Merry Christmas! Joyeaux Noel! Boldog Karacsonyt!
I don't think there's anything more odd than those nativity figurines with Santa kneeling before Baby Jesus. It's one "tradition" I think modern society can do without.
That's all.
Have a good one!
Showing posts with label Ms.Q Education Hour. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ms.Q Education Hour. Show all posts
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Day 12: 12 Days of "Christmas Around the World"
You know the drill. Happy Holidays from Ms. Q!
Merry Christmas! Joyeaux Noel! Boldog Karacsonyt!
I don't think there's anything more odd than those nativity figurines with Santa kneeling before Baby Jesus. It's one "tradition" I think modern society can do without.
That's all.
Have a good one!
Merry Christmas! Joyeaux Noel! Boldog Karacsonyt!
I don't think there's anything more odd than those nativity figurines with Santa kneeling before Baby Jesus. It's one "tradition" I think modern society can do without.
That's all.
Have a good one!
Friday, December 24, 2010
Day 11: 12 Days of "Christmas Around the World"
You know the drill. Happy Holidays from Ms. Q!
Day 11: A Flammable Christmas
Yes those are real candles on that Christmas tree.
We miss something in America by using strings of electric lights, or worse, a pre-lit tree (really, how lazy can you be?) at Christmastime.
Namely, we miss the possibility of our homes burning down.
Not to mention the amount of ice that would be the result of the fire department trying to put out aforementioned house fire.
Nothing but the spring thaw will take care of that is all I'm saying.
This photo was taken in the Old Country one long-ago Christmas, when the light bulb was just a twinkle in Edison's eye.
So that's not true.
Really, this photo was taken in Bratislava in 2005.
The straw ornaments are traditional to many European countries, and the candles are a throwback.
TIP: Never leave the tree unattended.
TIP: Keep a pail of water handy in the same room in case anything catches fire.
Day 11: A Flammable Christmas
Yes those are real candles on that Christmas tree.
We miss something in America by using strings of electric lights, or worse, a pre-lit tree (really, how lazy can you be?) at Christmastime.
Namely, we miss the possibility of our homes burning down.
Not to mention the amount of ice that would be the result of the fire department trying to put out aforementioned house fire.
Nothing but the spring thaw will take care of that is all I'm saying.
This photo was taken in the Old Country one long-ago Christmas, when the light bulb was just a twinkle in Edison's eye.
So that's not true.
Really, this photo was taken in Bratislava in 2005.
The straw ornaments are traditional to many European countries, and the candles are a throwback.
TIP: Never leave the tree unattended.
TIP: Keep a pail of water handy in the same room in case anything catches fire.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Day 10: 12 Days of "Christmas Around the World"
I've been blessed to have traveled extensively throughout Europe while stationed as a missionary in Eastern Europe. To share a bit of that past, I bring to you The 12 Days of "Christmas Around the World." Each day I will chose a country I visited, tell a personal story, and share a Christmas tradition from that country. Please add your own family traditions in the comments section of these posts, or share your own international experiences if you've been blessed enough to travel.
Happy Holidays from Ms. Q!
Christmas in Croatia
Winter getting you down?
Sick of bundling up every time you head outdoors?
Need a bit of warm-weather cheer?
That's what you've got me for - to bring you delightfully sunny cityscapes from Trogir, Croatia.
Granted, this isn't a picture of Christmas in Croatia (it's Easter), but then that wasn't part of the deal was it?
I'm simply bringing you Christmas traditions from places I've visited around the world.
So there.
Here's your dang tradition, get off my back.
Many Croatian families decorate their Christmas trees with Licitar hearts - a special dough (that's edible, yet usually not eaten), shaped into hearts, and painted red. Colorful designs and artwork are added to each heart for a festive ornament.
These hearts have spread across other Central European countries, and larger versions are often given as gifts or tokens of appreciation and gratitude.
Croatians also practice the tradition of a yule log, which also, incidentally, is a Christmas tradition across the former Kingdom of Yugoslavia (read: parts of Slovenia, Serbia, and Croatia).
How do I know that?
Why, because I did a research paper in 4th grade on Christmas traditions in Yugoslavia. Little did I know how irrelevant that work would be so soon after I completed the project.
This was, of course, the early 90's and my word processing software (read: typewriter) did not yet have the "Find and Replace" function. So, unfortunately, the paper still reads "Yugoslavia" when mere months after it's publication it should have read "the former Kingdom of Yugoslavia."
Bygones. Back to the yule log.
The yule log is cut on Christmas Eve morning, left on the hearth all day, and burned at night throughout Christmas day. The burning of the log is accompanied by prayers to welcome in blessings for the new year.
In Serbia, it's customary that the first visitors to the home on Christmas day strike the burning log with a poker to release sparks and then bestow a blessing on the household.
I hope this all takes place in the safe confines of an enclosed fire place.
It seems that several of my 12 Christmas traditions from around the world include some sort of fire hazard. I promise that wasn't intentional.
Happy Holidays from Ms. Q!
Christmas in Croatia
Winter getting you down?
Sick of bundling up every time you head outdoors?
Need a bit of warm-weather cheer?
That's what you've got me for - to bring you delightfully sunny cityscapes from Trogir, Croatia.
Granted, this isn't a picture of Christmas in Croatia (it's Easter), but then that wasn't part of the deal was it?
I'm simply bringing you Christmas traditions from places I've visited around the world.
So there.
Here's your dang tradition, get off my back.
Many Croatian families decorate their Christmas trees with Licitar hearts - a special dough (that's edible, yet usually not eaten), shaped into hearts, and painted red. Colorful designs and artwork are added to each heart for a festive ornament.
These hearts have spread across other Central European countries, and larger versions are often given as gifts or tokens of appreciation and gratitude.
Croatians also practice the tradition of a yule log, which also, incidentally, is a Christmas tradition across the former Kingdom of Yugoslavia (read: parts of Slovenia, Serbia, and Croatia).
How do I know that?
Why, because I did a research paper in 4th grade on Christmas traditions in Yugoslavia. Little did I know how irrelevant that work would be so soon after I completed the project.
This was, of course, the early 90's and my word processing software (read: typewriter) did not yet have the "Find and Replace" function. So, unfortunately, the paper still reads "Yugoslavia" when mere months after it's publication it should have read "the former Kingdom of Yugoslavia."
Bygones. Back to the yule log.
The yule log is cut on Christmas Eve morning, left on the hearth all day, and burned at night throughout Christmas day. The burning of the log is accompanied by prayers to welcome in blessings for the new year.
In Serbia, it's customary that the first visitors to the home on Christmas day strike the burning log with a poker to release sparks and then bestow a blessing on the household.
I hope this all takes place in the safe confines of an enclosed fire place.
It seems that several of my 12 Christmas traditions from around the world include some sort of fire hazard. I promise that wasn't intentional.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Day 9: 12 Days of "Christmas Around the World"
I've been blessed to have traveled extensively throughout Europe while stationed as a missionary in Eastern Europe. To share a bit of that past, I bring to you The 12 Days of "Christmas Around the World." Each day I will chose a country I visited, tell a personal story, and share a Christmas tradition from that country. Please add your own family traditions in the comments section of these posts, or share your own international experiences if you've been blessed enough to travel.
Happy Holidays from Ms. Q!
Angels
Or are they...?
These are students from my 12D class, and I won't ruin the nice scene this photo portrays by telling you how they were in class.
Just kidding.
Sort of.
You can't help but think of angels when you think of Christmas for, Hark! You can even hear them singing.
Sh....listen...
Okay, so maybe it's just Rosemary Clooney on your iPod, but you know what I'm saying.
I don't think I need to explain in detail the importance of angels at Christmas - they held Academy Award winning supporting roles in the birth of Jesus, and they now hold prominent places in our households at the tops of our Christmas trees.
My sister played an angel in our church's Nativity play when we were kids.
I was one of the three kings.
While she got to wear a long, flowing, white robe with pretty wings and a halo, I had to wear an ugly smock and fluffy hat and walk down the aisle carrying a glass bottle of "frankincense" while some guy sang "We Three Kings" in an, admittedly, rich baritone.
It was much too masculine for my Barbie-loving ways.
I wanted to be an angel.
Or Mary. Mary was a plum role, too.
I attribute this childhood disappointment to my tomboy ways of '94-'97.
Moving on...
Boldog Karácsonyt
Hungary has two traditions that are a little bit different than what you might be used to at Christmas.
First, Baby Jesus brings the presents, not a fat, jolly elf/Saint who lives at the North Pole.
Second, most homes include an Advent wreath with their usual holiday decorations. The flower shops (an explanation of the importance of flowers in Hungary here) carry a variety of fresh wreaths decorated with all manner of ribbons, trinkets, and colors. Like the pastor does at church, you can light a candle for each week of Advent in the comfort of your own home.
Just make sure you have a fire extinguisher handy and/or don't have anything flammable near the candles. More on this in our Day 12 post...
Happy Holidays from Ms. Q!
Angels
Or are they...?
These are students from my 12D class, and I won't ruin the nice scene this photo portrays by telling you how they were in class.
Just kidding.
Sort of.
You can't help but think of angels when you think of Christmas for, Hark! You can even hear them singing.
Sh....listen...
Okay, so maybe it's just Rosemary Clooney on your iPod, but you know what I'm saying.
I don't think I need to explain in detail the importance of angels at Christmas - they held Academy Award winning supporting roles in the birth of Jesus, and they now hold prominent places in our households at the tops of our Christmas trees.
My sister played an angel in our church's Nativity play when we were kids.
I was one of the three kings.
While she got to wear a long, flowing, white robe with pretty wings and a halo, I had to wear an ugly smock and fluffy hat and walk down the aisle carrying a glass bottle of "frankincense" while some guy sang "We Three Kings" in an, admittedly, rich baritone.
It was much too masculine for my Barbie-loving ways.
I wanted to be an angel.
Or Mary. Mary was a plum role, too.
I attribute this childhood disappointment to my tomboy ways of '94-'97.
Moving on...
Boldog Karácsonyt
Hungary has two traditions that are a little bit different than what you might be used to at Christmas.
First, Baby Jesus brings the presents, not a fat, jolly elf/Saint who lives at the North Pole.
Second, most homes include an Advent wreath with their usual holiday decorations. The flower shops (an explanation of the importance of flowers in Hungary here) carry a variety of fresh wreaths decorated with all manner of ribbons, trinkets, and colors. Like the pastor does at church, you can light a candle for each week of Advent in the comfort of your own home.
Just make sure you have a fire extinguisher handy and/or don't have anything flammable near the candles. More on this in our Day 12 post...
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Day 8: 12 Days of "Christmas Around the World"
I've been blessed to have traveled extensively throughout Europe while stationed as a missionary in Eastern Europe. To share a bit of that past, I bring to you The 12 Days of "Christmas Around the World." Each day I will chose a country I visited, tell a personal story, and share a Christmas tradition from that country. Please add your own family traditions in the comments section of these posts, or share your own international experiences if you've been blessed enough to travel.
Happy Holidays from Ms. Q!
In A Word? Ireland.
A few years ago I had the pleasure (read: misfortune) of visiting Ireland the week between Christmas and New Years.
I say misfortune mostly because I was sick - more sick than I've ever been in my life barring surgery. But it was also an unfortunate time to visit because nothing happens in Ireland during this week (and I don't mean in a Las Vegas kind of way).
Sure, they have Boxing Day and St. Stephen's Day, but what good is that to a tourist? It just means the shops, museums, and tourist-y places are likely closed.
The highlights of this trip were kissing the Blarney stone (after which my friend promptly became ill), drinking Guinness in an Irish pub, and..., um..., yep, that's it.
I suppose the tour of the Jameson whiskey factory wasn't all that bad...
After my Irish "vacation" I spent the next 20 or so hours traveling back to Hungary when I really should have been in a hospital. I pretty much spent the plane ride from Dublin to Vienna in tears as I fully expected my head to explode from the painful pressure in my ears.
The next day I went to the doctor in Sopron (socialized medicine = not bad at all, you heard it here first). He and his otoscope got within in 3 feet of me when he began writing a prescription and scolded me for not seeing a doctor sooner.
Yeah, buddy. I was kind of between countries!
Tradition As Fire Hazard
In Ireland, one little tradition they have at Christmastime is to keep a lighted candle in the window on Christmas Eve.
The purpose of this is so that Mary and Joseph can feel welcomed and know there is shelter to be had at your abode.
One can only wonder what's supposed to be done about the donkey.
Perhaps it's enough to hope the Irish have flame-retardant curtains.
Until tomorrow, Nollaig Shona Daoibh.
Happy Holidays from Ms. Q!
In A Word? Ireland.
A few years ago I had the pleasure (read: misfortune) of visiting Ireland the week between Christmas and New Years.
I say misfortune mostly because I was sick - more sick than I've ever been in my life barring surgery. But it was also an unfortunate time to visit because nothing happens in Ireland during this week (and I don't mean in a Las Vegas kind of way).
Sure, they have Boxing Day and St. Stephen's Day, but what good is that to a tourist? It just means the shops, museums, and tourist-y places are likely closed.
The highlights of this trip were kissing the Blarney stone (after which my friend promptly became ill), drinking Guinness in an Irish pub, and..., um..., yep, that's it.
I suppose the tour of the Jameson whiskey factory wasn't all that bad...
After my Irish "vacation" I spent the next 20 or so hours traveling back to Hungary when I really should have been in a hospital. I pretty much spent the plane ride from Dublin to Vienna in tears as I fully expected my head to explode from the painful pressure in my ears.
The next day I went to the doctor in Sopron (socialized medicine = not bad at all, you heard it here first). He and his otoscope got within in 3 feet of me when he began writing a prescription and scolded me for not seeing a doctor sooner.
Yeah, buddy. I was kind of between countries!
Tradition As Fire Hazard
In Ireland, one little tradition they have at Christmastime is to keep a lighted candle in the window on Christmas Eve.
The purpose of this is so that Mary and Joseph can feel welcomed and know there is shelter to be had at your abode.
One can only wonder what's supposed to be done about the donkey.
Perhaps it's enough to hope the Irish have flame-retardant curtains.
Until tomorrow, Nollaig Shona Daoibh.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Day 7: 12 Days of "Christmas Around the World"
I've been blessed to have traveled extensively throughout Europe while stationed as a missionary in Eastern Europe. To share a bit of that past, I bring to you The 12 Days of "Christmas Around the World." Each day I will chose a country I visited, tell a personal story, and share a Christmas tradition from that country. Please add your own family traditions in the comments section of these posts, or share your own international experiences if you've been blessed enough to travel.
Happy Holidays from Ms. Q!
Karacsonyi Vasar
Consider this Christmas Markets Take 2, Hungarian style.
What makes Christmas markets different in Hungary than they are in Austria, you ask?
Go ahead. I'll wait.
Well, I'm glad you asked, because you'll be delighted to know there is no difference beyond geography.
This photo was snapped at Sopron's little version in Fő Tér.
Folk music is played live by local bands, attendees can enjoy some lángos or forralt bor, and local artisans sell their handmade wares.
It's delightful, and all the more so for being close enough for a midday stroll in between class periods at BDEG.
Happy Holidays from Ms. Q!
Karacsonyi Vasar
Consider this Christmas Markets Take 2, Hungarian style.
What makes Christmas markets different in Hungary than they are in Austria, you ask?
Go ahead. I'll wait.
Well, I'm glad you asked, because you'll be delighted to know there is no difference beyond geography.
This photo was snapped at Sopron's little version in Fő Tér.
Folk music is played live by local bands, attendees can enjoy some lángos or forralt bor, and local artisans sell their handmade wares.
It's delightful, and all the more so for being close enough for a midday stroll in between class periods at BDEG.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Day 6: 12 Days of "Christmas Around the World"
I've been blessed to have traveled extensively throughout Europe while stationed as a missionary in Eastern Europe. To share a bit of that past, I bring to you The 12 Days of "Christmas Around the World." Each day I will chose a country I visited, tell a personal story, and share a Christmas tradition from that country. Please add your own family traditions in the comments section of these posts, or share your own international experiences if you've been blessed enough to travel.
Happy Holidays from Ms. Q!
Day 6: Csendes Éj
I was living in Hungary when Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans.
All I could tell from the news reports (in Hungarian or German) was that New Orleans suffered a tremendous storm and, from the video, it looked like the entire city was destroyed.
Sidenote: This year marked the 5th year anniversary of Katrina and I finally was able to see a lot of the original reporting thanks to CNN, NatGeo, Discovery, and The History Channel.
To bring awareness of, and raise funds for, the plight of stranded and now homeless citizens, a gospel choir from NOLA made a world tour. Sopron was one of their stops.
Pictured is the crowd in the Lutheran church.
The show took place in December, and the best part of the evening (in my estimation) was when the band encouraged everyone to join in and sing along with Silent Night.
All were welcomed to sing in their language of choice.
In a show of musical solidarity, I heard many versions of this hymn as all sang out as one. The most prominent languages I heard were Hungarian (of course), German (Sopron is 3 km from the Austrian border), and English (yours truly).
Hungarian:
CSENDES ÉJ
Csendes éj! Szentséges éj!
Mindenek nyugta mély;
Nincs fenn más, csak a Szent szülepár,
Drága kisdedük álmainál,
Szent Fiú, aludjál, szent Fiú aludjál!
Csendes éj! Szentséges éj!
Angyalok hangja kél;
Halld a mennyei halleluját,
Szerte zengi e drága szavát,
Krisztus megszabadit, Krisztus megszabadit!
Csendes éj! Szentséges éj!
Sziv örülj, higyj, remélj!
Isten Szent Fia hinti reád,
Ajka vigyszt adó mosolyát,
Krisztus megszületett, Krisztus megszületett!
German:
Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht,
Alles schläft; einsam wacht
Nur das traute hochheilige Paar.
Holder Knabe im lockigen Haar,
Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh!
Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh!
Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht,
Hirten erst kundgemacht
Durch der Engel Halleluja,
Tönt es laut von fern und nah:
Christ, der Retter ist da!
Christ, der Retter ist da!
Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht,
Gottes Sohn, o wie lacht
Lieb' aus deinem göttlichen Mund,
Da uns schlägt die rettende Stund'.
Christ, in deiner Geburt!
Christ, in deiner Geburt!
English:
Silent night, holy night
All is calm all is bright
'Round yon virgin Mother and Child
Holy infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace
Silent night, holy night,
Shepherds quake at the sight.
Glories stream from heaven afar,
Heav'nly hosts sing Alleluia;
Christ the Savior is born
Christ the Savior is born
Silent night, holy night,
Son of God, love's pure light.
Radiant beams from Thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Happy Holidays from Ms. Q!
Day 6: Csendes Éj
I was living in Hungary when Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans.
All I could tell from the news reports (in Hungarian or German) was that New Orleans suffered a tremendous storm and, from the video, it looked like the entire city was destroyed.
Sidenote: This year marked the 5th year anniversary of Katrina and I finally was able to see a lot of the original reporting thanks to CNN, NatGeo, Discovery, and The History Channel.
To bring awareness of, and raise funds for, the plight of stranded and now homeless citizens, a gospel choir from NOLA made a world tour. Sopron was one of their stops.
Pictured is the crowd in the Lutheran church.
The show took place in December, and the best part of the evening (in my estimation) was when the band encouraged everyone to join in and sing along with Silent Night.
All were welcomed to sing in their language of choice.
In a show of musical solidarity, I heard many versions of this hymn as all sang out as one. The most prominent languages I heard were Hungarian (of course), German (Sopron is 3 km from the Austrian border), and English (yours truly).
Hungarian:
CSENDES ÉJ
Csendes éj! Szentséges éj!
Mindenek nyugta mély;
Nincs fenn más, csak a Szent szülepár,
Drága kisdedük álmainál,
Szent Fiú, aludjál, szent Fiú aludjál!
Csendes éj! Szentséges éj!
Angyalok hangja kél;
Halld a mennyei halleluját,
Szerte zengi e drága szavát,
Krisztus megszabadit, Krisztus megszabadit!
Csendes éj! Szentséges éj!
Sziv örülj, higyj, remélj!
Isten Szent Fia hinti reád,
Ajka vigyszt adó mosolyát,
Krisztus megszületett, Krisztus megszületett!
German:
Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht,
Alles schläft; einsam wacht
Nur das traute hochheilige Paar.
Holder Knabe im lockigen Haar,
Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh!
Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh!
Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht,
Hirten erst kundgemacht
Durch der Engel Halleluja,
Tönt es laut von fern und nah:
Christ, der Retter ist da!
Christ, der Retter ist da!
Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht,
Gottes Sohn, o wie lacht
Lieb' aus deinem göttlichen Mund,
Da uns schlägt die rettende Stund'.
Christ, in deiner Geburt!
Christ, in deiner Geburt!
English:
Silent night, holy night
All is calm all is bright
'Round yon virgin Mother and Child
Holy infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace
Silent night, holy night,
Shepherds quake at the sight.
Glories stream from heaven afar,
Heav'nly hosts sing Alleluia;
Christ the Savior is born
Christ the Savior is born
Silent night, holy night,
Son of God, love's pure light.
Radiant beams from Thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Day 5: 12 Days of "Christmas Around the World"
I've been blessed to have traveled extensively throughout Europe while stationed as a missionary in Eastern Europe. To share a bit of that past, I bring to you The 12 Days of "Christmas Around the World." Each day I will chose a country I visited, tell a personal story, and share a Christmas tradition from that country. Please add your own family traditions in the comments section of these posts, or share your own international experiences if you've been blessed enough to travel.
Happy Holidays from Ms. Q!
Day 5: Stary Smokovec Gets in Your Eyes
Okay, so that was a poor excuse for a reference to The Platters' "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes." Deal with it.
What does get in your eyes, however, when you're in Stary Smokovec, Slovakia, is this magical view every morning you wake up and look out your hotel room window.
FACT: In 2004, the Tatras Mountains (where Stary Smokovec is located) experienced a devastating windstorm that decimated the landscape and hardwood forests.
Evidence of the storm could still be seen when I visited in 2006, because, quite simply, the Slovaks couldn't clean up and process the lumber from the fallen trees fast enough.
The local ecology is still recovering.
But enough of this downer. Let's move on to one of my favorite Christmas traditions...Slovak Style.
Booze: A Slovak Tradition
Hriatuo is a hot brandy drink devised from honey, butter, and slivovice. A curiously strong spin on a hot-buttered rum.
Hriatuo is drunk at weddings, christenings, and on Christmas Eve. It's also considered good medicine for your common cold or cough. Y'right...
I like this particular boozy tradition because it reminds me of my own family gatherings of Christmas Eve's past.
Every year my mom's side of the family gathers at my aunt and uncle's house (a picturesque log cabin) located near the family homestead.
My aunt bakes cookies, my uncle makes meatballs, and we all descend on Christmas Eve to drink hot-buttered rums, Tom & Jerry's, mulled wine, and any other wonderfully seasonal, hot, boozy beverage.
Predictably we all get kind of sloshed.
Another of my aunts plays the piano, two of my cousins play their flutes, and we all join in singing ridiculously bad versions of Christmas carols.
I refuse to bring my violin for fear of drunken injury.
The best part is when yet another aunt (yes, I have several) takes to eating all of the raisins off the gingerbread men and women the aforementioned hostess spent hours baking.
She leaves the cookies intact, but for the little raisin eyes, you see.
Poor, blind, gingerbread folk left to fend for themselves...
Happy Holidays from Ms. Q!
Day 5: Stary Smokovec Gets in Your Eyes
Okay, so that was a poor excuse for a reference to The Platters' "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes." Deal with it.
What does get in your eyes, however, when you're in Stary Smokovec, Slovakia, is this magical view every morning you wake up and look out your hotel room window.
FACT: In 2004, the Tatras Mountains (where Stary Smokovec is located) experienced a devastating windstorm that decimated the landscape and hardwood forests.
Evidence of the storm could still be seen when I visited in 2006, because, quite simply, the Slovaks couldn't clean up and process the lumber from the fallen trees fast enough.
The local ecology is still recovering.
But enough of this downer. Let's move on to one of my favorite Christmas traditions...Slovak Style.
Booze: A Slovak Tradition
Hriatuo is a hot brandy drink devised from honey, butter, and slivovice. A curiously strong spin on a hot-buttered rum.
Hriatuo is drunk at weddings, christenings, and on Christmas Eve. It's also considered good medicine for your common cold or cough. Y'right...
I like this particular boozy tradition because it reminds me of my own family gatherings of Christmas Eve's past.
Every year my mom's side of the family gathers at my aunt and uncle's house (a picturesque log cabin) located near the family homestead.
My aunt bakes cookies, my uncle makes meatballs, and we all descend on Christmas Eve to drink hot-buttered rums, Tom & Jerry's, mulled wine, and any other wonderfully seasonal, hot, boozy beverage.
Predictably we all get kind of sloshed.
Another of my aunts plays the piano, two of my cousins play their flutes, and we all join in singing ridiculously bad versions of Christmas carols.
I refuse to bring my violin for fear of drunken injury.
The best part is when yet another aunt (yes, I have several) takes to eating all of the raisins off the gingerbread men and women the aforementioned hostess spent hours baking.
She leaves the cookies intact, but for the little raisin eyes, you see.
Poor, blind, gingerbread folk left to fend for themselves...
Friday, December 17, 2010
Day 4: 12 Days of "Christmas Around the World"
I've been blessed to have traveled extensively throughout Europe while stationed as a missionary in Eastern Europe. To share a bit of that past, I bring to you The 12 Days of "Christmas Around the World." Each day I will chose a country I visited, tell a personal story, and share a Christmas tradition from that country. Please add your own family traditions in the comments section of these posts, or share your own international experiences if you've been blessed enough to travel.
Happy Holidays from Ms. Q!
Day 4: The Christmas Market
Boy, don't you just love a good Christmas Market?
This shot was snapped at the Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt in Wien, Austria (Vienna to you American folk).
Each window in the townhall is dressed in blue and acts as one day on the Advent calendar. Each day another window is opened to depict a lovely Christmas scene.
Sadly, no giant pieces of chocolate are hidden in this Advent calendar...
Truly the best thing about a European Christmas Market is the rum punch.
It comes in a variety of flavors - favorites include raspberry and strawberry - and it costs approximately 5 Euros.
You get at least 2 Euros back if you return the mug.
If you don't return the mug, you retain a lovely keepsake as each Christmas market has it's own mug design.
Nothing beats the frigid cold of winter than bundling up, visiting several Christmas markets in one day (there are hundreds in Vienna), and acquiring a small collection of mugs along with a rather sizable buzz.
Happy Holidays from Ms. Q!
Day 4: The Christmas Market
Boy, don't you just love a good Christmas Market?
This shot was snapped at the Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt in Wien, Austria (Vienna to you American folk).
Each window in the townhall is dressed in blue and acts as one day on the Advent calendar. Each day another window is opened to depict a lovely Christmas scene.
Sadly, no giant pieces of chocolate are hidden in this Advent calendar...
Truly the best thing about a European Christmas Market is the rum punch.
It comes in a variety of flavors - favorites include raspberry and strawberry - and it costs approximately 5 Euros.
You get at least 2 Euros back if you return the mug.
If you don't return the mug, you retain a lovely keepsake as each Christmas market has it's own mug design.
Nothing beats the frigid cold of winter than bundling up, visiting several Christmas markets in one day (there are hundreds in Vienna), and acquiring a small collection of mugs along with a rather sizable buzz.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Day 3: 12 Days of "Christmas Around the World"
I've been blessed to have traveled extensively throughout Europe while stationed as a missionary in Eastern Europe. To share a bit of that past, I bring to you The 12 Days of "Christmas Around the World." Each day I will chose a country I visited, tell a personal story, and share a Christmas tradition from that country. Please add your own family traditions in the comments section of these posts, or share your own international experiences if you've been blessed enough to travel.
Happy Holidays from Ms. Q!
Day 3: Surly Babushka Greetings
I picked up this card at the Museum of Communism in Prague, and it's relevant to our Christmas countdown because I found the cutest Babushka Doll (Matroyshka) cards at World Market this year, and sent them to my family as their holiday greeting.
Like traditional nesting dolls, the card looks like a large Russian doll, and opens up to a paper pullout of four dolls in descending size.
It's a fun one.
Czech, Czech, Czech out this Christmas Tradition...
One Christmas tradition I'm particularly interested in relates to the foretelling of marriage.
Apparently, an unmarried lady is supposed to throw a shoe over her shoulder toward the front door of her family home. If the shoe lands with the toe pointing toward the door, she's "booted" out into the cold with no money or prospects to fend for herself until the first thaw of spring.
Harsh, right?
Well, it's not true. Did I have you going there?
The true tradition is that if the toe points toward the door, the lucky lady will be married within a year.
I say, that if her shoe hits a smug married entering the house for the family Christmas party, the unmarried girl will have 7 years of good luck.
Happy Holidays from Ms. Q!
Day 3: Surly Babushka Greetings
I picked up this card at the Museum of Communism in Prague, and it's relevant to our Christmas countdown because I found the cutest Babushka Doll (Matroyshka) cards at World Market this year, and sent them to my family as their holiday greeting.
Like traditional nesting dolls, the card looks like a large Russian doll, and opens up to a paper pullout of four dolls in descending size.
It's a fun one.
Czech, Czech, Czech out this Christmas Tradition...
One Christmas tradition I'm particularly interested in relates to the foretelling of marriage.
Apparently, an unmarried lady is supposed to throw a shoe over her shoulder toward the front door of her family home. If the shoe lands with the toe pointing toward the door, she's "booted" out into the cold with no money or prospects to fend for herself until the first thaw of spring.
Harsh, right?
Well, it's not true. Did I have you going there?
The true tradition is that if the toe points toward the door, the lucky lady will be married within a year.
I say, that if her shoe hits a smug married entering the house for the family Christmas party, the unmarried girl will have 7 years of good luck.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Day 2: 12 Days of "Christmas Around the World"
I've been blessed to have traveled extensively throughout Europe while stationed as a missionary in Eastern Europe. To share a bit of that past, I bring to you The 12 Days of "Christmas Around the World." Each day I will chose a country I visited, tell a personal story, and share a Christmas tradition from that country. Please add your own family traditions in the comments section of these posts, or share your own international experiences if you've been blessed enough to travel.
Happy Holidays from Ms. Q!
Day 2: Christmas Greetings from Poland
Sending Christmas cards isn't just an American tradition. It began in 1843 in England by a man named Sir Henry Cole.
Every year I look forward to choosing either the most ridiculous or most creative card to send to my family and friends - sometimes the ridiculous and creative go hand in hand.
I also enjoy receiving cards for two reasons. One, Christmas cards aren't bills. Two, Christmas cards make for great decoration (hang a piece of garland or pretty ribbon on the wall and use paper clips, clothespins, or small alligator clips to attach them to the ribbon).
This card has greetings written in Hungarian, English, and German, respectively, but was sent by a friend in Poland.
Happy Holidays from Ms. Q!
Day 2: Christmas Greetings from Poland
Sending Christmas cards isn't just an American tradition. It began in 1843 in England by a man named Sir Henry Cole.
Every year I look forward to choosing either the most ridiculous or most creative card to send to my family and friends - sometimes the ridiculous and creative go hand in hand.
I also enjoy receiving cards for two reasons. One, Christmas cards aren't bills. Two, Christmas cards make for great decoration (hang a piece of garland or pretty ribbon on the wall and use paper clips, clothespins, or small alligator clips to attach them to the ribbon).
This card has greetings written in Hungarian, English, and German, respectively, but was sent by a friend in Poland.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Day 1: 12 Days of "Christmas Around the World"
I've been blessed to have traveled extensively throughout Europe while stationed as a missionary in Eastern Europe. To share a bit of that past, I bring to you The 12 Days of "Christmas Around the World." Each day I will chose a country I visited, tell a personal story, and share a Christmas tradition from that country. Please add your own family traditions in the comments section of these posts, or share your own international experiences if you've been blessed enough to travel.
Happy Holidays from Ms. Q!
Day 1: Bérzsenyi Daniel Evangélikus Gimnázium (BDEG)
In Hungary, each grade level of secondary school students is broken up into a number of "classes" (consortiums, if you will). Each consortium attends the same schedule of classes under the direction of a form teacher.
During their senior year, each consortium performs a variety of tasks throughout the year, one of which being leading the school in a candle lighting ceremony during one week of the Advent season.
The consortium usually plans a skit, a song or poetry performance, or a Bible reading (BDEG is a parochial school). They then light the candle, lead attendees through a prayer, and dismiss students to their next class...all taking place during the 15-minute morning (read: snack) break.
Happy Holidays from Ms. Q!
Day 1: Bérzsenyi Daniel Evangélikus Gimnázium (BDEG)
In Hungary, each grade level of secondary school students is broken up into a number of "classes" (consortiums, if you will). Each consortium attends the same schedule of classes under the direction of a form teacher.
During their senior year, each consortium performs a variety of tasks throughout the year, one of which being leading the school in a candle lighting ceremony during one week of the Advent season.
The consortium usually plans a skit, a song or poetry performance, or a Bible reading (BDEG is a parochial school). They then light the candle, lead attendees through a prayer, and dismiss students to their next class...all taking place during the 15-minute morning (read: snack) break.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Thank you, Veterans.
Happy #VeteransDay to all of those who have served our country. The following video snippet says it so poignantly:
I'll be tweeting special shoutouts to each and every veteran I know, so follow me @MsQuarter for your tribute in 140 characters or less.
For those of you who want to take a more active role in thanking our veterans, The Red Cross just announced their 2010 Holiday Mail for Heroes kickoff.
For the small price of postage you can send as many cards as your generous heart desires to American service members and their families. You can send them individually or a bunch in a large box or envelope.
They must be postmarked by December 10, 2010.
Send them here:
Holiday Mail for Heroes
PO Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD
20791-5456
Pitney Bowles collects and sorts them, while Red Cross workers will deliver them all over the world and in our communities.
Know that warm fuzzy feeling you get when you finally get a piece of mail in the mailbox that's handwritten, personal, and clearly not junk or bills? While it seems like a small thing, it's really an easy, inexpensive way to make someone's day this holiday season...someone who has sacrificed so much on our behalf.
Thank you, Veterans (and current service members and families!) for putting your life on hold while I live mine in freedom.
I'll be tweeting special shoutouts to each and every veteran I know, so follow me @MsQuarter for your tribute in 140 characters or less.
For those of you who want to take a more active role in thanking our veterans, The Red Cross just announced their 2010 Holiday Mail for Heroes kickoff.
For the small price of postage you can send as many cards as your generous heart desires to American service members and their families. You can send them individually or a bunch in a large box or envelope.
They must be postmarked by December 10, 2010.
Send them here:
Holiday Mail for Heroes
PO Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD
20791-5456
Pitney Bowles collects and sorts them, while Red Cross workers will deliver them all over the world and in our communities.
Know that warm fuzzy feeling you get when you finally get a piece of mail in the mailbox that's handwritten, personal, and clearly not junk or bills? While it seems like a small thing, it's really an easy, inexpensive way to make someone's day this holiday season...someone who has sacrificed so much on our behalf.
Thank you, Veterans (and current service members and families!) for putting your life on hold while I live mine in freedom.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
I'm Sorry, @RussFeingold...
Dear Former Senator Feingold,
I'm sorry about what happened on Tuesday, though my condolences are not just for you, but also for Wisconsin. We lost a great public servant this week, and I can only hope more people come to realize this.
I'm sorry that Ron Johnson called you a career politician. That must've been the worst sort of insult to you. I think Senator-elect Johnson was referring to the "good ol' boys" club-like atmosphere in Washington that the rest of this country despises. I presume he was referring to politicians who use their power to get things like $50 million for an indoor rainforest (Note: this happens on both sides of the aisle, and, yes, needs to be reigned in). I can't believe he was referring to a politician who happens to be a 3-term incumbent, yet who's record, time and again, shows in favor of citizen rights.
Most of all I'm sorry that so many people judged you solely on how many years you'vebeen in Washington served Wisconsin, and not the actual record of what you've done for this state and this country - often against your own party, or, at the very least, against those good ol' boys.
I'm not sorry that you have that oh-so-horrible "D" behind your name, but I am sorry that it was used against you. If there's one thing you've done in your time in D.C. it's to work on behalf of your constituents, and NOT to just always be blindly in favor with your party.
I thank you for your service. I didn't know a lot about you before this election, but as I learned more and dug deeper than those 30-second TV ads, I was more than pleasantly surprised.
It speaks volumes that every major newspaper in this state endorsed you, even if they also endorsed Scott Walker.
It speaks volumes that you were the only politician to vote against The Patriot Act - going against a dangerous political trend to be the only Senator to have our backs.
It speaks volumes that you often proposed ammendments to legislation even though you knew they wouldn't have a chance - merely because you understood how important it is to at least have the argument on record.
It speaks volumes that you went against your own party to vote against TARP - the bank bailouts, which is only one example of how you were the original "Maverick," never kowtowing to your party line.
And it speaks volumes that not just you, but your entire staff (led by your inspiration, I presume), where diligent in upholding Nancy Pelosi's Ethics Pledge, even when some of your peers - on both sides of aisle - were not.
This brings me to my last apology. I'm sorry, mostly for this state, that all of the above, quite frankly, didn't get spoken in such volume during your campaign. Please run again in the future. But next time, please make sure the people of Wisconsin know all that you've done for us.
I'm sorry about what happened on Tuesday, though my condolences are not just for you, but also for Wisconsin. We lost a great public servant this week, and I can only hope more people come to realize this.
I'm sorry that Ron Johnson called you a career politician. That must've been the worst sort of insult to you. I think Senator-elect Johnson was referring to the "good ol' boys" club-like atmosphere in Washington that the rest of this country despises. I presume he was referring to politicians who use their power to get things like $50 million for an indoor rainforest (Note: this happens on both sides of the aisle, and, yes, needs to be reigned in). I can't believe he was referring to a politician who happens to be a 3-term incumbent, yet who's record, time and again, shows in favor of citizen rights.
Most of all I'm sorry that so many people judged you solely on how many years you've
I'm not sorry that you have that oh-so-horrible "D" behind your name, but I am sorry that it was used against you. If there's one thing you've done in your time in D.C. it's to work on behalf of your constituents, and NOT to just always be blindly in favor with your party.
I thank you for your service. I didn't know a lot about you before this election, but as I learned more and dug deeper than those 30-second TV ads, I was more than pleasantly surprised.
It speaks volumes that every major newspaper in this state endorsed you, even if they also endorsed Scott Walker.
It speaks volumes that you were the only politician to vote against The Patriot Act - going against a dangerous political trend to be the only Senator to have our backs.
It speaks volumes that you often proposed ammendments to legislation even though you knew they wouldn't have a chance - merely because you understood how important it is to at least have the argument on record.
It speaks volumes that you went against your own party to vote against TARP - the bank bailouts, which is only one example of how you were the original "Maverick," never kowtowing to your party line.
And it speaks volumes that not just you, but your entire staff (led by your inspiration, I presume), where diligent in upholding Nancy Pelosi's Ethics Pledge, even when some of your peers - on both sides of aisle - were not.
This brings me to my last apology. I'm sorry, mostly for this state, that all of the above, quite frankly, didn't get spoken in such volume during your campaign. Please run again in the future. But next time, please make sure the people of Wisconsin know all that you've done for us.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Put the "Giving" in Thanksgiving
Within the past week the Internet grapevine told me of a few worthy causes in need of Thanksgiving treats. The holiday is 4 weeks away, and now is the perfect time to start putting the "Giving" into Thanksgiving (then you'll have so much more to be thankful for, you see...rhyme unintentional).
I ask you to consider spending a few extra bucks when you do your weekly grocery shopping this week, and send a few provisions to those in need.
1. Hunger Task Force - Operation Marshmallow Man
I found this opportunity through a Twitter "pal" @BtotheD. Each year the Hunger Task Force in Milwaukee puts together 800 T-Day bins for families in need. Each bin holds all the fixings for a proper Thanksgiving meal, and they are in desperate need for bags of mini-marshmallows.
800 bags of mini-marshmallows to be exact.
(for the sweet potatoes...you can't have sweet potatoes without marshmallows, ask Oprah)
Last night at the grocery store I added a measly $8 to my bill for 4, 16oz bags. It may seem like a pittance, but those four bags now bring the total need down to 796. If only 200 people donate 4 bags each, we've got this challenge, well, in the bag.
Learn more about how to donate, where to drop off donations, and BtotheD here.
Yes, those delightful miniature puffs of sugar are needed, not for your marshmallow gun, nor for equally miniature s'mores, but for families in need so that they, too, can have a nice Thanksgiving dinner.
2. Agape - Operation Merci
I had a little trouble coming up with a catchy title for this mission, so lemme explain.
I know a guy.
He's a missionary in France.
He and his team are bringing a "taste" of the U.S. Thanksgiving tradition to the students they work with in Toulouse, France. Not only is this a Turkey Day celebration, but really it's more of a fellowship opportunity for everyone to spend some quality time together, cook together, be a family for a day, and learn a bit more about the United States.
Sounds cool, right?
The problem is that France doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving.
"You're kidding!" you say.
Go ahead.
No! I'm not kidding! And the next problem is then, of course, Aaron and his team cannot find all of the necessary T-Day accoutrement required for a successful celebration (like how I threw in that French word?).
If you like sending large packages across the oceans (and subsequently looking like a spy to postal workers), you can send any of the following items that they desperately need...for 75 people:
Thanksgiving-themed napkins and paper plates
Thanksgiving and/or Fall-themed decorations
Cranberry sauce
Cream of mushroom soup
French fried onions - Methinks they're making green bean casserole. Please don't let the French go without a delicious green bean casserole! I assume they have French cut green beans available there. Get it?
Stuffing Mix
Cans of pumpkin
I'm putting a package together, and if you want to donate any of these items let me know and I can mail them out together. This could get quite expensive for me, so if you're super generous (you know you are!), you can mail them yourself and have the fun of sending a super secret international package. Leave a comment and I'll get you Aaron's mailing address.
Thanks for listening and have fun putting the "Giving" in Thanksgiving!
I ask you to consider spending a few extra bucks when you do your weekly grocery shopping this week, and send a few provisions to those in need.
1. Hunger Task Force - Operation Marshmallow Man
I found this opportunity through a Twitter "pal" @BtotheD. Each year the Hunger Task Force in Milwaukee puts together 800 T-Day bins for families in need. Each bin holds all the fixings for a proper Thanksgiving meal, and they are in desperate need for bags of mini-marshmallows.
800 bags of mini-marshmallows to be exact.
(for the sweet potatoes...you can't have sweet potatoes without marshmallows, ask Oprah)
Last night at the grocery store I added a measly $8 to my bill for 4, 16oz bags. It may seem like a pittance, but those four bags now bring the total need down to 796. If only 200 people donate 4 bags each, we've got this challenge, well, in the bag.
Learn more about how to donate, where to drop off donations, and BtotheD here.
Yes, those delightful miniature puffs of sugar are needed, not for your marshmallow gun, nor for equally miniature s'mores, but for families in need so that they, too, can have a nice Thanksgiving dinner.
2. Agape - Operation Merci
I had a little trouble coming up with a catchy title for this mission, so lemme explain.
I know a guy.
He's a missionary in France.
He and his team are bringing a "taste" of the U.S. Thanksgiving tradition to the students they work with in Toulouse, France. Not only is this a Turkey Day celebration, but really it's more of a fellowship opportunity for everyone to spend some quality time together, cook together, be a family for a day, and learn a bit more about the United States.
Sounds cool, right?
The problem is that France doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving.
"You're kidding!" you say.
Go ahead.
No! I'm not kidding! And the next problem is then, of course, Aaron and his team cannot find all of the necessary T-Day accoutrement required for a successful celebration (like how I threw in that French word?).
If you like sending large packages across the oceans (and subsequently looking like a spy to postal workers), you can send any of the following items that they desperately need...for 75 people:
Thanksgiving and/or Fall-themed decorations
Cranberry sauce
Cream of mushroom soup
French fried onions - Methinks they're making green bean casserole. Please don't let the French go without a delicious green bean casserole! I assume they have French cut green beans available there. Get it?
Cans of pumpkin
I'm putting a package together, and if you want to donate any of these items let me know and I can mail them out together. This could get quite expensive for me, so if you're super generous (you know you are!), you can mail them yourself and have the fun of sending a super secret international package. Leave a comment and I'll get you Aaron's mailing address.
Thanks for listening and have fun putting the "Giving" in Thanksgiving!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
1st Annual Native American Film Festival by Native Punx
You may remember a post last month when I explored the Indian mascot debate.
Not only is the point relevant because of the Mukwonago situation, but also because today begins the 1st Annual Native American Film Festival in Wisconsin.
Native Punx, the organization behind the film festival, has a website detailing all of the information, but let me give you the short and sweet of it.
Where: Marquette University
When: October 14 - 17, 2010
Why: Because it increases your knowledge through everyone's favorite medium: movies.
Okay, seriously though, if you can attend any of the events you should. See the Facebook page for exact films, times, and locations.
Tonight there are a series of shorts followed by a discussion on the Indian mascot issue. Saturday evening boasts a Q&A with Ada Deer, who will discuss her experiences in an Indian boarding school during the U.S. assimilation policy, after the screening of The Only Good Indian (is a dead one as the white settler lexicon of the 1800's goes).
It's a little known fact that Native Americans make good films, and it's an even lesser-known fact that they still aren't always treated with respect and equality in mainstream films - either in their representation or on set.
I could go on an on, but I won't bore you. If you have any questions feel free to contact me or leave a comment.
Hope to see you there!
Not only is the point relevant because of the Mukwonago situation, but also because today begins the 1st Annual Native American Film Festival in Wisconsin.
Native Punx, the organization behind the film festival, has a website detailing all of the information, but let me give you the short and sweet of it.
Where: Marquette University
When: October 14 - 17, 2010
Why: Because it increases your knowledge through everyone's favorite medium: movies.
Okay, seriously though, if you can attend any of the events you should. See the Facebook page for exact films, times, and locations.
Tonight there are a series of shorts followed by a discussion on the Indian mascot issue. Saturday evening boasts a Q&A with Ada Deer, who will discuss her experiences in an Indian boarding school during the U.S. assimilation policy, after the screening of The Only Good Indian (is a dead one as the white settler lexicon of the 1800's goes).
It's a little known fact that Native Americans make good films, and it's an even lesser-known fact that they still aren't always treated with respect and equality in mainstream films - either in their representation or on set.
I could go on an on, but I won't bore you. If you have any questions feel free to contact me or leave a comment.
Hope to see you there!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Journal Sentinel Point-Counterpoint: Indian Mascots
Today the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel published two community commentary pieces that look at both sides of the Indian mascot debate. I commend them for providing an astute point-counterpoint on a, sadly, still relevant topic (read about the recent Mukwonago mucky muck here).
What I am ashamed to see - as a proud citizen of this great city (I had my reservations when moving here, but you've grown on me, Milwaukee) - is that all of the comments to these articles appear in response to the article in favor of changing team names. This article argues in favor, not because every Native American is offended, but because it should be enough that some are. And commentors are ripping the author a new one for being so sensitive.
Jane, you ignorant slut.
The other article, rather than taking a hard stance in favor of keeping Indian mascot names, merely suggests that our society's collective effort toward political correctedness sometimes gets out of hand.
Dan, you pompous ass.
But seriously. The first article is titled, "It's Time to Simply Do What's Right," while the second article is titled, "All References Aren't Derogatory."
Guess what? I think they're both right.
It's at this point that I should disclose that I am a Native American. And guess what? I don't have a problem with most Indian mascots. But to claim that you can't possibly understand how such caricatures could insult another human being is the worst sort of ignorance.
Case in point:
Seriously, Cleveland? How have you gotten away with this for so long? Why don't you just change your logo to a black guy with a big nose and an underbite and call yourself the N****rs?
Did I just make you uncomfortable? Did you know that "Redskin" is the Native American equivalent of the "N" word? The fact that I can write one and not the other in print is argument enough that something is wrong in our society.
But Washington's logo is actually pretty cool.
My point to all of this is not to stir the pot, but to point out that, yes, some Indian mascots are demeaning. And worse, it's not usually the names or the mascots that are the problem, but rather the 30,000 fans in an arena doing tomahawk chops and chanting war cries wearing war paint that ultimately fail to "honor/celebrate [an] ethnic group." I know it makes me feel welcome at a sporting event to see a white guy hopping around in neon colored "traditional" Indian regalia with a handful of stodgy old white guys (aka: regents) telling me I should feel honored about it (I'm talking to you Fighting Illini).
Not to mention dozens of commentors spewing hate speech toward someone who's simply pointing out that a portion of our citizens are demeaned on a daily basis because of their race, and we should consider graciously doing something about it.
Maybe if we can somehow find a way, like the FSU Seminoles, to work with those that are depicted to create a dignified rendition, then all can be proud and honored?
What I am ashamed to see - as a proud citizen of this great city (I had my reservations when moving here, but you've grown on me, Milwaukee) - is that all of the comments to these articles appear in response to the article in favor of changing team names. This article argues in favor, not because every Native American is offended, but because it should be enough that some are. And commentors are ripping the author a new one for being so sensitive.
Jane, you ignorant slut.
The other article, rather than taking a hard stance in favor of keeping Indian mascot names, merely suggests that our society's collective effort toward political correctedness sometimes gets out of hand.
Dan, you pompous ass.
But seriously. The first article is titled, "It's Time to Simply Do What's Right," while the second article is titled, "All References Aren't Derogatory."
Guess what? I think they're both right.
It's at this point that I should disclose that I am a Native American. And guess what? I don't have a problem with most Indian mascots. But to claim that you can't possibly understand how such caricatures could insult another human being is the worst sort of ignorance.
Case in point:
Seriously, Cleveland? How have you gotten away with this for so long? Why don't you just change your logo to a black guy with a big nose and an underbite and call yourself the N****rs?
Did I just make you uncomfortable? Did you know that "Redskin" is the Native American equivalent of the "N" word? The fact that I can write one and not the other in print is argument enough that something is wrong in our society.
But Washington's logo is actually pretty cool.
My point to all of this is not to stir the pot, but to point out that, yes, some Indian mascots are demeaning. And worse, it's not usually the names or the mascots that are the problem, but rather the 30,000 fans in an arena doing tomahawk chops and chanting war cries wearing war paint that ultimately fail to "honor/celebrate [an] ethnic group." I know it makes me feel welcome at a sporting event to see a white guy hopping around in neon colored "traditional" Indian regalia with a handful of stodgy old white guys (aka: regents) telling me I should feel honored about it (I'm talking to you Fighting Illini).
Not to mention dozens of commentors spewing hate speech toward someone who's simply pointing out that a portion of our citizens are demeaned on a daily basis because of their race, and we should consider graciously doing something about it.
Maybe if we can somehow find a way, like the FSU Seminoles, to work with those that are depicted to create a dignified rendition, then all can be proud and honored?
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Why you want to hire me.
Why do you want me on your team? View this Prezi to find out. Take notes, enjoy, and don't be shy. I'd love to tell you all about it in person.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Inappropriate Crisis Communication
Today I was reading this story about an Australian publisher forced to recall a cookbook due to a textual error.
You can read more about the error by clicking the link and reading the story, but my post has more to do with the resulting communication from the company's head of publishing.
In an interview after the story broke, he said it was a silly mistake and "why anyone would be offended, we don't know."
Because confusing black pepper for black people is not an offensive mistake by any means.
This champion of crisis communication also stated that anyone who complained about the mistake was small-minded, but the company would grudgingly, I mean "happily," give them a refund for the book.
I may be off my rocker, but I don't think these comments were the wisest way to handle the issue.
Afterall, we're not talking about a mistake in which a recipe mistakes cumin for coriander. We're talking about a mistake that includes "ground black people" as an ingredient for tagliatelle.
Claiming you don't understand the uproar and think that people who are upset about the mistake are small-minded is probably the wrong tack to take, even if that's how you feel.
Perhaps taking a more humble approach - even if it's pretend ('fake it 'til you make it' is my favorite adage) - might just win you more kudos and customer loyalty.
Especially in an age where brand loyalty is low and competition is fierce.
You can read more about the error by clicking the link and reading the story, but my post has more to do with the resulting communication from the company's head of publishing.
In an interview after the story broke, he said it was a silly mistake and "why anyone would be offended, we don't know."
Because confusing black pepper for black people is not an offensive mistake by any means.
This champion of crisis communication also stated that anyone who complained about the mistake was small-minded, but the company would grudgingly, I mean "happily," give them a refund for the book.
I may be off my rocker, but I don't think these comments were the wisest way to handle the issue.
Afterall, we're not talking about a mistake in which a recipe mistakes cumin for coriander. We're talking about a mistake that includes "ground black people" as an ingredient for tagliatelle.
Claiming you don't understand the uproar and think that people who are upset about the mistake are small-minded is probably the wrong tack to take, even if that's how you feel.
Perhaps taking a more humble approach - even if it's pretend ('fake it 'til you make it' is my favorite adage) - might just win you more kudos and customer loyalty.
Especially in an age where brand loyalty is low and competition is fierce.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Incidentally, did you know...
Today I am taking my comprehensive exam for graduate school - a 7 hour marathon of writing that had me up at 5:30 A.M.
I woke up.
I hit the snooze.
I woke up.
I went to the bathroom.
I got in the shower.
Just as I closed the shower door I saw something fly across the bathroom.
I got clean.
I saw said UFO buzzing near the ceiling light.
Wait, did I say buzzing?
That's right, just as I got naked and vulnerable, I noticed one of these angry little bastards in the small confines of my safe place.
I contemplated how to get out of the shower, get a towel, and escape the bathroom with as little movement or threat to the tiny, menacing, death machine as possible.
I made it happen, quickly slamming the door in a false sense of security.
Then realized that everything I needed was still in the bathroom with that blight of creation.
What to do?
If I try to smash the minature Mephistopheles with a book, I might miss and it will get me.
Plus I don't want to get my book full of juice.
I looked under my sink for any chemical with aerosol capabilities. Surely a 10-12 inch spray range would keep me safe as I sent that bugger back to the flames of hell.
Incidentally, did you know that wasps can be killed with a shot of Resolve carpet spray?
Spot magic indeed.
I woke up.
I hit the snooze.
I woke up.
I went to the bathroom.
I got in the shower.
Just as I closed the shower door I saw something fly across the bathroom.
I got clean.
I saw said UFO buzzing near the ceiling light.
Wait, did I say buzzing?
That's right, just as I got naked and vulnerable, I noticed one of these angry little bastards in the small confines of my safe place.
I contemplated how to get out of the shower, get a towel, and escape the bathroom with as little movement or threat to the tiny, menacing, death machine as possible.
I made it happen, quickly slamming the door in a false sense of security.
Then realized that everything I needed was still in the bathroom with that blight of creation.
What to do?
If I try to smash the minature Mephistopheles with a book, I might miss and it will get me.
Plus I don't want to get my book full of juice.
I looked under my sink for any chemical with aerosol capabilities. Surely a 10-12 inch spray range would keep me safe as I sent that bugger back to the flames of hell.
Incidentally, did you know that wasps can be killed with a shot of Resolve carpet spray?
Spot magic indeed.
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