I hope that's not the last time, either. People on the Daily 49er are taking to arms against me, and I think if it's a flame war they want, it's something they'll get, because I stand by my convictions. We choked. None of this crap would have taken place if we took care of things in regular time, let alone extra time or penalties.

There are a few that have taken their punches and thrown the gauntlet. Fine by me. I never back down from a challenge (unless there are some things that overshadow it so much that it can't take place), and if these guys want to throw the gauntlet, I will be more than happy to pick it up.

And it's off to Westwood for one last crack at the San Diego Toreros.

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

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

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

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

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

Lions defeat Giants to win Japan Series
The Associated Press
Published: November 9, 2008

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



Not a good way to end your season, and I can only hope that that will be the last time the teams I follow choke today.
Posted by J.R. Salazar at 9:16 AM 0 comments

Pending a miracle, the people have spoken: Ken Miller is no Kent Austin.

The BC Lions are on their way to face the Calgary Stampeders for a spot in the Grey Cup, leading 26-12.

My attention now shifts to the hopes of Long Beach State's women making history tomorrow against UC Santa Barbara. Mauricio Ingrassia's reputation will be on the line tomorrow afternoon.

This is Fate's Tiara!

Testarossa-Harlaown takes the 2008 International Saimoe League crown

By JR Salazar
Bedlam on Baltic Avenue
November 4, 2008

On the same day that Barack Obama won the US Presidency, Fate Testarossa Harlaown made 2008 "The Year Of The In-Joke," as prophesized by none other than the White Devil and her long-time friend and partner, Nanoha Takamachi. The top ranked competitor in this tournament, Fate proved that she earned her ranking, never dropping a single match in the 2008 International Saimoe League Tiara phase. Her magical run ended with an emphatic 1220-956 thumping of Yuki Nagato of the Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"I have a REALLY tough act to follow next year," said Hayate Yagami. "I'm gonna give it everything I got, but I don't think there will ever be anyone who can top the way Fate has defeated her opponents this season. In fact, I believe it can never be equaled."