ordinarily there

Source: http://stephaniemcmillan.org/2009/04/22/schadenfreude/ German bureaucrats love Schadenfreude (pleasure derived from the misfortunes of others).  If you are in the process of applying for a residence permit at the local Auslaenderbehoerde in Goettingen (or anywhere else in Germany for that matter) and are assigned Mr. Waldmann, I'm very sorry.  Mr. Waldmann will never disclose the full list of documents you need to bring him in order to process the application.   He has you come in over and over.  Maybe it's a compliment, and he just enjoys the company of non-German nationals? Here's how it works: Call or send an email requesting an appointment at your local foreign office.  In Goettingen, email: auslaenderstelle@goettingen.de.  If you email, they will not answer if you only write them once.  You have to write them 2-3 times - and you'll probably get a response within 10 days.  If you call, you'll probably try calling 6-...

Germans love to make and follow rules.  One that's known country-wide is that it's verboten to ride two to a one-person bicycle.  In fact, people are always sharing (reciting) rules to me.  As far as I can tell, the one rule that people seem to lightly toss out the window is the ban on smoking rule.  After the EU initiative to reduce smoking there was a ban on indoor smoking in Germany.  A few years later, people are back to smoking in restaurants, cafes, and pubs. The smoking in non-smoking venues is arguably at par with the Italians. Here's a guy who may or may not be smoking legally while on the job:

While called "Condomat", this German vending machine sells much more than just condoms.  In this one found in the ladies facility, you can find  a host of toys.  A little perplexed about the product selection.  Wouldn't floss and gum have higher turnover?  Whatever happened to basic female hygiene products? FYI: this was in the IKEA bathroom in Hannover.

It's amazing how large and global Starbucks has become.  Although I must admit that it does make me feel at home to see it abroad... even in this mutated form.  In Germany, to-go cups are still a relatively new concept.  Perhaps even trendy... (probably shouldn't dare to make such bold statements).  In a local grocery store, I found a Starbucks branded drink, Seattle Latte in a psuedo-to-go cup with a straw to boot.  I suppose this almost serves as evidence for my claim that to-go cups are still a new concept... For only €1.69 ($2), you can get a processed and preserved drink with a straw.  Or, you could get a real espresso or macchiato for the same price at a local cafe. And I must say that Germans make damn good coffee!

I love that "Yes We Can" has turned into an international idiom.  From Japan to Germany.  Although it can sometimes be super quirky.  In a Germany o2 cell phone shop, I found handmade signage announcing: Yes Du Can.  Yes you can sign-up for o2 flat-rate service - for as long as you want.

While I'm only maintaining this blog for myself, it looks like I've averaged exactly one post per year.  Oopsa. Last week, I came across a bakery that was selling Americans.  Well, they were selling Amerikaner s.  Not having a sweet tooth, I wasn't bold or curious enough to try it.  What would an American taste like anyhow?  In general, German bakeries are delightful.  Pastries are prepared with only a fraction of the sugar and butter of typical American baked goods, making for a firmer and drier texture.  Might sound awful, but it's perfect for savory-leaning folks who like occasional sweets.  I especially love the recipes with fresh fruit like the Pflaumenkuchen.  As far as I know, they are most common in the State of Thueringen.   Source: http://schrebrgarten.de/2007/08/12/pflaumenkuchen/

The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently published updated numbers on American livelihood. How are we doing? "Ten areas recorded jobless rates of at least 15.0 percent, while 32 areas registered rates of less than 5.0 percent. Two hundred forty-six metropolitan areas reported over-the-year increases in nonfarm payroll employment, 115 reported decreases, and 11 had no change. The national unemployment rate in April was 7.7 percent, not seasonally adjusted, down from 8.7 percent a year earlier." http://www.bls.gov/news.release/metro.nr0.htm Below, I've plugged the numbers into Tableau. Powered by Tableau