try again

things don’t seem to be going the way you’ve been wanting them to go the entire week. to make things even worse than they already are, your boyfriend (or rather ex-boyfriend) dumped you in front of the entire campus. you can’t seem to lift yourself up and try again — well, that is until he comes into your life.

pairing | college barista!jeno x college student!reader

genre | fluff, angst, college au

warnings + notes | afab!reader, a bit of cursing, ex-bf being a red flag, mentions of alcohol, roomie!ningning, that’s p much it!

wc | 5.1k words

a/n | im super duper excited to finally release this chapter of the tttc series!! personally, i just like the overall flow of this one and i hope u do too!! let me know what u think abt it :> as always, rbs, likes, and feedback are appreciated!

song recs | all 4 nothing - lauv, the loneliest time - carly rae jepsen, tfw (that feeling when) - enhypen

tttc m.list, main m.list

the first time you met him was seriously by coincidence.

your stomach had you hurling for the past few days, not to mention how sore you were from phys-ed class yesterday. you still remember asking your coach to let you off the hook for the day, but they denied your request – oh well, they were never a great teacher anyways, you think to yourself. your own boyfriend hadn't even checked up on you once to ask if you were doing alright. it’s not like you were going to burden him or anything… you just wanted a little bit of reassurance to get you through the week. was that so much to ask for?

as if all odds were finally in your favor, a light buzz from your phone snaps you out of your thoughts. you pick it up to see your boyfriend’s caller id. maybe this was it. maybe the gods finally heard your pleas to make life just a teensy bit bearable for you.

“hey, i think we should meet up for a moment. do you have time?” is the first thing he’s told you all week and for some reason, instead of the comfort you were anticipating, all you felt was sheer annoyance. not even a simple how are you? the lack of emotion he’s displayed just breaks your heart even more than it already is.

you still manage to reply, mimicking his dry tone instinctively. “yeah, where?” it's faint, but you’d be lying if you said there wasn’t a little hope in you. maybe he wants to meet in person to give you a hug, maybe a kiss? you desperately want that to be true.

“at the campus open grounds, you know, the one near that coffee shop?” he suggests through the call and you once your head despite him not even being able to see you. “okay, i’ll see you then.”

you couldn’t even believe he just asked if you knew where the open grounds were located. doesn’t he remember that’s the place he asked you out? perhaps it was an important event only to you. the thought manages to send a dry chuckle out your throat — it already didn’t seem like your little meetup with him was going to be of any help to your mood.

not much time had passed by the time you arrived at the chosen spot, setting your sights on a nearby bench to rest your feet as you waited.

a lot of people crowded the grounds today. it wasn’t usually this jam-packed, but you suppose the bright and sunny weather encouraged people to roam around outside. after all, the sky hadn’t been this pretty shade of vibrant blue in a while. you’re thankful the weather is good — at least something seems to be turning out well today.

your boyfriend arrives, albeit later than expected, even though he was the one who asked you to come out in the first place. you had been scorched by the sun’s rays for over ten minutes now, wanting nothing more than to just head back indoors.

“sorry i uh… took a while. i’ll make this short.” he states awkwardly, a bit too much considering you were dating. “i’m breaking up with you. i just fell out of love, you know that feeling, right?” your relationship was never the best, this was inevitably going to happen someday, but hearing it out loud was what did it for you.

out loud… wait. you look around to find practically everyone around you whispering to themselves, watching the scene between you and your boyfriend unfold — eating it up like it's the plot of a famous drama.

the shame, the anger, the embarrassment, you just wanted to get away from it all. the hope you gained earlier was all an illusion. your days weren’t going to get any better as the week just became like the stuff that comes out of nightmares. you utterly felt sick to the bottom of your stomach. not only did you get dumped, you got dumped in front of so many people.

without saying another word to your boyfriend — or should you say ex-boyfriend — you grab your things and take a run towards the nearest alleyway that just happened to be the one at the back of the coffee shop.

you crouch down to the floor, curling up into yourself as best as you could before finally letting emotions overtake you, just enough to calm you down. surely no one would find you here if you let out a tear or two, right?

wrong. whoever put that idea to your brain was a big dumbass (whoever being you) because a boy emerges through the shop’s backdoor and into the alleyway, presumably taking out the trash since he’s holding a familiar-looking black plastic bag. however, he quickly stops in his tracks, noticing your presence when there was usually no one else there. the alley was pretty dark after all – it gave most people the creeps but here you were, willingly occupying a small portion of the horrid area while bawling your eyes out. “um… i don’t usually do this, but do you want a cup of hot chocolate?” the guy offers, rubbing his nape sheepishly after noticing your tear-stained cheeks.

you can’t help but silently thank him for not bringing up your appearance in the conversation. you probably looked like a disheveled tomato by now, prompting you to wipe your tears with your arm to at least make yourself look presentable. “actually… yeah, that would be nice.”

you got a better look at him now that you were seated in the cafe, the warm lighting easing your nerves little by little. as expected of him, there’s a welcoming aura that surrounds his figure, a calm smile that’s sure to brighten up anyone’s day (including yours), a tiny little mole below his eye, and the shiniest hair that made you want to touch it — that probably wasn’t the most appropriate thought you’ve had all day.

what you didn’t expect was that he’d actually give that cup of hot chocolate free of charge. you didn’t even know who he was (and probably vice versa). still, it made you gain back a little bit of hope that was lost. with a soft smile now spread across your lips, you begin to ponder that maybe today could still turn out to be better for you.

-0-

the rest of your day goes better than anticipated, and you’re beginning to think that barista you met at the coffee shop is some sort of miracle worker or a lucky charm. even if he wasn’t, you sure do feel lucky you ran into him – though the situation wasn’t exactly the most ideal in hindsight. still, the thought manages to keep your spirits high all the way until you reach back to your dorm.

“ning yizhuo!” your sudden call turns two heads in the room, one being the said person, and the other being her cousin, renjun. the latter often came by and you were quite used to his presence and practically saw him as a brother.

“oh no, not the government name!” a sarcastic tone laces your roommate’s voice. truthfully, she had already heard about your breakup and was expecting you to be bawling your eyes right about now… except… you weren’t. in fact, you had a beaming smile displayed for everyone to see. weird – renjun had probably thought the exact same thing as they gave each other identical looks.

this goes completely unnoticed by you, dropping your bags before making yourself comfortable by the couch. “seriously, you guys won’t believe what happened earlier.”

“... you got dumped?” renjun voices out slowly, almost as if he’s testing the waters still.

“no! i mean yes, but that’s not what i was going to talk about.”

“why aren’t we talking about that? your ex was a douche- i can finally talk shit about him!” ningning cheers.

renjun clears his throat, “more importantly though, are you really fine?”

his words linger in your head for a bit. were you really okay? genuinely speaking, you didn’t feel much – probably because you expected your relationship to fall out eventually. both of you wanted different things and came to realize that. there was an underlying feeling of gratitude that your ex finally cut through the cracks of your bond, but you could definitely do without all the public shame though. that might continue to haunt you, but what’s done, was done.

“mhm, i’m really fine. i’ll get over him sooner or later.” you answer softly. both renjun and ningning could tell you were certain, silently agreeing within themselves to drop the topic completely. “but gosh, i probably wouldn’t have been able to make it through the day if it weren’t for that barista guy in the coffee shop.

you see renjun’s ears visibly perk up at the mention of a barista there, like he already knew who you were referring to. “do you mean the guy who works there? y’know, the one who kind of looks like a fluffy white dog and has a mole under his eye?” god, was he spot on with the description too.

“that’s him!” you gasp out, still in slight shock. you suppose renjun frequents the shop – especially since that’s where he and his girlfriend go to study. “huang renjun, are you psychic?”

that seems to bring out a snort in him, “you just knew that now?” he remarks rather playfully, “actually, his name is jeno. we’ve been friends for a pretty long while now.”

ah, so his name is jeno. you wouldn’t tell anyone, but you mayhaps ingrained that piece of information straight to your heart.

the second time you met him, you just wanted to see him one more time after.

ever since you learned about his name from renjun, he seemed to pop up in almost every conversation you engaged with. was he always this popular or were you just really ignorant to the people around you? it’s crazy how much you’ve been thinking about him ever since.

“put a finger down if you’ve gotten butterflies from a stranger!” frankly, you’re startled at the command, forgetting that you were in the middle of a ‘never have i ever’ game with your group of friends. jeno just so happened to be there too since your friend groups actually aligned well within each other. with him personally being around, you couldn’t seem to focus on anything except him. it’s the nudge ningning aims at your shoulder that gets you placing a finger down, remembering you’re still part of the game. you suppose your brief interaction with jeno does count as part of this…

this small action had the entire group cooing. it was a bit overwhelming, not knowing what to do when so many eyes were set on you. wanting to brush it off, you simply give a shy smile to the crowd, persuading them to not go any further and just continue on with the game. luckily, that’s exactly what they do and you’re met with sweet relief – finally letting out a breath you didn’t know you were holding in the first place.

still, your gaze shifts back at jeno. had he realized you were the person that bawled their eyes out in the back alleyway of the coffee shop? had he realized you were the one he offered a free cup of hot chocolate to? had he realized you were staring at him like he held the entire universe in his hands?

but most importantly, had you realized he was looking back at you the same way? no? maybe that’s for the best.

the air was getting too stuffy in the room for your liking, you had to excuse yourself out for some fresh air. it was already pretty dark out and you weren’t sure when your friends would finally call it a night. frankly, the breeze was much colder now (and you kind of regret not bringing a jacket out), but at the same time it was calming and quiet – a sharp contrast to the lively atmosphere held inside.

that serene silence was cut off by the faint sound of footsteps coming from the main door, jeno’s figure coming into view. what was he doing out here?

“hey… inside got too much, huh?” guess you and him share that opinion as you nod in agreement.

“a little?” your nose scrunches up at the thought. “i don’t usually mind it but it does get me swamped sometimes.”

a small hum is what comes out as a reply, the both of you opting for the comfortable silence the night bears. a few ruffling sounds are heard coming from jeno and before you could ask him what was making the noise, you felt warmth embrace you from behind. it was a jacket. not just any jacket, his jacket.

“sorry, did i startle you? it’s just, you looked cold.” truth be told, you were far from cold after his gesture. isn’t this something someone would do when they’re in a relationship? why was jeno doing this… with you?

it was then you unconsciously already had your mind made up. you weren’t going to acknowledge it yet, but you were completely over your ex.

-0-

there was absolutely no chance of you getting sleep that night, especially after the events beforehand. though you enjoyed every moment you spent with jeno, you kinda preferred having a full night’s worth of sleep right about now. it’s a good thing ningning was able to grace you with a cup of coffee as soon as you woke up — you don’t think you would have gotten out of bed otherwise.

“seriously, what’s up with you two!” ningning squints her eyes with suspicion glazed over them, trying to get some sort of answer regarding your situation with jeno.

“it’s not what you think it is.”

“then what is it?”

huh. she had a point there. just what is your relationship with lee jeno? it was a little foggy to yourself as well. the both of you never had much conversations, but when you did, they managed to send cupid arrows straight to your heart without fail. this was so much unlike your past relationship. when was the last time you ever felt this way?

“it’s just small conversations, that’s all it is.” you finally reply, words acting more like a reminder to yourself rather than an actual response to ningning’s query.

“is that really true?” your roommate frowns with a sigh, “you know, i noticed the way he looks at you. it’s different from others.”

“you’re probably mistaking his kindness for something else, ning. i doubt this’ll even lead to anything.” your statement is brief, but ningning manages to catch the light thread of hope in your words, understanding you wished it would lead to more. that’s all she needed to know. she knew better than to push you just to ease her own mind from the heapload of questions she has stored away.

“just know, whatever happens, i’ll always support you, okay?” she smiles brightly like the gentle rays of sunshine that slip through your dorm’s sill curtains. “okay.”

the third time you met him, you wished for nothing more but to remain in his company.

it’s just midday and you already feel like falling asleep. naturally, your feet bring you to the campus coffee shop, not registering the fact that jeno’s probably working his shift. in this moment, you were too sleep deprived to care.

“hi, can i get one chocolate chip frappucino-” you finally look up to see jeno’s familiar face right in front of you, recallings of the night before plaguing your thoughts and sending a surge of adrenaline in your body. suddenly, you were wide awake and could probably last the whole day with or without the coffee you were about to purchase.

“y/n, it’s nice to see you.” he greets softly, eyes scanning your features to find dark bags staining your usually lively eyes. “i think i’ll add another shot of espresso to your drink… you might need it.” he mutters out, more so to himself.

you can’t help but smile, finding his slight worry for your well-being to be endearing. “i’ll add that espresso shot then.” you chuckle, catching him off guard as he didn’t expect you to hear him.

“i’ll make sure to prepare your drink well.” he finally replies, punching in your order as you move to find a seat to occupy while you wait.

it doesn’t take long for jeno to approach your table, a drink with a swirly straw in hand. to your surprise, instead of simply dropping off the drink, he takes the seat in front of yours before setting it down. “i’m actually on my break right now but i wanted to talk to you. i hardly see you on campus after all. aside from when you visit here, that is.” it’s almost laughable at how predictable your response is to anything he does, feeling your stomach gain the now familiar fluttery sensation you always experience. when it comes to him, it seems to never get old, but none of that was the main point.

he wanted to talk to you. he went out of his way for you. he could be spending his break time elsewhere, but he’s here with you. perhaps you were overanalyzing his actions, yet you can’t stop the heat that creeps up your cheeks.

“sure, take a seat- i mean, you already did but-”

he chuckles, a slip of a smile coming into view. “your drink by the way.” he motions at the sweet drink you ordered. “i added more chocolate chips for you too.”

“spoiling me now, are we?”

“you caught me!”

talking to him just felt so natural. there was never a dull moment, and when silence would fill up the air, it was never thick and heavy, but light and freeing. you quietly sip your drink to these thoughts, occasionally wondering if this would be what it felt like if you two started dating- you’re thinking too ahead for someone who hasn’t even come to terms with their own feelings. you should just enjoy your time with him.

-0-

since then, you and jeno have grown closer to the point where you frequently talk on the phone at night. neither of your paths often crossed during the day, so these calls definitely made up for that – at least for you. through them, you’ve come to learn that jeno usually plays video games until the crack of dawn, sometimes even streaming his screen for you to watch. tonight, you decided to prepare ramen for yourself so you had something to eat while watching him.

“what flavor are you making today?” his voice is a lot huskier than it usually is during the night.

though this isn’t something new to you, there’s still that cozy feeling that almost feels domestic, and sometimes, you can’t help but squeal to yourself and kick your feet in the air. ningning even asked if you were alright because she thought you had gone crazy after hearing you from her own room.

“i think this one is cheese flavored? i’m not really sure since ning buys our groceries.”

“you should prepare me some when i come over next time. i wanna try some too.”

did he want to come over? your mind immediately fills with the idea of jeno visiting your dorm (or humble abode as ningning likes to call it). he’s seen glimpses of it as your background when you’d facetime each other, but what would he think about seeing it in person? there’s that famous saying that your home reflects your personality, after all. you don’t realize it, but you go dead silent, completely encapsulated by your imagination.

“hello? you’re still there, right?” he calls out for you, it’s much softer this time as if he’s checking up on you in case something happened.

“yeah, yeah i’m here. come over next time, then.”

he does, in fact, come over as soon as he got the chance to. honestly, he resembled an eager golden retriever exploring a new area the entire time you showed him around your dorm, having only seen it through a screen. on some occasions, he would point out a random trinket you had on display, saying it looked like you. he said the same about your potted succulent and you’re not sure how you feel about that one, but nonetheless, he seemed to be enjoying himself and that’s all that mattered. you were practically worried over nothing the other night.

“didn’t you say you were going to prepare me a little treat too?” jeno questions, finally finished with going around the dorm room.

“hm? oh, right the ramen-” you recall, immediately taking a few steps to the kitchen to prepare what you had promised him. “make yourself comfortable, i won’t take long!” it really doesn’t take much to make instant ramen, after all.

once it finishes boiling, you carefully transfer it to one of those gold-colored, aluminum pots to keep the ramen warm – making sure to add a few toppings to the dish to make it a bit more filling.

you make your way to the living room, seeing jeno on his phone by the couch. there’s that domestic feeling worming its way up on you again that has you wondering how it’d be like if jeno was your boyfriend. would he come visit over often? would you be able to visit his dorm sometime? the thought continues to remain on your mind for the entirety of jeno’s stay.

you really wanted this moment to become just as frequent as your nightly calls with him.

the most recent time you met up with him, you finally acted on what you’ve been holding in all this time.

ningning had invited you out to a party, luring you in by slipping that a certain someone was also going to be there. all jokes aside, you knew she also just wanted you to have fun, it’s been a while since you’ve gone out to a party anyways.

the event wasn’t anything fancy, your average college party hosted by one of the frats. you wore a black mini dress, one you bought but never got the chance to use until now. it fit you perfectly in all the right areas, but it took a lot of convincing from ningning’s part for you to actually buy it. you surely had to thank her now or else you wouldn’t have anything to wear for tonight.

“you’re finally wearing it!” it seems you weren’t the only one excited to see yourself wearing the dress as your roommate’s eyes sparkle at your outfit. “here, here. i’m letting you borrow these too since they match.” she hands over a pair of black earrings made with sequins and glass beads. it looked perfect for the look.

“thanks, it isn’t too much, right?”

“not at all! plus, it’s a party. who cares what others think- what’s important is that you look good!”

this makes you let out a small laugh, she was right. she always is. “okay then, let’s go?”

“lets!” ningning takes her purse from the coffee table before linking her free arm around yours. “we should get going if we don’t want to be late.”

it’s a good thing you both left when you did since the two of you arrived just on time. the party had already started a few minutes ago with some people already wasted (they probably drank before everything even started…). it doesn’t take long for you and ningning to manage through the sea of people, finally spotting a couple of familiar faces by the corner of the room.

“hey, you two made it!” renjun beams alongside his girlfriend, a plastic red cup in hand containing who knows what. “oh y/n, jeno’s by the kitchen. he was asking where you were before you arrived.”

“oh? thanks jun, i’ll go see what’s up.” you offer him a small smile before leaving ningning’s side and trying to find where the kitchen was located. after a bit of roaming around, you eventually find the boy you’re looking for.

cheeks flushed, dazed eyes, and a lopsided expression. jeno was probably no where clear from sober by the looks of it. guess you weren’t going to drink today, especially when your friend isn’t in the right state of mind.

“jeno? renjun said you were looking for me.” you call out to him softly in hopes he could hear you through the music that’s blasting on the speaker system.

by the sound of your voice, his head quickly turns in your direction. “y/n! i’ve bween looking por you everywhere!” he immediately wraps his arms around your figure, burying his head in the crook of your neck. your cheeks have flushed now too, not from alcohol, but because of the way he’s hugging you.

you never imagined jeno to be big on skinship while under the influence – well, you’ve never dealt with a tipsy jeno in general until now, so this was truly going to be one hell of an experience.

“have you, really?” you question him, patting his hair. “i’m here now though. did you need me for something?”

you feel him nod against your shoulder, “i wanted to kiss you but you were nooowhere to be found, and then renjun gave me a drink, and then haechan started laughing, and then i started laughing-”

he was beginning to ramble off and probably won’t remember any of the things he’s telling you right now. would that also include how he just confessed he wanted to kiss you? you know jeno’s just drunk, but there’s a part of you that hopes he wouldn’t forget that. you urge him to stand up straight for a moment before letting him lean onto you for support. the best you could do was probably have him sit outside for some fresh air (and maybe a cup of water).

-0-

the two of you are now seated silently next to one another with jeno’s head resting on your shoulder, and it’s reminiscent of the first time you actually had a proper conversation with him. the night was just like this, and yet, so many things have happened already since then.

“hey, about what i said earlier…” oh, he sobers up rather quickly. “y’know, about the wanting to kiss you and all that.”

you turn to face him with a bittersweet expression, the nearby streetlamp placing a soft glow over your features and jeno wonders where that solemn look on your face is coming from. “hm? no it’s alright. i’m sure we all say things we don’t mean when we get drunk. it’s normal.”

“well no, because, i did mean it.”

“that’s okay- huh?”

“i like you, y/n.” although its dark, you know he’s staring at you, waiting for you to respond.

“i… i do too, but we just met like a month ago.” you hadn’t even come to terms with your own feelings yet. “wouldn’t we be, i don’t know, going a little too fast? maybe both of us aren’t currently in the right mind.”

“that just proves my point even more. in a mere month of us getting to knowing each other, i’ve come to learn so much about you, grown so fond of you, and… i just want to be with you. trust me, i had a lot of time to think, but if you need more time. i’ll wait for you.”

now you were conflicted. did you really need more time to understand your own emotions?it’s not like you hid your affection for the boy, instead, it was quite the contrary. people started looking for you through jeno and others asked you about jeno’s whereabouts. its as if you two were now two peas in a pod, and everyone knew. were you going to break something you cherished just because you felt like your emotions hadn’t been sorted, when in reality, have been perfectly laid out right in front of you all along?

“no. no need.” your eyes crease as you smile at him, “i know what i want, and it’s you. it’s always been you.”

he doesn’t need any more validation than this, snaking his arm around your waist before pulling you close, lips barely touching. “can i kiss you?”

“please.” you surely don’t need to tell jeno twice, wasting no time as he quickly locks your lips with his own in such a way that you’d think he’s been pining over you longer than you had originally thought. you hadn’t drank a drop the entire night, but you felt so giddy just kissing him.

jeno pulls away first, and you already feel breathless from such a short kiss. slowly, he brings a hand up to cup your cheek, thumb rubbing small, comforting circles onto your skin. “should we head back now?” honestly, you didn’t want to just yet, still unable to hide your smile from the lingering touch of his lips. still, you knew better than to stay out for too long.

“yeah, the others are probably wondering where we went.” and with that, he pulls himself off the ground, extending a hand out to help you get on your feet.

“let’s go back in… slowly, okay?” you giggle out, still wanting to cherish the moment with him.

“how could i say no to you?”

eventually, you do make it back into the party, quickly spotting your group of friends.

the sight of you both sporting puffy lips and rosy tinted cheeks, not to mention your lipstick smudged on the corner of jeno’s lips had everyone raising a brow. neither of you had noticed that because it was so dark out… um, oopsies?

ningning manages to connect all the dots together, a loud gasp erupting from her that startles the rest of the group. “OMG DON’T TELL ME! no wait actually please do confirm- PLEASE TELL ME YOU’RE TOGETHER?”

you and jeno look at each other with a knowing look, feeling his hand reach out for yours before you happily reply, “yeah, we are.”

taglist | @haeravlgs, @matchahyuck, @vantxx95, @ahnneyong, @lixxbr0wnie, @legbouk, @rocarecs, @winwonies, @gfrdistance

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Rocketman Watch #4 Thoughts

i have so many MORE thoughts can you believe it wow here we go

(i wrote these as i watched it so they’re in order im p sure)

man, his intro monologue during group therapy is just as gripping as it was when I first watched it. And the transition to the bitch is back is so fuckin good. My palms are sweating.

There’s some commentary about forgiving and loving your inner/past child, but I don’t have the words for it at this moment. In the beginning he’s staring down, confused and scowling at his child self, but at the end, he embraces him in a way his father and loved ones never did.

Was he in therapy/rehab WHILE touring and doing music? Stomping into the room in his regalia would have me believe so. I know group therapy was a medium for storytelling. Was it just signaling the very beginning of his story, because we go through different stages through his actions and clothing changes?

Lmao I imagine it must take some pretty cool parents to allow their, like, six or seven year old child to be in this movie. He said bitch so many times.

Took me a hot second to realize the orchestra he’s conducting is playing Rocket Man. The violins are so pretty. Imagine being picked to be in the orchestra on set and getting smile up at the tiny little kid who played Elton. My heart would absolutely swell seeing a little kid being so fantastic at this really intense job.

Kit Connor did amazing in his role. He’s fifteen and he’s already done so much! Imagine growing up knowing you played Elton John as a kid. Getting to work alongside him and his husband and the dozens of incredible actors. Wowie. I’d never shut up about it.

I LOVE how 12 year old Elton is playing the piano SO HARD and is trying to rock out as hard as he can while playing classical music. The boy wanna ROCK dammit.

HE GLANCED UP THE TINIEST BIT WHEN THE MAN ASKED IF ANYONE HAD A FAG (slang for cigarette)

SATURDAY NIGHTS ALRIGHT GIVES ME CONSTANT CHILLS FROM THE START TO FINISH

WOOOW SEVENTEEN YEAR OLD ELTON IS CUTE AS HEEELLLL. The hair, glasses, and front tooth gap fit Taron so well. Goddamn I hope I look like 17 year old Elton some day.

The choreography for this number is absolutely breathtaking. You have to get that many people all in sync! We followed Elton running through the crowd and AAHHH it was a lot! The athleticism! And they did it in the rain! Wow I’m blow away.

Elton is JAMMIN in the back of the stage. It’s really sweet to see his smile and enthusiasm and his brain thinking and working.

That guy in the back peed a LOT lmao

I was wondering where thank you for all of your loving came in.

Charlie Rowe plays Ray Williams, and he also plays LEO ROTH from Red Band Society!!! The first time I watched the movie, I KNEW him from somewhere, but I couldn’t place it and it was driving me nuts. Man. RBS was a big crutch during the worst lows of my ED. Had no idea he was English.

Love to see how shy Elton was as a teenager. It’s a hot ass mood. Also, those silk scarves? Ascots? idk but they’re a LOOK.

“One frothy coffee, no froth.”

The acquaintances-to-best-friends montage set to Border Song *chefs kiss*

Rock And Roll Madonna Is A Perfect Song Send Tweet

Lmao Elton is NOT phased at all when he gets accused of being gay. He’s just like. “Nah. I’m like. Not.” Not overly defensive and surprised, like I’m sure other people would be lmaooo

STUMBLING HOME DRUNK WITH YOUR BEST FRIEND IS A MILESTONE IN TEENAGEHOOD!!!!!!!

“You are a ssSSHHIIIITT HOT piano player—”

So delicate of Bernie the way he politely denied a kiss from him. It wasn’t weird or tense at all. Just a gentle “love you, but not that way. It’s okay” Some people may not be able to handle it that well even today.

Taron’s got nice thighs. That robe & underwear getup is a nice look.

Love love LOVE hearing him experiment with Your Song on the piano to find a melody that worked.

Honestly what the shit do these songs even mean. Bernie sometimes these words don’t make any sense. Don’t worry, they still slap. “See I’ve forgotten if they’re green or they’re blue” like what

AMOREENA IS A PERFECT SONG SEND TWEET

Doug flirting with Bernie makes me snort every time. “Oh, really? That’s.. cool.”

THE TROUBADOUR OUTFIT IS GOOD AS SHIT!!!!!!!!

“NO, BERNIE. YOU ARE UNDERREACTING.”

Taron was right. The overalls do make his ass look massive.

A week ago before this movie I was sick and fuckin TIRED of crocodile rock but now I can’t get enough of it. The movie transformed a lot of old songs I was sick of for me.

Imagine being a kind of shy, nervous kid, terrified to go on stage, but two and a half minutes later the entire venue is LOSING IT because they love the jam YOU WROTE. how cool for Elton.

I want a best friend platonic cheek kiss :(

Hmmmmm I’m wondering if they used the studio recordings that went on the album for the movie or have different movie-specific recordings. Tiny Dancer sounds a teeny bit different in the movie version.

Goddamn I sure hope Taron got to keep that jacket.

“So you liked the song, then?” “Not as much as the singer” *Elton glances away in gay panic*

LMFAO John said some weird colorful words to Elton that barely made sense and he was like OH FUCK GOTTA KISS HIM GOTTA KISS HIM

I’ve talked so much about the sex scene I don’t need to go on about it here. Go search the rocketman tag on my blog for my extensive gay thoughts about it.

Now I know glasses come OFF during sex

oh oh oh I was wondering where Hercules fell in the movie. I love how the songs he’s writing or getting notoriety for is played over the transition scenes.

Elton’s hand on his hip, knowing smirk as John enters the studio. “Hello.”

Bernie is like “HELLO are we RECORDING or are y’all gonna FUCK in the CLOSET?”

*vibrating* Honky Cat Honky Cat Honky Cat Honky Cat

Damn, the flowy white button down with the red pants really is a LOOK

The gestures, staring up at each other, leaning into each other, hands on each other’s chests, damn it makes me feel some typa way. Maybe their love WAS good and fun and exciting while they rode the high of everything before it all went so so bad.

Elton searching John’s gaze while he’s talking and looking like he’s not really paying attention, just looking for a kiss on the couch.. GOD I remember the honeymoon phase of my relationships. So much fun.

His dad going “N-Not really my thing.” That was a metaphor for his SEXUALITY TOO, huh.

Damn. He went to his dad’s to come out to him and he never even got to get to that part. He was just like “....nice shoes....” and even after all this time, didn’t show any interest in his music. If he never was into what he did, how could he even talk about being gay? I’m sure during that scene there were a lot of metaphors to sexuality but I didn’t bother to think much about them.

The eyebrow quirk after his dad says “ah—no. Could you make it out to Arthur?” DAMN Elton was like .. “really. This is what’s happening? Okay. Awesome.”

“What do you have to do to get a fucking drink around here, eh?” *cuts to Elton drinking straight from a bottle*

“Elton—” “Elton!”

John saying “don’t you ever put your hands on me” when he was the one who yanked him from the phone booth AND directly after punching him... woof man. What a shitty dude.

Damn, just noticed John talking very quietly and closely to another man right before he goes on and plays Pinball Wizard. Was this the first sign of him having fun with other men when Elton was indisposed?

Pinball Wizard is absolutely intense and loud and fun, but it DOES carry the tone of “god im SO miserable” under it all. You knew Elton wasn’t having fun.

“It is next week.” Jeezus.

LMAO I just caught the “mom, you’re ON my GOWN” when he reluctantly complies to give the Anderson’s a tour.

Damn, flowy, loose dress shirts with the first few buttons undone is a LOOOOK.

How did they do the overdose scene, you think? Surely the pills Taron took had to be like. Empty. Or placebo affect drugs? Idk. He did take a big drink directly after stuffing his mouth with them. I don’t think he spit them out.

God, there is SOMETHING symbolic about how he meets his child self at the bottom of the pool. Rock bottom? Apologizing? Wishing he could be better? Telling him he’ll never be better?

OH I watched a behind the scenes cut about the pool scene, and none of it was CGI. Taron was weighted under his robe and a SCUBA diver was on standby to provide oxygen. The singing and bubbles coming out of his mouth and stuff underwater was all real.

Dying to know about the choreography around the second chorus, about the undressing and twirling and dressing and injection and handing off of the bat and stuff. That sequence was incredible.

Bennie and the Jets. Damn. It fucks. I listened to it almost the entire time on my run today. (Five miles; I felt like garbage the entire time but it was good anyway.) The scene is wild. He’s in the middle of a drug induced haze orgy. He SHOULD be having the time of his life but he’s so goddamn miserable. (Also, the juxtaposition between Chris Fleming’s Bennie and the Jets is so funny.)

Part of the problem was that John never understood Elton. But, Elton broke it off with John, not the other way around like he said it was. He wasn’t the victim in that regard. John did treat him like shit though.

Victim of Love plays right after that lmao

Renate and he aren’t even close when they do the duet to don’t let the sun go down on me. They’re separated in different rooms, mirroring literally how closed off their relationship was.

The shot with them waking up in different rooms.. damn

His shirt is so LOUD I’m going crazy

Watching Taron down that orange juice made me a little nauseous I gotta say

“Not really I’m gAy”

It’s CRAZY to watch Elton and his mom interact at the dinner scene. He gets accosted and accused of so much by his mom, claiming SHE’S the victim of his actions, making it all about HER and then he turns around and does and says the exact same shit to Bernie.

He yells “Oh, don’t be so dramatic!” at Bernie as he gets into a taxi. THE PROJECTION!! THE DEFLECTION!!!!

I know there’s only so much they can put in two hours, but I wish they showed more of Elton’s eating issues. He had bulimia for sixteen years before he got help. It’s Absolutely the Man With Anorexia in me, but seeing that even men deal with eating disorders quells the lonely aching something in me. I feel that much less alone, you know. Eating disorders aren’t a “woman’s disease.”

How do you think they did his hair? A wig adds more hair, not take it away. He didn’t get his hair cut for it did he?

Seeing Elton’s first love fall apart because John was such a selfish, heartless prick in reality makes me sad.

Elton hugs his inner child when he reconciled with everyone in his past. Goddamn. He found peace and forgiveness for himself, who he was, even after all that time.

When Elton asks him not to go, Bernie refuses, saying this is something he had to do on his own. Healing comes from within alone. No one can help you do it. People can guide you, but you have to work at it. It’s fucking lonely sometimes, but it’s so, so worth it.

I used to loathe I’m Still Standing since i heard it so much at work, but the movie changed my entire perspective on it. I love the slow build up as he exits the rehab center. You don’t get thrown into something so happy and fast paced and fun after a cathartic climax you need to drink in. And the pan to his hat with the rainbow stripe to his smile. I get chills every time. Elton feels so right and secure and happy in himself. At first I thought it was a bit cheesy, but accepting your sexuality, especially after all the hell he went through during his life, grappling with unresolved trauma and fear of abandonment, he absolutely should wear it loud and proud. It’s easy to think times are much easier now being gay, and it shouldn’t be such a big deal. Relative to 1975, it is easier. But it doesn’t mean it’s not such a rough personal thing to work through if you’ve been spit on and resented all your life. Being gay, coming out, and accepting and being comfortable with that fact must’ve been such a HUGE milestone in Elton’s recovery and self-esteem.

Love me again after I’m still standing is perfect. The credits make me tear up every time. Jeez. What a good movie. What a good movie. Hit me up if you wanna talk about Rocketman because I absolutely will with you.

New York City in the mid-late 1990s was a more innocent time, and one of great excitement for a downtown subculture made up of Lower Manhattan’s skateboarders, musicians, artists, actors, designers, store owners and hustlers. The rent was still relatively cheap, the blistering hot summers felt endless, and the streets that made up the Nolita, LES, and NoHo neighborhoods were bustling with life, attitude, and creativity.

This strange period makes us nostalgic for the simple freedom of meeting up to do nothing. Summer is a season to wander, party, shop, skate, dance, eat, and talk shit. In April 1994, Supreme opened on Lafayette Street and quickly became ground zero for a tight-knit crew — it was a place to hang out, work a little bit, connect with new people, and meet up before or after skate sessions.

Supreme was a skate rat clubhouse, and the crew who worked there ran the place by their own set of non-conventional rules. The staff took pride in the store as if it was an art gallery; with meticulous detail given to the folding of the merchandise on display, they enforced a strict “no touching” policy which would lead to a severe berating or dismissal from the store if violated. The music was club-level volume, the heavy scent of Nag Champa incense would cover up the smell of weed smoke in the stockroom, and non-skaters were often treated with an aloof welcome (at best). To many it was intimidating and unapproachable, which led to the cult skate store building up a fiercely loyal underground following.

For a frequently visiting Brit abroad, this skate shop and the people who hung out there, provided a welcome spot every time I was in town, much like the old Slam City Skates store in the basement of Rough Trade Records on London’s Portobello Road back home. Pre X-Games and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater video games, skaters were very much considered outlaws — particularly by the security guards, office drones, and pearl-clutchers in Manhattan’s business districts that made for the best skate spots with polished ledges, smooth handrails, and marble surfaces in abundance. This group of young skaters ran the streets like their own personal playground before hitting the city’s clubs en-masse.

To this group, nothing seemed off limits and everything seemed possible. Their freedom bred positivity and creativity, with many of Supreme’s OG crew branching out into starting their own brands such as SSUR-Plus, After Midnight, aNYthing, TeamWorks, and Acapulco Gold. A young Italian photographer named Giovanni Aponte relocated from Rome in 1991 to experience and capture a genre-defining decade on film. Here, Aponte shares a selection of his images for the first time and, alongside OG Supreme staff Alex Corporan and Akira Mowatt, recounts the craziness and freedom of downtown NYC in the mid-90s.

What was your personal situation back in the mid-late ‘90s?

Giovanni Aponte (Photographer): I moved to NY in 1991, I was 27 then and had just graduated in photography from IED in Rome. Quite soon I started to work in a photo studio on the Upper West Side where I was assisting the photographer and getting to know a bit of the business. At the same time, I was working, as all the immigrant Italians did at the time, as a waiter for a few days a week to make some extra money.

Alex Corporan (ex-Supreme manager): I was in my mid-20s and in the height of my skateboarding career — all I cared about was skating all day, filming with my friends and enjoying the city’s nightlife. Making money in skateboarding on the East Coast rarely even existed back then, so I subsidised my income through modelling and the club scene before I landed a spot at Supreme. My life started to turn around from there — skateboarding was my world, but then working became my focus.

Akira Mowatt (ex-Supreme store worker/AfterMidnight owner): I was a runaway 14-year-old, so skateboarding became my chosen family. I didn’t have a place to live and didn’t eat much, but towards the late ‘90s I got a job at Supreme.

The New York skate scene was so different to anywhere else in the States and felt more similar to London than Southern California. How did it feel being an inner-city skateboarder during this era?

AC: Being an inner-city skateboarder was rebellious during the ’90s, because not only we were the derelicts of the streets but we were everything people loved to hate — a bunch of talented humans that had the key to the underground world. There were no skateparks, just the Five Boroughs all day and all night. We’d go out at night to all the giant clubs, fashion scenes, art shows and be a ball of energy that caused so much attention… no one knew what to do with us!

AM: I didn’t know much about California back then as I had recently came over from Japan, but I instantly felt the entertaining and exciting vibe of New York – the city felt so alive!

Can you describe a “typical” day in the life around this time?

AC: Go to Supreme to meet up with the crew, including one of the filmers/photographers (RB, Reda, Sammy Glucksman, or whoever was in town) and warm up in front of the store before heading downtown towards the Banks and then get our groove on from there. Once it started to get crowded we would break out, skate the Seaport and Wall Street. Make our way up to Supreme to clean up in the sink by the bathroom and grab a fresh Box Logo tee or hoody, depending on the weather. Hit up Astor Place for some more skating, 40’s and Blunts. Some of us went out to the clubs and bars and some went to get more footage in midtown after midnight, then rally back at Astor at some point for a nightcap.

AM: I mean a typical day was meet up at Astor Place, Washington Square, or Union Square then we just go skate all the way downtown to the Banks, Seaport and Battery Park. In the evenings we would head back to Astor and chill for a little before skating Midtown for the rest of the night.

Union Square, Astor Place, TSP, Ziegfeld, the Banks, etc… there seemed to be so many spots back then. What were your favourite places to skate?

GA: My favorite was definitely Astor Place, followed by Union Square which was very close to my home. The Brooklyn Banks was also a great place, but you had to watch out for people trying to steal your board!

AC: My favorite spots were of course the Brooklyn Banks and all the Midtown spots because of the smooth ledges, and all the fun stuff to hit in between.

AM: I personally liked Union Square, Astor Place, Washington Square, or Tompkins Square Park because you knew sooner or later you’re going to meet up with one of your buddies. Back then there was no cellphones, only pay phones, so we often had to make plans the night before.

How important was the Supreme store as a cultural hub?

GA: Well it was definitely the place to be if you were a skater in New York. My friend Russel Carablin [owner of SSUR-Plus/OG Supreme designer] introduced me to the guys at Supreme after the store had just opened. I was so amazed by the place and the people there, everybody was so damn cool and real. That area was becoming the centre of the new upcoming street culture. You could feel the vibe in the air… I have such beautiful memories of that time.

AC: Truthfully, Supreme was the only shop you could have really hung out at the time. Blades on Broadway was very corporate, but Supreme was our private clubhouse. Not everyone was invited, or they got vibed so hard to the point people would be bummed at us.

AM: Skate shops like Supreme were super important because they created a community for skateboarders. Back then skate shops didn’t last, especially in Manhattan.

There were other opportunities arising for your crew like modelling, acting, or starting brands of your own. What was it about that scene that created so much energy?

AC: It was our energy that attracted everyone — the “fuck you” attitude, the overall looks our crew had, and the talent of skating. We were a well-rounded bunch of individuals that just hammed-up to the camera once it was pointed at us. We were just ourselves living this lifestyle that had no label at the time, because you couldn’t control the passion we all had.

AM: Manhattan was the place to be if you’re from anywhere else, especially in the skate scene. All the top dogs came out to skate the city and if you looked good on the board you might’ve got put on one of their companies. There became a lot of opportunities for decent New York skaters.

New York is seen as a party town, but hotspots change with the weather. What bars and clubs made you feel most at home back then?

GA: The New York club and bar scene in the ’90s was absolutely great — Limelight, Danceteria, Wetlands, Palladium and Club USA were the big temples of dance, but my favorites were the smallest and more crazy ones like Nell’s, Jackie 60, Peggy Sue’s, and Elements to name a few. The club scene was a real mix of different people moving between three or four places a night, but my favorite were the “Any Given Sunday” parties at the Fun, under the Manhattan bridge.

AC: It was Spoon bar, Coney Island High on St. Marks and Max Fish when it was on Ludlow. Can’t forget Cherry Tavern as it had an awesome Jukebox and one of the few places with a decent pool table. As for clubs, anywhere that Bill Spector, Bugsy, Belinda, Carlos or Duncan had their hands on!

AM: We went to all the clubs and bars in NYC, even though I was under age (haha) but the clubs and bars never really felt too much like home for me.

Who were the loudest and most outrageous characters in the crew?

GA: The whole Supreme team was outrageously cool… I remember all the kids I met, Aaron “The Don”, CPT Alex O’Corpran, Giovanni WhatEstevez, Krooked Joey, Akira, O’, Crocodile Mealy, Thin Wolf, Jason the model, Brickface, Stukko, The Spawn — everybody had a nickname!

AC: We were the live freak show of the city and hands-down Harold Hunter was the loudest! Then there were the fighters — but only to those who tried to harm us — in the crew like Pooky, Neil, Loki ,NA, Joey, Pang, Slick Rick, and a few others. FlyGuy Peter Bici would always grab your attention, Justin Pierce would always call you out, Henie would snatch something out of your hand so fast you won’t know where he came from, and the list goes on.

AM: The whole crew was loud and outrageous!

Was this the most exciting time to be living in NYC?

GA: There was an overflow of young, cool, clever, and creative people in New York during that era… and yes, it was certainly the most exciting time!

AC: The ‘90s in NYC lands as the last of the epic, raw, untouchable, unstoppable, fearless times for life. You’re unable to replicate the experience of what was happening in New York during this time. Skateboarding, music, nightlife, art, fashion… you name it! 2000-2004 held onto that energy for a bit, but from 1990-1999 you grew up real fast and experienced shit in light speed.

AM: Late ‘90s through to the early ’00s for sure, that was definitely the most exciting time to be in New York.

Any specific fond memories from this era?

GA: I remember a night at Nell’s where Mick Jagger was going for it on the dance floor but none of the people there gave a damn about this huge celebrity as we were so into the music and the vibe.

AC: Every day was different, but the shit that went down in the back of [Supreme] during the ‘90s was priceless. The neverending antics — you name it, and it happened.

How do you think times have changed in terms of the NY skate scene and everything that surrounds it?

AC: The New York skate scene grew immensely around 2004, and instead of the ‘Rat Pack’ now there were huge posses of skateboarders everywhere. It’s awesome to see skateboarding in the city so huge now, but that original rawness has really faded away. That has to do with everything around us — 9/11 happened and that alone fucked up skating midtown and most of anything past Canal Street.

The birth of skateparks in the city was something we dreamed of when we were young because all we had was janky Mullally’s park which was hard to skate, not only because the ramps were fucked up but you had a big probability of getting jumped the minute you walked out the fence! Now there are over 30 smooth skate parks all around the Five Boroughs. Having these parks definitely played a part of not having that rawness of street skating, but overall I’m stoked on everyone in the scene.

The ‘90s were the era we started blossoming and now there are now so many companies owned by skateboarders – clothing labels, shops, board brands; and people in position to call shots within the community and the parks department. It makes me proud to be one of the people that helped pave the way to see where skateboarding is in NYC, and I will continue to support and keep our wheels turning.

AM: For one thing everyone has cell phones now so can film themselves and get clips a lot easier. I don’t think too much has changed in terms of the downtown skate scene, but now it’s a new generation making it happen.

You can make a dang good NFL all-star team from non-FBS alums

Some NFL legends have taken the path from unheralded recruit to small-school prospect to big-league stardom.

Being a five-star recruit won’t guarantee you a spot in the NFL, but it certainly makes it a little easier to get there. Playing for a powerhouse Power 5 program can turn you into a household name and inundate scouts with plenty of opportunities to study your game. A blue-chip pedigree can also help teams overlook a lackluster college career in hopes of banking on the unknown quantity of untapped potential.

But NFL rosters don’t solely consist of can’t-miss high school stars. Some of the league’s best players were under-appreciated teenagers who never earned the adoration of scouts or collegiate assistant coaches. There are several standouts who played their college ball in front of small or disinterested crowds before overcoming the odds and earning a spot in the pros. In fact, you could probably put together a pretty good all-star team filled with them.

Let’s do that. Let’s say you had to make a team of all the best NFL players who were enrolled from non-FBS colleges from 1978 onward — the year the NCAA split Division I into I-A and I-AA distinctions that would later become the FBS and FCS, respectively. How would it look? How many Hall of Famers would you find?

It turns out, a whole bunch. I padded out the depth chart with a handful of backups for the especially solid positions — settling with 22 players wasn’t an option thanks to the level of talent the NCAA’s lower levels have pumped into the league.

Here’s that slightly unbalanced but totally stacked roster of non-FBS programs.

QB: Kurt Warner, Northern Iowa Phil Simms, Morehead State

Warner’s Hall of Fame career was built on his ability to revive both the Rams and Cardinals en route to Super Bowl appearances at each stop. That journey began in Cedar Falls, Iowa, as a single-year starter for Northern Iowa, weaved through various low-level feeder leagues like the NFL Europe and Arena Football League, and eventually landed in St. Louis as a lottery ticket backup. This crooked path to greatness put him ahead of a host of other celebrated names among the least-lauded high school passers.

Simms gets tabbed for backup duty after a pair of NFL championships in a Giants career that seems downright quaint when stacked up against the high-powered offenses of the 2010s. Only seven times had passers ever thrown for 4,000+ yards in a season when he pulled off that feat (along with Neil Lomax and Dan Marino) in 1984. As of 2019, it’s been done 175 times.

Check out the list of also-rans:

Ken Anderson, Augustana

Steve McNair, Alcorn State

Tony Romo, Eastern Illinois

Rich Gannon, Delaware

Joe Flacco, Delaware (after starting at Pittsburgh)

Ron Jaworski, Youngstown State

Ken O’Brien, Cal-Davis

And that doesn’t even count 2019 starters like Jimmy Garoppolo or Carson Wentz. Good QBs can come from anywhere.

WR: Jerry Rice, Mississippi Valley State Terrell Owens, Tennessee-Chattanooga Andre Reed, Kutztown

Rice is the greatest NFL player to come out of the now-FCS, then I-AA after the 1978 split. One of the few receivers even in his orbit statistically is Owens, who managed to be a longtime game-changer both on and off the field. Reed, the third Hall of Famer in the bunch, was a force in the early 90s and part of the Bills’ fearsome offensive Cerberus alongside Jim Kelly and Thurman Thomas.

There are even a couple of stellar backups available. Jackson State’s Jimmy Smith had nine seasons in which he had more than 1,000 receiving yards, but he was largely underrated as he toiled away for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Alcorn State’s Donald Driver rose up from the seventh round of the 1999 NFL Draft to account for more than 10,000 receiving yards for the Packers.

RB: Terrell Davis, Long Beach State (kinda) Brian Westbrook, Villanova David Johnson, Northern Iowa

Tailback is one of the thinner positions culled from these ranks, but if we cheat a little we can still find a Hall of Fame veteran. Davis started his college career at Long Beach State, then wound up at Georgia after the school discontinued its football program. Otherwise, you’re looking at the ultra-versatile Westbrook to hold down the top spot on the depth chart.

Behind him is a useful receiving threat who can also churn out yardage on the ground, though Johnson’s spot on the team is dependent on proving he’s more than just a one-season wonder after failing to follow up on his breakout 2016 in Arizona.

FB: Larry Centers, Stephen F. Austin

Centers, who played from 1990 to 2003, was ahead of his time as a pass-catching dynamo out of the backfield who could also pick up blitzes in a pinch. If he came to the NFL two decades later, he’d be a perennial Pro Bowler. Instead, he only went three times, which is still pretty good.

TE: Shannon Sharpe, Savannah State Ben Coates, Livingstone

Two of the top pass catchers of the 90s each make the team, just in case we end up throwing a lot of 22-formation sets into the mix.

Sharpe, who spends his days in retirement waking up early to battle a purposefully contrarian Vandy grad, was the decade’s most dominant tight end — an athletic specimen who stretched defenses and chipped blockers despite suboptimal size. Coates was often the best thing about a woeful Patriots’ offense, serving as Drew Bledsoe’s No. 1 target in a pass-happy offense.

OL: Nate Newton, G/T, Florida A&M Matt Birk, C, Harvard Tom Newberry, G/C, UW-La Crosse Jahri Evans, T, Bloomsburg Larry Allen, G, Sonoma State Adam Timmerman, G, South Dakota State Tunch Ilkin, G/C/T, Indiana State

Protecting Warner and clearing a path for Westbrook is a heady brew of Hall of Famers and sturdy pros who range from the FCS to Division III. The headliner is Allen, who made six All-Pro teams while anchoring the Cowboys’ offensive line for 12 seasons and was athletic enough at 325 pounds to stop pick-sixes in progress. Behind him are a combination of players who can hold down multiple positions at an all-star level.

DE: Howie Long, Villanova Richard Dent, Tennessee State Michael Strahan, Texas Southern Jared Allen, Idaho State

There’s an embarrassment of riches when it comes to smaller-school pass rushers. I went four deep and still had to exclude Mark Gastineau (attended East Central University after Arizona State) and Lyle Alzado, whose alma mater — Yankton College — no longer exists.

Instead, you’ve got three Hall of Famers and Allen, who will likely join them once he’s eligible. Between them they’ve got 499 career sacks and the chops to completely terrorize opposing quarterbacks.

DT: John Randle, Texas A&M-Kingsville Clyde Simmons, Western Carolina Pat Williams, Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College

That pass-rushing punch only gets stronger with Randle leading things on the inside; the undersized tackle had nine seasons with 10+ sacks in his Hall of Fame career. He’s bolstered by an out-of-position Simmons, who moved inside late in his career but is best known for a 19-sack breakout season as an Eagles defensive end back in 1992.

If it’s thickness you crave, you can throw Williams into the lineup; the 317-pounder was a blocker-absorbing vacuum up front in 14 years as a pro.

LB: Karl Mecklenburg, Augustana Sam Mills, Montclair State London Fletcher, John Carroll Greg Lloyd, Fort Valley State

MORE BEEF. This lineup provides two run-stopping tackling machines in the middle and some extra power at the edge in Mecklenburg and Lloyd. The outside guys combined for more than 120 sacks, while Mills and Fletcher have nearly 3,300 career tackles between them.

And if you don’t like those guys, you could always sub in Bart Scott, Jessie Tuggle, Charles Haley, Mike Merriweather, Bryan Cox, or Jeremiah Trotter.

CB: Everson Walls, Grambling State Albert Lewis, Grambling State Aeneas Williams, Southern Darrell Green, Texas A&M-Kingsville

Cornerback is stocked with players who were very good for very long, including a pair of Eddie Robinson-coached bookends in Walls and Lewis, who have eight Pro Bowl selections together. They’re stuck in a rotational role behind Williams and Green, however — two Hall of Famers who played for a combined 34 seasons.

S: Eugene Robinson, Colgate Tyrone Braxton, North Dakota State Rodney Harrison, Western Illinois

There’s a lot of range and some big hits from our center fielders in this lineup. Robinson gave the league 16 solid years. Braxton was a versatile defensive back who could line up at either corner or safety and played a major role as Denver crashed through to glory in the late 90s. Harrison brought the lumber over a borderline Hall of Fame career with the Chargers and Patriots.

K: Adam Vinatieri, South Dakota State

Still going at age 46. Few kickers are surefire Hall of Famers, but Vinatieri’s one of them. He’s kicked 582 field goals so far in his career — most in league history and 141 more than the next closest active kicker. His 56 postseason field goals are the most the NFL’s ever seen by a double-digit margin.

P: Sean Landeta, Towson

A pretty good punter! Landeta stuck in the NFL for 21 seasons and was a three-time first team All-Pro. Like Simms, he won two Super Bowl rings with the Giants.

What if we had to make a starting 22 based on only active players? I’ve got some ideas there, too.

QB: Carson Wentz, North Dakota State

RB: David Johnson, Northern Iowa Jerick McKinnon, Georgia Southern Tarik Cohen, North Carolina A&T

FB: Kyle Juszczyk, Harvard

WR: Cooper Kupp, Eastern Washington Adam Thielen, Minnesota State Tyrell Williams, Western Oregon

TE: Delanie Walker, Central Missouri State Dallas Goedert, South Dakota State

OL: Terron Armstead, Arkansas-Pine Bluff J.C. Tretter, Cornell Julie’n Davenport, Bucknell Ryan Jensen, Colorado State-Pueblo Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, McGill (Canada) and, for depth, free agents Jermon Bushrod from Towson and Brandon Fusco from Slippery Rock

DE: Akiem Hicks, Regina (playing a bit out of position) Matt Judon, Grand Valley State Derek Rivers, Youngstown State

DT: Damon Harrison, William Penn Javon Hargrave, South Carolina State Brandon Williams, Missouri Southern

LB: Darius Leonard, South Carolina State Patrick Onwuasor, Portland State Samson Ebukam, Eastern Washington Todd Davis, Sacramento State

CB: Malcolm Butler, West Alabama Trumaine Johnson, Montana Josh Norman, Coastal Carolina Robert Alford, SE Louisiana

S: Jeff Heath, Saginaw Valley State Antoine Bethea, Howard

K: Adam Vinatieri, South Dakota State

P: Jordan Berry, Eastern Kentucky

You can find elite players from the NCAA’s smaller schools at every position in the league. Most of them can even be picked up on Day 3 of the NFL Draft or later. If you’re looking for underdogs just waiting for the opportunity to make good on Sundays, you can start looking toward the gridiron’s non-FBS programs on Saturdays first.

Francisco & Liesel's Gringo/Mexican Patio on Goldfinch Wedding

Francisco & Liesel's Gringo/Mexican Patio on Goldfinch Wedding

Of all the San Diego wedding DJs calling America’s finest city home, Liesel & Francisco chose me to DJ and MC their Patio on Goldfinch wedding on Sunday, 10-7-18. The following write-up is based on San Diego DJ Staci’s crazy organized & detailed outline for this restaurant wedding.

  THE  PATIO ON GOLDFINCH  WEDDING CEREMONY

Processional (walk in together) ➔ Piano Guys – Can Help Fallin in Love

Recessional ➔ “Signed Sealed & Delivered,” Stevie Wonder

  THE COCKTAIL HOUR & DINNER MUSIC

While San Diego DJ Staci offers couples pre-set cocktail & dinner playlists to choose from, Francisco & Liesel opted to hand-select their background music for their Patio on Goldfinch wedding.

Cocktail/Dinner Music ➔ Stevie Wonder – For Once In My Life, Elvis Presley – Can’t Help Falling in Love, James Taylor – How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You, Ben E King – Stand By Me, Louis Armstrong – La Vie en Rose, Nat King Cole – When I Fall In Love, Leon Bridges – Coming Home, The Temptations – My Girl, Jack Johnson – Better Together, Michel Bublé – Everything, Natalie Cole – This Will Be An Everlasting Love, Frank Sinatra – The Way You Look Tonight, Norah Jones – Come Away With Me, Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell – Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, Etta James – At Last, Sam Cooke – What A Wonderful World, The Righteous Brothers – Unchained Melody, Bobby Darin – Beyond The Sea, Nat King Cole – Unforgettable, Frank Sinatra – I’ve Got You Under My Skin, Etta James – A Sunday Kind of Love, Louis Armstrong – A Kiss To Build A Dream On, Andy Williams – Moon River, Los Panchos – Quizás, Quizás, Quizás, Los Panchos – Cien Años, Guantanamera – Celia Cruz, Leon Bridges, Spanish music of the same vibe

Welcome ➔ “Good evening! Welcome to Francisco & Liesels wedding reception!!! I am the Master of Ceremonies, DJ Staci. Please take your seats. Lets take a minute to acknowledge all of the out of town guests….raise your hand if you traveled here today from out of state? From out of the country?”

➔ First Dance ➔  “Mi Verdad,” Mana & Shakira ➔ fade early: ➔ “Now we welcome the newlyweds to the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife. This song talks about finding refuge in love in the midst of a harsh world.”

➔ Newlywed Brief Welcome/Thank You Speech➔ yes

➔ Toasts➔ whatever already drinking ➔  “Ladies & gentlemen, may I have your attention please for the toasts. Please welcome our first speaker:”

➔ Friends of the Bride, Lauren & Heidi

➔ Sister of the Groom, Celina

➔ Friends of the Bride, Mial & Kaitlin

➔ Sister of the Groom, Brenda

7:00 pm ➔ Meal Served: Buffet

➔ Shoe Game ➔ yes ➔

Group Photo on Dance Floor

➔ Open Dancing

9:55 PM➔ Last Dance

➔ Send-Off ➔ “You Are the Best Thing,” Ray LaMontagne

  (c) San Diego DJ Staci, the Track Star

  FRANCISCO & LIESEL’S DANCE MUSIC RECIPE

Dance Music Rating ➔ PG-13 early then few

Swears ➔ OK later

Priority During Dancing ➔ read the crowd, use my expertise, maximize dancing

Genres ➔ Top 40/Pop, 80s Pop/Rock/New Wave, 90s RB/Boy Bands/Pop, Oldies, 70s/Classic Rock, Motown/Funk, Electronic Dance Music, 2000s

50% English ➔ use my expertise

50% Spanish ➔ Cumbias, Salsa, Bachata, Merengue

♥ M U S T – P L A Y S ♥

1. I Got A Feeling – Black Eyed Peas, 2. Bailando Spanish Version feat. Descemer Bueno & Gente de Zona, 3. Shape Of You – Ed Sheeran, 4. Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond when BG present), 5. In The Mood – Glenn Miller, 6. Shut Up and Dance – Walk The Moon, 7. All Of Me – John Legend, 8. Living On A Prayer – Bon Jovi, 9. Perfect – Ed Sheeran, 10. Then – Brad Paisley

  (c) San Diego DJ Staci, the Track Star

  ♥ P L A Y     I F    Y O U    C A N ♥

Alegres de la Sierra – Mi Yaquesita, The Proclaimers- I’m Gonna Be 500 Miles, Gipsy Kings – Bamboleo, Smooth – Rob Thomas/Santana

♥ D O   N O T    P L A Y S ♥

Not much banda if any, EDM

  SAN DIEGO WEDDING VENDOR LIST

Here is the amazing team of San Diego wedding vendors I had the pleasure of working with on this Patio on Goldfinch wedding:

Venue Contact/Caterer ➔ Patio on Goldfinch Restaurant

DJ/MC/Lighting ➔ DJ Staci, the Track Star

Photographer ➔ Isaac Valencia

Officiant ➔ Dan & Israel (friends)

Cake Bakery ➔ Extraordinary Desserts

Florist ➔ Costco

Again, I was honored to be the one and only San Diego wedding DJ Liesel & Francisco trusted with their Patio on Goldfinch restaurant wedding. Thank you!

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  GIVE IT TO ME BABY

Kosovo 2-1 Czech Republic: Hosts complete stunning turnaround in Euro 2020 qualifier

Kosovo 2-1 Czech Republic: hosts complete stunning turnaround to become England's main rivals in Euro 2020 qualification group

Kosovo rose for the Czech Republic in the Euro 2020 race to reach

They emerged as a surprise package to become England's most important rivals

Return to Pristina extends over 15 unbeaten records

]

By Joe Bernstein for MailOnline

Published: 17:10 BST, 7 September 2019 | Updated: 17:39 BST, 7 September 2019

Kosovo will bring Europe & # 39; s longest undefeated run to England this week after a dramatic comeback victory in Prishtina.

Despite missing five players due to injuries and giving an early lead, the Balkan minnows have extended their unbeaten record to 15 games with goals from Fenerbahce & Vedat Muriqi and Mergim Vojvoda.

Kosovo, which declared independence in 2008 after years of conflict in former Yugoslavia, has an excellent opportunity to reach the European Championship next summer and warns this result Gareth Southgate for qualifying from Tuesday in Southampton.

Kosovo Vedat Muriqi celebrates scoring their first equalizer against the Czech Republic

Kosovo players celebrate at the end of the match while dejected players from the Czech Republic look at

[19459021NicknameTheDardaniansKosovo'slastlosscameagainstIcelandinOctober2017

Swiss manager Bernard Challandes chose English-based players Aro Muric, Bersant Celina and Florent Hadergjonaj, who had to fill in the left wing .

But it was the visitors who took the first blood after 16 minutes when Jakub Jantko fed Patrick Schick and the RB Leipzig finished cool in the bottom left corner.

Kosovo Mergim Vojvoda (center) celebrates after scoring the goal that turned out to be the winner in Pristina in the 67th minute

Goalkeeper Tomas Vaclik of the Czech Republic watches after conceding the conc an a goal during

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Patrick Schick had the predicted main group of England rivals led in Pristina

EQUAL FACTS

Kosovo (4-2-3-1): Muric, Vojvoda, Rrahmani, Aliti, Hadergjonaj, Voca, Halimi (Rashkaj 87), Zhegrova (Muslija 56), Celina, Rashani (Berisha 51), Muriqi.

Objectives: Muriqi 20, Vojvoda 66

Booked: Muriqi

Czech Republic (4 -2-3-1): Vaclik, Kaderabek, Celustka, Suchy, Boril, Darida, Soucek, Masopust (Dolezal 80), Kral (Husbauer 72), Jantko, Schick (Krmencik 61)

Purpose: Schick 16

Booked: Celustka, Masopust

Four minutes later a full house of 13,000 able to celebrate a Kosovar equalizer when Elbasan Rashidi rushed to the left and crossed to Muriqi to glide up close.

Full blown delirium followed after 66 minutes when substitute Valon Berisha of Lazio – his first game since then played February after a knee operation – sets up Vojvoda to shoot home a left-footed winner. Vojvoda plays his club football in Belgium with Standard Liège.

The Czechs, themselves fighting for a top two finish in the group, threw everything in Kosovo for an equalizer, but were thwarted by goal line clearance by Hadergjonaj and Fidan Aliti.

Manchester City goalkeeper Muric, currently on loan to Nottingham Forest, was also inspired to make a brilliant one-handed rescue of Schick and then reverse Martin Dolezal.

Kosovo Amir Rrahmani (left) bias for possession together with Patrik Schick of the Czech Republic (right) and Ondrej Celustka in the Euro 2020 qualification

Kosovo play rs gather for a team together for a busy home crowd for the game

Kosovo now top group for England controlling two games

Eight Czech fans were arrested in their cars on their way to the game after the police had a drone and a Serbian flag discovered that they had planned

Kosovo is still claimed by Serbia as part of their territory and refuses to recognize them as an independent nation

Although in 2016 Kosovo received official FIFA and UEFA status received, they are still blocked by r Russia to become a member of the United Nations. An estimated 20,000 lives were lost in Kosovo during the war in the late 1990s.

& # 39; It was a dream to defeat the Czech Republic – I just hope that playing England won't become a nightmare.

& # 39; We have some very good players, make no mistake. They cannot be superstar names. But everyone is ready to play for this team and fight for them. & # 39;

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An additional National football league draft

An additional National football league draft has ended. Who loaded their needs, that made a number of experienced bargains, and also whom veered off course? The actual Post's Indicate Maske marks your overall performance of each team more than 72 hrs and seven units of choices. Gambling: A- Examination: Your Broncos, viewed as inside the QB market, responded suitably whenever Bradley Chubb chop down for them at Absolutely no. A few overall. Partnering Chubb with Von Miller as being a pass-rushing energetic couple can slowly move the Denver protection back toward principal. Second-round WR Courtland Sutton and also the two third-rounders, RB Royce Freeman and Citizen band radios Isaac Yiadom, are designed for becoming strong contributors. The particular Broncos stay without a revered newbie QB to take around when Situation Keenum falters, but the group about Keenum may be enhanced. Buffalo grass Bills: B+ Examination: Your Bills' first-round trade-ups pertaining to QB Josh Allen and also Pound Tremaine Edmunds include chance. Allen features fantastic expertise however was just the 56 percent passer as being a school starter, and the pre-draft document regarding his / her racially bad feedback about Twitting as being a substantial schooler produced further worries as well as triggered the apology becoming from your pet. Edmunds is incredibly younger, with 19. Is actually they all set for that NFL? But these are guaranteeing gamers this also could end up very well for that Expenses. Third-round DT Harrison Phillips might bring about quickly. Ohio Sharks: B+ Analysis: The particular Fish transferred to be able to include a QB able to take above in the event that Jones Tannehill's go back does not get smoothly https://www.capssportinggoods.com/95-Michal-Kempny-Jersey. Nevertheless they does pretty well, specifically using first-round Azines Minkah Fitzpatrick as well as second-round Lo Robert Gesicki. Equally may be standouts. A possible problem together with Fitzpatrick is whether he would much better in cornerback or safety in the Football. Nyc Jets: B+ Evaluation: The actual Planes have been the particular beneficiaries whenever Mike Darnold, the QB that should probably have gone initial general, chop down for many years with Simply no. 3. That made the high cost : any group of three associated with second-rounders * of the blockbuster pre-draft have business dealings with the Colts to go way up a few places well worth it. The Water jets received the actual QB on this draft course that almost certainly has got the greatest possiblity to turn out to be excellent to fantastic. That will on your own helps make this specific draft successful for the children, whether or not the rest of what you would ended up being below overpowering. Baltimore Ravens: B+ Analysis: Ozzie Newsome's final write while General motors in the Ravens gone effectively. The actual Ravens exchanged lower twice inside the first spherical whilst still being acquired a great fit for their wrongdoing in Ght Hayden Hurst. Then they traded support in the opening up round and also arrived the QB of the future in Lamar Jackson. Getting Capital t Orlando, fl Brown from the 3 rd round would be a the best value. Newsome made it easier for your Ravens of their put money to get back into the 2010 nfl playoffs from a three-season deficiency. Gambling: N Examination: The Patriots don't industry up in the 1st rounded to acquire a QB for you to sooner or later substitute Jeff Brady. Rather, they will centered on supporting Brady using two opening-round choices on G/T Isaiah Wynn and RB The Michel. Both need to support, and Michel may be specifically effective as a substitute with regard to Dion Lewis. Second-round Clickbank Fight it out Dawson might be a donor pursuing the departure of Malcolm Retainer. Jacksonville Jaguars: W Evaluation: The particular Jaguars added to the strength simply by more improving their particular by now powerful protecting the front several with all the first-round range of DT Taven Bryan. In case he is able to find his generation to check the actual promise of his or her eye-catching athleticism, this may be an incredible variety. Third-round Ersus Ronnie Harrison furthermore might help the actual safeguard, as well as the Jaguars provided a number of much-needed pass-catching help to QB Blake Bortles using second-round WR Deb.T. Chark. Tennessee Titans: W Examination: There exists significantly to enjoy about it draft class with regard to The state of tennessee. The The big boys dedicated to their own protection and also assisted that drastically by subtracting Single pound Rashaan Evans in the 1st spherical along with pass rusher Harold Landry throughout Rounded Two. The catch is regardless of whether a young decide on really should have recently been utilized to tackle the actual bad line. Gambling: B- Examination: The Colts ended up with five picks in the first couple of times, an audio method by Game master Bob Ballard because he tries to restock a new talent-deficient lineup. Younger crowd had been cognizant of invest early-round means upon building up the particular offensive range to the go back of QB Phil Fortune. Getting G Quenton Nelson six all round had been the correct move. There is certainly reason for you to wonder, nevertheless, if your Colts created probably the most of their a number of second-rounders. San Diego Chargers: B- Examination: Getting S Derwin James with Zero. 19 all round was superb. He or she is a new difference-maker around the Chargers' security. It's cloudy if this class provides other immediate members however the Chargers addressed a major need from the internal of these protective range together with third-round DT Bieber Johnson. Gambling: B- Evaluation: It probably would be a bit of a stretch out for your Pittsburgh steelers to train on a first-round choose on Utes Terrell Edmunds. It absolutely was a nice story to have the Edmunds brothers equally consumed the opening circular (with an even better history in which Jones Shazier walked through the phase for you to broadcast the actual Steelers' choice), but couple of experienced viewed Edmunds as being a first-rounder. Acquiring QB Mason Rudolph in the 3rd rounded may have constructed because of it, nonetheless. Dan Roethlisberger's ultimate successor could be available. Cincinnati Bengals: H Examination: Cincinnati naturally desired to update their unpleasant series, having D Billy Price inside the opening up round following the pre-draft business regarding T Cordy Glenn which cost the particular Bengals eight areas within the first-round order. Fourth-round RB Level Walton could fill an instantaneous part as soon as the starting associated with Jeremy Mountain inside free of charge organization. Texas Texans: Chemical Analysis: The Texans have been non-participants before 3 rd spherical, thanks in part to be able to last springs buy and sell as much as acquire Deshaun Watson. That exercised just fine but it simply leaves this year's set up school just a little slim. The actual Texans had been lucky, though, so that you can obtain Ersus Justin Reid inside Circular Three. Cleveland Browns: C- Investigation: No one is declaring your Browns are certainly not much better. These are. They're significantly better respectable compared to what they were once this set up began. However is about taking advantage of the draft-pick sources. It's difficult to express that brand-new General motors John Dorsey, that learned a terrible staff however riches associated with draw up alternatives coming from his forerunners, did in which. Your Brown colours chose QB Chef Mayfield and Citizen band radios Denzel Keep together with the Nos T.J. Oshie 2018 Stanley Cup Final Jersey. One particular as well as 4 general options whenever they would have got Sam Darnold along with Bradley Chubb. The actual Darnold-Chubb blend might have been the greater way to go. At the very least the actual Brown colours went back and made a great second-round select in RB Nick Chubb. Kansas City Chiefs: C- Evaluation: The actual Chiefs were without having a first-round pick right after last year's buy and sell up for QB Tanker Mahomes. That they focused on their particular security, and their buy and sell around get second-round P Breeland Talks signs how the Chiefs think he's an opportunity to assist instantly Brooks Orpik 2018 Stanley Cup Final Jersey. Oakland Raiders: C- Evaluation: Instructor Jon Gruden already has been hectic shielding your Raiders' choices. Dealing with the unpleasant series wasn't an awful however it is not yet determined perhaps the Raiders' offensive-line techniques within this draw up will continue to work out. Getting T Kolton Cooper Fifteenth all round most likely has been too high pertaining to your ex. The particular Raiders' economical decide on probably has been DT Maurice Hurst inside Circular A few. New You are able to Giants: A- Examination: Using RB Saquon Barkley next all round can help the particular The big players to have the most from what's left involving QB Eli Manning's job. Barkley could be a Expert Bowler before long. But when Manning retires, the particular Titans may well think back and wish they might obtained Sam Darnold to replace your ex. Will taking Kyle Lauletta within Rounded Some qualify as investing in location any successor-in-waiting to be able to Manning? Perhaps, by incorporating ability evaluators trusting in which Lauletta may come to be a future beginner. Receiving Grams Will certainly Hernandez within the second spherical and cross rusher Lorenzo Billings within the 3 rd circular were reliable techniques. This kind of team potentially could help the Giants restore contender standing quickly. State of arizona Cardinals: A- Evaluation: Regardless of whether there have been, through Josh Rosen's ever-changing information, seven mistakes as well as about three mistakes created by your clubs creating ahead of Arizona ( az ), your Cardinals made an outstanding go on to business in the outlet round to obtain Rosen with Zero. 15. He's probably the most polished QB in this draft type and can control as the nice relatively rapidly if John Bradford as well as Mike Glennon are not the actual responses. Getting WR Orlando Kirk half way through the 2nd circular would be a the best value. Third-round D Mason Cole could help. Washington Redskins: B+ Investigation: The Redskins would properly. That they appeared focused on improving the midst of their own defensive series within the 1st round as well as took Da'Ron Payne soon after fellow DT Vita Vea went to Tampa. Utilizing a second-rounder in RB Derrius Guice has been validated despite the supposition concerning off-field troubles; there's been virtually no proof of that until now. Getting T Geron Religious in the next rounded had been good price. Packers: B+ Examination: The Green bay packers improved upon their own second considerably by letting CBs Jaire Alexander along with Josh Garcia within the first couple of rounds Chandler Stephenson 2018 Stanley Cup Final Jersey. Emerging with all the Saints' first-round choose the coming year would have been a main extra. A small problem is whether or not a lot more needs to have been recently carried out in earlier units to help the particular offense close to QB Aaron Rodgers. Detroit Contains: T Analysis: Chicago prepared their protective entrance 7 which has a sound first-round variety in LB Roquan Smith, an excellent and versatile opponent, and also made it easier for the questionable range along with second-rounder John Daniels, that could participate in guard as well as centre. Carolina Panthers: B Evaluation: It really is exciting the Panthers made Deborah.T. Moore, not necessarily Calvin Ridley, the very first WR taken in your draw up at Zero. All day and total. That is defensible, considering the fact that some specialists experienced Moore in spite of Ridley as well as a bit ahead of your ex, and it tackled a significant demand for Carolina offense. Centering on your extra from the 2nd and third rounds made feeling, particularly together with second-round Clickbank Donte Jackson. Atlanta Falcons: B Analysis: Acquiring WR Calvin Ridley from No. Twenty-six all round falls into the better-lucky-than-good classification. He or she is extremely effective as a receiving go with for you to other Al alum Julio Jones. Other Falcons' draft had not been all of that thrilling nonetheless they would tackle a number of aspects of require upon security. Gambling: B- Analysis: The particular Bucs' tactic ended up being audio, trading straight down in the 1st rounded prior to taking DT Vita Vea and after that emphasizing the second within Spherical Only two together with CBs M.M. Stewart and also Carlton Davis. Even so, some could have enjoyed to have witnessed Utes Derwin David, a potential difference-making playmaker from the extra, consumed following the first-round trade-down. Second-round RB Ronald Jackson should assist the crime following your launch of Doug Martin. Minnesota Vikings: Chemical Evaluation: The particular Vikings addressed wants together with first-round Db Paul Christie and also second-round Capital t Mark O'Neill. However after spending everything that funds on QB Kirk Counterparts within totally free company, perhaps Mn really should have granted Cousins an additional playmaker or even two about wrongdoing. San fran 49ers: D Examination: Your draft's 9th all round option has been a little higher for T Paul McGlinchey, nevertheless the 49ers clearly have been thinking about protecting the important expenditure they made earlier within the offseason by simply re-signing QB Jimmy Garoppolo. Second-round WR Dante Pettis may grow into a reliable contrasting recipient. Philadelphia Eagles: C- Investigation: Your Eagles traded out from the first rounded however were able to acquire TE Dallas Goedert within the second round. He'll fit in well. The actual Eagles were quick about early-round choices, to some extent because of the Carson Wentz business 2 yrs previously. They've got a business QB and a Super Serving trophy in order to console them. Houston Cowboys: C- Evaluation: The particular Boys experienced his or her choice of virtually any broad radio within the write in Absolutely no. Twenty general. However, even after merely releasing Dez Bryant, they will handed down around Calvin Ridley and also D.J. Moore to go with Pound Leighton Vander Esch. They must conserve the safeguard however, not receiving a wideout prior to the 3 rd circular will finish way up staying something the Cowboys feel dissapointed about. If Jer Witten without a doubt retires, an early-round Ght may also happen to be advisable, though Dalton Schultz were only available in Circular Several. Your Cowboys' best value pick could have been getting G-T Connor Williams in the 2nd rounded. Detroit Elephants: C- Evaluation: The actual Elephants made a far-from-glamorous first-round choose through Chemical Chad Ragnow however he need to aid. Obtaining Delaware Da'Shawn Turn in Spherical Some ended up being excellent worth. It is in question whether or not the Lions' trade as much as get RB Kerryon Velupe within the second circular ended up being validated. La Rams: C- Investigation: The particular Rams made their most significant goes earlier this offseason using big-name experienced persons, like the buy and sell with their first-round decide on with regard to WR Brandin At home cooks. They didn't possess a choice until the 3rd spherical and concentrated in the beginning upon introducing level to the offensive series. This approach isn't sustainable for very long but the Rams plainly are in win-now mode along with minor is going to be estimated instantly on this write course. Washington Seattle seahawks: C- Analysis: It can be great when Seattle wanted RB Rashaad Dollar, but the Seahawks almost certainly didn't require to use the No. 29 overall selection to acquire your ex. Your safeguard is within critical transition and the Seahawks failed to begin dealing with that prior to the third circular. Utilizing a fifth-round pick on Lb . Shaquem Griffin not only is really a feel-good history; it also might turn out to be a significant supplement. New Orleans Saints: D+ Examination: The particular Saints' set up class a year ago had been fantastic. These times, points didn't get too. Their own large trade-up from the initial rounded regarding Signifiant Marcus Davenport had been puzzling. Davenport very well becomes an effective pass rusher, even though he has to come up with a substantial leap on the American footbal from Texas-San Antonio. Nevertheless to give up subsequent years first-round pick within the business package to go upwards 12 areas to acquire Davenport ended up being interested, to say the least. They seem to believe they may be incorporating a final bit as well as a pair of to a title staff and so they are able to afford to mortgage loan a few of the future. They would better be proper. Davenport needs to be good, and they might much better remain in Very Dish rivalry.

New Post has been published on https://www.stl.news/cowboys-beat-playoff-bound-eagles-6-0/59119/

Cowboys beat playoff-bound Eagles 6-0

PHILADELPHIA/December 31, 2017  (AP)(STL.News) — Healthy? Yes. Sharp? Not quite. The Philadelphia Eagles are heading into the playoffs with no further injuries after playing it safe in a 6-0 loss to Dallas on Sunday.

Dak Prescott tossed a 20-yard touchdown pass to Brice Butler early in the fourth quarter and the Cowboys denied the Eagles a franchise-record 14th win.

The Eagles (13-3) rested several starters on a frigid day and played others briefly after securing the NFC’s No. 1 seed last week. They’ll have two weeks to work on a slumping offense before hosting a playoff game on Jan. 13 or 14.

“I’m not concerned,” coach Doug Pederson said. “I have confidence in our guys.”

Nick Foles struggled in one quarter, going 4 of 11 for 39 yards with one interception. Foles was excellent in his first start after Carson Wentz went down for the season, tossing four TD passes in a 34-29 win at the Giants on Dec. 17. But he has followed up with two poor performances.

“I feel great and I know what I can do,” Foles said. “I know the guys are confident in me. We expect to execute better. This wasn’t acceptable. We know how talented we can be. We can do special stuff.”

Second-year pro Nate Sudfeld replaced Foles and was 19 of 23 for 134 yards in his first career game. He was tackled inside the 5 after catching a lateral on a desperation play to end the game.

“Pretty solid for the most part in terms of efficiency and everything,” Sudfeld said. “But I felt there were some plays that we weren’t able to finish.”

The Cowboys (9-7) earned their second straight winning season for the first time since five in a row from 2005-09. That’s little consolation for Dallas, which was eliminated from playoff contention in Week 16. “I’m sad the season is over,” Ezekiel Elliott said. “I wish we were playing in the playoffs. I’m going to use that as fuel for next year.”

The Cowboys drove 99 yards for the first score. A holding penalty on Rasul Douglas on an incomplete pass on third down extended the drive and Prescott connected with Butler on a slant on third-and-7.

Dan Bailey hooked the extra point wide left, only his second career miss in 278 tries.

Bailey also missed a 23-yard field goal wide left with 13 seconds remaining.

Elliott ran for 103 yards, falling 17 short of 1,000 in only 10 games. He was the first player to reach 100 against the Eagles since Washington‘s Matt Jones ran for 135 yards in Week 6 last year.

The teams were 0 for 12 on third and fourth down before the Cowboys converted on third down late in the second quarter. The Eagles got their first third-down conversion midway through the third quarter. Sudfeld then ran 22 yards on another third down and the crowd roared.

Philadelphia’s best drive with Foles was the game opener. The Eagles drove to the Cowboys 39 before Torrey Smith dropped a pass on third-and-7. Foles was hurried and threw an incomplete pass on fourth down.

Foles underthrew Alshon Jeffery and was picked by Chidobe Awuzie at the Cowboys 48 on Philadelphia’s third possession. It was Awuzie’s first career interception. The offense went three-and-out on the first unit’s fourth and final series.

DEZ SAYS

“Wherever they want me to be,” Dez Bryant said when asked about his expected role for next year. “I just want to win. That’s all I care about.”

SCORELESS HALF

This was the first NFL game to be 0-0 at halftime since the Bears-Broncos in Week 14 of 2011. It was the first time in a Cowboys-Eagles game since the series began in 1960.

LAYERING UP

Eagles P Donnie Jones ran onto the field for a punt with his warmup pants still on and had to rip them off before the snap. He pinned the Cowboys inside the 5 with his punt and later placed one at the 1.

SID’S DEBUT

Eagles rookie CB Sidney Jones, a second-round pick, played his first game. Jones ruptured his Achilles tendon before the draft.

RESTING UP

Five of Philadelphia’s defensive starters — LB Nigel Bradham, DE Brandon Graham, DT Tim Jernigan, S Rodney McLeod, CB Jalen Mills — and one regular — DE Derek Barnett — were inactive. DT Fletcher Cox and S Malcolm Jenkins played one series. RB Jay Ajayi also was inactive.

INJURIES

Cowboys: Awuzie left the game with a shoulder injury.

Eagles: Graham (ankle) and Mills would’ve played if the game mattered.

UP NEXT

Eagles: A first-round bye followed by a home playoff game on Jan. 13 or 14.

By ROB MAADDI by Associated Press , published on STL.NEWS by St. Louis Media, LLC (US)

NFL Quarterbacks Are Leaning On The Short Pass — And It’s Not Working

Picture this common scene on a Sunday afternoon. Your team could really use a scoring drive to turn the tide. On a 3rd-and-10, before the quarterback is even pressured, he quickly throws a 2-yard pass, and the receiver is tackled a few yards later to bring up fourth down. The crowd grumbles, the offense casually jogs off the field and the punting unit comes on. Better luck next time.

Sure, once in a blue moon the offense may throw a bubble screen on 3rd-and-33 and end up with a 52-yard touchdown, like the Rams did with Robert Woods against the Giants in Week 9 this season. But that is the rarest of exceptions.

Generally, safe passes like that don’t accomplish much, and we have the data to back that up. How does that 2-yard pass on 3rd-and-10 work out? According to the ESPN Stats & Information Group, quarterback passes thrown no more than 2 yards beyond the line of scrimmage on third down with at least 10 yards to go have been converted only 10.9 percent of the time this season. On throws that travel at least 10 yards, quarterbacks have converted 38.6 percent of the time. So an offense can more than triple its conversion rate just by doing the most obvious thing when trying to move the chains: throwing the ball past the imaginary yellow line on your TV screen.

And yet despite this, NFL teams are leaning on the short pass more than ever. The same league that transformed into a passing league over the past 10 years is slowing morphing into something else: the dump-off league.

There are some risks with throwing deeper, of course, such as a higher interception rate. And in some special situations, getting a first down isn’t the primary goal of a drive, especially when facing third-and-long. Sometimes teams are just trying to get enough yards to make a field-goal attempt shorter. Or with a big lead in the second half, they’re hoping for an easy completion that will run some clock and gain field position.

But when an offense really needs to score points, playing it safe and throwing short of the sticks on third down is often the inferior strategy. We looked at the data from ESPN Stats & Info for passes on 3rd-and-10 or longer for Weeks 1 to 13. We divided the passes between those thrown short of the sticks and those thrown at or beyond the sticks:1

Short passes become punts

Key outcomes for passes on 3rd-and-10 or longer, Weeks 1-13

PASS THROWN ATTEMPTS COMP% YPA TD% INT% CONV. RATE Short of the sticks 672 73.2% 6.6 1.2% 2.4% 12.5% At or beyond the sticks 390 42.8 9.6 4.4 3.8 42.6

Source: ESPN Stats & Information Group

The completion rate for short throws is more than 30 percentage points higher than the rate for longer passes and yet the conversation rate is more than 30 points lower. This is not surprising because defenses are playing to prevent the first down and are willing to concede a fraction of the yardage. However, this positioning make it very difficult for a team to throw short and run after the catch to convert.

So far we have only talked about third downs, the crucial down for maintaining offensive success. However, analyzing aggressive and conservative passing on first and second down is also important. A bubble screen that loses a few yards to bring up 2nd-and-13 is also putting the offense in a position to fail.

Football Outsiders’ key efficiency metrics, including Defense-adjusted Value Over Average (explained here), are built around the concept of successful plays and are adjusted for factors like the down and distance. For instance, a 5-yard pass on 3rd-and-3 is more valuable than a 5-yard pass on 2nd-and-17. For a pass to be considered a successful play, it must gain at least 45 percent of the needed yards on first down, 60 percent on second down, and 100 percent on third and fourth. A completion that does not meet those standards is considered a failed completion. Joe Flacco of the Ravens set the failed completion record last season, with 144, and he leads all quarterbacks in 2017 with 95 through Week 13.

It’s not just Flacco. The ineffective dump-off is happening across the NFL. Leaguewide, 26.1 percent of all completions this season qualify as failed completions. That’s the highest rate for a season in the Football Outsiders database, which goes back to 1989, and if the 2017 rate stays at that level, it will break the current high bar set in 2015 (25.1 percent).

This is not to say that the short pass doesn’t have value in the NFL playbook or that every quarterback should begin slinging the ball 25 yards downfield each time he takes a snap. There is no one right way to run an NFL offense, and some teams have been able to use the short pass to devastating effect. To get a better sense of this, let’s look at which quarterbacks throw short most often using air yards stats.2

Football Outsiders has a stat called “Short%” to denote the percentage of attempts that a quarterback threw short of the minimum yards needed for a successful play, as defined above. So if 45 percent of needed yards are required on first downs, then anything shorter than a 5-yard throw on first-and-10 would be considered a short pass here. The league average for Short% in 2017 is 41.6 percent on first down, 45.5 percent on second down, and 42.5 percent on third down. It’s not until fourth down that most quarterbacks realize the importance of needing to convert with a big throw. Short% on fourth down is 26.2 percent (although that is only on a sample of 214 plays).

We looked at Short% on first, second and third downs for quarterbacks who have had a minimum of 200 dropbacks this season. For the 35 quarterbacks, we took the z-score (standard deviations above or below average) of each percentage and added them up, to make sure we were accurately capturing quarterbacks who threw short on all of their downs relative to the league. The quarterback with the largest summed z-score in the table below is the most conservative, as a higher percentage of his passes were short of being a successful play.

Which quarterbacks are the most conservative passers?

Which quarterbacks throw short of a “successful” pass distance the most relative to their peers (as measured by the z-scores — the standard deviations above/below the mean — of the Short%* for each down added together), minimum 200 dropbacks through Week 13 of the 2017 season

FIRST DOWN SECOND DOWN THIRD DOWN SHORT% Z-SCORE SHORT% Z-SCORE SHORT% Z-SCORE TOT. D. Brees (NO) 52% 1.38 54% 1.10 53% 1.39 3.87 J. Flacco (BAL) 48 0.79 55 1.28 51 1.12 3.19 C. Beathard (SF) 50 1.07 47 0.19 55 1.65 2.91 A. Smith (KC) 48 0.82 55 1.32 46 0.54 2.68 B. Hoyer (SF/NE) 45 0.42 55 1.27 49 0.90 2.59 J. Cutler (MIA) 42 0.02 51 0.66 56 1.77 2.45 B. Bortles (JAC) 50 1.12 48 0.35 48 0.70 2.17 B. Hundley (GB) 51 1.24 48 0.25 47 0.56 2.05 K. Cousins (WAS) 47 0.70 46 0.03 50 1.05 1.78 J. McCown (NYJ) 49 0.97 47 0.20 46 0.52 1.69 C. Keenum (MIN) 50 1.07 46 0.02 46 0.50 1.59 J. Brissett (IND) 46 0.48 53 1.03 42 -0.06 1.45 P. Rivers (LAC) 44 0.30 51 0.67 45 0.32 1.29 E. Manning (NYG) 43 0.12 55 1.34 40 -0.22 1.25 A. Rodgers (GB) 60 2.38 52 0.89 24 -2.28 0.99 A. Dalton (CIN) 39 -0.43 58 1.66 36 -0.76 0.46 D. Carr (OAK) 43 0.11 45 -0.12 45 0.33 0.32 M. Trubisky (CHI) 29 -1.64 53 1.01 49 0.90 0.28 T. Taylor (BUF) 38 -0.55 44 -0.23 45 0.42 -0.37 M. Stafford (DET) 40 -0.22 50 0.54 37 -0.70 -0.38 C. Newton (CAR) 50 1.07 38 -1.10 39 -0.37 -0.40 J. Goff (LAR) 40 -0.18 41 -0.69 44 0.26 -0.60 D. Kizer (CLE) 37 -0.68 42 -0.52 44 0.28 -0.91 T. Siemian (DEN) 34 -0.97 42 -0.59 46 0.50 -1.05 M. Ryan (ATL) 34 -0.97 45 -0.10 41 -0.09 -1.17 B. Roethlisberger (PIT) 47 0.68 38 -1.11 36 -0.75 -1.19 M. Mariota (TEN) 37 -0.64 46 0.04 33 -1.10 -1.70 C. Palmer (ARI) 29 -1.63 46 -0.03 40 -0.33 -1.98 T. Brady (NE) 36 -0.79 42 -0.54 34 -1.06 -2.40 R. Wilson (SEA) 36 -0.73 37 -1.27 38 -0.52 -2.52 T. Savage (HOU) 38 -0.47 42 -0.55 30 -1.57 -2.59 D. Prescott (DAL) 36 -0.81 32 -1.96 42 -0.05 -2.82 C. Wentz (PHI) 35 -0.92 39 -0.95 34 -1.06 -2.93 D. Watson (HOU) 30 -1.53 31 -2.13 40 -0.26 -3.92 J. Winston (TB) 30 -1.62 32 -1.95 22 -2.54 -6.10

Higher z-scores mean a quarterback throws short more often. *Short% is the share of passes that fall short of a successful play’s distance (at least 45 percent of the needed yards on first down, 60 percent on second down, and 100 percent on third)

Source: Football Outsiders

Some of the names at the top of the list are predictable, including Flacco and infamous short pass maestro Alex Smith. Jay Cutler has been very dink-and-dunk oriented with Adam Gase in Miami this season, while San Francisco’s first two quarterbacks this season (Brian Hoyer and C.J. Beathard) made the top five.

The real surprise here is the name at the very top: Drew Brees. Not only does he rank as the most conservative passer, but he has consistently stuck to this strategy no matter what the down is. To his credit, Brees has made it work — the Saints rank No. 1 in offensive DVOA and No. 6 in passing. Perhaps more accurately, the running backs are making this offense work. Through Week 13, rookie Alvin Kamara ranked as the best receiving running back while teammate Mark Ingram ranks as Football Outsiders’ top rusher. With two RBs capable of big gains on any play, it’s no surprise that Brees is throwing short early and often. We’ll see if this strategy can sustain itself — the Saints have failed to score 21 points in all four of their losses this season (each was to a playoff contender, including last night’s loss to Atlanta).

At the bottom, seven quarterbacks had a combined z-score below 2.0 standard deviations. That includes the trio of favorites for the MVP race in Tom Brady, Russell Wilson and Carson Wentz, whose aggressive styles this year have been a positive for their offenses. Similar things could have been said about Deshaun Watson before Houston’s standout rookie tore his ACL.

But being aggressive is not a magic formula for success as the list plainly shows. Watson’s backup, Tom Savage, has tried to emulate Watson’s aggressive style, but without anywhere near the same success. Likewise, Jameis Winston of the Buccaneers is routinely one of the leaders in air yards per attempt, but his lack of consistency remains a problem for Tampa Bay. In Dallas, Dak Prescott is throwing aggressively, but his receivers are getting the fewest yards per carry after the catch in the league.

Like with any stat, Short% is only one piece of the puzzle, and every quarterback has his own set of circumstances. As we see with Brees, a quarterback can get away with passive play if he’s extremely efficient and the team is still winning.

Few quarterbacks have this type of arsenal or this type of ability, so they would be better served trusting the numbers and resisting the easy dump-off.

Check out our latest NFL predictions.

from News About Sports https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/nfl-quarterbacks-are-leaning-on-the-short-pass-and-its-not-working/

What’s Hot South Florida May 25 – May 29

And the winner of the Miss Unite 2017 pageant is… Kalah Mendoza!

The new queen took the title last Monday when Abey Alfasi held his second annual Miss Unite F.I. Pageant at the world-famous Boardwalk in Fort Lauderdale. Five contestants competed in the pageant, which is the official preliminary to Miss Florida F.I. 2017.

The second runner-up was Kataleya Davenport, while the first runner-up title went to April Chanel.

All three finalists received sponsorships allowing them to move on to the Miss Florida F.I. Pageant to compete on the national stage. Congrats to Abey and his entire staff on a fabulous pageant! On Tuesday, I started my night at Extreme Action Park in Oakland Park in their Classic Car Exhibit where the GFLGLCC hosted their monthly mixer. For those of you who haven’t been yet, this is such a fun place! Check it out! Afterwards, I went over to Rumors for their monthly charity bingo, which this month benefited the Animal Rescue Fund. As usual, the hostess was the lovely Amanda Austin and her special guest was Alandra Matthews.

On Wednesday night, the night started out at a beautiful home on Las Olas as Equality Florida held their Broward Connections Mixer and talked about the latest political actions going on in Tallahassee. Afterwards, I headed down to Miami as the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force held their 2017 Gala Kick Off Party at AC Hotels on the beach. While there I got to see my brother from another mother (he is really my sista, but he hates when I say that), Josue Santiago, who is the chair of the 2017 Gala. On Thursday, SAVE! held a Broward County Champions of Equality Recruitment event at Mind Your Manors on Wilton Drive. Tony Lima, executive director, created this event to get more Broward folks involved in their Champions of Equality Gala. As someone who has been many times, I highly encourage it. Afterwards, I headed over to Matty’s Wilton Park to see the one and only Lady Bunny perform, like only she can. As usual, she delighted the crowd and you fully understand why she has lasted in this business for over 30 years! On Friday evening, Southern Nights Fort Lauderdale hosted a NeighBEARhood Takeover Party with a Wet Underwear Contest where winners and placers got passes to One Magical Weekend events. The winner was Hotspots’ own cover model (three weeks ago) and star of Happy Endings at the Empire Stage, Matthew Pappadia. On Saturday evening we started the night at Georgie’s Alibi/Monkey Bar for their monthly Beast, Fetish & Gear Party. This month, they featured DJ Erich Ensastigue of Pure Jaus Records who rocked the house. Beast is always the third Saturday of the month, so stay tuned for next month’s event! Afterwards, the gang and I went over to The Manor to celebrate the 19th anniversary of Noche Latina Florida, at Noche Latina Saturdays. The anniversary, whose theme was Noche Erotica, was packed in the dance room and the patio and featured the bartenders in fetish gear, sexy Go-Go Papis in outfits I dream about, fabulous drag performances (including two from the current reigning Miss Noche Latina, Angie Ovahness, that had the crowds screaming), an adult video star performance, and sensational music by resident DJ Larry Larr. Congrats to the entire staff of Noche Latina Florida. Hotspots wishes them many more years of success.

On Sunday, I headed to Miami for the annual Aqua Girl Boy Party. This year they partnered with Impulse Group to present Evolution Party at the National Hotel, which featured a trifecta of DJ Talent (AJ Reddy, Citizen Jane and Dan Slater).

Thursday, May 25

Wilton Manors Business Association presents its May luncheon at Bona Italian Restaurant & Pizza (2468 Wilton Drive) from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bona has arranged special entrées and pricing just for the WMBA. For more information go to wiltonmanorsbusinessassociation.com.

Starting today and going through the 31, the Pride Factory presents 30% off all regular priced swimwear. This is a perfect opportunity to stock up for Summer!

Friday, May 26

From today until June 4, thousands of participants, spectators and leaders from around the globe will converge on Miami for World OutGames IV. This 10-day event will bring to life more than 450 events across three areas: Sport, Culture and Human Rights. World OutGames Miami will challenge you physically, stimulate you intellectually and enliven you emotionally. Be part of it all, and leave transformed for the better – in your mind, your body and your heart. World OutGames Miami is licensed by GLISA – the Gay and Lesbian International Sport Association. For more info go to OutGames.org

The inaugural Spring Art Festival starts today and goes through May 28 at Danieli ArtWorld Galler, 925 N.Railroad Ave., West Palm Beach. The weekend will include a special viewing of the Daniel Bouaziz Collection, a VIP reception, and formal Viennese gala. For more information and images please contact [email protected] Boardwalk presents adult film star Eddy CeeTee live and on stage tonight, Saturday and Sunday with two shows each night at 11:30 p.m. and 1 a.m.

Saturday, May 27

Joe Whitaker presents Fort Lauderdale DILF Commando party at Hunters Nightclub starring DJ Chomper from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. This is a dog tag/jock party and features a clothes check.

Georgie’s Alibi/Monkey Bar presents DJ Latrice Perry on the turntables from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.

Score welcomes the attendees of the World OutGames Miami 2017 with an Opening Night Party featuring DJ/Producer Alex Lo from 11 p.m. to 5am.

The Ramrod presents DJ Herbie James from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.

The Manor Complex, gives South Florida two parties that are official White Fort Lauderdale events. In the Ballroom they present “Confessions” starring festival Star/Remix Producer DJ Tony Moran. In the Ivy Dance Room and Patio, Noche Latina Saturdays presents “Pecadores” starring Champagne Bordeaux, Taina Norell, resident DJ Larry Larr and sexy Latin Go-Go papis. Saturdays at the Manor Complex are from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. and feature no cover before midnight and only $7 after midnight for members and $10 for non-members ($12 for 18-20 years old)

Sunday, May 28

Gary Santis presents the 19th annual White Fort Lauderdale event taking place at the Manor Complex. The night will star, direct from RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, Alyssa Edwards and celebrity DJ Tracy Young. This is an 18-and-over event. Tickets can be purchased at ShowClix.com/Event/White2017. For VIP room admission, which includes bottle service and the first to meet Alyssa, call 954-557-4279.

Rumors presents their 2nd Drag Brunch with DJ Daniel Kristopherre and two shows: the first is 12-2 and the second is 2-4 starring Alandra Matthews, Skye Beckett, and guests.

Scandals Saloon presents their monthly Lady Fancy’s Gospel Jubilee at 6 p.m. which is a joyful celebration of Southern Gospel Music.

Georgie’s Alibi/Monkey Bar premieres a new party today called Crazy Daisy P-Town Tea Dance starring Daisy Deadpetals and VJ Barry Browder at 6 p.m. featuring drag, go-go’s, contests and give-a-ways. Later on, Misty Eyes’ Trannie Palace starts at 11:30 p.m. with a Memorial Day Beach Party theme.

Monday, May 29

JMV Productions presents Southern Jewel All American Goddess at 9 p.m. at the Boardwalk. This is an official preliminary to All American Goddess 2017 and will star Alexis Mateo, All American Goddess 2016, as well as Jose Vega, AA Gent 2016, Rolly Villaverde, Mr. EOY 2016, Alyson Thomas, Miss Metropolitan Icon Cont Elite 2017, Efrain Reyes, Mr. Carolina Continental 2017, Poizon Ivy, Xander Child Valentino, Mr. Pride of America 2017, and Aries M. Kelly, National Showman 2017.  The pageant, which is hosted by Sasha Sommers, will be judged on Interview, Creative Costume, Evening Gown, Talent and Q&A. Contact Jose of Joey Cass for more info at 908-230-4813.

This is HOT

Katy Perry’s new album, Witness (Capitol Records), which will be available for purchase on June 9, is an extensive arena tour. With Witness, Katy reflects on the changes in her own life and in the world around her, delivering songs that both challenge and inspire. The singles released thus far: the Platinum-certified “Chained to the Rhythm” featuring Skip Marley and the follow-up single, “Bon Appétit”, featuring Migos, hint at the breadth of the musical and thematic elements found on Witness. Each ticket purchase for WITNESS: The Tour also includes a copy of her album, Witness. The North American leg of WITNESS: The Tour, produced by AEG Presents, will kick off on September 7 and will hit Miami at the American Airlines Arena on December 20.

Katy will be partnering with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to donate tickets to club members and volunteers. Additionally, fans can earn free tickets by joining Global Citizen and taking action to support Boys & Girls Clubs of America. $1 per every ticket sold will also be donated to Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Tickets for the U.S. dates go on sale to the general public on Monday May 22, at 10 a.m. with the Canadian dates on sale May 26. All U.S. concerts on WITNESS: The Tour are presented by Xfinity. The album will be available nationwide and prices vary. To see the dates or find out any information on Katy visit katyperry.com.

from Hotspots! Magazine https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2017/05/24/whats-hot-south-florida-may-25-may-29/ from Hot Spots Magazine https://hotspotsmagazine.tumblr.com/post/161022657905

5 top-10 teams travel as big favorites in Week 4. Odds say at least 1 is gonna lose.

There’s only a 35 percent chance they all survive unbeaten. Now to try and figure out which one is going down.

Week 4 of the college football season basically features three big games:

No. 16 TCU at No. 6 Oklahoma State,

No. 17 Mississippi State at No. 11 Georgia,

and A Top-10 Upset to Be Named Later.

In that last group, five top-10 teams hit the road as solid but not quite definitive favorites against rising foes, four of which are unbeaten.

Someone’s going to lose. That’s what the odds say. Good luck figuring out whom.

First, the S&P+ projections, which have also picked the rest of the weekend:

Alabama at Vandy: Bama by 20.1 (88 percent win probability)

Michigan at Purdue: Michigan by 17.7 (85 percent)

USC at Cal: USC by 14.8 (80 percent)

Penn State at Iowa: PSU by 14.1 (79 percent)

Washington at Colorado: Washington by 11.6 (75 percent)

(No. 3 Oklahoma heads to Baylor as well, but with the Bears stumbling down an endless flight of stairs and the Sooners a 27.5-point favorite, we’ll ignore this one.)

Each of the five teams has at least a three-in-four chance of winning, and all are comfortable favorites for a reason.

But these odds would tell you that there’s only about a 35 percent chance that all five teams win. Hell, those odds are just a little bit higher than the chances of at least two of these teams losing (24 percent).

I’m far too much of a hedger to pick a STONE COLD LOCK of an upset from this group, but we should prepare for the distinct possibility of at least one CFP-shaking upset.

Let’s take a look at each of the five games and look at the most likely upset path for each of the underdogs. If or when an upset happens, here’s how each is most likely to take place.

Alabama at Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt’s most relevant advantage: passing downs

Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Jalen Hurts in what was probably supposed to be a pass play

So far in 2017, the average success rate on passing downs (second-and-8 or more, third-and-5 or more, fourth-and-5 or more) in FBS is 30.5 percent. Alabama hit 33 percent against Colorado State, 25 percent against Fresno State, and only 5 percent against Florida State.

Vanderbilt allowed a 10 percent passing-downs success rate to Middle Tennessee, 11 percent to Alabama A&M, and 15 percent to a ranked Kansas State. The Commodores are allowing a 45 percent completion rate overall and have allowed only one pass of 30-plus yards in three games.

It seems like this could be a big deal, yes? Alabama’s passing game is: Jalen Hurts looks for Calvin Ridley, then takes off running. There is no No. 2 receiver. Whatever the Alabama passing game might become with a crop of exciting freshman wideouts, it hasn’t yet.

How an upset happens

If Vandy can slow down the Alabama run game and keep Hurts (and backup Tua Tagovailoa, who has seen action in each of the last two games) in awkward downs and distances, the Dores should be able to keep this a low-scoring slog.

That’s comfortable territory. In Derek Mason’s three-plus years, VU has played in 16 games in which teams combined for fewer than 40 points. Granted, they’ve only won five of them, but in a slog, you only need a happy bounce or two to pull an upset.

Penn State at Iowa

Iowa’s most relevant advantage: neutralizing the pass rush

Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Nate Stanley has had clean pockets so far

In three games, Iowa’s Nathan Stanley has not yet been sacked on a passing down. And after a slow start in the Hawkeyes’ opener against Wyoming, Stanley has completed 17 of 28 passes for 271 yards on such downs.

The Hawkeyes’ run game hasn’t been nearly as good as I anticipated — Akrum Wadley and Nevada transfer James Butler have combined to average just 4.3 yards per carry — but they’ve made up for it with a passing game that has been a step ahead of expectation.

Though Penn State’s defense has been mostly dominant against Akron, Pitt, and Georgia State — 13th in passing downs success rate, second in passing downs explosiveness (IsoPPP) — the pass rush has been only average. There’s no immediate reason to expect that to change in Iowa City.

How an upset happens

The biggest change for Penn State in 2017 is that the hunter has become the hunted. The Nittany Lions have to play on the road against four pretty good teams — Iowa, Ohio State, Michigan State, and Maryland — that they beat on the way to the Big Ten title last year.

For Iowa to get revenge, it will require extreme ball control. The Nittany Lions have shown almost no weaknesses thus far, but Iowa is easily the sturdiest opponent yet. If the Hawkeyes can avoid negative plays and convert third-and-7s, they can keep the explosive PSU offense off the field, define the terms of the game, and give themselves a clear shot at a late win in front of America’s favorite home crowd.

USC at Cal

Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

Patrick Laird has been explosive so far

Cal’s most relevant advantage: Big plays

That USC has had to survive a couple of early scares might not be a bad thing long-term. The Trojans waited until the fourth quarter to pull away against WMU, and Texas took them to overtime in the Coliseum last week, and while part of this was due to bad bounces — they have suffered an incredible 7.6 points per game of bad turnovers luck thus far — they have also had to deal with glitches.

USC has given up 14 gains of 20-plus yards (88th in FBS) and ranks 94th in IsoPPP and 114th in rushing IsoPPP.

Cal has made 15 plays of 20-plus yards (41st) and ranks 35th in IsoPPP and 33rd in rushing IsoPPP. The Golden Bears have forced even more turnovers (nine) than the Trojans have committed (six).

How an upset happens

If glitches remain an issue for the Trojans, Cal appears more than capable of taking advantage. Golden Bear running backs Patrick Laird (7.5 yards per carry in 2017) and Vic Enwere (5.8 against Ole Miss last week) could find some open-field opportunities.

Take those rushes to the house, mix in a happy turnover margin, and you’ve got yourself one hell of an upset opportunity.

Washington at Colorado

Colorado’s most relevant advantage: Standard-downs efficiency

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Steven Montez has torched iffy defenses

If your only impression of Washington this year is that lackluster, 30-16 win over Rutgers, you probably got the impression of a team that was still fine defensively but might be suffering a 2016 hangover on offense.

Since then, it’s been the opposite. The Huskies outscored Montana and Fresno State by a combined 111-23, gaining 926 yards in just 123 snaps; they rank sixth overall in success rate and 13th in IsoPPP.

Their defense, however, has been a little too bend-don’t-break. The Husky defense ranks just 81st in standard-downs success rate and 47th in passing success rate. They’re closing out drives when they get the chance, but they’re taking their sweet time creating those chances.

Colorado’s offense isn’t in fifth gear yet, but Steven Montez is completing 68 percent of his passes, and the Buffs rank 37th in passing success rate. In wins over Texas State and Northern Colorado, he completed 30 of 37 standard downs passes for 426 yards.

How an upset happens

If UW’s defense remains reactive, that could offer Montez and the Buffs an opportunity to get a step ahead in the play-calling department. They’ll have to create a little room for running back Phillip Lindsay — something they couldn’t do in last season’s 41-10 loss to UW in the Pac-12 title game — but the passing game will be they key to ball control and a CU win.

Oh yeah, and CU will have to finish drives in the end zone. That’s been an issue for both the Buffs (112th in finishing drives) and Husky opponents (13th).

Michigan at Purdue

Purdue’s most relevant advantage: Forcing passing downs

Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images

Michigan’s top three RBs have gained five or more yards on just 34 percent of their carries

For what is an otherwise excellent team, Michigan has been incomprehensibly bad on first down this year.

Michigan has snapped the ball 88 times on first down. The Wolverines are averaging a not-completely-awful 5.3 yards per play, but of their 464 total yards gained, 211 have come on five plays. They have gained one yard or fewer 43 times. Success rate: 33 percent — 27 percent rushing and a much healthier 46 percent passing.

It gets even worse when the Wolverines generate scoring chances. Yards per play on first downs in the red zone: 1.1. They’ve gained zero or fewer yards in eight of 12 instances.

Michigan’s offense currently ranks 114th in standard-downs success rate. Purdue’s defense: 13th.

Finding yourself in constant second-and-9s or third-and-8s, in front of a Ross-Ade Stadium with more energy than it’s had in years, sounds like a less-than-perfect proposition.

How an upset happens

When Purdue has the ball, you’ll be watching one of the more intriguing tactical battles of the year.

Michigan’s defense, led by Don Brown, is spectacular at disguising its intentions and sending five-star athletes at flat-footed opponents.

Meanwhile, Purdue head coach Jeff Brohm has quickly proved that the same things that worked so brilliantly at WKU can work in West Lafayette.

The game will probably be decided, however, when Michigan has the ball. If Purdue is able to at least stay neutral in field position (Michigan three-and-outs would help a lot) and hold the Wolverines to field goals when scoring opportunities arise, the Boilermakers could be in this until the end.

What’s Hot South Florida May 25 – May 29

And the winner of the Miss Unite 2017 pageant is… Kalah Mendoza!

The new queen took the title last Monday when Abey Alfasi held his second annual Miss Unite F.I. Pageant at the world-famous Boardwalk in Fort Lauderdale. Five contestants competed in the pageant, which is the official preliminary to Miss Florida F.I. 2017.

 The second runner-up was Kataleya Davenport, while the first runner-up title went to April Chanel.

 All three finalists received sponsorships allowing them to move on to the Miss Florida F.I. Pageant to compete on the national stage. Congrats to Abey and his entire staff on a fabulous pageant! On Tuesday, I started my night at Extreme Action Park in Oakland Park in their Classic Car Exhibit where the GFLGLCC hosted their monthly mixer. For those of you who haven’t been yet, this is such a fun place! Check it out! Afterwards, I went over to Rumors for their monthly charity bingo, which this month benefited the Animal Rescue Fund. As usual, the hostess was the lovely Amanda Austin and her special guest was Alandra Matthews.

 On Wednesday night, the night started out at a beautiful home on Las Olas as Equality Florida held their Broward Connections Mixer and talked about the latest political actions going on in Tallahassee. Afterwards, I headed down to Miami as the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force held their 2017 Gala Kick Off Party at AC Hotels on the beach. While there I got to see my brother from another mother (he is really my sista, but he hates when I say that), Josue Santiago, who is the chair of the 2017 Gala. On Thursday, SAVE! held a Broward County Champions of Equality Recruitment event at Mind Your Manors on Wilton Drive. Tony Lima, executive director, created this event to get more Broward folks involved in their Champions of Equality Gala. As someone who has been many times, I highly encourage it. Afterwards, I headed over to Matty’s Wilton Park to see the one and only Lady Bunny perform, like only she can. As usual, she delighted the crowd and you fully understand why she has lasted in this business for over 30 years! On Friday evening, Southern Nights Fort Lauderdale hosted a NeighBEARhood Takeover Party with a Wet Underwear Contest where winners and placers got passes to One Magical Weekend events. The winner was Hotspots’ own cover model (three weeks ago) and star of Happy Endings at the Empire Stage, Matthew Pappadia. On Saturday evening we started the night at Georgie’s Alibi/Monkey Bar for their monthly Beast, Fetish & Gear Party. This month, they featured DJ Erich Ensastigue of Pure Jaus Records who rocked the house. Beast is always the third Saturday of the month, so stay tuned for next month’s event! Afterwards, the gang and I went over to The Manor to celebrate the 19th anniversary of Noche Latina Florida, at Noche Latina Saturdays. The anniversary, whose theme was Noche Erotica, was packed in the dance room and the patio and featured the bartenders in fetish gear, sexy Go-Go Papis in outfits I dream about, fabulous drag performances (including two from the current reigning Miss Noche Latina, Angie Ovahness, that had the crowds screaming), an adult video star performance, and sensational music by resident DJ Larry Larr. Congrats to the entire staff of Noche Latina Florida. Hotspots wishes them many more years of success.

On Sunday, I headed to Miami for the annual Aqua Girl Boy Party. This year they partnered with Impulse Group to present Evolution Party at the National Hotel, which featured a trifecta of DJ Talent (AJ Reddy, Citizen Jane and Dan Slater).

Thursday, May 25

Wilton Manors Business Association presents its May luncheon at Bona Italian Restaurant & Pizza (2468 Wilton Drive) from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bona has arranged special entrées and pricing just for the WMBA. For more information go to wiltonmanorsbusinessassociation.com.

Starting today and going through the 31, the Pride Factory presents 30% off all regular priced swimwear. This is a perfect opportunity to stock up for Summer!

Friday, May 26

From today until June 4, thousands of participants, spectators and leaders from around the globe will converge on Miami for World OutGames IV. This 10-day event will bring to life more than 450 events across three areas: Sport, Culture and Human Rights. World OutGames Miami will challenge you physically, stimulate you intellectually and enliven you emotionally. Be part of it all, and leave transformed for the better – in your mind, your body and your heart. World OutGames Miami is licensed by GLISA – the Gay and Lesbian International Sport Association. For more info go to OutGames.org

The inaugural Spring Art Festival starts today and goes through May 28 at Danieli ArtWorld Galler, 925 N.Railroad Ave., West Palm Beach. The weekend will include a special viewing of the Daniel Bouaziz Collection, a VIP reception, and formal Viennese gala. For more information and images please contact [email protected] Boardwalk presents adult film star Eddy CeeTee live and on stage tonight, Saturday and Sunday with two shows each night at 11:30 p.m. and 1 a.m.

Saturday, May 27

Joe Whitaker presents Fort Lauderdale DILF Commando party at Hunters Nightclub starring DJ Chomper from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. This is a dog tag/jock party and features a clothes check.

Georgie’s Alibi/Monkey Bar presents DJ Latrice Perry on the turntables from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.

Score welcomes the attendees of the World OutGames Miami 2017 with an Opening Night Party featuring DJ/Producer Alex Lo from 11 p.m. to 5am.

The Ramrod presents DJ Herbie James from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.

The Manor Complex, gives South Florida two parties that are official White Fort Lauderdale events. In the Ballroom they present “Confessions” starring festival Star/Remix Producer DJ Tony Moran. In the Ivy Dance Room and Patio, Noche Latina Saturdays presents “Pecadores” starring Champagne Bordeaux, Taina Norell, resident DJ Larry Larr and sexy Latin Go-Go papis. Saturdays at the Manor Complex are from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. and feature no cover before midnight and only $7 after midnight for members and $10 for non-members ($12 for 18-20 years old)

Sunday, May 28

Gary Santis presents the 19th annual White Fort Lauderdale event taking place at the Manor Complex. The night will star, direct from RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, Alyssa Edwards and celebrity DJ Tracy Young. This is an 18-and-over event. Tickets can be purchased at ShowClix.com/Event/White2017. For VIP room admission, which includes bottle service and the first to meet Alyssa, call 954-557-4279.

Rumors presents their 2nd Drag Brunch with DJ Daniel Kristopherre and two shows: the first is 12-2 and the second is 2-4 starring Alandra Matthews, Skye Beckett, and guests.

Scandals Saloon presents their monthly Lady Fancy’s Gospel Jubilee at 6 p.m. which is a joyful celebration of Southern Gospel Music.

Georgie’s Alibi/Monkey Bar premieres a new party today called Crazy Daisy P-Town Tea Dance starring Daisy Deadpetals and VJ Barry Browder at 6 p.m. featuring drag, go-go’s, contests and give-a-ways. Later on, Misty Eyes’ Trannie Palace starts at 11:30 p.m. with a Memorial Day Beach Party theme.

Monday, May 29

JMV Productions presents Southern Jewel All American Goddess at 9 p.m. at the Boardwalk. This is an official preliminary to All American Goddess 2017 and will star Alexis Mateo, All American Goddess 2016, as well as Jose Vega, AA Gent 2016, Rolly Villaverde, Mr. EOY 2016, Alyson Thomas, Miss Metropolitan Icon Cont Elite 2017, Efrain Reyes, Mr. Carolina Continental 2017, Poizon Ivy, Xander Child Valentino, Mr. Pride of America 2017, and Aries M. Kelly, National Showman 2017.  The pageant, which is hosted by Sasha Sommers, will be judged on Interview, Creative Costume, Evening Gown, Talent and Q&A. Contact Jose of Joey Cass for more info at 908-230-4813.

This is HOT

Katy Perry’s new album, Witness (Capitol Records), which will be available for purchase on June 9, is an extensive arena tour. With Witness, Katy reflects on the changes in her own life and in the world around her, delivering songs that both challenge and inspire. The singles released thus far: the Platinum-certified “Chained to the Rhythm” featuring Skip Marley and the follow-up single, “Bon Appétit”, featuring Migos, hint at the breadth of the musical and thematic elements found on Witness. Each ticket purchase for WITNESS: The Tour also includes a copy of her album, Witness. The North American leg of WITNESS: The Tour, produced by AEG Presents, will kick off on September 7 and will hit Miami at the American Airlines Arena on December 20.

 Katy will be partnering with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to donate tickets to club members and volunteers. Additionally, fans can earn free tickets by joining Global Citizen and taking action to support Boys & Girls Clubs of America. $1 per every ticket sold will also be donated to Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

 Tickets for the U.S. dates go on sale to the general public on Monday May 22, at 10 a.m. with the Canadian dates on sale May 26. All U.S. concerts on WITNESS: The Tour are presented by Xfinity. The album will be available nationwide and prices vary. To see the dates or find out any information on Katy visit katyperry.com.

source https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2017/05/24/whats-hot-south-florida-may-25-may-29/ from Hot Spots Magazine http://hotspotsmagazin.blogspot.com/2017/05/whats-hot-south-florida-may-25-may-29.html

What’s Hot South Florida May 25 – May 29

And the winner of the Miss Unite 2017 pageant is… Kalah Mendoza!

The new queen took the title last Monday when Abey Alfasi held his second annual Miss Unite F.I. Pageant at the world-famous Boardwalk in Fort Lauderdale. Five contestants competed in the pageant, which is the official preliminary to Miss Florida F.I. 2017.

  The second runner-up was Kataleya Davenport, while the first runner-up title went to April Chanel.

  All three finalists received sponsorships allowing them to move on to the Miss Florida F.I. Pageant to compete on the national stage. Congrats to Abey and his entire staff on a fabulous pageant! On Tuesday, I started my night at Extreme Action Park in Oakland Park in their Classic Car Exhibit where the GFLGLCC hosted their monthly mixer. For those of you who haven’t been yet, this is such a fun place! Check it out! Afterwards, I went over to Rumors for their monthly charity bingo, which this month benefited the Animal Rescue Fund. As usual, the hostess was the lovely Amanda Austin and her special guest was Alandra Matthews.

  On Wednesday night, the night started out at a beautiful home on Las Olas as Equality Florida held their Broward Connections Mixer and talked about the latest political actions going on in Tallahassee. Afterwards, I headed down to Miami as the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force held their 2017 Gala Kick Off Party at AC Hotels on the beach. While there I got to see my brother from another mother (he is really my sista, but he hates when I say that), Josue Santiago, who is the chair of the 2017 Gala. On Thursday, SAVE! held a Broward County Champions of Equality Recruitment event at Mind Your Manors on Wilton Drive. Tony Lima, executive director, created this event to get more Broward folks involved in their Champions of Equality Gala. As someone who has been many times, I highly encourage it. Afterwards, I headed over to Matty’s Wilton Park to see the one and only Lady Bunny perform, like only she can. As usual, she delighted the crowd and you fully understand why she has lasted in this business for over 30 years! On Friday evening, Southern Nights Fort Lauderdale hosted a NeighBEARhood Takeover Party with a Wet Underwear Contest where winners and placers got passes to One Magical Weekend events. The winner was Hotspots’ own cover model (three weeks ago) and star of Happy Endings at the Empire Stage, Matthew Pappadia. On Saturday evening we started the night at Georgie’s Alibi/Monkey Bar for their monthly Beast, Fetish & Gear Party. This month, they featured DJ Erich Ensastigue of Pure Jaus Records who rocked the house. Beast is always the third Saturday of the month, so stay tuned for next month’s event! Afterwards, the gang and I went over to The Manor to celebrate the 19th anniversary of Noche Latina Florida, at Noche Latina Saturdays. The anniversary, whose theme was Noche Erotica, was packed in the dance room and the patio and featured the bartenders in fetish gear, sexy Go-Go Papis in outfits I dream about, fabulous drag performances (including two from the current reigning Miss Noche Latina, Angie Ovahness, that had the crowds screaming), an adult video star performance, and sensational music by resident DJ Larry Larr. Congrats to the entire staff of Noche Latina Florida. Hotspots wishes them many more years of success.

On Sunday, I headed to Miami for the annual Aqua Girl Boy Party. This year they partnered with Impulse Group to present Evolution Party at the National Hotel, which featured a trifecta of DJ Talent (AJ Reddy, Citizen Jane and Dan Slater).

Thursday, May 25

Wilton Manors Business Association presents its May luncheon at Bona Italian Restaurant & Pizza (2468 Wilton Drive) from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bona has arranged special entrées and pricing just for the WMBA. For more information go to wiltonmanorsbusinessassociation.com.

Starting today and going through the 31, the Pride Factory presents 30% off all regular priced swimwear. This is a perfect opportunity to stock up for Summer!

Friday, May 26

From today until June 4, thousands of participants, spectators and leaders from around the globe will converge on Miami for World OutGames IV. This 10-day event will bring to life more than 450 events across three areas: Sport, Culture and Human Rights. World OutGames Miami will challenge you physically, stimulate you intellectually and enliven you emotionally. Be part of it all, and leave transformed for the better – in your mind, your body and your heart. World OutGames Miami is licensed by GLISA – the Gay and Lesbian International Sport Association. For more info go to OutGames.org

The inaugural Spring Art Festival starts today and goes through May 28 at Danieli ArtWorld Galler, 925 N.Railroad Ave., West Palm Beach. The weekend will include a special viewing of the Daniel Bouaziz Collection, a VIP reception, and formal Viennese gala. For more information and images please contact [email protected] Boardwalk presents adult film star Eddy CeeTee live and on stage tonight, Saturday and Sunday with two shows each night at 11:30 p.m. and 1 a.m.

Saturday, May 27

Joe Whitaker presents Fort Lauderdale DILF Commando party at Hunters Nightclub starring DJ Chomper from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. This is a dog tag/jock party and features a clothes check.

Georgie’s Alibi/Monkey Bar presents DJ Latrice Perry on the turntables from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.

Score welcomes the attendees of the World OutGames Miami 2017 with an Opening Night Party featuring DJ/Producer Alex Lo from 11 p.m. to 5am.

The Ramrod presents DJ Herbie James from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.

The Manor Complex, gives South Florida two parties that are official White Fort Lauderdale events. In the Ballroom they present “Confessions” starring festival Star/Remix Producer DJ Tony Moran. In the Ivy Dance Room and Patio, Noche Latina Saturdays presents “Pecadores” starring Champagne Bordeaux, Taina Norell, resident DJ Larry Larr and sexy Latin Go-Go papis. Saturdays at the Manor Complex are from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. and feature no cover before midnight and only $7 after midnight for members and $10 for non-members ($12 for 18-20 years old)

Sunday, May 28

Gary Santis presents the 19th annual White Fort Lauderdale event taking place at the Manor Complex. The night will star, direct from RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, Alyssa Edwards and celebrity DJ Tracy Young. This is an 18-and-over event. Tickets can be purchased at ShowClix.com/Event/White2017. For VIP room admission, which includes bottle service and the first to meet Alyssa, call 954-557-4279.

Rumors presents their 2nd Drag Brunch with DJ Daniel Kristopherre and two shows: the first is 12-2 and the second is 2-4 starring Alandra Matthews, Skye Beckett, and guests.

Scandals Saloon presents their monthly Lady Fancy’s Gospel Jubilee at 6 p.m. which is a joyful celebration of Southern Gospel Music.

Georgie’s Alibi/Monkey Bar premieres a new party today called Crazy Daisy P-Town Tea Dance starring Daisy Deadpetals and VJ Barry Browder at 6 p.m. featuring drag, go-go’s, contests and give-a-ways. Later on, Misty Eyes’ Trannie Palace starts at 11:30 p.m. with a Memorial Day Beach Party theme.

Monday, May 29

JMV Productions presents Southern Jewel All American Goddess at 9 p.m. at the Boardwalk. This is an official preliminary to All American Goddess 2017 and will star Alexis Mateo, All American Goddess 2016, as well as Jose Vega, AA Gent 2016, Rolly Villaverde, Mr. EOY 2016, Alyson Thomas, Miss Metropolitan Icon Cont Elite 2017, Efrain Reyes, Mr. Carolina Continental 2017, Poizon Ivy, Xander Child Valentino, Mr. Pride of America 2017, and Aries M. Kelly, National Showman 2017.  The pageant, which is hosted by Sasha Sommers, will be judged on Interview, Creative Costume, Evening Gown, Talent and Q&A. Contact Jose of Joey Cass for more info at 908-230-4813.

This is HOT

Katy Perry’s new album, Witness (Capitol Records), which will be available for purchase on June 9, is an extensive arena tour. With Witness, Katy reflects on the changes in her own life and in the world around her, delivering songs that both challenge and inspire. The singles released thus far: the Platinum-certified “Chained to the Rhythm” featuring Skip Marley and the follow-up single, “Bon Appétit”, featuring Migos, hint at the breadth of the musical and thematic elements found on Witness. Each ticket purchase for WITNESS: The Tour also includes a copy of her album, Witness. The North American leg of WITNESS: The Tour, produced by AEG Presents, will kick off on September 7 and will hit Miami at the American Airlines Arena on December 20.

  Katy will be partnering with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to donate tickets to club members and volunteers. Additionally, fans can earn free tickets by joining Global Citizen and taking action to support Boys & Girls Clubs of America. $1 per every ticket sold will also be donated to Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

  Tickets for the U.S. dates go on sale to the general public on Monday May 22, at 10 a.m. with the Canadian dates on sale May 26. All U.S. concerts on WITNESS: The Tour are presented by Xfinity. The album will be available nationwide and prices vary. To see the dates or find out any information on Katy visit katyperry.com.

from Hotspots! Magazine https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2017/05/24/whats-hot-south-florida-may-25-may-29/