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.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
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.
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.
Friday, July 17, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
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.
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 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.
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