Liz's Blog

The US Government has pledged 6 minutes worth of Avatar funding for Haiti Crisis Relief
…yep, a whole 6 minutes.

The recent crisis escalation in Haiti has left many donating to the cause through various organizations; governments have been pledging as well. Jer Thorp has taken a look at the amount of money pledged by governments as a function of minutes of the movie Avatar (which is considered one of the most expensive movies of all time at a budget possibly exceeding $300 Million USD). Avatar was privately financed (for the most part), the government is fueled by tax dollars. It’s not quite apples to apples, but it does make you think. There is no denying that Haiti has been pounded by tragedy and not just the recent earthquakes. It is interesting to put disaster relief aid into perspective.

Ever since a Processing demonstration a few months at work, I have been longing to make a compelling visualization of my own. It is one thing to see numbers on a page, it’s another to be able to relate to them. Inspiration has yet to come.

On a separate note, I’d be shocked if most people know where Guyana is, let alone that it is a country. Yet it made number four on the list. I must admit that I had to look it up.

2 Comments | In: Random, Uncategorized | tags: Aid, Processing. | #

This time last year I was in LA getting ready to head home and blitz pack for UAE, Ethiopia, and little did I know…Kenya and Vegas. Sometimes life goes too fast. Other times I can’t help but to feel like my reference frame is wrong and I’m the blur whizzing by.

No Comments | In: Thoughts and Life | tags: Fernweh, Maya, Mexico, Travel. | #

Sometimes we all need to escape the city…even if it is freezing outside. Pictures are from a recent weekend girls snowshoeing getaway up at Mt. Cardigan. (The top photo somewhat reminds me of this Radiohead album.)

This blog was initially meant as a travel journal, but now that I am “staying in one place” it’s time to shift gears if there is any hope of me actually updating. A la Brendan and Jackie you can start expecting a lot more photos.

No Comments | In: Outdoors | tags: FB, mounains, Mt. Cardigan, New Hampshire, snow shoe. | #

Over a year ago I posted a few creative commercials (and a few non-commercial ads too)that I actually enjoy watching. Enjoying a commercial?…Crazy isn’t it? Here’s to creativity.

1 Comment | In: Random | | #

Even if you’ve never had the joy of using AOL, with thanks to Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan the friendly yet contemptible AOL voice proclaiming “Welcome!”; “File’s done”; “Goodbye”; and, of course, “You’ve got mail!” is recognized by many. This weekend, it was time to put an end to that voice on my Aunt’s computer.
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It’s easy to hate AOL. It not only takes over your browser, but AOL infests your computer with all their tangentally related software, taking up significant space and slowing it down to a lagging crawl. In fact, just as I thought I had it completely uninstalled, I’d find another program.
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It’s amazing how your environment can really change your perspective on certain technology. While in Ethiopia, dial-up internet (although not AOL) was a lifeline, allowing us to connect during the numerous power outages without a generator. Without it, we wouldn’t have had internet half of the days. It might have been slow, but it was effective. Although Chicago does have its share of power outages, it’s nowhere like the loadshedding in Africa. The dial-up simply isn’t needed, and suddenly I viciously turn on the technology I was so thankful for just a few months ago.
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Despite these mixed feelings, as I hit the uninstall button I had to say “Goodbye” back with a huge smile on my face.

No Comments | In: Africa, Random, Technology | | #

As I traveled this past year, I made sure to learn how to cook a few authentic dishes in each region I lived. I’ve been terrible at posting them (only the Chapatti one so far), but here’s a long overdue entry for Germany.

Jägerschnitzel was one of my favorite food indulgences in Germany. Thanks to its fattening nature, it’s not only tasty but kept me warm on the chilly Düsseldorf days. Thanks to the help of Andy and Phil, my German flatmates, I also discovered it was easy to prepare.

Ingredients

4 Veal or pork cutlets (boneless)
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 Tbsp flour
Salt and pepper (as needed, light)
Vegetable oil
2 eggs, beaten
2 lemons
1 medium onion, diced
8 oz. onions, sliced
2 strips of thick bacon
1 ½ cups water
1 cube beef boullion
1 Tbsp cornstarch
½ cup sour cream

Preparation Supplies

Cutting board or other clean, flat working surface
Knife
Meat mallet (or a good fist)
Bowl or plate for breading
Stove
Medium sized skillet and pot
Spatula/Wooden spoon

		1. Meat Prep Trim any excess fat off of the meat and pound it until it is less than 1/4 inch thick. Take out all aggression on the meat, just try not to tear it. Lightly serrate the meat. Pour some oil (1/4 deep) into a large skillet over medium heat.
		2. Season and Bread In a bowl, beat the eggs. Season the cutlets with salt and pepper. Dip the cutlets into the egg followed by the breadcrumbs. Make sure to coat evenly.
		3. Fry! Place cutlets in the skillet and fry until golden (1-2 minutes per side). Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Sprinkle with lemon juice.
		4. Sauce Add onion and mushrooms to the skillet and cook until lightly browned. Pour in water and dissolve the bouillon cube. Simmer for about 20 minutes. Stir together the cornstarch and sour cream; stir into the skillet. Cook over low heat until thickened but do not boil.
		5. Serve Spoon over the cutlets and serve immediately (preferably with a potato or German dumpling side)…Yum!

In the words of the third (French) roomate, Elodie…
Bon Appetit!

No Comments | In: Cooking, Europe 08 | tags: Düsseldorf, Germany, Jagerschnitzle, Recipe, Wienerschnitzle. | #

“Young boys are starting to realize their dreams and do what ever they can to make sure that those dreams come true even if they must get themselves dirty. [...] They don’t have money to buy a soccer ball….. they make it on their own. This how the ball is made: Firstly you look for old clothes or blankets. Then you put a few condoms around, which you blow up with your mouth, but not with too much air. Just so it’s the same size as a soccer ball. After this you put either a plastic bag or a piece of old clothing over the condom. Then to make it strong, you tear up the old clothing or blanket into long strips and tie the strips all around the condom to strengthen the shape of the ball and make it heavier. Once you can feel it bounces well, you take a strong plastic bag and wrap it around the ball. Lastly you reinforce it by wrapping strong rope or tire wire around it.”

Check out the full article at:
http://www.afrigadget.com/2009/06/15/football-handmade-in-south-africa/

1 Comment | In: Africa | | #