Hats off to Eto´o...

Racists are so ignorant. I don´t think I can´t come up with a word that describes what I feel when I encounter acts of racism. Obviously there´s never an appropiate time to act in a racist manner, but racism in sports is something I will never comprehend.

As a football fan I often see and hear horrible stuff said to opposing players. Racism in football is nowhere near being erradicated. Amazing countries and societies like the Spanish and Italian unfortunately have a lot of racist fans. By a lot I don´t mean that in every stadium there are TONS of crazy racist people, what I mean is that if you add the small number of racist fans that attend matches the number is still disgusting and exponentially higher than it should be in our time.It´s a shame that a small number of stupid and ignorant people can ruin the whole game.

Today I saw on TV something that shocked me. In the Barcelona vs Zaragoza match, the Cameroon born Samuel Eto´o, one of the best forwards in the game, was constantly verbally abused by the Zaragoza crowd. Oddly enough, and this is a perfect example of how dumb these racists are, that they would abuse black players, even when their team has more than one... it´s just ridiculous. Anyways, Barca had a corner kick and when it was about to be taken Samuel rushed over to the sideline expressing he refused to keep playing since the abuse was sooooooo bad. These guys are professionals and they are more than used to getting abused. Often you see BANANAS being thrown at black players and monkey chants can be heard around, simply pathetic.

Most people would say that he should walk off the pitch, and I agree but others would say that if he did that, then the racists would have won, and accomplish what they set out to do. Eto´o was almost gone when the ref and even opposing players convinced him to stay. And what followed left me speechless.

Right after play resumed, Barcelona got a penalty and Ronaldinho scored. He went to celebrate with Eto´o and all the team, from Swedish, Dutch, Brazilian, Spanish to Portuguese players all hugged and celebrated FOR Samuel. That was incredible. Then, a fewminutes later Eto´o got a through ball and ou could hear all the noises from the crowd, Nazi salutes and all, and he ran and ran, and made the best of crosses so another black player, swedish Henrik Larsson, could score. That was incredible, i could swear they were almost crying, like they won the world cup or something, just beautiful and inspiring. Black dutch manager Frank Rijkaard has never looked happier, not even when he played for milan and won the Champions League.

I just wanted to express the respect I have for Eto´o for having the guts to play on under such horrific conditions. Noone deserves that treatment, no one, I don´t care which team you are on. Also Ronaldinho and Larsson were massive but the whitest player of all Mark Van Bommel celebrated more than anybody and was the first one to run after them... much respect.

Now, how stupid do those fans feel now that the ¨inferior¨ blacks totally killed their team??

How about them apples???

Peace

Arsenal @ Madrid - 10 Years waiting for this

I have been waiting for this game for years and years, as simple as that. There are many reasons why and they have changed over the years. There was a time in my life when I hated, despised Real Madrid, with a passion, like you typical fan of Barcelona. I hated them and I wanted my team, Arsenal, to pound them and beat them, but the game was never in the cards. Around 2000, when Madrid were European Champions, etc I wanted AFC and Madrid to meet since I wanted to see what I thought were the best 2 teams in the world play each other and see some of the best football ever played.

You can hate Madrid all you want, but they are the best team in club football, ever. Their records are impressive to say the least and the players that have been there are among the best in the history of sport, let alone football. In addition, not taking into account the racist chants and the ultra-sur, which I know very little about and shouldn´t even be commenting on, most Madrid fans are top class, the real fans anyways...

In sports there is a horrible phenomenon and that is the fact that many fans hate more the rival team than they love their own. The hate outweighs the passion and love felt for a team. For example, most Barca fans I´ve met all they talk about is how bad madrid are, how fat Ronaldo is, how overrated (not by one bit) Beckham is, how horrible Guti is, way way way more that they talk about Ronaldinho, possibly the most prolific talent in the past decade. I´ve always found this funny, because it would seem they look up Madrid´s score to see if they lost before glancing at the front page and reading Barcas demolition of a team for instance.

Madrid and their die hard fans, stood up and gave Ronaldinho a standing ovation in the last Clasico at the Bernabeu. The biggest rivalry in Europe and the team with more success, more players, more money, more fans, more schools, etc humbled themselves and clapped until infinity for a player and what he did in their ground, regardless of what shirt he was wearing. That is CLASS. I will never forget that man with the mustache and cigarette on one hand, madrid scarf around his neck clapping. CLASS. I can bet my life Raul scores 2, sets up one and he will be booed of the pitch. Hey, I love barca and my admiration of Madrid must be said that is a bit learned and subjective since my close friend is Madrid through and through (vaya pedro!!) but that´s not the point now.

With that said i will continue...

Dennis Bergkamp, in my opinion, and very subjective, is the greatest footballer there ever was, is, and ever will be. However i´m like the only guy that thinks that... My mom still thinks david beckham and dennis bergkamp are the same and most people don´t even show the respect he deserves. If you don´t think his goals are magic, or can´t remember one of his many then i can say you are NOT a football fan. His hat trick against Leicester City, France 98 vs Argentina, 89th minute, are you kidding? the greatest goal ever, tied to his OTHER wonder goal against Newcastle... be serious.

I know there are many teams who would actually clap opposing teams, like Portsmouth did with Henry 2 years ago, Milan, Ajax in the past, but it is one of my sports dreams, the ultimate, to see Dennis shine in this game, be subbed in the 88th minute and get a standing ovation from the Bernabeu. I have always thought Arsenal are the best and would rather watch them play, the reserves even, than any European match, and I feel Madrid have set the standard and are the best team out there besides the gunners. I have always watched Dennis play as if it was his last game and enjoyed as much as I could. I would probably never see him play which is one of my life long dreams, but for all of us that have a TV and want to get one of the last glimpses at a master at work, in the biggest stage in the sport, then watch this match tuesday... Let´s just hope he has a great game, and let´s not even talk about when madrid go to Highbury in 2 weeks, jeje. (this was written prior to knowing for a fact he would NOT take part in the game...)

The game. I have waited so long and had so many lineups and strategies thought out and how I would like the team to play, etc but I honestly can´t tell. Most players are out and I don´t even know if Dennis will play. 1000 miles is a long drive. Yes, he doesn´t fly. Anyways I would like to see them going for the win, not only one goal, but 2 or 3.

Lehmann
Eboue Toure Senderos Flamini

Ljungberg Gilberto Fabregas Pires

Dennis Henry


Obviously without Campbell, Ashley Cole, ROBIN VAN PERSIE, Adebayour, Gael Clichy, Pascal ¨Zidenide¨ Cygan, Kerrea Gilbert, etc etc etc etc we are short, yes, but we can do it. I would NOT include Reyes, I just don´t like the guy. The dude would probably have like the game of his life just to impress and leave at some point... that´s my luck. Now that dennis is out, he will play... I would like to see Theo Walcott make an inpact.. 16 years of age. Instead of Reyes up front. I would like to see him on the wing, have Pires change sides and have Freddie as #10.

My analisys will be simple. We need Toure, Freddie and Pires to have MASSIVE games, and I feel Freddie is the Key man, helping back with Zidane, ROberto Carlos and possibly Guti or Raul... Madrid have Cicinho and Beckham, but we all expect them to attack from that side, i wouldn´t be surprised to see much more of R.Carlos and Zizou.

Madrid will probably field

Casillas

Cicinho Woodgate Sergio G. Roberto Carlos

Gravesen

Beckham Guti Zidane

Ronaldo Robinho

Pedro (my Real madrid ¨friend¨ ja!) always told me how good Guti was, I just never listened to him. But Guti is incredible. Zidane, Ronaldo, Raul, Becks, etc they ALL say he has the best technique. He is versatil, has incredible vision, great through balls,never scores an ugly goal and most important of all HE WOULD DIE FOR MADRID. If he does play, and I think he deserves to captain the team, he will be a huge threat. Plus I would love to see him at Ashburton Grove next year... i like his playing a lot.

I would NEVER trade any of our current players, with a couple of exceptions maybe jeje, and I think we can go toe to toe with anybody and I truly believe we have a chance on this game and the fixture itself.

I don´t want excuses, I don´t care if Arsenal Ladies are out there, i want madrid to be FULL STRENGTH so when if we beat them we can say it was MADRID and not a depleeted side, much like ours, but don´t want excuses if you loose either.

I was watching one of my favorite movies, i know it sucks, The 13th Warrior with Antonio Banderas, about a group of vikings who go on a mission to save this village, blah blah. There is one line from there which is one of my favorite quotes of all time. They are about to be killed and they are trapped with stones on one side and water on the other and behind them, and one of the men says:

¨Do we swim it, or do we drown trying??¨

Swim you gunners!!!

VAMOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 , Freddie with a brace

Sense of Belonging

If any of you have lived anywhere outside of your home, or what you know and feel to be home, even for a few days, you are bound to think about this topic. Sometimes we go somewhere and we instantly feel and say that we don´t like it there, here or wherever, most times not even thinking about it, why don´t we like it, ,etc, our answer is always: I just do, or I just feel like I don´t belong here. Those answers are as valid, if not more than the thought out conclusions, since they are a product of feelings and intuition, more so than the analitical side.

I moved to Boston from 1996 to 1997 and I had an amazing time. I was 16 and the whole country, the culture and the economy made things seem incredible for me. At first I felt like I wouldn´t belong there but without knowing I was somewhat ¨americanized¨ already, coming from a family with a good economical background, and as its typical from underdeveloped countries, there´s a lot of American things, names, restaurants, products etc, so basically the transition wasn´t nearly as hard as I thought.

I moved back to Caracas and the transition again was not very hard, maybe it was because at that point in my life I didn´t really think about stuff too deeply. I never questioned where I belonged, anywhere I have gone I have always felt Venezuelan, with or without typical latin, or Venezuelan traits.

Now, the past 5 years have been very interesting when it came to defining an Identity or national identity I should say. Again, i never truly questioned my nationality but I did think a lot about where I belonged and why. To be honest it´s something I still think about but not in a doubtful mind frame.

What would happen to me was that I would spend basically 9 months to a year in Boston going to school and then I would come to Venezuela to visit for a couple of weeks... Now the first days were all about seeing family and friends, having fun, sports, beach and what not, but every single time, when I was just getting used to life here, or I should say when i was getting used to seeing how my friend´s and family´s life functioned It was time for me to go back. This happened 3 or 4 times and it would come back to Boston thinking that I didn´t feel at home anymore, or less than before, since for some reason I wasn´t getting used to stuff and I couldn´t read people, the time spent at certain situations, and a whole plethora of things... i was constantly overcome with this anxiety few days before returning.

I don´t know if this makes any sense but I came to the conclusion that the sense of belonging is directly related to the amount of time spent somewhere. Of course its much easier to feel you belong in a first world country, when things work, all things, be it administrative or actual people, etc etc, than anywhere else, but it becomes an issue not of belonging but of convenience, whats easier, whats more comfortable. It´s not about liking one thing better, it´s just about feeling more at home. Home is where the heart is, but it´s the people which actually make it home, it might not feel the same somewhere else, but if you are lucky to be with friends and family, ANYWHERE, you would be a total fool in my book to ask for anything else.

peace

Sports Loyalty Pt 2

Love,

One of the foundations of that word, that feeling, or whatever abstract (perfectly valid) meaning you give it, is proximity. By this I mean that in order to love something or somewhat I think that I have to be in close physical distance, maybe not literally, but pretty close in any case. If a man loves a woman, he has a reason... there is not an unfounded love. Love which is adquired through our senses. You can fall in love with a woman by her smell, her looks, her touch, her taste and her voice, am i right? which i think entails that at some point we have to be close to her, even is she was really really far away at a bus stop, on a train, etc, you get my point. Maybe you are apart for years, but love, whether romantic, family, friendship or whichever, will and has the power to endure.

I love my teams, I love Arsenal most of all. But how can a kid from Caracas, Venezuela, with no contact with England whatsoever, can have some much love, devotion, respect, and willingness to learn about history?? I guess I just love the team. But many would say, how can I love it when I´ve never been to England, North London to be especific?? How can I sing the Chants when I have never been to Highbury and heard them myself?? How real can my knowledge of the team and culture be if all I do is read online and wear 2 replica shirts??

Simple, I just do...


I forget where I heard or read but somebody said: You love this team, but have they ever loved you back??? That got me thinking and it´s true, I haven´t gotten love back from the gunners, but in my mind i´d like to think I am... not directly but simply by seeing them score and thank the fans, jump into the crowd or my favorite kiss of the badge... somehow I am there, but in the physical space i am not. TV RULES

A quick Movie note: Please check out Hooligans, and InterMission

Peace

probably no translation to follow, much like I lied in the previous post! je

Sports Loyalty pt 1

If I am proud of one thing is the fact that I am a true fan. I support my teams through the best of times and through the very worst. As an avid Arsenal fan (offically since 1998) i´ve developed the ¨natural¨ dislike (since I don´t want to use the word hatred) towards teams like Manchester United, Tottenham and horrendous Chelseá, with only Man U having actual history and my RESPECT. Grant it, there are a few players in those teams that I really like but overall I can´t stand them.

My loyalty extends to all the sports and teams I follow: atlanta braves, SA spurs (not tottenham.... the basketball team) , SF 49ers, etc etc. Here in Venezuela most people follow baseball, and the team I support Navegantes del Magallanes, has a bitter rival like any other team: Leones de Caracas. I am from Caracas but for some reason since I was a kid I have liked and followed Magallanes. Now, this season we lost and, I team I ¨hate¨ were crowned not only champions here but the just became Caribbean Series Champions... I huge thing for our country and our people, our baseball and our whole lives as Venezuelans during this horrendous, and hopefully transitional, political period.

Now, I found myself supporting the Leones with a passion, since they were representing VENEZUELA, yet a part of me wasn´t as happy as if Magallanes would´ve done it. Ok, I don´t know every single player, their bio, etc like i kinda do with arsenal, but I still love them. It made question how true my loyalty was. I never ever doubted it and would never do that, but sometimes there are bigger things among the sport than loyalty. This last sentence puts in balance all which I stand for. Maybe it´s because we are not used to playing in an international stage... For example, when United won the Treble I am sure some Man City fans were happy since maybe their parents of friends were Utd fans, but they never rooted for them. They were never a fan of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and they will never be, yet both teams are from the same city and they were ¨representing¨ England in the world´s biggest football stage, 2nd only to the World Cup.

I would never root for Chelsea, not even if Aliens come and threat human kind with total destruction and It all depended on Chelsea beating their team! but I would have to see them aliens.

Another example. On November 1st I got to meet Bernie Williams, the NY Yankees Center Fielder, and ex captain. I can´t stand the yankees... I´m not even a red sox die hard, even though I live in boston, and I still dislike what they stand for. The thing with bernie is that I hated him cuz he wasn´t in the Braves. He was a clutch hitter, an amazing fielder and an even better team leader, with countless World Series rings to prove it. Now, I always said: if I see that guy on the street I would not say hi, I would insult him¨ blah blah blah. Man was that bullcrap... I was doing soundcheck for this show and someone taps me in the back and asks me if I´ve seen someone... I turn around and it was Bernie himself. I never get starstruck with musicians, but sports figures yes. He turned around and I ran after him, introduced myself and like a little girl told him I was a ¨huge fan¨ .... ha ha ha, that has to be one those things I will never forget... especially since I embarrased myself and anybody that knows I hate the yankees would not be very pleased.

But I met Claudio Reyna once, and the first thing I said to him was: I´m an arsenal fan, but I really like your playing...¨ Was I an idiot? I don´t think so...it´s arsenal baby... arsenal FC, by far the best team the world has ever seen... jeje.

The bottom line is LOVE YOUR TEAM, SUPPORT THEM and be a true true fan cuz you never know how this world turns and if you have to support the rival team for even one game, you have the respect of the people around you and might excuse you once... or you better hope they do...

peace

translation to follow...

Cherone, West 8 Five, Drum Clinic

Para leer esto en español baje!!

2005 was a great year (let´s not count Arsenal´s season so far)... I know we are already in February and I should have reflected on this a few weeks or even months ago, but I guess now I have thought about things better and I have a better understanding. The purpose of this post is to give an update on a few projects and experiences I have lived pretty much on the latter half of 2005.

I have the great honor and priviledge to say that I have been collaborating with one of my childhood idols and most influential musical personalities: Gary Cherone. One of the most talented and versatile singers the world of rock has ever seen. He´s a Legend and I feel truly blessed to be a part of his music. You might remember him from Extreme, Van Halen, The Freddy Mercury Tribute, Tribe of Judah, etc... I played percussion in his group in a couple of performances and I hope this relationship continues to grow. Working with such a talent alone is great, but add to that the best musicians I have worked with. Leo Mellace on guitar, Steve Catizone on keys, Webster Roach on Bass and Charlie Hayes on drums. The best part is how humble, honest and warm these people are, all their fame and success has NOT molded them. This new direction Gary is taking is fantastic, fresh and most of all its honest, what else do you need?? www.cherone.com and www.myspace.com/garycherone

Thanks to Leo and Steve I had the chance to hook up with another incredible group of musicians. I am talking about the NYC band West 8 Five. I can go on and on about how great the music is, how professional these guys are and how much fun playing their music is, but more than anything they are great people. Sometimes you meet people for a day and you feel like you´ve known them forever. Adam, Felipe and Jeremy are great people and I feel lucky to be a part of this amazing proyect. The CD has been finished and will be available soon. I only recorded 3 o 4 songs, percussion as well. Check out www.west8five.com and www.myspace.com/west8five to listen to the tunes.

Lastly, i am happy to mention that my very first drum clinic was great! I was thrilled to see so many friends and people in general. It was held at Universidad Metropolitana which is one of the biggest colleges in the country (Venezuela). I owe thanks to a great musician and friend Ruben Garcia, one of the great great talents of my country, and Patricia and everyone at the Direccion de Cultura department. Check out the pics on the gallery section!! Video to Follow!




--------------------------------------------



2005 fue un gran año (no voy a comentar sobre la temporar del arsenal)...Se que ya es Febrero y quizas debi haber comentado sobre el cierre del año hace varias semanas pero las cosas pasan por algo y quizas ahora tengo una mejor perspectiva. Con este blog quiero informarles sobre algunos proyectos y cosas que he vivido en la segunda mitad del 2005.

Tengo el gran honor y privilegio de pode decir que he estado colaborando con uno de mis idolos de infancia e influencias musicales más relevantes de mi vida: Gary Cherone. Sin duda uno de los cantantes mas versatiles y talentosos que el mundo del rock ha tenido. Es una leyenda y en verdad no tengo palabras para expresar lo afortunado que me siento. Si el nombre no les suena quizas los grupos Extreme, Van Halen, Tribe of Judah si lo hagan , o el tributo a Freddy Mercury entre otras mil cosas que ha hecho. Actualmente estoy tocando percusión en su grupo de solista. Gary no es el único musicazo. Leo Mellace en la guitarra, Steve Catizone en el teclado, Webster Roach en el Bajo y Charlie Hayes en la bateria terminan de conformar esta banda. Esta nueva dirección musical es bastante interesante y más que nada es honesta! que más se puede pedir?? www.cherone.com www.myspace.com/garycherone

Leo y Steve me pusieron en contacto con otro grupo magnifico de musicos. Mis panas de la banda de NYC West 8 Five. Puedo hablar horas sobre la musica, lo buena que es, cuanto disfruto tocar nuestras canciones,etc pero de verdad que como personas son excelentes. A veces uno conoce a alguien por un dia y pareciera que fuesen años de años que llevan conociendose. Adam, Felipe y Jeremy me han tratado como familia los ultimos meses y no aguanto volver a tocar con ellos cuando regrese a US. El cd ya esta listo y pronto estará disponible, pero por ahora visiten www.west8five.com y www.myspace.com/west8five

Por último quiero dar las buenas noticias que mi primera clínica de batería fue excelnte! De verdad que no me esperaba ver a tanta gente. Fué en la Universidad Metropolitana de Caracas y no puedo agradecer suficiente a Ruben Garcia, tremendo talento venezolano, a Patricia de la Direccion de Cultura y a todos los que fueron, mis padres, amigos y cualquier persona que se quedó oyendo lo que tenía que decir. Visiten la galería para que vean fotos!! pronto pondré un video!!

peace