National Root Beer Float Day – August 6

Did you know that August 6 is the National Root Beer Float Day in the United States of America? And do you even know what a Root Beer Float is? In case you don’t I am going to solve this mystery for you right now.  

The Root Beer Float is a beverage which is really popular in the United States, especially among children. To make one of these delicious beverages all you have to do is add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to a tall glass of root beer. (A little hint for everyone who is going to try it: If you reverse the directions and add the root beer to the ice cream you’ll probably end up with a big mess.) For its consumption all you need is a spoon and a straw. It can also be made with other flavors, though. For example you can add a scoop of chocolate ice cream instead of vanilla ice cream. Other popular ice cream sodas, also known as floats, include those made with soft drinks like Coca-Cola, Pepsi and flavored soda such as orange, grape, cinnamon etc.

The float itself has a couple of potential beginnings, but according to my research Frank J. Wisner seems to be the creator of the Root Beer Float. The origin of the beverage dates back to the end of the 19^th century when Frank J. Wisner was staring out his window one night at Cow Mountain in Colorado. To him the snowy peaks on the dark mountains looked like ice cream in a dark soda. That’s why the next day he came up with the idea to combine root beer and vanilla ice cream. The foamy beverage is also  known as “black cow” or “brown cow”.

How is this holiday celebrated? Americans usually celebrate it by making themselves, their family and their friends a root beer float. Some even throw a root beer float party on this holiday. 

For all of you who didn’t know – root beer is non-alcoholic which makes it the perfect refreshment for children. Although we don’t usually drink this kind of beverage in Europe to me personally it sounds very similar to iced coffee or chocolate milk as we know it in Austria.  

Here are some facts about the history of the Root Beer:

• Root beer was originally brewed in the 1800’s using sassafras and was considered a medicinal drink.
• Originally, root beer actually contained a small amount of alcohol.
• Sassafras was removed from the drink in 1976 after it was banned by the US Food and Drug Administration due to the carcinogenic properties in its oils.
• Today, root beer is made from flavored syrups, carbonated water, and spices such as vanilla, licorice root, nutmeg, molasses, cinnamon, and clove.
• While root beer is fairly popular in North America, with hundreds of brands, the drink is relatively unknown elsewhere in the world.

How did I even come up with the idea to write about the Root Beer Float? Well, over the last couple of years I have seen this deliciously looking beverage several times in American movies and series. Ever since I first saw it I have been wondering about its ingredients and what it might taste like. So, one day I started doing some research about it and after that it was not long before I tried one myself. Unfortunately I have to say that it looks a lot tastier than it actually is. Maybe the Root Beer Float is one of those acquainted tastes you have to get used to before actually liking it. Or maybe you just have to really like beer in order to become a fan of it which I am definitely not. Anyway, if you like beer and ice cream you should definitely try it one sunny hot summer day! :)

Here's a link to some recipes including root beer: http://www.thedailymeal.com/search/apachesolr_search/root%20beer%20float

EngVid.com - A great way of learning useful food vocabulary (and much more)

Hey guys! :)

I just came across this really awesome website called http://www.engvid.com/. You probably haven't heard about it before so I am going to tell you what it is all about. 
Basically, it is a website aimed to help everybody who wants to learn English, especially in preparation for the TOEFL or the TOEIC. Several professors videotape their lessons where they explain various chapters of grammar, subject areas of all kinds or simply give you some advice concerning oral presentations, job interviews etc. All in all, they cover grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and much more. 
What I like most about the website is the fact that the video lessons are divided into beginner, intermediate and advanced. So, you can choose whichever level you think is adequate for improving your language skills. What's more, depending from the professor (for example James), the lessons can be quite entertaining. But hey, go see for yourself if you want to find out more about it :)

I actually wanted to show you this video I found where Ronnie teaches the differences between American and British food vocabulary. In my opinion she explains the differences very well and you probably won't forget the new words you are going to learn too quickly. 

 

I also found two other videos that are very well done and offer some useful information. 

In this (entertaining) video you are going to learn the meaning of the following expressions:

• to stew in your own juices
• sandwiched
• to sugar-coat something
• sugar daddy
• gravy train
  

In this video you are going to learn the meaning of the following expressions:

• couch potato
• out to lunch
• piece of cake
• bottoms up
• sweet tooth  

 

I hope you enjoyed the videos! Have a nice day!! :)

 

The Conversation with Amanda de Cadenet

I would like to tell you about an American television interview series called „The Conversation“, which started airing in 2012. You probably haven’t heard about it before, which is why I would really like to recommend you (especially or maybe even exclusively you girls) to check out the website. 

Amanda de Cadenet, a British photographer and former actress, is the host of the website. Demi Moore is the co-executive producer. On the show, Amanda de Cadenet has interviewed celebrities such as Lady Gaga, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jane Fonda Last, Alicia Keys, Eva Longoria, Christina Applegate, Olivia Wilde, Eva Mendes, and many many more. 

What I find so special about this show is the topics they talk about and above all, how they talk about it. As the guests staring the show are all very famous, not only in the US, but also on the rest of the world, one would expect them to use this show in order to push their careers by saying whatever they think people might want to hear from them. All the more I was surprised when I first watched the show. They talk about love, sexuality, parenting, career, etc. All in all - about life and the difficulties everyone has to face and overcome, but also the positive sides of our existence. What makes the show really successful and fascinating, is, according to me, the honesty and wisdom the guests are sharing. Every single story of these famous women is extremely inspiring. One quickly realizes, that although they are rich and famous, they go through just the same stuff as women like us (who didn’t (YET ;)) make such an astounding career).

If you are a bit of a philosopher like I am, if you like talking about the “important” things of life – about what life is really about - every now and then, if you have a problem you are unsure how to solve, or if you just feel like you need some inspiration – take a look through some of the videos and see for yourself how moving, inspiring and touching these videos are. You can even watch the full episodes online. 

In case you prefer reading, there’s also plenty of selected articles on a great variety of subjects by people from all over the world – mostly writers, life coaches, psychotherapists or Amanda de Cadenet herself. 

Here’s a link to the videos: http://www.theconversation.tv/videos/
 
ENJOY! :)

Villacher Fasching - LEI LEI!

 

 

I guess all of you have at least heard something about the Villacher Fasching before. It is a carnival that takes place every year in February in my hometown, Villach, in Carinthia. This year we are celebrating it on February 9 and as the date is coming closer and closer I am starting to think about a costume. You should know that the Villacher Fasching is very popular in Villach and that it is one of the main events throughout the year besides the Villacher Kirchtag and the European Bike Week. You should also know that we really love to get dressed up. We usually invest either quite a lot of money in our costumes or a great deal of creativity, which is what I am usually going for. Of course there are always some people who are not that into putting on a disguise, but the majority of children as well as adults definitely loves it. For us “Villacher” it is that special time of the year, when we are officially allowed to make a fool of ourselves, to make fun of others, to joke around and above all, to amuse ourselves and have a great time with our family and friends.

The Villacher Fasching always takes place on a Saturday and in the afternoon there is a huge parade that lasts about one and a half hours. Hundreds of groups participate in it. I guess what makes it so attractive is that basically anybody can found a group. All you need is at least five other persons that accompany you. Once you have found your allies you just have find a theme and decide whether you want to walk or drive. Finally you have to fill in a registration form, send it in and you are good to go. Normally plenty of schools and kindergartens take part in it as well as fire brigades, politicians, advertising agencies, sports clubs, dance groups, bands and other fellow citizens. The parade is a spectacular event. Loud music is being played by live bands or coming from loudspeakers fixed on the cars or tractors that are passing by, confetti and candy thrown off the cars or distributed by the groups are constantly flying through the air, everybody is shouting “LEI LEI!”, and the mostly amazing and original costumes are a pleasure to look at. Also, more and more international groups are participating, especially Italinas and Slovenes. 

The highlight of the parade is the adult as well as the children “Prinzenpaar”, a selected adult and children’s couple that is crowned every year on November 11, the official beginning of the carnival. The tradition of crowning two couples goes back to 1956. The prince and the princess form a fictive couple (they usually don’t know each other beforehand) and are supposed to take care that everyone behaves correctly during the period of carnival. In reality though, they mostly party a lot themselves and appear in the media several times. Furthermore the “Villacher Faschingsgarde” is an essential part of the parade. It describes a group of girls dressed in black and yellow uniforms that performs a typical dance during the parade.

I love celebrating Villacher Fasching. I mean, who wouldn’t? How great is it being granted permission to do whatever you want for an entire day? Usually I either throw a party myself or attend a friend’s party. After our little get-together we go out and celebrate in the city with all the other dressed up “Faschingsnarren”. We also have a few food traditions. Herring salad, fritters (=Krapfen) and a Carinthian specialty called “Fleischnudeln” (a dough made of potatoes filled with smoked meat) accompanied by sauerkraut and crackling (=Grammeln) are my personal favorites. 

So, if you haven’t had the chance to be a part of the Villacher Fasching yet, I highly recommend you to try it out at some point. With this in mind, LEI LEI!!!

My name is Luka - Suzanne Vega

I would like to tell you about yet another famous song with an interesting background story. This time I chose “My name is Luka” by Suzanne Vega, a catchy tune that seems to spread joy and happiness, but by taking a closer look at the lyrics you realize that it is actually a very sad song about a big issue.

Suzanne Vega released her highest-charting hit “Luka” in 1987. It was one of the earliest songs that dealt with child abuse and domestic violence. Contrary to the sad topic, the music is quite lively and joyful and revokes feelings of happiness. This was made on purpose and is supposed to be a metaphor for all the victims of child abuse and domestic violence, who often tend to deny their abuse.

Suzanne Vega once said about her song: “A few years ago, I used to see this group of children playing in front of my building, and there was one of them, whose name was Luka, who seemed a little bit distinctive from the other children. I always remembered his name, and I always remembered his face, and I didn't know much about him, but he just seemed set apart from these other children that I would see playing. And his character is what I based the song Luka on. In the song, the boy Luka is an abused child—in real life I don't think he was. I think he was just different.”

My favorite line of the lyrics is “I think it’s because I’m clumsy”. Not only do these words describe how too many victims of child abuse and domestic violence handle their situation (namely by lying about it or even worse - denying it), but they also emphasize how the victims feel about their mistreatment. They often think that it is their fault that they are being mistreated and they come up with various reasons for justifying the actions of their abusers. In fact, it is not at all their fault though. All in all, child abuse and domestic violence is a very complex topic that preoccupies an uncountable number of people all over the world and unfortunately many people are still afflicted by it. Susanne Vega surely succeeded in touching hundreds and thousands of people with her song, which is (according to me) the most powerful tool of a song.

My name is Luka
I live on the second floor
I live upstairs from you
Yes I think you've seen me before
If you hear something late at night
Some kind of trouble, some kind of fight
Just don't ask me what it was
Just don't ask me what it was
Just don't ask me what it was 

I think it's because I'm clumsy
I try not to talk too loud
Maybe it's because I'm crazy
I try not to act too proud
They only hit until you cry
And after that you don't ask why
You just don't argue anymore
You just don't argue anymore
You just don't argue anymore 

Yes I think I'm okay
I walked into the door again
Well, if you ask that's what I'll say
And it's not your business anyway
I guess I'd like to be alone
With nothing broken, nothing thrown
Just don't ask me how I am
Just don't ask me how I am
Just don't ask me how I am

My name is Luka
I live on the second floor
I live upstairs from you
Yes I think you've seen me before
If you hear something late at night
Some kind of trouble, some kind of fight
Just don't ask me what it was
Just don't ask me what it was
Just don't ask me what it was 

I think it's because I'm clumsy
I try not to talk too loud
Maybe it's because I'm crazy
I try not to act too proud
They only hit until you cry
And after that you don't ask why
You just don't argue anymore
You just don't argue anymore
You just don't argue anymore

Tears In Heaven - Eric Clapton

I love finding out more about the background of songs, especially if I can relate to the lyrics in any kind of way or if the lyrics move me personally.

In an earlier post I have already revealed some facts about the Boomtown Rats' song I Don't Like Mondays. In this post I would like to tell you about Eric Clapton and what kind of tragic event inspired him to compose one of his most successful songs - Tears in Heaven.

Eric Clapton, born 30 March 1945, is an English guitarist and singer-songwriter. On 20 March 1991, Eric Clapton's four-year-old son, Conor, died after falling from the 53rd-floor window of his mother's friend's apartment in New York City. Shortly afterwards Eric Clapton wrote the song Tears in Heaven, which was co-written by Will Jennings. By means of this song, Eric Clapton expressed his grief and mourned over the sudden loss of his son.

The song was initially featured on the soundtrack to the film Rush (a movie about two cops who go after an elusive drug dealer and eventually become drug addicts themselves) and it won three Grammy Awards.
In 2004 Eric Clapton stopped playing the song due to personal reasons. He explained to the press that he could not perform it anymore because his emotions had changed over the years. He did not feel the same kind of loss anymore as he did right after the mortal accident of his four-year-old son, which is such an essential part of performing the song according to him. In an interview Eric Clapton stated: " I almost subconsciously used music for myself as a healing agent, and lo and behold, it worked...I have got a great deal of happiness and a great deal of healing from music."

I think the number of people all over the world who know this song is completely amazing, even though the majority probably does not even know about the meaning of the song and what Eric Clapton tried to express with it. All in all, it is a song written about the pain and loss Eric Clapton felt following the death of his little boy who died at a terribly young age.

I added the video for you to listen to it once more - if you feel like it.

New Year's Eve in Rio de Janeiro

 

 

Unfortunately I am not talking about myself. I was not the lucky one to spend New Year's Eve in Rio de Janeiro - my brother was. He is currently on a two-week holiday in the beautiful city of Rio de Janeiro. His trip with four of his friends started on December 25th. As I already mentioned, they had the unique chance to spend New Year's Eve on Copacabana beach. I am a very adventurous person myself and love travelling more than anything else, which makes me really really jealous of my brother. Ever since he told me about his New Year's Eve in Brazil I am dreaming about spending New Year's Eve there as well some day in the near future.

I did some research on how the inhabtitants of Rio de Janeiro usually spend their New Year's Eve and here's what I found out. (I did not find out too many details about it from my brother yet, because he is busy going sightseeing and lying on the beach, tanning in the searing sun of Brazil - average temperature: 38 degreees) Anyway, Copacabane Beach is famous for its amazing celebration and fireworks display. New Year's Eve takes place in the middle of the summer, right when the temperature is at its highest and when the kids are off school. Many people traditionally wear white clothes and throw flowers and/or small mementos into the surf believing that if they do not come back, their wish or prayer will be granted. The fireworks display at midnight is famous all over the world and is watched by several million people on the beach. So, I can only imagine that you do not have a lot of personal space and that pickpockets make a fortune on December 31st. The fireworks are launched from various barges in the ocean. According to me it is completely overwhelming and one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen in my life. I spent my New Year's Eve at the Schlossberg in Graz and thought the fireworks were stunning, but take a look at the video I posted below and see for yourself that the fireworks in Rio de Janeiro are not that famous all over the world for no reason.
One day, I am certain of that, I will spend New Year's Eve in Rio de Janeiro and enjoy the amazing fireworks. It must be even more beautiful to experience it live than it already is on the video.

Happy New Year and All the Best for 2013!!!!