Birthdays and Goodbyes
This week we have a triple. On Wednesday, Carlitos celebrated his, hehem, all the threes (and I'm not talking three hundred and thirty three). Today (Friday) saw Juanfran edge nearer his third decade, and Saturday is that of Albakra, sorry, Alberto
. Many happy returns, hope you all celebrate accordingly, and afterwards show me the photos :)
Today also saw the lovely, sorry, great friend, Javi head off for his homeland. Not one to miss an opportunity, I accompanied him to the airport to take a last beer before he boarded. Of course that wasn't my only reason for going to the airport (although a good enough one). No, I was to take advantage of Lufthansa's great day-before check-in procedures. That should make tomorrow a lot less stressful for me.
After taking and passing her final exam today, Noelia goes off back to Galicia tomorrow, but this time by bus. So here's wishing her a lot of sleep for the 18 hours or however long it takes to get there. Oh, and how did last night go? ;)
Oh, did I forget to mention where I was going? How silly of me. Tomorrow I will be leaving Germany to head off to a far more beautiful, interesting, and unseen-by-me land. Yes, it's off to Colombia. Wish me luck, and wish the colombians a lot of patience in trying to understand me.
Next post will be from the other side of the atlantic (and a bit further south :)
Friday, September 05, 2003
Tuesday, September 02, 2003
Cheaper Calls and Dumbest Criminal of the Year Contender
First up, for those of you with landlines in Germany, the page www.billigertelefonieren.de advises which prefix to use to get cheaper calls. Also on this site is announced that the D2 Call-Ya prepaid tariff has an offer on in September and October, whereby if you spend 10 euros in calls, they will give you 5 euros to call free. Check the offer out here.
And for those that thought that criminals were getting cleverer, have a look at this article about a man who stole a GPS tracking device !
Okay, back to the office
First up, for those of you with landlines in Germany, the page www.billigertelefonieren.de advises which prefix to use to get cheaper calls. Also on this site is announced that the D2 Call-Ya prepaid tariff has an offer on in September and October, whereby if you spend 10 euros in calls, they will give you 5 euros to call free. Check the offer out here.
And for those that thought that criminals were getting cleverer, have a look at this article about a man who stole a GPS tracking device !
Okay, back to the office
Monday, September 01, 2003
A day like no other
Where to start, that is the problem. I woke up on August 30th due to the alarm on my phone. Upon viewing the screen, I noticed it had the words "security failure" written across it. Not good news. Investigating further, I came to the conclusion that the service provider (o2) had cut me off. Admittedly, I had cancelled my contract for the end of the month, but by my calendar, that's midnight on the 31st, not the 29th. Moving on to today, we had to get up extremely early in order to get Olga on her plane to Colombia.
So, with the freezing weather settling in, and therefore having to shut the window at night, we got up at 3.30 this morning. After the usual showering, coffee etc, we needed to get to the Hauptbahnhof (where we had left the luggage the night before) to catch the train to Frankfurt Airport. As the first tram arrives at the station at 5am, and we needed to catch the train at 5.02am, after collecting the luggage, a taxi was required. Due to the reason mentioned above, I no longer had use of my phone. Olga's had run out of credit, so I went to the callbox in the halls of residence. Only takes phonecards, and I only had change. Okay then, over to the military base where there are three phoneboxes, one of which accepts coins. Enter it. Look for number of taxi company. No phonebook. Go into cabin next door. Flick through phonebook, only to discover that the page with taxis in has been ripped out of the book. Great ! Move onto third cabin, find full book, remember taxi number and go back to booth one. Whilst picking up the receiver to dial, my brain starts sending me bad signals which force me to look at the front of the machine, where I see pictures of the coins that are accepted. As the receiver is reaching my ear and I am not hearing a tone, I realise that the pictures of coins I am looking at are of the good old Deutsche Mark. Yes, the only coin-phone in the vicinity is stuck in the pre-euro times.
Back I go, collect our stuff (lucky we had dropped the big bags off at the station the night before) and we start walking towards Berliner Strasse. We stop to look at the bus timetable, on the offchance that one would pass before the first tram. Someone had kindly ripped the timetable off of it's holder. We carry on, only to find that there are no taxis at the next stop. By now it was 4.45am and within seven minutes the tram would be passing us by, but determined to get a taxi and arrive at the station in enough time to get this train, we continue. Pariser Tor. Here we see two taxis (they always come in twos, haven't you noticed?) arriving at the petrol station on the other side of the road. We dare the traffic, and run across the roads to get there. Finally, a ride ! Of course, we forgot that it's a perilous one way system over here, so we had to drive back to Berliner Strasse in order to turn around.
Arriving at the station at 4.53, and therefore 9 minutes to spare, I rushed in to get the luggage out whilst Olga tried to sort out paying a taxi fare of eight euros with a fifty euro note. We had made the train ! All the check-in etc went fine, and so after saying our goodbyes, I went on my way back to Mainz. Arriving at 8am I got the tram straight back home, as I had plenty of things to do today. First thing, speak to the caretaker. Arriving at his office I see a little hand-written sign saying he's just popped out - be right back. Go back to my room to sort a few things out before returning to see him. Okay. Go back to sleep as two and a half hours is not enough for me. At eleven o'clock I wake up. Feeling better, I wonder how it feels to be starting your first school day in Germany. How do I know this was their first school day here? Because I was awoken at eleven o'clock by the familiar sound of children screaming through the windows of the halls of residence, which signals that it's term-time again. Oh, what joy.
Anyway, I get up, and have a little chat with Ruben and Almudena. Whilst I am speaking to them we here a little 'ping' sound. At this point I notice that my glasses are falling off my face. Yes, the screw that holds my glasses together, decided that today was the day it was going to fall out. More than that, because after ten minutes looking for it all over the floor, and still not finding it, we decided it had gone to a better place (or the goblins had got it).
So, what I actually ended up doing was going to the opticions to get a new screw fitted. Before catching the bus to the Mensa to eat lunch, I stopped at our old friend, the turkish call shop, and bought myself a new simcard for my mobile. Which is why I am no longer available on my old number. If I haven't informed you of the new number, please send me an email, and I'll send it to you. Oh, whilst I'm on the subject. As I can no longer access the old simcard, I have also lost a lot of telephone numbers. So if you think I haven't got it (eg if I haven't phoned you in a while) let me know.
What a day !
Where to start, that is the problem. I woke up on August 30th due to the alarm on my phone. Upon viewing the screen, I noticed it had the words "security failure" written across it. Not good news. Investigating further, I came to the conclusion that the service provider (o2) had cut me off. Admittedly, I had cancelled my contract for the end of the month, but by my calendar, that's midnight on the 31st, not the 29th. Moving on to today, we had to get up extremely early in order to get Olga on her plane to Colombia.
So, with the freezing weather settling in, and therefore having to shut the window at night, we got up at 3.30 this morning. After the usual showering, coffee etc, we needed to get to the Hauptbahnhof (where we had left the luggage the night before) to catch the train to Frankfurt Airport. As the first tram arrives at the station at 5am, and we needed to catch the train at 5.02am, after collecting the luggage, a taxi was required. Due to the reason mentioned above, I no longer had use of my phone. Olga's had run out of credit, so I went to the callbox in the halls of residence. Only takes phonecards, and I only had change. Okay then, over to the military base where there are three phoneboxes, one of which accepts coins. Enter it. Look for number of taxi company. No phonebook. Go into cabin next door. Flick through phonebook, only to discover that the page with taxis in has been ripped out of the book. Great ! Move onto third cabin, find full book, remember taxi number and go back to booth one. Whilst picking up the receiver to dial, my brain starts sending me bad signals which force me to look at the front of the machine, where I see pictures of the coins that are accepted. As the receiver is reaching my ear and I am not hearing a tone, I realise that the pictures of coins I am looking at are of the good old Deutsche Mark. Yes, the only coin-phone in the vicinity is stuck in the pre-euro times.
Back I go, collect our stuff (lucky we had dropped the big bags off at the station the night before) and we start walking towards Berliner Strasse. We stop to look at the bus timetable, on the offchance that one would pass before the first tram. Someone had kindly ripped the timetable off of it's holder. We carry on, only to find that there are no taxis at the next stop. By now it was 4.45am and within seven minutes the tram would be passing us by, but determined to get a taxi and arrive at the station in enough time to get this train, we continue. Pariser Tor. Here we see two taxis (they always come in twos, haven't you noticed?) arriving at the petrol station on the other side of the road. We dare the traffic, and run across the roads to get there. Finally, a ride ! Of course, we forgot that it's a perilous one way system over here, so we had to drive back to Berliner Strasse in order to turn around.
Arriving at the station at 4.53, and therefore 9 minutes to spare, I rushed in to get the luggage out whilst Olga tried to sort out paying a taxi fare of eight euros with a fifty euro note. We had made the train ! All the check-in etc went fine, and so after saying our goodbyes, I went on my way back to Mainz. Arriving at 8am I got the tram straight back home, as I had plenty of things to do today. First thing, speak to the caretaker. Arriving at his office I see a little hand-written sign saying he's just popped out - be right back. Go back to my room to sort a few things out before returning to see him. Okay. Go back to sleep as two and a half hours is not enough for me. At eleven o'clock I wake up. Feeling better, I wonder how it feels to be starting your first school day in Germany. How do I know this was their first school day here? Because I was awoken at eleven o'clock by the familiar sound of children screaming through the windows of the halls of residence, which signals that it's term-time again. Oh, what joy.
Anyway, I get up, and have a little chat with Ruben and Almudena. Whilst I am speaking to them we here a little 'ping' sound. At this point I notice that my glasses are falling off my face. Yes, the screw that holds my glasses together, decided that today was the day it was going to fall out. More than that, because after ten minutes looking for it all over the floor, and still not finding it, we decided it had gone to a better place (or the goblins had got it).
So, what I actually ended up doing was going to the opticions to get a new screw fitted. Before catching the bus to the Mensa to eat lunch, I stopped at our old friend, the turkish call shop, and bought myself a new simcard for my mobile. Which is why I am no longer available on my old number. If I haven't informed you of the new number, please send me an email, and I'll send it to you. Oh, whilst I'm on the subject. As I can no longer access the old simcard, I have also lost a lot of telephone numbers. So if you think I haven't got it (eg if I haven't phoned you in a while) let me know.
What a day !
Thursday, August 21, 2003
Goodbye Lou and hello Sobig Virus
Tuesday saw Lou, Lourdes, "paso de vosotros" leave for her home, Madrid. We will all miss her a lot, but let's hope that we can meet up again soon.
Whilst some of us are now leaving, we also have a few arrivals, namely the families of Alberto and Jordi are visiting for a few days before returning to Valencia with their sons later on.
After the chaos caused by the "msblast" virus, you would assume people would be protected from another outbreak. Oh no, now the "Sobig" virus has been doing it's rounds and in the space of a week has become the most virulent virus ever. So protect yourselves now (download latest virus definitions from your AV vendor).
Nothing else very urgent at the moment...
Tuesday saw Lou, Lourdes, "paso de vosotros" leave for her home, Madrid. We will all miss her a lot, but let's hope that we can meet up again soon.
Whilst some of us are now leaving, we also have a few arrivals, namely the families of Alberto and Jordi are visiting for a few days before returning to Valencia with their sons later on.
After the chaos caused by the "msblast" virus, you would assume people would be protected from another outbreak. Oh no, now the "Sobig" virus has been doing it's rounds and in the space of a week has become the most virulent virus ever. So protect yourselves now (download latest virus definitions from your AV vendor).
Nothing else very urgent at the moment...
Saturday, August 16, 2003
Quickie
The attack on the microsoft update servers, due to start today, did not go quite as planned. The website targeted (an old address) was taken down beforehand. However, the increased network activity effects were seen, as I can verify at 00:45 this morning the Uni Mainz/Hechtsheim connection to the internet no longer worked (which is why I had to finish updating my site this morning). Of course, when America finally wakes up it will probably get worse...
Talking about updating, the useful sites and friend's sites pages have been updated, so give them a look.
Hey-ho and off to work I go...
The attack on the microsoft update servers, due to start today, did not go quite as planned. The website targeted (an old address) was taken down beforehand. However, the increased network activity effects were seen, as I can verify at 00:45 this morning the Uni Mainz/Hechtsheim connection to the internet no longer worked (which is why I had to finish updating my site this morning). Of course, when America finally wakes up it will probably get worse...
Talking about updating, the useful sites and friend's sites pages have been updated, so give them a look.
Hey-ho and off to work I go...
Friday, August 15, 2003
Doing Nothing, Best Buys and Virus Alert
A new craze has hit Europe after making it's way through America, called "flash mobbing". This is when groups, organised through the internet receive an email telling them to do a particularly pointless thing at a certain time soon afterwards. This information is then disseminated by mobiles and text messages so that, for example, groups of about 200 people went to a bookstore in Rome asking about "Pinnochio 2 - The Vendetta" (doesn't exist) and to Macy's in New York asking for a "love rug" for a "suburban commune". Check out the following websites for more info: cheesebikini, flashmob.com, and an article by the telegraph.
Ever wanted to be mister handyman? Well, with the help of the German supermarket chain Plus and their special offers for screwdriver sets, you can :)
Now time for an important virus warning. The msblast virus seems to be affecting a large amount of home, as well as business users, and since it isn't distributed by email, rather anonomously though the computers network ports, it is a lot more difficult to stop. So here's what you have to do to prevent/get rid of it (for a full explanation, read this page at symantec.com) :
1) Firstly, you should install the latest microsoft patch (Windows 2000, or Windows XP, if your windows is not the english version, remember to select the correct language, or the update won't work) which prevents this virus from entering your system any more.
2) Reboot the computer.
3) Download the symantec fixblast tool (to desktop is a good place).
4) Close all running programs (like messenger clients, Word etc.).
5) If you have Windows XP, right-click on the "My Computer" desktop icon, and select "properties". Now click on the tab labelled "System Restore". Tick the box that says "Turn off System Restore" and then on the "Apply" button. When asked if that is really what you want to do, say "Yes".
6) Run the Fixblast.exe program (double click on the desktop icon if that's where you downloaded it to) and select "Start" for it to start checking your computer.
7) When this has finished, restart the computer.
8) Run Fixblast again (as in step 6) to check that the virus is fully removed.
9) If you have WinXP, turn on System Restore, following the same method as in Step 5.
After completing all this, update your virus signatures and install a firewall to help prevent other viruses of this nature entering again.
Remember to practice Safe Surfing.
A new craze has hit Europe after making it's way through America, called "flash mobbing". This is when groups, organised through the internet receive an email telling them to do a particularly pointless thing at a certain time soon afterwards. This information is then disseminated by mobiles and text messages so that, for example, groups of about 200 people went to a bookstore in Rome asking about "Pinnochio 2 - The Vendetta" (doesn't exist) and to Macy's in New York asking for a "love rug" for a "suburban commune". Check out the following websites for more info: cheesebikini, flashmob.com, and an article by the telegraph.
Ever wanted to be mister handyman? Well, with the help of the German supermarket chain Plus and their special offers for screwdriver sets, you can :)
Now time for an important virus warning. The msblast virus seems to be affecting a large amount of home, as well as business users, and since it isn't distributed by email, rather anonomously though the computers network ports, it is a lot more difficult to stop. So here's what you have to do to prevent/get rid of it (for a full explanation, read this page at symantec.com) :
1) Firstly, you should install the latest microsoft patch (Windows 2000, or Windows XP, if your windows is not the english version, remember to select the correct language, or the update won't work) which prevents this virus from entering your system any more.
2) Reboot the computer.
3) Download the symantec fixblast tool (to desktop is a good place).
4) Close all running programs (like messenger clients, Word etc.).
5) If you have Windows XP, right-click on the "My Computer" desktop icon, and select "properties". Now click on the tab labelled "System Restore". Tick the box that says "Turn off System Restore" and then on the "Apply" button. When asked if that is really what you want to do, say "Yes".
6) Run the Fixblast.exe program (double click on the desktop icon if that's where you downloaded it to) and select "Start" for it to start checking your computer.
7) When this has finished, restart the computer.
8) Run Fixblast again (as in step 6) to check that the virus is fully removed.
9) If you have WinXP, turn on System Restore, following the same method as in Step 5.
After completing all this, update your virus signatures and install a firewall to help prevent other viruses of this nature entering again.
Remember to practice Safe Surfing.
Tuesday, August 12, 2003
News, news and more news
First up, safety in airports. You would think that we are now over-cautious with the safety controls that are in place, but as this article from the BBC shows, knives are still able to be smuggled through airport security. Makes you feel really safe, doesn't it.
France, always one for flouting the rules when it feels like it, has decided to allow excess water from it's nuclear plants to leak into the rivers at higher temperatures, ignoring any possible impacts it may have on the environment. Of course, they could have done like the swiss and just cut output during this hard time, but they had to do it their way. Ok, it's not fair always picking on the french, I know, so I would also like to point out that Germany too has taken to using the same method.
For those of you that like to stay up late (or those that can't get to sleep because of this ridiculous heatwave we're having) tonight at about 2-3am you should be able to see the meteor shower of Perseids.
Amongst the latest lot to leave for their home countries, are Pau, Nuria, Giulia, Carmen, David, and Juanfran. Best wishes go out for whatever they go on to do with their lives.
That's it for now
First up, safety in airports. You would think that we are now over-cautious with the safety controls that are in place, but as this article from the BBC shows, knives are still able to be smuggled through airport security. Makes you feel really safe, doesn't it.
France, always one for flouting the rules when it feels like it, has decided to allow excess water from it's nuclear plants to leak into the rivers at higher temperatures, ignoring any possible impacts it may have on the environment. Of course, they could have done like the swiss and just cut output during this hard time, but they had to do it their way. Ok, it's not fair always picking on the french, I know, so I would also like to point out that Germany too has taken to using the same method.
For those of you that like to stay up late (or those that can't get to sleep because of this ridiculous heatwave we're having) tonight at about 2-3am you should be able to see the meteor shower of Perseids.
Amongst the latest lot to leave for their home countries, are Pau, Nuria, Giulia, Carmen, David, and Juanfran. Best wishes go out for whatever they go on to do with their lives.
That's it for now
Tuesday, August 05, 2003
Heatwave, Monkeys and Virus Warning
As most of Europe suffers under the effects of the sun, the UK seems to be looking more like the med. It's not all good news, however, apart from Germany sweating without the help of air conditioning, the UK has used the hot weather as an excuse for slowing down the trains. We can never win.
Next up in the news, is a virus warning, although it doesn't seem to be so advanced, it hasn't stopped people from contracting it (not literally people, their computers...) As ever, the advice is to keep your virus program up to date, and to patch this critical vulnerability in Windows.
As more and more firms are moving abroad in order to reduce costs of labour, an Iowian firm has found a different method. They hire monkeys. Yes (this goes out especially to Griff) whilst we have all thought that the guy at the other end of the helpline was some form of primate, now we have the proof. This shows us two things; labour is very cheap indeed hiring chimps instead of humans, and that Visual Basic is in fact just a language written for apes.
bysie bye
As most of Europe suffers under the effects of the sun, the UK seems to be looking more like the med. It's not all good news, however, apart from Germany sweating without the help of air conditioning, the UK has used the hot weather as an excuse for slowing down the trains. We can never win.
Next up in the news, is a virus warning, although it doesn't seem to be so advanced, it hasn't stopped people from contracting it (not literally people, their computers...) As ever, the advice is to keep your virus program up to date, and to patch this critical vulnerability in Windows.
As more and more firms are moving abroad in order to reduce costs of labour, an Iowian firm has found a different method. They hire monkeys. Yes (this goes out especially to Griff) whilst we have all thought that the guy at the other end of the helpline was some form of primate, now we have the proof. This shows us two things; labour is very cheap indeed hiring chimps instead of humans, and that Visual Basic is in fact just a language written for apes.
bysie bye
Monday, August 04, 2003
BBQs, leaving, and photos
Well, the semester has ended, the temperatures have reached record levels and most of the Erasmus students are slowly making their ways home. Which means there ar elaving parties nearly every night, and what better way to celebrate than to have a barbie :) Unfortunately, it does become a bit repetitive after a while, up to the point where I can't see another sausage nor burger for a month !!!
Finally found time to put up the photos from Argentina that Fernand and Joan sent a while back, which can be found under Photos->Others->Fernando and Joan. Also, Alberto's photos from the meal at Olga's are now available to see, Photos->Meals->Olga Cena.
Well, that's it for now, more news later on.
Well, the semester has ended, the temperatures have reached record levels and most of the Erasmus students are slowly making their ways home. Which means there ar elaving parties nearly every night, and what better way to celebrate than to have a barbie :) Unfortunately, it does become a bit repetitive after a while, up to the point where I can't see another sausage nor burger for a month !!!
Finally found time to put up the photos from Argentina that Fernand and Joan sent a while back, which can be found under Photos->Others->Fernando and Joan. Also, Alberto's photos from the meal at Olga's are now available to see, Photos->Meals->Olga Cena.
Well, that's it for now, more news later on.
Tuesday, July 15, 2003
Bits and Bobs
Before anything else, it has to be mentioned that Kutre Concierto 3 will go ahead in the Vegis tonight at 9.30pm. Be there or be square.
On to the news. For all those culinary enthusiasts out there, it is now being claimed that Lasagne is in fact British. The recipe was found in the first ever cookbook, found in the British Museum. Of course, there is the small matter of defining what is lasagne first.
A spurge of online search-engine games has manifested itself, meaning that when you get bored at work or at uni you can have a go at typing in various word combinations to the Google site, and hitting the button "I'm feeling lucky". Some of the current favourites are "weapons of mass destruction", and "french military victories".
Enough fun for today
Before anything else, it has to be mentioned that Kutre Concierto 3 will go ahead in the Vegis tonight at 9.30pm. Be there or be square.
On to the news. For all those culinary enthusiasts out there, it is now being claimed that Lasagne is in fact British. The recipe was found in the first ever cookbook, found in the British Museum. Of course, there is the small matter of defining what is lasagne first.
A spurge of online search-engine games has manifested itself, meaning that when you get bored at work or at uni you can have a go at typing in various word combinations to the Google site, and hitting the button "I'm feeling lucky". Some of the current favourites are "weapons of mass destruction", and "french military victories".
Enough fun for today
Sunday, July 13, 2003
Scam update
First warning goes out to AOL users who are particularly being targeted by a porn trojan.
Next up is an interesting story about the methods of credit card thieves.
And finally, for those london folk, a telephone scam has been discovered that involves paying lots of money to listen to cheesy elevator-music. Great.
Be Aware
First warning goes out to AOL users who are particularly being targeted by a porn trojan.
Next up is an interesting story about the methods of credit card thieves.
And finally, for those london folk, a telephone scam has been discovered that involves paying lots of money to listen to cheesy elevator-music. Great.
Be Aware
Thursday, July 10, 2003
Newsnight
First up, we welcome Roberto the Italian back to Mainz. After completing his degree in Italy he has now returned to rub it in for those who have yet to complete theirs :)
No doubt everyone has become aware of the comradeship going on between the Italian and German members of the European Parliament. Well, the latest shot was fired by the Germans, and is detailed here.
A new way to stop that unstoppable menace that is SPAM, or unsolicitated emails, has been found by the Internet Research Task Force. It has to be read.
Now for the serious stuff:
Bad news for Bangladesh, as a ferry carrying over 750 people sank, with about 400 currently missing.
Good news for a man from Arkansas who awoke after a lengthy 19-year coma. Apparently, he is now trying to catch up on what has happened.
As it becomes apparent that various mis-truths (not going to be sued here, thank you very much) were fed to the public as regards the reasons for war in Iraq, Tony Blair stands defiant (alone) that the proof will materialise as quickly as you can say "rehash me a ten-year-old thesis and pretend it's from a reliable source".
Also, that tear-jerking story of the female US soldier shot and stabbed in Iraq, and then heroically rescued (Saving Private Ryan, anyone?) by the american military turns out to be as far from the truth as The White House is from finding weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.
A couple of IT bites now; consumers up to their eyebrows (for want of a more explicit expression) with paying too much to the music industry monoloths, are getting together and organising a revolt. Join in the fun.
Information about a replacment for the humble barcode has been released (inadvertantly) showing that it is yet another method to control the population. Read about this new invasion of privacy here.
That about it for now, tomorrow is the summer party of the nuclear physics institute, and seeing as we're in Germany, the beer starts flowing from 11am !!!
Friday also sees Carlitos, Lobelto, Makek (el croata), Alberto, Pepe, Eme, Pau, David, Bruno, Natalia, Consuelo, Mirian, Helene (la francesa), Ana, Maria, Pili, Tere and Susi head off to Berlin for the much-acclaimed Love Parade.
Can't wait for the photos :)
First up, we welcome Roberto the Italian back to Mainz. After completing his degree in Italy he has now returned to rub it in for those who have yet to complete theirs :)
No doubt everyone has become aware of the comradeship going on between the Italian and German members of the European Parliament. Well, the latest shot was fired by the Germans, and is detailed here.
A new way to stop that unstoppable menace that is SPAM, or unsolicitated emails, has been found by the Internet Research Task Force. It has to be read.
Now for the serious stuff:
Bad news for Bangladesh, as a ferry carrying over 750 people sank, with about 400 currently missing.
Good news for a man from Arkansas who awoke after a lengthy 19-year coma. Apparently, he is now trying to catch up on what has happened.
As it becomes apparent that various mis-truths (not going to be sued here, thank you very much) were fed to the public as regards the reasons for war in Iraq, Tony Blair stands defiant (alone) that the proof will materialise as quickly as you can say "rehash me a ten-year-old thesis and pretend it's from a reliable source".
Also, that tear-jerking story of the female US soldier shot and stabbed in Iraq, and then heroically rescued (Saving Private Ryan, anyone?) by the american military turns out to be as far from the truth as The White House is from finding weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.
A couple of IT bites now; consumers up to their eyebrows (for want of a more explicit expression) with paying too much to the music industry monoloths, are getting together and organising a revolt. Join in the fun.
Information about a replacment for the humble barcode has been released (inadvertantly) showing that it is yet another method to control the population. Read about this new invasion of privacy here.
That about it for now, tomorrow is the summer party of the nuclear physics institute, and seeing as we're in Germany, the beer starts flowing from 11am !!!
Friday also sees Carlitos, Lobelto, Makek (el croata), Alberto, Pepe, Eme, Pau, David, Bruno, Natalia, Consuelo, Mirian, Helene (la francesa), Ana, Maria, Pili, Tere and Susi head off to Berlin for the much-acclaimed Love Parade.
Can't wait for the photos :)
Sunday, July 06, 2003
Graduation, Breadmaking and Parties
Another trip to the UK, this time it was for the graduation of Douglas, my lesser half, sorry, my brother :)
This was attended after a six hour journey from London up to Durham (near the border with Scotland). The kindest way to talk about the weather up north is to say that it didn't snow...although I'm sure it tried. I admit, maybe I should have warned Olga of the temperatures up there so that she would have been able to bring something more than summer clothes, but it was amusing :) So, a big posh meal at a hotel that night, followed by the ceremony in the morning in Durham Cathedral, and then packing up all Dug's belongings into the trailer to bring home with us (along with five of us in the car). Getting home at half past one in the morning, my parents then had to leave for france the next morning, and Olga and I set off for London (I assume Douglas has now woken up).
In the Canary Wharf area of the capital we met up with Nick, who managed to take an extra long lunch-break in order to eat with us. We met up with Joe (Colombian from Mainz) and went shopping along Oxford Street. Rushing for the plane, we arrived at City Airport half an hour before take-off, and within ten minutes we were in the plane for Frankfurt, exceptionally efficient in my opinion, especially considering the palava in Frankfurt airport on the way out (after the usual bag scan and walking through the beep machine, they then scan the bag again and do a very intimate body search. If it wasn't for their authority in the airport, I would seriously consider reporting them to the police for sexual assualt, and Olga would back me up one hundred percent, as hers was even more explicit).
On Saturday, after shopping to fill up the fridge (after four days away there was no food left), I went off to work, not without first setting my bread-machine for a loaf of oregano bread (doesn't have a recipe, I made it up as I went along). It's not just me who liked the result, Olga thought it had just the right amount of salt, Alberto managed to chew it, despite having his four molars taken out, Andres also approved, and even Magda put aside her impressions of english men to say that she was impressed.
This same night there was a big selection of parties to going on around here. In Hechtsheim Lucia and Christina had their leaving party (which I could observe from my room :) there was a street party in Frankfurt which was attended by Ramsey etc. also, in Muenchfeld there was a party at the house of Mauri, and near to Wiesbaden there was a latin-american party. Which was great, and many people enjoyed themselves. Which one did I visit? None. I was too tired after work (does my age show?).
Tonight Fatma is coming over for dinner (let's hope the tomato-bread is ready by then) and then we'll be meeting up with Nick (yes, the one from London) and his brother in town for a couple of drinks.
On a less personal note, theregister reports that printer ink is now seven times more expensive than vintage champagne. I don't know who did this study, but speaking for my self, I don't usually drink the ink from my printer.
And relax...
Another trip to the UK, this time it was for the graduation of Douglas, my lesser half, sorry, my brother :)
This was attended after a six hour journey from London up to Durham (near the border with Scotland). The kindest way to talk about the weather up north is to say that it didn't snow...although I'm sure it tried. I admit, maybe I should have warned Olga of the temperatures up there so that she would have been able to bring something more than summer clothes, but it was amusing :) So, a big posh meal at a hotel that night, followed by the ceremony in the morning in Durham Cathedral, and then packing up all Dug's belongings into the trailer to bring home with us (along with five of us in the car). Getting home at half past one in the morning, my parents then had to leave for france the next morning, and Olga and I set off for London (I assume Douglas has now woken up).
In the Canary Wharf area of the capital we met up with Nick, who managed to take an extra long lunch-break in order to eat with us. We met up with Joe (Colombian from Mainz) and went shopping along Oxford Street. Rushing for the plane, we arrived at City Airport half an hour before take-off, and within ten minutes we were in the plane for Frankfurt, exceptionally efficient in my opinion, especially considering the palava in Frankfurt airport on the way out (after the usual bag scan and walking through the beep machine, they then scan the bag again and do a very intimate body search. If it wasn't for their authority in the airport, I would seriously consider reporting them to the police for sexual assualt, and Olga would back me up one hundred percent, as hers was even more explicit).
On Saturday, after shopping to fill up the fridge (after four days away there was no food left), I went off to work, not without first setting my bread-machine for a loaf of oregano bread (doesn't have a recipe, I made it up as I went along). It's not just me who liked the result, Olga thought it had just the right amount of salt, Alberto managed to chew it, despite having his four molars taken out, Andres also approved, and even Magda put aside her impressions of english men to say that she was impressed.
This same night there was a big selection of parties to going on around here. In Hechtsheim Lucia and Christina had their leaving party (which I could observe from my room :) there was a street party in Frankfurt which was attended by Ramsey etc. also, in Muenchfeld there was a party at the house of Mauri, and near to Wiesbaden there was a latin-american party. Which was great, and many people enjoyed themselves. Which one did I visit? None. I was too tired after work (does my age show?).
Tonight Fatma is coming over for dinner (let's hope the tomato-bread is ready by then) and then we'll be meeting up with Nick (yes, the one from London) and his brother in town for a couple of drinks.
On a less personal note, theregister reports that printer ink is now seven times more expensive than vintage champagne. I don't know who did this study, but speaking for my self, I don't usually drink the ink from my printer.
And relax...
Sunday, June 22, 2003
Writer's Block
Okay, biggest apologies go out to every one of you, I will not attempt to explain my lack of communication, albeit to say that I was just a little stressed.
So now's the bit where I try to recount everything that's been happening over the last (gosh!) eight weeks. With the help of Lou's diary pages (no, I didn't steal them, she gave them to me) and what's left of my decrepid memory, I will now go back to the beginning and reveal all (no, not in that way. no need to hide the kids).
So, April 26th saw Roberto (the italian) have his leaving party. Highlights of the evening were Alicia's tortilla, and the amount of wine drunk. Also on this same night saw a repeat Kalimocho party in Alberto's flat, which ended up with not many people remembering much of the night, including me, although there are vague recollections of some people close-dancing...
On May 22nd Don Albe (jose alberto to you and me) came over to visit us. Time was spent drinking, chatting, drinking...
Dinner was provided by Olga on May 23rd, so Lou and I went over to Bretzenheim to eat our plate's worth. Very nice. Afterwards, fiesta brava in the Mainzer Kolleg, where it was also the last day behind the bar for Antonio, before he left to go back to Seville. Very good night had by all, Albe certainly enjoyed himself, as did the rest of us dance-a-holics. At about 6am most people made their way home. Apparently Carlitos and Roberto stayed on a bit longer, whilst the latter painted the steps to the bar a nice shade of pink-with-carrots.
After his brief visit, Albe went back to Valencia on May 27th, promising to return soon. So the night of the 26th we had a leaving get-together for him in Hechtsheim Bar, where I got out a couple of special beers that I had brought back from England (one from chocolate, the other made with honey).
June 4th saw a strawberry-party organised by the Hechtsheim halls. So naturally we all went to Carlitos' place (about 3 metres away from said bar) and had our own super party (despite certain people trying to stop the fun).
Lobelto, sorry, Roberto the frog, um, frenchman laid on a Paella on June 6th for his housemates (including Olga) so Lou and I went along to give our opinions.
June 9th-12th I spent in my humble village in England, getting together my books, beer and sauces to bring back to Germany, whilst showing Olga around London on her first trip to the UK (crossing roads was a particular difficulty she had...). During this time Alberto (aka Albakra) and Jordi went back to Valencia for a week (it was uni holidays, honest).
The birth of Marcus the baker happened on June 14th, when, with my newly bought bread-baking machine, I baked my first loaf. Not wanting to die alone, I invited Lou to come along and try the bread first :)
June 15th saw me back in the experiment room in the physics building, where all sorts of computer problems occured. At 8pm I quickly ran away back home.
The preparations started well in advance, for on June 18th the halls of residence in Hechtsheim filled with about 3000 people for the annual summer party. Not before I cooked my Indian meal (a korma, for those in the know) for Andres, Carolina and Olga, and served it along with a freshly baked loaf of bread.
So, as expected of us, we had our own private party in Carlitos' flat. Again, some people not understanding the idea of a private party, nor that a person's toilet is not for communal use for a population of 3000, and that somebody saw fit to steal Lou's camera and also to push over the kitchen shelves. But apart from those little mishaps, it was a very good party, and Carlitos is to be commended once again for his organisational skills.
This Saturday just gone (June 21st) I went on a little shopping trip with Olga, to buy food. Why is this worth writing on this website you may ask? Because when it came through the checkout at 120 euros, and filled two boxes and five carrier bags, and had to be transported back home by bus, I would consider it something out of the ordinary. Highlights of the shopping trip: Colombian fruit (can't remeber what they were called), flour of type 1050 (no, I have no idea what that means either, but it's the one required for some of my bread recipes) and a Tigger toy.
After a meal of chicken with rice (attended by Sylvia), and sleeping the siesta (Olga has a problem with quantities when cooking, so yes, after eating it all up everyone needs a siesta) we had a pasta dish prepared by Nuria, wish was also very nice.
Now that I think I've done the majority of the news of late, I will let you get back to your cups of tea and coffee, that will definitely be cold by now.
Sorry.
Okay, biggest apologies go out to every one of you, I will not attempt to explain my lack of communication, albeit to say that I was just a little stressed.
So now's the bit where I try to recount everything that's been happening over the last (gosh!) eight weeks. With the help of Lou's diary pages (no, I didn't steal them, she gave them to me) and what's left of my decrepid memory, I will now go back to the beginning and reveal all (no, not in that way. no need to hide the kids).
So, April 26th saw Roberto (the italian) have his leaving party. Highlights of the evening were Alicia's tortilla, and the amount of wine drunk. Also on this same night saw a repeat Kalimocho party in Alberto's flat, which ended up with not many people remembering much of the night, including me, although there are vague recollections of some people close-dancing...
On May 22nd Don Albe (jose alberto to you and me) came over to visit us. Time was spent drinking, chatting, drinking...
Dinner was provided by Olga on May 23rd, so Lou and I went over to Bretzenheim to eat our plate's worth. Very nice. Afterwards, fiesta brava in the Mainzer Kolleg, where it was also the last day behind the bar for Antonio, before he left to go back to Seville. Very good night had by all, Albe certainly enjoyed himself, as did the rest of us dance-a-holics. At about 6am most people made their way home. Apparently Carlitos and Roberto stayed on a bit longer, whilst the latter painted the steps to the bar a nice shade of pink-with-carrots.
After his brief visit, Albe went back to Valencia on May 27th, promising to return soon. So the night of the 26th we had a leaving get-together for him in Hechtsheim Bar, where I got out a couple of special beers that I had brought back from England (one from chocolate, the other made with honey).
June 4th saw a strawberry-party organised by the Hechtsheim halls. So naturally we all went to Carlitos' place (about 3 metres away from said bar) and had our own super party (despite certain people trying to stop the fun).
Lobelto, sorry, Roberto the frog, um, frenchman laid on a Paella on June 6th for his housemates (including Olga) so Lou and I went along to give our opinions.
June 9th-12th I spent in my humble village in England, getting together my books, beer and sauces to bring back to Germany, whilst showing Olga around London on her first trip to the UK (crossing roads was a particular difficulty she had...). During this time Alberto (aka Albakra) and Jordi went back to Valencia for a week (it was uni holidays, honest).
The birth of Marcus the baker happened on June 14th, when, with my newly bought bread-baking machine, I baked my first loaf. Not wanting to die alone, I invited Lou to come along and try the bread first :)
June 15th saw me back in the experiment room in the physics building, where all sorts of computer problems occured. At 8pm I quickly ran away back home.
The preparations started well in advance, for on June 18th the halls of residence in Hechtsheim filled with about 3000 people for the annual summer party. Not before I cooked my Indian meal (a korma, for those in the know) for Andres, Carolina and Olga, and served it along with a freshly baked loaf of bread.
So, as expected of us, we had our own private party in Carlitos' flat. Again, some people not understanding the idea of a private party, nor that a person's toilet is not for communal use for a population of 3000, and that somebody saw fit to steal Lou's camera and also to push over the kitchen shelves. But apart from those little mishaps, it was a very good party, and Carlitos is to be commended once again for his organisational skills.
This Saturday just gone (June 21st) I went on a little shopping trip with Olga, to buy food. Why is this worth writing on this website you may ask? Because when it came through the checkout at 120 euros, and filled two boxes and five carrier bags, and had to be transported back home by bus, I would consider it something out of the ordinary. Highlights of the shopping trip: Colombian fruit (can't remeber what they were called), flour of type 1050 (no, I have no idea what that means either, but it's the one required for some of my bread recipes) and a Tigger toy.
After a meal of chicken with rice (attended by Sylvia), and sleeping the siesta (Olga has a problem with quantities when cooking, so yes, after eating it all up everyone needs a siesta) we had a pasta dish prepared by Nuria, wish was also very nice.
Now that I think I've done the majority of the news of late, I will let you get back to your cups of tea and coffee, that will definitely be cold by now.
Sorry.
Tuesday, April 22, 2003
Coming and going
So what's been happening lately? Well, in no particular order (okay, in the order that I am remembering them) I went to see the film 'Goodbye, Lenin' with Andres last Tuesday, and would definitely recommend it to all and sundry. A well produced look into divided Germany, both funny and sad.
Many people have been going off on day-trips throughout this country, and some for longer. My own break went through Luxemburg, Aachen, Cologne, Bonn and Koblenz with Martin (long-time friend from Stuttgart), his girlfriend, and his car. Despite a cold Saturday, the trip was great.
As mentioned on Jordi's updated website, Javi went off to Prague, Lou has now gone off to Berlin, Carolina has come back from Colombia, and Dani (el putogues) is off to Italy (don't expect many photos of the sights...). In the meantime I've been doing nothing unusual in working as much as possible, although I did clean and completely rearrange my room on Monday (inspections welcome), and worked up an appetite by running to Jordi and Javi's for dinner, and then running back afterwards (spring makes funny things happen to people).
Another thing of importance, is that Fernando and Joan have now boarded their plane to Argentina, and so wishes of all the best go out to them, and let's see if I get to visit them this summer...
As we have just had a huge thunderstorm, and lots of rain, the weather can described as unstable, so anyone planning a trip to visit me (us) here (hints to any of my friends back in the UK), bring your umbrellas !
now, where did I put my wellies?
So what's been happening lately? Well, in no particular order (okay, in the order that I am remembering them) I went to see the film 'Goodbye, Lenin' with Andres last Tuesday, and would definitely recommend it to all and sundry. A well produced look into divided Germany, both funny and sad.
Many people have been going off on day-trips throughout this country, and some for longer. My own break went through Luxemburg, Aachen, Cologne, Bonn and Koblenz with Martin (long-time friend from Stuttgart), his girlfriend, and his car. Despite a cold Saturday, the trip was great.
As mentioned on Jordi's updated website, Javi went off to Prague, Lou has now gone off to Berlin, Carolina has come back from Colombia, and Dani (el putogues) is off to Italy (don't expect many photos of the sights...). In the meantime I've been doing nothing unusual in working as much as possible, although I did clean and completely rearrange my room on Monday (inspections welcome), and worked up an appetite by running to Jordi and Javi's for dinner, and then running back afterwards (spring makes funny things happen to people).
Another thing of importance, is that Fernando and Joan have now boarded their plane to Argentina, and so wishes of all the best go out to them, and let's see if I get to visit them this summer...
As we have just had a huge thunderstorm, and lots of rain, the weather can described as unstable, so anyone planning a trip to visit me (us) here (hints to any of my friends back in the UK), bring your umbrellas !
now, where did I put my wellies?
Tuesday, April 15, 2003
Weather and News
Germany, are we are in Germany?? You wouldn't have thought so, what with the weather actually being hot (not just the sun being out and a freezing wind). So what do we do when we've got weather unseen here for the last 8 months? We stay inside and work. Yes, bosses seem to think that good weather means people will work faster, so they give us even more to do. Never mind, I can dream of the sea...
Couple of short news stories. First one following on about alternative uses for mobiles, some people just take it too far. And then an amusing story about internet pornography, and how the US government is aiming to succeed in paying off it's national debt, maybe.
smoke me a kipper.
Germany, are we are in Germany?? You wouldn't have thought so, what with the weather actually being hot (not just the sun being out and a freezing wind). So what do we do when we've got weather unseen here for the last 8 months? We stay inside and work. Yes, bosses seem to think that good weather means people will work faster, so they give us even more to do. Never mind, I can dream of the sea...
Couple of short news stories. First one following on about alternative uses for mobiles, some people just take it too far. And then an amusing story about internet pornography, and how the US government is aiming to succeed in paying off it's national debt, maybe.
smoke me a kipper.
Friday, April 11, 2003
Fun for the girls, and windows security update
After the article about the taiwanese women who 'accidently' got her mobile stuck in her rear quarters, comes the news of a new phone luxury called The Purring Kitty that owners of certain nokia handsets can download which makes use of the vibrate function...the rest I'll let this article explain.
And now something serious for users of the windows operating system. A new bug has been found that will allow specially-designed websites to format your hard-disks. More info and links to the patches can be found here.
That's it, nothing more nothing less.
After the article about the taiwanese women who 'accidently' got her mobile stuck in her rear quarters, comes the news of a new phone luxury called The Purring Kitty that owners of certain nokia handsets can download which makes use of the vibrate function...the rest I'll let this article explain.
And now something serious for users of the windows operating system. A new bug has been found that will allow specially-designed websites to format your hard-disks. More info and links to the patches can be found here.
That's it, nothing more nothing less.
Thursday, April 10, 2003
Tuesday, April 08, 2003
News Roundup
Some brief news links.
Naturists are battling the government's plans to outlaw people taking off their clothes in public. They can count on my support :)
Police are searching for 118 missing piglets. The motive is yet unknown, but when a robbery of 100 lettuces and tomatoes follows, my bet's the bakery is next.
Just to prove that Birmingham really is a safe place to live, in a police amnesty on arms (hand in any weapon, and no prosecution will follow) in the west midlands, a slightly unusual piece was handed in. A grenade launcher goes to show that schoolkids are getting slightly out of control...
Finally, a well written article about net censorship and the war that is definitely worth reading.
Back to Mainz, and the Hague carload came back last night, Noelia is nursing an oil-burnt hand, had a great meal (provided by Olga, Bivi, Roberto) and film (la flor de mi secreto) experience in Bretzenheim on Sunday.
No rest for the wicked...
Some brief news links.
Naturists are battling the government's plans to outlaw people taking off their clothes in public. They can count on my support :)
Police are searching for 118 missing piglets. The motive is yet unknown, but when a robbery of 100 lettuces and tomatoes follows, my bet's the bakery is next.
Just to prove that Birmingham really is a safe place to live, in a police amnesty on arms (hand in any weapon, and no prosecution will follow) in the west midlands, a slightly unusual piece was handed in. A grenade launcher goes to show that schoolkids are getting slightly out of control...
Finally, a well written article about net censorship and the war that is definitely worth reading.
Back to Mainz, and the Hague carload came back last night, Noelia is nursing an oil-burnt hand, had a great meal (provided by Olga, Bivi, Roberto) and film (la flor de mi secreto) experience in Bretzenheim on Sunday.
No rest for the wicked...
Thursday, April 03, 2003
Student Cones
Funny title, but it has it's reasons. Not sufficient in taking away our civil liberties, our privacy, instilling fear in the population, now the government wants to take away the life and blood of its students. Yes, they want all traffic cones returned to government departments, and as such, have set up an amnesty so no questions will be asked. So what are we supposed to do now when we come home drunk from the pubs and clubs at 4am ??? At least we can keep the signposts, traffic lights and shopping trolleys... :)
Something a bit more personal now. Don't sit up in your chairs just yet though, I didn't mean that personal !!. Last night saw the Hechtsheim Bar open its doors for the new Erasmus students. After all the newbies went off to bed, we arrived, and had a great time dancing away to hits of the eighties (up-to-date, Germany :)
Well, that's all for now, pictures of Bologna are in progress, and you might just notice a change in me tomorrow.
Wait and see.
Funny title, but it has it's reasons. Not sufficient in taking away our civil liberties, our privacy, instilling fear in the population, now the government wants to take away the life and blood of its students. Yes, they want all traffic cones returned to government departments, and as such, have set up an amnesty so no questions will be asked. So what are we supposed to do now when we come home drunk from the pubs and clubs at 4am ??? At least we can keep the signposts, traffic lights and shopping trolleys... :)
Something a bit more personal now. Don't sit up in your chairs just yet though, I didn't mean that personal !!. Last night saw the Hechtsheim Bar open its doors for the new Erasmus students. After all the newbies went off to bed, we arrived, and had a great time dancing away to hits of the eighties (up-to-date, Germany :)
Well, that's all for now, pictures of Bologna are in progress, and you might just notice a change in me tomorrow.
Wait and see.
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