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October 2008
Halloween Political Humour!
31 October 2008 - 17:46
Barack Obama was visiting a primary school and he visited one of the classes. They were in the middle of a discussion related to words and their meanings. The teacher asked the presidential candidate if he would like to lead the discussion on the word 'tragedy.' So our illustrious democrat presidential candidate asked the class for an example of a 'tragedy.'
One little boy stood up and offered: 'If my best friend, who lives on a farm, is playing in the field and a tractor runs over him and kills him, that would be a tragedy.'
'No,' said Obama, 'that would be an accident.'
A little girl raised her hand: 'If a school bus carrying 50 children drove over a cliff, killing everyone inside, that would be a tragedy.'
'I'm afraid not,' explained Obama. 'That's what we would call great loss.'
The room went silent. No other children volunteered. Obama searched the room. 'Isn't there someone here who can give me an example of a tragedy?'
Finally at the back of the room, Little Johnny raised his hand. In a quiet voice he said: 'If the plane carrying you and Mrs. Obama was struck by a 'friendly fire' missile and blown to smithereens that would be a tragedy.'
'Fantastic!' exclaimed Obama. 'That's right. And can you tell me why that would be tragedy?'
'Well,' says Little Johnny, 'It has to be a tragedy, because it certainly wouldn't be a great loss...and it probably wouldn't be an accident either.'
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Team America
30 October 2008 - 11:48
So, last night was the American "presentation" to all other foreign exchange students, as is the Wednesday tradition. It gives you the opportunity to tell everyone else the truth about your country and debunk myths. I must commend those who spent much time last week preparing this presentation. The preparation was great, even that which was done only hours before it was time; in true American spirit!
The major flaw, for us, was in the execution. We got a little screwed over because our videos would not play in the powerpoint as they should have, but instead we had to switch back and fourth between the media player and powerpoint. This reflected poorly upon us, I think. Also, it didn't help that I said America only has three million people despite the fact that the real number of three-hundred million was clearly written right in front of me. My bad...
After the presentation was the Halloween party at club Mandarin. Of course, as usual, I went the intention to not stay out late at all and come in in time to get up for my 8:30 Czech class. And of course, this didn't happen, not even close. I didn't catch a bus until after 23:30 which is never a good sign.
Upon arrival, just after grabbing a beer, I ran into Jana whom I met on the weekend of East Bohemia. She was there with her friend. I feel horrible as I didn't catch the name of this friend for it is so loud in Mandarin that is it difficult to speak with one another. The reason I feel horrible is because we ended up talking the whole evening, leaving and eventually waiting for the bus together. Surprisingly, after it all, she even gave me her number.
So, it was certainly a good night with lots of crazily-dressed drunks celebrating a ridiculous American holiday. I made it in a little after 3:00 and got on AIM. My father was also on and I had and interesting conversation with him, before I made it to bed just after 4:00. Thus, I didn't go to my 8:00 and I don't think I will be going to me 12:30 either. That said, I will not have been to class all week, not even once. My bad...
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Vinarska Life
29 October 2008 - 08:56
So, Monday night was, yet again, another crazy-awesome night! It all started about 20:00, when I went to go watch a very famous Czech film, Želary (link). I loved this film! It instantly became one of my favorites. You should check it out!
Afterwords, I had been invited to a birthday party for an Italian guy I know. I thought it would most likely be a small, social gathering and I would have to opportunity to meet some new people. However, after the movie I decided not to go as I had started to feel not so great. As I was in the stairwell headed to my room, I heard an extremely loud roar coming from the area where the party was to be. I had to investigate!
Upon arrival there were about thirty or so people in this tiny little "corridor" area of the hallway. I said hi and then stood around for quite sometime, not really knowing anybody. Hell, I really don't know the guy who's birthday it was.
It wasn't very long before this small gathering with wine and cake turned into a huge festival with beer and vodka. At least a hundred people had crammed themselves into this tiny corridor and nearby hallway. This all about midnight. At about 01:00, the receptionist, came down and kicked us all out! I guess she had the right since it is Czech law that there is a 20:00 quiet time imposed...
In the midst of the fun, Teresa from Lithuania, invited me to go to Olomouc, this "nearby, pretty town" that her and some friends were visiting in the morning. Of course! I was game, though, after partying all night, we were going to have to be meeting at 8:15 the next morning...
So, I awoke with no problem and headed off to Olomouc, basically on a whim and certainly without informing anyone. Upon meeting all those who were going. We were discussing what we may have already known about the city. Nobody, not even the native-Czech tutor really knew anything. This is the point at which I spoke up and said that I had been there about five or six times and it was my sister city, etc, etc.
While in Olomouc, I was giving everyone what information I knew about things and I even surprised myself with how much I've retained. It turned out to be a GREAT day, not only because I was in Olomouc, but also because it was a Czech national holiday and appropriately there was a large celebration in the main square. So, we bit the dust, and had a beer that cost 50 Kc (about $3), and that is at least 25 Kc over-priced...
Today, I am predicting to be another great day. I managed to get to sleep last night before, or around, 23:00 and slept in all the way until 8:00. I have the whole day ahead of me and no plans until tonight. I should go to class, but cannot let America down. It's our turn for our country "presentation" and that should be quite interesting and entertaining.
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East Bohemia - The Weekend of Fog!
27 October 2008 - 13:56
Is this the real life?
Is this just fantasy?
Caught in a landslide,
No escape from reality...
So, this weekend was pretty amazing! Traveling about Eastern Bohemia has been one of the greatest adventures yet. Not only because I drunk enough, two nights in a row, to bust a move on the dance floor each night, but because of all the awesome people I met. Oh and, we saw some pretty cool things.
Mostly, it was nothing more than a weekend of relaxation and enjoyment. It was not a busy and hectic schedule like in Slovakia, so there was plenty of time to interact with all the other foreigners as well as a couple Czech girls. Unlike Slovakia, there were only about thirty people this trip as opposed to seventy. A huge difference!
So, Friday morning, bright and early, we headed of to Litomyšl, a quaint little town with a grandeur chateau. It was semi-interesting, as it was old, but the joke we were making on the tour were far more entertaining. Then we headed to Třebechovice pod Orebem (say that three times fast!) to see the worlds largest nativity scene. It was rather interesting as it portrayed the life of Jesus from birth to death. However, be it that Jesus lived only about thirty or thirty-five years, and this thing took at least forty years to carve by hand, there is a little "irony". Finally we walked about Jičin, a small village of about 8,000.
Later that evening, the real fun began! After a fantastic spaghetti dinner, while sitting at the dinner table, a few friends invited me to "cottage seven" for a few beers and some vodka. I was by no means excited by vodka, but I'm always down for a beer. When we opened the door to this tiny cottage, about ten people yelled, "HEY!" and handed each of us a beer. It wasn't long before we were all required to drink a "Polish flag" or leave in humiliation, letting down your country which you were there representing. I certainly couldn't let America down despite my distaste for vodka, now could I?!
So, a "Polish flag" is a drink that is half vodka and half cherry sweetener (a popular European thing usually added to water). When poured correctly, the resulting effect is a red layer on bottom and a clear one on top which resembles a Polish flag. It wasn't very long before all fifteen or so of us, still in this small cottage mind you, were headed to the nearby disko for some dancing fun! It was very interesting at this point as we were all pretty lit and there happened to be a stripper pole in the club. Craziness...
Saturday, bright and early, this time after a night of drinking and dancing, we went to an area known as Prachovské skaly to see some world-famous rock formations. They were like anything I had ever seen and made for a fantastic three hour hike through the woods. Here, I also met a few new people and reminisced with a few new friends from the night before. Next we went to Kost, to see Hrad Kost. It was a nice castle whose museum inside specialized in medieval torture devices.
This day was also Layla's birthday. Her intent was to get drunk and that she did. A beer before dinner, one with, and one after was just starters! Again, I was invited to, this time, "cottage eight", a step up in number of people present, but not in size. Upon arrival, we were proudly honored our country with another "Polish flag"; Kelly honoring it thrice. Our guide for the weekend, Radka, had poked her head in looking for someone as she had something important to ask. Since she made the mistake of coming inside, she too had to drink a "Polish flag" or take a walk of shame. I'm proud to say that the name of the Czech Republic is still held with the highest regards.
Here, I met probably more females than I've ever met at one time. It was fantastic! I can only remember their country names, not because I'm a jerk who cannot remember names, but because I'm ignorant and cannot spell them. It wasn't long before I found myself having a nice chat with a girl from Slovakia. She seemed quite nice and very pretty.
Finally, we all decided to leave and head to the disko. Unfortunately, this time, there was a 50Kc cover for guys. Be it that I only had 54Kc, there went my beer money... I still had a great time, as the girl from Slovakia bought me two rounds, which was plenty after the half bottle of wine and "Polish flag". I feel bad for being a bum, but I will now forever hold Slovakia in the highest esteem. Also, I hope to pay her back next time I see her.
This night was even crazier than before because almost everyone came out as well as some of the local townsmen. They seemed rather boring though and I didn't meet any of them. Dancing, if that's what you would call it, was pretty cool as well for at one point I made the realization that I was dancing with a girl from Spain, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, all at the same time. Its insane to fathom me dancing with such an assortment, much less four girls at once...
Sunday, bright and early, after two nights in a row of drinking and dancing, we went to Dvůr Králové, where there is a very famous zoo. It was nice and peaceful though it was not especially amazing. I did thoroughly enjoy myself, walking and conversing with many people yet still. Later, we quickly walked about the town of Poička. It was a nice town, but considering it was cold and many people were still exhausted and a few still hungover, we high-tailed it rather fast and made it back to Brno at a reasonable hour this time.
All-in-all it was a great weekend, much as you can imaging. I met so many new people and many good connections to most of Europe, so I'm quite content. Finally, I would like to add, in reference to the title, for the entire weekend a thick layer of fog covered the entire area; even still so today. Also, I think, for some, certainly not me, the details of the evenings festivities may be a little foggy...
Oh and, pics are up - http://pics.redhawk77.com
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The Beer Prayer (Stolen from Leah)
22 October 2008 - 00:44
Our lager,
Which art in barrels
Hallowed be thy drink
Thy will be drunk
(I will be drunk)
At home as in the tavern
Give us this day out foamy head
And forgive us our spillages
As we forgive those who spill
Against us
And lead us not into incarceration,
But deliver us from hangovers
For thine is the beer
The bitter and the lager
For ever and ever,
Barmen.
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Birthday Celebrations in Starnov!
20 October 2008 - 23:05
So, this past weekend I headed off to Olomoucky Kraj for another exciting adventure with the Czech scouts. This time, however, it was a drinking adventure of legendary proportions. I did in fact pay for it all day long on Saturday. Life is hard...
We started off the night with a round of Slivovic. For those of you who don't know about this magic drink, and that should be basically everyone, I would go as far as to say if I had a few rounds of this stuff, six or seven good shots, I would probably not remember it at all. This stuff is potent... Then we all had a few beers, naturally, its the Czech Republic. They had had a keg for this party. After the parents left, then the real drinking began! Out with the Vodka and Jelzin (even better vodka).
All-in-all it was a great night until it wasn't. Ya' know how it is? The next day, was awful, especially when I felt like dying and the Czechs felt like having another beer, for breakfast. They are crazy, crazy people! but I love 'em!!! When we all finally, not everyone was feeling so keen, got moving, things got better. We headed off to Sternberk, a nearby town, to visit a very nice castle and see some of the city. Upon our return, we had soup. It was good, but I could tell something was up because I know enough about science to know distinct features of epithelial tissues. In this case, it was cow stomach soup. Then we had pig knee, nice and tender.
Finally, it was time for a five or six kilometer bike ride, down a bumpy-as-hell road with a hangover, to Stepanov, where my Czech "family" lives. I love this place! They feed me so well and take care of me better than a child of there own. Life is good! The only problem with this is when I return to Brno and starve because I cannot feed myself so well, be it that my available resources are not so good. But, such is life; life is hard.
Here I am now, back in Brno, chillaxing and for the most part things are good. Today, for my "Ethnic Relations" class I had to present, with a group, issues from a fifty-three page PDF which I may have read one or two pages from, combined. I skimmed it and did just fine. However, in the morning, I may not be so lucky. It will be very difficult for me to "BS" my way through an exam of the Czech language. I am learning this, but at a very slow rate for I don't quite devote myself as well as I should, plus, the teacher is far from earning a "teacher of the year" award. My priorities here are nothing like what they would be at home for here, though I am a temporary resident on a visa without any basic liberties (in a matter of speaking), I am much more "free". It is a very odd sense of being...
*Edit - 21/10/08*
Photos from the celebration and castle are now up on the photos page!
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Guitars Vs. Women
16 October 2008 - 19:36
You can play it any time of the month.
They don't whine, unless you want them to.
They don't care how many other guitars you've played.
They don't care if you buy guitar magazines.
You'll never be the new Father of a guitar.
If it's flat you can fix it.
It won't care if you leave the toilet seat up.
If you have an argument you don't have to apologize before playing it again.
Your parents won't stay in touch with it after you dump it.
You don't have to shower before playing it.
If it doesn't look good you can refinish it.
You can play it the first time you meet it and never take it to dinner or meet its mother.
The only protection you need is a pick.
If you decide to part with it you don't have to give up half of everything you own.
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Slovakia!
13 October 2008 - 11:07
It is just like the Czech Republic, but different! It actually, with all its mountains, is very reminiscent of Switzerland, but with a "Czech" twist. So basically, it is like my two favorite countries combined. It was a great weekend!
Friday, we had to awake very early to catch the bus. Then it was a quick three hour to our first stop, a little spa town on an "island". It was nice and pleasant and were we to actually do something there the stop could have been justified, but since it was not, it was seemingly pointless. Then we were off to Trencin to see a very famous castle ruins, in fact, the oldest castle in Slovakia. It was pretty cool too because it wasn't too deteriorated and was being repaired even.
Saturday was a pleasant little hike through a mountain canyon. Coming from my background and experience, I have to say, it was a pretty intense hike. I found it enjoyable and, again, pleasant, but many did not. I certainly wasn't expecting anything like this at all considering we had a group of seventy with few who had real experience. This was far too obvious when we were asked to bring "good shoes or boots" and a few females showed up in lace-up leather boots and even some were heeled... Following this was a relaxing raft trip down the river Vah. In and old-school style wooden raft we slowly drifted seven kilometers through some of the most beautiful countryside. At one point, while on the river, we were able to see two castles at the same time; this the only place in Slovakia where it is possible.
Sunday, yesterday, wasn't so pleasant. It was nice, but hectic and insane. Most of the day was spent in waiting. We first went to a very nice cave. Of all the caves I've been in, this was certainly one of the best which says something since Mammoth Cave is in my back yard. Then we decided to have lunch. Our original plans had to be revised and we ended up at this very nice, semi-expensive, restaurant with only one cook and one chef. We arrived a little after 1PM and did not roll out until right at 5PM. It was just a little on the side of ridiculous especially considering our guides had called ahead telling them that seventy people were coming and they said to come for they were ready. This wasn't quite the case...
All-in-all, it was a fantastic weekend full of much adventure and waiting. Who can complain about that?
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Green Eggs and Ham
06 October 2008 - 21:04
I am Sam
Sam I am
That Sam-I-am!
That Sam-I-am!
I do not like
that Sam-I-am!
Do you like green eggs and ham?
I do not like them, Sam-I-am.
I do not like green eggs and ham.
Would you like them here or there?
I would not like them here or there.
I would not like them anywhere.
I do not like green eggs and ham.
I do not like them, Sam-I-am.
Would you like them in a house?
Would you like them with a mouse?
I do not like them in a house.
I do not like them with a mouse.
I do not like them here or there.
I do not like them anywhere.
I do not like green eggs and ham.
I do not like them, Sam-I-am.
Would you eat them in a box?
Would you eat them with a fox?
Not in a box.
Not with a fox.
Not in a house.
Not with a mouse.
I would not eat them here or there.
I would not eat them anywhere.
I would not eat green eggs and ham.
I do not like them, Sam-I-am.
Would you? Could you?
In a car?
Eat them! Eat them!
Here they are.
I would not, could not, in a car.
You may like them.
You will see.
You may like them in a tree!
I would not, could not in a tree.
Not in a car! You let me be.
I do not like them in a box.
I do not like them with a fox.
I do not like them in a house.
I do not like them with a mouse.
I do not like them here or there.
I do not like them anywhere.
I do not like green eggs and ham.
I do not like them, Sam-I-am.
A train! A train!
A train! A train!
Could you, would you, on a train?
Not on a train! Not in a tree!
Not in a car! Sam! Let me be!
I would not, could not, in a box.
I could not, would not, with a fox.
I will not eat them with a mouse.
I will not eat them in a house.
I will not eat them here or there.
I will not eat them anywhere.
I do not eat green eggs and ham.
I do not like them, Sam-I-am.
Say!
In the dark? Here in the dark!
Would you, could you, in the dark?
I would not, could not, in the dark.
Would you, could you, in the rain?
I would not, could not, in the rain.
Not in the dark. Not on a train.
Not in a car. Not in a tree.
I do not like them, Sam, you see.
Not in a house. Not in a box.
Not with a mouse. Not with a fox.
I will not eat them here or there.
I do not like them anywhere!
You do not like green eggs and ham?
I do not like them, Sam-I-am.
Could you, would you, with a goat?
I would not, could not, with a goat!
Would you, could you, on a boat?
I could not, would not, on a boat.
I will not, will not, with a goat.
I will not eat them in the rain.
I will not eat them on a train.
Not in the dark! Not in a tree!
Not in a car! You let me be!
I do not like them in a box.
I do not like them with a fox.
I will not eat them in a house.
I do not like them with a mouse.
I do not like them here or there.
I do not like them ANYWHERE!
I do not like green eggs and ham!
I do not like them, Sam-I-am.
You do not like them.
So you say.
Try them! Try them!
And you may.
Try them and you may, I say.
Sam!
If you will let me be, I will try them.
You will see.
Say!
I like green eggs and ham!
I do! I like them, Sam-I-am!
And I would eat them in a boat.
And I would eat them with a goat...
And I will eat them in the rain.
And in the dark. And on a train.
And in a car. And in a tree.
They are so good, so good, you see!
So I will eat them in a box.
And I will eat them with a fox.
And I will eat them in a house.
And I will eat them with a mouse.
And I will eat them here and there.
Say! I will eat them ANYWHERE!
I do so like
green eggs and ham!
Thank you!
Thank you,
Sam-I-am!
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Completely Resolved
05 October 2008 - 14:51
OK, so, the zip file method is "acceptable", but this is far better:
http://pics.redhawk77.com/
http://photos.redhawk77.com/
Either link will work, whichever is easier for you to remember; both take you to the same place.
Enjoy!
Note:
If you are viewing this within an hour or so of posting, not all pictures will work yet as they are still uploading as I write this, so be like a doctor and have patience. Also, I will be removing the zip file from the blog before as soon as I verify that everything is working correctly.
***Edit***
All pics are successfully uploaded as of 05/10/08-19:08!
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Photos and Photo Issues Resolved!
04 October 2008 - 21:13
...hopefully!
Ok, so, there has been some issues viewing the photos. You probably have noticed this if it didn't work for you. It is a crazy thing, but nobody here in Europe seems to have a problem with my pictures, only ya'll foreigners in America.
However, I propose this solution:
http://blog.redhawk77.com/pics.zip (removed)
It is a very short, but loaded, preview of the highlights so far. Please, ask questions if need be. I'd love to answer them, but cannot possible go through and detail every one as is. I'm sure you can understand. Also, in efforts to conserve space, the pics are rather small, but feel free to ask and I'll email you the larger versions of the ones you want.
Happy hunting!
***Edit***
Some people want an address, so here it is:
(My full name)
koleje Vinařská, blok A1
Vinařská 5
603 00 Brno
Czech Republic
***Update (06/10/2008)***
The link to the pictures zip file has now been removed!
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Hey ya'll, that's my bad, sup?
03 October 2008 - 17:59
So, sadly, Europe isn't always a barrel of monkey's. It's a ridiculously gloomy day, most everyone is totally sick, and I'm a little bit fed up with something. However, not everything is so bad. I'm still loving it here and am happy about all of it. I could live without the oncoming head cold, but such is life, especially here where the weather is colder than I would like it to be. In essence the weather is a month or so ahead of schedule, in comparison to Kentucky; though there is a mild predictability unlike back home.
Today was certainly a chill day. I've accomplished nothing and I'm okay with that. This evening, it looks like it will be a movie night with Maren; some tea and "Cloverfield" are on the program. Tomorrow, I'll be heading to the zoo if it isn't raining too much and maybe some friends from Olomouc will be visiting! Next weekend, I'm off to Slovakia to hike in their beautiful mountains. Oddly enough I even learned a little Slovakian yesterday from this Slovak girl, Katka. As with every other girl from this part of the world, she too is a looker.
Speaking with everyone here is amazing. It's somewhat different speaking with those who are not native English speakers. I love it! I especially like teaching them English slang and idioms like, "my bad", "sup?", "BAMF", and "ya'll". Yes, I am infecting their beautiful English, but somebody has to do it. Why not me?
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