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“all along the western front, all along the eastern shore”

Tag Archives: world cup

30/06/2010 somethin’ borrowed, somethin’ blue

The 11th of June was significant for two reasons: the first and probably most obvious is that it was day one of the highly anticipated 2010 FIFA World Cup; the second and likely not-so-known reason is that it was the day that I photographed my first wedding [with the help of my trusty side-kick, Gabriella Malliaris].

How did I meet the bride and groom?  Well, here’s the funny thing—I never had prior to the rehearsal dinner.  I had spoken with Michael many times prior to the event but even walking in The Buffalo Brew Pub, I was unsure of what he looked like.

The whole thing happened as a matter of happenstance really.  Michael and Karen had decided to have their larger ceremony in Buffalo since his entire family is from the area.  Therefore, he was looking for a photographer here instead of in Los Angeles where they currently live.  My name reached him via my sister-in-law via her employer who happens to be Michael’s cousin [just one of ninety-nine, as rumor has it].

Either way, it worked out.  And, I’m glad that it did.

The day was marked by a beautiful outdoor ceremony—where the story of how the couples met was narrated by the Justice of the Peace, vows exchanged, tears shed and too many photographs to count taken.

The reception gave me a chance to get to know the bride and groom along with their families a little better; it turns out that most of the attendees were Michael’s cousins or siblings of his parents.  As to say, coming from someone with a big family of her own, I felt right at home.

Not to mention that their families are extremely talented folk—the favors at the wedding were chocolate bars that were made by Michael’s mom.  And, not to be outdone, Karen’s dad made necklaces for myself and Gabe.  Turns out that Michael and Karen are both learning their parent’s crafts and will, hopefully, keep the tradition alive once they have long since given it up.

I wish the newly titled Mr. & Mrs. Michael Kinsley all the happiness that a lifetime will allow; come back and visit us in Buffalo anytime.
[sb]

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14/06/2010 live from south africa [part #1]

Since starting my job at Buffalo First earlier this year, I have not taken off for mental nor physical health-related issues.  I have kept myself together through thick and thin.  However, the start of the World Cup started this past Friday and I couldn’t think of a better reason to not show up for work.

I traded 910 Main Street for 16 Longmeadow.  Armed with a spirited disposition, brunch and my two brothers—I watched as South Africa took on Mexico.  The most thrilling moment came while watching Tshabalala hit the upper-ninety, run over to the sideline and do a choreographed dance with his teammates while Desmond Tutu—dressed head-to-toe in football gear—did his own little dance in the stands.

The rest of the weekend looked a little something like this:

Messi showed the world, once again, why he is as good as they come.  I have no doubt in my mind that with Messi on the field that Argentina has a real shot at taking home the Cup.

As for the United States and England in their highly anticipated match…all I would like to say is this:  Thank you, Robert Green! We sincerely owe you a lot.  You have, overnight, become my favorite player in the entire world.  But, now that you’re done playing the U.S., can you please try to act a little bit more like a goalkeeper and possibly save the ball?  Thanks.

Who else? Ah, yes, the Black Stars.  The Black Stars have always had a special place in my heart.  The first place I ever traveled to when I was sixteen years old was to Ghana; I cheer for them every chance I get and this World Cup is no exception.  They made their continent proud last World Cup when they were the only African team to advance to the Round of Sixteen.  This past weekend showed that they have the drive to do so again—I have faith that they will.

And, who could forget, the Germans!  Their performance yesterday could only be defined as ‘guns blazing.’  I hate to say it, but after watching Italy this afternoon, I can say with all sincerity that up to this point, they are the only ones who look like they came to not just play but WIN the Cup; they were quick, methodical and they controlled the ball very nicely against the Aussies.  They will have to capitalize on their chances down the road but for now, they were successful in creating opportunities and getting it done when needed.  I have no doubt that we will be hearing a lot about them throughout this tournament.

Next up…Brazil, Portugal and Spain.  And to think, the fun has just begun!

Keep checking back throughout the month for analysis, commentary and updates on the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa!

[sb]

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10/06/2010 i got a feelin’ [world cup edition]

The highly anticipated start of the World Cup is right around the corner. The excitement and energy of football fans the world over has reached fever pitch. Innumerable articles have been written and comments both nonchalant and analytical have focused on what the World Cup means for the continent of Africa. Do you know what I think it means? A month long party, plain and simple; that’s what it means.

Take it from someone that has seen it with her own two eyes; Africans love to celebrate and this coming month they will be doing it hard and it all starts this afternoon with the FIFA World Cup Kick-Off Celebration Concert.  The action kicks off in Johannesburg, featuring performances by the Black Eyed Peas, Alicia Keys, John Legend, and Shakira.

And, in case you’re not excited enough yet, remember, you’re less than twenty-four hours away until the host country, South Africa takes on Mexico with Nelson Mandela on hand to cheer on Bafana Bafana [“The Boys”].  Does it get any better than that? I think not.

HAPPY CUP, WORLD!!! [And may the best team win.]
[sb]

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15/03/2010 beckham’s tendon

For me, Selection Sunday ranks up there with other momentous occasions–Thanksgiving, Independence Day and New Year’s, to name a few. I was all set for a Dick Vitale-esque rundown of the tournament [oh, and if you don’t know who he is, please stop reading my blog immediately].

I was all ready to share the essentials: the teams I like, the doomed, the Cinderella’s-in-waiting and a heated defense for some of those who won’t get the chance to dance this March.

Well, that was all until I heard news that the World Cup is over for sports icon, David Beckham. Yesterday Beckham tore his Achilles tendon during an AC Milan league game against Chievo; as I sat there watching, I remember thinking, “Come on, Becks, no one even touched you!“ I readily admit that I even sneered as he helplessly hopped, one-footed, off the field.

And, yes, although Beckham has been getting ever closer to his career ending and he is not nearly the player he once was on the pitch, I still respect the hell out of this man. I couldn’t have said it better than The Times did today; David Beckham’s legacy is ’the product of hard, persistent, repetitive work.’

He has nothing left to prove; he could have stopped playing long ago. Instead, he moved to the States and brought his celebrity with him. While dedicating himself to a great cause I like to call, ‘Teaching America: that thing you’re doing might be soccer, but believe me—it’s certainly not football,” he, at the same time, is crossing the Atlantic to play with the likes of Ronaldihno in Milan and diligently preparing for what would have been his fourth and final World Cup in South Africa this summer.

Becks has always refused to slow down. You have to love an athlete like David Beckham because you know that beyond all the hype and all of the money, he really is a quality player and person doing all he can to not only make himself the best, but elevating his entire country to the same level. You know that without a doubt, if he were asked to be a non-playing member of England’s squad to simply lend his enthusiasm and experience to the younger players, he would do it without so much as a second thought.

Character always has and always will supersede talent—take it from Becks.

[sb]

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