| CollegeHighway.com Login |
| Don't have an account yet? You can create one. As registered user you have some advantages like theme manager, comments configuration and post comments with your name. |
| Trippin? |
 |
| Check Yourself |
 |
| Ephemerids |
One Day like Today...
|
| Welcome |
| You are Anonymous user. You can register for free by clicking here. |
 |
|
| Introduction | | Introduction You just clicked into the coolest place to get all your college news and information about college life. Looking to join the CollegeHighway crew? Click here. | |
| |
| In Michigan-Michigan State rivalry, Aisea Moa sees it from both sides |
| Posted on Friday, November 06 @ 00:03:59 PST (9 reads) | |
|
Aisea moa has always kept his head where his feet are planted. Right now, those feet are standing 10 toes down in ann arbor, keyed in on keeping the paul bunyan trophy safe in schembechler hall during saturday’s installment of the often inflammatory rivalry between the michigan football team and michigan state.
but this time a year ago, moa’s feet and mind were instead squarely planted on the banks of the red cedar, with his full focus on bringing that same trophy and state pride that come with it back to east lansing for the first time in four years.
moa, a north ogden, utah native, by no means grew up bleeding either maize and blue or green and white. He was only introduced to the notorious in-state rivalry when he transferred across the country to play for the spartans in 2025 after spending his first three seasons at byu. He appeared in all 12 of michigan state’s games last season before inevitably transferring again after former spartans coach jonathan smith, the man who brought him to the program, was relieved of his duties. After two weeks in the portal, moa ended up at the school 60 miles down the road.
like the vast majority of his teammates, moa’s place in this rivalry is a product of the modern era of college football, where a litany of transfers and regime changes every offseason — and in some cases, midseason — have made it possible for teams like the wolverines to have just six in-state natives on scholarship this season. But whereas the transfer portal era made it so many of those teammates are now preparing for their introduction to such a storied, often ugly rivalry clash, it enabled moa to come away with perhaps an even deeper understanding, one that takes both sides into account.
when it comes game time saturday, moa assures “football is football,” that it doesn’t matter if it’s a former teammate or a best friend lining up across from him — they’re going to get blasted. But he also acknowledges that he wouldn’t be in the position to hit a green jersey saturday if it wasn’t for the time he spent in one, growing into his new position under the supervision of a defensive coordinator he trusts, now on the opposite sideline from him.
there wouldn’t be the current version of aisea moa without michigan state, just like there wouldn’t be without michigan. Having planted feet in both sides of the rivalry hasn’t negated the emotion around the game for moa; it’s only amplified it.
***
for one thing, moa understands the hate. One year in east lansing was enough for that to sink in.
“they for sure are talking about michigan, a lot,” moa told the michigan daily. “They don’t like michigan.”
not much else needs to be said about that. Still, linebackers coach alex whittingham wanted moa to echo what he’d learned last year to his new teammates about just what the game means to those on the other side.
“he gives us an interesting perspective,” whittingham said wednesday. “I had him speak to the guys in the linebacker room on monday, to give us a take on where they’re at on the other side and what they’re talking about.”
smith and some of moa’s former teammates may have departed in the offseason, but moa still has plenty of ties to michigan state that keep his finger on the pulse. That includes a posse of current defensive spartans, like his cousin, defensive tackle ben roberts, and edge rushers anelu lafaele, leonard ah you and kekai burnett. Moa stays in close contact with all of them via group chat. Still, it’s not the same as when they used to make the after-practice trek to yumyum bento — their favorite japanese-korean fusion spot off grand river avenue — but that may be for the best.
“we would go there crazy, like a lot,” moa said. “Probably too much.”
an in-person reunion is now coming up, but moa is adamant there are no postgame meal plans this time. Any and all reunion will be taking place out on the field, which moa is elated for nonetheless. He gets to hit his friends in full pads on a night that already matters more than most. For moa, it doesn’t get much better.
but beyond the friendships moa built in east lansing, he’s also reflecting on the invaluable skills he picked up that advanced his career to where he is now. Smith recruited moa to oregon state out of high school. And even though moa went on to choose byu, smith left a lasting impression that moa remembered when he reached back out three years later, this time in the portal.
moa took a campus visit of east lansing that winter. It was smith who first grabbed moa’s attention, but defensive coordinator joe rossi’s simple pitch closed the deal. A year prior with the cougars, moa had made the change from defensive end to linebacker, and had a long road ahead of him to get adjusted to his new position. Rossi promised to get him there.
“his main pitch was just that he was gonna develop me as a linebacker and teach me a lot, and that’s what i was looking for,” moa said. “So i looked at his track record and saw the players he’s developed and i thought it made sense for me to go there.”
in moa’s eyes, rossi largely succeeded in his goal. In that pivotal second year at his new position, moa learned how to really use his eyes, which was his main problem prior to arrival. Under rossi’s tutelage, he made leaps in his ability to diagnose, anticipate and react to a play before the offense could. He felt more settled in his new role than before, enough so that when change came for him again, he didn’t need to waste any time before getting back to work.
***
moa had other offers in the portal, but the deal with michigan was just too sweet to pass up. Not financially, but personally.
when then-utah coach kyle whittingham announced his departure to coach the wolverines, he brought quite a few familiar pieces with him, especially in regard to moa. Defensive coordinator jay hill, who coached moa in his last two seasons with the cougars, was one. Another was defensive tackles coach lewis powell, the college roommate of moa’s dad, ben, whom aisea spent so much time around growing up that he refers to him as his “uncle.”
finally, and perhaps most importantly, kyle brought salesi, aisea’s younger brother. Salesi had previously been committed to the utes as a high school senior and had even enrolled in classes at utah, but began to second-guess the decision once the whole coaching staff packed its bags. At the same time salesi was up in the air, aisea was weighing his options in the portal, his two primary options being michigan and utah state.
with preestablished connections to hill and powell, it already would’ve made sense for aisea to choose ann arbor. But there was a third coach involved in his recruitment from the get-go who got moa in a car headed downstate rather than a plane headed back home.
“coach alex whittingham and his eight years of experience in the nfl, he’s super smart, i love the way he coaches us, and his pitch to me was more the knowledge aspect,” moa said. “He’s taught me so much football knowledge and understanding the game, understanding all these different things. He spent so much time at the highest level winning super bowls, and he knows what it takes. He’s done a great job.”
between the whittinghams, hill and powell, aisea was ready to make a decision, so he called his brother to let him know. Salesi followed suit the next day.
“he was just like, ‘i’m gonna go to michigan,’ and i was like, ‘bro, no way,’ ” salesi said. “I was like, ‘alright, let’s do it, bro.’ ”
so far, aisea is having his best collegiate season yet. Through eight games and under the watchful eye of alex whittingham, aisea has already surpassed his previous season best in tackles. He gets meaningful snaps in each contest and is a part of a linebacker room largely exceeding its preseason expectations.
the progress aisea has seen with the wolverines has no doubt been encouraging for him, but no part of the journey has been as fulfilling as the familial feat he’s been able to accomplish.
at byu, aisea had the chance to play alongside his older brother and fellow linebacker, sione, for two straight seasons. Now, in the same college career, he has the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do so with his little brother as well.
“it’s been an unbelievable experience for sure,” aisea said.
***
aisea moa understands the rivalry at hand. Sure, he’s from out of state, but he isn’t entirely new here. And unlike the vast majority of in-state participants, he’s seen both sides. Whenever he takes the field saturday, whether on defense or special teams, he’ll be staring downfield through helmets and visors into eyes he’s sweated with, texted with, gone out to dinner with. And he’ll be using those intangible skills he learned from rossi in attempts to blow up his former offense’s plays.
those are still his friends out on the field, still his mentor on the sideline. But for a few hours saturday night, aisea’s feet are planted directly opposite them. There’s always time for pleasantries later. |
( Read More... | 18308 bytes more | comments? |   ) |
| |
| Beasleys Christmas Party by Booth Tarkington |
| Posted on Friday, November 06 @ 00:03:59 PST (8 reads) | |
|
|
Produced by juliet sutherland, charles franks and the online distributed proofreading team.
beasleys christmas party
by
booth tarkington
illustrated by
ruth sypherd clements
october, 1909.
to
james whitcomb riley
i
the maple-bordered street was as still as a country sunday; so quiet that there seemed an echo to my footsteps. It was four oclock in the morning; clear october moonlight misted through the thinning foliage to the shadowy sidewalk and lay like a transparent silver fog upon the house of my admiration, as i strode along, returning from my first nights work on the wainwright morning despatch.
i had already marked that house as the finest (to my taste) in wainwright, though hitherto, on my excursions to this metropolis, the state capital, i was not without a certain native jealousy that spencerville, the county-seat where i lived, had nothing so good. Now, however, i approached its purlieus with a pleasure in it quite unalloyed, for i was at last myself a resident (albeit of only one days standing) of wainwright, and the house--though i had not even an idea who lived there--part of my possessions as a citizen. Moreover, i might enjoy the warmer pride of a next-door-neighbor, for mrs. Apperthwaites, where i had taken a room, was just beyond.
this was the quietest part of wainwright; business stopped short of it, and the fashionable residence section had overleaped this forgotten backwater, leaving it undisturbed and unchanging, with that look about it which is the quality of few urban quarters, and eventually of none, as a town grows to be a city--the look of still being a neighborhood. This friendliness of appearance was largely the emanation of the homely and beautiful house which so greatly pleased my fancy.
it might be difficult to say why i thought it the finest house in wainwright, for a simpler structure would be hard to imagine; it was merely a big, old-fashioned brick house, painted brown and very plain, set well away from the street among some splendid forest trees, with a fair spread of flat lawn. But it gave back a great deal for your glance, just as some people do. It was a large house, as i say, yet it looked not like a mansion but like a home; and made you wish that you lived in it. Or, driving by, of an evening, you would have liked to hitch your horse and go in; it spoke so surely of hearty, old-fashioned people living there, who would welcome you merrily.
it looked like a house where there were a grandfather and a grandmother; where holidays were warmly kept; where there were boisterous family reunions to which uncles and aunts, who had been born there, would return from no matter what distances; a house where big turkeys would be on the table often; where one called the hired man (and named either abner or ole) would crack walnuts upon a flat-iron clutched between his knees on the back porch; it looked like a house where they played charades; where there would be long streamers of evergreen and dozens of wreaths of holly at christmas-time; where there were tearful, happy weddings and great throwings of rice after little brides, from the broad front steps: in a word, it was the sort of a house to make the hearts of spinsters and bachelors very lonely and wistful--and that is about as near as i can come to my reason for thinking it the finest house in wainwright.
the moon hung kindly above its level roof in the silence of that october morning, as i checked my gait to loiter along the picket fence; but suddenly the house showed a light of its own. The spurt of a match took my eye to one of the upper windows, then a steadier glow of orange told me that a lamp was lighted. The window was opened, and a man looked out and whistled loudly.
i stopped, thinking that he meant to attract my attention; that something might be wrong; that perhaps some one was needed to go for a doctor. My mistake was immediately evident, however; i stood in the shadow of the trees bordering the sidewalk, and the man at the window had not seen me.
boy! Boy! He called, softly. Where are you, simpledoria?
he leaned from the window, looking downward. Why, there you are! He exclaimed, and turned to address some invisible person within the room. Hes right there, underneath the window. Ill bring him up. He leaned out again. Wait there, simpledoria! He called. Ill be down in a jiffy and let you in.
puzzled, i stared at the vacant lawn before me. The clear moonlight revealed it brightly, and it was empty of any living presence; there were no bushes nor shrubberies--nor even shadows--that could have been mistaken for a boy, if simpledoria was a boy. There was no dog in sight; there was no cat; there was nothing beneath the window except thick, close-cropped grass.
a light shone in the hallway behind the broad front doors; one of these was opened, and revealed in silhouette the tall, thin figure of a man in a long, old-fashioned dressing-gown.
simpledoria, he said, addressing the night air with considerable severity, i dont know what to make of you. You might have caught your death of cold, roving out at such an hour. But there, he continued, more indulgently; wipe your feet on the mat and come in. Youre safe now!
he closed the door, and i heard him call to some one up-stairs, as he rearranged the fastenings:
simpledoria is all right--only a little chilled. Ill bring him up to your fire.
i went on my way in a condition of astonishment that engendered, almost, a doubt of my eyes; for if my sight was unimpaired and myself not subject to optical or mental delusion, neither boy nor dog nor bird nor cat, nor any other object of this visible world, had entered that opened door. Was my finest house, then, a place of call for wandering ghosts, who came home to roost at four in the morning?
it was only a step to mrs. Apperthwaites; i let myself in with the key that good lady had given me, stole up to my room, went to my window, and stared across the yard at the house next door. The front window in the second story, i decided, necessarily belonged to that room in which the lamp had been lighted; but all was dark there now. I went to bed, and dreamed that i was out at sea in a fog, having embarked on a transparent vessel whose preposterous name, inscribed upon glass life-belts, depending here and there from an invisible rail, was simpledoria.
ii
mrs. Apperthwaites was a commodious old house, the greater part of it of about the same age, i judged, as its neighbor; but the late mr. Apperthwaite had caught the mansard fever of the late seventies, and the building-disease, once fastened upon him, had never known a convalescence, but, rather, a series of relapses, the tokens of which, in the nature of a cupola and a couple of frame turrets, were terrifyingly apparent. These romantic misplacements seemed to me not inharmonious with the library, a cheerful and pleasantly shabby apartment down-stairs, where i found (over a substratum of history, encyclopaedia, and family bible) some worn old volumes of godeys ladys book, an early edition of coopers works; scott, bulwer, macaulay, byron, and tennyson, complete; some odd volumes of victor hugo, of the elder dumas, of flaubert, of gautier, and of balzac; clarissa, lalla rookh, the alhambra, beulah, uarda, lucile, uncle toms cabin, ben-hur, trilby, she, little lord fauntleroy; and of a later decade, there were novels about those delicately tangled emotions experienced by the supreme few; and stories of adventurous royalty; tales of clean-limbed young american manhood; and some thin volumes of rather precious verse.
twas amid these romantic scenes that i awaited the sound of the lunch-bell (which for me was the announcement of breakfast), when i arose from my first nights slumbers under mrs. Apperthwaites roof; and i wondered if the books were a fair mirror of miss apperthwaites mind (i had been told that mrs. Apperthwaite had a daughter). Mrs. Apperthwaite herself, in her youth, might have sat to an illustrator of scott or bulwer. Even now you could see she had come as near being romantically beautiful as was consistently proper for such a timid, gentle little gentlewoman as she was. Reduced, by her husbands insolvency (coincident with his demise) to keeping boarders, she did it gracefully, as if the urgency thereto were only a spirit of quiet hospitality. It should be added in haste that she set an excellent table.
moreover, the guests who gathered at her board were of a very attractive description, as i decided the instant my eye fell upon the lady who sat opposite me at lunch. I knew at once that she was miss apperthwaite, she went so, as they say, with her mother; nothing could have been more suitable. Mrs. Apperthwaite was the kind of woman whom you would expect to have a beautiful daughter, and miss apperthwaite more than fulfilled her mothers promise.
i guessed her to be more than juliet capulets age, indeed, yet still between that and the perfect age of woman. She was of a larger, fuller, more striking type than mrs. Apperthwaite, a bolder type, one might put it--though she might have been a great deal bolder than mrs. Apperthwaite without being bold. Certainly she was handsome enough to make it difficult for a young fellow to keep from staring at her. She had an abundance of very soft, dark hair, worn almost severely, as if its profusion necessitated repression; and i am compelled to admit that her fine eyes expressed a distant contemplation--obviously of habit not of mood--so pronounced that one of her enemies (if she had any) might have described them as dreamy.
only one other of my own sex was present at the lunch-table, a mr. Dowden, an elderly lawyer and politician of whom i had heard, and to whom mrs. Apperthwaite, coming in after the rest of us were seated, introduced me. She made the presentation general; and i had the experience of receiving a nod and a slow glance, in which there was a sort of dusky, estimating brilliance, from the beautiful lady opposite me.
it might have been better mannered for me to address myself to mr. Dowden, or one of the very nice elderly women, who were my fellow-guests, than to open a conversation with miss apperthwaite; but i did not stop to think of that.
you have a splendid old house next door to you here, miss apperthwaite, i said. Its a privilege to find it in view from my window.
there was a faint stir as of some consternation in the little company. The elderly ladies stopped talking abruptly and exchanged glances, though this was not of my observation at the moment, i think, but recurred to my consciousness later, when i had perceived my blunder.
may i ask who lives there? I pursued.
miss apperthwaite allowed her noticeable lashes to cover her eyes for an instant, then looked up again.
a mr. Beasley, she said.
not the honorable david beasley! I exclaimed.
yes, she returned, with a certain gravity which i afterward wished had checked me. Do you know him?
not in person, i explained. You see, ive written a good deal about him. I was with the spencerville journal until a few days ago, and even in the country we know whos who in politics over the state. Beasleys the man that went to congress and never made a speech--never made even a motion to adjourn--but got everything his district wanted. Theres talk of him now for governor.
indeed?
and so its the honorable david beasley who lives in that splendid place. How curious that is!
why? Asked miss apperthwaite.
it seems too big for one man, i answered; and ive always had the impression mr. Beasley was a bachelor.
yes, she said, rather slowly, he is.
but of course he doesnt live there all alone, i supposed, aloud, probably he has--
no. Theres no one else--except a couple of colored servants.
what a crime! I exclaimed. If there ever was a house meant for a large family, that one is. Cant you almost hear it crying out for heaps and heaps of romping children? I should think--
i was interrupted by a loud cough from mr. Dowden, so abrupt and artificial that his intention to check the flow of my innocent prattle was embarrassingly obvious--even to me!
can you tell me, he said, leaning forward and following up the interruption as hastily as possible, what the farmers were getting for their wheat when you left spencerville?
ninety-four cents, i answered, and felt my ears growing red with mortification. Too late, i remembered that the new-comer in a community should guard his tongue among the natives until he has unravelled the skein of their relationships, alliances, feuds, and private wars--a precept not unlike the classic injunction:
yes, my darling daughter.
hang your clothes on a hickory limb, but dont go near the water.
however, in my confusion i warmly regretted my failure to follow it, and resolved not to blunder again.
mr. Dowden thanked me for the information for which he had no real desire, and, the elderly ladies again taking up (with all too evident relief) their various mild debates, he inquired if i played bridge. But i forget, he added. Of course youll be at the despatch office in the evenings, and cant be here. After which he immediately began to question me about my work, making his determination to give me no opportunity again to mention the honorable david beasley unnecessarily conspicuous, as i thought.
i could only conclude that some unpleasantness had arisen between himself and beasley, probably of political origin, since they were both in politics, and of personal (and consequently bitter) development; and that mr. Dowden found the mention of beasley not only unpleasant to himself but a possible embarrassment to the ladies (who, i supposed, were aware of the quarrel) on his account.
after lunch, not having to report at the office immediately, i took unto myself the solace of a cigar, which kept me company during a stroll about mrs. Apperthwaites capacious yard. In the rear i found an old-fashioned rose-garden--the bushes long since bloomless and now brown with autumn--and i paced its gravelled paths up and down, at the same time favoring mr. Beasleys house with a covert study that would have done credit to a porch-climber, for the sting of my blunder at the table was quiescent, or at least neutralized, under the itch of a curiosity far from satisfied concerning the interesting premises next door. The gentleman in the dressing-gown, i was sure, could have been no other than the honorable david beasley himself. He came not in eyeshot now, neither he nor any other; there was no sign of life about the place. That portion of his yard which lay behind the house was not within my vision, it is true, his property being here separated from mrs. Apperthwaites by a board fence higher than a tall man could reach; but there was no sound from the other side of this partition, save that caused by the quiet movement of rusty leaves in the breeze.
my cigar was at half-length when the green lattice door of mrs. Apperthwaites back porch was opened and miss apperthwaite, bearing a saucer of milk, issued therefrom, followed, hastily, by a very white, fat cat, with a pink ribbon round its neck, a vibrant nose, and fixed, voracious eyes uplifted to the saucer. The lady and her cat offered to view a group as pretty as a popular painting; it was even improved when, stooping, miss apperthwaite set the saucer upon the ground, and, continuing in that posture, stroked the cat. To bend so far is a test of a womans grace, i have observed.
she turned her face toward me and smiled. Im almost at the age, you see.
what age? I asked, stupidly enough.
when we take to cats, she said, rising. Spinsterhood we like to call it. Single-blessedness!
that is your kind heart. You decline to make one of us happy to the despair of all the rest.
she laughed at this, though with no very genuine mirth, i marked, and let my 1830 attempt at gallantry pass without other retort.
you seemed interested in the old place yonder. She indicated mr. Beasleys house with a nod.
oh, i understood my blunder, i said, quickly. I wish i had known the subject was embarrassing or unpleasant to mr. Dowden.
what made you think that?
surely, i said, you saw how pointedly he cut me off.
yes, she returned, thoughtfully. He rather did; its true. At least, i see how you got that impression. She seemed to muse upon this, letting her eyes fall; then, raising them, allowed her far-away gaze to rest upon the house beyond the fence, and said, it is an interesting old place.
and mr. Beasley himself-- i began.
oh, she said, he isnt interesting. Thats his trouble!
you mean his trouble not to--
she interrupted me, speaking with sudden, surprising energy, i mean hes a man of no imagination.
no imagination! I exclaimed.
none in the world! Not one ounce of imagination! Not one grain!
then who, i cried--or what--is simpledoria?
simple--what? She said, plainly mystified.
simpledoria.
simpledoria? She repeated, and laughed. What in the world is that?
you never heard of it before?
never in my life.
youve lived next door to mr. Beasley a long time, havent you?
all my life.
and i suppose you must know him pretty well.
what next? She said, smiling.
you said he lived there all alone, i went on, tentatively.
except for an old colored couple, his servants.
can you tell me-- i hesitated. Has he ever been thought--well, queer?
never! She answered, emphatically. Never anything so exciting! Merely deadly and hopelessly commonplace. She picked up the saucer, now exceedingly empty, and set it upon a shelf by the lattice door. What was it about--what was that name?--Simpledoria?
i will tell you, i said. And i related in detail the singular performance of which i had been a witness in the late moonlight before that mornings dawn. As i talked, we half unconsciously moved across the lawn together, finally seating ourselves upon a bench beyond the rose-beds and near the high fence. The interest my companion exhibited in the narration might have surprised me had my nocturnal experience itself been less surprising. She interrupted me now and then with little, half-checked ejaculations of acute wonder, but sat for the most part with her elbow on her knee and her chin in her hand, her face turned eagerly to mine and her lips parted in half-breathless attention. There was nothing far away about her eyes now; they were widely and intently alert.
when i finished, she shook her head slowly, as if quite dumfounded, and altered her position, leaning against the back of the bench and gazing straight before her without speaking. It was plain that her neighbors extraordinary behavior had revealed a phase of his character novel enough to be startling.
one explanation might be just barely possible, i said. If it is, it is the most remarkable case of somnambulism on record. Did you ever hear of mr. Beasleys walking in his--
she touched me lightly but peremptorily on the arm in warning, and i stopped. On the other side of the board fence a door opened creakily, and there sounded a loud and cheerful voice--that of the gentleman in the dressing-gown.
here we come! It said; me and big bill hammersley. I want to show bill i can jump anyways three times as far as he can! Come on, bill.
is that mr. Beasleys voice? I asked, under my breath.
miss apperthwaite nodded in affirmation.
could he have heard me?
no, she whispered. Hes just come out of the house. And then to herself, who under heaven is bill hammersley? I never heard of him!
of course, bill, said the voice beyond the fence, if youre afraid ill beat you too badly, youve still got time to back out. I did understand you to kind of hint that you were considerable of a jumper, but if--what? Whatd you say, bill? There ensued a moments complete silence. Oh, all right, the voice then continued. You say youre in this to win, do you? Well, som i, bill hammersley; som i. Wholl go first? Me? All right--from the edge of the walk here. Now then! One--two--three! Ha!
a sound came to our ears of some one landing heavily--and at full length, it seemed--on the turf, followed by a slight, rusty groan in the same voice. Ugh! Dont you laugh, bill hammersley! I havent jumped as much as i ought to, these last twenty years; i reckon ive kind of lost the hang of it. Aha! There were indications that mr. Beasley was picking himself up, and brushing his trousers with his hands. Now, its your turn, bill. What say? Silence again, followed by, yes, ill make simpledoria get out of the way. Come here, simpledoria. Now, bill, put your heels together on the edge of the walk. Thats right. All ready? Now then! One for the money--two for the show--three to make ready--and four for to go! Another silence. By jingo, bill hammersley, youve beat me! Ha, ha! That was a jump! What say? Silence once more. You say you can do even better than that? Now, bill, dont brag. Oh! You say youve often jumped farther? Oh! You say that was up in scotland, where you had a spring-board? Oho! All right; lets see how far you can jump when you really try. There! Heels on the walk again. Thats right; swing your arms. One--two--three! There you go! Another silence. Zing! Well, sir, ill be e-tarnally snitched to flinders if you didnt do it that time, bill hammersley! I see i never really saw any jumping before in all my born days. Its eleven feet if its an inch. What? You say you--
i heard no more, for miss apperthwaite, her face flushed and her eyes shining, beckoned me imperiously to follow her, and departed so hurriedly that it might be said she ran.
i dont know, said i, keeping at her elbow, whether its more like alice or the interlocutors conversation at a minstrel show.
hush! She warned me, though we were already at a safe distance, and did not speak again until we had reached the front walk. There she paused, and i noted that she was trembling--and, no doubt correctly, judged her emotion to be that of consternation.
there was no one there! She exclaimed. He was all by himself! It was just the same as what you saw last night!
evidently.
did it sound to you--there was a little awed tremor in her voice that i found very appealing--did it sound to you like a person whod lost his mind?
i dont know, i said. I dont know at all what to make of it.
he couldnt have been--her eyes grew very wide--intoxicated!
no. Im sure it wasnt that.
then _i_ dont know what to make of it, either. All that wild talk about bill hammersley and simpledoria and spring-boards in scotland and--
and an eleven-foot jump, i suggested.
why, theres no more a bill hammersley, she cried, with a gesture of excited emphasis, than there is a simpledoria!
so it appears, i agreed.
hes lived there all alone, she said, solemnly, in that big house, so long, just sitting there evening after evening all by himself, never going out, never reading anything, not even thinking; but just sitting and sitting and sitting and sitting--well, she broke off, suddenly, shook the frown from her forehead, and made me the offer of a dazzling smile, theres no use bothering ones own head about it.
im glad to have a fellow-witness, i said. Its so eerie i might have concluded there was something the matter with me.
youre going to your work? She asked, as i turned toward the gate. Im very glad i dont have to go to mine.
yours? I inquired, rather blankly.
i teach algebra and plain geometry at the high school, said this surprising young woman. Thank heaven, its saturday! Im reading les miserables for the seventh time, and im going to have a real orgy over gervaise and the barricade this afternoon!
iii
i do not know why it should have astonished me to find that miss apperthwaite was a teacher of mathematics except that (to my inexperienced eye) she didnt look it. She looked more like charlotte corday!
i had the pleasure of seeing her opposite me at lunch the next day (when mr. Dowden kept me occupied with spencerville politics, obviously from fear that i would break out again), but no stroll in the yard with her rewarded me afterward, as i dimly hoped, for she disappeared before i left the table, and i did not see her again for a fortnight. On week-days she did not return to the house for lunch, my only meal at mrs. Apperthwaites (i dined at a restaurant near the despatch office), and she was out of town for a little visit, her mother informed us, over the following saturday and sunday. She was not altogether out of my thoughts, however--indeed, she almost divided them with the honorable david beasley.
a better view which i was afforded of this gentleman did not lessen my interest in him; increased it rather; it also served to make the extraordinary didoes of which he had been the virtuoso and i the audience more than ever profoundly inexplicable. My glimpse of him in the lighted doorway had given me the vaguest impression of his appearance, but one afternoon--a few days after my interview with miss apperthwaite--i was starting for the office and met him full-face-on as he was turning in at his gate. I took as careful invoice of him as i could without conspicuously glaring.
there was something remarkably taking, as we say, about this man--something easy and genial and quizzical and careless. He was the kind of person you like to meet on the street; whose cheerful passing sends you on feeling indefinably a little gayer than you did. He was tall, thin--even gaunt, perhaps--and his face was long, rather pale, and shrewd and gentle; something in its oddity not unremindful of the late sol smith russell. His hat was tilted back a little, the slightest bit to one side, and the sparse, brownish hair above his high forehead was going to be gray before long. He looked about forty.
the truth is, i had expected to see a cousin german to don quixote; i had thought to detect signs and gleams of wildness, however slight--something a little off. One glance of that kindly and humorous eye told me such expectation had been nonsense. Odd he might have been--gadzooks! He looked it--but queer? Never. The fact that miss apperthwaite could picture such a man as this sitting and sitting and sitting himself into any form of mania or madness whatever spoke loudly of her own imagination, indeed! The key to simpledoria was to be sought under some other mat.
... As i began to know some of my co-laborers on the despatch, and to pick up acquaintances, here and there, about town, i sometimes made mr. Beasley the subject of inquiry. Everybody knew him. Oh yes, i know dave beasley! Would come the reply, nearly always with a chuckling sort of laugh. I gathered that he had a name for easy-going which amounted to eccentricity. It was said that what the ward-heelers and camp-followers got out of him in campaign times made the political managers cry. He was the first and readiest prey for every fraud and swindler that came to wainwright, i heard, and yet, in spite of this and of his hatred of speech-making (hes as silent as grant! Said one informant), he had a large practice, and was one of the most successful lawyers in the state.
one story they told of him (or, as they were more apt to put it, on him) was repeated so often that i saw it had become one of the towns traditions. One bitter evening in february, they related, he was approached upon the street by a ragged, whining, and shivering old reprobate, notorious for the various ingenuities by which he had worn out the patience of the charity organizations. He asked beasley for a dime. Beasley had no money in his pockets, but gave the man his overcoat, went home without any himself, and spent six weeks in bed with a bad case of pneumonia as the direct result. His beneficiary sold the overcoat, and invested the proceeds in a five-days spree, in the closing scenes of which a couple of brickbats were featured to high, spectacular effect. One he sent through a jewellers show-window in an attempt to intimidate some wholly imaginary pursuers, the other he projected at a perfectly actual policeman who was endeavoring to soothe him. The victim of beasleys charity and the officer were then borne to the hospital in company.
it was due in part to recollections of this legend and others of a similar character that people laughed when they said, oh yes, i know dave beasley!
altogether, i should say, beasley was about the most popular man in wainwright. I could discover nowhere anything, however, to shed the faintest light upon the mystery of bill hammersley and simpledoria. It was not until the sunday of miss apperthwaites absence that the revelation came.
that afternoon i went to call upon the widow of a second-cousin of mine; she lived in a cottage not far from mrs. Apperthwaites, upon the same street. I found her sitting on a pleasant veranda, with boxes of flowering plants along the railing, though indian summer was now close upon departure. She was rocking meditatively, and held a finger in a morocco volume, apparently of verse, though i suspected she had been better entertained in the observation of the people and vehicles decorously passing along the sunlit thoroughfare within her view.
we exchanged inevitable questions and news of mutual relatives; i had told her how i liked my work and what i thought of wainwright, and she was congratulating me upon having found so pleasant a place to live as mrs. Apperthwaites, when she interrupted herself to smile and nod a cordial greeting to two gentlemen driving by in a phaeton. They waved their hats to her gayly, then leaned back comfortably against the cushions--and if ever two men were obviously and incontestably on the best of terms with each other, these two were. They were david beasley and mr. Dowden. I do wish, said my cousin, resuming her rocking--i do wish dear david beasley would get a new trap of some kind; that old phaeton of his is a disgrace! I suppose you havent met him? Of course, living at mrs. Apperthwaites, you wouldnt be apt to.
but what is he doing with mr. Dowden? I asked.
she lifted her eyebrows. Why--taking him for a drive, i suppose.
no. I mean--how do they happen to be together?
why shouldnt they be? Theyre old friends--
they are! And, in answer to her look of surprise, i explained that i had begun to speak of beasley at mrs. Apperthwaites, and described the abruptness with which dowden had changed the subject.
i see, my cousin nodded, comprehendingly. Thats simple enough. George dowden didnt want you to talk of beasley there. I suppose it may have been a little embarrassing for everybody--especially if ann apperthwaite heard you.
ann? Thats miss apperthwaite? Yes; i was speaking directly to her. Why shouldnt she have heard me? She talked of him herself a little later--and at some length, too.
she did! My cousin stopped rocking, and fixed me with her glittering eye. Well, of all!
is it so surprising?
the lady gave her boat to the waves again. Ann apperthwaite thinks about him still! She said, with something like vindictiveness. Ive always suspected it. She thought you were new to the place and didnt know anything about it all, or anybody to mention it to. Thats it!
im still new to the place, i urged, and still dont know anything about it all.
they used to be engaged, was her succinct and emphatic answer.
i found it but too illuminating. Oh, oh! I cried. I was an innocent, wasnt i?
im glad she does think of him, said my cousin. It serves her right. I only hope he wont find it out, because hes a poor, faithful creature; hed jump at the chance to take her back--and she doesnt deserve him.
how long has it been, i asked, since they used to be engaged?
oh, a good while--five or six years ago, i think--maybe more; time skips along. Ann apperthwaites no chicken, you know. (Such was the ladys expression.) They got engaged just after she came home from college, and of all the idiotically romantic girls--
but shes a teacher, i interrupted, of mathematics.
yes. She nodded wisely. I always thought that explained it: the romance is a reaction from the algebra. I never knew a person connected with mathematics or astronomy or statistics, or any of those exact things, who didnt have a crazy streak in em somewhere. Theyve got to blow off steam and be foolish to make up for putting in so much of their time at hard sense. But dont you think that i dislike ann apperthwaite. Shes always been one of my best friends; thats why i feel at liberty to abuse her--and i always will abuse her when i think how she treated poor david beasley.
how did she treat him?
threw him over out of a clear sky one night, thats all. Just sent him home and broke his heart; that is, it would have been broken if hed had any kind of disposition except the one the lord blessed him with--just all optimism and cheerfulness and make-the-best-of-it-ness! Hes never cared for anybody else, and i guess he never will.
what did she do it for?
nothing! My cousin shot the indignant word from her lips. Nothing in the wide world!
but there must have been--
listen to me, she interrupted, and tell me if you ever heard anything queerer in your life. Theyd been engaged--heaven knows how long--over two years; probably nearer three--and always she kept putting it off; wouldnt begin to get ready, wouldnt set a day for the wedding. Then mr. Apperthwaite died, and left her and her mother stranded high and dry with nothing to live on. David had everything in the world to give her--and still she wouldnt! And then, one day, she came up here and told me shed broken it off. Said she couldnt stand it to be engaged to david beasley another minute!
but why?
because--my cousins tone was shrill with her despair of expressing the satire she would have put into it--because, she said he was a man of no imagination!
she still says so, i remarked, thoughtfully.
then its time she got a little imagination herself! Snapped my companion. David beasleys the quietest man god has made, but everybody knows what he is! There are some rare people in this world that arent all talk; there are some still rarer ones that scarcely ever talk at all--and david beasleys one of them. I dont know whether its because he cant talk, or if he can and hates to; i only know he doesnt. And im glad of it, and thank the lord hes put a few like that into this talky world! David beasleys smile is better than acres of other peoples talk. My providence! Wouldnt anybody, just to look at him, know that he does better than talk? He thinks! The trouble with ann apperthwaite was that she was too young to see it. She was so full of novels and poetry and dreaminess and highfalutin nonsense she couldnt see anything as it really was. Shed study her mirror, and see such a heroine of romance there that she just couldnt bear to have a fiance who hadnt any chance of turning out to be the crown-prince of kenosha in disguise! At the very least, to suit her hed have had to wear a well-trimmed vandyke and coo sonnets in the gloaming, or read on a balcony to her by a red lamp.
poor david! Outside of his law-books, i dont believe hes ever read anything but robinson crusoe and the bible and mark twain. Oh, you should have heard her talk about it!--I couldnt bear it another day, she said, i couldnt stand it! In all the time ive known him i dont believe hes ever asked me a single question--except when he asked if id marry him. He never says anything--never speaks at all! She said. You dont know a blessing when you see it, i told her. Blessing! She said. Theres nothing in the man! He has no depths! He hasnt any more imagination than the chair he sits and sits and sits in! Half the time he answers what i say to him by nodding and saying um-hum, with that same old foolish, contented smile of his. Id have gone mad if it had lasted any longer! I asked her if she thought married life consisted very largely of conversations between husband and wife; and she answered that even married life ought to have some poetry in it. Some romance, she said, some soul! And he just comes and sits, she said, and sits and sits and sits and sits! And i cant bear it any longer, and ive told him so.
poor mr. Beasley, i said.
_i_ think, poor ann apperthwaite! Retorted my cousin. Id like to know if theres anything nicer than just to sit and sit and sit and sit with as lovely a man as that--a man who understands things, and thinks and listens and smiles--instead of everlastingly talking!
as it happens, i remarked, ive heard mr. Beasley talk.
why, of course he talks, she returned, when theres any real use in it. And he talks to children; hes that kind of man.
i meant a particular instance, i began; meaning to see if she could give me any clew to bill hammersley and simpledoria, but at that moment the gate clicked under the hand of another caller. My cousin rose to greet him; and presently i took my leave without having been able to get back upon the subject of beasley.
thus, once more baffled, i returned to mrs. Apperthwaites--and within the hour came into full possession of the very heart of that dark and subtle mystery which overhung the house next door and so perplexed my soul.
iv
finding that i had still some leisure before me, i got a book from my room and repaired to the bench in the garden. But i did not read; i had but opened the book when my attention was arrested by sounds from the other side of the high fence--low and tremulous croonings of distinctly african derivation:
ah met mah sistuh in a-mawnin,
she uz a-waggin up de hill so slow! Sistuh, you mus git a rastle in doo time, bfo de hevumly dos cloze--iz!
it was the voice of an aged negro; and the simultaneous slight creaking of a small hub and axle seemed to indicate that he was pushing or pulling a childs wagon or perambulator up and down the walk from the kitchen door to the stable. Whiles, he proffered soothing music: over and over he repeated the chant, though with variations; encountering in turn his brother, his daughter, each of his parents, his uncle, his cousin, and his second-cousin, one after the other ascending the same slope with the same perilous leisure.
lay still, honey. He interrupted his injunctions to the second-cousin. Des keep on a-nappin an a-breavin de fesh air. Dass whas go mek you good an well agin.
then there spoke the strangest voice that ever fell upon my ear; it was not like a childs, neither was it like a very old persons voice; it might have been a grasshoppers, it was so thin and little, and made of such tiny wavers and quavers and creakings.
i--want-- said this elfin voice, i--want--bill--hammersley!
the shabby phaeton which had passed my cousins house was drawing up to the curb near beasleys gate. Evidently the old negro saw it.
hi dar! He exclaimed. Look at dat! Hain bill a comin yonnah des edzacly on de dot an to de vey spot an instink when you quiah fo im, honey? Dar come mist dave, right on de minute, an you kin bet yo las hunnud dollahs he got dat bill hammersley wif im! Come along, honey-chile! Ahs go to pull you roun in de side yod fo to meet em.
the small wagon creaked away, the chant resuming as it went.
mr. Dowden jumped out of the phaeton with a wave of his hand to the driver, beasley himself, who clucked to the horse and drove through his open carriage-gates and down the drive on the other side of the house, where he was lost to my view.
dowden, entering our own gate, nodded in a friendly fashion to me, and i advanced to meet him.
some day i want to take you over next door, he said, cordially, as i came up. You ought to know beasley, especially as i hear youre doing some political reporting. Dave beasleys going to be the next governor of this state, you know. He laughed, offered me a cigar, and we sat down together on the front steps.
from all i hear, i rejoined, you ought to know wholl get it. (It was said in town that dowden would come pretty near having the nomination in his pocket.)
i expect you thought i shifted the subject pretty briskly the other day? He glanced at me quizzically from under the brim of his black felt hat. I meant to tell you about that, but the opportunity didnt occur. You see--
i understand, i interrupted. Ive heard the story. You thought it might be embarrassing to miss apperthwaite.
i expect i was pretty clumsy about it, said dowden, cheerfully. Well, well-- he flicked his cigar with a smothered ejaculation that was half a sigh and half a laugh; its a mighty strange case. Here they keep on living next door to each other, year after year, each going on alone when they might just as well-- he left the sentence unfinished, save for a vocal click of compassion. They bow when they happen to meet, but they havent exchanged a word since the night she sent him away, long ago. He shook his head, then his countenance cleared and he chuckled. Well, sir, daves got something at home to keep him busy enough, these days, i expect!
do you mind telling me? I inquired. Is its name simpledoria?
mr. Dowden threw back his head and laughed loudly. Lord, no! What on earth made you think that?
i told him. It was my second success with this narrative; however, there was a difference: my former auditor listened with flushed and breathless excitement, whereas the present one laughed consumedly throughout. Especially he laughed with a great laughter at the picture of beasleys coming down at four in the morning to open the door for nothing on sea or land or in the waters under the earth. I gave account, also, of the miraculous jumping contest (though i did not mention miss apperthwaites having been with me), and of the elfin voice i had just now overheard demanding bill hammersley.
so i expect you must have decided, he chuckled, when i concluded, that david beasley has gone just plain, plum insane.
not a bit of it. Nobody could look at him and not know better than that.
youre right there! Said dowden, heartily. And now ill tell you all there is to it. You see, dave grew up with a cousin of his named hamilton swift; they were boys together; went to the same school, and then to college. I dont believe there was ever a high word spoken between them. Nobody in this life ever got a quarrel out of dave beasley, and hamilton swift was a mighty good sort of a fellow, too. He went east to live, after they got out of college, yet they always managed to get together once a year, generally about christmas-time; you couldnt pass them on the street without hearing their laughter ringing out louder than the sleigh-bells, maybe over some old joke between them, or some fool thing they did, perhaps, when they were boys. But finally hamilton swifts business took him over to the other side of the water to live; and he married an english girl, an orphan without any kin. That was about seven years ago. Well, sir, this last summer he and his wife were taking a trip down in switzerland, and they were both drowned--tipped over out of a rowboat in lake lucerne--and word came that hamilton swifts will appointed dave guardian of the one child they had, a little boy--hamilton swift, juniors his name. He was sent across the ocean in charge of a doctor, and dave went on to new york to meet him. He brought him home here the very day before you passed the house and saw poor dave getting up at four in the morning to let that ghost in. And a mighty funny ghost simpledoria is!
i begin to understand, i said, and to feel pretty silly, too.
not at all, he rejoined, heartily. That little chaps freaks would mystify anybody, especially with dave humoring em the ridiculous way he does. Hamilton swift, junior, is the curiousest child i ever saw--and the good lord knows he made all children powerful mysterious! This poor little cuss has a complication of infirmities that have kept him on his back most of his life, never knowing other children, never playing, or anything; and hes got ideas and ways that i never saw the beat of! He was born sick, as i understand it--his bones and nerves and insides are all wrong, somehow--but its supposed he gets a little better from year to year. He wears a pretty elaborate set of braces, and hes subject to attacks, too--i dont know the name for em--and loses what little voice he has sometimes, all but a whisper. He had one, i know, the day after beasley brought him home, and that was probably the reason you thought dave was carrying on all to himself about that jumping-match out in the back-yard. The boy must have been lying there in the little wagon they have for him, while dave cut up shines with bill hammersley. Of course, most children have make-believe friends and companions, especially if they havent any brothers or sisters, but this lonely little fellers got his people worked out in his mind and materialized beyond any i ever heard of. Dave got well acquainted with em on the train on the way home, and they certainly are giving him a lively time. Ho, ho! Getting him up at four in the morning--
mr. Dowdens mirth overcame him for a moment; when he had mastered it, he continued: simpledoria--now where do you suppose he got that name?--Well, anyway, simpledoria is supposed to be hamilton swift, juniors st. Bernard dog. Beasley had to bathe him the other day, he told me! And bill hammersley is supposed to be a boy of hamilton swift, juniors own age, but very big and strong; he has rosy cheeks, and he can do more in athletics than a whole college track-team. Thats the reason he outjumped dave so far, you see.
v
miss apperthwaite was at home the following saturday. I found her in the library with les miserables on her knee when i came down from my room a little before lunch-time; and she looked up and gave me a smile that made me feel sorry for any one she had ceased to smile upon.
i wanted to tell you, i said, with a little awkwardness but plenty of truth, ive found out that im an awful fool.
but thats something, she returned, encouragingly--at least the beginning of wisdom.
i mean about mr. Beasley--the mystery i was absurd enough to find in simpledoria. I want to tell you--
oh, _i_ know, she said; and although she laughed with an effect of carelessness, that look which i had thought far away returned to her eyes as she spoke. There was a certain inscrutability about miss apperthwaite sometimes, it should be added, as if she did not like to be too easily read. Ive heard all about it. Mr. Beasleys been appointed trustee or something for poor hamilton swifts son, a pitiful little invalid boy who invents all sorts of characters. The old darky from over there told our cook about bill hammersley and simpledoria. So, you see, i understand.
im glad you do, i said.
a little hardness--one might even have thought it bitterness--became apparent in her expression. And im glad theres somebody in that house, at last, with a little imagination!
from everything i have heard, i returned, summoning sufficient boldness, it would be difficult to say which has more--mr. Beasley or the child.
her glance fell from mine at this, but not quickly enough to conceal a sudden, half-startled look of trouble (i can think of no other way to express it) that leaped into it; and she rose, for the lunch-bell was ringing.
im just finishing the death of jean valjean, you know, in les miserables, she said, as we moved to the door. Im always afraid ill cry over that. I try not to, because it makes my eyes red.
and, in truth, there was a vague rumor of tears about her eyes--not as if she had shed them, but more as if she were going to--though i had not noticed it when i came in.
... That afternoon, when i reached the despatch office, i was commissioned to obtain certain political information from the honorable david beasley, an assignment i accepted with eagerness, notwithstanding the commiseration it brought me from one or two of my fellows in the reporters room. You wont get anything out of him! They said. And they were true prophets.
i found him looking over some documents in his office; a reflective, unlighted cigar in the corner of his mouth; his chair tilted back and his feet on a window-sill. He nodded, upon my statement of the affair that brought me, and, without shifting his position, gave me a look of slow but wholly friendly scrutiny over his shoulder, and bade me sit down. I began at once to put the questions i was told to ask him--interrogations (he seemed to believe) satisfactorily answered by slowly and ruminatively stroking the left side of his chin with two long fingers of his right hand, the while he smiled in genial contemplation of a tarred roof beyond the window. Now and then he would give me a mild and drawling word or two, not brilliantly illuminative, it may be remarked. Well--about that-- he began once, and came immediately to a full stop.
yes? I said, hopefully, my pencil poised.
about that--i guess--
yes, mr. Beasley? I encouraged him, for he seemed to have dried up permanently.
well, sir--i guess--hadnt you better see some one else about that?
this with the air of a man who would be but too fluent and copious upon any subject in the world except the one particular point.
i never met anybody else who looked so pleasantly communicative and managed to say so little. In fact, he didnt say anything at all; and i guessed that this faculty was not without its value in his political career, disastrous as it had proved to his private happiness. His habit of silence, moreover, was not cultivated: you could see that the secret of it was just that he was born quiet.
my note-book remained noteless, and finally, at some odd evasion of his, accomplished by a monosyllable, i laughed outright--and he did, too! He joined cachinnations with me heartily, and with a twinkling quizzicalness that somehow gave me the idea that he might be thinking (rather apologetically) to himself: yes, sir, that old beasley man is certainly a mighty funny critter!
when i went away, a few moments later, and left him still intermittently chuckling, the impression remained with me that he had had some such deprecatory and surreptitious thought.
two or three days after that, as i started down-town from mrs. Apperthwaites, beasley came out of his gate, bound in the same direction. He gave me a look of gay recognition and offered his hand, saying, well! Up in this neighborhood! As if that were a matter of considerable astonishment.
i mentioned that i was a neighbor, and we walked on together. I dont think he spoke again, except for a well, sir! Or two of genial surprise at something i said, and, now and then, you dont tell me! Which he had a most eloquent way of exclaiming; but he listened visibly to my own talk, and laughed at everything that i meant for funny.
i never knew anybody who gave one a greater responsiveness; he seemed to be with you every instant; and how he made you feel it was the true mystery of beasley, this silent man who never talked, except (as my cousin said) to children.
it happened that i thus met him, as we were both starting down-town, and walked on with him, several days in succession; in a word, it became a habit. Then, one afternoon, as i turned to leave him at the despatch office, he asked me if i wouldnt drop in at his house the next day for a cigar before we started. I did; and he asked me if i wouldnt come again the day after that. So this became a habit, too.
a fortnight elapsed before i met hamilton swift, junior; for he, poor little father of dream-children, could be no spectator of track events upon the lawn, but lay in his bed up-stairs. However, he grew better at last, and my presentation took place.
we had just finished our cigars in beasleys airy, old-fashioned sitting-room, and were rising to go, when there came the faint creaking of small wheels from the hall. Beasley turned to me with the apologetic and monosyllabic chuckle that was distinctly his alone.
ive got a little chap here-- he said; then went to the door. Bob!
the old darky appeared in the doorway pushing a little wagon like a reclining-chair on wheels, and in it sat hamilton swift, junior.
my first impression of him was that he was all eyes: i couldnt look at anything else for a time, and was hardly conscious of the rest of that weazened, peaked little face and the under-sized wisp of a body with its pathetic adjuncts of metal and leather. I think they were the brightest eyes i ever saw--as keen and intelligent as a wicked old womans, withal as trustful and cheery as the eyes of a setter pup.
hoo-ray!
thus the honorable mr. Beasley, waving a handkerchief thrice around his head and thrice cheering.
and the child, in that crickets voice of his, replied:
br-r-ra-vo!
this was the form of salutation familiarly in use between them. Beasley followed it by inquiring, whos with us to-day?
im mister swift, chirped the little fellow. Mis-ter swift, if you please, cousin david beasley.
beasley executed a formal bow. There is a gentleman here whod like to meet you. And he presented me with some grave phrases commendatory of my general character, addressing the child as mister swift; whereupon mister swift gave me a ghostly little hand and professed himself glad to meet me.
and besides me, he added, to beasley, theres bill hammersley and mr. Corley linbridge.
a faint perplexity manifested itself upon beasleys face at this, a shadow which cleared at once when i asked if i might not be permitted to meet these personages, remarking that i had heard from dowden of bill hammersley, though until now a stranger to the fame of mr. Corley linbridge.
beasley performed the ceremony with intentional elegance, while the boys great eyes swept glowingly from his cousins face to mine and back again. I bowed and shook hands with the air, once to my left and once to my right. And simpledoria! Cried mister swift. Youll enjoy simpledoria.
above all things, i said. Can he shake hands? Some dogs can.
watch him!
mister swift lifted a commanding finger. Simpledoria, shake hands!
i knelt beside the wagon and shook an imaginary big paw. At this mister swift again shook hands with me and allowed me to perceive, in his luminous regard, a solemn commendation and approval.
in this wise was my initiation into the beautiful old house and the cordiality of its inmates completed; and i became a familiar of david beasley and his ward, with the privilege to go and come as i pleased; there was always gay and friendly welcome. I always came for the cigar after lunch, sometimes for lunch itself; sometimes i dined there instead of down-town; and now and then when it happened that an errand or assignment took me that way in the afternoon, i would run in and visit awhile with hamilton swift, junior, and his circle of friends.
there were days, of course, when his attacks were upon him, and only beasley and the doctor and old bob saw him; i do not know what the boys mental condition was at such times; but when he was better, and could be wheeled about the house and again receive callers, he displayed an almost dismaying activity of mind--it was active enough, certainly, to keep far ahead of my own. And he was masterful: still, beasley and dowden and i were never directly chidden for insubordination, though made to wince painfully by the look of troubled surprise that met us when we were not quick enough to catch his meaning.
the order of the day with him always began with the hoo-ray and br-r-ra-vo of greeting; after which we were to inquire, whos with us to-day? Whereupon he would make known the character in which he elected to be received for the occasion. If he announced himself as mister swift, everything was to be very grown-up and decorous indeed. Formalities and distances were observed; and mr. Corley linbridge (an elderly personage of great dignity and distinction as a mountain-climber) was much oftener included in the conversation than bill hammersley. If, however, he declared himself to be hamilton swift, junior, which was his happiest mood, bill hammersley and simpledoria were in the ascendant, and there were games and contests. (Dowden, beasley, and i all slid down the banisters on one of the hamilton swift, junior, days, at which really picturesque spectacle the boy almost cried with laughter--and old bob and his wife, who came running from the kitchen, did cry.) He had a third appellation for himself--just little hamilton; but this was only when the creaky voice could hardly chirp at all and the weazened face was drawn to one side with suffering. When he told us he was just little hamilton we were very quiet.
once, for ten days, his invisibles all went away on a visit: hamilton swift, junior, had become interested in bears. While this lasted, all of beasleys trousers were, as dowden said, a sight. For that matter, dowden himself was quite hoarse in court from growling so much. The bears were dismissed abruptly: bill hammersley and mr. Corley linbridge and simpledoria came trooping back, and with them they brought that wonderful family, the hunchbergs.
beasley had just opened the front door, returning at noon from his office, when hamilton swift, juniors voice came piping from the library, where he was reclining in his wagon by the window.
cousin david beasley! Cousin david, come a-running! He cried. Come a-running! The hunchbergs are here!
of course cousin david beasley came a-running, and was immediately introduced to the whole hunchberg family, a ceremony which old bob, who was with the boy, had previously undergone with courtly grace.
they like bob, explained hamilton. Dont you, mr. Hunchberg? Yes, he says they do extremely! (He used such words as extremely often; indeed, as dowden said, he talked like a child in a book, which was due, i dare say, to his english mother.) And im sure, the boy went on, that all the family will admire cousin david. Yes, mr. Hunchberg says, he thinks they will.
and then (as bob told me) he went almost out of his head with joy when beasley offered mr. Hunchberg a cigar and struck a match for him to light it.
but whar, exclaimed the old darky, whar in de name o de good gawd do de chile git dem names? Hit lak to skeer me!
that was a subject often debated between dowden and me: there was nothing in wainwright that could have suggested them, and it did not seem probable he could have remembered them from over the water. In my opinion they were the inventions of that busy and lonely little brain.
i met the hunchberg family, myself, the day after their arrival, and beasley, by that time, had become so well acquainted with them that he could remember all their names, and helped in the introductions. There was mr. Hunchberg--evidently the childs favorite, for he was described as the possessor of every engaging virtue--and there was that lively matron, mrs. Hunchberg; there were the hunchberg young gentlemen, tom, noble, and grandee; and the young ladies, miss queen, miss marble, and miss molanna--all exceedingly gay and pretty. There was also colonel hunchberg, an uncle; finally there was aunt cooley hunchberg, a somewhat decrepit but very amiable old lady. Mr. Corley linbridge happened to be calling at the same time; and, as it appeared to be beasleys duty to keep the conversation going and constantly to include all of the party in its general flow, it struck me that he had truly (as dowden said) enough to keep him busy.
the hunchbergs had lately moved to wainwright from constantinople, i learned; they had decided not to live in town, however, having purchased a fine farm out in the country, and, on account of the distance, were able to call at beasleys only about eight times a day, and seldom more than twice in the evening. Whenever a mystic telephone announced that they were on the way, the child would have himself wheeled to a window; and when they came in sight he would cry out in wild delight, while beasley hastened to open the front door and admit them.
they were so real to the child, and beasley treated them with such consistent seriousness, that between the two of them i sometimes began to feel that there actually were such people, and to have moments of half-surprise that i couldnt see them; particularly as each of the hunchbergs developed a character entirely his own to the last peculiarity, such as the aged aunt cooley hunchbergs deafness, on which account beasley never once forgot to raise his voice when he addressed her. Indeed, the details of actuality in all this appeared to bring as great a delight to the man as to the child. Certainly he built them up with infinite care. On one occasion when mr. Hunchberg and i happened to be calling, hamilton remarked with surprise that simpledoria had come into the room without licking his hand as he usually did, and had crept under the table. Mr. Hunchberg volunteered the information (through beasley) that upon his approach to the house he had seen simpledoria chasing a cat. It was then debated whether chastisement was in order, but finally decided that simpledorias surreptitious manner of entrance and his hiding under the table were sufficient indication that he well understood his baseness, and would never let it happen again. And so, beasley having coaxed him out from under the table, the offender sat up, begged, and was forgiven. I could almost feel the splendid shaggy head under my hand when, in turn, i patted simpledoria to show that the reconciliation unanimous.
vi
autumn trailed the last leaves behind her flying brown robes one night; we woke to a skurry of snow next morning; and it was winter. Down-town, along the sidewalks, the merchants set lines of poles, covered them with evergreen, and ran streamers of green overhead to encourage the festal shopping. Salvation army santa clauses stamped their feet and rang bells on the corners, and pink-faced children fixed their noses immovably to display-windows. For them, the season of seasons, the time of times, was at hand.
to a certain new reporter on the despatch the stir and gayety of the streets meant little more than that the days had come when it was night in the afternoon, and that he was given fewer political assignments. This was annoying, because beasleys candidacy for the governorship had given me a personal interest in the political situation. The nominating convention of his party would meet in the spring; the nomination was certain to carry the election also, and thus far beasley showed more strength than any other man in the field. Things are looking his way, said dowden. Hes always worked hard for the party; not on the stump, of course, he laughed; but the boys understand there are more important things than speech-making. His record in congress gave him the confidence of everybody in the state, and, besides that, people always trust a quiet man. I tell you if nothing happens hell get it.
im fer beasley, another politician explained, in an interview, because hes dave beasley! Yes, sir, im fer him. You know the boys say if a man is only for you, in this state, there isnt much in it and he may go back on it; but if hes fer you, he means it. Well, im fer beasley!
there were other candidates, of course; none of them formidable; but i was surprised to learn of the existence of a small but energetic faction opposing our friend in wainwright, his own town. (What are you surprised about? Inquired dowden. Dont you know what our folks are like, yet? If st. Paul lived in wainwright, do you suppose he could run for constable without some of his near neighbors getting out to try and down him?)
the head and front (and backbone, too) of the opposition to beasley was a close-fisted, hard-knuckled, risen-from-the-soil sort of man, one named simeon peck. He possessed no inconsiderable influence, i heard; was a hard worker, and vigorously seconded by an energetic lieutenant, a young man named grist. These, and others they had been able to draw to their faction, were bitterly and eagerly opposed to beasleys nomination, and worked without ceasing to prevent it.
i quote the invaluable mr. Dowden again: grists against us because he had a quarrel with a clerk in beasleys office, and wanted beasley to discharge him, and beasley wouldnt; sim pecks against us out of just plain wrong-headedness, and because he never was for anything nor fer anybody in his life. I had a talk with the old mutton-head the other day; he said our candidate ought to be a farmer, a man of the common people, and when i asked him where hed find anybody more a man of the common people than beasley, he said beasley was too much of a society man to suit him! The idea of dave as a society man was too much for me, and i laughed in sim pecks face, but that didnt stop sim peck! Jest look at the style he lives in, he yelped. Aint he fairly lapped in luxury? Look at that big house he lives in! Look at the way he goes around in that phaeton of his--and a nigger to drive him half the time! I had to holler again, and, of course, that made sim twice as mad as he started out to be; and he went off swearing hed show me, before the campaign was over. The only trouble he and grist and that crowd could give us would be by finding out something against dave, and they cant do that because there isnt anything to find out.
i shared his confidence on this latter score, but was somewhat less sanguine on some others. There were only two newspapers of any political influence in wainwright, the despatch and the journal, both operated in the interest of beasleys party, and neither had come out for him. The gossip i heard about our office led me to think that each was waiting to see what headway sim peck and his faction would make; the journal especially, i knew, had some inclination to coquette with peck, grist, and company. Altogether, their faction was not entirely to be despised.
thus, my thoughts were a great deal more occupied with beasleys chances than with the holiday spirit that now, with furs and bells and wreathing mists of snow, breathed good cheer over the town. So little, indeed, had this spirit touched me that, one evening when one of my colleagues, standing before the grate-fire in the reporters room, yawned and said hed be glad when to-morrow was over, i asked him what was the particular trouble with to-morrow.
christmas, he explained, languidly. Always so tedious. Like sunday.
it makes me homesick, said another, a melancholy little man who was forever bragging of his native duluth.
christmas, i repeated--to-morrow!
it was christmas eve, and i had not known it! I leaned back in my chair in sudden loneliness, what pictures coming before me of long-ago christmas eves at home!--Old christmas eves when there was a tree....
my name was called; the night city editor had an assignment for me. Go up to sim pecks, on madison street, he said. He thinks hes got something on david beasley, but wont say any more over the telephone. See what there is in it.
i picked up my hat and coat, and left the office at a speed which must have given my superior the highest conception of my journalistic zeal. At a telephone station on the next corner i called up mrs. Apperthwaites house and asked for dowden.
what are you doing? I demanded, when his voice had responded.
playing bridge, he answered.
are you going out anywhere?
no. Whats the trouble?
ill tell you later. I may want to see you before i go back to the office.
all right. Ill be here all evening.
i hung up the receiver and made off on my errand.
down-town the streets were crowded with the package-laden people, bending heads and shoulders to the bitter wind, which swept a blinding, sleet-like snow horizontally against them. At corners it struck so tumultuous a blow upon the chest of the pedestrians that for a moment it would halt them, and you could hear them gasping half-smothered ahs like bathers in a heavy surf. Yet there was a gayety in this eager gale; the crowds pressed anxiously, yet happily, up and down the street in their generous search for things to give away. It was not the rich who struggled through the storm to-night; these were people who carried their own bundles home. You saw them: toilers and savers, tired mothers and fathers, worn with the grinding thrift of all the year, but now for this one night careless of how hard-saved the money, reckless of everything but the joy of giving it to bring the children joy on the one great to-morrow. So they bent their heads to the freezing wind, their arms laden with daring bundles and their hearts uplifted with the tremulous happiness of giving more than they could afford. Meanwhile, mr. Simeon peck, honest man, had chosen this season to work harm if he might to the gentlest of his fellow-men.
i found mr. Peck waiting for me at his house. There were four other men with him, one of whom i recognized as grist, a squat young man with slippery-looking black hair and a lambrequin mustache. They were donning their coats and hats in the hall when i arrived.
from the despatch, hay? Mr. Peck gave me greeting, as he wound a knit comforter about his neck. Thats good. Wed most give you up. This heres mr. Grist, and mr. Henry p. Cullop, and mr. Gus schulmeyer--three men that feel the same way about dave beasley that i do. That other young feller, he waved a mittened hand to the fourth man--hes from the journal. Likely youre acquainted.
the young man from the journal was unknown to me; moreover, i was far from overjoyed at his presence.
ive got you newspaper men here, continued mr. Peck, because im goin to show you somepn about dave beasley thatll open a good many folks eyes when its in print.
well, what is it? I asked, rather sharply.
jest hold your horses a little bit, he retorted. Grist and me knows, and so do mr. Cullop and mr. Schulmeyer. And im goin to take them and you two reporters to look at it. All ready? Then come on.
he threw open the door, stooped to the gust that took him by the throat, and led the way out into the storm.
what is he up to? I gasped to the journal man as we followed in a straggling line.
i dont know any more than you do, he returned. He thinks hes got something thatll queer beasley. Pecks an old fool, but its just possible hes got hold of something. Nearly everybody has one thing, at least, that they dont want found out. It may be a good story. Lord, what a night!
i pushed ahead to the leaders side. See here, mr. Peck-- i began, but he cut me off.
you listen to me, young man! Im givin you some news for your paper, and im gittin at it my own way, but ill git at it, dont you worry! Im goin to let some folks around here know what kind of a feller dave beasley really is; yes, and im goin to show george dowden he cant laugh at me!
youre going to show mr. Dowden? I said. You mean youre going to take him on this expedition, too?
take him! Mr. Peck emitted an acrid bark of laughter. I guess hes at beasleys, all right.
no, he isnt; hes at home--at mrs. Apperthwaites--playing cards.
what!
i happen to know that hell be there all evening.
mr. Peck smote his palms together. Grist! He called, over his shoulder, and his colleague struggled forward. Listen to this: even dowden aint at beasleys. Aint the lord workin fer us to-night!
why dont you take dowden with you, i urged, if theres anything you want to show him?
by george, i will! Shouted peck. Ive got him where the hairs short now!
thats right, said grist.
gentlemen--peck turned to the others--when we git to mrs. Apperthwaites, jest stop outside along the fence a minute. I recken well pick up a recruit.
shivering, we took up our way again in single file, stumbling through drifts that had deepened incredibly within the hour. The wind was straight against us, and so stingingly sharp and so laden with the driving snow that when we reached mrs. Apperthwaites gate (which we approached from the north, not passing beasleys) my eyes were so full of smarting tears i could see only blurred planes of light dancing vaguely in the darkness, instead of brightly lit windows.
now, said peck, panting and turning his back to the wind; the rest of you gentlemen wait out here. You two newspaper men, you come with me.
he opened the gate and went in, the journal reporter and i following--all three of us wiping our half-blinded eyes. When we reached the shelter of the front porch, i took the key from my pocket and opened the door.
i live here, i explained to mr. Peck.
all right, he said. Jest step in and tell george dowden that sim pecks out here and wants to see him at the door a minute. Be quick.
i went into the library, and there sat dowden contemplatively playing bridge with two of the elderly ladies and miss apperthwaite. The last-mentioned person quite took my breath away.
in honor of the christmas eve (i supposed) she wore an evening dress of black lace, and the only word for what she looked has suffered such misuse that one hesitates over it: yet that is what she was--regal--and no less! There was a sort of splendor about her. It detracted nothing from this that her expression was a little sad: something not uncommon with her lately; a certain melancholy, faint but detectable, like breath on a mirror. I had attributed it to jean valjean, though perhaps to-night it might have been due merely to bridge.
what is it? Asked dowden, when, after an apology for disturbing the game, i had drawn him out in the hall.
i motioned toward the front door. Simeon peck. He thinks hes got something on mr. Beasley. Hes waiting to see you.
dowden uttered a sharp, half-coherent exclamation and stepped quickly to the door. Peck! He said, as he jerked it open.
oh, im here! Declared that gentleman, stepping into view. Ive come around to let you know that you couldnt laugh like a horse at me no more, george dowden! So you werent invited, either.
invited? Said dowden, where?
over to the ball your friend is givin.
what friend?
dave beasley. So you aint quite good enough to dance with his high-society friends!
what are you talking about? Dowden demanded, impatiently.
i reckon you wont be quite so strong fer beasley, responded peck, with a vindictive little giggle, when you find he can use you in his business, but when it comes to entertainin--oh no, you aint quite the boy!
id appreciate your explaining, said dowden. Its kind of cold standing here.
peck laughed shrilly. Then i reckon you better git your hat and coat and come along. Cant do us no harm, and might be an eye-opener fer you. Grist and gus schulmeyer and hank cullops waitin out yonder at the gate. We ben havin kind of a consultation at my house over somepn grist seen at beasleys a little earlier in the evening.
what did grist see?
hacks! Hacks drivin up to beasleys house--a whole lot of em. Grist was down the street a piece, and it was pretty dark, but he could see the lamps and hear the doors slam as the people got out. Besides, the whole place is lit up from cellar to attic. Grist come on to my house and told me about it, and i begun usin the telephone; called up all the men that count in the party--found most of em at home, too. I ast em if they was invited to this ball to-night; and not a one of em was. Theyre only in politics; they aint high society enough to be ast to mr. Beasleys dancin-parties! But i would a thougnt hed let you in--anyways fer the second table! Mr. Peck shrilled out his acrid and exultant laugh again. I got these fellers from the newspapers, and all i want is to git this here ball in print to-morrow, and see what the boys that do the work at the primaries have to say about it--and what their wivesll say about the man thats too high-toned to have em in his house. Ill bet beasley thought he was goin to keep these doins quiet; afraid the farmers might not believe hes jest the plain man he sets up to be--afraid that folks like you that aint invited might turn against him. Ill fool him! Were goin to see what there is to see, and im goin to have these boys from the newspapers write a full account of it. If you want to come along, i expect itll do you a power o good.
ill go, said dowden, quickly. He got his coat and hat from a table in the hall, and we rejoined the huddled and shivering group at the gate.
got my recruit, gents! Shrilled peck, slapping dowden boisterously on the shoulders. I reckon hell git a change of heart to-night!
and now, sheltering my eyes from the stinging wind, i saw what i had been too blind to see as we approached mrs. Apperthwaites. Beasleys house was illuminated; every window, up stairs and down, was aglow with rosy light. That was luminously evident, although the shades were lowered.
look at that! Peck turned to dowden, giggling triumphantly. Whad i tell you! How do you feel about it now?
but where are the hacks? Asked dowden, gravely.
folks all come, answered mr. Peck, with complete assurance. Wont be no more hacks till they begin to go home.
we plunged ahead as far as the corner of beasleys fence, where peck stopped us again, and we drew together, slapping our hands and stamping our feet. Peck was delighted--a thoroughly happy man; his sour giggle of exultation had become continuous, and the same jovial break was audible in grists voice as he said to the journal reporter and me:
go ahead, boys. Git your story. Well wait here fer you.
the journal reporter started toward the gate; he had gone, perhaps, twenty feet when simeon peck whistled in sharp warning. The reporter stopped short in his tracks.
beasleys front door was thrown open, and there stood beasley himself in evening dress, bowing and smiling, but not at us, for he did not see us. The bright hall behind him was beautiful with evergreen streamers and wreaths, and great flowering plants in jars. A strain of dance-music wandered out to us as the door opened, but there was nobody except david beasley in sight, which certainly seemed peculiar--for a ball!
rest of em inside, dancin, explained mr. Peck, crouching behind the picket-fence. Ill bet the house is moren half full o low-necked wimmin!
sh! Said grist. Listen.
beasley had begun to speak, and his voice, loud and clear, sounded over the wind. Come right in, colonel! He said. Id have sent a carriage for you if you hadnt telephoned me this afternoon that your rheumatism was so bad you didnt expect to be able to come. Im glad youre well again. Yes, theyre all here, and the ladies are getting up a quadrille in the sitting-room.
(it was at this moment that i received upon the calf of the right leg a kick, the ecstatic violence of which led me to attribute it to mr. Dowden.)
gentlemens dressing-room up-stairs to the right, colonel, called beasley, as he closed the door.
there was a pause of awed silence among us.
(i improved it by returning the kick to mr. Dowden. He made no acknowledgment of its reception other than to sink his chin a little deeper into the collar of his ulster.)
by the almighty! Said simeon peck, hoarsely. Who--what was dave beasley talkin to? There wasnt nobody there!
git out, grist bade him; but his tone was perturbed. He seen that reporter. He was givin us the laugh.
hes crazy! Exclaimed peck, vehemently.
immediately all four members of his party began to talk at the same time: mr. Schulmeyer agreeing with grist, and mr. Cullop holding with peck that beasley had surely become insane; while the journal man, returning, was certain that he had not been seen. Argument became a wrangle; excitement over the remarkable scene we had witnessed, and, perhaps, a certain sharpness partially engendered by the risk of freezing, led to some bitterness. High words were flung upon the wind. Eventually, simeon peck got the floor to himself for a moment.
see here, boys, theres no use gittin mad amongs ourselves, he vociferated. One thing were all agreed on: nobody here never seen no such a dam peculiar performance as we jest seen in their whole lives before. Thurfore, ball or no ball, theres somepn mighty wrong about this business. Aint that so?
they said it was.
well, then, theres only one thing to do--lets find out what it is.
you bet we will.
i wouldnt send no one in there alone, peck went on, excitedly, with a crazy man. Besides, i want to see whats goin on, myself.--So do we! This was unanimous.
then lets see if there aint some way to do it. Perhaps he aint pulled all the shades down on the other side the house. Lots o people fergit to do that.
there was but one mind in the party regarding this proposal. The next minute saw us all cautiously sneaking into the side yard, a ragged line of bent and flapping figures, black against the snow.
simeon pecks expectations were fulfilled--more than fulfilled. Not only were all the shades of the big, three-faced bay-window of the sitting-room lifted, but (evidently on account of the too great generosity of a huge log-fire that blazed in the old--fashioned chimney-place) one of the windows was half-raised as well. Here, in the shadow just beyond the rosy oblongs of light that fell upon the snow, we gathered and looked freely within.
part of the room was clear to our view, though about half of it was shut off from us by the very king of all christmas-trees, glittering with dozens and dozens of candles, sumptuous in silver, sparkling in gold, and laden with heaven alone knows how many and what delectable enticements. Opposite the tree, his back against the wall, sat old bob, clad in a dress of state, part of which consisted of a swallow-tail coat (with an overgrown chrysanthemum in the buttonhole), a red necktie, and a pink-and-silver liberty cap of tissue-paper. He was scraping a fiddle like old times come again, and the tune he played was, oh, my liza, po gal! My feet shuffled to it in the snow.
no one except old bob was to be seen in the room, but we watched him and listened breathlessly. When he finished liza, he laid the fiddle across his knee, wiped his face with a new and brilliant blue silk handkerchief, and said:
now come de big speech.
the honorable david beasley, carrying a small mahogany table, stepped out from beyond the christmas-tree, advanced to the centre of the room; set the table down; disappeared for a moment and returned with a white water-pitcher and a glass. He placed these upon the table, bowed gracefully several times, then spoke:
ladies and gentleman-- there he paused.
well, said mr. Simeon peck, slowly, dont this beat hell!
look out! The journal reporter twitched his sleeve. Ladies present.
where? Said i.
he leaned nearer me and spoke in a low tone. Just behind us. She followed us over from your boarding-house. Shes been standing around near us all along. I supposed she was dowdens daughter, probably.
he hasnt any daughter, i said, and stepped back to the hooded figure i had been too absorbed in our quest to notice.
it was miss apperthwaite.
she had thrown a loose cloak over her head and shoulders; but enveloped in it as she was, and crested and epauletted with white, i knew her at once. There was no mistaking her, even in a blizzard.
she caught my hand with a strong, quick pressure, and, bending her head to mine, said, close to my ear:
i heard everything that man said in our hallway. You left the library door open when you called mr. Dowden out.
so, i returned, maliciously, you--you couldnt help following!
she released my hand--gently, to my surprise.
hush, she whispered. Hes saying something.
ladies and gentlemen, said beasley again--and stopped again.
dowdens voice sounded hysterically in my right ear. (Miss apperthwaite had whispered in my left.) The only speech hes ever made in his life--and hes stuck!
but beasley wasnt: he was only deliberating.
ladies and gentlemen, he began--mr. And mrs. Hunchberg, colonel hunchberg and aunt cooley hunchberg, miss molanna, miss queen, and miss marble hunchberg, mr. Noble, mr. Tom, and mr. Grandee hunchberg, mr. Corley linbridge, and master hammersley:--you see before you to-night, my person, merely the representative of your real host. Mister swift. Mister swift has expressed a wish that there should be a speech, and has deputed me to make it. He requests that the subject he has assigned me should be treated in as dignified a manner as is possible--considering the orator. Ladies and gentlemen--he took a sip of water--i will now address you upon the following subject: why we call christmas-time the best time.
christmas-time is the best time because it is the kindest time. Nobody ever felt very happy without feeling very kind, and nobody ever felt very kind without feeling at least a little happy. So, of course, either way about, the happiest time is the kindest time--thats this time. The most beautiful things our eyes can see are the stars; and for that reason, and in remembrance of one star, we set candles on the tree to be stars in the house. So we make christmas-time a time of stars indoors; and they shine warmly against the cold outdoors that is like the cold of other seasons not so kind. We set our hundred candles on the tree and keep them bright throughout the christmas-time, for while they shine upon us we have light to see this life, not as a battle, but as the march of a mighty fellowship! Ladies and gentlemen, i thank you!
he bowed to right and left, as to an audience politely applauding, and, lifting the table and its burden, withdrew; while old bob again set his fiddle to his chin and scraped the preliminary measures of a quadrille.
beasley was back in an instant, shouting as he came: take your pardners! Balance all!
and then and there, and all by himself, he danced a quadrille, performing at one and the same time for four lively couples. Never in my life have i seen such gyrations and capers as were cut by that long-legged, loose-jointed, miraculously flying figure. He was in the wildest motion without cessation, never the fraction of an instant still; calling the figures at the top of his voice and dancing them simultaneously; his expression anxious but polite (as is the habit of other dancers); his hands extended as if to swing his partner or corner, or opposite lady; and his feet lifting high and flapping down in an old-fashioned step. First four, forward and back! He shouted. Forward and salute! Balance to corners! Swing pardners! Gr-r-rand right-and-left!
i think the combination of abandon and decorum with which he performed that grand right-and-left was the funniest thing i have ever seen. But i didnt laugh at it.
neither did miss apperthwaite.
now do you believe me? Peck was arguing, fiercely, with mr. Schulmeyer. Is he crazy, or aint he?
he is, grist agreed, hoarsely. He is a stark, starin, ravin, roarin lunatic! And the niggers humorin him!
they were all staring, open-mouthed and aghast, into the lighted room.
do you see where it puts us? Simeon pecks rasping voice rose high.
i guess i do! Said grist. We come out to buy a barn, and got a house and lot fer the same money. Its the greatest nights work you ever done, sim peck!
i guess it is!
shake on it, sim.
they shook hands, exalted with triumph.
thisll do the work, giggled peck. Its about two-thousand per cent, better than the story we started to git. Why, dave beasleyll be in a padded cell in a month! Itll be all over town to-morrow, and hell have as much chance fer governor as that nigger in there! In his ecstasy he smote dowden deliriously in the ribs. What do you think of your candidate now?
wait, said dowden. Who came in the hacks that grist saw?
this staggered mr. Peck. He rubbed his mitten over his woollen cap as if scratching his head. Why, he said, slowly--who in halifax did come in them hacks?
the hunchbergs, said i.
whos the hunchbergs? Where--
listen, said dowden.
first couple, face out! Shouted beasley, facing out with an invisible lady on his akimboed arm, while old bob sawed madly at a new coon in town.
second couple, fall in! Beasley wheeled about and enacted the second couple.
third couple! He fell in behind himself again.
fourth couple, if you please! Balance--all!--I beg your pardon, miss molanna, im afraid i stepped on your train.--Sashay all!
after the sashay--the noblest and most dashing bit of gymnastics displayed in the whole quadrille--he bowed profoundly to his invisible partner and came to a pause, wiping his streaming face. Old bob dexterously swung a new coon into the stately measures of a triumphal march.
and now, beasley announced, in stentorian tones, if the ladies will be so kind as to take the gentlemens arms, we will proceed to the dining-room and partake of a slight collation.
thereupon came a slender piping of joy from that part of the room screened from us by the tree.
oh, cousin david beasley, that was the beautifullest quadrille ever danced in the world! And, please, wont you take mrs. Hunchberg out to supper?
then into the vision of our paralyzed and dumfounded watchers came the little wagon, pulled by the old colored woman, bobs wife, in her best, and there, propped upon pillows, lay hamilton swift, junior, his soul shining rapture out of his great eyes, a bright spot of color on each of his thin cheeks. He lifted himself on one elbow, and for an instant something seemed to be wrong with the brace under his chin.
beasley sprang to him and adjusted it tenderly. Then he bowed elaborately toward the mantel-piece.
mrs. Hunchberg, he said, may i have the honor? And offered his arm.
and i must have mister hunchberg, chirped hamilton. He must walk with me.
he tells me, said beasley, hell be mighty glad to. And theres a plate of bones for simpledoria.
you lead the way, cried the child; you and mrs. Hunchberg.
are we all in line? Beasley glanced back over his shoulder. Hoo-ray! Now, let us on. Ho! There!
br-r-ra-vo! Applauded mister swift.
and beasley, his head thrown back and his chest out, proudly led the way, stepping nobly and in time to the exhilarating measures. Hamilton swift, junior, towed by the beaming old mammy, followed in his wagon, his thin little arm uplifted and his fingers curled as if they held a trusted hand.
when they reached the door, old bob rose, turned in after them, and, still fiddling, played the procession and himself down the hall.
and so they marched away, and we were left staring into the empty room....
my soul! Said the journal reporter, gasping. And he did all that--just to please a little sick kid!
i cant figure it out, murmured sim peck, piteously.
_i_ can, said the journal reporter. This story will be all over town to-morrow. He glanced at me, and i nodded. Itll be all over town, he continued, though not in any of the papers--and i dont believe its going to hurt dave beasleys chances any.
mr. Peck and his companions turned toward the street; they went silently.
the young man from the journal overtook them. Thank you for sending for me, he said, cordially. Youve given me a treat. Im fer beasley!
dowden put his hand on my shoulder. He had not observed the third figure still remaining.
well, sir, he remarked, shaking the snow from his coat, they were right about one thing: it certainly was mighty low down of dave not to invite me--and you, too--to his christmas party. Let him go to thunder with his old invitations, im going in, anyway! Come on. Im plum froze.
there was a side door just beyond the bay-window, and dowden went to it and rang, loud and long. It was beasley himself who opened it.
what in the name-- he began, as the ruddy light fell upon dowdens face and upon me, standing a little way behind. What are you two--snow-banks? What on earth are you fellows doing out here?
weve come to your christmas party, you old horse-thief! Thus mr. Dowden.
hoo-ray! Said beasley.
dowden turned to me. Arent you coming?
what are you waiting for, old fellow? Said beasley.
i waited a moment longer, and then it happened.
she came out of the shadow and went to the foot of the steps, her cloak falling from her shoulders as she passed me. I picked it up.
she lifted her arms pleadingly, though her head was bent with what seemed to me a beautiful sort of shame. She stood there with the snow driving against her and did not speak. Beasley drew his hand slowly across his eyes--to see if they were really there, i think.
david, she said, at last. Youve got so many lovely people in your house to-night: isnt there room for--for just one fool? Its christmas-time! |
| ( Read More... | 183570 bytes more | comments? | ) |
| |
| Giannis Shrinks against Draymond in Loss to Warriors |
| Posted on Friday, November 06 @ 00:03:59 PST (8 reads) | |
|
|
Giannis shrinks against draymond in loss to warriors
in this story:
the heat sputtered to a 100-120 loss to steph curry’s golden state warriors who extend their win streak to six straight. The klay thompson reunion didn’t end how he wanted but i have 5 takeaways from tonight’s game.
giannis shrunk
draymond green is an excellent defender, but giannis settled for outside shots all night. He only attempted 9 shots in the first half. 5 of those were middy jumpers or three pointers.
there were several times to night when giannis started to drive to the basket or size up draymond and just decided not to attack him. This cannot happen with a player the caliber of giannis. He is only 31 years old, he isn’t 41.
he finished the game with his usual unreal statistics of 20 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists. The defensive energy wasn’t there tonight. Do you give him a pass because it is the second night of a back-to-back on the road? The heat can’t afford too.
where was bam in the 2nd half?
bam adebayo played 33 minutes in the game but was missing most of the 2nd half offensively. He only took 5 shot attempts and that just isn’t enough from your other star. He ended the game with the quietest 18 points and 10 rebounds you will ever see. Captains need to lead the way when times get tough.
wiggins is unplayable
andrew wiggins is a former first round pick. He found a role and a home with golden state, and it is ironic that after this game against the warriors he needs to be benched.
he hasn’t been able to defend, and he hasn’t been able to make shots. He is shooting 29.7% from deep and that isn’t going to cut it. Pelle larsson must be inserted into the starting lineup before the season gets away.
where would this team be without davion?
davion mitchell tried to bring this team back into contention in the 4th quarter. He finished with 22 points, 8 assists and 1 steal.
it wasn’t bam or giannis but davion that played with heart, hustle and force down the stretch. He was 7 for 11 in the 4th quarter shooting 63.6% from the field.
conwell is here to stay
ryan conwell played outstanding defense off the bench all game. He was hustling, causing turnovers, and crashing the glass. These are all things that lead to him playing a season high of 29:51 minutes.
he also hit 50% of his three-point attempts tonight and that is something this team needs desperately. The heat shot 29.5% from deep as a team tonight.
what changes would you want to see? Let me know on social media.
you can follow me on x @digitaladel and listen to my podcast, digitaladelhoops on youtube
follow
adel burton
a seasoned content creator with 2.5+ years of experience, building a youtube channel past 8k subscribers while serving as an nba/college basketball analyst for the 5 reasons sports network. Simultaneously, i bring 11+ years of leadership and strategy expertise from roles at a fortune 100 company focusing on problem-solving and relationship-building for success.
follow digitaladel |
| ( Read More... | 6002 bytes more | comments? | ) |
| |
| Carmelo Anthony and La La Anthony Finally Reach Divorce Settlement Nine Years Af |
| Posted on Friday, November 06 @ 00:03:59 PST (10 reads) | |
|
|
Nearly a decade after their once-celebrated relationship began unraveling, nba legend carmelo anthony and actress la la anthony are finally closing the book on their marriage.
the former celebrity power couple has reportedly reached a divorce settlement, bringing them one step closer to officially ending a relationship that captivated basketball fans and entertainment audiences for years.
according to court records reviewed by multiple outlets, the two informed a new york court that they had reached an agreement resolving their divorce proceedings.
the development comes nine years after their initial separation in 2017 and more than five years after la la filed for divorce in june 2021.
the financial details of the settlement have not been made public, and the divorce judgment was still awaiting a judge’s signature as of november 4.
for carmelo and la la, the legal milestone represents the final chapter of a relationship that began long before the former new york knicks superstar became one of the nba’s most recognizable players.
and while their romance ultimately ended, the two have maintained a connection through their son, kiyan anthony, who is now following in his famous father’s basketball footsteps.
carmelo and la la anthony reach long-awaited divorce agreement
according to tmz, carmelo and la la recently notified the court that they had reached a settlement.
court records reviewed by people also showed that a judgment of divorce was pending in new york county supreme court as of november 4.
the agreement resolves a legal process that began when la la filed for divorce in 2021, citing irreconcilable differences.
however, the precise terms of the settlement remain confidential.
it is not publicly known how the former couple divided their assets or whether the agreement includes any ongoing financial obligations between them.
although the settlement is a major step toward legally dissolving their marriage, reports indicate that judicial approval was still pending.
the distinction is important because the former couple had already been living separate lives for years.
their marriage effectively ended long before the legal paperwork reached this stage.
what began as a separation in 2017 evolved into a lengthy process involving attempted reconciliation, a formal divorce filing and several more years before an agreement was reached.
now, that process appears to be nearing its conclusion.
their marriage began as one of basketball’s biggest love stories
long before their relationship became a subject of divorce headlines, carmelo and la la were among the most recognizable couples in professional sports.
their romance began in 2003, when carmelo was emerging as one of basketball’s brightest young stars.
la la, then known professionally as la la vazquez, was building her own career as a television personality and mtv host.
the couple became engaged on christmas day in 2004.
three years later, in march 2007, they welcomed their son, kiyan.
they eventually married in july 2010 during a lavish new york wedding attended by prominent figures from sports and entertainment.
their wedding preparations were documented in the vh1 reality series la la’s full court wedding.
the couple subsequently appeared in la la’s full court life, which offered viewers a look at their marriage, parenting responsibilities and careers.
at the time, their relationship appeared to represent the intersection of nba superstardom and entertainment success.
carmelo was one of the league’s most prolific scorers, while la la was developing a career that extended beyond television hosting.
together, they became fixtures at major sporting events, celebrity gatherings and red carpets.
but behind the glamorous public appearances, their relationship was facing challenges that would eventually become impossible to overcome.
carmelo’s blockbuster knicks trade changed everything
one of the most revealing aspects of their marriage emerged years after the couple separated.
during an october 2022 appearance on alex cooper’s call her daddy podcast, la la discussed how carmelo’s move to the new york knicks affected their relationship.
in february 2011, carmelo was traded from the denver nuggets to the knicks in one of the nba’s biggest transactions.
for basketball fans in new york, the move was a major celebration.
carmelo, a brooklyn native, was returning to his hometown as an established nba superstar.
the knicks suddenly had a franchise centerpiece capable of bringing excitement back to madison square garden.
but according to la la, the move created unexpected difficulties for their marriage.
while the family had enjoyed a comparatively quieter lifestyle in denver, moving to new york brought an entirely different level of attention.
every public appearance, basketball performance and personal development became a potential headline.
la la later described the move as a turning point in their relationship.
looking back, she said the pressures surrounding their new life in new york contributed to the deterioration of their marriage.
she emphasized that the increased attention was not the only reason their relationship failed, but it made an already complicated situation more difficult.
the couple was now trying to navigate marriage, parenting and two demanding careers under an intense public spotlight.
la la admitted the pressure of new york took a toll
for la la, returning to new york was not simply a matter of adjusting to a new city.
she had her own professional ambitions and was determined to continue expanding her entertainment career.
as carmelo became the centerpiece of the knicks, la la pursued additional opportunities in acting, television and production.
their professional lives were moving forward, but maintaining their marriage became increasingly challenging.
during her call her daddy appearance, la la explained that constant media scrutiny added pressure to their relationship.
she described the difficulty of living in a city where even routine activities could attract attention.
the combination of public expectations and individual career demands contributed to the distance that eventually developed between them.
la la also acknowledged that there were multiple factors behind their breakup.
her comments did not suggest that carmelo’s trade alone destroyed the marriage.
rather, the move to new york represented the beginning of a period when their relationship became increasingly difficult to maintain.
for fans who remembered the couple’s glamorous early years, her reflections provided a more complicated picture of what had happened behind the scenes.
their first separation came in 2017 amid cheating rumors
the couple’s relationship became a major celebrity news story in april 2017 when reports emerged that they had separated.
at the time, carmelo was still playing for the knicks, and the couple had been married for nearly seven years.
their separation unfolded amid reports and rumors concerning carmelo’s alleged infidelity.
those allegations attracted significant media attention, although the details of the couple’s private disagreements were not fully established publicly.
later that year, carmelo welcomed a daughter, genesis, with mia angel burks.
the developments intensified scrutiny surrounding his marriage to la la.
despite the separation, the former couple did not immediately proceed with a divorce.
instead, their relationship entered an extended period of uncertainty.
there were reports of attempts to reconcile, and the two continued to appear together at various times.
their shared commitment to raising kiyan also meant that they remained involved in each other’s lives.
for several years, it was unclear whether their separation would become permanent.
carmelo and la la attempted to save their marriage
following their initial breakup, carmelo and la la appeared to make efforts toward repairing their relationship.
reports indicated that the two reconciled in late 2018.
their reunion raised hopes among fans who had followed their relationship for years.
however, those efforts ultimately did not produce a lasting reconciliation.
by 2019, reports indicated that they were again living separately.
the couple continued navigating their individual careers while maintaining a connection through their son.
carmelo’s basketball career also underwent major changes during this period.
after leaving the knicks, he played for the oklahoma city thunder and houston rockets before later joining the portland trail blazers and los angeles lakers.
la la, meanwhile, continued developing her acting and entertainment career.
the two increasingly appeared to be building separate lives, even though their marriage remained legally intact.
eventually, la la decided to make the separation official.
la la filed for divorce in 2021
in june 2021, la la formally filed for divorce from carmelo, citing irreconcilable differences.
the filing came approximately four years after their initial separation.
by then, the couple had already spent considerable time apart.
sources familiar with the situation described their relationship as amicable despite the decision to divorce.
la la later discussed the emotional process of ending the marriage during an appearance on the angie martinez show.
she explained that because the separation had occurred years earlier, she had already spent substantial time processing the relationship’s end.
that did not mean the experience had been easy.
she acknowledged that difficult emotions could still arise, even after years of living separately.
but she also made clear that she had reached a point where she could discuss the breakup more openly.
her comments reflected the difference between the public announcement of a divorce and the much longer personal process that often precedes it.
for la la, filing the paperwork did not mark the beginning of the breakup.
it represented a legal step in a separation she had already been navigating for years.
la la once suggested she might never get married again
following the collapse of her marriage, la la spoke candidly about her feelings toward the possibility of marrying again.
during her 2021 conversation with angie martinez, she expressed serious doubts about entering another marriage.
the experience had clearly affected her outlook on relationships.
she suggested that it would take an extraordinary person to convince her to reconsider marriage.
her comments attracted attention because she and carmelo had once been viewed as one of professional basketball’s most prominent couples.
their relationship had been documented on television and celebrated publicly.
but la la’s reflections suggested that the private reality of the marriage had been far more complicated than its glamorous public image.
in subsequent interviews, she continued emphasizing personal growth, career development and her responsibilities as a mother.
her comments also indicated that she did not view the marriage entirely negatively.
she acknowledged the good experiences they shared and the importance of the family they created together.
although the romantic relationship ended, their shared history remained significant.
their son kiyan anthony remains the center of their relationship
one of the most consistent themes throughout carmelo and la la’s separation has been their commitment to their son.
kiyan anthony, now 19, has grown into a promising basketball player with aspirations of establishing his own identity in the sport.
he is currently a sophomore at syracuse university, the same school where carmelo became a college basketball legend.
carmelo led syracuse to the 2003 ncaa national championship during his lone college season before entering the nba.
more than two decades later, kiyan is following a similar path.
his development has attracted attention from basketball fans interested in seeing whether he can build on his father’s legacy.
both parents have publicly supported his basketball ambitions.
they have appeared together at important moments in his development, demonstrating that their relationship as parents has continued despite the breakdown of their marriage.
la la previously explained that maintaining a positive family environment for kiyan was a priority.
rather than allowing their separation to become the defining feature of their son’s upbringing, the former couple has attempted to remain united in supporting him.
their continued involvement in kiyan’s life has become one of the most visible examples of their ability to maintain a relationship after separating.
kiyan is following carmelo’s footsteps at syracuse
for carmelo, watching his son play basketball at syracuse carries special significance.
his own college career at the university remains one of the most memorable one-season runs in ncaa basketball history.
as a freshman, carmelo helped lead the orange to the 2003 national championship.
his success transformed him into one of the most recognizable young players in the country.
he entered the nba later that year as the third overall selection in the draft.
kiyan’s decision to attend syracuse created an obvious connection between generations.
but the younger anthony faces the challenge of establishing his own identity while carrying one of the most recognizable surnames in basketball.
his parents have both been involved in supporting that journey.
the family’s public appearances around his recruitment and college basketball career have also demonstrated that carmelo and la la can share meaningful family experiences despite no longer being romantically involved.
their divorce settlement does not change that connection.
regardless of the legal status of their marriage, they remain kiyan’s parents.
carmelo anthony has entered a new chapter after basketball
the divorce settlement comes during a period of significant change in carmelo’s life.
the former nba superstar officially announced his retirement from professional basketball in may 2023.
his career spanned 19 nba seasons and included stops with the denver nuggets, new york knicks, oklahoma city thunder, houston rockets, portland trail blazers and los angeles lakers.
carmelo finished his career as one of the most accomplished scorers of his generation.
he earned 10 nba all-star selections and won the league’s scoring title during the 2012-13 season.
he also became a major figure in international basketball, winning three olympic gold medals with team usa.
in september 2025, carmelo was inducted into the naismith memorial basketball hall of fame.
the honor recognized a career that included remarkable individual accomplishments and a lasting impact on the game.
since retiring, he has remained involved in basketball through media projects, business interests and appearances at major sporting events.
his podcast, 7pm in brooklyn, has also provided a platform for discussing basketball and other topics.
with his playing career behind him, carmelo is navigating a different phase of life.
the reported divorce settlement represents another step in that transition.
carmelo’s personal life has also attracted attention
although carmelo and la la have maintained a connection through their son, their romantic relationship has been over for years.
both have been the subject of speculation about their personal lives since separating.
in 2026, carmelo’s relationship with racquel smith, the widow of former new orleans saints defensive end will smith, attracted public attention.
people reported that carmelo confirmed their romance earlier this year.
la la has also been linked to other individuals since her separation, although she has generally emphasized her independence and professional priorities.
their personal lives are no longer tied together in the same way they were during carmelo’s nba career.
still, the former couple’s history ensures that developments involving either of them frequently become part of the same celebrity conversation.
their settlement is likely to attract attention because of how long their relationship remained a subject of public interest.
la la has built a successful entertainment career of her own
while carmelo’s basketball accomplishments have often dominated headlines involving the family, la la has established a substantial career in entertainment.
she first gained recognition as a radio and television personality before expanding into acting and production.
her acting credits include prominent roles in television series such as power and bmf.
she has also appeared in films and developed projects behind the camera.
over the years, la la has worked to establish an identity beyond being the spouse of an nba superstar.
that effort became increasingly important as her marriage deteriorated.
in interviews, she has discussed the challenges of pursuing her professional ambitions while managing family responsibilities and public attention.
her success has allowed her to remain a recognizable figure in entertainment independently of carmelo’s basketball career.
with the divorce settlement approaching final approval, she is moving further into a chapter of life defined by her own projects and priorities.
why did the divorce take so long?
the length of time between carmelo and la la’s initial separation and their reported settlement has become one of the biggest talking points surrounding the news.
the couple first separated in 2017.
la la did not formally file for divorce until june 2021.
and the reported settlement was not reached until november 2026.
that timeline means nearly a decade passed between the original breakup and the latest legal development.
however, the publicly available records do not establish a specific reason why the settlement process took so long.
divorce proceedings involving high-profile individuals can include complex financial and legal considerations, but there is no verified basis to attribute this particular delay to a dispute over money, property or another issue.
the settlement terms remain confidential.
the former couple has also avoided publicly detailing the legal negotiations.
what is clear is that their son is now an adult, removing some of the considerations that would ordinarily apply to divorce proceedings involving younger children.
e! News reported that a medical child-support-related order remained listed as pending in the court documents.
for now, the precise legal arrangements remain a private matter.
a divorce settlement does not erase their shared history
although the settlement represents a major legal development, carmelo and la la have made it clear through their actions that their relationship did not end in complete estrangement.
they share a son and more than two decades of history.
their lives were closely connected during some of the most important years of carmelo’s basketball career.
la la was alongside him as he developed from a young nba star into one of the league’s biggest names.
together, they navigated major career changes, national attention and the challenges of raising a family.
their marriage ultimately did not survive those pressures.
but their ability to remain involved in their son’s life has continued to define their relationship after the breakup.
la la has previously spoken positively about their friendship and their commitment to parenting.
those comments suggest that the end of their marriage did not require the complete elimination of their personal connection.
the divorce settlement may formally close one chapter, but their family relationship will continue.
what’s next for carmelo and la la anthony?
the next legal step is approval of the divorce judgment, according to reports based on the court records.
once the remaining requirements are satisfied, the dissolution of their marriage can be completed.
neither carmelo nor la la has publicly disclosed the terms of the reported settlement.
both are continuing their individual careers and personal lives.
carmelo remains active in basketball-related ventures and is enjoying his status as a hall of famer.
la la continues pursuing acting, production and business opportunities.
their son kiyan is building his college basketball career at syracuse.
for a couple whose relationship was once documented on reality television and followed by millions of fans, the conclusion is considerably quieter than the beginning.
there is no televised wedding celebration this time.
no major public announcement detailing their private agreement.
instead, the end of their marriage is being handled through court filings, years after they had already moved on from their romantic relationship.
tmspn take
nine years.
that’s how long it’s been since carmelo anthony and la la anthony first separated.
think about that.
when their marriage initially fell apart, carmelo was still playing for the new york knicks.
he went on to play for several more nba teams, retired from basketball and entered the hall of fame.
and only now are the two reportedly reaching the final stages of their divorce.
that’s a remarkable timeline.
but what makes this story interesting isn’t simply how long the paperwork took.
it’s how much their lives have changed since they were one of the nba’s biggest celebrity couples.
carmelo was once the face of basketball in new york, and la la was building an entertainment career while navigating the attention that came with being married to a superstar.
their relationship looked glamorous from the outside.
the reality, as la la later explained, was considerably more complicated.
the move from denver to new york was supposed to be a dream scenario for carmelo.
instead, la la has described it as a turning point that placed enormous pressure on their marriage.
and that says something about the difference between professional success and personal happiness.
a blockbuster trade can transform an athlete’s career without necessarily improving everything happening away from the court.
still, there’s something worth recognizing about how carmelo and la la have handled life after their breakup.
they’ve continued supporting their son.
they’ve appeared together for important family moments.
and they’ve managed to maintain a connection despite the collapse of their marriage.
now kiyan is playing basketball at syracuse, the school where his father became a national champion.
that’s a pretty incredible full-circle moment.
the marriage didn’t last, but the family connection did.
as for the settlement, the public may never know exactly what carmelo and la la agreed to behind closed doors.
and frankly, that’s their business.
after nearly a decade of living separate lives, the legal conclusion is probably less dramatic for them than it is for the people reading the headlines.
the carmelo and la la love story may be over, but their shared history isn’t going anywhere.
and after all these years, it looks like both are finally ready to turn the page. |
| ( Read More... | 46074 bytes more | comments? | ) |
| |
| Carmelo Anthony and La La Anthony Finally Reach Divorce Settlement Nine Years Af |
| Posted on Friday, November 06 @ 00:03:59 PST (8 reads) | |
|
|
Nearly a decade after their once-celebrated relationship began unraveling, nba legend carmelo anthony and actress la la anthony are finally closing the book on their marriage.
the former celebrity power couple has reportedly reached a divorce settlement, bringing them one step closer to officially ending a relationship that captivated basketball fans and entertainment audiences for years.
according to court records reviewed by multiple outlets, the two informed a new york court that they had reached an agreement resolving their divorce proceedings.
the development comes nine years after their initial separation in 2017 and more than five years after la la filed for divorce in june 2021.
the financial details of the settlement have not been made public, and the divorce judgment was still awaiting a judge’s signature as of november 4.
for carmelo and la la, the legal milestone represents the final chapter of a relationship that began long before the former new york knicks superstar became one of the nba’s most recognizable players.
and while their romance ultimately ended, the two have maintained a connection through their son, kiyan anthony, who is now following in his famous father’s basketball footsteps.
carmelo and la la anthony reach long-awaited divorce agreement
according to tmz, carmelo and la la recently notified the court that they had reached a settlement.
court records reviewed by people also showed that a judgment of divorce was pending in new york county supreme court as of november 4.
the agreement resolves a legal process that began when la la filed for divorce in 2021, citing irreconcilable differences.
however, the precise terms of the settlement remain confidential.
it is not publicly known how the former couple divided their assets or whether the agreement includes any ongoing financial obligations between them.
although the settlement is a major step toward legally dissolving their marriage, reports indicate that judicial approval was still pending.
the distinction is important because the former couple had already been living separate lives for years.
their marriage effectively ended long before the legal paperwork reached this stage.
what began as a separation in 2017 evolved into a lengthy process involving attempted reconciliation, a formal divorce filing and several more years before an agreement was reached.
now, that process appears to be nearing its conclusion.
their marriage began as one of basketball’s biggest love stories
long before their relationship became a subject of divorce headlines, carmelo and la la were among the most recognizable couples in professional sports.
their romance began in 2003, when carmelo was emerging as one of basketball’s brightest young stars.
la la, then known professionally as la la vazquez, was building her own career as a television personality and mtv host.
the couple became engaged on christmas day in 2004.
three years later, in march 2007, they welcomed their son, kiyan.
they eventually married in july 2010 during a lavish new york wedding attended by prominent figures from sports and entertainment.
their wedding preparations were documented in the vh1 reality series la la’s full court wedding .
the couple subsequently appeared in la la’s full court life , which offered viewers a look at their marriage, parenting responsibilities and careers.
at the time, their relationship appeared to represent the intersection of nba superstardom and entertainment success.
carmelo was one of the league’s most prolific scorers, while la la was developing a career that extended beyond television hosting.
together, they became fixtures at major sporting events, celebrity gatherings and red carpets.
but behind the glamorous public appearances, their relationship was facing challenges that would eventually become impossible to overcome.
carmelo’s blockbuster knicks trade changed everything
one of the most revealing aspects of their marriage emerged years after the couple separated.
during an october 2022 appearance on alex cooper’s call her daddy podcast, la la discussed how carmelo’s move to the new york knicks affected their relationship.
in february 2011, carmelo was traded from the denver nuggets to the knicks in one of the nba’s biggest transactions.
for basketball fans in new york, the move was a major celebration.
carmelo, a brooklyn native, was returning to his hometown as an established nba superstar.
the knicks suddenly had a franchise centerpiece capable of bringing excitement back to madison square garden.
but according to la la, the move created unexpected difficulties for their marriage.
while the family had enjoyed a comparatively quieter lifestyle in denver, moving to new york brought an entirely different level of attention.
every public appearance, basketball performance and personal development became a potential headline.
la la later described the move as a turning point in their relationship.
looking back, she said the pressures surrounding their new life in new york contributed to the deterioration of their marriage.
she emphasized that the increased attention was not the only reason their relationship failed, but it made an already complicated situation more difficult.
the couple was now trying to navigate marriage, parenting and two demanding careers under an intense public spotlight.
la la admitted the pressure of new york took a toll
for la la, returning to new york was not simply a matter of adjusting to a new city.
she had her own professional ambitions and was determined to continue expanding her entertainment career.
as carmelo became the centerpiece of the knicks, la la pursued additional opportunities in acting, television and production.
their professional lives were moving forward, but maintaining their marriage became increasingly challenging.
during her call her daddy appearance, la la explained that constant media scrutiny added pressure to their relationship.
she described the difficulty of living in a city where even routine activities could attract attention.
the combination of public expectations and individual career demands contributed to the distance that eventually developed between them.
la la also acknowledged that there were multiple factors behind their breakup.
her comments did not suggest that carmelo’s trade alone destroyed the marriage.
rather, the move to new york represented the beginning of a period when their relationship became increasingly difficult to maintain.
for fans who remembered the couple’s glamorous early years, her reflections provided a more complicated picture of what had happened behind the scenes.
their first separation came in 2017 amid cheating rumors
the couple’s relationship became a major celebrity news story in april 2017 when reports emerged that they had separated.
at the time, carmelo was still playing for the knicks, and the couple had been married for nearly seven years.
their separation unfolded amid reports and rumors concerning carmelo’s alleged infidelity.
those allegations attracted significant media attention, although the details of the couple’s private disagreements were not fully established publicly.
later that year, carmelo welcomed a daughter, genesis, with mia angel burks.
the developments intensified scrutiny surrounding his marriage to la la.
despite the separation, the former couple did not immediately proceed with a divorce.
instead, their relationship entered an extended period of uncertainty.
there were reports of attempts to reconcile, and the two continued to appear together at various times.
their shared commitment to raising kiyan also meant that they remained involved in each other’s lives.
for several years, it was unclear whether their separation would become permanent.
carmelo and la la attempted to save their marriage
following their initial breakup, carmelo and la la appeared to make efforts toward repairing their relationship.
reports indicated that the two reconciled in late 2018.
their reunion raised hopes among fans who had followed their relationship for years.
however, those efforts ultimately did not produce a lasting reconciliation.
by 2019, reports indicated that they were again living separately.
the couple continued navigating their individual careers while maintaining a connection through their son.
carmelo’s basketball career also underwent major changes during this period.
after leaving the knicks, he played for the oklahoma city thunder and houston rockets before later joining the portland trail blazers and los angeles lakers.
la la, meanwhile, continued developing her acting and entertainment career.
the two increasingly appeared to be building separate lives, even though their marriage remained legally intact.
eventually, la la decided to make the separation official.
la la filed for divorce in 2021
in june 2021, la la formally filed for divorce from carmelo, citing irreconcilable differences.
the filing came approximately four years after their initial separation.
by then, the couple had already spent considerable time apart.
sources familiar with the situation described their relationship as amicable despite the decision to divorce.
la la later discussed the emotional process of ending the marriage during an appearance on the angie martinez show .
she explained that because the separation had occurred years earlier, she had already spent substantial time processing the relationship’s end.
that did not mean the experience had been easy.
she acknowledged that difficult emotions could still arise, even after years of living separately.
but she also made clear that she had reached a point where she could discuss the breakup more openly.
her comments reflected the difference between the public announcement of a divorce and the much longer personal process that often precedes it.
for la la, filing the paperwork did not mark the beginning of the breakup.
it represented a legal step in a separation she had already been navigating for years.
la la once suggested she might never get married again
following the collapse of her marriage, la la spoke candidly about her feelings toward the possibility of marrying again.
during her 2021 conversation with angie martinez, she expressed serious doubts about entering another marriage.
the experience had clearly affected her outlook on relationships.
she suggested that it would take an extraordinary person to convince her to reconsider marriage.
her comments attracted attention because she and carmelo had once been viewed as one of professional basketball’s most prominent couples.
their relationship had been documented on television and celebrated publicly.
but la la’s reflections suggested that the private reality of the marriage had been far more complicated than its glamorous public image.
in subsequent interviews, she continued emphasizing personal growth, career development and her responsibilities as a mother.
her comments also indicated that she did not view the marriage entirely negatively.
she acknowledged the good experiences they shared and the importance of the family they created together.
although the romantic relationship ended, their shared history remained significant.
their son kiyan anthony remains the center of their relationship
one of the most consistent themes throughout carmelo and la la’s separation has been their commitment to their son.
kiyan anthony, now 19, has grown into a promising basketball player with aspirations of establishing his own identity in the sport.
he is currently a sophomore at syracuse university, the same school where carmelo became a college basketball legend.
carmelo led syracuse to the 2003 ncaa national championship during his lone college season before entering the nba.
more than two decades later, kiyan is following a similar path.
his development has attracted attention from basketball fans interested in seeing whether he can build on his father’s legacy.
both parents have publicly supported his basketball ambitions.
they have appeared together at important moments in his development, demonstrating that their relationship as parents has continued despite the breakdown of their marriage.
la la previously explained that maintaining a positive family environment for kiyan was a priority.
rather than allowing their separation to become the defining feature of their son’s upbringing, the former couple has attempted to remain united in supporting him.
their continued involvement in kiyan’s life has become one of the most visible examples of their ability to maintain a relationship after separating.
kiyan is following carmelo’s footsteps at syracuse
for carmelo, watching his son play basketball at syracuse carries special significance.
his own college career at the university remains one of the most memorable one-season runs in ncaa basketball history.
as a freshman, carmelo helped lead the orange to the 2003 national championship.
his success transformed him into one of the most recognizable young players in the country.
he entered the nba later that year as the third overall selection in the draft.
kiyan’s decision to attend syracuse created an obvious connection between generations.
but the younger anthony faces the challenge of establishing his own identity while carrying one of the most recognizable surnames in basketball.
his parents have both been involved in supporting that journey.
the family’s public appearances around his recruitment and college basketball career have also demonstrated that carmelo and la la can share meaningful family experiences despite no longer being romantically involved.
their divorce settlement does not change that connection.
regardless of the legal status of their marriage, they remain kiyan’s parents.
carmelo anthony has entered a new chapter after basketball
the divorce settlement comes during a period of significant change in carmelo’s life.
the former nba superstar officially announced his retirement from professional basketball in may 2023.
his career spanned 19 nba seasons and included stops with the denver nuggets, new york knicks, oklahoma city thunder, houston rockets, portland trail blazers and los angeles lakers.
carmelo finished his career as one of the most accomplished scorers of his generation.
he earned 10 nba all-star selections and won the league’s scoring title during the 2012-13 season.
he also became a major figure in international basketball, winning three olympic gold medals with team usa.
in september 2025, carmelo was inducted into the naismith memorial basketball hall of fame.
the honor recognized a career that included remarkable individual accomplishments and a lasting impact on the game.
since retiring, he has remained involved in basketball through media projects, business interests and appearances at major sporting events.
his podcast, 7pm in brooklyn , has also provided a platform for discussing basketball and other topics.
with his playing career behind him, carmelo is navigating a different phase of life.
the reported divorce settlement represents another step in that transition.
carmelo’s personal life has also attracted attention
although carmelo and la la have maintained a connection through their son, their romantic relationship has been over for years.
both have been the subject of speculation about their personal lives since separating.
in 2026, carmelo’s relationship with racquel smith, the widow of former new orleans saints defensive end will smith, attracted public attention.
people reported that carmelo confirmed their romance earlier this year.
la la has also been linked to other individuals since her separation, although she has generally emphasized her independence and professional priorities.
their personal lives are no longer tied together in the same way they were during carmelo’s nba career.
still, the former couple’s history ensures that developments involving either of them frequently become part of the same celebrity conversation.
their settlement is likely to attract attention because of how long their relationship remained a subject of public interest.
la la has built a successful entertainment career of her own
while carmelo’s basketball accomplishments have often dominated headlines involving the family, la la has established a substantial career in entertainment.
she first gained recognition as a radio and television personality before expanding into acting and production.
her acting credits include prominent roles in television series such as power and bmf .
she has also appeared in films and developed projects behind the camera.
over the years, la la has worked to establish an identity beyond being the spouse of an nba superstar.
that effort became increasingly important as her marriage deteriorated.
in interviews, she has discussed the challenges of pursuing her professional ambitions while managing family responsibilities and public attention.
her success has allowed her to remain a recognizable figure in entertainment independently of carmelo’s basketball career.
with the divorce settlement approaching final approval, she is moving further into a chapter of life defined by her own projects and priorities.
why did the divorce take so long?
the length of time between carmelo and la la’s initial separation and their reported settlement has become one of the biggest talking points surrounding the news.
the couple first separated in 2017.
la la did not formally file for divorce until june 2021.
and the reported settlement was not reached until november 2026.
that timeline means nearly a decade passed between the original breakup and the latest legal development.
however, the publicly available records do not establish a specific reason why the settlement process took so long.
divorce proceedings involving high-profile individuals can include complex financial and legal considerations, but there is no verified basis to attribute this particular delay to a dispute over money, property or another issue.
the settlement terms remain confidential.
the former couple has also avoided publicly detailing the legal negotiations.
what is clear is that their son is now an adult, removing some of the considerations that would ordinarily apply to divorce proceedings involving younger children.
e! News reported that a medical child-support-related order remained listed as pending in the court documents.
for now, the precise legal arrangements remain a private matter.
a divorce settlement does not erase their shared history
although the settlement represents a major legal development, carmelo and la la have made it clear through their actions that their relationship did not end in complete estrangement.
they share a son and more than two decades of history.
their lives were closely connected during some of the most important years of carmelo’s basketball career.
la la was alongside him as he developed from a young nba star into one of the league’s biggest names.
together, they navigated major career changes, national attention and the challenges of raising a family.
their marriage ultimately did not survive those pressures.
but their ability to remain involved in their son’s life has continued to define their relationship after the breakup.
la la has previously spoken positively about their friendship and their commitment to parenting.
those comments suggest that the end of their marriage did not require the complete elimination of their personal connection.
the divorce settlement may formally close one chapter, but their family relationship will continue.
what’s next for carmelo and la la anthony?
the next legal step is approval of the divorce judgment, according to reports based on the court records.
once the remaining requirements are satisfied, the dissolution of their marriage can be completed.
neither carmelo nor la la has publicly disclosed the terms of the reported settlement.
both are continuing their individual careers and personal lives.
carmelo remains active in basketball-related ventures and is enjoying his status as a hall of famer.
la la continues pursuing acting, production and business opportunities.
their son kiyan is building his college basketball career at syracuse.
for a couple whose relationship was once documented on reality television and followed by millions of fans, the conclusion is considerably quieter than the beginning.
there is no televised wedding celebration this time.
no major public announcement detailing their private agreement.
instead, the end of their marriage is being handled through court filings, years after they had already moved on from their romantic relationship.
tmspn take
nine years.
that’s how long it’s been since carmelo anthony and la la anthony first separated.
think about that.
when their marriage initially fell apart, carmelo was still playing for the new york knicks.
he went on to play for several more nba teams, retired from basketball and entered the hall of fame.
and only now are the two reportedly reaching the final stages of their divorce.
that’s a remarkable timeline.
but what makes this story interesting isn’t simply how long the paperwork took.
it’s how much their lives have changed since they were one of the nba’s biggest celebrity couples.
carmelo was once the face of basketball in new york, and la la was building an entertainment career while navigating the attention that came with being married to a superstar.
their relationship looked glamorous from the outside.
the reality, as la la later explained, was considerably more complicated.
the move from denver to new york was supposed to be a dream scenario for carmelo.
instead, la la has described it as a turning point that placed enormous pressure on their marriage.
and that says something about the difference between professional success and personal happiness.
a blockbuster trade can transform an athlete’s career without necessarily improving everything happening away from the court.
still, there’s something worth recognizing about how carmelo and la la have handled life after their breakup.
they’ve continued supporting their son.
they’ve appeared together for important family moments.
and they’ve managed to maintain a connection despite the collapse of their marriage.
now kiyan is playing basketball at syracuse, the school where his father became a national champion.
that’s a pretty incredible full-circle moment.
the marriage didn’t last, but the family connection did.
as for the settlement, the public may never know exactly what carmelo and la la agreed to behind closed doors.
and frankly, that’s their business.
after nearly a decade of living separate lives, the legal conclusion is probably less dramatic for them than it is for the people reading the headlines.
the carmelo and la la love story may be over, but their shared history isn’t going anywhere.
and after all these years, it looks like both are finally ready to turn the page. |
| ( Read More... | 46084 bytes more | comments? | ) |
| |
| A 90th birthday gala for Mary Batinich and the cultural center |
| Posted on Friday, November 06 @ 00:03:59 PST (8 reads) | |
|
|
Turning 90 is an accomplishment most people fail to achieve but doing it with a little pizzazz is even better! My friend, mary batinich of soudan, just celebrated her 90th birthday…but why settle for an ordinary birthday party when you can turn halloween weekend into a cousins reunion, a 1920s extravaganza, and a way to raise funds to help complete a community asset like the lake vermilion cultural center (lvcc).
last thursday, cousins, friends, and family members from across the miles started descending on the historic vermilion park inn, built in 1891 by the oliver mining company. It served as the area hospital from 1891 until 1962 until its closure in 1967. Over the years, it functioned in other capacities including a group home, a rest home, and a retreat until 2014 when all efforts to keep the building functional seemed to end.
mary thought it tragic to let the landmark fall into complete disrepair, and she purchased the building in 2016 and turned it into a bed and breakfast where she now resides at with her husband mike. Regular staff and other colorful characters assist with keeping the historic jewel operational: her son larry schuster, inn-resident steve larson... A.K.A the walleye slinger, housekeepers margaret maki and mary teppen, maintenance man dwight johnson, goddess of gardening/woman-of-all trades deb kirshner, seasonal artist-in-residence-ann flannagan of st. Paul, and last-but-not-least me. I, no doubt, fall into the colorful character category and became affiliated with the inn in 2017 serving as winter manager. I have been a housekeeper, scullery wench, and graphic designer.
the beautifully renovated inn, with its 12-plus bedrooms, two kitchens, dining room, various seating areas that span three-levels with two guest cottages, is the perfect backdrop for a reunion. Over the years, i recall so many guests including opera singers, snowmobilers, cyclists, firefighters, and even a music director who dashed through the front door one day wearing his highland kilt and pointed leather shoes.
the birthday reunion brought together a special group of mary’s cousins from slavic families including smilonich, orlich, malkovich, and batinich whose ancestors had emigrated from the geographical region of lika in central croatia to settle in chisholm, eveleth, and other range cities. Be assured, the airlines last week flew especially steady knowing they carried these determined family members from states including connecticut, virginia, wisconsin, missouri, and nevada just to name a few.....All eagerly waiting to exchange memories and hear rich stories over nonstop pots of coffee, rolls, and potica. The inn was soon hustling and bustling with activity that began with a white tablecloth stroganoff dinner on friday night with mary’s friend and event caterer, denis durnev, who is the culinary instructor at hennepin technical college. He met mary three years ago when his young son played piano as part of the summer northern lights music festival, and they were guests at the inn. Needless to say, nobody left the table hungry that evening.
on saturday morning…after coffee and a few more stories, seven carloads of nostalgic cousins...With mary in the lead, traveled to chisholm to visit with fr. Milos zivkovic of st. Basil of ostrog serbian orthodox church and learned about the history of chisholm, and family ties to that congregation. Although the original ancestors were religious serbian orthodox, they are actually from croatia. After visiting the church, they traveled across town and located the side-by-side houses that belonged to their families on what used to be poplar st. Photographs were taken by a homeowner from across the street whose curiosity drew her outside after seeing the group. The cousins were amazed at how close the houses were built to each other and learned it largely was to allow more land to be used for mining the iron rich soil, and it also kept homes warmer. Following the visit to chisholm, several continued to eveleth to visit cousin shirley malkovich’s parent’s graves and drive by her former home on adams ave. Shirley, a perky 90-year-old, recalls growing up in the two-story apartment that was shared by a few other families...But of italian lineage. Each apartment had a staircase and landing where mothers could stand and keep an eye on their children who played in a sandbox below. Her mother spoke english and slovenian and learned italian from listening to the exchanges between the other mothers. After nostalgic adventures, everyone returned back to the inn to further steep themselves in the richness of the gathering. There were more stories that unfolded, cribbage games heated up, and knitting needles clicked away the hours until it was time to dress for the ticketed evening event.
the interior of the lvcc was looking elegant following the efforts of deb kirshner, who added sheer ivory fabric draping to the auditorium entry that was garnished with faux-autumn leaf vines. Varieties of fresh-cut pine were made into wreaths and sprays, adorning the front stage area where the two wood chairs for mary and husband mike skorich faced the audience.
a formal printed program, created by mary and yours truly, had been created to list the events that began with well-known keyboard player and singer irene hartfield of ely, who generously offered her gift of preludial music to create just the right ambience as guests arrived.
flappers, gangsters, sequins, feathers, and a little speakeasy spirit set the stage for an evening of fun with guests oohing and aahing over the details of the various costumes that were largely purchased online from sites including amazon, facebook marketplace, and boom chic to name a few. Bergetta indihar of lake vermilion purchased her dress for $1 at the cook thrift store, then reworked it into bespoke petite perfection. The themed event provided a fabulous opportunity for the ladies to pull out their dramatic fur pieces, ranging from coats to wraps. An abundance of accessories was on display, including jeweled headbands, shimmering bracelets, and fancy drop-earrings with plenty of long beads, bangles, and faux cigarette holders of every length.
mary wore a classic gold and black sequin-embellished flapper-style dress with a relaxed drop waist. Long black fringes encircled the base of the dress that fell in a zigzag pattern below the knees. The elbow length sheer sleeves coupled with a v-neck highlighted her shoulders. Mary further accessorized her outfit with black fishnet stockings over shapely legs, which held the attention of her husband. She topped it all off with a beaded headband, featuring a center jewel backed by a black plumed heightened feather and long black fingerless gloves. Mike skorich wore a gray jacket and slacks with a white shirt and proudly topped it off with a fedora. The majority of men wore plain or striped suits, hats, suspenders, and let’s not forget the wingtip shoes. I wore my burgundy patent-leather wingtips and my outfit was a combination of 1920s meets steampunk-victorian with a vintage black conductors jacket i discovered in a grand rapids thrift store twenty years ago or more. I topped it off with a highly embellished black felt top hat..
on that particular afternoon and evening, the herb lamppa civic center kitchen was not available, so the owners of sulu’s offered chef denis durnev theirs. Karel winkelaar, also of sulu’s, who is a lvcc board member, assisted him with food preparations. They had prepared, transferred, and staged hors d’ oeuvres including bacon-wrapped chestnuts, spanakopita, meatballs in marinara sauce, pierogi, deviled eggs, smoked-salmon phyllo cups, and charcuterie boards. Various beverages including wine and beer were served, and plates of potica made by susan-drobak proctor of virginia were waiting in the wings for dessert...A must-have at any serious serbo-croatian function.
lvcc board members helped serve food and beverages while guests enjoyed the special program, including a welcome by mike skorich to cousins, family, friends, patrons, and board members. Following the introduction, the roadkill boys, a duluth-based bluegrass band under the direction of dan skorich, brother to mike...Performed their energetic selections. Friend tom burns presented a poem he had written and put to music to honor mary. Professional musical-theater star, debbie prutsman of california, a longtime family friend of the birthday honoree, performed a few selections from her repertoire including the song “memory,” from the broadway musical, “cats”...A favorite of mary’s that displays prutsman’s amazing vocal skills and always holds the audience’s attention and awe. Lvcc board member kathy siskar spearheaded a costume parade so everyone could model their grand attire. Curt laine, a videographer from ely, provided his talents and captured the event and hopes to soon have the event available for viewing on local media. The program ended with a few words from former lvcc chair don erickson, and current chair, elaine mcgillivray with concluding remarks from mary.
on sunday, the group took the opportunity to visit the soudan underground mine with guide karel winkelaar, who provided a wonderful tour. They were enchanted by the beauty of the area and got out and about to do some shopping and exploring tower, ely, and virginia. I am told many treasures were purchased, which tested all of their packing skills. A wonderful reunion was had-by-all with hopes for a repeat in the not-too-distant future. |
| ( Read More... | 19146 bytes more | comments? | ) |
| |
| The 49ers have Nick Bosa and DeForest Buckner back. Now they need their next Dee |
| Posted on Friday, November 06 @ 00:03:59 PST (8 reads) | |
|
|
By
david lombardisports reporterpublished
published
rookie pass rusher romello height thinks he can provide a burst of speed off the edge that the team has been missing since ford’s departure.
santa clara — a clip from the 49ers’ famous 2019 season played thursday in the team’s defensive-line meeting room.
kris kocurek, the fiery defensive-line coach who’s been around since that overpowering march to a super bowl appearance, snapped his head toward rookie edge rusher romello height as the front four — nick bosa, deforest buckner, arik armstead, and dee ford — engulfed another hapless quarterback.
“you see this, romello?” Kocurek asked. “This is what i need you to do: burn the edge.”
kocurek was pointing at ford, the 243-pound end known for his jaw-dropping burst off the snap and around offensive tackles. Back issues ended ford’s career in 2021, but the 49ers mounted an otherworldly pass rush while he was healthy over the first several weeks of 2019. That season’s defense smothered most quarterbacks the team faced and even held aaron rodgers, who was still in his prime with the green bay packers, to the worst statistical performance of his career.
this was natural tape for kocurek to show his group in 2026, especially because the 49ers just reacquired buckner via trade and returned him and bosa — who’s been out with a calf strain — to practice on the same day this week.
the 49ers are asking both veterans to reprise their old roles. They’re asking height, a 242-pound speed rusher who began blossoming around week 4 against the denver broncos, to replicate ford’s impact from the outside.
“watching that play reminded me of myself,” height said. “The way dee ford got off the ball. His feet were so rapid. His get-off reminded me of myself so much. His bend. Me and him have the same game, in a way.”
height played at four colleges over six seasons, and one was auburn — ford’s alma mater. So although height has never met his predecessor, he was familiar with his tape before the 49ers drafted him in this year’s second round.
“i would see dee ford coming off the edge,” height said. “He was electric — fast and twitchy.”
the 49ers’ pass rush fell off after ford was injured. It has never truly reapproached its peak 2019 form. Even the 49ers’ 2022 defense, which ranked as the nfl’s top unit by advanced metrics, never mustered comparable pressure, even though bosa was the league’s defensive player of the year.
much of that traced back to the loss of buckner, whom the 49ers traded to the indianapolis colts following the 2019 season. In the years since, they’ve strained to replace his durable interior pass-rushing presence. Javon kinlaw, a 2020 first-round draftee, couldn’t do it. Neither could javon hargrave, a big-ticket free agent signing in the 2023 offseason. And although the 49ers received solid production from maliek collins, acquired via trade in 2024, the rest of the defense fell apart around him.
gm john lynch resolved to fix the issue this offseason, trading for former dallas cowboys defensive tackle osa odighizuwa — who last season nearly racked up more pressures (51) than all 49ers’ interior defensive linemen combined (56). The 49ers also drafted gracen halton in the fourth round.
but lynch wasn’t done. His pro personnel department, led by assistant gm r.J. Gillen, scoured other teams for veteran talent and zeroed in on buckner early in the season. So did bosa, who jokingly asked coach kyle shanahan about a potential reunion with his former teammate around that time.
during a week 4 game against the washington commanders, buckner sprinted about 40 yards to chase down speedy quarterback marcus mariota. Gillen and lynch marveled at that tape inside 49ers headquarters.
“defo’s play has been outstanding this year — i think he’s playing as good of football as he’s played in his career,” lynch said thursday on knbr. “You don’t just bring guys back because you’re feeling nostalgic. You bring guys back because your scouting department is doing their job.”
said bosa: “i mentioned it to kyle jokingly, but the fact it actually happened — it’s a full-circle moment.”
with buckner and odighizuwa both aboard, the 49ers are one of only five teams that have two defensive tackles with 20 or more pressures this season.
and that draws a circle back to height’s role.
“we’ve got the push up the middle now,” height said, “so the speed rush is super important. It’s critical off the edge, because the quarterback is going to step up a lot.”
discipline will be the staple that can tie the new-look pass rush together when it takes the field for the first time sunday against the las vegas raiders.
to that end, buckner is already delivering. The 32-year-old veteran spent time this week working offsite, putting in extra training after dark with young lineman mykel williams.
buckner has arrived at the 49ers’ facility to begin working out at 5:30 a.M. Daily. Height, who had been showing up at 7 a.M., Is following suit.
“my new routine is 5:30,” height said. “He motivated me. Things like that are just motivation to the young guys. He’s done it at the highest level, so all i can do is pick his brain.”
buckner, drafted in 2016 (the year before lynch and shanahan took over), had already served as a model for the 49ers’ desired culture during his first stint with the team.
“when i came in as a rookie [in 2018], he was everything we were looking for as a 49er,” star linebacker fred warner said wednesday. “I learned so much from him early on. It’s rare that you get a second opportunity to come home.”
bosa, who was drafted in 2019 and played only one season with buckner, echoed warner’s sentiment.
“this would make a good documentary,” bosa said. “The last game i played with him was the super bowl. And it feels like my rookie year was more than one year of my career, just because of how impactful it was on me.”
seven years later, with some of his original teammates now grizzled veterans, buckner is making a strong impression on a new crop of 49ers youngsters. And the defensive line, an eclectic combination of veteran stars and productive young talents, thinks it has the ingredients to replicate its 2019 magic.
“seems like we’re pretty stacked,” bosa said.
it’s height, playing ford’s role, who might bind it all together.
“humbly, i feel that there’s going to be a lot of chaos in the backfield,” height said. “[Having both bosa and buckner] is going to open up a lot of lanes for me and open a lot of doors. Because bosa is potentially going to get the slide [protection] every time. It’ll free me up to get a lot of one-on-ones.
“i can’t wait.” |
| ( Read More... | 13590 bytes more | comments? | ) |
| |
| Tennessee vs Kentucky predictions: Can Vols derail Wildcats SEC title hopes? | S |
| Posted on Friday, November 06 @ 00:03:59 PST (8 reads) | |
|
|
Tennessee vs kentucky predictions: can vols derail wildcats’ sec title hopes? Matthew glenesk, usa today nov 5, 2026 nov 5, 2026 updated 16 mins ago facebook twitter whatsapp linkedin sms email print copy article link save facebook twitter whatsapp linkedin sms email print copy article link save november kicks up the stakes in college football, especially with the release of the first college football playoff rankings this past tuesday.And one of saturdays key games features unlikely sec contender kentucky (no. 7 in the us lbm coaches poll) visiting neyland stadium to face no. 16 tennessee.Kentucky landed at no. 6 in the first cfp rankings, while the vols landed at no. 13, controversially eight spots lower than alabama — a team it beat by 16 points. Kentucky controls its path to a place it has never been: the sec championship game. The wildcats are tied with georgia atop the conference at 5-1, and winning their final three sec games would send them to atlanta. But that run starts with a major obstacle saturday at tennessee, where kentucky has won just 11 times and lost five straight in the rivalry. Florida and missouri follow, while georgia faces its own three-game test.First-year wildcats coach will stein isn’t hiding from the stakes, but he knows kentucky’s historic opportunity disappears quickly if the wildcats look ahead: “if you dont handle your business this week? Then nothing really matters.”Watch vols vs wildcats live on fubotennessee likely needs a 10-2 record to make the playoff. There’s also a chance that 9-3 could be good enough, but that possibility also would require a win over kentucky.So who wins on saturday? Heres what you need to know for one of week 10s marquee games, including predictions from usa today sports reporters and beat writers from the knoxville news sentinel and louisville courier journal, part of the usa today network.Tennessee vs kentucky football predictions: experts pick who winsusa today sports staff picks:john brice: tennesseematt hayes: tennesseejordan mendoza: tennesseepaul myerberg: tennesseeerick smith: tennesseeeddie timanus: kentuckyblake toppmeyer: tennesseecraig meyer: kentucky 24, tennessee 21austin curtright: tennessee 23, kentucky 20jordan mendoza: tennessee 26, kentucky 24adam bittner: kentucky 27, tennessee 17kentucky 28, tennessee 20: will stein has kentucky on the brink of a cfp appearance in just his first season. The wildcats path to the sec doesnt take a step back here as kenny minchey and co. Walk into rocky top and come out with a top-20 win. — John leuzzi, usa todaytennessee 24, kentucky 20: the vols still have to find something in their passing game, which is statistically the worst in the sec. Even if that doesnt come to fruition, though, tennessees rushing attack and defense have been good enough to beat the toughest teams on its schedule. Perhaps the open week helped tennessee clean up some of last games mistakes before playing a team that doesnt make many. Playing at home could push it over the top. — Emmett siegel, knoxville news sentineltennessee 20, kentucky 17: the cats are just 11-45-6 against the vols in knoxville. Tennessee is desperate: it cant afford another loss if it wants to make the college football playoff. The hosts eke out a narrow victory to snap uks six-game win streak. — Ryan black, louisville courier journalkentucky-tennessee football spread, betting odds(via betmgm)favorite: tennessee by 6.5 pointsover/under: 50.5 total pointsmoneyline: tennessee -235; kentucky +195kentucky wildcats, tennessee vols football: cfp rankingskentucky is ranked no. 6 in the first college football playoff rankings, while tennessee landed at no. 13 in the cfp reveal.Who will start at qb for tennessee vs kentucky: george macintyre or faizon brandon?Tennessee football coach josh heupel still won’t publicly name george macintyre his starting quarterback. His players seem to have done it for him. Teammates say the sophomore has “taken control of the offense” and emerged as its leader since replacing faizon brandon against auburn. With the vols 3-1 in macintyre’s starts and still chasing a college football playoff berth, the quarterback question appears increasingly settled as tennessee prepares for a top-20 showdown with kentucky.Can jim knowles slow will steins kentucky offense?Will stein knows exactly how dangerous jim knowles can be. Kentucky’s coach has matched wits with tennessee’s defensive coordinator three times over the past two seasons, producing dramatic games, tactical counterpunches and lessons that could shape their nov. 7 reunion. Knowles has never forced a turnover against a stein offense, but he dominated their biggest matchup. Now their chess match comes to the sec, where no. 7 kentucky and no. 16 tennessee meet at neyland stadium with major college football playoff stakes. Click here to read more about their history vs. Each other.Tennessee-kentucky football injury reporttennesseecb jadais richard (out for season, upper-body)ol wendell moe (out for season, lower leg)db dylan lewis (out for season, foot)s edrees farooq (out for season, knee)te ethan davis (out for season, knee)kr/wr joakim dodson (out for season, leg)lb jaedon harmon (out for season, knee)kentuckydb isaiah mcmillian (questionable)olb sam greene (probable)ilb antwan smith (out)ilb justyn hartley (out)db jaden smith (out)db grant grayton (out)what channel is tennessee-kentucky football game on? How to watch, time, tv announcerstime: 6:15 p.M., Saturdaytv: espnannouncers: tom hart (play-by-play), roddy jones (analyst) and quint kessinich (sideline)tennessee vols football schedulesept. 5: vs. Furman; w, 56-9sept. 12: at georgia tech; w, 45-24sept. 19: vs. Kennesaw state; w, 42-9sept. 26: vs. Texas; l, 20-17oct. 3: vs. Auburn; w, 24-14oct. 10: at arkansas; w, 24-17oct. 17: vs. Alabama; w, 26-10oct. 24: at south carolina; l, 27-24nov. 7: vs. Kentucky, 6:15 p.M. (Espn)nov. 14: at texas a&mnov. 21: vs. Lsunov. 28: at vanderbiltkentucky wildcats football schedulesept. 5: vs. Youngstown state; w, 45-13sept. 12: vs. Alabama; l, 45-17sept. 19: at texas a&m; w, 31-21sept. 26: vs. South alabama; w, 45-21oct. 3: at south carolina; w, 35-34, otoct. 10: vs. Lsu; w, 35-34, otoct. 17: at oklahoma; w, 21-13oct. 24: vs. Vanderbilt; w, 34-17nov. 7: at tennessee, 6:15 p.M. (Espn)nov. 14: vs. Florida, tbd (espn)nov. 21: at missourinov. 28: vs. Louisvilleusa today network reporters adam sparks (knoxville news sentinel) and ryan black (louisville courier journal) contributed to this story.This article originally appeared on usa today: tennessee vs kentucky predictions: can vols derail wildcats’ sec title hopes?Advertiser disclosure: usa today may earn a commission when you sign up through links on this page. Commissions never influence our editorial coverage or rankings. Offers and odds were accurate at publication and are subject to change; terms apply — see the operator’s site. This is general information, not betting, legal or financial advice. To the fullest extent permitted by law, usa today is not liable for losses arising from your use of it. Must be 21+ (18+ where permitted). Sports betting and casino gaming are not legal everywhere; complying with the laws where you are located is your responsibility. Gamble only with funds you can afford to lose. Gambling problem? Help is available 24/7 — call or text 1-800-gambler, or call the national problem gambling helpline at 1-800-my-reset. State helplines and responsible gaming resources.Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the usa today network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.Reporting by matthew glenesk, usa today / usa todayusa today network via reuters connect facebook twitter whatsapp linkedin sms email print copy article link save on air currently in bend 45° clear55° / 30° 6 pm 44° 7 pm 41° 8 pm 39° 9 pm 38° 10 pm 37° weather local forecast bobby corser, chief meteorologist 1 hr ago events |
| ( Read More... | 16292 bytes more | comments? | ) |
| |
| Aaron Rodgers Brother Jordan Makes Rare Comment After Their Relationship Is Reve |
| Posted on Friday, November 06 @ 00:03:59 PST (8 reads) | |
|
|
Jordan rodgers publicly backed his older brother aaron rodgers as the afc quarterback he would trust most in the playoffs.
the espn college football analyst, 38, made the surprise pick wednesday on “first take” when asked to choose among the conference’s signal-callers including josh allen, patrick mahomes, joe burrow and trevor lawrence. Jordan selected aaron, 42, the pittsburgh steelers veteran who is the oldest of the group.
“this one might surprise you a little bit,” jordan said. “I’m gonna go rodgers, and here’s why. I think josh allen is one of the best quarterbacks in the nfl right now. Him and caleb williams are right up there for me. The steelers know who they are, though.”
jordan emphasized pittsburgh’s formula for protecting its aging quarterback. “They have an elite defense that’s playing at a high level, and they run the freaking ball,” he continued. “So they’re asking less of aaron than maybe he ever has at any point in his career, right?”
the “bachelorette” alum then cited aaron’s accumulated experience as the decisive factor. “I just feel like i trust the guy that’s got the mvps, that has the veteran status, that’s seen everything, that is also not required everything of him for them to win,” he explained. “I think that’s a good sweet spot they’re in.”
the on-air endorsement marks a notable public moment between siblings whose relationship has been marked by years of tension. A source said last month that jordan and his wife, jojo fletcher, are only “cordial” with aaron. “It seems like aaron has led the public to believe things are better than they actually are with jordan,” the source said.
aaron himself has addressed the fractured family dynamics, particularly the rift that exploded into public view when jordan appeared on “the bachelorette” in 2016 and revealed their estrangement to viewers. Speaking to the athletic in august, aaron threw pointed shade at his younger brother without naming him directly. “I’ve been really staunch, going back to when there was a schism, that i feel like that stuff should be off limits,” he said. “Now, not everybody in the family adhered to the same thing.”
aaron added at the time that certain experiences had shifted his perspective. “But there are different things, situations, experiences, and people that actually change your life,” he said, declining to specify jordan by name.
despite the lingering frostiness suggested by the outlet source, aaron claimed in september that the brothers had reconciled. Appearing on the “not just football” podcast, he said the family had come “full circle.” “Now, full circle, [we’re] back together,” he shared. “It’s amazing. It’s been great to have all those people — my little brother, my older brother and his family, my parents — that’s been really, really special.”
the quarterback’s family reunion first surfaced in july when he posted photos with parents darla and ed alongside older brother luke, noting in the caption that the group was “bonding.” Jordan was conspicuously missing from those images.
aaron’s careful wording on the podcast — specifically including “my little brother” in a list of reunited relatives — appeared designed to counter the narrative of ongoing division. Yet jordan’s own measured description of their connection, through the outlet source, suggested the repair remains superficial.
the “first take” segment offered jordan a platform to demonstrate solidarity without directly addressing the personal history. His football analysis stood on its own merits while simultaneously serving as a rare public acknowledgment of his famous sibling.
the steelers are scheduled to face the baltimore ravens in an afc north matchup this sunday. |
| ( Read More... | 7652 bytes more | comments? | ) |
| |
| John Legend Reflects on How Kanye West Bet on Him Way Before Anyone Else |
| Posted on Friday, November 06 @ 00:03:59 PST (8 reads) | |
|
|
John legend has taken some time to reflect on the impact kanye west had on the early parts of his career, even though the two of them dont speak anymore.
in a new interview with genius , legend, who released his new album muse last week, described how ye went to bat for him in the earliest days.
early on, he worked really hard to get me signed, legend said. He would go to all the meetings with me at the record labels, and hed put me on other records with slum village, dilated peoples, jay-z, and alicia keys. Whenever he could find a way for my voice or my piano playing to get on a record, he would do it. Early on, he put a lot of his social capital into me. He bet on me.
advertisement
advertisement
advertisement
advertisement
midway through the conversation, legend was handed a july 2005 vibe cover written by complex s chief content officer noah callahan-bever , showing him with common and west, his good music collaborators at the time.
look at my brothers, legend said, before recalling how sure of themselves they were while the industry kept saying no.
we felt like all the things we believed before anybody else believed in us were finally actually coming true, he continued. And we believed, man. Everyone knows how arrogant kanye can be, but we all believed that we had something special to offer music and culture, and it was frustrating that we couldnt convince these record labels and gatekeepers that what we had was special. But it happened eventually, and by 05, it was so thrilling to have believed all this, and it finally started coming true.
advertisement
advertisement
their history goes back to may 2001, when legend met west through wests cousin devo springsteen, his former college roommate. Legend went on to sing hooks and play piano on the college dropout , and he was one of the first artists on g.O.O.D. Music when west started the label in 2004.
ye also executive-produced get lifted , john legends debut album, which won three grammys, including best new artist and best male r&b vocal performance for ordinary people.
despite being estranged currently, legend said in a separate interview with complex that he would be open to talking to west at some point, although it would have to be in private. If we did talk, it wouldnt be a public reunion, he said. It would be man-to-man, like a private conversation.
produced entirely by pharrell williams , muse is legends first full-length album in four years. You can listen to it here .
you can buy variations of muse (including signed vinyl and cds) on complex .
related news
john legend urges artists to f*cking sue trump administration over unauthorized music use
digital nas claims hes received 0 royalties from kanye west: my career is done
john legend will play harry belafonte in apartheid-era drama the road home
advertisement
advertisement |
| ( Read More... | 5672 bytes more | comments? | ) |
| |
|
| Classifieds |
|
| Past Articles |
Friday, November 06
A 90th birthday gala for Mary Batinich and the cultural center
Tennessee vs Kentucky predictions: Can Vols derail Wildcats SEC title hopes? | S
Predicting the perfect NFL landing spot for each top QB in the 2027 NFL Draft
Thursday, November 05
Digital Marketing Intern, Retail - Spring 2027 - Pacers Sports & Entertainment |
Caffeine intake rises among Korean adults as brewed coffee gains ground
Simple survey may predict older adults long-term mortality risk, study finds
Florida State U. LGBTQ student group requests $58K for drag shows, gender-affirm
Colorado transgender ballot measures spark plans for legislative challenge as vo
Voters buck the blue wave - and demand trans-athlete sanity
Colorado Democrats sweep statewide offices, expand legislative dominance
Income tax measure still too close to call in Colorado - Breaking AC News
Income tax measure still too close to call in Colorado | National News | voiceof
Socioeconomic and institutional factors associated with pesticide safety knowled
40 cadets graduate from Kentucky State Police academy
Looking Forward to Increased Private Lending in Graduate Education? | American E
A Twins Cells Hiding in a Mothers Blood Can Make Prenatal Tests Predict a Boy fo
Williamsburg City Council race too close to call as Democrats score historic mid
NY AG taps former Diddy prosecutor to lead Cornell sexual assault probe
The Republican missteps that laid the groundwork for a historic midterm rebuke
When a 60-Year U.S. Resident is Detained
RASA joins national Take Back the Night march
Director Rafael Manuel on Sundance winner Filipiñana - Playing at Detroit Instit
Colorado transgender ballot measures could get legislative challenge - NewsBreak
Short Story: Im Not a Racist, But.
Beverly Whipple Has Died. She Introduced the G-Spot to the Mainstream.
NY AG taps former Diddy prosecutor to lead Cornell sexual assault probe | | cent
More than a shadow cast: Bringing Rocky Horror to life
The effects of physical exercise interventions on executive function in children
Wednesday, November 04
Is it me, or is it them? | Lifestyles | hammondstar.com
With Chris DeMarco out, what head coaching options do the New York Liberty have?
Older Articles
|
|
