"Frank" Part 2

I know you have all been waiting patiently for this to come out. Well...here it is










...Back home, Frank had to endure queen's perpetual taunts, as the Golden Wave won, with Queen himself causing 2 fumbles and 4 sacks. Frank did just ignore it, but it was getting more and more irritating every time.




The day of game #2 was looming near, but luck was with the Tigers, as they were to play the Titans at home, who were riding a 5-game losing streak, stretching back to last season. This season, they had already lost to (Who else?) the Golden Wave 52-14, but Coach Jones was still nervous. Wags was unfit for playing still, so McCarter was in charge. Frank was still sure that the game would be a blowout, even after Coach Jones's numerous pep talks.


"C'mon Coach, this is only the Titans," said one player during the umpteenth talk, "We'll be just fine without all these."
"Only the Titans?" snapped Coach Jones, "Did you just say only the Titans? There have been numerous easy games lost because someone underestimated their opponent!"


Frank, and most of the other players, thought Coach Jones was overestimating the Titans, after all, didn't they lose 20 out of their last 30 games? But none of them said anything, as Coach Jones was renowned for his temper. 

* * *

"Nah, we actually played horrible," Coach Jones told a reporter after the win, "Horrible; the only reason we won was the Titans were double-horrible". 

There was reasoning behind that, as, in a game of torrential rain, once delayed by lightning,

the Tigers lost 3 fumbles and McCarter threw an interception. Adding to the misery, the Titans scored  on a blocked punt, and a Hail Mary pass at the end. When the two-point-pass was broken up, though, the Tigers were able to walk away with a 17-16 victory. Frank hadn't played a snap at all, but was glad to win either way.

* * *

But...After a bye week, Wags was able to come to practice. He couldn't throw as he used to, but he was getting better and better after more practices. Coach Jones was always the biggest overestimater, but the Vikings, who they were playing, was 2-1, only losing a tight game. Still, Frank and the other players were confident of a win. 

Sure enough, the game lived up to the hype, with the Tigers scraping together a 31-27 win in the final minutes. Better still, the Bulldogs, who beat the Tigers, were 2-2 now, meaning the Tigers were second place in the league, behind the 4-0 Golden Wave. Now, if the Golden Wave lost at least twice, OR lost to the Tigers in the last game, AND the Tigers won the rest of their games, the Tigers would win the league cup. It still was a long shot, and the best experts projected the Tigers around the 6th or 7th mark. 

* * *

The experts' projections started looking bad, because the tigers had just taken in more victims; the Wildcats, 20-3; the Leapords, 34-19; the Trojans, 42-31; the Cougars, 28-27; and the Giants, 17-3. The last remaining team on their schedule was the Golden Wave. 

Frank had still not played a down since the goal-line sack, and was sure he should retire soon, but remembered that he would wait unttil he scored. But he knew it could take ages, and even suspected he would be cut by the team within a year. He, after a debate in his head, decided he would retire after the season. He was sure his last play would br the sack..."Unless Peanut gets hurt..." he kept thinking. Peanut was his friend but still, he half-wanted him to get injured...

Part 2 is now done, and you will see part 3 within a week maybe.

"Frank" Part 1

Now, I've decided that I would like to share with you, an original story of my own composition. This is about football, my favorite sport. This is long, so I will divide it into a number of posts, which will also add suspense.

"Frank"

All around the world, from Egypt to Samoa, from Spain to Argentina, from China to Mexico, one sport is king. Football, otherwise known as soccer, dominates. even the littlest of children can be seen kicking balls around. But not here. In the U.S.A., the other football, American football, is played everywhere. Many children compete in flag football leagues. Around the age of ten, they start tackling. And most dream of scoring a touchdown. This story takes place in America, where American football reigns. This story is about American football.

Because this story takes place in America, it is sensible to call this sport just plain football. I have been calling it football all my life. So, people from other countries, this is not your beloved kicking sport. This, is Football.

*  *  *

Frank Van Horn was a football player. He played for a professional team called the Tigers. He had grown up watching the Tigers play, and cheered them on, back in their glory days. Years later, he played Fullback, and wasn't the best back, but wasn't the worst. He scored a fair amount of touchdowns in his career. Then, when he was at the age of thirty, something happened. The Tigers drafted a faster, younger back, and Frank was shunted to Right Tackle. He greatly disliked playing on the offensive line; he never got the ball and scored. After nine years of this, he asked Coach Jones if he thought it would be a good idea to retire.

"No," was what he got, "I think you are too valuable a player."

Frank spat out something he had been wanting to say for years: "I actually wish I were a player that grabbed the ball and scores."

Coach Jones looked at him for a moment, and said "I still don't think it would be a good idea to retire, and, you have proven too valuable a player."

Frank decided that he would not retire, until he had scored one more time. It is very hard for an offensive lineman to score, and one season passed. Then another. Then another. Before he knew it, Frank watched six seasons come and go.

Worst of all, Frank soon saw the Tigers draft a new Right Tackle by the name of William "Peanut" Liman. His nickname came from the habit of eating peanuts on the sideline. He was very popular and handsome. He was also twenty years younger than Frank, who was now his backup.

But Frank had other matters on his mind. His next-door-neighbor, Gilderoy Queen, was drafted into the rival team, The Golden Wave. Frank had never been on friendly terms with Queen, but Queen's draft only increased their animosity.

The day Queen was drafted, he painted his fence to depict a rush of waves, tinged with gold, drowning a tiger. Frank then hung his old Tigers jersey on his front porch, which Queen paintballed Green and Gold instantly.

*  *  *

The season started soon enough. Practices were now held twice a day. Peanut was, of course, picked as the starting Right Tackle. But the Tigers received some bitter luck during their first practice. Quarterback David "Wags" Wagner, who wasn't renowned for being tough, broke his collarbone during a scrimmage.

Coach Jones called to attention."Guys, Wags is hurt-"

"Like normally" interjected a player.

Coach Jones looked stern, then began again. "Guys, Wags is hurt, so I want to see you all working all your tails off for our first game. McCarter, you will have to substitute". McCarter was the backup Quarterback, and was friendly to all, even the most bitter of opponents.  

*  *  * 

On the day of the first game, Tigers v.s. Bulldogs, Frank was really sure he wouldn't get a chance to play, as Peanut was the best player, with the possible exception of Wags. Frank still packed his sentimental Number seventy-three, blue-and-white jersey on the team flight to Bulldog Stadium.

Unsurprisingly, the 75,000 seats at Bulldog Stadium were covered in a sea of Red, and boos erupted as the Tigers took to the field. The Bulldogs and the Tigers were not rivals, but it was a very important game, featuring two of the best teams in the league.

The Bulldogs won the coin toss and chose to defer, so McCarter, Peanut, and the rest of the offense took to the field after receiver Ryan Allen took the kickoff to their own 15-yard line. Frank watched, envious of Peanut, as McCarter completed a 13-yard pass to Allen. It was then 1st and 10. McCarter ran up the middle for a gain of 7. 

The next play Frank remembered vividly. It was 2nd and 3, and the scoreboard read 0-0. There was 13:49 left in the First quarter. The sun had just disappeared behind a cloud when the snap went off. McCarter tried a reverse pass to Allen, but the aim was poor, and an onrushing  Bulldog defender scooped it up and ran 35 yards for a score. Coach Jones broke into a fit of swearing, while the Bulldog stands erupted with cheers and applause. 

*  *  *

The rest of the half went along these lines: Bulldogs, Bulldogs, Bulldogs, but the Tigers tallied 3 points on a Field Goal, although the deficit still stood at 18. Frank hadn't played a down so far.

Later, in the fourth quarter, there was more Bulldogs scoring, but the Tigers were making a comeback; the scoreboard read 35-24 in favour of the home team.

Frank watched from the sidelines, and watched McCarter scamper 89 yards, coming to a stop a the one. The Bulldogs chubby, and nervous coach called timeout. As he was watching the Bulldogs sideline, Frank then heard a voice that made him jump.

"Van Horn!" It was Coach Jones. Frank made his way towards the Coach who informed him something that brought gladness in his body.

"Van Horn!, Peanut needs a rest, so I'm going to place you in."

"Is he hurt?"

"No, now get onto that field!"

Frank was reminded of his glory days, but then he was punching it in, now he was protecting the runner. On first down, McCarter gains one foot. Second down. Another foot from McCarter. Third Down, brings an incomplete pass. Now it's 4th and goal from the foot line, and Coach Jones signals to go for it. The snap occurs, and immediately, the 300 pound lineman pitted against Frank bowls him over, and flattens McCarter short of the goal line, and the Tigers turn it over on downs. Frank held his head down, it was his fault. He could hear mock cheering from the stands.

The Tigers scored one more time, this time with Peanut blocking, but Frank knew it was his fault they lost 35-31. If he had just held firm for a few more seconds...

Thank you for taking the time to read this. Like I said before, this will be done in parts, so for now, just you'll have to wait until My post titled "Frank" Part 2 comes out.

The 2011-12 BCS games

On Sunday, the bowl games for 2011-12 were announced. Here I'll write about each BCS game and what I think about it.

The Rose Bowl features two explosive offenses that will clash in Pasadena. The scoreboard operator better get ready for this matchup between the Oregon ducks and the Wisconsin badgers, which may turn out to be the highest-scoring Rose Bowl in history, as Oregon ranks 3rd in the nation in offense with Wisconsin a heartbeat away at 4th. I think one of the biggest keys to the game is badger RB and Heisman candidate, Montee Ball, who is threatening the record of 39 TDs scored in one season. Ducks D-coordinator, Nick Aliotti, should start adapting many different schemes to stop Ball. The badgers' D also will have a headache, with RB LaMichael James becoming a factor for the ducks in this game and many others before. My prediction: Ball will get 300+ yards but Oregon takes this one 52-45.


#4 Stanford takes on #3 Oklahoma State in the Fiesta Bowl. The 'pokes are seeking redemption for not being admitted to the BCS title game, but they did get a nice game here. Stanford features the Heisman candidate QB Andrew Luck, who may shred up OSU's D. He has many other D-coordinators scratching their heads, trying how to figure out how to get to him, let alone, sack him. Or maybe veteran QB Brandon Weeden will spark the 'pokes' offense to a blowout in an important matchup like they did in Bedlam. My prediction: Luck will bring Stanford luck, but not enough, as Oklahoma State wins big in overtime, 31-28.


In New Orleans, the Sugar Bowl  presents an interesting matchup with #11 Virginia Tech and #13 Michigan. With JoePa out of coaching, Frank Beamer is the longest active coach at Virginia Tech. David Wilson, the Hokie tailback, also adds to the picture. The Hokies played an easy schedule and was embarrassed by Clemson twice, but they are ready to roll.  Michigan first year coach Brady Hoke led his storied program to a BCS game for the firs time since the 2007 Rose Bowl. QB Denard Robinson has 1000+ yards in passing and rushing, and is not afraid to beat you either way. My prediction: Robinson and Wilson will both have good games, but Robinson will be the star of the game, and Michigan will win 41-37.


The Orange Bowl puts together West Virginia and Clemson. Clemson QB Taji Boyd and West Virginia QB Geno Smith will immediately begin firing bombs over the opposing D and will put on the jets around the opponent's D. I dont have much to say about this one because I haven't seen either of these two teams play. My prediction: As the Big East champion receives an automatic BCS bid, it doesn't really mean they deserve it and it'll be Clemson all over, 34-17.


The BCS Title game drew alot of boos from me, as a rematch of LSU/Alabama doesn't seem as interesting as, say, LSU/Oklahoma State, especially with this being the "SEC West title". LSU already won at Alabama 9-6 (boring), and is now playing on virtual home field in New Orleans. My prediction: LSU takes this 14-12.

Michigan vs Ohio

I've got great news here!


It was 2,926 days between November 22, 2003; and November 26, 2011. That is the same as 70,224 hours, which matches 4,213,440 minutes, which equals (take a deep breath) 252,806,400 seconds. In that same span, Michigan went 0-7 against "Ohio", as coach Brady Hoke calls Ohio State.

Last Saturday, "The Big House" overflowed to over 114,000 in attendance, just a hundred shy of setting the NCAA record (Michigan set the past 4 records, and one is still alive). It also overflowed with screams, shouts, and yells; as Michigan faced "Ohio"  amidst a 7-game losing streak in the series. And, oh, it was a game to remember!

Buckeye freshman QB Braxton Miller gained 100+ yards in the air and 150+ more on the ground. He accounted for all but one of  "Ohio's" 4 touchdowns, two on long passes. Meanwhile, Denard Robinson, Miller's counterpart, was the star of the game, hitting the 1,000 yard rushing mark for the season and scoring nearly at will. My favorite highlight was when he scrambled for 41 yards for the wolverine's first points of the game. He then did his "greedy" food celebration in front of the crowd (which I can't find a video of). Michigan prevailed 40-34, as the players and crowd went crazy, and as Hoke got the Gatorade treatment.

We were watching it at our Spanish-speaking neighbor's house so my Dad was cheering more in Spanish than English. We were hugging and jumping around as the clock ticked to double zeros, after 4 hours of eating popcorn and staring intently at a 60" plasma tv and after 2,926 days of buckeye triumph.

My bowl prediction for this 10-2 team is against Houston (12-0) in the Sugar Bowl.

Bevo

Bevo is Texas' beloved mascot and the mascot of the week. I haven't posted in a while because we were sick, and then on vacation. But for now, I am posting.

At halftime on the Texas-Texas A&M game of 1916, two cowboys went onto the field and presented a half-dead longhorn to the crowd. Legend says that his coat was as orange as Texas' colors, so they showed him to Texas.

It is very widely accepted that Bevo got his name from some Texas A&M joksters that branded 13-0, the score that Texas A&M beat Texas by, on Bevo's coat. Then Texas fixed it by changing the 13 to a "B", the hyphen to an "E", put a "V" in between the hyphen and the 0. They left the 0 as an O. That spelled out B-E-V-O. That story is true, but Bevo was already named by then. He was named the moment he was presented to them ("His name is Bevo" the coach made known).

Texas is now on their fourteenth Bevo. Bevo II once rammed at a Southern Methodist cheerleader, who used his megaphone to ward off the longhorn. Bevo V scattered Baylor's band one time. Since then no Bevos have done anything bad. Bevo XIII is to date the Bevo that saw more Texas wins than any other Bevo.

I Think It Was a Good Game

Yesterday was Super Bowl XLV (45). The Green Bay Packers beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-25. My whole family are Packer fans except for one. We had a party at my grandparents home. My Grandma had a gigantic Steelers cookie that she forgot to give to her friend. She gave it to us. Earlier today we put a Packers helmet o a toy figure and took a picture of him "eating" the Steelers cookie. My Mom said that when we eat it, we will be crushing the Steelers (that disappointed my brother because he was the one that was a Steeler fan).

Now for the game summary.

After a few punts, the Packers got on top with a 29-yard touchdown pass to Nelson on 3rd and one. But that was not before "Donald the Driver" got injured, he's out. Pack 7, Steels 0. On the next play from scrimmage, the number 37 guy gets a forty yard pick-six. Then, out of the blue, a really questionable excess of celebration call on the Pack. That penalty is enforced on the ensuing kickoff so that's still fourteen push-ups for me (I did as many push-ups as they scored). Pittsburgh makes a short FG after that. A shocking touchdown follows on a 21-yard pass to Jennings. 21-3! Man, this is just going for the Pack. But then, a demoralizing (injuring Charles Woodson - out for the game), 7-play, 77-yard drive brings us to 21-10 at the close of the half.

The halftime show stunk but we had a good meal.

Back to the action an eight-yard Steeler touchdown brings us close. The Pack get stuck in a 3rd quarter pickle, despite a missed FG, on behalf of Pittsburgh. In the early 4th quarter, however, a touchdown pass to Jennings gives me more push-ups to do. 28-17. But then Rothesburger passes a killer 25-yard touchdown. The Steelers went for two. On the conversion, Rothesburger lateraled it off and they converted. Green Bay got a Field Goal, but I saw a possible Pittsburgh touchdown. On 1st down they made 5 yards. Rothesburger then threw it out of bounds to kill the clock. On 3rd down their pass fell incomplete. Then it was a nail-biting fourth down (my Grandma, all decorated with Packer helmet earrings and necklaces left the scene in a nervous state). Rothesburger looked ahead, dodged Clay Matthews, and threw. It floated back and it was INTERCEPTED! Final score, 31-25, Packers!!!!!!

Cast of Characters:
"Donald the Driver"..............Packer's record for best receiver
Charles Woodson.....................Best defensive back on the Packers (and former Michigan star)
Ben Rothesburger..................Steeler 6' 7" 250lb quarterback
Clay Matthews..........................Packer's best linebacker (with long, long girly hair)

I think it was a good game and it will go down in memory as the first FULL (every play) NFL game I have ever watched.  And about that cookie, it is going to taste great all smashed up in my mouth.

Gadolinium

This week's element is gadolinium.

Gadolinium is a lanathide. Its atomic number is 64 and its atomic weight is 157.3. Its melting point is 1312 degrees Celsius (that's 2394 degrees Fahrenheit or 1585 kelvins), and its boiling point is 3273 degrees Celsius (that's 5923 degrees Fahrenheits or 3546 kelvins). 

Above is a picture of the electron configuration. Gadolinium, like all lanathides, goofs around with its electrons and hides them. The electron configuration should be like  2, 8, 18, 18, 18  with an element that has 64 electrons, but gadolinium has it like, 2, 8, 18, 25, 9, 2. The lanathides all goof it with their electrons but it at least has 64 electrons to neutralize the positive protons.

About 440 tons of gadolinium is dug up in a year, but all that gets used for just one thing. Gadolinium is really good at absorbing neutrons, so gadolinium is used when neutrons are used. If a neutron was to hit you then, you would be radioactive, with a half-life of 15 hours (a half-life is how long it takes for half the atoms to decompose, in the case of humans you'd mostly likely die). Gadolinium absorbs the neutrons so you don't get hit by a neutron in the lab.  Don't worry there were no nuclear reactors before the discovery of Gadolinium.

Good thing it is found naturally occurring in Scandinavia and Sri Lanka - because now we can study neutrons.