- This was your very, very, very first-ever NCAA tournament appearance. Now, I did not find this out until I got back home from the game and looked up the history. You should be proud of just getting here. There are over, what, 300+ teams in Division I women's volleyball. Not even half of them have ever been to this Big Dance. Savor it.
- You lost to a Long Beach State side that has been here for over two decades straight. Once again, this was your first-ever appearance. My guys have been here, finished and won that, many times. If it makes you any happier, in our very first appearance...we had a first round exit, too. AND, we were swept. Which leads to my next point...
- This match went to five games. Most first-timers would get run over in a sweep. You're not like many of those "happy-to-be-here" scrubs. Anyone who said it was a lucky win by us is a disgrace to sports journalism in general, because you were a quality side we faced. Heck, you're the Mountain West Champions! We only finished second to Cal Poly (who has also been here, and is champs in our conference [something I detest, but it has nothing to do with you]) this season. Quality side, and a valiant effort from you guys. As you know, the best teams will win in five games. I was surprised that you also, like us, came into this match riding on two straight five-game wins. We had to do it against Pitt and then-#8 ranked Florida (now ranked #10 and now in the Sweet 16), which shows you the type of team you were up against.
- This was the best season by far for you guys. Next year, we're going to be on our heels when we face you guys again in our next meeting..whenever that will be.
Keep your heads up, UNLV
Normally I do not like to say such words of advice to the teams we face, because they don't need such pity. It's a fact. However, given the circumstances of this matchup, I decided to bend over backwards and make exceptions. Tonight, we faced a UNLV side that gave us a good match. So, Rebel supporters, I have some kind words to say as your season draws to a close.
On the importance of life-changing experiences
There are things that really change your life. Sometimes they are situations that you can feel good about. Other times there are experiences that you would rather forget, but can't, because they impact your morale, the way you see things, and the way you do things. The impact is so huge, that you wouldn't want to go through it again.
I experienced the price one pays for plagiarizing another colleague's work in a class that I had. It was just taking the work of one of the members of my team for a paper I wrote. So my instructor brokered it down: my colleague will get the full points for the section in question, not me. It was really huge, because it was large margin of points that would change my eventual grade (which hasn't been decided yet). I was thankful that this was the course of action my instructor took; because it could have been worse. And it was never going to happen again. Never again. I wasn't going to be in a mood to have it happen again.
I went through a similar situation at my junior college. Of course, I passed that course with an 'A', but those circumstances were far different. This is stuff that happened at the university level, in my last semester. From this point on, I would be aware of the consequences that comes from asking my friends to do the work for me.
I suppose it was destiny to have something like this happen. It was a learning experience, as well as a life-changing experience. It was good for me. Experiences like that are supposed to be that way.
I experienced the price one pays for plagiarizing another colleague's work in a class that I had. It was just taking the work of one of the members of my team for a paper I wrote. So my instructor brokered it down: my colleague will get the full points for the section in question, not me. It was really huge, because it was large margin of points that would change my eventual grade (which hasn't been decided yet). I was thankful that this was the course of action my instructor took; because it could have been worse. And it was never going to happen again. Never again. I wasn't going to be in a mood to have it happen again.
I went through a similar situation at my junior college. Of course, I passed that course with an 'A', but those circumstances were far different. This is stuff that happened at the university level, in my last semester. From this point on, I would be aware of the consequences that comes from asking my friends to do the work for me.
I suppose it was destiny to have something like this happen. It was a learning experience, as well as a life-changing experience. It was good for me. Experiences like that are supposed to be that way.
A vision...
Two nights ago, I had a dream. It was a vision that Hawaii was going to escape Boise State with a 40-38 victory, off a Dan Kelly field goal. And at the end of the game, the students and fans rushed onto the field, and carried June Jones, Colt Brennan, and the Iceman off the field. And the Boise newspapers ripped apart the loss. Some fairweather journalists from that armpit of Idaho even called for Chris Petersen's resignation, and/or firing.
Actually, as I got the Walter Pyramid for Day 1 of the Baden Thanksgiving Tournament, I wondered if all this could be true. As I watched the first two matches of the mayhem at the Myd, I played Rob Overseer's "Slayed" on iTunes, thinking about the circumstances. In any case, the Warriors are going bowling. The big questions is whether or not it will be back at Aloha Stadium, or down in the Lower 48.
By the way, in the first match, we disposed of the Yales, 3-0. As I watched the second match between UCSB and Temple, it was no surprise who I was rooting for. With Big West conference play behind us, and the fact that we whitewashed the Gauchos, it was easy for me to cheer for UCSB, if only in solidarity of my Big West opponents.
I told them: This should be easy for you guys. If we can beat Temple, so can you. They dropped the first match, but they got the next three games. At the end of the match, I said, "See! I told you that you could do it. In the words of Johnny Warren, 'I told you so!'"
But back to the dream I had. I looked at the score when we were in the fourth game of a five-match marathon with Pittsburgh, and it read: Hawaii 39, Boise State 27, with a few minutes remaining. The previous time I asked for the score, the Press Telegram saw UH trail 27-26. All of a sudden, I was starting to feel good. In the waning seconds, I took my shirt off in the cold, flung it in the air, and I was beside myself. Everyone in the Pyramid knew that I supported the Warrior footbal team.
My friend Nuke told me: Hey, why do you support Hawaii's football team when you're from the Beach? I told him: first off, unless you're talking about rugby or soccer, we haven't had an American football team since 1991. Also, June Jones is a solid coach at the collegiate level, and I love the Run-&-Shoot: greatest football offense known to man, along with the West Coast. The dream came true on a day when LSU fell to Arkansas in triple overtime, 50-42, and Texas lost to Texas A&M. WHat's going to be shocking is that if Missouri defeats Kansas, there will be an undefeated team still standing.
It just won't be from the Lower 48. Even more shocking is that the coaches who led the Razorbacks and Aggies to victories are on their way out: Houston Nutt and Dennis Franchione.
Actually, as I got the Walter Pyramid for Day 1 of the Baden Thanksgiving Tournament, I wondered if all this could be true. As I watched the first two matches of the mayhem at the Myd, I played Rob Overseer's "Slayed" on iTunes, thinking about the circumstances. In any case, the Warriors are going bowling. The big questions is whether or not it will be back at Aloha Stadium, or down in the Lower 48.
By the way, in the first match, we disposed of the Yales, 3-0. As I watched the second match between UCSB and Temple, it was no surprise who I was rooting for. With Big West conference play behind us, and the fact that we whitewashed the Gauchos, it was easy for me to cheer for UCSB, if only in solidarity of my Big West opponents.
I told them: This should be easy for you guys. If we can beat Temple, so can you. They dropped the first match, but they got the next three games. At the end of the match, I said, "See! I told you that you could do it. In the words of Johnny Warren, 'I told you so!'"
But back to the dream I had. I looked at the score when we were in the fourth game of a five-match marathon with Pittsburgh, and it read: Hawaii 39, Boise State 27, with a few minutes remaining. The previous time I asked for the score, the Press Telegram saw UH trail 27-26. All of a sudden, I was starting to feel good. In the waning seconds, I took my shirt off in the cold, flung it in the air, and I was beside myself. Everyone in the Pyramid knew that I supported the Warrior footbal team.
My friend Nuke told me: Hey, why do you support Hawaii's football team when you're from the Beach? I told him: first off, unless you're talking about rugby or soccer, we haven't had an American football team since 1991. Also, June Jones is a solid coach at the collegiate level, and I love the Run-&-Shoot: greatest football offense known to man, along with the West Coast. The dream came true on a day when LSU fell to Arkansas in triple overtime, 50-42, and Texas lost to Texas A&M. WHat's going to be shocking is that if Missouri defeats Kansas, there will be an undefeated team still standing.
It just won't be from the Lower 48. Even more shocking is that the coaches who led the Razorbacks and Aggies to victories are on their way out: Houston Nutt and Dennis Franchione.
In this words of Jim Leahey...
IS THIS THE YEAR?
IS THIS THE YEAR!!?
YOU BET THIS IS THE YEAR!!!!
Hawaii 39
Boise State 27
ESPN can go fuck themselves. And everyone in Boise, the AP, all those turds who chose the Broncos to win...can have their crow and eat it. They disgust me.
IS THIS THE YEAR!!?
YOU BET THIS IS THE YEAR!!!!
Hawaii 39
Boise State 27
ESPN can go fuck themselves. And everyone in Boise, the AP, all those turds who chose the Broncos to win...can have their crow and eat it. They disgust me.
The adventures of Mulligan and Milligan
The recent adventures of David Mulligan of the New Zealand All Whites and Mark Milligan of Australia's Olyroos set up a great day for football in the Antipodes.
Mulligan started the scoring onslaught against Vanuatu in Westpac Stadium, scoring the first goal of the return match in Wellington, and Shane Smeltz did the rest in a 4-1 rout.
Meanwhile, up in cold, miserable, malnourished Pyongyang, the Olyroos were a goal down heading into the second half, but Milligan's equalizer in the 69th minute gave Australia a draw with Chollima, and a berth in the Beijing 2008 Olympics next year. Personally, I though that regardless of the conditions, Australia was going to take it to them. But North Korea held its ground, and held the Aussies to a draw.
In any case, the match between Iraq and Lebanon is nothing more than a glorified U-23 friendly.
Can this day get any better? Why not? Long BEach State faces Temple tonight, and a sweep isn't out of the question...
Mulligan started the scoring onslaught against Vanuatu in Westpac Stadium, scoring the first goal of the return match in Wellington, and Shane Smeltz did the rest in a 4-1 rout.
Meanwhile, up in cold, miserable, malnourished Pyongyang, the Olyroos were a goal down heading into the second half, but Milligan's equalizer in the 69th minute gave Australia a draw with Chollima, and a berth in the Beijing 2008 Olympics next year. Personally, I though that regardless of the conditions, Australia was going to take it to them. But North Korea held its ground, and held the Aussies to a draw.
In any case, the match between Iraq and Lebanon is nothing more than a glorified U-23 friendly.
Can this day get any better? Why not? Long BEach State faces Temple tonight, and a sweep isn't out of the question...
On Dr. Dan Bailey
There are some people you know, and there are some people you wish you knew. Dr. Dan Bailey was a person that I wish I knew better. Today, the university held a memorial service for Dr. Dan Bailey, at which a scholarship was created in his name.
Dr. Bailey, or “Bales” as he was sometimes called, was a person who was loved, respected, and a person of many trades. He was a football player. A rugby player. A marathoner. A personal trainer. A doctor. A family man. A father. A grad-dad. A prankster. A happy-go-lucky son-of-a-gun who St. Peter had next on after one of his colleagues flew through the doors in a basketball pick-up game and locked him out. A beer drinker. A hell raiser. A man about food, and a man about town. A three-time Olympian. A Mormon, and the great-grandson of the Mormon expedition to Salt Lake City with Brigham Young.
Most of all, he was proud to bleed the Long Beach State Black and Gold. He was a 49er to the core. A number of speakers talked about the memories they had with Doc Bailey. I thought, I never really knew who he was. But the lives he touched, the legacy he left, the trails he blazed…and over a 36-year run, too. By the time he was born, he already well over a decade into his job. That in itself shows the impact Dr. Dan Bailey had on the Beach.
Now he is in every 49er that remembers him. And he never really left. His spirit will always be alive at this university. We’ll see you soon, Dr. Dan Bailey…someday.
No hope for USA Volleyball.
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The men, at least.
After sweeping the Brazilians, Puerto Rico defeats them in four games. Our Olympic run is over, god willing.
Way to have a letdown, you pricks. I'll be bloody surprised if you turds are still able to qualify after an uninspiring performance.
It was mostly a good day...
Well, I should concur that this was a good day, for the most part. A few letdowns here and there, but nothing too bad. Here is a recap of my favorite teams' recent endeavors.
SOCCER AND HOOPS TEAMS CHOKED, BUT THE REST ARE ALL RIGHT: Not a good start for Bob Nash's Bows at the
However, the weekend wasn't a complete failure for
AND JUST WHEN IT COULDN'T GET ANY MORE WORSE FOR THE TOREROS, IT DOES:
THE WAIT ENDS FOR ONE, CONTINUES FOR ANOTHER: And the Rainmaker, Dan Monson, comes through.
WATER POLO FUTILITY:
MELBOURNE, SAY IT AIN'T SO!: Oh Ernie, your days are getting numbered. Melbourne Victory lost to the Queensland Roar, 1-0. Ugh.
BUT AT LEAST THE ROOS ARE FIGHTING BACK: I still played a little Men at Work.
MORE BASHING OF
COMING DOWN THE ROAD: Forget Wellington Phoenix, the hottest football team in
A weekend that, well, I suppose is...
Funny. This weekend was a very unusual one, in which predicatable successes are paired with unenviable futility, and everything in between.
The weekend started on Thursday. The men's water polo team nearly gave up the game against LMU. In fact, they should not have won, the price they pay for not finishing. They ended up winning...in the sixth overtime, 8-7. St. Anthony's football team dismissed St. Genevieve, and are now back in the playoffs, although the Bell-Jeff loss must have been their worse football to date since Downey Calvary Chapel and Chadwick.
Friday was an example of utter juxtaposition. Long Beach City's women's soccer team must have felt like the worst in the land, losing to Cal Poly, 2-1...on the same day that Long Beach City's women lost to Cerritos for the South Coast Conference title. That same day, Lakewood, after shutting out Wilson, edged Compton, but THEY nearly gave it away. That was juxtaposed with Long Beach State's trip from hell to Tucson, losing 7-0. The next day they would be roasted again, 5-0. Way to play uninspired hockey, Ice Dog wannabes.
Saturday was brutal...and beautiful. First, the brutality. Oh BYU. You might as well pay for the broken glass if your big men had to slam dunk the backboard like this was your arena. 74-34...and a dubious-looking tie-dye shirt. Ugh. Who even had to come up with something like this anyway!? And we won't stop there. The women's volleyball team lost the first game of the 4-game victory over Pacific, but how we lost it has be, well, agonizing. Leading very comfortably, those bloody Tigers went on a streak afterwards winning the first game, 32-30. This is Long Beach State, not Long Beach Poly.
Also, predictable came to play. At the rugby tournament on Saturday, the B-side went undefeated, while the A-side played, well, terrible.
And shocking rolled into town. A shakeup on defeats came, and poor Colt Brennan. Oh man, Marcus Riley must thank his lucky stars that a headhunting bastard like him was still in the game with 10 minutes and change left. The officials got a big, fat, F from me due to not during the right thing, and bringing out the ejection. Here's to the hope that Pinsoom Tenzing's Na Wahine can win later today in Boise against Fresno's women.
Melbourne Victory drew with Sydney, while Accrington and Aldershot stunk it up in the FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round.
And I got a nice women's volleyball media guide to boot.
The weekend started on Thursday. The men's water polo team nearly gave up the game against LMU. In fact, they should not have won, the price they pay for not finishing. They ended up winning...in the sixth overtime, 8-7. St. Anthony's football team dismissed St. Genevieve, and are now back in the playoffs, although the Bell-Jeff loss must have been their worse football to date since Downey Calvary Chapel and Chadwick.
Friday was an example of utter juxtaposition. Long Beach City's women's soccer team must have felt like the worst in the land, losing to Cal Poly, 2-1...on the same day that Long Beach City's women lost to Cerritos for the South Coast Conference title. That same day, Lakewood, after shutting out Wilson, edged Compton, but THEY nearly gave it away. That was juxtaposed with Long Beach State's trip from hell to Tucson, losing 7-0. The next day they would be roasted again, 5-0. Way to play uninspired hockey, Ice Dog wannabes.
Saturday was brutal...and beautiful. First, the brutality. Oh BYU. You might as well pay for the broken glass if your big men had to slam dunk the backboard like this was your arena. 74-34...and a dubious-looking tie-dye shirt. Ugh. Who even had to come up with something like this anyway!? And we won't stop there. The women's volleyball team lost the first game of the 4-game victory over Pacific, but how we lost it has be, well, agonizing. Leading very comfortably, those bloody Tigers went on a streak afterwards winning the first game, 32-30. This is Long Beach State, not Long Beach Poly.
Also, predictable came to play. At the rugby tournament on Saturday, the B-side went undefeated, while the A-side played, well, terrible.
And shocking rolled into town. A shakeup on defeats came, and poor Colt Brennan. Oh man, Marcus Riley must thank his lucky stars that a headhunting bastard like him was still in the game with 10 minutes and change left. The officials got a big, fat, F from me due to not during the right thing, and bringing out the ejection. Here's to the hope that Pinsoom Tenzing's Na Wahine can win later today in Boise against Fresno's women.
Melbourne Victory drew with Sydney, while Accrington and Aldershot stunk it up in the FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round.
And I got a nice women's volleyball media guide to boot.
I am inspired.
Another article I wrote for the 49er
I wrote this one during the first issue of the 49er during the beginning of this fall semester. Feels like ages since I wrote this.
"It's in your blood."
I have been a student at Long Beach State for more than two years and, after seeing two seasons of success, big victories and bigger memories for our teams, I can be proud to say that the concept of Beach Pride is coursing through my veins.
The tradition, the history and commitment for those who believe in The Beach is something that flows in me because I believe that it plays a huge role in what this university has to offer. These are aside from, of course, a great value, great professors and an awesome drummer-turned-Associated Students, Inc. president in Mark Andrews.
For many freshmen and transfers, this may be the first newspaper you picked up or the first time you have heard of Beach Pride. Let me explain to you what Beach Pride is all about.
First, you cannot find something like this at any other university. You won't find it at any university that has a beach next to it. What other university's athletics teams have the word "Beach" in them? None! That's why you can only find Beach Pride here.
Secondly, you can find Beach Pride at work during our home athletic events. Whether it's at the pool, at George Allen Field, the softball complex, The Walter Pyramid or Blair Field, you can count on seeing your fellow students cheering for the 49ers and Dirtbags, letting out a hearty "GO BEACH!" as you step on the battlegrounds.
Finally, there are those who can feel it once they step on campus. When I transferred from Long Beach City College a few years ago, I felt great vibes, a unique air and feeling as I passed through Maxson Plaza on Beach Drive, the Friendship Walk and all over campus.
Those vibes and that air and feeling, do you know what that is? It's Beach Pride, a unique feeling you can never find anywhere else. It grows on you and never dies. And once it's in your blood, you won't want to be anyplace else.
So, on behalf of those who believe in The Beach, I welcome you to this campus. For those who are returning, welcome back. And I hope to see you at the games. Go Beach!
On the importance of Linux and Ubuntu
Another article that I wrote for the Daily 49er a while back. The recent version of Ubuntu now is Gutsy Gibbon, with Hardy Heron coming in 2008.
made a switch from Windows Vista to Ubuntu Linux on my laptop in late August. It took me a day to get used to the new controls and install the right applications. After getting the hang of it, I embraced it as if I owned my own house (which I do).
When I asked one of the staff at the College of Business Administration computer lab if he could install a link to allow my Linux laptop to print, he said, "No, we do not support Linux because Microsoft is paying us to use their products, exclusively. Our labs use only Microsoft products."
I find it galling that a computer lab at a college rated as one of the best can be so technologically one-dimensional.
It's a blatant dereliction of responsibility to students who use open-source software as an alternative to paying hundreds of dollars for an operating system that will be obsolete in a few years.
Linux and open-source software are the future of computing because you don't have to pay a single dime to download them. And the community that embraces "distros" - Linux distributions like Red Hat, Linspire and Ubuntu - is working to improve and fix any potential problems.
Why hike your phone bill to call Microsoft support when you can go to a forum and find out how to do it?
I am convinced that CSULB needs to look at these alternatives instead of being wined-and-dined by the "sugar daddies" from Microsoft. There are many companies around the world who currently reap the benefits from software they can customize to their hearts' content.
But as long as these power brokers are courting CSULB, we will be slaves to an OS that already has the world longing for freedom from its unrelenting, suffocating grasp.
It's time to reject the hegemony of Bill Gates' posse and embrace more user-friendly alternatives.
A recent article written by Lauren WIllIams
A number of weeks back, outgoing Daily 49er opinion editor Lauren Williams wrote an article about me as I was watching Long Beach State play a nonconference soccer match at George Allen Field.
A game spent with 'Superfan'
By: Lauren Williams
Posted: 9/5/07
For many a Long Beach State fan, Jo-Ryan Salazar has become quite a sight to see at games and has gained the notorious title of "Superfan." To many he's the outspoken man in the stands waving his flag, supporting LBSU at nearly every game. Although Salazar is known to most LBSU students as "Superfan," Salazar is many other things.
In addition to being one of the most enthusiastic fans in the bleachers, Salazar is a Dodgers, Angels and Galaxy fan and is fond of UCLA and USC football as well. He is a practicing Catholic, and the values of a Catholic upbringing are a part of Salazar's everyday life and influence his perspective on the outcome of games.
"I know that if it wasn't in the plan for us to win, somebody up there didn't want it that way," Salazar said.
"It can't be helped."
Salazar is also a graduating senior, who will leave LBSU this winter with a degree in systems information, and hopes to get a job in Las Vegas and live in his family home there. Salazar said he eventually wants to get a master's degree in sports management.
This weekend, I sat down with Salazar at the women's soccer game against Utah and learned about Salazar's rituals when preparing for a game, his habits at home and even his views on Iraq.
"The fact that [the game is at] at 9 a.m. is foreign," Salazar said, noting the match's early time. "It's usually around 11 a.m., but it's probably because of the Blues Festival."
Salazar arrived fully prepared, having completed his pre-game ritual.
"I had my Wheaties and Rockstar today," Salazar said. "I'm ready."
Each morning Salazar wakes up to the sound of Peedy, the parrot on his computer, saying "Rico Suave, is that you? Holy Prospector Pete, it's you! The Superfan is back! That is, Mr. Superfan again! What's up, Jo-Ryan?"
After that, he boards the Long Beach Transit routes 91 or 171 bus headed to school, and says to the driver, "When you're ready, let's roll." On game days, as he leaves, he makes sure to add, "Go Beach!"
"I always try to say thank you, a little bit of courtesy," Salazar said.
Throughout the game, Salazar cheered on the women's soccer team, often shouting "Get ready, Liz!" to Liz Ramos, the team's junior goalkeeper, whom Salazar believes to be the team's star player.
"The way these ladies are playing, they could beat (the) Galaxy," Salazar said at one point.
During the second half, when midfielder Kim Silos was injured, Salazar shouted, "Believe in yourself. This too shall pass," as she was assisted off the field. Superfan sees the game as "A metaphor - sometimes [the ball] goes in, sometimes [it] doesn't."
Salazar believes the lessons learned through sports are far-reaching and applying to all life aspects - even war.
"I don't believe in war, violence," Salazar said. "This is better than Iraq. There are no roadside bombings in soccer."
At the end of the game I finally got to see the side of Superfan that has gained him infamy - shirt off, Hanes showing, cheering at the top of his lungs.
© Copyright 2007 Daily 49er
God, I hate pretentious bastards.
I hate pretentious bastards. Every now and then, I have to deal with these fags.
This pretentious know-it-all from the 49er Shops Board of Directors is sitting next to me in the women's basketball scrimmage against Team Concept talking about the flaws with having a football back. The same boring drivel that has been shoved down our throats the past sixteen-something years: our university is dirt-poor when it comes to it.
The efforts to get our football team back should continue. The notion that students are going to quit trying to revive a team that can benefit from having local recruits and transfers from Long Beach City College sickens me. Also, this bastard tells me that "we don't need men's and women's swimming teams."
Even when we have a pool that hosts Big West conference championships? AND can be used for our team?
I also mentioned that we also need men's soccer team to counter our women. He again brings up the fact that we are dirt-poor when it comes to actually fund a team that can play at George Allen Field, and that we can only get our football team back if our other sports teams pull their weight. Fallacious.
As I left the game, the guy tells me, "You gotta think positive," after doing so would be moot for another three days. Patronizing bastard.
This pretentious know-it-all from the 49er Shops Board of Directors is sitting next to me in the women's basketball scrimmage against Team Concept talking about the flaws with having a football back. The same boring drivel that has been shoved down our throats the past sixteen-something years: our university is dirt-poor when it comes to it.
The efforts to get our football team back should continue. The notion that students are going to quit trying to revive a team that can benefit from having local recruits and transfers from Long Beach City College sickens me. Also, this bastard tells me that "we don't need men's and women's swimming teams."
Even when we have a pool that hosts Big West conference championships? AND can be used for our team?
I also mentioned that we also need men's soccer team to counter our women. He again brings up the fact that we are dirt-poor when it comes to actually fund a team that can play at George Allen Field, and that we can only get our football team back if our other sports teams pull their weight. Fallacious.
As I left the game, the guy tells me, "You gotta think positive," after doing so would be moot for another three days. Patronizing bastard.
What the hell were these guys doing here?
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On Friday, I was exhausted, but satisfied. I walked out of the match [if I could call it that] with the Roadrunners of Cal State Bakersfield, leaving the Walter Pyramid with a wry look on my face. As I made my way through the yellow doors, the cheerleaders asked me, "Hey Super Fan, you were awesome. There is no one one in the Big West who is as vocal as you." I should point out that the obnoxious comedy kings from Cal State Northridge came mighty close as the ladies disposed of them in a triple come-from-behind bang-bang-bang sweep the next night.
So I smiled and said, "Hey, it's not just me, ladies. It's the entire group in Section 111, and the players (save for those stiff from Cal Poly), that are the best." Section 111 in the Walter Pyramid is where the students sit. I sit in the south edge of Row A (seat 16) to allow the others to sit in the center. I told them that I would have to talk with Dr. Emyr Williams about the UNLV game (which they won, 32-14), and the scoring, and the conflict with the men's basketball game with San Francisco State. Originally, I thought it was going to be a slaughter, but it was just a unassuming 72-58 win in Dan "The Rainmaker" Monson's first outing with the Beach. At least I could rest assured that we weren't facing Florida.
As I made my was through the dark, passing by the parking structure, the trees swaying in the November wind, and the Jack Rose Track, a yoiung campus police officer inspected the scene. Apparently the lights at the track died. The officer's name was Vergel Munoz, and he was only 2 years into his job. (The chief of the division was 11+ times his senior in terms of tenure.) So, me and Vergel had a little talk about the game, what I did, and so on, but he brought up something that I wasn't expecting, but that I was glad to talk about.
When Cynthia Buggs, the daughter of Long Beach Polytechnic High School girls' basketball coach Carl Buggs, and #3 on the roster, was about to serve, I pantomimed my foam noodle like a shotgun at work during a skeet event at the Olympics. In less than a year, the Beijing Games would occur, and skeet shooting was one of the events held at the games since 1968, at the Mexico City games.
When Cynthia Buggs, the daughter of Long Beach Polytechnic High School girls' basketball coach Carl Buggs, and #3 on the roster, was about to serve, I pantomimed my foam noodle like a shotgun at work during a skeet event at the Olympics. In less than a year, the Beijing Games would occur, and skeet shooting was one of the events held at the games since 1968, at the Mexico City games.
So Vergel talks about some old, insecure boosters who incorrectly corrolate my act to the Virginia Tech massacres. I maintain this view of these massacres: that was a tragic event, and a heinous act, performed in April of this year by one Cho Seung-Hui, a guy who had no direction, and had no other choice, but to blast a number of faculty and students-32 in all, before adding himself to the list.
If I had the power to talk to him about this before this all happened, AND he was willing to listen to me as if I was his conscience, I'd say, "Yo, Seung, what the hell are you doing? That's just clowning...whay are you going to throw away everything just to satisfy your own personal demons? You're a Virginia Tech Hokie. You have to take pride in your university; you need to be proud of being in a university like this. These people are your friends, your comrades to the very end. Why do you wantr to kill them?
"You can stop this, Seung. But if you're going to, you gotta do it the right way. Seek some help, say to yourself, 'What the hell am I doing? I don't need to be this way. I can choose the path that will save these 32 lives. If someone is going to try to shoot these guys down, it's not me. It will be someone who isn't from this campus, some criminal on the run, and I'd rather sacrifice my life for them, than shoot them down to get some payback that I don't even know what the purpose is.' You should make a better choice that this." More on choices later.
But it was good that he asked me. I told him that I was on my last semester, majoring in information systems. I believe that if you give the right information to the right people in the right place at the right time, it will give them the power to make the right choices and the right decisions. He was abit stunned that I didn't have a driver's license, and that I was 23 years old. Vergel was 26, and his brother works as the CBA (College of Business Administration).
I told him that Buggs sounds like Bugsy Siegel, a famous (or infamous) mobster who I remember for building the Flamingo Hotel and Casino, a Las Vegas Strip landmark. And when they think of Bugsy, they think of guns. But I stressed my take on war and violence: I don't believe in that stuff.My family doesn't believe in it. I am convinced that our war in Iraq is a meaningless cost and a waste of money. I remeber making bad decisions when I was in middle school, a long time before I got here. Eighth grade, young, didn't know any better. But when I rebounded, I was able to make more right than wrong decisions.
Finally, I told Vergel, "Look, if those guys keep thinking about that traggedy that was out of their control many months ago, and is still out of their control today, and let it be the first think they wake up to...it will happen here. Cal State Long Beach is a safe campus thanks to you. They should know that, and they should know that Super Fan told you that." I even brought up Rachelle Ang's quote to me: "At least I'm all right." I told him to tell it to them, and have them say it to themselves.
In total, we talked for about 20 minutes, and then went on our separate ways. For a while, at least until the boosters are reassured of my intentions regarding Cynthia Buggs, I will have to make a good Robin Hood-meets-William Tell impersonation. The gun became a bow and arrow. Ironically, the next day saw an archery contest take place next to the rugby field.
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Personally, I was still wondering about that game. It was as if we were facing a high school or a middle school team. It was easy, maybe too easy, save for maybe the third game. I even said, "Hey guys, Bakersfield College can play better volleyball than you guys." Seems I had a point: as of November 6, Bakersfield College's Renegade volleyball team was 15-3 for the season, with three regular season games and the postseason tournaments remaining.
The coach from Bakersfield had this to say:
“They were bigger than (No. 3 ranked) Texas and as athletic as any team we faced
this season,” said CSUB Head Coach John Price. “As with all of the ranked teams
we faced this season, it took us a while to get into the match, but once we did
we were able to hang with a very good team.”
John, I tend to disagree, though the remarks were, I will admit, flattering. Texas has 8 players above 6 feet tall. We only have 5. And teams like Cal Poly, San Diego, Stanford, Washington and St. John's have proven their mettle against us. It was only till the third game that your guys were actually able to play some volleyball. We would have a game against the Renegades than you guys. Hopefully you can spice things up by getting some of Carl Ferreira's sophomores to play for your team...if you're willing to take the initiative.
Otherwise, be prepared for more of the same next year we meet. Oh, and mind the Parking Services people when you're going to park somewhere the next time you head on down the I-5 to Wally's house.
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Notre Dame and Boston College, where is your God now? Ohohohohohohoooh...
And Nebraska too, I might add. And Arizona State. The Fighting Irish were leveled by Navy, 46-44, The Cornhuskers played their best game of the season, a 72-36 drubbing to Kansas. And Boston College's angels lost their wings, falling gracelessly to Florida State, 27-17. And the Sun Devils were ambushed by some Ducks from Eugene.
Meanwhile, my favorite teams were doing decently. My high school football team destroyed Wilson's homecoming, 41-0. My women's soccer team defeated Cal Poly 3-1 after playing some more uninspiring faggotry against those hated Zots. The men's water polo team actually got a win in a while against Pepperdine. The women's volleyball team disposed of Fullerton, Bakersfield, and Northridge in successive sweeps. And the men's ice hockey team took care of Arizona State's DII side in a 5-2 win on Friday. I have yet to see results from my rugby team, and the result today in ice hockey. Also, some more games are in order, with a soccer match against the Gauchos and a water polo matinee against Pomona-Pitzer.
And also, what the hell is with this message I'm seeing when I'm labeling my posts?
The Warrior football team was off this week. And I can't believe my eyes: Long Beach City actually had a victory today in football defeating those patsies from Golden West. Stuff-all.
Meanwhile, my favorite teams were doing decently. My high school football team destroyed Wilson's homecoming, 41-0. My women's soccer team defeated Cal Poly 3-1 after playing some more uninspiring faggotry against those hated Zots. The men's water polo team actually got a win in a while against Pepperdine. The women's volleyball team disposed of Fullerton, Bakersfield, and Northridge in successive sweeps. And the men's ice hockey team took care of Arizona State's DII side in a 5-2 win on Friday. I have yet to see results from my rugby team, and the result today in ice hockey. Also, some more games are in order, with a soccer match against the Gauchos and a water polo matinee against Pomona-Pitzer.
And also, what the hell is with this message I'm seeing when I'm labeling my posts?
ERROR
Must be at most 200 characters
Up it to 1,000, you oppressors running Blogger! 200 is for grade school blogging n00bs.
The Warrior football team was off this week. And I can't believe my eyes: Long Beach City actually had a victory today in football defeating those patsies from Golden West. Stuff-all.
Saimoe 2007 Final: Rika Furude claims the title
Saimoe 2007 Final
The votes are in, and after a bitter, hotly-contested race...we have a winner at Anime Saimoe 2007.
100% precincts reporting
Nagi Sanzenin 1499
Rika Furude 1521
Rika Furude
Saimoe 2007 Champion
Saimoe 2007 Champion
TOKYO, Japan - Rika Furude was sworn in as Saimoe 2007 champion, and chairwoman-elect of Alpha Nu Iota anime girls' sorority for the 2008 year. The victory brought elation and joy to the citizens of Hinamizawa City, the home town of Rika, and to those who worked at the Furude shrine in the city, bringing hugs, tears, and fireworks that blasted into the early morning.
"For me, this is a great honor to be the best in all of Japan," an emotional Furude said at a campaign rally in Hinamizawa. "I thank everyone who has helped me this campaign: Mion, Shion, Satoko, Rena, whose defeat I was able to avenge, Jun, Hanyu, and everyone else who has worked hard to get me to where I am. It's not just me: it's the entire team that has put it all together.
"For all your efforts in voting me in as Saimoe 2007 champion...free sake will be on the house for the next two weeks! Drink up! Arigato Gozaimasu!"
The people raised their sake (rice wine) cups, and shot it down, reveling in the Drunken Master's victory.
Nagi Sanzenin was gracious in defeat.
"We must not let this defeat kill us all," she said, pounding the podium at a rally at the Sanzenin mansion in Tokyo. "Furude ran a good race, and in the end, she deserved this victory. This has been a great run, and I would like to thank every one of you for getting me to where I am right now."
"You're still our number one, Ojousama (Milady)!" a tearful Hayate Ayasaki, dressed in a blue cat costume, said. The congregation agreed, to a standing ovation.
Furude will be formally sworn in as Saimoe 2007 champion during the Kohaku Uta Gassen on December 31, live on NHK., and sworn in as ANI chairwoman at midnight, January 1, at the Meiji shrine in Tokyo.
Analysis:
This is the year of drunkenness. The year of drunken masters getting their freak on. The year of mikos who are so underage that it would be a crime not to do some things that would be too graphic to say this blog. This is the year when it's June 1983 all over again, and again, and again.
I warned all you readers on this blog that conventional wisdom be a lie and a jinx, and it showed here. A close race from start to finish, but after some vote cleaning and a strong finish in the closing hours of the polls, Rika Furude, carrying the banner for When They Cry, avenged a Rena Ryuuguu loss to Nagi Sanzenin, and Suiseiseki has passed the torch to the new order.
This tournament has been unforgettable, and one that will live in the memory of those who have taken part in it. We will see you next year at Saimoe 2008, where BoBA will resume its coverage of Japan's premier anime moe competition.
In the meantime, stay tuned for more blogging from the Bedlam.
I warned all you readers on this blog that conventional wisdom be a lie and a jinx, and it showed here. A close race from start to finish, but after some vote cleaning and a strong finish in the closing hours of the polls, Rika Furude, carrying the banner for When They Cry, avenged a Rena Ryuuguu loss to Nagi Sanzenin, and Suiseiseki has passed the torch to the new order.
This tournament has been unforgettable, and one that will live in the memory of those who have taken part in it. We will see you next year at Saimoe 2008, where BoBA will resume its coverage of Japan's premier anime moe competition.
In the meantime, stay tuned for more blogging from the Bedlam.
Saimoe 2007 Semifinal 2
Saimoe 2007 Semifinals 2
Ladies and gentlemen...our Saimoe 2007 final is set.
100% precincts reporting
Rika Furude 1372
Shinku 1367Rika Furude advances to the Saimoe 2007 final, where she will face Nagi Sanzenin.
Analysis:
A close, hard fought semifinal, but Rika was able to muster enough votes at the end. This year's Saimoe 2007 final will pit a tsundere troublemaker in Nagi Sanzenin against a level five fighter in Rika Furude. It will be a great finale in this Saimoe 2007 tournament. You don't want to miss it.
Voting begins at 12:00 Japan time on November 3, and November at 8:00 a.m. PST, 11:00 a.m. EST, and 4:00 p.m. GMT. Vote at http://animemoe.hp.infoseek.co.jp.
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