I have been wanting to write about Iran for days! This stuff is mesmerizing, horrifying, but also in a way, uplifting. Just a short time ago, the front page news was President Obama's speech in Cairo. Then we had a pro-western government win in Lebanon. Every story written about that now seemingly forgotten election said loud and clear: Keep an eye on the Iranian election!
Then it happened and chaos broke loose. I don't pretend to be able to add anything new to what's on the ground, but I can shed some light on the sentiment here in Europe. I do know some Iranians here, and they are more than upset about what's going on at home. They go back and forth from concern for friends and family to anger at the whole situation.Most europeans in general are pretty outtraged. Despite the issue of a German hostage situation in Yemen, the story dominated the news. Only today did a final resolution of the hostage situation vault the story onto the front page.
Even the major news networks seem to be just bundling what happens on Twitter and Facebook, and reporting the trends there, so I finally did it. I joined twitter. It's the only way to be updated on this issue in real time.
Among the European leaders, I have to give props to Angela Merkel who not only demanded a recount of the vote but also the immediate release of a few opposition leaders who've been arrested. Sarcozy has also issued strong support for the opposition but no one has caught as much flak from Tehran's government as Britain who also issued strong statements in support of the protesters.
The news analysis believes the Iranian government doesn't want to scare off overtures from President Obama and thus have chosen to scold Britain at least at first. I don't believe the US has been critical enough of the situation. We meddle in people's affairs a lot, I just wished we'd do it at the right times. This is a time to play a smart hand, and not provide a scapegoat for the government but also to take a firm stance in support of free and open elections a.k.a. some measure of the principles of democracy we hold so dear.
Shorts on election views from around the world:
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Elections Across Europe
The European Parliament elections this week were marked by gains for conservatives and a low voter turnout, as well as being largely ignored in Eastern Europe.
The vote this week was a big win for center-right parties across the continent. Sarcozzi and Merkel saw their parties hold on to their number one spot, where as British Prime Minister Gordon Brown saw his Labor Party only net 16% of the vote- the lowest ever.
In Germany, the conservative CDU of Chancellor Merkel and sister party CSU together took 37% of the vote. While this is down about 6%, it was not expected that the party could hold on to unprecedented gains realized in the last election when the political climate was abnormally favorable. The SPD was the big loser, while the FTP showed surprising gains
The lackluster voter turnout of 43.39% is the second consecutive record low. This makes me wonder how Europeans feel about the EU. Outside observers are fed a picture of a strong and united Europe that wants to play a big role on the international scene and be an economic powerhouse. Yet wouldn't people turn out to vote if this was a commonly shared goal?
The truth is as always not so simple. There are a lot of drawbacks for countries that are "net givers" and which haven't coped well with inflation, unrestricted movement of labor and other changes in circumstances associated with European integration. Some people just aren't that happy.
I think it has a lot to do with how decisions are made in the EU. In addition to a complex EU structure, Europe's heads of state still seem to pretty much set policy. Countries like Germany and France have an additionally large say. It may just not be clear to voters how their vote is being transferred into policy, and they are therefore unmotivated to vote.
That's what's going on here, more on the vote in Lebanon, Iran and of course, President Obama's speech in Cairo, which was well received here in Germany.
The vote this week was a big win for center-right parties across the continent. Sarcozzi and Merkel saw their parties hold on to their number one spot, where as British Prime Minister Gordon Brown saw his Labor Party only net 16% of the vote- the lowest ever.
In Germany, the conservative CDU of Chancellor Merkel and sister party CSU together took 37% of the vote. While this is down about 6%, it was not expected that the party could hold on to unprecedented gains realized in the last election when the political climate was abnormally favorable. The SPD was the big loser, while the FTP showed surprising gains
The lackluster voter turnout of 43.39% is the second consecutive record low. This makes me wonder how Europeans feel about the EU. Outside observers are fed a picture of a strong and united Europe that wants to play a big role on the international scene and be an economic powerhouse. Yet wouldn't people turn out to vote if this was a commonly shared goal?
The truth is as always not so simple. There are a lot of drawbacks for countries that are "net givers" and which haven't coped well with inflation, unrestricted movement of labor and other changes in circumstances associated with European integration. Some people just aren't that happy.
I think it has a lot to do with how decisions are made in the EU. In addition to a complex EU structure, Europe's heads of state still seem to pretty much set policy. Countries like Germany and France have an additionally large say. It may just not be clear to voters how their vote is being transferred into policy, and they are therefore unmotivated to vote.
That's what's going on here, more on the vote in Lebanon, Iran and of course, President Obama's speech in Cairo, which was well received here in Germany.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Fitting in with the Smart Kids
Picture the lunch room in a highschool movie, let's say 10 Things I Hate About You or Clueless. Off in one corner sat some kids playing guitar talking about Zep and Hendrix. Not too far off one might find the cheerleeders and jocks, the pre-maturely careerist preppy kids, or even a cameo of greasers for old times sake. Eventually you get to the geeks, and their sister group the type A, excellent student, competative, involved, student counsel types. This isn't real life, and I never thought of myself as one or the other, but I have had the similar sense that with only a bachelor behind me I've been missorted into a group of people with publications and advanced degrees- more like a nerd into the jock group than anything else.
Since January I've been a guest at the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW). It's among the biggest and best economic research organizations in Germany and in Europe. They do both academic work, consulting and policy advice. The President, Dr. Klaus Zimmerman, was actually at the University of Pennsylvania for a stay quite some time ago. So there's your Philly connection. Check out the link because they publish interesting weekly commentary and discussion papers.
Last week was the yearly party. I have to admit that my imagination was of a bunch of economists sitting around and not really doing much more than a glass of wine with dinner, and some long speeches.
I was dead wrong. There are some econ folks who can get down, and that there are tons of young doctoral students, and interns packed into the place, made for a pretty entertaining evening.
In the prior two days, we had been visited by the institute's Academic Advisory Board. This is a body that prepares the institute for evaluation, and are professors with relevant expertise from outside the institute. There were some meetings, the German "coffee & cake" and presentations of recent projects.
Combined with the annual party, this experience solidified a growing sense of belonging and attachment to my coworkers. After half a year as a guest, I have had the opportunity to get involved in their work, exchange ideas, go out with them and form friendships. That I was so happily accepted is amazing to me, and I am very thankful for that.
I remember a moment from last week's party: I had just met a member of another department for the first time and was asking her about her research. She also asked me sincere and interested questions about my own work. "A community of scholars" -A phrase that had been pounded into me during four years at Fairfield University popped into my head. Everybody treates each other here as pretty equal, the amazing realization was that they treat me that way too. It was a cool feeling to be included in that kind of community. The room was filled with people who despite having every right to be haughty, weren't at all. There is of course politics, and careerism in academics in Germany, but for the folks I know here, it's mainly about the ideas, and a pure curiosity.
Since January I've been a guest at the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW). It's among the biggest and best economic research organizations in Germany and in Europe. They do both academic work, consulting and policy advice. The President, Dr. Klaus Zimmerman, was actually at the University of Pennsylvania for a stay quite some time ago. So there's your Philly connection. Check out the link because they publish interesting weekly commentary and discussion papers.
Last week was the yearly party. I have to admit that my imagination was of a bunch of economists sitting around and not really doing much more than a glass of wine with dinner, and some long speeches.
I was dead wrong. There are some econ folks who can get down, and that there are tons of young doctoral students, and interns packed into the place, made for a pretty entertaining evening.
In the prior two days, we had been visited by the institute's Academic Advisory Board. This is a body that prepares the institute for evaluation, and are professors with relevant expertise from outside the institute. There were some meetings, the German "coffee & cake" and presentations of recent projects.
Combined with the annual party, this experience solidified a growing sense of belonging and attachment to my coworkers. After half a year as a guest, I have had the opportunity to get involved in their work, exchange ideas, go out with them and form friendships. That I was so happily accepted is amazing to me, and I am very thankful for that.
I remember a moment from last week's party: I had just met a member of another department for the first time and was asking her about her research. She also asked me sincere and interested questions about my own work. "A community of scholars" -A phrase that had been pounded into me during four years at Fairfield University popped into my head. Everybody treates each other here as pretty equal, the amazing realization was that they treat me that way too. It was a cool feeling to be included in that kind of community. The room was filled with people who despite having every right to be haughty, weren't at all. There is of course politics, and careerism in academics in Germany, but for the folks I know here, it's mainly about the ideas, and a pure curiosity.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Croatia: Last Video
This last video in the series I've made about my visit in Croatia tells the story of a day long cruise through the outer islands of Croatia's coast. Dan and I met some nice folks from the UK, and ended up enjoying our last bit of time in the area with them.
Click Here!
Click Here!
Monday, June 1, 2009
Free Beer for Soccer Fans
I just wanted to share a last story with you today about Hertha BSC, the Berlin Soccer team.
Last Saturday was the last day of the Bundesliga (German Soccer League). It had not been so tight in the standings in a long time, if ever. The top four teams in the standings- VfB Stuttgart, FC Bayern, Hertha BSC, and Wolfsburg- are seperated by one game or less, and it all hung on just one day of play that determined the Deutsche Meister.
Entering the weekend, Wolfsburg was on top. FC- Bayern is often compared to Baseball's "evil empire" for their buy-sell and win now attitude, and sat at #2 followed by Hertha and VfB Stuttgart.
I was pulling either for VfB Stuttgart, my original German city and team, or my current team Hertha. Alas, Wolfsburg pulled it out for the win, and FC Bayern took second completing an amazing comeback after having an awful season start. VfB jumped up to 3rd leaving Hertha a dissapointing 4th. Our Berliner kickers are however normally not even in contention, and it was a season of excitement and success.
To celebrate this unprecedented drama and the enthusiasm for Hertha's breakout season, Hungarian Midfielder Pal Dardai promised to buy fans a beer if attendance broke 55,000 at each of the last 5 games. True to form the Berliners responded and beer coupons for were handed out at last Saturday's game to 74,000 fans!
While I seriously doubt that one player paid for each of them, and that the organization footed the bill, it was still a very cool gesture of thanks for a lot of support from our local Füßballfreunde who passionately support their team.
Imagine if they did that at an Eagles game? People would go wild! It wouldn't cost the team much and is probably cost effective marketing.
That's what was talked about at the cafes, and bus stops last week, hope you enjoy!
Last Saturday was the last day of the Bundesliga (German Soccer League). It had not been so tight in the standings in a long time, if ever. The top four teams in the standings- VfB Stuttgart, FC Bayern, Hertha BSC, and Wolfsburg- are seperated by one game or less, and it all hung on just one day of play that determined the Deutsche Meister.
Entering the weekend, Wolfsburg was on top. FC- Bayern is often compared to Baseball's "evil empire" for their buy-sell and win now attitude, and sat at #2 followed by Hertha and VfB Stuttgart.
I was pulling either for VfB Stuttgart, my original German city and team, or my current team Hertha. Alas, Wolfsburg pulled it out for the win, and FC Bayern took second completing an amazing comeback after having an awful season start. VfB jumped up to 3rd leaving Hertha a dissapointing 4th. Our Berliner kickers are however normally not even in contention, and it was a season of excitement and success.
To celebrate this unprecedented drama and the enthusiasm for Hertha's breakout season, Hungarian Midfielder Pal Dardai promised to buy fans a beer if attendance broke 55,000 at each of the last 5 games. True to form the Berliners responded and beer coupons for were handed out at last Saturday's game to 74,000 fans!
While I seriously doubt that one player paid for each of them, and that the organization footed the bill, it was still a very cool gesture of thanks for a lot of support from our local Füßballfreunde who passionately support their team.
Imagine if they did that at an Eagles game? People would go wild! It wouldn't cost the team much and is probably cost effective marketing.
That's what was talked about at the cafes, and bus stops last week, hope you enjoy!
New Release: Video on Plitvice Lakes Naitonal Park, Croatia
The Plitvice Lakes National Park leis in the middle of Croatia, halfway between Zadar and Zagreb. A series of dramatic waterfalls connects lakes cut out by glaciers. The lakes are inhabited by special algae giving them spectacular color. The park has footbridges right above the water so you can walk right up to the waterfalls, swamps, and check out the fish and algea.
For more info on the park: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plitvice_Lakes
I hope you will also check out the video I made of my pictures and short vids from the hike through the park: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPu4XR1XfsI
Thanks for reading and thanks for watching!
For more info on the park: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plitvice_Lakes
I hope you will also check out the video I made of my pictures and short vids from the hike through the park: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPu4XR1XfsI
Thanks for reading and thanks for watching!
Softball Tourney on NATO Base
(Martin... well he likes the Yankees)
Howdy Folks,
Just got back from a weekend playing softball on the Geileskirchen NATO Airbase. Thanks first off to the guys from the E-3A AWACS unit for playing host, organizing the beers and burgers and making sure everybody had a great time.
As for the Black Sheep War Machine (my team) we had something of a lackluster performance. We lost 2 of three on the first day. The first loss was to the eventual champions, although it was the most annoying game of all time- people yelling at umps, and it turned into a circus. Second loss was a nail biter. We went ahead from down 2 in the top of the 7th, and lost it in the bottom. (Softball here has 7 innings, is that normal?)
I was personally happy after getting out of a hitting slump. I was able to take home a triple, a few doubles, singles and a successful clutch bunt as well as a handful of stolen bases. I also made a diving grab in out last game but it was meaningless as we won out at the tournament with ease.
Today is a national holiday in Germany because of Pfingsten (Pentecost) and nobody's working. I'm personally using the opportunity to lick my wounds and get it together.
Looking forward to a busy but good week coming up.
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