#good read

[alexbkrieger13]

https://www.tsn.ca/hockey-canada/laura-stacey-details-journey-from-healthy-scratch-to-key-contributor-at-women-s-worlds-1.2285714

Stacey details journey from healthy scratch to key contributor at Women’s Worlds

Laura Stacey’s journey to being one of the premier power forwards in women’s hockey has been filled with epic highs and lows. 

The highs feature winning an Olympic gold medal in 2022, three World Championship titles and being one of the first three players signed by Montreal when the Professional Women’s Hockey League was founded in 2023.

The lows include breaking both her wrists at the same time in her final NCAA game at Dartmouth and the disappointment of not getting a lot of playing time for Team Canada earlier in her national team career. 

Now 30, Stacey has blossomed into a top player in the PWHL with the Victoire, seeing top-line minutes alongside teammate and wife Marie-Philip Poulin, with who she tied the knot in September of 2024. 

In her second PWHL season, Stacey had 10 goals and 20 points in 24 games before heading to her seventh Women’s World Championship in Czechia. She credits the maturation process for her current success as a player.  

“Honestly, a lot of people tell me I’m a completely different player and I do believe that to some extent, but I don’t think it has anything to do with skill,” Stacey told TSN. “Of course I worked on a lot of things, of course I’ve spent way more hours on the ice and have got to play with and against some amazing people that have pushed me, but I would say I’m more a different player just because I’ve matured. I’ve grown up.”

Team Canada forwards Blayre Turnbull and Emma Maltais both play for the PWHL’s Toronto Sceptres and have been on the opposing side several times the past two years with the task of trying to stop Stacey.  

“It's a challenge,” said Turnbull. “She's relentless with her work ethic and her commitment to winning battles and to getting the puck to the net. So, as someone who often has to try to shut that down, it can be very challenging at times. She's someone, as everyone knows, if you watch a PWHL game that she's in, her speed is incredible. So, trying to match her speed and her work ethic is definitely a challenge, but I always find it really fun.”

“I think also her ability to take control of a game, take the puck from end to end and maintain possession of it, is a really big quality,” said Maltais. “She's scary whenever she has the puck.” 

PWHL: Victoire 4, Frost 1

00:02 / 01:21

PWHL: Victoire 4, Frost 1Marie-Philip Poulin and Laura Stacey each scored two goals to help the Victoire secure the first PWHL playoff spot this season after a victory over the Frost. Montreal moved into sole possession of first place in the standings after its first regulation win in its last six road games.

Despite making seven straight Worlds rosters and the past two Olympic teams, Stacey admits she still gets nervous when a new Canadian roster is about to drop.

Stacey’s first few experiences playing at the Women’s Worlds did not go how she wanted. She debuted in 2017 and did not register a point in five games as Canada went home with silver. In 2019, she had three points in seven games, but Canada had a program-low result of bronze.  

Fast forward to 2021 when Canada rose up to win gold at the Worlds for the first time since 2012, Stacey was in the stands as a healthy scratch and appeared in just one game the entire tournament.  

“Making the senior team is quite the jump,” said Stacey. “I think  when you’re a young kid you just think, ‘Okay I’m going to make the U18 team, I’m going to make the development team and then I’m going to make the senior team’ and I think there was quite a bit of a news flash to me when that linear progression got halted quite a few times and you don’t know what the difference is. You don’t know what that next step looks like, but you see other people making it.”

Canadian national team head coach Troy Ryan remember having a lot of frank conversations with Stacey about where she belonged on the team.

“I give her a lot of credit for actually just taking the time to meet with me, to share some of her thoughts,” said Ryan. “And I know she went through a hard journey herself in trying to navigate where she fits on the national-team level.  

“I don't think, me as a coach, but her as an athlete, if we ever get to the point where we are today right now in our coach-athlete relationship, if Laura doesn't take the time to have those tough conversations and try to get an idea where I may be thinking or where our staff may be thinking and where she believes she could be as an athlete.” 

Stacey says it started by focusing on being the best forechecker on the team with eyes on eventually being the best penalty killer. She had her best World Championship outing offensively last year, with two goals and three assists in seven games as Canada won gold.

Maltais, who was also on that gold-medal winning roster in 2024, counts Stacey as one of her best friends and has matching tattoos with her and forward Jill Saulnier after the trio played together at the 2022 Olympics. As one of the younger players who made the senior team for the first time in 2021, she says Stacey is a role model.  

“Laura is one of the more resilient people that I've met,” said Maltais. “I think her experience – she's really had to battle back to become who she wants to be. And I think that's what makes her such an inspiring role model for a lot of us. I think the way she carries herself on a daily basis, she's not arrogant. She doesn't expect anything to come to her. She just does it. And I think those years of adversity for her definitely shaped her into who she was.” 

Despite all the trials and tribulations, Stacey doesn't take her success for granted and is not content to rest on her laurels. 

“It definitely wasn’t a linear, easy path but I think all of us can kind of relate to that,” said Stacey. “There’s ups and downs, there’s broken bones, there’s heartache, there’s getting cut, there’s all of those in between. But I think once you have that spark, once you have that feeling of ‘Oh my gosh there’s so much possible here’ I think it just keeps driving you and pushing you forward.” 

[charlotte-queen-owl]

Bro just spawned... 💀

[caleism-1]

Being the Ghost King is surprisingly boring when you're good at the job and therefore your people are at peace. In an attempt to escape his mind numbing boredom (and do a favor for Lady Gotham) Danny begins his ten step plan to help the city without donning the Phantom 'cape' once more.

Too bad the Waynes and Gotham's vigilantes seem to be taking such an interest in the strange man who willingly moved TO Gotham to open a daycare in the Bowery. It's fine, this is all fine, what could go wrong?

Turns out- a lot.

[deadrayg2mf]

The Gargoyle's Captive (A Deal with a Demon #3) by Katee Robert

Honestly, like, what do I even say at this point that ya'll haven't heard from me about how much I freakin' love Katee Robert and this series. I will keep this one brief for real because if I don't it'll just be like "Oh my god, Ray, shut the fuck up we get it - this book came out three months ago you're late to the party!"

Okay, so aside from it being Katee freakin' Robert, this book is full of enemies to lovers, femdom, grief-consumed protags, and - my favorite, of course - angst. Yeah, did I see the plot twist coming from a mile away? One thousand percent. Did I care? Frick no. Okay, so we're following the same story - deal with a demon, seven years basically married to leader of demon territory, maybe a baby... But this time, it's Grace the monster hunter and Bram the Gargoyle.

Grace is another enjoyable female lead who is a headstrong take-no-shit kinda gal, probably what you would expect from someone who makes a living out of hunting monsters. She's the last of her family and she's really only here for answers because Azazel happens to be the same demon her mother, who disappeared, made a bargain with, and by golly, she is going to get those answers even if it means selling seven years of her life. Bram is traumatized, grief-stricken, lonely, and at this point has the most sad-boy, giving up on life, fuck it energy I've ever seen in a protagonist - and I am so here for it. I eat that shit up. I love the tragics - stories and characters. He's also the last of his family after his entire family was murdered by an outsider his father brought in. He doesn't actually really want to be there but the opportunity and benefits it brings are too good to pass up, especially when you're in the leadership position he is...

I loved the story clearly, and really liked how handling grief was portrayed, no two people will be able to handle it the same even when they are in the same situation. Grace dug her heels in and became even more stalwart and determined while Bram gave in to the grief of loss and resigned himself to an empty life... and even potentially having it purposely ended at the hands of a scrappy little monster hunter in the bath... They are two people coming to terms with events of the past, the shadow of their parents, and suddenly dealing with someone new who they bought at an auction/got auctioned to for the next seven years that they don't necessarily get along with. That's right, they're totally toxic for each other. Don't worry, we're always promising happy endings here :) It's fast paced, there's a lot to get through in 186 pages, but I really think it was done to the best of its ability. Do I wish this was 500 pages? Uh, YEAH, but it is what it is and what it is, is really good. I will admit... it took me a hot minute to slug through obviously. I actually feel a little bad about this review because I was kind of forcing myself to read this. I wasn't in the right headspace and so while objectively I knew I was enjoying it I was also aware that I was, like, not locked in. I am very much intending to reread it when I'm not begrudgingly reading while rotting in bed just because nothing sounds enjoyable.

With that, I swear I am not just pulling shit out of my ass with everything I've told you. I really did enjoy the book, I love the way it's written, I liked the characters, the cover art is amazing, and it's just another great addition to the Deal with a Demon series. I think I'll give it a solid.... 7.9/10 with subject to change in the future :)

Would I read again? Yes, I plan to. Once the pesky ole depression and imminent demise anxiety wear off.

Would I recommend? Of cousre, I'm always recommending Katee Robert... I'm not sure what happens on the day I don't...? Does the world end?

[sisaloofafump]

"Most fans agree that not only could Batman ride a shark while wielding a lightsaber if he felt like it, but it is almost inevitable that he do so"

... is such a banger line. Thank you Jennifer Dondero

From "Dark Hero Rising: How Online Batman Fandom Helped Create A Cultural Archetype " in the book Fan Phenomena: Batman edited by Liam Burke

[shakerofthebutt9000]

How i feel when my progress on a drawing doesn't save

I'm working on a crappy comic for school and it got deleted at some point so that was fun

[thehutpoint]

Madness, scurvy, dark polar night and Froald Cookmundsen. "Madhouse at the end of the world" is all a girl needs for a long November evening.

[illusoryfem]

Who the hell are 2girls1bottl3?

[alexbkrieger13]

https://bolztribuene.de/2024/12/15/tuerchen-15-ann-katrin-bergers-realitaet-schlaegt-alle-maerchen/?fbclid=PAY2xjawHL4uVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABplCEo0fArmgw2lri_yDNrFTMR2dXLD7zN7K3FwoYpeB4Wce-WnHvbphdbg_aem_7rOJPJD97GwQcyEJLTxByQ

I think thats one of the Best articles i read about ann this year.

[friendzonedloser]

[hummussexual]

Excerpt:

What does it mean to decolonize gender?

First, let’s break down the idea of decolonization, or the process by which colonized people take back power from colonizers. Decolonization at its core is about breaking down power structures imposed by colonizers onto colonized folks, and reclaiming land, knowledge, and cultural values lost to colonization.

From the movement for a free Palestine to the Puerto Rican crusade for independence to the push for Hawaiian sovereignty, taking back land and ancestral knowledge lies at the root of decolonial struggle. For Land Back, the decentralized movement for the sovereignty of Indigenous peoples, decolonization means “the reclamation of everything stolen from the original peoples: land, language, ceremony, food, education, housing, healthcare, governance, medicines, kinship.”

In order to decolonize gender, it’s crucial to understand the history of how gender was colonized in the first place. Prior to European colonization of what we now know as the Americas, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, gender variant people existed all over the world. Indigenous nations across Turtle Island (North America) and Abya Yala (South America) often revered the gender variant people in their communities, as they held sacred titles and performed important duties such as healing and governing. When European colonizers took the land, they brought their own narrow ideas of gender to the continent and attempted to eradicate Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer people. In addition to outright brutality and genocide, these colonizers also attempted to “civilize” Native people through institutions like the Indian boarding school system, which sought to destroy traditional ways of Indigenous life by forcing Christian values on them, including by demonizing any gender variance or queerness.

Decolonizing gender means undoing centuries of teachings that asserted Indigenous thinking of gender and sexuality were “savage” or “wrong,” and understanding that the binary of “man” and “woman” is rooted in European colonization.

...

[rawr-horseart]

What's wrong with you? Tell me all your problems, let it out What's wrong with you? Tell me all your secrets, get it out I don't know why these monsters Are trapped in my head I keep trying to put them to bed

. . _

[krumpkin]

This is a book I enjoyed , if you like ( Horror, Thrillers, Fiction ) Then it's worth giving this one a try, I enjoyed it 😊. I've added a little synopsis below to give you an idea of what it's about 😁.

Synopsis :

In 1945, Hitler unleashed the Blood Death on Britain as his final act of vengeance.Those who died at once were the lucky ones. The really unfortunate took years. The survivors - people like me, who had the blood group that kept us safe from the disease - were now targets for those who believed our blood could save them.I survived for three years. I lived alone, spending my days avoiding the fascist Blackshirts who wanted my blood for their dying leader. Then I met the others - and life got complicated all over again . . .

[jk-authors-jimmymack1967]

Step into the Swinging Sixties with Street Fighting Man!

Discover the seventh instalment of the Jimmy Mack series—a vibrant, immersive journey through the heart of 1968 London. As the second novel in the electrifying 1968 Trilogy (following the acclaimed 1967 Trilogy), Street Fighting Man takes you deeper into the era that changed everything.

Follow James “Mack” MacKinnon, a sharp-witted young Mod turned top London fashion photographer, as he navigates a life of love, ambition, rebellion, and revenge, as well as overcoming fashion industry intrigue, deception, and malice along the way. Mack’s unconventional romance with Effy, his successful fashion-designer fiancée, and two stunning models—Angie and Joy—challenges societal norms, setting the stage for a bold exploration of relationships, friendship, and passion in a changing world.

This isn’t just a love story; it’s a vivid snapshot of a transformative decade. The Jimmy Mack series is your backstage pass to the dynamic fashion scene, the sexual revolution, and the seismic political and societal shifts of 1960s Britain. Through its existential lens, the series unpacks politics, class divides, religion, crime, and the cultural upheavals that defined an era.

Young Mod ‘Mack’ MacKinnon lives in life's fast lane and is obsessed with revenge. How far is he prepared to go to avenge Effy's rape by movie star Grant Ladron?

Mystique magazine needs him to work in Paris. With the May 1968 student riots about to erupt, he will find himself in more danger recording the violent events with his camera. Konstantinos,

the shipping tycoon, will also be in Paris thirsting for revenge against him.

Alice, one of Mack's top models, has arranged a series of high-paying fashion photoshoots

in California. The trip could be the perfect opportunity to destroy Grant Ladron's Hollywood career.

Will he find a way to destroy Ladron? Can Mack end the vendetta with Konstantinos?

Can he avoid falling for Alice's beguiling charms when they are alone together?

Each chapter is paired with a handpicked soundtrack—iconic songs that amplify the drama, emotions, and atmosphere, bringing the swinging sixties alive on every page.

W Step into the Swinging Sixties with Street Fighting Man!

Discover the seventh instalment of the Jimmy Mack series—a vibrant, immersive journey through the heart of 1968 London. As the second novel in the electrifying 1968 Trilogy (following the acclaimed 1967 Trilogy), Street Fighting Man takes you deeper into the era that changed everything.

Follow James “Mack” MacKinnon, a sharp-witted young Mod turned top London fashion photographer, as he navigates a life of love, ambition, rebellion, and revenge, as well as overcoming fashion industry intrigue, deception, and malice along the way. Mack’s unconventional romance with Effy, his successful fashion-designer fiancée, and two stunning models—Angie and Joy—challenges societal norms, setting the stage for a bold exploration of relationships, friendship, and passion in a changing world.

This isn’t just a love story; it’s a vivid snapshot of a transformative decade. The Jimmy Mack series is your backstage pass to the dynamic fashion scene, the sexual revolution, and the seismic political and societal shifts of 1960s Britain. Through its existential lens, the series unpacks politics, class divides, religion, crime, and the cultural upheavals that defined an era.

Young Mod ‘Mack’ MacKinnon lives in life's fast lane and is obsessed with revenge. How far is he prepared to go to avenge Effy's rape by movie star Grant Ladron?

Mystique magazine needs him to work in Paris. With the May 1968 student riots about to erupt, he will find himself in more danger recording the violent events with his camera. Konstantinos,

the shipping tycoon, will also be in Paris thirsting for revenge against him.

Alice, one of Mack's top models, has arranged a series of high-paying fashion photoshoots

in California. The trip could be the perfect opportunity to destroy Grant Ladron's Hollywood career.

Will he find a way to destroy Ladron? Can Mack end the vendetta with Konstantinos?

Can he avoid falling for Alice's beguiling charms when they are alone together?

Each chapter is paired with a handpicked soundtrack—iconic songs that amplify the drama, emotions, and atmosphere, bringing the swinging sixties alive on every page.

Whether you’re a fan of vintage style, historical drama, or the timeless allure of love and rebellion, Street Fighting Man will sweep you off your feet and into the groove of 1968.

Relive the revolution. Rediscover the romance. Read Street Fighting Man!

Online from Amazon (Paperback/Kindle) or from FeedARead.com

Whether you’re a fan of vintage style, historical drama, or the timeless allure of love and rebellion, Street Fighting Man will sweep you off your feet and into the groove of 1968.