Sunday, February 27, 2011
The Agony of Defeat
I've loyally watched the Arsenal win, lose, and draw over decades and continents and while this doesn't rank amongst the biggest disappointments, it hurts nonetheless. Although only Jack Wilshere appeared truly perturbed. The Carling Cup would have been Arsenal's first trophy in six years, albeit a minor one. Watching Birmingham City celebrate, I had the sense it meant more to them. And for a true neutral I thus understand the result might have been pleasant. As my dear friend with whom I watched the match (and who supports Manchester United) put it, "sorry bro." Indeed.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Torcidas and Barras Bravas
Recent events in Brazil involving Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos combined with past events involving Carlos Tevez have once more brought to light the ever-prevalent issue of hooliganism in South America. As I read about these incidents and happened to catch the fine documentary “Futbol Violencia, S.A.” on the tube, I’ve been wondering why hooliganism is still so rampant in Brazil and Argentina.
By the time the Argentine National team touched down in South Africa for the musical/drama better known as their World Cup performance everybody and their pet knew that a collection of Barra Bravas was sharing air space with them. At his first press conference the King of Santa’s dandruff was asked if he knew they were on the plane. Maradona promptly engaged in a very lame attempt at spin, which only turned the story into a worldwide one for a couple of days.
Last week Roberto Carlos and Ronaldo (Corinthians players) were both attacked by their own Torcida after a dismal performance. We’re talking about the left back who holds the record for most games played in a Real Madrid uniform as well as the World Cup Record Holder when it comes to putting the ball into the net. These are no chumps. These folks are revered the world over. Roberto Carlos is now close to either playing next to LAX or somewhere in Serbia and Ronaldo has officially retired. What gives sayeth thee?
The easy psychobabble analysis would amount to saying that the countries are so footy-mad that the fans just can’t help themselves. Others blame the local authorities. Others point to the fact that Barra Bravas are so influential in getting Club Presidents elected (Aguilar at River Plate, etc.) that they then get carte blanche to basically hustle whatever (tickets, parking, etc.) their heart tells them to. The name currently escapes me, but a former Barra Brava once rose to lead a first division club in Argentina. That’s enough to blow a pilgrim’s mind. Who knows what’s going on?
The issue is certainly more prevalent in Argentina, but Brazil isn’t that far behind. During these times the capitalist in me wakes up and slams his fist into my groin area. The solution is quite simple says he. Hike up ticket prices so that only the rich can enter the stadium, then have the millionaires pay for fake Barra Bravas. This policy can be instituted in time for Brazil 2014.
The clock is ticking.
This rant was brought to you degenerates by:
CHORI
By the time the Argentine National team touched down in South Africa for the musical/drama better known as their World Cup performance everybody and their pet knew that a collection of Barra Bravas was sharing air space with them. At his first press conference the King of Santa’s dandruff was asked if he knew they were on the plane. Maradona promptly engaged in a very lame attempt at spin, which only turned the story into a worldwide one for a couple of days.
Last week Roberto Carlos and Ronaldo (Corinthians players) were both attacked by their own Torcida after a dismal performance. We’re talking about the left back who holds the record for most games played in a Real Madrid uniform as well as the World Cup Record Holder when it comes to putting the ball into the net. These are no chumps. These folks are revered the world over. Roberto Carlos is now close to either playing next to LAX or somewhere in Serbia and Ronaldo has officially retired. What gives sayeth thee?
The easy psychobabble analysis would amount to saying that the countries are so footy-mad that the fans just can’t help themselves. Others blame the local authorities. Others point to the fact that Barra Bravas are so influential in getting Club Presidents elected (Aguilar at River Plate, etc.) that they then get carte blanche to basically hustle whatever (tickets, parking, etc.) their heart tells them to. The name currently escapes me, but a former Barra Brava once rose to lead a first division club in Argentina. That’s enough to blow a pilgrim’s mind. Who knows what’s going on?
The issue is certainly more prevalent in Argentina, but Brazil isn’t that far behind. During these times the capitalist in me wakes up and slams his fist into my groin area. The solution is quite simple says he. Hike up ticket prices so that only the rich can enter the stadium, then have the millionaires pay for fake Barra Bravas. This policy can be instituted in time for Brazil 2014.
The clock is ticking.
This rant was brought to you degenerates by:
CHORI
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Flippin' 'Eck
This Saturday, like most, began quite pleasantly in the wonderful life I'm privileged to lead, especially since I started the morning teaching Spanish. The highlight was educating my adult student some choice expressions I won't share here but that you find in this delightful little book.
Suffice it to say they came in handy once I discovered my beloved Arsenal had squandered 3/4 of a four goal lead to Newcastle I was nervous, which turned into horror when the last of it disintegrated, turning one point into three. Strangely, Manchester United managed to do Arsenal one worse by losing to Wolves. Yes, they were so deeply located in first and last that they remained in these positions even after the result. Still Steve Bull must be proud...
Suffice it to say they came in handy once I discovered my beloved Arsenal had squandered 3/4 of a four goal lead to Newcastle I was nervous, which turned into horror when the last of it disintegrated, turning one point into three. Strangely, Manchester United managed to do Arsenal one worse by losing to Wolves. Yes, they were so deeply located in first and last that they remained in these positions even after the result. Still Steve Bull must be proud...
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Where's The Love for "I Am Love"?
Our faithful film industry correspondent CHORI laments the Academy's latest dubious omission...
That weird looking statuette mocked as Oscar is on its way from wherever it’s safely stored to the Kodak Theater or wherever the shenanigans will be hosted this year. One can agree or disagree regarding many Oscar selections; however one thing is above all irrefutable. The absence of “I Am Love” starring Tilda Swinton and directed by Luca Guadagnino at the Oscar get-together is a travesty.
The powers that be in Oscarland transfer the blame of this absence to Italy – the country that should have submitted “I am love”. I transfer the blame to nobody. All I know is that this fine piece of filmmaking absolutely had to be present on that fateful Sunday afternoon.
Seldom have I heard so many heterosexual males comment on the merit of a movie’s wardrobe. Breathtaking locations, Hitchcock inspired foot chases, oral sex in the bushes, debaucherous parties in a Milanese Villa, gorgeous Italian men and women, rampant adultery, mouthwatering food prepared by a 5-star Chef, Tilda Swinton speaking Italian with a Russian infused accent – this tale has it all. I certainly couldn’t ask for more.
What more must Luca and Tilda do? What more can they do? It took them all of ten years to wrangle the financing for this fine piece of work. Will Oscar give them their just do in another ten years time?
This rant was brought to you degenerates by:
CHORI
That weird looking statuette mocked as Oscar is on its way from wherever it’s safely stored to the Kodak Theater or wherever the shenanigans will be hosted this year. One can agree or disagree regarding many Oscar selections; however one thing is above all irrefutable. The absence of “I Am Love” starring Tilda Swinton and directed by Luca Guadagnino at the Oscar get-together is a travesty.
The powers that be in Oscarland transfer the blame of this absence to Italy – the country that should have submitted “I am love”. I transfer the blame to nobody. All I know is that this fine piece of filmmaking absolutely had to be present on that fateful Sunday afternoon.
Seldom have I heard so many heterosexual males comment on the merit of a movie’s wardrobe. Breathtaking locations, Hitchcock inspired foot chases, oral sex in the bushes, debaucherous parties in a Milanese Villa, gorgeous Italian men and women, rampant adultery, mouthwatering food prepared by a 5-star Chef, Tilda Swinton speaking Italian with a Russian infused accent – this tale has it all. I certainly couldn’t ask for more.
What more must Luca and Tilda do? What more can they do? It took them all of ten years to wrangle the financing for this fine piece of work. Will Oscar give them their just do in another ten years time?
This rant was brought to you degenerates by:
CHORI
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
And We're Back
Due to travel, illness, and the start of a new semester, even our contributors were wondering where this blog had gone. But never fear. We're back. And before you get upset, just remember what the Tico Turtle says!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)