The NYY grab it!!

Finally! The New York Yankees have taken out the 27th World Series title clinching it in Game 6 with Hideki Matsui taking out the series MVP. Andy Pettitte started it off with my favourite closing pitcher Mariano Rivera....er, closing. I've been waiting since 2000 to see them get another title, and now, that wait is over. [+]

Now all those people around the world that wear stuff, you know, with those two letters on them, NY, can be proud and claim... stuff, rather than just wearing it because it's cool, or trendy, or someone famous dons the attire. [+]

By the way, Hideki became the first Japanese-born player to be named World Series MVP. Great job there Mr Matsui ! [+]

Goes Across the Sky Woman

Hanging Cloud (Ojibwa name Ah-shah-way-gee-she-go-qua (Aazhawigiizhigokwe in the contemporary spelling), meaning "Goes Across the Sky Woman") was an Ojibwa woman who was a full warrior (ogichidaakwe in Ojibwe) among her people, and claimed by the Wisconsin Historical Society as the only woman to ever become one. She was the daughter of Chief Nenaa'angebi (Beautifying Bird) and his wife Niigi'o. Aazhawigiizhigokwe was of the Niibinaabe-doodem (Merman Clan), of the Prairie Rice Lake Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. Her Band became part of the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians after the 1854 Treaty of La Pointe.

According to Morse, Aazhawigiizhigokwe wore war paint, carried full weapons, and took part in battles, raids and hunting parties. She was a full member of the war council, performed war dances, and participated in all warrior ceremonies. Shortly after father's death in 1855, her village was ambushed by her Mdewakanton uncle, Chief Shák'pí. In this ambush, she defended her village and killed a son of Chief Shák'pí, her cousin. Armstrong recorded how she was very proud of that period of her life.

Aazhawigiizhigokwe lived near Rice Lake, Wisconsin. She became the wife of Edward Dingley in 1857, and had a son. Her husband served in the Union Army during the American Civil War but when assumed dead, she remarried. After the War, when her first husband returned to Wisconsin and heard of his wife's remarriage, they made arrangements to meet with each other and agreed to let her maintain her second marriage. She worked for many years as a housekeeper for a local lumber baron. She died in 1919. [+]

Warriors unknown..

Aisling Symes

Rest in peace in the Heavens Aisling.

"Take your last step towards heaven and its glow

Take your last breath of sunlight, don't let it go

Take your last look to remember, so that you know"

- Virginia Wigmore "Hallelujah"

Where is Aisling?

October 07, 2009 : 8:35pm *Update*

October 07, 2009 : 6:45pm *Update*

Aisling Symes is missing

She is a 2 year old toddler from Henderson, Auckland. She looks so precious that I truly hope she is found safe and sound. My heart goes out to those who love her.

The latest news has over 100 people searching for her since yesterday after 530pm which is when she was noticed missing. This includes specialist teams, police, a few members from the army, air force, and fire services, including civilians. There is even a 10 person unit apparently in operation for a routine foul play investigation. Dive teams and the eagle eye in the sky are also assisting.

It is well over a day now since she has been missing, and police have already called off the search, to be resumed tomorrow morning. Apparently an Asian woman in her 30's may possibly hold the key to her disappearance. If my daughter were missing for this long in these circumstances, I would be absolutely devastated. So I shall dream tonight that she is found safely smiling.

Check the latest update here: Asian woman sought in missing toddler case

Other links: [1] [2] [3] [4]

David defeats Goliath

And there you have it folks. David Tua defeats Shane Cameron by way of TKO seven seconds into the second round. The fight of the century is over and David has silenced his critics and shown everyone that he should be given a shot at the title.

David knocked Shane out twice near the end of the first round without mercy, brutally flattening him with left and right power combinations. Shane was a sad mess. After the second knock down there was a little confusion as to whether it should continue. The referee held the fight up unsure perhaps or unable to hear what should happen next. The delay caused the bell to ring and gave Shane a chance to crawl to his corner with an infinitesimal amount of respite.

The second round came and seven seconds later, Shane kissed the canvas in a world of hurt.

If you did not see the fight, you must watch it whether it be through highlights, a replay, or by way of YouTube. The amount of speed, power, and accuracy David possessed was pehnomenal. This was clearly the best fight I have ever seen. Shane put up his guard somewhat, but David's power plowed through his gloves with pinpoint accuracy via left and right combinations.

The undercard by the way was John Hopoate and Colin Wilson. Expecting Hopoate to win, I am sure many were surprised when the older Wilson destroyed Hopoate by knockout.

Great fight night for New Zealand, and a bright future for David Tua.

Ketsana

Another tragedy a few days ago. It can make one wonder what the next two years will bring. So sad, it makes hearts ache.

View the devastation Ketsana has brought here.

Double Ten Day

Read about it here and here.

Galleries can be viewed here and here.

Toddler swept away

A two-year-old Auckland boy has been confirmed as one of three New Zealanders killed in the Samoan tsunami and authorities fear for the safety of two more.

The toddler is the third New Zealander to be confirmed dead. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade have concerns for two other Kiwis who were holidaying at the Taufua Resort in Lalomanu.

The toddler was swept out to sea as he was playing on the beach with his parents at Lalomanu when the 6m wave came ashore on Wednesday.

His parents swam to safety. [+]

I can't even imagine what the parents must be going through. They heard the warnings but it was too late. As they tried to escape, a wave got them, and unfortunately the boy didn't make it. I have a two year old daughter, and I can only but imagine the heart ache. There are hundreds of sad stories in the aftermath of the Samoan natural disaster. Be thankful for your life and stop moaning about the little things.