#coaching culture awards

[uexcelerate]

Executive Summary: Debunking Myths: Building successful coaching cultures

Coaching culture refers to an organizational environment where coaching is embraced and integrated into everyday practices. It is a mindset that values continuous learning, growth, and development through coaching conversations. A coaching culture is important because it promotes employee engagement, enhances communication and collaboration, fosters individual and team performance, supports talent development and retention, and drives a positive work environment. It empowers individuals to take ownership of their growth, facilitates open dialogue, and builds strong relationships based on trust and support. Ultimately, a coaching culture contributes to the overall success and effectiveness of an organization. This webinar talks about building a coaching culture and also discusses uExcelerate’s initiatives in helping organizations form a successful coaching culture.

[chukys-mouthguard]

fight night

2.5k words

genre: angst, minor fluff, suggested smut

featuring: auston matthews x female reader

summary: after a fight results in auston uninviting you to the nhl awards, you both end up at UFC 303

“Look, you need to chill the fuck out okay? If you don’t like the people I’m hanging out with here, then don’t bother fucking coming tonight. I’ll just see you when I’m back in town.”

Before you could get another word in, Auston had hung up the phone. The two of you getting in a heated argument about the people he was hanging out with while in Las Vegas for a slew of appearances. The most important being the NHL Awards, which you were supposed to attend alongside him. But not anymore.

You didn’t hate Auston’s friend group per say, but he’d been adopting a new workout routine for the offseason, and they didn’t necessarily seem to be helping that. He’d been drinking a lot, something that wasn’t necessarily uncommon for him, but heavy drinking was not going to put him on good terms with his conditioning coach.

Having just expressed your concerns turning into a huge fight between the two of you. It probably didn’t help that you hadn’t seen in each other in weeks, the awards show meant to be the event that brought you two back together. But now here you were, already in Vegas since you’d flown in that day, with your agenda now cleared. Your flight home not for two days as you anticipated spending time with Auston before flying back out.

As you contemplated rebooking your flight, a call came in from your manager, not something you had been expecting.

“Hey y/n, you’re in Las Vegas for a few days right?”

“Um, yeah, I’m in Vegas right now. What’s up?”

“Well, you know how we just closed that sponsorship deal for you with New Amsterdam Vodka?”

Truly you had no clue how your manager landed you that sponsorship, it being one of the best brands you’d gotten a deal with to date. You’d like to think it was because of how much you publicized your love for Pink Whitney, but who really knows.

“Well, they had some things come up. And long story short, can you attend the UFC fight tomorrow night? We’ve got Olivia on a plane flying in as we speak.”

Olivia was your podcast co-host that was also signed to a deal with New Amsterdam. The two of you were the hottest up and coming podcasters who were quickly gaining notoriety for your ability to talk sports and pop culture, while making it entertaining and understandable for all audiences.

“Um, yeah, I can definitely attend the fight. My schedule is completely free.”

“Great! We’ve got an itinerary for the both of you that I’ll send over shortly, because there’s gonna be some brand activation type things needed. And we’ve got stylists coming to your hotel tomorrow afternoon to help you girls with outfits, hair, and makeup!”

After giving you the last few details, you hung up with your manager. A bit shocked at the opportunity you were getting, but thankful to have some sort of distraction to look forward to and hopefully get your mind off the fight you had with Auston.

-

Entering T-Mobile arena, you honestly weren’t sure what to expect out of the much anticipated UFC 303, but it was something to cross off your bingo card for the year. Despite your lack of interest in the fights themselves, you were excited to attend and at least say you were there.

Olivia had gotten in late last night and you had to fill her in on everything. Why you fought with Auston, how he uninvited you from being his guest at the awards show. And how you were thankful for this appearance to get your mind off of him. The stylists had thrown together a more casual look for you: light wash ripped boyfriend jeans, a white tank top, and an oversized black and yellow racing jacket. Elevating the look a bit with some heeled boots. Olivia’s outfit complimenting yours well, both your hair and makeup done just enough to look minimal but still flawless. And with a few New Amsterdam cocktails already in your systems, you were ready to roll.

The arena had all the celebrities attending enter away from the general public, meaning you’d be passing some familiar faces in the tunnels as you were led to your seats. Everyone from Gordon Ramsey to Aaron Rodgers, even-your boyfriend.

“Well fuck…”

Immediately noticing the reason for your reaction, Olivia tried to block Auston from seeing you. But it was too late. His eyes went wide as he saw you, looking you up and down, thank god you looked this good. He was with fellow NHLer Clayton Keller as they awaited an usher to guide them to their seats.

Though shocked to see you at the event, he knew it must have been something your manager had pulled off for you. A soft smile on Auston’s lips as he watched you interact with the New Amsterdam reps, he couldn’t help but be proud of you. He’s seen how much you’ve poured into your podcast, and how hard you’ve worked for moments like these. Despite the argument, he still cared about you and loved seeing you in your element.

He hadn’t gotten the chance to say anything as you were quickly pulled off in the opposite direction. Most likely to film some type of ad for the brand. Pulling out his phone he shot you a quick text, making sure you got to hear from him in case he didn’t see you the rest of the night.

You look so fucking beautiful my love.

The text brought a smile to your face as you quickly typed back a response before you were pulled aside for an interview alongside Olivia.

“Lastly, y/n, I wanted to extend a congratulations to your boyfriend, Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Winner of the Richard Trophy last night at the NHL Awards.”

“Oh thank you so much.”

The comment was a bit unexpected, though it wasn’t uncommon to get asked about Auston since your relationship was very much public.

“We didn’t see you in attendance last night with Auston, hopefully there isn’t any trouble in paradise there?”

Laughing off the comment you shook your head, “No, not at all! There unfortunately was some last minute conflicts that prevented me from attending. But I’m so proud of him, I wish I could have been there. Luckily we have a night like tonight where we can just have some fun, and celebrate. So, I’m glad we were able to both be here!”

The interview wrapped up and you took a deep breath, Olivia squeezing your arm in reassurance. “I don’t know how you pulled that answer out of your ass, but that was so good!” The two of you laughed as an usher finally led you to your seats.

“I truly don’t even know what answer I gave, my brain was on autopilot. I’m just glad I didn’t say something stupid.”

“Are you gonna talk to him tonight at all?”

Stopping in your tracks as your usher gestured to your seats, your eyes settling on your boyfriend who was standing with his friends just next to where you’d be sitting for the night.

“Well I might not have much of a choice if I’m stuck sitting next to him.”

The two of you set your bags down at your seats, mingling a bit with the people around you. Remembering how your manager always preached to you both network as much as possible at events like these.

As you were talking with a rep from some coffee brand, trying your best to convince them to send some product to you girls to try, you felt an arm snacking around your waist. Immediately knowing it was Auston as your hand entangled with his at your hip.

Thanking the rep for their time, giving them your agents number, you finally were able to turn your attention to Auston. Who patiently stood at your side, a smile on his face as he watched you doing your thing.

“Hey baby.”

“Hi.”

He gave you a kiss before pulling you into his chest, rubbing your back as he knew you were still frustrated with him. Doing his best to try and make up for being an asshole.

“I didn’t know you were coming tonight?”

He pulled you towards your seats, his hand immediately resting on your thigh as you sat down. Eyes fixated on you as he sipped his drink.

“Well, neither did I. Until I got the call ten minutes after someone uninvited me from their awards show last night.”

You shot him a glare as he gently squeezed your thigh. “Look, about that, I’m so sorry, I shouldn’t have reacted like that and-“

“Auston, it’s fine. Tonight, I just want to have fun, we don’t need to talk about it right now. Especially because I’ve had enough cocktails that you get me riled up, you and I will end up in that ring as the main event.”

He smirked at you as he leaned in close, stealing a kiss from you. “Is that a threat or a promise?”

Pushing him away as you tried to hide your blush, you ignored his horny thoughts. “Auston Matthews, we might need to cut you off. Someone is already feeling themselves tonight.”

A slight whine left his lips as he moved his hand, now draping an arm over your shoulder. “I can’t help that you look so good babe. Plus, I haven’t seen you in weeks, you expect me to not have my hands all over you? Most importantly, I need to make up for being such a dick last night.”

“Well that is very true. I didn’t even get to celebrate your big trophy win with you.”

A pout on your lips as you glanced up at him, deciding that you’d have some fun making him regret not inviting you. “I even brought your favorite blue lace set to wear under my dress last night, but, it just stayed in my suitcase since you didn’t want me there.” Fingers lightly playing with his chains as you spoke, making sure to really get under his skin.

The look in his eyes immediately turning to one of lust as he thought about the set in question. Baby blue lace that hugged your curves perfectly, and while it looked amazing on you he loved it even better on the floor.

“And I said I was sorry baby. I promise I’ll make it up to you.”

Tilting your chin up he brought your lips to his, clearly forgetting the two of you were in public as his tongue tried pushing past your lips. A slight chuckle leaving your lips as you pulled away from him.

“Babe, I love that you’re wanting to make it up to me. But maybe not front row for everyone to see, okay?”

He rolled his eyes as he obeyed, simply returning a hand to your thigh as the two of you watched as the main events were set to begin shortly.

You swore Auston’s hand crept closer and closer to your inner thigh with the ending of each fight. The alcohol mixed with the thoughts of you wearing his favorite lingerie clearly having him hot and bothered. And while you weren’t turning down the idea, it having been several weeks since you’d gotten your hand on him, you were still here for work and needed to act professional.

He luckily kept his cool for the remainder of the night, respecting when you had to remind him that you were there for work while he was there for fun. The two of you leaving hand in hand as he definitely was not letting you out of his sight. His mind focused on getting you back to his hotel and making up for not having you by his side at the awards show.

The second the door to his room closed you were pulled into his lap as he sat at the edge of the bed. One hand resting on your hip while the other pulled you in for a kiss.

“You do look fucking stunning tonight baby.”

A smile crept across your lips as your arms wrapped around his neck, thanking him as your eyes locked with his. “And, I’m sorry about last night. I should’ve never been that way, I needed you there with me. And, I let some dumb shit get me all worked up. I know you are just looking out for me, and I appreciate that so much. I love how much you care for me.”

Resting your forehead on his, you sighed, not even caring about the fight anymore. Knowing it was stupid, but appreciating his apology.

“I do care about you, a lot. And, maybe sometimes I overstep a bit. But it’s all out of love for you Auston. I wish I could’ve been there for you last night, but I’m here now. And there’s no place I’d rather be.”

“While I couldn’t agree more, I do wish I could’ve gotten to see that blue lace set on you last night. Would’ve been a nice way to celebrate that’s for sure.”

Slipping from his lap as he hands reached out to try and pull you back, you slowly discarded of your jacket. Standing in front of him with a smile on your face as he watched you in anticipation.

“Well, maybe we can still celebrate a day late.”

Pulling your tank top over your head, you revealed that you were in fact in the blue lace number. Auston biting his tongue at the sight of you in the bra, his hands wanting to make quick work of your jeans to see you in the matching thong.

“Fuck…but if you didn’t know you’d see me tonight, why wear the blue?”

“Shut up and just enjoy the coincidence Auston!”

Shaking your head you walked back over to him, pulling him in for a kiss as his hands made quick work of your jeans. Needing to see you fully on display in blue lace just for him. As you kicked off the jeans, he sat back on his forearms, lust filled eyes watching as you did a spin for him.

“God you’re so fucking perfect.”

Without warning he picked you up, lips crashing against yours while his hands rested under your ass gripping tightly as your skin and surely leaving a few marks.

You giggled as he tossed you on the bed, making quick work of his clothes, leaving him in just his briefs as he hovered over you. Tucking some hair behind your ear as his hips ground into your core, earning a moan from you as you felt him growing hard against you. The two of you taking your time, kissing for what felt like hours, no hurry as you wanted to savor every second of your time with one another.

“I love you so much Auston, and I’m so proud of you. But if you ever uninvite me from something like that ever again, so help me god.”

He rolled his eyes as a hand traveled down to the string of your thong, snapping it slightly as his fingers teased at your core.

“Relax baby, I’m gonna make up for it all.”

[peachjagiya]

FEBRUARY TAEKOOK!

It's February after January was six years long.

What have our boys been up to in Februarys gone by?

Cuddling whilst tiny:

Flopping:

Playfighting:

Piggybacks:

Nothing Like Us:

Awards show shenanigans:

Speech coaching:

Going for piggyback world record:

👑 EDAILY CULTURE AWARDS 👑 attending:

Back hugging:

Drawing:

Public praise:

Going Live:

And, of course, Jungkook took a plane because Taehyung missed him and Taehyung thought something he'd seen was so pretty he could die and just in case you thought he meant the scenery, he decided to place it straight onto Jungkook's HEAD:

[andreisvechnikov]

Andrei Svechnikov: A Primer

written October 5th, 2023

BASICS:

Born 26 March 2000 in Barnaul, Russia

Right winger on the Carolina Hurricanes (who drafted him 2nd overall in 2018)

6’2 and 195 lbs

Andrei’s first and foremost a family oriented person. One of the most important people in his life is his brother, Evgeny. He followed Evgeny everywhere, including to Michigan in 2016, where in juniors he played for the USHL’s Muskegon Lumberjacks; near Grand Rapids where Evgeny was playing for the Red Wings AHL affiliate. Svechnikov led the team in scoring and was named to the All-USHL Team and declared USHL Rookie of the Year. He then was selected first overall by the OHL’s Barrie Colts and later won the Emms Family Award as rookie of the year. After being selected 2nd overall by Carolina, he chose the number 37, the same as his brother.

On their childhood: 

“We didn’t have much money,” Evgeny said of their childhood in Siberian Russia. “We ate from the same plate. We did everything together.” “I’ve waited for this my whole life,” Andrei said, sweat still dripping. “It’s my dream. My dream came true.” “It’s huge,” Evgeny said of both the goal and their relationship. “It’s everything.” “They moved from job to job every city,” Evgeny said. “They sacrificed so much for us.” If you ask Evgeny, there was “no doubt” Andrei would make it from the time he started dominating older competition at 5 years old. Evgeny was 8 when he fostered that opinion. Clearly he was on to something. (X)

The brothers have a special handshake and Evgeny wears a bracelet Andrei gave him everyday.

In the NHL:

Andrei made NHL history being the first player to ever score a lacrosse style goal. Seen here.

And is the only player (so far) to do two successfully.

But he can do tricks off the ice too. His first few years on the Hurricanes, he enjoyed learning magic tricks. Here's one with former beat reporter Sara Civian.

Andrei is loved by many, if not most, current and former teammates, coaches, media, and more. 

Praise from others: 

“I’m just proud of the kid in general,” Brind’Amour said after his first win as coach and Svechnikov’s first point. “He’s a great kid. He wants to learn and he’s got a lot to learn, but he’s going to be a great player in this league. You gotta remember how young he is, and that’s something I have to keep reminding myself. He’s just a kid, and he’s out there in the NHL and he doesn’t look out of place. We’re very fortunate to have him.”

(X)

Former Muskegon Lumberjacks GM John Vanbiesbrouck once told me he didn’t want to drop a bomb too soon, but yeah, he could see hints of Gordie Howe in a young Svechnikov. Vanbiesbrouck was more comfortable with a comparison to Todd Bertuzzi. “You know what? He’s hard to compare to anyone because there’s not a lot of guys like him,” he said after Svechnikov’s NHL debut. “Because sometimes he drives the net or sometimes he’ll see a play. He’s so multi-talented. When he drives the net — Todd Bertuzzi, one of the best net-drivers I’ve ever seen. He’s got an acute way to make plays and find lanes and shoot in place. There’s not a lot of guys like him in that way and how he can play a speed game, then a slowed-down game.”

(X)

“We were just hoping, when we got the pick, that we would get someone who was a star,” Carolina owner Tom Dundon says. “And I think we did.” 

(X)

He is a gem. Always has time for everyone. Can’t wait to see him back in action next season for the canes - Justin Williams

(X)

Here's a snippet of a very heart felt interview the Svechnikov brothers gave before their first match up.

What’s his best quality as a person? Evgeny: Humble. Humble, shyness, respectful. There’s not just one word. But one thing (that) comes in my head, humble and respect(ful), of anything: parents, people around, polite. Just a good kid, man. He’s just a good kid. Andrei: I feel like he’s just a kind person — he’s always going to care about you, he’s always going to ask you if something’s wrong. He’s a culture guy. But obviously he gets a little emotional sometimes (laughter) … He’s gotta work on that a little bit, probably. When have you been the proudest of him? Evgeny: Just one thing? … That he doesn’t let himself get down, and anything happens, nothing stops him. But I think he learned that from me (laughs). And yeah, he doesn’t give up and he keeps going. Nothing bothers him, and he’s like a tractor, just keeps going, and I’m telling you, he learned that from me. Andrei: Every day, to be honest. Every day I am proud of him, to be completely honest. He’s been through a lot, there have been a lot of hard things. He was injured, now he’s here in the show. It’s going to be fun to play against him. I’m proud of him every day. Anything else you want to add about him? Evgeny: That I love him so much. He’s a great brother. Andrei: I don’t know, really — did he say anything interesting? The Athletic: He said he loves you so much and that you’re a great brother. Andrei: I love him so much, too. He is my hero.

Read the rest here.

A big mama's boy. (1)(2)

Friends on the team:

When he first joined the Hurricanes, Andrei became good friends with Dougie Hamilton and Warren Foegele. They all lived in the same building and new to the team. The Hurricanes even made a video of them hanging out and talking about their friendship called the “Three Amigos.”

Even after both Dougie and Warren were traded to other teams, he remains good friends with them. (X)

**Fun fact: Both Dougie and Warren had to pick new numbers with their new teams. Dougie, formerly #19, picked 7, (at the time, Pavel Zacha already took #37) and Warren, formerly #13,  picked 37.

Andrei has always been good friends with alternate captain, Jordan Martinook. Taken under Marty’s wing from the start in 2018 when they both joined the team, Jordan has a pre-game tunnel tradition to scream Andrei’s last name to hype them up. Martinook will occasionally add in other players but he always exaggerates ‘Mista Svechnikov’ the most. Like another older brother figure, Martinook enjoys messing with Andrei in practice and in general.

After Dougie and Warren were traded, Andrei became closer with Martin Necas. Always good friends, they started going out to eat together more and attended the US Open Men’s Final in 2023.

With Seth Jarvis joining the team, Andrei gained the opportunity to be the "big brother" for once. Pulling pranks and messing around with Jarvy.

Another player who’s allowed Andrei the opportunity to grow as a leader on the team is Pyotr Kochetkov, fellow Russian and a goalie. The two have become good friends, Andrei acting as a guide and translator. 

Andrei loves Carolina, and Carolina loves Andrei. One of the many reasons he agreed to an eight-year, $62 million contract with the Hurricanes in 2021.

Andrei has always loved animals. He’s good with both cats and dogs, looking forward to the annual calendar photoshoot, and adopting one of his own in 2023.

Andrei has never met a penalty box he didn’t like.

(1)(2)(3)(4)(5)

“I just love that style. Just hit hard, you know?,” Svechnikov said. “I think I’m playing a hard game, and that’s why I think I’m scoring goals. I’m gonna hit, then I’m gonna go to the offensive zone and someone’s going to give it to me and then I try and shoot it into the net. Good tries for me. I love that style of play.” (X)

He made the 2023 All Star Game, winning the Fastest Skater competition. The first person he called after was his brother.

He suffered a tear in his left ACL a couple months later, and missed the rest of the season and playoffs. However, he had fun sounding the siren and joining his good friends in the broadcast booth. He had a successful surgery and is recovering well, hoping to start the 2023-2024 season on the right foot.

[world-of-wales]

Happy International Women’s Day! Celebrating the impact of amazing women today, and every day. Here are just a few of the brilliant women we’ve been inspired by over the past 12 months. #IWD2024

After her daughter Brodie's death by suicide in 2020, Emma Webb launched a suicide prevention campaign. Brodie was a talented equestrian, which is what inspired @thewebstermwebb’s challenge pulling a life-size resin horse 160 miles from Chepstow to London.

Sarah Goldson has directed the @Wimbledon Ball Boy and Girl training since the 2012 Championships. The training helps develop life skills among young people, with 280 BBGs selected from local schools.

Vaitea Cowan is a co-founder of @Enapter, a company aiming to account for 10% of the world's green hydrogen by 2050. Enapter won the Fix Our Climate category at the 2021 Earthshot Prize and continues to thrive.

Bianca Sakol is the founder and CEO of @Sebbys_Corner, a shop-style baby bank which believes no child should go without the basic essentials they need to thrive. They provide a warm, welcoming environment and gives families choice and dignity to choose the items they need.

Mother and daughter, Jennifer and Emilia Clarke, were awarded MBEs for their brain injury charity work. They are co-founders of @SameYouOrg, a charity which develops better mental health recovery treatment for survivors and raises awareness around rehabilitation.

Dr. Gubby Ayida has been the CEO of @EvelinaLondon since May 2023 and oversaw its opening of the new Children’s Day Surgery Unit last year.

Wendy Simm was born and raised in Moss Side, Manchester and founded ‘Keeping It Real 24/7.’ The food bank focuses on delivering culturally important foods to those in need, such as yams and sweet potatoes, which generally are not provided by other food banks.

Captain Preet Chandi is a British Army Captain who holds three world records for polar trekking, most recently in December 2023 for becoming the world's fastest woman to complete a solo South Pole ski expedition.

Barbara Smith is a psychotherapist who has served over 16 years with @BritishRedCross, offering psychosocial support in disaster and war zones, aiding those in trauma.

Sarina Weigman began her role as England Women’s Head Coach in September 2021, leading The @Lionesses to Euro 2022 victory. She was presented with an Honorary CBE in June last year.

Renee Salt is a Holocaust survivor who was born in Zdunska Wola, Poland in 1929. She survived both Auschwitz and Belsen, but her family did not. Renee has spoken to thousands of young people as part of @HolocaustUK's programmes.

Professor Uzo Iwobi founded @rcccymru to boost art, heritage, and culture for minority groups in Wales. She empowers African Caribbean elders through learning initiatives and mentors young people to fulfil their aspirations.

In 2024, @hmsoardacious will be represented by Team Valkyrie, the first all-serving women's military team to row across the Atlantic. The @toughestrow challenge raises money for military charities and organisations that support veterans and their families.

- The Prince and Princess of Wales

[fyrewalks]

officially meet tommy kinard, andie's (@lvebug) uncle

Tommy is born on Nov 10, 1980 to two successful parents - his dad is an award-winning chemistry prof at ucla and his mom owns an event planning business that has strong Hollywood ties 

His full name is Thomas Elijah Kinard, but he’s always gone by Tommy.

He has an older sister, Rebecca, who is 11 years older. Despite the age difference, they are very close. 

Tommy is a shy kid, mostly - and it works out. He doesn’t mind being left at home or hanging out in his parent’s offices or backrooms of events so long as he’s got books and comics and tv to keep him entertained. 

The trouble starts when he’s in middle school. He switches from a Jewish day school to a public school, and alongside a growth spurt, he starts to outgrow his shyness. He gets into sports, makes new friends, and it becomes clear that he was an ‘oops’ baby with two parents who prioritize their own careers and miss a lot of his games and extracurriculars.  They already did it once with Rebecca, and beyond keeping up appearances, don’t want to do it again with Tommy. 

Tommy is 15 (1995) when he moves in with Rebecca and her fiance, James.

He’s on the football team, popular both academically and outside of school, but he’s still a shy kid at heart and keeps an eye out for outcasts. 

After his third fight, his parents are done with his antics. No one cares that he was only standing up against a few bullies; he threw the first punches. 

Despite the potential for awkwardness, it’s a relatively smooth transition. He’s happy to spend more time with his sister and bonds with James over cars and football. 

Tommy stops attending synagogue. Rebecca encourages him to go but respects that their parents made it feel like an obligation. He keeps up culturally, though. 

Tommy graduates high school early; he starts college/rotc at 17 (1997) and finishes at 20 (2000).

While Rebecca and James are welcoming, Tommy’s aware he’s holding back their relationship. Plus, between Andie being born in ‘96 and him no longer living with his parents, there’s a fire to get started with his ‘adult’ life. 

His football coach is an army vet and knowing his interest in cars, figures Tommy would make it well as a mechanic or get some advanced training for something more technical. 

Tommy plans on just enlisting, but Rebecca pushes him to consider college. (They were, after all, raised by the same parents who put a heavy emphasis on education.)

He attends ucla and joins the rotc, considering it a compromise. Between the program and his father’s benefits as a professor there, most of his expenses are covered. While his parents don’t love his plan, they support him monetarily, and really, they know his success and future army career reflect well on them. 

Tommy majors in psychology figuring it’ll be easy since he had no real interest in going to college.

This chunk of time is also when Tommy starts noticing his interest in men. There are a few hookups, but it’s explained away with tiny excuses and the idea that he’s young and horny. Although, he is careful to keep it away from his budding army career. 

Beyond that, Tommy thrives in college. He was a popular kid in high school so this is no different. He’s charming and genuinely kind. (And being a guy’s guy, aka into typically masculine things, doesn’t hurt.)

Tommy secures a spot in flight school (20-21) and is an active duty as a helicopter pilot until 2004. 

He might’ve dragged his feet about his college, but he ends up grateful since his status as an officer comes with better pay and a chance to become a pilot. 

Given the timing, Tommy faces a lot of pressure to continue past his initial active duty commitment. While he’s faired better than some in terms of only suffering minor injuries, he didn’t understand the scope of his commitment nor did he imagine being in actual war when he was seventeen. He misses Rebecca and Andie; when the time comes, he decides to serve his remaining time in the reserves. 

Like college and high school, Tommy finds it easy to fit in. If his masculinity was praised in college, it’s tenfold during active duty. Of course, only as long as he plays up the same ignorance where his sexuality is concerned - he doesn’t think DADT personally affects him since he very firmly shuts down any interest in men. (Obviously, with reflection and time, he knows this was just denial and a way to keep himself safe subconsciously.) 

At 25, he is in the reserves, back in LA, and new to the 118. A few months before he finishes his probie year, Rebecca and James are killed in a car accident. In their wills, it’s their final wish that Tommy take in Andie, who is almost eight years old. 

His parents offer some financial support, but not much else. They further withdraw with the death of their daughter; as has been the case for a while, his parents find it easier to love him, and by extension Andie, from a distance. 

Tommy struggles a lot during this time. He’s navigating life post-army, grieving his sister and brother-in-law, and struggling to balance his job with taking care of Andie. Reserve duty also proves challenging since it requires a weekend away every month and two weeks away once a year. 

All this to say, his attitude isn’t the greatest. (It’s part resurgence of the shyness he felt as a kid and part anger at how hard everything’s become, only mildly tempered by someone who finds popularity and fitting in easier now.)

After his sister’s death, Tommy starts attending synagogue again.

While his attendance is spotty, he makes the effort to go because he doesn’t want Andie to go alone or miss out. This time, though, he feels a genuine connection to his faith rather than a familial obligation. 

The support he and Andie receive through their synagogue ultimately helps them adjust to their new life - frozen meals, car pools, babysitting, etc. 

Andie meets Chimney as his probationary year comes to an end (2007). Starting to feel more settled in their life, and having a community to fall back on, Tommy makes more of an effort to be friendlier and welcoming at the firehouse. He starts sharing more about Andie, his sister, and what his life looks like outside of shifts. 

At twenty-eight, Tommy officially retires from the reserves. He starts pursuing his flight instructor certification and becomes a certified instructor by thirty for extra income. 

Also, during this time, Tommy starts casually dating. He feels old, out of practice, and finds it hard to relate to people given he’s raising his niece. 

He dates both men and women at first, and experiments with labels, before realizing he’s gay and always has been. Andie is the first person he tells and he decides against being out at work too. 

In 2017, at 37, Tommy transfers to the lafd air station and decides he’s tired of living his life half in the closest. It’s not what he wants for himself nor the example he wants to set for Andie. He’s been proud of so much in his life (his military career, his piloting, and raising Andie through so much grief and heartache) that there’s no reason he shouldn’t be just as prideful and open with his gayness too.  

So, current season - Tommy is 44. 

other details:

alt fc if i ever make promos/icons: oliver jackson-cohen

[invisibleicewands]

“In every room I go into, every office, every institution, people tell me, this is what we’re doing to encourage more working-class writers.  They reel off all the things they’re doing, and it sounds impressive, it sounds amazing. And you think: if all these people are doing all this, WHY ARE THINGS NOT CHANGING FASTER? WHAT IS GETTING IN THE WAY?”

Under the hot, bright lights of a packed-out auditorium at the 2024 London Book Fair, Michael Sheen is getting angry. His is an unthreatening, crowd-rousing kind of angry, but still, in an appropriate way – he’s mad.

The actor and philanthropist is speaking on a panel convened to discuss A Writing Chance, the programme co-founded by the actor with New Writing North and Northumbria University that helps working-class writers enter the writing industries. So far, the programme has been successful. The theme emerging on the panel is, if changes have been made in some areas, what’s holding things back in others? And what cultural changes might have to come before we solve the problem?

“You have to admit there’s a fundamental conflict between the system that’s set up, and what we’re trying to achieve,” says Michael. “I don’t know what the whole answer to that is, other than revolution.”

It says a lot about the mood in the room – and, we suspect, the rest of the country – that the laughs prompted by this conclusion feel rather approving. We firmly believe that elites have been hogging and hoarding opportunity for too long now. The support for A Writing Chance confirms that many, many people agree.

The initiative was launched in 2021, with 11 unpublished writers awarded places on a programme of support and mentoring. One, Tom Newlands, publishes his first novel this summer; another, Maya Jordan, signed a deal at the book fair. A new cohort will be selected soon, with the programme now supported by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Michael Sheen, the Charlotte Aitken Trust, Faber & Faber, The Daily Mirror, Substack, Audible, with research supported by AHRC, Northumbria University, Bath Spa University and York St John University.

For the London Book Fair panel, Michael is joined by Professor Katy Shaw from Northumbria University, plus Tracey Markham, head of UK at Audible, Farrah Storr, head of writer partnerships at Substack, and the Huddersfield-based novelist Sunjeev Sahota. Katy and Michael begin by reflecting on the successes of the first completed programme: writers emboldened and published, policymakers in the Houses of Parliament briefed and, most importantly, great writing exemplifying the talent out there waiting to be discovered. “What came in was just way beyond anything we had hoped for really,” says Michael. “And there was a sense of revelation, the feeling you were seeing into worlds that have just been closed off, into experiences I had never thought about.”

Ideas about how to give working-class writers more confidence and access to publishing are peppered through the hour-long conversation: a creative curriculum in schools; intervening with gifted people at younger ages, like sports coaches; encouraging more people to take advantage of digital platforms, even if printed-book authorship remains the ultimate goal. Around halfway through, Sunjeev makes a brilliantly clear-eyed analysis of what being working class really means, and how it relates to identity politics. At the same time, he provides a devastatingly simple explanation of why working-class writers need support.

“Publishing is an elite space, but it’s quite a diverse space in terms of people’s racialised or sexualised identities. However, it’s not at all diverse it comes to people’s economic backgrounds, or family income. Indeed, many of the non-white people I encounter in publishing are often from just as comfortably-off backgrounds as their white counterparts.

The creative industries, he says, have tended to treat class as being another cultural identity, as if class should be considered in the same way that we might talk about race, gender, or sexuality. “But I think a more universal, class-first politics will do more for the weakest members across all identities than any identity-first kind of politics. I find that taking an identity-first approach just tends to benefit the elites within the identities.”

Lest anyone doubt the existence of a market for work originating outside the elites, the extremely upbeat Tracey is on hand to reassure them. Audible attracts a notably diverse audience, with large black and Asian listenerships, and a high proportion of young men. To satisfy this audience, the old-style audiobook, with its middle- and highbrow titles and Received Pronunciation narration, has been overhauled in favour of books more suited to audience tastes, and accents.

“Our customers really want accents! We spend a lot of time working with voice agents to widen access to the audio-narration industry. I think what’s super-important now is that your accent is not prohibitive – if you have a Welsh accent, say, that doesn’t mean you can only read stories set in Wales.”

Tracey stresses there is “so much more to be done” to widen socio-economic diversity in the whole publishing industry. But although it might still be a case of taking “baby steps”, a wonderful thing about books is their power to drive change elsewhere. “You know, it’s hard to explain to someone that’s not from the UK how much your accent kind of signifies to people when they first meet you. And with voice, we can kind of break down a lot of those barriers, and actually encourage it and welcome [diversity].”

There’s a similar note of flexibility and responsiveness to audience needs in Farrah’s account of what Substack offers. The relationship between digital and print is always evolving, and in her vision, it’s a question of the one complementing the other. Printed books still have more prestige than publication on digital platforms, but the latter can help offset the material challenges associated with the former, she argues. Echoing Sunjeev, she points that “the problem for people from a working-class background is that your advance gets paid in separate lump sums. People feel, I don’t have a regular income, I can’t make this work, I might end up falling out of the writer ecosystem.

“So, on Substack, we say, well, okay, you’re writing the book, but you’re probably going to have thousands of words leftover. So just put them on Substack and talk about the novel at the same time.”

Lots of people she works with end up making liveable incomes and building readerships for their work, which ultimately is what keeps them in the game. It’s a reminder that we shouldn’t necessarily define “writing” as the production of traditional forms such as novels and plays.

No one at this event – the queue for which was so long that dozens were unable to squeeze inside – believed all the barriers facing working-class writers would be dismantled any time soon.  Few, though, can have left without believing that A Writing Chance has begun the job – and that that job is worthwhile.

Wrapping up, Michael recalls someone from the inaugural group who told him that in their community, becoming a writer seemed about as likely as becoming an astronaut.

“They said that there was no chance of it. They said, ‘I didn’t know anybody else who lived where I live who was a writer, so I didn’t know how to begin, or where to start. It was like saying I want to go into space.’ But that changed for them.

“And of course, now, there are all these wonderful spacemen.”

[happinessismusic]

“Gwen Stefani is the pride and joy of California!” stated Ana Martinez, Producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. “Not only is she an acclaimed singer/songwriter and performer, Gwen is also a talented fashion designer and cosmetics mogul. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is ready to welcome not just a girl but a mega talent to the Hollywood Walk of Fame!” added Martinez.

As guest speakers, record label founder and entrepreneur Jimmy Iovine, CEO of the Azoff Company and manager Irving Azoff and country superstar and husband Blake Shelton will join emcee Ellen K for the star unveiling.

A three-time GRAMMY® Award winner, Interscope Records recording artist Gwen Stefani has achieved global success as a singer/songwriter, performer, charismatic frontwoman of No Doubt, and as a multi-platinum solo artist.  Currently, Stefani can be seen as a coach on NBC and Warner Bros. Unscripted Television’s Emmy®-winning series “The Voice.”

Stefani is a trend-setting music and fashion icon with an impressive array of honors: four MTV Video Music Awards, two Billboard Awards, an American Music Award, and a Brit Award.  To date, she’s sold more than 60 million units worldwide, and over ten billion streams, including her debut solo album Love. Angel. Music. Baby.  The four-times platinum album delivered the hit singles “Rich Girl,” “What You Waiting For?” and the No. 1 hit “Hollaback Girl.”

Her sophomore album, The Sweet Escape, featured the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 single “Wind It Up” and the unforgettable anthem “The Sweet Escape.”  Her critically praised latest album, This Is What the Truth Feels Like, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 album chart and includes her powerful No. 1 single “Used to Love You.”

In 2020, Stefani had two No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart with husband Blake Shelton, “Nobody But You” and “Happy Anywhere.”   Stefani released the new song “True Babe” in June ahead of a series of major festival performances in for the U.K. and Europe this summer.

Before the music there was makeup. Stefani’s passion for makeup was integral in the launch of her beauty brand GXVE in early 2022. The clean, high-performance cosmetics collection is inspired by Stefani’s iconic looks and created for the community of makeup lovers who find their inspiration, individuality and self-expression through artistry.

One of pop culture’s most magnetic style icons, Stefani is one of the first artists to brilliantly merge music stardom into a series of global lifestyle brands including her fashion-forward clothing line, L.A.M.B., sister label Harajuku Lovers and her eyewear line gx by Gwen Stefani.

Stefani continues to make giving back a focus in her life supporting several charities and foundations.

Source: SHE’S JUST A GIRL GETTING A STAR ON THE HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME! GLOBAL MUSIC ICON GWEN STEFANI TO BE HONORED ON OCTOBER 19TH IN CELEBRATION OF HER BIRTHDAY MONTH - Hollywood Walk of Fame

[wherewhereare]

Orange County Native Gwen Stefani Goes Back To Her Roots

By Allison Mitchell | April 17, 2024 | People Lifestyle Style & Beauty Feature Features Celebrity Art Style Style & Beauty Feature Culture Featured Lifestyle Feature Style & Beauty Culture Feature Awards Events Women of Influence Latest Entertainment People Feature Music style and beauty The Latest

Whether you know Gwen Stefani as the rock goddess fronting the legendary band No Doubt—who reunited in April for the first time in nine years at Coachella—or as the red-lipped solo artist mentoring others as a judge on NBC’s The Voice, there is no doubt Stefani has made her mark in the music world and beyond. In spring 2022, she launched GXVE Beauty exclusively at Sephora, and the year prior, she tied the knot with fellow Voice coach Blake Shelton, with whom she’s collaborated on numerous hit country songs. But despite her soaring success—see her three Grammys—Stefani is still just a girl from Anaheim, the hometown she’s never stopped professing her love for and the birthplace of the band that started it all. Here, as Stefani prepares to headline the 15th anniversary CHOC Gala at the City National Grove of Anaheim, the multitalented artist is discussing her Orange County roots and why giving back is essential to her life’s mission.

We’re excited to see you perform at the CHOC Gala on May 18. Why does CHOC’s mission resonate with you? My heart has always been drawn to CHOC, and through the years, I’ve been blessed to work with them. They do incredible work providing care and support to children and families, ensuring children have access to the best care and resources regardless of their circumstances. CHOC has always been close to my heart, and I feel so grateful to be able to continue to support them.

This year, you were part of the inaugural class of inductees in the new Orange County Hall of Fame. What does the honor mean to you? It’s one of those things that is bigger than a dream, as I never knew it was a possibility. Orange County is where my dreams were born and nurtured, and it has shaped my life. Orange County really built me as a person and defined me as somebody who felt pride in our city and in the different neighborhoods. Anaheim is my roots; it’s always been with me. I’ve been able to share it with the world through my songs and through my style, and I’ve always had so much pride and gratitude for where I’ve come from.

No Doubt got its start in Anaheim in the mid-1980s. How have your O.C. roots influenced you in No Doubt and your solo career? Growing up in Orange County has had a profound impact on my life and career. My O.C. roots have shaped my identity and my artistry in countless ways. It influenced us because of the lifestyle we had in the O.C. We turned to music to fill our days, and it was what we did in our lives.

Why was now the right time to return to the stage with your No Doubt bandmates, Tom Dumont, Tony Kanal and Adrian Young? I think it was something that was always going to happen as if it was always meant to be in 2024. It came together fast, and we all just thought, ‘This feels right, let’s do it.’

Tragic Kingdom will turn 30 in 2025—what are the tracks that you still can’t get enough of when it comes to performing live? Performing live feels incredible, especially when you’re playing songs that have reached so many people, like those from Tragic Kingdom. It’s unbelievably hard to digest it, doing songs like ‘Don’t Speak’ and ‘Just a Girl.’ When I wrote ‘Just a Girl,’ it came from a place of simplicity and innocence, expressing my truth at the time, never thinking anyone would hear it and never imagining it would have such enduring relevance. I used to wonder if I would outgrow the song, but it still feels like it’s lyrically relevant today. It’s amazing to see how the songs from this album continue to connect after all these years.

What are your earliest memories of falling in love with music in O.C.? My very first memories are of going to bluegrass festivals with my parents. My parents were big music lovers. Even at my grandparents�� house, I listened to The Andrews Sisters and was introduced to The Sound of Music and Annie soundtracks. I can remember listening to Shaun Cassidy in third grade, and from there, my older brother brought home a Madness record, which was underground music that wasn’t popular. Once we found that, we thought doing this type of music was what was going to sort of define us. It was that age when you were trying to find yourself and trying to find an identity, and we identified with this fun, quirky music from London. We felt like we discovered something we could wrap our arms around and make our own. We were kids and this inspired us to be in a band.

Can we expect new music? Yes, of course! I’ve been working on new music for a while. The longer you do this, you realize that it’s not so much about the end game; it’s really about the process. Being in the studio, creating music, is therapeutic, and it feels like I’m living my purpose. It’s starting to get to the point where I can see the finish line of this chapter and at the point where I’m ready to share it. Then, I want to move on to more music.

Who are you currently listening to? Lately, I’ve been listening to Linda Ronstadt. I love to listen to ’70s soft rock playlists, as well as songs from my childhood. I guess they call it yacht rock.

You’re also a successful fashion designer, and 2022 marked the launch of your cosmetics line. What products are staples for you from GXVE? I love every GXVE Beauty product, but I really love our mascara. It’s super volumizing, and the formula doesn’t flake or smudge. My latest launches are our Dewyplump Collagen Lip Gels and Cheek Tints, which I debuted at Coachella. I spent a lot of time developing these products to make sure they could perform in any setting, from the stage to everyday life. The Dewyplump Collagen Lip Gels and Cheek Tints have beautifully buildable pigments that pair really well with lipsticks and powder blushes; [they’re] melty and hydrating without feeling sticky.

You continue to elevate the fashion game—if you could swap closets with anyone, who would it be? Rihanna. At each point in her life, including becoming a mother and throughout her career, she always has incredible style that reflects both her and her artistry.

You’ve lived many lives in your career. When did you first feel like you ‘made it’? There was a particular show where I was performing with a band member, Alan Meade. We usually sang harmonies together, but on that night, he couldn’t make it to the show. So, I ended up performing solo. It was just me. I remember feeling an inner sense of ease onstage that night. It felt so right, so easy, as if I had discovered my gift. Even though I hadn’t achieved commercial success yet, that night made me feel like I had found myself and what I was good at. I will never forget walking into the parking lot after the show and feeling [like], ‘This is me.’

[lboogie1906]

Samuel Leroy Jackson (December 21, 1948) is an actor and producer. The films in which he has appeared have collectively grossed over $27 billion worldwide, making him the second highest-grossing actor of all time. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences gave him an Academy Honorary Award as “A cultural icon whose dynamic work has resonated across genres and generations and audiences worldwide”.

He was born in DC, the only child of Elizabeth Harriett and Roy Henry Jackson. He grew up in Chattanooga. He intended to study marine biology, attended Morehouse College, found an interest in acting, and switched his major before graduation.

He started his career on stage making his professional theatre debut in Mother Courage and Her Children. He originated the role of Private Louis Henderson in A Soldier’s Story. He originated the role of Boy Willie in The Piano Lesson. He returned to the play playing Doaker Charles. His roles include Coming to America, Goodfellas, Patriot Games, Juice, True Romance, Jurassic Park, Menace II Society, Fresh, School Daze, Do the Right Thing, Mo’ Better Blues, Jungle Fever, Oldboy, and Chi-Raq.

His breakout role was in Pulp Fiction which earned him a BAFTA Award win and a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. He starred in Jackie Brown, Django Unchained, The Hateful Eight, Die Hard with a Vengeance, A Time to Kill, The Long Kiss Goodnight, The Negotiator, Deep Blue Sea, Unbreakable, Shaft and its reboot, XXX, S.W.A.T., Coach Carter, Snakes on a Plane, Kingsman: The Secret Service, Kong: Skull Island, and Glass.

He was the Jedi Mace Windu in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, voicing the role in Star Wars: The Clone Wars and the video game Lego Star Wars: The Clone Wars. He played Fury in 11 Marvel films, beginning with Iron Man, as well as guest-starring in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. He will reprise this role in Secret Invasion. He has provided his voice for several animated films, documentaries, television series, and video games, including Frozone in The Incredibles and Incredibles 2.

He married actress and producer LaTanya Richardson (1980) and they have a daughter. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence

[uexcelerate]

[broadcastarchive-umd]

#VoxPop The long-running radio interview program Vox Pop highlighted many aspects of American culture during the 1930s and 1940s. One of the show’s favorite themes was college life. From 1940 to 1947, Vox Pop broadcast from 23 college campuses all over the country interviewing students, faculty, administrators, and coaches. 

On September 15, 1941, Vox Pop broadcast from Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, to interview incoming freshmen. Wally Butterworth interviewed 18-year-old Claude Bittle of Madisonville, Kentucky. Here, Bourne Ruthrauff of the Ruthrauff & Ryan Advertising Agency presents Bittle with several textbooks for the coming semester. Bittle is surrounded by an old jalopy and firewood presented to other students. 

As was the case for many men of his generation, Bittle’s schooling was interrupted by service in World War II. He reported for active duty in 1943 and served with the United States Army Air Force in China, where he was awarded a Purple Heart. After the war, he graduated from Duke, passed the bar exam, and started a law firm in Durham, North Carolina. He died in 1997 at the age of 73. 

Source: Parks Johnson collection on Vox Pop

[bakersstreetirregulars]

In the Shadows of the Dunes - The Editor’s Hot Take

Okay… the update is over and we’re gonna see more Lotus lore soon, but in the aftermath of this burning mess of an update this March… LET’S GET THIS OVER WITH. No Cookie commentary. No seasonal things like Trophy Race and Guild Run. This is all talk with your Editor Meringue, AKA DerpyToad the blog mod, about the temporary main events and the Cookies as someone who’s been playing since August 2018 and slowly getting more burnout. If you want more of these hot takes from me in the future, or have follow-up thoughts and comments about what I had to say, do let me know.

Main Event- Village of Mirages

The concept of this event was recycled from last month. Just get the ranks using the new Cookies, then get the S rank to unlock hard mode. The primary difference was their execution of bonus content and rewards in the hard modes, which did- to their merit- award a Legendary Treasure which I’ve yet to examine: the Lamp of Endless Dreams. The Jobs seemed interesting, although some did take a few tries to do if you missed the mark by *that* much. Normal Mode basically dictates two options: get the new Cookie, or use GingerBrave. As we all know, score-wise, Brave can’t do much even if he’s maxed out. The story content was decent enough (no, this isn’t concerning the individual Cookies, I’ll get to them later) as a whole, and it was rather easy to unlock entire segments in one sitting. The minor rewards were substandard. What can you even buy with a whopping 20 Crystals from getting the rank? Absolutely Nothing.

April Fools- Doughnut Ball Invasion

Intentionally-shoddy MS Paint graphics and choppy music aside, this year’s event was the most intriguing of the lot yet (also counting stand-alone events like Brave’s Trial, Bright’s Trial, Brave’s NEW Trial, and Invocation Card Matching). The addition of an actual story (and making Mic Mac canon in CROB as a “coach” with his own voiceover commentary) makes it more engaging to a point until you finish it since the rewards besides the Costume, story cutscenes, and Title were a combination of 1s and 4s, which could make it either very high or very low. It put the running concept in a new light since you aren’t auto-running like Donkey Kong Country’s minecart segments. You have to punt your now limbless Brave with accuracy (blindly without crosshairs, I should add) so he lands where you want him, and so he doesn’t roll backwards down a hill and lose you progress. The challenges were reasonable to a point, but anything at 3-2 onwards was trickier to get due to intense platform-punting under the risk of rolling back down a hill or into a hole. Fall in the hole, and it’s Game Over immediately. Add the low gravity in area 4, and you’ll have yourself one helluva time trying to regain control while not falling in said holes while your energy ticks down.

The Cookies- Centipede and Peppercorn

*sigh* Once again… that’s a double yikes. Did they even bother to hire a historian or something to fact-check their work for sensitivity in SWANA culture? Bet not. The outfits are a considerable problem in stereotyping. The fact that Centipede has a whip and Peppercorn has bombs *ahem* smoke bombs doesn’t make it any better. Heck, Peppercorn having anything remotely similar to a cartoonish bomb 💣 (see that emoji for example) while being part of a Yogurca update (which dropped during Ramadan, I should add) makes it all a big red flag, clan’s assassins and rogues or not. I shouldn’t have to explain why this is a problem besides referencing tragedies that happened in the last thirty years that stemmed from explosions. Also add a BOMB JELLY SET to this mix, and that’s Strike Three and You’re Out!

Report Card

Here’s what I thought of it all using this grading scale, with F being the worst and L being the best:

F, E, E+, D, D+, C, C+, B, B+, A, A+, S, S+, SS, SS+, SSS, L

Village of Mirages

Gameplay: B

Maps: B+

Minor Rewards: E

Main Rewards: S

Side Challenges (Jobs): A+

Story: B+

Scoring Requirements: C

Fun Factor: C+

Overall: B

Doughnut Ball Invasion

Gameplay: SS

Map: B

Minor Rewards: D

Main Rewards: C+

Side Challenges: C

Story: A+

Scoring Requirements: B

Fun Factor: A+

Overall: B+

Centipede Cookie and Peppercorn Cookie

Gameplay Skill: C+

Story: D+

Appearance: F

Accessories: F

Pets: C

Overall Gameplay Utility: B

Timing of Release: F

Fun Factor: D

Overall: D

Final Grade: C+

Could Be Better, But Eh…

So… do you think I was too harsh? Not harsh enough? Do you want me to do more of these hot takes? Any suggestions for the future? I’m all ears for your input, and I hope they do better next time.

[jenifersohowe]

AMERICANS FAMILY DESIGNERS & MAKERS & PROFESSIONALS SPORT PLAYERS WITH A...

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[annieqattheperipheral]

WTH IS THIS ARTICLE we have a super spy hockey ninja on the leafs now????

i have no idea who this is and treliving we have no choice but to follow you to the fiery depths of leafie hell but yooo this dude sounds fire for team culture and at bargain price so colour me INTRIGUED

am34's new bunts/bff??? an older rookie'esque grinder who can play top 6.. he does love his geriatric young-at-hearts who beckon to him to be the star and apparently this fella's a chameleon shapeshifter off the ice or something i cannot get a read on this ghost

full article:

The text messages among a group of former University of Denver teammates almost always follow a similar pattern: Someone will try to pry information out of Dylan Gambrell, the 26-year-old centre carving out an NHL career for himself. Yet before they know it, those same friends will instead find themselves sharing insight into their own life and career as the crafty and elusive Gambrell has managed to flip the tables.

That’s the way Gambrell operates.

Sharing personal details doesn’t come naturally to Gambrell. Instead, the Maple Leafs centre signed to a one-year, $775,000 contract this offseason is at his most content when he’s surrounded by teammates, keeping the conversation going but still keeping his cards close to his chest.

“He’s a silent assassin,” former Denver teammate Blake Hillman said of Gambrell. “He doesn’t say much, but he’s very cerebral about the way he handles his life.”

With the likes of Tyler Bertuzzi, Max Domi and John Klingberg joining the Leafs via free agency, the addition of Gambrell has flown under the radar. He’s 26 but has already spent parts of six seasons in the NHL. Early indications are that Domi — despite having played centre before — will line up on the wing to start his Leafs career. And so there looks to be a hole in the fourth-line centre role. Pontus Holmberg could be in contention for the job, given his defensive acumen and how well he adapted in a short amount of time during his 37-game NHL rookie stint last year.

But right now, Gambrell might be in the pole position for the job.

“(Gambrell) has played a lot in the league over the past few years,” Leafs GM Brad Treliving said. “I think he is going to provide us with good depth.”

Those who know Gambrell believe his journey has given him the kind of experience and know-how that could allow him to surprise some onlookers, make the most of his time in Toronto and grab onto a full-time NHL spot.

Throughout Gambrell’s three seasons at the University of Denver, teammates and the coaching staff rarely had to worry much about him.

Not when Gambrell was showing his strong puck skills and speedy skating in a top-six role in just his second year with the program, and putting up more than a point per game throughout his entire three-season NCAA career. And not when contributing in all situations including in key moments late in games en route to a national championship in 2017.

The responsible game Gambrell employed mirrored who Gambrell was off the ice: low-maintenance and remarkably mature. During Gambrell’s 2015-16 freshman season, he was voted the “Most Put Together” teammate in a year-end awards ceremony.

“He’s always been one of those guys looking out for everyone else,” Hillman said of Gambrell.

Gambrell credits moving far away from his Bonney Lake, Wash., home to Colorado at 14 and moving in with the family of future Boston Bruin Brandon Carlo while playing Triple-A hockey as the reason for his early maturity.

“He was always involved (with the team) and always in the mix, in a good way,” Gambrell’s former Denver assistant coach David Carle said.

Carle was invited to Gambrell’s July wedding and was taken aback by the fact that nearly 20 former teammates of different ages were invited. He then remembered what kind of person Gambrell is.

Whenever Carle would tuck his head in on team functions, he would see the entire Denver team in attendance. And he’d then hear later that was because it was Gambrell who would make the effort to include every player, regardless of age or standing within the team.

“(Gambrell) likes to relate to everyone, and in different ways, which is a pretty unique characteristic of his,” former Denver teammate Logan O’Connor said of Gambrell.

While Gambrell might not necessarily be as gregarious as, say, fellow new Leaf Ryan Reaves, his high comfort level with different types of teammates is nonetheless notable. Treliving said early in free agency that he had heard this Leafs team is a “quiet group.” And so Gambrell’s efforts to be consistently inclusive with teammates could have made him an attractive signing in Treliving’s eyes.

“He’s a guy who endears himself well to his teammates because of the quality of person he is, and the values he has,” Carle said.

Being low-maintenance helped Gambrell move on from Denver and earn three different contracts with the San Jose Sharks after being drafted in the second round of the 2016 draft. He spent most of his first full pro season in the AHL learning the ropes, and learning some hard lessons about sticking in the NHL.

Consistency didn’t come easy. Some nights Gambrell looked like the best player on the ice during a 51-game season with the AHL’s San Jose Barracuda, other nights he’d struggle to impact the game.

“He was really hard on himself,” Gambrell’s then-Barracuda head coach Roy Sommer said. “If he didn’t get the results he liked, it affected his personality a little bit. But he started getting better at that.”

Gambrell came to a realization not every young professional comes to: The highly skilled player he was in college, who produced plenty of offence over his three-year career, might not be the player he could be in the NHL.

He’d have to embrace more of the 200-foot game he played at times in college and focus on impacting the game with finer details as opposed to only on the scoresheet. It ended up becoming one of his most important realizations as a pro to date.

“I had to change my game,” Gambrell admits. “Obviously there was a maturing phase, and I realized my defensive game was going to be a much bigger thing. I always thought I was a 200-foot player, but I had to realize how important the defensive side of the game is, too.”

And again, he did it all with the kind of coachable attitude that has endeared him to those who know him. He might have been a relatively high draft pick with a promising offensive future, but his maturity helped him come to an understanding of his NHL future that can be difficult for some to swallow.

“I never once saw him text and complain about being on the fourth line,” Hillman said.

That’s not who he is.

“You’ve got to find your niche,” Gambrell said of his NHL career. “(Playing defensively) was something that helped keep me in the lineup.”

Throughout his four seasons in San Jose, he admired the way veterans such as Joe Pavelski handled themselves with consistent professionalism on and off the ice. It meant that when he landed in Ottawa after an October 2021 trade, he stuck in the NHL with the Ottawa Senators. He scored just seven goals in his 123 NHL games in Ottawa, but the experience added up, as did his ability to read games with his hockey IQ and learn to be in the right spots defensively by utilizing his smarts and speed.

That maturity, skill set and NHL experience could see him beat out the incumbent Holmberg in a training camp battle.

“I think (the Leafs) like my energy and speed and the responsible side of the game that I can bring,” Gambrell said.

The battle for the fourth-line centre role will be one of the few roster battles to watch once Leafs training camp gets underway in September. After a career spent largely out of the limelight, Gambrell will have more eyeballs on him and his play than ever before. To win a spot, he’ll need to show more offence in his game than he has in the NHL. That’s partly why he’s planning on arriving in Toronto well ahead of training camp to acclimatize himself with his new teammates and start developing some chemistry on the ice early on.

But it feels likely the increased attention Gambrell will face in Toronto won’t faze him whatsoever. He’s built his career on keeping his head down and trying to improve.

Just ask his group chat.

“He’s very good at not showing emotion. He always reacts to every situation with calm,” Hillman said. “If there’s one person who will be able to tune everything out, it’s him.”

[fictionfromafar]

Deadly Autumn Harvest

By Tony Mott

Translated by Marina Sofia

Corylus Books

This is the long awaited English debut by Romanian crime fiction author Tony Mott. Set in her home city of Brașov is a city in the Transylvania region, ringed by the Carpathian mountains. I believe this may actually be the second book in a series featuring forensic pathologist Gigi Alexis, yet was presumably chosen as her English language debut as it was seen as a good introduction by the publisher, Corylus Books.

Accessible it certainly is. After a heart stopping and short opening sequence, the novel quickly introduces Alexis. Having just returned from holiday it takes no time to begin to discover elements of her personal life, her work environment and her dark sence of humour. Having established the basics, our new protagonist is quickly called to a crime scene where ominously the investigating officer warns Alexis that the murder victim shares a strong resemblance to her. This crime is perplexing as there is no obvious motive and due to the unique placing of the corpse. It isn't long before it becomes clear to the reader that this is a police division under the pressure of a new chief and secondly that the views and opinions of a female civilian are judged secondary to those of male police officers

As further events including subsequent mystifying murders unfold it appears that Brașov could be facing the almost unique predicament of having a serial killer at large where Alexa will require to channel all her wits and experience, as well as her powers of persuasion in order to attempt to make these crimes stop and find the perpetrator.

Readers will find that Deadly Autumn Harvest is an absorbing introduction to Romanian crime fiction, although it also complements well previous novels already available to English language readers from the same publisher. It offers a fascinating insight into murder investigations in the former communist country and also is a very revealing introduction to Brașov and it's surrounding area which will appeal to many existing readers of crime fiction. I strongly recommend it and look forward to reading more novels by Tony Mott in the future.

Deadly Autumn Harvest

A series of bizarre murders rocks the beautiful Carpathian town of Braşov. At first there’s nothing obvious that links what look like random killings.

With the police still smarting from the scandal of having failed to act in a previous case of a serial kidnapper and killer, they bring in forensic pathologist Gigi Alexa to figure out if several murderers are at work – or if they have another serial killer on their hands.

Ambitious, tough, and not one to suffer fools gladly, Gigi fights to be taken seriously in a society that maintains old-fashioned attitudes to the roles of women.

She and the police team struggle to establish a pattern, especially when resources are diverted to investigating a possible terrorist plot. With the clock ticking, Gigi stumbles across what looks to be a far-fetched theory – just as she realises that she could be on the murderer’s to-kill list.

Author bio:

Tony Mott was born and bred in Braşov, which often forms the backdrop for her novels. She has worked internationally as a coach and HR professional, but her real passion remains writing. In 2022 she received the Romanian Mystery&Thriller Award. Deadly Autumn Harvest is the first novel in the Gigi Alexa series to be translated into English.

Translator bio:

Marina Sofia is a translator, reviewer, writer and blogger, as well as a third culture kid who grew up trilingual in Romanian, German and English. Her previous translations for Corylus Books are Sword by Bogdan Teodorescu and Resilience by Bogdan Hrib. She has spent most of her winters in Braşov skiing, so is delighted to translate a book set in her favourite Romanian town.

ISBN 978-1-7392989-1-3

£9.99

Many thanks to Corylus Books for an advance copy of Deadly Autumn Harvest and to Ewa Sherman for inclusion on the blog tour. Please check out the other reviews of this book on the blog tour as shown below.