•I have been very busy with academic work, homecaring for the Boss and being social. The first and third of these require a lot of driving around Metropolitan Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, thankfully the Lord has blessed me with a 'newish' SUV that so far is tank solid...like me.
•As I have been busy, I was not following FIFA World Cup qualifying as closely as I would like. I was thrilled and very surprised today to read that the United States did not qualify for the FIFA 2018 World Cup. To be clear, the USA is one of my favourite countries, and I have many friends, and next to Europe my favourite vacation destination. But I do not like how some of their media embraces this dream of the USA winning the World Cup one day, as if it is America's right. Even with the MLS growing, the USA still did not qualify for 2018. Perhaps the dream will largely die like Quebec separation will likely, but in that case, due to immigration. I love America, Canada, Europe, but I just do no not ever want to see the US media with a chance to gloat on this issue. Yes, the Canadian media gloats = equally annoying.
•Example of this US attitude: In 2006, I think, after church at Grace Vancouver, an American acquaintance was wearing an Arsenal cap. I stated... Me (paraphrased) : 'Are you looking forward to the World Cup?' Acquaintance (paraphrased): 'Yes we (USA) have a great chance this time'. Me (paraphrased) : 'I doubt the USA will win it this year. Europe and South America are too strong as usual.' Acquaintance (paraphrased): 'Well, we are bound to win it eventually.' Me (paraphrased): 'I doubt it. There are too many sports in the USA such as football, baseball and basketball ahead of soccer in the USA that will always take most of the top athletes, whereas football is the number one sport for athletes in Europe and South America.' Acquaintance (paraphrased); 'Grumbles' and walks away. So, we cannot have a reasonable discussion on the World Cup unless I buy your 'Kool-Aid' on predestined American dominance? Houston: We have a problem.
•Philosophical clue: Largest economy and largest military does not = best everything.
•The USA has dominated women's soccer and hockey.
•Yes, I always support Europe in the FIFA World Cup, it makes 'use' of my United Kingdom/Europe passport. Plus, Europe has won most of them and is going for the '4peat'. I have such low hopes for Canada Soccer, who cares that they did not qualify...once again.
•Metro Vancouver is filled with drivers that will not slow down even with our many rainy days. No wonder the insurance rate increase...
