Various Different Things

At last! It's the end of November. I sort of managed to do NaBloPoMo. By sort of, I mean, I sometimes fudged and posted a day late, but back dated my posts.

In its entirety, this was not one of my better NBPM years. My entries were short and sort of mundane. By sort of, I mean, I wrote very little of substance or depth and one day I referred back to something I wrote two years ago.

It is fun to note, however, that my first entry began as a challenge from a colleague who wants to eradicate the use of acronymns and somehow I managed to use an acronym in nearly each post. I missed a few days here and there.

Anyway... Thanks for reading, all four of you faithful readers, you. If you were on Farmville, I'd gift you a lime tree.

*****

Speaking of the title, why do people use this word combination?

Various different things...

I hear this a lot lately and every time I do, it's everything I can do not to look at the person and say, "Are you always this redundant?"

var·i·ous

Pronunciation: \ˈver-ē-əs\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English, probably from Medieval Latin *variosus, from Latin varius

Date: 15th century

1 archaic : variable, inconstant
2 : varicolored
3 a : of differing kinds : multifarious b : dissimilar in nature or form : unlike
4 : having a number of different aspects or characteristics
5 : of an indefinite number greater than one
6 : individual, separate

synonyms see different

— var·i·ous·ness noun 

dif·fer·ent

Pronunciation: \ˈdi-fərnt, ˈdi-f(ə-)rənt\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English, from Latin different-, differens, present participle of differre

Date: 14th century

1 : partly or totally unlike in nature, form, or quality : dissimilar —often followed by from, than, or chiefly British to very different from the captain's tottery characters — R. L. Stevenson> Sir Winston Churchill>
2 : not the same: as a : distinct b : various c : another TV program>
3 : unusual, special

— dif·fer·ent·ness noun

Various and different are synonyms of each other. That means they're virtually the same word. That also means they're interchangeable. That doesn't mean they should be used together. Please stop.

Thank you.

That is all.

Photo source: Google Images.

Christmas Music

This being the first Sunday of Advent, it's officially the start of Christmas-music listening! I've got the tunes on right now. Between my English and German Christmas music collections, I have enough music for four days of non-stop listening.

One of my favorite holiday rituals is going to Borders Books & Music or Barnes & Noble and looking for new Christmas CDs. I don't have this luxury this year and I'm not so sure I'd be entirely keen on Christmas music in French. Here's where you all come in, though:

Recommend your favorite new* Christmas album to me and I'll consider downloading it from iTunes.

* New does not necessarily mean a new artist. It could be a new release of Christmas music for an older or long-since dearly departed artist. Bring it on, folks.

Photo course: Das Stadtblog für München

Success!

We have just concluded a highly successful Thanksgiving that featured the best damn turkey I've had out of three. (It was slaughtered 24 hours before we consumed it and brined for 12 hours before we cooked it. Result: Moist and amazing!) My crescent rolls rose properly, which means I didn't kill the yeast. (I also doubled up on it, which probably helped, too.)

The best part of a meal like this is the team effort. We all--Ms Swizzies, Mr Swizzies, Maya and I--pitched in and the results were delicious.

*****

In a different vein, I'm noodling a blog post on why I think Glenn Beck should be excommunicated from the Mormon Church. I may or may not come back to this at a later date.

*****

In another different vein, I've been playing Farmville. In fact, here's a picture for you: last night, as we're all sitting around comatose from turkey and rolls and potatoes and the like, silence descends upon the room. Typically, if we were in the States, we'd have the football game or something else on the television. Instead, three of us were sitting in front of our computers playing Farmville and Mr Swizzies was playing his portable PlayStation.

How pathetic are we? But hey, the good news is, I now have a chicken coop, a seeder, and I'm the Grand Master of composting! Or, as my sister would tell you, I'm just making up shit as I go along and I now have the manure to prove it!

Happy (belated) Thanksgiving everyone!

Does Not Compute...

Driving up to Basel today, we passed a transport truck with this sign on it:

Obviously the branding team that came up with this name and logo didn't test market it to English speakers.

As if that wasn't laughter-inducing enough, we then passed an edge community near Bern called Wankdorf. I wish I had a picture of the scaffolding tower rising from a hill near the autobahn sheathed in banners announcing WELCOME TO WANKDORF CITY!

I love Germanized English!

Grateful

This has been a good year and I have a lot for which to be grateful.

For my family. We may not always be the most functional bunch, but we are consistently each others biggest fans. I'm especially grateful this year that my sister, who had to have emergency surgery a few months ago, came out of it largely unscathed.

For my friends. Each of you touch my life in ways seen and unseen. Whether we're near or far, I think of so many of you often and am glad technology allows us all to stay in touch in one way or another. This year, I'm especially thankful to Dr Lala, who called me while I was hiking in Yosemite and asked me if I'd like to come to Europe for a few weeks to work. Given the employment situation in the U.S., I'm very grateful to have a job.

For the opportunity to travel and see some great parts of the United States, including the Football Hall of Fame, the Lincoln Presidential Museum, the Nauvoo Temple, Mount Rushmore, the Cascades, the Biltmore Estates and Gardens, Birmingham, Alabama and New Orleans, Louisiana. I visited the farmstead where my 95-year old grandmother grew up in Texas and visited the graves of my great-grandparents. I saw Carlsbad Caverns, the Acoma Pueblo, the Grand Canyon, Sedona, and Yosemite National Park. I caught up with friends old and made friends new. To Senga and Joni, Virginia and her daughter Melissa, Aunt Edith, Debi, Ivo and Barbara, Heidi and Joe, Gram Kincaid, Don and Scott, and Cele and Ducky.

I'm thankful to be living in Europe. I enjoy visiting Mr and Mrs Swizzies in Basel and seeing the Alsace-Lorraine. I've fallen in love with Paris and relaxed in Provence. Along the way, I've visited Italy and been briefly to Germany. I look forward to seeing Vienna and Prague, Normandy and London, and anywhere else I can fit in.

For love. This year has been both good and bad in the relationship arena. The not-so-happy aside (there's a reason the song says "Breakin' up is hard to do..."), this year, I'm especially grateful for Maya and her love. Every relationship has its challenges and we've got our share, but I love waking up with her in the morning and going to bed with her at night. I love her laughter and seeing her smile. She's incredibly bright and articulate. She's fun in company, when we're out with friends and she's fun at home, when it's just the two of us. I'm grateful we met and I'm especially grateful we get to be together.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

I Got Shot...

I'm not a huge fan of flu shots. I rarely get them. I wasn't going to get the shot for H1N1 this year either, until I read this article--For bubbly Va. 6-year old, swine flu's attack came quick and strong.¹

Now granted, the article is a bit sensationalist (although, there's nothing sensationalist about the death of a child, an event that is existentially unjust in more ways than I can count), but, not to put too fine a point on it, it scared the shit out of me. Ironically, I've spent the last six months working with very smart folks who are tirelessly trying to get a handle on this pandemic outbreak. I've read a forest full of papers and meeting reports on this subject, but it's all so technical and clinical that the anecdotal stuff sort of gets lost in a wash of action items and policy discussions. The article in the  Washington Post gave it a name and some reality.

Having been offered the opportunity to get the H1N1 vaccine Pandemix, I decided to take it and today was the day. Let's just say, my arm is a bit sore, but I'm hoping I avoid getting the piglet flu. Maybe the motivation for my getting the shot wasn't the best one, but now I've done it and here's hoping...

On a happier note, here's a cute article about a piglet named Tetley.

1. There's a follow-up to this story from the Washington Post's ombudsman. It's worth a read, too.

Photo copyright: Washington Post

Oldie, but a Goody

This evening, there was some discussion about alliteration between me and a new friend we've made. That brought up this post I wrote a few years ago during the month of December. I know it's not December yet, but as we're fast approaching Black Friday in the States, I thought I'd give you something to chew on for fun.

Here is my piece de resistance, Alliteration (2006). Just for comparison's sake, here is the one I wrote a year later, Alliteration (2007). Personally, I think 2006's is the better of the two. I don't know why I didn't do one last year, but I may just have to do one this year.

Oh, and check out Carl's blog. He needs some travel suggestions and a kick in the butt to start writing again.

Cartoon source: Google Images.

I Spy...

One of the cool things about modern technology are web cams. I have several I look at at any given time. San Francisco, Calif., Green River, Wyo., Geneva, Switz., Seattle, Wash. The one I look at most frequently is one from the National Park Service looking across the Potomac River east toward the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the Capitol.

So, the other day, I clicked on my link for the D.C. web cam and this is what came up:


For a moment there, I thought, "Good Lord! Has Washington finally been obliterated?! Has the Potomac finally been overtaken by global warming and it's oozing algae and burying the Capital City? If I call home, will I get a busy signal?"

Eventually I calmed down.

That is all.

Disorder du Jour

So, the other day, in an attempt to help my friend Gilahi's muse, I went to Google, typed in the word "Odd" and clicked on "I'm Feeling Lucky." This is what I got: Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD).

I have no comment, because if I do comment, I'll piss off people with my opinions about disorders-du-jour and personal responsibility.

I also found this site, when I typed in "random" and clicked the aforementioned lucky link. I got this. Much better. Especially this linky-link.

The Answer to Everything in Switzerland and France is "Penny."

Trying to navigate in a language you don't know can be a challenge. Throw into that a lack of some of the consumerist conveniences of home and you have another hurdle. Top it off with the psychological differences between French versus Swiss grocery stores and you have a recipe for full-blown culture shock.

At times like these, it's good to know someone who a) speaks the language, b) has been here a while and knows their way around, and c) is willing and happy to help you on the fly. Repeatedly.

Whenever there's something we need or we're trying to figure out, we'll start talking about it and wondering how we can arrive at a solution sans French. Sometimes, we work ourselves into a frenzy over it. Occasionally, we only think about it for a moment. Invariably, though, the solution we arrive at is "Penny."

Who is "Penny," you ask? Penny is our work colleague. She's originally from the UK, but has lived in Switzerland and France for the last 16 years or so. She came here to do a three month internship and ended up staying. Penny is the person we turn to for everything. And I mean, e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g.

"We need to see if we can get cookie sheets and cooling racks. Do you think Carrefour would have those or will we have to go to Manor?"

"Let's ask Penny."

Turns out either of those would work, but so would going to Aligero--the Swiss equivalent of Costco. Thanks, Penny!

"I wonder where we can find a place that does facials and pedicures?"

"Dunno, but I'll bet Penny knows."

Why yes, yes she does. Urban Day Spa is a good bet. One day we'll get over there.

"Damn! I just called the Mobility guy about the car and he doesn't speak English. Do you think Penny would help with that?" Absolutely!

What about good Chinese? Penny. Or sushi? Penny. Or fondue? Penny. A good patisserie other than Brocards in St. Genis? Penny. How about clothes shopping or bookstores that sell English-language literature? Penny. Where does one go to buy good French wine that won't break the bank? Penny.

Or, how about why aren't we using electronic publishing software at work? Penny. Who do I contact about contesting a parking ticket? Penny. What is the history of this document and why is it still living when it should clearly be dead? Penny.

What's the best way to get to Provence? Penny. What is the Alpage and where can we go to see this phenomenon? Penny. What is the Escalade and why does it involve soup? Penny. Where can we go away for a weekend that is beautiful, but won't break the bank? Penny.

The answer to all things unknown is, very simply, Penny. She's a goddess and we'd be SOL without her.

Photo copyright for the Swiss Flag and Flowers: D.C. Confidential.
Photo source for the French Flag and Eiffel Tower: Getty Images. All rights reserved.

When My Brother Emails Me...

...I know it's going to be good.

When the emails arrives, it's generally just a subject line and then a link. For example, these are the last five things he's emailed to me recently.

1. 10 Things Not to Say When Firing an Employee. The list includes things you shouldn't say while letting someone go. I read through the list and couldn't believe some of the things people would say. They're almost as bad as stupid things people say and do in interviews, only worse, because they're patronizing. I'm glad they included this one:

5."This is just as hard for me as it is for you." There are few absolutes, but it is absolutely true that it always harder to be fired than to fire. Don't ask an employee who is looking at unemployment to feel your pain.

I know a few people who have had this line said to them and each of them, to a person, has said that it was the ultimate insult. Having heard that line myself once, I know it's often everything you can do not to look at the person delivering it and say, "Somehow I really doubt that, you ass."

Moving on...

2. If you're into mysteries, this article in the Telegraph UK was fun. It features an interview with one of the quintessential mystery writers of the 20th century, P.D. James. Coincidentally, this morning I had an email from Shelfari saying that the top award winners of 2009 include C.J. Box's Blue Heaven. If you want a gritty mystery, I suggest Box. His books are excellent!

Now I just need to figure out how to get his last three books. Amazon.com here I come. Could this be an excuse to get a Kindle?? Hm.

3. Then there's this article about Carl Jung and The Holy Grail of the Unconscious from The New York Times magazine. It's rather lengthy and I confess I haven't read the entire article, but I'm working on it. What I have read so far is quite interesting. If you enjoy psychology, definitely give this a look.

How do you feel about that?

4. Some of the stuff my brother sends me isn't always fun, but it is educational and even a little frightening. For example, an article from CNET about bat flu that was fascinating, largely because I learned about an animal disease lab not too far from Manhattan, NY, on Long Island known as Plum Island. As if that wasn't somewhat frightening enough, the article mentions a new facility slated for Manhattan, KS. The one upshot to Nation prepares for deadly bat virus was, I was able to forward it on to a friend who works in public health and may be moving to Kansas in a year or two. Job opp.

Now, where's my hand sanitizer?

I've saved the best for last. In fact, his email this morning was the inspiration for this blog entry.

5. As many of you know, I lived in Austria 20 years ago. What you may not know is, Austria is the official home of Wiener Schnitzel. No, not the tacky hot dog joint. I'm talking about the gustatory wonder that is breaded and fried veal or pork. This morning's email subject line simply said: "Another reason to visit NYC..." Then there was the usual, lone link, which led to this:

I ♥ schnitzel!

Look out taco trucks! The schnitzel has arrived! I'll tell you, New York City has everything. If you're living in the Big Apple and you see this truck, please have a schnitzel for me.

Now please tell me that last link made you smile? Compared to the first link, it should have or you're fired! And leave the schnitzel behind, because that will definitely hurt you as much as it hurts me. In the waistline.

*****

Finally, as this is Friday, here's this week's photo. Happy (Photo) Friday, folks! Have a great weekend.

Modestes : Museum of the Int'l Red Cross/Red Crescent : Geneva, CH

Photo sources: Drive-in Theater.com and Schnitzel & Things.
Photo copyright for Modestes: D.C. Confidential, 11/09

A Christmas Carol USPS Style

Modestes : Museum of the International Red Cross/Red Crescent : Geneva, CH

As if the Grinch and Scrooge weren't bad enough, now the USPS is killing the spirit for thousands of kids. Yeah, okay, I know, you found a pedophile writing to kids. Not cool. But that doesn't mean you should shut down the entire program. Boot the pervert and move on, but don't take the magic of Christmas and Santa Claus with you. Sheesh.

Tomorrow is the first of three--count 'em, THREE--Thanksgiving events we're going to participate in. Can we say "gluttony," boys and girls? Tomorrow's early Thanksgiving is in France and features $200 turkey. I'm going to attempt to make crescent rolls and mash potatoes for 20. I have neither baking sheets and cooling racks nor pots and pans big enough for such a project, but I'm going to make the best of it and try not to think about the fact that all of my cooking equipment is gathering dust in my cottage in Washington State. Wish me luck!

Happy (Photo) Friday, folks!

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 11/09

Risk Factors and the Edge of the Universe

You've heard about this swine flu thing going around, right? Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 virus?

Seems the Jolly Ol' Elf himself, Santa Claus, wants to be in the priority group of individuals who are at risk for severe illness and who should be among the first in line to receive the H1N1 vaccine. From the University of Minnesota's Center for Infectious Disease Research & Policy's Daily News Headlines:

Santa groups air pandemic flu concerns
Santa workers and volunteers are seeking ways to prevent novel H1N1 infection during the holiday season, the Associated Press (AP) reported. One trade group urged its members to use hand sanitizer and take vitamins and the public to keep sick children home. The president of another group asked state lawmakers to consider prioritizing Santa for H1N1 vaccine, given that many are exposed to sick children and are obese, which has been identified as a high-risk condition. [Nov 17 AP story] (Emphasis and double emphasis added.)

In other news, it has also been brought to my attention that the edge of the universe is graph paper.

That is all. You may now go back to business as usual.

Photo source: The Hollywood Roaster.

If you weren't awake before, I'll bet you are now!

Boo!

My work here is done for the day. I'm going home.

Kaythanksbyebye.

Können Sie Deutsch oder irgend eine andere Sprache als Englisch?

If you can read and translate that headline without using a dictionary or Google Translator, congratulations!

Today, the Washington Post is running a story about a debate going on in the Fairfax County School District over foreign language courses and whether early secondary language acquisition is "fundamental or a frill." In tight economic times, languages and the arts are generally the first to go. (Meanwhile, over at the Pentagon, they continue to have all the guns and bombs and WMD they need without holding a single bake sale or being accountable to the American taxpayer. But I stray.)

As an American living overseas, I'm a strong proponent of language acquisition for a few reasons.

1. While many in the world, particularly in Europe and South East Asia, can speak English, that doesn't mean we shouldn't speak other languages.

2. Many in the world can speak English. And French. And Spanish. And Chinese. At the organization where I work, many documents and nearly all high-level meetings are held in what are known as "The Six Official Languages": English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, and Mandarin Chinese. Most of the people I work with speak not only their own mother tongue, but also English, French, and one or two other languages.

3. I am constantly asked, as an American, why Americans aren't language proficient. We're often perceived as insular and uneducated, because we can't function outside of English and we come across as pushy, rude, impatient, and disgusted that others would actually deign to speak their own language and not ours! Our continual insistence that others speak English is sometimes seen as a way to compensate for our boorish lack of ability or willingness to make an effort. (Sorry to seem so harsh, but there you have it.)

4. Learning another language opens your eyes to the world around you and teaches you that the American way of seeing or doing things isn't the only way, or even the right way, of seeing and doing things. I'm not suggesting that learning French (or any other language, for that matter) will cause you to suddenly become a socialist or a political philosopher, but it will open you to a whole new way of thinking and being.

5. It's never too early to learn a language. Even as the world becomes more of a global village and less of a collection of nationalist rants, the fact is some nations will remain more powerful than others. And I'm not talking about the United States here, folks. My prediction is that Mandarin Chinese, along with English, will become the lingua franca of the world by the end of this century. My suggestion: get ahead of the curve and learn Chinese now. Otherwise, we'll really be left in the dust.

*****

I'm glad I have some foreign language skills. It's nice to be able to walk into a store in Switzerland, pick up a package or an item and know what it is because the label is printed in German, French, and Italian. I'm literate in German, so I'm empowered.

In France, I often feel lost, because everything is in French. In France, I often feel and am functionally illiterate. It's not a good feeling. But it's one that has given me a whole new perspective on the immigrant experience in the United States. Yes, immigrants need to learn English, but cut 'em a little slack. It's overwhelming and takes time.

If I stay through next year, which is looking likely, I am determined to learn enough French to be able to read the labels at the grocery stores in France, ask for directions, and order off of a menu without then turning to a friend for a translation of the waiter's question regarding my water: Do I want it with or without gas?

*****

Despite my obvious and painful lack of French language ability, I do make an effort to speak French when I interact with the French. I don't insist on English and, while I don't outright apologize for my inability to speak their language, I do try to be humble about it. The result is, through a bit of sign language and broken bits of English and some scattered French here and there, I end up with what I need. Ultimately, I am always grateful for their help and they're generally always glad to assist.

But that's still no excuse. Learning French is, for me, a must! And speaking German, when I'm in places where German is spoken, is practically an absolute. I'm in their country. I'm going to speak their language.

Maybe I'm an elitist, socialist, intellectual snob (I've been called worse things) and maybe I'm not making myself very clear here, but seeing the world through another language is enjoyable and humbling. It also earns me Brownie points with my colleagues, when I can show I'm able to step outside my nationalist context and be comfortable as a citizen of the world.

*****

One thing I have learned: be careful where you use your language skills.

As I am interacting and working in French-speaking Switzerland, I often ask the Swiss "Parle vous Anglais?" If they say no, I ask, "Können Sie Deutsch?" The Swiss know one or the other or both, because they're required to learn their regional language and at least one of the other three official languages of Switzerland. English is generally a given, as well.

Asking a Swiss citizen, "Können Sie Deutsch?" is totally appropriate and is never met with incredulity or disgust.

The same is not an option in France. But sometimes you have to be stupid, like me, and learn this the hard way.

On a few occasions, when I've asked French people if they can speak English and I'm told "no", I've innocuously followed it up with "Können Sie Deutsch?"

This, my friends, is a mistake. They won't say as much, because the French are diplomatic. What they will do is give you a very firm "no" and then look at you in a way that says, "You stupid idiot. Of course we don't speak German! Would you speak German if your country had spent the last several centuries being repeatedly invaded by the German's?! Not speaking German is a point of national pride."

The only place where German is spoken in France is the Alsace-Lorraine. It's okay to speak German there. Otherwise, ixnay on on the ermanjay! I'm just sayin'...

*****

All of that said, here's my advice to Fairfax County, if anyone is listening. Language acquisition is not a frill and it should be as fundamental as math, science, the arts, and English. It can be, and is, a key component in making us well-rounded, articulate citizens not only in our own country, but in the world.

*****

Alles Gute und schönen Tag noch! Auf Weidersehen!

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 06/09, Winstub du Sommelier, Bergheim, France.

How Many Trees Had to Die...

...so Sarah Palin could regale us with her prose and folksy you-betcha wit and wisdom?

Honestly, will this woman not go away already? Jesus, Mary, and Joseph!

I'm half tempted to buy her book and read it just so I can counterpoint it with intelligence. On the other hand, as my ex often says, "There are so many other good books to read and so little time. Why waste it on trash?"

*****

Okay, left-leaning rant over, let's get down to business...

Attention friends who are conservative and/or who vote Republican: I'm being serious here when I ask this, so please don't think I'm trying to be a smartass or anything. Can you tell me, please, what is it about Sarah Palin that makes her so attractive? How will she save the GOP? What will she do for America that will be immediately and historically positive?

I'm not being funny here. I'm being serious. I truly want to know, because I'm at a loss to understand how this woman is worth the-more-than-15 minutes of fame she's been graciously afforded.

The comment box is open and I would ask for diplomacy and restraint, please. I don't want a fight in the comments section. I'm just seeking further light and knowledge.

Giving Up. Or, My Headlines Will Be Singular Again. EOM.

Yeah, I'm not really going to write about what's in my title. Let's just say the dual headlines are ending. They're too haaaaaaaard.

*****

I learned a great acronym the other day: EOM. I'd never seen this one before. In business email, I've seen COB, B2B, JIT, PoP, SIC, SWOT, VO, Yuppie, and Buppie, not to mention the alphabet soup that comes with working in Washington, D.C., or for an international organization.

And then there's all of the text messaging/SMS'ing shorthand: Whts YR 411?, RU there?, Mt @ mrkt tmrrw am?, and so on. Half the time, it takes me longer to figure out what the hell the person is trying to tell me in textspeak than it would have if they had just been less lazy and actually written it all out, thereby saving us all a lot of grief and headscratching. Pictograms, Pictionary, and personalized license plates are easier! But don't even get me started. Suffice to say, I'm one of the few people I know who uses capital letters, grammar, and full punctuation in my email and text messaging.

Anyway--back to EOM. As I said, I had never seen this one before. Ironically, it appeared in an email from my colleague whose purpose it is in life to eliminate the use of acronyms. When I saw it in the subject line of said email from her, I had to ask, "What is EOM?"

It's an acronym that you put at the end of an email subject line that stands for "End of Message." It means you're not going to write any text in the body of the email and the subject line is your message, full stop.

I did not know this.

Did you know this?

What are your favorite and least favorite acronyms? (And be sure to provide their meanings or I might have to show my stupidity and ask.)

Photo source: Simon Fraser University, School of Applied Sciences

Exhausted. Or, Why Can't Communicating Be Easier.

Today, Emm and I went to Lausanne to have lunch with her father's relatives. Even under the best of circumstances, visiting family can require energy and being on one's best behavior. When we visit Emm's family, though, it requires colossal efforts in language, which can sap you to the core. Here's why:

Our hosts, Anna-Maria and Paul speak French, German, Italian, and English.

Anna-Maria's sister, Marie-Angela, speaks Italian, French, and English and her brother-in-law, Pietro, speaks Italian and French.

Emm and I speak English and German and Emm understands some Italian.

Paul is sitting to my left and Pietro is across from me. Emm is on my right. To Emm's right is Anna-Maria and across from her is Marie-Angela.

Paul's preferred language when we're around is German, which neither Marie-Angela nor Pietro speak. When conversing with Anna-Maria and Marie-Angela, the language of choice is English, which Pietro understands, but can't speak.

At some point in all of the conversing, I exchange thoughts and pleasantries with Anna-Maria in English, German, and a tiny, pathetic smattering of French.

Meanwhile, Emm is trying to converse with Pietro in English, while Paul keeps talking in German. This requires back and forth translations between the three with Emm talking in English and German, Paul talking in German and Italian, and Pietro talking in Italian and French.

Wars have been started over this stuff, people! And yet, a very fine time was had by all. We both enjoyed lunch with the relatives and visiting Lausanne, but Lordy what I wouldn't give for one of those Universal Translator thingamadoujies from Star Trek!

Photo source: Google Images.

13. Or, Why I Like Where I Work and Live.

Happy Friday the 13th, everyone!

Thirteen Reasons Why I Like My Job and Where I'm Living Right Now

1. Because the alternative is a bad option.
2. Because it puts me in contact with people every day and that's always a good thing.
3. Because I'm working on a topic that is interesting and constantly changing.
4. Because I'm working with really good people from all over the world. It amazes me that such a large group of people, whose first language often isn't English, are able to come together and get stuff done despite the differences in language and culture and ethnicity. It is, frankly, exhilarating.
5. Because going to the farmer's market on a Saturday is just a hop, skip, and a jump from our apartment.
6. Because French butter with large grains of sea salt and Savoyard pain au levain naturel bread is yummiliscious!
7. Because seeing the old world as a citizen of the new world gives me better perspective on the benefits and detractors of both.
8. Because I get to see buffalo every morning on my drive into work!
9. Because I'm living near friends I like (hi Mr. and Ms. Swizzies and Dr. Lala!) and am making new friends (hi JJ, TD, PA, HM, DN, FM, and CA!) and I'm living with someone I love.
10. Because every few weeks I can go shopping at the most fabulous grocery store in all of Europe. (The website doesn't look like much, but trust me when I tell you Hieber's Frischmarkt is HEAVEN!)
11. Because I've had the opportunity to visit the Alsace-Lorraine, fall in love with Paris, spend time relaxing in Provence, go to the Alpage in Annecy, enjoy the beauty of Basel, take in the alpine beauty in Interlaken, wander around Geneva and Lausanne, and finally make it to Italy ('cause the last time I lived in Europe, I lived right across the street from Italy and we weren't allowed to cross the border.) I hope to see more of this great continent in the weeks and months ahead.
12. Because what's not to love about fondue and raclette? Mmmmm. Cheesy goodness.
13. Because I'm living across the street from Switzerland!

And, as it's Friday, here's a photo. Happy (Photo) Friday, too, folks! Bon weekend!

Goatherder : Alpage : Annecy, FR

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 10/09

Gmail. Or, I've Finally Entered the 21st Century.

For years, I've used AOL as my primary email provider. Today, I'm pleased to announce, I have entered the 21st century and have officially signed up with Gmail.

Okay, okay. That's not entirely true. I signed up for Gmail more than a year ago. But I don't like my username, the account is a cesspool of spam, and since I didn't have it downloading into Entourage (Outlook for Mac), I didn't really bother.

Today, however, I created an account using my name and I'm now hooked into iGoogle, which includes a calendar feature for tracking all of our social engagements. Woo hoo and yippee!

I'm going to test drive Gmail in Entourage for a week or two and see what I think. If I like it and it isn't too spammy, I'll keep it. If it spams me to distraction, we'll forget any of this ever happened and I'll go to trusty, musty AOL.

And that concludes this blog entry, which is totally lame. Unfortunately, I'm tired and I'm going to bed.

Good night!