Looking In The Mirror

As I look into the mirror I can tell that the holidays were good. I’ve eaten and drank too much and am in desperate need of a resolution. So, here I go again. Sport, diet and no alcohol for the next couple of months with hopes to take off a few kilos. I do this every year and it works. I get busy and feel good again after a few short weeks.

The real problem is maintaining this standard and continuing to lose weight and getting even healthier. Another few months and I would be lean again, not just less round. My blood pressure would go down for good and I would feel great. So why don’t I ever do this? Why do I always fall back into the trap? I put blame, like everyone else, on time. I never have enough time. What a lie; I could easily continue the regime. It’s only a short, tough forty-five minutes a day. I’m weak! Yes, it’s sad, I’m a non-disciplined wimp! But not this year, no, this year I plan to go all the way. Not just a quick fix but the full Monty!

So cross your fingers everyone and wish me luck. I’m on my way to a healthy- long life.

Chris

Terror in India

This whole terror thing in India has got me angry. Especially the fact that a young girl and her father were killed. What did that girl ever do to anyone? Another innocent life lost to fundamentalist jerks!

I am impressed with the Indian special forces. They got in fast and have been beating the hell out of the perpetrators. Good for them!

As I think about the last couple of days I find it sad that now India; a place we wanted to visit with the children, is no longer safe. Slowly but surely the options for exotic vacations and safe locations is thinning.

This is a sad week for the free world.

Chris

I 've been an apple fan for years. Apple has been on the cutting edge of user friendly hardware and software since the eighties. Their Notebooks have been especially dear to me and I have enjoyed owning one for some time now. They seem to have a certain natural feel about them that other manufacturers just can quite attain.

I recently had the new Macbook in my greedy mits and loved the feel of the thing. It just seemed to fit. I think Apple have achieved a level of ergonomics above and beyond the other noteboook manufacturers. If you're thinking about picking up a notebook in the near future, have a look at the new Macbook.

They have a stunning new design that is very robust and light. Their new glass led screens are to die for.

Have a look and be amazed!

Chris

Lego Star Wars: The complete Saga

My two boys just love this game. I'm not sure how many of you have children, or for that matter play games yourself (this ones great for adults too) but this game is recommended. I am so impressed with the puzzles and game play. We are playing it on our Wii and there is a coordination factor to take into consideration.

If you're looking for a great gift to place under the tree for the whole family, this is the one. If you don't have the Wii, I love it and you should have a look.

I hope I helped with your Christmas shopping a teensy bit.

All hail Lego !

Chris

The Dust Has Settled

Now that the dust is settling, I thought I’d say my peace on the election. With such a media frenzy and, our little Blogosphere just bristling with election pieces I waited for a bit.

As I think about this election, my first question is, am I happy with the results? The answer is, not really. I don’t like Beiden and never have. So the idea of him as a Vice President does not appeal to me. I am also not a McCain fan, so this was and odd election. One where I was undecided for quite some time.

The nation definitely wanted change. I think many a voter truly had a quiet agenda to vote this way and not talk about it much. I am not happy with some of Obama’s associations of the past and am uncertain of his experience.

This all leaves me with an uneasy feeling for the future of the US. I am optimistic none the less. The American people made a decision and I support it. We the people have the power to make a difference, and I am sure Obama and his cadre know this and will do the right thing.

So we step into the future head held high, brave and sure.

Good luck and godspeed America. You decided; thats what’s important.

Whats The Status?

I haven’t been a posting machine this week and will try and step the pace up soon. The new job is good but has a steep learning curve. I have been honing my German and have spent the last few days translating technical documents from German to English.

Being a native English speaker saps your energy when working in a pure German environment. Don’t get me wrong, I no longer have to translate when speaking the language. I do think, and sometimes even dream in German. But in the technology environment there are literally thousands of technical terms you need to know and know well. I’m in management and attend many senior level meetings, and that’s when the jargon starts flying.

There are so many abbreviations for hundreds of departments, (the firm employs 240,000 worldwide) applications, tools and more. Not only do the abbreviations fly around, but country codes and other things too. Fact is, no matter how knowledgeable you are you’ll have to learn the structure, processes and procedures of the company first. You learn these and learn them fast; you’ll survive, and be successful.

Now I tend to have a knack for this kind of thing and can traverse my way around big organizations rather well. So if I miss a few posts, don’t despair. Once I get settled here in my new job I plan to try and get back to the regular three to four posts a week.

To all you loyal readers out there, Thanks. Thanks for the nice mails and thanks for hanging out with me in my little spot on the web.

Chris

Barrelhouse Jazz Gala continued

You could probably feel the excitement in my last post, good news, the show was truly wonderful. The Barrelhouse opened with some smooth classic tunes from Jelly Roll Morton and continued to entrance the audience into the night.

The beauty of the Gala is the moderation from Reimer Von Essen. He opens each classic tune with brief history of the song and its composer. He does this with such verve, it immediately sets a nostalgic, almost romantic atmosphere. Most of classic tunes are wonderfully arranged by Horst “Morsch” Schwarz, lead trumpet. In each piece you can hear the patient-care he takes to retain the original piece yet ensure the Barrlehouse flair is there too. Damn good.

The younger members (sadly a couple orig. members have passed away) Jan Luley (piano) and Michael Ehret (percussion) and Roman Kloeker, (Guitar, Banjo) bring a fresh buzz and beat to the cultured talent of the original members. Jan’s pianos solo’s and rolling rag time sound offer much to the Barrelhouse. Technically, Michael’s percussion work was almost flawless. He could come-out a bit more though. (Did I say that?)

The Gala was littered with great guests from the US. One such guest was the amazing 81 year old talent Red Holloway. Red comes from the roots of the American jazz scene in Chicago and has played with Billy HolidayMuddy Waters, Chuck Berry, Redd Foxx, Aretha Franklin,a nd many others. During this same period, he also played road tours with Memphis Slim and Lionel Hampton.

http://www.redholloway.com/

Next up was Gene “the mighty flea” Connors, famous for his virtuoso trombone. His subtle swing and warm voice rang the opera and engaged the us all. Gene 78, played with Ray Charles, Tina Turner, Lionel Hampton and Count Basie and is a charming talented musician with air of dignity.

http://fotowelt.chip.de/k/menschen-portraits/prominente/gene_conners/101944/

To be continued: