BoBA Predictions: 2chan Saimoe 2008 final

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Halloween from the Bedlam!


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

Don't miss it. Here on the Bedlam.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Really, it is.

BoBA Predictions: ISML 2008 Tiara Loser's Bracket Final

BoBA Predictions:
Saimoe Triple Deal

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

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

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

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


#7 Kagami Hiiragi vs. #6 Yuki Nagato

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

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

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

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


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

BoBA Predicts: Yuki by less than 100



2chan Saimoe 2008 Semifinals

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

But first, the predictions.



BoBA Predicts: Nagisa Furukawa by more than 100

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

It's dango time.




BoBA Predicts: Hinagiku Katsura by more than 100

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

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

Welcome back, Wombles.

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

From

October 25, 2008

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Welcome back, you Dons.

---

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

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

---

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

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

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

Quick hits, October 24, 2008

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

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

---

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

Frivolous flagging (post #336693 with reason "Do Not Want"). While the image in question isn't particularly good, it is about the third or fourth time he's flagged an acceptable image for deletion without a proper reason.
I flag the right image that deserved to be kicked off the site...but I don't explain why. Essentially I wasn't doing what I normally would do on MiniTokyo (in that case, it would be because of poor quality, bad extractions, or a better version of the same image was posted, and I FULLY explain why).

Assholes.

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

---

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

---

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

---

BoBA Predictions: ISML 2008 Tiara Special Two-fer

BoBA Predictions:
A Special Two-fer!



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

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



With that said, on to the predictions.


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

Seoul, Korea Republic



#1 Fate Testarossa Harlaown vs. #7 Kagami Hiiragi



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


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


BoBA predicts: Kagami by less than 100







Loser's Bracket Round 5
The Cleansing of the Swaying Forests
Sao Paolo, Brazil







#12 Konata Izumi #6 Yuki Nagato






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


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

Seriously.


BoBa Predicts: Konata by less than 100

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

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

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




#4 Shana vs. #12 Konata Izumi

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

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

BoBA picks: Shana by more than 100 votes




#8 Kotomi Ichinose vs. #6 Yuki Nagato

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

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

BoBA predicts: Yuki by less than 100 votes

October 16, 2008

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

The world must have ended.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BoBA Predictions:

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

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


#2 Tomoyo Sakagami vs. #12 Konata Izumi


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

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

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

BoBA Predicts: Tomoyo by less than 100 votes.




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

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

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

BoBA Predicts: Kotomi by less than 100 votes.

BoBA Predictions: ISML 2008 Tiara Winner's Bracket Round 2

BoBA Predictions:
ISML 2008 Tiara Winner's Bracket Round 2
The Revelation of the Fire and the Water

The Bedlam is going to be eating its crow for a few hours before heading back to the polls. The tsundere cause took a huge blow in the wallet, with Kyou and Haruhi exiting the tournament. This is proof that necklace victories don't matter in this phase, it's all about the results.

Nothing else.




#1 Fate Testarossa Harlaown vs. #4 Shana


And here is a rivalry that is akin to your USC-Notre Dames and Michigan-Ohio States of the world. Fla-Flu, Boca-River, Manchester United-Chelsea...Fate and Shana know each other very well. Maybe too well. In the previous meeting, Shana got the edge over Fate, but the girl bestowed with the power of Bardiche Assault is looking to even the score. The mayhem in Lagos, Nigeria, is going to come to a head, and payback will be the buzzword by the time this fight is over.

BoBA Predicts: Fate by less than 100 votes



#6 Yuki Nagato vs. #7 Kagami Hiiragi


This is a tantalizing battle in the heart of Cairo, Egypt. For Yuki, one of Haruhi's right-hand partners of the SOS Brigade, she represent the only hope for everyone she has worked with: Mikuru, Kyon and his little sister, Itsuki Koizumi, Ryoko Asakura...everybody down in Nishinomiya. For Kagami, she heads into the battle wondering about the possibilities. In her prior meeting, she lost by 22 votes. But if Konata can defeat Haruhi, she can do the same with Yuki, because she knows as well the power of that old adage: "Anything's possible."

BoBA Predicts: Kagami by less than 100 votes

BoBA Predictions: ISML Tiara 2008 Loser's Bracket Round 2












BoBA Predictions:
ISML Tiara 2008 Loser's Bracket Round 2
The Cleansing of the Avalanching Mountains







#9 Hinagiku Katsura vs. #2 Tomoyo Sakagami



The mystique of the Loser's Bracket of this phase is this: You lose, you are eliminated from the tournament with the other 48 who failed to make the cut. You win, you get to fight another day, against someone who has been relegated to this bracket from the Winner's Bracket. For Hinagiku Katsura, she had to fend off a valiant last stand from Tsukasa Hiiragi. But the big question lies: can she be able to fend off a second attack from Tomoyo Sakagami, an opponent that has dogged her on their first meeting? The Bedlam is confident that the road ends at the top of the mountains, and for Hinagiku, that means getting off the mountain...and out of the tournament. At least she will be back next year...

BoBA Predicts: Tomoyo by less than 100 votes




#12 Konata Izumi vs. #3 Haruhi Suzumiya

A a young Michigonian by the name of Marshall Mathers said it, "If you had one shot, one opportunity to seize everything you ever wanted...one moment... would you capture it or just let it slip?" For Konata Izumi, this is a great opportunity to outwit the Master after losing a hotly contested match between Haruhi and her esteemed student, at the footside of the mountains. But can you stop someone who was, once again, on the losing end against an opponent that had an undefeated streak against?

As the Bedlam sees it, the clear answer is no.

BoBA Predicts: Haruhi by less than 100 votes.



#11 C.C. vs. #5 Kyou Fujibayashi

For the likes of Kyou Fujibayashi, it was unfortunate that she suffered defeat at the hands of Shana in the first round of the wimmer's bracket. But even so, things won't get any easier, as she faces off against a determined C.C.. For the pizza girl, the witch of legend from Code Geass, she hopes to get her payback as the rocks come tumbling down nearby. While her fighting spirit has won the respect of the field, this is where the road ends for C.C.

BoBA Predicts: Kyou by more than 100 votes


#15 Rika Furude vs. #8 Kotomi Ichinose

Rika Furude is one of the more underrated opponents of this tournament. While she was trounced by Tomoyo (an opponent she could likely face again in this bracket), she turned things around with a prediction-busting win over Nanoha Takamachi. The question for the Drunken Master is this: Can she do it against against an unassuming bookworm with a violin as a weapon of mass destruction (for the ears, at least)?

While Rika raised a number of eyebrows with her payback win over the White Devil, the Bedlam believes that it will be difficult for her to pull a second straight upset against Kotomi.

BoBa Predicts: Kotomi by more than 100 votes.

BoBA Predictions: ISML 2008 Tiara Loser's Bracket Round 1

BoBA Predictions: ISML 2008 Tiara
Loser's Bracket Round 1

The Cleansing of the Shifting Deserts


We say farewell to four competitors this round, as the field is dwindled to 12.



#16 Tsukasa Hiiragi vs. #9 Hinagiku Katsura

Hina had no trouble disposing of Tsukasa in their previous meeting, so it will be a surprise if the balsamic vinegar patron, the younger sister of Kagami, is able to pull off a surprise upset. This has been a great campaign for Tsukasa, but this is where it ends for her.

BoBA Predicts: Hinagiku by at least 100 votes

#12 Konata Izumi vs #13 Suigintou

The advantage in this match goes to Konata, who defeated the junk doll in their regular season meeting. For the only Rozen Maiden representatative, these are the types of matches she feasts on, the "all-or-nothing" loser's bracket contests. The winner gets to fight another day. The loser is eliminated. In this match, the Legendary Girl A will survive.

BoBA Predicts: Konata by less than 100 votes


#14 Mai Kawasumi vs #11 C.C.

Here is one of the more tantalizing matches for voters to keep an eye on. C.C., the Pizza Hut-fueled witch from Code Geass vs the sword-wielding Mai Kawasumi from Kanon. This contest will be a battle worth rubbing your hands on. With C.C. winning the previous battle, this is a chance for her to make it two in a row...and survive.

BoBA Predicts: CC by less than 100 votes


#10 Nanoha Takamachi vs. #15 Rika Furude

"Hide the women and children, if they are still awake," says Larry Merchant, a veteran boxing commentator for HBO. Nanoha, a veteran of many battles over the years, holds an advantage over the defending 2chan Saimoe Champion. It's Raging Heart vs. Kimchi. White Devil vs. Drunken Master. And it will be Nanoha that gets the ascendancy.

BoBA Predicts: Nanoha by at least 100 votes

The importance of clericality cannot be stressed any more.

"When one person makes a small error, that ripple can turn into a tsunami if it isn't stopped."
-J.R. Salazar


I work as an administrative assistant at the Long Beach Bar Foundation, and after seeing this news, I cannot stress further the importance of paying attention to detail. One of the staff members at Lakewood High (my alma mater) made the poor decision to let one of the players on the varsity side play, though he was ineligible.

Here, an ethical choice had to be made: do you ignore the situation, or do you take action and forfeit the four victories, while taking corrective measures regarding the player and (most importantly) the person who screwed thousands of alums who watched the team blaze through their non-leeague games?

They chose the latter, and the end results are at least two scapegoats who now are going to be reviled among the Lancer faithful: the player and the person who made the error. I'm already sharpening my meat cleaver as we speak.

===

Clerical error costs Lancers
FOOTBALL: Lakewood forfeits wins for unknowingly using ineligible player.
By Dave Werstine, Staff Writer
Article Launched: 09/30/2008 10:23:13 PM PDT


LAKEWOOD - Upon finding it had unknowingly played the first month of the 2008 season with an ineligible player, the Lakewood High football team Tuesday forfeited all four of its victories as a corrective measure.

According to Lakewood officials, the mistake was of a clerical nature. They also refrained from naming the player in question, citing "respect" for him.

"We want to do the right thing," Lakewood co-principal Charles Acosta said after calling those schools affected by the forfeits and apologizing for the error. "We have to own up to it. We don't want to sacrifice our integrity, as painful as it might be."

The Lancers gave back wins over Crenshaw, Peninsula, Mayfair and Verbum Dei, and will now go into Friday night's Moore League showdown against Poly with an 0-4 record. Giving the 24-7 decision over crosstown rival Mayfair also means giving up the Milk Bucket.

"It's not rightfully ours," Acosta said. "It needs to be returned."

Coach Thadd MacNeal said he was "shocked" when he heard the news about lunchtime Tuesday.

"I'm sick," he said. "I feel bad. I'm embarrassed."

MacNeal added even though the incident is a distraction going into the Lancers' biggest game of the season, he believes it won't change his team's lofty goals.

Despite surrendering the victories, Lakewood can still reach the CIF Southern Section playoffs if it can clinch one of the top four spots in the Moore League.

"Our goal is to win the Moore League and be CIF champion - that's not going to change," MacNeal said. "We've got to focus on the Moore League, on our first game against Poly. You always have adversity. ... It's like a guy who gets hurt - you got to move on. The trains keeps going."

MacNeal said the player in question has the chance to right his grades by the next grading period, which will take place in about three weeks, and rejoin the team.

The eligibility mistake is one that Lakewood officials say won't happen again.

BoBA Predictions - ISL 2008 Tiara

BoBA Predictions:
International Saimoe League 2008 Tiara
Winner's Bracket 1st Round
The Revelation of the Sun and the Moon







#1 Fate Testarossa Harlaown vs. #8 Kotomi Ichinose



For both Fate and Kotomi, it was business as usual, with both candidates making turkey stuffing out of Tsukasa Hiiragi and Hinagiku Katsura. However, as both are now in the winner's bracket, the business end of the matter comes into play. Here, Fate holds an advantage, with a prior victory over her. There can't be any issues here for Fate, as she will roll on to the Winner's Bracket semis.


BoBA predicts: Fate by at least 100 votes




#2 Tomoyo Sakagami vs. #7 Kagami Hiiragi




Kagami's prior meeting with the student council president of Hikarizaka Senior High with the legs and feet of a star was a 444-367 thumping. However, the highest ranked seed from Clannad is keen to turn the tables this time around against the best from Lucky Star. The margin will be close, but this will be an upset in the raking circles for Kagami.


BoBA predicts: Kagami by less than 100 votes




#3 Haruhi Suzumiya vs. #6 Yuki Nagato




Yuki Nagato has had a history of having the advantage over her SOS Brigade superior, and even in the prior meeting she came out on top. For the patron of fun and slaughterer of boredom, Haruhi gets another shot at turning the tables against the indestructible computer wizard of legend. But can she stop a losing streak that goes all the way back to their clash in 2chan Saimoe 2006? The rankings here will indicate an upset, but for voters who understand the one-sided history between these two comrades in arms...it's business as usual for Ms. Nagato.


BoBA predicts: Yuki by less than 100 votes




#4 Shana vs. #5 Kyou Fujibayashi




Kyou was spared Clannadian blushes with a narrow win over Konata Izumi in the ISL 2008 Tiara Preliminary Round of Judgement. Meanwhile, Shana schooled Suigintou on what makes a Tiara contender a Tiara contender. The flame-eyed hunter edged Kyou by 40 votes in their first match in the Aquamarine phase. For the book-throwing slam dunker, Kyou Fujibayashi must uphold the belief that anything is possible...even a narrow payback win over Shana. The Bedlam, however, believes that won't be the case, with her luck running out against one of the most celebrated, battle-tested veterans in the ISL.


BoBA predicts: Shana by less than 100 votes

"I guess the retard had a point..."

Aside from at least one co-worker making the ill-advised choice to take my clerical abilities for granted at work, I had the opportunity to talk with some naive young African-American women who, in spite of their clothing, afros and heavy make-up, decided to smoke in my face by the bus stop after my class. I told them, "Hey, can you move aside. You're smoking, and I would like to see some courtesy from you." One of these two, presumably twins (which bring up the question of how they were raised, et al.), said, "No, you step aside." "This is America. Everybody smokes," said the other. "Not everyone wastes away from lung cancer, ladies," I replied tersely. So as I got on the bus, flabbergasted from their ignorace and naiveness of the situation, they come out yappering about, "This guys is mentally ill," and all that sort of stuff. It's shocking to know that these undergrads (presumably freshman) from DeVry (or wherever, maybe even high schoolers or dropouts) have the courage to paint an MBA student from Keller with the "mentally ill" brush. This is a stigma that I have had to deal with, so I found it refreshing to know that they are talking out of their arses, and they don't even know it. "Your wombs will be garbage cans," I said. "Just let the local gangs come and blast you." I was referring to the health risks they put in from smoking cigarettes, and the gangs of carcinogens that come from it. Obviously they haven't a clue of what I'm talking about, because they think they can try to outtalk somebody who actually has common sense to know that quitting would be the best option for them, and that they place health risks on themselves and the people around them. Or rather, they choose to tune out this mentally ill guy wearing a orange polo with a green and blue sweatshirt, a black cap from his alma mater, Long Beach State, and olive slacks, not knowing that this unassuming fellow has a point. The bus driver has to come over to the back and let them know that there are others on the bus (me included) who would do better without their conversations. I don't wish the worst upon them; I am a person that doesn't see anything bad about them, except for their image and the fact that people who breathe secondhand smoke are ignored by these two girls. But at thre same time, I don't feel the least bit sorry for them if a situation like this occurs: years down the road, one of them finds out she has cancer, and they are trying to start a fund to pay for something that wouldn't have happened if they didn't smoke, or if they did, started quitting. And they are in the hospital dying of cancer, and they recall the day a long time ago, when they mocked the advice that this mentally ill MBA student wearing a orange polo with a green and blue sweatshirt, a black cap from his alma mater Long Beach State, and olive slacks, and they find out, that here they are, dying of cancer, and they start to wonder, "That guy we made fun of...I think he had a point." At this point in my life, I am putting my MBA to use, having swithced jobs to something that pays better, and maybe in spirit I'll say, "I told you so." But I probably won't. As far as I know, those two girls don't exist, and most likely, they won't if they follow the path they are walking. And there are millions of chain smokers out there who don't believe in the facts about smoking, and these two are part of that long line of people who follow that same wrong path. And while that brings closure, that becomes an afterthought with a snap of the fingers, and a click of the mouse. === Other stuff going on. Whoa. This day was just flat-out crap. Not only do I not get any raise in pay, but the Dodgers win while the Angels lose. Even things up, Ervin Santana.