#no shade on the 2nd season it was also fantastic but I’m just saying

[daincrediblegg]

The bitches at AMC be doing the terror anthology wrong. They should be. Just putting jared harris in new fucked up gothic horror situations forever

[stunningvacationtips]

50 Shades of Vacay: Why Low Expectations Could Be The Key to Family Travel Success

By the time I saw "50 Shades of Grey," I had actually currently heard it was an unsexy, awkward, unsatisfactory, careless mess. Not to me. My expectations had been established so low, that any kind of idea of charm or chemistry was a shocking delight.

What I'm going to recommend, is that if you go right into your family members trip anticipating "Birdman," you could wind up somewhere near "August: Osage County." If you go right into things with your expectations correctly calibrated, your journey might be the sleeper hit of the season.

Sipping my Diet plan Dr. Pepper as well as taking pleasure in some of the microwave snacks I had smuggled right into the theatre, I had to admit, I was enjoying this terribly evaluated motion picture fiasco. The magic of practical assumptions can not be underestimated.

I hadn't expected greatness, and therefore, I can appreciate and welcome exactly what did work concerning the film, and also not be sad when the discussion handled all the gritty realistic look of a very unique episode of "Charles accountable." It was catch as kitsch could as well as I liked it. It was playing at the ideal theatre, we might get home in time to ease our caretaker as well as also embed an ATM run before the series began. It was silent and dark and also tranquil in the theater. I could comply with the story, as well as ultimately, I think I'm eagerly anticipating the follow up. I don't want telling you that, yet I feel I owe you the truth.

And currently, to your household vacation.

Let's begin by striking the word vacation. Trip is a rave testimonial from the New York Times as well as stress you do not need.

If you are traveling with kids, particularly children, you will certainly not be carefree as well as you will certainly not be resting. You will likely not be rejuvenating. You will be far away from the comforts and also regimens of residence as well as, oh nothing, you will certainly be LIABLE FOR HUMAN LIVES, so just kick back as well as take a few selfies of your feet, why do not you?

No.

In truth, I strongly recommend you take an added day when you obtain home to ensure that you can recuperate from your wonderful family members "getaway" prior to going back to function, as well as by that, I mean include 14 lots of laundry while you enable your central nerve system to discover its method home.

Between seeing to it your child does not vault off the luggage carousel in some dank, unfamiliar airport cellar, as well as handling the infuriating shame-fest that is being not able to fold up a Pack-and-Play in under 25 minutes, this will not be a trip in the means that the word may suggest. You will certainly fail to remember to pack baby wipes, you will feed your children guilt-inducing quantities of road-side grub, every person's rest patterns will certainly be interrupted till your cognitive capabilities and also overall pallor will certainly appear like that of an overnight DJ by the time three suns have actually established on you and also your family members, far away from residence. This, as well as a lot more, will divide your experience from just what is typically considered a "getaway" but, a journey you take with your family, will be a trip, in the most effective sense of the word. And you must hit the trail at any type of cost, go where you can, for as long as you can, as quickly as you can, as often as you can.

I inform you this due to the means the chocolate dip solidifies over a Foster's Freeze soft offer by the side of the roadway on the way to Yosemite. I had that gelato when I was in 2nd grade, I could taste it still. I inform you this since of the method my mommy messed up the lyrics to "Fantastic World" on the oldies station, contending with Sam Cooke as well as the fixed as she drove our VW bug from San Francisco to Priest's Grade, a section of freeway on The golden state State Route 120, poor with hairpin turns and steeper compared to any kind of highway I 'd seen. I inform you this because when I looked out the window as well as read the indication aloud for the community of Moccasin, I could keep in mind specifically the means my brother and my mother giggled at my mispronunciation, not making enjoyable of me, however thinking I was charming, stating it that very same upside-down every time we passed that community for several years. These were unusual celebrations, all of us on the very same group, my forever strained solitary mommy singing to the radio, our lives of carob as well as sprouts in the city discarded for delicious chocolate soft offer in lord-knows-where, my mom in her head headscarf and boots, examining her map, squinting.

" Well, we're not in MocCASin any longer," she 'd say.

Now that I'm a parent I can review our yearly journeys to Camp Mather - a household camp run by the city of San Francisco in a town beyond Yosemite called Groveland - as well as understand that it was probably not much of a trip for my mom. We dealt with, my brother as well as I, naturally. We contested Ping Pong as well as who rode in the pole position. There had not been much cash, so although she offered us each a budget at the start of the week to spend on hay trips or sweet or playthings at the present store or magazines, we constantly ran out, and eventually, she had to tell us we couldn't horseback flight when the various other children were going. She possibly had to stop us from opting for packs of various other kids to play video games and also drink milkshake or smoothies, because we had run out of money. She needed to ensure we were slathered with sunscreen and also insect repellant which she recognized where we were which we weren't treking off into trouble.

It was a trip. It was not, at least for her, a vacation.

If you ask me for the happiest moments of my whole childhood years, so numerous of them would be far from house, in position unidentified, between house as well as the few family members "holiday" destinations of my youth. My mom vocal singing, "do not recognize much regarding scientific research books," scrunching up your eyes at the windshield, changing her sunglasses, the means we were together, against the globe, covered in soft serve, climbing the Priest Grade. The means we can see ourselves differently since the backdrop had actually changed, the extras looked different, the lens as well as lighting as well as emphasis were softer or sharper, or both, and all of us felt in a different flick for a scene or two.

You'll keep up late the evening prior to your trip, nervous, wishing you remember their audio device or pyjamas or Band-Aids and also you'll be hopelessly tired when you obtain home. You will possibly be lost at times, and also harried and also aggravated and frustrated. Youngsters will sob and also have temper tantrums and also get over-stimulated and under-slept.

I desire someone had told me that traveling with young youngsters was never a holiday, but that if I went into it with my assumptions calibrated appropriately, it could be delighted in as something else, maybe better: a journey. Each time I load my youngsters into a vehicle full of child carrots and bags and also uneasiness, I remind myself that I never desire to leave residence ever once more and I vow that I WILL CERTAINLY NEVER LEAVE RESIDENCE AGAIN EVER BEFORE WITH THESE KIDS. And each time I get home, when the dust has worked out and the folded up laundry has actually returned to drawers, I look at the photos and the memories in my mind and also desire we traveled more.

Look, I may have painted myself right into a word edge, here, starting with "50 Tones of Grey" as well as going all sentimental on you, but I'm pretty sure I can bring this station wagon around.

Expect confusion as well as effort. Place your arms out towards it, don't battle against struggle, and also you'll make memories for your kids that will not thaw or discolor. If you go in anticipating a vacation, you won't obtain the trip you should have. If you enter anticipating Citizen Kane, you are really going to dislike 50 Shades.

OK. Mr. Vacay will see you now.

[zenlesszonezero]

[talesofafangirlwithadvr]

CW Superheroes are Back! Part 1

The CW returned this week with all new episodes of new and old shows and I was super (no pun intended) excited to pick up with all new episodes of the legends of the superflarrow universe. Check out my reviews on Supergirl and Flash below!

Supergirl

After the emotional season finale last year, we all knew that Kara would be experiencing a lot in the 3rd season, and we were correct as the show began with a sad dream sequence involving Mon-El and Kara’s mom, Lara. [I think it’s fantastic that yet another alum of the Superman universe is on Supergirl--Erica Durance Smallville’s Lois Lane--but I like how we’re not addressing the change in actress at all.]

I don’t know if it’s because it’s been so long since the finale, but everyone looked so different. It might just be because it has been a while, but Melissa’s hair definitely got blonder. (It always looks so good. I wish I could pull off some many of her hairstyles as Kara Danvers.) I loved seeing all members of Team Supergirl again and was very happy that James Olsen even made multiple appearances. Last season, despite his new role as Guardian, there would be several episodes at a time where he was just missing and no one addressed where he was. In the boardroom I couldn’t help, but notice a little connection between him and Lena when they backed each other up on Supergirl. Could they possibly be setting up something there?? Am I reading too much into this?? (Probably.) But she did just buy CATCO, so the two can possibly have more screen time together....We shall see. 

Kara’s focus on only being Supergirl this episode and leaving Kara Danvers behind was very reminiscent to some of the other superhero plots we’ve seen on other shows in the past. Oliver Queen on Arrow only being the Green Arrow. It seems like a plight that each character must undergone and I’m interested in seeing how Kara experiences it, seeing as how she has been such a positive hero in the past. 

I understand why Kara was feeling the way she did, but was happy when she had some consoling by J’onn. Everyone had been pestering her about her feelings and he was the first person I thought of that she should talk to. He has experienced something extremely similar. I’m glad that conversation happened even if it was super short. J’onn had a strong father figure role, yet again, this episode. I love how Alex asked if he will walk her down the aisle. :)

While there were mixed reviews on Mon-El last season, he was always one of my personal favorites (and I was on the Team Karamel ship). So, it was great still seeing his name as a series regular, and I love how he was the one to get through to Kara to, “WAKE UP!” I can’t wait to see where he’s been all of this time later in the season. 

Maggie and Alex’s talk about their wedding made me really nervous for how things are going to go. On shows we’re never allowed to have anything nice, so I’m crossing my fingers that it is smooth sailing. They deserve to be happy. I also thought I heard that Floriana (who plays Maggie) isn’t a series regular, so that worries me (but I might be wrong--Let me know.)

Talking about things going wrong, we got a first look at the new villain, Reign, who doesn’t know who she is. That is going to be an interesting character arc for sure!

Favorite quote from this episode (paraphrasing):  Alex and J’onn- Don’t cry or I’ll cry and then people will know we actually can cry.

The Flash

How crazy is it that we are already in the 4TH SEASON!!! Time is racing by...(okay that pun was on purpose) :)

The beginning, when we saw Team Flash minus its lead hero, felt a lot like on Buffy the Vampire Slayer when Buffy left and the Scooby Gang were fighting the bad guys. It was interesting to see Iris step up and be the leader back at STAR Labs. Loved seeing Cisco (or should I say Vibe) getting in on some superhero action out in the field. Also really enjoyed Joe’s shades. Iris sleeping on the couch made my heart break. The team felt really small compared to where we were last season. I was kind of sad that Harry wasn’t around. I hope we see him soon.

I was happy Barry was brought back in the same episode. I thought we were going to have to wait till like the last 5 minutes or till the 2nd ep. I also like how they made him in a different state of mind, but feel like his recovery was too fast and he can’t be 100% back. It seemed too easy and I wouldn’t be surprised if something happens to Barry later in the season as a repercussion.

I’m excited this season’s big bad is actually not another speedster, but I’m going to have to do some research on who he is because I don’t know much. 

Caitlin! At first I thought she was taking a drug to suppress Killer Frost and the guy who interrupted her and Cisco at the bar was her dealer. Then I thought she was a part of a gang. But I was shocked that she’s got a Jekyll and Hyde thing going on. Super intense! I’m hoping we gain some backstory in flashback form for what happened with her these past 6 months. 

The parallels this episode to the pilot were FANTASTIC! I had just rewatched the first episode recently, so it was even more satisfying. Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance,” Cisco and the twizzlers, plus Caitlin asking him to pee in the cup. Too good!

I also really enjoyed all the new STAR Labs merch. There was a towel that Joe used when he gave Barry a shave and a white tee that Wally was sporting. Very nice. 

My favorite quote this episode was a tie between: “This house is bitchin.” (So funny) and the comment Cisco made about Caitlin liking urine. 

Stay posted for my CW Superhero Reviews Part 2 involving Legends of Tomorrow and Arrow!! Can’t wait to see what’s in store for them.

[kalico-to-the-letter]

REVIEW: RWBY – Vol. 5, Ch. 2: “DREAD IN THE AIR”

People taking L’s left, right, and centre. Even when they think they’re taking W’s. Good Lord.

Welcome to my review of the 2nd Chapter of the 5th Volume, entitled, “Dread in the Air”.

This week gave us: a long-silent character finally speaking, a video game, a douchebag, and a couple of Oh Dears.

Spoilers lurking below!

In “Dread in the Air”, RWBY does its best to flex its dramatic muscle – elevate the stakes, pay off choices with serious consequences, and draw its audience back to focusing on the plot. Which is welcome – just last week I wrote that the somewhat shallow plot machinations of the premiere were brushed over by strong character work. Here, we have very much the opposite situation, where we’re being told that we’ve gotta pay some attention to all this overarching stuff. No, you can’t just spend the entire episode shipping the scene partners in your head.

Rather than a repeat of last week’s chessboard movements, here we have one of the most wholly significant episodes in quite a while. Think about it: due to the direction of Volume 4, no single episode in that run was this determined to shake up the box, so this is perhaps the most eventful and game-changing episode since the Volume 3 finale.

What makes the movements of this episode work is the clarity being brought to the antagonist storylines. For the most part, dealings with the antagonists have mostly involved a lot of smoke and mirrors, and then some action scenes. Or a lot of heavy, heavy exposition which, I’ll be honest, goes over my head more often than not. Very few occasions have given us reason to be totally invested in following these characters, because how can you be made to care when information crucial to understanding them is being withheld for so long?

I guess the answer is to either state your goals and plans clearly so that the audience can make a connection between them and the protagonists, or kill some important people. Hell, why not both?

Salem wants Raven’s clan to understand the benefits of cooperation as far as the Spring Maiden is concerned, so she tasks her cronies with going to find Raven. Cinder wants revenge on Ruby. Adam wants total control of White Fang operations, so he stages an obvious but still brutal and swift coup against Sienna Khan. Salem also wants Adam under her wing, so Hazel is parlaying with him. Raven just wants to do bandit shit, so of course she kidnaps Weiss.

See? Clear storylines for our antagonists, not weighed down by mystical exposition or geopolitical meanderings.

Because we’re spending a lot of time with the antagonists in this episode, the tone is made clear from. We’re not supposed to daintily observe from afar and expect a light gag at the end of each scene – here, we’re supposed to furrow our collective brow and curse at the dastardly plans of the villains, and this tone is consistent throughout the episode – with a particular exception, but we’ll get to that.

And if we come away from this episode wanting to see the antagonists take an L of their own, then the storytelling has done its job, and this did the job for me. I want to see Adam and his smug face get served, just like I did at the end of Volume 3. I want to see Salem and her smug face get served, even though I know there’s a longer game going on with her story.

And just like last season, I’m still intrigued to see follow Cinder’s story. I won’t deny that she is the most interesting antagonist in the show, and has become so ever since her presence was scaled back, and she was relegated to recovering from what Ruby did to her. There are myriad directions for her now, which is fantastic rehabilitation for a character I called one of the worst parts of Volume 2. If they can see fit to build the same foundations for another antagonist or two, that would be good planning for the future of the show – the more you do for any character, the more room you create for their future stories. Antagonists can become protagonists, and vice versa, and provide all sorts of wonderful grey shades, all on the back of creating the wildcard element that I feel exists with Cinder these days.

No such thing can be done for Adam – not anytime soon, certainly. And we must preface by saying that Sienna Khan was certainly not a preacher of peace, but she was willing to be pragmatic, and I very much respected what I learned of her beliefs during her brief appearance. It was enough for me to write “Oh dear, please don’t kill her” in my notes when Adam’s coup became apparent. Very quickly and efficiently, they built the stakes, and made me invested in a character I’d known for all of three minutes. That investment is helped when Adam’s the one to give her the ultimate L, but still, that’s damn good work, right there. And seeing Adam’s smug posture on the throne makes you fear the ramifications of such a big power play. There may even be a direct consequence for Blake next week – we’ll see.

But speaking of consequences, one must wonder what might have happened, had Weiss and Pilot Dude answered that mayday last week. Sliding doors, I guess. And the end result from what actually happened is more interesting anyway.

Weiss gets a lot of time this week, and presents, in essence, a thoroughly exciting story, executed with cool factor in mind. Seeing Weiss standing in the cargo bay of the ship, sending Dust attacks and summonings at a horde of giant Grimm wasps, is genuinely cool. It plays like a video game, too. Everything about this scene would have looked at home in Gravity Rush or Nier (and if you haven’t played those games, I will pray for your heretic souls), from the action itself, to the dialogue, to the music and the filming.

And she gets the W by being a boss and using her boss abilities, but even then, it’s not a perfect ending, because one crash landing later, and everything is messed up. suddenly Raven Branwen is stomping on your head.

Hey, we can see where the first climax of the season is coming – there’s gonna be a big party at Yang’s mom’s place, and a bunch of interesting people are going to be there. Let’s see, there’s Weiss. There’s Yang’s mom, of course. Cinder doesn’t do RSVPs, but we’re thinking she’ll be there too. Maybe Ruby’s crew as well, once they get the hint that the cool kids were lying about when the party was going to happen. And maybe even Yang, if she continues on her inexplicable journey to find her mom.

Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, though. Just when you think you’re saved, here comes Yang’s mom, stomping on your head and looking to end your whole career.

Additional observations:

- Cinder’s first line since the Volume 3 finale: “Shut. Up.” Brilliant.

- First L of the episode goes to Lionheart, speaking out of turn to Salem. Oh, you silly man.

- Pilot Dude takes a massive L for ignoring the mayday in last week’s episode. Has it cost him his life? We’ll have to wait and see (not that it’s the most crucial question to emerge from Weiss’s story this week – though it certainly results in a L for Weiss, too, after she’d put in so much of that work).

- For all we’ve seen of Raven and have heard of her, she’s still an unknown quantity. All we really know is that she’s unpleasant, but I’m curious to learn more about her.

- I used to worry whether or not bleak episodes like this would turn casual watchers off. I’ve come to stop caring about that. I think the show has too, for a long time now, and it’s been better off for it. It’s telling stories without compromising for unnecessary laughs.

- For now, it seems we’re returning to the Game of Thrones pacing approach from Volume 4, picking and choosing the individual stories shown weekly. But already, the difference in how eventful those stories are is apparent.

GRADE: A-

Final thoughts: “Dread in the Air” does a fine job of making the viewer care about the storylines and ambitions of RWBY’s oft-neglected antagonists, whilst enacting a significant and game-changing move sure to cause mayhem. It will take more work than this to prove that the show can be trusted with its antagonists and the delivery of necessary exposition, but this is a strong start to establishing that. Weiss’s story goes a long way to setting up future developments, whilst providing a solid 10 on the cool scale. – Kallie

[raiden1427]

AGT Finals Placement Predictions

10th - Sara and Hero

A majority of the acts were good tonight, so this is not speaking against Sara and Hero. The stakes are just too high for them to win tomorrow. A lot of the tricks were the same, and there were a few miscues. It was not by any means a bad act. It wasn't even my least favorite performance tonight. But based on the voting trends this season, I don't see Sata and Hero moving any further than last place.

9th - Chase Goehring

Surprisingly, Chase is one of the most dreaded acts of the AGT community. I personally don't find him dreadful, but he has become quite monotonous since earning DJ Khaled's Golden Buzzer. We expect the rapping at this point, and his act just doesn't blow me away the way his first two performances did. If the opinions of the AGT Wiki are a reflection of all voters, Chase doesn't get very far.

8th - Preacher Lawson

This one pains me. Preacher is such a great act, one of my favorites on the season. I really wanted to see him win. Unfortunately, tonight was not his best routine. It certainly showed his energy, but there was quite a lot of filler. Preacher's best performances revolved around multiple jokes, while this performance fixated on one and did not do Preacher any favors.

7th - Evie Clair

I'm expecting hate comments for this, so I'll just say it: I do not like Evie Clair's act. She's a great person, but she has only advanced so far because of pity votes. Her voice is in no way dynamic, and while tonight was her best performance, it was still one I did not enjoy. However, this is a predictions blog rather than a personal rankings blog. If it were up to me, Evie would finish in 10th place. But the response from the AGT community is a mixed bag: some love her and some hate her. The support she received was enough to pass her through the Dunkin Save twice, an occurrence I still consider an injustice. Her support will be enough to put her up a few spots, but not enough to crack Top 5.

6th - Kechi

Without a doubt, this was Kechi's best performance. In the past I called her monotone compared to other acts. This song definitely showed off her range and really moved me. I was impressed. However, last week she made it to the Finals by the skin of her teeth, and based on the reactions of the AGT community, she is similar to Evie Clair in that the support outweighs the dislike (I'm looking at you, Colin Cloud fans) just enough to keep her out of Bottom 3.

5th - Mandy Harvey

This is another one that pains me. Mandy Harvey also would have been a great choice to win. Her song "Release Me" nearly moved me to tears, and she was my favorite act last week. But tonight, she brought the ukulele out again, and it was not as dynamic as her past performances. She is a fantastic singer and songwriter, and she is certainly a million-dollar act. The scope of talent tonight was just too strong for her song choice.

4th - Diavolo

Diavolo is my dark horse Top 5 pick. They always deliver a majestic performance that gets the crowd moving. While they had to be saved by the judges last week, nobody could deny that this was one of their greatest performances, and they will go far if the AGT community's opinions hold value.

3rd - Angelica Hale

Another dynamic performance from Angelica tonight should secure her as Top 3. Angelica has been an audience favorite since her audition, and her amazing voice leaves no question as to why. Her song choice has been consistently dazzling, and she has an incredible stage presence that gets everybody on their feet. But why isn't Angelica going to win if all of this is true?

2nd - Darci Lynne

Because Darci Lynne is just a hare more impressive (haha I'm punny). Darci brought shades of Jeff Dunham tonight, using multiple voices and humor that had the audience laughing out loud. Darci is a class act, and much like Angelica has also been a favorite of viewers. The difference is that Darci's talent is less common, and takes a lot more skill. The audience recognizes that, and have consistently punched Darci's ticket into the following rounds.

So if Angelica and Darci are both great acts, why don't either of them win? The answer lies in the AGT community. As much as Darci dominates the polls, dark horse winners have popped up in the past few years. While Emily West was supposedly the surefire winner of Season 9, Mat Franco stunned the jation by taking first place. Nobody expected that Paul Zerdin would take furst place over Drew Lynch in Season 10. And while the obvious choice Grave VanderWaal won last season, there are no guarantees this year. Angelica fans and Darci fans are split right down the middle in their votes. This discord will cause one act to sneak in and grab the million dollars. An act that many people love, but never claim as a favorite because the issue of choosing between Angelica and Darci gets in the way. I'm sure you've all figured it out by now; there are only ten acts left. But the winner of Season 12 will be...

1st - Light Balance

Tyra Banks may be disliked by the community as a host, but she certainly has an eye for talent. Her Golden Buzzer put these amazing dancers through to the live shows, and they've never looked back. Each performance has been consistently better than the last. Even a technical issue in the Quarterfinals couldn't stop America from putting them through to the next round. Light Balance has wowed the audience, and the judges, in a way that no act has before. Bringing together aspects of every performance they have done should have reminded the voters of everything they love about Light Balance in the first place. Not only was it a nostalgic performance, it was a stunning and brilliant performance. Notice that this is the first time I have used the word "brilliant" tonight: this is because every act had something the audience would expect of them: Sara and Hero had the same old tricks, Diavolo had acrobatics and rocking structures, Preacher Lawson had physical as well as verbal comedy, and all the singers were in their element tonight, but with the exception of Kechi did not step outside of their respective comfort zones. With Light Balance, there is no status quo. The light suits can become anything their creative minds can possibly imagine. This is why Light Balance is the most deserving of a Vegas show, and this is why they will win America's Got Talent.

I want to send a special "Thank you" to everyone who's read my blogs through the season. I got into Tumblr about midway through the season and didn't post as much content as a typical writer would. But now that I have a Tumblr all set up, next season I will be providing personal opinions and analyses of every act, from the auditions to the finale. Stay tuned for a lot more AGT coverage as soon as Season 13 begins. Thanks again, and enjoy the show tomorrow!

[gillsdebate-blog]

What’s gone and what is yet to come.... Part 1

It’s been a tough season, there’s no doubt about that. At the start of the season, most, if not all of us had dreams of tearing the league apart with Emmanuel-Thomas ripping defences to shreds as we stormed to promotion. The reality of standing in Northampton’s away stand hanging on to every word of every twitter update from Fleetwood Town, in order to ensure we didn’t have to spend the next 3 months planning trips to Morecambe and Accrington, wasn’t quite what was expected. 

In part’s 1,2 and 3 of this blog, we see the opinion of various Gills fans who have answered 5 key questions 

Question: Your thoughts on… The season just gone? How would you rate it? Your favourite moment? Your POTY? Undervalued POTY?

@EdSteele2 - Not great, we shouldn’t have ever been near the relegation zone. Although we overachieved last season we really underachieved this season. Poor recruitment in particular is to blame; Rating - 2/10; Favourite Moment - Beating Watford and Mark Byrne’s goal against them; POTY - Josh Wright; Undervalued POTY - Mark Byrne

@Truebluejock - Well the season lurched from mediocrity to disaster. What was most disappointing is we started so well. JET looking like a player who could rip up the league and back up Scally’s promotion boasts plus a win away at Watford. But it unraveled so fast and frankly some of what happened was unprofessional. The sterile & limp “effort” at Spurs, the high profile signings of JET, O’Hara and Konchesky all departed quickly, non clean sheets, signing ineligible players, the season ticket debacle, court case and now Donnelly. It’s a miracle we stayed up!

Highlights were few and far between. The win at Watford, good result at Sheff Utd, Cody’s double against Rovers and staying up (ironically with a clean sheet).

I personally would have scrapped player of the year. Wright only played for 4 months, Cody similar. I think Nelson despite errors won us more points than he lost us so shades a bad bunch. As for underrated I thought Byrne finished strongly and frankly was one of the better players in the last few games. Hopefully a springboard for next season.

@Naylor94 - Woeful, horrible to watch and I’m frankly relieved it’s over. Favourite moment would have to be the Watford game which was the only real shining light of the season. Also the away trip to Tottenham was a fantastic day for me personally regardless of the result. POTY - Josh Wright. Undervalued player - Mark Byrne

Mark Byrne not getting the appreciation he deserves? 

@TheGatorGood - Season as a whole was a disaster, and we were lucky to stay up. It started with so much promise but Edinburgh’s purchases have proven to be lousy. JET typified what was wrong with this year - we moved away from being a blue-collar team, for form over substance. When it went right, it was great (his goal at Shrewsbury was my personal highlight) but the low point was watching the team get bullied at Oldham. Physically and spiritually outmatched, which is so ‘un-Gillingham’. Too much hoofball and defensively the worst I’ve seen this team in decades. Also very humbling to get smacked by a non - league team (again) in the cup on Live TV...

POTY for me has to be Wright - 13 goals from midfield in the league is invaluable. Undervalued POTY was probably Nelson for me - without some of his heroics (again), we’d have been relegated. 

Question: Your thoughts on... The decision to sack Justin Edinburgh and the appointment of Ady Pennock? Where would we have finished with JED still in charge?

@EdSteele2 - Sacking JED had to be done. We were free falling and he wasn’t changing anything. He was overly negative and appeared not to care too much at the end. Ady was only brought in as Scally couldn’t be bothered to have a proper search for a manager. If JED had stayed in charge then I still think we would have been exactly the same.

@Truebluejock - I think the mood and atmosphere meant JED had to go. Add in poor transfer dealings (JET, Konchesky & O’Hara) and no defensive cover and you cannot really with a straight face defend him. I think we would have finished a little higher under JED but no one expected us to replace him with Pennock. Not an upgrade and it showed. Naive tactically and looked out of his depth and broken at the end. Will we keep him? No I doubt it very much

@Naylor94 - Decision to sack JE was made at a strange time for me. November would have been the ideal time for him to go but form actually picked up from then until his sacking. Pennock didn’t improve us and I’m still not convinced he’s the right man for the job although I appreciate there have been significant other factors that haven’t helped him during his time. If JE had stayed I predict we would have finished 18th above Bury and Shrewsbury 

@TheGatorGood - Decision to sack Edinburgh was 100% right. Edinburgh showed no ability to fix the problems he created, or motivate the players he signed. The Pennock decision was a gamble (which I reluctantly came around to at the time) but proved a poor one. That said, short term deal means Scally now has time to get the right guy. No harm, no foul now that we aren’t relegated. With Edinburgh, I’m unconvinced we’d have finished much, if any, higher.  

Question: Your thoughts on... The retained list - Who should stay and who should go?

@EdSteele2 - Keep - Cody, Zesh, Parker

Keep those under 21 and loan them out for proper first team experience

Release - Jackson, Herd, Osadebe, Muldoon, Donnelly

@Truebluejock - On the retained list I would happily let everyone go including Cody & Parker who are the only two who would remotely warrant new deals. 

@Naylor94 - Keep: Cody, Osadebe, List, Parker. Jackson would offer a 1 year deal but can see him joining Northampton. Would invite Rehman and Dickenson back for preseason but only make a decision then. Release: Herd, Donnelly, Muldoon, Newcombe. Send back both Bournemouth boys. Think it might be a good idea to go in for Oshilaja permanently but he may also get offers from elsewhere. 

@TheGatorGood - Cody is absolutely critical to re-sign. He’s our only established striker. Also Ryan Jackson, providing he’s there to play at RB or RWB. Others I’d sign for depth - List (who I like, he’s direct and still think he could grow), Dickenson for depth and Osadebe - I know he has his detractors but I would like to see him in central midfield more before I conclude. We need some more workhorse types. Not sure there’s anyone else I’d say we should definitely re-sign. Need a blank canvas for a new manager.

Mixed views on Jacko....

Question: Your thoughts on... Potential sales of Bradley Dack and Josh Wright - Time to move on? How much are they worth?

@EdSteele2 - Wright needs to be kept, he is a terrific midfielder and is a fantastic team player and without him we would have been relegated so he needs to stay. I’d say sell Dack. The club needs the money and he hasn’t been the same player this season. We could perhaps get £1m maximum for him after this season but then we could bring in 3 decent players for that money.

@Truebluejock - I’m convinced both Dack and Wright will be sold. JED spent the budget & the court case mean money must be tight. The two year season ticket deals suggest that to me. We will get around £1m combined and maybe £1.5m if Scally can play hard ball

@Naylor94 - I personally think it’s time to sell Dack. Towards the end of the season you could tell from his body language he was constantly frustrated with the rest of the team and for himself, he needs to move on to further his career. If we can get 7 figures for him then great. 

As for Josh Wright it depends for me on how much we can get for Dack. I would rather Wright stayed however as he’s clearly somebody that the dressing room needs and seems to be more flexible for different formations than Dack is. 

@TheGatorGood - Would prefer to retain Dack (to build around) but would have a heart-to-heart with him first. If he wants to leave, I’d reluctantly allow it to happen. Reckon his value is around £1m after this year. Wright likewise, would like to retain but he had a good year and if a Championship club approached, I’d be open to him leaving. Maybe 200K?

Ed, Luke and Dave think it’s time for Dacky to move on.

Question: Your thoughts on... Your top pick for manager next season? If it isn’t Ady, then would you be adverse to him sticking around as part of the coaching staff?

@EdSteele2 -  Kenny Jackett really is the man for the job. It would be a big coup for the club and he did brilliantly at Millwall and Wolves. With Jackett in charge you can see the club rising. I’d keep Ady and let him implement some structures to the club. He loves the club and would be a great choice to put in the structure that he knows we clearly need. A director of football role would be great for him. 

@Truebluejock - If the above is true we will not attract Jackett, Powell, Cotteril et al. Wages and budget suggest that. I think Scally will go for an experienced coach and sticking with what he knows maybe Pennock will get a chance after all or someone like Hendon. Short term I think we will continue to struggle and will be where we ended up, bottom end of the league short term. I just hope that if this is the case M’Bo, Oldaker, O’Mara etc. get an opportunity. 

I wish I could be more optimistic, but the signs aren’t good.

@Naylor94 - As for manager next season I would be extremely happy with either Kenny Jackett or Chris Powell. I personally would expect to see Steve Lovell & Jamie Day stay on regardless of who the new manager is but either Jackett or Powell should be able to lead us in the direction that the club needs to go. Pennock may be better suited for the number 2 role but I personally can’t see him agreeing to be 2nd fiddle to another manager. If AP is in charge at the start of the season then I will back him as I do with any other manager but frankly I’m not convinced that it will be a successful move for Gillingham FC. 

@TheGatorGood - Can’t be Ady next year. Nice guy, passionate but not the answer. Tactically,some bizarre decision making. My pick would be an experienced, connected guy with a previous track record. I would try to pry Steve Cotteril from Birmingham where he’s assistant manager - If not, it needs to be someone of that pedigree rather than a re-tread if we are to move forwards. Wouldn’t be adverse to him sticking around but think that’s unlikely now he’s held the keys to the car...

[survivedeathvalley]

EPISODE 1 - “TIME FOR SOME BRO AND TELL” - GIRUGA MESH

I am so excited to be competing! Everyone seems like such nice people and I can't wait to play in the challenges and do my very best!

Mattie is such a Basic Bitch(TM) and it's killing me. Like I'm not that great of an actress, I am a superb liar but I am a shitty actress. Why? because humor is the only thing that keeps me from going insane and I made Mattie such a basic bitch that she can't use any of my "quirks" or fun thoughts and theories. And now Mattie just mentioned death by dehydration, motherfucker! I am so going to be first boot it's not even funny. UwU

I just wanna talk about my feelings about being on the neutral tribe... I do consider myself on the Chaotic Neutral/Chaotic Good side of things. The chaos comes from my crazy emotions. I'm a Pisces so I'm sensitive and emotional. Also I'm actually kinda happy about being on a tribe of 6 people. I NATURALLY gravitate towards Bianca. I know who Paul is cause he slipped up in the tribe chat. So I feel good :)

OK SO i said i was retired but i adore logan and i wanna see what i can do without my baggage of the past that fukt me in ts all stars so phew. the people on my team seem chill, idk why but for some reason i get the feeling that theyre younger than me which doesnt make sense since im only 20 but anyway. I know that i type very specially and use phrases a lot so its gonna be hard to stop doing that bc if any of these people know me at all its gonna be a dead giveaway! 

So I've spent all day at Disney World today and I finally get back to the hotel and come online to speak to my tribe.  No one has talked to me one on one yet so... yeah,  no idea.  I said in the main chat I just got off work and I checked online to see Chick-fil-a's hours to make sure my story checked out too. :* We'll see what happens, on to figuring out this challenge!

First off: When I read this... Confess your sins, your dirty-dirty bad bads, your evil twisted thoughts here. It made me think of the dialogue in a bad porno. http://31.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lthhgjZ1xY1qg39ewo1_500.gif Second off: I do quite enjoy the concept of this alias season. I like the idea of going into the game as a fresh face with a fresh personality and playing along with other people that I don't have any idea of. It kind of rekindles the fun that I have when I get to play in seasons with newbies. http://mashable.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/excited-baby.gif Then, of course, I remember that these are not newbies so some of that fire loses a little oxygen. https://media.giphy.com/media/BmMU3LOfNMMeI/giphy.gif But, I'll try to convince myself that we're all playing for the first time. 

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So far I've noticed a few things about my tribemates. I don't think anything can be applied specifically to the individual given that I haven't really reached a stage to call people out... but, some of them are hung up on the fact that this a catfish season. When messaging them they tell me that it's awkward and when I tell them that the dog in my profile picture is my dog Donut they ask if it is "for real". I'm trying to play up this characters of Jenny for them because I thought that was the goal and I need these people to get on board. https://media.giphy.com/media/KGHtHISczyhHO/giphy.gif

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Wow, that last bit probably makes me come off as quite the rude person. Yikes! I need to get over myself a little. I get that easing ones self into a new situation can be challenging... sooo I'll give them a shot while continuing to respond to any and all questions and comments as Jenny would. http://replygif.net/i/440.gif

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So far I think my favorite people are Tanner, Kai, and Adelaide. I'd like to think I'd enjoy Wash as well but they went to bed shortly after starting communication with me. I don't think (so far as I know and god I hope not) that anyone has come up with a plan to ally yet so I'm just going to continue chatting to get my feelers in those waters. http://media1.giphy.com/media/BqHng2hpjOUdW/giphy.gif

Hopefully Jenny will appear charming enough to begin allying with these people. She needs some throats to slit later down the road and can only start to burn the bridges once she's built them - unfortunately!

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Alright, so I wanted to show my excitement at this game because I've played a real-life version called Tsuro with my friends where you are dragons and I'm hugely board game obsessed... but that's nowhere in Jenny's character and I don't feel like making any content about her up unless I absolutely have to! https://uberflip.cdntwrk.com/files/aHViPTIxOCZjbWQ9aXRlbWVkaXRvcmltYWdlJmZpbGVuYW1lPWl0ZW1lZGl0b3JpbWFnZV81NmQ4NDkzNzFjM2I0LmdpZiZ2ZXJzaW9uPTAwMDAmc2lnPTIxMTE0OTVlM2I1Y2M2NWVlYjMzOTE3OTcyMDExZmI0 Also, I was being truthful when I said the challenge is hard... like, I guess I'm having some difficulties processing the path or something because I keep crashing absurdly early. I'm hoping that by tomorrow when others have played it they will be able to talk me through getting a decent score so our tribe doesn't have to go and I won't have to face the possibility of being first boot (which is likely).

Ok! So basically, Kat just asked me for an alliance??? It's legit night one like chill, but obviously I ain't gunna turn down an ally so i'll play along. I was like "OMG YAHHH I NEVER HAVE ALLIES ON SURVIVOR ORGS" hopefully that makes her think im like a 100% on board... in realist im like 40% on board. It's SHADee as FUCK to try and propose an alliance so early... Also, Giruga (or whatever) is legit annoying as fuck. I think ever sentence he has said thus far has the word "bro" in it? Like can you not be annoying as fuck for no reason... I get it is an alias season, but they dont give you no free pass to be as obnoxious as possible. Praying we win this challenge... hopefully get first because I could totally use a reward with possibility of an advantage in the game. GIMME THAT IDOL. If we do happen to lose I cant wait for the ugly bro culture of Giruga to be the first boot this season deserves.

Honestly I love my tribe and everyone seem so nice  Not knowing who people really are is kinda crazy but I'll get use to it. 

That challenge was crazy and I'm glad it's almost over with. 

I'm bored so I'm just gonna... make another confessional. What does this alias twist mean to me? I wanna be able to make the most of it and be able to play the game I'm never capable of playing as my real self. As who am actually am I suck at seperating emotion and strategy so I'm gonna try to be as emotionless as possible, which I actually think will be easy considering idk who anyone is....... except 2 people perhaps. Anyway time to flop at this challenge xoxox give me a good edit please

i'm typing like gabby bc i don't wanna get out of practice. why is it that the only person that talks to me is misty? bianca i c that u're on and you don't respond to me you're the first person im gonna target. i swear i've sent a 'hey' message to every1 on my tribe and the only one that responded was MISTY.  then marco or whatever his name is hasn't even accepted my friend request yet... i see how it is.

Later...

I mean I figured we didn't do fantastic but losing by over half.... sucks.  a lot.  Misty and uh.... someone else just called Marco out for not accepting anyones friend request... maybe that means we can vote him out this round to ensure I stay. :) 

https://youtu.be/NSE7BsDWti0

https://youtu.be/mn4vdHFOM88

I forgot we were the Titus tribe but then I realized we got 2nd so I am very proud of my tribe! We did it yay!

So we just got 2nd and are immune this week I'm so happy. Whoever gets voted out will be crazy bc no one wants to be first boot but the weakest should go!

So, not only does Kat approach me as an alliance, but i just got approached by William and Layla, too? Damn I cant believe im winning this game :))) Anyway, supposedly Kat and William are ORG newbies? Not sure if that is a lie, but that doesnt shrink their targets by any means... Also thank the fucking survivor gods this Bro bitch aint on our tribe for the next 20 hours!!!! I hope he burns in the Devil's butthole along with his meninst culture.

So UMMMM I'm gonna just spearhead this plan to get Marco out cause he hasn't spoken... at all. I'm not afraid to take control of my tribe at this point cause the inacts gotta go. Mattie/Gabby are both pretty active so I wanna work with them. Bianca's my goddess so I wanna work with her too. It sucks she got removed or else I would've formed a majority with them. Rn I'm telling everyone "If you watch out for me I'll do the same for you blah blah blah" and making deals w/ everyone because that's how I play! Let's hope it works out xoxoxo

okay, i've been trying to be a super sleuth to figure out these identities...  I really think that Misty is really Nic.  Misty is from Georgia and Nic is from Georgia, and I think they are from around the same area.  Nic knows that I am from Georgia and now he knows that Gabby is from Georgia too so I hope he doesn't put it together, I think that I'm typing differently enough and I lowkey think he believes that whoever is behind Gabby really works at chick fil a because I've been doing my homework. I'm not sure who Mattie is yet, but I'm having a hard time NOT mentioning how much I love Glee because then I think people would obviously know who I am- or they would think that I'm Ashley Sarah, but Mattie was talking about Scream Queens and I desperately wanted to say I LOVE LEA MICHELE but I kept my cool. I lowkey think that Mattie might be Pippa though, they remind me of each other.   Everyone else....?  I still have no idea. 

Not much has happened so far. I've talked to a few people but nothing has really moved forward. I was happy to go to the devil's hole, although I didn't end up finding anything. I'm glad I got a chance to meet people from the other tribes though. It was interesting to find out that they have people who haven't even spoken in tribe chat yet? That's crazy. Also it's fun to try to guess who's who. I mean, it's possible I don't even already know the people on my tribe, but it's still fun to try to figure out who they could be. I haven't really gotten there yet. Although I wonder if Alex Raine is a bit new to the community because he's a comp beast, yet he's showing it and making it obvious and making himself a target. I don't know, he seems cool and we've talked a bit, but come merge that could be tricky for him. In terms of alliances, there aren't any yet that I'm really aware of, but Jenny and Alex are the only ones I've talked to that much and I'd be happy to work with them, despite being a little nervous that Alex is a target. He's nice and hopefully his social game is as good as his physical.

aaaaa  i got 378 score   aaaa

Bye I'm going home today...  I'm shook at how fast this game started and I saw in the tribe chat that people were complaining that I hadn't added anyone yet but I didn't get any contact requests from any of them either hm!! Anyway unless I can pull myself out of the dirt somehow I'm totally screwed right now... im an easy target bc I was not here the first day and easy targets are always just easy to vote out the first week rip...

Nothing really. I haven't acted on my plans of being an aggressive player this season, so maybe I'll adapt and get a new strategy going later. Good luck to me

Right now I feel like a mess because I keep forgetting to check skype and missing important stuff. But right now the general consensus according to Misty is to vote out Marco because he literally does not exist and hasn't added any of us. I love a good first round flop. I feel like if I start showing my fabulous personality I could have a good shot at surviving if we go to tribal again, however people might be weary of me now that I've gone to the Devil's Hole, even though I got nothing. Rob wouldn't even let me keep the rock. :'(

I can't believe I'm pippa 

these bitches are so bland and boring BYE

Why did I make Kat so happy and grammatically correct all the time I'm so used to keyboard smashing like jsjsjahajak. I literally cringe every time I add an exclamation point like pls... settle down... I regret this so much nnnn. Anyways- The people I'm closest to rn are Dianna and William because we have an alliance. I'm also good with Giruga, but that's probably because he's such a talkative person-- and so is Dianna. It's really important for me to show my worth to these people so they don't target me because social players run the early premerge. I think I'm doing a pretty good job of that so far. I'm also playing it off like this is my first time playing an org, which will make me seem less threatening. I don't really know if that'll play off since we're all catfish, but I figure the more utr I am right now the better. 

Well, I can't get into my Paul account so I'm probably being voted out. Peace ✌️ 

EP 1 EDGIC

http://prntscr.com/f4zaus

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Terrific how a good deal in Chicago sports activities has modified due to the fact that 2009

The byline on the tale you are studying closing regarded in those pages in October 2009, before the Yankees-Phillies World Series. The odds of it ever acting here again were not accurate at the time, but if a truth show mogul may be elected president, Northwestern could make the NCAA match and the Cubs can win the arena Series, who’s to doubt the existence of miracles?

Said byline ran above a tale suggesting Yankees skipper Joe Girardi continually would be welcome in Chicago, his Peoria history, Northwestern pedigree and phrases of Cubs service offsetting his ties to the dreaded House of Steinbrenner. but Joe became now not coming to Chicago to manage the Cubs anytime soon, no matter the entreaties of Mr. Wanna-Be Cub David Kaplan.

Jay Cutler was right here then, six weeks into his first Bears season, with extra actuality than hypothesis greeting the notion of Cutler because of the lengthy-sought solution to the group’s quest for a franchise quarterback. Numbers could make a case for him as first-class Bears QB ever, however, given the team’s bleak history at the position, it is like spotting the pleasant shortstop to come out of Greenland. Moreover, Cutler as pleasant-ever is a difficult sell to individuals who uninterested in his slouchy, pouty, I’m-so-positioned-upon-ness after maybe eight video games, irrespective of what the numbers say.

The numbers additionally say he persisted 3 well known managers, 3 head coaches and 33 or so offensive coordinators for the duration of his mediocre run here, which can also be barely perplexing. regardless of; he is now someone else’s enigma, or might be. The first-class aspect successor Mike Glennon has going for him, besides $18.5 million guaranteed, is that he is not Jay Cutler.

The Soul of a Chicago sports activities Fan

Growing up a Chicago sports activities fan is a humbling dependancy.

I have been hooked from the day that my dad first took the circle of relatives to a White Sox game on the vintage Comiskey Park, when my young sister, who become used to watching the games on a black and white television with snowy UHF reception, uttered, “Look, the sport’s in shade!” I have truly been hooked considering I witnessed my first Blackhawks sport at the for the reason that torn down Chicago Stadium. In a preceding article, I tried to explain the ephemeral power that song has on our soul – specifically, the power to transform our emotional kingdom and produce us to another vicinity. For higher or worse, sports has a comparable transformative capability.

Developing up, my dad shared season tickets for a yr or two to the Chicago Blackhawks hockey video games. It changed into at some stage in this period that I was capable of revel in the genuine beauty of hockey (at the side of 20,000 raucous fanatics). The momentum of the sport can flip in an immediately; a tough check or shielding play frequently means extra than an excellent offensive pass or shot. That is what I like about hockey. greater than any other game, it’s the seemingly minor elements that have so much impact on the present momentum and the ultimate result. Plus, the antique Chicago Stadium (even then it was antique having been built in 1929) literally shook with every notable pass or stellar defensive play. It actually shook even extra while the home team scored, aided through the endless baritone pitch of the massive three,663 pipe Barton organ that would sign an intention. Like a song membership, the Chicago Stadium become a sensual temple that provoked the senses, addicted the patrons and begged them to are searching for better and better ranges of pride.

Unluckily, the Blackhawks couldn’t win the Stanley Cup. Although that they had outstanding groups in my childhood heyday of the past due the 60s and early 70s, with gamers which include Bobby Hull, Tony Esposito, Stan Mikita and Pit Martin, they didn’t win the Cup. Maximum memorable and heartbreakingly, they lost game 7 at domestic to the Montreal Canadiens in 1971 after being ahead in the game 2-0 late in the second length. A fluke goal from the middle line by using Jacques Lemaire whizzed beyond Tony O, cut the result in 1 intention, and gave the Canadiens the aforementioned momentum they desperately needed. They ultimately beat the Hawks three-2 to win but another Stanley Cup.

Paying attention to those games at the radio as defined with the aid of the brilliant play-through-play work of Lloyd Petit, I was emotionally spent. I used to be now not only a fan of that factor, but a member of the crew, my emotions rising and falling faster than that Jacques Lemaire shot. I was simplest eleven years old but regularly felt that my emotional dedication handed that of Maximum of the players or management.

Sadly, over again, being a Chicago sports fan will pressure you to the emotional depths. it is not simply the countless failure of my cherished hockey team, however a collective failure to “win the big one” by using the majority of the Chicago sports activities teams. Yes, it is true that the Chicago Bears, beneath the tutelage of Mike Ditka, broke the streak inside the 1985-1986 season. however, allow’s not forget about that the Bears must have gained as a minimum two more Fantastic Bowls inside the 80s. Thank you, Charles Martin of the Packers, for frame slamming Jim McMahon in 1986 and crushing any hopes of a repeat Great Bowl victory. And it is actual that the Chicago Bulls won large within the 90s beneath the professional steerage of Phil Jackson and the wizardry of Michael Jordan. But, let us not forget about the 1975 Western Conference finals when the Bulls stole domestic court benefit, went up three games to 2, but misplaced the subsequent video games to the eventual champion Golden state Warriors.

The Cubs deserve a whole bankruptcy of their own, however, allow me just mention more than one years and names: 1984, Leon Durham; 2003, Steve Bartman. Sufficient Said.

As for my different favorite group – the White Sox – at the least, they snapped their long drought with the aid of winning the sector Collection in 2005, the primary time for the reason that 1917. but, the 1983 playoffs, featuring names like those of Britt Burns, Tito Landrum, and Jerry Dybzinski will for all time hang-out long-tenured Sox enthusiasts.

however, back to hockey. In 1991, my wife and that I had just moved from Chicago to San Antonio. for the duration of the Blackhawks sudden playoff run at some stage in the 1991-1992 strike-shortened season, culminating in a go to to the Stanley Cup finals, we might watch all of the playoff video games on the nearby sports bar. There has been the no different place to get the tv feed. It became our routine. Every other night time the Hawks might play, and we’d meet at the bar directly after paintings, experience a cold beverage in the blazing South Texas heat and scream and shout for a victory. For eleven directly playoff games, the Hawks did just that. Until they reached the finals towards the Pittsburgh Penguins. 20 years eliminated from the dashed desires of ‘seventy-one, I sit in an overseas city’s sports bar, mentally taken lower back to those very identical days. I have reverted to that eleven-year-vintage child whose Each respiratory moment, whose Every emotional ebb and glide, revolves around the success of his hockey team.

In place of names like Jacques Lemaire, Ken Dryden, Henri Richard and Yvan Cournoyer stealing my desires, names like Mario Lemieux and Jaromir Jagr bedevil my truth. On the best facet, Belfour, Roenick, and Chelios have replaced Esposito, Hull, and Mikita. The exclusive names, although, do now not produce an exceptional end result. In sport 1, the Hawks squander leads of three-zero and 4-1. I implore Eddie Belfour to hang onto the p.C. but to no avail. Off a rebound, Mr. Lemieux rankings the game-triumphing intention with 10 seconds left to rally the Penguins to an unbelievable 5-four victory. Pittsburgh uses this preliminary game 1 momentum to sweep the Hawks four games to none and win the Stanley Cup (Although the Collection becomes absolutely closer than the score may imply).

Chicago loses again and I’m devastated another time. I swear off my dependancy. In spite of everything, how foolish is it to allow one’s soul ride on the wings of a sports group? I stay genuine to my pledge and live off this drug. Then spring training, or mini-camp, or pre-season starts of evolved anew, and i fall off the sports activities wagon to be forever haunted with the aid of a ultimate 2nd score from an opposing crew.