Monthly Archives: April 2008

French Open Tennis Coverage Heats Things Up

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The world’s favorite Belgium tennis player is preparing for the 2008 French Open. The French Open tennis coverage for her has been full of excitement because Justine Henin-Hardenne has won the last 3 years in a row.

She loves to play of the clay court and show off her skills. She lost in 2002 to Serena Williams and Justine does not plan on losing again.

The men’s singles is also quite exciting as the rivalry between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer heats things up. Rafael, like Justine, has won for 3 consecutive years also.

The clay court slows the ball down and it is too difficult for some of the world’s best tennis players to win on. Henin-Hardenne and Nadal are not planning on losing again.

Asian Culture Reaches from Japan to Arthur Trueger

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The American culture loves the Asian culture. In fact, not only have we seen traditional Asian clothes come in style in the U.S., we have seen many Americans becoming involved in all things Asian.

For instance, venture capitalist Arthur Trueger has an affinity with the Japanese culture. He is a member of the Japan Society of Northern California and he loves the Asian Art Museum.

Arthur Trueger is just one example of how the Asian culture has influenced the American culture. We love books such as Memoirs of a Geisha and we love the movie also.

Maps Help Provide Teachable Moments

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As a geography teacher I am required to teach my students how to read a map. This is a fairly normal task, but my students always break out into a debate about the wars the U.S. has fought in.

When they do a lesson with a map of Vietnam, I hear about the Vietnam War. I stay out of the politics but I always ask them if they know what the Vietnamese call that war. They usually don’t know and for some reason they are surprised when I say, "The American War."

There has been much heated debate recently when it is time to do a  lesson with a map of Afghanistan. I of course stay out of this one also especially because it is still going on. My job is to cultivate teachable moments, not to judge my students on their beliefs.

One other thing that gets them excited is when we do a lesson with a map of Cuba. The Bay of Pigs was not a war but it was a battle and my kids like to talk about it.

I can’t complain about any of this, though. Teachable moments don’t happen everyday so when these lessons encourages my students to debate, I let them

French Open Schedule Builds Anticipation

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The Roland Garros is upon us again and I cannot wait to see the French Open schedule. I fully expect to see Nadal and Henin again but I doubt Federer will play for the men’s singles championship again.

If Justin Henin-Hardenne wins again, this will be her 4th consecutive win and she will set a new record.

Nadal will be defending his title for the 4th straight time also. He is the King of Clay but I do not think the King of Grass, Federer will be in this year. He has lost his edge.

But, no matter who ends up in the French Open schedule, it is sure to be an interesting tournament.