My trip to a Professional Soccer Tournament was at Citi Field which it was on the 5th of July, 2023. The match was New York City Football Club the host team played against Charlotte Football Club which is the team from North Carolina debut its Major League Soccer History in 2022. Charlotte FC is also known has the Queen City and has expanded fans in the area which they usually have their home matches at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. NYCFC is hoping to get their own stadium across from Citi Field by 2027 which it would attract a lot of soccer fans to watch a good match, especially the New York Derby against the New York Red Bulls.
The match started of with the team doing well and took control of the ball. Charlotte FC scored their first goal of the match at the 17th minute. The goal was from McKinze Gaines while the fans on the away supporters were excited and so I was. The crowd also singed “Charlotte FC”, “Charlotte is Wonderful”, “The Mighty Black and Blue” and “We Love It”. The match was really good during the first half and had a lot of close moments for the second goal. There was some hiccups with the team but managed to pull it through. The match ended with the first half by Charlotte FC taking the lead 1-0.
When the 2nd Half began, Charlotte was doing well even the guy with the Charlotte FC skeleton theme with the hat came in to sing along the Charlotte supporters. At the 57th minute, the group sang “The Mighty Black and Blue” until the almost had the goal but I thought it should’ve ruled for penalty but nothing major happened. Charlotte FC had control of the ball in most of the match until NYCFC levelled the score at the 81st minute. The City Fans were excited about the team to score the goal to tie the game but the Charlotte fans refused to give up and hoped to get the winning goal. We shouted “Not my Problem” to the City fans because it shouldn’t been a draw. Some of the supporters sing “Vamos Charlotte” which the club did everything they could get many shots of target but City managed to keep the game alive. When the game had 6 minutes of stoppage time, Charlotte FC ran back to the front of our view but no luck with the winning goal. NYCFC also tried to get the winning goal but great defense from Charlotte. When both teams tried to get one last chance to get the winning goal but both goalies saved it which NYCFC got the last shot when Kristijan Kahlina saved the ball for Charlotte FC and kicked it out when the whistle was blown for a 1-1 draw. I was disappointed with the result but I had fun with the experience at Citi Field
While both Charlotte FC and NYCFC had their mighty performance, they each got themselves a goal which I was hopping for Charlotte FC to get winning goal but it wasn’t the way I wanted to finished the match. Hopefully I’ll get to see soccer matches in the future. Hopefully New York will expand soccer fans if their any New York team like NYCFC in Queens, NY Redbulls for future Derby’s or any MLS teams that you want to see in Queens.
I found an article from 2011 when the Nassau County Bus was gonna change to NICE Bus which it was owned by Veolia Transportation, a French-based company with American headquarters in Illinois that is one of the mates world’s largest private providers of nects transportation. Nassau County, New York: Veolia won a contract to operate Long Island Bus (renamed Nassau Inter-County Express) in place of the MTA effective January 1, 2012. The old Long Island Bus was delivered to a bus company in Colorado while Veolia a French based Company took control and brought brand new buses for the NICE Bus fleet in first couple of years. I found an old article that has proved the issue of The Long Island Bus to NICE.
THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS
are far from Robert Coles mind as he strides purposefully across the parking lot at Long Island Bus’s huge depot on Commercial Avenue in Garden City. With his sharp angular features, piercing gaze and earnest demeanor, the 56-year-old bus operator looks a bit like Gary Cooper about to corner some outlaw in an old cowboy Western instead of a veteran employee eager to speak his mind about the uncertain future of Nassau County’s transit system. For almost 22 years, this Colorado native, a former cop in a Denver suburb, has been behind the wheel, picking up a portion of the 100,000. daily passengers that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority estimates ride the buses. On weekday afternoons, Cole drives the N22, which connects Roosevelt Field Mall to Jamaica Station and Hicksville. “Every one of my trips is jam-packed- all the 22s are like that,” he says.
Robert Cole walks briskly across the parking lot of the massive Long Island Bus depot on Commercial Avenue in Garden City, his thoughts clearly distant from his thoughts. The 56-year-old bus operator appears more like Gary Cooper about to corner some outlaw in an old cowboy Western than a seasoned worker eager to voice his opinions about the uncertain future of Nassau County’s transit system, with his sharp, angular features, piercing gaze, and earnest demeanor. This Colorado native, a former police officer in a Denver suburb, has been operating the bus for nearly 22 years, picking up some of the 100,000 passengers a day that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority estimates use it. Cole travels the N22 on weekday afternoons, connecting Roosevelt Field Mall to Jamaica Station and Hicksville. “Every one of my trips is jam-packed- all the 22s are like that,” he continues.
Cole resides in Selden with his wife and his two kids in eastern Suffolk, while he commutes to work from there. “It’s a hike,” he remarks. He gets there early so he can have a leisurely lunch in the cafeteria. “I come here to eat!” Cole grinned as he told the Long Island Press. “They’ve got some great teriyaki chicken right now.” He acknowledges that he misses Colorado’s hunting and fishing when pressed. He states that “I miss seeing those mountains in the morning,” above all else. The grandest sights you have ever laid eyes upon.” However, a more dire future lies ahead for him and other union workers on Long Island Bus; it may even be worse for the current ridership. on January 1, 2012, Veolia Transportation, a French-based company with its American headquarters in Illinois and one of the largest private providers of nects transportation in the world, will take over the MTA, which has been running the county’s bus service for 38 years, as a result of a decision made by Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano. Cole feels concerned about what might happen to his future healthcare coverage and pension. He was reluctant to seriously think about changing careers or contemplating retirement early, but now he’s beginning to second-guess whether he should operate an enormous bus in New York City.
Cole declares, “This is really stressful.” “I’m in a situation where my options are limited: either I act or not. I want to maintain my current level of medical benefits.” impacts on the amount of riders. Veolia Transportation will take over all routes and rename the bus company N.I.C.E. (Nassau Inter County Express).
The Time when Long Island Bus to NICE
Following Veolia’s takeover of the system, Mangano and Veolia announced in November 2011 that the service would be renamed Nassau Inter-County Express, or NICE. In order to reflect the change, a new paint scheme would be applied to all buses, including Able-Ride vehicles. The Veolia contract was unanimously approved by the legislature on December 12, 2011, and on December 22, 2011, the state-run Nassau County Interim Finance Authority (NIFA) approved it. Veolia started functioning on January 1, 2012. During contentious county public hearings, Long Island Bus passengers and staff voiced their disapproval of the Veolia proposal.
Veolia announced changes and service reductions in February 2012, with an effective date of April 2012. Although no routes were canceled, approximately $7 million in route reductions were planned, starting in the spring of 2012, with service reductions and route concentrations planned for routes primarily serving northern and eastern Nassau County, with resources diverted towards busier routes. In the end, however, these cuts lead to fewer services being provided on thirty routes, which includes fewer services on weekends and fewer services during the midday on seven routes.
Critics claimed that these cuts occurred too soon—just six weeks after the service began.The cuts drew harsh criticism from the transit advocacy group Long Island Bus Riders Union, which said that “many of the NICE bus service cuts appear to be in low income communities where more people rely on public transportation to get to work and to access the few available health care centers that serve their needs,” that “the announcements of service adjustments on the [NICE bus] website were very unclear,” and that service to numerous health and social service centers was discontinued.
The Orion V 05.501 diesel buses from 1997 to 2000, the Orion V 501 GNG from 2004 to 2009, and the Orion VII Next Generation Models from 2009 to 2010 were all formerly operated by Nassau County Public Buses. However, the company decided to add the Orion Buses from New York City while ordering new buses for the NICE Company in late 2011, when Nassau County Bus had a low inventory and was not operating as much.
On the other hand, Able Ride is a paratransit business that offers trips to individuals with disabilities who are unable to drive themselves but still wish to travel. The company then operated 10 passenger Navistar International IC 3200 Eldorado minibuses with 1 or 2 handicapped seats. However, after NICE took over, the company acquired Dodge Grand Caravans with wheelchair-accessible interiors, Ford F350 minibuses, Ford F450 minibuses and large buses like Chevy Express Cutaway Van 4500.
The idea was the buses have changed over the years but changing the company name hasn’t helped much after the take over of Long Island Bus to NICE on the other hand caused declines in service and passengers using the bus to places.
The Match started off with the Brisbane Lions against North Melbourne Kangaroos which it was an incredible journey for the 2023 AFLW Season. The Brisbane Lions Women’s Team has last won the Grand Final since 2021 against Adelaide Football Club and were runners up in 2022 against Melbourne Demons at the very close match with a low scoring affair which they mostly have playoff experience during the 2017 and 2018 season. Breanna Koenen who was the captain of the Brisbane Lions since the women’s team was established in 2017. Coach Craig Starchvich is the Senior Coach of Women’s Team of the Lions. Princes Park (also known as Ikon Park under naming rights) is an Australian rules football ground located within the Princes Park area in the inner Melbourne region of Carlton North.
The Grand Final started off with a scoreless draw throughout most of the 1st Quarter from both defense sides with avoiding the scoring opportunity until Taylah Gatt did a small pass to Jasmine Garner and got the first goal of the match inside the 50 metre circle. The 2nd Quarter started off with Charolette Mullins kicked the ball inside the 50 metre circle which it was dropped by the goal square which no one was able to get it which the Lions got themselves their first goal of the match out of nowhere for Brisbane to get their moment. Afterwards, there was words from the players for pushing while the referee ruled foul on Brisbane which Jasmine Garner from the Kangaroos scored another goal inside the 50 metre circle. The crowd was excited for North Melbourne to take the lead to bring up the energy. In the meantime, Ruby Svarc of the Lions took the ball and passed it to Ally Anderson which she went in circle to pass it to Ellie Hampson on the mark and scored a goal for the Brisbane Lions. When it was halftime, The North Melbourne Kangaroos has took the lead by 2.2 (14) to 2.1 (13)
When the 2nd half the match began, it started off with the Brisbane Lions defending the ball and Caitlin Wendland passed the footy to Orla O’Dwyer and kicked her left foot to give the Brisbane Lions a goal and first time they took the lead. The fans were excited for the lead of the Lions on the other side of the venue. Afterwards, The Lions made tackles with the Kangaroos at every pass when the footy goes around the stadium. Then Jasmine Garner took the footy while no one was able to get and kicked it far up to Katie Shierlaw at the mark and gained the lead back for North Melbourne to score a goal inside the 50 metre circle. The Kangaroos fans went wild after the tremendous goal. It didnt stop North Melbourne to score another goal from Alice O’Loughlin which had some help from her teammates. By the time it reached to the 4th Quarter, Kiara Hillier of the Brisbane Lions managed to stay in bounds and kicked the footy to Dakota Davidson and scored a goal for the Lions to get the margin back. Dakota Davidson has caught the footy momentary and scored the goal again for the Lions and got themselves back in the lead from a 5 points margin with less than 8 minutes left. While Chris Fagan the Coach of the Men’s Team for the Brisbane Lions wanted to watch the Women’s Team because he wanted to see Brisbane for the Women’s Team get a souvenir which it was nice of the Manager to watch the women play in action for the support. With less than 4 minutes left, Mikayla Pauga took the footy and Brisbane wanted to have the ball which North Melbourne was caught for hold inside the goal square but gives Brisbane the free kick to Ellie Hampson. When Ellie Hampson kicked the footy, she scored her 2nd goal for the Lions and extended the lead which it was a thriller for the Lions fans. With the last minute left, both teams kicked the footy outside of the goal zone until Breanna Koenen the Captain of the Brisbane Lions scored the last goal and the whole team was excited to wrapped up the grand final.
The match end with the Queens of the Jungle as the Brisbane Lions are AFLW Champions for the 2nd time since 2021. The match ended with the Brisbane Lions victory of 7.2 (44) to 4.3 (27). The Brisbane Lions has roar the crowd and lifted the trophy for their amazing turnaround of the tournament. The team celebrated with their fans and families after the match was over and had the opportunity to celebrate with their supporters and give young fans autographs. The little kids also did the hand out with the medals to the athletes and thank them for the support.
Our News Team and I discussed if anyone saw a painting and wanted to walk into the painting and create their own story. So we did and here are the stories we came up with.
We named the painting first titles
The titles we came up with
Back to Solid Ground
Spooky night on the George Town Loop( their title )
The Train of Death
The Colorado train to no where
The Polar Ecpress
The Journey to the Underworld
Train Spying on the Mountains
Then we wrote our story line pertaining to the title we named the painting.
Our Shorts
Back to Solid Ground
Joanna looked at the painting and her story was inspired because she noticed the train was coming to the end of a bridge that was going over a gauge and then was headed into a earthly forest which represented being grounded after afloat.
What happens next only Joie knows.
“I always feel like I am in the floating part and never on the grounded earth .
Only trying to get to a destination feeling like the bridge is going to collapse before I get there.
I asked if she could give an example , as she honestly replied I have been trying to get a job and I never feel like I am going anywhere.
My conclusion
“ You have to keep trying and work on your weak parts to find your strengths.
This is a perfect example of the art of Narrative Therapeutics.
Spooky night on the George Town Loop
Scott was impressed by the painting and jumped right into his creative writing and this is the story he came up with.
The train ride from my story It’s train ride on Halloween and I would be in the middle of nowhere with the night sky. It was the Georgetown Loop Railroad and it was #14 locomotive. On the bridge, I saw the smoke from the hazardous fog from the cold crisps air which the conductor drove the train nice and slow. There was a wild fox on the tracks and ran out as soon as the whistle sounded through the tunnel. There was also heavy rain after the long trip from the tunnel. The passengers on board sat quietly while others took pictures of the view with the strange night sky.
After the heavy rain cleared out, the fog continued and the wolf howled to the blood moon which there was vampires out in the middle of the tracks but the train slowly stopped and saw lots of wild animals like wolves, foxes, vampires and bats flying around the nearby cave which it was a giant spiderweb. The owl was hanging on the tree near the cave and not too far away from the mountain itself which the train whistled through the forest and all of the animals and vampires ran out of the train tracks. The conductor blew his whistle and the train resumed its journey back to normal throughout the night.
The Train of Death
Gina Loves Scary Movies so this story she created combined her thrill of horror with a touch of fantasy
It was a dark a storm night we were going to queen Cristina’s party. The orient express. Then suddenly the train broke down .
Everyone got out of the train and Gale And Oogie Boogie from nightmare before Christmas kidnapped queen Cristine Queens Unicorn whisper .
I was dressed as a doctor and my fire d Barry was dressed as a jack o lantern
The Colorado train to No Where
Lisette expressed that sometimes when she sees a train she feels like it goes everywhere but never really stops at one final destination, its the endless train ride.
The Polar Express
This story was expressed by Sarah because it reminded her about happy times during the holidays
The Journey to the Dark World.
Mr. Jackson who just finished writing his book to be released from “Marvel to Manufeststion “ catered his story around his love for Marvel.
Train Spying on the Mountsins what happen
Danielle expressed that nature can be unpredictable but there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel.
The whole Autisticana crew went on excursion to Fire Island. Originally we planned on going to Ocean Beach but missed the ferry so we went to Kismet. Some of us almost missed the boat because we got on the wrong ferry terminal boat but the correct time. The crew on the ferry was nice enough to save us time but made in time to catch the ferry to Fire Island. We landed at Kismet, Fire Island. The whole group took a wagon and went for a walk to Kismet Beach. When we got to the beach, some of us went to the water and others relaxed to enjoyed the view. Afterwards, we went for a walk around Kismet and walked through the town and the most interesting houses on the island. We saw signs and souvenirs as items for decoration. I saw some wagons and bicycles in the front yard since cars weren’t allow to go through Fire Island. Afterwards we went for dinner at a deli and we had ice cream, chicken tenders with fries, and a large pretzel. Finally we went saw the most interesting sunset and took the Ferry back to Bay Shore.
Scott
On my end I started off with riding on a wagon halfway before having all of the bags on the wagon. I went to the beach and had a blast by getting hit by the giant waves while I tried to avoid getting hit by the riptides. At one point I almost touched a jellyfish with a minor sting, during which I was hypnotized because it was a close call. While I went for a walk with the group, I found out that every wagon and bikes with baskets had a license plate so they know the name of the vehicle. It would be cool if they can customize the plate or get an old license plate for an souvenir so they can put on a vehicle. There’s also a wagon depot by the dock which every wagon should have a license plate to know the color and customize their plates from New York, Florida or whatever customized plate for an ocean-theme related name.
Jackson
I loved walking around the beach and standing by the waves while feeling the sand being pulled in by the water. We also got to sit on our towels and talk about how interesting Kismet Beach was. At first I was nervous by the ferry because I kept thinking my stuff was going to fall off the boat but I got through it both to the island and back. I also enjoyed seeing an interesting fence rumored to belong to a “psycho killer” and eating at the deli with each other. I enjoyed a delicious dinner of fries and sparkling lemonade mixed with blackberry seltzer and seeing a beautiful sunset on the way back to Bay Shore.
Both Matildas vs Lions had played their most competitive performance.This has been the biggest sporting event so far in Australia History while Australia plays against England. The Matildas were determined to get their first World Cup Finalists as the host since the USA did back in 1999. Tony Gustavsson was hoping if Australia could get a victory against England which they’re good as the Matildas. While Sabrina Weigman was focused that the Lionesses could possibly do a rematch which that was her only lost as manager against Australia 2-0 in a friendly match in April of 2023. The match was hosted in Stadium Australia in Olympic Park of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. The supporters of 75,784 came to watch a great excited match for Australia vs England.
The match started off with Australia taking control while England quickly took defense. At the 7th minute, Sam Kerr almost got herself a goal for Australia which was blocked by Mary Herps. At the 9th minute, Stanway was close to get get a goal which Mackenzie Arnold managed to save it.17th minute, Russo passed it to Hemp which it hit the net on. At the 30th minute, Australia took the corner kick which Hayley Raso almost give the Matildas a goal. At the 36th minute, Rachel Daly passed it to Hemp to Russo and small pass to Ella Toone which she give England on the opening score to lead the Matildas 1-0. the 38th minute, Elie Carpenter pass it to Gorry but it was a great save from Herps. Both teams played well which it ended up England 1-0
During the 2nd Half, The Matilda’s has to find a way in order to go to the World Cup. 47th minute Sam Kerr almost got her goal. At the 57th minute, Lauren Hemp had everything she can which she wasn’t called for a foul but kept going and Mackenzie Arnold was able to save it. At the 63rd minute Sam Kerr took the ball and ran all the way which give Australia a 30 yards kick goal to level up 1-1. The fans at Stadium Australia was electrified as Sam Kerr scored her goal in her host nation. IAt the 67th minute, Kyra Cooney-Cross took the long range kick which Sam Kerr did the header but Herps was able to save it for England. It didn’t last when England took the sacrifice at the 71st minute when Millie Bright did a long pass to Lauren Hemp and passed through the Australian defense and give England the lead again. Australia thought that they could pull through but it didmd last with England with the might roar of getting into their way. In the last 20 minutes Australia had refused to give up hope as Sam Kerr did a head but aimed at the wrong direction which it would’ve been the moment for Australia to catch up England. So the Matildas kept trying but Mary Herps wouldn’t let Australia get a chance to catch up to them. When Australia had the corner kick, Sam Kerr just had her moment but pushed the pressure and booted up instead of direct goal. By the 86th minute, Lauren Hemp give out a massive pass to Alessia Russo a goal for England 3-1, which might do for England to play against Spain in the World Cup Final. The England squad cheered and celebrated like a victory which Australia had everything they could but didn’t get the job done. In the final minutes, Australia had tried possession but it was too late to level it up 3-3 which sadly Australia has been eliminated in the Semifinals against England 3-1.
The Matildas should be proud of themselves that they change the way to bring young girls and fans around the country to get into soccer. There was a lot of emotions from Australia which they thought they could be the host nation to reach to the finals. The Lionesses on the other hand had one of the best performances in the World Cup campaign which the team was able to play in their true spirit of soccer. The Aussie Fans has shown spirit to this sport. It will live on to continue the future of the Matilda’s which hopefully they can bring a silverware to their history. The whole squad has to now focus on getting Bronze against Sweden in Brisbane which they can bonce back and turn around. The love of every soccer fan around the world who now believe in the Matildas are true spirits and hopefully one day they can show the world to see what they can accomplish in other other conceptions like the Summer Olympics and other International Tournaments.
I was able to sit down with local music artist ‘victoria said‘ and discuss her solo project, her inspirations, and her upcoming releases. Victoria works as staff with my peers in Autisticana and we all are excited about her music and performances.
Scott: How did you become a singer and songwriter?
Victoria: I’ve been singing ever since I can remember. My parents got me a karaoke machine and I was always singing for my family in the living room. From Taylor Swift, Camp rock, high school musical, early 2000s hits, my house heard it all! I’ve taken guitar, vocal, and piano lessons for years. My twin sister Sasha has always been musical as well, she plays piano and sings. When we were like 12 we came together and did a duet for the first time. Our first cover was “Payphone” by Maroon 5. We posted it to YouTube and it became our thing to play covers and sing together. I also posted my own singing videos as well. I think I began songwriting as early as 12/13. They may have been a little cheesy but it brought me to where I am today.
Who are your inspirations?
Literally everyone. From people that I’ve grown up watching and listening to from Disney Channel like Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato, to indie artists across multiple genres that come up on my Spotify, to local artists that gig and do shows around Long Island like me! My dad is into a lot of older music that he has introduced me to as well within the rock and folk genres. I absolutely love going to concerts too! That always inspires me. It makes me go home and write even more.
What inspires you to songwrite?
I’m inspired by my experiences and my relationships. The good and the bad are all part of life and I like to write beautiful songs that people can relate to.
What does your artist name called ‘victoria said’ mean?
‘victoria said’ is about speaking through my songwriting. I have people asking me “Victoria said what?” All I say is to listen to my music, that’s what I’m trying to say!
Tell me about your Music that you have already released.
I have 2 singles are out currently. In Feb (2023) I released “Through (thank you),” which is a friend breakup song and the first single of my solo project. “hope you don’t sleep good tonight” was my second single and it was released this past April. This one has a striking title but it’s really talking about the intense emotions during a healing process, and that it’s okay to feel angry. “Lovely” is my newest single set to release on August 18. It is so catchy, fun, summery, and the perfect song for feeling nervous and falling in love.
Are there any other new songs or projects in the near future?
I just filmed a music video with my friends and a videographer, Liam, from Brooklyn for “Lovely” and it’s set to release in September! It was such a long day but so cool. I’ve never done a professional music video like that before! It was amazing planning and putting the vision together. All the songs that I’ve been working on since last fall will be part of EP coming very soon. I’ve been workin with Sarah Gross on Long Island- She’s been producing and mixing for me and it’s been an amazing experience.
The Matildas had played really well throughout their world cup until they have to play against France which their known as the Les Bleues. While both Australia and France are motivated to advance to the Semifinals, the two teams have shown exceptional power and overall achievement. Australia’s Tony Gustavsson and France’s Hervé Renard both enjoyed a successful World Cup campaign. With an outstanding view of their 49,961 fans, the match was held at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Queensland.
The match started off with both teams doing well balance while Sam Kerr gets to start off in the bench just in case of any form of play when needed. At the 12th minute, france took the corner kick which Eugenie Le Sommer had a chance to pass it to Maelle Lakrar bit kicked off target. Australia had some moments but couldn’t get the finishing touches. During the 24th minute Maria Carvajal had signals an Australia throw-in in France’s half. Which quickly became Katrina-Lee Gorry of Australia gets in a strike, but is off target. At the 32nd minute, France took the corner kick and Maelle Lakrar tried to give the Les Blues on the scoreboard which Mackenzie Arnold save it from going in. A the 41st minute, Hayley Raso was about to get the goal for Australia which the french defense almost cost the chance with lack of communication. While Katrina Lee Gorry passed it to Mary Fowler she was about to score for Australia but a great defense from Elisa De Almeida had a massive block which France was lucky to not let Australia get a chance to take the lead which it ended up halftime 0-0. Both teams had caused mistakes and failed possession of the ball.
When the 2nd half began, France already give a fowl to Fowler which Australia will get the free kick but it was blocked. France had most possession but almost had a chance. At the 55th minute the whole crowd was excited for Sam kerr for her to take over the 2nd half of the match. The moment after she got on, Kerr almost got herself a goal and Hayley Raso nearly got herself the goal for the Matildas. At the 58th minute Australia took charge of the corner kicks which couldn’t finish the job at the end which Pauline Peyraud-Magnin the French Goalkeeper was being this massive to refuse the Matildas the chance of a winning opportunity. During in these moments, France had suddenly came more dangerous with the ball and the tactics. The match at Suncorp Stadium has been interrupted briefly for a check on Eugenie Le Sommer, who is down injured which she got hit in the nose. At the 82nd minute, Australia was able to drive forward but Caitlin Foord is called for offside. During the 89th minute, Australia’s Ellie Carpenter breaks free, but the strike goes wide of the post. At the 90th minute, France’s Selma Bacha misses with an attempt on goal. The match was so competitive and still scoreless which means it ends the regulation match and go to extra time.
When extra time began, both teams had played their toughest performance which only one side can win it to the semifinals. At the 95th minute, France surge into the attack at Suncorp Stadium but Elisa De Almeida’s header is off-target. At the 100th Minute, France took the corner kick and Wendie Renard had the goal for France but the referee wanted to turn the play over for offside she was also caught for a push to Australia. During the 105th minute, Caitlin Foord had full advantage of the ball and hand it to Cortnne Vine but almost got themselves a goal. Afterwards, it was another round of extra time and France continue to let the Matildas to struggle the possession which France has contacted to play dangerous. At the 106th minute Viviane Asseyi had the ball in the penalty box and gives it to Vicki Becho which Mackenzie Arnold made a powerful save. By the 110th minute, Lauren Fazer of France passed the ball to Grace Geyoro which Steph Catley of Australia defend it from getting the goal. During the final minutes of exratime, France made 2 subs included the goalkeeper. The Goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin was being replaced by Solene Durand which Peyraud-Magnin did phenomenal with the defense of disallowing goals for Australia. On the other hand, Eve Perisset is replacing Elisa De Almeida for France. After the final moments from both Australia and France, the match ended up to penalty shots.
While Australia and France both haven’t find a strategy to score a goal, they ended went to Penalty kicks and a lot of fans has enjoyed the match at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. The penalty kick also known as PK mode started off with Selma Bacha but made a weak kick for an easy save from Arnold Mackenzie. When Caitlin Foord of Australia took over, she scores by the left of the post. When Kadidiatou Diane of France took the penalty kick it was an easy shot by the left post. While Steph Caitley of Australia took her shot, it was save by Solene Durand to save France with hope. When Wendie Renard the most farce player of France took the shot which it was an easy goal which had no problem of the danger. By the time Sam Kerr the Capitan of Australia took over, she made a goal which roared the whole stadium to see her score the goal in front of the audience of her home country. She had shown pride what soccer can do for her aussie fans, which made her feel good about the penalty kick. When Eugenie Le Sommer of France took the shot, it was a goal on the right side. As soon as Mary Fowler of Australia took the shot, it was a goal on the left and Australia has believe that could win the Quarterfinals. When Eve Perisset of France and just it the post and misses which Austrlia can bring hope for the victory if they made it. When Mackenzie Arnold of Australia played against Solene Durand she almost give Australia the big win which it the right post. It was 3-3 and made it round 6 which it got electrified in Brisbane and all og the fans got amped up with moment of sudden death. Then Grace Geyoro of France kicked the ball and succeeds from the penalty spot which Mackenzie Arnold almost had it but her fingertips was short to give the Matildas a win. When Katrina-Lee Gorry of Australia took her luck, she scores and did the rockabye baby holding dance while Solene Durand of France failed to save it with her fingertips and Australia went wild. By the Sakina Karchaoui of France scores from the penalty spot, it hit the post but able to get over the line when France an extra life of pendents. When Tameka Yallop of Australia took the kick, she quickly tip toe the play and succeeds from the penalty spot 5-5 into round 8. When Maelle Lakrar of France took the penalty kick it succeeds for France for an another lead. While Ellie Carpenter of Australia took the penalty kick she scores off the post but manage to get in. Afterwards, it was Kenza Dali of France took the shot, she missed but Mackenzie was happy to save but has to redo it because she moved too early. When Clare Hunt of Australia gets ready to take a penalty, she was able to kick it center but the goalie was able to save it. By the time Vicki Becho of France took the opportunity to lead The Blues and just it the post but couldn’t hang on. Lastly, it was round 10 which it was leveled 6-6 but Cortnee Vine took the penalty kick which it could be the moment for Australia. The Matildas has won the Penalty Shootout and they whole team has ran out and celebrated on the pitch for another successful match which they managed to win the Quarterfinals for the first time in World Cup History for both men and women for Australia. They will play against England in the Semifinals on Wednesday.
The most important lesson for the Matildas was to never surrender the power of taking charge of the World Cup and bring in joy for the sport that elevates the team. Everyone in the squad worked so hard to believe in themselves and it wasn’t easy for Australia to keep their grip of saving themselves as the host nation of the World Cup.
Here’s the extra information about the Matildas on your social networks to see some of the greatest moments of this amazing match to remember
When my twin brother Ryan and I were born prematurely both of us were 3 lbs and over two months early. I was diagnosed with moderate Cerebral Palsy (CP) at birth. Which means I have a brain hemorrhage in a very rare spot. My Cerebral Palsy affects my entire right side. When I was 22 years old I was diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). POTS means my heart rate goes very high and if I stand up or change positions too fast I pass out and my blood pressure goes very low. My Cerebral Palsy makes my POTS even more challenging. When I was 24 years old I was diagnosed with Epilepsy. Epilepsy (seizures) my Epilepsy spot is right next to my brain hemorrhage. Which makes my Epilepsy even more challenging. On top of me having Cerebral Palsy and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. I have to carry my emergency seizure medicine and wear my Apple Watch at all times. My medical team at (St. Charles Hospital) is amazing. They go above and beyond for me. I don’t know where I would be with them. At every stage of my life, I learn and accept that my life is harder than typical people’s before all of my diagnoses. But that doesn’t stop me. Even with all of my diagnoses I’m still not letting them hold me back from what I do with my life.
2Education/Molly: All of my schooling was very challenging but I did it. Thank God that Individualized Education (IEP) was so detailed and grew with me. From Elementary school to College, I had to work twice as hard as my peers because of all of my learning disabilities as well as my diagnoses. Resource room teachers from Elementary school to High school were great at realizing that I was having trouble and trying to find a solution. I would always ask the teacher if I was having trouble or if they could tell me facial expressions. As I entered Junior school and High school the material got because I was in Regents level classes. Which meant more homework and tests. My stress levels increased. But they were almost therapists to me because they would try to find a solution. If that didn’t work they would have a meeting with my teacher. Between myself, my resource room teacher, and my class teacher we would usually find a solution or have extra accommodation for that class. By Senior year my IEP was the size of a textbook with all of my accommodations. Once I entered College for my Bachelor’s Degree I had to find a College that had a great disability program. If they didn’t have that program I wouldn’t succeed. If I had a problem with a teacher, even after I asked the teacher. They would tell the teacher and help to find a solution. I even had a guidance counselor (Leighann) that was my lifeline. I would email her every day, and I would have a weekly meeting with her. If I didn’t have I didn’t her wouldn’t have been successful. When I got my Master’s Degree my College also had a great disability program and my teachers would email me, to see if I was having any problems with the material. From Elementary school to graduating with my Master’s Degree I went to a lot of tutoring and extra help sessions to better understand the material. Since graduating with my Master’s Degree it’s been very difficult for me to find a job with all of my diagnoses. I’m currently trying to get a job with the government in healthcare administration and leadership, that’s what my degrees are. When I was in College I was suicidal from all of the homework, tests, and stress. My therapist told me to bond with my rescue dog, Molly, which helped a ton. Without bonding with her. There’s no doubt in my mind, Coach Steve, Coach Bob, Chloe, Charmaine, Leighann, and my medical team’s minds that I wouldn’t be alive today. During this time I joined Rolling Thunder Special Needs Program Para-Athletics without the head Coaches Steve and Bob, Chloe and Charmaine watched out to see if I was displaying any suicidal signs during practice, road races, and track meets I joined this Track and Field Team help me feel included without any judgment because everyone understands what I was through. They listened to me and did everything I needed to still be alive. Even when Molly passed during the Coronavirus-19 Pandemic, everyone was there for them checking in on me to see if I was okay and not displaying any suicidal signs. Without all of these people and Molly, I would’ve committed suicide. That’s another of the many reasons why I’m so appreciative of these people because they didn’t have but they wanted to.
3Obstacles To Challenges /Training For Summer Paralympics Paris 2024/Field Hockey:
I’ve had many obstacles in my life. My medical team, Physical Therapists, and Occupational Therapists have been there the whole time. They have helped me turn everyday life activities that were insanely hard for me that turned into challenges because It’s very hard for me to use my right limbs, right fingers, and right toes even though I was stubborn and didn’t want to do them. But I had to be able to function in activities of daily life and be a successful functional person in society. I had to be successful to meet every goal the way they wanted which was “the correct way” or I failed the goal and had to keep working on the goal. I tried to find a shortcut for every goal but it didn’t work whatsoever. Even though all of these goals were hard to meet, I am a successful functional person in society. Thanks to their great work and for handling my stubbornness.
As for my training for The Summer Paralympic Games in Paris 2024 for Track and Field. My Track and Field Team is (Rolling Thunder Special Needs Program Para-Athletics) which is for disabled athletes, most of my teammates have Autism. The head coaches are Steve and Bob. There have been so many obstacles because of all of my diagnoses. Trying to figure out a way that I could successfully run without falling, passing out, or having a seizure. At every practice, I wear my helmet to help in case of emergency. But I didn’t give up and my coaches and pacers on my team didn’t either. Trying to successfully finish practice has also been an obstacle to my safety. I have to have modified practice, wear my helmet, have extra water breaks, and have to wear cooling towels when it’s hot out in case I have an emergency. Even use Quench Gum and Jelly Belly Sport Beans before and during every practice, road races, and track meet. To help me not have an emergency. All of my coaches and my pacers know my faces when I display those symptoms that I’m about to pass out or have a seizure. Another obstacle that turned into a challenge was running road
races successfully and not falling, passing out, or having a seizure. When I run road races I have my two pacers (Chloe and Charmaine) with me. One pacer is in front of me watching it to see if there’s a curb, a pothole, or if the road is uneven. My other pacer is next to me. I have to wear my leg brace, water hydration backpack, and helmet. In case anything happens to me. As well, in case I have a seizure they were taught how to give me my emergency seizure medication. That was difficult to solve, especially for my safety. My two pacers are amazing for keeping me safe. Even during the road race, they will not tell me what mile we’re at. They will only look at my Apple Watch which displays my heart rate. They’re constantly looking at my face to see if I’m about to pass out or have a seizure. Because they know my faces when I display those symptoms.
In terms of throwing the Shot Put and Discus that was a challenge trying to figure out how I would hold them and successfully throw them. My coaches and I figured out a way that works for me. As of writing, I’m on the Long Island Track and Field Team and the New York State Track and Field Team which I was surprised about. But it’s all because of my hard work. Of course, all my coaches go the extra mile. But didn’t any of these challenges stop me from quitting the team. I’m indebted to all of my coaches for them not giving up on me. I didn’t stop because it was an obstacle for me. All of these obstacles have helped me compete in track meets, most of them I’m competing against typical athletes.
Specifically, Training for The Summer Paralympic Games in Paris 2024 for Track and Field has been a challenge because I have to put in a ton of more work at practice, during the Road Races, and I have extra workouts that my other teammates don’t have. I have to a Paralympic Standards for the Cerebral Palsy (CP) category to be considered to compete in The Summer Paralympic Games in Paris 2024. Those Paralympic Standards for 100 meters, 200 meters, and Shot Put are very challenging, especially having moderate Cerebral Palsy (CP) because of the modifications I had to figure out and master to try to meet those Paralympic Standards as of this moment I’m writing this am I very close of meeting those Paralympic Standards. Each of my coaches, my pacers, and my personal I’m so thankful for to have them in my life. I’m currently 0.10 seconds off of the CP Paralympic standard for the 100 meters dash. I’m currently 15 seconds off of the CP Paralympic standard for the 200 meters dash. I’m 1.22 meters off of the CP Paralympic standard for the Shot Put. I’m currently 9 meters off the CP Paralympic standard for Discus. Running my last 5K (3.1 miles) road race I got a Personal Record by over 4 minutes.
I also have a personal trainer (Ryan) from (Whit Fit/Oompf Fit-Club) helping to increase my strength on both sides of my body. Helping me enhance my sprinting form. He has done the same thing with my Shot Put and Discus form. Having me practice these skills during every session. These sessions aren’t easy at all. But my favorite exercise is pulling the sled. As I’m writing this, the most weight I pulled on the sled is 315 lbs. My best pulling the sled while sprinting is 220 lbs. As of me writing this. Pulling the sled makes me so happy and my trainer knows it. But it’s super challenging especially since my Cerebral Palsy right side doesn’t work as well as my non-affected side in every exercise. Especially my Cerebral Palsy fingers because it’s hard to hold the grips on all of the machines that I have use special grips that I can hold on to while doing strength exercises. I have no control of my right fingers and my right toes due to my Cerebral Palsy right side while also using machines hard to use. My trainer has to do twice the amount of work trying to modify everything because of my Cerebral Palsy but he’s willing to do it for me to achieve my goals. Which he doesn’t have to do. Again he goes the extra mile which I’m thankful for.
I also play Field Hockey for (Long Island Field Hockey on their Field Hockey 4 All Team). That’s been an obstacle as well trying to figure out how to hold the Field Hockey stick with only my left arm because I can’t grip the Field Hockey stick with my right arm. Figuring out how to hold the stick, hit the ball, and run at the same time was a challenge to master. I’m grateful to my head coaches (Danielle and Mallory) for helping me to figure out how to play the game safely. I also have to wear my leg brace, my helmet, and a sports sling on my right arm since I can’t hold the stick, during practices and tournaments. I also made the National Disabled Program Field Hockey Team. I was shocked that I made the team. But I didn’t give up and neither did they.
Having relationships with everyone that I wrote about in these blogs have been there in the happy times in my life as well the dark times of life. They were all listening to me, and were willing to find a solution, all at the time being so supportive it’s not even funny. I know that no one of the people had to do that but they were happy to do it. I will have a relationship with them. I have no doubt they will do anything for me and that’s why they will have a special part in my heart. There’s no way I’ll ever be able to repay them. I’m so thankful and blessed beyond belief to have all of them in my life and will have a relationship with them for the rest of my life.
We did it! It was amazing for all of us ! We are intelligent , we are curious , we are the news media team @autisticana.
We love to investigate and educate. Our coach Dr. Christine wanted us to learn about real film making. We all love to watch movies as we do in our theatre room at our news media station house.
Christine said , “ This is different then attending a movie theatre. To attend a film at a film festival is to really appreciate the making of a documentary, an original, and a short film, produced by up and coming enthusiasts in the film world.
As Dr. Christine put it , “ This is a place where academics show up to discuss the makings of a production and the content that goes into it .
It is a movie forum where the curious minded individuals like us get to enjoy a film and then discuss everything behind it. Almost like a live book club, but on the big screen.
What exactly is a film festival and how did it all begin ?
Film festivals are events that are typically staged by universities , private organizations, local communities, art associations and film societies. This is a venue that provides upcoming film makers to get their work in front of live audiences where they can have their films critiqued by professionals.
Films that get accepted into the film festival open up the opportunity of film maker presentations to be exposed to the press in an opportunity to be picked up by professional agents and buyers in the field. Sometimes a winning film can lead to a cash award.
Dr. Christine said it was time to go above watching a movie and attend a community event to explore a new forum and learn a bit of education about what goes into making a movie of substance.
She then reached out to the famous Staller Center of Stony Brook University. To our surprise they called her back within five minutes.
They were beyond kind , and expressed to us that “ The Autisticana News Team “ will have ten free passes waiting for us at the box seat office.
Wow! Was our first reaction. We felt like an important team. Did our hard work suddenly pay off ?
We immediately prepared interviews questions and practiced quickly as Dr.Christine helped us with a Que sheet to interview the panel at the film festival.
We experienced two films , one a short film leading into a documentary. It reminded us of a warm up band before a concert.
The films
Queen Moorea
The short was a fabulous surprise almost heaven sent. It was called Queen Moorea and was about Neurodiversity ! Who would have expected we would be enjoying a film about us !
Queen Moorea the short film is about a young lady in her twenties with a rare genetic disability, who refuses to see herself as disabled, as we all say we have more abilities than most.
Moorea graduated from High School and was awarded homecoming queen. She spent part of her days attending job training programs to transition her into a career. She finally got a job but then lost it due to the Coronavirus-19 pandemic . This was definitely a job for her, not a desired career . We all related so much to how she felt in this job position that did not serve her.
Her dream was to become a cardiologist, and now she is attending community college . As our coach tells us , we can be everything we wish for if we are consistent with our passion. If you love what you do and do what you love then you will obtain your chosen career despite challenges that are put in front of you.
Moorea had also won many beauty pageants . She also met the love of her life Jordan and plan on having children together.
Can we neurodivergent people have it all ? Why not , we work hard and deserve to, so we will. This film inspired all of us that we are on the correct path.
The next day we had our own panel addressing an issue that hits home. The scene where Moorea was working at her job and asked why she was minimized to just pick weeds in the garden,when she had so much to offer. As disabled ABLED individuals unfortunately we have all experienced the demeaning amongst our “ higher -ups” at work as well as our neurotypical peers. Some of our team had their own feelings they wanted to express .
“ The public is starting to notice, not only at this festival but everywhere that we aren’t just weird people. We are normal, but it’s a different kind of normal. I, myself, and others too have struggled to be noticed because of our vastly different qualities.
That push to be noticed, being different and struggling through that difficulty. That film showed us that anything is possible if you pursue it. We all have a place in this world. It’s how we make an impact, is what matters. We are proud newsmakers and hope that if we keep it up , we will have an impact on society. “
Another team member had this to say ,
“My opinion on the short film about the autistic woman was that it was very interesting as well as inspiring. Listening to her dreams as well as her family supporting her had a deep impacted on me. It is the courage and inspiration that we hold in our own personal power along with the support from our family and mentors is what keeps us on track to pursue our dreams. We have found another family here at our news desk and are stronger as a team than we are alone.
The second film educated and left an impression on us as well.
Radioactive-3 mile island
This was about the nuclear accident in three mile island near Middletown Pa. Unfortunately another environmental disaster that the government hid, like thousands of other unfortunate stories that lead to decades of illnesses. This power plant disaster was considered to be one of the biggest cover ups that hasn’t been uncovered until recently.
In 2018, Heidi met a support group about nuclear accidents who lost loved ones at three mile Island in Middletown PA.
Heidi Hunter didn’t know about anything it, the news didn’t say anything about it, they minimized it until a concerned mother’s group
knew nothing about the nuclear power plants and the NRC ineligible impact on their health. The officials stated that there was an emergency but that it was not dangerous to the public and that they had it all under control .
This lie, led to decades of tragic illnesses and unnecessary deaths. Four powerful woman came together to fight for their lives and for their loved ones who was destroyed because of this accident.
Is it easier to be honest with the public and assist humanity in times of tragedy or brush it under the rug out of greed , only to be brought down decades later ? Let the viewer decide .
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A commentary note from our editor in chief
Jackson Beach
“I really thought these two films were a perfect reflection of two common themes in the world. Queen Moore’s represented that neurodivergent kids and disability kids have a place in this world and are capable of achieving great things such as pageants and careers. This reflects autisticana’s goal to prove that neurodivergent people can make great news stories and are capable of working together.
The film Radioactive shows the viewer how politicians and people of authority in government and community cover up vital information which usually results in tragedy and death such as in three mile island .There will always be those heroes like the four mother’s who were enraged to see so many people die due to radiation sickness and many more that have permanent health defects. They stood tall together to uncover the truth and do what is right for society .
The film Radioactive reflects our desire to uncover the truth about our world and spin it in our own light. We are that ray of light at The News Makers @ autisticana and hope to shine our light in the thousands of stories we have published and will publish in the years to come.
We want to thank Paul Newland and his outreach team at The Staller Center for the Arts .
This Center is an extraordinary place Located on the main campus of Stony Brook University, it consists of two main divisions. One section houses the music and art departments, while the other consists of the theatre, media, and dance departments. The Staller Center contains three black-box theaters, a recital hall, the Paul W. Zuccaire Gallery and a professional 1,000-seat performance stage that features a 40-foot movie screen and is the site of the Stony Brook Film Festival. The Staller Center has hosted several nationwide events such as the New York Science Fiction Forum in 1998 and more recently the Live Action Role Playing League’s production of A Link to the Past. The black-box theaters are used by the theater arts department and Pocket Theater Club for stage performances of plays.
We are so grateful at this center for hosting us and allowing us to interview all of them.
The Staller Center is the jewel of Stony Brook . The hard work , philanthropy funding and dedication has allowed our community to experience education in the arts of all sorts.
Our team at autisticana give this event and the Staller Center and it’s dedicated employees five stars. We are excited to have met all of you and hope we can collaborate in the future to inspire, educate and empower all walks of life.
With gratitude and admiration
The News Team
@autisticana
In honor of Catherine Grimaldi Pane our Coach’s beloved sister and The Stand Tall Foundation.
1982-2023
Catherine was a special education teacher to all the kids that nobody wanted and to all of the kids that were misrepresented. We will shine our light through our stories as she shines her light on us from above ….
