Granny's Got Game: The Fabulous Seventies

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  I am constantly amazed at how efficient the Twitter medium has become at relaying information across the globe to educate, and/or 'do good' -- for lack of a better phrase.

  Several weeks ago I was passed along a link to a trailer of a documentary about a senior women's basketball team in North Carolina. Senior as in, all the team members are in their seventies. Not something you see every day -- but I thought to myself, great for them!

  It sparked my interest. And I was curious to find out a little bit more about the film project starring these ladies. I found their story to be inspirational, and one worth passing along! The film is called 'Granny's Got Game'.

Their Story

  'Granny's Got Game' is a documentary film about a senior women's basketball team based in North Carolina. The film follows them through their 2011 season, and culminates with a trip to the National Senior Games Championship in Houston. Just like any basketball season, these ladies' season was filled with countless ups and downs, and obstacles to overcome.

  The team is comprised of seven fiercely competitive women, all in their seventies. They started playing 6-on-6 basketball (where you couldn't cross the half court line -- so you were either strictly an offensive player, or a defensive player) in the 1950s but stopped after high school. In pre-Title IX America, there were no opportunities for women to keep playing after high school.

  After a long break from the game, the ladies are back playing the game they love so dearly, with teammates who have become like family. For 17 years the Fabulous Seventies, have been competing together in Senior Games Tournaments throughout the country. They've had to adjust to and learn a new, physical style of basketball (where they now play both offense and defense) while overcoming the skepticism of their peers.

  The Fabulous Seventies has had great success in their time together, winning numerous medals in tournaments across the country. And as teammates and friends, they support each other off the court through the difficulties that accompany aging, such as breast cancer, injury, and widowhood. These women are more than a team...they are a family.

Behind the Scenes
 
  Film maker, Angela Gorsica Alford, a former player herself, followed the Fabulous Seventies (their team name) for over a year. Here are her goals for her first film:

• honor and celebrate these amazing women. 
• inspire people of all ages to stay active. 
• change perceptions of the capabilities of the elderly and contest negative stereotypes. 
• highlight the support and encouragement the women get from being part of a team. 
• give younger viewers a sense of perspective so they can appreciate today’s sports opportunities.
• illustrate the competitive and ambitious nature of female athletes of all ages. 

  Gorsica Alford intends on showing the movie in film festivals across the country, and pursuing television broadcast opportunities. She also plans to screen the film for senior centers and youth basketball camps.

Angela with the team.

  The film is in post-production now, but is low on funds. There is a fundraising effort currently taking place in order to reach these goals. The more money that is raised, the more people will get to see the film and be inspired by The Fabulous Seventies! All funds raised will be used to finish and market the film. Go here for all information about the film, and fundraising efforts.

  It's a story of inspiration. They enjoy playing the game of basketball. But they play to win, not just to play! It's a story of camaraderie. They overcome a great deal to go out on the court with their best friends. And it's a story that should be passed along!

  Aren't these ladies awesome?!? It's never too late to keep playing! Vote for the film this week in the Indie Wire Project of the Week! Watch the short trailer, and follow the links below for more information to cheer The Fabulous Seventies on!

LINKS:
Granny's Got Game -- Fundraising Information
Granny's Got Game
Vote for 'Granny's Got Game' for Project of the Week (Ends April 16th)
 

Euro Living, Part III

Hanging out with the Wolfenbüttel crew after a workout.

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Lost in Translation:
  Language, obviously, is probably the biggest adjustment you have to make while living in a foreign country. It can also be the biggest source of frustration as well.

  Unless you're extremely blessed with the gift of language, and can pick up every language there is, you will struggle at one point or another with communication.

  I am very grateful when people speak English, but it's not something you can (nor should) count on.

  I've found it's a generational thing. If someone is in their 20s or mid-30s, they'll probably have a pretty decent grasp on English. If not, you're most likely out of luck. Unless you're in Sweden of course. Where EVERYONE speaks perfect English (I came across one person in two years in Sweden who didn't speak English -- they're incredible 'up' there).

Interactions Out and About

Sweden: Easy for an American to adapt to...

  When you're out and about in town, wherever you may be in Europe, you never know when someone is going to start up a conversation with you. It's a little unnerving not being able to answer people when they approach you (in your apartment building, on the street, etc.)

  When I'm at the grocery store, I always hope that the cashier doesn't ask me anything more than 'do you have a loyalty card?' If I don't understand, I usually say, 'sorry?' -- in English -- with a smile, and that usually lets them know I don't speak the language. They'll either re-phrase in English, or forget they even asked!

  For the most part, I try to fly under the radar and not ruffle
any feathers, it's just easier that way.

...except for the snow and 'kickers'! ;)

  The only time I've been comfortable enough speaking (or trying to speak!) the native language was in Italy. It took me a while to pick up enough Italian to become somewhat conversational. I remember going to the bank in Como, and making sure I knew EXACTLY how to say what I needed to say. Definitely don't want any miscommunication at the bank! Thankfully, I always managed to get my point across.

  It can be frustrating not being able to fully express yourself the way you want to. But if that becomes too much of an issue, then you should probably throw yourself into studying the language, and become fluent! Otherwise, you really can't complain, you're in a foreign land after all. You can't expect 'them' to speak English in their own country. If you really want to communicate, you have to make the effort to learn the native language!

Poland: Miscommunication for sure!

  A few caveats about speaking English to non-native speakers (despite common belief, talking louder usually doesn't help get your point across!)

• Don't start telling a story until you know the person will understand you (or you have someone who can translate the story for you!). There is nothing worse than telling what you think is a funny story, having the person not understand, and then sit there with a blank stare when you're done telling it.
• You have to be careful with sarcasm. Many times that doesn't translate, and you don't want to hurt anyone's feelings!
• Sometimes you have to speak English as they speak it. 
• Shortening your sentences helps. You might find yourself saying, 'I go to store', instead of 'I'm going go to the store.' Sure it's not proper English, but it's probably more important that they understand you!

• Use words you know they know (that you have heard them use). For example in France, I know my coach understands the word obligation. So I might ask, 'is it an obligation?' instead of 'do I have to?' Or in when in a restaurant I might ask a teammate, 'what are you taking?' Instead of 'what are you having?'

My German team: Lots of languages/cultures. But we made it work!

  And one thing about listening to foreign languages, and trying to understand (usually you begin to understand WAY before you're able to speak). 

  When you're out with teammates/friends, you have to concentrate really hard, and focus on listening to them. If you daze in and out, you won't understand a thing! I recommend always trying to listen, that's how you learn!

   Still have many more differences to share!! Tune into part four, coming up soon!

RELATED POSTS:
Euro Living, Part One
Euro Living, Part Two  

Learning from Losing

A game earlier this season.

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  For just the second time since the turn of the new year my team, DMBC Dunkerque, celebrated a win Saturday night. Two wins in three months -- yikes! To be honest, I'm a little surprised I haven't been stuck in a deep depression from all the losing. It got me thinking about how I've changed over the years in regards to how I handle losses.

  While my uniforms and teammates have changed drastically over time, my reasons for playing haven't. At first, when I was a kid, I played strictly for fun. Over the course of years and years of practice, it eventually became my job.

  Though, for whatever reason, it's never felt like a job to me. Probably because basketball has never stopped being fun. The work can be hard, both physically and mentally (you do the work to be your best. To me, meaning, to win). And yes, it can be frustrating when things aren't going your way. But when it comes down to it, I STILL find great joy when I step onto the court. And it still is where I feel I am at my best -- in my realm.

One Bad Loser
 

My motto...

  One thing I've learned is that losing never gets easy. Though I think I've gotten a little better at it over the years. When I was in high school, if we lost, I would never be able to sleep. I would literally replay every moment back in my mind: Every shot I took and missed, or every turnover I made; every play that went awry, and wanted to have back, was running in my mind while I tried to sleep.

  The constant game film replaying in my head usually resulted in me tossing and turning the entire night. I would fall asleep at some point, and wake up the next morning in an awful mood, not wanting to go to school. You can bet, nine times out of 10 I was in class the next day. Though I didn't give in without a fight. ;)

  So you can say I didn't handle losing very well as a teenager.

Learning to Adjust

Winning is fun...

 
  I don't want to say I learned how to lose my freshman year in college. But it's safe to say I learned to cope with it better. Point blank: we weren't very good my first year at Colorado.

  We were young, and inexperienced. And that was NOT the recipe for success for competing in one of the toughest conferences in the country.

losing isn't.

  Our team consisted of one junior, six sophomores, three freshmen and a walk-on. Tough to win in a conference like the Big-12 with a line-up like that. As a result, we took our fair share of bumps and bruises along the way.

  Early on my freshman year, I reacted to losses in a similar fashion. By tossing and turning the entire night, beating myself up, and replaying what I could have done better to help my team win. Eventually I guess I learned how to put the loss aside, long enough for my mind to quiet down, so I could get some all-important sleep.

  As my team at CU got better and more-experienced, winning became the norm again. So thankfully I never accepted losing.

Re-Adapting as a Pro

  As a professional, I've always been on winning teams. Teams that have made the playoffs, and had successful seasons, record-wise. This season, however, has been the losing-est season I've had in a long, long time. I've never had a season in Europe where my team finished below .500.

Celebrating a win in Germany.

  It's definitely not something to be proud of, but I guess it goes to show that I've grown up a bit in that regard. The fact that I am enjoying my time in Dunkerque, even with all the losses, says a great deal. There are definitely still times when I'm not-so-happy about how things are going (usually on Saturday night and Sunday morning after a loss).

  But life goes on, and you learn from set-backs. A couple things I've learned along the way:

• You learn what you really value in life. Things outside of the game that bring you joy. 
• You learn how to persevere. Life will never be easy for us ALL the time. It's important to take the bumps, learn from them, and keep moving!
• You learn to rise above negativity. Losing equals a lot of negative thoughts (your own), and negative things (maybe attitudes, words, actions) around you. You learn not to give into the negativity, and hopefully turn it into something positive for yourself.
• You learn to handle your emotions, and not let them control you. 
• You learn there is always another game, and another chance to redeem yourself. So you have to prepare yourself when that time comes!

  I will never accept losing as the norm. Because losing is not fun. And that's why I play!

Celebrating a big win in Italy.

  You'll never find me cheery and chatty after a loss. To me, the day you're okay with losing, is the day you should stop playing. When you're okay with losing, that means you've stopped caring, and stopped competing. If you don't care, it's time to get off the court. Simple as that.

  But finally I've learned that you can get something out of an L as well!

  With our win over Laveyron on Saturday, DMBC Dunkerque officially avoided relegation (for more about that, read: Avoiding Relegation). Three games to go, and it's clear sailing! Here's to three more wins to finish the season!

Euro Living, Part II

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Goofing around while getting some coffee in France. ;)

  What it's like to live in Europe, take two! (If you didn't catch the first installment, make sure to check out part one!)

  It's been pretty fun to put all these differences to paper. When you are just going about your day as usual, you don't really notice, or think about any differences you might encounter. It's also been fun to recall the funny/awkward/frustrating moments I've experienced through the years.

  Here are a few more examples of the contrasting European and American ways of life:

Home Living:
  First and foremost, the majority of living spaces in Europe come in the form of apartments, or attached homes. In the 'country' you'll find stand-alone houses, but usually that's the only occurrence.

  Suburbs are fairly non-existent in Europe. You either live in the city, or in the country -- nothing in between. So that's the most obvious difference in regards to homes. (I also addressed this to a lesser extent in an early blog: Where'd All the Fat People Go?)

  Once you get inside the house, the differences continue to pop up! One of the things I miss the most when I'm in Europe is not having garbage disposal. It might sound like a weird thing to miss, but I will never get used to it. Those of you in the US right now, think about how many times you put food scraps down the kitchen sink drain. When you're washing dishes, and cleaning the kitchen, you'll definitely notice the lack of a garbage disposal!

Looking down from my apartment in Como, Italy center.

  Speaking of washing dishes, dishwashers are a luxury item in most countries in Europe. On one occasion in nine seasons I've had a dishwasher. For me, it's not too big of a deal. Cooking and cleaning dishes for one isn't that difficult. It's only after you host a dinner party do you really notice the absence of a dishwasher. Just don't let things pile up in your sink!

  Another common household item in the States is a clothes dryer. But again, that's a rarity to see too often in Europe.

  In Sweden we had dryers, but an entire apartment building shared two.

  When I played in Portugal, we had a dryer, but had to be conscious of what time of day it was, and what else was on in the apartment. Nine times out of ten, running the dryer would blow a fuse. So it was usually more trouble than it was worth!

  Individual apartments aren't equipped to handle the electricity output of dryers I suppose. I have gotten used to hanging my clothes up (and sometimes use the heat registers to speed up the process), but definitely miss having a dryer. Socks and t-shirts that become like cardboard is not a good feeling!

Attached homes/apartments in Wolfenbüttel, Germany.

  During my years in Italy I always noticed there was a long string/cord in the bathroom. Usually near the shower. I never did figure out what it was for -- an 'I've fallen, and I can't get up' cord?? I was always afraid to pull it! So if anyone knows what it's used for, fill me in!

  Even though I do my own cooking, and I can stay on my own eating schedule, I've noticed that I have a tendency to slowly creep into the European tradition of eating a late dinner.

  When I'm in the US, I think I usually eat around 6:30 - 7pm. However in Europe 8 - 9 pm seems to be the norm in France, and even later in some places. 

Yummy French crepe & cafe.

The Coffee Experience:
  Europeans love their coffee, as do Americans. But getting coffee is a whole different experience here. Small, privately owned cafes are a dime a dozen in countries like France, Italy, and Spain. And at any point during the day, those cafes will be jammed packed with coffee drinkers.

Starbucks in Germany -- to go cups! With Jeza & Cicci.

  In Europe, getting coffee is a social experience. You go with a group of friends, you have some nice strong coffee, and maybe treat yourself to a small dessert.

  You never see a person go to a cafe by themselves, and you would never see them sitting there for hours on end reading, working, doing crossword puzzles, or surfing the web (like we see each and every day in Starbucks and Peet's around the US).

  Another thing you don't see very often is coffee to go. There are exceptions, but usually those exceptions come in the form of a to go Starbucks, McDonald's, or Subway cup.

Greetings:
  Hellos and goodbyes are one thing. But let's forget the actual words for a quick second. Figuring out (and remembering) what is status quo for hellos and goodbyes in each country should come with a manual.

Cafe car in Italy with Cheru & Francy!

  In Germany, you shake hands. In Sweden, depending on the friendship, you might hug or shake hands. In Italy you kiss cheeks (sometimes one, two, or three kisses -- depending on the person). In France, it's always one kiss on each cheek. In Belgium it's one kiss on the cheek. In former Yugoslavian countries many times it's three kisses on the cheek. And so on...

  In the US, it can be anything: a head nod, a hand shake, a hug, a fist pound. Anything BUT kisses on the cheek!

  All the different greetings are something I have definitely had to get used to over the years. And it's a constant reminder that I'm not at home!

  Sometimes I forget where I am, and don't follow the traditional greetings, and do as I would as if I were in the US. Hopefully when that happens, people don't think I'm rude, and cut me a little slack!

  There are situations that can be a bit awkward -- exchanging kisses on the cheek with complete strangers for example! But you roll with the punches, and have to remember where you are.

  Part three is coming next week! Hope you all have a great Easter weekend!

Shorter Hems for Women's Hoopsters?

France: Dresses for uniforms.

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**Originally appeared on SLAM Online April 4th, 2012**
  As a kid, the day you got your uniform was always one of the best days of the basketball season. You remember YMCA ball: when you got to put on your bright purple t-shirt for the first time.

  And as you got older, that day didn't lose any of its luster, as the uniforms usually got better and better with each passing year. Maybe you got to pick out your number that day too. But uniform day was exciting for another reason as well: the 'real' season was about to get underway.

  Even as a professional, uniform day is still one of the best. There's nothing like getting your gear, and donning it for the first time.

  As of late however, in Europe, uniform day is slowly turning into a nightmare for us ladies.

  Sponsors and the almighty dollar (or Euro, in this case) have always ruled. What they say goes. 

  Sponsors pay the bills after all, so it's understandable. If they want you at a dinner, you're there. If they want you at a community event, you're there. If they want you out shaking hands, there you are, shaking hands. And if they want you in tight shorts on the court, unfortunately for you, you'll be in tight shorts on the court.

  I was made aware of this my rookie season in Italy. After putting on my uniform shorts for the first time for Pool Comense, I immediately asked our manager if they had anything larger. The pair I had tried on, fit more like a pair of running shorts, or soccer shorts. I definitely hadn't worn a pair of basketball shorts THAT short since I was a youngster.

  Our manager smiled at me and said, 'the sponsors want the uniforms to show more of your bodies,' as she made a figure-outlining motion with her hands. I laughed it off, said ok, and wore the shorts I was given. 

  I never got used to them, as I tried stretching them out before each and every game, and probably wore them lower on my waist than I have ever worn a pair of shorts.

  That was my first season. Every year after that has been hit or miss in regards to uniforms. 

  Sometimes I've had the latest and greatest, Nike outfitted gear (that you can never complain about), and other times I've had lesser-known brands supply our uniforms. You roll with the punches, but I've always been given a basketball uniform.

  After this past year however, things are headed in the wrong direction. FIBA, the body that runs the highly-touted EuroLeague (among other competitions), recently enacted uniform regulations that ONLY applies to the women's league:

'The FIBA Europe prior to this season (2011-2012) accepted new regulations regarding uniforms in EuroLeague Women that state that shorts have to be at least 10 cm above the knee and there can be only two centimeters between the shorts and the skin.'

  They're regulating how long the shorts can be, and also how tight to the skin the shorts must be worn. 

  This begs the question: WHY?

  I'm not really sure what FIBA is trying to accomplish. If selling more tickets is a motivator, I'm curious, have attendance numbers increased since the uniform rule was instituted?

  As I mentioned before, sometimes the uniform requirements don't come from the leagues, but from individual team sponsors. In my nine professional seasons in Europe, I have played against a handful of teams who have worn dresses (including one this season).

  'Combi' uniforms (also called 'onesies' -- all spandex material you may have seen on the Australian National Team) have been adopted in various leagues around the world as well.

  But instances of the 'FIBA concept' of short/tight fitting uniforms are seemingly on the rise. In fact, the team I play for this season in France, is finalizing an equipment deal for next season that would put the team in such uniforms. 

  Maybe they're trying to put more femininity into the game? I, for one, don't think they look good. When I see players wearing these uniforms I think they no longer look like basketball players, and that they surely can't be comfortable. If the players aren't comfortable, I think it would only make their play suffer.

  Let's flip the script and say that all of a sudden, FIBA started mandating that the men play in ultra tight uniforms. Or took it a step further, and made them play shirtless. How would that go over? I know it would be met with HUGE uproar, and would quickly be overturned.

  If they're trying to make women's basketball 'sexy', they need to stop right there. Athletics are not meant to be sexy. People might say, look at tennis or volleyball uniforms! Fabulous. But tennis and volleyball players have been playing in those uniforms for decades.

  To quote FIBA secretary general Patrick Baumann, "they are great athletes, but also beautiful athletes and there's no reason not to show it." No reason not to show 'it'. That statement has ZERO to do with the quality of basketball being played, and EVERYTHING to do sex-appeal.

  If I'm not mistaken, women's professional leagues have already tried, and failed, to use sex-appeal to promote the popularity of the sport. In early professional leagues in the US, women wore 'combi' uniforms. Those leagues quickly folded.

  Fans aren't interested in how tight the uniforms are worn. They are interested in watching high quality, entertaining basketball. That's it. There are countless other arenas of entertainment to get 'sexy' in the world. Let's keep that motivation out of basketball.

  One player, Diana Taurasi, refused to wear FIBA's tight-fitting uniforms this season, resulting in thousands of dollars worth of fines. For every EuroLeague Women game Taurasi played in, disobeying the new uniform rules, she was fined 2,000 Euro ($2,600). 

  Taurasi's team, Galatasaray of Turkey, played 18 EuroLeague games; equaling fines amounting to 36,000 Euro ($47,000). It's been reported that FIBA didn't fine her the full amount, but either way, it's a pretty expensive stance to be taking.

  I applaud Taurasi for standing up to FIBA, and letting them know her feelings. She was quoted in lovewomensbasketball.com in February as saying, 'They want to make basketball sexy, but basketball isn’t sexy, it’s a sport...The uniforms are cultural and we have been playing in them for years, that will not change. If you want sexy uniforms, go read Playboy.'

  Here's another reason I take issue with 'non-traditional' uniforms: the majority of European teams are run strictly by men. From the President, to the coach, on down to the board members. I've had one woman coach, and one woman in management in nine seasons. In addition, every single referee is a man (I think I remember having one woman referee since I've been playing in Europe). I'm also willing to bet that FIBA doesn't have many female representatives on staff.

  So I guess you can say it's a man's world, and women are just playing in it.

  Finally, it's not about 'do I look good in this uniform?' Or 'you're a beautiful woman, you should have no problem showing off your body'. Or having confidence in your body. It's that these uniforms are objectifying to a large degree (not to mention uncomfortable).

  Basketball should never be about gender. When I'm on the court, it's not about being a woman or worrying about being 'feminine enough'. On the court, I'm a basketball player first. A woman second. Off the court, those roles are reversed.

  I've always been excited to put on my uniform come game day. But put me in a tennis dress, a skirt, or a tight fitting uniform, and I suddenly don't feel like a basketball player anymore.

  For me, it's always been about being an athlete, and playing the game well. Maybe fans' thoughts are different than mine. But isn't the object of professional basketball to play the game, and to play it to the best of your abilities?

  Hopefully FIBA (and sponsors, for that matter) listens to its players, and realizes they've made a mistake. Their sole motivation should be improving the quality of the game, and increasing the popularity of women's basketball in that manner, not objectifying its players with ridiculous uniforms.

Euro Living, Part I

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Streets of Dunkerque

  You may remember, a couple weeks back I asked for a little feedback from you (my loyal readers!) about things you would like to read about here.

  One thing I consistently heard was that you'd like to hear more about what it's like to live in Europe.

  I always aim to please! So I've had my brainstorming hat on tight while I've been out and about in Dunkerque the past few weeks, taking note of things I feel are a little bit different than everyday life in the US.

  My list has grown pretty long (who knew living in Europe was THAT different from living in the US?!), so this entry will be a multi-parter (I'm no dummy. I know if I post SUPER long entry, you're not going to read it).

  I guess over the span of nine seasons abroad, I have gotten used to the differences between living in the US, and living in Europe. Now I find myself appreciating the differences, and not missing home as much as when I first starting playing in Europe.

Common street you see in a European city center.

  My first few years, I know I did more than my fair share of complaining, and lamented that Europe was 'no good' because it didn't have this, that, or the other.

  When living somewhere foreign for seven to eight months at a time, the cute intricacies aren't as cute as when you're just visiting for a week or two.

  But now, I either ignore the differences, or I just realize where I am, and try not to sweat what I can't control.

  I understand what's the norm now, and what you can and cannot get in each place. Don't get me wrong, certain things still make make laugh, and might drive me crazy on occasion. But that happens less and less.

  Still, there are many things I miss about the US when I am in Europe. Just like I miss certain things about being in Europe when I am back home in the States for the summer.

  I think I'm pretty lucky to get to spend a great deal of time getting to know different ways of life, by comparison to the one I grew up with. I'm grateful for these experiences, and will continue to take them in as much as I can!

  While there are some similarities between the two, the lifestyle, the culture, and what is status quo is pretty different. Here are some things that first struck me, when I started brainstorming about life in Europe. (And forgive me for generalizing Europe as one! The countries I've lived in are definitely more similar to each other than they are to the US!)

Don't really see scenery like this looking our your car window in the US.

On the Road:
  Surprisingly enough, driving habits are vastly different in Europe than they are in the US. I don't think many rules are necessarily different, but the way they're taught varies tremendously.

  For one, you NEVER pass on the right on the freeway. If you do, you will hear about it from the other drivers around you.

  I told my teammates a few weeks ago while we were on the freeway, that if 'we were in the US, I would pass the car in front of us on the right.' They gasped at each other, and looked at me like I was insane. You just don't do it here. I think it's a great concept, and one we should adopt in the US.

  The second thing you'll notice on the freeways in Europe is that drivers don't camp out in the fast lane (another novel idea!). They pass the person they're going by, and then immediately return to the right lane. Again, if you sit in the fast lane too long, the drivers around you will quickly let you know that you need to move over (flashing headlights are a common way to get your attention -- used most-often in Italy).

No stop signs: 'Right priority' rules in this intersection.

  The next thing varies from country to country in Europe, and it's not something I'm a fan of. I personally think it's an accident waiting to happen. It's the 'right priority'. You find it in France and Germany (and I'm sure other countries too, that I'm not aware of).

  It applies when you come to an intersection, and there are no stop/yield signs. Whichever car is coming on your right has the priority. No matter if you are seemingly on the 'main' or bigger road, or not.

  I think it causes confusion because you essentially have to memorize which intersections the 'right priority' applies to, because it doesn't apply to all of them!

  In some ways, Europeans are more conservative on the road. But in other ways, they are not. I've noticed they are more aggressive when approaching an intersection (jetting out into the lane, scaring you half to death -- because of the whole right priority fiasco). And often times, I've encountered drivers going into on-coming traffic just to pass a double-parked car, truck or bicycle.

  Another instance of this is when there is construction on the roads. The city won't close down a street, or have a flagger control the traffic. Instead, cones will be put up around the site, and each driver is made to figure out how to safely maneuver around it (and other cars) themselves.

  One major rule difference between the US and Europe is that there are no right turns on red lights. A rule I think European countries should adopt.

  Of course round-abouts are huge differences as well. They are far more common in Europe than stop lights or four-way stop signs. To me, round-abouts make much more sense, and are more efficient. They keep traffic moving, and usually prevent huge lines from backing up. I see them popping up more and more in the US, but I doubt they will ever be used in bigger cities they way they are used in Europe.

  There are quite a few differences when I really stop and think about driving habits. Definitely not as different as say, driving in England, but enough to make a big impression!

Can always find parking with a Smart car! And great for gas-mileage.

Gas Prices:
  In the US, the price of gas is always a hot topic. If you've spent a prolonged time in Europe and had to buy gas, you'll know that prices in the US still are relatively cheap!

  After doing the conversions, a gallon of diesel (the cheapest gas in Europe) will cost you roughly $7.00 in France. While a gallon of regular gas will run you about $7.60 a gallon.

  It hurts your wallet every time you fill up, and you definitely plan the trips in your car a little more carefully. That's why you rarely see gas-hogging SUVs or trucks, it's just not economical (and they don't fit on the streets very well either).

Store Accessibility:
  Another huge difference is the the hours of stores and banks in Europe. Mid-day closures of most everything (except grocery stores) are still a common sight. For example today, I wanted to go to the bank after practice. But I couldn't because it closes daily from noon to 2 pm. You get used to it, and you plan accordingly.

  Also, grocery stores have shorter hours. You'd be hard-pressed to find a 'open 24 hours' store in Europe. Every store in Dunkerque (and a common hour throughout Europe) closes at 8pm every night (except one, that stays open til nine). So if you forget something, or need to make a late night run to the store, it's not happening. You'll just have wait til the next day (and hope the next day doesn't happen to be a Sunday).

  And that brings me to another big difference. EVERYTHING is closed on Sundays. Grocery stores, malls, you name it, it'll be closed on a Sunday in Europe. For the most part, there are still laws in place keeping businesses closed every Sunday. There are a few exceptions around Christmas time, but that is it! So you better plan ahead!

The cafes and restaurants on the boardwalk in Dunkerque.

  Finally, restaurants operate differently as well. You will rarely find a restaurant in France that stays open all day (unless it's called T.G.I. Fridays or McDonald's). And if they do, they won't serve 'hot food' the entire day.

  The kitchen will close for several hours between the lunchtime hours and dinner. In those instances, you can get coffee, light snacks or desserts, but definitely no meals.

  From the looks of things, this might be a four-to-five-parter!! Lots of Euro-living things to write about, I guess!

  Stay tuned for part II ... Coming soon!

The Show Goes On

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Power of thought.

  The basketball season in France is rapidly coming to a close. With four games left to be played in roughly four weeks, I'll be packing my bags for the US in no time. But til then, it's important I make the most of these next four weeks. For reasons I really can't delve into in the blogosphere, it's becoming increasingly obvious that my last weeks in Dunkerque will be filled with character-building moments.

  I usually am a "glass is half full" kind of person. But sometimes it can be pretty difficult to find a silver lining, and keep your attitude upbeat. During those times, I often take to a collection of thoughts and quotes I've gathered throughout the years, to help me find the brighter side of things.

  I'm not quite sure when I decided this, but at some point along the line, I came to the conclusion that attitude is everything. Your thoughts and your attitude can make or break a situation. It can turn the best of times into unforgettable moments. And likewise, can turn a difficult situation into something you learn from, that
ends up not being as tough as you originally thought it would be.

  Here are some of my favorites. Skim through them, see what hits a cord with you, and send me your favorites if you have any!

Determination/Work Ethic:

"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift." - Steve Prefontaine 

"There's no on/off switch. You have to do it everyday." - Unknown 

"Hard work without talent is a shame, but talent without hard work is a tragedy." - Robert Half 

"We are what we repeatedly do, excellence then is not an act, but a habit" - Aristotle 

"Win or lose you will never regret working hard, making sacrifices, being disciplined or focusing too much." - John Smith 

"Don't count the days, make the days count." - Muhammad Ali 

"Desire is the most important factor in the success of any athlete." - Willie Shoemaker 

"I've failed over and over and over again in my life...and that is why I succeed." - Michael Jordan 

"Ambition is priceless..." - Wale 

"And if you fall, stand tall & come back for more." - Tupac 

"If it is important to you, you will find a way. If not, you'll find an excuse." - Unknown 

"Do things with passion, or not at all." - Unknown 

"Never give up on the things that make you smile." - Unknown

Going Outside Your Comfort Zone:

"A comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there." - Unknown 

"If you are afraid of failure you don't deserve to be successful!" - Charles Barkley

Positive Thinking:

"Change your thoughts and you'll change your world." - Norman Vincent Peale 

"Keep your thoughts positive because your thoughts become your words. Keep your words positive because your words become your behavior. Keep your behavior positive because your behavior becomes your habits. Keep your habits positive because your habits become your values. Keep your values positive because your values become your destiny.” - Gandhi 

"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't. You're right." - Henry Ford 

"What kind of energy are you putting out into the world? There is nothing in between." - Unknown 

"What we focus on, we empower & enlarge. Good multiplies when focused upon. Negativity multiplies when focused upon. The choice is ours: which do we want more of?" - Julia Cameron 

"Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you'll never, ever have enough." - Oprah

Progress in Action:

"Don't miss your promise being passive. Passive people get passed up." - Unknown 

"Every morning in Africa a gazelle wakes up and knows it must move faster than the lion or it will not survive. Every morning a lion wakes up and it knows it must move faster than the slowest gazelle or it will starve. It doesn’t matter if you are the lion or the gazelle, when the sun comes up, you better be moving." - Maurice Greene 

"We write our story a chapter a day with the deeds we do and words we say. Make your story a good one today!" - Unknown 

"Who is on your team? If they are not adding -- they are subtracting. Cut the weights from your wings so you can fly." - Jason Lester 

"Success is not permanent & failure is not fatal." -Mike Ditka 

"Do your little bit of good where you are; its those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world." - Desmond Tutu

Staying in the Moment:

"We seem to be going through a period of nostalgia, and everyone seems to think yesterday was better than today.  I don't think it was, and I would advise you not to wait ten years before admitting today was great.  If you're hung up on nostalgia, pretend today is yesterday and just go out and have one hell of a time." - Art Buchwald 

"Yesterday is history.  Tomorrow is a mystery.  And today?  Today is a gift.  That's why we call it the present." - Babatunde Olatunji

Miscellaneous:

"No matter what accomplishments you make, somebody helped you." - Althea Gibson 

"Always give without remembering & always receive without forgetting." - Brian Tracy 

"Friends who believe in you when others do not, friends who tell you can do it when you fear otherwise, friends are a gift" - Unknown 

"Never make excuses. Your friends won't need them, and your foes won't believe them." - John Wooden 

"If you're absent during my struggle, don't expect to be present during my success." - Will Smith 

"Just because you CAN doesn't mean that you WILL. You must decide for yourself to take the necessary actions in order to achieve results." - Unknown 

"You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him." - James D. Miles

  But these inspirational sayings can only get you so far. At what point do you turn your thoughts and attitudes into your actions? Granted, thinking positively is a HUGE step, and one you must take. However, making your thoughts your actions is the biggest jump (and the biggest question mark) in my mind. What is the process of making that happen?

  Good intentions are great, but without action ... they're just that -- intentions.

Lupe Fiasco - The Show Goes On (take a listen to the third verse, in particular)

  Lots of things to think about today. But we're making progress! 

  ~ Sabrina

"Bully"

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  You may or may not be aware that there's an important movie being released this Friday (March 30th). And yes, I know "The Hunger Games" came out last week. But I'm not talking about "The Hunger Games".

  It's a movie far more important than that (or any other movie that's been released for entertainment purposes in recent memory). And a movie we ALL need to see. Kids, adults, and everyone in between.

  The movie is called "Bully".

  It's a documentary movie about the prevalence of bullying in schools. I know, bullying has probably been around since the start of man. But it seems to me, that more recently, we've been hearing more and more about kids who are afraid to go to school, and sadly, who have committed suicide because of bullying.

  It is said that roughly 13 million children will be bullied at school in the US this year. 13 MILLION KIDS! That number tells me that the problem of bullying is being ignored, or swept under the rug. Adults, and those in charge just saying, "Oh, kids will be kids...'

  Children, no matter their age or background, should never feel unsafe, afraid, or nervous about going to school. We need to do our best to make school a safe haven for all kids. 

  Alex, a boy in the movie, says: "They punch me in the jaw, strangle me, they knock things out of my hand, take things from me, sit on me. They push me so far that I want to become the bully."

  That's not just 'kids being kids'.

  I'm not exactly going out on a limb when I say that bullying has taken on a whole new meaning since the dawn of the Internet (and cell phones). With the Internet, it's easier to bully, and it's easier to be bullied. For one, everyone is more accessible on a daily basis. And secondly, when a person can hide behind a computer screen, there's no telling the things they will say. And that's a very scary thing, given the emergence and popularity of social media in recent years.

  We know the Internet isn't going away, and bullying isn't slowing down. So we need to do something about this growing 'phenomenon'. I wondered aloud a few months ago on Twitter, and asked: What is more important, emphasizing that bullying is NOT okay, or teaching kids how to deal with bullying? What do you think???

  I don't know how or when bullying became 'cool' or tolerated. But somehow, we need to send this thought back in the other direction. Bullying is NOT cool, and should never be tolerated. EVER.

  And at the same time, we're not going to stop bullying from happening overnight. As much as we'd like that to happen, it's not realistic. Coping techniques and support systems should become emphasized even more at school, and at home.

  Kids don't just become bullies on their own. Unfortunately they learn this behavior SOMEWHERE. They learn to bully. So we, as adults, need to take that responsibility and set an example for the kids in our lives. Whether they are your children, your niece, your brother, a child you coach, etc...show them how to behave, and that it is not okay to bully, nor is it okay to be bullied. 

  This is a big issue to tackle. But one that needs to be addressed. Like any cause, spreading awareness is a start. If no one knows there's a problem, we can't begin to solve it. Hopefully, watching "Bully" will go a long way in starting a dialogue, and we'll start to find a solution!

  Let's get out and see "Bully," and start putting an end to this terrible trend.

Note: "Bully" is rated PG-13, and contains strong language.




LINKS:
The Bully Project
Jillian Michaels Podcast 11/18/2011
The Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation
Creating Safe and Engaging Schools

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Cope in the post.

  The 2011-2012 season is rapidly coming to a close here in Dunkerque. Five more games, and we can call it a wrap.

  This past weekend, we had our last bye of the season, and I took advantage by watching as much basketball as I possibly could. It wasn't necessarily a conscious effort on my part, it just sort of worked out that way. And I think I found an unexpected boost to finish out my season. 

  Here in France (and Belgium, since I am so close to the border), there are various men's and women's pro leagues. With the number of other teams in the area, you would have thought I would have made it to several games at this point in the season. But until this weekend, I had only been to one game since I got to France in August (a women's LFB game that a friend played in January).

  In the span of two days, I went to two men's games: one Pro B game in France, and a Division I game in Belgium to watch a fellow Colorado alum Chris Copeland play.

  To me, it's very different watching a game in person, rather than just on TV. Obviously, I have seen my fair share of televised basketball games recently. But there is nothing like watching a game in person.

Lille versus Le Portel.

  You can see how each individual approaches the game. Their preparation. Their interaction with their teammates and coaches. Their focus. Their intensity. None of that can be conveyed though the television screen (or the computer screen in my case).

  In case you didn't know, the men's and women's game are two completely different games. Sure it's basketball, but they way the games are played, and even how the players approach the game is vastly different. (Or maybe MY approach is vastly different than how I see most guys' approach being.)

  I don't know how to properly describe it other than saying, I think guys take a "worry about yourself, and it's a full time job" approach. Meaning, they concentrate fully on doing their job, and their job alone, going into the game.

Fresh Perspective
  This weekend, and watching those two games was kind of an eye-opener for me. Or a reminder. And a fresh perspective. When you go week after week, game after game doing the same thing over and over again, it's easy to get stuck in a rut. You're in your own world, and you may or may not get any feedback or advice. As a result, you focus on the same things each and every game. And sometimes when that focus becomes more and more narrow, you can get into trouble.

  So that's what watching those two games this weekend did for me. It broadened my perspective, and it reminded me there are other ways to approach a game (Not that how I have been going into games is wrong. I just think it's good to change up your focus, and freshen it up a bit.)

  I came away from this weekend with a different outlook, and picked up a few things that I can add to my focus to help make me a better player. And I think refocusing will help me in my final five games this season.

  Guys play the game with so much confidence in THEIR game. It's not cockiness (well sometimes it's cockiness, but the confidence I respect, and am referring to is NOT cocky). And their approach to the game reflects their attitude, and that confidence. You can see it in how they warm up, and how they step onto the court.

Floor spread, one on one. Easy.

  During the game in Belgium, I found myself watching Chris a lot. What he did when he had the ball in his hands. And what he did when he was off the ball. We have a similar style of play and skill set, but he has more of a scorer's mentality than I have ever had. He evaluates, and thinks the game in the same ways that I do.

  I noticed he does what he does best, and he's committed to it. He scores the ball. And he asks for/wants the ball every time down the court. But not in a selfish way. He's just aggressive, and wants to do his best for his team. 

  Cause when he's at his best, his team is at it's best. That is something I need to remind myself, and apply to my own game. When I'm at the top of my game, my team will only benefit.

Do What You Do Best
  I get caught up in 'running the play' too much, and forget to just play. But at the end of the day, it's basketball. A game I've been playing since I was five or six. Regardless of the system you play in, the object of the game is to put the ball in the basket. So you have to figure out how to best do that. No matter what. 

  Another thing I noticed was that Chris was able to focus on just doing his job. He wasn't worried about helping the point guard get the ball up the court, or if the center or small forward were in the right position on the court. He focused on himself, and his job.

  He evaluated how the defense was guarding him, and he adjusted accordingly by reading the defense. It's what you're taught to do from the time you first start playing. You always read the defense. If you have an advantage in some way, you exploit that advantage -- regardless if the play calls for it.

  The last thing I took away from Chris's game, was that he was never in a hurry. He took exactly what the defense gave him. If the defense took one thing away, he countered. That's the great thing about being a versatile player: there's no perfect way to guard you. You always have an answer to how a defender is playing you.

Floor's spaced!

  When you take this approach, you're reminded just how EASY the game of basketball is. It's not a complicated game, but sometimes it seems that way. Over-thinking can be one of the biggest deterrents to a great basketball player.

  I learned (or re-learned) a lot from watching Chris this weekend. It was a great refresher for me.

  It reminded me of things I have told myself time and time again, and somehow forget over the course of a season. It allowed me to re-evaluate what I'm doing on the court, and how I approach the game.

  Anytime you feel like you're in a rut, sometimes the only way to get out of it is to change things up, and get a fresh perspective. I'm looking forward to my final five games this season. And I'm excited to put my new/updated approach to good use!