Looking back on 2008: Some smack attacks on the Bedlam

As I look back on 2008 (we got about 30 days to go before this year is put to bed), I take a look back at some of the more interesting things that have happened. While I have had some encounters with people in my town who would be best to be shot, or are at risk to be shot (and some have), this part will discuss some of the colorful quotes from my detractors. You know, I feel that in America, everyone can agree to disagree, but I find it interesting to see the degree in which they disagree. If they posted this in North Korea or Singapore they would be hung or shot, depending on your fancy.

So, here we go. Note: the names have been kept anonymous.

"Super Fan, you are such a fickle sell out. Turn in your Go Beach gear, Sr. Salazar. You've done nothing but chastise the coach and holler 'bridesmaids' since you were a student. Get a life and root for the DeVry sports teams, chummmmmmmmp!."

"I agree with [user name] J.R. has been nothing but a vile replicant of what a true Beach fan should be. It's too bad his wall is covered with the free regalia from the university that carried his sorry ass. Take a knee, J.R. We don't need your sissy crapola."

"Super Fan was a leach on Long Beach State sports. This 'tard did nothing but grab free admission and slam our teams when he was part of the sidelines crew. When he tossed his cookies on the volleyball floor, he should have been permanently expelled from all venues. This vermin is not a true alumnus, he's a pretender with a big fricking mouth. "Ladies" this and "Bridesmaids" that was his mantra. Go hang with the UCSB crew you little sell out weasel. Paint USC on your chest and know that you will never be one of us."

"That's the whole point, Salazar, it is very characteristic of you. We've all seen it. Coach Mauricio has done one hell of a job, not only in recruiting this team, but in developing them into the mature competitors they are. Coaches can't get out there and play on the field with the team. Your constant deriding has been vile. Much like the apology you made for your temper tantrum in the 'Mid, you once again put both feet in your mouth. Do us all a favor and keep your immature, childish, petty criticisms to yourself. The well-deserved backlash from The Beach fans was brought on by YOU!!!"

"JR you seem to know alot about Lakewood but never have anything positive to say"

"JR, I highly doubt you should be calling anyone, "young man." Your graduation year of 2002 only validates your inexperience and youth. Come back after your ten-year high school reunion."

"J.R. is a fickle fan. He only supports and praises the teams when they win. If they lose, he attacks them and the coach. There's no middle road with him saying "nice try." It's one thing to be disappointed when your team loses. It's another to call the coaches and players nasty names. I'd like to see Salazar actually play a sport so we could ridicule his performance. He deserves every blast he gets. Truly gives the rest of the university's alums a bad rap."

"Super Fan is probably the one who voted twice that the 'Niners would be eliminated in the first round. That's how petty acted over the years, and it would not surprise me."

[NOTE: They were eliminated in the first round, and YES, I admit that I picked them to leave early. But to call me out as a scapegoat is giving "correlation does not imply causation" the middle finger, thus validating the I.Q. of this bunch of runts posting these flames that you see on this post.]

"J.R. you earned the trash talk for all of the trash talk you've dumped on our teams, coaches, fans and alums during the last few years."

"too late.. your BS has already tarnished your rep...
you should check what your say before you say it... "

"Given that statement hichibach you can add hypocritical liar to your resume. You say you will NOT want to read my posts but yet you do--and reply to them on top of that! LOL--youre way too easy."

"LOL hachibutt--You read yet another post and replied to it as well. Another fine example of talking out of both sides of your mouth---As I said, you cant win for screwing yourself...lol...BTW--ooooh man, that troll thing is piercing--NOT--LMFAO"

"If my posts are getting old to you Hachibutt may I suggest NOT reading them? "

"LMAO...all I can say hachibutt is whaaa! Gawd you idiots that think blocking someone is supposed to make them mad or upset them. How weak minded can one be? Keep trying though-I enjoy the humor in this."

"LOL..well then hachibutt you must be the one who is "peeved" as you are the one who sent me the message telling me I was blocked (which by your definition makes you the one doing the blocking). My God where do idiots like you come from? You just fell into your own hypocritical trap-Throw another example of your brilliance out there, youre making me laugh and I love humor."

"Hachibutt you blocked me because you are weak minded and it was a feeble attempt to get rid of me. Your replies to my posts show that you cant so that pretty much proves you cant win for losing. You are a victim of your own stupidity. Btw, self imposed mud slinging would mean Im slinging mud at myself which I am not. Gawd you fell into another of your hypocritical bumbling attempts at a put down. Pretty much makes you 0 for 3 now. Try again you pathetic creature, youre entertaining at least."

"Yeah Hachibutt, youve been down this path before and most likely lost there as well. In your pathetic attempt to block me so that I cant reply to your lame posts your ignorance led you to false hope as it doesnt stop me from posting here. What a pathetic creature you have become as you are oblivious to the fact you keep screwing yourself through your own stupidity. You are now zero for four ya noob, try again."

"Boo fucking hoo- Hakibutt blocked me. LOL--A shame thats all the power you will ever know ya loser."

[Note that these last seven posts were by the same one. I had to go ahead and turn the attention away from this guy to the person who I agreed with regarding Obama as America's next Messiah (so to speak).]

"Are you allowed to post other people's pictures as "Desktop Backgrounds" and take credit for it? Where I come from, that's "ART THEFT"."

[I responded by posting that credit is given where applicable. Pretentious smart-aleck.]

"Is it true that democrats eat babies? Don't vote democrat. They'll outlaw anime!"

[Wishful thinking, GOPrick, but the jackasses blessed with common sense prevailed this year.]

"All the images in your gallery are considered art theft. Please remove them."

[Excuse me? I've got over 500 works on my gallery that are my creation, and you call it art theft? Go blast yourself, you fool.]

And that's a little bit of some of the backlash I've had from some users. I've even had a threat from one other person to ban me from his forum for sticking to my convictions. It goes to show you that there are people out there who won't like you, and that's where the adage "Out of sight, out of mind," counters. People out there can try to kick my ass when it comes to it, but the best these guys would be best advised to do is kiss it.

Seriously.

Quick hits, November 30, 2008

And as November ends with one month to go in 2008, today has been a very interesting day. It wasn't a perfect day, due to Long Beach State men's water polo continuing their role as the Jobbers to the Stars and Cal Poly ending their season on a two-game losing streak as well as the likes of Auckland City and Melbourne Victory losing its winning touch, but it did have more highs than lows.

First off, the Lakewood Lancers are where they were during the days of Luther Brown. Mission Viejo was upset by the Noble Thanes of Thadd, 28-7, on a cool November evening at the John T. Ford Stadium grounds before a standing-room only congregation. I saw the score and thought, "If it's Poly we're facing, they might as well have divine right to win it all, those lucky Jackrabbits." They faced Esperanza tonight.

Grambling State shrugged off its two-year slump of fail against Southern, winning the Bayou Classic, 29-14. Kill Jackson State, Rod Broadway. Get it done and put yourself in a position to be tops in the Sheridan Poll by season's end. Get to it.

Hawaii is going bowling...again. a 24-10 revenge win over Washington State sends them to the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl. In a season without Colt Brennan, Davone Bess, Ryan Grice-Mullen and a whole lotta other stars from last year...this had to be a good season under first-year coach Greg McMackin. If he gets WAC Coach of the Year Honors, he should.

And Saturday had shootouts galore. Throw defense out the window, it's time for some Heisman and BCS-stat padding sessions, STAT! #1 ranked Alabama shuts out Auburn, 36-0. Florida and Tim Tebow are set to pull off a season of Archie Griffin proportions with a 45-15 scalping of Florida State. In the Civil War, USC's hopes to be at the Rose Bowl for two straight matches were improved by a 65-38 demolition of Oregon State. Sam Bradford of Oklahoma made his case to be in New York clear with a 61-41 steamroll of Oklahoma State in the Bedlam Bowl (the BoBA Master is pleased with this one). Boise State and Ball State ran over Fresno and Western Michigan, 61-10 and 45-22, respectively. Where they will be bowling remains to be seen. The Georgia Bulldogs got Ramblin' Wreck'd by Georgia Tech Between The Hedges, 45-42, while Charlie Weis could be shown the door after a 38-3 defeat to the Trojans as the cauldron lit through the Coliseum air. Colt McCoy and Texas made their intentions clear with a 49-9 crushing of Texas A&M.

In volleyball, the Long Beach State 49ers took out Colorado State in four games after dropping the first set, and now will find out where they will be heading off to (or whether they will stay home) for first and second round matches.

India. Bloody hell.

And so President Obama's work begins before he is even inaugurated. Have fun, Mr. President.

From the Wall Street Journal.

Mumbai Attack is Obama's First International Challenge

By PRASHANT AGRAWAL

I moved to Mumbai six years ago from New York City, and I have seen India change with each terrorist attack. Wednesday night's attack will prove a defining turning point. India will go from being "resiliently defensive" to "resolutely offensive."

To understand the impact on the financial capital of India one needs to know the unique place the Taj Mahal Hotel and the Oberoi Complex (both the Oberoi Trident and the Oberoi) play in the fabric of the city's life, especially for its professionals. The Taj Mahal Hotel and the Oberoi Complex are not just the Four Seasons and Pierre of New York City. They are Mumbai's lifeline and blood.

Prashant Agrawal, CEO of Indipepal.com, says the attacks have change the Indian landscape.

As a consultant and a hedge fund manager, I, like thousands of Mumbai professionals, could count on being at these hotels two to three times a week. In any given week, more than a dozen conferences are being held at either hotel attended by the city's lawyers, bankers, consultants and entrepreneurs. The hotels are the Ellis Island for foreign firms and foreign professionals. Whole floors of these hotels serve as offices. The first outpost office of any major MNC is the Taj or the Oberoi: McKinsey, Blackstone, Texas Pacific Group, the list is endless.

But the hotels are much more than financial destinations; they are cultural centers. The best bookshop in Mumbai is in the Taj. Out of the 10 best restaurants in the city, half are in these two hotels. After a late night out, the 24 hour coffee shops of both hotels are filled with young people using them as late-night diners. Visit these same coffee shops in the day and you might see two families having a cup of tea discussing a matrimonial alliance. For a Mumbaiker, these hotels serve as a second home.

Every Indian is familiar with the Taj, its iconic red brick architecture façade serves as the backdrop for so many stories and Bollywood movies. So when Sonia Gandhi, the President of the ruling Congress Party, says that these are attacks on India's prestige, she means it.

If the attacks on the two hotels were not enough, the CST train terminal was hit. One out of every 10 commuters uses the CST (formerly known as the Victoria Terminus) daily. And after attacking the CST, the terrorists hit the Cama Hospital, a hospital for women and children. The last major target was a Jewish center. Mumbai has housed an Iraqi Jewish community for centuries. Not once have they been targeted. That has changed.

These attacks are going to serve as a tipping point for India. India has had no less than 10 terrorist attacks over the last five years described as India's 9/11. And so now is the latest assault.

As the Indian landscape changed, so has the Indian attitude. The first Bollywood movie on the attacks highlighted the resilience of Mumbai citizens. But in conversations, writings and film, people have shifted from resilience to wanting revenge. One of the most successful movies of 2008 highlights an ordinary citizen taking revenge. The surprise hit of 2008 in India is a low-budget thriller called "Wednesday." "Wednesday" is a taut thriller where the audience is held in suspense. The person the audience believes is a terrorist hell-bent on releasing his jailed compatriots is actually a vigilante. He doesn't secure the release; he blows them up.

The audience cheers as he tells the police, "We (the people) are tired of being resilient. Our hands are not tied, we too can hit back." Audiences around the country clapped and cheered his soliloquy. And now with these attacks, the attitude hardens even more. CNN-IBN, the local English news channel, not known for hyperbole, is calling its coverage not Terror in Mumbai, but "War on Mumbai." Local anchors refer to the rescue operations as urban warfare.

Last week, at an Indian leadership summit, I watched Shashi Tharoor, the former U.N. Undersecretary General and India's candidate to be Secretary General, ask Henry Kissinger how India should react to Pakistani agents attacking the Indian Embassy in Kabul. Mr. Kissinger said it wasn't his place to answer. Fair enough, but the question remains what should India do?

India faces tough decisions over the next few weeks and months. Every time India has been hit, there has be no counter reaction. The vast majority of Indians believe that the attacks emanate from Pakistan. While most Indians don't blame Pakistanis, they do blame instruments and agents of the Pakistani government, specifically the ISI. With the bombing in Kabul, the U.S. confirmed that the ISI was involved adding an independent credible voice to India's charges of Pakistani involvement.

In his first speech on Thursday to the nation, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said "It is evident that the group which carried out these attacks, based outside the country, had come with single-minded determination to create havoc in the commercial capital." There is little doubt as to which country Prime Minister Singh has in mind.

The people will demand action against the masterminds of the attacks. And perception in India is that it is the ISI guides and masterminds the attacks. Elections in India are in due in the next six months and pressure will mount on the Indian government to act. Joe Biden was right, Barack Obama will face an international test in the first six months. South Asia looks to be that test.

—Prashant Agrawal is CEO of Indipepal.com, an Indian Social Portal launching in December

The Bedlam's list of thanks.

So I have taken this Thanksgiving Day to refurbish my blog layout, as well as my profile on MiniTokyo, apart from doing regression work and paper compiling, to come up with this [partial] list of thanks. I am thankful for...

* The fact that I am still alive
* The fact that my family is still alive
* My sister being engaged (the wedding is next year)
* I passed my first two grad school classes
* Harvard beating Yale in football...again.
* Working as a staff member at AX three straight years
* Graduating from Cal State Long Beach
* Getting in at Keller
* Still having a house
* Still having food on the table
* Barack Obama winning the election
* DVDs and DVD-burning software
* Torrents
* Kagami Hiiragi winning 2chan Saimoe
* Fate Testarossa Harlaown winning ISML
* Holo winning Anizone Best Moe
* The USA women winning gold at Beijing
* The USA men's volleyball team winning gold at Beijing
* Lee Bodimeade for getting the USA women's field hockey team back to the Olympics
* Michael Phelps' swim towards history
* Manny Pacquiao still showing his stuff against Mexico's finest
* Working at four elections in one year
* The LBSU Athletics Department allowing me to finish attending the rest of the games before paying for them as an alumnus after my one-month layoff.
* The fact that "MBA" exists
* The CSULB Anime Club still existing
* danbooru, gelbooru, moe.imouto.org, deviantART, MiniTokyo, AnimePaper, and all the other image-hosting sites that haul in the good stuff
* TenYardTorrents, for their American/Canadian football stash
* Maxxed Football Forums, for the finest the round ball has to offer
* The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for finally letting the Ventures in
* The Ventures themselves, the best instrumental band on the planet
* Aya Hirano, Rie Kugimiya, Emiri Kato, Rie Tanaka, Ryouko Shiraishi, Saeko Chiba, Mai Kadowaki, Mai Nakahara, Ryo Hirohashi, and all the other cool seiyuu chicks that have dominated the airwaves as of late.
* Nutella
* Special orders from Kinokuniya
* Not joining the military
* Eurovision
* My green-feathered buddy, Peedy the Parrot
* My blog, Bedlam on Baltic Avenue
* Las Vegas
* Everyone out there on the Net visiting this blog, and all the other blogs on Blkogger.

Happy Thanksgiving from the Bedlam.

So long, MySpace.

I am so through with MySpace. I had to cancel my account out of a personal decision. I don't go there as much as I used to, and because of that, I decided to euthanize my account.

It's as if a big weight has been thrown off my shoulders. A really big weight. I feel thousands of pounds lighter now.

Some statistics mumbojumbo

Dr. James Lott, a professor at DeVry University's Keller Graduate School of Management, as well as my stats professor who I allegedly (and unfortunately) annoyed when converting statistical mumbo jumbo into the Ebonics vernacular (i.e., "Yo, I called the BoBA Stat Guy on my Berry, and he told me this bag be the real deal. It cheap too. You in?" "Absolutely, dog! How much that bag?"He told me, '99 cents,' man. And it can hold 50 pounds, too." "Fo' real?" "Yep. It be a good trash bag." "I gotta head on down there. Lates." "All right. See you."), was kind enough to provide an interesting taste of what really goes on Wednesday night during the November 2008 session by the airport. Have a look.

Quick hits, November 22

Why is it that people are infuriated when I am yawning? One of the people in my class told me, as I was yawning to stretch during break said, "You have to shut up already." I said, "I'm just yawning, what's your fucking problem?" I was ready to counter any first punch coming my way. He chickened out, and I told him after class, "You need to calm the fuck down. Seriously. Making a mountain out a molehill will not warrant any sympathy from me."

And then this Hispanic undergrad comed over, as I was looking at the USA Women's U-20 team beat Argentina 3-0, and I got into a little confrontation with him. I waited for the bloody idiot to throw the first punch. I referred the guy to security to have him settle the situation. I am not afraid of my life being taken away-as a student, I want to make my skin as thick as possible, but at the same time, threatening students by force is not going to help you, even if you are taking a test. This guy should have just said, "If you don't quiet down, I'll have to refer you to the Dean." I have a counter-offer: I refer you to security, and have him report this threat of violence to the Dean. That will make it easier for both of us. Take it or leave it.

===

A mixed bag of wins and losses awaited the teams I followed today. Aside from the U-20 women heading to the playoff stages in Chile while the men prepare for a date with their old friends from Mexico, the Lakewood High School Lancer varsity football team broke a four-year hoodoo of not winning a postseason game with a 35-34 win over the Servite Friars last night in double overtime. Whoever snags Dion Bailey has all the makings of a star on their roster. When it comes down to it, batting balls like that will really make you look good. This defensive back has seven picks this year, and should be All-Moore League first team on defense. He earned his stripes last night.

The Harvard Crimson finished 9-1 with a 10-0 win over the Yale Bulldogs at the Harvard Stadium earlier today. They share the trophy with the Brown Bears, who took the hapless Columbia Lions to the woodshed.

At least Tim Murphy knows who he has to outdo on the recruiting trail this offseason. If the Ivies wanted to be in the postseason, Harvard would be invited.

I was happy with Melbourne Victory, Aldershot Town and AFC Wimbledon getting back on the winning track with 2-1 (over Central Coast Mariners), 1-0 (over Chester), and 3-1 (over Worcester City - FA Trophy First Round Proper) victories, respectively. I was especially pleased that the Dons found a way to win on the road again. And Long Beach State's men's water polo team did something right for once: a 7-4 win over UC Irvine to wrap up the regular season. Where have those wins been, Gavin Arroya? Huh?

What I was dissatisfied with were the results from Cal Poly, FC United of Manchester and especially AFC Liverpool. The Mustangs' kicker Andrew Gardner couldn't make conversions out of a wet paper bag. He gave Wisconsin a 36-35 gift of a victory. Choker.  A 1-0 loss to Worksop Town could mean that the promotion run for FC United ends this season, while AFC Liverpool are reeling off three straight defeats (including Vodkat League One losses to Irlam and Padiham). Gracious.

Also, while Long Beach City College's men's water polo team could lift a finger to Grossmont (17-11 win for third place at Merced College), the women were unimpressive against rival Cerritos, 11-6. Average, if not below-average, outing for the Viking water polo sides, with the weight being on the women's letdown against the Falcons. Chelsea (0-0 draw with Newcastle) and Accrington (1-1 draw with Chesterfield) should have fared better, too.

On to seeing how the Rainmakers's crew did against Weber, as well as Hawaii taking on Idaho at the Aloha Stadium, then.

Of Statistics, Ebonics, and Football Mechanics

At my Stats class today, I made a joke about converting statistical data into Ebonic speak when analyzing something. The instructor, who is African-American said, "You know, you're trying to be funny, but you aren't." I thought, "Well EXCUUUUUUUUSE ME for putting the ASS in CLASS, but that's just the way I am, chief." And while I went into Diplomat Mode after class, I stil thought, "And you know, that's not the worst epithet I can lay on you, either. At least be happy the bloody N-word wasn't decked out in a nod to the KKK being reformed as a result of the election a couple weeks ago, and that I am doing my role in making this class fun like you are. You ungrateful instructor."

He was even gargling a bit while talking about the 5-Step Hypothesis Test. For a few fleeting seconds, I thought, "My god, is Screamin' Jay Hawkins teaching the course? Did he somehow get back from the dead? Damn you, Henry!" Henry is Jay's little butt-smoking skull friend on a stick. Something like that.

As I left for the 111, I was like Kyou Fujibayashi post-Tomoya Okazaki Bitchslap of Horror: "Sheeesh, why do professors who gargle like Screamin' Jay Hawkins show a lack of gratitude? Are they taught to be that way since childhood? If so, may the Devil Incarnate save them."

===

Speaking of elections, what took the damn pricks from CNN so fucking long to call Missouri to McCain. I mean, it's TWO WEEKS after the fact, and just today...they called it.

God help whoever was working the map, or compiling the exit polls down there at the Election Center. They call Missouri a bellweather state...I beg to differ; Missouri got its bell rung today. Guess they showed them, huh?

===

And aside from my little chastising moment a few hours ago, I am actually in a good mood overall. The Socceroos and the USA men's national team (unlike the U-17 girls against Kim Jong Il's young Arirang Mass Games gymnasts-in-training) actually won. Australia's 1-0 win against Bahrain was funny. It looked like the goal winner by Marco Bresciano was a Steven Bradbury-esque goal. The seas party like the Men's 1,000 meters in short track at Salt Lake 2002, and the most unlikely of heroes takes advantage of the unexpected opportunity.

Ironically, Mark cycled a cracker against this same Bahraini side two years ago in Sydney. One thing's for sure: Bresciano is a hated man in Manama now. He may have as well ruined their hopes of even coming close to the fifth-place match.

As for the guys, it was just plain cleaning up in a 2-0 win over Guatemala., So they enter the Hexagonal with Mexico (I mean, come on, a CONCACAF Hexagonal would not be a CONCACAF Hexagonal without the USA and Mexico in it...it just wouldn't be the same without both of them qualifying), Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, and Trinidad and Tobago (who dealt Bob Bradley's guys the only loss in the third round).

One has to feel for Jamaica, though. In spite of a 3-0 blasting of Canada, they are set to be in a state of lux (and their manager is destined to be sacked like a gift in Santa's gunny) after Mexico failed to do their share of the dirty work in a 1-0 defeat (with two red cards; ugh!) against Los Catrachos. Poor Reggae Boyz..now they will get the epithet of "Reggae Toyz" for four more years.

It's a cruel game, football is. But that's what makes it fun to watch.

===

Once agaim, I said it again...good riddance Ted Stevens. Thanks to Mark Begich unseating the old geezer, we Now all that needs to happen in Norm Coleman and Saxby Chambliss to fall in their races in Minnesota and Georgia, respectively. They will be luckier than Steven Bradbury if they do get re-elected, the GOP rubes.

Alaska is no longer the laughingstock of the country...

But Norm Coleman and Saxy Chambliss will be lucky if they are reelected.
And THAT, my friend, is the bottom line.

Ted Stevens' defeat in Alaska marks end of an era
By MICHAEL R. BLOOD – 12 hours ago

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Sen. Ted Stevens' election defeat marks the end of an era in which he held a commanding place in Alaska politics while wielding power on some of the most influential committees in Congress.

It also moves Senate Democrats within two seats of a filibuster-proof 60-vote majority and gives President-elect Barack Obama a stronger hand when he assumes office on Jan. 20.

On the day the longest-serving Republican in Senate history turned 85, he was ousted by Alaska voters troubled by his conviction on federal felony charges and eager for a new direction in Washington, where Stevens served since Lyndon B. Johnson was president.

Alaska voters "wanted to see change," said Democrat Mark Begich, who claimed a narrow victory Tuesday after a tally of remaining ballots showed him holding a 3,724-vote edge.

"Alaska has been in the midst of a generational shift — you could see it," said Begich, the Anchorage mayor.

Democrats now hold 58 Senate seats, when two independents who align with Democrats are included, with undecided races in Minnesota and Georgia.

"With seven seats and counting now added to the Democratic ranks in the Senate, we have an even stronger majority that will bring real change to America," Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, said in a statement.

Stevens' pursuit of a seventh term was damaged by his conviction in federal court — just days before the election — for lying on Senate disclosure forms to conceal more than $250,000 in gifts and home renovations from an oil field services company.

He was trying to become the first convicted felon to win election to the Senate. A survey of people leaving polling places conducted for The Associated Press and television networks found that two of three voters considered Stevens' trial a factor in their decision. Begich voters cited it as an issue more often.

Stevens' lawyer had demanded a speedy trial, hoping for exoneration in time to fight the first serious threat to his seat in decades. But the trial in Washington not only left Stevens a felon, it deprived him of time to campaign in his home state.

"I wouldn't wish what I'm going through on anyone, my worst enemy," Stevens told reporters in Washington on Tuesday before the vote count. "I haven't had a night's sleep for almost four months."

Still, he said he will not ask President George W. Bush to give him a pardon for his seven felony convictions.

Tuesday's tally of just over 24,000 absentee and other ballots gave Begich 150,728, or 47.76 percent, to 147,004, or 46.58 percent, for Stevens. There are about 2,500 overseas ballots yet to be counted.

A recount is possible. Stevens did not issue a statement, and campaign aides did not respond to calls for comment.

In Alaska, the losing candidate or a collection of 10 voters has three days to petition for a recount unless the vote was a tie, in which case it would be automatic. If the difference between the candidates is within 0.5 percent of the total votes cast, the state pays for the recount, to be started within three days of the recount petition. The state Elections Division has 10 days to complete the recount.

The crotchety octogenarian occupies an outsized place in Alaska history. His involvement in politics dates to the days before Alaska statehood, and he is esteemed for his ability to secure billions of dollars in federal aid for transportation and military projects. The Anchorage airport bears his name; to Alaskans, it's simply "Uncle Ted."

"He symbolizes Alaska's legitimacy, that Alaska is a player on the national stage as much as anybody else," University of Alaska Anchorage history professor Steve Haycox said.

His defeat could also allow Republican senators to sidestep the task of determining whether to kick out the longest serving member of their party in the Senate.

When counting resumed Tuesday, 1,022 votes divided the candidates out of about 315,000 ballots cast. Most of the those votes came from areas that had favored Begich — the Anchorage vicinity and the southeastern panhandle around Juneau.

It is a testament to Stevens' popularity — he was once named "Alaskan of the Century" — that he won nearly half the votes, even after his conviction. He routinely brought home the highest number of government dollars per capita in the nation — more than $9 billion in 2006 alone, according to one estimate.

In a state where oil and politics have always mixed, the conviction came as part of a long-running investigation into government corruption centered around VECO.

Following the trial Stevens said he wanted another term "because I love this land and its people" and vowed to press on with an appeal. Professing his innocence, he blamed his legal problems on his former friend Bill Allen, the former VECO Corp. chairman, the government's star witness.

Begich will be the first Democrat to represent Alaska in the Senate in nearly 30 years. He is the son of Nick Begich, Alaska's third congressman, who died in a 1972 plane crash.

Stevens refused pleas from his own party leaders to step down after the verdict, including Sen. John McCain, the GOP presidential nominee who said the Alaska senator had "broken his trust with the people."

Stevens' fall came shortly after another Alaskan, Gov. Sarah Palin, emerged as a national figure on the Republican presidential ticket. She called for Stevens to step aside at one point, but appeared to back away from that the day after the election, when returns showed Stevens with an edge.

"The people of Alaska just spoke," she said.

Associated Press writers Jesse J. Holland and Andrew Taylor in Washington and Rachel D'Oro in Anchorage contributed to this report.

I will say this loud and clear:

Why bother with a recount, Ted Stevens? A crotchety old bastard like you should be done with politics. You put yourself in this mess, and not even the Lord above can save you from the hell hole you are in.

Now get the bloody fuck out our sacred Hill. You scumbag.

Mauricio Ingrassia has got to go. Seriously.

I am in a very sour mood today. Long Bech State's women soccer team had one of the biggest opportunities to win a postseason trophy...and they wasted it. They lost to UC Santa Barbara on penalties, 6-5, after drawing even 1-1 through 110 minutes.

After the Gauchos converted the match-winning penalty, I couldn't stay. I saw enough and I disgracefully stormed out. I invested $8.00 to watch these guys get it done...only to see our status as bridesmaids continue for another year.

Because of this, I sent an e-mail shortly after to Vic Cegles, the school's athletic director, to consider not extending Mauriocio Ingrassia's contract, and even sack him. Fire him. Do anything we can to get a new head coach who can get us the hardware as well as the wins, like Ali Khosroshahin of USC (formerly of Cal State Fullerton).

I have lost faith in Mauricio, as well as exhausted my patience. He should be gone if we don't get an at-large bid.

More acrimonious shortcomings

I'm a Yomiuri Giants fan. I have a cap that features the world-famous mascot, Giabbit (Giants Rabbit), and I purchased that many years ago at a Foot Locker store in Lakewood. But I read this news below, and I have to wonder if manager Tatsunori Hara is really ready to help manage his national team to victory at the World Baseball Classic next year. Looking at this result, the Bedlam's prognostication is a clear NO. In fact, if Hara is able to even make the knockout stages of the tournament, let alone make the title game or even win the whole enchilada, I will be surprised.

Lions defeat Giants to win Japan Series

The Associated Press

Published: November 9, 2008

TOKYO: The Seibu Lions won their first Japan Series title since 2004 on Sunday by defeating the Yomiuri Giants 3-2 in Game 7.

Former major leaguer Hiram Bocachica hit a solo home run in the top of the fifth inning and former New York Yankees pitcher Alex Graman recorded the final six outs for the save as the Lions won their 13th Japan Series title.

Infielder Hiroshi Hirao drove in the winning run with a single up the middle in the eighth inning at Tokyo Dome.

Seibu pitcher Takayuki Kishi, who was named series MVP, won Game 6 to set up the decisive Game 7.

It was a disappointing end to the season for the Giants, who built a 3-2 series lead before heading back to their home stadium for the final two games.

The Giants signed former major leaguers Alex Ramirez and pitcher Seth Greisinger from the Yakult Swallows before the 2008 season. They also signed hard-throwing reliever Marc Kroon from the Yokohama BayStars in the offseason.

Yomiuri manager Tatsunori Hara was named manager of Japan's team for the 2009 World Baseball Classic before the start of the Japan Series but couldn't guide his team to their first championship since 2002.

The Giants are the oldest professional team in Japan. The team's owner is the Yomiuri Group, a media conglomerate which includes two newspapers and a television network.

Not a good way to end your season, and I can only hope that that will be the last time the teams I follow choke today.

YouTube is Kadokawa's Bitch.

I just realized something today. All the hard work I put in had been removed. This is going to be the last fucking time I upload ANY MORE anime music videos to YouTube. When you see sites like this bow down to the big-name industry dictators like Kadokawa, you know you see a site that sucks. All the hard work I put in compiling the video, and this is what I get. It's like being a McCain supporter: you spend countless hours asking your constituents to vote for your candidate, only to see him lose to Barack Obama.

You know what...in fact, I am considering leaving YT, but I have not made any serious debating in my head. But this isn't a step in the right derection. Hell no. In response, I have already posted that same vid on AMV.org and on Veoh. Bloody low-lifes...

This is Fate's Tiara!

This is Fate's Tiara!

Testarossa-Harlaown takes the 2008 International Saimoe League crown

By JR Salazar
Bedlam on Baltic Avenue
November 4, 2008

On the same day that Barack Obama won the US Presidency, Fate Testarossa Harlaown made 2008 "The Year Of The In-Joke," as said by Nanoha Takamachi, her long-time friend and partner. The top ranked competitor in this tournament, Fate proved that she earned her ranking, never dropping a single match in the 2008 International Saimoe League Tiara phase. Her magical run ended with an emphatic 1220-956 thumping of Yuki Nagato of the Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya.

Surrounded by everyone she had worked with in the Time Space Administration Bureau (who decided to fly over to the tournament, though some of the low-ranked staff remained on stand-by), including Naoha, Hayate Yagami, Reinforce Zwei, Vita, Shamal, Signum, Subaru Nakajima, Teana Lanster, Caro Ru Lushe, Erio Mondial, her adopted mother Lindy Harlaown and her son Chrono (also Fate's adopted brother) and Yuuno Scrya, Fate showed that she was human after all, shedding tears of joy, and letting out a victory scream, as her compatriots joined in.


"This has to be the greatest day of my LIFE!" said Fate, who was still in disbelief at the entire result. "I am so happy all the years of suffering finally paid off today, here in the gretest city on Earth! Yeeeaaahhhh!

"I cannot thank you any more from the bottom of my heart. I wanted to leave this tournament a winner, and retire from these tournaments on top. And that is exactly what I have done. I wanted to face Yuki, and I knew what I had to do. But it wasn't easy. Nothing in this world is easy. The only way you can make it look easy is to believe, and to hope, like our brethren from across the oceans, Senator Barack Obama of the United States of America, and his compatriot Senator Joseph Biden of Delaware. They brought with them hope, and through their cause and your votes...we have done it!"

Banners in the air showing Fate's calm countenance, with simply the word "FATE!" at the bottom, were hoisted, as well signs such as "This is for Fate!" and "It's Fate that drives you!" and "Number One, from start to finish."

"I have so many people to thank. To my love, Nanoha...I wear this Tiara for you, and with it, my love for you." She said this as she kissed her, to the roar of the crowd, some who had to be hospitalized due to epistaxis. "To my friends. Everyone gathered here on this stage. You have given me the strength I needed to win. I dedicate this Tiara to you. You have given me strength. You have made me a Champion, who stands with you in solidarity tonight."

"To someone I wished I knew better, and someone who wished she knew me better...my deceased mother, Precia. Tonight, I extend my hand in the hopes that I make amends with you. To my sister who I never knew, and wished knew me, to Alicia...I hope you are happy with what your sister has accomplished. It's the least I could do to make you happy."

"Finally, to everyone gathered here who watched this battle...thank you for the support these past eight months. Because of your undying commitment and belief in what I can do for you, I came into the Tiara phase on top, and finish this 2008 season on top. Thank you, thank you, thank you."

The crowd roared one last time as the fireworks blazed over Tokyo's 23 wards and cities, as well as in Mid-Childa, to the tunes of "Eternal Blaze" and "Innocent Starter." Confetti streamed from the heavens, as well as sakura petals and feathers. Decked in her mage outfit, Fate raised her weapon Bardiche Assault high, who said, simply, "Great job, sir."

"I told you so," said Nanoha after the battle. "This was going to be Fate's. And it was fate that gave Fate this Tiara. Plain and simple."

"I have a REALLY tough act to follow next year," said Hayate Yagami. "I'm gonna give it everything I got, but I don't think there will ever be anyone who can top the way Fat

This one's for Kagami!

This one's for Kagami!
Hiiragi rebounds from loss to Nagato, takes 2chan Saimoe title

By Bongaboi
Bedlam on Baltic Avenue
November 2, 2008


She may have finished third in the 2008 ISML Tiara race, but none of that mattered to Kagami Hiiragi, who took home the 2008 2channel Anime Saimoe Tournament title to Kasukabe, Saitama Prefecture. The sweets-loving tsunderekko and partner to Konata Izumi got her redemption, defeating her younger sister Tsukasa, 1037-976.

Fireworks went off and confetti drizzled the skies at the victory rally in Private Ryou High School in Kasukabe, where a huge overflow crowd of just about everybody in the city, along with some dignitaries from the nation's capital, were jumping and dancing to one of the school's favorite songs, "Motteke! Sailor Furu" (Take it! Sailor Uniform) and "Kaeshite! Knee Socks" (Return It! Knee Socks). Flags where flying in the air, and banners praising the twins' effort this tournament could be seen. Signs congratulating Kagami were plentiful, with a number saying "We love Kagami," with an "e" crossed out. One even said, "Kagami wins. No fake either!" alluding to her loss last year to Rena Ryuuguu at the hands of proxy votes.

"Onee-chan wanted it more," said Tsukasa. "This was going to be her tournament. And she got it done. I have no tears to cry. It was either gonna be onee-chan or me. And I would be happy with it either way."

"That's my Kagamin!" said a belated Konata, who was jumping up and down, screaming like a kid at Christmas. "My waifu...she did it! She is the best! I am so proud of my Kagamin. To be the partner to the Saimoe 2008 champion...I feel like I have won too! This is a day I can never forget. This is G-R-E-A-T!!!"

"Everybody, thank you so very much," said Kagami, who was shedding tears of joy as she was surrounded by Tsukasa and the other members of her family: father Tado, mother Miki, older sisters Inori and Matsuri, and Tsukasa; as well as Konata (who was clinging on to her) and her father Soujirou, Miyuki Takara and her mother Yukari, Misao Kusakabe, Ayano Minegishi, Yutaka Kobayakawa and cousin Yui Narumi, Minami Iwasaki and her mom, Patricia Martin, Hiyori Tamura, Akira Kogami and Minoru Shiraishi of Lucky Channel, Nanako Kuroi, and even Meito Anisawa.

"Because of all of you, I was able to finally realize this dream, to become the best in Japan. You helped me get there. I feel like I am in heaven, surrounded by everyone I know, and I am pinching myself-well Konata's pinching me-to make sure I am not dreaming. I'm not.

"I may have lost to Yuki Nagato in the ISML Tiara, but I was not gonna be denied this time!" The crowd roared in approval. "And neither of them will be in the ISML 2009 season, so it can only get better.

"I want to thank a lot of people today. First, my younger sister, Tsukasa. You put up a great fight, and there shouldn't be any shame in finishing second to someone who will always be by your side, no matter what. Second, to the rest of my family, thank you for all the support you gave me this year. I feel that through your guidance, I become stronger every day.

"Third, to my partner, Konata. We may have had our differences, and some of your jokes may have been questionable, and I may have poked a little too much fun at your flat chest..." The crowd laughed while Konata blushed. "...but the bottom line is that this is what makes us happy together. You are someone who will be a tough act to follow, and you are the love of my life. I draw a lot of my energy from you, and I could never have made it this far without you. I love you, Konata."

"Kagamin..." Konata said, as her lips touched hers. The crowd erupted as streams of blood sprayed into the air. "Yu-ri! Yuri! Yu-ri!" chanted some of the guys.

"Fourth, to all my friends who are on the stage with me. Miyuki. Yutaka. Misao. Ayano. Patty. Minami. Hiyori. Akira. Minoru. Yui. Kuroi-sensei. All of you have been instrumental in helping me win this tournament. To each of you, thank you very much."

"And finally, to all of you in the crowd who have supported me and Tsukasa. You have helped us get all the way to this very night. This 2chan Anime Saimoe Tournament is something that none of you should take for granted. It is a privilege to be with the likes of Suiseiseki, Sakura Kinomoto, Nanoha Takamachi and Rika Furude. This is a very special tournament for me and Tsukasa, and I know it has been a very special victory for all of you here. Once again, I thank you from the bottom of my hearts. I love you. Thank you!"

She bowed to the crowd, who roared. A few, then some, then all asked for the people on stage to do the "Motteke! Sailor Fuku" dance.

"Shall we do it one more time?" asked Kagami to Konata.

"For you...let's do it! One more time!" she replied excitedly. Her pheromones were are bright as the fireworks that went off. And so everyone on stage did the dance while the crowd jumped and joined in singing the song as the fireworks continued to go off into the Kasukabe night.

BoBA Predictions: The 2008 ISML Tiara Final

BoBA Predictions:

The 2008 ISML Tiara Final

Cleansing of the Arid Foundation

November 4, 2008

Tokyo

#1 Fate Testarossa Harlaown vs. #6 Yuki Nagato

With the 2008 2chan Anime Saimoe Tournament concluded, our attention turns to the big one. This is it. The 2008 International Saimoe League Tiara championship match between #1 Fate Testarossa Harlaown and #6-ranked Yuki Nagato for the right to call herself the world's best female anime chracter for this year. For both these fighters, this will most likely be their last battle before their days competing in Saimoe are effectively over. One of them will end their campaign a winner, the other will ponder for the rest of her life on what could have been. Everything is now on the line this match. And the Bedlam has been waiting for this very match, too. Each and every citizen in Tokyo already snapped up tickets to see this match.

On one corner, you have the #1 seed, Fate Testarossa Harlaown, who flied the flag for the Nanoha franchise. She is an experienced, accomplished fighter who overcame a past that few could be able to survive to become one of the strongest mages in the world. Armed with Bardiche Assault, Fate is able to slice and dice anyone that stands in her way. Of course, she has the looks to back her artillery. Her blonde twin tails, naive nature and coolness have added to her consistent performances this season. Fate is also the only competitor that has yet to drop a match in the 2008 ISML Tiara postseason tournament. Her compatriot and best friend (and partner), Nanoha, declared that this year "...would be the year of the In-Joke," alluding to fate calling for Fate to prevail, because it was fate, after all.

On the other corner you have Yuki Nagato, who flies the flag for Haruhiists all over the planet. One of the greatest artificial humans since Rei Ayanami of Neon Genesis Evangelion, Yuki's paranormal abilities allow her to rebuild, restructure, and rethink how the world works. From superhuman strength, to picking up an instrument, to reformulating a baseball bat and restoring a classroom, it is no surprise that Yuki is in this final. In fact, oen may say that Yuki know that Fate wanted to face her long before her interview with Brian Griffin on the Lunch Hour on 97.1 WQHG earlier last week.

Now, the way the final works is as follows: Fate needs to win once to earn the Tiara. Yuki needs to win TWICE. If Yuki wins the first match (which I would think a number of people would do just to prolong the match to its final day), then we go to the November 7 runoff vote, the "Revelation of the Holy Tiara," round, which will determine the winner. Fate is keen to not let this go all the way to November 7, and the Bedlam is calling for Fate Testarossa to win the 2008 International Saimoe League championship.

BoBA Prediction: Fate by more than 100

BoBA Predictions: 2chan Saimoe 2008 final

BoBA Predictions:
2chan Saimoe 2008 final
Kagami Hiiragi vs Tsukasa Hiiragi

I am a little bit surprised by this, and I am certain that the people who hate Lucky Star may shy away from voting on the second of November. It's going to be a sister war on 2chan. THat's right, you heard it: a sister war. To the utter disbelief of the doubters, Nagisa Furukawa and Hinagiku Katsura failed to halt the inevitable. With Tsukasa pulling off another upset, an impressive 1137-1096 win (in part due to the proxy votes), it's going to be a battle of the twins for the 2channel Saimoe 2008 crown.

And the Bedlam's prognostication can't go wrong this time. This crown is going to go to Kagami. It WILL go to Kagami, according to the pundits of conventional wisdom here on the Bedlam. A win by Tsukasa will indicate that the world has ended. In fact, it would be a flat-out travesty if Kagami Hiiragi does not win the 2chan Saimoe 2008 crown.

BoBA Predicts: Kagami Hiiragi wins by less than 100 votes.

Next up: My prediction for the ISML 2008 Tiara final. Fate Testarossa Harlown will be facing someone...but who?

Happy Halloween from the Bedlam!

I would like to wish everybody out there a Happy Halloween. Be sure to brush your teeth, kids, after munching on those sweet stuff. Also, keep an eye out for a few more Saimoe predictions to close off this 2008 season. Next week, I am going to talk about how the 2008 Election turned out, as well as the work I did at the polls.

Don't miss it. Here on the Bedlam.

"You did me wrong two years ago!" Wait, what?

This has to be one of the most hilarious, if not interesting things that happened to me today.

So I was making making my way around town after I had my blood drawn for evaluation by the people at the Long Beach Mental Health Center. This Hispanic guy (who is affiliated with one of the crews in the area) says, "Hey, you look familiar."
I said, "I do?"
He replied, "Yeah, you look like somebody I know. Somebody who did me wrong two years ago!"
"I think you are mistaken."
"I oughta get my revenge on you." He went on his spiel for the longest time. "What's you name?"
"Jo-Ryan," I said.
"You know what? I don't even care what your name is," he said.
I thought, "Idiot, that defeated the purpose of your previous question to me. Bloody bonehead. And you're still mistaking me for someone you are after."
He said afterwards, "Hey, you'd better quit talking shit behind other people's backs."
"I didn't come here to pick a fight with you scum and beat the likes of you. I'm here to take the next bus to Lakewood. You're wasting your time."
As I crossed the street to the bus stop at the corner of PCH and Long Beach Blvd., the Hispanic dude comes up to me and tries to get my attention, "Hey! HEY!" He even tried to whistle to get my attention. He failed.

The poor schmuck. He REALLY was picking on the wrong person to pick a fight with. And to think I had mental issues...

This is proof that if people don't know of your vendetta with them, then they pass off your claims as redundant jibjab. It's think they won't take seriously if you do not know who these guys are. I could have as easily went all out on this fella. But I was not in the mood for it, nor did I want to, since I had others things to do.

But people shouldn't take these types of so-called vendettas against them lightly. My advice to anyone that may have one against them is to talk them out of it, negotiate, or give them the could shoulder. Only when they brandish a weapon is when you go ahead and turn the tables on them, because it means your life is at stake.

This isn't anime or live-action drama, people. This is the REAL THING. And while it can give you an adrenaline rush, it could be one where your life is literally on the line.

I also have to pity this guy for labeling me a "nerd," without understanding anything about who I really am. This guy is not only concoss, but he is making his folks look terrible. (As if the recent news stories involving his folks brought enough bad press...) Besides, I don't believe in being burdened with such stigmas or labels anyway, given how far I've come.

Another thing to share: before my blood test, I saw a few people from the L.A. County Sheriff's Department handcuff some rube outside the Mental Health Center. He was in tears, on the ground and handcuffed, disheveled and emotionally wrecked. I just smiled and walked over to the entrance to get my blood drawn.

See, this is why I love this town. You get people with revenge on their minds, people getting handcuffed, people with issues that have debilitated them for umpteen days and weeks...it's awesome.

Really, it is.

BoBA Predictions: ISML 2008 Tiara Loser's Bracket Final

BoBA Predictions:
Saimoe Triple Deal

I have decided to go right ahead and make three new predictions for the upcoming contests.

ISML 2008 Tiara Loser's Bracket Final
The Cleansing of the Rusted Cities
New York, NY, USA

I've been on a dry spell with my predictions. Since Loser's Bracket Round 2, I pick against Konata, and Konata wins. I pick in favor of Konata, and Konata loses.

Screw these voters; I am going to keep plugging away until we find the person that will get the 2008 ISML Tiara.

#7 Kagami Hiiragi vs. #6 Yuki Nagato

I have been on a dry spell with my predictions here. But I will not give up until we find out who gets the 2008 ISML Tiara, whether right or wrong. Let's be honest here: even so-called "experts" get trumped every now and then. There is no such thing as an expert when it comes to prognosticating any match.

Especially this one, taking place at the home of the 9/11 tragedy, New York City.

With that said, Fate Testarossa Harlaown already took off for Tokyo, with her supporters waving her farewell. Meanwhile, Yuki Nagato was able to stop Konata Izumi, 519-445. In a recent interview with Brian Griffin on The Lunch Hour, Fate had this to say. (The full text of the interview can be seen here.)

"You know, that's a tough question. Well, if you ask me, I would love to take on Yuki. I know she is off on her own after Haruhi got upset by Konata, but I would love send Yuki off the face of the earth. Literally and figuratively. But really, the reason is also this. I would have a tough time dealing wth Konata, to be honest. She could be the toughest opponent I could be facing on November 4. I mean, she has a track record of defeating some very good competitors in this tournament. Look at the opponents she has eliminated. Suigintou. Haruhi. Tomoyo Sakagami, who finished second to me in the overall regular season standings. Shana. Those are opponents she hasn't been able to win against, with the exception of Suigintou, in the regular-season round robin. To knock those folks off...that's impressive. I would be on my heels if it was me and Konata.
"As for Kagami, well, there is no question she is determined to even the score if she is able to take out either Yuki or Konata, but I'd like to take on someone different in the final. And for a change of pace. I want it to be me and Yuki competing for the Tiara."

Hey Fate, you'd be careful what you wish for there...it might actually come true. And if you ask me, I think it will. You want Yuki, you got Yuki. Because the Bedlam is calling for Yuki to win.

BoBA Predicts: Yuki by less than 100

2chan Saimoe 2008 Semifinals

At this point, we are also in the semifinals of the 2channel Saimoe tournament, and by the looks of things...it could be a sister war! Or will it? Hmmm. The Bedlam finds itself in a pinch after seeing the recent results for the Lucky Star crew. And so, it's calling for a match that some people are hoping for.

But first, the predictions.

BoBA Predicts: Nagisa Furukawa by more than 100

It's about the momentum. Or rather, moementum. Or to be precise, dango moementum. You talk about the only survivor from Clannad, and it is the main protagonist, Tomoya's wife, the mother of Ushio, the girl from the illusionary world, the one who summoned back the Big Dango Family. It's going to be Nagisa, who is slated to halt a sweep of her, Tomoyo and Kyou.

It's dango time.

BoBA Predicts: Hinagiku Katsura by more than 100

Hinagiku has been a bit off the radar...until now. If HIna wins the 2chan Saimoe 200, she will achieve a unique double: winning Korea and Japan in consecutive years (she won Korea Best Moe last year). Of course, Suiseiseki still has the honor of sweeping both sides of the East Sea of Japan in 2006, but times have changed.

Hina, after October passes, will be one win from a historical milestorm. The Bedlam calls for it.

Welcome back, Wombles.

I am reminded of Terry Brown, the manager of AFC Wimbledon talking about the implications of the FA Cup being called a "money spinner." By definition, the FA Cup is "something that generates a continuous income." There is a lot of publicity that goes into this tournament, through sponsorships and a burgeoning prize fund. So now, they are going to be on television in a first round proper tie.

From The Times

October 25, 2008

Cup collision course raises threat of pitched battle for soul of Wimbledon

Walter Gammie

Anger. Screaming, righteous, eye-popping, vein-bulging anger. The fuel for scenes of terrifying hatred that have on unhappy occasions rendered football grounds some of the least hospitable places on the planet. An all-ticket match at an hour before the pubs open. Heavily protected vans on every corner, helicopters clattering in the sky, police horses in the streets, lines of helmeted officers linked down terraces. Raw, ugly, intimidating menace in the air.

All this for an FA Cup tie between a nonLeague club and Football League opponents where sweet-tempered romance is normally the order of the day? Surely not. Well yes, if AFC Wimbledon win their fourth qualifying round tie away to Maidstone United today and the draw that will be made live before the cameras of ITV tomorrow afternoon pairs them for a first clash with Milton Keynes Dons in the first round.

The supporters who believed that they had their birthright ripped away when Wimbledon were moved from South London to Buckinghamshire would have a chance to proclaim their superiority over supporters who protest that they are still entitled to claim their lineage from the club who rose to spend 14 years in the top flight and lift the FA Cup in 1988.

A gesture of conciliation was made last year when MK Dons returned the replicas of the FA Cup, Amateur Cup and other mementoes to South London. By doing so Pete Winkelman, the chairman of MK Dons, indicated that he was prepared to abandon all claims to the honours gained by the club whose move from Selhurst Park he engineered in 2003 and pleaded with the football community to drop its hostility towards “Franchise FC” and focus upon his achievements in establishing the club in Milton Keynes.

First and foremost of those was the success in building a new home – the stadium:mk. Failure to find a new location in their own borough had been a source of frustration to Wimbledon once a combination of the demands of the Taylor report and the steepling success on the pitch forced them to abandon Plough Lane for Selhurst Park in 1991.

Winkelman points proudly to a new generation of supporters that accompanied MK Dons to Wembley Stadium for the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final in March and celebrated their Coca-Cola League Two title triumph, not to mention the academy that is tapping into the potential footballers of a fast expanding region.

AFC fans remain resolutely unimpressed. Woe betide anyone who suggests that the opening goal scored by Keith Andrews in MK Dons’ 2-0 Johnstone’s Paint final defeat of Grimsby Town was the Dons’ first at Wembley since Lawrie Sanchez downed Liverpool in the 1988 FA Cup Final. Indeed, the internet forums hummed with suggestions that they should hand over the latest trophy, too.

The argument is that supporters cannot feel comfortable with honours gained without having slogged your way up the footballing mountain, as Wimbledon did under Allen Batsford, Dario Gradi and Dave Bassett in the 1970s and 1980s – and AFC have been doing in the past six years to reach their present position at the top of Blue Square South.

The club, they point out, did not arrive off the back of a removal lorry but started with supporters unloading trestle tables at grounds in the Combined Counties League from which scarves, replica shirts, key rings, calendars, and mugs bearing the visage of Terry Eames, the first manager, were sold. Each penny counted. No nice covered stands here, barely room to be crushed against rudimentary railings; the only shelter coming from numbers amid howling gales and lashing rain.

AFC Wimbledon’s predicament is that their prospects of returning to Wimbledon from Kingsmeadow, the ground they bought off and now share with Kingstonian in Norbiton, are no better than those of the original Wimbledon.

The other issue is that the sheer size of their following – league attendances average 2,900 this season and the commercial department is thriving – has made them a powerhouse in nonLeague football and enabled them to retain their status as a supporters-run club. Yet if they reach the Football League, or indeed Blue Square Premier, the finances required would put them under pressure to open the door to the kind of investors and potential controlling interests that could cut away the moral high ground that the club claim at present.

Supporters of a dispassionate nature believe that AFC’s superiority as a club does not need to be validated by beating MK Dons on the pitch. Yet football is a game that incites high passions. No wonder two clubs, two councils, two sets of safety officials – and two police forces – may be watching the draw with trepidation tomorrow.

‘You cannot manufacture passion, hence you lot will never have it’ - Best (and worst) of the web

Here is a selection of some of the heated exchanges that have been flying across the web during the build-up to a possible meeting between the clubs, writes Kaveh Solhekol

“I never wanna play against the franchise scum” – afcwgb.com

“I’d rather have a football fixture than the media circus that those clowns would turn it into” – moocamp.com

“The ground would empty well before the whistle – our celebrating would be too much for them to take” – moocamp.com “A tie against AFC Wimbledon would bring in some much-needed TV revenue. If we pull them out of the hat (assuming they get through against Maidstone), I will eat it” - moocamp.com

“I find it hilarious that people bash us for being a franchise. We do not meet any definition known to man of a franchise and these bashers shop in franchise stores, buy petrol from franchised garages, eat in franchised restaurants, etc, etc, so why the hell would they find watching a franchised football club so outrageous? Idiots” – moocamp.com I support AFC Wimbledon and before that Wimbledon. It was a little disappointing that I’m now supporting a nonLeague team, but as I began supporting Wimbledon when they were in the old fourth division (and I remember them from Southern League days and their legendary FA Cup run), I didn’t mind so much. And I certainly don’t recognise the Milton Keynes club as an honest successor to FC. As AFC say, it’s the fans who make the club – and judging by the support from past players, they think that AFC is the real Wimbledon as well. So if the fans agree, and the old players agree, who is qualified to disagree?” – yahooanswers.co.uk

“If MK Dons moved to say Salford, Greater Manchester, how would you feel after sweating blood, tears and lots of cash for 20 years? It’s clear you have a passion for your football club, would you continue to support them from afar or start another FC club?” – moocamp.com

“You cannot manufacture passion, hence you lot will never have it. Viva AFC Wimbledon” – moocamp.com

Welcome back, you Dons.

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The San Diego Toreros have put on one of the lousiest performances of the season, losing to Jacksonville, 30-29. If they go on a losing streak after this. I will not be surprised. This team has reached new depths of suckitude with this excuse of a defeat.

I can't count on any of these guys to even be within a sniff of the next level. Don't come calling for any of these turds, Canada.

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I am starting to get a hankering for this new series, called Chaos;HEAd. This is based on another of those visual novel games (think Clannad, Kanon, Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni, etc.), and this is based in the ward where I got my handle of Hachiko...Shibuya City. The same place where Ran Kotobuki plied her trades.

They are also showing episodes of this at the CSULB Anime Club meetings this year, along with Nabari no Ou, Moyashimon, and Detroit Metal City.

I am warming to the likes of Rimi Sakihata. If she is in the running for ISML 2009 as an at-large, I am not going to be surprised.

Quick hits, October 24, 2008

So it's less than 11 days to the general election in November. Both sides are going all out with their ads to attack the other candidate, leaving the alienated independent voters in the dust. The mindset for me is: Let's get this over with. But it's only October 24. It ain't bloody November 4. Crikey. My impatience and anxiety will start to precipitate.

Where I will be working is just a short walk away. Near the Bedlam House, by a Filipino fish market and a couple hundred paces from a KFC, lies a fire station where my precinct will be voting. I thought I was set to vote at the Long Beach Job Corps. But I suppose having a lunchtime call with the Colonel over the results in Kentucky would be so bad. Actually, I think the polls down there won't close for a few hours. But I've got a few options for lunch. That's the important thing.

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Meanwhile, I get some news from danbooru, a site that I normally visit (and one of the places where I forward deviants in case they are looking for sources for the shots I post on deviantART), and it's some humbling stuff.

Frivolous flagging (post #336693 with reason "Do Not Want"). While the image in question isn't particularly good, it is about the third or fourth time he's flagged an acceptable image for deletion without a proper reason.

I flag the right image that deserved to be kicked off the site...but I don't explain why. Essentially I wasn't doing what I normally would do on MiniTokyo (in that case, it would be because of poor quality, bad extractions, or a better version of the same image was posted, and I FULLY explain why).

Assholes.

Well, I don't really go there other to grab, fav and vote up images I like. And I don't post on the comments and the forums as much as I do on dA. But every now and then you need to have the wheels fall off to keep yourself on the ground at all times. And so the Senate In My Head passed an act to make it mandatory to give a proper reason for deletion for images flagged on danbooru.

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We are already through two games of the 2008 World Series and we are all square at one game. This is looking quite good.

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So now I am taking this new medication, called Depakote (Valproate semisodium), which allows me to treat these ADHD symptoms (which have reared their ugly head for the first time since my elementary and middle school days), and I have been responding well to them. I'm not as irritable, and I am more reserved in the way I talk and if I am allowed to whoop and holler, I do so. It's an interesting new pill that goes hand in hand with the Seroquel; but I may need to consider making some diet changes too.

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BoBA Predictions: ISML 2008 Tiara Special Two-fer

BoBA Predictions:

ISML 2008 Tiara

A Special Two-fer!

I have to be convinced that Fate and Yuki stand in the way of a possible Konata vs. Kagami final. Shana was eliminated, and so was Kotomi, shutting Clannad out of contention. While Fuko Ibuki and Nagisa Furukawa still raise the banner for the series which has "Mag Mell" and "Dango Daikazoku" as its anthems, I have to be convinced that Fate Testarossa Harlaown and Yuki Nagato might surprise and shut out Lucky Star from the race.

But what about Konata Izumi? Mercy! The Legendary Girl A continues to defy its doubters and churn out miracle wins left and right. Suigintou. Haruhi. Tomoyo. Shana. Yuki could be next, and I am convinced to believe.

With that said, on to the predictions.

Winner's Bracket Final
Revelation of Wood, Metal, and Earth

Seoul, Korea Republic

#1 Fate Testarossa Harlaown vs. #7 Kagami Hiiragi

Who wouldn't love seeing a final between two Lucky lovers (in the eyes of the yuri fanpeople)? However, the top-rated seed is still alive, and continues her magical run towards flying the flag for her comrade, Nanoha Takamachi. Armed with her trusty weapon of all trades, the world-famous Bardiche Assault, Fate is two wins away from the Tiara.

In her way stands a committed Kagami Hiiragi. Riding on the momentum from a victory over Kyou in the 2chan Saimoe 2008 Group C final, she is committed to keeping the hopes of the Lucky ones alive. This is for her younger sister. This is for her older sisters. This is for Miyuki, and Yutaka, and Minami, and Misao, and Ayano, and Hiyori, and Pat, and even Konata. Most of all, this special moment is for her. With revenge on her mind, she will snap Fate's win streak and send her to the Loser's Bracket.

BoBA predicts: Kagami by less than 100

Loser's Bracket Round 5

The Cleansing of the Swaying Forests

Sao Paolo, Brazil

#12 Konata Izumi #6 Yuki Nagato

All right, I give up. Here are two candidates that I didn't call to advance, and yet here they are in Brazil, in the warm sunshine of Sampa, where a date with either Fate or Kagami awaits in New York. I have reason to think that Yuki is confident of getting payback for what Konata did to her superior, but at the same time, I am even more convinced that Konata is set to finish in the top three, rather than top four.

For the past few rounds in the Loser's Bracket, I picked against Konata. Well, I am going to be besides myself if Yuki wins this one, because she's going to be next to fall to the Konakona.

Seriously.

BoBa Predicts: Konata by less than 100

BoBA Predictions: ISML 2008 Tiara Loser's Bracket Round 4

BoBA Predictions:
ISML 2008 Tiara Loser's Bracket Round 4
The Cleansing of the Raging Waters

Somehow, I have to be convinced that Konata Izumi is going to be eliminated sooner or later from the ISML. She continues to prove the doubters wrong. After a close defeat to Kyou Fujibayashi, she pulls out major victories over Suigintou, Haruhi Suzumiya and now Tomoyo Sakagami. This really hasn't been a good day for Clannad's girls, with Kotomi being the only one remaining in this tournament. And she was barely able to defeat C.C. in Round 3.

#4 Shana vs. #12 Konata Izumi

Just my luck. After six days of voting...the Legendary Girl A is still alive. Even though the 2channel voters gave Konata the nod over Tomoyo, the ISML voters went the other direction. So now we have Shana facing Konata. The girl with the fire in her eyes takes on someone who will be remembered as a giant slayer. If Shana is the next one to fall to Konata, no one should be surprised as the battle in Kyoto rages on.

The Bedlam is hoping the third time is the charm in picking against Konata. Sooner or later, it's bound to happen.

BoBA picks: Shana by more than 100 votes

#8 Kotomi Ichinose vs. #6 Yuki Nagato

Here's a tantalizing match that will be worth taking a look. In the previous match between Yuki and Kotomi, the human supercomputer won by 30 votes. This time around, things will be quite different, with the match taking place in Sao Paulo. With opponents making amends for their prior defeats, thje onus is on Kotomi to keep the dream alive for a Clannad character to win the Tiara. But will it happen?

The Bedlam is going to say, "No." Yuki will keep the SOS Brigade's hopes alive for at least one more round, while Clannad is shut out of contention.

BoBA predicts: Yuki by less than 100 votes

October 16, 2008

I was feeling quite weird yesterday. I felt like I never really got that Bachelor's of Science in Business Administration. I must have been thinking, "What the heck, Jo-RYan? I thought you were done for the undergrad part of your educational career." And to be honest, I was feeling the same way. It's really unusual. Here I am, an MBA student, with finals, jury duty and election duty coming up...and I am at the bloody Garden, decked in my gray jacket and black trucer hat, my pennants, pom pom sticks and cowbell next to me, watching the home opener of the Long Beach State 49er Ice Hockey season.

The world must have ended.

I was talking via e-mail with Phil Goodman, the voice of 49er Ice Hockey (and a true patron of this club) about the upcoming season...and he e-mnailed me this message, "See you at the GArden on the 16th." I have this belief. If you pray for someone you remembered to come back, and pray real hard, who knows, it might actually come true."

I'm no god or angel. I'm a person with new priorities. I go to these events out of my own free will, not of duty like a year, or two, or three ago. It's now my choice to be here or to do something that requires my attention. Tonight was the night that I would show up. If I see one of the Beach Bandits here, the timing would be excellent.

Understanding the situation, I took a chug of Rockstar (Oh man, how I missed guzzling one of those down!), and headed off the Glacial Garden.

Now, I was really interested about two things. First, I wanted to see if we were in form early to make a better run than being stunned by San Jose State in Oakland last season. I was disgusted with our performance last season because we had high expectations, and we simply failed to meet them. These were unfulfilled expectations that weren't realized last year. The last thing I wanted was another year of abject failure.

The second thing was to see just how good this San Diego State side was. They went 6-0 against D-II opponents (sweeps of us and UNLV) as a D-II side, and finished as runner-ups. They had a strong start to their year, sweeping a double-header against USC, a team that I verbally chewed up in our final meeting with them at the Garden (and the team captain gave us the game puck, which is now enshrined in a glass case at the Beach Pride Center). The Trojans are a team we can beat this year, too. (We would be facing them Saturday.) We started on our year on the losing end of an obvious mismatch against Arizona State's first team (D-I) at Tempe (8-1 and 8-0, respectively), before getting our first win of the season against Loyola Marymount 6-1. But that result didn't tell me didly squat as to how good this 49er tyeam could be. This match, the home opened against the high-flying Aztecs, would tell us all we need to know.

The final score was San Diego State 8, Long Beach State 2. It's early in the season, and San Diego State is already in form, while LOng Beach State are nowhere close to it. As for the second qUestion, the Aztecs were exactly as advertised. If they make yet another move up, it's not going to surprise me. We were simply outclassed by these guys today. I made the over/under for people in the penalty box at 10. There were well more than that by the end of the game. And thus, our lack of character that hindered us last year was evident, as it reared its ugly head against San Diego.

But I also learned another thing. Personally, Frankie Mitrano doesn't have it. He does not have the skills to compete at the professional level as a goalie. No question, he will have his share of wins. But when you give up eight goals in one game-without being pulled-if I am a scout from some obscure league in a contry that doesn't even play ice hockey as a major sport, I wouldn't give this guy a second look. Keeping tabs on the Aztec keeper might be better.

If MItrano wants to prove me wrong, the onus is on him to do so. If this were the type of performance in an NCAA game, he'd be pulled after giving up three or four, because they have depth. And that's another thing this team is lacking.

We're just getting started with this season and already I am pondring what the coaches will need to look for on the recruiting trail in the offseason. For starters, getting a Carey Price-type of goalie times two or three might be a start.

Frankie was like a lamb led to a slaughter tonight. And he knew it.

BoBA Predictions: ISML 2008 Tiara Loser's Bracket Round 3

BoBA Predictions:

ISML 2008 Tiara Loser's Bracket Round 3
The Cleansing of the Erupting Volcanoes

In the last round, the Bedlam was right on the money with its predictions, with Fate and Kagami slated to fight in the Winner's Bracket Final on October 24. After this round, the field will be down to six.

#2 Tomoyo Sakagami vs. #12 Konata Izumi

Tomoyo and Konata are slated for another Thrilla in Manila, not unlike the epic Ali-Frazier match. For Konata, she is riding on the coattails of what is arguably her best victory of the entire season. To defeat her mentor, her role model, Haruhi Suzumiya, by one vote...that isn't an easy thing to do. But then again, things don't get any easier.

She faces Tomoyo Sakagami, one of the more well-rounded competitors of this tournament. Sure, she has no necklaces to her credit. But she has an impressive track record of victories, including a win over Konata. A proud competitor and active leader in student government blessed with sassy feet, she is looking to keep her ISML Tiara dream alive. Also, she was able to defeat Konata in their third round 2chan Saimoe match held earlier this month.

And while she was humbled by Kagami in the Winner's Bracket, she should have no issue against Konata. For the Legendary Girl A, her run stops here. At least this is what the Bedlam predicts.

BoBA Predicts: Tomoyo by less than 100 votes.

#11 C.C. vs. #8 Kotomi Ichinose

In Jakarta, Indonesia, where Krakatoa lies in wait, C.C. pulled off a shocker upset of her own, defeating Kyou Fujibayashi, avenging her previous defeat in the round robin stages. The question of C.C. being able to count higher than 20 was answered in her meeting with Hinagiku in the roundf robins, and it was answered again in the second upset of the Loser's Bracket.

For Kotomi Ichinose, this is, without question, a bit of surprise. Perhaps even she thought she was going to meet her execution against Kyou. But it turns out to be a free pass. Armed with her violin and sound wave arsenal, she is looking to make it two straight against the Pizza Girl. And thus, the Bedlam will call for it to happen.

BoBA Predicts: Kotomi by less than 100 votes.