This was the scene today on several overpasses in Toronto as Pte. Jonathan Couturier, 23, was brought home.

The 131st Canadian soldier to die in the Afghan war.

I get so angry every time I hear these stories. People's children, friends, brothers and sisters, parents, husbands and wives are dying and what for?

While driving underneath the bridges where all the people lined up, I felt incredibly angry mainly because the dead soldiers can't appreciate the love and support that people are showing them now. Then I thought about the families and all the people affected. How terrible must they feel at times like these? How do they continue after the flags have been returned to full mass?

Now, I'm just sad and speechless.

To the families:

Manchester United won the Manchester derby very controversially as the referee added extra minutes to 'extra time' to allow Manchester to squeeze out a dubious victory. 'Watch-checking' Ferguson, for the umpteenth time wasn't checking his watch when the pendulum swung his way; yes I’m saying it, he's a damn hypocrite and I smell politics.
What are the headlines though? No headlines mention the ref....nor are there any articles about the wronged coach's feelings about being cheated and bullied by the 'superpower'.
No, there are no white flags about scandal and no conspiracy theories. Instead the media push the fact that it was 'yet another' scintillating match, which showcased the supposed 'best league in the world' at its best.

America is a developing country as far as football knowledge and fanaticism is concerned. What is the impression that they get of, for instance the Serie A?

Answer: A league where scandal and simply put cheating is ubiquitous. Where coaches complain, players dive and referees again, just CHEAT.

Why do they get this impression?

Is it that the Calcio is really so overrun by corruption and scandal?
As much as I would like to put it squarely on the Italian media, it is them coupled with the English media that leads to this second hand and misguided impression being spread like the plague. Even beyond the ignorance of the 'Americans', there's the ignorance of the casual football fan. All they have to do is put their TV on for one weekend or go to soccernet.com once, and I can guarantee a host of clichéd not to mention archaic and unfounded positions of the EPL being the best, and the Serie A being defensive, and La Liga just being technical with no strength etc etc.

Cristiano Ronaldo left the premiership; he was widely considered tied best with Leo Messi if not the best player in the world for the last 2 or 3 years. He has gone to La Liga and all of a sudden, guess what? ROONEY is the best player in the world; according to English pundits. Now as much as it is delusional and ludicrous, it is also admirable; in that, the English stand behind their players. They hail their performances, and use any opportunity to highlight the progression of their unbalanced league (if you haven't guessed it by now, I STRENUOUSLY disagree with the English league being the best league).
They talk about La Liga being a two horse race, and Calcio being on decline (with Calciopoli and all), and then shovel this 'best league' talk, to anyone who has ears (quick side conspiracy: have you realized the dominance in the Champion's League by the English was coupled with the very same Calciopoli scandal?..nobody noticed?...wonder why?).



My point: The responsibility of the media should be beyond just stirring controversy. They are responsible for advertising and showcasing globally the brand of football in their respective countries. Maybe it’s because I don't speak Spanish that I don’t hear about them, but for some reason Italians speak clear English into my ears; helping spread the same fecal matter by highlighting only negatives (minus Diego who is the only shining light apparently), week in week out. Cultural? Maybe, but more so just bad business sense, and a backward mentality of everyone being an island (I can do the ref's job better than him, I can do the coaches job better than him, I can play better than Zlatan).

Calcio media do not attempt to advertise the high points nor showcase the talent that is ever present on a WEEKLY basis. Instead they keep interviewing Mourinho, and talking about referee bias, and conspiracy theories. Meanwhile mother England shovel this 'best league' moniker with no one stopping them; like stealing candy from a baby.

credit to www.dailymail.co.uk for picture

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Dr3's Uefa has started and so has my Gossip Girl! It's my guilty pleasure and the only TV I can manage to follow while keeping such a busy schedule. I'd like to go over a few of the highlights before the drama starts up again on Monday.

First off, what in the world was all that game playing Chuck and Blair were doing? The beginning of the episode turned my stomach when Chuck brought that chick home. Only to find out that the two of them planned to humiliate the girl. I think their final decision to role play was a much better choice, since they love to play games. Those two need help!

My heart goes out to Serena, who is going through such trouble to get her father's attention. I personally think she needs to get over it! But then again, that wouldn't make for good TV. But hooking up with Cristiano Ronaldo?! Really S?? (maybe Dr3 might be interested in watching now!) NOT.

Then Dan lies to his bestie Vanessa who is dating his half brother that he doesn't know about! Hahaha!!! Twisted right? Well that's Gossip Girl for ya.

Dan and the Humphrey clan are now filthy rich. I never thought that he would have made such a 180 from his usual trash talk about the rich kids of the Upper East Side. I hope he doesn't forget where he came from.

And Nate's dissent from his grandfather is getting old! He should know by now that his grandfather is a schemer. I hope he learns sooner rather than later.

Watch episode number 2 on Monday at 9 ET on the CW!

I promise to complete all my readings prior to watching the show.



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I'd like to share my discoveries and progress as a hobby photographer with you.

One post. One photo. One description. Everyday!

It's Back! Nothing long, no explanation needed, my first love is back.See you @ 2:45 on Fox Soccer Channel babe..ok? :D

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Greatness. Listen here.

Album bought. Get yours!

Although I'm allergic, I just couldn't help myself! They smiled, sat up, rolled over, and yawned for the camera. The easiest subjects to shoot thus far.

Meet Ginger and Spud.

xoxo,
SJ


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I should be finishing my readings for class tomorrow, but I really really need to get this out and hear some opinions on this topic.

Since when is it okay to act out? Serena and Kanye both went off this weekend and I'm pretty saddened by the poor judgment they displayed.

Check out Kanye at the VMAs tonight:

**The video has been removed by Youtube**

For those that aren't familiar with the term "brougtupsy" (pronounced bráw tùpsee) let me explain. It's a term describing the way in which a person was raised or the lack of manners they were taught at a young age in a pretty negative way. It's a common West Indian or Caribbean term used to describe someone's lack of tact or common decency. Look it up here.

From what I know of these two and their upbringing, I'm almost certain they were taught better behavior than they displayed in these instances. What kills me is that I am a huge fan of both of them, but I really feel like they could have handled themselves differently. I don't support their behavior and agree with the consequences that may follow.

In Serena's situation her outburst resulted in her losing the opportunity to defend her title in the finals, which is a costly lost on her part. **Update: Did you know she's being fined $10,000 for her "unsportsmanlike conduct" and an additional $500 for "racquet abuse" — she threw her racquet at the end of the first set.** Kanye on the other hand, will most likely continue on with little to no penalty.

Granted, he was right; Beyonce did have the best video, but is that the way to share your opinion? I'm pretty sure they will stop inviting him to the VMAs altogether. (or maybe invite him to everything just to stir the pot?) It was just plain disrespectful! I'm aware that Serena's foot-faults were called throughout the whole tournament; a call rarely made. And I'm also aware that she was in the heat of the game, where there is a chance to lose sight of the decent and professional way of handling a bad call. I've been guilty of screaming obscenities in the middle of a match... BUT, does that make it OK?

NO!

I do love these two, but they need a swift kick IMO.

What do you think?

*Sam returns to her reading...*


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My dream last night was on a beach in Tobago...

Dr3 and I visited the island of Tobago 8 months ago. An amazing place Northeast of Dr3's home, Trinidad. It was the most amazing trip ever. The weather, the beaches, the people, the FOOD - all AMAZING!

One week in Tobago wasn't enough. Among the places I visited were: Store Bay, Grange Bay, Mount Irvine, Charlottesville, and of course the capital of Scarborough. We went on a tour of the whole island! Here are a few of my favorites from the trip, however, my suggestion is to visit for yourself to see exactly what I'm talking about.

Shandy sorrel with fish & chips!




he was hungry...




rough waters! haha...



us on new years eve @ Grange Bay

All photos taken by Dr3 and I.

How many of you hate when this happens?
I know I do... My iPod headphones are almost always tangled.

It could be considered lazy, but who cares. Sometimes it can take me a minute to read the time... Ha!

Time is money - ok!?



Made in Germany by Biegert & Funk. Check it out here.


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Two years after undergrad and I'm back in the classroom.


Today was all right. Met some cool people in my department and I won a raffle to the bookstore! After the horror stories I've heard about classmates in grad school being cut throat and conniving, I was relieved at the wholesomeness of the people I interacted with today. A lot of them seemed genuinely interested in what people had to say and very willing to help if they could. A huge reassurance because I really didn't want to have to get nasty! *blushes*

As for the professors, they seem just as friendly and willing to help as the classmates. What I don't understand is how I ended up with several pages of readings to complete and my classes haven't even started yet! I should have known because this is grad school and classes start tomorrow.

It's my BFF's birthday today!

Think about it people! Make a change if necessary.

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Source h25c4tdxpe

This may be a piece of cake to some of you, but to me it was close to rocket science.

Photoshop isn't something I'm accustomed to using to edit my pictures. I feel a picture shouldn't have to be altered too much. The fact that anything can be cropped and edited allows the person behind the camera to get lazy. I do have to admit though that Photoshop can give pictures a certain pop that some cameras just can't give. In this case my brother's tie is just the splash of color that this black and white shot needed.


What's your opinion? Do you prefer the original shot or the color splash version?

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!

SJ

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Today I went to visit my sister at Miami U. She had a pretty hectic schedule including classes, practice, and weights. Instead of sitting in her dorm room, I decided to head over to John W. Browne Equestrian Center to see the horses!

I met a member of Miami's Equestrian team. She is a student at Miami and told me that she's been riding for 18 years. I had a thousand questions and she answered every single one of them!

I also visited Miami Riding online and learned that Miami's Equestrian sports team competes in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association in the English Hunt Seat and Western disciplines.

Lilly!I think she likes getting her picture taken.
I was a little too scared to get closer than I did. She is a beautiful horse and seemed to listen very well. I really had nothing to worry about.

Nervous smile.
I caught the latter half of Sloane's practice, but was just in time to watch Madi and Ardy.


Riding is something I would like to learn how to do. If not for the sport itself, than for the fashion! Look at Sloane's fringe boots...

HOTNESS!
Thanks for your help ladies. Good luck with your upcoming season!


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I almost walked right into Detroit.























See... I told you it was a long walk. I think I'll ride my bike next time.

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