Friday, December 24, 2010

Merry Christmas, everyone!

May you have a christmas filled with laughter and loved ones! And lots of good food!

And don't forget: This is Baby Jesus birthday not yours!

Thursday, December 23, 2010

it's Thoughful Thursday and there is no thought in my head... 

well, have a happy December 23rd anyways!

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

WTF: The Wikileaks Task Force

No kidding. That's the name of the official CIA investigation team. WTF?!

Speaking of WTF: Some of the mancandy pics I find are seriously WTF?!  


Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Terrible Tuesday Train Treck

Usually I love trains as I have stated here previously. Today was not usually. Two hours delay, a train that was so packed that it took me 30 min. to get to my seat even though I boarded the right car, jam-packed stations and no information, were no way to endear this train ride to me. You'd think we've never had snow before.
Oh well, I finally made it. Tired but in one piece.

Happy December 21st!

Monday, December 20, 2010

Monday's Meh Movie review

Sometimes movies that are not good aren't really bad either (especially not awesomely terrible) but rather MEH. Woody Allen's newest oeuvre "You will meet a tall dark stranger" definitely falls into that category. Not terribly surprising, some of his movies I really like (for example "Mighty Aphrodite", "The Curse of the Jade Scorpion" or "Match Point") but some leave me indifferent (like "Scoop" (even though it had Hugh Jackman in it) or "Everyone says I love you"). But seldom have I been so bored by a movie or found it so insignificant. 
Despite a promising cast (Naomi Watts, Gemma Jones, Anthony Hopkins, Josh Brolin, Freida Pinto, Antonio Banderas) the movie was as bland and flat as yesterday's champagne. They did try, and Naomi Watts wasn't half bad, but the story was so old and used up, that even her valiant ploughing on couldn't revive it. I'm afraid it had died a slow and painful death even before the first shot was filmed. But even after death there was not enough spark to turn it into a Zombie. Nope, it just lay there like a dead flounder, not even flopping around occasionally. The sad part is, that it didn't have to end up so sadly. With a better script the story could have been quite entertaining, if trite.
The only bright spot in this otherwise forgettable movie was Lucy Punch as the occasional prostitute turned trophy wife Charmaine ("Cor?!"). So after sitting through 98 minutes of unmotivated storytelling the (banal) conclusion is: People make stupid choices. And life goes on. Thankfully I didn't have to pay for my ticket since it was a freeby. 
A solid D-

Did you see it? Whatcha think?
Happy December 20th! And here's a tall, dark stranger for you.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Update: The pudding was a success

...if I may say so myself.

This is what was left over:

After the four of us ate all of this:




Christmas Pudding

Hmmmm, it's Sunday and that usually means I'm cooking. As christmas is approaching I've been busy in the kitchen since the morning. On todays schedule is mango preserve, orange marmelade, a christmas dinner for four with a roasted leg of lamb, rosmary potatoes and green beans, and the pièce de résistance: a christmas plum pudding, right now steaming on the stove.
I have found the recipe in a small cookbook I have borrowed from my sister-in-law; all about English puddings (I may never give it back). As I never make anything exactly like the recipe tells me to (for me they are more like guidelines), I have adjusted this recipe to my taste, too.

You need: breadcrumb, milk, sago, baking soda, sultanas, dates, butter, brown sugar, and eggs. I also added chopped almonds and prunes, and some cinnamon, ginger and cardamon.

The sago has to be soaked in the milk over night. The dried fruits are chopped into little pieces. The eggs are lighly beaten. Then you just mix everything together.



You might need some more liquid to have a smooth mass (I chose plum wine...hmmm, yummy, plum wine).  Then you fill it in either a pudding form (which I don't have) or another bowl that can hold 1.5l and can be placed in boiling water. Make sure to grease the bowl well.
After smoothing out the surface with a spoon you need to cover the bowl with tinfoil and baking paper. For that you grease a piece of tinfoil large enough to cover the bowl, the you put a piece of bakingpaper on top of it (the grease will keep it together), finally you fold it in the middle, so the steam has room.
Since I was not using a pudding form with a top, I also had to cover it with a dishcloth, which I affixed with a rubber band.
You can fold the ends underneath and make a handle, so you can place the pudding more easily in the pot (and also lift it out of the pot more easily). The pudding needs to be steamed for about 3.5 - 4 hours. For that you place a small teacup upside down in a large pot.
Then you place the bowl on top of it and fill up the pot with boiling water until the bowl is standing halfway in water. The water needs to be simmering the whole time and you may have to fill it up every once in a while.


As mine is not done yet, you'll have to wait a little before I can present the result, but I'll be posting pictures of it after we had our little christmas feast tonight.

Have a happy 4th of Advent! Can you tell I'm a little obsessed with food? (And guys in the kitchen?)

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Fab Friday's Review: "Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot"

One day late, but here it is: my friday review. This time about a whole series. "Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot" with David Suchet, Hugh Fraser, Philip Jackson and Pauline Morant. The series started in 1989 and so far there have been 12 seasons. Not every season is the same, some have feature film length episodes, others shorter hour-long episodes. All depending on the original, if it was a novel or a short storie. So far we have managed to watch all seasons except season 12 from 2010. And let me tell you, it wasn't easy getting a hold on all seasons here in Germany, especially in the correct order (and those of you who know me, know what a stickler I am for the correct order). For some reason the series came out only partially in Germany and started with season 4 followed by season 1. A very strange affair, perhaps I should investigate.
With regards to content, the cases Poirot has to solve are as strong as their literary original, which is to say sometimes very good, sometimes less so. But what makes this series so special is the care with which it was done. The amount of research and dedication they have put into it. I have seen quite a lot of English historicals for TV so I generally did expect good quality. But this takes it to another level, and what's more, the quality is consistent over the span of more than a decade. I think it might have to do with a decision to favor quality over quantity, i.e. of putting out less episodes per season, instead focussing on each episode with care.
So, what's so special about it? The whole series has this elegant 30s look to it, a lot of Art Déco and High Modernism. This even goes so far that the makers of the series went out to find typical architecture of the time to use as setting. But it's not only the setting, the costumes and decorations were chosen with care too, as were the supporting actors. But, and this is important, it does not feel like a costume drama where everyone is put into a costume of the time period. The 1930s setting is done so well because you can see buildings, vehicles and decorations from other time periods as well, just like you would have done in the real England of the time. Also, some of the characters are dressed not to the high fashion of the time but in clothes that would have been less fashionable or even old fashioned at the time. This gives the whole series a more realistic feel to it and makes it the perfect backdrop to the 1930s showpieces, allowing to show the main character, Hercule Poirot as a very modern man in his time, just like he was described in the original.
David Suchet's depiction of this Hercule Poirot comes very close to the Hercule Poirot of my imagination. He manages to portray the Belgian's mannerism without ridiculing him and to make him a thouroughly sympathetic figure. Not an easy task when compared with other interpretations of the role of this famous detective on the screen. (Albert Finney in "Murder on the Orient Express" comes to my shuddering mind.) Also, the rest of the cast who have recurring roles in the series, were well selected for their roles. Which makes it a joy to watch.
All in all, I'm giving this series an A+ because it was so consistently well done and a pleasure to watch. Even recognizing buildings that have been used in previous episodes added a certain kind of charm and a lot of fun in trying to recollect in which episodes one has seen this before. For fans of Agatha and of cozy whodunnits, of which I am most certainly one, this is a must see. I myself am looking forward to season 12, one episode of which is the famous"Murder on the Orient Express", after being thouroughly disappointed by Sidney Lumet's 1974 version.

Tell me, have you seen it? How did you like it?


Happy December 18th!



is it saturday already?

Sorry, I didn't make it yesterday. And I can't even say that I was too busy yesterday. Well, I was busy, but not doing what I had originally planned to do. Instead of starting my christmas cleaning, finishing a post for the eufrika.org project, paying my bills and writing my fab friday review, I spent the morning at some government agency, went home to have lunch, then realized I was to have tea with a friend who was too sick to make it to my brithday party and since it was so nice talking with her I stayed longer than intended, so I had no time to get any of the things done I had planned on doing because I had to prepare dinner as we had invited our neighbor over.
I endeavor to be better today, even though I must admit the day didn't start out as intended either. I was so tired that I decided to sleep in and now it is already one p.m. after finishing brekfast, cleaning up the kitchen and writing down the shopping list. But I'll try. On my list today is: Making a plum pudding for our pre-christmas dinner tomorrow, getting started with the christmas cleaning, finishin the article and writing the fab friday review I was going to post yesterday. Hopefully, I'll post it today.

How are your days, now as christmas is getting closer? Are you busy with preparations and celebrations? Or are you enjoying the season quietly? Let me know, I'd love to hear from you.

Meanwhile, happy belated December 17th! And sorry for being late. That's why I have two calender doors to open now....

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Adding my two cents on the Assange case

Okay, I know everybody is talking about it but that doesn't stop me from putting in my two-cents about the Julian Assange-rape-brouhaha.
As far as I can make out the details in the conflicting stories, Assange is accused of having unprotected sex with a woman even though she insisted on him wearing a condom. He is also accused of having had unprotected  sexual intercourse with a woman while she was asleep. In both cases the women had initially consented to sexual relations with Assange. In the definition of rape in Swedish law there is the possibility of a "withdrawal of consent". Now in my book when you consent to sex, clearly stating that you want the guy to wear a condom, and the guy does not and proceeds to have sex with you anyways, then you have not consented to that particular form of sex. Likewise, I do not think that you are consenting while you are asleep. 
Now, we don't know what exactly happened because as with most rape cases it's a case of he said/she said. BUT in view of the trauma and scorn a victim of sexual assault potentially faces, I have to take the allegations seriously. We all do. So it is right to question Assange on his behavior when someone raises an allegation such as this. And if there is a possibility that he has perpetrated any of the offences he should be tried before a court. 
If it turns out that the accusations were fabricated in order to neutralize the guy and his organization it would really damage my view on the Swedish Government, Interpol and whoever else is involved. That would be a slap into the face of every victim of sexual assault ever. With something that is as hard to prove as rape is and with a public that makes the testimony of rape victims an ordeal that can be as bad as the actual assault, in an environment in which many cases of sexual assaults are not reported because of fear of social repercussions, you just don't go and make up accusations like that out of political considerations. That would mean that the plight of women who have actually suffered such an assault mean nothing to their political representatives. Because knowingly weakening the standing of those of your citizens that are already vulnerable for political gain is despicable I hope that the accusations are not made up.
For me this has nothing to do with what Wikileaks stands for but with the creditability of our democracies. If there are indications that Julian Assange has committed sexual assault then he needs to be tried fairly. And if he is convicted in a fair and independent trial than he needs to be punished. It should be as simple as that. 
Of course the fact that Interpol was all over the case and put so much effort into apprehending an alleged rapist is new. One would hope that is their new modus operandi. But I fear it is not. (Alleged) Rapists are not usually high on their agenda, only if they happen to be a persona non grata with the high and mighty.

So, in a tip of the hat to the Swedish Rape Laws which I think are awesome (and apparently Sweden has a high rate of reported rapes not because so many more rapes happen there but women feel so much more secure to report on them) I'll give you Alexander Skarsgard. Twice

Happy December 16th.


Wednesday, December 15, 2010

WTF? The Tourist is a comedy?

I'm kinda confused. I looked at the Golden Globes nominations and "The Tourist" was nominated in the category Musical/Comedy (three times actually). I thought that it was a Thriller. I haven't actually watched it but I saw the trailer several times:



Maybe it's because I didn't find it funny. What do you think? Anyone with me on the impression that if the movie is meant as a comedy, the trailer is a big marketing fail? Anyways, even though Johnny doesn't really rock my boat looks-wise, I know a lot of you think he's hot.
Happy December 15th!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Tasteful Tuesday Review: Sherlock Holmes (2010)


I adore watching really bad movies. Movies that make you cringe with their bad-ness. And have you holding your belly because of their unintentional humor. Last Saturday I watched one of those movies. Oh, it was so terrible, it was awesome. It was one of those movies that makes me want to be a scriptwriter. I mean, it must be so much fun to come up with that s***.
Okay, here’s the plot:
England sometime in the 1880s: Robert Sherlock Holmes, yes, apparently his given name is Robert, didn’t you know? But well, nobody remembers a detective named Robert, hence he goes by his second name Sherlock ( I guess it’s different if you’re a pirate and you can give yourself an epiteth to go with your name, like the Dread Pirate Roberts). Anyways, Holmes is consulted on a case that is officially investigated by Inspector Lestrade (who apparently sells himself as some sort of popular hero claiming Holmes’ success in other cases as his own). The case concerns the mysterious demise of a ship that had sunk in the Channel and that was carrying Jamaica Gold from the colonies. The movie actually starts with a scene where the ship is attacked by a giant kraken (yepp, that’s right a kraken) and pulled into the depths of the Atlantic. When the lone survivor tells Holmes, Watson (big, bumbly but loyal of course) and Lestrade what has happened, his story is naturally considered a fantasm due to shock by the latter two. Holmes, of course shrouds himself in mystery as to his thoughts about it just dropping seemingly inconsequential tidbits here and there. After all this is Sherlock Holmes, THE Sherlock Holmes.
If you think a giant kraken is a bit out there, you’ll be in for a surprise. It gets even better. Soon after the kraken incident, there is another super-natural occurence. This time in London’s East End. A T-Rex is roaming the streets, adding some diversity to its diet by eating local prostitutes.  Holmes with his superior talents of deduction soon discovers that these incidents must be connected (who would have thunkit, not mere mortals like Watson and me, that’s for sure). After some dithering (uhm, I mean sleuthing) and of course more screen time for Rexy, the trail leads our two heroes to some castle somewhere in the countryside. The clue was some sort of pebble that Holmes found on one of Rexies victim’s. It turns out that there is only one castle in the whole of England (and maybe Scotland and Wales, too) that was built with those pebbles. Naturally. And Holmes knows that fact, because he spent his childhood right next to said castle (hint: THIS IS A MAJOR CLUE).
So, off to the castle we go. And break in. Because that’s what you’re supposed to do when you’re a super-detective investigating. Inside the castle they run straight into a trap (designed to show off Holmes’ superiority over Watson due to his cold, analytical mind), anyways, they (I mean Holmes) manage to find a way to get out of the trap, only to come face to face with the villain. Enter: Holmes’ brother. Uh-huh, you heard me, the villain is none other than Sherlock’s own brother. He’s called Thorpe, not Mycroft, but maybe he goes by his second name, too. Might be a family thing. Or there is another brother. Maybe Holmes Senior had a whole bagful. Who knows?
Turns out that Holmes II has been a cop (no they did not use that word, but they might as well have, given the rest of the movie) and what’s more he was the partner of Lestrade. Until the fateful day when he, in hot pursuit of some bankrobbers, was shot in the back. Supposedly by his own partner. This has left him paralyzed and bitter. But now he has found a way to get his mobility back with the help of a bizarre metal-suit (looks like a beta version of Iron Man) and Cortisone (Yepp. Cortisone. In  the 1880s)  So now he’s only bitter. Understandibly he wants to take that bitterness out on the world. Who wouldn’t? In addition to his Iron Man Wannabe suit he came up with this convoluted plan for revenge? punishment? to take over world power? Who cares! He and his female sidekick, a robot? witch? succubus? evil governess?, have a plan. One that includes a suicide bombing, a steampowered flying dragon and Inspector Lestrade as a scapegoat. And lots of fire, special effects and a hot air balloon (oh wait, that’s not part of the plan, that’s just lying around by coincident so that Holmes, Robert uh Sherlock that is, can go off in hot pursuit of the flying dragon).
Abso-fucking-lutely Awesome!
And who hasn’t been won over by this incredible script, that somehow makes me think that a thirteen-year-old has been on a Conan-Doyle-Reading-Rampage and is now confusing Sherlock Holmes with The Lost World, let me tell you there are more reasons to watch it:
The HAIR: truly awesomely terrible movie are often marked by bad hair, this one is no exception.
The Costumes: Only one word neccessary: Bowtie! As in Holmes is always wearing one!
The Language: „Watson, you are an a**hole!“
Steampunk! Whoah, one of the things I love about steampunk: it can be so cool when done well and it can be truly hilarious if not. I let you decide which category this one falls in.

So on my personal grading scale for horribly hilarious movies: A solid B+ (Oh, by the way, surprisingly the movie never made it to a theater but was released on Video)



 Happy December 14th! I have to say I'm a big fan of Sherlock, the real one :)

Monday, December 13, 2010

My friends are awesome...

they organized my birthday party, made all the food and gave me a LE CREUSET pot! All I had to do was show up. AWESOME!

only thing missing was this. Maybe next year? Any volunteers?

Happy December 13th!

Sunday, December 12, 2010

I love trains


In a family of  speed afficionados it is sometimes hard to be a train enthusiast. The advantages of traveling slowly are completely lost on my kin who believe in the old adage that time is money. For them my preference for traveling by train is mysterious and inexplicable, my maintaining that it is not time lost but time gained goes completely over their heads. Well, yes, in quantity, taking the train often takes more time (the difference between a flight and a train ride from my home to my parents’ place is about 5 hours). But when it comes to the hassle and sideffects of taking the plane, the quality of that time is so much more in favor of the train.
Simply stated: I do not care for airports and passenger planes. If the alternative means taking a boat or serious detours I do take a plane. Same goes for considerable financial differences in ticket prices (it really sucks not being well off). But given the choice I’d probably opt for the train. Not at least out of environmental concerns.
There have been lots of things making me feel sorry for myself lately. Spending the main part of my birthday in a train is not one of them. It feels as if I have been given an unexpected birthday gift. The gift of time. Where else do I have time these days to just sit back, look out of the window and just think. Theoretically, I could do that at home too, but realistically, I almost never do. There is always something I could or should do. Actually, some of these things I do during a train ride like this, such as preparing this weeks lessons.  And even writing this blog post feels like I’m doing it with a lot more leisure than I would usually grant myself during a busy day. It is as if time itself slows down while rolling through the landscape (well, if you’re travelling with a high-speed train it’s more like rushing, but nevertheless). And while time slows down, so does the feeling of could and should. It’s more of a being allowed to. It might not be rational, but working on the train feels less like work. And the fact that the landscape outside is changing when you gaze out to think is a bonus.
Since the prerogative is more a could than should I’m also able to give myself permission to spend the time not working but playing. Therefore I can read a book without feeling guilty for wasting time. After all, I have been given this time on the train, I’m not taking it. This trip I managed to read the latest book of the Mercedes Thompson series by Patricia Briggs (review will follow sometime this or next month). It was so much more pleasurable to read it guiltfree than the two books before that, where I mostly felt that I should have spent the time getting more work done.
One of the dreams I would like to realize some time during my life is taking trips with famous trains, the Orient Express being one of them. While others may phantasize about cruising the seven seas on luxus liners (a thought that truly makes me shudder), I’m daydreaming of traveling on the TransSiberian Railway. To each their own, I suppose.
While speaking of wishful thinking. Here’s another thing that would make a lovely birthday gift for me some day: A naked butler! Marvelous, hmmmm?

Happy 12th of December! Happy 3rd Advent! And Happy Birthday to me!

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Friday, December 10, 2010

Fab Friday Review

Last week I went to see "The Kids Are All Right", and I have to say it was more than All Right. I thought it was fabulous. It was intelligently written, the acting was great, and it had the right balance between funny and serious for me. There are so many things I liked about the movie, I don't know, where to start. 

I was especially impressed by Mia Wasikowska, who played the daughter of Julianne Moore and Annette Bening. I'd say she's one of the up-and-coming young actresses to watch out for (she'll be Jane Eyre in the new movie coming out 2011). Vaccilating between defiance and vulnerability, her portrayal of an 18-year-old trying to assert her independence and still needing her family as a safe haven was very striking.

The movie itself was so refreshing because it did not try to force a message of equality and flout it's unconventionality and daring. Instead it is funny, sad, poignant, observant and realistic. It is about relationships, the strains of marriage, about love, hurt and betrayal, and how to deal with those and with each other in a relationship. Despite the title this is a film about and for grown-ups. It is a realistic protrayal of a relationship between a couple, who happen to be two gay women. The problems the two of them face in their marriage could happen to any couple, straight or gay. Thus the film was convential and unconvential at the same time. 
What made it stand out in my opinion is that there is no easy solution, that there is no good or bad, but instead shades of grey. That the characters were likeable even with their flaws, maybe because of them. It was realistic, because it showed that a relationship is hard work, and that you can end up hurting each other even though you love one another. That each family is unique but at the same time alike, trying to keep love and respect alive against the daily routine that threatens to swallow you up. 

Respect. That is one of the keywords of the movie. The respect, the members of that small family treated each other with, was really impressive. Not only the way both mothers treated their children, facing them as persons rather than subordinates. But also both protagonists, Julianne Moore and Annette Bening, were inspiring with their struggle to face each other with respect instead of succumbing into a downward spiral of accusations. By the way, both actresses were fabulous and I absolutely loved the fact, that they were not plastered with make-up to look as flawless as possible, but looked their age with every wrinkle and imperfection making them stunningly gorgeous. The way Bening's character deals with the betrayal of her partner reminded me very strongly of Emma Thompson in Love Actually. And not only because both are big Joni Mitchell fans. 

Paul Ruffalo as the carefree, sympathetic if somewhat unreliable biological father is also well worth seeing. His character is suddenly pulled out of his unconcerned and easy lifestyle by the sudden appearance of "his" two grown kids. Faced with his fatherhood, he starts to want the closeness the little family offers through making this "instant" family his own.

Everyone who hasn't seen the movie yet I highly recommend to do so.

If only to see him almost naked.

And those of you who have seen it, what do you think?

Happy December 10th.



Thursday, December 9, 2010

Random Ramblings...


I have been in a  grouchy mood lately... things weren’t really going as I imagined them to go. Getting out there in the real world to look for a job after spending the last ten years safely ensconced in university is tough. Sometimes I think that spending all that time studying and pursuing more knowledge was an effective way for me not to have to deal with the world out there and sometimes I even think that maybe I should have stayed, adding another degree, going for the doctorate. But before those of you who’ve been wanting me  to do just that sit back and rub their hands in glee... I’m not there yet, and I’ll probably (maybe?) never will. No, I want to make it out there, find a job that really suits me and support myself. I just didn’t know it would be that darn difficult or that having to survive on welfare would be so humiliating. It pretty much sucks your soul out. And it makes me grouchy. Not being able to buy any christmas presents, not even being able to pay for the ticket to see my family, having to cut corners everywhere and still there’s nothing left, I tell you, it’s not easy. So I have been feeling sorry for myself, forgetting the many blessings in my life. Like my friends, without whose support I probably would be even more frustrated. And lonely. And who are scrambling just to make my birthday party happen, because I won't be able to do anything but show up for it since I'll be spending the whole day stuck in a train (that will hopefully not be an hour late like the one I'm sitting in right now).
So, all of you who have been suffering from my bitching and moaning lately, I'm sorry. And I know very well what I have in you!

Happy 9th of December! This pic always makes me feel better :)


Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Oh dear, I'm an expert

Another installment of WTF Wednesday. This time on a personal note: 

Due to circumstance I cannot quite explain, I have apparently become a so-called expert on the last election in Tanzania, resulting in me having to give a talk in front of students, members of the staff of the Africa Department and who knows who else... WTF?!?

And yes, I do suffer from stage fright. So, even though I know you're only here to view the naked guys, supportive comments are appreciated!
Please, excuse me now, I have to go to search for some chocolate to calm my nerves!

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Dear Mailman, I forgive you!

Now that I  have finally gotten my chocolates and can spend the rest of the week in chocolate induced bliss...

Happy December 7th!

Monday, December 6, 2010

The mailman has stolen my St. Nikolaus gift....

And I am seriously miffed about that. No chocolate for St. Nikolaus for me... and no Advent Calendar ... an no cookies from my mother.... So unfair!

The internet tracking site says that allegedly two tries were made to deliver the package on Wednesday. Even though I was home all day! No mailman ever rang my doorbell. After that there is silence on the whereabouts of my package. A phone call to DHL only resulted in "We're sorry we cannot locate the package in question. Try your local post office." Where I went today. After standing in line for twenty minutes, the only thing I got was: "We're sorry. You're package is not here. Maybe you can ask your neighbors if they took it in." There are 25 apartments in my house, so now I'm supposed to ask all of them if they have seen my package? Seriously?! Oh well! I also asked if my parents as the senders can launch an official search request. Yes, they may, BUT only in 4 weeks. By that time my cookies will be stale....or eaten by the delivery man... MEH!!!

So, no St. Nikolaus for me ... especially not one who looks like this!

Happy St. Nikolaus everyone!

Sunday, December 5, 2010

hmmm, yummy, Sunday!

Sunday is almost over and whooohooo what a busy Sunday. I finished up with my handycraft project from yesterday: baking my saltdough (playdough?) figurines and painting them.
                                          I would say not bad for a creatively challenged person.....

I made a Gratin Dauphinois and a mâche salad with oranges for dinner and a pumpkin-creamcheese bread for dessert.

Before:

and after:



And I started to plan a concept for a project with the Ethnological Museum with two friends (who by the way really appreciated the dinner). Now I'm tired and ready for bed and it's not even 9.30pm (well it might have to do with the three glasses of wine I had).

But before I go to bed, I'll think a bit about how much I love a guy who knows his way around in a kitchen...

Happy 5th of December!

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Christmas is coming...

Looking out of my windows above the roofs of Berlin all I can see are snow covered roofs, stark trees and steam rising from chimneys. The sun, which has come out this afternoon, is slowly setting and the sky is this perfect icy winter blue tinged with orange and purple. It's the kind of sky where we said the angels are baking cookies as a child. It's beautiful. Perfect start for a weekend filled with making christmas decorations, cooking and starting to make christmas gifts....

Happy Saturday!

Friday, December 3, 2010

Getting warm...

It's Friday and it's getting warmer (-5 C/ 23 F). But it still is cold enough for keeping the heating on. Which sometimes is easier said than done. Our radiatiors need to be vented about four times a week or they won't get warm. Which involved a trip to the shop today because I broke the little thingummy that you need to let the air out. Not cool, uh warm....


At least I had a scarf to keep me warm ;)

Happy Friday!

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Let it snow, let it snow...

It's cold here in Berlin ( -8° C/ 18°F) and it's snowing, we have almost 4 inches now. Which is pretty crazy for it being only early December. I remember when I was  growing up, more often than not the first snow only came in January. This really has been a wild year weatherwise. It started with weeks of freezing cold and no sun. Seriously, 17 days without sun, that's rough. An incredibly wet and cool spring followed by a baking hot summer with temperatures well into the 100s. Thankfully, I got to spend that part of summer in Mississppi where it was cooler. Yep, that's right Mississppi in early summer was cooler than Berlin. And now we have one of the coldest starts into December ever.  It does not bode well for the rest of the winter. 
Whether this is a sign of climate change I don't know, I'm not a climate scientist. But I tell you, it sure feels strange. I for one believe that climate change is a reality and that the extreme weather we have been experiencing in the last years is a symptom (and yes I know weather is not climate). So on the (very plausible) chance that Climate Change is happening, I believe that it is time for all of us to face our responsibility and look at what we can do, to make things better. 
I am not saying we should turn off the heating and freeze, or anything radical like that. I believe it's the little things we can change and when thousands of people change their habits a step at a time it can have a huge impact. Maybe you could get around to put all your electronic gadgets on power strips that you can turn off, so you won't waste all that energy in stand-by, or you can turn down that thermostat a couple of degrees or you can use public transport instead of a car. I'm also a huge fan of buying local and reducing by reusing... there are a million little things you can do, and you don't have to do them all at once. Remember: a step at a time...

So, with all that snow,  here's what I wish was in my Advent Calendar!

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Baby, it's cold outside..

It's December already, wow time flies...

So in the good old tradition of German Adventcalendars where you open a little door every day till christmas, I'm giving you a link to open every day till christmas.

A link to what? Man candy, of course! What else?


Happy First of December!