Is there Corruption in FIFA?

Listen up all you soccer fans, especially those living in Germany.
If you are interested in Football and like watching the World Cup coming up this summer, then you'd probably interested in the new book "Foul" which is currently being banned in Switzerland.

Ironically, FIFA which is based out of Zurich, Switzerland is banning the book because through a temporary court injunction. But one can find a copy of the book anywhere else in the world according to the UK publisher.

The book was written by Andrew Jennings and details serious allegations of corruption within Fifa. Who wouldn't be a bit worried with a title like "Foul! The Secret World of Fifa: Bribes, Vote Rigging and Ticket Scandals". For Fifa, they have stepped in because they claim the allegations to be false or misrepresented. In 2002, allegations like this from the president swarmed the Fifa association. I'm wondering what people have heard about the book so far.

Canadian Budget Changes

For those of you who follow anything about Canada, you might be interested in reading about the new changes which will probably take place with the new Canadian Federal budget. I'm not one to dissect and analyze the budget but for those of you who might be applying for immigration to Canada like me, this might be good news!

• Reducing the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (charged to immigrants arriving in Canada) from $975 to $490, effective immediately.

Well they say this is effective immediately but I wonder just how one can get a refund since I paid the higher fees.

"In addition, the Government will provide partial refunds to those who
have already paid the $975 fee but have not been granted permanent
resident status or have not yet arrived in Canada."

So how do you get a refund? Thanks Christina for finding this link for the refund answer.

The weather is nice today, maybe up to 22C so I'm off to get out and enjoy the weather and maybe end up with a hair cut too.

Parting shots from Yvoire. The plants around Vancouver are starting to look like this too. :)

Blue Skies

I keep thinking about all of the blue skies which might be ahead here in our forecast. Yesterday, I was told summer is on its way, but it certainly didn't feel that way. Maybe seeing a photo from a hot summer day in Switzerland will do the trick.

This is a pic of one of the many views at Ouchy in Lausanne. Ironically, the North Vancouver waterfront has much of the same beauty in the summer months. I do hope P and I will actually walk down the hill to enjoy a site like this. It would be a shame not to take advantage of it.

So what's keeping us away? Probably the same thing that kept me away at first, knowing we would probably have to walk back up the hill. In Lausanne, you can ride the metro back up the hill into the city center. While in North Vancouver, you can ride the 229 or 232 bus back up Lonsdale. It's just a matter of plunking in that money to do it or taking the more appealing trek up the hill to our place again. Maybe if it's a nice weekend will we do just that!

A Piece of North Van History

My wonderful husband has done it again. Go check out his post about a piece of history practically outside our back door. We are so lucky to live in such a wonderful neighborhood and be able to take such scenic photography. This is just paradise.

Expo Ernie Returns

If you ever were able to visit the World Expo 86 which took place at False Creek in Vancouver, Canada, then you might recognize this face. It's Expo Ernie, the official greeter of the Expo.

So you might be wondering whatever happened to Ernie and Expo 86? Well Expo Ernie is making a come back reunion and coming out of retirement. May 2nd will be Expo 86 Day and Expo Ernie will be there to greet people once again here in Vancouver.

"Visitors will have a chance to interact with the beloved mascot during a two-day celebration at City Hall on May 1st and 2nd, which will include a special ceremony in council where the Mayor will deliver the proclamation and recognize community leaders and thousands of volunteers who helped make Expo 86 a success."

Actually he even made an apperance on global tv this morning. If I would have thought about it, I should have taken a photo of him helping out with the weather. I really wasn't able to find an official photo of the guy. But here are a few photos that made me flash back to the times and beauty. Boy has the surrounding area changed since 1986.

courtesy bobbea.com

If you'd like to see a few more great links about Expo 86, here are a few more retro pics to flask back and other funny links to laugh and smile.

>>Exp0 86 Trivia
>>Expo 86 15 years later
>>What Expo 86 was like
>>More Expo 86 Vancouver

Since I heard about the great expo while I wasn't living here in Vancouver, I only got to see photos of the event now. I think it would have been a fun deal to check out as I would have been old enough to appreciate and take in the Expo. I'll leave you with a famous pic which of course is all things Switzerland.

courtesy of bobbea.com

Here's to the first of May, another new month and reminiscing about Expo.