I read an article about UEFA president Platini on BBC News this week. The article was based on one of the problems with football - goals that are not seen, and therefore not counted, by the referee.
In the last World Cup, England was denied what seemed a clear goal to those of us who watched live and then was proven a clean goal by all the camera replays. Since then, some football talk has been centred around the topic of adding technology to the game so no goal would be missed. There have been a number of "hats tossed into the ring" offering ways to solve the problem. Some believe the ball should contain a chip that would make a signal "go off" when it crossed the goal line. Some think there should be a device like the ones used in tennis or cricket to visually track the ball. Both of these technologies have been tested in the past and neither "passed muster". The rulemaking division of FIFA is inviting ideas about technology that would be useful to ensure no goals would be missed.
However, I believe UEFA president Platini is "on the right track". He believes all we need is "an extra pair of eyes" at the goal line. That is how they solved the problem in hockey. This season UEFA Champions League games are being played with an extra official at the goal line. I think this is the best way to keep the integrity of the game and ensure that the referee is being supported in his decisions. Being the referee and having all your decisions challenged by players, managers, fans and 20+ cameras is an impossible situation. Support is needed.
I hope they choose to continue with the extra official at the goal line and not add technology. Adding technology would not only change the game by undermining the referee, but it would take football away from all the countries that don't have the money to come "up to code" if this type of technology becomes standard.
1) "hats tossed into the ring" OR to "toss your hat into the ring" - When you "toss your hat into the ring", you are joining in a competition. Applying for a new job is the same as tossing your hat into the ring. The job is essentially a competition of the most qualified people. Sending your resume is joining the competition. If there is a bonus to be won at work, you can toss your hat into the ring by asking to be considered for the bonus. If working the hardest will win the bonus, then you have to work harder than usual to be considered as a contender. Just offering an opinion or a suggestion during a meeting can be the same as tossing your hat into the ring because it brings attention to you. If your opinion is the best, then you can "win" the discussion. Therefore, offering an opinion is the same as joining a competition or tossing your hat into the ring.
2) to "go off" - Surprisingly, this phrasal verb has more than one meaning. To "go off", as used in the above passage, is the same as to "set off" something. Any item, like an alarm, needs something to occur so the alarm will sound. Whatever the "thing" needed to make the alarm sound is what makes the alarm "go off". In the case of a fire alarm, smoke would make it "go off".
Another definition of to "go off" is to get very angry. Usually this includes yelling and violent behaviour. If your boss has a very bad temper, this means that they can get very angry at small things. If you know that leaving coffee cups on the reception desk makes your boss very angry, you would say that leaving coffee cups on the desk makes your boss "go off" (or... it "sets off" your boss).
3) to "pass muster" - When something "passes muster", it is good. Something that "passes muster" also "passes inspection". If you are searching for a new car because you current car doesn't have any cup holders, then a new car with 4 cup holders would "pass muster". Anything, including a person, that requires a positive review by an authority, needs to "pass muster". If you have hired a new assistant for your manager, then once your manager agrees that the new assistant shows all the skills required, then the new assistant as well as your ability to hire assistants would both "pass muster".
4) to be "on the right track" - This is used in all types of situations. To be "on the right track" means that your ideas agree with mine. Being "on the right track" is completely a matter of opinion. If the website designer for your company decides that the home page should contain photos of management AND you agree with this opinion, then you would say the designer "is on the right track". However, if you do not agree with the opinion of the designer, then you would say they are "not on the right track".
5) an "extra pair of eyes" - This is a literal expression. In the case of the extra official at the goal line, we are talking about having an extra person, with their eyes, watching the ball. We use this expression often at the office. If your marketing manager comes to you to ask for "an extra set of eyes" to check the new ad before it goes to print, then they want you to look at or edit the ad. We often discuss needing "an extra pair of eyes" to check our projects at work. Sometimes the expression is less literal. It can mean that we don't trust our ability (and the computer's) to edit our own work or just that we like having someone else edit and therefore approve of our work.
6) to be "up to code" - For something to be "up to code" means that it follows or agrees with the rules that apply. A car seat for your child must be "up to code" before it can be sold in the stores. Because rules change, they suggest not to buy used/old car seats as they may not be "up to code" or agreeing with current regulations. Anything that does not agree with current regulations is simply "not up to code".
You can use this expression in a less literal way. At the office, an older computer program may not be "up to code" (literal) for security. A bad or sexist joke told at the office can be "not up to code" (literal or figurative depending upon regulations at the workplace). However, the behaviour of a worker at the office can also be "not up to code". Perhaps they say offensive things or just act in a way that makes the other workers feel uncomfortable. This person's behaviour must be addressed by the manager and if the person changes so that the other workers become happy with their behaviour then they would be considered to have brought "up to code".
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
How Did It Go? I'll Let You Know...
So many people asked me today, "How did it go?". They were referring to the Calgary Woman's Show that I mentioned last blog. It went well. We must have had 1000 people "come by" our booth for a "chat". Everyone told us they were impressed with our concept and product. That really put a "spring in our step" on the way home the first day. Sales were not "off the charts" but we made some great contacts and got a few ideas for different marketing schemes. "At the end of the day", we didn't make a large sum of money but considering all the positive responses from the public, this show was "well worth the effort".
1) I will "let you know" - To "let someone know" is to tell them that you will give them information at a later time. If your boss asks you to "let her know" about how the new person is fitting into your team, she wants the information at a later date. This gives you a little time to prepare your response. This phrase is so common it is used everywhere. "Do you want me to tell you when my car is ready for sale?" "Yes. Let me know."
2) "How did it go?" or "How is it going?" - "How is it going" is a very common phrase used when meeting with anyone about anything. You can ask your courier "How's it going?" and you would be greeting them. So it can be used like "Hello".
"How's it going" can also be used to ask someone about their progress on a specific project. Your boss may come into your office and say, "How's it going on the Simpson project?". This is a direct request for a progress report on that specific project. Your answer should include how close the project is to completion and what steps you are taking to get the project complete.
3) to "come by" - Like most, this phrasal verb has a number of meanings. In the context of the short piece above, to "come by" (also "to drop by") means to go to a place for a visit, conversation or specific purpose. I could say to my friend, "Don't forget to come by the house to get the recipe you wanted". Your client could tell you to "come by" the office to sign the papers for your agreement.
You can also "come by" something. This suggests that you have found something that you weren't specifically looking for. You might be walking past a shop on Saturday and "come by" a fantastic sale. You weren't looking for the sale, but you did find it. You could also be looking in your car for a tissue and happen to come by a packet of gum. How fortuitous!
4) to "chat"- This word means to have a short conversation. It can be used in any context but often suggests a casual situation. You might go for coffee with a friend just to chat. Your boss could ask you to come into the office for a chat. The suggestion is a casual conversation will occur.
5) to have a "spring in your step" - When you have a "spring in your step" you are happy. It literally suggests that your steps are full of energy and bounce (spring). Happiness and positive energy are always the focus of this phrase. Sometimes something simple like finding money on the street or getting a good price for your car will give you a "spring in your step". People can see your happiness as you walk.
6) "at the end of the day" - This phrase is used to "sum up" or to give a synopsis of whatever you have just been speaking about. It usually is said before you make your very last statement. You can use it at the end of a meeting or a speech. For example, "This afternoon we have been talking about investments. We have given you a great number of ideas and names of companies that should see excellent financial quarters. But, at the end of the day, the decision to invest is completely yours."
7) "well worth the effort" - Something that is "well worth the effort" is something that has been hard work but has resulted in a positive outcome. Everyone would say that raising children is "well worth the effort". But some might not agree that running a daycare facility is also worth the effort. You could say that going across the city to get a 5% discount on shoes is not worth the effort but when you get to your destination and they offer you an additional 25% for coming before 10:00, your long trip would be considered well worth the effort. Sometimes, dealing with a client who is unhappy isn't worth the effort because they do not add significant wealth to the company. But perhaps they are good friends with an investor who is looking for a company to do business with, then dealing with the unhappy client might be well worth the effort.
1) I will "let you know" - To "let someone know" is to tell them that you will give them information at a later time. If your boss asks you to "let her know" about how the new person is fitting into your team, she wants the information at a later date. This gives you a little time to prepare your response. This phrase is so common it is used everywhere. "Do you want me to tell you when my car is ready for sale?" "Yes. Let me know."
2) "How did it go?" or "How is it going?" - "How is it going" is a very common phrase used when meeting with anyone about anything. You can ask your courier "How's it going?" and you would be greeting them. So it can be used like "Hello".
"How's it going" can also be used to ask someone about their progress on a specific project. Your boss may come into your office and say, "How's it going on the Simpson project?". This is a direct request for a progress report on that specific project. Your answer should include how close the project is to completion and what steps you are taking to get the project complete.
3) to "come by" - Like most, this phrasal verb has a number of meanings. In the context of the short piece above, to "come by" (also "to drop by") means to go to a place for a visit, conversation or specific purpose. I could say to my friend, "Don't forget to come by the house to get the recipe you wanted". Your client could tell you to "come by" the office to sign the papers for your agreement.
You can also "come by" something. This suggests that you have found something that you weren't specifically looking for. You might be walking past a shop on Saturday and "come by" a fantastic sale. You weren't looking for the sale, but you did find it. You could also be looking in your car for a tissue and happen to come by a packet of gum. How fortuitous!
4) to "chat"- This word means to have a short conversation. It can be used in any context but often suggests a casual situation. You might go for coffee with a friend just to chat. Your boss could ask you to come into the office for a chat. The suggestion is a casual conversation will occur.
5) to have a "spring in your step" - When you have a "spring in your step" you are happy. It literally suggests that your steps are full of energy and bounce (spring). Happiness and positive energy are always the focus of this phrase. Sometimes something simple like finding money on the street or getting a good price for your car will give you a "spring in your step". People can see your happiness as you walk.
6) "at the end of the day" - This phrase is used to "sum up" or to give a synopsis of whatever you have just been speaking about. It usually is said before you make your very last statement. You can use it at the end of a meeting or a speech. For example, "This afternoon we have been talking about investments. We have given you a great number of ideas and names of companies that should see excellent financial quarters. But, at the end of the day, the decision to invest is completely yours."
7) "well worth the effort" - Something that is "well worth the effort" is something that has been hard work but has resulted in a positive outcome. Everyone would say that raising children is "well worth the effort". But some might not agree that running a daycare facility is also worth the effort. You could say that going across the city to get a 5% discount on shoes is not worth the effort but when you get to your destination and they offer you an additional 25% for coming before 10:00, your long trip would be considered well worth the effort. Sometimes, dealing with a client who is unhappy isn't worth the effort because they do not add significant wealth to the company. But perhaps they are good friends with an investor who is looking for a company to do business with, then dealing with the unhappy client might be well worth the effort.
Friday, October 22, 2010
On the Edge of Our Seats
Tomorrow is The Calgary Woman's Show. In itself, the show is not overly exciting for me. However, this year my sister's company You Get Well Soon is "manning" a booth and I will be there. We are truly "on the edge of our seats" about the outcome. As we haven't been to any other shows, we have "no idea" what to expect. Will she have people "falling over themselves" about the product or only "looky loos"? We are "clueless" as to what will happen. "Fingers crossed" all goes well.
1) "manning" or "to man" something - This is a strange example of how English takes nouns, like "man", and changes them into verbs. "To man" something means to physically be present. A person must be attending whatever situation is in need. So, if you are walking past a flower stand that no one seems to be working at, you could say that the stand wasn't being manned.
I know this term sounds sexist but we do use it for both men and women. If your boss asks you to volunteer to represent the company at a trade show next month, you will be "manning" the trade show booth for your company.
2) to be "on the edge of one's seat" - This phrase is very common. It means to be extremely excited about something. You "can't wait" for the event to happen. The image this phrase suggests might be a person sitting in an audience, waiting for their favourite performer to walk onto the stage. The excitement this person feels could physically move them to the edge of their seat. They would perch, like a bird on a branch, on their seat with anticipation. This phrase can be used anywhere and sometimes is used sarcastically. If, for example, you don't like cats but your friend has invited you to a cat show, you could say you are "on the edge of your seat" about which animal will be chosen the winning cat. If, on the other hand, you really enjoy having the newest technology, you could say you are "on the edge of your seat" about the upcoming release of the new iPad.
3) to have "no idea" = to be "clueless" - These expressions mean you do not have any notions, ideas, or knowledge about a subject. If you have just returned from vacation and your boss asks you what your opinion is of the new computer system your company put in last week, you could say that you "have no idea" about the new computer system because you haven't seen it yet.
In general, it's not good to be "clueless" at work. "Clueless" has the slight suggestion that your brain isn't working to capacity. You might say that the new accountant in your office is "clueless" because they cannot print out a receipt. This suggests a lack of knowledge that should be had.
4) to be "falling over oneself" - This phrase can be used a number of ways. sometimes it suggests a group of people are moving towards the same object and they are literally "falling over each other" to get to the object. Figuratively, the same group of people could be "falling over each other" if everyone in the group was trying to make a purchase of the same object.
5) a "looky loo" or "lookie loo" - This is strictly slang. a "looky loo" is a person who goes into a shop to browse but not to purchase. Because this person is only interested in looking, not buying, we call them a "looky loo". At your big sales presentation at work, you could say to your client that this new advertising campaign will turn all their "looky loos" into buyers. This will definitely make your client happy.
6) to have your "fingers crossed" - This expression comes from the physical motion of crossing one's middle finger over one's index (or pointer) finger. This is done to bring good luck to the person doing the finger crossing or to bring good luck to whomever the person crossing their fingers wants. Sometimes this same motion is used to ward off (keep away) bad luck. If your colleague at the office is going in to see the boss for their annual review, you could either make the motion of crossing your fingers or just say "fingers crossed" indicating you wish the person good luck.
Fingers crossed you all have a good week.
This blog has not been regular since the World Cup. Sorry. It will soon be again. Some football will be mentioned but I'll add a story or two about other world events - even if it's just my world.
1) "manning" or "to man" something - This is a strange example of how English takes nouns, like "man", and changes them into verbs. "To man" something means to physically be present. A person must be attending whatever situation is in need. So, if you are walking past a flower stand that no one seems to be working at, you could say that the stand wasn't being manned.
I know this term sounds sexist but we do use it for both men and women. If your boss asks you to volunteer to represent the company at a trade show next month, you will be "manning" the trade show booth for your company.
2) to be "on the edge of one's seat" - This phrase is very common. It means to be extremely excited about something. You "can't wait" for the event to happen. The image this phrase suggests might be a person sitting in an audience, waiting for their favourite performer to walk onto the stage. The excitement this person feels could physically move them to the edge of their seat. They would perch, like a bird on a branch, on their seat with anticipation. This phrase can be used anywhere and sometimes is used sarcastically. If, for example, you don't like cats but your friend has invited you to a cat show, you could say you are "on the edge of your seat" about which animal will be chosen the winning cat. If, on the other hand, you really enjoy having the newest technology, you could say you are "on the edge of your seat" about the upcoming release of the new iPad.
3) to have "no idea" = to be "clueless" - These expressions mean you do not have any notions, ideas, or knowledge about a subject. If you have just returned from vacation and your boss asks you what your opinion is of the new computer system your company put in last week, you could say that you "have no idea" about the new computer system because you haven't seen it yet.
In general, it's not good to be "clueless" at work. "Clueless" has the slight suggestion that your brain isn't working to capacity. You might say that the new accountant in your office is "clueless" because they cannot print out a receipt. This suggests a lack of knowledge that should be had.
4) to be "falling over oneself" - This phrase can be used a number of ways. sometimes it suggests a group of people are moving towards the same object and they are literally "falling over each other" to get to the object. Figuratively, the same group of people could be "falling over each other" if everyone in the group was trying to make a purchase of the same object.
5) a "looky loo" or "lookie loo" - This is strictly slang. a "looky loo" is a person who goes into a shop to browse but not to purchase. Because this person is only interested in looking, not buying, we call them a "looky loo". At your big sales presentation at work, you could say to your client that this new advertising campaign will turn all their "looky loos" into buyers. This will definitely make your client happy.
6) to have your "fingers crossed" - This expression comes from the physical motion of crossing one's middle finger over one's index (or pointer) finger. This is done to bring good luck to the person doing the finger crossing or to bring good luck to whomever the person crossing their fingers wants. Sometimes this same motion is used to ward off (keep away) bad luck. If your colleague at the office is going in to see the boss for their annual review, you could either make the motion of crossing your fingers or just say "fingers crossed" indicating you wish the person good luck.
Fingers crossed you all have a good week.
This blog has not been regular since the World Cup. Sorry. It will soon be again. Some football will be mentioned but I'll add a story or two about other world events - even if it's just my world.
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