#Vanderbilt University Baseball

[kromeihl]

🕸️ | next.

Kenji Sato, a famous baseball player on the campus of YG University. Every boy wanted to be a star like him, he couldn’t deny that he loved the attention he got at first, but— things started to change.

You were well-known in the university as well. Smart, a science enthusiast. You always had an eye for Sato, he was admirable, everyone and anyone would agree.

Not until the past affects him again, remembering the memories of where his parents had left him with his aunt and uncle.

Losing games was the worst that could happen, and his popularity slowly dying as he took a break from it all. And getting bit by a spider was even more than just a problem, the unknown awaiting him.

But at least, you're there to help.

Out now. The plot of the story “The Amazing Spiderman (2012)” belongs to director Marc Webb and was written by James Vanderbilt, Alvin Sargent, and Steve Kloves.

divider by: @/cafekitsune

Some parts of the story may follow according to the plot of The Amazing Spiderman (2012) unless shown/changed/stated, some names being changed for it to be appropriate with the character (Kenji Sato). Characters do not belong to me unless stated, from the shows: Ultraman:Rising and The Amazing Spiderman 2012.

To be warned, mentions of blood, violence, a bit of suggestive scenes will be present.

Tags for this series: #ameijamsspiderken🕸️

made for this request: here.

[1nternational]

[  FULL NAME  ]   mathis    jean    devereux. [  BIRTH-DATE  ]  november 9th. [  CURRENT AGE  ]   22-29. [  ZODIAC SIGN  ]  scorpio. [  BIRTH-PLACE  ]  le    chesnay,  france. [  GENDER  ]   cis-male. [  OCCUPATION  ]   professional    baseball    player.  [   outfielder   for   the   seattle mariners.   ]  [  HEIGHT  ]  6′8  (  203 cm )   [  WEIGHT ] 243lbs. [  FAMILY  ]  fernanda    reyes-garcia.    [  mother  ,  alive  ]    .   pierre  devereux.    [  father     ,    alive   ]    ,    gabriella    devereux.    [  younger sister  ,   alive  ]. [  LANGUAGES  ]    french   [  native language   ,  fluent   ]      ,   spanish    [  fluent   ]    ,  english  [  majority fluent  ]     ,     swedish    [  conversational   ]   , italian  [  conversational  ]. [  UNIVERSITY   ]     vanderbilt  university.   [  played baseball for four  years , graduating with a degree in architectural engineering before entering the mlb draft at the age of 22.  ]  [  MLB DRAFT   ]   drafted#2overall    to    the   seattle    mariners. [  PERSONALITY  ]   charming  ,  unselfish    ,   intelligent    ,    family oriented      ,      hard-working    ,    confident   ,  analytical. [  AWARDS  ]  rookie   of   the   year   ,   al  mvp   [  2x  ]   ,   t-mobile   home-run   derby   winner    ,    mlb   rookie   of   the   month   award [  june  ]    ,     mlb   rookie   of   the   month   award  [   may   ]      ,    silver     slugger    award  [  2x  ]     ,   2× all-star [    2022     ,     2023    ]     ,    all   mlb    first   team  [    3x    ]   [ VOICE-CLAIM  ]  kingsley     coleman. 

[emblempark]

Emblem Park in Nashville, TN

Are you planning to rent luxury apartments in Nashville, TN nowadays? If that is the case, you can research about Emblem Park now. Basically, Emblem Park offers studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom residences, best-in-class amenities, and prime access to the city’s most innovative and exciting neighborhood. It is also a vibrant and walkable area that offers the best restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and nightlife just steps from your door. Hence, as a hub for innovation and creativity, Wedgewood-Houston is the ideal neighborhood for those looking to experience an exciting and ever evolving community that melds Nashville’s history with its dynamic future.

Nashville, TN

Nashville, Tennessee, shines as a vibrant economic powerhouse, famously dubbed "Music City" due to its thriving music industry, home to major record labels and the legendary Grand Ole Opry. In addition, this dynamic city also boasts a robust healthcare sector, with over 300 companies, including the headquarters of Hospital Corporation of America or HCA. Aside from that, tourism flourishes, drawing millions of visitors each year. Furthermore, the city's education and technology sectors are expanding, supported by esteemed institutions like Vanderbilt University. Last but not least, Nashville's diverse economic landscape ensures resilience and growth, solidifying its reputation as a flourishing Southern metropolis.

The Parthenon in Nashville, TN

Interestingly, visiting The Parthenon in Nashville, TN, offers a unique blend of history and culture that makes for an enriching vacation experience. As a full-scale replica of the ancient Greek Parthenon, it provides a fascinating glimpse into classical architecture and art. Inside, you'll find the awe-inspiring 42-foot statue of Athena, surrounded by exquisite art galleries showcasing both permanent and rotating exhibits. Moreover, it is also located in the beautiful Centennial Park. Then, it's a perfect spot for leisurely strolls and picnics. Lastly, this iconic landmark not only celebrates ancient history but also serves as a vibrant cultural hub in the heart of Nashville.

Former Major League Baseball star helps coach young players in Franklin

Nashville, TN has been buzzing with thought-provoking news, particularly in the realm of sports. In line with that, a standout story features Showtime Sports Academy, which distinguishes itself from typical batting cages. Moreover, this uniqueness is largely due to co-owner Glen Johnson, an exceptional batting coach. Glen shared with News 2, "It's been my whole life, and obviously my dad's, for a long time." Notably, Glen is the son of Howard Johnson, a former Major League Baseball veteran who enjoyed a 14-year career, most prominently with the New York Mets. This familial legacy adds a special touch to the Academy's atmosphere.

Link to map

The Parthenon 2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203, United States Take 27th Ave N and Park Plaza to Charlotte Ave 4 min (0.6 mi) Continue on Charlotte Ave. Take I-40 E to US-31 ALT S/4th Ave S 8 min (3.7 mi) Emblem Park 1414 4th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37210, United States

[ipconsultinggroup-1]

🎯 Penn State Wins Trademark Case Over Retailer's Use of Vintage Logos, Images

Penn State emerged victorious in a significant trademark dispute concerning the use of its vintage sports logos and imagery by an online retailer. A Pennsylvania jury awarded the university $28,000 in damages for products created and sold by Vintage Brand and Sportswear Inc., companies co-founded by former minor league baseball player Chad Hartvigson.

Penn State accused the firms of distributing “counterfeit” clothing and accessories, while the defendants argued their website clearly stated they were unaffiliated with the university. The case, filed by Penn State in 2021, was the first among similar lawsuits by other universities, including Purdue, Stanford, and UCLA, to proceed to trial. Many viewed it as a precedent-setting case in the sports merchandising industry.

Tiffany Gehrke, a Chicago-based trademark attorney uninvolved in the case, noted the trial addressed a critical trademark law issue—whether trademark owners can prevent unauthorized use of their marks on merchandise. She stated that the verdict upholds existing protections, whereas a win for Vintage Brand could have significantly altered the industry landscape.

The six-day trial took place in federal court in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, presided over by Chief U.S. District Judge Matthew W. Brann. Defense attorneys did not comment on the outcome or whether they plan to appeal.

Penn State celebrated the decision, emphasizing the importance of its trademarks to the university’s brand. In a statement, the school expressed gratitude for the outcome, highlighting its partnerships with licensed vendors who adhere to the proper processes for using its marks.

According to the lawsuit, Penn State has used its Nittany Lion mascot, adopted in 1904, along with its seal and other logos, for decades. Founded in 1855, the university now operates 24 campuses with more than 100,000 students.

Contact Us DC: +1 (202) 666-8377 MD: +1 (240) 477-6361 FL +1 (239) 292–6789 Website: https://www.ipconsultinggroups.com/ Mail: protect@ipconsultinggroups.com Headquarters: 9009 Shady Grove Ct. Gaithersburg, MD 20877 Branch Office: 7734 16th St, NW Washington DC 20012 Branch Office: Vanderbilt Dr, Bonita Spring, FL 34134

[mooresmithtreecare]

10 Reasons Why People Love Nashville, TN

Nashville, Tennessee. The name itself conjures up images of twangy guitars, iconic honky-tonks, and the unmistakable spirit of Southern hospitality. But Music City offers so much more than just a soundtrack. Here are 10 reasons why Nashville captivates residents and visitors alike:

A Living Music Legacy:  Nashville is synonymous with country music. Catch legendary performers at the Grand Ole Opry, the longest-running live radio show. Explore the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, or delve deeper into specific genres at independent venues. Live music isn't confined to country either – find everything from blues to bluegrass to up-and-coming indie rock all across the city. A Culinary Crave:  Nashville's food scene is as diverse as its music. Savor melt-in-your-mouth hot chicken, a Nashville specialty, or indulge in classic Southern comfort food. Explore trendy farm-to-table restaurants or grab a craft beer at a local brewery. No matter your taste, Nashville has a culinary adventure waiting for you. Southern Charm with a Modern Edge:  Nashville boasts a unique blend of Southern charm and cosmopolitan energy. Friendly locals greet you with a smile, while a vibrant art scene and trendy boutiques offer a taste of urban sophistication. Explore historic neighborhoods like The Gulch, brimming with repurposed warehouses and chic eateries, or wander through charming areas like 12South with its quirky shops and vibrant atmosphere. The Great Outdoors Await:  Nashville isn't just about cityscapes. Take a break and explore the beauty of Tennessee's rolling hills. Hike or bike the trails at Percy Warner Park, or rent a kayak and paddle down the Cumberland River. Within a short drive, you can find stunning waterfalls, state parks, and even explore Civil War battlefields steeped in history. Festival Fun:  Nashville is a city that loves to celebrate. Throughout the year, a vibrant festival scene offers something for everyone. From the world-renowned CMA Fest, a country music extravaganza, to Bonnaroo, a multi-genre music festival, there's always a reason to get out and enjoy the live music scene. Food festivals, art walks, and cultural celebrations add to the city's festive spirit. Sports on Tap:  Catch a game and cheer on your favorite team! Nashville boasts professional franchises in football (Tennessee Titans), hockey (Nashville Predators), and Major League Baseball (Nashville Sounds). The city also has a growing soccer scene and offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy college athletics. A Throng of Talent:  Nashville is a magnet for creative minds. Aspiring musicians, songwriters, and artists flock to the city, fostering a dynamic and innovative atmosphere. This energy spills over into everything from the constantly evolving music scene to the city's vibrant art scene and trendy restaurants. Education Hub:  Nashville is home to several prestigious universities, including Vanderbilt University, Belmont University, and Tennessee State University. These institutions contribute to the city's intellectual and cultural life, attracting a diverse and well-educated population. A Family-Friendly City:  Nashville offers plenty for families to enjoy. Explore the interactive exhibits at the Frist Art Museum or catch a show at the historic Ryman Auditorium. Spend a day at the Nashville Zoo, or take a walk through Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, a stunning botanical garden with beautiful scenery and family-friendly events. A City on the Rise:  Nashville is a city on the move. With a booming economy and a constantly evolving skyline, it's an exciting place to be. Whether you're looking for a vibrant music scene, a delicious culinary adventure, or a city with a strong sense of community, Nashville has something to offer everyone.

So, if you're looking for a city that's brimming with life, music, and Southern charm, then Nashville might just be the perfect place for you. Come see why Music City makes your heart sing.

When selecting a tree service company in Nashville, TN, it's crucial to consider several key factors to ensure you're making the right choice for your needs. Firstly, check for credentials such as certifications and licenses. A reputable company should have certified arborists and proper licensing to perform tree care services safely and effectively.

Secondly, inquire about insurance coverage. Any reputable tree service company should carry both liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance to protect you, your property, and their workers in case of accidents or damages.

Thirdly, ask about the company's experience and expertise. Look for a company with a proven track record of successful tree care projects and a team with extensive knowledge of local tree species, diseases, and environmental factors specific to Nashville.

Additionally, consider the range of services offered. A comprehensive tree service company should provide a wide array of services, including tree trimming, pruning, removal, stump grinding, and emergency tree services.

Lastly, seek out reviews and testimonials from past clients. Hearing about others' experiences can provide valuable insights into the company's reliability, professionalism, and quality of work.

By carefully considering these factors, you can confidently choose the right tree service company in Nashville, TN, to meet your needs and ensure the health and beauty of your trees.

Moore & Smith Tree Care LLC 301 S Perimeter Park Dr #100, Nashville, TN 37211, United States (615) 877-8733 https://nashvilletntreeservice.com/

[taruntravell]

Best Weekend getaway destinations in New York

New York State offers a wide range of weekend getaway destinations, from the bustling city of New York to charming small towns and natural wonders. Here are some of the best weekend getaway destinations in New York:

New York City: The obvious choice, NYC offers an endless array of activities, including visiting world-famous landmarks like Times Square, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, and Broadway shows. You can also explore diverse neighborhoods, enjoy fine dining, and experience vibrant nightlife.

The Catskills: Known for their stunning natural beauty, the Catskill Mountains are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. You can go hiking, fishing, skiing (in winter), or simply relax in a cozy cabin.

The Adirondacks: Another great destination for outdoor lovers, the Adirondacks offer hiking, boating, and camping opportunities. Lake Placid, in particular, is famous for its Olympic history and picturesque scenery.

The Hamptons: A popular summer getaway for New Yorkers, the Hamptons offer beautiful beaches, upscale dining, and a relaxed atmosphere. It's a great place to unwind and escape the city's hustle and bustle.

Hudson Valley: Just a short drive from NYC, the Hudson Valley is known for its wineries, charming towns (like Hudson and Rhinebeck), and historic sites like the Vanderbilt Mansion and FDR's home.

Long Island: Explore Long Island's North Fork for its wineries and scenic beaches or head to the South Fork (The Hamptons) for a mix of luxury and relaxation.

Niagara Falls: Although a bit of a drive from NYC, Niagara Falls is a spectacular natural wonder that's worth the trip. You can take boat tours to get up close to the falls and explore the surrounding area.

Ithaca: Located in the Finger Lakes region, Ithaca is known for its stunning gorges, waterfalls, and outdoor activities. Don't miss a visit to Cornell University and the beautiful Buttermilk Falls State Park.

Saratoga Springs: Famous for its horse racing and mineral springs, Saratoga Springs offers a charming downtown area with shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

Lake George: This scenic lake in the Adirondacks is ideal for water sports, boating, and hiking. It's also home to the Six Flags Great Escape amusement park.

Cooperstown: Baseball fans will love Cooperstown, home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. The town also features beautiful lakes and museums.

Rochester: Explore the cultural attractions of Rochester, including the George Eastman Museum, the Strong National Museum of Play, and the beautiful Highland Park.

Buffalo: Discover the revitalized waterfront, historic architecture, and cultural attractions like the Albright-Knox Art Gallery and the Buffalo Museum of Science.

These are just a few of the many weekend getaway options in New York State. Whether you prefer outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or relaxation, you'll find something to suit your interests within a few hours' drive of the city.

[muhammaddahab]

Herrentennis | Der Trainer des Admirals gibt seinen Rücktritt bekannt

Herrentennis | Der Trainer des Admirals gibt seinen Rücktritt bekannt

Nashville, Tennessee – Ian Duvenhag, der siegreiche Trainer in Vanderbilts Herrentennisgeschichte, gab am Donnerstag bekannt, dass er am Ende der Saison 2022/23 in den Ruhestand gehen wird. Dovenhag ging mit 217 Siegen in einem Zwei-Spiele-Wettbewerb, 63 Siegen im Spiel der Southeastern Conference und in der SEC-Gewinnquote in sein letztes Frühjahr als Allzeitführer der Commodores. Insgesamt hat…

[petervintonjr]

Lesson 80: "Things that I thought were liabilities turned out to be assets." Today we look at the achievements of artist and illustrator Simmie Lee Knox, whose likeness I dearly hope I have done justice, in this baseball card-sized watercolour-with-ink.

Knox is perhaps most famous for having painted the official White House Presidential portraits of Bill Clinton and Hillary Rodham Clinton; the first black artist to be selected for such.

Born in 1935 Alabama, a chance baseball-playing injury at the age of 13 led to eye surgery, and drawing was suggested as a possible aid to therapy. From there Knox discovered his latent talent --unfortunately the segregated high school which he attended at the time did not have an art program, but his teachers recognized his ability and found a tutor nonetheless. After a short stint in the Army, Knox went on to graduate from Delaware State College, got his Master's in Art from the Tyler School of Art in Pennsylvania, and became a teacher at Bowie (Md.) State College and at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, D.C.

Knox's art initially leaned towards the abstract, but he soon settled into his favourite challenge: the human face. "If I talk to you for five minutes, I have you pretty much sized up," he says of this subject. Early commissions from celebrities brought him to the attention of the Washington, D.C. art scene, and by the end of the 1990's he was painting such luminaries as Supreme Court justices Thurgood Marshall and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. A portrait of Senator Blanche Bruce (see Lesson #24 in this series) and a recommendation from Judge Ginsburg herself brought Knox to the attention of the White House, and in 2002 he was commissioned to paint the official White House portraits of the Clintons, which he describes as his "personal Super Bowl moment."

Knox continues to paint and inspire a new generation of artists (having lately pivoted to more landscapes and flower studies). He painted a four-subject study for Vanderbilt University of four of their most noteworthy African-American alums, including the Rev. James Lawson (see previous Lesson in this series). A more recent project, "The Art of Justice: Honoring and Continuing a Movement for Equality through Artistic Expression," in Mt. Rainier, Maryland, incorporated a group exhibition in protest at the 2012 murder of Trayvon Martin.

Learn more about Mr. Knox's remarkable artistic journey at: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/02/18/portrait-artist-simmie-knox/1929157/

[graequeen]

La Mia Ragazza Rockey

Chapter 20

    When I was ten, I met a girl named Brittney; we sat next to each other in class. I remember trying to be very sweet to her; being new to the neighborhood didn’t guarantee that she’d be miss popular. Turned out, she would spend the next seven years bullying me. Apparently I started it by being “too nice”.

    It had gotten so bad at one point, that the name “Brittney” became synonymous with pure evil. To this day, I recoil at the mere thought of her, and the things she's done to me. I’ve had my head dunked in used toilets almost everyday. I never got the chance to eat lunch at school, cause Brittney was “hungry”. My grades suffered the most, and there was one point where I didn’t think I would graduate high school.

    I would sometimes hide in one of the stalls in the unused girls’ bathroom, whenever I got a chance to hide during lunch. Brittney and her crew ALWAYS found me. ALWAYS. I’ve had broken bones, busted lips, bruises, and cuts that I was forced to hide from my grandparents.

    One day, my grandpa discovered a wound, and immediately sat me down. He had always figured there was something wrong; it was the sight of a particular bruise that set off every alarm in his mind. 

    “Rockey, sit down.” he said firmly. His tone of voice set off a few red flags, but as I quickly recalled the events from the past couple of days, I couldn’t find anything bad that I’ve done.

    I sat down, and waited anxiously for whatever he was going to say or do. I’ve lived with my grandparents since I was six; my parents were deemed irresponsible to take care of me by Family Court. My grandparents, especially my grandpa, meant everything to me. 

    My grandpa, Jasper, sat across from me with a serious face. After a few seconds, he reached over to the small table next to his favorite recliner. He pulled out his gun, and began loading the chamber. My heart began racing. 

    “I’m sorry! I don’t know what I’ve done, but I’m REALLY SORRY!” I blurted out. Though he had never raised a hand or voice at me, he was still a scary man.

    He looked at me with a bewildered look. “What the hell are you talking about Rockey? I’m not going to hurt you.”

    The relief on my face was clearly visible. But there was something bothering me: why was he loading his gun?

    “Rockey, I am going to ask you this once. Is that fruity-tooty, sorry ass excuse of a boyfriend putting his hands on you?” he asked as he held onto his loaded gun and his car keys. It took me a few seconds to fully understand what was going on.

    “Oh God no! Danny has never done that, I promise.” I said quickly.

    My grandpa looked at me for a few minutes, as if scanning my eyes to see if I was ying. As soon as he was satisfied with my answer, he dropped his keys on top of the dresser. He, however, held onto his gun.

    “Then who is the one that is hurting you?” he asked, pointing to my covered arm. Earlier today, I had wrapped a massive bruise that I got recently from school.

    Instinctively, I began to rub my arm, despite the slight pain. I began to mumble in response, something that my grandpa hated the most.

    “Rockey, you know I don’t like that mumbling shit.” he said. “I’ve always told you to speak your mind clearly.”

    “It...it’s from…” I began, but couldn’t utter a word. It wasn’t as if I was afraid of him; I was dreading his disappointment. My grandma, Cielo, told me that when my grandpa was younger, he basically ran his neighborhood. He wasn’t a thug, or anything like that, but he did not take shit from anybody. He was well respected and loved by a lot of people.

    I thought he would be mad that his granddaughter was being pushed around, without defending herself. And the last thing I ever wanted to do, was to make him feel disappointed. I’ve always felt like a burden to my parents, and they made sure that I knew it. I can’t imagine making my grandparents feel the same way.

    He let out a pensive sigh. “Rockey, is it someone from school? A bully?” I could only nod in response. 

    He put his gun away, and gently grabbed my hands. “Now, whoever this is will pay for their actions. No one, and I mean no one, touches my baby girl. But I need you to learn how to defend yourself. This is getting out of hand, and it’ll only get worse. Don’t you let anyone EVER hurt you like this ever again.” With that, he grabbed his keys again, and got up. 

    “Where are you going?” I asked. 

    “To raise Hell at your school.” he replied simply.

    I don’t know what came over me, but I quickly got up and grabbed his arm. “No, wait. Let me handle this.”

    My grandpa looked at me seriously, before saying, “I’m giving you one chance to handle this before I do.”

    That was enough motivation for me to get a hold of the situation. I went straight to the principal’s office the next day, and reported the issue. Normally they wouldn’t expel a student based solely off of one incident, but the multiple injuries, and its severity, deemed Brittney too dangerous to be in school. She was expelled within a week of investigation. After that, I had never seen her again.

    But as I opened the door to Principal Lindstrom’s office, a sickly familiar face greeted me.

    Mr. Lindstrom’s office was enormous: a beautiful wooden desk was positioned in the center of the room. Pictures of celebrities that had either attended the school, or visited, was scattered all over the place. There was a section of the wall by the door dedicated to the school’s baseball team. There were multiple pictures of every year’s team, and at the center of it, was the school’s prized possession: a wooden bat with signatures from the 2002 winning team. The player who used that bat won a scholarship to Vanderbilt University.

    A jade green rug covered the floor, and a gold curtain covered the windows. Like everything else in this school, it was unnecessarily expensive for no reason. 

    There were seven chairs laid out in front of the principal. A young girl, whose face was buried in her hands, sat by herself. A young boy, with a small cut on his cheek, sat with a greedy grin. He was situated next to a well-dressed business man, who had the same identical grin as the boy. And on the other side of the boy, sat Brittney, whose psychotic grin grew wider once we made eye contact.

[countryhixes]

August 25, 1950: The sixth annual Larry Gilbert Junior League All-Star Baseball Game was held at Sulphur Dell Park in downtown Nashville, Tennessee. Before the minor league event began, another game, or spectacle, was held between “Grand Ole Opry Stars,” a team made up of Opry performers, and the “Fallen Stars,” a team consisting of other “distinguished Nashville citizens.” The event was heavily promoted and sponsored by the Nashville Banner newspaper in the weeks leading up to the game with Opry members gathering for a photo shoot at the Ryman in which they signed “contracts” with E.B. Stahlman, Jr., executive Vice President and co-publisher of the paper.

During the photo-op, “hard hitting third baseman” Ernest Tubb refused to sign his contract stating, “I’m not going to play on the same team as Red Foley!” One newspaper article facetiously claimed Tubb’s “heavy hitting and classy fielding have earned him several major league offers” and that his Opry teammates thought their chances of winning without the Texas Troubadour were not very good. The paper played up the dispute for weeks going so far as having Stahlman deny rumors that Tubb would be signing with the opposing team.

“It’s not a matter of money,” Tubb was quoted as saying, “I just don’t like Red Foley and can’t see any sense playing on the same team with him. And I’ll tell you something else, if Foley is able to hit a ball out of the infield on August 25, it will be the greatest miracle since the public took a shine to Foley’s kind of singing!” When Foley was asked his opinion on the dispute, he replied, “Tubb... Who’s he?”

Nearly 10,000 fans packed the stadium for the spectacle. Vocalist Delores Watson and the Bob Hamp Orchestra got the entertainment started with a selection of pop songs followed by a clown named Chalko and his diminutive assistant providing some comedy. The Opry Stars concluded their warm ups with a rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” before heading into their respective dugouts as the starting lineups were read over the PA.

Ernest Tubb had indeed turned on his fellow Opry stars and was announced as the second batter and third baseman for The Fallen Stars. Jim Denny presented the starting lineup and batting order for the Opry Stars; Grady Martin (C), Red Foley (1B), Bill Monroe (P), Lonzo & Oscar (2B), Hank Williams & Little Jimmy Dickens (SS), Rod Brasfield & Cowboy Copas (3B), Hank Snow & June Carter (LF), George Morgan & Milton Estes (CF) and Bob Eaton & Jim Day (RF).

After being led onto the field blind folded, comedian Whitey Ford, better known as ‘The Duke of Paducah,’ took his position as umpire standing behind the pitcher with microphone in hand. Once he was convinced that the Fallen Stars’ first and third base coaches were not spies from the National Barn Dance, a program that rivaled the Grand Ole Opry on Chicago radio station WLS, the Duke announced it was time to “play ball!” The Nashville Banner wrote that what followed was “the most awesome and awful presentation yet witnessed on an American diamond.”

Ernest Tubb, whose feud with Red Foley had reached “white-hot proportions” according to the newspaper, managed to get a hold of Red Foley’s guitar and stepped into the batter's box using the guitar as a bat. He managed to get a hit with the instrument and advanced to first base. But Foley got his revenge a few minutes later when he caught Tubb a little too far off the bag.

Upon further investigation, the umpire discovered Foley was in possession of a second ball and awarded Tubb two extra bases, putting him on third. The Duke of Paducah demanded that all Opry players immediately hand over any extra balls in their possession. He was besieged with baseballs from all the players on the field. When the Opry team batted in the bottom of the first, Tubb got the last laugh when he put Foley out by catching an infield fly.

The game was called after one inning when The Duke of Paducah forfeited the game to the Fallen Stars explaining that “the musicians wouldn’t play fair.” After the real game was over, the Opry put on a show. Ernest Tubb and Red Foley our aside their differences and performed “Goodnight, Irene” which would start a three week run at #1 on the Billboard Jukebox and Best Sellers charts the following day.

All the proceeds from the game were used to support four annual scholarships, three at Vanderbilt University, one at Peabody College, a Boy Scout camp, Key Clubs in three local high schools and the Red Cross Shield Center camps for under-privileged children. The event was pronounced the biggest success of any to date at that time.

Red Foley signing his contract to play on the "Grand Ole Opry Stars" minor league baseball team.

Ernest Tubb refuses to sign his contract stating he will not play on a team with Red Foley.

https://joeyallcorn.com/honky-tonk-history/blog/a-grand-ole-opry-baseball-game-august-25-1950

[let-it-raines]

Catch Me If You Can (36/40)

298 days. That’s how long Killian Jones was away from a baseball field. It’s less than a year, only part of a season for him, but it might as well have lasted a decade as he alternated between physical therapy and spending an excessive amount of time sitting on his couch.

But then he came back and won the World Series.

It’s something no one saw coming, and it’s certainly not something anyone who knows about his arm would predict. Now it’s a new season with new possibilities, and anything could happen. On-field reporter Emma Swan will be there to cover it all even if she is not his biggest fan right now.

Asking her out live on-air will do that.

Rating: Mature

a/n: Whaaaat? Two chapters in two days? What kind of alternate universe are we living in?? 😉 This is totally to make up for the last few chapters taking forever even though they’re literally just sitting on my computer!

Thanks to @imagnifika​ for her awesome art, @resident-of-storybrooke​ for reading these words and so many other words of mine (it’s a lot), and to @wellhellotragic​ who prompted me with the idea that inspired this whole thing all the way back in June!

AO3: Beginning | Current

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-/-

Killian fucking hates Boston.

It’s a great city full of good food, and in another lifetime, he’d mostly likely enjoy living here. Right now, the air is crisp with the scent of fall, and trees are in the middle of losing their leaves, the ones remaining a myriad of oranges and reds that remind Killian of sitting in a park in Cincinnati with his mother raking up leaves and then jumping into the piles before cleaning them up for the city. He had to have been four or five then, but that’s one of the first memories that he has. Looking out the window of his hotel room to a park that looks almost identical reminds him of that.

He should be happy, more than happy really, but when you’re trying to get to the World Series next week and are currently tied 2-2 in the AL Championship Series against the Red Sox on the way to getting there, happiness isn’t exactly the most common feeling.

And they’re playing in Boston tonight, and despite the fact that they won last night, beating both the team and the deafening roar of the crowd, Killian is not entirely convinced that they’re going to win again tonight. They could still come back from it by winning the next two games at home, but he’d really rather win here and then win the sixth game at home when he’s pitching and not have to deal with the nastiness of going to a seventh and deciding game.

Who in the hell wants to play sports for a living? It’s too damn stressful.

Losing won’t kill him, not at all. The fact that he’s having the season he’s having, especially with all of the ups and downs and lay-offs, is incredible and a full-credit to his team. But he got the taste of being the last team standing last year, and he wants it back.

Some players never get their hands on the trophy, and Killian is greedy enough to want it twice both for himself, his teammates, and his family.

And Emma. He wants it for Emma.

So, Killian really hates Boston and the fact that they keep putting them in close situations like this. Close games are often the best ones, the ones that have everyone on the edge of their seat, but Killian would kill for an easy night.

“The city isn’t going to implode just because you’re staring out at it with evil in your eyes.”

“One can hope though.”

“That’s entirely sadistic.”

He huffs and turns from the window to look at where Emma is sitting in bed (they’ve stopped bothering to get different hotel rooms now) with her knees pulled up so that she can rest her laptop there. He woke up this morning to her typing away. Apparently, she didn’t finish her work last night, so she had to wake up early this morning to send in a report before the deadline. Walsh’s firing has ended up having Emma needing to write more on top of her regular work, and even though she says she doesn’t mind – “I like writing,” she keeps saying – he knows that it’s kind of a kick in the teeth for her to have to do some of Walsh’s work.

The man is never fully going to go away, obviously. He and Brennan are like a bug that won’t die no matter how much you squash it.

“Are you almost finished with your report, love?”

“Yep,” she says. “I’m finished with it and have moved onto doing my prep work for today’s game as well as a little bit of online shopping because there are these boots that I really want but can’t decide if I’m going to buy.”

“That’s the hardest decision you’ve ever made.”

“Says the man who spends hours trying to decide which identical blue button-down shirt he wants to buy to ‘update’ his wardrobe.”

Killian scoffs and walks forward to flop down on the bed next to her, shaking the mattress with his movement, until he’s flipping over on his back and spreading out so that he takes up most of the space. Emma always hates when he does that.

“My clothes may not be as varied as yours, my darling, but it does take effort to look as good as I do on a regular basis.”

He turns his head to the side to look at her, a smile on his face, and she simply rakes her eyes up and down his body, very obviously perusing him. “You are currently wearing a pair of sweatpants that have a hole in the ass and a hoodie that I’m pretty sure has a permanent stain from some kind of baking accident. Your fashion sense is amazing.”

“You are literally in a pair of pajama pants with Snoopy’s face on them.”

“You wear the same two uniforms all the time.”

“Sometimes we wear the black ones.”

Emma hums. “Those are my favorite. I’ll stop making fun of you for things if you can convince the owners to let you guys wear the all black uniforms more often.”

“You were particularly fond of those on Players’ Weekend.”

“I’m a fan of a man in all black.”

Killian shifts on the mattress, propping himself up on the pillows until he’s mostly resting against the headboard. He can see Emma’s computer screen now, half of it covered with statistics and the other covered with Nordstrom’s website and a pair of boots. If there’s one thing Emma will splurge on, it’s boots.

“Buy the boots, Swan. Live a little bit.”

Emma arches a brow. “Am I made of money?”

“No,” he sighs, leaning over to kiss her shoulder. “That would be very convenient if you were. I’d never work again.”

“If you’re living off of my salary, you’re screwed because I’m definitely going to buy these super expensive boots. I think they would look really cute with the black suede skirt.”

“Ah, yes, I know the one,” he says sarcastically.

“Shut up,” Emma laughs, half-heartedly reaching over to slap his shoulder. “You do! I wore it when we went to dinner last week, and your eyes practically fell out of your head.”

Killian tries to think of what Emma wore last week, his mind blanking on everything at the moment, but then he’s brought back to a memory of the two of them going to eat at Palma on Cornelia Street last week. She’d looked gorgeous that night, her legs going on for miles aided by the heels, and they’d been late for their reservation because the street one block over was Jones Street and Emma insisted that he take a picture underneath the sign for her to send to Liam and Elsa.

He had not been amused, but in his defense, he really wanted to eat.

“Hmm, I think I do recall that one now that I think about it. You should definitely get those boots to wear with that.”

“I didn’t need your permission, but thank you for the approval. Do we need to be getting ready to go have breakfast with everyone?”

“I’m pretty sure breakfast is over down in the lobby.”

“No,” Emma sighs, clicking a few buttons on her laptop until he sees that she did indeed buy the boots. “We’re meeting everyone for breakfast at the café at the end of the block at ten.”

Killian groans and throws his arm over his eyes like the dramatic ass that he is. “That means I have to get dressed.”

“Well, I would prefer it that way. Your pants show off what you’ve got going on in both the front and the back, and I think you might get arrested for public indecency. That’d put a damper in the whole trying to get to the World Series thing.”

“Would you bail me out?”

Emma shrugs her shoulders and closes her laptop. “Eh, maybe. I might not have the money with the boots I just bought.”

-/-

They win that night.

It’s close, far closer than Killian would like watching from the sidelines, and he chews more gum than he thinks he’s ever chewed during a game. Rum would be preferable, but that’s not exactly the best solution when he’s got two nights until he’s got to pitch in the game that could bring them to the World Series.

Al really has far too much confidence in Killian for putting him in position in the line-up.

-/-

Killian fucking loves New York.

Sure, it’s hot and crowded and sometimes smells absolutely horrendous, but he loves it. He’s lived here for seven years, had his family live here for more than that, and he can’t imagine having to ever live anywhere else.

This is his home.

For awhile, he didn’t have one, not really. Everything changed when his mom died, the house feeling far emptier than any lived-in house should feel, and it only continued to empty as the years went on and Brennan became more and more of a distant figure. And as much as Killian loved Vanderbilt, that was simply a temporary home.

Manhattan? This is home.

One day he may like to move a little outside of the city to a place with a big yard and less traffic, but right now, everything he loves is here.

Everyone.

“Uncle Killian,” Lucy whispers, tugging on the hem of his shirt, “is it time to eat dinner yet?”

“Not quite yet, Luce. We can go ask Anna about it, though, yeah?”

He bends down and picks Lucy up, resting her on his hip while she wraps her arms around his neck so that she doesn’t fall. He’s picked her up thousands of times, had her little head nestled onto his shoulder twice that many times, but there’s something peaceful about it now as they stand in one of the sitting rooms at Liam’s house looking out onto the street in front of them as cars occasionally pass by and the leaves keep falling from the few trees that line the street.

They got in from Boston this morning, immediately went to practice, and then most everyone came to Liam and Elsa’s house for dinner as some kind of pre-game Friday night dinner to get everyone’s minds off of things.

There are more people in this townhome than it has seen in years, and he doesn’t think anyone is complaining.

Killian is a little bit, if only because his mind is very much focused on tomorrow and not screwing up to let everyone he loves down, and that’s why he’d walked away from the crowd in the kitchen and living room and wandered upstairs to the sitting room that no one ever wanders into.

Except for Lucy apparently.

Kids seem to foil all kinds of plans, and Lucy is not going to be having a fun day tomorrow since she’s most definitely up far past her bedtime.

He is officially an old man.

“What are we eating?”

“I think it’s lasagna. You know, like big spaghetti all moved together.”

“I know what lasagogona is.”

Wow, that was a butchering of the word lasagna if he’s ever heard it.

“You certainly don’t know how to pronounce it.”

Lucy scoffs, like she has never been so offended in her very short life, but she doesn’t say anything else as he walks down the staircase with the wood boards groaning beneath him. Immediately, he’s bombarded by people. Will, Belle, and Elsa are sitting on the ground with diagrams of seating charts spread out between them. Killian would have at least twenty-five questions about why they’re doing seating chart arrangements for the wedding tonight, but he already knows that it’s because they’re using Elsa to help figure out where to sit some of the more difficult people.

(He assumes he and Emma don’t count as those difficult people, but it really depends on how Will feels about him that day.)

Robin, Kris, Liam, Roland, and Addison are sitting on the couch in the living watching what Killian knows is Trolls because he’s been forced to watch it exactly seventeen times, and Eric and Ariel are standing in the kitchen with Anna cooking.

And, well, apparently Emma too.

“Are we sure we trust the blonde to cook for us?” Killian teases, putting Lucy down on the barstool. “Because I’ve had her cooking before, and I’m not sure we should allow her to feed so many people at once.”

“I’m blonde,” Lucy interjects.

“Yes, yes you are. Can you cook, little love?”

“Mommy doesn’t let me.”

“Funny,” Emma huffs, her eyes pointedly staring him down, “your uncle doesn’t seem to think I can cook either even though I’m only tossing the salad and am perfectly capable of that.”

“SoSo, we’re just going to forget the entire cucumber you dropped on the ground earlier?” Anna asks as she lays rolls out on a pan.

“What about the nearly slicing your finger open?” Ariel adds.

“What happens in the kitchen is supposed to stay in the kitchen.”

“Technically,” Eric sighs, “it hasn’t left the kitchen.”

“You guys are fu – fun,” Emma stops herself and changes the word, her eyes blowing wide when she remembers Lucy is in the room. “Luce, sweetie, do you want me to get you some carrots so you can take them in the other room to watch the movie with Addy and Roland?”

“Yes please.”

Emma turns around and opens the fridge, quickly grabbing a bag of sliced carrots, and hands them over to him for him to hand to Lucy. She takes them, mumbles a “thank you,” and then is sprinting to the adjoining living room to watch the movie.

“So you’re just bribing children now, Swan?”

“Yeah,” she shrugs, “but with carrots so it’s healthy. Babe, can you check my phone and see where everyone else is? Ruby said they would be here by now, but I haven’t heard anything from them. Or David and Mary Margaret. I guess they’re all in traffic or something, but it’s radio silence on their end.”

Killian bites the inside of his cheek to keep from giving anything away, hoping that his tan keeps his cheeks from flaming red. “Where’s your phone?”

“In my purse on the table.”

He nods his head and turns around, thankful that it’s a little bit out of sight of Emma, before he’s shuffling through her small purse to find her phone hidden behind every small object known to men. There is a string of texts from Ruby about Graham taking forever to get home and her almost leaving without him, and Killian sincerely hopes that Ruby didn’t actually leave without Graham. That would go against the plan.

Mary Margaret and David, though, are legitimately stuck in Friday night traffic, so at least he doesn’t have to lie about that.

“They’re on their way, love,” he tells Emma, putting her phone back in her purse and walking back to the island so that he can prop his forearms against the cool countertop. “Anna, you realize a few of us have to play a game tomorrow, right? I don’t think we can eat all of this.”

She waves a wooden spoon in the air, little bits of sauce splattering on the ground. “It’s called portion control. I’m sure you’ve heard of it.”

“Killian has. I haven’t,” Eric laughs. “Though, I’m more of a seafood man myself.”

“There’s only so much seafood that you can eat, though, before you become a fish.”

“You only say that because you don’t like it as much as I do.”

Ariel pats her husband’s chest. “Exactly.”

“Oh my God,” Will groans out, and everyone in the kitchen turns to look at him laying out on the floor. “This is impossible. Why do people get married?”

“I think you mean why do people have weddings,” Belle corrects him.

“I’m kind of questioning both at this point.”

Belle flicks a little name card at Will, and Elsa immediately snatches it back and puts it at the little diagrammed table where it’s supposed to be sitting.

“Why have a seating chart in the first place?” Emma asks. “Why not just let people sit where they want to sit?”

“My mother,” Belle sighs, this discussion obviously a frequent one, “is very traditional and specific about how things should be. She grew up in high society, cotillions and things like that, and even though Will and I mostly want this to be one big party, she has opinions. This is a compromise to make her back off until there’s something else she sets her sights on.”

“Huh,” Emma huffs. “Well, as long as I don’t have to sit next to Killian the entire time, I think it’ll be fine.”

“Shit,” Elsa mumbles under her breath even though the words echo throughout the room. “We don’t have cards for Emma and Killian.”

Laughter rumbles through Killian’s stomach as he walks back over to Emma to place his hand on the small of her back over her sweater before taking the strawberries and putting them on the cutting board to slice up. “Swan, it looks like you won’t have to sit with me because we’re apparently been uninvited from the wedding.”

“Damn. I guess we’ll just have to be wedding crashers.”

“I was thinking we could stay home and not wear uncomfortable clothes but still eat incredible food. We could probably dance a little too.”

“He means the horizontal tango, if you know what I mean.”

“We all know what you mean, Will,” Ariel sighs with a shake of her head but laughter on her lips. “But there are people here related to Killian who probably aren’t too inclined to hear about his sex life.”

“I’m not particularly inclined to hear about Emma’s,” David says, and Killian whips his head around to see he, Mary Margaret, and Leo walking thoughthrough the open garage door. “Or Killian’s. Though I hope they’re one and the same.”

“Okay,” Emma hums, dragging out the word, “we need a change in conversation, something like everyone greeting my brother and nixing this conversation entirely.”

“I mean, I’m kind of curious, but Leo is right here.”

“Mary Margaret,” Emma gasps, and Killian misses what has to be an absolutely priceless look on her face in favor of putting his knife down and walking over to Leo so that they can do their secret handshake that seems to change every time they see each other.

“I like you hat, bud,” Killian compliments. He tugs on the bill, and Leo blushes underneath it. “I think there are some other guys here tonight who would sign it for you if you want.”

Leo’s brows furrow together and the smile on his face completely goes away. Shit. What did Killian do wrong?

“Maybe another hat. I don’t want this one to get messed up.”

“Why not?”

“You signed this one,” he whispers, even if it’s not quiet at all, “and you’re my favorite player.”

“I thought it was your favorite because I gave it to you, kid,” Emma protests as she steps around him and leans down to wrap Leo up in a hug, squeezing him too tightly out of some kind of silent protest.

“I only asked for it because Killian is my favorite player.”

“You’re my favorite nephew.”

Leo rolls his eyes, and while he and Emma may not be related, Killian knows that he got that from her. “I’m your only nephew.”

“Which makes me your favorite.” She kisses his cheek, which makes Leo’s cheeks turn as red as the strawberries. “All the other kids are in that room right over there if you want to go hang out with them until dinner is ready.”

Leo runs off, and David and Mary Margaret take his place by stepping in and greeting everyone with a wave or a hug. It’s so many people, all of them from different social circles, and yet it’s amazing how well they’ve all managed to blend together. Killian knows that he started off with more people than Emma simply by the nature of his job, that most of the people in this house would technically be considered “his,” but he likes to think that they’re Emma’s too.

His phone buzzes in his back pocket, and he pulls it out to see a message from Graham just as Emma sits down and picks up a glass of wine.

Graham Humbert: We just pulled up outside. Can you send Emma out? Say something about needing help with the dessert. I think Ruby would like to tell her before she tells everyone inside.

Killian: Yeah, I’ll send her out. Congrats, mate! I’m happy for the two of you!

“Love?”

“Yeah?”

“I think Ruby and Graham just got here. Do you want to go out and see if they need any help?”

“Why don’t you do it?”

Of course she’s going to be stubborn about.

“I’m finishing this salad,” he lies, even though he really should finish the salad since he took it over from Emma. Will lets out another curse having to do with the seating chart, and there’s a reassurance from Mary Margaret that it will all be okay. “Just go help them. They have the dessert. You love dessert.”

Emma’s brows bunch together and her lips snarl, but she puts the glass of wine that she’s drinking down and stands from the barstool she’s sitting on to go walk out of the garage door and down the stairs. She’s going to be pissed at him for the entire walk out there, but he knows that it won’t be long. And curious as Killian is, he leaves the kitchen to walk over to the bay window so that he can look down at the street where Ruby and Graham are getting out of Graham’s squad car with boxes of pies in their hands. Emma quickly appears, her hands moving as she talks, and then Ruby puts her set of boxes on the hood of the car.

And while Killian can’t hear any screaming or squealing – Emma isn’t really the type – he knows that some kind of inhuman noise just came out of her before she launched herself forward to hug Ruby, squeezing so tightly that he imagined Ruby can’t breathe. And then Graham nearly drops all of the pies when Emma hugs him too. Killian chuckles to himself, a smile stretching across his lips, and then David comes up behind him.

“What’s all that about?”

“You’ll find out in a minute, I’m sure.”

“Secrets don’t make friends.”

“Yeah, yeah they do,” Killian laughs, smiling at David. “And I love how casually you’re referring to me as your friend. It really touches a man’s heart, Dave.”

“Watch it, or I’ll take it back.”

By the time Killian looks back out the window, Graham is gone, leaving Emma and Ruby out to talk. Killian is sure that they’ll be out there for awhile, probably far later than they intend to, and he knows he’ll have to go with them when the food gets here. The door opens then to Graham walking inside with the boxes. Ariel immediately rushes to help him, mostly likely because she likes to talk his ear off about all of the cases he can talk about (she’s very into True Crimes oddly enough), but Killian walks over to save him, grabbing Graham’s hand in greeting before pulling him into a hug and patting his back.

“Congratulations, mate.”

“Thank you,” Graham beams, his smile infectious. “I still can’t believe it.” “What can’t you believe?” Ariel asks as she swipes a finger through the whipped cream on a pie only for Eric to slap her hand away.

Killian looks over at Graham, silently asking if he wants to say something, and he nods, that smile still on his face. “I’ve asked Ruby to marry me today, and she said yes.”

“Congratulations!” 

“You did what now?”

“How could you not tell me this?”

“This is so exciting!”

“Whatever you do, don’t do a fucking seating chart for the reception.”

It’s this big, loud chorus of voices and conversations, and it pulls in everyone from the living room too so that it gets so loud that Killian is sure the neighbors can hear. Killian isn’t even entirely sure which legs belong to who for how much movement there is, hugs being exchanged between people who didn’t even get engaged tonight, and it all starts to calm down a bit only for Ruby and Emma walk in the door.

Obviously, things never calm down again.

Ruby and Graham don’t even get to spend much time with this group of people, especially Graham since his schedule never seems to match up with any of theirs, so it’s nice to see the overwhelming joy that’s there for the two of them.

“Congratulations, lass,” he sighs into Ruby’s ear when she finally makes her way to him at the edge of the room, her arms wrapped around her shoulders. “Were you surprised?”

“Yes,” she sighs, her laughter moving through him. “I can’t believe you knew about it.”

Killian rubs his hand up and down her back. “I had to make sure Emma was out of the apartment when it happened because Graham just knew that she would somehow find a way to show up if left to her own devices.”

“I think I could kiss you for doing that.”

“I don’t think that’s very becoming of a newly engaged woman.”

Ruby pulls back and winks at him before leaning forward and kissing his cheek. “You know that I don’t like following the rules.”

“What is this I hear about you knowing about this before it happened?” Emma questions as she saunters up to him, a soft smile on her face and the slightest bit of mascara smudged under her eyes. “I thought we had an agreement about lying to each other, twenty-nine.”

Killian hums and wraps his arms around her back, pulling her closer to him while her arms lazily hang over his neck. “Yeah, well, I was under strict instructions that you weren’t to know because Graham didn’t want you to tell Ruby.”

“I can keep a secret.”

“It wasn’t my secret to tell.”

Her lip quirks to the side before she presses up on her toes and gently guides her mouth over his. “I’m glad you didn’t tell me. I like that Ruby was the one who got to tell me.”

“Me too, love.”

“All of our friends have to stop getting married. This is getting expensive.”

“Well, you shouldn’t have blown all your money on those damn boots.”

Emma slaps the back of his head even as she kisses him, and he wonders exactly where along the way did he do something right to get to have this be his life.

“Okay,” Anna yells over all of the noise, and Killian looks to see her standing on a barstool as if she needs any help commanding attention, “I know everyone is super excited right now, but let’s all be super excited over dinner. It’s time to eat.”

“Thank goodness,” Lucy breathes out. “I thought I was going to perish.”

“Where’d she learn that word?” Emma wonders as everyone starts laughing. 

“I don’t even know.”

The conversation and laughter never diesdie down, not when there’s that many people around, and Killian’s stomach hurts from it all, his face a little too. His nerves about the game tomorrow and all that’s on the line haven’t disappeared, but they’re not at the forefront of his mind either. He has other things to focus on even if his mind is getting a little dizzy at the thought of keeping track of it all, but it becomes easier as the night passes, the light outside fading away into darkness, and as children move off to go to sleep, Addy and Lucy to their rooms and Leo and Roland stretched out in a guest room until their parents are ready to go home, everyone else settles into the living room with a replay of last night’s game in Boston on so that they can all watch some more footage in preparation.

He’s sitting on the floor in between Emma’s legs, and her hands are lulling him to sleep from the way that she keeps playing with his hair.

It’s like magic, her touch, and he’s utterly under her spell.

“I’m freaking the hell out about tomorrow,” Will whispers quietly as they watch him stumble over a catch in yesterday’s game.

“Me too,” Robin adds in. “Honestly, the only thing that’s keeping me calm, especially since I’m not playing, is knowing that not only did we make it to the Series last year, we won the whole damn thing.”

“Here’s the thing, though,” Killian starts as he leans her head further into Emma’s lap so that she can scratch his scalp. Damn, that might be the best feeling in the world. “No one gives a fuck about what happened last year. That trophy on our shelf from last year? It’s old news. All anyone cares about is what’s happening this year. All we should care about is what’s happening this year. Everyone always complains about those guys who can only seem to live in the glory days when the glory days are long since gone, and we’re not going to be those men. We’re not resting on our laurels. We’re going to win tomorrow, and then we’re going to win the next four games to win the whole damn thing.”

“What if we don’t?” Will questions, and for once, Killian can tell that Will is legitimately nervous.  

“We’re going to, Scarlet. I won’t take another option.”

“Look at my little brother being all motivating,” Liam teases.

Killian does raise his hand and his middle finger at that. “Younger, you ass.”

“You’ll always be my little brother. I’ll stop calling you that when you’ve got three World Series championships to your name, yeah?”

“Oi, I know that I’m good, but I don’t know if I can rely on these guys to not only win this year’s but also another one after that?” Emma slaps the back of his head, and he leans back to look up at her. “I’m obviously kidding, my love.”

“Yeah, but that’s not a great way to motivate the guys for tomorrow when you had a pretty good speech going there.”

Robin coughs, something exaggerated and totally on purpose. “Killian saves his best speeches for right before a the game starts. Probably because he doesn’t have his brother and his girlfriend distracting him by making fun of him. Not that I’m complaining or anything. I’m all for taking that piss out of Killian.”

“Someone hand me a pillow,” Killian demands, looking around. “I want to knock the smirk off of Rob’s face.”

“That’s an impossible task,” Ariel starts, a bright, happy smile on her face. “Let’s go back to loving each other and watching game footage. I don’t know about you guys, but I want that trophy back. I get a bonus from both Eric and Killian’s contract for it.”

“I always knew that I liked you,” Ruby adds in, and everyone starts laughing, the long day and late night probably getting to everyone a little bit. “Do you share the bonus with your husband since he earned it? I’m asking the important questions here as someone who is about to get married?”

“Rubes.” Emma curls her fingers in his hair and shakes her head. “Are you about to be one of those people who works in that you’re engaged all the time?”

“For the next two weeks, you bet your ass I am. It would normally only be a week, but since I think all we’re about to talk about now is baseball, I’m asking for two.”

“I would expect nothing less than you.”

Everyone leaves eventually with sleepy smiles on their faces and leftovers in hand, and as nervous as Killian still is, he finds yet again that it’s not at all like last year when he was going through this all. He’s got Emma curled up next to him in bed and a happy life outside of work, and at the end of the day, his life won’t be over if they lose.

He simply doesn’t like losing.

-/-

Killian’s arm feels fine.

Good. Great even. It’s the best it’s felt in months, even if he’s still a little timid with how much he’s using it and the fear of it screwing up again since there is such a risk for that, but he feels good standing out here under the heat of the sun with thousands of people milling in the stands and thousands more sitting at home watching on their television just wondering if today is going to be the day that the Yankees officially cement their spot in the World Series with the Dodgers already waiting there.

It could be a repeat of last year, just like everyone thought it would be, and Killian damn well intends to make those thoughts come true. They’re not resting on the laurelsrelying on what happened  of last year. They’re doing it for themselves once more like it’s all brand new and they don’t know the high of being at the top of the world.

Sweat trickles down Killian’s forehead past his cap, and he reaches up to remove his hat for a second while he wipes the sweat away with his forehead. It’s not hot out today, only around sixty degrees, but Killian’s skin is on fire with the rapid beating of his heart that hasn’t calmed down since this morning.

One. Two. Three.

Strike.

One. Two. Three.

Ball.

One. Two. Three.

Strike.

One. Two. Three.

Strike, he’s out.

Travis is out, the top of the fourth inning is over, Killian has thrown some damn good pitches in tight situations to keep the Sox from scoring, and the Yankees are up 4-0.

There’s still a long game to go, though.

Not for Killian, though. He’s out for the day. He knew going in that Al wouldn’t keep him in for longer than this. Honestly, he’s surprised that he allowed it for this long, but this is all so they’ll stay in the correct pitching order if they make it to the Series.

When.

Not if.

Killian wants to stay in the dugout and watch from out here, but he knows that he has to go inside and get massaged and do his cool-down exercises. He can watch from one of the televisions with everyone else who’s inside and make his way back out toward the end of the game.

It’s like all at once these games are five minutes and then suddenlysuddenly, they’re five hours.

But the time does pass as Killian goes through his routines to make sure that he’s healthy and that his arm is healthy, and by the time that he’s back out in the dugout changed into a pair of clean joggers and a pullover, his hat from earlier long gone, it’s the top of the ninth with two outs, only one man on base, and the score highly in their favor.

If they blow a 9-2 lead, they deserve to have to play it all out in a deciding game tomorrow.

“Come on, Lance,” Killian shouts out, banging his hands against the railing. “Just one more throw. One more strike, and you’re done.”

“He’s going to mess up if you keep yelling at him like that,” Al spits out as he chews on the gum he’s always chewing.

“No, no he’s not. He’s got this. We’ve got this.”

“You have far more optimism than any sideline coach should have.”

Killian turns his head to look at Al, a smile stretching across his lips. “It’s a damn good thing I’m not a coach then.”

And then there’s the sound of Lance’s ball hitting Will’s glove, the yell of the word “strike,” and the roar of the New York crowd as the game finishes.

They’re going to the World Series.

Killian’s heart pounds in his chest, emotion welling up in his throat, and all of the sounds become muted. Every single one of them except for his heart and the blood running through his veins. People yell and shout and scream, but he can’t hear any of it as he rushes out into the field to join his teammates where they’re jumping up and down, arms wrapped around each other as they become a mesh of one instead of twenty different men, those who played today and those who didn’t.

Someone pats his back, and the noises come back, cheers of celebration and curses and familiar voices of the people who he spends his life with.

They’re not resting on their laurels of last year, he thinks to himself once more. They’re achieving new things.

“Jones,” Lance calls out as the pile disperses and everyone starts moving around the field, “your girlfriend wants an interview with us.”

Killian arches a brow, spinning on his heel to try to find Emma, and he sees her standing with a microphone in her hand and Jeff standing with the camera behind her. She’s wearing the damn boots, the ones she just ordered, and if there wasn’t already a smile on his face, that would cause his lips to reach his ears.

He has no idea why Emma wants to interview him when there were five innings played without him, when Lance and Eric and Will are the guys who deserve the attention and the praise, but he knows that a lot of the time Emma isn’t in charge of who she interviews. That’s left up to the people behind the scenes.

Killian wants to kiss Emma and the smile on her face, wants to wrap her up in a hug, but he holds back, stepping up to her with Lance next to him as Frank Sinatra begins to play over the speakers. He’d think that he’d get tired of this song, but it never gets old.

“Congratulations,” Emma starts, her hand reaching up to adjust her earpiece. “That was just an incredible game. How does it feel to be going to the World Series for the second year in a row?”

She holds the microphone out to Lance. “No, no. Let Jones answer first. He usually takes the words right out of my mouth.”

“You sure?”

He nods his head, and Emma moves the microphone over to him. “Well, what do you say twenty-nine? How does it feel?”

Killian reaches up to scratch behind his ear. “I can’t curse, can I?”

“Only if you want to pay a fine.”

“Right then,” he laughs, smiling down at Emma and completely ignoring the camera. “It feels good. Better than good. This season has obviously had its ups and downs, especially for me, and I’m happy that I didn’t let this team down when they deserve so much. I’m – ”

Killian stops talking when all of the sudden Emma starts darting in the other direction, and by the time that he realizes what’s going on, the cool feel of Gatorade is being poured down on top of him so that chill bumps rise on his arms and his clothes cling to his skin. Killian sees Lance first and sees him shaking out the sticky liquid from his uniform, and then he sees Will and Eric running away with the orange container where the Gatorade once was. But then he sees Emma a few feet away absolutely laughing her ass off, and even if it goes against their agreement about how they’re going to act when working, he can’t stop himself from running toward her and immediately wrapping his arms around her waist, pulling her to him as her hands push at his chest and laughter passes through her lips.

“You’re covered in Gatorade,” she laughs, still pushing at him even if he knows it’s not a true effort. “It’s sticky.” “And you ran way and let it happen.”

“Which was obviously useless considering I’m going to be covered in it now.”

“Exactly the point,” he chuckles while Emma stops squirming against him and casually wraps her arms around his neck, obviously having accepted that she’s going to be covered in Gatorade too. “We’re going to the World Series, Swan.”

“I know.” And then she kisses him.

-/-

-/-

Tag list: @authorarsinoe​ @stunningswan​ @eala-captian @galaxyzxstark @xellewoods @mariakov81 @ultraluckycatnd @royalswan @shey-starsfury​ @superchocovian​ @sals86 @iam2307 @ashley-knightingale @karenfrommisthaven @scientificapricot @captswanis4vr @ultimiflos @jamif @idristardis @nikkiemms @resident-of-storybrooke @tiganasummertree @bmbbcs4evr @onceuponaprincessworld @jennjenn615 @mayquita @captainsjedi @teamhook @notoriouscs @kmomof4 @ekr032-blog-blog​ @cs-forlife @andiirivera @jonirobinson64 @qualitycoffeethings​ @carpedzem​ @tornadoamy​

[96thdayofrage]

ProPublica gained access to the group after Lang sent an invitation to a reporter’s social media account. It’s unclear whether Lang knew he had invited a reporter, and the reporter joined but did not participate in the chats.

The group, created two days after the Jan. 6 attack, grew from a few dozen members to nearly 200 in just a week. There, safe from the deplatforming spree of mainstream social media giants like Facebook and Twitter, Lang set out to recruit “normies” and radicalize them to the point that they joined regional militia groups.

Lang’s conversations offer a window into how some of President Donald Trump’s most fervent supporters — still simmering over baseless allegations of election fraud — are finding new connections on messaging platforms that are largely hidden from public scrutiny. Unlike sites such as Facebook, Telegram is a messaging app where users can create large, invitation-only and encrypted chat groups, and it allows users to remain anonymous by hiding their phone numbers from one another. Within days of the riots, more than 25 million users globally joined Telegram, the company’s CEO said, although the U.S. accounts for a fraction of its user base. A company spokesman did not respond to questions from ProPublica.

The chats also make clear that at least some of those involved in the Capitol insurrection, despite a sweeping crackdown by U.S. law enforcement that has resulted in more than 160 cases, appear dedicated to planning and participating in further violence.

“This has been one of my concerns shorter-term: That folks who are more fervent are seeking each other out in a way that can lead to some short-term, violent outbursts,” said Amy Cooter, a senior lecturer of sociology at Vanderbilt University who has studied militia activity for more than a decade. Homeland Security officials on Wednesday warned of heightened threats of violence across the country from domestic extremists who felt emboldened by the Jan. 6 attack.

The FBI referred questions of whether the government was aware of Lang’s activities to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington, which did not immediately return an inquiry seeking comment Wednesday. 

ProPublica sifted through thousands of videos taken by Parler users to create an immersive, first-person view of the Capitol riot. 

A lawyer for Lang, Steven Metcalf, said he was not aware of his client’s private social media messages, including the Telegram group. Metcalf said he planned to enter a not-guilty plea and to contend that Lang was exercising his First Amendment right to free speech on Jan. 6.

After Lang’s arrest, his father, Ned Lang, told the local newspaper, the Times Herald-Record of Middletown, New York, that his son had struggled with substance abuse. “As a result, he has had numerous issues with law enforcement over the past 11 years and it has only gotten worse, as is evidenced by his most recent arrest and actions at our nation’s Capitol!” Ned Lang said in an emailed statement to the newspaper. “We are praying for my son that he conquers his addictions and finds a new path forward in his life!” Ned Lang did not respond to messages from ProPublica seeking comment.

Jake Lang’s public social media accounts depict him as an internet-savvy serial entrepreneur, with one now-defunct Instagram account, @jakevape, chronicling hashtagged trips to Coachella, California, and to Art Basel in Miami. Public records show he had moved through various business ventures, from one selling vaporizers to another selling custom baseball hats. For a time, he ran Social Model Management, which promised to help prospective models get “social media famous” by unlocking “industry secrets” that would triple their Instagram followers.

More recent social media posts by Lang acknowledged his struggle to stay sober and a deepening interest in religion. In an Instagram post from last year, tagged “#ChristEnergy,” Lang set goals for himself to memorize the Hebrew alphabet and stay kosher.

After his participation in the Capitol insurrection, Lang seemingly turned his online audience-building skills to a new mission: On the evening of Jan. 8, he turned to Instagram to send a round of invitations to join his private Telegram group, appealing to “patriots” willing to act locally and nationally as an armed paramilitary.

When new members joined the group, he emphasized they should remain anonymous by hiding their phone numbers and changing their usernames to “@Patriot[name].” He urged members to avoid chitchat and any specifics about future actions. Some floated gatherings on Inauguration Day or a few days before in state capitals, although others warned that protests on those days could be a trap. Participants were told they’d be vetted “to make sure they are who they claim to be,” wrote user Silence DoGood, before they were added to their local group chats by regional leaders.

Lang repeatedly used photos and videos of himself from the Capitol insurrection to stress the importance of military-style organization in future attacks.

“A woman just died in this video being trampled by DC police because we aren’t organized as patriots,” Lang posted on Jan. 10, an apparent reference to Rosanne Boyland, who died in a stampede at the Capitol. “This was my carnal cry for the real men to step up and help.”

Replied one member, who went by the username Tony Bologna: “Damn brother! Amen.”

“It was the first battle of the Second American Revolution- make no mistakes,” Lang continued. “This is WAR.” He posted a code of conduct in the group, as well as a set of meme-like instructions for members to prepare for a national “blackout,” buying long-range walkie-talkies and stocking up on guns, ammo and food.

“It’s really happening huh?” asked another user, Alastair. Lang replied with a video attachment, again of himself outside of the Capitol: “Do not be afraid of these tyrants.”

Some of the chat’s new recruits referred to Lang in language borrowed from the military. When one new member asked who the group’s leader was, another replied: “GENERAL JAKE😈😈😈 Your soldiers are reporting for duty.”

One user, dubbed Nomad, appointed himself a regional organizer in western Michigan, while another volunteered to boost the group’s ranks in central Florida. 

“This is grass roots,” wrote Patriot Captain RedorDead, who claimed to invite 20 prospective recruits from a local gym. “This is real.” Lang also encouraged recruiting at local gun shops.

He chastised members who veered into more social territory. “Guys please this is a MILITIA group to defend our country from communism - private message each other if you want to flirt. Only warning.”

While the idea was to organize a coherent strategy ahead of Jan. 20, when President Joe Biden would be sworn in, the group didn’t appear to coalesce around one. Lang offered few details: “The plan for now is to Martin Luther king style March on 17th and 20th, exercising our Rights (that means armed),” he wrote on Jan. 13. “Peace and God be the forefront of all of what we do. But we cannot not show up and appear weak! That is not an option.”

There’s no sign those in the chats took action on those days, but experts like Cooter warn against writing off their intentions as chatroom bluster. While most new online militia groups “are probably keyboard warriors and nothing more,” she cautioned, “we don't know that for sure, and I don’t think we can be complacent about a real risk from even a small minority of such groups.”

Experts have warned about the dangers of online echo chambers for years, but deplatforming may bring other risks, said Josh Pasek, a political science and communication and media professor at the University of Michigan. “The concern is much larger if the selection of which platforms people are using in the first place is itself more polarized. The chance that they make themselves far more extreme is high.”

He added: “The Capitol riot isn’t the end of much. What happens online can move offline. We’ve seen way too many examples of that to ignore it at this point.” 

By Jan. 18, word of Lang’s arrest reached the Telegram group users. 

“Seems as though the FEDs aren’t fucking around…” wrote one member. 

“Omg @patriotjake !!!” Patriot Jetaime wrote.

Some members left, but others vowed to stick around. “I’m still going to stay in the group in case he comes back, which is unlikely, but we may have to continue where he left off,” Patriot Zoomer said.

“The group is still here,” added PatriotLos. “Being patriotic is a lifestyle. Everyone has the capability to lead so don’t get lost.”

ProPublica gained access to the group after Lang sent an invitation to a reporter’s social media account. It’s unclear whether Lang knew he had invited a reporter, and the reporter joined but did not participate in the chats.

The group, created two days after the Jan. 6 attack, grew from a few dozen members to nearly 200 in just a week. There, safe from the deplatforming spree of mainstream social media giants like Facebook and Twitter, Lang set out to recruit “normies” and radicalize them to the point that they joined regional militia groups.

Lang’s conversations offer a window into how some of President Donald Trump’s most fervent supporters — still simmering over baseless allegations of election fraud — are finding new connections on messaging platforms that are largely hidden from public scrutiny. Unlike sites such as Facebook, Telegram is a messaging app where users can create large, invitation-only and encrypted chat groups, and it allows users to remain anonymous by hiding their phone numbers from one another. Within days of the riots, more than 25 million users globally joined Telegram, the company’s CEO said, although the U.S. accounts for a fraction of its user base. A company spokesman did not respond to questions from ProPublica.

The chats also make clear that at least some of those involved in the Capitol insurrection, despite a sweeping crackdown by U.S. law enforcement that has resulted in more than 160 cases, appear dedicated to planning and participating in further violence.

“This has been one of my concerns shorter-term: That folks who are more fervent are seeking each other out in a way that can lead to some short-term, violent outbursts,” said Amy Cooter, a senior lecturer of sociology at Vanderbilt University who has studied militia activity for more than a decade. Homeland Security officials on Wednesday warned of heightened threats of violence across the country from domestic extremists who felt emboldened by the Jan. 6 attack.

The FBI referred questions of whether the government was aware of Lang’s activities to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington, which did not immediately return an inquiry seeking comment Wednesday.

ProPublica sifted through thousands of videos taken by Parler users to create an immersive, first-person view of the Capitol riot. 

A lawyer for Lang, Steven Metcalf, said he was not aware of his client’s private social media messages, including the Telegram group. Metcalf said he planned to enter a not-guilty plea and to contend that Lang was exercising his First Amendment right to free speech on Jan. 6.

After Lang’s arrest, his father, Ned Lang, told the local newspaper, the Times Herald-Record of Middletown, New York, that his son had struggled with substance abuse. “As a result, he has had numerous issues with law enforcement over the past 11 years and it has only gotten worse, as is evidenced by his most recent arrest and actions at our nation’s Capitol!” Ned Lang said in an emailed statement to the newspaper. “We are praying for my son that he conquers his addictions and finds a new path forward in his life!” Ned Lang did not respond to messages from ProPublica seeking comment.

Jake Lang’s public social media accounts depict him as an internet-savvy serial entrepreneur, with one now-defunct Instagram account, @jakevape, chronicling hashtagged trips to Coachella, California, and to Art Basel in Miami. Public records show he had moved through various business ventures, from one selling vaporizers to another selling custom baseball hats. For a time, he ran Social Model Management, which promised to help prospective models get “social media famous” by unlocking “industry secrets” that would triple their Instagram followers.

More recent social media posts by Lang acknowledged his struggle to stay sober and a deepening interest in religion. In an Instagram post from last year, tagged “#ChristEnergy,” Lang set goals for himself to memorize the Hebrew alphabet and stay kosher.

After his participation in the Capitol insurrection, Lang seemingly turned his online audience-building skills to a new mission: On the evening of Jan. 8, he turned to Instagram to send a round of invitations to join his private Telegram group, appealing to “patriots” willing to act locally and nationally as an armed paramilitary.

When new members joined the group, he emphasized they should remain anonymous by hiding their phone numbers and changing their usernames to “@Patriot[name].” He urged members to avoid chitchat and any specifics about future actions. Some floated gatherings on Inauguration Day or a few days before in state capitals, although others warned that protests on those days could be a trap. Participants were told they’d be vetted “to make sure they are who they claim to be,” wrote user Silence DoGood, before they were added to their local group chats by regional leaders.

Lang repeatedly used photos and videos of himself from the Capitol insurrection to stress the importance of military-style organization in future attacks.

“A woman just died in this video being trampled by DC police because we aren’t organized as patriots,” Lang posted on Jan. 10, an apparent reference to Rosanne Boyland, who died in a stampede at the Capitol. “This was my carnal cry for the real men to step up and help.”

Replied one member, who went by the username Tony Bologna: “Damn brother! Amen.”

“It was the first battle of the Second American Revolution- make no mistakes,” Lang continued. “This is WAR.” He posted a code of conduct in the group, as well as a set of meme-like instructions for members to prepare for a national “blackout,” buying long-range walkie-talkies and stocking up on guns, ammo and food.

“It’s really happening huh?” asked another user, Alastair. Lang replied with a video attachment, again of himself outside of the Capitol: “Do not be afraid of these tyrants.”

Some of the chat’s new recruits referred to Lang in language borrowed from the military. When one new member asked who the group’s leader was, another replied: “GENERAL JAKE😈😈😈 Your soldiers are reporting for duty.”

One user, dubbed Nomad, appointed himself a regional organizer in western Michigan, while another volunteered to boost the group’s ranks in central Florida. 

“This is grass roots,” wrote Patriot Captain RedorDead, who claimed to invite 20 prospective recruits from a local gym. “This is real.” Lang also encouraged recruiting at local gun shops.

He chastised members who veered into more social territory. “Guys please this is a MILITIA group to defend our country from communism - private message each other if you want to flirt. Only warning.”

While the idea was to organize a coherent strategy ahead of Jan. 20, when President Joe Biden would be sworn in, the group didn’t appear to coalesce around one. Lang offered few details: “The plan for now is to Martin Luther king style March on 17th and 20th, exercising our Rights (that means armed),” he wrote on Jan. 13. “Peace and God be the forefront of all of what we do. But we cannot not show up and appear weak! That is not an option.”

There’s no sign those in the chats took action on those days, but experts like Cooter warn against writing off their intentions as chatroom bluster. While most new online militia groups “are probably keyboard warriors and nothing more,” she cautioned, “we don't know that for sure, and I don’t think we can be complacent about a real risk from even a small minority of such groups.”

Experts have warned about the dangers of online echo chambers for years, but deplatforming may bring other risks, said Josh Pasek, a political science and communication and media professor at the University of Michigan. “The concern is much larger if the selection of which platforms people are using in the first place is itself more polarized. The chance that they make themselves far more extreme is high.”

He added: “The Capitol riot isn’t the end of much. What happens online can move offline. We’ve seen way too many examples of that to ignore it at this point.” 

By Jan. 18, word of Lang’s arrest reached the Telegram group users. 

“Seems as though the FEDs aren’t fucking around…” wrote one member. 

“Omg @patriotjake !!!” Patriot Jetaime wrote.

Some members left, but others vowed to stick around. “I’m still going to stay in the group in case he comes back, which is unlikely, but we may have to continue where he left off,” Patriot Zoomer said.

“The group is still here,” added PatriotLos. “Being patriotic is a lifestyle. Everyone has the capability to lead so don’t get lost.”

[hms-chill]

RWRB Study Guide, Chapter 8

Hi y’all! I’m going through Casey McQuiston’s Red, White & Royal Blue and defining/explaining references! Feel free to follow along, or block the tag #rwrbStudyGuide if you’re not interested!

James I (203): James I/VI (First of England, Sixth of Scotland) is known for both translating the Bible and being just... so, so incredibly gay. The book mentions that he promoted a dumb jock to gentleman of the bedchamber, but it leaves out that 13-year-old James would just make out with dudes in public, and that the dumb jock (George Villers) was James’s third serious adult relationship. His friends introduced him to George because his last boyfriend was bad for the kingdom. 

George Eliot (205): Mary Anne Evans wrote under the pen name George Eliot to escape the stereotype that women could only write romances. She wrote seven novels, of which Middlemarch is the most famous, known for their realism and psychological insight.

Daniel Defoe (205): A pioneer of the English novel, Defoe wrote Robinson Crusoe as well as a series of divisive political pamphlets and tracts.

Jonathan Swift (205): Irish political writer most famous for A Modest Proposal, a satirical piece that suggests cannibalism of infants as a more humane response to the British treatment of Ireland than letting them grow to starve in adulthood.

Dickens... “woman who languishes away in a crumbling mansion wearing her wedding gown” (205): Charles Dickens wrote stories concerned with the lower classes. This quote in particular refers to Miss Havisham from Great Expectations, who was left at the altar and refused to take off her wedding dress or even put away the food set out for the wedding.

Sense and Sensibility (205): This is probably Austen’s second most popular novel (after Pride and Prejudice); it follows the four Dashwood women in their move to a new home following the death of Mr. Dashwood. Like most of Austen’s novels, the opinionated narrator follows the women through a series of romantic mishaps, culminating in a happy ending.

Green American Money (206): Fun fact, British money is blue and orange and purple and all sorts of fun colors! It also all looks different, because (at least in Scotland) four banks are allowed to print pound notes, so there are four different designs all in circulation.

Sean Hannity (206): A conservative American political commentator.

Harvard rowing (206): Rowing is like... the bougiest of sports.

Pleiad (206): In Greek mythology, the pleiades were the daughters of the titan Atlas who became stars following his entrapment under the earth. They are remembered for their beauty and loyalty. Myths of the missing pleiad explain why only six of the seven stars are visible to the naked eye. According to some sources, the missing pleiad is Merope, who was shamed out of the sky for her relationship with a mortal.

Minute Maid Park (206): The baseball stadium associated with the Houston Astros baseball team; it seats just over 41,000.

Politico (207): An American political opinion news source.

Drop-kick Murphys (208): An American Celtic punk band. (listen here and here)

The Klan (209): The Ku Klux Klan, an incredibly racist organization that has been responsible for the lynching of thousands of people of color.

Kim Nam-June (210): Kim Nam-Joon, known as RM or Rap Monster, is the leader and rapper of the K-pop group BTS.

Milwaukee (211): The largest city in and main cultural center of Wisconsin, which is a “swing state”, meaning that it could go either way politically in a national election.

Seth Meyers (211): An American talk show host and comedian whose creatively titled show, Late Night with Seth Meyers, is liberal-leaning. He hosts celebrities and often chats about politics or the news.

Clear Crystal Quartz (211): Apparently the most “iconic” crystal, it is believed to be able to help with clarity and the achievement of goals.

Wimbledon (213): The oldest tennis tournament in the world, considered by many to be the most prestigious.

Royal Box (213): The royal box at Wimbledon is a section of the best seats, reserved for royalty and specially invited celebrity/politically powerful guests.

David Beckham (213): A former professional soccer player and current fashion icon known for being hot and wearing nice suits.

McQueen (214): Alexander McQueen was an openly gay British fashion designer who rose from a lower class background to become one of the most famous designers in the world. Though he died in 2010, his brand continues to be known for unconventional fashion shows and theatrical imagery. 

Dashikis (215): A colorful, ornate piece of clothing somewhere between a shirt and a tunic originally from West Africa.

Orangery (218): A very large greenhouse or conservatory designed for growing orange trees.

Woman at her Toilet (218): This painting shows a woman in her bedroom putting on her socks with a little dog next to her; you can see it here.

Baroque bed* (218): Baroque art was designed to show off a monarch’s power; it is incredibly extravagant (Versailles is pretty much the iconic Baroque thing; you can see more about it here).

The Killers (219): An American rock band formed in the early 2000s and known for having donated over $1 million to charity (they did “Mr. Brightside”). (listen here and here). According to McQuinston’s twitter, the song Henry plays is “When You Were Young”, which you can listen to here.

Dred Scott (219): In the 1857 Dred Scott v. Sandford case, the US supreme court ruled that the constitution did not extend to or protect Black folks. 

Nina Simone (219): An American singer/songwriter/political activist whose music spanned a variety of genres and whose activism focused largely on the civil rights movement and was largely influenced by her “friend” Lorraine Hansberry, a Black lesbian playwright. (You know Hozier’s “Nina Cried Power”? She’s Nina) (listen here and here)

Otis Redding (219): Considered one of the greatest singers in American pop music and was one of the foundational soul artists in the US. (listen here and here)

Brahms (219): A German composer known for sticking to more classical forms of music while his contemporaries often leaned toward more dramatic or opulent styles. (listen here and here)

Wagner** (219): A German composer who wrote both the music and the librettos for his operas; his works tend to be very complex, and he has been credited with beginning modern music. (listen here and here)

Romantic (219): Artistically, the Romantic movement was a direct response to industrialization that called for a return to and celebration of nature. Queerness was very much a part of this movement, as it was seen as a return to or celebration of one’s natural state (think Byron).

War of the Romantics (219): A music history term used to describe the split between conservative composers like Brahms who wanted to stick with the Baroque, opulent styles of the past century and radical progressive composers like Liszt, who favored newer styles that blended music with narrative and morals.

Liszt (219): A Hungarian composer known for a diverse body of work and his position as the leader of the radical progressive group in the War of the Romantics. (listen here and here)

Alexander Scriabin (219): Russian composer known for his atonal or dissonant music. (listen to the piece Henry mentions here)

Elton John’s “Your Song” (219): A song written before Elton John came out, but with his queerness in mind. In a 2013 interview, John referred to it as “a perfect song”, and that the lyrics (written by Bernie Taupin) got even better as he got older and sang it more. (listen here)

Consecrated (220): made holy.

DNC (221): The Democratic national conference, when members of the Democratic (liberal) party get together to prepare for a presidential race.

College Republicans of Vanderbilt University (221): Vanderbilt University is a private (and therefore more expensive) school in Nashville, Tennessee. Its location in the South and its price tag would both mark it as being more conservative.

Cage match (221): A type of wrestling match that takes place inside a steel cage; the most common way of winning is by escaping the cage, usually by climbing over the top.

Paul Ryan (222): A conservative retired politician and former Speaker of the House.

The Second Amendment (222): The second amendment grants Americans the right to bear arms (have guns).

Salon (222): An American news and opinion website with a politically liberal editorial stance.

Air Force One (222): the president’s plane

“My Canadian girlfriend” (223): A running joke that someone (often a high schooler) whose partner goes to another school or lives somewhere else is made up.

Five Guys (225): Five Guys Burger and Fries is a popular fast food burger chain across the US.

Vampire Weekend (225): An American indie rock band.

The general (226): the general election in November, when Americans would vote for their president

Plainclothes (226): out of uniform

The Beekman (226): A very fancy hotel in Lower Manhattan, near the Brooklyn Bridge.

NATO (233): the North Atlantic Treaty Organization; an intergovernmental military alliance between 29 North American and European countries.

----

*every time I read this, I flinch just a little bit. Baroque architecture is just... so much, and the concept of a Baroque bed when beds/bedrooms are supposed to be simple to help you rest... It’s just so much and I hate it with all of my being. I’m sorry if you like Baroque furniture, but especially for Henry, who dreams of a simple life where he can just write and be anonymous... It’s a big yikes.

** Literally no one asked, but his stuff is just... it’s so boring? Like I’m sure it’s great to fall asleep to or calm down to, but I tried to listen to it while I wrote this and I just couldn’t. Liszt is better, but he’s no Mozart. Also? Mozart wrote BOPS. ONLY. “The Birdcatcher’s Song” slaps and no one can change my mind on that.

----

If there’s anything I missed or that you’d like more on, please let me know! And if you’d like to/are able, please consider buying me a ko-fi? I know not everyone can, and that’s fine, but these things take a lot of time/work and I’d really appreciate it!

—–-

Chapter 1 // Chapter 7 // Chapter 9

[savsfm]

madelaine petsch, twenty-three, cisfemale, she/her. —  SAVANNAH WALSH was just spotted out and about in los angeles with their signature VINTAGE DENIM OVERALLS. the paparazzi tried to be subtle, but the ACTRESS caught them snapping pictures and DARTED INTO THE NEAREST SHOP. they jetted off to A SECLUDED, PRIVATE BEACHFRONT before getting asked about HER UPCOMING SERIES FINALE this time, which kinda coincides with their notorious WARY attitude towards fame, doesn’t it? 

HELLO hello , i’m bay & this is my sweet lil savannah ! actress , sports fanatic , dog lover , confirmed adhd ball of energy ( as far as you know ) . if she had a label , it’d be the benevolent , and . . . well , let’s just get right into this ! 

·   ☆     .    𝚝𝚑𝚎  𝚋𝚊𝚜𝚒𝚌𝚜  !

full  legal  name :  savannah raine walsh . –– her mother had a hand in her middle name , and boy was that woman a hippie . age :   twenty  three  .   gender :   cis-female . nicknames : sav , savvy , little walsh ( when in context with her older brother )   pronouns : (  she/her  ) occupation : actress ; sophie turner career claim . inspiration : listen . . . there’s a reason i chose sophie . also jane sloane . details : growing up with just her father and her brother , for the most part , sav was very much the tomboy type , and despite her father’s history in the mlb , the walsh kids often spent time away from him and lived a relatively normal life . this made sav’s climb to fame a bit more of an adjustment , but people seem to love the down - to - earth way she has about her . after wrapping an iconic fantasy series ( think game of thrones ) and starring in a blockbuster ( think dark phoenix ) , everyone seems to be wondering what’s next for america’s favorite sweetheart .

·   ☆     .    𝚋𝚊𝚌𝚔𝚐𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍  !

micah “mickey” walsh came from nothing . he was a natural born athlete with the drive of a kid who had nothing to lose and everything to gain , and he could’ve stepped right out of high school and onto a minor league baseball diamond , but his parents –– loony as they seemed –– insisted he go to college first , and he spent four years playing for vanderbilt , where he met his wife marnie . they fell in love , hard and fast , and by their senior year , they were throwing together a shotgun wedding in order to say their vows before her baby bump began to show . 

the first few years were a whirlwind with mickey never giving up his dreams of having a family and having a professional baseball career. two years in , he was called up to the big leagues , and thus began the ICONIC career of mickey walsh , second baseman and a monster at bat . after three years in the mlb , the walsh family grew , and when SAVANNAH RAINE was born in chicago , illinois , wrigley field filled to capacity celebrated . 

three years later , mickey was traded to the boston red sox , and the walsh family moved again . for some time , things were well , and they appeared to be living the dream . mickey loved boston , and boston loved the walshes , so much so , that contract after contract was renewed at fenway . when savannah was five , however , tragedy struck and her mother fell ILL . by the time sav was six , she’d succumbed entirely to her illness , leaving her and her brother , luke , to grow up without a mother .

the walsh family was devastated , mickey taking indefinite time off from his career to be with his children . his parents moved to boston shortly there after to help out with things around the house . mickey tried to keep a happy way about him , but after a season out , everyone could tell he was itching to get back , if only for the DISTRACTION of the game . . . so luke & sav grew up darting around fenway park . they attended every home game , stayed up to watch all of the away games , and they genuinely loved it . babysitters chased after them in exhaustion , and their grandparents did the most they could to raise them right .

savannah was always a FIERY little thing , and it had nothing to do with the red locks she’d inherited from her mother . she was joyful and playful , kind and a lot for any one person to handful . she asked too many questions and had QUITE a knack for theatrics . most of all , though , from a young age , she was simply good . . . and she really never expected to get into acting .

all of that energy had to go somewhere , though , and seeing as she was dramatic as is . . . she was enrolled in dance classes and school theatre projects . she took a liking to acting , starring in school plays and toying around writing her own short films . in high school , savannah was everywhere . . . spread far too thin . but hey ! keeping busy is what this girl lives for ! 

at sixteen , she enrolled at an acting camp during the summer in los angeles , and this is when she found out that her family and friends weren’t simply full of shit ,  like she’d assumed .  she had talent , and she could make a career of acting . . . and unlike others , her rise was a bit too quick . she spent the summer going to auditions , and her BREAKOUT role was one of her first . . . v much a sansa on game of thrones type of deal .

sav finished off high school through a personal tutor and online schooling , but NOT going to college , for either of the walsh kids , was never an option . so she wagered a gap year from her father ,  so she could film seasons 2 & 3 of her show . other seasons were filmed during summer months , on breaks , and on long weekends . she SPED through her degree at new york university , and graduated in 3 , freeing up time to act full time .

there’s a GENUINE way about her that just . . . captures people , when she isn’t in character . in interviews , on talk shows , on red carpets . . . she’s just blatantly very soft , very sweet . skeptics think it’s an act , but anyone who KNOWS savannah knows that the only thing she fronts for the camera is constant energy . ya girl is tired . . . all the time , but will never admit to it ! 

after one of the most watched television series finales of all time and a franchise film –– along the lines of x-men/marvel –– stunning the box office , savannah is taking a moment to SLOW DOWN , because she’s never exactly done so . . . right now ,  she’s trying to figure out where to take her career next with a pile of scripts sitting at home and the world of the silver screen at her fingertips . 

·   ☆     .    𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚢 & 𝚏𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚜  !

like i said , miss savannah is very outgoing , very bubbly . she’s good with people . . . but let it be known that she’s an introvert at heart . my girl is queen of leaving parties early . 

definitely the lost-in-a-daydream type , and she’s always been a bit of a QUIET hopeless romantic . less grand gestures and magnificent romantic adventures , more of just . . . a genuine believer in love . which . . . CERTAINLY lines up with the way her life threw her for a loop , just after nineteen , and one (1) nate carpenter absolutely turned her world upside down . it took all of one chance meeting , and sav was completely smitten . despite the fact that their dads kind of sort of ?? hate each other , they are happily planning on spending the rest of their lives together , dipping out of Famous People Things by 9:30pm at the latest .

painfully honest . . . maybe a little too honest. if she’s not careful ,  she can occasionally say too much and put her foot in her mouth . no amount of media training can REALLY rein it in . . . so her publicist is well paid and honestly . . . she has a hell of a time keeping spoilers to herself , so a lot of interviews regarding big plot lines are often with castmates aksdjfha

has a dog named hercules ! not named after the greek hero . . . or the disney movie . . . but rather named after the massive beast in the sandlot . her hercules is a mutt she rescued as a pup . they’re not really sure what he is . . . only that he’s kinda big and definitely has some german shepherd in him . 

sports fanatic af . her dad played professional baseball , and now he coaches for the new york yankees . her brother is a household name for hockey fans . . . and , well , catch her in a bright blue dodgers jersey with the name carpenter on the back , every baseball season !! 

she hasn’t TOTALLY grown out of her tomboy-ness . she still wakes up early to go surfing , still does far better in beat up converse than she does in HEELS , insists on the thrill of doing her own stunts , curses like a damn sailor , and loves a good worn in denim . queen ! of ! rocking ! overalls ! 

thinks about her mom a lot , but tries not to do to the fact that it just fuckin . . . makes her sad and anxious . the grief , she can handle , but the nerves ? her mother died of breast cancer , and savannah STUBBORNLY refuses to get tested to see if she’s got the genetic marker for it .

still visits her grandparents in boston often 

has a very .. . strange relationship with fame . she knows it’s fleeting , and she doesn’t really care for her private life being prodded into . in fact , that’s the worst part of it all . it’s taken a toll on her self - esteem , here and there , but for the most part. . . . she tries not to let it get to her . if she could do the acting thing without the fame , she honestly would . 

ok that is . . . my girl savannah . i hope y’all love her as much as i do bc i am vERY EXCITED ok !!  HIT ME WITH A LIKE & I’LL COME SWOOPING IN FOR PLOTTING !! 

[countryblucs]

{ MATTHEW DADDARIO. THIRTY-TWO. CISMALE. HE/HIM} i was out wrestlin’ gators when i saw DUKE RAMSEY. you know they have been in town for ALL HIS LIFE now? they currently work as a PARAMEDIC. i love having them around, they’re HELPFUL & STOIC, but sometimes they can be BROODY & SECRETIVE. well, hope to see them ‘round more!

what’s up, i’m harper and i’ll be playing duke, a human garbage bag.

(tw: addiction)

past:

he was born and raised in marias to a typical bread-earning father and stay-at-home mother, they didn’t have much, but they had each other.

oldest of three (wcs coming soon?), duke had a relatively happy childhood where his parents did their best to support all his endeavors.

eventually, he fell in love with baseball. he couldn’t get enough of it and lived and breathed it from his early childhood to his teens.

he was recruited straight out of high school to play at vanderbilt university on a full ride, which, to duke, seemed like a once in a lifetime opportunity that he couldn’t miss.

just as he was ready to pack up and leave at 18, his father suffered from a massive stroke which left the ramsey family crippled. (though, this is not common knowledge unless your character has been in town most of their lives)

seemingly left with no choice, duke took up the mantle as the “head of the household” and immediately started working odd jobs to make ends meet and pay the hospital bill.

he also chose and settled on being a paramedic because he swore to himself that he would never be as helpless as he was when he witnessed his father’s suffering and had to call the ambulance.

present:

on his days off, he can still be found hitting baseballs. though, obviously, his skills aren’t what they used to be.

his father still struggles to do the simple things and duke has also taken up the mantle of being his caretaker, much to his mother’s dismay.

between his job and his responsibilities, it doesn’t leave much room for a personal life. ESPECIALLY since duke likes to keep his father’s condition under wraps and tends not to bring anyone home.

in the years that have passed since he earned his position as a paramedic, he’s starting to realize his body isn’t what it used to be and he needs something to keep himself awake that isn’t just caffeine. as guilty as he feels about it, he’s been pilfering pills from his father’s supply and from the hospital to take for himself. he hasn’t been caught... yet.

he mostly keeps to himself, where he used to be outgoing and rambunctious in high school, he’s reserved and secretive nowadays.

wanted connections:

FRIENDS???? i dunno, someone who’s known him awhile and/or since high school or childhood who knows about his dad? someone who’ll get him out of his shell? someone to make him realize there’s more to life than taking care of other people with no concern for yourself? a drinking buddy? anything?

EX(ES). did they used to date in high school and he cut them out at 18 because his entire life changed? were they just a brief fling in their 20s because he thought he wanted to give dating a try before realizing it took too much out of him? did he actually open up to someone? maybe something more serious? maybe something not?

FWB(S). looking for someone to keep you occupied between busy schedules? look no further than the man who tries his best not to form any sort of attachments... but a man has got needs, you know? (and yes, he is bisexual)

ENEMIES. though he can definitely be a sweetheart, it wouldn’t surprise me that duke has enemies either. he can be a bit of a dick sometimes when people try to pry in his life where they shouldn’t.

BASICALLY ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING, HIT ME WITH WHAT YOU NEED.

[muhammaddahab]

Tennisellenbogen-Shows enthüllt

Nashville, Tennessee. Das neueste Kapitel von Vandy United, Vanderbilts beispielloser 300-Millionen-Dollar-Investition in die Leichtathletik, wurde heute hervorgehoben, als die Angebote der Künstler für das Lummis Family Tennis Center bekannt gegeben wurden. Fred und Claudia Loomis, beide BA’76, und ihre Söhne – Fred III, Dan, BA’05, und Ben, BA’08 – machten das Hauptgeschenk mit dem Ziel,…