I figured out why I was unable to save pictures on my new digital camera. Everytime I went to see how much space I had used up on the flash card, I was hitting OK after I checked... Only upon closer examination, I was choosing OK to the camera's question "Do you wanted to re-format your flash card now?" Re-formatting the flash card erases all previous photos! Oops!
You would never know that I profess to be technology-literatre, now would you? :)
31 March 2004
New Toy!
Well, I finally did it. Yesterday I bought a digital camera.
After weeks of research, going into stores and fondling about every digital camera available, and establishing myself a budget (about 200 Euros), I bought the Canon Power Shot A300.
According to reviews, it is about the best camera you can get with all sorts of nifty features for the price. The only down side is that it comes with 2 AA alkaline batteries, as opposed to rechargeables. You can use regular AA batteries with it, but the camera sucks them dry very quickly, so I guess I will have to buy some rechargeables.
Otherwise... I am still in the process of reading the manual (which is in German!) and learning about what all those nifty features can really do. Unfortunately, the first 5 pictures I took with it were unintentionally deleted while I was fiddling around with the menus, so until I take some more today I have none to show at the moment.
However, as I learn more about my new camera and take more photos, I will update my experiences with my new toy.
After weeks of research, going into stores and fondling about every digital camera available, and establishing myself a budget (about 200 Euros), I bought the Canon Power Shot A300.
According to reviews, it is about the best camera you can get with all sorts of nifty features for the price. The only down side is that it comes with 2 AA alkaline batteries, as opposed to rechargeables. You can use regular AA batteries with it, but the camera sucks them dry very quickly, so I guess I will have to buy some rechargeables.
Otherwise... I am still in the process of reading the manual (which is in German!) and learning about what all those nifty features can really do. Unfortunately, the first 5 pictures I took with it were unintentionally deleted while I was fiddling around with the menus, so until I take some more today I have none to show at the moment.
However, as I learn more about my new camera and take more photos, I will update my experiences with my new toy.
29 March 2004
Barbie Gothic
My mom sent me an anniversary card with Barbie and Ken spoofing Grant Wood's famous painting "American Gothic."
"American Gothic" has been interpreted as a satire "on the intolerance and rigidity that the insular nature of rural life can produce" and "the narrow-mindedness and repression that has been said to characterize Midwestern culture." Wood denied both of these interpretations, saying that in actuality it represented "the Puritan ethic and virtues that he believed dignified the Midwestern character."
But no matter how the painting is interpreted Midwestern stereotypes surface. Being from Iowa, which is usually seen as the core of the Midwest, I am quite familiar with the stereotypes of farm life, agricultural heritage, small towns, physical and cultural homogeneity, and pastoral and traditional values.
As all stereotypes, those about the Midwest have some basis in fact. For example, I am from a small town where society revolves around the farm. It is often said (though I don't think ever verified by census) that there are more pigs than people in Iowa and if you entertain the idea of becoming a vegetarian you are accused of hurting the economy.
As for Midwesterners being dignified, have you ever seen the crowd at a Green Bay Packers game? How can you call people dignified who wear (fake) cheese on their heads and watch football in an outdoor stadium during a blizzard bare-chested?
As a general rule, most Midwesterners are also hospitable, down to earth, reliable, peaceful, considerate, cheerful, and easy-going. In fact, when I think about the Midwesterners I know, I think maybe the smiling Barbie-version of "American Gothic" is more representative than the sullen original.
"American Gothic" has been interpreted as a satire "on the intolerance and rigidity that the insular nature of rural life can produce" and "the narrow-mindedness and repression that has been said to characterize Midwestern culture." Wood denied both of these interpretations, saying that in actuality it represented "the Puritan ethic and virtues that he believed dignified the Midwestern character."
But no matter how the painting is interpreted Midwestern stereotypes surface. Being from Iowa, which is usually seen as the core of the Midwest, I am quite familiar with the stereotypes of farm life, agricultural heritage, small towns, physical and cultural homogeneity, and pastoral and traditional values.
As all stereotypes, those about the Midwest have some basis in fact. For example, I am from a small town where society revolves around the farm. It is often said (though I don't think ever verified by census) that there are more pigs than people in Iowa and if you entertain the idea of becoming a vegetarian you are accused of hurting the economy.
As for Midwesterners being dignified, have you ever seen the crowd at a Green Bay Packers game? How can you call people dignified who wear (fake) cheese on their heads and watch football in an outdoor stadium during a blizzard bare-chested?
As a general rule, most Midwesterners are also hospitable, down to earth, reliable, peaceful, considerate, cheerful, and easy-going. In fact, when I think about the Midwesterners I know, I think maybe the smiling Barbie-version of "American Gothic" is more representative than the sullen original.
Five Planet Panorama
Since about March 20 and for another few days, if you live in the northern latitudes and look in the evening sky about 45 minutes after sunset, you can see a rare occurrence with the naked eye: The alignment of five of the planets of our Solar System; Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Venus, and Mercury. This is unusual because Mercury is so close to the Sun that it never gets very far above the horizon, and always only near dawn or dusk.
If you miss out seeing the five planet alignment this time around, you should be able to see it again from late December 2004 through early January 2005, but then it will be in the morning sky. (This means in order to observe the phenomenon you will have to get up before dawn!) Otherwise you will have to wait another 32 years for such an occurrence in the evening sky.
Last evening, A. and I took the opportunity to find Mercury and observe this exquisite five planet panorama and I would encourage everyone to do the same. Even if you are not normally an amateur astronomer, finding the planets isn't too difficult. A clear sky and a pair of binoculars are the most helpful and recommended ways to locate the planets. After you find the planets in the binoculars, seeing them with the naked eye is a piece of cake.
If you miss out seeing the five planet alignment this time around, you should be able to see it again from late December 2004 through early January 2005, but then it will be in the morning sky. (This means in order to observe the phenomenon you will have to get up before dawn!) Otherwise you will have to wait another 32 years for such an occurrence in the evening sky.
Last evening, A. and I took the opportunity to find Mercury and observe this exquisite five planet panorama and I would encourage everyone to do the same. Even if you are not normally an amateur astronomer, finding the planets isn't too difficult. A clear sky and a pair of binoculars are the most helpful and recommended ways to locate the planets. After you find the planets in the binoculars, seeing them with the naked eye is a piece of cake.
27 March 2004
A Wine Drinker in Beer Country
I have a confession to make: I don't like beer.
When I imbibe in alcohol, I prefer a sweet red wine or a shot of Amaretto. Beer is bitter, I have never much liked the taste, and it gives me wicked hangovers. As a college student, where drinking is about getting drunk, I drank beer because I believed the famous, "Don't worry, you'll get used to it" claim. But I didn't. I was never converted and now that I am over 21 and my major drinking exercises are in accompaniment to a meal, I don’t even pause to consider beer.
But the thing is, I live in Germany. And Germany's favorite beverage is beer. The average German drinks about 138 liters of beer per year (that's 36½ gallons), with the average Bavarian drinking 50% more than the national average. April 23 is the Day of German Beer. There is even a German Beer Purity Law and drinking a beer with lunch is not frowned upon, in some places the ability to have a beer with lunch is the law!
Beer is a vital part of the German culture and experience, but in the two years that I have lived in Munich I have not drunk even so much as one sip from ein Maß of Weißier! Of course, my distaste for beer has occasionally been a bit of a predicament here. For example, social opportunities can be limited as sitting in a beer garden with no beer, while doable, feels awkward. And of course there are the social functions where the choice of beverage is beer or... beer.
Even so, I have managed to get along well enough in Munich, but I guess I will never officially be a Bavarian!
When I imbibe in alcohol, I prefer a sweet red wine or a shot of Amaretto. Beer is bitter, I have never much liked the taste, and it gives me wicked hangovers. As a college student, where drinking is about getting drunk, I drank beer because I believed the famous, "Don't worry, you'll get used to it" claim. But I didn't. I was never converted and now that I am over 21 and my major drinking exercises are in accompaniment to a meal, I don’t even pause to consider beer.
But the thing is, I live in Germany. And Germany's favorite beverage is beer. The average German drinks about 138 liters of beer per year (that's 36½ gallons), with the average Bavarian drinking 50% more than the national average. April 23 is the Day of German Beer. There is even a German Beer Purity Law and drinking a beer with lunch is not frowned upon, in some places the ability to have a beer with lunch is the law!
Beer is a vital part of the German culture and experience, but in the two years that I have lived in Munich I have not drunk even so much as one sip from ein Maß of Weißier! Of course, my distaste for beer has occasionally been a bit of a predicament here. For example, social opportunities can be limited as sitting in a beer garden with no beer, while doable, feels awkward. And of course there are the social functions where the choice of beverage is beer or... beer.
Even so, I have managed to get along well enough in Munich, but I guess I will never officially be a Bavarian!
26 March 2004
The Awful German Language
"A person who has not studied German can form no idea of what a perplexing language it is."
While browsing through my unabridged Mark Twain looking for his reference to the Loreley, I came across his hysterical essay entitled "The Awful German Language." For someone who spent the past two years methodically learning German and who is still attempting to perfect her language skills, this essay provided some welcome absurdity to an otherwise nerve-racking task.
While browsing through my unabridged Mark Twain looking for his reference to the Loreley, I came across his hysterical essay entitled "The Awful German Language." For someone who spent the past two years methodically learning German and who is still attempting to perfect her language skills, this essay provided some welcome absurdity to an otherwise nerve-racking task.
-
On Rules of Grammar
... and when at last he thinks he has captured a rule which offers firm ground to take a rest on amid the general rage and turmoil of the ten parts of speech, he turns over the page and reads, 'Let the pupil make careful note of the following exceptions'... - -- I have pages of exceptions!
- On Compound Words
... constructed by the writer on the spot, and not to be found in any dictionary. - -- I actually like being able to make up words as I go along, it takes some of the stress of finding the exact word.
- On Trenbares Verben (Separable Verbs)
... the wider the two potions of one of them is spread apart, the better the author of the crime is pleased with his performance. - -- Once you have struggled to locate the entire verb in a German sentence, you know that the person who thought up these separable verbs had a wicked sense of humor.
- On Personal Pronouns
sie -> you, she, her, it, they, them
Think of the ragged poverty of a language which has to make one word do the work of six... - -- So who exactly am I talking about now?!
- On Gender
Every noun has a gender, and there is no sense or system in the distribution; ...each must be learned separately and by heart. - -- Memorize, Memorize, Memor... what was that again?
- In German, a young lady [Mädchen) has no sex [neutral; das], while a turnip [Rübe] has [feminie, die].
- -- Go figure!
- [Even after learning the gender] he is still in a difficulty because he finds it impossible... to refer to things as 'he' and 'she' and 'him' and 'her,' which he has always been accustomed to refer to as 'it.'
- -- I couldn't have said it better myself.
- In the essay Twain also has a very entertaining and exact explanation of Case Declination which anyone who has ever struggled with German can not fail to appreciate.
- Virtues of German (according to Twain)
- Virtues of German (according to Twain)
- Capitalization of nouns
- Spelling a word according to sound
- Spelling a word according to sound
- In conclusion...
... a gifted person ought to learn English (barring spelling and pronunciation) in 30 hours, French in 30 days, and German in 30 years. - -- Well, I guess I only have (being an exceptionally gifted person) 28 more years to go then!
- -- all quotes in this post are attributed to the great Mark Twain
- read the full text of "The Awful German Language"
25 March 2004
This n' That
Well, I managed to survive the visit with my mother-in-law (we actually got along fairly well this time) and A. and I came home with a whole car-load full of loot too!
The weather in Munich has gone plumb crazy today! Last week it was so warm I was starting to think about pulling the lounge chair out onto the balcony so that I could sunbathe and my Johnny Jump-ups were perky and enjoying the sunny weather. This morning I woke up and it was trying to snow! Ahhh! I guess spring has been back-ordered.
Tomorrow I will have been married for two years. I can't believe how the time flies! It seems to me that A. and I were just enjoying our first vacation together in sunny and humid New Orleans the other day. Now we are just an old married couple who enjoy going out to dinner, but when sitting across from one another at the restaurant table, don't have anything to say to each other...
Don't get me wrong, A. and I have a great marriage, but when you are with someone everyday, there reaches a point when there isn't much more to say.
I did learn over the weekend however, that A. wore braces when he was a pre-teen. This was news to me... and I thought I knew everything there was to know about him. I wonder what other deep secrets from his childhood I have yet to discover...
The weather in Munich has gone plumb crazy today! Last week it was so warm I was starting to think about pulling the lounge chair out onto the balcony so that I could sunbathe and my Johnny Jump-ups were perky and enjoying the sunny weather. This morning I woke up and it was trying to snow! Ahhh! I guess spring has been back-ordered.
Tomorrow I will have been married for two years. I can't believe how the time flies! It seems to me that A. and I were just enjoying our first vacation together in sunny and humid New Orleans the other day. Now we are just an old married couple who enjoy going out to dinner, but when sitting across from one another at the restaurant table, don't have anything to say to each other...
Don't get me wrong, A. and I have a great marriage, but when you are with someone everyday, there reaches a point when there isn't much more to say.
I did learn over the weekend however, that A. wore braces when he was a pre-teen. This was news to me... and I thought I knew everything there was to know about him. I wonder what other deep secrets from his childhood I have yet to discover...
24 March 2004
Loreley
In order to fully appreciate the following, you must first know a couple of trivial facts about me. First of all, I have long blonde hair. And second of all, I have been known to spend a large amount of time brushing said hair. And I am not being vain here, but truthfully put, I have hair that many women "dye" for...
"According to German legend, there was once a beautiful young maiden, named Lorelei, who threw herself headlong into the river in despair over a faithless lover. Upon her death she was transformed into a siren and could from that time on be heard singing on a rock along the Rhine River, near St. Goar. Her hypnotic music lured sailors to their death. The legend is based on an echoing rock with that name near Sankt Goarshausen, Germany."
--from the Encyclopedia Mythica
The Lorelei (English Version)
by Heinrich Heine, 1823
(note: English version NOT translated by me)
I cannot tell why this imagined
Sorrow has fallen on me
The ghost of an unburied legend
That will not let me be.
The air is cool, and twilight
Flows from the quiet Rhine;
A mountain alone in the high light
Catches the faltering shire.
One rosy peak half gleaming
Reveals, enthroned in air,
A goddess lost in dreaming
Who combs her golden hair.
With a golden comb she is combing
Her hair as she sings a song;
Heard and reheard in the gloaming
It hurries the night along.
The boatman has heard what has bound him
In throes of a strange, wild love.
He is blind to the reefs that surround him,
Who sees but the vision above.
And lo, the wild waters are springing -
The boat and the boatman are gone...
Then silence. And this with her singing,
The Lorelei has done.
Die Lorelei (German Version)
Ich weiß nicht, was soll es bedeuten,
daß ich so traurig bin;
ein Märchen aus alten Zeiten,
das kommt mir nicht aus dem Sinn.
Die Luft ist kühl und es dunkelt,
und ruhig fließt der Rhein;
der Gipfel des Berges funkelt
im Abendsonnenschein.
Die schönste Jungfrau sitzet
dort oben wunderbar,
ihr goldnes Geschmeide blitzet,
sie kämmt ihr goldenes Haar.
Sie kämmt es mit goldenem Kamme,
und singt ein Lied dabei;
das hat eine wundersame,
gewaltige Melodei.
Den Schiffer im kleinen Schiffe
ergreift es mit wildem Weh;
er schaut nicht die Felsenriffe,
er schaut nur hinauf in die Höh.
Ich glaube, die Wellen verschlingen
am Ende Schiffer und Kahn;
und das hat mit ihrem Singen
die Lorelei getan.
So anyway, A.'s family lives very near the Loreley and ever since I have known him he has teased me about brushing my hair like Loreley. We have traveled by the Loreley rock a few times on the train, but had never stopped there. However, this past weekend we did.
A. was going to take my picture on the rock brushing my hair, but it was so windy that my hair got trapped in the brush and the whole idea didn't work too well. I did take some photos of the Loreley Cliff/Rock and some of the Rhine Valley from the top of the cliff though. However, since I have yet to make the transition to the digital camera age, the pictures will have to be developed and then scanned before you may enjoy them. However, you can see someone else's photos of the Loreley area and the Rhine Valley or find out more about the Loreley Legend here
"According to German legend, there was once a beautiful young maiden, named Lorelei, who threw herself headlong into the river in despair over a faithless lover. Upon her death she was transformed into a siren and could from that time on be heard singing on a rock along the Rhine River, near St. Goar. Her hypnotic music lured sailors to their death. The legend is based on an echoing rock with that name near Sankt Goarshausen, Germany."
--from the Encyclopedia Mythica
The Lorelei (English Version)
by Heinrich Heine, 1823
(note: English version NOT translated by me)
I cannot tell why this imagined
Sorrow has fallen on me
The ghost of an unburied legend
That will not let me be.
The air is cool, and twilight
Flows from the quiet Rhine;
A mountain alone in the high light
Catches the faltering shire.
One rosy peak half gleaming
Reveals, enthroned in air,
A goddess lost in dreaming
Who combs her golden hair.
With a golden comb she is combing
Her hair as she sings a song;
Heard and reheard in the gloaming
It hurries the night along.
The boatman has heard what has bound him
In throes of a strange, wild love.
He is blind to the reefs that surround him,
Who sees but the vision above.
And lo, the wild waters are springing -
The boat and the boatman are gone...
Then silence. And this with her singing,
The Lorelei has done.
Die Lorelei (German Version)
Ich weiß nicht, was soll es bedeuten,
daß ich so traurig bin;
ein Märchen aus alten Zeiten,
das kommt mir nicht aus dem Sinn.
Die Luft ist kühl und es dunkelt,
und ruhig fließt der Rhein;
der Gipfel des Berges funkelt
im Abendsonnenschein.
Die schönste Jungfrau sitzet
dort oben wunderbar,
ihr goldnes Geschmeide blitzet,
sie kämmt ihr goldenes Haar.
Sie kämmt es mit goldenem Kamme,
und singt ein Lied dabei;
das hat eine wundersame,
gewaltige Melodei.
Den Schiffer im kleinen Schiffe
ergreift es mit wildem Weh;
er schaut nicht die Felsenriffe,
er schaut nur hinauf in die Höh.
Ich glaube, die Wellen verschlingen
am Ende Schiffer und Kahn;
und das hat mit ihrem Singen
die Lorelei getan.
So anyway, A.'s family lives very near the Loreley and ever since I have known him he has teased me about brushing my hair like Loreley. We have traveled by the Loreley rock a few times on the train, but had never stopped there. However, this past weekend we did.
A. was going to take my picture on the rock brushing my hair, but it was so windy that my hair got trapped in the brush and the whole idea didn't work too well. I did take some photos of the Loreley Cliff/Rock and some of the Rhine Valley from the top of the cliff though. However, since I have yet to make the transition to the digital camera age, the pictures will have to be developed and then scanned before you may enjoy them. However, you can see someone else's photos of the Loreley area and the Rhine Valley or find out more about the Loreley Legend here
19 March 2004
In-Laws!
Hi-ho, hi-ho, it's off to visit the in-laws I go!
My mother-in-law and I got off on the wrong foot nearly two years ago. It wasn't my fault, really. I came to Germany with my husband of six-weeks and at the time spoke no German. My mother-in-law speaks no English, so from the beginning we had communication problems. In addition, our personalities are, to put it mildly, VERY different and since we couldn't communicate very well (A. was a horrible translator!) our first contact (which lasted six weeks while we - A. and I - found a place to live) was strained, to say the least.
But today, I am in a good mood and every time we go for a visit my German is better, so I am hoping to mend some fences and maybe learn to cook a couple of Austrian dishes in the mean time! Wish me luck...
My mother-in-law and I got off on the wrong foot nearly two years ago. It wasn't my fault, really. I came to Germany with my husband of six-weeks and at the time spoke no German. My mother-in-law speaks no English, so from the beginning we had communication problems. In addition, our personalities are, to put it mildly, VERY different and since we couldn't communicate very well (A. was a horrible translator!) our first contact (which lasted six weeks while we - A. and I - found a place to live) was strained, to say the least.
But today, I am in a good mood and every time we go for a visit my German is better, so I am hoping to mend some fences and maybe learn to cook a couple of Austrian dishes in the mean time! Wish me luck...
18 March 2004
The Darkness and Labyrinth
Today I bought The Darkness's CD "Permission to Land." I gotta to say, "I love it!" I was (and still am) a big fan of 80s Pop Metal/Hair Bands, whatever you want to call it, and The Darkness is taking me back in time. I haven't liked a band with hair, leather, and makeup so much since I was 17. :)
On another, multimedia note, I also bought the DVD of my favorite movie of all time today, Labyrinth. If you haven't seen this movie, it stars David Bowie as the Goblin King and Jennifer Connelly (a LONG time before she won an Oscar) as Sarah. It also has Jim Henson puppets in it.
My favorite parts of the movie include:
David Bowie as the Goblin King
-- Damn he looks fine!
The song "Magic Dance"
The story (Sarah has to rescue her baby brother after she wishes him away)
-- Oh, how many times I wished my baby sister away...
On another, multimedia note, I also bought the DVD of my favorite movie of all time today, Labyrinth. If you haven't seen this movie, it stars David Bowie as the Goblin King and Jennifer Connelly (a LONG time before she won an Oscar) as Sarah. It also has Jim Henson puppets in it.
My favorite parts of the movie include:
David Bowie as the Goblin King
-- Damn he looks fine!
The song "Magic Dance"
The story (Sarah has to rescue her baby brother after she wishes him away)
-- Oh, how many times I wished my baby sister away...
17 March 2004
German Products with Funny Names
After reading Neil's post about Denglish, I couldn't help think about some of the German products that I have encountered here that a.) when I literally translate them back into English they are amusing or b.) are just plain amusing.
Schwarzkopf
-- This line of hair care products translates to "Black head"...eww!
BiFi Balls
Pronouced "beefy balls," (I think)
-- I have yet to try these little sausages wrapped up in a bread-like substance, but everytime I see their ad, I can't help but snicker.
P.S. Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Schwarzkopf
-- This line of hair care products translates to "Black head"...eww!
BiFi Balls
Pronouced "beefy balls," (I think)
-- I have yet to try these little sausages wrapped up in a bread-like substance, but everytime I see their ad, I can't help but snicker.
P.S. Happy St. Patrick's Day!
16 March 2004
Pledge Battle
I knew that there had been a big commotion about the Pledge of Allegiance in the American classroom and the phrase "under God," but didn't know the details until now. I guess the case is on its way to the Supreme Court.
For those of you who don't know, or need a refresher, the Pledge of Allegiance is as follows:
"I Pledge Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
The Pledge has undergone quite a few changes since its 1892 introduction, with one of the most significant changes in 1954 when the words "under God" were added. It is these words that are at the center of the case that is going to the Supreme Court.
As a kid, I recited the Pledge of Allegiance every day in school from kindergarten until about 4th grade, but I must say, I never really thought about it. It was merely something that we recited in class every day and I never thought about it as patriotic or religious or anything else for that matter.
The only thing I do remember about saying the Pledge of Allegiance was that there was this kid in my class who always put his hand over the middle of his stomach when we said it, as opposed to on top of his heart, where your hand is supposed to go.
For those of you who don't know, or need a refresher, the Pledge of Allegiance is as follows:
"I Pledge Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
The Pledge has undergone quite a few changes since its 1892 introduction, with one of the most significant changes in 1954 when the words "under God" were added. It is these words that are at the center of the case that is going to the Supreme Court.
As a kid, I recited the Pledge of Allegiance every day in school from kindergarten until about 4th grade, but I must say, I never really thought about it. It was merely something that we recited in class every day and I never thought about it as patriotic or religious or anything else for that matter.
The only thing I do remember about saying the Pledge of Allegiance was that there was this kid in my class who always put his hand over the middle of his stomach when we said it, as opposed to on top of his heart, where your hand is supposed to go.
Desensitized?
I am not totally clueless or oblivious to what's going on you know. But sometimes the news gets on my nerves and I boycott it for a few days or I'm just not sure what to say about things.
For example; the terror attack in Spain. I happened to be news-wise that day and so I knew what had happened. I wasn't sure the ETA was to blame, as was first thought, it just seemed too eerie when I read that it was March 11, 911 days after 9/11, but otherwise I thought that it was sad and horrible. People died, and I express my sympathy to the people whose lives were affected, but I wonder if I am becoming desensitized to these things. A few months ago, there were attacks in Turkey, before that Bali, and before that September 11 (just to name a few) and so when I see (or read) news about another attack, that is what it is becoming for me... just another attack.
For example; the terror attack in Spain. I happened to be news-wise that day and so I knew what had happened. I wasn't sure the ETA was to blame, as was first thought, it just seemed too eerie when I read that it was March 11, 911 days after 9/11, but otherwise I thought that it was sad and horrible. People died, and I express my sympathy to the people whose lives were affected, but I wonder if I am becoming desensitized to these things. A few months ago, there were attacks in Turkey, before that Bali, and before that September 11 (just to name a few) and so when I see (or read) news about another attack, that is what it is becoming for me... just another attack.
My Dream Job
The other day, a friend of mine sent me an email asking me to answer the following two questions for a project she is working on:
What is your current job?
What is your dream job?
Currently, I am a housewife (p.c. homemaker) and student of the German language and culture, though a librarian by education and training.
My dream job, however, is to be a world-renowned exotic cat (lions, tigers, ocelots, etc.) veterinarian.
Why? First of all, I like animals, but cats are my favorite. Second of all, when I was a little girl I didn't dream of being a ballerina or actress or anything girly like that, but a veterinarian. I could never stand to see an animal suffer. (Yes, I was the girl that tried to save the baby bird that fell out of its nest.) Third of all, I always loved the zoo and wanted to work there. Why didn't I accomplish this dream? Well, I can go into all sorts of ravings about how society discouraged me as a girl away from math and science, which is partly true, but in actuality I was also in love with literature and the library and that is the path I took when I went to college. I guess if I was determined I could still be an exotic cat veterinarian, but it sure seems like a lot of work.
So, dear readers, what is your dream job?
What is your current job?
What is your dream job?
Currently, I am a housewife (p.c. homemaker) and student of the German language and culture, though a librarian by education and training.
My dream job, however, is to be a world-renowned exotic cat (lions, tigers, ocelots, etc.) veterinarian.
Why? First of all, I like animals, but cats are my favorite. Second of all, when I was a little girl I didn't dream of being a ballerina or actress or anything girly like that, but a veterinarian. I could never stand to see an animal suffer. (Yes, I was the girl that tried to save the baby bird that fell out of its nest.) Third of all, I always loved the zoo and wanted to work there. Why didn't I accomplish this dream? Well, I can go into all sorts of ravings about how society discouraged me as a girl away from math and science, which is partly true, but in actuality I was also in love with literature and the library and that is the path I took when I went to college. I guess if I was determined I could still be an exotic cat veterinarian, but it sure seems like a lot of work.
So, dear readers, what is your dream job?
15 March 2004
Hobbies
I have three main hobbies: computers, reading, and cross-stitching and I go through phases with each hobby where I let it consume my time until I am bored with it.
Lately, my all-consuming hobby has been computers, but that is because I just burned out of my cross-stitching hobby again. For five months, cross-stitching is all I did and I produced some really nice pieces of work, but then I started messing around with the computer again and my cross-stitching has sort of fallen off.
The thing that aggravates me though is that I am in the middle of a fairly large piece and now every time I sit down to work on it my attention span wavers in about 30 minutes and I am back at the computer. I know eventually I will get it done, but last time I took a break from cross-stitch it lasted about 3½ years!
Lately, my all-consuming hobby has been computers, but that is because I just burned out of my cross-stitching hobby again. For five months, cross-stitching is all I did and I produced some really nice pieces of work, but then I started messing around with the computer again and my cross-stitching has sort of fallen off.
The thing that aggravates me though is that I am in the middle of a fairly large piece and now every time I sit down to work on it my attention span wavers in about 30 minutes and I am back at the computer. I know eventually I will get it done, but last time I took a break from cross-stitch it lasted about 3½ years!
13 March 2004
Jittery Nerves
I guess the bomb in Madrid has made international security forces a little bit jittery. (Not that I blame them, of course)
Today, A. and I rode the S-Bahn into downtown Munich and when we came up the escalator at Karlsplatz-Stachus (a main station) we were greeted by the sight of an officially taped off area that was being guarded by the border control police, who are also in charge of terrorism. We didn't stop to check the whole thing out, but as we were walking by we saw that a lone suitcase was in the middle of the blocked-off perimeter and we heard some guy ask the police if they thought it was a bomb.
We went about our business and about 45 minutes later when we walked back by the same area, everything was back to normal, except that there were an unusual number of police roaming about. But these days, I guess you can't be to careful...
Today, A. and I rode the S-Bahn into downtown Munich and when we came up the escalator at Karlsplatz-Stachus (a main station) we were greeted by the sight of an officially taped off area that was being guarded by the border control police, who are also in charge of terrorism. We didn't stop to check the whole thing out, but as we were walking by we saw that a lone suitcase was in the middle of the blocked-off perimeter and we heard some guy ask the police if they thought it was a bomb.
We went about our business and about 45 minutes later when we walked back by the same area, everything was back to normal, except that there were an unusual number of police roaming about. But these days, I guess you can't be to careful...
11 March 2004
Black Thumb
Today I bought four miniature pots of Johnny Jump-ups, my favorite flower to attempt to grow.
In general, I am not so good with plants. I like them and have tried to grow everything from houseplants to outdoor flowers in window boxes. Sometimes I'm successful, more often I'm not.
Before moving to Germany, I had a beautiful philodendron that I had had for 6 years. It had gotten huge and was a beautiful plant, even though the cats tried to chew on it now and then. I gave it to my mom before coming here, and she says it still looks good.
I have tried jade plants too. As a matter of fact, I have managed to kill at least four! The first one got root rot (over watered), the second, I left in the back window of my car on a very warm June day and it got sunburned... it never recovered and finally died, the third also got root rot (once again, over watered), and the fourth first got sunburned... when it was finally coming out of that, I forgot to bring it inside on a cold night and it froze. Oops!
I have had fairly good luck with ferns. However, my latest fern suffered the same fate as the jade plant. I left it out on the balcony on too many cold nights and it froze too.
Currently, I am having very good luck with this alien plant. I am not really sure what it is. I bought it shortly after coming to Germany and at the flower shop the lady told me what it was, but at that time I didn't speak enough German to know what she called it. However, it is more like a tree. Currently, it is about two feet tall (it was only about 8-10" when I got it) and has green leaves that alternate and these red fuzzy fronds. It is really neat, but A. says it looks like it belongs on another world.
This brings me to my Johnny Jump-Ups (or Violas). I love violas and pansies, and in the past I have had pretty good luck with them... except for last year. Late last spring I bought a window box for my balcony and planted some violas... it was late in the season and I don't think I got the best of the crop. I bought four mini-pots and planted them in my window box and they looked good until one of them got aphids. I was able to get the aphids under control, but then the weather turned super hot and did them in.
I just hope I have better luck this year...
In general, I am not so good with plants. I like them and have tried to grow everything from houseplants to outdoor flowers in window boxes. Sometimes I'm successful, more often I'm not.
Before moving to Germany, I had a beautiful philodendron that I had had for 6 years. It had gotten huge and was a beautiful plant, even though the cats tried to chew on it now and then. I gave it to my mom before coming here, and she says it still looks good.
I have tried jade plants too. As a matter of fact, I have managed to kill at least four! The first one got root rot (over watered), the second, I left in the back window of my car on a very warm June day and it got sunburned... it never recovered and finally died, the third also got root rot (once again, over watered), and the fourth first got sunburned... when it was finally coming out of that, I forgot to bring it inside on a cold night and it froze. Oops!
I have had fairly good luck with ferns. However, my latest fern suffered the same fate as the jade plant. I left it out on the balcony on too many cold nights and it froze too.
Currently, I am having very good luck with this alien plant. I am not really sure what it is. I bought it shortly after coming to Germany and at the flower shop the lady told me what it was, but at that time I didn't speak enough German to know what she called it. However, it is more like a tree. Currently, it is about two feet tall (it was only about 8-10" when I got it) and has green leaves that alternate and these red fuzzy fronds. It is really neat, but A. says it looks like it belongs on another world.
This brings me to my Johnny Jump-Ups (or Violas). I love violas and pansies, and in the past I have had pretty good luck with them... except for last year. Late last spring I bought a window box for my balcony and planted some violas... it was late in the season and I don't think I got the best of the crop. I bought four mini-pots and planted them in my window box and they looked good until one of them got aphids. I was able to get the aphids under control, but then the weather turned super hot and did them in.
I just hope I have better luck this year...
Lebensläufe
I have just completed the second week of my "German Business" class. So far, I am pretty pleased. This week we have been working with Lebenläufe (resumes; curriculum vitas) and Bewerbungen (applications). Now this is the sort of practical stuff I had in mind.
You wouldn't think it was so, but a German Lebenslauf is just enough different from its American counterpart that it matters. At first I was a little uncomfortable including some of the required information on my Lebenslauf. For example, on the German Lebenslauf, you are expected to put your birthdate, whether or not you are married, single, etc., and whether or not you have children. In actuality, these things aren't a big deal, but in America those things are just not included on your resume because of anti-discrimination regulations. You are also required to sign your Lebenslauf, which I found kind of odd... that is something I would only do on a letter... however, I was told that this is because some companies use your signature as a sample of your handwriting, which is analyzed!
And I always thought my biggest worry was having to take a piss test... even though I have not heard anything about that here... I don't know if they do them or not.
You wouldn't think it was so, but a German Lebenslauf is just enough different from its American counterpart that it matters. At first I was a little uncomfortable including some of the required information on my Lebenslauf. For example, on the German Lebenslauf, you are expected to put your birthdate, whether or not you are married, single, etc., and whether or not you have children. In actuality, these things aren't a big deal, but in America those things are just not included on your resume because of anti-discrimination regulations. You are also required to sign your Lebenslauf, which I found kind of odd... that is something I would only do on a letter... however, I was told that this is because some companies use your signature as a sample of your handwriting, which is analyzed!
And I always thought my biggest worry was having to take a piss test... even though I have not heard anything about that here... I don't know if they do them or not.
09 March 2004
Eating Ourselves to Death
We have suspected it for years, but now more research is confirming it every day: Americans are eating themselves to death.
According to this article published in the current issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, only tobacco use caused more deaths in 2000 than poor diet and physical inactivity.
These findings should serve as a wakeup call. Like smoking, poor diet and physical inactivity are behaviors that only you can modify. I know it's hard, but it can be done.
Take a few examples: American portions are huge and studies show that most people eat what is on their plates... I read somewhere that a serving of pasta at a restaurant in 2004 is almost 4 times bigger than it was in 1990! Add on the fact that in many American cities the lack of sidewalks discourages walking, and you have but a few of the multitude of reasons why over ¼ of Americans are obsese.
As for myself, I am still working on eating better and being more physically active. But moving to Germany has helped me in this tremendously. I know that not everyone can move overseas, but I would like share my experience:
Right before A. and I moved to Germany, I was at the heaviest point I had ever been in my life. I was trying to eat better and we were going to the gym, but it wasn't enough. We ate out a lot and our appetites matched our waistlines.
When we came here things changed. In general, I try to cook smaller portions than before and we don't go out to eat as much as we used to. Even so, when we do, from an American point of view the portions that we are served in restaurants are tiny.
Additionally, many restaurants in Germany make a great deal of money through drinks. That is to say, pop (or soda) is served in small glasses (normally anywhere from .2-.4 liters - that's only between 6 and 10 oz. or about 1 cup) and there are NO free refills. If you want another Coke, you have to pay for it... and it isn't cheap. Today in a restaurant, I paid 2,40 Euros for a .2 liter glass of Coke (at the current exchange rate, that is almost $3.00!). Of course, if you drink Diet Coke, the calories you might get in a regular 44 oz. Coke don't exist, but for me, Coke is my biggest vice and where most of my calories were coming from. Now, I don't drink nearly as much Coke as I used to and I bet I save at least 1000 calories a day!
Besides the change in our eating habits, we get more exercise than before due to the nature of transportation here. Yes, Germans love cars and drive them practically everywhere. But given traffic and parking problems, along with good sidewalks, public transportation (subway, bus, etc.), and the close proximity of things, walking is not only a necessity, but also a pleasure.
Slowly, we have made adjustments to living in Europe that have changed our lifestyles for the better. In fact, in the two years since we have been here I have lost 20 pounds without even really trying! And not only is that great for my physical health, but my mental health as well.
According to this article published in the current issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, only tobacco use caused more deaths in 2000 than poor diet and physical inactivity.
These findings should serve as a wakeup call. Like smoking, poor diet and physical inactivity are behaviors that only you can modify. I know it's hard, but it can be done.
Take a few examples: American portions are huge and studies show that most people eat what is on their plates... I read somewhere that a serving of pasta at a restaurant in 2004 is almost 4 times bigger than it was in 1990! Add on the fact that in many American cities the lack of sidewalks discourages walking, and you have but a few of the multitude of reasons why over ¼ of Americans are obsese.
As for myself, I am still working on eating better and being more physically active. But moving to Germany has helped me in this tremendously. I know that not everyone can move overseas, but I would like share my experience:
Right before A. and I moved to Germany, I was at the heaviest point I had ever been in my life. I was trying to eat better and we were going to the gym, but it wasn't enough. We ate out a lot and our appetites matched our waistlines.
When we came here things changed. In general, I try to cook smaller portions than before and we don't go out to eat as much as we used to. Even so, when we do, from an American point of view the portions that we are served in restaurants are tiny.
Additionally, many restaurants in Germany make a great deal of money through drinks. That is to say, pop (or soda) is served in small glasses (normally anywhere from .2-.4 liters - that's only between 6 and 10 oz. or about 1 cup) and there are NO free refills. If you want another Coke, you have to pay for it... and it isn't cheap. Today in a restaurant, I paid 2,40 Euros for a .2 liter glass of Coke (at the current exchange rate, that is almost $3.00!). Of course, if you drink Diet Coke, the calories you might get in a regular 44 oz. Coke don't exist, but for me, Coke is my biggest vice and where most of my calories were coming from. Now, I don't drink nearly as much Coke as I used to and I bet I save at least 1000 calories a day!
Besides the change in our eating habits, we get more exercise than before due to the nature of transportation here. Yes, Germans love cars and drive them practically everywhere. But given traffic and parking problems, along with good sidewalks, public transportation (subway, bus, etc.), and the close proximity of things, walking is not only a necessity, but also a pleasure.
Slowly, we have made adjustments to living in Europe that have changed our lifestyles for the better. In fact, in the two years since we have been here I have lost 20 pounds without even really trying! And not only is that great for my physical health, but my mental health as well.
Star Gazing
I think Renée Zellweger is my favorite actress. I saw Nurse Betty last night, and thought she was great in it! Not to mention her performances in Chicago, Bridget Jones's Diary, or Jerry McGuire... Of course, I might be partial to her name or the fact that I think we look a little bit alike! :)
Did you know that Johnny Depp was in the first Nightmare on Elm Street movie? I haven't seen that movie for years, but I had never realized he was Glen!
Did you know that Johnny Depp was in the first Nightmare on Elm Street movie? I haven't seen that movie for years, but I had never realized he was Glen!
A Matter of Equality
In my personal opinion, if you are still on the fence about the gay marriage issue, all you need to do is use your common sense. Most of us hope for a world where equality is a fundamental right. But how can we achieve equality if we are denying an institution to two people who love each other and are committed to one another, no matter what their sexual orientation?
I formed an opinion on this topic long before it hit the media. I solidified my stance when I made friends with a committed lesbian couple. It didn't take me long to see that their relationship was as strong and healthy as any I had ever been in. So why shouldn't they marry and be able to enjoy the same rights I have with my husband or raise a family together if they desire? For me, it is just a simple matter of equality.
I formed an opinion on this topic long before it hit the media. I solidified my stance when I made friends with a committed lesbian couple. It didn't take me long to see that their relationship was as strong and healthy as any I had ever been in. So why shouldn't they marry and be able to enjoy the same rights I have with my husband or raise a family together if they desire? For me, it is just a simple matter of equality.
08 March 2004
Master of Procrastination
Yes, it is true that I have a Master's Degree. My Master's degree is an MLS (Master of Library Science). However, more than once during grad school I thought I should be getting an MPS (Master of Procrastination Science), because I am a master at procrastinating.
For example, I studied for my comprehensive exams not months or weeks before the exam like my roommate, but the night before. While I was working as a professional librarian I never started anything until a day (or maybe two if the project was really big) before the deadline. And now, I am no better.
For my new German class we are given homework... not a lot, but enough to keep me busy for an hour or so. My latest German class was last Thursday, so I have had 4 days to do any homework. But in those four days I have watched a German-dubbed American soap opera (twice!) and some sitcoms, fiddled around on the computer, cleaned my apartment, went out for lunch, watched two movies, talked with A. on the phone, and a bunch of other things that aren't worth mentioning, and finally, about an hour ago, I started my homework. Now, when do I have my next class? In less than 12 hours. Am I finished with said homework? No, I am blogging instead.
Oh well, c'est la vie!
For example, I studied for my comprehensive exams not months or weeks before the exam like my roommate, but the night before. While I was working as a professional librarian I never started anything until a day (or maybe two if the project was really big) before the deadline. And now, I am no better.
For my new German class we are given homework... not a lot, but enough to keep me busy for an hour or so. My latest German class was last Thursday, so I have had 4 days to do any homework. But in those four days I have watched a German-dubbed American soap opera (twice!) and some sitcoms, fiddled around on the computer, cleaned my apartment, went out for lunch, watched two movies, talked with A. on the phone, and a bunch of other things that aren't worth mentioning, and finally, about an hour ago, I started my homework. Now, when do I have my next class? In less than 12 hours. Am I finished with said homework? No, I am blogging instead.
Oh well, c'est la vie!
07 March 2004
Weekend Fun
I had a nice, but slightly boring weekend, thank you very much.
The highlight of the weekend was going to the pet food store and buying 20 kilos (that is 44 pounds for my American readers) of cat food for my 3 cats. I know this sounds like a lot, but the fact is we buy two 10kg bags at a time so we don't have to go to the pet store that often. In fact, the two bags will last my 3 cats approximately 6 months. However, at the check-out counter, the lady asked A. and I if we were cat breeders!
The highlight of the weekend was going to the pet food store and buying 20 kilos (that is 44 pounds for my American readers) of cat food for my 3 cats. I know this sounds like a lot, but the fact is we buy two 10kg bags at a time so we don't have to go to the pet store that often. In fact, the two bags will last my 3 cats approximately 6 months. However, at the check-out counter, the lady asked A. and I if we were cat breeders!
05 March 2004
Book Quiz!
Like most everyone else, I enjoy taking Internet quizzes. However, I normally don't publish the results in my blog, because if I did my entire blog would be filled with quiz results and little else. But last night, I was so impressed with my results from the "Book Quiz," that I just had to share them.
According to the Book Quiz, I am Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
by Lewis Carroll
After stumbling down the wrong turn in life, I have had my mind opened to a number of strange and curious things. As life grows curiouser and curiouser, I have had to ask myself what's real and what's the picture of illusion. Little is coming to my aid in discerning fantasy from fact, but the line between them is so blurry that it's starting not to matter. I should be careful around rabbit holes, those who smile too much, and should just avoid hat shops altogether.
Take the Book Quiz
at the Blue Pyramid.
I just think the result is so appropriate given my current life situation!
According to the Book Quiz, I am Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
by Lewis Carroll
After stumbling down the wrong turn in life, I have had my mind opened to a number of strange and curious things. As life grows curiouser and curiouser, I have had to ask myself what's real and what's the picture of illusion. Little is coming to my aid in discerning fantasy from fact, but the line between them is so blurry that it's starting not to matter. I should be careful around rabbit holes, those who smile too much, and should just avoid hat shops altogether.
Take the Book Quiz
at the Blue Pyramid.
I just think the result is so appropriate given my current life situation!
Exploiting Tragedy
Yesterday, when I first heard about the new advertisements President Bush is running for his re-election bid, I was prepared to be offended and outraged. After all, not only do I think Bush is a moron who stole the 2000 election, but it sounded to me like he was exploiting 9/11 for his own personal gain.
Here in Europe, for obvious reasons, these ads are not running on my television except for the snippets they are showing on CNN International, so even before I saw the ads I was offended, just on general principle. However, I figured I should at least try to be fair and objective and see the ads. So, I went online and found them. I decided it would be best to go to the source - http://www.georgewbush.com , even though it was a painful thing to do.
After seeing them, my reaction is that I still think Bush is exploiting 9/11 for his own personal gain and I am mildly offended. However, I wasn't nearly as offended as I was prepared to be. Of course I recognize the significance of 9/11; as an American, how can I not? But personally, 9/11 did not really affect my life or those around me in any profound way. Perhaps if I had had a stronger reaction to the tragedy, I would have been more offended, I don't know...
Here in Europe, for obvious reasons, these ads are not running on my television except for the snippets they are showing on CNN International, so even before I saw the ads I was offended, just on general principle. However, I figured I should at least try to be fair and objective and see the ads. So, I went online and found them. I decided it would be best to go to the source - http://www.georgewbush.com , even though it was a painful thing to do.
After seeing them, my reaction is that I still think Bush is exploiting 9/11 for his own personal gain and I am mildly offended. However, I wasn't nearly as offended as I was prepared to be. Of course I recognize the significance of 9/11; as an American, how can I not? But personally, 9/11 did not really affect my life or those around me in any profound way. Perhaps if I had had a stronger reaction to the tragedy, I would have been more offended, I don't know...
Sweet Tooth
Have you ever decided to make browines, cookies, or a cake and then ate so much of the batter that you didn't have enough left to make them/it?
Well... neither have I! ;)
Well... neither have I! ;)
03 March 2004
blondelibrarian on books
Today I had to go to the bookstore to pick up the book for my new class. While I was there I also picked up some fun books (in English) for my train rides on Munich's "not-always-so-pünktlich" S-Bahn into town. I purchased The Princess Bride and Delores Claiborne.
If you are thinking that The Princess Bride sounds familiar, it might be because there is also a movie, which is on the sort of cult level as The Rocky Horror Picture Show and This is Spinal Tap. However, I have never seen the movie of The Princess Bride. I am not sure why. I normally love fantasy movies, some of my favorites are Labyrinth (with David Bowie), Legend (with a very young Tom Cruise), and Ladyhawke (with Michelle Pfeiffer and Matthew Broderick) but this one seems to have slipped by me. Of course once I finish The Princess Bride, I am sure I will have to see if I can locate a copy of the DVD and watch it too.
Delores Claiborne is by Stephen King. I am only a half serious Stephen King fan. Many of his early books are quite good, but I am not so fond of the latest ones and I feel that he has begun to recycle his good plots. From a Buick 8 sounds a lot like Christine to me and Dreamcatcher sounds a lot like It. Delores Claiborne has also been made into a movie, which stars Kathy Bates and Jennifer Jason Leigh. I really like the movie, and from the first 15 or so pages, I think the book looks to be as good (but probably better) as the movie.
As you may have guessed, my favorite book genres are horror and fantasy. :)
If you are thinking that The Princess Bride sounds familiar, it might be because there is also a movie, which is on the sort of cult level as The Rocky Horror Picture Show and This is Spinal Tap. However, I have never seen the movie of The Princess Bride. I am not sure why. I normally love fantasy movies, some of my favorites are Labyrinth (with David Bowie), Legend (with a very young Tom Cruise), and Ladyhawke (with Michelle Pfeiffer and Matthew Broderick) but this one seems to have slipped by me. Of course once I finish The Princess Bride, I am sure I will have to see if I can locate a copy of the DVD and watch it too.
Delores Claiborne is by Stephen King. I am only a half serious Stephen King fan. Many of his early books are quite good, but I am not so fond of the latest ones and I feel that he has begun to recycle his good plots. From a Buick 8 sounds a lot like Christine to me and Dreamcatcher sounds a lot like It. Delores Claiborne has also been made into a movie, which stars Kathy Bates and Jennifer Jason Leigh. I really like the movie, and from the first 15 or so pages, I think the book looks to be as good (but probably better) as the movie.
As you may have guessed, my favorite book genres are horror and fantasy. :)
02 March 2004
Telephones and Trekkies
Today was my first day of class and we practiced telephone conversations. I know in our modern day society we can't avoid telephones and it is a very important, but I hate talking on the telephone even in English! What amazes me in reference to my German language skills is I know what to say and how to formulate it and I speak "perfect" German when I rehearse things in my head, but when I actually speak, things get all muddled and then with my personal reluctance concerning all things telephone, I must sound like a perfect idiot! Oh well. I guess this can only help improve my skills, which is why I am taking this class in the first place.
On another note, this evening I watched Star Trek: The Next Generation. I will publicly confess that I am a bit of a Trekkie... not a hard-core one or anything. I have never been to a Star Trek convention, however, that's not to say I wouldn't go to one, but I digress...
However, as I was watching tonight's episode there was an incident that made the Enterprise go to Red Alert (isn't there always?) and they got hit with some sort of high energy beam (don't they always?) and the ship was jolted, which made the crew stumble, and in the case of Captain Picard and Commander Riker, fall out of their chairs.
Now, here's my question. Do they not have seatbelts in the 24th century? You would think in the utopian future that safety on a spaceship would be paramount, now wouldn't you? Just something to think about...
On another note, this evening I watched Star Trek: The Next Generation. I will publicly confess that I am a bit of a Trekkie... not a hard-core one or anything. I have never been to a Star Trek convention, however, that's not to say I wouldn't go to one, but I digress...
However, as I was watching tonight's episode there was an incident that made the Enterprise go to Red Alert (isn't there always?) and they got hit with some sort of high energy beam (don't they always?) and the ship was jolted, which made the crew stumble, and in the case of Captain Picard and Commander Riker, fall out of their chairs.
Now, here's my question. Do they not have seatbelts in the 24th century? You would think in the utopian future that safety on a spaceship would be paramount, now wouldn't you? Just something to think about...
01 March 2004
Bloggin' Bandwagon
According to this article, blogging still hasn't really caught on in the mainstream.
"The Pew Internet and American Life Project, in a study released Sunday, found that somewhere between 2 percent and 7 percent of adult Internet users in the United States actually keep their own blogs.
Of those, only about 10 percent update them daily, the majority doing so only once a week or less often."
And I thought when I started my blog earlier this year that I was jumping on the bandwagon a little bit late. Guess I'm more innovative than I thought!
"The Pew Internet and American Life Project, in a study released Sunday, found that somewhere between 2 percent and 7 percent of adult Internet users in the United States actually keep their own blogs.
Of those, only about 10 percent update them daily, the majority doing so only once a week or less often."
And I thought when I started my blog earlier this year that I was jumping on the bandwagon a little bit late. Guess I'm more innovative than I thought!
Deutsche für den Beruf
So, remember a while back I was whining about being unemployed and feeling uncomfortable with my German language skills and all that rot? I also mentioned a few days later that it was time for me to take charge of my life and kick my ass into gear.
So today, about a month later (hey, I wanted to get in gear, but not 5th!), I signed up for a class entitled "Deutsch für den Beruf" (German for the Profession) at the Volkshochschule (Community College).
Supposedly I will be introduced to German office and business communications, write simple business letters (and emails too I hope!) and practice my telephone skills among other things. If necessary, specific grammatical structures will be repeated and at the end I have the option to take a test and get the "Deutsch am Arbeitsplatz" (German in the Workplace) certificate. (Woo Hoo! Isn't that special?)
The class meets twice a week (Tuesday and Thursday) from 10:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. from March 2 (tomorrow) until July 6.
Honestly, I was quite amazed that I was able to get into the class. I had been thinking about this whole "German for the Workplace" idea for a few days and I thought that I would have to take some private lessons or something. But yesterday, A. suggested that I check out the VHS. When I did, I found out that registration had begun two weeks ago and that classes started March 2 (tomorrow)!
Given my previous experiences with different German institutions, I figured I was screwed... but since I didn't have anything else to do today, I thought I would hike downtown and at least inquire about the whole thing. I managed to get downtown by 11 a.m. (of course registration ended at 1 p.m.) and figured I would have plenty of time. Silly me!
First, I had to go to the Foreign Language Office, which of course was packed. Everybody and their dog who wants to take plain old German lessons was there. And of course they had to take a placement test. So I ended up having to wait for an hour and a half (with no chairs in the waiting area!) to see a lady who told me that the class I wanted to take had place (YEAH! ...somebody up there was smiling on me). She then proceeded to take no more than 20 seconds to fill out a little registration card for me and then sent me to the cash register, where I had to wait another 20 minutes.
Luckily, I managed to get everything done by 12:55 p.m. I couldn't believe it! I had five minutes to spare. So tomorrow, I get to start my new class.
I then topped off my afternoon by doing a little shopping (I have really been into buying funky socks lately... today's purchase was 3 pairs of lavender socks -- 1 pair has a penguin, the other two have snowflakes on them --) and then eating at Pizza Hut, as I was in the mood for a little slice of home. :)
All in all, it was a good day.
So today, about a month later (hey, I wanted to get in gear, but not 5th!), I signed up for a class entitled "Deutsch für den Beruf" (German for the Profession) at the Volkshochschule (Community College).
Supposedly I will be introduced to German office and business communications, write simple business letters (and emails too I hope!) and practice my telephone skills among other things. If necessary, specific grammatical structures will be repeated and at the end I have the option to take a test and get the "Deutsch am Arbeitsplatz" (German in the Workplace) certificate. (Woo Hoo! Isn't that special?)
The class meets twice a week (Tuesday and Thursday) from 10:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. from March 2 (tomorrow) until July 6.
Honestly, I was quite amazed that I was able to get into the class. I had been thinking about this whole "German for the Workplace" idea for a few days and I thought that I would have to take some private lessons or something. But yesterday, A. suggested that I check out the VHS. When I did, I found out that registration had begun two weeks ago and that classes started March 2 (tomorrow)!
Given my previous experiences with different German institutions, I figured I was screwed... but since I didn't have anything else to do today, I thought I would hike downtown and at least inquire about the whole thing. I managed to get downtown by 11 a.m. (of course registration ended at 1 p.m.) and figured I would have plenty of time. Silly me!
First, I had to go to the Foreign Language Office, which of course was packed. Everybody and their dog who wants to take plain old German lessons was there. And of course they had to take a placement test. So I ended up having to wait for an hour and a half (with no chairs in the waiting area!) to see a lady who told me that the class I wanted to take had place (YEAH! ...somebody up there was smiling on me). She then proceeded to take no more than 20 seconds to fill out a little registration card for me and then sent me to the cash register, where I had to wait another 20 minutes.
Luckily, I managed to get everything done by 12:55 p.m. I couldn't believe it! I had five minutes to spare. So tomorrow, I get to start my new class.
I then topped off my afternoon by doing a little shopping (I have really been into buying funky socks lately... today's purchase was 3 pairs of lavender socks -- 1 pair has a penguin, the other two have snowflakes on them --) and then eating at Pizza Hut, as I was in the mood for a little slice of home. :)
All in all, it was a good day.
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