#we truly are mac's fan club this days i love it

[barbiehytes]

Could you help me... I’m trying to find a branjie fic- where Brook runs a dance company, Vanessa is one of the dancers, kameron injured her leg but is thinking of returning to joint own the company with Brook. Blair is a costume designer (her and Kameron get along well) and Ninex is in it to?

Hiii babe!!! 💖💖💖💖

Is To New Hytes by the incredible @imalwaysaslutfordrag, here's the link!!!

Have a nice day and nice reading! 😘😘😘

[heatherjeff]

2020 Book List

It has been ages since I have written and, like everyone else, there seems to be a bit more unstructured time in my everyday life. It makes perfect sense the impetus for a return to blogging is books, reading is fundamental! 

My friend, KDaddy, annually shares the list of books he’s read. The first time I noticed his list I was thrilled, took notes, commented on how happy I was, and proceeded to read many of his recommendations. When it became clear 2020 was going to be a little different books became an even bigger part of my days as well as an escape from the grind of the news and the pandemic.

When KDaddy tagged me with his book list this year, it occurred to me I have a little platform where I can post my own year in review. Books are the best and reading has served me well my whole life, 2020 was no exception.

First, a few facts. This year I read 35 books, for comparison I read 24 in 2019. That makes me happy especially since there are not a million things about 2020 to invoke a sense of accomplishment. I have long kept a book journal since my title and author memory is similar to a sieve. At the start of the pandemic everyone in my house was gifted a kindle, I was not a fan of the plan, paper books are my love language. As this time has worn on, the kindle has proven to be a brilliant and magical purchase. Libby is a completely modern wonder and the next time I am in NYC I will, for sure, treat myself to a library card from that library system.

With no further ado let’s talk books.

Definitely Read:

The Nightingale: A Novel by Kristin Hannah

Two sisters reacted to the unfolding atrocities of WWII in very different ways. Both were fierce, suffered in ways unimaginable to most of us, and illustrated the many ways women are impacted by a war. Such a powerful read.

The Home for Unwanted Girls by Joanna Goodman

Great read based on a true story about a teenager who became pregnant. Her family forced her to give up her baby and it was placed in a mental institution for the sole reason the child was an “orphan”. Many more plot twists follow, this was a gem of a book.  

Women in Sunlight: A Novel by Frances Mayes

This book kicked off as total cliche and morphed into complete life goals. Three older women, all single for a variety of reasons, strike up a friendship and move to a Tuscan Villa. I want to be them someday in Italy living with the locals.

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer

YA This came highly recommended from my youngest. It opened his eyes to the world in a huge way and he was very committed to sharing this story with all of us. William is a complete force of nature and against (truly) all odds changes the trajectory or his family, his village, and his life with ingenuity and desire. Love this book so much.

Little Fire’s Everywhere: A Novel by Celeste Ng

Heard so much about this book and completely loved it all. So. Many. Plot. Twists.

Dear Martin by Nic Stone

YA read from my kid, a MUST read. This book was chilling on a 1,000 different levels. Race, police profiling, education, culture- Nic Stone packed it all in and it opened my heart and sparked some good conversations in our home.

Girl, Woman, Other: A Novel by Bernardine Evaristo

This thoughtfully constructed book was a gift from another reader friend and is one of my favorite reads of the year. It shares multiple first person layered viewpoints from British women who span every part of society. Great read.

Dutch House by Ann Patchett

Let’s be clear, I love Ann Patchett. Love. Whenever she authors a new novel I am jazzed and the Dutch House is no exception. The house becomes an actual character in the story and has everything to do with the brokenness of family who moves into it.

Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike by Phil Knight

Unpopular opinion, I am not a fan of Nike. I am a tremendous fan of Phil Knight’s innovation and hustle. Phil is a visionary and expert storyteller.

The Tatowist of Auschwitz: A Novel by Heather Morris

The novel is based on interviews with Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jew who used his position of relative privilege to positively impact the lives of as many fellow prisoners as possible. I had to read this book fast since it impacted my sleep, which it should. Incredible read.

American Dirt: A Novel by Jeanine Cummins

Ooofff, this book is hard to read. I started and stopped because I could not sleep and opted to read it during daylight hours only. It is seriously terrifying in a million ways. It is about a family who has to flee from Alcopulcio to the United States due to extreme violence from the local and very well connected drug cartel. This book is a testament to the grit of illegal immigrants and an eye opening read about the terror they face.

Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson

True story of Bryan Stevenson’s quest to navigate the criminal justice system in the rural south where he aims to help the most disadvantaged in the system. Timely, eye opening, and full of action items we all need to help with for the betterment of our society.

City of Girls: A Novel by Elizabeth Gilbert

Books by Elizabeth Gilbert are some of my favorites and I was concerned when I started this book, it was a struggle. It came together and I ended up loving it. A story about NYC in the 1940’s centered around a girl/woman who is sent to live with her aunt at her playhouse full of showgirls. It was such an unrelatable read, it transported me to a time I have never really considered and it was a trip worth taking.

Totally Enjoyable:

True Colors by Kristen Hannah

Reads like YA fiction and I loved it. It’s about a ranch family, their horses, land, siblings, their live father and deceased mother. It is not deep and is a fun read.

In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware

This book was intense, fun, & slightly scary. A “hen party” in a, literal glass house, becomes the scene of a murder.

The Queen of Hearts by Kimmery Martin

This is a fun read about two best friends who become doctors together and then the plot thickens. Can’t say more, it is complicated.

Freud’s Mistress by Karen Mack

This was my last library loan before the pandemic. It is a fascinating read based loosely on the dynamics of Freud’s family, drugs, affairs that feel a bit like incest, a huge male ego, this should not sound familiar in any way!

The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

YA, loaner from my kid (which came to my nightstand highly recommended). This is a sweet, sweet love story of two teenagers who have very different backgrounds and lots of big feelings. The whole book takes place over the course of one day.

It All Comes Back to You by Beth Duke

This was a surprise hit and it sucked me in. The story is about a nurse in a retirement community who befriends a resident who lived a big life.

The Queen’s Fortune: A Novel of Desiree, Napoleon, and the Dynasty That Outlasted the Empire by Allison Pataki

I admit, I am a fan of royalty, it is so intriguing and this book was completely spellbinding. The story is based on Napoleon's France and it was messy.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

NF This book is amazing. A poor black woman has cancer cells removed from her body, these rapidly reproducing cells become known as HeLa cells and change the trajectory of modern medicine. There are so many consequences from this seemiling small discovery and the impact to the medical world and to Henrietta’s family are far reaching.

The Woman in the Window: A Novel by A.J. Finn

Read this in one day at the beach, I was sucked into this story of Anna Fox and her salacious neighborhood drama.

The Last Romantics by Tara Conklin

I know I liked this book and made a note about the “pause” taken over the summer when the kids in the family basically ran wild. That’s all I’ve got.

Untamed by Glennon Doyle

There was a ton of hype around this book and it is well deserved. Glennon tells it like it is and, like it or not, she has a lot of points that hit. I read this on my kindle and think I would have liked reading the physical book more.

This is the Story of a Happy Marriage by Ann Patchett

Short stories from Ann Patchett? Yes, 100% yes. The story of her relationship with Lucy, of Truth and Beauty: A Friendship, was wonderful as was the explanation of her book store in Nashville.

After You: A Novel (Me Before You Trilogy) by Jojo Moyes

I have zero idea that Me Before You was a trilogy! It is a total candy read, you are not going to learn much about your soul or the universe, but it is fun and better than TV. And yes, I will read the third book in the trilogy because candy is good! 

The Saturday Night Supper Club by Carla Laureano

Also a trilogy, another happy surprise. This book is fun, another candy read, and so appealing. When I was a kid I wanted to have a restaurant so this story made my heart happy. It is a bit too clean, a bit cliche, and an enjoyable read.

Daisy Jones & The Six: A Novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid

This novel will transport you to a land of sex, drugs, and rock and roll. I read this was loosely based on the story of Fleetwood Mac, true or false, this book captures a moment in history and reads a lot like a play and is completely enjoyable.

Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng

This is the book written before Little Fires Everywhere, similar deal-  family strife/mystery, kind of riveting with lots of twists. Solid read.

Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, HER Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed by Lori Gottlieb

NF, look at a therapist who finds herself in need of therapy. It is kind of a russian doll type of read with layers, upon layers, hidden within each other.

With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo

YA, another loaner from my kid. Such a great book about a kid who wants to be a chef and express herself through her cooking. She is a teen mother living with her abuela, it is a heartwarming book and I love the main character’s spirit.

Sidenote: schools around here are closed for the duration yet students can reserve library books and go to the local library of your choice where their school librarians greet them, warmly, in the parking lot for a drive by pick-up. It is a wonderful and much appreciated service being offered to our kids.

Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty

This book is ridiculous, it had a strong start, went sideways but was fun and overall enjoyable. The premise is nine people descend upon an exclusive health retreat. The woman who is in change morphs from motivating to overlord, obviously.

No Thank You:

13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher

YA read, loaner from my daughter. I did not like this one bit, it made sucide seem so glam. Glad I read it and am always happy when my kids share books with me and I will always hate stories of kids’ suffering.

There There: A Novel by Tommy Orange

This book was hard to follow, had too many characters, and there was a very dark thread that I did not enjoy.

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

This book hit me at the wrong time this year. The dystopian nature felt a little too close to home. I know it is a work for the ages but it was all ouch.

Wow, that felt good to reflect on and process. I have never really looked for threads in my own reading and knew a few things already but like seeing the balance of candy books and hard, timely topics. All in all I feel great about my 2020 reading list and hope there are titles that interest or resonate with you too. Here is to libraries reopening someday in the near future so we can browse the shelves with abandon.

[jaspersspx040]

Exactly How We  Enhanced Our Top Soccer Prediction Sites In One Week(Month, Day)

Seattle Seahawks Squeeze Past The Washington Football Team To Clinch Playoff Berth

The winners of each continental competitors contest the FIFA Club Globe Cup. As opposed to stopping play, the umpire might allow play to proceed if doing so will certainly benefit the group versus which an offense has actually been devoted. The referee might "recall" play and punish the initial offence if the anticipated benefit does not follow within "a few secs". Also if an offense is not punished due to benefit being played, the wrongdoer might still be approved for misbehavior at the next standstill of play. The umpire might punish a player's or replacement's misconduct by a care or dismissal. A 2nd yellow card in the very same video game leads to a red card, which leads to a dismissal. A player given a yellow card is said to have actually been "booked", the referee composing the gamer's name in their main note pad.

the sphere made use of in this game, a filled with air oval with a bladder consisted of in a casing usually made from natural leather. Haskins got the start, as well as threw for 295 lawns with one touchdown as well as two interceptions, because Smith was recouping from a calf injury experienced the previous week in Washington's sway the San Francisco 49ers. The final four groups vying for a championship game have actually been established. Texas A&M missed out on making the College Football Playoff despite only losing one video game during the season. Covering university sporting activities for the Early morning Information for more than a decade plus a great deal of various other things in previous lives.

Released in 2018, the Healthy and balanced Sport Index incorporates the very best available information and professional evaluation while permitting customers to tailor sport-by-sport outcomes via their own health and wellness top priorities for engagement.

It's a source to help youth sporting activities coaches develop individual development in their players.

The device aids moms and dads, kids and other stakeholders make informed decisions based on their priorities to make sporting activities a healthy and balanced as well as positive experience for youngsters.

Healthy Sporting Activity Index For the first time, the general public can determine in one area the family member advantages as well as threats of taking part in the 10 most prominent high school children as well as ladies sports.

See as.pn/ coaching to view panel conversations on the worth of trains advertising social and also emotional skills.

Oklahoma Secondary School Football: The Oklahoman's Champion, Semifinal Choices

If a player has been disregarded, no alternative can be prompted in their area as well as the gamer may not join additional play. Misbehavior might happen at any moment, and also while the offences that constitute misconduct are noted, the interpretations are wide. Particularly, the offence of "unsporting behaviour" might be used to handle the majority of events that breach the spirit of the game, even if they are not noted as specific offences.

WR DeAndre Hopkins goes in depth concerning his touchdown catch and also clarifies the value of this win for the group. LAFC eliminated the 3rd Mexican Club in the 2020 edition of the Concacaf Champions Organization as well as they will certainly attempt to finish the prominence from Liga MX groups in the competition as they head to the final to face Tigres UANL.

" We delight in that moms and dads and also loved ones will currently have the ability to see their students play in the game. QB Sam Darnold called the win "an impressive sensation." He was reliable, avoiding turnovers and also tossing the round away when under pressure. As Adam Gase said, "There was no panic." If the Jets choose to trade Darnold, this was the sort of performance that will appeal to suitors. Inquired about the Trevor Lawrence speculation, Darnold said, "It does not influence us." Russell Wilson balanced just 4.6 air backyards per effort Sunday as the Seahawks again focused on fast passes to battle Washington's strong defensive front. Per ESPN Statistics & Info, that was Wilson's cheapest standard given that the 2015 opener as well as third-lowest of his career. Wilson balanced 7.3 air backyards per attempt last week against the Jets after balancing 8.2 over the first 13 weeks, 10th-highest in the league because period.

What's the oldest football team?

The Arizona Cardinals, formed in Chicago in 1898, are the oldest team in the National Football League.

gallery Arrivals Before Giants Dec 13, 2020 Cardinals players show up to MetLife Arena prior to the Week 14 match against the Giants offered by Bose. gallery Arrivals Before Eagles Dec 20, 2020 Cardinals gamers get here to State Farm Stadium before the Week 15 match against the Eagles offered by Bose.

Much like the Big 12, I have actually improbably survived two bouts of realignment. Don't bother the 24-point blowout loss that the Combating Irish experienced in the ACC title game versus Clemson. The board offered Notre Dame approval based upon earlier sway Clemson as well as North Carolina. When the CFP option board unveiled its final rankings Sunday early morning from Grapevine, Notre Dame (10-1) got approval for the fourth and also last playoff area, simply ahead of the Aggies (8-1). Texas A&M and train Jimbo Fisher made an enthusiastic College Football Playoff instance Saturday by winning its regular season ending over Tennessee.

Several of the leading potential customers in the country have yet to introduce their destination. Saturday's scores, paired with the absence of nonconference video games this year, are mosting likely to cultivate unmatched reactions to the Playoff choices. Alabama completed 11-0 in SEC have fun with a championship win, led by Heisman candidates Najee Harris, Mac Jones and also DeVonta Smith. The University Football Playoff board showed it will never ever give Group of 5 groups like the Bearcats, Chanticleers a fair shake. Smith is attempting to become the very first WR to win the Heisman given that 1991, but he needs to beat teammates Mac Jones and Najee Harris. Military was the first team to approve a bowl quote, to the Self-reliance Dish in October, however opt-outs as well as linkups left it without an opponent. Points will remain the same for as lengthy as individuals keep imitating only the big bettingloupe.com/ leagues issue and like the kids are an adjunct.

On the 15th Sunday of the NFL's 2020 period, 33 Alabama graduates hopped on the field. As wintertime climate embed in around the country, the Chargers-Raiders competition in a dome in Las Vegas can enable unusual names such as limited end Darren Waller to bring your fantasy group to the champion round. Smith saw at least three targets in all 9 of his beginnings, yet he managed to allow under 30 yards in every one of his video games this year. Surtain might have given up a 50-yard touchdown in the 2020 SEC Championship Game, yet that was truly one of minority poor plays he had all period long. He is a physical corner that trails just Hodges-Tomlinson for the majority of forced incompletions amongst Power 5 outside corners. As you might have seen in the 2021 PFF NFL Draft Overview, Surtain's best quality is his press abilities, and also this year has actually verified that. He comes in at No. 1 among all FBS cornerbacks in press-coverage quality.

Sheriff Strategies To Proceed Search For Seekers On Xmases Day If Required.

Who is the ref who blew Saints?

These fans didn't care. Referee Bill Vinovich looks on during the NFC Championship game between the Rams and New Orleans Saints on Jan. 20.

The Rule currently express measurements with approximate metric matchings, though use royal units remains popular in English-speaking countries with a reasonably recent history of metrication, such as Britain. The ball is spherical with an area of in between 68 as well as 70 cm, a weight in the series of 410 to 450 g, as well as a stress in between 0.6 and 1.1 conventional ambiences (8.5 as well as 15.6 pounds per square inch) at sea level. In the previous the round was comprised of leather panels stitched, with a latex bladder for pressurisation but modern balls in all degrees of the game are now artificial. A game is officiated by an umpire, who has "complete authority to implement the Laws of the Game about the match to which he has actually been appointed", as well as whose decisions are final. In many high-level video games there is also a fourth authorities who helps the referee as well as might change another official must the demand arise. The fundamental equipment or kit players are needed to wear includes a t shirt, shorts, socks, shoes and sufficient shin guards.

The Pitt side protector racked up 20 total stress in his video games against Notre Dame, Clemson, Virginia Technology and also Boston College, the 4 ideal collections of deals with in the ACC this year. McNeil played 87% of his complete snaps at heads-up nose tackle this year, making his manufacturing nothing except incredible. Only one player considering that 2014 has actually produced a greater PFF grade at 0-technique than McNeil's 90.5 this period. Kinnard preserved his status as one of the leading takes on in the run game this year, raising his run-block grade from 89.1 in 2019 to 92.3 this period.

Who hasn't won a Superbowl?

There are now 12 NFL franchises that have not won a Super Bowl after the Eagles earned their first title in 2018. The Bengals, Bills, Browns, Cardinals, Chargers, Falcons, Jaguars, Lions, Panthers, Texans, Titans and Vikings have not won a Super Bowl in their history.

The Crimson Tide and Battling Irish will certainly meet for the 8th time in the background of the collection that dates back to 1973. Alabama trails, 2-5, in the previous pairings but came away with a victory in the most recent matchup between both teams at the 2013 BCS National Championship in Miami, Fla . Discover resources and possibilities to get included as well as play football. There's no Michigan-Ohio State to highlight the normal period's final complete weekend, yet high risks and negative blood aren't difficult to locate. Sun Belt commissioner Keith Gill is being a lot more proactive regarding making cases for his teams, with Coastal Carolina and Louisiana both ranked. A previous college quarterback, Coen concerns the Wildcats after 3 season with the Los Angeles Rams.

[thisislizheather]

July Jiffs 2020

This was me all month.

The key word being was. We bought an air conditioner! We’ve been an A/C-free family for some time now, but since we’re spending so much time at home, we figured now was the time to be cool. In other news, everything still blows! What a shock! Here’s how I spent July.

I didn’t even know another Halloween movie was being made but of course I’ll go see it even if it turns out to be trash, you gotta support classic horror franchises, that’s just basic horror etiquette 101.

This is the most basic, boring-sounding sandwich on planet earth, but it tastes incredible I promise you (I didn’t add bacon, but I did add fresh mozzarella) and whatever bread you use, it’ll still be great. I find myself constantly forgetting about the greatness of mayo because I, my dear, am an idiot.

I ordered a bunch of new address labels on Zazzle because they were having a Christmas in July sale, so I bought some seasonally inspired labels to use over the next few months. If you’re not seasonally co-ordinating your return address labels, are you even living?

I’m still doing Nathan’s podcast on Patreon incase you’re interested. (You can find more clips on his Instagram.)

I attempted to watch the new Baby-Sitter’s Club on Netflix and it’s really not meant for me. I was never into the books or the movie or any of it, I never liked the idea of kids caring about making money, it seemed too sad to me. “Just be a kid!” I’d always thought.

Speaking of childhood nostalgia, I have started to watch reruns online of Sweet Valley High, which I loved as a kid. It’s no Breaker High, but it’s still pretty great to rewatch. God, Jessica really was an absolute bitch.

Some other things that I’ve rewatched: Con Air (practically a perfect movie, will always love, *Nic Cage forever* might be the only tattoo I’d ever get), Supermarket Sweep is on American Netflix and I was so excited (for about three episodes) then I moved on with my life, Sleepless in Seattle (still a very nice, average, reliable movie), Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (actually a really great summer movie, will always be a fun time to watch, will forever be a huge Keanu fan, I just feel like I could trust him??), and Dick Tracy (will always love this movie even if it has eight million too many montages, the set design is gorgeous, and this one outfit that Madonna wears makes me question… everything).

Some new movies that I’ve watched: Always Be My Maybe (so, so great! How did it take me so long to see this! So many good scenes, such a good movie), The Karate Kid (insane that I hadn’t seen it before, kids were uncomfortably mean in the 80s, favourite part was when Mr. Miyagi beats up the children, great movie), The Stepfather (pretty fun time, so happy we’ve starting watching horror movies again), Eat Pray Love (ugh, I don’t know, I do love movies about women just leaving and doing fun shit alone and abandoning their lives, but this was pretty lame, I hated James Franco’s character more than life and truly didn’t understand how Julia Roberts was even briefly into him), and finally the original The Hills Have Eyes (which I loved weirdly enough despite being incredibly tense the entire movie, I just thought it was so well done and scary and incredible, the rape scene is of course awful and I shut my eyes for that part, but that was the only thing I hated, it doesn’t make sense that I liked this movie so much).

I don’t know how to word this, but something is off with the reasonably priced (and almost too cheap) parmesan sold at Trader Joe’s. It melts weird. It doesn’t taste like normal cheese. Something is afoot and I won’t buy it any longer. I’m truly dreading and equally anticipating the day that all of Trader Joe’s secrets are exposed. Be warned.

That being said, obviously I’m in love with the seasonal summer candles that TJ just released. We have a complicated relationship.

I made this gruyere mac and cheese with caramelized onions (I used almond milk and it still came out good) and can every recipe just include caramelized onions? The world is ending, let’s just put sweet, tiny, brown onions on everything and call it a day.

Ennio Morricone passed away last month and I find myself listening to the Cinema Paradiso soundtrack on repeat.

Read this great piece about summer blockbuster movies which also has just some great ideas for movies to rewatch right now.

I have to remember that Essie’s vibrant colours just f-ing suck. Only their muted/bland colours are good. They should really just stick to those. And if you’re looking for loud colours that stand out, the summer collection at Urban Outfitters is my go-to (and there’s always a 3 for $10 sale with them).

I listened to Taylor Swift’s new album and so far my favourites are definitely: the 1 and this is me trying.

Ugh, Astoriaaaaaa, DO BETTER.

I’ve been thinking about cancelling my Ipsy subscription again (because I think I don’t care about makeup at this current moment in time) and when I logged on to cancel, they let me choose one of the items being sent next month as if they knew I wanted to leave! So I chose a Sunday Riley product (because any sample I’ve tried from them, I’ve loved) so maybe I’ll cancel next month?

I tried a sample of Drunk Elephant’s shampoo & conditioner (which smelled so lovely) and my hair did seem softer the next day. There’s something about this brand though, I feel like they might be tricking us with their beautiful packaging and minimalist persona.

I bought and tried the ancient Biore Strips and I have absolutely no idea if they did what they’re supposed to do. Are you supposed to see the blackheads or whiteheads come off onto the strip? It felt like it just tried to peel my face off. No idea what’s going on with these.

I have been in love with the Peter Thomas Roth Correction Pads, I use one pad before bed each night and I think they’re doing something good because I always wake up with no new pimples. It has even started erasing all of the redness I’ve been experiencing lately from the summer heat and sweat and mask-wearing. At this point, I can definitely see myself rebuying when I run out, and if I do then I’ll definitely not get them from Sephora because you can get them way cheaper at other online retailers.

I’ve also started using this Dr. Dennis Gross All-In-One face cleanser and I think it’s a good one. It’s hard to tell because I started using it the same day at the correction pads I mentioned above (yes that was a bad idea but here we are), so maybe they’re working together to make my face good? We’ll revisit this. 

I finally opened up this Belif set I bought a few months ago and it’s really nothing special. I think the face cream is probably the best item in there because you truly don’t need to use a lot to feel moisturized. But the face cleanser? Meh. I don’t think it does very much, it definitely didn’t help any redness. And the toner? Don’t get me started on how I kind of think toner might be a scam. And the “eye moisturizer”? Seems superfluous. My eye area is plenty moist, thanks.

Perfect summer soap scent: Fresh Rainfall. If I can’t travel this year, I will escape into this scent. (Send help.)

Very excited to hear about Lindy West’s new book.

So I heard that Lady M now ships their cakes to Canada and I was able to scream in excitement for approx. four seconds before looking into it and seeing that it’ll cost you over $100 to get ONE cake sent. THE GALL, I tell you. THE GALL.

I briefly looked into the app Sweatcoin after hearing good things, but it really just seems like an app where its main goal is to track you. And yes, your phone already does that whether you’re aware or not, but I think I’ll pass on the extra tracking.

I heard that the upcoming Halloween Bob’s Burgers episode will “follow the kids as they try to deliver a burger to the hotel on their street.” It’s such a sad little bit of tiny information, but I love their seasonal episodes so much that I’ll take any crumbs available.

Actually helpful tips on how to clean your home efficiently.

Christ, why do I keep forgetting that Bareburger is absolutely nothing special? Why in the good fuck is it taking so long for a Shake Shack to come to Astoria?!

I ate on the patio at Hoja Santa in Astoria and the tacos were nothing to write home about. The service, drinks and chips were outstanding though, so I may have just ordered badly.

New favourite beer alert.

Best tweets of the month over here.

I tried Thai iced coffee and it was so wildly sweet and too aromatic, I probably wouldn’t get it again. And I also tried a Vietnamese iced coffee and it was the perfect level of sweet! What’s the difference between the two, you ask?

I finally tried the katsu sandwich at Hi-Collar as takeout in the East Village and it was absolutely nothing special. No idea why people are so into it.

I haven’t been to Bite in so many months, so it was nice to get takeout earlier this week. God how I’ve missed their ciabatta bread. They use it on their sandwiches and it comes from Balthazar each morning and it’s always heavenly.

I have found the perfect, light summer blanket and I’m trying not to focus on the fact that it came from Amazon.

I tried a grapefruit shandy and holy shit, it might be my favourite new summer drink. 

I ate on the patio at L’Artusi since it just reopened and good god, that carbonara will change you. So psyched to see they have the wagyu steak tartare on the menu now, too. The burger, the panzanella salad and the charred corn were all great, but that carbonara was the standout.

Some things I’d like to do this month: I’d love to try this tomato toast with blue cheese mayo, I’m going to start using a new clothes steamer I just bought with the hopes of getting rid of my iron & ironing board, I rebought a tube of Revitalash because of how great my lashes were looking when I used it a few years ago so I’ll start using it on August 1st and track my progress to prove how great this product is, I can’t wait for Moesha to be coming to Netflix this month, and I am waiting waiting waiting until I can find time to return to Lilia (on the patio) to eat this incredible tomato focaccia & garlic butter (shown below).

If you’ve got any interest in reading last month’s roundup, you can see what went down in June over here.

[standuphippy]

2018 Favorite Shows

This year I continued my effort to catch a few bands that I’ve liked for years but never got around to seeing and it was very rewarding. These shows included Saint Etienne, Protomartyr, Agnes Obel, The Love Language,  Erasure, Johnny Marr, The The, and The Dickies.

Not everyone comes to Los Angeles on a regular basis so I was thrilled to finally catch Young Galaxy, Dawn Landes, Retirement Party, Samantha Crain, and Sidney Gish.

It’s also worth mentioning that I saw a lot of great openers this year: bands I checked out because they happened to be on the bill and they turned out to be great. Weaves, Thin Lips, Petal, And the Kids, Jess Cornelius, Ed Harcourt (never miss the opening act at an Afghan Whigs show!), and awakebutstillinbed all belong in this category. But the following list is of the shows that were really special to me, in no particular order after The Jesus Lizard.

The Jesus Lizard, Sept. 29, Crystal Ballroom, Portland OR “Happy Birthday, Sabina.” Seeing The Jesus Lizard has always been an incredible experience but the reunion shows they’ve played over the past year were excellent even by their standards. The crowds came with high expectations: you could feel the excitement in the air before the band set foot on stage. (I’ve never had so many strangers strike up a conversation the way they do at TJL shows.) I’ve loved this band from the moment I heard them (thanks, Dad). I saw them play many times when I was in college. They were a standard by which I measured any other rock band. I’ve seen a lot of live music in the 25 years since I first saw them. They are still the standard. They never disappoint. It’s hard for me to articulate my feelings without hyperbole because it’s hard for me to believe that I’ve found a band that’s so consistently rewarding. In Portland, there was a profound synchronicity between the audience and the band. They delivered an epic set that included both “One Evening” and “Lady Shoes,” while the audience did the Dudley dance for half the duration of its namesake song, then staged a clap-a-long during “Fly on the Wall.” They keep getting better and no one else comes close. 

Fever Ray, May 25, Hollywood Palladium, Los Angeles, CA One of the great debts I’ll always owe Pitchfork is that they introduced me to The Knife. Not only the band's music, but in 2006 they clued me in to the band’s 4-show U.S. tour with a front page exclaiming “THE KNIFE IS COMING”.  On that tour, and the first Fever Ray tour three years later, Karin Dreijer hid in the shadows, obscured by darkness and makeup. The Knife had changed their approach by the time they hit the road in 2014, and it was a wild technicolor spectacle for people who wanted more aerobics in their dance party. There were so many performers onstage that it wasn’t always clear who was singing. Dreijer was never more out in front than on this Fever Ray tour, supporting the excellent 2017 release, Plunge. Flanked by backup performers, she seemed jubilant throughout the entire performance. Remarkably, all of the tracks from Fever Ray’s subdued 2009 debut fit neatly next to the new material. The version of the band that was onstage made everything in the catalog uniquely their own. Unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to last. Dreijer cancelled the second half of the tour citing “general anxiety and panic attacks.”  It’s a shame because this Fever Ray show was her best yet. Few artists reinvent their art the way Dreijer does. hopefully she’ll be ready to hit the road again in the future.

Let’s Eat Grandma, Sept. 4, Moroccan Lounge, Los Angeles, CA Every once in a while there’s a show where everyone knows something truly remarkable is happening. The audience is ecstatic and the band shares these glances where you know it’s special for them too. This was one of those shows.  Let’s Eat Grandma released one of the best records of the year and delivered a performance to match.

The Dickies, Sept. 8, Whisky A Go Go, Los Angeles, CA I finally saw them after 30 years of fandom and they lived up to my high hopes. They played most of their greatest hits circa 1989′s “Great Dictations”. No “Killer Klowns from Outer Space” or “If Stuart Could Talk,” but a great set nonetheless. Their cover of “Paranoid” is a steamroller live and was definitely a highlight until the woman next to me was knocked down by an errant mosher and one of her pinwheeling arms hit me right in the balls.

I saw them again a few days ago on a bill with Mac Sabbath, PPL MVR, and Captured! By Robots and they played “If Stuart Could Talk”. I guess if you’re on bill with that many high-concept acts it’s time to break out the arms-length penis puppet.

Poster Children, Sept. 18, Hotel Café, Los Angeles, CA Poster Children should be huge. Their first three records, Flower Plower, Daisychain Reaction, and Tool of the Man, are classics, and their latest, Grand Bargain!, was one of my favorite records of the year. Their Los Angeles tour stop was at Hotel Café, a small club known for lighter fare. Upon seeing the tables in front of the stage, Rose asked, “You guys know what kind of music we play, right?” The set was a mix of classics and cuts from Grand Bargain! and I lost my mind when they played “Dangerous Life” in the encore set.

Samantha Crain, Dec. 13, The Echo, Los Angeles, CA An artist I’ve waited a (relatively) long time to see and she was worth the wait. I loved last year’s “You Had Me at Goodbye” and it turns out she has a deep and excellent catalog as well. The Echo wasn’t crowded and there was no one else in my line of sight so it felt very intimate. My only complaint was that she was opening for another act; I would have loved a set that was twice as long.

Basia Bulat, Feb. 23, Bootleg Bar, Los Angeles, CA I’ve loved her music for 10 years and I’ve tried to see every show she’s played in Los Angeles. It’s a quest that’s included venues such as Old Style Guitar Shop, It’s a School Night at Bardot, and even a Bob Odenkirk comedy revue at Largo. I’ve seen her at Hotel Cafe, The Echo, and The Bootleg (3 times). I’m trying to show you what my commitment level is so you can fully understand how embarrassing the following story is to me: The show last February was a gig that she performed while she was in town recording her new album. She effortlessly translated her work for a solo performance where she alternated between guitar and piano. As always, she sounded amazing. The piano was pushed up against the stage, so when she played it, she was only a few feet away from where I was standing. She asked if anyone had heard her most recent record, “Good Advice.” We had. The audience seemed very enthusiastic: before the show I overheard people recounting other shows of hers that they’d attended, one couple had opened for her many years ago, etc. “Well, sing along!” she enthused. “Good Advice” has a bridge where there is a back and forth vocal. The lines are repeated and slightly offset, so that if one person was singing, she’d have to clip the outgoing line to get to the next one, and there are about six of these call and response couplets in that part of the song. I knew this is the part of the song she was talking about. When she got there, I was feeling pretty confident that we were all gonna nail this and it was going to be a fucking magical communion between us, her longtime fans. She hit the first one, and sang “Any sense I had at all is gone,” and I, anticipating being part of a chorus, sang the echo line. Over the course of the five seconds it took to recite the line, I realized that I was the only one singing and everyone was listening. I could feel people turning towards me. Basia Bulat was saying, “Yes, yes, yes!” and smiling as she played. I was shaken and missed the next cue. Now the pressure was on and there was no way I was going to be able to rejoin and not mess up, so I stayed silent. I stood next to her in shame, knowing that every line I didn’t jump in on made the situation increasingly awkward. Basia Bulat shrugged and did the rest of the lines herself.

I humiliated myself in front of an artist that I’ve long admired, but it was still one of my favorite shows of the year, because she’s brilliant. The reason I go to every show I can is that she always seems like she’s about to have some greater degree of success. If there are any casual observers in the audience when she starts, there are only fans when she walks off the stage. I still believe that it’s only a matter of time before she’s playing in a theater or a place with a greater separation between the artist and the crowd, so I'm going to continue to catch all the shows that I can. I’ll just try to do a better job of reading the room.  

The Breeders, April 7, Observatory, Santa Ana, CA The last time I saw The Breeders they sucked but they put out such a great album (All Nerve is easily one of the year’s best) that I had to see this show. I’m glad I went because they was amazing. They have so many great songs that a live set is an embarrassment of riches. They even played “Gigantic.” There was a woman standing next to me for the duration of the show and we chatted while The Breeders were setting up. Once they started playing, she would turn to me and say something I couldn’t hear and I would smile and nod and she would issue this crazy laugh. So The Breeders were great but after every song I looked into this mass that was all eyes and teeth and hair in blue light. She looked like Sheryl Lee in Fire Walk With Me and it was terrifying.

Kyle Craft, March 4, Moroccan Lounge, Los Angeles, CA

I have bad luck seeing Kyle Craft in that he’s played here fairly frequently and it rarely works out that I can attend. I’ve seen him twice, once a few years ago when he was on tour for his debut album Dolls of Highland and then this year when he was supporting his follow up, Full Circle Nightmare. Both shows were excellent. He’s got a great band and they’ll give you a full on rock show. Craft is  one of those artists that you should see when you can, not only because he’s a great performer, but because his muse moves quickly. His first release was a double album; he played it almost in it’s entirety the first time I saw him. When he came back for this show, he played one song from it.

Lydia Loveless, June 10, Casbah, San Diego, CA Lydia Loveless, June 11, Troubadour, Los Angeles, CA

My daughter had a dance recital on the 10th and when it was over I dropped her and my wife off and tried to break the land speed record to get to San Diego in time to see Lydia Loveless. I arrived just as she started her first song. Forty minutes later, I jumped in the car and drove back to Los Angeles, as I had to work early the next day. It was worth it because although Lydia Loveless has recorded many exceptional cover songs, I’ve never heard her play one live, and at this show she performed her cover of Justin Bieber’s “Sorry.” These shows were solo acoustic performances, and she was opening for Justin Townes Earle. She doesn’t play on the West Coast very often, so I always try to catch whatever I can. I love her records and she’s fantastic live. These shows were excellent but shows with her band are unbelievable.

Belly, August 9, Teragram Ballroom, Los Angeles, CA

I had written Belly off as a live band, I was disappointed with a show that I’d seen two years previous. I liked their new album, Dove, and since I had the night off I figured I should check this show out. I’m glad that I did because it was the best Belly show I’ve ever seen (twice in 1993 and once in 2016).

Loma, April 8, Bootleg Bar, Los Angeles, CA

Silence is respect in Los Angeles, and Loma got a lot of it. Jonathan Meiburg (Shearwater) Emily Cross and Dan Duszynski (both of Cross Record) crafted this delicate record and as captivating as it is, I feel as though I didn’t truly appreciate it until I saw this show. Who knows if the three of them will ever make another record together. See what you can when you can.

[marshmallow-the-vampire-slayer]

MTVS Epic Rewatch #200

DONT FORGET TO VOTE!

VM 3x18 I Know What You’ll Do Next Summer

Stray thoughts

1) This is hardly what a father who truly doesn’t want his daughter following his footsteps would do or say…

KEITH: What does the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act make illegal?

VERONICA: Electronic surveillance without judicial authorization..

PIZ: What was that?

VERONICA: I'm taking my P.I. exam tomorrow. He's ensuring his legacy.

I’ve mentioned this before but for all his “I want another kind of life for you”, he truly does encourage her to pursue the P.I. life stye.

2) For once, I agree with you, Piz.

KEITH: It's just so refreshing to hear one of your gentleman callers have more to talk about than how high the waves are breaking.

PIZ: Uh-oh.

VERONICA: What?

PIZ: Dad likes you? Kiss of death?

3) It is kind of sad to rewatch this episode now that Nelsan Ellis is dead. He truly was a gifted actor, and his performance as Lafayette in True Blood was outstanding – one of the few redeeming aspects of a rather trashy show.

4) She looks so confident while taking her P.I. exam. As she should, this girl had been P.I.ing for a long time!

5) Now, this is the proper reaction your significant other, whom you’ve been dating for a very short time, should have when you are presented with promising career opportunities…

PIZ: So, I have news. I got offered an internship with, uh, Pitchfork Media. It's pretty much the most highly regarded music-review publication on the internet.

VERONICA: Piz, that's fantastic!

PIZ: Yeah, I'd work with the most important critics in the business, see bands when they're on the verge of breaking, might even get to do a few reviews myself, so I can really get my snob on. Their offices are in New York, which could be cool, right?

VERONICA: Supercool, you lucky dog!

PIZ: Twelve weeks in the Big Apple.

VERONICA: Everything's coming up Piznarski.

Of course, Piz, being such a Nice Guy, is immediately disappointed at his girlfriend being supportive and happy for him. How dare she! What a crappy girlfriend! Disgusting! She should be crying and groveling, asking him not to leave her for 12 weeks to do something for his career because she shouldn’t be able to breathe without clinging to him!

Like, I get that you’d want your girlfriend to miss you, but I don’t get why you’d want that to be her first reaction when you are delivering supposedly good news, why aren’t you happy that she’s genuinely happy for you? Why would you want her to be immediately sad and heartbroken and clingy? That’s twisted and that’s not what healthy relationships are supposed to be like. I know I’d be running for the hills if after two weeks dating my boyfriend weren’t  happy if I got a great job opportunity and asked me to stay… for him?

6) See 1) above…

VERONICA:  Ninety-five.

KEITH: You passed.

VERONICA:  Yeah, I passed. And I beat your score by two points. But don't worry, Dad. I'll still lob in the token call from time to time asking for advice, thereby validating your existence.

KEITH: Honey?

VERONICA: Yeah?

KEITH: I made a ninety-seven.

VERONICA: It's beneath you to lie to me in this, my finest hour.

KEITH:  Are you at your desk?

VERONICA: No.

KEITH: Are you at my desk?

VERONICA: Yes.

KEITH: Then this will be easy. Pull out my middle drawer. I had a feeling this moment would come. You see it there?

VERONICA:  Yep.

KEITH:  Sweetie, maybe you should go sit back down at the receptionist's desk.

7) Wallace was right about Veronica being a marshmallow, though. I mean, when Wallace is the skeptic in a situation, it’s hard to argue she’s the resident marshmallow. Even though she is on occasion a cynic, most of the times she’s played or devecived were because of how much of a softie she is.

8) Won’t be the last time…

VERONICA: Tell your roommate I came by hoping to kill time between classes, getting to second base with someone, then left unsatisfied.

9) Are you really surprised, girl?

WALLACE: He's a good guy, Veronica. Try not to rip out his heart.

She’s like, “when have I ever ripped ayone’s heart out?”, and I’m like: “Every. Time.”

10) Meeting the parents, Logan? Isn’t it a bit too soon? And I’m 100% sure he was missing arguing with Keith right here… the Lees were overbearing, to say the least.

MR. LEE: My point is that white flour is essentially poison. You'll see. Couple weeks, you'll be home eating with us. You'll feel like a new person.

PARKER: I don't know. I rely pretty heavily on my morning bagel.

MR. LEE: Which is exactly why you need to be without it. Oh, and I was able to pull a few strings and get you that job in the mailroom I was telling you about.

MRS. LEE:  Parker! Elbows!

MR. LEE: It's only for a few weeks but it's enough for you to make some spending money before we leave for your Aunt Louise's.

PARKER: Thanks, Dad, but I was thinking of looking for a job, like, at a-a day-care or something.

MR. LEE: So you can spend the summer with a cold and ruin everyone's vacation? I don't think so. So, Logan. What sort of career are you pursuing?

11) Logan and Parker are in a very similar situation to Veronica and Piz, and from their reactions, I’d say Parker and Piz would be a much better fit. At least Parker is upfront about how she feels, even though I still feel she doesn’t have any right to be making any demands this early in the relationshp.

12) While I appreciate the show attempting to tackle such a sensitive social issue as child soldiers, I’m not a fan of the execution. I prefer learning my lessons via the story and the characters instead of this too on-the-nose lesson. It just, it puts me off. I felt adding the dad plot was a bit too much, although I get they needed some mystery to justify Veronica getting involved with Apollo in the first place. I just felt they could’ve focused on the idea that he was lying in his book instead of bringing a C plot into the B plot. I don’t know, the whole Apollo plot feels too Lifetime-y to me. Nothing against Lifetime movies, but it’s not what I’ve come to expect frmom the VM writers. And it’s certainly not the clichèd style one would expect when dealing with an issue such as child soldiers.

13) Oh, Parker... Tsk, tsk.

PARKER: You're sure this doesn't bother you to talk about?

VERONICA: Positive.

PARKER: Logan's going surfing in South America for the whole summer. Never mentioned it. The whole summer. What is that? Is that how he is, or is that just how he is with me?

VERONICA: It's kind of just... how he is.

I generally tend to defend Parker because I think she gets a lot of gratuitous hatred, but it’s kind of difficult to side with her here because she’s not going to Veronica as her friend – she’s going to Veronica as Logan’s ex-girlfriend. It’s easy to read the implicature in her question: is that how he is with me or was he the same way with you? I feel like it’s one thing to be the bigger person and accept that your ex is dating one of your friends and attend a birthday party to prove it, but when said friend comes to you for relationship advice… that’s pushing it. I don’t know, it just rubs me the wrong way, it feels like Parker was throwing salt in the wound and asking way too much from Veronica.And Veronica was really trying for a change. She was swallowing her pride and hurt feelings and trying to pretend she was 100% okay with this. And either way, this was a conversation Parker should be having with Logan, not with his ex! It seems she was trying to get some intel about him and she wasn’t really putting herself in Veronica’s shoes and how uncomfortable this conversation made her. Yes, Veronica does say she’s okay talking about this with Parker, but you can tell she’s not by the way she acts, answers, and hesitates. Veronica even suggests Parker should be having this conversation with someone else, which should’ve been obvious to Parker. Who goes for relationship advice to their significant other’s ex?

14) I’d get why this would be a problem if they were in their thirties…

MAC: When's the last time you went to class?

MAX: Uh, February.

MAC: Are you kidding?

MAX: Business has been booming. My classes have kind of fallen by the wayside.

MAC: So now begins the eleventh-hour cram session.

MAX: No, no, no, no, no, I'm done. The countdown to my expulsion has begun. Frankly, it's liberating.

But they’re not? They’re 18 or so? So what if he’s flunking and runs a kind of illegal business? Enjoy the sex and the pizza!

15) Ugh the look on his face just about breaks me…

LOGAN: How do you know about my trip?

VERONICA: Parker mentioned it.

LOGAN: Did my fan club meet today? Thought you guys only met on Wednesdays.

VERONICA: Look, she was bummed you didn't tell her about the trip.

LOGAN: And you took turns sticking pins in your Logan dolls?

VERONICA: No, I told her that's just how you are. 

That matter-of-fact line thrown by Veronica just about proves each and every one of Logan’s insecurities about their relationship. Veronica didn’t intend it in that way, though, but Logan can’t help but interpret it as her accepting he is and will forever be an unredeemable no-good loser.

16) Piz is so pathetic, though. Ugh, just the way he comes up with a solution no one asked him for instead of owning up to how he really feels and begging Veronica to beg him to stay – which is what he was surreptitiously doing. And then he looks so disappointed when Veronica doesn’t act the way he was setting her up to! Because instead of being selfish and petty she chooses to be supportive? Get out of here, Piz, you’re canceled.

17) Veronica is so entitled, though. Like, this is not a story, this is someone’s life, and you can’t be making decisions for them just because you want to know the truth. It’s not your truth. She’s not even asking what he’d like to do about this, she’s just assuming things will be done her way.

VERONICA: We'll prove his paternity one way or the other with a blood test.

APOLLO:  No, we won't.

18) Oh, Veronica, is “happy enough” what you’re really aiming for?

MAC: I do. Love makes me lazy. It's a dangerous drug. Kills more brain cells than crystal meth. How's your cell count these days?

VERONICA: Mmm, I can still do long division, but I can't quite remember all the continents.

MAC: So Pizneyland is the happiest place on earth?

VERONICA: Happy enough. There's no roller coaster, but I think I can do without the adrenaline and nausea.

19) Iconic!

KIZZA: Yes, uh, I'm looking for Detective Mars.

VERONICA: I'm Detective Mars.

KIZZA: You're just a girl. You're a-you're a teenager.

VERONICA: A girl, a teenager, and a private detective. I'm a triple threat. Barely fits on my business card. 

20) Oh, Logan, I feel for you, but this is just wrong… you’re playing with this girl’s feelings just to prove something to yourself and your ex…

LOGAN: There's no whole thing. I want to talk to you...about the surf trip.

PARKER: Fine. Kissing is cheating, and what I don't know will hurt me.

LOGAN: You should come with me.

PARKER:  You want me to come to South America with you and Dick?

LOGAN: Hey, I meant it when I said that I didn't think about being away from you for three months. And... now I have. I have to process things, you know, it's just what I'm like.

21) Now, this is a blast from the past…

And can you really blame Dick for not jumping at the chance of giving up his trip in order to spend time with his deadbeat father?

22) Is this really all the evidence one would need to identify their long-lost father? Me thinks not…

KIZZA: As am I. Overjoyed, in fact. I'm not surprised your mother named you for the god of music. She had a book of mythology that she treasured.

APOLLO: I... I remember it well. It... it is the book she used to teach me how to read.

23) Does this storyline make any kind of sense?

24) This was a huge moment for Dick that was a long time coming, but I just wish there had been more build-up to it, you know? All we got was his breakdown in the first episode, and then this. Which I’m grateful for because if there is a character in the show in serious need of some development, it’s Dick. I just wish it all would’ve led to something. Like, then we get that line in the movie about him consuming prescription cannabis because of his chronic depression and we’re to take it at face value, like “oh, that’s Dick being Dick, haha!” but the moment it sinks in it makes so much sense? And it kind of annoys me that Dick continues to be a butt-of-the-joke character when there’s enough backstory to write him as much more than a one-dimensional character.

DICK: Just so you know, the world doesn't stop because you decided to show up.

CASABLANCAS: Well, had I known it was interfering with your surfing, I would have come sooner.

DICK: Like maybe for Cassidy's funeral? This is where he died, you know? I walk by the spot he splattered on every day.

CASABLANCAS: You think I'm not sorry about Cassidy?

DICK: What are you sorry for, Dad? That he's dead?

CASABLANCAS: Of course.

DICK: You ever think he's dead because of us, or that he killed those people because of us?!

CASABLANCAS: Son.

DICK: We used to have contests to see which one of us could make him cry! I can barely live with myself sometimes, and it's so much easier when you're not around!

There’s so much meat just in these few lines – the fact that he chooses to call his brother “Cassidy” instead of Beaver - as he alwasys had, the fact that he’s been living in the place where his brother committed suicide and he’s confronted with that fact every day and yet he is the one pulling Logan out of his funk, the fact that he was all alone for his brother’s funeral, the fact that he blames himself for everything Cassidy did – the murders and his suicide. I’d like more of this, please.

25) You got an easy way out, Logan, you lucky bastard…

LOGAN: Hey, the trip's off. Dick's dad came back into town, and now he can't go, so...

PARKER: Oh. So... I guess we're not going, then?

LOGAN: He was footing half the bill for the house, and it'd just be really expensive. And it was a thing me and Dick were planning on together.

PARKER: I understand.

LOGAN: Yeah.

PARKER: I guess I'm going to Denver then.

26) Good news?

Proper reaction:

Douche-baggy reaction:

27)  If you’ve got this far, thank you for reading! If you enjoy my recaps and my blog, please consider supporting it on ko-fi. Thanks!

[news-mashable-yahoopartner-blog]

11 podcasts to listen to if you want to laugh your ass off

Life is hard. The news is stressful. And sometimes you just need a break from *gestures broadly at everything happening in the world right now.* .

Fortunately for anyone looking for a bit of escapism of the madness of everyday life, we have two words for you: comedy podcasts.

While there are heavy-hitter comedy shows like The Nerdist, Comedy Bang Bang, and WTF With Marc Maron, there are also a plethora of other podcasts that will help you digest what's happening in the world, expose the absurdity what's happening in the news and pop culture, and ultimately leave you in fits of laughter.

SEE ALSO: Here are 5 unrealistic things that happen in every romantic comedy

Some of these shows cover current events and some of them will give you (extremely dubious) advice, but no matter what, these 11 podcasts that will make you laugh your ass off.

1. My Dad Wrote A Porno

My Dad Wrote A Porno has a purely descriptive title: host Jaime Morton discovered that his dad had a secret hobby of writing erotica. So Morton did what any person would do: read it out loud and broadcast it to the world.

In addition to reading from his dad's book, Morton is joined by two friends — James Cooper and Alice Levine — who deconstruct what happens in each chapter, switching between hysterically laughing at some of the more absurd sections of the book to deadpan analysis of our protagonist Belinda Blumenthal and her adventures.

Tl;dr, it's very awkward and very NSFW podcast about what happens when you discover the sexual fantasy of your parents. How can you not laugh at that?!

(Author's note: This podcast literally had me cackling in the street while listening. Sorry to the Brooklynites that I scared with my sudden outbursts.)

Episode to start with: "The Job Interview"

2. Keep It

Crooked Media may have launched with a slew of politics shows, most notably Pod Save America, but if you're not listening to the network's pop culture show Keep It, you're truly missing out.

Hosted by journalist Ira Madison III, who is often joined by Kara Brown and Louis Virtel, the show is a weekly discussion podcast that breaks down what's happening in the entertainment world.

The title comes from Madison's Twitter catchphrase "keep it," which is the two-word clap back Madison uses to shut down the trash news that comes through his Twitter feed. But what makes the show especially good is the extreme amount of chemistry between the panelists as they provide pop culture analysis that's simultaneously thoughtful, brutal, and hilarious.

Episode to start with: They Cancel Roseannes, Don't They?

3. Baby-Sitters Club Club

Aaaaahhh remember the Baby-Sitters Club, that classic '80s and '90s children's book series about a group of babysitters who are just trying to earn a buck while also dealing with the challenges of growing up. Well, have you read those books again recently, as an adult?

Hosts Jack Sheppard and Tanner Greenring have, and wow, those books are nothing like you remember. 

Each week in The Baby-Sitters Club Club, Shepherd and Greenring read one of Ann M. Martin's classic novels, and deconstruct it. But what makes the show so hilarious are the many theories that Shepherd and Greenring generate about what's actually going on in the town of Stoneybrook. Is the Baby-Sitters Club marxist? And are the characters secretly in a parallel universe that's actually a beehive? Who knows, but after listening to this podcast, you won't be able to read The Baby-Sitters Club the same way again.

Episode to start with: Kristy's Great Idea

4. Judge John Hodgman

Sometimes life throws you a curve ball, and you just need a little bit of advice. And that's where Judge John Hodgman comes in.

In the podcast, comedian John Hodgman (who you may know as PC from those early aughts Mac vs. PC commercials) arbitrates the petty grievances that crop of in our day to day lives.

Whether he's deciding if a wife should be freed of her lifelong agreement to let her husband order the toppings of the pizzas they order or whether it's okay to meditate at work, Hodgman delivers very serious rulings to very absurd debates that'll leave you in stitches.

Episode to start with: Pizza Parley

5. Lovett or Leave It

Sometimes the best way to deal with news is to laugh at it, and for anyone who wants to poke fun at current events, there's Lovett or Leave It. Each week, host Jon Lovett is joined by comedians, journalists, and more to "deal with whatever bullshit came flying over the transom in our broken, insane political nightmare factory."

Episodes are recorded live in front of an audience and include a mixture of discussions, pop quizzes, and games, which means you'll be just as informed as you are entertained.

Episode to start with: Rudy Giuliani, Esquire

6. The Read

You know those conversations with your best friend that get crazy because you hold absolutely nothing back. That's exactly what The Read is.

The show is a pop culture podcast hosted by friends Kid Fury and Crissle. Each episode is composed of a few segments: "black excellence" (where the hosts shout out good news that's happening to the black community), "hot topics" (which is a discussion of what's happening in the pop culture), "listener letters" (where Kid Fury and Crissle give advice to people who write in), and the titular segment "the read" (where the hosts each rant about something that's weighing on their hearts).

But what makes the podcast so funny is that Kid Fury and Crissle will drag literally anything and everything. Passionate and irreverent, listening to The Read feels like hanging out with your friends.

 Episode to start with: Beychella

7. How Did This Get Made

Have you ever watched a movie that's so bad that you asked yourself "how the hell is this even real?!" If so, you're not alone because that is the exact subject of How Did This Get Made.

Each week, actors Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas watch movies that are so bad they're amazing and talk about it. And you know that feeling you get when you watch an objectively bad movie and just spend the entire time making fun of it with your friends. That's exactly what this podcast is, for 189 episodes and counting.

Episode to start with: Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow

8. All Fantasy Everything

You've heard of fantasy football. Maybe even fantasy The Bachelor and fantasy RuPaul's Drag Race. But have you heard about a fantasy breakfast food draft? Or a fantasy "Mike" draft (you know, who's the best person named Mike). 

Enter All Fantasy Everything. As the name implies, the show makes a fantasy drafts out of, well, everything. Then, host Ian Karmel along with a rotating cast of guests debate each topic until a champion is crowned.

Episodes are ridiculous, unexpected, and sure to make you laugh.

Episode to start with: Fictional Detectives

9. 2 Dope Queens

If you've ever wanted to see a comedy show but don't have the time to go in person, we have three words for you: 2 Dope Queens.

The show is part standup set, part discussion podcast hosted by comedians Phoebe Robinson and Jessica Williams. In each episode the duo talk about everything from online dating to the tiny house trend, which means conversations are always fun and varied. Additionally, episodes are recorded live, giving each discussion a performative flair that'll make you feel like you're carrying around a comedy club in your pocket as you listen. 

Episode to start with: Sitting Too Close to Queen Latifah

10. Dear Hank and John

If you're a human on the internet, you probably know John Green and Hank Green, the brother duo that helped shape the YouTube world with their vlog series The Vlog Brothers. And then by launching VidCon. And then with John's hit novels The Fault In Our Stars, Turtles All The Way Down, Looking For Alaska, and more.

But did you know that the duo also has a podcast too? And it's freaking hilarious.

Dear Hank and John is an advice podcast where Hank and John attempt to answer your most absurd questions, like "what are the rules of doctor-patient small talk" and "what do I do with 23 plastic molds of my teeth." In addition those bigger advice segments, the show is chock-full of jokes hiding everywhere from their intro where they announce "the elephant in the room" to phrase of the week where each brother is challenged to sneak a phrase recommended by a listener into their conversation without the other brother noticing, which means whether you're a new listener or an old fan, you'll still find something fresh and new in each episode.

Episode to start with: Eleven Peas

11. Thirst Aid Kit

Listen, we all thirst. It's human. It's natural. And it's the topic of writer Bim Adewunmi and Nicole Perkins' show Thirst Aid Kit. 

Thirst Aid Kit is a weekly about your love, sex, and your favorite celebrity boo thangs. The podcast is unapologetically filthy, as the hosts talk about your crushes, read fan-fiction, and in general, share the thirst that we all know and feel.

Episode to start with: We Learned to Spell Jake Gyllenhaal

WATCH: Here are some things you didn't know about "Super Troopers"

[orbemnews]

You’ve Heard of Ghost Kitchens. Meet the Ghost Franchises. A video from MrBeast, a 22-year-old YouTube star with 54 million subscribers, usually goes something like this: An outlandish setup — say, staging a fake robbery — results in a fan’s winning thousands of dollars or a new car. But in late December, MrBeast (real name: Jimmy Donaldson, an upbeat bro from North Carolina) dropped something different on his viewers. “I literally just opened 300 restaurants all across America,” he said in a December video announcing MrBeast Burger, a chain serving smash burgers and fries. “But we only serve people through delivery apps.” But MrBeast Burger is not quite what most of us think of as a chain, or even a restaurant. In exchange for a cut of sales revenue, the brand supplies the name, logo, menu, recipes and publicity images to any restaurant owner with the space and staff to make burgers as a side hustle. When a customer orders from the MrBeast Burger in Midvale, Utah, the food is prepared at a location of the red-sauce chain Buca di Beppo, following a standardized MrBeast recipe. In Manhattan, a MrBeast Burger is prepared at the neighborhood bar Handcraft Kitchen & Cocktails. Call it a ghost franchise — and expect to see many more of them this year, with and without celebrity names attached. In December, Virtual Dining Concepts, the company behind MrBeast Burger, announced similar ventures with the TV personality Mario Lopez and the “Jersey Shore” alumnus Pauly D. The parent company of Nextbite, another pioneer of the model, received $120 million in venture-capital funding in October for its 13 virtual brands. Franklin Junction, founded last year, helps restaurants do business as known food brands, including Wow Bao and Nathan’s Famous. Companies like Future Foods, Combo Kitchen and the Local Culinary are all making similar plays. In the delivery app era, the ghost franchise can be a lifeline for the independent restaurateur, a way to make thousands of dollars a month in a devastating time. It can also be a liability, exploding the marketplace in ways that serve big brands more than small businesses. James Garofalo, 52, grew up working at his father’s diner in Chicago Heights, Ill. Now, he’s the chief operating officer at Goddess and the Baker, a cafe with several locations in Chicago and one in Brookfield, Wis. At first, Mr. Garofalo was skeptical of the ghost-franchise model. But as the pandemic cut off foot traffic, he decided it might make sense. “At this point, you’re looking for ways to generate dollars, keep staff on,” he added. Mr. Garofalo now runs 12 of Nextbite’s ghost franchises out of the kitchen of his Brookfield cafe: Monster Mac, the Big Melt, Grilled Cheese Society, Miss Mazy’s Amazin’ Chicken, Toss It Up, CraveBurger, Outlaw Burger, Ghost Grille, Firebelly Wings, Wild Wild Wings, the Wing Dynasty and HotBox by Wiz, from rapper Wiz Khalifa. The day-to-day is less chaotic than it sounds. Delivery-app orders stream into one tablet, and the takeout containers all come from the same pile; nothing is branded except HotBox orders, and those have just a sticker. Recipes from Nextbite’s Colorado test kitchen are easy to follow, and the company recommends ingredients from the suppliers Mr. Garofalo already uses. Nextbite takes a 45 percent cut of sales, but handles all delivery-app fees, which would be, for Mr. Garofalo, as high as 30 percent per order. In his best month so far, he cleared $20,000 across the 12 brands. The arrangement has allowed Mr. Garofalo to add new types of food without the labor of menu development or the worry of muddying his own brand. But what restaurant owners are really buying from these companies is not just recipes or a cutesy name. They’re buying a solution to a problem facing every small restaurant that’s living as a name on a screen among all the other names on a screen: visibility. “Before Covid, you had some restaurants that did not need to be on these third-party systems,” said Kymme Williams-Davis, the owner of Bushwick Grind, a cafe in Brooklyn. “But now every restaurant, every cafe, every commercial kitchen and every ghost kitchen is on these apps. It’s more competitive.” If someone on her block searches Grubhub for espresso, Bushwick Grind is buried below more than 20 shops, some of them miles away. The business model hinges on deals the ghost-franchise parent companies strike with third-party delivery apps (which are notorious for taking advantage of workers and restaurants), using the leverage of having hundreds of listable “restaurants” to broker top spots for them in search results. If a customer in the Brookfield area searches for grilled cheese on DoorDash, Grilled Cheese Society comes up as the first suggestion. In a search for wings, Firebelly is third and Wild Wild Wings is fourth. “Like anyone else, we pay to be on apps and we pay for placement,” said Geoff Madding, Nextbite’s chief executive. He added, “The more value you’re bringing, probably the stronger negotiating position you’re in.” In January, Ms. Williams-Davis started selling online as Mariah’s Cookies, the Virtual Dining Concepts brand partnership with the singer Mariah Carey, as a test run to see if the extra sales could help Bushwick Grind “stay alive during this really unprecedented time,” she said. She had to close for six months last year, she said, after her father and several of his cousins died from Covid-19. Her cafe is an exemplar of a community-minded business; she runs a community refrigerator, feeds vaccine workers and has plans to open an urban farm. “I don’t want to contribute to not buying local, right?” she said. “In one way, if you’re buying from Mariah’s Cookies, and that name and that advertising machine can get customers, you kind of are buying local because I’m making the cookies. But at the same time, the perception is that you’re not buying local. I’m on the fence. But if it nets out to hurt small businesses, it’s not something I’m going to continue to do.” Nationwide, more than 150 MrBeast Burgers are operating out of locations of Buca di Beppo, Bravo! Italian Kitchen, Brio Italian Grille and Bertucci’s Brick Oven Pizza & Pasta. Those four restaurant chains are owned and operated by Robert Earl, the founder of Planet Hollywood; Virtual Dining Concepts, which operates MrBeast Burger, was co-founded by Mr. Earl and his son, Robbie Earl. Similarly, many of Franklin Junction’s ghost franchises are operated out of a Ruby Tuesday or a Frisch’s Big Boy, chains owned by Franklin Junction’s parent company NRD Capital, a private equity firm. But even an independent restaurant can get a virtual brand up and running in less than 30 days, with few limits to the number of brands one owner can take on. And that potential speed of proliferation could result in a delivery-app ecosystem where the ghost-franchise parent companies duke it out at the top, while the truly independent restaurants are pushed farther down the list. In New York City, this is already happening. If you’ve noticed the torrent of perplexing restaurant names on delivery apps, many of them confusingly similar, this too is a manifestation of the ghost franchise. When Jacky Cheng, a resident of the Kips Bay neighborhood of Manhattan, ordered from Village Breakfast Snob on DoorDash, “it didn’t really cross my mind that it was a ghost kitchen,” he said. “Although it should have, because who the heck names their restaurant that?” The food, he later found out, came from a bodega in the East Village that is operating as at least 10 ghost brands, including LA Breakfast Club and American Cheesesteaks. New York is now home to the Pancake Snob, Breakfast Burrito Snob, Sushi Snob, Pad Thai Snob, Chicken Tikka Snob and Snobby Chicken Wings. There’s also the Burger Bae and Breakfast Be Loved. The style of these names creates a marketplace that parallels Amazon in some ways, said Lea Chu, a group director of naming at the brand strategy firm Siegel & Gale. You have a need — there, a hole puncher; here, a breakfast burrito — and a hyper-specific listing is there to fill it. Seven years ago, Ms. Chu surveyed the name of every restaurant in Manhattan, a project that took weeks. Restaurant owners usually want names that won’t sound silly in a year, she said. Here, that matters less. “What’s the worst that could happen?” Ms. Chu said. “Your name becomes irrelevant and you have to change it? It probably doesn’t matter. There’s so much fluctuation in this restaurant landscape that everyone’s going to be used to names changing all the time.” For now, we seem to be entering a period in which every “Bachelorette” contestant from the last 18 years will have a virtual deli. Mario’s Tortas Lopez and Pauly D’s Italian Subs are listed in dozens of markets. Since January, at least 130 outlets of Guy Fieri’s first virtual brand, Flavortown Kitchen, have opened. And MrBeast Burger has already spread to Canada. A following of 54 million YouTube subscribers sells a lot of sandwiches — more than a million in the first two months, in fact. “My son is 18, my daughter is 14, and they think MrBeast is hilarious,” said Cece Kaufman, an interior designer in San Francisco. In December, the family went on what Ms. Kaufman cheerfully called a “road trip” — a 40-minute drive into the delivery zone of the closest MrBeast Burger, to meet a DoorDash driver carrying three smash burgers and two orders of fries. The teenagers, like most ghost kitchen customers, had no idea where the food was made. “They didn’t care,” Ms. Kaufman said. “The wrapper had the MrBeast stickers on it, so they thought it was great.” Source link Orbem News #Franchises #Ghost #heard #Kitchens #Meet #youve

[doomandgloomfromthetomb]

Sun Ra Tengo (or, the I-Ra Arkestra) 

Sun Ra Sunsquashed Sunday Ra-Up! 

Of all the hundreds (thousands?) of artists Yo La Tengo have covered over the past quarter century, Sun Ra is probably the most unexpected. Jazz from Saturn meets indie rock from Hoboken? Sounds like a recipe for disaster on paper. And yet! For more than 15 years, YLT has dipped heavily into Ra’s vast catalog with uniformly successful results. Thus, we have today’s long awaited volume of the Sunsquashed Archives, featuring ten truly Saturnian tracks played onstage from 1997 to 2010. Dangerous horn blasts, Acetone organ scrawls and multiple drum kits abound. Some of these are Sun Ra covers, while others are YLT originals featuring members of Ra’s still-going-strong Arkestra. And then there’s my personal favorite – the massive version of the Beach Boys’ “Little Honda” with the Arkestra in tow. The noise breakdown/buildup here is a breathtaking thing to behold. Faster, faster!

For kicks I’ve included Youtube links to the Sun Ra originals.

1. False Alarm, 2003/04/19, 9:30 Club, Washington, DC (with Sun Ra Arkestra) 2. Nuclear War (Sun Ra), 2007/12/06, Maxwell’s (Original version) 3. Rocket #9 (Sun Ra), 1997/08/07, Tower Records, NYC (Original version) 4. Dreaming (The Cosmic Rays), 2000/09/15 WXPN, Philadelphia, PA (Original version) 5. Periodically Double or Triple (with Arkestra), 2010/07/10, Wiggins Park, Camden, NJ 6. Little Honda (The Beach Boys), (with Arkestra) 2010/07/10, Wiggins Park, Camden, NJ 7. Somebody’s In Love (The Cosmic Rays) (with Chris Stamey, David Kilgour, Mac McCaughan) 2004/10/10, Cat’s Cradle, Carrboro, NC (Original version) 8. Clumsy Grandmother Serves Delicious Dessert By Mistake (with Arkestra), 2005/12/28, Maxwell’s, Hoboken NJ 9. Nuclear War Medley, 2003/03/15, WFMU 10. It’s Christmas Time (The Qualities), 2002/12/04, Maxwell’s (Original version)

Thanks again to all the tapers! In case you missed it, we’re posting these rare, fan-curated Yo La Tengo recordings in tandem with Jesse Jarnow's Big Day Coming: Yo La Tengo and the Rise of Indie Rock, out NOW on Gotham Books. The first four installments are here, here, here and here. Jesse is on Twitter and Facebook, offering many more YLT treats. And of course, the band itself is at www.yolatengo.com.

[a-litost]

One of my friends asked in our group chat if do we ever feel sad and lonely at night and of course, I jokingly answered, "That sounds exactly like my regular nights". I mean, sure it's a joke - but, hells yeah I feel sad, lonely, pathetic and more distressing adjectives at nights... and days.

Pero syempre naman there are days that I feel better. Better but not the best. But still, I'll take better any day.

So what I'm actually doing when I feel these things is I... either listen to shit ton of music or watch series and movies that I don't finish. It's a pretty bad habit pero wala pa ding mas sasama kaysa sa administrasyon natin. So... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Wala akong marerecommend na something mind blowing or deep na series or movies - actually meron kaso I'd sound very pretentious so 'wag na lang hAHAHAHAHAHA. Anyway, if you like something very light and fun; you might want to watch these series:

Mockumentary/docucomedy type: The Office, Parks & Recreation and Modern Family Sitcoms/Comedy/Dramedy: F.R.I.E.N.D.S, How I Met Your Mother, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Big Bang Theory, The Good Place, Fresh off the Boat, On My Block, Atypical, Never Have I Ever, Schitt’s Creek, etc. Adult (or Kiddie, y nut) Cartoons: Bojack Horseman, F is for Family, Big Mouth, We Bare Bears, Spongebob Squarepants, Archer (I have yet to watch Ricky & Morty, The Simpsons & Family Guy) <- watched a few episodes of these pero di ko lang na-follow through HAHA

These are just some of the series that I really really liked watching. Marami pang iba kaso ayokong isipin nyo na wala akong buhay kasi wala naman talaga wELP.

As for music recos... damn, dudepretsongbruh, ang dami but I'll try himayhimayin. Also before Spotify, I was listening to albums of the bands I'm listening to - not playlists. There's a charm kasi if hahalukayin mo yung songs ng artist instead of cherry picking what their no. 1 single or their hit songs are off their albums. 

Anyway, I want to be as secretive as possible about my music choice or something kasi wala lang, it just feels very private (says a girl who shares what she listens to in IG stories). In my defense, I only have very few followers and they're like my close friends, so kebs lang HAHAHAHAHAHA

Pwede bang pantay lang pagmamahal ko sa The Beatles at Oasis?

I first listened to Oasis when I thought my life was falling apart. Oo, sobrang intense galit ko sa mundo noon because life, man. My favorite album of Oasis is definitely 'Definitely Maybe' - walang skip skip. Dinamdam ko talaga bawat kanta nila dito kahit about drugs yung iba dyan at very irrelevant sa pinagdadaanan ko. Sa The Beatles naman, man, I think all their albums were great - some of the songs were wack but a lot were SO GODDAMN FINE. I can't tell you what my favorite album is but I can tell you their songs that I adore so much.

Across the Universe, Let It Be, Hey Jude, Yesterday, Here There and Everywhere, In My Life, Blackbird, Dear Prudence, Something, Good Day Sunshine, Here Comes The Sun, A Day in the Life, Penny Lane, 'Til There Was You, Drive My Car, Baby It's You, I Want To Hold Your Hand, All My Loving, Hello Goodbye, Oh Darling, Ticket To Ride, Nowhere Man, I'm Looking Through You, Eleanor Rigby, Revolution, I Will, For No One.

Pretty sure I missed something but what the heck, you get it. I love them. Man, The Beatles were fire.

I think these two bands helped me cope with what I was dealing years ago and for that, I can truly say from the bottom of my cold ass heart that their music saved my life.

Syempre 'di mawawala e-gerl side ko so I'd like you to listen to:

Fall Out Boy - walang tapon sa mga albums nilang "Folie à Deux", "Infinity On High" at "Save Rock and Roll"; though I must admit, I haven't had the time yet to listen to their 2018 album, "Mania" - di ko knows but eventually, I'll get there. Blink-182 - wala nang mas e-e-gerl/boi kung 'di ka nakikinig ng tunes nila lol I listened to this band more because my EX crush was a fan HAHAHAHA ambabaw but yeah, if you're crushing on someone - you're in luck because their songs will give your hearts a flutter kick, or will crush it IDK there's no in between. Basta their kind of music back in the day was very relatable kahit more on guys' perspective siya but I really really liked it. I personally loved their songs like, Story of a Lonely Guy, First Date, Adam's Song, Feeling This, I Miss You, All Of This, The Rock Show, I'm Lost Without You, Always, All The Small Things, What's My Age Again?,  Please Take Me Home, Every Time I Look For You & Stay Together For The Kids.  twenty one pilots - NEED I FUCKING SAY MORE, LISTEN TO ALL OF THEIR ALBUMS ASAP The 1975 - if I were to describe their songs like a person, it's like, "What you see is what you get - but with mystery" with them. Their music is bold, honest, provocative, sexy, dreamy, harsh, sad and a lotta things. Their songs seem to be about your non-existent ex... or existing ex whatevs and it’s hurting me and I am living for it. 

Kapagod pala mag ganto, but here are some of the bands/artists I also adore uWu

The Smiths, The Cure, Joy Division, Arctic Monkeys, X Ambassadors, Catfish and the Bottlemen, The Strokes, The Kooks, Grouplove, One Republic, Coldplay, Kodaline, Passion Pit, Bombay Bicycle Club, Miniature Tigers, Wallows, Hozier, Carly Rae Jepsen, Taylor Swift, Machine Gun Kelly, Post Malone, Harry Styles, Childish Gambino, Mac Miller, The Neighbourhood, Bleachers and sobrangdamipa but these will do.

You are welcome!

[noonachronicles]

The Right One Pt. 7

Part 1. Part 2. Part 3. Part 4. Part 5. Part 6. 

Jackson Wang X Reader

Genre: This ones a bit angsty.

Trigger Warning: None

A/N:Seriously, I want to thank everyone for being so patient with me. I’ve been struggling the passed couple of months by I genuinely appreciate everyone that’s stuck around and waited for me to post something new! 

Jackson took a long deep breath before walking into the impossibly tall building that housed your father's company. The situation made especially uncomfortable since he'd asked Jackson to keep the meeting between them private. Jackson was not a big fan of lying or keeping secrets, especially from you, but your father was insistent.

He took the elevator to the thirty-second floor. There was a small, sleek looking lobby. All modern with glass walls and glass tables. The front desk was glass, on it sat at brand new silver Mac, a clear glass with a single silver pen sticking out of it, and a single iPhone sitting in front of the receptionist. Her long thin legs were crossed beneath the clear desk. Another man would have been tempted by the beautiful woman in the short pencil skirt, but Jackson wasn't any other man.

He cleared his throat as he stepped in front of her, “I’m here to see-”

“I know why you're here Mr. Wang.” She smiled, “If you'll please have a seat he’ll be ready for you in just a moment.”

Jackson sat on the leather couch and sighed. He didn't know why he felt so worried. He knew that your father wouldn't have anything nice to say, he was prepared for that. Would he speak poorly of you though? Jackson wasn't sure he'd be able to leave without throwing a punch if he heard anything bad about you. Nothing angered him quite like the way your own father could find it in himself to speak so negatively about you.

“Jackson, thank you for coming.”

Jackson looked up to see your father standing in a smart pinstripe suit. A smile on his face, but the smile was more fake than the plant in the corner of the lobby.

“Sir, it's a pleasure to see you again.” He said faking it just as well.

“Please, come into my office.”

Jackson followed your father down a long hall. He tried not to pry as they passed several glass walled conference rooms. They went all the way to the end of the hall to the only room with real walls. Stainless steel, with a dark wood door that seemed old fashioned and completely out of place.

Your father opened the door and held it politely for Jackson. It didn't surprise him that your father had the only closed off office or that the office itself was cold and empty. Two basic black chairs sat in front of a wide steel desk. A single silver computer, no phone, no papers, no pens, no family photos. No proof the office was even occupied by an actual human.

“Jackson,” your father said taking the seat next to your boyfriend, “I think it's pretty obvious why I asked you here today.”

“You're going to offer me a position at your company?” Jackson said coming off more sarcastic than he had intended.

“Not quite.” Your father chuckled,however shortly, “I would like to talk to you about my daughter.”

“Ah.” Jackson said not wanting to say much else for fear of starting an argument so soon in the conversation.

“She's quite fond of you.”

“I'm quite fond of her as well.”

“Which is all very well and good, but Jackson,I don't want you to get too attached to my daughter. You see, when you come from a family like ours there are certain expectations to be upheld. As much as my dear daughter believes she's in control of who she's going to be with, she doesn't. I know, trust me, I know how old fashioned it all may seem. Y/N, one way or another, is going to be marrying Park Jinyoung.”

Even though your father paused his speech, Jackson was unable to get a word in. In all honesty he was too stunned to find the words to say.

“She's been promised to the Park family since she was eleven years old, that's just how this is going to go. Usually my fickle daughter will break up with her rebellion hookups by now, but it seems she's taken a liking to you Mr. Wang, and that we can't let go any further. So do you understand why you're here?”

Jackson took a moment to collect himself and then said, more than half serious, “You're going to have me killed?”

Your father laughed genuinely at that, and shook his head, “Oh no, son. Even if I were in the business of murder, my daughter would never forgive me. Instead we’ll do something she could never forgive you for. I'm here to pay you.”

“For what?” Jackson asked confused.

“To stay away from my daughter.” From out of seemingly nowhere your father pulled out a beige folder and handed it to Jackson.

He opened the folder, eyebrows knit as he eyed the papers more confused than ever. “What is all this?”

“That's the deed to the building you're currently renting for your little establishment.” Your father said crossing his legs confidently. “It's yours if you promise to stay away from my daughter. You'll also find a check for 1,500,000 million won to do whatever you want with.”

“Who would do this? What kind of person would do this to their own daughter?” Jackson asked, too many emotions building up in his chest. “What kind of person do you think I am to believe I would accept this?”

“Oddly enough, Jackson.” Your dad sighed, “I think you're a smart person. You see, I came by the deed for your building when I purchased it. Which means that if you deny my request, not only do you not get the money, I will personally ensure that your little bar is demolished.”

“It's insured, I’ll just open a new club somewhere else.” Jackson said thinking quickly despite the insanity brewing in his mind. How would he tell you about this? How could your father be this way? He was angry, he was saddened, he was still very confused and it was all quickly becoming overwhelming.

“If you open your club somewhere else, I'll just buy that building too and then have that destroyed as well.” Your father looked bored, “Is it not enough money? Do you require something more?”

“You can't buy someone like this. This isn't a drama.”

“Tell that to her first boyfriend who just disappeared one day, never to be heard from again. You'll find he invested his money and is very successful now, still not enough for my daughter though. Tell it to the one she dated just before Jinyoung. He left Seoul and moved to New York to sell his art. Waste of time, if you ask me.” Your father uncrossed his legs and leaned toward Jackson, “How much is she really worth to you?”

Jackson shook his head knocking several of his bombarding thoughts from his head and threw the folder onto the desk, “Your daughter is priceless.”

All afternoon you'd worked tirelessly on dinner for Jackson. You'd even made Yoonho take you shopping so you could get all the right ingredients for the meal. It was an adventure for both of you as you'd never been to a grocery store before. Your new behaviors both amazed and terrified Yoonho.

When Jackson finally arrived he came in quietly, which was already unlike him. He stood at the entrance of the kitchen and watched your back as you moved around the stove making sure everything was perfect. You'd left a metal spoon in a simmering pot and when you went to grab it you burnt the tips of your fingers. You cursed and turned towards the sink to find Jackson. You jumped slightly and then giggled as he smiled at you.

“I'm making dinner.” You said looking so proud of yourself that his heart skipped a beat.

“I see that.” He grinned as you walked over and wrapped your arms around him.

“I love you.” You said quietly before planting a kiss on his lips.

He cupped your face in his hands and looked down at you a little longer than he usually did. “I love you too.”

Your hands moved over the slightly rough, yet slightly soft fabric of his woven jacket. “You're dressed very nicely. Business meeting? Do you have those in your line of work?”

He grinned, “Yeah, something like that.”

He watched amused as a light lit up behind your eyes and you turned quickly back to the stove and yelped, “My dinner!”

Jackson leaned against the counter and watched you finish dinner, since you weren't allowing him to help you at all. He set the dinner table as the last of the dishes were finished up and helped you carry the food over.

“It's fish.” You said quickly as he looked over the meal. “I tried to make it like your mom taught me. I hope you don't hate it.”

Jackson could feel his heart throb for you. He couldn't understand how there could ever be enough money in the world that would be an acceptable replacement for you. You watched eagerly as he took his first bite, not even thinking about touching your own food. He raised his eyebrows enthusiastically and then lifted his hand to his mouth to remove a fish bone.

“Oh no.” You frowned, “I messed up.”

“No, beautiful, it tastes delicious! It was one bone. No big deal for your first try all on your own. I'm going to eat this whole thing. I'm so proud of you. I love you so much, you know that?” He asked, needing to make sure you truly knew.

“You must love me if you still want to eat more.” You joked.

It wasn't until after the two of you had finished washing the dishes from dinner together that he had built the courage to tell you what his meeting was about. There had been so many moments he could have told you, but every time he worried how you'd react and he wanted to keep you in his arms, comfortable and happy as long as he could.

You were curled up against him on the couch, the two of you watching some silly variety show when he realized how late it was getting. He couldn't put it off any longer. He knew if he did then you'd be going to bed soon and he'd have to wait until morning. He didn't want to start your day with bad news so he'd have to wait until later in the day and by then it would have been a whole day of him keeping this terrible secret from you. It was already eating at him, making him crazy. He had to do it now.

He looked down at you as you laughed against his chest at whatever activity was happening on screen. Sighing he moved a few tendrils of hair from your face and said, “Beautiful, there's something I have to tell you.”

[welovelofi]

Loves Me / Loves Me Not

Another bout’ another sunday full of love.

Birdbath - How to Run Away Forever

https://soundcloud.com/birddbath/how-to-run-away-forever

This recording and mix sounds like it broke your speakers and it’s a great reason to give them to a friend and just get cheaper ones yourself. Don’t sweat it, this will sound even better on smaller speakers. It’s one of the most diy tracks we have featured.. the more diy the bigger the chance it actually just sounds terrible and the diy term is just an easy way to try and get away with having a lower budget and thinking it’s cool to call it diy. Those days are over pals - everyone has a fucking smartphone and laptop to record everything fine. It’s was a think because there were no other options. So atleast have some courtesy to write a good song and make it sound good if you’re going for the diy vibe - because it DOES sound amazing, if you can nail it. Birdbath has courtesy, although the intro speak will make you think of slightly inmature gents, they’re still nailin’ the sound - dicks or no dicks.

Margot - Taken By Age

https://soundcloud.com/margotzeko/takenbyage/s-x0KXJ

Slowmoving and brooding track with off-guitars pushing it lovely down the road. Soothing vocals. Nothing’s going anywhere fast. It’s one of those pleasantries, where you shouldn’t plan too much ahead when listening to this - also it’s great for forgetting to plan ahead, so it’s the cure in itself. Just kick back, on the couch, in the grass, at the beach, bring your best friend or lover and plan nothing <3

Floral Couches - Hold On

https://soundcloud.com/floralcouches/hold-on

Uh, I wish this is what would have been the shit in the 80s, maybe there would have been less Wall Street coke-heads running about in this instance and more peace loving people trying to help their neighbours. I’m pretty sure Flora Couches are wonderful neighbours. They’ll invite you in for a cup of tea, nice herbal tea too, we’ll sit down in their wonderfully decorate floral couches and eat off of their home-made floral-pressed table. I bet we’re going to have a vegetarIan barbecue later in the evening too, someone will make Mai Tais and we’ll talk about love and garden flora all night long <3 Come join, just play this tune.

The Belafontes - Big Man

https://soundcloud.com/the_belafontes/01-big-man-master-19-9-19-44zkh16bit

We’ve had a lot of love for the people of Australia lately - and with good reason. This track here is somewhat of an oddity - it severely reminds me of something you would have heard on the radio in the 80s in some parallel universe where the sound was less creamy and bit you more- Maybe if some of the Bladerunner dystopia had really come true this is what the radio would have sounded like. Fucking awesome, I would have gone out clubbing for sure instead of hating it! Do yourself the favor and check this out for some somewhat surreal nostalgia.

Peter the Human Boy - When We’re Old

 https://soundcloud.com/peterthehumanboy/when-we-are-old

Peter is a lovely man from Austria that I’ve wanted to put on here for some time, and now’s the time. He’s got a Mac Demarco vibe that is something which is very hard to lay any hate on. This one is nothing but smooth sailing, I fucking hate guitar solos, but I love the one in this! It’s like diving into a big big pool of soft butter. I can see myself standing there on the 3meter plank, butter all filled up beneath, put your heaphones on (butter resistant surely) and just take the plunge with Peter by your side - he’ll bring you back up to the surface safe and sound.

Getaway Dogs - Sawtooth (I’ve Been Wrong Before)

https://soundcloud.com/getawaydogs/sawtooth

This is a bit on the soft and easy listening side for us, but it’s sunday and it’s just so damn soothing and well performed that it surely deserves a place on the lovers list. The instrumental side of this is wonderful and really makes you slow down and pay attention. It’s a great track for wine with a loved one or chillin’ in front of the fireplace if you’re currently residing in colder climates.

Parker Longbough - Avalanche Beacon

https://soundcloud.com/parker-longbough/parker-longbough-avalanche

I can’t say anything else but just listen to this track! Sure it starts odd with the early synth - but it will make sense 10 seconds down the line. If you’re just remotely a fan of anything put out in the “indie” sphere from the 2000s-2010s you will truly appreciate this. It might be rough and rugged, but it has just the right vocals and I’m 99% certain this track just sounds as it does because that’s how it’s made - not fucked to death by repeated noodling to get it somewhere special. This is just what it is and most likely for all the right reasons <3

[meralee727]

It’s just not easy to keep looking for work. It’s not easy to keep begging, pleading year after year  and hoping that today will finally be the day. It’s not easy getting excited every time the phone rings or you get an email. That feeling of   your hopes rising as you get that brief moment of sheer excitement as you desperately want to believe it’s finally happening. That someone finally wants you and your moment has arrived, the door will finally open after all this time only to be let down again with a phone scam or an email about a sale at Sephora.

Every morning, you get up and look at your closet at your work clothes gathering dust as you visualize, wondering when you’ll get the chance to wear them again or if they even still fit. You imagine  that moment when finally after all this time, someone decides you’re worth taking a chance on. Of course, you need to know you’re worth taking a chance on but it always helps when someone else feels the same. When those words  you’ve longed to hear for so long are finally uttered, it can feel amazingly beautiful and lifting. I do not remember what it’s like to hear that “you’re hired” phrase. It’s been years. I don’t remember if anyone has considered me worth taking a chance on?

I’m hoping for today or tomorrow….or maybe next week…because you have to get up.

The search though can become increasingly lonely and isolating  so finding ways to fill those silent voids while you send out yet another resume for someone to keep on file in case something comes up that will be a good fit becomes crucial. I’ve become a podcast junkie in the last few months so I would like to dedicate this blog entry to the two podcasts that have simply made things a little more bearable and little less lonely.

Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard

I knew Dax Shepard from Parenthood. I watched Punk’d every once in awhile but it was Parenthood where I truly became a fan. I originally began watching because of Lauren Graham, Lorelei Gilmore herself, but soon was heavily involved in the lives of the Bravermans. I may have gotten into the show because of Lauren but I stayed for everyone else and I think I may have taken a similar route with discovering Dax’s Armchair Expert podcast. My discovery of another thing that Dax is a part of was thanks in part to another female whom I greatly respect and admire.

Kaitlin Olson.

When Kaitlin Olson was a guest on Armchair Expert, I had to listen…and I did…more times than I care to admit. A story about Dax getting bitten by a seal while high made me incredibly happy though I’m sure it wasn’t a great experience for him. He and Kaitlin have been friends for so long and I could imagine them, a couple of improv kids in their twenties, writing sketches, doing drugs and wondering what was next. I felt the same when Andrea Savage was on his show and for some reason I could imagine a television show. A group of twenty somethings from very different walks of life in a Groundlings like improv class all wanting to simply be that person who becomes someone….anyone. Friendship. Drugs. Alcohol. Seals. I would watch that. Anyone wanna hire me to write it?

Anyway, it was that interview with Kaitlin that made me a fan of the Armchair Expert. I dove into other interviews immediately. I loved the interviews with Kristen. The way they talked about relationships and their marriage. The way Kristen talked about how she views someone who has cut her off in traffic, instead of cussing them out, she changes her thought process. Her positivity and light has made a world of difference. I truly hate that relationship goals hashtag but the work they put into simply making it work is clear. It hasn’t always been easy but it’s been a hell of a lot of fun. It also seems like they follow my mother’s advice for a long, happy marriage closely which is that neither one of you should want a divorce on the same day.

I am still single and often feel isolated in this world as I continue to work towards that break that I still believe after all this time is around the corner, I listen to that interview and imagine I will find someone like that.

Soon.

It’s not just Kristen’s interviews that I loved. I cried when Dax interviewed his mom. She’s an an amazing woman. The strength and beauty she has shown, the perseverance is truly remarkable. I loved the Brene Brown interview as well as the one with Lauren Graham. Dax also got Keith Morrison to talk about Matthew Perry which he doesn’t often do, it seems. There was one interview when Matthew Perry was on Friends when Keith discussed him but other than that, I haven’t found anything. I loved that Dax asked about that. Kimmel talking a little bit about Kevin and Bean also thrilled me as a long time Kevin and Bean listener, though I do wish there had been a Santa Carl question. Most recently, I listened to the Jake Johnson interview and I was amazed at how little I knew about him.

Dax asks the questions that dig deep and he also asks the questions that get the guest to respond in a way that they haven’t responded a million times before. I’m thinking about the Rob McElhenney interview.

Rob McElhenney. I admire and respect that man so much for what he has managed to accomplish. I have even gone as far as to try to create my own content to see if that would finally be the thing that made the difference.

Spoiler Alert: It did not.

Though I’ve made it obvious, I want to work for Rob McElhenney.  Actually, at this point, I’d like to work for anyone but RCG Productions definitely tops that list.

Anyway, what made this Rob McElhenney interview different was that while I know the stories. I’ve listened to the stories. Fat Mac. Jacked Mac. Whatever Mac. There aren’t too many different ways to discussing gaining weight and/or getting into shape but Dax managed to get Rob to put a different spin on it which made the interview so much more interesting.

There’s a theme in all the Armchair Expert interviews I’ve listened to that make everything less lonely. Whether it’s Kristen, Kaitlin, Rob, Conan, Lauren, Andrea, Jimmy or Jake, each guest talks about their parents, their childhood and the struggles they have dealt with. Dax has a way of humanizing people we have put on a pedestal. He strips away the Instagram version of someone’s life and reveals their vulnerabilities. He shows that they had the same dreams, the same desires to simply be more and to simply be better.

Dax’s podcast is advertised as dealing with the messiness of being human and that’s what this does….and excellently so. Dax’s  podcast shows that we are all basically the same, we are all struggling to simply be accepted.

And hey, maybe one day I’ll be a guest.

As soon as someone retrieves my resume from the file where it’s apparently waiting to be a good fit.

Oh, before I move to the next one, I have to give credit to the incomparable Monica Padman. She is the producer and fact checker extraordinaire of Armchair Expert. She is fantastic though if I’m ever fortunate enough to be a guest, I will have to discuss why she was so reluctant to tell Rob McElhenney that Friends was her favorite show. Friends is the best show and no one should be embarrassed by that.

My Favorite Murder 

I am a Murderino and I have been binging Karen Kilgariff and Georgia’s My Favorite Murder podcast for the last few weeks. I used to binge those ID channel shows in secret, wondering if it was weird how fascinated I was by someone being driven to commit such brutal acts of violence. Maybe  I can attribute it to one of my Masters being in Marriage and Family Counseling but there’s just something so interesting about people who are driven to madness in that way.

Whereupon listening to Dax’s podcast leaves me feeling hopeful, My Favorite Murder makes me feel included in some weird club where someone always dies. I often long to be included in something. A place of employment. A relationship. A group of friends. I am hearing impairment and I have spent the last forty years on the outside wanting to be let in. I know exclusion far more than inclusion. I have been told that I drive people to hate me and people actively seek to avoid me. I know loneliness and being ignored. They’re familiar feelings as I continue to scream into this echo chamber of life. Yet with My Favorite Murder, there’s a connection. Albeit a very morbid connection but it’s still a feeling of being less alone. Feeling like there are other people out there. Every show delves into two murder stories or in the case of the minisodes, emails about murders from listeners. The stories are incredible and the details make every episode feel like an episode of television.

Armchair Expert and My Favorite Murder uplift me. They provide feelings of hope that I’m  not alone.

Everyone struggles.

So I guess all we can do is remain hopeful, listen to more murder stories as you hustle hey, maybe today will be the day your resume is finally retrieved from that file it’s in to see if it’s a good fit.

  Podcasts That Help Ease Unemployment Depression It’s just not easy to keep looking for work. It’s not easy to keep begging, pleading year after year  and hoping that today will finally be the day.

[rollertoasteroflife]

These Things Are Fun Lets Give It a Go

Tagged by @katyaton heyyyyyyy!

RULES: answer all questions, add one question of your own and tag as many people as there are questions. (…yeah I don’t know that many people...)

tagging: @deaded123 @showmethestarlight and if anyone that follows me wants to please do but you two are the only ones that actually reply to these things and I can’t be arsed to go through all of my followers when no one does them anyway :D

1.      coke or pepsi: coke definitely

2.      disney or dreamworks:  oh god ummm i love disney cos that was my childhood but dreamworks have done some truly amazing films and they gave me how to train your dragon which i love far more than is probably normal...

3.      coffee or tea: *whispers* both definitely both...I drink so much coffee and tea and currently green tea I’m probably 70% hot beverage at this point

4.      books or movies: ah fuck. um I have to say finding a favourite book feels so much better than a favourite film but like I literally work in the film industry so I honestly love them too but yeah imma have to say books (that was really difficult D:)

5.      windows or mac: windows cos it’s what i know

6.      dc or marvel: um I’ve seen more marvel so I’ll say marvel but I’m not particular opinionated on the matter

7.      xbox or playstation: I am abysmal at playing games so again not really my question. however i have finally worked out how to use my housemates xbox as a dvd player so woo

8.      dragon age or mass effect: I don’t play them

9.      night owl or early riser: Permanently tired pigeon here but more of a night owl.

10.  cards or chess: Oh god um  actually can’t choose because i grew up playing card games and i really love them but i have a massive sentimental personal thing about chess so yeah i can’t choose here

11.  chocolate or vanilla: Chocolate what am I? dumb?!

12.  vans or converse: Converse 

13.  lavellan, trevelyan, cadash, or adaar: I do not understand

14.  fluff or angst: um in like fic reading or my life?? because my favourite fan fics are often angsty ones but I get wayyyyyyyyyy too emotional about them and yet still tend to read them over fluffy ones. Yet in actual life my life has enough problems please cover me fluffy things i’m tired

15.  beach or forest: beach because there’s sea but i fucking love forests so much!!

16.  dogs or cats: Cats!! but puppers are great too!!!

17.  clear skies or rain: Fucking rain I love rain!!

18.  cooking or eating out: I really like cooking it’s what I resort to when I’m having issues with life not working out.

19. Spicy food or mild food: I don’t like massively spicy food but I will fight you over bland food so like somewhere between the two??

20.  halloween/samhain or solstice/yule/christmas: I only really started doing halloween like a couple of years ago but i do enjoy it (woo for fancy dress) but i do really love christmas!

21.  would you rather forever be a little too cold or a little too hot: cold definitely i hate the heat. It was 15 degrees c today (59 fahrenheit thanks google) and i was dying and complaining most of the day

22.  if you could have a superpower, what would it be: Shapeshifting!!!! 

23.  animation or live action: Again with the whole job thing, live action but i love animated films too!!

24.  paragon or renegade: eh?

25.  baths or showers: i shower more often but my house doesn’t have a bath and i really miss it. also currently with my leg injuries i would love a bath because they ache so bad D:  

26.  team cap or team ironman:  umm i don’t know?? I’m not gonna choose sorry

27.  fantasy or sci-fi: Fantasy but scifi is awesome!

28. do you have three or four  favourite quotes? if so what are they: Presume not that I am the thing I was - Shakespeare Henry V

The planets and heavens will move for you. - this is a quote from a poem @deaded123/ @breathingtheworldinwords wrote for me which is my favourite poem

I am constantly coming across quotes i want ot remember but i never write them down so yeah...

29.  youtube or netflix: netflix

30.  harry potter or percy jackson: Harry potter but am currently working my way through the percy jacksons series which i do enjoy and rick riordan is an awesome human!

31.  when you feel accomplished: when i remember how far i’ve come from what i was and how hard i’ve fought to be where i am now. Also I once forgot what happened in a battle on an history exam so proceeded to talk about the battle of helms deep and cut the orcs and elves. I got 100% on that paper. ;)

32.  star wars or star trek: star wars......it was my childhood and i love it so much

33.  paperback books or hardback books: i do love me a good hardback but my paperbacks have kept me company for a long time

34. horror or rom-com: ummm i’m not great at horror but it depends so i’d probs watch the rom com and just be cynically sarcastic throughout...(the fact that i enjoy rom coms when i’m not great and actual romance annoys myself)

35.  to live in a world without literature or music: that is just mean :P but i’d have to chose literature as my life is based around stories

36.  pastel colours or dark colours: dark definitely!! other people look aweosme in pastels but i don’t like wearing them and honeslty just feel kind of suspicious of them as a colour group (i have no idea why i have such storng opinions on pastels or why i am suspicious...)

37.  tv shows or movies: Tv shows as you go through so much more. Also it suits my attention span better

38.  city or countryside: can i have like a town?? i love the countryside but i also need to be around other people or i get very morbid

39.  if any other zodiac sign could describe you, what would it be: i don’t understand??i’m a leo and honeslty haven’t looked at the others enough to know the traits!

40.  if you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life what would it be: i would currently choose one of sia’s albums as just yes

41.  cinema or theatre: cinema because i love films but i do enjoy theatre

42.  if you could be any fictional character’s best friend, who’d you be: hmmmmmmmm i honeslty don’t know as my favs are people like me but being around someone like me as a best friend is kind of an odd thought...pass?

43.  smiling or smirking: smiling to me means just being free and comfortable to be happy and smirking in my mind is the silly little in jokes that tyou have with friends in the middle of a conversation or when you’ve thought of something inappropriately funny both of which i do a lot.

44.  are you an ‘all or nothing’ type or are you more consistent: all or nothing probably

45.  playlists or your whole library on shuffle: shuffle because i’m too lazy to make playlists

46.  travelling or staying at home: Travelling,but i like to have a base somewhere. but yeah i get bored of places easily and am not attached to anywhere as a ‘home’ as a concept i’ve never really got that feeling about anywhere? um it’s hard to explain so i’m just gonna stop cos i don’t know what my point is

47.  books or fanfiction: both are literature and they’re both stories and i fucking love stories in all forms! right now i’m reading more fanfiction because when i need to work lets get lost in emotions about fictional characters right?! but seriously i have a bunch of favourite fanfics which i keep rereading and most are novel length so like not much of  a difference!

48.  If you could live in a fantasy world, what world would it be: the chronicles of ixia world probably but like god there are so many that i’d want to be in!!

49. your favorite cartoon: um i don’t really watch that many cartoons... cacn i claim the Dragons tv series that accompanies httyd? it’s animated......

50.  name the weirdest five songs on your itunes, current or past: um ok so i have a bit of  a weird thing about my music in that i don’t like talking about it too much...i’m getting better but yeah i don’t want to answer this :)

51. mountains or plains: Mountains!!!!!!! they give me liiiiiiiiiife

52. favorite anime (or tv show if you don’t watch anime): Yuri on ice is the first anime i’ve watched and honeslty have fallen in love with it and it has ruined my world right now (it’s what my anxieties are currently directed out instead of at my work which i’m cool with) and the only other one i’ve seen is ouran high school host club which i actually watched half of yesterday whilst working as a friend loves it, it’s amusing :)

53. which social media platform are you most like yourself on: err i don’t really do social media much. i have facebook to talk to uni people, a couple of group chats with home people and it’s the only contact i have with my dad’s side of the fam as most don’t live in england but i don’t actually post anything except about work i’ve got donea dn funny photos of my friends. obvs i have tumblr which i overshare about myself way too much but this is probs a very accurate summary of my shit sense of humour, tv shows, and everything else in my head! though i do sometimes get concerned about my oversharing on here cos y’know internet safetyand all D: oh i have snapchat too but i mainly use it to talk to 2 friends one is in germany so i can’t ring her like i used to and the other we pretty much just send each other selfies with a lot of heart emojis! i’ve been debating getting instagram but haven’t decided yet...

54. What are some of your passions:anyone that knows me or reads my frequent oversharing will know i work in costume stuff so yeah i can literally talk about costuming and historic fashions for days and not get bored so yeha don’t ask about that unless you ready to learn!! ;) um i’m also an archery instructor, really love drawing, and just yeah the various tv, film and book obsessions that i go through (currently it’s yoi but i do try and keep my obsession from fully taking ove rthis blog-80% of it is still my shit sense of humour

55. Favourite food: I will fight everyone to get a proper roast dinner with yorkshire puddings and also chocolate.....and pomegranates.....and sugar snap peas......

This was fun!!!

[sustainhealthmagazine]

NFL Announces Nominees for Salute to Service Award Presented by USAA

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By SPORT EDITOR FOR SUSTAINHEALTH 

PUBLISHED: 22:12, 04 November 2019 | UPDATED: 22:42, 04 November 2019

The NFL and USAA, an Official NFL Salute to Service Partner, have announced the 32 nominees for the ninth annual Salute to Service Award presented by USAA. The Salute to Service Award annually recognizes NFL players, coaches, personnel and Legends who demonstrate an exemplary commitment to honoring and supporting the military community, as nominated by NFL clubs.

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Finalists will be announced in January, and the recipient will be recognized at NFL Honors, a two-hour primetime awards special to air nationally on Feb. 1, 2019 the night before Super Bowl LIV.

"The 2019 'Salute to Service Award presented by USAA' nominees truly deserve this moment of recognition for their strong commitment to honor and recognize our military members, veterans, and their families," said Vice Admiral (Ret.) JOHN BIRD, USAA Senior Vice President of Military Affairs. "From visiting service members on base at home and abroad, volunteering with veterans service organizations, and helping with veteran hiring programs, this year's nominees are true examples of how players, coaches, and fans can, through meaningful action, show their deep appreciation for the military community." 

Current San Francisco 49er and former Atlanta Falcons guard BEN GARLAND was last year's award recipient. Garland will serve on the award panel and vote to select the 2019 Salute to Service Award recipient.

As the presenting sponsor of the Salute to Service Award, USAA, a leading provider of insurance and other services to U.S. military members, veterans and their families, will contribute $25,000 in the recipient's name to the official aid societies representing all five military branches. The NFL will match USAA's contribution of $25,000, which will be donated to the award recipient's military charity of choice.

The Salute to Service Award is part of the NFL and USAA's year-round commitment to recognize and honor the military community. Each year, the NFL and its 32 teams come together to honor, empower and connect with members of the military as part of the NFL's Salute to Service. The League's year-round military appreciation efforts culminate in November with NFL Salute to Service games and other special events honoring and thanking veterans, active duty service members and their families.

Since 2011, USAA has used its sponsorship to honor and appreciate active-duty military, veterans and their families by creating unique opportunities that bring the military community and the NFL closer together. Among numerous events this season, USAA hosted "NFL Boot Camps" during training camp with multiple teams and at military installations at home and abroad, where military members competed in drills similar to those used at the NFL Combine, Super Bowl ticket giveaways for military veterans and offering military members the chance to meet NFL players in small groups. Fans can join the NFL and USAA in honoring the military community by visiting NFL.com/Salute.

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Below is a list of the 2019 Salute to Service Award presented by USAA nominees:

Team2019 Salute to Service Award Team NomineesArizona Cardinals

DENNIS GARDECK (Linebacker)

Dennis Gardeck grew up in the Chicago area and earned all-conference honors as a defenseman in lacrosse in addition to playing for the football team. He went on to star at West Virginia State before transferring to Sioux Falls as a graduate transfer in 2017. As a senior, he was named to five Division II All-America teams, selected as a finalist for the Cliff Harris Award (Small College Defensive Player of the Year) and earned first-team All-NSIC and NSIC Defensive Newcomer of the Year honors. Since joining the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2018, Gradeck has played 22 games and totaled 14 special teams tackles. During his time in Arizona, linebacker Dennis Gardeck has rarely missed an opportunity to participate in community service events such as school trips, kids camps and hospital visits. One cause particularly important to him, however, is giving back to military veterans, an initiative the second-year Cardinal supports with the same passion he brings to the field. "I see a lot of similarities between football and the service – the comradery, intensity and brotherhood" Gardeck said. "We have the freedom to play a game we love because of the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who have served, and it's important to show our veterans that we care about them and appreciate all they've done."

Gardeck recently participated in "Operation Sleep," a military appreciation event hosted by Cardinals Charities and Brooklyn Bedding at MANA (Marines, Army, Navy and Air Force) House in Phoenix. He and team representatives delivered 76 beds to the residents of MANA House, which is a peer-support organization that helps rebuild the lives of military veterans affected by homelessness. "When the Cardinals come in, the attitude of the men really just changes," said Wendy Owens, Charities Manager at MANA House. "Their eyes just light up. It brings out a softer side of them." Gardeck will return to MANA House during the Cardinals bye week in late November to spend time with the residents during a canvas painting event. While staying at MANA House, veterans build savings with the goal of moving out on their own, and the paintings they create with Gardeck will help furnish their new home.

Atlanta Falcons

STEVE CANNON (Chief Executive Officer)

Steve Cannon, CEO of Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur M. Blank's family of businesses, is the personification of what the NFL's Salute to Service Award was created to honor. His passion and drive to provide America's military community meaningful recognition, unique engagement opportunities and enduring support they may not otherwise have is constant and central to his leadership ethic. Cannon's commitment to the military and related causes began with his own personal commitment. Cannon, who graduated with honors from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1986, was Airborne Ranger qualified and served as First Lieutenant in West Germany during the fall of the Iron Curtain. During his time in the Army he also served five years as an artillery officer. Through Cannon's countless hours of service to multiple military non-profits over the years, his constant "military first" mindset and utilization of the NFL's platform has provided active duty service members, veterans and military families with first class experiences and support.

In addition to empowering and giving back to the military community, Cannon has played a large role in bringing awareness to the general population on the importance of honoring and recognizing our Nation's Heroes. Through Cannon's military and professional career, he has consistently found ways to implement programs in service to our military, active duty specifically. Upon his entrance into the Atlanta Falcons organization, he realized the impact of the NFL platform and challenged the Club to be "best in class" and to "become the benchmark franchise in all of professional sports" in terms of the Falcons military outreach and appreciation. The Atlanta Falcons became the first ever NFL team to conduct their own USO Tour. Another challenge that Cannon put on the team was to make every single Atlanta Falcons home game a Salute to Service game; and to not just celebrate our current service members and veterans once in November. Additionally, the Falcons host and honor through video tribute, a family from the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) at every single home game. The Falcons have raised more than $250,000 to help homeless veterans across the state of Georgia.

On Jan. 1, 2014, Cannon's life was changed forever when his brother, also a West Point graduate, took his own life due to post traumatic stress disorder. Cannon, through his heartbreak, also found a light. Seeing what his family was going through, he wanted to make sure that any other family that experiences the unbearable pain of losing a loved one, feels cared for, is nurtured and has opportunities in their time of most need. Cannon serves on the Board of Directors of three organizations whose values are built around providing opportunities for military and their families. Since 2014, he has served on the Board of Directors for Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund and Children of Fallen Patriots; while also serving on the TAPS Board of Directors since 2017. Cannon co-founded the Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund in 2014, a nonprofit organization that honors military service and sacrifice by providing scholarships and educational programs to veterans and military family members, especially to children of our nation's fallen or disabled. Since 2014, Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund has helped over 1,500 military children with scholarships totaling $12 million; the Fund will award an additional $4 million+ in scholarships in 2019. A member of the Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund Executive Committee and Board of Directors, Cannon has been instrumental in their fundraising efforts. They have raised $20 million since 2014.

Cannon always has the United States military on the forefront of what we do, and their families, and the Atlanta Falcons are honored to have a such a special leader push the organization to excellence and make sure they take care of those who fight for our freedom every day. "There is a debt we owe to those who make the ultimate sacrifice and we will pay that debt by taking care of the families left behind," says Cannon.

Baltimore Ravens

JOHN HARBAUGH (Head Coach)

Throughout his 12-year tenure as head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, John Harbaugh has displayed an unwavering commitment to the military. By consistently honoring those who have fought valiantly defending freedom, to establishing unique displays of appreciation for those who serve today, Harbaugh's support for America's service members is unparalleled in the NFL community. Even after winning the 2013 Salute to Service Award, Harbaugh has continued to create a culture throughout the Ravens organization that stresses reverence and gratitude for the military. Last season, Harbaugh assisted in launching a long-term relationship between the Ravens and the USS Maryland (SSBN 738) – a United States Navy Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine stationed in Kings Bay, GA.

Another example of his commitment to the military occurred near the end of the 2017 training camp, when Harbaugh surprised the entire team by cancelling practice and loading everyone on busses to visit The Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery. The trip was an opportunity for players, coaches and staff to receive a behind-the-scenes tour of the historic locations and show appreciation for what each represents. Earlier that summer, Harbaugh once again arranged for a trip to the battlefields of Gettysburg, where many Ravens learned about the Civil War's impact on America and the sacrifices made by thousands of soldiers. Harbaugh has also visited numerous military installations, including bases in the Persian Gulf as part of the inaugural NFL USO Coaches Tour (2009), the Naval Special Warfare Center in Coronado, California, (2011), Andrews Air Force Base – and locations in Turkey and Afghanistan with Army Chief of Staff General Raymond Odierno (2014). In 2012, General Odierno – who has spoken to the Ravens on multiple occasions, presented Harbaugh with the Outstanding Civilian Service Award.

Harbaugh is well-known for regularly having service members attend practice and inviting wounded warriors as his guests to each Ravens home game. He has spent significant time and funds to send holiday care packages to service members overseas, and he has purchased school supplies for children whose parents serve in the military. Not only do military members frequently come to practice or visit the field during pre-game warm-ups at M&T Bank Stadium, but on a daily basis, Harbaugh connects with service members through e-mails, phone calls and personal letters. In 2008, Harbaugh also helped institute Military Appreciation Day, an annual event that has taken place for 12-consecutive years during Ravens training camp. Since its establishment, over 10,000 service members have enjoyed opportunities to meet players and coaches, including during practices held at the Naval Academy's Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Day after day, year after year, John Harbaugh exemplifies military appreciation with genuine passion and consistency.

Buffalo Bills

CHAD HALL (Wide Receivers Coach)

Throughout his career, Chad Hall has held many titles – including a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force, NFL wide receiver, and most recently Buffalo Bills Wide Receivers coach. After graduating high school, Hall was rewarded an appointment to attend the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, where his military career began. After serving four years at the Air Force Academy, Hall graduated and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. He was stationed in Hill Air Force Base, Utah, for two years where he became an Aircraft Maintenance Officer in the 421st Aircraft Maintenance Unit.

In this role, Hall led over 300 troops and maintained F-16 Fighting Falcons. Throughout his service, he still had one goal – to play in the NFL. He put his country and job first, but during his free time, he trained in pursuit of his dream. The military instilled discipline and a set of values that Hall carried in to his on-field performance as a wide receiver for the Eagles, 49ers and Chiefs. During his NFL playing career, Hall assisted at the Air Force recruiting office and shaved his head to raise money for the Wounded Warriors Foundation. Before his final year of playing, Hall founded "Pigskin Patriots," a non-profit organization that holds free football and cheerleading camps on military bases around the United States for children of military families. The goal of the organization is to build the character of tomorrow's future leaders while creating a day they will remember forever.

Carolina Panthers

RON RIVERA (Head Coach)

Carolina Panthers Head Coach Ron Rivera was born into the military. His father was drafted into the Army in 1952 and retired after two tours of duty in Vietnam and 32 years of service. His parents met at a USO event and raised their four children on military bases around the globe. Throughout his life, his exposure to the military has shaped the values and ideals he brings to the coaching profession and in his service to the community. It is a commitment Ron shares with his wife, Stephanie, whose father served as a Navy submarine driver and grandfather served on a submarine in World War II. During his tenure as head coach of the Panthers, Rivera has embraced the large military contingent in the Carolinas. He makes anticipated annual visits to the region's military bases including Ft. Bragg and Camp Lejeune to spend time with troops, wounded warriors and Special Operations Forces, but his personal engagement with Armed Forces members is a particular passion.

Outside of football, Ron and Stephanie serve as USO of North Carolina and Veterans Bridge Home ambassadors donating both their time and financial resources to support organizational events and active duty troops. Former USO of North Carolina President/ CEO and retired Lieutenant Colonel John Falkenbury said this of Rivera: "While the Carolina Panthers are the 'Gold Standard' for supporting our military and their families, it is Coach Rivera who sets the tone and leads by an example that permeates through the entire team and management. Throughout the year, Coach Rivera and his wife, Stephanie, dedicates personal and team time to honor our military by inviting and meeting with them at training camp, Military Furlough Weekends during the season, or traveling to area military bases on his own time to quietly meet with our Warriors and their families. When a Special Forces Soldier was tragically killed in action, leaving a wife and several children behind, Coach Rivera stepped up personally to support the family. Coach Rivera, the son of an Army Warrant Officer, knows first-hand the challenges our military men and women, as well as their families face on a daily basis. His commitment to them is unswerving, passionate and uplifting. Through his words and deeds, he makes a profound difference to the less than one percent of the nation protecting the freedoms of the other 99 percent."

Chicago Bears

PATRICK SCALES (Long Snapper)

This past off-season Patrick visited with Navy officers and senior enlisted sailors for a leadership session onboard Recruit Training Command at the Naval Station at Great Lakes in Great Lakes, Illinois. Patrick participated in an interview Q&A style which was moderated by their Command Master Chief, David Twiford. The purpose was for the audience to learn about Patrick's thoughts on leadership and how he achieved success in his career. The visit was as rewarding from Patrick as it was for the sailors who participated in the day.

As the Chicago Bears host military and first responder groups at Halas Hall to watch practice, Patrick is one of the first players to greet them and spend time with them. Patrick's warm personality and sense of humor makes guests feel at home and welcomed by the team. Patrick has also committed to supporting the Bears upcoming Salute to Service programs and events such as taking veterans who are part of the Wounded Warrior program "golfing" at Top Golf, among other events leading up to numerous events that engage with the military community.

Cincinnati Bengals

JEMAL SINGLETON (Running Backs Coach)

Jemal Singleton, the son of an Air Force Sergeant, followed in his father's footsteps when he began his military career at the Air Force Academy. Singleton's leadership as a player was evident when he became one of only six players in program history to be elected a two-time captain. In 2001, Singleton was stationed at Little Rock Air Force Base in Jacksonville, Arkansas, where he served as the Chief of Media Relations. During that time, he deployed to Tbilisi, Georgia in support of the Georgia Train and Equip Program (GTEP).

The program was an American-sponsored 18-month, $64-million program aimed at increasing the capabilities of the Georgian armed forces by training and equipping four 600-man battalions with light weapons, vehicles and communications. In 2003, he returned to the Air Force Academy to serve as the Executive Officer for former Director of Athletics, Ret. Col. Randy Spetman. He later became part of the Air Force Football coaching staff. Singleton's coaching career has taken him to multiple cities since leaving the Air Force Academy, but his commitment to the military has not waivered. He is focused on raising awareness for the needs of veterans and supporting military efforts in the community. He has been involved with multiple military organizations including the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) and Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing (PHWFF).

Cleveland Browns

JOHN DORSEY (General Manager)

Valued lessons from his military upbringing have helped shape John Dorsey's work both on and off the field. "It probably comes from the work ethic my father instilled in me at a very young age," he said. "I like to wake up every morning and see if I can make a contribution." John attended Leonard Hall Junior Military Academy in Leonardtown, Maryland for grades five through eight. In 1980, he prepared for his NFL journey at Fork Union Military Academy, a nationally recognized school in Central Virginia. In 2016, John's accomplishments bestowed his induction in the Fork Union Military Academy Hall of Fame. He was inspired by the school's value of integrity and the belief that "We mean what we say, say what we mean." John has been active in making a difference in the community both as a player and as an executive. Particularly, he is committed to supporting and honoring those who serve and have sacrificed for our country. He led a special project to honor family members of Browns staff who have served or are actively serving in the military. Additionally, each year John and the Browns welcome nearly 175 guests from active military and their immediate families (invited through the USO of Northern Ohio), local veterans and Gold Star families to Training Camp. All guests enjoy practice as well as a special meet and greet with the players, coaches and members of the Browns front office. He has always been incredibly welcoming of military guests, whether it's World War II veterans or active members, who visit the facility, practice and games. John takes the time to get to know members and their families and ensure they are honored as special guests of the Cleveland Browns. Nothing flashy, but hard work, grit, determination, honor and respect. These are principles inspired by service members that have shaped John's leadership to positively impact the organization's culture and what it means to be a Cleveland Brown.

Dallas Cowboys

ROGER STAUBACH (Former Quarterback)

Roger Staubach led the Dallas Cowboys to six NFC Championship Games, four Super Bowls and two Super Bowl titles. A great clutch performer, Staubach earned the name "Captain Comeback" for leading the Cowboys to 23 comeback victories – 14 of those in the last two minutes or overtime. A five-time Pro Bowler, Staubach was drafted by Dallas in 1964 after winning the Heisman Trophy and Maxwell Award at the Naval Academy. Staubach was inducted into the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor in 1983 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985. Staubach's grace under fire on the football field was earned through service to the United States Navy. A 1965 graduate of the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Staubach served four years as a Navy officer – one of those years spent in Vietnam as a Supply Corps officer, commanding 41 men. Staubach joined the Dallas Cowboys in 1969. His 11-year career solidified his legacy in Dallas Cowboys and NFL history. A national NFL Man of the Year, Staubach's off-the-field passion for philanthropy has touched military causes, children's cancer, women's shelters and more.

Throughout his playing and professional career, Staubach has worked behind the scenes to support active duty military members, veterans and their families, in addition to mainstream philanthropy causes. He has worked closely with the United States Naval Academy Foundation, USAA, USO, Children's Cancer Fund, American Cancer Society and others. Staubach started the nonprofit Allies in Service to support service members, veterans and their spouses with employment assistance. Through connecting veterans to essential resources, mentoring and follow-up, building public awareness and encouraging community collaboration, Allies in Service serves veterans, just as they have served the country.

Allies in Service works to support the more than 350,000 veterans living in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex (110,000 of those veterans in Dallas County) to ensure a successful transition - allowing them to lead a life of success after service. The services provided by Allies in Service are free to veterans, their spouses, and our community partners. The nonprofit partners with individuals, employers, community and other veteran support organizations to educate and enhance the quality of life of veterans. Under Staubach's leadership, Allies in Service offers assistance with resume writing, mock interviews, career coaching, career leads and referrals, mentorship, education, housing and healthcare. All programs strive to help translate the military and civilian experience, so employers can see the transferable skills. Among the many honors bestowed upon Roger are Commercial Property News' "Corporate Services Executive of the Year" (four times), the 2006 Congressional Medal of Honor "Patriot Award," the NCAA "Teddy Roosevelt Award" for being one of the "100 Most Influential NCAA Student-Athletes," the American Jewish Congress "Torch of Conscience Award," and the United States Naval Academy "Distinguished Graduate."

Denver Broncos

BRANDON STOKLEY (Former Wide Receiver)

Brandon Stokley is a former NFL wide receiver who played a total of 15 seasons, most notably with the Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts, and Baltimore Ravens. Stokley continues to be a role model for current Denver Broncos players, and consistently sets an example of commitment to the military community and programming. Continuing a tradition that inspired him throughout his career, Brandon annually hosts retired and wounded military veterans as VIP guests during Denver Broncos training camp practices. "When I played [having service members at practice] was always the highlight of training camp," Stokley said, as told to in 2019. "After practice you had the veterans out there and you got to thank them for their service, and it reminded you of what's really important. You're going through training camp and you're in the grind, and it just helps you take a step back and reflect and just appreciate everything else that's going on and put things in perspective for you."

By working with a variety of organizations throughout this five-year tradition, Stokley has solidified himself as a dedicated volunteer and supporter of the military community. He has worked with Operation Warrior Wishes, Freedom Service Dogs, and Unstoppable Heroes, each time inviting retired and wounded veterans for an up close and personal view of practice and the ability to meet with current players after practice. Brandon's grandfather was an Army veteran and fought in the Vietnam War. To Stokley, Salute to Service means to "pay respect and honor the men and women who have sacrificed for our freedom."

Detroit Lions

MATT PATRICIA (Head Coach)

Currently in his 16th season as an NFL coach and second as the head coach of the Lions, Patricia's support of the United States Armed Forces dates back to his days as an aeronautical engineering major at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where his "first love" was airplanes. With several close friends currently serving in the military, specifically the Navy, Patricia grows his beard every season to honor his loved ones overseas – most of whom typically sport full beards. "I'm not shaving until you get back. When you see us on TV, or see me on TV, you'll know I'll be thinking about you," Patricia said during his press conference at Super Bowl LII. In 2018, his first year as head coach, the Lions partnered with the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). Through Patricia's work with Lions players on the launch of the team's social justice initiative, Detroit Lions Inspire Change, the Lions became the first NFL team to fund scholarship opportunities for TAPS families.

During the team's Salute to Service game against the Carolina Panthers last season, Patricia hosted Michigan-based TAPS families and, alongside several players, honored the families' lost loved ones with personalized buttons and helmet decals on game day. Lions players also conducted a ticket drive that invited hundreds of military members to the Panthers game. This year, Patricia and the Lions plan to honor 25 TAPS families when Detroit takes on the Dallas Cowboys on Nov. 17. As part of his first My Cause My Cleats initiative as an NFL head coach, Patricia showcased the Word of Honor Fund, which provides a continuum of support that facilitates milestone events for the surviving children of Navy SEALs and Special Operations personnel who lost their lives while assigned to select Naval Special Operations Groups. Last June, he donated 325 backpacks to the organization's Annual Summertime Gathering in Willow Creek, Idaho. Over the last two years, Patricia and the Lions have hosted and helped fund the Drug Enforcement Agency's Maltz Challenge, an annual worldwide cross-fit event held in memory of DEA Special Agent and United States Airforce Pararescue man Mike Maltz that honors service men and women lost in the line of duty.

This past March, more than 150 participants gathered at the team's Allen Park practice facility to compete in the event, where Patricia greeted participants and helped organize a gift presentation to the family of Private First Class Tarryl Hill, a Southfield, Michigan native who died while serving in the Iraq War. Patricia's commitment to supporting the service men and women of our country is also rooted in a passion for preserving and honoring American history. In June 2018, Patricia led a private trip of the entire team and coaching staff to Arlington National Cemetery, where the team together remembered fallen heroes before embarking on the upcoming season. During this trip, Patricia and the team's player leadership council also visited Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. This past August, while participating in joint training camp practices with the Houston Texans, Patricia also coordinated a team trip to the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, NASA's headquarters for human spaceflight training. Lions players and staff were given an exclusive opportunity to hear NASA astronaut and United States Navy SEAL Chris Cassidy present on his distinguished career path, as well as the many parallels between the training regimens of professional football players and astronauts. Throughout the football season, Patricia consistently hosts military friends at both home and road games and also allows them to take part in team meetings and view practice. Over the last two seasons, he has also brought in retired Three-Star United States Navy Admiral John "Boomer" Stufflebeem, to speak to the team on topics ranging from media training to culture building. A former Lions punter and close friend of Patricia, Stufflebeem served 39 years in the Navy and is well-known for his role as the primary media liaison for the Pentagon following the attacks of September 11, 2001.

Green Bay Packers

DANNY VITALE (Fullback)

If you were to ask any of Danny's teammates and friends to describe him in one word, often they would respond with "patriotic." Danny Vitale embodies what it means to support one's country and its United States Armed Forces through his constant support and patriotism. Danny is involved with numerous organizations and their efforts to support the military on and off the battlefield. This past Memorial Day, Danny completed his fourth Murph Challenge. Every Memorial Day, the Murph Challenge honors former Navy Seal Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy, who was killed during Operation Red Wings, in 2005. The challenge requires participants to run one mile, perform 100 pull ups, 200 pushups, 300 squats, and then run an additional mile, all while wearing a 20-pound weighted vest. Through Danny's support, and the support of many others, over $1 million through The Murph Challenge for the Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy Memorial Scholarship Foundation. Danny's appreciation for the military has also been inspired by the service of one of his best friends, Tom Hruby. Tom was a teammate of Danny's at Northwestern and also served as a Navy SEAL. Tom helped introduce Danny to Taya Kyle, the widow of the highly decorated former Navy SEAL, Chris Kyle. Following her husband's death, Taya Kyle started the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation which helps veterans to reconnect with their family and readjust to civilian life when they return home from military duty. Vitale honored the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation with his "My Cause, My Cleats" campaign in 2017.

Danny often uses his platform to promote the organization and share their amazing efforts and hopes to continue honoring the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation. Last year, Danny and three teammates took a Blackhawk helicopter to the Wisconsin Challenge Academy to spend the day with cadets at Fort McCoy. The Challenge Academy is a program that helps at-risk youth, ages 16-18, by reshaping their lives through a structured military environment to help them get their life back on track. Danny and his teammates ate lunch with the cadets, took a tour of the barracks and held a Q&A session to help inspire and motivate them to become better members of society. This fall, Danny and six teammates served as honorary captains for the Packers' first "Huddle for Heroes." This military event hosted 56 Wisconsin veterans for an afternoon of personal interaction with the players and interactive sports games. As part of the event, players and veterans all wrote a letter to an active duty military serviceman or woman to offer encouragement and gratitude for all that they are doing for our country overseas. Danny Vitale constantly represents what it means to support the military. Often on his social media posts, he describes his visits to memorials and military sites, and honors those who have fought for our country. He never takes for granted the rights and freedoms our military fights to defend each day, and his nomination for this prestigious award has only motivated him further to be a tireless advocate for the military and veterans.

Houston Texans

JON WEEKS (Long Snapper)

Houston Texans long snapper Jon Weeks proudly recalls his days growing up as a "military brat." Jon comes from a long line of service members starting with his grandfather who served in the Army in both World War II and the Korean War. Jon's dad served in the Air Force for 15 years sacrificing time with his young family to serve his country. Jon was born in Bethpage, New York while his dad was in still the service. As his dad was returning to civilian life, the family relocated across the country to Phoenix, Arizona. Through multi-generations of military service in his family, Jon relates to service members and understands the sacrifices they make. "I know just a little bit of it, and you can never say 'thank you' enough."

Jon and his wife, Amanda, have been a consistent presence at almost every military event the Texans have hosted during his 10 seasons with the team. Jon attended the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Armed Forces Appreciation Day earlier this year. Each year, he participates in the Houston Texans Military Barbeque meeting the service members in attendance while his wife Amanda volunteers to serve food to families. Last year Jon and Amanda volunteered to serve Thanksgiving lunch to over 200 veterans at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston. Jon spoke on behalf of the players at the event, "From the bottom of our heart, thank you for everything you've done for us." Jon is proud to carry on his family's legacy of giving back to others.

Indianapolis Colts

BRIAN DECKER (Director of Player Development)

Brian Decker was born into the military in Texas and raised in Kentucky - for Brian Decker, service was in his blood. "My grandfather served in the military in the Korean War and my dad served in the military in Vietnam. There was a tradition of service in our family," he said. "I think the military was always something that I thought about in the back of my mind." But when Brian felt like he needed a change, he decided to join the military. "Once I got there, in a very short amount of time, I realized I had made a great decision." Decker continued, "It was probably the first thing in my life that anyone ever told me I was good at. It's hard to develop a passion for something until you've enjoyed some success. I really liked the structure. I liked the fact that it was about working hard. If you worked hard and did the right things, you could advance." And he did - working his way up to Lieutenant Colonel of the United States Special Forces, he did two tours of duty in Iraq. He was 32 years old the first time he went. His wife was six or seven months pregnant with twins.  Brian said the most difficult part of it was having to leave.

"You have a scheduled date on which you're going to leave and you don't know if you'll ever come back," he said. "You write a letter that's hidden somewhere, and people know where it's at so if something were to happen to you, you get to say goodbye." Said Decker. As grueling as it was personally professionally, it was everything he dreamed of. Brian lead a special forces team. He was getting an opportunity to lead some of the most highly trained, qualified, some of the greatest Americans that he's ever met. During his three years as Commander of Special Forces Assessment and Selection, the program saw success - so much so that other organizations - military, business, and even sports teams wanted to hear about it. What they realized was that by focusing solely on performance, they were missing on the person. Decker consulted with professional organizations of every major sport and eventually, the Cleveland Browns brought him in to oversee their player selection process. As it turns out, the characteristics that make someone a good team member are the same - whether it's on the battle field or the football field. "I would go a step farther and say that when you talk about the elite level of the military or any sport or most business organizations - if you take the sports specific requirements away and look at the mindset of the person - they're all the same people."

He continues to serve and give back by investing in veterans like himself and shining a spotlight on nontraditional ways to bring people in from the military and have them contribute in a valuable way.

Now, he's helping players develop tools they'll use for life - much like he did with his soldiers. I think every one of us who works here wants to be able to know that in some way, form, or fashion, we're having an impact." From a late bloomer to a leader of men, the military made Brian Decker the man he is today. After 22 years of service, no matter where he goes - in his heart, he's always a soldier.

Jacksonville Jaguars

MYLES JACK (Linebacker)

This past offseason, Myles Jack embarked on a weeklong tour to South Korea with the USO as an extension of the NFL's Salute to Service. A collaborative effort between the USO and NFL, the tour was aimed to salute and honor those who protect and defend our freedoms abroad. While in South Korea, Jack met and visited with several military units, spending time with service members and their families and in turn was given a unique, in-depth perspective to the daily life of the men and women who defend our freedom tirelessly around the clock.

While at home, Jack has participated in annual NFL Salute to Service events as part of his support for the robust military community in Jacksonville. He has attended Pros vs. GI Joe, during which the Jaguars invite 25 active duty military members from different branches to interact with players through video game challenges. Last year, Jack also went to the Stars and Strikes bowling event held at Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, where 200 military members and their families received free bowling time, food and giveaway items. For this year's My Cause My Cleats Initiative, Jack will honor the USO and our military as he wears cleats dedicated to military appreciation for the brave individuals, such as the ones he met in South Korea during the offseason, who fight for and defend our safety. Jack takes great pride in honoring the military, as his great uncle, John Marshall Valrie, proudly served our county during the Vietnam War while on the USS Seattle, enlisting in the Navy at the age of 18.

Kansas City Chiefs

ANTHONY SHERMAN (Fullback)

Kansas City Chiefs fullback Anthony Sherman has been a longtime supporter of the United States Armed Forces. Sherman is currently in his seventh season with the Chiefs and has continuously proven to the Kansas City community that he is dedicated to showing appreciation and support to our service men and women across all branches of the military. Each year Anthony Sherman participates in a variety of initiatives to give back to service members. The Chiefs' Military Appreciation Day at Training Camp is one event that Sherman participates in year to year.

Sherman loves being able to provide experiences to military members and their families and has said, "We wouldn't be able to do what we do on Sundays if it wasn't for the people that go out there and defend our freedom and give us the opportunity to do what we want to do." Chiefs activations such as this have inspired Sherman to go above and beyond even after the events. In December of 2018 various Chiefs players, including Sherman, threw a holiday party for a few local Gold Star families. It was at this event that Sherman met Joyce Turner, the mother of Staff Sergeant, Shaun Mittler, of the United States Army who gave his life defending our country at the young age of 32. Sherman invited the family for an all-inclusive surprise trip to Super Bowl LII. Turner was invited back to Arrowhead for what she thought was a complimentary tour but was shocked and overwhelmed with emotion when she saw Sherman in the locker room waiting to present her and her family with this gift. Sherman also went out of his way to start a charitable initiative involving the Veterans Community Project (VCP) of Kansas City.

Sherman has helped donate funds to VCP, helping them cover the various costs of building tiny homes that are designed with the intention of getting homeless veterans off the streets. The League has also provided Sherman with platforms to show his military support. Through the NFL's "My Cause, My Cleats" campaign, Sherman was able to bring awareness to the Lone Survivor Foundation during the 2018 season. Anthony Sherman has made himself known to be an avid ambassador of the military community. His continuous efforts to support and give back to service members have gone unnoticed by none and Sherman's platform and genuine passion for this cause have allowed him to make an impact on the lives of many active duty members, retired military personnel, and their families.

Los Angeles Chargers

DONNIE EDWARDS (Former Linebacker)

During Edwards five seasons with the team, #59 was twice voted as an All-Pro linebacker and at the time of his retirement, Edwards was one of only eight players in the history of the NFL to record 20 interceptions and 20 sacks over a career. While he was heavily involved with bettering the community and actively supporting the military during his playing days, Edwards has taken full advantage of his connections off the field to support the world around him, especially our military veterans, in his post-football life. It was Edwards' long-standing family ties to the military which moved him to lend his support to our troops overseas, including participating in seven tours with the USO proudly working to help boost morale for members of our military. "My family has been in the military since grandpa, who is a Pearl Harbor survivor with the 25th infantry division. His service and sacrifice to this country has always pushed me to support our military and so I'm a life-long supporter of our military," said Edwards. But now Edwards' passion has taken a very special direction as he has turned his attention and time to assisting The Greatest Generation Foundation. "Primarily what I do now is I work with The Greatest Generation Foundation. We take World War II veterans back to their battlefields and memorials so they can make peace and pay respect to their fallen brothers who never got a chance to live a full life. It's been really rewarding for me. I've been taking back veterans for about 10 years and I've done over 25 programs around the world, from Berchtesgaden, Germany to the beaches of Iwo Jima, and all in-between." Edwards finds that being able to help those who answered the call of duty to serve our country is a reward unlike any other and it's truly become a passion.

To commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day, Chargers Legend, Donnie Edwards, had a goal to return as many veterans as he could to Normandy. His goal was achieved earlier this offseason, as Edwards and his Best Defense Foundation took 16 veterans and a nurse who served in World War II on a 10-day trip to the shores of northern France. "I am very honored and proud to bring these great men back to Normandy and also very proud to be bringing back a World War II nurse who served in triage tents, nursing our wounded men," Edwards said. "We've attended ceremonies, parades, visited schools, and several of our veterans will be receiving their French Legion of Honor Award. We will spend time with the vets in private settings where they are able to reconnect with each other and share memories and stories."

He has participated in several USO tours. Last year, Edwards along with two other NFL Legends went to Japan on an NFL-USO Tour. Edwards regularly returns veterans to their former battlefields, something he's been doing for the last 14 years. Like Normandy, he took seven Iwo Jima survivors back to the islands earlier this year. He credits the game of football for giving him the platform to do so much for those who served. "I come from a big family, nine people, and my mom's first generation from Mexico," Edwards noted. "Growing up, this game of football has provided me a tremendous opportunity to get educated (and) change my life financially. To play 14 years in the NFL, this platform I have from playing ball allows me to give back to the military; to serve and say thank you. To be born in this country, I'm just truly blessed to play football and change my life."

His dedication to giving back comes from his family. His grandfather, Sergeant Maximino Razo, was a Pearl Harbor survivor, a father-figure for Edwards growing up, and ultimately, his inspiration. "I do it in his honor and his legacy," he said. "Growing up, he took care of me when I was young, and now I'm taking care of the guys. Our motto is, 'Taking care of the ones who took care of us.'" His desire, in his post-football career, to help those who fought for our freedoms on countless battlefields heal their old wounds and say good bye to long lost friends makes him special.

Los Angeles Rams

ANDREW WHITWORTH (Offensive Tackle)

Whitworth was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2006, where he played 11 seasons before signing with the Rams in 2017. As soon as he joined the Rams organization, he made an immediate impact in the community, including with the military members and veterans living in the Los Angeles region. Through the Rams' All-Community Team ticket program, Andrew purchases 50 tickets for every home game and donates the tickets to military organizations such as USC Veterans group, Merging Vets and Players (MVP) and a variety of local military bases. Whitworth, who has a strong relationship with Merging Vets & Players' co-founders, Jay Glazer and Nate Boyer, spends much of his offseason training with some of M.V.P veterans and even represented MVP during the 2017 and 2018 'My Cause My Cleats' campaign.

Last year, Andrew joined MVP co-founder, Nate Boyer, and two veterans with ties to Hollywood Veteran Center, a homeless shelter strictly for veterans, in a conversation about why he is so strongly connected to helping veterans and in turn, the veterans shared their stories and how much they owe to the Hollywood Veterans Center. The conversation was followed by a tour of the veterans shelter where Andrew was able to interact with residents and finished with a surprise ticket donation for the Rams' Salute to Service game. Most recently, Andrew has helped organize a workout with MVP veterans and Rams players that will take place at the Los Angeles Rams practice facility the day before the Rams Salute to Service game.

Miami Dolphins

BILL GALANTE (Senior Vice President of Guest Services)

Dolphins Vice President of Guest and VIP Services, William Galante is a long-time advocate of active duty military and veterans. Over his 25 years with the Dolphins, he has provided numerous tours, VIP experiences and special access to military groups that reach out while in town, specifically working closely with Fleet Week every May. Since taking over the Guest Experience department in 2015, Bill has conducted large scale Veteran Hiring events each year.

In February of 2018, Galante visited American troops in Honduras alongside Dolphins Legends, Cheerleaders, and the Dolphins Mascot "T.D.". This year, he attended the ship commissioning in Miami for the USS Paul Ignatius as well as fundraising events for the commissioning. Additionally, this May, Galante participated in Miami Navy Week, providing over 100 sailors exclusive experiences as well as attending the proclamation event at the port of Miami. He has attended multiple events to help raise funds for Fleet Week and Honor Flight South Florida.

Minnesota Vikings

KIM KLAWITER (Director of Security)

Kim Klawiter is one of several Minnesota Vikings staff members who is a veteran. He enjoys seeing the support for current soldiers and veterans that occurs during annual Salute to Service games and through other initiatives like the Veterans Voyage, which is an exclusive trip to Washington, D.C., for a group of former service members and guests. The former Army Master Sergeant is in his 15th season with the Vikings, an organization he's followed since its inception in 1961 when he was growing up in White Bear Lake.

During his time in the Army, the young 20-year old was assigned to Cu Chi, Vietnam, an area north-west of Saigon known for a tunnel system that posed hidden hazards. He led men through jungles where trees were about 5 meters apart. Klawiter was awarded a Bronze Star medal for heroism. An Army letter announcing the award says: "Sergeant Klawiter, disregarding his own safety, raced forward to the foremost position and found that several men had been wounded. Seeing one of the men exposed, Sergeant Klawiter crawled forward until he reached the wounded man. Although under intense fire, Sergeant Klawiter carried his injured comrade back to a safe area and got medical treatment for him. His valorous actions were responsible for saving a man's life.". In addition to the Bronze Star, Klawiter received multiple other awards that included a Purple Heart, an Army commendation medal and Vietnam campaign and service medals to name a few. Klawiter returned home without much time to adjust. "I went from foxhole, to Los Angeles, to two weeks later, I'm at the University of Minnesota attending class."

Klawiter joined the Minnesota Vikings staff as the Director of Security in 2004 after serving 24 years with the Minnesota State Patrol and retiring as a Lieutenant. He is an active Leader of the Law Enforcement Memorial Association, which is dedicated to assisting the families and home agencies of those law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. However, his commitment to the military men, women, and families of our country has never wavered. He often personally assists and facilitates reenlistment ceremonies and goes out of his way to meet with military guests when hosted by the team. He has been an ardent supporter of the Minnesotans' Military Appreciation Fund, a statewide fundraising initiative that shows appreciation and respect to efforts of military members by providing cash grants to all Minnesota service members who have served in combat zones since September 2001, and to the families of fallen service members. Kim is beloved by players, coaches, staff, and the community as a whole. We will never be able to thank him enough for his sacrifice and dedication.

New England Patriots

JOE CARDONA (Long Snapper)

Joe Cardona epitomizes what it means to be a Patriot. Following an impressive high school athletic career, Joe enrolled in the Naval Academy Preparatory School. Upon completing the prep year, Joe attended the Naval Academy where he was a four-year player as a long snapper. He later became one of only a handful of long snappers to ever be drafted into the NFL after the New England Patriots selected him in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL draft. During his rookie season, Joe was also balancing a second full-time job. He was an Ensign in the Navy and worked as a staff officer at the Naval Academy Preparatory School in Rhode Island. During the 2015 season, he was working his second job four days a week, which included a 24-hour shift during the team's "day off." In 2017, Joe was promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade (LTJG) and served as a junior commissioned officer in the United States Navy. On the 75th anniversary of D-Day – June 6, 2019 – Joe was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in the Navy. He proudly wears his Naval uniform as the team boards the plane for away games and remains humble about his service to our country.

When asked about his dedication to the Naval Academy, Joe simply states, "It's just about doing your job. Whether that's on the military end, or the football end, it's showing up every single day and doing the best you can." Over the past five seasons, he has taken advantage of every opportunity to show his appreciation for his fellow servicemen and women. Following a preseason joint practice with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2017, Cardona hosted a special re-enlistment ceremony for two brave individuals. After practice, he changed into uniform, led the ceremony and recruited the Patriots and Jaguars players and coaches to be a part of it. Joe has facilitated more than a dozen re-enlistment and retirement ceremonies at Gillette Stadium for his fellow military members. He also led a handful of free football clinics for military children at military bases across New England, including Hanscom Air Force Base and Naval Station Newport. Three years ago, Joint Base Cape Cod experienced a fire that burned several of their storage buildings. Inside of one of those buildings were toys for military families to receive during the holidays. Joe quickly decided to visit the base and worked with the Patriots Foundation to collect toys that would help to replace the ones that were lost.

During the 2017 season, Joe spoke with Patriots team captains and came up with an idea to do something special for our nation's military. During a team meeting, Joe encouraged all of his teammates and the coaching staff to donate a pair of tickets to their Oct. 22 game against Atlanta. Thanks to Joe's leadership, more than 150 military members, who have returned from deployment within the past six months, were invited to the game and took part in a special pregame ceremony. Each year during Memorial Day weekend, Joe helps plant more than 37,000 American flags in the Boston Common to honor all of the brave men and women from Massachusetts that have lost their lives defending our country. He has also hand delivered new bicycles to military families, put the finishing touches on a new home for a wounded veteran and taken part in special pinning ceremonies for Vietnam War veterans. Joe has also offered his support to the Travis Manion Foundation, a nonprofit organization that empowers veterans and families of fallen heroes to develop character in future generations. Last August, Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft presented Joe Cardona with the Ron Burton Community Service Award. This award is named after Ron Burton, the first player drafted by the Patriots who left a legacy of giving back to the community. Joe became the 16th player to receive this award and was recognized for his outstanding commitment to military families and veterans.

Joe has a genuine appreciation for people who make the ultimate sacrifice to defend our country. When asked about his military experience, Joe replies, "It's given me a good perspective on what's really important in life. I appreciate our nation's service members so much, especially being able to take pride in counting myself among them. Ultimately, that's the uniform I put on first, and when I get the opportunity to go out on the field and play, I take that as a blessing every single day."

New Orleans Saints

CAMERON JORDAN (Defensive End)

The nine-year Saints NFL veteran is a stalwart in the community, especially when it comes to supporting the military both locally and worldwide. In both the 2017 and 2019 off-season's, he participated in the NFL's USO Tour. In 2017, he made his first tour visiting troops in the Middle East and Southwest Asia. In 2019, Jordan represented the club and the NFL as he visited troops and their families in South Korea. Annually, he has also taken part in several events locally in the New Orleans area related to the military including visiting local military bases and taking part in the Pros vs. G.I. Joes video gaming tournaments at the team's facility with local active military while playing against military members overseas.

Jordan also has taken a real interest in engaging with Mr. Lawrence Brooks, a (now) 110-year old World War II veteran (one of the oldest surviving veterans) and New Orleanian. Jordan first met Mr. Brooks at a walk-through practice at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center in 2017. Brooks imparted words of wisdom on the team discussing his long life of both military and civilian experiences. Jordan was so impressed by Brooks' vitality, experience, and interest in meeting with the team, that he gifted him tickets to Super Bowl LII and delivered the good news by a Facetime call. Jordan is currently tied for third in team record books with 76.5 career sacks and tied for eighth in the NFL in 2019 with five quarterback takedowns through the first six games.

New York Giants

GOLDEN TATE (Wide Receiver)

Golden Tate has shown his passion and dedication to those who have served in the United States Military through the creation of his foundation the Golden Future Foundation. In 2014, Golden and his wife, Elise, created the Golden Future Foundation. This foundation is set up to enhance the lives of American Heroes and their families. Golden Tate also participated in the 2016 NFL-USO Tour.

Their passion for giving back to the military is because Golden's grandfather and both of Elise's grandfathers served in the military. They believe that the true American heroes in our country are often overlooked, and they deserve our utmost respect, appreciation, and resources to get acclimated back into society after serving our country. Through the foundation, Golden and Elise have dedicated their resources, energy and time, to help provide a Golden Future for our true American Heroes. Golden has hosted numerous events to show his support for the military as well as raising funds for his foundation to assist veterans reacclimate to everyday life once returning home from service to our country. From Coat Drives to bowling events, Golden has contributed his time and resources to insuring that members of the military receive the respect, honor, and appreciation they deserve.

New York Jets

STEVE CASTLETON (Front Office Staff)

Steve has been the Military Liaison for the New York Jets Salute to Service events since 2013 where he first coordinated on-field and satellite activities at numerous military bases in Kandahar, Afghanistan and Bagram, Afghanistan for our Armed Forces. Since 2013 Steve has coordinated all the pre-game and half-time activities for the New York Jets at both their Salute to Service and First Responder appreciation days. With the completion of the 2019 New York Jets annual Salute to Service Game, Steve's has now organized the enlistment and re-enlistments of over 1,000 members of the United States Armed Forces at professional sporting events. One of Steve's favorite projects, which took one year to bring to fruition, occurred on Friday, Aug. 26, 2016 when at Bagram Air Force Base in Afghanistan the United States Army held the first "NY Sports Event" for the 10th MTN Battalion's Organizational Day. Working with the 10th Mountain Division a "sports field" was carved out of the Afghanistan soil. Steve worked with the Jets to send custom designed jerseys in conjunction with Operation "Resolute Support".

Since 2016, Steve has coordinated the "Turkey Bowl" flag football game which was held at Bagram Air Force Base in Afghanistan. In November 2017 Steve has also organized another football event overseas for the Armed Forces, this time in Yokosuka, Japan with the Forward Deployed Naval Forces (FDNF). He personally funded the USO tailgate party. During Fleet Week in 2019 he organized the first annual Navy vs. Marines Flag Football game at the New York Jets Florham Park, New Jersey training facility. The New York Jets made custom jerseys for both teams. Steve brought New York Jets Legends Marty Lyons and Tony Richardson on-board the U.S.S. New York for an overnight embark during which both Tony and Marty held "chalk talks" individually with the Marines and the Navy flag football teams. Afterwards the New York Jets treated both teams and all those service members attending to a gourmet BBQ. Steve has 2 sons, Brian and Rich and a daughter-in-law, Nicole in the United States Army where they have served a combined over 35 years and counting. His youngest son Sal helps him at many of these events. Non-Profit Organizations: The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) and Tunnel2Towers Foundation.

Oakland Raiders

MARK VAN EEGHEN (Former Running Back)

During the Raiders International trip to London, Mark joined fellow Legend and current Raider players to visit the Royal Air Force Mildenhall Base in Suffolk, England to meet and support the troops stationed there. During the visit, Mark engaged with active duty Airmen and their families, passed out Raiders merchandise, posed for pictures and signed autographs at the Community Center. After eating lunch with Airmen, he toured the base's CV22 Ospreys and C130s and met the units assigned to the planes. Mark was presented a commander's coin by the base's commanding officer during the visit. Mark's daughter, Brooke, also served as a Major in the Air Force.

On the Saturday before the Raiders International matchup with the Bears in London, Mark and his fellow Legends welcomed the families of fallen heroes from the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) to the team's morning walkthrough. Mark spent time with the 45 family members in attendance and toured the group around the team's practice facility in Watford. He spoke to the families and answered questions about his playing days before the team took the field to run through Sunday's scripted play. Each of the team's position groups represented the name of a different fallen hero on the back of their jersey, and after practice the players joined with Mark and the Legends to meet with the families to sign autographs and take pictures.

Philadelphia Eagles

MALIK JACKSON (Defensive Tackle)

Over Malik Jackson's eight years in the NFL, he has shown a dedication towards giving back to members of the military and their families. His foundation, Malik's Gifts, serves as an all-encompassing support network for veterans, active duty service members, and military families. These events include shopping events where he has donated his time, resources, and money to make Five Star Veterans feel appreciated. He has hosted football camps, movie nights, and bowling events for hundreds of children of military members.

More than his donations, or the events he has hosted, Malik, truly cares about the whole family and the effect that having a loved one serving in the military can have on children, spouses, and the extended family. A former Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award nominee, he values the time he has spent with each of them. Malik's contagious personality and humanitarian ways have been life-changing for the men and women who proudly serve and protect our country's freedom. In addition to the efforts Malik has made to the communities he supports, Malik has a special connection to the military as Malik's father served in the United States Army.

Pittsburgh Steelers

ALEJANDRO VILLANUEVA (Offensive Tackle)

Before even becoming a Pittsburgh Steeler, Alejandro Villanueva, has shown appreciation for his country. Alejandro served as a captain in the United States Army, in which he served as an Army Ranger and was decorated with a Bronze Star for valor. A hero both on and off the field, Alejandro Villanueva has shown his gratitude and appreciation to the veteran community. Each year he participates in Heroes at Heinz Field; a day focused on giving back to veterans and their families through on field activities and a free dinner at Heinz Field.

In addition to this, Villanueva has shown his gratitude by donating his time and resources to the Veterans Place, a local nonprofit in the Pittsburgh area committed to ending homelessness. During his visit to Veterans Place he personally visited every townhouse on the property where veterans live, giving them a boost as they go through personal struggles. Alejandro also continuously works very closely with The Warrior Foundation in order to provide recent military veterans and their families the opportunity to attend preseason games.

San Francisco 49ers

JOHN LYNCH (General Manager and Former Strong Safety)

One of the most respected players to ever play the game of football, and a five-time finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, John Lynch enters his third season as the team's General Manager following a 15-year playing career and more than eight seasons as an NFL analyst. In addition to his passion for professional football, Lynch has a longstanding appreciation for the United States military. As someone whose grandfather and great uncle volunteered for the Army the day after the deadly attacks on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, Lynch has the utmost respect for our military service men and women and has committed time and resources towards supporting the United States Armed Forces for decades. Since 1998, Lynch has frequented various Air Force bases and military hospitals to personally thank those serving in the military, including MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, Walter Reed Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland, and various visits to Fort Carson and Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado.

In 2002, the John Lynch Foundation hosted the 'Salute the Stars & Stripes' fundraiser honoring then United States Army Commander of United States Central Command Tommy Franks. "Military appreciation is so important to me, because we understand that the unbelievable freedoms, ideals and realities that make America – in my mind – the greatest country in the world are given to us because a lot of people sacrificed for them. To me, no one does so more than the military." For these efforts and more, Lynch was the recipient of the 2006 Bart Starr Award, which is voted upon by players throughout the NFL and recognizes a player who shows outstanding character and leadership in the home, on the field and in the community. During his last season playing in the NFL (2007), Lynch hosted troops from Buckley Air Force Base (Aurora, Colorado) during the Denver Broncos training camp at Dove Valley.

Lynch's military appreciation continues to this day. Every year since 2011, he has hosted military families at the annual Lynch Christmas Party in Colorado and each holiday season with the 49ers, he hosts military families and underserved youth for a holiday party and practice visit. These military families are without mother or father during the holiday season due to deployment and have the opportunity to enjoy brunch and view a closed practice from the sidelines.

During training camp in 2018 and 2019 with the 49ers, Lynch again welcomed 250 active duty troops and veterans for a VIP practice experience and then hosted a meet-and-greet with players and coaches. In November 2017, Lynch spearheaded a visit to the USO office at the San Jose Military Entrance Processing Station in order to congratulate newly enlisted recruits heading off to basic training and thank them for their dedication of service. Lynch's commitment to supporting veteran organizations like USO Bay Area, has driven a close partnership with the nonprofit and the 49ers that has led to new opportunities to support their troops and families with game tickets, Salute to Service program involvement and choosing USO Bay Area as the 50/50 raffle beneficiary for the 2019 Salute to Service game.

Seattle Seahawks

MIKE FLOOD (Front Office Staff)

Seattle Seahawks Community Outreach Vice President, Mike Flood, has played an essential role with the development of a distinguished relationship between the Seattle Seahawks and the local military elements in the Pacific Northwest since joining the team on July 1, 1997. Joining Seahawks Legends Chuck Knox and Shaun Alexander, Mr. Flood was inducted into the Class of 2019 Pacific Northwest Football Hall of Fame for his community outreach efforts. Not only is Mr. Flood an active military supporter, he is also a military veteran. For 22 years, Mr. Flood was a pilot in the United States Coast Guard. Piloting C-130s, Dassault Falcon Jets, and H60 Jayhawk helicopters, Mr. Flood conducted search and rescue missions along the Oregon and Washington coast until retiring as a Commander in 1996. Mr. Flood introduced the Seahawks to the Fisher House, a non-profit organization that provides a home for military families free of charge while their loved ones are in the hospital. He was instrumental in a community-wide campaign to raise awareness and funds to build a second Fisher House facility in the Pacific Northwest.

Mr. Flood is also an active board member of Camp Patriot, a veteran based non-profit organization created to provide outdoor recreation activities for disabled veterans. Camp Patriot has activities such as hiking, fishing, and hunting as recreational therapy and promotes positive life-changing relationships between military veterans and the great outdoors. Mr. Flood assisted in the creation of the Military Sea Hawkers, a group of military veterans from all branches who share a love for the Seattle Seahawks. This military group plays an active role at all Seahawks home games, hosting new in-coming military service members and military re-enlistment ceremonies.

In 2012, Mr. Flood was recognized by Governor's Veteran Affairs Advisory Committee (VAAC) and the Washington State Department of Veteran Affairs and awarded the Outstand Service to Veterans Award. This award is the highest honor that the VAAC bestows to individuals that are effectively in the community working to improve the lives of military veterans in Washington State. In 2013, Mr. Flood was highly influential in the creation of the 'Heroes of 12' initiative where dedicated 6 of our lower bowl stadium seats are dedicated to our local military members and their families. These game day seats come at no cost to the service members and their families. As you can see from the examples above, when it comes to overall impact for service members and their families here in the Pacific Northwest, Mike Flood stands alone. His contributions and relentless efforts to support the well-being and morale for all our local military has been invaluable.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

RYAN JENSEN (Center)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers center, Ryan Jensen, has plenty of family ties to the military. His grandfather, Keith Palmer, served in Vietnam and Korea as a member of the Army's 101st Airborne Division. His uncle, also Keith Palmer, followed his father's footsteps into the Army, as well. Jensen's adopted brother, Alec Hatfield is currently serving in the Marine Corps and has served two tours in both Afghanistan and Iraq. But Jensen's calling to get more involved in military initiatives came when he met three-year-old Cooper. While Jensen was playing for the Baltimore Ravens, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), that provides care and support to Gold Star Families who are grieving the loss of a member of the armed forces. Cooper never met his father, who was killed in action, but immediately took to Jensen at training camp one day because Jensen's infamous fiery red locks matched those of Cooper's. They've kept in contact ever since, with Cooper, now nine, providing Jensen perspective on life.

It inspired Jensen to continue work with military organizations like the USO. Jensen has visited MacDill Air Force Base with the Buccaneers, as well as participated in Bucs' Armed Forces initiatives like Military Day at training camp and the Schwarzkopf Military Family Awards, which honors military families from each branch. "It's awesome when we as players go to these events and just hang out with them and talk with them," said Jensen. "It makes them feel like they're part of a team again, because like football, the military is just one giant team." At home games, he sponsors a community ticket program named "Jensen's G.I. Joes" for military veterans to come to games at Raymond James Stadium. Jensen has also visited Veteran's Assistance hospitals to lighten the spirits of patients there on his own. He hopes that his example of service will spark his son, Wyatt, to follow the same path of serving others as he grows up. "As leaders not just on a football team, but as men trying to raise other men, I hope to raise him in a way that he wants to serve other people and provide some hope to guys who are needing it or women that are needing it," Jensen said. "I hope it sparks a passion for him to find something that he wants to make better."

Tennessee Titans

FLOYD HYDE (FRONT OFFICE STAFF)

Army Retired Captain, Floyd Allen Hyde, has distinguished himself with over 40 years of exceptionally meritorious service to our Nation and the United States Army. His extraordinary career culminated with him serving as the Automotive Maintenance Manager for the United States Army Tennessee National Guard. His career included a multitude of essential assignments of increased responsibility, where he consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedicated service, and commitment to soldiers. In 2008-2009, Mr. Hyde served as the Clearing and Security Team Operations Officer for 3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command. He oversaw logistics, repairs, and replacement of rolling stock for all Brigade Combat Teams (BCT's).

His continuous efforts aided in the success of all missions and provided a functional means of transportation for soldiers departing and returning to their Area of Operations (AO) During 2005-2006, while mobilized in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and attached to 2nd Marine Division, he served as the Maintenance Control Officer and the Anti-Terrorism Officer. Mr. Hyde completed high-quality maintenance and provided training for all BCT cycles that fulfilled the Commander s intent and set the standard for the Marine Division within the AO. His hard work and dedication to duty led to the preparation of future soldiers and Marines to support the Global War on Terror. Mr. Hyde currently serves as the Safety Act Manager at Nissan Stadium. Soldiers and service members are a tremendous part of the Titans Community. He is always cognizant of his facility, especially when military members are present. He highly enjoys going out and greeting the currently serving military members, sharing stories and offering guidance to them.

Washington Redskins

JONATHAN ALLEN (Defensive End)

Allen has established himself as a valuable interior defender over his first two NFL seasons. He recorded 61 total tackles (11 for a loss) in 2018, and his eight sacks were second on the team to four-time Pro Bowler Ryan Kerrigan. However, if Allen was not clogging running lanes or bringing down opposing quarterbacks, he said he would be serving his country. Allen comes from a military family; his father and uncle served in the United States Army, while his two brothers currently serve in the military. Allen is a notable figure signing autographs and shaking hands during the Redskins preseason Salute to Service programs and events. Striking to most, Allen can be seen addressing every uniformed service member lining the field during the Redskins' Salute the Troops OTA Day, Military Appreciation Day at training camp, base practice on Joint Base Andrews, and most if not all, in-season military events. "I hope I mean a lot to [service members], because what we do is nothing compared to what they have to do or go through," Allen said during Redskins Salute OTA Day in May.

"It means a lot, so I make sure I shake each one's hand individually." With the NFL's Salute to Service month in sight, Allen was most recently able to surprise a group of thirty transitioning service members at FedExField in honor of a USO Employee Readiness Workshop aimed at preparing active-duty service members for their transition into civilian professional environments on Tuesday, Oct. 8. He expressed his gratitude to the group for their sacrifice and service to our country.

Additionally, he highlighted two of the Redskins very own, Emily Arnsberg & Charnecia McGee, who both recently transitioned out of the military after a combined 15 years of service and hold titles as FedEx Football Fellows with the organization. While presenting the two with autographed jerseys, Allen expressed, "It's important to highlight the two of you not only for your service to our country, not only for what you do for our organization, but what you experience as transitioning service members in these new roles. We appreciate everything you do."

ABOUT USAA: 

The USAA family of companies provides insurance, banking, investments, retirement products and advice to 13 million current and former members of the U.S. military and their families. Known for its legendary commitment to its members, USAA is consistently recognized for outstanding service, employee well-being and financial strength. USAA membership is open to all who are serving our nation in the U.S. military or have received a discharge type of Honorable – and their eligible family members. Founded in 1922, USAA is headquartered in San Antonio. For more information about USAA, follow us on Facebook or Twitter (@USAA), or visit usaa.com.

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[showmethesneer]

The Beatles asks

I did this for my all-time faves Arctic Monkeys a while ago but given my recent attack of Beatlemania, i decided to try it out on the original incarnation

General

1. What was the first Beatles song you heard?

Unlike Arctic Monkeys, The Beatles were already deeply ingrained in the culture before I was born so I couldn’t pinpoint this. I think It might have been “She Loves You” 

2. What was the first Beatles album you bought?

I have never purchased a Beatles album but my sister did own that 1 compilation album, which i listened to a lot in high school

3. What was the last Beatles song you listened to?

“The Night Before”

4. Have you ever seen The Beatles live?

Seeing as I was born after 1980, this would be impossible.

5. Have you ever met any of the members?

not even close

6. What do you think their next album will sound like? Which of their covers is your favourite?

Their “Twist and Shout” is iconic. I also really enjoy “Besame Mucho” or some reason and their “You Really Got A Hold On Me” jam in Let It Be. but i’m a George girl, so “Roll Over Beethoven” might be my favourite. 

Songs and Albums 7. Favourite Beatles song?

it’s been “Come Together” since i was in high school and even though i’ve recently made a point to listen to all of their albums, i still can’t say that i have a different answer

8. Favourite Beatles album?

Rubber Soul is the real answer BUT Abbey Road is a much better cohesive album and i can’t think of a single song on that album that i don’t like... so it’s difficult.

9. Favourite album era?

i love me some Hard Day’s Night era rowdy boys but also Magical Mystery Tour era is very good and like prime Beatles. Let It Be era is the most heartbreaking.

10. Least favourite Beatles song?

i think because i have ears, i do truly dislike “Revolution 9″ but also I guess a few from Sgt Pepper’s like “Being For The Benefit of Mr. Kite” “Good Morning Good Morning” and “She’s Leaving Home”. also “Within You, Without You” and I know it’s blasphemy but I kinda don’t care for “Penny Lane” so much even though I love the character in Almost Famous

11. Least Favourite Beatles album?

Beatles For Sale is so uninspired and blah

12. Least Favourite album era?

probably Let It Be because of how depressing it is 13. Favourite song off Let It Be?

Every single Paul song on that album is pretty much the most important thing to ever happen. “The Long And Winding Road” might be the realest one.

14. Least favourite song off Let It Be?

“One After 909” probably

15. Favourite song off Abbey Road?

“Come Together” is my favourite song anyway so by default it should be that. the George songs on that album are in top form, super strong. “Octopus’ Garden” is great. I also shamelessly love “Maxwell’s Silver Hammer” so there’s that. “Carry That Weight” and “The End” and “Her Majesty” are also so great like I honestly love this album and I don’t know how to choose a favourite.

16. Least favourite song off Abbey Road?

”Sun King” but only by default I’m sure.

17. Favourite song off Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band?

“A Day In The Life” is iconic. and the title song.

18. Least favourite song off Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band?

“She’s Leaving Home” I think

19. Favourite song off Rubber Soul?

can’t decide between “In My Life,” “Michelle,” “The Word,” and “Norwegian Wood”

20. Least favourite song off Rubber Soul?

maybe “Think For Yourself”

21. Favourite song off Help!?

”Help!” and “Ticket To Ride” and of course the lesbian anthem “You’re Gonna Lose That Girl”

22. Least favourite song off Help!?

“You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away” maybe 23. Favourite album/ single artwork?

i mean Let It Be has the best cover. I kind of hate the Yellow Submarine art style, but then that’s not even any of them who drew like that.

 24. Favourite b-side?

“Lady Madonna” is technically a b-side I think? and therefore that is my answer

25. Least favourite b-side?

I don’t really know what Beatles b-sides are tbh so.. I think “Hello Goodbye” is one? if so, that’s my answer

26. Favourite music video?

I really like the “Lady Madonna” video

27. Favourite lyric?

“and in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make” –“The End” from Abbey Road

28. Song that always gets stuck in your head?

so many. they were earworm masters. probably “Can’t Buy Me Love”

Members 29. Favourite band member?

George Harrison always has been and probably always will be my favourite, but the more I learn about The Beatles history, the more defensive and protective I grow of Paul.

30. Favourite Paul hair style?

he looked DELICIOUS with that beard. I know it was a depression beard and that makes me sad, but he looked A+ with that long hair he continuously tussled and god knows I love a beard. very good.

31. Favourite John hair style?

i prefer it long I guess. Let It Be was the best looks era for all of them.

32. Favourite George hair style?

I really liked his Ed Sullivan era look. but also Magical Mystery Tour thru Let It Be was a devastating hottie.

33. Favourite Ringo hair style?

i love his Rory and The Hurricanes hair actually

34. Favourite Paul fashion/ outfit?

actually in some of the Get Back/Let It be sessions, he was wearing this simple black vest that John made fun of saying he looked like “a Victorian miner” but I literally loved it. I also love pretty much eveyr ugly sweater or sweater vest I’ve seen him wear

35. Favourite John fashion/ outfit?

i am a fan of the white suit on the Abbey Road cover

36. Favourite George fashion/ outfit? 

actually the denim ensemble from the Abbey Road cover is probably also my favourite look for him? I also love the school boy uniform from the “Crackerbox Palace” video

37. Favourite Ringo fashion/ outfit?

I don’t really know. the lion costume for their Midsummer Night’s Dream skit

Misc. 38. Funniest Beatles moment?

literally any?

39. Favourite live performance?

I particularly love the “Don’t Let Me Down” performance on the rooftop gig—the one where Paul does his little shimmy. I don’t know why I just feel like they were all exactly in tune with each other and having the time of their lives and everything in their careers together was leading up to this one moment and I am emotional now.

40. Favourite interview?

so many. probably the one where Ringo says he doesn’t even smoke.. as he takes a puff from his cigarette. it’s the same one where John is asked what kind of girl he likes and he says his wife, then George is asked and he says “John’s wife.” that is probably altogether my favourite interview.

41. Are you a fan of The Rolling Stones?

not nearly as religiously but “Start Me Up” is my fucking anthem and I support them

42. Do you ship McLennon?

look.. i try not to ship real people. but Yoko kinda confirmed that John was bisexual and John and Paul fucking loved each other and it is hard for me to believe that during a time with such mainstream homophobic beliefs that these men did not have repressed feelings for each other that they didn’t want to admit to. so yeah, I kinda ship it.

43. Do you have any other Beatles ships?

i really don’t ship real people

44. Do you know how to play any Beatles songs on any instruments?

i do not

45. Would you like the Beatles to collab with anyone? who? What’s your favourite Beatles cover?

either “Helter Skelter” by Dana Fuchs or “We Can Work It Out” by Stevie Wonder… or “The Long and Winding Road” by Ray Charles or “Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight” by Jennifer Hudson… or “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” by Girl In A Coma 46. What other bands do you listen to?

Arctic Monkeys, The Last Shadow Puppets, The Clash, Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin, Green Day, Girl in a Coma, The Seshen, Coheed and Cambria, Queen, Imagine Dragons, No Doubt, Dragonette

47. Favourite non-Beatles band?

Arctic Monkeys

48. Favourite non-Beatles band member?

Billie Joe Armstrong

49. Favourite non-Beatles song?

TAINTED LOVE BY SOFT CELL

 50. Favourite post-Beatles song?

“Jet” by Wings or “Got My Mind Set On You” or “Wah Wah” by George Harrison