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thelaughtercafe · 2 months

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Muted Memories Chapter 2

Tea Type: Milk Tea

Potential Triggers: Verbal and physical abuse, dissociating as a trauma response, nondescriptive murder, descriptive threats(not at reader).

Pairing: Issac Foster/F! Reader

Length: 4k+

Summary: Library explorations, and meeting new characters, fun for the whole family!

A/N: Chapter 2 is here!! Excited I finally got this done!! I’m not fully happy with the way it turned out but after messing with a few other ideas, I decided to go with the one I wrote while genuinely triggered since it felt the most raw and real.

I’m okay now; emotional flashbacks just really suck. Do not recommend lmao. Hope everyone enjoys and please do leave feedback! Always excited to hear from my readers on what they think!! ❤️

The rest of the day was easy once Zack dragged you back. Ray had thanked him in a reverent tone, to which the bandaged boy had only ruffled her hair fondly. They really were close. You hadn’t been expecting him to do the same to you however and it showed as you ducked your head to hide your burning face in Ray’s shoulder a moment. She giggled at your embarrassment and pet your hair.

You all sat down and ate after that. Ray was attached to your side the rest of the morning, constantly either hanging off you, holding your hand or hugging you. She seemed touched starved, though given you were as well you easily obliged and accommodated her. You had to go to the library after breakfast since you no longer had a laptop and Zack had declined your offer to come, saying he had “better shit to do”.

You shrugged him off but again reminded him to take anything he needed and disguised Rachel in one of your big hoodies before heading out. When talking about how well they were known they said their popularity had been dying down and they’d come here since it was so out of the way, hoping to find a forever home.

The air was a little chilly so you were glad you’d bundled up Rachel, however you were left shivering a little, given your other hoodie was still being repaired. You’d torn a noticeable hole in it on a rushed run out one day and the mender was blind; a friend Mr. Takamata had met and grown close to, and you had as well in turn. You wouldn’t give your business to anyone else despite the longer wait times. His job was always impeccable. Maybe you could get it on the way back, if he was still open.

“Alright, to the library! We’ll go grocery shopping tonight on the way home and I’ll make dinner.”

“We’re gonna spend the whole day there?”

Rachel sounded excited at the prospect and you hummed in agreement.

“Yeah, as long as you don’t mind. I need to do some school work and print out an essay. After that I figured I could show you some of my favorite books and maybe bring some home for Zack too.“

"That sounds fun but…mm…"

Ray sounded happy at the prospect but trailed off and seemed conflicted, looking at the ground as she walked.

"What’s wrong?”

“Oh I suppose it’s okay if I tell you. Zack can’t read.”

You blinked at that. He was around your age wasn’t he? You supposed you shouldn’t have been surprised. He clearly had a lot of inner trauma in addition to the physical.

You smiled down at Ray though, swinging your held hands cheerfully.

“I’ll get him some anyway. He doesn’t have to learn if he doesn’t want to of course, but I’d be more than happy to teach him. Even if he doesn’t, I like to read aloud anyway so he can enjoy it that way if he’d like.”

Ray gave a contemplative hum.

“I don’t understand why you’re so nice to us. After everything we’ve done-��

You heard her voice crack and quickly stopped walking, gently pulling her aside and crouching down to her level to allow the other people milling about to pass.

“Hey, hey! You keep sayin’ that, but from what I’ve seen you two are both damaged, but have been kind to me. It’s like I told Zack last night too…I’m lonely, sad as that may sound. So…no more apologies, okay? I’m happy to give you both a place to stay and let you have a fresh start. Mr. Takamata gave one to me…it seems only right that I should do the same.”

Ray threw her arms around you and you hugged her back before moving to stand.

"Now, how about that library trip?”

She beamed up at you.

“Let’s go!”

—–

You couldn’t help but sigh in relief as you both entered the library. It was cold, now. The wind had really picked up and you were already dreading the 20-minute walk back home when it’d be colder tonight.

Maybe you ought to stop by Reginald’s place on the way back after all. Now that you were here though, you had to put your game face on. You had two essays and one story to work on. Your only fun elective this semester was Monsters in Literature. Best teacher too; he reminded you of Robin Williams in his enthusiasm and inspiring words. You had a vague outline of ideas for the story and you wrote often, but creating original content was much harder than the fanworks you were used to.

The essays were honestly easier. Everyone was always surprised when you told them that, but essay’s were really just cramming as many words as possible to get a simple point across most of the time, and given you enjoyed writing, even if it was boring as sin it was at least easy to bullshit.

You observed Ray as you put your bookbag down, wanting to get her set up before starting.

“You’re around 14 right?”

She nodded.

“15, now actually. As of a few weeks ago.”

“Oh! We’ll have to celebrate. I’ll pick up some overtime, make sure to remind me to get a cake this weekend okay? Just in case my memory goes kaput after all this school work.”

She giggled and nodded happily as you mimed passing out.

“Do you know what kind of books you like hun? I can get you set up in the right section and then get started here.”

She gave a carefree shrug.

“I didn’t read much. Too noisy before.”

Seeing the way her eyes went dull again you got to your feet and held your hand out to her before she could go too deep into her memories.

She took it and you led her into the adjoining room for Young Adult Fiction, not acknowledging the fact that she trembling with anything more than a soothing thumb rub.

“Here’s the YA section. All kinds of scenarios and characters here- I recommend reading the back or inside of the flap and then just picking whichever one sounds interesting! You can always just go based on the cover if you’d like a more randomized experience though. This is still my favorite section honestly; if you need any help with the words or have any questions don’t be afraid to ask me. Feel free to get comfy, and if anyone that’s not me comes up to you, come get me or yell my name if you get scared, I’ll be just in the other room.”

After making sure she was okay you left her, happy to see she was already hesitantly beginning to explore.

You sighed in resignation, sitting down and cracking your neck.

No more distractions, time to get your work done!

—–

The day passed quickly, with Ray occasionally coming over to ask for help with a word she didn’t know but it was a rarity and she was already on the 2nd book in a supernatural fantasy series when you were finished. You playfully took it from her to check the title.

“Ooh Maximum Ride hm? That’s a good one, haven’t read it in ages. One of my favorites at your age too. Let’s bring it home with us huh?”

She nodded eagerly, a big grin on her face as she made grabby hands for the book, and you obliged, quickly grabbing the 3rd and 4th one as well. After a moment’s hesitation you grabbed 2 more for good measure, one for you, and one for Zack. You know how you were as a child and better safe than leave the poor girl on a cliffhanger. Luckily the librarians and you were already well acquainted given you came to volunteer to read to the kids here when you weren’t in school. It was a quick affair to check the books out and you were on your way.

The essays had given you no trouble and were already sent to your professors…but that damn story had you completely stuck. You knew the general concept you wanted was dealing with possession of some sort but you couldn’t figure out who should be doing the possessing. It was the idea of being out of control you wanted to tap into Such a primal fear so underexplored by most monsters.

It was still freezing oh God- you shivered as you and Ray made your way home. She looked at you worriedly and you could tell she was going to offer you the jacket but you patted her head.

“I’ll be okay- gonna s-stop and get my m-m-mended one before groceries after all.”

You sped walked and reached Reginald’s in record time, who luckily was just about to close up.

“Reggie, please tell me you have my coat finished?”

Your eyes and voice were pleading and when he reached out to touch your arm in greeting he recoiled, frowning in fatherly disapproval.

“Young lady, what on Earth are you doing out here in this cold without any protection?”

He sighed heavily and easily made his way back inside, holding the door open for you and Ray.

It was the same as always, not a speck of dust in sight, but homey and most importantly, warm. You held your hands to your lips and warmed them. You could’ve cried when after a few moments Reginald came out, coat in hand.

“Oh thank you so much! I’m in your debt! Here-”

You went to pull out your wallet but at the sound of rustling Reggie tsk’d and shook his head.

“No need, sweetheart. Can’t let ole’ Takamata’s daughter freeze now can I? How’s about you introduce me to your little friend here and I’ll call it even.”

You smiled fondly and sighed in defeat, slipping your dark burgundy coat over your t-shirt and zipping it up.

“Fair deal! This is Ray, her and her older brother Zack will be staying with me from now on. They broke in and I couldn’t just turn away hungry people, especially a young girl like her. You know how Mr. Takamata was, he’d roll over in his grave if I didn’t help!”

The lies merged with the truth and Reginald laughed heartily, while Ray looked at you in disbelief. She surely expected you to give them fake names or backstories but there was no need. To lie effectively, you just had to be confident and believe what you were saying.

“True enough!! Well, nice to meet you little lady, call me Reggie hm? Here, this hoodie feels too thin-”

“Reggie!”

He ignored your exasperated voice and before you knew it he’d tossed a small lilac coat and large black one your way and was shooing you out despite you protests.

“I’ll hear nothing of it! Consider it a welcoming gift! Now get!”

“Thank you Reggie. Really.”

He waved you off and patted Ray’s head before walking off. You smirked fondly and turned to look down at Ray.

“Welp. How’s about we just get something hot and head on home? Zack may get worried if we’re out too much longer.”

Ray nodded cheerfully.

“Sounds great to me! I’m starved! That man was really nice, I hope we see him again soon.”

You giggled at her enthusiasm, opting to get pizza at the place right down the hill so it wouldn’t be a long walk.

“Me too. I’m sure you’ll like him even more as you get to know him. He’s very kind. He has a service dog named Bucky, I’m sure you’ll get to meet them both again soon.”

You held the pizza and Zack’s new coat, while Ray got the soda, garlic knots and the pepperoni pinwheel you caught her drooling over in the display case.

You walked through the door with her on your heels, grinning and calling for Zack as you entered.

“Zack we’re ho-”

Your voice died out at the sight in front of you. You couldn’t breathe.

Why was he…here?

“Chris?”

That cursed name escaped your lips, bile burned your throat as he smiled and took a step closer. You went to back up, the door still open and remembered Ray and the fact your hands were full.

Where was Zack? Didn’t matter you had to get Ray to safety. But she was already entering behind you, and setting the food on the table like he wasn’t there. She came over to take the pizza but you were in shock.

“The one and only!”

His smile twitched, but you knew behind the mask he was seething as Ray began pulling out the food and setting the table.

“Pizza night hm? Funny. I haven’t gotten my pay this month yet, I trust you have that ready for me?”

You just stared at him in stricken fear. The door was closed but you still felt just as frozen.

“…What are you doing here? How did you find this place?”

“Oh here? I’ve known for years, pet.I just…”

His smirk turned to a sneer.

“Loosened your leash a little. Now, if you won’t give me what I want, you’re surely not fit to raise a child here. Maybe I’ll take her home…give her a proper enviorment. I mean, she didn’t even greet me properly. You know what happens to impolite children, don’t you?”

You didn’t speak up but you moved your body to block the way to the kitchen, motioning for Ray to run with your free hand, but she was completely oblivious. Your eyes steeled a little, but your voice was still that of a terrified kid. It didn’t matter that you were older now, it didn’t matter that you thought you were getting better.

Suddenly you were a frightened child all over again.

“I won’t let you have her.”

You flinched at the feeling of a hand on you and looked down to find her gripping your hand, tugging you lightly towards the table.

“Dinner’s ready. Come eat.”

Her eyes had gone dead, and she was pointedly ignoring Chris. She seemed very dissociated; probably a trauma response from her own family, if you had to guess. You realized your other hand still held the black coat and tossed it on the couch before reluctantly letting her take you to the table where you sat down. She sat too, and began eating while you looked numbly down at your plate.

You heard the chair slide back as he sat at the head of the table, beginning to dissociate a little yourself but maintaining your hypervigilance. You felt shaky and scared, aware of every move he and yourself made. He began to eat, completely unbothered.

You’d finally felt safe, away from him. Thought he was oblivious and finally mostly out of your life, save the monthly payments. You should have known you could never beat him. That he couldn’t cope with the loss of control.

Now one of the first people in your life you allowed yourself to care for was at risk. It was your fault for not safeguarding against this possibility and the only reason you weren’t spiraling was because you knew you had to keep Ray safe.

“What do you want?”

Your voice shook, but it was low and even, in hopes of being non-threatening.

He was nonchalant as ever.

“You’re going to protect me, and let me stay here. I’m only hiding here because some psychopath showed up at my place.”

Your breath hitched and you looked up in fear as Ray jumped to her feet.

“Zack!?”

You hopped up quickly and wrapped Ray in your arms to shield her, and quickly mustered a lie.

“Shh…shh…Zack isn’t here sweetheart.”

“That’s the second time I’ve heard that name. Who is he? Is he staying here too?”

“He’s her older brother. When she gets scared she seeks him out- I’m not the only one who got traumatized.”

Your mutter was bitter and under your breath but he caught it.

He always heard it. He stood and you held Ray tighter. You just had to last until Zack got here. Keep him placated. You trembled- God why did the shakes never stop around him?

“Talking back? Pathetic. You’re shaking like a damn leaf. Whatever. You’ll always be a freak.”

You swayed as the familiar insult caused an emotional and partially visual flashback, hearing faint words, catching glimpses from the back of your mom’s car. She was inside getting groceries.

“You’re such a damn freak- those bullies at school were right about you. You’re really nothing but a freak. Everything you do is freaky-”

He’d used variations of the word till you were hyperventilating upon your mother’s return. You couldn’t hide it fast enough, but his mask was right back on. Told your mother he was “getting you used to the word.” Ha. She’d harmlessly shared the bullying you’d confided in her about, having no idea you intentionally hadn’t told him because she didn’t know any better.

But your Mother isn’t here now.

Your shaking stopped and you took a deep breath, steeling your own mask. You straightened from hugging Ray and glared at where he stood by the chair he claimed.

“I don’t care what you do with me, but you won’t hurt her. I’ll never let you abuse anyone else I care about again.”

He threw his head back in bitter, sadistic laughter and you acted quickly, grabbing her jacket in one smooth motion and rushing to shove Ray outside, with a simple command before slamming the side door shut and locking it, tossing the key out there with her so she nor Chris could get her back inside.

“Find Zack and stay hidden if you can’t!”

She hesitated, meeting your eyes and you smiled at her, trying to make her feel secure only to yelp as something slammed hard on the back of your head, sending you to the floor. You vaguely registered the picture and glass surrounding you, and the sound of Ray crying out your name in panic. The picture of you and Mr. Takamata lay near your face and you smiled weakly..

“…Sorry, Dad. Looks like I won’t be able to fulfill my promise after all.”

Your head felt wet and warm, and your vision was getting murky. You felt dizzy, trying to stay conscious. Chris was yelling, but for once…you felt serene. No fear. No constant hypervigilance. No more masks. But…Zack. Where was he? You never got to give him his new coat…

Darkness took you under.

—–

Zack burst into the door with a loud bang, wild eyes scanning the area. He’d been searching frantically for the bastard all day and was exhausted and starving after a long day. He’d been planning to pick up the following day when he arrived, only to hear an unfamiliar male screaming curses.

Zack didn’t consider himself a protective person. He’d grown up most of his life alone and fending for himself. Ray was an exception to the rule, and he thought he’d never find someone he wanted to protect again. Till he met you. He didn’t know you well. Didn’t even fully trust you yet, honestly, always wary to give trust. But he saw something of himself in you. Plus, you were horrendously naive and so, so in need of protection.

This bastard seemed the best place to start.

To see him in his new home, where he finally felt safe? Zack was anything but happy. The man froze after kicking you on the floor. Zack spotted Ray with tears swimming in her eyes as she screamed behind the back door, before rushing to meet up with him, heading around to the front once she saw him.

Things moved quickly after that.

Zack had the man by the throat, sadistic snickers leaving him ceaselessly as he held him against the nearby wall because if he didn’t laugh and scream he was going to do something else and he vowed to never do that again.

“You’ve got 3 seconds. Talk.”

The man, if he could be called that, was near pissing himself in fear but Zack felt none of the typical satisfaction. Just rage, simmering under the surface along with his want to rip the slight smirk he saw tugging at the asshole face whenever he glanced at your crumpled body.

“I have no problem with you, alright!? I don’t know what you want- if you want to kill her she’s all yours, but I haven’t done anything! I’m an upstanding citizen, I swear!”

“So lemme see if I got this right. You come into my house, trash my place, hurt my family, not only fucking up their heads but physically too and you think I’m gonna let you walk outta here?”

Zack threw his head back in magical laughter at the thought; it was the funniest damn joke he’d ever heard. At that, Chris finally snapped and threw a punch, facade dropping in an instant, but Zack held fast, vaguely noticing Ray walking up next to him a look in her eye he hadn’t seen since they were trapped.

“God you’re a freak just like her- no, you’re some kinda monster! Guh-!”

Ray stabbed hard into his stomach, making the man gurgle on his words. He looked down in shocked horror and Ray was impassive.

“You hurt her, so I hurt you.”

He cursed at her too.

“You little bitch!! You’ll never get away with this, I’ll make you pay!”

Ray shook her head in disappointment.

“There’s no fixing you.”

She waved before turning her attention to you.

“Bye bye.”

Chris opened his mouth to snarl at her again but Zack was done playing games. He had more important things to do. He glared, shaking the man before beginning to drag him outside and into the forest, talking casually.

“Pretty sure we got unfinished business buddy. See I’ve got a sharp knife, and I’m curious how many pieces I can cut off before you bleed out. Shall we find out together?”

“No, no God please!! Have mercy!”

“Shut the Hell up!”

His shout was one of anger as he tossed the man down and kicked him hard in the ribs, paying no mind as he screamed in pain.

“That’s what I caught you doing to the woman who let us stay here! I don’t know why she’s afraid of you, but after tonight she’ll never have to fear you again. Nothing should scare her more than me. I won’t let you have her. I refuse. Her fear belongs to me. Now do the whole damn world a favor and DIE!”

His last word was a guttural roar of anger and when the man was finally dead by his hand, Zack crumpled. He didn’t know why, or how. His body was shaking and his bandaged were wet and it wouldn’t stop. He didn’t like it at all. This feeling, the way His mouth made sounds out of his control. It felt like…he’d killed his demon a second time, but this time it wasn’t just his. It was yours too. He found…he liked the feeling. More than his usual kills. This was more…liberating. He took the time to let whatever was happening run its course as he dragged the now dead piece of meat into the forest and buried him with the very shovel you used to do as he had, but for someone you loved rather than loathed. Love. Still such a foreign word and concept to him. He shook off his thoughts

But now he needed to make sure you stayed alive long enough to hear him gloat. He could worry about the oddness of “feelings” later. Ugh. He shuddered. Feelings. Gross.

He bit down a smile as he made his way back towards the house, seeing from the window that Ray was already patching you up, one of your textbooks open next to her.

Maybe whatever he felt for you and Ray though, wasn’t quite so bad.

#tlc: fic #tlc: milk tea #issac foster x you #issac foster x reader #zack foster x you #zack foster x reader #angels of death fanfic #angels of death fic #angels of death #female reader

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martinnecas · 6 years

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Everything You Need To Know About Jimmy Vesey

See what other players I’ve done a EYNTKA on here

Name: Jimmy Vesey

Nickname: Ves, Jimbo,

Born: May 26, 1993 (age 25) Gemini

Birthplace: Boston, Massachusetts

Height: 6’3

Position: Left wing (Shoots Left)

I. His father, Jim Vesey, was drafted in the 8th round of the 1984 NHL Draft by the St. Louis blues. He now works as a scout for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

II. His younger brother, Nolan, was drafted to the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2014 NHL Draft. June 2018 he was traded to the Edmonton Oilers and signed an ELC

III. Jimmy grew up with Boston Bruins’ Matt Grzelcyk, playing for the Middlesex Islanders that was coached by Vesey’s father.

IV. In 2011-12 Jimmy played junior hockey for the South Shore and was named MVP and Offensive Player of the Year. Recording 48 goals and 91 points in 45 games.

V. Jimmy joined Team USA in 2013 for the World Junior Ice Hockey Championship, winning a gold medal.

VI. Jimmy played with Harvard University for four years (Majoring in government). Finishing his collegiate career with 144 points in 128 games.

VII. Vesey was named Ivy League player of the year twice.

VIII. In his junior year, Vesey was rewarded with a top-ten nomination for the Hobey Baker Award (Given to the top NCAA men's ice hockey player). He was one of the finalists, however, Eichel (Boston University) wound up winning the award.

IX. In 2016, Vesey won the Hobey Baker Award

X. Vesey was drafted 66th overall by the Nashville Predators in the 2012 Entry Draft

XI. Vesey decided to deny his opportunity to sign with the Predators at the end of the 2015-16 season. He did this to become a free agent shortly after his senior year at Harvard.

XII. On June 20th, 2016, the Predators traded Vesey to the Buffalo Sabres for a third round pick in the 2016 Entry Draft.

XIII. The Sabers took Vesey in hopes of negotiating before he became a free agent, however, no agreement was made making him an UFA

XIV. During his free agency he met with seven teams. Five more teams requested to meet, yet Vesey denied.

XV. August 20th, 2016, Vesey signed with the New York Rangers.

XVI. At training camp, he received the Lars-Erik Sjöberg Award, which is given to the best Rangers' rookie in the camp.

XVII. On October 17th, 2016, Vesey scored his first NHL goal against the San Jose Sharks

XVIII. November 8th, 2017, Vesey scored 2 goals in 29 seconds making it the quickest number of goals scored by a Rangers player since Jaromír Jágr did so in 26 seconds back in 2006.

XIX. I won’t show the video due to blood but here is the X-ray, if you would like to watch it here’s the link. Vesey took a skate to the face from Edmonton Oiler’s Zack Kassian sending his two front teeth into his bottom lip. He claimed it ruined his ‘modeling’ career.

XX. On March 12th, 2018, Vesey recorded his first career NHL hat trick in a game against the Carolina Hurricanes (aka the team that likes to give people their firsts :/ )

XXI. In July 2018 Vesey and the NYR have agreed to a two-year contract for $2.275m a year

XXII. Here’s a goalie shootout he did with Barstool alongside roommates Kevin Hayes and Brady Skjei

XXIII. Also check out this apartment tour with his roommates (Starts around 1:45)

_____________________________________________

That’s all I have I hope you enjoyed!

~ALL gifs made by me~

~All photos and information were easily found throughout google~

~All videos were easily found on YouTube~

~I was going to make a resource page, but it was getting extremely long. If you want any specific links let me know.~

#jimmy vesey #New York Rangers #nyr #nhl #hockey #players #EYNTKA

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wrestlingisfake · 5 years

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Final Battle preview

Jay Lethal vs. Cody Rhodes - Lethal is defending the Ring of Honor world championship. Cody is the current IWGP United States champion, but that title is not at stake.

Cody’s contract with ROH has reportedly expired, and it’s looking more and more like he will leave ROH altogether to participate in the new All Elite Wrestling venture. So this is likely to be his final big ROH show, where he does the job to the champion on his way out. Then again, there could be a swerve, where Cody and ROH secretly work out a short-term agreement and he wins the title to confuse fans who’ve been following that story.

Lethal is sort of ROH’s franchise guy, in the sense that he’s been a headliner during a period where all the other headliners have been leaving the company. It’s a tough spot for him--he doesn’t give me that tippy-toppy guy feel, because I can’t shake the feeling that he’s only at that level because everyone better than him is gone. Perhaps Cody can help by giving him the rub here, but he’s really the last star left to do that. In 2019 Lethal is going to be king of a mountain that feels smaller than it did when he returned to ROH in 2011.

I think it’s at least possible that Cody could surprise us all with a title win. But in the long run, the destination is Jay Lethal vs. Matt Taven, and since Taven is doing the “real world champion” gimmick Lethal should be the actual champion headed into that feud. So I’m picking Lethal to retain.

Frankie Kazarian & Scorpio Sky vs. Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson vs. Jay Briscoe & Mark Briscoe - Kazarian and Sky (two thirds of SoCal Uncensored) are defending the ROH tag team championship in a three-way ladder match. The title belts will be hung above the ring and the first team to retrieve them will be the winners and champions; ladders will be provided at ringside for the participants to use however they see fit.

Like Cody, the Young Bucks (Nick and Matt) are expected to be on their way out of ROH, and this match feels like their swan song. In a story that hasn’t gotten as much attention, tough, SCU’s Kazarian and Christopher Daniels have also not re-signed with ROH, and they could be on their way out as well. (I can’t find anything on Scorpio’s status.) So aside from the fact these three teams have been feuding over the tag title for months, this may be the last chance to see any combination of them in the ring together.

ROH has generally protected the ladder match stip so that it feels more like a “this is the only way to settle it once and for all” deal, similar to cage matches and Texas death matches back in the old days. Consequently, their ladder matches feel more climactic and important than those in other promotions, because you know the participants aren’t just going to rematch a month later. So this is probably going to be a good time. It may even be booked to close the show.

If I’m ROH, I want this match to put over the guys who are staying, and put them over hard. The Bucks and SCU should be crumpled all over ringside while the Briscoes celebrate with the tag belts. Kazarian and the Bucks should quickly vanish from television so the Briscoes can gloat about running them out of the company. That’s how I’d do it, but ROH’s vision never seems to quite line up with mine...

Jeff Cobb vs. Adam Page - Cobb’s ROH television championship is on the line. Page is--say it with me one more time--on his way out of the company with the rest of the Elite, so logically he should lose here. These guys are both moving up the ladder quickly, so it ought to be fun to see them against one another. But I would be very surprised if Page wins here.

Bully Ray vs. Flip Gordon - This is an “I quit” match, so there is only one rule in effect--once the match starts, it cannot end until the referee hears one participant verbally submit by saying “I quit.” (Actually, ROH kinda already killed this stipulation by running an “i quit” match this week that ended as a no-contest due to outside interference. I guess we’re supposed to act like this is WWE and pretend the bullshit TV finish can’t happen on the PPV.)

Bully Ray (best known as Bubba Ray Dudley in ECW and WWE) debuted in ROH in 2017 as a babyface veteran. He dramatically “retired” in 2018 and was appointed to an enforcer role, but then he turned heel and mouthed off about all the flippy young guys ruining wrestling. This concept has long since been done to death by WCW and TNA, but that didn’t stop ROH from giving it a go with Flip as the quintessential flippy young guy. Bully has been getting heat on Flip for months, notably including a recent bit where Bully gave Flip a caning but Flip kept getting back up for more.

Flip is arguably the hottest babyface in ROH, and he almost certainly will be if/when the Elite and SCU leave. The problem is that he’s the kind of white-meat babyface (like Ricky Steamboat, Tommy Dreamer, Daniel Bryan, and Johnny Gargano) where it’s so easy to get heel heat at his expense that the bookers lose sight of when it’s time for him to shine. The caning angle perfectly sets up this match to blow off the feud, but it’s so perfect that they’re probably wondering if they can do it again, but even better. For Flip to get anything out of this, he needs to win the feud and move on--he can’t just keep playing the lovable midcard loser getting bullied by heels forever.

This is the right time and place for Flip to take everything Bully can dish out, never quit, and then rally back to expose Bully as a coward and a quitter. We’ll have to wait and see if ROH can figure that out.

Christopher Daniels vs. Marty Scurll - Scurll earned the right to challenge the ROH world champion in a match where he pinned Daniels to win, and now he’s putting that title shot at stake here. Daniels is doing an angle where SCU is trying not to get kicked out of the company, and his teammates have the tag title to protect them, but he needs his own insurance. Of course, in real life Daniels has not signed a new contract and it’s looking like he and Kazarian actually plan to leave soon.

Scurll, like the rest of the Elite, is expected to be departing ROH, but not on the same timetable. He signed a short-term extension to keep him around through April, evidently to guarantee his participation in the April 6 Madison Square Garden show. No one else from the Elite has signed such an extension, and I have to think ROH offered Scurll something good enough to sorta kinda break ranks. I would not be surprised if they promised him a run with the world title and maybe even the world title match at MSG. It’s pure speculation, but it would make sense.

Even if Daniels is on his way out and even if Scurll is earmarked for a title run, that doesn’t mean Scurll has to win this particular match. But the safe bet is to pick the guy who’s staying over the guy who seems to be leaving. And until we know more, that suggests Scurll wins.

Dalton Castle vs. Matt Taven - Taven is doing the old “real world champion” gimmick with an unsanctioned title belt, and he’s “defending” it here in this match.

A year ago, Castle won the world title and looked to be on track to be in the title picture throughout the 2018. But various injuries caught up to him and he had to drop the belt to Jay Lethal in June. It’s still not clear if Castle is fully recovered, or if he’ll ever get back into contention for the title. The outcome of this match may indicate if he’s being pushed back to the top or held back in a “struggle to get back to the top” storyline.

For a while, Taven was probably best known as that one guy from The Kingdom that isn’t Adam Cole or Mike Bennett/Kanellis. Then he relaunched the stable, which felt a bit like Tully Blanchard trying to start his own Horsemen, but okay. Then he lost his hair in the main event of CMLL’s anniversary show, which seems to have kicked off a renewed heel push for him. With so many other guys leaving, Taven has a big opportunity to step up. The outcome of this match may indicate if they’ll step him up sooner rather than later.

The fact Taven is putting his fake belt up for grabs before a program with the actual champion kind of telegraphs the finish. I don’t seriously believe Castle is going to win Taven’s belt and feud with him over it in the undercard like Ted DiBiase’s million dollar championship. The logical endgame for this gimmick is Taven challenging Lethal, so Taven needs this win to get there.

Sumie Sakai vs. Madison Rayne vs. Karen Q vs. Kelly Klein - Sakai is defending the Women of Honor championship in a four-way elimination match; the loser of each fall is eliminated from the match until the last participant left is the winner and champion.

I have to give ROH credit for establishing a women’s division, but they’ve got a long way to go to catch up with WWE, or even Impact. I follow ROH pretty casually, but I can still work out all the major happenings with the men. The women, however, feel like blank slates with no noticeable storylines or personas. I kinda know Madison from Impact, and Sakai is clearly the aging veteran proving she’s still got it with a length title reign. If the company is serious, they need to get to a point where I don’t have to ask who people like Karen Q and Kelly Klein are. That may be difficult to do when they run like six big shows a year and maybe one women’s match on each of them.

At this point the safe bet is to pick Sakai. She should put over the next big star for the division, but I don’t think ROH has any idea who that will be.

Zack Sabre, Jr. vs. Jonathan Gresham - Gresham declared he wanted to prove he’s the best technical wrestler today, and Sabre answered he challenge. It feels like ROH is trying to elevate Gresham, but that doesn’t necessarily go as far as putting him over a key New Japan guy. This could become one of those deals where Gresham is feted merely for losing a well-fought battle. For Sabre this is just one last stop before arguably the biggest match of his career at Wrestle Kingdom, so it’s hard to imagine him losing here.

Kenny King vs. Eli Isom - This is set to be the opening match. Kenny is so ageless--and perennially working his way up from the bottom of the card--that I keep forgetting he was the guy from Tough Enough season 2, where they went to South Africa and everybody talked about how he got laid. Good for you, Kenny! Anyway, he’s 37 now and he’s still around. I’ve never heard of Isom and I’m pretty sure he’s just a jobber at this point. I’m going with King to win.

#roh #final battle #jay lethal #cody rhodes #the young bucks #socal uncensored #the briscoes

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alexsmitposts · 5 years

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Climate and the Money Trail Climate. Now who wudda thought. The very mega-corporations and mega-billionaires behind the globalization of the world economy over recent decades, whose pursuit of shareholder value and cost reduction who have wreaked so much damage to our environment both in the industrial world and in the under-developed economies of Africa, Asia, Latin America, are the leading backers of the “grass roots” decarbonization movement from Sweden to Germany to the USA and beyond. Is it pangs of guilty conscience, or could it be a deeper agenda of the financialization of the very air we breathe and more? Whatever one may believe about the dangers of CO2 and risks of global warming creating a global catastrophe of 1.5 to 2 degree Celsius average temperature rise in the next roughly 12 years, it is worth noting who is promoting the current flood of propaganda and climate activism. Green Finance Several years before Al Gore and others decided to use a young Swedish school girl to be the poster child for climate action urgency, or in the USA the call of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for a complete reorganization of the economy around a Green New Deal, the giants of finance began devising schemes for steering hundreds of billions of future funds to investments in often worthless “climate” companies. In 2013 after years of careful preparation, a Swedish real estate company, Vasakronan, issued the first corporate “Green Bond.” They were followed by others including Apple, SNCF and the major French bank Credit Agricole. In November 2013 Elon Musk’s problem-riddled Tesla Energy issued the first solar asset-backed security. Today according to something called the Climate Bonds Initiative, more than $500 billion in such Green Bonds are outstanding. The creators of the bond idea state their aim is to win over a major share of the $45 trillion of assets under management globally which have made nominal commitment to invest in “climate friendly” projects. Bonnie Prince Charles, future UK Monarch, along with the Bank of England and City of London finance have promoted “green financial instruments,” led by Green Bonds, to redirect pension plans and mutual funds towards green projects. A key player in the linking of world financial institutions with the Green Agenda is outgoing Bank of England head Mark Carney. In December 2015, the Bank for International Settlements’ Financial Stability Board (FSB), chaired then by Carney, created the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosure (TCFD), to advise “investors, lenders and insurance about climate related risks.” That was certainly a bizarre focus for world central bankers. In 2016 the TCFD along with the City of London Corporation and the UK Government initiated the Green Finance Initiative, aiming to channel trillions of dollars to “green” investments. The central bankers of the FSB nominated 31 people to form the TCFD. Chaired by billionaire Michael Bloomberg of the financial wire, it includes key people from JP MorganChase; from BlackRock–one of the world’s biggest asset managers with almost $7 trillion; Barclays Bank; HSBC, the London-Hong Kong bank repeatedly fined for laundering drug and other black funds; Swiss Re, the world’s second largest reinsurance; China’s ICBC bank; Tata Steel, ENI oil, Dow Chemical, mining giant BHP Billington and David Blood of Al Gore’s Generation Investment LLC. In effect it seems the foxes are writing the rules for the new Green Hen House. Bank of England’s Carney was also a key actor in efforts to make the City of London into the financial center of global Green Finance. The outgoing UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, in July 2019 released a White Paper, “Green Finance Strategy: Transforming Finance for a Greener Future.” The paper states, “One of the most influential initiatives to emerge is the Financial Stability Board’s private sector Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), supported by Mark Carney and chaired by Michael Bloomberg. This has been endorsed by institutions representing $118 trillion of assets globally.” There seems to be a plan here. The plan is the financialization of the entire world economy using fear of an end of world scenario to reach arbitrary aims such as “net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.” Goldman Sachs Key Actor The omnipresent Wall Street bank, Goldman Sachs, which spawned among others ECB outgoing President Mario Draghi and Bank of England head Carney, has just unveiled the first global index of top-ranking environmental stocks, done along with the London-based CDP, formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project. The CDP, notably, is financed by investors such as HSBC, JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, Goldman Sachs, American International Group, and State Street Corp. The new index, called CDP Environment EW and CDP Eurozone EW, aims to lure investment funds, state pension systems such as the CalPERS (the California Public Employees’ Retirement System) and CalSTRS (the California State Teachers’ Retirement System) with a combined $600+ billion in assets, to invest in their carefully chosen targets. Top rated companies in the index include Alphabet which owns Google, Microsoft, ING Group, Diageo, Philips, Danone and, conveniently, Goldman Sachs. Enter Greta, AOC and Co. At this point events take on a cynical turn as we are confronted with wildly popular, heavily promoted climate activists such as Sweden’s Greta Thunberg or New York’s 29-year-old Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the Green New Deal. However sincere these activists may be, there is a well-oiled financial machine behind promoting them for gain. Greta Thunberg is part of a well-connected network tied to the organization of Al Gore who is being cynically and professionally marketed and used by such agencies as the UN, the EU Commission and the financial interests behind the present climate agenda. As Canadian researcher and climate activist, Cory Morningstar, documents in an excellent series of posts, young Greta is working with a well-knit network that is tied to US climate investor and enormously wealthy climate profiteer, Al Gore, chairman of Generation Investment group. Gore’s partner, ex-Goldman Sachs official David Blood as noted earlier, is a member of the BIS-created TCFD. Greta Thunberg along with her 17-year-old US climate friend, Jamie Margolin, were both listed as “special youth advisor and trustee” of the Swedish We Don’t Have Time NGO, founded by its CEO Ingmar Rentzhog. Rentzhog is a member of Al Gore’s Climate Reality Organization Leaders, and part of the European Climate Policy Task Force. He was trained in March 2017 by Al Gore in Denver, and again in June 2018, in Berlin. Al Gore’s Climate Reality Project is a partner of We Don’t Have Time. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), who made a huge splash in her first days in the US Congress for unveiling a “Green New Deal” to completely reorganize the US economy at a cost of perhaps $100 trillion, is also not without skilled guidance. AOC has openly admitted that she ran for Congress at the urging of a group called Justice Democrats. She told one interviewer, “I wouldn’t be running if it wasn’t for the support of Justice Democrats and Brand New Congress. Umm, in fact it was it was these organizations, it was JD and it was Brand New Congress as well, that both, that asked me to run in the first place. They’re the ones that called me a year and a half ago…” Now, as Congresswoman, AOC’s advisers include Justice Democrats co-founder, Zack Exley. Exley was an Open Society Fellow and got funds from among others the Open Society Foundations and Ford Foundation to create a predecessor to Justice Democrats to recruit select candidates for office. The Real Agenda is Economic The links between the world’s largest financial groups, central banks and global corporations to the current push for a radical climate strategy to abandon the fossil fuel economy in favor of a vague, unexplained Green economy, it seems, is less about genuine concern to make our planet a clean and healthy environment to live. Rather it is an agenda, intimately tied to the UN Agenda 2030 for “sustainable” economy, and to developing literally trillions of dollars in new wealth for the global banks and financial giants who constitute the real powers that be. In February 2019 following a speech to the EU Commission in Brussels by Greta Thunberg, then-EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, after gallantly kissing Greta’s hand, appeared to be moved to real action. He told Greta and the press that the EU should spend hundreds of billions of euros combating climate change during the next 10 years. Juncker proposed that between 2021 to 2027, “every fourth euro spent within the EU budget go toward action to mitigate climate change.” What the sly Juncker did not say was that the decision had nothing to do with the young Swedish activist’s plea. It had been made in conjunction with the World Bank a full year before in September 26, 2018 at the One Planet Summit, along with the World Bank, Bloomberg Foundations, the World Economic Forum and others. Juncker had cleverly used the media attention given the young Swede to promote his climate agenda. On October 17, 2018, days following the EU agreement at the One Planet Summit, Juncker’s EU signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Breakthrough Energy-Europe in which member corporations of Breakthrough Energy-Europe will have preferential access to any funding. The members of Breakthrough Energy include Virgin Air’s Richard Branson, Bill Gates, Alibaba’s Jack Ma, Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg, HRH Prince Al-waleed bin Talal, Bridgewater Associates’ Ray Dalio; Julian Robertson of hedge fund giant, Tiger Management; David Rubenstein, founder Carlyle Group; George Soros, Chairman Soros Fund Management LLC; Masayoshi Son, founder Softbank, Japan. Make no mistake. When the most influential multinational corporations, the world’s largest institutional investors including BlackRock and Goldman Sachs, the UN, the World Bank, the Bank of England and other central banks of the BIS line up behind the financing of a so-called green Agenda, call it Green New Deal or what, it is time to look behind the surface of public climate activist campaigns to the actual agenda. The picture that emerges is the attempted financial reorganization of the world economy using climate, something the sun and its energy have orders of magnitude more to do with than mankind ever could—to try to convince us ordinary folk to make untold sacrifice to “save our planet.” Back in 2010 the head of Working Group 3 of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Dr Otmar Edenhofer, told an interviewer, “…one must say clearly that we redistribute de facto the world’s wealth by climate policy. One has to free oneself from the illusion that international climate policy is environmental policy. This has almost nothing to do with environmental policy anymore, with problems such as deforestation or the ozone hole.” Since then the economic policy strategy has become far more developed.

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gyromitra-esculenta · 7 years

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Synchronicity 1

fear thingy, rewritten (intro kind of here). the start is a little bit close to the actual game, but it will alternate the more i go into the actual backstory. i will treat it also as a shameless opportunity to insert lyrics from the most r76 album ever (which on its own is almost a friggin fanfiction on its own) - ronin by zack hemsey (like, really, ‘ When I'm done only thing that remains / Is a tombstone etched with my name / Look into a face that has changed / Recognize the corpse in that grave / Resurrect, what's lost can be saved’)

Without further ado:

A sky red from the blood

Rose cheeks dull from the mud

Hands worn through from the sludge

A self no longer begrudged

And murder is a potion of love

Sacrifice devotion thereof

And he without sin never was

(…)

The sky is on fire and the rushing clouds painted with crimson howl with agonized voices of many. Black ash clogs the air but Jack, standing among the ruins of broken concrete and twisted bodies, breathes it in with ease and familiarity, the heavy stench of death and charred meat overwhelming his senses.

This is where his life ends – this is where it starts – amidst the rubble, gore, and smoke, with the accompaniment of screams of the dying and in the world tinted red by his own blood.

Jack reaches out with his hand and through the splayed fingers he sees it leaving – the silhouette with claws dripping blood – the Beast – with shadows clinging to it like a second skin. It turns back, maw slavering black tar and burning eyes opening and closing along the glistening surface of its body.

“Aren’t you coming?”

The hiss undulates with a melody long forgotten Jack thinks he had heard before – before the Beast came into the writhing existence under his hide.

“I hear you.”

“Of course you do,” the Beast laughs, its eyes filling his vision, curious, gauging. Cruel. “I am always with you.” The darkness spreads and envelops him, a welcome respite from the memory, and the red gaze pins him in place. “But you should wake up for now…”

“Sunshine. So nice of you to join us.” Jack releases the breath caught in his throat when crimson morphs back into brown. Lena elbows Genji out of the way.

“Move away, dragon boy, I need to check his visor,” she fiddles with something and the display over his eye clears. “Okay, luv, you’re good to go.”

“Thanks,” Jack smiles, scar tissue stretching uncomfortably over his upper lip.

“Don’t mention it, luv.”

“Yeah, yeah, baby. And why the fuck are we supposed to go after that Lacroix chick?” Genji rolls his eyes, stretching. Jack sighs, closing his eyes, their APC always giving him the acute feeling of too crowded, too claustrophobic for his own liking.

“Don’t question orders. Execute them,” Winston gets up. “Lena?”

“Okay, dears, we’re going to put Amelie Lacroix, hiding out in her sweet luxurious apartment, into our custody. You know, the president of Talon corporation, and they do have their fingers in so many pies they actually run out of hands somewhere halfway through it all.”

“Protective custody,” Winston adds, “so we are all clear on the subject.”

“Boy, so this is going to be so much fun,” Genji snorts, flicking his fingers. “An escort for a spoiled rich bitch.”

“With the bloodbath that went down in Talon headquarters, which she is, as the intel indicates, tied to directly, are we expecting that much of resistance?” Hanzo mutters under his breath.

“We are doing it by the book,” Winston cuts in, irritation clear in his voice.

“Because,” Lena chirpily adds, “we think that the whole thing is some kind of power struggle inside and head honchos at Talon will try to keep her real quiet, if anything. If you know what I mean. Chop-chop quiet. Glasgow smile quie…”

“Enough, Lena,” Winston grumbles when the APC stops. “You come with me, Hanzo with Reinhardt, and you, Genji, with Jack.”

“Fuck it, why do I have to go with the fucking ray of sunshine?” Genji throws his hands up and Jack nods in rare agreement with him.

“Because you’re being a luv, as usual,” Lena giggles, jumping out. “Let’s be happy we didn’t get stuck with the corporate headquarters. They went silent after some disturbing shit,” she adds somberly, shutting the doors behind.

“Shit,” Genji rubs his temples. “If the cowboy’s silent, it’s fucking bad.”

“A canary, just like you.”

“And what the fuck’s that supposed to mean?”

“They sing a lot. In mines, if it stopped, it was high time to clear out of the shaft,” the feeling of wrongness intensifies when the APC lurches to a sudden stop and his HUD flickers with interference. Jack clears out of the vehicle.

“You don’t like him. We will kill him,” the Beast quips into his ear and Jack ignores it like he always does, even if it becomes harder to than any other day – the smell of blood in the air always draws it out to the surface, drugs be damned – but truth be told, he does not like anyone, maybe except Lena. Not anymore, at least.

“Maybe you’re right. Thought ever about retiring? I wouldn’t mind to live out the rest of my glorious life in one of those ‘luxurious penthouses’.” Genji laughs and Jack nods noncommittally because even if he would, they will never let him. “You’re fucking talkative today, sunshine.”

Jack just shakes his head. It’s too quiet, the air is still with anticipation, and the main entrance is well lit, but he lets his instincts guide him to the coffee shop on the side, rifle at the ready. Genji follows his lead.

“Ah, fuck, I could really go for an extra hot no-whip white chocolate macchiato. You, man?”

“Black. Straight.”

“I’m moved. You remember,” the Beast laughs mirthlessly in the background.

Amelie cycles through the security feed and pauses the image.

“Would you believe our luck, doctor?”

The blonde by her side draws her brows together, recognition slowly setting on her face.

“I don’t believe in luck, ma’am.”

“Good. Because I arranged it,” Amelie smiles. It is good to see the plan coming together. There are still certain variables to be accounted for, like her dick of a husband, but he will be dealt with accordingly.

“As you did all of this, by sending the other prototype after Sombra, not to mention unsealing the Tomb,” Angela narrows her eyes. “I warned you, ma’am, that you are playing with fire.”

“Doctor, for all your ingenuity, you lack the vision. The board was too scared to take any action, but with this, with the Harbinger, we will finally have the control of Reaper.” The brunette zooms the still image. “I wonder what subject seventy-six will have to say when he meets unexpectedly with his leading physician.”

“Nothing, I believe. His conditioning should keep. His… medication is closely monitored.”

“And what will happen if we do forgo the next dosage, tell me, doctor?” Amelie inclines her head.

“The Replica programming should resurface, but seventy-six is a failed prototype.” The blonde looks away for a second. “There is no telling what state he will enter after the withdrawal.”

“Interesting. Well,” Amelie sighs happily. “Now we wait.”

“I’m sorry I don’t share your optimism, ma’am.”

#sometimes i write #overwatch #fear #fear!au #how do i english #i simply adore the fear and fear 2 and feel sad most of the fear3 was an irredemeable #clusterfuck of a plot and went too much with 'console' type of enviroment and gameplay #but it can be saved #and i forgot to tag this shit for character death as a whole #but if you know the general gist you know it already #i HAD to leave the coffee line in #r76 #reaper76

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itsworn · 6 years

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17 Events We’re Thankful We Witnessed in ’17

Happy Thanksgiving! We have a lot to be thankful for after another great season of short track racing. Being part of Circle Track, we’re very privileged to be able to witness incredible short track racing events throughout the country.

In this piece, we take a quick look back at our 17 favorite events (that we were fortunate enough to witness – we didn’t get to see every race this year) from the 2017 season. From coast to coast, dirt to asphalt, we saw some good ones!

Here they are (listed in order by when they happened):

Big Block Modifieds at Volusia

Big Block Modifieds are pretty amazing no matter where they race. It’s a treat to have them make the trip down to Florida each year during Speedweeks. Unfortunately, Mother Nature took two of the four races this year. Justin Haers and Brett Hearn visited Victory Lane in the two events that weren’t washed out. If you plan to head to Volusia for Speedweeks in 2018, the Modifieds will be there from Feb 13-16.

Southern Vintage Nationals at Dillon Motor Speedway

Much like watching Big Block Modifieds, seeing these blast-from-the-past machines is a great way to spend a day at a race track. Each March, Dillon (SC) Motor Speedway hosts the Southern Vintage Nationals. These drivers are well-prepared and go for the glory!

This season’s winners were: Jeff Melton in his ’66 Mustang (Southern Ground Pounders and National Sportsman), Jay Royal in a ’41 Packard (SGP Modifieds), Bob Reavis was in a ’38 Ford (Flathead Fords), Kenneth Deese in his ’68 Nova (Palmetto Vintage Racers); Susan Kimmel ’66 Falcon (Carolina Vintage); Jerry Jefferies ’56 Dodge (National Modified Vintage)

Thompson (CT) Speedway Ice Breaker

Racing in the Northeast revs into action each April with the annual Ice Breaker at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park. This year’s running marked the thawing of a cold streak for NASCAR Whelen Modified racer Rowan Pennink. Pennink put “Ole Blue” into Victory Circle for the first time in a points-paying event since 2009. Other winners included: Eddie MacDonald (PASS Super Late Models), Ryan Preece (Sunoco Modifieds), Ray Parent (Late Models), Jesse Gleason (Limited Sportsman), Dave Trudeau (Mini Stock), and Brett Gonyaw (Lite Modified).

Farmer City 74

When it came to one of the biggest early-season races in Illinois, home-state drivers Bobby Pierce and Shannon Babb were not going to let any invaders take the glory from the inaugural Farmer City 74. Babb captured the top prize in Thursday’s prelims. He had to settle for a Second-Place finish with the top prize on the line Friday, however, as Bobby Pierce proved to be the class of the field.

Short Track U.S. Nationals at Bristol

Short Track drivers from across the country were salivating when they learned of a chance to compete at Bristol Motor Speedway in the Short Track U.S. Nationals. Over 350 competitors made their way to the World’s Fastest Half-Mile and, although they had to battle weather, put on what was an unforgettable event.

Winners included: Bubba Wallace (Super Late Models), Cole Williams (Pro Late Models), and Myatt Snider (Late Model Stocks), Chuck Barnes Jr. (Street Stocks), Chad Poole (Modifieds), and Bo Hoeschler (Sport Compacts)

Dirt Kings Late Model Tour Debuts at Oshkosh (WI) Speedzone

The DiscountShopTowels.com Dirt Kings Late Model Tour got off to a banner start at Oshkosh (WI) Speedzone in May. The newly formed series attracted 35 entries for its first ever event and continued with strong car counts throughout the campaign. In the end it was Mitch McGrath stealing the win from eventual Dirt Kings Champion Nick Anvelink. Anvelink went on to win four of the series’ events in 2017.

USMTS Swings Through Wisconsin

It had been over a decade since the United States Modified Touring Series made a significant swing through the Badger State before making four stops in 2017. We were fortunate enough to catch them at Luxemburg and 141 Speedway where Zack VanderBeek was the class of the field.

Slinger (WI) Speedway Nationals

If you’ve yet to see the Slinger Nationals, it’s time to make some plans to attend one. After last year’s thrilling conclusion between Matt Kenseth and Erik Jones, the 2017 version featured a shootout between Bubba Pollard and Ty Majeski. The two got together on a late restart with Majeski going to the tail after invoking the Gentleman’s Agreement. Pollard went on to win in just his second visit to Slinger, which was major retribution for the year prior where he needed a provisional to make the show.

CARS Throwback at Hickory (NC)

If it wasn’t enough to see some great racing at Hickory Motor Speedway, the CARS Tour Throwback 276 also featured plenty of eye candy with throwback paint schemes. In the Super Late Models 138-lap feature, Tate Fogelman wheeled his Sam Ard tribute car to Victory Lane. In the Late Model Stocks 138-lap main, it was Justin Carroll taking the victory with his Dick Trickle themed machine.

USA Nationals at Cedar Lake (WI)

It has become one of the banner weekends of the World of Outlaws Craftsman Late Model Series Schedule. The USA Nationals paid a whopping $50,000 to the winner after a grueling two-day (what was supposed to be three-day) event. Don O’Neal topped the 100-lap feature on Saturday night. To secure the win O’Neal had to battle past pole-sitter Mike Marler not once, but twice. He secured the lead for good on lap 58.

ISMA Ollie Silva Memorial at Lee (NH) USA

If the ISMA Super Modifieds don’t get your blood pumping, there may be something wrong with you. Fans flocked to Lee USA Speedway in August as the winged invaders of the International Super Modified Association (ISMA) came to town for the Ollie Silva Memorial. The event was won for the second year in a row by Dave Shullick Jr.

Final SRL Southwest Series Race at Irwindale (CA)

This particular item on our list is very bittersweet as it was one of the “lasts” at Irwindale Speedway, which is scheduled to close at the end of January 2018. This race may not have been one of the biggest wins of Derek Thorn’s storied career in the SPEARS SRL Southwest Series, but it will certainly be one of the most memorable. The three-time SRL Southwest Champion dominated the event at a track that was a staple for the series.

Oxford 250

If there is another event that needs to be on your bucket list, it’s this one. The Oxford 250 at Oxford (ME) Plans Speedway attracts some of the best talent across the Nation and is a who’s who of the top Late Model drivers from the Northeast. After starting 21st, Curtis Gerry sliced his way through the field. He chased down race leader Cassius Clark and took over the top spot on lap 123. Although Scott McDaniel led some laps due to pit stops, Gerry took control for good just before lap 200. Lap-leader bonuses help bolster the $25,000 winner’s share of the purse for the Waterboro, ME resident.

Louie Vermeil Classic at Calistoga (CA)

Kevin Thomas Jr., Tanner Thorson and Rico Abreu scored big wins in last week’s Louie Vermeil Classic. Abreu scored the biggest of all as he won both the USAC/CRA Sprint Car and Western States Midget features during Sunday’s event. The event honors short track racing hall-of-famer Louie Vermeil, whose son Dick was a Super Bowl winning head coach in the NFL.

World 100 at Eldora

Please pardon the “bucket list” race references – but here is another. The world of dirt Late Model racing pauses to allow competitors to flock to Rossburg, Ohio and put on one of the most incredible shows of each season. This year, with an old friend in his corner, Jonathan Davenport was able to capture his second World 100 win in the past three seasons. Former Crew Chief Kevin Rumley rejoined Davenport to oversee the G.R. Smith-owned ride in August.

Yamaha Dirt Track Prototype Test

Although no racing happened here (which is a good thing because it was all media people), the Yamaha test at Eagle (NE) Raceway was a memorable event from the 2017 season. Yamaha debuted its prototype racer and unloaded information on specs, and future hopes for the car. Although much debate is stirring about the need for another division in racing, one thing struck us as very clear. Having a major company like Yamaha actively invested in our short track racing world is a good thing.

Milk Bowl at Thunder Road (CT)

This season brought the first Milk Bowl without the legendary Tom Curley at the helm. However, his successors and new Thunder Road owners Cris Michaud and Pat Malone put on the event without a hitch. Hometown driver Jason Corliss notched the biggest win of his career in the 2017 running. Corliss forged a tie with Trampas Demers by passing him in the final ten laps of the third segment. He finished the three-segment race with a score of 13, but was awarded the tie-breaker due to a higher finish in the last segment.

Those are our favorite events we saw this season. What are yours? Let us know by shooting us an e-mail at [email protected]

The post 17 Events We’re Thankful We Witnessed in ’17 appeared first on Hot Rod Network.

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