This is a brilliant idea. The Brazilian organizing committee is teaching the tourism service industry English in anticipation of World Cup 2010. My only concern is a communication breakdown based on the different English dialects.

In short, the English courses absolutely must include differences between American and British English. An unsuspecting American tourist may say “tram” when asking about public transportation, and the concierge may interpret it as “tran” or “tranny.” In short, this may happen.

Don’t believe me? Well, this is a prime example of how easily the English language can be confused, even among Americans.

I rest my case.

ESPN reports that Wesley wants to stay at Real Madrid. He has promised to train like a professional and prove his worth. This is a bit of a gamble in a World Cup year – if he watches Kaka for 9 months, will he be throwing away his ticket to South Africa?

More disturbingly, ESPN misused the word “dearth.”

“Dearth” means an inadequate supply, very few. I’m sure ESPN meant to write “plethora,” which means in abundance, lots. Until such clarity exists among words, I suggest using “lots” and “very few.” Leave the big words to the non-professional writers.

I really tried not to blog about this development, but in the end I had to. Ryan Babel, Liverpool’s forward/winger has taken the bold step of becoming a rapper/soccer player. I am appalled yet bemused for several reasons.

First and foremost, his antics off pitch mirror his predicament on it.  Babel lacks the box-savvy of a striker and the crossing of a winger. In short, he has not lived up to his promise. Is he a forward? A midfielder? Or an MC-in-waiting? He is a jack of all trades, yet master rapper of none.

Secondly, the free style footage fails to show any merit for his track cameo. In short, I suspect he is using his soccer celebrity to launch his aspiring music career. Sinister! I am intrigued to see how far he can ride this wagon – will he pen his own song? Album? Music video? The possibilities are endless.

Stay tuned – I am genuinely hoping for a back-flip laden music video within one year’s time.

Liverpool opened the season with a loss to the upstart Spurs. This is match one of 38. Yet, according to Ian Wright of The Sun, its time to sound the ambulance or reserve a funeral parlor.

If the loss had come against the Spurs of Juande Ramos, I could see the cause for concern. I myself would personally rat-a-tat the drums to the Scouser’s funeral march. But with the improving Modric, the ball hungry Palacios, and the optimistic Redknapp, I doubt Liverpool will be the only side to drop points at White Hart Lane.

The single loss should not concern Scousers, but if the rumors of Benitez’s transfer kitty being shrunk are true, then, yes, some alarm bells must be run and sheiks must be courted.

I am incredibly grateful to studs up (the comic) for breaking this story. That’s right. I just got a new host, wordpress installed, and I’m giving it all up for a shot at the big time. I got a trial with Benfica, impressed, and signed a contract. I will probably only play regional league ball the first season, but hey, can’t complain.

The blogging will be intermittent. I have a lot of work at the club, in part because I am holding mid cleaning up after Benfica’s other big signing.