WC Final, my Happy Place.

Well, you've waiting long enough.

Now is the time.  What time is that?
Hammer Time? nope.

Time to Bust a Rhyme? nada.

It's World Cup Final time, kids!

Germany vs Argentina for all the marbles. Kickoff at 12p PT on ABC, but as a special bonus just for you, we hit the airwaves 2 hours early to fill your noggin with all the knowledge you need to get your futbol chatter on.

If you are just tuning in, here's the breakdown.  Germany is on a mission, obliterating all in it's path.  They have a prolific offense including All-Time WC Goal Scoring leader Klose and the one on pace to possibly take his place in four years, Mueller.  Beyond that, they have heavy hitters at every position.  They operate in a true team mentality.  Argentina are looking to steal a championship on SudAmerica soil.  They have been referred to as 'Messi and the 10 mortals'. True. Their mortals are good, but not all of them Germany-good.  However, that is were the deity of numero 10 takes over.  Watch how many Deutsch defenders hover around him, how many hits he takes and most importantly, watch how he sets up his teammates.  His play is key to this game.  I going with Die Mannshaft! It will make my Jetta happy.

It all takes place in the famed Estadio Maracaña. Built for the 1950 WC Final, which had 198K fans.  Yes, you read that right, nearly 200,000!   Since then, it has been remodeled and updated to a capacity of 75K.  Meanwhile, tonight's Portland /Seattle matchup expects over 60K. Go Timbers!

Music of the Day.

Santana and Shakira take center stage today, along with local fave Carlinhos Brown for the opening ceremony. This will help erase the memory of that Pit Bull debacle that launched this thing. Here's a taste, sans Carlos.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-7knsP2n5w

Found it!

Come On, Get Happy

I took another recommendation and created my very own Brazilian adventure.  It took me the better part of two days, but I finally found it.  My Happy Place. It's next to a tree somewhere off BR106, halfway between Cabo Frio and Rio.  But, you may not have seen it. It's mine.  Something I needed to find. You may or may not need to seek you own. 

Wherever yours may be, it's sure to be an interesting road.  You have to clear your head out of whatever is clogging up your soul. You have to unplug - leave your computer at home.  Leave your worries behind.  It's tough to do. It may take some time. The first step is the most important.  Take that step, the rest will come.

For me, it came by the way of a motorcycle.  My new buddy, Antonio, at Eagle Rider Rio, hooked me up. Originally, I was looking at heading West, since that is the easiest way out of town.  Instead, he suggested I go East to the beach town of Buzios.  As, I've learned, recommendations are presented to us for a reason. I had no choice but to oblige. I would learn, that it made all the difference.

dork on a bike.

downtown Buzios.

Buzios feels a lot like Cape Cod. Small cottages, hidden beaches and numerous restaurants scattered throughout the varied coastal topography.  I found a quiet hotel, with a decent view and vegged out.  The cobblestone streets of the Centro area were a feast for photographic eyes.  That makes me happy. I wandered and snapped picts until my hunger demanded attention.

Waiter dude trying unsuccessfully to step out of frame.

I stopped at an empty cafe directly across from the over-packed local hang, where a guitarist was nicely belting all the SudAmerica classics which I could not understand. But, he sounded good, like a Brazillian David Wilcox.

As the Argentines joined in with joyous singing, I downed a Batatas Rosties.  The version I had was like a potato omelette stuffed with brie, ham and the occasional piece of pineapple.  Top that with a Franziskaner Dunkel.  Another Happy Place.

From the Quote Board.

Much like keeping score of enemy planes a pilot has downed in combat, we also keep track our fallen enemies.  Here at the Barra area of Rio, we are inundated with mosquitoes. It's so bad, we keep track.  Our office team even purchased some electronic bug zappers- like an electric tennis racket, which makes a sport of it. Current count- 49 dead skeeters!  short-term happiness. You can also see our prescribed pronunciation of 'router'.

Life is about finding your Happy Place.  If you are open to it, every once in a while, things will line up. Life gets to where it is supposed to be. Sure, we all have our own crap to deal with.  Our daily struggles and responsibilities clog our souls.  Life gets in the way of our dreams.  It's like we are taking pictures with our new Canon 6D, with all those buttons and knobs. It's wise to spend the time to master them all so you we can create the art that our mind sees. But  at times, there are too many variables and too much is going on.  The F-stop may be wrong, the shutter speed too short and focus is whacked.  Sometimes, we have to put the camera in Full Auto and just roll with it. It takes your mind off the details and open yourself up to the moment.  In time, life will reveal a Happy Place to each of us.  

You can join me in my other Happy Place. This one is public. All are invited. Happiness commences at noon on ABC.

The more I think about it, I found that my Happy Place wasn't really a tree at all. (Although, it has been before- can't wait to hug a few when I get home.)  The tree was merely a symbol.

My place is somewhere out there, out beyond the mundane, out where my soul smiles.

God Bless you.

~Rüselldiñho

Rhythm and Bob

Rainy Dark Day

Well, if you weren't able to watch the 2nd Semi-Final game, here's my in-depth reporting and ground breaking perspective on the game:  Argentina beat Holland on Penalty Kicks. That is all.


Actually, it was a great battle, the kind the soccer geeks really enjoy and naysayers yawn at.  But those people are missing out. They usually do.  It's the whole 'can't see the forest for the trees' kind of thing.  All the oh-so-close chances, the goal-saving defensive plays, the crowd, the pressure, the excitement of being on the knife's edge of disappointment or glory.  Argentina will face Germany on Sunday for the championship.  The Netherlands meet a Brazil team that needs to regain it's honor on Sat for third place.

In any game that goes to Extra Time, I am amazed at the endurance of these guys. After already being in constant motion for 90 minutes, players ask their bodies to go 30 more.  But, then again, these are some of the best athletes in the world.  And they get paid handsomely for it.  They should be top shape.
US midfielder Michael Bradley sure is.  He may not have been at his best on the ball this tournament, but he sure was everywhere.  He affects the game in ways that are not listed in the final stats.  After the first three games of Group Stage, he had covered nearly 24 miles, the most of any player.

I wonder how other sports compare.  hmmm, well, through the magic of the Google, I have all the info at my fingertips. Here, I'll pass it on to you for absolutely free.
http://gizmodo.com/5992583/how-far-do-you-run-in-different-sports
  http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/sports-run-stats-show-burns-shoe-leather-article-1.1307763
American Football receivers run about a mile for each game. Tennis players, 3-5 miles.  Basketball, 2-3 miles. Baseball, not even on the radar.  Soccer players run on average 7 miles per game.

Music do Dia

AK from LA sends his samba South. enjoy Timbalada

http://www.vagalume.com.br/timbalada/    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVtYG3tYg0M

From the Quote Board

"look, there's a monkey on the clapper"!














Rhythm of the Game.
Somewhere in my 2010 blog series, I blabbered on about the culture of soccer and how it is created by the culture of each country.   It's amazing to see the flavor and soul of each country displayed in how they bring their game to the pitch.  It's one of my favorite things about international futbol.  Not sure how it was possible, but it seems the fine editors and producer at ESPN have topped me.  Please take the few short minutes to watch this piece.  It is wonderful
http://www.espnfc.com/video/latest-videos/600/video/1934343

I was able to get into town the other day for some shopping at the local Hippie Fair market, cerveja with my amigos and a spectacular sunset.

Viva los Bob!

For my friends back home enjoying the rebirth of a Salem original. I found a Bob's down here. But,  I'm kind of afraid to try them.  Pretty sure it would ruin my memories of the our favorite local hangout.  Would somebody mind picking me up a few of those while you are at the County Fair?
I can repay you with 2 rides at the Hydro Tubes!

Portuguese phrase of the day: Que horas são? (What time is it?)

Time for me to fly. 

With a few days off, 

I'm out in search of adventure.

later, gator!

~Rquüsß

Broken Records and the Dutch Angle

Broken Records
This is the moment. This is the country. This is destiny.  Brazil has waited since 1950 for the chance to win the World Cup on home soil.
 (insert record player scratch here.)

Holy Oktoberfest, Batman. How do you say 'What The Funk' in Portuguese? I've never seen anything like this before.  Germany started with 5 goals in the first 29 minutes, the fastest all time in 833 World Cup games.   England has 5 total for the last 2 WC runs.  Thomas Mueller started the blitzkreig in 11th minute tallying his 5th of the tournament. Then, it was Miroslav Klose's time to break a record, scoring his 16th WC goal, the most ever. Congrats.  Toni Kroos added 2 within a two minute span. and then... and then....and then. Well, you get the idea. It was an old fashioned butt whoopin.  ouch.   Brazil has not allowed 5 goals in an entire WC since 1998.

Loud cheers erupted throughout the IBC as the German TV employees celebrated.  The video feeds we have from Munich, Hannover and Berlin are scenes of dancing Germans, sounds of joyous polka, hands raised with steins of  Bitburger Pils. It's a fun night in Marienplatz!   Germany finished the game with seven goals on 14 shots. Compare that to the one goal the Germans scored on 13 shots against the United States in the group stage.

Music of The Day.
If I were home, I'd go my garage, find my box of LPs, dig out the John Mayall records and show Brazil how to break the blues.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-fD9fD61kA

What went wrong?  Everything.  It wasn't just that Brazil missed Neymar and Silva. They were missing their Samba Mojo.  Every pass was a stride behind. Defenders were standing around like an after-shcool dance in Jr High.  There was no offense.  Big Phil had no answers.  They were just slow,  like setting your phonograph to 33 when playing a 45.  This tied their worst loss ever. Collectively, all Brazilians are saying Fahrvergnuugen!
You can take that record of love songs and snap it over your knee, just like you did breaking up with what's-her-face at the end of 8th grade!

Sausage Making Chronicles.
With that German hailstorm of goals on the field, the Brazilians looked to the Savior for comfort.  Here in Rio, another storm storm rolled through yesterday.  It hit our IBC first with a roar of giant drops an the metal roof.  It usually lets up within 5 mins. Not this time. It may have lasted 20 before settling in to a regular rhythm.  Then the storm rolled over up the beach to the Host Set.  There, it decided to stick around a while.  With water flowing near power cables and a lightning strike within a 100 meters of the set. Amy and the Production team calmly transitioned everyone into a contingency plan.  The set was cleared, plans were made for us at the IBC to to possibly produce the entire halftime show.  Somewhere along the road, each of us have been through something like this before.  No time for chaos, just get to work. Make sure we have all the elements, stand by to have an announcer host the show from here. Stand by to play back all elements.  As it turned out, the Host set were able to cover one segment.  We covered another.  crisis averted.  It continued to pour into the evening. So much so that the rain could be heard over the microphones at the Host Set during post-game discussion.

Picts of the Host Set and Control Room. This is where a lot of the magic happens.

nope, you won't see me here.  If you watch the live shots, you can sometimes see TK, David or Shaun.  Fluff and Valdez are kept in padded rooms just out of sight. It's just safer that way.

hey Logan, what wax are you spinning today?

On Tap Today

This lines up to be another epic clash.  It seems the Dutch are reclaiming the Clockwork Orange days of old.  Just need a championship to seal the deal.  This game is another test of a true team vs one outstanding player. Yesterday, we saw how that experiment went.  Messi may be the best player on the planet at the moment, but today, he will only get by with a little help from his friends.  In the game vs Belgium, I overheard the Argentine announcer describe the play. It went like this ; "Messi,..Messi, Messi, Messi.....Messi, Messi, messi, MESSI!" that won't work today.  Futebol is the ultimate team sport.  You can't win without teamwork.  If there is a weak link, the opposition will break you down and find it. 

The Dutch Angle

I'm rooting for The Netherlands (Jeremy, I'm even sporting my Ajax jersey today.)  I like the Dutch style of play better. Their fans are absolutely gonzo!  They have a much better color scheme. Plus, I'm petitioning to become half dutch.  Esther of Orange can sponsor me.  Here's why:     http://www.oranjetrophy.nl/2014/route.php  

This group of Dutch has travelled 80 days and 26.5 thousand kilometers through 14 countries in a caravan of SUVs, VW busses, BMW Sedans, KTM & BMW Adventure bikes.  I want to join! They shipped their vehicles to NY (New Amsterdam to them), then drove to LA, down the Baja coast, ferried across to the Mexican Mainland, down through Central America and along the West Coast through Peru and Chile where they hung a left through the Argentine mountains and deserts to the coastal city of Salvador. It was worth the trip, they immediately witnessed the Dutch Brothers devour defending champion Spain 5-1. I hear they are making plans for Russia in 2018.   hmmm, this would give a good excuse to get another motorcycle.

Another little Tantalizing Trivia Tidbit: the dutch Queen is actually Argentinian! yep. Queen Maxima was born in Buenos Aires. Married prince Willem-Alexander in 2002 and became Queen last year, becoming he first Dutch Queen consort since 1890.  

Sugar Rush.                                                                                                                                         Our local runner, Thiago, brought in some local tastiness the other day.  Have you ever had a Brigadeiro?  um, wow!  It's a traditional Brazilian dessert for birthday parties. Made from a base of condensed milk and cocoa.  Reg calls it chocolate crack wrapped around chocolate crack! true dat.

Dailey Dopple Doublegåangér

Second best player in the history of soccer dopples nicely with anther historic a-hole.





The nation of Brazil is still in tears.  The night was a lot less chaotic than I would have expected after such a devastating loss.  I think they are too stunned to fathom what just happened.   The nasty weather also may have played a part, keeping people indoors and off the streets. whew! When teams lose big games, they usually step back, re-evaluate, make a plan and rebuild.  Example A: look at what Mexico has gone through in the last 2 years.  For Brazil, time to hit the reset button. Clean the slate.  Search for the kids that dream bigger. Find the players that want it more.  Build the team that mixes style with substance.   I suggest they start by going to Radio Shack to buy a new needle for the record player.

get out and live outside the box !
(need to work on that myself)



God Bless,


~Uncle Crusty

SUP? Samba vs Polka today.

Olá da praia!

Well, Argentina beat Belgium,1-0 on a opportunistic gaol by Gonzolo Higuain. Belgium is on their way back to Antwerp. I wonder if they ever see Tom Shane there? 

The Netherlands scraped by Costa Rica with brilliant tactics by manager Louis van Gaal.  In the remaining seconds of Extra Time, the Dutch Coach substituted goalkeepers. Out with Jasper Cillessen, who had played the entire 120 minutes. In with 6'4" Tim Krul, who van Gaal had previously decided is better at stopping penalty kicks.  It worked magically, as Krul stopped 2 of Costa Rica's attempts.

Musica do Dia

Just when I was about out of Brazillian tunes, AK from LA saves the Day.

check out the music project Olodum, if you fancy some Samba Reggae and great mission.

http://www.allmusic.com/artist/olodum-mn0000474628/biography

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3o30YJiWsc

you might remember Olodum from Paul Simon's Rhythm of the Saints and his concert in Central Park in '91.

What SUP? Time For a Cool Change

The other day, Reg and I got out for some Stand Up Paddle boarding,  kids call it 'SUP'. The hut that offers my favorite breakfast also rents boards, kites and gives lessons.  Our teacher was Jon. Here, I can translate from Portuguese- it's pronounced 'Jon'. At least his English was better than my Portuguese.  With the calm Atlantic waters and the sun nearing it's daily zenith, Reg and I launched. Or, maybe I should say, Jon launched us- got us out beyond the breaking waves. What a glorious day to be on the water. If there's one thing in my life that's missing. It's the time that I spend alone, sailing on the cool and bright clear water. Stand Up Paddle Boarding is as simple as it sounds, just not as easy. The balancing part does not come natural.  I felt like Bambi trying to walk on ice.  I may have been standing, but it wasn't pretty. I will not when any awards for style.  

Beyond that, it was great.  I cruised around 2-300 yards off shore, was nice to get out and away from people. The silence and fresh air were a welcomed change. Plus, it gave a new geographical perspective of the area that I'm temporarily calling home.  It's kind of a special feeling, out on the sea alone. Especially when the mirage of a mermaid approaches. Oh wait, that's an actual woman.  A minute ago, she was 2k up the coast. Suddenly she's 3 meters off the starboard side. or was that port side? whatever. She was on her daily 'run' up the coast. just paused a moment to give an obvious rookie a few needed pointers...in Portuguese.  Not sure I got much of that, but thank you anyway,  strange woman.

I've been occasionally watching these birds from the beach for over a month. As much as I can tell, it is some kind of Tern. Birders, help me out here.  They drift around the air for a few minutes about 10 meters off the surface, then suddenly free fall directly into the surf, hunting for a meal. Or, possibly it's just entertainment. heck, I'd do that too, if I could.  To get back up to altitude, they fly directly at an oncoming wave, catching a boost from the updraft that the wave produces.

SUP offers a nice vantage point to witness nature in action from up close. It can be quite disconcerting to the equilibrium to watch a flying creature from a vessel rocking in the waves.  My belly is getting queazy, time to get back to the shore.

On the way back, my SUP sensei, Jon, met me at the break, guiding me in.  Facing the beach, on my knees and paddling, he shouted "go, Go, GO!" huh? well, ok.  I paddled like a Hawaiian late for a luau.  In a moment, I was being pushed by a massive 2 ft wave.  Hey what the?! I think I'm actually surfing this wave.  silly me, that was probably Jon's plan all along.  However, My monster mavericks moment came to a quick conclusion when the front of the board went under. You know what that means.  Subsequently, Rüsseldiñho, the legendary surf dude, was sent over the top, flipping face first into the foam.  After a few seconds in the Maytag agitation cycle, I emerged, spit out a few gallons of salt water with sand and stumbled, drunkenly to the dry beach.  Most likely, it was the greatest 7 seconds of surfing prowess ever recorded. What? Nobody got that on tape?!?!? 

Daily Double DoppleSøméthîng

The current Germany head Coach.

Apparently, before he was sponsored by GQ.

Culinary Adventures

Dinner the other night was authentic Brazilian at Picanha restaurant.  Looking at the Portuguese menu, entrees looked to be around 50 Reals- roughly $25.  OK, my Per Diem can deal with that.

However, looking at the English menu was a bit suspect

It's World Cup time here in Rio, which means Business can feel free to jack up the price.  We made sure we pointed at the other menu.

They like to serve large portions here.  I ended up with leftovers that provided 2 breakfasts. bonus.

On Tap Today

Heavyweight matchup of world powers today. Together, they have won 8 of the 19 World Cups.

Brazil has home field advantage.  That counts for about 2 extra players.  perfect, because they'll be down 2 of their regulars. Neymar, out with a broken vertebrae and Thiago Silva out with consecutive Yellow cards. . Without their star, they might just pull together as a team.  This may just be a team of destiny.  Nobody has beaten Brazil on home soil in a competitive match since 1975.  The 5 stars on their uniforms, above the crest, remind opposing teams of their historic dominance, indicating how many times they have conquered all in football.

Germany is running on all 6 BMW cylinders.  On paper, they look to be the strongest team of the whole tournament.  They are hungry.  This is there 4th consecutive trip to the semi-finals.  As the team that has been to the most WC Finals, they have won 3 World Cup trophies and have been Runners Up four times.  Forward Miroslav Klose is tied with retired Brazil striker Ronaldo for the All-Time WC scoring record with 15 goals. Deutschland wants it. Brazil won't let it happen.

It's Samba vs Polka. Fogo de Chao vs Hofbrauhaus. Nike vs Adidas.  Volkswagen vs Volkswagen?

yep. The Germans invaded here in 1950, producing over 3 million Beetles.  They only recently stopped making the VW Microbus, the last coming off production lines in Dec 2013. Makes we want to investigate importing one home.  But, that would probably be too expensive to modify to US standards. In reality, I'd only be chasing lost college dreams of have a dependable VW Bus that doesn't break down on I-5 near Woodland, forcing you to sleep overnight in a grocery store parking lot with dirty laundry as a sleeping bag.

Don't ya hate how people can have four conversations at once on their iPhone, while you are trying to have a conversation over lunch?  If you get a chance, I highly recommend the move Disconnect.  It's a great commentary of how Electronic communication can take over and replace real human connection.  Wonderful filmmaking with a solid cast. There are some very serious issues here; infidelity, suicide and failing family dynamics, but it's a great message. Rated R for a reason. It's pretty powerful.  

possibly not from Albert, but you get the idea.

http://www.fandango.com/movie-trailer/disconnect-trailer/161255

With that, I'm shutting this computer down and going for a walk on the beach before work...

might even talk to some real humans!

Love and peace,

~Rüuus

Don't cry. Eat your veggies.

Shakira cries.  It's a sad day for Colombia. Their World Cup dreams were dashed by Brazil, 2-1. The highlight of the game was Kenny Gs stunning free Kick to score the second goal. Oh, sorry, that was David Luiz.  But, still, one freakin great goal. Our boy James Rodriguez got one late on a PK for Colombia. But, it wasn't enough.  He ended up in tears also.

As much as I mock Luiz for his hair, (I may actually be jealous that I never had rock-n-roll hair. Shelby
assures me that I needn't be), he pulled one of the classiest moves of the whole tournament.  During the post-game celebration, as Dani Alves was consoling the young futbol wizard, Luiz led the crowd in applause in support of the Colombian star.

Sounds like Neymar and most of the country are dripping saline also.  Reports on the twittersphere are that Neymar has a fractured vertebrae from taking a knee to the back.  He's out. Done. Finished. A nation cries.

By holding back the French 1-0, Germany becomes first country to reach four straight World Cup semifinals. They meet Brazil on Tuesday.

Music of the Day

Did you get to watch Searching for Sugarman yet? well, here's a taste of the music you all missed in the  early 70's.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKYEYNX-Eug

The name of this mystery artist- Rodriguez. (no relation to James)

Bovine Barbecue
A few weeks ago we were able to go out to eat at a Churrascuria.  It's basically a Portuguese barbecue with roots in the rural Southern Brazil gauchos' fireside roasts. Have you ever been to Fogo de Chao? It's like that.  You start with a giant Salad bar/buffet. But, the real draw here is the meat. Servers come around to each table with a variety of steaks on swords. yep. you heard me.  And they don't stop. 

All you can eat. Just nod or deny each server. Rib Eye, Flank, Prime Rib, Filet Mignon, rump roast, Bacon wrapped something or another, lamb, pork, an amazing over-salted creature, duck, ham, chicken, sausage, etc, etc. In the two trips I've made, I devoured more red meat than all of 2014.  commence food coma. wait! don't forget desert. you left some room for that, right?  The say the meat down here is not as polluted as ours back home.  Some USDA beef has enough Growth Hormones to power Alex Rodriquez for another 15 years!

From The Quote Board

Portuguese phrase of the day: Já acabei (I already finished) ....with food or work?

On Tap Today:

One more chance to witness Messi's magic.  I expect him to blow the lid off this thing today. His Left foot is Picasso-esque in it's creativity. He slices through opposition like a Robert Rodriguez film. His right foot? well, ya don't see him use it much.  It's is merely the tool to get the Left foot in place to perform magic. It is the John Oats to Daryl Hall.

Bovine Bananza?
Speaking of all the meat you can eat. Think that having the World Cup hosted by your country is a cash cow? Think again.  Here is an interesting NY Times article on how some locals here will be worse off than they were before a Gazillian dollar stadium was plopped down next to their decrepit apartment.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/29/sports/worldcup/world-cup-2014-residents-wonder-how-new-stadiums-will-benefit-region-after-cup.html?ref=sports&_r=0#

Thank you Sixto, for the music. Thank you James, for the passion, the creativity and the futbol exuberance. You inspired millions and gave your country something to be proud of.  

I get knocked down,but I get up again.

Yes, Mom, I am eating my Vegetables

~Rusty

...

Quarterfinals today. + Acai breakfast.

Happy Independence Day!

The US may be done for this World Cup, but there is plenty of exciting soccer left, expecially today.
plus, some tasty food tidbits coming up in the next few days. hope you are hungry.

let's start the day with one and only Keb' Mo'. check out his tribute to our beloved country.
http://www.kebmo.com/atb/ 
if you ever have a chance to see this dude in concert, you will not be disappointed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLiMXitJzvw
All the buzz about the US National soccer team got me thinking.  It's a bit cliché, but Lee Greenwood got it right. I AM proud to be an American. However, the song is way outdated.  Time for a 2014 MashUp! I propose that someone with more musical ability than I, take this song and overlay a modern, uptempo beat.  Maybe Daft Punk? nope, think they're French. Wyclef? nope. Haitian, yet still sort of American. Bruno Mars? yeah. get on that, somebody.


With a few days off, I was able to get out for some good food,  sunshine and exercise!
yesterday started with 2 mile walk to what is becoming my regular breakfast place. Sure, breakfast is included for free in the restaurant at the apartments. But, they offer the exact same mediocre spread
every day.  It took me a while, but I found a beach hut that does a nice espresso and a tasty, Brazilian breakfast.  A very Brazilian drink is the very healthy Acaî.  Locally,  it comes frozen like a 7-11 Slurpee, but smoother, like they mixed it with yogurt.  It is usually offered with granola, I added bananas.  On the side, I had Tapioca com queijo coalho e mel.  yep, that.  Tapioca with cheese curd and honey.  It was odd, but not terrible.  Even better with the honey!  It all paired nicely with my fantastic illy double espresso. Ya, I got a bit jacked up that day.


After breakfast, we went to rent a bike for Reg. While waiting, I had a nice talk with a local guy who gave us some good advice on where to ride.  He also had some things to say about our country.  He likes what we do and how we serve other nations, with the exception of a few military missions.  He respects the propaganda we promote (his words). But, I didn't sense cynicism. I think that is just they word he uses to translate 'the image we promote'.  He is disappointed in our education system, says it's lacking. As an example, he then introduced me to his 9 year old son, who speaks fluent Portuguese, German and English. Yep, point taken. He's been to the US many times, loves it.  He's jealous of the freedom we have and the taxes we pay.  If I heard him right, he pays almost 60% in taxes.  That is why things are so expensive here, which only widens the gap from poor to rich.  Makes me stop and ponder the freedom that I have by being a US citizen.  hmmm. wow. thankful.

Mayday! mayday!  I'm out of Nutella!

need replacement. Stat!

Good luck to everyone working A Capitol Fourth on PBS tonight- Shelby, Mark, Matt, Jenn, Tony, Whitney, Paul etc. and Steve. Don't forget Steve!

http://www.pbs.org/a-capitol-fourth/home/

Back to work today.

Portuguese phrase of the day: Eu nao quero voltar (I don't want to go back)

On Tap Today

big, huge, gigante, ginormous games today. France seems to have put the circus of 2010 behind them.  Even without the world-class skills Frank Ribery, they have shown flashes of brilliance and gelled as a team- winning does that.  Germany just reloads.  Not public knowledge, but I have the inside scoop. BMW and Mercedes engineers also design and produce a steady crop Deutsch Footballers. Doubt this? Watch for the superior handling in the corners, aggressive speed off the line and precision machined passing. Engineered like no other.

The late game showcases the flair and pizzaz of Sud America. Neymar vs James. (refer to previous blogs  http://randomrustyrambles.blogspot.com.br/2014/06/new-king-james-version.html)   Can Brazil become more than a collection of great players to play team futebol? They need to do this. This will enable the wide open Samba style that we love.  Neymar can't do it  alone. They need jogo bonito! we want to see it.
Columbia brings real team passing, some great momentum and a fresh, new attitude.  If they score first, watch their goal celebration dance.  Best dancing since Solid Gold went off the air.

Daily Dopple Døüblégåangér

Since Germany is playing today, lets Dopple our EPSN announcer and great Deutsch midfielder, Michael Ballack, with Matt Damon.

could just be another Jason Bourne disguise. Have you ever seen them in the same room at the same time?  didn't think so.






Well, that's the story from way down South.

keep on, keeping on amigos.

~Rqüsseldinho! (silent q)