Tomorrow marks the addition of 10 new member states to the European Union.
For those of us living here, this is a really big thing. All day today there have been different shows on TV about the preparations and celebrations for enlargement, shows that highlight the various soon-to be member states, (By the way, after watching one of them, I have decided that my next vacation will be in Cyprus.) and from what I understand a very interesting spread in the Bild Zeitung (Germany's top-selling "newspaper") featuring scantily-clad beauties from each of the new nations.
However, about an hour and a half ago (8 pm GMT +2 and 2 pm Eastern Standard Time), I was browsing through the front page of USA Today and realized that there was not one mention of the EU Enlargement. I did a little digging and finally found an article about it, but it got me to wondering: if I looked at a variety of American news sources online, how many would mention the EU Expansion on the front page? After all, the big day is tomorrow!
In order to do my little experiment, I chose USA Today, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The LA Times, The Des Moines Register (it is Iowa biggest newspaper and that is where I am from), CNN (the US edition), MSNBC, CBS, ABC, and Fox News. 7 of the 10 news sources (USA Today, The New York Times, CNN, The Washington Post, The Des Moines Register, and ABC News) did not have one word about EU Expansion on their front page. True, I was able to find articles about the EU expansion on most sites after a little digging, but according to my little experiment, only 30% of American news sources are reporting this historic moment as a top news story (i.e. worthy of the front page).
I am not sure how accurate my findings are, but if they are, I would say that it is a sad day indeed when America cares more about Michael Jackson's "not guilty plea" than this historical event that will further unite Europe as never before seen in history.
30 April 2004
28 April 2004
At least it was quiet...
I just read this article about a student that has been sleeping in NYU's (New York University) library for eight months to save money. Apparently, the NYU library is open 24 hours and nobody took too much notice of the fact that he was sleeping in chairs six hours a night.
For some, this may seem far-fetched. How could someone be sleeping every night in the library for eight months without someone thinking it was a little bit odd? However, speaking from experience, (no, I haven't slept in the library for eight months, but I am librarian who has worked in academic libraries) I can say for a fact that he was probably noticed, but no one thought too much about it. There are students who spend so much time at the library, one would think they lived there. And there are so many nooks and crannies in a large academic library, he was probably just mistaken for another student who fell asleep while studying.
I remember while I was in library school, we had a discussion about an issue very similar to this. I went to school in Denton, Texas, which is about 30 miles north of Dallas. The Dallas Public Library constantly had problems with homeless patrons seeking shelter in the library and they literally had to be kicked out at closing time. The students on campus really wanted our libraries to be open 24 hours a day (they closed at midnight), but in addition to economic and staffing factors, one issue raised was that of the homeless coming up from Dallas (or even just those in Denton) and attempting to take refuge in the library at night. Suffice it to say that the extra security that would have been required was cost-prohibitive. I am not advocating the homeless should not be allowed to use the library. Quite the contrary. Libraries are also community centers and a critical place the homeless can turn to improve their circumstances. However, the line must be drawn when they begin to abuse the situation.
This brings me back to the NYU student who was sleeping at the library. Was he abusing the situation? He has a scholarship so it isn't like he isn't a student... And New York is one of the most expensive cities in the world to live in (ranked 11th)... But he is also a creative writing student and chronicling the experience through his writing. (Wouldn't you know it, he has a blog! Read it here.) Was he just trying to experience being a "starving artist?" We may never know.
However, it was through his writing that he was discovered and now he has a place to stay for the rest of the summer.
For some, this may seem far-fetched. How could someone be sleeping every night in the library for eight months without someone thinking it was a little bit odd? However, speaking from experience, (no, I haven't slept in the library for eight months, but I am librarian who has worked in academic libraries) I can say for a fact that he was probably noticed, but no one thought too much about it. There are students who spend so much time at the library, one would think they lived there. And there are so many nooks and crannies in a large academic library, he was probably just mistaken for another student who fell asleep while studying.
I remember while I was in library school, we had a discussion about an issue very similar to this. I went to school in Denton, Texas, which is about 30 miles north of Dallas. The Dallas Public Library constantly had problems with homeless patrons seeking shelter in the library and they literally had to be kicked out at closing time. The students on campus really wanted our libraries to be open 24 hours a day (they closed at midnight), but in addition to economic and staffing factors, one issue raised was that of the homeless coming up from Dallas (or even just those in Denton) and attempting to take refuge in the library at night. Suffice it to say that the extra security that would have been required was cost-prohibitive. I am not advocating the homeless should not be allowed to use the library. Quite the contrary. Libraries are also community centers and a critical place the homeless can turn to improve their circumstances. However, the line must be drawn when they begin to abuse the situation.
This brings me back to the NYU student who was sleeping at the library. Was he abusing the situation? He has a scholarship so it isn't like he isn't a student... And New York is one of the most expensive cities in the world to live in (ranked 11th)... But he is also a creative writing student and chronicling the experience through his writing. (Wouldn't you know it, he has a blog! Read it here.) Was he just trying to experience being a "starving artist?" We may never know.
However, it was through his writing that he was discovered and now he has a place to stay for the rest of the summer.
27 April 2004
Pet Owner Responsibility
Sometimes I just have to write about something that really bugs me. Today is one of those times. I just want to know why some people think they can dispose of their pets like an old piece of trash. You know what I mean: the sack of kittens abandoned along side the road or the puppy found drowned in the river. Not only does it really bother me when people treat their pets with such a flippant attitude, but is also breaks my heart.
The fact of the matter is that pets are a long term commitment. Properly cared for, cats and dogs can live into their 20s, and if you are not ready for that kind of an obligation, it is best not to adopt one at all. If you put it in context, the act of adopting a cat or dog that might live into their twenties is not so different than that of bringing a child into your home. The time commitment is similar and both need dedicated care. It is not enough to fall in love with a kitten or puppy and have good intentions to provide him or her with a good home. You must be prepared: emotionally and financially.
We have all seen or read something about the overpopulation of animal shelters. One of the most important aspects of pet owner responsibility is the willingness to get your pet spayed or neutered. Kittens and puppies are adorable. There is no doubt about it. But kittens and puppies quickly become cats and dogs and many people no longer find them so cute. A home that can easily support one cat or one dog suddenly is overwhelmed with anywhere from four to twelve new animals. When the owner realizes that five, six, or seven cats or dogs are too many for his or her modest home and there are no more phone calls from people wanting to adopt those babies, where do they end up? The local animal shelter. If they get lucky, they are eventually adopted, but if they aren't so lucky their lives are ended before they have even begun. It is sad, but many times the truth.
There are a host of other issues that come along with pet ownership: medical, behavioral, spatial, nutritional, and social just to name a few. I highly recommend anyone who is considering getting a pet, whether it is a cute little parakeet in a bird cage or a St. Bernard, to seriously consider not only the rewards of pet ownership, but also the consequences. For issues that you should consider, but never even thought about, review this handy little "Pet Owner's Pledge," and if a flesh and blood pet seems too much responsibility, consider a virtual pet, like the ones available here.
The fact of the matter is that pets are a long term commitment. Properly cared for, cats and dogs can live into their 20s, and if you are not ready for that kind of an obligation, it is best not to adopt one at all. If you put it in context, the act of adopting a cat or dog that might live into their twenties is not so different than that of bringing a child into your home. The time commitment is similar and both need dedicated care. It is not enough to fall in love with a kitten or puppy and have good intentions to provide him or her with a good home. You must be prepared: emotionally and financially.
We have all seen or read something about the overpopulation of animal shelters. One of the most important aspects of pet owner responsibility is the willingness to get your pet spayed or neutered. Kittens and puppies are adorable. There is no doubt about it. But kittens and puppies quickly become cats and dogs and many people no longer find them so cute. A home that can easily support one cat or one dog suddenly is overwhelmed with anywhere from four to twelve new animals. When the owner realizes that five, six, or seven cats or dogs are too many for his or her modest home and there are no more phone calls from people wanting to adopt those babies, where do they end up? The local animal shelter. If they get lucky, they are eventually adopted, but if they aren't so lucky their lives are ended before they have even begun. It is sad, but many times the truth.
There are a host of other issues that come along with pet ownership: medical, behavioral, spatial, nutritional, and social just to name a few. I highly recommend anyone who is considering getting a pet, whether it is a cute little parakeet in a bird cage or a St. Bernard, to seriously consider not only the rewards of pet ownership, but also the consequences. For issues that you should consider, but never even thought about, review this handy little "Pet Owner's Pledge," and if a flesh and blood pet seems too much responsibility, consider a virtual pet, like the ones available here.
22 April 2004
Nude Sunbathing in the English Garden
Today was a perfect day for a stroll in Europe's largest municipal park, the English Garden. It was about 20 degrees Celsius (approximately 70 Fahrenheit) and sunny. In the shade, no jacket was needed and in the sun, even less clothing was required. In fact, you might say that on a warm spring day in the English Garden, clothes are optional!
I had, of course, heard about the nude sunbathers in the English Garden, but had never actually seen them until today. As I aimlessly strolled along shooting pictures with my new camera, I suddenly noticed that most of the people lying in the grass (and even a few playing Frisbee) were completely nude. At that moment I realized that I had made my way to the nude sunbathing area. Out of respect for the people sunbathing there, I took no pictures in the nude sunbathing area, but let me tell you it was refreshing to see so many people completely unconcerned about showing their bodies the way that Nature intended. What a perfect way to celebrate Earth Day! :)
I was not shocked by any means. First of all, I knew that nude sunbathers frequented the park. And second, I remember when I lived in Paris, I would see topless sunbathers on the banks of the Seine on a regular basis. However, nudity in America is such a taboo on so many levels that I am not sure if I will ever get used to the casual European attitude concerning nudity.
Personally, I am not sure if I could sunbathe nude or not. I am not ashamed of my body by any means, but I will admit to being a little shy. And when you're naked you are just so... exposed! In addition, there are parts of my body that have never seen the sun and with my fair skin I imagine someone would end up blind because of its reflection or I would get such a sunburn that I would look like a lobster!
Budding trees, blooming flowers, warm sunny weather, and nude sunbathers... a sure sign spring has sprung in Munich!
P.S. I will post the photos (sorry, no nude sunbathers) in my photo gallery.
I had, of course, heard about the nude sunbathers in the English Garden, but had never actually seen them until today. As I aimlessly strolled along shooting pictures with my new camera, I suddenly noticed that most of the people lying in the grass (and even a few playing Frisbee) were completely nude. At that moment I realized that I had made my way to the nude sunbathing area. Out of respect for the people sunbathing there, I took no pictures in the nude sunbathing area, but let me tell you it was refreshing to see so many people completely unconcerned about showing their bodies the way that Nature intended. What a perfect way to celebrate Earth Day! :)
I was not shocked by any means. First of all, I knew that nude sunbathers frequented the park. And second, I remember when I lived in Paris, I would see topless sunbathers on the banks of the Seine on a regular basis. However, nudity in America is such a taboo on so many levels that I am not sure if I will ever get used to the casual European attitude concerning nudity.
Personally, I am not sure if I could sunbathe nude or not. I am not ashamed of my body by any means, but I will admit to being a little shy. And when you're naked you are just so... exposed! In addition, there are parts of my body that have never seen the sun and with my fair skin I imagine someone would end up blind because of its reflection or I would get such a sunburn that I would look like a lobster!
Budding trees, blooming flowers, warm sunny weather, and nude sunbathers... a sure sign spring has sprung in Munich!
P.S. I will post the photos (sorry, no nude sunbathers) in my photo gallery.
21 April 2004
Kampenwand
Last Friday, A. and I took a little trip to a mountain near here called "Kampenwand." It was still pretty snowy up there, so we didn't get to climb around the mountain as much as we would have liked, but we took some really nice pictures and have vowed to return in a couple of months when some of the snow has melted.
photo by blondelibrarian's husband
20 April 2004
A Bra Story
Most women will agree that bra-shopping is one of the most horrendous events that we must endure. This is doubly true if you happen to be (as I am) well-endowed but not fat. This means that though I need a D-cup, my torso is not that big around and so finding a bra that properly fits me is, at best, a chore.
This is because for some strange reason bra-manufacturers seem to be under the mistaken impression that someone who wears a D-cup must also be a portly woman who is satisfied with an ugly-ass battle bra that has no underwire and no lining. Given the fact that I am not happy with the afore-mentioned attributes in a bra and that I had not yet shopped for a bra in Germany, yesterday's bra-shopping trip can only be compared to going to the dentist... I was dreading it that much.
My first assignment was to try and figure out what German bra size I wear. However, I got lucky as the bras that I looked at had "International" sizes printed on them. (Whether I find any comfort now in saying I wear an 80D as opposed to a 36D is still up in the air.) After learning my correct German size, I spent some time looking for "80s" in the cute bra section, but as I feared none of them came in a D-cup. Therefore, I consented to a quick browse through the battle-bra section.
As usual, there were rows of bras with no underwire, no lining, all white, and with 3-clasp backs. I was about to give up and give my mom a call asking her to send me as many new bras from the brand that I have worn for some years now as she could afford, when divine intervention happened.
I saw in the corner between the cute bra section and the battle-bra section a rack of bras that appeared to have underwire and came in multiple colors. Full of hope, I approached the rack. Yes, they had underwire and a lining. I looked and saw the sizes... 75, 80, 85, 90. Things were looking promising. Then I glanced at the cups, B, C, and... YES!!! D!! Now were there 80Ds? I couldn't believe it, not only was there an 80D, there were multiple 80Ds and in different colors even! But I couldn't let my excitement get the best of me. They had not yet passed the final test... Would they fit? And if so, and even more important, would I LIKE the way they fit?
To sum the story up, yes, they did fit and what's more, I liked the way they fit, so I bought three.
This is because for some strange reason bra-manufacturers seem to be under the mistaken impression that someone who wears a D-cup must also be a portly woman who is satisfied with an ugly-ass battle bra that has no underwire and no lining. Given the fact that I am not happy with the afore-mentioned attributes in a bra and that I had not yet shopped for a bra in Germany, yesterday's bra-shopping trip can only be compared to going to the dentist... I was dreading it that much.
My first assignment was to try and figure out what German bra size I wear. However, I got lucky as the bras that I looked at had "International" sizes printed on them. (Whether I find any comfort now in saying I wear an 80D as opposed to a 36D is still up in the air.) After learning my correct German size, I spent some time looking for "80s" in the cute bra section, but as I feared none of them came in a D-cup. Therefore, I consented to a quick browse through the battle-bra section.
As usual, there were rows of bras with no underwire, no lining, all white, and with 3-clasp backs. I was about to give up and give my mom a call asking her to send me as many new bras from the brand that I have worn for some years now as she could afford, when divine intervention happened.
I saw in the corner between the cute bra section and the battle-bra section a rack of bras that appeared to have underwire and came in multiple colors. Full of hope, I approached the rack. Yes, they had underwire and a lining. I looked and saw the sizes... 75, 80, 85, 90. Things were looking promising. Then I glanced at the cups, B, C, and... YES!!! D!! Now were there 80Ds? I couldn't believe it, not only was there an 80D, there were multiple 80Ds and in different colors even! But I couldn't let my excitement get the best of me. They had not yet passed the final test... Would they fit? And if so, and even more important, would I LIKE the way they fit?
To sum the story up, yes, they did fit and what's more, I liked the way they fit, so I bought three.
16 April 2004
Loreley - Part 2
For those of you keeping track at home, I finally got the pictures I took on our trip to the Loreley developed. These are the last pictures I will take with my old-fashioned film camera (maybe) and I have scanned some in and added them to the photo gallery. Below is my favorite. This statue is not on top of the cliff, but in front of a souvenir shop (as you can probably tell) along side the road.
photo by blondelibrarian
14 April 2004
Art Notes
Today, A. and I went to visit the Lenbachhaus here in Munich as there is currently a Picasso exhibit being shown there. It is a very nice collection consisting of a variety of his works, including a huge collection of sketches.
However, in addition to seeing the Picasso exhibit, we also toured the rest of the Lenbachhaus. One of the highlights of their collection is a collection of works from a group of Expressionists that were centered around Munich in the early 20th century: Der Blaue Reiter.
One of the main artists of this group was Wassily Kandisky and I just fell in love with his works. They are abstract and so colorful. I am in the process of reading up on him and his works, but if what I saw today is any indication, I think I will be adding him to the list of my favorite artisits.
However, in addition to seeing the Picasso exhibit, we also toured the rest of the Lenbachhaus. One of the highlights of their collection is a collection of works from a group of Expressionists that were centered around Munich in the early 20th century: Der Blaue Reiter.
One of the main artists of this group was Wassily Kandisky and I just fell in love with his works. They are abstract and so colorful. I am in the process of reading up on him and his works, but if what I saw today is any indication, I think I will be adding him to the list of my favorite artisits.
The Onion
Billed as "America's finest news source," The Onion is a farcical newspaper featuring world, national and community news. However, according to this article in Wired, some people apparently take The Onion a little too seriously.
12 April 2004
A Walk in the Woods
Today was a nice day for a walk. Not too hot, cold, windy, rainy, or cloudy and right now there aren't a lot of bugs. We chose to go for a walk in the woods near our home. Along the way, we came across a small village church that while in good condition, appeared no longer to be in use. We found out from reading the plaques along the way that the church and its graveyard are all that remains of the village of Oberberghausen. While I found the church quaint, I really fell in love with the graveyard. It was very small, but what I found so interesting were the gravemarkers. They were not made of stone, but of intricate metal-work. According to A., this type of gravemarker is very common in the Alpine region and his Austrian grandfather, who was a metalworker, occaisonally made these types of markers.
photo by blondelibrarian
Cooking Lesson
A. and I love spicy food. I'm not talking mildly spiced food like you get at Chi Chi's or some other Americanized ethnic chain restaurant. We like authentic food where the dishes are honest-to-goodness mouth-on-fire, nose-running, water-gulping spicy and if the name of the dish includes the word "angry," so much the better. We are quite fond of Mexican, Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, and above all... Indian. We are hoping one day to take a vacation where we can eat our way through India.
But I also like to cook. Through experimentation and a little help from my half-Greek husband's relatives, I think I have gotten pretty good at Mediterranean-style cooking. But it has been my dream to learn to cook Indian, or at least a mean curry. I have tried experimenting, but something has always gone wrong. I had about come to terms with the fact that if I want Indian, I will just have to go out to eat it (oh, darn!).
However, as luck would have it, A. has a friend (E.) who is from Pakistan and according to E., Pakistani and Indian food have many similarities. A. had told E. about my curry experiments gone bad and somehow, managed to talk E. into making us dinner so that I could learn how to make a proper curry. Of course, E. is a bachelor and his cooking knowledge is somewhat limited, but A. figured it would be enough to give me an idea.
So last night, I got my first lesson in curry making. Though A. had told E. we like spicy food, E. was a little concerned that what we considered spicy wasn't really spicy at all... I can understand his concerns, overall German and American foods are pretty bland... given this concern, he chose to make a medium-spicy Yogurt Chicken. And let me tell you, it was tasty! :)
I observed the entire process and took notes on paper concerning the ingredients and the process, but also made mental notes about some things I would probably change. (For example, I would probably use a little less salt and little more garlic.) After I a buy a few things I don't have I am eager to try making curry again.
And on top of it all, E. offered to have us over again so I can learn more Pakistani recipes... I can hardly wait!
But I also like to cook. Through experimentation and a little help from my half-Greek husband's relatives, I think I have gotten pretty good at Mediterranean-style cooking. But it has been my dream to learn to cook Indian, or at least a mean curry. I have tried experimenting, but something has always gone wrong. I had about come to terms with the fact that if I want Indian, I will just have to go out to eat it (oh, darn!).
However, as luck would have it, A. has a friend (E.) who is from Pakistan and according to E., Pakistani and Indian food have many similarities. A. had told E. about my curry experiments gone bad and somehow, managed to talk E. into making us dinner so that I could learn how to make a proper curry. Of course, E. is a bachelor and his cooking knowledge is somewhat limited, but A. figured it would be enough to give me an idea.
So last night, I got my first lesson in curry making. Though A. had told E. we like spicy food, E. was a little concerned that what we considered spicy wasn't really spicy at all... I can understand his concerns, overall German and American foods are pretty bland... given this concern, he chose to make a medium-spicy Yogurt Chicken. And let me tell you, it was tasty! :)
I observed the entire process and took notes on paper concerning the ingredients and the process, but also made mental notes about some things I would probably change. (For example, I would probably use a little less salt and little more garlic.) After I a buy a few things I don't have I am eager to try making curry again.
And on top of it all, E. offered to have us over again so I can learn more Pakistani recipes... I can hardly wait!
09 April 2004
Schloß Nymphenburg
Today I talked A. into taking me to visit one of the tourist traps here in Munich that we had not visited before: Schloß Palace) Nymphenburg and its attached gardens.
The way I figure it, people come from all over the world to visit Munich, so shouldn't we, who live here, try and visit some of the things that make it famous from time to time? Besides, it was a perfect opportunity to use my new digital camera! :) The weather was a little cool, windy, and cloudy, but overall, it was a lovely day for a visit.
I ended up taking 91 pictures (!) with my new camera and saved about 30 of the images. (See more of my photos from Nymphenburg here.) Already I can see the advantage of a digital camera and a 128M flash card. I can take a whole bunch of photos and the ones that don't turn out I can just delete... no wasting film. That is a plus for me, because I am not exactly the world's best photographer and with a roll of traditional 24 film, I usually end up with at least 5 bad pictures. I love my new camera!
The way I figure it, people come from all over the world to visit Munich, so shouldn't we, who live here, try and visit some of the things that make it famous from time to time? Besides, it was a perfect opportunity to use my new digital camera! :) The weather was a little cool, windy, and cloudy, but overall, it was a lovely day for a visit.
I ended up taking 91 pictures (!) with my new camera and saved about 30 of the images. (See more of my photos from Nymphenburg here.) Already I can see the advantage of a digital camera and a 128M flash card. I can take a whole bunch of photos and the ones that don't turn out I can just delete... no wasting film. That is a plus for me, because I am not exactly the world's best photographer and with a roll of traditional 24 film, I usually end up with at least 5 bad pictures. I love my new camera!
08 April 2004
R.I.P. Kurt
Today marks the 10th anniversary of Kurt Cobain's death.
I have never been a die hard Nirvana fan. I now have four of their albums and appreciate the band for how it changed the face of rock music in the early 90s. However, as I have mentioned before, I am also a "hair band" fan and honestly, when Nevermind hit the music stores, it in effect killed the hair band scene. I didn't take to that too kindly and in fact boycotted Nirvana until my sophomore year of college (which incidentally also happened to be the year Kurt Cobain shot himself).
By late 1993, I had evolved from the hair bands to hard rock acts like Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, and co. I thought since I liked these groups maybe I should give Nirvana a second chance. However, I had yet to buy a Nirvana album when I heard on our college radio station on April 8, 1994, that Kurt Cobain killed himself. I knew the guy had problems and thought it was too bad. I also realized that he had now joined the ranks of Jim Morrison, Buddy Holly, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, and the like. Another rock musician immortalized not only for his music, but also for dying too young.
I have never been a die hard Nirvana fan. I now have four of their albums and appreciate the band for how it changed the face of rock music in the early 90s. However, as I have mentioned before, I am also a "hair band" fan and honestly, when Nevermind hit the music stores, it in effect killed the hair band scene. I didn't take to that too kindly and in fact boycotted Nirvana until my sophomore year of college (which incidentally also happened to be the year Kurt Cobain shot himself).
By late 1993, I had evolved from the hair bands to hard rock acts like Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, and co. I thought since I liked these groups maybe I should give Nirvana a second chance. However, I had yet to buy a Nirvana album when I heard on our college radio station on April 8, 1994, that Kurt Cobain killed himself. I knew the guy had problems and thought it was too bad. I also realized that he had now joined the ranks of Jim Morrison, Buddy Holly, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, and the like. Another rock musician immortalized not only for his music, but also for dying too young.
Easter Tree?
I am familiar with the concept of the Christmas Tree, but what is it with the "Easter Tree" here in Germany? I have noticed many trees in town decorated with Easter eggs! For example, my downstairs neighbor has one. She has decorated her pussy willow with plastic (I think, I haven't looked up close) eggs. Is this some sort of German tradition I am not aware of?
Update @ 8:40pm
I did a little surfing to see what I could find out about the Easter Tree in Germany. Apparently,
More information about Easter in Germany can be found here:
Oh well, I guess if you can have a Christmas tree, why not an Easter tree too? :)
photo by blondelibrarian
Update @ 8:40pm
I did a little surfing to see what I could find out about the Easter Tree in Germany. Apparently,
The making of an Easter tree is an old custom in Germany, Holland and some other European countries.They brought this custom to the United States when they came.Days before Easter, these Europeans would bring in bare branches and put them in a pot filled with earth. The children will then decorate them with decorated empty eggs. They did this by emptying the eggs, dyed them and then used ribbons to tie and hang them on the bare branches. The bare branches symbolize death while the eggs are a symbol of life.-- from Kiddyhouse, Easter customs
More information about Easter in Germany can be found here:
Oh well, I guess if you can have a Christmas tree, why not an Easter tree too? :)
06 April 2004
Smart Blonde Joke
This has to be one of the best blonde jokes I have ever heard... and I think I have heard about all of them.
A blonde walks into a bank in New York City and asks for the loan officer. She says she's going to Europe on business for two weeks and needs to borrow $5,000.
The bank officer says the bank will need some kind of security for the loan, so the blonde hands over the keys to a new Mercedes Benz SL 500.
The car is parked on the street in front of the bank, she has the title and everything checks out. The bank agrees to accept the car as collateral for the loan.
The bank's president and its officers all enjoy a good laugh at the blonde for using a $110,000 Benz as collateral against a $5,000 loan. An employee of the bank then proceeds to drive the Benz into the bank's underground garage and parks it there.
Two weeks later, the blonde returns, repays the $5,000 and the interest, which comes to $15.41.
The loan officer says, "Miss, we are very happy to have had your business, and this transaction has worked out very nicely, but we are a little puzzled. While you were away, we checked you out and found that you are a multimillionaire. What puzzles us is, why would you bother to borrow $5,000?"
The blonde replies....."Where else in New York City can I park my car for two weeks for only $15.41 and expect it to be there when I return?"
04 April 2004
Cross-Stitch Weekend
I spent most of this weekend cross-stitching.
I did the "Strawberries/Erdbeeren" piece on Friday and then Susie suggested that I consider doing a whole series of fruit in the same vein as the "Strawberries" piece (English/German words with picture).
It just so happened that I was thinking the exact same thing and was in the planning stages of the second design... "Watermelon/Wassermelone." I am also planning Grapes, Cherries, and Apples, Lemons, and Pineapples. So far, these are the only fruit patterns I have, but I am on the look out for more.
I did the "Strawberries/Erdbeeren" piece on Friday and then Susie suggested that I consider doing a whole series of fruit in the same vein as the "Strawberries" piece (English/German words with picture).
It just so happened that I was thinking the exact same thing and was in the planning stages of the second design... "Watermelon/Wassermelone." I am also planning Grapes, Cherries, and Apples, Lemons, and Pineapples. So far, these are the only fruit patterns I have, but I am on the look out for more.
Here is the "Watermelon/Wassermelone" design:
© blondelibrarian
Harry Potter and the Philosopher/Sorcerer's Stone
Yes, A. and I are both big Harry Potter fans. Yesterday, as A. started reading the first Harry Potter book for about the 6th or 7th time, I again asked myself the question I had asked myself ever since I learned that in Britain the first Harry Potter book is called Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, while in America, it is called Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone... Why the difference?
A. made some snide comment about Americans not knowing what a philosopher was. I chuckled and agreed that might be a possibility, but was not happy with the answer. So, as a reference librarian, I did what reference librarians always do when confronted with such a question... I did some research!
The first thing I decided is that I needed a proper definition of "philosopher" or perhaps "philosopher's stone" as that was obviously where the answer lay...
According to The New Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a philosopher is 1.) a reflective thinker: SCHOLAR 2.) a student or specialist in philosophy 3.) one whose philosophical perspective enables him to meet trouble calmly.
(I must say, I just about busted a gut when I read the last definition... I think it is hilarious! But I digress...)
OK, so much for the American definition of "philosopher" helping me out... I then decided I needed a British definition, but alas, I don't have a British English dictionary. However, I knew where I needed to turn... The Oxford English Dictionary (OED)! In case you are unaware, the OED is the biggest, baddest, English dictionary ever produced. It has a history dating back over a hundred years, is over 20 volumes, and is accepted as the definitive source of the English language. Unfortunately, it is also only available online via subscription. However, there is also a site that is called AskOxford.com, which allows you to search The Compact Oxford English Dictionary, so I decided it would have to do.
According to it, a philosopher is "[noun] a person engaged or learned in philosophy." (Boy, that wasn't very helpful either.) But there was also an entry for the philosopher's stone, which is "[noun] a mythical substance supposed to change any metal into gold or silver." Of course, I already knew that much since I too have read Harry Potter 5 or 6 times.
I felt a little discouraged. I still didn't have an answer to my question. So, I decided on another approach. I would look for information on Harry Potter and that particular book. But there are so many Harry Potter sites out there, I barely knew where to begin. Upon browsing through my Google list I spied one entitled, "The Harry Potter Lexicon." I thought it sounded very promising and it turned out to be just what I needed. I also have to plug this site. It has to be one of the best Harry Potter sites I have ever seen.
According to the HP Lexicon, Scholastic (the HP publisher in the States) changed the title because they thought that no American kid would buy a book with the word "philosopher" in the title. (click here for the complete information)
So I guess A. wasn't that far off after all when he deduced that no American kid would know what a philosopher was. They might know, but I guess for American kids, the term philosopher doesn't conjure up the kind of image Scholastic thought would sell books!
A. made some snide comment about Americans not knowing what a philosopher was. I chuckled and agreed that might be a possibility, but was not happy with the answer. So, as a reference librarian, I did what reference librarians always do when confronted with such a question... I did some research!
The first thing I decided is that I needed a proper definition of "philosopher" or perhaps "philosopher's stone" as that was obviously where the answer lay...
According to The New Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a philosopher is 1.) a reflective thinker: SCHOLAR 2.) a student or specialist in philosophy 3.) one whose philosophical perspective enables him to meet trouble calmly.
(I must say, I just about busted a gut when I read the last definition... I think it is hilarious! But I digress...)
OK, so much for the American definition of "philosopher" helping me out... I then decided I needed a British definition, but alas, I don't have a British English dictionary. However, I knew where I needed to turn... The Oxford English Dictionary (OED)! In case you are unaware, the OED is the biggest, baddest, English dictionary ever produced. It has a history dating back over a hundred years, is over 20 volumes, and is accepted as the definitive source of the English language. Unfortunately, it is also only available online via subscription. However, there is also a site that is called AskOxford.com, which allows you to search The Compact Oxford English Dictionary, so I decided it would have to do.
According to it, a philosopher is "[noun] a person engaged or learned in philosophy." (Boy, that wasn't very helpful either.) But there was also an entry for the philosopher's stone, which is "[noun] a mythical substance supposed to change any metal into gold or silver." Of course, I already knew that much since I too have read Harry Potter 5 or 6 times.
I felt a little discouraged. I still didn't have an answer to my question. So, I decided on another approach. I would look for information on Harry Potter and that particular book. But there are so many Harry Potter sites out there, I barely knew where to begin. Upon browsing through my Google list I spied one entitled, "The Harry Potter Lexicon." I thought it sounded very promising and it turned out to be just what I needed. I also have to plug this site. It has to be one of the best Harry Potter sites I have ever seen.
According to the HP Lexicon, Scholastic (the HP publisher in the States) changed the title because they thought that no American kid would buy a book with the word "philosopher" in the title. (click here for the complete information)
So I guess A. wasn't that far off after all when he deduced that no American kid would know what a philosopher was. They might know, but I guess for American kids, the term philosopher doesn't conjure up the kind of image Scholastic thought would sell books!
02 April 2004
Strawberries
This morning, I had a dream about strawberries. I don't why and I don't remember anything more about it.
Yet, it inspired me to cross-stitch a mini sampler today. I took the pattern of the two strawberries from a book that I have and then I added the word "Strawberries" (English) and "Erdbeeren" (German) in a very basic cross-stitch alphabet. The whole project took me about 4½ hours and I am quite happy with it. It's very cute, wouldn't you agree?
I also think that tomorrow when I go to the grocery store, I will buy some fresh strawberries and some cream to go with them. Yum!
Yet, it inspired me to cross-stitch a mini sampler today. I took the pattern of the two strawberries from a book that I have and then I added the word "Strawberries" (English) and "Erdbeeren" (German) in a very basic cross-stitch alphabet. The whole project took me about 4½ hours and I am quite happy with it. It's very cute, wouldn't you agree?
© blondelibrarian
I also think that tomorrow when I go to the grocery store, I will buy some fresh strawberries and some cream to go with them. Yum!
01 April 2004
Shoes with Attitude
Isn't it amazing how a great pair of shoes can give you a whole new attitude?
Normally, I wear tennis shoes (a.k.a. sneakers) or Birkenstocks because I am a casual kind of gal who does a lot of walking everyday that demands a comfortable pair of shoes. And usually I have a casual, laid-back attitude to match.
But I do have a bunch of funky shoes and every now and again, I wear a pair of them. And when I wear them, I get a funky attitude (and usually blisters) to match.
Well, today was one of those days. I wore this fantastic pair of leather boots that make a statement when I walk down the street... and today, I felt that I was radiating an attitude that also made a statement: firm, confident, and a little bit bitchy.
Of course, now that I am home and relaxing, my feet are making the bitchy statement in the form of blisters... Oh, the price women pay for a little attitude!
Normally, I wear tennis shoes (a.k.a. sneakers) or Birkenstocks because I am a casual kind of gal who does a lot of walking everyday that demands a comfortable pair of shoes. And usually I have a casual, laid-back attitude to match.
But I do have a bunch of funky shoes and every now and again, I wear a pair of them. And when I wear them, I get a funky attitude (and usually blisters) to match.
Well, today was one of those days. I wore this fantastic pair of leather boots that make a statement when I walk down the street... and today, I felt that I was radiating an attitude that also made a statement: firm, confident, and a little bit bitchy.
Of course, now that I am home and relaxing, my feet are making the bitchy statement in the form of blisters... Oh, the price women pay for a little attitude!
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