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Literal Murrdurr
Posted by Cecilworth Farthington on June 18, 2020 at 9:38 pm
SHOW: War Games
"You're talking a lot but you're not really saying anything."
As we edge ever close to that large cage and those double rings upon the shores of Normandy, the lyrics to Psycho Killer have never rang more true.
So much talk.
So little being said.
You're old but deadly.
You're rich but you're also poor.
You're bratty but humble.
But what it all comes down to is the oxygen poured out from one person to the next on Captain General Lee Best's War Games Team or CGLBWGT for short, has all been wasted.
Oh, you want to win War Games? Oh, you're going to try really hard.
Omaha Beach can be quite a tranquil place, somewhere to stand and let the magnitude and scale of the death and devastation of World War 2 wash over you. The English Channel gliding in and out of the shore, alone with your thoughts. You stand alone, contemplating the scale of the event that happened on the very sand currently coating your feets.
The HOW World Champion stands close to the edge, letting the occasional wave drift in and out, splashing his toes with colder water than would be viewed as optimal. The rush of cold, salty sea water running up his feet to his thighs sends small shivers down his spine but doesn't seem to deter him in, he chooses to remain in place.
Farthington: Something doesn't feel quite right about War Games happening upon this beach. No matter how much we play tribute videos, no matter how many respectful messages our announcers share… this was the site of a massacre. On a single day, more than twenty thousand men, on both sides, senselessly slaughtered by the instructions of their Generals. They were told they were there to fight for their country. They believed they were, they wanted to destroy the evil with their tanks and their bombs and their guns. They knew chances of survival were low. The biggest aspiration was the hope to die a hero. All because people in offices decided they should die. The ones calling the shots lived on, the architects of the mass death and destruction. It's humbling to stand here and think about all the potential wasted.
The World Champion watches a couple of children running around on the beach, tossing the occasional handful of sand at each other, giggling as their parents look on, not intending to intervene at any point.
Farthington: It's nice to be a General, isn't it Lee? Stand back, bark orders and let others do the fighting for you. A casualty here, a casualty there, you can pull a sad sombre face and tell their families that their death was not in vain, that it served a greater good. All the while, you remain unblemished, safe, sleeping and breathing easy as you slumber upon a bed of corpses.
In the background, the slow rumbling trucks containing equipment shipped from America start to trundle towards Farthington's location. Very near and yet very far at the same time.
Farthington: Did you let Andy Murray and Perfection into the little secret? Did you let them know that their lives are about to change in ways no one can predict? Of course not, you did as any military general does, told them sweet little lies about the heinous opposition and pointed them towards the battlefield. If a mine sends a variety of body parts shooting ten feet in the air, that's just hohum for you. A war is on, of course there will be fatalities, isn't that right General?
The sun starts to glisten down upon the HOW World Champion, the beam catching his 97Red championship with just the right glint. The shine is almost angelic in its glow as Farthington looks out into the sea.
Farthington: The truth is, you couldn't give a single, solitary little shit about what happens to any of them. All you care about is teaching your son a lesson through The Minister. The era of "tough love" was it? I suppose it's typical of someone of your supposed rank. Claim the small victories as children lose their fathers.
Farthington begins to slowly walk along the beach, making his way towards the stone memorial, marking the location of the landing.
Farthington: You broke me, Lee. You fucking broke me. I don't even know what I am any more. Last year I fought and I fought hard to wrestle control of the company away from you. I wanted to end an era of murder, of shitty deathmatches, of careers ending in an instant. Situations that could be avoided. I wanted HOW to turn into a proper wrestling company, one we could be proud of. One where wrestling was at the forefront, one where we knew who the best man was.
You can see a tank in the background as Farthington, remaining shoeless for this period of time, stops and stands at the stone monument, looking up in a mixture of confusion at admiration.
Farthington: I was so desperate to beat you, so desperate to wrestle away that two percent that I became a hypocrite. I used extreme tactics, I started holding people's very livelihood in my hands and it all started at War Games. Benny Newell, Kostoff, Teddy Palmer, Doozer, Dan Ryan, Lindsay Troy, High Flyer… they deserved spirited wrestling contests… well maybe not Benny… the rest though. They deserved better. That rope that… that rope under the ring. It just felt right. It felt like it was a natural match. The endorphin reward was spectacular. You put that rope there, I know you did. You sought to corrupt me. I just never figured out why I fell for it.
The champion's face is not one of arrogance, it's not one of conviction. It's one of confusion.
Farthington: Generals fire up the troops, Generals push them to their very limits, Generals make men do things that man should not do to fellow man. When the war is over though, they care not a jot about those they broke, those they turned into monsters, those whose families would not even recognise their child if they were blessed enough to make it home. They get to claim their fat pension and move into a luxurious retirement home, free of consequence and treated as heroes. Statues erected, museums built. It's a good life, that of the General.
Farthington looks like he's about to spit down on the ground in sheer rage at the situation that has been created by HOW's owner, he opens his mouth and starts to grind his teeth, using the teeth grinding as a substitute for the low key defacing of an important monument.
Farthington: Unlike the Group of Death's rather mouthy opponents, I can't stand here and make proclamations. I can't proclaim to know the future because when that bell rings, anything could happen, literally anything. When I stand in that cage and do what I have been programmed to do, even I'm not sure what I'm capable of.
For the first time on this little side trip, Farthington turns and faces the camera directly. The bags under his eyes are more obvious that ever, his skin is basically translucent in its paleness. A closer look at his eyes, bloodshot and dead. The light that once existed has clearly been extinguished.
Farthington: That should scare your team Lee, it sure as shit scares me.
The camera begins to fade on a shot of Farthington, head tilted upwards, staring at the monument, completely unmoving, as if a statue himself.
People often hold Lee Best in the highest of regards. The enduring owner of High Octane Wrestling, the man who has brought us employment, money, gold and glory over the years. To have survived in this business for almost twenty years must take a special kind of man, people tell themselves. You must be smart as a whip to be the ringmaster to one of the world's biggest circus.
Lee Best is pretty smart, we know that. I'd be a fraud if I stood here and pretended his was a big dumb dumb who poop his pants and drooled all over the floor. Inaccurate and unfair.
Sometimes though, a genius at work can make a few mental slips in his excitement to score a precious point. One day a few weeks ago he got all hopped up on fun juice and decided to excitedly hype up his War Games' team. I mean that makes sense, the captain, the General… he wants to build his troops, hype them up, get them ready for an upcoming war. I can hardly begrudge a man doing his duty.
Yet, in his eagerness, he made some mental pairings to prove his special lads and ladette were the odds on favourites. MJF and Lindsay Troy, because they both possess functional vaginas – seriously, that's all I've got on that one, please let me know why else you would make the comparison. Dan Ryan and Perfection because Dan Ryan recently murdered Perfection's neck, so that makes them perfect dance partners, I guess…
The Minister and Mike Best. Now that one makes sense. Those two are locked in their own war for souls and salvation at the moment so I can't argue. A chef kiss is what I give you there El Generalisimo, perfect pairing, like red wine and steak.
Me and Andy Murray though. That's a bit of a curious one.
Maybe we are very alike, I can't say. Maybe Lee knows better because… I haven't seen much of Murray. Different circles, different matches. It's not that I don't view him as a threat, it's just that until this match I just haven't had enough data.
I guess it's only fair to begin at the beginning.
Hello Andrew, I can call you Andrew right? It seems so formal and yet oddly appropriate. We've never been properly introduced but I am Cecilworth Farthington, the High Octane Wrestling World Heavyweight Champion.
I hate to start off our first proper exchange by being so rude but I feel that I'd be doing you a disservice if I was to hold back my honest opinion.
You bore me, Andrew.
I don't mean to be harsh, truly I don't. It's not that I question your talents, the illustrious records that you possess far and wide throughout the industry are a testament to your raw ability. It's just… well… I've seen this play before. A different accent, sure, a different attitude, certainly but the script…
It's a jukebox musical and you seem to want to play the hits.
You're an addict like Teddy Palmer, trying to show the world you've overcome it and channeled it towards wrestling instead.
You're a monster, like Dan Ryan, letting those big words come right out about how easy it will be to toss me around like a little play thing.
Your knee is bionic, just like little Eric Dane. You'd think that would give a bit of an edge in a War Games match and yet history would point to the contrary.
You are trying to use War Games because you can't quite face up to the fact that you have a family member on the edge of death's abyss.
Just like me, when I think about it.
I could have let my father live, I could have saved his life. All I needed to do was handle the Eric situation. At least your one still has a pulse.
You're not the greatest wrestler in the world, you're a tribute. Pulling at the strands of better men and yelling "me too" like a toddler playing dress up.
This act of yours, the aggression, the bile, the absolute certainty that you cannot be beaten, you are setting yourself up for a fall that you cannot possibly return from. We're talking an Everest level plummet here. All because you just can't admit that you don't quite have it any more.
Well, to be more exact, you don't have it all. It would be ridiculous if I was to say that your achievements in High Octane so far were meaningless, that pointless pissing on legacies and success seems much more of a 24K skillset.
You're the old dog that barks the loudest because it doesn't quite have the strength in its bite any more. You can growl at the postman all you want Andrew, he knows that the bitch two doors down awaits and damn, she'll fuck him up. You're just an amusing sideshow. Scrappy fucking Doo, yelling "lemme at 'im".
The sheer arrogance on display, the absolute hubris to think that you'll easily dispose of the entire Group of Death in HOW's hardest challenge. Maybe if you pretended you had a target, a focus, a plan… maybe we'd start to see the bite.
Instead, your saggy sad sack is pissing all over the rug.
War Games will be the rolled up newspaper to the nose.
The High Octane production trucks gradually rumble towards the small street across from Omaha Beach and from the very nearby D'Day House, Cecilworth Farthington looks on from the restaurant patio. Slowly stirring his mocha, watches as the truck doors begin to open, catching a glimpse of the steel structure within.
As the truck opens wide, he feels a cold chill enter the air but he can't quite put his finger on the heavy atmosphere. The World Champion just gets the sense that the truck contains the heart of evil itself. Another sip as he admires his World Championship, resting as it does as the centre piece to his small dining table.
Farthington: I can't believe I'm doing it again. Sure, much like last time, as a HOW champion, I'm contractually obliged to be here, to enter that… thing… but I just… I just can't accept that we're here for a second time. The locale is different, the danger the same. Still, if I am to enter the cage once more, I couldn't be happier with the team that I will stand shoulder to shoulder with.
Farthington pauses for a moment, looking down at his phone as he does so.
Farthington: Well, I could be a little happier. I don't know why you did it Max, I don't think I ever will. This should not be and yet it is. Aligned with the likes of Perfection, Andy Murray and Marinara Sauce… even The Minister inside you must find that to be painful. He doesn't strike me as the kind of man to suffer fools gladly in my very brief interaction.
The visions of the white suit dances across the mind of the champ as he continues to stir at his now almost empty mug. There's nothing much to stir but god damn it, he's going to stir nonetheless.
Farthington: I have stood across the ring from Dan Ryan too many times during this era of High Octane. I know what he is capable of, I know the lengths he will go to when he wishes to assure his victory. I never won matches against the man, I survived them. It stuns me that Perfection could experience Dan Ryan at full force, be dropped directly on his neck and still make trite old man jokes. Then again, considering the fact our bleached blonde friend is spending more time sniping about the booking of the tag team division than facing up to War Games, it would certainly imply that The Hammer of GoD scrambled a few marbles of the perfect noggin.
The first piece of the cage is slowly lifted out of the van and the ring crew are rushing and yelling instructions at each other.
Farthington: Lindsay Troy has never been more determined to prove herself than at this very moment. I don't pretend to speak for her but I can see the glint in her eye, that only appears when you have murderous intent. This may be the biggest match of her career and when you think about the scale and the scope of that career, that is remarkable, you must admit. Do you think a legend of her stature enjoys having stupid snide remarks being sniped from the sidelines of the 24K brain trust? Of course not. She'll be looking to cut off that nonsense lickity split and I'm glad I'm not on the other side.
A clatter echoes around the patio near the beach as the chain link fencing is dropped in the car park just next to the beach. The champion's head recoils as the sound brings back memories from the year before. The ring was deconstructed at Lee Best's orders in the final moments of the match. That deconstruction started it all.
Farthington: Last year, my best friend watched on from the sidelines, he picked the team, thinking he was out of the business. Realistically, I think we all knew better than that. We knew it was only a matter of time before Mike Best abandoned the office life and laced up his boots once more. I'm not quite sure what would have happened if Mike had taken his rightful place on the team last year. Perhaps we would have never picked John Sektor, perhaps the betrayal never happens. Perhaps I actually kill MJF. That's quite concerning really. If the mood strikes this year, there's no one to stop me, to stab me in the back…
Another chug of the mocha and now the mug is completely empty. That does stop the mindless stirring as the champion's eyes remain transfixed on the structure within the vans – the evil within feels like it is calling to him.
Farthington: That's the thing about the Group of Death. We may have self-interest bubbling in our hearts but we understand what must be done for the greater good. We are, after all, a team. For all of the bravado and machismo oozing out of the opposing side, do they even know how they are going to work together? Communication is everything in War Games and it seems to me that no one on Lee Best's team knows how to take charge. A team of captains and no soldiers… it's not a winning combination.
As some of the cage starts moving to the beach itself, the situation starts feeling a little bit too real to the champ. His body tenses, his muscles stiffen, slowly he turns into a human statue.
Farthington: The Group of Death may be a business arrangement but that means we are all invested in the brand. If the brand fails, we fail. Maybe Dan Ryan is getting ready to shiv me, maybe Lindsay Troy wants to boot me in the balls so she can claim the World Heavyweight Championship. Do you idiots think he'll do that BEFORE we get rid of the riffraff? Think on that, Andy, ponder how much you can rely on others, can you even be sure your own stablemate will be able to afford the fucking airplane fare to Normandy anymore? Consider those you have surrounded yourself with, Margaret… your illustrious General never let you know you were cannon fodder, instead trying to build hope. You are pawns to whims of The Minister, that's the reality we face. You'll thank me for saving you.
Farthington grabs the World Championship of the table as the camera starts to fade on him walking towards the beach once more, this time with a very specific purpose in mind.
Almost a year has passed since the last time I ran down to that cage. I find it difficult to believe what has happened over that period myself. The success, the success has been spectacular. To know that I have finally established a legacy in this industry and etched my name into not one but two record books over the past year is enough to give a man the warm and fuzzies.
Andrew Murray is not the first person to try and draw a parallel between myself and Patrick Bateman in High Octane Wrestling. I'm sure as I continue my career, he won't be the last either.
Before we get into the nitty gritty of this analysis, I would recommend against proclaiming yourself as a threat to my throne Andrew. The guy trying to undermine Patrick ended up with an axe to the face, the last words he heard were "it's hip to be square."… do you like the music of Huey Lewis and the News, Andrew? A legend of your stature should not be begging to be axe murdered, it's sad. If you want to be Paul Allen in this scenario, I'm not going to be the one to stop you.
The main crux, the main analysis, that's what bothers me.
Patrick and I – we're both highly driven pretty boys, holding ourselves in high regard and seeking to prove we are higher of stature than any other. We construct carefully considered facades, using a wink here and a smile there, you'd almost believe we were real people. It's all designed to be disarming, to put your mind at rest. If you're at ease, you won't be wondering why the living room is covered in plastic tarp.
Over time, we both lost our sense of identity – we no longer know who we once were. Acting the role of a human because we'd end up in prison otherwise. Neither one of us are particularly aware of where our limits are. One wrong interaction and suddenly we find ourselves in our new lives as serial killers.
I haven't quite hit that point yet but I can feel it in my bones, I'm close.
Both of us lust for consequence, for penance, for redemption and yet it never comes.
For a year now, I've had to live with the idea that I almost murdered another human. For a year now, I've hoped that maybe someone would absolve me of my sin. I can't help myself, sheer inertia keeps me competing but there's always that hope there's someone who will deliver that much needed loss. Someone will stop me, someone will stop what I have become. I hope beyond hope that I don't end up like a military General. I hope that I don't bring a permanent end to someone's life, while I remain free of consequence, living the good life, high on the hog. Yet, I can't be certain. I can't make that promise.
Patrick Bateman confessed the the murder Paul Allen and was told that his soul bearing was nothing but a harmless prank, after all, Harold Carnes had just had dinner with Paul Allen in London.
He never got his catharsis.
Neither will I.
More Roleplays by Cecilworth Farthington
The Centennial
Posted by Cecilworth Farthington
Built Different
The Friend Ship
Pen Island
The Hardest Place
Reading a Mark
The Division's Dyin', Jiles
I Watch The Show, Jiles


Live Music while you dine!
What good is a festival without the right sounds? The awesome line-up of live music at Taste of Dublin 2019 will get everyone in a party mood.
The roster of rock, pop, classics, and crooners will hit the perfect note, helping everyone to party the weekend away. Lively music, fiery food, and somewhere to get in the mood for a summer celebration – the perfect combo!
Combining beats and bites to enjoy top Irish talent as they take the stage at Taste of Dublin.


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NC Officials Call For Motorcycle Safety This Fall
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On Sunday, one person was injured in a motorcycle crash on the Blue Ridge Parkway. According to WLOS ABC News Channel 13, the wreck happened near Graveyard Fields in Haywood County. Very little information about this motorcycle crash has been released, but we do...
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On Thursday, a motorcyclist was killed in a Brevard Crash. According to WLOS ABC News Channel 13, the wreck happened on US 276, above the Ranger Station, at about 6:00 p.m. Very few details about this crash have been released, but we do know that a small...
South Carolina: High Rate Of Motorcycle Fatalities
South Carolina is one of the most dangerous states for motorcycle riders. According to WLOS ABC News Channel 13, there were 135 motorcyclist deaths on South Carolina roadways last year. A report from the Post and Courier found that South Carolina's average...
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On Saturday, two people were injured in a crash involving a motorcycle and an SUV in Asheville. According to WLOS ABC News Channel 13, the incident happened sometime before 4:00 p.m. on I-26 west near the Airport Road exit. Very few details have been released...
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On Tuesday night, two people were injured in a crash involving a motorcycle in Transylvania County. According to WLOS ABC News Channel 13, the incident happened at Crab Creek Road and Cascade Lake road, near the Little River Baptist Church, at about 9:00 p.m....
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On Friday night, there was a crash involving a motorcycle and a car in Asheville. According to WLOS ABC News Channel 13, the incident happened on the Smokey Park Highway, sometime after 8:00 p.m. Very few details about the crash have been released, but we do know...
Blue Ridge Parkway Motorcycle Crash
On Saturday night, there was a motorcycle wreck on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Buncombe County. According to WLOS ABC News Channel 13, the incident happened near Mile Marker 405 and the Hominy Valley Overlook, sometime around 11:00 a.m. Although very few details...
Motorcycle Crash Near Soco Gap
On Saturday afternoon, there was a crash involving a motorcycle and a car near Soco Gap. According to WLOS ABC News Channel 13, the incident happened at milepost 455 sometime around 3:00 p.m. For currently unknown reasons, a motorcycle and a car collided on the...
Know The Risks That Increase Drowsy Driving
Several studies have found that driving while drowsy is almost as dangerous as driving while under the influence of alcohol. There is no doubt that driving drowsy is dangerous, and yet it is alarmingly common. According to the Centers for Disease Control and...
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Accidents involving semi-trucks are very different than any other auto accident on North Carolina roads. By their size alone, semi-trucks can cause a considerable amount of damage in a collision. And if their cargo is not loaded correctly, it could come loose from the...
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On Monday morning, there was a semi truck crash on Highway 70 in Buncombe County. According to WLOS ABC News Channel 13, the incident happened near Grovestone Road at about 8:00 a.m. Very little information about this big rig crash has been released, but we do know...
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On Wednesday, there was a fatal industrial incident at a business in Marion. According to WLOS ABC News Channel 13, the incident happened at Marion Machine Co. Very little information about this incident has been released, but we do know that law enforcement...
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Over the weekend, there was a fatal crash in Jackson County. According to WLOS ABC News Channel 13, the incident happened on U.S. 74 on Saturday. Very few details about this fatal wreck have been released, but we do know two people were killed in the crash....

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Draft Room
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Spud Webb & Company
Slam Dunk - $0.00 - Preseason | NBA Preseason
Raptors' title sees Canada set viewing, spending records
Fri Jun 14 7:14pm ET
AP Basketball Writer
Players: Serge Ibaka
LAS VEGAS (AP) The final numbers are in, and the NBA Finals were a smashing success for Canada all the way around.
The NBA said Friday that 56% percent of the Canadian population watched at least some part of the NBA Finals, with an average viewership of about 8 million for the Toronto Raptors' title-winning victory over the Golden State Warriors in Game 6.
The league also said the total combined U.S. and Canadian audience for the finals was up 11 percent over the combined viewership of the 2018 title series between Golden State and Cleveland.
Thursday's game was the most-watched NBA game in Canadian television history, a record that was toppled several times during this postseason because of the Raptors' popularity. Viewership for each of the six finals games rank among the 10 most-watched television programs in Canada so far this year.
''Everybody who supported us during the season, all the fans in Toronto, everyone in Canada - this is for you,'' Raptors forward Serge Ibaka said after Toronto's first NBA championship. ''This is for Canada, baby. You should be proud.''
And not only were Canadians watching, but they were buying.
The NBA said that online sales through the league's official portals smashed records for the day following the end of a championship series, up more than 80 percent from the previous mark (set when Cleveland beat Golden State in 2016) and were more than 100 percent over sales on the day following the Warriors' sweep of the Cavaliers last season.
The Raptors are planning a parade in Toronto on Monday, one that will likely take more than two hours.
''This means so much to our city and to many in Canada, and we are looking forward to showing everyone the Larry O'Brien Trophy on Monday,'' Raptors president Masai Ujiri said. ''Bringing the NBA championship to Toronto is the realization of a goal for our team and for our players, and we are thrilled to be able to celebrate together with our fans.''
The newly crowned NBA champions, who won the title in Oakland, California on Thursday night, are expected back in Toronto on Saturday. They were planning to spend Friday night celebrating in Las Vegas.
Bucks sign Thanasis Antetokounmpo, older brother of Giannis
New Pelicans forward Ingram says he's 'close' to normal
Simmons backflips, withdraws from Australia's Word Cup squad
Suns re-sign forward Kelly Oubre Jr.
Simmons, 76ers agree to $170 million, 5-year deal
Kings sign free agent F Richaun Holmes
Knicks finalize contracts with Marcus Morris, Reggie Bullock
Oklahoma City Thunder's rebuild will take some time
Clarke's double-double leads Grizzlies to title
Pelicans waive forward-center Christian Wood
MVP Antetokounmpo gives baseball a shot at Yankee Stadium
Cavs waive shooting guard JR Smith after eventful tenure
Warriors GM Bob Myers moves on from Durant with appreciation
AP source: Simmons, 76ers agree to $170 million, 5-year deal
Old Nets think Durant, Irving can succeed where they didn't
Summer League winds down, and now, maybe, some NBA rest
AD3: Anthony Davis joins Lakers with championship plans
Blake Griffin Jul 16 1:10pm ET
Last season, Detroit Pistons power forward Blake Griffin dealt with a knee injury that limited his availability at the end of the season and the beginning of the playoffs, which led Griffin to have knee surgery in the offseason. The surgery wasn't expected to keep Griffin out of any offseason activities, and Tuesday's announcement that he's resumed light basketball activities keeps Griffin on track to be a full go for the 2019-2020 season. Knee injuries are definitely something to be concerned over, but as long as Griffin is able to take the court when the season opens, his usage on this Pistons team will make him a strong fantasy basketball option next season. There's injury risk, but Griffin's upside is undeniable.
Brandon Clarke Jul 16 12:00am ET
Memphis Grizzlies rookie forward Brandon Clarke was named the MVP of the Las Vegas Summer League. In six games, Clarke averaged 14.7 points and 9.8 rebounds per contest, showing that he can be a valuable piece of the Grizzlies' rotation this upcoming season. The Grizzlies are a young and rebuilding team, and Clarke is bound to get plenty of minutes in the team's front court this season. He's going to be a valuable fantasy contributor thanks to his ability to score efficiently and rebound well.
Henry Ellenson Jul 16 12:00am ET
The Brooklyn Nets have signed power forward Henry Ellenson to a two-way contract. Ellenson's first three NBA seasons -- split between the Pistons and Knicks -- have largely been disappointments, and he finished last season with an average of six points and 3.5 rebounds per game in just 19 appearances. A two-way deal will limit how much time Ellenson is able to spend on an NBA roster, which means most of his season will be spent with Brooklyn's G-League affiliate in Long Island. Any value Ellenson may have had if he'd signed an actual NBA contract has evaporated with this move.
J.R. Smith Jul 15 11:30pm ET
The Cleveland Cavaliers have waived veteran guard J.R. Smith, clearing the way for Smith to join a contending team. Smith averaged 6.7 points and shot just 30.8 percent from the field last season, but played in just 11 games for Cleveland. A healthy Smith could be a decent bench piece for a playoff team, but he's unlikely to find a role where he'll be more than a team's fourth or fifth guard. That means Smith's fantasy stock is likely to vary wildly on a game-to-game basis, making him someone not worth rostering in most league formats. The only exception would be if Smith doesn't sign with a contender and prioritizes signing somewhere where he'll receive minutes, though it's unclear if a team like that exists.
Tyson Chandler Jul 12 3:20pm ET
The Houston Rockets have signed veteran center Tyson Chandler, who played 55 games last season for the Suns and Lakers. Chandler averaged just 3.1 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, and he'll likely be mired in the back of the Houston rotation this year, seeing 10-15 minutes per game on what could be an irregular basis. This signing doesn't matter for fantasy purposes unless Houston's starting center Clint Capela misses time, in which case Chandler may have a little value in deep leagues.
Chris Paul Jul 11 10:10pm ET
The Houston Rockets have traded point guard Chris Paul to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Russell Westbrook. It's hard to know what to make of the deal for Paul, because so much remains up in the air. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the Thunder are still looking to move Paul after the deal, so there's a very good chance he never plays a game in a Thunder uniform. If he does, he'll likely see a larger usage rate than he has in previous seasons and receive a boost in his statistical output, but the looming threat of another trade leads us to grade this move as an incomplete.
Russell Westbrook Jul 11 10:00pm ET
The Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets have completed a deal that sends point guard Russell Westbrook to Houston, pairing him once again with former teammate James Harden. With Paul George no longer in Oklahoma City, Westbrook was set to have a huge season statistically, but he'll go back to playing a role similar to the one he played last year, when he saw a drop in shot attempts and averaged 22.9 points per game, down almost 10 points from his pre-George numbers. Westbrook will also see a reduction in assists playing beside another ball-dominant player, and it would be a surprise to see him lead the league in that category for the third straight year. Overall, Westbrook's value takes a slight hit, though he'll still probably go at the end of the first in fantasy drafts.
Coby White Jul 11 11:00am ET
Chicago Bulls rookie point guard Coby White is expected to take a backseat to some of the team's other options this upcoming season. Bulls vice president of basketball operations John Paxson said that White's got a lot of learning to do and that the speed of the game could be an issue for White, while head coach Jim Boylen has already said Kris Dunn is the team's starting point guard. With Tomas Satoransky in the picture too, it doesn't look like White's going to be fantasy relevant in the early stages of his rookie campaign.
Kelly Oubre Jr. Jul 11 11:00am ET
Restricted free agent forward Kelly Oubre Jr. has signed a two-year deal to remain with the Phoenix Suns. Oubre is a solid player who's likely to end up starting at the three for the Suns, and he has solid fantasy upside as a guy who can give Phoenix something close to 15 points and five rebounds per game. Last season was also Oubre's most efficient year as an NBA shooter, and he can be a good fantasy pick in the later rounds of fantasy drafts because of his ability to do a lot of things on the basketball court, even if he isn't going to excel at any one thing.
Avery Bradley Jul 8 3:30pm ET
Shooting guard Avery Bradley is expected to sign a two-year, $9.7 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers upon his clearing of waivers, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. The Grizzlies waived Bradley earlier in the summer, paving the way for the former NBA All-Defensive First Team selection to join a revamped Lakers roster. The second year of Bradley's contract is reported to have a player option, as he'll join Danny Green and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope on the wing in 2019-20. After showcasing his offensive game (16.1 points per contest) over 14 games with Memphis to conclude last season, he may revert to his traditional role of defensive stopper with Los Angeles, which could stunt his upward fantasy trajectory.
DeMarcus Cousins Jul 7 1:00am ET
The Lakers have signed free agent center DeMarcus Cousins to a one-year, $3.5 million deal. The 28-year-old, who played just 30 regular season games with the Warriors in 2019 after recovering from an Achilles injury the year prior, averaged only 16.3 points and 8.2 boards per contest while playing a career-low 25.7 minutes. He will be reunited with former Pelicans teammates Anthony Davis and Rajon Rondo in his new home in Los Angeles and will look to remain healthy in hopes of getting paid next Summer.
Danny Green Jul 6 3:00am ET
Free-agent shooting guard/small forward Danny Green (Raptors) plans to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers, sources said late on Friday. He was also being pursued by the Dallas Mavericks. The deal is reportedly for two years and $30 million. It isn't quite the member of the Toronto Raptors championship squad that they were looking for, as Kawhi Leonard instead decided to join the Los Angeles Clippers. But Green isn't a bad addition, as he'll help the Lakers perimeter shooting. He might get a chance to join the starting five, and should be a decent middle- to late-round fantasy option in most leagues for his 3-pointers.
Kawhi Leonard Jul 6 2:50am ET
The Los Angeles Clippers have agreed to a four-year, $142 million deal with forward Kawhi Leonard on Saturday. Leonard, who averaged a career-high 26.6 points per game while shooting nearly 50 percent from the field while with the Raptors last season, will undoubtedly be a top-five selection in upcoming fantasy drafts, despite being paired with newly acquired forward Paul George and missing a few games due to load management purposes.
Zion Williamson Jul 6 2:50am ET
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (knee) suffered a knee-to-knee hit in the first half of Friday's Summer League debut against former college teammate R.J. Barrett and the New York Knicks. The injury was to his left knee and he was unable to return. The injury is not expected to be serious, the team is likely taking a cautious approach with the No. 1 overall pick. It was a crazy game at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, as the game was eventually suspended in the second half due to a 7.1 earthquake centered near Ridgecrest, Calif., causing the giant speakers and scoreboard to sway.
Paul George Jul 6 2:40am ET
Forward Paul George is being traded from the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Clippers in exchange for forward Danilo Gallinari, guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and four unprotected first-round draft picks. George, who will now join forward Kawhi Leonard in Los Angeles, had the most productive season of his career in 2019, finishing the year by averaging 28 points and 8.2 rebounds while shooting nearly 39 percent from deep. He will likely see a slight reduction in production with Leonard in the mix, but he could easily find himself in the MVP conversation once again this season and should be considered a first-round pick in upcoming fantasy drafts.
De'Anthony Melton Jul 3 5:40pm ET
The Phoenix Suns have just been swindled out of one of their better young assets in De'Anthony Melton for the sole reason of dumping Josh Jackson. Jackson, the former fourth overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft has had troubles, on and off the court, and now finds himself in a new home with an abundance of young talent and competence. This is an opportunity to rehab his game and image if legal troubles do not interfere. In this deal, the Grizzlies sent over veteran shooting guard Kyle Korver and defensive-minded point guard Jevon Carter and received two second-round picks (one conditional). Korver's partially guaranteed deal is reportedly getting bought out, and he will receive interest from the Lakers, Sixers, and Bucks.
Markieff Morris Jul 3 5:20pm ET
The Detroit Pistons have signed veteran power forward Markieff Morris. The Pistons starting frontcourt of Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond is due to take up most of the minutes there, however, Morris should fill in across the forward/center lines throughout the year. He used to play a little bit of small forward and could potentially fill-in there too when Detroit wants to go massive. Morris took a step back last season as a neck injury cut into his year and possibly hampered his play but could be due for a bounce-back if fully healthy. He's not someone to target in most fantasy drafts and should be an occasional streamer at best.
Justin Wright-Foreman Jul 3 2:50am ET
Utah Jazz point guard Justin Wright-Foreman notched 20 points on 8-for-13 shooting during Tuesdays Summer League win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Competition for the point guard slot on the Jazz roster has ramped up significantly with the addition of both Mike Conley and Emmanuel Mudiay, but Utah thought highly enough of Wright-Foreman to select him in the second round of last months NBA Draft. A collegiate standout at Hofstra, Wright-Foreman averaged 27.1 points per game during his senior year, and to open the summer, he has picked up offensively where he left off.
Tony Bradley Jul 3 2:50am ET
Utah Jazz center Tony Bradley has wasted little time making an impact during Summer League, having taken his game up a notch during Tuesdays win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Bradley had a double-double in Mondays opener, but went for a robust 26 points and 16 rebounds Tuesday, finishing 9-for-13 from the field and 8-for-10 from the free-throw stripe. The big man added three blocks across his 27 minutes, making an emphatic statement that he should be in line for minutes behind Jazz starting center Rudy Gobert when the regular season opens in October.
Caleb Swanigan Jul 3 2:20am ET
Sacramento Kings center Caleb Swanigan logged just two minutes of action during Tuesdays Summer League loss to the Miami Heat before departing due to a quad contusion. Swanigan is attempting to make the Kings roster ahead of the 2019-20 campaign, having arrived last season in a deal with Portland. The former collegiate All-American has appeared in 48 games over his first two years in the league, but averaged just 7.6 minutes per contest. Any kind of extended injury that would keep Swanigan sidelined would severely hamper his chances of beginning the year on Sacramentos roster.
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We are always delighted to hear about and share news on our past graduates and their career journeys. If you have any news stories you would like to share with alumni and the wider Stranmillis community, please email them to alumni@stran.ac.uk.
We also want to keep in touch with you, especially as our 100th anniversary approaches. If you would like to receive the latest alumni news, email alumni@stran.ac.uk
2022 marks the 100th anniversary of Stranmillis University College. Alumni are always welcome through the gates and especially so throughout our anniversary year. It's still your campus.
We will assist you as much as possible to organise your own reunion by providing:
Event ideas and planning
Venues, catering and accommodation on campus
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Please contact us by emailing: alumni@stran.ac.uk
Make a Gift or Donation
Making a gift or donation to provide a bursary or scholarship to help students achieve their best, fund vital research in key educational and societal issues or support community or widening participation initiatives, can help transform the lives of children, young people and communities. Alumni and supporters can make a real difference by donating to a range of projects such as:
Centre for Research in Educational Underachievement
Educational underachievement is one of the most significant, complex and multi-faceted challenges facing society. Our Centre for Research in Educational Underachievement was established to provide innovative, interdisciplinary research and evidence-based responses that will help raise attainment, improve children's lives and shape future policy and practice. Your support for the work of the Centre will help transform the lives of young people and communities in the most disadvantage areas of Northern Ireland.
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New shoe store opens door Nov. 19
Sara Waite / Sterling Journal-Advocate
Crews were at work prepping the new Famous Footwear location, at 1329 W. Main St. in the High Plains Shopping Center, on Oct. 30. The store is slated to open Nov. 19.
Sara Waite/Journal-Advocate
The sign for Famous Footwear is on the building in the High Plains Shopping Center. The store opens Nov. 19.
PUBLISHED: November 10, 2014 at 9:42 p.m. | UPDATED: May 8, 2019 at 1:52 a.m.
Businesses in the High Plains Shopping Center on West Main are getting a new neighbor.
Famous Footwear announced Monday that its 4,000-square-foot Sterling location will open on Nov. 19. The store is the chain's 23rd location in the Denver market.
"Our decision to open a new store in Sterling was based on a recognized consumer need, and we look forward to delivering a great footwear shopping destination," said Rick Ausick, president of Famous Footwear, in a release.
To celebrate the opening in Sterling, Famous Footwear is hosting an all-day grand opening event on Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Shoppers are invited to experience fun activities including:
• Special in-store promotions every two hours
• A local shoe artist customizing shoes for customers from noon to 6 p.m.
• Drawings every hour from noon to 6 p.m. for a chance to win free shoes.
• An appearance from local radio station, KSRX-FM, 97.5.
• A DJ spinning live music.
"We strive to deliver easy victories to families who are looking for brand names at affordable prices," Ausick said. "Our in-store experience will prove you don't have to compromise style or amazing customer service when shopping for great values."
Famous Footwear offers a Rewards membership program, and recently launched a new mobile app which gives Rewards members 15 bonus points just for downloading, makes redeeming Rewards points even easier and gives shoppers access to exclusive mobile offers. The Famous Footwear app is available for download today on Google Play and iTunes or simply by texting APP to FAMOUS (326687) to get a mobile link.
Famous Footwear has more than 1,200 stores nationwide as well as an e-commerce site, Famous.com. The chain offers consumers more than 100 nationally recognized brands through its retail stores and website, including Nike, Vans, Converse, Sperry, Skechers, Naturalizer, Steve Madden, madden girl, Franco Sarto, adidas, New Balance, Roxy, Circus by Sam Edelman and Carlos by Carlos Santana. Famous Footwear is also a proud national partner of the March of Dimes.
For more information, visit Famous.com or Facebook.com/FamousFootwear.


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Q: $\frac{1}{N}\sum_{n=1}^{N}X_n Y_n \to pZ \ \ \ \text{a.s.}$ I'm stuck with this exercise...
Let $\{X_n\}$, $\{Y_n\}$ r.v. bounded and independent such that
$$\frac{1}{N} \sum_{n=1}^{N}X_n \to p \ \ \ \text{a.s.},$$
prove that
$$\frac{1}{N}\sum_{n=1}^{N}X_n Y_n \to pZ \ \ \ \text{a.s.},$$
where $Z = \lim_{N \to \infty}\frac{1}{N}\sum_{n=1}^{N}Y_n$.
I suspect some things. I tried to use the Strong Law of Large Number but nothing... Also since the r.v. are bounded I tried to use Fatou theorem and the Dominated Convergence Theorem but again I could not prove the statement. Any idea?

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Review for Concord Shading Systems Inc.
They sold me blinds years ago and had major issues with 1 of my blinds. I couldn't get it to roll up and down.
Same blind is again having issues.
I called again Asking me for service and left 8 messages with no response. I have a major disability and am unable to get at it.
Please pay 2 outstanding invoices for service and we will be happy to send our installer to fix the shades.
Concord Shading Systems Inc. has not added any photos.
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His company, later run by his son, was acquired by the Georg Jensen company in the early 1990s. This remarkable vintage Hans Hansen Modernist necklace has a beautiful sculptural design. Crafted of sterling silver, it is formed of 5 curved link segments attached by rings, each link featuring a triangular element highlighted with black enamel, and a toggle closure.
The necklace has a wearable length of 14 1/2. Signed Hans Hansen, 925S Denmark 317E. The item "Hans Hansen Denmark Modernist Sterling Silver and Enamel Necklace 317E" is in sale since Friday, June 16, 2017. This item is in the category "Jewelry & Watches\Vintage & Antique Jewelry\Vintage Ethnic/Regional/Tribal\Scandinavian". The seller is "suebft" and is located in Lake Forest, Illinois. This item can be shipped to United States.