A Joyful Day
What an extraordinary day to start my blog. The rescue of the Chilean Miners began this morning and is still going on now.
“A flash of global joy.”
I love this phrase, in the Guardian today, referring to the ongoing rescue operation. It certainly is a joyful event to watch and although repetitive, I could watch it for many more hours. Joy at Camp Hope.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2010/oct/13/chilean-miners-rescue-why-global-euphoria
Liverpool FC
RBS won their court action against Tom Hicks and George Gillett, giving some hope to Liverpool FC fans that new owners may soon be in charge and the club’s fortunes could be turned around. Now that Hicks and Gillett are unable to legally block the sale to NESV which the board recommended, I wonder if the board will push it through or have another look at the increased bid from Singapore Billionaire, Peter Lim. Many fans don’t really care as long as Hicks and Gillett go.
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2010/10/03/liverpool-fc-ownership-protest-picture-gallery-100252-27393833/
Irony
It has been pointed out to me that on Margaret Thatcher’s birthday it is ironic to see news pictures of Scousers and Miners all cheering. This also makes me feel joyful.
Language Learning and Fair Trade
I am learning Spanish at the moment in evening classes. It is interesting to me that in a class of 10, half own property in Spain. Some enjoy peace and quiet in the mountains, others a periodic ex-pat lifestyle in areas dominated by English people. It’s interesting to hear their stories and discussions on car hire, and food and Spanish friends. As I have family living in Tenerife, I hope to learn more of the similarities and differences between the Canary Islands and mainland Spain.
Language lessons are great exercise for the mind and I find it very therapeutic, although tiring. Having taught English myself, I also enjoy observing different teaching methods and especially the increasing use of the internet in language learning and teaching. I have recently read about Fair Trade Language Teaching. What a fantastic idea, being able to learn and practise with native speakers and put money directly into their pockets and local economies. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-11286290