You might have signs of summer ending. It's the end of outdoor street festivals and concerts in our area. You might also be interested in the MLB playoffs. Each place and each person has their own marker. Explore.org also hosts the annual Fat Bear Week competition.
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It doesn't take much to understand. Katmai National Park's fattest bears are getting ready for winter. They will be compared against each other so that we can all decide who is the best bear. No matter what parameters you choose. Fat Bear Week is, like many things in life. It's about trying to find the unknowable quality that makes life unique. Let's take a look at the bracket.
Holly vs. Grazer
Today's first round matchups are the ones we will be discussing. This showdown has a Law & Order feel to it. Grazer is the younger of the two and can sense her enthusiasm for life and work being eroded by the daily grind, but she can still find the strength to fight against the darkness. Holly, on the other hand, is slightly older and has seen the world, life, and cooly. She just watches the passing scenes. There is always a fire in the heart, but it gets dimmed by acceptance that it will always remain this way. Holly feels like she has gone through too many rodeos and is now ready to take the crown. She's like Tomohiro Inshii in G1, and she wants to make people look like stars. Grazer can now move on.
Popeye vs. Walker
Popeye, a Popeye stalwart, is here to help you decide between a classic upstart and a veteran. He has been around for almost two decades. Popeye's experience is invaluable as winning Fat Bear Week requires as much knowledge as it does girth. Popeye is showing signs of slowing down, and even he cannot keep the ravages time at bay any longer. Popeye isn't interested in collaborating with LeBrons on his pre-game stretching routine. Sometimes you lose your bat-speed and Walkers had a lively fastball.
812 vs.
This is 131st entry to the tournament. She's here mainly for the experience. It would be akin the Miracle On Ice to win your first Fat Bear Week. You need to learn the ropes and be able to endure the challenges. Even the Fab Five could not navigate it as freshmen as they came, even though they were close. A date with 812 is an ideal choice, especially since her introduction is not a smooth one. Take a look at 812. This is his prime. This is his prime. It's no longer enough to be nominated for 812. It's either a title or a bust. The speed bump at 131 is only a temporary stop on an 812-mile journey.
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Otis vs. 402
Otis, the oldest bear in competition, would have benefited from facing an opponent who was brand new to the game and hadnt been on the block for a while. Otis must rely on his skills now. Otis is the old man on the court with the knee, elbow pads and high socks. He can still pull the chair against you and his post moves are so perfect they should be written in a book. That ball-fake is still your best friend. Otis is still able to find his way to the rack even against those who take him lightly.
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But 402 has seen enough shit to care about any of it, and the occasional sneaky elbow in her back or chin isn't going to bother her. She is also a fan of this game, but she's more hungry and sprier. Otis, you can play Tim Duncan's game for as long as you like, but eventually, the game morphs into shooting guards disguised to be power forwards. 402 FTW.
2nd round: Grazer vs. 132 Cub
It is unclear how 132 Cub was able to get a seed here. This oversight clearly came from the committee. This is clearly the weakest side of the draw. Although 132 graduates from the juniors, we can see how difficult it is to move up. This level is not for freelancing coast-to-coast shit. Surprise run by Grazer to the semis
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Walker vs. Chunk
I don't think I need to say more than Chunk. Walker learns a hard lesson.
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812 vs.
The most frustrating competitor is 503, one that you are familiar with. It seems like all the tools are available, but it never comes together. It's clear that he is only here because he enjoys the game and not because he loves it. You just know that hell will pass if you suffer a setback. Are you ready to fight? Is 503 able to go to that location to do something really special? Is he content to par the 17th or 18th and get his check? There are no such questions about 812. He moves on.
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402 vs.747
The undisputed #1 seed, 747 is the standard. Simply put, 747 is an absolute force and you can't beat him if you want to be the man. Are his laurels getting a little too comfortable? Perhaps, but 402 is a wakeup call. Knowing how to keep your pace and peak at the right times is key to winning long tournaments. 747 might need more than he would like, but he doesn't need all the tools.
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Semifinals: Chunk vs. Grazer
This was Grazer's brilliant run. Perhaps the urgency of knowing that this could be her last chance to win is enough to make Chunk more complacent. The upset is called. Grazer grabs the brass ring.
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747 vs.
The semifinal will require 747 to bring their A-game as 812 has the right mix of experience and verve to make it a tough contest for the favorite. You can play this however you like, but sometimes the chalk is the chalk because it is. It is not enough to just walk past 747. 812 will prove more dangerous for future experience. Although we won't be able to recall who won Fat Bear Week 2021 five years from now, we will remember the semifinal in a Duke Kenty-type fashion.
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Final: 747 vs. Grazer
812 is too much for a 747. He ends up with too many sores. Grazer has been waiting for this her whole life, and a less-than-full-strength 747 is just the kind of opportunity that comes around once and only once. Grazer has seen too much to not be grateful for the opportunity. All of it has led to this. 747 will return, but it is now that it is Grazers turn.
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Champion: Grazer
