Hello all! With the recent devestating events occurring in Haiti, I just wanted to give one piece of food-for-thought here when making donations to aid groups such as the Red Cross that was passed along to me by one of my former pastors...
When making these donations, make them non-specific to the organization in general. This way, the funds will be directed to whatever situation is most dire at the time. When you make the donation to say, the Asian Tsunami Relief Fund, that money can ONLY be used for tsunami relief. What often happens is these group get deluged with Tsunami relief money, and after a time, there is more than what is required. When a new crisis occurs such as the earthquake in Haiti, this money cannot move from the specific fund to help the other crisis. When you donate in a more generalized sense, the money can then be used for Haiti as is required at the moment.
Anyway, this explanation is probably clear as mud, but I just thought I'd throw it out there for your consideration...
And of course... I do encourage everyone who is able to donate what they can to help in any crisis situation! We are blessed to not endure such horrible events at the moment, so let's share that blessing with those not as fortunate. Thanks!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
More variations on a sporting theme
My dear people: I apologize for my tardiness in posting. And for the repetitious nature of my theme here, but two events, one in each of the past two days, has fired up the ol' thinking-cap atop my cranium.
First, the Eric Tillman saga. From what apparently little I have gleaned on the subject, I do think that the judgement in the case is acceptable. I am personally still in a state of shock that he plead guilty, and in this regard, I feel he has lost credibility in the behavioural demands of his players. It's what he was brought in to do in Saskatchewan: clean up the "gangsta" culture that was prevalent in Riderville. Now that he has pleaded guilty on a sexual assault charge, it doesn't matter the hows and whys of such a plea: how can he administer discipline on any player for any misdeeds outside of the game? This is a major part of his job, which I feel he cannot continue to do under the circumstances. He is a great football mind, very likely a great person who made a mistake. Sadly, this mistake inhibits his ability to do his job, in my view.
Secondly, my home city of Saskatoon hosted the 2010 version of the World Junior Hockey Championship. I challenge all Canadians to admit to this fact: of the "trilogy" of Canada/USA Jr. clashes, tonight's 6-5 overtime victory by the USA was the best of the bunch. The fact that our boys did not win this installment should not deter from the absolutely jaw-dropping exhibition of fabulous hockey that was on display. Both teams played extremely hard, skilled, and determined hockey. I watched this game with my Mom, and she noted that there really was no threat of a fight in the game! How about that: amazing clean entertainment to boot!
First, an admission on my part. I typically gain more enjoyment from the US losing in anything than I do from Canada winning the same. It really struck me this afternoon that I wouldn't be terribly upset by losing this game to the Americans. Why? Those kids spent their entire time in Saskatoon exuding the highest level of class, dignity and respect on every level. I admire that. Without doubt, a small part of me thought they deserved a gold medal simply for this. And now that they have won World Jr. gold, I am quite proud that we have turned over the crown to such a worthy opponent. Bravo Team USA! May you continue to embrace the graciousness that won over this Canadian hockey fan!
First, the Eric Tillman saga. From what apparently little I have gleaned on the subject, I do think that the judgement in the case is acceptable. I am personally still in a state of shock that he plead guilty, and in this regard, I feel he has lost credibility in the behavioural demands of his players. It's what he was brought in to do in Saskatchewan: clean up the "gangsta" culture that was prevalent in Riderville. Now that he has pleaded guilty on a sexual assault charge, it doesn't matter the hows and whys of such a plea: how can he administer discipline on any player for any misdeeds outside of the game? This is a major part of his job, which I feel he cannot continue to do under the circumstances. He is a great football mind, very likely a great person who made a mistake. Sadly, this mistake inhibits his ability to do his job, in my view.
Secondly, my home city of Saskatoon hosted the 2010 version of the World Junior Hockey Championship. I challenge all Canadians to admit to this fact: of the "trilogy" of Canada/USA Jr. clashes, tonight's 6-5 overtime victory by the USA was the best of the bunch. The fact that our boys did not win this installment should not deter from the absolutely jaw-dropping exhibition of fabulous hockey that was on display. Both teams played extremely hard, skilled, and determined hockey. I watched this game with my Mom, and she noted that there really was no threat of a fight in the game! How about that: amazing clean entertainment to boot!
First, an admission on my part. I typically gain more enjoyment from the US losing in anything than I do from Canada winning the same. It really struck me this afternoon that I wouldn't be terribly upset by losing this game to the Americans. Why? Those kids spent their entire time in Saskatoon exuding the highest level of class, dignity and respect on every level. I admire that. Without doubt, a small part of me thought they deserved a gold medal simply for this. And now that they have won World Jr. gold, I am quite proud that we have turned over the crown to such a worthy opponent. Bravo Team USA! May you continue to embrace the graciousness that won over this Canadian hockey fan!
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