2013 | Sep 12 | 12:05
I enjoy the German language and all its silly, literal, über-logical composition of words. Even better is when it is being sung in really goofy music videos. Here is a collection of favorites of mine. (more…)
2013 | Jan 12 | 06:33
Last year I read an article by AmiExpat about how her politics underwent a dramatic shift by emigrating to Germany. I’ve been a liberal all my life and grew up in a bastion of liberalism, an ivory tower in the midst of the cornfields. Nonetheless, living in Germany and talking with Patrick about the inner workings of (more…)
2013 | Jan 7 | 21:30
As part of my visit to Cologne for winter break, we went to a New Year’s party at Patrick’s friend’s apartment, where we consumed large amounts of raclette and fondue. The raclette was pretty cool – in the German style, you put bits of bread or vegetables or whatever in a little pie-wedge pan, lay a piece of mild cheese on top, and broil it in a tabletop broiler. Apparently it’s the traditional “Silvester” food for Germans. I had some very good whiskey and an interesting (more…)
2013 | Jan 5 | 20:40
entertainment | fashion | friends | Germany
I had a good holiday trip to Germany for the purpose of seeing Patrick for Christmas and New Year. We got a fair bit done. We went to see a little circus by someone who used to work with Cirque du Soleil, which was very nice with its live music and acrobatics and so on. There were a lot of children in the audience which we enjoyed watching as they climbed on their fathers for a better view or played in the fake snow on stage during the intermission. I was also amused (more…)
2012 | Jul 30 | 17:57
I have been asked numerous times by Germans, in genuine curiosity, why the US uses the Electoral College to determine who our next president will be. To help answer this question I have spoken with my friend Maurice, who studies US policy. Although he had a lot more to say, he sums it up with: “Americans long ago (more…)
2011 | Nov 12 | 20:06
entertainment | Germany | language | music
Last night I went to see the opera Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute) by Mozart at Krannert. It was by the U of I school of opera (more…)
2011 | May 28 | 15:09
bizarre | entertainment | Germany | internet
I couldn’t resist, it’s too awesome. (more…)
2011 | May 27 | 10:42
entertainment | Germany | language | politics | video
Lately I’ve been watching some German TV shows to keep up my language skills. My favorite so far is “Heute-Show” from the ZDF channel, which has the same premise as the Daily Show – political news review. Sadly, Heute-Show is only once a week, but the great commentary on the country’s politicians (more…)
2011 | May 16 | 10:08
Continuing the post from last time about things that have struck me since being back in the US…
I was finally starting to get used to German grocery stores when I left, so now I miss the routine I was falling into. I’ve even (more…)
2011 | May 14 | 08:06
Strangely, the culture shock coming back from Cologne wasn’t as bad as when I came back from Dessau. I guess this time I knew what to expect from Americans vs Germans – how the two countries would be different. There are things I miss from Germany, but this time, I already had an idea what I’d be dealing with. That I’d have to deal (more…)
