#every excuse just seems to hurt lamar more and more

[jrueships]

True love: winning

Skip bayless: exists

[vixenpen]

Caged Hearts

((Hawks x Miku ((oc))

Chap 29. Friends For Now

Keigo swiped a hand over his tired face, and tried to rearrange his features into a smile. It didn’t feel right so he dropped it, and took a deep breath before letting himself into Miku’s hospital room.

Sunlight spilled through the open blinds, bathing the room in light.

Keigo felt as his heart had stopped when he spotted Miku. Then he saw the dark skinned woman with gleaming black wings holding her hand, and it plummeted into his stomach.

Because that woman, was undoubtedly...

“Kei!” Miku exclaimed, eyes widening at the sight of him. A bright beam lit up her face.

“Ang-“ his eyes flitted to the dark skinned woman next to her, and he changed his tune. “Miku...”

“I’m so glad you’re here!” Miku exclaimed, although her voice was a bit weak, lacking its usual exuberance. She waved him to her bed side. “Keigo this is my mother Angela Tsuichi, mommy this is Keigo.”

Miku’s mother, shot him a tired, but friendly smile.

“Of course. The hero that my baby’s been going on and on about for months.”

“Ma,” Miku frowned.

“And of course the man that saved her,” she took Keigo’s hand in hers. It was soft and cool, but the touch was firm. What he imagined a mother’s touch should be.

“Thank you, Keigo.”

For what?

He wanted to ask.

If it wasn’t for me, your daughter would have been safe. Of course I had to rescue her. I love her and I almost got her—

“Of course.” Keigo nodded with a small, tight smile back at the woman.

“Well, I’ll give you two some space.” Ms. Tsuichi leaned over to kiss Miku’s forehead before leaving the couple alone together.

Keigo stared down at Miku’s tired little figure huddled under the starched hospital blankets for a long while, frowning.

The long silence between them made Keigo’s thoughts seem even louder. His golden eyes fell to her singed white feathers and he felt his stomach knot.

“Kei?” Miku hummed.

He looked at her.

“You know you can sit down, right?” She scoffed.

Keigo sank into the chair at her bedside, shoulders and wings drooping with his weight.

“How do you feel, Angel?”

“Like shit, but I’ve felt worse.” She chuckled.

Keigo’s frown deepened.

“Angel, I—“ he swallowed the lump in his throat, and continued. “I’m sorry.”

Miku’s brows wrinkled. “For what?”

“Everything!” He choked out. “If it weren’t for me, Dabi never would have targeted you. You would have never been kidnapped. I should have never-never..”

Never what? Met her? Pursued her? Dated her? Fallen for her?

Been selfish enough to to want all of those things?

Have you ever chosen yourself?

“I should have never gotten you mixed up in my shit.”

“Keigo, you didn’t get me mixed up in your shit.”

“I didn’t tell you the whole truth about Dabi. I dated you Knowing that he could be out there.”

“So you were supposed to put your life on hold waiting for Dabi to strike?”

“I should have been more careful.”

“You can’t control everything, Keigo,” Miku’s head collapsed against the pillows as she stared at him. “Even if we hadn’t dated, Dabi would have went after someone else you cared about.”

“Anyone else would have been able to protect themselves, but you—“

“Are a grown woman who made my own decisions.” She shot back, in a firm tone.

Keigo pressed his lips shut.

“Keigo,” Miku sighed, “I’m alive and safe because of you.”

“You were kidnapped because of me.” He shot back.

“No. I was kidnapped because of Dabi.”

Because he was trying to hurt me by hurting you...

Keigo said nothing. Miku must have sensed his unease, because she reached a hand towards him, wiggling her fingers with a smile.

Despite himself, the man managed a smile back and slipped his hand in hers. It was soft and warm. He was so grateful for the warmth. He squeezed it gently.

“I’m glad you’re here.”

“I’m glad you’re here.”

Keigo’s fingers twitched in Miku’s hand. His mind stumbled over every thought swimming around his brain. It didn’t help that the warm, soft weight of Miku’s hand was nestled in his. Distracting him from what he needed to say.

He loosened his grip some. It didn’t make it any easier, but it did make it less distracting.

“I—don’t...I don’t think we should date anymore.” He finally managed.

“I don’t either.”

Keigo swallowed what he was almost confident was his heart attempting to climb out of his throat.

“I don’t need a boyfriend right now,” Miku continued. Then she gripped his hand with renewed strength. “But I could really use a friend.” She smiled. It was tiny and hopeful.

Keigo returned it easily.

“I can be that.” He replied.

“Sooo,” she bit her lip. “Friends?” She asked.

A sad, but amused little huff escaped him. He leaned forward until his lips found hers. In that moment, Keigo’s mind felt clear for the first time in weeks.

When he pulled back, he swept his other hand along her cheek and held her gaze.

“Friends for now.” He corrected.

“Friends for now.” Miku repeated.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Now, you have a lot of fans who want to make sure that you’re taking care of yourself since the incident. Do you have any plans to continue with your music at all?”

The interviewer asked. Miku appreciated the woman’s gentle voice and her tactful handling of the questions.

Following her kidnapping and her release from the hospital, Miku was determined not to let what happened to her shape her narrative. But just because she could put on a brave face did not mean she was ready to go into details about the incident.

She smiled, tilted her head to show off her best angle and replied: “I don’t want my fans to worry. Myself and my team have decided that it’s in my best interest to...step away from the idea of touring for right now and focus on other projects. I have something planned that I think they’re going to like.” She gave a little wink.

“Oh! That sounds promising. Can we have a hint on what it is?”

“Well—“

The chiming of the doorbell disrupted the interviewer, and Miku’s heart revved as her head snapped towards the door along with the interviewers.

Miku cleared her throat.

“I-I wasn’t expecting anybody.” She explained.

The interviewer frowned.

“Excuse me.”

Miku tried not to let her unease show as she headed for the front door. When she opened it, a leopard spotted man in a delivery suit greeted her with a smile.

“Got a bouquet for a Ms. Shirogane.”

“Oh-!”

As soon as her eyes fell on the vase of dandelions protected in their little plastic globe to keep the seeds from blowing away, she knew exactly who they were from.

Miku giggled, and accepted the bouquet from the man.

“Enjoy your flowers!” He announced before heading off.

The woman shut the door behind him and checked the note attached.

For my uniquely packaged flower. With all my love.

Sincerely,

Your friend for now.

(I cannot tell you guys how grateful I am that I got all through the story and that y’all supported me through it. It was hard for me to write I’m sure that shows I’m sure there’s like a shit ton of inconsistencies that I’m going to have to go back and fix. But the fact that I actually finished some thing with the way my ADHD and my anxiety is set up, i’m just so proud to have completed some thing. I’m not fully happy with it, And I’m definitely going to go through and re-write it but for the time being I’m just glad that I finished Miku and Keigo’s story and that I can move on with a clear mind. This won’t be the last that you see these two bird brains because I adore them and I want to do more for them but this is it for now)

[doomonfilm]

Review : Uncut Gems (2019)

Adam Sandler is an interesting actor, to say the least.  Most know him for his endless cavalcade of silly movies fueled by base-level humor and cameos from famous friends.  For those of us in the know, however, we have seen glimpses of his dramatic chops, where he is able to flip that humor into deep levels of emotional turmoil.  That being said, the second that I heard about Sandler connecting with the notorious Safdie brothers, the minds behind the amazing Good Time, I knew that Uncut Gems was a must see movie, at least as far as I was concerned. 

Jeweler and degenerate gambler Howard Ratner (Adam Sandler) finds himself involved in hustle after hustle in hopes of alleviating a debt owed to his brother in law Arno (Eric Bogosian).  With Arno’s muscle Phil (Keith Williams Richards) and Nico (Tommy Kominik) aggressively intimidating Howard at nearly every turn, Howard finds himself looking for any and all opportunities to clear his name.  By chance, Howard’s employee Demany (Lakeith Stanfield), who secures buyers for Howard’s jeweled out necklaces and watches, brings Kevin Garnett (himself) to Howard’s shop to check out jewelry, and during this visit, an extremely rare Ethiopian opal is delivered to the location.  In a fit of excitement, Howard shows the rare gem to Garnett, who becomes fascinated with it and asks to hold the gem overnight.  Reluctantly, Howard allows it in exchange for Garnett’s Boston Celtics championship ring as collateral, and on a hunch, Howard places a large parlay bet on Garnett for a playoff game that evening.  Caught between the needs of his wife Dinah (Idina Menzal) and his mistress Julia (Julia Fox), Howard attempts to stave off a divorce from Dinah while remaining involved with Julia.  Howard’s bet lands, but to his dismay, he learns that Arno cancelled the bet due to the fact that it was placed with his money.  With Garnett still in possession of the opal, which is scheduled to go into auction, Howard attempts to track down Demany and retrieve the opal in hopes that he will make the money owed during the auction.  As the walls start to close in on Howard, he once again tries to play the ends against the middle, with no idea of the scale of danger awaiting him.

Though it may not have been their intent, the Safdie brothers managed to create one of the most unique period films I’ve ever seen.  Although the events of the film are placed earlier in this decade, the way that time moves so fast in the Internet era makes it feel like much further in the past.  Using Kevin Garnett is a stroke of genius, as the man simply refuses to age, therefore allowing him to match with the actual game footage used during the film.  The odd period film nature is further driven home with the inclusion of songs like Kendrick Lamar’s Swimming Pools, the Furby-styled chain showcased early in the film, and the early stages of what we now recognize as modern day fashion and hairstyling, especially when it comes to characters like Demany and his entourage in the club.

The film is also a masterclass in tension building.  The elements that cause tension come from every angle : gambling, infidelity, violence, deception and confrontation dance around one another like dust in the wind, with the viewer given little to no time to calm down from one moment before another equally tense moment is presented.  The Safdie brothers even manage to introduce the tension that surrounds the gem’s origin by briefly beginning in Ethiopia and showing both the human costs and constant conflicts that come with the mining done in the region.  Sandler carries the viewer through his experience as a sad excuse for a protagonist who can’t seem to get out of his own way, leaving us feeling like we are flying by the seat of our pants just like his character is, causing us to feel scared (and subsequently feel relief) from event to event, and keep us on the edge of our seat until the conclusion of the film.

While much of the tension is courtesy of the acting and the narrative, the Safdie brothers do manage to use their camera in ways that create tension as well, with the camera moving like a passerby curious about potential craziness that may or may not pop off at any given moment.  The streak of amazing score work continues as well, with their use of synths, short stings and varied tones coming off like an edgy version of John Carpenter’s work.  The zooms into the gems, as well as the mirroring zooms into Sandler, are fascinating bits of special effects work for directors not necessarily known for using special effects.  The twists and turns of the narrative, as well as the natural ups and downs that come with the placed bets (even if basketball fans know the outcome of the games presented), are an emotional rollercoaster for the viewer, and last right up until the shocking and unexpected ending.  Much like Good Time, the Safdie brothers use New York as an uncredited character more so than a location, this time lingering mostly in the Diamond District and parts of the city rather than the signature seedy aesthetic that is generally tied to New York.  Jewish culture is presented with equal parts respect and jest, which preemptively helps to ease us into the world of the jewelers that make up much of the film’s population.

Adam Sandler completely steps outside of himself for this role, properly displaying all of the manic nature and hustler ethos of a man playing with fire and hoping he does not get burned before he hits big.  Julia Fox plays a bit of a singular role as the mistress, with her undying love for the Howard character standing in opposition to the resentment that Idina Menzal displays for the same character.  Eric Bogosian shows the sinister characteristics of a loan shark, but combines this with the familial concern of a brother, be it an in law or not, that keeps him from truly hurting Howard.  In contrast, Keith Williams Richards and Tommy Kominik play the heavies to a T, with their intimidating nature blasting off of the screen.  Lakeith Stanfield displays a similar hustling nature to Sandler, but to a lesser extent due to his character’s positional tier, although he does not allow himself to be pushed around.  Amazingly, Kevin Garnett manages to show dynamic range while playing himself, reeling in some of his unpolished upfrontness and allowing himself to show fascination, vulnerability and true sadness.  Guest appearances by Judd Hirsch, The Weeknd, Mike Francesca and a small cameo from John Amos round out the stellar cast.

Leave it to the Safdie brothers to wait until less than a week is left in 2019 to drop a strong contender for film of the year.  I was already a diehard fan of the brothers who preaches the word of Good Time every chance I get, and with Uncut Gems making an arrival to Netflix this January, I imagine that I will be championing this film just as much.

[finderskeepersff]

25.

I gagged at the Orange I just ate, I am trying this health kick and let’s just say I am force feeding myself, like I be gagging for nothing too “Sofia, are you even listening to me?” Cassius said on the phone while on loud speaker “mhmmm, yes. You said something about you’re coming back? I mean you said that last week when you said a few days more but do you, you have been doing that anyways” placing the cut up Orange on the plate, I can’t do it “you still have this stank attitude with me since, I have told you many of times. Fix it, I don’t know your fucking issues. You don’t speak to me about it! Fucking speak to me” hearing a knock on the hotel door “ok, sure. Stay there for longer, I don’t really care” getting up from the couch, I don’t care anymore. I have been working out with his side bitch, I mean I haven’t spoken to her but she stares at me anymore I will pop her fucking implants, bitch “I will, I mean you’re no use to me anyways. Like you give a fuck” here he goes, dragging open the door “hey!” Amira and Isabella “you all ready for the gym, listen I am so glad you wore a crop” hugging Amira “I am fat though” I scoffed “I think not” Isabella said “see, we both can’t be wrong” moving back from the hug with Isabella “come on in, don’t mind Cassius on the phone. He is ranting” I smiled at them both “he’s not back, Kyle and Myles are” see what I mean, he is doing other fucking things and I know “how nice, least you have men that come back” walking back into the room “Jasmine, fuck off. I ain’t finna do shit now fuck off. I told you” that is all he does is shout at her “I’ll be back” picking my phone from the table, taking the phone off loud speaker “you tripping yeah? Is this what I am paying for, to be a dumb female like the rest of them!” clearing my throat “Is that me too?” I asked, he kissed his teeth “you acting like it” I am a dumb female “Cassius, a bitch always knows. I fucking know” closing the door “why is Myles and Kyle back huh? What you doing there still? Speak the fuck up” this is all we do, this is our conversation “lower your tone first, ask me properly you pissing me off” I ain’t lowering shit, the phone line just went silent “you know you! You making me hate you” he disconnected the call.

I’d be lying if that didn’t hurt to hear, I am making him hate me when he is playing mind games. It’s going on two weeks, I am going crazy here. All I do, like him now is gym and here and a little bit more gym, I don’t hate rarely now. I am determined to lose it all, the home is coming on just fine, I just need to work on me. I am glad he is not here so when he comes back he will see I can also look good, asshole. Opening the bedroom door “anyways, shall we go?” I am sure they heard me say “y’all still arguing?” Isabella said “yep, we are and then he doesn’t come home and his friends do? I mean he is playing a game, he plays games all of the time” I know he is “how is Myles and Kyle anyways, no wonder you both didn’t come gym yesterday, I get it now” I pointed laughing “Kyle is ok, he is tired. He didn’t speak on what they did. All he said is Cassius dealt with it and he won’t be going back, well for now anyways” rolling my eyes “good, let’s go then girls. I need to run this anger out of me” he is not back but they are, I see how it is.

Staring at myself in the mirror, I look bloated as shit. Maybe my body trying to get used to all of the water I am currently having, I mean possibly yes. Grabbing my bottle of water and walking around the running machine, let me use the cross trainer now “Sofia!” I jumped at my name being called “Corey” I smiled, he everyday speaks to me “how are you on this fine day?” I don’t think he knows I am taken but I have never mentioned it “I am fine, what about you?” walking slowly with him “I am good, you need any help?” shaking my head “but I could ask advice, I mean do you think I have lost anything at all?” Corey stepped back and literally checked me out, I mean I did kind of give him permissions too “honestly?” nodding my head “your butt it looking good” waving him off “you’re just looking at the wrong thing, forget you” he is useless “no, no, no let me” he walked around me “this is embarrassing, go away now” I giggled, he is being stupid “things don’t happen overnight but all I can say is” walking around him, I don’t want to hear it now. That bitch would be in this section “all I am going to say is you’re fine, like beautiful amazing. I am at a loss for words just watching you” licking my top lip just smiling “you must know how fucking beautiful you are, I see girls every day in this place but you, I am at a loss. It’s like you fell from heaven and you’re body is just amazing. I would worship the ground you walk on” that Latin whore just stared at me, I am sure she heard that, she slowed down her training “stop playing, anyways. I need to work out” I am not even into white men, I mean he is cute but no “you need working on” he said before smiling at me as he walked off.

Shaking my head sighing out, he is very head over heels. That is crazy, I mean he is giving me nice words but no “erm excuse me” looking up from the machine screen and looked to the side of me, oh I know this bitch is not speaking to me “hi, yeah you don’t know me. I know” stepping off of the machine “you right I don’t” crossing my arms across my chest “it’s odd that I am speaking to you, I have seen you here for a few weeks now. I was meaning to come up to you but I saw you with Corey, you’re erm Cassius girlfriend” my face softened “yeah I am, and?” she looks reluctant but I don’t like her “well, I am Yasmin. I work out sometimes with your boyfriend. Erm” staring at this bitch waiting for the next sentence, she needs to hurry up “right, how do you know me!?” I pointed at her “because he would, look I don’t want to argue with you but I just think Cassius doesn’t deserve that you are flirting with another man, he is a great guy that is forever praising his girlfriend. When we first spoke he told me from jump he had a girlfriend and I was like dude, not interested. I am into the P. We hit it off, he’s a cool guy, he’s funny and loyal to you. I just feel annoyed that you are here flirting with another man but it’s not my place but just know that he is a great guy. He spoke on you so much I wanted to know what you look like so he showed me so that is why I know what you look like, but just know he is a great guy” she walked off slowly, I want the ground to swallow me up.

Looking around the crib, I lost my mobile charger or someone took it. I need to charge it before I leave for the airport, I am so bored of disagreeing with Sofia about breathing, I don’t even want to go back there but she is now angry on why Kyle and Myles are home but I’m not, they are home because I sent them home, things are done. Zed is taking over, it’s a done deal, my family will be ok now, things should be fine. This is what I needed to do before I ran off but I had no choice, they knew what Sofia looked like, I couldn’t be here “your charger” Jasmine walked into the living room “oh you took it? I was looking for it you know” she dangled the charger towards me “well you wasn’t looking that much because I had it, anyways. Are you going back already?” taking the charger from my sister “I do, I mean I am going because I have someone to go back too” Jasmine sat next to me “I am not going to say anything stupid, you seem very into her. I guess it is what it is” side eyeing my sister “you got strong feelings on disliking Sofia, is it because she been with both of your brothers?” Jasmine shrugged “just she ain’t been nice with me at all, rather stuck up” I grinned “it would be nice if my only sister accepts the girl I really like and I mean that, it would mean a lot. I got mom to deal with already” Jasmine sighed out “I hate your stupid face, I mean I guess. Maybe she is different now, if we ever meet again. I will do it for you, I am not like mom” I chuckled placing my arm around my sister “you women are something else” they really are.

Walking out of the home with Josiah behind me “where we going?” he asked, Lamar got out of the front seat “Cass” he said, I didn’t answer my brother “just get in the car” sitting in front seat and closing the door “going to the lock up” Lamar said in the back, I just need to see some people before I go and I am taking Josiah with me. I know he is not made for this life but he needs to do this because I can’t, his little bitch ass will be scared “Cassius, like where we going? Are you taking me somewhere” I just laughed “Josiah, sometimes you just need to grow up, today may be the day for you. I am going tonight, and there is something you need to do because I can’t, you have to do this. There will be something in it for you too” I do miss this, I get treated like this, treated like a king of this shit. I mean I am but but I miss it, there is always a lot of respect and I like this. I don’t deal with people disrespecting me very well, they get beat up.

I smiled at Josiah “boss” I don’t know why they call me boss still “follow me, this is my brother so be nice” walking towards the warehouse, Zed should be here. I just need to show Josiah what to do, Lamar opened the door for me “you really going back though?” Lamar asked “I am yes, why?” Lamar looked at me in sadness “I love you being around, I mean you know. Shit is always so smooth, we make more money too. In these days we made so much. You come up with plans, we took over territories. You know what to do” seeing Zed “Cassius, here you are!” he got up from his seat “Lamar, Zed will look after you won’t you” dapping Zed “of course, I am not Cassius Warren but what did we come up with?” sitting down across from Zed “I will advise him still, Josiah come here” he all in the back “pull up a seat, but yeah I will advise Zed still. We work on this together. I am not here, I am not doing this anymore but I will advise him. You never know at times I will visit but everything is fine, last night was fine right? It ran perfectly. Josiah, you have to every Friday night come here. You pick up a duffle bag, you drop it off. To a warehouse in New Jersey, you just drop it off. Then the money will be wired to me. There is a cut for you, you then take the rest to mom and dad. You have to do that, if you can’t do it then you call me. That is all you do, if something is going down, Lamar you tell him don’t come. If anything happens to my brother, I will come back and kill you. You keep up with this Rota, shit will be fine. But this is me done” getting up from the chair “you come back to Brooklyn soon aight?” Zed said “soon, hopefully. You saved my life locked away, I saved yours” shaking his hand “and we doing the same shit now, respect you” letting his hand go.

Stood outside the warehouse, lighting the cigarette up. This is the same place I bought Jordan and beat his ass, I am a bad person to do that to my blood and get him locked up “And what if I didn’t want to do that?” Josiah said behind me, turning around as I moved he cigarette back “you don’t want to do much do you? I fucking told you to run to LA and be a model without Jordan, you’re still here. You need to grow up, you lived under Jordan like a child for so long and look at you!” I spat “I worry about you lot like I am y’all father, I would have paid for you Josiah but did you listen? I got Jasmine in LA more than likely wasting the money I paid. Not one of you have done good, even me. I am living on a prayer that I won’t be caught, maybe you don’t want too but what else you got? One day, you will fucking call me and one day you will tell me you are doing something but right now, do it!” I walked off, I need to go “I want to be like you Cassius!” he shouted “you don’t Josiah! Look at Jordan, he lost his mind” Lamar opened the Range Rover door for me.

I am pissed, like very pissed my flight got cancelled and guess who is stuck in the airport right now, motherfucking me. I was going to stay for a few more days but Sofia is a whole trip for nothing, like forget this issue in Brooklyn I have a whole ass girlfriend that acts like a child. I haven’t even done anything. I rather deal with niggas trying to kill me then deal with women problems. If she hasn’t fixed her attitude towards me then I am like going to say do you even want me, it does make me think on does she even want me because honestly she acts like this towards me. She ignores my calls, I haven’t even called her to tell her I am coming because what is the point. She won’t even pick up anyways, lowering my snapback and sighing out. This is about to be a whole ass long ass night, I am going to be stuck in this bitch ass place.

It was kind of dope seeing the sunrise while in the sky but my god, never again. I am staying my ass on the ground, stupid flight. Swiping the keycard, and pushing the door open. I guess she will be asleep still, that is good because then I can get some peace and quiet and sleep on the couch. Throwing my bag on the couch, it’s been eventful but I am alive and here. Not like she cared, I am a little pissed off so I am going to be very cold with her. Pushing open the bedroom door, seeing a figure in bed. She is being the usual selfish self with the bed and sleeps in the middle, least I know she is alive and ok. Kicking her sneakers out of the way. This is actually a mess, what the hell she been doing. Like her clothes are everywhere, what a mess. Let me just go and sleep a little on the couch.

I tried to sleep but I couldn’t so I am on the phone to Kyle, I woke him up so he is not happy “I was actually, can we actually trust Zed to do what he said?” Kyle asked like I am stupid enough “Kyle, Zed is on his ass. Trust me he will be more than happy to do this, he kept saying thank you. That nigga been locked away for so long his goons left him, he only had what ten? That is it, it was mostly us. I ain’t putting him down because the niggas he had were good, I mean brutal. He wouldn’t fuck with us, I will come for his family” Kyle laughed out “you funny, I like the way you are embracing the boss lifestyle though. They was treating you like a king with the car opening shit. I mean you are that but still, it’s like they really missed you” clearing my throat smiling “I know it’s whatever, I ain’t about that. I was just there for the shit people been trying to do. I stay trying, but he’s going to cut us some money. Josiah is going to sort that out for us” Sofia finally appeared out of the bedroom, she looks so confused and she actually looked very happy to see me “Josiah!? Seriously” Kyle spat “yeah, he said that he wants to be like me. He says” Kyle laughed “why do your brothers do that? Like they want to be you?” that is a good question “it’s because they see that life, they see I am doing good. They don’t know shit, they will never know the half of it. Like you my niggas, we been through it. You know, they are so lucky but yet want to say that. It gets me so angry at them. But I can’t wait to go back. Zed may roll out the red carpet for me” Kyle snorted laughing.

Getting up from the couch “you came back home?” Sofia said but I am not interested “well yeah I am” pulling my top down, I might as well go and have a shower “Cassius, I just really want to say I am sorry, I really fucked up. I have been such a bitch to you” Sofia grabbed my arm “I could have been dead and you ignored my calls, not even once, it was fucking constant. I am back now so you can stop crying about oh Kyle and Myles are back, are you there sniffing someone else’s pussy. I am so bored of you, you apologise and then the next you going to flip on me. I don’t want you to apologise to me just to be a bitch the next minute so save it ok? Thank you, good” walking off to the bedroom “I am sorry Cassius, I was stupid” I don’t trust her at all “right, ok. You have been horrible to me and I took it. I ain’t like them other guys to beat you for it, I took it. Just leave it” I don’t want to hear it, taking my top off.

Wrapping the towel around my waist “I am going to see Amira and Isabella ok?” Sofia said from outside the bathroom door “bye” I simply said, why should I even be nice. I have been that every time, I took it from Sofia without saying anything just because I am not that guy to be evil towards a woman. If she is that unhappy or really thinks I am cheating then leave, I mean I don’t want that but I can’t deal with the shit. Sighing out heavily, while being in Brooklyn I can now see how much my family love me. They constantly saying how much they want me to not go and for me to stay there, I think I am more of a man than my own dad. I am the man of that house because my dad is just a bitch ass.

Swiping my card across the barrier as I walked into the gym, this is the only place I know. This is why I am bored in this bitch, Brooklyn I am constantly doing something but here, I only know the gym “hey! Cass” looking behind me “hey Yasmine, you good?” dapping her “yeah, how was Brooklyn? I was like I am sure you said you would be back, it’s fate that we meet at the same time” fixing my backpack on my back “what can I say, gym buddies back at it again” she hit my arm “you got power” holding my arm “I just need to get changed and I will be out” walking off “Cass, I just wanted to say. Have you seen Sofia yet?” furrowing my eyebrows “er yeah, just this morning why?” walking back over to Yasmin “she comes here now” frowning at Yasmin “she has been coming here since you been away, like everyday to be honest. Corey, you know Corey?” nodding my head “yeah” I said in a whisper “he has been feeling on her too much, I don’t want to cause anything, he was flirting with her. She has been here” staring at head of me “Cassius, don’t-” I walked off, throwing my backpack onto the floor “Cassius!” Yasmin shouted at me.

Looking around the gym, I am fuming. I am angry, I am going to fucking murder someone. Where is that motherfucker “Cassius, look please do not cause anything. It was harmless, I just wanted you to know. You’re a great guy, you are” Clenching my jaw seeing Sofia on the stepper, Corey just slouched on the machine talking to her “don’t get in my way” walking towards him, I am going to knock his ass out. I don’t play that shit “Cassius” Corey said, my fist met his face “you want to flirt with my girl” Corey held his face in shock “I will bust a cap in your fucking ass, you fucking scared now” he a little bitch “Cassius!” Sofia spat “you don’t fucking speak to me, all this time! All this fucking time you fucking say I am flirting and you here flirting! Cheating! You’re the fuck bitch flirting, why! Am I that much of a dickhead, get out my face!” Walking by Sofia “I didn’t know, she didn’t say she was taken” my clenched fist is shaking “police have been called” how can I attack a guy that didn’t know “I didn’t know Cassius, I thought” turning to Sofia, she just stared at me. Her head wobbled a little and her eyes rolled back as she fell to the ground, my mouth fell open just seeing Sofia on the ground out of nowhere.

[holy-shit-noir]

SO I TRIED TO WRITE SUMMAT BUT I CAN’T WRITE CUZ I’M TIRED. PLEASE EXCUSE ANY TYPO. ENJOY SOME KIND OF ANGST AND FLUFF I GUESS

Ladybug sat on the furthest edge of the rooftop, the gentle wind twisting her midnight locks in elegant curls.

She heard her partner landing behind her but she didn’t mind. Her head was spinning in a twirl of thoughts, an unstoppable flow of darkness in her heart as the past events didn’t seem to fade away from her mind.

“You can’t sleep either, huh m'lady?”

Chat Noir’s voice sounded gravelly and low, as if his throat was dried out by the lack of speech, as if he hadn’t spoken for days.

Indeed, a few sunrises have passed from the last time they’ve seen each other: since she shut the world out herself, she wouldn’t have been surprised if her partner had done the same.

Ladybug remained silent, a weight she had never felt before consuming her muscles and making her unable to move her limbs. As Chat Noir sat down beside her she inhaled, slowly filling her lungs with the icy air that cut her nostrils like a knife. Her partner’s presence had always been comforting and she was used to opening up to him whenever there was a menace they needed to fight.

This time, however, she didn’t want to talk. She just wanted to run, or disappear. Her bones were too tired to carry the weight of responsibility, and her heart couldn’t bear the terror of putting someone in danger. Being near him meant making him an easy target for whatever Hawkmoth was planning.

It was Chat Noir who tried to drag her out of her anxiety and fears.

“Are you still thinking about it?”

Of course she was, what a dumb question! She couldn’t even sleep without drowning once again in painful memories of the last akuma.

“You are weak, Ladybug. You can’t defeat me, and the more you try the closer I get to win. I’m going to destroy you, it’s only a matter of time, and guess what? The clock is ticking fast.”

Those words kept ringing in her ears. And the sight of him, so close as he approached her partner’s unconscious body while holding out a long blade, haunted her to that day.

Of course she was still thinking about it. Hadn’t been for her incredibile luck they would have lost, and Chat Noir would have…

“Ladybug, I’m still alive.”

Marinette lowered her gaze to the sleeping city.

“Please, look at me.” Chat Noir begged in a whisper.

She forced herself to turn her head and face him: his suit had absorbed most of the wounds, but his nose and cheekbone were still bruised, his skin broken, black and purple spots destroying that fair symmetry of his face.

It was all her fault. She felt her heart shatter at the sight. All the damage he’s taken in order to protect her was her fault.

She inadvertently lifted a heavy hand only to let it fall down at her side again: with the suit on it was useless.

Chat Noir, however, had noticed that and with a weak smile he took her hand and placed it on his face. The warmth of his skin creeping through the suit almost startled her.

“I’m okay. It doesn’t hurt anymore m'lady”

She traced his bruised cheekbone with her thumb and managed to whisper her first words in 49 hours: “I’m sorry.”

He grinned, eyes shining at the sound of her voice: “Don’t be! It’s okay, really.”

“No, it’s not!” she spat suddenly, the pent-up tension hissed out of her teeth after being held back for too long.

Chat Noir was taken aback as she retreated her hand and slammed it on the edge of the rooftop.

“It’s not fucking okay! You were almost killed because I wasn’t paying enough attention, because I was busy being stubborn and made a mistake.” She clenched her fists. “I can’t do this anymore, Chat. You risk your life to protect me and I can’t do anything but stand back and watch. I don’t want you to do that, and, even thought I’ve told you countless times, you keep putting yourself in danger for me.”

She closed her eyes and gritted her teeth before resuming: “What am I saying? I’m the one putting you in danger. I’m the one who almost got you killed. I’m sorry.”

Chat Noir furrowed his brows in concern. He straightened up and was about to reply but she got up.

“Chat Noir, I don’t want you to be my partner anymore if it means you risking your life for me.”

For a moment none of them spoke, him astonished as he looked up at her, her pinning him down with a resolved stare. As the cold breeze once again caressed their bodies trough the suit, Chat Noir got up. He hoped to be misunderstanding her words.

With a sore throat and fear flowing through his limbs, he sounded almost begging: “My lady, are you asking me to drop out?”

“Yes.”

Chat Noir didn’t even thought about it.

“No.”

“Chat, you don’t understand.”

“No, Ladybug, I understand, and my answer is no.”

She gritted her teeth and crossed her arms. “Why?”

Chat Noir almost laughed. Was she serious?

“Because Hawkmoth is stronger than ever and it’s getting nastier with every passing day.”

“That’s exactly why you need to drop out.”

Chay Noir’s eyebrows shot up to his hairline, incredulous. “That’s exactly why I CAN’T drop out! I can’t leave you alone fighting akumas and that crazy bitch sending them!”

“But I don’t want to put your life at stake anymore, Chat! You’re important to me: I can’t lose you!”

His heart leapt at that, filling him with greater determination. “I want to be there anyway Ladybug. I want to protect Paris and you right beside you! If there’s something I won’t do is to let you go alone and face the fight!” Then, he added softer: “Please, my lady, you have to understand that you’re important to me too.”

Her expression softened, as if all her fear, all the tension was drifting away gradually. Midnight bangs caressed her cheeks, reddened by the cold, as her eyes stared into her partner’s with a fond of sadness.

Chat almost lost himself in her blue orbs as the horizon painted the sky with pink hues, the delicate light outlining the buildings of Paris.

As the sky awakened, casting a soft golden glow on the two superheroes, as if on cue, they shortened the distance between them in a hug.

She sighed. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what’s gotten into me, thinking I could do without you.” She nuzzled her nose in the crook of his neck, relishing in his strong arms wrapped protectively around her.

They were so close they could feel each other heartbeats and for a bit they both thought they were beating at the same pace.

Chat Noir kissed the crown of her head and smiled: “Don’t worry, even if you didn’t want me you couldn’t get resist me.” She smacked his shoulder and tried to repress a giggle.

“And if you ever try to run away I’ll follow you. Like morning follows night.” The teens turned their heads to look at the sunrise while holding each other.

Staying like this, as a brand new dawn swept away the remnants of the night, hope ignited again in their hearts like a match, glowing like the awakening sky.

[junker-town]

Is it time for the Panthers to fire Ron Rivera?

Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Wherein we debate keeping Riverboat Ron in Charlotte one more year.

Ron Rivera has seen plenty of hard times in his nine years as head coach of the Panthers. But Week 12’s come-from-ahead loss to a hapless Washington team may have been rock bottom.

Carolina struck out to a 14-0 lead at home against a formerly 2-9 team, then gave up 29 straight points to rookie quarterback Dwayne Haskins and a pumped-up Derrius Guice. All was not lost, however. The Panthers rallied to create an opportunity to tie the game with a first-and-goal situation from the Washington 1-yard line late in the fourth quarter.

Rivera’s team lost 30 yards from there, culminating with ... whatever this was.

Here’s fourth-and-the-season for the Panthers. pic.twitter.com/VresISdjTj

— Bill Barnwell (@billbarnwell) December 1, 2019

That locked down Washington’s third win of the season and a 5-7 record for the Panthers. The loss was the team’s fourth in a row in fifth in its last six games. It all put eliminates Carolina from the playoff race.

And now it’s time to ask: will Rivera survive the offseason? Should he?

Ron Rivera and Cam Newton have thrived in the past. Do they deserve one more ride?

Christian D’Andrea: 2018 was a disappointment. 2019 is a disappointment. There’s no denying that.

But 2018 was a function of a limited supporting cast and an 80 percent Newton. In 2019, the former MVP limped through only two games before being replaced by an undrafted second-year quarterback and eventually going on injured reserve. Kyle Allen’s success this fall has been a testament to the upgrades Carolina’s made up and down the roster — but those upgrades were made with Newton in mind, and now there’s a chance we never see him take advantage of them at full strength.

That would be a shame. Imagine a totally healthy Cam Newton flanked by the MVP candidate version of Christian McCaffrey. He’d give way to a receiving corps led by a coming-into-his-prime D.J. Moore (on pace for 1,300 receiving yards in his second season) and a still-improving Curtis Samuel. While Newton may never return to his 2015 peak, surrounding him with playmakers capable of sharing the load should make him an above-average quarterback once more. That’s a foundation from which this offense can build.

James Dator: There’s a lot to admire about the Ron Rivera era in Carolina. A fierce, player-first coach was the necessary departure the team needed after a decade of floundering. John Fox’s milquetoast coaching was as underwhelming as it was often ineffective. But though Rivera was a breath of fresh air, that doesn’t mean we need to cling to the past.

Injuries, departures, underperforming players — every team in the NFL needs to deal with these challenges. It consistently feels like Rivera is utterly incapable to adapt when things go wrong.

The most recent incident is by far the biggest indictment, with Cam Newton being forced to plan on a Lisfranc injury for weeks out of fear that the season might collapse if he was placed on injured reserve. Of course, that ended up being the case, but it’s that lead up that never should have happened. The second it became apparent that Newton was hurt beyond natural repair the Panthers should have moved on, done their best to salvage the season, and most importantly allow Newton to fully recover in preparation for 2020.

Instead, Rivera danced around questions about his quarterback, allowed Newton to get thrown under the bus when he was playing like garbage on a hurt foot, and backfilled the season with excuses. We don’t know whether perception matched reality, but it all reeked of a coach trying to save himself at the expense of the team.

How will ownership address the Panthers’ other gaping concerns?

D’Andrea: Getting the star QB back doesn’t address the other massive problem Rivera faces: a defense that allowed a punchless Washington team to score 29 points in Week 13. Carolina ranks 22nd in the league in projected cap space for 2020, so landing impact talent in free agency will be difficult (but not impossible) — especially with the team’s lasting need for offensive line upgrades. Fortunately for Rivera, the latest collapse should provide the draft capital to pick up some starting talent on the defensive side of the ball.

Owner David Tepper has been impressively patient with the team since taking the reins from Jerry Richardson in 2018. Tossing out Rivera and Newton (who only carries $2 million in dead cap next year) — it seems like any fresh start would likely mean discarding both — would be throwing away an asset that still holds value. Maybe the charge is gone from that Newton/Rivera battery, but past results suggest they’ve still got some life to them.

Dator: It’s become abundantly clear that Rivera has traveled down the same road to the point now where he too is unable to get the job done. We’re about to see the end of the ninth season with Rivera at the helm. At no point have his Panthers been able to piece together back-to-back winning seasons. Sure, there are excuses to justify keeping him around, but there have been ceaseless, endless excuses every time the Panthers fail. Eventually nobody can keep going back to the same well and keep their job.

Tepper has yet to make a serious statement since taking over as team owner. This is his chance to truly leave a mark and back up statements he’s made about not tolerating mediocrity.

Advocating for anyone to lose their job always makes me feel gross, but here we are. Rivera is still a great football coach, and I fully believe he can do a great job somewhere else. He’s run his course in Charlotte, though. It’s time for Tepper to make a change and usher in a new, modern approach to the NFL, one that doesn’t lean on Rivera’s old-school defensive knowledge and Norv Turner’s antiquated approach to offense.

The biggest indictment I’ve had with how the Panthers have handled Newton so far is that it’s felt like a Ferrari has been given to a staff only capable of driving a Ford Fiesta. It’s time to swing for the fences and go for it; otherwise the only thing that’s in the future is another set of disappointing seasons with no effective end to the madness.

What would the Panthers look like without Rivera in 2020?

D’Andrea: Two questions for you, James. The first: what do you think Newton still has in the tank (and will he be Carolina’s QB in 2020)?

Dator: Newton is only 30, and it’s easy to overlook that because of injuries and how he plays the game. That said, I expect that if he’s able to recover from his foot injury he’s going to be very, very good for someone. Look at this NFL season: A large part of why Lamar Jackson is garnering justified MVP buzz is how he’s able to extend plays with his legs, while teams still need to respect his arm. This isn’t dissimilar to Newton. And while their running styles are vastly different, more and more NFL minds are accepting the idea of dual-threat quarterbacks. Or at least pretending they are.

I’ve said before that the Panthers parting ways with Newton would be the biggest mistake in team history. I stand by that. In the end it’s going to come down to a balance of Newton’s health and his cap figure. If that balance is out of whack in favor of his cap number then I expect the Panthers to move on — especially if they pick a new coach.

D’Andrea: The second: what kind of coach would you like to see take over in Charlotte?

Dator: That’s tricky. Admittedly I’m not one of this people who pores over coaching circles to predict who might be available, but it’s time for a youth movement in Charlotte. In team history, the Panthers have never had anyone from an offensive background as head coach. Jerry Richardson always believed in defense first, which has led to stagnant offensive thinking.

Meanwhile look around the NFL right now, Kyle Shanahan, Sean McVay, Matt LaFleur — the new breed of young NFL coaches are having success and came from offensive backgrounds.

I just want some new thinking in Carolina before it’s too late to take advantage of the exciting players on the roster.

What does the future hold for Rivera if he’s not in Charlotte?

Dator: Two questions back at you. The first: Say Ron Rivera gets fired. Is there another NFL team you see hiring him to a head coaching job?

D’Andrea: I think Riverboat Ron would take a year off, hit the pregame talk show circuit, and patiently wait for Matt Nagy to overanalyze his way out of Chicago before a return to the team he called home for nine seasons as a linebacker. Would he be an upgrade over Nagy? I’m honestly not sure! Still, his ability to move on from his gambles and mistakes would be a strong departure from Nagy, whose fixation on his team’s flaws has manifested throughout his playcalling.

Dator: What do you think the tipping point should be where the Panthers move in a different direction?

D’Andrea: Rivera’s 2020 tipping point, assuming he makes it there, would be any sustained losing streak. His biggest flaw as a head coach has been his inability to pull his team from regular season death spirals. He’s lost at least four straight games in three of his last four seasons and five of his last eight. If his trajectory dips again in his last chance season, Tepper would be entirely justified in making a midseason switch on the sideline.

[miss-oscurita]

Okay, listen…can I just say how annoyed I am that we’re still waiting for DLC. I mean…I know it’s only been like three hours since I last complained about it, but I’m really annoyed. I heard a thing on the grapevine that says there’s already something in the pipe, and it if does come to fruition then it’ll probably be released around the same time as the new Red Dead - which seems kinda ridiculous to me, but anyways…I was thinking - Zombie DLC (like RDR) could have written its damn self like two years ago! Hear me out…. Los Santos is an island, right? So contained infection, no need for a full on global apocalypse or anything. There’s a military base right there, and a port for evacuations so no need to be rendering huge herds of infected, and they’ve already made a start on the skins with the Vinewood Zombie dude…. Anyways, they have humane labs right there, interfering in God only knows what - something could get released. Half the Police/FIB/N.O.O.S.E/etc in San Andreas could get taken out trying to stop the spread of infection, so Dave could be forced to turn to the Unholy Trinity to help salvage the cure from the labs since they know the drill. But before they can break in, Michael’s gotta worry about his family first. Tracey and Amanda are trapped and in danger in some store in Rockford Hills and he has to go rescue them and all their shopping. All the while Jimmy is getting pissy because he’s on lockdown and has run out of weed, so Michael’s gotta make another mercy run with him too - no spiked drinks this time haha! And of course, Jimmy would be in full military gear again, begging Michael to give him a gun because his K/D ratio on Righteous Slaughter: Z Day is off the hook. Then Solomon is calling because he’s stranded at the studio, and needs Michael to bring over some supplies over because all craft services have got left is coffee creamer. Meanwhile, Trevor’s lovin’ it! There could be cut-scenes with him putting up a lawn chair in the middle of the street to sit back and watch the chaos ensue haha! Once he’s done rioting, looting and all round reveling in the chaos, he’d have to go help rescue Wade and Ron. Get them somewhere safe, like the meth lab because again - two exits, and we know Chef can handle himself when it comes to being over run with bad guys. Ron could be babbling about his conspiracy theories and how the infection got started. Then Trevor goes to check on Patricia too because he’s worried and he feels like he’s the only one who can really keep her safe. Cue awkward and potentially hazardous interaction with Martin haha! Back in Los Santos, Franklin’s up to his eyes in it trying to stop Lamar getting himself killed in some new crazy ass get-rich scheme he’s cooked up in the wake of all the devastation. Getting a call from his aunt, who’s stranded at the top of the skate ramp at the back of the rec center after getting chased by a few stray zombie Ballas while out spirit walking. Then he wants to take her back to his house in the hills to keep her safe and attempt to deal with her complaining all the time, but she won’t hear of it and digs her heels in to stay put. Then Tonya and JB are callin’, asking for more favours. He might even get a phone call in to Tanisha, but she’s fine and off on Honeymoon with her new man. Chop of course comes along for the ride and kicks zombie ass at every turn, while looking super cute in some kind of doggy armour that Frank would put on him to make sure he’s safe. Even though these zombies don’t like eating dogs…because fuck anything happening to Chop! The whole time Lester is watching the state fall to its knees by hacking into CCTV and laughing at the mere mortals coming unstuck, from the safety of a secret bunker he’s had built under his house. Probably doing a tiny bit for his fellow man by calling up one of the guys (or even the online character) to go help people that he spots on the cameras, who are in serious trouble or needing a ride to the docks for evacuation. I mean, Michael’s house would be the perfect safezone. It’s big enough to house a lot of people for a short time. It’s walled all the way around. It’s got gates. An easy escape route via the bathroom window Franklin got in through, etc etc. They could even make a three-way save point Michael’s house and just have a whole heap of drama going on with everyone stuck under the same roof until they get the cure. Which Trevor then flies over the state with, dispersing it from a crop duster and everything blows over and goes back to normal. Rockstar? You guys! This shit writes itself! Come on! You could even call it Grand Theft Auto Z haha! I’d have the scripts written for this in about a week and you know I’m real good at explaining away all those plotholes you left behind too so feel free to offer me a job or something, but mainly just gimme some new shit already, I’m fuckin’ dyin’ ‘ere! Y’all ain’t hurting for money, and this game keeps on selling and maintaining in the charts, so you know the demand is there, so there’s really no excuse for not doing more with these awesome characters and a beautiful map that was so badly unexplored in the main campaign. Get it done already, before T/ump goes ahead and bands these kinda video games - don’t make me have to drive up to Scotland to make this happen!

[parentlology-blog]

6 Celebrity Parenting Mistakes Caught on Film

Parenting is a rewarding but difficult job – but now imagine having to deal with fans dissecting your every move on social media. While celebrity parents have more wealth and fame than most of us, they’re still human, so when they have a bad day it’s often photographed or videotaped for the world to see.

Here are six celebrities who had some bad days or made some serious parenting mistakes that went public.

1. Britney Spears

“If Britney Spears can make it through 2007, we can make it through this day.” There are variations on this popular meme, butyou get the idea. Back in the early 2000s, after her first son Sean Preston was born, there was rampant discussions on whether or not Britney was fit to be a mother. The topic was discussed repeatedly.

https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/enhanced/webdr01/2013/3/6/12/enhanced-buzz-17100-1362589755-12.jpg?downsize=700:*&output-format=auto&output-quality=auto

Britney was in her mid-20s when she was photographed driving with her son in her lap. She was old enough to know she should have her baby restrained in a car seat, but she blamed paparazzi chasing her for the lapse in judgement. That seems plausible, however, later she admitted it was a mistake.

2. Reese Witherspoon

A few years ago, Reese Witherspoon posted a cute snap shot of her son Tennessee’s breakfast on her Instagram. She captioned the photo, which was of two mini cinnamon rolls and a slice of apple, “Good morning! #ISeeAFace #ToddlerBreakfast.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/0Aw6QUChdN/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

You can imagine what happened next—the sugar police came out in full force to attack the Oscar winner. One person commented on the pic “Sugar and more sugar…oh and one piece of fruit…That will definitely get the toddler moving.” Another commenter said: “What a horrible thing to feed a growing child for breakfast.”

Not all the comments were negative. Some moms came to Reese’s defense. One said: “The point of this picture wasn’t to have people judge her food choices…It’s cute and creative! Try looking at the smiley face and see the positive rather than criticizing. Moderation is key. A honey bun here and there doesn’t hurt."

Indeed.

3. Mariah Carey

There's no doubt Mariah Carey is a diva. However, since becoming a mom to twins Monroe and Moroccan, her mom side has come out. Mariah’s social media accounts show her as a doting mom who dresses her kids adorably and takes them on amazing vacations.

On her 2016-2017 reality show Mariah’s World, she came under fire from some fans for what they saw as using her kids for attention and treating them like accessories to her lifestyle. More than one photograph of Mariah with her kids shows her completely ignoring them while they try to get her attention.

Sure, she’s a diva, but moms know that sometimes you’ve just had enough and need a moment.

4. Kristin Cavallari

Mom of three, Kristin Cavallari caught some serious flack for posting a photo of her sons Camden and Jaxon in matching swim trunks on the beach. “Concerned” commenters accused the lifestyle guru of starving her sons. One commenter angrily wrote: “I understand you live a very strict dietary lifestyle but these children are very obviously nutritionally deficient." Another said "Seeing pictures of your boys and how they look is a bit shocking to see! I know you cook healthy but to see the bones just doesn’t seem normal, sorry!”

Cavallari wasn’t even going to play with these haters. She commented "Yep, I starve my children. Just blocked the most people I’ve ever blocked in my entire life. Happy 4th hahaha."

5. Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron came under fire a couple of years ago when a photo of her and her then 4-year-old son Jackson showed the busy mom handling his meltdown in a way people thought was a bit rough. Now, any parent who has dealt with a toddler tantrum can relate to Theron, who appeared to be dragging a kicking and screaming toddler into her car. Sometimes you have to do what you have to do, right?

Still, the trolls of the internet tore into her and suggested she should have stopped, in full view of the paparazzi, and had a conversation with the 4-year-old about what was bothering him.

6. Michael Jackson

Perhaps the most famous parenting mistake was perpetrated by the late Michael Jackson. Back in 2002, the King of Pop pulled a stunt that will live in infamy. While staying at a hotel in Berlin, Germany, Jacko dangled his then 9-month-old son Prince Michael II over his fourth story balcony. What was even more bizarre was the fact that the baby had a towel over his head the whole time. Jackson later released a statement calling the entire incident a “terrible mistake.” He said, "I offer no excuses for what happened. I got caught up in the excitement of the moment. I would never intentionally endanger the lives of my children."

See? Even celebrities make mistakes parenting. It is human to make missteps from time to time!

ABOUT PARENTOLOGY Parentology focuses on technology stories for parents. From best apps to parental controls, we’ve got you covered.  By Amy Lamare for Parentology

[bonafidekells]

Songs curated by every single blood cell that flows through my bruised heart. Chord progressions that remind me of my impressions of love. From melodies that have caused my heart to smile to adagio tunes that have seen more tears then skies have cried. Each time signature from every point of my loving and destructive relationships.

This is one of the most honest things I've ever done. Putting myself into a headspace that isn't always as beautiful as the one flower growing from the crack in the sidewalk. This is me bearing my soul and the deepest most sought after parts of me heart. Every song on this list seems like it was composed completely for me. To see me smile, to see me cry. This is the soundtrack to moments of my life. Thank you for every experience that I've tackled through the eyes of musical notes. Enjoy.

                                         APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY 

Love, Love, Love | As Tall As Lions

Why did you make me beg for all of your love, love, love? All I ever wanted was to share raw and unfiltered love. However, you made me plead my case to you over and over again. Was it ever really love if all that came from it was unanswered prayers and tears?

Not A Bad Thing | Justin Timberlake  This song brings me back to me cleaning your room and finding a letter from one of your ex-lovers. I remember just being so upset that this person hurt you the way that they did. Meanwhile, you had me trying to hand you my heart and you just didn’t want it. I would have cut open my chest to show you but you were too busy with the thoughts in your own head to communicate with me. How did you watch me cry and it never effect you?

Runaway | Kanye West  Every stoke of the piano felt like you stabbing me heart. Every stroke of the piano was another excuse. Another rejection. You were good at blaming me and I just put up with your shit for too long.

Let’s have a toast for you, asshole.

Open | Rhye  Every time I feel like I have escaped your grip I some how fall back into my foolishness. I think about what could have been if you would have stayed. If you would have been "open" to a new reality with me. All distant memories that come back to haunt me when my energy is low.

Work | Rihanna  Kelly when you gon’ learn, learn, learn?

Fall In Love Your Funeral | Erykah Badu  This song was never meant for me, but it will always remind me of you. You spoke so passionately about her while you were talking to me. You told me how she shared this song with you and you could never bring yourself to forget about her. Meanwhile, me as your girlfriend was feeling the most insecure she has ever felt. I would just stare at pictures of this girl, hoping that I would be able to capture your heart like she did.

I didn't.

Magic | Coldplay I never pictured my life without you. You and I were magic but you couldn’t see it. You never saw the value in me and it made me so cruel. And even through the tears, I still wanted to kiss you under the fireworks.

The Need To Know | Wale We should have learned our lesson after from Jerry after he woke up from that dream.

We did nothing that summer.

We did everything that summer.

Omen | Disclosure My tears are not an omen to you. And as much as I wanted you to feel lonely without me, you returned back to your picture "perfect" life. I wanted you to feel the emotions that are displayed in the song. What a fucking joke.

Anymore | Ella Mai  I decided to change my number after listening to this song. I wanted ensure that you were completely out of my life. I needed to cut that cord. I wanted you to suffer as much as I did. You were radiating during this time. But I can do bad on my own.

Loyalty | Kendrick Lamar We will always be loyal to our friendship. I will always protect you and wish you well in life. I destroyed my reality just so I can live in lust with you; but as it turns out you weren't loyal to me.

Electric | Alina Baraz I don't understand how your touch makes me surrender to you. The world completely stops when we are together. You used me to ignite the passion within someone else. What you feel with me, you’ll never feel again. My electricity lingers throughout you.

Too Good | Drake  I’m way too good to you but it’s my fault because I allowed you to take me for granted. It’s okay, I understand that you found your forever elsewhere.

See You Go | Yuna  We were young and at least I was in love with you. You made the simple things fun. We would do nothing all day and I loved every second of it because I was with you. You meant everything to me.

Heartbeat | Childish Gambino I remember sneaking exchanges between three ring binders and neon colored highlighters. We would hang out and you would share your struggles with me. You didn’t want to be mine, you just wanted me around.

Leave Me Alone | Kaytranada  You broke me. Ugly cry and all I would jam to this song. I clearly acknowledge that I was in love with you. That I wanted to give my heart, but you messed that up didn’t ya? This was the first step in my healing to forget you. To get you completely out of my system. I could never forget the time I wasted and you will never be able to forget me. For the better, we moved forward. Well at least I did. You can keep watching me as I walk away.

Come As You Are | Nirvana  I remember looking up at you and loving you for everything that you are. That together we could rule the world. I accepted you and at the time I thought you accepted me. I always wanted to say that you will be the Kurt to my Courtney; but that didn't end well and either did we.

Comfort Inn Ending | Jhené Aiko I never experience love in the capacity that you gave. You let me call it love when you never saw it in that light. You allowed me to fall so deeply, alone. Do you enjoy to leave me alone?

Stranger | Skrillex I remember driving 100 MPH crying to you on the phone threatening to hurt myself wishing that you were just a stranger to me. I was living in my personal hell hoping I would rise like a Phoenix. Instead I just added another dubstep song to my rotation. Still haven't been able to forget your name. Side Note: Dubstep is dead & I am not.

We Found Love | Rihanna  The first time I felt happy that I was with someone who truly wanted to be with me. Although it was long distance, we shared every single moment that we could together. You made me feel comfortable. That was a first and I was mad hyped.

This hopeless place is called Tumblr, for the record.

Summer Bummer | Lana Del Rey  Our love is always seems to be at it’s peak during the summer. I can still smell the ocean air and feel all the love that surrounded us that day. You really were in your element, huh? My thoughts were consumed by you. My heart was beating in sync with yours. My smile belonged to you. But guess what babes the winter is coming.

Paradise Circus | Massive Attack  I would cuddle the musical notes of this song since your weren't in the physical. I remember being so shy when we first met in person. Sometimes I wish that meeting didn't even occur.

Space Bound | Eminem  You were my first. We were supposed to figure things out together. The more I begged for you, the more you pushed away. I did everything for you, but it was never enough. You broke me as a person. As a friend. And as a lover.

Love is evil; spell it backwards I’ll show you.  

Scared Of You | Nelly Furtado  I'm so sorry for everything that I've done. I'm sorry that I couldn't give you everything that we planned. I'm sorry that I've never my life without you. But you left me in one of the hardest times in my life. How could you do that to me? You don't even call to make sure I'm okay.

Try / Effortless | DVSN  I’ve made you smile so effortlessly and yet you are making try for you? Never once protected my feelings but you wanted to break all my rules for you. I gave you a little and you went back and stole everything from me. If you wanted me you would have tried for me. I’m the prize here, remember that.

Pachuca Sunrise | Minus The Bear  I was hoping that you would bring this home to me, but at last you went right back to her.

[junker-town]

The Top Whatever: Oklahoma’s No. 1 because Baker Mayfield will light you up with a fullback, if need be

A weekly ranking of only the teams that must be ranked, and not a single team more. (If you’re looking for the top 25 polls, they’re over here.)

1. Oklahoma

The entire point of the Top Whatever is to only talk about the teams you want to talk about, based on what they did this week. So it’s time to talk about Oklahoma and how you do not ever want to piss off Baker Mayfield in a revenge or underdog game scenario, ever, because he will beat you 31-16 at home, and there’s nothing you can do about it.

On the road, without a game-breaking receiver or running back to lean on, and playing against a defense stocked with nothing but four- and five-star talent, Mayfield singlehandedly beat the Ohio State Buckeyes. That’s a dramatic conclusion for a game played as a team sport, but it’s the only place to end up after watching.

There are numbers, if you want them. His run game didn’t average three yards a carry; his offensive line did their best, but still allowed pressure in the pocket from Sam Hubbard and the rest of the Buckeyes’ front seven; his leading receiver was Dimitri Flowers, an H-back/fullback hybrid who, 30 years ago, would have been cracking heads with a linebacker on I-formation run plays. The Sooners won, and their leading receiver was a fullback.

That happened in part because Lincoln Riley, the first year head coach and former offensive coordinator, coached circles around whatever the Ohio State defense was trying to do. When the fullback hits you for receiver yardage, tight ends keep popping up uncovered down field, and motions and fakes free receivers gliding down the seams, you’re being outschemed. Ohio State has a serious problem in its secondary, true — Indiana putting up big yardage proved that — but it takes real creativity to allow 386 passing yards to a team without dominant receiving threats. The Sooners coaching staff deserves some credit there.

It also happened because Mayfield was not only insanely accurate, but insanely confident. He kept plays alive with his feet, often by staying within the pocket, playing hopscotch with rushers until someone broke free. Mayfield did little on the ground in terms of numbers, finishing with minus five yards himself, but that wasn’t the point. His ability to escape pressure showed up in receiving yards down the field,.

On the drive to put OU up 17-13 in the third, Mayfield rolled out, evaded a defensive end, and laced a pass to receiver Mykel Jones over and through coverage he a.) created by rolling right, drawing the defense just a few precious feet forward and b.) beat with a perfect pass he ripped off on the run.

He was flawless, and it should have been so much worse. It really should have been so much worse, Ohio State. The Sooners fumbled twice in the first half, killing early scoring opportunities. The Sooners outgained Ohio State by 140 yards.

The Buckeyes’ offense reverted to 2016 form, with an inability to generate anything like a vertical passing game. A quick review of the tape reveals no one was open, but that’s not really an excuse, is it? After all, Oklahoma tore y’all up with a fullback. To be fair: he looked just as surprised as you were, which is just one of the things that made this game so much fun to watch.

Oklahoma’s No. 1 this week; possibly better teams who bore me aren’t.

2. Alabama

Beat Fresno State 41-10, still basically scrimmaging for the next two weeks until they play Vanderbilt, then Ole Miss. Maybe Alabama is scrimmaging for the next month, actually, now that I wrote it all down like that.

3. Lamar Jackson

A 47-35 win over UNC might be Lamar Jackson’s most impressive game yet: controlled in the pocket, measured with his scrambles, distributing the ball well, and yet still capable of breathtaking athleticism. The real terror is that Jackson had over 500 yards of offense by himself, accounted for six TDs, but still seems like he’s rising up the ladder of his potential.

The only quibble might be noting that UNC’s defense is so bad, it lost to Cal at home, and at this point seems more like an accomplice than something designed to stop anyone. Still: Any ranking should list Lamar Jackson. Louisville is along for the ride, and he’s steering.

4. Clemson

A 14-6 win over Auburn straight from bowels of bad, dark, 1980s SEC games. Let’s not talk about it any more than is absolutely necessary. Clemson QB Kelly Bryant played reasonably well against a vicious Auburn defense, the Clemson run game needs serious work, and Clemson’s talented and coming along. That’s about what everyone should expect of a retooling national champion, and everyone should remain really reasonable about this, as long as they’re facing offenses as bad as Auburn’s.

Auburn’s offense has caught some kind of wasting disease. It had 117 total yards, 23 of them on a single play. Every single play from this game on official Auburn game footage should be erased. Jarrett Stidham should assume a new identity. Everyone should start their lives over. You never watched this game, and neither did I.

5. USC

Get up here, Trojans. It’s possible to imagine USC outgunning Stanford in a shootout, but the shocking thing about a 42-24 win over the Cardinal in the Coliseum? USC ran all over, had two rushers go for over 100 yards each, and effectively ended the game by mashing out Stanford in the fourth quarter. The Trojan defense did so well, Stanford ended up passing 28 times and running just 26 times, which is antithetical to pretty much everything modern Stanford football considers holy.

Sam Darnold threw for four TDs and bounced back from a mediocre game against Western Michigan; Ronald Jones II runs like he hates you, and that is why you should love him.

6. Michigan

Not sweating an often frustrating, 36-14 win over Cincinnati because a.) Cincy’s defense is going to frustrate a lot of people this year, b.) Michigan’s offense was going to be a work in progress this season, and c.) Cincy did cut the lead to 17-14 in the third quarter, but the Wolverines took control and pulled away nicely.

They’re not perfect; it’s just that playing Florida’s offense can make you look that way. Michigan is learning on the job, and that means mistakes, and if you’re going to make them, you want to make them against Cincinnati, and not, yanno, an increasingly dangerous Purdue in two weeks. Yes, I typed “increasingly dangerous Purdue.” That’s a thing now, and we’ll all have to get used to it.

7. Penn State

It’s so hard to decide what to take away from beating a team like Pitt 33-14. Penn State let Pitt dominate time of possession, but also allowed only 14 points. They got turnovers off Pitt, but judging from Max Browne’s armpunts on Saturday, that isn’t too hard? They won easily and didn’t get Saquon Barkley hurt, and that counts for a rousing success in a potentially tricky non-conference game in Week 2.

Also, they blew up a Pitt screen for a safety. That’s just our way of saying Pitt ran a screen in their own end zone and that no one should ever stop laughing about it.

8. Virginia Tech

A learning experience for young QB Josh Jackson in a 27-0 win over the Blue Hens of Delaware. The learning is that scoring more than 30 points against even Delaware is really, really hard if you can’t run the ball. Eighty-one team rushing yards against an FCS team is NOT confidence-inspiring — but it’s definitely learning.

9. Oklahoma State

Nothing to note from a situationally strange — who goes to South Alabama? — but otherwise breezy, 44-7 blowout of the USA Jaguars. The Pokes haven’t played a bit of bad football through two games against inferior competition, and they also really haven’t played anyone. Oklahoma State plays Pitt in Week 3 and TCU in Week 4, so ... yeah, you’ll have to wait on how they look against TCU for a real look at their potential.

Note: Pitt held the ball for almost 40 minutes against Penn State, picked up 24 first downs, and only scored 14 points. Pitt is running the Terrence Malick offense right now: it might not have a lot of points, but it will take forever to get to them.

10. Wisconsin

Twenty-nine first downs and a procedural, 31-14 crushing of FAU. How do you get 29 first downs and only score 31 points? SHOW US THE SEX.

ESPN

DON’T RUSH TO THE LINE OF SCRIMMAGE, YOU MIGHT BREAK A SWEAT

AHHHHHHH, that’s the sex. Wisconsin also turned the ball over twice, killing two scoring opportunities, but for the most part, the Badgers just lined up and power cleaned FAU’s defense for three hours. Wisconsin doesn’t believe in doing cardio, and results to this point more than back up that belief.

11. Georgia?

The question mark is for “what is beating Notre Dame worth?” in a sloppy 20-19 game that was less gunfight, and more two people with guns taking turns shooting themselves in the feet in front of an audience. Still a win, and the impressive parts were holding Notre Dame to under 300 yards and eking out enough on offense with backup quarterback Jake Fromm starting on the road.

12. LSU

45-10 over UT-Chattanooga. In the absence of any useful information from this game, here is an Etch-A-Sketch portrait of Ed Orgeron.

okay, as requested by @PFTCommenter: ed orgeron pouring a redbull zero into mike the tiger's dish http://pic.twitter.com/RZXi6zTFMa

— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) September 10, 2017

13. Washington

Beat FCS Montana, 63-7.

Still shook from watching the Huskies get dominated along the line by Rutgers, which just gave Eastern Michigan its first-ever win against a Power 5 team. EMU QB Brogan Roback has a transitive respectable showing against the Huskies now, and I’m not comfortable with that at all.

ANYONE ELSE?

No, and being undefeated isn’t enough to get mentioned, because 2-0 is undefeated right now. Washington State is undefeated. If you watched whatever that triple OT game against Boise State at 2:30 a.m. ET on Sunday was, then you understand exactly what I mean by this.