The Grassroot Soccer machine recently churned out their decisions regarding intern placements, sending me to this sweet little mountain country called Lesotho. It's located in South Africa, but it's an independent country, complete with a King who can sometimes be spotted on the treadmill at the local gym.
I'm pretty happy about Lesotho.
Maseru is the capital. Picture a city in a big brown valley with bumps of small mountains all around.
Maseru and the rest of Lesotho will be explored in due time, no doubt. But down to business. I'm looking forward to tomorrow when Austin (the other GRS intern in Lesotho) and I finally go to WORK. The HIV prevalence in Lesotho is 1 in 4, but likely even higher, meaning there is lots of work to be done.
Want to learn about Lesotho? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lesotho
A very very special congratulations goes out to Ebony from Charlotte, NC for making the Street Soccer National Team.
http://www.streetsoccerusa.org/national_team
She's going to Milan in September to compete in the Homeless World Cup. How awesome is that? I wish I could see her play. I would especially be happy to take her to Burger King with a friend of her choice, and eat some Whoppers and fries, and then maybe go to Taco Bell for a Mexican pizza. I'm proud to know this woman and wish her only the best.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Michael Jackson, we miss you.
Thanks to my sister's comments in the last post, I realized here that some things take priority over events in the soccer world.
In honor of MJ, get your popcorn, sit back and relax to this short video clip:
Not only is it a great song, but it also raised over $63 million dollars for famine-relief efforts in Africa. $63 MILLION DOLLARS. AND, Bruce Springsteen solos in his signature style, which is guaranteed to make me laugh 9 times out of 10. And yes, I have watched this video at least 10 times in the past few days.
You might be wondering, Curtis, do you feel pressured to make your own fundraising song so you can also raise $63 million? To which I reply, "Song coming soon."
Moving on to soccer news... the US team lost a 3-2 heartbreaker to Brazil in the Confederations Cup final after giving up 3 goals in the second half. A sad ending, but a promising finish to what earlier looked like a first-round exit.
And finally, the yoga fundraiser was a great success, raising over $1000 total (depending on online donations yet to be counted). This was easily the most money raised through one event, so another big thanks to Kelley for organizing. This brings the total now around $7500 with a little less than a month left.
And with the my fundraising song honoring Africa, Michael Jackson, and soccer coming soon, I should be reaching my goal of $10000 in a few weeks.
If you haven't voted yet, check out the new poll to the right to test your knowledge of South Africa.
In honor of MJ, get your popcorn, sit back and relax to this short video clip:
Not only is it a great song, but it also raised over $63 million dollars for famine-relief efforts in Africa. $63 MILLION DOLLARS. AND, Bruce Springsteen solos in his signature style, which is guaranteed to make me laugh 9 times out of 10. And yes, I have watched this video at least 10 times in the past few days.
You might be wondering, Curtis, do you feel pressured to make your own fundraising song so you can also raise $63 million? To which I reply, "Song coming soon."
Moving on to soccer news... the US team lost a 3-2 heartbreaker to Brazil in the Confederations Cup final after giving up 3 goals in the second half. A sad ending, but a promising finish to what earlier looked like a first-round exit.
And finally, the yoga fundraiser was a great success, raising over $1000 total (depending on online donations yet to be counted). This was easily the most money raised through one event, so another big thanks to Kelley for organizing. This brings the total now around $7500 with a little less than a month left.
And with the my fundraising song honoring Africa, Michael Jackson, and soccer coming soon, I should be reaching my goal of $10000 in a few weeks.
If you haven't voted yet, check out the new poll to the right to test your knowledge of South Africa.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Do some yoga, help fight HIV.
Good news recently from the soccer world.
In South Africa, our national team advanced on a 3-0 win over Egypt, edging Italy for second place in the group. They are currently playing in the Confederations Cup, which is sort of a "dress rehearsal" for the World Cup next summer. We now play Spain in the semifinals Wednesday 2:25et.
It's great to see our national team come through with a big win, especially after some tough losses against Brazil and Italy, two historically great teams. So check it out Wednesday afternoon and cheer our boys on to victory against Spain, THE TOP RANKED TEAM in the world!
Fundraising is going very well. The total amount raised has now reached $5000. Ole!
The next big event scheduled is a yoga event THIS FRIDAY 7-9 at DCPC. To attend, all you have to do is make a donation of any amount right through this website, and you're free to come. Come on out for some good yoga, loosen up those hips, work out the kinks, relax. Afterward, make the two minute walk over to Summit Coffee for a drink or two. A special thanks to Kelley, who will be leading the yoga session, for making this happen.
The poll closed recently, and it looks like readers have some knowledge of soccer, because, yes, of course, it's Pele in the picture. We will forget that three people think it's Alexi Lalas, two people think it's Lebron, and one person voted for "some French guy." Now you can vote on the new poll located to the right.
And don't forget, head on out to Brixx pizza Uptown OR at Birkdale for a "Golden Goal" pie. The rumor around town is that Golden Goal pizzas make you jump higher, run faster, and perform better on standardized tests, and studies have shown they help our national team win more games.
In South Africa, our national team advanced on a 3-0 win over Egypt, edging Italy for second place in the group. They are currently playing in the Confederations Cup, which is sort of a "dress rehearsal" for the World Cup next summer. We now play Spain in the semifinals Wednesday 2:25et.
It's great to see our national team come through with a big win, especially after some tough losses against Brazil and Italy, two historically great teams. So check it out Wednesday afternoon and cheer our boys on to victory against Spain, THE TOP RANKED TEAM in the world!
Fundraising is going very well. The total amount raised has now reached $5000. Ole!
The next big event scheduled is a yoga event THIS FRIDAY 7-9 at DCPC. To attend, all you have to do is make a donation of any amount right through this website, and you're free to come. Come on out for some good yoga, loosen up those hips, work out the kinks, relax. Afterward, make the two minute walk over to Summit Coffee for a drink or two. A special thanks to Kelley, who will be leading the yoga session, for making this happen.
The poll closed recently, and it looks like readers have some knowledge of soccer, because, yes, of course, it's Pele in the picture. We will forget that three people think it's Alexi Lalas, two people think it's Lebron, and one person voted for "some French guy." Now you can vote on the new poll located to the right.
And don't forget, head on out to Brixx pizza Uptown OR at Birkdale for a "Golden Goal" pie. The rumor around town is that Golden Goal pizzas make you jump higher, run faster, and perform better on standardized tests, and studies have shown they help our national team win more games.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
North Mecklenburg Rotary supports Grassroot Soccer
A big thank you goes out to the Rotary Club of North Mecklenburg for choosing to support Grassroot Soccer with a generous donation.
A couple of years back, my more studly and artistic brother Tate received support from the Rotary Club while studying abroad. As a wee lad, I didn't really understand what it was at the time. This summer, however, I have learned more about Rotary and gained much respect for what the organization does.
The philosophy of the Rotary Club is based on "the four-way test", a simple guide to making good decisions.
1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
Using these principles, the Rotary Club works to improve international goodwill, understanding and peace, its members united in the ideal of service.
A fine organization, and I'm proud to be able to receive their support.
A couple of years back, my more studly and artistic brother Tate received support from the Rotary Club while studying abroad. As a wee lad, I didn't really understand what it was at the time. This summer, however, I have learned more about Rotary and gained much respect for what the organization does.
The philosophy of the Rotary Club is based on "the four-way test", a simple guide to making good decisions.
1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
Using these principles, the Rotary Club works to improve international goodwill, understanding and peace, its members united in the ideal of service.
A fine organization, and I'm proud to be able to receive their support.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Brixx Pizza, anyone?
Starting TODAY, June 1, Brixx Pizza uptown has a great new pizza called the "Golden Goal" pizza.
Let me tell you a little about this pizza, and how delicious it is.
The sauce is a creamy combination of tomato and alfredo sauce. It's a slight twist on the "vodka sauce" you see in pastas, and we've found that it goes well with a pizza too. Top that with melted mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, and you've got yourself a decent pie already. But oh no, it doesn't stop there. It's your choice now of either a little roasted chicken or bacon (or leave them off if you're not a meat person, Brixx won't mind). Add the Brixx style caramelized onions, and sprinkle a bit of fresh rosemary on top, and you've got yourself a pizza.
But that's not all. The greatest thing about the "Golden Goal" pizza is that every time you order one, Brixx is donating $3 to Grassroot Soccer! An extremely generous deal, and a fun way to raise money. So go get some "Golden Goal" pizzas, and help make a difference!
A thank you to Brixx Pizza for their generosity and general awesomeness in the restaurant world. Not only do they have great pizzas, but they feature a fine selection of beer, and have a great environment for family outings and later-night festivities. They also have a good number TVs, making it a great place to set up shop for sporting events, too. Thanks Brixx!
Let me tell you a little about this pizza, and how delicious it is.
The sauce is a creamy combination of tomato and alfredo sauce. It's a slight twist on the "vodka sauce" you see in pastas, and we've found that it goes well with a pizza too. Top that with melted mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, and you've got yourself a decent pie already. But oh no, it doesn't stop there. It's your choice now of either a little roasted chicken or bacon (or leave them off if you're not a meat person, Brixx won't mind). Add the Brixx style caramelized onions, and sprinkle a bit of fresh rosemary on top, and you've got yourself a pizza.
But that's not all. The greatest thing about the "Golden Goal" pizza is that every time you order one, Brixx is donating $3 to Grassroot Soccer! An extremely generous deal, and a fun way to raise money. So go get some "Golden Goal" pizzas, and help make a difference!
A thank you to Brixx Pizza for their generosity and general awesomeness in the restaurant world. Not only do they have great pizzas, but they feature a fine selection of beer, and have a great environment for family outings and later-night festivities. They also have a good number TVs, making it a great place to set up shop for sporting events, too. Thanks Brixx!
Girls win Friendlies at University City!
The Charlotte Junior Soccer League had a fine showing at Mallard Creek Park this weekend! Drawing from a pool of U-10 girls playing in a recreational league, we put together two All-Star teams that dominated play on Saturday and Sunday. Both teams earned a spot in the finals, and they battled it out to a 4-3 finish.
A great weekend of soccer for everyone involved.
A special thank you to all of the parents, who have kindly donated the entry fees to the tournament to Grassroot Soccer!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Extra extra read all about it!
Check it out:
A big thank you to the Charlotte Observer and Joe Marusak for their help.
While looking for organizations that might kindly give me their money, I came across this site:
http://www.ansafrica.org
(ANSA: Artists For A New South Africa)
I only wish my blog looked that cool. Especially interesting is the tracker on the top right that counts the number of new people infected with HIV while you browse.
In other fundraising news, a special thank you to the Charlotte Juniors League for offering to donate a portion of their entry fees for a local tournament to Grassroot Soccer.
A big thank you to the Charlotte Observer and Joe Marusak for their help.
While looking for organizations that might kindly give me their money, I came across this site:
http://www.ansafrica.org
(ANSA: Artists For A New South Africa)
I only wish my blog looked that cool. Especially interesting is the tracker on the top right that counts the number of new people infected with HIV while you browse.
In other fundraising news, a special thank you to the Charlotte Juniors League for offering to donate a portion of their entry fees for a local tournament to Grassroot Soccer.
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