#or the 4.5 year old late in the day who practically rounded up me and this random other guy editing a video on his computer

[22degreehalo]

Speaking of which, I have been something of an unintentional romantic genre movie love interest myself, recently!

So a couple weeks ago I was shelving near the children's area and got called over to the computer, which wasn't working. (It can be used to look up the catalogue but is almost always used for the kids' games.)

It was a slightly stressed-looking young mum and her little 3-or-so year old, who had adorably curly pigtails but was looking a little disgruntled about this unexpected event.

Unfortunately I figured the only real solution was to restart the computer, which would take a few minutes. Not wanting to just leave them, I looked around and realised that the scrap paper on this table is the same as at the front desk - perfectly square! So as I sat next to the girl, I grabbed her attention and made up a little chatterbox for her! :)

Of course, she was too young to make it herself, or really understand it; honestly, I was just hoping she could put her fingers in it and play a bit with it that way when it was done. But it took as long as the computer to restart, and the games were back again, and the mum was so grateful!! :) Before she left we talked a little more about the books she was borrowing and then I waved goodbye!

Well! About a week or so later, I saw them come in again! And she immediately pointed me out - 'That's the nice lady who gave you the chatterbox!' Though she seemed more excited than the kid, haha.

We got to talk a bit more about the books and such, and then she and the kid spent a bit of time at the borrowing kiosk, since the girl wanted to help out. Well, I just had to take that opportunity, you know? There are only two things I can make with origami, and I was damn well gonna put them to use!

Making the crane took a lil long, so when they started to head out I had to intersect her, and the pause gave the girl enough time to get distracted by the little circle of seats with a hole in the middle that just about every little kid has to climb into at least once, haha.

But I showed her as I finished it, and this time she seemed interested!! When I was done, I explained that it was a crane, and the mum said 'That's a bird!', and I flapped the wings a bit, and she stood up and she flapped her arms and repeated "Cwane!" And when she left, she was holding it very delicately and looking at it.

It was adorable!! And the mum was even happier, haha! :)

I really hoped I'd see them again... but it's been a couple of weeks now. They could just be coming in when I'm not on shift.

But yeah, uh. If I wasn't aro, I'd really feel like I'd stepped into some sort of shippy fanfic! :P

[doeeyeddarlingxo]

The Myriad Misadventures of a Midgardian Queen-In-Training - Chapter 1

Why did I decide 4.5 years and 53 chapters in to try and post this directly on Tumblr? I honestly don’t know. I’ll try to space out the chapter posts a bit between other posts/reblogs, so hopefully this won’t be as painful a process as I fear!

AO3 | Next

Summary: In an AU where Loki DID take over the world by the end of The Avengers, you (the reader) receive a letter on your sixteenth birthday informing you that you are eligible to be considered for The Choosing, a one-time-only, televised event in which the new King of Midgard will select a wife.

Eight girls. One crown. Who will win?

Word Count: 1115

Pairing: Loki/Reader

Rating: T 

A/N: Keep in mind—I started writing this story my sophomore year of high school, when I was 15 or 16. A lot of it is cringe-y. A lot of my views and values has changed since then. That being said, I hope you enjoy anyway!

Myriad Misadventures - Chapter 1

The letter comes at the worst time imaginable.

The envelope is plain, if a bit large compared to the average letter. What first catches your attention is that it is addressed to you. Not Mom or Dad, not Erik or Carlie, but you. Okay, so it’s technically addressed "To The Parent/Guardian of (Y/N),” but still! It doesn’t have a return address, which doesn’t strike you as particularly strange, until you tear into the envelope and notice two things:

The heavy, creamy stationery.

The insignia. The smooth, calligraphy-curly insignia, drawn in deep, shiny, green ink.

“Mom!”

“Yes, sweetie?”

“C’mere!”

You shove the letter and envelope at her. “It was addressed to me - kinda - but I didn’t read it. I just saw the - ”

“Insignia,” she breathes. Her eyes widen as she scans the page.

You expect her to tell you what’s going on as soon as her gaze reaches the bottom of the page. Instead, you watch as she reads it again. And again. The third time she goes to reread it, you can’t stand waiting any longer. “Mom!”

“Sweetheart.” She looks up at you, eyes filled with dread. But instead of explaining, she shakes her head, stuffing the paper back into the envelope. “It’s nothing we need to worry about right now. Go get dressed.”

“What?” You can’t believe it. “No! Mom, come on. I know it’s about me. I have a right to know!” You extend an arm, but she pulls the letter just out of reach. You play the only card you have left. “It’s my birthday.”

At that, you see her resolve weaken a little bit. But it’s not enough. “Exactly. You deserve to have a nice evening out, and this can wait until tomorrow.”

“Let’s compromise. Open it at dinner. As a family,” you add.

At long last, she nods. “All right.” A split second later, her expression has gone from serious to playful as she leans in to kiss you on the cheek. “Now go change. And decide where you want dinner from. Your birthday, your choice."

(Yep. The letter arrives on the day you turned sixteen. Because you couldn't have been born one freaking day later.)

You run upstairs, grabbing a dress at random from your closet and yanking it on over your least-worn nude tights. Any minute, you know, your mom will leave to pick Carlie up from soccer practice.

Sure enough, you hear the tell-tale slam and click of the front door. You let out a sigh of relief when, upon reaching the bottom of the stairs, you see her pocketbook hanging from the back door, the envelope peeking out.

It takes you an infuriatingly long time to pull out and unfold the letter, shaky as your hands are, but you finally manage it. Beneath the insignia, it reads:

Dear Ms. (LN),

It is recorded that, as of (DD/MM), you are a heterosexual female between the ages of sixteen and thirty. As is such, you have been marked as eligible to participate in an exciting event in our realm’s history - The Choosing.

As the fifth anniversary of his rule approaches, our great leader has seen it fit to take a wife. Eight women will be selected from a lottery to compete for his hand in marriage. If you are the recipient of this letter, you are required to fill out the attached forms and submit them to your nearest government office by no later than a week from the day on which you received this letter.

Your king and government thank you for your service.

You’ve never been one for screaming at surprises. Instead, you have a tendency of going into shock, acting kind of dazed as your mind slowly absorbs whatever new piece of information it was being bombarded with. Which is what you do now.

“Heterosexual female between the ages of sixteen and thirty.” I’m a heterosexual female. I’m fifteen. I mean, I’m sixteen. I’m a sixteen-year-old straight girl…”The Choosing?” What the hell is The Choosing? And “Our great leader?” Who...oh. OH. Right.

Honestly, after the Battle of New York, life has pretty much gone on as usual, besides the whole thing with psycho-alien-king-guy taking over the world. You’ve never followed politics, and besides the fact that you miss your once-frequent trips into the city - Mom doesn’t want you there alone while all the renovations are going on - you’ve been too busy to notice any major changes. You still go to school and participate in your usual extracurriculars and stay up too late Skyping your friends. You have done quite a bit of online research - about Loki and the nine realms and what exactly went down during the Battle of New York and how apparently he's some kind of Norse god - so you aren’t completely ignorant, but after a while you’ve just fallen back into your normal routine.

But now, this letter…

So, Him. Psycho-alien-king-guy. Loki. Our great leader. Um, keep reading...wife. Eight women. Marriage. Competing? What, like The Bachelorette? Or The Bachelor, I guess, in this case...recipient of this letter, that’s me. Fill out the form...why? What service are they thanking me for? Are they just trying to ensure they have enough viewers for The Bachelor: Alien Royalty Edition?

Finally, it clicks.

Oh, my God.

Oh. My. God.

They want you. They’re rounding up potential candidates to star in their little reality marriage competition, and they want you.

But...I’m too young! I just barely made the age cutoff! That's so unfair! You rack your brain for more reasons why you should be exempt from this ridiculous "lottery" - as though that'll make any difference. I’m not even over the age of consent! In New York, I mean. If I was in California or Ohio or something, that would be a different story, but this is New York, so I still have a year before...or did they change the age of consent when they changed the government and stuff? Again, you didn’t really paid any attention to the news when all of that was going on. Or ever, really.

Later, you check Google and see that yes, the age of consent is still eighteen pretty much worldwide, something you might have found interesting and mildly amusing under different circumstances.

Like if you had a boyfriend, for instance.

Which you didn’t. Ever.

But these circumstances...the government wants you to marry a guy you’ve never met. Or compete to marry a guy you’ve never met, anyway...and based on what you know about Loki from your research thus far (Frost Giant? Trickster God? Psychopath?), you’re more than a little scared.

Okay, let's be honest: you are absolutely terrified.

[trendingnewsb]

11 Gifts For People Who’d Definitely Rather Be Sleeping Than Exchanging Presents

Have you ever noticed that finding the perfect gifts for people who love to sleep is almost too easy? You know the friend we’re referring to here, don’t you? She’s easily the sleeping beauty of your squad who just #CantEven with Monday through Friday mornings. She’s the BFF who you wouldn’t blink twice at if you saw her shooting coffee through an IV to get her through 8 a.m. seminars and late nights at the office. Any gift that has to do with her bedroom, nighttime wardrobe, or a wind-down routine is one she’s going to be grateful for because, for her, sleep is life, and she can’t get enough of it (who can?).

Plus, if you think about it, a better night’s sleep is just one of those things everyone appreciates, but rarely gets enough of. Just because your giftee might be lazing in bed late into the morning doesn’t necessarily mean they’re getting the quality sleep the average human needs to function. In fact, if your friend is clocking in over six to eight hours of sleep every night, their bodies might be trying to overcompensate for a lack of a good rest. Therefore, as far as I see it, the most generous gift you can give them is an accessory or two to either a) better their space or b) prepare their body properly for sleep. Here are a few ideas to help you get the job done.

1A Sleek Sleep-Tracking Watch

wesoo

Wesoo K1 Fitness Watch and Sleep Monitor, $29.99, Amazon

Fitness trackers are still a thriving trend in wearable tech, but have you noticed this one major upgrade recent models have installed in their machinery?

According to a new report issued by the sleep experts at Sleep Cycle, Americans’ sleep quality has decreased by 10 percent from 2016 to 2017 (ouch). I have a hunch that this might be why technology brands are issuing trackers that not only count your steps and calories burned, but that also monitor your sleep quality metrics.

Wesoo’s band is a bestseller on Amazon with a 4.5 star rating and unique sleep design that truly does it all.

2Their New Nightcap

Lipton

Lipton Herbal Supplement Bedtime Bliss, $4.38, Walmart

Obviously, your girl has to switch to decaf eventually if she ever wants to fall asleep.

Remind her by gifting this doze-inducing sip from Lipton that combines chamomile leaves, mint, and orange peels to ease you into a comfortable sleep state “like a lullaby in a cup.” Slip a Barnes & Noble gift card in her holiday card, and you’ve just set her up for the sweetest of dreams.

3A Comfy Pair Of PJs

Adore Me

Sleepwear Set in Christyna, $19.95, Adore Me

I cannot be the only person obsessed with cozy, holiday-themed pajamas. This season, Adore Me has expanded their merchandise with a ton of his-and-her styles to choose from, but the Christyna style is hands down my favorite of them all.

For some reason, black, white, and red plaid just looks like pure Christmas to me. Plus, the set is made stretchy for optimal comfort and with cotton for all the snuggly feels.

4An Aromatic Bath Bomb

Lush USA

The Big Sleep Jelly Bomb, $8.95, LUSH USA

If your giftee religiously takes baths before slipping into something comfy and hopping into bed, Lush’s newest sleep-inducing bomb is about to be her new favorite bathroom accessory. It’s the perfect formula to relax her body and mind, as notes of lavender, neroli, and chamomile fragrances transform her tub into an aromatic soak.

5A Soft Blanket To Snuggle Under

Bed Bath & Beyond

Madison Park Ruched Faux-Fur Throw, $39.99, Bed Bath & Beyond

Who couldn’t use a gigantic throw blanket to hibernate in throughout the winter months?

Madison Park’s blanket is made from 100 percent faux-fur, features micro-fur for extra warmth on those freezing nights, and it’s also huge enough to share, so maybe she can finally stop hogging the covers when you sleep over.

6An Overnight Mask To Enhance Their Beauty Sleep

Too Cool For School

Too Cool For School Pumpkin Sleeping Pack, $20, Sephora

Beauty sleep isn’t a myth, ladies. When you sleep better, you feel better, and when you good, you good. See how that works?

Chances are, your sleepy friend likely clocks in the recommended six to eight hours of sleep every night, which means her skin is probably glowing, but there’s always room for improvement, right?

Too Cool For School’s overnight mask will enhance her skin’s recovery cycle with superfood ingredients and natural enzymes. Plus, it smells like pumpkin, and I can’t imagine a better way to fall asleep than with the scent of pie all around you.

7An Artistic Diffuser

Saje Natural Wellness

Aromaart High Tide Ultrasonic Diffuser, $84.95, Saje

Essential oils for sleep are super trendy right now, but it doesn’t look like the fad is fading anytime soon. Trust me, I’m not the type to talk up the trends if I haven’t done the research myself, and diffusers are a must for bedroom.

TBH, diffusers can be super ugly and cheap-looking, but this Saje model is the prettiest piece of functional decor I’ve ever seen. The beautiful pattern was designed by San Francisco artist Heather Day, and was inspired by the healing powers of the deep, blue sea. So much zen, so many aromas to lull your giftee to sleep.

8A Soothing Candle

Primal Elements

Primal Elements Tahitian Vanilla Two Wick Color Bowl Candle, $19.90, Amazon

Doesn’t this candle look good enough to eat? I can guarantee my 9-year-old niece had no idea just how lovely this candle was going to make my apartment smell when she gifted it to my husband and me last Christmas, but this decadent display is still burning bright, and veiling our home with the scent of sweet vanilla 12 months later.

You don’t necessarily need essential oils to practice aromatherapy, and if your bestie has a sweet tooth, this yummy-scented candle from Primal Elements will have her dreaming of sugar plum fairies year round (not kidding, it’s good for 60 hours of burn time).

9Go Old School With This Digital Alarm Clock

Peakeep

Peakeep Battery Digital Alarm Clock, $12.99, Amazon

I don’t have to tell you that smartphones are low-key ruining our lives, especially in the bedroom (and no, I’m not referring to your libido). No matter how much a person sleeps, the blue light that shines from your cell phone is messing with your sleep cycle, but what’s a girl to do when her only means of an alarm is via smartphone?

Be the best friend you are and buy your sleeping beauty a digital alarm clock. This old school model from Peakeep has a snooze option, so she can squeeze in a few extra minutes of shut-eye if and when she wants. It’s also a “smart nighttime clock,” which means it has sensory lights that turn a subtle blue at night.

10A Sleepy Supplement

Sun Potion

Sun Potion Organic Ashwagandha Powder, $36.99, iHerb

Adaptogens like ashwagandha are another social media trend that’s actually making a difference in how people are sleeping. This is definitely the perfect gift for anyone who you know has wanted to try adaptogens for themselves, but couldn’t commit to the pricy purchase.  

Trust me, I recently put Alaina Sullivan’s moon milk recipe for Bon Appétit to the test when I was tossing and turning through an awful couple of nights, and I was genuinely impressed by just how relaxed I felt by adding ashwagandha to my nightcap. Your giftee will love the combination of the powder’s sleep and overall health benefits.

11Slippers They Can Sleep In

Out From Under

Out From Under Scruffy Slipper Sock, $16, Urban Outfitters

If your BFF takes a lot of heat for wearing slippers to bed, offering a pair of Out From Under’s scruffy slipper socks tells them you’re on their side (or, at the very least, won’t judge them for it).

I’m a fan of this creamy-colored pair, specifically because they’re subtle enough to wear with roomy Uggs on really cold days.

Read more: http://ift.tt/2BEzsga

from Viral News HQ http://ift.tt/2mmEDeu via Viral News HQ

[ralphmorgan-blog1]

11 Gifts For People Who’d Definitely Rather Be Sleeping Than Exchanging Presents

Have you ever noticed that finding the perfect gifts for people who love to sleep is almost too easy? You know the friend we’re referring to here, don't you? She’s easily the sleeping beauty of your squad who just #CantEven with Monday through Friday mornings. She's the BFF who you wouldn't blink twice at if you saw her shooting coffee through an IV to get her through 8 a.m. seminars and late nights at the office. Any gift that has to do with her bedroom, nighttime wardrobe, or a wind-down routine is one she's going to be grateful for because, for her, sleep is life, and she can’t get enough of it (who can?).

Plus, if you think about it, a better night's sleep is just one of those things everyone appreciates, but rarely gets enough of. Just because your giftee might be lazing in bed late into the morning doesn't necessarily mean they're getting the quality sleep the average human needs to function. In fact, if your friend is clocking in over six to eight hours of sleep every night, their bodies might be trying to overcompensate for a lack of a good rest. Therefore, as far as I see it, the most generous gift you can give them is an accessory or two to either a) better their space or b) prepare their body properly for sleep. Here are a few ideas to help you get the job done.

1A Sleek Sleep-Tracking Watch

wesoo

Wesoo K1 Fitness Watch and Sleep Monitor, $29.99, Amazon

Fitness trackers are still a thriving trend in wearable tech, but have you noticed this one major upgrade recent models have installed in their machinery?

According to a new report issued by the sleep experts at Sleep Cycle, Americans' sleep quality has decreased by 10 percent from 2016 to 2017 (ouch). I have a hunch that this might be why technology brands are issuing trackers that not only count your steps and calories burned, but that also monitor your sleep quality metrics.

Wesoo's band is a bestseller on Amazon with a 4.5 star rating and unique sleep design that truly does it all.

2Their New Nightcap

Lipton

Lipton Herbal Supplement Bedtime Bliss, $4.38, Walmart

Obviously, your girl has to switch to decaf eventually if she ever wants to fall asleep.

Remind her by gifting this doze-inducing sip from Lipton that combines chamomile leaves, mint, and orange peels to ease you into a comfortable sleep state "like a lullaby in a cup." Slip a Barnes & Noble gift card in her holiday card, and you've just set her up for the sweetest of dreams.

3A Comfy Pair Of PJs

Adore Me

Sleepwear Set in Christyna, $19.95, Adore Me

I cannot be the only person obsessed with cozy, holiday-themed pajamas. This season, Adore Me has expanded their merchandise with a ton of his-and-her styles to choose from, but the Christyna style is hands down my favorite of them all.

For some reason, black, white, and red plaid just looks like pure Christmas to me. Plus, the set is made stretchy for optimal comfort and with cotton for all the snuggly feels.

4An Aromatic Bath Bomb

Lush USA

The Big Sleep Jelly Bomb, $8.95, LUSH USA

If your giftee religiously takes baths before slipping into something comfy and hopping into bed, Lush's newest sleep-inducing bomb is about to be her new favorite bathroom accessory. It's the perfect formula to relax her body and mind, as notes of lavender, neroli, and chamomile fragrances transform her tub into an aromatic soak.

5A Soft Blanket To Snuggle Under

Bed Bath & Beyond

Madison Park Ruched Faux-Fur Throw, $39.99, Bed Bath & Beyond

Who couldn't use a gigantic throw blanket to hibernate in throughout the winter months?

Madison Park's blanket is made from 100 percent faux-fur, features micro-fur for extra warmth on those freezing nights, and it's also huge enough to share, so maybe she can finally stop hogging the covers when you sleep over.

6An Overnight Mask To Enhance Their Beauty Sleep

Too Cool For School

Too Cool For School Pumpkin Sleeping Pack, $20, Sephora

Beauty sleep isn't a myth, ladies. When you sleep better, you feel better, and when you good, you good. See how that works?

Chances are, your sleepy friend likely clocks in the recommended six to eight hours of sleep every night, which means her skin is probably glowing, but there's always room for improvement, right?

Too Cool For School's overnight mask will enhance her skin's recovery cycle with superfood ingredients and natural enzymes. Plus, it smells like pumpkin, and I can't imagine a better way to fall asleep than with the scent of pie all around you.

7An Artistic Diffuser

Saje Natural Wellness

Aromaart High Tide Ultrasonic Diffuser, $84.95, Saje

Essential oils for sleep are super trendy right now, but it doesn't look like the fad is fading anytime soon. Trust me, I'm not the type to talk up the trends if I haven't done the research myself, and diffusers are a must for bedroom.

TBH, diffusers can be super ugly and cheap-looking, but this Saje model is the prettiest piece of functional decor I've ever seen. The beautiful pattern was designed by San Francisco artist Heather Day, and was inspired by the healing powers of the deep, blue sea. So much zen, so many aromas to lull your giftee to sleep.

8A Soothing Candle

Primal Elements

Primal Elements Tahitian Vanilla Two Wick Color Bowl Candle, $19.90, Amazon

Doesn't this candle look good enough to eat? I can guarantee my 9-year-old niece had no idea just how lovely this candle was going to make my apartment smell when she gifted it to my husband and me last Christmas, but this decadent display is still burning bright, and veiling our home with the scent of sweet vanilla 12 months later.

You don't necessarily need essential oils to practice aromatherapy, and if your bestie has a sweet tooth, this yummy-scented candle from Primal Elements will have her dreaming of sugar plum fairies year round (not kidding, it's good for 60 hours of burn time).

9Go Old School With This Digital Alarm Clock

Peakeep

Peakeep Battery Digital Alarm Clock, $12.99, Amazon

I don't have to tell you that smartphones are low-key ruining our lives, especially in the bedroom (and no, I'm not referring to your libido). No matter how much a person sleeps, the blue light that shines from your cell phone is messing with your sleep cycle, but what's a girl to do when her only means of an alarm is via smartphone?

Be the best friend you are and buy your sleeping beauty a digital alarm clock. This old school model from Peakeep has a snooze option, so she can squeeze in a few extra minutes of shut-eye if and when she wants. It's also a "smart nighttime clock," which means it has sensory lights that turn a subtle blue at night.

10A Sleepy Supplement

Sun Potion

Sun Potion Organic Ashwagandha Powder, $36.99, iHerb

Adaptogens like ashwagandha are another social media trend that's actually making a difference in how people are sleeping. This is definitely the perfect gift for anyone who you know has wanted to try adaptogens for themselves, but couldn't commit to the pricy purchase.  

Trust me, I recently put Alaina Sullivan’s moon milk recipe for Bon Appétit to the test when I was tossing and turning through an awful couple of nights, and I was genuinely impressed by just how relaxed I felt by adding ashwagandha to my nightcap. Your giftee will love the combination of the powder's sleep and overall health benefits.

11Slippers They Can Sleep In

Out From Under

Out From Under Scruffy Slipper Sock, $16, Urban Outfitters

If your BFF takes a lot of heat for wearing slippers to bed, offering a pair of Out From Under's scruffy slipper socks tells them you're on their side (or, at the very least, won't judge them for it).

I'm a fan of this creamy-colored pair, specifically because they're subtle enough to wear with roomy Uggs on really cold days.

More From this publisher : HERE ; This post was curated using : TrendingTraffic

=> *********************************************** See Full Article Here: 11 Gifts For People Who’d Definitely Rather Be Sleeping Than Exchanging Presents ************************************ =>

11 Gifts For People Who’d Definitely Rather Be Sleeping Than Exchanging Presents was originally posted by A 18 MOA Top News from around

[movietvtechgeeks]

Latest story from https://movietvtechgeeks.com/historic-georgia-race-jon-ossoff-vs-karen-handel-close-scrutiny/

Historic Georgia race has Jon Ossoff vs Karen Handel under close scrutiny

Tuesday will likely be a major fix for political junkies as the most expensive House race in U.S. history heads to voters Tuesday in the northern suburbs of Atlanta between Jon Ossoff and Karen Handel. Both national politicians and political pundits will be watching both this race (which is turning out to be rather close) along with the one in South Carolina. This one has gotten more attention because it's viewed as being a 'referendum' on President Donald Trump and his policies. "It's truly a litmus test for America to see where they want to see the direction of this country to head," a Washington insider said. "Do they want to continue with Twitter rants or are they ready for a calmer head to lead us?" https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/876964061027684352 https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/876901304207069185 Donald Trump has thrown in his Twitter support, but it's unknown whether this will help or hurt Handel. The latest attack ad on Ossoff blaming liberals for last week's baseball shooting incident has backfired on Handel, and she's been quick to disavow it. Either Republican Karen Handel will claim a seat that's been in her party's hands since 1979 or Democrat Jon Ossoff will manage an upset that will rattle Washington ahead of the 2018 midterm elections. Their matchup in Georgia's 6th Congressional District has become a proxy for the national political atmosphere and a test of GOP strength early in Donald Trump's presidency. Here are five things worth knowing about the race, plus five reasons why this special election is worth all the attention. IT'S OSSOFF'S YOUTH VS. HANDEL'S EXPERIENCE Ossoff is a 30-year-old former congressional staffer turned documentary filmmaker. Making his first bid for office, he's become a symbol of the Trump opposition movement. Yet Ossoff barely mentions the president, talking instead in generalities about "restoring civility" and the importance of Congress as an oversight body. He doesn't constantly refer to Handel, a former Georgia secretary of state, directly either, instead pitching his "fresh leadership" against "career politicians." Handel, 55, embraces her experience as a statewide and local elected official. "You know me," she says, adding often that Ossoff has "no record" and "inflates his resume." She's also known as a Susan G. Komen Foundation executive when the organization in 2012 sought to cut off its support of Planned Parenthood, which provides services including abortions. IT'S A TRUMP DISTRICT ... BARELY The Georgia 6th is an affluent and well-educated district that has elected Newt Gingrich, the former speaker; Johnny Isakson, now Georgia's senior U.S. senator; and most recently Tom Price, who resigned in February to join the administration. But even with that pedigree, Trump barely edged Democrat Hillary Clinton in November, giving Ossoff his opening once Price was confirmed. Ossoff hopes to maximize the district's Democratic base and pick up just enough independents and moderate Republicans who don't align with Trump. Handel has handled Trump gingerly. She barely mentioned him ahead of finishing second to Ossoff in an April primary. She welcomed him for a fundraiser in late April, but it was closed. Even a Trump Cabinet member and former Georgia governor, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, acknowledged the conundrum at a recent Handel rally, saying "some Republicans" are "turned off" by the president. THERE'S BIG MONEY, FROM EVERYWHERE Ossoff raised more than $23 million, most from outside Georgia. He emphasizes it's mostly from individual donors. Handel notes that many of those people live in Democratic-leaning states like California, New York and Massachusetts. Of course, Handel's benefited from outside money, too; it just hasn't flowed through her campaign, which has raised less than a quarter of Ossoff's haul. The Congressional Leadership Fund, a political action committee backed by House Speaker Paul Ryan, has spent $7 million on her behalf. National Republicans' House campaign arm added $4.5 million, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce chipped in another seven figures. A chunk of the $5 million Handel raised herself came in three fundraisers headlined by Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, and House Speaker Paul Ryan. AHEAD OF 2018, BOTH PARTIES WANT TO WIN. REALLY. A LOT. Democrats have plenty of energy nationally, but it hasn't translated to the electoral scoreboard. The party needs to flip at least 24 GOP-held seats by next November to reclaim a House majority. Party insiders say Georgia is not a must-win given the GOP advantages here, but winning in a district like this could put them on their way to a successful 2018, and it would embolden donors and volunteers nationally - and potentially boost candidate recruiting in friendlier districts. Losing would raise questions about whether Democrats can turn protests and fundraising records into enough votes. For Republicans, it's about defense, with a healthy dose of fear. Winning in this once-safe GOP district would follow House special election victories this year in GOP-held districts in Kansas and Montana. Republicans are favored to hold a fourth seat up Tuesday in South Carolina, while Democrats already held their lone open seat in a California special election. But if Handel loses, it will be a clear warning sign to House Republicans facing tough races in other suburban districts across the country, many of them among the 23 GOP-held seats where Trump trailed Clinton in 2016. And it will make all the clearer that there is no easy path for Republicans to run under Trump's banner - he's still popular with the base, but the base isn't large enough to win every seat that Republicans hold now. THERE'S ONE LAST-MINUTE CURVEBALL, BUT IT MAY NOT MATTER A little-known political action committee unveiled a last-minute ad trying to link Ossoff to the shooting of a Republican House leader and others at a GOP congressional baseball team practice last week outside Washington. Handel disavowed the ad, which blames the "violent left" for the shooting and suggests such acts would continue if Ossoff wins. Ossoff called Rep. Steve Scalise's shooting a "national tragedy" that should not be politicized. Principled PAC says it made a "five-figure" buy on Fox News, a low spending total on cable news that likely means the spot got more attention from the campaign and reporters than from voters. Why is there a special election in Georgia?  The House seat was left open by Trump's appointment of former congressman Tom Price as secretary of health and human services. The first round of the special election was held April 18. Ossoff won 48% of the vote, far more than Handel's 19%, which earned her second place. Because no one got more than 50% of the vote, a June 20 runoff between Ossoff and Handel was triggered. Why the election matters  Ossoff's strong showing in the first round, and in the polls since then, has Democrats optimistic he could represent the first sign of a coming Democratic wave in the wake of Trump's turbulent first few months in office. With questions swirling around ongoing investigations into whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russia and the lack of major legislative accomplishments, many pundits believe an Ossoff win could panic Republicans into thinking their current approach isn't working. They say that could set off a stampede of GOP lawmakers, hurrying to distance themselves from the president. A win for Handel, on the other hand, could be interpreted by Republicans as evidence that their support among their base remains strong, leading them to cleave closer to the president and his agenda. (The same has been said for special elections in Kansas and Montana this year.) With so much on the line, the Georgia race has shattered fundraising records with total spending expected to come in over $50 million. That would make it the most expensive House race in American history. An Ossoff win would certainly be an upset for a seat that has been in Republican hands since 1979 and was previously held by former House speaker Newt Gingrich. But polling remains tight, and the administration has thrown its full support behind Handel, including a fundraiser with Vice President Pence and a tweet from the president urging people to "vote now for Karen H." What do the polls show?  The latest Real Clear Politics poll average shows Ossoff narrowly ahead of Handel with 49.3% to her 47.8%. That's less than the margin of error, and FiveThirtyEight's Nate Silver cautions that "Georgia 6 is a tough district to diagnose." While Mitt Romney won the district, which is comprised of wealthy suburbs of Atlanta, by 23 points over Barack Obama in 2012, Trump only defeated Hillary Clinton by 1.5 points in 2016. What time are the polls open?  The polls open at 7 a.m. ET and close at 7 p.m. ET. The first results are expected to come in about 7:30 p.m. More than 140,000 people voted early in the election so far, according to Georgia Secretary of State Biran Kemp. “Tomorrow will be a pivotal day for voters as they elect new representation to serve in Washington, D.C., and all eyes are on Georgia to see the results of this hotly contested race," Kemp said in a statement. Georgia residents can check here to see if they are eligible to vote in the election. What about South Carolina?  Lost in all the focus on Georgia's special election is the race for South Carolina's fifth congressional district between Republican real estate developer Ralph Norman and Democrat Archie Parnell, a former Goldman Sachs business manager. There has been less national attention on that race because Norman is widely considered a heavy favorite. If Parnell were to pull off an upset, it would be a clear signal that Trump and congressional Republicans have reason to be concerned about 2018. How have the special elections gone so far this year?  Greg Gianforte showed no signs of an anti-Republican swing, winning Montana's May 25 special election to fill its own open House seat despite assaulting a reporter on the eve of the election. Gianforte's win came on the heels of fellow Republican Ron Estes' April 11 win to fill Kansas' House seat left open by the appointment of CIA Director Mike Pompeo. How many seats do Democrats need?  Even if Ossoff and Parnell were to win, the Democrats would still be far short of the seats needed to win control of the House. Going into Tuesday's elections, the Democrats were 24 seats short of a majority.

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Bucs Draft Grades

The draft weekend is a truly incredible event. Hundreds of dreams come true and millions of fans feel their hopes raising for the upcoming season. Now that all the picks are made we can all move on to the next step of the draft process. Unfairly criticizing and setting expectations of players who have never taken an NFL snap. Let that process begin here with my Bucs 2017 draft report card.

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OJ Howard – A+

For months I have been dreaming of Howard in a Bucs uniform. I never thought it could actually happen with his projected landing spots starting at the fourth overall pick and the Buccaneers picking all the way down at nineteen. But low and behold, dreams really do come true! Somehow this elite talent slid right into the Bucs lap.

Howard’s an athletic mismatch at the tight end position. His 6’6 size is too big for most corners and safeties to cover and his 4.5 speed and ability to move fluidly is too much for most linebackers to handle. On top of that, Howard is an excellent blocker. He can handle mostly any DE in this class (including first overall pick Myles Garrett) as a run blocker. He is a great addition to both the pass and the run game.

Justin Evans – C

Evans fills a need at free safety. He is fast and fluid as an athlete, which translates to him having great range in coverage. Combine that with his quality ball skills and this pick is starting to sound pretty good.

However, Evans is awful versus the run. He isn’t a good tackler, often times wildly running up and throwing a shoulder rather than wrapping ball carriers up. He also plays very soft when it comes to taking on blockers. On top of that, I had several safeties rated higher than Evans who were still available at the time. I hope I’m wrong about Evans, but I have a hard to buying go into reaching for a safety who brings almost nothing as a run defender.

Chris Godwin – A

Godwin was a great value for the Bucs in the middle of the third round. He was my 6th rated WR and was one of my top 60 prospects in the draft. Adding him to what the team already has in terms of pass catchers makes this offense very scary.

Godwin is a very well rounded player with no real weakness to speak of. What stands out most about him is his excellent body control and ability to make the highlight reel catch. Godwin also brings the athleticism the Bucs wanted to add to the offense. His 4.41 speed is exactly what the Bucs offense needs to create big plays down the field.

Kendell Beckwith – B-

Beckwith is a thumping two down run stuffer and should compete to win the team’s starting strongside linebacker job. His aggressive and physical style are very attractive in an NFL linebacker and it’s understandable why the Bucs targeted him. He’s not great in coverage, nor is he much of a pass rusher, but he’s not completely lost in these areas either.

He suffered an ACL injury last season, so there are some health concerns, but obviously the Bucs feel comfortable with his health as they moved back into the end of the third round to draft him. If Beckwith emerges as the SAM linebacker next year then this grade will go up. However, I need to see what he bring to the team when healthy before I fully buy into this pick.

Jeremy McNichols – D+

If I had to pick one player from this draft class who wouldn’t make the team next year it would be McNichols. Despite having a very productive college career at Boise State, I don’t see him as an impactful player at the next level. He’s not a strong between the tackles guy, nor is he particularly elusive in open space.

What McNichols does bring to the table is some return ability and the ability to catch passes out of the backfield. This means he’ll probably be a role player for the Bucs; a role which Charles Sims currently occupies. If Sims gets hurt again then McNichols will likely take his place, but for now I’d say he’ll likely end up on the practice squad or off the team all together.

Stevie Tu’ikolovatu – A-

Tu’ikolovatu is a big run stuffing NT who should be a valuable part of the Bucs defensive tackle rotation. He is very difficult to drive back, even when double teamed, and uses his hands very well to get off blocks and make tackles. He brings some pass rush, but this pick was made to improve the strength in the middle and help the run defense.

Part of me was surprised Tu’ikolovatu was still available this late in the draft as he was my 130th rated overall player in the class. Obviously the Bucs felt the same as the traded away next year’s seventh round pick to move up and get him in the early seventh round this year. I believe that if Tu’ikolovatu brought a little more pass rush and was a little younger (he’ll be a 26 year old rookie) he would have easily been a day two pick in the draft.

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11 Gifts For People Who’d Definitely Rather Be Sleeping Than Exchanging Presents

Have you ever noticed that finding the perfect gifts for people who love to sleep is almost too easy? You know the friend we’re referring to here, don’t you? She’s easily the sleeping beauty of your squad who just #CantEven with Monday through Friday mornings. She’s the BFF who you wouldn’t blink twice at if you saw her shooting coffee through an IV to get her through 8 a.m. seminars and late nights at the office. Any gift that has to do with her bedroom, nighttime wardrobe, or a wind-down routine is one she’s going to be grateful for because, for her, sleep is life, and she can’t get enough of it (who can?).

Plus, if you think about it, a better night’s sleep is just one of those things everyone appreciates, but rarely gets enough of. Just because your giftee might be lazing in bed late into the morning doesn’t necessarily mean they’re getting the quality sleep the average human needs to function. In fact, if your friend is clocking in over six to eight hours of sleep every night, their bodies might be trying to overcompensate for a lack of a good rest. Therefore, as far as I see it, the most generous gift you can give them is an accessory or two to either a) better their space or b) prepare their body properly for sleep. Here are a few ideas to help you get the job done.

1A Sleek Sleep-Tracking Watch

wesoo

Wesoo K1 Fitness Watch and Sleep Monitor, $29.99, Amazon

Fitness trackers are still a thriving trend in wearable tech, but have you noticed this one major upgrade recent models have installed in their machinery?

According to a new report issued by the sleep experts at Sleep Cycle, Americans’ sleep quality has decreased by 10 percent from 2016 to 2017 (ouch). I have a hunch that this might be why technology brands are issuing trackers that not only count your steps and calories burned, but that also monitor your sleep quality metrics.

Wesoo’s band is a bestseller on Amazon with a 4.5 star rating and unique sleep design that truly does it all.

2Their New Nightcap

Lipton

Lipton Herbal Supplement Bedtime Bliss, $4.38, Walmart

Obviously, your girl has to switch to decaf eventually if she ever wants to fall asleep.

Remind her by gifting this doze-inducing sip from Lipton that combines chamomile leaves, mint, and orange peels to ease you into a comfortable sleep state “like a lullaby in a cup.” Slip a Barnes & Noble gift card in her holiday card, and you’ve just set her up for the sweetest of dreams.

3A Comfy Pair Of PJs

Adore Me

Sleepwear Set in Christyna, $19.95, Adore Me

I cannot be the only person obsessed with cozy, holiday-themed pajamas. This season, Adore Me has expanded their merchandise with a ton of his-and-her styles to choose from, but the Christyna style is hands down my favorite of them all.

For some reason, black, white, and red plaid just looks like pure Christmas to me. Plus, the set is made stretchy for optimal comfort and with cotton for all the snuggly feels.

4An Aromatic Bath Bomb

Lush USA

The Big Sleep Jelly Bomb, $8.95, LUSH USA

If your giftee religiously takes baths before slipping into something comfy and hopping into bed, Lush’s newest sleep-inducing bomb is about to be her new favorite bathroom accessory. It’s the perfect formula to relax her body and mind, as notes of lavender, neroli, and chamomile fragrances transform her tub into an aromatic soak.

5A Soft Blanket To Snuggle Under

Bed Bath & Beyond

Madison Park Ruched Faux-Fur Throw, $39.99, Bed Bath & Beyond

Who couldn’t use a gigantic throw blanket to hibernate in throughout the winter months?

Madison Park’s blanket is made from 100 percent faux-fur, features micro-fur for extra warmth on those freezing nights, and it’s also huge enough to share, so maybe she can finally stop hogging the covers when you sleep over.

6An Overnight Mask To Enhance Their Beauty Sleep

Too Cool For School

Too Cool For School Pumpkin Sleeping Pack, $20, Sephora

Beauty sleep isn’t a myth, ladies. When you sleep better, you feel better, and when you good, you good. See how that works?

Chances are, your sleepy friend likely clocks in the recommended six to eight hours of sleep every night, which means her skin is probably glowing, but there’s always room for improvement, right?

Too Cool For School’s overnight mask will enhance her skin’s recovery cycle with superfood ingredients and natural enzymes. Plus, it smells like pumpkin, and I can’t imagine a better way to fall asleep than with the scent of pie all around you.

7An Artistic Diffuser

Saje Natural Wellness

Aromaart High Tide Ultrasonic Diffuser, $84.95, Saje

Essential oils for sleep are super trendy right now, but it doesn’t look like the fad is fading anytime soon. Trust me, I’m not the type to talk up the trends if I haven’t done the research myself, and diffusers are a must for bedroom.

TBH, diffusers can be super ugly and cheap-looking, but this Saje model is the prettiest piece of functional decor I’ve ever seen. The beautiful pattern was designed by San Francisco artist Heather Day, and was inspired by the healing powers of the deep, blue sea. So much zen, so many aromas to lull your giftee to sleep.

8A Soothing Candle

Primal Elements

Primal Elements Tahitian Vanilla Two Wick Color Bowl Candle, $19.90, Amazon

Doesn’t this candle look good enough to eat? I can guarantee my 9-year-old niece had no idea just how lovely this candle was going to make my apartment smell when she gifted it to my husband and me last Christmas, but this decadent display is still burning bright, and veiling our home with the scent of sweet vanilla 12 months later.

You don’t necessarily need essential oils to practice aromatherapy, and if your bestie has a sweet tooth, this yummy-scented candle from Primal Elements will have her dreaming of sugar plum fairies year round (not kidding, it’s good for 60 hours of burn time).

9Go Old School With This Digital Alarm Clock

Peakeep

Peakeep Battery Digital Alarm Clock, $12.99, Amazon

I don’t have to tell you that smartphones are low-key ruining our lives, especially in the bedroom (and no, I’m not referring to your libido). No matter how much a person sleeps, the blue light that shines from your cell phone is messing with your sleep cycle, but what’s a girl to do when her only means of an alarm is via smartphone?

Be the best friend you are and buy your sleeping beauty a digital alarm clock. This old school model from Peakeep has a snooze option, so she can squeeze in a few extra minutes of shut-eye if and when she wants. It’s also a “smart nighttime clock,” which means it has sensory lights that turn a subtle blue at night.

10A Sleepy Supplement

Sun Potion

Sun Potion Organic Ashwagandha Powder, $36.99, iHerb

Adaptogens like ashwagandha are another social media trend that’s actually making a difference in how people are sleeping. This is definitely the perfect gift for anyone who you know has wanted to try adaptogens for themselves, but couldn’t commit to the pricy purchase.  

Trust me, I recently put Alaina Sullivan’s moon milk recipe for Bon Appétit to the test when I was tossing and turning through an awful couple of nights, and I was genuinely impressed by just how relaxed I felt by adding ashwagandha to my nightcap. Your giftee will love the combination of the powder’s sleep and overall health benefits.

11Slippers They Can Sleep In

Out From Under

Out From Under Scruffy Slipper Sock, $16, Urban Outfitters

If your BFF takes a lot of heat for wearing slippers to bed, offering a pair of Out From Under’s scruffy slipper socks tells them you’re on their side (or, at the very least, won’t judge them for it).

I’m a fan of this creamy-colored pair, specifically because they’re subtle enough to wear with roomy Uggs on really cold days.

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