Okay, I'm going to learn Mandarin no matter how hard it is! As for my future kids, they will most likely grow up in a world where being able to speak both English and Mandarin will be an in-demand skill, especially in the US where so few are learning it now.

Congratulations to Japan! It was an amazing game. I can't believe they came from behind twice to win it! Exciting stuff. They've never beat the US before, let alone a World Cup victory. A well deserved win.

After an emotional run through the tournament that few predicted, Japan emerged yesterday as the unlikely champion of the FIFA Women's World Cup Germany 2011. After enduring the triple disasters of the earthquake, tsunami, and Fukushima Diaichi nuclear catastrophe, Japan rejoiced in the first good news in months. The final came in dramatic fashion against the United States in a penalty shoot-out after the score was tied 2-2 in regulation. Sixteen countries fought for the title in Germany, resulting in the first Asian world champion.