#lindy-hopping squad

[pourablecat]

Boring functions tip: save a dance for your dad boss!

[garfield-mug]

Can I request a Bob blurb? Maybe he has a really hot girlfriend and nobody believes him until they meet her? You can do whatever you want with this!

A/N: for the purposes of this story, the daggers are permanently stationed in san diego. idk if this really fits the request, but i look at bob and immediately think that man can dance, so....

also, the squad gives bob a bit of a hard time in this one, but i promise they love each other lmao and the length of this may have gotten away from me, but i had fun, so it's okay lol and this isn't proofread bc i'm tired so excuse any spelling errors (i'll stop talking now byeee!)

(p.s. see if you can spot the movie reference, 10 bonus points to whoever points it out)

Word Count: 2.2k

Content Warnings: none unless you don't like dancing ;)

Cheek to Cheek

Bob knew he wasn't really a "ladies' man." He was rather quiet and reserved, keeping to himself most of the time. He wasn't cocksure and forward, like Jake. He wasn't a goofy, shameless flirt, like Bradley. He didn't consider himself shy; he wasn't afraid to engage in conversation or make friends. Bob just preferred to sit back and observe. He liked to watch and listen, getting a good read of every room he walked into. Watching and listening was how he noticed you.

You were a sight to behold. Bob reasoned that you had to be new to the club because he would've noticed you before.

Bob doesn't get much downtime, but when he does, he likes to spend it at the San Diego Swing Dance Club. Since he was little, Bob loved to dance. He remembers his mother teaching him a basic waltz when he was about seven. Gliding and twirling around the living room on top of his ma's feet are some of his fondest memories. He started ballroom classes when he was around twelve (he wanted to impress his date to his very first dance) and fell even more in love with the art. His repertoire grew and grew, having meticulously memorized different styles (paso doble was his favorite). He still loved dancing as he grew older, able to turn on the charm as easy as he knew the moves. He loved the way dancing made him feel. Bob never felt more free than when he was drifting about the dancefloor, leading his partner. He thought it was the closest you could get to flying while staying on the ground.

That's why, when he noticed you, he knew he had to have a dance. Thankfully, his regular partner, Julie, understood and agreed to the switch for the night (she was a great wingwoman). For as often as he was in his head, Bob usually never got nervous. He was nervous approaching you. He remembers it like it was yesterday. It was Lindy Hop night and you were wearing grey striped slacks, a white blouse with the sleeves rolled up to your elbows, and an old, beat up pair of white slip-on vans. He was in his usual button down and slacks. One look at you and he knew he was a goner. You looked a bit disheveled, hair haphazardly put up and out of your face, making small talk with a few other members of the group. He thought you looked ever so slightly out of place and that it was so, so endearing.

Eventually, he worked up the courage to ask you for a dance. It did take more than a few pep talks from Julie to get him to go over to you, but she didn't have to literally drag him there, so it was a success. He asked for a dance, holding out his hand. You said yes.

One dance turned into two, then three, and eventually you'd danced the whole night away. You'd exchanged numbers before going home and then you weren't just meeting once a week at the dance club. You were making time to see each other whenever possible. Days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months. It had now been six months since you and Bob made it official and you couldn't be happier.

Now, it made sense with his job and his general personality why the rest of the Dagger Squad hadn't known about you. They'd had conversations about their love lives often, but Bob had never really volunteered much information. You two had a good thing going and he liked to keep good things to himself for a while. Plus, the conversation rarely ever got turned his way. Bob was... very unassuming. The rest of the squad, except for Nat, never really inquired much about Bob's love life. It's not like Bob was purposely keeping you from his friends— it just never really came up. Nat was the only one who knew Bob was seeing someone and she was keeping it close to her chest out of respect for her friend and WSO, but also in the event that it spawned a bet. A bet she would surely win.

Eventually, one evening at the Hard Deck, the Daggers were all discussing their love lives once again. Mickey turned to Bob and asked if he was seeing anyone.

"I am, actually." Bob felt 5 more pairs of eyes snap to him, a collective "what?!" buzzing in the air at their inquisitive looks.

"You're seeing someone?" Jake asked, partially stunned. Bob wasn't offended, he knew he presented as a bit of a wallflower, and he was okay with that.

"What, you jealous, Bagman?" Bradley couldn't help himself. Jake's gaze snapped to the other aviator, challenging. Despite them both being on... better terms after the uranium mission, they still liked to jab at each other. Jake was usually better at it— slow, persistent needling while keeping a calm and collected facade. Bradley was more direct, favoring an immediate reaction over slow buildup.

Before Jake could respond, Bob cut in, turning the focus back to him.

"Matter of fact, I am," He sat a little straighter, dusting his pants of remnants of the peanuts he was snacking on. Natasha took a swig from her beer to hide the sly grin that was threatening to break across her face.

"Romantically? You're seeing someone romantically?" Reuben questioned.

"Sure am." Bob pushed his glasses further up his nose. He was thinking about you and how he wished you'd been able to come out tonight. You had talked to Bob about coming by to meet his friends, but scheduling conflicts always arose.

"What's her name?" Mickey asked.

"What's she look like?" Nat played into it, ignoring the pointed look Bob shot her way. He was still thinking of you, particularly about how darling you looked when you writhed underneath him, but they didn't need to know about that. Instead, Bob refocused, a dreamy smile taking over his features and a rosy blush creeping up his neck, landing on his cheeks. He couldn't help but look at the ground for a few moments, then he relayed your name. It felt so natural falling from his lips. The squad was eager for more information.

"She's just... perfect. She's smart and funny and so, so beautiful. She's got these eyes that just... and her smile?" Bob sighs, he actually sighs.

"I don't buy it." Jake is the first to burst the bubble. "I mean, we ask you what she looks like and all you give us is "oh, her eyes, her smile"? No way," Jake throws back the rest of his drink. Mickey and Reuben nod, signaling their agreement. Natasha smiles devilishly to no one but herself.

"C'mon, Bagman, he's clearly telling the truth. I mean, look at him. He's actually lovesick." Bradley chimes in. He knows what a man in love looks like.

"Yeah, it's kind of disgusting," Javy pipes up, firmly siding with Bradley.

"Well boys," Nat claps Bob on the shoulder. "Looks like we have a bet on our hands." She watches the men around the high-top table, eyes sparkling with mischief. "Hundred dollars in the pot says Bob's mystery girl is real. You in?"

Nat pulls out five twenty dollar bills, placing them in the middle of the table. Bob watches in amusement.

"Steep price, Natty, but I'll bite." Jake throws his wager in as well.

Eventually, everyone put some money in the pot, much to Nat's satisfaction, even if she would have to split the prize money.

"Alright, alright... When and where can we meet your lovely lady?" Jake asks Bob, who is glancing down at his watch.

"Uhh, this Thursday at the San Diego Swing Dance Club. Seven-thirty, sharp. Wear something nice, but comfortable." With that, Bob was throwing on his jacket and out the door, headed home to see you. He wouldn't have left so abruptly, but you'd sent him a text and he wasn't going to keep you waiting.

The Daggers were even more perplexed. Well, all except for Nat, but the rest didn't need to know about it.

"San Diego Swing Dance Club?" Reuben was taken aback. Jake was thoroughly amused.

"Oh I have got to see this now."

-

The week flew by, and eventually it was Thursday evening. You were excited to finally meet Bob's friends, he talked about them so often. You'd be lying if you said you weren't a bit nervous, fretting over your outfit and hair more than usual, not to mention your makeup.

"Babydoll, you'll look beautiful no matter what you choose." Bob had been sitting on your bed for the better part of an hour now, as you agonized over your outfit choice.

You sighed, coming to sit next to him. "I just want to make a good first impression." You rest your head on his shoulder.

"I promise they'll like you no matter what you wear." Bob presses a kiss to your temple. You take a deep breath and close your eyes.

"I'll go with the plaid pants then."

Bob huffs out a laugh, "Alright, baby."

-

The Daggers arrived at seven-thirty, sharp. Just like Bob had told them. Nat sent Bob a text, letting him know that they'd arrived. He excused himself from the group to collect the rest of his friends. He was excited, happy to share one of his passions with the people he called friends. He was also happy to finally introduce his girl to the rest of his friends. Bob made his way over to the rest of the squad, clustered awkwardly by the main entrance of the dance hall.

"Glad you could make it!" Bob pulls Natasha in for a hug and greets the rest of the guys in a similar fashion.

"Wouldn't miss it for the world, Bobby." Jake says, eyes sweeping the room for a lady to take home for the night. Bradley and Javy were doing the same. Mickey and Reuben had brought partners for the evening— a double date.

The group fell into their usual rhythm, easy conversation and a few friendly jabs here and there. Almost forgetting the reason why they were there. Almost. Jake was just about to bring up the fact that they still had yet to meet Bob's mystery girl, when the intro to Thurston Harris' Little Bitty Pretty One started playing from the bandstand. It was jive night, which just so happened to be your favorite. Scanning the crowd, your eyes found Bob talking with his friends. 'Well, it's now or never,' you thought, and you were beelining towards your boyfriend so you could make it onto the floor for the first dance. Bob was just telling Nat about this new recipe he tried out for dinner when he felt a tug on his arm. He turned to look at you and smiled.

"Bobby c'mon, can't miss the first dance!"

He looked back at his friends, "Be right back," and Bob was off to the dancefloor with you. The Daggers watched as he whisked you away, stepping into a seamless jive. You felt like you were positively flying, floating through the air, feet touching every cloud. The way you and Bob danced together was something special. You could read each other in a way most dance partners wished they could. Feeling the music, keeping in time with the rhythm, anticipating and adapting to every move the other made. Improvisation was the purest form of art, the amount of trust placed in your partner is unlike anything else. You and Bob had something special, there was no denying that, especially as you were twirling across the floor.

"Who knew he could move like that?" Javy had to pick his jaw up off the floor.

"They make it look so effortless," Reuben looked utterly amazed.

Jake had to admit, he was impressed. Game recognizes game and damn it, Bob Floyd had game. It really was always the quiet ones. You were pretty, and you seemed fun. You seemed like you'd be good for Bob, even though they hadn't technically met you yet. Jake couldn't even be mad that he'd lost the bet. What he needed now was to learn how to dance like Bob because apparently, that was a great way to meet a lady. You and Bob were out of breath when you rejoined the group, introductions going a smooth as ever. You like the squad and the squad liked you. By the end of the night, you and Bob had shown everyone how to do a basic jive. Reuben, Mickey, and Javy caught on quickly, feeling comfortable enough to join the people out on the main floor. Bradley and Jake needed... help. Nat was managing, wanting a bit more time to figure the steps out before trying them on the floor.

Before everyone knew it, it was ten o'clock and the band was saying goodnight. You and Bob were saying your goodbyes, ready to head home. Once you and him were out the door, Natasha turned to Bradley and Javy.

"Alright, we split this three ways and make sure to absolutely rub it in Jake's face." Nat divvies up the cash and Bradley and Javy take their cuts. Javy gives a curt nod and a smile before walking to his car.

Bradley turns to Natasha. "Can I walk you to your car?" He offers his arm.

"Sure," Nat smiles and accepts.

[lindyloowho]

2018 Jick and Jall; the everybody leads and everybody follows competition. Done to live music, no less!

[ridiasfangirlings]

Homra and Scepter4 Lindy Hop dance off? Strain with the power that makes people dance the Lindy Hop (they must think their power is so useless, like "That guy gets to shoot lasers out of his eyes and I can make people dance the Lindy Hop? So not fair!"). I dub this Lindy Hop Strain. Pair Homra and Scepter4 characters together! Fushimi and Yata! Seri and Izumo! Bishounen with Bishounen!

Maybe the reason Scepter 4 and Homra are both chasing after thisStrain with such a seemingly inconsequential power is that Lindy HopStrain got so tired of being teased for his power that he was likefuck it I’m turning to a life of crime (meanwhile ‘makes peopleyodel’ Strain and butt slapping Strain are like you do you bro).Lindy Hop Strain’s power turns out to be unexpectedly devious though,like maybe it makes you Lindy Hop until you collapse from exhaustionand soon the Strain is robbing banks and becoming the boss of a bunchof underground mafia gangs just by making people Lindy Hop until theycan’t move anymore. That’s when Scepter 4 and Homra both startgetting wind of the Strain’s activities and decide to chase it down.

Fushimi and Yata are of course the first two to be hit by the Strain,they run into each other while separately pursuing it and immediatelystart bickering instead. Fushimi’s about to start a fight when theStrain attacks and next thing the two of them know they’re doing theLindy Hop together. Maybe this is pre-S1 too so they haven’t made upyet but here they are forced to Lindy Hop together. Yata’s pissedwhen he realizes that he’s dancing the female part and Fushimi teaseshim about it relentlessly, like of course you’re the girl Misakiand Yata’s all shut up asshole or I’ll step on your fucking feet(except he can’t because Lindy Hop Strain makes you dance perfectly).In no time they’re doing the Lindy Hop as it if it’s a fight, likethey very aggressively spin each other around and the kicks into theair suggest they’d rather be kicking each other instead. Thoughthings get a bit serious as it goes on for longer because Fushimi’sstamina isn’t great and soon Yata’s being all worried in spite ofhimself that Saruhiko’s going to pass out if they have to keepdancing for much longer. Fushimi denies that this is the case andmutters that Yata’s breathing hard too, Yata’s like shut up save yourbreath for dancing.

Kusanagi and Awashima are the next to be hit, they’re discussing thecurrent situation with Fushimi and Yata when they get jumped. Theyturn out to be very good at the Lindy Hop, Kusanagi is impressed athow light Awashima is on her feet even in heels (though Awashimaprobably wishes she was wearing some better support garments).Imagine the two of them can’t stop dancing but still need to leadtheir teams so like they’re both passing a PDA back and forth as theydance, Kusanagi trying to help Homra figure out a strategy to takedown the Strain and Awashima giving Munakata a full report over thephone. One by the one the alphabet boys fall to the Strain though,like Benzai ends up dancing the Lindy Hop with Fujishima and theyspend the entire dance discussing cats, Doumyouji and Chitose dancewhile challenging each other to see who can dance the best andAkiyama ends up doing the Lindy Hop with Hidaka and being vaguelymortified by having to let a subordinate lead. Also imagine even Annagets hit along with Kamamoto and the two of them have a really cutedance and Kamamoto keeps trying to like pick her up off the ground abit when he can to help conserve her stamina.

Finally Munakata and Mikoto themselves have to go after the Strain,they corner it separately in an alley. Mikoto’s just like 'burn’while Munakata states that no Suoh we are bringing this Strain in theproper legal way. While they’re posturing at each other the Strainhits them with its power and soon there’s a Kingly Lindy Hop goingon. The Strain thinks he’s got this one but Munakata and Mikoto justlook at each other, Mikoto with this sardonic smile like guess I’mstuck with you and Munakata all indeed and then suddenly they’re bothglowing with power as they Lindy Hop closer and closer to the Strain.The Strain’s like wait what are you doing as Mikoto kicks it in thegroin with his leg burning red, then he spins Munakata into theStrain, blue power slamming it against the wall. The Strain ends uphaving to undo all the effects of its power in order to stop Munakataand Mikoto from pummeling it via dancing and soon the day is savedand everyone has had a lovely afternoon of dancing.

[swissmissficrecs]

any good "sherlock does ballet" aus? Not sure if this has already been asked or not, but I can't find any good ones.

Reply: I do have an older, more general dancing list, but as I said there, I have never really gotten into the whole Sherlock-as-a-ballet-dancer thing.

Here are the only ones I’ve got in my bookmarks:

A Moment’s Surrender by anchors (64K, M, Johnlock) Sherlock tours worldwide with the English National Ballet. John dances the Lindy Hop competitively all across the globe. That they would meet, then, by the slimmest of chances in one lonely city, is pure coincidence. The whole 'dancing together' bit is a little more planned. Dancer!AU. 

The Doubtful Comforts of Human Love by PoppyAlexander (61K, M, Johnlock) UK Ballet principal dancer Sherlock Holmes and assistant rugby coach John Watson met and fell in love as ambitious, optimistic teenagers. Twenty years on, they are entering midlife, facing the break-down of their bodies and the ending of their careers, and contemplating what the future holds for two middle-aged men forced to start over. With a frightening crisis unfolding at the Ballet, Sherlock must balance the demands of his career, his friendships, and his marriage with his own struggle against bitterness and discontent, while John takes a long-overdue glance from the outside, in, and stutter-steps toward making a kind of peace.

Then there are these, in which Sherlock used to be a ballet dancer but it’s not a major point:

Sherwood by JLocked and The_Lady_of_Purpletown (70K, E, Warstan, Sheriarty) John is happily married, but after some vague fantasies he has started questioning his sexuality. In his search for answers, he is helped by an old friend from medical school, who introduces him to the work of the unusual actor H. Sherwood.

Roommates are for little people by alexxphoenix42 (69K, E, Johnlock) John was looking forward to seeing his friends back at uni, but a new year brings new complications, not the least of which is a dorm room with only one bed, and a stroppy roommate with an utterly spectacular arse. God, John doesn't need the headache.

Sticking the Landing by SweetMandolins (44K, M, Johnlock) John Watson, Captain of Team GB’s gymnastics squad is confident and primed for his third and final Olympics.  Disappointed in London with a shoulder injury putting paid to his Olympic dream, can he secure an Olympic gold finish before retirement?    Meanwhile, Sherlock Holmes has other problems.  Men’s Rhythmic Gymnastics is the newest Olympic sport, but a series of peculiar accidents both on and off the floor have taken out some of the competitors.  Does something more sinister lurk under the spangles and spandex?  Can Sherlock solve the mystery in time to deliver a flawless ball routine?  And does something more valuable than medals await the boys in Rio?

[arabellaflynn]

I have been chewing on the philosophical question of why I can usefully follow a whole three people out of seven some-odd billion in ballroom dance. And I mean that both in the sense of, "Why am I so godawful at this in general?" and "Why am I not godawful with these three specific people?" The second thing is an interesting matter of Venn diagrams and pattern-spotting, as all three of them have radically different styles, while the first is mainly a matter of frustration. I'm still not sure if the awkwardness is a solvable problem or just the nature of the beast, and if it is solvable, whether it's my problem or the lead's. Among the people I can sort of follow, a lot of the divergence seems to be "American" vs "International". There's apparently a dissertation worth of stylistic differences, but the big one as it was explained to me is that in American style, you are allowed to let go of your partner and do separate footwork on the floor. (The footwork doesn't necessarily have to be ballroom dance, as long as it matches the music. Think Fred and Ginger.) Leads who have learned American style tend to operate on the paradigm 'I'll signal what I want and you go do it yourself'. They are generally fairly tolerant of the follow adding whatever flourishes or syncopation they want, or doing whatever with their free hand during promenades and spins, as long as they end up where the lead expects them to be. Ye Ballroom Instructor competed in American Smooth, and the female dancer I'll be working with this summer was also one of his students, so she's learned in that style too. In International style, you keep your partner in some kind of hold for the entire dance. International-style leads are more sort of, 'Imma make you look pretty now, you just go with it'. This is more the Eccentric's style, and it's much harder for me to do. It's a minor miracle that I can follow him at all. I don't look wobbly, but I am; if I don't have at least some control over my own movement, it's nearly impossible for me to keep my feet under me. I can't just flat-out ragdoll, because that causes a whole new set of problems. On the other hand, this means that a lot of the hyper-drama moves in Latin dance -- deep dips, drags, backbends, etc -- that scare the snot out of other people are actually much easier for me than some of the basic steps. I'm not responsible for keeping my balance during those. It's someone else's job to make sure gravity doesn't fuck things up. A lot of my problem with feeling very laggy seems to come from my dance partner assuming from my responses that I am 'getting' it, when in fact I have not 'gotten' anything at all and am just bluffing like a motherfucker. I am still missing a lot of the flow and transition cues. As far as I can tell, we were doing A and now suddenly we're doing B, and while I am quick to pick up on B, I don't have any clue how the hell we got there or at what point I was supposed to have recognized the shift in direction. I have no clear picture of the chain of causality and it makes everything seem very arbitrary. My latency seems to be low enough that most strangers do not notice I'm figuring things out ex post facto, but I notice, and I think my ping is uncomfortably high as compared to a proper look-ahead routine. I am a much better lead than I am a follow. Compared to 'mirror someone else's unspoken thoughts in real-time', 'don't steer your partner into the drinks table' is a piece of cake. Annoyingly, it is difficult to find events where I can convince people of this. Female leads are more common in teenager-y sock hop dances like lindy hop or jitterbug, both because it's more socially acceptable for women to take "male" roles when there's a shortage of available men than vice versa, and because 15-year-old boys have been masterfully awkward since the very moment awkwardness was invented. If you want to spend your school dance actually dancing, you pretty much have to dance with your girl squad. At the Latin dance events, HAHAHAHAHAHA no. You look like a girl, you follow. On an even more annoying related note, I need to find myself a ring or remember enough Spanish to talk about my imaginary boyfriend. Both instructors have commented that I actually follow pretty well. I am not sure how much to trust this. I have a lot of trouble distinguishing between 'teachers telling me I am good at something' and 'teachers being encouraging so I don't quit before I get good at something' at the best of times. The Eccentric has also commented that I am my own worst critic, which is probably true. I somehow feel like getting my assessment while dancing with a pro might be cheating. Either of them could have a go around the room with a dying fish, and both they and the fish would come out of it looking brilliant. from Blogger https://ift.tt/2JcClb6 via IFTTT -------------------- Enjoy my writing? Consider becoming a Patron, subscribing via Kindle, or just toss a little something in my tip jar. Thanks!

[entrecomesebebes-blog]

••• finalizando o domingo arrastando os pés dançando *Lindy Hop* 🎻💃🏻🕺🏻🎷 😉••• … #jazznaruasp #lindyhop #dance #sp #streetstyle #mood #squad #love #sunday #goodvibes (em São Paulo, Brazil)

[othersportsnews-blog]

Best waiver wire pickups involve Jason Pominville and Michal Neuvirth

New Post has been published on https://othersportsnews.com/best-waiver-wire-pickups-involve-jason-pominville-and-michal-neuvirth/

Best waiver wire pickups involve Jason Pominville and Michal Neuvirth

Just about every week, we mine the waiver wire for lesser-owned property to help your squad, whether you favor dynasty or the redraft structure — and we will also toss in some recommendations for DFS gamers out there. Classified by placement, the gamers are rated in descending purchase by possession proportion in ESPN.com leagues. We will also involve some former go-to fantasy property who may well be overvalued — in the short- or lengthy-expression — for one rationale or a different.

Forwards

Jason Pominville, RW, Minnesota Wild Possession proportion: 37.2

Check out for a place on the “Pominville fantasy bandwagon” in your personal league, and hop aboard if such a emptiness nevertheless exists. Though this current run of two aims and 7 helps in five video games has been especially striking, the 34-calendar year-outdated has been entirely continuous due to the fact Jan. 7 totaling 21 points in eighteen contests. Skating on a line with Charlie Coyle and Zach Parise, plus a Wild secondary power participate in, claims far more of the very same.

By looking at shot attempt statistics, we can locate undervalued fantasy gamers. As well as, an current set of relaxation-of-season, major-250 rankings.

Martin Hanzal, C, Arizona Coyotes Possession proportion: 16.three

Centering a major line and power participate in with wingers Max Domi and Radim Vrbata is about as great as it receives in Arizona, as designed noticeable by Hanzal’s current a few aims in two video games (all a few assisted by Domi, Vrbata, and/or star defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson). Not a lousy lead-up for the imposing forward to what a lot of think about an unavoidable trade to a contender forward of the Mar. one deadline. Normally a gamble simply because of his proclivity for injuries, Hanzal could nonetheless spend out respectable fantasy dividends to shut 2016-seventeen with the Coyotes … and wherever he lands next.

Patrik Berglund, C, St. Louis Blues Possession proportion: 9.six

If you’ve not however observed, Berglund is taking pleasure in one of his all-too-uncommon explosive spurts. Centering a scoring line with David Perron, the imposing 28-calendar year-outdated has six aims in his past five video games, which include Saturday’s hat trick in Montreal. And even far more is predicted of Berglund — notably with the gentleman benefit — even though fellow heart Paul Stastny continues to be out with a reduced-human body injuries. Just take benefit of these scoring exploits in all types of fantasy participate in before the next cooling off time period.

Ryan Strome, C/RW, New York Islanders Possession proportion: 7.six

Shifting our notice from the underutilized Anders Lee (possession proportion: forty four.2) to a different underappreciated Islanders asset, Strome has just lately thrived under new head mentor Doug Body weight. Skating on a major-six scoring line and No. one power participate in, the 23-calendar year-outdated has a few aims and five helps in 7 video games, which include a few points with the further skater.

Radek Faksa, C, Dallas Stars Possession proportion: 5.9

Though I before registered my appreciation for Faksa’s successful get the job done together with Devin Shore and Patrick Sharp, I outright adore the 23-calendar year-old’s possible on a scoring line, and major power-participate in device, with Tyler Seguin. Though Jason Spezza‘s pending return jams a wrench in that configuration, it is only a matter of time before mentor Lindy Ruff re-shuffles his forward property.

Zach Sanford, LW, Washington Capitals Possession proportion: .

Subbing in for an hurt Andre Burakovsky (hand) together with red-incredibly hot forward duo Lars Eller and Brett Connolly, Sanford scored his initial NHL objective Saturday towards the Anaheim Ducks. Sent back again to Hershey even though the Capitals kick back again in the course of their prolonged wintertime break, the 22-calendar year-outdated rookie stands a affordable chance of reclaiming that plum function as soon as the club returns to motion above the weekend. Burakovsky isn’t owing back again till late March/early April.

Peter Cehlarik, LW, Boston Bruins Possession proportion: .

Like Sanford in Washington, Cehlarik has been reassigned to Providence even though the Bruins sit idle till Sunday. If Boston management would not make a applicable transfer between now and then — and there has been a lot of chatter encompassing a possible trade for a major-six forward with the Colorado Avalanche — Cehlarik could repossess his place on a scoring line with David Krejci and David Pastrnak. Fantasy proprietors in deep leagues may well want to hold a shut eye on him right after earning his NHL debut 24 only hrs before, the 21-calendar year-outdated registered two helpers towards the Canadiens Sunday, which include an guide on Krejci’s power-participate in objective.

Defenders

Gustav Olofsson, Minnesota Wild Possession proportion: .

Most effective suited for DFS opponents with an eye on grand prize pool payouts, Olofsson is currently subbing in for an hurt Matt Dumba. Sunday’s two helps — the initial points of his NHL occupation, which include one earned on the power participate in — propose the 22-calendar year-outdated is eager to make a beneficial perception before Dumba returns to well being.

Goaltenders

Philadelphia Flyers netminder Michal Neuvirth could be worthy of a seem in your fantasy hockey leagues. Photograph by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire

Michal Neuvirth, Philadelphia Flyers Possession proportion: eighteen.six

Neuvirth is ripping along nicely, letting only six aims in his past five video games — a few of them wins. Just imagine if the Flyers experienced managed to whole far more than 7 aims in assistance of their 28-calendar year-outdated netminder! Next up is a road-commence as opposed to the discouraged Flames on Wednesday.

Jeremy Smith, Colorado Avalanche Possession proportion: .5

After taking part in far more than 300 video games in the minors (generally AHL) above eight yrs, Smith is earning his initial NHL commence Tuesday towards the New Jersey Devils. The 27-calendar year-outdated has been great-to-good these past a few seasons, shifting between Providence (Bruins), Iowa (Wild), and San Antonio. You can not talk to for far more of a quintessential dark-horse asset in DFS participate in.

Lowered anticipations

Peter Budaj, G, Los Angeles Kings Possession proportion: 77.2

Lifetime typically isn’t reasonable. Just talk to Budaj, who — despite performing yards earlier mentioned and over and above as a months-lengthy substitute for one of the improved netminders in the match — is probably to shed his gig as the Kings’ beginning goalie via no fault of his personal. Skating, Jonathan Brief (groin) seems on plan to return in March. And if Quick’s restoration really should veer off keep track of, GM Dean Lombardi is predicted to decide on up added goaltending insurance policy forward of the Mar. one trade deadline. Either way, Budaj will see a substantial lessen in motion from what he is been accustomed in 2016-seventeen.

Gustav Nyquist, RW, Detroit Purple Wings Possession proportion: 32.one

The projected multi-match suspension for jabbing his adhere into Jared Spurgeon‘s face only spreads added sour icing on what has currently been a reasonably bitter campaign for the scoring winger. If achievable, drop Nyquist and decide on up Anthony Mantha instead. The rookie power forward is visibly rounding into variety on a major scoring line with Henrik Zetterberg. I foresee a sturdy finish to the season from the 22-calendar year-outdated, regardless of how the Purple Wings handle entirely.

Resource backlink

[fadingfartconnoisseur]

AK Monthly Recap: April 2017

It’s so strange that when I look back at this month, one random little memory comes to mind.

I was standing in the CVS on Broadway and 93rd St., fresh from a training session at the gym, picking up a bottle of coconut water, wondering whether I should pay my trainer more for analyzing my love life in between squats and deadlifts.

And then a song came on overhead — Sugar Ray’s “Someday.”

I was filled with nostalgia and warmth.

CVS was where I worked in high school; “Someday” was a popular song on the radio then. I remember the video, the band grooving on a beach in black and white, Mark McGrath all frosted tips and swaying hips. As it played, I moved over to the nearest speaker and danced a little bit, coconut water in hand, trying to pinpoint the feeling swelling through me.

Just close your eyes and I’ll take you there,

This place is warm and without a care…

The song ended too soon. I made my way to the self-checkout, feeling like something had been taken from me, but glad I had experienced it.

Destinations Visited

New York, New York

Reading, Beverly, Lynn, and Boston, Massachusetts

Favorite Destinations

It was so nice to get back to Boston — I actually haven’t spent much time in the city proper since I moved to New York. I used to know Boston like the back of my hand; now that I haven’t lived there for six and a half years, I barely recognize some parts of it.

Highlights

Meeting my feminist heroes. This was a fantastic month. I had no idea I’d be meeting feminist icon Gloria Steinem! My friend Amy invited me to an event honoring Dr. Willie Parker, reproductive rights advocate and author of Life’s Work: A Moral Argument for Choice.

(John Oliver was there, too, and gave a hilarious introduction. Olivia Wilde was there as well, as an attendee, and I cracked up when Amy said, “Hey, Olivia, your backpack is unzipped so I’m just zipping it up for you now.”)

I got a chance to briefly chat with Gloria and tell her about the work I do to fight gender inequality in the travel blogging industry and elsewhere. (“Travel blogging. That’s interesting,” she said.) “I’m continuing your work,” I told her. “No,” she gently corrected me. “You’re continuing your work and I support you.” My heart felt like it was about to burst.

I also met Lindy West, one of my favorite writers in the world, whose book Shrill I named one of my favorite reads of 2016. She was giving a reading at the NYU bookstore. We had a nice discussion about the ramifications of standing up for your beliefs when it can negatively impact your career.

Enjoying flower season in New York. I’m glad I actually got some good photos this year! The cherry blossoms are so beautiful. Spring is one of my favorite times of year in the city. I love when you can ditch a jacket and have a coffee or drink outdoors.

Trying out crazy treats in New York. I’m on a mission to photograph some of the crazier foods in New York, so I waited in line for a cronut at Dominique Ansel Bakery in SoHo (and ran into two lovely readers while doing so!) and tried the fish-shaped ice cream at Taiyaki in Chinatown. Pro tip: if you want a cronut, go right when they open.

Trying out vegan restaurants in New York. No real reason for it; I just happened to try a few this month! I know I have some vegan and vegetarian readers, so here are some tips: if you want something high-end, check out Candle Cafe on the Upper West Side or Upper East Side. I loved the “lasagna” with tomatoes, pesto, cashew cheese, and thinly sliced zucchini. For something more casual, try out Sun in Bloom in Park Slope or Tribeca. They make sandwiches in collard green wraps and they got me to say the most Brooklyn thing ever: “What’s your Brazil nut latte like?” (It’s actually really delicious; you should get it, too.)

Returning to the Boston Marathon. The last time I attended was 2013, the year of the bombing, which was a very scary day. You can read about my experience here. I always find the marathon to be a moving event, and it especially was for me this year. I also got to cheer on my friend Matt, who is an avid marathoner but was running his first Boston.

Spending Easter at home with my family. It was a good time to go home. I also got my chowda fix at Legal Sea Foods. If you want the best clam chowder in Boston, that’s where you go (and don’t even THINK of getting the low cal version); if you want the best seafood chowder in the world, go to The Maine Diner in Wells, Maine.

Hanging out with a cool puppy with a bright future. My sister volunteers for Puppies Behind Bars, an organization where prisoners train puppies to become service animals for wounded vets. The puppies need to be socialized outside of the prison on a weekly basis, so Sarah gets to have a puppy stay with her overnight a few times a month. I loved hanging out with Waldo the black lab; he was so sweet. Also, you can bring a service animal anywhere, which is pretty cool.

Challenges

Overall, this was a very good month, and I’m grateful for that. Nothing worse than a traffic-filled bus back to New York that took nearly seven hours as opposed to the usual five.

Most Popular Post

“Do You Have Any Regrets?” — I extrapolate upon five regrets that I’ve encountered during my travels.

Other Posts

Miami Is Nice, So I’ll Say It Twice — I really enjoyed my time in Miami.

The Most Photogenic Places I’ve Ever Visited — Points for Copenhagen, Istanbul, and Lake Ohrid!

How I Joined Skillshare And Learned Cool New Skills on the Cheap — Be sure to check out this offer with two months free for AK readers, no strings attached.

Most Popular Instagram Photo

This photo from Samara, Costa Rica, taken two years ago, was just the prescription on a cold, rainy day.

For more updates, follow me on Instagram and Snapchat — I’m adventurouskate on both platforms.

Fitness Update

They say it takes a few months before your most observant friends and family notice any kind of weight loss. I’m glad to say that roughly 3.5 months into my fitness regimen, people are finally noticing and telling me how much skinnier I look. It feels awesome.

I took a few new classes this month: I tried out Orange Theory Fitness, which is an hourlong combination of running, strength training, and rowing in a small group setting. You wear a heart rate monitor and it tells you how many calories you burned. My friend Beth loves OTF, so I joined her at the Park Slope studio in Brooklyn. It was awesome — I loved the technology, the high calorie burn (635 for me), and how it feels like you’re on a team! I’ll definitely be back.

I also tried a combination trampoline and weights class at The Bari Studio in Tribeca, which was surprisingly hard, especially the weights portion, and I sweat SO much! Super fun, though. And I loved dancing to Beyoncé in Beyoncé’s neighborhood. (Me texting Beth: “DO YOU THINK THE BABIES HEARD US DANCING TO THEIR MOM?!?!”)

And if you’re ever around 145th St., check out Brahman Yoga. It’s a nice yoga space with cheap $8 drop-in classes. They specialize in vinyasa for all, from beginners to advanced practitioners.

These days there are two classes that I commit to at Equinox on W 92nd whenever I’m in New York: Zumba on Fridays with Adam, which is my favorite of the Zumba classes, and The Cut on Sundays with Chris, which is a hip-hop kickboxing class. Both Adam and Chris are fantastic instructors.

I will say, however, that I’m struggling a lot with diet this month. I need to smack myself back into shape.

Also — are you interested in trying out Equinox? Email me here, tell me which city you’re based in, and I can get you a free three-day trial at any Equinox gym (locations here).

What I Read This Month

This month I read six books and am now 23 books into the 52-book Popsugar 2017 reading challenge, putting me comfortably ahead of schedule. Here’s what I read:

The Trespasser by Tana French (2016) — I chose this from Book of the Month and I also suggested it to my book group. Tana French has written several novels about the murder squad of the Dublin police department; each novel focuses on a different detective. This book is about Detective Antoinette Conway, the only woman and person of color on the squad. There are two focuses: a case where a young woman is murdered and her new boyfriend would seem to be the obvious culprit, and the awful treatment Antoinette receives from her fellow detectives, from having her papers stolen and her coffee spat in to them urinating in her locker and worse. Because she’s a woman and biracial.

I don’t usually read thrillers or crime novels, but I loved this one. It unfolded slowly but soon I was wrapped up deep in the story, and I loved feeling like I was surrounded by Ireland. There were some weak points (and if you read it, you will probably agree on the same weak points), but I found this to be a compelling story along with a scathing account of what it’s like to be a woman in an aggressive male-dominated profession. Category: a book with a red spine.

Homesick for Another World by Ottessa Moshfegh (2017) — This book first came to my attention when I saw that Zadie Smith, an author I love, recommended it in her NYT By the Book interview. When it was an option from Book of the Month, I had to get it! Moshfegh has already published a novel, but she’s better known for her short stories and this collection has been highly anticipated.

I’ll be honest. A lot of people would hate this book. I liked it. The stories are uncomfortable; the characters are unlikeable; there are a lot of bodily functions described in great detail. That discomfort reminded me of Elena Ferrante’s novellas — it’s like holding up a mirror to your worst self. But if you love great literature and can handle a bit of feeling off-kilter, read this book. Her stories are sharp and tight and I’ve never read anything quite like them. Category: a book recommended by an author you love.

One Day We’ll All Be Dead and None of This Will Matter by Scaachi Koul (2017) — I got this from Book of the Month as well because it seemed like the kind of book I’d love — a collection of humorous essays by a rising star and Buzzfeed writer. Her parents immigrated from India to Canada and the book includes stories on being brown in Canada (especially when compared to being a light-skinned Kashmiri in India), sexism and rape culture, and why Indian weddings really aren’t that great, among others. It sounded like it was right up my alley.

Unfortunately, this book did not gel for me at all. I found the writing to be disorganized — Koul would veer off into different random topics in the middle of an essay, then circle back without making a point. She also seemed immature, which makes sense because she’s in her early twenties, and she wrote about her boyfriend constantly even though he had nothing to do with most stories. I did appreciate some of the stories, though, especially the one on body hair. I would totally be open to reading more of Koul’s work down the line, hopefully if that work is in the hands of a better editor. Category: a book where the main character is a different ethnicity than you.

Girls in the Moon by Janet McNally (2017) — I needed a book that took place in two time periods, and when I heard this one told of time perspectives from both a mother and daughter, it seemed like a good choice. It was a Book of the Month option as well, but it was actually a bit cheaper on Amazon, so I got it for Kindle. This book is told from the point of view of Phoebe, a 17-year-old girl visiting her older sister in New York. Her parents were once rock stars, but broke up and their mother abandoned fame to raise her children while her father chased fame and abandoned them; her sister is now becoming an indie rock star and following in her mother’s footsteps more than she will admit.

This is technically a Young Adult book, which I didn’t realize when I bought it. As a result, I felt like the young characters were FAR more mature than their ages (not unlike a Baby-Sitters Club book) and a little too perfect. But to my surprise, I actually ended up really liking the book and rooting for all the characters. I related quite a bit to the mother when she became more and more uncomfortable with fame, and I love that much of the book took place in Brooklyn Heights, one of my favorite New York neighborhoods. Category: a book set in two different time periods.

American War by Omar El Akkad (2017) — Yet another Book of the Month pick! I had been looking forward to this book’s publication ever since I first heard about it. It’s a dystopian book about the Second American Civil War, starting in 2074 and fought as climate change destroys the planet. America has prohibited the use of fossil fuels; the South rebels. The story of the war is told through the life of a young girl named Sarat, who goes from a six-year-old in a refugee camp to an indoctrinated instrument of war.

There were things I liked and didn’t like about this book. I loved the premise, as frightening and realistic as it could be. I loved how it was interspersed with academic papers detailing the war. But I felt like it held Sarat and other characters at so great of a distance that I couldn’t understand their actions and motivations (not unlike American Gods, which I read earlier this year). I will say, though, that the book makes a big shift at about the 75% mark and it becomes much more engrossing. Definitely worth reading. Category: a novel set during wartime. 

Sex at Dawn: How We Mate, Why We Stray, And What It Means For Modern Relationships by Christopher Ryan and Cecilia Jethá (2012) — I bought this book a few years ago on the recommendation of Dan Savage, but only read a few chapters before losing interest. It was time to pick it up again. The book seeks to educate people that humans are not naturally monogamous. Monogamy between humans did not exist until the dawn of agriculture. Prior to that, we were hunter-gatherers and everyone had sex communally and indiscriminately with children being raised collectively by the tribe. This book is a dense tome of anthropological evidence, but it’s also quite funny at the same time.

Does this mean that everyone should give up monogamy? No, but monogamy is definitely not the best choice for everyone. I think this book is valuable in gently pointing out that you’re not a complete failure if you’re in a committed relationship, yet become attracted to someone else — this is how we’re wired. And perhaps more people would be happier in their long-term relationships if they rethought their views on monogamy and infidelity. Category: a bestseller from a genre you don’t normally read.

What I Listened To This Month

This month was all about Kendrick Lamar’s new album, DAMN. Kendrick is one of my favorite artists and I knew it would be tough for his new album to measure up to the tour de force that was To Pimp a Butterfly. But you know what happened?

Kendrick Lamar created an album I actually related to. A lot.

I feel like a chip on my shoulders I feel like I’m losin’ my focus I feel like I’m losin’ my patience I feel like my thoughts in the basement Feel like, I feel like you’re miseducated Feel like I don’t wanna be bothered I feel like you may be the problem I feel like it ain’t no tomorrow, fuck the world The world is endin’, I’m done pretendin’ And fuck you if you get offended

It’s rare for me to relate to an album, period (though Miguel’s Wildheart is the closest I’ve found so far); it’s even rarer for me to relate to a hip-hop album. Most hip-hop is about the experience of being black in America by artists whose lives are nothing like mine. I appreciate it; I learn from it; I seldom relate to it.

But so much of this album is about Kendrick’s insecurities and internal struggles, particularly after achieving success as an artist. And on that level, I felt like he was singing from my life.

I practiced runnin’ from fear, guess I had some good luck At 27 years old, my biggest fear was bein’ judged How they look at me reflect on myself, my family, my city What they say ’bout me reveal if my reputation would miss me

The whole album is fantastic, but my favorite tracks are FEEL, XXX, FEAR, DNA, and DUCKWORTH.

What I Watched This Month

Who’s watching The Handmaid’s Tale? It’s outstanding. Beautifully filmed, scary as hell, and updated appropriately to take place in our current times. I read Margaret Atwood’s book years ago, and it’s amazing how it’s just as prophetic today as it was in the 1980s when she wrote it.

This is a dystopian show in the near future where America has been taken over by a militant theocracy. Environmental disasters and war are ravaging, infertility has severely declined, and fertile women become “handmaids” or forced surrogates to have sex with and bear children for the most powerful men in society. This is the story of Offred, a thirty-something Boston woman whose family is ripped from her and is then forced to be a handmaid.

The acting is fantastic across the board, but the biggest surprise is Alexis Bledel. I feel like this is the first time she’s been in a role where she can show her talents.

If you’re in the States, it is well worth getting a Hulu membership to watch it. But they’re only releasing it episode by episode, so you might want to wait until the whole series has been released.

Image: Stefan Jurca

Coming Up in May 2017

This month I’m heading back to Europe for two weeks. I’m starting in Bucharest, Romania, where I’ll be taking part in a multi-day event promoting Bucharest as a city, and after I’ll be exploring Moldova and Ukraine on my own.

I’ve only briefly been to Bucharest in the past, and Moldova and Ukraine are two of only seven countries I haven’t yet visited in Europe (the others are Russia, Estonia, Lithuania, Belarus, and Cyprus). It should be fun!

This post contains some affiliate links. Buying some of these products will cost you nothing extra but earn me a commission, reducing the ever-increasing expenses of keeping this site active.

What are your plans for May? Share away!

via Travel Blogs http://ift.tt/2qpIs2S