#philly drill

[thelensofyashunews]

Lay Bankz Radiates Boss B*tch Energy in "Good Look" Single

Known for her danceable club tracks and infectious spirit, Lay Bankz can flat out spit when she wants to. The Philly-born 19-year-old shows off her emcee skills on "Good Look," her latest single. Weaving between detuned woodwinds and insstent percussion, Lay Bankz takes a moment to flex, methodically addressing the many reasons why she can't be messed with: "Can't nobody check me less it's coming with some commas/I'm a top 10, you ain't not, Iguodala/I'm a boss b*tch, raw b*tch without that condom/I got all this ass and I get it from my momma," stresses Lay Bankz. Luckily for her fans, the versatile artist promises good things to anyone wise enough to join her team: "F*ck with me, that's a good look." "Good Look" arrives after Lay turned the clock back with her R&B banger"Tell Ur Girlfriend" (3 million streams to date), the subject of a popular and infectious From The Block video.

"Good Look" and "Tell Ur Girlfriend" continue the momentum from Lay Bankz's breakout 2023, marked by several viral singles and an acclaimed debut EP. She kicked off the year with the frenetic club-rap anthem "Na Na Na," a viral smash that generated over 127k video creations on TikTok and over 41 million global streams. Lay tapped into the zeitgeist once again with her single "ICK!," a ferocious club-rap song about the moment sparks stop flying, which became one of the biggest viral hits of 2023, peaking at #8 on Billboard x TikTok's Viral Chart behind more than 1 million video creations, and generating over 81 million streams across platforms. Both "Na Na Na" and "ICK!" are highlights from Now You See Me, Lay's debut EP, which shows her range across 7 memorable tracks, and racked up over 127 million streams. To close out 2023, Lay released "Sloppy Seconds (Ick Pt. 2)," the equally-cheeky follow-up single to "ICK!," generating 14 million streams since its release in December.

Most recently, Lay Bankz made her first appearance at Rolling Loud, when she shut it down on the main stage during last week's Rolling Loud California 2024. Earlier this year, she was named one of Spotify's Most Necessary Artists To Watch for 2024, placed on Complex's list of Rappers To Watch in 2024 and YouTube's Fifty Deep Music Class of 2024, joined fellow club-influenced artist Skaiwater on "choosin u," and walked the Red Carpet at the 2024 Grammy Awards.

Lay Bankz is on a mission to bring Philly to the masses. Stay tuned for much more from the rapidly rising artist as the year continues.'

[bantuotaku]

Christopher James: "World In My Hand,

Got Control Of It 🫴🏾🌍

Skorchin’ The Earth,

Now I’m Throwin’ It 🔥💰

🧢 👕 👖 @SkorchWorld

📸 @MadisonFromDallas @VoyageAtl

#Photography #Atl #ClothingBrand

#SkorchFlamez #Collab #PhillyClub"

Source

[janeyseymour]

Fire in My Heart (Repost due to mistake)

Anon asked for a mel x firefighter!reader, and I posted, but didn't realize I left out the end of it, so... repost!

Summary: There's an incident at Abbott, and you and your crew come to the rescue.

WC: ~3.4k

The two of you always joke about how ridiculous it is that you actually managed to find each other. Growing up, you had almost always had a crush on your teachers- particularly the ones with red hair. And for Melissa, she was absolutely fascinated with anything that had to do with firefighting as a little girl- it felt like it was in her blood to do something that had to do with fighting fire. 

You nudge her. So maybe she wasn’t doing something that had to do with fighting fire... but she was doing someone who fought fires for a living. She teases you right back.

“I’m sorry Ms. ‘I had a crush on all of my female teachers’.”

“Correction: I had a crush on most of my female teachers,” you tell her. Then you playfully shudder. “No one could’ve had a crush on Ms. Adams.”

“Okay, sorry,” Melissa rolls her eyes as she continues to pack your meals for your shift at the station. “I’m sorry Ms. ‘I had a crush on most of my female teachers.”

You shrug. “Eh, it worked in my favor. I got the hottest redheaded second grade teacher t’go out with me,” you grin as you wrap your arms around her waist. 

“Hell yeah it did,” she chuckles as she turns over in your arms to face you. “You got yourself a Philly eleven, and I got myself a Philly twelve. We’re the hottest couple in this city.”

You pat her backside as you realize you have to let her go. “Alright, babe. I’ll be home later tonight. Don’t start any Schemmenti style fires now?”

“I can’t make any promises, an’ you know that,” your girlfriend grumbles. “I swear, if Janine says one more thing about the stupid book fair, I’ll-”

“You’ll call your girlfriend and rant to her instead of bludgeoning the poor woman with a

copy of Peter Rabbit or lighting something on fire,” you tell her seriously. “Jesus, how did I end up dating someone from an arsonist family?”

“And that worked out in my favor,” Melissa wears a smirk on her face. “We Schemmenti’s can start the fires, but no one expects the chief’s family to be the ones starting them.”

“Please tell me that isn’t why you’re dating me,” you roll your eyes as she hands you your lunch bag.

“It’s not,” she promises you before adding on. “But it don’t hurt.”

You chuckle before picking up the rest of your bags. “Don’t start any fires that make my department have to come out to rescue you today.”

“That’s never happened,” Melissa retorts.

“Don’t let today be the first!” you call as you reach for the door. “I’ll see you later tonight, I love you!”

You can’t believe you have to go respond to a call from Abbott Elementary. As you’re driving, you have half a mind to call your girlfriend. She answers on the first ring.

“Melissa Ann Schemmenti, this fire that I’m responding to better not be because of-”

“It wasn’t me,” the second grade teacher tells you. She pulls away from the phone just slightly to scold a student for getting out of line. “Maya, this is a real fire! This is not a drill! Stop doing the Gritty!”

“Is everyone out of the building?” you grit out as you drive just the slightest bit faster.

The teacher looks around at all of the teachers holding up green pieces of paper. “Yes. And when you get here, don’t even bother looking for-” your phone clicks off. You assume a coworker of hers had come up to her, and no one knew that the two of you were dating.

As you pull up to the building, it’s clear that whatever set the alarm off isn’t too big of a deal. Still, you and your crew go in to survey the area. You know Melissa’s room number, and you immediately head in that direction, barking out orders to your coworkers as you go.

Melissa’s room looks perfect. It’s so... her. It’s filled with various signed sports gear and merchandise, but it also is flooded with pictures and drawings from the kids, and you can clearly see the bulletin board that displays different school projects they’ve completed. You nearly swoon.

You do a quick lap as you continue to make sure she didn’t somehow secretly start this fire. You stop at her desk when you see just the smallest corner of something sticking out from underneath her mousepad. You have to make sure it’s not any sort of evidence, so you lift her mousepad. Underneath, there’s a picture of the two of you. You do swoon at this. Even though neither of you are out, she still has a reminder of the two of you with her at all times.

“Oh, Mel,” you whisper, a smile appearing on your face. You quickly pull yourself together and continue on. You don’t see anything else that would make anybody suspicious of the Italian teacher, so you continue to the next rooms.

Janine’s room is quite the opposite of Melissa’s. You can’t explain why because she too has some memorabilia from sporting events in Philly, but-

“Hey, Y/N,” one of your men comes down the hall holding up a burnt shawl and a candle. “It looks like we found the culprit of this mess. Just a small little thing really in the teacher’s lounge.”

You release a breath you didn’t know you were holding. You were fairly certain your girlfriend hadn’t caused the fire... but now it was confirmed that you wouldn’t have to be bailing her out of jail today.

With a nod, you exit the building and tell everybody it’s safe to go back inside. Melissa is all grins when she sees you, but you remain professional. And she’s able to play it off that she’s beyond excited that they brought a tractor drawn aerial. 

She makes her way over to you. “Can I bring the kids out to look at the-”

You roll your eyes and nod. “But I can only stall for so long before the boys will start to catch on.”

Your girlfriend practically sprints away, giggling with glee, as she goes inside to retrieve her kiddos. 

When she brings out her students, you have to pretend like you’re annoyed that she’s wasting your time. 

“Ma’am,” you say. “We really do have to get-”

“Ain’t you the one who’s doin’ the fire safety meeting for the teachers later today anyway?” she challenges you, fully knowing you are.

You sigh. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Then you can stick around.” You don’t miss the wink and the licking of her lips. She finds you irresistible in your uniform.

While the kids are at lunch and recess, you have to hold the fire safety meeting. And Melissa is as brash as ever. You unfortunately have to ban open fires, and this sets off Barbara.

As Melissa runs out of the room, she gives you a look that asks for silent forgiveness, and you nod. You know she has to go check up on her best friend, and you need to continue your meeting.

After Barbara admits that she’s been dealing with Gerald’s health scare and the candle was 100% an accident, Melissa feels terrible. But she knows how she might be able to turn Barb’s mood around.

“I think I might have a roundabout way of getting you to be able to keep lighting your candles,” the redhead smirks.

“What do you- you heard the chief: no more open flames.”

“I can call in a favor,” Melissa nudges her. “I’m sure the chief can do something special for her girlfriend.”

The kindergarten teacher’s eyes go wide. “For her- her girl- Melissa Ann Schemmenti, how long have you kept this from me?!”

“I wasn’t keepin’ nothin’ from you,” your girlfriend laughs. “Ya never asked, so I never had to tell.”

“Oh, girl,” Barb howls. “You have some nerve, not telling me. I’m gonna need more details.”

“Maybe later,” Melissa rolls her eyes. “None of youse know, and none of her department knows we’ve been dating for the last three years and living together for the last year and a half.”

The kindergarten teacher looks at her best friend incredulously. “I’ve been to your house!”

“She’s always on shift, and we don’t have many printed pictures together; just digital copies,” the redhead shrugs. “Now c’mon. I have to convince my girlfriend to let my best friend continue to have candles. And then I gotta get my kids back outside to play on the truck.”

“Haven’t they been playing on the truck all day?”

“No,” she admits with a laugh. “That was my time. Now it’s theirs while I flirt with my girlfriend.”

“Miss fire chief?” Melissa asks all too innocently as the kids explore and play on your truck.

“Yes ma’am?” you reply, committed to your work persona of badass fire chief.

She glances around. Your coworkers are distracted with the kids, so she pulls herself slightly closer to you. “You think I can call in a favor?”

“And that would be?”

“Let Barb light her candles in exchange for her not killing me for not telling her about you?” Melissa asks hopefully. 

You hazard a glance at her. “Melissa.”

“I also need your help putting out my fire,” she says coyly as she daringly grabs your thigh. “Seeing you in uniform is... wow, babe.” She knows you’ll say yes now.

“Fine,” you groan. “But if this happens again, it’s on you. You hear me?”

“Yes, chief,” the teacher grins and mock salutes you. She stands next to you for a few more minutes before she has to call her kids back into the building for dismissal.

“Alright my little eagles, everybody say thank you to the firefighters!” Melissa grins. Her students do as she asks before they all head back in. She mouths a ‘thank you, love you’ to you while everyone else is preoccupied.

As you and your coworkers are heading back to the station, you hear one of them mention that ‘that redheaded teacher was a smokeshow’. You grip the wheel just a bit tighter. You almost say something right there, but you let them go. They’re right. Your girlfriend is a smokeshow, and she sure as hell knows it. They only continue making comments about her though, and suddenly you aren’t so happy.

One of the boys starts making rather vulgar comments, and-

“Oi,” you call from the front. “Will y’quit havin’ fantasies about my girlfriend?”

All of their eyes snap to you. “W-what, chief?”

“Stop thinking about my girlfriend like that,” you tell them again. “Or we’s gonna have a bigger problem than some little candle fire.”

“She’s your girlfriend?”

“Yeah, she is,” you huff. “Melissa. She’s a Schemmenti, and she’s mine. So any thoughts you have or had about her, clear your brains out, or I’ll have your asses. Are we clear?”

“Yes, ma’am,” they all mutter, heads down. Some of their cheeks are red.

“Wait a minute,” one of the younger firemen catches on. “Is she the one who made the ziti you brought to our Christmas party last year?” You nod. “Do you think she could make it again? That shit was off the charts. But, uh... only if she’s got time. Don’t wanna pressure her.”

“I’ll see what I can do,” you laugh. “She’s been pretty busy lately, teaching two grades. But maybe I can convince her to bring a couple trays of food down for all youse.”

Unbeknownst to you, Melissa finds herself in the same situation as you while everyone is gathering their things to leave.

“That woman was... wow,” a few of the other teachers say, and Melissa hears. She takes a deep breath. They’re allowed to say you’re pretty- they don’t know you two are dating. They start to take it to the next degree, and the redhead’s face is almost as red as her hair. Still, she tries not to overreact. She promised you she wouldn’t be the reason Abbott burnt to the ground. And then one of the fifth grade teachers says something so filthy about you that-

“Barb! Lemme go!” Melissa tries to fight her way out of her best friend’s arms, and Gregory and Ava are also quick to hold your girlfriend back. “He’s gotta know he doesn’t got any reason to talk about a woman like that! Much less, my woman!”

She doesn’t even realize what she’s said- she has no idea that she’s admitted to dating you. But everyone else heard her. They all freeze, all except Barb. Barb continues to try to hold Melissa back.

“Woah!” the fifth grade teacher surrenders. He puts his hands up, terrified of the redhead right now. “She’s your girlfriend?”

“She is, and you don’t get to think about her that way, much less speak about her like that,” Melissa grits out. “You even think about her again, and I swear to God, my foot will be so far up your-”

“Melissa!” the kindergarten teacher scolds.

She fixes her shirt as she huffs and pulls away. She storms out of the room, only to be followed by her usual crew.

“So... you’re dating the firechief?” Gregory asks as they exit the building. At Melissa’s nod, he says quietly, “That’s pretty cool. No wonder you know so much about the trucks.”

“Nah, I knew all that before I met Y/N. She just happened to be a firefighter when we met. Been promoted since, obviously.”

“That’s really nice, Melissa!” Janine grins. “So, when do we get to meet her?”

“Y’already met her,” the second grade teacher rolls her eyes and starts to head for her car.

“No, but like... really meet her?”

“We’re busy that day,” Melissa tells Janine. 

“I- I didn’t even give you a day,” the younger teacher looks hurt. 

“Regardless,” the redhead sighs. “She’s pretty busy. I’ll talk to her tonight when she gets home and see what we can-”

“You two live together?!” Jacob exclaims. 

“Have been,” your girlfriend snorts. “It ain’t news.”

“This is news to us though, Melissa!” Barbara chides her friend. “Even I didn’t know about Y/N! You pulled a Jacob on us!”

“Like I told you before, Barb, youse never asked. I’ll talk to her tonight and see if there’s a day we can have you all over, okay? Ya happy?”

“Delighted,” the kindergarten teacher smiles. “Alright, I have to get home to Gerald, but I will see all of you tomorrow.”

The rest of your day is rather uneventful, and the end of your shift couldn’t come soon enough. You know Melissa was all worked up seeing you in your uniform and having to be a hardass- something entirely different from what she sees at home. 

“Alright boys, I’m heading out for the day,” you tell your subordinates. “Don’t do anything where I would need to be called back in.”

As you’re just about to close the door, one of the men calls your name out. “Don’t forget to ask your woman if she’ll make us her ziti.”

When you walk into your house, Melissa is curled up on the couch, a glass of wine in hand. Her glasses are on the tip of her nose as she grades some of their writing.

“Hey, babe,” you smile as you make your way over, leaning down to kiss her. She tastes like wine, and it makes your head spin.

“Hey, yourself,” she says as her attention is back on her papers. Although she has changed her position so you can sit with her. “Your food is in the microwave, and your glass of wine is in the fridge.”

“Thanks,” you grin tiredly as you head to grab your food and drink. By the time you settle on the couch with Melissa, she’s already put her papers away.

“You didn’t have to put those away,” you tell her as you dig in. Funnily enough, you’re eating ziti tonight.

“I can grade during my prep tomorrow,” the teacher waves you off. “I just wanna look at you right now. Talk to you.”

Your heart practically melts. “Well, I pretty much know how your day went,” you tease her. “Harassed the firefighters all day to play on their truck. Anything interesting happen after I left? Is Barb okay?”

“Barb is fine,” Melissa assures you. She almost tells you that she told her coworkers about the two of you. But she doesn’t. “Did anything else happen after you left today?”

“Nothin that I had to go out for,” you tell her. “Although, the boys and I did have a pretty serious chat today.”

“Oh?” You can see her interest is piqued. “About new equipment?”

“About how they needed to stop thirsting over my girlfriend,” you say smugly. 

Her eyebrows shoot up. “Oh?” she breaks out into a grin. “I still got it.”

“You do,” you chuckle quietly as you lean into her. “And after I made it very clear that you were mine, and I’d have their asses if they made another vulgar comment about you... Jake, one of the newer kids, very sweetly asked if you could consider making another tray of ziti for them. I guess that reminded them all how much they loved your ziti because Vince mentioned it again on my way out.”

“Just take some of the leftovers in with you tomorrow,” your girlfriend laughs. “I’ll make another tray over the weekend too.”

“They’re all gonna be trying to steal you from me even more now,” you playfully pout. 

“‘N I’ll tell ‘em I only got eyes for my girl,” Melissa says sweetly as she presses a kiss to your temple. “For the fire chief. That I don’t go for the regular firefighters.”

“Should I remind you we started dating when I was just a ‘regular firefighter’?”

“But now you’re a firechief, and I won’t settle for less,” she grins. Then she gets the courage to tell you what she wanted to tell you earlier. “I guess we had a pretty similar conversation with our coworkers today about each other.”

You furrow your brows.

“One of the fifth grade teachers saw you today and was saying the filthiest things about what he would do to you if he could, and I almost lit his car on fire,” Melissa tells you.

“I told you I don’t want you committing arson for me,” you tease her. 

“Barb held me back, and I told the guy, I says, ‘you don’t get to think about her that way, much less speak about her like that,’ and then I told him if he did, my foot would be so far up his-” the redhead shakes her head. “That’s besides the point.”

You roll your eyes fondly. Of course she threatened the guy. “So everyone knows now.”

“Janine is already asking when they get to meet you,” Melissa sighs dramatically. “I told them we would find a day, but I also told her we’re always busy, so there’s really no pressure, hon.”

“I think it might be interesting to finally meet all of these people I’ve heard so much about,” you tell her. “We could have them over for a barbecue on Saturday?”

“That’s so soon though,” she grumbles. “And I just told you I would make a tray of ziti this weekend for your guys.”

“I think it would be nice, babe,” you try to convince her. “You can make the ziti Sunday, and- hopefully- it’s too last minute for some of them, so you’ll just end up with me and Barb anyway.”

“Okay, okay,” she says after a few beats. “I’ll tell ‘em tomorrow at lunch.”

Of course, they all show up to your house on Saturday. Of course they do. They’re thrilled to meet the woman who finally took Melissa Schemmenti off the market. 

Next

[foldingfittedsheets]

One of the highlights of the trip has been the Philadelphia zoo. I’m extremely biased to my local zoo but I think they have some incredible enrichment at the Philly zoo and might go on record as saying it has some legs up on mine.

We happened to catch the end of the Galapagos tortoise time. The trainer would place her target down and they’d amble eagerly toward it for a bite of delicious watermelon.

But the best bit was two who were munching together.

They ran out of watermelon and slowly both their necks rose as they simultaneously decided to fight each other for more delicious sticky treats (which neither of them had any longer).

The trainer huffed in exasperation and marched over, ramming her stick down and ordering like a drill sergeant, “Girls! Target!”

Both feisty ladies immediately desisted their display and turned obediently to the magic yellow circle of watermelon.

[pastafossa]

CON BADGE: ACQUIRED

I AM NOW LESS THAN 2 WEEKS FROM MEETING CHARLIE COX AT THE PHILLY FANEXPO

THIS IS NOT A DRILL I REPEAT THIS IS NOT A DRILL, WHO ELSE IS GOING, SCREAM WITH ME

[joe9cool]

So Good-Joel Farabee- 3

A/N. This is fanfiction, I only own my characters. I do not know or affiliate with anyone on the Flyers. You also do not have permission to post my story anywhere

March 2023

Joel had unsuccessfully managed to avoid Claire after Christmas. She didn’t make it easy one bit.

The teams record was terrible, and while he was doing okay he did feel pain. Maybe he shouldn't have rushed It back. 

He was invited to more team events. Any of them that involved Sean and Laurence Claire was sure to be in attendance. Even though he tried to just keep it to a simple “hi” they always gravitated towards each other, whether it was running into each other, or just somehow getting involved in another conversation that turned into them two geeking out over liking the same thing. 

It was becoming noticeable to everyone the torch Joel carried for her. So much so that Morgan was teasing him one night, and Joel was trying to sweep it under the rug.

“ She is just cool to talk to. I have no interest in her, if anything I just think It's weird that she Is at all of these team events.” He told Morgan in their hotel room while they were on the road. “Like is she purposely Trying to bag an NHL player?”

“Well Scott said she's been around the team since she was a teen. So the older guys looked at her like a sibling. However, the younger core like us? They have been trying.”

Joel nodded, feeling bad about shit talking the girl he was obsessing over. He finally had the nerve to request her on Instagram and she had accepted within the hour. Joel had scrolled through all of her photos, dating back since her high school days. 

He might have even accidentally liked and unliked a few. 

Her recent photos were from Flyers games, her schoolwork, friends and of course that douche she called a boyfriend. Luke was tagged in her photos but his profile was set to private, and he didn’t really care to be following him.

Joel learned alot about her and her life. She was very athletic, obviously playing hockey. But he didn’t know that she was a good player, even almost making the Canadian Women’s Olympic team. She got a full ride to Princeton which meant she was a fucking genius. 

Despite their four year age difference, they had a lot in common with music tastes, hobbies, jokes. Joel had her in stitches the first night, and her laugh was like scoring a overtime goal.

Even though he did everything possible to avoid her, she was still in the back of his mind like the drills he ran through on the ice. He wondered what she was doing, and was she happy? Though she expressed her emotions on Christmas her social media painted a different picture with her stories of her and Luke on vacation during spring break. She looked beautiful, and appeared to be happy. 

He couldn’t watch the rest of them.

Joel was driving to the rink when the radio, set to whatever station he left it on was playing Halsey and for some reason he paid attention to the lyrics

Talking wildly out of context

I wish things were different

But I’ll never know

When you left I bet you held her body closer

And I was hoping you would tell her it was over

you’re all I think about and everywhere I look

I know its bad, but we could be so good.

Joel found himself singing the lyrics, and picturing him and Claire. Until he realized he was stalling at a green light, and the blare of a car horn startled him.

“Fuck this song” He muttered, embarrased despite no one else being in the car. 

—--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Fancy seeing you here!” Claire looked up from her laptop from her private booth to smile at the hockey player. “Ha! I knew you were a starbucks fan, but who would have thought that out of the million ones in the city you visit the one I like to work at.”

Joel smiled. “You live in Haddonfield, why are you in Philly?” 

“I work at Temple, I am hybrid,I was working from home but my mother was off and thinks that I am doing nothing on my laptop so she kept trying to bug me about helping her with a new recipe for the restaurant. Which is fine, if I didn’t have students coming to my virtual office hours to discuss the last exam before the final” She shook her head. “God now I know the hell I put my TA’s in school when I was in undergrad.”

He laughed “Scratching the back of his head. “Yeah I definitely sent some panic emails about missing an assignment when I was in school”

“Are you busy?” He shook his head. “You want to join me?” I have one more meeting and then I just have to grade essays, but I have been here since 7am and I could use some companionship, if you don’t mind?”

Every fiber in Joel’s body screamed that it was a bad idea and that he should make up some excuse to escape, but of course he did the very thing that got him in trouble time and time again. “I’d love to join you.” He sat in the both across from her and sat his coffee down amongst all of the paperwork. “So you have a Bachelors in Psych from Princeton, and your Masters is from Temple correct?”

She nodded as she took a sip from her Coffee. “Yep. My Masters specializes in abnormal psychology. I research on how childhood trauma and the correlation of Mental disorders as an adult.”

Joel was Impressed. “Yeah I don't know anything about that.” He confessed And she laughed. “Does that mean you analyze every single thing about people and their childhoods?”

“At first I did,but I learned to shut that part of my brain off when I'm not working. I'm going to be a professor, not a psychologist.” She paused. “I was actually looking at research coordinator positions at the local hospital.”

His eyebrows furrowed. “You just said you wanted to be a professor.”

“Yeah, but it takes a while, and student teaching doesn't really help pay my portion of the bills, and Luke thinks research is more stable.

“but you are in your PhD Courses? And he only has a bachelors” Joel thought about it. “I shouldn't even be talking. I took like a half of semester of courses”

“Boston College is a good school and you got in. I didn't even get in.”

“Only because of hockey.”  He admitted. “I'm not the smartest guy.”

“Everyone is smart in some way. You're hockey smart, I'm smart in psychology. Luke is smart in finances and excel sheets. Me? I can't even do a basic cell function or whatever it's called. Luke always makes Fun of me.”

Joel internally groaned at the mention of that douche's name “He sure seems fun to be around.”

Claire smiled. “He Is. He Is just stressed about work and all that, but he has tons of hobbies. Luke loves music and playing guitar. In fact, my office he wants to turn it into his guy hangout slash music room”

“Well where would your office be?” She shrugged. “probably in the basement”

Did she hear herself? Joel wondered. she continued. “We are going to Mexico next week while I'm on spring break. So it will be nice to get away and not think about work. But I gotta get these exams graded and into Blackboard.” 

She pulled out a stack of papers. “Unfortunately my mentor doesn't believe in scantrons. so I'm probably gonna be here for a while.”

“Want some help?” He volunteered. “I mean as long as you have a key I can refer to seeing as the test looks multiple choice.”

She smiled. “there's two essay questions. You can do the multiple choice and I will do the essay part.”

For the next hour Joel graded the tests. He had to admit, he was learning alot about Clinical psychology and how the brain worked. There were anatomy based questions and he kept asking Claire about certain topics. She had a natural ability to teach. She was patient and understanding, and happy to go over things he couldn't grasp.

“You know you had asked me in high school what I wanted to be a teacher would be the last thing on my mind.” She laughed.

“What did you want to be?” She thought about it. “Honestly I thought maybe I would be a doctor in sports medicine. But I wanted to play hockey, and unfortunately the women's league didn't develop until I was well into college.”

“Why didn't you just do pre Med?” Joel asked. She shrugged. “Well I fell in love with psychology and I loved to tutor others, plus I'm not gonna lie, I got used to summers off to go home and visit family in Canada.”

“Ahhh” Joel nodded. He couldn't imagine working a 9-5 during summers. “Yeah my mom's a nurse, and summers were her busiest months. I don't blame you.”

“My mom wanted me to be a nurse. I said no way. I admire your mom.” Claire smiled and once again his heart soared.

Once again he knew..

He was royally, totally fucked

—----------‐—--------------------------------------------

“Hey babe. How was work?” Claire smiled as she came in the door to her and Luke's home. Lugging in a bunch of groceries for tonight's dinner. Luke was at the kitchen counter and barely looked up from his phone. “It was good. Sellers closed the deal on a major account. So I'll get a nice bonus for Mexico next month. By the way, you still need to zelle me your portion.”

She nodded. “I know, I just paid my car note and Insurance and my half of the bills.”

“I get that, but I'm not made of money here.” Claire rolled her eyes. Luke made three times her salary and was able to purchase a house while she was barely scraping by. Of course she couldn't tell him that because he would only say ‘well you should have majored in something more useful’

“Says the guy who just bought a custom car” She muttered under her breath. Luke didn't catch the insult due to still being on his phone. 

“Can you help me put the groceries away?” She heard laughter and turned to face her boyfriend “What's funny?”

He finally looked up. “What? Oh it's just my coworker sending me a meme.”

“What's the meme?”  He brushed it off. “It's office talk. Come on, I'll help you unpack.”

The rest of the night was filled with laughter as Claire saw Luke become the person she fell in love with almost six years ago. She understood that someone couldn't be perfect one hundred percent of the time, she just wished he could see that things could be great if he wasn't so wrapped up in the pressures of having a high powered job. If he could only take a break and reset, then they could work on their relationship and be on the right track.

She just hoped that he saw that when they went to Mexico 

—------------------------------------------------------------

“Hey hey hey!” Claire smiled and greeted everyone as she took her seat in the suite. 

Today was opening day for the Phillies and Joel, being a big fan, had sent out a massive group text To everyone inviting them to the suite he rented out. Joel texted Her separately saying she can invite Luke and some friends.

It was sweet, And Claire appreciated it. She wasn't stupid, she knew the younger man had a crush On her. It was innocent, and he had never pushed it on her. It was very cute, and him being a hockey player he would get over it as soon as he found someone else.

She had asked Luke, which in turn he had brought along his friend Michael and his girlfriend Ashley. 

As Claire was talking to Laurence and bouncing a crabby Ella in her arms she looked over to see Joel stealing glances at her. She smiled and he began to blush. 

Laurence saw the entire exchange and held in a chuckle. Sean had told her about The barbecue last year and how Joel was very hung up on Claire, and she certainly noticed how Joel was attached to her friend's side at the Christmas Party.

It was a harmless little crush, one that she and Claire had laughed off during a girls night. Her best friend was always a pretty girl, and always had guys into her. Once she became an adult it was no secret that some of her husband's younger teammates had tried their luck. But Claire swore she would never cause an awkward situation for Sean. 

Then she had met Luke, who at first Laurence thought he was a nice guy, and Claire had described him as such. Truth be told, everyone thought they were going to be married. But it was obvious something had Shifted that it may not be in the cards. When the topic of marriage had come up Luke was way too eager to  change topics. 

Then there was the buying of lavish things. Sure he had bought The home and Claire moved in. But that was about it, and he just kept adding more and more gadgets.

last summer when Chloe and Scott got married. Chloe had the bouquet toss and when Claire had caught it, Luke had run off and while everyone was laughing, Laurence had seen the pain in her friends eyes.

—-------------------‐—------------------------------------------

“Dude, who is that by Claire?” Luke looked up from his plate to see his girlfriend standing and talking with one of the hockey players.. Justin? Joe? He turned to face his friend and his girlfriend. “I don’t know his name, he is Sean’s teammate, I think he is the one who got the suite for all of us.”

Michael huffed. “Yeah and it looks like he didn’t want anyone here but her.”

Luke snorted, taking a sip of his beer. “He fucking wishes. Dude looks like he can't even lift a chick weight.”

Michael shrugged. “I'm just saying, Claire is stunning and a cool girl.”

“So? He can pull out the moves all he wants. She's going nowhere.”

All of the sudden the topic of conversation came Over. “Who's going nowhere?” She looked between both men

Luke was Quick. “This bitch at our office.”

“What makes her a bitch?” Claire immediately got defensive, not liking guys referring To a woman as a bitch”

Luke shrugged. “She's just a moron, and is not nice. Not everything has to be a social justice warrior argument dear” He spoke condescendingly.

“Okay well your attitude isn't needed” Claire equipped. Then she looked at Michael. “Oh I almost forgot to show you the new tattoo Noah did on my thigh.”

“Oh shit yeah! Did he get my design?” She nodded. “Yeah I stopped by the studio Yesterday and he was drawing It up.”

“You know Claire. I wish you would stop getting tattoos. It looks trashy.” Luke Interfered. Claire frowned. “I only have three. And you have a tattoo!”

“Yeah, one that is meaningful. You just get them to get them. When we go out to dinner with my boss I don't think he'd be too keen on seeing them. He's a classy man.”

“And I'm not a classy person because I have tats?” She raised her voice and Luke looked around. “We will discuss it later. Right now you're making a scene” 

She took a deep breath, feeling eyes on her. “You're right. But this isn't Over” She cautioned Her boyfriend and walked away. 

the Phillies scored a home run, and everyone's attention was now on the field.

However, one pair of eyes never Left Claire.

[thelensofyashunews]

Jersey's GROOVY Shares Sad Club Anthem "KNO ME," Announces Upcoming EP

GROOVY uses his singular hybrid of Jersey club and R&B to explore the highs, lows, and complications of young love. Today, the rising artist announces his upcoming EP, Crying In The Club, coming May 24th via Defiant Records/Warner Records. With the announcement comes the heart-wrenching single and video "KNO ME."

The upcoming EP refines GROOVY's blend of R&B and Jersey club: GROOVY slows down the club tempo, but keeps the genre's five-beat pattern and signature sound effects, while applying silky smooth vocals and relatable lyrics on top. Home to "jersey luv" ft. B Jack$, GROOVY's 2023 viral hit single, Crying In The Club follows a loose narrative about heartbreak and GROOVY's transition from hopeless romantic to regretful lothario. The EP features guest appearances from Kanii, Vayda, and R2R Moe.

Produced by GROOVY's frequent collaborator Alejandro, "KNO ME" is an aching confection, layering a mournful string melody and piano arpeggios atop slow-mo club production. Using a screwed-up filter on his ultra-smooth vocals, GROOVY tells the story of a crumbling relationship built on a bed of lies in which nobody truly knew the other until it was too late. Directed by Keats, the video dramatizes the story, using striking imagery as GROOVY and his lover, Mariah, try and fail to work through their differences, and GROOVY responds the only way he knows how: with a sneaky link. 

The son of a respected Jersey club DJ who finished optometry school before pursuing his musical career, GROOVY is the latest artist to join Steve "Steve-O" Carless's Defiant Records, full of artists who build bridges between sounds that resonate on either side of the Hudson River. The Union County native first made noise last year with "jersey luv" ft. B Jack$, which became a viral sensation behind a hip-shaking trend that highlights the song's dramatic tempo change. Named one of the Best Songs of 2023 by Complex, song has over 450k creations on TikTok, along with over 1 billion views on the platform, and has generated over 49 million Spotify streams and nearly 500k units sold since its release in Spring 2023.  With the Crying In The Club EP, GROOVY continues to build a devoted fanbase by blending vastly different sonic traditions into an emotionally arresting package. Stay tuned for more.

[bantuotaku]

Where do you see the future of Club Music?

Me:

[iero]

Here comes the Chicago moot 👋 i think it’s a culture thing and which side you’re from. I grew up in southside chicago and saying my please’s and thank you’s and look out for people was always drilled into me. When im in the northside I’ve had more rude moments from people full honesty. But also not saying those things are common too and just a nod is enough. Cant speak for all Chicagoans but that’s my take lol

Angel! First of all, I know you were from Chicago, so I was hopeful nothing I said (or did) was eye-roll worthy or offense or anything like that to you when I was talking about it on here. Please know I absolutely loved it here and I WILL be back, I'm sure.

Southside! *Shameless theme song playing ominously in the distance* That's great that manners were taught by your family. Rule number one to growing up nice and respectful! To be honest, I haven't had a problem with Chicago and it's people at all. But, like, (and I hope this doesn't come out offensive) people here also kinda leave you alone, I've noticed. No one goes out of their way to talk to you. No one is mean though! Like, I was worried I was gonna have people look at me like 🤨 if I even dared glance in their direction like they do in other cities (See: NYC and/or Philly). Didn't happen here. I did notice I'm very apologetic though LMAO. If I bumped into someone on the L or in an L station, for example, I was always like, "I'm so sorry!" and locals here, seemingly, don't do that. I think it's maybe a Midwest thing too. I've heard Midwestern people can be super friendly! But, I do give Chicagoans a great grade in comparison to other cities! You guys are very nice for a city of your size! I leave today, but I can't wait to come back. It's been great. :)

[anyshapebutsquare]

Last summer I went to my first dental cleaning in our new town based on google reviews. The office was super nice everything new. However, he told me that I needed a small cavity filled. My first ever “cavity”. He said I didn’t even need anesthetic it was so superficial. This should’ve been my first clue. I don’t know why I let them do it on the spot. I went home and was like why did I let this man drill in my mouth?! It all happened so fast. So this time I went to a different dentist, more of a family dental place and a lot of the reviews say they’ve been going to this guy for 25 years. He couldn’t even tell where the filling was, and didn’t find anything else concerning. I’m convinced I didn’t even need that filling and that place’s office is so nice because suckers like me let them drill in their mouth for no good reason. This happened to me once before in Philly when I was trying to find my first dentist I went to a place that told me I looked like I was grinding my teeth and that I should get custom night guards made. I’ve never had a dentist tell me that either. I swear these places make stuff up just to bill your insurance. Anywhere that tells me my teeth aren’t perfect I am automatically skeptical. Needless to say I will be returning to the family place that isn’t as nice inside but still gets the job done.

[edwardashley]

SPIRIT HALLOWEEN IS UP IN PHILLY THIS IS NOT A DRILL

[adamwatchesmovies]

Rocky II (1979)

The original Rocky didn’t “need” a sequel. The lovable lug got the girl, proved he could be a legitimate boxer and became a hero to his hometown of Philadelphia. He won… but it was an emotional victory. He didn’t actually beat Apollo Creed. For this reason, Rocky II is more than a way to capitalize on an existing property; it completes the journey. Anyone can get lucky and go toe-to-toe with the world heavyweight champion. A winner will do it twice.

Following the match between heavyweight champion Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) and Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone), the Italian Stallion learns that fighting again could lead to permanent blindness. Retiring from the sport, he and Adrian (Talia Shire) begin their married life together. Meanwhile, Apollo is inundated by letters accusing him of throwing the match or of being an illegitimate champion. He becomes determined to face Rocky again.

Following a recap of the fight between Apollo and Rocky, we get a harsh dose of reality. Our hero's fighting days are over. But that’s ok. Rocky has fame and enough money to be comfortable. Adrian agrees to marry him. Trouble comes once Rocky’s bruises heal. What’s he supposed to do now? Did his whole life lead up to a single match and then retirement? It gets even harder once Adrian becomes pregnant. What kind of role model will Rocky be for his child? Months ago, an entire stadium was cheering for him. Now, he’s back where he began, on the dirty streets of Philly. It doesn’t feel much of a victory, and when he tries to spin his past accomplishment into a commercial career, he isn’t happy. In his heart, he's a fighter. If he isn’t donning the gloves and performing Mickey’s drills, he feels empty. His pride is at stake.

Pride is a key theme here. Rocky doesn’t feel like a real man. Apollo is similarly compelled to prove himself. It shows how similar the two are… but also how different. The champion is already at the top. He’s got everything to lose. Rocky is at the bottom. He’s got everything to gain.

Written, directed and starring Sylvester Stallone, Rocky II holds onto everything that made the first picture compelling. The characters have evolved but they haven’t drastically changed. Our hero is still more comfortable cracking bad jokes than putting his true feelings out there. Adrian is more assertive but her bully of a brother still pushes her around when she’s at her weakest. The only significant flaw in the picture comes later, when the plot runs out of things for her to do and has her fall gravely ill so she can be off-screen. Considering there’s already drama with Rocky going into the ring to fight Apollo, it feels like something out of a soap opera.

Rocky II is not as good as the first but it completes the story satisfyingly. You get more out of everything you liked and the bigger budget allotted to Stallone shows. The final battle between Apollo and our hero is superbly shot. You kind of know what the end results will be but that doesn’t make it any less pleasing to watch. It’s a solid follow-up. (On Blu-ray, January 10, 2020)