Blog Closed

Good evening. I have been busy lately attending to my family's business, which means I haven't been able to post a new entry lately. Perhaps my aim on this blog is too generic or versatile. My blog has been present for nearly two years and I had put my heart in my sleeve, but it is clear that the desire to write wore me down. With that said, I have decided to close my blog for good, and move on to future endeavors. But that does not mean I can no longer write to the best of my abilities. Soon you will find me writing in another blog, but this time in a different approach and focus than with this blog. For now I will bid adieu to all the readers who made this possible. Hopefully you will hear me again in the future. 

2012 in a PopCornTure Nutshell

First of all thank you very much for making 2012 meaningful and memorable. Despite all the trials and tribulations that have happened at some points of the year, we have survived and made the most out of a year full of surprises and victories. We all look forward to 2013 so enjoy a happy new year to you all.

Here is the year 2012 in a nutshell.

Entertainment

The year saw PSY's 'Gangnam Style' become the most-viewed YouTube video of all time, while peaking at No. 2 in the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. Top hit singles in 2012 include 'Somebody I Used to Know' by Gotye, 'Call Me Maybe' by Carly Mae Jepsen, 'One More Night' and 'Payphone' by Maroon 5, 'Diamonds' by Rihanna, and 'We Are Young' by Fun. 

In film, 'The Avengers', 'The Dark Knight Rises' and 'Skyfall' reigned in the box office. Other significant hits include 'Breaking Dawn Part II', 'Ice Age: Continental Drift', 'The Amazing Spider Man', 'The Hunger Games' and 'Men in Black III'.

In television, 'Chuck', 'Desperate Housewives', 'CSI Miami', 'One Tree Hill', 'House', 'Gossip Girl' and 'Jersey Shore' ended their runs. Ok we miss them, but for the upcoming replacement shows, good luck.

Sports

It was a 'Giant' of a year in sports. The New York Giants of the NFL won the Super Bowl, while the San Francisco Giants in MLB won the World Series. In Japan, the Yomiuri Giants won the Japan Series. Sadly, the NFL Giants won't be able to defend their title in 2013, but high hopes are expected for the baseball Giants next year.

In hockey and basketball, there were some firsts. LeBron James, the self-proclaimed 'king', won his first NBA title with the Miami Heat, while the NHL's Los Angeles Kings won their first Stanley Cup. Sadly, the NHL underwent a labor lockout towards the end of the year, and many would wonder whether another lost season is in the books.

The summer Olympics were held in London, where the United States overwhelmingly dominated the medal tally. The Olympic winners include the U.S. basketball team, Michael Phelps, Usain Bolt, and even Andy Murray.

Speaking of Andy Murray, he did won his first tennis major at the U.S. Open. Novak Djokovic  played in three major finals, and won the Australian Open, while Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal took home the Wimbledon and French Open, respectively. On the female side, Serena Williams won the Wimbledon and U.S. Open, while Victoria Azarenka took the Australian Open and Maria Sharapova took the French Open.

In golf, Bubba Watson won the Masters, Webb Simpson won the U.S. Open, Ernie Els won the British Open, and Rory McIlroy took the PGA championship. The Ryder Cup was won by Europe in a stunning come-from-behind win over the U.S.

The Formula 1 championship was won by Sebastian Vettel, with Red Bull copping the Constructor's title. 

In soccer, Manchester City won their first Premier League title, Juventus won the Serie A, Real Madrid won the La Liga, Borussia Dortmund won the Bundesliga, and the Los Angeles Galaxy won the MLS Cup. Chelsea won a Cup double this year by copping both the FA Cup and the UEFA Champions League. 

Finally, in the U.S. NCAA, Alabama won the Bowl Championship, while Kentucky won the men's basketball title. On the women's basketball side, Baylor went undefeated en route to the national title. 

Epilogue

The world did not end on December 21, 2012, as we suspected. As we look forward to 2013, we hope that greater things will come, and hope that the lessons of yesterday will be applied to tomorrow. Happy New Year to everybody.

Deciding the U.S. Presidency at FedExField

One of the most highly anticipated events in American history is the presidential elections. Held on the first Tuesday of November in a four-year cycle, these votes are cast to decide who will sit in the famous desk of the White House for the next four years. This year's race involves Democratic nominee and current president Barack Obama, and Republican nominee Mitt Romney. 

Perhaps the next most important event prior to the election is a Washington Redskins home game at FedExField, held on the week prior or of the election. Since the 1940 elections, most if not all Redskins home games played on Election week have decided the winner of the presidency; the only exception to the rule was in 2004. The 'Redskins Rule' states that a Redskins win mean a victory for the incumbent party, but a loss mean a victory for the opposing party. For this year's edition, the Redskins play the Carolina Panthers.

Robert Griffin III

Barack Obama and Joe Biden, the reelectionist pair, will be cheering for Robert Griffin III and the Redskins, while the challenging tandem of Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan will cheer for Cam Newton and the Panthers. The game itself is expected to be a battle between two young and up-and-coming playmakers in the NFL. However, with the Panthers struggling at 1-6, it may be hard to imagine.

Carolina's lone win was against New Orleans on Week 2, and are on a five-game losing streak. The 3-5 Redskins are likewise struggling, but remains in a decent position to challenge for a Wild Card berth. Notwithstanding their records, both teams expect a grind-it-out game, and a win may boost their chances of finishing with a better record.

Redskins fans' hopes for a second term of Barack Obama will hinge on the Redskins' on-field mastery. Otherwise a new man will make his way into the White House on January 20, 2013.

2012 MLB Postseason Preview: World Series

It all comes down to two teams. At this stage, the stakes are now at its highest, and every misstep, pain and failure will be the last. It takes four wins to decide the world champion of baseball. This is the World Series. Here is the matchup to end all matchups. 

Detroit Tigers vs. San Francisco Giants

Season Series: Did Not Meet

Road to the World Series

Detroit - def. Oakland 3-2 in ALDS; def. NY Yankees 4-0 in ALCS

San Francisco - def. Cincinnati 3-2 in NLDS; def. St. Louis 4-3 in NLCS

It is only fitting that the batting champions of the American League and the National League will meet at this stage of the postseason. Miguel Cabrera, owner of the first batting Triple Crown since 1967, face Buster Posey, the NL's batting champion, in a World Series matchup no one had ever dreamed of. In fact, it's been a long time since the batting champions of both leagues squared off in the World Series, and this year's edition should bring out the best in both Cabrera and Posey. But this is not the only story.

This is the first postseason meeting between the Giants and the Tigers, two storied franchises looking to add another World Series title to their resume. The Tigers arrived here with a mission, after adding Prince Fielder in the offseason. Though they had some glimpses of struggle, the Tigers were able to defend their AL Central title with an 88-win campaign. Then they had to overcome the younger Oakland Athletics in five games, all thanks to Justin Verlander, before capitalizing on a sluggish and aging Yankee bat in a four-game sweep. Meanwhile the Giants returned to form by winning the NL West with a 94-win campaign, but were pushed to the brink by Cincinnati and St. Louis both times before escaping elimination and eventually winning both series. To both Bruce Bochy and Jim Leyland's credit, both teams deserve to be here because they had the qualities of a winning team: prolific offense, strong pitching, formidable defense, and experience. 

The Giants would need only a day's rest, but who cares. They thrive with their backs to the wall, and by winning six elimination games, they showed that they are no pushovers. The offense will be backstopped by the batting champion Buster Posey, along with NLCS MVP Marco Scutaro, Pablo Sandoval, Angel Pagan and Hunter Pence. Leading the way for the staff will be Matt Cain, Ryan Vogelsong, Barry Zito, Jeremy Affeldt, Sergio Romo and Tim Lincecum. For the Giants to win, they need both parts to work together, but if one part malfunctions, it is their series to lose.

The Tigers will enter the series well-rested, but they only hope that rust will not affect them. Pitching is the Tigers' bread and butter, led by Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, Doug Fister and Anibal Sanchez. However, their bullpen has been suspect at times, with Jose Valverde not coming close to his dominant 2011 self. Nevertheless, if the starting rotation can work at least eight innings, the Tigers may have a chance to win. The offense for Detroit will be carried by the Triple Crown winner Miguel Cabrera, ALCS MVP Delmon Young, offseason addition Prince Fielder, Austin Jackson and Alex Avila. The Tigers always thrive in close games, and if they keep the scores low and close, they can win.

This year's World Series may be the most intriguing in a long time, so expect a long, tough series between the two teams. 

2012 MLB Postseason Preview: League Championship Series

It is down to the Final Four. Two teams from each league will slug it out for the right to claim the pennant and league representation for the World Series. This is the League Championship Series. 

All four Division Series went down the wire, a postseason first. Every game in that postseason round was as heartstopping as it can be. But now the stakes are higher, and League Championship Series promises an even greater amount of intensity and drama that every fan will love to see. Here is a preview of the two LCS matchups. 

American League Championship Series

New York Yankees vs. Detroit Tigers

Season Series: Yankees won 6-4

The Yankees and Tigers won their respective five-game series on the strength of their aces CC Sabathia and Justin Verlander's impressive Game 1 and Game 5 gems. Now the two AL contenders find themselves in a struggle for the coveted pennant and a trip to the World Series. 

The Yankees may have won the Division Series, but it came with a price. Alex Rodriguez was a non-factor, while Derek Jeter limped with a slightly injured foot. If the two veterans overcome both pain and anxiety, then it's a big plus. Age will again be a factor for the Yankees, as they try to rediscover the fountain of youth against a younger Tigers squad, whose heart of the order with Miguel Cabrera, Prince Fielder and Delmon Young is usually the most potent. The Tigers likewise barely made it against the younger Athletics, but now they are up against the ageless wonders from the Bronx. The Yankees only hope that history wouldn't repeat itself, having lost both postseason meetings to the Tigers in 2006 and last season. It'll be up to Sabathia and Verlander to lead their teams to the pennant.

National League Championship Series

San Francisco Giants vs. St. Louis Cardinals

Season Series: Series Tied 3-3

The Cardinals are still alive, as they overcame a 6-0 deficit to beat the Nationals 9-7. Now they await the 2010 World Series champions from San Francisco, who beat the Reds to make it to this stage. In a rematch of the last two World Series champions, a lot of bragging rights will be at stake.

First off, which has the more potent offense? The Giants already have a batting champion in Buster Posey, along with equally reliable batters Pablo Sandoval, Marco Scutaro, Hunter Pence and Angel Pagan. The Cardinals counter with Carlos Beltran, Matt Holliday, Yadier Molina and David Freese. In the six regular season meetings, the Giants outran the Cardinals 30-22, underscoring a more potent offense. But the Cardinals have been an opposing batter's nightmare in the past two postseasons, as manager Mike Matheny continued to mix and match with his pitching staff. No surprise that Kyle Lohse, Chris Carpenter, Jason Motte and Lance Lynn lead the parade. The Giants are no slouches either in the arms, with Matt Cain, Madison Bumgarner, Barry Zito and Sergio Romo as their primary pitching weapons. Both teams' pitching staffs are not far behind in terms of ERA. However, for a victor to be decided, the offense has to step up, otherwise we are in for a long series. 

Hockey Locked Out

The NHL entered another lockout on September 15, and is on its third week. The season was supposed to start October 11, but the NHL cancelled the first week of the regular season last Thursday. The issues that the NHL Players Association and the owners face involves revenue sharing, cutbacks on player contracts, repeal of salary arbitration, and amended free agency rules.

Meetings between the players, the owners and commissioner Gary Bettman has been tense at times, concluding without any solution with regards to ending the lockout. This is already the third lockout of the Bettman era, the last being the 48-game 1994-95 season, and the cancelled 2004-05 season. In both cases, many of the NHL's top stars left for the European leagues, while the rookies and younger players were assigned to the minor league affiliates, such as the American Hockey League. Now when will this lockout end? And will hockey really come back? We only hope that 2005 does not repeat itself. 

2012 MLB Postseason Preview: Division Series

The quest for the World Series begins for the division winners, while it continues for the Wild Card survivor. This year's Division Series promises to be as exciting as the opening Wild Card playoff, with every game treated with greater intensity and purpose. Due to the late addition of the Wild Card round, the last three games, two if necessary, will be held at the ballpark of the team with the better record, thus lessening the need of travel and time. Here is a preview of all four Division Series. 

American League Division Series

New York Yankees vs. Baltimore Orioles

Season Series: Series Tied 9-9

The return to the Cartoon Bird logo coincided with the Orioles' resurgence. After defeating the Rangers in the Wild Card playoff, the Orioles now have a chance to erase memories of Jeffrey Maier and his infamous catch in the 1996 ALCS. 

The Yankees are business as usual, making the postseason an unprecedented 17th time in 18 seasons, thanks to a potent offense (Derek Jeter, Curtis Granderson, Alex Rodriguez, Robinson Cano) and superb pitching (CC Sabathia, Hiroki Kuroda, Phil Hughes, Rafael Soriano). The Orioles' countered with power from both bat (Chris Davis, Adam Jones, Matt Wieters, Mark Reynolds) and arm (Joe Saunders, Jason Hammel, Wei-Yin Chen, Jim Johnson). They are both evenly matched offensively and defensively, so expect the series to go the distance between the two AL East rivals.

Oakland Athletics vs. Detroit Tigers

Season Series: Tigers won 4-3

The A's made it through their rookie pitchers, who combined to win a league-record 53 games. A sweep of Texas gave them the AL West on the final day, overachieving despite pre-season predictions of them finishing in last place. The Tigers blew hot and cold before clinching the AL Central for the second straight year despite winning only 88 games. 

The Tigers will again rely on the powerful bats of Triple Crown winner Miguel Cabrera, Prince Fielder, Austin Jackson and Delmon Young, while relying on the arms of Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer and Jose Valverde. The Tigers were inconsistent all year and they need their top guns to beat Oakland's young pitching staff led by A.J. Griffin, Jarrod Parker and Grant Balfour. Oakland will also rely through Yoenis Cespedes, Josh Reddick and Seth Smith to lead the offense. While the Tigers have the experience advantage, the A's are also expected to go out fighting through grit and youth to win the series. 

National League Division Series

Washington Nationals vs. St. Louis Cardinals

Season Series: Nationals won 4-3

The Nationals made it through their pitching, though Stephen Strasburg won't be pitching in the postseason. The Cardinals romped past the Braves thanks to some lucky Braves errors and 'small ball' tactics. It will be experience vs. youth in this series.

Youth will be about the Nationals. Most of the players are appearing in their first postseason. Nevertheless, the power of Ryan Zimmerman, Bryce Harper, Ian Desmond and playoff veteran Jayson Werth, and the arms of Gio Gonzalez, World Series winner Edwin Jackson, Jordan Zimmermann and Tyler Clippard will be crucial for the Nats' success. The Cardinals will rely on most of their World Series-winning crew, led by last year's hero David Freese, along with Matt Holliday, Yadier Molina and new acquisition Carlos Beltran. Even with Chris Carpenter in less than full strength, their arms remain as potent, led by Kyle Lohse, Lance Lynn and Jason Motte. The series is expected to have an unpredictable ending, perhaps four or five games will decide the winner of the experience vs. youth battle. 

Cincinnati Reds vs. San Francisco Giants

Season Series: Reds won 4-3

The 2010 World Series champions are aching to get back on the big stage, but first they have to face a team that also has World Series aspirations. Both the Reds and the Giants made it through their offense and pitching, and these aspects will decide this series.

Even with Tim Lincecum struggling and Brian Wilson out, the Giants did prevail thanks to the equally potent arms of Matt Cain, Barry Zito, Madison Bumgarner and Sergio Romo. The Giants also had success offensively, thanks to the return of Buster Posey and the consistency of a pre-suspension Melky Cabrera. With Cabrera out, they need the likes of Pablo Sandoval, Angel Pagan and Joaquin Arias to fill the offensive void. As for the Reds, they will rely on the bats of Joey Votto, Brandon Phillips, Jay Bruce and youngsters Zack Cozart and Todd Frazier, and the arms of Johnny Cueto, Mat Latos, Bronson Arroyo and Aroldis Chapman. With an equal distribution of offense and pitching, expect this series to last four or five, and whoever starts quickly will win the series.