duas recomendações de comida japonesa em SP:
Sushi Isao
R da Glória, 111 1. andar Sala 12
Liberdade
Esquema "festival de sushi" onde o melhor não é o sushi, são os sashimis fresquíssimos, os camarões gigantes empanados (com molho coreano), o gohan quentinho, as ostras geladinhas, e, claro, o ambiente totalmente japa. Faixa de preço de uns 50 reais a conta.
Nagayama
Rua Bandeira Paulista, 369
Itaim
Não é o bar, na esquina; é o restaurante do lado. Se eu fosse vc resistia aos sashimis (bem bonitos por sinal) e pedia direto um tempura udon. Eu só comi udon bom assim em Tóquio. Acho que não preciso dizer mais nada. A conta sem caipirinha de sake deve sair uns 60 reais.
Friday, October 20, 2006
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Vintage Hyypia
From Liverpoolfc.tv messageboard
"Rather than join the sniping about Zenden, Crouch, whoever... I thought I'd raise a glass to a true Liverpool legend.
A flawless performance tonight from Sami. Won every header, but not just won the headers, won them commandingly. Every pass perfect and at least two crucial and absolutely immaculate challenges. Top drawer in every respect and very far from being past it (regardless of the strength of the opposition).
But not just tonight. Seven and a half years, nearly 400 games - an inspirational captain for many of them. A model professional in how he conducts himself both on and off the pitch.
Remember last season... Sami's head split open...sprints off the pitch for stiches...sprints back on with a huge bandage on and immediately leaps like a salmon to clear the danger at a corner with a thumping header.
Remember the 4th minute against Juventus in the Champions League quarter final...what a volley.
Remember the treble season, 58 matches played and not a single booking.
Remember 2 FA Cups, 2 League Cups, 2 European Super Cups, 2 Charity Shields, the UEFA Cup and that night in Istanbul. Quite probably the greatest red never to have won a league title."
Posted by PlasticGloryHunter 18 October 2006 09:54 PM
"Rather than join the sniping about Zenden, Crouch, whoever... I thought I'd raise a glass to a true Liverpool legend.
A flawless performance tonight from Sami. Won every header, but not just won the headers, won them commandingly. Every pass perfect and at least two crucial and absolutely immaculate challenges. Top drawer in every respect and very far from being past it (regardless of the strength of the opposition).
But not just tonight. Seven and a half years, nearly 400 games - an inspirational captain for many of them. A model professional in how he conducts himself both on and off the pitch.
Remember last season... Sami's head split open...sprints off the pitch for stiches...sprints back on with a huge bandage on and immediately leaps like a salmon to clear the danger at a corner with a thumping header.
Remember the 4th minute against Juventus in the Champions League quarter final...what a volley.
Remember the treble season, 58 matches played and not a single booking.
Remember 2 FA Cups, 2 League Cups, 2 European Super Cups, 2 Charity Shields, the UEFA Cup and that night in Istanbul. Quite probably the greatest red never to have won a league title."
Posted by PlasticGloryHunter 18 October 2006 09:54 PM
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Bold statements
Como diria meu tio, tem 4 coisas que deveria ser proibido tentar convencer os outros a fazer: mudar de partido, mudar de religião, mudar de time, e comprar produtos Amway (rs).
Mas me sinto na obrigação de externar minha posição nesta eleição tão importante para o meu país.
Acho enganoso tomarmos a nossa decisão de voto com base nos "rótulos" que a mídia e os partidários mais aguerridos ficam nos empurrando goela abaixo:
- Os pró-Alckmin levam a discussão pro campo do "competente" contra o "incompetente", do "ético" contra o "corrupto"
- Os pró-Lula insistem no "do povo" contra "da elite", "social" contra "reacionário"
Lula não é tão incompetente assim, e nem Geraldo é tão reacionário; da mesma forma, Geraldo não é tão ético assim, e Lula não é tão "do povo". Poderia escrever parágrafos e parágrafos a respeito, mas não é o caso.
A pergunta que importa é: já que os candidatos são tão parecidos, como tomar a decisão?
Pra mim (que votei Cristovam no primeiro turno), a decisão é entre modernidade e retrocesso. Entre mérito e clientelismo. E nesse caso a escolha é Alckmin. Votar em Lula é perpetuar erros, e se enganar que estamos melhorando.
Votar em Lula é perpetuar o clientelismo - a prática da política de favores, de toma-lá-dá-cá, de esmola pro pobre em troca de voto. Lula infestou a administração pública com "companheiros", ex-sindicalistas que nada ou pouco entendem de gestão e ficam cumprindo papel de Rainha da Inglaterra nas empresas públicas, loteando cargos e decisões. Práticas de administração pública no Brasil seriam consideradas abomináveis nas empresas de ponta do país, e ainda assim persistem sob as vistas grossas do Presidente.
Votar em Lula é ir na contra-mão da eficiência estatal. Estado eficiente não é Estado mínimo - é Estado que sabe gastar. Nem quero entrar na discussão do Aerolula, por exemplo; vamos falar de inchaço da máquina. Claramente o Brasil tem mais servidores públicos do que precisa. É por isso que os impostos são tão altos, é para custear essa estrutura. Estado forte não é Estado inchado - é estado bem desenhado e com instituições sólidas. E Lula não tem feito nada pra levar o Brasil nessa direção.
Votar em Lula é se enganar que estamos ajudando os pobres, quando na verdade tapa-se o sol com a peneira. Lula gasta com a esmola do Bolsa-Família mas não propõe solução para desenvolver o Nordeste economicamente. Não acho que o Bolsa-Família deve acabar (o nosso problema de distribuição de renda é tão grave que exige soluções drásticas), mas queria ver uma solução de médio-longo prazo para a pobreza sendo desenvolvida em paralelo. Lula não tem nenhuma.
Votar em Lula é se enganar que estamos indo contra o "demônio neo-liberal". Lula não baixou as taxas de juros de maneira significativa para promover o desenvolvimento, mesmo com a economia mundial em expansão. FHC, em contrapartida, aumentou juros pois teve que lidar com sucessivas crises econômicas de âmbito global (México, Rússia, Ásia, Argentina). Lula não entende nada de macroeconomia e só pensou em não "incomodar o mercado".
Votar em Lula é se enganar que a política externa é de sucesso. Vou até dedicar mais parágrafos a isso, pois é impotante. Capa da revista The Economist da semana passada falava que Lula cada vez mais perde espaço para o louco Chávez no jogo geopolítico. E não me venham falar que a The Economist foi comprada pelo PSDB... (essa foi a Veja - e essa é um lixo mesmo).
O Brasil passou a ser menos relevante mundialmente, como demonstrado pelas candidaturas ignoradas nas votações para secretário-geral da OEA, da OMC e de vaga no conselho de segurança da ONU. Evo Morales humilhou o Brasil ao tomar as refinarias da Petrobrás - e Lula ainda disse que o cara tava no direito dele! Só porque é mais um "companheiro", Lula não quis bater de frente. Até o Kirchner demonstrou muito mais culhão do que Lula jamais teve, ao decretar moratória e sair ganhando.
Outro argumento frequente dos petistas é que Lula investiu no Mercosul. Vamos acordar para o fato que o Mercosul está falindo!!! Bloco econômico de sucesso é aquele onde os paises integrantes se unem para serem mais fortes no tabuleiro global. E o que houve no Mercosul? Argentina e Uruguai estão colocando cada vez mais sanções aos produtos brasileiros, e vão fechando acordos bilaterais com os EUA. O Chile, que seria um ótimo parceiro, debanda e fecha mais acordos bilaterais ainda! Até o celebrado Celso Amorim, no fim das contas, negociou "tão bem" que a Rodada Doha da OMC foi pro espaço. Ou seja, perdemos infinitas oportunidades de vender mais nossos produtos, mas "mantivemos nossos interesses soberanos"... zzzz....
Como prova de que não está funcionando o Mercosul, basta ver que, ao invés de se unirem, as indústrias calçadistas de Brasil e Argentina se digladiaram, e agora ambas estão minguando por causa da concorência chinesa. Só em Novo Hamburgo-RS 20.000 pessoas perderam o emprego porque as fábricas fecharam. 20.000! É mais que a fábrica da Volks em SBC.
A discussão Lula-Alckmin também não é sobre economia; acho que a essa altura ninguém mais se ilude com isso. No fundo, ambos buscam a mesma orientação econômica, que é a social-democracia. Aliás sugiro ler um pouco sobre social-democracia no link
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_democracy
Corrupção, não dá pra garantir que não vai haver. Aliás, infelizmente, o mais provável é que continue havendo - 4 anos é muito pouco pra acabar com um mindset de 5 séculos (novamente sugiro ler "Raízes do Brasil" do Sérgio Buarque de Hollanda). Mas não votar em Alckmin porque abafou CPIs e votar em Lula após a quebra do sigilo do caseiro é, no mínimo, hipocrisia.
Por fim, queria acabar com esse mito de que privatização é coisa do demônio. Telebrás privatizada significou melhora gigantesca na prestação de serviços de telefonia. Vale prvatizada criou uma companhia "classe-mundial" ao invés de um elefante branco. Banespa privatizado tem aumentado o crédito no Estado ao mesmo tempo em que presta melhor serviço. E com essas companhias tendo mais lucro, elas pagam mais imposto e o Brasil ganha; elas sendo estatais inchadas, NÓS é que temos que pagar impostos pra sustentá-las. Querer ficar com as estatais é que nem um pai que não quer que o filho saia de casa porque não quer que ele saia da sua vista.
Se eu acho que Alckmin é perfeito? Não!!! Longe disso. Não tem nem cara de estadista. Mas ele é uma aposta pela modernidade do Estado, por um Brasil que funciona, e que, funcionando melhor, pode prestar serviços básicos de muito mais qualidade; funcionando melhor, tem economia mais forte, com mais empregos e portanto mais renda, sem precisar de esmola pra ninguém. Eu acredito nesse círculo virtuoso e é isso que me fará votar nele.
Também tornaram-se vazios os argumentos de votar no Lula "pela causa", pelos "trabalhadores". Esse argumento é totalmente válido para votar na Heloísa Helena. Lula e seus amigos só querem transformar Brasília na sua casa-grande.
Mas me sinto na obrigação de externar minha posição nesta eleição tão importante para o meu país.
Acho enganoso tomarmos a nossa decisão de voto com base nos "rótulos" que a mídia e os partidários mais aguerridos ficam nos empurrando goela abaixo:
- Os pró-Alckmin levam a discussão pro campo do "competente" contra o "incompetente", do "ético" contra o "corrupto"
- Os pró-Lula insistem no "do povo" contra "da elite", "social" contra "reacionário"
Lula não é tão incompetente assim, e nem Geraldo é tão reacionário; da mesma forma, Geraldo não é tão ético assim, e Lula não é tão "do povo". Poderia escrever parágrafos e parágrafos a respeito, mas não é o caso.
A pergunta que importa é: já que os candidatos são tão parecidos, como tomar a decisão?
Pra mim (que votei Cristovam no primeiro turno), a decisão é entre modernidade e retrocesso. Entre mérito e clientelismo. E nesse caso a escolha é Alckmin. Votar em Lula é perpetuar erros, e se enganar que estamos melhorando.
Votar em Lula é perpetuar o clientelismo - a prática da política de favores, de toma-lá-dá-cá, de esmola pro pobre em troca de voto. Lula infestou a administração pública com "companheiros", ex-sindicalistas que nada ou pouco entendem de gestão e ficam cumprindo papel de Rainha da Inglaterra nas empresas públicas, loteando cargos e decisões. Práticas de administração pública no Brasil seriam consideradas abomináveis nas empresas de ponta do país, e ainda assim persistem sob as vistas grossas do Presidente.
Votar em Lula é ir na contra-mão da eficiência estatal. Estado eficiente não é Estado mínimo - é Estado que sabe gastar. Nem quero entrar na discussão do Aerolula, por exemplo; vamos falar de inchaço da máquina. Claramente o Brasil tem mais servidores públicos do que precisa. É por isso que os impostos são tão altos, é para custear essa estrutura. Estado forte não é Estado inchado - é estado bem desenhado e com instituições sólidas. E Lula não tem feito nada pra levar o Brasil nessa direção.
Votar em Lula é se enganar que estamos ajudando os pobres, quando na verdade tapa-se o sol com a peneira. Lula gasta com a esmola do Bolsa-Família mas não propõe solução para desenvolver o Nordeste economicamente. Não acho que o Bolsa-Família deve acabar (o nosso problema de distribuição de renda é tão grave que exige soluções drásticas), mas queria ver uma solução de médio-longo prazo para a pobreza sendo desenvolvida em paralelo. Lula não tem nenhuma.
Votar em Lula é se enganar que estamos indo contra o "demônio neo-liberal". Lula não baixou as taxas de juros de maneira significativa para promover o desenvolvimento, mesmo com a economia mundial em expansão. FHC, em contrapartida, aumentou juros pois teve que lidar com sucessivas crises econômicas de âmbito global (México, Rússia, Ásia, Argentina). Lula não entende nada de macroeconomia e só pensou em não "incomodar o mercado".
Votar em Lula é se enganar que a política externa é de sucesso. Vou até dedicar mais parágrafos a isso, pois é impotante. Capa da revista The Economist da semana passada falava que Lula cada vez mais perde espaço para o louco Chávez no jogo geopolítico. E não me venham falar que a The Economist foi comprada pelo PSDB... (essa foi a Veja - e essa é um lixo mesmo).
O Brasil passou a ser menos relevante mundialmente, como demonstrado pelas candidaturas ignoradas nas votações para secretário-geral da OEA, da OMC e de vaga no conselho de segurança da ONU. Evo Morales humilhou o Brasil ao tomar as refinarias da Petrobrás - e Lula ainda disse que o cara tava no direito dele! Só porque é mais um "companheiro", Lula não quis bater de frente. Até o Kirchner demonstrou muito mais culhão do que Lula jamais teve, ao decretar moratória e sair ganhando.
Outro argumento frequente dos petistas é que Lula investiu no Mercosul. Vamos acordar para o fato que o Mercosul está falindo!!! Bloco econômico de sucesso é aquele onde os paises integrantes se unem para serem mais fortes no tabuleiro global. E o que houve no Mercosul? Argentina e Uruguai estão colocando cada vez mais sanções aos produtos brasileiros, e vão fechando acordos bilaterais com os EUA. O Chile, que seria um ótimo parceiro, debanda e fecha mais acordos bilaterais ainda! Até o celebrado Celso Amorim, no fim das contas, negociou "tão bem" que a Rodada Doha da OMC foi pro espaço. Ou seja, perdemos infinitas oportunidades de vender mais nossos produtos, mas "mantivemos nossos interesses soberanos"... zzzz....
Como prova de que não está funcionando o Mercosul, basta ver que, ao invés de se unirem, as indústrias calçadistas de Brasil e Argentina se digladiaram, e agora ambas estão minguando por causa da concorência chinesa. Só em Novo Hamburgo-RS 20.000 pessoas perderam o emprego porque as fábricas fecharam. 20.000! É mais que a fábrica da Volks em SBC.
A discussão Lula-Alckmin também não é sobre economia; acho que a essa altura ninguém mais se ilude com isso. No fundo, ambos buscam a mesma orientação econômica, que é a social-democracia. Aliás sugiro ler um pouco sobre social-democracia no link
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_democracy
Corrupção, não dá pra garantir que não vai haver. Aliás, infelizmente, o mais provável é que continue havendo - 4 anos é muito pouco pra acabar com um mindset de 5 séculos (novamente sugiro ler "Raízes do Brasil" do Sérgio Buarque de Hollanda). Mas não votar em Alckmin porque abafou CPIs e votar em Lula após a quebra do sigilo do caseiro é, no mínimo, hipocrisia.
Por fim, queria acabar com esse mito de que privatização é coisa do demônio. Telebrás privatizada significou melhora gigantesca na prestação de serviços de telefonia. Vale prvatizada criou uma companhia "classe-mundial" ao invés de um elefante branco. Banespa privatizado tem aumentado o crédito no Estado ao mesmo tempo em que presta melhor serviço. E com essas companhias tendo mais lucro, elas pagam mais imposto e o Brasil ganha; elas sendo estatais inchadas, NÓS é que temos que pagar impostos pra sustentá-las. Querer ficar com as estatais é que nem um pai que não quer que o filho saia de casa porque não quer que ele saia da sua vista.
Se eu acho que Alckmin é perfeito? Não!!! Longe disso. Não tem nem cara de estadista. Mas ele é uma aposta pela modernidade do Estado, por um Brasil que funciona, e que, funcionando melhor, pode prestar serviços básicos de muito mais qualidade; funcionando melhor, tem economia mais forte, com mais empregos e portanto mais renda, sem precisar de esmola pra ninguém. Eu acredito nesse círculo virtuoso e é isso que me fará votar nele.
Também tornaram-se vazios os argumentos de votar no Lula "pela causa", pelos "trabalhadores". Esse argumento é totalmente válido para votar na Heloísa Helena. Lula e seus amigos só querem transformar Brasília na sua casa-grande.
Monday, October 09, 2006
Woman of the ghetto
Possibly my favorite song in all time.
There is a great review about it on
http://shakeyourfist.blogspot.com/2006/09/woman-of-ghetto.html
Here goes my personal transcription of the lyrics.
Woman of the ghetto (live version 1973)
Marlena Shaw
lyrics
(ging, gi-gi-gi-gi-ging...)
(la-la-la-la-la-la-la, ...)
I was born, raised in a ghetto
I was born and raised in a ghetto
I'm a woman, of the ghetto
Won't you listen, won't you listen to me, legislator?
(ging, gi-gi-gi-gi-ging...)
How do you raise your kids in a ghetto?
How do you raise your kids in a ghetto?
Do you feed one child and starve another?
Won't you tell me, legislator?
Enthralled through
I know that my eyes ain't blue
But you see I'm a woman
Of the ghetto
I'm proud, free,
Black, that is me
But I'm a woman of the ghetto
(ging, gi-gi-gi-gi-ging...)
How does your heart feel late at night?
How does your heart feel late at night?
Does it beat with shame, or does it beat with pride?
Won't you tell me, legislator?
(na-na-na-na-na-na-na, ...)
Puts me in the mind of,
come and cross the water in a boat
Chained, tied, together
They said, "no, no, they're really not man, and women,
just chain 'em up, tie 'em up, chain 'em up, tie 'em up,
chain 'em up, tie 'em up, work, work, work"
There's where the movement came from
Say no, no...
My children learned just the same as yours
As long as nobody tries to close the door
They cry with pain when the knife cuts deep
They even close their eyes when they wanna sleep
Now peace, you say
is all that you ask
But self-respect is a separate task
You may be sitting up there
in your ivory tower
60 stories tall
I know that you may have checked out at least one ghetto
But I wonder have you lived there at all?
Places like Watts,
ah, Holland, tell me
Chicago, ah tell me
Washington got some too
I have been up on the mountains, I
And I'm free at last
I say I'm free at last
I've seen the children dying
And I've been one of the mothers who was crying
(ging, gi-gi-gi-gi-ging...)
I am a woman
I am a woman
I am a woman, yes I
I said that I am,
I mean that I am,
I'm the woman, I'm the woman, I'm the woman of the ghetto
Strong, true,
A woman
A woman
You can walk through the streets of the ghetto at night
Whole lotta pretty, some ugly sites
Along comes the sleek limousine
Say "hey baby I got ten...
Look at me, I'm clean"
So she takes a little dope
What the hell everybody got to go
I got a baby
I got a baby
I got a baby i want to feed and I'm not really giving it all
up, just a little ten-cent piece or two
Ah, the black woman...
But I ain't gonna raise your babies no more
I got a few on my own,
I wanna keep strolling,
I say I am a woman
gi-gi-gi-gi-ging, I am
I
I am
I am
Remember me
I'm the one who had your babies, I
gi-gi-gi-gi-ging, I am
I am
I am a woman
Of the ghetto
Woman,
I'm a woman, yeah yeah yeah
Just a woman...
(I liked it)
(Marlena Shaw!)
There is a great review about it on
http://shakeyourfist.blogspot.com/2006/09/woman-of-ghetto.html
Here goes my personal transcription of the lyrics.
Woman of the ghetto (live version 1973)
Marlena Shaw
lyrics
(ging, gi-gi-gi-gi-ging...)
(la-la-la-la-la-la-la, ...)
I was born, raised in a ghetto
I was born and raised in a ghetto
I'm a woman, of the ghetto
Won't you listen, won't you listen to me, legislator?
(ging, gi-gi-gi-gi-ging...)
How do you raise your kids in a ghetto?
How do you raise your kids in a ghetto?
Do you feed one child and starve another?
Won't you tell me, legislator?
Enthralled through
I know that my eyes ain't blue
But you see I'm a woman
Of the ghetto
I'm proud, free,
Black, that is me
But I'm a woman of the ghetto
(ging, gi-gi-gi-gi-ging...)
How does your heart feel late at night?
How does your heart feel late at night?
Does it beat with shame, or does it beat with pride?
Won't you tell me, legislator?
(na-na-na-na-na-na-na, ...)
Puts me in the mind of,
come and cross the water in a boat
Chained, tied, together
They said, "no, no, they're really not man, and women,
just chain 'em up, tie 'em up, chain 'em up, tie 'em up,
chain 'em up, tie 'em up, work, work, work"
There's where the movement came from
Say no, no...
My children learned just the same as yours
As long as nobody tries to close the door
They cry with pain when the knife cuts deep
They even close their eyes when they wanna sleep
Now peace, you say
is all that you ask
But self-respect is a separate task
You may be sitting up there
in your ivory tower
60 stories tall
I know that you may have checked out at least one ghetto
But I wonder have you lived there at all?
Places like Watts,
ah, Holland, tell me
Chicago, ah tell me
Washington got some too
I have been up on the mountains, I
And I'm free at last
I say I'm free at last
I've seen the children dying
And I've been one of the mothers who was crying
(ging, gi-gi-gi-gi-ging...)
I am a woman
I am a woman
I am a woman, yes I
I said that I am,
I mean that I am,
I'm the woman, I'm the woman, I'm the woman of the ghetto
Strong, true,
A woman
A woman
You can walk through the streets of the ghetto at night
Whole lotta pretty, some ugly sites
Along comes the sleek limousine
Say "hey baby I got ten...
Look at me, I'm clean"
So she takes a little dope
What the hell everybody got to go
I got a baby
I got a baby
I got a baby i want to feed and I'm not really giving it all
up, just a little ten-cent piece or two
Ah, the black woman...
But I ain't gonna raise your babies no more
I got a few on my own,
I wanna keep strolling,
I say I am a woman
gi-gi-gi-gi-ging, I am
I
I am
I am
Remember me
I'm the one who had your babies, I
gi-gi-gi-gi-ging, I am
I am
I am a woman
Of the ghetto
Woman,
I'm a woman, yeah yeah yeah
Just a woman...
(I liked it)
(Marlena Shaw!)
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Debate
So I'm watching the live TV debate between Lula and Geraldo.
And it's all as expected - Geraldo goes and asks about corruption, Lula comes and says that he is punishing people; Lula says that the former government only sold state companies (which he calls "state patrimony") while he is more concerned in investing in the "social side"....
But as I watch it, what i really wonder is - how much does a debate change things? Especially in this case.
Take my example - I'm gonna vote Geraldo. So I have a natural bias to take each of his arguments as solid and prepared, as well as to consider Lula a liar and an incompetent.
And then I can truly visualize some Lula voter in the Northeast thinking that Geraldo is asseptic and elitist, while Lula is trustworthy for being "from the people'.
Oh, sorry, then I remember Lula voters don't watch TV. Otherwise they wouldn't vote Lula for sure.
And it's all as expected - Geraldo goes and asks about corruption, Lula comes and says that he is punishing people; Lula says that the former government only sold state companies (which he calls "state patrimony") while he is more concerned in investing in the "social side"....
But as I watch it, what i really wonder is - how much does a debate change things? Especially in this case.
Take my example - I'm gonna vote Geraldo. So I have a natural bias to take each of his arguments as solid and prepared, as well as to consider Lula a liar and an incompetent.
And then I can truly visualize some Lula voter in the Northeast thinking that Geraldo is asseptic and elitist, while Lula is trustworthy for being "from the people'.
Oh, sorry, then I remember Lula voters don't watch TV. Otherwise they wouldn't vote Lula for sure.
Saturday, October 07, 2006
just a quick train from Waterloo station and they're home
Noteworthy that 7 out of the 11 players that started Holland's match against Bulgaria today ply their trade in the Premiership.
For the record they started with Van der Sar; Bouhlarouz, Ooijer, Mathijsen, Van Bronckhorst; De Jong, Landzaat, Sneijder; Van Persie, Kuyt, Robben.
And why is Dimitar Berbatov on the pitch for Bulgaria? Wasn't he injured?
For the record they started with Van der Sar; Bouhlarouz, Ooijer, Mathijsen, Van Bronckhorst; De Jong, Landzaat, Sneijder; Van Persie, Kuyt, Robben.
And why is Dimitar Berbatov on the pitch for Bulgaria? Wasn't he injured?
Pompeii Am Gotterdammerung
Running to the station holding hands
Now the volcano is flowing red
Something there will change us into sand
Now we'll be forever holding hands
Lava and tephra will form our bed
Now the royal flames of Pompeii bless
All our senses...
(The Flaming Lips)
Now the volcano is flowing red
Something there will change us into sand
Now we'll be forever holding hands
Lava and tephra will form our bed
Now the royal flames of Pompeii bless
All our senses...
(The Flaming Lips)
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Travel and Living
Been recently hooked on Discovery Travel and Living.
I was never a huge fan of Discovery Channel or any of its branches, but after a special program on Cantonese Food on T&L can`t really stop watching it.
I realy like the specials they've got on food and the backpacking series. Makes me wanna move my fat ass from the couch and do something, whether it be turning on the stove or filling clothes in a rucksack.
Reminds me of my days as a budget traveler in New Zealand and Scandinavia.
( Plus they've got international poker championships. )
I was never a huge fan of Discovery Channel or any of its branches, but after a special program on Cantonese Food on T&L can`t really stop watching it.
I realy like the specials they've got on food and the backpacking series. Makes me wanna move my fat ass from the couch and do something, whether it be turning on the stove or filling clothes in a rucksack.
Reminds me of my days as a budget traveler in New Zealand and Scandinavia.
( Plus they've got international poker championships. )
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
We couldn't care less
Ok - so last days till the election and it is not really the main subject on conversations. At least not for me. I'm more worried about the next Liverpool starting line-up.
I wouldn't say the election doesn't worry me - maybe I'm just resigned to watch the favourites win and everyone else around me is as well. Even in my favorite news websites election news less flashy than, say, Uefa Champions League, Daniella Cicarelli, stock markets, and the usual crime stuff.
Also noticeable is that there have been more news about the "scandal" about buying information on one candidate - one candidate from one state! - than the candidates' proposals. Probably because most candidates don't have concrete proposals... Even Alckmin doesn't have a proper economic plan, I read the other day. I guess candidates realized that people won't ask them about plans - even after they win! As much commonplace as it is, election time is all about the best-dressed, the nicest first-lady, hugging the kids and tra-la-la.
It makes me think of another thing I read - that the media these days are more busy trying to create and praise the so-called "celebrities" rather than actually confront and discuss issues that actually matter to the people. But then again, if the people couldn't care less about what supposedly matters to them, and just wanna be fed with sports digests and celeb gossip, let's give them bread and circus! Who cares if GDP doesn't grow? I mean, what is GDP again?
Or maybe I'm just reading too much into "Raízes do Brasil". I have been convinced that the damage done by our Portuguese colonization cannot be fixed and we're all damned to be lazy bastards. Myself included.
Let's just pray for the best.
(yet another typically Sebastianistic-Catholic-Portuguese catchphrase).
I wouldn't say the election doesn't worry me - maybe I'm just resigned to watch the favourites win and everyone else around me is as well. Even in my favorite news websites election news less flashy than, say, Uefa Champions League, Daniella Cicarelli, stock markets, and the usual crime stuff.
Also noticeable is that there have been more news about the "scandal" about buying information on one candidate - one candidate from one state! - than the candidates' proposals. Probably because most candidates don't have concrete proposals... Even Alckmin doesn't have a proper economic plan, I read the other day. I guess candidates realized that people won't ask them about plans - even after they win! As much commonplace as it is, election time is all about the best-dressed, the nicest first-lady, hugging the kids and tra-la-la.
It makes me think of another thing I read - that the media these days are more busy trying to create and praise the so-called "celebrities" rather than actually confront and discuss issues that actually matter to the people. But then again, if the people couldn't care less about what supposedly matters to them, and just wanna be fed with sports digests and celeb gossip, let's give them bread and circus! Who cares if GDP doesn't grow? I mean, what is GDP again?
Or maybe I'm just reading too much into "Raízes do Brasil". I have been convinced that the damage done by our Portuguese colonization cannot be fixed and we're all damned to be lazy bastards. Myself included.
Let's just pray for the best.
(yet another typically Sebastianistic-Catholic-Portuguese catchphrase).
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Raízes do Brasil
Resolvi usar melhor meu tempo acordado em aviões (porque, na maioria das vezes, durmo mesmo) para ler livros, ao invés das revistas que, ultimamente, só me trazem informação inútil.
Comecei meio audacioso - peguei emprestado "Raízes do Brasil" do meu irmão. Não, o meu irmão não escreveu esse livro, é claro que estou falando do clássico da sociologia que Sérgio Buarque de Holanda (vulgo pai do Chico) escreveu em 1936. Para minha surpresa, encontrei um livro interessante de ler, que reserva momentos "ah é..." em cada página, e que ajuda a entender porque os brasileiros são assim, desse jeito, malandros, bon-vivants, misturados racialmente e por aí afora. O livro intimida um pouco com algumas palavras difíceis, mas em vários parágrafos é solto, proseado, factual, e a cada virada de página há uma explicação reveladora.
o mais legal é que, nesses 70 anos desde que o livro foi escrito, pouca coisa mudou - o brasileiro continua assim, malandro, celebrado inclusive em uma peça de teatro do Chico. Ou seja, Sérgio identificou algo que era verdade, e provavelmente explicou isso usando as causas certas.
Recomendo.
Comecei meio audacioso - peguei emprestado "Raízes do Brasil" do meu irmão. Não, o meu irmão não escreveu esse livro, é claro que estou falando do clássico da sociologia que Sérgio Buarque de Holanda (vulgo pai do Chico) escreveu em 1936. Para minha surpresa, encontrei um livro interessante de ler, que reserva momentos "ah é..." em cada página, e que ajuda a entender porque os brasileiros são assim, desse jeito, malandros, bon-vivants, misturados racialmente e por aí afora. O livro intimida um pouco com algumas palavras difíceis, mas em vários parágrafos é solto, proseado, factual, e a cada virada de página há uma explicação reveladora.
o mais legal é que, nesses 70 anos desde que o livro foi escrito, pouca coisa mudou - o brasileiro continua assim, malandro, celebrado inclusive em uma peça de teatro do Chico. Ou seja, Sérgio identificou algo que era verdade, e provavelmente explicou isso usando as causas certas.
Recomendo.
Sunday, September 03, 2006
The new Brazil
January 2005 I bought my first FourFourTwo magazine in a newsstand in Orchard Road, Singapore - a yellow cover written "The New Brazil - Meet Kaka, Robinho, Adriano and six other reasons to get you excited"
Apart from the dubious homosexuality in the headline, the magazine displayed a magnificent 15-page report that told details of these players that I myself didn't know. Apart from those three, they also profiled Juan, Julio Baptista, Elano, Renato, Diego, Luis Fabiano. The first three have since become regulars in the national team, while the latter, from whom maybe more was expected, have wandered in a bit of obscurity and sub-utilization by their teams.
Between that month and now, more young promises arose - Daniel Carvalho, Fred, Nilmar being the most well-known. In spite of that, the status of "unbeatable" achieved by the first team made it difficult for these oyoung talents to come to sight within time of the World Cup. So we ended up with a kind of highbrow team that failed to deliver, maybe because eberyone there was in a comfort zone and did not feel the pressure to deliver their best.
Given all that, I got extremely pleased by the national team's performance this afternoon against Argentina. For a lot of reasons - Usage of young players, defined tactics, freedom given to Robinho's creativity, and some more which I will not write now.
Suffice it to say I always dreamed of watching Brazil play two lines of four, British style. Elano is perfect for right-midfield, and Robinho as an in-and-out second striker is brilliant. Fred is also sniffing the goal in a more lethal fashion than his lurky predecessors, Ronaldo and Adriano. I wonder if we played Gilberto and maybe Renato in central midfield, Kaka on the right, Robinho on the left, ROnaldinho as in-and-out striker, and Adriano slotting home, if anyone's to stop us.
Apart from the dubious homosexuality in the headline, the magazine displayed a magnificent 15-page report that told details of these players that I myself didn't know. Apart from those three, they also profiled Juan, Julio Baptista, Elano, Renato, Diego, Luis Fabiano. The first three have since become regulars in the national team, while the latter, from whom maybe more was expected, have wandered in a bit of obscurity and sub-utilization by their teams.
Between that month and now, more young promises arose - Daniel Carvalho, Fred, Nilmar being the most well-known. In spite of that, the status of "unbeatable" achieved by the first team made it difficult for these oyoung talents to come to sight within time of the World Cup. So we ended up with a kind of highbrow team that failed to deliver, maybe because eberyone there was in a comfort zone and did not feel the pressure to deliver their best.
Given all that, I got extremely pleased by the national team's performance this afternoon against Argentina. For a lot of reasons - Usage of young players, defined tactics, freedom given to Robinho's creativity, and some more which I will not write now.
Suffice it to say I always dreamed of watching Brazil play two lines of four, British style. Elano is perfect for right-midfield, and Robinho as an in-and-out second striker is brilliant. Fred is also sniffing the goal in a more lethal fashion than his lurky predecessors, Ronaldo and Adriano. I wonder if we played Gilberto and maybe Renato in central midfield, Kaka on the right, Robinho on the left, ROnaldinho as in-and-out striker, and Adriano slotting home, if anyone's to stop us.
Saturday, September 02, 2006
What I'm listening to
"The Revolution Will Not Be Televised" Gil-Scott Heron
Excellent lyrics in this rap-meets-blues-meets-jazz 1970 album which is so up-to-date still today. Gil was clearly ahead of its time and influenced none less than Grandmaster Flash to turn hip-hop into a whole new music genre.
Though Gil's social criticism is as fiery as Flash's or even Public Enemy's - for instance, he complains about not affording a doctor while the government spends money to put a "whitey on the moon", and mentions racist behavior in several ocasion - his musicality is filled with subtlety and smoothness. Many of the tracks are followed by only a flute and some drums, sounding a bit like bossa nova at times.
My tag: Essential.
"Under The Iron Sea" Keane
Quality pop for bitter hearts that is perfect soundtrack for driving, flying, or working. The pianos and desperate vocals from the excellent previous album are still here, but now joined by stronger drums and more distorted guitars - Keane goes hard rock.
I was kind of disappointed by Coldplay's sequel to "A Rush of Blood..." and then was wary Keane couldn't match their masterpiece either. Guess what, they've done it.
My tag: Enjoyable.
"At War With The Mystics" - The Flaming Lips
Months after having bought this, I now fully comprehend the message here. I was looking for existentialist questions such as in "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots" but this is a Michael Moore-style album. Half the songs have some reference to George W. Bush in a sense, and when you figure that out you think the other half also means something political.
A bit more experimental in guitars than the previous album, "Mystics" can frigthen at a first hearing for its awkwardness - but then you realize that every beat, every distortion is meant to put the listener in an agitated state of mind, one which incitates action. These days, after listening to the chorus in "The Wand" and "Haven't got a clue" I suddenly felt like joining a Greenpeace parade. "Every time you state your case the more I want to punch your face..."
My tag: Real life.
Excellent lyrics in this rap-meets-blues-meets-jazz 1970 album which is so up-to-date still today. Gil was clearly ahead of its time and influenced none less than Grandmaster Flash to turn hip-hop into a whole new music genre.
Though Gil's social criticism is as fiery as Flash's or even Public Enemy's - for instance, he complains about not affording a doctor while the government spends money to put a "whitey on the moon", and mentions racist behavior in several ocasion - his musicality is filled with subtlety and smoothness. Many of the tracks are followed by only a flute and some drums, sounding a bit like bossa nova at times.
My tag: Essential.
"Under The Iron Sea" Keane
Quality pop for bitter hearts that is perfect soundtrack for driving, flying, or working. The pianos and desperate vocals from the excellent previous album are still here, but now joined by stronger drums and more distorted guitars - Keane goes hard rock.
I was kind of disappointed by Coldplay's sequel to "A Rush of Blood..." and then was wary Keane couldn't match their masterpiece either. Guess what, they've done it.
My tag: Enjoyable.
"At War With The Mystics" - The Flaming Lips
Months after having bought this, I now fully comprehend the message here. I was looking for existentialist questions such as in "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots" but this is a Michael Moore-style album. Half the songs have some reference to George W. Bush in a sense, and when you figure that out you think the other half also means something political.
A bit more experimental in guitars than the previous album, "Mystics" can frigthen at a first hearing for its awkwardness - but then you realize that every beat, every distortion is meant to put the listener in an agitated state of mind, one which incitates action. These days, after listening to the chorus in "The Wand" and "Haven't got a clue" I suddenly felt like joining a Greenpeace parade. "Every time you state your case the more I want to punch your face..."
My tag: Real life.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Finally! I was quoted by the Guardian
http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,1862725,00.html
Ctrl+F, "Pedro Fernandes"
Ctrl+F, "Pedro Fernandes"
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Keane
Estou ouvindo o novo CD do Keane, "Under The Iron Sea". Era difícil fazer melhor que "Hopes and Fears" mas eles se esforçaram e acho que conseguiram. É muito bom.
Friday, August 18, 2006
My Premiership season predictions
OK. I signed up for Liverpool's website premium access service so I'll be able to watch ALL of their games online. I even put a small bet on William Hill for Craig Bellamy to be top striker (at 21-1).
But none would be complete without my Premiership predictions.
Champions: Liverpool
I am serious. Our squad makes us definite contenders. Our attack has particularly improved so much - it'd already be great with Bellamy, Crouch and Fowler, but Kuyt is a cherry to the cake. Pennant and Gonzalez are real wingers, not midfielders-made-wingers like Garcia and Kewell. Sissoko is already better than Makelele, and, therefore, the best tackler around. And Chelsea will be all eyes on Champions League.
Champions League: Chelsea, Arsenal, Spurs
Spurs have what it takes to make it into top 4 this year, even without Carrick. They still got a very consistent midfield in Zokora, Davids, Jenas and Lennon. And Keane/Defoe/Berbatov is a formidable strikeline by any standards.
Arsenal and Chelsea, there is no way both don't make it, so I guess Man U will be heading out of the elite this time around. Unless they hire Adriano and Hargreaves in the next couple of days.
Uefa Cup: Man U, Newcastle, Portsmouth
What? Portsmouth in top 10? Ya. I will cheer for Harry. Got fond of him last semester, mostly because of the signing of D'Alessandro I started following Pompey and they're a very likeable team. Plus they added Campbell and Kanu to Pedro Mendes, Gary O'Neil and co.
Blackburn, Everton and West Ham are my other predictions for the top half of the table.
Relegated: no clue
Obvious guess would be "Watford, Sheffield, Reading", but who knows. Villa is looking ahead for a dreadful season, and so are Fulham and Boro. But these three never seem to go deep down the table no matter how poorly they play.
But none would be complete without my Premiership predictions.
Champions: Liverpool
I am serious. Our squad makes us definite contenders. Our attack has particularly improved so much - it'd already be great with Bellamy, Crouch and Fowler, but Kuyt is a cherry to the cake. Pennant and Gonzalez are real wingers, not midfielders-made-wingers like Garcia and Kewell. Sissoko is already better than Makelele, and, therefore, the best tackler around. And Chelsea will be all eyes on Champions League.
Champions League: Chelsea, Arsenal, Spurs
Spurs have what it takes to make it into top 4 this year, even without Carrick. They still got a very consistent midfield in Zokora, Davids, Jenas and Lennon. And Keane/Defoe/Berbatov is a formidable strikeline by any standards.
Arsenal and Chelsea, there is no way both don't make it, so I guess Man U will be heading out of the elite this time around. Unless they hire Adriano and Hargreaves in the next couple of days.
Uefa Cup: Man U, Newcastle, Portsmouth
What? Portsmouth in top 10? Ya. I will cheer for Harry. Got fond of him last semester, mostly because of the signing of D'Alessandro I started following Pompey and they're a very likeable team. Plus they added Campbell and Kanu to Pedro Mendes, Gary O'Neil and co.
Blackburn, Everton and West Ham are my other predictions for the top half of the table.
Relegated: no clue
Obvious guess would be "Watford, Sheffield, Reading", but who knows. Villa is looking ahead for a dreadful season, and so are Fulham and Boro. But these three never seem to go deep down the table no matter how poorly they play.
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Vote
Queria declarar meu voto dois meses da eleição.
Antes de mais nada, por que faço isso? Afinal o voto é secreto e é um direito meu mantê-lo assim.
Bom, faço isso porque acho interessante gerar debate, faço isso porque acho que não tenho falado tanto sobre o assunto como deveria, e porque queria deixar claro o que eu queria ver em um candidato. Vai que um deles lê....
O que eu quero ver é:
POLÍTICA
- Candidatos de plataforma social-democrata, e não liberais (i.e. que privilegiem distribuição igualitária de renda ao invés de geração indiscriminada de riqueza) - essa tá fácil, pois não tem nenhum liberal sério no Brasil
- Candidatos que preguem a reforma política - chega de voto obrigatório, chega de legendas de aluguel, chega de nepotismo, chega de inchaço da máquina
ECONOMIA
- Candidatos que dêem força para as micro e pequenas empresas
- Candidatos que tentem tirar do buraco regiões que estão economicamente na UTI (por exemplo, interior do RS)
- Candidatos que priorizem o turismo e a agricultura extensiva (dois setores onde temos inúmeras vantagens competitivas naturais)
ÁREA SOCIAL
- Candidatos que reestruturem o sistema educacional, preocupando-se em ensino fundamental de qualidade, com professores qualificados e bem-pagos, ao invés de discutir bobagens e desserviços como as cotas nas universidades
- Candidatos que dêem um basta na calamidade da segurança pública, pondo o exército pra resolver nossa guerra civil contra PCC e similares
Já tá difícil de achar candidato que se encaixe nessas 7 coisas ao mesmo tempo, então deixa eu parar por aqui se não fico louco.
Enfim, as of today, meus candidatos são:
- Presidente: Cristovam Buarque
- Governador: José Serra
- Senador: Eduardo Suplicy
- Deputados: voto de legenda - PSDB
Antes de mais nada, por que faço isso? Afinal o voto é secreto e é um direito meu mantê-lo assim.
Bom, faço isso porque acho interessante gerar debate, faço isso porque acho que não tenho falado tanto sobre o assunto como deveria, e porque queria deixar claro o que eu queria ver em um candidato. Vai que um deles lê....
O que eu quero ver é:
POLÍTICA
- Candidatos de plataforma social-democrata, e não liberais (i.e. que privilegiem distribuição igualitária de renda ao invés de geração indiscriminada de riqueza) - essa tá fácil, pois não tem nenhum liberal sério no Brasil
- Candidatos que preguem a reforma política - chega de voto obrigatório, chega de legendas de aluguel, chega de nepotismo, chega de inchaço da máquina
ECONOMIA
- Candidatos que dêem força para as micro e pequenas empresas
- Candidatos que tentem tirar do buraco regiões que estão economicamente na UTI (por exemplo, interior do RS)
- Candidatos que priorizem o turismo e a agricultura extensiva (dois setores onde temos inúmeras vantagens competitivas naturais)
ÁREA SOCIAL
- Candidatos que reestruturem o sistema educacional, preocupando-se em ensino fundamental de qualidade, com professores qualificados e bem-pagos, ao invés de discutir bobagens e desserviços como as cotas nas universidades
- Candidatos que dêem um basta na calamidade da segurança pública, pondo o exército pra resolver nossa guerra civil contra PCC e similares
Já tá difícil de achar candidato que se encaixe nessas 7 coisas ao mesmo tempo, então deixa eu parar por aqui se não fico louco.
Enfim, as of today, meus candidatos são:
- Presidente: Cristovam Buarque
- Governador: José Serra
- Senador: Eduardo Suplicy
- Deputados: voto de legenda - PSDB
Friday, July 28, 2006
El Obelisco
This is actually just a way to boast about the zooming properties of my camera. Both pictures were taken from the same point! (by the way, Hotel Republica in Buenos Aires, in front of the Obelisco).
Monday, July 24, 2006
£39,99
with short sleeves. long sleeves go for £49,99.
my brand-new object of desire is
Liverpool's new kit.
my brand-new object of desire is
Liverpool's new kit.
Friday, July 21, 2006
geeky gadgets
This post seems very geeky at first. But go to #1 in Consumer products (the self-assembling tent), that has to be the coolest thing I saw this year.
Business Week Top Design Products
Business Week Top Design Products
Sunday, July 16, 2006
50 albums
Another post of the series "I-have-nothing-new-to-talk-about-but-read-something-amazing-at-The-Guardian-and-leave-the-link-here".
http://observer.guardian.co.uk/review/story/0,,1821230,00.html
http://observer.guardian.co.uk/review/story/0,,1821230,00.html
Monday, July 10, 2006
Last piece of Cup punditry
Imitating a report from the
Guardian
Best player Zinédine Zidane. Whatever Materazzi said, the things Zidane did dressed in white in the four final matches put him in the same place as Maradona, above Cruyff and Platini, which means, definitely one of the greats ever. Fare you well.
Worst player Roberto Carlos. Did not attack, did not defend, failed miserably in the elimination goal and claimed it was not his fault. Next time he'd better not say 'there's an 80% chance Brazil wins'. Jackass.
Biggest gripe Asian and Central American football. There should be one place for each, and for the sake of diplomacy only.
Biggest joy Watch Argentina attack Serbia, Germany attack Ecuador, Spain attack Ukraine and Brazil attack Japan. That is the dictionary definition of flair.
Best match Argentina v Serbia. OK, I watched it in Buenos Aires so I may be a little bit biased. But it was, holy cow, amazing football.
Worst match France v Korea. I did not watch Switzerland v Ukraine and I was told it was worse. Lucky me. I only endured this white-against-pink thing because I was in an airport lounge at 3 am.
Best quote "Gilberto is playing so well, it's gonna be fucking hard to put Emerson back" - Parreira caught by TV lipsynch.
England in one word Anticlimax.
Team of tournament (4-4-2) Buffon; Zambrotta, Cannavaro, Rafael Marquez, Grosso; Zokora, Frings, Ze Roberto, Zidane; Saviola, Podolski.
Guardian
Best player Zinédine Zidane. Whatever Materazzi said, the things Zidane did dressed in white in the four final matches put him in the same place as Maradona, above Cruyff and Platini, which means, definitely one of the greats ever. Fare you well.
Worst player Roberto Carlos. Did not attack, did not defend, failed miserably in the elimination goal and claimed it was not his fault. Next time he'd better not say 'there's an 80% chance Brazil wins'. Jackass.
Biggest gripe Asian and Central American football. There should be one place for each, and for the sake of diplomacy only.
Biggest joy Watch Argentina attack Serbia, Germany attack Ecuador, Spain attack Ukraine and Brazil attack Japan. That is the dictionary definition of flair.
Best match Argentina v Serbia. OK, I watched it in Buenos Aires so I may be a little bit biased. But it was, holy cow, amazing football.
Worst match France v Korea. I did not watch Switzerland v Ukraine and I was told it was worse. Lucky me. I only endured this white-against-pink thing because I was in an airport lounge at 3 am.
Best quote "Gilberto is playing so well, it's gonna be fucking hard to put Emerson back" - Parreira caught by TV lipsynch.
England in one word Anticlimax.
Team of tournament (4-4-2) Buffon; Zambrotta, Cannavaro, Rafael Marquez, Grosso; Zokora, Frings, Ze Roberto, Zidane; Saviola, Podolski.
Friday, July 07, 2006
Planes
No. I'm not talking about my plans. It's really about airplanes.
First I talked to a friend these days (Michelle) who, recently, could not work for a full day, stuck first in an airplane and then in an airport because of bad weather.
It happened to me already, more than once actually, to get flight delays because of weather - especially early mornings going from São Paulo to Curitiba or Porto Alegre. Foggy cities are these - forget the stereotype of sunny beaches and bikini girls that is generally associated with the word Brazil. Porto Alegre, with its German/Italian descendants and its weather, is more like a suburb of London.
Anyway, as much as weather delays has bothered me in the past, I think it must happen so much more frequently in America, because of the "hubs". In South America, flights between small- to medium-sized cities are not frequent, so the majority of the flights are direct.
But in America (except for Southwest Airlines), all flights kind of converge to big airports first (the hubs, like Atlanta or Dallas) and then people connect to another small city. Like Michelle went from Miami to Little Rock via Dallas, which is a kind of a triangle in the map. Then, if the big hub has a problem, it is suddenly EVERYONE'S problem.
Here the delays are much more due to agressive targets of turnaround time set by the airlines. I've seen Gol, the low-cost carrier, land, let a full plane of people out, put another full plane of people in, and then takes off in SEVENTEEN minutes. Seriously. I've been told their target is 25 minutes, and their network is designed to that, but my POM classes taught me about variance in service time - and hence there are a lot of delays caused by late people, bags that don't fit as cabin luggage, wheelchaired guys, and so on.
Apart from the delays, Gol is pretty OK - I've flown easyjet in Europe and Gol is far better in my opinion. Though my friend Tim disagrees - a delay in a Gol flight he took made him miss an Europe connection and sleep in the Rio airport lounge for a couple of days.
Anyway, Gol has a general perception of being inferior to TAM (the other carrier), which I disagree - apart from the delays. Gol planes are newer and faster. Turnaround is faster. They have a great inflight magazine. Flights are 30% cheaper on average. I'm sending my Mom off on vacation to her native state in the Northeast in a Gol flight with no regrets.
Plus the stewardesses at Gol are hot and wear sexy clothes. Yoo-hoo.
(soundtrack - "What's happening brother", Marvin Gaye)
First I talked to a friend these days (Michelle) who, recently, could not work for a full day, stuck first in an airplane and then in an airport because of bad weather.
It happened to me already, more than once actually, to get flight delays because of weather - especially early mornings going from São Paulo to Curitiba or Porto Alegre. Foggy cities are these - forget the stereotype of sunny beaches and bikini girls that is generally associated with the word Brazil. Porto Alegre, with its German/Italian descendants and its weather, is more like a suburb of London.
Anyway, as much as weather delays has bothered me in the past, I think it must happen so much more frequently in America, because of the "hubs". In South America, flights between small- to medium-sized cities are not frequent, so the majority of the flights are direct.
But in America (except for Southwest Airlines), all flights kind of converge to big airports first (the hubs, like Atlanta or Dallas) and then people connect to another small city. Like Michelle went from Miami to Little Rock via Dallas, which is a kind of a triangle in the map. Then, if the big hub has a problem, it is suddenly EVERYONE'S problem.
Here the delays are much more due to agressive targets of turnaround time set by the airlines. I've seen Gol, the low-cost carrier, land, let a full plane of people out, put another full plane of people in, and then takes off in SEVENTEEN minutes. Seriously. I've been told their target is 25 minutes, and their network is designed to that, but my POM classes taught me about variance in service time - and hence there are a lot of delays caused by late people, bags that don't fit as cabin luggage, wheelchaired guys, and so on.
Apart from the delays, Gol is pretty OK - I've flown easyjet in Europe and Gol is far better in my opinion. Though my friend Tim disagrees - a delay in a Gol flight he took made him miss an Europe connection and sleep in the Rio airport lounge for a couple of days.
Anyway, Gol has a general perception of being inferior to TAM (the other carrier), which I disagree - apart from the delays. Gol planes are newer and faster. Turnaround is faster. They have a great inflight magazine. Flights are 30% cheaper on average. I'm sending my Mom off on vacation to her native state in the Northeast in a Gol flight with no regrets.
Plus the stewardesses at Gol are hot and wear sexy clothes. Yoo-hoo.
(soundtrack - "What's happening brother", Marvin Gaye)
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Owen Hargreaves, man of the match
This was on the Guardian today and I felt like saying it too, because I couldn't agree more.
Copyrights, if I am infringing any, to Mr. Richard Williams.
Where, on Saturday, was the Englishman prepared to take control of the game as Zinédine Zidane would do in France's defeat of Brazil later that night? The only candidate was Owen Hargreaves, who both converted his penalty - the one Englishman to do so - and secured the man- of-the-match award with 120 minutes of non-stop tackling, intercepting, running and passing. Alone among his colleagues, he displayed a dynamism that seemed to come from within. What also makes him unique among the squad, of course, is that he has never lived in England. The two things may not be unconnected.
Before Hargreaves was born, his parents left Britain to make a new life for their family in Canada. They succeeded, and in so doing may have laid the mental foundation for his son's career. Owen Hargreaves arrived in Munich as a 16-year-old and began a long struggle to establish himself among the superstars in the first team at Bayern, in a country where he knew no one and had to learn the language from scratch. When times were difficult, when he was dropped or suffered injuries, his parents' example of ambition and self-sufficiency can have done him no harm.
Hargreaves may also have benefited from the Bundesliga's 34-match season and its mid-winter break. Whereas he faced up to Portugal's challenge with what the English like to see as their characteristic qualities of energy and doggedness, his native-born team-mates struggled to turn their talent and desire for success into the currency of coherent football.
Copyrights, if I am infringing any, to Mr. Richard Williams.
Where, on Saturday, was the Englishman prepared to take control of the game as Zinédine Zidane would do in France's defeat of Brazil later that night? The only candidate was Owen Hargreaves, who both converted his penalty - the one Englishman to do so - and secured the man- of-the-match award with 120 minutes of non-stop tackling, intercepting, running and passing. Alone among his colleagues, he displayed a dynamism that seemed to come from within. What also makes him unique among the squad, of course, is that he has never lived in England. The two things may not be unconnected.
Before Hargreaves was born, his parents left Britain to make a new life for their family in Canada. They succeeded, and in so doing may have laid the mental foundation for his son's career. Owen Hargreaves arrived in Munich as a 16-year-old and began a long struggle to establish himself among the superstars in the first team at Bayern, in a country where he knew no one and had to learn the language from scratch. When times were difficult, when he was dropped or suffered injuries, his parents' example of ambition and self-sufficiency can have done him no harm.
Hargreaves may also have benefited from the Bundesliga's 34-match season and its mid-winter break. Whereas he faced up to Portugal's challenge with what the English like to see as their characteristic qualities of energy and doggedness, his native-born team-mates struggled to turn their talent and desire for success into the currency of coherent football.
Adieu les jeunes, allez les vieux
I have not much to say about yesterday's matches that has not been said elsewhere.
Maybe suffice it to say I cheered a lot, both for England and for Brazil.
Well there a couple more things I wouldn't miss saying.
England looked really bright in the opening 15 minutes of the second half. They created chances through slick passing and some timely, at times brilliant, intertwining between the midfielders. But then Rooney was out, and all that was left was counter attacking with a tired Gerrard on the left and an anxious Lennon on the right. I really don't wanna say much more about that game because it was really painful to watch Portugal take hold, and what a particularly bitter cherry on top to have Stevie miss the penalty.
Brazil, the same. To me, only 3 players leave this WC better than they came in: our outstanding centre-backs Lucio and Juan, and the man-for-all-seasons Zé Roberto. All else to be said is wasting time on undeserved topics.
Will cheer now for whoever wins between Portugal and France, for these teams have something Brazil doesn't: a real skipper, someone who leads the team by example, by deed, and by history. Figo and Zidane are by far my favorite players in the Cup. I had dismissed France here previously, but now I bow to the master. Voilá, Zinedine, definitely the best player ever since Maradona left.
There is a chance I do not write about World Cup football anymore. So my days as a wannabe pundit are over. I liked it. Made me feel good.
Maybe suffice it to say I cheered a lot, both for England and for Brazil.
Well there a couple more things I wouldn't miss saying.
England looked really bright in the opening 15 minutes of the second half. They created chances through slick passing and some timely, at times brilliant, intertwining between the midfielders. But then Rooney was out, and all that was left was counter attacking with a tired Gerrard on the left and an anxious Lennon on the right. I really don't wanna say much more about that game because it was really painful to watch Portugal take hold, and what a particularly bitter cherry on top to have Stevie miss the penalty.
Brazil, the same. To me, only 3 players leave this WC better than they came in: our outstanding centre-backs Lucio and Juan, and the man-for-all-seasons Zé Roberto. All else to be said is wasting time on undeserved topics.
Will cheer now for whoever wins between Portugal and France, for these teams have something Brazil doesn't: a real skipper, someone who leads the team by example, by deed, and by history. Figo and Zidane are by far my favorite players in the Cup. I had dismissed France here previously, but now I bow to the master. Voilá, Zinedine, definitely the best player ever since Maradona left.
There is a chance I do not write about World Cup football anymore. So my days as a wannabe pundit are over. I liked it. Made me feel good.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Relishing
It is a very exciting thought that 10 players involved in the 1998 finals will have the chance to meet again for a second contest.
At that evening in Paris, France's line up contained Barthez, Thuram, and Zidane, who are starters now. Trezeguet, Henry and Vieira were not first-choices.
For Brazil, the ubiquitous Cafu, Roberto Carlos and Ronaldo started, with Emerson and Dida on the bench.
France's game was and still is revolving around Zidane being deployed behind the main strikeforce. The difference is that now Henry plays alone upfront (though being assisted by the excellent Ribery) and not conjured with Argentina-born Trezeguet.
Brazil's game, on the other hand, included two specialist sitting midfielders, two offensive midfielders (a passer in Leonardo and a carrier in Rivaldo), a fixed striker (Ronaldo) and another in a supporting role (Bebeto). In a sense, it stays the same, however with improved midfield players and no capabilty of either striker to play facing the goal instead of facing the play. Maybe if Robinho starts he'll resemble Bebeto's role in a better way.
But - before I miss the point - let's all anticipate a great match with a lot of tension and rivalry. Frenchmen, trust me, I think we want to beat you more badly than the Argentinians. And that is REALLY bad for you guys. 98 did not heal yet. Argentina 90 was healed already with Copa America, Confederations Cup and many other instances. But 98 was not.
At that evening in Paris, France's line up contained Barthez, Thuram, and Zidane, who are starters now. Trezeguet, Henry and Vieira were not first-choices.
For Brazil, the ubiquitous Cafu, Roberto Carlos and Ronaldo started, with Emerson and Dida on the bench.
France's game was and still is revolving around Zidane being deployed behind the main strikeforce. The difference is that now Henry plays alone upfront (though being assisted by the excellent Ribery) and not conjured with Argentina-born Trezeguet.
Brazil's game, on the other hand, included two specialist sitting midfielders, two offensive midfielders (a passer in Leonardo and a carrier in Rivaldo), a fixed striker (Ronaldo) and another in a supporting role (Bebeto). In a sense, it stays the same, however with improved midfield players and no capabilty of either striker to play facing the goal instead of facing the play. Maybe if Robinho starts he'll resemble Bebeto's role in a better way.
But - before I miss the point - let's all anticipate a great match with a lot of tension and rivalry. Frenchmen, trust me, I think we want to beat you more badly than the Argentinians. And that is REALLY bad for you guys. 98 did not heal yet. Argentina 90 was healed already with Copa America, Confederations Cup and many other instances. But 98 was not.
Friday, June 23, 2006
You know what, we do like Ronaldo
I don't have children, but as expected I have parents, and as a child I used to think that the last thing I ever wanted to happen in my life was if my parents were disappointed in me. Like, if they ever looked at me and thought, "Jesus, he could've been so much more". I guess I wouldn't like to feel like that towards my future children either (but don't let them read this, I don't wanna be overbearing).
Why am I saying this? Well, it is a bit of how we Brazilians feel about Ronaldo. It's not that we don't like him; it's just that we know he is capable of doing a lot. He's raised his own bar so high we expect him to reach it again every time.
He is definitely not as fast as in 1998, but he is a hell of a better player. His vision and reading of the game improved by quantum leaps; he holds the ball in front of the area for long enough to distribute it the best way, or to time his shot until it cannot be missed. Adriano's goal against Australia and his own second goal today stand to prove.
As much as his namesake Ronaldinho dictates the game in midfield, Ronaldo is the valve in attack, the key decision maker that defines who will deliver the mercy shot at the keeper. He has become the Riquelme of the centre-forwards - a master of technique, guile and directness instead of the pacy virtuoso of the late 90's.
And Ghana without Michael Essien will be a great opportunity to keep showing that. Unless the coach resumes to the stupid formation that puts him and Adriano in the very same position.
---------
In 2002 Brazil played the third game with some reserves, having already qualified. We played in white shorts, and scored four goals; two of them by Ronaldo and one by the reserve left-back.
Same in 2006.
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I do like Australia. Maybe a Liverpool fan bias for Kewell, but I also think Brett Emerton is one of the best midfielders in this Cup (at least one of the most influential for his team) and Viduka is also looking very sharp. But Italy might prove a bit too much, especially without Emerton.
And why didn't Schwarzer play today for Christ's sake?
Anyway, I had bet before the Cup on Australia and Ecuador reaching the Last 16.
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I cannot start my day properly without reading World Cup Blogs at the Guardian.
Why am I saying this? Well, it is a bit of how we Brazilians feel about Ronaldo. It's not that we don't like him; it's just that we know he is capable of doing a lot. He's raised his own bar so high we expect him to reach it again every time.
He is definitely not as fast as in 1998, but he is a hell of a better player. His vision and reading of the game improved by quantum leaps; he holds the ball in front of the area for long enough to distribute it the best way, or to time his shot until it cannot be missed. Adriano's goal against Australia and his own second goal today stand to prove.
As much as his namesake Ronaldinho dictates the game in midfield, Ronaldo is the valve in attack, the key decision maker that defines who will deliver the mercy shot at the keeper. He has become the Riquelme of the centre-forwards - a master of technique, guile and directness instead of the pacy virtuoso of the late 90's.
And Ghana without Michael Essien will be a great opportunity to keep showing that. Unless the coach resumes to the stupid formation that puts him and Adriano in the very same position.
---------
In 2002 Brazil played the third game with some reserves, having already qualified. We played in white shorts, and scored four goals; two of them by Ronaldo and one by the reserve left-back.
Same in 2006.
---------
I do like Australia. Maybe a Liverpool fan bias for Kewell, but I also think Brett Emerton is one of the best midfielders in this Cup (at least one of the most influential for his team) and Viduka is also looking very sharp. But Italy might prove a bit too much, especially without Emerton.
And why didn't Schwarzer play today for Christ's sake?
Anyway, I had bet before the Cup on Australia and Ecuador reaching the Last 16.
---------
I cannot start my day properly without reading World Cup Blogs at the Guardian.
Monday, June 19, 2006
My second round thoughts
My best and worse for the second round of World Cup matches.
Top three:
1. Maxim Kalinichenko
Who? Obviously it is the obscure reserve Ukrainian midfielder who happens to be a lookalike from LOST's Sawyer, unknown to the planet until he single-handedly destroyed Saudi Arabia (ok, not much of a strong opponent, I have to admit) eclipsing no less than Andriy Shevchenko. Bet we'll be seeing more of him in the next Champions League. And maybe Ukraine meets Brazil in quarter-finals, who knows....
2. Robinho
I wouldn't go so far to say he's better than Ronaldo already. And Ronnie surely deserves a lot of credit for his performance against Australia, when his ability more than compensated the enlarged waistline. BUT there is no doubt the team gets far more dangerous with Robinho. He should've scored once or twice against Australia - in the second goal, he hit the post - and we all remember what happened a year ago when he started alongside Adriano in the Confederations Cup. Well, some remember better than others. Like the Argentines.
3. José Pekerman
He is not the biggest gambler of the tournament because Marco Van Basten is there. But it is undeniable that betting on the questioned Abbondanzieri, Burdisso, Mascherano, Maxi Rodríguez and Saviola (against the more estabilished likes of, say, Lux, Zanetti, Verón, Kily González and Diego Milito) is paying off enormously. By far the most consistent, threatening and entertaining football being played in Germany is Argentine. Tanta gloria, tanto fútbol, desplegado por el mundo....
Worst three:
1. France
Uncroyable. I have to say that the only reason I endured watching 90 minutes of Korea 1-1 France was because I watched it at an airport lounge, with my flight 2 hours late, the TV was in front of me and I was too tired to move but too tense to sleep. Wish I had a magazine. France are dismal, dull, disorganized, uninterested, desolé and so forth. They started promisingly with one or two forays from Sagnol and a couple of runs infield by Malouda, plus Henry's goal, but that was it. A pity for Zidane, and I wouldn't be surprised to see a team without him draw with Togo and get back home - deservedly.
2. Drawing and seeding system
Unbelievable that the Ivory Coast is out and that either Ghana or the Czechs will be out, while either Korea, Switzerland or France will be in the Last 16. Blame the inexplicable Fifa team rankings and the seeding system. Maybe blame Pelé.
3. Sven-Goran Eriksson
What to say. Where is the holding midfielder? Why was Rooney rushed in? How come Downing and Lennon get in the field and do not receive balls? Why did you call up Walcott if you'd not play him for Christ's sake? Luckily for him they'll play Ecuador in last 16 before the winner of Portugal v Holland in quarterfinals, who'd be the first REAL opponents since the beginning of qualifying.
Top three:
1. Maxim Kalinichenko
Who? Obviously it is the obscure reserve Ukrainian midfielder who happens to be a lookalike from LOST's Sawyer, unknown to the planet until he single-handedly destroyed Saudi Arabia (ok, not much of a strong opponent, I have to admit) eclipsing no less than Andriy Shevchenko. Bet we'll be seeing more of him in the next Champions League. And maybe Ukraine meets Brazil in quarter-finals, who knows....
2. Robinho
I wouldn't go so far to say he's better than Ronaldo already. And Ronnie surely deserves a lot of credit for his performance against Australia, when his ability more than compensated the enlarged waistline. BUT there is no doubt the team gets far more dangerous with Robinho. He should've scored once or twice against Australia - in the second goal, he hit the post - and we all remember what happened a year ago when he started alongside Adriano in the Confederations Cup. Well, some remember better than others. Like the Argentines.
3. José Pekerman
He is not the biggest gambler of the tournament because Marco Van Basten is there. But it is undeniable that betting on the questioned Abbondanzieri, Burdisso, Mascherano, Maxi Rodríguez and Saviola (against the more estabilished likes of, say, Lux, Zanetti, Verón, Kily González and Diego Milito) is paying off enormously. By far the most consistent, threatening and entertaining football being played in Germany is Argentine. Tanta gloria, tanto fútbol, desplegado por el mundo....
Worst three:
1. France
Uncroyable. I have to say that the only reason I endured watching 90 minutes of Korea 1-1 France was because I watched it at an airport lounge, with my flight 2 hours late, the TV was in front of me and I was too tired to move but too tense to sleep. Wish I had a magazine. France are dismal, dull, disorganized, uninterested, desolé and so forth. They started promisingly with one or two forays from Sagnol and a couple of runs infield by Malouda, plus Henry's goal, but that was it. A pity for Zidane, and I wouldn't be surprised to see a team without him draw with Togo and get back home - deservedly.
2. Drawing and seeding system
Unbelievable that the Ivory Coast is out and that either Ghana or the Czechs will be out, while either Korea, Switzerland or France will be in the Last 16. Blame the inexplicable Fifa team rankings and the seeding system. Maybe blame Pelé.
3. Sven-Goran Eriksson
What to say. Where is the holding midfielder? Why was Rooney rushed in? How come Downing and Lennon get in the field and do not receive balls? Why did you call up Walcott if you'd not play him for Christ's sake? Luckily for him they'll play Ecuador in last 16 before the winner of Portugal v Holland in quarterfinals, who'd be the first REAL opponents since the beginning of qualifying.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Que Copa hein!
Excellent action so far. I'm thrilled by the quality of the matches and of the strikes. And it's also great that favorites are generally winning, and well. Generally.
My favorite World Cup things so far (not in order):
My favorite World Cup things so far (not in order):
- Ivorian defenders and defensive midfielders- short but quick and industrious. Will go far, definitely.
- Tomas Rosicky - I can only dream of him playing alongside Henry, Fabregas, Hleb et al next season.
- Kaka - when I said in 2002 he'd be better in his prime than Rivaldo in his prime, I was laughed at. Laugh now suckers.
- Online narratives by The Guardian - a no-miss. Brit humor to its prime.
- Pundit blogs by The Guardian - same
- The Leipzig stadium - too bad it'll host only third division matches.
- TV Terra: free online videos of best moments and goals one minute after the match - a blessing for workers. I can type in my spreadsheet and check Togo missing a handful of goals at the same time!!!!
- Lastly: The Iranian pennant - a piece of a Persian rug! As the Guardian (brilliantly as always) put it,
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
More World Cup predictions
Please note this is being written before the World Cup starts.
Today and maybe tomorrow I pick some games that will be very interesting to watch in the next couple of weeks. All in Brazilian time.
FOUR UNDERRATED GAMES
SWITZERLAND V KOREA REPUBLIC
Friday 23.06 Hanover (16:00)
Last match of the group, very likely that both teams will reach this point level on 3 points (having lost to France and beaten Togo).
Given that both squads are even, and known more for teamwork rather than individual talents, expect a lot of diligence and maybe a lot of goals.
My guess: Korea suffocates the Swiss and wins 2-1.
AUSTRALIA V JAPAN
Monday 12.06 Kaiserslautern (10:00)
Both have points to prove and a lot of expectation on their shoulders. The winner, if one comes up, will take on Croatia on a different spirit, with much greater likelihood to progress. The loser has to gamble it all against Brazil.
The fact that this is the first match of the group actually favors the likely winner vis-a-vis Croatia. They'll be able to plan their style of play much more accordingly.
My guess: Australia outmuscles Japan 2-1. But Japan`s goal will definitely be classy.
ECUADOR V COSTA RICA
Thursday 15.06 Hamburg (10:00)
Minnows, yes. Boring, nope. Both will enter HSV's stadium feeling certain they can win. Both will be all-out forward. Both defenses are kinda lame - maybe Ecuador's a bit less lame. Expect plenty of goals.
My guess: Ecuador wins 3-2, but please don't ask me who scores.
SPAIN V TUNISIA
Monday 19.06 Stuttgart (16:00)
An easy guess? Not so sure. Spain will come off scattered after a battle against Ukraine (though I truly think they can win), and Tunisia will have cruised past the Saudis in the first round.
Note that the North Africans are an experienced, organized, and even skillful team, who were African champions till last January. They will be tough to crack, but will also provide some entertainment like they did in last Confederations Cup.
And Spain will always be the most unpredictable team at a Cup.
My guess: a thrilling 2-2. Xabi Alonso scores from 30 m at minute 80-something when Tunisia leads 2-1.
Today and maybe tomorrow I pick some games that will be very interesting to watch in the next couple of weeks. All in Brazilian time.
FOUR UNDERRATED GAMES
SWITZERLAND V KOREA REPUBLIC
Friday 23.06 Hanover (16:00)
Last match of the group, very likely that both teams will reach this point level on 3 points (having lost to France and beaten Togo).
Given that both squads are even, and known more for teamwork rather than individual talents, expect a lot of diligence and maybe a lot of goals.
My guess: Korea suffocates the Swiss and wins 2-1.
AUSTRALIA V JAPAN
Monday 12.06 Kaiserslautern (10:00)
Both have points to prove and a lot of expectation on their shoulders. The winner, if one comes up, will take on Croatia on a different spirit, with much greater likelihood to progress. The loser has to gamble it all against Brazil.
The fact that this is the first match of the group actually favors the likely winner vis-a-vis Croatia. They'll be able to plan their style of play much more accordingly.
My guess: Australia outmuscles Japan 2-1. But Japan`s goal will definitely be classy.
ECUADOR V COSTA RICA
Thursday 15.06 Hamburg (10:00)
Minnows, yes. Boring, nope. Both will enter HSV's stadium feeling certain they can win. Both will be all-out forward. Both defenses are kinda lame - maybe Ecuador's a bit less lame. Expect plenty of goals.
My guess: Ecuador wins 3-2, but please don't ask me who scores.
SPAIN V TUNISIA
Monday 19.06 Stuttgart (16:00)
An easy guess? Not so sure. Spain will come off scattered after a battle against Ukraine (though I truly think they can win), and Tunisia will have cruised past the Saudis in the first round.
Note that the North Africans are an experienced, organized, and even skillful team, who were African champions till last January. They will be tough to crack, but will also provide some entertainment like they did in last Confederations Cup.
And Spain will always be the most unpredictable team at a Cup.
My guess: a thrilling 2-2. Xabi Alonso scores from 30 m at minute 80-something when Tunisia leads 2-1.
Saturday, June 03, 2006
BBC World Cup predictions
I might be the biggest BBC pundit wannabe in the southern hemisphere.
WORLD CUP PREDICTIONS
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2006/5020068.stm
Who will win the World Cup?
England. They are the only ones who can choke Brazil in the midfield. Some other teams have defenders good enough to cope with Ronaldo and Adriano - Italy and Argentina for instance - but when it comes to stopping supply, England can and will be decisive. There's a lot of strenght of character in players like Gerrard, Lampard and Terry, for instance, that does make an impact at that level. No one in Brazil - not even Emerson or Cafu - speaks out loud on the field like any of those three, or even like Gary Neville for that matter.
If not England, then Argentina, Brazil, Italy (in this order of likelihood) and no one else. Full-stop.
Team to watch
I'll go for Portugal here - they're not less strong than in 2004 and everyone knows how good Scolari is in the big stage.
In the "big guns" pool, I see Argentina and Italy doing good World Cups too in spite of their tough groups. Germany will make last 8 more due to lack of opposition than for merit.
Player to watch
I would have said Andriy Shevchenko before his injury. I'll choose then Kaka, who is more useful to Brazil than Ronaldinho, in my view.
Brazil has some tendencies to indulge in dull moments, especially when Adriano and Ronaldo get tired, or when Ze Roberto and the full-backs miss many passes; that is when Kaka's work rate and consistency are most fundamental, more than Gaucho's trickery.
And I think Steven Gerrard will end up as England's top scorer.
Surprise player
A couple of Mexican defenders are truly world class - especially keeper Osvaldo Sanchez and centre-back Carlos Salcido, both of whom I saw in action twice at the Libertadores this year. I think Mexico will end up between last 8 and semifinals, and much of that will be owed to a defence that, trust me, is much more than Rafael Marquez.
I also think Franck Ribéry in France, Cesc Fábregas in Spain and Javier Mascherano in Argentina will have their market values significantly increased after the Cup.
Surprise team
I used to tip Australia until recently, but Japan and Croatia will be tough to beat given what they've shown in pre-tournament games. I also used to think Ukraine would go far, but after warm-up games I'm not so adamant anymore they'd beat France or Korea comfortably at a last 16 tie.
So my strongest bet for surprise package will be Mexico, and the weirdest last 16 team will be Ecuador. As for the biggest losers in the group stage, Poland, Sweden, Holland, Switzerland.
What are you most looking forward to at the World Cup?
Betting a lot and mocking the loooooooooooooosers!!!!
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