China stifles Obama charisma
By Stephen Collinson (AFP) – 1 hour ago
BEIJING — Something got lost in transit in US President Barack Obama's visit to China -- the charismatic rhetoric and dominance of mass communication that took him from nowhere to the White House.
Obama built his political persona with soaring speeches on a grand stage and by reaching out to a vast grassroots network on the Internet.
But in China, Obama's hosts successfully stifled those prodigious public talents, keeping his message from the people with media censorship and smothering it in staid diplo-speak.
On previous foreign trips in his taxing first year in office, the president sent inspiring words winging to millions of satellite dishes in the Muslim world and sparked Obama mania in Europe.
But in China, it has been tougher to reach out to ordinary citizens. His best attempt, a town hall meeting streamed on the White House website, suffered from what was largely a nationwide media blackout.
And Obama's talks on Tuesday with President Hu Jintao were followed by a dull public appearance, with both leaders reading out statements to the media stuffed with diplomatic code words.
The US president shuffled his papers on the lectern, scratched an eyebrow and looked across at Hu, as his host read out a long speech. The arid diplomatic translations made the occasion seem even more sterile.
Chinese officials several times warned the hundreds of reporters present, whom they referred to as "dear friends," that questions were banned. There was no chance for Obama to deploy his persuasive political personality.
Clearly, the raucous political dialogue seen in American elections and politics is alien to communist-ruled China where sites such as Facebook, YouTube and Twitter are heavily censored.
But it seems Obama is ready to play a "long game" on China policy, and is willing to take domestic media hits over a lack of progress now, in the hope of results later on.
Equally, the White House did not expect opportunities for Obama's populist politics offered elsewhere in the world, or that the US president could transform the political environment alone.
"I did not expect, I can speak authoritatively for the president on this, that we thought the waters would part and everything would change over the course of our two-and-a-half-day trip to China," said Obama spokesman Robert Gibbs.
Obama aides report that while his public persona may be out of view, the first-year president has emerged as a forceful negotiator with Chinese leaders, and is firing off questions about life here.
US Ambassador to China Jon Huntsman said Obama was "extremely effective" in private and a strong advocate for the country as a president "who talks about our traditions and is able to explain it to all those who are listening."
White House aides prefer not to dwell on the differences, and instead talk about how he is developing a relationship with China that will be invaluable for working on the world's most pressing problems.
Obama used his town hall meeting in Shanghai to issue a call for the unshackling of the Internet.
But Chinese authorities appeared to make attempts to stack the audience with students willing to follow the government line.
At least two of the four youths Obama picked to ask their own questions were later identified as Communist Youth League members.
The event did air on local television, but appears not to have had national exposure. Hopes that the official Xinhua news agency would stream it live did not materialise.
The state mouthpiece instead posted a running transcript of the meeting, erecting a barrier between Obama's personality and everyday Chinese.
Several Chinese bloggers praised Obama's efforts, and said his call to pull down the "Great Firewall of China" would provide valuable ammunition for Chinese web users.
"Obama's answer... is very interesting, because he is the first president who talks about this, and it will move and urge the Chinese government to think," said one blogger, known as Beifeng.
Another blogger, Zuola, also welcomed Obama's intervention -- which was sparked by a question submitted by email read out by Huntsman.
But he said the town hall meeting was simply a "game" played out under strict Chinese supervision.
"The Chinese government surely does not like those who are not in their control," he said.
Obama's trip to Shanghai only got covered in passing on the main evening news on state-run nationwide broadcaster CCTV on Monday, which devoted most of its time to Hu's trip to the Asia-Pacific summit.
The town hall meeting was not mentioned at all.
ISML 2009: The season wraps up with Relegation Finals and exhibitions
ISML 2009: The season wraps up with Relegation Finals and exhibitions
November 7, 2009
While the International Saimoe League Tiara began its stay inside a glass case of the lobby of the Hakuoh Academy administration building, the 2009 season wrapped up with Relegation matches in Tokyo and a series of exhibitions featuring old faces from Saimoe tournaments past.
Mikoto Misaka finished on top of the ISML relegation table with victories over Index Prohibitorum (989-441) and Yuuhi Katagiri (873-621). Louise Francoise Le Blanc de La Valliere, who will return to the tournament regardless of her finish, scored victories over Hayate Yagami (847-672) and Nayuki Minase (846-692).
In other ISML Relegation action, Reimu Hakurei defeated Chii 810-726, Prohibitorum defeated Evangeline McDowell 767-726, Misuzu Kamio ran down Hakurei 785-752, Sayuri Kurata defeate Kamio 867-570 and Mai Kawasumi wiped off Minase 903-493.
Kurata took down Vita 872-613, Tsukimiya crushed McDowell 884-642 and Vita 903-605, and Kawasumi capped off the Relegation action with a 839-663 win over Yagami.
Finally, there were six exhibitions to close this campaign. Alien Nine's Yuri Otani defeated Figure 17's Hikaru Shiina 608-511 in New York City, Dejiko of Winter Garden (not Di Gi Charat) defeated Pita Ten's Shia 739-511 in Buenos Aires. A slightly more familiar face, Shiika Anmoto of Mushi-Uta crushed Sana Nobuto of Innocent Venus 918-354 in Cairo. In Moscow, Sain October's Kotono Hayama made a mockery of her contest of Yume Tsukai's Rinko Mishima, 1083-160. Taruto of Magical Nyan Nyan Taruto defeate Yuki Kojima 739-419 in London and Houkago: Nureta Seifuku's Shizune Fujiwara defeated Tomoko Kitazawa of Ai Shimai 865-347 in Sydney.
Well, that caps off a wonderful International Saimoe LEague year which saw the most unexpected of seeds-a #11-win the crown...Hinagiku Katsura. Who will take it in 2010? The nomination phase-and the new season-kicks off New Year's Day on InternationalSaimoe.com!
November 7, 2009
While the International Saimoe League Tiara began its stay inside a glass case of the lobby of the Hakuoh Academy administration building, the 2009 season wrapped up with Relegation matches in Tokyo and a series of exhibitions featuring old faces from Saimoe tournaments past.
Mikoto Misaka finished on top of the ISML relegation table with victories over Index Prohibitorum (989-441) and Yuuhi Katagiri (873-621). Louise Francoise Le Blanc de La Valliere, who will return to the tournament regardless of her finish, scored victories over Hayate Yagami (847-672) and Nayuki Minase (846-692).
In other ISML Relegation action, Reimu Hakurei defeated Chii 810-726, Prohibitorum defeated Evangeline McDowell 767-726, Misuzu Kamio ran down Hakurei 785-752, Sayuri Kurata defeate Kamio 867-570 and Mai Kawasumi wiped off Minase 903-493.
Kurata took down Vita 872-613, Tsukimiya crushed McDowell 884-642 and Vita 903-605, and Kawasumi capped off the Relegation action with a 839-663 win over Yagami.
Finally, there were six exhibitions to close this campaign. Alien Nine's Yuri Otani defeated Figure 17's Hikaru Shiina 608-511 in New York City, Dejiko of Winter Garden (not Di Gi Charat) defeated Pita Ten's Shia 739-511 in Buenos Aires. A slightly more familiar face, Shiika Anmoto of Mushi-Uta crushed Sana Nobuto of Innocent Venus 918-354 in Cairo. In Moscow, Sain October's Kotono Hayama made a mockery of her contest of Yume Tsukai's Rinko Mishima, 1083-160. Taruto of Magical Nyan Nyan Taruto defeate Yuki Kojima 739-419 in London and Houkago: Nureta Seifuku's Shizune Fujiwara defeated Tomoko Kitazawa of Ai Shimai 865-347 in Sydney.
Well, that caps off a wonderful International Saimoe LEague year which saw the most unexpected of seeds-a #11-win the crown...Hinagiku Katsura. Who will take it in 2010? The nomination phase-and the new season-kicks off New Year's Day on InternationalSaimoe.com!
BoBA 2009 ISML Predictions: Relegation Final, and Special Exhibitions
ISML 2009 Relegation Finals
ARENA 01: Chii [Hakurei Reimu]
ARENA 02: Evangeline McDowell [Index Prohibitorum]
ARENA 03: [Hakurei Reimu] Kamio Misuzu
ARENA 04: Index Prohibitorum [Misaka Mikoto]
ARENA 05: [Kamio Misuzu] Kurata Sayuri
ARENA 06: Katagiri Yūhi [Chii]
ARENA 07: [Kawasumi Mai] Minase Nayuki
ARENA 08: [Kurata Sayuri] Vita
ARENA 09: [Louise Vallière] Yagami Hayate
ARENA 10: Minase Nayuki [Louise Vallière]
ARENA 11: [Misaka Mikoto] Katagiri Yūhi
ARENA 12: [Tsukimiya Ayu] Evangeline McDowell
ARENA 13: Vita [Tsukimiya Ayu]
ARENA 14: Yagami Hayate [Kawasumi Mai]
Special Exhibitions
ARENA 15: Contestant 1A [Contestant 1B]
ARENA 16: [Contestant 2A] Contestant 2B
ARENA 17: [Contestant 3A] Contestant 3B
ARENA 18: [Contestant 4A] Contestant 4B
ARENA 19: [Contestant 5A] Contestant 5B
ARENA 20: Contestant 6A [Contestant 6B]
ARENA 01: Chii [Hakurei Reimu]
ARENA 02: Evangeline McDowell [Index Prohibitorum]
ARENA 03: [Hakurei Reimu] Kamio Misuzu
ARENA 04: Index Prohibitorum [Misaka Mikoto]
ARENA 05: [Kamio Misuzu] Kurata Sayuri
ARENA 06: Katagiri Yūhi [Chii]
ARENA 07: [Kawasumi Mai] Minase Nayuki
ARENA 08: [Kurata Sayuri] Vita
ARENA 09: [Louise Vallière] Yagami Hayate
ARENA 10: Minase Nayuki [Louise Vallière]
ARENA 11: [Misaka Mikoto] Katagiri Yūhi
ARENA 12: [Tsukimiya Ayu] Evangeline McDowell
ARENA 13: Vita [Tsukimiya Ayu]
ARENA 14: Yagami Hayate [Kawasumi Mai]
Special Exhibitions
ARENA 15: Contestant 1A [Contestant 1B]
ARENA 16: [Contestant 2A] Contestant 2B
ARENA 17: [Contestant 3A] Contestant 3B
ARENA 18: [Contestant 4A] Contestant 4B
ARENA 19: [Contestant 5A] Contestant 5B
ARENA 20: Contestant 6A [Contestant 6B]
ISML 2010 At-Large Top 20
Similar to Mel Kiper's top recruits/draft on ESPN.com, I want to go ahead and select my top 20 selections that I believe should get a fair shot at qualifying for the 2010 International Saimoe League.
With the nomination phase not due to start for nearly two months, now's the time to consider who should get the nod to challenge Hinagiku Katsura and the rest of the field for the 2010 Tiara.
If it weren't for a fluke vote against Kana Minami (who I am putting long odds, if any, to make next year's field) or a defeat to Yuki Nagato (whose leverage is starting to wither with the SOS Brigade), Akiyama is already in the field. I expect her to get taken in the early at-large rounds.
The franchise character, I believe, deserves a fair hearing. I am choosing her this high in the table because I am confident that she will surprise quite a few people with what she can do.
Again, another character that should go through is the drummer for K-ON!/Hokago Tea Time. A versatile, bubble personality.
Now this is a question I must ask the congregation: why hasn't Evangelion's finest been given a shot in this tournament? Rei Ayanami's charm has never wavered through the years. If Sakura's longevity sees her returning for one more season, should Ayanami relish that as well?
Utau, Amu Hinamori's former rival, is a disciple of the WOW factor. Not only can she sing, but she can rock it when it comes to fighting. I like her chances of making the field here.
It's not just the blonde hair and pickle-shaped eyebrows that make Mugi a strong character in K-ON!. There's her fetish for yuri, and that catch phrase "Dontakoi Dasu!" (It's all good!) Did I mention that the pastries and tea she caters are top-notch?
This might just be Bakemonogatari's greatest hope. Hitagi Senjougahara's sharp wit, penchant for staplers (a tribute to her crab-like tendencies), and role as Koyomi Araragi's love interest will prove to be a boon for her.
Chicks with guns don't usually get the nod (the ISML's preferred choice of weapon is the sword), but Canaan might be an exception to that rule.
The student council presidents are worth their weight in gold. Sakurano is no exception to this rule. I see her sneaking in in the middle or later in the selection process.
No surprises here-Haruka deserves a shot at this tournament. You've got the look, but a vice for the good stuff on the side. That equals...qualification.
Here is another character that could be flying the flag for her respecting series by herself. When you can convey a weapon out of thin air (apologies Gilgamesh of Fate/Stay Night), you got yourself a possible candidate for qualifcation.
Dark horse candidate. But I bring Aruruu's older sister up on this list for defeating Haruhi and Yuki in the same round. So one would think that this would be the time that anoother face from Utawarerumono gets into the ISML.
Haibara is a noteworthy selection on this list. Her top 16 finish in Korea leaves the door wide open for the possibilities.
Again, the Saki girls will want in to this tournament. This is a possible selection...
...as will this one.
The little instructor with a penchant for lagers has a good chance of qualifying.
Tsundere. Twintails. Tsurime. Too many T's, not enough W's. Here a W for you: qualification to the big show. How's that?
18. Kobato Hanato - Kobato
While she will come nowhere close to the success fellow CLAMP girls C.C. and Sakura Kinomoto put in, Kobato could slip in through the last few rounds.
19. Kuroko Shirai - To Aru Majutsu No Index
Another yuri-holic could make her move here. While I personally won't expect her to go too far, she will nonetheless be a choice to be selected.
20. Beatrice - Umineko no Naku Koro Ni
Longshot to be selected, let alone get a .500 record or higher next year. But the Endless Golden Witch has the schtick to get picked. Ronove send help.
Tony Perkins and Mathew Staver are tossers. Pass it on.
Gay leaders blame TV ads, Obama for loss in Maine
By LISA LEFF and DAVID CRARY
Associated Press Writers
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Stunned and angry, national gay rights leaders Wednesday blamed scare-mongering ads - and President Barack Obama's lack of engagement - for a bitter election setback in Maine that could alter the dynamics for both sides in the gay-marriage debate.
Conservatives, in contrast, celebrated Maine voters' rejection of a law that would have allowed gay couples to wed, depicting it as a warning shot that should deter politicians in other states from pushing for same-sex marriage.
"Every time the citizens have voted on marriage, they have always sided with natural marriage," said Mathew Staver, founder of Liberty Counsel, a Florida-based Christian legal group. "Maine dramatically illustrates the will of the people, and politicians should wake up and listen."
Gay activists were frustrated that Obama, who insists he staunchly supports their overall civil rights agenda, didn't speak out forcefully in defense of Maine's marriage law before Tuesday's referendum. The law was repealed in a vote of 53 percent to 47 percent.
"President Obama missed an opportunity to state his position against these discriminatory attacks with the clarity and moral imperative that would have helped in this close fight," said Evan Wolfson of the national advocacy group Freedom to Marry. "The anti-gay forces are throwing millions of dollars into various unsubtle ads aimed at scaring people, so subtle statements from the White House are not enough."
The White House, asked about the criticism, had no immediate comment.
The marriage debate is simmering in at least a half-dozen states where a same-sex marriage bill is pending or where a court ruling or existing law is being eyed by conservatives for possible challenge.
Had Maine's law been upheld by voters, it would have become the sixth state to legalize gay marriage - and the first to affirm it by popular vote. In Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, New Hampshire and Iowa, gay marriage resulted from court decisions or legislation.
California is sure to be a major battleground over the next several years. Last year, conservatives succeeded in winning public approval of Proposition 8, which overturned a state court ruling allowing gay marriage. Gay rights groups want to take the issue back to the voters but are divided on a timetable.
In the aftermath of the Maine vote, some California activists appealed to their supporters for money to help them put a measure on the 2010 ballot. Other activist leaders want to wait until 2012.
"It's never too early to go back to right a fundamental wrong," said Chaz Lowe of Yes! on Equality, who favors shooting for 2010. "A lot of people are angry, a lot of people are upset. It at least has the potential to be a mobilization for the grass roots."
Some California activists said the outcome in Maine strengthened their belief that it will fall to the U.S. Supreme Court - not the voters - to make gay marriage legal. A federal lawsuit challenging Prop. 8 is scheduled to go to trial in January, the first step in a legal journey that is expected to reach the high court in a few years.
"The results in Maine underscore exactly why we are challenging California's same-sex marriage ban," said Chad Griffin, president of the American Foundation for Equal Rights, the Los Angeles group spearheading the lawsuit. "The U.S. Constitution guarantees equal rights to every American, and when those rights are violated, it is the role of our courts to protect us, regardless of what the polls say."
The situation elsewhere:
- In New Jersey, the election Tuesday of Republican Chris Christie as governor puts extra pressure on gay rights supporters to win passage of a pending same-sex marriage bill before the legislative session ends in January. Christie says he would veto such a bill, while lame-duck Gov. Jon Corzine, a Democrat, says he would sign it.
- In Iowa, where the state Supreme Court legalized gay marriage last April, conservatives have no quick way to overturn the ruling. Their only option would be to amend the state constitution through a ballot measure - in 2014 at the earliest - and that effort would need approval from a legislature whose current Democratic leaders don't even want to debate the issue.
- In New Hampshire, conservatives have filed legislation to repeal the state's new gay-marriage law and amend the constitution to ban such unions. Kevin Smith, executive director of the conservative Cornerstone Policy Research, said he doubts the measures will pass, but hopes the vote in Maine will give gay-marriage opponents ammunition for the 2010 elections.
"It gives us more fodder to go back to people and say, 'Look, they aren't letting you vote on it,'" Smith said.
- In Washington, D.C., conservatives are trying to force a popular vote on a bill headed toward City Council approval that would legalize gay marriage. Michael Crawford, one of the leaders of the local pro-gay marriage campaign, said the result in Maine increased his determination to avoid a ballot measure.
"The same cabal of anti-gay groups who stripped away marriage equality from our families in California and Maine now have their sights on D.C.," he said.
Crawford was among numerous gay rights leaders complaining about the campaign tactics of the groups that opposed same-sex marriage in Maine and California.
In both states, California-based political strategist Frank Schubert oversaw an advertising campaign warning that "homosexual marriage" would be taught in public schools.
The campaign to defend gay marriage countered that Maine's state curriculum guidelines contain no reference to marriage, and the state's Democratic attorney general, Janet Mills, issued an opinion backing that up. But the ads continued.
"It is infuriating to see that the same fear-mongering ads that were used to pass Prop. 8 a year ago have triumphed again at the expense of so many," said Joe Solmonese of the Human Rights Campaign, the largest national gay rights group.
Tony Perkins, president of the conservative Family Research Council, came away with a different message.
"Over and over again, the American people have affirmed marriage at the ballot box and turned aside the demands of a movement that remains largely driven by Hollywood, some extreme activists and a few activist judges," he said. "We hope the message sent by Maine's voters will be heard in Washington and state capitals around the nation."
---
David Crary reported from New York.
By LISA LEFF and DAVID CRARY
Associated Press Writers
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Stunned and angry, national gay rights leaders Wednesday blamed scare-mongering ads - and President Barack Obama's lack of engagement - for a bitter election setback in Maine that could alter the dynamics for both sides in the gay-marriage debate.
Conservatives, in contrast, celebrated Maine voters' rejection of a law that would have allowed gay couples to wed, depicting it as a warning shot that should deter politicians in other states from pushing for same-sex marriage.
"Every time the citizens have voted on marriage, they have always sided with natural marriage," said Mathew Staver, founder of Liberty Counsel, a Florida-based Christian legal group. "Maine dramatically illustrates the will of the people, and politicians should wake up and listen."
Gay activists were frustrated that Obama, who insists he staunchly supports their overall civil rights agenda, didn't speak out forcefully in defense of Maine's marriage law before Tuesday's referendum. The law was repealed in a vote of 53 percent to 47 percent.
"President Obama missed an opportunity to state his position against these discriminatory attacks with the clarity and moral imperative that would have helped in this close fight," said Evan Wolfson of the national advocacy group Freedom to Marry. "The anti-gay forces are throwing millions of dollars into various unsubtle ads aimed at scaring people, so subtle statements from the White House are not enough."
The White House, asked about the criticism, had no immediate comment.
The marriage debate is simmering in at least a half-dozen states where a same-sex marriage bill is pending or where a court ruling or existing law is being eyed by conservatives for possible challenge.
Had Maine's law been upheld by voters, it would have become the sixth state to legalize gay marriage - and the first to affirm it by popular vote. In Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, New Hampshire and Iowa, gay marriage resulted from court decisions or legislation.
California is sure to be a major battleground over the next several years. Last year, conservatives succeeded in winning public approval of Proposition 8, which overturned a state court ruling allowing gay marriage. Gay rights groups want to take the issue back to the voters but are divided on a timetable.
In the aftermath of the Maine vote, some California activists appealed to their supporters for money to help them put a measure on the 2010 ballot. Other activist leaders want to wait until 2012.
"It's never too early to go back to right a fundamental wrong," said Chaz Lowe of Yes! on Equality, who favors shooting for 2010. "A lot of people are angry, a lot of people are upset. It at least has the potential to be a mobilization for the grass roots."
Some California activists said the outcome in Maine strengthened their belief that it will fall to the U.S. Supreme Court - not the voters - to make gay marriage legal. A federal lawsuit challenging Prop. 8 is scheduled to go to trial in January, the first step in a legal journey that is expected to reach the high court in a few years.
"The results in Maine underscore exactly why we are challenging California's same-sex marriage ban," said Chad Griffin, president of the American Foundation for Equal Rights, the Los Angeles group spearheading the lawsuit. "The U.S. Constitution guarantees equal rights to every American, and when those rights are violated, it is the role of our courts to protect us, regardless of what the polls say."
The situation elsewhere:
- In New Jersey, the election Tuesday of Republican Chris Christie as governor puts extra pressure on gay rights supporters to win passage of a pending same-sex marriage bill before the legislative session ends in January. Christie says he would veto such a bill, while lame-duck Gov. Jon Corzine, a Democrat, says he would sign it.
- In Iowa, where the state Supreme Court legalized gay marriage last April, conservatives have no quick way to overturn the ruling. Their only option would be to amend the state constitution through a ballot measure - in 2014 at the earliest - and that effort would need approval from a legislature whose current Democratic leaders don't even want to debate the issue.
- In New Hampshire, conservatives have filed legislation to repeal the state's new gay-marriage law and amend the constitution to ban such unions. Kevin Smith, executive director of the conservative Cornerstone Policy Research, said he doubts the measures will pass, but hopes the vote in Maine will give gay-marriage opponents ammunition for the 2010 elections.
"It gives us more fodder to go back to people and say, 'Look, they aren't letting you vote on it,'" Smith said.
- In Washington, D.C., conservatives are trying to force a popular vote on a bill headed toward City Council approval that would legalize gay marriage. Michael Crawford, one of the leaders of the local pro-gay marriage campaign, said the result in Maine increased his determination to avoid a ballot measure.
"The same cabal of anti-gay groups who stripped away marriage equality from our families in California and Maine now have their sights on D.C.," he said.
Crawford was among numerous gay rights leaders complaining about the campaign tactics of the groups that opposed same-sex marriage in Maine and California.
In both states, California-based political strategist Frank Schubert oversaw an advertising campaign warning that "homosexual marriage" would be taught in public schools.
The campaign to defend gay marriage countered that Maine's state curriculum guidelines contain no reference to marriage, and the state's Democratic attorney general, Janet Mills, issued an opinion backing that up. But the ads continued.
"It is infuriating to see that the same fear-mongering ads that were used to pass Prop. 8 a year ago have triumphed again at the expense of so many," said Joe Solmonese of the Human Rights Campaign, the largest national gay rights group.
Tony Perkins, president of the conservative Family Research Council, came away with a different message.
"Over and over again, the American people have affirmed marriage at the ballot box and turned aside the demands of a movement that remains largely driven by Hollywood, some extreme activists and a few activist judges," he said. "We hope the message sent by Maine's voters will be heard in Washington and state capitals around the nation."
---
David Crary reported from New York.
ISML 2009: Hinagiku Katsura brings the Tiara to Hakuoh!
November 3, 2009
On an Election Day where thousands of Americans went off to vote for their candidates, and the fans have spoken. Hinagiku Katsura is your 2009 International Saimoe League Champion.
In one of the largest turnouts in the history of the young competition, the student council president of Hakuoh Academy prevailed. Katsura, an expert kendo practitioner and love interest of Hayate Ayasaki (along with Nagi Sanzen'in) defeated Shana in a thrilling 2117-2106 nail-biter of a contest at the core of the Big Dog, the Star of Sirius.
The victory sparked wild celebrations across the school and at the Sanzen'in estate in Nerima, Tokyo.
At Hakuoh, fans witnessed Katsura return from Sirius via teleportation, holding the prestigious crown and her kendo sword while wearing a restored version of her outfit, which was torn from battle.
"I have never felt so good in my life," Katsura said, shedding tears of joy. "The last time I won something meaningful was a few years ago, when I won the Korean Best Moe tournament. To succeed Fate Testarossa Harlaown and win the International Saimoe League...it's like a dream come true.
"I feel like I am in heaven, and I'm floating over the world drenched in the air of victory. I will remember this moment for the rest of my life."
The rally concluded with Katsura singing some of her hits from her album, as well as a stirring rendition of Kotoko's "Hayate no Gotoku!"
"We knew that once she defeated Shana," explained Ayasaki, "that she had it. She was facing a tough go at it, but once Katsura had that advantage, it was a done deal. Hinagiku is the best in the world. There is no denying it now."
"I am going to go naked and get drunk and freewheel around the campus," said a rather buzzed Yukiji Katsura. "My younger sister did it! Banzai Hina-chan! Banzai!!! Yeah!"
Meanwhile, it was a somber mood at the Shana camp.
"Well that sucked," said Margery Daw. "We were hoping for her to pull through. In the end, we didn't have enough leverage to figure Hinagiku out. That proved to be Shana's undoing."
Shana was unavailable for comment. However her personal speaker/agent, Alastor, quoted, "My master is very disappointed to see the lack of fan support for her cause. She congratulated Hinagiku Katsura in her victory while conceding defeat, but denounces the lack of voters supporting her. My master wishes to not comment any further on the defeat, and looks forward to the 2010 season."
Some Hakuoh students were in disbelief that Katsura, an #11 seed, could go on to win the entire tournament. However, Ayumu Nishizawa just had a feeling that things would go her way.
"You have to believe," Nishizawa said. "I did, and this is your result. Anything is possible in the ISML. Katsura-san proved that."
With the win, Katsura is the first competitor not in the top 16 to win the title, and becomes the first competitor to win at least one necklace on route to the Tiara.
---
A special exhibition in Madrid saw Haruka Nogizaka crush Yin of Darker than Black 2766-1328. "It's going to be a thrill for me to take on Hinagiku Katsura," Nogizaka said after the contest. "I even have her uniform and replicas of her clothing-down to her pantsu and spats-in my room. I congratulate Hinagiku-chan on her win, and I want to challenge her next year."
In Round 11 of the ISML Relegation, Mai Kawasumi finished at the top, in spite of losing to Reimu Hakurei 2126-2088 in Cairo. Index Prohibitorum finished her run with a 2185-1958 win over Chii inTokyo, Sayuri Kurata wrapped up her run with a 2184-1836 win over Nayuki Minase in New York City, Yuuhi Katagiri ended her campaign on a high note with a 2526-1633 victory over Evangeline McDowell in Buenos Aires, Hayate Yagami took out Vita 2409-1598 in Moscow, Mikoto Misaka ran down Misuzu Kamio 2244-1978 in London and Louise Francoise Le Blanc de La Valliere-who will return next season anyway due to her finish in Japan-wrapped up her run with a 2502-1709 trouncing of Ayu Tsukimiya in Sydney.
The ISML Tiara may have been decided, but the ISML Relegation Tournament is far from over. On Thursday, the season concludes with a series of exhibitions in New York, Buenos Aires, Cairo, Moscow, London and Sydney. And the Relegation Finals in Tokyo will put the 2009 International Saimoe League season to rest.
2009 INTERNATIONAL SAIMOE LEAGUE
FINAL TOP 16
1. Hinagiku Katsura (C) (RUB)
2. Shana (SAP)
3. Tomoyo Sakagami (AQ)
4. Yuki Nagato (TOP)
5. Kyou Fujibayashi
6. Fate Testarossa Harlaown
7. Taiga Aisaka
8. Kagami Hiiragi
9. Haruhi Suzumiya
10. Mikuru Asahina
11. Rin Tosaka
12. Suigintou (AM)
13. Horo
14. Nanoha Takamachi
15. Suiseiseki (EM)
16. Shinku (DIA)
C = ISML Champion
AQ = Aquamarine necklace champion
TOP = Topaz necklace champion
AM = Amethyst necklace champion
SAP = Sapphire necklace champion
EM = Emerald necklace champion
RUB = Ruby necklace champion
DIA = Diamond necklace champion
Reflections on Melody Ross
It's not characteristic of me to talk about a school who I despise out of envy, at least in terms of their athletic programs. Lakewood had finished second to Wilson in girls' golf, volleyball and tennis, and I wondered; just how many more times are we going to finish runner-up to them?
But as an alumnus of a school whose district is shared by the other, as well as four other major Long Beach high school, I write this in solidarity.
As you all know, Melody Ross was a 16-year old pole vaulter/honors student at Wilson when she was shot, donning the garment of Kara Zor-El, known as Supergirl. This tragedy spread like wildfire, and people are still talking about the magnitude of the crime.
The gunman is still at large, but it looks to me that fate may be closing in on him soon. I'll curse the day the fates buy him time to atone for his crimes.
Anyway, here's how I got the news. I was at my school's homecoming game with Millikan. We trashed the Rams 60-7. It was a mess. So I head to the bus, but I end up missing it. I thought that was the 101 or 103 bus heading to the Westside. Turns out, that was just the bus heading towards Seventh Street. After I get off the 103 and head home, I trade shots with some of the people at the Long Beach Post web site, and then I get this news: "Friday Night Shootings: One At Wilson High, One Officer-Involved."
Uh oh. I read more news, and then I see the comments come out left and right on this event. I thought, man, I gotta take a look at this. I wasn't there to take a glimpse at what happened last night, but I could have if I made it time to get on board that 93 heading downtown.
So when I passed by on Saturday, everything was quiet. I was singing "I Believe" by the Blessid Union of Souls on my iPod. I saw a few posters celebrating Homecoming, and then I walk by a throng of students surrounding a set of flowers, candles and incense.
Then I pass by the stadium. Above the stands I could see arcs of ballons in Wilson's colors, a sad reminder of what was a day to celebrate the return of Bruins past and the great deeds of superheroes turn into a unforgettable, unforgivable Nightmare on Ximeno Avenue. I had to hold back tears after coming to terms with this.
Even some Lakewood Lancers fans went to send their condolences. The Lancers are scheduled to face the Bruins on November 13. I screamed to the heavens, "Justice Will Be Served! Rest In Peace!"
And the healing process continues. I start to question if the season finale is going to be held at Wilson, especially after seeing this unfold. I would rather see this at Vets Stadium, if only for the safety of the players, fans, students, etc.
Rest in peace, noble Bruin. As your mother said to you before you went, "You can fly now."
But as an alumnus of a school whose district is shared by the other, as well as four other major Long Beach high school, I write this in solidarity.
As you all know, Melody Ross was a 16-year old pole vaulter/honors student at Wilson when she was shot, donning the garment of Kara Zor-El, known as Supergirl. This tragedy spread like wildfire, and people are still talking about the magnitude of the crime.
The gunman is still at large, but it looks to me that fate may be closing in on him soon. I'll curse the day the fates buy him time to atone for his crimes.
Anyway, here's how I got the news. I was at my school's homecoming game with Millikan. We trashed the Rams 60-7. It was a mess. So I head to the bus, but I end up missing it. I thought that was the 101 or 103 bus heading to the Westside. Turns out, that was just the bus heading towards Seventh Street. After I get off the 103 and head home, I trade shots with some of the people at the Long Beach Post web site, and then I get this news: "Friday Night Shootings: One At Wilson High, One Officer-Involved."
Uh oh. I read more news, and then I see the comments come out left and right on this event. I thought, man, I gotta take a look at this. I wasn't there to take a glimpse at what happened last night, but I could have if I made it time to get on board that 93 heading downtown.
So when I passed by on Saturday, everything was quiet. I was singing "I Believe" by the Blessid Union of Souls on my iPod. I saw a few posters celebrating Homecoming, and then I walk by a throng of students surrounding a set of flowers, candles and incense.
Then I pass by the stadium. Above the stands I could see arcs of ballons in Wilson's colors, a sad reminder of what was a day to celebrate the return of Bruins past and the great deeds of superheroes turn into a unforgettable, unforgivable Nightmare on Ximeno Avenue. I had to hold back tears after coming to terms with this.
Even some Lakewood Lancers fans went to send their condolences. The Lancers are scheduled to face the Bruins on November 13. I screamed to the heavens, "Justice Will Be Served! Rest In Peace!"
And the healing process continues. I start to question if the season finale is going to be held at Wilson, especially after seeing this unfold. I would rather see this at Vets Stadium, if only for the safety of the players, fans, students, etc.
Rest in peace, noble Bruin. As your mother said to you before you went, "You can fly now."
BoBA ISML 2009 Predictions: Tiara Final, ISML Relegation & Special Exhibition
2009 ISML Tiara Final
ARENA 01: [Katsura Hinagiku] Shana
2009 ISML Relegation
ARENA 02: Chii [Index Prohibitorum]
ARENA 03: [Minase Nayuki] Kurata Sayuri
ARENA 04: Evangeline McDowell [Katagiri Yūhi]
ARENA 05: Hakurei Reimu [Kawasumi Mai]
ARENA 06: [Vita] Yagami Hayate
ARENA 07: Kamio Misuzu [Misaka Mikoto]
ARENA 08: Tsukimiya Ayu [Louise Vallière]
ISML Special Exhibition
ARENA 09: [Nogizaka Haruka] Yin
ARENA 01: [Katsura Hinagiku] Shana
2009 ISML Relegation
ARENA 02: Chii [Index Prohibitorum]
ARENA 03: [Minase Nayuki] Kurata Sayuri
ARENA 04: Evangeline McDowell [Katagiri Yūhi]
ARENA 05: Hakurei Reimu [Kawasumi Mai]
ARENA 06: [Vita] Yagami Hayate
ARENA 07: Kamio Misuzu [Misaka Mikoto]
ARENA 08: Tsukimiya Ayu [Louise Vallière]
ISML Special Exhibition
ARENA 09: [Nogizaka Haruka] Yin
ISML 2009: Shana gets another crack at Hina in the final
ISML 2009: Shana gets another crack at Hina in the final
October 31, 2009
Is Hinagiku Katsura a psychic? Or has CLANNAD simply been a bust against in the International Saimoe League?
One thing's for sure: the fiery-eyed sensation wants payback after getting a little payback of her own with a 1601-1157 victory at the Convection Zone of the Big Dog, the Star of Sirius.
"It's not over till it's over," Shana said, munching on her 120th melon bread loaf-a personal record. "I wanted to get another shot at setting things straight. If I have to do it twice, I got no problems doing it. So I will need to ask my fans and myself to give it all they got, and give it all I got, respectively.
"We are at the crossroads. And now, it's time to put up.
Katsura was not surprised by the result.
"I beat her once, all I need to do is get it done one more time, and the tiara will rest at the Hakuoh Academy come November," she said with a wink and a thumbs-up.
"We are ready to finish this with a bang."
In the 5th place contest, Kyou Fujibayashi spared complete CLANNAD blushed by defeating the dethroned Fate Testarossa Harlaown 1410-1326 at the South Pole.
A close exhibition in Madrid saw 11Eyes's Misuzu Kusakabe edge Sora no Otoshimono's Ikaros 1199-1184. "Where I come from, I have the blood of the demon in me, and I can bring out one of my Five Treasures out with the snap of my fingers," Kusakabe explained. "It's pretty handy."
"I enjoyed this battle. I am cheering personally for Shana because of the way she slashes her opponents with great facility is noteworthy."
In ISML Relegation action, Chii defeated Vita 1308-1254 in Tokyo, Nayuki Minase denied Evangeline McDowell 1398-1213 in New York City, Mai Kawasumi easily outdueled close friend Sayuri Kurata 1472-994 in Buenos Aires, Reimu Hakurei won a 197-1283 thriller over Index L. Prohibitorum in Cairo, Louise Francoise Le Blanc De La Valliere crushed Yuuhi Katagiri 1563-1079 in Moscow, Mikoto Misaka laid the voltage on Hayate Yagami 1544-1030 in London and Ayu Tsukimiya whipped past Misuzu Kamio 1283-1171 in Sydney.
October 31, 2009
Is Hinagiku Katsura a psychic? Or has CLANNAD simply been a bust against in the International Saimoe League?
One thing's for sure: the fiery-eyed sensation wants payback after getting a little payback of her own with a 1601-1157 victory at the Convection Zone of the Big Dog, the Star of Sirius.
"It's not over till it's over," Shana said, munching on her 120th melon bread loaf-a personal record. "I wanted to get another shot at setting things straight. If I have to do it twice, I got no problems doing it. So I will need to ask my fans and myself to give it all they got, and give it all I got, respectively.
"We are at the crossroads. And now, it's time to put up.
Katsura was not surprised by the result.
"I beat her once, all I need to do is get it done one more time, and the tiara will rest at the Hakuoh Academy come November," she said with a wink and a thumbs-up.
"We are ready to finish this with a bang."
In the 5th place contest, Kyou Fujibayashi spared complete CLANNAD blushed by defeating the dethroned Fate Testarossa Harlaown 1410-1326 at the South Pole.
A close exhibition in Madrid saw 11Eyes's Misuzu Kusakabe edge Sora no Otoshimono's Ikaros 1199-1184. "Where I come from, I have the blood of the demon in me, and I can bring out one of my Five Treasures out with the snap of my fingers," Kusakabe explained. "It's pretty handy."
"I enjoyed this battle. I am cheering personally for Shana because of the way she slashes her opponents with great facility is noteworthy."
In ISML Relegation action, Chii defeated Vita 1308-1254 in Tokyo, Nayuki Minase denied Evangeline McDowell 1398-1213 in New York City, Mai Kawasumi easily outdueled close friend Sayuri Kurata 1472-994 in Buenos Aires, Reimu Hakurei won a 197-1283 thriller over Index L. Prohibitorum in Cairo, Louise Francoise Le Blanc De La Valliere crushed Yuuhi Katagiri 1563-1079 in Moscow, Mikoto Misaka laid the voltage on Hayate Yagami 1544-1030 in London and Ayu Tsukimiya whipped past Misuzu Kamio 1283-1171 in Sydney.
BoBA 2009 ISML Predictions: Tiara Loser's Bracket Final, Special Exhibition, 5th Place & ISML Relegation
ISML Tiara Loser's Bracket Final
ARENA 01: [Sakagami Tomoyo] Shana
ISML 5th Place
ARENA 02: Fujibayashi Kyō [Fate Testarossa]
ISML Relegation
ARENA 03: Chii [Vita]
ARENA 04: [Minase Nayuki] Evangeline McDowell
ARENA 05: Kurata Sayuri [Kawasumi Mai]
ARENA 06: Index Prohibitorum [Hakurei Reimu]
ARENA 07: Katagiri Yūhi [Louise Vallière]
ARENA 08: [Misaka Mikoto] Yagami Hayate
ARENA 09: [Tsukimiya Ayu] Kamio Misuzu
Special Exhibition
ARENA 10: [Kusakabe Misuzu] Ikaros
ARENA 01: [Sakagami Tomoyo] Shana
ISML 5th Place
ARENA 02: Fujibayashi Kyō [Fate Testarossa]
ISML Relegation
ARENA 03: Chii [Vita]
ARENA 04: [Minase Nayuki] Evangeline McDowell
ARENA 05: Kurata Sayuri [Kawasumi Mai]
ARENA 06: Index Prohibitorum [Hakurei Reimu]
ARENA 07: Katagiri Yūhi [Louise Vallière]
ARENA 08: [Misaka Mikoto] Yagami Hayate
ARENA 09: [Tsukimiya Ayu] Kamio Misuzu
Special Exhibition
ARENA 10: [Kusakabe Misuzu] Ikaros
Meet Jesse Scroggins.
Getting To Know: Lakewood QB Jesse Scroggins
by Brian Baiotto | Lakewood | 10.29.09 |
Being Jesse Scroggins has got to be a pretty cool thing these days.
The popular Lakewood High School senior is arguably the best quarterback on the most prolific team in the Long Beach area, and after his prep days are over, the Lancers captain will be heading to USC to play for Pete Carroll.
As excited as Scroggins is to be part of the Trojans machine, he’s committed completely to finishing out his senior year on a high note with the teammates/friends he's known since his early childhood.
Lakewood (7-1, 4-0) has already made history with its 21-14 victory over Poly on Oct. 9— a feat that snapped the Jackrabbits' 80-game Moore League win streak— but with wins over Millikan and Wilson, the Lancers would win their first Moore League title since Ronald Reagan was president (1982) and head to the playoffs on a nine-game win streak.
Scroggins has completed 100 of 159 passes (63%) for 1,474 yards and 23 touchdowns. He has only been picked off three times all season, and his numbers would be even greater if he hadn't sat out five quarters of football with games out of reach.
All this success isn’t anything new, Scroggins is 24-7 in his third year as the signal caller for Lakewood and each year has become more mature as a player and a person. He's thrown touchdowns in 28 of the 31 games he's started, including 19 straight and to 11 different receivers this year. All that equals 63 career touchdowns to just 15 interceptions.
Scroggins' arm strength is that of an elite quarterback, but it’s his God-given instincts that separate him from the pack. His journey to stardom at Lakewood, however, is solely attributed to the courage of his parents, Jesse Sr., and Jeri, who rose from less than ideal conditions to provide for their three children.
Jesse Sr. met his future wife in the U.S. Army, and continued on to the U.S. Postal Service where they've both been employed for over 20 years. It’s the poverty and adverse conditions that both parents have risen above that truly exemplifies the American Dream.
“My wife lived in a one-room shack as a kid and I was around the projects where people I knew were in gangs, doing drugs, getting pregnant and going to jail,” says Jesse Scroggins Sr. of his past. “I knew this wasn't the kind of life I wanted and it was certainly not the type of life I was going to provide for my kids.”
With a solid home life in place, young Jesse’s first athletic break came in the seventh grade when he met Thadd MacNeal at a football camp at Los Alamitos.
MacNeal, a former quarterback in the San Diego area, took Scroggins under his wings and is credited by both father and son as being the man who has gotten Scroggins to break out of his shell.
“Coach Mac has been my main mentor since the seventh grade,” Scroggins said. “I wasn't maturing my sophomore year, and I decided I needed this man and that he knew what he's talking about and we haven't looked back since.” MacNeal has produced 12 quarterbacks for the Division 1 level, so his credibility is very high among his players.
For MacNeal, it’s taken patience to get Scroggins to the high level he performs at now.
“Jesse used to be a kid who liked to joke around and we weren't always sure he would take this as seriously as he should, but he's grown into a leader and he leads by example,” MacNeal says of his quarterback. “As a former quarterback, I am very hard on that position and want to make him a perfectionist. I want to condition him for the next level.”
The Lancers and their coaching staff are focused on Millikan and Wilson over the final two weeks, but took the time to look back at their first victory over Poly in 26 years.
“The quarterback gets all the credit and all the blame (fairly or unfairly) for how their team does, and the difference between last year and this year is that Jesse's maturity allowed him to make plays and he made the difference. It was an unbelievable feeling to be part of it and I think I had over 100 text messages and 50 emails after that game.”
A humble Scroggins took very little personal glory after handling the Jackrabbits.
“This is something we'll always be remembered for and be proud of, but we truly did this for all the alumni here at Lakewood that worked so hard before us and that supported us,” Scroggins said. “My cell phone was out of order for four days because people were just blowing it up.”
In the area, there is a lot of animosity in the sports world, but Scroggins wanted to make one thing clear about Poly football.
Said Scroggins: “A lot of people talk and say things that don't always come off as respectful, and I think what gets lost is that we all have a tremendous amount of respect for what Poly has been and what their tradition is. It’s that success and tradition that they've earned that makes beating them such a great feeling.”
Lakewood's lone loss (28-27) came to a top-ranked Crenshaw team that has outscored its opponents by 242 points in seven games. The loss served as a wake up call to a team that was showered with pre-season predictions this summer.
“They are a great team, but we learned early that we couldn't make the mistakes we did and expect to beat quality teams,” MacNeal said.
Scroggins is far from the only star on the Lancers roster, and it’s the friendships he has developed that mean as much or more than his success on the field.
Defensive back Dion Bailey is heading to USC with Scroggins, while Justin Utupo (Notre Dame), Kevin Anderson (ASU, 26 catches, 479 yards and seven touchdowns), leading tackler Todd Barr, Keanu Kalolo and three-year starter Brennen Kelly have all had huge years for Lakewood.
“Jesse is a great teammate and is someone that’s fun to just watch, because he's that good,” said Kevin Anderson. “He and the rest of our teammates have come together and become the team people expected us to be because we worked so hard together and are a very close unit.”
Lakewood hopes to finish with a Moore League title and a Pac-5 championship, but for Jesse Scroggins Sr., his son has already turned his sacrifices into a touchdown.
“Jesse has options I didn't even know were possible when I was a kid, and he's made my wife and me proud that he's become a role model to our younger kids (Jerin and Jessica) and to others. I am more proud of what he is off the field than what he's done on it, because as parents, we worked so hard to provide this opportunity for him to turn out this way,” Mr. Scroggins said.
For Jesse, his parents are his heroes, his coaches are his mentors, and his teammates are valued friends he hopes to remain in touch with over his lifetime.
“Having these guys as my friends made the journey so much more meaningful, and I know I'll be remembered as the quarterback that finally beat Poly, but if I could tell my younger teammates one thing to remember me by, it would be that hard work pays off,” Scroggins said.
For MacNeal, Scroggins will be remembered as “the best quarterback in Lakewood history that broke all the major records, and someone who trusted me and wanted to become the best player he possibly could be.”
Regardless of what bloggers who don't like Lakewood will inevitably say, Scroggins and his Lancers teammates have answered all their critics with one word: SCOREBOARD!
Congratulations on living the dream, you Hispanithugs.
Four Charged in California Homecoming Gang Rape
Gang Rape Suspects Range in Age From 15 to 21
By SARAH NETTER and EMILY FRIEDMAN
Oct. 28, 2009—Four out of five suspects arrested in connection with the publicly witnessed, hours-long gang rape of a 15-year-old girl outside of her California high school's homecoming dance face charges that could send them to prison for life, police said.
Manuel Ortega, a 19-year-old former Richmond High School student, has been charged with robbery, assault with a deadly weapon causing great bodily injury, rape in concert [gang rape] and rape with violence, according to Richmond Police Lt. Mark Gagan.
The Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office is going to ask for a life sentence for Ortega, Gagan said. His bail has been set at $1,230,000
The other three suspects are juveniles, ages 15, 16 and 17, but are to be charged as adults, and the D.A.'s office will seek life sentences for the trio, Gagan said.
The three juveniles are being held without bail on charges of rape in concert and penetration with an foreign object in concert. In addition, the 16-year-old will be charged with robbery.
A fifth suspect, 21-year-old Salvador Rodriguez, arrested Tuesday night, has not yet been charged, although the district attorney's office continues to investigate his role.
Estimates of the number of people present for the more-than-two-hour assault Saturday night have grown. Initially, police believed 20 people either took part in the attack or watched it happen.
Police now believe that as many as 10 suspects took part in the gang rape, while 20 others stood by and watched the crime occur in a dimly lit corner of the sprawling campus, according to KGO.
No one who was present during the assault tried to stop it or called police. Instead, some of those watched the attack are suspected of taking pictures, police told ABC's KGO-TV in San Francisco.
KGO reported that police were called only after someone who was not at the scene heard people talking about the attack, which was still going on.
Police officers found the girl semi-conscious, curled up near a lunch table.
Gagan said the Richmond Police Department is pleased with the district attorney's aggressive approach in prosecuting the case.
Richmond police arrested three people Tuesday night, including the 17-year-old boy, who turned himself in to police after authorities visited his home earlier in the day, according to KGO-TV.
The 16-year-old boy and Rodriguez also were among the suspects taken into custody Tuesday night, joining two other young men who police already had apprehended.
The 15-year-old boy was arrested Monday after he was pulled out of class for questioning. He is believed to have known the rape victim.
"These are people who played a significant role in the incident," Gagan told the Associated Press. "I'm confident that more arrests will be made."
An official with the school district said Tuesday officials were praying for the victim's recovery but also defended school security, saying that when the students leave the dance, "we don't take them home."
West Contra Costa Unified School District spokesman Marin Trujillo told ABCNews.com that there were four police officers, five chaperones and a host of teachers to supervise the dance, and that when the event was over a sweep was made of the campus to make sure everyone had gone home.
The corner on the outskirts of school grounds where the girl was attacked, he said, was not part of the search.
"I bet this is a learning incident," Trujillo said, referring to the way they searched the campus.
Nevertheless, the school spokesman said it's up to parents to make sure their children get safely home from these types of dances.
"Once the child leaves the dance, we don't take them home," Trujillo said.
The spokesman later told KGO, "The dance itself was a success in terms of safety. Nothing happened at the event. We're currently exploring our protocols to make sure that we can expand them, and make sure that this isolated incident doesn't get repeated again."
Police had a different view.
"These suspects are monsters. And, I don't understand how this many people capable of such atrocious behavior could be in one place at one time," Gagan told KGO.
No One at Gang Rape Reported It to Police
Dara Cashman, head of the Contra Costa County Sex Assault Unit, indicated that witnesses who did not come to the girl's aid or call police were unlikely to be charged with a crime unless they aided the assault.According to news reports, the girl left the high school's homecoming dance alone around 9:30 p.m. Saturday to get a ride home with her dad.
Instead, she met up with a group of people who were drinking on the edge of campus.
"The series of events that occurred over the next 2½ hours got more severe and more vicious to where she was ultimately gang raped and beaten, and her injuries were so severe that she had to be sent to the hospital in a helicopter," Gagan told KGO.
Trujillo described the mood at Richmond High School is "somber." Counselors and members of the school's crisis team have remained at the school as students -- some who are still not sure who the victim is -- wonder if every absent girl was the one who was attacked.
Trujillo said the school district was not notified officially about the incident until the next morning, though some officials had heard about it on the news.
Trujillo said that school officials had recently approved a "very costly" security system, but that it had not yet been installed. Security cameras already installed in the school are not believed to be functional, he said, but there were no cameras pointed at the spot where the rape happened.
One student, 16-year-old Jennie Steinberg, told the Associated Press that her mother has let her transfer from the school Tuesday.
"It's not safe there at all," she said. "I'm not going back."
Trujillo said 1,688 students attend Richmond High School, which has a banner outside naming it "most improved."
BoBA 2009 ISML Predictions: Tiara Loser's Bracket Final
Tomoyo Sakagami def. Shana by <100 votes
Over/Under: 2400
Over
Over
ISML 2009: Tomoyo Sakagami shuts out SOS Brigade, Kurimu makes her mark
ISML 2009: Tomoyo Sakagami shuts out SOS Brigade, Kurimu makes her mark
October 27, 2009
Tomoyo Sakagami has secured a date with Shana for a spot in the 2009 International Saimoe League Tiara final. She defeated Yuki Nagato, 1156-1034, in a bitter contest on the surface of the Big Dog, the Star of Sirius.
"I am honored to be in the top three," said Sakagami, who ironically is seeded third in the Tiara, "but as we all should know, the job's far from done. Shana want another crack at Hinagiku Katsura. I've had success against her before, so the way I approached the last contest will have to be built on."
Meanwhile, another new face arrived on the fray at the Madrid ISML Exhibition Arena. Kurimu Sakurano, from Seitokai no Ichizon, thumped Kampfer's Natsuru Seno 1268-709. "I have the utmost respect for those battling for the Tiara," said Sakurano after the contest. "I would love to take part in next year's content, if I am given the opportunity."
Reprising her 2009 Anizone Best Moe Tournament victory, Taiga Aisaka defeate Kagami Hiiragi, 1111-1065, to secure 7th place.
In ISML Relegation action, Index L. Prohibitorum defeated Misuzu Kamio 1054-1026 in Tokyo, Nayuki Minase prevailed over Chii 1087-971 in New York, Mai Kawasumi slashed past Evangeline McDowell 1279-830 in Buenos Aires, Louise Francoise Le Blanc De La Valliere defeated Reimu Hakurei 1147-952 in Cairo, Sayuri Kurata took down Hayate Yagami 1077-1010 in Moscow, Yuuhi Katagiri tore down Vita 1076-902 in London and Mikoto Misaka laid the biribiri on Ayu Tsukimiya 1191-956 in Sydney.
October 27, 2009
Tomoyo Sakagami has secured a date with Shana for a spot in the 2009 International Saimoe League Tiara final. She defeated Yuki Nagato, 1156-1034, in a bitter contest on the surface of the Big Dog, the Star of Sirius.
"I am honored to be in the top three," said Sakagami, who ironically is seeded third in the Tiara, "but as we all should know, the job's far from done. Shana want another crack at Hinagiku Katsura. I've had success against her before, so the way I approached the last contest will have to be built on."
Meanwhile, another new face arrived on the fray at the Madrid ISML Exhibition Arena. Kurimu Sakurano, from Seitokai no Ichizon, thumped Kampfer's Natsuru Seno 1268-709. "I have the utmost respect for those battling for the Tiara," said Sakurano after the contest. "I would love to take part in next year's content, if I am given the opportunity."
Reprising her 2009 Anizone Best Moe Tournament victory, Taiga Aisaka defeate Kagami Hiiragi, 1111-1065, to secure 7th place.
In ISML Relegation action, Index L. Prohibitorum defeated Misuzu Kamio 1054-1026 in Tokyo, Nayuki Minase prevailed over Chii 1087-971 in New York, Mai Kawasumi slashed past Evangeline McDowell 1279-830 in Buenos Aires, Louise Francoise Le Blanc De La Valliere defeated Reimu Hakurei 1147-952 in Cairo, Sayuri Kurata took down Hayate Yagami 1077-1010 in Moscow, Yuuhi Katagiri tore down Vita 1076-902 in London and Mikoto Misaka laid the biribiri on Ayu Tsukimiya 1191-956 in Sydney.
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