Technology

I'm ready for DVDs to be outdated technology.

I was kind of sad to see VHSes go back in the day (all of my favorite movies as a kid were on a VHS), but I quickly adjusted to the convenience of a DVD. Multiple DVDs can easily be transported (i.e. in a CD case rather than in their boxes). DVDs can be played by a personal computer, so a DVD player or TV screen was unnecessary.

DVDs have been mainstream for about the past 10 years. However, DVDs are even more fragile that VHSes were. I'm tired of renting a movie only to find that it skips because of a smudge or scratch, and thus I miss some crucial scenes of the film. Or, I hate looking forward to watching a movie that I own, only to take it out of its case and discover that it has a hairline crack and is now completely unreadable. There goes another $15. I guess that's one way to stimulate the economy--just keep making things breakable so that people keep buying.

I'm ready for the next big technological advancement, replacing DVDs with something else. Looks like it might be digitized or iPod movies, such as those sold on iTunes?

Rest in peace, Newsies DVD that I never got to watch.

Mumbai: Like a Golden Songbird

An interesting article on Mumbai in light of the recent attacks: What They Hate About Mumbai

Sandmann, lieber Sandmann

The Little Sandman is too adorable and to familiar to German children to not blog about. So here's a quick introduction to das Sandmännchen for German Culture 101.

Das Sandmännchen (the Little Sandman) is a TV show dating back before 1989. Before reunification, there were two competing shows in East and West. Children would watch The Sandman (also known as "Our Little Sandman" or "The Evening's Greeting") before bed as he wished them good night. The Sandman would always appear in a different flying contraption for each show, encouraging themes of technological advancement and an interest in space. His evening greeting makes an appearance in Goodbye, Lenin as the main character watches the show as an adult, after the fall of the Wall.

Wikipedia kindly provides the lyrics to the songs, and the youtube videos are below. Enjoy, and schlaf gut.



Here's a good play of just the title music (no images).

Pork and Peaches

Made this recipe tonight. Substituted regular onions for shallots and had no fresh rosemary. Turned out pretty tasty!

Pork Chops with Peaches

Election Reflections from a Student Observer

Well, I neglected to post much of anything during the campaigning season, so here's some reflections back on this incredible election.

Back in 2007, Bush was well out of favor, so a landslide win for the Democrats in 2008 seemed more than likely. At that point, the only one really on the scene was one Hillary Rodham Clinton. It seemed inevitable that we would be progressing from Bush to Clinton to Bush to Clinton. Senator Obama was on the fringes, the newbie with a great talent for speeches, not yet enjoying the familiarity of being a household name as Senator Clinton. To be honest, the first time I remember hearing his name was during all the fuss of the People paparazzi shots of Obama on the beach.

As we approached primary season, suddenly the rising star took off to become a serious contender. Until after Super Tuesday, I really expected that Clinton would clearly dominate or try to dissuade him by asking him to be her VP. But while Mrs. Clinton is certainly qualified, she is a polarizing force. It seems that everyone was starkly divided toward her, with either strong support or intense dislike. In contrast, Obama not only proved himself to be equally talented and qualified, but a uniting force that brings people of many backgrounds together.

Initiate the six-month showdown: Clinton vs. Obama. It was fascinating to be teaching in Austria during this time, and trying to explain to the students what was happening and why it had stretched on so long. I polled the classroom at one point in March, and the majority of the 18-year-olds supported Hillary Clinton (a handful supported Obama and none supported McCain). Yet only a few months later, hundreds of thousands gathered to hear Obama in Berlin and support the presidential candidate.

We all know how it ended. After a bitter season and much division and derision among the Democrats, Obama squeaked by with more votes and was declared the official candidate. We all waited tensely throughout the summer, biting our nails in fear that he might choose Hillary as his VP. Instead, he chose the well-seasoned senator Joe Biden to balance his youth.

Enter the conventions. The Democratic convention was exciting enough, as Obama and Biden began working side-by-side and really seemed to complement each other. But McCain shocked the world with his announcement of the unknown Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate.

Someone asked me recently whether Sarah Palin lost the election for the Republicans or whether they were doomed from the start. I tend to lean toward the latter, but we cannot discount the Palin factor. Her selection electrified McCain's campaign; suddenly conservative voters were rallying with enthusiasm in the same way that the liberals flocked to Obama. She was frank, to the point, and fresh; but she was not ready for the media attention or the interviews or the SNL impersonations. (Do not discredit the power of Tina Fey's Sarah Palin! Tina Fey really solidified America's view of Sarah Palin). Her inexperience and novelty status backfired.

After a few tense last weeks (with much name-calling and mud-slinging), crowded flooded the polls. I maintain that the source of these record turn-outs was not McCain or Biden, but the two younger names on the ballot--Obama and Palin. Voters came out in record numbers to show their support for the electrifying factors of each party. In the end, Change and Hope conquered the straight-talk Mavericks. People took to the streets around the country in cities both large and small to celebrate victory, history, and change.

I've brushed over quite a bit, but also consider More Intelligent Life's Entire Election in a Single Graphic for a hilarious summation.


To close, a drawing that's been circulating. I don't want to emphasize the race factor, but it is not something to overlook. Obama will indeed be our first black president, but I would instead like to stress that he is our first non-white president and one of the youngest elected! We have had many excellent leaders in the past, but many have come from similar backgrounds of well-established white upper-class political families (or dynasties). Whereas Obama--with a mother from Kansas and a father from Kenya, born in Hawaii, schooled in Indonesia, educated at Harvard, and working in/with Chicago--not only represents diversity through his skin but through his life story. In many ways, he is the American Dream. We did not elect solely the first black president, but a true American.

Reactions to the Election Abroad

I'm at work, so must keep it short and sweet. Here's an interesting article from an ex-pat living in Wien in response to Obama's election.

Suddenly, it may be cool to be an American again

Election Day

It's the big day in America. The first Tuesday of November. The polls are open and the voters are rolling in.

I haven't had the opportunity to express my thoughts about this election here yet, but suffice to say that it has been fascinating. The old methods of campaigning are gone, replacing by campaigning of the internet age. From this idealist's perspective, it seemed that in this election individuals had a say more than ever before. Anyone could start a blog and publish their views, or spread links to YouTube commercials or parodies rapidly through facebook posts. Online ads are everywhere, and even the hip webcomics have endorsed candidates. These individuals have reached the generation of younger voters, the 20-somethings and college students who live daily on the internet. Indeed, over the past few days, over a million facebook users have donated their status to support one candidate or the other.

If you are an American citizen, please get to the polls today. For years we've been slack and little more than half of the American population has exercised their democratic right and privilege. Let's not take it for granted, and let's make our voices heard. Records have registered, and the younger generation is coming out in hordes. Let's make it an election for the history books.

Even Starbucks is making a push by giving out free coffee to anyone who voted.

Seattle

For a long time Seattle and San Francisco have waited at the top of my mental list of West Coast places to visit. I'll get out there one of these days.

The Times features Seattle this weekend.

Study Abroad and write for National Geographic

Why did this program not exist while I was abroad?
National Geographic Glimpse Correspondence Program

Jeden Montag ist Schnitzeltag!

On your next trip to Vienna, a few restaurants definitely not to miss. These were my favorites in Wien, and arguably the best (for students at least) in the city.

Side Step Tapas Bar, located near the Rathaus. This was my first experience with tapas, but a place that I will never forget. The food is EXCELLENT, and the servers are very friendly and provide great recommendations.

Zanoni & Zanoni, Vienna's most popular gelateria, is located right near Stephansdom. Zanoni & Zanoni offers countless delicious flavors and other dessert options, and it's open year round. Ask about the Blumentüte ("flower cone")-- 3 scoops ("kugeln") for 2€! (Eissalon am Schwedenplatz is another tasty alternative).

The Cafe Beno. I never made it there myself, but this was a favorite haunt of students. Go for Schnitzeltag!

Der Wiener Deewan, a pay-what-you-want Pakistani restaurant near the university. During the last few weeks when I was practically living at the university library, I ate at the Deewan often and saved a pretty penny! Food is served buffet style, and you pay as you leave. The only set cost is for drinks.

The Centimeter, at various locations throughout the city. Everything is served in HUGE portions, measured out according to the metric scale, from a meter-long wurst to a meter-of-beers to beer that is a meter tall. Go with friends and order their signature dish, the Sword. This is a broadsword skewered with turkey schnitzel and pork, with chili, wings, and fries below. Amazing meal, but it will take many hearty appetites to finish it!

The Cafe der Provinz is located near the Rathaus (and not far from a great Italian place whose name escapes me). This cafe is very relaxed and casual, specializing in cuisine from Provence and crêpes. A great option for a full meal, a cup of coffee, or dessert.

Figlmüller claims to have the largest schnitzel in Vienna. Regardless of whether or not this is true, their food is tasty, the restaurant is conveniently located in the first district, and it's well worth a visit. However, this restaurant is very popular with tourist guidebooks, so there may be a wait.

SalmBrau is probably one of the best micro-breweries in Vienna. It is conveniently located very close to the Belvedere.

Zwölf Apostelkeller models itself as a "Stadtheuriger"--that is, an Austrian wine tavern located within the heart of the city rather than on its outskirts. While Zwölf Apostelkeller cannot replace the true heuriger experience, it is a handy option during the winter months when most heurigen are closed.

The Naschmarkt, is a long outdoor market from the edge of the first district (by the Secession building) into the 5th/6th districts. This market has existed for over 200 years by the "river" Wien (from which the city gets its name); it still has great produce but don't be intimidated by the vendors shouting "Bitte schön, bitte sehr!" Be sure to check out the Döner Kebap and the small specialized restaurant-stalls parallel to the produce stalls; sometimes these are rather pricy, but very tasty. Come back to the Naschmarkt Saturday mornings for an extensive antique and flee market. Also, consider the Brunnenmarkt in the 17th district. And there's an excellent 24-hour Turkish bakery not far from there.




And of course, the Heurigen. I'll write up more on that later.

The Rise and Fall of Empires, as told by Coffee

Stumbled across this old treasure from ages ago. In an amusing and surprising essay, Josef Joffe traces the discovery of quality coffee to the downfall of empires. History in a Hazelnut Shell

"There is a reason why the great empires of yore have gone under when confronted with a Melior full of freshly brewed Kenyan Blue. Either you tend to your gold-plated Gaggia or to your F-16. You don't fight with a frappuchino in hand. And as you admire that gentle dollop of steamed milk in your macchiato, what will you think about: the ''halls of Montezuma'' or the beaches of Cozumel?"


P.S. Despite that it might have caused the fall of the Habsburgs, I could use a good Melange right about now.

A Budgeted New York Travel Itinerary

Because sometimes it seemed easier to find the cheap spots abroad than in our own American city: The Frugal Traveler takes on NYC

Two Things

Austrian political front: Freedom party leader Joerg Haider, governor of Carinthia, was killed suddenly in a car accident today. See the full report from BBC. Terrible and very sudden, especially considering his party's success in the recent elections.

And just some numbers for reference on the economy: Consider these numbers from when I was abroad and dealing with the rising exchange rates, and now the current rates-- $1.36 for 1€ or $1.86 for 1 GBP.

Just some specifics in case you were wondering.

Nobel in Literature

Congratulations to Jean-Marie Gustave Le Clézio, French author and winner of the Nobel Prize! Check out Open Letter's blog Three Percent for more, and be sure to check out the remarkable texts published recently by this new international press.

For your Amusement: Angry Brits and Prescriptive Grammar

Here are some letters to the editor from the Telegraph. These Brits would be scandalized by the American dialect and our "stubborn refusal" to pronounce that darn middle "h" in "why". Enjoy.

Collapse of the English Language

Austrian Politics

The Freedom Party, one of the youngest political parties in Austria which built its platform on anti-immigration, has been making strides as of late.

Far-Right, Anti-Immigrant Parties Make Gains in Austrian Elections

Not sure how I feel about this one. My Modern Austria class taught how this party was formed only in recent decades and taps into the public's desire for change from the SPÖ (Social Democrats) and ÖVP (People's party/former Christian Socialists)--immigration and the desire to preserve their Austrian-ness was one of the touchy topics that FPÖ tapped into. I admit, I find it hard to consider objectively, as my background in American cities has given me a subconscious expectation for ethnic diversity. However, the word is that the FPÖ is less anti-foreigners than it once was, so we shall see.

Drop and Run: How to Print a Blog

I have been terribly negligent. Classes have started and consumed my life, as usual.

No time to amend that now; just a quick note to anyone else out there who has a blog that they might like to print. A friend and fellow study abroad returnee showed me Blurb today, a photobook company that can directly incorporate your blog entries and pictures into a beautiful published book. Haven't had time to investigate yet how Blurb differs from other photobook companies, such as Picaboo or My Publisher, but I assure you that my friend's end product looked phenomenal. I'm going to have to try this out!


As a final thought to apologize for my briefness, the quote of the day by Edgar Allan Poe. Eddie is this week's author for my three-hour English seminar on Tuesdays; we emerged yesterday blinking at the bright sunshine and laughing rather maniacally at the minute details of life. Love it. Think we scared some freshmen along the way.

"Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night."

Embrace the madness. Tschussi!


Love, Lanna

A Heap o' Links

Clearing out some of my bookmarks...

First, on oil again. I really liked this article about the dip in barrel costs recently. Then there's this, a more amusing take on the oil issues.

An interesting post on McCain.

More on the cost of education and how the rising costs continue to perpetuate the cycle of poverty.

A supplement to wikipedia: Knowledge Rush

Notes from Wien: The Spanish Riding School has followed the Vienna Philharmonic and now finally has female members!

Also, check out some authentic Austrian recipes from the embassy.

Closing with an opinions article on Apple and the new iPod.

Enjoy!

On Palin and Oil

Today is Sarah Palin's big day. She's due to take the stage any moment now.

For my part, I'm rather curious to see what she will have to say. Prior to being named McCain's VP for the Republican ticket, she was completely off the map, a relative nobody outside of her native Alaska. In less than a week, the country has rushed to get to know everything about this woman--her background, her family, the skeletons in the closet, and why her inexperience is simultaneously a negative and redeeming factor. Sure, the Vice Presidential role is not necessarily a big one; you're the back-up without much official power, and the position is really whatever you make of it. But you are still one of the most influential people in the country, and there's a good chance you'll be doing a lot of diplomatic work. Important to make sure that you're ready and a fit for the job.

On most issues, I think Palin is getting more crap than she deserves. The press seems to be focusing on her personal life and pro-life, pro-contraception, abstinence-only education stance, digging up anything they can. In terms of her teenage daughter's pregnancy, I have to say, kudos to the family for sticking by their principles and keeping the child, despite the outcry of hypocrisy from the media. Instead, I'd prefer to shift emphasis to Palin's role with the Alaskan environment:

She's doubted global warming and pretty much worked against environmentalists' efforts for a cleaner Alaska. She actually fought to get the polar bears off the endangered species list. She initially supported the Bridge to Nowhere project in Alaska. And she supports drilling in the Alaskan National Reserve for oil... I don't care what the oil companies say, technology hasn't improved enough that that wouldn't destroy the environment. Even McCain is against that.

Palin, like many of the Pres or VP candidates that preceded her, represents more of the same in terms of the energy crisis. She is looking for the answers in the places we have found them before, but does not consider that it may be time to put that famous American Innovation into action, seeking not new oil, but new means of energy altogether.

...More on this to come. Now, to the TV!


EDIT: She's a very talented speaker and good at connecting with the crowd. But curiously, she spoke little of herself, and instead threw shot after shot at "the opponent" (never named) and lavished praise on McCain, telling the life stories that he should tell himself. This was her moment to shine and introduce herself to America; now I feel even more wary.

More on Oil, the Energy Crisis, and American Innovation to come.

The Cost of Education

American college tuition is expensive enough. Every student is overwhelmed with applications for loans, scholarships, grants, and financial aid, trying to make it a little less painful. Some of the richest universities have finally started to do their part to ameliorate this crisis, but many schools do not have the excessive endowment of Harvard or the Ivies to offer students such breaks.

And beyond the cost of tuition, housing, and meals, what else?

What about textbooks? After a semester of being abroad and not having textbooks, I had almost forgotten how expensive they can be.

I always do my textbook shopping on Amazon marketplace. It's important to shop around (be aware of your university bookstore's prices, check for discount reseller stores in your area, and check other websites), but Marketplace has consistently proven to be the most reliable and affordable option for me. You must often compromise dust jackets, clean pages, or wear and tear for a lower price, but I don't mind as long as I can still read it.

However, despite all that savvy shopping and saving, the costs can still be ridiculous. This year especially.

I just spent over $200. On ONE class. To top it off, I just did the math with the university bookstore's prices for new books. Had I bought all my books (five classes) from the school bookstore, it would have cost me $955. NINE HUNDRED AND FIFTY FIVE DOLLARS!!!!! For books.

This is obscene and absolutely ridiculous. We're only poor college students. We're just trying to learn. We don't have this kind of money!

Marketplace and other discounted resellers have saved me a pretty penny many times in the past. They're helping me out again this year, but sometimes it's just too much.