#where is zach's nation??

[irenic-raccoon]

The average Babymetal fan

[extraliga-related]

With everything that's been going on lately, here's a short non-comprehensive accumulation of things that could be called progress regarding relations between men's hockey and being queer:

The 🇦🇺 AIHL's Melbourne Mustangs, advocating for trans rights in sports since 2017, and the same team in 2023, donning pride jerseys designed by former goalie (and twin sister of Ty) Tia Wishart who is part of the LGBTQ community.

Jase Polglase of the AIHL's Central Coast Rhinos who puts pride tape on his stick every single game.

Robert Dowd and Marc-Olivier Vallerand having a dance after a win with the Sheffield Steelers.

Starting off with individual efforts, the 🇬🇧 EIHL has since extended their pride event to the duration of a full weekend following a conjoint initiative by the teams' fanbases in 2019.

Zach Sullivan, one of the few out queer athletes in the sport, felt supported enough by his team to come out as bisexual ahead of the Manchester Storm's pride game in 2020.

Danish goalie Jon Lee-Olsen came out as gay a year prior and was reportedly supported by his teammates.

The 🇸🇪 SHL lead the way, awarding the cause a full week since 2019 with elaborate campaigns and getting refs as well as coaches involved. It's a colorful sight.

While Pride Games are at present not an official part of the schedule, several 🇩🇪 DEL teams are joining in. Augsburg and Köln do their part, Berlin has one of the dedicated queer fanclubs and visibly stands against homophobia since at least 2016.

As of 2022 the entire league, as well as a growing number of clubs in the tiers below, cooperate with Hockey is Diversity e.V.. So does the Para Ice Hockey National Team, including Jörg Wedde, who also keeps pride tape on his equipment.

🇫🇮 Liiga's TPS added these stunning jerseys to the mix.

While all the aforementioned teams already wear the jerseys for at least one full game, IF Kiruna of the Swedish 3rd league stepped it up several notches. In 2014 they've decided to wear rainbow jerseys for a full season in support of the LGBTQ community. Since then they've made the rainbow a permanent fixture in their logo and club identity.

___

Plenty of clubs out there hosting events where queer people are given a platform and shown support in a multitude of ways that aren't merely empty words.

And even if it's not part of general discussions within a league, you've got voices who are willing to speak up.

[thekidsralright]

a love worth fighting for.

pairing: abby anderson x f!reader

synopsis: anderson is the name on everybody's lips when it comes to discussing the newest up-and-coming boxers of the season. with the help of her coach and you by her side, she's going for the world title. but what will she have to sacrifice to get there?

an: so, it's finally here. this is a big one for me folks - i'd go as far as to say the biggest fic i've ever worked on. ever. i'd love for this to be multi chapter, but that depends on the reception part 1 receives. if you like it, please reblog and let me know your thoughts. i'm proud of this, so be kind with your comments x

warnings: 18+ mdni. violence, swearing, references to smut (despite this chap not having any super explicit content, if i decide to continue this fic there will defo be heavy smut in the next upload - so don't even bother reading the first part if you're not of age).

The MC’s voice reverberates throughout the stadium, drowning out the cacophony of cheers, boos, and overarching buzz from the crowd. You could never predict who they would back until the night, usually finding that boxing fans are easily swayed depending on who gets the first punch in. You were hoping all support would be directed at her tonight, god she needed it. Trying to maintain a positive attitude is hard when your girlfriend's opponent is making his way into the ring, his impressive height and wide, muscular shoulders towering leagues above his teams; arms raised, working the crowd and hyping them up in anticipation for the fight to come. They’re already eating out of his hands, the bastards.

“Ladieeees and Gentlemaaan! Welcome to the main event. In the blue corner, weighing in at 188 pounds, undefeated in 48 fights; he needs no introduction folks - it’s the man, the beast, Zach ‘Thunderstorm’ Norriiiiiis!”

The crowd roars in excitement, slapping their hands together and pumping their fists in the air. Zach is one of the nation's favourites, as any undefeated boxer would be. The nickname ‘Thunderstorm’ came from the sound his opponent’s bodies would make when they hit the canvas, like the crack of lightning. You look ahead with a neutral expression, keeping your eyes focused on the empty archway ahead of you - trying not to zero in on just how big his arms were. How they could crush someone's airways, smash apart their ribs, do irreplaceable damage.

You inherently hated what your girl did as a profession, hated the way she put herself in harm's way time after time after time. But there was also a part of you that admired her for it, for the unbreakable determination that radiated from her - if she got beaten down, she would get right back up and come at you even harder. It’s what kept forcing you to show up. That, and also the tiny factor of being absolutely in love with the woman. But when she got hurt, which seemed to be every other day lately, you really wanted to grab a hold of her fucking head and shake the-

“Aaaaand coming into the red corner, Thunderstorm’s opponent, weighing in at 175 pounds. She hails from Salt Lake City, and is rising through the ranks quickly. With 30 wins, 24 of them coming by way of knockout, give it up for the new kid on the block -  it’s Abbyyyyyy Andersooooon!”

And here she comes, bowling out of that archway with Coach right on her tails; the hood of her red robe covering her plaited hair, matching red gloves already fastened and ready. Even from where you were waiting by the stalls, you could see the all-too-familiar expression that befalls her face before every fight. Eyes so dark they look black, focused, unwavering; brimming with unshed aggression that are preparing for the violence that is about to ensue. 

Frightening. Arousing. Another reason you’re still with her.

Abby ducks under the ropes of the ring, bouncing on her feet as she grounds herself on the canvas before moving over to her corner where Coach is now waiting. As you rush up to them, Coach gives you the look he always does before a fight - the type that screams, ‘you shouldn’t be here, girl.’ He thinks you’re a distraction, an irritating fly he’d rather swat away so he can make sure his prized money maker has the best chance at winning. You weren’t giving in that easily. Coach could go to hell for all you cared; you knew his real motivations when it came to all of this. Abby may regard him like a father, but you saw him for what he really was. A leech.

Coach shouts up into Abby’s ear, her head bent in concentration - “He’s a fucking showman. That, and a bit of muscle. You know you got the upper hand tactically; he has no fucking clue what’s about to hit him. Just stay focused Anderson, and this bout is yours.”

Abby nods resolutely, eyes trained on the canvas as she rolls her shoulders back and cracks her neck. Coach’s hands come up to grip the ropes between them.

“You gotta win this champ, you can win this. Just don’t. get. distracted.”

Both Coach’s and Abby’s eyes turn to you at the same time as you offer up a reassuring smile to your girlfriend, also now clutching at the ropes that separate you.

“You got this babe.”

She nods quickly and gives a tight smile, but you can tell from the tense line of her shoulders that she’s stressing out. Yes she’s fought before, but it was never on this big of a scale. Never against opponents like him. It was what Coach insisted was the next step –

“You wanna face off a load of wimps Anderson? Or do you wanna make it to champion status?... Yeah? Of course you fucking do. Then you gotta get in front of the crowds and beat the shit out of the favourites.” 

Easy for him to say, he’s not the one going up against an undefeated fighter. But you had faith in your girl. That was never going to change. You move closer to the ring as she crouches down into the corner, Coach double checking he has all the supplies that she would need between rounds. You take her face in your hands through the division of the ropes and pull her in for a quick kiss - before she can move away, you hold her there and take her chin in your grip, eyes lingering on hers.

“Win this…like I know you can, and then come home and fuck me like a champion.”

You don’t give her time to respond as you let her face go and back away, moving into the crowd as you cheer her name. That posture of stress has eased slightly, and a smug smile is planted on her face instead. Coach, of course, comes and wipes that smirk away as he puts her mouthguard in, holding her head still as he most likely shouts some type of bull at her once again. But of course, she’s listening to him like it’s gospel. Amped up and ready to fight, Abby raises herself to full height, bouncing on her feet and swinging her arms to the side. The crowd aren’t sure what to make of her, most of them never even hearing her name before. But there is the occasional cheer for “Anderson!” amongst the rally of support for Norris. After all, people do love an underdog.

The announcer calls Abby and Norris into the middle of the ring, a hand on both of their chests as he explains, “Now I want a nice, clean game. Nothing below the belt. Are we clear?”

Both nod, pressing against the MC’s outstretched hands in an act of intimidation towards the other. Abby’s face is like stone, never breaking eye contact and standing strong. Norris on the other hand, his smirk was the show of pure arrogance. She better fuck this dickhead up. Both back away from each other, getting into a southpaw stance as the MC’s voice rings out for the last time. 

“Are we readyyyyy…FIGHT!”

You forget about everything else when that bell rings; the crowd getting louder, Coach’s bellows erupting from her corner, the look on Norris’ face as he circles his prey. The toll of that bell ringing in your ears sounds like a death sentence, also signalling the start of round 1. 

____________

By round 4, the feeling of uneasiness settles in your stomach and your eyes continue to follow her quick-shifting form, matching her movements so that when she ducked or flinched back, so did you. Both fighters have been pretty level with one another so far, both sending out jabs and uppercuts - only for them to be warded off before any real damage could be inflicted. It’s not enough to win though, she needs a clear hit.

Abby goes in for a right hook, ever so slightly clipping Norris’ chin and the crowd ripples in response, hoping for the real fight to begin soon. Norris responds with a clinch to stop her from advancing too quickly, wrapping his arms around and over her. You hated seeing him touch her like that, your own fists clenching at your sides in response.

The bell tolls again signalling the end of the round, both fighters making their way to their respective posts - but not before you see Norris saying something in Abby’s ear. She doesn’t move for a second, eyes unwavering on Norris as he turns his back. For a second you think she might go for him, but she’s worked too hard to let her temper win now. With a shake of her head, she goes over to Coach and plunks down on the ground - tearing off her gloves with her teeth and ripping out her mouthpiece. Her focus is still sharply on Norris across the ring, most likely getting strategy tips and a pep talk in her ear from Coach, reminding her to channel all that anger back into the task at hand. 

You don’t move from your seat in the crowd, wanting to give her the space to fully zone in. She knows you’re here for her and only her, and you provided enough motivation at the beginning of the night to last the duration. You'd be lying if you said you didn't enjoy the view at the moment either, and that those feelings of uneasiness were also coupled with an overwhelming tide of arousal.

The way sweat is dripping down her face and neck, trickling down her chest and onto her arms. How she runs her hands over the top of her head, dousing it in water and brushing through the roots with her fingers to cool off. Yeah… you really hoped she did win tonight, not just because she deserves it from how hard she’s been training, but selfishly a part of you really wants to get fucked good tonight. Especially after the show she’s putting on for you right now. And you know for a fact it’s only for you.

Abby’s let you know multiple times how much she loves you watching her fight, seeing her crush opponents to a pulp and looking absolutely glorious doing so. It’s upsetting that tonight, she isn’t doing so well. But this is what she and Coach wanted, to start moving up the leagues and facing off against better fighters - solidifying her name among the real competition. You try to stop the negative thoughts from creeping in, try to stay positive for your girl.

The rounds keep stacking up, neither Abby or Norris winning the upper hand for long. It’s evident that both fighters are getting aggravated by round 9, their punches falling on the side of reckless, their expressions displeased and downright pissed. You shout as loud as you can, “Come on baby, you can do this!” in the hopes that Abby can hear you over everyone else. And she must have done, as her head slightly turns in your direction on instinct, and Norris’ gloved fist takes the opportunity to make contact with the side of her face in response.

The crowd screams with excitement, satisfied with the fact that something is finally happening. But all you see is red as the blood sprays from Abby’s mouth on impact, her body crashing into the ropes that barely keep her form upright. You take a step forward as does Coach, you both now waiting for the bell to ring so you can meet her at the post. 12 seconds.

Come on, just stay out of his way for a bit longer…avoid the fucker for 12 seconds!

Abby’s so stunned from that first punch that as she tries to right herself on the canvas and pick up her stance, Norris is already waiting with another blow to the face - this time an uppercut that sends her head flying back and her legs out from under her.

No no no no, NO!

5 seconds.

You’re screaming for her to get up as the crowd counts how long she’s been down. 

1…2…3-

“Stand up! Abby stand the FUCK UP!”

A wave of an arm and a twitch of a leg has you screaming in relief, as Abby slowly gets back on her feet before a KO can be declared, just as the bell signals the end of the round.

Abby all but bolts for her corner, leaning her body and head back against the post - her eyes shut from exhaustion and pain. Coach partially moves out of the way for the cutman, who is trying to clean the blood from her face as best they can - the enswell pressing against the areas where Norris’ punches made impact.

You can see she’s starting to give up, that undeniable fire in her eyes has dulled to a mere glow. You can’t stand it. You try to move your head further into her corner to say “Baby, you can do this, you just gotta-”

Before you can finish, Coach has climbed through the ropes so he’s kneeling directly in front of Abby’s hunched figure, grabbing the back of her head so their foreheads are nearly touching.

“You listen to me Anderson. You’re jumping about this ring like a fuckin’ monkey on steroids. Calm the fuck down, focus in on the technique we’ve been working on for months and stop…getting…distracted.”

At this, both heads turn in your direction. Abby’s expression shows you she isn’t angry about being distracted from your support; she knew you were coming from a good place. Coach on the other hand is looking at you like you went up there and hit her yourself. He never liked when you were around, always insisting that partners were just unwanted emotional baggage that could wait until after the last punch was thrown. But Abby refuses to get in the ring if you aren’t watching from the sidelines.

“Not going out there without my girl, Coach - she’s my lucky charm.”

“Well your lucky charm has been making you late to training. Gotta get your head back to the task at hand. You can play housewives later.”

But tonight isn’t the night to bicker with Coach about things that won’t change. You will both always be here for Abby, and right now she needs you. You hold her gaze, giving a smile and a wink - “Are you seriously giving up this easy? You and me both know you’ve got it in you to bring this piece of shit down. Come on Abs…fucking finish it.”

Coach is clapping her shoulders in agreement, lifting Abby up so she can shake out the stiffness and get ready for the next round. What you hope to be the last round. You take your position back up in the crowd, and get ready to cheer for your, and her, life. The bell rings out. 

Round 10.

____________

She makes every punch count, unleashing herself at Norris like a fucking beast. He doesn't know how to respond to it at first, taken aback at how quickly Abby has switched up her fighting style. The renewed vigour in her movements only enrages Norris even further, the confidence that this fight was his now starting to crack under the weight of Abby’s rage.

He still manages to land some blows, but it’s almost as if she’s stopped feeling them - blinded by the sheer animalistic instinct to push through and keep punching. A flurry of blows to Norris’ face causes him to hunch down and over for relief, but what he doesn't realise is that he’s just given her the perfect head shot from above.

The blow comes fast, and hard. You wince as her gloved fist makes impact with the back of his bent head, forcing his body further beneath her.

Norris goes down, face first into the canvas at Abby’s feet. 

Knockout.

The volume of the crowd increases, if that’s even possible, counting along with the MC to ten to see if Norris has it in him to keep going. You’ve never been more relieved when he doesn't move a muscle.

8…9…10! KNOCKOUT!

You’re screaming, jumping with your arms in the air like a crazy person. She won. Abby won. The MC brings her to the centre of the ring, raising her arm with his to signal her victory. She’s shouting too, showing her black mouthguard mixed with the sight of fresh blood, unable to stand still as she takes a victor’s lap, celebrating her win.

Coach rushes up, gripping her in a bear tackle whilst you look on from the sidelines - still trying to come to terms with what you’ve just witnessed. She won. Against ‘Thunderstorm.’ This is what she’s been working towards for months, hoping for the chance to make her name known among the big leagues. Your girlfriend just put herself on the map, and it wasn’t about to go unnoticed…

____________

It takes a while for you all to make your way out of the stadium, fans constantly asking for autographs and pictures with the underdog-turned-champion of the night. It was nice to see. Finally, Abby was getting the recognition she deserves. Coach was eating that shit up, as expected, spreading the word to anyone that listened that we had a new heavyweight world champion in the making. Abby would get that glint in her eye at every mention of the ultimate title: world champion.

Her head might as well be made of glass, because you can see exactly what’s happening up in that brain of hers as she processes the weight of what’s happened tonight. She can see the prize that has never been in reach now that little bit closer. And she wants it. Bad. You go to remind her to take it one step at a time, but you know it would be received the wrong way.

A number of journalists and presenters were waiting by the entrance of the stadium as you emerged into the cold night. They rush you as soon as they spot Abby. You weren’t expecting so many people to come at you with cameras and microphones, reaching around, past, through you to get to her. A flurry of voices swarm the now enclosed space.

“Anderson, how do you feel after tonight’s knockout performance?”

“Who’s next on your kill list?”

“Are you staking your claim on the heavyweight belt?”

“How will you be celebrating tonight, Abby?”

Overwhelmed, you take a step back so Abby is ahead of you - Coach now placing his arm around her shoulders to also lean into the microphones held up against Abby’s mouth. 

“The next fight is coming sooner than you think. Anderson is ready to take on any of these amateurs and claim the title that is rightfully hers.”

The interviewers all look to Abby expectantly, hoping she seconds the statements made. Of course she does. It’s Abby.

“I’m ready for the next fight. This is what I’ve been training for and I'm not going to slow down now. Put any fighter in front of me and I’ll deal a knockout to whoever wants one.”

You hear this and let out a long breath. This was the flaw that irked you most about Abby. She never knows when to take a break - to step back and appreciate how much she’s already achieved. Once she gets something, it’s on to the next. You just worry that she’s going to burn herself out.

As expected, her comment only invited them to ask more, now wanting to hear the name of the next person she wants to challenge and when that would be. Coach begins to move you all forward again, giving that cheshire smile he’s perfected and a sly “you’ll have to wait and see” - most likely aiming to leave some suspense in the air so more articles are printed tomorrow. 

All three of you go to move through the reporters, making your way to a black SUV waiting just ahead. From where you took a step back, the crowd sees an opening and begins to slot themselves in between you and Abby, hot on her heels with more burning questions. When she turns her head to answer them, that signature smirk on her face is quickly replaced with alarm, then stone cold anger.

One reporter is physically elbowing you out of the way to get a better angle for his picture, the flash blinding you for a second, causing your head to snap the opposite direction. 

You hear her voice ring out over everyone.

“Get your hands off my girlfriend and back away. Now.”

She pushes through until she’s in front of elbow-camera guy, who is currently regretting his choices now Abby is towering over him, his mouth slightly open with a mixture of awe and fear.

“Do you think it’s ok to treat a woman like that? Do you think you can push my woman out of the way and expect me to pose for a photo?”

He’s frozen to the spot, and Abby only raises her eyebrows in response. Taking your hand and pulling you to her side, she turns you both around after muttering “watch yourself” to the wimp you leave behind. 

“Sorry baby” she whispers in your ear, thumb brushing down the side of your arm. Placing a hand on the small of your back, she leads you both through to the SUV and watches you get into the car before joining you. The voices now muffled; you finally release a breath you hadn’t realised you’d been holding in since the start of the night. She was fine. She’s safe. Everything’s ok again.

Now you finally have a chance to talk just the two of you - well, you and Abby and Coach - you want to make sure she isn’t serious about jumping straight into another fight. But when she turns to you, her eyes alight with pure happiness that you haven't seen in a long time, you decide to have that talk in the morning.

You have a champion to take home…

____________

The minute you get through the front door of your apartment, you’re leading her to the bathroom to get cleaned up. She’s got that dazed look in her eyes of someone in a dream. Only this dream is real, and you couldn't be happier for her. But God, does she look rough. Hot, always, but rough.

“Did you see how fast he went down when I threw that last punch, bubs? I felt like my chest was going to explode during those 10 seconds, it felt like a lifetime to wait. I need to start thinking about my next move with Coach and strategizing ‘cos I could never use exactly the same technique, these fighters are way smarter than any of those fuckin’ rookies I’ve fought before and-”

“Woah, Abs slow down.” You give a slight chuckle as she realises her rambling, holding her hands up in defeat - allowing you to lightly push at her shoulders so she can sit on the toilet. You grab the first aid bag in the cabinet, packed with the essentials that have come in handy many times through the years. The cutman at every fight has of course offered to clean Abby up, but you always took it upon yourself to take care of her wounds at the end of the night. You both liked it that way. You were gentler, caring.

Getting down on your knees in front of her, you get to work wiping the dried blood from her face, placing cold packs and plasters over her swollen cheek and jaw. She sits there in silence, patiently watching you do it all - her hands trailing over your face, neck, arms.

“ ‘m sorry for not noticing you got left behind…don’t want you to think I forgot about you or anything. I just get carried away with it all, ya know?” she mutters, cutting through the silence - cupping the side of your face with her hand as her fingers begin to brush through your hair. You close your eyes as you revel in the feel of it, nuzzling into her palm to give it a kiss.

“It wasn’t your fault, bubs. Besides, you came to my rescue in the end…like always” - you give another kiss to her open palm, reaching up to take her hand in both of yours so you can kiss her sore knuckles.

“Besides, it was kinda worth getting pushed just so I could see you make that guy absolutely shit himself.” You both burst out laughing, leaning in close to one another as if you were best friends sharing a secret. This was the Abby that only you saw. The one who didn’t have the weight of the world on her shoulders, who could just be and not think about the next move.

You whisper, “I’m so proud of you,” and she almost begins glowing with pleasure from your praise.

Abby pulls you in by your face, hands back to cupping either side, eyes turning mischievous. 

“I nearly forgot…I have one more thing I need to do tonight.”

You grin up at her, “oh yeah? And what’s that?”

She leans in further, her mouth stopping to hover just next to your ear, whispering “I need to fuck you like a champion.”

Her hand comes down to cup you through your jeans, squeezing ever so slightly. You’d be lying if you said you haven’t been waiting for this ever since they declared KO, getting wetter by the minute just thinking about the moment when she fucks you good and proper. 

“Come on baby…time for round 1.”

[fannyyann]

matthew lore: childhood friends & teammates

AKA a vaguely chronological list of current NHL players Matthew knew before he ever played an NHL game

This is already a massive list, so in an effort to keep it as short and organized as possible, I have bolded the names of guys who appear in multiple categories and have only included those who have played at least a full season’s worth of games in the NHL.

For a comprehensive list of his teammates that have ever played an NHL game, this invaluable tool will provide you that information dating back to his first season in the NTDP (2013-2014).

CASEY FITZGERALD gets to go first and uncategorized, because he’s known Matthew longer than anyone else on this list, seems to be the cousin he’s closest to, and is one of the three childhood teammates that became one of Matthew’s NHL teammates. (And roommate!)

THE ST. LOUIS BOYS

LUKE KUNIN is THE guy. Their families are friends (Matthew’s whole fam was at Luke’s wedding, Luke’s whole fam was at Brady’s), and they were teammates for fourteen straight seasons before finally getting separated after their time at the NTDP, which is so long Luke's literally known Matthew longer than Taryn has.

Of the six St. Louis guys drafted in 2016, Luke and Matthew were the only ones born in 1997, so the following have all played with Matthew significantly less than Luke.

CCM Motown Classic 2005

TRENT FREDERIC From what I can find, Trent only played with Matthew during the 2005-2006 St. Louis Rockets season, but he played with Brady and was coached by Keith in the same Junior Blues hockey program, was one of the family friends that got to come around and play mini sticks with David Backes as a kid, and his time at the NTDP overlapped with Matthew’s in the 2014-2015 season (Trent U17, Matthew U18).

2010 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament

CLAYTON KELLER played in the 2010 Quebec International Pee-Wee Tournament with Matthew and likely more but trying to find youth hockey rosters from before 2015 is a herculean task. But he was one of those U17 guys that got to play up with the U18s his first year in the NTDP and played with Matthew for 16 games and then went on to win gold together at the U18 Men's World Championship in 2015.

LOGAN BROWN Other than the 2010 tournament, Logan seems to have played more with Brady than he did with Matthew, and wasn’t in the NTDP like the other guys, but does train with them in the summer.

2011-2012 U15 AAA Junior Blues Team

2013 U16 National Tier One tournament champions

JOSEPH WOLL Unlike the other St. Louis boys, Joseph seems to have played exclusively with Brady, but his time at the NTDP overlapped with Matthew’s the same as Trent’s did. It’s unclear if he trains at the same place as the others during the offseason, but along with the rest of the 2016 St. Louis Draftees, his signed draft day photo is framed in Matthew’s bedroom at his parents' house because of course it is.

THE 1997 JUNIOR BRUINS

This Athletic article is about all the NHL players who played for the 1997 Junior Bruins tournament team over the years, but from what I can find, Matthew only played on the 2010 team with Casey Fitzgerald, NOAH HANIFIN, CHARLIE MCAVOY, COLIN WHITE, and the ever present, Luke Kunin.

Matthew is still close friends with all these guys, but Noah in particular is a Noted Best Friend and with him being from Boston and the Tkachuks having a house in Cape Cod, their summers overlap a lot even when they aren’t teammates.

With Casey, he and Colin White are the only childhood teammates to play with Matthew in the NHL.

THE NTDP BOYS

Okay, this section is where it gets a little chaotic so I split it between the guys who played with Matthew and those he went to school and was familiar with because their time at the NTDP overlapped.

2013-2014 NTDP Teammates Including the gold medal teams for the 2014 U17 World Hockey Challenge & the 2015 U18 World Championship

ZACH WERENSKI

Repeat: Noah Hanifin

2013-2015 NTDP Teammates Including the gold medal teams for the 2014 U17 World Hockey Challenge & the 2015 U18 World Championship

JORDAN GREENWAY

CALEB JONES

CHRISTIAN FISCHER spent his youth hockey years playing against Matthew, and when they both headed off to the NTDP, their parents split billet duties. He is one of Matthew’s best friends, attended Matthew’s draft, and even went with Matthew to Brady’s draft.

JACK ROSLOVIC was linemates with Matthew (and Auston) in the 2014-2015 season and when Matthew went to the 2015 Draft to support all his 1996 boys, Jack was the one he chose to sit with. The next summer, Jack returned the favor (see photo with Christian at Matthew's draft above).

AUSTON MATTHEWS is another family friend. He was Matthew’s center in 2014-2015 and when he broke his leg the previous year, Keith got a bunch of NHL guys to reach out to Auston , and he’s the one who gave us the best story about Matthew texting his own highlights to his friends.

Repeats: Luke Kunin, Casey Fitzgerald, Colin White, Charlie McAvoy

2014-2015 NTDP Teammates Including the 2015 U18 World Championship

TAGE THOMPSON

TROY TERRY

Repeat: Clayton Keller: played up 16 games as a U17

Teammates for a handful of games:

TOMMY NOVAK: 2 games for 2013-2014 U17 team

JAKE OETTINGER: 3 games for 2014-2015 U18 Team, and was part of the team but did not PLAY in the 2015 U18 World Championship

MAX JONES: 2 games for 2014-2015 U18 TeamRYAN DONATO played 4 games for 2014-2015 U18 Team and is now part of the extended Tkachuk family due to Emma, Brady’s wife, being his cousin.

NTDP Overlaps

2013-2014 U18s:

JACK EICHEL

ALEX TUCH

DYLAN LARKIN

2014-2015 U17s:

JOEY ANDERSON

ADAM FOX

RYAN LINDGREN

KAILER YAMAMOTO

repeats: Max Jones, Clayton Keller, Joseph Woll, Trent Frederic, Jake Oettinger

2015-2016 LONDON KNIGHTS

ROBERT THOMAS is practically a third Tkachuk brother at this point. But before Robbie lived with the Tkachuks, his own parents opened their home to Matthew while he trained at Gary Roberts’ the summer of his draft. Then when Robbie’s rookie season came along, it was Matthew who then suggested Robbie live with his parents too.

MITCH MARNER

EVAN BOUCHARD

VICTOR METE

Repeats: Max Jones, Christian Dvorak

2016 WORLD JUNIORS (bronze medal team)

NICK SCHMALTZ

BRANDON CARLO

BROCK BOESER

WILL BORGEN

ALEX DEBRINCAT

ANDERS BJORK

ALEX NEDELJKOVIC

SONNY MILANO

Repeats: Auston Matthews, Zach Werenski, Christian Dvorak, Colin White, Ryan Donato, Charlie McAvoy

HONORABLE MENTIONS

None of the Hughes brothers played with or overlapped with Matthew in the NTDP, but the two families are friends, and as far as I can tell, first met in 2010 when Quinn played on Brady’s Junior Bruins tournament team.

QUINN HUGHES is Brady’s best friend from billeting with him and Keith while in the NTDP and is on this list because Jack called Brady and Matthew QUINN’S BOYS, their families are friends and met at the latest, in 2010 when Quinn played on Brady's Junior Bruins tournament team. On top of that, Quinn he once included Matthew in his answer about watching Chris Tanev play after he got traded to the Flames for no reason at all other than to say he likes to watch him play too.

And last, but certainly not least, is CONNOR MCDAVID.

Matthew spent multiple summers, including the summer before his rookie season, training with Connor at Gary Roberts’ and the two of them are what I like to call STAR CROSSED TEAMMATES. Not only does Matthew swear the Oilers almost drafted him—and there’s certainly enough reports and predictions from before his draft to back up that being the plan—but Connor could’ve been a 1997 Junior Bruin if Brain McDavid wasn’t out to get me.

[morallyinept]

A full character analysis on ZACH WELLISON from the TV show BROTHERS & SISTERS.

I've created this as a point of reference when writing for Pedro's characters, and I hope you find it useful. Even if you just want to learn more about the character. 🖤

FULL MASTERLIST OF PEDRO'S CHARACTERS ANALYSED

FULL CHARACTER STUDY:

Basic Details:

Full Name: Zach Wellison (Zach is often a shortened name for Zachary, however he is only referred to, and introduces himself, as Zach.)

Nickname(s): None mentioned

Appears in: Brothers & Sisters, 2011 (First appearance on screen in E15 S5, at approx. 10:32)

Age (if known): Unconfirmed, however looks to be possibly mid 30's.

Sexuality: Not confirmed

Nationality: American. Living homeless in Pasadena, California

Family: None mentioned

Spouse/Partner: No mention of a current partner

Relationship Status: Not known, presumed single as he appears to be living homeless his own, and doesn't appear to have help from any family, friends or a partner of any kind

Current Living Status: Alive

Languages Spoken: English

Education: Presumed at least high school educated as he enlisted in the Marines, however not confirmed

Occupation:

Job Role/Title: Ex-Marine. It's not confirmed what his role was in the Marines. Although he mentions he did three tours, so it's presumed he was possibly on frontline duty.

Special Skill(s): Combat training, weapons, tactical

Notable Colleague(s): Justin Walker

Distinguishing Features:

Tattoo(s): Military tattoo briefly glimpsed on his right upper arm, bullseye tattoo on left hand between thumb and forefinger (Pedro's own) and V tattoo on inner right wrist (Pedro's own)

Piercings: None

Scar(s): None notable

Other Markings: Temporary gash, that needs stitches, on the right frontside of his head from an injury from an assualt.

Prominent Feature(s): Mostly clean shaven face with short stubble around jaw and chin, short styled hair

Injuries: Zach has a bloody gash on the right side of his head, temple hairline, from being assaulted in the park by an unknown man. It's mentioned he's missing skin off his knuckles on his right hand where he possibly punched the man back in self defence.

Eye Colour: Brown

Hair Colour: Brown

A brief glimpse of Zach's Marine tattoo:

Personality:

Traits: Unlucky, loyal, aggressive

Zach is found by Justin after being attacked in Vista Hermosa Park. The park is in Pasadena, Los Angeles, California. The show was primarily set in Pasadena, California.

Zach is quoted saying "Semper Fi" when Justin recognises his Marine tattoo, which for Marines means the call to serve never truly goes away. Long after active duty, their commitment continues, positively impacting communities across the nation. That is the meaning of Semper Fi. The literal translation means "Always Faithful."

Zach says he served three tours whilst in the Marines, he confirms he served in Afghanistan. Tours in the Marines are lengths of service on active duty away from home, or your "station." First term enlisted Marines without dependents (spouse/children) are usually issued up to a 36 month tour. First term enlisted Marines with dependents will usually be assigned up to a 24 month tour. The length of the tour depends on the type of mission. There are six different tours that a Marine can complete, which are Unit Deployment, Marine Expeditionary, Marine Air-Ground Task Force, Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Individual Augmentee and Combat Deployment. When a tour ends, they are then posted back to their station, where they are ineligible for another tour, usually with a break of up to 12 months in between tours.

Zach appears to have anger issues as he loses his temper with Justin, and also due to the fight he had with his attacker, and states "do you understand my problem now?" Indicating this could possibly either be the reason why he's no longer in the Marines, or could be a symptom of his PTSD since completing his service. It's not confirmed how or why he left the Marines.

He also says "if people sneak up on me, I'm going to defend myself," indicating that he's easily spooked. Possibly a symptom of his PTSD.

Justin refers to Zach, when talking to Sarah, as "seriously smart and a decorated soldier," and he "just couldn't adjust when he got out." A decorated soldier means a war veteran has recieved medals, awards and or honours from the Military.

Zach says he's been on a waiting list for a home with the VA (Veterans Affairs) for over a year. He also states that he doesn't want to go to jail which would solve his homelessness issue, indicating he wants to do the right thing and make something of his life, rather than turn to criminal activities for the sake of a warm bed.

It looks like Zach has spent at least two weeks sleeping on Justin's couch which is revealed during a conversation with Justin and his EMT colleague, Dan.

Zach is given a temporary job in a kitchen by Justin's brother-in-law Tom, and then has a further opportunity of permanent work by being offered to be a building manager, which is essentially maintenance work, as arranged by Dan.

Zach apologises for being late to the kitchen job because his "support group ran over" indicating he's having therapy of some kind, possibly for his anger mangement. Tom says that Zach seems happy to "have a routine and camraderie and structure in his life again" when Justin asks him how Zach is getting on in the kitchen job.

Zach is woken up by Justin's night terrors when sleeping on his couch, and hints that he may have suffered from his own PTSD too. "I was there, too remember? Three tours, just like you. I know what you're going through."

It seems that Zach has lived rough on the streets for about two years since being out of the Marines. "Here I am now, two years later and still living out of a duffel bag."

Zach is watching a Clippers game on TV when talking to Justin. The Clippers or, LA Clippers, are a basketball team in Los Angeles.

Fashion/Outfits:

Outfits - Zach wears light blue, denim jeans, a taupe/grey round neck t-shirt, carries a brown tan jacket and grey duffle bag and wears brown desert boots when we first see him. He also wears a navy blue, hooded zipper sweatshirt when sleeping in the park under his brown jacket.

He is later seen wearing a plaid jacket in blue/grey and jeans with a round neck t-shirt when he starts his shift in the kitchen.

When sleeping on the couch, he wears a light grey, round neck t-shirt and dark grey sweatpants and white socks.

When on the couch watching the game, he wears a brown & navy blue plaid shirt, light denim jeans and a grey round neck t-shirt and black socks.

Accessories: Grey duffel bag and stone/grey over the shoulder satchel bag. Tan brown leather/suede looking jacket.

Weapons Used:

Weapon(s): (Exact weapons pictured below)

Zach is not seen using or owning any weapons.

Modes of Transport:

Vehicle(s):

Zach is not seen driving or owning any vehicles.

Dialogue:

🗨 See Zach's full dialogue from the show, including deleted scenes.

Further Character Links (if any):

FULL MASTERLIST OF PEDRO'S CHARACTERS ANALYSED

[tenebrous-academic]

Details that make me think Spencer Reid could be the Gold Star unsub for Criminal Minds: Evolution

An agent was listed as one of the primary options for where Gold Star got their start;

Gold Star has been trained to think of everything - much like the youngest BAU agent was trained to think of everything to catch the killers while training under both Gideon and Rossi;

“Trained killer, national security threat, but not an assassin” - all three labels fit Spencer;

Social Contagion - sounds like a theory Spencer could have gotten so wrapped up in he lost sight of what he likely started researching it for;

Conspiracy theorist is a bit harder since we’re only two episodes in, but I could see Spencer thinking he’s uncovering something massive and getting trapped in a web of lies and conspiracy. We’ve seen it before in Bones with Zach Addy and Gormogon - even geniuses can be wrong;

The BAU being assigned to investigate a National Security Threat is strange - maybe it’s because they’ll have the best chance at tracking down one of their own even if they don’t realize it yet;

Clearly something massive set Luke off and caused him to scream “That’s not true” - what would be more damaging than Voit telling him that Gold Star is one of their own?

The sheer amount of trauma they put Spencer through throughout the show is frankly the perfect setup for an agent snapping and turning into an unsub;

The absences Spencer had were excused away, but it could have been a cover for him going through specialized training and then on missions;

[teddyeyeseddie]

To Hell I Go

Part Two: With Daddy By My Side

Bull Rider Steve Harrington x Reader

masterlist

warings: alcohol consumption, sexual harassment, general violence

(a/n: when I say I am having the time of my life writing this, I mean it. I have never poured more of myself into something than I have this. Please enjoy and as always feedback is so so encouraged ! thank you @lofaewrites for helping me with this chapter xx)

Now Playing: Open The Gate

Steve wakes the next morning hungover and running late. He throws on the jeans he wore yesterday before shrugging on a denim jacket over a white t-shirt. He pulls on his boots, grabbing his hat off the nightstand and heading downstairs. He's racing down the flight when he hears his dad yell. 

“Come on Steve, I haven’t got all day,” he barks from the porch through the screen door. Steve rushes into the kitchen to pour himself a travel cup of coffee and then he is out the front door, speed walking to his dad’s truck. 

The pair had to drive over to the Bounds residence, the family hosting a meeting about this year's cattle raising and how the families were going to split the revenue. 

The ranch sat on the outskirts of town so any drive into Jefferson was a lengthy one. The bounds lived on the east side of town, an area where the more influential families lived. 

Steve’s dad pulls into the driveway, a large white house with black trim in front of them. It was nice, big, bigger than the ranch house. Steve shakes away his nerves, the feeling in his stomach always spiking every time he has to attend a meeting. Luckily, he knew the Bounds well so it was at least easier to deal with them. 

Richard knocks on the door, waiting for Mr. Bounds to answer the door. Steve and his dad step back when the door opens, Mrs. bounds standing before them. 

“Richard! Steve! It’s so good to see you two, come in!” Mrs. Bounds shouts as she moves to the side to make room for them to peek through the rather large front door. She leads them to the dining room where Mr. Bounds and Jamie are sat. Jamie usually sat in on these meetings, one day he would be taking over the business just like Steve, or so his dad thought. 

The meeting goes off without a hitch, the family splitting the revenue fairly and planning for the next season. Steve and Richard make their way out of the house, his dad actually in a good mood giving how well the meeting went. 

“God I can’t wait to leave this ranch in yours and Jamie’s hands! You guys are going to make a great team,”

Steve sucks in a breath, his nerves back in his belly. Steve Harrington wasn’t afraid of much, his list consisting of spiders and making his dad angry. His dad was keen on teaching Steve lessons when feathers were ruffled, so the idea of telling his dad he was going for nationals again made him sick to his stomach. The car slows once it reaches the corral, his dad pulling beside his beloved K10 he had abandoned last night. 

“Not this year dad,” Steve finally says, hand picking at the frayed edge of his denim jacket. 

“What do you mean not this year?” Richard grits through his teeth. His knuckles turn white as he grips the steering wheel, one hand leaving the wheel to turn off the radio. 

“I’m going for nationals again. Want to beat the all time record, I’m at the top of my game and I can’t stop now Dad,” Steve states confidently, a surge of courage flowing through him as he stands up to his dad. 

“How many times do I have to tell you that this bull riding is a waste of your time! You’re gonna get hurt, better yet you’re gonna get killed,” his dad seethes, knuckles still stark white.

“Dad, I’m good at it! I am the top bull rider in the nation and all you see in me is a brain that can crunch some numbers and a body that can shovel some hay,” Steve begins to raise his voice, swinging the passenger door open, hopping out and marching toward his truck

“Don’t you walk away from me, boy,” his dad yells from the truck, “I am not done discussing this,” 

“Yes dad, we are done discussing this. I’m going to nationals and you can’t convince me to step down. I was made for this, I wasn't made to run around a ranch, I was made to prove that I’m better than my father,” Steve spits, his dad now out of the truck marching towards him. Steve turns on his heels, meeting him halfway in the middle.

“You’re lucky I taught you hard work, you’d be nothing without me, Steve, nothing. I made you,” 

“Get fucked, dad,” 

Steve backs away, climbing into his truck and speeding off. 

He pulls into Goldie Jane’s shortly after his fight with his father, throwing his car in park and rushing inside. After the morning he’s had, he needs a drink. 

He sits at his usual place at the bar, Steve smiling at the newspaper clippings of all of his rides that litter the walls.

“My handsome boy, what brings you in so early. Line dancing doesn’t start for another 2 hours!” Goldie asks as she pours Steve his usual shot of whiskey. Steve says nothing, taking the shot, throwing his head back and downing the alcohol as if it were water. 

“That bad, huh?” Goldie asks, pouring him another shot. 

“You have no idea,” 

That’s where Steve spends his afternoon, talking to Goldie about anything and everything going wrong in Steve’s life.

“You know what you need?” Goldie inquires, smiling widely as she watches people flood the bar, ready for line dancing night. 

“What might that be, Goldie,” Steve has moved to sipping whiskey instead of throwing doubles back, the first few doing a good job at numbing his feelings about his father. 

“You need you a girl. I’d volunteer but I’d break a hip trying to keep up with you,” 

“You know this life’s a lonely one Goldie, don’t think there’s many ladies lining up to take a bull rider home to mommy and daddy,” 

With that, Steve gets up from his place at the bar. The line dancing has begun, loud twangy country music playing throughout the room as patrons make their way out to the main floor to dance. 

Steve simply watches, leaning up against the wall with his legs crossed. He tilts his hat at a few people who stare at him, even snapping a quick picture with Goldie’s husband, albeit his biggest fan. 

He enjoys his time people-watching, chuckling to himself when someone trips over their feet. He sips his whiskey, eyes shooting to the door as it swings open, the bright evening sunset blinding him. When the door finally shuts and Steve’s eyes adjust he is met with another blinding sight. A yellow sundress and white cowboy boots take all of his attention. That’s when he realizes it’s you. The girl he saw at the rodeo, except this time you’re alone. 

You sit at the edge of the bar, Goldie walking towards you and taking your order, a rum and coke. Steve watches you for a moment, admiring the way the strobing lights of the bar illuminate your face with every pulse. He tips his hat to you when you look up and meet his eyes, a smile forming on your face as you tip your fake hat back. 

You’re enjoying being alone, having spent the past few days attending the Summertime Rodeo events with your friends. They were amazing, Robin and Nancy always down to tend to your cowboy loving tendencies no matter how bored they were. You all grew up in Jefferson but Nancy and Robin never saw the hype in the cowboy culture that the town curated. 

But for you, a “yes ma’am” said in the right accent could make you swoon, the tip of a hat could make you blush. You loved every ounce of living in Jefferson, the endless ranch hands at your fingertips made your pick of men quite large. 

But nothing ever sparked with any of them, sure they were all gentlemen but they lacked a certain energy you needed in a man. You eventually gave up, deciding the men in this town were better to look at than to take home. 

You make small talk with Goldie for a while, that is until a large figure looms behind you, blocking the lights from the stage. You turn around and look up, groaning internally when you’re met with Billy Hargrove. Billy was known in town for being a bit rough around the edges. He broke horses for a living, the work leaving his skin tanned and toned. He was handsome, but oh so arrogant. 

“Darlin’ what are you doing here alone?” he rasps, liquor heavy on his breath as he leans over you. 

“Get lost Billy, I’m not in the mood,” you groan, turning back around to face Goldie. 

“Now don’t be like that, pretty thing. I know you like to ride cowboys,” 

“Billy, leave her alone,” Goldie begs, eyes silently pleading with him to not start something. 

“Stay out of this locks,” He waves his hand at her, shooing her away before he turns back to you. 

Steve sees all of this go down, making his way over when Goldie shoots him a look.

“Billy, is there a problem?” Steve questions as he taps him on the shoulder.

Billy turns around, laughing when his eyes meet Steve’s

“Mudslinger, did you come over to get your dick wet too? This one loves us, she’s us cowboys biggest fan,” Billy slurs, barely able to keep himself up. 

In a moment, Billy is on the floor, no one really registering what happened. All they see is Billy on the ground and Steve shaking his hand as he draws in a breath through his teeth. 

Goldie’s husband picks Billy up from the floor, his tail between his legs as he is ushered out of the bar. 

“You okay there, Dandelion?” Steve asks once Billy is gone.

“Dandelion?” you question, your eyebrows furrowed. 

“Yellow dress, it fits,” he simply states, pointing at your dress with a smile. 

“Goldie, can you fix him a drink?” you ask, turning back towards her. You motion for Steve to sit down, sliding his drink towards him once he is settled beside you. 

“So what brings you in?” Steve questions, taking a sip of his whiskey. He presses the cold glass to his knuckles, wincing slightly at the contact. 

“Needed a drink after being out in the heat all day,” you state, turning towards him so you could see his features better. His cowboy hat covered his face with a shadow making it hard to really see him, you could make out that he was handsome but that was about it. 

“What about you?” you question. 

“Hard days work is all,” Steve drawls. 

“And work would be..?”

“Ranching. Business meeting about this year's revenue and how we’re splitting shit up, it's boring,” Steve drones, his ill humor in the matter evident in the way he grimaces. 

“I uh- ride bulls though. For actual work, you ever heard of the mudslinger?”

You nod, taking a sip of your drink.

“Heard a little bit about him, heard he’s from around here! I guess he announced the junior awards at the rodeo last night but I couldn’t make it,” you ramble causing Steve to chuckle. 

Steve removes his hat, revealing his face to you. He looks familiar as he looks down at you, his brown eyes boring into yours as you try to place where you’ve seen him. 

That’s when you put the two and two together.

“You’re The Mudslinger? What’s your name, uh sean?” you question, hopeful you got it right. 

Steve chuckles and shakes his head, putting his hat back on. 

“Steve. Harrington.” He sticks his hand out towards you, you take it and firmly shake it. His hands are calloused, the rough skin contrasting the softness of yours. 

“Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you Mr. Harrington, care to dance?” you stand from your place at the bar, holding your hand out to him. He takes it, his large hand engulfig your smaller one as you drag him to the dance floor. You both fall in line and begin dancing to some old country song. 

9 to 5 begins to play and Steve groans, line dancing to this song is like running a marathon. But, when he sees the excitement on your face, he decides it's worth it. He would die line dancing if it meant he got to see you smile like that again. 

By the time the song is over, sweat is beading down Steve’s back, his chest heaving from lack of oxygen. You, on the other hand, look like a breath of fresh air, your hair slightly sticking to your face. Steve is pretty sure you were made up in his dreams. 

The two of you make it back to the bar, closing out your tabs before stepping out into the warm summer night. 

“I had a lot of fun with you, mudslinger,” you say, your hand reaching out to grab his. He smiles down at you, taking off his hat, placing it over his heart. 

“I had a lot of fun with you, dandelion. Please don’t break my heart and tell me I can’t see you again,” his voice is like honey, the Texas drawl evident after his several drinks. 

“I’d never,” with that, you put your phone number into Steve’s phone, texting yourself so you could have his number. 

“I’ll be out of town in a few weeks, riding in “The Daddy of em All” out in Cheyenne. Think I could take you out before then?” he questions, hat still covering his heart as he looks down at you. 

“Of course, cowboy,” 

[the-garbanzo-annex-jr]

By ZACH KESSEL

One recent college graduate, alongside her former professor, has created a documentary series aimed at educating people past the flashy signs and catchy slogans one might see and hear at an anti-Israel rally, toward a full understanding of what Zionism and anti-Zionism really mean. That series, “Zionism and Anti-Zionism: The History of Two Opposing Ideas” by Zoé Tara Zeigherman, had its Washington, D.C., premiere Thursday night. 

The series, a five-episode look at the varieties of both its titular subjects, covers Jewish history and the development of Zionism, the intra-Jewish debates that occurred before Israel’s founding in 1948, and various strains of anti-Zionism from post-1948 Arab opposition to Israel to Soviet propaganda.

Zeigherman, alongside her former Georgetown University professor (and former member of Israel’s Knesset) Einat Wilf, began formulating the idea for the series in 2022, well before anti-Zionism and antisemitism shot to the fore of public debate following the October 7 Hamas attack. Zeigherman thinks the problem was always there, but now that college campuses are under a microscope, the documentary series is even more relevant.

“I think that what a lot of Jews have experienced since October 7 is kind of waking up to this feeling that something is seriously wrong; seeing protests on October 8, they’ve been feeling that something is mobilizing against Jews, and they don’t really understand what’s happening.” Zeigherman told National Review. “I had that feeling in the Black Lives Matter protest era when antisemitism was erupting online and I couldn’t understand where it was coming from.”

“If it can just help one young Jew the way Einat’s course helped me, that’s enough,” she told NR. “But I would really like to see it be part of something bigger, where Jews aren’t afraid to be Jews anymore — where we stand taller and prouder and go on offense as opposed to constantly defending ourselves and apologizing.”

Zeigherman initially came up with the idea for the series during her time as a Beren Summer Fellow with the Tikvah Fund, a nonprofit organization that promotes Jewish leaders and ideas, in 2022. While a fellow, she worked with individuals both inside and outside the Tikvah Fund to determine how to bring her vision to life.

[ourpickwickclub]

If you go back and watch one of the clips where the gaunt rat is talking about Zuma, he almost slipped and said Brown again, before catching himself and saying Zach Bryan. He couldn't care less about what Zuma likes. And to take shots at your own impressionable child on national TV is a new level of disgusting.

.

[monstrousvoice]

hey!! love your blog SO much, and I was wondering if you had any song recommendations for Husk? like songs that suit him?

Alright Anon!! I am soooo sorry this took so long but like I mentioned, character playlists are not something I've ever really dabbled in so I had no idea how to answer this the first couple days. Im still not sure this is what you were hoping for, but I really tried!! If anyone has any songs they'd like to add please do so!!

Instrumental Jazz reminds me of him the most, so here's a couple:

Literally anything by Everette Harp is something Husk would either play or be listening to in his downtime - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRbDjUjLefpmSmdJU6ycpFQ

Next Journey by Robomoque - https://youtu.be/mxy0k9BQ00Q?si=9KuvpVL3IvPGBF-u

Lets Get It Started by Jeffery Smith - https://youtu.be/tYXTP4yp3J4?si=6tCIdwrIoVW3Z8R7 

If I Could Fly by Vincent Ingala - https://youtu.be/U8ijrDVTkpg?si=XuBBIkFf9w16ZqPm

General Husk vibes, songs that remind me of him or his nature towards others in some way:

Sixteen by The Heavy (gives me biiiigg Overlord Husk vibes) - https://youtu.be/wQw4geA7xYU?si=Y6rLYZI9iVLjA87j

Losing My Mind by Mystery Skulls - https://youtu.be/n5TpNmS4OX0?si=hfFwZsrDcFqsZhfg 

Hellbent by Mystery Skulls - https://youtu.be/X79sXBYYgIQ?si=3JFy9Z1j2uIPDiGA 

Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes - https://youtu.be/0J2QdDbelmY?si=vVo3DEU3GJhvLgzy 

7 Years by Lukas Graham - https://youtu.be/Q0bnAmfGQC8?si=8tNP7CUiIvc7OjBU 

World's Smallest Violin by AJR - https://youtu.be/wUvw374tP7o?si=2CpqEJoYnx5f7ezN 

Under Pressure  by Queen and David Bowie - https://youtu.be/a01QQZyl-_I?si=5WmbjzygPlw8jOTr 

All The Kids Are Depressed by Jeremy Zucker - https://youtu.be/d_So8lwTHAg?si=RVhhDbzD97SxPbWK 

Devil On My Shoulder by Chelsea Cutler - https://youtu.be/0qhDFoPPfp0?si=lqw3SEDxMdEo82Y7 

Breathe (2 AM) by Anna Nalick (This is the vibe I think of when thinking of Husk doing his job as a bartender. Listening to others but knowing there isn't much he can do to help other than remind you to breathe…) - https://youtu.be/SiE_0AugUPY?si=q1hfRHnaW8z3xGwM 

Escapism (feat. AJ Michalka, Zach Callison and Grace Roleck) (Yes i’m putting a steven universe song here, the vibes are too good) - https://youtu.be/cy57UnoAgCY?si=JjtVr-eeziyKBycZ 

Mr. Blue by Catherine Feeny (This song gives me many emotions…If you know where it’s from then I am kissing you) - https://youtu.be/pvfzcGbOzqg?si=mPFVd8yYyhDeb8hP

Bonus! Husk in a relationship:

Sunday Morning by Maroon 5 - https://youtu.be/to5Sg2KeEnU?si=9_gqF3M3yLeiNET4 

Love Me Like You Do by Ellie Goulding (Alex Goot and Sam Tsui Cover) (My fav cover of this song, so sweet~) - https://youtu.be/gga359vkhzk?si=GNOtAIC0afKbwt41 

I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For by Scarlett Johansson and Bono from Sing 2 (The original is amazing, but the first time I heard this cover I felt chills. It’s so soft and sad but builds to a more hopeful and happy ending. Very fitting for Husk’s relationship I feel.) - https://youtu.be/fVSrtw20BxA?si=DjZZ669XFSdHsx4F 

Stay With Me by Sam Smith (T Pain live cover) (my fav version of this song ♥) - https://youtu.be/0Bi7qvzFIgA?si=5D-o2Xu6phDskSem 

Just Give Me a Reason by P!nk feat. Nate Ruess - https://youtu.be/6-jsRJ_gkO0?si=YsxgYRa-caQGdW7o 

Misbehavin’ by Pentatonix - https://youtu.be/ywYfMlyIkeo?si=CCw8G3gzN-dAbe0j

Anchor by Mindy Gledhill - https://youtu.be/cB3BWmCOW2Y?si=AyfqjlmPbEl4MqAO

[bothkindsofmusic]

Is this thing on? Been a lonnnnnng while, but I want to test the waters to see if there's an audience for country music on Tumblr 2023.

I've been making a weekly playlist in lieu of a radio show for a couple months now. Figure that'd be a good place to start.

If you like country music that's outside the mainstream, check out this playlist. It's full of new and recent releases. I kick it off with a classic country song and send it off with Willie Nelson. In between you'll find music from artists making country music in their own way with their own style. While the music changes every week, the playlist stays in the same spot. Plus, there's an archive where I retire the old playlists.

If you find something you like, let me know and give the artists a follow on instagram.

Track list:

Ray Charles - Georgia on My Mind

The Waymores - Greener Pastures

Christopher Seymore, South Texas Tweek - I Can Get off on You

Amanda Donald - Get in Line

Marty Bush - Turn Down the Lights

Nora Kelly Band - Rodeo Clown

David Quinn - Down Home

Zach Bryan, Sierra Ferrell - Holy Roller

Turnpike Troubadours - A Cat in the Rain

Sarah Jane Scouten - Wanderlust

Nick Shoulders - All Bad

The Two Tracks - In the Morning

Jim Lauderdale, The Po' Ramblin' Boys, Del McCoury - Long And Lonesome Letting Go

Sentimental Family Band - Never Love Again

Willy Tea Taylor, The Fellership - National Treasure

David Garnham and the Reasons to Live, Gleny Rae Virus - Long Way Round

Nathan Mongol Wells - Honest Drinking

Lola Kirke, First Aid Kit - All My Exes Live in L.A.

Abbigale Dawn - Ex Boyfriend Blues

Christian Parker, Earl Poole Ball, JayDee Maness - You Ain't Going Nowhere

Miss Georgia Peach - Silver Threads and Gold Needles

Vince Gill, Paul Franklin - Walkin' Show and Thinkin' About Her

Madeline Hawthorne - Neon Wasteland

The Howdies - Buddies

Katie Mae & the Lubrication - Hard Livin'

The Deslondes, Sam Doores - Howl at the Moon

Brit Taylor - If You Don't Wanna Love Me

Izaak Opatz - Shampoo

Ruby Oland - Life Without Love

Lucas Hudgins - All in My Head

S.G. Goodman - Space And Time

Woody Woodworth & The Piners - When Them Dogwoods Bloom

Zara Alexandra - Greasy Spoon

Televisionaries, Les Greene - Airbound

Megg Farrell - Damaged Goods

Willie Nelson - I Never Cared for You

[gothicprep]

the whole citibike thing is such an intellectual waste of time. people need to quit dignifying those viral "karen" videos with responses. i know these stories get clicks, but it's not the responsibility of the national press to speculate on personal disputes between random private citizens. there's always context missing and it's always pointless.

the central park karen incident in 2020 is another good example of what i mean here. if a stranger is beckoning your dog with a treat, and saying "if you're gonna do what you want, i'm gonna do what i want, and you're not going to like it" i don't personally think it's unreasonable to interpret that as a threat and go into fight or flight. when the new york times reported on this, the fact that this guy would regularly do this to people who didn't leash their dogs in the park is treated almost like an afterthought:

Mr. Cooper is a well-known presence there, a mentor to neophyte birders who carries gravitas as a member of the board of the New York City Audubon Society.

“He has a method of dealing with dogs. He’ll say, ‘Can you please leash your dog?’ and if they refuse he starts giving the dogs treats,” said Zach McDargh, 29, a research scientist. “Dog owners hate that.”

and while, like, unleashing your dog is very irresponsible owner behavior, the fact that this was a pattern for this guy almost makes you wonder if he'd been covertly gunning to get a viral encounter in the park. like we're really hedging around the fact that this guy is deliberately doing something that everyone knows is provocative, huh? it just seems really naive to me to pretend that people don't try to cynically take advantage of interactions like these.

a lot of lefties have really mixed messaging where it concerns interactions between white women and black men. there's a fine line between acknowledging the historical atrocities white women have committed against black men and being like "hey ladies, we acknowledge you deal with street harassment and it's tiring, but just smile when a stranger is heckling you in public". would it really kill anyone to admit that this stuff is not, like, a microcosm of society or w/e?

[incandescent-creativity]

i know you've probably talked about this but can you wax poetic about their sun/moon dynamic again

Oh, god, these two. So, so defined by their upbringings.

Ash, an only kid with two loving parents and a devoted grandmother in the City of Vanithea. Doted on and encouraged and supported, delighted when she wanted to become an Auxiliary like her parents. And then having two thirds of that ripped away the day she got the job she had been chasing under their tutelage. The Auxiliary life, now soured by grief after her parents were lost on a voyage that the Auxiliaries sent them on. Ash’s entire world shattered. The silver constellation necklace, a tie to her mother’s sun necklace and father’s moon pendant, remains a physical reminder of it all that she never takes off.

Zach, part of a large family that had the space (both literally, on their farmland, and emotionally, making time for all of their children). Interests were indulged in just as heavily as the lessons on manners, teamwork, and practical knowledge were taught. There was hard work to be done, all the time, but there were just as many nights of laughter, song, and games. Life in Hillgate produced a young man quick with a sunny smile, optimistic to a fault, and almost completely unprepared for the gut punches that can come your way. His girlfriend breaks up with him, and he wakes up from his night of drinking with the sun shining down on him in a new city, across the ocean from his hometown.

At first, Ash helps him because of a sense of duty. He walked into her Help Center, she is going to help him. Then, curiosity—he came from where? And how? She forgives his irritating habits, his strangeness. He’s a new mystery to figure out, and that is more alluring than any irritation is.

And then they go further. They end up the only two humans in a foreign nation, trying to figure out what is going on and why everybody is refusing to tell them things. Then, further, they become the only two humans who look the way they do, the only two humans who have taken on the physical prices of spells. The are the first two humans who have golden scars from teleportations; Ash has horns and is taller than they remember; Zach has pointed ears and eyes that reflect the light.

Altered by a powerful magic ritual that revealed their fears to themselves and to each other, they have no choice but to understand the other.

And separately, they each decide to stick together. Ash can’t help but be reminded of the way she was, and Zach is a taste of that positivity back in her life that she would have denied that she was missing, and would have rejected if circumstances had not forced her to rely on him and speed run the insight that creates friendship.

And Zach is prone to making friends with people already, especially when he sees someone hurting like she is. But, more emotionally intelligent than Ash, he also recognizes that she is a kind of no-nonsense, harsher personality that he has only encountered in curmudgeonly elders around town. She is driven, and maybe a little bit mean, but she gets stuff done in a way that he admires and lacks in his own life.

And then together, they accomplish some wild stuff.

[queersatanic]

When it comes to The Satanic Temple, there's always more

The Satanic Temple uses people—uses them up and discards them (or worse).

If you think you're different, look at what happened to those who came before.

TST will use any weakness you give them and hurt you with it later: your housing, mental health, even the death of your pet.

Some of you may even remember this Vice article from a few years back:

Ash Astaroth was then the director of the Temple's headquarters in Salem, and he was still assistant chapter head of the NYC chapter he had helped found.

So in 2016, The Satanic Temple found Astaroth useful for public propaganda, as in that Vice article, even though it wasn't necessarily representative of the organization as a whole. How could it be given who started TST (and who still owned it)?

Satanic Trump-supporter Brian Werner's sign speaks for itself, but Werner also believed abortion was "killing a child". Werner apparently found the death of Trayvon Martin very funny, or at least wanted to be edgy selling clothing about it.

TST owner Doug Misicko a.k.a. "Lucien Greaves" a.k.a. "Doug Mesner" reaching out to Shane Bugbee also says plenty, and we've covered that relationship elsewhere. Short version: "One drop of Jew blood means you ain't breakin' bread with me, motherfucker" is something Bugbee once said in the middle of a 24-hour stream with Misicko.

But Zach Black may be less familiar to most.

From The Village Voice in 2014:

Zach Black is a 38-year-old sushi chef in Northern California and a longtime Satanist. He started the Satanic International Network, the largest — though not the only — social media site for Satanists. He was a card-carrying member of the Church of Satan for nearly a decade, from 1994 to 2002. For the first few years after he joined, Anton LaVey was still alive. That made all the difference, Black says, and the church was much more “proactive.” Black is one of a group of disaffected ex-Church of Satan members who believe Gilmore was never supposed to become the church’s next leader. LaVey wanted to pass the torch to a man named Boyd Rice, an artist and writer who was a close friend, Black says. “But he turned it down. He didn’t want to do it. I’m not sure why.” ... Rice, meanwhile, went in a different direction. For nearly two decades, he was part of Death in June, a British neo-folk band that anti-racist groups have accused of supporting white nationalism. Rice has repeatedly denied being a racist or a Nazi sympathizer, a claim that was not bolstered in 2008, when an old video surfaced of him on a public-access TV show, describing Death in June as a proud “racialist” band.

In other words, Zach Black thought it was a shame this guy didn't take over Church of Satan, and therefore Black joined The Satanic Temple to get it going.

Proactive.

So, back to that Vice article, the message was "We're not like those other Satanists", the Church of Satan, sure, but also Brian Werner, Shane Bugbee, and Zach Black who got TST off the ground in 2013-2014.

This distinction, which also involved throwing those men under the bus and pretending they weren't relevant, was made explicit in that interview with Astaroth.

In 2014, as [Astaroth] prepared for a life explaining away his Lucifer tattoos with a spiel about liking the literary archetype, he discovered the Satanic Temple, an unrelated though similarly-named group. It was actually an anti-Satanic Temple rant that drew him to the organization, posted to YouTube by Brian Werner, a former death metal vocalist in the band Vital Remains. "It's become a very liberal, compassionate, borderline hippie-like outlook on politics and societal issues," said Werner. "If this guy is leaving the Satanic Temple for those reasons," Astaroth recalls thinking. "That's exactly where I need to be."

Those who were there during this era would remember Ash Astaroth because he was central to The Satanic Temple's operations, first in New York City, then in the headquarters in Salem as an employee of 64 Bridge LLC, or the "Salem Art Gallery".

In this capacity, Ash comes up in the Belle Plaine lawsuit depositions:

The Satanic Temple's owners "helped" Ash Astaroth by letting him move into Salem Art Gallery / TST's physical headquarters.

This sounds kind, but remember, they weren't just letting him stay as a friend: they worked him. They really worked him.

Read those depositions and email evidence from 2017, or just run a find for "Astaroth" to count how many times he's involved in a national campaign over TST's veterans' memorial. It is extensive.

Ash's housing was directly controlled by his employer.

When you are an organization that targets vulnerable populations for "help" and "opportunities" but you control their continued access to resources, no amount of smiles or love bombing or kind words will ever change the inherent threat of what's going on. Look no further than how this level of control can go to extremely dark places than recent events with the Black Hammer cult in Atlanta.

That's the context of the article that Ash Astaroth wrote after being "excommunicated" from The Satanic Temple in 2018, coinciding with the "Great Schism" where many chapters left the national Temple org over TST's owners' priorities and histories coming to light.

In the next post, we're going to reproduce Astaroth's article largely without commentary but with some content warnings where relevant. Then, at the end, we'll say a little more.

But as a general warning, watch out for self-harm and sui references, mental illness, abuse, and pet death.

[wickedsrest-rp]

Name: Okwaho Samantha Walker Species: Human (Non-powered) Occupation: Owner of Escape Your Fate Comics Age: 28 Years Old Played By: Sunny Face Claim: Kawennáhere Devery Jacobs

"I think I need to step away from the comic books and horror movies for a while…"

TW: Hate crime

Okwaho Samantha Walker was born at a time of unrest. But her birth had been a miracle for her parents. Growing up in Kanehsatà:ke, merely years after the civil unrest between governing bodies and sovereign nations, had proved to be a challenge for Sam’s parents, but the little girl didn’t know any difference. To her, life was good. Surrounded by a loving family, including her grandma and grandpa and many aunties, uncles, and cousins.

It's where she had learned to respect her elders. And grew up with the traditions of the Mohawk people of Kanehsatake. It’s where she first discovered her love of comic books and superheroes. And watched her family cook fry bread and other filling meals during celebrations and loss. But the unrest that remained just in the background of their daily life had once again come to rear its ugly head when the young girl was just eight years old, and it left Samantha’s parents with the tough decision to move leaving behind everything the young girl had ever known about her life, including her family and friends.

Wicked’s Rest, Maine, at first, was boring and intimidating. Sam hadn’t known a single soul at her new school, and she had felt like the odd girl out. The people talked differently and most of the kids stared at her making her feel uncomfortable. For the now nine year old girl, she felt lost and alone. At least until she had met her best friend Zach. It was like an instant connection and as the years went on, the two grew closer and closer.

He introduced her to more than just X-Men comics and bands like Ice Nine Kills and A7X. She introduced him to shitty horror movies and taught him about her culture and introduced him to her family back home via Skype and Facetime calls. They were inseparable; two outcasts who took care of each other when times were tough. And when she got into UMWR for Business, he made sure to celebrate her achievements with the most ridiculous cake and a night out she knew she’d never forget.

Fast forward several years and Sam had finally achieved her dreams of opening her own comic book store aptly deemed Escape Your Fate Comics. Zach was working as a mechanic at his dad’s business, and the two were sharing an apartment in downtown Wicked’s Rest off of Amity Road.

But once again, fate seemed to intervene in Sam’s life leaving her in a state of shock and Zach’s lifeless form laying in an alley just behind the body shop his family owned.

The night had been like any other. Sam had come by after closing up her shop to see how much longer her friend was working and figure out dinner plans, but the instant commotion out back had prompted her to move through the garage and towards the back door to find Zach defending a random stranger who had cowered near a fence. Sam, who had picked up a nearby crowbar, was just about to make her way to her friend, when she noticed a woman, much shorter and smaller than Zach, lift him up by his neck and within a matter of seconds, had squeezed the life out of him, before dropping him leaving her lackeys, including the man who had been cowering in the corner, to feed on him.

In fear and shock, Sam took off on foot, running as fast and as far as she could, before she realized what she had done. It had taken everything within her to go back and to call the police. Life after that had changed drastically and it was as if she were running on autopilot. So much so, that sleep started to become nearly impossible.

Days faded into nights which faded into days again, and while she had thought she had been coping for the most part, she had noticed something strange happening. The people around her seemed to morph and form into what looked like something out of one of the many comic books she had sold. And the longer it went on, the more she realized it was taking her mind off of the recurring thoughts of watching the closest person in her life die.

But now, Sam can’t help but wonder if she’s really losing herself and her grip on reality, or if something more has been going on around her than she previously thought. Whatever it is, she knows that Zach would have gotten a kick out of it, and in some strange way, it almost feels as if he’s still right there with her, but she’s gotta decide if this is really the life she wants to continue to lead and could it lead to answers of what killed her best friend that fateful night?

Character Facts:

Personality: Paranoid, cautious, tired, sarcastic, caring, adventurous, creative, curious, perceptive, imaginative

She was born in Kanehsatà:ke (Kanesatake), Quebec, Canada and lived on the reservation until her parents decided to move to Wicked's Rest, Maine when she was eight years old.

Sam’s first comic book was a random X-Men comic she found in a trash can at school, when she was just six years old. From then on she was hooked and wanted to read any and every comic book she could get her hands on.

Sam has a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever named Scout. He’s her best friend, and she doesn’t go anywhere without him.

Sam was finally able to make one of her dreams come true, when she opened Escape Your Fate Comics a year or so ago.

She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. 

She has an extensive collection of Converse shoes, which takes up a good majority of her closet.

Sam loves metal and rock music and horror movies. However, recently, she’s started to question her taste in movies after something horrific happened to her and her best friend.

[justinsentertainmentcorner]

David Browne at Rolling Stone:

OVER THE LAST few years, the Gulf Coast Jam, a multi-day concert blowout held every spring in Panama City Beach, Florida, has become one of country music’s leading festivals, pulling in headliners like Miranda Lambert, Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Kane Brown, and Kenny Chesney. But recently, festival producer Rendy Lovelady has noticed something unusual backstage. “Ten or 15 years ago, everybody would sit in a circle around the table, pull out their guitars and start singing old country songs,” he says. “There was a lot of camaraderie. Whereas now, the camaraderie has definitely lessened. They tend to stay in their own community.” Part of Lovelady wonders if it’s the lingering after-effects of Covid-19, which forced touring performers to interact as little as possible with anyone outside their circle. But it’s also possible that the drop-off in backstage hangtime is a sign of something else: the national culture wars seeping into the traditionally close-knit country community, a space where artists often take pains to refer to their peers as “my good buddy” or compliment one another.

From less personal interaction backstage to public online feuds, country music is slowly being pulled into the same battles that have infiltrated nearly every aspect of American life and entertainment. “It really is weird right now,” says one leading country manager, who spoke on the condition of anonymity given the sensitivity of the moment. “Country music has aways been this kind of neighborhood where everyone gets along. We had everyone’s back. But it doesn’t feel that way anymore. The heels are dug in more than ever. It’s pretty heavy.” The manager has also witnessed the same backstage chilliness that Lovelady recounts. However, he says it is unquestioningly due to opposing political ideologies and beliefs. “I’ve always enjoyed seeing people in the hallways backstage,” he says. “But it’s not like that. You tend to avoid people, because everyone talks politics backstage. Everyone used to leave their dressing room doors open. The doors are shut now.”

The major signs that Nashville is visibly fracturing have all happened fairly recently. In August of last year, country and alt-pop singer Cassadee Pope, and then Maren Morris, took Jason Aldean’s wife Brittany to task for making seemingly transphobic comments. (“I’d really like to thank my parents for not changing my gender when I went through my tomboy phase,” Brittany Aldean posted.) This summer, her husband’s song “Try That in a Small Town,” and especially its controversial music video, led to Americana songwriter Jason Isbell tweeting, “Dare Aldean to write his next single himself. That’s what we try in my small town.” On X (the social media site formerly known as Twitter), Jake Owen, a mainstream country singer, seemed to side with Aldean. He clapped back at Isbell by writing in part, “Jason, you’re always the first to get behind your keyboard and spout off with this stupid shit.” (He since posted that he “came in hot on the conversation because I’m passionate about” songwriters.) The public tiffs also included Zach Bryan, whose duet with Kacey Musgraves “I Remember Everything” is on track to be the Number One song in the nation, taking a shot in April at country acts “insulting transgender people.” The comment was prompted by veteran Travis Tritt’s tweet that he would be “deleting all Anheuser-Busch products from my tour hospitality rider” following a Bud Light promotion that featured transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney. Bryan, who said that he wasn’t aiming directly at Tritt, later talked it out in person with the Nineties star at a music festival in Texas, with Bryan calling Tritt “a good guy” and Tritt saying, “So glad we had a chance to chat, Zach.”

Although these feuds haven’t dominated the genre, they also haven’t gone unnoticed. “Like all industries, we’re not immune from the external pressures and the world at large,” says R.J. Romeo, president of the Romeo Entertainment Group, a leading talent agency that books country acts. “So naturally, there’s more divisiveness in the country now than ever before. That’s going to show up in opinions on music and everything.” The history of country music hasn’t been without its share of fights and rumbles; ask anyone who’s worked on an awards show or at a festival and you’ll hear tales of artists grumbling about their peers’ egos, sales figures, or place on the bill. In 2013, Zac Brown made waves when he called Luke Bryan’s song “That’s My Kind of Night” the “worst song I’ve ever heard.” They later hammed it up and hugged it out on live TV at the CMA Awards.

Public quarrels over politics, meanwhile, have been as rare as synthesizer solos in the genre. The then-Dixie Chicks’ feud with Toby Keith, which started when Chicks singer Natalie Maines criticized one of Keith’s songs in a 2002 interview and caught fire after Maines dissed George W. Bush onstage in the U.K. over the 2003 Iraq invasion, was one of the few times in recent memory when open warfare broke out among country artists over political matters. Such quarrels may become more common. “With everything heating up with the presidential race, people are beginning to have very distinct opinions,” Lovelady says. And the shift, involving country stars of different generations and accelerated by social media, has been jarring for longtime observers. Country acts, Romeo says, “all go through media training, and they’re usually very diplomatic or middle of the road with a lot of their responses. But I’ve seen more artists come out of what we call ‘the artist bubble’ and show more of their true self, you could say — or their less polished self.”

Rolling Stone explores how the culture wars are roiling the once-tightknit community of country music fans.