We Make History.

To me, South Korea is at the center of the gaming universe. They have professional teams that treat online gaming as a sport, and late last night, I saw that put to work in the form of a team of Koreans named Samsung White, who schooled the Star Horn Royal Club in the League Of Legends World Championship Final at Seoul World Cup Stadium before a crowd of 40,000, Imagine Dragons and all. What I like about Korean gamers is their pace and high difficulty level. Their matches are quick, no-nonsense precision games similar to the hurry-up offense in football or the direct football you see at soccer matches.

It's the uptempo, high-paced style of Samsung White that has made them the kings of League of Legends, although to be honest, it's a game that I don't like to play, since I have another online game that I invest more of my money on: Pangya. Hours after Samsung White delivered another all-world performance in Seoul, I had made my own personal history by becoming a World Pro in Pangya, reaching the World Pro E rank after one year, three months and 19 days in.

For me, this was a bright spot in what had been a difficult week of everything not going according to plan. I reserve the right not to go into the details, but it was rough and this was one of a few things that did go right for me. I remember my old friend, MS_Aries, who used to be a part of the game before she left the game a few months ago. I spent the last 80 days playing games against my alternate account, got a lot of caddies trained and now I am closing in on fully training another caddie, the Big Red Papel.

I think this is a point in my Pangya journey where I can hit cruise control. Now that I have reached what I feel is one of the most prestigious of ranks (although entering the Master ranks would also be nice), I can spend the next year walking up the World Pro ranks because most of the heavy lifting is pretty much done. But there may be a part of me that decides to make a quiet push for the Master ranks. I'm not gonna worry about that at this point.

In any case, I, like the boys from Samsung White, made history and hit a milestone as an online gamer. Things can only get better from here.

2channel Anime Saimoe 2014: Third Round Results, Match Day 8

Nブロック代表暫定結果
1位　155票　辻垣内智葉＠咲-Saki- 全国編 '
2位　79票　比企谷小町＠やはり俺の青春ラブコメはまちがっている。

Tブロック代表暫定結果
1位　149票　御坂美琴＠とある科学の超電磁砲S
2位　89票　結城明日奈（アスナ）＠ソードアート・オンライン Extra Edition

Every Breaking Wave

Every breaking wave on the shore
Tells the next one "there'll be one more"
Every gambler knows that to lose
Is what you're really there for

Summer I was fearless
Now I speak into an answerphone
Like every fallen leaf on the breeze
Winter wouldn't leave it alone, alone

If you go
If you go your way and I go mine
Are we so
Are we so helpless against the tide?
Baby, every dog on the street
Knows that we're in love with defeat
Are we ready to be swept off our feet
And stop chasing every breaking wave?

Every sailor knows that the sea
Is a friend made enemy
Every shipwrecked soul knows what it is
To live without intimacy

I thought I heard the captain's voice
But it's hard to listen while you preach
Like every broken wave on the shore
This is as far as I could reach

If you go
If you go your way and I go mine
Are we so
Are we so helpless against the tide?
Baby, every dog on the street
Knows that we're in love with defeat
Are we ready to be swept off our feet
And stop chasing every breaking wave?

The sea knows where all the rocks
Are drowning is an ocean
You know where my heart is
The same place that yours has been
We know that we fear the wind
And it's all we have before we begin
Before we begin

If you go
If you go your way and I go mine
Are we so
Are we so helpless against the tide?
Baby, every dog on the street
Knows that we're in love with defeat
Are we ready to be swept off our feet
And stop chasing every breaking wave?

2channel Anime Saimoe 2014: Is Mikoto Misaka the real deal?

2channel Anime Saimoe 2014: Is Mikoto Misaka the real deal?

By Jo-Ryan Salazar
The Bedlam on Baltic Avenue
October 18, 2014

Mikoto Misaka is no stranger to success in the Saimoe circuit. Already a previous Saimoe Leader of the Free World after winning the International Saimoe League Heavenly Tiara years ago, Misaka has built a strong following in China and is aiming to secure a double of sorts by upsetting the Saki and Madoka Magica block to win the Saimoe Prime Minister's office.

"I have created an informational site: whynotoneesama.jp," said Kuroko Shirai, Mikoto self-professed younger sister and love interest. "I may not be contending in the race for the prize with Awai [Oohoshi] in the way, but what I can tell you is that onee-sama has a chance to make history and bring back the fire that this tournament has been lacking the past few years. It's possible.

"Voters need to believe in alternatives to the same old politics that have slowed Japan down. I want Academy City to be the center of the Saimoe universe. It's happened before with onee-sama being the Leader Of The Free World. It can happen again with onee-sama being named the next Saimoe Prime Minister. It can happen again."

"Personally, I don't pay much attention to the race for this office because the same two parties are running up the results," said Touma Kamijou, a close confidante of Misaka. "But I do think Biribiri has a great chance to give the cause a new sense of purpose, a new sense of belonging. A victory for Biribiri is a complete game-changer for Japan, and I won't be surprised if she shocks the nation this year."

As for Misaka herself, she tunes out all the different forms of hype and pomp that comes with being a candidate not of the Saki or Madoka Magica Parties.

"I will be targeted by voters of those two parties, no question," Misaka said in an interview at lunch. "However, I have faith that people will realize that Saki and Madoka aren't the be-all, end-all to all of Japan's problems. People remember me for my victory over Homura Akemi a number of years ago and I know that if I face her, it's going to be a battle.

"My mission is to take on the best and give them a good fight because as an outsider, you are knocking on the door and you want to beat it down the best you can. I have plans to help improve my country but I want to convince the voters that I do have a case."

2channel Anime Saimoe 2014: Third Round Results, Match Day 7

Mブロック代表暫定結果
1位　194票　松実玄＠咲-Saki- 全国編
2位　83票　蒼星石＠ローゼンメイデン

Sブロック代表暫定結果
1位　215票　清水谷竜華＠咲-Saki- 全国編
2位　60票　小泉花陽＠ラブライブ!

Kotori Itsuka: Seventh Saimoe Leader Of The Free World

Saimoe Leader Of The Free World. That is the honor bestowed on she who wears this crown that I wear today, the International Saimoe League Tiara. I've heard about the role a leader must take to galvanize the power, the energy, the drive of all the nations, all the persuasions, all the nationalities, all the differences...all towards a common goal. Testarossa. Katsura. Akiyama. Misaka. Tachibana. Gokou. Those are the ones who came before me who earned the right to be the world's choice to lead the way. Now, it is my turn.

To all my supporters, there is only one word that sums up my emotions after winning the Tiara and the rights to being the Saimoe Leader of the Free World: FINALLY! After so many months in thw wilderness, so many months of being left to wonder why the Date A Live Party has been ignored as a beacon of hope for the world, the time has come for the message to be sent out.

It is our time. We matter. We are here to help you. And we are here to be by your side every step of the way.

Like many campaigns for new aspiring faces, our campaign started from scratch. We had teams of people spread our message of change and reform to the Saimoe movement across all platforms: from email to social media to internet forms like the ISML forums and Animesuki. Over time, our cause grew and grew and people started to believe in us.

But every movement is going to have its share of doubters and detractors and unsavory people who want to discredit our stance of how we see the world. We never won a necklace, and I was not a Division winner. But I was never a qutter and I believe in fighting to the end. You never gave up on me. So when the time came for you to decide whether to repeat history and go back to the same old politics from two years ago, you decided enough was enough.

I had the pleasure of meeting many Kurdish rebels who are sacrificing their lives against the forces of evil that plunder though their land. I saw the smile on their faces and it gave them the drive to fight the good fight, just like you did on Election Day.

I had the pleasure of holding talks with many foreign leaders about the best ways to approach foreign policy and how to build bridges, not destroy them.

I had the pleasure of networking with many valiant competitors in the race to be the Saimoe Leader Of The Free World. I've learned a lot about them, and my respect for their legacy and their contributions to the Saimoe Movement are irreproachable.

I've climbed mountains, walked over valleys, attended a football match or two, trekked through deserts, motorbiked through jungles, visited every corner of the world when I could because I am a spirit that can be anywhere, anytime, so long as I have the energy and desire to be there. I've been to locations that cannot be accessed by the common man due to repression and oppression.

And as I gradually accepted the world and its faults, I accept the burden, the responsibility of being the Saimoe Leader Of The Free World and the Champion of the International Saimoe League. This is a role I have trained my mind and body for, ever since I took lead of Ratatoskr. I'm not here to just be a spokesperson or to be the solution to all of the problems the world faces. I am here to help in any way I can and to assure you that the Date A Live Party means well in promoting love and solidarity as the answer.

I believe that in order to heal the world's problems, its people must learn to love and tolerate those who do not share with their ideals and their aspirations and their ways to live. Love. Tolerance. Acceptance. No one should be excluded because they do not fit the profile. Exclusion and elitism are not the driving forces behind our party and our interpretation of the Saimoe movement.

The love you have for the people you support, whether it's me or Tohka Yatogami or Kurumi Tokisaki or Yoshino or Origami Tobiiichi or even someone outside of our party is important. But what's more important is the love you have for those that are not dearest to you. If you make that strong as well, you will have captured their demons and purified them to that they are yours to love and cherish. We don't play favorites in our party. Because of this, people from around the world have joined in the chorus and chanted our party name, "DATE A LIVE! DATE A LIVE!" all over.

There are many people I want to thank for their love and dedication to what we stand for. I want to thank Kurumi, Touka, Yoshino and Origami for a great campaign and for their support.

And I want to thank Shidou for his dedication to our cause and for vouching all of us. Shidou, to me, is my rock and the best ally I could ever have. He is my big brother, and has been a great advisor in how I should lead all the nations from this point on until a new Saimoe Leader Of The Free World is chosen. So thank you, Shidou Itsuka.

Most importantly, this victory is for you, and I want to thank you all for being with me on this journey. You spread the message, you embraced it and used it as your wings to fly into the world and share what we hope to be a lasting legacy in Saimoe. Sure, there are those who I have not won their vote, but I extend both my hands to them because I believe in humble in victory, and Mashiro Shiina ran a fantastic race. I consider her my equal, and it would not surprise me if she won the next election.

The road ahead is going to be tough. Every other party will be aiming for us, waiting for us to falter and fail in our mission to encourage love, tolerance, and acceptance. We've already been through a tough road before. This time, we will be more resilient, more vigilent than ever, because this year, in this election we made history.

We made history. We got over the hump. And we're going to do it all over against next year so look out for us. Thank you, world! Thank you, everyone! Thank you, ISML! Have a wonderful afternoon and evening! Take care of yourselves! Date A Live FOREVER!!!


-Kotori Itsuka
7th Saimoe Leader Of The Free World
2014 International Saimoe League Champion
Raizen High School
7 October 2014

2channel Anime Saimoe 2014: Third Round Results, Match Day 6

Fブロック代表暫定結果
1位　131票　美樹さやか＠劇場版 魔法少女まどか☆マギカ[新編]叛逆の物語
2位　46票　千石撫子＠〈物語〉シリーズ セカンドシーズン

Lブロック代表暫定結果
1位　138票　暁美ほむら＠劇場版 魔法少女まどか☆マギカ[新編]叛逆の物語
2位　39票　園田優＠桜Trick

2channel Anime Saimoe 2014: Third Round Results, Match Day 5

Eブロック代表暫定結果
1位　191票　愛宕絹恵＠咲-Saki- 全国編
2位　125票　東條希＠ラブライブ!

Kブロック代表暫定結果
1位　212票　佐倉杏子＠劇場版 魔法少女まどか☆マギカ[新編]叛逆の物語
2位　113票　チノ（香風智乃）＠ご注文はうさぎですか?

2channel Anime Saimoe 2014: Third Round Results, Match Day 4

Dブロック代表暫定結果
1位　195票　末原恭子＠咲-Saki- 全国編
2位　162票　由比ヶ浜結衣＠やはり俺の青春ラブコメはまちがっている。

Jブロック代表暫定結果
1位　196票　愛宕洋榎＠咲-Saki- 全国編
2位　110票　竹井久＠咲-Saki- 全国編

Caddie Training Can Piss Me Off Sometimes.

Two weeks into the new season of Pangya, and I am proud to say that I have successfully trained in full (in this order) Pippin, Quma, Lolo, Cadie, Tiki, Mingti, Papel, Dolfini and Titan Boo, the last of who was responsible for a massive spike in my O.B. shots. Stupid Ventus bear. Sometimes the best thing to do is to shut up and let the golfer do her work.

The golfer in question: the new Hana, who has more than 150 games under her belt, like the new Nuri. I use Hana (R) as my main golfer now because she has been equipped with two important NPC cards: Cayman (SR) and Luka (R). The latter gives me a significant pang bonus following a game, while the former is extremely important in that it adds a massive EXP bonus following a game. Combined with the Puff mascot that I recharged a few days ago, I estimate that I will reach the coveted World Pro ranks by early November, if not by the end of the month, assuming I play nothing by 18 hole VS matches with my alt account.

My main account is a National Pro A, while my alt account is a Semi-Pro D. I ended up nerfing a lot of achievement points and six months ago I was a Memorial Level 4. Since I created the alt account, I am now a Memorial Level 22. I was lucky enough to get the Gacha set I wanted on the money that FanSided gave me two weeks ago. That allowed me to complete purchasing the wardrobe of Nuri (R) and Hana (R). I also ended up receiving my first-ever set of Gacha wings through the Memorial Shop, the White Guardian Wings for Hana, after I received a glut of Scratchy Cards.

I kicked them off to Hana (R) along with the Dolfini Headset but what I wasn't happy about was the lack of a fly animation for Hana (R). Not only do I want my main to spread her wings, but I also want to take snaps of the upskirt that ensues because you know me: I'm all for fanservice. As for Nuri (R), who is now my new secondary character, I changed the hair color to be consistent with the classic version (read: black) and now he looks like a member of a Korean boy band, a la TVXQ.

I think that ever since the new Tiki's Magic Ball feature arrived, I ended up nerfing a ton of achievements to the point of abusing the process for the sake of getting those achievement points. The only achievement that need to be cleared in full regarding TIki are the Lucky Day and Material Collector achievements. Once I cleared the milestones for recycling Pang, points and rare items X amount of times, I really didn't have much incentive to use the feature, and only I had cleared the achievements for Charactery Mastery, I really didn't have a lot of incentive to use the feature.

After a run in which I make an achievement nearly every day, it's good to hit a plateau and not be within range of the next one. However, there are a few more that are close to being met, and now I am walking into reaching Memorial Level 23. It's nice to know that I am moving towards being eligible for receiving all but the last 13 Gacha updates, but there are so many rares that I don't have and there are so many caddies and clubs that I don't have either.

Speaking of caddies, I know that a new caddie named Cien is going to be up on the next Gacha update here. I am mulling giving this a shot but I don't want to spend possibly 50 and realize that I got nothing but useless common items that can help me gain pang and EXP but not much after that. If I do end up getting Cien, that's going to preempt my training of the Big Papel Trio. Big Red Papel, Big Black Papel and Big Papel are the only caddies in my arsenal yet to be fully trained. I am in no rush to fully train these three as I don't believe I gain any incentive to do so in terms of achievements. I will have to train Cien first because I want Nuri to have a love rival to Hana. I like love triangles. Makes for good moneymaking.

So I'll keep slugging away at this, but I am proud to say that I am inching closer to reaching the World Pro ranks. I didn't cut any corners, I played by the rules, I had my highs, I had my lows, but all in all, I kept my faith in this game. Pangya is the gold standard of golf sims, and I am mighty proud to be a loyal Pangyateer.

2channel Anime Saimoe 2014: Third Round Results, Match Day 3

Cブロック代表暫定結果
1位　147票　鹿目まどか＠劇場版 魔法少女まどか☆マギカ[新編]叛逆の物語
2位　76票　越谷夏海＠のんのんびより

Iブロック代表暫定結果
1位　134票　桐崎千棘＠ニセコイ
2位　82票　鹿倉胡桃＠咲-Saki- 全国編

2channel Anime Saimoe 2014: Third Round Results, Match Day 2

Bブロック代表
1位　192票　アリス・カータレット＠きんいろモザイク
2位　114票　絢瀬絵里＠ラブライブ!

Hブロック代表
1位　211票　神代小蒔＠咲-Saki- 全国編
2位　86票　御坂妹（ミサカ10032号）＠とある科学の超電磁砲S

I Knew You Were Trouble

Once upon a time, a few mistakes ago
I was in your sights, you got me alone
You found me, you found me
You found me-e-e-e-e
I guess you didn't care and I guess I liked that
And when I fell hard, you took a step back
Without me, without me
Without me-e-e-e

And he's long gone
When he's next to me
And I realize, the blame is on me

'Cause I knew you were trouble when you walked in
So shame on me now, flew me to places I'd never been
Till you put me down
Oh I knew you were trouble when you walked in
So shame on me now, flew me to places I'd never been
Now I'm lying on the cold hard ground

Oh, oh, trouble, trouble, trouble
Oh, oh, trouble, trouble, trouble

No apologies, he'll never see you cry
Pretends he doesn't know that he's the reason why
You're drowning, you're drowning
You're drowning-ing-ing-ing-ing
And I heard you moved on from whispers on the street
A new notch in your belt is all I'll ever be
And now I see, I now I see
I now I see-e-e-e-e

He was long gone
When he met me
And I realize the joke is on me
Hey!

I knew you were trouble when you walked in
So shame on me now, flew me to places I'd never been
Till you put me down
Oh I knew you were trouble when you walked in
So shame on me now, flew me to places I'd never been
Now I'm lying on the cold hard ground

Oh, Oh, trouble, trouble, trouble
Oh, Oh, trouble, trouble, trouble

When the saddest fear
Comes creeping in
That you never loved me... or her or anyone or anything
Yeah!

I knew you were trouble when you walked in
So shame on me now, flew me to places I'd never been
Till you put me down
Oh I knew you were trouble when you walked in
So shame on me now, flew me to places I'd never been
Now I'm lying on the cold hard ground

Oh, Oh, trouble, trouble, trouble
Oh, Oh, trouble, trouble, trouble

I knew you were trouble when you walked in
Trouble, trouble, trouble
I knew you were trouble when you walked in
Trouble, trouble, trouble!

2channel Anime Saimoe 2014: Third Round Results, Match Day 1

Aブロック代表
1位　635票　高鴨穏乃＠咲-Saki- 全国編
2位　502票　食蜂操祈＠とある科学の超電磁砲S

Gブロック代表
1位　589票　初春飾利＠とある科学の超電磁砲S
2位　335票　フレンダ＝セイヴェルン＠とある科学の超電磁砲S

Must Be The Victory Coming...

It was a fitting way to open the A-League’s 10th season. The biggest club in the land, Melbourne Victory, trouncing the new pretenders the Western Sydney Wanderers in front of 30,083 boisterous fans at Etihad Stadium.

Nine seasons ago, the match between Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory was the talking point of round one as a new state-based rivalry was born. But as the Wanderers fans filed into the stadium to fill their allocation, there was a feeling that this fixture might become the biggest in the competition. The colour and the noise that these two clubs generate reverberates around the country.

The first goal came inside 10 minutes, the second within 20 and the third before the half-hour mark. Melbourne Victory, who haven’t won an opening game since 2006, could hardly have hoped for a better start.

With Matthew Spiranovic and Nikolai Topor-Stanley out of action for Wanderers, there was always going to be questions over the visitors’ threadbare back-line, and it was a horror start for the stand-in centre-half pairing of Antony Golec and Brendan Hammill. If the Wanderers are the masters at parking the bus, this was more reminiscent of Otto at the steering wheel after a few too many brekky bongs.

But while the Wanderers were awful, the Victory were clinical in front of goal with a new look front three featuring Kosta Barbarouses, Archie Thompson and marquee man Besart Berisha. On this evidence alone, Kevin Muscat looks to be onto a winner with his new formation.

Gui Finkler and Barbarouses combined well down the right, and the Wanderers stand-in left back Shannon Cole was under enormous pressure from the very start. Indeed the first goal came after just eight minutes after some tidy build up play between Finkler and Barberouses. New Victory signing Matthieu Delpierre found himself free just six yards out, and there was little Ante Covic could do in the Wanderers goal.

On 19 minutes, Golec handled the ball in the box, and up stepped Berisha. In his first A-League game for the Victory, he was never going to disappoint. A quick look up to pick his spot, a no nonsense run up and Berisha was soon saluting the fans.

Confidence was sky-high for the home side, and even the humble Leigh Broxham wanted to get in on the action. After a couple of attempts from range, Broxham popped up for the Victory’s third goal on 28 minutes. Again it was Barbarouses who bamboozled Cole down the right channel in the build up, and after his shot was blocked, Broxham blazed the ball through the crowded defence into the back of the net.

Mark Bridge pulled one back for the visitors before half-time, but it meant little in the context of the match. The Wanderers, who have built their game around defensive cohesion, looked dazed and confused.

Perhaps this was best summed up by Victory’s fourth and final goal. Under no pressure at all, Golec gave away possession cheaply, and with the defence woefully out of position, Berisha fed Thompson who made no mistake in front of goal.

The Wanderers might put this uncharacteristic performance down to missing players and the distraction of their Asian Champions League commitments, but regardless, the rest of the competition are on notice. This Victory side looks balanced, creative and menacing.

Who Do We Sing For!? We Sing For Wanderers!!!

Western Sydney Wanderers are going to great lengths to ensure their supporters can travel to Saudi Arabia for the final of the Asian Champions League but there is no guarantee female and Jewish supporters will be granted entry visas.

The Wanderers face Al-Hilal in Riyadh on November 1 in the second leg of the continental decider but a section of their supporters may be denied a chance to witness a potential Asian title due to their gender, race or religious background.

The club is in the process of arranging travel packages with the support of Al-Hilal and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation but it will not be known until the end of the week whether unaccompanied females and Jewish supporters will be able to travel due to the strict laws of the nation.

The club has received over 200 enquiries for away tickets and is finalising the travel package – which will cater for match tickets, travel, accommodation and visas – with the blessing of relevant authorities. It is hoped the tour will allow for female supporters to attend but there is still no indication it will be sufficient enough to allow entry for supporters of Jewish background.

Due to conservative legislation, women face difficulties in obtaining tourist visas for Saudi Arabia while those of Jewish heritage, Israelis or even those who have visited Israel, are not permitted entry.

While AFC regulations state a club's fans must be allowed access without prejudice, their stature does not overrule state legislation.

"There needs to be an invitation. We are working with the FFA [Football Federation of Australia], AFC [Asian Football Confederation], the Saudi Arabian Football Federation and Al-Hilal to obtain an invitation for our supporters to travel," a Wanderers spokesman said.

Single women must be in the company of a male relative or their husband and travel with marriage certificates to obtain a tourist visa, or must be escorted at all times as part of a supervised tourism group.

Saudi football has a long history of banning women from attending games. The nation allowed females to attend matches only last year, and under harsh restricitions.

Only selected stadiums cater for segregated sections, which prevent male and female supporters standing next to each other. Under pressure from international organisations, the Saudi Arabian domestic league allowed a number of women to attend the games in reserved sections of the stadium, as per the custom of many public events.

There are also concerns that should female Wanderers fans be granted visas, they will also be seggregated once within King Fahd Stadium. One of the proposed options for the tour is to station supporters in a nearby Gulf nation before the match and fly them into Riyadh for game day, to ensure a safe passage to and from the stadium and in and out of Saudi Arabia.

The club has not yet received any advice for homosexual Wanderers supporters wishing to travel to the second leg, but the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trading states: "Homosexual activity is illegal and penalties include the death penalty."

It is understood Wanderers are working with the AFC to arrange a way for their chairman, Paul Lederer to attend the match under arrangements often reserved for diplomats.

Lederer, who is Jewish, is understood to be keen to attend the match, but faces difficulty in obtaining a visa. 

The club hopes Lederer can bypass those laws under unspecified arrangements as an invited special guest of the AFC. Competition regulations state: "Hosting Club and its National Association must guarantee and ensure that access to the stadium will be granted to the AFC delegation, officials and players of the visiting club, sponsors, travelling fans and media without any discrimination of gender, race or nationality."

2channel Anime Saimoe 2014: Third Round Odds, Groups S-X

Group S Final
Ryuuka Shimizudani @ Saki EVEN
Hanayo Koizumi @ Love Live! 10-1
Prediction: Ryuuka Shimizudani by >=65
Over/Under: 500
Under
Group T Final
Asuna Yuuki @ Sword Art Online 7-1
Mikoto Misaka @ A Certain Magical Index EVEN
Prediction: Mikoto Misaka by <=100
Over/Under: 500
Over
Group U Final
Kuroko Shirai @ A Certain Magical Index 10-1
Awai Oohoshi @ Saki EVEN
Prediction: Awai Oohoshi by <=100
Over/Under: 500
Under
Group V Final
Yuu Matsumi @ Saki 9-1
Mami Tomoe @ Puella Magi Madoka Magica EVEN
Prediction: Mami Tomoe by <=100
Over/Under: 500
Over
Group W Final
Maki Nishikino @ Love Live! 1-9
Kana Tachibana @ Gokukoku No Brynhildr 30-1
Prediction: Maki Nishikino by >=90
Over/Under: 500
Under
Group X Final
Ruiko Saten @ A Certain Magical Index 8-1
Saki Miyanaga @ Saki EVEN
Prediction: Saki Miyanaga by <=90
Over/Under: 500
Over

2channel Anime Saimoe 2014: Third Round Odds, Groups M-R

Group M Final
Kuro Matsumi @ Saki EVEN
Souseiseki @ Rozen Maiden 10-1
Prediction: Kuro Matsumi by <=100
Over/Under: 400
Over
Group N Final
Komachi Hikigaya @ Yahari Ore No Seishun Love Comedy Wa Machigatteiru 20-1
Satoha Tsujigaito @ Saki 1-4
Prediction: Satoha Tsujigaito by >=60
Over/Under: 500
Under
Group O Final
Yukino Yukinoshita @ Yahari Ore No Seishun Love Comedy Wa Machigatteiru 25-1
Ako Atarashi @ Saki EVEN
Prediction: Ako Atarashi by <=90
Over/Under: 500
Under
Group P Final
Sharo Kirima @ Is The Order A Rabbit? 2-1
Rin Tousaka @ Fate/Stay Night 10-1
Prediction: Sharo Kirima by <=75
Over/Under: 400
Under
Group Q Final
Nodoka Haramura @ Saki EVEN
Koromo Amae @ Saki 10-1
Prediction: Nodoka Haramura by <=100
Over/Under: 400
Over
Group R Final
Karen Kujou @ Golden Mosaic 10-1
Kotori Minami @ Love Live! EVEN
Prediction: Kotori Minami by <=70
Over/Under: 400
Over

2channel Anime Saimoe 2014: Third Round Odds, Groups G-L

Group G Final
Frenda Seivelun @ A Certain Magical Index 10-1
Kazari Uiharu @ A Certain Magical Index EVEN
Prediction: Kazari Uiharu by >=40
Over/Under: 500
Under
Group H Final
Komaki Jindai @ Saki 1-5
MISAKA #10032 @ A Certain Magical Index 10-1
Prediction: Komaki Jindai by >=60
Over/Under: 500
Over
Group I Final
Kurumi Kakura @ Saki 10-1
Chitoge Kirisaki @ Nisekoi EVEN
Prediction: Chitoge Kirisaki by <=70
Over/Under: 500
Over
Group J Final
Hiroe Atago @ Saki EVEN
Hisa Takei @ Saki 10-1
Prediction: Hiroe Atago by <=80
Over/Under: 550
Under
Group K Final
Kyouko Sakura @ Puella Magi Madoka Magica EVEN
Chino Kafuu @ Is The Order A Rabbit? 7-1
Prediction: Kyouko Sakura by >=50
Over/Under: 450
Over
Group L Final
Yuu Sonoda @ Sakura Trick 30-1
Homura Akemi @ Puella Magi Madoka Magica 1-9
Prediction: Homura Akemi by >=90
Over/Under: 450
Over

2channel Anime Saimoe 2014: Third Round Odds, Groups A-F

Group A Final
Shizuno Takakamo @ Saki 2-1
Misaki Shokuhou @ A Certain Magical Index 7-1
Prediction: Shizuno Takakamo by >=50
Over/Under: 400
Over
Group B Final
Alice Cartelet @ Golden Mosaic 10-1
Eli Ayase @ Love Live! EVEN
Prediction: Eli Ayase by <=60
Over/Under: 450
Over
Group C Final
Natsumi Koshigaya @ Non Non Biyori 20-1
Madoka Kaname @ Puella Magi Madoka Magica EVEN
Prediction: Madoka Kaname by >=60
Over/Under: 450
Over
Group D Final
Yui Yuigahama @ Yahari Ore No Seishun Love Comedy Wa Machigatteiru 20-1
Kyouko Suehara @ Saki EVEN
Prediction: Kyouko Suehara by >=50
Over/Under: 420
Over
Group E Final
Nozomi Toujou @ Love Live! 3-1
Kinue Atago @ Saki 10-1
Prediction: Nozomi Toujou by <=100
Over/Under: 600
Under
Group F Final
Sayaka Miki @ Puella Magi Madoka Magica EVEN
Nadeko Sengoku @ Ghostory 20-1
Prediction: Sayaka Miki by >=60
Over/Under: 400
Over

All About That Bass

 

 

Because you know
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass

 Yeah, it's pretty clear, I ain't no size two
But I can shake it, shake it
Like I'm supposed to do
'Cause I got that boom boom that all the boys chase
And all the right junk in all the right places

 I see the magazine workin' that Photoshop
We know that shit ain't real
C'mon now, make it stop
If you got beauty beauty, just raise 'em up
'Cause every inch of you is perfect
From the bottom to the top

 Yeah, my mama she told me don't worry about your size
She says, "Boys like a little more booty to hold at night."
You know I won't be no stick figure silicone Barbie doll
So if that's what you're into then go ahead and move along

 

 Because you know I'm
All about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass
Hey!

 

 I'm bringing booty back
Go ahead and tell them skinny bitches that
No I'm just playing. I know you think you're fat
But I'm here to tell ya
Every inch of you is perfect from the bottom to the top

 

 Yeah my mama she told me don't worry about your size
She says, "Boys like a little more booty to hold at night."
You know I won't be no stick figure silicone Barbie doll
So if that's what you're into then go ahead and move along

 

 Because you know I'm
All about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass

Because you know I'm
All about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass

Because you know I'm
All about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass
'Bout that bass, 'bout that bass
Hey, hey, ooh
You know you like this bass!

2channel Anime Saimoe 2014: Second Round Repechage Results

1位　81票　園田海未＠ラブライブ!
2位　77票　調査兵団の馬達＠進撃の巨人
3位　76票　星空凛＠ラブライブ!
4位　75票　宮永照＠咲-Saki- 全国編
5位　74票　高坂穂乃果＠ラブライブ!
6位　73票　矢澤にこ＠ラブライブ!
7位　72票　丹生谷森夏＠中二病でも恋がしたい!戀
8位　71票　三千院ナギ＠ハヤテのごとく!
8位　71票　中川かのん（アポロ）＠神のみぞ知るセカイ 女神篇
10位　69票　五河琴里＠デート・ア・ライブII
11位　67票　ココア（保登心愛）＠ご注文はうさぎですか?
12位　66票　園城寺怜＠咲-Saki- 全国編
13位　65票　片岡優希＠咲-Saki- 全国編
14位　62票　小瀬川白望＠咲-Saki- 全国編
14位　62票　リゼ（天々座理世）＠ご注文はうさぎですか?
16位　61票　姉帯豊音＠咲-Saki- 全国編
16位　61票　福路美穂子＠咲-Saki- 全国編
＝ここまで復活戦突破＝
＝以下敗退＝
18位　60票　翠星石＠ローゼンメイデン
19位　55票　ゆの＠ひだまりスケッチ 沙英・ヒロ 卒業編
20位　47票　夜ノ森小紅＠未確認で進行形
21位　45票　司波深雪＠魔法科高校の劣等生

ISML 2014: Date A Live To The Top!!!

ISML 2014: Date A Live To The Top!!!
Kotori Itsuka takes Tiara, breaks Date A Live losing streak in ISML

By Jo-Ryan Salazar
The Bedlam on Baltic Avenue
October 6, 2014

Match Day 10 of the 2014 International Saimoe League postseason, the final match day of the 2014 ISML campaign proper, concluded and it was only fitting that Date A Live, a series that had been on the short end of the stick so many times in the regular season and Nova Division Finals, finally got its just rewards. Kotori Itsuka won the Heavenly Tiara and becomes the Saimoe Leader Of The Free World for 2015, defeating Mashiro Shiina 4906-4613.

What makes this victory even more impressive is the volume of voters in Eastern Europe, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan and Korea that voted for Itsuka. Shiina had won handily in Russia, the Middle East, Australia, the Philippines, Africa and New Zealand, but due to xenophobic bias in Japan and Korea, Itsuka was able to win votes through the heart of the voting blocks: East Asia. It is not certain whether or not this will translate to a resurgence in 2channel, but this victory was nonetheless a sweet one for Kotori, who celebrated the victory at lunchtime at a rally in downtown Tokyo.

"To all my supporters, there is only one word that sums up my emotions after winning the Tiara and the rights to being the Saimoe Leader of the Free World: FINALLY!" Itsuka exclaimed, to the roar of the crowd. "I want to thank Kurumi, Touka, Yoshino and Origami for a great campaign and for their support. And I want to thank Shidou for his dedication to our cause and for vouching all of us. Most importantly, this victory is for you, and I want to thank you all for being with me on this journey.

"We made history. We got over the hump. And we're going to do it all over against next year so look out for us. Thank you, world! Thank you, everyone! Thank you, ISML!"

Kanade Tachibana finished third place after defeated Ayase Aragaki 5081-4096, Nanami Aoyama ended up fifth after edging Kuroyukihime 4714-4519, Taiga Aisaka roared past Ruri Gokou 4953-4220 to finish seventh, Kurumi Tokisaki defeated Asuna Yuuki 4753-4571 to finish ninth, and Yoshino ended up 11th after defeating Shana 4803-4434, completing a Date A Live sweep on the last match day proper.

In other exhibition results, Chitoge Kirisaki prevailed over Kosaki Onodera 4228-3837, Shiro hammered Enju Aihara 5143-3722, Mare S Ephemeral rolled past Akane Senri 3999-2913, Komari Koshigaya dismantled Alice Cartalet 3865-3097, Komurasaki throttled Utage Douraku 4232-3570 and Yume Ototsu thumped Tamamo Sakuraba 3810-2749. With Ephemeral's victory, she wins the Visual Novel Exhibition Series.

This concludes the 2014 International Saimoe League coverage on the Bedlam on Baltic Avenue. Stay tuned next year for coverage of the 2015 International Saimoe League. Keep it here on the Bedlam for continuing coverage of the 2014 2channel Anime Saimoe Tournament!

South Sydney Rabbitohs: 2014 NRL Premiers

Sam Burgess – battered, bruised and victorious – being carried by his teammates and brothers is the iconic image of the 2014 NRL grand final.

Grand finals are often remembered for producing iconic moments that pull at the heartstrings.

Like the stories of the Sattlers, father John revered for his courage, son Scott admired for his determination and desire to win at all costs when he produced ‘that’ tackle.

But the 2014 grand final was the greatest in history for the stories it produced.

There is the tale of four boys from Yorkshire, who came to Australia to find their fortune, mother Julie coming along for the ride. The band of brothers came to South Sydney to ply their trade and hopefully return to England with a premiership. Three boys were instrumental in the victory, with Tom providing strong impact from the bench, yet it was his two older brothers who shone.

The Clive Churchill medal could have gone to either George or Sam, but in the end it was awarded to the older brother, the man who defied a broken cheekbone in the first tackle of the game to soldier on and produce match-winning moments such as his pickup of a grubber on South Sydney’s line.

The Burgess story ends with brother George, who produced the moment of the grand final when he bashed off Tony Williams to score the try that opened the flood gates and left the fans asking who was the real T-Rex?

Yet with happiness comes heartbreak and boy do Souths know heartbreak. This team was thrown of out of the competition in the early 2000s, brought back by people marching on Town Hall.

Souths’ victory was more than just the football, it was justification for the supporters who had fought for the team they loved, a football club that was resurrected directly by the people.

Then came the Hollywood element, with Russell Crowe buying his share in the club, spreading the story far and wide, and seeing a struggling football club become one of the most professional teams in the NRL.

There was the brilliance of Greg Inglis, who surely is one of the game’s greats. Lote Tuqiri hadn’t played in a grand final for 14 years, while his counterpart Alex Johnston who scored his 21st try of the season to get Souths out of the blocks.

Then there was the heroism of the Clive Churchill medalist Sam Burgess and that broken cheekbone, ensuring he will forever be immortalised as he leaves for rugby union.

Not to forget the performance of the Bulldogs, who were right in the game for 60 minutes, and the efforts of James Graham.

It is these stories that showcase why this was the greatest rugby league grand final of all time.