#FFXIV #magireco #madoka_magica
Showing posts with label puella magi madoka magica. Show all posts
Showing posts with label puella magi madoka magica. Show all posts
California: 2019 Redbox Bowl Champions
Cal was two teams during the regular season. It was the team with quarterback Chase Garbers and the team without Chase Garbers. When Garbers started and finished a game, Cal went 6-0, picking up wins over Washington and Ole Miss, among others. The only two games Cal lost that Garbers started were games he didn't finish due to injury. In the four games he didn't play, the Golden Bears went 1-3.
Well, Garbers started for Cal in the Redbox Bowl against Illinois on Monday, finishing the game as well while leading the Bears to a 35-20 victory over the Illini. Garbers had one of the best games of his career, completing 22 of his 31 passes for 272 yards and four touchdowns. The four touchdown passes tied his career-high against Ole Miss earlier this season. Garbers even got in the end zone with his legs, scoring on a QB sneak in the first half.
Garbers was not getting the work done alone, however. Running back Chris Brown rushed for 120 yards on 20 carries and caught three passes for 17 yards and a touchdown. Receiver Makai Polk caught five passes for 105 yards as he was Garbers' favorite target on the day. Cal finishes the season at 8-5, meaning the team's win total has improved in each of Justin Wilcox's last two seasons with the program, but the team is left to wonder what might have been had Garbers never gotten hurt.
As for Illinois, it was a disappointing end to a season that had a couple of high notes with wins over a then-undefeated Wisconsin, as well as a 25-point comeback against Michigan State, but the Illini limped the finish line. This loss is the team's third straight to finish the season as they were banged up down the stretch. While Illinois got Brandon Peters back at QB, it was without its three leading receivers as well as a couple of key starters on defense.
Something In My House
I, I, I, I, I, I, I am being haunted.
It's four o'clock in the morning
And I'm sitting on my stairs
And there's bangin' 'round the bedroom
Even though I know there's no one there
And I am here all by myself
And you're somewhere else with someone else
And I am being haunted by a love that isn't there
There is something in my house, my house
It's just a ghost of the long, long dead affair
There is something in my house, my house
I just keep a hearing, you runnin' on up my stairs but you're not there
I, I, I, I, I, I, I am being haunted
I really gotta say it to ya
Ya showed me a good time
But for every minute that you spent laughin'
There were hours that I cried
And I think about what might have been
If I'd never meant that wicked way
That my heart broke into pieces that midnight on Halloween
There is something in my house, my house
It's just a ghost of the long, long dead affair
There is something in my house, my house
I just keep a hearing, you runnin' on up my stairs but you're not there
It's just a ghost of the long, long dead affair
There is something in my house, my house
But you're not there
I, I, I, I, I, I, I am being haunted
And I am here all by myself
And you're somewhere else with someone else
And I am being haunted by a love that isn't there
There is something in my house, my house
It's just a ghost of the long, long dead affair
There is something in my house, my house
I just keep a hearing, you runnin' on up my stairs but you're not there
It's just a ghost of the long long dead affair
There is something in my house, my house
But you're not there
I am being haunted
I am, I am, I am, I...!
USA: 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup Champions
THE TOURNAMENT REPLAYED – “There will be a before and after the Women’s World Cup 2019,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the closing press conference of the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019™.
The 'during' was certainly eventful, as USA retained the title they won at Canada 2015 and lifted the trophy for a fourth time. Runners-up in only their second appearance in the competition, the Netherlands continue to make history of their own, two years after winning the European title, while Sweden claimed a top-three finish for the fourth time. As for France, they fulfilled their promise to stage the greatest Women’s World Cup of all time.
The champions
Led by their two captains, Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe, USA cruised through the group stage, which they began with a tournament-record 13-0 defeat of Thailand. When tested by world-class opposition in the shape of Spain, France and England in the knockout rounds, the Americans found a way, scoring early in each match and withstanding everything their opponents had to throw at them. And when it came to the final hurdle, the USWNT lived up to their reputation, beating the Netherlands thanks to stellar performances from Rapinoe and breakthrough star Rose Lavelle.
Memorable moments
Oranje make history: While they ended the tournament in tears following their Final defeat, the Dutch will be returning home heroines. Tournament newcomers only four years ago, they are now officially the second best team on the planet.
Tokyo here we come: With France 2019 doubling up as the UEFA qualifying competition for next year’s Women's Olympic Football Tournament, the Dutch also booked a place at Tokyo 2020. They will be joined there by losing semi-finalists Sweden and England. The three European places available at the Olympics have rarely been so hard to claim, with seven of the eight quarter-finalists at France 2019 all hailing from the continent.
Famous firsts: Tournament debutants South Africa, Chile, Scotland and Jamaica all scored their first Women’s World Cup goals, though only La Roja managed to go on and win a match, against Thailand. Spain also earned their maiden world finals victory, while Argentina and Scotland collected first-ever points thanks to their dramatic 3-3 draw.
Individual performers: Mana Iwabuchi (Japan), Caroline Graham Hansen (Norway), Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria), Gabrielle Onguene (Cameroon), Sam Kerr (Australia) and Cristina Girelli (Italy) all excelled on the big stage but were unable to take their teams any further than the Round of 16 or quarter-finals. Picking out individual stars from the four semi-finalists was a tough task, although Lucy Bronze and Ellen White (England), Rose Lavelle and Julie Ertz (USA), Sofia Jakobsson and Caroline Seger (Sweden), and Vivianne Miedema and Jackie Groenen (Netherlands) all played big parts in their teams’ superb campaigns.
French dream unfulfilled: Perhaps the most eagerly awaited match of the tournament, the quarter-final between hosts France and defending champions USA proved to be an engrossing and suspenseful battle that eventually went the way of the world’s top-ranked team. Once their tears of disappointment had dried, however, Les Bleues could take pride from the passion and enthusiasm they had aroused across the country thanks to their fine performances and exemplary spirit.
End of an era?: France 2019 may well prove to be the World Cup swansong for some of the world's finest players. Among the stars perhaps bidding adieu are the Brazilian trio of Marta, Formiga and Cristiane, Canada’s goalscoring legend Christine Sinclair, Norway keeper Ingrid Hjelmseth, and USA idols Carli Lloyd, Megan Rapinoe and Ali Krieger. While the future is in safe hands with the next generation of talents, these star performers are sure to be missed if they do not return to the big stage in 2023.
Participants
Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China PR, England, France, Germany, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Korea Republic, Nigeria, Norway, New Zealand, Netherlands, Scotland, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, USA
Final standings
USA
The Netherlands
Sweden
England
Host cities
Grenoble, Le Havre, Lyon, Montpellier, Nice, Paris, Reims, Rennes, Valenciennes
Goals scored
146 (average of 2.8 per match)
Awards
adidas Golden Ball: Megan Rapinoe (USA)
adidas Silver Ball: Lucy Bronze (ENG)
adidas Bronze Ball: Rose Lavelle (USA)
adidas Golden Boot: Megan Rapinoe (USA)
adidas Silver Boot: Alex Morgan (USA)
adidas Bronze Boot: Ellen White (ENG)
adidas Golden Glove: Sari van Veenendaal (NED)
FIFA Young Player Award: Giulia Gwinn (GER)
FIFA Fair Play Trophy: France
SEE YOU AT THE FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP IN 2023!
zumba.
Pa' este baile no hay salida que corra el tiempo
Pégate y zumba conmigo con movimiento
Pa' este baile no hay salida que corra el tiempo
Pégate y zumba conmigo con movimiento
Con movimiento
Veo que, la manera que mueves tu cuerpo tan violento
De la forma en que bailas y le pones sentimiento, a ese
cuerpo que me tiene loco uoh
Pa' este baile no hay salida que corra el tiempo
Pégate y zumba conmigo con movimiento
Pa' este baile no hay salida que corra el tiempo
Pégate y zumba conmigo con movimiento
Voy bajando, lo estas sintiendo
Voy subiendo, con mas movimiento
Voy bajando, lo estas sintiendo
Voy subiendo, con mas movimiento
No sé lo que esta pasando pero esto se está prendiendo
La música está sonando y los cuerpos sacudiendo
No sé lo que esta pasando pero esto se esta prendiendo
La temperatura sube zumba zumba sube sube
Voy bajando, lo estas sintiendo
Voy subiendo, con mas movimiento
Voy bajando, lo estas sintiendo
Voy subiendo, con mas movimiento
Pa' este baile no hay salida que corra el tiempo
Pégate y zumba conmigo con movimiento
Pa' este baile no hay salida que corra el tiempo
Pégate y zumba conmigo con movimiento
Todo el mundo con las manos arriba
Dándole al movimiento de cintura
No te canses, ponle movimiento de la vida
Zumba nena menea sin censura
Ponle sabor al movimiento de cadera
Suba mami y pegate arriba
Voy bajando, lo estas sintiendo
Voy subiendo, con mas movimiento
Veo que la manera que mueves tu cuerpo tan violento
De la forma en que bailas y le pones sentimiento, a ese
cuerpo que me tiene loco uoh
Pa' este baile no hay salida que corra el tiempo
Pégate y zumba conmigo con movimiento
Pa' este baile no hay salida que corra el tiempo
Pégate y zumba conmigo con movimiento
Pa' este baile no hay salida que corra el tiempo
Pégate y zumba conmigo con movimiento
Pa' este baile no hay salida que corra el tiempo
Pégate y zumba conmigo con movimiento...
Stanford: 2018 Sun Bowl Champions
EL PASO, Texas -- With all of the struggles it had on offense, it was a wonder that Stanford was able to hold off Pitt for a 14-13 victory in the Sun Bowl.
Pitt had an advantage in nearly every statistical category Monday. The Panthers had more yards (344-208), first downs (18-12), rushes and yards (42-208, 34-103), passing yards (136-105) and third-down conversions (5-1). And Stanford was playing without five starters -- star tailback Bryce Love, receiver Trent Irwin, tight end Kaden Smith, left tackle Walker Little and right guard Nate Herbig.
Finally, Pitt's defense was stingy. Stanford quarterback K.J. Costello saw a streak of 16 games with a TD pass end, and the Cardinal was 1 of 10 on third downs.
"Pitt's a very physical football team with two outstanding runners," Stanford head coach David Shaw said. "As indicative of our entire season, we had more guys get banged up and guys stepped up and played. Thankfully, guys didn't stay out very long. Guys were able to come back in and make plays and keep fighting. Can't say enough about the heart of some of our older guys."
Even the game-winning score was ugly -- the Panthers had stopped Costello on a first-and-goal from the 2-yard line and forced a fumble, which tailback Cameron Scarlett recovered in the end zone.
Scarlett carried 22 times for 94 yards, including another score on a 1-yard run, to earn game MVP honors while filling in for Love.
Love decided to skip it to rehab an ankle injury ahead of the NFL draft, becoming the second Stanford back to do that in the past three Sun Bowls. In 2016, Christian McCaffrey skipped the game, was drafted eighth overall by Carolina and just finished sixth in the NFL in rushing in his second season.
And just as Love kick-started his career with that opportunity, Scarlett gave himself a similar boost.
Of the game-winning score, Scarlett joked, "Just like we drew it up. I was fortunate enough to carry out the fake and look back and the ball was in my hands."
Pitt drove into position for a 55-yard field goal try on the ensuing possession, but Alex Kessman's try was no good.
The Panthers still weren't sure how to explain it all afterward.
"It doesn't add up how that score's 14-13," Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi said. "Offensively, defensively we outplayed them. We just didn't win on the scoreboard."
The Cardinal (9-4) finished on a four-game winning streak, much the same way they did two years ago when Stanford won the Sun Bowl for a season-ending six-game streak.
"Our defense gave up some yards, but we didn't give up a bunch of TDs," Shaw said. "We made them kick a couple of field goals, and that's the difference in the ball game.
"It's not a beauty contest. It's a football game, and I'm thankful we were able to win it."
The Panthers (7-7) lost their fourth straight bowl game and sixth in the past seven after falling to playoff championship finalist Clemson in the ACC title game. The past three losses have been in four years in under coach Pat Narduzzi.
Pitt, which had a 10-7 halftime lead and was up 13-7 early in the fourth quarter, was led by tailback Darrin Hall, who had 16 carries for 123 yards and a score.
Pitt finished the season on a three-game losing skid, in which the offense never scored more than 13 points. That carried over into Monday's game. Pitt got inside Stanford's 10-yard line twice, and each time settled for field goals. "We get inside the 10 twice and we don't score," quarterback Kenny Pickett said. "We've got to finish drives."
Stanford's offense, which had struggled all day, finally got going in the fourth quarter.
The Cardinal were 0 for 8 on third downs before Costello hit JJ Arcega-Whiteside for a 12-yard completion. A 49-yard pass to Arcega-Whiteside followed, and Scarlett recovered Costello's fumble for the go-ahead score on the next play with 11:28 left.
"They got lucky," Pitt defensive lineman Rashad Weaver said of the fumble, on which Costello was stopped for a loss before fumbling. "They caught a ball that was a fumble."
THE TAKEAWAY
Stanford: Arcega-Whiteside entered the game needing one touchdown catch to break the school season record of 14 he shared with Hall of Famer James Lofton. But the senior was limited to three catches without a TD. He can play one more year and Stanford, and even though the team said no players declared for the draft Monday, Costello said after the game, "We're losing three of the best receivers in the Pac-12, including Kaden Smith." The Cardinal won for the first time this season without forcing a turnover. Stanford had been 0-4 in such games.
Pittsburgh: The game was the final one for the 1-2 rushing punch of Qadree Ollison and Hall, the first duo in program history with at least 1,000 yards apiece in a season. Ollison, who was injured in the first half and didn't return, had 1,213 yards. Hall finished with 1,144 yards. "It's hard (to see Qadree get hurt)," Hall said. "We feed off each other throughout the game. We're upset. We wanted this one bad."
UP NEXT
Stanford: The Cardinal have been able to reload each year under head coach David Shaw, who is 82-26 overall (55-17 Pac-12). Shaw has never won less than eight games in a season, and his Cardinal have played in four Pac-12 title games (3-1). Stanford opens at home against Northwestern on Aug. 31.
Pittsburgh: The Panthers are coming off their first ACC Coastal Division title under Narduzzi, who with 28 wins is second in program history to Jackie Sherrill (39).
United States: 2017 World Baseball Classic Champions
LOS ANGELES – This, Jim Leyland insisted, was it.
After leading the United States to its first World Baseball Classic title on Wednesday night, Leyland said the triumph would be the final act of his long career.
“I’m not wearing any baseball uniform anymore, I can tell you that,” Leyland said on Wednesday night. “I guess people have heard it before. But, you know, I’m done. When I say that, if I went to the rookie league somewhere and hit some ground balls or fungos or something . . . but there is a good chance this is the last time I’ll every wear a baseball uniform.
“Who really cares, to be honest with you,” he added, drawing laughter.
Leyland tried to make this World Baseball Classic about his players, and the memories he wanted them to take from it. There was, however, no separating this group, made up of players from all across the major leagues, and the man who in short order brought them together as a team capable of winning the WBC title that had for so long been out of the Americans’ reach.
“He was awesome,” said Marlins outfielder Christian Yelich. “He cares about each and every one of us. It meant a lot to him for us to go out there and play the game the right way. Go out there and represent our country well, that’s what he told us after the game.”
Leyland, 72, has been in the game since signing with the Detroit Tigers in 1962. He later managed in the club’s farm system. He took his first MLB coaching job in 1982 with the Chicago White Sox, and his first managerial job in 1986 with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Leyland managed the Pirates (1986-1996), Florida Marlins (1997-1998), Colorado Rockies (1999) and the Tigers (2006-2013) during his career. He won the World Series with the Marlins in 1997, and took the Tigers to the Fall Classic in 2006 and 2012. He was National League Manager of the Year in 1990 and 1992 and won the award in the American League in 2006.
He came out of retirement to lead Team USA at the WBC and became the first man to guide the squad to the championship, which he dedicated to members of the military, appearing to become choked up as he spoke during the postgame news conference.
“I’ve been retired for three years and I’m going to stay retired,” he said. “That I can promise you.
“But, I think I said this on the podium, I think this is the best part about it, I had the honor of managing our country. The coaches have the honor of coaching for our country and the players have the honor of playing for our country. But this is really about the men and women’s that serve our country. That’s who this is for.”
Blue Jays pitcher Marcus Stroman, the WBC MVP, said it was a joy to play for Leyland.
“I have so much respect for Mr. Leyland,” Stroman said. “He’s the man. I’ve never played for such a down-to-earth, humble, confident manager. He is able to rile us up in the perfect ways. I feel like every word he says is calculated and perfect and he knows how to get us going.”
When Leyland was jokingly reminded of a similar pledge to retire after managing the Rockies, he held firm to his promise.
“I understand that, but, like I said, I’ll be 73 years old. That’s enough, let somebody else do it.”
If this was indeed his final act, he went out on top.
“I enjoyed playing for him,” Yelich said. “I think all the guys did. There is a reason why he’s such a great manager. It’s a shame that he’s leaving the game of baseball per se. At least we got to send him out on top, if this is his last one, and we’re happy for him.”
Though, not everyone was ready to give up on him just yet.
“We’ll bring him back in four years,” Stroman chimed in.
Stanford: 2016 Sun Bowl Champions
EL PASO, Texas -- Stanford got its usual dual-threat, standout performance from its running back Friday, but this time it wasn't Christian McCaffrey.
Bryce Love took over for the absent McCaffrey in the backfield, running for 119 yards and catching a 49-yard touchdown pass to help No. 16 Stanford beat North Carolina 25-23 in the Sun Bowl.
"I always feel like my next game will be my best one," said Love, channeling his inner Tom Brady when asked if this was his biggest game or best win. He then added, "But it's always good to win."
Stanford (10-3) held on after North Carolina (8-5) pulled within two with 25 seconds left on Mitch Trubisky's 2-yard pass to Bug Howard, sacking Trubisky on the 2-point conversion try.
"When the game was on the line and we had to make a big play, we did," Stanford coach David Shaw said. "It was an outstanding football game. Two really tough, talented football teams played all the way to the end. Thankfully, our guys made enough plays at the end to seal the victory."
McCaffrey skipped the bowl game to focus on his NFL career. Still, in the postgame press conference, Shaw made sure his contributions to the team weren't overlooked.
"You heard my comments (in the postgame ceremony) thanking Christian," he said. "When we weren't playing well, he was playing great. At the end of the year, he played so well. He played so hard until the rest of us on offense started picking it up around him. So this six-game run that we finished the season on is a large part to him."
Enter Love, who showed flashes of what he could do with a 100-yard-plus performance and a score against Notre Dame. He ran for more than 600 yards this season in a backup role, though everyone said they were excited to see what he could do. That included North Carolina, which also recruited the Wake Forest, North Carolina, product.
Stanford took a 25-17 lead on Conrad Ukropina's 27-yard field goal with 3:23 left. North Carolina was forced to punt on its next series, but used two timeouts to get the ball back.
After taking over at their own 3, the Tar Heels drove 97 yards in 10 plays and 1:11. After competing passes of 44 and 27 yards, Trubisky capped the drive with the 2-yard scoring pass to Howard.
Stanford then sacked Trubisky on the 2-point try, a rush led by Solomon Thomas forcing the quarterback to retreat before being taken down. Thomas was selected the game's MVP.
"It's an honor to go out on a win," said Solomon, a junior who also is considering entering the draft. "I'm in no rush. I just want to enjoy this victory with my teammates."
Stanford safety Dallas Lloyd intercepted two of Trubisky's passes, returning the second 19 yards for a touchdown to give Stanford a 22-17 lead early in the fourth quarter.
"If you're in the right place at the right time, good things will happen," Lloyd said.
Trubisky also is projected by some as a possible first-round pick if he declares for the NFL draft. But the junior and former Ohio Mr. Football wasn't ready to even think about that after the game.
"I'm not going to think about it for a couple of days," he said.
Trubisky finished 23 of 39 passing for 280 yards, with two touchdowns and two interceptions.
THE TAKEAWAY
Stanford: The Cardinal faced a lot of problems Friday. Starting quarterback Keller Chryst left with a knee injury in the second quarter, forcing backup Ryan Burns into the game. At that point, they were without their top two backfield weapons. They finished the game with 12 penalties for 85 yards, but still won. "We got a little sloppy," Shaw said.
North Carolina: The Tar Heels hurt themselves in the first half with two turnovers, each of which led to a field goal, then added a killer in the third quarter when Lloyd intercepted Trubisky's pass and returned it for a TD. UNC couldn't overcome those mistakes.
GETTING HIS KICKS
Ukropina kicked four field goals to tie a Sun Bowl record and was named the game's Most Valuable Special Teams Player. He also set a Stanford record for field goals in a season with 22. He set the record with his second-quarter kick, then added two more. "It feels great. I love winning with my teammates."
UP NEXT
Stanford: Going into the Sun Bowl without McCaffrey, Shaw was asked if anything would change. He said no. The same goes for the Cardinal going into next season. Their season opener is Sept. 2 at Rice.
North Carolina: The big question is whether or not Trubisky will return next year. The Tar Heels' season opener is Sept. 2 at home against California.
Rise To The Top Of The World.
This is my country, a nation forged on ideals, values, choices, hard work and sacrifice, built on freedoms, liberties, justice and determination, a land in existence for more than two centuries and scores apiece. This is the United States of America, a democratic republic whose foundation of law lies within its Constitutions, who comprise of a collection of 50 states and territories stretching through numerous time zones, from Guam and Hawaii and Alaska in the Pacific, to the reaches of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico in the Atlantic and the Caribbean.
Great nations are able to come together after making massive, historical decisions that have put its future at a crossroads. Those who make the laws and enforce it are able to defeat those who dare interfere with the processes it has conducted for generations upon generations. The USA, as this country is known, is an example of a nation capable of weathering the backlash that comes from a destiny it chooses. On Tuesday, 8 November 2016, this great democracy is ready to decide the path it wants to choose.
It can choose to become exclusive and risk war with the outside world by electing a multi-billionaire outcast in Donald J. Trump, running on the Republican Party ticket with a proven government leader from Indiana in Michael Pence. It can chose to go on a completely different path and choose Jillian Stein of the Green Party or Gary Johnson of the Libertarian Party. Or, it can go the route of the Democratic Party and elect Hillary Rodham Clinton, the husband of former president William Jefferson Clinton, running on the ticket to become the first-ever President of the United States, the first-ever female Leader of the Free World, whose running mate for Vice President is Virginia's Timothy Kaine.
A divisive election built to be glorified through television dramas and movies and fictional works has seen drama from the supporters of Vermont Democrat Bernard Sanders, one-sided debates, the rise of the so-called Alt-Right Movement forged by 4chan and unsavory young adults and not-so-young adults and whose mascot is an unassuming frog named Pepe, the email revelations, the unnecessary intervention of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the fall from grace of James Comey, its head honcho. Yet the real voters who participate in this election already have their choices in mind and also take a stand in their local races for offices in the House of Representatives, the Senate, the state legislatures and judicial offices, and the many local measures that will impact their daily lives and their future.
The overall collective belief based on numerous sources, research, exit polls, word of mouth, and other official and unofficial sources is that the Democratic Party will retain the presidency and the first black president in Barack Hussein Obama II will be succeeded by the first female president in Hillary Clinton, meaning that daughter Chelsea will be the next in line to make a stand in the American political arena. Things can change in the span of hours and nothing is for certain in the battleground states that determine the fates of races. In 2000, a situation regarding Florida regarding the state being called too early swung the race from Al Gore to George W. Bush. The volatility of battleground states drives the betting markets outside of America.
Around the world, stock markets are paying attention to the returns and are accordingly selling or buying. With every state that is called, the traders will be making calls across the floor, the collective stress and tension being rampant. Chain reactions are a vital part to a race such as the US Presidential Election being relevant. After all, in spite of complaints of racism in American society (which can never be eradicated from the world without the eradication of the human race, and so the collective attitude of the haves must be moderated against the have-nots), the United States remains a global leader and is the beacon of hope in the West and takes a stand against its adversaries such as Russia and China and North Korea and perhaps Iran.
Nobody can really guess correctly what the opinion of the American people is. Sometimes it can choose to follow through with the opinion of the media, and sometimes it can choose to ignore the media and go the opposite way to deliberately spite the media. We are a land of choices, and as Americans, we are in no obligation to follow the herd, go with the flow, join a bandwagon or majority rules campaign. We choose what we want. Even if the consensus may not agree with us, our choices counts, our votes count, and now is the time to make a stand and vote in this general election.
You know, we should be more like Australia, a nation that requires its people to vote when they reach the required age. Paying a $20 fine may not be too much, but imagine if the fine gets levied up to a higher penalty. Perhaps if Americans choose not to vote, they must pay a fee.
The Islamic State, the one terrorist organization that the USA is committed to wiping off the face of the Earth, institutes something similar in its jurisdictions but under different rules, called a jizya. In this case, if an American citizen does not vote, he or she will need to pay $100 to the federal government. That's a ballpark number, but that in itself would be a reason to actually go out an vote. Voter turnout is a problem in this country and if we choose to fine people for not voting, it would significantly alleviate the problem. There will be people who may argue that this in conflict of freedom of choice, but the Constitution itself has some obvious flaws and loopholes that are being exploited by many in the know.
Other than that, I want each and every one of you from America to know that on Tuesday, if you haven't voted early and wrapped it up (like my father did, and that was his first-ever election because he became a U.S. citizen last year), go to the polls and make your choice. If you've been checking my other profiles of perhaps reading between the lines of this piece, you know who I support and who I will vote for so I don't have to tell you. Make your decision then watch the drama unfold and dive into the social media frenzy afterwards. It's fun, you'll love it.
Just remember that if you are a Republican voter and Donald doen't win the presidency, accept the defeat with class and get on with your live. Don't do anything stupid, don't commit any acts of violence that you will regret because it will be on your record forever and in some case, you deserve to die at the hands of the law. The end of the world is not on Wednesday. The world continues to go on.
Make your choice, America. Your country needs you.
Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters: 2016 Japan Series Champions
HIROSHIMA – A pitcher getting it done on the mound and at the plate helped the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters bring home a championship, just like everyone expected.
Not many had reliever Anthony Bass as said pitcher. What third baseman Brandon Laird did, that was pretty much business as usual.
The Fighters broke open a tense contest in the eighth inning, with a bases-loaded walk drawn by Sho Nakata, an RBI single by Bass and a grand slam courtesy of slugger Laird, and returned to the NPB summit with a 10-4 win over the Hiroshima Carp in Game 6 of the Japan Series on Saturday night at Mazda Stadium.
“We were on a mission this year” said Laird, who was named Japan Series MVP. “We had a long season, went through our ups and downs, but we overcame them. Look at us now, we’re Nippon champions, it feels great.”
The Fighters won their first Japan Series title since 2006, rebounding to win four straight games after dropping the first two in Hiroshima.
“We never got down even after losing the first two games of the series,” said manager Hideki Kuriyama. “We were able to win all three games at home and the momentum was with us when we came back to Hiroshima.”
Bass threw two scoreless innings to earn the win in relief. He struck out three and walked a batter. Bass finished the series with a 3-0 record, 0.00 ERA and eight strikeouts in 6 2/3 innings.
“I feel like I did my job, so I was happy with that,” Bass said. “More important is winning the championship. That’s why I signed here in Japan. I wanted to be part of a championship.”
The Fighters are champions for the third time in franchise history, also winning in 1962 and 2006. Their win continues the dominance of the Pacific League in the Japanese Fall Classic. Since 2003, PL teams have won 11 of the past 14 Japan Series titles. Nippon Ham accounted for the only losses in 2007, 2009 and 2012.
The Fighters got it right this time. Wrapping things up in Hiroshima was the cherry on top, as Nippon Ham entered the game just 2-11 on the road in the Japan Series since 2006.
“Definitely feel like we’re on top of the world right now,” Bass said. “Everyone put a lot of hard work in all season long, leading up to this. We faced a good team in the Carp. It wasn’t an easy series by any means. But we found a way to win, and it feels great.”
They won without calling on Shohei Otani again. Otani, who many thought would make another appearance in the series, either at the plate or on the mound, didn’t play Saturday. He was on deck in the eighth, but was called back to the dugout after Nakata drew his bases-loaded walk.
The Fighters would’ve likely started Otani in Game 7 had they lost. The team would’ve faced an emotional scene Sunday against retiring Carp hero Hiroki Kuroda. The veteran pitcher had mostly held Nippon Ham in check before leaving Game 3 with an injury.
“We faced Kuroda after we took the consecutive losses (in Games 1 and 2), but I was thinking that our players would’ve gone in the game on pure spirit,” said Kuriyama. “In a way, we took advantage of Kuroda’s energy. I really respect him. Maybe he wanted to pitch one more game, but if we were to play one more game, I’m not sure we could’ve won, so forgive me for that.
“I really don’t feel like we’ve actually done it. I need to sit back and reflect on it. But more than the Japan Series title, one of our goals was for the fans to have fun with each game.”
Laird’s grand slam was his third home run of the series. The Nippon Ham infielder, who had a tiebreaking two-run homer in the eighth inning that helped win Game 4, drove in seven runs during the Japan Series.
“I was just looking to have a good at-bat, just try to get a pitch I could hit,” Laird said of Saturday’s grand slam. “To get a big hit like that was unbelievable.”
He dedicated his performance to his grandfather.
“I’m just trying to do my best each and every day,” he said. “I’m playing for my grandfather right now, and I know he’s looking down proud. So thank you, grandpa.”
Laird gave his trademark sushi pose after the game and was joined during the award ceremony by Bass, Nakata and Haruki Nishikawa, who earned outstanding player honors. The Carp’s Brad Eldred was given the Fighting Spirit Award as the best player from the losing team.
Nippon Ham did all its damage in the eighth with two outs. Nishikawa, Takuya Nakashima and Hiromi Oka each singled to load the bases against Carp reliever Jay Jackson with the score knotted at 4-4.
Jackson walked Nakata to force in the tiebreaking run. Bass then hit for himself and delivered a single to center that tacked on another run.
“He walked the previous guy, so I was taking a strike and then looking for the fastball,” Bass said. “I haven’t swung in a long time, so I was just trying to start as early as I could. He left a fastball over the plate, and I just hit it.”
Bass pumped his fist wildly in celebration when he reached first base.
“I don’t know what came over me there in the eighth inning,” Bass said. “But it’s been fun. It’s a long season, and that’s why we work.”
Otani, who was 6-for-16 with four doubles during the series, was on deck during Nakata’s at-bat with Bass’ spot due up. But Bass said the plan was for him to hit for himself.
“The plan was, I was hitting 100 percent,” Bass said. “It was kind of like a fake out, I think.”
Laird then connected on a 135-kph slider to put the game away. His home run in Game 4 was also off Jackson, who was charged with the loss on Saturday.
The Carp, who won the Central League pennant for the first time since 1991, were trying to win their first Japan Series title since 1984.
Staff writer Kaz Nagatsuka contributed to this report.
10.3.2016
Happy 20th birthday to Madoka Kaname, my personal best girl and wife of Homura Akemi. May the good Lord be on your side and give your the power, strength and serenity to protect and serve those who love you. Forever Ours, Forever Madoka. And you are not alone.
Don't Phunk With My Heart
No, no, no, no, don’t phunk with my heart
(Yeah)
No, no, no, no, don’t phunk with my heart
I wonder if I take you home
Would you still be in love, baby (in love, baby)
I wonder if I take you home
Would you still be in love, baby (in love, baby)
Girl, you know you got me, got me
With your pistol shot me, shot me
And I’m here helplessly
In love and nothing can stop me
You can’t stop me cause once I start it
Can’t return me cause once you bought it
I’m coming baby, don’t got it (don’t make me wait)
So let’s be about it
No, no, no, no, don’t phunk with my heart
Baby, have some trustin’, trustin’
When I come in lustin’, lustin’
Cause I bring you that comfort
I ain’t only here cause I want ya body
I want your mind too
Interestin’s what I find you
And I’m interested in the long haul
Come on girl (yee-haw)
I wonder if I take you home
Would you still be in love, baby (in love, baby)
I wonder if I take you home
Would you still be in love, baby (in love, baby)
No, no, no, no, don’t phunk with my heart
Girl, you had me, once you kissed me
My love for you is not iffy
I always want you with me
I’ll play Bobby and you’ll play Whitney
If you smoke, I’ll smoke too
That’s how much I’m in love with you
Crazy is what crazy do
Crazy in love, I’m a crazy fool
No, no, no, no, don’t phunk with my heart
Why are you so insecure
When you got passion and love her
You always claimin’ I’m a cheater
Think I’d up and go leave ya
For another señorita
You forgot that I need ya
You must’ve caught amnesia
That’s why you don’t believe
Well, yeah, check it out.
Don’t you worry ‘bout a thing, baby
Cause you know you got me by a string, baby
Don’t you worry ‘bout a thing, baby
Cause you know you got me by a string, baby
Baby girl, you make me feel
You know you make me feel so real
I love you more than sex appeal
(Cause you’re)
That-tha, that tha, that-tha, that girl
That-tha, that tha, that-tha, that girl
That-tha, that tha, that-tha, that girl
That-tha, that tha, that-tha, that girl
That-tha, that tha, that-tha, that girl
No, no, no, no, don’t phunk with my heart
That-tha, that tha, that-tha, that girl
No, no, no, no, don’t phunk with my heart
That-tha, that tha, that-tha, that girl
I wonder if I take you home
Would you still be in love, baby (in love, baby)
I wonder if I take you home
Would you still be in love, baby (in love, baby)
I wonder if I take you home
Would you still be in love, baby (in love, baby)
I wonder if I take you home
Would you still be in love, baby (in love, baby)
Don’t you worry ‘bout a thing, baby
Cause you know you got me by a string, baby
Don’t you worry ‘bout a thing, baby
Cause you know you got me by a string, baby…
"I Can Move Mountains, I Can Work A Miracle..."
The USA gains nothing from winning the Copa America Centenario. In fact, this is actually a series of international friendlies posing as the Copa America. It's the matches in September that will really determine whether or not Jurgen Klinsmann is still our manager. I actually prefer to have Jurgen Klopp as our manager of the USMNT. Character, personality, mystique, resilient tough talk, able to work up a crowd like those college football coaches and assistants in the SEC, Big 12, Big Ten, etc.
The 2-0 loss to Colombia was expected. They had actual players like Juan Cuadrado and James Rodriguez. On our national team, we have incompetent geriatrics like Michael Bradley who have no business playing international soccer anymore. The only incentive for the USA to show up at the Copa America Centenario is image purposes, to assure the locals that they have the right to wear the shirt, wear the colors and play for their country instead of sulking on a paycheck that will be coming anyway.
Very skeptical that the USMNT will take down Paraguay and Costa Rica, but the match with the Ticos would be a nice warmup match for WCQ qualification against the likes of, say, Trinidad and Tobago. A country that was unfortunate to be drawn with the States and Guatemala, but it's really Guatemala that are under the pump and need the States to do the unthinkable and get scalped by Vincy Heat.
Making the Hexagonal has been a tradition for USA and Mexico in this region. It is an iron-clad expectation because fans in both countries will pack stadiums for their respective teams during the Final Round of CONCACAF World Cup Qualification. A lot of money is also into play as a result. From the Rose Bowl, to MAPFRE Stadium, to the Azteca, to Soldier Field and the Meadowlands, the matches in the Hexagonal that involve El Tri and the USMNT are always the hottest tickets in town, and the USA are on the verge of breaking with tradition and not qualifying for the Hex, which they have done for the past few cycles, often times finishing on top of Mexico.
So this has been a cycle of regression for the USA. It takes a proper team to defeat the Nats, but it also has to do with Jurgen Klinsmann trying too hard to come up with a winning formula and not going with stability and consistency. For the time being, it is the duty of CONCACAF's second fiddle to show up at the Centenario and play for their shirts. Thw national team's image is now at stake.
Cue Uma Thurman.
Manchester United: 2015-16 FA Cup Champions
Substitute Jesse Lingard thundered in an extra-time winner as 10-man Manchester United lifted the FA Cup for the record-equalling 12th time in their history.
Crystal Palace led for three minutes but Juan Mata cancelled out Jason Puncheon’s 78th-minute opener.
When Chris Smalling was sent off for a second bookable offence at the end of the first period of extra-time it looked as though it might be Palace’s day for the first time in their history.
But Lingard, who joined the Manchester United academy at the age of seven and lifted the FA Youth Cup in 2011, had his crowning moment in the 110th minute to earn the club a first trophy under manager Louis van Gaal.
Though United are no strangers to Cup Final day – only Arsenal had lifted the trophy more often – their players certainly are, with the last of their traditional open-top bus victory parades in 2004.
The magnitude of the occasion was certainly not lost on the Crystal Palace players either. Midfielder Wilfried Zaha was reduced to tears when he walked around the Wembley Stadium pitch pre-match.
With noise levels cranked up to maximum level it was Van Gaal’s side who settled quickest.
Marouane Fellaini went closest to opening the scoring after 10 minutes, but headed wide after climbing above Mile Jedinak.
Wayne Rooney, playing in a central midfield role, saw a deflected strike from 25 yards well held by Wayne Hennessey.
With Rooney soon on the rampage again Yohan Cabaye tracked back to break up play and Palace were able to break on the left flank with Connor Wickham running shoulder-to-shoulder with Smalling, for which the United man was cautioned.
Wickham won a free-kick on the edge of the box which Cabaye whipped goalwards. It was met with a deft header at the near post from Yannick Bolaise, but David de Gea opted to push over the the crossbar.
In an end-to-end start Mata was next to go close. The only player in the United team with a Cup-winner’s medal profited when a poor clearance from Pape Soure fell his way, but the former Chelsea man’s low shot across goal was parried away by Hennessey.
Next the handling of De Gea was tested, Bolasie with a low effort from 20 yards bounced awkwardly in front of the Spain No1, though he held onto it with little fuss.
Marcus Rashford had the United fans out of their seats with a lung-busting run down the right flank, then crossed to Anthony Martial at the far post, but the Frenchman’s fierce, first-time effort was blocked by Joel Ward.
Just as in the first half, United came out of the traps quickest in the second and eight minutes after the restart the woodwork came to Palace’s aid.
Rashford, United’s most potent attacking weapon thus far, flicked an Antonio Valencia pass into the path of Fellaini, whose first-time effort from 12 yards cannoned back of the near post.
Jedinak found himself in space at the far post when a free-kick fell his way, but the Australia midfielder lashed high and wide.
The Palace goal was living a charmed life though and on 61 minutes Martial met Valencia’s clipped cross with a powerful header that bounced off the post and away to safety.
With 20 minutes remaining Rashford, when embarking on a typically penetrative run, slipped on the edge of the box and was inadvertently trodden on by Cabaye.
Despite treatment he limped off the field to be replaced by Ashley Young, who was immediately thrown into a central role, keeping Martial wide on the left.
United had controlled proceedings for much of the second period, dominating possession while Palace were forced to sit deep inside their own half, leaving Wickham with a challenging task at the top of the pitch.
But the introduction of substitute Puncheon gave the Eagles the spark they required and with 12 minutes remaining they took the lead.
A punt forwards from Ward fell to Puncheon on the left-hand side of the box and he thrashed a half-volley beyond De Gea to break the deadlock.
The goal was met with a jig of delight from Alan Pardew, but within three minutes his mood had changed as United levelled.
Rooney carried the ball purposely from left to right, crossed to the far post where Fellaini brought the ball down on his chest and Mata’s volley was too powerful for Ward to block on the line.
Deep into second-half stoppage time Zaha got the better of Smalling, but his right-footed drive swerved wide and into the side-netting.
In extra-time Rooney and Lingard shot harmlessly off target. But De Gea had to be sharp at the other end to push a well-struck volley from Bolasie round the post.
With the first period of extra time drawing toward a conclusion Smalling unceremoniously dragged Bolasie to the ground to half his momentum and was shown a second yellow card by referee Mark Clattenburg.
Palace, with a man advantage, were determined to take the game to United. Substitute Dwight Gayle nipped in between the Red Devils centre-backs to latch on to Bolasie’s pass, but his stab at goal was blocked by De Gea’s legs.
It was another substitute who has to have the final say though.
Moments after Lingard had crossed for Michael Carrick, who could only head wide, the 23-year-old took matters into his own hands.
Valencia’s low cross from the right was blocked by Damien Delaney but the loose ball sat up perfectly for Lingard to unleash a stunning volley that gave Hennessey no chance.
Crystal Palace (4-2-3-1): 13 Wayne Hennessey; 2 Joel Ward, 6 Scott Dann, 27 Damien Delaney, 23 Pape Soure; 15 Mile Jedinak (captain) 18 James McArthur; 11 Wilfried Zaha, 7 Yohan Cabaye, 10 Yannick Bolasie; 21 Connor Wickham.
Substitutes: 42 Jason Puncheon for Cabaye 72, 16 Dwight Gayle for Wickham 86, 3 Adrian Mariappa for Dann 90.
Substitutes not used: 1 Julian Speroni, 25 Emmanuel Adebayor, 26 Bakary Sako, 34 Martin Kelly.
Manager: Alan Pardew
Goal: Puncheon 78.
Bookings: Dann 47, Delaney 62, McArthur 108.
Manchester United (4-1-4-1): 1 David de Gea; 25 Antonio Valencia, 12 Chris Smalling, 17 Daley Blind, 5 Marcos Rojo; 16 Michael Carrick; 8 Juan Mata, 27 Marouane Fellaini, 10 Wayne Rooney (captain), 9 Anthony Martial; 39 Marcus Rashford.
Substitutes: 36 Matteo Darmian for Rojo 66, 18 Ashley Young for Rashford 72, 35 Jesse Lingard for Mata 90.
Substitutes not used: 20 Sergio Romero, 4 Phil Jones, 21 Ander Herrera, 28 Morgan Schneiderlin.
Manager: Louis Van Gaal
Goals: Mata 81, Lingard 110
Bookings: Smalling 19, Rojo 41, Mata 45, Rooney 87, Fellaini 101, Lingard 110.
Red card: Smalling 106.
Referee: Mark Clattenburg
Attendance: 88,619
The Christmas 2015 Roundup On The Bedlam
The old, and the new: Homura Akemi (the iPad 3, left) and Akagi Nagumo (the iPad Air 2, right).
Now, I have a new iPad, an iPad Air 2. Originally it was meant to be placed in a blue case, it ended up in a red case due to my fondness for Stanford, for USC, for Long Beach City College, for Lakewood High School, for my old fraternity buddies at the Order of Tong International, for Harvard (though their shade is deeper) even. And for the Liberals of Canada, but not for the Republicans of the United States.
But most importantly, it was chosen red for Akagi, the carrier with an appetite as big as mind and a wiseness incomparable. She is also Fubuki (Tanaka)'s surrogate older sister. If she were given a human name, her last name would that of her last admiral, Chuichi Nagumo. Therefore, the name of my iPad Air 2 is Akagi Nagumo, as depicted in my fanfic, Butteflies and Dragons, which will conclude at the end of the Rio 2016 Olympics.
So for my next check from The Stoppage Time, I need to buy a new wall calendar, new computer speakers, a new webcam, a new headset, and groceries. My next check from the Bar Foundation will go to the bill. The new laptop may not arrive until February because a lot of cash is going to fly out the door the next two weeks. That leads me to my update on Pangya. A lot has happened over on Pangya Island. Let's review!
- My main account is now a Top Master E.
- My alternate account is now a World Pro E.
- My alternate account now has the Jasmine Air Knight Set. The Jasmine Air Knights are currently A-rank Level 5.
- My main and alternate accounts have all Stufffed Santa Boo Stocking Rares, the Santa's Club Set, the Jolly Santa Club Set, Lucia's figure skating outfit, Spika's Christmas Rares, and all the hairbands. Oh yes, and Hana R's Christmas Outfit.
- My main account won a Kaz rare on the 10th coin of the Kaz Grand Prix event. It also won a second Kaz rare from a Premium Memorial Coin gifted from my friend ExcelsiorVindi (IGN: Basium).
- All the quits that I incurred (including the one I got cheaply from going ZZZ in GP on my alt) are expected to be removed at the next maintenance since I have been playing 4 n go tourneys and Event GPs on the grind.
- Madoka (a.k.a. the Classic Hana on my main) now has her own Christmas outfit. She looks fantastic in it.
- Classic Nuri, Azer, Classic Cecilia, Max and Kaz are one filled mastery slot and a 250 games played milestone each from completion on my main. Yay, only 500 tiki points to seriously grind for next year.
So it's been a very eventful Christmas and post-Christmas. I guess with Iowa and Stanford facing each other, it looks smart in hindsight to have iPads in black and red cases. Just need some removable decals and they are ready to be posing next to each other in Pasadena. Cannot wait to ring in the new year, and oh yes, my new iPad is jailbroken, meaning it can watch sports using Kodi. Time to give Akagi some bauxite-er, a recharge.
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