It is now winter break. I then have another three weeks in which exams will take place and then another two week inter-semester break. For this break my brother and I decided we would do a small European tour. We have already traveled to Berlin and now have one day remaining here. I'll tell you more about this trip later, but first the story of my travels to Heathrow airport prior to the flight to Berlin.
December 22nd. My observations in note form
I arrived at 5pm for a 9:15pm flight. It's the last plane out of Edinburgh for the day. I sit for a while studying and reading, but hunger arrives. I decide to have take away sushi and sit by the departure signs to watch the people around me as I enjoy the snack. Straight in front of me are two people sitting the the sushi bar, the view of one is blocked by a Christmas tree. I look at this and enjoy the thought of a date between the dirty blond curly hair woman and the Christmas tree. Must be tough for the Christmas tree, he's not good at hold hands or a conversation, but he has all the right looks.
I sit there and next to me a manager from Eat. talks angrily to an employee, ordering him to clean the tables and change the trash bags in the trash cans. He says he can't finish because I'm sitting there, at his table. She gives him an angrier look.
Across from me sits a man of my height, but a bit older. He wears glasses. He listens to music with his red phones on. We're both waiting for information on our flight to appear, we're both people watching.
Cork, poor city of Cork. The plane going there is delayed. Not departing until 10:10pm. Looks like it wanted last place.
120 seconds to go until the gate is announced. 60 seconds. 15 seconds. There we are, gate 10.
With the gate announced people move again, traffic reverses. People appear from every direction all heading to those newly announced. As I sit down at the gate, Mr. Confused and Mr. Surprised appear in one person. He stands there, looking up at the board. Scratches his head. He looks to the window and does not see a plane. He's a smart guy, got it figured out. No plane there means that they have announced the wrong gate. He leaves. Two minutes. He's back. He sits down at the window looking out toward the gate.
Three policemen gather to my left. They stand there conversing in their bright yellow/green vests and black suits. The woman among them sees a friend and walks off. She embraces her and chats. The other two wait, and then go. She'll catch up.
Mr. Stage Crew is now at the gate setting up. He arranges the pole and shows it to Mr. Pose. Mr. Pose smiles, but shows the disappointment. He doesn't want official queues today. Mr. Stage Crew puts all the poles and lines away. Fine, we'll just take them at the counter.
Mr. Stage Crew. Glasses, brown hair. Bushy brow and a short mustache beard combination. He's joined by Mr. Gray who tells him something. Mr. gray is proud. He laughs.
Mr. Pose bends over and picks up the microphone. He calls and Boarding begins. We form a queue without ropes.
About two hours later I experience a very smooth landing at Heathrow airport. Congratulations Captain.
Overnight in Heathrow. 5am check-in for Berlin flight.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Hanukkah 2011, a nice surprise
I didn't plan on doing anything for Hanukkah this year except remembering it as I went about my days activities. But on the 19th of December, as fate would have it, my friend caught me in the library just 24 hours before candle lighting and asked what I was doing for Hanukkah. Having nothing, I told him so. He then told me we should do something and that's when an Idea hit. E-mail the Jewish family I knew was living in St Andrews and see what they were doing for the holiday.
I e-mailed them and received a message, come tomorrow to their friends house, two Israeli's for candle lighting and a celebration.
The next day, just as the sun had set in St Andrews, Ben and I went to the house. There we joined our friends with their kids along with the Israeli couple and their kids. Together we sang, lit candles and played dreidel. Israelis play a bit differently. Nes - take all. Gadol - take half. Haya - put one in. Poh - put two in. As I was told, on Poh you put two in to the pot because the miracle happened here (he said as he pointed to the lump of UK coins).
I e-mailed them and received a message, come tomorrow to their friends house, two Israeli's for candle lighting and a celebration.
The next day, just as the sun had set in St Andrews, Ben and I went to the house. There we joined our friends with their kids along with the Israeli couple and their kids. Together we sang, lit candles and played dreidel. Israelis play a bit differently. Nes - take all. Gadol - take half. Haya - put one in. Poh - put two in. As I was told, on Poh you put two in to the pot because the miracle happened here (he said as he pointed to the lump of UK coins).
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
A Day With Squeeze
These past few weeks I have taken an interest in entrepreneurship. About a week ago I attended a panel of local entrepreneurs. Four students were on the panel. Each student told how they came up with their idea and how it became a business. One of the students was a founder of a growing medical supply company in California. He started a few years ago and is now doing very well with 20 employees. Another was a student who took initiative to sell electric cars to businesses in Russia. There apparently aren't many vendors in Russia and he is now selling them in small batches. He has sold 10 and will soon move on to selling the next batch of 25.
The other two students were two of the three students who founded a local lemonade company, Squeeze. These students came together as a group with the common interest in experiencing what it was like to start a business from scratch. They settled on lemonade, a product they did not know much about, but enjoyed. Since then they have created their product, produce it, bottle it, and sell it. The three have branched out their original idea and have made a sustainable business. They host some very well known and cool events around town (example Squeeze 500) After the event the two offered anyone who wanted to come spend a day with them. They are looking for people to pass the business onto as they are fourth year students and graduating soon.
I took their offer.
Last Thursday I went to Squeeze's HQ and spent the morning with them. Our meeting began with greeting and a nice offer of hot drinks. When the supplies for the lemonade arrived we got into a small competition of cutting lemons while sharing stories and talking about Uni life. When all ingredients were prepped the base of the lemonade was made and we had time to talk as everything settled. Members came and left, using the break to gather the bottles and to go do neccessities. When all was ready, we combined the ingredients into the lemonade and bottled it. Then we put the labels on the bottles, completing them. We then made our way to the store were the bottles are sold and ended it back at HQ.
It was a short, but fun day. I learned a lot how they started their business and a lot of decisions they made along the way. They have kept the business small and local. They don't make a huge profit. They are a place to learn the many steps it takes to have a business. they make delicious lemonade :)
Thank you to Squeeze for having me.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
An Odd Thanksgiving
To everyone in the USA, I hope you had a great Thanksgiving.
Yet another Thanksgiving away from America. What did I do?
At 9a.m. St Andrews was honored to host a small visit from Chief Lord Rabbi Jonathan Sacks. Only a small number atteneded, but among the attendees was the University's Chaplian, the Jewish Society's Committee (my self included), faculty members and other students. An introduction was given by a famous philosophy professor who years prior was assigned to present Rabbi Sacks with an honorary degree. In the introduction Rabbi Sacks' lectures on education were highlighted as were other parts of his long history as a Rabbi.
Rabbi Sacks chose to give us a lecture about an old debate regarding Chanukah. I'll sum it up for you while trying to do it the justice it well deserves. In the Talmud there is a debate between Rav Shmuel and the Rav regarding the lighting of the candelabra. Rav says that we cannot use one candle to light the others for it drips wax and diminishes from the first candle. Rav Shmuel says that we are permitted to use one candle to light the others. In most situations the Talmud agrees with the Rav, but in this case, as it is one of the three, the Rabbis agree with Rav Shmuel. Why? For this Rabbi Sacks turned to two core ideas in the Jewish tradition, Influence and Power. In the Torah when Moshe is passing on his position to Joshua he first passes on his majesty and second lays his hands upon Joshua (smicha). Here Moshe is first passing on his Power and second his Influence. This is unique as Judaism usually has the two separated. Kings have Power, prophets have Influence. Power is something short term, just for one's life or the short period the reign. Influence is long lasting, we remember philosophers and teachers more than kings and emperors.
What is unique about the two, Power and Influence? If you are ruling and you gather nine people to help you rule, how much Power do you have now? 1/10th of before because now 10 people share the ruling position. If you are trying to Influence and you gather nine more people who share your idea, how much Influence do you have? 10 times the amount for now 10 people are sharing your idea and preaching it; trying to make the change. Thus, we returned to the debate between Rav Shmuel and the Rav. The two are arguing whether Hanukkah should be remembered as a holiday of power or one of influence. The Rav, by saying one diminishes, is saying that the miracle of Hanukkah is about power. Rav Shmuel is saying that the miracle of Hanukkah is about influence. Using the same candle adds to the others and transfers its flame.
He then concluded with the thought that we should strive for influence, not power. That having influence will last while power is only for a short time.
The rest of my day was a long drawn out day with classes and more. Among the good things was the setting up of an Interfaith Group that will represent faith societies of St Andrews if an issue arises and for hopes of future education.
I didn't get to have a Thanksgiving dinner that night, instead I worked at the cafe. A calm ending to a long day.
I hope you enjoyed this D'var.
Yet another Thanksgiving away from America. What did I do?
At 9a.m. St Andrews was honored to host a small visit from Chief Lord Rabbi Jonathan Sacks. Only a small number atteneded, but among the attendees was the University's Chaplian, the Jewish Society's Committee (my self included), faculty members and other students. An introduction was given by a famous philosophy professor who years prior was assigned to present Rabbi Sacks with an honorary degree. In the introduction Rabbi Sacks' lectures on education were highlighted as were other parts of his long history as a Rabbi.
Rabbi Sacks chose to give us a lecture about an old debate regarding Chanukah. I'll sum it up for you while trying to do it the justice it well deserves. In the Talmud there is a debate between Rav Shmuel and the Rav regarding the lighting of the candelabra. Rav says that we cannot use one candle to light the others for it drips wax and diminishes from the first candle. Rav Shmuel says that we are permitted to use one candle to light the others. In most situations the Talmud agrees with the Rav, but in this case, as it is one of the three, the Rabbis agree with Rav Shmuel. Why? For this Rabbi Sacks turned to two core ideas in the Jewish tradition, Influence and Power. In the Torah when Moshe is passing on his position to Joshua he first passes on his majesty and second lays his hands upon Joshua (smicha). Here Moshe is first passing on his Power and second his Influence. This is unique as Judaism usually has the two separated. Kings have Power, prophets have Influence. Power is something short term, just for one's life or the short period the reign. Influence is long lasting, we remember philosophers and teachers more than kings and emperors.
What is unique about the two, Power and Influence? If you are ruling and you gather nine people to help you rule, how much Power do you have now? 1/10th of before because now 10 people share the ruling position. If you are trying to Influence and you gather nine more people who share your idea, how much Influence do you have? 10 times the amount for now 10 people are sharing your idea and preaching it; trying to make the change. Thus, we returned to the debate between Rav Shmuel and the Rav. The two are arguing whether Hanukkah should be remembered as a holiday of power or one of influence. The Rav, by saying one diminishes, is saying that the miracle of Hanukkah is about power. Rav Shmuel is saying that the miracle of Hanukkah is about influence. Using the same candle adds to the others and transfers its flame.
He then concluded with the thought that we should strive for influence, not power. That having influence will last while power is only for a short time.
The rest of my day was a long drawn out day with classes and more. Among the good things was the setting up of an Interfaith Group that will represent faith societies of St Andrews if an issue arises and for hopes of future education.
I didn't get to have a Thanksgiving dinner that night, instead I worked at the cafe. A calm ending to a long day.
I hope you enjoyed this D'var.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
First Time in the Catering Business
Today I had a unique opportunity to help my friend waiter for her friend's catering job. For the event I had to prepare the tables and place settings, receive guests, and help serve food. All of this was followed by the honorable duty of cleaning and restocking dishes. It may not sound like much, but this is the experience I had been looking for. The chef was nice and welcoming as was the other waiter.
The two hosts of the event were both people who had work for the University. Both of them were very kind. The event was at a historic house in Cupar. The house was a grand home with tall ceiling and dark wooden walls. On the walls were paintings of hunting and game. Beyond the old kitchen there was a kitchen that appeared to be more than a century old. It had big ovens and walls lined with copper pans. Overall, the place was just neat.
There is a certain moment of my time there today that sticks out. While talking to our hostess, the waitress who I had just met discovered that they had met almost forty years prior. The hostess had been the waitresses french teacher back in secondary school. It was such a joy to see them reconnect after so long.
I hope more opportunities like this come along. They are too fun :). Special thanks to my friend Maria, who offered me the spot and allowed me to join her for a great day.
The two hosts of the event were both people who had work for the University. Both of them were very kind. The event was at a historic house in Cupar. The house was a grand home with tall ceiling and dark wooden walls. On the walls were paintings of hunting and game. Beyond the old kitchen there was a kitchen that appeared to be more than a century old. It had big ovens and walls lined with copper pans. Overall, the place was just neat.
There is a certain moment of my time there today that sticks out. While talking to our hostess, the waitress who I had just met discovered that they had met almost forty years prior. The hostess had been the waitresses french teacher back in secondary school. It was such a joy to see them reconnect after so long.
I hope more opportunities like this come along. They are too fun :). Special thanks to my friend Maria, who offered me the spot and allowed me to join her for a great day.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Reflections on Prague
Doors of Prague:
While in Prague we had fun doing a few tasks. Firstly, of the first four to be in Prague, we
each took an American chain and photographed each location we could find. KFC won. We could only find a couple of Starbucks and one Hooters. Secondly, we did a project. Like an artist had done, 
we set out to photograph all the amazing doors of Prague. So many of the doors are as beautiful or more beautiful than the buildings that possess them.
Food & Drink:
Prague is a place of amazingly cheap food and drink. At most places, the beer we ordered was cheaper than water. At the first restaurant we went to, the one tucked away between two apartment buildings, my whole meal was three pounds. The food does not suffer in quality. Prague food has a homeade feel about it and every dish I had was delightful. Being vegetarian wasn't difficult :)
Some meals that particularly stuck out:
Perpetuum: A place known for its duck. When I told the waiter I was vegetarian he suggested that I have the chef do a special. My meal turned out to be creamy chestnut soup and a mushroom risotto topped with a scoop of homemade mushroom ice cream.
Bellavista: The restaurant at the monastery that overlooks Prague. I had mushroom and potato soup in a bread bowl.
The Globe: The English bookstore's cafe. I had a Spinach Burger made of spinach, walnuts, onions, mushroom and Balkan cheese. mmhmm
Everywhere: Trdlo. A deliciously grilled pastry made of bread, sugar and spices. It is served at almost any outdoor bakery and was often our chosen snack.
Drinking in Prague was different for me than drinking in Scotland. In Prague, as the guide book said, drinking happens at most meals and is even acceptable at breakfast. Most of our meals were accompanied by wine or beer. However, the thing I liked most about Prague was the availability of hot, mulled wine. While walking, I could usually find a street vendor with mulled wine. On a chilly day it was the perfect cure and relaxant. A new favorite of mine that I will bring to the states.
Architecture:
The town is beautiful. While walking, I noticed that each building looks as it comes from another part of the world. In seconds, it felt as if I was in Italy, France, the UK and home. The architecture truly made Prague feel comfortable. Nothing felt too foreign. Just a little part of everywhere that could relate to anyone.
People
English is not the first language, nor is it necessarily a commonly known language. Frequently I would notice I was unable to communicate with the locals. However, most had a very friendly and helping attitude. They would try to understand and attempt to point you to the right place or one they thought appropriate.
Czech is its own thing. We attempted learning to pronounce some Czech and I'd say we did a good job. With each brief lesson from the guide book we attempted to try and pronounce a formally seen word the correct well. By the end we were saying "Goodmorning" and "Thank You".
Exploring & History:
Don't go to Prague with a plan and don't take public transportation. It felt so good to just be there and come up with ideas day by day, hour by hour. We walked everywhere. Prague is a city designed for a visitor to explore and enjoy.
Conclusion:
I could not have asked for a better place to visit. It's beautiful and welcoming. I felt great. The only regret I have is that I didn't make it out to Depo Hostivař ;).
While in Prague we had fun doing a few tasks. Firstly, of the first four to be in Prague, we
each took an American chain and photographed each location we could find. KFC won. We could only find a couple of Starbucks and one Hooters. Secondly, we did a project. Like an artist had done, 
we set out to photograph all the amazing doors of Prague. So many of the doors are as beautiful or more beautiful than the buildings that possess them.Food & Drink:
Prague is a place of amazingly cheap food and drink. At most places, the beer we ordered was cheaper than water. At the first restaurant we went to, the one tucked away between two apartment buildings, my whole meal was three pounds. The food does not suffer in quality. Prague food has a homeade feel about it and every dish I had was delightful. Being vegetarian wasn't difficult :)
Some meals that particularly stuck out:
Perpetuum: A place known for its duck. When I told the waiter I was vegetarian he suggested that I have the chef do a special. My meal turned out to be creamy chestnut soup and a mushroom risotto topped with a scoop of homemade mushroom ice cream.
Bellavista: The restaurant at the monastery that overlooks Prague. I had mushroom and potato soup in a bread bowl.
The Globe: The English bookstore's cafe. I had a Spinach Burger made of spinach, walnuts, onions, mushroom and Balkan cheese. mmhmm
Everywhere: Trdlo. A deliciously grilled pastry made of bread, sugar and spices. It is served at almost any outdoor bakery and was often our chosen snack.
Drinking in Prague was different for me than drinking in Scotland. In Prague, as the guide book said, drinking happens at most meals and is even acceptable at breakfast. Most of our meals were accompanied by wine or beer. However, the thing I liked most about Prague was the availability of hot, mulled wine. While walking, I could usually find a street vendor with mulled wine. On a chilly day it was the perfect cure and relaxant. A new favorite of mine that I will bring to the states.
Architecture:
The town is beautiful. While walking, I noticed that each building looks as it comes from another part of the world. In seconds, it felt as if I was in Italy, France, the UK and home. The architecture truly made Prague feel comfortable. Nothing felt too foreign. Just a little part of everywhere that could relate to anyone.
People
English is not the first language, nor is it necessarily a commonly known language. Frequently I would notice I was unable to communicate with the locals. However, most had a very friendly and helping attitude. They would try to understand and attempt to point you to the right place or one they thought appropriate.
Czech is its own thing. We attempted learning to pronounce some Czech and I'd say we did a good job. With each brief lesson from the guide book we attempted to try and pronounce a formally seen word the correct well. By the end we were saying "Goodmorning" and "Thank You".
Exploring & History:
Don't go to Prague with a plan and don't take public transportation. It felt so good to just be there and come up with ideas day by day, hour by hour. We walked everywhere. Prague is a city designed for a visitor to explore and enjoy.
Conclusion:
I could not have asked for a better place to visit. It's beautiful and welcoming. I felt great. The only regret I have is that I didn't make it out to Depo Hostivař ;).
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Bohemia Bohemia
I, and five friends, spent this past week in the city of Prague, the Czech Republic's capital and a city that has been rated one of the 10 most beautiful cities in the world.
Four of us began our trip departing St Andrews on an autumn casted St Andrews. Arriving in Prague late at night we met up with my friend Elli, briefly, who guided us to our hostel. We quickly dropped off our luggage in order to go out for dinner. Walking around the streets we found a place tucked away between two apartment buildings. The place was a perfect place to start. It's interior was green and black. Street lamps filled the place and gave it an outside feel.
Appearing touristy, we were the only foreigners there. Our waiter was a kind, young Czech. He spoke English well and gave us a nice welcome to Prague (and gave me a little trouble for being vegetarian :) ). After our meal we headed back to our hostel to rest and prepare for the following day.
Our second day in Prague began with a quick and silly wild goose chase. Attempting to find our other two friends we went down to a train station to meet them only to receive a text saying they were at the hostel. Meeting up with them we took a quick break and then sent out explore sunny Prague. On our way to Old Town Square we stopped by a couple of little
shops and a beautiful church. One of the little shops was a toy shop that sold traditional toys. These included marionettes, dolls, and cute racing games. There were also wooden models and painted eggs. The church was quiet, oddly empty of people. It has gold along its columns and gates, along with paintings and statues.
At Old Town Square we discovered the tourist center of Prague. Small shops with Prague decor, t-shirts, glass and baked goods lined the streets leading up to it. Within the square there are restaurants, tourist centers, museums, galleries, and a huge clock tower. On one side of the tower there is the famous astronomical clock (Originally built in 1410). We spent some time in the square, enjoying the buildings around us, exploring the street market, and sharing previously bought baked goods.
After the square we made our way to the Jewish section of Prague. We visited pinkasova synagoga, a place dedicated to the 80,000 Jews of Prague that died in WW2. The names of the victims are written all along the walls in letters of black and red. Upstairs, there are pictures drawn by children from WW2. Outside we went to the Old Jewish Cemetery. Thousands of graves stand close together, packed in to the small allotted ground. The place appears untouched, as if created by nature itself. Among the buried there is Rabbi Low (the creator of the Golem). After the cemetary we made our way to the Jewish Ceremonial Hall. We learned
about burial tradition among Bohemian Jews and the structure of the society. An old painting depicted Jews in clothing I had not imagined them; high socks, three-pointed hats and black suit coats. Overall I was stunned by the Jewish history there. A part of Judaism I feel for yet felt hard to relate to. It was so long ago and so different from what I have experienced.
We then went across the river on the Charles Bridge , stopping in a view shops that sold antiques and cute rabbi figurines. The bridge is home to several statues that line its stone rails. Among the statues there are saints and important figures. One of the statues is a depiction of Jesus on the Cross.
Under his arms appear the words. Kadosh Kadosh Kadosh, Adonai Tzeva'ot. Holy Holy Holy is the Lord of hosts. The statue caught my eye and I am still debating its meaning to me. It is a statue of controversy and there is a tablet there to notify the public.
After the Charles Bridge we met again with my friend, Elli, and joined her along with her flatmate to a restaurant, The Globe. The Globe is a small cafe. It is Prague's first English bookstore and sells 10,000 hand picked titles. It serves American style food and has a great atmosphere. After eating we browsed through the many books. This ended our second day.
Our third day began very slowly. Everyone slept in and enjoyed a relaxed morning. We went out for breakfast (really lunch) at Bohemia Bagel. On our way there we strolled along the streets and again looked around at the local shops. We also began our project for the next few days, Doors of Prague (post coming soon).
Afterward we split up. The guys went to explore the hill that over looks all of Prague. It was a long climb, the whole time surrounded by autumn. Along the way up we took stops to enjoy the surroundings and capture photos of Prague. After a couple of hours there (where we discovered an observatory and mirror-maze) we journeyed toward Prague's Castle. On our way we found embassies from many countries. Germany has one of the most beautiful. Unfortunately, we did not make it to the castle and instead found ourselves lost. We eventually joined up with the gals and journeyed back to the hostel. After a short rest and some time to relax we went out to Perpetuum, Prague's duck restaurant. It was an adventure traveling there. We had forgotten directions and so we asked many locals how to get there. Our Czech was poor and it took us many attempts until one lady new where to go. We got there and found no tables in the main area available. Instead, we were given a private room in the basement of the restaurant. We feasted there (food post coming soon) and then went on a hunt for a Jazz clubs.
We searched the streets until we chanced upon a club one of our group had formally been to, the Jazz Republic. There we heard a few minutes of Jazz until the club was overwhelmed by a group of Italian teens. The band concluded shortly afterward and we set out for the next club. There we were told the band was also finishing up so we took a slow walk back to the hostel.
Our last full day in Prague, the 9th, was undoubtedly the best of them all. We all, except one, woke up to discover she had brought us baked goods for breakfast. We ate in and then dispatched to the Strahov Monastery. We meant to immediately see the library, but it was closed for a short while. So, we went to the back of the monastery where there was a restaurant that overlooked Prague. We sat outside, enjoying games of cards, light chat, and a warm meal. We went inside when the library reopened and walked through a building that stunned us. The entrance walls were lined with sea life and old volumes of books. Of the two rooms we were allowed to see one has shelves all the way to a high, painted ceiling. The other room was much smaller, but still painted and lined with books from head to toe. In it were multiple globes that divided the room. I could think that if all libraries were as beautiful as this one that I'd be in one most days, whenever possible. It was hard to leave.
When we did leave, we went down to Prague Castle. We spent a couple of hours there exploring the world's largest castle. We started with the St. Vitus Cathedral, a Roman Catholic church. I was awed by the cathedral and its Gothic architecture. I almost believed I could have been a priest or a monk if that is where I spent my days. Then we went to the Vladislav Hall and the Old Royal Palace. The guys then split and spent time in the armory, looking at armor from the middle ages and before. We concluded with a hot beverage and an overlook of Prague.
Hours later we went to an opera, the Jacobin, at Prague National theater. Its was written by Antonin Dvorak. For my first opera, I could not have asked for a more delighting show. The Jacobin tells of the events occurring in a small Bohemian town in the 1793. It is full of laughter and love. Throughout it sends a message that music and song are important in life. A full summary can be found on Wikipedia (I don't want to spoil it!).
After the Opera we went to Elli's to surprise my friend for her birthday We all sat around and enjoyed a variety of Czech cakes. Delicious! After filling ourselves we went back to the hostel to rest before the journey home.
Finally, a shout out to Elli. Elli is currently doing a Jewish Studies abroad program in Prague. She's a states-side friend of mine and someone I consider one of my closest and truest friends. Had it not been for her, I would have never thought to go to Prague or to invite my friends along. I owe this beautiful escape from the ordinary of university to her. Thank you, Elli, for the invitation to visit you and for being an amazing host. We had an amazing time.
Four of us began our trip departing St Andrews on an autumn casted St Andrews. Arriving in Prague late at night we met up with my friend Elli, briefly, who guided us to our hostel. We quickly dropped off our luggage in order to go out for dinner. Walking around the streets we found a place tucked away between two apartment buildings. The place was a perfect place to start. It's interior was green and black. Street lamps filled the place and gave it an outside feel.
Appearing touristy, we were the only foreigners there. Our waiter was a kind, young Czech. He spoke English well and gave us a nice welcome to Prague (and gave me a little trouble for being vegetarian :) ). After our meal we headed back to our hostel to rest and prepare for the following day.
Our second day in Prague began with a quick and silly wild goose chase. Attempting to find our other two friends we went down to a train station to meet them only to receive a text saying they were at the hostel. Meeting up with them we took a quick break and then sent out explore sunny Prague. On our way to Old Town Square we stopped by a couple of little
shops and a beautiful church. One of the little shops was a toy shop that sold traditional toys. These included marionettes, dolls, and cute racing games. There were also wooden models and painted eggs. The church was quiet, oddly empty of people. It has gold along its columns and gates, along with paintings and statues.
At Old Town Square we discovered the tourist center of Prague. Small shops with Prague decor, t-shirts, glass and baked goods lined the streets leading up to it. Within the square there are restaurants, tourist centers, museums, galleries, and a huge clock tower. On one side of the tower there is the famous astronomical clock (Originally built in 1410). We spent some time in the square, enjoying the buildings around us, exploring the street market, and sharing previously bought baked goods.
After the square we made our way to the Jewish section of Prague. We visited pinkasova synagoga, a place dedicated to the 80,000 Jews of Prague that died in WW2. The names of the victims are written all along the walls in letters of black and red. Upstairs, there are pictures drawn by children from WW2. Outside we went to the Old Jewish Cemetery. Thousands of graves stand close together, packed in to the small allotted ground. The place appears untouched, as if created by nature itself. Among the buried there is Rabbi Low (the creator of the Golem). After the cemetary we made our way to the Jewish Ceremonial Hall. We learned
about burial tradition among Bohemian Jews and the structure of the society. An old painting depicted Jews in clothing I had not imagined them; high socks, three-pointed hats and black suit coats. Overall I was stunned by the Jewish history there. A part of Judaism I feel for yet felt hard to relate to. It was so long ago and so different from what I have experienced.We then went across the river on the Charles Bridge , stopping in a view shops that sold antiques and cute rabbi figurines. The bridge is home to several statues that line its stone rails. Among the statues there are saints and important figures. One of the statues is a depiction of Jesus on the Cross.
Under his arms appear the words. Kadosh Kadosh Kadosh, Adonai Tzeva'ot. Holy Holy Holy is the Lord of hosts. The statue caught my eye and I am still debating its meaning to me. It is a statue of controversy and there is a tablet there to notify the public.After the Charles Bridge we met again with my friend, Elli, and joined her along with her flatmate to a restaurant, The Globe. The Globe is a small cafe. It is Prague's first English bookstore and sells 10,000 hand picked titles. It serves American style food and has a great atmosphere. After eating we browsed through the many books. This ended our second day.
Our third day began very slowly. Everyone slept in and enjoyed a relaxed morning. We went out for breakfast (really lunch) at Bohemia Bagel. On our way there we strolled along the streets and again looked around at the local shops. We also began our project for the next few days, Doors of Prague (post coming soon).
Afterward we split up. The guys went to explore the hill that over looks all of Prague. It was a long climb, the whole time surrounded by autumn. Along the way up we took stops to enjoy the surroundings and capture photos of Prague. After a couple of hours there (where we discovered an observatory and mirror-maze) we journeyed toward Prague's Castle. On our way we found embassies from many countries. Germany has one of the most beautiful. Unfortunately, we did not make it to the castle and instead found ourselves lost. We eventually joined up with the gals and journeyed back to the hostel. After a short rest and some time to relax we went out to Perpetuum, Prague's duck restaurant. It was an adventure traveling there. We had forgotten directions and so we asked many locals how to get there. Our Czech was poor and it took us many attempts until one lady new where to go. We got there and found no tables in the main area available. Instead, we were given a private room in the basement of the restaurant. We feasted there (food post coming soon) and then went on a hunt for a Jazz clubs.
We searched the streets until we chanced upon a club one of our group had formally been to, the Jazz Republic. There we heard a few minutes of Jazz until the club was overwhelmed by a group of Italian teens. The band concluded shortly afterward and we set out for the next club. There we were told the band was also finishing up so we took a slow walk back to the hostel.
Our last full day in Prague, the 9th, was undoubtedly the best of them all. We all, except one, woke up to discover she had brought us baked goods for breakfast. We ate in and then dispatched to the Strahov Monastery. We meant to immediately see the library, but it was closed for a short while. So, we went to the back of the monastery where there was a restaurant that overlooked Prague. We sat outside, enjoying games of cards, light chat, and a warm meal. We went inside when the library reopened and walked through a building that stunned us. The entrance walls were lined with sea life and old volumes of books. Of the two rooms we were allowed to see one has shelves all the way to a high, painted ceiling. The other room was much smaller, but still painted and lined with books from head to toe. In it were multiple globes that divided the room. I could think that if all libraries were as beautiful as this one that I'd be in one most days, whenever possible. It was hard to leave.
When we did leave, we went down to Prague Castle. We spent a couple of hours there exploring the world's largest castle. We started with the St. Vitus Cathedral, a Roman Catholic church. I was awed by the cathedral and its Gothic architecture. I almost believed I could have been a priest or a monk if that is where I spent my days. Then we went to the Vladislav Hall and the Old Royal Palace. The guys then split and spent time in the armory, looking at armor from the middle ages and before. We concluded with a hot beverage and an overlook of Prague.
Hours later we went to an opera, the Jacobin, at Prague National theater. Its was written by Antonin Dvorak. For my first opera, I could not have asked for a more delighting show. The Jacobin tells of the events occurring in a small Bohemian town in the 1793. It is full of laughter and love. Throughout it sends a message that music and song are important in life. A full summary can be found on Wikipedia (I don't want to spoil it!).
After the Opera we went to Elli's to surprise my friend for her birthday We all sat around and enjoyed a variety of Czech cakes. Delicious! After filling ourselves we went back to the hostel to rest before the journey home.
Finally, a shout out to Elli. Elli is currently doing a Jewish Studies abroad program in Prague. She's a states-side friend of mine and someone I consider one of my closest and truest friends. Had it not been for her, I would have never thought to go to Prague or to invite my friends along. I owe this beautiful escape from the ordinary of university to her. Thank you, Elli, for the invitation to visit you and for being an amazing host. We had an amazing time.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
The jewish New Year
Rosh Hashannah, the Jewish New Year.
Bamidbar (Numbers) 29:1-6.
1. In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall observe a sacred occasion: you shall not work at your occupations. You shall observe it as a day when the horn is sounded. 2. You shall present a burnt offering of pleasing odor to the Lord: one bull of the herd, one ram, and seven yearling lambs, without blemish. 3. The grain offering with them - choice flour with oil mixed in - shall be: three-tenths of a measure for a bull, two-tenths for a ram, 4. and one-tenth for each of the seven-lambs. 5. And there shall be one goat for a purification offering, to make expiation in your behalf. 6. in addition to the burnt offering of the new moon with its grain offering and the regular burnt offering with its grain offering, each with its libation as prescribed, gifts of pleasing odor to the Lord.
Bamidbar (Numbers) 29:1-6.
1. In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall observe a sacred occasion: you shall not work at your occupations. You shall observe it as a day when the horn is sounded. 2. You shall present a burnt offering of pleasing odor to the Lord: one bull of the herd, one ram, and seven yearling lambs, without blemish. 3. The grain offering with them - choice flour with oil mixed in - shall be: three-tenths of a measure for a bull, two-tenths for a ram, 4. and one-tenth for each of the seven-lambs. 5. And there shall be one goat for a purification offering, to make expiation in your behalf. 6. in addition to the burnt offering of the new moon with its grain offering and the regular burnt offering with its grain offering, each with its libation as prescribed, gifts of pleasing odor to the Lord.
א. וּבַחֹדֶשׁ הַשְּׁבִיעִי בְּאֶחָד לַחֹדֶשׁ מִקְרָא קֹדֶשׁ יִהְיֶה לָכֶם כָּל מְלֶאכֶת עֲבֹדָה לֹא תַעֲשׂוּ יוֹם תְּרוּעָה יִהְיֶה לָכֶם
ב. וַעֲשִׂיתֶם עֹלָה לְרֵיחַ נִיחֹחַ לַי־הֹוָ־ה פַּר בֶּן בָּקָר אֶחָד אַיִל אֶחָד כְּבָשִׂים בְּנֵי שָׁנָה שִׁבְעָה תְּמִימִם
ג. וּמִנְחָתָם סֹלֶת בְּלוּלָה בַשָּׁמֶן שְׁלֹשָׁה עֶשְׂרֹנִים לַפָּר שְׁנֵי עֶשְׂרֹנִים לָאָיִלד. וְעִשָּׂרוֹן אֶחָד לַכֶּבֶשׂ הָאֶחָד לְשִׁבְעַת הַכְּבָשִׂים
ה. וּשְׂעִיר עִזִּים אֶחָד חַטָּאת לְכַפֵּר עֲלֵיכֶם
ו. מִלְּבַד עֹלַת הַחֹדֶשׁ וּמִנְחָתָהּ וְעֹלַת הַתָּמִיד וּמִנְחָתָהּ וְנִסְכֵּיהֶם כְּמִשְׁפָּטָם לְרֵיחַ נִיחֹחַ אִשֶּׁה לַי־הֹוָ־ה
Typically, on Rosh Hashannah I would find myself at Maine Township Jewish Congregation (MTJC) with the other members. But this was not the case for this past Rosh Hashannah. MTJC is no longer together, dispersed among many synagogues and merged with another, and I am abroad.
As part of the Jewish Society's committee I volunteered to organize and cook for a Rosh Hashannah event. The food was decided early on in a meeting; scones with apples and honey. The service part, the Rosh Hashannah bit, was difficult to figure out. The Jewish Society here is full of Jews from various backgrounds, various religious beliefs and various practices. This led me all over the place in terms of what to organize. I started imagining a prayer service. Later, I turned to a purely factual service, just difining Rosh Hashannah. Then, after a friends comment, I decided an introduction to Rosh Hashannah and then a moment where I would ask people to share their Rosh Hashannah experiences.
When it came to Wednesday night, I followed the latter plan. In a room full of more than 20 people I began, after a friends sing a long (Muppet's song), to tell people about Rosh Hashannah. I read a the above passage to them and explained the meaning of Rosh Hashannah. Afterward, I asked them to tell about a positive Rosh Hashannah experience. Not too many people shared. The committee then brought out the food and our social began.
After the social there was still time to spare. With permission from the committee and the approval of the attending, there was consensus that we should do Tashlich. As a group we made our way down to a nearby river. On a bridge we gathered and there I explained the service of Tashlich.
The following passage was read from Micah 7: 18-20.
Who is like You, God, who removes iniquity and overlooks transgression of the remainder of His inheritance. He does not remain angry forever because He desires kindness. He will return and he will be merciful to us, and He will conquer our iniquities, and He will cast off our sins into the depths of the seas. Give truth to Jacob, kindness to Abraham, like that you swore to our ancestors from long ago.
For seven minutes we stood in silence as we all thought about our selves, our sins to others, and where we want to be. Pieces of bread fell to the water as gravity, sin, and thought threw them down.
Sources: Chabad.org, judaism.about.org, wikipedia, Etz Chayim
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Working at Bibi's Cafe
"Sir/Ma'am, are you ready to order?"
"What can I get for you?"
Scribble, Scribble
"Sure, thank you"
Walk as the boots hit the ground one by one, a runway walk.
Table Number, Number of People
Punch in the till the order, food, drink, soft drink
The printing of the paper and the sharp slice
Paper to the drinks, food copy to the back
Cutlery to the table
The clink of saucers and small plates
Ripping of packets and soft sounds of cakes being placed
The steam of hot water and the froth of milk
The slow pour and the quick stir
Spoon to the side, spoon inside
The call for order
the balancing task while walking to the table
the placement
"Enjoy"
The order is done, the next to come. Cycles.
"What can I get for you?"
Scribble, Scribble
"Sure, thank you"
Walk as the boots hit the ground one by one, a runway walk.
Table Number, Number of People
Punch in the till the order, food, drink, soft drink
The printing of the paper and the sharp slice
Paper to the drinks, food copy to the back
Cutlery to the table
The clink of saucers and small plates
Ripping of packets and soft sounds of cakes being placed
The steam of hot water and the froth of milk
The slow pour and the quick stir
Spoon to the side, spoon inside
The call for order
the balancing task while walking to the table
the placement
"Enjoy"
The order is done, the next to come. Cycles.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
A Reflection, September 10th
It has been 11 days since I walked into the house.
The house, once empty, is now filled with little things that I have brought into it. Walking into the house the front hallway greets me with a view of three rooms: the bathroom, the kitchen, and the living room. Their doors stand open in their places, held by rubber wedges. In the bathroom there is a rusted metal shelf fastened to the wall of the shower. On the second of three shelves sits a body wash, shampoo and conditioner. On the windowsill a cup is placed with tooth brushes. Next to the cup sits the toiletries. The feel of familiarity has not dawned itself upon the place. It smells of new and unused. Not a home, a house.
The house, once empty, is now filled with little things that I have brought into it. Walking into the house the front hallway greets me with a view of three rooms: the bathroom, the kitchen, and the living room. Their doors stand open in their places, held by rubber wedges. In the bathroom there is a rusted metal shelf fastened to the wall of the shower. On the second of three shelves sits a body wash, shampoo and conditioner. On the windowsill a cup is placed with tooth brushes. Next to the cup sits the toiletries. The feel of familiarity has not dawned itself upon the place. It smells of new and unused. Not a home, a house.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
August 30th, 2011
Sitting in Bibi's on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. . .
The sky was a dark gray. Rain drops came down one by one. Edinburgh airport was in an early morning slumber. Upon seeing the arrivals from America, Scottish staff rose to meet them and guide them to the appropriate queue. Brits to the left, foreigners to the right. We weaved through the metal rails, each taking out his or her passport and immigration forms. Upon reaching the awaiting official each person looked upon him or her with confusion as each failed to comprehend the Scottish accent. The staff smiled, chuckled, and allowed us slowly through, stamping each passport as it was placed in front of them.
Outside the airport the mixed smells of cigarettes and rain filled my nose. People stood sulking as they waited for the right bus to arrive. I stood with them.
Minutes later I left the bus at the Haymarket train station. However, I could not find the station. I soon asked a lady passing by for its whereabouts. She gave me a quick, kind smile and informed me that the station was just down the road, a few buildings away. We walked together to the station politely chatting. At the station I purchased my ticket and chanced upon trouble. The gate and ticket machine swallowed my ticket without opening its doors to permit me through. I approached a friendly worker and explained my situation. Amused and questioning, he called over another worker to check the ticket machine to see if my words were true. Together, they found no ticket, but believed my tale as I held a receipt for the ticket purchased five minutes ago.
I soon found myself following the first worker across the station, down some stairs, across platform four, and into a small office whose door was hidden behind a stone wall. There I was presented to the station supervisor and my story was told. The supervisor looked at the receipt, agreed that I had misfortune, and wrote a note asking the conductor to please let this young man through as his ticket was swallowed. An official stamp and sheet of paper was presented to me and I was sent to wait for the train. Later on, the sheet of paper and receipt was checked and accepted by the conductor hesitantly. Under an hour and a half later I arrived at Leuchars.
With me was a man who had traveled the world multiple times and was on another round of doing so. He told me he stayed no more than three to four days in anyone place. On his current 48 day trip, he would stop in Italy, Scotland, England, China, Singapore, and many other places before he made his way back to Thailand. We took a bus together to St Andrews.
Departing the bus I made my four block journey with over 150 lbs of luggage to the letting agents. I picked the keys up to the house I am renting and sharing. I then took a taxi to the house. Leaving the taxi, I walked up the pebble driveway to the white front door.
The house appeared small. Doors stood blocking the clean carpet path at all five possible exits. A staircase led up to yet another barely lit white hallway. I found myself alone in an empty shell.
The sky was a dark gray. Rain drops came down one by one. Edinburgh airport was in an early morning slumber. Upon seeing the arrivals from America, Scottish staff rose to meet them and guide them to the appropriate queue. Brits to the left, foreigners to the right. We weaved through the metal rails, each taking out his or her passport and immigration forms. Upon reaching the awaiting official each person looked upon him or her with confusion as each failed to comprehend the Scottish accent. The staff smiled, chuckled, and allowed us slowly through, stamping each passport as it was placed in front of them.
Outside the airport the mixed smells of cigarettes and rain filled my nose. People stood sulking as they waited for the right bus to arrive. I stood with them.
Minutes later I left the bus at the Haymarket train station. However, I could not find the station. I soon asked a lady passing by for its whereabouts. She gave me a quick, kind smile and informed me that the station was just down the road, a few buildings away. We walked together to the station politely chatting. At the station I purchased my ticket and chanced upon trouble. The gate and ticket machine swallowed my ticket without opening its doors to permit me through. I approached a friendly worker and explained my situation. Amused and questioning, he called over another worker to check the ticket machine to see if my words were true. Together, they found no ticket, but believed my tale as I held a receipt for the ticket purchased five minutes ago.
I soon found myself following the first worker across the station, down some stairs, across platform four, and into a small office whose door was hidden behind a stone wall. There I was presented to the station supervisor and my story was told. The supervisor looked at the receipt, agreed that I had misfortune, and wrote a note asking the conductor to please let this young man through as his ticket was swallowed. An official stamp and sheet of paper was presented to me and I was sent to wait for the train. Later on, the sheet of paper and receipt was checked and accepted by the conductor hesitantly. Under an hour and a half later I arrived at Leuchars.
With me was a man who had traveled the world multiple times and was on another round of doing so. He told me he stayed no more than three to four days in anyone place. On his current 48 day trip, he would stop in Italy, Scotland, England, China, Singapore, and many other places before he made his way back to Thailand. We took a bus together to St Andrews.
Departing the bus I made my four block journey with over 150 lbs of luggage to the letting agents. I picked the keys up to the house I am renting and sharing. I then took a taxi to the house. Leaving the taxi, I walked up the pebble driveway to the white front door.
The house appeared small. Doors stood blocking the clean carpet path at all five possible exits. A staircase led up to yet another barely lit white hallway. I found myself alone in an empty shell.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
I'm Leaving On A Jet Plane, Don't Know When...I'll Actually Take Off?
This post is for those who have not read the note on facebook. But if you have, I hope this provides some entertainment.
The Flight to Scotland
August 29 & 30, 2011
Hurricane Irene has humored me. Granted it has caused trouble for those in the Northeastern USA and to the people there I wish them well and a good recovery; but, it proved to be a source of amusement for me.
In summary, and to keep it short, My flight was cancelled four times, and uncancelled four times. Two of the times were mistakes and technical errors, two were legit prospect cancellations.
:)
The Flight to Scotland
August 29 & 30, 2011
Hurricane Irene has humored me. Granted it has caused trouble for those in the Northeastern USA and to the people there I wish them well and a good recovery; but, it proved to be a source of amusement for me.
In summary, and to keep it short, My flight was cancelled four times, and uncancelled four times. Two of the times were mistakes and technical errors, two were legit prospect cancellations.
:)
A Review of My First Year Studying In Scotland
I originally attempted to write this post back in May, but at the time it was being rushed. My thoughts weren't together. So, to truly give an honest review and this post the justice it deserves, I took the summer to truly think about the eight months spent abroad. Here I reflect on my experiences and their meanings.
I began university in last September excited.I was a freshman approaching a new country and culture. Driven by that excitement, I involved myself in different parts of university life. I signed up for and participated in the badminton, pool, art, news paper and Jewish societies and clubs. I went out drinking, joined guys for poker nights, studied with friends, hosted cooking sessions, danced at ceilidhs and more.
Academically, however, that excitement did not exist. I found myself disliking the majority of my classes and viewing them as mental struggles against a feeling of pointlessness rather than thought provoking, inspiring lessons. Sometimes, this perception nearly ruined my entire experience. I began to question whether university was right for me and if I should leave to pursue something different, perhaps a technical skill. Eighteen years of education, I thought, wasn't I ready to join the work force?
During the summer, these thoughts have faded and the old excitement of a new place, now familiar, has returned. I'm excited to continue psychology and enjoy another abroad. I'm looking forward to the work in Bibi's Cafe, traveling with friends, and experience what it's like to rent a house. I can't pin point the change of thought to any specific reason. I just feel relaxed and confident.
I hope these feelings don't leave me.
I began university in last September excited.I was a freshman approaching a new country and culture. Driven by that excitement, I involved myself in different parts of university life. I signed up for and participated in the badminton, pool, art, news paper and Jewish societies and clubs. I went out drinking, joined guys for poker nights, studied with friends, hosted cooking sessions, danced at ceilidhs and more.
Academically, however, that excitement did not exist. I found myself disliking the majority of my classes and viewing them as mental struggles against a feeling of pointlessness rather than thought provoking, inspiring lessons. Sometimes, this perception nearly ruined my entire experience. I began to question whether university was right for me and if I should leave to pursue something different, perhaps a technical skill. Eighteen years of education, I thought, wasn't I ready to join the work force?
During the summer, these thoughts have faded and the old excitement of a new place, now familiar, has returned. I'm excited to continue psychology and enjoy another abroad. I'm looking forward to the work in Bibi's Cafe, traveling with friends, and experience what it's like to rent a house. I can't pin point the change of thought to any specific reason. I just feel relaxed and confident.
I hope these feelings don't leave me.
Monday, May 2, 2011
The Beginning of May
This past Friday was the wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton took place. This event not only brought a reason for celebration for the UK, but a day of break for students. While I'd like to say I watched the wedding, I never had a chance to see even a minute of it. I went straight to work and only saw a few minutes of the USA's version of their meeting. As misleading as it is, it provided entertainment for a late night poker game.
Before I talk about Saturday night, a bit of St. Andrews lore. Some few hundred years ago a man was out at East Sands (one of the three beaches) when he saw five distressed sailors out at sea. Realizing their trouble, he swam out to them and brought them to shore. In honor of said man it has become a student tradition that on the first day of May students, at dawn, run into the sea. People now believe that the event, known as May Dip, has cleansing powers.
This Saturday night to Sunday morning I participated in May Dip along with thousands of others students. People gathered early on to start bon fires and play music. By 3a.m., when we arrived, groups were present in clothing, swimsuits, and lack of clothing all preparing to run into the sea. Around 4a.m. as the sun was beginning to rise and it was light in the eastern sky group by group we all ran in. Some once, some twice. Thousands ran in and out. I plan to participate my next three years.
The next day, Sunday, began a long day of work at the cafe. A school society was hosting a breakfast for its members. Unfortunately for us at the cafe, this breakfast involved crate upon crate of champagne. Instead of serving or cleaning for this shift, I was told to act bouncer and make sure no alcohol left the building. About ten tried, but even drunks will listen to reason when it comes down to it.
Some culture for you guys :).
Before I talk about Saturday night, a bit of St. Andrews lore. Some few hundred years ago a man was out at East Sands (one of the three beaches) when he saw five distressed sailors out at sea. Realizing their trouble, he swam out to them and brought them to shore. In honor of said man it has become a student tradition that on the first day of May students, at dawn, run into the sea. People now believe that the event, known as May Dip, has cleansing powers.
This Saturday night to Sunday morning I participated in May Dip along with thousands of others students. People gathered early on to start bon fires and play music. By 3a.m., when we arrived, groups were present in clothing, swimsuits, and lack of clothing all preparing to run into the sea. Around 4a.m. as the sun was beginning to rise and it was light in the eastern sky group by group we all ran in. Some once, some twice. Thousands ran in and out. I plan to participate my next three years.
The next day, Sunday, began a long day of work at the cafe. A school society was hosting a breakfast for its members. Unfortunately for us at the cafe, this breakfast involved crate upon crate of champagne. Instead of serving or cleaning for this shift, I was told to act bouncer and make sure no alcohol left the building. About ten tried, but even drunks will listen to reason when it comes down to it.
Some culture for you guys :).
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Passover Reviewed
Sometimes I don't think people realize what they have signed up for unless they are put to the test. I.e. in life guarding, you may think its just a job and watching people until that one injury or drowning actually happens. While its not the same as saving a life, I experienced a similar feeling when cooking the Passover meal for 60+ people for St. Andrews Jewish Society's passover seder.
Originally my co-officer and I planned a four course meal to be prepared in a few hours and have it done in time to sit down and enjoy the seder with everyone else. However, the preparation for the meal began at 2:30pm when the president of the society and i went to Tesco, the local grocery store, and picked up supplies. Arriving back at 3:00p.m. to the kitchen, the charoset and seder plates were prepared for the people. Then, the real cooking fun began. We had chicken, kugels, fruit platters, salad and soup still to prepare.
While our efforts progressed bit a bit a save came in when one of the committee members brought in a bit of help. I'll leave out his name, but his credentials include an ex-chef and ex-military. With his help and organization skills he helped run the kitchen with me to have everything ready by the time it needed to be served (with a short fire alarm going off while frying one of the items).
So, how was the seder? While cooking I was privileged to a run through by the other co-president. However, I only had chance to see the actual seder while popping in and out of the kitchen to serve. I apologize for not being able to give a walk through of the Scottish seder, but the Scottish kitchen is a fun place to work in.
Hopefully, next year, I'll get to not only cook but attend one and fill everybody in. Good reviews i hear. :)
Originally my co-officer and I planned a four course meal to be prepared in a few hours and have it done in time to sit down and enjoy the seder with everyone else. However, the preparation for the meal began at 2:30pm when the president of the society and i went to Tesco, the local grocery store, and picked up supplies. Arriving back at 3:00p.m. to the kitchen, the charoset and seder plates were prepared for the people. Then, the real cooking fun began. We had chicken, kugels, fruit platters, salad and soup still to prepare.
While our efforts progressed bit a bit a save came in when one of the committee members brought in a bit of help. I'll leave out his name, but his credentials include an ex-chef and ex-military. With his help and organization skills he helped run the kitchen with me to have everything ready by the time it needed to be served (with a short fire alarm going off while frying one of the items).
So, how was the seder? While cooking I was privileged to a run through by the other co-president. However, I only had chance to see the actual seder while popping in and out of the kitchen to serve. I apologize for not being able to give a walk through of the Scottish seder, but the Scottish kitchen is a fun place to work in.
Hopefully, next year, I'll get to not only cook but attend one and fill everybody in. Good reviews i hear. :)
Sunday, April 17, 2011
The Jewish Burrito Bar
Friday was my first day of acting as one of the two Shabbat Officers for the Jewish Society here in St Andrews. Earlier, in March, my co-officer, Jillian, and I planned out a delicious chocolate dinner featuring the main dish as burritos. In planning the idea sounded great, but in practice it turned out to be quite a spectacular event. Starting at 4:30pm the shopping began. One hundred and twenty pounds ($200 U.S.) was spent on tortillas, vegetables, cheeses and more. Running later, 5:30p.m., we only had an hour and a half to cook. However, with the help of many friends and good innovative support the cooking was done within the block of time and the meal was ready. As a specialty dish we featured a chocolate mole sauce and a vegetarian Quorn chilli. While we expected 15 to 20 people, 30 showed. Everyone sat, talked, and enjoyed the meal. Praise came from all around the room as the food was served and an announcement was made that our society was the Developing JSoc of the Year. We had just recently swapped board members and this event was a perfect kick-off to the new JSoc year. On Tuesday I will be cooking a passover meal with the help of others. Look out for more info and a good story. An international seder here I come!
Saturday, April 9, 2011
My Experience with the National Health Service
I've never had a view on national healt services until now. I just used to think the more people with health care the better. This past week my bottom retainer broke on one side of my lower set of teeth. Thinking I should have it taken out soon to prevent damage I called Scotland's NHS and explained the situation to a call in service line. The person receiving my call was happy to help. So, she forwarded me onto the next hotline. At the new hotline I was forwarded to the dental hotline. Then, kindly, I was told by the dental hotline that the E.R. and their doctors wouldn't want to opperate on orthodontists' work. The person than told me that to get it removed in Scotland I would need to wait 2-3 months to register with a dentist (two towns over, 30 minutes by bus), maybe longer, and then be recommended onto an orthodontist. Myabe next year I said to her and I told her i'd give the E.R. a try any way. Being notified that it could be taken out only by the time I was back in the USA, I decided to call my home orthodontist. He said to me to just fly him over here, or take it out with a pair of plyers. Well, I worked the plyers a while until I decided the E.R. was worth the trip. At the E.R. I was greeted by a big locked door and a buzzer. Upon buzzing I was asked if i had an appointment. I sai d no and proceeded to explain my issue inside. I was told that same as the person on the hotline had said. To have their orthodontist opperate on it I have to register with a dentist and be recommended. I went home feeling alright and eventually worked off the retainer with a bit of pain. After experiencing the national health services I have decided that private health care isn't a bad thing. Neither are national health services as long as private sectors exist. I would love for people to receive what they need, but I also would like people to continue to receive what they want. I wouldn't have minded an open, unlocked door. Also, my emergencies don't tend to have appointments.
Friday, March 25, 2011
What's Been Happening
Music Ball- On March 19th was the St Andrews Music Society's Ball. It was hosted in the aquarium among the fish. While it was a tight space a ceilidh was still managed. Performances included the Hummingbird acapella group and my favorite St. Andrews band (they have a banjo and a flute!).
Jewish Society- A huge purim hamentaschen bake session took place last Sunday night before the Jewish Society's elections took place. As a result of the elections two Chicagoans are on board. My friend is the social officer and I am one of the two Shabbat Officers. it is my job to plan Shabbat meals and make food for up to 50 people. It's a great way to practice my cooking skills.
Badminton Club- As many of you know I have been participating in badminton rigorously since I arrived at St. Andrews. Yesterday was the badminton club's elections. After a debate between two positions on the board I decided to run for Safety Officer. I'm responsible for injured people and paperwork. Lifeguard practicing, I guess :).
Housing- It looks like i will be renting a house next year. If I succeed any friend or person wishing to check out University of St. Andrews is offered free room and board (you have to pay for flights, sorry). I encourage all to come.
I hope everyone is enjoying spring as it arrives at our doors.
Jewish Society- A huge purim hamentaschen bake session took place last Sunday night before the Jewish Society's elections took place. As a result of the elections two Chicagoans are on board. My friend is the social officer and I am one of the two Shabbat Officers. it is my job to plan Shabbat meals and make food for up to 50 people. It's a great way to practice my cooking skills.
Badminton Club- As many of you know I have been participating in badminton rigorously since I arrived at St. Andrews. Yesterday was the badminton club's elections. After a debate between two positions on the board I decided to run for Safety Officer. I'm responsible for injured people and paperwork. Lifeguard practicing, I guess :).
Housing- It looks like i will be renting a house next year. If I succeed any friend or person wishing to check out University of St. Andrews is offered free room and board (you have to pay for flights, sorry). I encourage all to come.
I hope everyone is enjoying spring as it arrives at our doors.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Regional Acapella Competition
This past Friday was the Voice Festival UK. Acapella groups fromGlasgow and St. Andrews participated in a three hour competition/concert of acapella. The event was MCed by Blind Mirth, the University's improv group.
Each group was amazing in their own way and every group got many applause from the audience.
The Accidentals: This is one of the two all female acapella groups in St. Andrews. They performed songs by Adele (Rolling in the Deep), the Black Eyed Peas (Where is the Love?), and an incredible mash-up of Jason Derulo (Solo), The Verve (Bittersweet Symphony) and Nelly (Must be the Money). This is the group that won the competition and is now going onto nationals in London on the 12th of March.
The Alleycats: This group was formed by two friends after lots of alcohol had been consumed. Since then they have grown and now include female singers as well. Dress in leopard patterned shirts and straps, this group performed songs by Shania Twain (The Don't Impress Me Much), The Killers (When You Were Young) and Chris Brown (Forever). The beet boxer of this group won an award at the end for his skills and diversity as one. There was an incredible moment in which he made the sound of a heart beating with his mouth closed. During that moment the whole room had focused on him and how loud it was without a microphone. Also, during That Don't Impress Me Much the group had formed a human motorcycle using all of the men.
Choral Stimulation: The group from Glasgow. This group opened the show with an amazing movie theme song mash-up. The mash-up included the themes from Lord of the Rings, Jurassic Park, and Gladiator. Part of their performance included every member on their knees, singing, and pretending to be hobbits (one held up a gold ring). Other songs they performed were by James Morrison and Lady Gaga.
The Hummingbirds: The other all female group. The performed a mash-up of Jason Mraz (I'm Yours), Lifehouse (Collide) and Somewhere Over the Rainbow. They concluded with Modonna (Like a Prayer. They did not win any awards. While their mash-up was enjoyed, their overall talent was not equal with the other groups.
The Other Guys: This all male group came onto stage in black suits and white shirts. Every one of the members had a red rose coming out of the chest pocket. This group won the most entertaining song of the night after they performed Lady Gaga's Bad Romance with an incredibly choreographed dance and references made to the local St. Andrews dance club, The Lizard.
The night concluded with a performance by all the groups singing Yesterday by The Beatles together.
www.youtube.com/user/swilson#p/u/2/r5GHyQswi3U - Sahnia Twain 2:22 minutes for the motorcycle
www.youtube.com/user/swilson#p/u/1/pA7LMLpX4XM Chris Brown
www.youtube.com/user/swilson#p/u/0/G8X9P4dxM9E TheKillers
Each group was amazing in their own way and every group got many applause from the audience.
The Accidentals: This is one of the two all female acapella groups in St. Andrews. They performed songs by Adele (Rolling in the Deep), the Black Eyed Peas (Where is the Love?), and an incredible mash-up of Jason Derulo (Solo), The Verve (Bittersweet Symphony) and Nelly (Must be the Money). This is the group that won the competition and is now going onto nationals in London on the 12th of March.
The Alleycats: This group was formed by two friends after lots of alcohol had been consumed. Since then they have grown and now include female singers as well. Dress in leopard patterned shirts and straps, this group performed songs by Shania Twain (The Don't Impress Me Much), The Killers (When You Were Young) and Chris Brown (Forever). The beet boxer of this group won an award at the end for his skills and diversity as one. There was an incredible moment in which he made the sound of a heart beating with his mouth closed. During that moment the whole room had focused on him and how loud it was without a microphone. Also, during That Don't Impress Me Much the group had formed a human motorcycle using all of the men.
Choral Stimulation: The group from Glasgow. This group opened the show with an amazing movie theme song mash-up. The mash-up included the themes from Lord of the Rings, Jurassic Park, and Gladiator. Part of their performance included every member on their knees, singing, and pretending to be hobbits (one held up a gold ring). Other songs they performed were by James Morrison and Lady Gaga.
The Hummingbirds: The other all female group. The performed a mash-up of Jason Mraz (I'm Yours), Lifehouse (Collide) and Somewhere Over the Rainbow. They concluded with Modonna (Like a Prayer. They did not win any awards. While their mash-up was enjoyed, their overall talent was not equal with the other groups.
The Other Guys: This all male group came onto stage in black suits and white shirts. Every one of the members had a red rose coming out of the chest pocket. This group won the most entertaining song of the night after they performed Lady Gaga's Bad Romance with an incredibly choreographed dance and references made to the local St. Andrews dance club, The Lizard.
The night concluded with a performance by all the groups singing Yesterday by The Beatles together.
www.youtube.com/user/swilson#p/u/2/r5GHyQswi3U - Sahnia Twain 2:22 minutes for the motorcycle
www.youtube.com/user/swilson#p/u/1/pA7LMLpX4XM Chris Brown
www.youtube.com/user/swilson#p/u/0/G8X9P4dxM9E TheKillers
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Jews Jews Jews
My Jewish life is back. When I took my semester break I also took a slight Jewish break. However, this past weekend was the regional Jewish event for the United Kingdom. Each year students from Whales, Ireland, Scotland and England meet in a city to have a shabbaton together where the hosting town introduces everyone to Jewish life in that town and at the local university. This year the regional event was hosted in St. Andrews at the Univeristy.
Around 40 students attended and stayed at a local hostel. The event began with kabalat shabbat and a Friday evening meal. The next morning, in the Shabbat services, biblical texts were discussed as well as everyone's Jewish background. After services Jews went to the pub to celebrate the unity and continued to explore the town as one. Finally, on Sunday, a morning brunch was held along with good-byes. This experience truly showed that Jews can find each other wherever they go.
Also, as often occurs when Jews gather, sixth degrees of separation took place. One person at the events, Chanan, is a Jew from New York studying at Comlumbia and Yeshiva University. He knows kids from ICJA and CJHS.
In preparation for the event I volunteered to help out in the kitchen to prepare the sabbath meal. As the majority of people there were not great cooks, and I am always one to experiment, a lot of the cooking and decisions were left to me. The few of us in the kitchen ended up making tons of stuffed peppers, pasta, Israeli salad, egg salad, chicken and more. I was complemented after for my skills in the kitchen and ability to improvise. This led to an offer by the Shabbat Officer to come and cook weekly for the Jewish society. I plan to take this offer and start to make Jewish dishes for everyone to enjoy. I'll take suggestions if anyone has any. Send me your recipes!
Around 40 students attended and stayed at a local hostel. The event began with kabalat shabbat and a Friday evening meal. The next morning, in the Shabbat services, biblical texts were discussed as well as everyone's Jewish background. After services Jews went to the pub to celebrate the unity and continued to explore the town as one. Finally, on Sunday, a morning brunch was held along with good-byes. This experience truly showed that Jews can find each other wherever they go.
Also, as often occurs when Jews gather, sixth degrees of separation took place. One person at the events, Chanan, is a Jew from New York studying at Comlumbia and Yeshiva University. He knows kids from ICJA and CJHS.
In preparation for the event I volunteered to help out in the kitchen to prepare the sabbath meal. As the majority of people there were not great cooks, and I am always one to experiment, a lot of the cooking and decisions were left to me. The few of us in the kitchen ended up making tons of stuffed peppers, pasta, Israeli salad, egg salad, chicken and more. I was complemented after for my skills in the kitchen and ability to improvise. This led to an offer by the Shabbat Officer to come and cook weekly for the Jewish society. I plan to take this offer and start to make Jewish dishes for everyone to enjoy. I'll take suggestions if anyone has any. Send me your recipes!
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Updates and Life
I took the first semester of university as a transition period. I hadn't known what work load to expect or how hard the material covered would be. It turns out that not everything is hard and overwhelming and that most things are manageable provided I put the time into them.
This week I have noted the changes in lifestyle that I appreciate.
1. Attending debates. I had posted that I attended a debate on Christianity last week. Since then I have made a commitment to not only attend debates but also to debate and speak myself. I have never been a great speaker as my heart raises when I go to speak and I find myself unable to say what I want to.
This week I attended a debate on whether or not press leaks or a freedom of information act is a better way for the public to receive its information. The opposition, pro freedom of information act, presented a better and coherent argument saying that if the press can't release information then making it legally mandated to be published would be better. The pro press leak side failed in its continuity and structure. The speaker who presented the introduction ailed to stay relevant to the argument and rather argued if press leaks were valid at all (against his own team). Smart man.
2. Sports. I got lazy my first semester of university. After swimming, running, and weightlifting over the summer I slacked off and didn't exercise much. After inter-semester break I changed my habits. I now do badminton, run, yoga and more. These are all big time commitments in my week, but they pay off quickly.
When I first started badminton here I realized that I was not as good as I thought I was. Badminton at CJHS is not like badminton abroad. Kids here have been playing and competing in badminton since they were seven. Some members I play with are ranked equally to the third ranked man in the USA. Given that I was now in a badminton society I took it as my personal goal to make it to a competitive level. I am still working on getting there and I have confidence that I am making progress.
I have learned that I know I am getting better when in stead of watching a shuttlecock fall, thinking it is out of reach, I do my best to get to the right position to hit it and shuffle back to be ready to block a smash that may be traveling at me at over 120mph. It feels good to see my abilities to increase and to be able to give someone who has been playing for years a fair fight.
3. More friends. Living in halls the first years means that in order to hang out with someone I never have to go more than a few feet. Due to this I hadn't made as many friends as I would have liked to. Now that I know I will be living with fewer people next year I have made sure to branch out and make more friends.
Friends come from all over the place. You have people you play badminton with, people you take classes with, debate people, lunch people, baking people, pool society people, Jewish society people. These are all made through balancing and reaching out.
Just some updates. :)
This week I have noted the changes in lifestyle that I appreciate.
1. Attending debates. I had posted that I attended a debate on Christianity last week. Since then I have made a commitment to not only attend debates but also to debate and speak myself. I have never been a great speaker as my heart raises when I go to speak and I find myself unable to say what I want to.
This week I attended a debate on whether or not press leaks or a freedom of information act is a better way for the public to receive its information. The opposition, pro freedom of information act, presented a better and coherent argument saying that if the press can't release information then making it legally mandated to be published would be better. The pro press leak side failed in its continuity and structure. The speaker who presented the introduction ailed to stay relevant to the argument and rather argued if press leaks were valid at all (against his own team). Smart man.
2. Sports. I got lazy my first semester of university. After swimming, running, and weightlifting over the summer I slacked off and didn't exercise much. After inter-semester break I changed my habits. I now do badminton, run, yoga and more. These are all big time commitments in my week, but they pay off quickly.
When I first started badminton here I realized that I was not as good as I thought I was. Badminton at CJHS is not like badminton abroad. Kids here have been playing and competing in badminton since they were seven. Some members I play with are ranked equally to the third ranked man in the USA. Given that I was now in a badminton society I took it as my personal goal to make it to a competitive level. I am still working on getting there and I have confidence that I am making progress.
I have learned that I know I am getting better when in stead of watching a shuttlecock fall, thinking it is out of reach, I do my best to get to the right position to hit it and shuffle back to be ready to block a smash that may be traveling at me at over 120mph. It feels good to see my abilities to increase and to be able to give someone who has been playing for years a fair fight.
3. More friends. Living in halls the first years means that in order to hang out with someone I never have to go more than a few feet. Due to this I hadn't made as many friends as I would have liked to. Now that I know I will be living with fewer people next year I have made sure to branch out and make more friends.
Friends come from all over the place. You have people you play badminton with, people you take classes with, debate people, lunch people, baking people, pool society people, Jewish society people. These are all made through balancing and reaching out.
Just some updates. :)
Friday, February 18, 2011
This house believes Christianity has been a force for good in the world."
Last night I attended a debate held by the University's debating society. The debates topic was the title of this post.
Going to this debate I wondered how this topic was to be debated. Christianity, like Judaism, does not have one single definition. The people who consider themselves Christian may only be Christian through upbringing and not through personal belief. Given this I expected the debate to struggle to answer the question.
The debate did not follow my expectations. The pro debaters opened with an attempt to describe Christianity. Their speaker used a lot of quotes from the New Testament and history found elsewhere. The against debaters opened with vicious attacks on people who were Christians. As pointed out in the debate and afterwards, they opened with cheap shots.
The second debaters for each team focused on the topic directly by defining and analyzing what "for good" meant. The pro debaters said that Christianity in its beliefs is a force for good, however, it has not always been a force of good. The against debaters stated that Christianity was a theocracy in which it is good if you are taking part in it; not a force for good, but a force for a specific good.
The closing arguments were made attempting to convince the crowd to their side. The pro debaters concluded with that Christianity really is attempting good through its foundation and practice. The speaker asked the attendees to imagine a world without Christianity. The against team closed again by taking a shot on the past of Christianity.
Both sides had their strong and weak arguments. At the end I chose to abstain. Both teams had valid points and both teams had debaters that either succeeded at staying relevant or went off track. Confidence and presentation also equaled out on both sides.
Afterwards, talking with my friends, some of us agreed that the problem with this debate was the nature of the topic itself. Without a definition of Christianity it is hard to say whether it is a force for good or evil. Also, as brought up in the debate, is it Christians who are doing the good/bad or people in general. What is the Christian influence in ones actions? Is it just that one is a follower of Christ or how he/she has been taught what Christ's teachings were?
I plan to attend more debates now as the format and topics of the debate society are captivating and challenging.
Going to this debate I wondered how this topic was to be debated. Christianity, like Judaism, does not have one single definition. The people who consider themselves Christian may only be Christian through upbringing and not through personal belief. Given this I expected the debate to struggle to answer the question.
The debate did not follow my expectations. The pro debaters opened with an attempt to describe Christianity. Their speaker used a lot of quotes from the New Testament and history found elsewhere. The against debaters opened with vicious attacks on people who were Christians. As pointed out in the debate and afterwards, they opened with cheap shots.
The second debaters for each team focused on the topic directly by defining and analyzing what "for good" meant. The pro debaters said that Christianity in its beliefs is a force for good, however, it has not always been a force of good. The against debaters stated that Christianity was a theocracy in which it is good if you are taking part in it; not a force for good, but a force for a specific good.
The closing arguments were made attempting to convince the crowd to their side. The pro debaters concluded with that Christianity really is attempting good through its foundation and practice. The speaker asked the attendees to imagine a world without Christianity. The against team closed again by taking a shot on the past of Christianity.
Both sides had their strong and weak arguments. At the end I chose to abstain. Both teams had valid points and both teams had debaters that either succeeded at staying relevant or went off track. Confidence and presentation also equaled out on both sides.
Afterwards, talking with my friends, some of us agreed that the problem with this debate was the nature of the topic itself. Without a definition of Christianity it is hard to say whether it is a force for good or evil. Also, as brought up in the debate, is it Christians who are doing the good/bad or people in general. What is the Christian influence in ones actions? Is it just that one is a follower of Christ or how he/she has been taught what Christ's teachings were?
I plan to attend more debates now as the format and topics of the debate society are captivating and challenging.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
The Decision Revisited
My past break, inter-semester break, was great. I spent it, once again, in London. I got to go to Camden Town, a market as colorful as the ones in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, and to London Zoo. London Zoon is much more about experiencing than looking when compared to what I remember of Brookfield Zoo and Lincoln Park Zoo. At London Zoo there are monkey areas and a butterfly area. In these areas a person walks around while the animals roam free; the person is limited to a path while the animals have the full room/are to explore freely. Monkeys approached the group of us as did butterflies which would land on any colorful person.
During this break I also had a lot of time to think on what, so far, I have thought about going away from home. My conclusions. . .
I do not regret going to Scotland and I do not plan on turning back soon. This country has shown me a lot of new culture and has provided me with a chance to see parts of the world I would not have otherwise been able to see or would not have had the confidence to see.
I believe I am the same person that left Des Plaines just a few months ago. However, I have began to appreciate technology and my friends more. I enjoy every skype date I have with someone and wait for more news from America to find out what's going on. I miss a lot of CJHSers, but have made plans to see them in Israel and in the USA; I never quite lose touch.
When I first got here I lost a lot of motivation to workout and run. As of second semester I have begun to change this. I go to the gym more and plan to join sports teams in the future. I was offered a spot on the frisbee team in the beginning year and should have taken it. I won't let that opportunity pass me by again.
Overall, I am happy I and enjoy where I am. I encourage people to go abroad, but warn them of who and what they will miss (parents, friends, walks to synagogue and relaxed shabbatot).
I am reminded of what a home is and where my home is.
During this break I also had a lot of time to think on what, so far, I have thought about going away from home. My conclusions. . .
I do not regret going to Scotland and I do not plan on turning back soon. This country has shown me a lot of new culture and has provided me with a chance to see parts of the world I would not have otherwise been able to see or would not have had the confidence to see.
I believe I am the same person that left Des Plaines just a few months ago. However, I have began to appreciate technology and my friends more. I enjoy every skype date I have with someone and wait for more news from America to find out what's going on. I miss a lot of CJHSers, but have made plans to see them in Israel and in the USA; I never quite lose touch.
When I first got here I lost a lot of motivation to workout and run. As of second semester I have begun to change this. I go to the gym more and plan to join sports teams in the future. I was offered a spot on the frisbee team in the beginning year and should have taken it. I won't let that opportunity pass me by again.
Overall, I am happy I and enjoy where I am. I encourage people to go abroad, but warn them of who and what they will miss (parents, friends, walks to synagogue and relaxed shabbatot).
I am reminded of what a home is and where my home is.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Opening Skinner's Box
With the free time I had over the past week or so I read a book titled Opening Skinner's Box: Great Psychological Experiments of the Twentieth Century by Lauren Slater. The book tells of what the author considers to be the ten most important experiments of the twentieth century. Slater describes each experiment and then tells the tale of the experimenter and their story that led them to do their work. She is very critical and asks a lot of questions, a skeptic. She writes in such a way that the personal lives of each experimenter is key to their experiment. She is keen to show both sides, the good and the bad, while acknowledging the greatness of the experiments and sometimes the horror of their findings. I have written up a little bit about each experiment she tells about.
B.F. Skinner: Skinner was known for his boxes. These boxes were used to condition and raise animals and Skinner's own daughter. Often, people criticized Skinner for being a radical behaviourist and a person wanting to condition people into robots. Slater makes a case for Skinner based on some of his novels and papers. Skinner didn't want a world where people would be robots; rather, Skinner wanted to condition and positively encourage good behavior. He was a fan and user of operant conditioning. If you reward good behaviour enough, it would become the standard.
Stanley Milgrim: Milgrim is famous for his experiment on authority and how people react to it. He had students and locals shock the other participants, but did not tell them it had been acted out until the end. He discovered that 65% of his participants would deliver harmful shocks to a person as long as a person in a lab coat was behind them telling he/she to do so. Milgrims worked was challenged and praised. It showed how people could be come subjected to authority and it opened up questions about ourselves. 65% of people gave harmful to deadly shocks. 65% of people you know may do the same to you and you might do the same Slater states. Milgrim's experiment created awe, fear, and doubt.
David Rosenhan: Rosenhan had done an experiment to disprove psychiatry and mental institutions. He had people pretend to have problems, yet act normal, in order to enter in an institution. In essence, he proved that the people giving drugs and administering people did not know what they were doing. His experiments hit the institutions hard and caused a stir. Slater repeated the experiment and says that while Rosenhan's participants had an average stay of seven days, she was never admitted and always greeted warmly (no abuse and Rosenhan's participants witnessed).
Darley and Latane: These two researchers studied the bystander effect. What prompted this was a a murder committed over many attacks and many minutes. It was recorded that lights in the surrounding windows went on and off as the attacks continued, but no one came down to help the screaming woman. Society was shocked and wanted an answer as to how such an event could happen. Darley and Latane conducted experiments showing that the more people present at an incident the less likely someone present would help. We inhibit each other, more likely to help by ourselves than in a group.
Leon Festinger: Festinger investigated cognitive dissonance. People think in order to justify their actions. He showed this by telling two groups of people to lie. In compensation, participants in one group were given one dollar for their lie and in the other they were given 20 dollars. The people given 20 dollars were more likely to admit they lied because they said they did it for the money. The people given one dollar tended not to admit they lied because it is hard to justify lying for just one dollar.
Harry Harlowe: Harlowe studied attachment and how it affected the monkeys he was raising. He discovered that attachment is very important; monkeys only develop correctly and normally when raised with others and with a parental figure. Harlowe also went on to discover that monkeys raised abnormally would not raise their children or would harm then. He invented a cruel restraining devise that allowed other male monkeys to impregnate the female monkeys raised abnormally. He called it the rape rack. Despite what I see as the dark side of Harlowe, Harlowe did show that caring and touching your baby is important. One needs attention to grow normally and to be able to interact acceptably
Bruce Alexander: Alexander experimented with rats and addictions to drugs. He created two situations. In one situation the rats were in a paradise and given an option between drugged water and normal water. In the other situation rats were put in a cage and given the same choices of water. It turned out that in paradise the rats did not want or take the drugged water, but in the caged situation the rats became addicted to the drug water. Alexander tried to prove that it was culture and surroundings that influenced addictions, not the drug itself.
Elizabeth Loftus: Slater says this is one of the more disliked researchers of our time. She proved that you can implant or alter memories in a person. She helped criminals on trial to show that maybe people recalled the wrong incident or memory. One thing I noticed throughout the description of her experiments and Slater's telling is that no one recalled a memory from their teens or twenties or had a memory implanted that was said to happen in their twenties. Rather, all memories were implanted or recalled from their early years when memory isn't so clear.
Eric Kandel: Kandel investigated memory enhancing drugs. Discovered that when given certain drugs rats could perform better. He showed their was a mechanism for memory and therefore helped challenge Loftus. Also, while discovering the brain had ways to monitor what it remember he also discovered that their are monitors to forget. Tampering with either could cause problems; a person could recall what he or she doesn't wish to recall or forget more than necessary. Slater, in 2004, said the drugs to enhance memory were not yet marketed due to ethical issues. I do not know if the drugs are still not sold. Apparently scientists thought this would create a competition and a requirement for the drugs, a scary competition.
Antonio Egas Moniz: Moniz studied and practiced lobotomies. He discovered that by snipping a nerve or so in the brain or taking infected pieces out one could lose the psychosis and regain their self. However, some the patients were not helped, some died, and some say that after the surgery they were better but lost some part of their self. Lobotomies are still practiced as the majority of the patients have been cured of their problem. So far, the loss of a little bit of self is worth the depression or issue taking place in the brain.
A good read and very interesting for any psychology person. I found that Slater often doubts more than necessary, but the stories she relays are good and made me think more about my self and how I interact with the world.
B.F. Skinner: Skinner was known for his boxes. These boxes were used to condition and raise animals and Skinner's own daughter. Often, people criticized Skinner for being a radical behaviourist and a person wanting to condition people into robots. Slater makes a case for Skinner based on some of his novels and papers. Skinner didn't want a world where people would be robots; rather, Skinner wanted to condition and positively encourage good behavior. He was a fan and user of operant conditioning. If you reward good behaviour enough, it would become the standard.
Stanley Milgrim: Milgrim is famous for his experiment on authority and how people react to it. He had students and locals shock the other participants, but did not tell them it had been acted out until the end. He discovered that 65% of his participants would deliver harmful shocks to a person as long as a person in a lab coat was behind them telling he/she to do so. Milgrims worked was challenged and praised. It showed how people could be come subjected to authority and it opened up questions about ourselves. 65% of people gave harmful to deadly shocks. 65% of people you know may do the same to you and you might do the same Slater states. Milgrim's experiment created awe, fear, and doubt.
David Rosenhan: Rosenhan had done an experiment to disprove psychiatry and mental institutions. He had people pretend to have problems, yet act normal, in order to enter in an institution. In essence, he proved that the people giving drugs and administering people did not know what they were doing. His experiments hit the institutions hard and caused a stir. Slater repeated the experiment and says that while Rosenhan's participants had an average stay of seven days, she was never admitted and always greeted warmly (no abuse and Rosenhan's participants witnessed).
Darley and Latane: These two researchers studied the bystander effect. What prompted this was a a murder committed over many attacks and many minutes. It was recorded that lights in the surrounding windows went on and off as the attacks continued, but no one came down to help the screaming woman. Society was shocked and wanted an answer as to how such an event could happen. Darley and Latane conducted experiments showing that the more people present at an incident the less likely someone present would help. We inhibit each other, more likely to help by ourselves than in a group.
Leon Festinger: Festinger investigated cognitive dissonance. People think in order to justify their actions. He showed this by telling two groups of people to lie. In compensation, participants in one group were given one dollar for their lie and in the other they were given 20 dollars. The people given 20 dollars were more likely to admit they lied because they said they did it for the money. The people given one dollar tended not to admit they lied because it is hard to justify lying for just one dollar.
Harry Harlowe: Harlowe studied attachment and how it affected the monkeys he was raising. He discovered that attachment is very important; monkeys only develop correctly and normally when raised with others and with a parental figure. Harlowe also went on to discover that monkeys raised abnormally would not raise their children or would harm then. He invented a cruel restraining devise that allowed other male monkeys to impregnate the female monkeys raised abnormally. He called it the rape rack. Despite what I see as the dark side of Harlowe, Harlowe did show that caring and touching your baby is important. One needs attention to grow normally and to be able to interact acceptably
Bruce Alexander: Alexander experimented with rats and addictions to drugs. He created two situations. In one situation the rats were in a paradise and given an option between drugged water and normal water. In the other situation rats were put in a cage and given the same choices of water. It turned out that in paradise the rats did not want or take the drugged water, but in the caged situation the rats became addicted to the drug water. Alexander tried to prove that it was culture and surroundings that influenced addictions, not the drug itself.
Elizabeth Loftus: Slater says this is one of the more disliked researchers of our time. She proved that you can implant or alter memories in a person. She helped criminals on trial to show that maybe people recalled the wrong incident or memory. One thing I noticed throughout the description of her experiments and Slater's telling is that no one recalled a memory from their teens or twenties or had a memory implanted that was said to happen in their twenties. Rather, all memories were implanted or recalled from their early years when memory isn't so clear.
Eric Kandel: Kandel investigated memory enhancing drugs. Discovered that when given certain drugs rats could perform better. He showed their was a mechanism for memory and therefore helped challenge Loftus. Also, while discovering the brain had ways to monitor what it remember he also discovered that their are monitors to forget. Tampering with either could cause problems; a person could recall what he or she doesn't wish to recall or forget more than necessary. Slater, in 2004, said the drugs to enhance memory were not yet marketed due to ethical issues. I do not know if the drugs are still not sold. Apparently scientists thought this would create a competition and a requirement for the drugs, a scary competition.
Antonio Egas Moniz: Moniz studied and practiced lobotomies. He discovered that by snipping a nerve or so in the brain or taking infected pieces out one could lose the psychosis and regain their self. However, some the patients were not helped, some died, and some say that after the surgery they were better but lost some part of their self. Lobotomies are still practiced as the majority of the patients have been cured of their problem. So far, the loss of a little bit of self is worth the depression or issue taking place in the brain.
A good read and very interesting for any psychology person. I found that Slater often doubts more than necessary, but the stories she relays are good and made me think more about my self and how I interact with the world.
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