Culture Presentations-part 2

As you know we have to blog about the culture presentations we saw last week and I really enjoyed listening to them-everyone did a great job.  Even though I’m not going to take the KGP I’ve chosen 5 topics I would like to be tested on if I took the exam. 

Here are my thoughts to the 11 presentations I went to see.

The USA culture topics:

San Francisco and the Bay Area : Marina did a great job with her presentation and I really enjoyed listening to her. Her PowerPoint was quite impressive and I loved the pictures!

Two more for Mount Rushmore:  I thought that Katharina really knew what she was talking about and made an effort on her prezi. 

The Danger of Society Threat Groups in American Prisons: Wow- Livia made an already good topic even more interesting. I saw some documentaries about this brotherhood so I had some background information about that and I have to say Livia really nailed it! =)

Southern Hospitality: I had to see this presentation just because of Julia. I knew beforehand that she would do an amazing job and I was right! I just loved the way she presented herself and the topic.

Monty Roberts: Although I’m not very much into horses (actually I’m a little bit afraid of them) I think this method of training horses is pretty amazing. Melanie was very calm during her presentation and you felt that she actually believes what she was saying.

America as a nation of narcissism: What a great topic! I loved what Maria did with it. I really enjoyed listening to it and I would have liked to here more about it.

Sacagawea: I liked the topic very much and Bianca researched it very well. We worked together on our CLI project last semester which was “Louisiana Purchase” so I thought it was great to see her presenting this topic.

The Navajo Code Talkers: Puh! What an amazing presentation!! For me Laura’s performance was the best of all I had seen. I liked that she pronounced some of the Navajo words. Very interesting topic+great PowerPoint+ amazing presenter= Awesome presentation!

The Ireland topics:

Newgrange: When I was in Ireland a few years ago we wanted to visit this place but unfortunately we didn’t so I decided to see the presentation and I wasn’t disappointed. Now I want to see it even more.

Irish Dance: I very much liked this topic and on my trip to Ireland we actually had a little Irish Dance class and it was so much fun. The presentation itself was okay. Not one of the best but it was hard because everyone before did such a great job.

Psychiatry in Ireland: I loved this presentation. Diana really knew how to get everyone’s attention. It was one of my favorite presentations this day because she completely amazed me with her performance.

The 5 presentations I would choose if I took the KGP are: Southern Hospitality, The danger of Society Threat Groups in American Prisons, Navajo Code Talkers, America as a nation of narcissism and Monty Roberts.

Culture Presentation Day- ELLEN

Hi you guys,

Today I had the “pleasure” to give my culture presentation about Ellen DeGeneres. Those of you who were there- I hope you liked it :). I wasn’t really satisfied with myself though. I was extremely nervous and I don’t know why. Of course giving a speech or a presentation is always a stressful situation but this time it was different. I am really passionate about my topic and I so wanted people to like it. I could go on and on about Ellen DeGeneres and I actually wanted to add a lot more things but unfortunately we only had 8 minutes. What is great though, is that I can do that now =)

Well, the reason I like Ellen so much is that besides all the funny stuff  and the famous people on her show, she isn’t afraid of talking about serious issues. I couldn’t think of any thing I don’t like about her. I just admire her on so many different levels. I think she is insanely beautiful on the inside as well as on the outside and the funniest person I know. I love that she does so much for people but not only by giving them money or cars or whatever but by simply doing her show and making them laugh. After watching an episode of the Ellen DeGeneres show I feel so much better than before and this feeling really is priceless. It amazes me every time that one single person can do so much for others. 

Sometimes I even dream about meeting her in person- that would be one of the greatest things on earth!!!  I think it’s very important that Ellen is so popular because she uses that to do so many good things and everyone can see: There are good people in this world!! (Faith in humanity restored)

I also love that she overcame her fears to come out of the closet and even after everyone rejected her and her show got cancelled she didn’t give up- and look where she is now! Ellen never stopped pursuing her dreams and not many people are able to do that. I think it is enormously brave. By coming out, she did so much for all the other gay people as they can see: Everything is going to be fine. She has helped so many to accept who they really are and finally live openly gay. It’s just unbelievable how many lives she has changed and still changes!! 

She definitely changed mine and I’m more than happy about that. I guess you can see how enthusiastic I am about her and I hope you let her change your life too.

I showed 30 seconds of a video today during my presentation and here is the 8 minute version. Enjoy.

REVENGE

 I know how everyone talks about being addicted to TV- Shows but I’m honestly crazy! I’m currently watching more than 10 shows on the internet- just to name my favorite ones: Big Bang Theory, How I Met your Mother, Grey’s Anatomy, The Mentalist, 90210, Happy Endings etc.
Here’s my latest discovery: REVENGE

This show airs on Sundays in American television and I follow up every Monday on the internet. I spent only 2 days watching the first season because it’s the most addictive show I’ve ever known. The moment I heard that it would air on Austrian TV as well I went fully nuts. I called all of my friends to tell them to watch this show and even dragged my mother and brothers in front of the TV and begged them to watch it. 

Here’s what it’s about:
It’s a drama/thriller that takes place in the Hamptons, a world of rich caviar and lavish living, that follows Emily Thorne (Emily Van Camp) a woman with a past that fuels revenge on the separation of her father and mother years ago. Now that she is older and wiser, but still the plan for revenge on all those who affected her life is fresh on her mind. One by one she plots and takes care of the loose ends that are in her life. Emily focuses the root of her hatred to the Hamptons to Victoria (Madeline Stowe), a rich, cunning woman who knows it all when it comes to Emily's horrible past. "Revenge" flashbacks back and forth to set up the story to what happened to Emily that makes her so hell-bent on revenge. She finds herself succeeding in her mission one right after another. Created by Mike Kelley (Jerico, Swingtown), this is going to be a show where you are going to keep guessing who is the next target on Emily's "hit list". She starts to discover there is more to her past than she had ever dreamed of and things go from happy to sad rather quickly.

Sounds exciting, right? It’s thrilling!!! I just finished watching the second season and like in every good show there’s a big twist at the end and now I have to wait until fall for the third season. FALL!!! I’ll be old and grey by then!! How torturing is it to make people wait so long? I need closure!! Of course this is what makes these shows so great but I’m just so impatient.

My mom was quite annoyed with me talking about Revenge all the time but she did something really sweet. She was ordering books online and coincidentally saw a pendant that forms the infinity sign- if you follow the show you will get it immediately. For those who don’t (yet) – in Revenge the infinity sign is very important for the main character and her father. So the other day my mom surprised me with the pendant and made me really happy. I’m wearing the necklace right now ;-)

I love it :)

You can watch the show on Mondays, ORF1 at 9 PM or in English on the internet. Pssst! Hot tip: project free tv is a great site. GIYF 

Please let me know what you think about Revenge and if you love it as much as I do. I can’t be the only crazy person here ;-)

Here's a little summary about what happened on the first season.

ZUMBA

I'm sure most of you have heard about Zumba by now. It's a quite modern dancestyle and combines Latin Music with international music. Zumba is not like any other fitness program -you don't really get that you are actually working out because it is so much fun! Of course it's pretty exhausting the first times but before you know it you get really fit after short time. I first got in touch with Zumba in 2012 while planning our prom. We were lucky to find a dance instructor called Mr. Move-It who rehearsed with us a choreography to the song Danza Kuduro. It was awesome and it was clear that Zumba is definitely something for me!!This year I participated in a Zumba class which was held 3 times a week in February with two friends and we had a great time! Altough the first week was challenging it didn't take much time for me to fall in love with this great way to exercise. I have always loved dancing and so far I did Ballett, Jazz dance, set-pattern dance and Hip- Hop; Now Zumba is another dance style I absolutely love.
I can recommend it to everyone who loves to dance, wants to have fun while working out and is willing to try something new! Zumba is booming right now and nearly every gym offers classes. One of the best things of Zumba is that there are different ways to practice it for example Zumba toning is practiced with toning sticks or there even exists Aqua Zumba which is practiced in a pool. I'm planning to take another class sometime soon, I just hope I'll have the time for it. Zumba in the Circuit would tempt me ;)

Ah..! I forgot to tell that I was pretty afraid to look stupid at first but I found a great way to practice some Zumba steps before starting the actual Zumba class. There are plenty of YouTube instruction videos; here is one I found really helpful. It shows you the basic steps:

Here is another YouTube video which shows a choreography to Danza Kuduro. The one we rehearsed was pretty much the same with some little differences.

The Zumba program currently offers eight types of Zumba classes, here are the descriptions:
Tell me which program would you like to do?

Zumba^® Fitness  –  When participants see a Zumba class in action, they can’t wait to give it a try. Zumba classes feature exotic rhythms set to high-energy Latin and international beats. Before participants know it, they’re getting fit and their energy levels are soaring! There’s no other fitness class like a Zumba Fitness-Party. It’s easy to do, effective and totally exhilarating, often building a deep-rooted community among returning students.

Zumba Gold^®  –  Zumba Gold targets the largest growing segment of the population: baby boomers. It takes the Zumba formula and modifies the moves and pacing to suit the needs of the active older participant, as well as those just starting their journey to a fit and healthy lifestyle. What stays the same are all the elements the Zumba Fitness-Party is known for: the zesty Latin music, like salsa, merengue, cumbia and reggaeton; the exhilarating, easy-to-follow moves; and the invigorating, party-like atmosphere. Active older adults want camaraderie, excitement and fitness as a regular part of their weekly schedule. Zumba Gold is the perfect fit. It’s a dance-fitness class that feels friendly, and most of all, fun.

Zumba^® Toning  –  When it comes to body sculpting, Zumba Toning raises the bar (or rather, the toning stick). It combines targeted body-sculpting exercises and high-energy cardio work with Latin-infused Zumba moves to create a calorie-torching, strength-training dance fitness-party. Students learn how to use lightweight, maraca-like Toning Sticks to enhance rhythm and tone all their target zones, including arms, abs, glutes and thighs. Zumba Toning is the perfect way for enthusiasts to sculpt their bodies naturally while having a total blast.

Aqua Zumba^®  –  Known as the Zumba "pool party," Aqua Zumba gives new meaning to the idea of an invigorating workout. Splashing, stretching, twisting, even shouting, laughing, hooting and hollering are often heard during an Aqua Zumba class. Integrating the Zumba formula and philosophy with traditional aqua fitness disciplines, Aqua Zumba blends it all together into a safe, challenging, water-based workout that’s cardio-conditioning, body-toning, and most of all, exhilarating beyond belief.

Zumbatomic^®  –  Designed exclusively for kids (ages 4-12), Zumbatomic classes are rockin’, high-energy fitness-parties packed with specially choreographed, kid-friendly routines and all the music kids love, like hip-hop, reggaeton, cumbia and more. Parents love Zumbatomic because of the effects it has on kids, increasing their focus and self-confidence, boosting metabolism and enhancing coordination. Zumbatomic rounds out family fitness goals by giving parents a great reason to head to the gym – for themselves, for their kids, for a totally fun family experience.

Zumba^® in the Circuit  –  Maximize your workout while still having a total blast. Zumba in the Circuit is 30 minutes of high-octane, Latin-inspired dance-fitness moves combined with circuit training, a series of strength exercises at timed intervals. Get the metabolism-boosting, strength-building benefits of circuit training while perfecting Zumba moves—all in the same class! Guaranteed to blast calories and thwart boredom, Zumba in the Circuit moves students from one exercise station to the next to the thumping beats of reggaeton, salsa, merengue, hip-hop and more. Be in and out in 30 minutes flat —this time-effective and efficient class can be adapted for all fitness levels.

Zumba^® Gold-Toning   –  The Zumba^® Gold-Toning program offers the best of both worlds — the exhilarating experience of a Zumba Fitness-Party with the benefits of safe-and-effective strength training. It’s an easy-to-follow, health-boosting dance-fitness program for baby boomers as well as beginners. Through dynamic lightweight resistance training and exciting international rhythms, Zumba Gold-Toning classes help participants build muscle strength, increase bone density, and improve mobility, posture and coordination.

Zumba Sentao™   –  The Zumba Sentao™ workout takes the thrill of the fitness-party and partners it with explosive, chair-based choreography to strengthen, balance and stabilize your core, and step up your cardio work in a whole new way. Grab a chair, feel the beat and learn how to use your own body weight to enhance muscle strength, improve definition and endurance, and tone your physique. Strut, shake and shimmy as you work your core (and work the chair) in a high-energy fitness-party that will keep you on the edge of your seat!

Music- The sound of my heart.

Hi there,
As the title tells this post is going to be about one of my passions namely music ;)
I was 4 when I learned to play the recorder and first set eye on those small black points with the little flags on them- called notes. At the age of 6 I took piano lessons but at this time the piano didn’t really work for me, I was too lazy to practice every day and I wasn’t eager enough to get good at playing. So one year later I finally found it- the perfect instrument! From the very first moment the Saxophone fascinated me with its beautiful raucous but soft sound and it’s golden, shiny looks. I was really enthusiastic about it for the first years but sometimes got frustrated with my teacher because he was very into Jazz music which is obvious if you play the Saxophone but I was never really the improvisation type so I stopped getting lessons after 3 years and instead joined a marching band.

The Eisenbahnermusikverein Knittelfeld became a second home for me and my conductor who happens to be a Clarinet and Saxophone teacher gave me lessons in classical music. I like being in the marching band because not only can I share my love for music with my colleagues but also we have a lot of fun together and by a lot I mean tons of! Whoever is lucky enough to be member of a club like a sports club, a music society, a book club or whatever knows what I’m talking about. It’s the community and the sense of togetherness that makes it so great for me and of course playing the Saxophone. In this picture you see me playing the Solo from "Gabriella's Song" with my band.

Having introduced my beloved EMV I’d like to mention our concert this weekend. It is called “Chor+Blasmusik” and it is very special because 4 societies are working together on one concert. There are 3 choirs who are singing along to the music of the marching band and as a high point we were lucky enough to get a great solo singer to work with us. Her name is Sarah Kettner and she is the most talented singer I ever had the pleasure to hear live. The program varies between Opera, Film, Musical, Folk and Pop. I’m looking forward to finally play this weekend; the last months were quite stressful because of all the practicing.

The years passed by and my sister who also happens to be very musical bought a piano and took some lessons so I thought I’d give it another try and to my own surprise I loved it. I learned the bass clef with the help of my sister and some books but preferred it to just play the accords along with the melody. While writing this I have a great desire to play :-)
My newest wish is to learn to play the oboe which I heard is rather difficult.