What a year it's been! I'm really humbled at all that's happened, and the support I've recived in the process. Of course, there will always be the ubiquitious person or two who thinks they can "spoil the party" (you know who you are), but overall, it's been a good year professionally.
I started to think about this journey that I am on, which started back in 1996. Being humble will get you everywhere. Being a jerk, well...
Caring for my husband supercedes anything I have ever done (or will do, for that matter.) He encouraged me to "keep at it." In a previous column, I mentioned that Ken was my cheerleader, shoulder to cry on and number one fan. He still is.
As we go into 2008, my message to you is to make your own memories, and most important, to make a difference. It's especially important in 2008.
Because, if we don't, we only have ourselves to blame.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Not another Munich
I get the creeps when I think of another Olympics possibly being held in Munich. What I think is really disgraceful is Jacques Rogge's enthusiasm for the current Munich Winter Games bid, with nary an acknowledgement of what happened the last time the Olympics were held there.
I have heard that the security concerns are much less at a Winter versus Summer games. One, less athletes. That equates to less of everything: officials, volunteers, and paid employees. And I have heard people say "it couldn't happen again-especially at a Winter Games."
The complacency bothers me---big time.
Sometimes I have to wonder where people's heads are at. It's clear priorities are all out of whack, all around. The German NOC, the people backing the Munich bid, and the IOC. It's a slap in the face to those who lost their loved ones...and another attempt to sweep the unanswered questions under the rug-again.
I have only one question: how can the German NOC sleep at night, knowing what happened the last time?
Answers, please.
I have heard that the security concerns are much less at a Winter versus Summer games. One, less athletes. That equates to less of everything: officials, volunteers, and paid employees. And I have heard people say "it couldn't happen again-especially at a Winter Games."
The complacency bothers me---big time.
Sometimes I have to wonder where people's heads are at. It's clear priorities are all out of whack, all around. The German NOC, the people backing the Munich bid, and the IOC. It's a slap in the face to those who lost their loved ones...and another attempt to sweep the unanswered questions under the rug-again.
I have only one question: how can the German NOC sleep at night, knowing what happened the last time?
Answers, please.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
"Like pigs and dogs"
Another Chinese dissident has been arrested this week, all for referring to people who he said "would live like pigs and dogs" during the 2008 Games.
Who's fooling whom here? What is it about truth that scares the authorities over there, to the point that people are forcibly taken out of their homes and arrested?
It's got to stop. No excuses. Enough is enough.
We've had seven years of broken promises in relation to media rights. In the meantime, mainland journalists have been arrested and foreign reporters have been denied visas and harassed while there. Bloggers are fairing the worst of all---at least those on the Mainland.
I think I know who the real "pigs and dogs" are---and it's not the people trying to shed light on an ever-growing problem less than one year out.
Those of us on the outside of China are going to keep the pressure up. At least we don't have to wake up every morning wondering if we are going to get a knock at our door from the local police.
It's something I wish for my brothers and sisters on the mainland: freedom to express their thoughts and wishes.
It's not that dangerous of an idea.
How about it---and those of us outside China supporting these people?
The best Christmas gift of all.
Who's fooling whom here? What is it about truth that scares the authorities over there, to the point that people are forcibly taken out of their homes and arrested?
It's got to stop. No excuses. Enough is enough.
We've had seven years of broken promises in relation to media rights. In the meantime, mainland journalists have been arrested and foreign reporters have been denied visas and harassed while there. Bloggers are fairing the worst of all---at least those on the Mainland.
I think I know who the real "pigs and dogs" are---and it's not the people trying to shed light on an ever-growing problem less than one year out.
Those of us on the outside of China are going to keep the pressure up. At least we don't have to wake up every morning wondering if we are going to get a knock at our door from the local police.
It's something I wish for my brothers and sisters on the mainland: freedom to express their thoughts and wishes.
It's not that dangerous of an idea.
How about it---and those of us outside China supporting these people?
The best Christmas gift of all.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
No excuses!
If there is one thing that drives me crazy, it's the folks who make excuses. I didn't know it was steriods, because my trainer told me not to worry. I completed clean. Or, let's overlook the human rights abuses because China is on track for their Games preparations.
I say: enough already!
And lets take responsibility in the process.
Sure, some of the stuff that is going on isn't nice. But it's our job to bring light to that. IF we chose to do so. There are some out there that whitewash what is going on. That gives the readers a disadvantage. Just pretend it doesn't happen and maybe, just maybe it (whatever the problem is) will go away.
We have a responsibility to set an example. Not to babysit the bad guys. If we all can make that commitment, just think of how much more tranparent it will be.
I don't understand the reluctance to do so. What's the worst that could happen? A little more knowledge, maybe?
So, for 2008, can we make the commitment not to babysit the bad guys, but on the other hand give praise where due, and in the process, we will continue to grow, both personally and professionally.
I've already made that commitment. How about you?
I say: enough already!
And lets take responsibility in the process.
Sure, some of the stuff that is going on isn't nice. But it's our job to bring light to that. IF we chose to do so. There are some out there that whitewash what is going on. That gives the readers a disadvantage. Just pretend it doesn't happen and maybe, just maybe it (whatever the problem is) will go away.
We have a responsibility to set an example. Not to babysit the bad guys. If we all can make that commitment, just think of how much more tranparent it will be.
I don't understand the reluctance to do so. What's the worst that could happen? A little more knowledge, maybe?
So, for 2008, can we make the commitment not to babysit the bad guys, but on the other hand give praise where due, and in the process, we will continue to grow, both personally and professionally.
I've already made that commitment. How about you?
Monday, December 17, 2007
The Mitchell steroids report-more questions than answers
The Mitchell steriods report came out last week and everyone is having a field day with the so-called "results." Over 80 current and former players have been named and half of the people mentioned are no longer playing baseball. It's being picked apart to see where the Olympic links may lead to.
Roger Clemens is especially mad as hell. There are rumors he's going to sue. The problem with the players mentioned is that over half allegedly used 'roids when there was no definitive policy in place by MLB. Former Senator Mitchell said every team had players that "had used" (his words) and that had made it sounds like every team with a current roster had users. This was a misnomer as some teams(such as the Atlanta Braves)did NOT have any players mentioned.
So...you've got a bunch of guys, half of them retired who allegedy used. Even Mr. Mitchell by his own admission said that there should be no action taken against the players that were mentioned. Then that begs the question, why mention anyone, especially when he says "this only scratches the surface" of the problem?
This sort of thing has disappointed me. I expected so much more. Solid answers to a growing problem. Instead, we got a half-hearted attempt to say "well, we ARE trying to tackle the problem, we will name names and hopefully, that will start us on the road to resolving this issue." But naming someone who's been out of the game for twenty years, enjoying his retirement on a farm in Arizona somewhere...what does that do to solve the problem?
Not much, if at all. I do think Senator Mitchell's heart was in the right place. But the modus operandi was all wrong. Sure, only one current player agreed to talk. You've got the word of some guy who claims he sold to a bunch of players while working in a team's clubhouse. The testimony of another person in addition who is coming under question.
The next time someone wants to do a hatchet job on long-gone players, let us know beforehand.
Then I won't get my hopes up when the so-called "results" come out---because it will amount to nothing but hot air, with no backbone.
Just like the people accusing Roger, years after he retired from the game.
Roger Clemens is especially mad as hell. There are rumors he's going to sue. The problem with the players mentioned is that over half allegedly used 'roids when there was no definitive policy in place by MLB. Former Senator Mitchell said every team had players that "had used" (his words) and that had made it sounds like every team with a current roster had users. This was a misnomer as some teams(such as the Atlanta Braves)did NOT have any players mentioned.
So...you've got a bunch of guys, half of them retired who allegedy used. Even Mr. Mitchell by his own admission said that there should be no action taken against the players that were mentioned. Then that begs the question, why mention anyone, especially when he says "this only scratches the surface" of the problem?
This sort of thing has disappointed me. I expected so much more. Solid answers to a growing problem. Instead, we got a half-hearted attempt to say "well, we ARE trying to tackle the problem, we will name names and hopefully, that will start us on the road to resolving this issue." But naming someone who's been out of the game for twenty years, enjoying his retirement on a farm in Arizona somewhere...what does that do to solve the problem?
Not much, if at all. I do think Senator Mitchell's heart was in the right place. But the modus operandi was all wrong. Sure, only one current player agreed to talk. You've got the word of some guy who claims he sold to a bunch of players while working in a team's clubhouse. The testimony of another person in addition who is coming under question.
The next time someone wants to do a hatchet job on long-gone players, let us know beforehand.
Then I won't get my hopes up when the so-called "results" come out---because it will amount to nothing but hot air, with no backbone.
Just like the people accusing Roger, years after he retired from the game.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Friday's Random Thoughts
It's the end of another week---Christmas is almost here. And of course, I am no where near ready. Looks like it will be another last-minute dash to the grocery store, and various insundry other places! I vowed to be done early this year. The best laid plans...
I don't know who has the more animated hockey announcers: Rogers SportsNet or CBC Hockey Night in Canada. One thing is for sure: I could do without the fights. It seems there are more this year. One of these days, someone is going to get seriously hurt.
We've got lots of Christmas lights on in our subdivision. It's a nice way to spend an evening, driving around to see what everyone else has done.
I've got concerns about that Mitchell steriods report that was issued this week. We'll be discussing this on Monday.
Some guy who was drunk as a skunk almost drove off a condo parking deck last night. What will it take to get the message out about drunk driving?
I feel sorry for those folks with no power due to the ice storms. I went thru one really bad ice storm here about seven years ago. Five days without power is no fun!
Michael Vick got off easy in my opinion (even though he was sentenced to more time than the prosecutor recommended.)
If you can, try to do something for a less-fortunate friend at Christmas. I have, and it feels good to help!
Back on Monday as always!
I don't know who has the more animated hockey announcers: Rogers SportsNet or CBC Hockey Night in Canada. One thing is for sure: I could do without the fights. It seems there are more this year. One of these days, someone is going to get seriously hurt.
We've got lots of Christmas lights on in our subdivision. It's a nice way to spend an evening, driving around to see what everyone else has done.
I've got concerns about that Mitchell steriods report that was issued this week. We'll be discussing this on Monday.
Some guy who was drunk as a skunk almost drove off a condo parking deck last night. What will it take to get the message out about drunk driving?
I feel sorry for those folks with no power due to the ice storms. I went thru one really bad ice storm here about seven years ago. Five days without power is no fun!
Michael Vick got off easy in my opinion (even though he was sentenced to more time than the prosecutor recommended.)
If you can, try to do something for a less-fortunate friend at Christmas. I have, and it feels good to help!
Back on Monday as always!
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Why we need to get real about Tibet
This one's for the naysayers.
The ones who believe Tibet doesn't have the right to exist as a free-standing country.
Read carefully-it looks like I will have to explain it to some people.
There were a group of Tibet protesters at the IOC meetings this week. Seeking what is rightly a valid issue. The right of Tibet to be recognised as an individual country. That's not such a outrageous idea. Sorry to dissapoint some people.
If you remember high school history, Tibet was invaded and overtaken by the Mainland Chinese in 1951. It's an illegal occupation, yet the IOC chooses to acquiese to the wishes of Beijing in all matters relating to that country.
Unfortunately, it's easy to erase history---and paint your own image of what the reality is. Picture this, living in a country that is illegally occupied, with no avenues for self-determination, no free press, no self-governance. It's a crappy way to live, essentially being trapped in a prison with no way out. But for many in Tibet, that is daily reality, and for some in the free world, a status-quo that they are only too happy to oblige to Beijing.
I for one refuse to go along. For those of you who know me, I speak my conciense. I don't expect anyone to agree with me, but being involved for close to seven years on various issues relating to press freedoms, I say it's time to get real.
This is a country fighting for it's life. For it's soul. For it's children. For it's future. We need to be the voice of the voiceless on Tibet. To stand up for it's people to live in freedom and prosperity. And not to be the enablers who want to deny those opportunities that they have not had since 1951.
The monks who staged the public protests this past summer were brave souls. Inside the country, they are that nation's conciense. They better than anyone else know what is happening there. It's rough, and nasty. But it's daily life there, and a life that could be made better, if we only on the outside would get real.
How about if all of us set an example? Old fashioned, I know. But it works. And be the conciense that tells the truth, instead of "going along to get along."
Tibet, and not "Tibet."
The ones who believe Tibet doesn't have the right to exist as a free-standing country.
Read carefully-it looks like I will have to explain it to some people.
There were a group of Tibet protesters at the IOC meetings this week. Seeking what is rightly a valid issue. The right of Tibet to be recognised as an individual country. That's not such a outrageous idea. Sorry to dissapoint some people.
If you remember high school history, Tibet was invaded and overtaken by the Mainland Chinese in 1951. It's an illegal occupation, yet the IOC chooses to acquiese to the wishes of Beijing in all matters relating to that country.
Unfortunately, it's easy to erase history---and paint your own image of what the reality is. Picture this, living in a country that is illegally occupied, with no avenues for self-determination, no free press, no self-governance. It's a crappy way to live, essentially being trapped in a prison with no way out. But for many in Tibet, that is daily reality, and for some in the free world, a status-quo that they are only too happy to oblige to Beijing.
I for one refuse to go along. For those of you who know me, I speak my conciense. I don't expect anyone to agree with me, but being involved for close to seven years on various issues relating to press freedoms, I say it's time to get real.
This is a country fighting for it's life. For it's soul. For it's children. For it's future. We need to be the voice of the voiceless on Tibet. To stand up for it's people to live in freedom and prosperity. And not to be the enablers who want to deny those opportunities that they have not had since 1951.
The monks who staged the public protests this past summer were brave souls. Inside the country, they are that nation's conciense. They better than anyone else know what is happening there. It's rough, and nasty. But it's daily life there, and a life that could be made better, if we only on the outside would get real.
How about if all of us set an example? Old fashioned, I know. But it works. And be the conciense that tells the truth, instead of "going along to get along."
Tibet, and not "Tibet."