? Look, with coach Mingzhu Li. Share your feelings with us, the feeling of leading both in technical and total score after your skate.

Han: I thought the result was not something I especially cared about. My biggest takeaway this time was to have lots of confidence and see whether I live up to my hard work this year.

Interviewer: Before this competition, you both knew that for the Japanese competitors, as the hosts, had some home advantage. Many people have expressed their opinions online during the event. Actually, I could have been more excited and nervous than you guys, I kept sending messages to [Han] even though I knew you wouldn't see it (Han: laughs). At the time, I thought the Japanese skater, Shoma Uno - who is the same age as [Boyang], so it's easier to compare - the judges' scores resulted in a difference of 1.19 points. Were you satisfied? He fell twice and had a slim margin of victory. What are your thoughts?

Boyang: For me, it's a type of encouragement. I also have regrets, but I know the mistakes that I made and will put more effort toward the next competition and afterwards, including for the Olympics, to know how to work harder to perfect these two programs.

Interviewer: I actually feel that for you two, in many events, both coming from team China, complement each other. Of course, you're not skating as a pair (B: laughs), but Han's magnetism and artistic impact are very strong, while Boyang is often known as a 'king' of base value, with all the quads, completing many elements with high base value and few errors. Could it be understood this way, that the two of you have complementary strengths and weaknesses? Han?

Han: Yes. I think that the two of us (gestures to Boyang) -

Boyang: Combining.

Han: If we could combine (All: laugh), then definitely -

Interviewer: Then it would become more ideal.

Han: Of course, yes, it would become ideal. Everyone has their strengths.

Interviewer: Yes.

Han: And each skater takes a different path. I think, for Chinese men’s singles skating, that’s a very good thing. We have different styles.

Interviewer: Two pieces advancing side by side, growing together.

Han: Yes.

Interviewer: And the age difference is also just one year.

Han: Yes, we can learn from each other.

Interviewer: Although Han is said to be the big brother, the big brother is actually just one year older. Usually, except for competitions where you represent China together, your regular training locations are different, with [Boyang] at hometown Harbin and so on. Is there much communication?

Boyang: There isn’t a lot. Training for the entire day, and after going home, we have our own hobbies. At events, or when training in Beijing, there will be [more].

Interviewer: In the arena, we can see the aura is fierce and has a strong pull. On the ice, it’s like leading a little brother. It’s very clear. However, this time, on the mental front, I’ve already asked Han about this. Earlier Boyang’s answers were still very diplomatic - he’s only 19 but he has a [t/n: some four word idioms here?] way of replying.Were you convinced about your loss today? Not in terms of power, but losing to the competitor who was favoured politically by the judges.

Han: I don’t think there was underscoring like that this time, your description is too severe.

Interviewer: The home ice advantage does exist.

Han: Yes. I think the judges did like him. Each skater has a different style, and perhaps he was luckier here.

Interviewer: Put it this way. He does have his strengths, not giving up after 2 falls, continuing to sell his program and add value to make up for lost points and components. In this type of event, what do the two of you think you can learn from him? Let’s talk about that.

Boyang: I think he is a strong competitor. On the ice in a competition, it’s often different from practice, but he’s the type who can give more than 100%. I’d like to learn from the fierceness he has when competing.

Interviewer: In a competition, for some, being able to show 70% or 80% of what one can do in practice is pretty good, but other competitors, like you said, can give a performance under pressure that they normally wouldn’t be able to. Which type are you?

Boyang: I’m more a balanced type. (laughs)

Interviewer: The level that you reach in practice -

Boyang: It’s almost reflected in competition.

Interviewer: Boyang is fairly steady. In today’s performance, elements were executed without too much variation. Han, what about you - are you better in practice, or competition, or, as he said, more balanced?

Han: (laughs)

Interviewer: Answer honestly.

Han: Perhaps I used to be the competition type, but this time I didn’t go over 100%. I made some mistakes and have some regrets.

Interviewer: This event, however, I feel like it’s the best you’ve been recently. In both the short program and the free skate, there were things here and there, but I think it can be said that you performed both programs well and things went smoothly. Earlier you also talked about having confidence. Looking back at the past while, 12 months or so, you’ve overcome a period of hardship, right?

Han: Hardship is maybe a bit exaggerated, but personally it was a difficult time. When I first moved up to the senior level, things went quite smoothly, and -Interviewer: Lots of people were paying attention to you, too.

Han: Yes, and then I felt like I was -

Interviewer: Reached that level.

Han: Like ‘it’s OK now’. But I still had a long way to go. From knowledge to training, this year I’ve managed to improve a lot.

Interviewer: Boyang, how do you see yourself? I feel like people say you’re a ‘good boy’ type, and when teachers and coaches say something you’ll do that, with self regulation. In this kind of process, would you use a lot of, say, [Han]’s experiences as a reference to improve yourself?

Boyang: I really like figure skating. In training, especially for jumps, I like to challenge these moves, so it’s a type of pleasure.

Interviewer: In men’s figure skating, you can really see the artistic side, the fierceness, performance, and interpretation and understanding of the music, from Rachmaninoff to the R&J which [Han] selected beautifully. Apart from discussing with choreographers and coaches, how do you choose your music? How do you yourself strengthen your understanding of the pieces? Are there other aspects where you strive to do more? Han?

Han: Since my free skate music is a film soundtrack, watching the film can be helpful for grasping the true meaning.

Interviewer: Improving comprehension.

Han: Improving comprehension. The short program music is a song. Looking at the lyrics and seeing what they’re really trying to express, as well as the mood of the singer - these are all things to investigate.

Interviewer: Boyang, do you also read books or take further steps like that to improve in this area?

Boyang: Yes, my short program is Spiderman and I like watching the movies.

Interviewer: (in English) Spiderman. Uh-huh.

Boyang: Yes, the first animations I watched as a child were superhero ones like Spiderman, so I like it a lot. Right now, It's not as [t/n: didn’t catch this part] as before. I feel like I can immerse myself, so I like it a lot.

Interviewer: To both of you, I've been saying, today we talked for a while about next steps and improvement. I think these two have not only become notable competitors in men's singles figure skating in Asia, but also able to reach the top 15 or 20 in the world. Our overall technique and model is continually improving and expanding. Compared to Western skaters, the gap that used to be prominent is getting narrower and we have more chances to challenge them, is that right? Boyang?

Boyang: Since the internet is quite advanced now - whether it's communication abroad, watching movies, improving one's understanding of other cultures - it's easier to learn systematically, so we're closer.

Interviewer: Compared to the Spanish star Fernandez or the Japanese Hanyu, who didn't attend this competition, Han, from your perspective, where are you two lacking and how could you improve these weaknesses?

Han: I think Asian skaters aren't necessarily worse.

Interviewer: I was hoping you would say that.

Han: In fact, we’re leading.

Interviewer: In what areas?

Han: Taking the Chinese national team as an example, our training conditions and the support we get are top tier. When I went to the US, I’ve experienced how there are more people who like figure skating there, and each skater is on their own in the process. For us, we have a system.

Interviewer: Techniques and a system for support.

Han: Yes, my trip to America this time had a big impact on me. I feel like [a system] is very important. For the two of us (gestures between himself and Boyang), compared to Western skaters, we’re lacking - the top Western skaters -

Interviewer: The strongest ones.

Han: Yes. The differences are, it’s not a huge disparity. Boyang is lacking in some performance -

Interviewer: Artistry and magnetism.

Han: Yes, and I’m lacking in my base value. So he’s already one of the best on the technical side, and I don’t feel like my performance is too far from the best.

Interviewer: (gestures to the screen) I feel like you’re really immersed in your performance, it really shows.

Han: So we can only say, overcome our weaknesses, patch them up and show Chinese figure skating to everyone.

Interviewer: Boyang, on the topic of your artistry and performance, further steps need to be taken in refinement and improvement. What’s missing?

Boyang: It could be the number of repetitions and the overall finesse. Practicing more times [would be useful].

Interviewer: In western countries, there are many figure skaters in all disciplines and they have a broad reach. For us, how can we connect with our audience [in China] and say, ‘more people should participate and immerse themselves in such a beautiful sport’? What do you want to say? Share a few words with us.

Han: I don’t think we need words. I think talking more about this topic doesn’t hold much significance. We can just let our results speak for us. By getting good scores, we can let everyone know what a beautiful, mesmerizing discipline this is. Only through that can we move people to join us.

Interviewer: That’s a very true statement. It’s a similar thought to [2004 Olympic Gold Medalist] Xiang Liu’s. At that time, we had little understanding of the men’s 110m hurdles event. Nobody could remember the 12.88 second result. But once Xiang Liu’s achievements came out and he broke the world record, everyone knew how breaking the 12.88 seconds was very difficult and so on. Many people became more interested in the details of the sport. Do you agree?

Boyang: Yes.

Interviewer: The World Championships are coming up for both of you, and it’s another good chance to showcase our country’s abilities in men’s singles figure skating.

Han: Yes.

Interviewer: What are your expectations?

Boyang: Since this year’s World Championships determine the number of spots we get for next year’s Olympics -

Interviewer: Qualification.

Boyang: It’s an especially important event this year. So, after gaining confidence at the Asian Winter Games, we train some more.

Interviewer: For Han, I think  - talk about yourself first, no need to mention the ‘younger brother’ - do you consider yourself a perfectionist?

Han: Yes.

Interviewer: It’s necessary in order to display yourself, right?

Han: I think, as figure skaters, all of us are a bit different from other athletes in some areas.

Interviewer: Self-appreciation, etc.

Han: Yes, self-appreciation, narcissism (laughs). As well, lots of sensitivity to mistakes and to nuances in the music and rhythm. We’re very sensitive.

Interviewer: Boyang, is it the same for you? Striving for the extreme.

Boyang: Yes. And more narcissism. (All: laugh)

Interviewer: In fact, that’s not a bad thing, since it means having higher expectations for yourself. Today, after receiving your medals, did you contact your family?

Han: (laughs) I didn’t.

Interviewer: Did they watch your performance?

Han: On TV, probably. One of my quirks is that I don’t like having people who are close to me watch me compete.

Interviewer: They could have watched without you knowing.

Han: I’ve already told them, so they basically don’t come to watch me. Usually it’ll be the TV.

Interviewer: Ah, so just not watching live.

Han: Yes, yes.

Interviewer: Boyang, your mom was in the arena though, right?

Boyang: Yes, my mom.

Interviewer: Since she was watching live, does that encourage you or make you more nervous?

Boyang: My mom likes to follow - I like to be with her, and she likes to be with me.

Interviewer: Is that right?

Boyang: So, no matter where I go, to competitions, she’s there.

Interviewer: Does her presence make you feel steadier?

Boyang: Yes, a sense of steadiness. (Both: laugh)

Interviewer: Although you can’t stay at the same hotel, she provides a feeling of warmth and comfort.

Boyang: Sense of steadiness.

Interviewer: Sense of steadiness. After you received your silver medal, what did she say to you?

Boyang: She told me, ‘you are the fattest’. (covers mouth, laughs) No, I meant to say, ‘you are the best’. [t/n: ‘fat’ and ‘good’ sound similar in Chinese.]

Interviewer: (laughs) Not the fattest, of course. The next event, in Finland, will she follow as well?

Boyang: Probably, yes.

Interviewer: Wow, look at that. Han, is that something you would consider as well, having your family travel along?

Han: No, that’s not good. (laughs) I feel that [having them] silently pay attention makes me feel most comfortable, since they are people I care about, so if they come, it would bring me some nervousness.

Interviewer: Don’t worry, we will also silently support you, but from less of a distance. (Han: laughs) Supporting Boyang as well. At this competition, I think the two of you have already completed your duties to both your country and yourself. You were able to stand on the podium - not on the highest podium, but on the podium - we saw two Chinese flags rise during the medal ceremony, a tribute to you two. (Goes over the channel/networks again) Today we invited these two, (Boyang, Han: wave) Boyang Jin and Han Yan. At this event, in men’s singles figure skating, they’ve brought home two medals, one silver and one bronze. We look forward to their performances at the World Championships. Thank you. (shakes hands with both)

[junker-town]

The 9.5 most overreacted-to Week 1 games since 2000, ranked

Have opinions about Week 1 games at your own risk.

College football’s early season lends itself to overreaction. Every team is just a large group of teenagers and 21-year-olds that may or may not disappoint everyone who cares about it. But unlike other sports, this one has preseason rankings that people take seriously.

There’s no time in any sport more ripe for getting too high or too low than Week 1 in college football. So I submit this ranking of the most overreacted-to opening-week games since 2000, based on how rankings changed and how people responded at the time:

Honorable mention: Any opener in 2007 that made you feel any way in particular about any team, because you surely turned out to be wrong.

It was that kind of year.

9. 2011: No. 4 LSU 40, No. 3 Oregon 27

A slight but notable overreaction for how the losers were treated. The Ducks fell to No. 13 after getting beaten soundly by one of the most talented teams in recent memory, the Patrick Peterson/Tyrann Mathieu Tigers, who also had Odell Beckham Jr. and other future stars. The only team that had a game with a better scoring margin against LSU was Alabama, which beat the Tigers on the second of two tries in the BCS title game.

Oregon later drubbed No. 3 Stanford and went on to win the Rose Bowl, suggesting that it shouldn’t have fallen all that far for a relatively strong showing against LSU.

8: 2013: No. 6 South Carolina 27, North Carolina 10

Jadeveon Clowney sat out a bunch of the Gamecocks’ defensive snaps, and he only had three tackles (none for loss). People acted like it was some sort of disappointment that Steve Spurrier’s vaunted defense gave up a whole 10 points to what turned out to be a top-50 scoring offense that year. There were all kinds of worries about Clowney’s conditioning.

Clowney later said he had a stomach virus, but even if he didn’t, it shouldn’t have been worried that he took some time off in 93-degree South Carolinian heat. He was the most hyped player in the country heading into that season, the year after he’d put that hit on a Michigan running back at the Outback Bowl. Clowney put up far smaller numbers that year, probably because he was chilling out a bit in advance of being the No. 1 NFL pick in 2014.

His team went 11-2 anyway.

7. 2006: No. 11 Florida State 13, No. 12 Miami 10

Two bitter rivals

A couple of high preseason rankings

Primetime ABC game on Labor Day at the Orange Bowl

Both teams go 7-6.

6. 2016: No. 15 Houston 33, No. 3 Oklahoma 23

The Cougars vaulted to No. 6 in the AP Poll. Despite what we’ve since learned is the Playoff’s total objection to including mid-majors, a lot of people had the Cougars projected to go undefeated and make the field. The Sooners suddenly looked like Pumpkins. That loss and another one to Ohio State did keep the Sooners out of the Playoff, though they still won the Sugar Bowl. But the main thing here was Houston, which flamed out with losses to Navy, SMU, and Memphis in the AAC.

5. 2009: No. 9 Oklahoma State 24, No. 13 Georgia 10

The Cowboys’ preseason No. 9 AP ranking was their highest ever. Then they went out and put a pretty hearty beating on the Dawgs, who’d won 21 games the previous two years.

OSU rose to No. 5 in the poll the next week, its highest mark since touching No. 3 in 1984. Then the Pokes lost at home to Conference USA’s Houston the next week, 45-35. Oklahoma later shut them out in Bedlam, 27-0. They lost by two touchdowns to Ole Miss in the Cotton Bowl, going 9-4 and scoring a combined seven points in their final two games.

For UGA’s part, the Dawgs finished 8-5 with losses to unranked Kentucky and Tennessee.

4 2009: No. 14 Boise State 19, No. 16 Oregon 8

After Boise State crushed Oregon in Chip Kelly's first game as head coach I posted something like Kelly is in way over his head. https://t.co/0OAdrwDEL5

— Matt Hinton (@MattRHinton) August 24, 2018

Chip Kelly’s first game at Oregon was a loss at Boise State, which was already amazing and would go 14-0 that season. The Ducks dropped out of the AP Poll and didn’t get back in until they beat two ranked teams at the end of September. The second of those wins was a 42-3 romp against then-No. 6 Cal, and it only got the Ducks to 16th in the ranking.

Was it really that much of a disgrace that the Ducks lost to a Boise State team that was in the midst of a 50-3 run across four seasons? They got over-punished for that, or maybe for LeGarrette Blount punching a dude in the face right after the game.

3. 2017: No. 1 Alabama 24, No. 3 Florida State 7

More of an over pre-action, but it deserves a spot anyway. The Tide were ranked No. 1 coming in, the Noles No. 3. By that metric and plenty of other subplots, it was the biggest season opener ever. Then the Tide knocked out FSU’s quarterback for the season late in a blowout, and FSU had to beat the likes of ULM and Delaware State (and get a friendly treatment from the NCAA) to even become bowl-eligible.

2.5. 2017: Texas A&M 38, UCLA 10 (first half only)

This was Texas A&M in the first half:

And this was a Texas A&M booster hours later, after UCLA came back to win:

I’m sure I may be criticized for this post but I honestly don’t care. I’ve been on the Board of Regents for the A&M System for almost seven years. During that time, I’ve not once commented on Kevin Sumlin and his performance during his tenure at our school. I never said a word when he and his agent manipulated a much bigger and longer contract. I said nothing about his arrogance and his mishandling of multiple player controversies. I said nothing when we had multiple awesome recruiting classes, only to see key players leave our school or underperform. But tonight I am very disappointed and I have to say this. Kevin Sumlin was out-coached tonight, which isn’t new. He recruits well, but can’t coach the big games, or the close games. Our players were better tonight. Our players were more talented tonight. But our coaches were dominated on national TV, yet again. I’m only one vote on the Board of Regents but when the time comes my vote will be that Kevin Sumlin needs to GO. In my view he should go now. We owe it to our school and our players. We can do better.

Share this as you see fit.

(The latter part was arguably not an overreaction.)

2. 2014: No. 21 Texas A&M 52, No. 9 South Carolina 28

Texas A&M rolled into Columbia with new quarterback Kenny Hill and lit the Gamecocks all the way up. Hill’s 511-yard passing day had the sport salivating over TAMU’s new Johnny Football. The Aggies jumped to No. 9 in the next AP Poll. They finished 8-5 and unranked, while South Carolina turned out to be a 7-6 mediocrity.

But this was fun while it lasted! Bun B was out here giving Hill the nickname “Kenny Trill,” which stuck even after he faded at A&M and finished his career at TCU.

Like the idea of "Kenny Trill" but I think @coachsumlin would agree one good game alone doesn't make you trill. He's on his way though!

— Bun B (@BunBTrillOG) September 2, 2014

1. 2016: Texas 50, No. 10 Notre Dame 47 (OT)

The Longhorns were coming off two sub-.500 seasons under Charlie Strong. They were playing the No. 10 Irish. When Tyrone Swoopes dove into the end zone for the winning score in overtime, the play-by-plan man’s call reverberated around the country:

"TEXAS IS BACK, FOLKS!" pic.twitter.com/5B0tgia5n5

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 5, 2016

The Horns went from unranked to taking the Irish’s No. 10 spot.

Texas finished 5-7, including a loss to Kansas. Strong got fired. TEXAS IS BACK became a meme that hasn’t died yet and might live forever. And Notre Dame went 4-8, making it unimpressive that Texas needed overtime to win this one in the first place.

What do you think?

Most people who answered this question ...

What was the CFB world's biggest-ever overreaction to a Week 1 game result?

— College Football by SB Nation (@SBNationCFB) August 24, 2018

... went with either No. 1 or 2 on the list above, but there are surely many options.

[thrashermaxey]

Ramblings: GAME 7!; Sergachev; Vrana; Kane; Armia; Power-Play Defencemen – May 24

We had a very spirited start to Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Final. It really, really was a great series, honestly. Both goaltenders were excellent, the action was back and forth, and, of course, it gave us a Game 7.

Not that it should shock anyone, but Alex Ovechkin got the scoring in this game. Just over a minute in, he unleashed a rocket from his office but for a chance of pace, it was at five-on-five:

.@ovi8 with a rocket to give the @Capitals an early lead. pic.twitter.com/G5YosWs5wx

— NHL GIFs (@NHLGIFs) May 24, 2018

The rest of the first period saw some good chances for both teams but the needle leaning to Tampa. We even got a good bout between Braydon Coburn and Tom Wilson.

Andre Burakovsky made the real difference in the game in the second period. Lightning defenceman Dan Girardi flubbed an aerial puck that led to a Burakovsky breakaway, one which he promptly converted for a 2-0 lead. With under four minutes left in the frame, Burakovsky got another breakaway off a bad change by the Lightning blue line and he again converted to make it 3-0. A good time to get your first two goals of the playoffs, to say the least.

At that point, with Braden Holtby locking things down in goal, it was all academic and Washington advanced to their first Cup Final in 20 years.

It was a great moment for Ovechkin, a guy unfairly maligned by media and fans for years, finally getting his crack at hockey’s Holy Grail. Also a great redemption for Holtby, who’d not played well at times this year and wasn’t even the starting goalie for the Caps at the beginning of the postseason.

On the Tampa side, this is a team built to be Cup-or-bust. Considering how hard it is to win it all, losing a Game 7 of a Conference Final seems hardly like a bust, but they are truly among the elite in the league. Like Winnipeg, this team has all pertinent players locked up for next year and guys like Sergachev and Point will only get better. We’ll hear from them again next playoffs.

Kudos to the Caps and their fans. The last decade has been torturous considering how elite the teams have been in the regular season only to be followed consistently by playoff letdowns. They’ve earned this moment and it sets up a wonderful Cup Final.

*

The impending Evander Kane extension is an interesting case in this sense: can he stay healthy?

Being able to stay on the ice is important, especially for fantasy. Having to replace a 30-goal scorer with a waiver wire replacement once in a while is fine. Having to do it for a dozen games can be an issue unless you strike lightning in a bottle. His 78 games last year are a career high. Over the last five seasons, he’s missed 23.7 percent of games, which means he’s averaged about 63 games played over those seasons. That’s not nearly good enough. If he can play 80 games, playing with a top-tier centre like Joe Pavelski or Joe Thornton (or both!), then he’s 30 goals and 60 points in the making. If that’s 65 games? Not so much.

Given how well he played with San Jose after the trade, both regular season and playoffs, he won’t be a sleeper at the draft table. We’ll see where his ADP falls, but I’ll probably be out on him for 2018-19. 

*

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, Jakub Vrana’s individual expected goals per 60 minutes these playoffs (going into Game 7) is 0.91, 10th among forwards with 150 minutes at five-on-five. That mark is ahead of names like James Neal, Jonathan Marchessault, and Rick Nash. The problem is he’s shooting 3.85 percent at five-on-five so the actual production hasn’t been there.

Just add this to the mounting evidence that Vrana will be (or already is) a pretty good player. Upside is capped without the top power-play minutes but he is a guy who will litter my fantasy rosters come September.

*

Heading into Wednesday night’s Game 7, there were 93 forwards with at least 100 minutes of five-on-five ice time in these playoffs. Any guesses on which of those 93 forwards had the highest rate of shot attempts per 60 minutes?

You’d have to guess about 50 players. It’s Winnipeg forward Joel Armia.

Not that there could be much fantasy relevance next year. Barring injury, Winnipeg’s top-9 forward mix could be Connor-Scheifele-Wheeler, Laine-Little-Ehlers, Perreault-Lowry-Roslovic. Not much space for Armia to break through. It’s easy to forget that he was a mid-first rounder and will just be 25 years old next year. Maybe he can move up the lineup if there’s a serious injury or two but I just found it curious he had such a high shot rate in the postseason. That fourth line for Winnipeg played pretty well, which is good news for next year.

*

An interesting note from Dimitri Filipovic of Sportsnet with regards to controlled zone exit percentage in the Conference Finals among blue liners:

It's only a handful of games worth of data, but for those that are interested here are the updated zone exit numbers for defensemen in these Conference Finals. pic.twitter.com/feYbtmGmcq

— Dimitri Filipovic (@DimFilipovic) May 23, 2018

Mikhail Sergachev: hoo boy.

This is a guy with a 40-point season as a teenager while putting up top-10 shot rates among defencemen. His future is incredibly bright and it’s good to see the pressure of the playoffs isn’t getting to him. He’s still playing his game and playing it well.

*

My last several Ramblings have been discussing shot rates. This whole series really goes back a month or so, but this last 10 days has been focused on changing shot rates at five-on-five and on the power play. Here is what has been covered so far:

Shot distribution from defencemen at 5v5

Shot distribution from forwards at 5v5

Rise in shot rates at 5v5

Decline in share of goals by defencemen on the PP

Decline in share of TOI by defencemen on the PP

There are a couple things worth discussing now: shot rates and assist rates among defencemen on the power play.

As noted in one of the links above, power-play minutes allocation to blue liners has declined with the rise in four forward/one defenceman PP units. With it has been a commensurate decline in shot totals and goal scoring. There are fewer shots but are the defencemen who are given power-play minutes shooting less? And if they are, does that make them facilitators rather than the triggermen? Let’s dive in.

First thing to point out: defencemen are shooting more on the power play. There was a huge jump in shot attempts per 60 minutes on the PP back in 2014-15 and then small increases every season since:

Power plays at the team level were kind of the mirror opposite of what happened with defencemen. Rather than a jump in shot rates a few years ago with steady increase the last few seasons, there was a steady increase a few seasons ago and a big jump last year. This is what the trend looks like for shot attempts per 60 minutes at the league-wide level on the power play since 2013-14:

What does this tell us for defencemen? That even though league-wide shot attempt rates on the power play rose, on average, by 4.4 percent, the average shot rates from defencemen only rose by 0.4 percent. While defencemen in 2017-18 are shooting a lot more than they were in 2013-14, compared to just last season, their involvement with putting pucks on net for the power play specifically has declined. Keep in mind that this isn’t total shots; we know that with more teams moving to a setup with four forwards and one defenceman that total shot rates would decline. This is the average shot attempt rate by a given defenceman on the power play. Even though goals per 60 minutes by teams on the power play rose 7.2 percent between 2016-17 and 2017-18, goals per 60 minutes by defencemen on the power play rose just over 1 percent.

So we have defencemen playing less but shooting more in the minutes that are given, yet not shooting as much as the increase in league-wide trends. It’s the forwards shooting more often on a rate basis. Does that mean defencemen are becoming less important on the power play? Not at all, really.

Here are primary assist rates per 60 minutes on the power play by defencemen in every season since 2013-14. It’s… something:

The primary assist rate on the power play for defencemen in 2016-17 was 1.35 and that exploded to 1.67 in 2017-18, an increase of a whopping 23.7 percent. When you think of a 4F-1D, 1-3-1 setup, it makes sense: it’s not really a setup for defencemen to bomb shots from the point. It’s a setup to give the defenceman options, which truly makes him the PP quarterback. He can look for the bumper in the high slot, he can look for a one-timer from either circle or a winger climbing down from the half-wall depending on handedness, or he can look for the low man like the Penguins do with Sidney Crosby. A shot from the defenceman in a 4F-1D, 1-3-1 seems like a last resort in an ideal world.

For fantasy owners, what do we do with this information? As I’ve stated in a Ramblings before, it’s hard to rely on any defenceman for PP goals anymore. In fantasy leagues that counts power-play goals as a category, you’re better off looking for undervalued forwards. There were 55 forwards with at least eight power-play goals this year. Why is that important? There were only 45 the year before and 44 the year before that. Why is eight power play goals an important number? Seth Jones, Roman Josi, Shayne Gostisbehere, and Tyson Barrie tied for the league lead among defencemen with seven.

With the changing nature of the power play, getting power-play points from blue liners should be easier. It is and it isn’t. There were 18 defencemen with at least 20 PPPs in 2017-18. The thing is, that’s as many as there were in 2015-16 even though 2017-18 saw a full 130 more power-play goals in the league. With the changing nature of power-play setups league-wide, there isn’t the abundance of top-tier power-play production there should be when considering the rise in PP goals due to changing setups. That’s what makes the sure-fire top PP dmen coveted. Guys like Victor Hedman, Brent Burns, Tyson Barrie, Shayne Gostisbehere, John Klingberg, and Torey Krug (among a few others) have that top PP slotting locked down, and it’s on a heavily-used unit. Other defencemen, like Dougie Hamilton, Seth Jones, and PK Subban have had the top PP spot at times, other times they have not. Once you get past the guys that are locked into that role, you’re really rolling the dice with the whims of the coach. Every fantasy owner has a different risk tolerance when it comes to that sort of thing. Are you fine using a third-round pick on someone like Gostisbehere or are you willing to roll the dice on a fifth-round pick on someone like Jones? Fantasy owners allocate draft capital and prioritize differently.  

*

As mentioned before, if you want to read further on the 4F-1D setup teams are employing, read Tyler Dellow’s work over at The Athletic (for those subscribed). There was a good article a couple days ago specifically on scoring sequences.

from All About Sports https://dobberhockey.com/hockey-rambling/ramblings-game-7-sergachev-vrana-kane-armia-power-play-defencemen-may-24/

[yahoo-puck-daddy-blog]

Trending Topics: Should we have seen the Stars' collapse coming?

Dallas Stars goalie Ben Bishop (30) takes a water break during the NHL game between the Winnipeg Jets and the Dallas Stars. (Photo by Terrence Lee/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The way in which the Dallas Stars went from “very likely” to make the playoffs to looking around in utter shock at what happened to them was stunning.

On Feb. 9, they beat the Penguins in a shootout to improve to 33-20-4, a pace for nearly 101 points over the full 82. Little did they know that W, which gave them a five-game winning streak, would be the last time they would win even back-to-back games for nearly two months.

Their game two days later was portentious: They lost 6-0 at home to Vancouver. They won their next game against the Blues, dropped two straight in San Jose and Anaheim, and on and on. Even on March 5, at the end of their 66th game — their third straight to go to overtime — they were a respectable 37-23-6. Their pace had dipped just two points, and hey, everyone goes through futile stretches.

But their problems were just beginning. They lost that 66th game in OT, despite being at home against a woebegone post-deadline Ottawa team, and the next in Nashville (it happens!), then beat Anaheim.

Then they went on a six-game road trip and the wheels absolutely fell off. They lost every game on that trek, came home and lost two more. It gave them losses in eight straight, 10 of the last 11, and 15 of the last 20.

Their season was effectively over. It turns out you can’t lose three-quarters of your games over a seven-week stretch and hope to stay in playoff contention. By most measures of these things, they went from about an 85 percent chance of making the cut in early February to the about 3 percent ahead of Thursday’s games. It’s an incredible collapse.

The “why” of it isn’t really hard to figure out, and Dom Luszczyszyn had a great examination at The Athletic earlier this week. In short, there was little change to the way they played the game, but their team 5-on-5 shooting percentage dropped 3.7 percent and their PK cratered. Luszczyszyn notes that part of that can be attributed to the schedule they played and some injuries (most notably to Ben Bishop, but only since mid-March), but it really might just be a lot of very very very bad luck.

The question, then, isn’t so much what went wrong, but whether the Stars spent 50-something games playing well above their heads and saw it all come crashing down in stunning fashion. Even the flukiest of fluke corsi-defying teams of the last decade haven’t fallen apart like this, not “losing 15 of 20” bad.

You look at the Stars lineup and you see it’s got solid talent at the top of the lineup. Seguin, Benn, Radulov and Klingberg are all north of 60 points on the season. While even they have been susceptible to this downturn to some extent — they have 25 combined goals in the last 22 games despite heavier usage — they collectively face the same problem as guys like Taylor Hall and Connor McDavid. The gap between the Big Four here and the next-highest scorer (Mattias Janmark) is 30 points.

Likewise, the Stars’ defensive depth was an issue last season and it’s not like Jim Nill went out and tried to address it too much in the summer. They traded for Marc Methot, a low-scoring guy, to solidify the top pairing and otherwise didn’t fidget much with the blue line. Perhaps they expected Julius Honka to take a bigger step than he did (not that Hitchcock’s usage of him has helped).

And speaking of Hitchcock, you can’t say this isn’t a more cogent system than whatever Lindy Ruff was running last year. Adding Bishop (.916 this year) has improved the goaltending for sure, but Kari Lehtonen is up to .912 from his .904 over the previous three seasons, so I’m willing to chalk that up to Hitchcock’s penchant for making goalies look better than they otherwise might.

So the question is a simple one: Should we have expected a team with some pretty obvious roster deficiencies to be as good as we did?

Hitchcock and Bishop were always going to help, but it seems fairly clear that the team was mostly looking at what it did in 2016-17 and just said, “Yeah but if the goaltending were better,” then conjecturing as to the what-ifs. Because honestly, the offense apart from Patrick Eaves going off until they traded him was pretty bad last year, too. Seguin and Benn were worse, as was Klingberg. The only other saving grace was Spezza, who had 50 points in 68 games at age 33, though his most common linemate was, of course, Seguin.

So the addition of Radulov, while a prudent one to juice the top line, only further exposed the lack of offensive depth this team brought to the table when Benn and Seguin were off the ice. Look at this projected lineup from the start of the season:

Jamie Benn — Tyler Seguin — Alexander Radulov Mattias Janmark — Jason Spezza — Brett Ritchie Antoine Roussel — Radek Faksa — Tyler Pitlick Roope Hintz — Martin Hanzal — Devin Shore

Grim, really.

That’s a lot of guys who are either serviceable but don’t excel in their depth roles (Roussel, Faksa, Hanzal), guys in over their heads (Janmark on the second line?), and guys who have limited profiles as NHLers regardless (Roope Hintz seems to have been replaced on the main roster with another “who?” prospect in Remi Elie).

The blue line still drops off pretty substantially after the first pairing, as well. Klingberg and Esa Lindell join Klingberg as the only defenders who average more than 20 minutes a night, and after that it’s Greg Pateryn, Stephen Johns (who was a rookie at 24 last season) and Methot. After that you’re in the weeds with Jamie Oleksiak (traded) and Honka (12-minutes-a-night’ed). Even if Honka were dynamite for 19 minutes a night, that’s not fixing the Stars’ problems.

That’s because the Stars’ problems are pretty simple to explain: When the top line is on the ice they’re a team with 53ish-percent underlyings, which is solid but not great for a top line. When they’re off the ice, it’s more like “less than 51 percent,” which is also solid but not great for the rest of the team.

But when you’re only just getting by in possession and don’t have a lot of scoring talent in the lineup, you’re operating on very thin margins and hoping the other teams also don’t have a lot of scoring talent. Let’s just have a quick look at the depth among a lot of teams in the Central and, ah, I see the problem. This was not entirely foreseeable or anything, but the fact that Spezza, at 34, stopped scoring when you moved him away from elite talent shouldn’t be surprising, nor is the fact that this team’s bottom nine forwards has continued to not score much.

Depth is more important in the NHL than ever, and we’re seeing it all over the league. Dallas is no different, and even with a great coach, improved goaltending and a little more punch on the top line, maybe they were never going to overcome that.

The collapse is significant, no doubt, but taken on the balance and looking at the roster as a whole, I kinda feel like, in hindsight, a point total in the low 90s might have sounded just about right for these guys.

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Ryan Lambert is a Puck Daddy columnist. His email is here and his Twitter is here.