17 April 2011
Spring in Tannay
Continuing along today's circuit and having cycled through the center of Founex without falling victim to yet another flat tire, I decided to cycle over to the tiny but picturesque village of Tannay.
This morning, Tannay seemed as bereft of human presence, save yours truly, as did Founex, but it is always a feast for the eyes to cycle around there.
Tulips and other colorful spring blossoms were putting on a show.
From Tannay, I cycled down to the lake road, to return to my own home village.
Founex in the Spring
I hate to admit it, but I had a second flat tire episode a couple days ago. Thanks to the Wiki "How-tos" and my previous learning experience, which took a lot longer, I was able to change this one quite expeditiously. It took a while to find the puncture, which I would categorise more as a slow leak this time. I had noticed over the past couple days that I needed to inflate the tire practically on a daily basis. Sure enough, while I was in the center of Founex on Thursday, my ride began to feel bumpy enough for me to check on the tire. You can imagine my reaction, but at least this time, I didn't have as far to walk to get back home.
Of course, HWMBO's reaction was to ask why I wasn't carrying patches and a small air pump with me. That was reasonable enough and I know that I probably should. But, on the other hand, I am not hurrying to get anywhere and I haven't been so far afield with any of my excursions to date that I can't walk back comfortably. Now that the ankle seems to be healed for the most part, I even enjoy the walks. Especially when the weather is as nice as it has been recently.
This morning, I took my first ride since repairing the second flat. Although I didn't ride as long or as far as I prefer to on Sundays, when the roads are usually much quieter than any other day, the excursion was still very enjoyable. Everything worked out very well except that my chain got caught between my rear wheel and the highest gear sprocket. That is usually fairly simple to fix, even if it does result in some very greasy hands. But today, the chain was wedged in to the extent that it was a two-person job. Fortunately, one of the neighbors whom I often meet walking his adorable little dog, rolled over - he is in a wheelchair - to help me. He helped to pull the chain loose while I manipulated the lever on the derailleur and rotated the wheel. Even after using our handi-wipes, both sets of hands were quite grimy afterwards. But my neighbor just laughed and said that he doesn't worry about it. After all, he has to use his hands to roll the wheels of his wheelchair. I am impressed by the daily circuit he makes, especially since there are several gradual, but distinctly uphill, grades.
On my ride, I noticed that the vineyards have clearly begun to stir, particularly in the area around the nearby willage of Founex.
Even though the sky was clear, the Alps were practically invisible in the haze beyond the lake.
Founex itself appeared to be slumbering on this Palm Sunday (dimanche des Rameaux). Of course, it is a school vacation period right now.
Even the establishment of the vintner who cultivates "my" little vineyard looked quiet.
Surprisingly on a Sunday, the maison de commune looked to be open, or at least its blue and white shutters were. Blue and white shutters are characteristic of maisons de commune in Founex and my own village, which are closely related in many ways. Perhaps someone here was working overtime.
The sleepy character of the center of this village belies the evidence of the building boom nearby, although if one looks closely, one can discern a tall crane just beyond the roof of this building.
But I still have yet to meet one of Founex's most illustrious, albeit more recent, inhabitants on any of my visits to the area. Since last fall, former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has lived in Founex, having moved there from his former residence in Geneva. So I still have such a meeting to look forward to, although I doubt that Kofi Annan travels by bicycle on a regular basis.
Of course, HWMBO's reaction was to ask why I wasn't carrying patches and a small air pump with me. That was reasonable enough and I know that I probably should. But, on the other hand, I am not hurrying to get anywhere and I haven't been so far afield with any of my excursions to date that I can't walk back comfortably. Now that the ankle seems to be healed for the most part, I even enjoy the walks. Especially when the weather is as nice as it has been recently.
This morning, I took my first ride since repairing the second flat. Although I didn't ride as long or as far as I prefer to on Sundays, when the roads are usually much quieter than any other day, the excursion was still very enjoyable. Everything worked out very well except that my chain got caught between my rear wheel and the highest gear sprocket. That is usually fairly simple to fix, even if it does result in some very greasy hands. But today, the chain was wedged in to the extent that it was a two-person job. Fortunately, one of the neighbors whom I often meet walking his adorable little dog, rolled over - he is in a wheelchair - to help me. He helped to pull the chain loose while I manipulated the lever on the derailleur and rotated the wheel. Even after using our handi-wipes, both sets of hands were quite grimy afterwards. But my neighbor just laughed and said that he doesn't worry about it. After all, he has to use his hands to roll the wheels of his wheelchair. I am impressed by the daily circuit he makes, especially since there are several gradual, but distinctly uphill, grades.
On my ride, I noticed that the vineyards have clearly begun to stir, particularly in the area around the nearby willage of Founex.
14 April 2011
Spring Blossoms
Several of the plants on my balcony began blossoming somewhat early this year, but so far they generally have not attained the lushness of the blooms from last year. Perhaps I need to give them some different plant food!
It's been interesting because for the most part, this year has been warmer than last. So one might logically believe that this year's blossoms would be more plentiful. That has not been the case. For example, the forsythia that is always the first to greet me with its cheerful yellow blossoms this year was a mere shadow of what last year's was.
And it also began to drop its blossoms for greenery much earlier than last year. Another example is my flowering rosemary plant. Last year, it had lavender blossoms that were literally profligate.
This year, the same plant has barely begun to blossom. It's hardly worth taking a photo. It isn't only my plants that seem to be affected. This morning, I noticed that the neighbor's azaleas - that looked like this by this period in 2010 -
have barely begun to bloom.
It's interesting to reflect on past years. We cannot reclaim them; we can only remember - the good, the bad, the bittersweet. Photos help remind us because our memory too often plays tricks. Still, we must live in the present. It is the "Now" that we are experiencing and that we need to appreciate. It too quickly becomes the past.
So regardless of whether my spring blossoms this year are as lush as those of last year, I will live in and enjoy This Present. After all, my Present is an exceptionally lovely one.
It's been interesting because for the most part, this year has been warmer than last. So one might logically believe that this year's blossoms would be more plentiful. That has not been the case. For example, the forsythia that is always the first to greet me with its cheerful yellow blossoms this year was a mere shadow of what last year's was.
This year, the same plant has barely begun to blossom. It's hardly worth taking a photo. It isn't only my plants that seem to be affected. This morning, I noticed that the neighbor's azaleas - that looked like this by this period in 2010 -
It's interesting to reflect on past years. We cannot reclaim them; we can only remember - the good, the bad, the bittersweet. Photos help remind us because our memory too often plays tricks. Still, we must live in the present. It is the "Now" that we are experiencing and that we need to appreciate. It too quickly becomes the past.
The Vault
In the spirit of transparency insofar as government investigations undertaken by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are concerned, the FBI, which has always released - and continues to release - some documents in accordance with Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, has recently opened an electronic reading room to the public. This electronic reading room is known as "The Vault."
Thus, from the comfort of one's own computer, one can read the most "popular" documents that have been released over the years. The files are organized alphabetically by name or topic and by category or subject, including civil rights, counterterrorism, popular culture, unusual phenomena, and violent crime, among others. New releases of broad interest to the public can also be found on the Vault's Hot Topics page.
Those documents that can be read in the Vault do not represent all documents released by the FBI. To read those, one must make an appointment 48 hours in advance and physically present oneself at the Reading Room at FBI Headquarters in Washington, DC. Alternatively, one can purchase CDs of the material requested at a cost of USD 15 per CD. The FBI warns, however, that it will not mail any CDs until it has actually received payment for them. Good idea!
So far the Vault contains some 2,000 documents that have been scanned from paper into digital copies. So today, I spent some time making miscellaneous queries to see what is available. For example, under "Counterterrorism," I selected the files pertaining to the arch-villain Usama (Osama) Bin Laden. The brief summary of the Bin Laden files notes that all material contained in the files predates 9-11. The scanned files may not always be easy to read, but they describe how Bin Laden participated in the 1984 murder of two German nationals. Interestingly, however, no warrant was issued for his arrest until March 1998. Later that same year, he was wanted in connection with the US Embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania. One wonders exactly why this man was at large for so long - and why he still has never been found. But that information will not be found in these files.
Under "Anti-War," I selected the files pertaining to one of my personal heroes, historian and author Howard Zinn, who died in early 2010. Chillingly, the FBI files detailed years of targeted investigations against Zinn.
Continuing under "Civil Rights," I selected another of my heroes, the late US Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. There are no less than 11 batches of materials gathered during FBI investigations concerning Marshall. Some of these no doubt relate to death threats made against this awesome individual who risked his own life - time and again - to advance the cause of blacks and other minorities.
The Vault represents a real treasure trove for researchers and others interested in understanding the history of the United States, in particular its dark underbelly, which can no longer be denied. But it is better to bring these "secrets" out from under the rocks where they have been buried for so long and into the light of day so that we can understand and learn from the mistakes made by previous generations.
If we do not take such opportunities to educate ourselves and learn, then progress and enlightenment are not possible.
Thus, from the comfort of one's own computer, one can read the most "popular" documents that have been released over the years. The files are organized alphabetically by name or topic and by category or subject, including civil rights, counterterrorism, popular culture, unusual phenomena, and violent crime, among others. New releases of broad interest to the public can also be found on the Vault's Hot Topics page.
Those documents that can be read in the Vault do not represent all documents released by the FBI. To read those, one must make an appointment 48 hours in advance and physically present oneself at the Reading Room at FBI Headquarters in Washington, DC. Alternatively, one can purchase CDs of the material requested at a cost of USD 15 per CD. The FBI warns, however, that it will not mail any CDs until it has actually received payment for them. Good idea!
So far the Vault contains some 2,000 documents that have been scanned from paper into digital copies. So today, I spent some time making miscellaneous queries to see what is available. For example, under "Counterterrorism," I selected the files pertaining to the arch-villain Usama (Osama) Bin Laden. The brief summary of the Bin Laden files notes that all material contained in the files predates 9-11. The scanned files may not always be easy to read, but they describe how Bin Laden participated in the 1984 murder of two German nationals. Interestingly, however, no warrant was issued for his arrest until March 1998. Later that same year, he was wanted in connection with the US Embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania. One wonders exactly why this man was at large for so long - and why he still has never been found. But that information will not be found in these files.
Under "Anti-War," I selected the files pertaining to one of my personal heroes, historian and author Howard Zinn, who died in early 2010. Chillingly, the FBI files detailed years of targeted investigations against Zinn.
Continuing under "Civil Rights," I selected another of my heroes, the late US Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. There are no less than 11 batches of materials gathered during FBI investigations concerning Marshall. Some of these no doubt relate to death threats made against this awesome individual who risked his own life - time and again - to advance the cause of blacks and other minorities.
The Vault represents a real treasure trove for researchers and others interested in understanding the history of the United States, in particular its dark underbelly, which can no longer be denied. But it is better to bring these "secrets" out from under the rocks where they have been buried for so long and into the light of day so that we can understand and learn from the mistakes made by previous generations.
If we do not take such opportunities to educate ourselves and learn, then progress and enlightenment are not possible.
12 April 2011
"Qu'est-ce qu'y pique, ce hérisson!"
This past weekend was more reminiscent of summer than of early April. People thronged to the beaches, gloried in their sunburns, barbecued to their hearts' content and enjoyed the excellent weather. My Sunday morning bike ride was especially glorious. My only complaint was that, even from one of my favorite vantage points, the Alps were slightly obscured by haze.
The orchards are beginning to blossom in earnest. The netting rolled up overhead awaits the arrival of the fruit and will then be opened up and spread over the trees to help keep birds away from the ripening fruit.
Although leaves are sprouting to cover trees with lush green foliage, the vines are still slumbering, reluctant to awake from their winter's nap.
While cycling in the country, I found this delightful sign along the road.
The sign is not a permanent fixture. But it is posted in the Spring, when les hérissons (hedgehogs) begin stirring. The little creatures are generally nocturnal and are especially fond of coming out on the roads at twilight and at night with their new babies. The signs are posted by an organization known as Pro Igel to remind drivers to watch for hedgehog families and, hopefully, avoid crushing them.
Hedgehogs are generally beloved around here because they are a natural means of pest control. According to Wikipedia, a single hedgehog can keep an average garden free of pests by eating up to 200 grams of insects each night. Hedgehogs are easily recognized by their spines, which are hollow hairs made stiff with keratin. The spines are not poisonous or barbed. Although they are rough to feel, they don't prick so as to cause injury. And unlike the quills of a porcupine, the spines cannot easily be removed from the hedgehog. When a hedgehog feels threatened, it simply rolls itself up with the spines outside for protection.
In a song called "La Chanson du hérisson," made popular by the late great French chanteur, Georges Brassens, a young hedgehog is very sad because he wants to be petted (caressed). But, of course, no one will pet him because of his spines, that is, until a beautiful young girl named Emilie comes along. She pets the hedgehog and makes him very happy. You can hear the song here.
In some parts of the world, hedgehogs are considered to be edible delicacies. In Spring 1981, HWMBO and our sons "rescued" one by buying it at the souk in Tangier, Morocco. We carried it back to Rabat where we were living at the time and let it loose in our garden where it would be safe. Unfortunately, the hedgehog disappeared. We always hoped that it did not end up in a savory tagine or other dish. But we will never know.
In a song called "La Chanson du hérisson," made popular by the late great French chanteur, Georges Brassens, a young hedgehog is very sad because he wants to be petted (caressed). But, of course, no one will pet him because of his spines, that is, until a beautiful young girl named Emilie comes along. She pets the hedgehog and makes him very happy. You can hear the song here.
In some parts of the world, hedgehogs are considered to be edible delicacies. In Spring 1981, HWMBO and our sons "rescued" one by buying it at the souk in Tangier, Morocco. We carried it back to Rabat where we were living at the time and let it loose in our garden where it would be safe. Unfortunately, the hedgehog disappeared. We always hoped that it did not end up in a savory tagine or other dish. But we will never know.
11 April 2011
Switzerland and Languages
Switzerland is a unique country in many ways. One of its most unique characteristics deals with its internal linguistics. Three distinct languages - German, French and Italian - are spoken here. Where these languages are spoken depends largely on the shared history of Switzerland with Germany, France and Italy respectively. Thus, German is the principal language spoken in northeastern and eastern Switzerland, where Germany and Austria are bordering countries. French is spoken where Switzerland shares a border with France, that is, northwestern and western Switzerland. And Italian is spoken where Switzerland shares the Alps with or otherwise adjoins Italy.
In addition to these languages, a small subset of the population in southeastern Switzerland speaks the fourth national language: Rumantsch. Rumantsch, like French and Italian, is also derived from Latin and is thus a "Romance" language. But to complicate things further, there are five regions where Rumantsch is spoken; each region has a different dialect; and each Rumantsch-speaking region is separated from the others, generally by German-speaking regions.
So, how do people communicate when there are more than three national languages? The answer is simple. Very well. The Swiss broadcast media, for example, air programs in French, German and Italian, with dual options, including English, when a program is broadcast in its original language. And not only do Swiss nationals communicate well with each other, they also do extremely well when a fifth language - English - is thrown into the mix. In fact, quite a few Swiss nationals love languages generally and deliberately strive to learn others as well.
I personally find this a lovely trait. I think that it is a real shame that so many people in my own huge, culturally, linguistically and ethnically diverse homeland seem to feel threatened by non-English speakers to the extent that some states are attempting to pass English-only laws. Teaching foreign languages has always been an uphill battle in the United States - for many reasons - which I will not even begin to discuss here. Again, that is a real shame.
When I was much younger, I had the impression that every single person in Switzerland spoke German, French and Italian. In fact, that is not quite the situation. Most Swiss do speak more than one language. But they principally study French in French-speaking Switzerland and choose English as a second language. In German-speaking Switzerland, English is also favored over French as an elective. In Italian-speaking Switzerland, German or English are often selected instead of French.
There is some concern in French-speaking Switzerland that German is not selected by enough students and that this will ultimately limit their workplace opportunities. Beginning in 2012, there will be a major push to interest students in the Geneva area to study German or even "Schwyzerdütsch" (Swiss German), which is not quite the same thing. Swiss authorities will try to redress what they see as this lack of interest with a three-pronged approach.
First, they will evaluate and improve, where improvement is needed, the abilities of the German-teaching personnel. Speaking German - or any other language - does not necessarily mean that one is able to teach it. They will also introduce a new method of teaching German, both at the primary and middle school levels, that will be based more on oral and written expression. Finally, they will incorporate more hours of German into the primary school schedule, as well as reinforcing the hours already required at the middle school level. While French will retain its absolute priority status in the Geneva area, more hours of English will also be incorporated into the schedule, with Italian as yet another elective.
Language, culture, traditions, practices, folksongs and mentalities are all interwoven. The more we recognize this fact, as well as accept, understand, appreciate and interact with it, the more our own lives can be enriched.
In addition to these languages, a small subset of the population in southeastern Switzerland speaks the fourth national language: Rumantsch. Rumantsch, like French and Italian, is also derived from Latin and is thus a "Romance" language. But to complicate things further, there are five regions where Rumantsch is spoken; each region has a different dialect; and each Rumantsch-speaking region is separated from the others, generally by German-speaking regions.
So, how do people communicate when there are more than three national languages? The answer is simple. Very well. The Swiss broadcast media, for example, air programs in French, German and Italian, with dual options, including English, when a program is broadcast in its original language. And not only do Swiss nationals communicate well with each other, they also do extremely well when a fifth language - English - is thrown into the mix. In fact, quite a few Swiss nationals love languages generally and deliberately strive to learn others as well.
I personally find this a lovely trait. I think that it is a real shame that so many people in my own huge, culturally, linguistically and ethnically diverse homeland seem to feel threatened by non-English speakers to the extent that some states are attempting to pass English-only laws. Teaching foreign languages has always been an uphill battle in the United States - for many reasons - which I will not even begin to discuss here. Again, that is a real shame.
When I was much younger, I had the impression that every single person in Switzerland spoke German, French and Italian. In fact, that is not quite the situation. Most Swiss do speak more than one language. But they principally study French in French-speaking Switzerland and choose English as a second language. In German-speaking Switzerland, English is also favored over French as an elective. In Italian-speaking Switzerland, German or English are often selected instead of French.
There is some concern in French-speaking Switzerland that German is not selected by enough students and that this will ultimately limit their workplace opportunities. Beginning in 2012, there will be a major push to interest students in the Geneva area to study German or even "Schwyzerdütsch" (Swiss German), which is not quite the same thing. Swiss authorities will try to redress what they see as this lack of interest with a three-pronged approach.
First, they will evaluate and improve, where improvement is needed, the abilities of the German-teaching personnel. Speaking German - or any other language - does not necessarily mean that one is able to teach it. They will also introduce a new method of teaching German, both at the primary and middle school levels, that will be based more on oral and written expression. Finally, they will incorporate more hours of German into the primary school schedule, as well as reinforcing the hours already required at the middle school level. While French will retain its absolute priority status in the Geneva area, more hours of English will also be incorporated into the schedule, with Italian as yet another elective.
Language, culture, traditions, practices, folksongs and mentalities are all interwoven. The more we recognize this fact, as well as accept, understand, appreciate and interact with it, the more our own lives can be enriched.
09 April 2011
Exceptional Day Bis!
"Bis" means "again" or "twice." As I mentioned in my first "Exceptional Day" post, today is #2 Son's BD. It is also just past the five-month milestone for Baby Prince Attani. Here he was on 5 November 2010.
This is one of the most recent photos that I have of him - from early February 2011, when he was about three months old. Sweet Momma H reports that he is now wearing 18-month-sized outfits, so he's been doing LOTS of growing in the meantime.
To make this already exceptional day even more exceptional, I received a Skype call from Princes Tyger and Attani and their parents. Oh, what fun to see them! As usual, the Tyger was a blur as he moved rapidly from one activity to another, perhaps not realizing that Proud Grandmom could not see him when he was playing behind the big armchair.
Sweet Momma H reported that Prince Tyger loves to make up words. One of his most recent coinages is "yesternight." I guess that makes as much sense as anything else - and a lot more sense than most.
In the meantime, Baby Prince Attani, who has grown so much since I last saw him (as has the Tyger!) was very excited to be allowed to focus on the TV set - which is an extremely infrequent treat. He babbled right along with the rest of us. He was also overcome with the giggles when he saw Proud Grandmom.
It's true - at her best, she's a pretty funny sight, I'm afraid!
This is one of the most recent photos that I have of him - from early February 2011, when he was about three months old. Sweet Momma H reports that he is now wearing 18-month-sized outfits, so he's been doing LOTS of growing in the meantime.
To make this already exceptional day even more exceptional, I received a Skype call from Princes Tyger and Attani and their parents. Oh, what fun to see them! As usual, the Tyger was a blur as he moved rapidly from one activity to another, perhaps not realizing that Proud Grandmom could not see him when he was playing behind the big armchair.
In the meantime, Baby Prince Attani, who has grown so much since I last saw him (as has the Tyger!) was very excited to be allowed to focus on the TV set - which is an extremely infrequent treat. He babbled right along with the rest of us. He was also overcome with the giggles when he saw Proud Grandmom.
It's true - at her best, she's a pretty funny sight, I'm afraid!
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