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.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
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 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.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
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?
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?
Saturday, June 13, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, June 8, 2009
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
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
Saturday, May 16, 2009
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.
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.
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.
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