Seedorf scores his first goal for his new club

This summer, former AC Milan midfielder Clarence Seedorf signed a two-year contract to play for the Brazilian club Botafogo. The contract is said to be the largest ever signed by a foreign player to play for a Brazilian team. Seedorf, who enjoyed a long and exciting career at Milan, scored his first goal of the season in Botafogo's win against Atletico Goianiense yesterday. Hopefully this will be just the first of many goals as Seedorf pursues his career in Brazil. 

Above: Seedorf displays the Botafogo flag

Below: One of my all-time favorite goals by Seedorf

A semi-mysterious video

There many things I am not sure about these days. Here are some of them:

• I am not exactly sure who wrote or performed the music/poem. Is it even a poem or just some guy talking?
• I am also not exactly sure about the relationship between the soundtrack and the video. The video appears to be about the 1950 World Cup final between Uruguay and Brazil. Did the same people make both?
• I'm not even totally certain what language this is, although I think it's Italian.

Brazilian soccer match delayed due to swarm of bees

According to a source that I can no longer locate-- "The 2-2 draw in the Campeonato Goiano was held up for 20 minutes in the first half whilst the fire department killed off the swarm of bees with diesel oil and fire extinguishers."

Also, there apparently was a brawl at the end of the match involving players from both sides and then later a shooting which left one unfortunate fan dead.

World soccer update

Leaving aside Serie A for a moment, there was a lot of soccer played this weekend. The major matches include:

Chelsea 2 - Tottenham 1 (see photo above-- a goal was awarded to Chelsea despite the fact that the ball didn't cross the line)

Arsenal 1 - Manchester United 0-- The Premier League title race is not quite over yet.

Real Madrid lost to Real Zargoza, but then Barcelona lost to Real Sociedad.

Corinthians 1 - Palmeiras 1 (6-5 on penalties)-- Corinthians move on to face Santos in the finals of the Campeonato Paulista.

Video below

AEK defeated PAOK in the Greek Cup finals 3-0. The match ended a few minutes early due to rioting fans (see videos below)

Below are actual match highlights

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.

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--

A map of Brazil's top division soccer clubs

Just in case you are ever in Brazil...Click on the map for a much closer look.

Hi.

I'd just like to give a shout out to Brazil.

It's pretty awesome. You should try it out.

I'd also like to say that we should all just give Texas a chance...

And that there are only like 2 months until the WORLD CUP !

My favs this year: Brazil and the US.

Most people in the world would find the idea of rooting for a team other than your home country appaling. Practically treason.

But also , the large prt of Brazilians would become very... enraged, by people not rooting for Brazil. And green and yellow are better colors for painting the fingernails than red, white, and blue.

Oh, and if you ever get the chance, go learn about major US events in a different country. In addition to getting "John" (as in Wilkes-Booth) spelled like "Jonh," you will also get a completely new perspective... (Note to client: if you actually LIKE the US, or will feel in any way shape or form like definding the US, it's probably a better idea to not take the history class in a different country...)

Okay, that was enough rambling...

By The Way: Did you know that "hand" in Portuguese is "Mao". We could probably make up some sort of physcological or political phrase out of that... Or not.

Bye,

Besos,

Beijos

Great moments in World Cup history #5

The 1998 final

My daughter was four years old back then. At the start of the tournament, she predicted France would win. She was very happy when she turned out to be right.

What I have been listening to lately #35

My AC Milan v. Real Madrid match commentary (first half)

Things to keep in mind while reading: 1. I take back every negative thing I said about Milan 2. Most of you will not find this post interesting at all

These are my actual comments (I wrote them down as I watched):
3:12- they say "Ronaldinho" differently here
3:15- Milan is already barely keeping the ball out
4:24- I actually like some of the other players on Real
4:50- Iker!! I forgot about him!
5:06- I haven't seen Pato's wife on TV here
5:20- this isn't the San Siro, is it? That's a shame...
5:33- They're new uniforms aren't that bad
6:00- Ronaldinho looked like he was trying so hard, but they took the ball so easily.... :(
6:27- I feel pessimistic
6:38- sometimes they call Ronaldinho "Ronaldo Gaucho" here, and "Gaucho" doesn't sound like you think it does
7:12- I'm not as nervous as I think I should be... :?
7:37- Nesta's back??!?!?!!?!
8:04- watching alone sucks...
8:17- remember how excited we were when Zambrotta came?
8:34- "Olha Kaká" - the announcer
8:52- Pirlo's hair is still really floppy
9:10- the other day, somebody quizzed me on my knowledge of Milan players (because of my shirt) and I passed.
10:05- Pirlo, was that a shot?
10:35- I can actually understand what the announcer is saying...!
11:11- Xabi Alonso plays for Madrid?
11:25- this Milan team is kinda old... but remember Maldini? Me too.
11:42- Saveeeee! Dida! :)
12:09- Why does Real always have the ball?
13:15- Zambrotta!!!?!?! How could you do that? You can't do that! That's a PK... cruddd.... :(
14:05- What a weird collar on Milán's uni... :?
14:10- magic spray!
14:40- Pato is the brown haired version of someone I know!
14:58- "Olha Kaka... Kaka... Kaka... Kaka... Kaka..."- announcer. Her must have said "Kaka" about 15 times in one minute :P
15:51- Xabi looks pink
16:04- they said "Galliani!"
16:45- I'm trying to see how Kaká relates to the "other" team...
17:00- nice cross by Seedorf!
17:57- How did you give that away Pato?
18:12- WHAT!?!?! NOOOOOOOOO!!! How did he let that bounce off!! DIDA!!?!?!?!?!?!?! WHAT!?!?!!??
19:08- who'se fault is this?
19:29- I knew that was going to happen...
20:34- Pippo...
21:03- Where is Cristiano Ronaldo?
21:10- I don't think Leonardo's going to be around much longer..
21:38- Kaká was MUCH cooler when he played fo Milan... I miss him :(
22:36- I just saw a replay of the goal. Dida screwed up. You don't let those rebound...
23:18- Thiago Silva doens't inspire my confidence...
23:37- Do you think that Kaka our Ancellotti's leaving made a bigger difference?
24:24- That could have been something... They need more people up front
25:26- Nice back pass by Zambrotta!
25:40- ughh... counterattacks....
26:05- Bah!
27:53- hehehe, I am watching the game live!
29:11- "Zambrotta e Kaka!"
29:42- Milan isn't chance-less
31:19- Who's that guy that looks like Robinho on Real? It isn't him, right? He plays for Man City, right?
31:58- hehe, this is the same broadcast as ESPN, I think! Because the "shot's on target" was in english
33:16- Nesta
33:37- I love how the Real fans whistle at Ronaldinho. Is this because of Barça, do you think?
34:26- Quero ir pra Holanda! These Dutch people are just too cool :)
35:26- Nice marking, boys *sarcasm*
36:02- look, Kaká looks sad
36:03- :)
36:30- Milan have nobody up front!
37:41- Ha! When you get fancy, you mess up! Haha!
38:10- What is that guys name?
38:41- Wait? Where the heck is Gattuso!?!?!?!?!!??!?!?!!?
39:06- Run! Don't just stand there!!!
39:42- Omg! I just remembered I have to go to Jump! Crap, I'm not gonna get to see the rest of the game...Maybe I'll skip Jump..
40:44- was that a shot or a pass? It was terrible as either :/
41:18- Kaka has his sleeves rolled up
41:45- is this still the group stage? good.
42:42- too close... yikes..... argh
43:42- too close de novo! at least Dida didn't mess up this time...
44:31- Aghhhhhhhhhhh! Don't give up another goal before the half. do not!!!
45:00+0:07- One more minute...
45:00+0:27- Aghh! This is pathetic. Too close again!
45:00+0:59- Oh my Goddddd....

Half Time:
-I love the CL anthem! :)
-I have to go to Jump. I can't believe I'm missing my chance to see Milan.
-Nadal! Nadal is here! :)
-The Milan players in the tunnel look depressed...

45:56- Pato's so fast, but with the ball he looks lost.
46:28- they just can't keep the ball...
46:44- ...and it starts again...
46:56- isn't Raúl old or something...?
47:57- they yellow dudes (security) on the side are all turned around to watch the game, haha
48:25- Juve is winning against some nothing team... They got lucky with their group! :P
49:22- Pato...
49:30- "Olha Kaká!" - announcer
50:20- Dida! :) But who was the Milan player who totally missed...
50:43- a shot! :)
51:05- Can we try something? A full minute with a Real Madrid shot.
52:08- Who's hurt? I missed it...

50 minutes later-
I saw the game through a window of a bar on the way to Jump and Milan was still losing. I'm worried.... :(

Terrible Decisions/ Sacrifices

Sometimes in life, a person has to make a decision.
Sometimes in life, a person has to m ake sacrifices.

Maybe, as a hypothetical situation, there is an American girl who is a fan of the Italian soccer club AC Milan. Maybe she goes on a study abroad to Brazil and is missing an entire season of soccer. Maybe she hasn't seen a Milan game yet this season. So maybe she was hungry, so grabbed a jello, and (maybe because of her host families rules can only eat in the living room or kitchen, and the living room has a tv) she goes to watch tv. Maybe she turns on the TV two seconds before the kickoff of a Milan game, just by pure chance. Maybe it's a champions league game vs Real Madrid. And, if this were a real situation, of course she watched the first half avidly, biting her nails (figuratively) the entire game. But perhaps there were darker forces at work. Because, maybe, this girl has a class of Jump every weekday at 5:00 (jump is excercise on trampolines). And maybe, at 4:45/ halftime of the game, seeing that Milan were playing terribly and losing to the best team in Europe, she decided (after much indecision and wavering) to just go to jump and not be lazy. And so maybe she returns, and the game is already over. And maybe she decides to sleep instead of check the result of the game (because she was sure it would be negative). And maybe she goes to school the next day, and here's the boys in her class talking about the game. And she cannot quite understand what they're saying. But she is pretty sure she heard the words "3-2." And maybe she was really happy that Milan didn't lose by too much.
But maybe, the next day, when she goes to post the commentry she wrote in her journal as a surprise to her American father, she is the one who is surprise. Because maybe Milan was the winning team.

But, in this world, sometimes a person must make sacrifices. And, you know, that when you actually watch a game, your team doesn't win. And as much as she would have liked to see this amazing victory, she is happier that Milan won.

Shevchenko scores

Andriy Shevchenko scored for Dynamo Kiev last weekend.

Meanwhile, so did Adriano.

Interesting junk e-mail #2

Once again, my cancelled subscription to a Brazilian petroleum industry on-line newsletter has generated an interesting junk e-mail.

Interesting junk e-mail #1

I once subscribed to a Brazilian petroleum industry on-line newsletter, and now I got unsolicited emails that have things like this in them:

Adding insult to injury after injury

The Egyptian national soccer team (above) has had an up-and-down week at the Confederations Cup to say the least.

1. They played brilliantly against Brazil, coming back from 3-1 down to tie, only to commit a handball in injury time (penalty kick converted by Kaka).

2. They played even more brilliantly to beat Italy 1-0 (see celebrating fans below).

3. They then collapsed and lost 3-0 to the USA, thus missing out on the chance to move on to the semi-finals.

4. Several of the players then had their hotel rooms robbed.

5. The South African media subsequently reported that the players were robbed not by burglars but by prostitutes who had been invited up by the players.

Egypt appears unlikely to qualify for the World Cup, so this trip represented their team's only chance to achieve glory in South Africa.

Meanwhile, in much more exciting, but unrelated, news, north Korea qualified for the World Cup finals this week with a draw against Saudi Arabia. They join south Korea, Japan, and Australia in representing Asia at the 2010 tournament.

What I've been watching lately #3

“Focused on two friends, ‘CITY OF MEN’ feels real, like a Brazilian ‘Wonder Years.’ With some guns. – Los Angeles Times

First there was the movie City of God. Then there was the television show City of Men (Cidade dos Homens). Then they made a movie out of City of Men. All of them are good.

Picture of the Day

Happy Birthday Kaká!!!

    

Today is the 27th birthday of one of the most talented and most respected footballers in the game today. Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite's (aka Kaka') strong morals, brilliant scoring and playmaking on the field, and his adorable family make a place for Kaka' in all our hearts. 

Kaka' may appear flawless now, but he was not had a simple life. In a middle class family from Brasilia, Brazil,  his life was never going to be difficult. Or so it seemed. In 2001, Kaka' had an accident diving into a pool and was paralyzed. This seemed to end his career before it really got going, and we never would know Kaka' as we do.

Luckily for the world, he made a full recovery and went on to a marvelous career filled with AC Milan, a FIFA World Player of the Year Award, a Golden Ball. He also married Caroline Celico and they now have a young son: Luca. Kaka's favorite drink is water and his favorite book is the bible. These favourites represent Kaka' perfectly, as the reliable, wholesome, brilliant, talented, and wonderful person he is. He is a true role-model.

Happy Birthday!