Question of the week: "Can I have a dog?"

"Can we have a dog?"..."When can I have a dog?"..."Mom, Dad said I can have a dog!"..."I want a dog!"... is my daughters almost daily request. We live in a tiny 2 bedroom house and would not even have room for a hamster let along a dog! But a week ago we had a guest, a little black pug named "Lola". Out of all dogs a pug - as a friend of mine said when I ran into her walking the dog:"This is such a beautiful dog in an ugly way". Lola was dropped off on Monday, we thought she was going to be picked up on Wednesday, but when we still had her on Thursday morning with no news from the owner we started to get all excited that we might have her for longer.
Her owner came to pick her up that night! She was the perfect dog for us small, funny, smart and .... NOT OURS!!

My friend Kirsten, a mom of three just got a puppy for her family. I asked her some question about the new family addition.

What kind of dog do you have?

We have an Australian Shepard. Possibly a bit of Border collie. His name is Jake and he is 4 months old.

How does he fit in with 3 kids (8,6 and 3) a bunny, a gecko and 2 cats? Does that not get a bit crazy in your house?

It can be a bit crazy but it has always been crazy. He is a herding dog and likes to chase the cats or gets chased by the cats. We are really lucky he has a lovely temperament.
We did not know what were getting ourselves into. Sometimes we have to put gates up to section off the kids from the dog.

Do your kids help you care for him? How do you encourage them to help?

Yes, they play with him a lot and they feed him. We do puppy training. They love him. They lie down and spoon with him... Lot's of cute dog time. But they do get annoyed with him when he interrupts their game or runs off with their action figures!

Who is the person in your house that cares mostly for the dog?

My husband and me. Because I am at home the most – my husband also takes him to doggy class and trains him at home.

What is the relationship between the dog and the kids?

The older one can get him under control. But the younger ones are like siblings.

Is there anything you did not think about before you got him?

They do need companions. We cannot leave him all day. He gets naughty and steels food a lot.

What advice do you have for someone who wants to get a dog?

Be ready for a bit of chaos. But it's fun....it adds a nice routine. We go out for a walk with the dog and it feels like fuzzy family live. We cannot take long trips, but somehow he slows us down in a nice way. We stay at home more and save money on expensive family trips. Simple things like taking the dog to the park replace expensive weekends away. But we are having a puppy so this is a bit different.

Anything else?

Look for a dog that fits your Family. People who need time on their own might not be suited to have a dog. You have a companion so the dog will want to be near you. He stole my husband's sandwich today from the lunch table. He also stole some Bananas that made him vomit.

BUT WE ARE VERY HAPPY WE GOT A DOG - AND SO IS OUR DOG! WE THINK...

Thanks Kirsten!

So now my dear fellow parents and friends, what do you think?

To Dog Or Not To Dog?

Talking Pumpkins

The Pumpkin season is in full bloom. They are everywhere these neatly shaped, healthy looking, brightly colored, friendly round vegetables. If you have ever wondered what is going on inside the head of a pumpkin you should check out this interview with a pumpkin on Rocketboom a daily video podcast with Joanne Colan.

It will brighten up your day! Guaranteed!!

The alternative use of CD's

In response to my last post a friend forwarded me the following:

Hi Friends
Our 6 new chicks are growing fast. They are outgrowing the large cardboard box they've been living in.
Finishing touches are being made on their groovy chicken house that will grace our backyard. It's made out of wood recycled from other old projects. Remember, the knotty pine paneling in our old basement? In contemplating an appropriate roof, Matt and I have decided that cds would make a fitting waterproof material. So we are in search of
250 unwanted cds. Could you please help our chickies stay dry this winter by donating cds you no longer need?
Thank you so much!
Wilma and Family

We are not quite ready to give up our collection but if you have any CD's for Wilma, please let me know and I will get you in touch (that is if you are in the Berkely area, of course..)

The Fall of Tower Records

This is really sad. Very sad. I started my first real job for a german indie record distribution company in 1989. I met my husband working for that record company. We moved to the UK because he worked for a record company there. We ran a record company out of our house in Amsterdam. My husband is now working for a record (oh...I mean) music distributor in San Francisco and our small house is filled with his CD and Record collection.

We knew this is happening and we love our ipods - but somehow when I read the paper today and saw the add below it all became real... real... real.. SAD!

Any jobs for my husband anyone?

Lost in Second Life

It was a bit over a year ago, when a friend of mine tried to explain to me that he was selling virtual real estate for a living - I just could not understand what he meant, and why anyone would want to buy something that is not there. In the meantime I have learned a bit more about Second Life - a place online where you can (re)create yourself as an avatar, build and create whatever you have in mind.. play God for a little while and impress the other avatars with your interesting creations and looks. You can change your appearance, but if you want anything else but the standard avatar look (in my case plain old jeans and a purple shirt - see the snapshot of my avatar on the picture above) you will start paying for it.
My friend told me today the number of residents in Second Life reached one million.
It makes me wonder - why are one million people are looking for a virtual place to re-create reality?
I really can't understand... but I went to visit. And I have to say, when my friend showed me around and "teleported" me to a German Biergarten I was almost ready to create myself a pair of "Lederhosen", and imagined how great it would be to meet my german friends there and have a little reunion party, saving me a lot of money on airline tickets.
But when I went back today, I got completely lost and could not find that Biergarten anymore. Instead I tried to fly away from all those avatars and got trapped under water until my computer told me that I had to log out because I had left the area..

In yesterdays San Francisco Chronicle Peter Hartlaub writes, that Reuters has assigned a Reporter to Second Life - my husband pointed out Jon Carroll's response to that in todays SF Chronicle.

And for my german friends (YES Second Life is big there, too): Read the story in der Netzeitung.

There is also an interview with Phil Rosedale (founder of SL) on Andrew Keen's
After TV podcast show.

Better than riding with Lance Armstrong!!

Last weekend I had the most inspiring experience a cyclist could ever have. A few weeks ago I signed up for the "BORP Revolution 2006" a fundraiser/bikeride that takes place in Sonoma County. The ride benefits the BORP foundation, an organization that was funded by people with disablities to create access to the outdoors, to fitness, to sports, and to recreation for a population who'd been left out. BORP sponsors a variety of amazing programs - their philosophy is that if people do better in sports, they will do better in life.

The ride was fantasic! It was absoutely inspiring to see blind people going off to ride on the back of a tandem and people using handcyles going up the hills!

I had signed up for the 65 mile route. There were approx. 100 riders starting out at 8:30am for the same route (there was also a shorter route, and a 100 mile route that started ealier). Very early after the start the group was lead by this guy on a handcycle, who just zoomed by all of us. There was just no way to catch up to him. He rode alongside teacher Sean - who is a teacher at my daughters school and a very strong cyclist, but had no trouble keeping up and could have probably passed him easily. He was not even wearing any gloves, paddeling with his bare hands - I had never seen anything like it! He is my new hero - and I found out afterwards that he is an olympic champion...

His name is ALEJANDRO ALBOR! He has a website and his biography reads like tragically romantic novel.

I feel so honored to have met him - this was a dream come true to go on a ride with a TRUE champion - much better than going with Lance or Floyd..

I just wish I had gotten his autograph!

I just wanted to thank all of you who have made it possible for me to ride, by making a dontaion to the BORP foundation - and if you have not done that, it's not too late you can still donate!

Andrew Keen and Chris Anderson on webculture

MY Space, YOU Tube, FACE book, FRIENDster, .... it's all about ME and YOU and US! This blog is the best example of unimportant ramblings of a non-educated common person, a mother, trying to make your day a bit brighter by unloading and sharing my not-so-important thoughts with who ever wants to know. If anyone would ever ask me to write a column for the SF Chronicle I would burst out laughing and of course never take on such a task, simply because I am obivously not qualified for such a job. This is just a fun little project that I share with my friends. I am not so worried about the web 2.0 population deciding what we read, and spoiling our taste for good music and literature. Most people in this world don't even own a computer, have email or know what a blog is. Isn't this more a conceited concern of the Western World forgetting (once again) that we are not the only ones around?

For a really sophisticated and educated opinion on the web 2.0 phenomenon you should check out todays cover story of the SF Chronicle's Business Section. A great discussion between Andrew Keen and Chris Anderson.

Andrew is also a friend of mine, and just finished his book "The Cult of the Amateur" which will be published in May 2007. He is a wonderful writer and this should be a great read...I will remind everyone in May.


His blog is called "The great Seduction" and he does some awesome interviews on his podcast "After TV" --

The funny thing is: if it wasn't for Andrew I would have never started a blog! Maybe I should have asked his permission before I did?

Date Idea: Go see some Art..

Go to the movies or a play? Have a nice meal or just a beer at the pub? Go to a concert..? There are lot's of options. But when we finally have that babysitter lined up and time to go out, my husband and I have a hard time deciding and coming up with new ideas.

So here is my Date-idea: Go and see some Art!
Tim Metallo (a father at my daughters school) handed me an invite to an exhibition at the Richmond Art Center that features his work in an exhibition called "Geographic Premonitions".



This is from their website:

As the Richmond Art Center celebrates its 70th anniversary this
fall, a survey of emerging artists is appropriate given the Center's
longtime record as a leader in introducing the most promising
emerging artistic visions to the region. From mhttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifore than 200
nominations, the Richmond Art Center's curatorial committee
carefully sifted through the field of artists over a period of months,
finally selecting just 15 to appear in Geographic Premonitions. The
Richmond Art Center is excited by the enthusiasm and high level
of expertise by the artists selected, many of whom are creating
new and site-specific pieces for this important exhibition.

The exhibition opens this Saturday, October 14th, with an artist reception from 4-8 pm.

Another great tip is the Oakland Artmurmer, which takes place every first Friday of the month, when Oakland galleries open their doors and show off the work of their artists. Read what they say on SF Gates culture blog.

Heavy Machinery and Red Hot Peppers...

(photograph from Jim's website)

This is really something! When I tried to imagine what a blacksmith shop would look like, I had this vision of little fire going in a corner, and someone banging on a piece of glowing metal with an enormous hammer. Last weekend that picture was replaced with the amazingly, beautiful machines at Jim Austin's Alchemy Metalworks. I had never seen anything like this. Little mountains of metal dust cover the ground of the hangar, that is filled with machines that make you wonder how anyone could have ever moved them in there. Jim does custom metal work and shows his product line on his website... if you ever need anything metal, than this is the guy for you!



(I took this picture of Jim's kitchen counter which looks very different from mine..)

My CNG Racecar: An Interview with Larry

When I pointed out an environmentally friendly car to an 11 year old, I said:" great car,...what do you think of these?" he did a little frown, looked at me, and said:"..Yeah,...but they are missing the "UMPF". He obviously had never driven a car, but he knew more than I did, so I decided to go and do some research. Here is a what my friend Larry told me about his car:



You drive a car that is good for the environment but is not a hybrid?

Yes, a Honda Civic GX, 2001 -- it’s a natural gas powered car, CNG for short. It’s silver and seats four people. You get about 35 miles per gallon.

Aren’t you into racecars, fast cars? How does this car fit in with your image?

Well, it saves money and therapy..(laughs).. I don’t get road rage anymore . Before I always wanted to drive fast and I would get impatient with other drivers – now I drive politely and even let others go ahead of me. It changed my style of driving… because it’s not a fast car.

So your environmentally-friendly car has made you a better person?

Yes, I guess it has had an overall positive effect. It makes me more responsible and helps me get in touch with my inner peace. It’s also an automatic – which is a more relaxing drive than my other/previous stick shift car. It is interesting how a simple thing like the car you choose to drive can have a really big effect on how you feel and act.

How do you like that car pool lane?

I used to have 60-70 minute commute and now I am saving 20 minutes. It’s primarily a selfish choice to save time but has the bonus of being good for the environment. The DMV started a program to give out gold stickers for 50,000 hybrid cars to commute on the carpool lane, but then they revised the limit to 75,000 and they are nearly out. But CNG cars can always get carpool lane stickers, it is an older program and has the same stickers, but silver in color. I don’t think there is a limit. CNG vehicles came out before hybrids but somehow the hybrids became all the craze. Now when I hear the morning traffic report say the Bay Bridge is backed up, I chuckle to myself because I know I’ll whiz by those people.

Where do you get your gas?

You have to go to a special gas station, and you never get that nasty gas smell on your hands. You do need to plan ahead and know where the stations are that provide natural gas. In the cities there are plenty of stations, for a trip to the country. Make sure you plan ahead! I can get 150 miles for a tank that will cost $8.00 to fill up. The tank is in the trunk and reduces the storage space a bit.

So what do you like about your car?

- passing everyone while in the commute lane
- the cheap gas... for my commute to work and a bit of driving around I spend about $40/month
- less pollution
- quieter then my previous car …but not as quiet as a hybrid
- it’s an automatic

And what don’t you like?

- It’s too slow – I have to accept that...I’m never going to get 0 to 60 in under 5 seconds, more like 12! Besides being on the lethargic side it is just like a normal Civic, which is a fine plain vanilla transportation.

And why did you not buy a hybrid?

I could not afford to buy the newest technology hybrid and I didn’t want an older model since the technology is changing so rapidly. I also thought it would be interesting to drive and live with an alternative fuel vehicle, it goes back to my core value set which includes “celebrating diversity” ..(laughs)..

(PS…Larry told me that he is actually starting to build a sports car in his garage…but that’s a whole other, long story, he said…)

Yes, I am a man of contradiction, a car guy driving this marshmallow of a vehicle around – but, if you are truly into cars you can find the beauty in every car.




Read automedia.com's review of Larry's car

Steve Jobs as David Copperfield in 1984

This video is just excellent. Whenever the audience of twenty two years ago breaks out in applause and "oohhs" and "aahhs", we now break out in giggles.... technology is a funny thing! And Steve Jobs has changed just as much as his Macintosh...

Pumpkin's galore...

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 1/4 cups mashed pumpkin or pumpkin puree
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup milk
1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts (optional)
1/2 cup raisins (optional)

Preheat the oven to 400 F.
Grease muffin tins, 12 medium ones or 3 to 4 dozen small ones; the small ones are preferred. In a large bowl, cream the butter with the sugar and the pumpkin. Blend in the eggs.
In another bowl, sift together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and baking powder. Gently mix the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture, alternating with the milk, stirring the mixture just long enough to incorporate all the ingredients. Fold in the walnuts and raisins.
Spoon the batter into muffin tins. Sprinkle the tops with additional cinnamon and sugar, if you like. Bake for 25 minutes (small tins), 35 to 40 minutes (large tins), or until they are nicely browned on top. Remove the muffins from the tins onto wire racks to cool. These are delicious the second day, and they freeze well. Makes 12 regular or 3 to 4 dozen small muffins.

Enjoy!

Special thanks to Lilo and Karl for this delicious contribution. Trust me, anything that comes from Lilo's kitchen is amazing...so slip that apron on and start preheating the oven!!

Do you have any (pumpkin) recipes? Dont be shy and submit one by email or leave it in the comment area below --

Berkeley vote "YES" on Measure A, please!

Why should the upcoming election on November 7th even concern me? As a green card holder I am not able to vote, and will simply have to rely on the good judgment and intelligence of my fellow residents....And then except my fate: The outcome of a (hopefully) intelligent, democratic happening. I trust you, Berkeley voters, for being part of this intelligent group, because why would anyone vote against supporting Berkeley Public Schools, their teachers, libraries, music programs, computers in schools and a lot more. Measure A has to pass to continue these programs with no increase in taxes.





I just received this email from a friend:

Hi fellow Berkeley public school families!

I'm writing because I hope you're as committed to seeing Measure A pass on November 7 as I am. For the first time, the anti-tax folks are coming out opposed to this measure even though, as you know, it is not a new tax, or even an increase, and it is essential for the future of our schools!

One way you can help is to come to a Measure A "mobilization party" tomorrow 6:30-8:00 pm at 1805 Stuart Street. (Sorry for the late notice.) If you're coming, please RSVP to Judy Appel -- jappel@gmail.com.

Another way to help is to come to contact the Measure A office, either at info@BerkeleyMeasureA.org or at 750-8214. Help is needed to walk door-to-door, make phone calls, table at the Spice of Life Festival and, of course, making donations to pay for all those lawn signs and mailers!

Hope to see you there!

(and dont forget to go to the "Spice Of Live" Festival this Sunday)

The perfect Sneaker -

My very good friend Kata, who is a translater, lives in Berlin, and amongst other books translated the "Princess Diaries" into German ("Ploetzlich Prinzessin"), wears these all the time. Again, from Canada the "Blackspot-Sneaker-People" make you feel good about wearing this shoe...this is from their website:

Philosophy Behind the Shoes

For years the old pattern went on. People were jaded by megacorporate control of so much of their lives, but couldn't see how they might take some power back. We decided to launch a counterattack. The result is the world's first global anti-brand: Blackspot Shoes. Earth- friendly, anti-sweatshop, cruelty free, and pro-grassroots, Blackspots are the only rough-and-ready shoes designed to give toxic megacorporations what they need the most: a swift kick in the brand.

I dont own a pair of these, yet (still saving)!! - but I tried on Kata's and they are very, very comfy, sturdy, and the black hemp gives them a very nice japanesee, organic look. Compared to regular Converse (that's obviously what they are copying here) they seem much more durable and the sole is a bit thicker, making me a bit taller... I liked that.

Question of the week:

So (when) can my child walk to and from school alone? Are we as parents over protective or not cautious enough? Are we projecting our fears onto our children, by stopping them to develop their independence, and healthy common sense? My friend suggested to post a weekly question and this was the first one that came to her mind.

Growing up in a small village in southern Germany this was just never a question for my parents. Everyone walked to school and I think still does. Which does not mean there weren't any strange encounters and the world was a perfect place.

See what Anne Karpf (The Guardian, UK) has to say and ...

please, leave a comment for my friend, who really wants to know!!

Basura bags

Need a new unique, colorful, non-commercial, luchbox for your kid? Or a shopping bag for those trips to the farmers market? Try Basura Bags, made out of recycled juice containers, by a woman's co-op in the Phillipines.



The canadian website has a lot of info and an online shop, but if you would like some assistance you can also get in touch with my friend and mom Susie who sells them from her home in Santa Barbara .... email me for some more info!