A Dive Bar, Games of Chance, and Outlaws: Could One Direction be Fireproof, After All?

Having a "target on one’s back" is a well-known idiom, likely stemming from the battlefield where an undefended warrior would become a prime target of enemy combatants. Within a civilian framework, the more graphic designation typically describes someone vulnerable to reputational damage, often with a focus on career sabotage or coordinated marginalization. Someone singled out as a main rival to the status quo, or a perceived threat to an established system. 

Being exposed to such a contentious environment, especially over a sustained amount of time ("25 and it's all planned") requires the resiliency to survive and a deep-rooted optimism ("faith in the future). Coincidentally, two recognizable traits possessed in abundance by a very familiar someone who notably kick-started the new year with a cheeky social media post of a Triple 20; the highest single target score on a dartboard. Forgive the mixed metaphor, but "I roll, and I roll, 'til I change my luck". In other words, someone who understands that success means staying in the game.

New Orleans, February 6, 2025

Hmm. Let's see. Target on one's back. A threat to the established system. The focus of longstanding disparagement and career setbacks. Vulnerable to attack and public scrutiny. Yet somehow, through trials and tribulations, an individual who is able to still retain a fun-loving approach to life. Sounds an awful lot like one of Narnia's most popular protagonists doesn't it? 

Hey, there, Louis!

Lollapalooza India, March 9, 2025

Now why does Louis have a target on his back? Well, that's the overarching question isn't it?

Over the last 15 years, we certainly know an awful lot about outcomes because there have been reams of documented repercussions (hit jobs) relative to Louis' pursuit of a musical career. Records blacklisted from being played on radio stations. Lack of, or outright incompetent, promotion. Interviews focused on reinforcing contractually imposed narratives like "parenthood", personal tragedies, and tabloidish One Direction chatter.  As opposed to shining the spotlight on Louis as an up-and-coming solo artist. And let's not forget the intentional harassment and subversive fragmentation of his loyal fandom and all those adverse headlines and social media contrivances by co-opted "managers" and compromised PR reps. 

Then there's been the multitude of coordinated media manipulations by TPTB regarding Louis' public image and crafted storytelling. Plots and strategies that began early on, while Louis was still a teenage band member in One Direction. The devoted boyfriend with the "supermodel" girlfriend. A homophobic, laddy lad persona created to alienate fans and the public in general. The beginnings of the enforced closeting and other collateral contractual restrictions that continue to open up Louis to fandom hostilities whenever he tries to project his real self.  

Now, let's ask that pesky "Why?" question again.

Louis' "Achilles" heel

The same vulnerability that has Harry trudging around like a prisoner, walking in circles around NY for a week ("in a strange way, we're all in this together") followed, of course, by pap shots galore. Het headlines at the ready. 

Prisoner stripes, handcuffed hands/arms restrained behind his back 9.7.25

Louis mirroring the same pose in Franklin, TN, the very next day 9.8.25

A copy of a copy of a copy. With the added recurrent theme of playing darts (a game of chance and skill). While supposedly filming a video.

August 25, 2025

September 3, 2025

September 5, 2025

September 6, 2025

September 9, 2025

In the meantime, Harry answers the viewers' "Why?" while continuing to send subliminal messages to those who have always seen him for who he is. Walking past "Jeffrey's" Grocery in the West Village during one of his many recent pap walks. His stunt jacket propped strategically on his right shoulder in front of the camera's lens. All the while showing the public just how staged these perp (Oops! Narnia means pap) walks really are. Something Louis does as well. All the time. Remember these guys are media savvy. 

Don't ever think these men have stopped sharing their truth or finding imaginative ways to resist their oppressors. After more than fifteen years, they continue to celebrate their love and navigate through tricky situations when passively accepting their fate would be far less perilous. Remember that "Wired" Autocomplete interview from November 6, 2019? The one where Louis told us how his friends, pre-X Factor days, called him Lewis.

Well, before I was on The X Factor, sorry,

all my friends from back home,

they called me Lewis, I mean, my name is Louis.

But they called me Lewis,

that's what I was known as back home.

Well, here's a determined, ornery and feisty Harry demonstrating his well-honed wily ways by figuring out how to honor his ceaselessly supportive (Hopeless Romantic) partner of thirteen years at the Brit Awards in 2023. That irreplaceable someone who either should have shared the stage with Harry that night, or had the camera scanning to his proud and jubilant face in the audience. Shove it Sony/Cowell.

Brit Awards, February 11, 2023

A man meant to be shared with the world

Which, speaking of triangles, how coincidental for Jeffrey's grocery establishment also to be near the Stonewall Inn and Stonewall Monument. "Don't forget where you belong."

All the while, Louis was photographed arriving at JFK Airport on 9.1.25. which magically just happens to coincide with Harry's sudden very PUBLIC, "loved up" het appearances on the streets of NY. No doubt to emphasize Louis and Harry's continued official separation. Reinforced, by the end of the week, with the controlled Deuxmoi "leak" recording of Louis and Zayn hanging out together. The photos taken at The Pond Bar, in Franklin, Tennessee of all places. Some 900 miles from Manhattan and approximately 800 miles from Bucks County, PA where Zayn is supposed to publicly live. The well-timed photos and videos dropped to remind fans, without words, that apparently Louis Tomlinson doesn't know a Harry Styles. Moreover, if Deuxmoi, is involved, certain people obviously want us to notice that Louis suddenly knows Zayn again. 

Deuxmoi, Instagram 9.8.25

An official photo of them together could have dropped back on January 21, 2025 when Louis attended Zayn's Stairway to the Sky concert in LA. But for some reason the "reunion" was delayed until 9/8. Or is this September reconnection more about getting as many eyes as possible on Louis right now. If so, it's wise to ask why that would be. For new fans, please be aware that whenever Louis has something to promote like a new album, music video, a tour, a music festival, etc., TPTB always make sure to sabotage his efforts. His upcoming Away From Home Festival will be no different. In fact, the Discord nonsense and McDumblison buffoonery is all part of this recurring nexus.

The Pond Dive Bar in Franklin, TN

From the beginning, Zouis set the scene with their tongue in cheek, "Outlaw" ways. Got to love these guys.

An interesting sidenote is that Zayn made sure to be seen in an Obey t-shirt. A One Direction messaging device that Liam used many times, pre-hiatus.  The connotation of control hard to miss.

The back of the shirt bears a much more meditative dispatch. Maybe a bit of serenity before the chaos begins.

“Unaware of light, sound, gravity or any physical sensation at all, I am at

perfect peace – like a mind in space I drift yet to return to the world.”   

Tune in 2 a curious feeling -

Louis, on the other hand, wore a Neighborhood shirt, the company and brand founded in 1994 in Harajuku, Japan. The design is a spiderweb, reminiscent of the kindred body art he received on June 24, 2013 in Washington, D.C. Notably, the same time that Louis got two other tattoos - a lit match and a fused bomb. That's right a lit match and a fused bomb. Given that Louis' spiderweb is located just above the word "Rogue" on his left ankle, the combined impression is at the very least intriguing, even provocative. What are you up to, Louis?

And don't forget that the Japanese streetwear's motto is, Craft with Pride

Spiderweb Tattoo June 24, 2013

March 25, 2013

Continuing the kabuki theater that is being staged in NY right now no one should be surprised if Harry "impulsively" shows up at Louis' Away From Home Festival with his newfound, "Friend with Benefits" appendage, to support the public narrative emerging. While Louis and his assigned Tory beard frolic in a nearby field of sunflowers, blissfully preoccupied with one another as they all experience a watermelon sugar high together. Just like two thoroughly smitten straight bros, who haven't officially seen one another in fifteen years, would obviously do. /sarcasm intended

Away From Home Music Festival, Cooperstown, NY October 4-5 2025

Enter stage right, the soaring voices of Sony/Cowell/Matt Vines/Chris Frewin/Azoffs, et al. in the background: "That should shut-up those Larries. Time to release the hounds" (aka Antis, Solos, Hired Hands, "Reliable" Media Outlets, etc.). 

TPTB have had lots of practice, in scripting, implementing and facilitating Liam's destruction and disappearance from the public stage. Louis and Harry, on the other hand, have always posed more of a messy challenge because of their formidable fandoms. That's why TPTB have spent a decade eroding that support system. Sony's (and their more than willing accomplices) fabricated pretexts to shove Louis into a Discord channel in July was just one more checked box in their grand scheme of eroding fandom engagement and silencing informed voices. 

In the meantime, Louis and Harry continue to publicly share what they have been fighting for all along: freedom. Both using a motorcycle to symbolize their quest.

"Lights Up" music video released on Coming Out Day, 10.11.19

2020, Louis Tomlinson

At this point, the question is whether these brave men have been able to trade/negotiate something better for themselves in exchange for what's currently being rolled out for fandom consumption. "Driving down a one-way road to something better". No turning back from here. Only movement toward a more desirable path in life. 

Regardless whatever unfolds, Narnia will still be around to support these men because despite the manipulations and subterfuges of TPTB, we still know the difference between predators and prey.

Don't forget that Louis told us from the moment he began preparation and promo for his first solo album back in 2020, that what he was about to embark upon (seeking his and Harry's freedom) would not be easy. Most definitely, not for the faint of heart. "Sit down with a masterplan." That's why he used a repetitive target aesthetic throughout the rollout which was hard to miss. "Nobody understands me like you do."

Target on Louis' chest with red bullet holes, April 2019

Walls Listening Party January 2020

Making of Walls Video, 2020

Odd man out in a straight world

Louis Tomlinson: A Target. Bullets. Blood. Bull's-eye. Odd Man Out.

It takes one's breath away to be reminded about how loud, honest and vulnerable Louis has been since the beginning of his solo journey.  Nor can it be ignored that the last time Louis used the target as part of his Walls aesthetic was December 12, 2020, during his record-breaking Livestream. The target appears interestingly enough on the B stage [reminiscent of Harry's use of that same letter to tell his love story during his "Live on Tour" (LT) concerts] from September 19, 2017 - July 14, 2018. Interesting end date for Harry's final show, don't you think?

And here's Louis' set list for his B stage performance. Songs are in red lettering. Narnia will let our readers see the through line.

Louis' Livestream with his big, brash, proudly displayed "H" across his chest that no one could miss.

At the time, nobody saw the radical shift that was going to come in December 2021. Louis' Livestream was a huge success. He wore an iconic "H" emblazoned across his chest. Once the pandemic subsided, the fandom believed that "paradise" was getting closer everyday. That freedom was getting nearer. In hindsight, all that optimism should have been tapped down, given his introduction of a new song, "Copy of a Copy of a Copy", but there were so many signs of resistance from both Louis and Harry that positive change was being manifested from all segments of the fandom to push them over that finish line.

As early as three days later, on December 15, 2020, there was Liam's gun-to-the-head Livestream with his bullying manager nearby, ready to pull the metaphorical trigger if obedience was not achieved (the Barnacle, aka Steve Finan O'Conner). But, Louis at least, continued to be physically separated from Babygate, for the most part. 

Fast-forward to Louis' 30th birthday, the following year (2021), and the Livestream target aesthetic quickly turned into a flashing red light. For the first time, and right before he was about to restart his World Tour (sabotage) on February 1, 2022, "Freddie", was abruptly presented as actively taking part in Doncaster Christmas activities with the Tomlinson family. Photos were posted on social media to memorialize the gathering. Two years in a row, holiday matching pajama family photos were taken and uploaded. Freddie showed up at a few Louis concerts in LA and Louis acknowledged him from the stage. The mockumentary, "All of Those Voices" made sure to film "father son moments". Family members discussed "Freddie" on camera. And even though Louis cleverly presented the wrong date for the concert in the film, the general public's perception of Louis as a dad was further entrenched into the official record. 

Taking us up to today, where Narnia identifies the same pattern emerging, though it can be hard to determine what is actually happening in real time with so many moving parts in action. Clues without clarity mounting as Louis continues to try to warn fans that something big is coming. Literally, WARNING those with a watchful eye to be prepared for anything. Besides walking directly in front of an actual cautionary sign, we see Matt Vines, close at hand. If it's not him, it's the ex-Syco embed (aka inbred), Chris Frewin. And we all know how having a manager monitoring and directing your public moves turned out for Liam. 

Louis arriving at JFK Airport, 9.1.25, with a WARNING

Then there is another ominous sign. A target reappears in one of Louis' photos for the first time in nearly five years. And we all recognize what that means. The return of the target on Louis' back. He's telling us that he is walking into a precarious and/or dangerous situation, making him more susceptible to adverse outcomes. But, he's moving forward, nonetheless. Rolling the dice?

Louis arriving at JFK Airport, 9.1.25, with a target at his back

And let's remember that Zayn also has sent out his own warning sign back on May 30. Affixed to the brick wall behind him is Billy the Puppet, from the Saw franchise. The puppet that describes in detail the traps ahead and the life and death games that will befall an intended victim. For Billy, although certain rules apply, life is always a game of survival. So if we were to try and think like TPTB who are obviously trying to eliminate Louis, Harry, and Zayn's LGBTQ+ support, and wipe their fingerprints off of their three Babygates, we have to be prepared for anything. 

 

Think about what would impact even the most devoted supporter. 

 

Back in January 2020, the idea was floated in the media that Cheryl was looking into a surrogate baby. It's pretty obvious who was being set up for another Babygate. 

 

Jumping ahead to the present, we can say it looks like the plan was dropped in 2023 in lieu of bringing Liam down by other means, but don't be surprised if something similar comes out of all of this current chaos. Or, at least, the attempt to duplicate their previous "success". In other words, will Louis have to go through another fake pregnancy to finally gain the ultimate freedom that he wants. Or will there be some sort of het scandal imposed. Or, maybe a coming out scandal. Where Louis and Harry will take the fall for trying to deceive the public by pretending that they are straight. Narnia has not forgotten that Harry Styles sighting at Glastonbury on the dancefloor of NYC Downlow. Maybe an explanation for all this power bearding right now.

Perhaps a public "engagement" or "marriage"? That, or some other highly visible "proof" that Louis, or frankly Zayn, are most definitely straight. Use your imaginations because scruples will certainly not stop any attempts by TPTB to regain control of their narratives. Or will we finally find out why Louis added Executive Head of Film to his Instagram account in May. Or, see what Zayn was filming at The Pond?" last weekend? And Narnia is most definitely keeping an eye on Simon Cowell's sudden reappearance on the scene last summer in terms of One Direction and his newfound need to find what no one is asking for; a new boyband.

Netflix - Tudum, July 17, 2025

 

Therefore since the "Why?" and the "Because" always has been about the closet and the love between Louis and Harry, as well as Liam and Zayn, saddle up and be prepared for battle.  

Zayn Instagram post, 5.30.25

As a fandom, there are still lots of questions. Lots of whys. But, remember that the because has been staring us right in the face "all this time". 

Louis and Harry holding hands, Nov 25, 2010

Zayn and Liam, a candid moment, 2013

Louis and Harry on a date at Caraffini's September 2011

Zayn and Liam 7.2.14 Dusseldorf

Louis and Harry 

Milan Interview, December 2013

Sources: Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, Netflix - Tudum, Pop Crave, YouTube, 1883 Magazine, Wired, Fashionlouist, Metro UK, Urban Outfitters, Deuxmoi, Vevo

Our Playlist:  Where Do Broken Hearts Go - One Direction

                         Headline - One Direction

                         What's Going On? - Marvin Gaye

                         For What It's Worth - Buffalo Springfield

                         Wake Me Up When September's Over - Green Day

Announcements, Autograph Nothing Burgers and Other Narnia Musings

 

LOL!  Look at that cat!  That gif is a killer.  😂

Unfortunately, that was me too often in school & college days.  😭😅 

Anyway, it can't always be fun and games.  We must scoot the frivolities out of the way!

👋 Happy day to all!  Before we post again, there are a few items of business which we need to tend to.

1.  Somehow, we lost our Search box that used to be in the upper left corner of the web page. Not to fret, though, in case you want to search those tags!  We added a new Search box and it is located on the right column, right above our stupendous Bernard Baruch quote and Disclaimer.  

[I will add though, that on my IPad, I was able to see the Search box back in its original spot!  Go figure.  For a couple of Microsoft browsers, it is missing.]

At some point, I need to figure out how to get it added back where it used to be, but for now, this is a seamless fix!

Now, search away!  

2.  Contacting either myself (Prairie Girl/PG) or Methodical Muser

After Methodical Muser's May 25th post about Zayn Malik, we were visited by a relatively new commenter who was trying to pose as a former Oh My Godot blogspot poster from nine (9) years ago.  At the same time, the party was also trying to pose as a fan/follower of Louis Tomlinson, and soon their true intent became clear as they would slip in damaging/ false narratives about Louis, in a back-handed fashion.  

That kind of tactic is not going to fly here and so several of their comments were deleted.

We at Narnia would like to keep the blog open to comments or discussion, so we will continue to be vigilant about its moderation.  

If you have a question or comment, the best way to do it is here on the blog, in the comment section (and it doesn't matter which post you use).  I will receive a notification to an inbox that I check every day.  As M&M says, we'll be quicker at replying to comments than we are at actually posting.  LOL!  

I know, that's not really funny, is it?  😭

📢📢📢📢📢📢📢

 

And well, I thought this would just be a post with some announcements, but when you have this big piece of canvas just asking for something more interesting to add, the urge cannot be resisted.  So I'm going to flip this board because this author has some opinions and questions.

 

✋✋✋✋✋ 

*  Has Blake Lively (and Ryan Reynolds)'s team been working overtime or what?  This post from June just really said it all.  On the surface, the reason for the photo op supposedly was because she had on a summer-y looking outfit.  There she was, smiling for the paps.  In New York City. 👀

But then came the 10,000x update on the mass of scripted lawsuits she's involved in, along with Justin Baldoni.  Predictably, some have "fallen apart" already.

What a clown show they've all concocted. 

Fast forward two months later and they're still at it.  Both parties and their people are using the tabloids to promote this legal nonsense.  When I can count on Just Jared to post every headline fed to them by PR teams, including this one from two days ago, which uses the phrase, "Face-to-Face Showdown", then I know this isn't serious business.  This headline seems more fitted for that old show, MTV Celebrity Deathmatch.  😣

 

 

 * Meanwhile, Mr. Austin Nichols has been doing nothing but promoting the heck out of "I Know What You Did Last Summer" which is now at the streaming stage.  The movie had its trailer debut at a special screening in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 14.    Looks like Austin was not in attendance, even though he later appeared on KTLA in Los Angeles.  💭💭

 

Since this time, Austin has been giving his Insta Stories a real work-out, placing himself far, far away from Jake, who has been VERY visible in ... Rhode Island, filming "Remain", a shoot that has been going on apparently since the end of his play, "Othello".  There is not enough megabyte space to post Austin's content and with no guarantees on Jake's exact filming dates for "Remain", we at Narnia can only assume that there has been a Gyllynichols Annual Fam Vacation worked into this summer at some point.

Who can ever forget when the code was cracked for the Summer of Mammoth Springs?  #GoodTimes  

 

*  This is some kind of slick PR work.  Another garlic necklace in place because just like with last year's hospital visit to Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, this one in Florida also emphatically tells us:  

"No crews allowed.   No media even notified."

This was a preemptive strike before anyone could accuse her people of using such a kind-hearted gesture as any kind of PR-related event.

And this post is not knocking the visit as far as doing a tremendous amount of good for the children patients and their families, even the staff as well. Bringing smiles and good will goes a long way.

But with all the emphasis on how paps nor news outlets were called, and yet the photos and videos are everywhere on social media and notable web sites like Just Jared and People.com., it tells you the visit counted on cell phones to convey "privacy" and "spontaneity". 

Last year on December 12, Shifty, aka Taylor Swift, visited Children's Mercy and everyone was clearly told the same reminder about how "television stations were not called, these are from people who were present at the hospital."  

Both visits to Children's Mercy and this year's to Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital in Hollywood, Florida, included mentions of her "boyfriend", Travis Kelce, for the recording cameras, as well. Isn't that something.

A gargantuan amount of photos and videos covering a wonderfully diverse hospital community of patients, and yet that evening, her team wanted to place known Trump "ally" (as called by the Daily Fail), Wayne Gretzky at the same suite, and sitting with her and Travis for awhile.

But like one reply I saw on X, the limited photos all look hinky.  Travis is in different lighting and you can see the skin tone separation line on Gretzky's profile.  But maybe that's a foundation line?

 

There was this video, even though it wasn't from a network:

 

And oh wait, while you're at it, you may need this for assistance:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I mean ... the guy has on a dark suit ... he's sitting where the (limited) photos show he was sitting ... so I RECKON that was likely him? 

But I was not solidly sold, sorry!

Meanwhile, the high visibility for a Stanley Cup playoff game was to place Travis in Florida (where he allegedly has a mansion so he can train there for about two weeks) on June 12, while Patrick was a can't-miss in Kansas City, spending Tuesday, June 10 right behind home plate with Brittany Matthews, drawing all kinds of attention away from rookie Jac Caglianone's debut at Kauffman Stadium, and all the while wearing a Royals jersey with his own name/number on it! 👀   (Ah well, he is one of the owners, after all and we are thankful for that.)

Now, not only was Matthews there, but his generously compensated meard Gehrig Dieter was sitting a few seats down the row in his Yankee gear.  

Remember last season when Patrick had to make another big scene at the playoffs vs the New York Yankees with the meard?

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The hash tagging of Dieter's name in that tweet was a clown touch, I have to say. That guy has never gone away, has kept bouncing back like a boomerang - does some coaching (as an intern) for the Chiefs, serves as an ambassador for a couple of local Chicken and Pickle's, and appears weekly on local sports talk radio station 810AM - WHB where it can always be reminded that he was a "bff" of Patrick's.

It really is amazing the career/life of a meard.  You have Gehrig Dieter who made a career out of it while mostly being a part of the practice squad.  You have Ross Travis (for Travis) who has been very well compensated for his time by getting to travel worldwide and hang with the famous of Hollywood.  There has been one of the biggest spongers ever in actor Misha Collins, who has been an incredibly compensated meard for Jensen Ackles all these years.  Oh, and Blake Shelton serving as Adam Levine's meard for the duration of "The Voice". 

And then there's Jakers, who creates a new Hello-My-Meard Name-Is tag for every director or co-star of whatever latest film he's working on, possibly the long-time kingpin of meard usage.  Hard to keep up with that guy!  😬  

Sheesh!  

 

* And what was this ?????  Tell us it ain't so, former Prime Minister Trudeau! 😧

Come on, you don't need to do this. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 * Looking forward to the opening of Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes' restaurant, 1587 Prime.   They're at the kitchen creation stage, so must be getting close!

It's a tough time right now to be opening an upper-end restaurant, so let's just hope they can have success with it.  I think this author will just be able to maybe walk by outside and look in if they post a copy of the menu in the window.  😂 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                  Posted by 1587Prime on Insta 07 29 25
 

 * When you spot something odd on social media, it's usually not a nothing burger.  Take for instance this random tweet that showed up in a Royals' player's twitter search.

 

For one thing, it was unfounded.  "Came out" when? Before the game?  They're practicing and getting ready for the game.  After the game?  

The tweet appeared right after a Sunday road game when the Royals team routinely has to leave immediately following in order to get on the bus and catch their flight, either for Kansas City or the next city.  Interviews with players for a post game show are rarely/never received because of this reason. Fans are fortunate to get a few words from the manager Matt Quatraro following the game.  But again, from players?  Hardly ever, ever.  So for that reason alone, this person's tweet stood out to me as not believable.  

When a closer look at "Marcy's" account shows that it joined the forum in March 2022 but at the time of this tweet, had only eight (8) posts? In three (3) years, eight total tweets/posts. Most of which were about the gymnastics performances of an alleged family member?  And here were the dates of the tweets/posts from this "Marcy" account:

06-09-22

02-09-25

03-06-25

05-16-25

06-25-25

06-27-25

 

That was it.  And then on the 20th of July , she is compelled to tweet about attending a Royals game, rips rookie Jac Caglianone, but praises a veteran player over alleged autograph signing/non-signing, but yet hash tags #GoGators (of which the Florida Gators is Jac's old school)?   

The Royals didn't visit Miami in 2024 (Miami came to KC).  But they did play in Miami in 2023. 

I'm not buying this.  Had she tweeted this same tweet after the Saturday or Friday game, I would've believed it was possible.  But not after a Sunday game on the road.  

The question is, why is someone using a suspect looking account to diss Jac, a player who has been often mentioned and photographed on Instagram and Twitter as one who spends a lot of time posing for photos with fans or signing autographs.  Why him specifically?  Why make a point to elevate the other teammate?  And what about the other players?

👀 

 

* Seeing and hearing this more and more in sports interviews/podium speeches regarding playing, wanting to win, how one practices, etc.

Doing it "the right way".

"We're going to celebrate "the right way."  "motivated the right way" 

What does that mean?   As opposed to wanting it or doing it the wrong way?  And if there are those doing these things the "wrong" way, why is it being outed without actually being outed?  😉 

 

⛺⛺⛺⛺⛺⛺⛺

 

And because we're also in the business of enjoying our fave guys PLUS + (since it's my post and I love sports! 😄) some other random engaging individuals, let's end with some awesome pics and wish everyone a great week!   This will be just a random photo dump with no rhyme or reason, just because we've gotta have fun!

This guy is Nico Hischier and he is the center and team captain of the NHL's New Jersey Devils.   

 

Look at this guy - here's Austin recently in a live chat.  Looking good as ever in his scholarly specs:
  

 

Credit to the owner of this photo, I didn't ever properly label/credit it.  But here are Liam and Zayn in black and white:

 

from Up All Night Tour, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have to take advantage of whatever chance I get to wish congratulations to this fantastically smart and professional MLB pitcher Seth Lugo, on his contract extension with the KC Royals.  This fan is thrilled and the pitching department will greatly benefit from this re-signing.  He spent seven years with the NY Mets, then signed with the San Diego Padres for one year so he could pitch as a starter.  After one season with the Padres, he signed with the Royals last year and I don't know how we became so fortunate to get him here, but he's here. 🎉🎉

 

 

Seth on the left, Bobby Witt Jr in middle, TV announcer Joel Goldberg on right

Seth is awesome - love that he is a Royal!

 

Look at this old photo of former One Tree Hill actor Roberto (and now a favorite in Hallmark movies!), aka Robert Buckley, I came across in my photos: 

 

 

Allegedly this was Jake in New York City sometime recently, I mean, on July 20.  I just want to let him know that Methodical Muser is questioning that the photos were from this year of 2025.  LOL!

 

 

Ol' Jakers.  Miss that guy and his newspaper.  😔

 

 

And this was a great photo of Louis at the Lodz Festival in Poland, last month, 

credit:  LouisUpdatesPoland

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This shirt on Harry (old pic!),

 

Bode Calorie print louie shirt, Nov 21, 2019 Zane Lowe interview

 

Shoutout to another Kansas City Royal (because it's not only baseball season, but it's playoff-hunt time!) who made the All*Star team for the first time, had a base on balls, and scored in this year's game.  All*Star Third Baseman Maikel Garcia is having a really terrific year and deserves more claps.   Plus, he has some of the best bat flips.

 

 

If you have a cat family member or have pet sat one, this might be something you can identify with.   

We'll end with this funny moment. Rise and shine.

 

Watch this space for another post soon because there are a few things to say about what is going on with Louis Tomlinson and the sabotage job going on there with him.

 

pic/video sources:  Shouldhaveacat Twitter,  KC Royals Instagram, loveisntoverrated,

                              tumblr, Just Jared,  Tik Tok, tenor, hsschier twitter, IHeartJake, 

                              Click2Houston, LouisUpdatesPoland twitter

our playlist:  Convince Me Otherwise - Maroon 5 (feat. H.E.R.)

                     Mapenzi - Bahati 

                     Stronger Now - Macedo 

                     Never Let You Go - Third Eye Blind

 

Trolling Across Fandoms: The MLB and Controlling the Narrative

 

You know, it's kind of funny how you can find yourself in a discussion that turns into much more than it should have ever been.  Not only that, but you begin to recognize some familiar territory, if you participate in fandoms which can bring about the existence of gas lighting, planted accounts, compromised media, etc. 

In this case, we are in the sport and fandom of Major League Baseball and a particular team of the Kansas City Royals. ⚾

 

Two days ago, on X (formerly Twitter), the following NY news writer and editor tweeted this:

 

A controversial claim to be sure when talking about trading any MLB veterans, which would make it look like the ball club has waved the white flag on a dismal (to this point) season and might be more interested in rebuilding.  That would be a negative message to the players presently in the clubhouse and also to the fans, many of whom may still have hope for a Wild Card spot in the playoffs.

It should be noted though, the tweet states that the writer was 1) "hearing" the news bit and 2) that Royals' General Manager. J.J. Picollo should start thinking, which wouldn't have necessarily been a gavel throwing order. 

It certainly had made this author hit a panic button, fearing that some of the Royals' veterans could be leaving. But when looking at the tweet again, I should have paid closer attention to those two loopholes.  

The tweet caused instant reactions from the Royals' GM as well as their Vice President of Communications, Sam Mellinger.   

Picollo was asked about the tweet on the mid-day sports talk 96.5 FM radio show merely hours later, to which J.J. adamantly denied the report and said, "the accountability of that writer should be in question".  

[It should be noted that 96.5 FM is the official radio station for the ball club, airing all of their regular season games.  Picollo is a semi-regular guest on the mid-day show.]

Picollo's reaction was followed by the team's VP of Communications Mellinger , who replied directly to Mark Healey on Twitter.

 

Wow, okay.  Getting interesting now, isn't it (if you're a Royals fan, anyway!  😉)  

So then, one of the hosts of the mid-day show, Alex Gold retweeted Mark Healey's tweet to inform fans that J.J. had been on his show and disputed it.

 

 

And then the MLB beat writer for the Royals, Anne Rogers, also chimed in, telling all that it is rare for a rep for the Royals to react to a story:

 

 

On the same day, the other sports talk radio station in town, 810 AM Sports Talk, promptly lined up the tweet originator, Mark Healey, for their afternoon show with its host Soren Petro so that he could share the other side of the story.  

Later that morning, Healey thanked them for the opportunity, along with a link to the segment.

 

 

Phew!  Lots of hullabulloo!  Who would've thought so much activity could come from one tweet?  

I know that this author just hoped it wasn't true because Seth Lugo is a personal favorite pitcher on the Royals' staff and while I know he can opt out after this season, that doesn't mean he couldn't return.  He's proven that he brings so much value to the team due to his extensive tutelage (along with teammate and right-handed pitcher, Michael Wacha), of the other pitchers.  Hard to put a price tag on that kind of knowledge and experience!

HOWever, on the other hand, what is with all of the heavy-handed reaction?  

"accountability of the writer should be in question"?

"That's as false as can be."

"Please kindly stop making things up."

"lol.  Zero truth to it, and you know it." 

 

Fast forward to the next day, where Healey's tweet was brought up on Sports Talk 96.5 FM's morning show, "Bob and Dusty", where a strongly worded lambasting of Healey took place.

 

 

 This is the actual video clip:

I'm not sure what led to name-calling Healey a "jackass", but there it is.  And don't get me wrong.  I very much enjoy this morning show, along with the mid-day show.  Doesn't mean I have to agree with everything said, just like I don't expect everything I say to be agreed with.

Yes, majority owner John Sherman did all of the wonderful things.  Led a large business group to purchase the team in 2019 and has followed up with committing money to sign great players like Bobby Witt, Jr, Michael Wacha and Seth Lugo.

But Healey's tweet never named Sherman as his source.  It merely says "Royals ownership" and there are at least 23 different owners!  So, maybe it was one(s) of the other owners who knows Mark Healey and mentioned to him this news bit? 

Or how about this possibility?  What if this "drop" was a test balloon?   What if it was the team's front office's idea to float this, hoping it would light a fire under the players?  After all, no other moves had worked thus far in this challenging and under performing season.

And guess what happened? That same evening, two of the team's leaders, Bobby Witt, Jr and Salvador Perez, both had impactful offensive performances, along with an outstanding pitching performance by Lugo, leading to a 6-1 victory.  

I am not saying it would be a nice idea at all to worry players with such a misleading story.  Just wondering if that's possible.

And finally.

Last thought on this.   The high degree of reaction by all those mentioned above was nearly matched by a one-on-one discussion with a fellow online chat participant yesterday about the tweet and Healey.  

My main point was about how the Royals' general manager had made a similar definitive comment last fall/winter about pitcher Brady Singer (who they would trade to the Cincinnati Reds a couple of weeks later).  From MLB.com, writer Anne Rogers:

 

GM J.J. Picollo at the general manager meetings early November 2024

Even though nothing is ever set in concrete and circumstances can always change, when you see "And he'll continue to do that.  So Brady's a lock in our rotation.  When you look at our top four, Brady is in it.  We'd like to have him because you can never have enough depth."

Well, seems pretty darn encouraging.  But then, on November 22, Brady was traded.  

After having it pointed out on the morning show that members of the Royals organization had denied Healey's report and there were others associated with the team who were incensed about it due to how false they said it was, I mentioned the Brady Singer situation and how does that prove that a denial should be always believed? 

I was met with, "bro even I knew Brady was a possibility to be traded as soon as the playoffs were done"    

Well, what about what JJ said, though?

And, "there's a difference when it's the off-season to say something like that if you're going to reach"  Huh?  How is what I said a reach?  And what's the difference in "when" you say such a pretty solid statement?

This particular blogger and I went back and forth, back and forth.  They proceeded to badmouth Mark Healey (like the Royals had done, and like the morning show host, Fescoe had done).

When it was pointed out that the writer stood by his story and his source, the blogger made this unfounded statement:  "well that's the problem with these days you never have to name a source anymore so you can just make something up" 

Yes, that can apply to Deux Moi?  People.com?  Rolling Stone?  But, in the case of Healey's story, I could understand why he would want to shield his source.  Whoever it was, would likely never give him any more information. 

The final straw came with this reply after I pointed out that I was trying to be open-minded about the story:

"I'm not trying to make fun of you(r) man but like are you open-minded about Flat Earth too cuz a lot of dumb people say that's true as well"  

So the discussion had disintegrated into an insult, which was totally unnecessary.  

For those of us who have engaged with planted accounts and trolls, this has long been a common trait.  Not saying this particular account is a plant, but I found it quite interesting that I was compared to a dumb person who believed in a Flat Earth.  In other words, I was no longer just someone he disagreed with, but a Conspiracy Theorist. Sound familiar?

Finally, with the morning show host Fescoe, J.J. Picollo and this fellow commenter all digging at the writer's credibility and telling everyone not to believe him, I'll just add that he's not just some "random", small newspaper type reporter.

He's an editor-in-chief of The Wave, a newspaper that's existed for over 100 years.  He's a past Assoc. Press writer and he also is an online editor for The Baseball Digest, which is the longest running magazine about baseball.  So that is a respectable career in progress and nothing to be insulted the way it was.

 

credit:  Gotham Nation

 

⚾⚾⚾⚾⚾⚾⚾⚾⚾

 

If the story is unfounded, "made up", created for clicks, then yes, shame on the writer.

If the story was purposely "leaked" or given to the writer for dropping, by the organization in order to try and light a fire under the players, then it seems an unkind thing to do to them.  If it sets the team out on a win streak, well, at least the purpose provides the desired result.

If the tweet proves to be true, and one or more veterans are traded, it would be surprising but also disappointing.

Is this a huge story?  No.  But it was amazing to watch all of the reactions.  

And finally, the "Flat Earth" comment was an OTT last straw. An indication that perhaps I was not just speaking with another baseball "fan" but someone tasked with a job. Sports, after all, is just another tenacle of the entertainment industry.

 

pic sources:  MLB/Anne Rogers, tenor, 96.5FM The Fan, Wikipedia, Gotham Nation, You 

                     Tube, Twitter 

our playlist:  Trust in Me - Joe Cocker

                     Precious Illusions - Alanis Morissette

                     Who's Zoomin' Who - Aretha Franklin