There is no "We" in Team

OK, With the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games underway I have been immersed in all of the cool sports and events not generally found on television. The spectacular opening ceremonies, alpine skiing, snowboarding and the fast and exciting luge events have been riveting me to my television every evening. Rooting for Canadian athletes I have been inspired by the stories of triumph and success that Olympic fever brings and felt the pride every time a Canadian stands on the podium.
But there is something that I have to get off my chest. It is a phenomenon that crops up whenever there is a big game or rivalry in the sports world. I have witnessed this during Stanley Cups and World Series involving hometown teams in Detroit. The fever pitch that the Olympic hockey tournament has generated with Team Canada has this term being bandied about once again and it drives me crazy. Now an entire country has jumped on the bandwagon with this.
Yes, it’s the “we” factor. You know, when people refer to their favourite team as “we”.
“We have a big game tonight” or “We played a strong game last night”. I don’t know about you but my contribution to most sporting events consist of snacking on the sofa while watching the truly talented to all of the hard work. “We” implies that somehow I am an integral part of the team. Maybe if I was at the event I could motivate them through my cheering or flag waving thereby affecting the outcome, but my contribution to the final score from home is assuredly insignificant in the grand scheme of things.
I understand that people just want something to grab on to and be a part of the excitement and the patriotism that Canada’s Olympic hockey team exudes is refreshing and welcome.
Referring to “we” in the context of Canada as a country competing in the Olympics makes sense as well because we are all Canadians. But make no mistake, last time I checked there was no Fairhurst on the starting roster for any major league sports team much less Canada’s Olympic Team. This should never stop anyone from watching and enjoying professional sports however. Heck, wear the colors, cheer loudly and wave the flags if it makes you feel good. Just take credit where its due.
I have to go now, we just scored again. Go Team Canada!

by Tim Fairhurst
Biz X Magazine

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Master of Distraction

Well, the cellphone driving ban has just come into play for real. Passed three months ago, the law prohibits the use of hand held devices and video display units while operating a motor vehicle. The high profile taboo of talking while driving has become all the talk with many people. Albeit now while stopped. On my daily drive through the county I have encountered cars pulled over to the shoulder of the road at all hours and locations. Further inspection as I cruise by usually reveals someone talking on a cellphone. Hey, maybe we're finally getting it. Distracted driving is dangerous driving. For the record hand free devices are allowed so the whole multitasking thing is still in effect for those who must always be "connected". I recently bought a bluetooth earpiece thats easy to use and unobtrusive but I seem to have to go out of my way to use it. I guess I dont really spend that much time in my vehicle to warrant (or get a ton of phone calls for that matter) it but thought it might be cool to use it in a store or the bank. I could walk around talking to whomever invisibly and look busy and important. Or not.
Dont talk and Drive

by Tim Fairhurst
Biz X Magazine

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