Another blog- update…

Update…part, well, let’s say number „infinity“which is about to start like: “…Well, it’s been a while since I’ve posted anything here…”.
Nevertheless, I assume that it is truly about time to write a bit; actually to get rid of the thoughts that turn my brain to porridge. Nowadays, there is actually no one who is close enough to me to expose all this at real life. Oh yeah, well there are a few, but they are too far away at the moment; both physically and mentally. I feel depressed. So it comes to this strange and paradox thought to present my soul to public. Even Mathematics could not describe what brings people to post intimate things such as this at public places.

…

I wake up, 6am, still early but it feels as I have been sleeping for ages. Still jet legged, or just not enough work to be up that early? Hmmmm, despite my sore throat there is nothing left from the trip I have been to recently. The postcard at our office hardly reminds me to that fourth dimension I have been two weeks ago. Should I call Patrick to tell me where we have been to?
…
I hardly try to delve into my memories of a stunning part of the world so far away from here, the people we met, the adventures we had. Many times I think of that movie called “Total Recall” where people simply pay for an memory implant, without having the risk of travelling, but having the memories of choice inside. How would that be?

Coming to the office isn’t that surprising. Except a few colleagues cheering at me that my trip was save, there hasn’t changed a lot. Some even realised that I was on vacation. Work has grabbed me with its full force, pushing me right back into that surrounding called reality. Is that what we want? Is that what I want? I don’t know! The hardest fact to accept is probably that at wherever I may go in the world, that this place will also turn me off at some point; at some time.
…
So I delve back to the Philippines. Back in the days I assumed the beautiful beaches and stunning countryside to be the reason to travel. But this time it was very different. The whole way to travel was different. We actually didn’t plan to travel that prepared. We didn’t buy a travelbook such as Lonely Planet, just a small and cheap one to have a map at least. The rest was intuition. Just guided by the people we’ve met and the way we just felt. That was the best way to travel!

What can I say about that country? Still hard to answer the question of: “So, how was your trip?” It surely depends on what you wanna hear and what you like, the way you like to travel. If someone would ask me to describe my trip within one sentence, I could hardly explain it though.
In case you like beautiful beaches I can honestly say that this country is one of the most beautiful places I have seen so far. And I have seen quite a lot until today. I always have to compare Asian countries to Thailand, because there I met the friendliest locals so far. But ask me for the Philippines, I will answer to forget about Thailand! Ask me for the people and I’ll answer … probably nothing- still speechless! Maybe it was just accidently that the people were friendly all over, but it didn’t seem so to me. There was this one experience at Negros that I will probably never forget. We had such a great time at that one resort…still speechless! The friendliest staff ever! At first you may think people act like this to get a better tip, but it felt like we are really welcome- not only for the money we bring. No place in the world has ever touched my soul like this!
…
I left this place with one smiling and one crying eye; knowing that I will never see those people again!
….

better late than never

I have this strange feeling. The more days are passing by, the more I think about life. It seems to be normal behaviour in this day and age and I am sure I am not the only person on earth who does so too.
Everything changed rapidly within a couple of months. Success came, private on one hand but also in my carreer. Paradoxly, the more you reach and the more you use to gain from it, the harder it gets to enjoy it. Wasn't it always like this: You were young and had so much free time to do things, but had no money for the things you desired- nowadays it is the absolute opposite situation, you have the money to fulfil all the dreams, but you won't have the time to enjoy them like you use to do in the past. I am sure you agree with me.
All of my interests have changed too. I don't like to skateboard at the moment, this just doesn't flashes me anymore. I'd rather enjoyed snowboarding these days, even if it wasn't the thing that it used to be anymore. I really thought about learning how to ski again. Mountainbiking is still keeping my adrenaline high leveled, which is very important to me coz otherwise I am sure I couldn't handle every days life like I use to do now. Well, the woods are in front of my doorstep, even right now (nice view) and it's just a jump over to heaven hehehehhe.

Travelling is probably the thing that gets me the most excited ... still! Ín a few weeks I will be on the road again. Abu Dhabi, Singapore and the Philipines will be the destinations to discover this time. Asia is still keeping me banned.
Seeing friends from the past and from the near future will be the mission, always on the search to an endless worldwide-link-up with exciting people.
I want to get to know new styles, new views and perspectives of new and refreshing thoughts and people. I want all to feed my soul, such as you give injections to the sick...

Germany is like cancer and people are the virus. Sometimes I wish I wouldn't have learned so much about everything, you may tend to see things from too far away. Crypted mind...

The only thing which is keeping me, I wouldn't say concerned, rather aware is the people that surround me at the moment. There are quite many, but in somehow I feel alone.

Far-away-thoughts...

Hi there folks...once again I open one of my posts in regard to excuse myself for the long time being away from you...mostly mentally actually.
A lot of stuff happenend, some to write a book about, some to just leave a short note. Well, I've been off for a few (actually a very few) trips through Europe during the past weeks 'n' months. I just arrived back home from Zürich, cheered a strange "hello" to my furniture which seem to be all new due to my frequent abstinence. But...I still love travelling! Austria and Switzerland were mostly my destination, even without improving my "Jodel"- skills. And what I always forget is to take pics from where is was. Hmmmm

Anyway, some plans also showed up for new trips 'round the globe. 3 weeks in February next year are fortunately confirmed and also three of my destinations a also quite fixed yet. Abu Dhabi, Singapore and Saigon are for sure yet, maybe one or two will follow.

I'll let you know...

The good, the bad and the evil

The good: is definitely the fact of buying a new toy... huuuuuge grin :-)

One week old, but already heaps of kilometers inside this "German-high-tech-bicycle"...And, of course plenty more to come!

The old one needs a break indeed. Plus a wellness- treatment including some new parts and lubricants all over.

The bad: Is some of the heavy workload that we will have to face since our British owners decided to double the yearly expertises for '07. There will surely no relaxing minute during the next few months coming up for us tho.

The evil: Definitely my daft neighbors (and landlord)! Once again I was right in my prediction ragarding the real personality of them. Last year, it took me almost two months to decide whether to move in here or not. One reason to not move in was a very rational reason, coz I know those type of people- always flashing their whitees with a grin in front of me and at the same time talking shit behind the back. Now it comes to a point of searching for trouble, only they know the real reason. But those fake spastics will get their piece of the pie soon...if I can promise one thing for sure!

Alcohol destroys social chains, that's for sure! I mean, it is right to say that this is their cup of tea, but then do me a favour and don't bother me with your shit! Anyway, the news behind this story is that I will have to vacate my beloved castle and search for another good place to stay.

If you have a free room or (in case you are a good-looking lady) just an empty half of a king-size bed...hehehhe...feel free to post plenty of comments below this post! ;-)

starting a new era

It's been a while since I found the time to post some of my thoughts acually. It is May 17th and time seems to run quickly. Someone forgot to push the rewind button that's for sure!

Quite a lot has happened during the past weeks and it still feels like a lot more to come soon. Same old apartment, same life here in romantic Weinheim. But some things have changed so far besides my neighbours death recently.
I got back to some of my roots and decided to start to mountainbike again...after a few years of abstinence. This time even harder and with way more fun than before. The equipment is still the same old, however it is giving me so much back- unbelievable! Maybe it comes from discovering new secret paths and trails along and through the beautiful woods which are just in front of my doorstep!? All this and the training- effect of climbing hills seems to accelerate life in general too.
It also points out a very big mysterium in life: The more you do you your own thing, the more it seems to attract people! Isn't it strange? Social chains connect again, but in very different but also interesting ways tho.
I mean at this point in my life I feel almost complete...not waiting for something better to come. Not yet at least. Not now.
I don't need a lady next to my side. I don't need anyone to help me out. I don't need to care about things I don't want to care about. I just go out and come back whenever I want. I just jump on my bike and delve into something completely different, such a silent spot just in front of my house....isn't that great?!
It is so simple- that is all I need right now.

And well, the job. You'll keep asking me all the time, so I better go for an answer for now. hehehe. And yes I am in Germany- still. Not in Asia or somewhere in Scandinavia. Still can't find the words to describe what I feel about this decision. It is just such a U-turn. Dunno whether to regret or to celebrate the path I've chosen. I also think back to my time in Asia very often and in somehow I miss it so bad. I think back to all the people I have met then and the wonderful time I had. I am sure it is natural to wish back those days. But it'll never be the same, that is also natural!
Ha! And next to all new people I met, I found an old papersheet with lots of addresses on. Addresses of friends and workmates from my time in Friedrichshafen. One of them is working in Frankfurt as well, which stunned me quite a lot. I am really looking forward to meet him again. :-)
Anyway, I got back my mobility which opens me very new doors again. The co is paying for a brandnew Audi A3 Sportsback and even for my cellphone. So I don't need to be concerned to be lost again. Great! Also travelling isn't gone out of my life for now. And you know what? This time I also get paid for it! hahahaha...can someone please wake me up?! Started off with Austria one week ago and continuing the tour to their beautiful landscape in the middle of June again. Well, since we got partners with Flomerics, our English "owner", everything got more international. Global playing hehe. Hopefully everything will work out for autumn and the trip to Singapore. This will be the first thing to tick off my very long shortlist of things to do in '07. Our partners there can surely arrange a sponsored flight and hotel too. :-) I try hard to keep contact to everybody over there. And surprisingly it'll work out, thank god for the www. i'll be back to homeclub and the guys there once again carrying a special german gift in my luggies. A friend of mine, who is a DJ and producer, likes the idea of spinning in Singapore for sure. Same as the guys there like the idea of having a "potatoe" at their club. :-)

With an evil grin I am leaving you guys today...

Cheers

Sunday morning...

Timeshift steals us one hour of our beloved beauty sleep which means that sumertime comes back pretty soon. Although rain has stopped and sun spreads allover again, it is still quite cold outside.
Hopefully I can get back onto my mountainbike soon and enjoy our beautiful woods over here. Actually I just enjoy the highspeed downhill tracks, which makes it worthy to climb up those hills. If there would be a cablecar or a bus up there-I would fucking buy a season ticket for it hehe!
And you know what, I am living here for almost one year and I just started to ride out into the woods since a few weeks, although it is just 5 minutes by bike. Silly bitch I am...tsk tsk tsk.

Well, the last few days were quite busy with preparing everything for the new job. All that business shit had to be done and it needs so much attention which I honestly never expected in that way. Hmmmmm...

Yesterday I joined some buddies for a little poker tournament, in which was very exciting to see how everybody acts to get the money. Kevin and me, we were the bloody amateurs and to be honest: we had absolutely no clue about this game! Kevin even showed up with the poker rules in his hands!hahahahaha
Well, I had no chance with all those pseudo-pro's due to all those funny dresses and sunglass-covered faces. I tried hard not to laugh, but if you have 5 more Al Capone's sitting around the table you just can't stop giggling.
Everybody tried hard to be as cool as possible and, to my excitement, reflected his poker behaviour onto his real character. It is amazing how much you can find out about someone when he plays poker-I kid you not!
But in the end, the guy who deserved it most...and I really mean it like this, was Kevin! He won the small pot in the first match and the big one from the second! hahahahha...I still see his funny dress in front of me. (but more I see the stunned faces of those who lost-the "poker-pro-pretenders" muuuaaaahhhh :-) )

Happy Sunday!

excitement

...I feel it again. After this period of emptyness and being lazy I am half-foot back into life. I' m excited...yes I am!
Work seems to turn into a positive direction and in somehow I am absolutely not nervous looking forward the first day in Frankfurt.
The head of engineering called me today and explained some details of the development and some of the benchmark caculations I will perform within the first weeks. He was very fortune about me fitting perfect into the team, specialised in ProEngineer and Fluent, working hand in hand with the Catia and Solid Work Pro's.
There is lot's of feedback now, and it is actually the first time tho ... it feels fucking good! There is so much appreciation, that much as it usually has to be everywhere.

Additional information also made me feel like packing my bags again and travel. A subsidiary is located in Singapore too (which I didn't know) plus loads of travel-oportunities throughout the whole wide world....yeeehaaa! Some good deal with my salary was also made and the benefits at the end of the year are giving me this strange grin, which I haven't had since I sold my VW T3 to Nigeria in 2005.
It's been a long time, to be precise from September 2001, since I had my last own car. Wow! I mean it worked out...but now it's time for a new one. You can't imagine how it is being stuck permanently, or to depend on others. Mobility is one of the best goodies and it is essential...like brushing teeth for example. Well, the company car is waiting for me to push the limits on German highways hehhe...what more can I say?

Everything seems to work out now and I feel this permanent desire to start everything right now!
Have you ever had such a feeling?

tough desicions, but well...they also have to be made!

Tuesday afternoon, actually the best day in the year regarding the weather. Everything is in bloom outside and the scent of freshness and spreading new life is reaching every part of the region. Great-I love this time...actually I just like it because it indicates change in general. But I can't deny that I also love rising temperatures and all the idiots on the streets getting mad because of the sun.
Anyways, as you may heard, there has been quite a change happening during the last few months for me; still trying to find the perfect match for me and my socalled carreer. And indeed, the process in finding the appropriate job was a more exhausting one than I thought. All the options, all the countries and all the good jobs needed to be considered before making a move. And I was always afraid to make the wrong move!
People tried to push me in some direction, either in starting any job I could get as an engineer, or in giving me negative feedback for my plans to leave home. And to be honest...I didn't give a fuck about this trashtalk! Sorry, but there was no influence on me making my desicion. I considered well and ranked everything. All companies I applied at and all the offers which were made during the last few months. SpetsAB and MacGregor-Group from Sweden gave me a very interesting view into everydays life of the Swedish engineering business and surely a warm welcome, but unfortunately just couldn't decide for what they want. One the one hand they still both offer me very attractive jobs, which were so hard to find! Omg, I just don't wanna look back onto the times I called plenty companies there and wrote application letters...pffff...I guess they thought it's April fools day with an German ME appling in their country!?
Anyway, to make it short: I can't wait anymore-I need a job NOW! My plan was to start at 1st of April, and so I do!
I wanted to go far, and I made it to...Frankfurt! hahhahaha...shit! Hopefully I don't get stuck over here and the job brings the hardcore-travel-action they promised me! That is still my hope to go abroad working for a German co with keeping all benefits from home.

The company, for which I signed the contract (and hopefully not sold my soul), is called NIKA GmbH in Frankfurt and is specialised in EFD (engineering fluid dynamics) which is their own developed software product. I will be employed as an Application Engineer making calculations in CFD (computational fluid dynamics) for customers and benchmarking. I will also be responsible for trainings and seminars, either given directly to the customer in his local office or tutorials in applied EFD. Well, I am gonna be around in Germany and Europe after a little training period in the beginning and hope to find my fulfilment within the job.

But of course, I didn't quit my intension to go on with finding a job abroad somewhen. It's furthermore a good start to gain experience in the industry with: the job the I want, the salary I expected plus some extra benefits which really honors my skills in engineering so far. But don't ask me where to go...everything changes so fast. I try to live for the moment, always keeping on...

...SPREADING WINGS

secret identity, the truth about Mr Undercover

Look what I've found! hahahha, amazingly funny...and I knew it before! Two identities, one person! Friday nite-spinning in Heidelberg; Saturday-delving back into the hardest league in Europe for scoring cheeky for the Gunners!


top: Julio Baptista-forward FC Arsenal / bottom: DJ George Morel

I'm absolutely sure and there is no doubt about it, this guy definetely lives two lifes! hahahha-I kid you not!
And, btw, thank you for the gig on Friday and the goal on Saturday! Cheers

Amazing...

I'm actually not a friend of online commercials, but this on you really have to see when you are interested in new technologies-it's a must!

http://multi-touchscreen.com/perceptive-pixel-jeff-han.html

mood: steadily increasing :-)

Just found out that the last post was number 100! I'm quite surprised that I've made it so far...thought it is just for some unregular feedback to my mates back home during my time in Singapore, but as you can see it's still on. However, it has changed from a picture- dashboard, or let's say portfolio, into a very personal thing which still attracts more people than I have ever could imagine.

For today, it is time to give a little positive feedback after all depressing stuff that was posted here. Just had a little nap, a coffee and went for highspeed shopping to get some stuff for everydays life. Shopping...that's a horror for me, dunno why...

Anyways, that's not the point...moreover I wonder why my mood went up to 250% positive!? Can't explain...I had a hard day at work, it was pissing all day long and I received another ticket from driving too fast...hmmm...but I feel good. Yes I do!

For all I couldn't reply today, whether in MSN or via Email; yes I am alive and everything seems to be fine so far! (Sorry Palm for not replying your messages...!)

It is also time to start all organisation for the move (in case all works out!). And here is the first try to get rid of all that stuff that makes you think your life may be complete! hahahha...Let's just start with...hmmmm...what's the most spacious thing here?...Ok, let's start with this: My Vespa's. No cost for the auction and no risk for any offer! Just let me know if you're interested in buying a unique classic scooter.

Here some pics:


number one: V50 special / 1979, fully restored in 2003/2004, handmade seat...and of course some extra horse power for all you living a fast life hehhe




number two: V50 special / 1977, fully restored in 2006, handmade seat...and of course hehehe, some extra power to have fun with crappy plastic scooters at the traffic light muuuaaaahhhh!

Just lemme know whether you need more info on this! Email me or simply use the comments down here.

Cheers

Sverige

...well, just to keep the story short, Sweden was quite successful concerning my interviews there. I met another few very nice people who made me feel welcome in the country of Elks and and Langstrumpa's. The guys at each company gave me the warm welcome you actually expect when you visist a co which is interested in your manpower. And they are.

Now it's up to me. It's gonna be a tough desicion to make and it won't be an easy one- that's for sure. I'm still struggeling with myself whether to give up everything over here and start my new life abroad. But anyhow it may come, I'm sure I should face the chance to do it- now I am free and nothing can stop me though.

Now it's my turn...

successive thoughts followed by massive travel-action

Monday morning, 12th of February, 7.30am...time to get up after a night of insomnia. Nervousness is flushing my body. I guess right now it is time to pack the stuff which is required for the trip. Quite late, but in some way I do it quite calm...with some disconcerting routine. Travelling seems to numb all senses after a while, rubbing away the feeling that actually makes it so exciting.
Anyhow, I manage it to arrange everything right on time. I've never forgotten anything at my preparations for any trip so far. Amazing. Train is coming, the first one. I can already feel my back hurts only when I think about the super-spacious Ryanair seating. Whatever, 18,39€ makes you accept any pain during the journey.
I reach the bus stop and it's pissing the rain of at least half a year out of the clouds, which makes me a little nervous this time, coz I just packed in another pair of flannels and shirt in case of inadequate eating skills.
Shit, they' ve raised the ticket price for the bus once again. Now it equals to the two flights, which makes me think about starting an own company running some sort of dubious business.
It is still pissing the shit out of the clouds when the bus arrives the airport. I run first, but then decide to take myself time coz I realise that I'm not made of sugar and that little rain won't hurt me. Check in fast, puhhh...still in time. The security check pisses me off throughout the confiscation of my toothpaste that obviously looks like some kind of explosive device. Stupid wee cunts they are! Those schemies, using regulations which they can't even explain to me at all.

I get on board; for some reasn with a "priority"-VIP pass, which was handed to me at the desk for some weird reason. Hahahaha, ok folks, this time I better agree with you and decide to keep my mouth shut and accept the convenient surprise-package from the counter. Glances full of envy following my way through the impatient "low-fare-but-i'm-so-fucking-jetset" -crowd.

Finally inside, I overwhelmingly wish to find my big headphones fast to drown that bullshit business smalltalk everybody tries to have in a surpassing loudness during the take-off procedure. There must be some contest in having the most outrageous conversation going on.
Lucky man-got it! Laying back in my so well known 18,39€ carrier, getting me over to Sweden...

Saturday nite...

...and against all expectations I'm here home alone. Higher forcer keeping me away from going out tonite, Friday nite and a couple of other nites. Do you think that's strange? Well, I agree, but the funny thing is that it really feels comfortable to be alone with myself at the moment.
DJ Krush is even spinning in Heidelberg tonite-incredible, and I am here! The guys are either out to b-days or snowboarding, which doesn't bothers me much because of the snow conditions in the Alps.

Kevin got back to hospital today. Once again after he actually left it on Friday. I'm a bit concerned about, because he felt quite good after Wednesday when we visited him. Plus I couldn't reach him the whole today. Hope he's getting better soon!

Right now it is 2.37am, Sunday morning actually. Flights are booked, got a car to get around in the land of elks and langstrumpa plus a hotel to stay. However, mixed feelings still remain.
Just hung in the phone after a 2 hour call to the land I'm going to tomorrow. Hmmmm...

thought I could write more about that in here...

free webhosting wanted!

Meanwhile I am preparing some of the very last features of the latest version of my new webdesign. After tearing down the "skate-mannheim.de" domain with all of its content such as the latest shots I've made and some general news from our local skateboarding scene, I decided to go further and develop a new concept which involves a platform for only pictures I have made once. The reason is quite simple: taking care of a "news"-or "spotcheck" section, like I used to have in the past, is just to time-intensive. And people will frequently watch out and ask for the latest news though, I kid you not!
The concept will include the following features, explicitly excluding nerve-killing things such as advertisements (preferably penis enlargement pills hahhaha), pop-ups (like those you can't even close and which move along your scroll path), bullshit flash-gimmicks without any content, long loading times and, of course, an ultra userunfriendly surface.
Well, it's based on a kind of virtual artbook mainly containing picture galleries of the things I still like to capture the most, including a skateboarding section with the latest shots of some of the locals. Also in there, a section of the places I travelled to alongside a Black/White section. I also want to try out some new things, like testing a small shop, where you can choose between single copies of the shots you like and absolutely need for your walls at home. :-) Choose between picture size (mostly poster) or/and frame size and color.
Additionally, I want to bring back a friend-photographer area in which it allows you to exhibit pictures you have made. This section was really appreciatet on "skate-mannheim.de" in the past, so let's keep it going.

What do you think? Let me know about it! ...And about a webhost you might know which offers free webspace with a common .com-adress or similar.

But for today I'll leave you with a first screenshot of the new design (b/w-section of my artbook). Enjoy...

Playing out on one card, but the heart-queen does not seem to be the best match

Actually, I am focusing all my actions onto the time I'm off to Sweden, having two interviews in several companies in a couple of days. But in somehow, my surrounding is trying hard to keep me away from my intension to just get leave this place. In that case, keeping a clear mind is quite a hard thing, you know. Some of you readers know the facts, some of you don't and I also don't want to post too hasty statements here.

mood: something between lethargic confusion and an atmosphere of departure

But for now, what to do? Send my brain off for vacation? Make a list with what I want in life, excluding potential interference for clear thoughts? Well, friends are one, but cannot be excluded at the same time. Should I follow my heart, likesay the female way? Or try to keep it a straight way? Hmmm, the straight way was actually a good match in the past, disregarding bad influences and shit-talking of socalled friends and haters.

See, a "straight" has even a higher value than "a pair of queens" though!

Listen to the wind...

Windy greets from the land of the spastics!

I don't want to complain, because that would already implement my membership to the mollycoddled German society.
It is more a matter about how easy it is to control a whole nation with unsubstantial breaking news. Feed them with sensational and spectacular news and the people will stay in a state of fear an mental insecurity. In that state, people will do every thing you want them to do.

Todays headlines were all about "Kyrill", the storm which has reached the land of Bratwurst and weather-smalltalk. I purposely say "storm", because it isn't more like this. Usually people use to call storm "Orkan" over here, but it just isn't this time. But surely right enough to fill up every type of media a whole day long. I guess they guys need to keepthemselvs a bit busy; no warstories or sensational buerocracy events in sight. It all ended up with closing several schools and kindergarten's, which is only cool for the kids. Moreover, also many official buildings and ministries seemed to be imperessed by our media and closed as well in some parts of the country. Some of the firefighters surely had the one or the other quick orgasm when they heard that they could be in charge for tonite...if you know what I mean hehehe!?
Anyway, I am still waiting for the world collapsing and the trees flying through my bedroom as everybody promised for this evening...hmmm...actually there is not much going on outside.
Ok Ok, there was a report of three dead throughout the storm, but obviously their death was affected by car accidents, such as it happens everyday with unfortunately many dying. But once again right enough to blame mother nature for their incapable bahaviour on the streets! But hey, this time you have made it to the news-congrats! Tomorrow, none of those news-wankers would actually care about your death! Poor world...

Of course I agree with the abnormal warm winter, that's correct indeed. But wasn't it the same since...ever? I mean, shouldn't just everybody's alarm bells ring by listening to the statements of the socalled "scientists" on the telly, which try to convince you from believing in a climate change tomorrow? Mine do! This year for example our weather-fortunetellers are trying to tell us that we will have camels and palm trees over here soon. And guess what! The nation is hypnotized by this crap! So easy to satisfy...the yellow press society.
Some example to prove. I can still remember last year. I was in Singapore, but nevertheless I followed the local German news. In these days we had a quite cold winter along an abnormal ammount of snow (and trash, but that's another story:-)...). Our "scientists", who were asked in this situation, answered quite calm like they do usually. Guess what they said! Yes, you got it! In 20 years, my fellow citizens, we will have polar-bears walking around in Germany caused by the extreme climate change! hahahahahah...don't you all remember? Or is Alzheimer the most common desease in Europe now?
How is that possible? My advice: You should buy a new crystal-ball and adjust it right!

Obviously there has to be a financial purpose behind this misdirection-that's for sure! That is my theory. But in which way? I'm sure we'll get to know quite soon, in a newly invented tax for anything abstract. Protected by the fact to think that you pay for saving the earth. The latest news was for a special filter for Diesel cars, which excludes cars having this technology from paying tax for a while. The rest will have a new higher tax than before. You don't have to be a mathematical genius to have a look at this calculation. Count the number of Diesel cars in your country. Then take a look at the number of cars having the new filters installed. Right, not really much. And the rest? (which is actually approximately 98%) Has to pay the new tax! In summ: Quite a big smile for our Financial Minister. And the worst thing is that it works out all the time, not only with cars. That example was simple, but representative for the financial politics which is protected by the bad conscience of a whole nation; provided by the media ruled by the government. A full cycle closes...

I still remember times when you couldn't hear such things going on. I am sure that there has changed nothing and politis were the same, but it wasn't that obvious lying in front of the own nation! Politician seemed to be better in hiding their mystic business, but today...? Who wants to prove us and fo what?

How much can we take?

Friday night-big day out...

Another incredible new live-set by Danny! What more can I say? Even quequeing up 90 minutes before enter the club was it worthy not to leave early, as many guys did...missing the definitely last big show at Phaze Club!
Thumbs up for the DnB-warriors who stood the line to support our local scene! Especially Patrick-thanks mate! Every time the GoodLooking crew shows up, I try to convince some of my friends to join me for Bukem and, amazingly, these are mostly the guys who don't want to leave the rave actually! Isn't it funny?

But I am still a bit mad about myself missing calibre's as well as nookie's show just recently. What a pity...

Also had some research going on in finding new releases and artists. Finally found a couple including amazing new talent called DJ Shine, who was spinning alongside Nookie, hosting Ministry of Sound's- Atmospheric DnB show a few weeks ago. This kid got out of hand! :-)

Well, that's it for today.

And, by the way...thanks to the spastics for stabbin' two tires of my parent's car last nite! I had a wonderful time out there with changing wheels on the streets and hanging out at the cops until 4.30am!

New Blog tiltle soon?

...it probably could go like this: "Sweden...and the time before" hehehe

Sitting here in my apartment, a day off and magnified in front of the screen with all my thoughts. It seems that I am experiencing a new life soon. One phonecall and everything changes. Isn't it strange?
Well, first of all, it is just an invitation to an interview to a company in Helsingborg. The company as well as the type of work sounds perfect to me, even more the surrounding. Now it's also time to set up the second meeting-date to another company there which also showed interest in my profile.
I'm gonna be off to Sweden from Monday, the 12th until Sunday, the 18th of February. Cheap carrier and privat stay included!:-)

That's for the general news so far. Some other stuff is also going on, including today's big day out with the guys. LTJ Bukem, the majestro himself, made it up to Mannheim another time, right before one of Mannheim's best DnB clubs is closing.

And, as you event-freaks never recognize, you set up the date once again at the same time as another huge rave over here! You fu**ing spastics! Will you never recognize that? Both clubs are going to make minus because of your incompetence! Additionally, you are directly splitting up the scene and also causing the break-down of the Phaze Club!

Anyway, I won't end up today in complaining. I got loads of stuff to do...

See you 'round

some thoughts

I want to spend one of my very few lovely-lonely Sundays here and share the moment with you out there; wherever you may be right now. This is for all who won’t spend this moment in front of the telly loosing the last spark of creativity.
Actually there is a lot to say, a lot of things to complete after the huge “summer-hole” between June and November with no new updates in this blog.
Some of you were reminding me that just recently (shine on Karen ), some of you may have already quit reading it. But I am still sure that this dashboard of thoughts is reaching someone of you.
There is one thing I have to admit, a saying from a quite smart Chinese man that I heard two days ago. At least the saying was excellent, I dunno much about the guy’s character though. He said that to really keep a clear mind in the way of your thinking, you need to leave everything behind. Think straight and rational, leave everything behind, stop think about the past and the future and one day you will meet your inner self and find total spiritual freedom and peace.
I’m not the guy to believe in this way of thinking actually, but this statement is really true to me. Leave all the bullshit behind; all that stuff that fucks your brain, neither in the past nor the future. If you think too much, you won’t reach a point where you can get totally satisfied at all. Furthermore, some experiences from the past and plans for the future would guide you in a wrong direction; a direction you actually won’t go without these experiences and plans.
You will always be a slave of the modern society, not only focusing modern comforts. It’s more about the way you think, a straighter thinking in guess. For me it’s to see things in a rational way and, of course, to follow my heart. I don’t even want to think about the things to happen in two decades or so. Everything will happen for a reason, we only have a little influence on it. And, the most important issue, not to follow these brainwashers who might think that they know what you need and want in life-BULLSHIT, FUCK THEM! This includes, for me of course, religious acts of any kind! Religious misleading, in which way ever, will guide us into WW3 one day.
I am surely talking solely about me and I want you not to get me wrong, because it is very important that everyone will have his/her own way of thinking. But as long he/she treats me with respect and never tries to convince me from the “right path” of their spiritual thinking.

Another statement was made by Rolf Zacher, who is a German actor. I wouldn’t say a famous one, but a quite good one. He had a DVD release where he is telling stories out of his life. This guy is a genius, I kid you not! This statement may sound funny first, but this is totally true after you took a closer look at it!
He once said that there is one curious thing about life. He was wondering who really made the decisions for him inside his body- where to go, which places to see. Was it him? Was it his brain? No, it’s simpler than that …it was his dick! It told him where to go in life and which places to see!

Think about it (the guys! And the girls…hmmm, post comments…hehhe)!!!

setting up 2007, mood=depressed...musical adjustments

First of all, I wish you, all my frequent readers, a happy new year!

Then I want to post some of my current favourite tunes that I used to listen to th lst few weeks and some all-time fav's:

chill:

bahamadia-philadelphia
dj shadow-what does your soul looks like
blu mar ten-face of the earth

motivating:

undertow-where do we go from here
the chemical brothers-where do i begin
face to face-i want

beats:

kool g rap-ghetto knows
gangstarr-mass appeal
craig mack-flava in ya ear

parteeeey:

chino-on my mind
carl cox-live@zouk, singapore :-)
nuyorican soul-black gold of the sun (remix)

...and: any ltj bukem live sets of course! I love that shit!!! hehe

And these are only a few of my favourites, they just popped into my mind, so I decided to blog it spontaniously...

anyway, I was supposed to write some new stuff. Stuff that I actually want to do in '07. Hmmmm, I guess this post would be too long though, so I better spilt it up into pieces.

job: find finally one! hahahaha...You cannot believe how much I want to leave this place! But: I have received the first positive reply from Sweden today! Doesn't it sound good? Maybe my dream comes true quite soon...

friends: make new friends of course and hopefully to make it to keep in touch with everybody!

travel: to invest all my hard-earned money into upgrading my horizon and see as many places all over the world! I should try to have a stop at James' house in Colorado, that would be fun though. Hopefully snowbording, at least once. Organize that trip to Singapore, see my friends there and keep in touch with the local Drum 'n Bass scene. Go for diving again-either in Egypt or in Thailand again. Belize would be great too. And of course going back to Sweden! (Puss och Kram fran Tyskland hehe)
How come that want to do everything in February? hahahaha...I should start to work in nightshifts from now on! :-)

hmmmmm...

Actually that's about it-seems enough for a while huh?!

I let you know how many things worked out! hahahhaha


...to be continued

...hard to "X" -plain, hard to understand, but still an essential part of my life. THE X IN ME IS STILL ALIVE!

Finally I followed some of my roots, including the most influencing thing in my life: Straight Edge.

...

After 12 years i can say that, next to skateboarding, straight edge has saved my youth. Throughout my own interpretation of the way of living, self responsible for all of my actions, I followed the philosophy of SE. Never seeing it in a religious way, neither forcing myself into rules of it.
Furthermore, I can say that the most important thing in this time was, and still is, not to eat meat; which would make me direcly responisble for animals beeing killed.
To not do drugs, including smoking and drinking was important as well, but secondary.
Today I see things in a different light; things have changed. I grew up and people have changed too. It has never been a big SE-community over here and there was always a lack of understanding. This is probably the only thing that hasn't changed through the years...
People had good, but also a few bad influences on me. What made me turn away from some parts of the scene was, surprisingly, people from the SE-community here. Strange, but these people were supposed to call themselves the most tolerant people on earth, indeed they have been the most intolerant, always focusing on their own business. At some point it turned out to be more a religion rather than your own philosophy in seeing things in life. Always try to convince people from SE and tell them the "do"'s and "don't"'s. That was surely one of the cornerstones experiencing straight edge. It made me turn away from the people i once shared the same philosophy with.

Nowadays, straight edge isn't guiding me in the way it used a few years ago. Now it is more in the background, reminding me to take care of myself and follow my own intuition, rather than following some "athority" or people who think they might know what's good for me and what I have to be in our society.

I still don't believe in god, nor in religion of any kind. I never did and I surely never will. I believe in myself, the way I interact, the way I can change things and influence the way things turn out for me in life. I try to keep focusing what is happening around me and the environment I live in. Always respecting life and treating others with respect.
Some people still think that makes me a pessimist, seeing things in a rational view. I say that I see things realistic...I am a realist, focusing on keeping a clear mind.

But it wasn't always like that. I tried out many things like beeing active. I supported "animal-rights" activities and organisations, tried to be vegan, but also soon realised that next to the good thing with helping others, I started to lose hand on what I did and others began to try to control my action. All this made me think about me, and the sense behind my way of thinking. I finally found my own way, never following all rules and regulations of SE.

Straight edge still means a lot to me. A philosophy, a lifestyle a reminder to stay clean and think positive. But i also remember where it came from and how it reached me-the music!

"Try to cut me down
try to break the spirit
but you will not
break me down!"

Undertow



"...

Straight Edge - A Wikipedia encyclopedia

Straight Edge (sXe, or "Edge") refers to a lifestyle, a personal commitment, a philosophy, and a subculture that is closely associated with hardcore punk music. Straight edgers abstain from recreational drugs, including tobacco and alcohol. Some followers of the straight-edge philosophy also abstain from promiscuous sex, abstain from the use of painkillers, abstain from the intake of caffiene, and/or practice vegetarianism or veganism.

Originally inspired by the hardcore punk band Minor Threat and The Teen Idles, straight edge has spread around the world, but is most popular in more economically developed nations. Although straight edgers do not necessarily identify with a particular world view on social or political issues, straight edge is sometimes associated with the precepts of anarchism, socialism, and atheism.


Overview

There are various reasons why people may choose to be straight edge, and there are various interpretations of the practice and various applications of the precepts.

Some use the lifestyle as a 'stepping stone' because they believe it will allow them to be more involved with their own mental and physical health. For many, straight edge involves refraining from promiscuous sexual activity. Rather than promoting strict abstinence, many straight edge persons believe in sex within caring relationships rather than one-night stands.

The appeal of straight edge has broadened beyond the initial scope of punk and indie culture and has appealed to youth of many cultures who eschew recreational drug use. Many people who are straight edge became attracted to it as a Counterculture option to what they see as a widespread drug culture.

Straight edge is considered to be a choice by many of its followers. In this sense, no one is born straight edge or has been straight edge their entire lives. Labeling oneself straight edge is a conscious decision that someone makes for themselves and is generally not seen as a label that is obtained by default. One is not straight edge simply because they don't drink, smoke, or do drugs; it requires an active decision and participation in the subculture.


Attitudes towards spirituality

Straight edge is not a religion, it is a philosophy. Some straight edgers feel that having a clear mind is a better way to approach life and/or spirituality. Many are atheist, such as Good Clean Fun, or agnostic, often believing in personal-responsibility and rejecting the idea of a deity or any divine moral law. In many circles, the lifestyle has associations with spirituality—there were at one time significant Hare Krishna straight edge movements.

Christians involved in the punk/hardcore subculture sometimes consider themselves straight edge; indeed, the rejection of illicit substances, alcohol consumption (particularly underage), and premarital sex, is commonly encouraged by many mainstream churches and their youth groups. It should not be assumed, however, that the self-identification as straight edge is a casual replacement of one label with another. Prominent self-identified Christian straight edgers include the ex-bassist of Throwdown, at least one member of Comeback Kid, and at least one member of Stretch Arm Strong. There has also been criticism of Christians being involved within the straight edge community—reflected in songs such as "This Ain't No Cross On My Hand" by Limp Wrist, "Real Edgemen Hate Jesus" by XfilesX, and "Straight Edge Punks Not Christian Fucks" by Crucial Attack.


The 'X'

At punk rock shows, it became common practice to mark an X on the hands of under-aged concert goers to ensure that the bouncers would recognize a minor attempting to drink alcohol. This association with not drinking has led an "X" on the hand to become a symbol for straight-edge philosophies. Some people interpret this as a symbol of Ian MacKaye's "don't smoke, don't drink, don't fuck" ethos.

Many adopters of the "straight edge" lifestyle voluntarily marked their hands in the same way to show their commitment to alcohol abstinence. Also widespread is the tattooing of the X symbol on other parts of the body or wearing it on clothing, pins, et cetera. Three Xs (XXX) have their origin in artwork created by Minor Threat's drummer Jeff Nelson in which he replaced the three stars in the band's hometown Washington D.C. flag with Xs.

The X is considered both a mark of negation and a mark of identity. Attaching the X to one's name or band name is common practice for straight edgers. For example, 'John Doe' would become 'johnXdoe', or 'xjohnx'. "Straight edge" is sometimes abbreviated sXe(es-ex-ee) following much the same logic by which hardcore is sometimes abbreviated "hXc".


Backlash and criticisms

A subset of straight edge—often called hardline—had been involved in physical assaults in the United States during the 1980s and up to the mid 1990s.

Police in some communities—such as Salt Lake City and Reno—have classified straight edge as a gang due to violence associated with militant straight edge groups in these cities.
..."

Oi Oi Oi!

Well, it's been almost a week since I last posted the last time here. Nothing special happened so far, even football was quite lame. What more to say about a 0-0!?

Anyway, due to the fact that nothing happened so far I decided to post a little summary out of my personal hero's adventures; Mr D.S. Bruce Robertson. He is still fiction, but it could also be real, you know...hehe-I just love the way this book is written! I laughed so hard while reading it the first time...

Ok, first I have to admit that our hero went to amsterdam to...well, let's say to have some extraordinary fun.

"...I've gone into a cinema and paid for a high-tech booth. The green light is off and the red light is on. I'm snug. It's not too bad, the film, a sci-fi effort about two extraterrestrial spacedykes who kidnap nubile virgin schoolies from an American town; from schools, discos, outside shopping centres etc, and condition them into lesbianism through forcing them into repeated sex acts. The long term plan of the crafty alien dykes is to make men superflous and Earth into a lesbian planet, ruled, of course, by them. A stud detective and his crew of sexual athletes have to save the young schoolies from carpet munching and bring them back over the right side, through the power of their cocks. Eventually, after fucking the schoolies back into heterosexuality the ace detective faces his greatest challenge in a conflict with the superpoweredcosmic lesbos. He has to bring them over to the other side. It turns out to be a happy ending for all. The dyke spacegirls find out that they love cock, but the cop admits that lesbianism is a turn-on for men, provided the women are good-looking and they can watch. So they decided to join forces and exterminate all homosexual men.
Quite a sound movie, and it's good to see a film so politically correct. I can relate. The schoolies are all hot and the spacedykes pretty fucking superb..."

Hahahahhaha, what a script for a movie! Think about it...

...a profile

Hey there,

finally upgraded to myspace.com. For whom it may be interesting check it via:

http://www.myspace.com/knipser78

not much done yet, but why not adding yourself onto my friends-list!

some new adds

New stuff has happened during the last few days...

- well, actually I'm updating my Blog regularly for you! hahahha...first thing, how unbelievable it is!

- started a "myspace" -account. I'll keep you guys informed about the link when the profile is filled completely.

- got tickets for Thursday's sold out-stunner UEFA Cup match of Frankfurt vs Newcastle. Lucky guy-once again...hehe!

- Created exceptional few new business strategies to run. Some will hopefully work out and I don't have to be a slave for some company all my life! But pssssst- it's a secret! :-)

- No reply to my applications abroad yet...

- Oh, btw- it was my birthday last Sunday...

- Thought quite a lot of Singapore...

- Thought even more about cheese prata with curry sauce-yummie...

- Managed it to do sports regularly...

- Sold two more of my photographies...

- Had the chance to see Makoto&Deeizm once again...great show guys!

- Met people I haven't seen for over five years...

- Declared myself to be a slave of computer technology...:-)

- Found out that music is probably the most influencing thing I've ever experienced...

- Listened to BLUMARTEN quite a lot...

...

...but still din't find the way to my inner self -still don't know what I want...

...one more!

Well, football is over and the results are more than satisfying!

HSV: Congrats, you just earned the laurels for your excellent management which sold the best defense of the whole Bundesliga in the beginning of the season! Scarface Thomas Doll won't be coach for a longer period, that's for sure-it's just a matter of time.

AC Milan: Shut the fuck up you arrogant bastards! "We will go to Athens to have a look at the stadium where we will win the CL next may...!" Who the fuck do you think you are? But not today - you didn't think of the AEK! 1-0 Athens - assholes!

Celtic: "The battle of Britain", well it was! Manu didn't manage it to score, not even with a penalty. Saha just kicked it with a little too much flow. 1-0 Celtic.

Good nite!

Tuesday, 21st November 2006

The days are passing by. No answers from the companies I applied recently. The only letter I got is the bill of my lawyer which will cost me about 500€ extra. Happy start for a rainy Tuesday morning.
But I made it to give one of the companies in Sweden a call. Nice guys, but didn't check my documents yet. Had some more applications there, as well as one at Burton Snowboards in the U.S.. Actually, that would be great to design and manufacture snowboard equipment. But in the meantime, Sweden is destination number one. Need to be off the sinking ship here!

Anyway, I guess I have another new flatmate here. My neighbor's cat Jackie. Dunno why he comes over since a week and chills here, but he's a good company throughout the whole application paperwork.

I guess the day will end how it started-raining outside. Tonite there are some CL matches and I guess I am going to be the company for my Dad this evening. Haven't watched the TV conference in a long time together.

Monday, 20th November 2006

Well it is only a few days left until Makoto's show in Mannheim. Shelley a.k.a. Deeizm will be there too. It's almost one year over since I met them at Singapore's 'homeclub' on N.Y.E.. Hopefully this time some of you will join me again!

For this reason I found some older Bukem stuff, that I would like you to see. Few of you may know this one, but havn't seen the video yet. Looks funny to have the almighty LTJ walking around in the scenes...ENJOY!

Saturday...

Well another day-another day I got stuck here. No car, no flexibility. Sitting here trying to find a solution. What about buying a car? Hmmm, my thoughts shifting between unnecessary and indispensable. Don't wanna stay here all day long. Guess I'll force myself onto my Vespa and give it a try to see some of the English Saturday matches at Patrick's. Robert Huth has one his first matches at Middlesbrough FC. I guess they can make it to beat Liverpool today.

I'm reading some of the openings again that I went through recently. It shouldn't be that bad at the "work-meat-market", although most parts of the industry keep complaining. That stuff still keeps me bored...

Open some new tunes of Blumarten...-good stuff, helping me to lift my mood a little. Actually, musically I am stuck too. You know, musical horizons keep on widing; you may experienced it as well. Not stuck in my musical horizon-no, more with trying to convince people from new ways of music. But how? Some do by their own, some will never. Some are happy with their radio, some need to produce music by their own.
But in somehow you also need a good company to enjoy it at the full range. The "live-experience" is mostly better than listening at home. But not alone, not at all. How come that most of the people over here are satisfied with the shit that those socalled "DJ's" spin? How? Tell me-maybe I'll find out about this secret. They are just happy with the shit that they get presented. Ok, I'll explain my point of view. First of all, it is not the ladies that make me go to a club to see a DJ. Believe it or not, the music is what I'm going for. Some may not understand, but it is a fact. Such as it is a fact that this region is musically one year behind. They are still celebrating theirselfes on that old crap that they used to play years ago. And I'm not talking about one club.
People here aren't ready to open their mind and experiment with new music, at least a few will...but most of them are happy with what is served. The point is, that as long as MTV and other brainwashers are telling the crowd what to hear, people will be happy and no one will get his ass up and find out what he really likes. I'm not saying that my musical experience, my kind of style, or simply what I like is what peolple have to hear 'coz it is the "non+ultra". Of course, I beware of saying and thinking that way.
Music is a kind of weapon that can easily manipulate different groups in society; to the good and to the bad. You should get straight on this fact-that is my opinion...

Well, enough "free your mind" - things said...it's time for action, not for hesitation!
Have a wonderful day!

Enjoy your life...and of course the soundtrack that you're listening to it!

:-)

Wednesday, 15th November

Time' passing by fast. Cannot even say what it is that still keeps me here. What a day actually, but what is the best sunshine when you have to stay at home and do silly paperwork. Guess it was the best day of November and people are even complaining today. Some may think they have problems when the sun shines - must be a very urgent thing in Germany when it is even displacing some of the headlines in the news!? Stupid freaks!
Anyway, get up quite late 'coz sleep wasn't my friend last nite. Hopefully it is not the same tonite again. Well, sit at my desk...what to do first? decide to go through some applications that make me force myself to go on writing. Bullshit! You are the best and I'm the best too-still this mistress relationship between me and potential employers. Takes about four hours to translate some of the lines, maybe I should try to work without having those chat-programs running. Finish it and decide to watch some silly comedy. Borat bores me, so I go through Google's video search and find some of Chappelle's skits. This guy is hilarious-I kid you not! "...I'm Rick James -biiiaaaatch!" hahaahahahahaha
Pushing my mood. Half past six, door rings. Patrick comes over to see the match. Switch on the telly and see the major turn off when cyprus equals 1-1. Whatelse to say? ...I guess it's a fact that tomorrow is Thursday, 16th of November!?

nite

Monday, November 13th

Still in a strange mood. Trying to find a way to get motivated again. Hate that! If I only knew how to switch!?
Got up early to actually do some work in my dad’s company while he's on vacation. See some of our clients and fix some stuff, stuff like everytime...including that blah blah blah of his clients.
Decided to stay here and have another cup of coffee first. That old swiss piece of half-automatic coffee machine, trying to rip off my last hope of daily lethargy. Anyhow, forced a half-filled cup through and went to see my planner. Well, not much in there, still the same things to do.
Fortunately, the wireless connection of my neighbors still works and I still can use the internet for free. Hopefully they'll never find out!
Some chat here some websites there. Have another chat with Juuso, my flatmate from Singapore. Told me that he plans another trip to some country which name I can't even pronounce well.
Connection brakes suddenly-feeling helpless for a second, but decided to go and buy something, preferably milk, to have another cup of coffee. I guess it always makes me go out and buy something for just one reason-my body needs some real surrounding. Fresh air and some of the old dumb everyday-faces. Makes me smile for some weird reason. Guess it is part of my short-term self finding process at the moment.

Singapore popps into my mind. Miss it, but cannot really say what it is that I miss. I'm sure I could tell while I'm there the next time-but then it would be just the weather that it was to be missed.
And then Sweden. My thoughts fumble around the world. Is there a place where I could be happy at the moment? Or at least longer than just a year?

Come back home, stare at the screen. So it has to be done, I say to myself and start to type some application letter that I actually tried to write in June. How would I love it to just write an real letter to those dickheads in the recruitment departments. I mean just to write how it really is and how you really mean what you say. Not one of those hypocritic letters where you say how you adore their company and how indispensabel you are for them. Fuck that shit! But unfortunately this is the way things go, and will go on. So it comes that i tell 'em what nice erection I had when I first visted their website...

Finish one version. Feels like after one week nonstopp work at my dads company. pffff...need a coffee. Scanning more stuff and upload it as well. No answer from Sweden yet. That old cunt from the company may has a problem with Germans after those two embarrasing matches during Worldcup and after. Anyway, I won't be down 'coz of that.
Still no connection.
Open 'freecell' for another game against the computer. Win and finsh. Guess it's time to check the telly. Shit as expected. Force myself to go ahead with typing, but some higher power forces me back into this state...

Clean the apartment and chill more. Time for a nitey nite. Ohh, connected?! So I'm here...

...for some more...

another lethargic sunday afternoon

Well, another sunday afternoon...mixed weather outside, mostly cloudy and pishing. My favourite tunes are playing and I guess it is time to have another update. Actually, I should have planned my upcomming days a li'l more precisely to avoid this state of mind...hmmm, maybe it helps to recover from too much tourism!?

Ok, what happenend so far? Summertime-traveltime!? Yes, it's been another full-packed roadtrip to the main essential things in life. And I tell you what: All you need in life is a top ten ranking of the most essential things in life! All you need to know is how to discover which they are! That doesn't include such things as TV or the almighty web-I kid you not...!

After having fun at the Worldcup in June and Juli, I surely had enough of flag-waving Germans and decided to go on with traveling. Finnland was supposed to be the perfect match for August-not too hot I'd say...The plan was to visit Juho (one of my buddies from Singapore) and test his arrant skills whether to see the World Rallye Championships for free or not. But things go in any different direction in life and it came that I flew to Sweden in August.
I promised everybody to update this dashboard after the trip, but it didn't work out-no german precision at this time available...hehe. Anyhow, amazing trip-amazing people! What else to say? Thank you guys for the warm welcome, the place to stay and the festival in Hässleholm! Also the chance to join you onto mysterious alcohol-tourism to Denmark and a "sorry" to all Swedish that I only bought 24 cans of beer!:-)...

Hmmm, whatelse...?

...

*checkwatch* - no more time left today, I'm off...I'll be back soon for the rest...pfffff...

A day in the life of...

collage of myself...being inspired by an artpiece seen recently at the TATE modern in London which is called "Künstlerscheisse" hehe-nice one!

World-Cup Maniac³

Hahaha, after the funniest Dutch costume-party in Stuttgart yesterday and the Arab-African match in Munich on Wednesday I'm back to win more tickets!

Unbelievable, huh - I even won more tickets...hahahahaha! Isn't it funny guys? Everybody complains about getting no tickets, but as you can see it is easier than you think!

But I still won't tell you how it works ,hehhehehe! :-)

Anyway, the Dutch game yesterday was absolutely stunning - except the fact that the Dutch won the match:-)!
I shot a couple of pictures there as well that I also have to show you pretty soon over here.

On Monday it is waitng Spain to be cheered from a lucky guy called Thomas! hahahaha Kick off at 9.00pm once again in Stuttgart, perhaps you will see me on TV!?

Hmmm, actually it should be time to have a run naked throughout the green, what do you think? hehehe....but this should be Torsten's job at the end!:-)

Football Mania

Well, it seems so that my application worked out pretty well and so it comes that I received 2 more, or in fact 6 more, tickets for the stunning Football WC! Actually I shouldn't tell you this and how it worked out, coz I want to give it a few more tries to win tickets...the only thing I can tell you is that it pays off to press the "refresh"-button in my browser very patient (for hours!)! :-)

Yeah right, before I will see Holland vs Ivory Coast, I will go for a one day trip to Munich tomorrow to see the classic of "Tunisia vs Saudi Arabia" hahahahhahaha!

So...let the games begin!

Ole Ole Ole...

...back home, back to reality

Sunday, 11th June:

...just a short update to keep in touch with everybody...how can I start? Well, after some trouble with my singaporian employers and my mentor here in Germany, I finally made it to finish my thesis. Fortunately, there were finally some guys from our computer department who showed pretty much interest in my investigational work and appreciated my 120 pages report...pffff...
Right now I am only waiting for my grade and the certificate to finally graduate! I still cannot believe it that this is over right now!

Next to that endless "waiting ceremony" (that's what I should actually call it:-)), I work in my Dad's company to earn some bucks to be ready for the next adventure. I tied my shoes to jump into the next starting block...hehhe...but where to go? So many people asked me that...let's see!

As a real German, I have to tell you something about the wheather as well-not coz I want to complain-more to be glad that the sun is shining and the fact that the air humidity is below 80% :-) hahahaha Thirty degrees Celsius feels like like a joke here:-)
Moreover, the sun came just in time to the " Fussball WM" to heat up the players:-) Btw, Germany had a fantastic start into the tournament! I' ll upload some images from the fan parties over here as well. Especially from next Friday in Stuttgart, where my Dad'n me will join the Dutch guys playing against Ivory Cost, it'll be so much fun!

That's it by now, I'll go out to join the sun...

Cheers!

PS: ....and don't forget to daily check my mates new Blog from Australia's Gold Coast! Check the link on the right side.

last comment

Well, although you might thought there's nothing left to say-oh yeah there still is! I think I have to make a short resume of the time I spent in Singapore before I leave this part of the world tonite.

Where should I start...hmmm...? Ok, let's start with some facts in general.

Well, my time here in Singapore started on the first of November as you may remember. It seemed to me the perfect place to stay especially because of the weather over here. I must say it is a beautiful city and I really got used to it. I learned a lot, about the history, the people, the way they work and how the represent their country to the world. It took about 4 to 5 months until I realised that there is more behind the facade of "Disneyworlds Skyscraper Themepark Singapore". Or should I better say less? Fact is: This city has definitely grown too fast for the people!

I made many experiences here, the good but also the bad. One thing that surely stays in my mind is that you better look twice before you judge something/one. You know, the thing is that you or the people I am going to tell my experiences probably will misunderstand these facts, but trust me I have seen this city from both sides. I have been here as a tourist and as a "local". There is such a gap between both. Just think about what you see when you come here first! What do you want to see? Exactly! I have seen it this way two years ago and I was impressed! But after a while you get used to it and you find out that there is more than this. Clean streets and nice buildings do not represent a country at all! You may better never expect too much from that city and the people that live here. Well, I can tell you that because I did that! And that was a mistake! It only pushed me backwards.

All these things are solely my experiences, those that I made at work, during my time travelling or even while beeing out at night. I met plenty of people and most of them were so nice to me, but as you know some of the negative things will always leave a bad taste in your mouth.
I don't want to complain about the people that weren't that nice and my supportless work at Uni, because I think it just doesn't belong here. There was a kind of justice that I made myself instead of that.:-)

During this half year I saw a lot of Asia. I mean, I have been to a lot of places before but this time I saw everything a little different. It was not that big thing anymore to travel overhere...I mean you ARE already here. Malaysia for example is reached in just 15min by Bus. And the rest? Yeah, you can reach it for a penny in 1 or 2 hours by budget carriers! That's so easy...
The places I have been to were all so different. People might think: Hey they all look the same, why should it be different? But it is - the mentality! Now I also understand people why they are so facinated by Thailand. It is surely the place in Asia with the nicest people by far. The rest? Well, the chinese race is spreading all over the world...most of them to make MONEY, and of course, to be BUSY BUSY! Fuck, how I hate that word, can't hear it no more! Thanks Beng Koon!
That's not that I am a racist, but I really have enough of chinese people! Hey, and before I go on, that is not a personal thing to the friends I have made in Singapore, you know how this is ment to be. I hope you will undestand it. This is only my point of view right now-this is the way people treated me and people represented their country to me. There are some facts that I cannot hide and i don't want to.

1. "Let's do it with a smile!" Fuck, whoever that said should have 20 hits with the cane! No comment at all!

2. As long you have the money to spend, people will be friendly to you! (Chinese people seem to be capable to smell that!?) If not: You stupid Farang can just Fuck off!

3. You ask for a good driver? No doubt, you will never find one over here!

4. You ask for proper English?...hahahaha...

5. You are afraid of the Chinese economy and that they will takeover the world's markets? Calm down! This will never happen as long you do not do the fundamental work for them and extend your business over there. If you hear "The Cinese", man, this is all your stuff-don't forget that!


I couldn't make it to ten. Also because my time is running out! It is 18.36h local time and I still have some stuff to pack. I will close this chapter with a big "Thank you" to all the lovely people that I met and made my time that unforgetable! I also would like to send a big "Fuck You" to those people who tried to bring me down-here in Singapore as well as from home! You tried hard-but you'll never make it!:-)

See you in next life!

Some Pre-Images

Here we go: For some of the impatient guys of you, I collected a couple images from Biggi's Digicam for you! Just in case you cannot await my slide images from the trip to "Khmer-Land", which are counting 15 rolls so far...

So I guess it'll take a while until everything is developed properly. So, thanks for the pics by now!

Enjoy!

small guy-big root...(Ta Promh Temple/Cambodia)










They are not afraid of the next Tsunami, no! They just like to travel cheap!






Backcountry of Bokor. Ghosttown on top of the hills. Here: former French colonial meeting house, Hotel, Casino and also prison in the past (Kampot/Cambodia)



...exhausting trip, that's for sure! getting up at 4.30am to see the sunrise at Angkor Wat...my Dad would be proud of me! :-)However, you can see the result and that it was really worthy to get up in the middle of the night in the next picture below...





...hmmmmmm...sunrise at the end of the world as we know it...just enjoy the mood...





All pics were taken with a Casio Exilim Z-series (5MP)

I'm off the land of the stupid!

Cheers and goodbye from the most disappointing last week here in Singapore! I really have to switch off my brain to not get mad at everybody! But to NOT use your brain in Singapore is a common way of doing things here, for that reason nobody will know...

Well, I am also not quite in the mood to write the final story about the trip through Cambodia and everything that happened over there, if there is an interest in that, just read "Biggi's Blog" (link is on the right side)!

Now I am here at my office packing my stuff, throwing useless things away and wait for all the paperwork that has to be done...

Whatever, I will continue this Blog in the next couple of days when it is going to be better!
Until then I wish you a great time and enjoy ... whatever you just do!

Cheers

PS: I'll be back home at the 2nd of May, i.e. next weeks Tuesday.

Karaoke Torture...

Hey guys!

First of all, as promised in my last Post, some warm greetings from Cambodia's capital Phnom Penh!
Actually, it doesn't seem to be a capital city at all. Perhaps it is because I already associate skyscrapers with capitals. Well, I am here right now and I can say that what I see is so different to the places I have been before...

Ok, let's start with some facts about the way to PP and today, the 20th of April 2006:

Yesterday-Karaoke-Bus-Inferno

Actually, at this day it wasn't that much going on. After another very earlier wake up, we decided to take the first Bus to Phnom Penh to not loose too much time in our tight 10 day time table. Hmmm, but then it seemed that the bus driver did not agree with our plans at all and came one hour too late! Ok nevermind-he came! Hey, but six hours of hardcore karaoke directly in front of our seat is just too much!!! Oh, I forgot: One "ancient" and worst dubbed Jackie Chan movie ever was in between the four karaoke DVD's! And additionally, we booked a more expensive bus with air-con to not sweat like hell all the way long, but once again felt a little cheated myself by the bus company while having almost 45 degrees inside the cabin...

Well, we survived and after a couple of hours we finally reached our destination Phnom Penh.
Due to the fact that it was already afternoon and we really enjoyed the shower after the bus trip very long, it was almost too late to see anything at PP. We just had a walk through the old town and the former french district with its old colonial buildings-very beautiful...

Today-some depressing impressions

I know that two days are simply not enough to find out about the way of living in PP, but we had to try to see as much as possible in a few hours. Well, and what to see in PP? I guess the same what comes into your mind when you think about Cambodia for the first time!
We took a Tuk-Tuk for a whole day ride around PP and had our first stop at the "Killing Fields", which are, in my opinion, at least one place you have to see when you are in Cambodia. Although it sounds quite like a greed for sensations when you hear about the places of death and torture which are offered in tourist tours, but it really is a thing you have to do during your stay to find out about the cruel history of Cambodias former Pol Pot regime. And believe me it is really hard to describe or even to understand when you visit those places-especially when you see the peaceful countryside that surrounds the mass graves...

After that we went to the Toul Sleng Museum which actually is a former High School and was 'mis'used as a prison and place of torture during the Red Khmer regime. Hard to desribe...really hard!

,,,

Well, I need to take a deep breathe and will let this day go by, before we head to Kampot and Bokor National Park tomorrow!

See you then...

Ahhh - btw, HAPPY NEW YEAR...once again:-)

hahahahha...for all who like to party a lot-here another HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Wow, this is actually my third new year celebration for this year...hehehe...didn't even know that this is possible!

This time it is Khmer New Year with lots of incence-consuming and hardcore-picknick! Well, that's fun-next year I'll have one of those parties at home including an handmade authentic 'ancient-temple-cake' with incence in it and 50 picknicking Cambodian tourists around...:-)...and of course a group of a least 20 Korean tourists with funny hats and life vests....hahhahahah

Cambodian Tales...and other stuff

I just want to use this little free time this evening to say 'hey' to everybody I left behind-either in Singapore or you guys back in Deutschland!

This trip, one of the crudest ever in my time travelling, brought me (and my fantastic company:-)) to Siem Reap, Cambodia. After a couple of days of intense 'travel-research' (that's actually the way I'd like to call it...hehe), it shifted us to this amazing country...

First plans, which included Mount Kinabalu at Borneo, the Perhentian Islands at the Malay mainland, Mentawai at Indonesia and finally the Philipines were cancelled due to high cost of hiking equipment, to be bored of hanging around at beautiful beaches the whole week or just because of the lack of time that really bothers me!

So we ended up here.

Well, today was stuffed with impressions and I must say that this is surely one of the most stunning things I've ever seen! Siem Reap, which is located in the northern part of Cambodia near the famous Angkor Wat temples is our first destination and brought us, of course, to the plenty of ancient temples. Five in the morning is surely NOT the time I usually like to get up, but Angkor Wat and the sunrise there is one worthy reason to do it anyway!

It quite hard to explain it here on that Blog...well, I guess you will see some of the pics here soon! And after a few weeks of laying around, my camera was glowing today once again! Day one of three brought me seven of the finest slide films full of impressions. I just had to leave my digital toy back in Singapore! I mean switching between all lenses the whole day, rewinding films and make the right choise for either black'n white or colour slide is very stressful, but ten times worthy if you can finally hold the 50 to 60cm copy of the pictures in your hands. Yeah, that's one of the things I am really looking forward soon!

...

Well, right now I'm sitting at one of the most hateable places during travelling-internet cafes! I cannot tell you how much I hate that! I mean, I have my nice company sitting next to me, but...it's just...it really doesn't fit into that place at the end of the world! Everybody, even those Hippi guys are trying to be so unique with their style of travelling and so, but at the end it's all about 'WWW'! Shit...
Hmmm, this time it was necessary for me, especially to keep in touch with my boss who actually does not know where I am right now...hehe! I know, I know...but you guys might not believe what I all have done for them already with no appreciation at all! So, it is also the reason for me to cancel that job offer that they gave me a few weeks ago...I just cannot work with those guys anymore! It is not a matter of, let's say personal things-no, absolutely not, but very more a matter of the way of thinking and how they do things! It is just too hard for me to get along with this 'work style'.

I don't wanna say that this is my last Post at this Blog for the time I am in South East Asia, but surely of the last! I guess I will have to have a final summary or something like that...we'll see.
And as most of my Blogs, this is once again one of those with some images that I had kept in my mind and needed to be written down...and it feels better now after sharing it with you!

Also 'sorry' to everybody expecting more pics! There is no slide film development available in Singapore-or probably they just forgot that they have:-) I'll take all that stuff home with me...and it is time coz my fridge is overflowing with all those films...

...

In two days we will head down to Phnom Penh and some National Parks in the south. After that maaaaaybe go for the last dive trip or to Thailand...

The latest on next Tuesday where we have to be in Bangkok anyway for our flight back 'home' to Singapore...

That's it for today...I'll get back to you soon! Enjoy your time and just...CHEERS!

very short update...

...it's boarding time! again...hehe

so far for my spontanious travel adventures-once again i'm at changi airport waiting for my carrier...

...will get back to you guys in the next couple of days! This time from Cambodia!

Cheers

Progression Sessions-part nine in the series

Or should I call "Regression Sessions"? I really do not know! I tell you what, I have probably seen Bukem around ten times, starting back in 1997, at the most exceptional places – but I have never seen such a strange mixture of everything like yesterday night.

Well, there have been some facts that made this event to that what it was. Anyway, the musical experience was incredible again, like it is all the time, but it just took a while to get started. Actually, this time I was a little concerned about the time they start the show, but in fact it was too early when we arrived. Next to us, most of the very few people who were there ‘round 10pm were thinking for what the hell ever they paid 30 bucks…you could see it in every new face that stepped into HOME!

Of course, that was my turn and surprisingly I was supposed to have more company this time-company that really appreciates good music. Like every time the guys are spinning, it is so hard to convince people to come over and listen to good stuff. Especially at this event when Bukem came in around 1am and started on one of the worst sound-systems that I heard him spinning onto. And people use to get turned off very easily. Well, I guess two third of the "first-time" Bukem listeners did not really like the music. If you did not like this-forget about DnB!

He started, while preparing all devices, with really mellow tracks which were definitely the wrong choice for HOME or such an event in general. Absolutely no melody, no atmospherical background- I guess that is what they call “fresh” for some weird reason. People really had to try hard to get into the right mood. But at 2.30am it finally started like it was supposed to be!
Absolutely new tracks, never heard before…all like in the good times with a huge crowd. I do not know who of you has one of the last recordings of Bukem, either from "Detonate" in "Rock City" Nottingham or the Sheffield stuff, but these had a few amazing remixes, or let’s say samples added to.
"A tribe called quest"’s song remix, as well as the intro from LL Cool J’s “doin’ it” were used for samples that time. But now they topped everything again! One of the best songs I heard from him so far! It was a mix of Goldie’s “Inner City Life”, which is absolutely-definitely one of the best DnB tracks ever; mixed, with the same voice, into Rony Size’s "Lucky Pressure". The result was a perfect tune called "Inner City Pressure"! So good-I can tell you…

I am not quite sure if they really recorded the album (in fact they were supposed to!), coz of the bad set up of speakers and turntables. But if yes-be prepared for one of the best set-ups ever!!!

So far so good…let me have some shout-outs again to the people I had around me yesterday. At first, of course, Kelvin from Homeclub for bringing along Bukem&Conrad! Simon for company! What a pity that you had to leave so early-teaching on Sundays sucks!:-) Anyway, next party is definitely at the Upper House in UK… hehe!!! Also thanks to Christian, Bong and Roland to have the patients for this very different musical experience!  The guy outside of HOME for trying to give me answers to all my questions concerning the little-big world of Singaporians….hahhaahah-was a really interesting conversation!

And of course, Hui Tze for torturing herself while being around on high-heels! Hope you probably liked it at least a little!? I guess that also was one of our last clubbing nights together… (and visits at the 24-hour prata...yummie!)

Well, I hope I forget no one and ...hmmm, what else to say? Time is running by so fast...and soon everything will be over! So I guess I have to enjoy my last days ‘till I head back to Europe to see frustrated people!

Cheers

And by the way, MC- ing with Singaporian slang does not really work pretty well!

atmospherical sound-fest!

Hey everybody! Just in case I did not say "harro" to everyone of you guys after returning from the Malaysia-Thailand-Tour, ....well, I am back in Singapore again! :-)

So, this post is also dedicated to all of you who missed Gang Starr at Heineken Green Room, Singapore last weekend as well and couldn't see the show there.

Absolutely fresh printed and still a li'l wet is the flyer for the following "very-very" special event-at least it is for me-at Homeclub next Saturday!
Singapore will be previleged to have one of the best, or actually the best, intelligent DnB DJ's and producers on board! I tell you, this s gonna be a stunner for sure-no doubt!

Thanks for comin' in advance (or just in case I miss to tell you guys on Saturday) :-)

So, enjoy yourselves and so most of the guys on Saturday then....aihh

on the road again...

Hard at work...Thaipusam Febr. 2006 / Little India, Singapore


I know I know...the blog hasn't been updated for a while, but anyway, I found the time (during my work)to give you a little update of what's going on at the moment.

Well, actually things are going pretty good and I cannot complain about the status of my project. The parts of my robot are in manufacturing right now and in about 3 weeks we'll have the first results.

So far so good, I'm quite in a hurry right now, because a need to pack my stuff for the next week as well as I have to pick up my Dad from Changi Airport...

I tell you, that's gonna be a rush! Out of the plane into the bus and after a 12 hour non-stop flight straight to the bus to Kuala Lumpur...pfffff

Hopefully the F1 will be worthy to have that exhausting trip there!

Anyway, after that we'll be back in Thailand for the third time, actually it's me who is there frequently...I am only looking forward to dive again-this time even as an advanced diver...hmmmm

So, see you guys around in a few days...enjoy yourself!

Cheers

Special greetings to some special persons out there...thanks for writing (...and, of course, entertaining)me during last few weeks! Go on, this is fun...hahaha...one of them I will see around soon...;-)

insomnia

For all you sleepy heads out there who try to sleep at night but just cannot; i guess it is time to upload a couple new pics for you, huh!?

Ok, for today I have a little, fine piece of german "art of engineering"! Had to laugh so hard when I saw it first! Sure it's been a long time since christmas, but believe it or not its candles are still burning!











2.20m heigth, counting approximately 600 cans of finest Chang beer and, of course, accurately prepared and accurately emptied before from the thirsty- german- fifth- floor- brigade!

Back in land of „busy“- ness…

Well, a lot of things happened during the last few days. It is really hard to find the right words for an introduction.
So, just let me try to start…
There were, and of course there still are, those many different kind of feelings back these days. Good or bad? Well, it surely depends on the way you look at it – it’s just all relatively seen.
It sounds strange, but I already miss a lot of people who I spend just a little short moment of my life together with. But these people really made me feel home.
Even this little while was enough to see everything in a very different light. Sometimes it is just not more than the atmosphere that surrounds you, there are not many words to say or to do, and you just can feel it that it is so true – that is what makes you feel alive!

The guys leaving all one after another, every week a farewell party another part of your life is disappearing. Wouldn’t it sometimes just be easier to not make up so many new friends? I really don’t know!
I am writing this today, the 20th of February 2006, after the first guy left the house. It brings the first breeze of that strange feeling that will cover me for the next couple of weeks. Damn, I hate that so much!
Yeah…, so what more to say? First again: Thanks a lot for the company! Hopefully see you back in the days in Germany!
I’d better keep it short – so you did, and it is right though!

Probably everything here is also kind of feeling strange because of my arrival back in Singapore after the last trip back to Thailand, to the place I locked up in my heart. Another few people who made my stay so unbelievable…the other way round making me have that feeling right now!

Thank god, I will have another trip there in March!

Cannot imagine going back to Germany, the place where everybody is complaining all day long! It seems so far away, especially in my mind! The decision has to be made in the next few weeks…and I guess you all know what I mean with that!? Every day here, everyday far away from the place I feel myself get stuck in the horror of everyday routine, surely makes it easy to come back again – but then I guess it is forever!