#like this is a growing up christian thing fs

[its-all-papaya]

none of you understand lando's weird anime positivity inspo instagram story like i understand it.

[bewitchingivy]

Hi Ivy❤ I want to join ur new game. So let's go~

Random facts abt ur FS: Ur FS will have the same the interests or hobbies as you even if it's not everything, they are logical and a night owl🦉🌙 they might be someone religious and will stick to their morals and beliefs. They might be stubborn. But dw, they will care of you well and their love language is probably acts of service. I picked these up intuitively. Take what resonates and leave out the rest. If it doesn't, then don't take it srsly to heart too.

Initials: B

Fav emoji: 😏

Btw when I was reading ur bio, sth rlly intrigued me. You have like the gift of seeing paranormal things that normal human ppl can't see? Thts rlly cool. But it's also scary at times isn't it? And also u r a Christian? wht type of Christian? Anyways, I hope u don't mind me asking these and have a nice day ahead.

your fs' likes & dislikes game

Welcome, fam! Thank you for participating <3

This is what I got about your FS' likes & dislikes:

Their likes:

This person would love to pamper and spoil their romantic partner, they're also a very romantic person.

I'm feeling that they're really interested in how the human mind works? Probably psychology. It's possible that may be their career or the career they're aiming.

Now this person may be curious or they may be into things like the occult and esoteric. I also picked up before that they may be psychic even if they're not aware that they are.

This person strives to be the leader. Leadership is something that's very important to them. But it could also lead to a few toxic consequences because they might get obsessed over it.

I'm strongly picking up that they may like growing plants, particularly flowers. White flowers are very specific here.

This person is someone who really respects and loves knowledge. They're a very intellectual individual.

I'm seeing that this person somehow loves to write a lot, writing is like a part of their everyday life. Writing letters may be a hobby of theirs, it's possible that they're not sending those, just keeping them in a box. Might I also point out that they love diving into details? They don't wanna leave anything out.

They like the water. I'm hearing that they love kayaking? Or they're interested in that.

This person likes to be assured of the bright future awaiting them, and that's why they tend to be a goal oriented person.

This person likes giving and receiving from others around them. They may like giving gifts to others, but they'd also expect those people to give something in return to them.

Their dislikes:

They don't like breaking the rules, and would certainly not hesitate to reprimand someone who did, especially in their school or work place.

They may not like some people in their family? They may have some toxic family members.

They loathe people who are hypocrites.

They also hate it when someone betrays them, and if someone would ask for another chance, nope they'd kiss them goodbye.

They don't like ignorance.

They also don't like people who tends to play the victim.

They also hate people who manipulates and people who pretends to be someone who they're not.

Some people might call them sometimes they're lazy, and they really, really, hate that. It pushes their buttons. I'm hearing, “So you think a person's lazy when they just needed a break?”

They don't like being lied to is what I'm strongly feeling. They don't like be tricked, manipulated, and believing something true that turns out to be false.

I'm specifcally hearing that they don't actually like staying in their hometown or country. They would definitely wanna move out there someday and live somewhere out of the country.

Hope that resonates! Take care of yourself and stay beautiful 🖤

My feedback: YIEIIEE, I'm happy to hear that they have the same interests as me. And I definitely feel that's true! <3 I mean, I would never wanna be with someone who doesn't appreciate art, music, and literature as much as I do, LOL. You may be right saying that they could be quite logical and a night owl. I've also been getting that their love language would be something like acts of service :') So this totally resonates. Thank you very much for your time and energy! 🖤

As for your questions: Oh, I don't know if I can call them gifts, tbh. And it's not just me, but some in my family have it too. It's really nothing special to me, it's more like a problem even especially if I see something negative LOL. So yeah, it is scary even if they come from God too, HAHAH. And lastly, I have gone through a few different types of Christianity because of moving to different schools a lot when I was younger; Baptist, Catholic, Pentecostal, and Protestant. And now I don't really wanna label myself a certain type of Christian, what's only important to me is my relationship with God :) That's all <3 Thank you and I hope you'll have a wonderful day too!

[sbknews]

O’Halloran victorious as Glenn Irwin crashes out of podium contention

Jason O'Halloran claimed his fifth win of the 2021 Bennetts British Superbike Championship season, after leading Christian Iddon by 2.433s as the race was red flagged when Glenn Irwin crashed out of the podium fight, unhurt. O’Halloran got an incredible start from pole position to grab the lead ahead of Irwin and Peter Hickman, however a crash on the opening lap for Kyle Ryde and Joe Francis bought out the BMW Safety Car. Both riders were able to walk away from the crash, and the race resumed on lap four. O’Halloran controlled the pace at the front, breaking away from the pack in the later stages of the race to build a more comfortable buffer before the race was halted. This leaves him just a single point adrift of Christian Iddon in the overall standings ahead of tomorrow’s two races. Prior to his accident, Irwin was right in the fight for the podium, holding second position ahead of Hickman and Iddon in the opening stages with Ryan Vickers in contention too. On lap five, Hickman’s FHO Racing BMW machine moved into second. Honda Racing’s Irwin was then pushed back a further place into fourth as Iddon then made a move, drafting through on the VisionTrack Ducati. Iddon then pushed Hickman for second place, making a move at the Chicane as the battle intensified for the podium. It was a battle between Iddon, Hickman and Irwin for the final two places inside the top three as O’Halloran made his break at the front. Irwin was soon up to third, as he produced a stunning move around the outside at the Chicane on lap 13. His progress came to a sudden end a lap later though as he crashed out at 119mph. With his stricken Honda Fireblade in the track, the race was red flagged. Irwin was able to walk away from the incident, whilst his rivals Iddon and Hickman climbed onto the podium. Vickers had his best result in fourth place for the RAF Regular & Reserve Kawasaki team, holding off Lee Jackson who completed the top five for FS-3 Racing Kawasaki, with four manufacturers in the top four positions. Danny Kent was another rider to secure his best result in Bennetts BSB in sixth place for the Buildbase Suzuki team, ahead of Bradley Ray and Gino Rea. Tarran Mackenzie was running sixth, but a cut of the Chicane meant the McAMS Yamaha rider was given a 2-second long lap equivalent time penalty, ending up in ninth place with Tommy Bridewell completing the top-ten. It was another disappointing race for reigning champion Josh Brookes; he was outside the points in 17th place. Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Thruxton, BikeSocial Race 1 result: 1.    Jason O'Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) 2.    Christian Iddon (VisionTrack Ducati) +2.433s 3.    Peter Hickman (FHO Racing BMW) +2.836s 4.    Ryan Vickers (RAF Regular & Reserve Kawasaki) +4.129s 5.    Lee Jackson (FS-3 Racing Kawasaki) +4.397s 6.    Danny Kent (Buildbase Suzuki) +5.090s 7.    Bradley Ray (Rich Energy OMG Racing BMW) +5.186s 8.    Gino Rea (Buildbase Suzuki) +5.581s 9.    Tarran Mackenzie (McAMS Yamaha) +6.747s 10.    Tommy Bridewell (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) +11.175s Bennetts British Superbike Championship standings after Thruxton Race 1: 1.    Christian Iddon (VisionTrack Ducati) 183 2.    Jason O'Halloran (McAMS Yamaha)182 3.    Tarran Mackenzie (McAMS Yamaha) 144 4.    Danny Buchan (SYNETIQ BMW) 133 5.    Tommy Bridewell (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) 106 6.    Peter Hickman (FHO Racing BMW) 89 7.    Rory Skinner (FS-3 Racing Kawasaki) 88 8.    Lee Jackson (FS-3 Racing Kawasaki) 84 Jason O'Halloran - McAMS Yamaha BikeSocial Race 1 winner “Normally throughout practice you will have done a long run. I did one this morning, but it was straight out of the pits and it was first bit of dry track time all weekend, so it was a bit of an unknown. “The pace was definitely faster than what I thought it would be, not from trying to do that, but it just came to me and I thought while the pace is there and the tyre feels good, I’ll just keep doing my thing. “The gap to the guys behind me was staying constant for about the first five or six laps and I saw it start to grow, so I just wanted to keep my pace and try to get away. “It was a comfortable win, but it certainly was never easy. I didn’t have to block too much, didn’t have to worry about the guys behind me, which is a nice feeling. “I think tomorrow’s race might be a bit slower, another five or six laps is a lot around here when the tyre starts to drop, so we’ll see what tomorrow brings. All the guys will improve again and so we need to do the same for tomorrow.” For more info checkout our dedicated British Superbikes News page Or visit the official Bennetts British Superbike Championship website www.britishsuperbike.com Follow us on social media: Instagram: @superbikenews Twitter: @sbknews Facebook: @superbikenews SBN Directory - add your motorcycle related business here

If you would like to receive our headlines daily to your email inbox then sign up to our newsletter: Here Subscribe to our news channels: Here

Read the full article

[filmstruck]

Six Questions With FilmStruck: Josh Boone 

Writer-Director Josh Boone’s filmography includes indie romance STUCK IN LOVE (’12), blockbuster adaptation THE FAULT IN OUR STARS (’14), and coming soon comic book adaptation THE NEW MUTANTS (’18). A cinephile to the core, Boone spoke to FilmStruck’s Marya E. Gates about his early love of film, how he discovered the Criterion Collection, and what films he thinks everyone should stream immediately. 

FS: What was the movie that made you fall in love with movies? 

Josh Boone: There’s so many. Could you name just one? 

FS: No. 

JB: Right? You’d have to name a couple I think. 

FS: You can name a couple. 

JB: My dad had a very large collection of movies on Beta that he taped off HBO when I was a kid in the 80s and he had a lot of those movies from the 70s, those Jack Nicholson movies like ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST and FIVE EASY PIECES and CARNAL KNOWLEDGE. He had all these old Jack Nicholson movies, so I watched those a lot. Jack Nicholson was always my favorite actor. Those 70s Jack Nicholson movies got me into Bogdanovich and THE LAST PICTURE SHOW and all the BBS stuff. When you learn about movies it’s like one thing leads to another. Back then I had to buy Video Watchdog books every year, or an Ebert guide to try to find stuff that I hadn’t seen. I remember seeing E.T. vividly as a kid. It was the 80s, so all those Spielberg movies and THE GOONIES. THE NEVERENDING STORY was one of my favorite movies of all time. That was a big deal when I was a kid. I saw that in theaters a couple of times. I watched movie after movie after movie and then I amassed over the years laserdiscs and DVDs. I didn’t go to film school, I really learned everything from DVD commentaries, behind the scenes documentaries, reading books about movies, and just watching movies. So I watched thousands and thousands of movies when I was a kid. I’d say I watch much less now because it takes so much time to make movies you have much less time to study them. You use them for reference and things like that and you watch them, but not with the same passion that you watched them with when you were young because you have to let that go a little bit to go do the job you have to do, and put the time in to do it. You build it all up and then you hold it inside you and then you go and make movies. 

FS: That’s a great segue to the next question. What was the movie that made you want to make movies? 

JB: I was obsessed with directors when I was young and I would keep file folders with every magazine clipping about David Lynch or Oliver Stone or Steven Spielberg or Quentin Tarantino. I had all these files on them. It’s hard for me to think back to before I even wanted to make movies because my best friend (Knate Lee) and I who I wrote THE NEW MUTANTS with, we’ve known each other since we were little kids. Since we were little Muppet Babies or whatever. Our moms were best friends. We made movies on home video growing up all the time. Really as early as like 7 or 8 because my dad had one of those over the shoulder Beta cams and his parents had a Hi8 or something and we would shoot movies and edit in camera. We started making BATMAN rip-offs where my dad would play the Joker or a BACK TO THE FUTURE rip-off and that gradually led to us writing our own scripts and things like that. It was sort of an organic, long-term process so it’s hard to say the specific movie. But I can say the movie-going experience of my life when I was 12 years old my dad took me to see J.F.K. and that was maybe one of the great movie events I had at the theater when I was young. I remember gripping the armrests of my seat so tightly that there are probably still impressions of them there today. I think Oliver Stone’s run From SALVADOR to NIXON is one of the greatest runs a director has ever had. Those ten movies he made with Bob Richardson, all those movies were really big in our lives when we were young. We’d spend our lives reading comic books and watching movies and listening to music, and Oliver Stone movies were some of the first movies that made us want to go and read history books. Movies opened us up to the entire world because we were raised by very religious parents, like evangelical Christians, so like Paul Schrader – who I think wasn’t allowed to watch movies until he left for college – it was a bit of a forbidden fruit. We watched them all the time and they were an escape and a good way to see what the world was actually like beyond the crazy religious stuff. 

FS: What was your first introduction to the Criterion Collection? 

JB: I used to have a friend named Bill Kelley who worked at newspaper called the Virginian Pilot, which was the main newspaper in Virginia Beach. He was a big movie buff and he had a laserdisc player and we would all go over to his house on Sunday nights and he always had this massive collection of laserdiscs that we would pour over - religious, and old Hollywood classics, and even Spielberg movies. He had a couple of Criterions and he had a big glossy, like a brochure almost, like a 50-page Criterion catalogue that they would send out back in the day, before you could go online and just scroll through everything. It was full color and it was as big as a vinyl record. It had pictures from all the movies and all the extras. You just started to want to check all those boxes off and watch them all. So I got a laserdisc player for Christmas one year and I think the very first one I had was SE7EN, which was one like 8 discs or something. It was ridiculous. It weighed a ton. So I started collecting laserdisc and Criterion editions and listened to commentaries and all that. Oliver Stone did big pioneering laserdisc editions. I have one of PLATOON and THE DOORS. They cost like $150 dollars and they were so heavy. I loved all of that stuff. 

FS: What was the first film you streamed on FilmStruck? 

JB: I think I streamed some extras before I actually watched a movie. Then I watched some Kurosawa and Bergman that weren’t released on disc yet. I like that Criterion has all these titles in their catalogue and they can’t get them all out immediately so they’ll have them on the site so you can stream them even though it might be a couple of years before they come out on disc. There were so many things on their that haven’t been released. Kieślowski is one of my favorite directors and I love Annette Insdorf’s books about him, so she wrote this book called Double Lives, Second Chances, which I have read a couple of times. She just released a book about movie opening scenes (Cinematic Overtures: How to Read Opening Scenes), like what great movies do them well and what a great opening scene is. I love that video series [on the Cinematic Overtures: How to Read Opening Scenes theme] where she goes over the opening of BADLANDS and a bunch of other movies. She’s so eloquent and a great historian. She’s a hero a little bit. 

Those Kieślowski movies certainly meant an awful lot to me. I always loved those because I am a big fan of Philip K. Dick and when I say Philip K. Dick, I do love BLADE RUNNER and MINORITY REPORT and TOTAL RECALL, but those really are no way representative of what reading one of his books is like. The only movie that really feels like Philip K. Dick is A SCANNER DARKLY, which is really like a word for word adaptation of the book. Some of those metaphysical ideas that were in Philip K. Dick I found in Kieślowski as well and I thought all of that stuff was really interesting. I love Tarkovsky movies, as long and boring as some of my friends might think they are, they blow your mind and make you think of things you hadn’t thought about before. I love things that are imaginative. Like LA JETÉE, I love watching that and it’s inspiration on 12 MONKEYS. 

FS: If the world were about to end what movies on FilmStruck would you recommend everyone stream before we all died? 

JB: I’d put a Kieślowski on there. Certainly THREE COLORS: BLUE. I fucking love Kurosawa’s THRONE OF BLOOD with the arrows and all that. That one is amazing. A Cronenberg. 

FS: We have THE BROOD. 

JB: That is one of the scariest movies ever. Those little kids beating that lady to death. It’s pretty awful. I’d put that up if you really want to barf one night. This will do it for you. I love all those music docs like DONT LOOK BACK. I love Robert Altman. The fucking  THE CONFORMIST for sure. I love love love [Jean-Luc] Godard’s stuff with Anna Karina. I love MASCULIN FÉMININ, even though she’s not in that, I love PIERROT LE FOU. I love all the Kurosawa stuff. THRONE OF BLOOD especially I love. The movie I would recommend the most right now because it’s not on Blu-ray is Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s 1997 CURE. It’s one of the scariest, best horror movies ever made. I’m so glad it’s on here because I can’t watch it anywhere else. I’m a huge Terry Gilliam fan. TIME BANDITS is one of my favorite movies from back when I was a kid. I love IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE, THE FRIENDS OF EDDIE COYLE, THE GRADUATE. All this stuff. It’s all just such great stuff. 

FS: Have you found anything while you’re browsing FilmStruck that you’d never heard of but just had to watch it? 

JB: I go into the directors and I look through different filmmakers and I look through all of the ones that have introductions. Like, I will go through all of the ones that Guillermo Del Toro did an introduction for. I like when people come and talk about their favorite movies. I go through all the extras, all the additional things that you guys do that are exclusive and add context. When you guys had all those [Mario] Bava movies up, we just let those play. It’s good in the background. You don’t have to pay super close attention, but it’s like those movies look so amazing.

Shot by cinematographer Peter Deming (long-time David Lynch collaborator), and co-written by Knate Lee, director Josh Boone’s latest film THE NEW MUTANTS hits theaters on April 13. 

[thescribblinkgirl-blog]

You’re still here.

Y/N - Your Name. Readers may insert any person’s name they wish to be a part of this short story.

Y/FS - Your Favourite Subject. Referred to using “they” in 3rd party narration to achieve gender neutral writing.

S/O - Name of Significant Other. Y/N’s other half. Referred to using “they”, so as to be gender neutral.

P/FS - Partner’s Favourite Subject.

While you are preparing to make a dinner meal for 2 - you and your partner, something halts you in your tracks; still holding kitchen utensils and cutleries in your hands, you start to focus your senses on what in particular it is. Your ears picks up on soft, almost inaudible sobs that sounds all too familiar to you - your S/O’s sobs. Although soft and quiet, it is overflowing with unspeakable agony that is way too apparent, at least to you. This is enough for you to put down whatever you are doing at the moment, and starts to pace yourself towards your partner’s SOHO in the cramp yet made-to-feel-cozy space that both of you shared since 4 years ago.

-Flashbacks to 4 years before: Y/N and S/O were college sweethearts who had just graduated from college, successfully completing their tertiary education. Both Y/N and S/O had taken their Diplomas, Y/N’s in Y/FS and S/O in P/FS respectively. Y/N came from an average family background, they were not poor but constantly struggling with debts from bad investments; so when Y/N wanted to subsequently further their education to Bachelor’s Degree, their parents was unable to provide the financial means to support their ambition. S/O is someone intelligent but never shown a lot of academic interest, their mother dropped them off to an orphanage shortly after they were born. S/O had never heard from their parents since then, but has always pestered the orphanage director - fondly known as Mother Delia, for any sorts of information she might have known about them.

Fresh out of school and without much of a support from home, both Y/N and S/O had to first empty their savings from the part-time jobs they worked while they studied, to pay the deposits for a humble studio apartment in a new city - a place where they could call their safe haven. While they landed on their then full-time job quite easily, their salaries as fresh graduates could barely scrape by their basic costs of living in a large town. They spent most of their waking time working, accepted ad-hoc jobs that might have helped to fill in the gaps for a better life, they even lived on all kinds of instant food to increase their savings, all of which caused them to see each other less than a few hours in a week. Fortunately, both of them remained as optimistic and determined as they could possibly manage to be, kept each other motivated through quick calls and texts and took on life’s shortcomings through gritted teeth.

This year marks the 5th year since the both of you have moved in together. The company that you have started and built with your S/O about 2 years ago is doing fairly well; with the business picking up steadily, your standard of lifestyle as a young couple is finally starting to improve. In addition to financially supporting your family, you even manage to help your parents pay off all of their debts; S/O has always maintained a good relationship with the members of your family, emphasising the importance of a family’s bond. Deep down your heart, you knew that S/O’s mind has never once forget the thought of getting to know their own family. All these times, they just kept it aside so it doesn’t become a distraction in both of your struggles to achieve success. You stand in front of the door to your S/O’s office, you snap out of your thought.

You raise your head to the wall clock hung on the white cream wall of your apartment to check the time, and realise that a good 20 minutes has passed. You gently pressed your ears against the SOHO’s door from outside, the sobs have steadied down but long and hitched breathing is still audible. You know that S/O hardly cries because they prefer to keep negative expressions to themselves, much to the outcome of being forced to be independent at such a tender phase of their life. The last time S/O had their tears shed was when the news of Mother Delia’s passing; you’ve met her a couple of times when S/O visited the home to their childhood. That woman was an amazing personality - she was a devout Christian, reserved but wise, stern but caring. She had many children under her care, she didn’t have a lot of time to individually spend with each and everyone of them but she made it clear that she deeply cares for their welfare.

After you rearrange the thoughts and emotions that comes associated, you feel ready to be with a possibly depressed S/O. “S/O, dear, it’s me.” You gently call them out while placing a few knocks on the door, careful so as to not startle them. Taking in several long hard breaths, “Y/N.” S/O croaks, clearly resulting from their effort to silence their cries. You take slow and light steps into the office and shut the door behind you. Glancing around you, the room is lit only by S/O’s desk lamp with sheets of papers scattered not only on their desk but on the floors as well; squinting your eyes, you spotted S/O sitting on the floor, their head hung down with slouched shoulders they hug their legs against the chest, and their mobile phone still clutched in their hands. You casually place your a hand over theirs and the other remove the phone from S/O’s grip with caution, then walk over to place it on the nearby coffee table. Little did you realise, S/O had raise their head and their eyes are following your movements.

Turning to face them, you see a disheveled S/O clearly in a lot of distress; a condition not like you have never seen before, but you know that it must take something very serious for S/O to become like this. The ache in your heart is hard to ignore, to see the love of your life caught in such a devastating situation. Reminding yourself to stay calm, you suppress the urge to pound on your partner with interrogatives and advices like you normally react when problems arise, you find a spot beside S/O and lower yourself down to sit facing them. Both of you lock gazes and stay in silence before you said in a soft whisper, “Dear, something is clearly not turning out well for you... You can share it with me if you feel like it, otherwise... just allow me to sit beside you for awhile.” You hear their breath hitch as you cast your gaze down to your hands, so that they wouldn’t feel like they’re stuck in an inquisition.

It took another half an hour of dead silence before S/O takes one heavy breath and speaks up, “Y/N, it’s not just something that is not working out for me. It’s everything.” Hearing this, you can tell that your heart drops to your stomach. Am I losing them? What went wrong? Has their feelings worn off of this relationship? I thought we were doing great... Words of endearment has also stopped coming from them anymore... Maybe... Just maybe, we’ve come to the end of us... You desperately want to ask a question, say a word, or a sentence, but nothing finds its way out of your throat as you feel like they’re going to slip away from you. Sensing your discomfort, S/O apprehensively continues, “This is not going to work, nothing will fix it. It’s all over, and it’s all my fault. We’re done for, Y/N.” What? What have they been hesitating to tell me, the truth? Why now of all times, when we are doing well? Tears dangerously threaten to gush out from your eyes, the violent effort you need to take to keep them at bay and to remain as composed as you can is driving you hysterical from inside.

“W-what is g-going to make y-you stay?” your voice wavers in fear, but you immediately decided that the worst thing that can ever happen to you is to lose S/O. “What in the world?! Why would you still want me to stay, Y/N?! I would think it is of your best interest to leave me. It’s rational and best if you can go away this instance.” S/O spurts out. So, this is it. They're going to leave. Was that the reason why they’ve been so deep in contemplation recently? Thinking of a way to leave me? Anger quickly took over all the fear that has been growing fiercely just a while ago, “I will leave you if you give me the truth I deserve.” Thinking about how silly S/O makes you feel when you thought being tactful will make it work with them, you decided that you’ll fight, if not for the love you have for them, it’s the possibility of “us” for the both of you.

“This isn’t a bargain, Y/N.”

“You’re right, it’s not, it’s a demand.”

“...Y/N, stop acting childish and please don’t make this harder than it already is.”

CHILDISH! I’m called CHILDISH for wanting to know what is going on?! I can almost see through every shield they’re holding up against me, I just need. Need. to. know. What exactly is hidden under those defences? This is also when you lose it. Your cool. Forget about staying calm. It’s never your demeanour like this anyway. You’ve always been the fiery one, passionate, aggressive, pumped up in whatever you do and say.

“S/O. I’m trying very hard for you. Of all people you should know that playing the calm card is so not me. Please consider doing me one last favour. WHAT THE H**K IS GOING ON? DON’T YOU THINK I DESERVE A ‘RATIONAL’ EXPLANATION IF LEAVING YOU IS THE ONLY ‘RATIONAL’ WAY OUT OF GOD-KNOWS-WHAT!? SITUATION?” You shot up from your position beside them. All your pent up emotions and questions from such a sudden outburst by your partner’s behavior erupted into a scream, for your own salvation, sadly. “Y/N...”, S/O relents and stands up to join you. Right, go on and stick some more shields. The more they do it, the more you’re going to pierce through each and every single piece!

“I’m confused. T-this is so sudden. Please at least make an attempt to explain the situation to me.” You softened to a plea, feeling like your yelling may have been a bit too much for them.

“I’m sorry, Y/N. Please, just go. I’ll get all your belongings and send them to your family home within the next 12-hours.” S/O refuses.

“I don’t understand how you arrive at so much hate for me. I just need to know... S/O, please. I’m not sure about you but, the truth, is very important to me. I-I promise, I’ll l-leave once you tell m-me. I promise.” You attempt to plea again, on the verge of bursting into tears.

“Y/N... No... Please, no.” S/O’s resolution is cracking your sanity, and they know it. Have they been so stubborn before? I thought I was the one. Why’d they gone out of character? How am I going to move on without ever knowing the things that gone wrong...?

“S/O. You know. I did not, have not, and will never break my promises. I’ll keep it even more so if it is you... I’ll believe you no matter what you tell me. I promise I will do anything as you say, after you let me know what is really going on here. Just, please. I beg you.” You beg. You, Y/N, begged. I can almost feel me smirking to myself. Your deadpanned eyes met theirs, they look so rueful... You can’t help but feel like something is not right. Their eyes should portray determination, but instead all you got from them are a vision filled with regret, sorrow, doubts, and the most irregular one: a fear that matches yours. You mustn’t give up now, especially not now. You wait, you wait for a response.

20 minutes of awkward silence later, “I’ll take your words of promise, Y/N.” S/O heaves out a long sigh.

“T-Thank you. Please, go ahead. Don’t mind me.” As you complete your sentence, your hand finds their favourite bean bag chair and lets yourself plop onto it, releasing all the strength you gathered earlier just enough to keep you standing. “Okay, I just hope that you’ll not regret this.” S/O says. “You can cross it off the list as you have one less thing to worry about.” Your tone flat. Finally it has come to this... God... I pray for you to give me the strength to not break down in front of the only person I’ll ever love in my lifetime. Please. Please. Please.

S/O clears their throats and goes on, “The private investigator that I hired 3 months ago has managed to scour information on my parents’ whereabouts. Last week, he handed me the set of documentations related to my case file. Our interaction concluded with a final payment of their service fees and case closed.” S/O takes another breath while he walks over to his desk to retrieve a huge ring file. They put the file in your hands and takes a place on the floor beside you. Pointing to a few of what seems like copies of family photographs, “See the woman in blue? She’s my birth mother. Her name is Grace.” You see an attractive, dainty lady in a pastel blue dress with dandelion prints that tugs around her small delicate figure. 

“She’s truly beautiful.”

“...And you no less. I couldn’t agree more.” A half-smile breaks into S/O’s lips. Huh? A compliment out of nowhere...did I just hear them wrongly? Perhaps, I was being a tad bit delusional. You quickly shake it off.

“Where is she residing at now? W-w-Y-you could visit.” You pull yourself back from hopeful as you remind yourself of your promise earlier.

“She no longer lives in our world.” You shrink and apologise, as S/O points at another photo of an impassive looking, tall and slender man holding a newborn baby who you can only assume it is S/O. There was also Grace who looked extra pale and fragile, stood by his side with a weak smile that feels so forced it causes your body shift in an inexplicable uneasiness. “Whatever you’re feeling now, I assure you that it’s absolutely true. This photo, taken just a week before mom was left with no choice but to entrust her baby to Mother Delia, one of her childhood friend that was not made known to my father - who also happened to be running a small children's home.” S/O pauses and hesitates. You knew they grew up in a reputable orphanage that Mother Delia tirelessly developed, but as confused as you are to why they were sent there in the first place, S/O too was always kept in the dark about their biological caretakers.

“It’s okay, please stop if telling me these is going to put you through such pain.” S/O understands you too well to know that you are just being considerate, but your curiosity will eat you up. They hang their head to face the floor, to hide the emotions that they expect to roll into them shortly, “That man was my father, Raymond, who happened to be the criminal of Mom’s murder which took place almost immediately after she sent me off to the orphanage.” Caught off-guard with the knowledge, you winced. Tears start to well up by the sides of your eyes when you think about how this must have been so much more devastating to your love. Momentarily, you couldn’t come up with anything appropriate to say to S/O that’ll take the agony away from them.

“Raymond’s family was well-off and he managed his family’s business after the passing of my grandparents. He was the only child, just like me. They met at a bistro bar where Mom happened to work as a part-time waitress to support herself and pay for her own education. My maternal grandparents left Mom alone due to a traffic accident when she just turned 18. Raymond and Mom hit it off quickly, fell in love and then got married by the time she was 24; he was 6 years elder. Mom resigned from her job and became a full time housewife as Raymond took care of business, they lived a comfortable and lavish life. Things were great until the 2nd year into their union, Raymond made a bad decision in business that cost his entire fortune including the inheritance from my grandparents, to a competitor; who was known to have been one of Mom’s admirer from the bistro bar.”

You listen intently as S/O’s tries to move their face to look anywhere but in your direction, only for you to notice the grimace laced with both fresh and dried trails of tears on their facade. Only if I’m allowed to get closer to you... I’d do anything to protect you... Even if it takes my life. S/O straightens up, “It was catastrophic enough for Raymond. He shrivelled into a completely different person. He accused Mom and conveniently left her to take the blame and face all the adversities alone while he wasted himself away in alcohol and illegal gambling. From his newfound bad habits then, he accumulated substantially high amount of debts, became abusive to Mom, and continued to hold her responsible for his failures. Mom soon discovered that she was pregnant... with me. In consideration of her baby’s safety, she was determined to leave him; he found out and took advantage of Mom’s vulnerability. Raymond threatened to harm her body so bad that she’d never be able to have her baby see the light if she left him, so Mom put up with him until the day her pregnancy was due even after the abuse escalated.”

Blowing a troubled sigh, S/O goes on to say, “3 days after Mom gave birth to me, Raymond visited her at the hospital, the exact day that the only piece of my biological family photo was captured, the same one you just saw earlier. Before he left the hospital, he whispered to Mom that he had to be hidden from moneylenders for awhile and intends to take the baby home on his next visit, finally assured her that they’d become rich again. Mom’s panic button was pushed, she instantaneously knew what Raymond was planning: He wanted to sell the baby. She grew terrified cos she had no idea exactly when would he drop by again. Coincidentally, Mom bumped into and reunited with her childhood friend - Mother Delia, who sent one of her children for medical check at the same hospital. Devoid of options, Mom spilled out every single detail about Raymond’s plans to her childhood friend and studied the time patterns of patrol nurses from dusk to dawn for days before decided it was time to escape the building with me. Mom insisted to go back to the hospital so that no traces could have led Raymond to me. Raymond was there the moment she arrived back at her confinement ward. Infuriated, he beat her to her death as she refuse to reveal my whereabouts... The rest was history from there.” 

A thought flashes across your mind and you promptly start flipping through the ring file. “Y/N, What are you doing? I’ve told you everything, please... It’s time to keep your promise now.” their tone of voice unsettled. You arrive at a section of the documentation that explains Raymond’s incarceration, and the pieces fit in perfectly. Raymond was charged with a mere 25 years imprisonment to a 2nd Degree Murder, he’s due for official release in the next 5 days. Now you know why large sums of monies were paid from your company account to services that were foreign to you when you checked the audit report. You strangely find yourself in a relief. They’re acting exactly like their selfless mother, Grace, worried that Raymond might recognise them in the press related to our company and come after us - be it for money or for revenge, and are pressed for time to get me out of possible dangers the best way they know how. 

Feigning tears, S/O muttered in remorse “I-I’ve just recognised Mother Delia’s intention when she kept apologising over our phone conversation starting weeks before her passing, it must have been so difficult for her to carry such a secret burden on her shoulders when she always emphasised the importance of an honest life. I-I’ve a-also been utilising our funds to pay off the private detective agency fees and lawyers legal charges to find an alternative to prevent Raymond’s release... W-without informing you. Unfortunately, nothing much could be done legitimately even if I wanted him behind bars forever. I’ll never acknowledge him as my father. Not after all the things that he did and all the responsibilities he shirked from. Y-you have every rights to hold a grudge against me b-but I’d appreciate it if you could do as you promised.”

Losing S/O is more lethal to you than losing to Raymond, and/or a rapidly depleting monetary reserve that you both have spent the years sustaining, you wish they’d know but now you have a promise to keep... 

You coolly rise from the bean bag chair, look S/O in their face, flash them the most demure smile you can offer, making their heart skip a beat. “Can I please get my last bear hug before I leave?” you chirped. S/O is totally puzzled by the positive change in your reaction; assuming that you may just be putting up a cheery front to minimise the hurt, they oblige to your request anyway. The thought that this would be the last chance to revel in the sweet scent of your presence is tearing them apart too. They expected that they’d have to be going through a tough battle that you always put up before you are to give in to them, thinking that they might have just succeeded in their effort to let you go to safety this time... 

You’d like to send them off-limits from their expectations, your heart and soul danced with glee at the thought of your secret little reverie.

“I promise, that I’ll leave after you tell me the truth... ...and head to the kitchen to prepare our supper. I’m famished.” You whispered into their ears while your head rests upon their shoulders, still stiff from surprise. 

Before S/O could recover from agape and utter a response, you chime in and set forth a new promise, “I’ll never ever leave you, S/O. I’ll always be by your side no matter what happens, to support you, to cherish you, to care for you, to understand you, to be there for you and to love you for all of who you are and what you are, regardless of what is contained in your past. We are to Grace-fully experience the highs and lows of life and grow old together. This I promise you, all of those things I said, I promise to keep it till the day I die!” Before you know it, the arms that wrapped around your waist tightens to a firm embrace like you’re their lifeline, and you feel a side of your shoulders start to get drenched by warm droplets of tears. As long as you love me, no matter how you push me away, I’ll find a way by your side to stay.

“You’re impossible, Y/N. I can’t believe you’re still here, knowing full well all the hazards that may entail a relationship with me. I promise only you’ll have my love forever, please never doubt that.” 

“I don’t think you’ll ever be able to get rid of meee!” You hum as you return the hug with a same intensity that matches S/O’s own and nuzzle against their neck.

“I love you, S/O. I really do. Thank you so much for trusting me, my guardian angel.”

“I love you more than you’ll ever know, my peculiar celestial beauty. I thank God everyday for letting me have the honour to hold you. Thank you for stepping into my life, Y/N.” . . . Aaahhhhhh my heart is swelling, or maybe it’s just me. Anyways if you are reading this, THANK YOU for reading!

[auburnfamilynews]

Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Not a terrible way to start off the season...

The facts are firm, simple, and resolute. Auburn beat Oregon 27-21 last night behind the best comeback of the Gus Malzahn era. Texas A&M last year was pretty good, and the same guy scored the game-winning touchdowns in both instances, but this was special. With everything that had been going wrong for Auburn, and the circumstance in which true freshman Bo Nix willed the team to victory in the second half, this’ll be a game that we remember for a long, long time.

Here are some nuggets from around the internet in response to what happened last night:

Welp, I’ve had my first heart attack as an Auburn fan ‍♂️

— ⭐️Deshaun Davis⭐ (@_Davis_Boy12) September 1, 2019

I don’t feel bad for Deshaun, because he had a big hand in doing this to all of us regular Auburn fans for four years, and now he knows how it feels. How the turn tables, Deshaun.

Auburn HC Gus Malzahn on QB Bo Nix: "He's got some gunslinger in him, there's no doubt."

— Justin Ferguson (@JFergusonAU) September 1, 2019

We got to see the good and the bad from having a confident freshman in the game last night. Bo Nix made some great throws, including the ones on the last drive to give us the win, but he made some really poor ones as well. I hope that we can chalk most of that up to nerves, as he was playing in only, ya know, the biggest game of the weekend. Still, some of the misfires on open receivers and both interceptions were just overall poor throws or decisions.

He also had some trouble recognizing when to take off and run. Credit to him, he didn’t really get skittish, per se, but he kept his eyes downfield to a fault at times when he could’ve used legit 4.6 speed to gain a few yards. Oregon brought pressure constantly, and he had opportunities to bust through the initial blitz to find some open grass in the middle of the defense. Had he done that, the Ducks would’ve been forced to adjust on defense earlier.

Auburn WR Seth Williams on the Oregon corner covering him on the last-second touchdown pass. “He wasn’t ready for it. He thought he was in my head. He wasn’t. He was soft.”

— Sumner Martin (@SMartin_AU) September 1, 2019

This is just a brutal comment that the poor Oregon corner has no way to rebut. Williams made such a good play on the winning touchdown, and it had to feel good because the Ducks had done a really solid job on preventing him from getting the ball. He was bracketed a lot during the night, and Nix tried to force a ball to him a couple times. When Williams finally got open, he made the plays.

Auburn RB Boobee Whitlow on WR Seth Williams: “Woo, that boy is different... He does stuff that you can’t teach.” Later: “You can’t go wrong with Seth, man.”

— Justin Ferguson (@JFergusonAU) September 1, 2019

I agree. I think Nix-to-Williams will likely become a common theme over the next two years.

That’s the ish I do like. https://t.co/G8JCHbyolR

— Whitley Kelley (@WhitleyVK) September 1, 2019

On the subject of Gus Malzahn making comebacks, there really haven’t been many. Auburn erased a big deficit to Texas A&M last season, and there have been games where they’d been down by multiple scores and won, but last night was the first time since the Kick Six that the Tigers scored a game-winning touchdown in the final minute of play.

Auburn QB Bo Nix: "That wouldn't have happened if the defense wouldn't have played out of their minds."

— Justin Ferguson (@JFergusonAU) September 1, 2019

And a huge reason why the offense was allowed to even do that was because the defense went 11-12 on stopping Oregon drives after the first quarter. They got the one third quarter touchdown, but Auburn allowed 176 yards in the first period, and just 156 in the three quarters after that. While it looked like we were getting gashed on the ground, Oregon didn’t hit 100 yards rushing.

Bo Nix's dad celebrating that game-clinching TD his son just threw is everything. So good. pic.twitter.com/a0LKLYDRp9

— Kyle Boone (@Kyle__Boone) September 1, 2019

Personally, this choked me up a little. If you’ve ever talked to Patrick Nix, you know that there aren’t many people who love Auburn more than he does. As a lifelong Auburn fan, if my son grew up to play quarterback, engineered a game-winning drive in the final seconds in the biggest game of the day, I’d be beyond consolable with joy.

Auburn QB Bo Nix on what he saw on the 4th-and-3 scramble: "I saw a bunch of white jerseys."

— Justin Ferguson (@JFergusonAU) September 1, 2019

And it’s a credit to Pat Nix that Bo had the willpower to take his team to the win. He didn’t flinch when confronted by the moment, and when it mattered he made a play that a normal freshman wouldn’t make. On the fourth down late, Gus called a rollout for Nix with a little play-action fake, but nobody was open. Bo put his head down and flew through multiple defenders to get the first down by the nose of the football. Not a freshman type of play.

“That was my first ‘Bo to Seth’ moment.” @bo_nix10 on his game-winner to @8_sethwilliams in @AuburnFootball 27-21 win vs. Oregon, and the similarity to his dad’s shining moment: “Nix to Sanders.” pic.twitter.com/VjJWTM0Jeq

— Jeff Shearer (@jeff_shearer) September 1, 2019

Then just seconds later, Bo mirrored his dad’s biggest play by completing an eerily-similar pass to a guy with the numbers 1 and 8 on his jersey. Picture comparison below.

First pic: Pat Nix to Frank Sanders, 1993. Second pic: Bo Nix to Seth Williams, 2019. Sports are crazy. pic.twitter.com/CrHvUS42af

— Kenny Smith (@kennysmith) September 1, 2019

It’s funny, and I mentioned it in the Snap Judgments article earlier today, but the final catch mirrored the touchdown in the 1993 Iron Bowl. The drive leading up to it mirrored Pat Nix’s efforts in the 1994 Florida game, which culminated in Nix to Sanders Pt. II. Having to convert the fourth down conversion and the sideline route to get us in position to score were remarkably close to what happened in Gainesville that day.

Auburn FS Jeremiah Dinson on DC Kevin Steele being on the sidelines tonight: “He was actually calm. That was weird.”

— Justin Ferguson (@JFergusonAU) September 1, 2019

Like we mentioned above, the defense got punched in the mouth to start before settling in. Having Kevin Steele on the sideline instead of in the press box meant that adjustments could happen much sooner, and they did after the first quarter instead of at halftime. Again, Auburn’s defense was 11-12 in stopping the Ducks after going down 14-3 in the first quarter.

K.J. Britt is going to get some real NFL consideration if he continues to play like he did, and I’m really pumped about three years (or four, hopefully) of Owen Pappoe. Jeremiah Dinson had maybe the best game of his career last night, and Zakoby McClain, Big Kat Bryant, and Christian Tutt all had fantastic nights as well. I’m also really excited to see what happens with Tutt this year on punt return. I have a feeling he’ll house multiple kicks this season.

The catch. The flex. #WarEagle pic.twitter.com/Js0jq17PUt

— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) September 1, 2019

I know that Seth Williams had to be frustrated with the lack of production early on, but Oregon locked him down. Once he had a one-on-one opportunity, and when Nix made a throw to get it in his catch radius, he did the rest.

#Auburn WR Seth Williams on last play TD catch: “At first, I was like ‘Oh it’s just a touchdown.’ Then I heard the crowd and looked at the clock. ‘Oh I just won the game.’” pic.twitter.com/RBvahHc1Uy

— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) September 1, 2019

Sometimes I wonder what’s it like to be a football player and not see the clock ticking down like the fans do on TV. You’re in the heat of the moment, able to let out your nerves by running and getting hit. When you finally let the emotion in and realize the gravity of what just happened, then it has to be an unreal feeling.

Auburn running back JaTarvious Whitlow: "Nobody wanted to lose to Oregon. We feel like that's a bad reputation on them. What are they, ACC? Pac-12? I didn't even know what they were. A Pac-12 team coming in and beating an SEC team, we can't take that." https://t.co/VlVzbhgQAF

— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) September 1, 2019

I think we’ve learned by now that Boobee Whitlow is a quote machine. He’s also a guy that I would probably really dislike if he played for Alabama, Georgia, or LSU. He showed flashes of different running backs last night, like Kerryon’s patience, Tre Mason’s ability to push for the necessary yardage, and even some of the moves that Cadillac made famous. His rushing in the second half paced the offense and let Bo get on track in the passing game.

Cam Newton’s Instagram story reacting to the Auburn - Oregon game is the best thing I’ve seen all day. pic.twitter.com/adOqTjYjFe

— Blattman (@davidblattman) September 1, 2019

CaM nEwToN hAtEs AuBuRn He OnLy UsEd ThE sChOol To ReAcH tHe NfL

Auburn RB Boobee Whitlow on QB Bo Nix during the last drive: pic.twitter.com/RfY432JWr4

— Justin Ferguson (@JFergusonAU) September 1, 2019

Again, Boobee quotes machine engage, but it shows how much Bo Nix didn’t let the moment get to him. He missed throws and put the ball in the wrong place against a good defense, but he didn’t get rattled. Huge for the true freshman, and now he’ll get a couple chances to grow in front of a friendly crowd at home.

https://t.co/fwH1bXHFAb

— Marquel Harrell (@QuelPhew77) September 1, 2019

They’re both half right here. We were getting whipped before halftime, but things really picked up after halftime. It’s the first time we hit 200 rushing yards against a ranked opponent since the 2017 Georgia game.

Am I crazy or is Gus getting better at dancing? pic.twitter.com/8eukKNv7qx

— E2C Network: Auburn Athletics Podcasts (@E2C_Network) September 1, 2019

This is what you get when Gus gets his swag back a little bit. He didn’t look like he was having a great time calling plays in the first half, but we saw things work out in the end. Maybe he knows that he’s got a quarterback that can help mitigate some things with the way he controls the game. Maybe.

Dear @ESPN @CollegeGameDay Crew- I'm awaiting your apology. #WarDamnEagle Sincerely, Bo Jackson https://t.co/q7iwVBWBR3

— Bo Jackson (@BoJackson) September 1, 2019

And finally here, Bo requests a polite public apology on Twitter. Charles Barkley would’ve stormed an ESPN set and destroyed things until Corso apologized for what he had done. I’m fine with both approaches.

from College and Magnolia - All Posts https://www.collegeandmagnolia.com/2019/9/1/20843705/about-last-night-auburn-27-oregon-21

[thesportssoundoff]

A 2019 NFL Mock Draft To Kill Some Time

Joey

April 8th, 2019

1) Arizona Cardinals select QB Kyler Murray, University of Oklahoma There's two likely outcomes to consider at this point. The first is that Kyler Murray winds up in Arizona with Josh Rosen getting moved somewhere (and honestly, a 1st round QB with three years left on an affordable deal should not require much arm wringing to jettison) and the second is some team moves up to #1 to take him here. Either way, he's the guy right now.

2) San Francisco 49ers select DE Nick Bosa, Ohio State University I feel pretty confident in the first five picks or so but the most confident I am as of right now is in San Francisco picking Nick Bosa. Nick Bosa plus Dee Ford on the outside with Arik Armstead, Deforrest Buckner and Solomon Thomas rotating on the inside? That's a tremendous defensive line. Also don't get caught up in 3-4 vs 4-3 or who plays where; remember these teams play in the nickel close to 60% of their defensive snaps. Plenty of room to get rushers on the field.

3) New York Jets select Edge Josh Allen, University of Kentucky The Jets are spending like a team that believes it's ready to take the next step with a young QB which is probably want you want to do when you have a cheap quarterback. Allen to the Jets is one of those heavily whispered rumors in the Tri-State area that grows louder by the day.

4) Oakland Raiders select DL Quinnen Williams, University of Alabama Arguably the top player in the draft being there at 4? Good fit for a team that traded away a top flight pass rusher and then spent the next four months opining about their lack of a pass rush. Williams + Hurst could create a tremendous interior presence for the Raiders.

5) Tampa Bay Buccaneers select LB Devin White, Louisiana State University More defense! The Bucs and Devin White rumor started around the combine and the loss of Kwon Alexander does little to shake those feelings off. White is the best linebacker in the draft and it's worth remembering that there's a bit of a linebacker renaissance going on in the NFL with guys like Leighton Vander Esch, Darius Leonard, Roquan Smith, Tremaine Edmunds and Fred Warner all having tremendous seasons as rookies.

6) New York Giants select DL Ed Oliver, University of Houston Ed Oliver didn't quite have the big time top pick season people thought he'd have with some injuries and a blow up with head coach Major Applewhite weighing down the end of the year. That said, he's still a freakishly athletic and highly productive undertackle prospect who can flip just about any defensive line. He could play end in a 3-4 but again. a lot of nickel defense for pro teams. Oliver would eat on 3rd downs and the Aaron Donald comparisons are NOT entirely off the mark.

7) Jacksonville Jaguars select OT Jawaan Taylor, University of Florida Tom Coughlin is an old school guy who does old school type stuff. They just spent a lot of money on a QB who is not exactly renown for his mobility and they still have Leonard Fournette on their roster. It'll be an OL or DL, just pick which one you prefer.

8) Detroit Lions select DE Rashaan Gary, University of Michigan Here's the pick I struggle with the most. Gary's a superb athlete who lacked any sort of consistent production at Michigan. I think the Lions, like most of the teams in the top 10, are aiming to repair their pass rush and so Gary walks into the door with Tre Flowers creating a unique DL front.

9) Buffalo Bills select TE TJ Hockenson, University of Iowa I bet this pick dances for a QB. Either way kudos, credit and plaudits to Buffalo for trying to give Josh Allen the help necessary to succeed. They grabbed a few smaller quick-ish twitch slot types in Cole Beasley and John Brown who can help their QB and they have a gluttony of old aging RBs who are at least reliable. Even Tyler Kroft as a massive overpay has some sensibilities. TJ Hockenson is a stand out tight end who can do it all be it blocking or receiving. He'll make the Bills offense better and help Josh Allen.

10) Denver Broncos select QB Drew Lock, University of Missouri On paper I'd be shocked if either Lock or Haskins hits THIS number but no trades and outside of New York, there's no real immediate option from 2 to 8 on a QB. John Elway has been tagged to Drew Lock since January and so I doubt Joe Flacco changes anything in that regard.

11) Cincinnati Bengals select QB Dwayne Haskins, Ohio State University My guess is that the Jets and Bengals will have a chit chat about a pick swap. The Ohio State guy playing ball in Cinci seems way too easy to peg if he falls this far or via a move up. Perfect situation for Haskins to sit, learn and develop behind a still kinda competent Andy Dalton.

12) Green Bay Packers select DE-OLB Montez Sweat, Mississippi State University Green Bay's draft last year focused primarily on its defense and they had some hits in their secondary. Perhaps the arrival of Montez Sweat would help complete that defensive turnaround. Again there's a lot of great EDGE talent here.

13) Miami Dolphins select DE Brian Burns, Florida State University This is the final defensive end I feel really confident with and Miami, about to embark on a long rebuild, can at least feel confident in snagging a great athletic edge.

14) Atlanta Falcons select CB Greedy Williams, Louisiana State University The Falcons could use defensive help but let's discuss the law of diminishing returns real quick; does it make sense to take the fourth of fifth best defensive end or the top corner or safety? Think this is the better value and while you can debate Greedy Williams vs Byron Murphy, I think a corner might be a better fit here.

15) Washington Redskins select WR DK Metcalf, Ole Miss I personally find Metcalf to be overhyped (I'd take N'Keal Harry and Hakeem Butler above him) but Washington needs wide outs who can do a thing or two. Metcalf and Doctson would make for a tremendous 1-2 combination and you could do worse at 15 overall than a WR with Metcalf's high upside.

16) Carolina Panthers select OT Andre Dillard, Washington State University The Panthers OL was RAVAGED by injury up and down the line all year. Andre Dillard is a freakishly athletic player who can play either tackle spot and would be a key protector for Cam Newton.

17) New York Giants select QB Daniel Jones, University of Duke If the Giants don't go QB at 6, I can't see how they don't go QB at 17. Daniel Jones to the Giants is going to be a trendy trendy pick going forward with the David Cutcliffe ties and the Manning Academy talk.

18) Minnesota Vikings select OC Garrett Bradbury, North Carolina State The Vikings added Josh Kline which is a help but the interior could still use some work. Garrett Bradbury is the best interior OL in the draft in my estimation so this is a tremendous get for a team in dire need of figuring out its offense going forward.

19) Tennessee Titans select TE Noah Fant, University of Iowa The Titans can choose an edge rusher, another WR, more OL help and etc etc etc. I think Noah Fant can pretty much become the top receiving option for Marcus Mariota without much of a challenge and in due time. A great athlete who was sort of hamstrung by the requirement of Iowa's offense and their chemical dependency on blocking tight ends.

20) The Pittsburgh Steelers select LB Devin Bush, University of Michigan This is probably the tail end of Bush's value but I really didn't see a spot earlier than this where he is a perfect fit. The Ryan Shazier replacement if one can view it under such coarse terms.

21) Seattle Seahawks select FS Nasir Adderly, University of Delaware The continued rebuilding of Seattle's secondary moves forward with Nasir Adderly. Small school guy or not, Adderly is a versatile chess piece by which any defense would be happy to have him.

22) Baltimore Ravens select OL Cody Ford, University of Oklahoma The Ravens could grab an edge, they could grab a WR but I like Cody Ford. He's arguably the best value I've got available and would do wonders for what the Ravens are aiming to build on offense. He could play inside or outside for the Ravens offense.

23) Houston Texans select OT Jonah Williams, University of Alabama The slide of Williams from top 5 player to late first rounder is a touch confounding but the Texans won't mind. They've got some guys at tackle already but Julie'n Davenport was awful and Seantrel Henderson is struggling to stay healthy. Williams gives you an improved tackle option.

24) Oakland Raiders select LB Blake Cashman, University of Minnesota A big time combine riser, Blake Cashman gives the Raiders a somewhat undersized freakishly athletic linebacker. The Raiders are trying to rebuild their defense with draft picks.

25) Philadelphia Eagles select RB Josh Jacobs, University of Alabama Josh Jacobs has ultra limited production at Alabama but that's actually a good thing for a running back. He's got Leveon Bell type traits and the Eagles could use more help as Carson Wentz tries to get back to 2017 levels.

26) Indianapolis Colts select DT Christian Wilkins, University of Clemson The best member of the Clemson DL who is a mature team leader type. Would immediately step in as as a key part of this defensive line and it's worth remembering that Matt Eberflus spent the past four years learning under Rod Marinelli and what he values in defensive line help. It's not the BIGGEST guys but the guys who have the athleticism to play 3 and the size to play 1.

27) Oakland Raiders select DE Clellin Ferrell, University of Clemson The Raiders can't take a WR at pick 27. There's a subtle rule you can't use a pick to replace the dude you traded to get the pick. Ferrell fits here and now the Raiders have a genuinely great young DL with Hurst, Ferrell and Williams.

28) San Diego Chargers select WR Hakeem Butler, Iowa State University I know it's a bit loaded up at the WR spot for the Chargers but they have a young defense, a tremendous QB on the back nine of his career, Mike Williams still trying to find himself, Keenan Allen as a stud guy and you add Butler, another big bodied vertical threat? Seems like a winning formula to me.

29) Kansas City Chiefs select CB Deandre Baker, University of Georgia The secondary was the bugaboo for the Chiefs last year and while it could be argued that injuries didn't help, talent overall is needed. Baker fits the spot.

30) Green Bay Packers select S Taylor Rapp, University of Washington Safeties and corners are likely to be all over the place on the back end of the draft. The Ha Ha Clinton Dix trade opened up a spot in the secondary and Taylor Rapp feels like a perfect fit for what the Packers need. Rapp is good enough in coverage and a tremendous box safety who is instinctive and quicker than fast. Don't let the pro day talk you out of the player.

31) Los Angeles Rams select CB Byron Murphy, University of Washington Corners and safeties. Byron Murphy is a tremendous corner prospect who would provide a long term answer to the CB spot for the Rams with Aquib Talib likely on his last legs and Marcus Peters the sort of dude who burns out his welcome eventually.

32) New England Patriots select WR AJ Brown, Ole Miss A real perfect fit for New England. AJ Brown can play all three key WR spots, he's polished as all hell, he's got the open field ability to be more than just a fun slot guy and Tom Brady would probably embrace him as a new go to. I just don't see an easy fit at tight end to replace Gronk.

[theconservativebrief]

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas has been on the New York Times’s best-seller list for 66 weeks now, and for most of those weeks, it’s been at No. 1. (Occasionally it slips down to No. 2 for a bit.) It’s a bona fide sensation of a book, and with good reason: It’s a YA novel that handles the problems of police shooting unarmed black men with thoughtfulness, warmth, and profound empathy.

The central character in The Hate U Give is Starr, a 16-year-old black girl who has become a master of code-switching as she travels back and forth between her white private school and her black home neighborhood. Starr is the only witness to the police shooting of her childhood friend Khalil, and over the course of the book, she becomes the center of the ensuing fallout.

The Hate U Give is now being adapted into a movie, slated for release this fall, directed by George Tillman Jr. and starring The Hunger Games’ Amandla Stenberg. At New York City’s BookCon last week, author Angie Thomas joined Tillman and Stenberg for a panel discussion, along with Girl Meets World’s Sabrina Carpenter, who plays Starr’s controlling white friend Hailey. Fielding questions from Cori Murray, the entertainment director of Essence magazine, the four talked about the empathy-building power of books, the difficulty of code-switching, and what “the hate u give” really means.

Following are highlights from the panel conversation, lightly edited for length and clarity.

Angie Thomas

I first got the idea to write the story when I was a senior in college. I was a lot like Starr at that time. I lived in these two very different words: my neighborhood, which was mostly black, and my school, which was a mostly white, private, upper-class Christian college in conservative Mississippi. My classmates were basically those Trump voters who say that they love Jesus but don’t want anyone to have any rights.

When I was in school, I had to be two different people. I tell people all the time, I would leave my house playing Tupac, but by the time I got to the school, I was playing Jonas Brothers. (Don’t judge me.)

While I was in school, there was a young man by the name of Oscar Grant who lost his life in Oakland, California. And although that was thousands of miles away, it affected conversations right there in Jackson, Mississippi. In my neighborhood, Oscar was one of us. He was an ex-con. I knew guys just like him who were trying to turn their lives around. In my school, my classmates were like, “Maybe he deserved it. He was an ex-con. Why are people so upset? He should just have done what they told him to do.”

Now, if you know anything about Oscar Grant, his death was caught on tape, and it showed him laying flat on his stomach as the cops shot him in the back. There was nothing he could have done at that moment.

I was angry, I was hurt, I was frustrated, and I felt like I had two options. I could either a) burn down that entire school campus, or I could b) use those emotions and do something productive with them. I didn’t burn the school down. It’s sitting pretty over in Jackson, Mississippi, and they even gave me an award for alumni of the year. I decided to write.

I wrote this short story about a boy named Khalil who was a lot like Oscar, and this girl named Starr who lived in these two different worlds, a lot like I did. And that’s essentially how The Hate U Give was born.

Angie Thomas

I’ve had several people come up to me this week and say that the last few pages made them cry, where Starr gives off the names [of the victims of police shootings]. I wrote that the same week that both Philando Castile and Alton Sterling lost their lives. And if you remember anything about that week, those videos of their deaths were played over and over and over again. And I remember having this moment where I was like, “What’s the point of writing this book? It is not going to change anything.” I felt so hopeless.

My mom told me, “No, that’s why you have to write it.” She said, “You don’t know who’s going to pick this up one day and what they’re going to do one day.”

That’s what kept me going. Because I truly believe that books create empathy, and empathy is more powerful than sympathy. And I have to believe that if some of our current political leaders read books about black kids as kids, we wouldn’t have to say, “Black lives matter.” If they read books about Muslim children, we wouldn’t have to fight against bans. If they read books about LGBTQA youth, we wouldn’t have to fight for rights. If they read books about Latino children, they’d talk about building bridges instead of walls.

When I thought about that, that’s what pushed me forward, what made me decide to keep going with the book even as we see these things happening. What made me keep going was the idea that some kid picks it up today; he’ll later be a politician with a Twitter account.

Sabrina Carpenter

I didn’t want to approach [Hailey] like the mean girl or the character that everyone obviously hates, because I think there’s a lot of these people in our lives that we don’t hate.

I think she really is one of those people that isn’t seeing all of her actions as racist. It’s kind of uncomfortable for her to talk about, and that’s why her relationship with Starr is so unhealthy. Because they really do just brush over everything, and that’s kind of how their friendship always has been, I think. They never really get to the point of what they need to discuss; they never tackle their obstacles. They really just kind of get through it and get by.

George Tillman Jr.

As an African American, I always had that conversation, but it came from many different places. It came from my uncles; it came from my father. How do you act around a police officer? What if you’re approached? What if you did something wrong, or what if you get pulled over? All of that is just to save your kid, to get them to the next level, to go to college, be able to do things differently, to change racism. There are a lot of things at stake.

We put that conversation at a really early age, when Starr is 8 or 9 years old. So the two young kids that played that scene, I didn’t give them any context as to what that scene was about. Just, “Sit down, sit down at that table, just listen, that’s the most important thing.” So that scene that you see, that’s just them taking in all this information.

Amandla Stenberg

My experience growing up was the same as Starr’s. I lived in a black community, but I went to a white private school. I think that gave me some superpowers in some ways that I think a lot of black girls have to gain, which is the ability to navigate different environments and code-switch between them, and know how your mannerisms and the way that you speak are going to affect the way people interpret you, and therefore how you succeed or don’t in certain atmospheres.

At my school, I learned very early on how to navigate white institutions, being around a culture of wealth and a culture of whiteness. And that gave me some really important skills when it comes to navigating Hollywood as well, and navigating the environment in industries that are dominated by white men.

But I think it’s something that we have to figure out how to do, and sometimes it can feel confusing. It feels like maybe certain parts of you can feel more valid than others, or you have to hide different parts of yourself, or you’re having to put yourself into smaller boxes.

I think what’s really special about Starr’s narrative when it comes to the code switch of her identity is that at the end of the film, she learns how to feel cohesive in herself, and realizes that she doesn’t need to choose one side of herself. She doesn’t need to hide aspects of herself. She can be however she wants to be in her environment without being afraid of being called ratchet or being afraid of seeming angry or of seeming over the top. She learns how to break free of those burdens, and also realizes that those two sides of herself don’t need to be warring sides but can coexist in a really beautiful, harmonious way to make her the person that she is.

Angie Thomas

Tupac had that THUG LIFE tattoo across his abdomen, but a lot of people don’t know it was an acronym for “The Hate U Give Little Infants Fs Everybody.” He explained that as meaning that what society feeds into you has a way of affecting us all.

He said this in 1992 in reference to the Los Angeles riots. A lot of people associate those riots with the beating of Rodney King, but it was also in response to the shooting death of a 15-year-old girl named Latasha Harlins. As a matter of fact, “Keep Ya Head Up” was dedicated to Latasha.

Latasha was in a store, and the store owner accused her of stealing a bottle of juice. Latasha put the money on the counter, and footage shows her walking away when the store owner shot her in the head. She only received probation.

Tupac said the hate that was given to that little infant Latasha affected the entire city of Los Angeles. We’re talking millions of dollars in damages. The hate that was given to Trayvon Martin affected the entire city of Sanford, Florida. That hate that was given to Tamir Rice affected the entire city of Cleveland, Ohio. The hate that was given to Michael Brown affected the entire city of Ferguson, [Missouri]. So if Pac were here, he’d say that’s THUG LIFE.

Original Source -> The Hate U Give’s creative team talks turning the best-seller into a movie

via The Conservative Brief

[blogamyamykinslove-blog]

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

I arrived in Agra by train in the morning, got settled in at N Homestay, and at the suggestion of their guide/driver Mokul, I took the rest of the afternoon to visit Fatehpur Sikri- home of the Jama Masjid mosque and Mughal palace predating the Taj Mahal.  Little did I remember that the entrance fee for the Historic palaces had gone up to 500 INR, so I only had enough money for it, and to take the bus back to Agra (and maybe a bag of chips).  Lunch consisted of the leavings of my goody bag from Simla.  Luckily I did bring a scarf  (I had completely forgotten my hat) because the Jama Masjid is an active mosque.  I have also been using my water purification drops when filling my water bottles from the tap, and so far, so good.  One could go broke keeping up on drinking water here in India. Also, I paid $20 CAD for this water purification kit, so I might as well use it. TRAVEL TIPS TO FOLLOW, SO NECESSARY FOR SURVIVING FATEHPUR SIKRI.

Arriving in Agra, I knew right away I had officially arrived in India, and gone were the days of orderly, friendly, clean little towns.  It was a madhouse of Autorickshaws around the train station, and all of the drivers clamoured at me “taxi? taxi? hotel, miss? hotel?” Basically one has to say “No,” firmly and give an emphatic shake of the head about a million times or or ignore them completely running the gauntlet until you find your driver, – which will happen, seemingly by magic. After riding the regular public bus from Agra (very hot and dusty- bring a scarf just to put over your nose to filter some of it out), there are tour touts waiting for you at the little bus depot in Fatehpur’s bazaar.  If your hotel or homestay has a driver/tour guide and offers to take you to Fatehpur Sikri (hereafter “FS”) for 700 INR or suchlike cost- DO THIS!   Learn from my mistake.  I decided I didn’t want to spend the 700 INR for my own private autorick and tour, and simply took the 40 INR bus ride from Agra. I thought I was being really smart by forgoing the extra cost…

There is a direct path straight up from the bus depot in Fatehpour’s bazaar towards the gate to the mosque, but one is essentially walking a path of garbage, so I took the long way around and took a second look at the bazaar, which was full of vendors and services of every sort. Traffic slowed to a crawl those last 50 meters from the beginning of the bazaar and the bus depot. The road above the bazaar leading up to the mosque and palace grounds, though, is wide, free of traffic, and lined with ice cream and goodie vendors, so Indian families take full advantage of the refreshments before going into the so-called abandoned city.  Walking up the ramp to the entrance of the huge and extremely impressive Buland Darwaza (Victory Gate) entrance to the Jama Majid mosque, I couldn’t help but laugh at the frolicking and leaping goats combing the ramparts for goodies left by tourists.

As soon as I entered into the mosque, a young man calling himself a “guide” offered to show me around.  These guys (and there are a lot of them) are touts, not guides.  They will indeed take you around the mosque, they’ll show you all the different parts of the grounds and tombs, they have good information, and they will even take really nice photos of you and for you while on the grounds, and will be very pleasant- but they will conclude their tour at their own little blanket set out with the souvenirs they sell- usually carvings in soapstone or alabaster.  There’s nothing wrong with buying from them except they’ll give you the hard sell and you will have to haggle within an inch of your life, and there’s nothing wrong with not buying from them and tipping them for their time instead.  They’re not as happy with the tip as they would to sell you their stuff, but whatever.  Bazinga.  I saw all the parts of the mosque- was encouraged to do all the little things that people do when they visit, like tying a string in the lattice screen of the white marble tomb of Shaikh Salim Chishti and making a wish (NO TELLING), and genuinely enjoyed my tour.  I found the cemetery and the crowded ladies-only cemetery behind lattice screens interesting as the marker stones were very compact. The honour of being interred within the mosque was only conferred to family members of the saint. The white marble tomb with the reflecting pool before it, and single tree growing beside it within the broad expanse of the mosque complex courtyard was genuinely beautiful.  I explored the courtyard of the mosque once I left the young tout, and there is no angle from which this little building is not striking and a spot of visual coolness in the expanse of baking redstone.  It was also a constant hub of activity as people came to pay their respects, tie their string, make their offering of thrown perfume or rose petals and some rupees to the saint.  Directly outside a group of musicians crouched in the shade, playing and singing their devotions. I noticed that the tomb had gutters leading directly to the pool, so that rainwater would be collected there for both its beauty and utility.

Exiting the mosque from the King’s Gate, I then proceeded into the expansive palace grounds, paying the entrance fee at that point.  The architecture and gardens were unlike anything I had seen before (or would see again in India), especially the 5 tiered Panch Mahal, and it’s no wonder for King Akbar who lived here encouraged unique designs melding Islamic, Hindu, Christian and Buddhist elements and imagery in the decor. King Akbar decreed that each religion was to be respected equally, and to “seal the deal” he took a queen from each faith.  The special audience hall (Diwan-i-Khas) and the decorative pool in front of his palace use a quartered square design illustrating the new faith he developed, called Din-i-llahi (God is One).  Wandering around this place was genuinely enjoyable. There were lots of arcades in which to shelter from the sun, gardens to refresh the eye from all the red sandstone, and wonderful spots from which to view the surrounding farmlands.  Within the palace grounds, I also discovered the striped chipmunk-like squirrels, wild green ring-necked parrots and many songbirds and swallows (and pigeons) that inhabit India.  To sit in the shade from the softening afternoon sun and breeze, journaling and watching the parrots and other birds race from buidling to building to tree was a real joy.

I was really glad that I had come out to FS and explored these amazing buildings.  Until I was foolish enough to NOT run and catch the bus I saw leaving the bazaar as  I came down to the corner. “Busses run for another two hours,” I told myself, “I’ll grab a quick snack and catch the next bus.”  Famous last words.  I waited at the bus depot and no other bus arrived. I had a snack, wrote in my journal and exchanged a few pleasantries with a couple of the touts there who were brothers… and then it started getting dark.  The young Islamic touts started to look a little uneasy on my behalf and gently remonstrated me “Why didn’t you run for that bus?” Finally one of the young men said “I don’t want you sitting here after dark. Tourists have been stranded here before by the bus. I have seen it and helped them get back to Agra before. Maybe the last bus will be here at 5:45, but if not then you should let my driver friend take you back to Agra because none of the tourist taxis come here.”  This was factually correct and not an exaggeration on his part, I hadn’t seen a single white car with the blue and yellow “Tourist Taxi” emblem painted on the side since arriving in FS, and there weren’t even any Autoricks.  Two of the young touts  arranged someone to drive me back and they tried to quote me double the price of what my homestay driver had offered for the return trip. Boy was I mad at myself and a little annoyed with them as I tried to discuss the discrepancy with them.  When he finally admitted that what he was really including in the price was a commission for him and his brother who had both kept me company for two hours while I waited, and arranged my ride, my frustration vanished.  I was happy to give them a commission, but I was not happy about being ripped off for a drive back to Agra- qualitative or semantic difference, as either way I was out a lot more rupees than I wanted to be for the day, but I don’t have a problem with rewarding people for taking their time to help me.

As it was, there was a massive traffic jam on the road back to Agra, and my driver was fortunately able to get out of the jam before too many vehicles boxed us in from behind, so we took a link road around the blockage and made it back to Agra with only a little delay.  It was a bit of an adventure itself and when I experienced some acute culture shock (see next entry).  I tried to not kick myself too hard for having to pay so much money to get back to the homestay, but on the other hand FS is a good hour outside of Agra, and I was very relieved that I got back safely and in comparative comfort. Who knows when I would have got back to Agra if I had gotten on that bus. For all I know, it was the thing causing the jam.

Matriarch Naghma of N Homestay had a wonderful thali dinner waiting for me when I got back to their place, and was kind enough to sit and chat with me while I ate.  She told me the interesting history of her family home, how happy and content she was to share it with travelers, and how this was definitely the best part of her life with her sons grown and one of them recently married.  After eating, I was grateful to retire to my very spacious room, shower and wash my clothes and retire to bed.

Tomorrow is the Taj Mahal at dawn.

                    Fatehpur Sikri (Agra) Oct. 15 ’16 I arrived in Agra by train in the morning, got settled in at N Homestay, and at the suggestion of their guide/driver Mokul, I took the rest of the afternoon to visit Fatehpur Sikri- home of the Jama Masjid mosque and Mughal palace predating the Taj Mahal.