#maverick is from Dallas because:

[compacflt]

went through all of your three fics and omfggggg they're by far the best topgun fanfics out there. no contest. are you still posting here? cuz i have a small question. If your maverick grew up in texas, wouldn't he have a southern accent? does he repress it? has ice ever heard him speak southern?

not the same thing

[slamrink]

Nothing to see here just steph stealing glances of klay like he’s afraid he’s going to get caught 😃😃 (via namxsj on twitter )

[tgmsunmontue]

New headcanon incoming...

Maverick didn't get his callsign because he was a daredevil, he got it because he's the shortest height allowable for a Naval Aviator, and he's from Dallas, Texas, which is where the NBA Team Mavericks come from.

So other guys are joking around, asking him if becoming a Naval Aviator was a dream when he couldn't make it with the Mavericks, poking fun at his height CONSTANTLY.

Of course, other people take the name the other way, and he leans into it because people making fun of his height isn't something he wants. So the attitude came after the name.

[blazingstar29]

hollywolf wip, drabble, soemthing?

If you asked him if he’d won the lottery, Leo would say yes. He wakes up in this little apartment that is all his and the street below is filled with more people than he could ever imagine. Sunlight streams in through the windows because there’s no rooster to wake him up or horses to feed. And his father might not bang down his door anymore but he still wishes he would.

This quiet life of late nights bar tending and long days painting the wild horses that slowly fade from the memories in his mind, it suits him quite well even if the city feels to big and too small. And he yearns for something bigger than him, bigger than the whole world but in reality it’s just a small piece of Oklahoma.

On his days off he likes the way the boys try to steal his cowboy hat or reel him in by the belt buckle. It’s just a costume to them, they don’t know that the faded denim has seen more of the world than they have.

Then theres a boy who says his name is Hollywood and Leo just agrees. Becuase he’s not the only one paying dress up in this world. And Hollywood is a fine looking thing with big hands and—

It turns out Hollywood really is his name, his call sign at least. But he’s in the Navy and Leo doesn’t need his heart broken by this city. Not by a man who has to disappear for months on end and for what?

But Hollywood is full of surprises. He lives in Lemoore. Stationed in the base. They keep sleeping together, which turns into waking up together and getting coffee and pastries in the morning.

Which one day it turns into Hollywood introducing him to a couple of guys called Maverick, Ice and Slider. They come to his apartment because it’s the safest place to be. Ice is like Hollywood, but sharper. He squints more and doesn’t quite relax

His RIO is Slider who’s fucking enormous and it seems like he’s there to make sure Ice cracks a smile. Maverick is all over him like a rash. He admires the oil painting that sits on an easel in the corner and babbles on about growing up in Dallas and he’s the closest thing to a kindred spirit Leo’s ever felt.

Wood snakes an arm around his waist and pulls him close. Not long after it seems like the ice is finally breaking for the stone cold pilot. He settles into an easy chatter and Leo gets the idea he’s quite bright because he’ll mention soemthing about poltics or the flying they all do and it goes over his head.

Someone asks him if he’s got any family. Hollywood makes an exclamation about ordering food before it’s too late and no one asks again.

[crii-sis]

luka and booker - jealousy

Devin was in Dallas, sitting on the bleachers like some girlfriend, waiting for Luka to finish his workout. Ducking low when he saw some confused looks at his presence, Luka smiling like the devil at his embarrassment.

Luka invited him over to sit on the bench like a trophy, to show his teammates he had Booker. Devin wasn’t sure what he was walking into, but sure as hell wasn’t expected to be on display while some Maverick’s players worked out.

“I’ll be done in a minute, honey.” Luka said it with a familiarity they didn’t have, and Devin tried to convince himself it wasn't something he wanted. Luka was fucking with him, putting him in his place.

Devin flipped him off with a straight face, earning some chuckles from the room. One in particular stood out, louder then the rest and approaching him. Devin looked up to see Klay towering over him. It was like whiplash, seeing Klay on a different team.

“You let him screw with you like that?”

Klay was slick with a sheen of sweat, flexing his hands while he looked at Devin with an almost predatory interest. They had a complicated history, some trash talk on and off the court, but nothing Devin shied away from. He lifted his shirt up to wipe his face, purposefully flashing Devin his abs.

“Why, you wanna screw with me like that?” Devin pouted a little, leaning forward, head at crotch level.

He didn’t mean anything by it, but it may have been a dangerous invitation because Klay’s eyes went dark with desire. Luckily, they were interrupted by Luka who slotted himself between the two, putting a hand on Devin’s shoulders, almost possessively.

“Ready to head out?” Luka asked Devin, sounding like he was restraining anger, glaring at Klay as the older man back off, hands in the air.

Klay was laughing as he walked away like he was unaffected, and Devin watched him disappear behind the double doors of the gym, a little in awe of the confidence.

“Fix your fucking face.” Luka snapped, shoving Devin hard as he said it, almost toppling him over.

Devin’s pushed back, standing up and squaring his shoulders. Luka’s jaw was clenched, eyes creased with scorn when Devin realized it

“You're jealous?” Booker laughed, hand on his stomach to compose himself as little he could.

Luka gripped his bicep, dragging him away, grumbling under his breath in Slovenian. Devin couldn’t even find it in himself to stop. He was stumbling over the vinyl flooring, sneakers squeaking as he wasn’t even trying to keep up with Luka. The grip on his arm getting tighter the louder he laughed.

“I’m not jealous.” Luka sounded unconvincing. “He’s being so obvious. Its embarrassing.”

Devin snorted before pulling his arm back, the rest of the room was probably looking at them but Devin couldn’t have cared less, Luka invited him here to show him off so Devin was going to put on a show.

“Are you mad your teammates want to fuck me?” He didn’t bother keeping his voice down, eyes wide, batting his lashes, framing it like an innocent question.

Luka face twisted with a scowl, refusing to let go. Snaking one hand on Devin’s lower back, the other digging into his hips as he pushed him out the room.

“Next time, you sit there in my jersey.” Luka’s low voice sent a shiver down Devin’s spine. “So there’s no confusion that you are here for me.”

That shut him up immediately, the hunger in Luka’s eyes as he looked at him felt like a promise.

Ask is HERE

[beardedmrbean]

A Black actor recently spoke out against diversity hiring practices in the workplace, calling them an "insult."

In a lengthy post on X, formerly Twitter, Clifton Duncan detailed his story as an up-and-coming actor and how after 2020 he spoke with a friend who asked if he thinks being Black had anything to do with his success.

"That uncertainty gets to the heart of my issue with diversity hiring," Duncan wrote. "On one hand I'm certain I benefited due to my skin color. It's nice that people were looking to boost minorities like me. On the other hand people of all races have been in my corner since I was 16—long before "Wokeness" emerged. Everyone predicted I had a long career ahead of me, and I fulfilled that promise.

"And that's why I reject 'Diversity' hiring: I never needed it. It's an insult to any minority with a shred of self-respect. It casts a shadow over all I've done, because I'm not sure how much of my success is due to me, and how much is due to white guilt."

The post comes amid ongoing conversations surrounding diversity hiring practices that prompted an online argument between X CEO Elon Musk and Dallas Mavericks part-owner Mark Cuban. Musk recently criticized a diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) hiring effort made by United Airlines resulting in a response from Cuban and an ongoing argument between the two over the past few days.

In his post, Duncan explained that he earned a Master of Fine Arts degree "from the finest acting conservatory in the US," that accepts only 2 percent of applicants. According to his IMDB profile, Duncan attended Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond for his undergraduate degree and then was admitted to New York University's graduate program at the Tisch School of the Arts.

"I secured a great agent and was taking meetings with major casting directors before even finishing the program. Over the span of 10 years I managed to build a body of work spanning everything from musical comedy to Shakespearean tragedy," Duncan wrote. "I was working with stars, scoring award nominations, and winning praise from industry legends [including the late Stephen Sondheim—a moment I'll cherish forever]."

Duncan's IMDB profile shows he has starred in the 2020 film Estella Scrooge: A Christmas Carol with a Twist, and several shows such as The Good Fight, NCIS: New Orleans, Elementary and Proven Innocent.

Newsweek reached out to Duncan via email and social media for comment.

[fruitbasketball]

nba playoffs recap 6/9

nba finals game 2

okay guys i’m doing this for you. the wound is still so fresh. every time the celtics win a basketball game i die a little inside.

not a single member of the dallas mavericks organization is taking this shit seriously except for luka, and luka can’t hit a fucking free throw to save his life. kyrie irving, you are not the man i thought you were. COLLECTIVELY these motherfuckers shot 16-24 from the line, and we lost by 8.

bro like you have to be kidding me. it’s just the fucking fundamentals bro, you gotta make your free throws!! you gotta play d, you gotta wait for a great shot and quit chucking em up holy fuck. so many times in this game where we needed to control the pace because obviously the c’s are gonna push us faster.

luka was gassed dude you can tell because he’s fucking CARRYING the goddamn team. this mavs d is awful. just AWFUL. how are you letting payton bitchard hit a buzzer beater IN Y’ALL MOUTH like that bro???? HE AVERAGES LIKE NOTHING NOTHING AND NOTHING A GAME!!!! HOLY FUCK!!! ARE YOU SHITTING ME RIGHT NOW???? CAN Y’ALL GET IT TOGETHER????

just ugly, ugly basketball yesterday. meanwhile, the celtics just play a complete game. i’m gonna be objective about this - even tho tatum is not playing his best, he doesn’t NEED to. brown steps up, holiday, even tingus pingus. and that ball movement is just gorgeous. just beautiful. meanwhile, luka is carrying a team WITH KYRIE IRVING ON IT. where are the rest of the dallas mavericks???? WHERE ARE THEY????

better show the fuck up in american airlines

mavs in 7.

[bennguintweets]

still playing basketball??

Thankfully, yes! Being a new dad, a student, and an athlete did not make my last two years of college easy, but your boy made it (thanks to my family). I decided not to enter the draft, because I can’t imagine not having the help from my dads, so I decided to try out for the Texas Legends. They’re the affiliate team for the Dallas Mavericks. Found out recently that I made the team, so I’ll be playing for them this season. Hoping to make it on the Mavs roster someday

-Dusty

[nothingunrealistic]

Extreme wealth, more often skewered than celebrated, dominates the chatter about television these days, from masters of the hedge-fund universe sparring with federal prosecutors on Billions to the familial power plays on Succession to the vacation foibles of the merely rich on The White Lotus. And the popularity of these shows—a subgenre that we’ve termed Helipad Drama—among the demographic they feature is linked directly to how well the art imitates life. 

[…]

With these shows’ binge-ability and viral moments, each visual choice is under a microscope, scrutinized online in single-frame screengrabs, from running tallies of every Aston Martin, Bentley and Ferrari driven by Damian Lewis’s Bobby Axelrod on Billions to the many watches worn—and occasionally discarded—on Succession. 

The bling is a bit more overt on Billions, to convey just how far Axelrod has come from his humble working-class roots. “It was really about trying to sell the amount of privilege people with extreme wealth have and the access and power that comes with that,” says Michael Shaw, production designer on the show’s first two seasons. “A lot of rich people can buy really nice wine, but not everybody can buy a football team.” Which explains why Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, makes a cameo in the second season as Axelrod considers buying his own pro franchise. 

[…]

Fanny Pereire, who worked on the pilots for Billions and Succession, has a full-time job securing art for TV and film. Her process starts with a wish list of original works. She then secures single-use permission to feature each piece from the copyright holders, generally by paying out fees to artists or estates. The works shown on-screen are mostly very good official copies of sometimes priceless originals, laser-printed on canvas and touched up by the show’s art department to add brushstroke texture. After shooting wraps, Pereire usually films herself slashing the approved fakes—she’s contractually obligated to destroy or return the works—and sometimes sends them back to the artist in pieces, as proof of destruction. 

Those works, often lurking in the background, subtly move the story forward, adding insight into a particular character or scene, whether it’s the Basquiat hanging ostentatiously outside Axelrod’s office or the giant photo of a melting glacier by Frank Thiel in the boardroom at the Roy family’s corporate headquarters.

“We’re telling a story, and hopefully if we do our job right, just as the production design or the costumes will tell you something about the character, the art will, too, without being part of the dialogue,” says Pereire.

[…]

Blue-chip art has been integral to setting the right tone for Billions from the beginning. Before designing the set for Axe Capital, Axelrod’s hedge-fund office in Connecticut, Shaw toured some investment firms for inspiration. “It seemed like everybody we would visit would have certain key artworks,” he says. “It was almost de rigueur that certain artists were represented—Koons, Basquiat, Warhol—because they conveyed status.” 

[…]

Driven individual: Not every rich guy has a chauffeur. On Billions, Bobby Axelrod frequently steers his own Range Rover Sport.

The interiors devised by the production-design teams on Succession and Billions often have an intentionally sterile, impersonal quality. “Early on, I wanted things to feel kind of staged,” Carter says. “You want to feel these aren’t people who have the time or inclination to spend the time actually decorating their own places. They have a team of people who are paid to do it, and they’re probably a little scared for their jobs, so they make choices straight out of the magazines everybody’s been looking at.” 

[…]

Billions’ power players always sit at the best table, as when Axe closes a deal at the Lobster Club in NYC.

[…]

The right food and drink add yet another layer. Both Axelrod and his nemesis, US Attorney Chuck Rhoades (Paul Giamatti), love to dine out in New York, visiting the city’s buzziest restaurants (some now shuttered), from Sushi Nakazawa and Momofuku Ko to Del Posto and Daniel. “In the first season, it was really hard to get in anywhere,” says Shaw. “After the show came out, the second season everybody wanted us in.” 

Art helps paint the picture. On Billions, David Lynch’s Broken Heart hangs in Mike Price’s office.

[…]

When you’re in the business of re-creating worlds with rigor and authenticity, there’s perhaps no greater achievement than dreaming up a simulacrum that outstrips reality. Like students surpassing their teacher, the Billions team created such a compelling backdrop when they built the offices of Axe Capital—shot on location in Rockland County, N.Y.—that an investment firm later hired Shaw to consult on its real offices, in Manhattan’s shiny Hudson Yards. 

“The owners of the company wanted the interior to feel like the Billions world,” says Shaw. “That was life really imitating art.” 

[thestarlightforge]

Katniss Everdeen was a redneck. Lucy Gray Baird was a redneck. This is, like, one of two good things about where I grew up. Don’t let the neo-Nazis fool you.

I grew up in Tennessee and Texas, and I am union strong down to my bones. My great grandfather, Frank Wilson—my Popo (like “Pawpaw”)—was a redneck from north Texas. He was an electrician basically all his life. He drove many a pickup truck—for his work. He started one of the first electrical workers’ credit unions in his area—it’s still active. When I was little and got my first wheelchair, he set aside his grabber tool and a favorite flannel specifically for me, so I could have my independence and stay warm and safe. (I was wearing that flannel the day I almost died in a wheelchair accident a few years ago. I still have the flannel—and my life.) To this day, I faintly remember watching the Dallas Mavericks on his knee in his and my Momo’s (like “Mawmaw”) house—before I could even really sit by myself, I think (I learned that late), but he didn’t mind—him explaining basketball to me; him teaching me how to crack pecans (collected by the trash-bag-full from his yard) in my grandmother’s old living room. He helped raise my mom, always made her brownies (even sent them to her at college in New Mexico), called her their sweet angel till the day he died. He was funny and strong and caring and brave. Sometimes he was cranky, but we all loved him. And he fought Nazis during WW2.

Because that is what real rednecks represent. ❤️

You can identify a fake redneck by their passionate support of “blue lives matter.” Real rednecks have been in at least one physical fight and/or high-speed chase with police officers and would do it again

[bitcoinworldd]

Understanding Doge coin and Its Impact on the Crypto Market

Introduction

Doge coin, which began as a joke, has grown into one of the most popular cryptocurrencies in the digital universe. What started as a meme-inspired currency, based on the popular Doge internet meme picturing a Shiba Inu dog, has grown into a significant following. Dogecoin has grown into a significant player in the cryptocurrency industry, attracting both casual investors and important influencers. This article delves at the rise of Dogecoin, its features, and its impact on the larger cryptocurrency market.

The Origins of Dogecoin

Dogecoin was founded in December 2013 by software programmers Billy Markus and Jackson Palmer. Dogecoin was designed to be a fun and lighthearted alternative to Bitcoin, and its meme-inspired branding helped it stand out. Despite its lighthearted origins, Dogecoin's distinctive qualities include Its rapid transaction times and minimal fees offered it a practical advantage. It swiftly grew into a thriving community that utilized it for microtransactions, online tipping, and charitable donations. The coin's initial appeal stemmed from its community and the viral nature of its branding.

The Rise of Dogecoin in the Crypto Ecosystem

Dogecoin's value has fluctuated significantly over time. However, it has remained a popular currency because of its passionate following and endorsements from high-profile personalities such as Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Musk's tweets and comments have boosted Dogecoin to new heights, frequently sending the price skyrocketing. Despite its volatility, Dogecoin's potential for global adoption has kept it relevant. Its adoption by businesses for payments, including the Dallas Mavericks. The NBA team highlights the growing adoption of real-world applications.

Dogecoin's Unique Community and Culture

One of the most distinguishing features of Dogecoin is its active and supportive community. Unlike other cryptocurrencies, which are primarily motivated by financial gain, Dogecoin's community values fun, inclusivity, and philanthropic gestures. Members of the Dogecoin community have donated money for a variety of causes, including sponsoring a NASCAR driver and funding clean water efforts in impoverished nations. This sense of community and goodwill has helped to Dogecoin's long-lasting success, setting it apart from other digital currencies that are purely focused on investing and trading.

Dogecoin's Future and Market Impact

Dogecoin's future remains uncertain, but it is apparent that it will continue to have an impact on the cryptocurrency world. Its low transaction costs and a vibrant community make It's a realistic choice for regular transactions, particularly microtransactions. As more businesses and consumers use cryptocurrencies, Dogecoin may find its way into a wider number of applications. However, its long-term success will be determined by its ability to adapt to the changing cryptocurrency market, as well as ongoing support from its community and high-profile backers.

Conclusion

Dogecoin has had a remarkable journey, starting as an online fad and rising to become one of the top cryptocurrencies. It may have begun as a joke, but its impact on the cryptocurrency market and thriving community have transformed it into much more than a fun experiment. Dogecoin will most certainly continue to play an important role in defining the digital currency landscape as it evolves. The future of cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies. Whether you perceive Dogecoin as a joke or a serious investment, its impact is apparent.

[dankusner]

A true maverick | Dallas Mavericks owner and Dennis Rodman's former roommate, Mark Cuban shows his queer-friendly side

By Bradley David MARCH 16, 2001

If you don't know Mark Cuban's rags-to-riches story, you've been living under a rock.

The blue-collar Pittsburgh native and University of Indiana graduate came to Dallas, started an Internet company in his bedroom so that he could listen to sports over the computer, then sold the company (Broadcast.com) to Yahoo! for $5.7 billion.

With the money, he bought the Dallas Mavericks basketball team, as well as a $40 million Gulfstream airplane over the Internet (the largest Web transaction in history), a huge mansion in the Preston Hollow section of Dallas (where the colorful Dennis Rodman lived for a time in his guest house while playing for the Mavs) and a 45th floor penthouse in New York's Trump Tower.

Needless to say, all of this has attracted a lot of media attention for Cuban.

When he recently appeared on CBS's Late Late Show, host Craig Kilbom called him "America's most entertaining billionaire."

As the Mavs' owner, he has been a lightening rod of controversy, getting fined hundreds of thousands of dollars for berating referees and other "conduct unbecoming a team owner."

He was also criticized for a mildly naughty interview in the current issue of Penthouse magazine.

Cuban recently agreed to an interview, via e-mail (his preferred means of communication), in which he discussed his playboy image, his acting days and his gay-friendly view of the world.

Would you be willing to join the list of cool straight guys like Oliver Stone, Mick Jagger and Dallas, Hugh Hefner who have admitted to past homosexual experimentation?

Mark Cuban: If I had anything to admit to, I would. I guess that keeps me from the cool category. But I never really came close to anything happening, drunk or sober.

Why do you think there was such controversy over your recent Penthouse interview?

Is it just a generation gap between yourself and the older, more sex-phobic sports establishment? I don't think it was the sports establishment — they pretty much left it alone. I think there are some holier-than-thou members of the media here in Dallas that try to make issues out of non-issues. Some places find censorship and condemnation a normal part of their business affairs. They were the ones who tried to make an issue of it. But as anyone with any sense would expect, it petered away on its own.

Did you have many gay or lesbian friends growing up?

It's not a question I would typically ask, because I didn't care. But yes, I have had lots of gay friends and more gay business associ- ates.

Didn't you try acting at one point and spend some time in Hollywood? Sure. I loved it. I took acting lessons, did some movies that thank goodness only show up on cable very rarely. Acting was one of the hardest things I ever tried — far harder than the business worlds. I took classes with Michelle Condrey and got an agent, and went on auditions and suffered the same humility that every actor suffers. Wearing stupid clothes and having to say some of the dumbest lines that make you wonder who wrote them. Trying to kiss ass with the casting directors. All the basic foibles of the acting world. Of course, if I was any good, you would know from my work.

When I got back to

your image in the media seems to be one-third bad boy, one-third playboy, one-third geek boy.

How do you feel about the way you've been portrayed?

I don't pay that much attention to it. I've enjoyed who I am for a long time now. The media can call me anything they want. I don't take them, or myself, too seriously. Life is too short. Dennis Rodman is such a polarizing figure.

When he was playing for the Mavs, did you get the feeling that homophobia was part of the reason some people didn't like him (not that they necessarily thought he was actually gay or bi, but just because he had dabbled in drag, talked about liking to hang out with gay guys and drag queens, etc.)?

No, I don't think it was homophobia at all. It was interesting. I think the same media types I mentioned above had a problem with him, but the rest of the world, particularly the kids, portrayed him as a cartoon or WWF-type character. No one really paid attention to Dennis the person. It was Dennis and the character he created. In a lot of respects, in my humble opinion, he played the media knowing what it took to get a response from them.

Did you get any ribbing from friends when you invited Dennis to move in with you? The opposite. It was more like, "When's the party?" and "Can we come over and hang out?"

What about Christian Laettner [who was recently traded from the Mavs]? Did you get the feeling that he is still haunted by the gay rumors that sprang up around him when he ivas in college? No. Christian Laettner is smart enough to ignore the press. He has two kids, is happily married and goes about his business pretty privately. It seems like the atmosphere in the NBA — among the players anyway — is a little more sophisticated than in pro football, baseball or hockey.

Do you think there's less machismo and homophobia in pro basketball than in some of the other pro sports? To be honest, I don't notice it either way. This business is very Darwinian — there is only one winner every year. And there are so many cultures already represented in the NBA that guys in the league tend to be very accept- ing and open.

As the owner of the Mavs, is there anything you'd like to say to the Dallas gay and lesbian community?

Come to games and have fun! We want everyone in the Dallas community to support us and enjoy the excitement and energy of a Mavs game. I wish I had something more exciting to say on the topics, but the reality is, to me, sexuality is so not a big deal. And that's the way it should be!

[fronzennews]

NBA Power Rankings Week 5

Thanksgiving is the official beginning of the holiday season, though it’s never been one of my favorite holidays, mainly because I am never where I am supposed to be. But in the hustle and bustle that marks the time when we unleash Mariah Carey upon all of the elevators, I did find something I am grateful for, and that is the NBA Cup. I've really grown excited by these Tuesday and Friday nights in November. Teams are competing, and not blatantly exercising organizational priorities. In a culture where we’re waiting for the next "trades we want to see" piece to drop, I like that NBA Cup games take place just after the glorified feel-out games that mark the opening weeks of the season and wrap up just before all of those new contracts become tradeable. In essence, the NBA Cup is your “offseason paper championship,” given that the rosters you see now are the ones we spent from the NBA Draft to media day discussing. So, yes, I am grateful. With that said, let’s get on to the NBA Power Rankings and what these 30 teams are grateful for as the normalcy of November comes to a close. These NBA Power Rankings are going to be vital for understanding the direction of the season so far!

Week 5 NBA Power Rankings: Thanksgiving Edition

A reminder: These Power Rankings won’t just rank every team. We will retain the tiers that teams will be promoted into and relegated out of. There will be five tiers every week: - Top Contenders – Locked at five, these are the class of the league - In a Good Place – Could be one team, could be seven teams - The Bubble – Not to be confused with Walt Disney World. The middle of the pack - Not the Tier to Fear – Not playing the worst ball in the league, but with a lot of work to do - Basement Floor – Bringing up the rear Top Contenders This week's Top Contenders are unchanged. In a Good Place Teams like the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers continue to look like solid squads. The Dallas Mavericks are finally starting to show some real promise. The Bubble The majority of the teams remain comfortably in the middle of the pack, with some showing signs of improvement and others still struggling to find their footing. Not the Tier to Fear A few teams in this tier are showing some flashes of offensive and defensive brilliance. However, consistency remains a key challenge for them. Basement Floor A few teams are exhibiting consistent struggles, which might necessitate a change in strategy or personnel in the upcoming weeks. Win/loss records and statistics are through Monday’s games. Check back next week for more of my insightful NBA Power Rankings. Let me know in the comments what you think! Share this article with your friends! FROZENLEAVES NEWS ``` Read the full article

[bllsbailey]

CNBC Host Had the Perfect Question for Mark Cuban About Kamala Harris

Joe Kernen

Is Mark Cuban the worst surrogate for Kamala Harris? Why is this man supporting this woman because he’s against the core of her economic agenda, the parts we’ve been able to decipher among mountains of word salad? The billionaire owner of the Dallas Mavericks seems to be diametrically opposed to most of Harris' plans, especially on taxes. He got rolled on CNBC, which isn’t the first time a Harris supporter, surrogate, or adviser got roasted on the financial network. 

Taxing unrealized gains has sent many Kamala supporters into the graveyard on this network. With Cuban, he was asked about capital gains tax, giving illegal aliens free health care, and eliminating the filibuster—Cuban is against all of this. 

— johnny maga (@_johnnymaga) October 21, 2024

“So, what do you like,” said Kernen as Cuban tried to pivot away from Kamala’s left-wing insanity. Cuban has seemingly been appointed de facto tax policy man for the Harris campaign, as the vice president has gone on an unhinged tirade against Donald Trump, who has regained the momentum in this race. 

Recommended

— johnny maga (@_johnnymaga) October 22, 2024

[kingdomgracemedia]

Share4Christ - Stay in the Fight of Faith

"Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses." 1 Timothy 6:12

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." 1 Peter 5:8

In the recent NBA Finals, the Boston Celtics were up 3 to 1 against the Dallas Mavericks. One game away from winning their first championship title in sixteen years, Celtics player, Jalen Brown, was asked if he wanted to come out of the game to rest. He responded, as long as my opponent is on the floor, I am on the floor. I said to myself, I like that. As long as my adversary is on the floor, I'm on the floor. As long as that slew-footed devil is seeking to steal, kill and destroy, I'm on the court, staying in the fight of faith until Jesus calls me home.

You will stay in the fight of fait. Let this mind be in us which was also in Christ Jesus. Jesus understood two things that kept Him on the cross until His job was complete. He understood His assignment and He understood what was at stake. My dear, today be reminded of your kingdom assignment and all that's at stake here. We are so close to Christ's return and as long as our adversary is on the prowl to destroy everything we care about, God wants us in the fight of faith and He wants us sober and vigilant. He wants us walking in the power and authority He delegated to us. Greater is He who is within us than he who is in the world.

Prayer: Father God, thank You for speaking directly to my heart. Remove all fear and give me strength and courage as I stay in the fight of faith until You call me home. Help me not be ignorant of satan's devices. Help me be sober and vigilant, understanding what Your will is in this hour. Keep at the forefront of my mind, my assignment and what is at stake. In Jesus Christ majestic name I pray. Amen.

1 John 4:4; 2 Corinthians 2:11

[mstexalicious1961]

DOTK

devotion by Kesha Trippett

You will stay in the fight of faith until Jesus calls you home.

"Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses." 1 Timothy 6:12

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." 1 Peter 5:8

In the recent NBA Finals, the Boston Celtics team were up 3 to 1 against the Dallas Mavericks. One game away from winning their first championship title in sixteen years, Celtics player, Jalen Brown, was asked if he wanted to come out of the game to rest. He responded as long as my opponent is on the floor, I am on the floor. I said to myself, I like that. As long as my adversary is on the floor, I’m on the floor. I'm on the field. I'm the fight. As long as that slew-footed devil is seeking to steal, kill and destroy, I’m on the court, staying in the fight of faith until Jesus calls me home.

Let this mind be in us which was also in Christ Jesus. Jesus understood two things that kept Him on the cross until His job was done. He understood the assignment and He understood what was at stake. My sister, today be reminded of your kingdom assignment and what is at stake here. We are so close to Christ's return and as long as our adversary is on the prowl to destroy everything we care about, God wants us in the fight of faith and He wants us sober and vigilant. He wants us walking in the power and authority He delegated to us. Greater is He who is within us than he who is in the world.

Prayer: Father God, thank you for speaking directly to my heart. Remove all fear and give me strength and courage as I stay in the fight of faith until you call me home. Help me not be ignorant of satan's devices. Help me be sober and vigilant, understanding what your will is in this hour. Keep at the forefront of my mind, the assignment and what is at stake. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Read 1 John 4:4; 2 Corinthians 2:11