What do you do....

with a Bachelors of Arts in International Affairs & Political Science with a German & Public Administration minor?

Look for jobs, that's what you do.

I am going slowly insane.

De-bunking the top myths in the healthcare debate

Please read this article about some of the top myths being passed around (mostly by the RNC and other similar bodies).

Foreign Policy: The Most Outrageous Lies about US Healthcare

Just the facts ma'am, just the facts.

Dear Tourists

Dear American tourists visiting Germany (and Europe in general),

You are painfully obvious. I can spot an American a mile away and you I can see for ten.

Please also remember that this isn't the United States. Refills don't come gratis and while much more expensive the coffee here is worth that €2,50. Stop staring at your map all the time and let yourself get lost in the city. You'll be happier for it. It wouldn't hurt if you would learn a few words in German, either.

And please, while you're here, buy some clothes and take them back with you (excluding lederhosen). White socks up to your knees is only acceptable while weed-whacking.

Wir danken Ihnen für Ihr verstandnis.

Oh, but outside of that-Munich is nice....English Garden is AMAZING and I look forward to uploading some pictures later.

I hate moving.

Moving transatlantic is especially bad. Bah.

Burgers in Düsseldorf

I just returned from a fantastic evening in Düsseldorf. Two former students of mine that I have kept in touch with invited me for dinner at the allegedly "best burgers in Germany" joint. Being an American, I was intrigued and accepted the invitation. The burger really was quite delicious and I enjoyed it. The drive was not too bad (I've never driven there, only by train and it was so much faster!) and the ride home was beautiful as we were returning to Aachen as the the sun was going down.

I loved sitting outside in the comfortable weather enjoying my meal and Düsseldorf Alt bier. Being away from Germany is going to be harder than I thought. I'm already beginning to feel it hit, the finality of it all. This time next week I leave Aachen for a two week tour of Germany (Dresden, Munich, Rheinland-Pfalz and then ending in Aachen again) before departing on the 19th. I wonder how long I'll be away from Deutschland before I feel compelled to return.

My apartment is beginning to resmble slightly the shell of my former abode. Things off the walls, two boxes shipped (€65/$90 each) luggage slowly being packed, etc. I guess the good thing about moving is the catharsis associated with purging out the old and inviting in the new. Last day of work Friday (Thursday is a day off due to a visitor). Only two working days left. Saturday my 'abschiedsparty' or goodbye party and then taking care of the business that comes with living in Germany for two years.

I'm going to miss going for burgers in Düsseldorf.

Last call

This week marks my final week teaching English in Aachen.

My life is this whirlwind of thoughts, things to do, people to see, apartments to clean and pack. I hate moving.

Best experience of my life thus far. The people, the city, the language and maybe even the job itself. My 'to do' list is out of control for the next ten days. Couldn't sleep last night because of the nervousness, I hope this is not a pattern for the next while.

Political rhetoric at its best

I'm disappointed at the state of politics, I mean, who wouldn't be?

I tried to get some information from the GOP about their health care plan. They oppose the current package that is making its ways through the House and Senate committees. Understandably, the plan goes against many of the fibers that hold the GOP together. God forbid we actually do something for the people.

Fine.

Now, offer an alternative fools! I went to the GOP website trying to get some information on how they propose to solve the crisis. First of all the GOP website has been under constructions since May 17th!!!!!! WTF!?! May 17th? Two months and counting. You are one of the major political parties in the United States. UPDATE YOUR SITE.

After much hunting, I did come upon this portion of the GOP's health care issues site....their 2008 party platform.

This platform was published over a year ago. They've offered no alternative to the American people for a health care system, but they have no problem whining, complaining and dare I say...bitching? I assume some kind of lame response will be a tax-credit to those who offer health care to their employees. Nothing comprehensive and no funding for any sort of system which would solve the dilemma. Just more party rhetoric and tax-cuts.

I have my reservations about the current health care package currently underway. But, at least its something. Its quite expensive to provide a system of comprehensive care for all. But as I read a comment in a forum somewhere, "not doing something is more expensive than doing something." The US currently spends more money ($1 out of every $6 is health-care related) on health care yet has the worst system among industrialized countries.

In comparison to the GOP site, the Democrats at least have update news on the health care package under their 'current news', front page and under agenda "health care for all." A quick search of the website, however, failed to deliver a laid-out spiel of what we can expect for people with this health care reform bill on the party's website in laymans terms.

Ridiculous

Last week I introduced a post regarding Stupid policies of the week.

This week I bring to you nothing more than an absolute waste of time in the Oklahoma State Legislature.

State Legislator Sally Kern (R) wants to introduce a proclamation declaring the economic recession as the result of America's "debauchery." (Read the Huffington Post article here.) I knew that was the problem. We can blame the recession on the gays, babies born out of wedlock and Obama not attending National Day of Prayer. Honestly, you've lost it Sally Kern. This piece of trash legislation is nothing more than a waste of time, energy and money.

As if that wasn't enough, Rush Limbaugh took it a step further. He's blaming Mark Sanford's (R) extra-marital affair on the financial stimulus package. Backed into a corner, they'll say and do just about anything. Idiot.

I could go on and on about the hypocrisy dished out by the GOP on these sorts of moral and cultural matters, but I don't think its necessary. We all know anyway........EPIC FAIL.

Stupid policy of the week

Proof that stupidity reaches all corners of the political spectrum.

The Democratic Policy Committee is considering proposing legislation, known as the Travel Promotion Act of 2009. (Read the brief here.) The TPA is supposed to help recover the waning numbers of tourist that have stopped coming to the US since 2001 (and their money). This new organization would be responsible for marketing the US abroad, promoting travel and explaining the stupid security regulations put in place.

Oh great, how are they going to fund this new organization, you ask? By charging each foreign tourist a $10 fee. That's right. Attract tourism by charging them even more money. Fantastic idea.

If you want to get these foreign tourists and their money back in the States....why don't you stop turning us into Fortress America? Fingerprinting? Excessive landing cards? ESTA authorization 72 hours prior to departure? Its not that the world doesn't want to come to the US because the cities aren't nice or they don't feel safe inside the country, its because the United States government has turned them (and the citizenry) into criminals. And nobody wants to visit a country where they feel and are treated like criminals.

The transformation

In 1941, the United States entered the Second World War.

Major manufacturing cities began sending their wives and daughters to screw rivets and wield sheet metal and the men went off to fight in lands far away. Factories switched from producing refrigerators to bombs and station wagons to tanks.

Why can't we do the same today?

The People of the United States are now the major shareholders of such flailing companies like GM. However, this is yet another spoiled investment. We've been robbed. The auto industry as we know it cannot continue to exist. This, however, doesn't mean the end of the great American factory. Let's revitalize our industrial capitals and once again turn Detroit into a name for quality and hard work.

Why are we spending our money and energy in the car industry? The Japanese, Germans and Ford has got this down solid. We should point our industrial power and research in another sector....public transportation. There is no reason why the factories in Detroit and across the heartland of the US have to close. Only the products should change. We should be producing trams, short and long distance trains, buses an other viable transport options which will better prepare the American public for faster, safer, cheaper and more environmentally sound transport options. Imagine not having the hassle of finding a parking spot or zipping through rush hour traffic in a street tram that shares the road. Hate flying? Take a long distance train instead. High-speed trains have been hugely successful in other parts of the world...why are we behind? Imagine the monthly savings you could pocket by taking a convenient, safe and clean alternative. The price of oil is only going to continue to climb higher and higher, lets not fool ourselves into thinking it will level out.

This is an excellent market opportunity for the United States as communities across the country will be requiring such alternatives. Why should we rely on the French, Germans and Canadians to provide street trams and our high-speed trains? Why can't they be proudly stamped MADE IN AMERICA? The most recent stimulus bill passed set $13 billion dollars over the next five years for a stronger national transportation strategy. I think its not enough but at least its a start.

For years Europeans and Asians have been whipping around their continents on highly developed, safe, secure, clean and friendly trains and street car systems. Why are we still behind?

49 Strangers

The common chemistry of 50 people, mostly strangers, brought together to dine can only be described as electric. Perhaps that is why Jim Haynes hosts his Sunday Salons. Haynes, 73, an American expatriate who has lived in Paris since the early 70's invites The World to his home for dinner every Sunday.

Jim Haynes is the type of character you meet in documentaries and certain New York Times articles. His charisma billows through a room and into the garden of his Parisian atelier the way fog does on a cool summers night. Those interested in reading his biography should be seriously committed to the finer, personal details of ones life as many (including private) details are included. Perhaps this is one of the reasons he is so cherished. Among many things, Jim is a 'purveyor of the arts" and has laid the groundwork for many theaters, underground newspapers and has written several books. Haynes is also one of the leaders of the 60/70's sexual liberation movement. In the late 1970's, Jim along with two friends started the Sunday Salon, an institution that carries on today. Suffice to say, Jim is an interesting person who always has a story to share.

A Parisian tradition which has carried on for over 30 years, The Sunday Salon is hosted every Sunday except for a few weeks a year, normally when Haynes is off at various book or arts festivals. People can call, email or write a letter requesting a spot at one of these dinners. A small €25 donation is asked to pay for the food and profits go off to food charities in Eastern Europe.

Its amazing the type of people who show up to break bread with a fellow stranger. Retired teachers traveling through France, a young Polish girl who lives in Paris, a Tasmanian making his way through Europe and of course many Americans. His audience is global. After hearing about Jim's dinners on NPR's This I Believe series, I decided it was now or never. Aachen is only four hours away from Paris by car so I convinced four friends of mine (another American, a German, an Australian and an Austrian) to join me and we embarked on a weekend to Paris with the grand finale set for Sunday evening.

Many Parisian artists call the 14th arrondissement home and it also serves as the venue for the Sunday Salon which is held rain or shine. Upon entering the garden, you meet others waiting to meet and greet this underground icon. His appearance is oddly misleading, looking more like a southern grandfather than a writer of books previously deemed "obscene." Grab a cup of wine and meet someone new. Jim tries to memorize the names and basic info of each participant and if you haven't met by the time he comes around, you will when he's finished. The Salon is conducted precisely between 20:00 and 23:00 and at the closing hour, people pair off, exchange contact information and carry the party on somewhere else.

I would fully recommend joining one of Jim Hayne's Sunday Salons or a similar event somewhere else. The chance to connect with 49 strangers in a way that you wouldn't normally do is invigorating, exciting and certainly makes for a great story.

Dear Germany

Dear Germany (Bundesrepublik Deutschland),

I don't know what I'm going to do without you.

Our time together (for now) is coming to an end in August. My heart aches already. I find myself longing for your bad weather and stingy bakery ladies already. No country replicates bureaucracy and stamps the way you do.

You've taught me more about myself , Europe and the world than I ever could have imagined. Its almost as I don't want this learning process to end. This evening I spoke with four fellow speakers of Germany effortlessly for two hours. It was fantastic....einfach toll.

You are expensive and old-fashioned (but yet more modern). You insist on tradition but break it all the time. You are in the middle of Europe and are more multi-cultural (multi-kulti) than you care to admit. And while life isn't perfect, its good.

Oh, brötchen, coffee, €3,50 cocktails-to-go and good music...what will I do without you.

Do I really have to go back?

Love,
Globalnole

Suisse, Switzerland, Schweiz

Five weeks ago I booked a spontaneous vacation to the cultural capital of Swtizerland, Zürich.

Germanwings offers a type of mystery flight. You select your departure airport (Köln in my case...also happens to be their hub), the date you can fly and a theme. Themes vary from shopping, beach, skiing, cultural, eastern Europe, etc. A list of ten or so cities will be presented and you can mark four or so cities where you do not want to fly. A €5 surcharge for each city exed out is excised but I think its fair. Thus increasing the chances of your dream city.

I did just that. I booked a ticket not knowing where I would go. I paid €85 for a round trip flight from Cologne to Zürich. It was completelz worth it. I loved the Germanwins idea of not knowing where you are going until you book the ticket. After I was told I was off to Zürich, I had my doubts. Although I had alwazs wanted to visit the city, I was afriad of bad weather, cost and not seeing something new.

That, however, turned out to not be the case. Switzerland was everything that I wanted it to be. The people were overwhelmingly friendly and helpful even if our language barrier (their Swiss German in its spoken form is almost inconceivable to the rest of the German speaking community) sometimes got in the way. After a pleasant smile and a a short description in high German of what I needed, they much obliged and provided the service in a friendly manner. Instead of the typical "danke schön" used in the rest of the German speaking area, one uses the French "merci." I like it. I have the luck of having a former student of mine currently living in Zürich. Felix and his wife were helpful and introduced the city to me.

I was quite lucky to find accomodations in Zürich using the Hotel Reservation Service. For four nights in a nice hotel I paid only €200....bargain basement. This included a room with a balcony view of the mountains around Zürich. I can certainly recommend Hotel Leoneck. Don't be put off by the Craz Cow mantra they have going on. It is said that Zurich is one of the most expensive cities in the world. I'd probably agree with that. Food is terribly expensive there and one could expect to pay at minimum of 25 Euros per meal per person even for the most basic of meals. However, it was worth it.

Warm weather and sunny blessed my time in Switzerland. From the Zurich lakefront one can see the snow covered Alps and really enjoy the view of the city. Lake Zurich is beautiful and you must take a trip on the lake by boat when there. Unlike cities in neighboring countries, Zurich is almost completely intact. Switzerlands strict neutral policy has benefited the country like none other. You can tell that the city is in good condition and will most likely stay this way another 100 years.

Zurich is surrounded by plenty of small cities, mountains and other natural areas. I took a day trip on Easter Sunday to some of the surrounding mountains and went hiking. I really enjoyed myself and the views of the city and the lake which were offered up to me. I had the opportunity to meet some locals who expressed their views of their country, Europe and their place in the world. Globalization hasn't escaped Switzerland either and there is some growing pressure for greater integration into the European community. The Swiss pride themselves on their independence and I hope they contniue to embrace their independent streak.

Zurich is not a city which stresses you. The trams run like clockwork on time and with amazing efficency. The city is clean and orderly, maybe even too orderly and clean. If you find yourself stressed in Switzerland its unlikely to be because of your urban environment.

Eurovision + more

Its a Saturday evening and I'm watching on German television the 54th annual Eurovision contest. For those who are not familiar with EV, think of it as a glorified, four hour long American Idol in horrendous outfits and choreography designed by your Aunt Gertrude. Not to mention the linguistic variety. Sadly, Germany is only fourth from the bottom. At the first though of spending my Saturday evening watching EV, I laughed. However, as it turns out, I'm having eye problems this evening and I'm wearing my five year old glasses so going out wasn't much of an option. As I'm eating dinner and watching Eurovision, I couldn't help but begin to enjoy the kitch and campiness of it all. The music wasn't all bad even though the themes are (love, pain, tonight is the night) redundant. My favourite part of the evening still goes to American singer, Oscar Loya, representing Germany and his choice for pants. My retinas are still burning. I can't find a picture but the shiny pants certainly got my vote. The Norwegian star who is my age and sings about "when I was young...." is certainly going to win...but he was the favourite to begin with. Eurovision cracks me up. Where else can you get so much kitsch? My next job will be teaching English to the Eurovision hosts and contestants.

You can watch the Norway song here.

My time in Aachen is most likely coming t a close. My special foreigners tax status will be ending at the end of July and although I've ben offered a slight raise and contract extension, I'll probably move on. Where to is still in the air, but time will tell. I'm hoping to stay in Germany but that might not be possible.

As a worker in Germany May and June are perhaps my favourite months. Not only is the weather much more enjoyable as the Spring begins to set in, there are also four public holidays in six weeks. FOUR! May 1st-"Tag der Arbeit" their version of Labour Day (May Day), May 21st "Christi Himmelfahrt" which I think is something to do with Ascension Day, June 1st is "Pfingsten" is Pentecost and June 11th (only in North-Rhein Westfalen) is "Fröh Leichnam" which the best I can come up with is "Happy cadaver day." Sadly, no more holidays until October (Day of German unity) and if it lands on a Saturday (which it does) too bad...no holidays for you. I'm doing a bit of traveling during this time, of course. I'm off to France and perhaps to visit some friends in Dresden in June. If thery'e not available, I'll go somewhere else.

If I can't stay in Germany, I'm going to be quite sad. I enjoy the finer German things in life. Good bread, good healthcare, good coffee and speaking/listening to German. My next job will have to do something with German(y) for sure.

Travel the distance

I love living in Europe.

Nothing is too far away. Drive in any direction and in two hours you are someplace different, new, exciting. Perhaps you are in a different country, different language, culture, etc. In my case, I only drive 10 minutes and I am in The Netherlands or 15 minutes to Belgium.

May is the month of France. Bensacon, Strasbourg and Paris.

I'm driving to all three. Three hours to Paris. Four to Bensacon.

Love it.

Joooooooooob hunting

Dear Jobs in German-American foreign policy and Transatlantic studies,

Please make yourself known, immediately.

I prefer that you need me in Berlin but would also accept jobs in Vienna, Zürich and maybe Washington. Really anywhere in Germany I'd accept.

Come out come out wherever you are!

Love,
Christopher

ps-Don't require a masters degree. I don't have one...yet...but tis on the way

Life was more than an event

I'm well aware of my lack of updates lately.

Topics due to be written about:
-My trip to Switzerland
-Upcoming trip to France
-Swine Flu?

Perhaps I'll be inspired by something soon. We'll see.

Switzerland

I'm going to Switzerland on Friday until Tuesday morning.

I did a "surprise booking" with Germanwings. I was, however, hoping for a warmer and dryer locale for my Easter holiday, however, The Swiss will just have to do. I have a friend there, I hope he writes me back soon.

So, Zürich. Your thoughts?

15 Years

This month marks 15 years since the deadly Rwanda Genocide.

The tiny African country has come a long way since the days when a million bodies blocked the waterways and roads. "The land of ten thousand hills" is supposed to be one of Africa's most beautiful hidden gems. There was nothing beautiful in the merciless killing of so many.

I digress. As many problems that plague Rwanda, it has somehow manage to unify and fight towards reconciliation and building a positive future rather than dwelling on the past. There are lots of examples (the rise of women in government, the rebuilding of the country's education and health care systems, etc) but challenges still exist.

Its important that the international community not forget that only 15 years ago we complacently stood by as a modern day Holocaust took place. This is also an opportunity for us to remember that in Sudan, the Bashir government is acting in a similar way. Lets not stand by again.

If you're unfamiliar with the genocide in Rwanda and need basic information on the event, I recommend watching the movie Sometimes in April. The Hollywood favorite Hotel Rwanda (although starring the amazing Dan Cheadle) is not accurately depicted in the way Sometimes in April is. Otherwise, there are thousands of website dedicated to the Rwandan Genocide, including the ICC's Tribunal for Rwanda.

Poetry from Venice

April is National Poetry Month

In honor of NPM, I'll be providing poetry from the Italian city of Venice. Venice is hailed as one of the capitals of The Renaissance and centers of literature and poetry.

In his book, The City of Falling Angels John Berendt introduces us to Venetian poet Mario Stefani. Stefani a famous poet, writer and cultural purveyor committed suicide in 2001.

In the months running up to his death, Stefani stenciled various lines of graffiti around the city. His most famous line struck the chord of his inner demons:

Solitudine non e essere soli, e amare gli altri inutilmente.

Loneliness is not being alone; it's loving others to no avail.

Stefani's work is not so widely known outside of Italy (to my knowledge only one of his books has been translated into English : No other gods, 1982) .

Discuss.

National Poetry Month

April is National Poetry Month.

I appreciate NPM because I've always appreciated classical American literature and poetry. I don't spend enough time reading this genre nor writing my own.

So, I'll encourage you to be more proactive. Reread old favorite poems or rediscover past literary loves!

I'll kick off April with this classic piece from one of my favorite American poets: Robert Frost (cliche, I know, but I like him anyway).

Road Less Traveled
by Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth

Then took the other as just as fair
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear
Though as for that, the passing there
Had worn them really about the same

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet, knowing how way leads onto way
I doubted if I should ever come back

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence
Two roads diverged in a wood
And I took the one less traveled by
And that has made all the difference

Die Entscheidigung

The job hunt is on.

Next week marks my personal count down.

My contract for my current employer expires on 31.7. Four months.

I've decided that I want to stay in Germany. However, I've also applied for a job in Brussels.

The Foreign Service Exam is in June and I plan to register for the exam and take the exam. However, I'm currently in the process studying for my German exam in May so that will take the majority of my gray matter the next few weeks.

Goal: Berlin-job in research/writing/etc foreign affairs.

Some variations from this goal would be acceptable but I'm really shooting for Berlin. As a last resort I'll extend my contract an additional four months until the end of the year here, better a job I don't like than a job I don't have. I'm also looking for jobs Stateside, but mostly here.

Brussels...

Last weekend I had the opportunity to visit the capital of Europe...Brussels.

Brussels is a mere 90 minute train ride away from my home in Aachen. Thanks to the high speed Thalys (affordable, convenient and almost luxurious) one can take the train from Hauptbahnhof here directly to Gare du Midi/Zuid (south station) in Brussels. I met a nice girl from New Zealand who lives in London but was returning from three weeks of traveling through different parts of the continent. Always nice to chit chat with people on the train.

I was on my way to Brussels because a friend of mine from college was touring different cities in Europe and Brussels happened to be on her list. Well I figured it was as good of a time as any to force myself to see the city thats so close (yet so far away). I took the train after work and by eight o'clock had checked into my accomodations at my hostel. The hostel was quite clean and comfortable and would recommend it to many travelers (not just backpacker but also family friend and affordable).

Manneqin Pis...not as impressive as you think.

Brussels of course doubles as the capital of Belgium. And Belgium is listed on several indicies as a failing state. I can point you to Monocle's September 2008 issue where Bruno Wasterfield goes into detail about the difficulty of living in a bilingual state. Belgium sufferes from a national identity crisis and much like its European relative, Austria, can't seem to form a government to save its life. Belgium operates on a deficit which racks up to a mind boggling 9.5% of its GDP (1% of its GNP). With that being said, its got quite a few stereotypes. The bilingual debate continues to tear the country apart. The relatively affluent Flanders (Dutch speaking) want nothing to do with the suffering Wallonia. Cities like Liege (thirty minutes from Aachen) suffer from high unemployment, inadequate social and public services and a corrupt civil service.


But returning to Brussels. Brussels is a diverse and vibrant city which doesn't seem to sleep at night. Daytime acitivites may be limited (by comparison there are relatively few museums there) but in the evening things heat up in Brussels. The market area (Grand Place) is qutie beautiful and worthy of its touristic pull. Its said that the only thing to do in Belgium is eat and drink. The waffles were divine. Sadly, I didn't get the chance to try the escargot. However, the flemish steak and my beer were also delicious. Brussels has grit to it. You can tell that the people that live and work there struggle a bit. Perhaps its the weather but this is no glamorous European city. I found the people to be mostly friendly and transact quickly and seemingly effortlessly between Dutch, French and English.

Despite its faults, Brussels maintains a certain charm to it. Because of its diversity there is a mixture of French flair with Germanic pragmatism. Speaking a bit of the Francais will help you as well. Brussels is an ugly city but its residents seems to embrace that. After all, as home to the EU, Nato and a host of other international organizations, there has to be some kind of charm to the city. And, I think I found it somewhere between the neoclassical buildings and the smell of waffles.

Grande Place under a beautiful blue sky.

Part of the National Palace.

Street signs in French and Dutch.

The National Congress in Brussels.

Oh Football Gods?!? Why?

Dear NCAA-

Why are you making our lives as a Florida State fans and alumni miserable?

I know what the players did was inexcusable and they should be punished appropriately. But stripping away scholarships for future players and making Coach Bowden forfeit 14 games? Isn't that slightly excessive?

Don't let us be the "must set an example" situation!

Regards,

Globalnole

Its All in the Family

Its rather quaint.

My extended family never calls, emails or sends letters except for when they read my blog.

And then its never to say hello-but rather to express 'concern' for me and my crazy liberal ideas.

Nice.

I'm ashamed

I'm ashamed of myself.

I've lived in this corner of Europe for 16 months now and have failed to visit cities just a few hours away.

Belgium:
Brussels
Brugges
Antwerp

To be fair to myself, I am going to Brussels this weekend.

The Netherlands:
Amsterdam
Den Haag
Rotterdam

Luxembourg

Germany:
Heidelberg (I'm thinking next FSU Colony Meeting)
Mainz
And actually way too many cities to list.

Shame on my head for my lack luster performance in traveling.

Dear Spring

Dear Spring,

I can feel you in the air. You are just around the corner so quit being shy and say hello.

The trees are beginning to form their flower buds, the temperature is slightly warmer and there is fresh excitement about the coming year. Yes, dear Spring...you are almost here.

I need you. Its been a cold, harsh northern European winter and I miss the Sun. My Florida blood isn't used to such Vitamin D and K deficiencies. The calendar says we are only a few days away from our astronomical Spring. So feel free to put Old Man Winter back in his place and feel free to come out proud!

See you soon.

Cheers,
Christopher

I think its just a game to you

My internet homepage is set to the Washington Post. I don't always read it past the main headlines but it serves as my daily good morning website. I reserve the heavier reading for the New York Times. Perhaps you can understand then my disappointment at the WP for not posting a major story of huge international importance. And the New York Times only had one of those video posts about the situation.

The International Criminal Court has finally issued an arrest warrant for the murderer (leader of Sudan) Bashir. Bashir who is primarily responsible for the organization of the genocide in Sudan and Chad has gotten off without any serious threats from the international community. The implications are serious though. The ICC has now demonstrated that they are willing to go after a sitting country leader. I hope this means the end of an era of impunity .

Also-why aren't more people up in arms about what is happening in congress right now? I don't mean the spending of billions of dollars and increasing the spiral of debt already there...I'm talking about the actual discussion of not giving the residents (about 600,000) people the right to a voice in Conress. They can vote for President but their representative in the House (none in the Senate) has no voting right.

Undemocratic? Yes. Unconstitutional? You bet.

Ridiculous. Wyoming with about 250,000 citizens has two senators and the appropriate amount of house members. Why is this any different? This shouldn't even be up for debate.

First Family

I don't care what you think about Mr. Obama as Commander-in-Chief of the United States.

You have to admit one thing about the Obama's....

they're a model family for America. Ms. Obama's insistence on an 8pm bedtime and chores in the White House is a great way for children to be raised. Especially considering the type of life these young girls lead.

I hope many American families will adopt some of their child-rearing tactics.

Inspiration from this NY Times article.

April Trip

Part of being a teach means getting a week off at Easter (read: Spring Break).

My travel itinerary needs to be completed.

I need ideas/suggestions. My current list (not exclusive):

- Hong Kong/Taiwan. I have a good friend who lives here. Flight is expensive but the cost once there is quite cheap.
-Croatia. Always wanted to go. A driving tour would be possible. Not cheap to get there though but once again cheaper upon arrival.
-A tour of the parts of Germany I've never been to. Perhaps dip into Switzerland.
-Budapest/East Europe
-Italy


Last year I didn't really do what I wanted to do. I want that to be different this year.

ISA Convention

This week New York City is hosting the annual International Studies Association Conference & Convention.

This convention brings together the top minds in International Studies (everything from higher education to discussions on maritime law) in a forum of learning, discussion and networking.

I am not there and I couldn't be more jealous of those that area.

Next year.

Things that I miss in my life

As much as I like living abroad in Europe, I miss a few things about home. Here is a quick list.

1. NPR. National Public Radio. Public Radio in America is amazing. People do not appreciate NPR/PR enough. If I had more money, I'd really like to donate money to keep their programming amazing.

2. Sunday shopping. I don't need to go out shopping for clothes on a Sunday, but what I really need is for grocery stores to be open and a few other things (laundromats, etc) to be open as well.

3. Mexican food. Enough said.

4. I miss my friends. Really. I don't see them enough.

5. My car.

6. The ease of getting working permission.

In my ideal world, I'd be able to combine a bit of Europe and America together...but I can't yet. I'm working on it.

This list is by no means conclusive...and I reserve the right to change it accordingly.

Spring

If he can do it, so can you

In this mornings' Washington Post, business columnist Steven Pearlstein brought an interesting story to business readers.

A community bank in the heart of the deep-south of South Carolina has devised a clever and creative scheme with their $20.5 million bailout package from Uncle Sam. Citizens South Bank in SC is offering below market cost loans to customers who wish to buy a house or house lot and is cooperating with area developers to to fund closing costs and things like that.

The president of the bank earns about $500,000 a year (well, $250k but with tons and tons of benefits including a car, stock in the bank, annual bonus and his country club membership). Wall Street bankers should take heed of such a program and perhaps get their MBA buddies to create a similar program. Reducing the salaries of said CEO's and bank managers should be a required step before any of you touch taxpayer money. I'm tired of paying for your private Gulfstream Jet.

For more on the story,read the full article here.

New Found Confidence

Last Thursday I had to sit in my company car in zero degree (Celsius) weather waiting for the ADAC (Germany's AAA) to come and two me back to Aachen.

I was in the boondocks when my company car died. The clutch (I had noted a problem and told my bosses something needed to be fixed...the problem instead was ignored) died and I wasn't able to move the car a foot. On the phone with my boss he told me I would be financially compensated for the time spent waiting for the ADAC to come tow me. Good.

2.5 hours after my class ended I got home. And all was taken care of. Monday was payday and I was expecting to see some sort of financial bonus in my paycheck....I however, was disappointed. Today I approached my boss about the subject...for the first time discussing financial discrepancies. Now...there are many (we aren't paid anywhere near enough compared to industry standards and our vacation time is also not legally computed) problems when it comes to finances with my firm but normally I don't raise them as long as I get what I expected for that month. I am quite proud of myself for the way I handled the situation. He offered me a number and I told him that it needed to be higher....and he agreed.

I'm proud to see myself standing up for my rights and what I deserve. This is a welcomed changed.

Danke Schön Bundestag!

In 2008, the German Bundestag (Parliament) passed new insurance/unemployment laws.

Members of Germany's Krankenkasse (anyone employed full-time, earning less than €48k annually), the public insurance system now pay 15.5% of their monthly income to their health insurance company. Of that 15.5% I pay 8.2% and my employer 7.3%.
Regardless of which company you are with (there are currently 17) you pay the same price at each one. In exchange, unemployment taxes were lowered.

For many people, this spelled only bad news as you may be paying more for your health insurance and perhaps even loosing some cherished services. The edge of competition may be taken away.

However...not for me. I just computed my January salary and....I am now saving a whopping .02% a month! This will probably range from about €6 to €15 a month.

What is a boy to do with this influx of cash?

Thanks Bundestag!

Yearly Income Analysis

First of the month always means payday for me.

First month of the year also means updates tax codes, W-2 (Jahresgehaltsbeschenigung), etc.

Percentage wise....

I paid 20.8% of my yearly income into the German Social System (including health care).

I paid 15.9 % of my yearly income to my landlord for my 42sq meter apartment.

I paid 16.3% (approximate) of my yearly income to creditors (student loan & credit card).

I paid 11.3% (approximate) of my yearly income to various grocery stores/restaurants/bars.

I paid 9.3% (approximate) of my yearly income to travel related costs (flights, hotels/hostels, rental cars).

I paid 4.7% (approximate) of my yearly income to telecommunication costs (cell, internet, VoiP).

I paid 2.9% of my yearly income to my fitness club.

I contributed about .08% of my yearly income to my savings account. I paid an equal amount to the German media tax (Gebühreneinzugszentrale).

That leaves approximately 17.2% of my yearly income for other disposable means.

Suppose that we provide my numbers listed as 'approximate' with a 4% +/- margin of error. That would then leave me with approximately 13 % of my income for other things.

Other things may include (but not limited to):
-Home decor (I invested at least €400).
-Magazines/other forms of media
-Gifts
-Clothing
-Daily items (contacts, toothbrush, paste, aspirin)
-Bus fare & parking fees not covered by work
-Fees (bank, visa/passport fees, etc)
-Personal care (haircut, medical co-pay, etc)

Points to consider:
I am considerably under the average for housing costs (by about 50%).
I'm approximately 2% under the US national average for food/beverage costs.
Personal savings contributions were way too low. Inflation in the Eurozone peaked at nearly 4% in autumn 2008 this was tied to extensively higher energy prices. Currency conversion rates between USD, EUR and GBP (all currencies used in 2008).

Prediction for 2009:
I foresee a slight decrease in contributions to creditors as debts are paid off. Communications (cell phone) will reduce by about 25% as I've reduced my mobile calling plan in Germany. Inflation in the Eurozone is expected to decrease as central banks continue to slash rates. Lower energy prices will lead to hopefully lower food costs, etc. I am expecting a major change in location (cost will depend on end location). I have no reason to expect a substantial change in salary levels (perhaps slight increase) through August. I have opened a savings account in Germany and plan to contribute to both German and American accounts with more frequency.

I'm really happy I spent the last hour doing this. Now I think I am better financially prepared for 2009. I recommend you doing the same.

Learning Lessons

I think I've finally learned how to bite my tongue appropriately.

This is great news. I'm known for dishing out advice to people...often its welcome but often its not. I'm proud of this recent development of mine. Adults do not need to hear from me...unless they want to. And even then, I've become so much more reluctant to share how I see something...and I think this is a good thing.

Knowing when to say something and when not to is a very difficult skill to master. I'm getting better everyday. I'm learning very quickly how work place conversations are not always as private as one seems. Better that I learn that lesson here than in a couple years.

Also...no more female friends from now on. I've got enough. Applications are not being accepted anymore.

Foreign Service Test

Received approval this morning to register for the US Foreign Service exam.

I went to register for a seat in Frankfurt or in Brussels.

No seats available for February 2009 at either location.

There is a seat on a Tuesday at The Hague, Netherlands...a mere four hours away.

Beat by the system...again.

The Motherland

After one year of not being in the States, I was ready to go home. For weeks on end I prepared for the glorious moment when I would be welcomed back into American society by a 'friendly' immigration officer in Cincinnati. Instead, he frowned while processing my paperwork (not a good sign...) and let me in grudgingly.

Small town American greeted me with long lines, cold, cold cold weather and good food. Meals for small armies were prepared at our residences and it was nice to once again have good American food. Typical Christmas stress ensued, last minute shopping, family stress, etc but that's to be expected. I'm also trying to fit in one years worth of visiting in the span of ten days just doesn't work. It doesn't matter how long one has been gone, long visits aren't the answer. In the December 2008 GQ Magazine (a magazine I used to have a standing subscription with when I lived in Florida) there was an article about coming home for the holidays. It stuck me where it hurts. Next Years holidays.....Christmas in Greece (ok, probably not but the idea is nice). My family played excellent hosts (sans excessive chatting about unimportant topics) and lovingly invited my German friend who tagged along into their homes and successfully integrated him and made him a part of the family. Both sides learned invaluable lessons.

I realized that I missed a lot of things about American living, shopping, culture etc but I also was able to identify what I don't miss. At all. After a few days home I missed good bread and good wine among other things.

Our next stop was the greater Baltimore/DC area . In five days I managed to meet with half of my friendship circle...those closest to me made treks across the Mid-Atlantic States to come and visit...even if just for one day. Although 19 months had passed since our last visit...it seemed like only yesterday. True friends are able to pick up like nothing after just such a time...and that made me happy. Learned a few things about friendship actually.

The best conversations, by the way, are done at six am watching the sun come up through the window of the living room.

Delta Airlines...you fail me. MIMI CHANG of Regan National Airport...you are on my permanent list-o-darkness. How dare you LIE TO ME at the airport? Do not tell me that there is a delay due to weather in Cincinnati when you want me to fly to CVG from Dulles! I'm taken aback at your failure to be a decent human being and Delta employee. You didn't even try to reroute me through a thousand possible connections from Washington. EPIC FAIL. Your superiors will be receiving a letter from me.

What's up with this economy? Am I going to be able to find a job in the States? I really would like to.

Schriftliche Verkehr

I know.

I'm way late on updates and I need to inform Pechvogel's reading circle about what events and revelations came up on me in the last weeks.

-2009 has got to be better than 2008.
-Delta Airlines started the year off to a bad start.
-I miss Washington, D.C. and those occupants in the surrounding areas.
-Cold, cold everywhere.

So much to write, profess, etc and yet so little time and motivation.