World Cup: Back to Basics

Over the weekend, I caught a glimpse of a children's soccer tournament at a local park. And I couldn't help but stop and reflect on what a lot of adults hope children will gain when they play sports: sportsmanship, fair play, love of the game....

As I watched, I was disappointed how some adults have drifted away from those ideals. I had been quite excited about following this year's World Cup in South Africa. It started off great! The build up to the games, seeing all the different flags around the city, feeding off the energy of the fans (and vuvuzelas) and discovering that the Simpson's were correct (that listening to Spanish commentators makes the game more exciting).
However, one day changed all that. The first incident was during the game between England and Germany, when the ball hit the crossbar and went in. The German keeper, Neuer, quickly grabbed the ball and put it back into play. At first, I gave him the benefit of the doubt. It had been so fast maybe he missed it and just saw the ball as it was in the air. Alas, no. In post game interviews he flaunts how he acted purposefully to fool the ref into thinking the ball hadn't crossed the line. Then he goes on to say who he felt the his team was better anyways. First of all, if you were so confident in your team's superiority, why bother cheating? Be a professional, a role model, a representative your grandmother would be proud of and accept that you let a goal past you. Secondly, you've just admitted to cheating. In an arena where it should be the best of the best, where you walk onto the field holding a child's hand, how is this behaviour anyway to represent your sport and your country. If our team had done the same thing, regardless of the result, I would be ashamed. No matter how talented you maybe (in athletics, or in this case, in dramatics) That's not the way anyone should want to win.

Then came the reaction. Again, I return to the children. I recently read a graduation quote from our school's year book on what their future goal was: "To never make the same mistake again". Amazing what a 14 year old has grasped, and yet adults have failed to, or forgotten. Instead of looking at the 2 incidents that occurred that day as learning experiences and an opportunity to improve the game, FIFA was non-apologetic, saying they had spoken with the teams. Yeah, lots of good that will do the teams that got eliminated due to your results. And it's not like the situations wasn't foreseeable. Not to mention, the readily available solution...If a sport like tennis, where a little ball is going over 100m/hr has the technology to track the ball, I think they can handle a soccer ball. But what irked me most of all was the attitude they displayed. Not too long ago, a missed call cost a pitcher a perfect game. However, the umpire that made that mistake was professional enough to go and look at the replay, admit he was wrong and apologized. While the solution wasn't perfect, the attitude was there. FIFA's response to the situation has only left a bad aftertaste.

How to lose your customer's trust in 90 days

I recently got a prepaid cell phone for school. There are only 3-4 people who have the number, and I have made a total of 3 phone calls, all under 1 minute. On top of that, I've been out of the country for most of May, which means the phone wasn't even turned on. So, imagine my surprise when I got an email from Telus telling me that they had examined my phone use and thought I would save money by switching to a monthly plan. I think if they had actually looked at my records, they would have sent an email telling me I would save money if I switched to using pay phones!

Edumacated!

Well, I had my graduation ceremony today!! \(^o^)/
Glad it's over, but a little bit sad as well. I definately won't be missing those all nighters though! From now on, my sleepless nights will be from looking for work!
Day started out quite dramatically, as someone didn't get time off of work to go to the ceremony. This snowballed into us leaving 40minutes late. And of course Murphy's Law kicks in and we run into 2 traffic jams on the way. All this before 8am!

It was nice to see some familiar faces again. But, too many people and rushing around to really catch up with anyone. Just a lot of quick hugs, and waves from acrossed packed rooms.

I'm back....

Well, have returned from my little trip. It was odd....I really enjoyed seeing everyone again, but it always feels like I'm missing out on all the important things in people's lives, that I spend so much time saying good-bye.

Almost forgot I'm graduating this week. I haven't been to university since February, I almost forgot about it! Remembered just in the nick of time. I guess I need to figure out where I'm going and of course what to wear!

Started watching a new drama on soju called Tokyo Dogs about two detectives that get partnered up. One is a straight laced, elite officer from NYC. The other appears to be a total slacker from the Tokyo force. I'm still figuring out some of the plot because not all the videos work. But the most interesting thing is seeing all the stereotypes. Like the Japanese detective telling the suspect to co-operate because the other guy was from the states and that he was used to shooting criminals all the time.

Dueling Theories

The pass little while, I've been coming across different theories on education. From Danish, Hong Kong, Canadian, American....starting school earlier (age wise), starting school later, more time in school, less time in school, after school programs, tutors, more structure, less structure, exploration, tests orientated...
The only thing I'm sure of is that my head is spinning...

2 Down, One More to Go!

I finished my second evaluation today! One more to go!
The class went really well. I'm so glad I decided to not go with the idea from the textbook and went with my shopping idea. The kids were curious about the lesson before the it even began. And it looked like they had a really good time.
Well, back to work!

Welcome Little Man!!

I just got an email from my friend's cellphone in Japan. So excited, I had to share that her baby has arrived safe and sound, though he's a little bit early! I'm just so relieved that they're safe and healthy. Can't wait to meet the little guy. He looks adorable, well, at least the side of his head does. Happy Birthday!