Rick Singer on TV

Check out Rick on TV Today....

http://www.cbs13.com/video/?id=21201@kovr.dayport.com

Syros

On the island of Syros for the last two days, so I am posting from my
blackberry via gmail.

For you high school seniors, the UC has just made some changes
regarding the way they will look at SATs and SAT 2s. I will post more
details shortly......but you can visit their website too.

Lots of photos coming too. Be sure to check our the flickr.

Champions Cup Finale

Liverpool
Originally uploaded by wr_downing33.

I haven't seen an AC Milan supporter all day..........

English Fans - Video

English Fans

Downtown Athens is rocking. English Fans outnumber the Italians 3 to 1. They have taken over the various downtown squares; singing their songs; drinking their beers; and above all else, proclaiming a Liverpool victory.

If it is only that easy. Milan has pledged an all out war; surely they must in order to make amends for their loss two years ago in Turkey.

Tomorrow is going to be a great day.

Greek Photos

McDonald's

I went to McDonald's today.

Yeah, I know...please spare me the whole, "But you are in Greece....etc" argument.a With rain pounding central Athens today, I needed something quick and easy.

I am glad I went though.

McDonald's in Greece, as it is throughout much of Europe, is not a fast-food chain on every corner like in America. Here in Athens, McDonald's is home to a melting pot of visitors and Athenians alike. A common place where people gather to eat, drink coffee, and enjoy ice cream. There is no drive-thru. There is no rush to leave. It is two-stories high, and has an outside eating courtyard with umbrellas.

What impressed me most though was the people who worked there.

As I walked up to the counter, an Albanian-Greek named Nicko greeted me. He asked me in Greek what I wanted. I responded in English, and he responded with perfect spoken English. He never hesitated as I am sure his brain has to shift between several different languages on almost a non-stop basis. Cooking behind the counter were two women who looked to be in their mid-30's. I was told that one was from Korea and the other from Northern Greece.

Upstairs, as I enjoyed my Big Mac, I was surrounded by Germans, English, Chinese, Indians, and Greeks. It was as diverse a crowd you would see anywhere.

One other thing that struck me was that there continues to be this overwhelming discontentment with American foreign policy and Americans in general overseas. However, there doesn't seem to be much of an issue with acceptance of American imports to places like Greece. McDonald's was busy. The Levi Straus store was packed solid. Everyone is wearing Nike shoes. And just about every young person in Greece is sporting an iPod. How are American brands living and thriving amidst an environments where being "American" is seen as unpopular?

How can Europe continue to criticize America and American values, yet so openly accept (and pay for) American products and elements of our culture?

Hoop Dreams

I recently watched the documentary, Hoop Dreams -- which came out in the 1990's. I'd never seen the film before, but I must say it was very interesting to see how things have (or haven't) changed in youth sports.

The film documents the lives of two inner city kids in Chicago - one who attends the all-boys prep school, St. Joe's and the other who attends Marshall High, the public school in downtown Chicago.

Throughout the film there is a really intriguing story line that revolves around family life. I have posted on the sociology of the family and how it effects youth sports. The element will be a key component in my upcoming book. You see how family life strife created obstacles for both boys to hurddle.

However, for me the most interesting part of the movie, was the coach at St. Joe's who had been famous for coaching Issah Thomas. In my opinion, that's about all he can be famous for. His coaching, or lack thereof, was tremendously sterotypical of the win-at-all costs coach. He clearly didn't care about his players, and was only concerned with winning a state title. In the end, he lost both the respect of his players and the title.

It proved to me that we have come a long way in terms of our values relative to youth sports, but that we have a long ways still to go.

FA Cup Final

Watching the Manchester Utd v. Chelsea match live here in Athens. The people at Wembley are in for a treat, as it looks like the 2nd half has started with some real pace. Rooney looks good, and is creating chances. If Chelsea can keep it level thru the 70 minute, they will win. Man U hasn't scored more than 1 goal on a Mourinho Chelsea side ever.

Elite Soccer Camps & Tournament

Once again this spring our Elite Soccer Group will be hosting soccer tournaments and soccer camps. We have one of the best coaches in the area at the helm of these programs. Simon Sheppard, a former professional player from England who has participated of England's youth national team growing up has done a great job running these programs.

Please check out www.elite-soccer.com for more information or email Simon at ssheppard@esmgroup.org

UPS Global

UPS Global
Originally uploaded by wr_downing33.

Along the crowded Ermou shopping district there darted a brown UPS truck. Not the same boxy ones we see in the USA, but it got the job done.

Ever since I read Tom Friedman's book, Longitudes and Latitudes, I have been facinated with the company. UPS is not just a delivery company; they are a global supply chain guru. They have the ability to do so many cool things from tracking packages world wide to helping coporate clients understanding the ups and downs of outsourcing. Not to mention they have their own fleet of jets!

I have posted about globalization in Greece a lot on this blog. With the likes of UPS, and others, this country continues to rapidly change.

Corn anyone?

Corn
Originally uploaded by wr_downing33.

You can't help but embrace the Greek way of life. There is food on every corner, and it seems like no one actually works here. Everyone is always out for coffee or lunch. I am still trying to figure out what keeps this economy going, but in the meantime I am enjoying a little relaxation. Headed to check emails at Starbucks. While the USA is in the midst of web 2.0, here in Greece the internet is still not a part of everyday life. Very few places offer WiFi, and of those, none are free. Just now are the hotels beginning to offer broadband like connection; the charge being lead by the American hotel chains due to business travelers needs and desires. So far, Starbucks in the only place I can find solid WiFi for 6 euros.

Greece

A quick look at hectic downtown Athens. It was hot today, but there were still a ton of people out and about. There seems to be a lot of tourists in preparation for the Champions League Final next week.

Vasili and Maria in Athens

Vasili and Maria in Athens
Originally uploaded by wr_downing33.

Had lunch with my cousin Vasili and Maria today in the Plaka. Lunch was great.

Want to see more photos from my travels, click below:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bdowning

or

Click the Fickr link on the right hand-side of the blog.

Heathrow - London

Heathrow - London
Originally uploaded by wr_downing33.

Its been a long time since I have last blogged. I am hoping that the next 10 days or so that I am in Europe I will be able to write more. I have had a lot on mind, so there is no shortage of material. Lots of interesting things are happening with ESM, and we seem to be hitting our stride at the right time. I am going to be trying to finish the last part of my book in the next 30 days. Looking like it won't be out until Oct 1, 2007. Sorry for the delay. I want to make it is awesome. Taking more time than I thought.

The photo is from Heathrow. What a great airport to people watch. There is so much diversity.