children's day!

(today, in Brazil*. For me, as well, independently of the current commercial approach)

I take the opportunity to put in debate this vast matter: kids. Let's see...

To think list:

- if we are giving suitable attention to them;
- which education they are receiving?;
- are them reading enough?;
- which kind of model we are for them?;
- should we give them more gifts or affection?
- what kind of world they are inheriting;
- are them playing enough outside, socializing with other children?
- TV isn't babysitter: doesn't replace parents, besides not being a substitute of school. The content their receive from it may influence their lives;
- internet may be very dangerous, a no limit field, if with no supervision;
- typing makes children write worse, in the same way chat acronyms and text message shorthands;
- which are their worries, goals, priorities, fears, values nowadays;
- definition of school and parents roles in their education;
- are we raising them for what, for which kind of future?

- if we are obligating them to mature earlier;

- freedom bring them maturity;

- sex issues must be discussed;

- violence beget disrespect/ gentleness generates gentleness;
- a natural childbirth is always better then a cesarean section procedure;
- breastfeed is the best nourishment a mother can give to her children until six months, minimum;
- have them not to be involved... it would be better have thought about that before!

- all they need is love (actually, everyone...) 

Many points! Not evident answers, though...

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priceless

While enumerating, I was wondering myself about be a mommy... Oh, God, it is a HUGE responsibility! 

What both difficult and complex it might be! Nevertheless, I'm pretty convinced that it is a challenge which worths!

It's an experience like no other.

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*In Canada, they celebrate on 20th November. Check other countries dates and costums out here.
 

not that much smooth

To whom has thought Canada (in detail, Quebec) was a tranquil and serene place to live, I listed briefly some events I witnessed, which prove that it REALLY rocks in different aspects - for good or ill:

Hurricane Irene passed by here in August 2011;
 

Occupy Montreal resisted at Square Victoria more than a month last year;
 

Le Printemps Érable, how they call the period of students protests in Quebec this year, caused! Red squares, Bill 78, confrontations, violence... even the possibility of Montreal Grand Prix cancellation. Lastly, the inevitable happened: elections! People voted massively. Then, their Prime Minister was replaced as a democratical consequence of his own (unsatisfactory) administration. Without a doubt, a remarkable triumphe;

We watched live on 4th September night: Pauline Marois, the new Quebec Prime Minister, was abruptly dragged off stage during her victory speech (in which she was calling for unity). A man opened fire into the Metropolis, where she was speaking. This attack brought out "past" issues of sovereignty, once the felon was arrested claiming "The anglos are waking up". The shooting left one victim dead and a second in critical condition. At the theatre where tragedy happened; a benefit concert with local stars (as Celine Dion and Arcade Fire, among others) was offered for the daughter of Denis Blanchette (murdered). Donations were also collected for Dave Courage, the other man hit by the same bullet.

Charbonneau Commission scandalizes with strong allegations of illegal financing between Quebec Liberal Party and (Italian) Mafia. Due to revelations of his implication, Montreal citizens ask their mayor, Gérald Tremblay, to resign immediately;

Another season off: NHL lockout desapoints hockey supporters this year. If some kind of soccer strike occurs in Brazil, I'm sure it would give rise to a huge civil war there (In this regard, Canadians are so civilized!);   

In the end of May, Luka Magnotta shocked the whole world with his brutal crime. He killed his boyfriend, Lin Jun. I frankly don't know what was the worst: the fact of dismembering the chinese student, or sendind parts of his body by mail - to the Conservative Party of Canada national office, and also to elementary schools in other provinces. Only in June, they finally found Jun's head in a park of Montreal. Well, if the goal of this mere model was be famous, he got it. Let's face it: as a shoody porno actor, he made an successful 'real thriller' (not his speciality). However, I wonder myself how he will enjoy his celebrity confined in a jail until his death... Not worth job, dude!;

A 4.5 Richter scale earthquake shaked Montreal area last night.

Well, it IS something, isn't?!  

On se souviendra!

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911 turning 728

The classical police number is at a low... 728, instead, is on the wave crest nowadays. Actually, since the students protests occured last spring...

Cop n. 728, become famous by many videos showing her intolerant behavior to deal with people in general, not only rioters in upheaval. She pepper-sprayed broadly! 

Freshly, a new episode drew forth her! Once again, in an aggressive exchange captured on video. Watch a news reporting about here.

The worst, in my opinion, is her point of view, her both stiff ideas and conduct. Her unfortunate commentaries like "On a réussi à le menotter. Mais, pendant ce temps-là, tous les rats qui étaient dans l’appartement en haut, les gratteux de guitare, c’est toute des osti de carrés rouges. Des artistes osti. En tout cas, des mangeux de marde. Ils ont toute commencé à sortir de l’appartement, tsé" are wretched.

Stéfanie Trudeau, implied in more this case, drags attributtes of a violent person since school, according her ex classmates. Well, it's visible, evident, clear by seeing these videos. Hail current technology! (which permit people to record several occurrences).

After this event, Montreal police reputation was put in check. "Is this kind of police we want (and need) here?" - they called into question. At least, now, she was FINALLY suspended.

A site about her was even created. Check it out.

c'est clair

Il est possible de voir l'amour par les yeux (de l'autre puis par les tiens).

C'est la beauté du regard. Tant doux...
 
Ça tout dit! Il vaut mille mots.

C'est évident, c'est pour de vrai, c'est fort, c'est beau... c'est l'amour.

it's been an experience

Ok, it was not grave... I "just" waked up in the middle of the night with a strong noise, feeling the house shaking as when many trucks pass over there at the same time. 

Jokes aside, it was something (to me)! Strange sensation...

Can I freak out a little bit, at least? After all, I'm not used with natural phenomena like earthquakes! NOT AT ALL! Furthermore, this is not even supposed to happen here (what's more in that proportion)!

By the way, 3.9 Richter scale shocks in Quebec; Manitoba, Alberta and Ontario snow storms in early October(!)... Well, the weather seems crazy lately! Indeed.

Last year, it was the hurricane Irene... Which one it will be the next, Saint Peter?

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Read more:

Earthquake rattles Montreal
Earthquake strikes near Montreal 
Early snow: A sign of what's to come?
Southeastern Manitoba pounded by adversity
Another quick blast of winter in parts of Alberta
Autumn snow causes power outages in southern Manitoba 
Snow falls in Winnipeg on last day of summer

what is really important

Nothing else.

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The best place in the world is there, at that moment. 

s'en rappelant

Ils disent que, à chaque fois qu'on dit "une feuille tombe", ça arrive vraiment...

Malgré cela, c'est l'automne - la nature n'en oublie pas...(!)

(puis cette année elle s'en est rappelée plus tôt! Plus fort.)

À nous, il nous restent de beaux souvenirs de la saison.

sacrement!

1.1 km
880 pas
13 minutes 

sans regarder en arrière.

Loin, distant... 

... toute seule?

Des rêves échoués. 
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tight

Take my hand and I will follow you, wherever! Forever.

Sometimes, we just need this: being together. Closer.

Other, only a tender look can prove that by itself... Little acts of kindness. 

Everyone has his own way to demonstrate affection, which varies across different cultures. It's solely important that love doesn't ever be put aside, let behind. Never.

dada

"Je n'aime pas le poisson!"

(cependant, il mange ça environ trois fois par semaine, puis en différents plats, à sa faim!)

Caprice... Après tout, c'est à son goût!

Des préférences sont, par fois, seulement des idées fixes qu'on a dans la tête. Néanmoins, sont justement celles qui déterminent toute notre vie quotidienne.

À la première opportunité, tout change, quand même... Tant mieux! 

dicotomia

O Parque da Harmonia, estimado lugar que faz parte da tão primada tradição gaúcha, recebeu o nome do fundador da RBS em 1987. Faz tempo... (ou alguém esqueceu?)

Outra: hoje em dia, praticamente todos eventos culturais recebem o patrocínio de empresas privadas - mesmo o Acampamento Farroupilha. E a maioria deles só acontece graças a esse auxílio financeiro.
 
Oposições à parte, esse tipo de prática é recorrente em Porto Alegre, em diferentes níveis. Fato.

Reflexo de uma contemporaneidade corporativa mundialista, viral, forte e onipresente. Ou 'psicopata', como definiria o filme The Corporation.

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do local para o global 
(ou vice-versa)

O pior não é a imagem da Coca Cola massivamente em Porto Alegre, patrocinando reformas no Largo Glênio Peres, no Auditório Araújo Viana (wherever!), mas a ausência do Estado, sucateando bens públicos. Admitemos que, antes, esses espaços eram sujos, ruinosos... nojentos até(!), apesar de toda bagagem histórica cultural e política ligada a eles. Em tempos de preparação para a Copa (e campanha!), o prefeito da cidade (e candidato à reeleição!), José Fortunati, passou à diante a responsabilidade de um serviço de base. Esta questionável terceirização, por sua vez, proporcionou uma melhor estrutura em termos de limpeza, tecnologia, segurança etc. Mérito esse que foi incapaz de adquirir em seu mandato com os recursos devidos.

Mais lastimável que a ofensiva da Brigada Militar contra os manifestantes desgostosos com a "venda" da capital gaúcha à multinacional, é sua presença ostensiva em defesa de interesses exteriores aos da população em geral (ou a prioridade agora é interceder em prol do mascote tatu? - na verdade, 'TATUdo errado'!). É difícil ver tantos brigadianos reunidos, prontos, dispostos e incentivados a proteger o cidadão - de bandido, injustiça, violência, corrupção... Normalmente, falta polícia nas ruas, sobra insegurança.

Quando os papéis se invertem, é aí que mora o perigo...

Estar num local 'próprio', agradável, oferecido pela iniciativa privada (dessa marca), e ter a opção de beber outra, se e quando convier - a rival Pepsi, por exemplo (ou melhor: nenhuma das duas, mas um mate, respeitando as raízes), parece-me melhor que deixar de frequentá-lo por falta de condições ideais, precariedade. Onde está a liberdade? - ou a privação dela. E ainda: sua  'privatização', nesse caso. Impostos foram pagos. Investimentos feitos onde? - essa é a questão. Pelo menos, parte do dinheiro de quem compra esse refrigerante, a gente conhece o destino.

Que fique claro: não sou a favor deles, muito menos dessa situação ridícula a que se chegou. Entretanto, convenhamos: atualmente, empresários capitalistas são mais competentes que nossos politicos nesse sentido. Infelizmente. Ou seja, NÃO é "culpa" exclusiva da Coca Cola, em si. Ela (apenas) desempenha super bem seu trabalho no sistema econômico (e selvagem!) em que vivemos. Cruel, mas é essa a realidade.

Fora SIM, mas (também) o(s) mau(s) governante(s) permissivos que estão no poder. São eles que oportunizam tudo isso.

A instisfação social é saudavel, coerente, bem-vinda. No entanto, a fúria do povo está mal focada. A grande arma de mudança é ainda o voto (frase de efeito - excelente em véspera de eleição!).

Viva a democracia! Afinal, é tudo uma questão de escolha. 

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 sem vestir a camisa

Admito que (ainda) bebo Coca-Cola, embora não me orgulhe, e evite. Porém, JAMAIS seria capaz de publicar (por livre e espontânea vontade, e em sã consciência) meu nome numa latinha deles e divulgá-la na internet ou onde quer que seja(!) DE GRAÇA e (ainda por cima!) cheia de brios.

Bom, para aqueles que o fizeram (principalmente os porto-alegrenses que estão a reclamar agora, infelizes com essa invasão toda), meu recado:

ne me texte pas!

(pas au volant, en conduisant, S'IL TE PLAÎT!)

C'est dangereux. Peut-être mortel... (!) Chaque lettre peut tuer. Oui, si tragique comme ça! 

Il est même interdit ici de ("seulement") tenir en main un cellulaire au volant. La loi est claire: pénalités d'une contravention de 80 $ à 100 $ CAN; plus 3 points d'inaptitude. Cependant, comme partout dans le monde, les gens ne (SE) respectent pas. Tant pis...

Les infractions liées à un appareil téléphonique sont en hausse constante. Puis les chiffres montent dans les fichiers de la Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec, la SAAQ: de plus de 18, en 2008, ils se sont élevés à près de 57 mille l'année passée.

Étant donnée la situation critique dans la province, et ses conséquences (drastiques!), l'association vient de lancer une campagne offensive contre les textos au volant. C'est une bonne initiative.

J'ai beaucoup aimé la publicité télévisée  « avant, on n'écrivait pas de messages en conduisant. Il y avait sûrement une bonne raison ». Forte, malgré l'humor. Regardez-la.

Par rapport à un conducteur qui ne fait pas usage d'un appareil téléphonique, les conducteurs qui textent en conduisant ont 20 fois plus de chance d'avoir un accident, estime l'organisme. Ils quittent la route des yeux de 4 à 6 secondes pendant écrivent un message.

Sont environ 110 mètres aveuglément! À une vitesse de 90 km/h, c'est comme traverser un terrain de football avec les yeux fermés. Imaginez les risques... (!)

Selon des enquêtes, cela constitue désormais la plus importante préoccupation des Canadiens en matière de sécurité routière, surpassant même la conduite avec les facultés affaiblies. Cette nouvelle réalité c'est quelque chose!

Donc, gardez les yeux ouverts (et les mains sur la direction)!

Lisez plus.

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D'autre part, comme des piétons, il faut également faire attention! 

L'une des principales causes d'accident chez qui n'est pas en voiture, mais dans la rue, est la distraction. Ainsi, l'utilisation d'un cellulaire les rend plus vulnérables, puisque sont très absents.

Il y a quelques jours, j'ai presque assisté l'écrasement d'un imprudent avec les yeux fixés sur son téléphone. Il est traversé la rue sans, au moins, regarder avant... Mon dieu!

danse gastronomique

Salades, hamburgers 'maison' (de bœuf ou de porc),  filets de poissons, sandwiches à l'œuf frit ou aux tomates et oignons,  croques-monsieur, œufs bénédictines, grilled cheeses, tacos,   poulets marinés au vin blanc ou tikka masala,  lasagnes d'aubergines ou de courgettes, pâtes (à la carbonara, à la sauce à spaghetti ou pesto), légumes grillés, saucisses miel et ail, saumons au jus d'orange, riz aux poireaux, crevettes, fondues, sauces hollandaises ou aux champignons, viandes panées, lentilles, patates pilées ou écrasées au fromage, sandwiches à la crème glacée,  gâteaux, 'caipirinhas', des jus, thés glacés, cafés (brésilien, au lait, à la crème ou cappuccino glacé)... Tout ça, chez nous, goût l'amour! 

Alors, on en profite. ♥

C'est le festin de "Vavette"! 

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Malheureusement, on ne fait pas (encore) du sushi à la maison.

Miam-miam... mesant que j'ai hâte! 

Bientôt, au restaurant. 

Carandiru

2nd October 1992: 111 inmates were killed in a massacre at 9th Pavilion of this penitentiary in Sao Paulo.

20 years later, no one of the riot police force was arrested; not even Col. Ubiratan Guimaraes, who was in charge of the raid. In fact, he was tried and convicted for murdering 102 prisoners, but NEVER went to jail.

As in Brazil everything end in nothing, he was even elected federal deputy later, before dying (under unclear circumstances in 2006). Surely, the 56,155 votes which he got were not from victim's families.

I'm not from Human Rights, but I'm against injustice. Although all international repercussion, we all know it'll come to nothing, as usual. Unfortunatelly.

Actually, the only positive consequence of this episode is the movie Carandiru, by the argentine director Hector Babenco - a masterpiece of our cinema! I just (re)watched it and I sincerely recommend.

Here, one of my my favorite scenes, with Rita Cadillac. Read also a little more.

on the board

Only one year together. So many things to celebrate, though.

A whole life changed, a big decision made. Choise... opportunity.

What is more, we have a promising future ahead of us. Everything which has passed, strengthen what is coming.

Nothing happens by chance.
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For this special moment, a good song by Cícero.

urban contradictions

After watching City of God, City of Men, Last Stop 174, Elite Squad and Elite Squad 2 (yes, we have our sequel movies! - good ones, in bargain!), I'm not surprise that people become afraid to visit Rio. 

I understand. Even though it is warned (most part of them advise audience before starting), it's hard to believe: 

"Despite the many similarities to reality, 
this film is a work of fiction"

Come on, it was not my fault... What can we do? - not show them our best cinema?! (Call Capitão Nascimento?! - the 'hero') How simply ignore, omiting ourselves facing general violence presented throught the screen to the world?

Scenes are shocking. In the same way, it's the reality - especially in favelas. Indeed. If it terrifies even carioca citizens, who are used to, imagine foreigners... mainly if from peaceful and tranquil places(!).

I just say the truth. In particular, giving my point of view, passing my own experience: I lived there for eight years and I was NEVER robbed, for example. Well, I'm trying a honey moon there... Nevertheless, the trauma is huge!   

I confess that it is NOT (at all) a safe place. It's necessary pay attention (after all: "malandro é malandro, mané é mané!"). However, I was very happy in Rio, I owned. Likewise, most part of who is from there. I'm sure!

Although all its problems, Rio is still a marvelous city. Unique, phenomenal! We can't deny... Who was there (at least) once, will never forget!

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What I miss at most? The beach (culture).


 

elo viciante

turning...

into a delicate situation:

Everything was fine until a little detail broke the harmony. Then, all problems came out. A complete 180-degree turn in seconds!

The end of the day was lost by complaints about life - which is not perfect FOR EVERYBODY. Well, never mind... I may make things worse saying that (or anything else). 

Too bad! - for health, heart, love, relationship...

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twice stronger

For some (in North America), Halloween (which celebrates death on 31th October - that is: soon!); for other, St. Cosmas and St. Damian Day (commemorated yesterday, with lots of goody and candies - as it will be here in the end of the month)... I prefer the second choice, once it's my culture, besides being connected to children. 

*By the way, so I am by now. What a grace! 

The best way to enjoy it is being with them. Perfect. ♥

not to overlook

Europe situation is not good. Not at all! After Greece, now, it's the time of Spain population manifesting againt government austerity. On the top of that, they are doing it very well!

Media has noticed many anti-cuts protests. I like that... People carrying out their role (maybe the most relevant of all as a nation): citizenship.

That's something Brazilians should learn: how to complain their rights, after accomplish all obligations while society. After all, there are issues more fundamental then soccer or carnival.

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 partisans

I simply dont't know how, or why, but the fact is that my blog has many views in Russia. Yes: in RUSSIA. More than the double of other countries... Wow! What a surprise!

Firstly, I don't know people from there, except for an ex collegue of French classes in Dawson College. I doubt, though, he is checking it more than once a day... Anyway, alone, it's not enough.

Then, I start to suppose they are probably interested in my contend, once I'm not really a USA friend, and, in the same way, I'm a red sympathizer. Nevertheless, I frankly think it's not the case... not nowadays. Not anymore. Moreover, I'm not categorically important, as a mere blogger of particular ideas I am.

Lastly, apart from the fact that I haven't posted anithing about the recent episode of Pussy Riot imprisonment, or even about Putin - cases of corruption, protests, elections, uncertainty of his current mandate etc., I didn't do much effort to be in contact with this target... So, I sincerely have some reservations about. Well, some kind of anarchism might is on the air... Why not?!  (Incidentally, I repent this fault. Sorry for this omission.)

On the other hand, I understand the reasons of Brazil, Canada and even Germany and South Korea being in the list alike.

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aging

Among many events, I own up about my worries... Maybe they are accelerating hair graying on me.

Whereas I turned 30 years old, I found some white long whiskers hidden on back of my head. Though, they weren't there before!

No, it is not a old wives' tale... It's stress!

avec beaucoup d'amour

Comme le temps passe rapidement! 
(presque six mois depuis notre mariage déjà...)

Nous sommes plus heureux que jamais. Alors, on profite de cette bonne phase pour remercier à tous amis et parentés pour votre générosité et affection.

Cela restera pour toujours en nos cœurs.

Merci! ♥

organic!

Space is required to let libraries breathe.

Like accordions, they enlarge and compress whenever necessary... Much more movement than I could imagine! (for a quiet tranquil place!)

Tellingly, books demand brawn (not just brain!). Good agility, touch and equilibrium also help to handle them.

Enough effort! Surprisingly good. Alive...

tendencies

Leaves, wind... romance: lovely, it inspires me.

In my opinion, Fall is the most charming season.

Magically, the nature colors change. Our mood as well...

Finally, it's time to dressing well, elegantly!

moi

(et moi et moi et moi)

À plusieurs personnes, cela est le plus (beau, fort et) important mot au monde.

Bon, en considérant que, à son avis, l'univers tourne autour de son propre nombril... Ça ne me surprend pas!

C'est la vie. 

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untouchable?

Breaking the ice, mollifying a rock heart person (closed in his almost impenetrable bubble), in order to win it... What a challenge!

Nevertheless, nothing is impossible. Fortunately, love always speaks louder.

(Good for us! - one year later... ♥)

love transforms!

A frog to a prince, a skeleton to a rose (healthy) person.

What a difference! Further: what a power of changing! 

Stronger than love, only the determination for it, for good.

Pull somebody out of the gutter its not possible when it isn't a personal will, a wishing one. Others just help.

Certain: true/self love =  welfare!