A truly multi-national bunch

I never thought German could sound so different when spoken with a foreign accent. Here at work, it's a cacophony of accents with this truly international bunch of co-workers. Although it is tough to comprehend, it sure is comforting to note that half of my collegues have German as their 2nd or 3rd language, just like me. As such, no big vocabulary, complicated grammar structures (Mark Twain explains this well) and horrid slangs; which is great for me. Unfortunately, all speak fluent English and so there're not many chances for me to practice German! It's great to know also that no engineering department is complete without an Indian (not including me) and a Chinese. Ha ha! Since they are all only slightly older than me, it's great fun working with them. They're far from from the stereotypical boring engineers despite holding a minimum masters!


Here's part of my team: Salome from Portugal, Simone, Vincenzo from Italy and my boss Dr. Scherf. Here's taken at Vinc's 28th birthday party a couple of weeks back. Remind me to tell ya about the deadly concoction called "U-boat", which I was introduced to by some Russian girls, the next time we drink..

death of music?

Spending 2 hours travelling to work and back everyday, I am oblivious to the scenery swishing pass me and the people opposite me. Why? Plugged into my new Creative Zen Neeon 6GB.. that's why! Now, I'm not complaining about the player.. 3000 songs, easy to use menus, pretty good sound with an equaliser built in, FM radio (whenever I feel German). It's an engineering wonder! But I am worried.. I have noticed a startling difference in the way I listen to music. With 1500 (I only half filled it) songs, I am definitely spoilt for choice and so when I get bored with a certain song, I flip to the next, jumping songs, albums, genres.

Before I had this mp3 player, I was using the good old discman (without mp3 capabilities). I had no choice but to listen to whatever I had in there. So much so, I never jumped tracks, knowing full well if I did, I would have nothing else to listen to. In doing so, I was forced to listen carefully to each song, and the more I listened, the more I noticed about the musicality, the rhythms, the message the artist is trying to put a across. In the end, a song which I never liked first time round, could be my favourite song! There's so much in a song to listen to and lately, I have not been doing that. It is ironic that the mp3 player exposes you to more songs, but in the end, you appreciate less music.

Another irony here: The advertisement says: "Put a face to your music." Here, they are trying to advertise the replacable covers/skins of the player to suite the individual. The way I see it is this - When I buy albums, I like looking at the CD sleeves, with the album art, photos, writeups and lyrics - It sort of "put a face" or "put a picture" to the music I was listening to. Well, with mp3, I don't think many people look at the albums they bought this way or worst; download their music. I am guilty too. Now, is the mp3 really the death of music and artist appreciation? It's up to the individual to decide.

Switchfoot live @ Frankfurt

Last Sunday, Switchfoot performed live at Batschkapp, Frankfurt - Their "Oh! Gravity" Europe tour and it was one night to remember for me. Thinking that I would have to join a snaking queue before entering the concert (and not knowing the place), I arrived at Batschkapp an hour early... only to find that 1)No one was there 2) It was no Indoor Stadium, but rather an old shed-like building. I walked around to the side and saw a bus and a trailer hooked on to it. As i walked pass the bus, the door suddenly swung open and out came guitarist Drew Shirley and he was like "Hey man" and I was "Hey". Of course I did not really recognise him but i guessed as much he was Switchfoot. Then a couple of kids out of nowhere rushed past me to talk to him. So there I was, standing and listening to Drew as he entertained these star-struck people. But it was cool of him to hang around to chat with us anyhow.

Switchfoot Live!

Batschkapp is the type of venue I would like to perform in: Small hall with a stage at one end, bar at the other, mirrors on the side, capacity of about 300 people. As such the concert turned out to have a very personal touch.

Top:Entrance of Batschkapp Bottom:Me, Wendy & Ralph after the concert

Switchfoot was great; playing mostly songs from their new album "Oh! Gravity" (Thanks Teresa & Justin for buying me this CD for Christmas - its great to know all the songs played at the concert!) Apart from that, old favourites such as an acoustic version of Only Hope and This is your Life brought much cheer from the crowd. (I never thought there would be a mosh-pit at a Switchfoot concert) The concert ended with favourite Meant to Live and then shouts for "Zugabe" (German for encore) filled the hall. The band appeared back without frontman John Foreman - He was standing in the middle of the crowd as the band went on to play something I can't remember now. The last song was the hit Dare you to Move. I guess this concert was especially meaningful for me cause I have jammed or performed Switchfoot songs with almost all the bands I've played with: Always Marcia, IHM Band with Ajie & Julz, No signboard Seafood and MM. It was an awesome experience hearing these songs live!

Vocal controls for Jerome, John & Tim on the mixers