#step away from the ship Chris Carter

[precedex-files]

I've been thinking loads about Chris Carter's revelation regarding Scully's finale pregnancy during the screening of the X-Files 25 Fan Retrospective documentary. I know I'm not alone in my desire for Chris to just stop with all the retconning of the mytharc and just leave well enough alone regarding Mulder and Scully. But it also got me thinking, that no matter what Chris may say about the parentage of William/Jackson or this second pregnancy, he simply can't take away the fact that Scully and Mulder were parents - together. Scully wanted so badly to be a mother and she wanted Mulder to be the father of her child, no matter the details of how it would look on paper. Mulder helps her with Emily, and you get the feeling he would've stepped in the dad role 100% had an adoption gone through. Scully asks him to be the sperm donor for the IVF and Mulder agrees to it willingly. When that fails, they both suffer the loss together. And although they never explicitly discuss it in the original series it's clear that Mulder is the father of William. And they acknowledge it in the revival. No matter how much CC might have wanted to take that from Mulder, and how out of character he made both of them when they quickly dismiss Jackson's supposed death, Mulder will always be William's/Jackson's father, no matter what the DNA might say. They both believed he was their son, they both celebrated his birth and mourned his loss so greatly. And I'm going to remember that above all else. As for this second pregnancy, if a healthy child were to come of it, then I know they'd both be parents and love that child as well, no matter the circumstances of the conception. They would just also be out to kick the asses of whoever did this to them again. As an adopted kid myself I'm going to stop worrying about the specifics of any Scully-Mulder children's DNA and remember that they'd both love their child no matter what. Since you've brought them this far - why can't you just let them have one nice thing Chris?

[bookgeekconfessions]

Black Panther

5 Stars Reviewed by Naomi

Directed by: Ryan Coogler Written by: Ryan Coogler and Joe Robert Cole Starring:  Chadwick Boseman,  Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker, and Andy Serkis. 

Official Synopsis:

After the death of his father, T'Challa returns home to the African nation of Wakanda to take his rightful place as king. When a powerful enemy suddenly reappears, T'Challa's mettle as king -- and as Black Panther -- gets tested when he's drawn into a conflict that puts the fate of Wakanda and the entire world at risk. Faced with treachery and danger, the young king must rally his allies and release the full power of Black Panther to defeat his foes and secure the safety of his people.

I have been to Wakanda and it is beautiful. I don’t just mean the beautiful scenery of Africa — and Africa is beautiful. Visiting there is like going home.  It’s not just the costumes and African dress - designed by a Queen named Ruth Carter —  that shined like diamonds. It’s not just the skin color ranging from caramel to the deepest chocolate because the cast of the “Black Panther” is splendidly black.  No, I have seen Wakanda - a place untouched by colonization. A nation whose children were not ripped away in chains. A people who can trace their ancestors without the use of take-home genetic tests.   A country that was allowed to thrive and grow and invent with their natural resources being taken away.  In Wakanda, we are gifted with a beautiful mirage -  a glimpse of all we could have been if not for Europeans.

This is an important framework because T’Challa is not Luke Cage, Black Lightning or even Blade. He doesn’t have the baggage that you’re forced to carry as a black person in Europe, South Africa, the Caribbean or America. He doesn’t know what it means to live in a disadvantaged neighborhood. He has not felt the power of the N-word. He has not been racially profiled by the cops.  He hasn’t been followed in stores.  He doesn’t write his last name and know that it is a name made up or forced upon his ancestors. Whether it is selfish to the rest of the world or the right thing for his people, T’Challa is a King whose people have flourished without outside influence.

But times are changing. While Wakanda may be the most technologically advanced country in the world, the rest of the world is catching up.  Wakanda is on the edge of discovery. As Chadwick Boseman’s captivating T’Challa mourns the loss of his beloved father and steps into the mantle of the Black Panther, he must decide how the world will turn under his reign. It’s a heavy choice for any king, but certainly for a new ruler whose first job must be the stability of his kingdom.  

When westerners backed by the mysterious and lethal Erik Kilmonger, played by the hypnotic Michael B. Jordan, get their hands on vibranium, the most powerful metal in the world, T’Challa knows that it is his duty to retrieve it and so begins the epic journey that is Ryan Coogler’s “Black Panther.”

One of the main themes of the film focuses on Wakanda’s responsibility to the rest of the world. They are advanced and yet they hide all of their advancement and inventions that could help make the world a better place, but there’s the risk that other nations would do evil with the power of vibranium.

This movie is everything. Like the stand-alone films of Robert Downey Jr’s Iron Man and Chris Evans’ Captain America, “Black Panther” follows the making of a legend. It’s got many elements of the traditional Marvel  Films - it’s an origin story, a mystery, an action film and it questions whether or not picking up the mantle of a hero is what the world needs.

But “Black Panther” is so much more than the films that came before it because it does not hold back punches. It is unapologetically black in a way that is devastating and beautiful and everything the world needs now.  The film doesn’t ignore colonization and the disfranchisement of black people all over the world.  But it also doesn’t wallow in it. It is a celebration of history and the trials and tribulations of our ancestors.

Along with Pixar’s “Coco,” “Black Panther” is a perfect mix of fantasy and culture.  It also manages to perfectly depict black lives and black culture in the midst of the magic that gives T’Challa the power of the Black Panther.

T’Challa is not an army on to himself. He is a king with generals, royal councils, soldiers, friends, and most importantly family. The kings of Wakanda are very much like black men all around the world, they surround themselves with strong black women.  

As a dark-skinned black woman who attends Comic-Con,  hangs Tardis lights above her bed, drinks out of BB-8 cups and happily wears Batman socks - the representation of powerful, complex, smart, complicated, beautiful and strong black women is something I have literally waited my entire life to see. When I first saw the trailer for the film I immediately noticed Lupita Nyong'o and wondered why an academy award winner would just play the girlfriend… well, probably because Nakia is not just T’Challa’s love.  She’s integral to the team, to the story and to T’ Challa’s journey. More importantly, she has a journey of her own and the film could not come to it’s well wrapped ending without her.

Letitia Wright’s Shuri is probably my favorite character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Not only is she fierce, loyal and protective, she is a fucking genius.  Her quick wit, her amazing inventions and her ability to not only battle but to communicate and command others made her insanely fun to watch.

I don’t watch “The Walking Dead” and so I knew nothing about Danai Gurira. She is a fucking QUEEN. Okoye isn’t T’Challa’s general. She’s Wakanda’ general and watching her struggle between her loyalty to T’Challa and what is right for Wakanda was a joy to watch. All of these women have urgency, are funny, and complicated and strong in a way that is brand new and yet reminds you of your mother, your grandmother, your aunt, your sister, your cousin and all the women in your life who have your back.

Back to culture, Ruth Carter’s costumes aren’t just beautiful and steeped in African culture - the use of it in the story is so brilliant, it was beautiful to watch costume become weapon and weapon become integral to the story.

I honestly could gush about so much. I cried and laughed and cheered and shipped and cried some more.  Honestly, the only way to understand the beauty and the majesty of Black Panther is to go and see it. Now.

[aion-rsa]

UK Christmas TV 2020: Your Guide to This Year’s Festive Specials

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If you’re the kind of person who tuts at pre-December Christmas trees and moans about supermarkets simultaneously stocking mince pies and Halloween goodies (don’t cross the streams!) then look away now, there’s nothing for you here.

If, however, you’re the sort of person who’s gasping for end-of-year cheer like it’s the last bottle of Evian in a hot, empty desert, then step this way. We’ve collected up all the festive TV specials airing in the UK over Christmas 2020, so you can start mentally circling the ones in your personal schedule.

It being early, there are still announcements to be made, so check back here for updates. Ditto for official air dates and times, which are thin on the ground until the channels lock in their schedules. We’ll pop back and add those in as they’re confirmed.

Starting with our top five picks, here’s a list of everything on the way…

TOP FIVE PICKS

1. Doctor Who: Revolution of the Daleks

Companions Yaz, Graham and Ryan stumble upon a Dalek threat on Earth while the Doctor’s far away and locked up in space prison. How do you fight the Daleks without the Doctor? With the help of an old friend… Festive special ‘Revolution of the Daleks’ is written by Chris Chibnall and directed by ‘Spyfall Part 2’ director Lee Haven Jones.

Air date: TBC

2. Ghosts: Christmas Special

The Ghosts Christmas special is so good, there should be a new one every year. It’s Christmas in Button House and Mike is determined to give his visiting family the perfect Christmas, if they’ll let him. And if his other family – the houseful of historical ghosts only wife Alison can see and hear – behave. 1990s MP Julian is the Ebenezer Scrooge in need of a lesson on the true meaning of Christmas in this terrific family comedy.

Air date: TBC

3. Taskmaster: Christmas Special

We don’t yet know the identities of the five contestants competing in the very first Taskmaster festive special, but we know that they are all brand new to the 10-series comedy, and have been described as “experts in their respective fields”… Fingers crossed for Christmas-themed tasks.

Air date: TBC

4. His Dark Materials Season 2 Finale: Æsahættr

Technically, there’s nothing festive about His Dark Materials (unless the BBC/HBO adaptation takes a serious diversion from Philip Pullman’s books and throws in a few elves) but there’s something very childhood-bedtime and therefore quite Christmassy about this beautiful series. It ended strong in season one, and keeps getting better in season two. This finale is due to bring The Subtle Knife to a close, making way for the final part of the trilogy in the as-yet-unconfirmed (but come on, it’s happening) third season.

Air date: Sunday 20th December, 8.10pm, BBC One

5. Roald & Beatrix, the Tail of the Curious Mouse

From the producers of Sherlock and Dracula, this festive family comedy-drama promises to be something quite special. It reimagines the real-life meeting of two of the UK’s biggest names in children’s literature: Beatrix Potter (played by Dawn French) and Roald Dahl, back when Potter was a recluse and Dahl was a child. Expect puppetry, animation, a host of guest stars and voices, and lots of snow, from Inside No. 9 director David Kerr.

Air date: TBC

COMEDY

Motherland Christmas Special

Top BBC Two parenting sitcom Motherhood returns for a festive special ahead of its third series coming next year. You are cordially invited to Amanda’s annual seasonal soiree… Anna Maxwell-Martin, Diane Morgan, Lucy Punch and Paul Ready star.

Air date: TBC

Upstart Crow: Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow: a Lockdown Christmas 1603

The stage version of Shakespeare sitcom Upstart Crow fell foul of Covid-19 earlier this year, but that hasn’t stopped the team putting together this festive lockdown two-hander special, set in London during the plague, and starring David Mitchell and Gemma Whelan as Shakespeare and Kate.  

Air date: TBC

Not Going Out Christmas Special

Lee Mack’s long-running BBC One sitcom is back for another Christmas instalment, filmed under Covid-safe conditions this August. Expect a dedication to dearly departed cast member Bobby Ball.

Air date: TBC

Pandemonium

Katherine Parkinson and Alison Steadman star in this one-off BBC comedy about a family forced to cancel their dream holiday to California, who end up in Margate over the Christmas season.

Air date: TBC

Vicar of Dibley in Lockdown

Dawn French and James Fleet reprise the characters of Geraldine and Hugo in three 10-minute lockdown additions to The Vicar of Dibley canon, airing on BBC One after repeats of the original series (and then repeated later in one half-hour clump).

Air date: starts 7th December, BBC One.

Read more

Movies

The Best Alternative Christmas movies

By Mark Harrison

Movies

Reliving the joys of an 80s TV Christmas

By Jenny Morrill

King Gary Christmas Special

Tom Davis returns as Gary King, builder, father, B-B-Q haver, and lover of Terri (the brilliantly funny Laura Checkley) in the first ever King Gary Christmas special. Gary obsesses over making the Crescent’s Christmas lights shine brighter than any others, while Terri tackles their son losing the festive spirit, and Gary’s parents deal with some house guests from hell.

Air date: TBC

Birds of a Feather Christmas Special

Filmed under special Covid-19 regulations, this extended ITV comedy special sees Tracey and Dorien living together in lockdown, while Sharon is stuck on a cruise ship. Les Dennis guest stars.

Air date: TBC

Mrs Brown’s Boys Christmas Specials

Two new lockdown-themed instalments from Brendan O’Carroll’s comedy creation.

Air date: TBC

The Goes Wrong Show

This BBC comedy imported from the stage is fresh from its first full series and guarantees family fun. A nativity play from enthusiastic amateurs the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society? What could possibly go wrong?  

Air date: TBC

DRAMA

The Serpent

Jenna Coleman stars alongside Tahar Rahim in this eight-part globetrotting BBC-Netflix drama inspired by the real-life capture of murder suspects Charles Sobhraj and Marie-Andrée Leclerc.

Air date: TBC

The Pembrokeshire Murders

Luke Evans stars in this three-part ITV true crime drama about the search for Welsh serial killer John Cooper.

Air date: TBC

Call the Midwife Christmas Special

The circus is coming to town in the Call the Midwife Christmas special, and its ringmaster will be played by former Doctor, Peter Davison. Set in 1965, it promises to be the usual mix of heart-warming goodness and flinty eyed comment on the absolute golden necessity of the NHS.

Air date: 25th December, 7pm, BBC One

Black Narcissus

Gemma Arterton and Diana Rigg star in a new BBC three-part adaptation of Rumer Godden’s strange, atmospheric novel – famously adapted into a film in 1947 – about a group of nuns in a remote Himalayan outpost.

Air date: TBC

Bridgerton

Julia Quinn’s hit book series set in Regency-era London get the glossy Shondaland treatment in this Netflix series, which can be unwrapped on Christmas Day.

Air date: 25th December

CHILDREN’S

Worzel Gummidge: Saucy Nancy

Mackenzie Crook’s reimagined version of the children’s classic scarecrow stories continues with a new one-hour film, featuring Shirley Henderson as the titular Saucy Nancy (played by Barbara Windsor in the Jon Pertwee version), and Vanessa Redgrave.

Air date: TBC

Zog and the Flying Doctors

Continuing from last year’s utterly charming Zog, this is the fairy tale-bending story of a dragon, a princess and a knight, who all decide to choose a different path in life than the one set out for them. It’s the seventh Julia Donaldon/Axel Scheffler/BBC Christmas adaptation, and promises to be another funny, adorable half hour of TV.

Air date: 25th December, 4.55pm, BBC One

Jack and the Beanstalk: After Ever After

After last year’s Cinderella sequel from David Walliams and Sky One comes the ‘what happened next’ for panto classic Jack and the Beanstalk. Walliams and Sheridan Smith star in this comedy special. There’s a Hansel & Gretel: After Ever After next in the pipeline.

Air date: TBC

Quentin Blake’s Clown

Here’s another lovely half-hour of quiet time with the kids from Channel 4, from the same people who made previous years’ animations of children’s classics The Tiger Who Came To Tea and We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. It’s the story of a discarded clown toy who comes to life and goes on an adventure to find a new home for him and his toy pals. Helena Bonham Carter narrates.

Air date: TBC

Christmas in Storyland

The CBeebies gang is back for another Christmas story featuring a cast of favourites, singing, dancing and interactive fun for little ones.

Air date: 12th December, CBeebies, BBC iPlayer

ENTERTAINMENT

Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing Christmas Special

Bob takes Paul up to his old stomping ground of Middlesborough to fish for grayling in the River Esk, while the pair hold a Christmas office party for two, and meet someone who works with people fighting loneliness at Christmas.

Air date: TBC

The Great Christmas Bake-Off

It’s cakes. At Christmas. Plus Noel Fielding and Matt Lucas larking about on the theme of cakes. Two brand new episodes will each feature the return of four bakers from previous series.

Air date: TBC

The Great Christmas Sewing Bee

The judges will be setting festive sewing challenges to competitors vying for the Christmas crown.

Air date: TBC

The Repair Shop at Christmas

Jay Blades and co. will be restoring cherished Christmas-themed items that have seen better days in this heart-warming word-of-mouth BBC hit.

Air date: TBC

Billy Connolly: It’s Been a Pleasure

To mark Billy Connolly’s retirement from stand-up comedy, ITV has put together a send-off featuring new filming with the man himself in his Florida home, and contributions from a host of stars.

Air date: TBC

The Story of SM:TV Live

A bit of cosy nostalgia here, as ITV stalwarts Ant, Dec and Cat Deeley revisit their time presenting children’s Saturday morning variety show SMTV: Live. Come for Wonky Donkey, stay for Friends spoof Chums.

Air date: TBC

Michael Palin: Travels of a Lifetime

Following the hit BBC Two series revisiting Michael Palin’s travel series, he’s back for a 90-minute festive special revisiting his trip through the Himalayas, with contributions from guest stars.

Air date: TBC

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As well as: Top of the Pops New Year and Christmas Specials. A Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Countdown. A Christmas Would I Lie To You? Festive editions of cookery shows from Jamie Oliver, MasterChef and Mary Berry, festive game shows from The Wall, The Wheel, and a new version of Blankety Blank hosted by Bradley Walsh.  

The post UK Christmas TV 2020: Your Guide to This Year’s Festive Specials appeared first on Den of Geek.

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[ikkleosu]

So, I know you were were a Mulder/Scully shipper way back during the original run of The X-Files. Given where Caryl is right now, how does it compare to the level [1/2]

[2/2] of frustration/walking away that was felt by those fans? It's becoming disheartening so have to see my friends leaving.

Honestly, sadly, there really is no comparison, so i can’t offer you any comfort there.

As a Phile I never felt this level of frustration or idiocy from the show runners - and we’re talking about Chris Carter here!  

Being a shipper, or relationshipper as we called ‘em back in the day, was somewhat tough online during the early years of TXF BUT we were only fighting noromos, rarely each other.  And noromos generally speaking were against romance in GENERAL on the show. I don’t remember much having to argue why Scully was good enough for Mulder, or vice versa. Or why their relationship would be healthy or not. 

The show, for all its faults when it comes to Mulder and Scully’s relationship, DID make it absolutely evident they were each other’s life. They always turned to each other, always leaned on each other, and came to each other for help.

Obviously that is also the basis for Caryl, but whereas Caryl has got less and less of this as the seasons have gone on, Mulder and Scully got more.

They almost kissed in the movie, showing the desire was there; there was jealousy shown when a various amount of side interests reared their heads; the flirting got heavier; the love for each other shown to be stronger and began to be expressed verbally.

I mean season 6 was one big romance-fest with the Triangle kiss, Dreamland “I’d kiss you if you weren’t so damn ugly”, Christmas present exchange, friends to lovers speech in Rain King, fake married couple fanficness in Arcadia, baseball date in The Unnatural.

Season 7 WAS somewhat more frustrating - I remember lots of freaking out about Chimera, but by the time all things came around it was all pretty clear EXACTLY what was going on and we were into the home stretch.

So it is VERY very different with Caryl. And you know the worst thing? I am someone who absolutely believes Caryl is end game, but BY GOD it’s hard to remember that. I don’t blame ANYONE who walks away from the show and fandom.

If this is intended to be a slow burn, then it’s the worst I’ve ever seen. There’s no burn, just a few sparks once a season. 

And the thing is, even if we stick by this idea they didn’t want Caryl to get together until s8 or later, they STILL could have made this ship much much better. 

It could have been an agonising tale of bad timing (which in a way it is, but by jingo you have to read a lot into it to see it, but that is Gimple’s way... ). IMO season 2 and 3 is pretty much perfect in terms of their interactions. We would have seen these 2 people getting close, with Carol emotionally open and leaning on Daryl after she loses Sophia. Daryl, is becoming closer to Carol but is terrified and mistrusting of everything, so every step Carol takes towards him he runs off and hides - literally and emotionally. 

But Carol can read Daryl and between s2 and 3 Daryl starts to relax and Carol just teases and flirts enough without making Daryl back away. She’s like the Daryl whisperer, putting reigns on him but not scaring him with a saddle. And when he loses Carol in the tombs, it makes Daryl realise what HE feels for Carol and he starts to get braver in his emotions and relaxes more into the flirting - taking us to s4. And we are in a state of Caorl is ready to be in a relationship, but Daryl still isn’t quite there, but is close.

What SHOULD have happened then was that it should have been made clear to the audience when they were separated that Daryl realises how much he loves Carol and wants to let her know and be with her (”twin tragedies weight on Daryl’s mind”). Then when they are reunited in No Sanctuary, he is goign to tell her - except Carol has changed. She’s withdrawn and different and he knows it’s not time.

So he supports her and is around her and tries to get her to open up to him, but then she’s taken AGAIN to Grady. And by now he’s just crazy with how much he’s in love with her and wants to tell her. But then Beth dies in front of him, and Tyreese dies and suddenly everything seems so utterly futile. Why love anyone? They’ll just die. So he withdraws emotionally, and Carol is reaching out to him but she is struggling herself and can’t be the person she used to be.

Then when they get to Alexandria, it all just fractures. Carol puts on a persona to protect herself and Daryl withdraws even more. Carol even hooks up with Tobin to try and protect herself further, stop her loving Daryl cos that won’t go away but she knows what it means. And that is what makes her leave Alexandria, because she can’t be with Daryl, it’s too much of a risk, but she can’t NOT be with him cos that just doesn’t work either.

And Daryl, seeing Carol with Tobin, withdraws even further, gets angrier and more rash, and that gives us season 7. 

I mean, as I said this IS what happened BUT all they had to make ALL the audience see that, is a line here and there. something they say to Rick ro Michonne or Denise or whoever that explicitly shows they are in love, have THOSE feelings but can’t or won’t act on them because of their emotional state.

IT’S NOT HARD!

Oh geeze I kinda went off point there, sorry. BAsically, it wasn’t the same thing, Philes weren’t hanging on by the skin of their teeth. And the fact that Chris “9 years platonic” Carter was in charge, really says HOW BADLY TWD is handling all this. 

[feministbynature]

I don’t really post on here, but I just found myself inspired after watching “Plus one” so here are my thoughts on the ep...

Who would have thought hell would freeze over and I would find myself giving Chris Carter credit and literally wanting to thank him for not completely screwing up an episode and finally giving us something that he has been dangling as bait above our heads for literally decades?!? ATTHS!!!! That should be the title of the episode because let’s face it that’s the main thing that I am taking away from this episode 😂 but that’s just me, one track mind and also no tolerance for Chris Carter’s “did they didn’t they” bullshit. Philes have withstood it for ages and I’m glad the game of torture is finally over. Apparently this is going to turn into a love letter ode to Chris Carter because right from the get go it felt like a proper xfile, I got that reminiscent chill way deep in my bloodstream when the doppelgänger appeared, nothing like things that go bump in the night with loud music in the background to raise my Adrenalin level to a high. The first dialogue between far fetched theory Mulder and rational medical doctor Scully  as they battle it out cerebral style is how we like our x files! Or at least how I like mine. It also continues Mulder’s theme of claiming the x-files as “theirs” as states in the last episode “This”. These cases are collectively Mulder and scullys bread and butter, and as much as Scully puts up a fight in trying to discredit Mulders whacky enthusiasm over the idea of doppelgängers Scully is intrigued enough to jump into a car with him hit the I95 south to get to the bottom of this phenomenon wether they are mental illness or else... and Mulder is gracious enough to extend her the first go at discrediting him by allowing her to conduct Arkie’s first interrogation at the jail. Bringing Karin Konoval back is yet another mark in Chris Carter’s favor, her fabulous acting abilities as both male and female deranged and mentally ill just blew my mind!  The whole theme of the episode evil minds evil forces borderline mental illnesses was just the thing that Xfiles has been known for and allowed for the frameworks in which Mulder and scullys mind work to kick into high gear ringing true to my ears. And now let’s talk foreplay! Cause there was so much of that interweaved with comedic splatters that I had to rub my eyes in disbelief that Chris Carter actually possesses these abilities (and why has he not used them more frequently?? They are equally as supportive of the show as the angsty ones if u ask me).- Asking for a couple of rooms and not just one assisted to get these two where we wanted them, together in each other’s arms, and it also ties in with the bureaus policy of agents sharing a room. the scold on scullys face as she tells Mulder she is glad to hear all he wants is some shut eye could be seen as an older prudish version of Scully minus the eye roll and skip in her step. But in the aftermath of the episode it reads to me like a married couple that the man is feeling frisky and the woman is just not feeling it that night so she sternly puts him in his place. Let’s face it right now Scully is leaning towards her medical theories to try and make sense of this case and the subject matter is hitting her, she sees more in Judy than meets the eye, and so I kind of understand this scene and appreciate it. Especially since we get the eyebrow foreplay when Mulder asks if that bed is nice and comfy as he comes through their adjoining rooms making it clear that he is still frisky and would rather be in that bed with Scully rather than chasing the case as needed. That actually says a lot about Mulder, sex with Scully is better than weird ass theories (I wouldn’t argue with that). I kind of got catapulted back to “rain king” when Mulder denied blatantly that he stared at Scully while someone pointed out the sheer attraction to him. And here we have Judy clearly seeing the connection between our two agents from just being in the same room with them for a few minutes. And also her twin brother who asks Mulder if he is “tapping” that tasty red head. Everyone sees it and at least they are not denying it even though they aren’t yet addressing the elephant in the room. I found it quite interesting that Special agent Dana Scully as well as Doctor Dana Scully who has fought men with guns and other social deviants and has conducted multiple surgeries and autopsied dead bodies in the past would get so flustered while dealing with a psych patient and her own mortality and aging. I think this was a critical comment about how society brands women as useless and nothing more than their labels, a woman who hits her 40’s is apparently less worthy bcs her womb is no longer functioning.   The fact that she can turn to Mulder for the cold harsh truth when it comes to insecurities shows just how Dana Scully has progressed from the woman who’s catch phrase was “I’m fine Mulder”. She no longer feels the need to hide from this man, she trusts him in more ways than one. And how endearing is it to hear him say “u have still got it going on”. The man speaks the truth! (Bless). And I don’t know if Chris Carter had “tony Orlando and dawns” song in mind when he wrote knock three times but that completely fits in with the solicitation of one Fox Mulder who tells Scully he is just a door away if she should ever want to get it on 😂 and let’s face it, it’s hard to resist the upper arm and torso muscly built of Mulder in that tank top 👅 Knock three times: Hey girl what ya doin' down thereDancin' alone every night while I live right above youI can hear your music playin'I can feel your body swayin'One floor below me you don't even know meI love youOh my darlingKnock three times on the ceiling if you want meTwice on the pipe if the answer is noOh my sweetnessMeans you'll meet me in the hallwayTwice on the pipe means you ain't gonna showIf you look out your window tonightPull in the string with the note that's attached to my heartRead how many times I saw youHow in my silence I adored youOnly in my dreams did that wall between us come apartOh my darlingKnock three times on the ceiling if you want meTwice on the pipe if the answer is noOh my sweetnessMeans you'll meet me in the hallwayTwice on the pipe means you ain't gonna showI can hear your music playin'I can feel your body swayin'One floor below me you don't even know meI love youOh my darlingKnock three times on the ceiling if you want meTwice on the pipe if the answer is noOh my sweetnessMeans you'll meet me in the hallwayTwice on the pipe means you ain't gonna show Continuing with the progression in scullys character I love the fact that she can come into Mulders room and just ask to be held, it’s a little reminiscent of the bed scene in I want to believe where Mulder offers to take the burden, curse god so that Scully can have a break and sleep peacefully. At that given point in time Scully might be cursing god for the pain that is in human mortality and having the ultimate stop be at heavens door so to speak. Mulder undressing in freak out mode and scullys naked shoulder bobbing from above the sheets is the moment that the fandom will forever be screaming about because we finally got a literal confirmation that our duo are doing it!!! (Enter mental freak out and jumping up and down with ecstatic overtones). And there we have it, the afterglow of sex apparently agrees with Scully as she has become the calm and rational no longer haunted by the ghosts that seeped in to her psyche beforehand. And apparently sex with Scully agrees immensely with Mulder as well who movements before his freak out smiled at himself in the mirror. He’s always been so harsh with himself so it was a touching moment. And that last scene, if you mute it and watch scullys facial expression as she shoots off Mulders invitation of a second round of bed wrestling u can see that she is flirting and contemplating it even as she is saying no. I would put more emphasis on the part where she is shooting him down if it ended with just that, but hey, I just call it a knee jerk reaction which was erased momentarily cause let’s face it Scully will now forever be drawn to that damn afterglow of sex with Mulder!!! And now that I have all of the positives out of the way, it’s inevitable to put aside the truly bad dialogue that was held between Mulder and Scully in bed. Had it been anywhere else I would have shrugged it off but Chris Carter, dude, the spooning was probably hurting your retinas and so u thought u would try to distract us with words that were just plain and simple garbage! (Lucky for us we can hit the mute button and just relish in the intimacy and the love that is Mulder holding Scully close). Here is the 💩 that Chris had to inject (I mean how can u get your characters so spot on in all of the other scenes and then fuck up the scene with the best potential??? This is the mystery of CC himself one which we might never really understand)- insinuating Scully thinks Mulder wants children and with a younger woman! 🤦🏼‍♀️ I mean sheesh! He has stuck by Scully for so long and looks at her like a love sick puppy!!! This whole Scully doubting Mulder when it comes to their personal ship is something that will never ring true to me. - Also the stupid question asked by Scully - are we going to spend time together (when they are retired) - as if the x files is the only thing that keeps them together. Has Chris forgotten he wrote a whole damn movie where Mulder and Scully were living in the same house, sharing a bed and not working at the FBI? I know Scully is talking after retirement but seriously man when would Mulder never be part of scullys life? - What’s stopping u from having another kid??? Like are u fucking kidding me dude?? Mulder knows what Scully went through to actually get pregnant (or try to get pregnant) that is not a line he would ever throw her way! And Scully saying she wouldn’t have anyone to have a kid with even if she wanted to? 😡😡😡 I would like to throw “per manum” in Chris Carter’s face and smash his nose with it! Mulder will never say no to scullys request of fathering her child no matter how uncomfortable it might be for him (which at this point I don’t even think this element even exists between them anymore). - Sorry not even Scully saying “we will think of something” as an answer to Mulders question what will we do if we  lose our jobs, which ultimately leads to sex can salvage this scene!!!  I want to see the original script of this scene because it seems that dialogue was cut form it, it kind of is all over the place near the end which is such a chris Carter move, leave the social criticism dialogue in, super glue it with some sort of Shippy elusive declaration and try to get away with it knowing fully well it’s less than perfect. But he gave us the sex, and as a PHILE I have over the years gotten accustomed to blurring the parts and selectively choosing the strong points of the episodes so I am choosing to focus on the physical closeness on this one rather than the flaky words. Ending with a few comments that I had that don’t fit into any long argument 🤷‍♀️ - let’s face it Scully can even make the words “gestalt gestven syndrome” sound like foreplay and totally sexy (and is anyone else wondering how many takes of that they had to shoot because Gillian just kept messing it up? I’m counting on seeing this scene in the blooper reel 😂- The mature  version of Scully, skeptic as she might be is willing to subscribe to the notion better safe than sorry while popping the bread pills- It was nice to see the actual scene on the road where the bear story happened 🐻🐻🐻- Chris Carter with his sexist dick/sword collection scene at the diner 🤢 - And seriously who has that amount of ammunition in his home???? 🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️

[thrashermaxey]

Capped: Previewing the Trade Deadline for Each Team

  This week we’re going to be reviewing some cap notes for each NHL team before the trade deadline. Skip to your favourite team or peruse them all and be ready for anything come deadline day!

Hopefully this doesn’t get too outdated between Wednesday night and Thursday afternoon… Cap info from Cap Friendly. 

  ****

  Anaheim Ducks – Deadline Cap Space: $552,044

A new head coach, and Patrick Eaves being waived is just the tip of the iceberg out on the West Coast. Jakob Silfverberg seems to have an extension all but officially signed which would really put the Ducks in a salary cap bind for next year. Silf’s rumoured deal is five years in length at an AAV of $5+ million. My prediction model has him signing a five-year deal worth closer to $4 million per season. Stay away cap-leaguers.

  Arizona Coyotes – Deadline Cap Space: $29,539,860

Half of their forward core is in need of a new contract for next year. Lots of flexibility here for some bold moves, and we know GM Chayka doesn’t shy away from those.

The Coyotes currently also have almost $23 million on the IR. That includes Dave Bolland, whose contract is somehow still hanging around.

  Boston Bruins – Deadline Cap Space: $18,584,292

What I had written before Wednesday night’s trade: “Without David Pastrnak, either the depth wingers step up, or get replaced by deadline rentals. The Rick Nash trade last year still stings, so the Bruins may be a little more tentative with the big fish this year. I would expect a middle tier forward or two. In the meantime, Jake DeBrusk is looking good on a cheap contract in Pastrnak’s absence.”

Seems like I spoke too soon, and the Bruins found their guy in Charlie Coyle.

  Buffalo Sabres – Deadline Cap Space: $14,935,860

I am very curious as to what Linus Ullmark gets on his next contract. He has been more of a starter than Carter Hutton has the second half of this season. However, a few other goalies in similar situations (Pheonix Copley, Casey DeSmith, & Colin Delia) have gotten three-year contracts with an AAV of about $1 million. If Ullmark gets any more than a $2 million AAV, I would expect 50+ starts next season.

  Not much is expected of the Sabres at the trade deadline.

  Calgary Flames – Deadline Cap Space: $5,766,823

This is quite the interesting goalie situation, made a little bit better by the fact that Arizona is still paying a third of Mike Smith’s salary. The odds Calgary could get Columbus to hold onto half of Bobrovsky’s salary to facilitate a deal is low, so bringing in a real upgrade may not be in the cards this year.

  Carolina Hurricanes – Deadline Cap Space: $76,257,089

It’s safe to say Carolina won’t use up all of their deadline cap space this year. However, getting Jordan Staal back will be a nice boost, and after the Nino Niederreiter trade worked so well, we may yet see a few more good old-fashioned hockey deals from the ‘Canes due to their salary flexibility.

  Chicago Blackhawks – Deadline Cap Space: $21,173,677

It’s amazing the difference a month can make. The Blackhawks of today actually look this they have some solid depth and are getting solid goaltending (Monday’s game against Ottawa not included). This has turned the team back into a possible buyer, as Minnesota is fading out of that eighth playoff spot. Swapping one of Marcus Kruger or Artem Anisimov for an upgrade at forward is likely their current biggest need outside of a healthy Corey Crawford. 

  Colorado Avalanche – Deadline Cap Space: $53,635,090

The top line has gone cold, and they really need some depth scoring. Just like in fantasy hockey, you can’t win anything with only three good players. With half of their roster due new contracts, two first round picks (possibly both in the lottery), and a playoff spot fading faster by the day, don’t expect the Avs to be quiet come deadline day.

  Columbus Blue Jackets – Deadline Cap Space: $28,769,485

Along with Ottawa, they are going to be setting the market with their UFAs. However, Columbus also has a solid team this year, and could really be looking to add instead of subtract come deadline day. A second-pairing left-handed defenceman would slot in very well on this squad.

  Dallas Stars – Deadline Cap Space: $2,717,500

With the big duo of Jaime Benn and Tyler Seguin set to earn a combined almost $20 million next year as Seguin’s extension kicks in, their current second-highest paid player Jason Spezza is really not living up to his price tag. If GM Jim Nill could turn that cap hit into two productive pieces at the deadline, this team would look a lot more like one that could pull an upset in the first round of the playoffs.

  Detroit Red Wings – Deadline Cap Space: $4,238,873

Already with 11 picks in the entry draft the June, that number looks to be even higher after the 25th of February. Players farther down the depth chart such as Michael Rasmussen and Christopher Ehn could see increased offensive opportunities if UFAs Gustav Nyquist and Tomas Vanek are shipped out.

  Edmonton Oilers – Deadline Cap Space: $2,021,276

Jesse Puljujarvi really hasn’t been given a great opportunity to succeed at the NHL level, but this makes it a great time to buy on the young winger. As an RFA, a bridge deal looks likely, with the player wanting to bet on himself, and the future signing team not wanting to commit too much long term. A fourth- or fifth-year breakout from the 20-year-old will make fantasy and real-life owners quite happy.

  Florida Panthers – Deadline Cap Space: $11,635,258

Trading for both Artemi Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky is looking more and more unlikely, however the Panthers do look to be gearing up to be one of the busiest deadline day teams. Prospects, picks, salary, forwards, defence, and goalies could all be parts of the pieces moving out. Coming in are likely pieces that will make a larger impact next year.

  Los Angeles Kings – Deadline Cap Space: $8,834,870

Everyone thought David Clarkson’s contract was untradeable, but anyone can be moved if you’re creative enough. Since Jake Muzzin was shipped out, things have gone quiet in LA. They don’t have a good team this year, and they don’t have much flexibility with the cap this year or next. With Carl Hagelin the only player on an expiring contract with an AAV of $1 million or more, some players with term are also likely to be shipped out. That could be a bit more of a theme around the league this year, started by the Nick Bjugstad and Muzzin deals.

  Minnesota Wild – Deadline Cap Space: $9,759,932

With a few untimely injuries, the wild are going from buyers to sellers, starting with the exodus of Charlie Coyle. Eric Staal becomes an excellent trade chip, and the young forwards (Luke Kunin, Jordan Greenway, Joel Eriksson Ek, Ryan Donato and others) may finally be able to find some ice time.

What does E. Staal get on his next contract? Over/Under a $5 million AAV for three years? Have a say in the comments.

  Montreal Canadiens – Deadline Cap Space: $43,017,750

Not many pundits expected Montreal to be sitting in a playoff spot this time of the year. A return to form from Carey Price, along with some solid contributions from the top skaters, has put Montreal solidly in fourth in the Atlantic, battling with Pittsburgh and Carolina for the two Wildcard slots. This dark horse team come playoff time could also be a dark horse for some of the second-tier deadline pieces. A power winger such as Wayne Simmonds, or a centre like E. Staal would go a long way towards lengthening the forward group.

  Nashville Predators – Deadline Cap Space: $29,083,839

With the cap space, and the incentive to make a big splash after last season’s second-round exit, the Predators are a good bet to be one of the bigger buyers on the 25th. Top prospect Eeli Tolvanen could be the main piece going back the other way for a big rental, and he stands to greatly benefit from a change of scenery. With the depth and experience of the Predators forward group, he can’t seem to make it into the lineup with any regularity. Now would be the best time to buy in a dynasty league, before his value jumps with a trade.

  New Jersey Devils – Deadline Cap Space: $64,875,270

Currently with the second-worst record in the Eastern Conference, the UFAs will be on the trade block, but could we see a bigger move involving someone under contract like Andy Greene, or Sami Vatanen? With such a high number of NHL teams looking for NHL defencemen, don’t count out the possibility.

  New York Islanders – Deadline Cap Space: $47,131,837

Three of their four highest paid forwards are UFAs, as is starting goalie Robin Lehner. This team may see quite a few moving pieces in the summer, but deadline moves may be limited to not rock the ship they have sailing so smoothly right now. Turning UFA Jordan Eberle into a more well-rounded winger may be the best course of action for the Islanders.  

  New York Rangers – Deadline Cap Space: $9,695,641

After the letter to the fan base last year, explaining the intent to rebuild quickly, the Rangers look to be on pace for much of the same this year. They have a few solid young pieces on forward that should be able to flourish alongside Mika Zibanejad to close out this year and starting out next season. UFAs like Kevin Hayes, Mats Zuccarello, and Adam McQuaid will likely see their value drop after the trade deadline due to reduced roles.

  Ottawa Senators – Deadline Cap Space: $33,344,094

Sitting Matt Duchene on Tuesday means he’s likely all but gone from Ottawa. There is no chance Ottawa recoups the same quality or quantity as what they gave up to get him. That being said, Ottawa’s exodus of UFAs means some of their under-heralded depth players like Chris Tierney, Zack Smith, and Jean-Gabriel Pageau will get a larger share of the offensive pie. All three have also been solid in multi-category leagues too, and could add a lot of value in those leagues for the stretch run, each earning around $3 million.

  Philadelphia Flyers – Deadline Cap Space: $36,821,062

The Flyers have three goaltenders, one of the more attractive rental chips (Simmonds), some high caliber prospects in the system, and a skilled core already in place. This is not a team looking for a first rounder. New GM Chuck Fletcher should be targeting NHL-ready prospects that can support the core already in place. Getting back someone like Jordan Kyrou in a package would make a lot of sense. With a couple shrewd moves, this is a playoff team next year.

  Pittsburgh Penguins – Deadline Cap Space: $2,295,826

With only Marcus Pettersson and Zach Aston-Reese as largely relevant players in need of new contracts, the core is likely to stay intact long term, barring a playoff miss this season. Since the Penguins are so close to missing, and they lack the deadline cap space to make the easy moves, Jim Rutherford is going to have to get creative to make further additions. However, with Olli Maatta out at least a month, activating him after the playoffs have started could give the Penguins space to add one more impact depth forward.

  San Jose Sharks – Deadline Cap Space: $4,402,997

San Jose’s big fish, Erik Karlsson, is eligible for an eight-year extension after the deadline. There hasn’t been a leak of a deal being done already, however, it will be interesting to see if the extension gets announced soon after.

Another small move or two may be expected, but without any top prospects, and no first rounder, the Sharks may have tied their own hands for deadline day.

  St. Louis Blues – Deadline Cap Space: $5,179,863

The Blues have a lot of prospect capital to play with, and with the massive win-streak they are on, may look to add in order to keep the momentum running. A power winger like Simmonds would fit, as it appears there is no glaring need for help anywhere else on the roster.

  Seattle

How much fun would it be if Seattle could start making trades way ahead of time?

  Tampa Bay Lightning – Deadline Cap Space: $7,938,466

Could the team on pace to tie the all-time wins record in a single season get even better? Tampa has the space, the incentive, and the prospect capital to go after a big fish like Panarin, Ferland, or Stone. With their cap crunch for next year a looming dark cloud, it seems that if the Bolts were to make a deal, it would be for a UFA at season’s end.

Tampa is also only one contract away from the maximum of 50, meaning they may look to move a minor league contract or two out to free up the space. Since their second rounder is now property of the Rangers (becomes a first if they win the Cup) they don’t have the draft picks to make a deal happen without involving prospects anyways.

  Toronto Maple Leafs – Deadline Cap Space: $20,087,502

With Auston Matthews out of the way, signing Mitch Marner and getting some cost certainty there would be a bonus. In the meantime, the Leafs don’t have much cap space to play with, having to leave some extra wiggle room at the top for the boatload of bonuses to be pair out to the aforementioned pair. A top-pair right-handed defenceman is still on the wish-list, but unless Morgan Rielly suddenly switches handedness, it may be more of a pipe dream than a reality.

  Vancouver Canucks – Deadline Cap Space: $39,668,373

In recent days, the Canucks have traded for Ryan Spooner and Marek Mazanek, while signing Michael Leighton. None of those are going to have a big, long-term impact, and they show that Vancouver is treading water, waiting for the development of a few future stars in their system. They are currently just outside the playoff picture, but realistically they aren’t buying. On the flip side, they don’t have much to sell either. It will likely be another quiet deadline out in Western Canada.

  Vegas Golden Knights – Deadline Cap Space: $16,497,033

Alex Tuch has to be one of my favourite young players in the league right now, and he’s signed to a very friendly seven-year deal. Thanks to his emergence, Vegas may not have to go out and overpay for another depth forward like they did with Tatar last season. The biggest thing may be getting a veteran backup to reliably spell starting goalie Marc-Andre Fleury. Brian Elliott could be a fit here. Then again, it is Vegas, and boldness is ingrained in this city. Maybe they decide that a package of Simmonds and Elliott is worth parting with their excess of draft picks again this year.

  Washington Capitals – Deadline Cap Space: $1,101,060

With little cap space to make a move, it will be salary-in, salary-out for the Caps at the deadline this year. It appears as though they see the best way of doing that to be moving out Andre Burakovsky, who hasn’t really gotten a fair shake in the top-six this season. Moving to a new team could see him flourish through the last quarter of the season. A winger like Mats Zuccarello could be a good fit in a swap for Burakovsky, and after waiving Devante Semith-Pelly on Wednesday, the Caps may have just enough space to make it work.   

  Winnipeg Jets – Deadline Cap Space: $25,594,790

I have had Kevin Hayes pegged for the Jets’ second line centre slot since last summer. It still fits the bill, but it sounds as though that may not be the only hole Winnipeg is trying to fill. A bold move to acquire someone like Stone on top of Hayes would really launch them up to being the favourites to come out of the Western Conference.

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That caps off this week’s article, thanks for reading. As always, you can find me on twitter @alexdmaclean.

  ****

Previous Capped articles:

Goaltenders to Target for the Deadline

Buying Cheap on Pulock, Chychrun, Sergachev; Matthews Contract

Future Building Blocks as Trade Targets – Forwards

  ****

All salary info from capfriendy, and all player stats from FrozenTools.

from All About Sports https://dobberhockey.com/hockey-home/capped/capped-previewing-the-trade-deadline-for-each-team/

[call-me-rei]

This Week In Music

I think I’m gonna address the biggest news…

AFTER LAUGHTER WAS RELEASED!!!

That’s right P-more fans, After Laughter has officially graced our ears and whatever sites we get music from. I listened to the new record and I’ve got to say, I’ve missed being in my feels this much. I’m not gonna bore you guys with my opinion in this post, other than saying that I really like the record and it deserves to be heard by all. It’s such a fun album with lyrics that are kind of “woah” (in a good way). The band beared their hearts and souls on this twelve-track masterpiece and the reviews have taken that into acknowledgment.

What do you think of the record? Have you not listened to it yet? Well fear not, I’ve got you! You can acquire the record on iTunes, Google Play, or Spotify.

But wait, there’s more exciting Paramore news!

The band announced the return of Parahoy! What’s Parahoy you ask? To put it simply, it’s the greatest time on a ship that you could ever have!

Parahoy was started by the band back in 2014 as a way for fans to spend some time with each other and get to know more about Hayley, Zac, and Taylor through four days of interaction.

Presale tickets are available through the cruise’s site so if you’re interested buy a ticket. It’s sure to be the best vacation of your life!

***

Now, I’m gonna step away from all the P-more excitement and go on to newer things. Like, the new sound that’s hit the airwaves.

A man by the name of Gary Gorski relaxed his debut song, “Summer,” this week.

Who is Gary Gorski? If you follow Palisades then you’d know him as a very close friend of the band. He’s a crazy guy with a big personality, and now a new song.

Like the title suggests, the song is about summer love composed of summer vibes. I imagine listening to this song while on the beach or driving around in a convertible with the wind blowing through my hair.

How do you see yourself enjoying the song, and Gary’s voice? Haven’t decided yet? Well, make a decision! Maybe you haven’t heard it yet. Why don’t you listen to it on Spotify or buy the track on Amazon and tell me what you think? Maybe you can even recommend the song to a friend. Support good music!

***

Since we’re on the topic of new music let’s talk about some more releases. Not only did Gary grace the musical world but so did Blink 182, Chapel, and Miss May I, and a band you might not know very well.

Yup, these bands all released new songs this week. Chapel blessed us with their new track, “We’ve Got Soul” as well as the accompanying video which features “unspeakable, unforgivable breakfast things“ (Jenna Marbles). Despite the pancakes with Fruit Loops and the addition of orange juice, the song is an upbeat, catchy, sure-to-get-stuck-in-your-head track that’s sure to be the feel-good song of the summer. Check out the video and stream the song on Spotify.

***

On to Blink 182!

Those boys released a song that was deemed Enema of the State and California’s love child by Billboard and the band themselves. According to the band on their website:

“Think of your favorite song from Enema of the State. Now think of your favorite song from California. Now imagine them falling in love and starting a family of their own. That’s what this song is.” 

I’ve gotta say, the song is just that. It’s a throwback to the songs we’ve loved but with a taste of something new, different, and well, just plain fun. The song’s called “Wildfire” and you can listen to it below.

Blink 182 is also releasing a deluxe version of their album, California on May 19. You can preorder the record on iTunes and Google Play.

***

Miss May I released a song this week as well, along with a new video.

The song, “Shadows Inside,” is the title track from their upcoming album set to release on June 2. Now, I don’t actively listen to this band, but I enjoyed this song. The opening rip is what got me hooked. Really hooked.

You know it’s a good song if it gets stuck in your head for a while after you turn it off. Will this be a good song to you? Why not find out?

Preorder Shadows Inside on iTunes and Google Play.

***

The last song on our new releases of the week goes to Consider Me Dead. The band is actually a duo with members Chris Brewington and Brandon Pettitt. Although CMD isn’t a household name, the boys have made major strides in the scene. Their newest one is a track called “Better Off Without You”.

The song has a techno feel and a F-you to whoever wanted to cross them. I would call this song the breakup song of the summer. You could dance to it or dedicate it to your ex at prom. I don’t know, just listen to it! It’s worth the three minutes.

You can also stream the song on Spotify or buy it on iTunes.

***

Is that still not enough music for you? Wish you could listen to more new tracks by your favorite artist? Well you’re in luck! Machine Gun Kelly released his new record, Bloom.

The record came out on May 12 and has received rave reviews from fans and critics alike. It has that sound and emotion you’d expect from MGK with beats you can vibe to. It’s a deep record and I’d be lying if I said that the first song didn’t pull me in. This is the kind of record that you have to sit back and listen to without skipping.

Let me give you the opportunity to do that. Stream the record on Spotify or purchase it on iTunes and Google Play. Vibe with MGK and let me know what you think.

***

There’s something else in the works that we can all look forward to. What am I talking about? Well, if you follow Tyler Carter on Snapchat then you’d know.

A couple days ago the Issues frontman announced on his account that he would be in the studio for twelve days. Doing what? Recording a solo LP, that’s what! Yup, TC is working on his first solo LP, and if you’ve been following his snaps then you’ve seen the 30 seconds of one of the tracks. (Note: it’s really good.)

There’s no word on a release date or a title but it’s Tyler Carter so we’re going to be on the edge of our seats awaiting any kind of news. And if the record is anything like Leave Your Love then we won’t be disappointed.

***

If you haven’t been paying attention to my recent posts (that have nothing to do with Band Love) then you haven’t noticed the Waterparks x Rock Sound posts. If not then keep reading.

Our Houston boys announced the other day that they were taking a huge step in the musical world. I’m talking about their FIRST U.K. HEADLINING TOUR!

Our little babies are growing up. *wipes tear* Please go buy tickets (here) and catch them on tour with All Time Low! Seriously, buy tickets, or else Rock Sound will be very upset.

Please buy tickets to see the people of Rock Sound play the triangle.

Well, that wraps it up for me. I hope you liked the highlights of the musical world for this last week. As always, support good music and buy tickets to your faves and those you haven’t learned to appreciate yet. Peace and love, y’all.

[buddyrabrahams]

5 NBA teams that need to hit the reset button

The NBA trade deadline has passed and teams are buying out players in order to let them join contenders. Teams that believed in their championship potential did all they could to secure additional pieces for their run, while teams that knew they were out of the running attempted to clean house.

For some teams, they clearly got better and improved their odds. For others, they dropped large contracts, traded away veteran players, and positioned themselves for a good spot in the NBA draft lottery. For an even a smaller percentage of teams, they did little and now find themselves in a precarious position.

We’ve gone through all the teams in the NBA and have decided there are five that need to blow things up and hit the reset button.

5. Memphis Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies are very much in contention in the West, but how much longer their competitive window will remain open is anyone’s guess. They’ve lucked out to this point thanks to consistency and stability, but the need for a rebuild may be in the back of their minds.

Vince Carter is 40, Tony Allen and Zach Randolph are 35, Marc Gasol is 32 and Toney Douglas is 30. In fact, the Grizzlies have only four players under the age of 25.

It may all be working for them right now, but Father Time catches up with everyone. So while it’s admirable that general manager Chris Wallace stood pat at the trade deadline with a shot in the West at hand, it could come back to haunt the team in 2018 or 2019.

A complete rebuild for the Grizzlies is inevitable. They are likely to continue building around the core of Mike Conley and Marc Gasol, who are signed to long-term deals, for the next few years, so fans should enjoy the current run. It’s going to get a lot messier in the very near future.

4. Brooklyn Nets

Like the New York Knicks, whom we’ll get to shortly, the Brooklyn Nets appear to be in a constant state of rebuilding. Perhaps it’s something in the water in New York, but either way, the two franchises are struggling.

The Nets are still early in their latest attempt to rebuild, but they’ve attempted to do so on the fly. They brought in players like Jeremy Lin and Trevor Booker, but it has not yielded the sort of positive results general manager Sean Marks had hoped for.

Currently, Brooklyn sports a league-worst record of 9-49 and are allowing a league-worst 114.4 points per game. They are also losing by nearly double-digits on a nightly basis thanks in large part to a league-worst -9.1 point differential.

Ultimately, the on-the-fly rebuild is not panning out early for the Nets, and they failed to land any young talent at the NBA trade deadline. They also failed to trade away Brook Lopez, who has become a constant name of intrigue at the trade deadline who somehow never ends up moving.

Although the team has remained optimistic about their future, much like the Knicks, they need to close their eyes, rip the band-aid off and truly rebuild from the ground up. Luckily for them, they’re already in slightly better position than some other teams on this list, and will have a strong shot at landing one of the top picks in the draft.

3. Chicago Bulls

For a brief moment early in the season, it appeared as if the Chicago Bulls were going to be a Cinderella story of sorts. Their aging veterans seemed to gel faster than most had anticipated, and they started out somewhat hot.

Since then, it’s mostly gone downhill for Chicago.

Not only are the Bulls no longer true contenders in the East despite resting in the No. 7 seed, but they also face a rough road ahead thanks in part to large contracts and oft-injured veterans.

The good news for Chicago? They are poised to enter next season in prime position to complete an expedited rebuild. One thing that would help would be if Dwyane Wade declines his $23.8 million option.

After this season, the only big-money deals Chicago will have on the books are Robin Lopez and Jimmy Butler. Butler should be the focal point around which the team builds. That will allow them to go out and throw some money around, hand out some max contracts and get to work on what should be a bright future.

Of course, none of that works if the team brings back some of these veteran players with hefty deals. Ultimately, they’ll have to blow it all up and hit the reset button or risk 1-2 more seasons hovering around .500.

2. Sacramento Kings

The Sacramento Kings have been in a semi-rebuild mode for several years now and pushed further down that road at the NBA trade deadline, sending DeMarcus Cousins to the New Orleans Pelicans in a heavily criticized deal that was later compounded when Vlade Divac revealed the team had a better deal on the table previously.

Ultimately, they walked away with a package of players including Buddy Hield and a guarantee from Divac: if the trade hasn’t panned out in two years, he’ll step down as the team’s vice president of basketball operations and general manager.

That alone shows the turmoil Sacramento currently finds itself in, but it’s really just the tip if the iceberg.

The Kings are in potentially rough shape when it comes to the draft as well, having given the Philadelphia 76ers the option of swapping picks in 2017 as part of a trade in 2015. They also owe the Chicago Bulls a top-10 protected pick as part of a 2011 trade which will become two second-rounders if not conveyed this year.

That’s not an ideal way to dive head-first into a rebuild, but it’s the scenario the Kings have created for themselves. It certainly doesn’t help that they waited nearly 60 games to begin breaking things down and tanking.

It’s going to be a long climb back to the top for Sacramento, especially when you consider they’re not exactly a hot destination when it comes to potential free agents.

1. New York Knicks

Phil Jackson was supposed to be the answer for the New York Knicks. He and superstar Carmelo Anthony were to become the saviors at Madison Square Garden, finally returning the Knickerbockers to prominence.

That has not happened. In fact, very little has happened, including a stalemate at the NBA trade deadline.

Rather than shipping Derrick Rose to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Ricky Rubio, who would be a much better fit in the triangle offense, Jackson and the Knicks couldn’t get anything done. They ultimately sat on their hands, couldn’t shed oft-injured veterans, couldn’t get anything in return to help their rebuild, and failed to shed even a penny of salary.

In the aftermath of their non-action, they have waived Brandon Jennings and likely lost Joakim Noah for the remainder of the season due to injury.

Although many consider the Knicks to be in the midst of a rebuild now, it’s a song and dance fans have become accustomed to in recent years. It’s the rebuild that never seems to finish and eventually needs to be blown up again and again.

Unfortunately for the Knicks and their fans, it’s deja vu. James Dolan is commanding headlines for all the wrong reasons, the team is on bad terms with some of its legends, Phil Jackson and Carmelo Anthony don’t seem to be on the same page, and the whole thing is just a disaster.

It’s time for New York to part ways with Phil Jackson, Carmelo Anthony, Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah and start all over from the very bottom. Short of that, there will be plenty more losing seasons in the future.

from Larry Brown Sports http://ift.tt/2leWQvS