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not-a-statement · 6 years ago

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Chasing ghosts. Chapter 3

Sorry friends for overdosing your dashboards with this stuff, but I’m too excited to hold it back anymore.

This chapter really did kill me while writing. I somehow tried to reflect my own feelings in it as well as to put observation of my friend who has currently lived through a very messy situation.

Anyway, chapter under the cut, critics and suggestions are always appreciated.

Welp, it’s time to go to dead.

New York, NY, October 7-11, 2024

Nights seemed to be the hardest to live through. Not literally - in a physical way - but maybe a little bit in that way too. Just a bit…

Every morning he felt numb. No such things as work, clothes or breakfast were present in his area of interest. And it seemed that those things were long gone for a while then. Only his memories, smells from the past and lingering sensations of light touches that were unlikely to happen again were orbiting him every day from the moment of awakening…

Unlikely to happen again? Light touches? Ding-fucking-Dong, you bloody idiot. Stop thinking of it like you’ve been married for a lifetime and then your wife moved to her gram-gram’s place at the “Fluffy Clouds Acres”...

Yeah, you have other suggestions about how to live on with a giant hole instead of heart?..

He wanted to feel himself a victim. Longed for sympathizers of all kinds queuing up to his bed, big baskets full with fruits in their hands, “Get well soon” cards, soothing phrases on their tongues - that he was every right to feel what he felt, that he deserved her and she made a very big mistake picking that bastard to be her husband…

You know what would be more honest? If somebody brought you some poison instead.

Or at least whiskey…

Would you knock it off already? Where’s your smart part when it comes to distinguishing seeds from chaff? Do you honestly think that all your feelings are of a value? Don’t be ridiculous - your own sister? For real? You actually expected everything to work out?

Shut up…

It was Monday morning, Dipper had to get prepared to leave for work - he’s finally got a position. Kind of. Same duties, another ton or two plus to his salary - at least it was something, right? At least an excuse not to spend all of his time in this god forsaken flat all day long.

But he was still laying in his sister’s bed, inhaling her scent that somehow managed to stay in the pillow. What a pathetic view it was…

Not as pathetic as his kitchen exterior though. The day prior - as for all other days - there was loads of booze and Dipper was too lazy to bother himself with throwing out the garbage so there was lots of empty bottles laying and standing here and there, empty cigarettes packs, Chinese food boxes - a perfect decorations for a hopeless bachelor’s place.

Sloppily cooked breakfast, coffee as dark as New York’s midnight sky - state’s one. The city itself was living 24 hours so the illumination was enough to make a barrier between nighttime dreamers and traces of light casted by long gone celestial giants billions of human lives away from our sinful rotten asteroid.

Perhaps it was the other way around in New City. Probably the view was breathtaking with all the stars in the sky to count, crispy countryside air to bath in…

Warm and gentle hand of beloved woman to squeeze, cascades of her hazel hair to admire and fiddle with…

Dipper stumbled upon the battalion of empty bottles causing some of them fall clinking resentfully. The sound was enough to make his head ache and cast a grimace of displeasure on his face.

So that’s the plan, huh? Drink until you find a ball of snot instead of your liver?

Pffft...as if

Oh, I get it. Not your problem, right? It’s ten-years-later-Dipper’s problem…

He had to take control over the situation - find a better job, start doing some kind of sport to get fit, maybe find a woman. Anything that will help him get over his misery and make this voice nagging at the back of his mind go…

That’s a great plan - so many details. Hey, why don’t you get a job in NASA? With your ability to make plans like that we will land on Mars twenty years earlier than estimated.

Or at least by then he had a simpler task to tackle - get dressed and step out of this flat to start a new day that’s unlikely to be any different from the day before. Only task he could possibly do without failing.

As for making detailed plans - that’s an important concept, Dipper had to admit. All this abstract thoughts and ideas about new job and sport - they’re important nevertheless. But if one just postulates such things they’re unable to lead anywhere. Dipper as one who used to be the master of bajillion steps checklists for any occasion - to win Wendy’s heart for example - knew for sure that if he wanted to make any progress he needed to think and plan deeper than that.

What Mabel used to tease him about pretty often was a very useful ability. Staying organized, understanding each step and possible alternative breakpoints and handling possible exceptions. For an average person this way of thinking could play good if they keep it in balance with other aspects of their life. But Dipper was no average person.

He was...Dipper. And that meant that balance was off the table.

Good or bad, Dipper and Mabel complemented each other in so many things that one of them wasn’t whole without the other. And that same balance in Dipper’s vigorous activity of his brain was introduced by his sister, with her emphasis on feelings, emotions, and her own particular angle of view.

But when he found himself alone he started to crumble. His brain was acting like a locomotive rushing at maximum speed risking to go off the rail at any moment. Nerves gone acute and at the same time emotions gone blank.

He tried - God knows he did - to live on his own, to give way to his emotions, tried to find that different point of view, based on feelings, yet to no big avail. Every attempt ended at the start point, all theories were in contradiction with one another and ended up crumbled.

The only thing that helped in letting all go was alcohol.

Only having drunk a glass or two of bourbon he used to start looking at all what was happening differently. After half of bottle he used to start feeling.

He was feeling pure pain caused by disappearance of his most beloved person, his second half from his life. Of the girl, who somehow managed to make him falling for her so hard casting thousands of butterflies in his stomach, sending shivers down his spine when she laughed and making him completely numb when she cried. Mabel Pines, that one and only girl in the world for whom he was ready to jump off the cliff on a gigantic robot with nothing but his bare hands, for whom he was ready to endure any level of his own pain just to keep her safe and protect her. He’s never loved anybody as much as he loved her. And never will.

He was feeling anger. What did this smug douchebag know about Mabel? Was it him who lived with her for the whole life? What he can possibly give her? I don’t remember him breaking through Bill’s traps to set her free from that bubble prison. Not to say he wasn’t one who crawled through SWAT squad to clear Stan’s name. Heck, I bet he couldn’t even handle gnomes - probably would shit himself and bail with his tail tucked. And is he ready to cover her with his body in case something threatening her? Is he capable of doing anything that slick faggot from Wall Street?! Who is he to separate us?!

He was feeling fear. Mabel is alone out there. Where will you be when she needs you, huh? You saw what world could have in store twelve years ago. Do you think anything changed? Do you think that Bill won’t return? Or even if he won’t who said that he’s the only one? You’ve been thinking about it for quite a while, haven’t you?

On Tuesday that fear dimmed his eyes to almost unbearable level. What’s the matter? Why your hand with a lighter clenched in it shakes so hard?

Shut up…

On Wednesday he took an illness day off. He was feeling rather bad physically but that wasn’t the matter - he was just really scared to leave his flat. For the whole day he kept wandering within it - from his sister’s bedroom to the kitchen and back - rushing constantly to his computer typing request after request or scribbling some incomprehensible gibberish in his journal - the same that Mabel gave him as a birthday present. Yet another bottle was opened not long after lunch time, because he couldn’t bear that day staying sober.

The next day - on Thursday - in the early morning he woke up at pretty much the same spot he ended falling the night prior - behind the sofa in the living room. His face felt swelling, knees and elbows were harshly scratched at various places - perhaps he would find some furniture items at same poor condition. His journal was lying on the sofa, its first dozen pages or so covered with all kind of theory snippets or logical fact chains - anything he could come up with in order to keep his brain working consistently and not having it exploded. Some of his notes made no sense at all, others reeked with insanity. He had to keep working, had to grasp that tiny bits of his mind floating on the surface of the blindingly dark ocean consisting of repelling visions, predator’s muzzles and never ending sound of some woman crying.

Also there was one more thing swirling through that ocean - a phrase carelessly spoken by Zach on Saturday.

On Friday night the week before Mabel was bombarding her brother’s phone with invitations for him to come over to Turner’s and have a dinner together. He missed her beloved brother and probably was acknowledging the fact that in such conditions a modest family dinner was the only option for them to spend some quality time together instead of nights full of movie marathons and pizza. It’s what people do, don’t they? When they become adults…

But if Mabel was feeling a bit melancholic because of that blunt bogus of an activity, it came to no comparison with what Dipper might’ve felt that exact second he appeared at Zach’s door. He either would leave within an hour tops or get drunk as swine. So it was better not to come at all to prevent such bad consequences.

But having to turn his sister down over a phone for yet another time wasn’t any less painful. Hearing her voice changing from cheerful one to upset, because of whatever excuse he could come up with - working late, having an extra task, needing to stay up until late night home because of an important article he had to finish. Or hearing her playful teasings about him having a secret date with ladies and reminders to leave a tie on the knob which would make him laugh uncontrollably adding more more pain. He couldn’t stand it. That’s why he decided to take a decisive action.

He turned off his cell phone. And spent a long time sitting on a bench near to Brooklyn bridge with a bottle of whiskey in a paper bag, staring at his device’s black lifless screen as if trying to soak its void up.

Void and darkness. What are they? The absence of life, light, benignancy. Absence of everything - only vast and pure nothingness. Why can’t I adapt it? To feel nothing, to throw this piece of plastic into the river, to come home today, grab my bag and jump on the first flight to Oregon. Cut all ties with Mabel, simply disappear from her horizon. Wouldn’t that be better?

It sure would’ve been easier.

But the only response the phone’s screen could give the reflection of the autumn afternoon sky with glimpses of upcoming dusk rather than comply with Dipper’s inner desires. So only thing he was left with was whiskey again.

Its taste was already a rock solid number one in his rating of favorite tastes. In mixture with tobacco smoke. Nevertheless that blend taken in serious doses were casting an instant portal to the morning after.

And what it had in store were regrets and sorrowful thoughts about what he’d done and what a jackass of a brother he was. So the phone was turned on, Mabel’s number typed his thumb hovering over the green button was given an order to hold it back no more.

There was a beep. And then another. And another.

After 6 beeps Dipper started having second thoughts about how 9 pm on Saturday might’ve been not the best time for late apologies but then his phone slightly buzzed and he heard someone’s deep morning breathing on the other end.

“Hi, Mabes, I...um...” he started timidly trying to soften his hoarse hang over voice “About yesterday...I’m really sorry I couldn’t call you back...my battery died and I had to stay late so I walked home and hit the hay the moment I entered...”

He let out a clumsy chuckle scratching the back of his head.

Telling lies, are we?

Shut up.

“So...yeah...I’m sorry I couldn’t make it yesterday to your place...um...maybe will try the next Friday? Mabes?”

He heard a male voice giggling through the receiver that sent cold wave to his abdomen.

“Oh, sorry, man. Didn’t want to interrupt your monologue.”

Zach. That bastard…

“Oh...hey, Zach...” he wasn’t ready to stumble upon Zach in such condition. “Um...would you mind passing phone to Mabel?”

“I wish, bro, i wish” Dipper clenched his fist hard enough to make his knuckles go white “But Mrs. Turner is still watching whatever bright and pleasant dream she’s watching”

Was that scoffing? Mrs Turner? As if he won her and now showing it off. Fuck, as if he thinks he took my wife…

Wouldn’t be much of a fallacy, huh?

I told you to shut up.

He needed to somehow play it cool. Put aside his own twisted feelings and think of what’s better for Mabel - if she found out about his hostility towards her husband and linked it with his constant denials to come for dinner that would be really bad.

“Okay, ahem...” he cleared his throat before continuing “Can you maybe ask her to call me back when she’s awake then?”

“No problem at all. But, you know, I can tell her myself...”

“No no no, better if I tell her what I wanted to tell, thanks. Um...okay, b..”

“Oh, how things are going on your side, Mason? Haven’t heard from you for ages.”

Oh, son of a...why by name?

“Good, good. Yeah, so...”

“Heard you’ve got promoted. Got a position?”

“Well...um...not exactly, but...I’m working on it. Yeah, sorry for early ca...”

“And how’s the money? Do they pay you enough?”

Oh you impudent chuffed fuck.

Tell him.

“Enough for me, thanks. Well, okay I...”

“Look, we have a vacant position at stock exchange. Consultants are paid good and respected, so I thought maybe...”

“I’m not keen on idea of selling people something I don’t personally believe in, thank you.”

Shit, that was bad. Didn’t mean to sound so harshly.

He started it.

Shut up.

He heard Zach laughing on the other end. Damn, even insults are not working for him. He’s got his walls built solid.

“Why so determined? Believe me, after first salary when you start buying yourself some big men toys like cars you won’t say such immature things.”

Yeah, yeah. Teach me how to live my life, bitch.

“Well, if I were you I would think about it, Mason. I’d take it as an honor to help my family member.”

“Yeah, okay, cool. Um...” Come on, say something polite to end this “Have a nice day, Zach.”

“No it is? Okay, whatever you say. You’re a good man but you’re sometimes being silly, Pinetree.”

Dipper’s heart skipped a beat and he felt thunderstruck. All his muscles tightened. Given he was slouching, it seemed that his body’s fulcrum had shifted slightly above the rib cage.

“What did you call me?” asked Dipper his voice hardly above whispering.

“What? Old mocking nickname? Sorry, didn’t mean to...”

“What. Did. You. Call. Me?” repeated Dipper louder.

“Oh, c’mon, man. I’m sorry, for real, I...”

Can it be?..

I can’t see why not

No, that’s impossible. No, no..

Well, he told you she was sleeping, but do you trust him?

Mabel…

“Where is she?”

“Who? Mabel? Man, I told you she is leisuring...”

“Pass her the phone”

“Look, she’s really not ready to talk to anybody right now, you how she is. Man, like for real - I’m sorry if that upsets you, it wasn’t my inten...”

“Shut the fuck up, Zach!!!” Dipper growled, he could feel himself drowning in unimaginable paralyzing horor. “Where is my sister?!”

“Hey! Watch the language, pal!”

“Where is my sister?!”

“Piss off!”

“Where is Mabel?!!” Dipper broke into shouting. His breathing was heavy and ragged, he could feel his blood rushing to his head almost setting tips of his ears on fire. His face also grew unbearably hot.

“You know the address, you mental piece of human garbage!!! Come over and see where it leads you!!!”

His mind was rushing billion miles per hour. The boiler in his locomotive of a brain was about to blow up. Blood was pounding in his ears, he could literally feel his blood vessels filling up with pure adrenaline, he tasted metal in his mouth and there was something more with that taste. It was...was it?..

Wait, what does sulfur taste like?

He wasn’t listening to Zach’s shoutings on the other end of line anymore. He was paralyzed by that unaccountable fear. He couldn’t say anything, he couldn’t move - every tiny little cell of his body wasn’t answering his commands. It was a trap, he knew that. A blurred burning trap with spurts of flame dancing before him, licking his calves sending anguishing sensations to his muscles and to his brain. There were lizard’s eyes with narrow pupils everywhere, he couldn’t see them, but he was feeling watched by them. He could feel their glares cutting him like it was a straight razor, he could feel cold fingers digging through his head, twining around his eyeballs. And there was a voice - a woman was shouting his name. It was familiar but nontheless it was demanding razor to push deeper and deeper! Cutting him in two, then in four, then…

Deeper!

“DIPPER!!!”

In a heartbeat he was back into Mabel’s room in their Brooklyn flat; her was dragged him out of that horrifying vision. He was kneeling before the bed, clenching bedcover with his right hand and his cellphone with his left. He was breathing through gritted teeth loudly and heavily.

What was real out of all that?..

The only thing - her voice. A concerned voice of Mabel still calling his name, in which he could hear that she was on the verge of breaking into tears. She was scared - perhaps he and Zach woke her up with their banter and scared her a lot. And his heavy breathing distorted by the transmitter apparently wasn’t helping at all.

Keep it together, Pines, keep it together! Shake off this nightmare and tell her that you’re safe, that you’re fine.

Are you, though?

Yes! I’m fine, I’m totally fine!

But what about B…

He’s dead!!! He’s long gone!!! Mabel’s safe, she’s not dragged away from me into another dimension! She’s here, she’s actually relatively close.

I need to catch my breath. Okay, one in and one out...here we go…

“Dipper, please! Say something! Say something to me!” he could practically see the first teardrop rolling down her tender rosy cheek. “Dipper, I’m begging you!”

“Mabes, I...” at least the voice is...yep, it’s mine “I...my battery...it died so I had to walk home and...”

“Bro-bro, what are talking about?”

“I was staying late...so s’why I couldn’t...couldn’t come to dinner...yeah...I’m sorry. I just wanted to say I’m sorry.”

“Please tell me you’re okay, Dipper. Please tell me that.”

“Yeah, I am...Totally, Mabes, totally...”

“Are you sure?”

He gulped nervously listening to his unsteady breathing.

Telling lies again? Way to g…

“Yes, Mabel, everything’s well I swear” he tried to sound as calm as he could “I...s-sorry for waking you up.”

And he ended the call.

Splendid, my man.

Is that so hard to do? I said shut the fuck up. I need a drink.

***

On Friday he finally made it to work. Dressed in a black hoodie covered in stains of various food and sauces, worn out unwashed trousers of same color he was kind of a ghost to everyone else in the editorial office - no one would bother themselves waving him hello or even noticing him. He was sitting at his small desk in the open space surrounded by stacks of papers and office supplies. Obviously he forgot to take his laptop with him as well as his wallet. For some reason only valuable thing he had then was the most inappropriate one - his driver’s license, which was laying on the desk with his cellphone with already cracked screen.

Time was approaching lunch but food wasn’t even in top ten of his priorities. Frankly he could hardly remember when was the last time he actually consumed something apart from alcohol and cigarettes. Was it that morning? Or the morning before? And does a peanut butter and jelly toast count as food?

All that was in the background of his mind at that moment. The main screen of his mind was displaying various footage soaked with anxiety; each minute a bunch of viewers were collectively advising the main character on the white screen to take right turn or left or to head straight. And footages were constantly changing.

For the first time fear and pain started blending. Only one component was left…

“Pines!” a familiar voice called out for him. At least someone noticed his presence.

Paul Hempstead - the chief editor of essays department - was slowly approaching his desk, scanning through a stack of papers in his hands slowly.

“Good to see you again. Caught a bad cold?” he switched his attention from papers to his employee.

“My god” he gasped “What happened to your face?”

“I fell” Dipper said with colorless voice not even raising his eyes to look at editor.

“Right, you fell” as if taking a hint responded Paul “Okay, I won’t ask. I have a job for you. Are you going to lunch? I’ll explain while eating.”

“No, I’m not going” Dipper’s voice still wasn’t displaying any emotions.

Looking bewildered Paul stared at him as if thinking of whether or not he’s likely to ask any other questions about reasons. Dipper stayed motionless looking right before him into the void.

“Yeah, you’re right. Better right here” the editor fished a paper out of stack in his hands and laid it before Dipper. “A letter from a concerned mother. Her son’s getting oppressed by his scholl mates - he’s part of a certain subculture so his mother wants us to make it sound to the society. The letter is for gist, I wanted you to go there and find all the details. I assigned a photographer to them - he will be going on Monday. Your task is for today so we have our fresh essay on Tuesday. It’s in Huntington - you’ll be done in 3 or 4 hours.”

“Okay” followed a similarly lifeless answer.

Hempstead was expecting for something more verbose.

“Ho-o-ka-y” he slowly echoed stretching syllables “There are bus routes but car is easier. Works for you?”

He waved his hand at Dipper’s driving license.

“I don’t have a car”

“Oh. That’s wise, probably - such a big busy city...You can take a shared car. There’re lots of them on every corner. What do you say? Besides that way you’ll clear your evening.”

“I forgot my wallet home.”

Paul started losing hope.

“That’s a misfortune...Look, you can go to accountants and ask them for a prepayment. In fact...” He fished his wallet out of his trousers pocket and laid three 100 dollars bills before Dipper “Here, you’ll return on a payday. Just take your time to prepare, you know - go home, take a nap, change and all...”

Dipper lowered his eyes to look at the money and nodded slightly.

“Thank you Mr Hempstead” and added after second or two: “Can I go now?”

“For sure, Pines, for sure. Just don’t forget - deadline’s on Tuesday”

Not waiting for a response Paul rushed further down the aisle.

Dipper gave that money a look one more time, then grabbed it and his belongings from his desk and headed for exit.

When he was already at the door his phone buzzed. Even not looking at the screen he was already imagining her cute face, how she bit down her bottom lip waiting for him answer and twisting on of her locks.

This time he decided not to make the same mistake twice. He took his phone out of pocket, cleared his throat and tapped the green button.

***

He was standing naked and wet after taking a shower before the mirror in his bathroom examining his reflection. His cheeks started sinking, right cheekbone was bruised after he met wooden floor with it. He stopped caring about his hair long ago, there were scattered spots of messy stubble here and there. His shoulders were hunched even more than he remembered.

For the past two months Dipper got used to an idea that he wouldn’t see anything good in his reflection but every time it was really important to him to examine his appearance carefully. He still harboured some hope that eventually an alarm in his brain would break out he would start working on at least the simplest plan for recovery.

Not to say it wasn’t happening any time.

He was still feeling saturated after eating some fried eggs with bacon as soon as he came home from work. Even 6 hours of sleep he plunged into as soon as he laid down didn’t manage to drain that feeling but regained his somewhat mental and physical forces a bit.

He’s already failed Paul’s task, cause it was 9 in the evening and there’s no point to drive anywhere. That meant that he was in need to find some distraction to prevent his mind from once again spiralling down into anxiety and crimson blur.

Maybe I can use some fresh air. Like go to Central Park or cinema - anything but once again play ghost at the river’s embankment.

A vision appeared before his eyes - that one, that refused to go away for almost two months then. He was with her, hand in hand slowly moving across the park paths, he gently squeezes her hand, then lets it go only to hug her shoulders with it, she smiles, lays her head on his shoulder, their steps become slower, more relaxed…

Dipper downed a full glass of whiskey. The amber liquid started warming his chest, his stomach. It was such a false warmth that if he closed his eyes he could feel it as a light breeze, stuck between tree trunks in the heart of the park. He could feel it as her warm and gentle hands caressing his chest, so tiny and tender compared to sizes of her sweater…

Not exactly registering he downed another glass.

This is insane. You are! You can take her back, you can’t explain her anything! You can’t give her anything but your warmth!

Wouldn’t that be enough? Is there anybody who can give it to her?

No. NO!

No one can do that! No one will protect her but me!

Another glass downed.

Only I know her that much! Only I saw what this unfair world full of violences can do to her!

Another glass.

I fought demon for her! And I won! I saved my Mabel! My sweet, lovely Mabel.

Another.

What if he lives?

Impossible. He perished.

Yeah, but what if he survived?

He started drinking straight from the bottle.

What’s the matter? Are you scared? Oh, you should be. What were you thinking - you’ve jumped from that cliff once and that’s it? So you can sit around, having your time?

Shut up…

He knew there’s a car outside. And he’s got the keys. Also he knows what lies in his bottom drawer covered with kitchen blankets.

No, you shut up and listen. You abandoned her. Left her so that clown now can do whatever he wants. Do you know who he is? Have you spent a spare second studying what kind of man he is?

Shut up.

He tried to walk steadily and failed. A brass knuckles in his right pocket - a gift from Gruncle Stan - and bottle of whiskey in left hand weren’t helping in balancing at all. He got into a shared vehicle. If only he could start the engine…

Bravo! Just perfect, my boy! Guess what - you’ve got fooled! How hilarious is that?

Shut up.

He turned the engine but the impulse died instantly.

Our Big Master Dipper - a threat to all monsters and demons…

Shut up!

Another turn. And one more...Come on!

…a famous mysteries solver got fooled by some pathetic equilateral one-eyed…

SHUT UP!!!

PINETREE!!!

The engine roared coming to life. Dipper accelerated steering the car to the north-west away from the city - to a small countryside place in suburbs called New City.

#chasing ghosts #pinecest #not a statement at all

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stunudo · 7 years ago

Text

BAU Prep School AU

A Criminal Minds Fan-fiction

Competition

Welcome to the Frederick Buchanan Institute located in scenic Quantico, Virginia, a senior high academy that shapes the best and brightest minds. Its motto is “Behavior, Analysis, Unity,” the mascot the Submariners, colloquially “the Unsubs”. The small school supports the most accomplished faculty from across the country.

Feb. 11, 2017 8:49pm Winter Formal

The entire room had frozen around her, the music a distant throbbing as her eyes fell on the pair. Lizzie didn’t know what to do, she wanted to scream at him, call him out in front of everyone. She needed to run. The traitorous tears had started falling before time returned to her. Her corsage scratched against her cheek as she tried to brush away the downpour. She wrenched it from her wrist and dropped it as if it had grown arms and legs that had somehow offended her.

“Typical, Lizzie, of course no one is your friend for you,” She berated herself. “He just wanted to get into the fancy school dance, wanted to flirt with all the rich girls.” She didn’t know where she was going, but she was marching out of the gymnasium with a zeal that would have impressed the Speed Walking team, if the school had such a thing. She was muttering under her breath when Nurse Callahan stopped her.

“Whoa there, where’s the fire?” She asked jokingly, until she saw the state of the young woman. “Lizzie, is everything alright?”

“Yep, fine, Nurse Callahan,” Lizzie sniffed back the tears and postured her bare shoulders. Kate couldn’t remember the last time Lizzie had worn makeup, this was a special night for her and something had wrecked that.

“Do you need an escape plan?” She asked knowingly, tossing her arm over the girl’s shoulder, conspiratorially. “Because, I will have you know, that my office is a perfect place to hide from life or, bad dates?” She guessed.

“It wasn’t even supposed to be a date, the only way I got him to come was in a group.” Lizzie admitted. “Why are boys so shallow, Ka- Mrs. Callahan?”

“They’re not all that way,” Kate squeezed her arm, despite the height difference Lizzie felt protected. “I know it’s hard, but everyone is so confused on what they want at your age. Find a guy who likes your fire more than he likes your body.”

“But what if I want him to like my body too?” Lizzie mumbled.

“In order for that to work, there’s gotta be trust. Don’t waste your time on people who can’t see all of you.” She grabbed the lanyard from her neck and unlocked the door. She held the door open for the burdened teenager and flipped the light switch.

“Take your time, I’ll check on you when the dance is wrapping up.” Kate made sure Lizzie was situated before turning to leave. “I’m serious, just yesterday Coach Jareau needed a break. That couch does wonders.”

“Thanks, Nurse Callahan.” Lizzie fell sideways and stared at the wall of quotes and baby animals.

Kate returned to chaperoning, letting Penelope know that Lizzie was in her office. Women understood the devastation of dance drama best. After a good, solid cry, Lizzie sat herself back up. She headed into the private bathroom to straighten out her face.

February 24, 2017 4:02pm Charlottesville, VA

The caravan of SUVs and minivans pulled into the assigned parking lot on the college campus. Zachary had fallen asleep, but one of his earbuds had fallen out allowing the rest of the car to listen to James Earl Jones’ voice reading from the Bible. Ms. Blake was appreciating the cadence and gusto as she clicked open her seat belt.

“We’re here,” Alex rolled her shoulders and started opening doors before ending at the rear hatch where the coolers were stored.

The teen-aged participants grumbled in their seats as they woke from their short naps. Six students had progressed to reach the State competition, blowing everyone away was little Zachary Henkle. Kimi Dalton, Sacha Kane, Trevor Malcolm, Amelia Turner and Jake Hernandez rounded out the little troupe.

Ms. Garcia bubbled over to their coordinator, leaving Dr. Reid in the passenger seat of her massive car. “Are we settling in or just taking a knee?” The be-dangled counselor asked, clearly picking up some sports lingo from her boyfriend.

“Well, er,” Alex started, scratching the back of her neck. “I think we have allotted tables inside the Center. They will be our base of operations for the weekend.”

“I brought signs and name tags,” Penelope explained. “This way we can keep track of everyone.” She opened her canvas bag showing off her eye-numbing neon signs.

“If you can get anyone to wear those, sure, Penelope.” Alex placated. “Didn’t Reid ride with you?”

“He’s finishing up the rule book, only had like fifty pages to go,” Penelope waved towards her car.

“Well, at least someone read it,” Alex muttered, shoving her hands in the back pockets of her jeans. “Un-subs! We will drop off our bags at the hotel later, for now let’s get situated outside the auditorium.”

The students tossed their luggage back in the trunks as they listened. The few parents that came along also respected the teacher’s authority and listened intently. The winter chill nipped at the poorly dressed students, hoodies and letter jackets hiding bunched fists.

“Dr. Reid and I are required to attend a supervisory orientation this evening. I trust you all, will listen to Ms. Garcia and the parents who came down early, while we are away. After that, you will have free time at the hotel until lights out at ten o’clock.”

“Ms. Blake?” Zachary’s hand caught her eye first. “If our parents aren’t here, do we have a shared room?”

“Yes, Zach,” Alex answered in her same booming voice. “Students may stay with their family members. Dr. Reid will supervise the boys’ room and Ms. Garcia will stay with the girls.”

“Good thing, Michel didn’t come.” Jake muttered to Kimi as the group started making their way across the parking lot.

“I’m pretty sure Ms. Garcia would have made sure they had their own room, Jake.”

“That’d be nice.” The boy admitted.

“Creating safe spaces isn’t easy, loves.” Ms. Garcia whispered to the pondering competitors. “Are you excited for tomorrow? I love a good debate, well, not really. I like winning debates. Does that count?”

The teens laughed, their guidance counselor loved to keep them entertained.

March 7, 2017 3:45pm

The pitch was still damp with the late winter rains, naked of chalk, gleaming in the fading light. JJ held her clipboard in front of her as she paced, waiting for the girls to change and meet her outside. A new season of soccer was underway, tryouts lasted two weeks, starting this afternoon. With her mind on the pool of players, JJ lined up the school’s balls in a daunting row. Thirty seven names were on the sign up sheet from outside her office, three were boys and four were mildly comedic and terribly immature imposters. She put out thirty three navy and white balls, to be safe.

She didn’t start the tryouts with a heated inspirational speech. She just explained her expectations for the day and kept the students moving. Twelve of the team from last spring had returned and another seven that had been cut had put themselves back out there for another round of scrutiny. The rest were new faces, freshman and sophomores that hadn’t tried out last year. JJ was impressed and slightly apprehensive about the large numbers. Cuts were hard, but necessary.

After an hour of warm ups, drills and sprints, JJ was ready to get down to business. She evenly divided the returning players with the new recruits, preparing them to scrimmage.

“Hannah, I want you to lead the Blue Squad and Camille I want you to lead the White Squad.” Coach JJ explained. “You have five minutes to set your line ups and I will whistle when we are set to start.”

The girls broke off into excited huddles as JJ sauntered over to her bag and camping chair. Seltzer water had become her best friend over the past month and she downed half a bottle while the players organized. Her features were pink in the late afternoon chill, she seemed to have lost what little meat there was on her face. She checked her watch, time to release the hounds.

“Un-subs!” Her voice sliced across the field. “To your positions. We will have a quick scrimmage. All players must be subbed in if they are not starting. Fifteen minute quarters, to ensure your captains are able to make those substitutions.”

She hiked to the center of the field, lined with orange cones as Anderson wouldn’t lay down the paint for a few more weeks. The whistle hovered over her lips, she eyed the forewords, nodding to the White Squad that they could call the coin in the air.

“Heads!” A chirping voice called out.

“Its tails, Blue Squad, choice?”

“Blue Squad will receive, Coach.” Little Cissy Howard parroted Hannah’s instructions.

“Very well, line up.” The whistle finally peeled into the gloaming.

March 8, 2017 7:22am

Coach Morgan was running behind, having left Penelope’s house later than normal. She was quite distracting in the morning and as she didn’t have a class full of students waiting on her first period; a terrible influence. He by-passed his usual stop in the main office and jogged down the corridor towards the gym and eventually, the weight room. Lifting in the morning was his favorite class, the students were too tired to be chatty and it got the bulk of the supervising out of the way. It didn’t hurt that he practically dictated his own schedule each year.

He slipped inside the locker room to change for class, always ready with a “go-bag”. As he rounded the corner he caught the hulking form of Andrew Heathridge bending over the bench. But he wasn’t tying up his trainers, his foot was bare and he had a syringe in his hand. Derek did a double take as the door finally closed, signalling his arrival.

The muscular boy stood up quickly tossing the needle into a corner of the lockers.

“Heathridge?” Coach reprimanded.

“Coach?” His voice startled, shame clouding his features for a moment before he reset his eyebrows.

“Do you want to tell me what I just saw?”

“No, sir.”

“You and I are going to have a talk after school, man.” The other weightlifters had started filing in behind the awestruck Coach. Andrew remained silent, but he rolled his eyes and went back to his sock and shoes. Derek Morgan was heartbroken.

March 10, 2017 9:37pm

“Alright, but remember that one time you tried to serve him store bought gelato and he nearly threw it back at you?” Alex was laughing so hard that the tears were collecting in her crow’s feet.

David Rossi nodded solemnly then shook his head, “I mean, I probably spent more on the stuff in the package than I do on ingredients, but Jason knew!”

Haley was laughing just as hard as Alex and Stan, Jordan’s husband. Aaron smirked as he sipped his bourbon. Chef Rossi had some of the old timers and the headmaster over for a dinner, letting the memories of Jason soothe over the rough way he was sent off.

“I remember him telling us, once, that his great uncle was an executive for some movie production company in Chicago?” Hotch asked Rossi for verification.

“Believe it or not, that wasn’t a lie. He has some old reels of Chaplin that he puts on sometimes.” Dave admitted. “God, what is he going to do with himself now?” Instinctively, his eyes wandered to Allie for an answer.

“Don’t look at me,” Alex teased. “I lost Jason and the house, remember.”

“You hated this house,” Dave shrugged.

Haley sensed some wine-fulled nostalgia changing the topic. “So what was Jason like, before, when he was married?”

“Night and day,” Jordan piped in. “He smiled, he was courteous. Still impulsive and perhaps even more reckless.”

“Before his wife left him, Jason was a decent guy, thriving on knowledge and sharing those discoveries.” Stan explained in a broad baritone.

“Has anyone heard from Stephen?” Hotch asked, cautiously.

“I get semi-regular updates. But nothing since,” Dave finished his glass. He stood making his way to the beverage cart he had in the sitting room. “Can I get anyone anything? I’m up.”

“Actually,” Aaron eyed his beautiful wife. “We should probably get going. The babysitter is waiting.”

Dave and Jordan shared a knowing smirk. “Uh-huh, sure.”

“Thank you so much for having us!” Haley stood enthusiastically hugging the old chef. “You really do have a nice house.”

“Mansion, but thank you, my dear.” Rossi teased. He shook Hotch’s hand at the door.

Jordan and Stan helped Alex clear the glasses before heading home. Alex sighed as she looked back at the circular drive illuminated like a beacon, a lonely castle in the night sky. She never really hated the house, it just held too many memories to live in it any longer. It was better to visit, rarely.

March 13, 2017 7:18am

Dr. Reid found Coach Morgan in the Main Office before school, his shoulders hunched in his FBI windbreaker. The inquisitive man didn’t know how he was going to explain his impulse to offer to help with an athlete, but something had put his feet in motion. Perhaps it was everything that had happened to students this school year, perhaps it was a distraction. Whatever it was, it wasn’t leaving Spencer Reid to sit by the wayside.

“Coach?” Spencer said, despite his croaking voice.

“Hey, Reid. What’s up?” Morgan’s full attention was now on Spencer.

“Listen, I heard, about young Mr. Heathridge,” Spencer began as Derek nodded. “I was wondering, maybe, if I could talk to him?”

“Uh, sure, I guess. But Reid, what exactly do you know about the situation that I don’t?”

“Though I am sure you are versed in the lasting effects of such doses, I may be able to appeal to him on a different level.”

“And what level is that?” Derek straightened his posture, eyeing the science teacher now.

“As an addict.” Spencer let it sink in. “Now, obviously I wasn’t taking steroids or performance enhancers, if, we are being generous. I have a problem with Dilaudid, which is like heroin. I know what its like to take something to make life easier.”

“Wow, man. How long have you been clean?”

“Three years, seven months and eighteen days.” Spencer said instantly.

“So right before you started teaching?” Derek said after a few moments of heavy silence.

“Pretty much.” Spencer waited.

“Does anybody know about this?” Derek asked gently.

“Hotch does, President Strauss, uh, found out, and I am sure some of the students do, or have guessed.”

“Let me think about it?” Derek answered finally. “I want to help Andrew, but I don’t want to leave you vulnerable, if it backfires.”

“Derek,” Spencer said, was this the first time he had used the coach’s first name? “I need to help. I can’t let another student falter, not when I could have done something.”

“Okay, man.” Derek smirked in admiration, patting Spencer robustly on the back.

Very Special Thanks to Cassie @mentallydatingspencerreid,

Meg @imagicana , and Loki @ay-nako!!!

@ddreammcatcher @ultrarebelheart @lightbluelester @criminal-anatomy @captainreid @thebadyears @amarislestrange @shaelyn102 @badasprentiss @fl0werb0nes18 @inestava @sam-carter-in-training @wonderboygenius @fortheloveofpearlet @valentina-pendragon-blog @imarockstar45 @chocok22 @cynbx @fairymega @madamredwrites @doctorspencerreidrp @mindsunleashed @dontshootmespence @bookofreid @marvelfanlife @welp-there-it-is @ilikeitwhenyousleepforyouareso @remember-me-forever-silent-angel @original-criminal-fanfics @derpyprentiss @olicia-leeshy @lookwhatyoumademequeue @veroinnumera @sarahkay-19 @sammles27 @lesbian-asajj @teatimewithtiya @braziliangirlonasharkcity @alienlynz @janam03 @nobravery @clockworkballerina

@whymesswperfection @hagridsmumhasgotitgoingon @brooke0297 @xxmaddhatter39xx @gurliest @handpaintedgalaxy @kxlley

@krazykendraisnotinsane @bat-crazydoll8 @hownottobeaheartbreaker @captainreid @beereadsthings @prettyboysjello @megsi98 @criminal-prentiss @eternaldarknessiscool

@loadingdelete

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unixcommerce · 5 years ago

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15 Non-Intrusive Ways Employees Can Help With Branding

People who work daily with the company’s services and products have insights that can’t be found anywhere else. However, if a business owner were to come out and pitch the idea of having employees help with branding, a number of team members might feel uncomfortable or out of their depth.

Helping employees to feel more engaged with branding efforts requires tact, understanding and the right approach. That’s why we asked 15 members of Young Entrepreneur Council the following:

What is one way you can encourage employees to help with branding efforts, without coming across as demanding or intrusive?

Employee Branding Examples

Here’s what they had to say:

1. Create Committees

Each quarter we allocate committees to take on various new branding and marketing initiatives. These don’t take away from daily tasks but are projects that help build our brand. We give them a budget and allow them to individually set goals. At the end of the quarter we have a team day where these committees present their work. The team enjoys the structure and we get a lot of great projects done. – Tony Scherba, Yeti

2. Make Them Proud

Our team is small, but we have been fortunate enough to be a part of some really amazing conferences around the world. Being able to travel and enjoy these experiences has made our team proud to be with us. With that comes their own desire to help our branding effort. They understand that the better we are doing, and the more our brand becomes known, the more opportunities we will have. – Zach Binder, Bell + Ivy

3. Showcase Your Talent

Invite your employees to be a showcase for the talent your business offers. You can host a personal interview session with each individual that is then streamed on the corporate website and media. Employees will likely get excited to be recognized for their successes and will share this content with others. Prospects might identify with one of your employees and reach out to them directly. – Jared Weitz, United Capital Source Inc.

4. Ask Them to Write Career Tips

I ask my employees, mainly software developers, to write career tips and we share those on LinkedIn, Medium and other media. It helps us propagate our brand among developers. The staff is enthusiastic about writing such type of content since it relates to their current job and it’s easy to write. It helps us attract more applicants for our job requirements. – Piyush Jain, SIMpalm

5. Hold a Casual Meeting

You can set up a short, casual meeting with your team to discuss branding and see what new ideas you come up with. You don’t have to push them to become brand ambassadors. Rather, you want to get them excited thinking about the branding possibilities of the future. Encourage them to create their best ideas. You can even offer a prize to the person with the best idea. – Stephanie Wells, Formidable Forms

6. Workshop It (And Make It Fun)

Hold a workshop and make it fun. Keep it short and sweet (one to two hours) and stimulate imagination and discussion. For example, I ask employees to bring an object that represents their vision for the brand and an image that represents the personality of the brand. Employees describe their show-and-tell items. Then I’ll take all of the input and lay out brand attributes, benefits, values and essence. – Robby Scott Berthume, Bull & Beard

7. Create Sustainable Incentives

People are more likely to change jobs than they were 20 years ago, owing to the growth of various industries and disruptors. If you want employees to participate in company branding, create extrinsic reasons for them to do so. Praise people who participate in company charity runs via email, track who joins on LinkedIn or other social media, and reward them with practical, stylish swag. – Duran Inci, Optimum7

8. Invest in Company Swag

If you want your employees to help with branding efforts, invest in company swag. Every year we give our employees quality, branded apparel like T-shirts, sweaters, hats and so on. Our employees appreciate the free gifts and they’ll wear their company swag out and about, which is a great way to increase brand awareness. – Thomas Griffin, OptinMonster

9. Ask for Feedback

When you ask for your team’s feedback on branding items they will start to enjoy getting more involved with the brand, and this is the best way to get them introduced with the idea of helping with the brand’s initiatives. Also, having a lot of social media images with team members is a good way to get them sharing, especially when they are tagged in the company photos. – Nicole Munoz, Nicole Munoz Consulting, Inc.

10. Gamify the Experience

Create a game where employees share company posts and try to get the most engagement on their share. The employees that get the most engagement at the end of the quarter get a bonus in the form of an Amazon gift card. Gamification improves customer experiences, but it can also encourage your employees to get involved with the business. – John Turner, SeedProd LLC

11. Get Them Involved in the Creative Process

Get the whole team involved in the brand-building efforts. What I mean by that is not just asking them to repost something from a corporate Facebook page but actually making them an integral part of the process. Recently, we’ve started filming a YouTube series with our people being the key figures in each episode. It’s engaging, it’s fun, everybody loves it, and it works great for our brand. – Solomon Thimothy, OneIMS

12. Have Them Share Content They Found Helpful

We ask our employees to share our content on the same grounds that ask consumers to share our posts. As a general rule, if you found one of our posts helpful, we would like it if you could share what you found with your friends. We don’t monitor our employees on social media because we hire individuals who are predispositioned to want to share our posts because they found value. – Chris Christoff, MonsterInsights

13. Ask Them to Update Their Professional Profiles

Most people already have public and professional social media profiles. You can ask them help you with your branding by including information about your company on LinkedIn and other places. You can help by creating a template or a format which they can follow that reflects your brand well. – Syed Balkhi, WPBeginner

14. Create a Social Media Training Program

Branding is essential for social media as much as any other platform, and you can use this to create a social media branding program. It’ll teach your team how to apply branding strategies to your company’s social media accounts so they build experience and help with branding as a whole. – Jared Atchison, WPForms

15. Create Graphics for Social Media They Can Use

You can make it easier for your employees to help brand your company by creating awesome graphics they can use. This removes additional effort needed for them to create posts on social media. By making fun and “cool” graphics, it’s possible to build a sense of pride and willingness to help with your business’s branding. – Blair Williams, MemberPress

Image: Depositphotos.com

This article, “15 Non-Intrusive Ways Employees Can Help With Branding” was first published on Small Business Trends

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flauntpage · 6 years ago

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Your Monday Morning Roundup

What do the Phillies’ offense and newly acquired second baseman Asdrubal Cabrera have in common? They did nothing this weekend.

After Thursday night’s big offensive outburst, the team saw their production dwindle each night after. Beginning with Friday, Odubel Herrera’s two-run shot gave the Phils a 2-1 lead in the top of the third. But the Reds scored five more times en route to a 6-4 Cincinnati win, despite Nick Pivetta striking out 12 in six innings of work. He did give up a three-run homer in the fourth and gave up six hits. But maybe some patience can go a long way. Roman Quinn also appeared in the game after being called up earlier in the day. He grounded out to third in the seventh during his only at-bat of the weekend.

The same thing happened on Saturday. Rhys Hoskins hit his seventh homer in eight games with a two-run bomb in the top of the fourth to give the Phils a 2-1 lead. But those were the only runs the team would score, as Cincinnati scored five more times for a 6-2 Reds win. Vince Velasquez had an okay start, giving up two runs off six hits and five walks while striking out four batters in five innings.

Yesterday, the offense did nothing on eight hits. Zach Eflin gave up three runs in the bottom of the third as the Reds took the 4-0 win. Eflin went 5 1/3 innings and gave up all four runs off seven hits with four strikeouts.

As for the trade deadline, which is tomorrow, cross Adam Jones’ name off the list:

there was a chance to go to Philly, but Adam Jones has decided to stay in Baltimore (at least for now) due to reasons of family, friends, fans and his charity. can't blame him for that. tough call, he appreciates the interest. possibility to revisit after the deadline also.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 29, 2018

Does that mean more opportunities for Roman Quinn?

The Phils begin a short two-game series with the Red Sox at Fenway tonight at 7:10 PM on NBC Sports Philadelphia and nationally on ESPN. Aaron Nola will take the mound against David Price.

Finally, former Phillie Jim Thome was officially inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame yesterday.

Before we continue, a word from our sponsors:

Legal. Check out Krasno, Krasno and Onwudinjo when you need a workers’ compensation or social security attorney.

Important summer baseball is back. It’s Phillies season. Shop now.

Fresh. The best meal delivery service, without question. Sign up for Hello Fresh now and get $40 off your first two boxes.

Amazon. If you shop Amazon, support your favorite website and use our link.

The Roundup:

Training Camp at NovaCare continued over the weekend. The Birds added two more players in Adam Reth and DeAndre Carter that definitely won’t make the final 53-man roster. The current roster is at the maximum 90 players.

On Friday, the team practiced the new kickoff rule for the first time, Jim Schwartz spoke about the defense, and Malcolm Jenkins had some choice words about Jerry Jones.

The team practiced in pads Saturday and Sunday. I’m down there for KYW, but here’s some notes I have:

Carson Wentz participated in some 11v11 drills on Saturday. He didn’t participate in 11v11 drills on Sunday. Doug Pederson said that was part of the plan. I have no doubt he starts Week 1 against the Falcons, but there’s plenty of rust to get rid of.

Pederson also had the moment of the weekend at Mike Groh’s press conference Saturday:

Doug Pederson, scarfing down water ice, crashes OC Mike Groh’s presser. “Any timetable on Carson?” pic.twitter.com/aRqBw0iZFt

— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) July 28, 2018

On offense, Dallas Goedert is going to be fun to watch as the second tight end. He’s a very athletic pass catcher and made some veteran-like catches during the past two days.

Mike Wallace is going to be the most underrated free agent signing of the offseason.

Despite being known to drop plenty of balls last year, Shelton Gibson has definitely improved in catching the ball, including making a spectacular deep ball catch with Malcolm Jenkins and Ronald Darby draped over him yesterday. But he’s still dropping some easy passes.

Kamar Aiken drops passes as well. But he’s a veteran on a tryout. Different, and he probably won’t make the team. Markus Wheaton probably will.

I do like Rashard Davis as a wideout, but I don’t think there’ll be a roster spot open for him. He’s a practice squad candidate. Same with Greg Ward, but he has a better chance of getting a roster spot than Davis.

Isaac Seumalo has snapped the ball high when he was getting reps at center. Chance Warmack was quickly yanked to start 11v11s yesterday in favor of Matt Pryor. The sixth-round pick has shown plenty of flashes so far. Wouldn’t be shocked if Warmack or Seumalo, or both, aren’t on the final roster.

Defensively, Jalen Mills has definitely improved from last season. He and Ronald Darby started all four days as the outside corners.

As for the nickel corner, it’s alternated between Sidney Jones and De’Vante Bausby. If I had to say who would be leading at this point, I’d give the slight edge to Jones.

Tre Sullivan looks like he’ll be the third safety after Jenkins and Rodney McLeod. That is unless the team brings back Corey Graham after training camp.

Jordan Hicks looks fine. Let’s hope he doesn’t get injured again. Nate Gerry took some snaps at WILL linebacker spot, along with Corey Nelson. Joe Walker got some snaps at the MIKE position.

Destiny Vaeao is getting first-team reps over Haloti Ngata alongside Fletcher Cox at defensive tackle. Tim Jernigan is still out and hasn’t even been on the field to watch practices.

Fourth-round pick Josh Sweat had a nice swat of Nate Sudfeld during 11v11s on Sunday.

Cameron Johnson can boom punts, but can also shank some. I’m surprised the team didn’t bring in another punter just for competition. Donnie Jones is still a free agent.

Injury updates: Brandon Brooks missed yesterday with an illness, but he’s fine. Tight end Adam Zaruba was carted off early yesterday. Bryce Treggs might come back this week.

After practice on Sunday, a lot of the players discussed the new helmet rule, which will probably be very confusing to everybody involved with football.

Don’t be surprised if the Eagles make one or two trades as well.

In non-training camp news, a guy ran Philly Special at a gender reveal party.

Finally, a pro lacrosse player who’s from Philadelphia used the water bottle trick to pretend he’s peeing on the Cowboys’ star at their practice facility before a game last night.

The Sixers brought back Demetrius Jackson on another two-way contract, which means the roster is probably set barring any trades. Jackson and Shake Milton are the two guys on two-way deals.

The team’s Summer Shore Tour returns to South Jersey later in August.

Following that in September, the team’s Delaware G-League affiliate will hold open tryouts.

Adidas publicly unveiled the Flyers’ black third jersey, which we’ve already known for about a month or even longer.

Broad Street goin’ Black & Orange. #adizero #NHL @NHLFlyers pic.twitter.com/HSaPaV5spm

— adidas Hockey (@adidashockey) July 26, 2018

The Fusion, the city’s professional Overwatch team, participated in the Overwatch League final this weekend. They got swept by the London Spitfire. Are e-sports really the future?

In other sports news, Dez Bryant ripped on the Cowboys.

Sean Newcomb nearly pitched a no-hitter yesterday. But someone found old racist and homophobic tweets.

Trea Turner had the same thing happen.

In the news, hundreds of teens fought near Temple and damaged property.

3D printed guns are banned in Pennsylvania.

The post Your Monday Morning Roundup appeared first on Crossing Broad.

Your Monday Morning Roundup published first on https://footballhighlightseurope.tumblr.com/

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junker-town · 7 years ago

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Here's everything athletes and teams are doing to help victims of Hurricane Harvey in Houston

Athletes are rising to the occasion in the wake of Hurricane Harvey’s devastation of Houston. The city’s emergency response has been overloaded and it’s difficult to get calls through, families remained trapped in their houses, and for others lucky enough to escape, they don’t know what their neighborhoods will look like when they’re able to return.

There are a great many charities you can support to help efforts in Houston. We’ve compiled a list of the major national and local organizations leading efforts. In addition, here are what athletes are doing in the area to assist.

Charities

J.J. Watt

It's extremely difficult to have to watch the events of Hurricane Harvey unfold on TV and not be able to get back to Houston to help with the recovery efforts. I've set up a fundraiser so that we can raise as much money as possible to help our communities and the families of our great city rebuild. Any donation that you can spare, no matter how large or small, no matter what city or state you live in, is greatly appreciated. We will come out of this stronger than ever. http://ift.tt/2wBnPGV #TexasForever

A post shared by JJ Watt (@justinjames99) on Aug 27, 2017 at 2:19pm PDT

The Texans defensive end began a page on YouCaring to raise money for the victims. He initially set a $500,000 goal, which was quickly eclipsed. At this time it has raised over $32 million, including a $100,000 donation from Watt himself, and a $50,000 from Chris Paul.

Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Struck also donated $1 million to Watt’s efforts to help Houston.

Broncos players and the Broncos organization

Houston native Emmanuel Sanders spearheaded a $87,500 donation from Broncos players, an amount that was matched by the team.

“We could not be more proud of Emmanuel Sanders and his teammates for stepping up and taking the initiative to help those affected by Hurricane Harvey,” Broncos President and CEO Joe Ellis said.

Texans owner Bob McNair and the NFL

The owner of the Houston Texans has pledged $1 million to assist relief efforts with a donation to the United Way of Greater Houston Flood Relief Fund. The NFL announced it would match McNair’s donation to assist.

Rams owner Stan Kroenke

Stan Kroenke and his family donated $1 million to the Red Cross for relief efforts.

"Our family’s thoughts are with all those affected by Hurricane Harvey,” Ann Walton Kroenke, Stan’s wife, said.

Mike Trout

The Angels All-Star is donating $27,000, based on his jersey number to relief efforts.

#HurricaneHarvey: https://t.co/gAUToFeaKU | @RedCross http://pic.twitter.com/tfurT627Zs

— Mike Trout (@MikeTrout) August 29, 2017

Houston Astros

The Astros have donated $4 million to efforts in the area. Owner Jim Crane released the following statement.

"We are committed to doing our part to provide aid and assistance to the thousands of Houston-area residents that are desperately in need right now," Crane stated. "We encourage others in our region and beyond to help out in any way that they can."

They have also partnered with MLB to donate all parking, concessions, and ticket revenue from this weekend’s three-game series against the Rangers to relief efforts.

Ezekiel Elliott

The Cowboys running back is challenging people to donate. He kicked things off with a $21,000 dollar donation, in recognition of his jersey number.

Hey Cowboys nation. No matter what team you’re rooting for, we’re all rooting for those affected by Hurricane Harvey. That’s why I’m donating $21,000 to The Salvation Army to support victims of this disaster. And I challenge my friends and all of Cowboys nation to join me in this fight. It doesn’t matter how much you can give, whether it’s $21, or $210, or $21,000 – 100% of all donations will go directly to food, shelter, and other relief efforts. And I’d like to personally challenge @_4dak , @dezbryant and @realdeal2_83 to join the fight by making a significant contribution at helpsalvationarmy.org. #harvey2017 #cowboys #cowboysnation #hurricaneharvey #harveyrelief #doingthemostgood #salvationarmy

A post shared by Ezekiel Elliott (@ezekielelliott) on Aug 28, 2017 at 4:10pm PDT

Money went to The Salvation Army, and he’s asking fans to take part by donating in variants of his number as well.

Houston Rockets

Rockets owner Leslie Alexander initially pledged $4 million to relief, matching the Astros’ donation — but upped that on Tuesday to $10 million. The team’s initial statement said:

"Out hearts are heavy seeing the devastation that so many of our friends, family and neighbors are experiencing," the Rockets said in a statement. "Leslie Alexander has contributed $4 million to Mayor Sylvester Turner's Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund in an effort to help Clutch City come back stronger than ever. Please stay safe, Houston."

Matt Carpenter

The Cardinals’ Matt Carpenter is pledging $10,000 for every home run he hits for the rest of the season, and will send it towards relief efforts in Houston.

From now till the rest of the season we will donate 10,000 dollars for every Homerun I hit to help aid the relief efforts in Houston

— Matt Carpenter (@MattCarp13) August 28, 2017

Scott Kazmir

Scott Kazmir, who currently plays for the Dodgers but was raised in Houston, is contributing to multiple organizations. Kazmir is donating $10k each to the Houston SPCA, the Coalition for Homeless, and the Houston Food Bank.

In addition, he is sending $100k to the Bayou City Fellowship.

The Rock

Dwayne Johnson took up Kevin Hart’s “Hurrican Harvey Challenge” by donating $25,000, with additional donations to come from Johnson’s different companies. He also sent a message to people displaced by the storm.

Stay strong Houston and hold onto faith. Me and my family know what you're going thru. We survived the eye of Andrew and became stronger - so will you. All my love and strength. * Link in my bio in you can donate a buck or two to our Houston families in need.

A post shared by therock (@therock) on Aug 28, 2017 at 4:27pm PDT

Leonard Fournette

The new Jacksonville Jaguars running back was 10 years old when Hurricane Katrina ripped through his home town of New Orleans. So he knows exactly what kind of devastation that can cause and donated $50,000 to the relief efforts.

Donating 50,000 to the people in Houston, y'all are in my prayers, we went through Katrina we know the feeling God bless.....

— 7⃣ Leonard Fournette (@_fournette) August 30, 2017

The NHL

The National Hockey League and their players’ association are donating $200,000 to the American Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity. The NHL’s closest team, the Dallas Stars, play 240 miles away from Houston. The money donated will support relief efforts in Houston.

NHL and NHLPA donate $200,000 to Harvey flooding relief. Funds will be directed to @RedCross & @Habitat_org. https://t.co/7N87vyHaPI http://pic.twitter.com/Vzpjn3TDxN

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) August 30, 2017

Jay Bruce

Cleveland Indian Jay Bruce, a Beaumont native, and his wife Hannah are matching donations up to $100,000 towards Harvey relief through September 10th to help Southeast Texas communities.

So far, fans have contributed $18,000 to Cleveland Indians Charities which is all going towards hurricane-related aid in Texas through the same date in Texas. A quick look at Bruce’s social media reveals how important these efforts are for him.

An awesome, off-field in-game update: In the last 24 hours, we've raised $18K! Keep it going -- Jay is matching up to $100K! https://t.co/oNxkYmGjN5

— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) August 30, 2017

Zach Bogosian

The Buffalo Sabres defenseman is using his own charity, The Bogo Bunch Foundation, to raise money for the Houston Food Bank.

Sabres' Zach Bogosian and @TheBogoBunch create Go Fund Me page to raise money for Houston Food Bank. #HarveyRelief https://t.co/yFNDm4eTly

— John Vogl (@BuffNewsVogl) August 31, 2017

Direct assistance.

Clint Capela

The Rockets forward was trying to use his social media following to directly link trapped people in need of aid with first responders. Many in Houston reported difficulty getting calls through jammed 911 lines, so Capela asked for people trapped in the area to tweet at him, which he would then amplify.

Tweet me and I'll share as many emergency situations as I can. Stay safe Houston.

— Clint Capela (@CapelaClint) August 27, 2017

Capela has been tirelessly re-tweeting messages, pulling calls of distress from Facebook and trying to link people up with responders. In addition, he’s received numerous volunteers with boats who are willing to help rescue stranded families, and he is amplifying their messages too.

Thanks for your help! Rescue trucks have reached my family. http://pic.twitter.com/nVJTsxZ90U

— cindy romano (@sin_sindy) August 28, 2017

Gerald Green

Green put out the call on Monday that he needed assistance. The NBA player and Houston native was driving around the area in his truck, and asked for anyone with a boat to contact him so they could assist families stranded.

Get at me ASAP!

A post shared by Gerald Green (@g.green14) on Aug 28, 2017 at 9:42am PDT

Since this post there have not been any updates as to whether Green was successful.

The Tampa Bay Rays

The Astros and Rangers will play their three-game series this week in St. Petersburg at Tropicana Field instead of in Houston. The Rays decided to do more than just allow the two Texas teams to use their facilities:

All ticket, concessions and parking revenues from this three-game series are being donated to Hurricane Harvey relief efforts.

— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) August 29, 2017

Kelvin Sampson and Todd Whitting

University of Houston men’s basketball coach Kelvin Sampson challenged the basketball community to pitch in and donate shirts and shoes to those in need. This week starts school for many affected communities and his call for donations aims to provide clothing for those who lost everything in the floods.

Offers and shipments are already rolling in, and baseball coach Todd Whitting put out the same challenge to the collegiate baseball community as well.

A request to our baseball community around the country. #HoustonStrong http://pic.twitter.com/Td4Veamyhr

— Todd Whitting (@toddwhitting) August 29, 2017

Whitting’s thread has already elicited many replies from teams getting involved.

Max Scherzer

Scherzer and his wife Erica are helping in a way that doesn’t seem like an obvious need at first. Some animals that have been rescued from the Houston area are being relocated to Washington D.C. and the Humane Rescue Alliance needs to make room for the incoming rescues.

To achieve their goal of making space, they are asking people to come adopt the current animals living at the shelters. In order to make this as easy as possible for anyone who is thinking about adopting, the Scherzers are covering all adoption fees until the end of the weekend.

With 100 animals currently up for adoption, the total amount covered could easily reach $2-3,000.

If you are able to help please consider donating to one of these charities who are assisting in the cleanup of Houston.

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anacia30 · 7 years ago

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Throwback Thursday: Ryan Murphy on Wheels

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2009/11/exclusive-ryan-murphy-calls-tonights-episode-of-glee-a-game-changer.html

Exclusive: Ryan Murphy calls tonight's episode of 'Glee' a 'game changer'

If you are one of those TV viewers who think “Glee” is just about funny lines and amazing music — and there’s nothing wrong with that — you’re in for a surprising ride tonight when the hit Fox show returns after its three-week hiatus.

In previous episodes, “Glee” has hinted at its big heart: Remember Kurt (Chris Colfer) coming out to his father and Finn (Cory Monteith) learning that his girlfriend is pregnant and crying on his teacher’s shoulders? Weepy stuff. But tonight’s episode is a game-changer for the off-beat series about an underdog glee club, guaranteed to make you laugh, cry and probably dance a little, all the while answering burning questions about Artie (Kevin McHale) Sue (Jane Lynch) and Tina (Jenna Ushkowitz) and showing off the vocal talents of Rachel (Lea Michele) and Kurt in a Diva-Off.

Overcoming emotional and physical disabilities is the central theme of tonight’s episode, titled “Wheels,” which showcases McHale, who plays the wheelchair-bound Artie, and reveals in a fresh way the daunting challenges some people face in their everyday lives. Filmed last spring and directed by Emmy winner Paris Barclay, the emotional episode kept the actors and crew in tears throughout its entire production and, according to creator Ryan Murphy, had long-term effects on its three writers.

“This episode is the turning point for the show,” he said during a recent telephone interview. “Certainly, after this, it remains a comedy, and it’s fun. But writing this made me feel the responsibility of showing the truth of the pain that outcasts go through. It’s not all razzle-dazzle show business. It’s tough, and it’s painful, and it was for me growing up, and it is for most people. So I think this made me realize that amid the fun and the glamour, it’s really great now and again to show the underbelly of what people who are different feel.”

Things kick off with Artie’s first solo, a confident, wheelchair-bound bop to the Nouvelle Vague version of Billy Idol’s “Dancing With Myself.” The number is a response to a prior scene in which his fellow glee clubbers dismiss the idea of paying extra for a special wheel-chair accessible bus so that Artie can ride with them to sectionals. They assume he won’t mind riding with his dad – only he does.

“ ’Dancing With Myself’ is where Artie gets to break away from being misunderstood by everyone,” McHale said. “It’s where he gets to express himself. He's actually a very secure guy – you know, he does rap! – and he doesn’t usually care what anyone else thinks. But here’s an instance where his friends have taken for granted the fact that he’s in a wheelchair. So this performance is all about him saying, ‘Look, this is who I am, and this is who I want to be.’ ”

McHale, formerly of the boy band Not Like Them, said it didn’t take him long to adjust acting (and singing and dancing) in a wheelchair – “I do have to concentrate on keeping my legs still and laid to one side,” he said -- but that the role has made him more aware of the challenges other people face.

“It’s a completely different side of life,” he said.

“More than ever, I realize how grateful I am to be able to get up between each take and walk around. I’m glad that I can represent that kind of life on television so millions of people see it every week. And the whole point of it is to show that Artie can still do everything everyone else can that matters.”

McHale’s co-stars also got a taste of not being able to use their legs. To make them appreciate what Artie goes through daily, Mr. Schuester (Matthew Morrison) subjects all the glee clubbers to wheelchairs for a week. Murphy ordered a range of different-style wheelchairs – from the hospital kind to racing varieties – to give them the full effect. And the episode ends in a romping rendition of Tina Turner’s version of “Proud Mary,” set on a stage with skateboard-style ramps that took some getting used to for everyone except McHale.

Murphy told choreographer Zach Woodlee that he didn’t want to make it easy for the cast members by letting them stand up and leave their wheelchairs during the number.

“Artie doesn’t get to get up ever, so I didn’t want anyone to get up,” said Murphy, who wanted viewers to see the effort that comes with performing in a wheelchair.

“If it looked too fun and easy, it wouldn’t read right,” Woodlee said. “Ryan really wanted people to understand what Artie deals with.”

That means those sweaty faces are the real deal.

“Yeah, that wasn’t acting,” McHale said with a laugh. “Lea had the wheelchair from hell. I don’t know if she was missing safety locks or what, but every time she leaned back, she would fall. She fell more than the rest of us.”

Not that they didn’t have fun making up moves for their new wheels. At one point in the number, the kids nearly bring the house down when they start rocking their chairs from side to side, hard.

“We did it as a joke at first, and we were all laughing hysterically because it was as close to the real Tina Turner moves as we could get,” McHale said. “But then we all thought it looked awesome and everyone loved it, so it stayed in.”

Speaking of rocking out, “Wheels” also features the show choir’s first diva off, a battle royale between Rachel and Kurt. The idea was born when Colfer shared with Murphy how he had begged his high school drama department to let him perform his favorite song, “Defying Gravity,” and he was denied every year because he’s male.

“I told him, ‘Well, you came to the right show runner, mister,’ ” Murphy said. “And I found a way to write it into the show because that’s in a nutshell what this show is about: someone being told that they can’t do something because of what the perception of them is as opposed to what their real ability is.”

Because the episode was so time-consuming and emotional for the actors, the producers held a special screening for them. Having the chance to finally sing the showstopper from “Wicked” “really meant the world to me,” Colfer wrote in an e-mail to The Times this month.

“It's absolutely terrifying to watch yourself do something you've dreamed about for such a long time,” he wrote. “I know I'm definitely not the best singer, but I think the message, the story behind the song about defying limits and borders placed by others, hopefully all that gets across with the performance. Although I do some very ‘Kurtsy’ things in the song, it's probably one of the most honest and close-to-heart scenes I've ever filmed or performed for that matter.”

“Wheels” launched a discussion among the show’s cast that Murphy hopes will continue with the audience.

“If anything else, I hope kids who are that age can see that episode and maybe realize how hard it is for some people that they make fun of or tease,” Murphy said. “As we go forward, this episode has reverberations for the whole season.”

That doesn’t mean the series will lose its edge and grow into an after-school special. In the coming weeks, Jonathan Groff (“Spring Awakening”) will join the cast as the lead singer of rival glee club Vocal Adrenaline, and “Dollhouse” creator Joss Whedon will direct one episode. Because of the way fans have responded to the show’s music — 2.6 million downloads on iTunes since the series premiered — Murphy said future episodes will contain even more song and dance numbers.

The laughs will still prevail, even if in three weeks viewers find themselves moved by a deaf choir’s rendition of John Lennon’s “Imagine” and the two actresses with Down's Syndrome introduced tonight stay for recurring roles.

“This is a comedy first and foremost,” Murphy said. “But we see the obligation to go deeper. This isn’t just a genre show to me. It’s about the desperate need for a place in the world and how we all fit in and how hard it is for some people to get by.”

-- Maria Elena Fernandez and Denise Martin

#tdb rewatch #tdb tbt #tdb wheels #ryan murphy #chris colfer #kevin mchale

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unixcommerce · 5 years ago

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15 Non-Intrusive Ways Employees Can Help With Branding

Helping employees to feel more engaged with branding efforts requires tact, understanding and the right approach. That’s why we asked 15 members of Young Entrepreneur Council the following:

What is one way you can encourage employees to help with branding efforts, without coming across as demanding or intrusive?

Employee Branding Examples

Here’s what they had to say:

1. Create Committees

2. Make Them Proud

3. Showcase Your Talent

4. Ask Them to Write Career Tips

5. Hold a Casual Meeting

6. Workshop It (And Make It Fun)

7. Create Sustainable Incentives

8. Invest in Company Swag

9. Ask for Feedback

10. Gamify the Experience

11. Get Them Involved in the Creative Process

12. Have Them Share Content They Found Helpful

13. Ask Them to Update Their Professional Profiles

14. Create a Social Media Training Program

15. Create Graphics for Social Media They Can Use

Image: Depositphotos.com

This article, “15 Non-Intrusive Ways Employees Can Help With Branding” was first published on Small Business Trends

https://smallbiztrends.com/

The post 15 Non-Intrusive Ways Employees Can Help With Branding appeared first on Unix Commerce.

from WordPress https://ift.tt/2FVEdot via IFTTT

#IFTTT #WordPress

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junker-town · 7 years ago

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Here's everything athletes and teams are doing to help victims of Hurricane Harvey in Houston

Charities

J.J. Watt

A post shared by JJ Watt (@justinjames99) on Aug 27, 2017 at 2:19pm PDT

The Texans defensive end began a page on YouCaring to raise money for the victims. He initially set a $500,000 goal, which was quickly eclipsed. At this time it has raised over $27 million, including a $100,000 donation from Watt himself, and a $50,000 from Chris Paul.

Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Struck also donated $1 million to Watt’s efforts to help Houston.

Texans owner Bob McNair and the NFL.

Rams owner Stan Kroenke

Kroenke also donated $1 million, to the Red Cross:

The #Rams announce that the Kroenke family will donate $1 million to Red Cross relief efforts in Houston.

— Ryan Kartje (@Ryan_Kartje) September 6, 2017

Mike Trout

The Angels All-Star is donating $27,000, based on his jersey number to relief efforts.

#HurricaneHarvey: https://t.co/gAUToFeaKU | @RedCross http://pic.twitter.com/tfurT627Zs

— Mike Trout (@MikeTrout) August 29, 2017

Houston Astros

The Astros have donated $4 million to efforts in the area. Owner Jim Crane released the following statement.

They have also partnered with MLB to donate all parking, concessions, and ticket revenue from this weekend’s three-game series against the Rangers to relief efforts.

Ezekiel Elliott

The Cowboys running back is challenging people to donate. He kicked things off with a $21,000 dollar donation, in recognition of his jersey number.

A post shared by Ezekiel Elliott (@ezekielelliott) on Aug 28, 2017 at 4:10pm PDT

Money went to The Salvation Army, and he’s asking fans to take part by donating in variants of his number as well.

Houston Rockets

Rockets owner Leslie Alexander initially pledged $4 million to relief, matching the Astros’ donation — but upped that on Tuesday to $10 million. The team’s initial statement said:

Matt Carpenter

The Cardinals’ Matt Carpenter is pledging $10,000 for every home run he hits for the rest of the season, and will send it towards relief efforts in Houston.

From now till the rest of the season we will donate 10,000 dollars for every Homerun I hit to help aid the relief efforts in Houston

— Matt Carpenter (@MattCarp13) August 28, 2017

Scott Kazmir

In addition, he is sending $100k to the Bayou City Fellowship.

The Rock

A post shared by therock (@therock) on Aug 28, 2017 at 4:27pm PDT

Leonard Fournette

Donating 50,000 to the people in Houston, y'all are in my prayers, we went through Katrina we know the feeling God bless.....

— 7⃣ Leonard Fournette (@_fournette) August 30, 2017

The NHL

NHL and NHLPA donate $200,000 to Harvey flooding relief. Funds will be directed to @RedCross & @Habitat_org. https://t.co/7N87vyHaPI http://pic.twitter.com/Vzpjn3TDxN

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) August 30, 2017

Jay Bruce

Cleveland Indian Jay Bruce, a Beaumont native, and his wife Hannah are matching donations up to $100,000 towards Harvey relief through September 10th to help Southeast Texas communities.

An awesome, off-field in-game update: In the last 24 hours, we've raised $18K! Keep it going -- Jay is matching up to $100K! https://t.co/oNxkYmGjN5

— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) August 30, 2017

Zach Bogosian

The Buffalo Sabres defenseman is using his own charity, The Bogo Bunch Foundation, to raise money for the Houston Food Bank.

Sabres' Zach Bogosian and @TheBogoBunch create Go Fund Me page to raise money for Houston Food Bank. #HarveyRelief https://t.co/yFNDm4eTly

— John Vogl (@BuffNewsVogl) August 31, 2017

Direct assistance.

Clint Capela

Tweet me and I'll share as many emergency situations as I can. Stay safe Houston.

— Clint Capela (@CapelaClint) August 27, 2017

Thanks for your help! Rescue trucks have reached my family. http://pic.twitter.com/nVJTsxZ90U

— cindy romano (@sin_sindy) August 28, 2017

Gerald Green

Get at me ASAP!

A post shared by Gerald Green (@g.green14) on Aug 28, 2017 at 9:42am PDT

Since this post there have not been any updates as to whether Green was successful.

The Tampa Bay Rays

All ticket, concessions and parking revenues from this three-game series are being donated to Hurricane Harvey relief efforts.

— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) August 29, 2017

Kelvin Sampson and Todd Whitting

Offers and shipments are already rolling in, and baseball coach Todd Whitting put out the same challenge to the collegiate baseball community as well.

A request to our baseball community around the country. #HoustonStrong http://pic.twitter.com/Td4Veamyhr

— Todd Whitting (@toddwhitting) August 29, 2017

Whitting’s thread has already elicited many replies from teams getting involved.

Max Scherzer

With 100 animals currently up for adoption, the total amount covered could easily reach $2-3,000.

If you are able to help please consider donating to one of these charities who are assisting in the cleanup of Houston.

0 notes