Citizenship by Digita1ization

In a globalized world where borders do not have the same significance they used to have, there has arisen a new form of migration:

DIGITAL IMMIGRATION!

Sounds strange? That's what I thought, but check for yourself:



"Reaching the Promised Land of Digita1ization?"

When you were a kid, you played with wooden toys (maybe plastic) and there were only two channels on TV?

Dear Tuesday, I want you back!

Friday I'm in Love with You? No, Tuesday, I want you back!

Last week on a Tuesday (thankfully the only Tuesday that week), was a special Tuesday (traditionally a bad day in Blue Grass history, don't ask!) for the Seattle Blue Grass Scene! Seattle's Greenest Blue Grass Band "Million Dollar Nile" was playing at the Tractor Tavern in Ballard - luckily they happen to be my favorite - so of course, I had to go. On a Tuesday though? Yes, even on a Tuesday (Nicole wrote a great song about breaking up with Tuesday, but it seems they've been getting along better lately).

Back when I was in Seattle (I think I arrived on a Sunday, peew), I had met Nicole (the front singer) at FIUTS, the campus organization for international students. I think it was at Wednesday lunch (Wednesday, what a beautiful day, so centered!) when we started talking about music and she invited me to one of her shows... ever since, I'm stuck with their songs in my head!

So what the hell is Green Blue Grass? (And why would those crazy people play on Tuesdays? (despicable))
Like so many other people in Seattle, Nicole (and her bandmates) have a heart of compo... eh, they like the environment! So when Nicole (and her bandmates) discovered one day that covering Blue Grass (with blankets so the neighbors wouldn't look weird) wasn't really filling their green bins, they decided to write their own songs on the issues that where bugging them (mostly on Tuesdays, naturally!). All time favorites guaranteed to get stuck in your head are "What You Don't Know (Can't Hurt You)" and the Reggea influenced "Don't Kilowatt" that will teach you to play your iTunes for the racoons!

Since then, every February is "Album writing month", where they all try to come up with a total of 14 new songs - a tough challenge and another reason to look forward to the concert - there might be new songs!
And indeed, "Who's Your Farmer" is a funny new country style treat from MDN and they've also come up with a Shanty.

The show was (despite the incredibly unpleasant choice of day), really awesome. Well, until they left the stage and the actual headliner came up. "Oakhurst", which doesn't deserve more space than they've already had now. But I guess that's life - on a regular Tuesday ;)

Anyway, here's a little video from the show (playing "Phantom Rings"). Enjoy :)

Spicing up your travel time OR: when it's better to throw stuff away!

Alert: Don't read if you have a weak stomach ;)

Only a couple of days until my next trip to Seattle. Meanwhile I'm trying to get all my work done here first AND continue settling into my new place. It is good to have a permanent place of residency again!

In that process I am having encounters with the past. I'll spare you all the letters, documents and memorabilia I have come across - but I want to leave you with some quick advice!

IF you go away for a significant time - don't think about keeping your spice collection, no matter how elaborate it is or how long it took you to collect it! Just throw it out or give it away, trust me, you don't want this kind of company ;)




As we are on the subject of "Mags", I am going to see Maggy, my old Seattle roomate when I'm over. She is moving to Costa Rica for a job - I'll find out if she has a blog, I'm expecting there will be looots and lots of awesome pictures!
So long, see you in Seattle ;)

Oh and while I'm gone, don't forget to let me know how I can make my portfolio (http://pcbritz.com) better, so I can incorporate that when I come back with new pics from The Emerald City!

The Portfolio (Tadaaaa)

I proudly present: My new portfolio!! Now: What's wrong with it?

Here's the recipe: Go through your entire pictures, make a tiny selection, add some audio and video, stirr it up with some web design, make it both functional and aesthetically pleasing and press go!

Seattle Winter vs. Paul - Round 2

Here we go, I haven't even gotten a chance to put (or even sort) some of the pictures from my trip through Turkey and Germany with Filiz when there's more travel news!

I just booked a ticket to Seattle in February!! Returning to the Emerald City after - wow, has it already been five months? I'll be missing Valentine's Day (which this year is actually a shame!) and President's day, but I'll sure be there for Seattle's fearsome winter! Sunset at 4pm and everything. Maybe I'm lucky and it's not as cold as last year, but I won't bet on it.

Why would I want to go to Seattle during such an awful time? Well, aside for the obvious reasons: As rough as the weather might be on your soul, the people give me a warm feeling in my heart. Funny enough, most of the people I'm talking about aren't even American or from Seattle, but the city brings all these nice people together.

Also, Seattle winter is the time when people crowd into tiny coffee shops and try to warm their souls on a hot drink more than ever. There are a couple of characteristics and stories about Seattle that I don't feel I've sufficiently told with my camera, this is one I am trying to cover. If I'm successful, you'll see the pics on my new portfolio site: http://pcbritz.com and of course here - in all their randomness!

It's over? NOOO, it's never over!

You know, Germany is just as curious a country as the USA is, especially when you just got back to it. Besides, I will go to many more foreign funness countries, so I should keep on writing here!

If you wonder why I haven't been posting a lot in the last few weeks before returning home, take a look at this video of my roomies - well, my fictional roomies ;)

I'm guest starring in Team Marco Polo's very own sitcom "Leo & Mike". And aren't I a pleasant character... not ;)

The End is near: Post 100!

What? Only 10 more days?
Yes, it's true. My stay in Seattle is almost over and this is my post 100! Ready for 1001 posts?

I just got back from New Orleans last night with lots of moskito bites and a couple of pictures ;).
They will probably have to wait a bit though, because tomorrow, I am heading out to the North Cascades this weekend for camping!

I need to take advantage of being here in the Pacific North West, don't I?
I hope I can get some of that up before I leave, but I can't make any promises.


And on a side note for all those who don't know yet: The busy-ness (ha, pun!) doesn't stop with me leaving the US. Upon return I will start an internship in Social Media development at the Rhein-Zeitung! Just to make sure I don't get rusty with a break or something ;-)