GERMAN WORLD MAGAZINE » LIFESTYLE

Kaisers Geburtstag – Emperor Franz Joseph

GW Editorial Staff — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 21:32:38 +0000

Born on August 18th 1830 in Schönbrunn Palace, Emperor Franz Joseph would have been 180 years today. He reigned during difficult times and his passionate marriage to Empress Elisabeth filled countless books and inspired movies.

Lesser known facts: His brother Archduke Maximilian was Maximilian I of Mexico and Austria turned into a empire in which the sun never sets.
Many things were named after the Emperor, also Russia’s Franz Josef Land Archipelago. See some impressive pictures

Listen to the hymn with lyrics below. Sounds familiar? Well, nowadays Austrias old “Kaiserhymne” is Germany’s hymn.

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Counter Space: Frankfurter Küche in New York

Andreas Fuchs — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 23:50:17 +0000

Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky (Austrian, 1897-2000). Frankfurter Küche (Frankfurt Kitchen). 1926-7. As illustrated in Das Neue Frankfurt 5 (1927); photo courtesy MoMA.

From September 15, 2010, through March 14, 2011, The Museum of Modern Art in New York City (http://moma.org) presents “Counter Space: Design and the Modern Kitchen.” Drawing extensively from MoMA’s collections of design objects, photography, film, prints, drawings and paintings, Counter Space “examines the kitchen and its continual redesign as a barometer of changing ideologies and technologies,” the museum announced. Curated by Juliet Kinchin and Aidan O’Connor of the museum’s Department of Architecture and Design, the exhibition “explores the twentieth-century transformation of the kitchen as a space of huge symbolic and practical significance.”

Ever “pragmatisch,” just as the German mind, the centerpiece of the exhibit comprises “an unusually complete example” of the iconic Frankfurt Kitchen. Designed in 1926-27 by Austrian-born Grete Schütte-Lihotzky, thousands of these Frankfurter Küchen were manufactured for public-housing estates being built as part of a comprehensive program to modernize both the city on the river Main and German society. Schütte-Lihotzky’s “compact and ergonomic design, with its integrated approach to storage, appliances, and work surfaces,” MoMA feels “reflected a commitment to transforming the lives of ordinary working people on an ambitious scale.”

Stay tuned for our ongoing expanded coverage of this seminal show that will feature such varied items ranging from a 1930-exhibition poster for “Die praktische Küche” by Helene Haasbauer-Wallrath to 1957 Braun multipurpose Küchenmaschine.

Helene Haasbauer-Wallrath, Swiss, 1885-1968. Die Praktische Küche (The Practical Kitchen). Poster for an exhibition at the Gewerbemuseum Basel, 1930. Lithograph, 35 1/2 x 50\

Braun AG (German, est. 1921). Multipurpose Kitchen Machine, blender configuration. 1957. Enameled metal casing and plastic, 19 ¼ x 13 x 6 ½ (48.9 x 33 x 16.5 cm). The Museum of Modern Art, New York. Gift of the manufacturer; photo courtesy MoMA.

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Google honors Josef Frank

GW Editorial Staff — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 00:17:59 +0000

Josef Frank is an Austrian-Swedish architect and designer, who was known for his innovative designs and distinct patterns. Born July 15th 1885 in Baden bei Wien he helped found the Vienna School of Architecture.

July 15th Google Doodle is an artistic tribute to Josef Frank’s 125th birthday. To celebrate one of Frank’s patterns, The Vegetable Tree, was rearranged to shape the word Google.

“In honoring architect Josef Frank, we’re continuing a tradition of celebrating individuals from all walks of life who have had a lasting impact on people around the world,”Anne Baxter from Google Australia told the Brisbane Times.

See how to get a nifty little tool if you surf with Chrome or Firefox to see you favorite Google Doodle every day.

To celebrate his birthday on July 14 (today, US time), one of Frank’s patterns, The Vegetable Tree, was rearranged to (for a trained eye) shape the word Google.

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Giles Hoyt Receives Germany’s Highest Civilian Honor

GW Editorial Staff — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 01:47:26 +0000

Giles Hoyt, Professor Emeritus of German and Philanthropic Studies and past Director of IUPUI’s Max Kade German-American Center in the IU School of Liberal Arts at IUPUI is the recipient of the Bundesverdienstkreuz, the Federal Cross of Honor, which is the Federal Republic of Germany’s highest tribute for services to the nation.

Dr. Hoyt has been a pivotal figure in the field of German and German-American Studies, reaching far beyond the academic sphere. An internationally recognized scholar, his service to the university, as well as to the German-American community, particularly in Indiana and the Midwest, spans more than three decades. He has served on the board of numerous organizations, both locally and nationally, dealing with German-American relations. Professor Hoyt was instrumental in the establishment and development of the IUPUI Max Kade German-American Research and Resource Center, a national model for interdisciplinary German and German-American Studies. Together with his wife, Dr. Dolores Hoyt, and friends and colleagues Drs. Eberhard and Ruth Reichmann, Hoyt created the Hoyt-Reichmann Faculty Chair in German American Studies and German Language and Culture with a $1.3 million gift commitment to the IU School of Liberal Arts at IUPUI.

The Bundesverdienstkreuz was instituted in 1951 by German President Theodor Heuss. It is the only honor that may be awarded in all fields of endeavor. It may be awarded to Germans as well as foreigners for achievements in the political, economic, social or intellectual realm and for a myriad of outstanding services to the nation in the fields of social, charitable and philanthropic work.

In a nomination letter, Drs. Claudia Grossmann, Eberhard Reichmann, and Ruth Reichmann wrote: “Professor Hoyt’s contributions to IUPUI, to academia and the German community are manifold and significant. His teaching in the German Program, research and publications, his service, his accomplishments in internationalizing the campus, as well as his philanthropic support are outstanding. His long-standing civic and community engagement can serve as a model for others to follow.”

The letter went on to say that Hoyt has tirelessly fostered German-American relations, deepened knowledge and understanding on both sides of the Atlantic, and built bridges between Germany and the United States and the citizens of both nations.

Hoyt received the Cross on Wednesday, June 23^rd from Consul General of Germany Onno Hueckmann, who traveled from Chicago to make the presentation. The ceremony took place at the Indianapolis Athenaeum and was hosted by the Max Kade German-American Center. Indiana’s Honorary Consul to Germany, Sven Schumacher, served as the event emcee and remarks were also made by German Professor and Max Kade Center Director Dan Nuetzel and Liberal Arts Dean William Blomquist.

Dean Blomquist said, “It’s wonderful to see Giles recognized by Germany for his service to the cause of German-American relations and the promotion of German language and culture in the U.S. But all the while that Giles was advancing those purposes, he was also promoting and serving IUPUI. In Indianapolis, throughout Indiana, throughout the United States, and overseas, IUPUI and the IU School of Liberal Arts couldn’t have had a better ambassador than Giles Hoyt. Much of what exists today in international programs and activities at IUPUI started under Giles’ leadership of what was then known as the Office of International Programs [now the Office of International Affairs], and our students continue to benefit from the internationalization he has promoted so tirelessly and effectively.”

Numerous individuals and organizations supported the event, demonstrating the close ties between the IUPUI Max Kade Center and German Program and the Indianapolis German American community. More than 100 community friends, university colleagues, former students, and German-American organization representatives attended the presentation ceremony.

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“Oh nein” dear Octopus!

GW Editorial Staff — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 21:34:28 +0000

Can it be that Paul, the octopus was right? Spain wins against Germany 1:0 and Paul will learn that Spaniards love to eat FRIED SEAFOOD!

Paul, the octopus from Oberhausen Germany has had a 100% correct prediction rate of the Soccer World Cup’s results so far. But now he is shocking Germany, because he “predicted” Spain will prevail over Germany. His “technique” is that he picks the food out of either of two boxes , each box marked with a different country’s flag. By eating the food in one box before the other, Paul effectively “predicts” the outcome of these countries’ soccer match.
During this soccer World Cup the English-born sea creature was correct, even predicting the 4:1 defeat of England in the Germany vs. England game.

Still there is hope, because during the 2008 European Championships Paul the octopus was only 80% correct. And if all else fails, have your scissors ready, because an immediate remedy is to simply cut the black from black, red and gold and voilà a German flag turns into a Spanish one.

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Happy Birthday America

GW Editorial Staff — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 19:21:18 +0000

July 4th 1776 the Declaration of Independence (die Unabhängigkeitserklärung) from the Kingdom of Great Britain was adopted.

Words of the day:
to BBQ – Grillen – ich grille, du grillst, er/sie grillt, wir grillen, ihr grillt, sie grillen
fireworks – das Feuerwerk
flag – die Flagge

And at the movies, nothing showed independence day so entertainingly as Will Smith under Roland Emmerich’s German direction with Volker Engel’s genius Academy Award premiered Special Effects.

And another quintessential American Hero, Bruce Willis, was born as Walter Bruce Willis in Idar-Obserstein, Germany.
Armageddon and the Die Hard Series encompass what Europe thinks when they think of America.

And last but not least let us think about the US Troops in Germany’s Rammstein and anywhere else on the globe. A movie we would suggest to revisit is Tom Cruise in “4th of July”

INDEPENDENCE DAY TRAILER

ARMAGEDDON

BORN ON THE FOURTH OF JULY

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Fit and Slender Through Summer with a German Trainer

Petra Schuermann — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 20:48:43 +0000

Fitness trainer Christian Klugmann reveals the best tricks.

Summer is here and with it our concerned gaze into the mirror to see if we have gained another few pounds over winter. Many then immediately launch a week of fasting to detox and lose weight, start a long-procrastinated diet, buy new anti-cellulitis lotions, or book a few hours with a fitness trainer to get into better shape for vacation trips. But which measures really help, especially over the long run? German World spoke with former German cycling champion and fitness trainer Christian Klugmann, who has been living in Los Angeles for a year now and is training many clients from the entertainment industry on how best to achieve their ideal figure.

GW: Christian, as a professional athlete and fitness trainer, what would you recommend to someone who is 30 pounds overweight and wants to look their best for a beach vacation in four weeks?
For many, depending on their figure and initial weight, losing 15 pounds can be a huge challenge. There are four basic components to how we can intentionally change our bodies: less food consumption according to the classic formula (eat half), avoid products rich in fat and sugar, and drink around a gallon of fluid, preferably water or herbal tea, a day. This combined with intelligent sports activity has a quick effect.

GW: Intelligent sports activity? Can you give us an example?
It is best to do your fat-burning cardio program before breakfast. Medical studies have shown that training before breakfast multiplies the fat burning effect by two. This is largely due to blood sugar levels and daily hormonal fluctuations. What is important here is to control your heart rate in order to train in your personal optimal fat burning range.

GW: Most of us have full schedules. What can one still do daily for fitness?
Be sure to plan in time for fitness and consult an expert for your first training sessions. Do not leave your food to chance during the day but prepare small lunches and take them with you in the car to avoid fast food restaurants. Not eating three to four hours before going to bed also has a big effect. In addition, it is a good idea to calculate your ideal caloric intake for losing weight at a healthy rate. For women this is typically around 1200, for men around 2000 calories a day to cover daily needs and still have enough energy for training. The disadvantage of the classic radical diet is that people lose a good deal of muscles, unproportionally lose weight, and the body is set up for a yo-yo effect.
GW: What do you recommend to people wanting a healthier lifestyle?
A healthy lifestyle means not only sports and a balanced diet but also enough sleep and relaxation. Most people do not get enough relaxation. And long-forgotten classical sports exercises, when carried out properly, are just as effective, if not more effective, than the latest training trend from Hollywood. A training partner or a training group can be a great support in overcoming your inner couch potato. After a while a personal interest in movement and the recognition of its positive effects takes over. This is the best impetus for effectively integrating sports into a daily routine over the long term. The goal to change your body should be similar to the goal to learn a new language.
For further information or tips email ck@champ-coach.com or call 310-557-6646.

Christian Klugmann Short Bio
Born in Frankfurt am Oder, Germany. Lives in Los Angeles since 2008. Member of the National Team of the German Cycling Association (DRV). Recipient of many cycling awards, including third place at the German Championships 2003. Licensed fitness and cycling trainer. Member of the Los Angeles Turners and in charge of developing a senior citizen and mother-child fitness program.

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Schwarzenegger at Journalism Gala

Barbara Gasser — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 05:31:38 +0000

Barbara Gasser by Mark Hunziker

Watching Gov. @Schwarzenegger deliver remarks at the Southern California Journalism Awards Gala – at http://tweetcast.in/1348

It was a dream come true for myself as a journalist because I am the first Austrian Journalist to win the “International Journalism: News Feature” Award in the 52 year history of the Southern California Journalism Awards. Furthermore I won two second places and an honorable mention.

For the first time Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger opened this years spectacular Gala in the Crystal Ballroom of the Biltmore Millenium Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles. The huge chandelier that gave the Crystal Ballroom its name was once manufactured by Swarovski and the idea of the Oscars was born in that same room in 1927.

The Governors speech was point right on and funny – as usual. At one point and to my surprise he even called me out. “Barbara, where are you?” Then he proceeded to tell the story how I ambushed him and got him into this mess to talk in front of the leading American press. He invited me without knowing that I actually have something to impose on him. “After an event with Mayor Villaraigosa, I invited Barbara to let me know if there is anything I can do for her. And then, to my surprise, Barbara actually took me up on it and said, yes Governor, there is actually you can do something for me.” He probably thought, oh my God what have I gotten myself into and “the next thing I hear her say is. “Governor there is the Southern California Journalism Awards coming up, would you come and open the Gala?” And then he came and now I am standing in front of him hearing the story retold. He went on and made salient points of the importance of press coverage and politics in the current gubernatorial race.

Oscar Winner Sean Penn also gave an inspiring speech about the significance of covering exceptional journalists like Ed Murrow and Walter Cronkite. I met Walter Cronkite and interviewed him, so I relate to what Sean meant.

Though this is a personal dream that came true I would never have been able to live it without you being the wind beneath my wings and have me experience that the sky is the limit. I thank you, my family, friends and colleagues who went along with me on this journey and all, who never stopped believing in me.

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Andreas Beckett at the Hollywood Fringe Festival

GW Editorial Staff — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 08:25:39 +0000

Unbuttoned, the solo show co-written and performed by Andreas Beckett, has been chosen to have its World Premiere at the first-ever Hollywood Fringe Festival. A musical dramedy is Beckett’s true story of his quest for love, one woman at a time. Born and raised in the Bavarian Alps, as a young boy in Lederhosen and up through his university years, he showed a talent for acting, singing, acrobatics and dance, and for impressing the Fräuleins. His obsession with sex, drugs and rock-n-roll brought him to America. He did it all, falling down along the way and struggling to find himself. He endured gangs, prison, suffering, betrayal, but in the end it was his son that taught him the true meaning of love.

Beckett’s work includes numerous stage, film, television and opera credits. His TV debut was playing Hitler on Saturday Night Live, followed by his acclaimed portrayal of Macbeth at The American Theatre in New York. His first film project was the lead in Empty, by director Micah Herman. Unbuttoned’s collaborators are theatrical and TV veterans Mitzie and Ken Welch, writers and composers for The Carol Burnett Show. They have racked up numerous Emmys for TV specials for Barbra Streisand, Carol Burnett, Linda Lavin and Ben Vereen. Mitzie, is the director and co-writer with Beckett on the show with musical direction by Ken Welch. Tango choreography is by two-time American Choreography Award nominee Jordi Caballero.

Beckett has performed Unbuttoned at the Whitefire Theatre’s solo series in Sherman Oaks for more than a year as well as for a benefit at the Santa Monica Playhouse. Louis Fantasia, theatre NPR/KCRW says: “Unbuttoned has to be one of the warmest, most endearing one-man shows to hit the stage….well worth seeing.” “Beckett exudes mega-sex appeal and gives a fantastically charming honest performance,” says Valley Scene Magazine reviewer Tony Reverditto. The Tolucan Times theatre critic says: “Bavarian-born Beckett’s American Tale is fascinating from beginning to end.”

The Lounge Theatre, 6201 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood, CA. Dates and Times: Sun., June 20th and Sun., June 27th, 2pm; Mon., June 21st, Fri., June 25th, Sat., June 26th all at 8pm. Tickets: $15 and can be purchased through www.hollywoodfringe.org,, at the Fringe Central box office or 1/2 hr. prior to the performances at the Lounge Theatre box office. $10 Rush Tixs/Standing Room available 10 mins prior to curtain times. Running Time: 1 Hr., 20 mins.

Andreas Beckett by Thomas Mikusz

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How Germany and Austria caused final games to be played at the same time

GW Editorial Staff — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 03:22:08 +0000

You might be wondering why the final games in a group are played at the same time? It is all due to a game played between West Germany and Austria at the 1982 World Cup.
The way the groups are set up one could start using the order in which the games are played as a tactical advantage. In that specific case, the four nations in the group were: Algeria, Chile, West Germany and Austria. The question was who would move on and who wouldn’t. With only one game left the options were as follows:
A draw or an Austrian win would send Austria and Algeria on, a German win by three or more goals would send West Germany and Algeria on, and a German win by one or two goals would send Austria and Germany on.
What happened was that after a West German goal by Horst Hrubesch in the first half both teams seemed to be happy with the mutually beneficial score and kind of settled, waiting for the game time to be over or maybe they didn’t, watch the game for yourself in the video below.

Algeria protested, but Austria and Germany denied that they were just waiting for time to run out. The international Federation let the results stand, but decided that in all subsequent World Cups the final games of the group stage have to be played at the same time.

Watch the game here:

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