IF YOU’RE LOOKING for a place where misadventure could begin, you can’t go past Mbargo. The nightclub’s streetfront is painted a purple so bright you’ll see it in your dreams. Strings of giant sequins shimmer in the breeze. Its phonically inventive name is spelt in silver letters that climb its three-storey terrace facade. Inside are strips of burning neon, a few booths, floorboards so marinated in drink that they have an ingredients list. Bristol is a student city on England’s south coast crowded with music and nightlife and street art. This is Banksy’s home town, and the tourism board suggests in rather strong terms that ‘you would be a fool not to see his amazing work firsthand’. The same organisation describes Mbargo as ‘intimate’, which is fair for a place where you can catch an STI standing up. Students cram into its modest dimensions while people with names like DJ Klaud battle for billing with £1.50 drink deals over seven sloppy nights a week. To get a sense of the story about to come, consider that it’s the kind of place open until two o’clock on a Monday morning, and that at two o’clock on a Monday morning, Ben Stokes still thought it had closed too early.
The Ashes of 2017–18 had disciplinary bookends. It was after that series that Australia’s two leaders went off the rails in South Africa. It was a few weeks before that Ashes tour that England’s biggest star windmilled his way into his own disaster.
In the early hours of 25 September 2017, Stokes and teammate Alex Hales were barred from re-entering Mbargo after a night out on the piss. A Sunday thrashing of an abject West Indies in an ignored series at the fag-end of the season apparently required ample celebration. After arguing with the bouncer and hanging about at the door for a while, they wandered off to find a casino in the hope of more drinking. They’d barely made it around the corner before getting in the middle of a conflict between four locals. As is said on the internet, it escalated quickly.
The 26 September reporting was bloodless. Withholding names, police stated that a man ‘was arrested on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm’ while another went to hospital with facial injuries. England’s director of cricket Andrew Strauss separately confirmed that Stokes was the arrestee, adding that he had been released without charge and that Hales had gamely offered to ‘help police with their enquiries’. Administrators had a good chance of hiding behind that investigation, and the next day Stokes was named in the upcoming Ashes squad as expected. But that night the video emerged.
Bristol student Max Wilson had shot it on his phone, then offered it to The Sun. What he thought was playing hardball was actually lowball: his opening price of £3000 was snapped up by a tabloid that would have paid ten times that. The Sun went on to make a mint by syndicating the rights worldwide. From a window above the fray, the vision showed six men on the street below performing the muddled choreography of a melee. One was right at the centre of it. One was waving a bottle, one dipped in and out, one tried to calm it. Two others floated around the edges. The central figure was unmistakable: red hair burning even in the streetlight as he launched into a series of blows against two of the men, falling to grapple with them on the ground, then following both across the street, swinging punches the whole way. Hales trailed behind, repeatedly and impotently shouting ‘Stokes! Stop! Stokes! Enough!’ The ECB could fudge issues that existed only in thickets of legalese, but not those captured in moving colour. Stokes was stood down from the next West Indies match, then suspended indefinitely. It emerged that he had broken his hand during the fight, something he’d done twice before while punching objects in dressing rooms.
The response in Australia was fierce: Stokes was a thug, a lowlife, a selection that would disgrace England. It was not entirely coincidental that a ban for England’s best player would be handy for the Aussie team, but there was also a cultural split. In England, plenty of people still minimise pub fights as lads letting off steam. In Australia, heavy media coverage as a succession of young men were killed had inverted that tolerance. The discourse now saw any punch as potentially deadly and accordingly reckless. This was more poignant in a cricket context given that David Hookes, the dashing Test batsman and state coach, was killed in 2004 by a pub bouncer’s fist.
The PR situation was bad for Stokes as details emerged of the injuries to the men he’d hit, and that one was a young war veteran and father. Stokes wasn’t officially removed from the Ashes squad through October but stayed behind when his teammates left, hoping for police to dismiss the matter in time for a late dash to Australia. His annual contract was renewed on the due date in case that came to pass. Then 29 October brought a twist in the tale.
‘Ben Stokes praised by gay couple after defending them from homophobic thugs,’ ran the headline. Kai Barry and Billy O’Connell had emerged. Not entirely out of nowhere: while Stokes had made no public comment, this story in his defence had initially been leaked to TV host Piers Morgan after the fight, as soon as the video appeared. Police body-camera footage played in court would later show that Stokes had given the same story to the arresting officer on the night. But no-one knew the identities of the fifth and sixth men in the video, and police appeals had turned up nothing.
It was The Sun again with the breakthrough. Kai and Billy were perfect for a readership not keen on nuance. ‘We couldn’t believe it when we found out they were famous cricketers. I just thought Ben and Alex were quite hot, fit guys,’ said Kai, who was memorably described as a ‘former House of Fraser sales assistant’. The paper had the pair do a full photo shoot: layering the fake tan, showing off chest waxes, mixing Ralph Lauren and Louis Vuitton into a range of outfits. Their best shot had them standing back to back, heads turned to the camera, in a mirror-image Zoolander moment.
Suddenly The Sun was the England team’s best friend. ‘Their claims could lead to the all-rounder being cleared over the punch-up and freed to play in the First Test in Australia next month,’ it gushed, then gave a tasting platter of quotes: ‘We were so grateful to Ben for stepping in to help. He was a real hero.’ ‘If Ben hadn’t intervened it could have been a lot worse for us.’ ‘We could’ve been in real trouble. Ben was a real gentleman.’ Would it be known forever as Kai and Billy’s Ashes? No. While the Bristol boys provided spin for Stokes’ reputation they didn’t influence the police. With charges still pending there was little choice – not given Strauss had previously sacked Kevin Pietersen for being annoying. Stokes remained suspended through the Ashes and a one-day series in Australia, and lost the vice-captaincy. It was January 2018 before the Crown Prosecution Service laid a charge.
That charge surprisingly came in as affray, a crime that can carry prison time but is classified as ‘a breach of the peace as a result of disorderly conduct’. The men he had punched, Ryan Ali and Ryan Hale, faced the same count, charged as equal participants in a fight rather than Stokes being charged with assaulting them. Alex Hales was not charged, despite being seen in the video to aim several kicks when Ryan Ali was lying on the ground. Given the underwhelming standing of the offence, Stokes was cleared by the ECB to tour New Zealand, and kept playing until his trial in August 2018, which he missed a Test to attend. None of the three defendants would be convicted.
The reasoning behind the charges was never released and was attributed vaguely to ‘CPS lawyers’. The service gave the case to Alison Morgan, a prosecutor of a class known as Treasury Counsel who usually handle serious criminal matters. Morgan had a scheduling clash and never ended up court for the case, but in 2018 and 2019 she would go on to win damages and admissions of libel from The Daily Mail, The Times and The Daily Telegraph variously for incorrectly reporting that she had been responsible for the inadequate and inconsistent charging decisions.
Morgan’s successor on the case was Nicholas Corsellis QC, who on the first day of trial was permitted by the CPS to request two assault charges be added against Stokes. ‘Upon further review,’ claimed a CPS statement, ‘we considered that additional assault charges would also be appropriate.’ This was patent nonsense from the service that eight months earlier had chosen the lesser charge. Any lawyer knows that no judge will allow new charges once a trial has begun, because the defence hasn’t had time to prepare. But such a request could deflect criticism of the prosecution service by technically making the judge the one who disallows the charge.
Working through the story from the trial and the tape is complicated. You had a Ryan and a Ryan, a Hale and a Hales, a Billy and a Barry and a Ben. You had several versions of events as to who knew whom, who was drinking with whom, who had insulted whom and who had merely engaged in ‘banter’, a word that in modern Britain has to do an unconscionable amount of lifting. The reporting had constantly mixed up the Ryans as to who had which injury, who was in hospital, who had played which part in the fight, and whose mum had which stern words to say about it.
Let’s agree that from now Ryan Ali is Ryan One, the firefighter who ended up with a fractured eye socket and a cracked tooth. Ryan Two can be Ryan Hale, the soldier who scored concussion and facial lacerations. Mr Barry and Mr O’Connell are best known per The Sun as Kai and Billy. In scorecard parlance we’ll leave the cricketers as Stokes and Hales.
Amid the confusion, Stokes and his lawyers built his case in a straightforward way. The UK legal definition of affray is ‘if a person threatens or uses unlawful violence or force towards another person, which causes another person of reasonable firmness present at the scene to fear for their safety’. That means it doesn’t account for violence that harms a target, but violence that might frighten a theoretical bystander. The wiggle room for Stokes was with ‘unlawful’, because the charge excuses violence in defending oneself or others.
This interpretation hinged on the beginning of the video, where Ryan One waves a beer bottle about and takes a swing at Kai. The version from Stokes was that he was minding his own business walking down the street when he heard homophobic abuse. He intervened verbally and was threatened verbally by Ryan One – something that Ryan One denied but that couldn’t be proved or disproved. In fear for his safety Stokes had to nullify that threat by bashing Ryan One before it went the other way. He registered Ryan Two in his peripheral vision as another possible threat, and again had only one recourse.
Stokes also had to convince the jury to disregard testimony from Mbargo’s bouncer that he had been looking for a fight. A solid lump of a man, Andrew Cunningham had not enjoyed his patron’s attempts to get back into the club after the bouncer declined an offer of a bribe. ‘He got a bit verbally abusive towards myself. He mentioned my gold teeth and he said I looked like a cunt and I replied, “Thank you very much.” He just looked at me and told me my tattoos were shit and to look at my job.’ Cunningham described these words as coming in ‘a spiteful tone, quite an angry tone’, and said that Stokes still seemed angry as he walked away.
These were details the doorman had nothing to gain by inventing, but each of them Stokes denied. By his own accounting he had drunk a beer at the game and three pints at his hotel, then ‘potentially had some Jägerbombs’ along with half a dozen vodkas at the club. He insisted that after all of this he was not drunk.
If I may take a moment here to call upon the wisdom of experience – a person who cannot definitively say whether they have had any Jägerbombs has definitely had some Jägerbombs. A Jägerbomb is an experience that does not pass one by. Further to that, a person who says they have ‘potentially’ done something has definitely done that thing and doesn’t want to admit it. A person who has had between 15 and 24 standard drinks in one evening is shitfaced. A person who tries to bribe a bouncer £300 – three hundred quid! – to get into Mbargo – Mbargo! – is beyond shitfaced.
If Stokes admitted that he was drunk then the prosecution could say he was out of control. He claimed clear recall of assessing a threat, feeling fear and deciding to protect himself with force. He confidently denied details from the bouncer’s testimony, like using the word ‘cunt’ or mentioning gold teeth. Yet on other details he claimed a ‘significant memory blackout’. He didn’t remember the punch that saw Ryan One taken away by ambulance. He didn’t remember what the Ryans had said to Kai and Billy, only that those words were homophobic. With no head injury, as one of the few people who hadn’t been hit, he had supposedly suffered this memory loss despite being sober.
The version from Kai and Billy was compatible but vague: they had been walking along, they ‘heard … shouts’ of abuse from an unspecified source, then Stokes ‘stepped in’ and thus they avoided possible harm. They claimed to have been bought a drink by Stokes at Mbargo, although CCTV showed them meeting outside. The overall implication from both accounts was that the cricketers had been pals with Kai and Billy, while the Ryans as per The Sun’s headline were a roving band of thugs.
The reality though is that the Ryans were the ones hanging out with Kai and Billy at Mbargo. Police discussed CCTV from inside the club in questioning and at trial. On that footage the four Bristolians bought drinks for one another, danced together, and Kai was noted to have variously touched Ryan Two’s crotch and Ryan One’s buttock. Ryan One told police that all of this was taken lightheartedly and wasn’t a problem. Indeed, when the Ryans called it a night the other two left with them.
This much is clear from footage out the front of Mbargo, which shows Kai and Billy exit the club and start talking with a subdued Hales and a demonstrative Stokes, who are stuck outside. The vision was played in court to determine whether Stokes was antagonistic towards Kai and Billy, as he appears to impersonate them and to throw a lit cigarette their way. More interesting is that after a few minutes the Ryans emerge, and all six actors in the fight video briefly form a prequel in the one frame.
Ryan Two pats Billy on the chest in friendly fashion with his right hand before clapping him on the back with his left. He moves past and does the same to Kai before leaving the shot. Ryan One stops to speak to Kai. They lean in for a moment, talking, then Kai turns and they walk out of frame together. Billy hangs around for a few seconds at the door and then looks after them and races to catch up. Stokes and Hales remain outside the club to remonstrate further with the bouncers. Whatever discord develops around the corner is between four men who left amicably together minutes earlier.
There’s no way to know what caused that friction. If Ryan One did use homophobic slurs, he might have been drunkenly obnoxious for no reason. He might have had an insecure macho response to some extra flirtation. He might have thought unkindness was funny – ‘banter’ once again. Or he might have said something that was misunderstood, as both Ryans insisted in court that they had not used nor had the impulse to use any abusive language.
What clearly didn’t happen was an attack by bigots on random passers-by. This kind of crime is regular enough that an audience understands the horror of it, and this is what was evoked by the public accounts of Stokes, Billy and Kai. All we know is that there was some verbal dispute among the Bristol locals, and that Stokes came along behind them and put himself in the middle of it. Ryan One responded to the interference aggressively and away they went. There are plenty of reasons to look sideways at the idea that Stokes was a saviour. Foremost, neither Kai nor Billy was called upon as witnesses in court. You’d think it would be ideal to have Stokes’ story backed up by those who benefited from his selflessness. But his defence team had developed the impression that the pair had shown a changeable recall of events amid a hard-partying lifestyle, and would be dismantled by the prosecution on the stand.
That raises the question of whether The Sun coached their quotes for the 2017 interview. Despite missing court, Kai and Billy clearly enjoyed the attention. In 2018 after the trial they did a follow-up spread in the same paper about how poor Ben had been mistreated. They got a television spot on Good Morning Britain and glowed about his heroism. In 2019 The Sun wheeled them out once more to say that Stokes should get a knighthood. In 2017 they had ‘never watched cricket’ but by 2019 were supposedly volunteering sentences like, ‘He saved us, now he’s saved the Ashes.’ Whether they were paid for these appearances is not known, but the chance to be famous for a day can be lure enough.
If you find this cynical, consider that on the night in question, the Bristol boys were so deeply moved and thankful for Ben’s intervention that they left him to be arrested and never attempted to find out who he was. Seconds after the video ended, an off-duty policeman reached the scene. You might think that someone grateful to a saviour would speak on his behalf. Instead, said Kai, ‘it all got a bit scary so we walked off. It was too much for me and we went to Quigley’s takeaway for chicken burgers and cheesy chips.’ They didn’t give their hero a thought for over a month while police issued multiple appeals for witnesses.
As for Stokes, he told his arresting officer that ‘his friends’ had been attacked. After three minutes of chat outside a nightclub, these friends were so dear to him that he has never contacted them again: not after the newspaper piece, not after the verdict. He didn’t want to see how they were or thank them for their support. He didn’t mention them by name in his solicitor’s statement after the trial.
The Stokes defence rested on Ryan One’s bottle, which he had carried out of Mbargo to finish a beer, not to use in a Sharks versus Jets amateur production. But once he turned it over to hold it by the neck it became a weapon. Intent and interpretation can change the material nature of things. Part of Stokes’ justification in court was that the bottle implied that the two Ryans might have ‘other weapons’ hidden away. You can understand how a jury could decide that created doubt.
Not being convicted, though, doesn’t give the contents of the video a big green tick. It does not, as his lawyer claimed, vindicate Stokes. Looking in detail, Ryan One is belligerent but his movements telegraph a bluff. Hales is the person he’s gesturing at, but they’re several metres apart when Ryan One cocks his arm ostentatiously, showing off the bottle rather than bracing to swing. He skips forward but Hales skips back and Ryan One doesn’t follow. Kai stretches out an arm to impede Ryan One, who has a drunken stumble, nearly eats pavement, then staggers towards Kai and hits him in the back. That hand is still holding the bottle, but his strike is a side-arm cuff on a soft part of the body. It’s all pretty tame.
This is where Stokes gets involved. Having moved across to protect Hales, he now takes three large steps to run around Kai and booms his first punch at Ryan One. They fall to the ground and the bottle clinks away. Stokes gets to his feet to punch down at the fallen man, while Hales arrives to kick him ineffectively then runs off across the street for some unknown reason. Ice-cream van? Stokes is soon back in the grapple having his shirt pulled up to show off his Durham tan. Ryan Two steps in for the first time to pull Stokes away, prompting a couple more random punches at this new target, then Stokes trips backwards over Ryan One and sprawls in the street. Hales chooses this moment to return and aim some solid kicks at the head of the man on the ground. Nothing so far is a triumph of moral philosophy or the pugilistic arts. But if it all stopped here, perhaps you could say it was somewhere approaching fair. Ryan One has behaved like a turnip and it’s not an entirely unjust world that would give him a whack across the chops. The antagonists have disentangled, Stokes has some distance, it’s time to dust off and go home. Ryan Two steps forward for this purpose with his palm raised in conciliatory style and says, ‘Settle down, stop.’
So Stokes punches him.
It’s roughly his fifth punch overall, and he really winds up into this one. He misses so hard that he stumbles away into the shadows of the shop awnings along the road.
Hales starts shouting for him to stop. Ryan Two backs into the street, still holding his palm up. Stokes closes on him from about five metres away, six large steps, to where Ryan Two is standing on his own. Stokes pushes him a couple of times, as Ryan Two keeps trying to placate him and saying ‘Stop.’ Stokes throws his sixth punch, largely missing as his target ducks.
Ryan Two keeps pulling away and reversing, into the middle of the street now. Stokes follows him, grabbing his sleeve to drag him back. By this point Ryan One has found his feet and walked around behind his friend. Both of them are in the same line of sight for Stokes, and both are backing away. Stokes aims his seventh and his eighth punches, which Ryan Two tries to deflect, as Hales walks up behind Stokes to grab him.
Stokes yanks away from his friend and switches to Ryan One instead, taking seven paces to grab him before throwing his ninth punch of the night. He grabs again; Ryan One blocks that arm and pushes himself back away from Stokes. Ryan Two again intercedes, putting himself between the two with his palms up and his arm extended.
Stokes throws his tenth punch, a right-hander at the face of Ryan Two, then shoves him backwards. Ryan Two backs away once more, four paces. Stokes follows, steadies, lines up, then launches his strongest punch yet, his eleventh, a proper right hook from a solid base, one that cracks across the man’s head and gives him concussion. Ryan Two ends up flat on his back in the middle of the street, his hands still outstretched for a moment in useless protest until they twitch and drop to the blacktop.
Stokes isn’t done. He once more shoves away the restraining Hales and follows Ryan One, who keeps backing away saying, ‘Alright, alright, alright.’ Five more paces from Stokes before another blow at the man’s head. Kai and Billy are now standing over the poleaxed Ryan Two. The video ends, but seconds later Stokes will punch Ryan One hard enough to knock him out too, before off-duty cop Andrew Spure arrives on the scene to bring down the curtain. When the body-camera footage kicks in some minutes later, Stokes is in handcuffs but Ryan One is still laid out in the street. Ryan Two has regained consciousness, folded his shirt under his friend’s head and is asking police for an ambulance.
‘At this point, I felt vulnerable and frightened. I was concerned for myself and others.’ This was how Stokes described that sequence to the court. An elite athlete with years of gym work and training to snap a bat through the line of a ball with astounding power and precision, swinging fists as hard as he can at men with none of those advantages. Punching so hard that he breaks his hand, and repeatedly shoving away a friend so he can punch some more. Frightened and threatened by two targets shouting ‘Get back!’ and ‘Stop!’
The off-duty officer testified that Stokes ‘seemed to be the main aggressor or was progressing forward trying to get to’ Ryan One, who was ‘trying to back away or get away from the situation’. The student who filmed the video can be heard on the tape at one stage exclaiming ‘Fuck!’ and testified that it was because ‘I felt a little bit sorry about the lad that had been punched and it looked like he had his hands up’. That tallied with the prosecutor’s depiction of ‘a sustained episode of significant violence that left onlookers shocked at what was taking place’.
The defendant stuck to his strategy. ‘No, my sole focus was to protect myself.’ All up, in the 33 seconds of footage after he falls over, Stokes takes 35 steps forward to keep hitting two men who keep trying to get away. Not once is he hit back.
After the verdict, Stokes’ solicitor positioned him as the victim. It had been ‘an eleven-month ordeal for Ben … The jury’s decision fairly reflects the truth of what happened that night … He was minding his own business … It was only when others came under threat that Ben became physically engaged. The steps that he took were solely aimed at ensuring the safety of himself and the others present …’ The statement was impossibly self-righteous and self-absorbed.
If there was anyone to feel sorry for it was Ryan Hale, the second of our two Ryans. He’s the one who emerged from the club with a friendly arm around the shoulder for Kai and Billy. He’s the one who interposed himself to end the fight, then kept putting himself back in the firing line, trying to calm an intimidating stranger while dodging blows. For his show of restraint he got laid out regardless, concussed in the street, then was issued a criminal charge equal to that of the man who hit him, and described in national media as a violent bigot in an untested story to support that man’s defence.
Lawyers for Ryan Two made a more convincing post-trial statement, noting that Kai and Billy, ‘neither of whom were relied upon by the prosecution or the defence team for Mr Stokes, have taken the opportunity to speak with various media outlets about the alleged homophobic abuse that they received in the early hours of September 25. Mr Hale has passionately denied this allegation throughout the course of this case,’ it continued.
‘It is upsetting to Mr Hale that although he was acquitted, the accusation that he was the author of such abuse remains. Both Mr Hale and Mr Ali were knocked unconscious by Mr Stokes, and although Mr Stokes has been acquitted of an affray, Mr Hale struggles with the reasons why the Crown Prosecution Service did not treat him as a victim of an unlawful assault.’Good question. Avon and Somerset police were the investigating force, and they were frustrated by the decision. Ryan Two was filmed clearly not hurting anyone, but police were instructed by the CPS to proceed with a charge. Hales (the cricketer) was filmed fighting but ‘a decision was made at a senior level of the CPS’ not to proceed. Police expected Stokes to be charged with assault but the CPS declined. It doesn’t take a wild cynic to think that placing the same lukewarm charge on three men for vastly divergent behaviour might ensure that none would be convicted, even as the trial would maintain the pretence that a defendant of influential standing had not been given a free pass.
A couple of years down the line, the original interview with Kai and Billy has disappeared. All traces have been scrubbed from The Sun website, its social media history, and even from the Wayback Machine internet archive. Given its headline of ‘homophobic thugs’ and text that names Ryan Two but not Ryan One, the libel liability isn’t hard to spot. Later interviews with Kai and Billy take the passive voice – they ‘suffered homophobic slurs outside a Bristol nightclub’.
The article that was once claimed to exonerate brave Ben Stokes now links only to a missing content page, with a picture of a dropped ice-cream cone and the phrase ‘legal removal’ inserted into the web URL. In terms of consequences, Stokes missed one tour. When he resumed his career in January 2018, the Australians hadn’t yet ruined theirs. Their year-long bans looked much more stringent. But the Stokes case dragged on in other ways. With no criminal liability, the Australians confessed promptly enough for the sporting world to give them the full length of the lash. Their situation was ugly but there was closure. Stokes got stuck in legal stasis, unable to be fully backed or condemned. Instead his issue was always present, a browser full of open tabs that the ECB swore they would read any day now.
Through 2018 Stokes was back but he wasn’t back, in the sunglasses and finger-guns sense. In his return one-day series he nearly cost England a match with 39 from 73 balls in Wellington. His first Test hit was a duck as England got rolled in Auckland for 58. At Trent Bridge while Stokes was injured, England posted a world record 481 against Australia. With Stokes three weeks later at the same ground they made 268. He crawled to 50 from 103, the second-slowest any Englishman had reached that milestone in 20 years. That span covered Alastair Cook’s whole career. It was apologetic batting, acting out responsibility via the scorecard. Stokes was creeping back into the team like he’d been kicked out in a blazing row and was hoping to tip-toe to the sofa.
It was December 2018 before the ECB disciplinary committee ruled on him and Hales. In a ‘remarkable coincidence’, wrote Simon Heffer in The Telegraph, ‘the punishment both players faced in terms of bans from playing at international level was covered by the amount of games they had already missed when dropped by England’s selectors, in the furore that followed the incident’. The verdict compounded the omissions around the case by not addressing the violence at its heart. Nor did Stokes, apologising only ‘to my team-mates, coaches and support staff’, and then ‘to England supporters and to the public for bringing the game into disrepute’.
The implicit next step was to rebuild that reputation. It might have been easier had his court defence not meant that he wasn’t game to admit any fault at all. It might have been easier if he or his advisers had been willing to change tack once the trial was done. Imagine a world where Stokes had stood outside court and apologised for overreacting, for the injuries he’d caused, and for the time and energy he had sucked out of other people’s lives. That would have been a show of responsibility beyond a scorecard. When the time came around to assess forgiveness, it might have meant forgiveness was deserved.

Popular Builder Solitaire Card Games

Solitaire is the much beloved choice for killing time in the office or at the home computer. The three most popular solitaire card games are Klondike, Spider, and FreeCell, and these enjoy dizzying heights of popularity as a result of being included as part of Microsoft Windows in the 1990s (for more on this, see this article). What these three games have in common is that they all fit the "builder" genre. That means that they follow the basic formula of many solitaire games, where the overall objective is to arrange cards in ascending order from Ace through to King, for each of the four separate suits. Typically this is done by placing and moving cards within a tableau of rows and columns of cards, where the cards are often arranged in descending order, sometimes with an additional requirement of alternating colours.
Klondike, Spider, and FreeCell are by no means unique in this regard, and the genre of "building" games is the most popular archetype within the larger world of solitaire card games. Not all solitaire card games are builder games, but builder games are the most common and arguably the most loved. So which other solitaire games of this type should you know about and should you try first? I've explored the world of solitaire card games extensively myself, and also examined numerous lists about the most popular ones, to help you begin your experience with the best of the best, rather than waste your time with mediocre or obscure games. The six builder games covered in this article are time-tested classics that are most well-known and loved, and represent the best "next step" for anyone wanting to branch out after enjoying Klondike, Spider, or FreeCell.
Each of the builder games discussed here represents a small category of its own, because there are many popular variations and related games for each, which I will cover as well. As with my previous articles on solitaire games games, the accompanying links go to Solitaired.com, which is a website where you can play these games for free. But because these games are so common and well known, you'll find that they are included in most software and websites that offer collections of solitaire card games.

== Games With One Deck ==

BAKER'S DOZEN
Overview: Baker's Dozen also represents a family of games that plays much like Forty Thieves (see below), but with a single deck. While some variations have a stock, in Baker's Dozen and its most closely related games all the cards are face up, so you have complete information to work with.
Game-play: The tableau consists of thirteen columns of four overlapping and face-up cards each, while the four foundations begin empty. To ensure that the tableau doesn't lock up too quickly, Kings are automatically placed to the bottom of each column when they are turned up. Just like in Forty Thieves, only the single top card of each column may be moved, and columns are built downwards, in any colour and suit. Empty spaces in the tableau may not be filled. As you'd expect, the aim is to get the entire deck onto the four foundations, building up each from Ace to King, with each being built upwards by value.
Variations: Portuguese Solitaire makes Baker's Dozen slightly easier by allowing empty spaces in the tableau to be filled with Kings, while Spanish Patience allows building on the foundations regardless of suit. Baker's Two Deck is effectively the same as Baker's Dozen but using two decks, with eight foundations and a tableau consisting of ten columns with 10 or 11 cards each.
My thoughts: Because this only involves a single deck, Baker's Dozen is much quicker to play than Forty Thieves, and the chances of success are also significantly higher, with as many as 2 of 3 games being easily winnable. The fact that Kings begin at the bottom of the tableau ensures that you don't get stuck too quickly, and being able to build down in the tableau independent of suit ensures a great amount of flexibility. At the same time managing the tableau carefully is still important, especially in cases where empty spaces don't get filled. This makes Baker's Dozen a quicker, simpler, and more accessible game than Forty Thieves and its many variants, while still remaining rewarding and satisfying to play.

https://preview.redd.it/uzpzp0dtend61.jpg?width=600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=28ee57dfe129f73475b95e4b1c12d2910b9a0284
Related games: Castles in Spain requires building down in the tableau to be with alternate colours, and in most versions of this game all but the top card of each column in the tableau begins face-down. Quite similar is Martha and its harder sibling Stewart, where every second card in the tableau begins face-down. Good Measure is a more difficult variation of Baker's Dozen, since it uses ten columns of five cards each, and has more strict rules for building on the foundations; Canister has only eight columns with even more cards on each.
Bisley: Special mention can be made of Bisley, which is a classic but more difficult game in this family. In Bisley you use a tableau of thirteen columns of four cards each to build upwards on the four Aces, and simultaneously build downwards on the Kings whenever they become available.
CANFIELD
Overview: Canfield is one of the all time greats among solitaire games, and is a genuine classic. Also known under names like Demon, Fascination, or Thirteen, you'll find that it appears in almost every book with solitaire card games. According to legend, the game owes its origin and name to Richard A. Canfield, a 19th century gambler. For an initial outlay of $52, Canfield offered gamblers a reward of $5 for every card successfully played to the foundations, with a $500 pot for successfully playing all 52 cards to the foundations. Anything more than 10 cards played to the foundations would get you out of the red, but in most cases the game favoured the casino, indicating how hard the game can be to play.
Game-play: Game-play is much like Klondike, with the aim of building up all four suits in order. The key difference is the starting set-up, because there is a single face-down reserve of 13 cards (sometimes called the "demon"), with a 14th card turned up as the first foundation card. The foundations begin with the cards corresponding to the rank of this initially turned up card (rather than the usual Ace), and the idea is to build upwards from there, if necessary "turning the corner" from King through to Ace. Also different from Klondike is the starting tableau, which consists of just four face up cards alongside the reserve. The stock is turned up three cards at a time as in standard Klondike, with as many re-deals as necessary. Any space that appears in the tableau is immediately filled by the top card of the reserve pile, which is always kept face-up.
Variations: Given how challenging it can take to win a standard game of Canfield, a number of variants exist that simplify the game slightly, increasing your chances of playing cards to the foundations. Canfield's gambling house is said to have given players the option of going through the stock three times when dealing three cards at a time, or just a single time when dealing one card at a time, and it has been estimated that most games would only see 5 or 6 cards played. The game becomes slightly easier with Canfield Rush, where the cards are first dealt three at a time, then two at a time, and then individually in a final deal of the stock.
My thoughts: Canfield does have a strong connection to Klondike, but has a smaller tableau to work with, while also providing a much smaller number of cards (only 13) that are face-down in the tableau at the start of the game. The real key is finding a way to make these cards available and get these into the game. Given how hard the original game is, I prefer playing with the rule that allows dealing of cards individually, and cycling through the stock as often as necessary. Some of the related games discussed below, such as Rainbow and Storehouse, significantly improve your winning chances, and can be very satisfying to play. Certainly if you enjoy Klondike, this game is a great next step to try.

https://preview.redd.it/u62f87euend61.jpg?width=600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=073fd04a2eea40447c0b030072ece279293ffca5
Related games: In Rainbow (also called Rainbow Canfield), cards may be built downwards in the tableau regardless of suit (some versions still require alternating colour), making it much easier to manipulate cards and work your way through the stock and the reserve. Additionally, cards from the reserve aren't automatically added to the tableau, giving you more control and adding strategic options. In most versions of Storehouse (also called Thirteen-Up), you get an additional head-start by placing your initial four cards on the foundations at the outset, while cards from the stock are turned up one at a time. The big difference in this game is that you must build down by suit in the tableau, which really changes how the game feels, because playing from the tableau to the foundation usually involves a whole string of cards at once. Eagle Wing (also called Thirteen-Down) is somewhat similar to Storehouse, and has a uniquely shaped tableau. Dutchess (sometimes spelled Duchess), is a Canfield style game that adds a reserve of four fans, while American Toad is an easy-to-win version of Canfield with two decks.
Two Players: Canfield has been adapted for a multi-player game under the common name Pounce, and is also known as Nerts or Racing Demon. A commercial version exists under the name Solitaire Frenzy, and the published game Dutch Blitz is also a close relative. In Pounce, each player uses his own deck and tableau, playing simultaneously and real time onto shared foundations, with the goal is to be the first to get rid of your reserve pile. You can play with as many as half a dozen players or more, and the frenzied action typically proves to be enormous fun!
FAN GAMES (La Belle Lucie)
Overview: La Belle Lucie, also called in English "Lovely Lucy" or "Beautiful Lutecia", is a classic representative of the family of games typically described as Fan games. It's one of the more difficult games in the genre to win, and thus some of its variants and closely related games have arguably become more popular than Lovely Lucy itself. But this classic game of French origin is a good archetype of the genre, and you'll find it included in most books with patience games, and on most solitaire websites and software. Effectively this game is just a tableau of 17 columns of three cards each (plus a column with a single card), but the fan-style arrangement with horizontally overlapping cards that is traditionally associated with this game is a signature feature.
Game-play: A single deck is dealt face-up into 17 "fans", each consisting of three overlapping cards, plus an 18th column with just one card. Only one card can be transferred within the tableau at a time, so sequences can't be moved, and building happens downwards according to suit. Empty spaces in the tableau may not be filled. The aim is to build up four foundations by suit from Ace to King. Under the most commonly played rules, once you are unable to place or move any more cards, you take all the cards from the tableau and redeal them into fans with three cards each; there are two such re-deals.
Variations: Three Shuffles and a Draw (also called Lovely Lucy With a Draw) adds a merci play, where you can move a single blocked card once during the course of the game. While La Belle Lucie is sometimes called The Fan, this is also the name of a popular variation which allows exposed Kings to be played to empty spaces in the tableau, making the game less frustrating and far more achievable. Trefoil is identical to La Belle Lucie except that the Aces begin on the foundations, resulting in an initial tableau of just 16 fans.
My thoughts: This is a terrific single-deck game, because you have perfect information given that all the cards are face-up, and the large number of columns/fans means that buried cards have at most only a couple of cards blocking them. La Belle Lucie is very difficult to win under the original and strict rules, especially because empty fans may not be refilled, and cards beneath an unplayable exposed card (e.g. a King) are permanently inaccessible. The merci rule that lets you unblock one card is virtually essential, and usually a standard way of playing, but even after two redeals the game can still be hard to finish, depending on the draw. Some of the variants and related games that simplify things slightly are more satisfying. This is one of my favourite solitaire games to play with a single deck, since it is less luck-dependent than many other popular single-deck games like Klondike.

https://preview.redd.it/wbkhlyawend61.jpg?width=600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=062ced3c363b906d2a0145ac742cccd257092c30
Related games: One of the more popular games in this family is Super Flower Garden, where building downward is permitted regardless of suit; with good play under these rules the game can be completed almost every single time. Shamrocks takes the essence of La Belle Lucie, but implements several other changes to make the game much easier: Kings are moved to the bottom of the fan during the deal, and you may build up as well as down on the fans (which are limited in size to 3 cards) and can ignore suits; to prevent it being too easy there are no redeals.
Similar games: Games in the Baker's Dozen family (covered previously above) are sometimes classified as Fan games as well, because the game-play is quite similar, with 13 columns/fans of four cards each, but the absence of re-deals gives them a different feel. Bristol is often played with a tableau consisting of fans as well, but there are only eight fans of three cards each, while the rest of the deck functions as a stock that you deal onto three waste or reserve piles. Despite some hidden information, those who appreciate Fan games are likely to appreciate Bristol as well. Intelligence is a two-deck game in the style of La Belle Lucie, while the relatively easy two-deck game Buffalo Bill relies on reserve cells rather than tableau building.
CASTLE GAMES (Beleaguered Castle)
Overview: Beleaguered Castle is the most famous member of what can be called the "Castle" family of solitaire games, and is a classic game that you'll find in most books of Patience. This game sometimes also goes under the alternative names of Laying Siege and Sham Battle. It is an excellent example of an open solitaire game, because all the cards are dealt face-up at the start, so you begin with perfect information.
Game-play: With the four Aces placed in a vertical column as foundations, the rest of the cards are dealt face-up into four rows of six overlapping cards each on either side, forming a tableau consisting of two "wings". As expected, the goal is to build all four foundations in order from Ace through King. Cards may only be moved within the tableau one at a time, rather than in stacks, so only the end card of each row within the tableau may be moved, either to the foundations, to another row in descending sequence regardless of suit, or to an empty space in the tableau.
Variations: In Streets and Alleys, the Aces don't begin in the starting foundations at all, but are included in the initial tableau of dealt cards, so that the four rows on the left side of the foundations each consist of seven cards each rather than six. Thomas Warfield's Stronghold adds a storage cell to Streets and Alleys, to give more strategic options for movement. Citadel improves Beleaguered Castle's initial position slightly by allowing you to build straight to the foundations during the deal, while Selective Castle lets you choose the rank of the foundation cards after the deal. Some solitaire sites offer a Beleaguered Cities variant (sometimes simply called Castle), which makes the game much easier by allowing you to build in ascending or descending sequence (still regardless of suit), and this ensures that you can nearly always complete the game successfully.
My thoughts: Despite the unusual signature "wing" setup, strictly speaking the mechanics of Beleagured Castle are like most other solitaire games (especially Forty Thieves, see below), but with a single deck, eight columns of six cards each, and no stock. The strict rules for movement and building within the tableau make this a very difficult game to complete successfully. Ideally you want to be able to get one of the rows entirely clear, to give you more options for manipulation within the tableau. Even so, being only able to move the outside card on each row is quite limiting, and as a result you will often be thwarted by the luck of the draw early on, especially if high cards bury some lower cards, and so this classic game can be somewhat frustrating. You'll often find yourself quickly redealing and starting over, hoping for better luck the next time around; one advantage of a digital version is that you can keep redealing until you get a deal that seems like a reasonable starting draw. The simpler variant Castle is a good place to start with this game, since it increases your chances of success drastically.

https://preview.redd.it/6bc5x6zwend61.jpg?width=600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c46244357066a57635272d995c07235c72b3103f
Related games: Fortress operates on a similar concept, but there are five rows on each side of the foundations instead of four. In addition, you are restricted to building on the same suit, but you may build in ascending or descending sequence. Aces start within the tableau (thus two rows have six instead of five cards). The variant Chessboard applies the same principle as Selective Castle, by letting you choose the rank of the foundation cards after the deal (building around the corner on the foundations as required), in order to take better advantage of the cards you have been dealt. Zerline is a German game where Queens are high, and helps by adding a four-card storage area.
SIR TOMMY GAMES
Overview: Sir Tommy (Old Patience, Try Again, Numerica) is also known as Old Patience, which reflects its origin as the oldest known patience game, and possible ancestor of all others. The average person may not have heard of it, but it deserves a place on this list because this is a game from which so many other solitaire games are derived, including many more familiar ones. It is at the head of a family of games where cards in the tableau can't be moved after being placed, and that's a unique quality that also makes it quite challenging to win.
Game-play: Suits are irrelevant in this game, and the aim is to build four foundations from Ace to King. You deal the deck face-up one at a time, and the tableau has four columns (or waste piles); dealt cards can be played on any column but cannot be moved from one to another. So while it's still technically a building game because you are building up the foundations, there is no packing in the tableau to assist you with this.
Variations: Some variants (e.g. Auld Lang Syne, Tam O'Shanter) turn Sir Tommy into even an simpler luck-based game nearly impossible to win, while others are extremely strategic like the well-known Calculation. Amazons is an interesting version played with a smaller deck that has the goal of building to the Queens (= Amazons), and is best played digitally given the amount of redealing. Other variants make the game easier (and for me, more enjoyable) by increasing the number of tableaus (Strategy, Lady Betty, and Last Chance) or redeals (Acquaintance), or make it more interesting by requiring building by colours (Puss in the Corner, and Colours, Alternate).
My thoughts: Good players can win as many as 20% of their games, and storing cards in the right order on the four columns is critical, because you want to avoid having low valued cards blocked by higher ones, or having too many cards of the same number in one column. Reserving a pile for Kings and another for high cards is often a good strategy. Even so, it's a hard game to win and can be frustrating. I recommend trying some of the easier variants as a way to enjoy this game; there's a good reason so many variants have evolved from the original over time. It's a large family that includes many solitaire variants, and these are well worth trying and exploring.

https://preview.redd.it/1hydbd93fnd61.jpg?width=600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=588e8636d70c42b2b914e70a77581629b3edc8be
Related games: Several two-deck games are in the Sir Tommy family, including Fanny, Frog (also called Toad), Fly, and Grand Duchess, most of which involve using a reserve. Several two-deck games use similar mechanics but operate with a larger 20 card tableau in the style of the simple game Carpet, but involve building both up and down on the foundations; for me personally these are the most fun of all Sir Tommy variants, and include Twenty (also called Sly Fox), Colorado, Grandmother's Patience (also called Grandmamma's Game), and Grandfather's Patience - all excellent games.
Calculation: Calculation deserves special mention, and has become a classic in its own right. What makes it unique is that the foundations are built up by one, two, three, and four respectively, and it requires a lot of skill. The variant Betsy Ross is more luck-dependent but is also easier to complete successfully.
YUKON
Overview: Yukon first appeared in a 1949 book on solitaire games, and has since exploded in popularity. This single deck solitaire game was partly inspired by Klondike, which is of course the most popular solitaire card game of all time. But because Yukon has no stock and more flexible rules for movement of stacks within the tableau, it allows a lot more scope for thinking.
Game-play: While inspired and indebted to Klondike, Yukon creates a game with a very different feel by removing the requirement that stacks of cards must be in alternating sequence in order to be moved. In other words, you can move any stack to a legal card within the tableau, regardless of the sequence of the cards in that stack. While this makes the game easier, another significant change makes it harder: there is no stock that you deal. So all the cards are in the tableau at the outset, and you'll have to manipulate the tableau cleverly to uncover face-down cards and build all four suits onto the four foundations from Ace through King.
Variations: To make Yukon slightly easier, a couple of variants alter things slightly to simplify the gameplay, such as removing the requirement that only Kings can be placed in an empty space in the tableau (this variation is sometimes called Great River). Some digital implementations give the option of reducing the number of suits used, such as in Yukon One Suit, which you can nearly always win, while still having to think carefully.
My thoughts: The rules for manipulating the tableau give you more options than Klondike, and thus more to consider and think about. Both Yukon and Russian Solitaire (mentioned under "related games" below) are extremely popular solitaire games, because they are simultaneously more challenging and more rewarding than Klondike style games. Skill plays more of a role, and there are players so dedicated to Yukon that they have played it thousands of times. In regular Yukon you can expect to win as much as 1 in 4 games, but the added level of difficulty in Russian Solitaire reduces that to as little as once in 20 games. The key is to bring the face-down cards into play as soon as possible.

https://preview.redd.it/650mlj93fnd61.jpg?width=600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=683c006a12bdf74ad8921bd619fed40a8fb14405
Related games: Russian Solitaire makes Yukon harder by only allowing you to build down in the tableau with cards of the same suit, instead of in alternating colours, and it is an extremely popular game in its own right. This requirement is also in place with Alaska, but may build in ascending or descending order in the tableau, which makes it easier to win than Russian Solitaire. Australian Patience is another popular spin-off from Yukon, and adds a stock which is dealt one at a time, while the entire 7x4 tableau starts face up; however this can feel like it's more about careful observation than decision making. Many other Yukon inspired games exist, including games which add things like a reserve, storage cells, or extra decks.
Scorpion: Special mention should be made of popular game Scorpion, which some categorize as part of the Yukon family, and the rules for moving unarranged stacks in Yukon may even originate in Scorpion. However, Scorpion uses Spider's requirement that stacks from Ace to King of the same suit must be assembled within the tableau before being discarded. Scorpion variants include Wasp, Three Blind Mice, Chinese Solitaire, and others.

== Games With Two Decks ==

FORTY THIEVES (Napoleon at St Helena)
Overview: Forty Thieves is a popular and classic game played with two decks, and is also included in most books with patience games. It also goes under the alternate name Napoleon at St Helena (not to be confused with a different solitaire game called "Saint Helena" or "Napoleon's Favorite"), and tradition says that this is the solitaire game Napoleon played while in exile on the island of St Helena. The game also goes under other names, including Roosevelt at San Juan. Its simple rules means that many variations exist, many of which are among the more strategic and satisfying versions of solitaire games that you'll find anywhere. Carefully working through the stock pile and manipulating the discard pile are a big element of successful play.
Game-play: A tableau is dealt with ten columns, each with four overlapping and face-up cards. Strict tableau building rules apply, because only the single top card of each column may be moved, and only onto a card that is the next highest rank of the same suit; any card can be placed into a space that becomes available in the tableau. The remaining stock of 64 cards is turned up one card at a time, with no redeals. The goal is to get all the cards onto the eight foundations from Ace through King in each suit.
Variations: In its strict and classic form, even with good play Forty Thieves is difficult to win, so many variants exist that seek to make the game easier. In some of these, the Aces begin as starting foundations ( San Juan Hill). In others, the tableau is not built down by cards of the same suit but by alternating colours (e.g. Streets), or by any suit other than its matching one (Indian). Some variations allow entire sequences of cards to be moved (Josephine, Forty Bandits, Ali Baba), or combine this with having tableau building in alternating colours (Number Ten, Rank and File, Emperor) or tableau building in any suit (Little Forty). In other variations, multiple redeals of the stock are permitted.
My thoughts: Game-play is very tight in the strict form of the game. It's not always a good idea to play a card just because you can, because you may block cards within the tableau that you need. You also need to pay close attention to duplicates, since two decks are in play. As a result, careful planning and consideration is needed. Unused stock typically ends up into an increasingly large face-up discard pile, but in the latter parts of the game skilful play often makes it possible to dig back through this and complete the game. This usually proves most satisfying when playing with one of the variants that makes the game slightly easier, to increase your chances of pulling out a win. Even with these variants, you'll have to play skillfully, making the Forty Thieves family of solitaire games one of the more popular choices for those who like a longer experience that is thoughtful, challenging, and yet solvable, and where skill plays even more of a role than luck.

https://preview.redd.it/p251re93fnd61.jpg?width=600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9521b0ca4458c88d6cd679fdcaf37b4a151a5479
More variations: Instead of 10 tableau piles, some variations increase this to 12 piles (Blockade, Napoleon's Square, Corona) or 13 piles (Lucas, Waning Moon); or decrease it to 9 piles (Maria) or 8 piles (Forty and Eight, Congress, Parliament, Diplomat, Red and Black), each with different combinations of rules for tableau building. Games with just 6 piles (Blind Alleys, Pas Seul) or 5 piles (Double Rail) begin to feel much like Klondike.
Related games: Many other games take the Forty Thieves style concept and adjust it in more significant ways. In Interchange (more difficult), Breakwater, and Alternations, the initial tableau includes face-down and face-up cards. The very popular Thieves of Egypt begins with a pyramid shaped tableau. Busy Aces is a straight forward game in the style of Forty Thieves that is at the head of its own family, which includes the much simpler Fortune's Favor, a simple game ideal for beginners. For a terrific overview of all the Forty Thieves related games and their different nuances, consult Thomas Warfield's excellent complete guide to Forty Thieves types games.
CONCLUSION
This is by no means a comprehensive list that includes all builder-style solitaire games. But along with Klondike, Spider, and FreeCell, these seven additional games - Baker's Dozen, Beleaguered Castle,Canfield, Forty Thieves, La Belle Lucie, Sir Tommy, Yukon, and Forty Thieves - and the many related games that belong to their families, are the most common and popular forms of solitaire games that involve building. They have inspired many solitaire games like them, and have stood the test of time well.
If you enjoy Klondike, which is the most popular version of solitaire in the world, then Canfield and Yukon are natural games to explore next. Beleaguered Castle can be a little frustrating due to the strict rules and dependency on the luck of the draw, and even the other games in its family can be quite challenging. I'd recommend it only for more experienced and dedicated players, and would instead suggest next exploring Baker's Dozen and the games in the "Fan" family inspired by La Belle Lucie.
Their style of play is somewhat similar to Forty Thieves and its many siblings, which double the number of cards in the game by adding a second deck, and also adds a stock pile and discard pile you must manage. Forty Thieves type games are among the best you'll find for those who like a more challenging, thoughtful, and longer solitaire experience.
Author's note: I first published this article at PlayingCardDecks here.

Daily Skins Review - S6 E3 “Alex”

After the unfortunate death of Grace, we move on to the next episode, three, titled “Alex”. Now, I obviously know who Alex is, but at the time he just kinda came out of nowhere, so let’s see what this new character has to offer. Last time they did this it was Sketch, which was a fucking shambles. Let’s go.
The camera pans across to an alarm as we see a map and some sailing paraphernalia as some dodgy music starts playing (perfect opportunity to use Fisherman’s Blues but whatever). Some bloke (Alex) then counts down the seconds before his alarm goes off and then hops up and gets dressed. He picks up a list with 6 numbers and some writing written on it and he also picks up a die. Alex then takes some breakfast to a woman who I assume is his grandmother and then gets a call from his dad who asks him if he’s ready to move house the next week. Alex’s grandmother makes a rather disrespectful gesture at the sound of Alex’s dad’s voice, who mentions that she’s being put in a home soon. She then calls him a “silly old twat” when he hangs up (wow, how she gonna do her own son like that?) and asks if he even wished Alex any luck. She tells him he doesn’t need it anyway and Alex is next seen messing about with his die and list at a bus stop. Alex is next seen being shown around Roundview by Doug, who tells him that his father changed some of his subjects around (what a silly old twat). Alex is introduced to his class, which Liv, Mini, Alo and Nick are also in and we find out that Doug is now the head teacher (finally, the real MVP is leading the line). Alex messes about with his die again as he and Liv share a glance. He sits in the canteen and notices Grace’s memorial, while also looking at Liv as she pours some vodka into her drink (just casually in the middle of a school I might add). He catches her eye and they smirk at each other (fuck me, first Rider, then Matty and now Alex. Liv does love a proper impromptu relationship). Alex takes out his list of six options (which I’m not gonna type out, but they’re all a bit odd) and rolls his die. He lands a two, which is “punch the next person to walk in”, who just happens to be young Alo Creevey. He’s arguing with Nick, who’s complaining that he’s partners with Rich for some project, but he’s obviously not in for the foreseeable future. Alex then gets up and fucking sparks Alo out of it in front of everyone before helping him up, apologising and telling him it’s “only numbers” as he walks off. Liv seems impressed (didn’t realise she liked some good old assault).
We then see Liv at her locker, who approaches Mini and confronts her about avoiding her lately because she doesn’t want to talk about Grace, which Mini denies. Mini gets upset and storms off, the lurking Alex in the background viewing the whole thing. Liv notices him and asks him what his deal is and why he socked poor Alo. He then gives this whole “numbers” thing (which I get is supposed to be a quirk of some sort, but it’s really cringeworthy to me). He then demonstrates, rolling a three and then kissing Liv. She reciprocates...by slapping him. She then sort of smiles and they introduce themselves to each other. And then she’s walking to his house (like I said, it doesn’t take much to convince old Liv to do anything). Alex then finds his Gran in a closet and introduces her to Liv. She tells Liv she “likes to colour” of her and they share a laugh. Alex then serves then beans on toast (good bit a food that) and Alex’s Gran does some reminiscing. However, things go south when she starts talking about being put in a home and about Alex’s dad. As he sees Liv out, she invites him to the pub, Alex telling her he might come. Alex then reads to his Gran and ignores a call from his dad. He arrives at the pub (despite not knowing what time they were going at) and sees the gang minus Rich (and Matty and Grace obviously) looking rather dejected. He goes over and asks if any of them want a shot (Alo getting confused and thinking Alex is offering him out). As Alex goes to get drinks, Alo complains about him and Mini tells Liv they don’t need any new friends (honestly, the way characters treat each other in this show, it’s hard to believe they’re friends at all). Nick comes up beside Alex at the bar and he asks Nick what Grace was like, Nick telling Alex he’s alright but just to “leave that alone” (yeah, why is Alex such a nosy twat?). Liv introduces them all to Alex, Mini quickly downing her shots before going for a dance with some prat. Alex notes Alo’s annoyance at Mini’s behaviour as he points out that they’re all “a little on edge” (I don’t really think Angie’s psychology class would be needed to spot that to be honest Alex). Alo then gets up to dance, nobody joining in, Nick telling him that’s gay (this show would be cancelled today just for that joke alone). Alex then gets a phone call and goes outside as Nick agrees to dance with Alo. Being the only two alone, Franky and Liv gaze at each other, not speaking. Alex has another angry phone call with his twat of a father and then goes to some shady casino with Liv. After an intense poker game with a load of Asians which ends in an Alex victory, one of the players goes mental and accuses Alex of being a “fucking cheat”. Alex then invites the man for a game of heads and tails for the money, daring the man to choose tails, which he does. He flips the coin to the man, which lands on heads. Liv collects the money and Alex shakes the man’s hand and they start to walk away. However, the man discovers that Alex used a double sided coin and he and Liv have to leg it. Alex then has to go back to his Gran and gives Liv some of the money. He kisses her cheek before she heads off. He then takes out his phone, goes on some gay dating app and hooks up with some man (well, that came out of nowhere). Alex gets offended when his fling offers him some money, Alex exclaiming that he’s “not a rent boy” before ripping up the money, kissing the man’s cheek and leaving.
Alex does his countdown before alarm nonsense again before caring for his grandmother and ignoring his father. We then see him in school as Liv approaches and he rolls his die again. He lands a one so he and Liv break into someone’s house. The house they’re in is messy with porn magazines scattered around (Sid’s house maybe?). To mess with the guy, they clean up, leaving his room spotless. Liv starts making a move on Alex, who starts to explain something to her (likely that he’s gay) but they have to run when the man (who’s not Sid unfortunately) comes home. They head back to his but Alex finds his dad at home. They have an icy exchange, Alex wanting not wanting to put his grandmother in a home and offering to look after her. He leaves and tells Alex he’ll be back later. We then have a nice scene as Alex dances with his grandmother, Liv joining in. We then see Alex at college, introducing Nick to the concept of the die. Nick starts reading off his list which involves outcomes such as hanging himself and getting into heroin (that might’ve been the best tragic humour this show has done). Alex tells him to starts smaller and they start to make a new list until they’re interrupted by some bloke who’s making an announcement (he’s literally the biggest Percy Weasely I’ve ever seen). He announces they’re having a memorial service for Grace, his manner proving to be off putting for Liv, Nick, Alo and Mini who don’t want to go. However, things turn sour when Mini accuses Liv of trying to speak for all of them, causing Liv to get upset. Alex goes after her and finds her crying. He consoles her and Liv kisses him. However, just as Mini approaches to, Alex reveals to Liv that he’s gay (which shouldn’t be surprising considering each generation needs a gay character. This wouldn’t be Skins otherwise). She calls him a headfuck (I can’t stress enough how overused that word is in this generation) and accuses him of being spineless. She gets angry with him as Mini reveals herself and piles on, Alex leaving. Liv then tells Mini to do one. Alex sprints out of the school and back home. He calls his grandmother, finding her in bed, her eyes shut. He looks at her bedside locker, picking up the empty pill bottle that was lying on its side. Alex takes the picture of the boat that was in her hand, kissing her head as he starts to cry. We then see Liv at Grace’s memorial, stony faced among the tearful crowd. Percy Weasely whips out a keyboard and him and some other girl sing, to Liv’s disgust. Mini and Franky join her and they look on at the distasteful glorifying of Grace’s death. Franky marches up and pulls at Percy’s keyboard, insulting him (wait, there might be enough time for redemption for Franky...). Liv joins and smashes his keyboard and then flashes the crowd (...Liv. Why’d you do that?). She runs off crying and gets a phone call from Alex, who’s watching her from afar. He apologises and offers to help her. “With everything”.
A blue van pulls up near the sea (or just some stretch of water at Bristol. My UK geographical knowledge isn’t amazing, but isn’t Bristol coastal? Like near Wales and that?). The gang (minus Rich of course) get out and we see a man loading stuff onto a boat. Alex stands aboard and they all sail out. They have a drug fuelled party out at sea. When Liv asks Alex if he stole the boat (yes Liv, I forgot how simple it is to steal a whole fucking boat) but he says he rented it because he thought they all needed it. When Liv questions his motives as he didn’t know Grace, he tells her he “needs a friend right now” and then motions at Mini, telling Liv that “so does she”. As Liv and Mini try and fail to reconcile, Mini sits down on something. She then becomes curious to what it is, freaking out when she finds Alex’s grandmother’s body resting inside. The gang then question Alex’s decision to bring a dead body to their boat party (which is understandable. Alex is alright but he could definitely be the type to murder them all and sink the boat). He goes on to explain that he wants them to help him bury his grandmother at sea. Before they dump her in the water, he reads from that sailor diary, the gang crying about Grace, before they throw her on the water, the casket floating for a few moments before Alex does some weird finger gun shit, counts to down from three, then shoots the casket, it sinking on his cue. Franky then rings Matty, going to voicemail, then telling him it’s her and “don’t ever come back”. Liv and Alex agree to be mates and Alex does another die roll, rolling a six, “Always run away”. So they both jump in. Liv throws the die and they both swim after it.
Okay, new character introduced. And he’s actually pretty good. Obviously he’s a bit overly enigmatic and is definitely not a realistic teenager, but he’s got a pretty good story and just made the season more interesting and brought it back to life. I know this episode was a bit bleak, but Alex’s pretty ridiculous ongoings in this episode really shadowed the entertaining stories that we saw in Gen One and Two. He was a real breath of fresh air, as was this episode in general. Anyway, take note of: - Character of Alex - Fractured morale among the group - Gang somewhat coming to terms with Grace’s death - Franky’s voicemail to Matty - Alo and Mini’s romantic tension
So yea, that was a refreshing episode. It might’ve been a bit over the top, but Alex was the kind of character needed to keep this generation interesting and to add something new. And the overall plot of this one was quite good for all the characters.
Overall Rating: 8/10

[Match Thread] Philip Cocu's Derby County vs Bristol City

[Story / Long Read] My progression from 2014 to 2015; How I went from an amateur student to a degenerate player to a professional

Hi /poker, last year I wrote a review about my progress, achievements and early beginnings as a player throughout 2014 which can be found here: https://www.reddit.com/pokecomments/2od74story_long_read_the_tale_of_how_ive_progressed_as/ . I plan on doing the same thing again but for 2015. Continuing on from that thread, I am still playing poker, but now at a professional level. I’ve broken down this thread into parts so it’s easier to comprehend.
The Student times (January – June 2015)
Throughout this time period I was in a quite a dilemma. I wanted to play poker, get better, crush souls and earn money… the only problem was that I couldn’t really do this as I did not have much disposable time because I was in my final year at University. For the first few weeks of the year I did not play poker whatsoever until I completed all my demanding winter exams and coursework. It felt awful giving up poker during this time but I knew that I had to do so to ensure that I got good marks. Of course, the moment I handed in my last essay mid-February I rushed straight to my local casino. I always used to play cash games there but I thought I’d one-time the local £40 tournament (80players, £2.5Kgtd) and of course, I binked it. [https://twitter.com/LiamFitzy/status/568069452505489408]. I played live cash games (£1/1) for four days after this bink, each for four 12-hour sessions, I made another £750 and it finally felt fantastic to finally satisfy my poker urges.
In Mid-March I found out my results for my winter exams and coursework. They were OK, I gained a 2:1 average, but they had severely hindered my chance of gaining a first class degree by the time I would finish university in only three months. However I knew that I should have been able to get top marks and I blamed my excessive time spent playing poker in November and December 2014 instead of revising for the cause of these mediocre results. I knew I had the intellect and motivation in me to obtain a first but of course, this meant I had to completely give up poker for the next three months.
The time from finding out my results till my last exam was absolute torture. I wanted to indulge in my only hobby and get to the point where I could make a sustainable and satisfactory hourly wage from playing, but I could not in fear of failing my own high expectations I had in place for university. Thankfully, through my sheer determination, studying for 60hours+ a week and giving up poker I managed it. I gained a first class degree (BSc with Honours) in experimental psychology from Bristol University in July. https://gyazo.com/423f66e40cc310cecb5ec8f92cc2ce01
The beginning of the Professional (July)
I had no job lined up after university. I tried to arrange employment with several companies in the gambling industry as this was an area of industry I was interested in, but all my plans fell through and I wasn’t successful with any of my applications. I gave up looking quite quickly as I always knew that secretly, I wanted to be a professional online poker player.
I officially decided to become a ‘professional’ on the 27th July 2015. I intended to continue playing 50NLFRZ, yet when I returned this game was not running anymore and so I had to switch to six handed cash games. Additionally I realised that rakeback was going to be a large portion of my future earnings and to capitalise on this I increased the amount of volume / hands per hour I played. So when I began I played 4 tables of 25NL6M and 4 tables of 50NL6M at the same time, getting through about 1,300 hands an hour. I planned on clearing through at least 125,000 hands a month playing about 50 hours a week.
The grind (August – October)
The first 8 weeks were mediocre at best. I broke even over this stretch in net earnings, but I smashed my volume target (225k hands!). Of course, there was always rakeback to rely on which could get me by (~£5/hr) but this small wage was in no way survivable.
And then in September I got fairly unlucky, getting coolered etc. I also had some negative stuff going on in my life as well which in turn led me to playing bad. I ended up losing about 80% of my bankroll (about $2.5k) in this time period. I dropped back down to 4x25NL + 4x10NL in October to recuperate and get my confidence back. After a few weeks and a hundred thousand hands later in these lower stakes, I was still losing. Frustrated in the fact that I couldn’t seem to win, even at the lowest stakes full of droolers and mouthbreathers who I couldn’t beat, I ended up getting even more tilted.
I tried different formats of poker each week (MTTs, SnGs, Headsup Cash) to get my interest back up. I had relative success in all of these: I had a $3k week in MTTs, binking and running deep in many tournaments and I also made 11 buyins in HU 50NL cash despite never playing this format before.
By the end of October I was getting annoyed and losing my interest in poker completely and had thoughts of giving the professional life up, thinking it was near impossible for me to make a living and to enjoy doing so over time. Thus I decided to take a week off to study and think about my future.
The present (November – December)
During my time off I reflected on my efforts so far and did some studying. I concluded that in the last couple of months I was living a life of a complete degenerate. I was living really unhealthily. I was waking anywhere between 3pm-6pm and going to bed between 6am-9am. I hadn’t properly exercised for three months and was just becoming a poker addict trying to live off rakeback with minimal success. I had stopped studying and rarely took the time to reflect and evaluate on my own play. It was no wonder I was playing bad and feeling bad.
Consequentially I decided that if I wanted to be a professional player, I needed to act like one. I started to wake up at sociable times. I started going to the gym. I now spend 2 hours a day studying. I force myself to take Mondays off to have a break. I put in 4 hours a week into writing notes for my book I plan on writing regarding the psychology of poker. Every day now I do expected value calculations, combo analyses and other calculations to ensure that I’m both exploiting players the best I can while being as near to game theoretically optimal.
I decided to convert back to my original poker variant which I enjoy the most, fullring. I now grind 8-15 tables of static tables at one time. I love this format as it holds the most variety, you can be playing 9 handed, then 6 and sometimes even headsup given the nature of static tables forming and breaking. Further, I believe it favours players who are all round fundamentally strong, which I adore. With my change in lifestyle and going back to a variant of poker I enjoy the most came a sudden change in my results.
In November I played 148k hands of 50NLFR Static, winning at (EV) 1.48bb/100. Earlier this week I transitioned to 100NL and in this time frame I have been playing like god. I feel like I’m crushing this game again. In the space of 47k hands I’ve made $4.3k, with an (EV) winrate of 7.3bb/100. So this November I had my best month ever, my best week and my best day ($1.9k in 6 hours). I hope that this pattern continues through December where I soon plan on moving up again to 200NL.
Summary of my year and looking to 2016
Here’s my yearly graph so far. https://gyazo.com/016b7ab6ade25ec6ddfbb97762addcd3 and here’s my stake statistics https://gyazo.com/2283bf6f2acf3bb37cf5eaf83acc0989 . Looking back on the start of my decision to go professional, I don’t regret it. OK, I may have had my downswings in the past and the times where I have played like garbage or even just spewed money away but I look at this time as a learning process. These times have encouraged me to keep learning and keep getting better. Currently I am now feeling the best ever about my game.
edit: I accept now that the first couple of months was a stepping stone, I may not earnt much in this time but inevitably through studying, getting into good habits and getting better I would soon enough be able to turn a decent wage/living.
What I’ve learnt this year
 Self-studying, writing notes and formulating hypotheses and ideas when playing is probably the best thing you can do to improve on your poker game
 Your wellbeing should always come first before poker
 Volume isn’t everything, being the best you can be on every poker table should be your priority rather than playing sub-optimally on too many tables
 Be realistic with your perceived edge over regs and make sure you play soft games
 By increasing variance you make it more likely you are going to be up or down more in a session and coincidently you are more likely to play worse because of the emotional attachment to the swings. Hence avoiding variance is better.
 You’ve got to stop playing by ‘gut feel’ but mathematical intuition

What's happening around town (Wed, Sep 20th - Tue, Sep 26th)

Oklahoma City's event list.

Wednesday, Sep 20th

1/2 Price Game Day (Dave & Buster's of OKC - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 11:00am Need a little midweek pick me up? Come to Dave and Buster's for 1/2 Price Game Day, ALL DAY LONG. Come for the games, stay for the amazing food and drinks.
🎨 8th AArt Gone Wild Art Exhibit (Myriad Botanical Gardens - Oklahoma City) Thru Fri, Sep 22nd Start Time: 9:30pm
2017 Earth Month Target Take Back Car Seat Program (Target - Oklahoma City) Thru Sat, Sep 23rd Start Time: 8:00am Between September 10 and 23, Oklahoma City area residents can recycle used car seats! In celebration of National Baby Safety Month, 1,700 Target stores nationwide and across…
🎓 The 2017 University of Oklahoma International WaTER Conference (NCED Hotel & Conference Center - Norman) Start Time: 8:00am 5th Biennial WaTER Conference
Water - a life-sustaining, basic need for every human. But clean, accessible water is out of reach for numerous underdeveloped communities across the…
😂 Aaron Kleiber (Loony Bin Comedy Club - Oklahoma City) Thru Sat, Sep 23rd
♪ Adventure Road Stage Feat. Elvis Extravaganza (Oklahoma State Fair Park - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 7:30pm The concerts take place outdoors, under the stars, in the Entertainment Plaza and are free with outside gate admission. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis so come…
Alzheimer’s Awareness Forum (The Fountains at Canterbury - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 3:00pm The Alzheimer’s Awareness Forum is open to the public and will feature speakers Ron Grant and Herb Magley for a special presentation titled “…and Then She Laughed:…
🎨 Annual Spring Show artwork by Lu Beard, Beth Hammack, Dodge Hill, Phebe Kallstrom, Margot Holaday, Amy Maguire, John & Marylou M (The Studio Gallery - Oklahoma City) Day 1 of 2 The Studio Gallery, 2646 W. Britton Rd., OKC, is pleased to announce its
2017 Spring Show Thursday, April 20, 5:30 - 7:30pm.
The show will feature new works of art by: Lu…
♪ Anthem Drown Night! (HiLo Club - Oklahoma City) Our local friends at Anthem Brewing Co. have some great beers! Every Wednesday night from 9pm to close enjoy $8 Drown Night! Their Power Pils will be flowing!
🎨 Artwork by Janet O'Neal and Jim Keffer (JRB Art at the Elms - Oklahoma City) Day 1 of 2
Bi-Weekly Meetup (51st st. Speakeasy - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 5:00pm
🍴 Brown Bag Lunch Series: Jerome Tiger: Sport, Spirit, Spokesman (Western Heritage Museum - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 12:00pm With little formal training, Jerome Tiger rose to prominence as a leading Native American painters. Embedded within his work was a reverence for his culture and its past. As one…
🎨 Cartoons & Comics: The Early Art of Tom Ryan (Western Heritage Museum - Oklahoma City) Thru Sat, Sep 23rd Start Time: 10:00am Acclaimed Western artist Tom Ryan (1922-2011) spoke often about those who inspired him: N.C. Wyeth, Howard Pyle, Frank Reilly, even Rembrandt. Yet sketches from the Museum’s…
Damien Jurado (89th Street Collective - Oklahoma City)
Del City Kiwanis Club (Rose State College - Midwest City)
♪ Dixie Darling Dinner Theater (Touchmark at Coffee Creek - Edmond) Start Time: 4:00pm Join Touchmark residents at a dinner theater featuring the Dixie Darlings, a traveling impersonation group that has performed throughout the neighboring states. The Dixie Darlings…
♪ Gospel Singing with the Bilderbaks & Ministry with Dale Begley World Outreach (Church on Fire - Norman) Start Time: 7:00pm Beginning Sunday, Sept. 17 thru Wednesday, Sept. 20th, experience life changing ministry with Dale Begley World Outreach and The Bilderbaks gospel singing group @ Church on Fire,…
🎓 Hart Energy Conference (Cox Convention Center - Oklahoma City) Day 1 of 2
I Prevail et al. (Diamond Ballroom - Oklahoma City) Crowd the Diamond Ballroom stage in Oklahoma City for a fast-paced set by four touring rock bands. Escape the Fate will…
♪ Live Music- Zac Lee Duo (Oklahoma City) Start Time: 6:30pm
"’Lucem Ferre’ (University of Central Oklahoma - Edmond) Thru Fri, Sep 22nd UCO’S MELTON GALLERY BEGINS 2016-17 SEASON WITH ‘LUCEM FERRE,’ AN EXHIBITION OF BIOLOGY-INSPIRED ART The University of Central Oklahoma Melton Gallery will open “Lucem…
Mattress Firm Shoe Drive for Foster Kids (Mattress Firm - Oklahoma City) Thru Sat, Sep 23rd Start Time: 10:00am All Mattress Firm stores in the Oklahoma City-area are hosting a shoe drive to benefit local foster youth and families. Now through Tuesday, Oct. 31, during normal store hours,…
Oklahoma State Fair (Oklahoma State Fair Park - Oklahoma City) Thru Sun, Sep 24th Make your way to the Oklahoma State Fair and celebrate the end of summer with endless carnival rides, delicious fair…
Oklahoma State Fair (Oklahoma State Fairgrounds Jim Norick Arena - Oklahoma City) Thru Sun, Sep 24th
Reading Wednesdays (Western Heritage Museum - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 10:00am Free admission at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, courtesy of the Oklahoma Ford Dealers.
♪ Read Southall (The Blue Door - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 8:00pm
Solo Exhibit by Morgan Robinson (Kasum Contemporary Fine Art - Oklahoma City) Thru Fri, Sep 22nd Solo Exhibition: New Works by Morgan Robinson August 19th through September 23rd, 2017
Sculptor Morgan Robinson blurs the lines that divide art and design. Using the natural…
Suzanne Santo (Tower Theatre Studio - Oklahoma City) Join Suzanne Santo for an exhibition of singesongwriter craftsmanship when she takes over the Tower Theatre in…
♪ Western Movie Matinee (Western Heritage Museum - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 1:00pm Join us for these curated selections. Popcorn provided. Museum is admission-free to all on Wide Open Wednesdays courtesy of the Oklahoma Ford Dealers. Taming the Wild West:…
🍴 Whataburger Oh Whata Night (Whataburger - Edmond) Start Time: 4:00pm On Tuesday, Oct. 3, Whataburger customers can show their support for Northern Hills Elementary School by enjoying their favorite menu items, and 20 percent of Whataburger’s sales…
🎨 Whiskey/Bourbon Tasting (Oklahoma City Museum of Art - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 6:00pm Join the Museum Cafe for the bourbon and whiskey tasting this September! We'll also have hors d’oeuvres and a relaxing atmosphere! Price: $40.08 | includes tax and gratuity…
🏃 Yoga Flow (Moore Norman Technology Center - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 7:00pm Students will learn basic Hatha Yoga asanas (postures), including balancing ones, and smooth, flowing sequences. Flowing sequences, such as Sun Salutations and variations are…
🏃 Yoga Flow Level I Very Gentle (Moore Norman Technology Center - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 6:00pm Practicing yoga is a way of life that can increase flexibility and reduce stress. This class is great for beginning yoga students, those recovering from illness, and those who…

Thursday, Sep 21st

🎨 8th AArt Gone Wild Art Exhibit (Myriad Botanical Gardens - Oklahoma City) 1 day left Start Time: 9:30pm
2017 Earth Month Target Take Back Car Seat Program (Target - Oklahoma City) Thru Sat, Sep 23rd Start Time: 8:00am Between September 10 and 23, Oklahoma City area residents can recycle used car seats! In celebration of National Baby Safety Month, 1,700 Target stores nationwide and across…
😂 Aaron Kleiber (Loony Bin Comedy Club - Oklahoma City) Thru Sat, Sep 23rd
♪ Adventure Road Entertainment Stage feat. Chase Bryant (Oklahoma State Fair Park - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 7:30pm A musician from birth, Chase Bryant will bring his lifelong passion for music and performing to the Adventure Road Entertainment Stage! Come rock out to his self-produced hits…
🎨 Annual Spring Show artwork by Lu Beard, Beth Hammack, Dodge Hill, Phebe Kallstrom, Margot Holaday, Amy Maguire, John & Marylou M (The Studio Gallery - Oklahoma City) Day 2 of 2 The Studio Gallery, 2646 W. Britton Rd., OKC, is pleased to announce its
2017 Spring Show Thursday, April 20, 5:30 - 7:30pm.
The show will feature new works of art by: Lu…
♪ Art After 5 Roof Terrace (Oklahoma City Museum of Art - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 5:00pm OKCMOA’s Roof Terrace gives visitors the ultimate downtown experience every Thursday evening from April through October with live local music, the best views of downtown OKC, a…
🎨 Art Forum: Megan Singleton Lecture (21C Museum Hotel - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 6:30pm Megan Singleton will facilitate a conversation regarding her exhibition, Fluvial terra, featured in the main gallery of [Artspace] at Untitled with pieces at 21c Museum Hotel.…
🎨 Artwork by Janet O'Neal and Jim Keffer (JRB Art at the Elms - Oklahoma City) Day 2 of 2
🎨 Cartoons & Comics: The Early Art of Tom Ryan (Western Heritage Museum - Oklahoma City) Thru Sat, Sep 23rd Start Time: 10:00am Acclaimed Western artist Tom Ryan (1922-2011) spoke often about those who inspired him: N.C. Wyeth, Howard Pyle, Frank Reilly, even Rembrandt. Yet sketches from the Museum’s…
😂 Davis-Waldorf Performing Arts Series: The Second City (Te Ata Memorial Auditorium - Chickasha) Start Time: 7:30pm The world-famous The Second City will kick off the 17th season of the Davis-Waldorf Performing Arts Series with Cure for the Common Comedy, a show for teens and adults that…
🎨 Drink and Draw (Tree and Leaf - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 8:00pm Drink & Draw is hosted every Thursday at either Brass Bell Studios, The Okay See, or Tree & Leaf from 8-11pm.
Here is the weekly schedule:
1st Thursday: The Okay See
2nd…
♪ Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers (The Cube - Bethany) Start Time: 6:30pm Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers - USA is a national non-profit organization dedicated to ministering to the spiritual and emotional needs of the men and women serving in…
🎓 Hart Energy Conference (Cox Convention Center - Oklahoma City) Day 2 of 2
"’Lucem Ferre’ (University of Central Oklahoma - Edmond) 1 day left UCO’S MELTON GALLERY BEGINS 2016-17 SEASON WITH ‘LUCEM FERRE,’ AN EXHIBITION OF BIOLOGY-INSPIRED ART The University of Central Oklahoma Melton Gallery will open “Lucem…
Mattress Firm Shoe Drive for Foster Kids (Mattress Firm - Oklahoma City) Thru Sat, Sep 23rd Start Time: 10:00am All Mattress Firm stores in the Oklahoma City-area are hosting a shoe drive to benefit local foster youth and families. Now through Tuesday, Oct. 31, during normal store hours,…
♪ The Mavericks (Tower Theatre Studio - Oklahoma City)
Oklahoma State Fair (Oklahoma State Fair Park - Oklahoma City) Thru Sun, Sep 24th Make your way to the Oklahoma State Fair and celebrate the end of summer with endless carnival rides, delicious fair…
Oklahoma State Fair (Oklahoma State Fairgrounds Jim Norick Arena - Oklahoma City) Thru Sun, Sep 24th
Outside" Sheridan Underpass Mural Artists (Exhibit C - Oklahoma City) Day 1 of 2 The four American Indian artists behind Bricktown’s newest underpass murals on Sheridan Avenue will have their award-winning artwork on display at Exhibit C in Bricktown July…
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Management Support Group (Mental Health Association Oklahoma main office - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 6:00pm PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that can occur following the experience of witnessing of life-threatening events such as military combat, natural disasters, terrorist incidents,…
🎭 Ripcord (Carpenter Square Theatre - Oklahoma City) Day 1 of 2 Start Time: 7:30pm Carpenter Square Theatre opens its 34th Seasonn with the comedy "Ripcord," by David Lindsay-Abaire. In it, "The Odd Couple" meets "The Golden Girls" at the Bristol Place Senior…
The Second City's Cure for the Common Comedy (University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma - Chickasha) The world-famous Second City comedy troupe kicks off the 17th season of the Davis-Waldorf Performing Arts Series at the…
♪ Smokey & The Mirror (The Blue Door - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 8:00pm
Solo Exhibit by Morgan Robinson (Kasum Contemporary Fine Art - Oklahoma City) 1 day left Solo Exhibition: New Works by Morgan Robinson August 19th through September 23rd, 2017
Sculptor Morgan Robinson blurs the lines that divide art and design. Using the natural…
Survivors of Suicide Support Group (Mental Health Association Oklahoma main office - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 6:00pm Nearly 31,000 people take their own lives each year. As a survivor – a family member or friend of the victim – you may need help coming to terms with suicide. This group offers…
The Wool Harvest (Crowne Plaza Oklahoma City - Oklahoma City) Thru Sat, Sep 23rd Start Time: 10:00am New venue to Oklahoma City! We have wool, textiles, fibers, yarns, wool threads, rug hooking patterns, applique patterns, books, silver jewelry, classes from Teachers across the…

Friday, Sep 22nd

🎭 4 of a Kind (American Legion Post 12 - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 8:00pm
4th Fridays at the Market (Delmar Gardens - Oklahoma City) Locals flood the Delmar Gardens Food Truck Park pavilion during 4th Fridays at the Market. At this monthly event, a…
🎨 8th AArt Gone Wild Art Exhibit (Myriad Botanical Gardens - Oklahoma City) Last Day Start Time: 9:30pm
2017 Earth Month Target Take Back Car Seat Program (Target - Oklahoma City) 1 day left Start Time: 8:00am Between September 10 and 23, Oklahoma City area residents can recycle used car seats! In celebration of National Baby Safety Month, 1,700 Target stores nationwide and across…
😂 Aaron Kleiber (Loony Bin Comedy Club - Oklahoma City) 1 day left
♪ Adventure Road Stage Feat. Tony! Toni! Tone! (Oklahoma State Fair Park - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 7:30pm Tony! Toni! Toné! crashed out of their Oakland neighborhood in 1988 with their Gold debut album Who? which spawned the hit "Little Walter". The success of The Revival and its…
American Aquarium in Concert (Tower Theatre Studio - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 8:00pm Join American Aquarium for a very special evening of blistering honky-tonk when they take over the historic Tower…
An Afternoon with Kiki Smith (Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art - Norman) Start Time: 3:00pm Presented in conjunction with Kiki Smith and Paper: The Body, the Muse, and the Spirit at the Oklahoma State University Museum of Art, this panel explores Smith’s body of work…
Asian Moon Festival (University of Central Oklahoma - Edmond) Come to Plunkett Park on the beautiful campus of the University of Central Oklahoma for Asian Moon Fest. This free,…
🎨 Cartoons & Comics: The Early Art of Tom Ryan (Western Heritage Museum - Oklahoma City) 1 day left Start Time: 10:00am Acclaimed Western artist Tom Ryan (1922-2011) spoke often about those who inspired him: N.C. Wyeth, Howard Pyle, Frank Reilly, even Rembrandt. Yet sketches from the Museum’s…
🏆 Central OK: 9/22 4:00 PM University of Central Oklahoma Women's Soccer vs Missouri Southern (Edmond) Start Time: 4:00pm University of Central Oklahoma Women's Soccer vs Missouri Southern\n http://www.bronchosports.com/calendar.aspx?id=5617
Fall Equinox Walk (Lake Thunderbird Sailing Club - Norman) Is there anything better than a brisk fall walk? Come to beautiful Lake Thunderbird State Park and enjoy the…
Gary Allan in Concert (Oklahoma State Fair Park - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 7:30pm Travel to the Oklahoma State Fair in Oklahoma City to hear country star Gary Allan perform a live set for a crowd filled…
"’Lucem Ferre’ (University of Central Oklahoma - Edmond) Last Day UCO’S MELTON GALLERY BEGINS 2016-17 SEASON WITH ‘LUCEM FERRE,’ AN EXHIBITION OF BIOLOGY-INSPIRED ART The University of Central Oklahoma Melton Gallery will open “Lucem…
Margaritaville Cocktail Cruise (Oklahoma River Cruises - Oklahoma City) Day 1 of 2 Start Time: 5:00pm
Mattress Firm Shoe Drive for Foster Kids (Mattress Firm - Oklahoma City) 1 day left Start Time: 10:00am All Mattress Firm stores in the Oklahoma City-area are hosting a shoe drive to benefit local foster youth and families. Now through Tuesday, Oct. 31, during normal store hours,…
Miss May I (89th Street Collective - Oklahoma City) Witness metalcore band Miss May I thrash through their popular tunes for the gathered crowd at Diamond Ballroom.…
Needtobreathe (Zoo Amphitheatre - Oklahoma City) Three-man Christian rock group Needtobreathe will perform their biggest hits as they embark on their All the Feels…
😂 OKC Improv (The Paramount OKC - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 7:30pm OKC Improv is Oklahoma's premiere showcase of the best local and regional improvisational comedy and theater! Improvisation, or improv, is a form of live theatre in which the plot,…
🏆 Oklahoma Football (Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium - Norman) Day 1 of 2 Start Time: 3:30pm Oklahoma Football Tickets. Oklahoma Sooners Schedule. Sooners Tickets.
Oklahoma State Fair (Oklahoma State Fair Park - Oklahoma City) Thru Sun, Sep 24th Make your way to the Oklahoma State Fair and celebrate the end of summer with endless carnival rides, delicious fair…
Oklahoma State Fair (Oklahoma State Fairgrounds Jim Norick Arena - Oklahoma City) Thru Sun, Sep 24th
Outside" Sheridan Underpass Mural Artists (Exhibit C - Oklahoma City) Day 2 of 2 The four American Indian artists behind Bricktown’s newest underpass murals on Sheridan Avenue will have their award-winning artwork on display at Exhibit C in Bricktown July…
🎭 Ripcord (Carpenter Square Theatre - Oklahoma City) Day 2 of 2 Start Time: 7:30pm Carpenter Square Theatre opens its 34th Seasonn with the comedy "Ripcord," by David Lindsay-Abaire. In it, "The Odd Couple" meets "The Golden Girls" at the Bristol Place Senior…
♪ Rising Star Concert Series (Rodeo Opry - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 7:00pm Alexis Christensen, Kensingtyn Curtis, Ella Misialek, Bella Hand
🏆 SNU: Southern Nazarene University Volleyball vs Oklahoma Baptist (Bethany Library - Bethany) Start Time: 7:00pm Southern Nazarene University Volleyball vs Oklahoma Baptist http://snuathletics.com/calendar.aspx?id=3465
Solo Exhibit by Morgan Robinson (Kasum Contemporary Fine Art - Oklahoma City) Last Day Solo Exhibition: New Works by Morgan Robinson August 19th through September 23rd, 2017
Sculptor Morgan Robinson blurs the lines that divide art and design. Using the natural…
Sunset River Cruise (Oklahoma River Cruises - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 8:00pm Departs Exchange Landing | Last 3 Fridays (June – September) | $35/person Relax and recharge on the deck in the fresh Oklahoma breeze or inside the climate-controlled cabin…
Thugs And The Women Who Love 'Em (OCCC Visual and Performing Arts Center - Oklahoma City) Thru Sun, Sep 24th
The Wool Harvest (Crowne Plaza Oklahoma City - Oklahoma City) 1 day left Start Time: 10:00am New venue to Oklahoma City! We have wool, textiles, fibers, yarns, wool threads, rug hooking patterns, applique patterns, books, silver jewelry, classes from Teachers across the…

Saturday, Sep 23rd

2017 Earth Month Target Take Back Car Seat Program (Target - Oklahoma City) Last Day Start Time: 8:00am Between September 10 and 23, Oklahoma City area residents can recycle used car seats! In celebration of National Baby Safety Month, 1,700 Target stores nationwide and across…
🏃 2017 OKC St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer (Stars & Stripes Park - Oklahoma City) Join supporters in communities across the nation for the St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month for this family-friendly event that…
😂 Aaron Kleiber (Loony Bin Comedy Club - Oklahoma City) Last Day
Backwoods Country Music Show (The Centre Theatre - El Reno) Come to the historic Centre Theatre in downtown El Reno to experience the Backwoods Country Music Show. Featuring…
Backyard Chicken Workshop (Myriad Botanical Gardens - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 10:00am
🎨 Cartoons & Comics: The Early Art of Tom Ryan (Western Heritage Museum - Oklahoma City) Last Day Start Time: 10:00am Acclaimed Western artist Tom Ryan (1922-2011) spoke often about those who inspired him: N.C. Wyeth, Howard Pyle, Frank Reilly, even Rembrandt. Yet sketches from the Museum’s…
Dennis DeYoung in Concert (Oklahoma State Fair Park - Oklahoma City) Oklahoma State Fair in Oklahoma City welcomes founding member of the 1970s and 80s mega group Styx, Dennis DeYoung. His…
🏃 Down Syndrome Festival & 5K (Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark - Oklahoma City) The event is open to the public. The 5K will begin at 8 a.m. and the awareness walk (one lap around the ballpark) will begin at 9:30 a.m. Gates will open and the festival fun…
Edible Flower Arranging (Myriad Botanical Gardens - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 1:30pm
♪ Excision featuring The Paradox (Lost Lakes Amphitheater - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 12:00pm Boombox Cartel, Dion Timmer
Norman Farm Market (Cleveland County Fairgrounds - Norman) Start Time: 8:00am
Norman Film Festival (Downtown - Norman) Start Time: 12:00pm Each year, budding artists premiere their films at the Norman Film Festival. Created in 2017, this annual creative…
🎓 Free device workshop (U.S. Cellular - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 9:00am September is when school is back in full swing, and the beginning of a new school year is often when many children get their first phones. A recent U.S. Cellular survey showed the…
🏆 FREE Learn To Skate Lesson (Skate Galaxy - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 12:00pm FREE Learn to Skate Lesson Every Saturday from 12:00pm-12:45pm! The lesson is free and no sign up required! Don't have a pair of skates? No problem! Rentals start at $2! ALL AGES…
🎡 Harvest Festival (Univresity Town Center - Norman) Start Time: 11:00am The University Town Center is hosting a Harvest Festival in the center on Saturday, September 23rd from 11am to 2pm.
The kids will love the variety of fun activities being…
Josh Turner in Concert (Oklahoma State Fair Park - Oklahoma City) One of the youngest members of the Grand Ol' Opry is headed to Oklahoma City to showcase his award-winning voice at…
Margaritaville Cocktail Cruise (Oklahoma River Cruises - Oklahoma City) Day 2 of 2 Start Time: 5:00pm
Mattress Firm Shoe Drive for Foster Kids (Mattress Firm - Oklahoma City) Last Day Start Time: 10:00am All Mattress Firm stores in the Oklahoma City-area are hosting a shoe drive to benefit local foster youth and families. Now through Tuesday, Oct. 31, during normal store hours,…
🏃 Monarch Madness 5K and 1-Mile Fun Walk (Oklahoma City Zoo - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 8:00am Run 5k so they can fly 4,000k! The Oklahoma City Zoo invites you to run 5k (or walk 1 mile) in the Monarch Madness 5k. The officially timed course simulates the Monarch…
🏃 OKC Zoo "Monarch Madness" 5K (Oklahoma City Zoo - Oklahoma City)
Oklahoma Bluegrass Club Show (Oklahoma Country-Western Museum & Hall of Fame - Del City) The Oklahoma Bluegrass Club Show features professional and non-professional musicians coming together to play their…
🏆 Oklahoma Football (Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium - Norman) Day 2 of 2 Start Time: 3:30pm Oklahoma Football Tickets. Oklahoma Sooners Schedule. Sooners Tickets.
Oklahoma State Fair (Oklahoma State Fair Park - Oklahoma City) 1 day left Make your way to the Oklahoma State Fair and celebrate the end of summer with endless carnival rides, delicious fair…
Oklahoma State Fair (Oklahoma State Fairgrounds Jim Norick Arena - Oklahoma City) 1 day left
Oklahoma Wildlife Expo (Lazy E Arena - Guthrie) Day 1 of 2 Come to Guthrie's Lazy E Arena and experience Oklahoma's largest indoor and outdoor recreation event. Come to…
Robert Irvine (Grand Casino Hotel & Resort - Shawnee) See one of Food Network's top stars live as Robert Irvine makes his way to Grand Casino Hotel & Resort in…
🏃 Run4Love (Color Run) (Chandler) The 2nd annual Run4Love project that is a community project hosted by the Central church of Christ in Chandler, OK. All proceeds 100% are being donated to the God & People's Food…
🏆 SNU: Southern Nazarene University Football vs Arkansas Tech (Bethany Library - Bethany) Start Time: 1:00pm Southern Nazarene University Football vs Arkansas Tech http://snuathletics.com/calendar.aspx?id=3430
Thugs And The Women Who Love 'Em (OCCC Visual and Performing Arts Center - Oklahoma City) 1 day left
The Wool Harvest (Crowne Plaza Oklahoma City - Oklahoma City) Last Day Start Time: 10:00am New venue to Oklahoma City! We have wool, textiles, fibers, yarns, wool threads, rug hooking patterns, applique patterns, books, silver jewelry, classes from Teachers across the…
🏃 Yoga Flow (Moore Norman Technology Center - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 9:00am Yoga is a great way to start your weekend! Offered on Saturday mornings, this class combines aspects of Level I and Level II. The class level will be tailored according to…
🏃 Yoga Flow Variety Fitness (Moore Norman Technology Center - Norman) Start Time: 10:30am For those who have previous practiced yoga and want to explore yoga blended with other exercise modalities. We will do a different blended class each week such as Iron Yoga…

Sunday, Sep 24th

Hard Working Americans (Tower Theatre Studio - Oklahoma City) Get ready to fly your freak flag high when jam/alt-country super group Hard Working Americans takes over the historic…
Jason Isbell et al. (The Criterion - Oklahoma City) Join Jason Isbell for an evening of great Americana music as he and the 400 Unit take the stage at the Criterion in…
♪ Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit (The Criterion - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 8:00pm
Mesta Festa (Perle Mesta Park - Oklahoma City) Come enjoy a full day of outdoor fun at Mesta Festa in Oklahoma City. Located in the Midtown District at Perle Mesta…
Oklahoma Derby Day (Remington Park - Oklahoma City) Celebrate the Oklahoma Derby in style at Remington Park Racetrack & Casino in Oklahoma City. In addition to the 10…
Oklahoma State Fair (Oklahoma State Fair Park - Oklahoma City) Last Day Make your way to the Oklahoma State Fair and celebrate the end of summer with endless carnival rides, delicious fair…
Oklahoma State Fair (Oklahoma State Fairgrounds Jim Norick Arena - Oklahoma City) Last Day
Oklahoma Wildlife Expo (Lazy E Arena - Guthrie) Day 2 of 2 Come to Guthrie's Lazy E Arena and experience Oklahoma's largest indoor and outdoor recreation event. Come to…
Thugs And The Women Who Love 'Em (OCCC Visual and Performing Arts Center - Oklahoma City) Last Day

Monday, Sep 25th

Naomi Punk (Opolis - Norman)

Tuesday, Sep 26th

Against Me! et al. (Diamond Ballroom - Oklahoma City) Pump those fists high as punk rock band Against Me! commands the Diamond Ballroom stage. Sing along to fast-paced rock…
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Civic Center Music Hall - Oklahoma City) Thru Sun, Oct 1st Join OKC Broadway at the Civic Center Music Hall for a touching performance of "Beautiful - The Carole King…
Food Truck Tuesdays (Jackson - Blanchard) Every week, treat your taste buds to new flavors. During Food Truck Tuesdays, a different food truck will park in…
Silent Planet in Concert (89th Street Collective - Oklahoma City) Silent Planet is best known for their metal riffs, complex lyrics and heavy vocals. Come see this metal rock band live…

NASCAR -

Over the Air -

While many NACAR races will be on Fox and NBC’s cable sports channels, some races will be broadcast and available over the air.

Scheduled NASCAR Sprint Cup races to be available over-the-air -

02/13/16 - Sprint Unlimited - Daytona International Speedway (Fox) 02/21/16 - Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway (Fox) 02/28/16 - Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway (Fox) 03/06/16 - Kobalt 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway (Fox) 03/13/16 - Good Sam 500 at Phoenix International Raceway (Fox) 03/20/16 - Auto Club 400 at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif. (Fox) 04/09/16 - Duck Commander 500 at Texas Motor Speedway (Fox) 04/17/16 - Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway (Fox) 04/24/16 - Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond International Raceway (Fox) 05/01/16 - GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway (Fox) 05/29/16 - Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway (Fox) 07/02/16 - Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway (NBC) 09/04/16 - Bojangles' Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway (NBC) 10/08/16 - At Charlotte Motor Speedway (NBC) 10/16/16 - Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway (NBC) 11/06/16 - AAA Texas 500 at Texas Motor Speedway (NBC) 11/13/16 - Can-Am 500 at Phoenix International Raceway (NBC) 11/20/16 - Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway (NBC)

NASCAR xFinity Series - available over-the-air -

03/12/16 - Axalta Faster. Tougher. Brighter. 200 Phoenix International Raceway - Avondale, AZ (FOX) 04/30/16 - Talladega 300 Talladega Superspeedway - Talladega, AL (FOX) 05/14/16 - Dover 200 Dover International Speedway - Dover, DE (FOX) 05/28/16 - Hisense 300 Charlotte Motor Speedway - Concord, NC (FOX) 07/23/16 - Lilly Diabetes 250 Indianapolis Motor Speedway - Indianapolis, IN (NBC) 09/03/16 - VFW Sport Clips Help a Hero 200 Darlington Raceway - Darlington, SC (NBC) 11/05/16 - O'Reilly Auto Parts Challenge Texas Motor Speedway - Fort Worth, TX (NBC) 11/19/16 - Ford EcoBoost 300 Homestead-Miami Speedway - Homestead, FL (NBC)

NASCAR Camping World Truck Series - available over-the-air -

10/22/16 - Fred's 250 Talladega Superspeedway - Talladega, AL (FOX)
NASCAR has gotten better in recent years, providing fans with on-line access.

NASCAR online content

1. NASCAR Mobile - (iOS and Android) NASCAR news. Live content (in-car radio, live leaderboards, live-in-car cameras, etc free to Sprint Cellular customers w/ Unlimited data plan, $24.99/yr for non-Sprint customers)
I use this app constantly, often muting the TV and turning up the live-in-car audio from my favorite driver.
2. NASCAR Raceview - iOS app and web - live, animated, views of NASCAR races, in-car audio - What are the subscription costs for NASCAR RACEVIEW MOBILE?
$4.99 per month via iTunes or Google Play $39.99 per season via iTunes or Google Play Sprint offers NASCAR RACEVIEW MOBILE without subscription to their customers on a Sprint device with an Unlimited data plan
3. NASCAR Racebuddy -http://www.nascar.com/racebuddy
Live streaming of in-car video of NASCAR Sprint Cup and xFinity races.
4. NASCAR also has full race replays on it's YouTube page - https://www.youtube.com/useTheOfficialNASCAR
Radio/Streaming audio - You can tune into live streaming audio (radio simulcasts) of NASCAR races at - http://www.mrn.com
http://www.goprn.com

ARCA Racing

Access to live streaming audio and timing and scoring - http://www.arcaracing.com

NHRA

Live Timing - http://www.nhra.com/livetiming/livetiming.aspx NHRA Videos - http://www.nhra.com/videowall.aspx
Update New in 2016 - NHRA "All-Access". Every event from the 2016 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series – live streamed or on demand. Subscribe for $99.95 a season. Go to http://www.nhraallaccess.com for more information.

Indycar Races - available over-the-air -

No, I didn’t forget about the Indycar Series fans!
Here is the schedule of Indycar Races that will be available over-the-air (All on ABC stations)
3/13 Streets of St. Petersburg ABC
5/14 Angie's List Grand Prix of Indianapolis ABC
5/29 Indianapolis 500 Mile Race ABC
6/4 Chevrolet Dual in Detroit Race 1 ABC
6/5 Chevrolet Dual in Detroit Race 2 ABC

Indycar Online Content

The Indycar App now allows for video/telemetry, etc, depending on your Cell provider. Verizon customers have the most features with this app.
Exclusive Features to Verizon Wireless devices • Interactive 3D Live View (Beta) with real-time leader board and car telemetry Enhanced real-time leader board with 2D marching ants and car telemetry Live in-car camera video streaming for select drivers during IndyCar races Live driver and pit crew transmissions audio streaming during IndyCar races Live INDYCAR radio broadcast audio streaming during all track activities
Features Available to All Carrier devices Real-time leader board Championship Points-As-They-Run leader board Podcasts (INDYCAR Radio, INDYCAR Media Release & Trackside) Optional on-device notification alerts when IndyCar race starts and ends and for breaking news Current track weather and forecast Favorite driver and team selection for quicker access to follow Exclusive VOD race highlights, crashes, driver interviews, INDYCAR 101 & technologies, historical race footage, and more Breaking news and photo galleries Standings, race results, schedule, and race extras such as high-resolution track map images and spotter guides Driver profiles and Racing team profiles INDYCAR social twitter feeds INDYCAR 101 and more

United Sports Car Series

Almost all 2016 races will be on Fox Sports 1 and 2.
One race will be available over-the-air
07/23/16 - Northeast Grand Prix - Lime Rock Park (FOX)
IMSA TV does stream replays of all races, and sometimes offers live video of races not being broadcast (the overnight racing of a 24 hour race for instance)
http://www.imsa.com/series/united-sportscatv-episodes
http://www.fanschoice.tv also has IMSA video content available.

2016 24 Hrs Le Mans

http://www.24h-lemans.com/live/en/
http://www.24h-lemans.com/en/live/official-application_2_2_2581.html
iOS and Android apps are available, from which you can purchase a $9.99 pass for just the 2016 24Hrs of LeMans streaming video, or a $29.99 pass for the entire WEC (FIA World Endurance Championship) racing season.
In 2015, switched between the feed from the #64 C7.R and the English main 24hrs LeMans feed. All are commercial free! Streaming the live video from my iPhone to my AppleTV, video quality looked great, very little buffering, if any.
Radio LeMans - http://radiolemans.com

Continental Tire Challenge Series

Every Continental Tire Challenge race will be streamed live in its entirety on IMSA.tv and the IMSA mobile app. - See more at: http://www.imsa.com/articles/2016-television-schedules-weathertech-championship-and-continental-tire-challenge-announced#sthash.RgqmfJYh.dpuf

World Rally Championship (WRC)

WRC offers a subscription service, WRC+ that offers access to live video content, as well as race replays.
https://plus.wrc.com
EUR 49.99,- per year for the annual subscription.
Use the Promo code "WRC2016" (no quotes-make sure WRC is in all caps) to get 20% off WRC plus. Once subscribed go into your profile and cancel your subscription. Why? Because your purchased subscription will stay active, but auto-renewal will be disabled. So you'll have a chance to take advantage of 20% off next year. (Thanks for pointing this out dusto_man!)
The RedBullTV channel on the AppleTV has 1hr highlight shows of all 2014 WRC Rally events. RedBullTV has hour long post-rally reviews for 2016. Monte Carlo is already up now.
Go to "RedBullTV" on your AppleTV, once in the RedBullTV app, select "Sports". Then select "Motorsports". Then scroll down to "Shows" and look for WRC.
Lucas Oil Racing also offers WRC content, in addition to several other racing series at http://www.lucasoilracing.tv. For $60/yr So far, 2015 highlight episodes are available, no 2016 content so far.

Redbull Global Rallycross - (Redbull GRC)

All GRC events are broadcast live on NBC over the air
All GRC events are also streamed live on http://www.redbullglobalrallycross.com
All of the 2015 GRC Lites competitions are available via the RedBull App on the AppleTV

F1

Edited Race Replays available at - http://www.formula1.com/video/race_edits/

British Touring Car Championship - (BTCC)

http://www.btcc.net/live-zone/
Live timing data and audio is avaialbe
Races available on the iTV Player
http://www.itv.com/btcc/video
Video highlights available on the web site.

FIA WTCC (World Touring Car Chalenge) Series

First race will be available for free.
New streaming service/app includes:
Live Video Races on-demand (previous seasons for free) Access through web site or app Rewind, pause, play, time shift Stats Highlights
14.95 euro per round/race event, 99.95 euro a season (previous seasons/archive content - FREE)

Blancpain GT Series

Live race video -
http://www.blancpain-gt-series.com/gt-tv (This page is currently down. Will update when more information is available)
Highlights are still available at - https://www.youtube.com/usegt1world
Also available on -
http://24hseries.com
http://www.motortrendondemand.com/motorsport/?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_content=Con2-FolKW--T1&utm_campaign=TW_Content

V8 Supercars

39.99AU membership for live video
https://www.v8supercars.com.au/v8superview
Also available on - http://www.motortrendondemand.com/motorsport/?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_content=Con2-FolKW--T1&utm_campaign=TW_Content

V8 Utes Championship

Available on - http://www.motortrendondemand.com/motorsport/?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_content=Con2-FolKW--T1&utm_campaign=TW_Content

Race of Champions (ROC)

Available on - http://www.motortrendondemand.com/motorsport/?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_content=Con2-FolKW--T1&utm_campaign=TW_Content

Short Track (Dirt and Paved oval) racing

Speed51TV and FansChoice.tv

Once again in 2016, Speed51TV and FansChoiceTV will team up to provide a free broadcast of the 50th World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing (Twitter hashtag: #NewSmyrnaWS) on FansChoice.tv.
http://speed51.com/51-fanschoice-tv-to-provide-live-video-of-new-smyrna-world-series/ http://www.fanschoice.tv
On-demand replays of the racing will also be available later at http://www.fanschoice.tv

Speed51TV

Speed51 is now offering monthly and yearly paid memberships. The yearly membership includes a 10% discount on all major PPV Live Race content. Both include access to race highlights, stories, and interviews from the world of short track racing. Speed 51 has expanded it’s live broadcasts of short track racing quite a bit in the past year or two. Yes, allot of the content, like the Snowball Derby, is PPV, but when you consider that this is racing that you otherwise wouldn’t get to see at all, unless you were at the track, it’s a great service at a great price. If you're a motorsports fan, and want more cord cutting-friendly options, you should really support them and find a PPV event you'd like to watch this year.
http://speed51.com/racing-videos/
$7.99/mo $59.99/yr (Includes 10% discount on PPV events)

Racing Boys TV

The other site broadcasting some great short track racing, is http://www.racinboys.com. They once again aired PPV coverage of the first 5 days of preliminary racing for the 2016 Chili Bowl Nationals.

Additional On-Line resources for short track racing content

Race22

http://race22.com/category/videos/

Dirt Nation TV

https://dirtnation.tv

"The Battle at Berlin 251"

CordKilling Motorsports Fans - Another option to satisfy your hunger for racing online - "The Battle at Berlin 251" will be available streaming PPV - June 2016
http://www.berlinraceway.com
$19.95
"The Battle at Berlin 251" has become one of those short track races that attracts drivers from all over the country. The 2015 race attracted drivers such as, Chase Elliott, Bubba Pollard, John Hunter Nemechek, and Ross Kenseth.
Again, if you want to see more options for Cordcutting motorsports fans, and you love great short track racing, this should be on your list to watch.

Lucas Oil Racing TV

Another option for getting your racing fix on-line is http://www.lucasoilracing.tv. For $60/yr you get access to -
Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals, one of the biggest dirt racing events all year, every year AMA Flat Track AMERICAN SPRINT CAR SERIES ASB - AMERICAN SPRINT BOAT AUSTRALASIAN SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP BEST IN THE DESERT BRITISH F1 SIDECAR CHAMPIONSHIP DAVE DESPAIN SHOW DRAG BOAT RACING SERIES LATE MODEL DIRT SERIES MODIFIED SERIES OPTIMA - SEARCH FOR THE ULTIMATE STREET CAR PRO MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP WRC - WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP
As well as car shows like “Two Guys Garage”, “My Classic Car”, and “Chop Cut Rebuild”

USAC Racing

http://usacracing.com/2013-03-02-17-46-30/loudpedal-tv Loudpedal.tv Monthly Membership / Yearly Membership
USD 9.95/mo / USD 99.95/yr

Legend Cars/INEX

The Winter Nationals (Monday 2/15-Friday 2/19) as well as the Summer ShootOut will air on http://www.speed51.com

The International Motor Contest Association (IMCA)

imca.com / imca.tv offers Live PPV and On-Demand short track racing. Check out https://www.imca.com/view/series/ for a full list of all the racing action!

SpeedShift TV

https://www.speedshifttv.com Live and On-Demand Short Track racing.

The SCCA Solo Nationals are streaming LIVE on ustream.tv, just search for SCCA. The videos are also available on-demand after live competition has concluded.

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/sccasolo

The SCCA Runoffs are being streamed on USTREAM -

Just search for SCCA. The content is available live this week, as well as on-demand after competition has concluded each day.
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/scca-runoffs

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

UGH, CP24, a 24h news channel has a "psychic" on their show.

It disgusts me, espeically since they are discussing the Royal Wedding. They say she predicted the Japan hurricane and the death and issues with others. Well I went to her site (which I don't want to link to to give it hits) and here are her predictions for 2011:
"World Predictions
A terrorist attack in Toronto. A gold rush in Hawaii. President Obama has to be careful of parades. President Obama’s children in danger. Danger around President Obama. Syria at war with the United States, the new Iraq. More UFO sightings. The Thames River poisoned in a terrorist attack. Two planes over Washington DC, United States, collide and crash. Mine disaster Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Israel and Iran at war. A powerful quake rocks Chicago, Illinois. A roller coaster will go out of control at a theme park in the US injuring many. The world’s first brain transplant. A huge breakthrough in the cure for dementia and Alzheimer’s. A dense fog - the worst in fifty years - disrupts air travel and transportation woes in London, England A bionic eye will be invented by a French scientist. Hillary Clinton nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. A Japanese plane is hijacked on the way to Singapore from Tokyo, Japan. A disease around maple trees. A worm destroys the tea plant and plantations in Sri Lanka. A UFO in the shape of a horseshoe hovers over Roswell, New Mexico. A towering inferno in San Francisco. The world’s largest salmon will be caught in British Columbia. A Hollywood starlet will give birth to a dwarf. The area of Brentwood in Los Angeles on fire. North Korea and South Korea at war. The worst landslides in California history destroy thousands of homes. A Paris suburb on fire. An oil spill in the Persian Gulf. Terrorist attack in Manila in the Philippines. A biological attack on a US city. A cruise ship on fire destroying hundreds of lives. A space tragedy. An explosion at an American Airforce base. A terrorist attack at the Statue of Liberty in New York. A terrorist attack at Grand Central Station in New York. A bridge blows up in the United States. Two trains collide in southern England killing many. A blimp explodes in Germany. An explosion at an American Express office in Europe. A heist in Louisville, Kentucky. A horse and jockey pass away at the Kentucky Derby. A cruise ship turns upside down after an underwater earthquake under the Adriatic Sea. Danger and health woes Hillary Clinton. A prison riot New York. Prison breakout and riot San Quentin. A giant spider’s nest will be found in South America. Polar bears and penguins moving south due to global warming. Another oil spill in the Persian Gulf. Widespread damage when a meteorite hits two states in the southwestern United States. Bill Clinton has to watch his health Biological attack on the US and Britain. A world wide computer virus. Terrorist attacks in Germany, London, England, Los Angeles, New York and Chicago. An avalanche in Italy. Sex scandal around a famous political person in Washington, DC, USA. A terrorist attack in Paris, France. Sarkozy in danger. A trampese artist will fall at a circus. A Turkish airliner is hijacked and blown up. The largest emerald in the world is found near Bogota, Columbia. A new species of octopus is found in the Mediterranean Sea. An arrest in the Jon Benet Ramsey case. Passing of Fidel Castro. An arrest in the Madeline McCann case. A gorilla escapes from a German zoo injuring many. A US naval ship is hijacked. A tsunami in Japan. The Empire State Building on fire. Earthquake in the Grand Canyon. Pandemic in Africa spreading worldwide. A huge earthquake in Japan. North Korea will attack Japan. A terrorist attack Los Angeles. Terrorist attack in Vancouver. Stock market up and down from one extreme to another. Government change in Indonesia. Uprising in Venezuela. Chavez in danger. The painting of the Mona Lisa will be stolen. A politician's children will be kidnapped. The Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York will burn down. A terrorist attack on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, California. A plane will crash into the Hollywood sign in LA. Mount St. Helens will erupt. Earthquake in Seattle and Oregon. Parts of the polar ice cap will melt. Two subways will collide head on in New York City. Madam Tussard's wax museum in London, England will burn after a massive fire. Dick Cheney has to watch his health. A large American newspaper will go bankrupt. A new cat burglar in the South of France will rob the rich like in the movie 'To Catch A Thief'. Sir Richard Branson in danger. Life on other planets is stronger when new evidence is gathered. A pill that makes you younger within thirty days. Breakthroughs in the mystery of autism. A Las Vegas hotel and casino on fire.
Star Predictions
The movie The Black Swan will be nominated for an Oscar. Natalie Portman will be nominated for an Oscar. George Clooney will marry. A remake of the movie The Godfather. A remake of the movie Scarface. Loretta Lynn has to watch health A remake of the movie Jaws in 3D. The TV series Boardwalk Empire will win many Emmy awards. Lady Gaga will turn to acting as well as music. Katy Perry will be a mermaid in a music video. A remake of the movie Cleopatra. Queen Latifah will play in either on Broadway or TV, or a biography and I see her replacing someone on the View. Rosie O’Donnell makes a comeback. Pricilla Presley has to watch her health. Justin Beiber has to watch his health and danger. Warren Beatty and Annette Bening will split. Justin Beiber will win lots of awards. Health watch - Aretha Franklin. Health problems - Shirley Maclaine Health problems - Melanie Griffith. Paris Hilton kidnapped for ransom. Paul Anka divorce. Bristol Palin engagement, but be careful of skiing and driving. Former Hollywood Madam Heidi Fleiss danger and health problems. Tiger Woods has to be careful of planes. Taylor Swift has to be careful of transportation – cars, planes, etc. Mel Gibson will move to Australia and has to watch health. Christine Agilera will pose for Playboy. Josh Brolin and Diane Lane will separate. Whoopi Goldberg will quit the View. Kim Kardashian baby and marriage. Nick Cage will split from wife. Alex Baldwin will run for politics. Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry will produce a blockbuster movie which will be a hit. Lady Gaga will appear in a Hollywood movie. Kate Goslin will remarry. Snookie from Jersey Shore has to watch for injury. There will be another TV series: 'Singing With The Stars'. A Hollywood hunk will save a child from drowning. Halley Berry will have another child. A movie starlet will have triplets. Betty White has to watch health although I see her receiving a lot of awards. Tippi Hendren in danger. A marriage for Angelina Jolie. A marriage for Jennifer Anniston and baby. A child for George Clooney. Howie Mandel has to watch health. A Hollywood starlet’s signifigant other has to be careful of their signifigant other on a motorcycle. Rachel McAdams will have her own sitcom. Madonna will open her own hotel. Donald Trump will be successful in politics. Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas has to watch her marriage. A Victoria secret model will be kidnapped for ransom. Ellen Page will be an advocate for the environment Hulk Hogan has to watch health Elizabeth Taylor health woes A famous comedian will run for politics Danny Glover has to watch health. Hugh Hefner has to watch health. A fire at the Playboy Mansion Kristy Alley has to watch health. Another Hollywood hunk will confess to being gay. The success of his reality series Gene Simmons - will produce a feature film based on his TV series With the success of 'Dancing With The Stars', dance studios will open all over the world. Dance clubs like the discos of the seventies and eighties will open up again Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes will split.
Wild Weather Predictions
Category five hurricane wipes out Miami. The worst mudslides in California’s history will occur. Mount St. Helens erupting. Earthquake Seattle, Washington. Earthquake Chicago, Illinois. Part of the polar ice cap melts. Wildfires spread to Beverley Hills and Los Angeles, Brentwood. More tsunamis Sumatra Indonesia, Alaska, Hawaii and Japan. A great earthquake in Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego. Earthquake Lake Tahoe. Earthquake Toronto and Quebec. Earthquake Oregon. Earthquake Grand Canyon. Earthquake New York, Alaska, Japan, Greece. Earthquake British Columbia, China and Iran. Tornado in California. Floods Amsterdam, Holland, Rhine River, Germany, Bangladesh, Great Britain. Venice, Italy, Gulf Coast of Florida and France. Tsunami Malibu, California. Wildfires Greece, Australia, Texas, Hawaii. Mudslides in India, California. Typhoon in Taiwan. Tornadoes Oklahoma, Indiana, Texas, Illinois, Tennessee. Great earthquake Rome and Naples, Italy. Huge snowstorm and blizzards up the eastern seaboard affecting the great lakes – Toronto, Chicago, New York, Boston, etc. Earthquake Yosemite and Yellowstone Park.
[continued in comments as it's too long]
It's really fucking easy to say you are psychic when a few of your 200+ predictions comes true - that's just probability. It disgusts me that is on a news channel, promoting false claims and the validity of psychics.
edit: added organizaton

casino near me bristol video

Grosvenor Casino Bristol is owned and operated by Grosvenor Casinos Limited (a company incorporated in England and Wales under company number 00877080), whose registered office address is TOR, Saint-Cloud Way, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 8BN. Tournament poker will be offered on grosvenorpoker.com. Facilities. Bar; Welcome to Genting Casino Bristol. You don't have to say goodbye, experience another Genting Casino near you! Click here to find your nearest casino.. Click here to view new opening hours of all our open casinos.. For an ultimate night of gaming in Bristol visit Genting Casino. Casino Resorts & Hotels in Bristol Current page Casino Resorts & Hotels in Bristol Pennsylvania may have travel restrictions in place, including self-quarantine, due to COVID-19. Find out more Opens in new tab or window Dismiss close travel advisory Hard Rock Bristol Resort and Casino Review. To be located in Bristol, Virginia, at the Bristol Mall on Gate City Highway, the proposed Bristol Hard Rock Resort and Casin o is well on its way to becoming a reality, after in May 2020 the Virginia City Council approved a resolution naming Hard Rock International and partners The United Company and Par Ventures as its preferred casino operators. If you need a good Casino near Bristol, contact Downtown Inn & Suites. You can reach them at (606) 248-5630. Read more about Downtown Inn & Suites in Middlesboro, KY. Friendly's. Friendly's is located approximately 116 miles from Bristol. Friendly's is very popular place in this area. Take that lucky feeling straight to the tables, penny slots, blackjack dealers, and sports books—and straight to Bristol casino hotels. It doesn't matter what you're looking for in a holiday trip, Expedia has you covered. That's why Bristol is climbing our popularity rankings fast. Expedia has plenty of Bristol casino hotels you can pick from. Topics Include: Local UK Casino Overview Choose a Location Noteworthy Locations Games Entertainment Entry Rules Legal Information FAQs Conclusion Reviews and Ratings for Local Casinos Near Me, You and All UK Gamblers. When I look for casinos near me, I want to find all of the options easily. Voters approved the proposed plan for a Hard Rock Hotel and Casino to be built in Bristol, Virginia, according to unofficial election results. There were 5,427 "Yes" votes and 2,221 "No" votes. Rainbow Casino is located in the heart of Bristol Harbourside, near the city centre. We are open 24/7 with a late bar and restaurant. BRISTOL, Va. — A $150 million resort casino proposed for the Bristol Mall could have a “transformative” impact on the city, region and state economy, its backers said Thursday.

casino near me bristol top

Road Canyon Campground - Free Camping In Colorado

my fastest lap at Absolutely Karting Birtsol track with track alterations on the top floor https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pwm7PWCZZ14 This is the 3rd free campground we have come across in the Creede area. Campsites are out in the open sun not far from Road Canyon Reservoir. Road Canyon Campground Info * Elevation: 9300 ft * Fee ... About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Microtel Inn and Suites by Wyndham Uncasville is ideally located near Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods casinos, with easy access to Highway 32 and Interstate 395 so you can easily explore the area. Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. Cheap Hot Tubs Under $500 - Buy itu now at http://amzn.to/2y3mHNb We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertisin... Thanks for sticking with me till i built up enough footage for this episode :DReally hope you enjoy it and if you do please leave a like and feel free to sha... Link to the Sparrows safe manipulation trainer I showed at the end of this video: https://www.sparrowslockpicks.com/product_p/sdial.htm The invention of this man shocked all inventors. Elon musk is puzzled. As the WHO urges countries to step up testing their citizens for coronavirus, the UK government appears to be adopting a different approach. (Subscribe: http...

Casino Bristol | Grosvenor Casino Bristol

casino near me bristol

casino near me bristol - win

Stokes's Bristol Nightclub incident in detail (From: The Comeback Summer by Geoff Lemon)