#he's the chubb king

[illiana-mystery]

He's so adorably chubby.

[redrose-arrow]

It’s been a week since I reread The Burning Bridge. Here’s a few things I’m still not over:

Will copying Halt in every manner possible and Halt having to physically move his face out of side to hide his smile. 

the ‘sir’ scene. I, for one, would be willing to call Gilan ‘sir’ every time of the day. 

Gilan literally being Horace’s biggest fan. 

Will’s character development in growing more confident, and Halt and Gilan aiding him in that. also, Horace. 

Gilan is consistent in one thing and one thing only and that’s showing up in KING DUNCAN’S WAR COUNCIL TENT with both the best and the worst new information. 

speaking of, David being so. done. with his son. and looking at Halt. who just shrugs. like yeah, neither dad knows what he’s doing. 

“burn the bridge”

Chubb being an icon during wartime, once again. 

the absolute devastated grief that Gilan and Halt shared when they had to wait for the battles to start and couldn’t just go look for Will. 

everyone thinking Halt is dead and then when Gilan arrives saying “Halt says” everyone going wHAT?!?!?!??!?!?!!?

David saying ‘don’t make me stop you, Halt. we’ve been friends far too long’ - like YEAH THEY HAVE

I think it’s a little sad that Morgarath never knew that Halt didn’t just KNOW the Ranger’s apprentice Morgarath had kidnapped, but that it was HIS apprentice. Imagine the PURE RAGE if Morgarath had found out that HALT’S APPRENTICE OF ALL PEOPLE had burned down the bridge. 

first, Rodney adopting Teacher Mode and letting Horace right up with him. then him adopting Parent Mode when he saw how hurt he was. 

ARALD MISSING WILL TOO. 

that one final scene that I refuse to think about. 

[bitterseaproduction]

Some days you want to work hard on your little fanfic epics, spending hours detangling the lore and timeline and plans for stories crying in the night for an update, and some days you're sick off your rocker and just hacking a lung out while haze-blinking into the horizon as you halt reading someone else's fic summary mid-first sentence to hard left turn into a very blurry but detailed daydream about the dwarves thinking Bilbo died in the Battle of the Five Armies while Bilbo--unaware of a king and his company upending their own mountain in a fit of grief as he heals among the Men or Elves--ends up in an awkward Race to Mordor with a Sauron he is barely aware of alongside his own ironic Nine, made up of himself, Gandalf, Bard, Legolas, Tauriel, and a trio of dwarves (Dís, Gimli, Gimli's mom) plus an unexpected favorite cousin (Falco Chubb-Baggins) who all broke off from the first convoy of Blue Mountain immigrants to Erebor to go along and protect Bilbo.

Place bets now on how Thorin & Company hear of their burglar's survival and latest insanity (highest bids placed on the remaining Blue Mountain travelers passing along word vs a smarmy message from Thranduil), how quickly they shake off their shrouds of mourning and royal pseudo-widowhood, and where exactly on the path between Erebor and Mount Doom they manage to catch up to and dog pile an unwitting Hobbit.

[book-empire]

Has anyone noticed that Baron Arald has no heir?

After re-reading Ruins of Gorlan from Flanagans Ranger's Apprentice, it struck me at Choosing Day scene. In some way all the Craftmasters have chosen their heirs: Will is following in Halt footsteps and if Horace had stayed at Redmont Castle, he’d be probably part of the Battleschool with Sir Rodney. Alice und Pauline got really close to each other and George became a respected scriber. And, we all know about the competition between Jenny and Chubb.

But the only one who doesn't have an heir is Baron Arald. But why? It's not like he's lonely and abandoned. He has a wife Lady Sandra, and they are completely still in love with each other. At the same time, he has a large fief that has to be ruled by someone else after his death - usually the heir.

In the Middle Ages, the king divided his kingdom into fiefs and gave them to the nobles to govern - as in Araluen. At that time there were two cases: You kept the fief for life, so it belonged to the family and was therefore passed on, or you only got it for a few years. I wouldn’t have noticed the latter in Araluen (correct me if I am wrong).

So, who takes Arald's place after his death?

[frodothefair]

Frodo defending his gender nonconforming, possibly trans daughter

Random denizen of Hobbiton: First he lets her run wild with the lads and dress in breeches, and how she is a member of the king's guard in a city of MEN? The name Baggins is certainly in the dust now, if it wasn't already. Frodo: *eyes suddenly cold, half-closed, and his voice excruciatingly, lividly polite* And pray enlighten me, Mrs. Chubb, what business of yours is my daughter's life and choices? And also, may I remind you that my son is an apprentice healer, and fairly soon Dr. Boffin will retire and Samwise-lad will take his place. Surely, you want him to continue to pay special attention to your rheumatism?

(So I imagine Middle Earth does not really have LGBTQ discourse and vocabulary like we do, and it might actually be hard to discern at first, not the least for Galadriel Baggins herself, whether she is simply gender nonconforming or actually trans. But I imagine she uses a male form of address and even male pronouns when she serves as a citadel guard, though not necessarily with her family.)

[chodhound]

Wandering the Wandle - Part 2

Here's me looking at something:

From Beddington we went to the Grove in Carshalton (https://goo.gl/maps/34uxbuULu88kFpNB7) and looked at the ponds there. En route we observed a Lime bike had been thrown into a Lime Green pool which I thought was worth a photo only to be admonished by a local old lady who clearly thought we should be doing something about the aforementioned bike - we pointed out that we weren't the ones who put it there or indeed the council.

Still the ponds are very pretty.

Still the ponds are very pretty.

There was evidence in the park of the mills that made the Wandle famous:

And we saw some nature as well and then we walked along the appropriately named Mill Lane and tried to find the former snuff mill.

From there we looked at the bridge/viaduct of the railway over the Wandle and encountered Wilderness Island(https://goo.gl/maps/YRoMvFNf6jucWktG8) - we had some hijinks pretending to cross the river using a fallen tree in the manner of some brave explorers from something like King Solomon's Mines!

We carried on our adventure up towards Watercress Park (https://goo.gl/maps/u2gWsFxpktiCLCCt7) - where we met a man have a photoshoot on a bridge (his friend was using a long telephoto lens and complicated flash gun setup) - we didn't get a photo just in case they were famous (we didn't recognize them...)

Then up to the corner of Poulter Park (https://goo.gl/maps/u9KuyJo1xvYnNW6t6)

We talked about nature and birds and things and I observed that this would be a great place to spot a kingfisher and then a local fisherwoman appeared out of the reeds to tell us that as well as being an angler she was also a keen bird-spotter and whilst we might see a kingfisher at this spot - it was her opinion that we would have more luck further along the river. She did also mention that the river was unusually high because the local waterworks were releasing water (hopefully treated) into the river. We did notice a certain aroma in the air and commented on it - but she thought this was the smell of tyres (whether it was making or burning it wasn't clear).

We asked if she had had any luck today (which I believe is the correct question to ask fisherfolk) - and she replied with a chubb and two barbells which I thought was rather rude and so we bade her good day and continued on our travels.

Next stop was Watermeads Nature Reserve (https://goo.gl/maps/vDVj8crsfLo1tX3N6) - which was given to the National Trust by one of the National Trust's founders Octavia Hill.

It was rather lovely we saw some Jasmine (shown above) and some Japanese Knotweed (identified with Google Lens but not shown).

This is a rather splendid Plane tree in the Watermeads Nature reserve. The banks were busy with more fishermen.

Here is a rather funky video of a sluice

We crossed the river at Bishopsford Bridge and on the path there was a small family group having an impromptu gathering - the patriarch of the family was as wide as he was tall but they seemed to be having a nice time - two young girls had set up a stall and attempted to sell us some loom bands - two for the price of one, sirs they cried after us - but we had no change with which to batter with.

On towards Ravensbury Park - lots more fishermen here and some ne'er do wells on their bicycles and smoking recreational cigarettes and drinking cheap lager from cans.

We saw another lovely Heron

Then we popped into the Surrey Arms for a swift and revitalizing half of ale (for me) and cider (for Andy) - the bar lady on seeing us gave us a piece of blue kitchen roll to wipe our sweaty brows (because it was a warm day). We sat at the bar with the other regulars and watched Magic FM on the TV (Mmm Bop by Hanson - not the greatest song tbh). Upon starting to walk again we both found that we had started to get a little stiff - I think we where probably about halfway through our walk at this point. My ankle was aching slightly and Andy commented on his back - definitely a gentle comment on our progress on life's path.

Andy here professed his plans to run the London Marathon (if he get it in the ballot) - I think I volunteered to run a half to help him with training if he wanted...

Next stop - Morden Hall Park (https://goo.gl/maps/D682mjtGGm6NKfdQ9)

Suddenly it was busy - loads of kids and families having picnics and enjoying running around in the clear Wandle. It was a warm day - probably around 24C and it had been rather warm all week.

There was a bored looking security guard trying to stop kids from jumping from the bridge into the water.

More Snuff Mills!

More again next time on the thrilling and fast moving action packed instalment of the Wandle Wanderers.

[whattheabcxyz]

2023-06-01

Singapore

27-year-old man arrested for suspected DUI after BlueSG car crashes into traffic light at Sengkang

Virtual queue on day 1 of May BTO launch sees wait time of over an hour - HDB says wait time has now been reduced

Migrant worker wins $18,888 at company D&D - good for him!

CPIB investigates Seatrium (formerly Sembcorp Marine) for alleged corruption - company calls for trading halt

46-year-old man jailed 4 days in default of S$1.4K fine for smoking & staying at ECP park shelter without licence - pretty young for a hobo

80-year-old man receives written warning for not returning chopsticks, bowl & plate at Chinatown food complex - hope our r3tarded authorities are f**king happy

34-year-old married man smiles in court while being charged for voyeurism - he also wore some of his victims’ bras & photographed himself in them ...probably should be locked up in an asylum permanently

Lee Hsien Loong tests positive for COVID-19 again - thought the vaccines are supposed to prevent this sort of thing from happening?! LOL

Town councils to raise service & conservancy charges from next month

Up to 30 years’ jail for possession of cannabis with rollout of stricter drug laws - not strict enough if you ask me, thanks to what those idiot "humanitarians” might say

Man allegedly duped Chubb Insurance into paying out over $8.9m in false claims

Health

Singapore: Physiotherapists at TTSH emergency department reduce wait time & staff workload

Literature

^ Bonnacons were mythical medieval creatures with violent & explosive $hit farts

Nature

What is eating tons of millipedes on Tuckernuck Island? - it knew to leave the poisonous parts alone!

Travel

Canadian tourist bitten by monkey at Bali park despite warnings not to get too close - those monkeys are NOT your friends; too bad she had to learn the hard way!

Theme parks in Malaysia see boost in visitorship from locals & Singaporeans - due to school holidays

Business

Swatch dares Malaysia to confiscate rainbows after raid on Pride watches - LGBTQ agenda & Islam do not mix!

Finance

Singapore: Crypto.com gets major payment institution licence from MAS - good luck to anyone who still dares to get involved with these crypto scammers!

Society

12-year-old girl stabs 9-year-old brother to death - motive unknown

Politics

Japan: Kishida’s son to resign as secretary after “inappropriate” behaviour - another nepo baby bites the dust, but daddy will still take care of him, not to worry!!!

Singapore & China ink pact to set up bilateral defence hotline - China cannot be trusted, but apparently our top officials haven’t learned that yet

Transport

Singapore: New MRT trains with more space & larger windows to run on North-South & East-West lines from 4 Jun

Gossip

Shark Tank's Daymond John seeks restraining order against former show contestants - poor Daymond... you never know when these random crazies will turn the tables on you & become nasty

[illiana-mystery]

Paul, you really deserve so much better.

[djmordecai]

Rare Formz - Brand New Funk (official music video)

beats & cuts by @DJMordecai 

lyrics & vocals by Chris Miller 

engineered by James Swisher 

Rare Formz lettering by Brad Bacon 

from 2015's @rareformz6905 Rare Formz - The Album https://rareformz.bandcamp.com/album/... 

a tribute to @djjazzyjeff  & The Fresh Prince ( @WillSmith ) - Brand New Funk 

as well as an homage to our hip-hop heroes. 

shoutout to @TheFoundationhiphop 

 LYRICS: 

Brand New Funk (Get Down!) (Get Down!) Brand New Funk (funky) (Hit It!) Brand New Funk (Get Down!) (Get Down!) Brand New Funk (funky) (Hit It!) Brand New Funk (Get Down!) (Get Down!) Brand New Funk (funky) (Hit It!) Brand New Funk (Get Down!) (Get Down!) Brand New Funk (funky) (Hit It!) 

[Chris Miller - Verse 1] They want that old school rap back and cats want it ASAP so I'mma flip it on niggas, the track be the gym mat I’m at a high demand for rap fans I'm Outstanding like the Gap Band, check soundscans, More money than ever so ain't no margin for error and I've been eatin’ on MC’s since Tougher Than Leather and my peoples got my back, like Africans with Mandela. So you better put them glocks down like you were Heather ‘cause I get high like Dominique smokin’ the chronic leaf and I'm in and out the future like Quantum Leap Come follow me. I flow off old school beats just like Mahogany I'm so ‘90s with the gold chain and rockin’ wallabees I still gangsta boogie Kool G Rap my ass off get stomped out for pressin’ that fast forward Sucka MCs ain’t ready for fastball ‘cause my style intense like you takin’ that crash course 

[Chorus] my DJ [rock the beat] shout out to Marley Marl big ups to Chubb Rock Special Ed and Ice-T Monie Love and Geto Boys Schoolly D and Run-DMC   Spoonie Gee and Rob Base Nice & Smooth all day man. 

[Verse 2] I stayed criminal minded BDP first album, that was ‘87.I was up in project housin’ D.O.C. came with No One Could Do It Better. Then that Paid In Full album had a nigga wantin’ chedda. I freestyle in project hallways all day. Then Sir-Mix-A-Lot had that Posse On Broadway Flow like the incredible letter man. Red said, whateva, man. Big drove the caravan in Maryland. I was a student of the game when I learned from Kane before Meth I was bringin’ the pain like Memphis Bleek, I was comin’ of age I wanted to be Cool J when he walked on stage. He was King Hercules. He walked like a panther. Sun Rise In The East that Jeru Tha Damaja I reminisce like Pete Rock and CL peace to Melle Mel. Shante the illest female 

[Chorus] my DJ: (rock the beat) Shout out to De La Soul Craig G and Pete Nice Whodini, MC Shan Juice Crew, Ice Cube Shock G, Jungle Brothers Black Sheep and Latifah Peace shout to Nicki D 

[Verse 3] Whatchu know ‘bout Milk and Giz? And ain't nobody rock a party like Biz I want to dance like The Kangol Kid Scoob and Scrap Lover, Trouble T-Roy, even DJ Kool Herc even invented the b-boy. Take a look around like Master Ace, Public Enemy got me hype when they said they wanted “BASS!” Flavor Flav was the first hype man, I love British Knights, but really I was a Fila fan. Just somethin’ you wanna hear like Gang Starr and Premier with that flava in your ear. That Craig Mack that’s real Love MC Ren, but when Lyte dropped Paper Thin, cats like Drake wouldn'ta made it back then we had Prince Paul, Large Professor, big Daddy-O can't forget Kurtis Blow them word and real rap shows Parrish and Erick Sermon, Heavy D from Mount Vernon Joeski Love he even did the Pee-Wee Herman 

[Chorus] to my DJ: (rock the beat) shout out to Doug E. Fresh Dana Dane and Slick Rick the whole Get Fresh Crew Steady B, Kool Moe Dee Cold Crush Brothers and Busy Bee Prince Rakeem and UTFO Fat Boys and Chill Rob G. And we out. Yeah, can't forget my DJs, shout out to: DJ Kool Herc DJ Red Alert Paul C Jazzy Jeff Cash Money Grandmaster Flash Mr. Magic DJ Hollywood Jazzy Jay Eddie Cheeba DJ Charlie Chase DJ Chuck Chillout The Masterdon and DJ Davy DMX 

 fresh to death, man.

[genoa101]

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[acollectionofpotentialdrawings]

S & K

I am what I am Klangnomad Lyrics We have lyrics for 'I am what I am' by these artists: (Chill Out) Above and Beyond pres. Oceanlab I know you've read So many books You keep a breast of… above & beyond (oceanlab) I know you've read So many books You keep a best of… Above & Beyond ft. Oceanlab I know you've read So many books You keep a breast of… Above & Beyond Presents OceanLab Your splendor is boundless And You etch your name in the… Above & Beyond/Oceanlab I know you've read So many books You keep a breast of… Adrian Belew "Friends seen an` unseen...to you that are ridin` along In y… Albatross Something in the air bends around my firm resolve It's hard… Amateur Transplants … B-Luv I'm a champion, I'm a champion Yea Ybs I'm on a whole… Bacharach & David Ghost on the highway Bird with metal wings Ghost on the high… Bassey shirley I am what I am I am my own special creation So… Chubb Rock Here we go, ha ha Thou shalt not have no other… Coniption Fit First time I saw you, I failed to see The lies… Deathbringer Das menschliche Gefühl, das im Grunde genommen* oberflächlic… Deja Voodoo Spells I Am What I Am Free my soul, I wanna be, What I… Doro Some choose to remember Some choose to forget Some fall to… Douglas Hodge I am what I am I am my own Special Creation So come take a l… Duce Duce I am an Artist, a Student, a Street Scholar The son… Emma Muscat Every time I fall down As soon as I hit the… f.Jones I know momma loved me I reckoned that dad thought I… f.Jones/Hannah/Respect I'm not aware of too many things I know what I… George Hearn I am what I am, I am my own special… Gloria Gaynor It takes a lifetime to become the best that we… Greyhound I am what I am, yes, I'm one of the… Hannah Jones I am what I am I am my own special creation So… Hunter & the Bear Well I don't follow any trend I don't sulk for hours… Hunter and The Bear I find it takes some time to realize This life will… I-Roy O yea ,The darkest hours sometimes be the most fun Cause… Janet Glazener I am what I am I don't want praise I don't… Jerry Herman I am what I am I don't want praise I don't… Jerry Lee Lewis I am what I am I am my own special creation So… Jim & Ingrid Croce Perhaps I'll never show this world all I could be I… John Barrowman I am what I am I am my own special creation. So… Jonas Brother I am what I am I can't help myself And… Karen Mulder I am what I am I am my own special creation So… King Von Bow (what?) (Fivi, let's do it) (Von, heavy on it) What? (No… KMFDM Intimal, obsolete I overslept, arrived too late If nothing i… La Cage aux Folles i am what i am i am my own special creation so… La Cage Aux Folles Cast Ensemble: (Prelude, Reprise) We are what we are and… Leslie Uggams I am what I am I don't want praise I don't… LONDON THEATRE ORCHESTRA AND CAST He thinks that man is me He knew him at a… M.P.D. Limited Maybe I've longed for somebody like you Maybe I've longed fo… Mark Owen Looking at me, through the eye of a needle, Is a… Merle Haggard Things I learned in a hobo jungle Were things they never… N.D. Anderson Dancing, where the cloud touches light At dawn that is where… Nick Jonas I want someone to love me For who I am I want… O.B.I. I am the champion (okay) I am the champion (did it… Oceanlab I know you've read, so many books You keep abreast of… Respect Feat. Hannah Jones I am what I am I am my own special creation So… Sammy Davis What kind of fool am I Who never fell in love It… Shirley Bassey I am what I am I am my own special creation So… Since The Flood Every step I take they'll try, try to bring me… Spiritualized I am the tide that pulls the moon I am the… Steve White Intimal, obsolete I overslept, arrived too late If nothing i… Teatro I am what I am I am my own special… The Hotels We're told that we're all special from a very young… The Itals Jah-man, Jah-man, lead I not in aggravation Jah-man, Jah-man… The M.P.D. Limited I'm counting the stars Wherever you are The sky is so calm L… The Silver Stage Orchestra and Cast He thinks that man is me He knew him at a… The Village People I am, I am, what I am, what I am,… Tom Roble Follow your dreams Follow your dreams I am what I am I do… Various Artists Various Artists Europride Paris '97 I Am What I Am GLORIA GA… Village People I am, I am, what I am, what I am,… Zane Williams If I were an astronaut I'd bring you back a moon…

i am obsessed with this and with you what a beautiful poem you wrote me from the universe

[redrose-arrow]

okay so the Ranger’s Apprentice Tik Tok parody

Because y’all wanted 19 y/o me finish the thing that 14 y/o me (who was objectively on crack) started. Enjoy :).

Wake up in the morning feelin’ like Will Treaty (hey, what up boy?) Grab my scabbard I’m out the door; I’m gonna save this country (let’s go) Before I leave, have coffee, add a spoonful of honey  Ask questions all of the time, sarcasm ain’t funny

I’m talking arrows on our bows, bows Dressed up in green-grey clothes, clothes Realm-saving from all our foes, foes Trust the cloak, wearing our silver oakleaves Fighting off Morgarath’s thieves Don’t catch us moving unheard and unseen 

Don’t stop, burn the bridge Shenanigans on Nihon-Jan ridge Again, missed my dance Successfully ignored Halt’s glance It’s no lute - a mandola  Think no one likes my speech, no Oh, woah, woah-oh  Oh, woah, woah-oh More dogs, Tug has fun So many wars that I have won Halt he, is a king?! Your bow’s a stick without the string Tick-tock, on the clock But the duty don’t stop, no Oh, whoa, whoa-oh Oh, whoa, whoa-oh

Ain’t got a care in the world, and got plenty of plans Can make an army out nowhere, put a weapon in your hands And now the Skandians are lining up, ‘cause they hear I got Grimsdell Not even two Kalkara could make me say my last farewell

I’m talking royal apprentice out of hand, hand Temujai take the land, land Almost dying in Arridan hot sand, sand Now, now, I’m going ‘till I saved my friend’s crown Or Greybeard Halt shut us down, down Greybeard shut us down, down Grey- Grey- shut us down

Don’t stop, blow up the cave Ignore that time I was a slave Be strong, quick, and wise Don’t steal Chubb’s freshest pies Be thrown off your horse Thirty-three men is a force, oh Oh, whoa, whoa-oh Oh, whoa, whoa-oh Finally, a last name Though it came with quite some fame  I’m shy, a butterfly Climb up and touch the sky Magic, here and there But the thinking don’t stop, no Oh, whoa, whoa-oh Oh, whoa, whoa-oh

Warmweed, you built me up You broke me down  Have no trauma No, I’m healthy Put your hands up Take your clothes off You won’t come far In your undies Coffee, it builds me up Add more honey ‘Cause I’m a Ranger  Yeah I am one With my eyebrow raised Raise your eyebrow Raise your eyebrow

Now, the Gathering don’t start ‘till I walk in 

Don’t stop, make a joke Hide in your magical cloak Again, I’ma fight You know I will be alright Time is running out But the duty don’t stop, no Oh, whoa, whoa-oh Oh, whoa, whoa-oh Grew a beard, it looked weird When I shaved I was cheered Go on adventure Storm a castle just for her My life might be hard But I don’t stop smiling, no Oh, whoa, whoa-oh Oh, woah, woah-oh

[meliora]

actual footage of kenneth branagh every time he saw a plane comin in dunkirk

[leagueofleaguesff]

ILL FL 1st Round Playoff Recap 🏉🏈

Week 15 has us in the first week of the postseason in the NFL league. Laura hung onto the top seed and Jermaine came out of nowhere to snag the other bye week. The rest of the playoff teams were 8-6 (Demetri, Jermaine, & Professor). The wildcards were both 7-7 as Carla got in with massive points while Johnny backed in to just barely make it over Slick for the final spot.

First Round saw Demetri VS Carla, as well as, Johnny VS Professor.

Demetri 🏆 Carla

Demetri surged in the latter half of the season as Carla had done. She definitely was the queen of points and would need that in her match against him.

Demetri took a gamble on Taysum which initially paid dividends. Home team players Fields and Montgomery came thru as well for Demetri team.

Sanders came up super short for Carla but her team aside did very well for her. A hiccup at Kicker was not enough to hold her back as she took the lead.

Demetri got near duds with Devante- who has been on fire but had a tough matchup with the Pat's D. Chubb has not been himself late, which hurt Demetri too. To make matters worst, Diggs trending down most of Saturdays game slate. Despite the barely double digit scoring for most of his team, Demetri had to count on Packers Def (rival home team defense) to win or lose him this week.

Packers did great, but it wasn't enough to overcome Carla's lead.

Certainly, Mahomes 75 points is what took it over the top. Adding salt to the wound, King Henry and Higgins came thru big time for her.

Looking at the bench for Demetri, he still would have loss in Carla left her team as is and he played Theilin & Dillon. He would have been 5 points short in a hindsight optimized lineup 🤏

Digging deeper into the wound, even with better outputs of Packers rival players on his fantasy team, in an ironic twist, a former Packer Davante poor point outing is what cost him his season smh 🤦

Carla's bench was so deep it almost didn't matter. Her bench actually could have beaten other playoff teams....thats how awesome her team up h down did 👏

Kudos to Demetri for making it this far and a good season overall. Congratulations to Carla for advancing to the semifinals 🎊

Professor 🏆 Johnny

Professor doing his usual, made the playoffs once again. Johnny backed into the playoffs with a small point tie break over Ricky to get the last wildcard.

The 3 seed vs the 6th seed was a tight battle. Both of these competitors are waiver wire masters. Always dipping weekly to improve thier team, both gentlemen played snarky bets on players based on trends, matchups, and schemes. Perfect example:

Professor played TE from the Titans. In recent weeks he has been getting a lionshare of targets due to the lack of playmaking ability from thier wide outs. Woods is not a number 1 WR prototype and the rookie has been hurt or inconsistent. This has led the Titans offense to play underneath pass options which is great for TEs with pass catching abilities. He ended up with double digits for Professor in this PPR format.

Johnny gambled on Dobbins who admittedly had no interest in fornthe draft. The play was simple. The Browns Defense is top ten in yards allowed to opposing run offenses. Add the fact the Ravens too lack depth and true playmaker at the WR position. Their team motto to stick the run helped ease Johnnys decision in a trending Dobbins who has produced albeit dealing with injury. He is also doing it with a timeshare with other RBs on the team.

Both bets paid off initially for Professor & Johnny. Savy these guys🧐

As we can see on the bench, Professor got screwed by not putting in Stevenson at RB. Problem was he didn't have the info as it was a late game. Combine that with Zonovan low output, that player basically cost him the season. Ouch. Johnny was also eliminated in another Core 4️⃣ league (Sleeper) because of the same player in another tight game. I wonder how many teams were eliminated because of playing him 🤔 He had seemingly took over that position but the Lion's did improve on Defense in that particular area after getting run through earlier in the season.

Other than that costly mistake, Professor made all the right moves. By the end of Sunday, Johnny was in the lead. He pulled Watson in case of a disastrous negative point game from the rookie that could have cost him the season. Sure, a dangerous chance for point adjustments could have wreaked havoc, but luckily for Johnny all ended well.

SEMIFINALS WEEK 16

While Demetri & Professor face off for 5th place, the final four teams present an interesting take.

The trophy will return to a Williams household as the ladies (Mrs) will face off against each other while the brothers Duke it out in the semifinal family affair. Should be interesting 👀

Brother VS Brother

Sister VS Sister

Williams Week 16 to see who will etch their name in the coveted trophy 🏆 of the ILL FL🏈

[juicingbeetles]

The Ranger's Apprentice Holiday Special: Chapter Three. God Bless Thee, Merry Ranger Men, Let Nothing You Dismay

Baron Arald, master of Castle Redmont, felt very, very, swamped. Not that having the Sovereign of the Realm come to visit for Christmas wasn’t a great honor - oh no, he was very grateful. But the royal visit was putting more and more pressure upon the fief to make the holiday as big and fancy as possible. And, the king and his entourage were arriving today.

“Do we have the tree decorated?” he asked Lady Pauline, who had been a great help so far in the planning.

“Yes, Arald,” she said. “Alyss had some of the servants take care of it.”

“Good,” Arald sighed in relief. He glanced down at the plate of cookies on his desk, eating one. “Who made these?” he asked, munching appreciatively.

“Young Jenny, Master Chubb’s apprentice,” said Pauline. “She’s been baking up a storm lately.”

“If I’m being honest,” Arald said, whispering slightly, “I like them better than Chubb’s.” He glanced around furtively. One never knew when the cook might be just around the bend, ladle in hand.

“I agree,” said Pauline. “That young lady has a bright future ahead of her.”

Arald tore himself away from the cookies with an effort. “Anyway, let’s review the plans for King Duncan’s visit.”

“We’ll have the welcome feast,” Pauline said. “Chubb has outdone himself, I must say. I’ve never seen so many pies.”

“Then the play,” Arald said. “Young George is in charge of that, right? I heard Halt’s old apprentice Gilan is in it. Where is he?”

“He was given a room in the castle,” Pauline said. “I’m surprised he didn’t sleep in the Ranger cabin.”

“I expect a young cook has something to do with that,” said Arald jovially. He was feeling very warm feelings toward Jenny at the moment. She deserved an attractive Ranger boyfriend, he thought to himself.

“Then, on Christmas day, we’ll have the Yule dance,” Pauline said. “There’s been a good jongleur hired for the festivities. After that, another feast. I believe you planned a hunt as well?”

“Nothing like a good Christmas hunt!” Arald declared. He could feel his blood racing at the thought.

“Quite.” Pauline smiled.

“Pauline!” Alyss, looking slightly breathless, came into the room. “Oh, Baron Arald,” she added, curtseying. “The king is here.”

“He’s what?” Arald leaped from his chair. “I thought he was coming in the afternoon!” His heart was racing again.

“Well, he’s here,” Alyss said. “Horace and Will went out to greet the royal procession.”

“Well, I suppose we’d better go greet them,” Arald sighed, taking another cookie. Not too many, of course. The king should get a taste of young Jenny’s skill.

* * *

Horace and Will rushed out to the carriage, where a short girl was hopping out, her strawberry blond hair poking out of her fur cap. “Evanlyn!” Will shouted, giving her a big hug.

“You’re here!” Horace wrapped his arms around them both and somehow lifted them off the ground.

“Hey, Horace, how’ve you been?” Princess Cassandra asked, laughing a little. “I was lonely at Castle Araluen without you.”

“Did you miss me? Did you miss me?” Will asked excitedly.

“Gosh, you’re like an overactive puppy,” said Jenny, walking up to the group.

“Oh, this is Jenny,” Horace told Cassandra hastily. “She grew up with us. And Jenny, this is Evan - I mean, Princess Cassandra.”

“It’s an honor,” Jenny said, curtsying.

“Do I get an introduction?” King Duncan asked, emerging from the carriage.

“It’s the king,” Jenny whispered to Will. “What do I do?”

“Say hello,” he replied.

“Hi,” she said, looking oddly nervous.

“If it isn’t Will and Horace,” called a voice, as a cloaked figure dismounted from his horse. “I always love to spend Christmas at Redmont.”

“Hello, Crowley,” said Will, taking the sandy-haired ranger’s proffered hand.

“Now, where’s Halt?” Crowley asked, looking around. “I brought him some Arridan coffee as a Christmas gift.”

“He’s been staying at the cabin or out on missions lately,” Will explained. “He let me have the week off.”

“During the holidays? What a grump,” Crowley laughed. “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure he shows up if I have to drag him kicking and screaming.”

“Your Grace!” Arald rushed into the courtyard, with Pauline following in his wake. “It is an honor to have your company in this festive season. To commemorate you momentous visit, one of my scribes has prepared a play depicting the Nativity, to perform this evening after the feast.”

“A play?” Duncan smiled. “That sounds wonderful. Who did you hire to play the roles?”

“Well…” Arald looked down. “We didn’t hire anyone. Instead, young members of our community shall perform.”

“Including me!” Gilan swept in, holding two enormous wings and a handful of feathers. “I shall be playing the role of the Angel Gabriel!” he swept out just as suddenly, occupied in sticking the feathers to the wings.

“Who’s playing everyone else?” Cassandra asked Horace.

“I’m going to be a shepherd,” Horace said, his face reddening.

“Really?” she squeezed his arm. “I didn’t know you could act.”

“Yeah, I can act,” Horace replied, his face turning the approximate shade of a tomato. “I love acting.”

“I’m playing the virgin Mary,” said Jenny. “I hope my performance meets your majesty’s approval.” she giggled, looking like she had regained all of her confidence.

“I’m sure it will,” said the king. “Now, shall we get inside? It’s freezing out here.”

* * *

“Halt, old boy, why so glum?” Crowley asked, striding into the cabin without knocking.

“Hello to you too,” Halt said dryly, rubbing his bowstring with beeswax.

“I heard from your apprentice that you haven’t exactly been in the Christmas spirit lately,” Crowley said, plopping himself down in front of the roaring fire.

“I’ve had plenty of spirit,” Halt snapped. “Look at the tree I set up! And decorated!” He gestured to the corner, where a small tree sat, festooned with several strings of popcorn.

Crowley raised one eyebrow.

“Don’t do the eyebrow at me,” Halt muttered. “I just don’t feel like getting into all the merriment. I didn’t keep Will from having fun. I’m going to give him his first longbow as a gift. I set up a tree. What more do you want?”

“Halt, you don’t have to pretend that you’re not bothered by this time of year,” Crowley said. “I was there, ok? I spent that new year’s eve in the tavern while you shed the first manly tears I’ve ever seen you cry. But your breakup with Pauline was years ago. You two are on good terms, right?”

“But this time of year…” Halt sighed. “All the memories come back. I thought it was going to be the perfect Christmas. And then…”

“Hey, these things happen,” Crowley said sympathetically. “But you shouldn't let it ruin your mood. Come to the castle with me. Say hello to the royal family, eat some food, and watch Will’s play. He and Gilan will be excited to see that you bothered to come.”

“Fine,” Halt grumbled. “Just this once.”