Apologies for not getting this in last night, but I had a power outage.


Beckham's New Tattoo
The BBC published a full translation of David's new Chinese tattoo here. According to the BBC it reads: 'Death and life have determined appointments. Riches and honour depend upon heaven'.

That page also discusses all of David's other tattoos, along with photos in a slideshow.

This is Nottingham has an article discussing the tattoo. Quotes:

A source said: "The latest tattoo uses a completely different technique to all the others. It appears on his skin as if it has been brushed on. It is a really intricate process and unique to Hong Kong. He has always wanted the Chinese brush-stroke effect. Victoria loves it.

"There is more emphasis on the word life -- which is in bold ink, with the word death slightly smaller.

"The proverb has a strong meaning for David. He is really thoughtful about the tattoos he gets. He doesn't just rush in."

David got the tattoo during his trip in China.


Jersey Comes to the Aide
One of David's autographed jerseys was auctioned off for charity to benefit the SOS Botswana children's efforts. SOS provides a home for orphaned children and focuses on things like education to improve their quality of life.

Last week, Phakalane Golf Estates presented a cheque of P25 700 to the Tlokweng SOS Children's Village as proceeds from a charity Golf day and ball, which were organised to raise money for the organization last November.

Following an 18-hole golf day and prizes for the winners, guests were treated to an evening of cuisine and entertainment and an auction was conducted to raise the money. The auctioned goods included signed jerseys by popular sports men like Tiger Woods and David Beckham.


Beckham May Feature at Soccerex
UNCONFIRMED: David may travel to Johannesburg after the Galaxy season to participate in Soccerex, the world's largest soccer exhibition, where he will run a youth clinic.

Beckham is expected to feature in Bend it Like Beckham, a soccer showcase in which hundreds of youngsters will be coached and mentored by one of the world's greatest football players. (Source)

The dates are 23-26 November, 2008 and the venue is the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. HOWEVER: David's participation hinges upon whether or not the Galaxy make it into the playoffs. If they do, he will be unavailable to travel to Soccerex. If they don't, his camp will no doubt update us about whether or not he'll be participating closer to the date. Read more about Soccerex here.


Beckham's Role in Galaxy
For anyone interested in an opinion piece about the current Galaxy line-up and what David's role therein must be, ESPN has such an editorial here.

It's clear that the Beckham, Donovan and Ruiz must be miracle workers every night out, else this side will go nowhere. The Galaxy's trio of difference-makers -- we'll call them a Galacticos starter kit -- will have to be absolutely spot-on marvelous for Gullit's side.


100th...Again...
More speculation about David's century is running rampant following Baldini's visit to Dallas to check David's fitness. Pundits are making much of the fact that Becks and Baldini didn't meet, but it was never a given that they would. Baldini was there to assess fitness and report back to Capello, not make the decision on the spot. So when you read articles stating that the fact Baldini and Beckham didn't conference after the match means Becks won't be getting his 100th...take them with a grain of salt. We won't know until Capello announces his line-up for France.

"I've not had a chance to speak to Franco Baldini. [...]Obviously I realize he was there. I hope he enjoyed the game. He obviously came to see how my fitness and form is and it's only natural that's going to happen. I just have to go and perform and play the balls I can play and show that I am fit enough." (Source is one of those nay-saying negative articles here.)


Dallas Videos
Here are some fan videos from the crowd during the FC Dallas match.

Emerging from the tunnel:


Beckham free kick:


-Dina