Tuesday, October 7, 2008

A special day in Brazil

This past Sunday, October 5th, two things happened...
First and foremost, our son turned 10 years old! 10? A full two hands! Where did that time go? I still remember ending my last performances as a ballerina and having a baby shower!How time flies!
He invited 2 friends to go bowling with us. The bowling alley was empty, which was really nice. We all had a great time and he seemed really happy.
So why was the bowling alley empty? It was the general elections for municipal mayors and council members. It is a requirement here in Brazil to vote. If you do not vote, you are fined. I think it is a great way for people to learn about what is happening in their governance, and to get involved, instead of just complaining when something goes wrong.
Now, the funny thing is that you can run under ANY name you like, as long as it is not offensive.
There were 8, yes 8, Barack Obama candidates. Is that too funny or what? Others used Bin Laden...(? that's not offensive?), whilst others used French soccer player, Zinedine Zindane. If you remember, he was the French player that was thrown out of the World Cup final in 2006, against Italy, for head butting an Italian player. It was a shame because it was his last game before retirement.

8 comments:

Gabriela said...

wow-live right down the street from you and I had no idea about most of this election stuff! Thanks for the brazilian civics lesson.

And happy birthday R!!!

Jodi said...

Very interesting about the names. Hmm?

That cake looked good! It brought back memories of my 11th birthday party at a bowling alley a few years ago (wink)

Happy Tuesday!

PJ said...

So how on earth do the Brazilians know for whom they are voting??? Is there an explanation for who is who? How funny!! Of course our elections are not funny at all! (That was dripping with sarcasm!)

And the children grow up so quickly. Next thing you know it will be the grandchildren who are 10! Do you still dance sometimes???

marine's words said...

PJ has a point how do the Brazilians know whom the are voting for?? and why would they run under another name hmmm...

yes, they do grow fast enjoy the time soon he well be off to college

and yes I would like to know too if you ever dance? marina

rosecreekcottage-carol.blogspot.com said...

Happy Birthday to your son, and Congratulations to you, Ballerinagirl, for raising him these past 10 years! I am sure it was memorable for both of you!

Wierd elections!! Oh...and a beautiful yummy-looking cake!!

Skoots1moM said...

time does fly...
election laws are so different everywhere, I'm always amazed to hear things like this

come visit any time!

Jodi said...

BG - You got an award my friend...check out my blog today posted 10/8/08.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations to your son! And what kind of cake is that?! Looks amazing. We've done bowling birthdays too; so nice you had the place to yourselves!

Thanks for the award!