News Briefs
OK, a quick round-up of what's been going on in the world of late.
Firstly, and most importantly, the EU is redefining the definition of an island !!! According to the new proposals, an island is no longer an island
1) When there are less than 50 permanent residents
2) If it is less than a kilometre from the mainland
3) If it is attached the mainland by a bridge
4) If it contains the capital of an EU state
So, following these new regulations, hundreds of Scottish islands would cease to exist, Lundy (where I went on holiday in September) would become an inhabited rock and the United Kingdom would also lose it's island status !!!
I would just add that this reaffirms my opinion of Europe...
A interesting twist on the old Nigerian email scam, if you receive an email from George Bush asking if you can help him out financially with an oil venture, have a good laugh at the information it contains, as you (if you live in the USA) are already paying the sums requested.
Another IT related newsbite is that a new strain of an SQL-worm has been slowing down the internet over the weekend (so that's why the connection in Hechtsheim is so bad...). The way around it? - update your SQL Server software.
Ever wanted a US Department of Defence military website? Well, now you can, in addition to being able to create any account or domain name you like, you can also alter those of other people as well. Visit The Register for the full story.
On Saturday a tube train came off it's rails in London, injuring 30 people (there were 800 people on board at the time). Reading the accounts, it sounds quite scary.
Okay, now that you're aware of what's happening in the outside world, you can return to your cosy bed...
Bye
Monday, January 27, 2003
Monday, January 20, 2003
Time flies when you're having fun
I can't believe the date of my last posting. Is it really that long ago??? Well, I suppose I have the excuse that in my previous update I put up a huge number of photos...
So what has happened since then? Let's see what I can remember. Jordi is now in his experimental week, but his bosses still ignore him. I am slowly getting some way with my project, despite my boss never being around. Friday night saw the bar taken over by the spanish again, with a great selection of music, most of us managed to drink a bit as well. Finishing at about two thirty in the morning, those of us still awake (Pepe and Lourdes) went back to my place and watched "Fallen" on my DVD with surround sound. Mmmmm. You wouldn't have guessed that Lourdes doesn't like horror films, except if you lived within three blocks, because when she screams...she screams !!
The other night I managed to cook up a little dinner for a few of us, based on a dish from the southern states of America. I presume it went down quite well...
Having brought over some typical English Christmas food, I managed to serve up an amazing burning Christmas Pudding with Custard, followed another day by Mince Pies. All those that like sultanas enjoyed it (not pointing the finger at Jordi at all :)
Saturday night saw the Mojito Party in the flat of Ramsy and Jorge. Amongst the five-litre barrel of beer I brought along, we drank some nice red wine, and of course the amazing Mojitos. Another cocktail to put on my list of favourites. Of course, there wasn't any Kalimocho, but we enjoyed it none the less :)
Tonight (Sunday) a few of us went down to the TV room of Hechtsheim and watched "Y tu mama tambien". I don't know if it was because the radiator was on so high, or because of the content of the film, but myself and the people around me were definitely feeling quite hot...
Apart from that, nothing else I can remember has happened over the last week (I reserve the right to add anything I forgot later on once someone has reminded me :)
Off to get some shut-eye, goodnight
I can't believe the date of my last posting. Is it really that long ago??? Well, I suppose I have the excuse that in my previous update I put up a huge number of photos...
So what has happened since then? Let's see what I can remember. Jordi is now in his experimental week, but his bosses still ignore him. I am slowly getting some way with my project, despite my boss never being around. Friday night saw the bar taken over by the spanish again, with a great selection of music, most of us managed to drink a bit as well. Finishing at about two thirty in the morning, those of us still awake (Pepe and Lourdes) went back to my place and watched "Fallen" on my DVD with surround sound. Mmmmm. You wouldn't have guessed that Lourdes doesn't like horror films, except if you lived within three blocks, because when she screams...she screams !!
The other night I managed to cook up a little dinner for a few of us, based on a dish from the southern states of America. I presume it went down quite well...
Having brought over some typical English Christmas food, I managed to serve up an amazing burning Christmas Pudding with Custard, followed another day by Mince Pies. All those that like sultanas enjoyed it (not pointing the finger at Jordi at all :)
Saturday night saw the Mojito Party in the flat of Ramsy and Jorge. Amongst the five-litre barrel of beer I brought along, we drank some nice red wine, and of course the amazing Mojitos. Another cocktail to put on my list of favourites. Of course, there wasn't any Kalimocho, but we enjoyed it none the less :)
Tonight (Sunday) a few of us went down to the TV room of Hechtsheim and watched "Y tu mama tambien". I don't know if it was because the radiator was on so high, or because of the content of the film, but myself and the people around me were definitely feeling quite hot...
Apart from that, nothing else I can remember has happened over the last week (I reserve the right to add anything I forgot later on once someone has reminded me :)
Off to get some shut-eye, goodnight
Monday, January 06, 2003
Snow, Photos and News
No sooner than I mention the snow falling in England, and it begins to snow here in Mainz. Yes, this morning saw a cover of white of this city, but not yet deep enough to stay for long. At least it will be a novelty for the spanish looking out of their plane windows.
Finally, and with many apologies for their lateness, new photos are up. Clicking through the links on the left you will find new ones of Nurenberg, more of the Roadtrip, Fernando's Birthday, the Pizzeria, Eisgrub, Halloween, Tortillas de Jorge, Italian Haircut and Random Hechtsheim 2. Phew !
Now that's over with, onto the news. England won the final Ashes test (cricket) against Australia, ending a running streak of victories by the side down-under.
Be careful where you next click, as there are plans to redesign the function of the 'back' button in browsers. If it now goes to the windows site, you know who's been financing this research.
The chief-in-waiting to the European Central Bank (a frenchman) is standing trial for account fraud, in that he allegedly (phew, saved that libel trial) published inexact accounts and released false information. This is the guy that will take over the job of adjusting interest rates in all euro-currency states. Where's your money now? Are you sure?
Well, got my work to get on with, and I expect you want to see all those photos now.
Tara
No sooner than I mention the snow falling in England, and it begins to snow here in Mainz. Yes, this morning saw a cover of white of this city, but not yet deep enough to stay for long. At least it will be a novelty for the spanish looking out of their plane windows.
Finally, and with many apologies for their lateness, new photos are up. Clicking through the links on the left you will find new ones of Nurenberg, more of the Roadtrip, Fernando's Birthday, the Pizzeria, Eisgrub, Halloween, Tortillas de Jorge, Italian Haircut and Random Hechtsheim 2. Phew !
Now that's over with, onto the news. England won the final Ashes test (cricket) against Australia, ending a running streak of victories by the side down-under.
Be careful where you next click, as there are plans to redesign the function of the 'back' button in browsers. If it now goes to the windows site, you know who's been financing this research.
The chief-in-waiting to the European Central Bank (a frenchman) is standing trial for account fraud, in that he allegedly (phew, saved that libel trial) published inexact accounts and released false information. This is the guy that will take over the job of adjusting interest rates in all euro-currency states. Where's your money now? Are you sure?
Well, got my work to get on with, and I expect you want to see all those photos now.
Tara
Sunday, January 05, 2003
News Updates
There was I thinking I could get off early to bed the night before term starts, and I find a load of news that interests me, so in no particular order, here they are:
Good job I didn't arrive on Sunday in Germany, as some maniac hijacked a light aircraft and flew it for two hours around the city of Frankfurt, threatening to crash it into the European Central Bank.
In a BBC documentary, Paul Kenyon investigates how easy it is to steal somebody's identity in Britain by doing it for the Home Secretary (yes, the one in charge of MI5, the secret service) and the author Frederick Forsyth (Day of the Jackel, anyone?). Feel safe now, don't you.
And for those of you yearning for some clips of yesteryear, thanks to the website www.britishpathe.com, you can now view a huge selection of video footage that otherwise would have gone unseen in the vaults of the TV companies.
That's it, ciao for now
There was I thinking I could get off early to bed the night before term starts, and I find a load of news that interests me, so in no particular order, here they are:
Good job I didn't arrive on Sunday in Germany, as some maniac hijacked a light aircraft and flew it for two hours around the city of Frankfurt, threatening to crash it into the European Central Bank.
In a BBC documentary, Paul Kenyon investigates how easy it is to steal somebody's identity in Britain by doing it for the Home Secretary (yes, the one in charge of MI5, the secret service) and the author Frederick Forsyth (Day of the Jackel, anyone?). Feel safe now, don't you.
And for those of you yearning for some clips of yesteryear, thanks to the website www.britishpathe.com, you can now view a huge selection of video footage that otherwise would have gone unseen in the vaults of the TV companies.
That's it, ciao for now
Saturday, January 04, 2003
New Year's Wishes
Well, having not heard from anyone about how their New Year went, I will just wish all the best for 2003, and hope that we will all be able to meet again soon.
Leaving England at eight this morning, and seeing all the fields covered with frost, I realised that we were coming into the coldest time of the year there. Arriving in Germany however, I had to amend that slightly, as over here it's still far far colder. I can't say that I'm not pleased to have a lovely warm radiator next to my bed :)
So I am now stuck here in Mainz, bored moreso than I was in my village, as no-one is back yet (well, okay, some locals are, but none of my friends) and so I am occupying myself with the new DVDs that I bought over Christmas, and with sorting out all the work that I brought back with me and didn't have time to do.
Please somebody rescue me from this fate (I am on my German mobile now if you feel like phoning...)
Well, having not heard from anyone about how their New Year went, I will just wish all the best for 2003, and hope that we will all be able to meet again soon.
Leaving England at eight this morning, and seeing all the fields covered with frost, I realised that we were coming into the coldest time of the year there. Arriving in Germany however, I had to amend that slightly, as over here it's still far far colder. I can't say that I'm not pleased to have a lovely warm radiator next to my bed :)
So I am now stuck here in Mainz, bored moreso than I was in my village, as no-one is back yet (well, okay, some locals are, but none of my friends) and so I am occupying myself with the new DVDs that I bought over Christmas, and with sorting out all the work that I brought back with me and didn't have time to do.
Please somebody rescue me from this fate (I am on my German mobile now if you feel like phoning...)
Tuesday, December 31, 2002
A bit of Bollywood and Tolkien
Sunday was a very early start, leaving for London at just after eight in the morning. After walking the length of Oxford Street without finding anything except for 'Tie Rack' open (and not wanting any new ties) I headed off for the British Museum.
Anyone would have thought, due to the proximity to where I have lived for many years, that I would have visited it often. Alas, this was but my second time (my first I don't remember, I was in a pushchair). And what a mistake that had been !
The exhibitions of the Greeks and Romans, of Egypt, of the changing faces of Britain, and the Gallery Ceiling and the Reading Room were amazing, I could not have stumbled upon a more interesting and worthwhile venue to spend the morning at. Most highly recommended !!
After eating at a very tasty Japanese restaurant, we went along to the Apollo Victoria Theatre to watch Bombay Dreams, Shakalaka baby !!.
Today (okay, yesterday now as it's one in the morning) was spent shopping in Aylesbury (finally some new trousers !!!) and the final hours in the cinema watching the astounding The Lord of the Rings : The Two Towers. One of the best spent three hours of my spare time. Amazing film, astounding cinematography, gripping plot. I can no longer wait until the next one comes out, I have the book and will read it cover to cover as soon as possible.
Tonight, New Year's Eve I will be up in Birmingham celebrating with friends from Uni. You might get to hear about what happened, but only if I remember it :)
Other thoughts will go out to Javi, however, who will be running the 10km San Silvestre in Madrid from 6pm local time. We wish him speed, stamina, and a good helping of food for when he comes home. You can watch the rankings on the dedicated website and look for number 5294, Javi Gonzalez (should be somewhere near the top).
Sunday was a very early start, leaving for London at just after eight in the morning. After walking the length of Oxford Street without finding anything except for 'Tie Rack' open (and not wanting any new ties) I headed off for the British Museum.
Anyone would have thought, due to the proximity to where I have lived for many years, that I would have visited it often. Alas, this was but my second time (my first I don't remember, I was in a pushchair). And what a mistake that had been !
The exhibitions of the Greeks and Romans, of Egypt, of the changing faces of Britain, and the Gallery Ceiling and the Reading Room were amazing, I could not have stumbled upon a more interesting and worthwhile venue to spend the morning at. Most highly recommended !!
After eating at a very tasty Japanese restaurant, we went along to the Apollo Victoria Theatre to watch Bombay Dreams, Shakalaka baby !!.
Today (okay, yesterday now as it's one in the morning) was spent shopping in Aylesbury (finally some new trousers !!!) and the final hours in the cinema watching the astounding The Lord of the Rings : The Two Towers. One of the best spent three hours of my spare time. Amazing film, astounding cinematography, gripping plot. I can no longer wait until the next one comes out, I have the book and will read it cover to cover as soon as possible.
Tonight, New Year's Eve I will be up in Birmingham celebrating with friends from Uni. You might get to hear about what happened, but only if I remember it :)
Other thoughts will go out to Javi, however, who will be running the 10km San Silvestre in Madrid from 6pm local time. We wish him speed, stamina, and a good helping of food for when he comes home. You can watch the rankings on the dedicated website and look for number 5294, Javi Gonzalez (should be somewhere near the top).
Saturday, December 28, 2002
Shopping
A brief overview of what's been happening with me lately. Christmas Day was spent with my family cooking and serving Christmas Dinner to the old people of Great Missenden (the nearest town to my village). The food was great, everybody enjoyed themselves, and at 6pm we returned home just in time to sit in front of the TV for an evening of entertainment (frequently interspersed with a game of cards).
Boxing Day saw us eat some of the remnants of the Christmas turkey, so our own Christmas Dinner was put off until the 27th. Suckling Pig, mmm, need I say more?
Today was the day for shopping. We went off to Watford (another town relatively close by) and spent the day buying clothes, books and a DVD. Coming home a bit lighter in the pocket, but with something to show for it.
Other news from slightly further afield is that at last Javi has received his suitcase that was lost in transit from Germany to Spain. And nothing was broken inside. So someone is definitely feeling relieved this Christmas.
Still no word from Noelia to confirm if she's alright, so we'll just have to wait to see if she turns up at some point. However, the old Erasmosian Pili is alive and in Spain still :) Apart from that, Mavi is going down to Cordoba for New Year, Jordi is staying in Valencia and Laura is going down to Tuscany. I wish them all a great time on this night, and to just think of me stuck here in Blighty.
Back to bed...
A brief overview of what's been happening with me lately. Christmas Day was spent with my family cooking and serving Christmas Dinner to the old people of Great Missenden (the nearest town to my village). The food was great, everybody enjoyed themselves, and at 6pm we returned home just in time to sit in front of the TV for an evening of entertainment (frequently interspersed with a game of cards).
Boxing Day saw us eat some of the remnants of the Christmas turkey, so our own Christmas Dinner was put off until the 27th. Suckling Pig, mmm, need I say more?
Today was the day for shopping. We went off to Watford (another town relatively close by) and spent the day buying clothes, books and a DVD. Coming home a bit lighter in the pocket, but with something to show for it.
Other news from slightly further afield is that at last Javi has received his suitcase that was lost in transit from Germany to Spain. And nothing was broken inside. So someone is definitely feeling relieved this Christmas.
Still no word from Noelia to confirm if she's alright, so we'll just have to wait to see if she turns up at some point. However, the old Erasmosian Pili is alive and in Spain still :) Apart from that, Mavi is going down to Cordoba for New Year, Jordi is staying in Valencia and Laura is going down to Tuscany. I wish them all a great time on this night, and to just think of me stuck here in Blighty.
Back to bed...
Saturday, December 21, 2002
More News
Well, I know what my new-year's resolution will be, to find time to update this site more often !!!
The last week has seen many people disappearing back to their countries of origin, which is why there has been less and less things to do here recently. However, the news still happens; In Birmingham, in a popular (depending on who you ask) electronics store, a father bought a CD-writer as a Christmas present for his family. When they ran the CD that they found in the box with the equipment, however, they were in for a shock. Child pornography is not normally associated with family electronics stores, but...let's just say that there's a lot of apologising going on at the moment.
In California a 15-year old student hacked into his school's computer system and changed his grades. For the worse! Nobody quite knows why he did this, but he got an award for his 'project'. Just goes to show which way the education system is going...
When you are driving along the roads in your new BMW or Merc (possibly a Christmas present?) just hope you're nowhere near a military base. As TheRegister reports, they are using an increased surveillance system that demobilises these new cars. Wait to see what happens if they up the power a bit more...
Well, after the departmental party on Thursday, the final Erasmus party in Mainzer Kolleg of the year was visited, where I have to admit I had probably the best night of this semester, thanks to messers Smirnoff, Blue Caracau, Gluehwein, Hefeweizen, oh and of course, the impeccable company of Laura, Giulia, Ramsy, Paco, Carlitos and the many others that I don't remember if I saw or not ;)
Will be heading back to blighty on monday, so no more dirty phonecalls on my german number, alright :)
Have a great Christmas !
Well, I know what my new-year's resolution will be, to find time to update this site more often !!!
The last week has seen many people disappearing back to their countries of origin, which is why there has been less and less things to do here recently. However, the news still happens; In Birmingham, in a popular (depending on who you ask) electronics store, a father bought a CD-writer as a Christmas present for his family. When they ran the CD that they found in the box with the equipment, however, they were in for a shock. Child pornography is not normally associated with family electronics stores, but...let's just say that there's a lot of apologising going on at the moment.
In California a 15-year old student hacked into his school's computer system and changed his grades. For the worse! Nobody quite knows why he did this, but he got an award for his 'project'. Just goes to show which way the education system is going...
When you are driving along the roads in your new BMW or Merc (possibly a Christmas present?) just hope you're nowhere near a military base. As TheRegister reports, they are using an increased surveillance system that demobilises these new cars. Wait to see what happens if they up the power a bit more...
Well, after the departmental party on Thursday, the final Erasmus party in Mainzer Kolleg of the year was visited, where I have to admit I had probably the best night of this semester, thanks to messers Smirnoff, Blue Caracau, Gluehwein, Hefeweizen, oh and of course, the impeccable company of Laura, Giulia, Ramsy, Paco, Carlitos and the many others that I don't remember if I saw or not ;)
Will be heading back to blighty on monday, so no more dirty phonecalls on my german number, alright :)
Have a great Christmas !
Sunday, December 15, 2002
Catch-Up
Ok, a quick resume of what's been happening here recently. Firstly I have been really busy with work, homework, and numerous other little things, which is why there hasn't been an update for a long while (ok, five days feels like a long while for me, actually it's a lot longer since I've written anything in English...).
Last Saturday was spent in Nuremberg with the italians (Laura, Giulia, Alicia and Silvia) visiting the Christmas market and a bit of the city itself. All had a good time, but were relieved in the evening when we got back to our warm rooms.
The last week has seen the temperature plummet, and has not gone above -2 degrees for 6 days. Today, however, everything changed. It is no longer so cold (about 1 degree I think) because it is now raining. What lovely weather we have here. As for those of you in Spain, if anyone even mentions what the weather is like over there again, I'll...
By the way, to check out the actual weather here at the University of Mainz, visit this page.
Other things that have happened recently; the italians had to lead a discussion in class about Shakespeare's Sonnets. After two hours of talking, the teacher congratulated them, so it must have gone well.
A brief for a nameless person just to say that trying to do the washing-up drunk, and thereby using olive oil instead of washing-up liquid, is not recommended :)
Friday night saw Jordi and Miquel take to the stage in Hechstheim Bar playing guitars and singing various populour Spanish tunes. The serving of cold beverages was seen to by myself and the man known as "Mit Scharf". The evening went with great success, seeing 102 litres of beer drunk (it wasn't all me, honest) and various sing-alongs by members of the audience.
At 4am today Jordi had his shift with the Nuclear Physics Experimental Group, and at midday I took over. So all in all quite a tiring weekend.
Lastly I have to mention that the fabulous sister of Laura (Chiara, or "mongolona") is here on holiday at the moment (why anybody would swap Bologna for Mainz is beyond me...) and hopefully enjoying herself a lot.
This coming week sees many people returning home for Christmas, in particular Noelia and Jorge on Monday, Alberto on Wednesday, and me on the 23rd. To everybody go out Christmas Greetings, and wishes for a Happy New Year.
Enjoy yourselves !
Ok, a quick resume of what's been happening here recently. Firstly I have been really busy with work, homework, and numerous other little things, which is why there hasn't been an update for a long while (ok, five days feels like a long while for me, actually it's a lot longer since I've written anything in English...).
Last Saturday was spent in Nuremberg with the italians (Laura, Giulia, Alicia and Silvia) visiting the Christmas market and a bit of the city itself. All had a good time, but were relieved in the evening when we got back to our warm rooms.
The last week has seen the temperature plummet, and has not gone above -2 degrees for 6 days. Today, however, everything changed. It is no longer so cold (about 1 degree I think) because it is now raining. What lovely weather we have here. As for those of you in Spain, if anyone even mentions what the weather is like over there again, I'll...
By the way, to check out the actual weather here at the University of Mainz, visit this page.
Other things that have happened recently; the italians had to lead a discussion in class about Shakespeare's Sonnets. After two hours of talking, the teacher congratulated them, so it must have gone well.
A brief for a nameless person just to say that trying to do the washing-up drunk, and thereby using olive oil instead of washing-up liquid, is not recommended :)
Friday night saw Jordi and Miquel take to the stage in Hechstheim Bar playing guitars and singing various populour Spanish tunes. The serving of cold beverages was seen to by myself and the man known as "Mit Scharf". The evening went with great success, seeing 102 litres of beer drunk (it wasn't all me, honest) and various sing-alongs by members of the audience.
At 4am today Jordi had his shift with the Nuclear Physics Experimental Group, and at midday I took over. So all in all quite a tiring weekend.
Lastly I have to mention that the fabulous sister of Laura (Chiara, or "mongolona") is here on holiday at the moment (why anybody would swap Bologna for Mainz is beyond me...) and hopefully enjoying herself a lot.
This coming week sees many people returning home for Christmas, in particular Noelia and Jorge on Monday, Alberto on Wednesday, and me on the 23rd. To everybody go out Christmas Greetings, and wishes for a Happy New Year.
Enjoy yourselves !
Friday, December 06, 2002
Birthdays and some News
Yesterday saw both Pili (in Valencia) and Fernando (here in Mainz) become a year older. Best wishes to them both, and let's hope they celebrated accordingly :)
Now to what's been happening lately. Yesterday saw two demonstrations take place in this otherwise quite town. One in Schillerplatz by the Police, Dustmen, Gasmen (still don't know what the protest was about though) and the other one at the Hauptbahnhof by students to protest about student fees for education.
Elsewhere, a fridge has been developed that cools its contents by using sound. Something to teach youngsters not to swallow things they're not meant to, a woman had to jump-start her car by pressing her toddler against the steering wheel after he swallowed the de-mobiliser chip. And for those of you who get really annoyed with those pop-up ads that look like error messages, the company who invented them is being taking to court for misleading millions of workers to disturb their jobs in order to visit this site.
Apart from that, it's just left for me to welcome Jen from Birmingham, who will be coming to visit for the weekend, and also Soph and Beecs who will be coming Sunday til Tuesday. Just remember to bring your coats ladies, because it's freezing here now !
Hi-ho, and back to work I go.
Yesterday saw both Pili (in Valencia) and Fernando (here in Mainz) become a year older. Best wishes to them both, and let's hope they celebrated accordingly :)
Now to what's been happening lately. Yesterday saw two demonstrations take place in this otherwise quite town. One in Schillerplatz by the Police, Dustmen, Gasmen (still don't know what the protest was about though) and the other one at the Hauptbahnhof by students to protest about student fees for education.
Elsewhere, a fridge has been developed that cools its contents by using sound. Something to teach youngsters not to swallow things they're not meant to, a woman had to jump-start her car by pressing her toddler against the steering wheel after he swallowed the de-mobiliser chip. And for those of you who get really annoyed with those pop-up ads that look like error messages, the company who invented them is being taking to court for misleading millions of workers to disturb their jobs in order to visit this site.
Apart from that, it's just left for me to welcome Jen from Birmingham, who will be coming to visit for the weekend, and also Soph and Beecs who will be coming Sunday til Tuesday. Just remember to bring your coats ladies, because it's freezing here now !
Hi-ho, and back to work I go.
Sunday, November 24, 2002
Tech News and More
First up in this news roundup is the story of an English student who took his revenge out on his two-timing girlfriend by putting up explicit photos and videos on his website, and also on her profile for friendsreunited. The full details can be found here at The Register as always.
Next comes a warning for people inclined to use their laptops as the name suggests - on their laps. A 50 year-old scientist was admitted to his doctor because of burns he had received whilst using his portable computer on his lap. And yes, he did have clothes on.
Keeping the same theme (sorry, it was the only thing in the news) a man (well it's not going to be a woman, is it?!) has been forced to remove his masculinity from that well known auction site Ebay after offering advertising space on it. It isn't mentioned if Durex had made an offer...
And for all those out there that keep on saying that size doesn't matter - it does. Apparently it accounts for 1.5 percent of accidents in the home, not many of which are fatal, we are told.
One for the other gender now, a lady in Taiwan was taken into hospital with a novel internal mobile phone. That is to say, that during her adventurous bedtime-games with her partner, something went wrong. Let's hope that her boss didn't ring in the morning...
Other things that have been happening, the Miss World contest has been moved from Nigeria to London today, due to the number of deaths occuring (last count over 100) due to it's presence there.
Hechtsheim is more or less empty this weekend, due to Laura, Giulia, Noelia, Jorge and Ramsy going off to Amsterdam. If you see them walking funny on monday, don't mention body-cavity-searches.
Congratulations go out to Luca who has just passed his English exam in Milan. The celebrations will be held tomorrow at his place (he doesn't know this yet).
First up in this news roundup is the story of an English student who took his revenge out on his two-timing girlfriend by putting up explicit photos and videos on his website, and also on her profile for friendsreunited. The full details can be found here at The Register as always.
Next comes a warning for people inclined to use their laptops as the name suggests - on their laps. A 50 year-old scientist was admitted to his doctor because of burns he had received whilst using his portable computer on his lap. And yes, he did have clothes on.
Keeping the same theme (sorry, it was the only thing in the news) a man (well it's not going to be a woman, is it?!) has been forced to remove his masculinity from that well known auction site Ebay after offering advertising space on it. It isn't mentioned if Durex had made an offer...
And for all those out there that keep on saying that size doesn't matter - it does. Apparently it accounts for 1.5 percent of accidents in the home, not many of which are fatal, we are told.
One for the other gender now, a lady in Taiwan was taken into hospital with a novel internal mobile phone. That is to say, that during her adventurous bedtime-games with her partner, something went wrong. Let's hope that her boss didn't ring in the morning...
Other things that have been happening, the Miss World contest has been moved from Nigeria to London today, due to the number of deaths occuring (last count over 100) due to it's presence there.
Hechtsheim is more or less empty this weekend, due to Laura, Giulia, Noelia, Jorge and Ramsy going off to Amsterdam. If you see them walking funny on monday, don't mention body-cavity-searches.
Congratulations go out to Luca who has just passed his English exam in Milan. The celebrations will be held tomorrow at his place (he doesn't know this yet).
Friday, November 15, 2002
Photos are up
OK, just a quickie to say that the first lot of photos (ie those from my digital camera) from our trip to Holland are now up. You can find them under Photos-Places-Roadtrip.
Also, photos from the first twister party of this semester can be found under Photos-Parties-New Twister.
And an endnote, photos of how Noelia's room looked when she came back from Switzerland can be found under Photos-Others-Teeth.
Good viewing
OK, just a quickie to say that the first lot of photos (ie those from my digital camera) from our trip to Holland are now up. You can find them under Photos-Places-Roadtrip.
Also, photos from the first twister party of this semester can be found under Photos-Parties-New Twister.
And an endnote, photos of how Noelia's room looked when she came back from Switzerland can be found under Photos-Others-Teeth.
Good viewing
Monday, November 11, 2002
Roadtrip
If you have read my spanish site, you would know that the weekend just gone was spent visiting Holland and Belgium with Jordi, Javi and Alberto.
However, our plans changed before we even left Hechtsheim. The BMW 3-series we were meant to be hiring was not available, so in the end we had to make do with a Mercedes CLK-240 !!!
The visits to Den Haag, Rotterdam, the dykes, and Brussels were great, but it was this car that made the holiday that extra bit special.
Well, you'll be seeing the photos of this holiday later on this week and you can judge for yourself...
Brooooooooooooooom
If you have read my spanish site, you would know that the weekend just gone was spent visiting Holland and Belgium with Jordi, Javi and Alberto.
However, our plans changed before we even left Hechtsheim. The BMW 3-series we were meant to be hiring was not available, so in the end we had to make do with a Mercedes CLK-240 !!!
The visits to Den Haag, Rotterdam, the dykes, and Brussels were great, but it was this car that made the holiday that extra bit special.
Well, you'll be seeing the photos of this holiday later on this week and you can judge for yourself...
Brooooooooooooooom
Tuesday, November 05, 2002
Birthday Parties
The last few days have seen me rushing around getting things done, seldom having chance to check my email, let alone write something here.
However, I can now state that I am fully registered as a postgraduate of the University of Mainz. This of course means that I am giving classes to physics and chemistry students in basic physics - at least I hope it's basic!!!
Now to the interesting part. On the the evening of the 31st we went to Mainzer Kolleg to celebrate Halloween. After much time and effort on the part of Giulia and Laura (and a bit from Ramsy too) our faces were painted grotesquely (which, of course, is good for such a night). We turned up first to the old favourite Kulturcafe only to find that no-one was dressed up and that it still cost 4.5 euros to get in, whatever you wore!! We quickly changed plans and headed for the Kolleg. Here we danced the night away and enjoyed ourselves a lot.
The following day was quite special. Not only because it was my birthday, but also that of our old Erasmonian Mavi. We, of course, wish her all the best for her following year of old age, and let's see f she motivates herself to come over here to visit us (which Marilo and Julio were wanting to do as well).
As my parents had come over with all my stuff, I felt obliged (only kidding, I enjoyed it really) to accompany them (along with Jordi) to dine at Mykonis (the Greek restaurant by 'An der Philipsschanze' tramstop). Here we had a very filling meal with a good shot of 'digestive'.
For this night we went to Caveau. Here we met up with Patricia (whose birthday it was on the second of November) and a load more of the spanish lot. The evening was spent as usual there - drinking and dancing. We made our way home some time later (so I'm told), during which certain ape-noises were enacted by a member of our group.
Saturday was spent with my parents going around Media-Markt looking for a DVD-player (yes, I do have it installed now ready to set up for cinema nights :) and then to Real where I used the space in the car to put my weekly shopping in. During this outing we ate at a restaurant that was within this building, and you're not going to believe me, but the food was worse than in the Mensa !!!! In fact, up until today I have been quite ill as a result of eating there.
For the evening I entertained a few (about ten) of the people in Hechtsheim to a game of Feigling-Twister. The photos of which you will see up here soon.
Sunday saw Noelia return from Switzerland to find about fifty sets of teeth moulds in her bedroom. These were placed there by Ramsy and Company after there visit to Wiesbaden (the only interesting thing they found there, apparently).
Today I attended a shift in the experimental hall in order to learn what I should be doing the following wednesday. Apart from it not working for the first two hours, everything else went fine.
One last piece of news, the German Secret Service have been bugging people's mobile phones, and because of a bug in the software, the users have paid for the calls !!!
Ok, that's it for now, back home for a rest, bye.
The last few days have seen me rushing around getting things done, seldom having chance to check my email, let alone write something here.
However, I can now state that I am fully registered as a postgraduate of the University of Mainz. This of course means that I am giving classes to physics and chemistry students in basic physics - at least I hope it's basic!!!
Now to the interesting part. On the the evening of the 31st we went to Mainzer Kolleg to celebrate Halloween. After much time and effort on the part of Giulia and Laura (and a bit from Ramsy too) our faces were painted grotesquely (which, of course, is good for such a night). We turned up first to the old favourite Kulturcafe only to find that no-one was dressed up and that it still cost 4.5 euros to get in, whatever you wore!! We quickly changed plans and headed for the Kolleg. Here we danced the night away and enjoyed ourselves a lot.
The following day was quite special. Not only because it was my birthday, but also that of our old Erasmonian Mavi. We, of course, wish her all the best for her following year of old age, and let's see f she motivates herself to come over here to visit us (which Marilo and Julio were wanting to do as well).
As my parents had come over with all my stuff, I felt obliged (only kidding, I enjoyed it really) to accompany them (along with Jordi) to dine at Mykonis (the Greek restaurant by 'An der Philipsschanze' tramstop). Here we had a very filling meal with a good shot of 'digestive'.
For this night we went to Caveau. Here we met up with Patricia (whose birthday it was on the second of November) and a load more of the spanish lot. The evening was spent as usual there - drinking and dancing. We made our way home some time later (so I'm told), during which certain ape-noises were enacted by a member of our group.
Saturday was spent with my parents going around Media-Markt looking for a DVD-player (yes, I do have it installed now ready to set up for cinema nights :) and then to Real where I used the space in the car to put my weekly shopping in. During this outing we ate at a restaurant that was within this building, and you're not going to believe me, but the food was worse than in the Mensa !!!! In fact, up until today I have been quite ill as a result of eating there.
For the evening I entertained a few (about ten) of the people in Hechtsheim to a game of Feigling-Twister. The photos of which you will see up here soon.
Sunday saw Noelia return from Switzerland to find about fifty sets of teeth moulds in her bedroom. These were placed there by Ramsy and Company after there visit to Wiesbaden (the only interesting thing they found there, apparently).
Today I attended a shift in the experimental hall in order to learn what I should be doing the following wednesday. Apart from it not working for the first two hours, everything else went fine.
One last piece of news, the German Secret Service have been bugging people's mobile phones, and because of a bug in the software, the users have paid for the calls !!!
Ok, that's it for now, back home for a rest, bye.
Thursday, October 31, 2002
Moving In and The Poster
This morning I signed the last bits of paperwork and moved in to my new house. Not that I had a lot to move in, but at least now I have a proper bed to sleep on, and a place to put all my clothes. Thanks go out to Alberto and Luca for the kind use of their living room over the last week.
Ok, you can't have failed to notice the huge poster above Karstadt from Schillerplatz to the Cathedral of a very attractive lady opening her shirt (well the men amongst you anyway). Well this lady is non other than Verona Feldbusch advertising her new website (she also has a range of lingerie at the aforementioned department store).
Tonight, being Thursday, there are parties going on all over the Uni, but of course the one to go to is at the Kulturcafe, and for no better reason than that that's where I am going !!
As it's a national holiday here tomorrow (they new it was my birthday) we will have to see what happens and where we go, but something is definitely going to happen :)
Well, I need to go shopping and start to fill up my new room, enjoy the holiday...
This morning I signed the last bits of paperwork and moved in to my new house. Not that I had a lot to move in, but at least now I have a proper bed to sleep on, and a place to put all my clothes. Thanks go out to Alberto and Luca for the kind use of their living room over the last week.
Ok, you can't have failed to notice the huge poster above Karstadt from Schillerplatz to the Cathedral of a very attractive lady opening her shirt (well the men amongst you anyway). Well this lady is non other than Verona Feldbusch advertising her new website (she also has a range of lingerie at the aforementioned department store).
Tonight, being Thursday, there are parties going on all over the Uni, but of course the one to go to is at the Kulturcafe, and for no better reason than that that's where I am going !!
As it's a national holiday here tomorrow (they new it was my birthday) we will have to see what happens and where we go, but something is definitely going to happen :)
Well, I need to go shopping and start to fill up my new room, enjoy the holiday...
Tuesday, October 29, 2002
Oh Saturday Night
The evening of Saturday saw the first party in the Forum at the University. Alberto, Jordi, Luca Carmen, Noelia and myself went along to see how it went.
We met up with loads more people who we knew, but I can't remember them all right now, suffice it to say that half of the party-goers were Spanish (or claimed to be, at least).
The night saw many a beer get drunk, many a foot get trodden on (because of all the dancing) and many a person not remember quite what they did. Yes, we all had a great time there (insomuchas we can remember) and returned home at about six in the morning. Needless to say, most people slept in on Sunday, some with headaches, some without (although having to piece together what they did during the evening also caused headaches...).
Well, if you have read this page in Spanish, you will know that I have my own place as of the first of November (huh-hum, my birthday, by the way). So there might be some reason to have a party there...
Tonight seems to be a quiet one, as we'll probably be going to the cinema (depends if it's a chick-flick or not) but hopefully it will be fun all the same.
See ya
The evening of Saturday saw the first party in the Forum at the University. Alberto, Jordi, Luca Carmen, Noelia and myself went along to see how it went.
We met up with loads more people who we knew, but I can't remember them all right now, suffice it to say that half of the party-goers were Spanish (or claimed to be, at least).
The night saw many a beer get drunk, many a foot get trodden on (because of all the dancing) and many a person not remember quite what they did. Yes, we all had a great time there (insomuchas we can remember) and returned home at about six in the morning. Needless to say, most people slept in on Sunday, some with headaches, some without (although having to piece together what they did during the evening also caused headaches...).
Well, if you have read this page in Spanish, you will know that I have my own place as of the first of November (huh-hum, my birthday, by the way). So there might be some reason to have a party there...
Tonight seems to be a quiet one, as we'll probably be going to the cinema (depends if it's a chick-flick or not) but hopefully it will be fun all the same.
See ya
Saturday, October 26, 2002
Diary Attacked and News Stories
Yesterday afternoon saw a change in my schedule, as some annoying kid (probably) attacked the website where I along with millions of others write our diaries from. The fact that I was actually writing in mine when it happened meant that I was right in the thick of it.
After some desperate phonecalls to England in order to stop the attack before it directly affected my website, I was able to go home a bit less stressed. Apparently everything is working again properly, which is why you can see this latest entry :)
On a lighter note, Javi, Jordi, Alberto and I went to Scrooge´s again and had a weekly dose of Guinness last night. Nothing did actually happen the night before, which is why, despite it pouring with rain, we just had to go out last night :)
Well, today sees Giulia, Jorge, Laura, Noelia, and Ramsy depart on a little adventure in Laura´s car to Luxembourg (or was it Berlin or Zurich, or Konstanz...). Let´s just hope the weather holds up for them, so that thy don´t have to swim back.
A couple of news stories caught my attention recently. Firstly, a german condom manufacturer is offering one hundred English students a year´s free supply in order to find out what people prefer.
If that wasn´t enough, a South African insurance company has sponsored the research into a high speed condom, that instead of taking 30 seconds, only takes 3 seconds to put on. Working out how many spare hours arts students have, and dividing by three seconds, you can expect the birth rate to increase dramatically over the next year :)
Women are not left out though, they get to do an online measuring session, by guessing hand, foot and nose sizes of their prospective partner, the program comes back with his estimated size. Try it out :)
Better be off now, as I just remembered everything shuts in about fifteen minutes, and I haven´t got anything to eat later.
bye
Ok, time to get back to my breakfast of milk and swiss chocolate. Mmmmm.
Yesterday afternoon saw a change in my schedule, as some annoying kid (probably) attacked the website where I along with millions of others write our diaries from. The fact that I was actually writing in mine when it happened meant that I was right in the thick of it.
After some desperate phonecalls to England in order to stop the attack before it directly affected my website, I was able to go home a bit less stressed. Apparently everything is working again properly, which is why you can see this latest entry :)
On a lighter note, Javi, Jordi, Alberto and I went to Scrooge´s again and had a weekly dose of Guinness last night. Nothing did actually happen the night before, which is why, despite it pouring with rain, we just had to go out last night :)
Well, today sees Giulia, Jorge, Laura, Noelia, and Ramsy depart on a little adventure in Laura´s car to Luxembourg (or was it Berlin or Zurich, or Konstanz...). Let´s just hope the weather holds up for them, so that thy don´t have to swim back.
A couple of news stories caught my attention recently. Firstly, a german condom manufacturer is offering one hundred English students a year´s free supply in order to find out what people prefer.
If that wasn´t enough, a South African insurance company has sponsored the research into a high speed condom, that instead of taking 30 seconds, only takes 3 seconds to put on. Working out how many spare hours arts students have, and dividing by three seconds, you can expect the birth rate to increase dramatically over the next year :)
Women are not left out though, they get to do an online measuring session, by guessing hand, foot and nose sizes of their prospective partner, the program comes back with his estimated size. Try it out :)
Better be off now, as I just remembered everything shuts in about fifteen minutes, and I haven´t got anything to eat later.
bye
Ok, time to get back to my breakfast of milk and swiss chocolate. Mmmmm.
Thursday, October 24, 2002
Paperwork and 50grad
This week has seen me running around the Universe(ity) getting people to write and sign letters, then getting others to say they need different documents, then getting told that it will take at least another week to sort it out.
Yep, I am currently trying to register myself for the work that I already have started, and the red tape is taking its toll on me once again. Of course, not being registered means I can't go to classes, nor can I eat at the Mensa (what a pity) and I have to pay for the busses and trams every day.
Last night we took to the town to visit a club called "50 grad" - fifty degrees. It was my first time there, and I have to say first impressions are very good.
We actually went in order to see our pet Gallega at her first day of work, taking care of people's jackets whilst they dance the night away. However, I don't know if she is suited to the post, as she refused to take my shirt :)
The music started off a bit unsettled, but as the beers flowed (which were only 1.60 euro each) it got better (or did our noise tolerance level increase?) and by the end of the night we had enjoyed ourselves tremendously.
I must not forget to mention that it was Ruth's (the Alicantina) first day of work behind the bar as well, and by the looks she was giving the customers, I think she must have been getting some large tips from the male contingent.
In fact I would have to say that last night was one of the best nights I've had out recently. Hopefully next time, though, Noelia will not forget her keys and have to wake Laura up at 5am... nor will Gunnar drink so much...nor will Jorge (from Galicia) play the fool on the way home. Talking of the Gallego, it is his first day at work at the same club tonight (Gay Night) so if you are going there, when you hang up your coats, don't forget to give him a kiss :)
Well, it might be Kulturcafe tonight, but then again it might not. You'll have to return tomorrow to see what I write to find out...
Ciao
This week has seen me running around the Universe(ity) getting people to write and sign letters, then getting others to say they need different documents, then getting told that it will take at least another week to sort it out.
Yep, I am currently trying to register myself for the work that I already have started, and the red tape is taking its toll on me once again. Of course, not being registered means I can't go to classes, nor can I eat at the Mensa (what a pity) and I have to pay for the busses and trams every day.
Last night we took to the town to visit a club called "50 grad" - fifty degrees. It was my first time there, and I have to say first impressions are very good.
We actually went in order to see our pet Gallega at her first day of work, taking care of people's jackets whilst they dance the night away. However, I don't know if she is suited to the post, as she refused to take my shirt :)
The music started off a bit unsettled, but as the beers flowed (which were only 1.60 euro each) it got better (or did our noise tolerance level increase?) and by the end of the night we had enjoyed ourselves tremendously.
I must not forget to mention that it was Ruth's (the Alicantina) first day of work behind the bar as well, and by the looks she was giving the customers, I think she must have been getting some large tips from the male contingent.
In fact I would have to say that last night was one of the best nights I've had out recently. Hopefully next time, though, Noelia will not forget her keys and have to wake Laura up at 5am... nor will Gunnar drink so much...nor will Jorge (from Galicia) play the fool on the way home. Talking of the Gallego, it is his first day at work at the same club tonight (Gay Night) so if you are going there, when you hang up your coats, don't forget to give him a kiss :)
Well, it might be Kulturcafe tonight, but then again it might not. You'll have to return tomorrow to see what I write to find out...
Ciao
Sunday, October 20, 2002
Back to Mainz
Yep, you read right, I am here,gone back to my roots (ok, that was a bit over the top, but i´m back here anyway).
So if you even think about not asking me to a party...
Well, maybe this year i´ll even manage to get this site up in german and italian...
Well, got to go and prepare for lunch with Alberto (in whose place I am staying) Laura and Giulia, after last night´s "Flurparty" it´s not going to be a very stressful meal :)
So, now you know I´m back in Mainz doing my Diplomarbeit (research project), I want to know what you lot are doing - so send me an email right now !!!
Ciao bella
Yep, you read right, I am here,gone back to my roots (ok, that was a bit over the top, but i´m back here anyway).
So if you even think about not asking me to a party...
Well, maybe this year i´ll even manage to get this site up in german and italian...
Well, got to go and prepare for lunch with Alberto (in whose place I am staying) Laura and Giulia, after last night´s "Flurparty" it´s not going to be a very stressful meal :)
So, now you know I´m back in Mainz doing my Diplomarbeit (research project), I want to know what you lot are doing - so send me an email right now !!!
Ciao bella
Monday, October 14, 2002
The Spanish Inquisition, Irish disbanded and Peckam's Angels
A few newsbites today. Spanish websites have been closing down this week in protest against new government legislation forcing them to be censured and registered by the state. The Register has more.
The power executive of Northern Ireland has been dismissed for the fourth time, due to allegations of IRA information gathering within the Assembly.
And finally, the once eye-sore of London, Peckam, has cleaned up it's act with a new take on the 'Guardian Angels'.
A few newsbites today. Spanish websites have been closing down this week in protest against new government legislation forcing them to be censured and registered by the state. The Register has more.
The power executive of Northern Ireland has been dismissed for the fourth time, due to allegations of IRA information gathering within the Assembly.
And finally, the once eye-sore of London, Peckam, has cleaned up it's act with a new take on the 'Guardian Angels'.
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