July 29, 2010

How a Bra and a Joint Venture Led to Nat

Posted by TaKeysha Sheppard Cheney under Uncategorized
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How a Bra and a Joint Venture Led to National Media Coverage : Nobody says no to Janet Powers, founder of the Diva … http://wp.me/pz7DH-yR

 

July 26, 2010

How a Bra and a Joint Venture Led to National Media Coverage

Posted by mliepelt under Uncategorized
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Nobody says no to Janet Powers, founder of the Diva Toolbox. When Janet asked Helen Reddy for an interview on her radio show, Across the Kitchen Table with Janet, Reddy agreed. Helen Reddy, as you may recall, is a ’70s pop icon whose hit song “I Am Woman” is enjoying a reprise in “Sex and the City 2.”

In the interview, Reddy makes some rather racy remarks about Madonna and seemed to blame her for not being able to find a bra.

When Philip Recchia, Director of Programming for BlogTalkRadio, found out about Janet’s interview with Reddy on her show which is aired on Diva Toolbox Radio Network and powered by Blog Talk Radio, he was impressed. Reddy hadn’t done many, if any, interviews in the U.S. for years. He quickly contacted Janet. One thing lead to another, and The New York Post ran the story as the lead today on page 6.

In terms of the article in the New York Post, Madonna’s representation was quick to respond. You can see the full article here: http://www.nypost.com/p/pagesix/helen_bra_vado_over_madge_2PaPLEKfpcUM2yyjzvm9PL

PR doesn’t come much bigger than this: The New York Post, Madonna and Helen Reddy. It’s amazing coverage for a woman running an international business from her home office in Boston. I would guess that Janet will be fielding calls for days, maybe even months, about this – which will lead to even more media coverage. Not bad Janet. Not bad at all!

In a nutshell: Janet’s joint venture with Blog Talk Radio led to national publicity. Are you leveraging your partnerships, too?

By the way, you may be interested in having your own radio show on Diva Toolbox Radio Network with me and hundreds of others. To find out more details, head to http://www.DivaToolbox.com.

If you’re interested in raising you own celebrity profile by using PR and other strategies, contact me today to get on the VIP List for my upcoming program called The Virtual Raise Your Celebrity Profile Success Circle.

© 2010 Meredith Liepelt, Rich Life Marketing

Meredith Liepelt, President of Rich Life Marketing, offers a free report called “101 Ways to Attract Ideal Clients, Build Your List and Raise Your Profile,” which can be downloaded immediately at www.RichLifeMarketing.com.

This article may be reprinted when the copyright and author bio are included. 

 

July 22, 2010

When Is It Ever Appropriate To Use The Speakerphone?

Posted by TaKeysha Sheppard Cheney under Career Development, Keys to Entrepreneurial Success, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , |
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I called a person not too long ago to respond to an email that was written. Since it is so critical to utilize our verbal communication skills, before we lose them to social media, I wanted to reach and have a good ole conversation.

Well, the discussion was in-depth, getting to the root of the problem and solutions were quickly being identified when all of a sudden, the person put me on speakerphone. I thought my head would blow off from the lack of tact and respect the other person had.  As you can probably tell, this is a thorn in my side as it relates to business etiquette. I don’t believe that society understands the proper etiquette for when to use or not use the speakerphone. Before I tell you the “when to”, let me share with you the “why not.”

1. When not to use the speakerphone: When a person has to press the speakerphone button while on the phone, it is usually because they are multi-tasking and they aren’t able to give their full attention to the other person. This is disrespectful and you should probably excuse yourself and ask if you can call them back. This person is easily distracted and they are trying to put out too many fires.

One should never use speaker phone when the other party has not been informed of the sudden echo noise in the background. And never put someone on speakerphone when someone else is in the room without the party knowing about it first. Talk about obtrusive and unpolished!

2.When to use the speakerphone: When there is a meeting and not all parties are able to physically attend the meeting and they may have to dial in, then use the speaker phone. Or, if you are physically challenged and you are unable to hold the phone. These are exceptions to the rule.

How to use the speakerphone: The proper speakerphone etiquette is to always ask for permission if you must put someone on speakerphone and when you do, do so briefly. The entire conversation should not be on speakerphone. Doing this encourages the opportunity for miscommunication, mistakes and lack of clarity.

Solution: Don’t answer the phone when you are busy. Allow the call to go to voicemail and find time to speak with them when you won’t be interrupted. Send an invite to schedule a phone call, turn away from your computer, look into a mirror, smile and enjoy the conversation that could ultimately add some wisdom to your bag.

I share with you my pet peeve in the business world. What pet peeves do you have that could help others?

Happy Relationship Building!
Yvette Alexander Slate
www.carriedthebag.com

 

July 16, 2010

For These Young Women, ‘Death Is Not An

Posted by TaKeysha Sheppard Cheney under Uncategorized
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For These Young Women, ‘Death Is Not An Option’ http://ow.ly/2cmcR #women

 

July 11, 2010

Kelley Griesmer – The New Fashionista: A Woman of Style and Substance

Posted by imageanu4u under Collective for Women Magazine
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In the June edition of the Collective for Women Magazine (a publication of The Women’s Book that is distributed in the Columbus, Ohio area), we presented In Her Closet – an article featuring the fabulous Kelley Griesmer that gives readers a glimpse inside her closet, passion for fashion, career path, and community work. Given that space is limited in the printed publication, we promised to give you more of the interview via the TWB Blog. The article truly only offered you a glimpse inside the world of this fabulous woman. Below you will find more of both the discussion and behind-the-scenes footage of the photo shoot taken on location “in her closet”. Enjoy!

Kelley Griesmer is truly a woman to be admired. From Class Salutatorian, to honor graduate with a double major in journalism and history, to Phi Beta Kappa and JD (with honors) from the Moritz College of Law, to Clerk at the Ohio Supreme Court, to  partner at a prestigious law firm, to Director of Operations for a nonprofit that raises money for cancer research. In addition she serves as a Board Member for both The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio and CHOICES, all while being a wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. And she does it all while wearing the most fabulous shoes, carrying the best handbags, with a closet that most fashionistas would envy. Kelley Griesmer represents the epitome of a woman of Substance and Style!

Not only is she a woman who has given of her time, talents and treasures to our community, but she is also a woman who most would describe as incredibly funny with great “energy” and a heart for those in need. Kelley is an accomplished attorney who made the decision to do a total career change and leave the lucrative world of litigation to serve as the Director of Operations for Pelotonia – a new nonprofit that raises money for cancer research through an annual bike race that draws approximately 2,000+ riders each year.

     While “in her closet,” we discussed Kelley’s delicate dance to juggle work, family, and community and how she manages to look so great while managing it all. 

About her passion and how she finds fulfillment through work and community service involvement:

Probably sounds trite but I am passionate about improving people’s lives especially by helping empower people to take control of themselves and their surroundings.  Even though they all have very different ultimate missions, Pelotonia, The Women’s Fund and Choices all share that common theme of empowering people and improving lives.  Pelotonia empowers the community to unite and fight cancer by directly funding the research that will eventually lead to cures.  The Women’s Fund empowers women and girls to build life skills, become financially independent and become leaders in the community despite the obstacles that society may place in their way.  CHOICES empowers women to break the cycle of domestic violence in their lives.

Her work at Pelotonia. What is it? Why is it important? How can we, as a community, be supportive of it?

Pelotonia is a grassroots bike tour with one goal: to end cancer. Pelotonia proudly directs  100% of the funds raised to innovative, life-saving cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solve Research Institute.   In its inaugural year, 2,265 riders rode in Pelotonia and raised over $4.5 million for cancer research. Supporting Pelotonia is easy – you can ride, donate or volunteer. The entire cost of maintaining Pelotonia’s operating expenses is underwritten by generous sponsors. Our major sponsors include Huntington, Limited brands Foundation and Peggy and Richard Santulli. Pelotonia is important to the community because cancer research efforts are historically underfunded meaning that groundbreaking treatments and ultimately cures are unnecessarily delayed.  With the additional funding raised by Pelotonia, researchers will break new ground faster which in turn saves more lives.   

 How she views her own personal image and style as she serves as the “face of” Pelotonia?

My personal image and style has definitely evolved since I came to Pelotonia. We believe we are human billboards for Pelotonia so we try to convey the same differentiated message with our style as we do with our branding.  The good news is that when you are conveying a message of hope, energy and determination, that leaves a lot of room for imagination!  My old business suits have definitely gone out the window and there are a lot more jeans in my closet but I can still wear the heels!

How she describes her sense of style:

This is a tough one!  I haven’t every really tried to describe my sense of style before, but I think I always try to be creative and pulled together at the same time.  And I always like a little bit of an edge – a dramatic heel or some bold jewelry.  I always wanted to be a rock star, so you’ve got to throw a little glam in for good measure.

How she manages to maintain her sense of style on a budget:   

Though I have definitely had to rein in my wardrobe budget since I changed careers, I can’t say that I shop any less.  I just have to be more thoughtful about it and fight the urge to make impulse purchases.  My Mom is a bargain hunter extraordinaire so I grew up learning the tricks of the deal-hunting trade and those skills have served me well.  If given the time, I can scour a TJ Maxx or a Filene’s Basement for hours.  I also LOVE the new sample sale sites like Gilt Group, RueLaLa, and Hautelook.  If you know the designers you like and can remember to get on-line at the right time, you can find some amazing deals.  I also get daily emails from Salemail which tells me when some of my favorite stores or favorite designers have items on sale.  I hoard every coupon and discount card that my favorite retailers send and I carry a Nordstrom Visa that pays me back in store gift certificates several times a year.   So needless to say, I find plenty of opportunities to update my wardrobe without breaking the bank.

Her favorite designers and tips on designer discount shopping:

I am a huge fan of Diane Von Furstenberg.  I also like Tory Burch, Vivienne Tam and Vince.  For t-shirts and cottons, I am absolutely addicted to Splendid.  Jeans – I love William Rast, Seven for All Mankind and Lucky Brand.  Shoes – I think the gold standard is Christian Louboutin but sadly you really can’t get much of a deal on those if they’re real. I love my Missoni heels and will have to go into therapy when I finally have to retire them. I have a couple of pairs of multi-colored Missoni heels that I got on clearance at DSW.  Between the two of them, they go with practically everything I own and they are shockingly comfortable, so I can throw them on with virtually any outfit and they pull it all together. For every day, Via Spiga makes some great, comfortable heels and on weekends, it’s hard to beat a pair of Havaianas or Converse sneakers. As for retail, I love Nordstrom, BCBG, Anthropologie, Banana Republic and J Crew.  I make a point of hitting sales when they happen, especially Nordstrom Half Yearly Sales and Saks after the holidays or mid-summer (great deals on designer shoes).  And it goes without saying that you must have a DSW member card!  I have gotten some seriously outlandish deals in there.

As the old saying goes “One [wo]man’s trash is another [wo]man’s treasure”, what organizations do you share your old (vintage) clothing items with?

I always donate my most business-like items to New Directions Career Center.  Otherwise, I send my things to Goodwill and I hope maybe someone will find that item they never thought they would see there.

To learn more about Pelotonia, or to sign up to ride, visit them on the web at www.pelotonia.org.

To pick up your complimentary copy of the Columbus area edition of The Women’s Book’s Collective for Women Magazine, or purchase a mail order subscription click here.

Kudos to Kelley,  a true fashionista of style AND substance!

Live passionately,

Toni Cunningham, Principal

Image Anu, LLC

 

July 6, 2010

Osteoporosis – The Other Disease

Posted by Ngozi Osuagwu, MD under Women's Health | Tags: , , |
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Dr. Ngozi Osuagwu

Most times when during discussions about diseases that affect women, all we hear about are breast cancer and heart disease. However, there is a disease that will affect at least fifty percent of women who live past the age of 50 years. 

Osteoporosis is a disease in which the bones become fragile and more likely to break. If not prevented, or if left untreated, osteoporosis can progress painlessly until a bone breaks. These broken bones occur typically in the hip, spine and wrist. Hip fractures require surgery and can impair your ability to walk. It may cause permanent disability and even death. Spinal fractures can cause loss of height, severe back pain, and deformity.

What are we do to about this ailment that affects one of every two women older than fifty years in the remaining periods of their life?  There are five steps to bone health and osteoporosis prevention that can help all women at any age.
  • Proper Nutrition  Get your daily recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin D. If you are under the age of 50, you want at least 1000 mg of calcium daily and 400 – 800 IU of vitamin D. If you are over 50, you want at least 1200 mg of calcium and 800 – 1,000 IU of vitamin D.
  • Exercise  Engage in regular weight-bearing and muscle strengthening exercises. Examples of these exercises include yoga, Pilates, weight training, walking, jogging, running, jump roping, and dancing.
  • Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle  Avoid smoking, street drugs and excessive alcoholic beverage intake.
  • Talk to your Physician  Discuss your bone health with your physician during your annual gynecological exams and physical exams.  
  • Get Tested  Have a bone density test performed and take medicines, if necessary.

If you are over 50 and menopausal, you can take the questionnaire FRAX (WHO Fracture Risk Assessment tool) to find out your 10 year risk of having a fracture – www.shef.ac.uk/FRAX. For more information on the topic of this blog, please visit the National Osteoporosis Foundation website at www.nof.org.

 

July 3, 2010

Intentions, not habits, make parades!

Posted by careerowners under Career Development, Workplace Issues | Tags: , , , |
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Spent part of the morning at the Upper Arlington (UA) Fourth of July parade:

Janine Moon

it’s an annual staple and the biggest non-commercial parade in the U.S. (or at least it used to be) My daughter and I have walked 3 blocks to the parade route every year for 21 years, and sat on the same corner: Northwest Boulevard and Barrington Road.

UA Golden Bear

Some things surrounding this event are so familiar: timbits from Tim Horton’s before we go; chairs on the same street corners, set out at least 2 days before; little American flags distributed by Boy Scouts before the parade; the tattered-looking fife and drummers leading the parade; everyone standing as the American flags pass by; veterans of every war since WWII riding in vehicles driven by younger vets; class reunion groups on flatbed trucks; neighborhood floats; the huge UA “golden bear” pulled and turned by Civic Association members; and bands, bicycles, Shriner’s cars, and an OSU Alumni TBDBITL. Such makes the Fourth a celebration at home. It’s comfortable, easy and–for my family–what makes the day an event. It’s become our habit to attend.

Habits are familiar; are they intentional?

While the Fourth comes around each year, the floats, bands and other entries take a special effort and don’t come around without considerable effort. Someone–likely many–make the decision and special effort each year to be part of the parade. My point is that it’s a conscious decision. The “date” is the familiar, the automatic; the “parade” and the resulting celebration is the intentional.

So much of life and especially work is like that–work weeks come around one day at a time–and we go, habitually and timely but with little or no intention. We put in the time, do what we must and then leave–only to do the same tomorrow. Wouldn’t it be cool if there were more celebration–every day?


To whose drummer do you march?

So which part of your (work) day belongs to the drummer in you? When do you do those things that tap your talents, that make you proud of the work you do? How do you ensure that at least some of every day you intentionally use your talents? That you contribute your best that day because you’re using the strengths you’ve developed and honed? This takes intention.

Or, are you marching to a drummer with a beat you don’t recognize? So you can pay the bills at the expense of your pride, satisfaction and efficacy? This takes habit.

Satisfy both

Contrary to much popular belief, you don’t need to give up one for the other. You can earn a living while doing work you love–that is, work that uses your talents–when you approach it intentionally.

The intentional part takes some work, too. It won’t happen when you wait around for your manager to recognize the great job you’re doing and promote you out of the department. It won’t happen when you wait for someone to give you a career path. It won’t happen by staying low so no one will notice you during times of “expense control.”

It does happen when you stay alert to changes in your organization’s strategies. It happens when you volunteer for projects where you can learn new things. It happens when you approach an experienced colleague who can show you some new ropes. It happens when you try something different with a customer that works better than the old way. It happens when you become responsible for being intentional.

So when will you choose to lead the parade?

Janine’s recent book, Career Ownership: Creating ‘Job Security’ in Any Economy is now available on Amazon.

 

June 30, 2010

Ten Ways to Increase Your Visibility in 15 Minutes or Less

Posted by mliepelt under Uncategorized
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Everyone is stretched for time these days. Yet, you’re smart enough to realize that you need to spend time marketing your business. Here are some quick things you can do to get some momentum as you work on more involved ways to raise your profile and build your brand.

  • Write and Distribute Press Announcements. I call these announcements “little media darlings” because these 3-4 sentence announcements are published frequently in local and regional business papers, associations and trade publications under the “People on the Move” sections. Send your company news and headshot in at least once a month.
  • Domain Names. Buy any and all that you think you will use. At the very least, buy your name and business name. Hot Domain Name Alert: .TV is the next big thing. Internet and television are merging. If you are on the cutting edge, secure your URL with .tv today, even if you don’t have an idea for an online TV show today. Some experts say that in the near future, having an online TV show will be the same “norm” as having a web site.
  • Put Some Oomph Into Your Email Signature Line. Use this valuable real estate to promote your free report on your web site or an upcoming event. Change it frequently so it doesn’t get boring and overlooked.
  • Voice Mail: Use your outgoing voicemail message to brand yourself. People get to experience you through your voice, so don’t just blow it off as if it doesn’t matter. Keep it short but tell people who you are, what your web site is, office hours, how to reach you immediately if it’s urgent, and when they can expect to hear back from you. I have these elements in my outgoing message and get compliments on it every week.
  • Connect Others: Be willing to connect others even if it has nothing to do with your business. What goes around, comes around.
  • Extend Invitations: Call a client or potential client and encourage them to attend an event you’re attending or buy their ticket. This way, you get to be in front of them again in a non-threatening way, even if they can’t attend.
  • Offer Your Input. Find one or two blogs that are created to offer information to your ideal clients. If they have “ask the expert” sections, offer your articles and how-to advice. If they don’t have “ask the expert” sections, make the suggestion and offer to provide them with the content. Also, make comments on one or two blogs that are visited by your ideal clients. This will make you very visible, very quickly!
  • Collect Testimonials. Facts tell. Stories sell. Testimonials are success stories about your products and services. Collect written, audio and video testimonials regularly and post them on your web site, include them in your newsletter, add them to your blog or promote your clients’ successes in social media.
  • Give Testimonials. Providing results-based testimonials is great way of expanding your visibility. Of course, you should only provide testimonials for businesses you honestly feel deserve a raving testimonial. If you wrote only one a month, you’d have 12 other businesses promoting you after a year. Mark Victor Hansen does this regularly. At one time, it was hard to pick up a self-help book without the endorsement from him. Recently, I’ve noticed that he does a lot more with video endorsements. So get your Mark Victor Hansen on and share praise for great products, services and programs you experience.
  • Ask for Referrals. This is a funny one. Some businesses rely solely on this tactic while others completely ignore it. It’s important to ask for referrals regularly but not to base your entire business on someone else’s efforts.

If you have a little more time, try these visibility boosters:

  • Update Your Head Shot. Have at least one great headshot. The new trend, particularly in social media, is to have a photo in an outdoor setting. You will also want a traditional one with a white background, but consider your personal brand. Are you more of a traditional person who loves fleur de lis or are you a spiky haired person with tattoos? Embrace your personal brand and let that shine through. No more “high school graduation” photos please. Consider doing a full body photo as well or sit in a chair in a setting that emphasizes your brand.
  • Interview a Celebrity in Your Industry. Draw major attention to your business by conducting an interview with a well-known expert in your industry. Think it’s impossible to book a well-known expert? Think again. Even well-known experts are looking for increased exposure and to expand their reach. If you can deliver a live or virtual audience who is interested in their topic, they want to hear from you. And your ideal clients will take notice and associate you with them.

Don’t get overwhelmed by these suggestions. Raising your profile can be done by taking baby steps. One baby step after the next builds and extends your reach, profile and influence. I realize that many of these suggestions aren’t ground-breaking ideas. However, are you doing them? Are you maximizing the potential of all of these simple things? Great transformation happens when you take one baby step after the next.

If you’ve already done all of these things and you’re ready to do even more, you will want to check out my new coaching program below, the Raise Your Celebrity Profile Success Circle.

© 2010 Meredith Liepelt, Rich Life Marketing

Meredith Liepelt, President of Rich Life Marketing, offers a free report called “101 Ways to Attract Ideal Clients, Build Your List and Raise Your Profile,” which can be downloaded immediately at www.RichLifeMarketing.com.

 

June 26, 2010

Hugh Grant..and Other Fearful Men

Posted by hcorna under International Blogging, Keys to Entrepreneurial Success, Making Connections | Tags: , , , |
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Naturally, I sometimes wonder if being a strong successful woman scares men away. I thought hard about this recently after a good looking British guy friend of mine whom I highly respect responded to my future plans in shock, “Guys must not know what to do with you”. I repelled with concern.

In today’s world, where information and options are more readily available for the taking, people are becoming more global and the societal definition of a man and woman relationship has changed drastically, yet still the image of woman as a mother will subsist.

With my mind full of thoughts, I pushed this one to the side temporarily as within the same week, I had the great pleasure to be invited to a dinner at the home of Sue Suh. I had mentioned Sue in a previous blog as a mentor and dear friend of mine who serves on the board of The Kind Exchange. As all eight ladies invited to the dinner party made entry to the quaint Asian apartment of Sues, the frequency of sound immediately vibrated off the walls interrupting the conversation you were having. I embraced it. Any “normal” man would have been fearful.

Around a dinner table of steamed scallops and salmon, strawberry and spinach salad, and cous cous, we shared stories with sorrow and laughter, laughter mostly dominating. Amongst us, a published author, a television presenter, a diplomat, a global defender of fair trials and legal rights, a jazz singer and musician and combined volunteers and entrepreneurs. Stories ranged from exploring schools in estranged villages of Vietnam, to frustrating love affairs between interns, to working the rice fields of the Philippines.

Even though the context of our experiences may appear difficult to imagine and relate to, our feelings are still the same. Mostly American, we were all women facing the same obstacles in life all women face: love, career, family and more.

Despite an ear infection I carried being at its peak, I couldn’t help but reflect on an evening of fabulous women. Of all of their wonderful inspiring stories and energy, the one thing I found myself pondering at the end of the night was, how did all these women find their way here? I think the answer is their prioritization of their passions as a means to pursue what they find makes them happy.

Whether it be fighting hunger and poverty in a third world country or sharing your faith and how it relates in today’s world of dating, what make these women successful are their ability to focus their energy from 9-5pm on what it is that interests them.

Believe it or not, I resort to a quote from Sex and the City (I). (Some who know me best may not believe that I am quoting Sex and the City, but those who know me even better know that I try to take something from everything, and this is what I took from that film). In the final scene, Sarah Jessica Parker, compares women to horses:

“Some women aren’t meant to be tamed. Maybe they just need to run free til they find someone just as wild to run with them.”

With that, I feel more settled despite my guy friend’s comment saying that guys must not know what to do with me. It is not a matter of doing anything with us. The women I admire are happy in their lives, not because they we are “dealt with”, but rather they keep strong to being themselves and exert energy to find what resonates with their happiness. My thought from the dinner: We should not change who we are to be loved, but to find who we are in order to love and be loved in truth.

 

June 21, 2010

Soccer vs. Football? Tie vs. Draw? Beckham vs. Ronaldo?

Posted by hcorna under Cheers!, Events, For Fun, International Blogging, Out & About | Tags: , , , |
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Painted roaring faces hide the color that usually distinguishes race from race. Vibrant flags drift backs of chairs and bodies claim the reign to that of which they each call pride. It is the 2010 World Cup and nothing compares to this.

Back home in the U.S., “Soccer” is mainly popular in the Northeastern and Midwest states from Indiana over to Connecticut and down to Virginia. Comparatively, this does not account for much of the fifty states. The more west you go in the United States, the less prevalence the soccer has in school sports culture.

Having lived abroad for three years, I feel a duty to now switch from using the word, “Soccer” to “Football” as it is the word recognized worldwide. Furthermore, I also fear for my demise as my English friends may exterminate me with their banter.

For USA’s first game versus England, I found myself on a beach vacation in Malaysia with fifteen or more British fans. Originally my British roommate, Jodie, and I were each supposed to bring our country’s flag to wear for the game. Given that we were best friends and roommates, we had hoped to show a kind-hearted form of competition. When Jodie forgot to get a flag in time before we left, I just looked like the typical prideful and boisterous American.

Ignoring the howls from the other Europeans on the beach, I flaunted the flag all night, indeed full of pride. When the game kicked off at 2:30am Singapore time, I was exhausted but adamant to cheer for my country as the only American on the tiny Malaysian island beach . About twenty of us sat in a tiny room and built our own bleachers-like seats so all could view the flat screen TV. There, we sat in the back of the beach bar watching the 2010 World Cup while overlooking the South China Sea. Together, Malaysian, British, French and Americans simultaneously kicked off playful discourse.

When England scored, the crowd was untamed. All I could do was sit and accept it with dignity. I tried to tease them by jokingly kissing the TV screen with David Beckham was shown, but that seemed to make matters worse (And I don’t even like Beckham! I prefer Ronaldo). After thirty minutes of unbearable ridicule, I decided to call it a night. Again, I’m generally a sensitive person and tend to take British literally although their humor usually is not meant to be.

Unfortunately, I woke up the next morning to find I missed the USA goal and that the end results were in our favor. It ended in a tie, or as I was later informed of the proper term, Draw or Null . But by this time, all the banter from the night before could not be found and the guys kept a distance from facing the situation. However, a couple of them surprised me, approaching me with laughs saying, “Impressive game; USA surprised us.” I’m not sure what’s going to happen next game versus Algeria because they seem to like us.

Where nationalities live as neighbors and language dialects separate cultures in Singapore, the game of Football squander these factors of life. Race, religion and nationality suddenly take a rest on the bench for a while and love and friendship are the starter lineup. Granted, citizens will verbally defend their team until the end, as the clock strikes 90 minutes we’re all friends again.

The World Cup undoubtedly does something no other sport in the world does. Some call it Soccer; Some football. Some tie; some draw. Some Beckham; Some Ronaldo. Despite the strong and sometimes scary protectionist actions, it is all good fun in the end as the game is representative of more than that. Football has the ability to bring people together with one common interest, and for a short period of time distract us from all the hatred and concerns in the world between or within countries.

 

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