#coach indicator extension

[townpostin]

Tatanagar Station Enhances Passenger Information System

Extended coach indicator display and continuous announcements to improve traveler experience Tatanagar railway station implements new measures to provide better train information and reduce passenger confusion. JAMSHEDPUR – Tatanagar station has introduced new measures to enhance passenger convenience through improved train information systems. The coach indicator will now remain active for the…

[astrolook]

🔮🧐Astro Observations - 2🧐🔮

Note: This post fits both the Western and Vedic system. Take what resonates and leave the rest. One placement or aspect cannot say much and the whole chart has to be analyzed to know further. Lemme know in the comments if any of these hit home!

People with 3rd lord in the 1st house are patriotic and proud of their ethnicity wherever they go. They would defend their country even if their country is in the wrong. These natives are proud of their language and you can identify which state/ city they come from with their slang. Attached to their hometown as well.

Alternatively, people with 9th lord in the 1st are patriotic to the country they settle in. Not their own. It doesn't mean they hate their country. They are always attracted to foreign cultures and naturally, they adopt and exhibit traits/ beauty standards that are common in the country they're fond of, even from a young age. When these people move to foreign lands, it's usually permanent and they won't come back. They would easily pass as a native of the country they settle as well - accent and clothing for example.

People with 9th lord in the 6th can travel a lot for work or stay abroad for work while their family lives back home. Ex: military, business trips, contract-based jobs like in the UAE, etc.

Saturn in 9th house people can be closed-minded or have conservative opinions when it comes to religion and politics. Their father would live a long life, at least would hit 75, if not afflicted by any malefics.

Moon in the 5th house can indicate someone who cooks well, irrespective of gender. It's also a good placement for food-related businesses - restaurants, selling food products, catering, etc. Also, these natives are usually blessed with daughters rather than sons. One thing I've noticed with this placement is that these people tend to have stretch marks on their belly. Don't get into arguments with these people when they're hungry. Angry + Hungry = Hangry.

People with Uranus in the 5th house crush on someone only to forget them a week or month later if they find out that their crush does something they don't like. Their attraction to people changes faster than a tornado changing its direction. Quick recovery from breakups too. Can let go in 30 seconds.

People with Uranus in the 2nd house earn money all at once and then nothing for months. Saving for the rainy day is important. Earnings can be inconsistent, but can earn well through speculative gains or tech-related gains. Ex: freelancers, youtubers, streamers, news hosts, ISPs, tech services, reddit mods, programmers, actors, producers, anything media related, etc.

Having planets like Jupiter or Venus in the 8th house is beneficial for longevity for your spouse and also attaining wealth through marriage. If your spouse's chart has malefics pointing to a shorter life span, after marrying you, their life gets an extension for a few more decades sponsored by the Universe, a gift you give to your spouse. Also, if your spouse is prone to diseases or illness or accidents before marrying you, your 8th house will save them and assure sound health and recovery.

Mars in the 12th house people can achieve in sports or jobs that require physical labor or activity - military, karate, any sport, gym coach, mechanical/civil/ aircraft engineer, etc in foreign lands. Yes, they would be recognized for their talent in foreign lands.

Saturn Rx in the 11th house people often find friends later in life or none at all. Betrayal from their social circle is a theme here. These natives get along with strangers better online than with people around them in reality.

Venus in the 6th house people, especially women, need to be careful while choosing a fellow woman as your friend. They might gossip or badmouth you behind your back and act like your bestie when you're around. Before being intimate with your partner, make sure you're taking precautions as you're hella fertile and also ask about your partner's medical history before, as this placement is prone to getting STDs and such. It can indicate someone who likes to spend money on handbags and other accessories, and they might even have a collection of it.

Women with Venus in Virgo give cat girl energy. They love cats and if they had enough money to own a pet, they would happily choose a cat as their pet. Even though Venus is debilitated here, these women still carry a "sexy librarian look". With glasses, these women would look hot. This also indicates that their wardrobe would be dominated by certain colors, usually their favorite colors and you won't see a colorful collection. They even dislike certain colors if they're too dark or too light. Can be constipated at times. Food or skin allergies are a possibility. Sometimes people mistake these women for a Virgo ascendant. Yes, this one placement can dominate their entire look regardless of where it's placed. These natives wear makeup that would look so natural, you can't say whether they have their makeup on or not. These women aren't afraid of going out bare-faced.

✨🔍Wanna dive deeper into your chart's layers? 🌙💬 Check out my pinned post for pricing and more info 💫💸

[woso-dreamzzz]

Wolfsburg

Hardersson x Daughter!Reader

Part of The Big Adventures Universe

Summary: You finally make it

After a few years at Barcelona, winning everything there is to win and getting married along the way, you leave the club.

It sends ripples through the community.

You got your start at Linköping, playing minimal minutes there but enough that you got Arsenal's attention. From Arsenal and your World Cup performance, you got Barcelona's attention.

A loan at Lyon and your subsequent contract extension and return, had everyone thinking you would stay at Barcelona for a lot longer. But you see out your contract, get married and decide to move again.

You and Talia were somewhat of a power couple at Barcelona. One at the front, one at the back. Barcelona was safe when the two of you were on the pitch.

But now you're leaving.

When you were younger, still a teenager, all of your contracts and the subsequent discussions went through Magda and Pernille. They had to sign off on them.

Now, they don't.

The announcement that you're leaving Barcelona happens in the winter. The club says that you aren't renewing your contract and that they thank you for your service.

Within hours, the community is in uproar from fans to players.

There was never any indication that you wanted to leave, you hadn't even told Magda and Pernille you weren't going to stay.

But you play out the rest of the season, showing everyone that Barcelona is letting you go begrudgingly. You are still leaps and bounds ahead of the second-choice keeper so clearly the club weren't the ones making the decision to let you go.

That's when the rumours start.

Practically every big club in the world has put out feelers for you.

There's a campaign on Twitter to get you to return to 'home' to Arsenal and another one saying that Linköping is attempting to get you back.

Familiar with you and your play style, Lyon tries to tempt you.

You get several lucrative offers from NWSL teams that you push away instantly. You have no ambition to play in the American league.

Lots of English teams try to snatch you up, Chelsea in particular but you reject their offer with a laugh. Manchester City and Aston Villa both send you fairly good offers and even Liverpool tries their hand to sway you.

The Bayern Munich coach is also very vocal with his plans to get you to come to Germany.

The funniest offer comes from Real Madrid as if they could tempt Barcelona's star keeper to dress in white.

Either way, there are so many rumours and so many choices that no one can quite predict where you'll be playing your football next season.

Then, on the first day of the transfer season, the video drops.

It zooms in on a picture of Pernille's Bundesliga winning team. She's holding the trophy proudly in one arm and you in the other. You're beaming at the camera in your own Wolfsburg jersey.

'Welcome Home' the caption proudly proclaims and the video cuts.

You step out from the shadows, the camera zooming in on the Wolfsburg badge proudly on your chest.

Magda keeps watching the video but Pernille sits there in shock.

You don't have to tell them anything. You don't have to tell them where you're going and what you're doing but Pernille is still blindsided as everything suddenly makes sense.

There were so many rumours and so many questions but Wolfsburg had never been apart of it.

Pernille feels stupid now that she thinks about it.

You'd told her once that you'd only consider leaving Barcelona for one team.

She feels crazy now for not knowing your plans just by the silence.

"Was it a nice surprise?" You ask, arms crossed as you lean in the doorway.

"You kept that quiet," Magda says with a laugh.

You shrug. "The clues were there if you just looked."

With so many big and small teams clamouring for you, it did look a bit suspicious now that Wolfsburg was radio silent on the idea of getting you from Barcelona.

"The jersey," Pernille says, sounding a little choked up as she stands," It looks good on you."

You smile at her, a small thing as she crosses the room to cradle your face in her hands. "Of course it does. It's Wolfsburg."

Pernille can still remember your first Wolfsburg jersey. You were tiny, still a baby and were more interested in sucking on the collar than looking at the camera Pernille was using to capture the moment.

But you'd cried when she tried to change you out of it. You cried and sobbed and screeched until Pernille put you down for your nap still wearing it.

You'd had a collection of Wolfsburg shirts as you grew up. They were without a doubt your favourite team, the only team you were willing to move away from your wife for.

You had never been anything but complimentary about Wolfsburg.

It shouldn't be a shock but still, as Pernille looks at you, she can't help but see the little baby you used to be, wandering around the Wolfsburg training centre in your shirt and shorts.

She can't quite reconcile that version of you with the version of you now, the greatest goalkeeper in the world by a mile.

You have quite the resume of great teams. You have so many medals and trophies and awards.

And now you finally get to play for the team that you've loved since you were a baby.

[agoldenblackbird]

Ranty Bitch Vol. 4: Buck and Eddie's Friendship

started my own post instead of adding on bc WOW this got long, but seeing sadieb798 's addition to this post reminded me that YEAH, buck HAS bent over backwards for eddie and chris. like friendships aren't transactional or they shouldn't be but if you tally things up its very uneven and that's a glaring red flag.

buck has:

-given up endless days off to babysit christopher so eddie could go out on dates, work without buck, go out with other friends, and cheat on his girlfriend!

-he also got voluntold to babysit when carla wasn't available when he was recovering from the embolism and severely depressed! eddie said buck being off work - the thing he was so depressed about he literally wasn't getting out of bed - was CONVENIENT for EDDIE.

at the time it was supposed to be a joke i'm sure. but looking back through all of canon it's like...really? oh so you only do care about what he can do for you, you even said the quiet part loud.

-he saved eddie's life

-he saved chris' life

-he brought carla into their lives and solved eddie's childcare issues after eddie had been floundering for months already [math: couple weeks-1 month at the 118 (or could be much longer, bc maddie went through all of dispatcher training between 2x01 and 2x02, time is fake on this show) plus 5 months for the academy plus however long he was in LA before that. a long time to be without consistent organized childcare and relying solely on favors from women in your family who have their own lives and in pepa's case a full time job!] it's implied by the vague 'programs' and how applying for one can disqualify you from others that carla was able to also help him get funding from the state for chris' care, so this solved a serious financial issue for eddie as well.

-he grovelled for forgiveness for not being there for EDDIE after buck had suffered the extensive trauma of 3 near-death-experiences in a row and had to fight to get his job back when he was unfairly and illegally constructively dismissed because of personal bias on the part of his boss

-he forgave eddie for screaming at him in a grocery store and calling him exhausting and selfish even though eddie never apologised

-he put eddie up during the pandemic in his NO BEDROOM LOFT APARTMENT ffs, and considering eddie still had to pay rent on his own house buck probably did that for free

-he's cooked dinner for them (i think we only see this happen onscreen twice but there's indications it's a fairly regular thing, and that's labor and time intensive and also not cheap considering the price of groceries)

-he organized firefam christmas at the station when eddie was upset about letting down chris on their first christmas without shannon by having to work

-he ran to eddie's rescue in the middle of the night after his breakdown AND took over the running of the diaz household in the aftermath so eddie could focus on therapy and his own recovery, including helping clean up not just the metaphorical but the LITERAL mess eddie had made, complete with patching the holes in his walls

-gently intervened with worry for eddie's well being and mental health when eddie was cheating on his girlfriend with his dead wife's clone

-puts off his own life/wants/priorities and drops everything to deal with eddie's problems - the most glaring examples coming to mind would be all but moving into eddie's after eddie's breakdown and ignoring his newly-moved-in girlfriend, and rescheduling a date with tommy at the last minute after finding out about kim, but i'm sure there are others if i felt like an 8-season rewatch (reader, i do NOT)

-gave up his home - probably paying a penalty for breaking his OWN lease - to sublet from eddie so eddie could afford to move to texas

-and then functioned as his DAILY life coach/cheerleader/ersatz therapist when eddie, having impulsively quit his job and moved to el paso without talking about it with chris and bought a 'fixer-upper' aka money pit, had no job and was broke and floundering

-continued to coach him through staying and reconnecting with chris instead of giving up despite that meaning buck would get what he wanted - his partner and friend back. if he was actually as selfish as eddie likes to accuse him of being he could have said 'welp you tried, you're right it's time to move back'

-did not once say anything along the lines of 'i told you this was a bad idea' or 'hm what's going on with chris' health insurance now that you no longer have a firefighter job pretty sure uber doesn't have a benefits package' or anything else pointing out how eddie keeps on causing his own problems with impulsive bad choices and not learning anything from it (i would not have been able to resist! buck is way too nice!)

-and then there's the part where buck is always happy to step in and do the emotional labor w/ chris that eddie doesn't want to do or maybe doesn't have the ability to do, which is why i side-eye eddie being praised for being the best father EVAR. some examples:

-->when chris was upset about being lied to and how he was not like other kids/couldn't do everything after the skateboard incident, came up with a way chris Could Skateboard, Actually

-->it's said he often took chris to the zoo without eddie, to the point that they 'have the place memorized,' so he's involved in seeking out and scheduling these sorts of activities and probably also paying for them

-->buck is the one making cookies with chris for the pta bakesale, and he also helps with homework

-->and most importantly, buck has taken over difficult conversations with chris MULTIPLE times over a span of years including

------>struggling with people leaving/his father dating again

------>telling chris his father was shot

------>comforting/explaining to chris after his father had a breakdown and smashed up his bedroom with a baseball bat and scared the shit out of chris

------>not two-timing girls, which then turned into a conversation about his dead mom that eddie, despite listening in, continued to let buck handle for him

------>a second conversation about two-timing and how it's apparently fine when eddie does it, in order to convince chris not to LEAVE THE STATE. eddie really said 'hey i'm tagging you in, do your thing' instead of talking to his own kid after arguably the biggest parenting screwup made by a main on the show.

some of these buck just happened to be the person who was there or chris sought him out specifically, but at least twice eddie assigned him that task and it's implied in how he says it 'do what you ALWAYS do' that it's a regular thing.

on the other hand, eddie:

-helped save his life after he was struck by lightning (he gets half points for this because it was a group effort)

-took him to a poker game once to spend time together as friends that does not involve buck doing something for eddie (although it was arguably just to abuse his math skills for eddie's entertainment/gain)

-hosted one (1) dinner for buck and taylor that he actually cooked himself which i'm sure was a HUUUUUGE sacrifice in eddie's mind considering how terrible a cook he was and how much he hated her...

-sometimes throws his child at buck when buck is depressed or upset (i'm only listing this bc eddie probably thinks of it as something he has 'done for buck.' EYE don't think using your child as a combination of meat shield/inspiration porn (christopher never feels sorry for himself) and essentially putting the burden on chris of making buck feel better instead of eddie himself saying 'hey i'm worried about you, do you need to talk about it' and then listening to him, or saying 'hey, that was shitty of me to pick a fight with you and say all those mean things, i didn't mean it and i'm sorry' - y'know, being a FRIEND - is something he should be praised for)

-was very supportive when buck was angry and spiralling about his parents' bullshit (this was legit a very lovely friendship moment! back when eddie's character had potential and i had hope! oh, those halcyon days)

-gave buck refuge from maddie's micromanaging post-lightning strike, asked how he was, listened to the answer, and gave advice/encouragement/support from his own NDE experience (genuinely, no sarcasm, this was A+ good friendship and a standout moment. unfortunately it doesn't make up for *gestures vaguely at canon*)

-forgave buck for spraining his ankle/said through the proxy of tommy that he felt bad for excluding buck. it was an Everyone Sucks Here situation because Eddie was being thoughtless but that doesn't give buck the right to bodycheck him bc he's jealous. (people get hurt playing sportsball yes, so it's debatable if it was really on purpose although buck himself alludes to it not being completely accidental in the convo with maddie). it was still kind of eddie to understand where buck was coming from without needing it spelled out or going but whatabout meeeeeee. i'm just salty because clearly he's CAPABLE of seeing things from buck's perspective and being understanding and fair, and most of the time he'd just rather use buck as an emotional punching bag and accuse him of 'making everything about himself.' the time when buck arguably WAS making things about himself that weren't - ie eddie making a new friend - eddie doesn't say that. but when buck is having emotions in a way eddie doesn't like or finds inconvenient, suddenly the verbal knives are out.

-wasn't a homophobe when buck came out to him, although that's kinda bare minimum for being a Non-Awful Human plus he managed to insult him twice in that 10 minute conversation soooo... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

-and gave buck custody of his son if/when he dies which is arguably actually for chris's sake and for eddie's own peace of mind, considering that eddie's not dead yet, but he already has a habit of outsourcing the parts of parenting he doesn't want to do to buck!

[grantmentis]

Women’s Hockey News Round Up 6/16-7/1

Everything here is official only, and try to list the most relevant transactions globally but may miss something, so always feel free to add! Since a lot of people who follow this blog are North American/most familiar with the PWHL, i put less context there than I may for other leagues

Extended indicates they did not change teams. buckle in this one is long as hell

PWHL (North America)

RETIRMENTS: Becca Gilmore (OTT) and Erica Howe (TOR) announce their retirements

PWHL Ottawa signings: - Alexa Vasko (PWHL Toronto) for one year -Logan Agners (Quinnipiac, undrafted) for one year -Rebecca Leslie (PWHL Toronto) for one year -Anna Meixner (Brynäs) for one year -Shiann Darkangelo (extended) for one year,

PWHL Toronto signings: -Daryll Watts (PWHL Ottawa) for two years -Emma Woods (PWHL New York) for two years -Raygan Kirk ( Ohio state) for two years -Izzy Daniel (Cornell) for two years -Megan Carter (Northeastern) for two years -Julia Gosling (st Lawrence) for two years -Hannah Miller (extension) for one year -Allie Munroe (extension) for two years

PWHL Boston signings: -Lexie Adzija (extended) for one year -Hannah Brandt (extended) for two years -Emily brown (extended) for two years -Sidney Morin (extended) for one year -Sophie Shirley (extended) for two years

PWHL Montreal: -Mikyla Grant Mentis (extended) for one year -Cayla Barnes (Ohio State) for three years -Elaine Chuli (extended) for one year -Mariah Keopple (extended) for one year -Amanda Boulier (extended) for one year

PWHL New York Signings: -Abbey levy (extended) two years

PWHL Minnesota signings: -Liz schepers (extended) for one year -Denisa Křižová (extended) for two years -Michela Cava (extended) for one year -Klára Hymlárová (st cloud) for two years -britta Curl (Wisconsin) for one year,

Josh Sciba joins PWHL New York as assistant coach. He has experience as Union College's head coach of their women's program as well as with the USWNT as an assistant coach

SDHL (Sweden)

The league has announced they will have goal cameras in place next season!

Finnish national team defender Sini Karjalainen joins Skellefteå AIK after playing with Brynäs last season

18 year old Swedish defender Thea Liodden signs with Linköping HC from AIK

Clarkson University forward Darcie Lappan signs with MoDo hockey

Providence College captain Rachel Weiss signs with HV71

16 year old Ebba Westerlind, who has shown very strong success in Sweden's youth programs, signs with Frölunda HC

Ann-Frédérique Guay, who played 4 years at Norwich University on the D3 level before transferring to UMaine and having a successful final year, has joined Linköping HC

American forward Naomi Rogge, who was successful last season with SDE, has joined Linköping HC

SDHL veteran Emmy Alasalmi joins Linköping HC

Lily George of University of New Brunswick joins Leksands

Dominique Kremer, most recently with PWHL Minnesota, has signed with SDE

Jakob Löf joins Brynäs as an assistnt coach. He previously coached the programs u16 team

Swedish National Team forward Michelle Löwenhielm extends with SDE for another year

Naisten Liiga (Finland)

Rising Finnish national team star Emma Ekoluoma changes teams from Kärpät to Ilves

Norweigan national team defender Iben Tillman will join the league and HPK specifically after a strong performance at the D1A World Championship

24 year old finnish forward Anni Montonen returns to Kiekko-Espoo after spending a season in the SDHL. She previously played for Kiekko-Espoo from 2019-2023 and was one of their top producers

Susanna Viitala, who played for TPS last year and was just under a point per game, joins Kiekko-Espoo

Julia Kuusisto get a one year extension in Ilves after a season where she took a big step forward and played with the u18 national team

defender Nelly Andersson will be back with HIFK after playing 23 games with them last year for the first time and getting experience with both the u18 and senior team

Defender Ilona Palin who spent time with the team last year as well a the u18 Finnish team, will return to HIFK for another year as well

SWHL / Postfinance Women League (Switzerland)

HC Davos ladies make four big signings -Swiss national team defender Alessia Baechler who played with ZSC Lions Frauen last year -Renee lendi who also played with ZSC and their B league affiliate -American/Canadian defender Lucie Tenenbaum. This is particularly interesting because Tenenbaum played prep school with Bishop Kearney last year and is committed to Minnesota State for the year following next season, so cool to see her develop in Switzerland for the year in between -Italian national team forward Aurora Abatangelo who was with Ladies Team Lugano last year

EWHL (Central/Eastern Europe + others)

The rebranded KSV Neuberg Highlanders also add five new players -Bishop University graduate and defender Marie-Camille Théorêt -Slovenian national team forward and EWHL Veteran/consistent top forward Sara Confidenti -Slovakian forward and EWHL top scorer Nikola Rumanova -American forward and SUNY-Oswego graduate Kensie Malone -American forward and Franklin Pierce University graduate Claire Casey

[feelmyskinonyourskin]

Oath (Vampire!Karen Page)

Summary: Vampire!Karen just in time for Halloween!!!! If anyone plays Marvel Strike Force, they just introduced an original character named Oath who is a Vampire version of Karen Page. I was thus inspired. Also features Matt and Frank.

Warnings: Brief mentions of criminal men who have assaulted women, typical vampire stuff like drinking blood.

WC: 1875 

*I never give permission for my fics, manips, or any other original creation I post on Tumblr to be copied, posted elsewhere, translated, or fed into any AI program. The only platforms I currently post on are Tumblr and AO3. Thanks!*

The Devil of Hell’s Kitchen crouched low, taking in the scene before him in the cold alleyway.

The man in front of him was dead. Everything flooding Matt’s senses indicated he had died in the last few hours, except for one chilling detail. His body laid there cold as stone, as if he had been dead for days. From the smell of him, he had been totally drained of all his blood with minimal bodily injury. Just like five others Matt had found this week alone.

Finding victims in a state such as this would have led Matt to conclude something like The Hand was back in New York. But a few things about these bodies didn’t add up to The Hand.

When Matt came upon victim number 3, the police had already arrived at the scene. He overheard Detective Mahoney telling some officers the guy was a known criminal. In addition to the extensive counts of misdemeanors he’d been charged with in his life; when he was 21, he was taken in for the rape of a teenage girl he coached at a summer camp. At 28, tried for beating his girlfriend badly enough she was left with a concussion. And just last week, arrested again for robbing and assaulting a female cashier at a bodega.

The scent of apple and cinnamon lingered on the skin of all five victims. Not exactly like The Hand to leave a trace so… feminine. It was such a familiar smell though. Matt couldn’t quite place where he’d come across it before.

Maybe there was a new vigilante on the scene - hell bent on revenge against men who harmed women. Maybe just a plain old serial killer. But it all didn’t add up.

“Nother one huh, Red? Shit, that’s the third one I’ve found like that this month.” the gruff voice cut through the silence

Matt cocked his head as he rose to face the source of the voice.

“You know Frank, at first glance I’d have thought this was you. But even you aren’t this… brutal.”

“Ain’t wrong. He is my type. But nah… everytime I try to find one of these scums, they end up like this. Someone’s beatin’ me to the punch and I ain’t exactly thrilled about it.”

“Me either. You find any clues?”

“All of ‘em have been covered in wounds. Tiny ones. Ain’t ever seen a knife that could make marks that small and neat. But other than that, no sign of who mighta…”

The sound of sirens screeching down the block interrupted the conversation and the men nodded to each other.

“See ya round, Red.” The Punisher said, retreating down the alleyway.

“You too, Frank. Call me if you find anything.”

Matt leapt to the nearest fire escape and down the block into the night.

Matt tried to will away the pounding in his head as his fingers traced over the same sentence for the third time. He was wearing himself thin; thinner than usual. Between his usual night time activities, figuring out these bodies he’d been finding, and running the law firm, his sanity was wearing away quickly.

“Long night last night?” Karen’s melodic question cut through Matt’s mental fog as he jerked his head towards where she stood in the doorway

“Yeah, something like that.”

“Want some coffee? I’m meeting Foggy at the courthouse to pull some files but we could grab you some on the way back?”

“Yeah, Karen. I’d appreciate that.” he replied and turned his attention back to his work

“You wanna talk about it, or…”

“No. It’s um… other job stuff.”

Even though Foggy and Karen had known Matt’s secret for years now, he didn’t like to share details unless it involved something they could help with legally. He didn’t want to worry them, plus if he ever got found out, the less they knew the more protected they’d be.

“Right.” Karen said with a nod and turned toward the door. She grabbed her jacket and umbrella and called out through the office

“Be back in about an hour.”

Matt grinned as he took in the scent of her cinnamon perfume as she left, laced with a hint of… apple.

Matt cocked his head as he listed, spooked by how familiar the smell was to that of the mystery victims he’d come across.

He listened to her footsteps down the hall and out the door. As she walked down the street, he realized; he couldn’t hear her heartbeat.

Matt waited for hours, crouched on the roof of the warehouse as the rain soaked through his crimson suit and chilled his flesh.

The files he snuck out of Karen’s bag indicated this is where he might find another criminal - and it added up to where he could find her. The man’s record matched all the others, a long history of violence against innocent people, somehow getting out of any punishment, repeating his offenses recently. It was only a matter of time…

Matt could hear the screech of tires as the worn down van slowed to a stop on the wet pavement. The man Matt was waiting for stepped out, shielding himself from the downpour as he rushed towards the warehouse. Just as he reached out his hand to open the door, a figure appeared from the shadow and as fast as the lightning painting the sky, tackled him to the damp ground.

Matt sprung forward, leaping from the roof and landing with a roll in front of the scene. The figure rose and turned towards him, blood dripping from her mouth and mixing with the raindrops running down her face. The man she held to the ground screamed as he struggled in her grasp, but she easily kept him pinned beneath her.

“Matt? What are you? No, you weren’t supposed to…”

“Karen… what? What is going on? What happened?”

He removed the glove from his trembling hand and reached it towards her, but she shunned away.

“You can’t save me anymore, Matt. Please go.”

“No, I won’t. Why didn’t you tell me? Let me and Foggy help?”

“Because you can’t.”

“This isn’t who you are Karen. You’re not a killer.”

“I don’t have a choice.”

She turned back towards her prey and sunk her teeth into his flesh once more, draining the little blood he had left and he stilled beneath her. Matt shuddered as he listened to the man’s heartbeat fade.

Karen rose once more and wiped the remaining blood from her face, finally taking Matt’s outstretched hand.

Matt’s apartment had always been a place of comfort for Karen. Ever since that first night they met when he brought her back here on a rainy night just like this. The sweater he lent her brushed against her pale skin but it did not warm her. Nothing could now.

“So…” Matt finally spoke, cutting through the silence.

The mug of tea he made for her sat untouched on the coffee table as she stared out the window, watching the billboard paint the apartment in pink and orange.

“It happened… about a month ago.” she began her story, soft voice echoing off the high ceilings of the loft

“I was at Mrs. Perez’s apartment, the woman we helped file against her neighbor for the dog bite. I was getting the paperwork from her doctor about her injuries. I know I shouldn’t have been out so late, I should have called you or got a cab. It was stupid of me.”

She let out a deep sigh and continued.

“Anyway, I left her place just before midnight. I felt… eerie. Like I was being followed. I had my hand on my gun in my purse as I walked but just before I got to my block, he attacked me.”

“Who?”

“I don’t know. I didn’t see his face. I shot him twice, but the bullets just bounced right off. Next thing I knew, his teeth were in my neck and I could feel myself dying. I knew it.”

Matt raised his eyebrows.

“Dying?”

“Yeah.”

“Then what happened?”

“I don’t remember.” she continued “It all faded away, like I was drifting in a black abyss. When I woke up, I was still laying on the street. I didn’t know how I wasn’t dead. The sun was rising but it felt like it was burning my skin. I ran home. I called in sick for a few days and just slept. But I had this hunger… this urge.”

“To do what?”

“Feed. I was just running on instinct. I walked the street all night that night. I didn’t know where I was going, I just knew I needed to clear my head. I stopped outside this bar. Kind of a gross looking place. And there was this man, practically dragging this woman out of there. She was out of it. Like someone had done something to her drink. I don’t know what overcame me but I just… attacked. Drank him until he was dry. Then I felt better. For a few days. Until it came back.”

“You drank his blood?”

“Yeah.”

“Karen… that’s insane. That’s…” Matt reached out his hand to comfort Karen, but all he was met with was ice cold skin.

“I don’t know why he didn’t finish the job, why he changed me… But I know I can’t go back. This is who I am now. Like I said, I don’t have a choice. I’m not human any more, I’m something else.”

Matt sat in stunned silence. He had dealt with weird shit before; all The Hand’s ancient reincarnation rituals, the Avengers fighting aliens down the block, hearing half the city’s heartbeats disappearing then coming back five years later. But this, this was something he couldn’t quite wrap his head around.

“I figured if I need to feed, might as well take out a few people who deserve it along the way.”

“You’re starting to sound like Frank now…”

“Yeah… well.” Karen shrugged “I can’t do the double life thing like you Matt. I’ve been trying, but I can’t I’m too different now.”

Matt nodded, knowing there was no changing her mind. Karen rose from her seat, giving Matt a kiss on his forehead before heading for the foyer.

“Goodbye Matt.” she whispered as she closed the door behind her.

The man’s exhales were labored as he ran, glancing behind him every so often in panic.

He stopped to catch his breath, hands on his knees, when a shadow appeared over him. He lept back in surprise, the white skull staring him directly in the face.

“Look man…” he stuttered in a panic “I don’t want trouble with The Punisher. Please.”

Frank shoved the man into the brick behind him.

“Ain’t me you gotta worry about, asshole.”

The man glanced over Frank’s shoulder at the woman who had appeared, a devilish grin painted on her face as she stared him down.

“Her? What’s she gonna do?”

Karen bared her fangs and leapt forward, Frank stepping out of her way so she could take his place.

“Have at ‘em, sweetheart.” he nodded, watching as Oath sank her teeth into the man's flesh.

[recycledraccoon]

Please I am begging you write more about Oisin 🙏🙏🙏

Here are my current headcanon's for one Oisin Hakinvar, whom is my little blorbo man. Lizard Wizard on whom I cast "Feel Sad Emotions" at 9th Level. Alot of this is actually going to pertain to his family life and culture, as I am attempting to explore in my current WIP fic.

Dragonborn Clans, especially those who maintain close bonds to the dragon of their origin, maintain a lot of cultural and behavioral similarities to full dragons. This extends to things like hierarchy, courting, values, and childrearing, to name a few.

Oisin was born and spent the first few years of his life growing up in The Red Wastes with his maternal family, which the majority of maintained full-time or part-time residency in his Grandmother's extensive lair. While Oisin's grandmother DOES have a very large number of descendants, many of which she doesn't care about or really know, those of whom with the most direct link to her AND remain in the Red Wastes in the lair ARE known and prioritized. This also means they share the highest amount of cultural similarities and behaviors vs. the family that branched out and left the sphere of Dragon-Grandma's influence.

It is NOT a coincidence that the direct descendants who remain in the lair in The Red Wastes are, primarily, sorcerers and barbarians (usually storm herald barbarians but ancestral guardian barbarians as well.)

Blue Dragons are actually known to be good parents to their children, and I think it applies, but considerably lessened, in regards to grandchildren. Once a child becomes an adult, it's less about love of the offspring, and more what benefits said offspring will provide to the family. Direct children are given grace, time to grow, but grandchildren less so, and the further and further it goes down the grace period of their uselessness lessens.

"A dragon who wants for nothing, is no dragon at all." Want for power, money, all sorts of things can apply here, but to WANT is a deeply important and arguably ESSENTIAL part of being a Dragon. You can not have a hoard if you do not have something you WANT, despite whatever it may be. And hoards are CRITICAL in both displays of competence as a dragon within the hierarchy and especially in things like courtship.

A hatchlings first hoard items come from family, gifts of different kinds often to try and tempt the children into desiring a certain type of object in particular, and to steal an object from a hoard of a parental figure is often a good indicator in what that hatchling will drift towards. Stealing/Exchanging items from a hoard between parents and clutch mates is often a bonding experience and a sign of a good relationship.

When courting, gifting hoard items comes after the combat phase of courting. This is usually to demonstrate being able to provide, and more importantly, prowess towards PROTECTING those hoard items. A well guarded hoard translates to a well guarded nest of eggs.

Oisin in my Stars and Storms AU (Seniors Au/Senior Stars Au ect) is the only hatchling in his clutch to NOT inherit either the body and disposition to be anything like a barbarian or melee fighter, or the capability for being a sorcerer. With such a long history in his clan of these two things being prioritized, his family are very good at early testing or coaching hatchlings to find out if they can meet these expectations.

Oisin is also unique amongst his clutch as the thing he focuses on as a hoard, in a sense, is not something physical. He loves the stars and their stories and what he can try to learn about them. It's an immaterial hoard, perhaps the only physical part of it would be scraps of parchment or paper he scribbles findings on, of which have very little value. In this way he cannot participate in the usual exchange of hoard items with his siblings and mother, causing a continual alienating cycle between them. His love of the stars actually isolates him from the family he desperately wants to connect with.

Furthermore, Oisin knows very early on in his life that he is NOT a sorcerer, as well as being noticeably more frail than his stocky siblings.

It's referenced partly in chapter 1 of Meteor Showers that Oisin "studies other things" under the stars, "books with sand in-between the pages". Later in chapter 2, we know that he "spent months translating" a spell book in order to teach himself his first cantrip.

This spell book actually was stolen from a family member's hoard, the spellbook of a minor wizard whom at some point was killed and this resulting in the book entering the hoard.

Normally this would have been great for Oisin as that is a much more physical thing to want, it's participating in hoard exchange and SHOULD be something to connect him to his family, even if he grows as a wizard and not a sorcerer.

Except he's already isolated, he's studying by himself and nobody KNOWS he's doing this. He probably wanted to surprise his family, but in the end he never learns it in time and he's already been cast out of the main family to go live with his father.

SPEAKING OF!!

Oisin's father is a Water Genasi, which ties together the desert lightning from his maternal family into the storms and rain from his father's side to create the Oisin we all associate with thunderstorms and rain.

I don't have a name for his Father, but I DO think he HAD to take his father's last name after moving in with him, aka Hakinvar.

Oisin's father I don't have a concrete class for, but I'm leaning some mix of monk/ranger or rogue/ranger. I will not elaborate further until after a time in which I've explored it somewhat in the fic, but this is the basis for Oisin's father.

[ballet-symphonie]

Apparently I’ve heard that Zakharova uses her close relationship with Putin to get what she wants and apparently can be a bitch to work with? Take this with a grain of salt, but from what I’ve read, she wasn’t cast as Tatiana in Onegin so she literally told Putin to fire the director if she wasn’t Tatiana.

Another story was that back when Bolshoi was touring the entire world pre-invasion, they had another dancer for O/O in the opening cast of Swan Lake at Covent Garden. The higher ups told Zakharova’s coach, who then was like “she isn’t going to like it” so the coach told her. That night she was O/O.

I’m not too surprised, to me Sveta looks like she isn’t a nice person to be around.

To be fair, I don't know her personally, there are so many stories of her being...less than kind that I'm inclined to believe there's some truth to them. However, other dancers, particularly some of her partners, have been quite complimentary of her.

But in conjunction with her despicable politics, I find it difficult to support her as a person.

ETA:

@2o2m333ny444m2o2 I have spoken extensively on this issue and I very much understand that silence does not equal support. Not everyone is in the position to jump ship and there are lots of reasons for just keeping your head down. I also think its important to not overestimate the consequences of not supporting Putin, unless you publically speak out against him, you are unlikely to be in danger.

Zakharova is not someone who has chosen to keep her distance, and she's far from being silent. Zakharova's level of involvement results from her repeated, consistent choices over the years. She has been a member of the Duma, is actively supporting Putin's party, and has publically signed her name in support of both the annexation of Crimea and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The level of her support is substantial, she (along with Tsiskaridze and Polunin) was one of Putin's official 'authorized representatives' for the election in March. Her actions indicate a significant level of active support for the current political establishment in Russia.

[clubhoops]

The Seattle Storm coaching staff is facing an investigation over alleged player mistreatment, according to a report by Annie Costabile of the Chicago Sun-Times.

A law firm hired by the team is examining claims of harassment and bullying by the coaching staff related to on-court performance during the 2024 season. These allegations reportedly stem from incidents during practices and games. An email obtained by the Sun-Times indicates that the investigation has been ongoing for at least two weeks.

The Storm, the WNBA, and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association have all acknowledged the investigation but declined to provide further details.

Head coach Noelle Quinn, who took over in 2021, leads a staff that includes longtime assistants Perry Huang and Ebony Hoffman, along with associate general manager and assistant coach Pokey Chatman. Quinn signed a multiyear extension last year.

This situation raises questions about workplace culture and accountability in professional sports, particularly as it pertains to player treatment and well-being.

[xxangeldustanalogx]

the embarrassment. the humiliation. you left it all behind.

screaming into the void, like a fucking. a fucking cuck. a snowflake. reactionary piece of trash. entitled and detached and ignorant.

no one understands self destruction the way that i do. no one. i’m so special, i’m so fucking special. i’m so pretty, sensitive, strong. arent i?

say i’m not special. fucking say it. you won’t.

i am the edgiest boy alive. i have sacrificed my dignity the way that no one else is willing to.

in ways i refuse to show you.

i don’t want you to know the things i have done for praise. for attention.

did i even get what i wanted? it doesn’t matter.

most people don’t know, they can’t imagine. i explain some of the things i do as a litmus test. they lose their goddamn minds. i excuse myself quietly.

i have debased myself in the ways i have because i am not real, i am not a person. that was decided years ago. it doesn’t hold any weight now. it’s just the truth of the matter.

i tell them i don’t feel like a person, and i guess hope that they disagree. and they don’t. mostly they don’t. i don’t remember a counter argument. i have always been this way.

borrowing time is not the same as having time. it’s not a longer life. it’s an extension of the dmt trip that even the most straightedge among us are treated to when we die.

do they even appreciate it?

give their dimethyltryptamine to me. give it here. i deserve it. i fucking deserve it.

i am the prince of styro cuts and duct tape stitches, butterflies that have long since degraded.

not by necessity, but by the way my mother looks at me when i say something she doesn’t like. the fatalities in her gaze, the miscarriages. i don’t know if she knows that i can see them too.

the way that it’s assumed i could just get past this, if only i tried harder. its not that i don’t know that’s what they think.

how am i supposed to tell people? i know what happens. i know. when i film the things i care about? my plushie friends? when i film the bugs, when i film the trash accumulating?

when i film the fire hazards? the spray paint and the hairspray and the candles lighting my anxious gaze?

when i film the neurological symptoms i am developing from the substances i cannot just decide to stop indulging in? vomiting so hard i taste fresh blood? its not from my stomach. it’s from the screaming.

when i film the lesions on my skin? i don’t want them to tell anyone else but i wonder what would happen if they did.

they aren’t healing the way they should be. the staff tell me i can go to the ER if i feel like it. i don’t understand what that means. my life coach tells me to go right now now, to get antibiotics or i could lose my arm, if things went really sideways. the staff don’t really have an opinion. they just want me to be medically ok. it’s easier for them if i’m ok. i want so desperately to be ok.

but i don’t want to go to the doctor, but i don’t want to lose an arm. i don’t want to deal with this. i don’t know what this is.

what about the other residents? what about the people who don’t have someone on the outside? what business do i even have to wonder? how could i even help them?

it’s best not to think about.

when i film how rapidly these symptoms progress? when i smile and look as cute as i ever have? cuter, even? as sick as i ever have? will that be ok?

what if it’s attributed to mental retardation? what if it’s my fault? brain damage? what if it’s all my fault? what if it’s all my fucking fault? it’s always my fault.

what if my brain doesn’t make me see things? what if my delusions aren’t bizarre?

what if my brain tells me that the half note shift in the way you say my name is indicative of a plan to abandon me? what if the way you can’t keep track of my pronouns is a secret message?

what if im wrong and they are all just genuinely trying their best?

what if they think they understand? but they don’t? what if they don’t at all? who else could it be? i’m at the top level of privilege. i can leave campus alone. i can sign out, for up to 3 hours. i am Successful.

do they know? do they know the accolades i have achieved?

that any amount of detachment is better than physically destroying my neurons? better than submitting to a level system to determine my human rights?

any amount of space between me and the way i want to feel? even if that was the 1:1 reason, would that make it ok?

no one tears themselves to pieces, the way that i do. no one doesn’t care, like me. not without help. and, oh god, did they help.

i always have another choice. i always have other options. this is not insanity. if it was just insanity, then things must be reevaluated.

things beyond my sadomasochism? do you want to eschew that as an explanation? do you want that level of chaos in your world? you couldn’t even attribute it to sex.

it might have been, years ago. but the situation has evolved. i don’t know if they noticed. i did. it makes sense to me, but i don’t have to like it.

i became a person, i became a light green little sprig of cellulose. the stem of a crocus. the spine of an angel. easy to crush, infinitely replaceable.

they tore me limb from limb. they did not ask.

you did. i asked if that was what you were doing to me and you told me it was not.

these fragments of me, these parts of me are intertwined. to pull on one is to shift them all, if not to topple. i am not a mountain. i am a tower, out of place in my timeline. beautiful, dirty, rich. a pile of rubble. glistening, expensive rubble.

i do not hard shift. i do not understand the way that the ones inside me are. you have to kill me, kill everyone. they don’t make sense. they resist making sense. they want to confuse, they want it more than anything.

prime has decided, we have agreed it’s his choice. to be explicable is to be too kind.

we would rather die. he would rather die. i would rather. who? it doesn’t matter.

to be these different things is not reconcilable. i can take care of them, we can, he can, it can, i can manage these auras.

you should know that i am hurtling towards impact. do with that what you will.

it’s just a simple matter of giving up the only thing that makes life worth living.

how hard can that be?

redacted only left their entire support system. 95% of their friends, their psychiatrist, therapist.

i only left the fraying infrastructure behind. surely that would strengthen it, right?

all of this was my decision. all of this was my call. angel wasn’t here. he didn’t exist yet. neither did prime.

prime isn’t even the reason.

some parts rotten, some parts on the cusp of thriving. i cut them all, do you even understand?

i have no way to end this. none of us do. i don’t know anything about this post. i won’t remember. who is i. i don’t know. we don’t know. frameworks. what fucking ever. don’t ask about this. it won’t go well.

[bstcoaching]

Best DSSB Coaching in Delhi

If you're aiming to crack the DSSSB (Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board) exams, you're embarking on a journey that demands rigorous preparation and strategic study methods. DSSSB exams are known for their competitive nature and extensive syllabus, making them a challenging yet rewarding endeavor for aspiring candidates.

Why Choose DSSSB Coaching in Delhi?

Delhi, being the capital city, offers an exceptional environment for DSSSB coaching. Here's why you should consider it:

Competitive Environment

Delhi attracts thousands of DSSSB aspirants each year, creating a competitive and motivating environment. This encourages students to push their limits and strive for excellence.

Experienced Faculty

DSSSB Coaching institutes in Delhi boast experienced and highly qualified faculty members who have a deep understanding of the DSSSB exam pattern and syllabus. Their expertise can guide you effectively through your preparation journey.

Comprehensive Study Material

The study material provided by these institutes is usually extensive and well-structured, covering all aspects of the DSSSB syllabus. This ensures that students are well-prepared for every section of the exam.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Coaching Institute

Selecting the right coaching institute involves considering several factors:

Faculty Expertise

Ensure the institute has experienced and knowledgeable faculty who can provide quality education and guidance.

Success Rate

Look for institutes with a proven track record of success in DSSSB exams. This can be a good indicator of the institute's effectiveness.

Study Material Quality

The quality of study material is crucial. It should be comprehensive, up-to-date, and aligned with the latest exam patterns.

Student Reviews

Read reviews and testimonials from past students to get an idea of their experiences and the institute's teaching methods.

Benefits of DSSSB Coaching

Enrolling in a DSSSB coaching program offers several benefits:

Structured Learning Approach

Coaching institutes provide a structured and organized approach to learning, ensuring that you cover all topics systematically.

Regular Mock Tests

Mock tests help you gauge your preparation level and identify areas that need improvement. They also familiarize you with the exam pattern.

Personalized Attention

Many institutes offer personalized attention to students, helping them overcome their specific challenges and doubts.

Time Management Skills

Coaching programs emphasize the importance of time management, teaching you how to allocate your time effectively during preparation and in the exam.

Detailed Curriculum of DSSSB Coaching

A good DSSSB coaching institute covers all essential subjects and topics. Here's a breakdown of the typical curriculum:

General Awareness

Topics include current affairs, history, geography, polity, economy, and more. Staying updated with current events is crucial.

General Intelligence and Reasoning Ability

This section tests your logical and analytical skills. Practice is key to mastering reasoning questions.

Arithmetical and Numerical Ability

Mathematical problems and numerical reasoning are covered in this section. Regular practice and understanding of basic concepts are essential.

English Language and Comprehension

Focuses on grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing skills. Reading regularly can significantly improve your language skills.

Hindi Language and Comprehension

Similar to the English section, but in Hindi. Proficiency in both languages is often required.

How to Maximize Your Coaching Experience

To make the most out of your coaching:

Setting Clear Goals

Define your goals clearly. Knowing what you want to achieve keeps you focused and motivated.

Consistent Practice

Regular practice is essential. It helps reinforce what you've learned and improves your problem-solving speed.

Utilizing Resources

Make full use of the resources provided by your coaching institute, including study materials, mock tests, and doubt-clearing sessions.

Seeking Feedback

Don't hesitate to seek feedback from your teachers. Constructive criticism can help you improve significantly.

Success Stories from DSSSB Coaching in Delhi

Hearing about others' success can be incredibly motivating. Here are a few testimonials:

Challenges Faced During DSSSB Preparation

Preparation for DSSSB is not without its challenges:

High Competition

The sheer number of applicants makes the competition fierce. Staying ahead requires dedicated effort and smart preparation strategies.

Extensive Syllabus

The vast syllabus can be overwhelming. Breaking it down into manageable sections can help.

Stress Management

The pressure to perform well can lead to stress. Finding ways to manage stress is crucial for maintaining focus.

Overcoming Challenges in DSSSB Preparation

Here are some strategies to overcome common challenges:

Effective Time Management

Plan your study schedule carefully. Allocate time for each subject and stick to your plan.

Stress Relieving Techniques

Incorporate stress-relieving activities like meditation, exercise, or hobbies into your routine to keep stress at bay.

Maintaining Motivation

Stay motivated by reminding yourself of your goals and the benefits of clearing the DSSSB exam.

Online vs. Offline DSSSB Coaching

Both online and offline coaching have their advantages:

Benefits of Online Coaching

Flexibility in timing, access to recorded sessions, and the ability to learn from anywhere make online coaching a convenient option.

Benefits of Offline Coaching

Face-to-face interaction, immediate doubt resolution, and a structured environment are some benefits of offline coaching.

Hybrid Coaching Models

Many institutes offer hybrid models, combining the best of both online and offline coaching.

Cost of DSSSB Coaching in Delhi

The cost of coaching can vary:

Average Fees

Fees can range from INR 20,000 to INR 50,000 depending on the institute and the course duration.

What the Fees Include

Fees generally include study materials, access to mock tests, and regular classes. Some institutes also offer additional support like doubt-clearing sessions.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Many institutes offer financial aid or scholarships based on merit or financial need. It's worth inquiring about these options.

Tips for Self-Study Alongside Coaching

Self-study is essential even if you are attending coaching classes:

Creating a Study Schedule

Having a study schedule helps you manage your time effectively and ensures you cover all topics.

Regular Revision

Regular revision helps reinforce what you've learned and ensures that you retain information.

Practicing Previous Year Papers

Practicing past papers gives you a good idea of the exam pattern and the types of questions to expect.

The Role of Mock Tests in DSSSB Preparation

Mock tests are a critical component of your preparation:

Importance of Mock Tests

They help you understand the exam format, improve time management skills, and identify your strengths and weaknesses.

Analyzing Mock Test Results

Review your mock test results to understand where you need to improve and to track your progress.

Improving Based on Mock Tests

Use the insights from your mock tests to adjust your study plan and focus on areas that need more attention.

Conclusion

DSSSB coaching in Delhi can provide the structured support and resources you need to excel in the exam. By choosing the right institute and making the most of your coaching experience, you can significantly enhance your chances of success. Remember, consistent effort, effective time management, and a positive attitude are key to cracking the DSSSB exam.

FAQs

What is the ideal duration for DSSSB coaching?

The ideal duration for DSSSB coaching varies, but a 6-12 month preparation period is generally recommended to cover the entire syllabus thoroughly.

How can I find the best DSSSB coaching institute in Delhi?

Research online, read reviews, ask for recommendations, and visit institutes to find the best fit for your needs.

Are online coaching classes as effective as offline ones?

Yes, online classes can be just as effective if they offer comprehensive study materials, interactive sessions, and regular assessments.

What should I do if I miss a coaching class?

If you miss a class, review the provided study materials, watch recorded sessions if available, and reach out to your instructor for any doubts.

How often should I take mock tests?

It's advisable to take mock tests regularly, at least once a week, to continually assess and improve your preparation.

[devilsupdates]

5 Bargain Free Agents the Devils Must Target

May 21, 2024 by Josh Reinitz

Heading into the offseason, the New Jersey Devils have multiple issues. The most pressing is finding a new head coach. With the search narrowed to, at most, four potential candidates and with a decision expected before the holiday weekend, the next focus should be planning for free agency. The Devils will head into the offseason with almost $19 million in available cap space (Per CapFriendly). They will be 16th in the NHL in available cap space. However, those numbers may change drastically should the team enter into an extension with pending restricted free agent (RFA) Dawson Mercer and/or acquire a top-level goaltender without offsetting salary.

Earlier this week, AFP Analytics released detailed projections for every free agent to hit the market this summer. While no model is ever 100% predictive, AFP’s version gives a good baseline on what players can expect to cost in the offseason. The Devils are fortunate to have their core locked up on long-term, team-friendly deals or entry-level contracts. The only core member they have to decide on is the aforementioned Mercer, who they could even punt on for the time being and tender a qualifying offer, as he is still a year removed from having arbitration rights.

Even with the core locked up, the Devils are not without needs. General manager Tom Fitzgerald has indicated he wants to construct a team that is more difficult to play against and made up of players you can win with. He has considerable assets ready to compete in any trade market he deems appropriate with a top-ten draft pick and young, talented, inexpensive players like Alexander Holtz and Seamus Casey who could be made available. With the bigger moves likely to come in the trade market, the Devils should use free agency to build depth and fill in around the edges. The most glaring places needing depth are a bottom-six forward, penalty-killing/defense-first defenseman, and middle-six depth on the wing. Here is a look at five players projected to cost under $3 million per year, who the Devils should kick the tires on July 1.

Kevin Stenlund, Center – Projection: 2 Years x $1.34 Million

Florida Panthers general manager Bill Zito signed center Kevin Stenlund as a free agent on July 1, 2023, to add depth to his bottom six due to his familiarity with him from both their days in Columbus. Stenlund has fit well in head coach Paul Maurice’s system and bolstered a strong bottom-six in Florida’s run to the Eastern Conference Final. The Devils spent much of the second half of last season trying to fill the enormous void left by the departure of Michael McLeod after being charged with sexual assault in conjunction with other members of the 2018 Canadian World Junior Team. Stenlund, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound right-handed center, could be the answer New Jersey has been seeking. Stenlund would be the only right-handed primary centerman on the Devils, but he is also a dangerous penalty killer with two short-handed goals in each of his last two seasons. His underlying numbers in 2023-24 were not perfect for a bottom-six center. However, it was only his first full season in the NHL, and there is room for improvement. Getting in on Stenlund at this time in his career could be a boon for whichever team ultimately signs the Swede. It is difficult to find a center entering his prime who stands 6-foot-4, is right-handed, wins faceoffs over 50% of the time, kills penalties, and will cost you less than $1.5 million a season. He has been an integral part of Florida’s success, having logged over 106 bottom-six minutes at 5v5 in this year’s playoffs without having been on the ice for a goal against. He has also shown improvement in handling the puck, limiting his giveaways to 14 total this season after being credited with 12 in just 54 games last season. Stenlund would be a welcome addition to the Devils’ bottom six, forming an intimidating line with the likes of Curtis Lazar and Nathan Bastian/Kurtis MacDermid, and his ability to kill penalties would also allow the new coach to better focus the ice time of some of their forwards drafted into PK service last season. On balance, Stenlund is a fit for New Jersey in terms of play and price.

William Carrier, Left Wing – Projection: 2 Years x $2.4 Million

The Golden Knights do not have a selection in the second through fifth rounds of this year’s NHL Draft. Carrier is one of the diamonds in the rough of this year’s free agent class. He could even be someone the Devils wisely target before July 1 by expending capital to acquire his rights in a trade with Vegas for a later-round pick. Watching the playoffs this season, Carrier’s skill was fully on display. He is a capable puck-transporter as a winger and has the speed to threaten defenses and the bite to hamper opposing offenses. Notably, in a series his team lost, the save percentage at 5v5 with him on the ice was still almost 93%, and only two goals were scored against him in nearly 75 minutes of ice time. In this year’s playoffs alone, he was ranked in the 81st percentile in top speed and 92nd percentile for the number of speed bursts above 22 mph while only playing in one round. (Per NHL Edge)

The only nagging concern about Carrier is his inability to stay healthy. He has never played a full 82 games in a season but has always been available in the postseason for Vegas. The Devils should have enough depth with Lazar, Bastian, MacDermid, and Nolan Foote to rest Carrier throughout the season as needed. With the style of play he brings, it is natural to need additional rest, and it is a trade-off the Devils should be willing to accept for the chance to add a fast, 29-year-old winger who averages 244 hits per 82 games for under $2.5 million.

Brenden Dillon, Left Defense – Projection: 2 Years x $2.86 Million

While a bit pricier than the others on this list, defenseman Brenden Dillon solves enough of New Jersey’s issues to be worth the extra cash. At 33 years old, he is closer to the end than the start of his career, but with that age comes a vast amount of regular season and playoff experience. Two seasons ago, the Devils learned that playing defensemen with top-four talent on your third pair pays huge dividends and should strongly consider doing the same with Dillon. He mostly closely resembles former Devil Ryan Graves in size at 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, but even though he is six years older, he is still a better, faster skater than Graves (Per NHL Edge) and brings more edge and aggression.

Dillon has never been shy about standing up for his teammates, a quality that is valued by New Jersey. This season, he participated in seven fights, many of which were in response to liberties taken by opponents on other Jets. He is also a premier penalty killer and defensive defenseman without sacrificing mobility and the ability to move the puck out of danger by passing or skating. This season he was credited with 241 hits and 111 blocks, both would have led New Jersey as would his career 82-game average of 198 hits and 110 blocks. Dillon has demonstrated durability throughout his 13-year career, having played at least 76 games every full season since his rookie year. The Devils may have to go up for a more favorable average annual value (AAV), but a three-year deal at $2.5 million AAV makes sense for both parties.

Jordan Martinook, Winger – Projection: 3 Years x $2.765 Million One of the easiest ways to improve your team is to take talent from your competitors. Signing middle-six winger Jordan Martinook would do just that for New Jersey. In his end-of-season press conference, Fitzgerald said he needed players he could win with on his roster. Martinook is that type of player. His counting stats belie his value, but every good team has players like him. The 31-year-old winger can play on either side of any line in the bottom nine and kill penalties. His play to save a goal in Game 6 vs. the New York Rangers in this year’s playoffs will be replayed forever. His success last season against the Devils in the playoffs should also not be lost on Fitzgerald.

The Carolina Hurricanes dominated in the regular season at 5v5 with Martinook on the ice. His expected goals for percentage (xGF%) and Corsi For percentage (CF%) were over 60. The team also had 218 more scoring chances than their opponents with Martinook on the ice. Forming a line of Ondrej Palat, Erik Haula, and Martinook would provide the team with one of the peskiest third lines in the NHL. He also brings durability. He has never played less than 77 games in his six non-COVID-impacted seasons. His skating would fit in with the Devils’ style of play as his speed bursts rank him in the 80th percentile in the NHL for bursts above 20 and 22 mph. Over the last two seasons, he has averaged 33 points per season, but the offense is not on top of the Devils’ list. However, his ability to score in the clutch and provide secondary scoring in the playoffs is highly valued. Martinook’s signing would signal a power shift within the division, and the Devils should be all in for the winger.

Jani Hakanpaa, Defenseman – Projection: 1 Year x $1.51 Million

Much like Dillon, Jani Hakanpaa would bring size, stability, and experience as an affordable third-pair defenseman. Also, like Dillon, Hakanpaa may be forced out of the Dallas Stars lineup, not due to his play but the emergence of young prospects. The 6-foot-6 225-pound Finn has less mileage on him than Dillon but is equally effective and is right-handed. Should the Devils decide to hold onto Kevin Bahl and/or move John Marino, they may see the need for depth on the right side, making Hakanpaa a perfect fit.

Hakanpaa has been forced out of this year’s playoffs with an injury but will slot back into the Stars lineup once he is physically able. He spent most of the season as the Stars’ shutdown pair teamed with Esa Lindell. The pair was also the team’s first choice on the penalty kill. Like Dillon, Hakanpaa also brings unique physicality with an 82-game average of 265 hits and 127 blocks. Hakanpaa would be a welcome addition to New Jersey, especially if he only required a one-year deal; he would essentially take the cap hit and role that was envisioned for Colin Miller at the start of the season and not encumber the Devils’ long-term plans on the back end with contracts for Luke Hughes and Simon Nemec coming due in short order.

There are bargains to be had in free agency this season, and the Devils must be buyers if they want to reclaim their place in the postseason. These five players are a good start, but others out there could fit the bill, like former Devils Tomas Tatar and Stefan Noesen, to name two. How Fitzgerald decides to build around his core will go a long way toward determining for how long the team’s championship window remains open.

[neurologist11]

Migraine Specialist

Migraine Specialist in South Delhi — Dr. Bhashkar Shukla

Migraines are far more than just “bad headaches.” For millions of sufferers, they are debilitating neurological events marked by throbbing pain, nausea, light and sound sensitivity, and sometimes even visual disturbances. If you or a loved one in South Delhi is struggling with recurring migraines, seeking help from a dedicated specialist can make all the difference. Enter Dr. Bhashkar Shukla, one of South Delhi’s leading migraine experts, committed to delivering personalized, evidence-based care for lasting relief.

🧠 Understanding Migraines

Unlike tension headaches, migraines often involve:

Pulsating or throbbing pain (commonly on one side of the head)

Nausea and/or vomiting

Photophobia (sensitivity to light) and phonophobia (sensitivity to sound)

Auras (visual or sensory disturbances such as flashing lights)

Duration of 4 to 72 hours per episode

Triggers ranging from stress and hormonal changes to certain foods, sleep patterns, or environmental factors

Left unmanaged, migraines can severely impact daily activities, work performance, and overall quality of life.

👨‍⚕️ Meet Dr. Bhashkar Shukla

With over 15 years of experience in neurology and pain management, Dr. Shukla is recognized across Delhi for his compassionate approach and deep expertise in headache disorders. Migraine Specialist, His credentials include:

MBBS and MD (Neurology) from premier institutions

Fellowship in Headache Medicine and Pain Management

Extensive publication record in peer-reviewed neurology journals

Regular speaker at national conferences on migraine research

Dr. Shukla combines the latest international guidelines with a holistic philosophy, ensuring each patient receives a treatment plan tailored to their unique triggers, lifestyle, and health goals.

🌟 Why Consult a Migraine Specialist?

Visiting a general practitioner can help rule out other causes of head pain, but a migraine specialist offers:

Advanced Diagnostic Tools

Detailed headache diaries

Neurological exams

MRI/CT scans when indicated to exclude secondary headaches

Personalized Treatment Plans

Acute therapies for immediate relief (triptans, antiemetics)

Preventive medications (beta-blockers, anticonvulsants, CGRP inhibitors)

Non-pharmacological options like biofeedback and relaxation techniques

Trigger Identification & Lifestyle Coaching

Nutrition and hydration guidance

Sleep hygiene and stress-management strategies

Hormonal and environmental trigger assessment

Minimally Invasive Procedures

Botox® injections for chronic migraine

Nerve block or nerve stimulation therapies

Pulsed radiofrequency ablation for refractory cases

Ongoing Support & Follow-Up

Regular monitoring of treatment efficacy

Adjustments based on response and side effects

Patient education to empower self-management

🏥 Dr. Shukla’s Clinic in South Delhi

Located conveniently in the heart of South Delhi, Dr. Shukla’s clinic offers a warm, patient-centric environment with:

State-of-the-art diagnostic equipment

Comfortable consultation rooms

On-site physiotherapy and counselling services

Flexible appointment timings including weekends

Strict adherence to COVID-19 safety and hygiene protocols

[nosmokesport]

Derrick Henry Breaks the Mold with Record-Breaking Deal from Ravens

Derrick Henry isn't done proving people wrong—and the Baltimore Ravens are all in on his continued dominance.

The 31-year-old powerhouse running back just inked a two-year, $30 million contract extension with the Ravens, cementing his place not just on the roster but in the team’s plans to win it all. The deal reportedly includes $25 million guaranteed, making it the most lucrative contract ever awarded to an NFL running back over the age of 30.

In an era when most teams shy away from investing in aging ball carriers, Baltimore is doubling down on one of the most physical runners the game has ever seen.

Dominating at Any Age

What sets Henry apart isn’t just his resume—it’s how he continues to build on it. In the 2024 season, he delivered one of his most explosive performances to date: 1,921 rushing yards, 18 touchdowns, and a career-high 5.9 yards per carry.

Those numbers would be impressive for any back. For someone on the wrong side of 30, they’re nearly unheard of.

NFL history doesn’t offer many examples of running backs excelling at this level beyond their 20s. Henry is rewriting that narrative, one brutal stiff-arm at a time.

Bouncing Back Strong

The doubts were loud at the start of last year. Following a dip in performance during the 2023 campaign, analysts and fans alike wondered whether the former rushing champ had lost his edge. But instead of firing back on social media or demanding attention, Henry did what he’s always done best: He kept quiet and got to work.

The results spoke volumes.

He ran with the same violent intensity that earned him the nickname “King Henry,” bulldozing defenders and keeping defenses honest. He turned criticism into fuel and turned doubters into believers—all without saying a word.

The Ravens’ Backfield Just Got Even Scarier

Lamar Jackson has long been the engine of Baltimore’s offense, but Henry’s presence in the backfield has added a new layer of threat. Their unique one-two punch keeps defenses guessing—do they key in on Jackson’s playmaking or Henry’s downhill fury?

With more space and time to operate, Jackson flourished alongside Henry, notching career highs in both passing yards (4,124) and touchdowns (41). The synergy is undeniable—and now, it’s here to stay.

And yes, fans still smile when they remember Jackson calling Henry “Lightning McQueen.” It was funny then. It’s terrifying now—for opponents, anyway.

A Deal That Sends a Message

Before the extension, Henry was entering the final season of a two-year, $16 million deal. This new agreement keeps him locked in through 2027, boosting his average annual salary to $12.3 million.

Only Saquon Barkley, Christian McCaffrey, and Jonathan Taylor make more among active backs—and none of them are over 30. That’s what makes this deal historic. It’s not just the money. It’s the meaning behind it.

The Ravens are essentially saying: This guy is still elite. And we’re backing him, not just emotionally, but financially.

Chasing Legends

Henry’s legacy was already secure, but he’s not slowing down. With 11,423 career rushing yards, he ranks 19th on the NFL’s all-time list. Another 1,317 yards will push him past Hall of Famer Tony Dorsett into the top 10.

If 2024 is any indication, he may hit that mark by midseason.

But for Henry, it’s never just been about numbers. It’s about impact. He’s a throwback to a tougher, more physical brand of football—and he’s proving that age doesn’t have to end that story.

A Culture Fit Built to Last

Baltimore has long prided itself on gritty, no-nonsense football. Think Ray Lewis. Think Ed Reed. Players who led with effort, attitude, and execution.

Henry fits that mold perfectly.

Coaches rave about his leadership and discipline. Teammates admire his work ethic. He’s not flashy. He’s not chasing followers. He’s chasing greatness—and dragging tacklers with him along the way.

For a Ravens team that believes its championship window is wide open, having a player like Henry in the locker room isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity.

A Shift in the Running Back Market?

There’s a broader story here, too.

The NFL has grown increasingly reluctant to invest big money in running backs beyond their rookie contracts—let alone into their 30s. Wear and tear, injury risks, and short career spans all factor into the equation.

But Henry’s new deal challenges that logic. He’s proving that with the right mindset, preparation, and durability, longevity is possible. Productive years don’t have to end after 28.

His extension could signal a shift in how the league views veteran backs. If you’re built like Henry—and built different—there may still be room at the table.

More Than Just a Paycheck

It’s easy to focus on the money. After all, $30 million is no small figure. But for Henry, this isn’t just about a contract—it’s about a commitment.

It’s about proving he’s still got more to give. It’s about rewarding a team that believed in him. And maybe most importantly, it’s about writing a new chapter in a story that refuses to follow the usual script.

Looking Ahead

Baltimore is loading up. With MVP Lamar Jackson at the helm, an elite defense holding strong, and now a proven veteran like Derrick Henry staying put, the Ravens are making a clear statement to the rest of the league.

They’re not just thinking about the future.

They’re trying to win right now.

And Henry? He’s ready to deliver—again.

Source: Derrick Henry Proves He’s Still Elite, Lands New Deal with Ravens

[flyfutureeducation-studyabroad]

Best Abroad Consultants in Indore

Finding the proper overseas education adviser is typically the first step in making many students' dreams of studying abroad a reality. Madhya Pradesh's commercial center, Indore, has become a center for high-quality education and career counseling, with an increasing number of respectable outside education consultants. From selecting the best university to managing visa applications, these experts help students at every stage of their overseas academic journey.

Why Pick Consultants for International Education ?

It's critical to comprehend the significance of best abroad consultants in Indore before delving into the list:

Expert Counseling: Based on your hobbies, educational background, and financial situation, they assist you in choosing the best course and nation.

Application Support: Consultants make the frequently difficult university application process simpler.

Visa Guidance: Visa applications are intricate, and a small error can lead to rejection. Consultants ensure documents are accurate and timely.

Scholarship and Financial Advice: Many offer support in identifying scholarships or financial aid opportunities.

Pre-Departure Briefings: These include cultural tips, accommodation options, and travel preparations.

Features of Top Abroad Consultants in Indore

Here are the characteristics that distinguish the best abroad consultants in Indore:

✅ Authorized University Representatives

✅ High Visa Success Rates

✅ Transparent Fee Structure

✅ Wide Range of Country Options

✅ IELTS/PTE Coaching Availability

✅ Personalized Counseling Services

✅ End-to-End Support

Services Provided by Indore-Based Abroad Consultants

The services you can anticipate are broken down as follows:

✅ University & Course Selection Advisors look at your goals, hobbies, and academic background to suggest the best schools.

✅ Processing Applications They manage letters of recommendation (LOR), SOPs, document compilation, and form filing.

✅ Help with Visas The success of the visa is vital. Consultants help you with paperwork, interviews, and diplomatic procedures.

✅ Scholarships and Financial Aid In addition to helping with school loan guidance through financial institutions, they also assist in identifying scholarships and bursaries.

✅ Briefings Before Departure Sessions on living overseas, dealing with homesickness, cultural differences, and crucial contacts are frequently led by consultants.

How Can I Pick the Best Indore Abroad Consultant ?

Here are a few brief pointers:

Examine Testimonials & Reviews Credibility indications include alumni testimonies, JustDial ratings, and Google reviews.

Request University Partnerships Ask to obtain evidence that the top consultants are direct representatives of international colleges.

Price Transparency Make sure there aren't any additional fees. Obtain an upfront breakdown of all costs.

Go to Their Office You can gauge the counselor's professionalism and helpfulness by meeting them in person.

Compare the shortlists. Seek advice from several advisors to determine which one best understands your objectives.

Selecting the best Indore foreign education advisor might make the difference between a stressful academic path and a successful one. There are numerous trustworthy consultancies in the city, each with unique advantages. Regardless matter whether you intend to study in Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, or Australia, be sure to conduct extensive research, weigh your options, and select a consultant that provides sincere, student-first advice.

Make sure that the first step you take on your path to global success is in the correct direction.

[sultanblog12]

What are the 5 factors considered while choosing a good UPSC coaching in Hyderabad?

When evaluating a UPSC coaching centre in Hyderabad, keep the following five factors in mind:

Faculty Expertise & Pedagogy Look for mentors with proven teaching experience, strong academic backgrounds (ideally past civil‐servants or subject‐experts) and a track record of adapting to the evolving UPSC pattern. Interactive lectures, regular doubt‐sessions and personalized guidance are key indicators of quality instruction.

Comprehensive Study Material & Coverage Quality printed notes, current-affairs compilations, answer-writing booklets and online resources should be continually updated to reflect the latest syllabus changes, GS trends and Government reports.

Test Series & Feedback Mechanisms Regular full-length tests, sectional quizzes and simulated Mains answer-writing practice—coupled with detailed performance analysis—help you identify strengths, improve time-management and fine-tune presentation skills under exam conditions.

Track Record & Success Ratio Review past years’ results to gauge batch‐wise success rates, toppers’ testimonials and percentiles. High selection ratios (especially from Hyderabad batches) demonstrate the centre’s ability to foster competitive preparation.

Infrastructure, Location & Peer Environment A conducive study atmosphere—quiet classrooms, a well-stocked library, digital-lecture halls and easy accessibility (proximity to metro/bus routes)—combined with a motivated peer group, can significantly impact your daily discipline and morale.

Top 5 UPSC Coaching Centres in Hyderabad AKS IAS Renowned for its veteran faculty trio (all three being former Civil Services officers), AKS offers laser-focused GS lectures, an exhaustive answer-writing test series and small batch sizes for personalized attention.

See Also: Best UPSC Coaching in Hyderabad

Vision IAS A pan-India brand, Vision IAS Hyderabad brings its Delhi-developed test series, monthly current-affairs magazine and expert faculty via live-streamed sessions.

ForumIAS Known for its dynamic online platform, ForumIAS Hyderabad integrates live-interactive classes with on-demand video libraries and a peer-review test system.

Plutus IAS Academy Plutus combines in-depth optional‐specific modules, fortnightly mock interviews and extensive study materials, all tailored for Telangana aspirants.

Ahmed’s DIAS With a strong local legacy, ADIAS excels in prelims-centric coaching, extensive MCQ banks and regular faculty-led strategy workshops.