The professional beggars have really taken on Düsseldorf, on the train this morning, from Düsseldorf to the town I work in, the same beggar went back and forth, back and forth, asking me for money every time he passed. Until I had, for the fourth time, said, "Still not". The rest of the time he just kept harassing the rest of the people. Same tour, back and forth, through the train.
They are professionals.
It's not the "can I have 50 cents for a sandwich" kind of beggars, these are the beggars that have a route and that milk it. These are the professionals.
I can't stand it.It makes me feel awful, it makes me feel guilty and it makes me feel mean.
But I have gotten better at making myself hard and ignoring it (obviously not enough as it still bothers me and I blog about it though), or at least pretending to. But it makes me sad that we have a Europe where beggars go from city to city to beg. Some because they need to, others because they don't know any other way of living, and yet others that just find it more lucrative than taking on other jobs.
And some because they have been picked up by gangs and simply have no way out of it.Those people I feel really sorry for but me giving them money is not fixing the issue, it just shows the gang leader that it pays off.
For the people that really suffer its hard as well, because the professional beggars makes it difficult for the rest of us to show any compassion - I was about to write pity but it's not pity they need, it's compassion.
A dear friend of mine started an initiative about a year ago, where she asks friends and family for help and they all create food packs and now "dignity packs", with toothpaste, clean socks, soap and so forth, and then the packages are handed out to the homeless. That's an initiative that I am happy to support. But the professional beggars? No. And I know that by helping one, I send the wrong signals. I'd rather help with something else than money, although I admit I could do more than I do. I know there is a lot that the taxes could be used for but isn't and I know there are a lot of people that are too proud to accept help from the state, or they feel they lose their independence if they accept money from the state, and I know I could do more, just like my dear friend, even though I, too, helped with food packs and helped handing them out (which, by the way, also allowed me to meet some amazing and fascinating people that I wouldn't have met otherwise). But at the same time, a little is more than nothing. But that said, the professional beggars, I will not give to them.
But it is hard, whom do you help, whom not, and how do you do it? What options do you have? What can you do. And how can you make sure your help really benefit the right person?
It's a bit like buying an animal from a pet shop with tiny cages, thinking that you rescue it, when all you do is telling the shop keeper that there is a market and that he should get more animals to put in cages, animals he can sell and make money off...
(And I have a lot more respect for those who do some sort of work, even if it is just the guy sitting on Kö (Köningsalleee, the fancy shopping street in town) knitting, or even if it is just making simple children's toys out of wood. I am happy to help by buying what they made or supporting in other ways.)
29 Aug 2012
OH MY GOD, German Toilet culture
OH DEAR! I have always known that Germany have a very relaxed view on nudity. They believe the Swedes are all about nudity but in reality they are far far more relaxed than anyone I have ever seen.
But this is ridiculous...
Me and one of the girls in the office are bothered by the fact that one of the windows in the bathroom is very often left completely open. This is in the actual room where the toilet is, not where you wash your hands, but where the toilet is. Both of us close the window and put it in such a way that it is just open at the top, you know, like it is tipped forward - most windows in Germany can be put either wide open or just tipped so that air can come in but nothing fall out.
But then when we get in there, the window is often wide open again. I have identified who it is that leaves the window open but I have given up, I can't be bothered anymore. They don't close the toilet lid, and they leave the window wide open after they are done. Or at least I THOUGHT it was after they were done...
And today, after I had just gotten in there myself, to the first cubicle, I hear the woman who always opens the window come in. She enters the cubicle, and I hear her change the window from tipped to wide open.
AND THEN she does her business!!!
And it really bothers me now, because right opposite the windows are the reason I am not even happy about switching the lights on in the winter, in the evening, even though the glass is frosted glass: More of our office buildings with lots of people, and windows in our direction. So in other words, this woman goes inside, opens the window completely so that air can flow more freely, and then she sits down RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE WINDOW and does her business. Sure, the window doesn't go all the way down, but I am embarrassed just to think that people see me go in there and get ready to sit down, I would never ever ever do it, nor would the Swedes I know. But in Germany it seems to be common - I have neighbours on the other side of the street doing a similar thing.
Or am I just unlucky?
(I had kind of seen it before, but that time the window was pushed shut slightly, so I wasn't 100% sure how open it had been. But this time there was NO doubt...)
I am blushing just thinking of it! But if she doesn't have a problem with it, I shouldn't either, should I. As long as it is her but and not mine...
But this is ridiculous...
Me and one of the girls in the office are bothered by the fact that one of the windows in the bathroom is very often left completely open. This is in the actual room where the toilet is, not where you wash your hands, but where the toilet is. Both of us close the window and put it in such a way that it is just open at the top, you know, like it is tipped forward - most windows in Germany can be put either wide open or just tipped so that air can come in but nothing fall out.
But then when we get in there, the window is often wide open again. I have identified who it is that leaves the window open but I have given up, I can't be bothered anymore. They don't close the toilet lid, and they leave the window wide open after they are done. Or at least I THOUGHT it was after they were done...
And today, after I had just gotten in there myself, to the first cubicle, I hear the woman who always opens the window come in. She enters the cubicle, and I hear her change the window from tipped to wide open.
AND THEN she does her business!!!
And it really bothers me now, because right opposite the windows are the reason I am not even happy about switching the lights on in the winter, in the evening, even though the glass is frosted glass: More of our office buildings with lots of people, and windows in our direction. So in other words, this woman goes inside, opens the window completely so that air can flow more freely, and then she sits down RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE WINDOW and does her business. Sure, the window doesn't go all the way down, but I am embarrassed just to think that people see me go in there and get ready to sit down, I would never ever ever do it, nor would the Swedes I know. But in Germany it seems to be common - I have neighbours on the other side of the street doing a similar thing.
Or am I just unlucky?
(I had kind of seen it before, but that time the window was pushed shut slightly, so I wasn't 100% sure how open it had been. But this time there was NO doubt...)
I am blushing just thinking of it! But if she doesn't have a problem with it, I shouldn't either, should I. As long as it is her but and not mine...
German coffee
I am sorry but the Germans simply CAN'T make coffee. The stuff we have in the office is some sort of brown water with a hint of coffee in it. I use minimum one spoon per cup if I make coffee. My colleagues use 1 spoon per 2 cups.
Previously when another colleague made it it was slighty better. Now I don't know what to call it. I have gotten rid of my caffein addiction and now I have a proper cup in the morning, at home, and then I do my best to avoid the brown office water. But OK, this is at least better than what we had in the machine downstairs before, that was really awful, this stuff is just not good but you can drink it, especially if you put milk in it because then you don't EXPECT too much coffee flavour.
But it IS depressing.
I think I'll move to France. At least there you get good coffee...
(And sorry any Germans that take offense. You are more than welcome to prove me wrong!)
Previously when another colleague made it it was slighty better. Now I don't know what to call it. I have gotten rid of my caffein addiction and now I have a proper cup in the morning, at home, and then I do my best to avoid the brown office water. But OK, this is at least better than what we had in the machine downstairs before, that was really awful, this stuff is just not good but you can drink it, especially if you put milk in it because then you don't EXPECT too much coffee flavour.
But it IS depressing.
I think I'll move to France. At least there you get good coffee...
(And sorry any Germans that take offense. You are more than welcome to prove me wrong!)
Rub a dub. BBQ needed
Created a rub today, you know, one of those spice mixes that you rub into your meat. I think it got really tasty, and tomorrow I am testing in here at home, in the grill pan. But I really need a bigger BBQ to check it big scale.
And I don't have one.
Wonder if I can convince friends to arrange a BBQ just so I can test?
(Update: Yes, of course. Not just in the grillpan, on a piece of meat I will cook in the grillpan.)
And I don't have one.
Wonder if I can convince friends to arrange a BBQ just so I can test?
(Update: Yes, of course. Not just in the grillpan, on a piece of meat I will cook in the grillpan.)
26 Aug 2012
Facebook and privacy - interesting article
Not that we didn't know that from before, and Facebook ARE after all living on our data - there is a reason why I don't normally use the "likes" and why I don't fill in my interests and so forth. There is also a very very good reason I block any applications that my friends are using from showing up on my newsfeed (don't want to click on those by mistace), and there is a reason why I never read articles within Facebook but open the link directly in the browser (and especially if I may want to read further), and normally not even in the browser I use for FB (OK, I also think it is a sport to try and make it as difficult for them as possible... Or at least not make it easier than it has to be...)
There is also a reason why I wouldn't ever allow an application on Facebook. It is enough with Facebook themselves.
I still found this article very interesting, about design tricks that Facebook uses to make us share more information than possibly needed - I really do recommend you read it. It is from TechCrunch, and I really do think everybody should read it and similar articles. You may not agree, and you may not worry about your privacy, but you should at least be aware. And then, then you can make your decision on what to think and what to do with it.
There is also a reason why I wouldn't ever allow an application on Facebook. It is enough with Facebook themselves.
I still found this article very interesting, about design tricks that Facebook uses to make us share more information than possibly needed - I really do recommend you read it. It is from TechCrunch, and I really do think everybody should read it and similar articles. You may not agree, and you may not worry about your privacy, but you should at least be aware. And then, then you can make your decision on what to think and what to do with it.
24 Aug 2012
a strange week
A strange week where I have
worried about a crashed work computer
been fighting fires. Real fires. Not organisational ones (even though I had a bit of that as well) but REAL ones, with heavy fire extingquishers. It was planned, and it was controlled, but it still felt a bit weird.
Had safety introductions.
Found out new information and had to chance directions (work related).
Decided on new things (privately).
Been swimming in the river.
Been climbing.
Had good food.
Been involved in book clubs.
Cooked more.
And some other stuff.
Booked two trips, finalised the details on a third and have a few more in the planning. Can't live without my travels.
I love my life. Not every second of it, not when the trains don't run and I have an appointment, but otherwise. Otherwise it is good. very very very good.
worried about a crashed work computer
been fighting fires. Real fires. Not organisational ones (even though I had a bit of that as well) but REAL ones, with heavy fire extingquishers. It was planned, and it was controlled, but it still felt a bit weird.
Had safety introductions.
Found out new information and had to chance directions (work related).
Decided on new things (privately).
Been swimming in the river.
Been climbing.
Had good food.
Been involved in book clubs.
Cooked more.
And some other stuff.
Booked two trips, finalised the details on a third and have a few more in the planning. Can't live without my travels.
I love my life. Not every second of it, not when the trains don't run and I have an appointment, but otherwise. Otherwise it is good. very very very good.
23 Aug 2012
"Did you know? When chat is off, messages from friends go to your inbox for you to read later."
Yes, facebook. I would have hoped so. But thanks for the popup message pointing it out. If people can send me messages when I am not online I would prefer if you'd allow me to read them later as well. I don't USE Facebook chat. there is enough chat thingies out there and I'd rather just focus on the right things and not try to be everywhere all the time. Is that OK with you?
Once upon a time
Once upon a time the trains in Germany were always on time and you could basically set your clock after them.That is now just a legend. Time has passed and we barely remember those times anymore... Nowadays, you simply have to chance it. I can't remember when I last travelled a full week without any delays. To be fair though, to make it extra interesting, the delays are sometimes 5 minutes, sometimes 2, sometimes 35. Sometimes the trains don't come at all. Sometimes they are too early (although that happens more with the trams than with the trains.
Germany, the land of efficiency?
Hahahaha....
Yeah, sure.
20 Aug 2012
Hot hot hot hot
The temperature reached 39.9 degrees close to where I live yesterday (15 minutes walk, 10 on a normal day), even if my thermometer only reached 38.
And in Germany there isn't air condition.
I am fine with it, fact is I am happy about the heat, but I am happy that I can work from home, because being on the train, a train that undisputedly will be late - the German trains are ALWAYS late when it gets too hot or too cold, at least the local trains - is not my dream scenario.
Need to remember to drink properly - hello water - and go easy on the caffeine.
Discovered yesterday how fantastic it is to sleep with a cold wet towel on the feet. What a difference it made! Because when it is 28 degrees c, 82 f, when I am supposed to fall asleep, it is warm. Very warm. And yet, I do not complain. I love the heat. I just have to make sure I stay healthy (and get some extra salt as I sweat some out. Turkish salty olives does the trick, and goat cheese.)
But it is too hot to really think so I will be back on the blog when it has cooled down...
And in Germany there isn't air condition.
I am fine with it, fact is I am happy about the heat, but I am happy that I can work from home, because being on the train, a train that undisputedly will be late - the German trains are ALWAYS late when it gets too hot or too cold, at least the local trains - is not my dream scenario.
Need to remember to drink properly - hello water - and go easy on the caffeine.
Discovered yesterday how fantastic it is to sleep with a cold wet towel on the feet. What a difference it made! Because when it is 28 degrees c, 82 f, when I am supposed to fall asleep, it is warm. Very warm. And yet, I do not complain. I love the heat. I just have to make sure I stay healthy (and get some extra salt as I sweat some out. Turkish salty olives does the trick, and goat cheese.)
But it is too hot to really think so I will be back on the blog when it has cooled down...
17 Aug 2012
This little bird
This little bird is getting ready to leave the nest and fly away and somewhere around the middle of next year there will be a lot of change coming...
16 Aug 2012
But SERIOUSLY - what's with all the glucose-fructose syrup???
Seriously, what is UP with all the "glucose-fructose syrup", also known as High Fructose Corn Syrup that is in close to everything here in Germany?!? Did you read the labels? Even the salty gherkins often have glucose-frucose syrup.
And it is not just disgusting, it gives the food a weird artificial taste that I really don't like. It is hidden in there, lurking, but there is a side note that I just don't fancy. I don't know, it just feels better to eat "real" sugar when I want sugar or a sugar rush, and when I cook I will definitely use real sugar when sugar is required (in a tomato sauce a pinch of sugar is the secret between the real success and the relatively blend sauce, for example).
Takes forever to go shopping as well, if I don't go to my normal place where I get the ingredients and cook from scratch, because I need to read all the labels - I have done it forever though, so I am used to it and I know by now at least some of the brands that are not even worth looking at because they contain so much of the stuff, that it is a waste of time to even start - I go to the other brands instead.
Because yes, of course I buy jams and juices even though I am not a top consumer. I also eat junk from time to time, and I am sure that many of the restaurants also uses the stuff with a lot of glucose-fructose blah, but I don't have to do it more than needed, do I. And luckily, when I have cravings, it is normally for other, more healthy food. Like right now, I have this serious craving for horse radish. I eat them by the bunch, and I eat the leaves too, in salads. And dark chocolate. OH MY GOD, I love dark chocolate.
But that's stuff that doesn't contain the glucose-fructose syrup thing.
I just find it hard to believe that it would be very good for you.... I love my food and I want it to be as pure as possible, because that simply tastes better.
And I really don't think it is a coincidence that the countries with the most obesity are also the countries with the most (as far as I know) artificial stuff in their food...
UK, US, Germany...
And it is not just disgusting, it gives the food a weird artificial taste that I really don't like. It is hidden in there, lurking, but there is a side note that I just don't fancy. I don't know, it just feels better to eat "real" sugar when I want sugar or a sugar rush, and when I cook I will definitely use real sugar when sugar is required (in a tomato sauce a pinch of sugar is the secret between the real success and the relatively blend sauce, for example).
Takes forever to go shopping as well, if I don't go to my normal place where I get the ingredients and cook from scratch, because I need to read all the labels - I have done it forever though, so I am used to it and I know by now at least some of the brands that are not even worth looking at because they contain so much of the stuff, that it is a waste of time to even start - I go to the other brands instead.
Because yes, of course I buy jams and juices even though I am not a top consumer. I also eat junk from time to time, and I am sure that many of the restaurants also uses the stuff with a lot of glucose-fructose blah, but I don't have to do it more than needed, do I. And luckily, when I have cravings, it is normally for other, more healthy food. Like right now, I have this serious craving for horse radish. I eat them by the bunch, and I eat the leaves too, in salads. And dark chocolate. OH MY GOD, I love dark chocolate.
But that's stuff that doesn't contain the glucose-fructose syrup thing.
I just find it hard to believe that it would be very good for you.... I love my food and I want it to be as pure as possible, because that simply tastes better.
And I really don't think it is a coincidence that the countries with the most obesity are also the countries with the most (as far as I know) artificial stuff in their food...
UK, US, Germany...
Meet the parents
OK, not as serious as it sounds, they are just the parents of a very good friend. And they happen to be in town so we are going for dinner.
But I hope there will be some other friends there too, because if it is only me and the guy and the parents, well, that could be a bit odd. Especially since they are french and if you try to be nice to me you will say that my French is bad. If you are thruthful it is far worse than that. But the parents speak English so in theory it should be OK. It is just that it is going to be weird on them if they are the family plus me and they have to speak English.
Oh well, I guess I just have to throw myself in there and do my best to get what they are talking about. It went OK last week so how bad can it be, really...?
Possibly really bad...
We will see...
But I hope there will be some other friends there too, because if it is only me and the guy and the parents, well, that could be a bit odd. Especially since they are french and if you try to be nice to me you will say that my French is bad. If you are thruthful it is far worse than that. But the parents speak English so in theory it should be OK. It is just that it is going to be weird on them if they are the family plus me and they have to speak English.
Oh well, I guess I just have to throw myself in there and do my best to get what they are talking about. It went OK last week so how bad can it be, really...?
Possibly really bad...
We will see...
Gorgeous
The GORGEOUS weather continues, expecting temperatures around 30 again today. Went for a run this morning while it was still comfortable because no matter how much I like the heat, running when it is 30 may not always be the most clever idea...
But I LOVE this weather. I hope it lasts forever and ever even if some people do get a bit cranky. Don't know why summer started for real so late - but it started and that is all that matters!
But I LOVE this weather. I hope it lasts forever and ever even if some people do get a bit cranky. Don't know why summer started for real so late - but it started and that is all that matters!
15 Aug 2012
Learned from an ex that he is reading my blog still, from time to time. Admit that it feels a bit odd. We were together for a while but I would have thought (hoped) he had moved on, I know I wouldn't have continued to follow what a (once a bit more serious) ex was doing. There are more than one reason why I nowadays don't ever tell the guys I am seeing that I blog. I don't really think they need to know nor do they need to be able to follow every step I take. If they would happen to stumble over the blog, fine, but they are not going to learn about it from me. Fact is, I don't really advertise the blog at all, I am just happy about the readers that found their way here.
A week on the water
A week on the water is over and I miss it terribly, I'm becoming increasingly aware how far away from water you always are in Germany and it pains me.
I'm not much for soaking in the water and beaches bore me to DEATH, but being close to the water or being on it, or even seeing it and smelling it - especially the sea has a special scent - so important, it makes me feel alive, there is something about how water reaches everywhere and how water is a part of everything.
But luckily there is a French organisation that are great to travel with and that I can do water sports with, so I do.
But it's hard to be back, not just because I hate sitting still but I miss all the great people, the guy I travelled with last year as well, the Swedes, the charming teachers, the group.
I even miss my roommates despite barely seeing them as they were in another group during the day and not "home" much in the evenings or rather during the night.Not that I was "home" in the room much in the evenings either, but still.
And I miss the French spoken around me, somehow.
And the ice cream buffet...
And I am beginning to think that it is time for a serious change. I haven't done a serious change in a while. And considering every serious change I have done up until now has lead to something much better - well, why not... Just need to gather my thoughts and make a decision or at least decide on the direction and start taking steps towards that...
I'm not much for soaking in the water and beaches bore me to DEATH, but being close to the water or being on it, or even seeing it and smelling it - especially the sea has a special scent - so important, it makes me feel alive, there is something about how water reaches everywhere and how water is a part of everything.
But luckily there is a French organisation that are great to travel with and that I can do water sports with, so I do. But it's hard to be back, not just because I hate sitting still but I miss all the great people, the guy I travelled with last year as well, the Swedes, the charming teachers, the group.
I even miss my roommates despite barely seeing them as they were in another group during the day and not "home" much in the evenings or rather during the night.Not that I was "home" in the room much in the evenings either, but still.
And I miss the French spoken around me, somehow.
And the ice cream buffet...
And I am beginning to think that it is time for a serious change. I haven't done a serious change in a while. And considering every serious change I have done up until now has lead to something much better - well, why not... Just need to gather my thoughts and make a decision or at least decide on the direction and start taking steps towards that...
14 Aug 2012
Contracts in Germany
Word of advice:
Remember that EVERYTHING, more or less, is on long term contracts in Germany. And almost everything is automatically extended if you don't cancel, preferably months and months in advance.
I don't know HOW many things, how many old contracts I have gotten stuck in because they are automatically renewed, without me even getting a question.
Phone contracts, health insurance, power company, anything. This country is not built around flexibility but around people staying in one spot forever and ever. It sucks. It makes me feel trapped. And more than anything, it makes me feel like they are constantly trying to trick me. But at least I have learned. Sign a contract and more or less immediately afterwards I send in a cancellation of that contract so I can renew it when time is coming, I don't want to be automatically renewed.
Insurance, power, phone. I want to be able to renegotiate every year, I don't want to be forced into a cotnract that may not be good for me. Anymore. Because life situations change, needs change. PRICES change. And so on. Sometimes I can't help but wonder if the reason that many German companies are doing OK is because once a customer, you never (or rarely) leave, you just can't...
But I continue to fight the fight. By September my last contracts are being changed to contracts I can actually cancel on much shorter notice, and with every little paper I sign I read the fine print, because you can BET that there is a little clause that will say something about an automatic extension. And not for one year as the original contract was, but for two. Or more, or there are some other crap conditions. Like the cancellation time. And I am sure that some of my contracts that I now have I will still be trapped in because I missed some little detail saying that unless I jumped twice and clapped my hands and put my heels together and wished I was in Kansas on the 15:th day on the 17:th months the contract will be transferred to a lifelong contract.
But at least I have tried to get out of the trap that is German Bureaucracy...
I am from time to time seriously wondering how some of the conditions can even be legal? The big companies really take advantage of the consumer, and it frustrates me!
Remember that EVERYTHING, more or less, is on long term contracts in Germany. And almost everything is automatically extended if you don't cancel, preferably months and months in advance.
I don't know HOW many things, how many old contracts I have gotten stuck in because they are automatically renewed, without me even getting a question.
Phone contracts, health insurance, power company, anything. This country is not built around flexibility but around people staying in one spot forever and ever. It sucks. It makes me feel trapped. And more than anything, it makes me feel like they are constantly trying to trick me. But at least I have learned. Sign a contract and more or less immediately afterwards I send in a cancellation of that contract so I can renew it when time is coming, I don't want to be automatically renewed.
Insurance, power, phone. I want to be able to renegotiate every year, I don't want to be forced into a cotnract that may not be good for me. Anymore. Because life situations change, needs change. PRICES change. And so on. Sometimes I can't help but wonder if the reason that many German companies are doing OK is because once a customer, you never (or rarely) leave, you just can't...
But I continue to fight the fight. By September my last contracts are being changed to contracts I can actually cancel on much shorter notice, and with every little paper I sign I read the fine print, because you can BET that there is a little clause that will say something about an automatic extension. And not for one year as the original contract was, but for two. Or more, or there are some other crap conditions. Like the cancellation time. And I am sure that some of my contracts that I now have I will still be trapped in because I missed some little detail saying that unless I jumped twice and clapped my hands and put my heels together and wished I was in Kansas on the 15:th day on the 17:th months the contract will be transferred to a lifelong contract.
But at least I have tried to get out of the trap that is German Bureaucracy...
I am from time to time seriously wondering how some of the conditions can even be legal? The big companies really take advantage of the consumer, and it frustrates me!
Reasons to not use Google +
Unfortunately.
Reasons not to use Google Plus (I was on there and deleted my profile but now looked into signing up again. I won't):
And about Picasa, which I use a lot:
*From the "Setup your profile" page
Reasons not to use Google Plus (I was on there and deleted my profile but now looked into signing up again. I won't):
"People you connect with on Google can see the month and day of your birthday"*.Well, I don't WANT them to see my month and day. I don't want them to see anything about my birthday. Yes, OK, I can have fake information in the system, but I don't want to show the fake info either. I tell the people I want to know when my birthday is, the others have no reason to know, identity theft is becoming more and more common and I want to keep the unneccesary elements out of the systems. Google definitely don't need to know.
And about Picasa, which I use a lot:
"People you've shared albums with will see those pictures on your profile and in their Google Search results."Hmm. No thanks. I don't want my pics to be indexed. I really like Picasa but I don't want my albums on my profile nor do I want to see them in search results. I do lock them down but still. I moved away from Facebook and to Picasa for that reason, I want to have control over MY pictures, I after all have the copyright to them. It is MY photos.
"Anyone you share an album with can see who else it's shared with and reshare it, unless you lock the album"*Yeah, see, that just wrong. I decide whom to share my albums with, thank you very much! I know, you get more space if you use Google Plus. But I pay to get more space so that should cover it - actually Picasa and the way it works, and me wanting to stick to that setup is the reason why I keep changing my mind every time I think I'll sign up again. It is a pity, because I think that Google Plus could have things to offer,
*From the "Setup your profile" page
13 Aug 2012
French
I really need to work on my French. I understand quite a lot, speak some, but get utterly frustrated when my gaps are to big and I can't express what I want - especially for someone like me, who is used mingle. On the plus side is that the French really think my French is OK after they have gotten a bit drunk. Yes, they, not me. When they are drunk I mix in English words where I don't find the French and the French understand what I am trying to say (after all they all studied English), but only after they are drunk enough to be distracted...
But it went OK during my holiday. Having been to Spain the weekend before I went to France I mixed the two languages up a bit though. My new plan is to improve both, but rather than prioritising Spanish over French I will now do it the other way around - I have plenty of reasons to, too. Not the least because the organisation I like to travel with, for sports holidays, is French. (And not the least because my French is anyhow stronger than my Spanish, so it should be faster).
So yesterday I started. I dug out my old French book. And fell asleep on it.
What do you mean, it doesn't help? Isn't that what they mean by "sleep on it?"
But it went OK during my holiday. Having been to Spain the weekend before I went to France I mixed the two languages up a bit though. My new plan is to improve both, but rather than prioritising Spanish over French I will now do it the other way around - I have plenty of reasons to, too. Not the least because the organisation I like to travel with, for sports holidays, is French. (And not the least because my French is anyhow stronger than my Spanish, so it should be faster).
So yesterday I started. I dug out my old French book. And fell asleep on it.
What do you mean, it doesn't help? Isn't that what they mean by "sleep on it?"
Ways to get moving after the holiday
The Swedish newspapers, and others too, run articles on "how to get moving after the holiday". This especially applies to the countries where people tend to take long long holidays.
That is not my problem though, how to get moving. My problem is the other way around: How to survive now that I CAN'T move the whole day. I really don't do sitting still very well...
A week of constant moving what just what I needed!
I came back happier, more fullfilled, shining. And now I need to keep this up. THAT is my problem.
That is not my problem though, how to get moving. My problem is the other way around: How to survive now that I CAN'T move the whole day. I really don't do sitting still very well...
A week of constant moving what just what I needed!
I came back happier, more fullfilled, shining. And now I need to keep this up. THAT is my problem.
12 Aug 2012
Air France and bags
My bag finally arrived. With 1.5 day left of my holiday.
It annoys be quite a bit that not all of the things that were in the bag made it though. It wasn't something serious missing, but the things that were missing - a brand windproof top, a towel and a few other things - are still things I have to replace.
I can't say I am the biggest fan of Air France at the moment. At least not in August. On the other hand I have the feeling one should really avoid ANYTHING related to France (with the exception of the cheese and the wines and the people) in August, as everybody is on holiday and the country is run by some temp workers that couldn't afford to take a month off...
Hmmm....
I'll be back once the summer holidays are over
It annoys be quite a bit that not all of the things that were in the bag made it though. It wasn't something serious missing, but the things that were missing - a brand windproof top, a towel and a few other things - are still things I have to replace.
I can't say I am the biggest fan of Air France at the moment. At least not in August. On the other hand I have the feeling one should really avoid ANYTHING related to France (with the exception of the cheese and the wines and the people) in August, as everybody is on holiday and the country is run by some temp workers that couldn't afford to take a month off...
Hmmm....
I'll be back once the summer holidays are over
9 Aug 2012
Air France - what a joke
Air France, what a joke.
First they lose my back on the way Düsseldorf-Paris.
And when I report it the ticket has my name, my baggage tag has my name - but in the computer system the name associated with my baggage tag is another name, a name that doesn't even resemble mine.
Then they locate it, the bag, the same day - Sunday. Well, at least that is what they told me, its been found and handed over to the delivery company. Now it is Thursday and it still hasn't arrived and my holiday is almost over, in one day (or just over) I go back to Germany.
What I don't get is
A:How the HELL can Air France even pretend to be a serious transport and logistics company when they can't even get a bag delivered once they claim to have located it?!?
And how can they chose to partner up with a company that only delivers before 4 pm?!? Get your act together, Air France, and use someone who delivers 24/7 if needed!!! Office hours is nowhere good enough! And it isn't even office hours!!! It's too early. Bl***y French holiday season.
B: how can Air France be so ignorant? Their attitude is beyond bad and I'm also not allowed to call the transport company, plus we get different info every time we call. And it is always "tomorrow". Delivery expected tomorrow.
C: How can you get me different name?!?
Now the next challenge is to get Air France to change the delivery to Düsseldorf because they will most likely not be able to get it to me before I leave my holiday spot.
Thankfully weather has been good so I have been able to do some laundry and get it to dry because the spot I'm at is about 7 km from any shopping... And shopping I hate and don't have much time for. Because I am supposed to be sporting. And the roads are dark so I can't go to the shops in the evening. I did get a ride the first day (and missed my first day of the course) but since then I haven't been able to get into the village.
I used to be a faithful Air France customer. It's time for a change. That bags can disappear from time to time I can understand. That they aren't delivered after they were found is what puzzles me.
Amateurs!
To be honest, I suspect they have been lying to me all along, I don't believe they actually HAVE my bag...
First they lose my back on the way Düsseldorf-Paris.
And when I report it the ticket has my name, my baggage tag has my name - but in the computer system the name associated with my baggage tag is another name, a name that doesn't even resemble mine.
Then they locate it, the bag, the same day - Sunday. Well, at least that is what they told me, its been found and handed over to the delivery company. Now it is Thursday and it still hasn't arrived and my holiday is almost over, in one day (or just over) I go back to Germany.
What I don't get is
A:How the HELL can Air France even pretend to be a serious transport and logistics company when they can't even get a bag delivered once they claim to have located it?!?
And how can they chose to partner up with a company that only delivers before 4 pm?!? Get your act together, Air France, and use someone who delivers 24/7 if needed!!! Office hours is nowhere good enough! And it isn't even office hours!!! It's too early. Bl***y French holiday season.
B: how can Air France be so ignorant? Their attitude is beyond bad and I'm also not allowed to call the transport company, plus we get different info every time we call. And it is always "tomorrow". Delivery expected tomorrow.
C: How can you get me different name?!?
Now the next challenge is to get Air France to change the delivery to Düsseldorf because they will most likely not be able to get it to me before I leave my holiday spot.
Thankfully weather has been good so I have been able to do some laundry and get it to dry because the spot I'm at is about 7 km from any shopping... And shopping I hate and don't have much time for. Because I am supposed to be sporting. And the roads are dark so I can't go to the shops in the evening. I did get a ride the first day (and missed my first day of the course) but since then I haven't been able to get into the village.
I used to be a faithful Air France customer. It's time for a change. That bags can disappear from time to time I can understand. That they aren't delivered after they were found is what puzzles me.
Amateurs!
To be honest, I suspect they have been lying to me all along, I don't believe they actually HAVE my bag...
3 Aug 2012
And THERE it comes - the Facebook Spy function
And THERE it comes. The Facebook Spy Function. That people can see when I comment on a post that is open for them to see, or that they can see when I like a post that they can see, that I can accept that I have to live with, even though I don't love that it shows up in their feed.
That everybody in a group can see that I "read" a post I am not going to accept, especially not now that they can see the time. Who's business is it if I check FB groups when I wait for my tea water to boil at work? Who has the right to see that I am online at 2 at night when I am going to work the day after?
If I don't post anything it is nobody's business, and that is also one of the reasons why I don't like the chat function and never turn it on. People expect that I have time to answer them when I may not even have time to read their post properly, I may just have scanned through it.
Even in the email I can chose if I want to send a "read receipt" or not. With FB I can't. Good bye all groups...
And I have already planned my next event using Google Calendar instead of FB, not going to use FB anymore for that, especially not after they removed the mailing functionality. Previously I could chose to send a message out just to those who had said yes, now that possiblitily is gone and all I can do is post on the wall of an event, which complicates things a lot: One insentive to get people to actually RSVP is to only give the final details to those who did. When everybody gets all info via the wall, people can just ignore the RSVP - don't like it.
and don't tell me to just go through notifications. FB sends too many notifications, which is why I
And so is getting annoyed with them. I will just continue to clean up and remove data.
(But no, I will not remove my FB account as long as my friends still use it for invitations, because I do want to be in the loop. But I am going to share less and less. And remove things that are no longer relevant (which I anyhow have been doing for a while...)
That everybody in a group can see that I "read" a post I am not going to accept, especially not now that they can see the time. Who's business is it if I check FB groups when I wait for my tea water to boil at work? Who has the right to see that I am online at 2 at night when I am going to work the day after?
If I don't post anything it is nobody's business, and that is also one of the reasons why I don't like the chat function and never turn it on. People expect that I have time to answer them when I may not even have time to read their post properly, I may just have scanned through it.
Even in the email I can chose if I want to send a "read receipt" or not. With FB I can't. Good bye all groups...
And I have already planned my next event using Google Calendar instead of FB, not going to use FB anymore for that, especially not after they removed the mailing functionality. Previously I could chose to send a message out just to those who had said yes, now that possiblitily is gone and all I can do is post on the wall of an event, which complicates things a lot: One insentive to get people to actually RSVP is to only give the final details to those who did. When everybody gets all info via the wall, people can just ignore the RSVP - don't like it.
and don't tell me to just go through notifications. FB sends too many notifications, which is why I
- Reroute to a non-standard email address but rather use what I call a "spam" account".
- Have switched off most notifications.
And so is getting annoyed with them. I will just continue to clean up and remove data.
(But no, I will not remove my FB account as long as my friends still use it for invitations, because I do want to be in the loop. But I am going to share less and less. And remove things that are no longer relevant (which I anyhow have been doing for a while...)
But SERIOUSLY, they are athletes
OK, seriously: They are athletes, they are in the Olympics to perform well and make us proud and impressed with their achievements in their respective sport. OK, I know that Olympics always was partly political too, Berlin 1936 just to mention one (Germany, the big Propaganda Olympics), or Moscow 1980 and Los Angeles 1984 - during the cold war where Soviet Union and USA couldn't talk to each other. And Munich 1972, although to the Swedes that year is probably more even famous for being the year when the Swedish then crown prince, now king meeting his future wife, the Brazilian Germany Silvia. But anyhow, it is a big sports event. And sport should still be in focus.
And now it seems Olympics is instead turning into a pick-up ground or a fashion show? Because how else can we explain that the focus seem to be on how the women look? The weight lifter from UK (who thankfully knew how to respond) and now the American, Gabby Douglas - and her HAIR?!?
Looks shouldn't matter. And if they do; Well, Gabby Douglas is as far as I can see from the pictures, a beautiful woman with great features and a perfect body. I really don't understand people?!?! See news article from Yahoo. Don't they have something more interesting and meaningful to worry about than other peole's hairstyles?
And now it seems Olympics is instead turning into a pick-up ground or a fashion show? Because how else can we explain that the focus seem to be on how the women look? The weight lifter from UK (who thankfully knew how to respond) and now the American, Gabby Douglas - and her HAIR?!?
Looks shouldn't matter. And if they do; Well, Gabby Douglas is as far as I can see from the pictures, a beautiful woman with great features and a perfect body. I really don't understand people?!?! See news article from Yahoo. Don't they have something more interesting and meaningful to worry about than other peole's hairstyles?
2 Aug 2012
yes exactly!
Yes exactly, why would one try and look good for someone as narrow minded as the stupid trolls that are getting nervous around strong women? You go, Zoe Smith, 18 year old weight lifter from UK. WELL responded! That is a role model for you.
1 Aug 2012
Talking about Facebook and talking about safe passwords
Well, if you do follow these rules you may actually be safe using the name of your pet as a password...
(Otherwise that is one of the easiest to guess, that, plus QWERTY, ABC123, the name of your mum/brother/kid/random close relative and a few others. Or the secret word that can be found under your keyboard or the desk cover. Seriously, you may almost just as well write it on the white board...).
(Otherwise that is one of the easiest to guess, that, plus QWERTY, ABC123, the name of your mum/brother/kid/random close relative and a few others. Or the secret word that can be found under your keyboard or the desk cover. Seriously, you may almost just as well write it on the white board...).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)