Farbvergnuegen XTD

My Xmas Card 2008

2008-11-09T11:03:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas
& A Happy New Year!!!

I have been creating our personal printed Xmas card for the last seven years - except for last year. Each card had always an internet version as well. ... It is interesting how taste, style and of course my ability to create the card in the first place has changed over the years...
Check out our Xmas Card 2008

Previous Years:
2006 [ German version ]
2005 [ Collage ]
2004 [ Hawaii style ]
2003 [ Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer ]
2002 [ Very first one ]

Santa Paula Canyon Hike

2008-04-29T17:54:00.000-07:00

On April 27, 2008 we got up early (at least we considered it early) and drove towards Santa Paula, CA. Sunday's hike was Santa Paula Canyon along the creek.
Peter was so nice as to organize the trip and guide the hike. The scenery along the canyon trail was amazing: I remember in particular pointing out all these different "beautiful, tiny" flowers a long our way... It turned out we picked the right time of the year, for everything was blooming and the creek was filled with lots of water (Although this may sound very refreshing, I like to mention it was very hot).
After the hike but before Peter's car's odometer hit 123456 (mi), he brought the difference between a Freeze and a Float to our attention! Very delicious, btw.

Gallery [ pw required ]
Info

Uli's Surprise Birthday Party

2008-03-05T21:01:00.000-08:00

Huge ' Thank You ' to everybody for making Feb 22 an unforgettable evening. Uli had lots of fun and was surprisingly really surprised: He really didn't know, suspect nor notice anything until the first guests had arrived...
Don't forget to check out the pics of that evening. Gallery [ pw required ]

Mt. Pinos in January

2008-03-01T12:08:00.000-08:00

Well, what can I say: It took me quite some time, but I got the images on the web... The first photo gallery of 2008 is ready to be viewed. As always a password is required!

Note: You can easily download the images of the album.

Click here for Album [ pw required ]

Missing Galleries of 07

2008-02-10T19:32:00.000-08:00

Some of the images that still needed to be uploaded and published.

Ojai Hike [pw]
Feuerzangenbowle 07 [pw]
Griffith Observatory Hike 07 [pw]
Thanksgiving [pw]
Xmas [pw]

News: ScreenSteps

2008-01-26T11:30:00.000-08:00

I thought you might find this interesting:
Create "really quick visual instructions for doing things on your computer" with ScreenSteps.
Download a free trial version at:
screensteps.com

Blue Mango Learning Systems has presented their product release at last week's Macworld.
Watch their Video Interview

Blue Mango Note

Big gap

2008-01-26T11:22:00.000-08:00

I haven't had a chance to post anything lately. A lot of pictures are still due - no galleries for these have been created so far.
Yet, I think it is still time to say: Happy New Year ... and I hope I will be back with new posts on a more often basis.

East Canyon Hike

2007-11-27T20:37:00.001-08:00

Sunday, October 28 - right after the "fires" we did a short morning hike at East Canyon in Valencia. The group was small; the hike was steep... We had a great time!

Gallery [ pw required ]
East Canyon - a local hike

Visitor # 1,001

2007-11-04T10:37:00.000-08:00

Just recently, the blog counter hit the number 1,001. I thought that's worth to mention... It is at least for my humble blog an astonishing number!

7 Fires in the Southland

2007-10-21T22:33:00.001-07:00

It's the time of the year ... Santa Ana winds are picking up ... The danger for brushfires increase tremendously ... There have been at least 7 fires reported this afternoon. The closest for us have been Aqua Dulce, Chatsworth, Castaic, and Placerita Canyon.

This time it is different, for the fires are spreading quickly due to high warm winds caused by the so called Santa Ana winds ... houses have been threatened. Around 2.45 pm the sky suddenly turned dark above our apartment. Smoke was all over the city; ashes were falling.
Tonight, we have seen fires right in the middle of residential areas all over Canyon Country ...

Gallery [ pw required ]
KTLA News

Team Building Weekend Activities: Movie Night

2007-10-01T21:39:00.000-07:00

It's time for a relaxing movie night with popcorn and beer (or else). Bring your significant other ... but hurry up with your confirmation, for we have only limited seats available.

The movie theatre at Madison is rented for Sep 30 and the movie will start at 7 pm sharp. Don't be too late; otherwise you will miss the (apparently bloody) grand opening of the night's one and only movie "Severance - Another Bloody Office Outing": Working nine to five is a real killer, but team building vacations can sometimes be worse... ("The best Horror-Comedy in years." -Horrorview.com)

If we forgot to invite you, let us know for the next movie event!

Gallery [ pw required ]
About the movie [ just another website ]

Nautica Triathlon 2007

2007-09-20T15:22:00.000-07:00

September 16, 2007, one day after the Nike Run we, a team of three girls, had registered for the Nautica Malibu Triathlon as a relay team.
I think I can say we had been the most chaotic and unprepared team of the whole event. After registering on time in March, the entire schedule went out of control.
To make a long story short, I only like to mention that the chaos continued until the day of the race even during the race! I guess the worst part was the fact that we didn't even know whether we got the right chip for the race due to a mix up with another person right before the competition!

Although team "Unprepared" aka "Moondogs" had a couple of issues, I like to say we had lots of fun. It is worth joining one way or the other just because of the beautiful scenery at Zuma Beach in Malibu.

Despite the mess we finished in 14th (2:02 hours) place out of 37 other relay women teams. I personally think this is a very nice result for a very first, completely chaotic triathlon.
Our hopes are up for next year... the goal should be to show up "a bit better prepared"!

For results visit the Nautica website and click on "Results" in the upper right corner. Nautica Triathlon [ official website ]

Gallery [ pw required ]

Nike Run Remix 2007

2007-09-17T13:37:00.000-07:00

It's September again and another Nike Run had been scheduled.
This time we drove down to the Coliseum - a group of four girls - in order to join the fun event.
This year's t-shirt was solid red and way to tight... everybody struggled fitting in it... After doing some alterations we had lots of fun running anyway.
Two days after the event we learnt that something went wrong with the chip time starting mats. No data had been collected. Means there aren't any real results for this year's event...

Official Website

Gallery Mix One

2007-09-01T08:56:00.000-07:00

Over the last months I have received many images of friends and family members. So I thought they should get its own gallery. Since some of them don't fill a gallery on its own, I had the idea to put them together as a mix ~ a gallery mix!

Gallery [ pw required ]

The Russians Are Coming ~ Hollywood Bowl

2007-08-31T23:02:00.000-07:00

The Russians Are Coming
Classical Thursdays TH2
Thursday, August 30, 2007, 8:00 PM
Hollywood Bowl
2301 N. Highland Avenue
Hollywood, CA
(323) 850-2000

Artists:
Los Angeles Philharmonic
Kirill Petrenko, conductor
Nicolai Lugansky, piano

Program:
Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 3
Shostakovich: Symphony No. 1
Stravinsky: The Firebird, Suite (1919)

Powerhouse pianist Nikolai Lugansky plays Rachmaninoff's colossal Third Concerto to conclude an electric all-Russian program.

Hollywood Bowl [ official website ]
Gallery [ pw required ]

Sunday Hike through Smoke

2007-08-27T22:14:00.000-07:00

After eight years, I finally got a chance to go and hike Mount Pinos.
Mount Pinos is a mountain peak located in the Los Padres National Forest. It is the highest point in Ventura county at 8,831 ft (2,692 m). The goal was to reach the summit in order to enjoy a wonderful view. Who had thought it would end in a hike through smoke!

Unbelievable but true: We made it up to the trail head in the early afternoon on Sunday, August 19, 2007.
Everything seemed to be alright until someone in the group mentioned that a sign is up: Trail closed. ... After putting on hiking shoes and sunscreen we all went to read the message. Since people were coming down the trail, we decided to hike up anyway. We didn't know better...After a short walk we noticed the sky gets darker. The smell of smoke increased rapidly. A part of our small group wanted to turn around right away... we continued hiking up. But half way up we split into two groups: One part would proceed to the summit while the other part turned around and went downhill ... breathing in that air was definitely not healthy anymore.

Gallery [ pw required ]
Panorama View of the scenery [ click for large image ]
More Links:
Mount Pinos [ Wikipedia ]
Google Search Result [ all about Mt. Pinos ]

Mini Trip: Santa Fe

2007-08-25T23:52:00.000-07:00

On August 1, 2007 Silke, Jan, Uli and I are on our way to Santa Fe in New Mexico. The purpose of this trip is the annual opera festival. We visit two great operas in a beautiful open air facility: Platée [best opera I have every seen] and Tea: Mirror of Soul.
In addition we enjoy the interesting scenery (desert surrounded by thunderstorms day and night), go hiking, play golf, drive to Taos/ Pueblo Taos... Enjoy the three galleries that emerged from our 5-day-vacation:
Gallery Santa Fe [ pw required ]
Gallery Taos [ pw required ]
Gallery SF Golf [ pw required ]

Additional Links:
Santa Fe Opera [ official website ]
Hair Lock

Long Time No Post

2007-08-25T18:48:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time since my last post. It's not that there isn't anything to post...it's just I don't find the time right now. Too much is going on.
Anyway, I'll try my best to get some new events on my blog asap!

Remember FilmLoop?!

2007-06-20T19:54:00.000-07:00

I just recently check the FilmLoop software on my computer. I learnt this program had gone through a huge upgrade. A lot new features and very nice options to share your images on the web have been added to the old version of Film Loop.
Check it out if you haven't already done so!
FilmLoop [ official website ]

P.S. Click on the loop above and a slide show will open with larger images.

Meet the neighbor

2007-06-02T21:34:00.001-07:00

Whoa, this was very scary. The other day, Silke and I met a "local neighbor"...

Movie Night: North By Northwest

2007-05-26T09:04:00.000-07:00

Last Remaining Seats is a program run by the LA Conservancy: Watch a classic movie in one of LA's historic movie theatres!

Hitchcock's North By Northwest - announced to be shown at the Orpheum - had been Sold Out for quite a bit. But thanks to Rebecca and Mike we got a chance to get inside the nicely restored movie theatre and to experience a wonderful show.

Special guests of the evening are Eva Marie Saint and Patricia Hitchcock who get interviewed by filmmaker Curtis Hanson (L.A. Confidential, 8 Mile). In additon, the legendary organist Bob Mitchell performs on the Orpheum’s original Mighty Wurlitzer organ before the show.

Learn more about North By Northwest: "Alfred Hitchcock and Cary Grant teamed up for a fourth and final time in this thriller about the cross-country pursuit of an advertising executive who is mistaken for a government agent. Considered one of Hitchcock’s best, the film gave us two iconic movie moments: the crop-dusting plane sequence, and a dramatic finale on the faces of Mt. Rushmore. Co-starring Eva Marie Saint, James Mason, and Martin Landau." Print and film still courtesy of Warner Bros. Entertainment

Gallery [ pw required ]
Last Remaining Seats [ LA Conservancy ]
Los Angeles Theatre

The Porsche Biz Aircraft & Jet Preview

2007-05-24T23:29:00.000-07:00

The AutoGallery invited to a business aircraft und jet preview event on Thursday, May 17, 2007.
Andreas and I went to see the presentation of not only the latest line of Porsche models but also a variety of business aircrafts and jets. We discovered the automobiles, planes and also boats from out- and inside.
It was perfect to have the pilot right on my side, so I got some extra explanations and gained some knowledge (only as much as a layman can absorb) about the different planes.

Gallery [ pw required ]
The AutoGallery [ official website ]
Worldwide Warbirds, Inc. [ official website ]

Chica Golf Course

2007-05-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

Sunday we decide to first practice on the driving range and then walk over Chica Golf Course (9 hole). The weather is just perfect: not too hot yet sun pure. Silke and Andre - who is holding the golf club for the very first time - join the group. Although we are losing some of our balls to the water, the overall result is very satisfying.

Gallery [ pw required ]

Coffee & Ice Cream Invite

2007-05-13T22:54:00.000-07:00

Sunday afternoon at Silke's. We were invited for coffee and delicious ice cream which was perfect on a very hot day. This occasion was a great chance to meet up with people who I hadn't seen in a very long time. Even Bjoern und Astrid (from Seattle) were there...

Gallery [ pw required ]

Mainly Golf

2007-05-13T22:00:00.000-07:00

Visitors from Germany have been "invading" Valencia for about 4 weeks now. Their daily routine has been shopping malls of all kinds, driving range, golf course, the pool, as well as hikes, movies, and test drives...

Thanks for coming. We are always happy and grateful when family incurs the long way in order to see us.

Gallery [ pw required ]

Griffith Observatory

2007-05-13T21:37:00.000-07:00

After making parking arrangements a few days in advance, Cornelia, Thomas and I went to see the renovated Griffith Observatory on April 26, 2007.

We parked the car at the Greek Theatre. From there we took the shuttle up to the observatory. Not too many people were there which made exploring the renovated and expanded site even more enjoyable. The three of us relish the new planetarium show in the new equipped planetarium. New exhibits, a gift shop, and a cafeteria - Café at the End of the Universe are in situ.

It is worth a trip. Don't forget to make parking reservations. There are three parking locations offering shuttle service.

Note: The site - Griffith Park - probably doesn't look too good right now after the recent fire. So you may wanna wait with your visit a "few" days.

Gallery [ pw required ]
Griffith Observatory [ official website ]

Long time ago

2007-05-13T21:11:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time since my last post. Lots happened: I have had visitors from Germany, a good amount of work orders coming in, concerts that had been on the calendar for months, ect. Lots of good things and just no time for posts.

Now, get ready for updates and pictures of the last few weeks!

Congratulations!

2007-04-03T15:09:00.000-07:00

It's been a year since Uli stopped smoking. I am so proud of him being able to stay away from those cancer sticks. He sure had (and still has) a very taff time...

L.A. Marathon: I Did It

2007-03-05T14:56:00.000-08:00

Oh my gosh, I DIT IT! I still can't believe I indeed crossed the finishing line after running 42 km/ 26.2 mi

At mile 20 I was dying and had my doubts ever reaching the destination although I was almost done: "only" 10 more kilometers to go. I was ready to just walk the rest but quickly realized that the pain was even worse (my calve and hip muscles were very much exhausted). So I continued running. At mile 25 I asked another runner whether we already completed the 25th mile or whether we still have to run it. The guy ensured me that we only had to go 1.2 miles. And that gave me a whiff of energy and I started to sprint. That's a least what I thought I was doing; it didn't look like a sprint for anybody else though. Eventually, I crossed the finishing line after 04:11:12 (chip time) ~ which I think is a wonderful result for a first marathon run.

Results
Overall place: 2286 of 20221
All female: 397 of 7830
Division place (35-39): 67 of 1007
[ place results may still change slightly ]
- - - - Pace: 9:35 - - - -
3 blisters
A huge amount of muscle pain in my calves.
Zero knee problems (remember: my knees where my biggest concern)

Mara (experienced marathon runner) and Jan (first time marathon) accompanied me that day. They finished in astonishing times:
Mara: 03:40:24 | overall: 764 | all female: 101
Jan: 03:46:35 | overall: 970 | all male: 839

Gallery [ pw required ]
Check results [ official marathon site ]
Course [ animated map ]

L.A. Marathon: Runner's Log

2007-03-03T23:37:00.000-08:00

November 2006
After missing the Valencia Half-Marathon, I make the huge decision to participate in the LA Marathon in March 2007. I always said I would never run this distance, for in my eyes a 42 km run just doesn't seem to be a healthy distance at all. Nevertheless, I registered for it.

January 2007
My trainings volume has increased. The more I train the less I think I will reach the finishing line. This distance just seems to be too long. But the idea of being in the middle of the crowd makes me then stronger.

December 2007
For Christmas I get a membership in a sports club. My training can continue despite the weather changes. Wonderful.

February 2007
The date comes closer and I feel I am not ready for the big race yet. I am not feeling too good at all. For two weeks I have had the feeling I am getting sick - a cold or so... I need to cut my training in order to avoid any longer interruptions.

February 25, 2007
The last week of training has started. The training runs are shorter. I try to relax and still recover. I have already started a list with all the things I need to do and get for the race day.

Thursday, March 1, 2007
Today is my last day of training. I am going to run 3 miles and focus on stretching.

Friday, March 2, 2007 @ 11.14 pm
I have already picked up my runner's package including chip and bib for the race on Sunday. I am really getting more and more nervous. Only one more day before the huge challenge is awaiting me.

Saturday, March 3, 2007 @ 10.35 pm
Gosh, I am really nervous although there is not need to be nervous about anything.

Family Tree - Geni

2007-03-03T22:01:00.000-08:00

For quite some time now I have been looking for a good program that helps me create a family tree. And the other day I stumbled across this cool server based program which lets me build my personal family tree - FOR FREE.

Geni - everyone's related
No need to download a program. All the information sits right on a server. You only need to create an account by clicking on the provided link above. Or get invited from a family member; then, sign-in by using the link above.

One of the wonderful things is I can invite my family to participate in collecting all the information. Each person has his or her own profile page including images and IM contacts. Every family member can add people and information. This way it is a lot easier to get all the information together, for everybody remembers and knows different facts. The program has different view options that make it easy to see the realationships between people. The tree can grow forever - which makes me think "everyone's related".

It is really one of my biggest wishes to get as much family history together as possible. We never think about the fact that at one point important sources may not be available any more... Thus, I really needed to get started; I just wasn't sure how I should start getting all facts in one pot. That problem seems to be solved... Lets hope my family will be as excited as I am right now!!!

Metrolink to L.A.

2007-02-25T14:58:00.000-08:00

On Saturday Feb 24, 2007 we took the Metrolink from Newhall to Union Station [ wiki. ], Los Angeles. From there the tour continued to Perishing Square and Hollywood [ wiki. ] via subway. At each stop the group walked around and visited all kinds of noted places and historic spots. This trip was very well guided by a friend who knows all about the area and history.
This class has been offered through College of the Canyons Extension program [ page 19 ]

In Germany, I was very much used to travel by public transportation, but since I came to the US - I should say to Los Angeles - I stopped taking advantage of it, for the system isn't very well developed in and around home. The more it was a pleasure to do this kind of trip on a sunny Saturday morning.
Gallery [ pw required ]

More Links:
Hollywood: Calendar of Events
Downtown Los Angeles
Bradbury Building [ wiki ]
Auto Museum, Sylmar
Cicada Restaurant, Los Angeles

The Enforcement to Switch

2007-02-13T00:48:00.000-08:00

It started all with a "you-can-if-you-want-switch" a few weeks ago. Since then there was an option to either sign-in as a New Blogger or an Old Blogger.
The old blogger would just continue signing in as always; whereas, the new blogger would have to open an account with Google. In addition, an old blogger had the option to switch to the so called upgraded section - means becoming a new blogger with Google. Since I didn't want this I stayed an old blogger...

But: Every time I sign-in I have to avoid accidentally switching since Blogger made it more and more complicated to stay with the old blogger account. Suddenly, there is the option: Switch or continue with old account and in small writing - if choosing option two: YOU CAN ONLY DO THIS ONCE.
Well, I did it and next time I sign-in I am forced to open a Google account in order to edit my blog at all... I thought this is really sad!!!

Six Unusual Things About Me:

2007-02-10T22:40:00.000-08:00

I've been tagged by Nancy. Thank you very much for the chance to face myself, Nancy. ... I am not really sure what to write though.

1. I am very fond of sleeping: I do love to sleep. Every morning I have a hard time getting out of the bed. And it doesn't even matter how much sleep I have gotten the night before. If I don't push myself, I wouldn't be able to get up all day long.
2. I have the wonderful ability to mix up left and right - think and say right but show left. So in my head it's completely in order but my hands would show the opposite. I have to really concentrate to get it right which never happens the first time.
3. I don't like untidiness at home: At home everything has to be in order and clean. I am very picky about how things are placed and turned. Every time somebody else, say a maid, takes care of the cleaning, I go through each room and rearrange most to all of the objects - 'cause they are not in the right spot and angle. Funny part: I absolutely don't mind how it looks at someone else's place. I wouldn't even notice whether everything is nice and clean or in disorder.
4. However, I am very messy each time I stay at a hotel. My stuff is usually spread all over the room and I wouldn't mind if room service just skips my room. The mess gives it a more homy touch - inhabited feel. Isn't that a contradiction to No. 3? Another question arises: Am I a "messy" deep inside...or am I just crazy and don't know what I want?!
5. I am a huge friend of whodunits and all kinds of mystery stories. The more tantalizing the better. The fun is the mystery and secrets - not knowing what comes next. I also like to come up with my own theories. Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple are two of my favorites.
6. For me one of the greatest enjoyments is the joyride in a roller coaster. I am so grateful for the fact that I have Magic Mountain quasi right around the corner. X-No Limits and Scream are two of the best rides...

I hope I met everybody's expectations one way or the other.
Well, I guess all that's left is to tag four more people ~ Gauri, Bjoern, Cornelia, Thomas.

Marathon Countdown

2007-01-25T18:16:00.000-08:00

There are only 5 weeks left until I am going to face the huge challenge of running the L.A. Marathon. The more I train and the closer the date comes, the more I think this distance is infeasible for me to run!

Nevertheless, I can hardly await to plunge into the crowd of about 25,000 runners that go onto the 42-km-journey together with me. Some won't reach the finishing line - which could be me - the sky's the limit - and it is still an event one wants to participate in (at least once).

Despite all my doubts I am looking forward to March 4th and the moment I hear the starting signal which then means the beginning of the run of my life!

Official L.A. Marathon website

P.S. Btw, Mara got me the right socks (toe-socks) so that I hopefully will be untroubled by blisters...

It is Snowing in Valencia

2007-01-17T23:40:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, Jan 17, 2006, 11 am - When I look outside, I don't believe my eyes: I see hail which quickly turns into snow. Yes, it is indeed snowing. A white layer of snow is immediately covering flowerbeds, grass - even the chairs next to the Jacuzzi. I grab my camera and try to catch this unbelievable moment... Unfortunately, the actual picture is not as nice as seeing it with my own eyes...

Getty Villa

2007-01-09T14:31:00.000-08:00

On Jan 7, 2007 we got the chance to visit the Getty Villa in Malibu - almost one year after it has been re-opened to the public.

The Getty Villa was closed in 1997, six months before the opening of the Getty Center in Los Angeles. After renovation it was re-opened Jan 28, 2006. Admission is free but parking reservations are needed. Therefore, it took us almost a year to get into the Getty Villa. Astrid was so kind as to just recently check availability for tickets to the villa and got lucky...
Gallery [ p.w. required ]

Welcome to the Getty Villa:
"As an educational center and museum dedicated to the study of the arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria, the Getty Villa will serve a varied audience through exhibitions, conservation, scholarship, research, and public programs."
The Getty [ official website ]

Welcome 2007

2007-01-06T18:33:00.000-08:00

Bill and Liz hosted a wonderful Holiday Party on Dec 31, 2006 in their huge and beautiful house.

The newly formed band "The Wild Turkeys" presented some of the greatest songs. In addition there was enough time for all the Karaoke lovers to sing their favorite songs loud out. At 12 am we toasted with sparkling apple cider and -of course- champagne to say good bye to the old year and welcome 2007 !!! Happy New Year
Gallery [ pw required ]

Christmas In Germany

2006-12-30T15:07:00.000-08:00

Christmas in Germany. Pictures of how the family celebrated!
Gallery [ p.w. required ]

Christmas Eve

2006-12-24T23:57:00.000-08:00

Our Christmas Eve in USA
Gallery [ p.w. required ]

Warten aufs Christkind

2006-12-23T15:46:00.000-08:00

On Dec 22, we were invited to a game night at Astrid's and Bjoern's place. The evening's motto was "Warten aufs Christkind": While we were waiting for Christmas Eve/Day to arrive, we played a variety of entertaining board and card games to make time pass faster... I think I can say we all had a wonderful time by laughing, playing, drinking, and eating a lot. Time flew by sooooo fast...
Gallery [ p.w. required ]

Xmas Card 2006

2006-12-21T13:15:00.000-08:00

Our personal 2006 Xmas Card!

[ This year's theme is a little bit simpler, so loading time should not take too long ]

Happy Holidays ~ Merry Christmas ~ Frohe Weihnachten to you all
Xmas Card [ English version ]
Weihnachtskarte [ For the people at home ]

P.S. It is already hard to listen to myself, but having an accent on top of this makes it even worse... ; )

Feuerzangenbowle 2006

2006-12-16T20:41:00.000-08:00

"Another year is almost over?! Crazy how fast it went by. Good news - it is time for our annual Feuerzangenbowle !!! Remember? - the red hot punch with a lot of rum and sugar which's burning like hell."

We had a great time having you guys over again for our annual FZB ceremony. And I mean fun - despite the fact Uli had been sleeping in between punches... However, we are already looking forward having you guys over next year!
Gallery [ pw required ]

Registration: Full Marathon

2006-12-06T23:02:00.000-08:00

Just right on time - before December - 1st I registered for the L.A. Marathon which will be taking place in March 2007.
At this point I am not sure if this was such a great idea. I may not run at all. Problem is my knees already hurt on shorter distances so that I can hardly believe making it through 42 km. But if I start, my goal is to reach the finishing line - no matter how...* I really would love to participate in such a challenging event - to find out if I can really do it.
L.A. Marathon 2007 [ Official Site ]
Trainging Tips [ by Ingrid Kristiansen ]
Race Day: How to prepare
[ *Note: I certainly am in the middle of a training project, so I am not going into this unprepared! ]

Annual Turkey Day - tDay

2006-11-28T16:35:00.000-08:00

After moving to the US, this is the eighth year we are preparing a turkey on tDay. The first year we had only one guest; now, we are a group of nine people who are celebrating the feast together.

After enjoying delicious wine and food that we prepared or our guests kindly brought, we had fun with chating and playing parlor games, such as Uno, Jenga, and Boggle, far into the night.
We'd like thank each of our guests for making this day very special!
Gallery [ pw required ]

In Memory Of Oma Sofie

2006-10-25T16:57:00.000-07:00

All sizes, colors, patterns - she has been the master of the knitted-socks!
Oma Sofie has left us yesterday; she passed away at the age of almost 92 years. We all are going to miss her very much ~ we will never forget her.
Goodbye

Blackout+Optimization= Tragedy

2006-10-03T18:55:00.000-07:00

"Wonderful" - my computer was is the middle of an optimization run when a 30-minute-power outage struck our area.

Yesterday, a blown transformer caused not only a massive power outage in the Santa Clarita Valley but also a 4 acre fire and my computer to crash during optimization. The power is back the fire 100% contained - but my computer is still not running... :(

Blackout Leaves City Powerless [ The Signal ]

Day Fire (2)

2006-09-27T08:51:00.000-07:00

The Day Fire has been burning for the last three weeks. It already destroyed over 143,104 acres. 3,525 fire personnel are on the scene working in 12-hour shifts. 43% contained.

Update 09/28/06
Update 09/29/06 [ Cost up to $53 Mil. ] | Final Update 10/03/06 [ Day Fire fully contained ]

Nike Run Hit Remix

2006-09-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

After we successfully completed Sunday morning's race without any disturbing factors or delays**, I think we all can proudly say we did a great job. A total of 7551 runners were participating in the Nike Run Hit Remix 2006 on Sunday @ 8.30 am.

This year we arrived early and had enough time for all the "pre-race-activities" one usually has to do... We went into the race relaxed and also prepared. Mara was the fastest of our group with 36:17 min on the five mile course. Peter made it in 43:12 min; and I ran the course in 40:50 min - personal minimum time. We all enjoyed the very nice atmosphere, the music bands along the course, and the time after the race [special guests: Carl Lewis, Jason Priestly]. Results [ then click on 5 miles ]

Mara
Overall: 291 out of 7551
Genderrank: 45 out of 4238
Classrank: 13 out of 1049
Pace: 00:07:15

Peter
Overall: 1231 out of 7551
Genderrank: 889 out of 3313
Classrank: 81 out of 242
Pace: 00:08:38

Antje
Overall: 818 out of 7551
Genderrank: 182 out of 4238
Classrank: 19 out of 535
Pace: 00:08:10

**Last year we had a quite exciting race day: we almost missed the race because of a traffic jam; and after the race somebody shot at us...

Becoming Picasso

2006-09-23T23:00:00.000-07:00

Have you ever dreamt of becoming an artist? Or would you like to reach Picasso standard? ... This is the way to go: Jackson Pollock by Miltos Manetas

P.S. After opening the link, move your cursor... and every time you click on your mouse it changes color. Have fun!

A Routine Traffic Stop

2006-09-16T20:42:00.000-07:00

North on The Old Road near Stevenson Ranch Parkway (CA), a routine traffic stop turned into a major arrest when California Highway Patrol officers discovered a nearly half-ton, multimillion-dollar load of cocaine in the vehicle they had pulled over ... >> more

Read entire article [ The Signal ]
Update [ Street Code ]

Skype News For Mac

2006-09-14T11:47:00.000-07:00

September 13, the beta version of Skype 2.0.0.2 for Mac has been released. Great news: Finally video calls through skype are possible for Mac users.

I have already downloaded the new version of skype and have already successfully completed my first video call. Although it is still the beta version, I am so happy that the makers of skype have done this step. That is the feature I had been missing for so long.

System requirements:
- Mac computer with G4 800 Mhz processor or faster Mac OS X v10.3.9 Panther or newer
- 512 MB RAM
- 40 MB free disk space on your hard drive Microphone
- Suggested webcams include Apple iSight, Philips SPC900NC, or Logitech QuickCam Pro 400. Drivers for the Philips and Logitech webcams can be downloaded from http://webcam-osx.sourceforge.net/.
- Internet connection (broadband is best, GPRS is not supported for voice calls, and results may vary on a satellite connection).

Download Skype

Day Fire (1)

2006-09-12T16:19:00.000-07:00

It is the time of the year: The day fire - so named because it started on Labor Day - has started last week near Valencia/ Castaic. No homes have been threatened so far; however, yesterday the I5 freeway needed to be closed for a while, for the fire threatened to jump the freeway near Castaic.
Authorities Close Part of I-5 in Castaic in Bid to Contain Blaze
[ news article ]
Update 09/12/
Update 09/13/
Update 09/14/ [ 1,500 firefighters at work ]
Update 09/15/ [ Fire activity slowed ]
Update 09/16/ [ Costs estimated at $14.4 million so far ]
Update 09/18/ [ Fire Reaches 80,000 Acres ]
Update 09/20/ [ Day Fire still burning ]
Update 09/23/ [ Red Flag Is Up ]

I guess we have been lucky here in Valencia - up to now no smoke hasn't polluted this area although the winds keep shifting. Let's hope the fire will be contained soon. The forecasted dramatic temperature change will certainly support this so that a repetition of 2003's fire disaster will be averted.

Flashback: In October 2003 a fire threatened homes in the Santa Clarita area. The fire came as close as into the back yards of residential houses in Stevenson Ranch. Pollution caused school closures over several days. The annual marathon was cancelled due to poor air conditions in November...
Gallery: Local Fire 2003

Shift TV - German Television Online

2006-09-09T09:57:00.000-07:00

Shift TV is a personal online video recorder and therefore a wonderful opportunity to watch German TV anytime and anywhere.

Via the online TV guide one picks his or her favorite show or movie. During the official broadcast the show gets recorded and prepared for download. Shortly after the actual broadcast one can download and watch the program on the computer. Also: view the recorded broadcasts directly through the internet - no need to download it first. Required programs on the computer are Windows Media Player or QuickTime.
Shift TV [ official website ]

After I have been living abroad for quite some time, I am very fond of watching "home" television. For some reason it gives me the feeling of catching up with what is going on in "my" country. It takes away the immense distance between here and Germany and even slightly decreases home sickness!

Tagesschau Podcast

2006-09-08T13:00:00.000-07:00

I just learnt one can download a video podcast for the 8 pm German news - Tagesschau. I think that is wonderful so one doesn't have to waste time by watching only bits and pieces of it (Tagesschau.de website). Thus, if I do find the time, I prefer watching the entire broadcast of the daily news.

The following link gives you instructions how to subscribe to the Tagesschau podcast. In fact, I just searched for Tagesschau in iTunes' podcast section for it...

Instructions [ how to download the Tagesschau podcast ]
More podcasts [ German ]

Cool: Slo-Mo Home Depot Mission

2006-09-01T23:54:00.000-07:00

I recently received an email which I had neglected for a few days... A friend sent me a link to a site stating in the subject line: "COOL" ... And the email reads: "This one'll cheer you up! This is REALLY COOL! http://...."

When I eventually (in fact just a few moments ago) found the time to click on the link, I found out about the great project that about 225 people accomplished on August 17, 2006 at the Home Depot on 23rd Street in Manhattan. Take the time and check it out yourself. It is worth it:
Slo-Mo Home Depot Mission

And if you like this mission and you are up for more, visit: ImproveEverywhere

A Weekend In August

2006-08-21T17:36:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday was a very active day: we teamed up for a drive to Palmdale to start off with a round of golf at Rancho Vista Golf Course. After taking a short ice cream brake at Cold Stone, our group of four continued the trip to hike at Devil's Punch Bowl.

Gallery [ pw required ]
FYI: Department of Parks & Recreation - County of Los Angles

Roulades & Red Cabbage

2006-08-19T23:27:00.000-07:00

An evening with roulades, red cabbage, and tasty beer - a German traditional dish.

Below is the recipe for the red cabbage dish
Note: Quantity was converted into oz and lb.

Servings 4

Ingredients:
2.2 lb Red cabbage
1 Apple (Boskop)
Salt
3.4 oz Red wine vinegar
1 tblsp Butter
1 Onion
1 oz Sugar
6.8 oz Red wine (dry)
4.2 oz Vegetable stock
2.5 oz Cranberries (canned)
½ Cinnamon stick
1-2 Cloves
1 Bay leaf
Cracked pepper

Preparation:
1. Remove the outer leaves and stem of the red cabbage. Shred cabbage into a large bowl. Peel apple and cut out the inner part.
2. Add salt to the cabbage bowl as well as the red wine. Mix well and let stand for 2 hours.
3. Then, melt butter in a pot. Sauté chopped onion, grated apple, and sugar.
4. Next, add cabbage (with fluid). Stew shortly.
5. Add red wine, stock, cranberries, cinnamon stick, cloves, and bay leaf to the cabbage and mix. Simmer for about 30 minutes (lid closed).
6. Add salt and pepper. Remove cinnamon stick, cloves and bay leaf.

Alfred Schuhbeck: The raw cabbage needs to sit in the mixture of salt and vinegar for some time in order to get delicate.
Recipe source: “Das neue bayrische Kochbuch”

Gallery [ pw required ]

My Sequoia Tree Project (2)

2006-07-25T23:00:00.000-07:00

After almost three months have past, it is time for an update on my Sequoia Tree project.
At the end of May I had been able to proudly present eventually 13 Sequoia tree seedlings in my pot. Then I went on vacation...Uli was afraid of not watering enough and drowned most of them. Only one single seedling has survived. Nevertheless, this one seems to be a strong one after all. I really do hope it will make it through the currently extremely high temperatures in our area!

Read also My Sequoia Tree Project (1)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
UPDATE Aug 1st 2006: I sadly announce the last of my 13 Sequoia seedlings has died and not survived the hot weather or my care...

A Trip To Germany

2006-07-15T11:42:00.000-07:00

In June 2006, I went back home to Germany - to eventually see my family and friends. The timing was perfect, for the fact with our (including my husband) arrival the high "Ulrich" arrived as well, and the 2006 Soccer World Championships hosted by Germany started. This entailed the weather was gorgeous, everybody's mood and motivation was overwhelming; people were extremely friendly and hospitably...which I haven't seen after all the drawbacks of last years' economical changes and adjustments. All the positive concomitants made this journey an even more memorable event.

While Germany was infected by soccer fever, we traveled through the country to see as many loved ones as possible. The road trip started off in Frankfurt, to Wolfratshausen/Bavaria, Alsfeld/Hessen, over Heßloh and Detmold/NRW, and Hannover to finally end in Burgdorf/Niedersachsen. A huge Thank You to all of you for your generous hospitality. Leaving was very difficult and sad as always; gnawing homesickness will escort me for a while...

If you are a friend or family, feel free to visit the picture gallery [ pw required ].

Nike Run Hit Remix

2006-07-12T21:44:00.000-07:00

Run Hit Wonder is back as Run Hit Remix! Get ready for the amazing 5 mile race.
It promises to be a lot of fun, for one is going to experience a race with all kinds of different people, music on the side walks, and a finish line inside the LA Memorial Coliseum. Some people will even pause their race just to listen to the bands along the course. It is more a party than a serious race event.
Nike Run Hit Remix - Sept 24, 2006
Registration starts August 1st - Don't miss it!
Nike Running [ click: Events - Run Hit Remix - Los Angeles ]
Gallery [ last year's pics ]

Versiontracker

2006-05-28T22:10:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for a specific software for free or purchase? You should take a moment and search Versiontracker. There are hundreds of software programs listed from freeware over shareware to commercial.

I have already downloaded some helpful programs myself: MacTheRipper, Squint, HandBrake, and Flip4Mac... One gets reviews, feedback as well as help and bug fixes and on top: no need to be a member. Donations are welcome for freeware.
Versiontracker [ offical website ]

Riviera Maya - Mexico

2006-05-14T23:58:00.000-07:00

One week vacation in April 2006... Aventura Spa Palace positioned in the heart of the Riviera Maya where the tropical sun meets the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Pure paradise and tons of history awaited us!

Gallery [ p.w. required ]
Selection [ public ]

Hiking Trip Zion & Bryce Canyon

2006-05-10T23:59:00.000-07:00

May 4 to May 7, 2006, a group of eight went up to Zion and Bryce Canyon National Park for hiking. We stayed at the Ponderosa Ranch Resort in a beautiful huge cabin to enjoy quiet and nature. The first day we drove 444 miles north-east - away from Los Angeles. Around 1 pm the two cars arrived at Zion NP Visitor Center to check out the trail options for the next day. On day 2 the group hiked the Angles Landing trail and two other shorter trails within the Zion NP. On day 3 we went to Bryce Canyon and visited the view points up to the plateau. In addition we hiked the Queens Garden as well as the Navajo Trail. Sunday morning we played volleyball as usual; afterwards we headed home.

Gallery [ p.w. required ]
Selection [ public ]

My Sequoia Tree Project (1)

2006-05-02T15:40:00.000-07:00

February 7, 2006 I have planted Giant Sequoia seeds which I brought from my last trip to the Sequoia National Park in January. ( I also had seeds left from a year before which I also planted in a second pot)

The first three weeks I worried that this project would fail 'cause nothing had happened inside the pots. But by March 24 there were finally little changes visible. Today I counted 9 Giant Sequoia seedlings which are about 1 cm to 5.5 cm tall. (The seeds from the year before seem to be dead - nothing has happend in the second pot by today)

Note: These seeds were not collected in a national park. It is illegal to remove any natural or historic object from a national park. I bought the seeds at the Sequoia National Park museum.

Order seeds online if you don't have a chance to visit the Sequoia National Park yourself and if you like to have a Giant Sequoia in your backyard! [ type seeds into search field ]

Super Sunny Sunday - vBall Day

2006-05-01T23:49:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful day - Sunday April 30.

Finally the group came together showing 8 players in total. We had a blast by playing in the sun...sunscreen was mandetory...even a swarm of bees flew by...

Gallery

Courbet At The Getty

2006-04-27T21:29:00.000-07:00

"Courbet and the Modern Landscape" is one of the current exhibits at the Getty Center in Los Angles.

Gustave Courbet (1819-1877), French artist, inspires through his stunning landscapes. Not only the fact he drew landscapes in a time where such motives had the least value but also the kinds of compositions he created and techniques he used were revolutionary for this time. He didn't follow "rules" instead he drew what he saw. It didn't take him days or months to complete a painting; he completed a piece in about 2 hours. Yet the results are wonderful, beautiful art work!

Courbet Exhibit continues until May 14, 2006 at the Getty Center
Read more on Courbet
[ Above picture is borrowed from getty website ]

You won't regret ... FilmLoop

2006-03-25T20:25:00.000-08:00

I just stumbled over FilmLoop after I started eventually reading my NAPP newsletter from December 2005: Get in the Loop with New FilmLoop...
You may aksed what it is: FilmLoop is a free photocasting network (PC and Mac). It lets you share and broadcast photos with family, friends, and others. You don't have to send huge email attachments or have to create a web photo gallery in order to share your new pics with your loved ones. FilmLoop will take care of it. You can create as many FilmLoops as you want and other people can even add photos (or download) from their side if the "starter" allows this action.
See a quick tour here

I am really excited to test how it all goes and works. So I have already set up my "First Loop Ever" *** and will now try to find some "members" who would like to join my photo network... If you have already started and got some results and experience, please let me know your thoughts and opinion.
[*** If you do not have the player yet, you will be guided through the installation of the player]

Download software
Get public FilmLoops
Find answers on the FilmLoop blog

Whoa: Environment Protection Breakthrough

2006-03-23T10:38:00.000-08:00

As of February 2006, residence of California are required to recycle common household items that are deemed hazardous to people and the environment. Households and small businesses had been granted a four year exemption which ended Feb 9, 2006.
Press Release
Since Feb 9, 2006 residents of California may not toss any universal waste products in the trash under the law. Failure to properly dispose of any universal waste product pursuant to the law may subject the resident to fines and penalties.
zerowaste.ca.gov

[ Throwing away a single aluminum can, versus recycling it, is like pouring out six ounces of gasoline ]

In 1999, when I moved here, I was very much shocked about the fact that all trash goes in one and the same bin! Where I come from each household has at least three different garbage containers. #1 for organic garbage; #2 for so called "green dot" material (material marked with a recycling symbol - translated as green dot); #3 for all remaining trash that cannot be assigned to a certain "trash category". Moreover, paper of all kinds have to be disposed separately; glass and aluminum cans can be returned to the store for a fair refund (money which ones pays on top of the actual purchase price first - around 50 cents per item). And of course all the trash which belongs into the hazardous category needs to be disposed at certain locations. Some cities even make residents pay for the weight of trash they produce. (Weighing trash at pick-up via micro chips placed on the garbage container).

After I have been been drilled in waste separation for the last 15 to 20 years, you may now be able to imagine that it has been terrifying for me to just toss all trash in one container: Organic leftovers go with batteries, plastic, and medication in one huge pool...

[ Every Sunday 500,000 trees could be saved if everyone recycled their newspapers ]

In Germany, the most important rule is: Don't bring home "garbage" in the first place: People leave certain packaging material already in the stores; whereas the stores have to provide according waste bins. Consumer bring boxes, fabric bags or may even reuse plastic bags to carry groceries home. Stores provide plastic bags for a price of 25 cents per piece, so you better bring some kind of container to get your stuff home...

Why Recycle and Statistics
[ You could watch more than two and half hours of television programming with the energy saved from recycling one
aluminum can ]

Although I think the whole recycling topic is way overdone in my country, I am glad that people here start putting more emphasis on the environmental protection. To be honest, the very little things can already make a huge difference. And it is really time to start protecting and to stop unnecessary damaging.

What you can do:
1. Separate hazardous waste from the rest (Batteries, computer monitors, cell phones, television, fluorescent light bulbs, material/objects contain mercury, radios, video cassette recorder, microwave ovens contain lead, cadmium, chromium, and copper.
2. Try to avoid producing trash by reusing plastic bags.
3. Separate waste if according containers are provided - Recycling programs have been started in many locations (e.g. at college, Whole Foods Market, - check your companies)
4. Recycle (see list for materials that can be used for recycling: What to recycle
5. Buy recycled
6. Making every day earth day! Stay informed and up to date

Related links:
Earth 911 Very informative site
Environmental Services Santa Clarita
Where to recycle [ search by zip code ]

US Chess Championship 2006

2006-03-15T22:55:00.000-08:00

The US Chess Championship took place March 2-12, 2006 in San Diego, CA. The two finalists were Alexander Onischuk vs. Yury Shulman. Eventually, Alexander Onischuk went home with $25,000 more in his pockets.

Not that I know anything about chess, but I went to San Diego to watch the championships anyway. Well, I did it just for and with my husband who really likes and enjoys the game. I will never understand what makes this game so interesting for him and all the others who spend hours in front off a board - predicting what the next move of the opponent might be. For me it was interesting in a different way: watching people, taking pictures, reading players' profiles, and enjoying the city...

Offical US Chess Championship Site
Osetra - the fishhouse [ very good seafood restaurant ]

Nothing New

2006-03-09T13:55:00.000-08:00

Nothing new or exciting happened lately. That's the reason why I haven't posted anything new so far. Right now, I am working on re-designing my farbvergnuegen.com website. I am struggling a lot, for I came up with a new look, but at this point am already tired of the "new" layout. I am wondering if I should just go through with it and use it or if I indeed should start from scratch...

Snow Chaos in Southern Germany

2006-03-05T10:42:00.000-08:00

On February 11th, I have already mentioned that Germany had received a huge amount of snow this winter. Today it seems that this was just the start of a nightmare, for it has gotten even worse within the last few days. Last night, Munich for instance has undergone one of the strongest snow falls in years.

Although the scenery looks beautiful - clean and peaceful - this great amount of snow brings a lot of problems. Roof tops threaten to break under the weight - entire houses are even vanished. Streets cannot be freed from the white layer which makes it impossible for people to reach their work place - public transportation is unavailable. Ski season has been interrupted, for the fact that there is too much snow - so far 4 meters (158 in) of snow have been reported at the "Feldberg". Right now it seems there isn't any easing of tension to be expected.

Gallery [ tagesschau.de ]

Skype Movies

2006-03-02T01:48:00.000-08:00

Why you should start sharing... Skype provides four short movies on this topic and the motto is Sharing is good!
Movies
Check out Skype

Gallery News

2006-02-20T01:24:00.000-08:00

Finally, I got my latest photo project done. It is a collection of pictures that I made in January: the tour starts in Hollywood, continues on the road by driving to the Grand Canyon National Park, Hoover Dam, Las Vegas, Los Angles Harbor, Sequoia National Park...
The Public Gallery can be visited by everybody, whereas the Private Gallery can only be accessed with the required password. Enjoy!

Note: All pictures are copyrighted

Blog Statistics

2006-02-18T00:41:00.000-08:00

I think it is very interesting to see if anybody at all is actually visiting my blog. But it is even more interesting to see that my blog is seen all over the world (see statistics on the left). It's not really my intention to get world wide attention since my blog is more for family and friends, but is is nice to see that information gets spread so far. At the same time it makes me think that I should be much more careful in what I am writing and how much I am writing... It is scary to realize how easily information gets spread...

Beach Volleyball - Santa Monica

2006-02-14T17:59:00.000-08:00

The weather forecast for the weekend was very promising, so we finally made it to the beach on Saturday. A great group of people came together to "battle" in and with the sand. Everybody had lots of fun, fresh air and great workout.

Gallery

Blog vs. Website

2006-02-13T18:00:00.000-08:00

People ask: What is a blog? What is the difference to a website? Here are some thoughts and facts that I found and that aren't a secret:

A blog is a weblog where content gets updated on a regular basis. It displays in reverse chronological order. To avoid confusion with server log, weblog was named blog. A blog is in fact one page with monthly archiving. It needs to be updated with new content periodically; otherwise, people will lose interest in it.

Wikipedia definition
Definition of blog on the web
Tutorials by Jennifer [ A very interesting blog that defines blog and explains from scratch how to create your own blog ]

Whereas, a website is a collection of web pages. The first page of a website is called home page. A website has a defined domain name (address) on the world wide web. Websites basically aren't updated as often as blogs, they stand more for longer lasting information - certainly depending on their actual purpose.

Wikipedia definition
Definition of website on the web

I don't want to write more about what has already been written. Thus, if you are interested in more details, please feel free to visit one of the suggested links above, or type-in "blog" or "website" in Google search!

Germany Covered In White

2006-02-11T11:32:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I just heard about the great deal of snow in Germany. Today I got photographs sent from all sides. It is amazing what's going on there right now. They have even called the state of emergency in some areas due to very strong snow falls. Everybody is active to fight the huge amount of "white" which blocks streets, threatens housetops to break and which already predicts incoming floods the moment the temperatures will rise.

Picture above: My brother's car is the one on the right! Can you see it?

Official Photographs [ BR-Online/Feb 11 ]

Papa Goes Global

2006-01-28T23:59:00.000-08:00

It took him six years to finally find his way to LA!

My father and I spent two nice weeks together after we haven't seen each other for a very long time. During his stay we visited a lot of very nice and interesting places: Hollywood, Long Beach, Beverly Hills, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Hoover Dam, Sequoia National Park...

Time went by too fast and he has already left for Germany today - fortunately, the memories will stay!

Gallery [pw required] NEW

Happy New Year

2006-01-01T13:00:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year - Frohes Neues Jahr
I hope each of you had a smooth transition into 2006. May all you wishes come true and personal goals be accomplished within the next twelve upcoming months.

Gallery [pw required]

Last Day Of The Year: Dinner For One

2005-12-31T00:00:00.000-08:00

Today is the last day of the year!
This is a very special day, for one can say: I will take care of 'this or that' next year and in fact means tomorrow. Moreover, one can set new personal goals for the upcoming year. Or one can watch Dinner For One - a very popular short movie (18 minutes) shown every year on New Years Eve (in Germany)...

Dinner for One, also known as The 90th Birthday, or by its corresponding German title, Der 90. Geburtstag, is a comedy sketch written by British author Lauri Wylie for the theatre in the 1920s. German television station Norddeutscher Rundfunk (NDR) recorded a performance of the piece in 1963, in its original English language. This short comical play subsequently went on to become the most frequently repeated TV programme ever (according to the Guinness Book of Records, 1988-1995 eds.; later editions no longer have the category). [Wikipedia] Read more

Einleitung [Deutsch - Video: 2:00 Minuten]
Compliments by Mr. Winterbottom [English - Video: 2:15 minutes]
Dinner For One - NDR: Hintergrund, Geschichte. Fotos und Rezepte [Deutsch]

Last but not least,
HAPPY NEW YEAR - GUTEN RUTSCH INS NEUE JAHR!

Xmas Pre-Dinner

2005-12-29T22:13:00.000-08:00

The day before Christmas Eve we were invited to Valma&Thomas' place for dinner, darts, and 'drumming'. I think I can speak for everybody and say that we all had a wonderful time!
A huge thank you to the hosts.
Gallery [ pw required ]
Movies [ .avi format ]

Xmas Card 2005

2005-12-21T11:31:00.000-08:00

Our 2005 Xmas Card to you!

Note: Loading may take a few seconds depending on your connection speed.

Tip: Hover over the pictures and enjoy.

Merry Christmas [or] Happy Holidays - whatever you prefer these days, have a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year!

Feuerzangenbowle

2005-12-15T09:24:00.000-08:00

The temperatures are freezing, the chimneys are smoking in the cold, the snow is covering the landscape in solid white, and a delicious smell of fresh-baked cookies is sneaking out of homes. This is the time of Christmas and the time of hot wine punch.

In Germany one calls the wine punch 'Feuerzangenbowle' which is nothing else than burnt punch or flaming fire tongs punch: A sugar loaf is placed above a pot filled with hot red wine, lemons, oranges, cinnamon sticks, and some cloves. One soaks the sugar with rum (50% alcohol) and then lights the rum-sugar combination. The sugar drips (burns) into the spiced wine mixture. This is the cozy part, for everybody is gathering around the fire and enjoys the warmth - waiting for the sugar to be completely melted into the hot wine. Finally, the punch is ready to be served and enjoyed.

Ingredients:
3 bottles of dry red wine (same brand for best results)
1 sugar loaf
2 cups of at least 50% Rum (drip over the sugar)
1 orange (or more)
1 lemon
1 cinnamon stick
3 cloves

My husband and I made it a tradition to make a 'Feuerzangenbowle' every year around Christmas time. Usually friends are coming over - enjoying this event as much as we do (at least I hope). Although we have been living in Southern California where the strong winters are missing, we keep up with this wonderful rite.

Gallery [ pw required ]
Flaming Fire Tongs Punch [ English ]
...The drink, the movie, the cult [ English ]
Pfeiffer mit drei F [ zum Film - deutsch]

Santa Monica-Venice Xmas Run

2005-12-08T11:44:00.000-08:00

One more challenge before the end of the year - the 5K Christmas Run in Santa Monica/ Venice ... in order to see whether there has been any improvement concerning my running skills/endurance or not.

I did my first race in March 2005 - the LA 5K Walk & Run which I finished in 29:56 minutes. Now, nine months later I finished the 5K run in 24:23 minutes. For my personal record it is a very satisfying progression. And I can already say that I won't be able to keep this progression consistent for the upcoming year...Nevertheless, I'll keep running.

Thanks to Mara and Klaus for joining me for this adventure! I hope you guys are not too disappointed that there weren't the elves and Santa Clauses we had expected?! - the only reason we indeed went there. Instead we had the best weather one could wish on a December day: 80 degree F, sunny, no wind.

Christmas Run website

24 - 4th Season

2005-12-06T22:00:00.000-08:00

Waiting is over, 24 the fourth season is finally on Dvd. Now it's time to get sucked into the drama and action of Jack Bauer's "new adventures" - and that without any commercial breaks!

Fox started broadcasting the 4th season of 24 in January 2005; 18 months after Jack Bauer helped stop a biological attack on the United States. The CTU team has been almost completely replaced with new faces. The first hour starts with an attack on the Secretary of Defense - James Heller...And that's only the beginning of twenty-three more packing episodes.

I am eager to see if a fourth season can really be that interesting and thrilling, and if it can beat the previously shown. 24's first season was so amazing, for it's fast paced interaction accomplished through persistent location switches, the fact that one observes one to four screens all the time, the idea of permanent plot changes, and a free camera movement with up to four different view angles.

I just started watching...

Parsifal

2005-12-03T11:59:00.000-08:00

Seeing Plácido Domingo on stage was a must; but seeing him in Parsifal was a challenge, for the opera is 4 hours and 34 minutes long!

But we did it anyway. I am not much of an opera classicist, but I have to admit the music has been wonderful. Richard Wagner wrote a "dream" of music which is more than just superb and terrific - it's impossible to put it into words...
Music samples

Robert Wilson's interpretation of this master piece is unique, for he puts emphasis on little or slow motion to no motion at all. This creates an even larger awareness and dramatic of motion on the stage. The props and costumes are "simple" almost abstract with an Asian touch. The stage's scenery is supported by great lighting effects.

It seemed falling asleep once in a while was part of today's opera visit. One could observe listeners' heads dropping down - even a snoring here and there was present. But not because it was boring, it was because the music makes people dream!

Synopsis [English] - Synopsis [Deutsch]

[Experience it at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Los Angeles/CA until December 17, 2005]

Do you know what Advent means?

2005-12-01T01:19:00.000-08:00

Advent derives from the Latin word "adventus" and means "arrival". It refers to the period of preparations for the celebration of the Nativity - the "arrival" - of Christ, whose birthday the Christians celebrate on December 25th.

The idea of the Advent calendar is to increase anticipation before Christmas (24 days to be exact). It has been known for the last 100 years - shape, size, content has changed over the time. There are the most creative and amazing calendars out there. People try to find new ways and ideas to convey the message of Advent.

Today, we are allowed to open the first door, window, or whatever needs to be open on/at/in our Advent calendar. I got one from Starbucks and I have to admit it's not the most creative one I have ever had, but it's serving the purpose.

If you still like to get one - pick an Advents calendar right here!

1. WasIstWas Adventskalendar [Deutsch]
2. Mathematik Adventskalendar [Deutsch]
3. 24 Leckere Plätzchenrezepte [Deutsch]
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4. 25 fun filled days of suprises [English]
5. North-Pole [English]
6. BBC - Religion&Ethics [English]
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7. Perl Advent Calendar [English]

I am glad I'm not a turkey!

2005-11-29T22:30:00.000-08:00

Nevertheless, I really like turkey - especially for Thanksgiving...

We had a rather untraditional version of celebrating tDay due to the fact that not one token American joined our feast and the dishes were not what you (means Americans) would expect on a Thanksgiving table. As expected, Uli the Chef did a great job in preparing the turkey and a delicious herbal soup. Valma made a yummy sweet potato side dish, and Mara was responsible for the best dessert in town. The red cabbage/ potato dumpling-feast took place at the Schroeder's residence where celebrations went on until 1.30 a.m.

Gallery [ pw required ]

Hiking Towsley Canyon

2005-11-12T14:40:00.000-08:00

On Thursday an email from Peter proposed a hike at Towsley Canyon on Saturday morning. He promised it would be an easy/moderate hike through the local Santa Clarita mountains. A group of very motivated people confirmed right away.

Ed Davis Park in Towsley Canyon is a fairly easy to reach recreational area for walkers, hikers, runners, and bicyclers. Especially in spring it must be a very beautiful scenery. At the top - half way - one has a great view over the Santa Clarita Valley. During the hike one will pass shaded areas, water streams, beautiful flowers, and mountain lions (just kidding). But they are around and you should be aware of their presence.

Our group took the 6.47 miles (about 10 km) round trip in about 3 hours including a 20-minute-break at the top. We had a wonderful time hiking, observing, and talking...

Details: Ed Davis Park in Towsley Canyon
Nov 12 2005 @ 9:45 am: Gallery [ pw required ]

Become An Audioblogger

2005-11-09T22:41:00.000-08:00

Well, this is really great. I have just set up my very first audio blog. From now on, I can record messages while I am shopping, waiting at the car wash, or while I am on the road exploring the wild, wide world.

The set up is fairly easy: You need to have a blog, then you go to Audioblogger and complete three easy steps. After that you are ready to post your first audio message on the web!

Posting a message: You call a certain number [415.856.0205] from any phone, enter your primary number, enter your pin, and record your message. Changes are possible on the fly. The message is available right after you hang up.

Schluff Goes Audio

Example:

Rolling Stones - You Rock!

2005-11-09T14:46:00.000-08:00

Despite the fact I am not an obsessive Rolling Stones fan, I was looking forward to Nov 8 and seeing the Rolling Stones rocking at the Hollywood Bowl. I am lucky to say I was a witness of the sold out Stones' "A Bigger Bang" show. After more that four decades of rocking together, these "old guys" presented quite a performance. I have been impressed by the high level of energy the band presented while listening and dancing to the favorites of Get Off My Cloud, Satisfaction, You Can't Always Get What You Want, Start Me Up, Honky Tonk Women, and Sympathy For The Devil.

The weather forecast predicted rain for Tuesday, so there was a certain amount of fear that I may have to stand in Section P2 Row 15 Seat 119 in the wet watching Mike Jagger doing his self-mythologizing sidekicks. But the later the evening the greater the insurance that it would stay dry and the fireworks would make the Bigger Bang Party even bigger.

Summary: You missed somthing!

Race Day: Santa Clarita 1/2 Marathon

2005-11-06T23:00:00.000-08:00

It's 5:13 am. I just got up after a very restive night. I am so nervous - wasn't able to practice the last week, for I felt 'sick' all week long. I don't feel ready for this race...
7:00 am - the race starts right around the corner on McBean Pkwy - 21 km / 13.1 mi to go.
9:01 am (2:01:51 later) I pass the finishing line. Juchuuuuuuuuuuuu. Thanks Mara and Björn that you both kept me company and cheered my up over the entire race - especially towards the end. I indeed did it and ran my first 21 km - Half Marathon!
10:00 am after some stretching and taking a shower, we meet at Peet's Coffee to have some coffee and cake - getting ready for our weekly Sunday volleyball match...
Event Link - Results
Half Marathon Gallery [ pw required ]
Volleyball Gallery [Pictures of today's volleyball game]

C-C-Currywurst

2005-11-02T22:53:00.000-08:00

I just received an email providing a link to a short movie: Take a few - actually 23 minutes - and watch the movie. You'll learn a lot about Currywurst, German culture and the real Berliner...
Movie

Tongue Twister

2005-10-31T15:00:00.000-08:00

Three witches watch three Swatch watches.
Which witch watches which Swatch watch?

SCARY HALLOWEEN !

Flowers For Me

2005-10-25T17:41:00.000-07:00

The other day my husband came home and brought some flowers along. I was so surprised that I didn't believe he got them for me. I am not sure what I was believing... Finally, he convinced me - it was a thank you for some work I did two days earlier. The work wasn't a big deal, but the beautiful flowers from him were a big deal for me... Thank you so much.

Half Marathon Preparation

2005-10-17T12:04:00.000-07:00

Gosh, only three more weeks to go - I am in the middle of my training series that I started 2.5 weeks ago. Right now, I am afraid I made a precipitate decision in regards to my half marathon participation. Well, at least I can say: I try my best - I train as much as I can ... up to spilling blood!

Emergency Landing On 5 Freeway

2005-10-11T22:42:00.000-07:00

This morning I learnt that a small airplane had made an emergency landing on the freeway near the McBean Parkway exit in Valencia on Monday afternoon. Ups...
Details - Images - Video

The Whole World Can Talk For Free - Skype

2005-10-08T16:37:00.000-07:00

Eventually I signed up for Skype (Check out Skype). Great way to talk to people all over the world - You can talk to anyone over the Internet for FREE - You can call a regular phone for fairly inexpensive rates. Instant messaging is included as well.
For me it is a great opportunity to talk to my family in Germany and my friends in Italy. All I needed is a headset (speakers or USB phone); I downloaded the software @ skype.com (Mac+Win), bought some SkypeOut credit (10 Euro), and then I was ready to go.
Rates to all destinations (calling a regular phone)

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Update Alina

2005-10-07T18:09:00.000-07:00

Alina is constantly growing and learning...and I was told she is fond of eating - which is good. This way she gets strong and stays healthy. I really do think she is very cute.