Picture of the day

Pictures of the Day-- Student protests in London

Not sure I quite understand this one...

Some of my best friends are poor.

I can't think of a response to this one.

For more on the protests, click here.

A basketball

This week I was teaching my fifth graders the difference between observations, inferences, and opinions. For practice, I had them write about an object they all know well-- a Baden Junior Official 110 basketball that the kids get to play with at recess. Here is a selection of their work:

I feel like I Love basket ball I Love to play basketball and that is my favorite sport. It fun to play basketball.

--C-P (girl)

I don't like people who invent basketballs. Basketball is a good sport. It looks like a face.

--M (boy)

its fun

wouldnt need one

better than soccer

looks kinda new

it needs different

colors

annoying sometimes

--C (girl)

Basket balls is tight! Basket balls is a good exercise. basketballs is popular.

--X (boy)

Basketballs can be play more likely outside., People play basketballs because it's entertaining

--A (girl)

basketballs is great

in philippines our sport

is basketball there

very fun to play with.

--A (boy)

soccer it better

--H (boy)

It's brighter than the

black stripes on it

It's fun

I wish I had one

It's darker than my pink nails

people love to play

with basketball

looks like an orange

It hurts when you get hit by it

--F (girl)

Basket balls are fun to play with. I like the feeling of the bumps. It's fun when you bounce it and it comes back to you. I like the prints on the basketball.

--A (girl)

Fun to Play with

Fun to throw

Fun to

bowl with

--J (boy)

I like basketball but maybe other people don't. Sometimes I think that basketball could get boring because you play it a lot. I think that is dirty. I think Football is way cooler than basketball. ugly, boring, fun. I mostly like playing Football than basketball.

--J (girl)

it's orange

and it smells

like mystery and

feels like tiny

thorns.

--J (boy)

boring ball

ugly ball

weird ball

Dirty ball

annoing

--H (girl)

basketball is somehow

better than other ball

basketball are fun lots

of people like or want

to play it.

--U (girl)

What I have been listening to lately #63

Manu Chao-- Mentira (?)

The year of ridiculous rumors continues

A few months ago, I never would have thought things like this were even worth mentioning. But now, you never know.

Serie A - Ronaldinho wants Kaka return

Pirlo's goal against Parma

On Saturday, Milan beat Parma 1-0. Below is Andrea Pirlo's goal-

What I have been listening to lately #62

Ecuadorian musicians singing about their revolution to the tune of "Hey Jude."

Ibrahimovic and his big feet

Earlier this month, former Milan coach Arrigo Sacchi (pictured below) got into an argument with Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic live on Italian television. The reason for their disagreement was Sacchi's joking about Ibrahimovic scoring a goal because of his big feet. (For the record, Ibrahimovic wears a US men's size 13.)

The thing is, however, Sacchi may have a point. In both of Milan's last two games, Ibrahimovic scored goals that a player with smaller feet (or shorter legs) might not have.

The goal versus Lazio--

The goal versus Genoa--

The argument--

How soon will Milan be "officially in crisis"?

Capuano's goal for Catana was amazing, and, for some reason, Inzaghi made the New York Times.

What I have been listening to lately #61

Anne Murray & Glen Campbell - Don't Think Twice, It's All Right

Find more videos like this on video.filestube.com.

This one has been done before.

What I have been listening to lately #60

Mason Jennings--Which Way Your Heart Will Go

Milan lose; Berlusconi makes jokes about Hitler

Read this article.

More transfer announcements from AC Milan

GALLIANI: 'Robinho is a wonderful gift from Berlusconi'

8/31/2010

MILAN - Adriano Galliani's words quoted by Sky: 'The acquisition of Robinho cost us € 18 million plus bonuses. He's a wonderful gift from president Berlusconi to the Milan fans.'

Stupidest Transfer Rumor Ever.

Next In Line?
Milan are expected to announce the signing of Manchester City attacker Robinho on Tuesday, adding even more talent to what could shape up to be a very dangerous team in the attacking third. Fellow Brazilian Ronaldinho is already hitting his form for Milan and was named Goal.com World Player of the Week.

Milan 4 - Lecce 0: Milan are in first place! Here are pictures.

Above: Thiago Silva scores.

Below: Inzaghi is excited after scoring late to make it 4-0.

Below: This photo is from last season, against Napoli, I believe.

Below: They haven't assigned Ibrahimovic a number yet. He got to watch the match up in the stands with Berlusconi and Galliani. Unfortunately, no photographs seem to be available at this time.

Click here to read more.

More announcements from AC Milan

SILVIO BERLUSCONI’S ANNOUNCEMENT

8/28/2010

MILANELLO – President Silvio Berlusconi arrived at Milanello by helicopter at 19.30 CET, met coach Massimiliano Allegri and his staff. Then he visited the players and informed them about the acqusition of Ibrahimovic. Later on President Berlusconi was called by Adriano Galliano, who then handed over the phone to Ibrahimovic, too, thus the President could talk to the Swedish player personally. After their conversation all the players applauded their new teammate. At 20.20 CET the President left Milanello.

A.C. MILAN OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

8/28/2010

MILAN – A.C. MILAN announces the acquisition of the player Zlatan Ibrahimovic from F.C. Barcelona, through a free loan with the option to purchase the athlete’s playing rights for € 24 million at the end of the season 2010-2011. The Swedish champion will go through the medical exams tomorrow morning, before signing the contract that will tie him to the Rossonero club for four years.

What I have been listening to lately #59

Itchycoo Park - The Small Faces

More official announcements from Milan

Regarding the UEFA Champions League draw, in which Milan grouped with Real Madrid, Ajax, and AJ Auxerre:

ALLEGRI: ‘Group of death’

8/26/2010

MILAN – Milan coach Massimo Allegri’s comments about the Champions League draw: ‘Our group and that of Inter is certainly the most difficult one. Both of us will face tough and well-prepared teams. Obviously, playing against Real Madrid is exciting, it’s a fascinating match-up. The San Siro and the Santiago Bernabeu will be sold-out as a spectacle is guaranteed. Ajax and Auxerre advanced through the preliminaries making a great impression, they are opponents to be feared. We have to play all these games always maintaining high concentration and full fitness. It’s a group of death, but we’ll play like Milan.’

Regarding the possible transfer of Zlatan Ibrahimovic:

GALLIANI: ‘We postpone everything until tomorrow’

8/26/2010

MILAN – Milan CEO Adriano Galliani’scomments after the meeting held in Barcelona with blaugrana president Sandro Rosell: “We have been chatted and discussed the terms. We know Barcelona’s position and now we’ll consider it. We postpone things until tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, after all the transfer window is open until Tuesday. I’ll stay here, I won’t go to Monte Carlo and I think I won’t come to the San Siro for the match on Sunday evening, either. Our position and that of Barcelona is very clear. We’ll go to the bitter ends for Ibrahimovic. I’d say now we have a 50% chance of getting him. In the meantime the eventual alternative would be Robinho I’d like to point out that Borriello will stay at Milan, while as for Huntelaar, we are in negotiations with another team. We’ll see. Now I’ll talk to Ibrahimovic, as I was authorised by president Rosell’.

One more transfer rumor

WE WILL TRY

8/25/2010 8:23:00 PM

Adriano Galliani has been speaking from Barcelona on the negotiations to bring Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Milan which are ongoing.

(In the photo: ADRIANO GALLIANI IN BARCELONA TODAY)

MILAN – Speaking to Milan Channel from Barcelona, Adriano Galliani takes stock of the situation on the meeting with Barcelona and the negotiations that are underway for Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

“Negotiations will continue tomorrow. Tomorrow at noon I have an appointment with the president of Barcelona. Let's see. The negotiations are very complex, very difficult, very expensive, but the relationship with Sandro Rosell is really good and he is very nice. The will of Barcelona is to sell the player to Milan, the availability of the player also like that. There is a lot of money to overcome and this is the difficulty.

“But I would point out that there are not any other moves being made by Milan. There is Borriello, there is Huntelaar. I often see in the papers that they are part of the transfer, but there is no truth in that. We are here to try to take Ibrahimovic to Milan, that’s all. There are other hypotheses on the table.

“I will not deceive anyone but I will not even say that we do it for sure. I will try and that’s why I am here, I do not move, even it means not going to Milan against Lecce on Sunday. I do all that is in my ability and capacity to try to bring this great champion to Milan. It is very difficult.

"What effect has made me to see Ibra at the stadium? The effect is as great as always, a great champion who has absolutely given his willingness to come to Milan. Now we must solve the problem.”

Transfer news: Kevin Prince Boateng is coming to Milan

A.C.MILAN OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

8/18/2010

A.C. MILAN announce that the club has signed Kevin Prince Boateng on loan from Genoa Cfc.

Top photo: Boateng playing for Ghana at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Bottom photo: Boateng failing to score a penalty kick against Chelsea at the FA Cup back in May. Additionally in the same match, Boateng injured Chelsea's Michael Ballack which prevented the German from appearing for his country at the World Cup.

Transfer news: Mario Balotelli joins Manchester City

After weeks of rumors and news, Inter Milan's Mario Balotelli has finally officially joined Manchester City.

In case you've forgotten the details of Balotelli's career in Italy, we have provided this helpful link.

Brazil's Worst TV

While I'm on a blog writing role, and since TV is such an inspiring topic, I'm going to give you a review of Brazil's worst TV (and don't worry, there was plenty of bad TV to pick from!). My suggestion, if moving to Brazil, invest in Sky Gato (Brazil's hijacked version of cable) so you can watch Friends with Portuguese subtitles to your heart's content...

I guess I'll just start off with the worst and get the shock over with. Maybe it's a Brazilian thing, but foreigners will NEVER be able to ajust to Panico... Maybe we just get kind of uncomfortable with the 10 second butt close ups. Or maybe we're just too mature for poop fights. Or maybe we no longer have the sense of humor of a five year old and like to see people hitting each other, making fun of each other, making fun of other people, and eating whatever they can blend together. But to a lot of the Brazilian's that I met, puke is fun! So, after that flattering introduction, I hope it can stand up to the expectations!Give it up for your favorite, 12 year old boy humor style show, PANICO!



I hope you're all as disturbed as the rest of Brazil was when we saw that... But if that wasn't enough, how bought a little beach action with Antonio Nunes?



So yeah... Panico is just... bad.


My next show on Brazil's Worst, will have to be ... our very own... Woody Woodpecker! Otherwise known as the national hero, Pica Pau! It's not really any worse in Portuguese than in English, but it's still... Pica Pau...




Next up is " Vai da Namoro! " The thing about this show, is that I rather enjoy watching it, but even I can admit that it's just a very, very stupid show. It's a dating show that's inherently pretty simple. Pair them up, make them kiss, with little intervals of the presenter dancing in women's clothes.


Then, when you pass the five good channels, you will enter the territory of the truly wretched. This includes, almost exclusively, religious TV, and "rural tv." And I have an example of the latter right here: The "Virtual Auctions" show almost 24/7 and are a great chance to get a view of the local livestock! They can be yours, with just one call! And it is essentially this for ... all the time.



And how about some of that religious tv for ya'? Basic Idea: (Ex): Man is chronically ill, preacher preaches for him, he is cured. Hint on how hokey this is? Not even the Brazilian's believe any of it.



Okay, I think with that I'll leave you for the night, but now without letting you see my personal least favorite, often shown on any give 5/30 of the "working channels" during any given moment:



But don't worry! It's not all THIS bad!

Brazilian Soap Opera Openers!

During my year in Brazil, I was exposed to almost 20 different (and all eagerly followed by the local population) soap operas, called Novelas! In Brazil, Novela is a way of life, and by living there, you will hear their theme songs enough to have them permanently ingrained in your soul. So these following clips are songs that will stay with me forever- for better... or worse. :S

This first is from the novela, Viver a Vida (Live Life), which was the evening novela, and therefore the most popular, during my most important TV watching months (aka, the last few, when I actually understood the stuff they said) :

This Novela, was replacing one from earlier on in the year, called Caminho das Indias (translated by the International Soap Opera awards- or whatever they're called - as " India, a Love Story." But I'd called it "The Indian Way." ). I got to Brazil when this Novela was in it's heyday. And I hated it... being that I couldn't actually understand a single word that they said. But the Indian style music is pretty catchy!



Now we have my personal favorite, a Novela that was actually shown for the second time, Alma Gemea. This one really represented my growth in the Portuguese language, because I started watching her when I first arrived and didn't understand a word, and by the end, I was hanging on every word. This is a "spritualist" novela, so (spoiler alert!) ends with the lovers dying, but being reborn as other couples in the future, and the villain bursting into flames and seeing images of her wrong deeds among the flames. Oh well, all's well that ends well.... And I can sing the whole theme song!



And here is the next Spiritualist Novela... Esctiro nas Estelas (Written in the Stars), which I would watch under NO circumstances... It's like... Dude, I'm sorry your son died and is watching you, but can we like... get over ourselves now?



Okay, this next one is really tough for me. This Novela, Paraiso, (I'm sorry I'm missing the accents), was one of the worst things I saw on Brazilian TV. And that is a REALLY impressive thing... I mean, the opening scene is about horses in love... which is cute, but misleading, because the show is mostly about middle aged people's romantic difficulties... But on the other hand, I LOVE this song by Vitor e Leo! So normally, I'd just watch the opening and then turn the TV off!



And finally, (though not the last of the Novelas, but a long run!), my personal favorite song: the theme from Caras e Bocas (Faces and Mouths). This Novela was pretty silly (okay, downright stupid. I mean, it ended with monkeys falling in love....) it had it's dramatic moments (picture this: blind lady's fiance takes her out to a river, falls, hits his head, and she is now left to find a way home and save them both!) and I found it watchable when Everybody Hate's Chris (Todo Mundo Odeia Chris) wasn't on.

Shevchenko steals some reporter's wallet

Last month, Dynamo Kiev beat KAA Gent in a Champions League qualifying round match. After the game, Dynamo's Andriy Shevchenko (who had earlier scored a goal) picked this reporter's pocket. Or, as the description on the video says: "Shevchenko after game has stolen purse at the journalist."

What I have been reading lately #49/Abandoned books and/or movies #10

Two books that I finished:

Law of the Jungle: The Hunt for Colombian Guerrillas, American Hostages, and Buried Treasure-- John Otis

Pretty much what it sounds like-- three American contractors (spies) crash in the Colombian jungle and are captured by guerrillas from the FARC. The soldiers from the Colombian army sent out to rescue them get distracted by a large stash of money they find buried in the ground. I won't give away what happens next.

War by Candlelight-- Daniel Alarcon

Above: The cover of the US edition, which I read

Below: The much better cover of the UK edition

Daniel Alarcon is originally from Peru but apparently grew up in Alabama. This collection of short stories is written in English and is his first book. I enjoyed reading this book, but now, just a couple of weeks later, I can't remember much about it.

One book that I did not finish:

Endless Horizon: A Very Messy Motorcycle Journey Around the World-- Dan Walsh

At first I was really enjoying this, but then I wasn't. So I stopped reading it.

Happy birthday to Adriano Galliani

BIRTHDAY WISHES TO ADRIANO GALLIANI

7/30/2010

MILAN - Today is the birthday of Adriano Galliani. Our most sincere best wishes go to the managing director of Milan, at the head of the club since 1986, 24 years of enthusiasm and passion for the Rossoneri.

Michael Essien accidentally injures a young fan

From a pre-season friendly between Chelsea and Crystal Palace

There will be at least two new Milan players this season

Above: Mario Yepes, formerly of Chievo Verona

Above: Sokratis Papastathopoulos, formerly of Genoa

Pato's Divorce

As we all should know, Alexandre Pato is currently in the process of a divorce with his actress wife, Sthefany Brito. Recently, a judge has ruled that he will have to pay her 20% of his income every month: about 100,000 Euros. The payment will be made on the 10th of every month. Poor Pato will have to appeal this!

http://www.kickette.com/sthefany-brito-yulia-arshavin-good-money-on-bad-denim/#more-33502

http://ego.globo.com/Gente/Noticias/0,,MUL1606516-9798,00-STHEFANY+BRITO+CONSEGUE+PENSAO+DE+DOS+GANHOS+DE+PATO.html

What I have been reading lately #48

The Skating Rink-- Roberto Bolano

Methland: The Death and Life of an American Small Town -- Nick Reding

Tattoo Machine: Tall Tales, True Stories, and My Life in Ink -- Jeff Johnson

Self Explanatory...

Brasil x Holland

What I have been listening to lately #58

Move On Up -- Curtis Mayfield

What I have been listening to lately #57

Satellite by Lena (winner of the Eurovision Song Contest 2010)

What I have been reading lately #47

Cantona: The Rebel Who Would Be King - Philippe Auclair

Cantona after court

Why Cantona had to go to court

Cantona highlights

A specific Cantona highlight

Cantona in Turkey

Cantona throws his jersey

Cantona makes a tackle

Cantona's team prevented from going to the 1994 FIFA World Cup finals

Same video as above--"God is Bulgarian!"

World Cup Update #5: Best National Anthems

Here are the best national anthems of the teams at this year's World Cup Finals (presented in alphabetical order)--

Brazil

Cameroon

Italy

Spain

Uruguay

And the best national anthem of a team not at this year's finals--

World Cup Update #4: north Korea will be missed

For an article about north Korean player Jong Tae-se, click here.

To see video footage of the north Korean national team at the Johannesburg Zoo, click here.

World Cup Update #3: The group stage is over

Here are some important statistics from the group stage of the 2010 World Cup:

• Teams that won all three of their matches: Argentina, Netherlands
• Teams that lost all three of their matches: Cameroon, north Korea
• Teams that allowed no goals in the group stage: Uruguay, Portugal
• Teams that scored no goals in the group stage: Algeria, Honduras

• Most goals scored: Argentina, Portugal (7)
• Most goals allowed: north Korea (12)

• Milan players who have appeared at the World Cup: Zambrotta, Pirlo, Gattuso (Italy); Adiyiah (Ghana); Huntelaar (Netherlands); Onyewu (United States)
• Milan players who have scored at the World Cup: Huntelaar
• Milan players who have not appeared at the World Cup: Thiago Silva (Brazil)

Milan have a new coach

A.C. MILAN OFFICIAL NOTE

6/25/2010

MILAN - A.C. Milan communicate that Massimiliano Allegri is the new coach of the First Team.
The coach has signed a contract until 30 June 2012.

THE COACH IS ALLEGRI!

6/25/2010 3:42:00 PM

Freshness, youth, determination. That's the human and professional baggage of Massimiliano Allegri, whose offensive vocation embarks at Milanello and on the Rossoneri's bench. Good luck coach! From the heart.

MILAN - Massimiliano Allegri, born on 11 August 1967 in Livorno, is our new coach. Now it's official. The announcement arrived today. All the Rossoneri fans are very satisfied. The wait made the moment even more gratifying.

As a player, his journey in Serie A took six years, from 1992 to 1998 with Pescara, Cagliari and Napoli. In reality his professional activity has been 19 years long, starting in 1984. The new Rossoneri coach ended his career on the pitch in the same summer, 2003, when Milan became European champions for the sixth time in Manchester.
As a coach, Massimiliano Allegri has worked in all categories, starting in Serie C2 with Aglianese, then in C1 with Spal, Grosseto, and Sassuolo. In Emilia, at the court of a great Rossoneri fan like Giorgio Squinzi, Allegri earned the promotion to Serie B and won the C1 Supercoppa.

Then, Cagliari. Massimiliano Allegri's destiny subtly started to cross that of Milan while he was on the Sardinians' bench.

In the first five matches of the 2008/2009 season, Cagliari always lost, despite playing well. On the sixth matchday, there was Cagliari-Milan at the Sant'Elia. Carlo Ancelotti's Rossoneri were coming off the derby victory at San Siro with Ronaldinho's goal and the Uefa qualification obtained in Zurich. The predictions were all for a Rossoneri victory, but the match finished goalless with many chances for the home side. Allegri obtained the first point of a great season (ninth place in the end for the Rossoblu, 53 points, victory in Turin against Juventus and a draw away to Inter after Acquafresca's opening goal), against the Rossoneri. For the 2008/2009 season, Allegri won the 'Golden Bench' award, given to the best coach according to Serie A and B coaches.

As a footballer, Allegri played at Pescara alongside Stefano Borgonovo, who's still very connected to the Rossoneri colors, and scored his first goal in a spectacular Pescara-Milan on 13 September 1992: it finished 5-4 for Milan with a hat-trick by a certain Marco Van Basten, whose heel has often been talked about during this summer.

Milan have a new goalkeeper

A.C. MILAN OFFICIAL NOTE

6/23/2010

A.C. Milan communicate the acquisition of MARCO AMELIA from Genoa, with the right to claim the compartecipation, and the definitive sale of MARCO STORARI to FC Juventus.

The two photos above are of Marco Amelia. The photo below is of Marco Storari.

The US' Chances to make it through the group stage...

I am rooting for the US.

So, after yesterday's (unrightful) draw with Slovenia, and England's draw with Algeria, it stands like this:

Slovenia: 4 points

USA: 2 points

England: 2 points

Algeria: 1 point

Ways for the US to Get Through:

1. England beats Slovenia, USA wins
2. Slovenia beats England, USA wins
3. Slovenia beats England, USA ties
4. England and Slovenia tie, USA wins
5. England and Slovenia tie, USA ties (this is only a possibility, there would be a tie between England and the US on points and the tiebreaker would be goal differencial).

There is a total of 9 possible combinations of results of the two next games... Now, we just have to wait and see if the US can pull off the result!

PS. It's weird being patriotic...

World Cup Update #2: Highlights so far

Disturbing summer 2010 transfer rumor #1

Milan To Move For Roma's Philippe Mexes If Thiago Silva Leaves - Report

The Frenchman could be used to replace the Brazilian...

By Rick D'Andrea

Jun 14, 2010 1:01:00 AM

Milan has revealed that Roma defender Philippe Mexescould be brought to the Rossoneri should Thiago Silvaleave for Manchester City.

The Eastlands club has put an offer for the Brazilian in excess of €30 million, with the Diavoli finding it difficult to refuse, according to Itasportpress.it.

Silva has also requested that the side raise his salary, in order for him to stay.

Mexes was already a target of the Italian giants, but the Frenchman recently stated that it was his intention to stay at the Giallorossi despite seeing little game time during the second half of the season.