AUC in the Seventies

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The Caravan of the week after the Oct. 6 war in 1973.

AUC in the Seventies: Audio documentary
Length: 15:50

The Seventies stand for the Hippie movement, the music, the fashion, international politics and a change in the way people were thinking.the most significant symbols were the Beatles, bell bottom pants, tight shirts, mini skirts, the Vietnam War, student activism and free love. But how was the Middle East experiencing that time? What was Egypt, the opinion leading nation of the region going through. I went back to the Seventies and took a look at one of the most significant institutions of Egypt: The American University in Cairo. Interviewees include Mahmoud El Lozy, Samia Mehrez and Louis Greiss. Tune in and find out, what exactly campus life was like in the 70s and how students dealt with the '73 war.

Job Hunting

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Since I'm graduating this semester, I need to find a job.
As if this isn't already hard enough in our current economic situation, I need to find a job in Germany, where there are about three million unemployed. Three million!! Oph!!

Now what is it that makes me different? How can I ensure that I'm not going to join this vicious circle of unemployment?

Another thing that just recently came to my knowledge is that those years at AUC and a bachelor in broadcast media journalism do not necessarily qualify me for a regular full-time job as a reporter, journalist or editor.

No, in Germany they have this system of the so-called "Volontariat," which is basically a 2-year-long apprenticeship in my field.

So, here I go searching for an apprenticeship in Germany: Writing CVs and advertising for myself. Something, I am not used to at all.

But here's the deal: I AM qualified! I have work experience and -to be honest- the Mass Communication department at AUC is not as bad as some may think. I am trained. Ready to go and kick it.

And now I'm just hoping that somebody will give me a chance, despite studying at an American University (Many Germans think that's basically worthless), despite my foreign name and despite being a girl.

I am positive, that that somebody who's willing to hire me, will not regret it. Because I know I'm good at what I do - I'm just really bad at advertising for myself.

Promo for upcoming radio documentary "70s at AUC"

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Audio Promo:

Producer and narration: Jasmin Bauomy
Music: "Purple Haze" by Jimi Hendrix
SOT: Mahmoud El Lozy, AUC graduate 1976, Theater instructor at the AUC





What Jimmy Hendrix was for students in the West, Abdelhalim Hafez was for students at the American University in Cairo. But what else was different back in the Seventies? And what was the same? Tune into my podcast on worldrandoms.blogspot.com starting December 6. Or attend the listening sessions at AUC's new campus in New Cairo December 6. and 9. from 10-11 a.m. The sessions will be held in the BEC building, Room C114.

Listening Journal - The Hugging Guru

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Amma, the Hugging Guru doing her job in Paris.
But what is it in her hug that is so special?

This very entertaining documentary of the BBC Asian Network was produced by Perminder Khatkar and narrated by Ameet Chana. It is almost 25 minutes long, which initially seems to be a long time to talk about a person who simply gives hugs to people.

Amma, is a 56 year old Guru who travels the world and hugs people. Over the last 30 years she has hugged more than 30 million people and collects about ten million Pounds a year.

The documentary is basically divided into three parts. In the first part Chana goes to get a hug from Amma, the Hugging Guru. He interviews others who are standing in line and asks them about their expectations.

The second part of the piece covers a short interview with Amma. However, it's a bit unfortunate that the translation completely covers what Amma has to say. There is only a very short soundup of her talking before the translation takes over. Amma's own answer cannot even be heard in the background.

In the third part, Chana covers the criticisms that are directed towards Amma and interviews people who have doubts about her motives.

"The Hugging Guru" was particularly interesting because of the nature of the subject. On the other hand, the way the documentary is produced also doesn't leave you bored. Lots and lots of soundbites are scattered throughout the documentary and the Chana's language paints a very good picture of what is happening. You can literally see what is going on before your inner eye. Also, the fact that this is not an observing piece but instead the reporter is involved in the process and shares his opinions and experiences throughout, is what keeps your attention.

I was surprised about the good quality of the narration and the soundbites. The sound is clean and clear and it almost doesn't seem like the reporter is standing in a crowded stadium. I also liked that the reporter uses very casual language. His voice however is nothing special and his British accent can be annoying sometimes.

The length of the documentary is ok. It's not necessarily too long and it does keep your attention, but I also think, this could have been done in a shorter amount of time.

I loved the piece. It starts off on a humorous note and covers the subject of Amma from every angle. It has all the facts, criticisms and is emotionally compelling as well. All in all, this is very well done. But, in my opinion, the music transitions are sometimes a little bit abrupt and the type of music sometimes distracts you from the actual topic at hand. Other than that: Definitely a "have to listen to."

To listen: http://www.bbc.co.uk/asiannetwork/documentaries/thehuggingguru.shtml

Flashmob Obsession

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This week, I became obsessed with the idea of flashmobs. Flashmobs are gatherings, where people meet at a certain time at a certain place, suddenly break out into some crazy action for five minutes and then leave again as if nothing has happened.

People did flashmobs in remembrance of Michael Jackson and other occasions. However, usually, people just do it for fun.

It is a very "Western" thing to do and has absolutely no purpose except for having fun and confusing people and give them something to talk about.

But why hasn't it happened in Cairo yet? I mean, this is a large city with a large population of young people and it would be a great way to irritate the oppressive government here, even if it's just for a couple of minutes.

What if, coincidentally 500 people would meet up on Tahrir Square and suddenly freeze in their motions for five minutes. Would police come and arrest you? Would you get beaten up?

As I'm wondering, I decided to organize one myself - but I have to admit that I'm too chicken to do it in a public place. However, it simply irritates me how good the government has done its job of intimidating people, that even I get freaked out.

It is indeed sad, if you think about it.

Listening Journal - "Live? Die? Kill?"

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"Family" was one of the most common answers
to Mill's questions. (Picture by Austin Evan)

Title: "Live? Die? Kill?"
Producer/narration/reporting: Karen Mill
Length: 14 min 14 sec
Link: Third Coast International Audio Festival

For this documentary, independent radio producer Karen Mill, traveled around her neighborhood and asked people three questions: What do you live for? What would you die for? And what would you kill for? Mill interviews around 100 people for this feature and uses what she considered the best answers for her piece. To find those people she visits an art gallery, a Baptist Church, a farmers market, a senior center and a winery.

The documentary has a very promising title. After all, these are three questions that sound so simple and are yet so hard to answer. However, the documentary wasn't particularly interesting. I feel, Mill went a little bit overboard and should have maybe only concentrated on one of the groups that she visited. The most interesting part of the documentary is her visit to the senior center... I know this might sound cruel but, who would think, that people this old still have so much will to live?

The quality of the narrators voice was ok. In parts of her interview, I could barely make out what she was saying but other than that, the narration itself was fine. However, I have to admit that when I first listened to the piece, I thought the narrator was a man for the first five minutes. Whether that is a good or a bad thing is yet to be determined.

The length of the documentary was ok. At times I thought, it was a little boring and repetitive though. It's 14 minutes long, but I feel with a little bit more of an angle and more focus, it could have been done in a much more compelling way in maybe 5-7 minutes.

All in all, this feature is alright. It's a little bit frustrating to know that this could've been made so much more compelling, if Mill only narrowed down her interviewee group. There is one more thing that I noticed and that really irritated me: Mill often starts sentences with her narration and has them finished by her interviewee. I just feel that is really cheap and that this should only be done, if the quality of the soundbite is really bad. Why not let the interviewee say the whole thing?

At the end of the day, the idea to this feature is great but the realization is mediocre.

"Away We Go" - My audio movie review

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"Away We Go" - A movie that makes everything seem half as bad..
... at least if you're not alone

Title: "Away we Go" audio film critique

Duration: 3 min 45 secs

Background music: "All my days" by Alexi Murdoch

Script:

Hi, I'm Jasmin and in today's podcast I want to talk to you about a movie that really touched me and that I think everybody should see. It's called "Away we Go" and no! It's not a chickflick.
So.. listen up:

The director of the Oscar winning movie "American Beauty" has created a new, maybe... a little less spectacular masterpiece. In his new movie "Away we Go", director Sam Mendez portrays a happy couple that is on the quest for the perfect place to raise their baby.

Burt and Verona are an unmarried couple and expecting parents. Burt, is played by "The Office" darling John Krasinski and Verona is played by Maya Rulolph, who has been appearing a lot on Saturday Night Live.

Anyways, Burt and Verona travel around the country and visit friends and family and hope to find a support system for their own future family. Slowly, they have to realize that not everything is gold that glitters. In fact, they witness that many of the couples that they always thought were living the so-called perfect life, are really messed up and suffering deep down. It's no wonder that they start doubting whether the perfect place and the perfect life they've been looking for only exists in their hopes and dreams.

(soundbite from the trailer)

'Away we go' doesn't stand out for it's special effects or amazing dialogues. What makes this movie special is it's genuine nature, it's cinematic poetry and the amazing actors.

The combination of images, words and the amazing soundtrack make this movie really special. I loved the cinematography, which was so understated and yet so beautiful. The same goes for the couple in the story: They seem to be so genuine, carrying around so many hopes and dreams that you can't help but falling in love with them. The way Burt and Verona interact with each other is so sweet and caring and openhearted. And it feels good to see a couple like that on the big screen for once. Because nowadays all you see is messed up couples in a messed up world - and it's just SO reassuring to feel like you witness true love and care.

As for the soundtrack of the 'Away we Go' : Alexi Murdoch's melancholic guitar tunes give this movie it's special touch. Maybe you remember the film 'Lost in Translation' with Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson, that was so melancholic and also carried by great acting and good music. The feel that I get from 'Away we Go' is very similar. However, it doesn't leave you behind confused and sad like "Lost in Translation" does No. It leaves you and then touches you. The music stays in your head. So do the pictures and the story and the message.

Baz Luhrman would say. The world is not as bad as you think. Just breathe through the tough times, and you'll be fine.

Hashish in Egypt - subculture or mainstream?

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Smoking hash in Egypt has become normality and
so much more than a subculture (Picture: copyright Splifr)

When I first got to Egypt from Germany four years ago, I did not expect to find such a huge "subculture" of hash consumers. Over the years, I found that this is in fact not as much as subculture as it is a mainstream habit.

Most of the people that I'm surrounded by smoke up. Many of my friends, as well as cabdrivers, shop owners and business men and women. There really is no particular kind of person who is more apt to consuming hash.

However, this might be a generation appearance. Older people usually don't smoke up - at least not the ones in the city. With Bedouins, this is a different story. They don't have any age limits on smoking hash.

Anyways, from my observations, I would say that smoking hash is much more than a subculture in Egypt. I would almost estimate that about 60 percent of all Egyptians between the ages 16 and 35 do smoke up. But of course, this is just my own estimation.

Which leads me to my next question: why are they doing it? Smoking hash is obviously a way to feel indifferent to what is going on with and around you. The high, people get, creates a certain numbness and apathy, which many people consider a pleasant experience.

Unfortunately, this only works for the benefit of the Egyptian government. Because, even though the drug laws here are pretty strict, it is pretty easy for the normal Egyptian to get out of getting a jail sentence by distributing a little bribe here and there... everybody knows that.

I'm neither encouraging or discouraging the hash consummation, but I just find it peculiar that in a country like Egypt where so much is going wrong, a large portion of the population are taking drugs that will help them deal with the grievances in their immediate environment... Meanwhile, this country needs people who are aware and awake and ready to fight for their rights.

PSA to join the Student Action for Refugees (STAR)

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Student Action for Refugees (STAR) is a student-run organization at the
American University in Cairo (AUC) committed to working with refugees
to improve their lives in Cairo. Picture by Jasmin Bauomy

Script: DO SOMETHING, JOIN THE STARS!

Producers: Asmaa Alzohairy, Jasmin Bauomy
Announcers: Asmaa Alzohairy, Jasmin Bauomy
Link: http://clubs.aucegypt.edu/star/
Music: Nique
Contacts: azohairy@aucegypt.edu, jasmin.bauomy@gmail.com

STAR (STUDENT ACTION FOR REFUGEES)

Local Contact: Marwa Fikry, 012-237-8306, marwafikry14@hotmail.com

National Contact: Xenia Davis, Volunteering Project Co-ordinator, 020-7729-8880

Organization: Student Action for Refugees (STAR)

Contact Info: http://clubs.aucegypt.edu/star/contact/

http://www.star-network.org.uk/index.php/about/contact/contact_details

Heading: STAR’s Recruitment Campaign

Airdates: Ocotber 14^th, 2009 – December 15^th, 2009

30 seconds


ANNC1: Do you want to do community work and you don't know where to start? Well, how about using your English skills to reach out to refugees?

ANNC2: There are an estimated three million refugees living in Egypt right now. With STAR, the Student Action for Refugees, you get to to work with people, you wouldn't normally meet.

ANNC1: As a volunteer with STAR, you get an extraordinary teaching experience while refugees get a better chance at finding a job.

ANNC2: Check out clubs-dot-aucegypt-slash-S-T-A-R and send us an email.

BOTH: Take an action now, and join the stars!

BAN OF NIQAB IN EGYPT - I think, I beg to differ ... I think

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A woman wearing the Niqab demonstrates for the victims of the Gaza war.
Picture by Jasmin Bauomy

Recently the full face veil, the Niqab, was banned in Egyptian classrooms and dormitories. I don't quite know how I feel about that.

On the one hand, I was raised in Germany where freedom of religion is a valid law and people have the right to believe in whatever they want. But even there, the Islamic headscarf is banned in schools. And now, Egypt is doing "almost" the same thing and bans something that is considered "radical" for many "normal" Sunni Muslims.

But why all these quotation marks? Well, because things are relative. I find it really hard to develop an opinion about this because who am I to judge whether people want to cover their faces out of religious reasons? Can I look inside their head? No. Do I know the exact implications and details about this belief? No. - So, why does everybody seem to have an opinion but me?

This is what I believe: I believe, everybody has the right to practice their religion as they interpret it as long as no harm is done to others. And what is the harm that is being done to me, when I see a niqabi at school? As long as she doesn't tell me to put one on myself, I shouldn't be bothered or irritated.

As for the Niqab itself, I don't think that it is a sign of oppression. On the contrary, for many women it is an expression of their freedom. They know they are deviant to society, yet they choose to put on the Niqab. Very often even, you can find these women being extremely outspoken. Just like many others who don't wear the veil, they fight with cab drivers and curse like sailors. However, I often get the feeling that they are hiding something behind that veil. The fact, that they are hiding their faces gives them that extra freedom of saying things and doing things that many others wouldn't do. The facial veil often seems to be like a one way security wall - things can only reach the outside, but nothing will ever reach the inside.

But how would I know. Maybe things do reach the inside? You never know...

Listening Journal - WORLD VISION REPORT - "Esperanza Sings"

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Esperanza, the singing hotel housemaid

"Esperanza Sings" on World Vision Report, produced by reporter Todd Melby (duration 3 min 57 seconds)

Amidst protests against firing housekeepers of a hotel, reporter Todd Melby makes a wonderful discovery. While he is staying at a luxurious hotel in Arizona, he meets housekeeper Esperanza who sings beautifully while she works. This feature is the story of this encounter, in which he describes his emotions and thoughts about meeting Esperanza. This feature almost has the format of an audio diary and Melby doesn't shy away from using many natsounds and painted language that create images in the listeners' heads. Melby also interviews Esperanza and tells the listener about the detailed process of getting an interview with this maid. The piece ends with Esperanza singing and leaves behind a strong impression.

This feature was definitely very interesting. I actually think, I'll never forget it. Even though it was not particularly newsworthy, it offered a ray of light amid the darkness of today's unemployment figures. It illustrates, how some people are happy with what they have - simply, because that is what they can get. The use of natsound and interviews, as well as the Melby's narration make this piece unforgettable.

The quality of sound was great. But what impressed me the most in this feature was how Melby used his natsounds. He has natsounds of the fake waterfall in the hotel lobby, the elevator bell when he reaches his floor and you can even hear him getting closer to the source of music, when he approaches the room that Esperanza was cleaning while she was singing (or the other way round). The interviews were genuine and as a listener, I feel like I met Esperanza in real life.

The announcer's and the reporter's voices were very clear and the quality of sound was superb. Melby had natsounds backing up his narration, which didn't affect the quality of sound at all.

All in all, this feature had the perfect length. It feels like you went to a party and left when it was at it's best. It feels like, you want to stay but you know you shouldn't because from that point on, it'll just get boring.



World Vision Report - Week of October 3, 2009 - Esperanza Sings

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Listening Journal - NPR NEWSCAST

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NPR NEWSCAST with Carol Van Dam on Saturday Oct. 10, 12 a.m (duration: 4 min 49 sec)

This newscast included stories from all over the world, including the gunmen attacks on a main Pakistani army facility, killed NATO soldiers in Afghanistan, multiparty negotiations with North Korea about its nuclear weapons program, UN peacekeepers that were killed in a plane crash in Haiti, Pennsylvania's new budget, fires in California, the opening of the ski season in Colorado and Nevada, the US president speech to a gay rights group and several sports news. Most of the bulletins were readers and natsound was only used once for the story about the governor of Pennsylvania signing the new budget. Other than that some bulletins hosted NPR nationally and internationally posted correspondents.

I was surprised at how much better I could follow the NPR newscast than the BBC one. Hence, it's only natural that I found this NPR newscast much more interesting. The sentences were clear and concise and were all connected in context. I also liked that there was a sports section at the end. However, I found that only half of the newscast was focused on international news, the other half dealt with national news. And this is completely fine, considering it's called NPR, i.e. "National" Public Radio.

The quality of sound was great except for the recording of the correspondent in the Haiti story. It sounded like it was recorded over the phone. The sound was low and a bit muffled. I wish, the announcer would have mentioned that this was recorded over the phone. Maybe then I wouldn't have noticed it that much. As for the natsound, Van Dam only used one soundbit of the governor of Pennsylvania when he spoke about the new budget. I liked the use of that soundbit because it summed up what actually happened and also gave some background information.

The announcer's voice was good. Carol Van Dam seems to know what she's talking about and doesn't seem rushed in anything.

At the end of the day, I really liked that newscast. Even though it fit more stories into less time than BBC's newscast, I felt I could actually follow the information. The balance between natural sound and the information that was selected to make the bulletins conclusive was exactly right.

(Picture: copyright Carol Van Dam - The announcer of this newscast)

Listening Journal - BBC Worldservice Newscast

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BBC WORLDSERVICE - Excuse me, can you repeat that?

Hourly Newscast (Sat., 11 a.m.) with David Laing (duration: 5 min)

This newscast covered several international news such as a gunmen attack on a checkpoint in Pakistan, talks with North Korea about its nuclear weapons program, the death of 11 UN peacekeepers in Haiti, the Lisbon treaty of the European Union, rescue works in the Philippenes after the landslides, the conviction of a Canadian financier to 13 years in prison and the first clown in space. Most of the bulletins included reports by BBC's foreign correspondents and only one story was accompanied by an actuality.

To be honest, this newscast wasn't particularly interesting. But then again, is a newscast supposed to be interesting or informative? Hence, yes. It was definitely informative - however not particularly interesting. I don't quite understand how they decided on the ranking of the newscast. However, I do understand that casualties usually come first in a newscast. But recently so many things have been going on in Pakistan. Almost every day, people die in attacks or suicide bombings. If we are talking in terms of "interestingness", then this story has become quite "boring. I would have preferred to maybe have another angle on the story, other than the one of previous attacks. In the last sentence, the reporter mentions the Taliban that are somehow connected to the attacks. This would have been something that they could have elaborated on or given additional information instead of some of the information that was offered. Also, in order to say whether this newscast was interesting, I would have to have completely understood all the information that was given. Now, this might be because I'm slow but I'm asking, could it be that BBC presenters talk unbelievably fast? In fact, I could only fully understand everything the presenter said after I went back a couple of times. But what if I was just listening to the radio and was unable to rewind? There is absolutely no way I could have understood everything.

However, the quality of sound and David Laing's voice were good. I would have loved to have more natural sounds incorporated in the bulletins. But considering the content of today's news, I have to admit that it is hard to find any natsound that would go with the stories. So, the only natsound that was used was in the story about the first clown in space and I have to admit, that this is the story that stuck most in my memory, even though it might have been the least important and the very last in the ranking.

Timewise, the newscast was exactly right. However, I would have preferred to listen to one or two stories less in the same amount of time. Eight stories in a 5 minutes newscast: How can the announcer not talk fast and leave out some important additional information? It's impossible. So, if I was the producer, I would have given the announcer less stories and therefore more time to read and include facts that might further the understanding of the listener.

Project #2: Narrative / Nat Sound

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Cairo view from the Moatam hill at sunset. Photo by Jasmin Bauomy. If you want to listen to
the sounds of Cairo, follow this link or click on the title of this entry

On a weekend day in Cairo there are many sounds that accompany you.
If you follow this link to my podcast or click on the title of this entry, you can hear 10 natsounds of a Cairo day-off.

And these are the sounds:

1. The muezzin calling for prayer
2. Doing laundry
3. Cairo traffic with honking cars
4. Microbus asking for passengers
5. "Bekia"-guy asking for things he could sell
6. The metro driving into the station
7. Going to a cafe
8. Making lunch/ chopping veggies
9. Going to a concert of an Irish band
10. On the way home passing by a wedding

Listening Journal - 'WIZARD OF OZ' BEWITCHES AUDIENCES UNTIL TODAY

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The movie "Wizard of Oz" made Judy Garland famous and created
childhood memories that attracts audiences of all ages until today.
Not you? Check out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-ZULpr8m5o

Feature Title: "It's The Wonderful 'Wizard of Oz' At 70" on Weekend Edition of the NPR News
Producer: NPR
Length: 04:34 min
Link: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112991629

In this feature Scott Simon discusses the 70th birthday of the film "The Wizard of Oz". This piece is full of soundbites from the movie and also includes an interview with the president of the International Wizard of Oz Club, Angelica Carpenter. Simon also speaks with 94-year-old Meinhardt Raabe, one of the actors who played a Munchkin in the film. On top of that this feature serves as a promotion for the screening of the digitized updated version of the movie in over 400 theaters across the US.

This feature is definitely compelling because it plays on the listeners' memories. The producer did everything to create a nostalgic atmosphere, using soundbites from the movie, and bringing in one of the oldest living actors from the movie. This actor is 94 years old but still happens to remember his lines from the movie, which he is happy to recite. The old songs from 'The Wizard of Oz', the extraordinarily funny voice of this old man and the host singing one of the songs himself, make this piece an entertaining feature.

The quality of the sound was good but there was absolutely no natsound. Admittedly, in this case there was really no need to use any natsound. The soundbites from the movie, the two interviews and Simon's own singing make this a diversified feature piece.

The quality of the announcers voice is very good with absolutely no background noise. As for his voice in general, I feel he doesn't take the 94 year-old actor seriously, but he makes up for it when he starts singing a song from "The Wizard of OZ."

As for the length of the feature, it is just right. There was no point at which I felt: "when is this going to end?" The piece is entertaining throughout and offers the ears enough diversity for the listener not to get bored.

Generally, the piece was very entertaining. However, inviting the Munchkin-actor on air might have not been such a good idea. The old man sounds so weird that it drives away the attention from the story. I found myself wanting to listen to it again, not because the story is so compelling, but because the old man just sounds so funny.

Listening Journal - THE NEW "BAREFOOT" RUNNER USES SHOES

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Feature Title: "A Shoe for Barefoot Runners" on All Things Considered
Producer: NPR
Length: 5:01 minutes
Link: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112995970

The barefoot running shoes don't quite look like this - but very similar.

This five-minute feature deals with a new phenomenon in pop culture: barefoot running shoes. Guy Raz, the host of the NPR show "All Things Considered" starts off the piece by trying out those shoes first hand and documenting his experience while jogging. Natsound of feet jogging on a sandy ground and Rocky's running song "Eye of the Tiger" playing in Raz's earphones, make for a compelling beginning of the story. Then Raz takes the listener back to the studio where he interviews editor-in-chief of the magazine Runner's World, David Willey. They then discuss the advantages and disadvantages of barefoot running and how and when the idea of running shoes became popular.

Indeed, this feature was very interesting because of the playfulness of the show host. The fact that he went out and tried out those funny-looking shoes himself, was a compelling intro to the episode. Also, the change of location is always a nice thing to listen to. Raz moved from outdoors into the studio which is a nice change for the ear and keeps your attention on the piece. Another good thing was that Raz got lucky with his interview partner who seemed to be a very laid back guy with a good sense of humor.

The use of natural sound in this story was nice, although maybe a little top heavy. I like, how the nat sound of running on a sandy ground, the running song and the hosts narration all flow into each other and support each other. The quality of the natsound as well as the sound of the interview are very good and there is no background noise that would distract from the topic of this feature.

The quality of the hosts voice is very good. As for his voice in general, Guy Raz has a nice voice that is not outstanding. It's just a "normal" voice that is not particularly deep or pleasant. But there's one thing that sets Raz apart from many other radio show hosts, which is his charisma. You can hear when he's smiling. Also, his voice is very lively and never monotone, which makes this piece easy to follow.

The length of the feature was just right, but it could have been shorter. I think the interview went a little too much in depth about the arguments for barefoot running versus running with shoes. This part could have been cut out.

If I was sent to do this story, I would've maybe collected reactions by other runners. Those I could place at the end of the story and thereby take the listener back to the outdoors. However, it is just my personal preference to make a full circle and end a story at the same location, where I started it. Surely there are other ways to spice this story up.

Electo-meter Helps German Voters Make a Decision

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From left to right: Angelica Merkel (CDU)- our current uncharismatic
yet pragmatic mommy of the nation ("We have the power"), Guido Westerwelle - top candidate of the liberal king maker party FDP, who is famous for his enthusiastic personality ("Work - has to be worth it again), Frank-Walter Stainmeier (SPD) - our current foreign minister with no edges or traits that I can remember ("Dig in. For our Country.")

I might not be living in Germany right now, but at the end of the day. I'm German (yes.. yes.. AND Egyptian - I know) and I do have the right to vote in the upcoming German parliamentary elections. However, when I started informing myself about what's going on back home, I was highly disappointed:

Candidates refusing to go on air for a television debate and a mock-candidate, the German version of Borat, is stealing everybody's show. Moreover, parties who announce that they won't work in certain coalitions - be it the Jamaica coalition or the traffic-light coalition- and the usual reality checks and empty promises. This election is one of the most boring ones I have ever seen. And to be honest: I would have a hard time making up my mind either.

And it seems, I am not alone. Recent polls show that around 40 percent of those surveyed are still undecided. 40 percent??? That's a hell lot of people. But I'm sure, just like me, their first go-to point will be the website of the "Wahlomat" or translated, the "Electo-meter."

The electo-meter is supposed to help undecided voters with their
decision - but is it the optimal solution?

I personally think it's funny to have a website tell you who you're most compatible with based on 38 statements that you agree with, disagree with or are neutral about. Next comes a prioritization list. This sounds to me like a dating service.

Here are some examples:

• The German Army has to be withdrawn from Afghanistan immediately (Yes, No, Neutral)
• Germany should withdraw from the European Union
• Companies should decide over their managers' salaries
• Your first degree should be for free
• No animal tests
• The re-introduction of the D-Mark.
  

etc. etc. and the list goes on and on.

At the end you prioritize your topic list and ta-taa! You get your result. Here is mine:





According to this electo-meter, my views coincide the most with all the parties on the very left side on the spectrum, who also happen to have absolutely no chance of being in the government.

Die Linke: is the old PDS. Led by Gregor Gysi, a very charismatic man, this party now owns 11 percent of the votes according to polls. However, it also has absolutely no chance of being in the government because neither of the big parties want to form a coalition with the most popular leftist party.

DKP: German Communist Party - Absolutely no chance!

Gruene: The Green Party - Neither the CDU/CSU wants to form a coalition with them, nor the FDP do. What's left is the SPD, but according to polls, the number of all votes together won't be enough to be in the government.

At the end of the day, the German democracy is not that different from the US electoral system: We have two big parties and those two parties can basically choose whoever they want in their coalition. And then of course, we have the king maker party, which in this case is the FDP (The Liberals).

The Wahlomat really didn't help me out that much, so I went back and checked on their website. I must have not seen it the first time, but it clearly states that it won't give you a recommendation for who to vote for but serves as an informative site for the elections and politics.

Gee thanks! So, where do we go from here, my fellow 40 percent?


Fact check:
- The Wahlomat has been used 4.332.335 times for this upcoming election.
- Around 40 percent of the German population is still undecided who to vote for, a week before the elections.
- Election weather next Sunday is predicted to be cold (around 10 degrees Celsius) but not too rainy.

CAREERS ARE OVERRATED

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Climbing the career ladder can be a burden
- sometimes-

This I believe:

CAREERS ARE OVERRATED (to listen to this podcast, click on the title of this entry)

Do you remember what you wanted to be when you were a kid? I do.

I went through several jobs - at least in my head.
I wanted to be a horse jockey, a`pilot, a`stewardess, a tour guide, a twister hunter, a radio presenter or even an actress.

As kids we are much more flexible when it comes to finding new approaches to life. We never really think of a career - We think of a job that we would love.

But then comes a time when you are expected to make up your mind. You have to decide: which of of all these jobs and careers that are out there, is it going to be?
And all of a sudden, other factors play into your decision making: Will I make money? Can i have a family and do this job at the same time? Do I want to live close to my family? Where do I want to end up when I'm 60?

Unfortunately, the moment that you start asking yourself all those questions, is the moment you start being inflexible. Very rarely do people ask themselves: Will I be happy? And what exactly do I need to be happy?

I believe, that the road to happiness is doing what you love. Because if you do what you're passionate about, you'll most probably be good at it. Whether this coincides with a successful career or not, is a little side effect. And if there are some changes on the way and I have to readjust, then that's not a disaster - but instead a very good thing.

That's why I decided not to stress out just because I'm graduating this year. I know what I love. I know what I'm passionate about. And even if i don't end up as a manager or editor - I know I'll be happy. At the end of the day, the amount of money you have or how high you are in a company's hierarchy says nothing about how happy you are. And that's all I want from life - happiness.

Ramadan in Egypt - a "twisted" time of the year

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Eating yes, but only at a certain place at a certain time
OTHERWISE: you might get arrested?

For many people here in Egypt, the holy month of Ramadan is a time where they can remember the essence of life by getting the opportunity to spend time with their closest and fast and pray to clean their bodies and souls.

However, for some people, Ramadan seems to be the one opportunity during the year, in which they can openly display their fundamentalist views and be highly rewarded for it. By "people" I don't just mean the angry looks by men and women on the street when you pass - and obviously look like a foreigner, i.e. "infidel". No, I also mean the government institutions.

A couple of days ago the Egyptian police cracked down on non-fasters in Aswan, where they arrested 150 people for publicly eating, drinking or smoking. Also, the governor of Hurghada - one of the top tourist destinations at the Red Sea- ordered all restaurants and cafes to be closed during daytime. All this happens even though there is no official law that says that you're not allowed to break fast publicly.

These are only a couple of the incidents that were reported.

Now, I have a question: Is the willpower of those fasting people really that weak that they wouldn't bear seeing somebody (may he/she be a Christian or just somebody who can't fast for health reasons or simply because he/she doesn't want to) have a sip of water on the street?

I am seriously confused.

Even though, the Egyptian government claims to be secular, they don't shy away from adhering to fundamentalist policies and imposing laws that don't even exist as such.

Ramadan for me, is the most stressful month of the year because this is the only time that I don't only get harassed by men on the street, but also.. by women.

Let me explain: I don't fast, simply, because I would faint a couple times a day and because I am not fully convinced by the general interpretation and implementation of Islam. Still, I try to dress modestly, cover my shoulders and knees and don't eat or drink or smoke in public.

Even though I'm making an effort not to step on anybody's toes, men look at me, and while I pass comment on my "tight" jeans, my open hair or my lower arms showing. Under their breath, they curse ME for making THEM break their fast.

Well, excuse me - but how am I supposed to control their thoughts and prevent them from having any sexual mind trips? I obviously haven't acquired that skill yet.

What's worse though, is that I have women on the street cuss at me and calling me slut or worse things in Arabic. Now, why is that I have asked myself? Jealousy? Sudden urge to openly display that they are better than me - maybe more holy? a "better" Muslim?

I haven't come to a conclusion, yet. But it seems, in Ramadan open discrimination and offensiveness are totally ok while having a sip of water on the street is unacceptable!

In that sense, "happy" Ramadan

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Hamburg riots

Wahlometer, 1) Linke, 2) DKP, 3) Gruene, 4) Piraten, 5) FDP, 6) SPD, 7) DNP, 8) CDU/CSU

Google verzeichnet 31 Milliarden Suchanfragen monatlich. Wem wurden diese Fragen gestellt, bevor es das Internet und Google gab?

Generation Allein - was ist los mit unserer Generation.

Swine Flu Fever

War Games
Die amerikanische Kriegsindustrie kopiert Computerspiele.
Bisher diente der reale Krieg als Vorlage für Computerspiele - ab jetzt ist es umgekehrt. Der amerikanische Waffenhersteller Raytheon hat das sogenannte »Universal Control System« entwickelt - eine neue Steuerungseinheit für Militärdrohnen. Bisher waren diese unbemannten Miniflugzeuge über Tastatur nur sehr mühsam zu steuern, die Ausbildung kostspielig. Die Firma heuerte darum Spieleentwickler an und verwendet für die neue Benutzeroberfläche teilweise dieselbe Hardware, die in der Xbox oder der Wii zum Einsatz kommt.

Ideas:

- day of fototrip

- flashmob