Praia Redondo to CSULBeach

2011-04-20T15:33:00.000-07:00

Press Release

Theater in Action

Festival of Theater

Breaking News

Winning Play of the MetLife Nuestras Voces National Playwriting Competition Added as Seventh Play to Cultural Festival

Los Angeles, CA, April 20, 2011: One day after the initial press release and the Los Angeles Theater is abuzz among Hispanic theater markets from New York to Los Angeles, taking the nation by storm. “Locuras en Wichita” will have its’ World Premier in New York City at Repertorio Espanol on June 7^th, 2011 before heading out west to fill the “La Salamandra” date on the Festival schedule, Friday July 22^nd. “La Salamandra” has been moved to the “Lucky 7” spot to close out the third weekend of the planned Festival slated to benefit the communities of East Los Angeles. “La Salamandra” will run three days from Friday, July 29^th through the 31^st.

“Wild in Wichita” was the grand prize winner this year for the award offered by the MetLife Foundation and Repertorio Espanol since the year 2000. This lighthearted comedy addresses the issues of aging by truly giving the often-neglected senior citizen a face. Touching and romantic, this play lovingly highlights two beautiful Latino cultures and at the same time proves that ‘it’s never too late’ to fall in love. Written by Lina Gallegos, this comedy will be performed by the L.A. Diversified Theater Company under the direction of Denise Blasor and be presented in Spanish with English supertitles. A great way to begin the weekend with family.

Teatro en Acción : Festival de Teatro takes place 15th, 16th, 17th; 22nd, 23rd and 24th of July 2011 at 421 North Avenue 19 in Los Angeles. The event is supported by grants and donations from the NEA, LA County Arts Commission, the Consul of Spain to Los Angeles, the University of Minnesota, Union Bank, Dr. Herbert Miller, PhD. and the Metro. More than a community effort, this festival has international appeal and unites the Hispanic community through artistic, cultural and educational programs that reach for the essence of la vida in Los Angeles.

2011-04-20T15:31:00.000-07:00

Theater in Action

Festival of Theater

15, 16. 17; 22, 23 and 24

July 2011

The Bilingual Foundation of the Arts unites East Los Angeles on the stage for the first ever Theater Festival to be held in Lincoln Heights mid-July at the historic Old Jail.

Los Angeles, CA, April 19, 2011: This summer is the first Theater Festival ever to be held in the Lincoln Heights area of Los Angeles that will benefit the communities surrounding East Los Angeles. With a bilingual flavor, there will be six different productions by six theater companies from six regions of Los Angeles. Hosted at the Old Jail off North Broadway and North Avenue 19, the Bilingual Foundation of the Arts brings their seniority to the event with a new reading of “La Salamandra” directed by founder Margarita Galban.

Opening the 1^st Annual festival will be the Awareness Theater under the Direction of Pablo Marz as he portrays the typical life of a Latino in Los Angeles. Hugo Quintana directs the Bilingual Foundation actors through a blind date gone awry centered around a park bench in “Cita a Ciegas”. In a tribute to Patronato del Teatro, a translation of the mysterious “Espíritu Burlón” will be performed under the watchful eye of Galban in a collaborative effort between theaters. In “Art”, Manolo Travieso Productions discuss art, psychology and power as the festival peaks and provokes thought among friends who have gathered. In honor of the memory of author and director C. Bernard Jackson, one of his most beautiful Works, “Piano Bar”, will be presented by Inner City Cultural Center and directed by Hawthorne James to conclude the summer festival.

2011-02-28T16:39:00.001-08:00

Karla Ruiz Age:14 Grade:9

D.O.B: October 18, 1996

Los Angeles, CA 90027

February 22, 2011

Dear Scholarship Management Services:

We at the Bilingual Foundation of the Arts would like to recognize and reward our youngest volunteer, Karla Ruiz for her outstanding efforts in our community to make it a better place to live. Karla Ruiz began her acting career on our stage at a young age, helping to bring the spirit of Christmas to the communities of East Los Angeles and inspire many young children to seek knowledge through the art of theatre. Through her efforts on stage she has brought what most mature artists cannot bring to an audience by connecting with the youth and maintained a rigorous schedule and hours of rehearsal. Her dedication to the theatre has been a great help to our non-profit theatre which serves the low to medium income families of East Los Angeles especially during the difficult economy when we depend on volunteers and sponsorships from the local population. By setting an example to her peers as well as those around her, we feel that Karla Ruiz is by far the best choice for the Kohl’s Cares Scholarship Program and that she rises far and above what one might expect from a child of her age.

Managing Director and Board member Lina Montalvo was quick to recognize the maturity and tactics of Karla Ruiz as she volunteered her time and talents to the Bilingual Foundation of the Arts. She commends her by saying:

“Karla Ruiz is a talented and exceptional young girl. She has worked in the Bilingual Foundation of the Arts (BFA) every year since December 2005, playing minor and featured roles in the play “Too Many Tamales” that is produced each year at Christmastime. She has shown ambition and drive volunteering as backstage assistant in the production of “A Sunday Afternoon in the Alameda Park” and in “Blood Wedding”. In our current production “Life is a Dream:”opening Feb 25, 2011 she will be running the light board.”

Lina Montalvo also pointed out that Karla Ruiz volunteers for the Oaxaca Institute, assisting low income children in developing language skills. In her community, many people are not only talking about Karla Ruiz, they are also speaking with her and improving their lives as a result of it.

Karla Ruiz is 14 years old and attends the ninth grade at Fairfax High School in Los Angeles, many girls her age would rather watch television that have interest in culture, theatre and linguistics. Stage Manager Cecilia Garcia-Serrano has the footsteps that Karla follows most throughout the theatre which is housed in the “Old Jail” of Lincoln Heights just outside of downtown Los Angeles at the end of Broadway leaving the city’s famous Chinatown district. Cecilia was the first to remark about the magic that Karla brings to the theatre, noticing her eagerness to learn all aspects of the stage and her natural joy that kindles enthusiasm with the staff and the patrons. Cecilia shared her passion and program with Karla, and with hands on experience behind the scenes and in front of an audience, Karla has been able to share her passion with her community.

Karla herself says that what she has learned from volunteering her time at the Bilingual Foundation of the Arts is to “co-exist with different people from around the world.” Her most memorable experience volunteering in the community was receiving a certificate for her participation in “Cronicas de Immigrantes” for a noble cause held by the organization Yucateca, also known as Casa de la Cultura Maya. Karla Ruiz believes that volunteering is important because it helps others and keeps people active in the community. She especially enjoys volunteering her time to help others because it brings new experiences and new learning opportunities. Although she hasn’t convinced any of her friends to volunteer along with her, she takes pride that her Father is by her side volunteering; who she says sets the best example for her. Karla Ruiz is thankful for this chance to be nominated for the Kohl’s Cares Scholarship Program, she believes that it will help make her be more successful in life.

Karla Ruiz is an outstanding child in her community because of her volunteering efforts at the Bilingual Foundation of the Arts. She has been recognized for her hard work and stands out from the other children her age because she gives her time to help others. Her example qualifies her without a doubt to be a top contender for the Kohl’s Cares Scholarship. With the help of Kohl’s and her community, Karla Ruiz will go far and will continue to help others and set an example for others to follow. Please take into consideration our Karla Ruiz for this scholarship because we support her efforts and believe that she is deserving of this award.

Thank you for your time in consideration for this scholarship.

Sincerely,

Matthew M Brown

Director of Development and Operations

2011-02-28T12:20:00.000-08:00

So quickly that things change. I'm supporting people for the marathon now, Kristen and Kathryn will make us proud. They represent the Silverlake Conservatory and the Concern Foundation respectively, please support them. I couldn't afford to enter myself as my personal economy drags along and I search for a way to support my lifestyle. Spending time at the VFW with friends and having good times with Sean and . Sherrie. If you're lucky, you've had the experience of meeting Jan behind the bar in control of the music on a Saturday night. In the meantime I have volunteered as a damage assessment trainee with the greater Long Beach Red Cross and I am helping out the Bilingual Foundation of the Arts-my favorite non-profit in downtown Los Angeles. Heinze is getting married in March, trying to raise funds for that trip but might just have to send a card.

March Madness is about to get started, 2011 is just coming to life.

2010-12-30T10:50:00.000-08:00

Visit www.oldamericanpunk.com to see the future of the next decade of Matt Brown Farms. 2010 saw the end of MySpace and the dominance of Facebook

This year I will start off with my focus on learning Spanish and Portugese and to do my first Los Angeles Marathon. The goal is to end the year in Floripa, let's see what life brings.

2009-02-23T13:28:00.000-08:00

IBRRC honored for it's help with wild rescue during IBRRC course in San Pedro.

Rebecca Dmytryk
WildRescue
P. O. Box 65
Moss Landing, CA 95039
wildrescue.org
Home/Office 831-768-9068
Pager 831-429-2323
CA Hotline: 866-WILD-911

and

Rebecca Dmytryk
Wildlife Emergency Response I
Class Coordinator
Mobile: 831-840-3896
rebecca@ibrrc.org

2009-01-04T22:53:00.000-08:00

Help us clean Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro, CA

http://www.playcitybeachbash.org/

next event:

Feb. 7Beach Clean-up

Location: Cabrillo Beach Bathhouse

Time: 8AM-10AM

Come join the Beach Bash crew for a clean up at the Cabrillo Beach Bathhouse. Meet new people, get some exercise, and make your beach beautiful!

Meet some of the innocent victims and volunteer or send donations:

the brown pelicans, the beach air force

http://www.ibrrc.org/pelican_history.html

2009-01-01T23:06:00.000-08:00

welcome to the year too thousand oh nein!!!

Happy New Year!!

What's next, now that we're here?

2008-12-28T10:49:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the end of another year. 2008 was great,

thanks to the many friends from Coesfeld and Germany that came to visit California and stay at the Cote d'Azur and the Villa d'Oro. We welcome the world to our doorstep, you never know when you are entertaining angels, but in Los Angeles it is a daily occurrence.

This year is kicking off with the Tournament of Roses and we hope to keep our beaches clean and point the way for the children to grow into what they want to be, helping others, saving lives and not taking them. Local motion, global promotion. Walk among us and follow me on my blog through 2009 as my generation of 69ers turn 40.

May 22nd I'll be picnicking at the Korean Bell in San Pedro, a symbol of friendship, and then looking to enjoy the Usual Suspects at a theater and the Reservoir Dogs to make it a double feature. Perhaps there will be some music, but we have all summer to partayke in celebrating 40 years of living among us.

Have a safe slide into the new year, don't drink and drive, watch out for others and reach out to help.

2007-12-20T13:36:00.000-08:00

Hallo Heinze. Back at the Christmas Party for the employees of the Fabrik in Coesfeld.

Meeting some people for the first time and meeting others for the first time in a long time.

Heike and Lena ready for Christmas. Ines, Lola, Jos, Lasse, Margarite, Christmas time for the kids.

2007-12-20T12:38:00.000-08:00

The Unforgettable Fire-My December 2007

This is my December.......with a fire in the yard and with the brothers, sisters and children who took time out to begin a new season as we head to the turning of another year, the spirit of Sharon near to us this Christmas.

Here, William and Timmy control the lighting of the festive timber while the children work together to build a gingerbread house. Later, lobster would be the surprise gift during our gift exchange and we would begin the season peacefully.

Finished my last class and decided it was time to take a trip back to family and friends in Europe for a wintertime Christmas with snow......

2007-08-28T08:42:00.000-07:00

WELCOME TO THE END OF SUMMER. LABOR DAY WEEKEND AHEAD HOLDS MUCH TO DO WHILE STUDYING THE SANTA MONICA BAY, COME WATCH THE GREAT OCEANOGRAPHY TO BE FOUND IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. THE CHANGING SEASON ALSO MEANS FOOTBALL, FIRST GAME REPORTING WILL BE OPENING DAY FOR USC AND THE THE FOLLOWING WEEKEND WILL BE OPENING DAY FOR THE SAN DIEGO CHARGERS. FOLLOW ME INTO THE WINTER AND THE NEW YEAR, IT SHOULD BE EXCITING. OH, I FORGOT THE 20 YEAR REUNION FOR THE REDONDO CLASS OF 1987 AT THE END OF SEPTEMBER. SHIT.

2007-05-15T07:28:00.000-07:00

Courage is the atom of change.” (Preface, Flores, 1994)

2007-05-14T20:18:00.000-07:00

2006-08-09T14:08:00.000-07:00

2006-07-12T14:39:00.000-07:00

Special thanks to all the people of Floripa who made my stories possible. Cabrito and Henrique for the video and editing, praises to the Journalism department at UFSC for their help and resources, Sergio, Gui and Nae and the Posada de Chas, Quinta da Bica d'Agua and Taxis by Julio, Peperoni for salads and pizzas, Cafe Cultura for Lattes and Bailey's, all the smoking surf kids, anyone who can samba and foha, all my school mates and the students at UFSC, crazy bus drivers, farting alligators, hungover hitch hiking garbage men, the beaches, conchasa, Festa Junina, and VIVA VIRA LATA!, and all my dogs with the cube on the soft sanded beaches from Brava to Jurere to Mole to the southern swamps.

2006-07-12T14:20:00.000-07:00

The World is Your Oyster

Developing Seafood Culture in Florianopolis

By Matthew Brown

Florianopolis, the state capital of Santa Catarina, Brasil is blessed with prime geographic location and calm cold water rich with the phytoplankton necessary to sustain a bounty of seafood cultivation. With several generations of fishing families dependent on the sea to maintain their traditional lifestyles, the fishing and shellfish industries have been complimented by the cultivation of seafood in marine farms.

The University Federal Santa Catarina in Florianopolis has programs that aid in the creation and maintenance of a healthy seafood culture which provides the Brasilian economy with approximately 80 percent of its oyster production. To help the mariculture return to the island of Florianopolis, UFSC has two major programs, the Moluscos Marinhos Laboratorio in Barra de Lagoa where they breed the larvae for the marine farmers and the Laboratorio de Virologia Aplicada which maintains a laboratory on campus which tests the farms monthly for bacteria and viruses. The work associated with the development of seafood culture involves the professionals of more than 20 departments of the university.

Headed by Dr. Jaime Fernando Ferreira, the Moluscos Marinhos Laboratorio has been essential in the recuperation of the traditional local fishing culture, being recognized for its achievements over the last 15 years. The volunteer work of students such as Simone Suhnel and Fernanda Campello in aquaculture has helped raise the production of oysters on Florianopolis up from 2 million to 40 million since 1991.

“We help ensure a high quality of a variety of Japanese and Brasilian oysters, mussels, scallops and fish for the producers from the coastal villages.” Fernanda Campello says. On a tour through the facilities in Barra de Lagoa, Fernanda Campello pointed out the resourceful techniques used in the breeding process to produce disease free larvae and the nutrients necessary for the spawning process as well as the utilization of solar power in the Moluscos Marinhos Laboratorio.

At the Laboratorio de Virologia Aplicada, Dr. Claudia Simoes and Dr. Celia Barardi work together with the students testing the water and seafood for contaminates which may be dangerous to the health of the community, ensuring the quality and safety for the livelihood of producers. In the waters where only 20 percent of the raw sewage is treated, testing for bacteria such as salmonella and viruses like hepatitis A is crucial to the maintenance of the seafood culture of Florianopolis.

“Some of the people are afraid that our testing destroys the local oyster business, but we work to ensure the quality for a healthy community.” Dr. Celia Barardi says. Dr. Barardi has been dedicated to the department for 16 years and has spent time in Australia and Spain working on her post doctorates in the field. The work at UFSC helps to qualify the seafood with certifications ensuring the quality of the seafood necessary to gain access to markets in Brasil and abroad.

PhD student Caroline Rigotto Borges and Masters student Adriana Correa work with technologies provided by Blue Water Aquaculture to carry out the tests. Along with a team of other students, they work in the development of the process where they test the digestive systems of the seafood and the purity of water for contamination.

In an effort to improve the work of the university towards cleaner water and quality, Dr. Claudia Simoes explained her work representing Brasil in creating a network of Latin American countries involving CYTED and working towards eradicating diarrhea causing bacteria and viruses in the waters of South America. A visiting professor from Argentina and former employee of the CDC in Georgia, Prof. Alejandro Castello praised the work of UFSC and , Dr. Claudia Simoes in forming the network and sharing technology and information.

“Together with the other South American nations, we are seeking investment from Spain and other European nations for the technology and funding necessary for a successful network to share and implement our findings and ideas.” Prof. Alejandro Castello says.

The world is your oyster in Florianopolis as the seafood culture continues to evolve and make Brasil poised for the global market. With annual events such as Fenaostra now being held in November in Florianopolis since 1999, UFSC works hard to maintain the quality of the seafood to make the local market the pearl in the world of oysters.

2006-07-12T10:13:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to Julia Diaz-Brown, my niece is 3 years old today. Other birthdays this week, Jody and Jennifer McCrea, my favorite twins, July 10, Tim Brown July 13, my younger brother.

2006-07-10T06:58:00.000-07:00

Capoeira was being practiced on campus and on the streets.
Get this video and more at MySpace.com

2006-07-10T06:53:00.000-07:00

At UFSC, I interviewed the team of scientists that test the water and fish for bacteria and viruses.
Get this video and more at MySpace.com

2006-07-08T09:45:00.000-07:00

Struggling to get to a computer as all of the local internet cafes have no connection. After our final days I am so happy to be able to go home, see my family and....(censored).... Besides that, it's sad to be going our separate ways. Everyone else was really cool, good times. I will miss Floripa, and my new friends......for now....what is next? Time to start summer is SoCal. Raul, my story will be to you soon. Let me know when to meet you at CSULB. Thank you for having me!

2006-07-06T05:43:00.000-07:00

After a class in Portugese and how to use Flash, plans were set for another farm on the west coast at Ribeirão da Ilha where they control the oysters in the water. Yesterday I was with Henrique and we went to the breeding grounds where scallops, mussels and two types of oysters are bred to ensure the quality of shellfish from the island and maintain the livelihood and traditions of the fishing villages on location. On the back of a bike, I'm going moto taxi around the island and seeing some things without a camera. But there will be video interviews coming, AliG style with a stupid Americano. Once we trudged through class, I had a moment at the church in the forest of the hotel compound with candles by Gui and the house of tea. Afterwards, we went to Nae with Gui and chilled out to satellite TV from his highrise that overlooked the valley that UFSC sits in and talked about good times, music and friends. By 2am and three pizzas, I was ready for snorefest.

2006-07-05T16:30:00.000-07:00

Worked on my story about oyster farms. Hoping to get around to most of them. Incredible stuff.

2006-07-05T07:56:00.000-07:00

Praia Mole threw away their TVs after Brasil lost so we found out as we missed the German loss to Italy. After getting 25 dollars of shrimp when we asked for 3 dollars worth of calamari, we talked about the surf and beautiful people. First time that I felt taken advantage of as a traveller here, most people having decent prices and are very hospitable. We made the best of it as we practiced our portugese with some local beachcombers.

2006-07-05T07:19:00.000-07:00

I wish I had more time to blog everything, there is plenty of activities that are being left out, and blogging stops us from moving, but we are here to write our experiences. As the course slides slowly to an end, we all rush to do as much as we can before the dreaded day of soaring in the skies and hanging out in international airport lobbies. To escape the snorefest at the hotel, we headed back up to Jurere, this time bringing Meg and Grant up to the House of Teas. We had tea with Gui and breakfast with his mamai. A game of dominoes and some plantains with our drunk fishermen at sunset was capped off with a walk through the ghost town of a geometric symphony of sidewalk tiles and groomed spiral foray in frontyards into the Sanduiche Express for dinner. Afterwards we joked and laughed with Gui and I had a jacuzzi tub to clear my mind and focus on my tasks at hand. In the morning we were treated to a vista bom (great secret view of the west coast of the island) before being 15 minutes late for some videos in class. The videos explained Brasil's colorful and violent history compared to that of America. Alot here is compared to America as each young growing country reinvents the future out of post colonial empires envisioning a greater future for all peoples. Watching the world pass us by, we dig for unique story ideas. A story was assigned to me to cover the oyster farms, so I am off to Sambaqui, Barra do Lagao and other small villages for my final days to schuck the buggers.

2006-07-04T09:48:00.000-07:00

Hey baby, it's the 4th of July. We all miss our families so we will stick together and shoot fireworks off the beach. Last night we retreated once again to Jurere and Pousada du Chas (House of Teas). Early to bed, hot bath and television in English. Candles. Soap. Shrines on the powdersand beaches. Zen. Relaxed and reinvigorated to get through the final days of the trip. Wake up, you are in Brasil! Be careful with the plumbing mornings after eating at the churrascias, plungers are hard to find.
Dirty boots on guilty feet. Did I answer your question correctly?

2006-07-03T09:29:00.000-07:00

Surfing Penguins and Saint Peters Day. The last full weekend for me in Florianopolis started with Thursday night visit to Galileo's, a night club in the city that played Indie Rock. I met some cool kids, the strobe light was a little too much and one of the other guys we were with was tickled by another man. So we headed out. Friday was supposed to be an easy evening in Lagoa, but it turned out to be a late night after running into some friends we had met in the first week. Things are definitely coming full circle as we cross roads to get to new places. Saturday after Marcha Para Jesus and the Brasilian loss I thought I would be able to get some sleep back at the Quinta D'Bica D'Agua but that barely got started. I search for the places with no drama, . Sunday night was a great solution to escape. Raul took us on a drive to the southern swamps of the island which is a great undeveloped coastal drive. We stopped at a Fatima catholic retreat to take pictures of Morro das Pedras (Hill of the Rock) and I spoke with a Brasilian traveller who sprichte deutsche. From there we headed through some small villages to Pantano do Sul. There we went to a coastal restaurant called Arante Bar that had a great buffet of fresh fish and other local delicacies. As we shopped around after, we witnessed the Festa de Divino Espirito Santo with all the local children dressed in traditional red and white costumes. I really wished to stay, the people were very nice and welcoming, but with a group you have to keep moving. From there we headed into Matadeiro which was one of the most beautiful rockaway beaches I have seen, unspoiled and full of wildlife with a view to Ilha Campeche. It was a great time for Sunday and we walked around taking photos and rock climbing. Couples laid around together making it a romantic setting. Once we all had our fill we went to Barra da Lagoa.......

2006-07-01T17:00:00.000-07:00

Festa Junina in Santa Catarina
By Matthew Brown
“When I go to the June Festival I like to eat pinhão and pipoca. It is a great party to drink quentao with my friends and meet girls.” Joao Augusto said explaining what he expects to enjoy at the Festa Junina.

The Architecture Department hosted a party to celebrate the Catholic Feast Day of St. John the Baptist on June 24th at UFSC, one of three saints celebrated during the Festa Junina.
The Festa Junina is a mix of Catholic and pagan traditions honoring saints Anthony, John, and Peter that has European roots, particularily from Portugal and France.

The celebrations start on June 12th, the day before St. Anthony‘s day, when women not wanting to be single forever seek help from Antonio to find them a husband before they get old. St. John‘s day is June 24th. The festivities wind down on St. Peter‘s day, June 29th.

“As children we would paint our faces and run around, but now that we are older when we go out you don’t because you don’t know who you might see. I have to look good for the girls so they will dance with me” Sergio Vidal said. The festival is marked by a mock wedding with the groom attempting to escape only to be pulled back by the father and boys which leads into quadrilha, which is similar to square-dancing, that gets the people attending into a social mood.

The Festa Junina takes place in in a large open area to allow for dancing, bonfires, a variety of booths, a jail, and the mandatory “tunnel of love” where new lovers can get to know one another. The hosts push the rural theme with the men donning farming overalls and straw hats while the ladies make themselves up with freckles, painted gap teeth and red-checkered tablecloth dresses.
Brasilians love their music and at the celebration traditional forró is played which uses only three instruments (accordion, zabumba and a metal triangle), it is also now known as forró pé-de-serra.

“The typical food is paçoca (with amendoim or peanuts).” Ingrid said, as she and her fellow architecture students donned their traditional dress and described the common foods and drinks of the Festa Junina.

Quentão and Vinho Quente (hot wine) were served as the traditional drinks at the UFSC festival, warming up the crowd.

Children celebrate the occasion with games like "Coelho na Toca" (Rabbit in the Burrow), fishing games or pin the tail on the donkey. Lessons for children and beliefs are taught by the bonfires set at Festas Juninas, supported by expressions such as " kids cannot play with the fire" or "you cannot push the firewood with your feet.”

In the moonlight, Festa Junina welcomes the rural families to join together and celebrate returning family members who had gone off to work in larger cities. The students danced into the night socializing and laughing with eachother playfully as a mood of community and unity made for a successful celebration.

2006-07-01T16:35:00.000-07:00

Silent night in Brasil as they exit the Copa at the hands of the French once again. Unable to get revenge for their 1998 loss in France, tears were shed and the criticism started for the reason Brasil won't make it to the final for the first time in long time. France sealed the semi finals and finals to be an all Euro cup competition in their 1-0 victory. "The coach should go, he never even ever played soccer." one fan contorted in disgust at a cafe in Beira Mar down at the Floripa seaside. But it was a beautiful day as I met some friends down at the water for the Marcha Jesus 2006, a walk and festival that has been running for 10 years every 1st of July in Florianopolis. Thousands of Christians of different denominations gathered for concerts, friends and praise in the warm sun and clear skies of the Brasilian coast. Children climbed trees and ate snacks from vendors, the mood was joyous and the smiles warmed the day even more. Walking around the seaside cafes, I fell in with the island even more. After a meal at a Churrascia, Simone and I found a cafe that was charging 50 reals (hey eyes) a table to watch the game, kind of the cheapest place around. During the game we sat next to a chain smoking man who would later explain that his habit was from his life being threatened by organized crime. We discussed some other issues before heading for the bus stop and going our separate ways. Tomorrow I am going to find that monkey on my back. As my last week starts, I look forward to my discoveries, yet I am anxious to be home where I belong. My watch broke, so time is hard to come by.

2006-06-30T12:50:00.000-07:00

Don't cry for me Argentina.....the truth is that Germany and Brasil will be in the final.

2006-06-30T08:52:00.000-07:00

At our hotel. A peaceful place.

2006-06-29T13:23:00.000-07:00

working on my story on the feata junina. some of the students give their opinions during interviews.

2006-06-29T11:36:00.000-07:00

Hi Mom. Miss you.
Love you all and thinking of you everywhere I roam.

2006-06-28T09:25:00.000-07:00

At Joaquina I took a trek through the jungle and over sand dunes to reach the beach. One I got there I met a lone fisherman, Miguel, and felt the warm Atlantic that had wind swells over 2 meters. "Forte" is all I understood from Miguel as I asked him about the ocean. On the way back, I wished that I had brought water for the 5 mile gauntlet and I imagined my dehydrated body being found on a dune or my sunbleached bones being discovered years later. At the end I got lost in the jungle and covered in mud as I lost my way in the overgrown greenery. Next time I will go with a guide.

2006-06-28T09:13:00.000-07:00

Janette gets dance lessons in the ladies room. There were so many great dancers here tonight, it was a thrill to watch. A group of girls from San Diego mixed in Salsa with the Froho dancing and when it got fast it was hot! Live music is a great thing at this venue which is surrounded by sand dunes on Praia Joaquina.

2006-06-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

(Should've known better, yeah)

Guilty feet have got no rhythm

So I'm never gonna dance again
The way I danced with you
Time can never mend The careless whispers of a good friend
There's no comfort in the truth Pain is all you'll find

2006-06-28T08:50:00.000-07:00

At the home of Pedro in Joaquina, we watched the Brasil victory over Ghana, had homemade pizza and listened to too much techno music. The girls spend their time getting to know the boys from Brasil. They were all very welcoming and we stayed the whole day at the house. Later they would take us around the Barro de Lagoa, Praia Joaquina and show us the samba and froho dance spots that the locals visit.

2006-06-28T08:43:00.000-07:00

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2006-06-28T08:21:00.000-07:00

Nae entertained us by the pool one night playing acoustic versions of Sublime and Jack Johnson. Afterwards, we went to Latitudes and danced the night away and ended up at Bob's again for burgers.

2006-06-28T07:53:00.000-07:00

Ingrid introduced us to the June Fest in Floripa and described some of the traditions. Her friend Maricela helped us navigate the buses from TiTri to Lagoa. Without the help of the local students, we would be getting lost.
Ingrid studies Architecture and Maricela studies Engineering.

2006-06-28T07:40:00.000-07:00

Meg, Christina and Janette joined me for a BBQ at Ataliba in the centro. The service was amazing and the foods and deserts were even better. We dared to eat chicken hearts and drooled over the baked pineapple. We slept well with full bellies and enjoyed our taxi ride with Julio around the busy streets.

2006-06-28T07:27:00.000-07:00

Meg screams "SERGIO!!!!" as she shakes her fists at the heavens. Vincente and Sergio prepare to take the ladies out dancing at a techno club with three areas which included a live band and beautiful male and female dancers.
We went to eat at Bob's afterwards, the Brasilian answer to McD's.

2006-06-28T07:21:00.000-07:00

Meg and Janette enjoy a glorious sunset on the rocks of Sambaqui, an Azorian village in the northern island. Janette is like a mountain goat when it comes to rock climbing, but after a slip here and some scrapes, we keep Meg on solid ground. Sergio, our good natured guide for the evening then took us to a great fish dinner and an evening of samba in Praia Joaquina.

2006-06-28T07:10:00.000-07:00

Road trippin with my two favorite allies, Meg and Janette, we spend our days searching for new sources or just swinging in hammocks laughing with our Brasilian friend who have adopted us and assimilated us into their daily schedules. With the World Cup heading into the quarter finals, Brasilians are oozing with confidence that they will have another notch in their champion belt. The week has been full of fine meals and long beaches, lazy afternoon naps to keep us charged for the Brasilian nights of samba and froho dancing.

2006-06-27T07:16:00.000-07:00

As Soccer Mania Mounts, Politicians Goals Also Count
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/27/world/americas/27brazil.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
RIO DE JANEIRO, June 26 — As the elimination round of the World Cup begins, so too do politician dreams as President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva unites the two challenges: if there is criticism about the government, he replies by directing the media towards the success of Brazil's wildly popular and successful national team.
"As in soccer, we are not going to cry about the goals we didn't score yesterday," Mr. da Silva said in a speech here, after Brazil eked out an unconvincing 1-0 victory over Croatia earlier this month in its first game of the tournament in Germany. "What we're going to do is think about the goals we're going to score."
Brazilians are used to hearing this rhetoric every election season. The World Cup and national elections have no way of avoiding crossing paths as each happen every four years.
Brazil, which advanced to the elimination round and plays Ghana on Tuesday, has won five World Cups, more than any other country. Political superstitions uphold the idea that a Brazilian victory makes the incumbent stronger. The polls don’t exactly support the theory but the country's relationship with the sport does offer speaking opportunities for politicians that can put them in a personal light with the voters.
Not many do this as well as Mr. da Silva. In his public speaches he often compares the political race to a soccer game, as when the opposition was demanding late last year that Finance Minister Antônio Palocci be fired because of his involvement in the corruption scandal.
"Why would I mess with Palocci?" Mr. da Silva responded shortly before the minister in fact stepped down. "That would be the same as removing Ronaldinho from Barcelona," the president continued, referring to the Brazilian player who was voted the best in the world last year and the Spanish club he normally plays for. "Sometimes Ronaldinho misses a shot, but just let him play."
Mr. da Silva is the opposite to the former President, Fernando Henrique Cardoso. Mr. Cardoso is smart, a multi-lingual scholar, and along side his diplomas has many books to his credit, but the people were never fooled into believing that he cared about a soccer game.
"When you get down to it, he thought it to be of minor importance," said Juca Kfouri, one of Brazil's top announcers in soccer.
During the election Cardosa would have never admitted this fact because it would have been political suicide, but he has recently admitted his disinterest. In his recently released memoir, "The Accidental President of Brazil," he writes: "I never watched much soccer on television; I always preferred reading a good book instead. In truth, I am a Brazilian who doesn't much like soccer."
But there is a flipside that Mr. da Silva has experienced while leaning on the world renowned soccer stars. A couple of times he implied that Ronaldo was overweight, causing the world champion to shoot back.
"They say that he drinks a whole lot," Ronaldo told Brazilian reporters in Germany. "Everybody says that I'm fat and he drinks. Since it is a lie that I'm fat, I think it must also be a lie that he drinks."
Mr. da Silva responded with na apology and slowed down on the soccer comparisons. But the President continues to show his support for the team by donning jerseys and commenting on their style of play.
His rival in the election on Oct. 1, Geraldo Alckmin of the Brazilian Social Democratic Party, has also toyed with comments and comparisons on the popular sport. Dressed casuall, Mr. Alckmin was seen at a churrascia in São Paulo cheering for Brazil against Croatia, but got mud in his face by trying to call the game for a Brazilian victory at a margin of 4-1.
Mr. da Silva isn’t the first to use sport stars as stepping stones, or to get in hot water by critisizing the stars. Previous to the 1970 World Cup, Gen. Emílio Médici, the one time dictator of Brazil, scolded the coach of the national team, João Saldanha, for not letting his favorite player partake in a game.
"I don't tell him who to choose for his cabinet," Mr. Saldanha, a journalist and a member of the Communist Party, retorted. "So he shouldn't be telling me who to pick for my squad."
Shortly thereafter, Mr. Saldanha, who was tagged with the nickname Fearless João because of the drama, was let go. The Brazilians went on to win the World Cup, and in his memoirs, Mr. Saldanha theorizes that he was let go for political reasons.
Yet one of the most memorable depictions of General Médici, nicknamed the Executioner, is of him with his ear stuck to a transistor radio, listening to Brazil's games. "The liking for soccer humanized the dictator," the columnist Merval Pereira wrote in the Rio newspaper O Globo this month. "Already at that time, rudimentary marketing techniques were used to attenuate the cruel face of torture in the dungeons of the dictatorship."
World Cup mania also drives Brazil’s economy. When Brazil is victorious, the pride and joy of the people can be felt, leading to more socializing and spending, which makes people happier with those in power.
Mr. Cardoso admits reaching out for that glory in 1994, in his initial run for president. He was finance minister at the time, and hoped to reduce inflation by introducing a new currency, the real, which coincided with World Cup fever in the United States, which Brazil dominated.
"So much of economics is linked to expectations," Mr. Cardoso wrote. "If people expect a new business or a new policy to fail, it usually does. The opposite is also true. If Brazil did reasonably well in the World Cup, we thought maybe the country would relax a little bit and start believing in itself again. Maybe a bit of optimism would rub off on the real and give it a better chance at success."
In order for the scam to work, Brazil’s national team must return home with the cup. In his memoirs, Mr. Cardoso pointed out that when he and Mr. da Silva first ran against each other in 1994, Mr. da Silva, the crazy fan, carefully distanced himself from the national team. Cordosa went all-in by betting on the national team.
"Was it a slightly hammy bit of political theater?" Mr. Cardoso asks. "Yes, of course. But it was also quite dangerous. If I was to be identified publicly with the team, what would happen to me if Brazil lost?"

2006-06-26T11:50:00.000-07:00

Print Journalism Student Sets her Sights on Brasil

By Matthew Brown

Cristina Madrid, 20, was born and raised in Southern California the only child to a happily married couple in Downey, California. “My parents spoiled me rotten.” Madrid said. The family moved from Baldwin Park to Whittier after being robbed, finally settling in Rowland Heights when Cristina was 5.

Cristina attended Farjardo Elementary and Alvarado Middle School before finally graduating from Rowland High in 2003. She attended Mt. San Antonio College before transferring to CSULB to major in Print Journalism. She is also attempting a minor in Chicano Studies to support her bilingual background.

Cristina currently works for a community weekly that covers the San Gabriel Valley where she works on content design. The weekly is trying to expand to the inland empire and is strictly a political and city government publication. At 16, Madrid had interned for two months at the weekly and returned after her graduation from San Antonio College because of a renewed zeal for reporting. Christina said, “I just love reporting and I want to find that story that people haven`t heard yet.”

In her free time, Christina enjoys such activities as yoga, hiking and swimming. She also drags her boyfriend of 4 years out salsa dancing and says that they have hopes of getting married. “I want to wait until I am 25 so that I don`t become a statistic.” Cristina said. For some extra cash, she also translates Spanish-English for the City of La Puente.

So far Cristina has been on the run around Florianopolis, Brasil in search of the one story that will bring her closer to her dream of being a print journalist. Currently working on a story with a veterinarian, her favorite spot has been in Lagoa where she has been sipping champagne on yachts with socialites she had met while sitting at an open cafe. “It is definitely P-Diddy style when I have some free time to hang out at Lagoa.” Cristina said.

2006-06-26T07:01:00.000-07:00

Samba dancing mixed with a lightening storm that came in over the sand dunes made a great setting for a Sunday night. A worker from a cabana recognized me from our day at the beach and introduced me to a few girls visiting from San Diego, who in turn made a date with our friends Alex and Sergio to learn to surf. I get my affection from the Vira Lata, they're easier. I met a local woman named Sheila that was nice, but her english was limited. Anyway, we danced Sunday away and when the rain let up we made it home by 2am where Jimmy the gatekeeper welcomed us. This morning the sun is warm and there is no wind. Looking forward to another magical week to add to the last days that have gone by. Tomorrow Brasil plays and it will be an exciting day as we head into the semi-finals. An update on the girls that were run over at the party is sad. One girl escaped with two broken legs, but after two days in critical condition the other girl passed away. The driver posted bail of 150000 Reals (pronounced "hey eyes") but will be facing murder charges. All events and parties have been forbidden on campus because of the tragedy.

2006-06-25T18:25:00.000-07:00

Loving my time in Brasil, missing my home and family in America. Saying my Sunday prayers.

2006-06-25T18:22:00.000-07:00

Eating is one of the best things to do in Brasil.

2006-06-25T18:07:00.000-07:00

Saturday and Sunday were time to explore the beaches. With the help of Sergio and Alex, we were able to explore Praia Mole, a great surf beach that the top names around the world come to surf. To the south the peninsula is known as the dragon because the formations look like one and the north has large rocks that go out that they call the indian for the same reason. We watched Portugal advance to the next round beating the Dutch team in a physical game. Ready for school, but not before Sunday night Samba lessons at Praia Joaquina.

2006-06-24T17:47:00.000-07:00

Saturday has been a quiet day enjoying the beautiful beaches on the east shore of the north end of the island. Sergio, a friend of Meg's, drove Meg, Vince, Janette and myself up to Praia Brava around noon where we jumped in the water and got a taste of the strong currents and rip tides. We sat at a cabana for some shrimp and headed south to Praia Iglesias where Sergio has a beach house and napped in the sun while some of the local beach dogs became our friends. As the sun set, we headed into Sambaqui where we took photos together of the sun setting and caught the end of the Argentina vs. Mexico game at a small fish restaurant and had a nice dinner. Returning home, the other half of the group were on their way out after spending the day on a yacht in the lagoon with some local women they had met. Such a beautiful relaxing day, we are all wondering what the next week will bring and look forward to spending more time with the local people of the island.

2006-06-24T07:49:00.000-07:00

Last night was the June Fest hosted by the architecture class and one of the best gatherings of the beautiful youth of Florianopolis I have witnessed. A carnival atmosphere reigned as the students hosting the party were in costume and enacted a square dance wedding. Booths with `pinaos` and other goodies were scattered around the area as well as a jail, a tunnel of love and bonfires and games. By about 11pm it was full and the people kept coming and swelling into the street. Sadly at about 3am a loud noise was heard and the crowd rushed to the scene. Two girls in the street had been run over by a reckless speeding driver and people on cell phones began calling the equivalent of 911. The driver was pulled from the car by the mob and beaten severely, saved only by the arrival of the military police. The mob also rolled the car down an embankment and attempted to set it afire. The status of the two girls is unknown, but we hope they are ok. The unity of the moment of all the students was amazing to see how they care for one another. Many friends stood by eachother and it can only warm the heart to experience the life of a Floripa resident. Today is hang gliding at Praia Brava, there is a good wind blowing.

2006-06-24T07:34:00.000-07:00

Matthew Brown
Jour 440
June 23, 2006
Prof. Raul Reis

Hear My Voice

Radio Ponto UFSC Covers the World Cup

Interview after the U.S. loss to Ghana, Vito inquires for an American opinion.

Transmitting a signal from the campus of the University Federal Santa Catarina in Florianopolis is a radio station for the students where they can practice and perfect their skills necessary for a future in broadcasting, including online journalism. Professor Valci Zuculoto explains the history of the station and their transition to incorporate web radio into the program.
At the moment, the students are commentating and following the World Cup in Germany along with every other person in Brasil. The students were questioned at USFC about their preparations for the broadcast of the games, and where they hope to advance to once they finish their studies.
Outside the journalism department, students take time out to kick around a hacki-sack
Radio Ponto is a virtual radio station (it can also be heard in FM on the UFSC campus) run by the Journalism students. It integrates the Projeto Universidade Aberta, which was developed by the Journalism department of UFSC.

It provides a variety of programming, with music, information, entertainment, sport and culture. Created in 1999, Radio Ponto was a project created by then students Sabrina d'Aquino Brognoli and Fabiana de Liz. Prof. Zuculoto said Fabiana stayed at UFSC and is now the editor of the news portion of the website.

Defined by the “new” world of the internet along with a flavor of the traditional vehicle of radio, the students had decided to join the two media and from there developed Radio Ponto. The radio station has evolved over the years and currently supplies an important structure to the pupils in the Journalism department. The station is run by both enrolled and volunteer students.

The programming is varied and includes a daily radio newscast and entertainment programs such as Bizarro. The students also produce course related programs such as sports and documentaries that go on to air on the radio.
Vitor, Felipe and friends enjoy some refreshments after the Brasilian victory
Felipe Seffrin and Vitor Yugo Brandalise this year are the first students to be covering the World Cup in Germany calling it play by play. Their webcast is listened to by Brasilian students all over the world from the United States and Europe to New Zealand and Estonia.

Because of the web technology, they are able to invite other students through MSN and chat with them to include discussions about soccer in their coverage of the games. They cover all of the games and research each team carefully, creating charts to aid them during the broadcast.
“We make alot of mistakes, but people really don’t notice unless they are watching the game on TV at the same time.” Felipe admits. “We enjoy doing this, it’s exciting.” Vitor said. They have a website dedicated to World Cup coverage and their profiles can be viewed online also.
UFSC students celebrate their victory and prepare for the next round
In all of the websites the layouts are great and informative. Mixing the web with radio allows the students on Floripa to reach audiences around the world. The experience prepares the students for the real world while making learning a great time.

2006-06-23T08:38:00.000-07:00

A short entry before lunch on campus. Yesterday Brasil advanced to the next round and it was a great time. Sadly, the United States took a dive, and after the game Janette and I were interviewed live on the UFSC campus radio by the commentators Vito and Felipe. I said the Americans sucked and they were better off drinking beer with the Germans and watching the rest of the Cup on TV. Afterwards, we played some hacki-sack in the quad and watched the Brasil game with a bunch of fun students. I lost my voice. Computers are hard to come by right now, our power source fried at the hotel the same day a small fire broke out in Professor Reis' hotel room. Check back for an update tonight and on Monday after we go surf and paraglide this weekend. Go Brasil!

2006-06-21T17:06:00.000-07:00

Santa Catarina and Florianopolis become more magical each day as I settle into my surroundings and head into new directions with my adventurous partner Janette in search of new experiences, histories of the island, foods to try, places to go and people to meet. As our Portugese improves, destiny has proven to be our guide as we get a sense of the vibe on the island and join in with the World Cup fever that is noticable by the crowds surrounding televisions in every cafe and window we pass. As we overcome the distances and speaking barriers, surprises are foujnd around each corner as we take our time to enjoy the local tastes and interests and breathtaking scenery.
Tuesday we finally jumped on the computer and got it revving as we were dealt our assignments, since Janette and I started the trip together of at LAX, we stuck together as wingmen. Watching out for eachother we do, but I don't know who is more of a risk taker, either way we both have no problem talking too much and making mistakes with our Portugese. After class we headed out to talk to any student who was not afraid to speak english and had a car, a translator was necessary. As we were failing miserably on campus confusing the students with our bad Portugese, we made a last resort attempt in the parking lot. There we met Gui(llermo), who magically spoke english very well and just happened to own a hotel to the north on the beach of Jurere. (http://www.pousadadoschas.com.br/) Check it out! We went to the hotel, got a day bag packed and split. On the way we stopped at an historic castle that was a part of a triangle of castles (the other two were on separate small islands in the channel). These castles guarded the channel with enormous cannon that would catch enemy ships in a deadly crossfire. (http://www.fortalezas.ufsc.br )I was allowed to stand at the altar and say a mass, the view was spectacular of the white sands and oyster beds that lined the coast as sailboats and fishing boats dotted the coastline. The weather was so clear, I couldn't wait to test the water temperature, hot! We toured a neighborhood of million dollar houses as we entered the summer resort, which was a ghost town because of the wintertime weather. What? We literally were the only customers in a shopping mall with every store open on the strip. But it felt like home in Redondo Beach almost as the coastal breeze cooled us down. Gui took us to our room which was gorgeous as we met his supermodel sister and adorable mother. The place was amazing. Gui went back to school and we strolled the open beach and I jumped in the water that was rather warmer than what I last felt back home. As the afternoon sun settled, we walked to a cabana with a few fishermen drinking tea and playing dominoes. In less than 5 minutes Janette had challenged two fisherman to a game and we joined them as we watched Sweden play England to a draw. We did very well considering the fishermen spoke not a lick of english. And we ended up winning. We ended up having dinner after the sunset at a coastal restaurant called Pimenta Limao where the chef came out and spoke english to us and recommended our meal. It was a delicious meal of carne seca which was shredded beef in a sauce that makes my mouth water thinking of it. Again, we were the only customers there, but a large group of business people gathered, drank champagne and an Italian roofing company promoted their tiling with a powerpoint presentation that sounded like a snorefest. Afterwards, Gui returned from school and took us for drinks in Sambaqui, an Azorian village on the water which was one of the islands' first settlements which his family still resided. We slept well and had a great homemade waffle breakfast and fresh jams and juices. We'll go back there for sure, Gui is like Snoop Dogg to us on the island, big pimpin. We drove back to our hotel and had missed a small emergency where a short almost started a fire. As we hung out at school and watched a band and ran errands, I looked forward to hopefully doing some group activities with the other students, especially as the World Cup games increased. The rain fell hard in the afternoon into the night as I brainstormed over coffee down at the lagoon. There is so much here to see and do, and little time.

2006-06-19T10:43:00.000-07:00

After a 26 hour trek to Florianopolis via Lima and Sao Paulo, we arrived and were taken to our compound in the center of the island near the college campus. After getting acquanted for a few hours with the other students, we took a taxi to the east side of the island to Barro de Lagoa, which had a surrounding bizarre of shops and restaurants around a lagoon. After a great dinner, we ventured around the city meeting locals and adopting stray dogs. Finally, around midnight, we found a taxi that returned us at amazing speeds through the mountain pass curving roads, making our safe arrival at the hotel a godsend.

Sunday morning was a slow wake up as we prepared to watch the World Cup games back at the Lagoa with all the crowds. But as we arrived, it was a ghost town except for a few shops which remained open for some dining. Most people stayed at home or were at Bar-B-Qs at a house party. We ate pizza and shouted with everyone as Brasil won once again 2-0 against Australia, much to the dismay of a group of Aussies hanging out at the table next to us.

Later on Sunday, Janette and I stayed to watch the next game and take in the sights. While she attracted young boys and attempted to speak Portugese, I attracted a gang of stray dogs, locally known as "vira lata" because they eat cans discarded on the streets. As the afternoon sun sank into my face in an open cafe, a small bar fight broke out that was a moment of excitement causing plastic chairs to fly and glasses to break. The Bar Lanchonete was in the middle of all the local drama as punks, hippies and tourists gathered to watch the games, rest and get refreshments. The specialty is a hamburger, on top of two hot dogs covered in peas and carrots and all the other regular fixings-not for those with weak stomachs, and I forgot my bottle of TUMS.

As we miscommunicated and laughed with anyone we met, we wandered around looking for fun. We watched some locals on the corner performing percussion music and capoeira (which was cool, yet slower less dangerous than the bar brawl). After a short walk, we chose Cafe Cultura to sit in for it's atmosphere. Here, the owner Joshua just happened to be from Santa Barbara and became very helpful in translating and directing us towards our adventures to come in the next weeks, I'm sure you will hear more about him soon.

Time for a tour, video and photos to come.

Tchau!