My life on PNN

Olympic fever?

It seems to me that unless your country is one that traditionally excels in the Olympics (China, the United States, Russia, etc), you stand little chance of accessing coverage of the Games. If you are lucky to get coverage, if you live in Asia, chances are it's not going to be of the hot ticket events that everyone is dying to watch (like gymnastics), but is more likely to be something along the lines of badminton and table tennis, sports that are taken very seriously in this part of the world.

I'm frustrated though, because you would think that in this age of internet, there would be myriad chances to watch the Games online. Indeed, NBC has advertised thousands of hours of coverage online, so that viewers can pick and choose what events they want to watch.

Only you have to be in the United States. And you have to have a PC, or a MacBook.

I know I'm not alone in being frustrated in the lack of access to events I really want to be watching, and it strikes me as downright bizarre that both Chinese television (CCTV) and sites like You Tube failed to anticipate the demand of those of us who want to watch and cannot. Had You Tube signed some sort of deal (I've read reports that they did, but the lack of footage available on the site attests to a different reality), I bet they would have made a small fortune on the Games. Or even NBC - if only they would realize that there are people OUTSIDE of the United States who would like access to online content - they too could have capitalized splendidly on their monopoly.

But since this didn't happen, I'm stuck with Olympic fever and no cure, and no more enthusiasm. For a world sporting event, I am truly and deeply disappointed.

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UEFA 2008 Final

The beautiful game has once again proven why exactly it is honored with that title. The final match of the tournament, between Germany and Spain, was yet another example from this excellent tournament of truly wonderful soccer.

There were a few rough moments, some not so nice moves (mostly by the German team), but all in all, it was a quality match on both sides. The Spaniards won, for the first time in forty-four years, and it's a truly awesome sight to behold. The sheer joy, glee, and exuberance showed by their side, both after their first (and only) goal was scored, and at the end of the match has completely endeared them to me. These men seem to have a genuine bond with each other, and their happiness is richly deserved. They have made history for their country and they have earned the right to be fted as the sports heroes they are.

There will, undoubtedly, be madness in Madrid tonight, handshakes and congratulations are being bestowed by the King and Queen of Spain (who, naturally, came to cheer along their team), and now that the trophy has just been hoisted into the air, they look like they are about to burst into tears (and I wouldn't blame them). The Germans look disconsolate, but the Spanish deserved to win. So, to the Spanish team and its fans, I offer you my heartiest congratulations. You have earned this victory in every sense of the word. Bravo.

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One step forward

I'm still slightly bewildered by the thought that in a month's time, I shall be packing up and moving myself yet again, this time to Taiwan. I've become somewhat of an expert at condensing my life into two suitcases, and the thought that I may one day have somewhere more permanent and lasting to call home seems a long way off.

Getting the official 'press release' for my fellowship was also crazy in an 'oh my goodness, this really IS a big deal' sort of way, but sadly, since my school's online newspaper already wrote about my award, I have no where else I'd like to send the press release. I don't really fancy being interviewed by the Times of India, even though I'd love to brag about my award in some small measure ;)

Yesterday I took another step forward in getting ready, namely investing in a few tops that would be appropriate teacher-wear, which was fun (yay for shopping), but also another 'wow I'm growing up' kind of moments. They're not quite the clothes I envisioned having to buy for interviews, etc. but they're definitely somewhat more mature in some ways than other pieces in my wardrobe, and it's kind of exciting to think that I'm finally starting this whole process off. It's been a distant process for much of the last year, and finally, it's coming together and becoming imminent.

That's really cool.

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The beautiful game

Posted by Maya Posted on: 06/19/08

The beautiful game

I'm sitting at home in India, it's 1:45 AM and I'm making myself stay awake to watch the first quarter-final match of the Euro 2008 tournament. Why? I'm not a particularly huge sports enthusiast, but football, along with cricket, is something I will watch if I get a chance.

There's something intoxicating about the thrill of supporting a team and watching them either perform brilliantly or make you hold your head in despair. Of getting so wrapped up in the game you find yourself jumping out of your seat, hollering at the TV screen, and, if your team wins, making your joy known in exuberant fashion, perhaps even by running down the street, honking horns, or hugging strangers.

I got to witness this in spades last week during my vacation in Germany, and it was infectious. My brother and I would find a bar or restaurant each night, settle down and watch the match (every such establishment had a television set up outside to watch the match), and it was glorious. Even if we didn't have immediate access to a television, if the German or Turkish teams were playing, we would know instantly whether or not a goal had been scored, a goal had been prevented (for better or for worse), or whether someone had been fouled or sent off unjustly. It was one of the best travel experiences I've ever had, and one that I wish everyone could have - there's nothing like seeing an entire city or country united and rooting for a team. It truly shows you what a beautiful game football (and indeed, any sport that causes such sentiment) can be. Watching at home just doesn't come close.

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