Bout Saturday Night – Wrecking Belles v San Francisco ShEvil Dead

Today, April 29, is my childhood friend Steve’s birthday. We met in second grade. Today is also Uma Thurman’s birthday. If you read my post about Bout 1, you realized that I quoted Mia Wallace, Uma Thurman’s Pulp Fiction character. I am not sure if I am old or if I have a good memory. Pulp Fiction was in theaters in 1994.

(Keep reading for the complete bout 2 slideshow, which is at the end of the post.)

Richmond Wrecking Belles skated against the San Francisco ShEvil Dead in San Francisco, California on Saturday, April 26, 2014. (bryan farley)

In 1992, I remember that my friend Steve could celebrate his birthday on the same day that a court acquitted Los Angeles police officers charged with crimes against Rodney King. (If you remember the tape, please forgive my sloppy explanation.) After the results were announced, there was a riot. Sometimes I hear people use the term riot when they really mean “altercation.” By the way, when I see the woman with white makeup, Demanda Riot, I consider her an athlete.

 

Richmond Wrecking Belles skated against the San Francisco ShEvil Dead in San Francisco, California on Saturday, April 26, 2014. (bryan farley)

 

On this day in 1429, Joan of Arc entered Orleans and led a victory over the English. How did this happen? How did she inspire people to follow her?

Richmond Wrecking Belles skated against the San Francisco ShEvil Dead in San Francisco, California on Saturday, April 26, 2014. (bryan farley)

I am inspired by the derby “girls,” and I am a grown man. Perhaps I would have followed Joan of Arc into battle. If I can be inspired, I understand how other people, especially children are inspired by the derby girls. After bouts, when I look closer at the images, I see the determination frozen in time.

Richmond Wrecking Belles skated against the San Francisco ShEvil Dead in San Francisco, California on Saturday, April 26, 2014. (bryan farley)

How did Joan of Arc lead people? Did everyone share her visions? Did they share her strength? When did her followers stop following?

You might be familiar with the phrase, “What does not kill you makes you stronger,” but for people who must be strong just to survive, there is another part to this simple equation. That which makes you stronger might one day kill you. 

Here is the large slideshow to Bout 2

 

 

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