It snowed, but not long

First of all what did you do today. Well this morning, not very much. It started snowing. Now in Switzerland it just doesn't snow. You get wet snow, powder snow, icy snow, all depending on the size of the flakes coming down and the temperatures. Today was warmish for snow, so we got wet snow which has the giga size of flakes. This means that your garden looks like this

within five minutes. As it was Saturday and I somehow had a second sense that this catastrophic predicament could be the case today, based on the negative experiences of North England yesterday, I had already bought most of the food supplies on my hunting expedition on Friday. This meant my presence was not really needed today and Mr. Swiss being Swiss and having grown up in such weather, I decided he could go shopping today with the car. What came in five minutes was already gone by the time he went, the snow fall was a short lived episode and soon disappeared. I was surprised to find this in the garden when it melted

The first signs of Spring have arrived in the shape of my crocus, although Mr. Swiss said they had been flowering all week. As I usually spend the week at work I did not see them. My cats don't like snow at all, so Fluffy slept all day

Tabby watched the world go by making a careful examination of everything that was happening from her perch on top of the cupboard

and Nera, well we just left her to her own thing. She was a bit irritable today after nearly scratching Mr. Swiss on the nose and snow coming down which she does not like. She just made her pin up pose as if to say don't touch me, I'm in charge.

I used the afternoon to do some things I should have done during the week. First of all I caught up on the accounts for our local first aid society. As I do the payments all online and play with Excel tables, it was only a five minute job. Then I had one of those invoices to pay for myself, also online so that was dealt with. The Chinese New Year being just around the corner on 07.02.2008 it is better to deal with you debts now, before anything happens as Confuscius probably said and it being the year of the rat you never know. My cats seem to think it will be a good year.

I devoted a certain amount of time this afternoon to a new photo for our first aid web site. I had been meaning to do it for some time. I had collected some 100 photos over the past couple of years so combined them for a new introduction photo. Up to now I had a photo of the two villages, which was getting a bit boring with time. Here is the result of my efforts

You won't find me anywhere - someone had to take the photos. And now it is time to feed the family once again. Until the next time

Microsoft's New Baby is called Yahoo - I don't think so

Here we are in the town of Avenches in Switzerland, orginally known as Aventicum. Yes I have been there. It is one of those places that is near enough to make a one hour car journey towarads the West and which goes over the Swiss language border meaning that the main language spoken is French - although only just, the German speaking borders are near.

After the Swiss helvetic tribes (Switzerland was originally known as Helvetia) had loss their battle against Julius Ceaser who must also have been a Swiss tourist, they returned to Switzerland in the middleland (where I live) in 58 B.C. When Aventicum was founded no-one really knows but in 15 B.C. after the Roman take-over, Aventicum became the capital city of the Helvetians (Swiss). The town was stratigically important and also a canal connected the town with the harbour on the nearbye Lake of Murten.

Then under emperor Vespasian, 71-72 A.D. the town became a colony. A lot of building was carried on and Avenches still resembles a sort of openair museum. The Roman theatre is still there and used for open air operas or plays. Around 200-300 A.D. this capital Helvetic city had about 20,000 inhabitants and good connection to the Roman Empire. Then the Alemann tribes came (sort of German folk) around 275-277 A.D. and Aventicum was destroyed quite a bit. Although the town still existed it never really recovered from these attackes - officially the Roman time came to and end in 455 A.D. in this area. It is a sort of archealogists paradise as they are always digging something up from the past.

So what is this all about. Well our beloved Yahoo has discovered Avenches or Aventicum and has decided it is time to occupy this town with so much history.

"The American Internet search engine giant is building a SFr35-million data center near the Nespresso factory in the community in northern Vaud in Switzerland. The Californian company Yahoo! has chosen Avenches over Yverdon for its planned European data center. The company is signing a deal today to buy 36,000 square meters of industrial land in the former Roman city for SFr 4.8 million. The site is located next to the Nespresso factory under construction.

The cost of building Yahoo’s European data center is estimated at SFr35 million. The company will employ 20 engineers. The center is expected to be very energy-intensive, using 20 gigawatts per hour, equivalent to the energy consumed by a city of 12,000 people.
According to the terms of the contract, Yahoo has the right to break the agreement with the city of Avenches if archeological problems delay construction. The city, in the Broye region, is known to have a lot of Roman remains underground.

Yahoo has not said why it chose Avenches over Yverdon, another city the American company was considering. For Jacques Pasche, director of DEWS (Economic Development Western Switzerland), the Avenches site had a higher profile than Yverdon. The inexpensive land and cheap electricity could be other factors to explain Yahoo’s decision, Pasche said"

So there we have it in a nutshell. I would love it if they found a historic Roman temple when they start digging, now that would be fun. Living nearbye, it almost entices me to cancel my Multiply and rejoin Yahoo again, but only almost. I am still sad about the awaited demise of 360° and have now made my new home in Multiply with many other Yahoo refugees. But Julius Ceasar had his problems as well, and the new problem for Yahoo has appeared on the horizon by the name of Microsoft. A horizontal starter by the name of Google has been a thorn in Microsoft eyes for some time. Now Microsoft has seen its chance to become even bigger and better. Yahoo is not so healthy at the moment and has problems. Many Yahoo people are losing their jobs - are we Multiply refugees perhaps the reason? I don't think so, but a little bit of mismanagement has occurred. Microsoft have decided that if they take over Yahoo, Google will suffer and might even go to the software happy hunting grounds and Microsoft will become bigger and Bill Gates even richer than he is. Yahoo is thinking about it and have not yet said yes please. I also think the American way of life is not happy with one company taking over the complete search mashine organisation so who knows what will happen.

In the meanwhile the little town of Avenches and its people are waiting for the day when the ground breaking ceremony for the new Yahoo centre arrives and are going about their daily lives as usual.

It's Fasnacht - Carnival Season in Switzerland

If you happen to be in Switzerland at the end of January/beginning February and you get woken up in the morning by noise from bells, banging on dustbin lids, horns or whatever, then the people have not escaped from the local mental hospital, they are celebrating the beginning of the carnival season in the areas around Solothurn and Luzern. Fasnacht is mainly a catholic thing, so the big things happen in the catholic areas of Switzerland. I live in the kanton of Solothurn and although I am not a carnival person, you can't really escape from it. The photo shows the "chesslete" which is the beginning. People dress up in a white night shirt with a red scarf round their necks (it must be red) and they wear a white night cap. The shops are full of them for people to buy. They then meet at five in the morning and start making their noise in a procession (organised of course, we are in Switzerland) and at eight in the morning they usually retire to the nearest restaurant where they eat cheese cakes and flour soup (you roast flour in a saucepan, add liquid, salt to taste and the soup is ready). This is all part of tradition. Then everyone either goes to work, or goes home depending on whether they will carry on celebrating for the rest of the day. Oh yes, in the afternoon there is a confetti war in the streets, but mainly for the kids.

I am afraid my kids had a mother that was a bit reluctant to take part in all the festivities, but they had some cousins that would take them. Either you are a carnival family or not. Anyhow this morning when I got to work I was one of the first as the others were still running around in town in their white nightgowns. Eventually they came to work and my colleague who is a few years younger than me and did not participate in the fun, told me they would be coming to our company with the soup wagon and whether I wanted any. I am not keen on soup in the morning at nine o'clock, but found a few photos would be appropriate. Here is one of the soup wagon which is pulled along the road by a tractor.

This wagon tours around the village where I work and stops at the local companies in the industrial area where people fetch their soup. Needless to say our company did have a distinct soupy smell around in the office this morning.

As you can see there are five horns fixed to the wagon which they use to signalised that they have arrived. There are various carnival organisations and each has their own thing.

This organisation is known as the "Fedelio Zunft" and as long as I have been working in this village (28 years) they have come every year. This evening the carnival takes place in the various restaurants in our local town of Solothurn. They have been decorated and the beer will be flowing. Many groups singing satirical songs about local well known people, such as politicians and shop owners will be touring around the restaurants. There will also be drumming groups. There are some people in the company where I work that have taken the week off, as this carnival thing goes until Ash Wednesday - next week on Wednesday. I will be working as usual - as my Mr. Swiss says either you have it in the blood or not and if you don't grow up with it, you never will.

WEF - World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland

"The World Economic Forum is an independent international organization committed to improving the state of the world by engaging leaders in partnerships to shape global, regional and industry agendas. Incorporated as a foundation in 1971, and based in Geneva, Switzerland, the World Economic Forum is impartial and not-for-profit; it is tied to no political, partisan or national interests. The World Economic Forum is under the supervision of the Swiss Federal Government."

That is what it is supposed to be about. To be quite honest I don't follow it that much. All I know is that quite a few well-known politicians and business men get together in a small town, Davos, in the Alps of Graubunden in Switzerland, eat a lot of super food, stay in 5 star hotels and have fun. Now and again they have a few conferences, but the public are not too happy about it as it seems to encourage that bad word used often today in politics known as "globalisation". I heard a programme on the radio where they interviewed the owner of a café in Davos. She said that she did have a different public visiting her restaurant at the moment. Mostly CIA look alikes and bodyguards. They were all armed with their mobile telephones which were ringing all the time and never had longer than five minutes for a coffee. Also English is at the moment the most spoken language in the restaurant. Otherwise the Swiss police have enough to do "looking after " the people demonstrating. Here is the latest news (translated by me - couldn't find anything in english)

"The demonstraters show words such as "Wipe out WEF" and carry flags with the words "Stop WEF". Speakers criticise the visit of Tony Blair and Henry Kissinger at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Both are warmongers.

Amongst the protestors are masked people. The police turned up in large numbers but did not intervene. The demonstration was organised by the "Union for global resistance".

As already a week ago, there were a few temporary arrests. According to the organisers 15 people were arrested, the police said 10. They were stopped because the police found cans of paint sprays and knives. A week ago 200 people were apprehended.

Now and again people were arrested in Basel. 60 people were arrested in the central part of the town because they were demonstrating in a meeting that had not been allowed. However there were no riots or damages.

People in Davos protested peacefully where the WEF was taking place. They demanded the cancellation of the meeting and a more fairer world. Colourful balloons and posters were in the order of the day. The police remained in the background. The demonstration was organised from the Davos environment friendly party. During the evening the younger members of the party set alight to 200 torches and ordered that the large companies their ecological and social responsibilities should be taken seriously.

In Zürich on Friday until midnight all 48 arrested were again released, after being arrested at a unallowed demonstration. They were accused of taking part at an unallowed demonstration"

So in a nutshell that is what had happened. Whilst the politicians were have fun in their hotels, the Swiss were demonstrating. To be quite honest the bloke that had the idea in the first place would have done better not having the idea. Switzerland is a place for skiing and enjoying after skiing in Winter, and not for having political conferences where everyone starts demonstrating. At least this year nothing was smashed up or fights developed. Anyhow next week our carnival season starts, so that will be something completely different - or is it?

I mean the people are masked there as well, and also do a lot of stupid things.

Photo taken by me at the Solothurner Fasnacht (carnival) 2007.

The Ginger Tom from next door

Things are getting a bit out of control in my neck of the Swiss gardens and the reason is shown above. There has been a lot of building going on where we live and now one by one families are moving in and are bringing their cats with them. Basically no big problem for a human. When the new arrival shown in the picture first made his visit to our garden we just let him get on with it, which was the first mistake. If you went into the garden and this cat was there he would come to you for a stroke settle down somewhere and have a sleep in a corner. We even noticed that he would make himself comfortable on one of our chairs and spend a few hours there having a catnap. Note, I say him. I am sure it is a tom cat as he is developing into a bit of a boss cat.

One day Mr. Swiss was indoors reading a book or something and suddenly 2 cats speeded through the cat flap and didn't stop until they were in the back room. He went to see what had happened and the ginger tom had taken position in our garden in front of the window. We then observed the situation and found that when our cats were outside, as soon as ginger tom turned up they ran away from him and came indoors. The next step was that ginger tom started sitting outside of the cat flap looking in and our cats stayed in. We then decided that action must be taken. Ginger Tom is now sprayed with water when he appears, but my cat Nera is no so happy.

Nera: He is the most ignorant of all cats I have ever met. I just like to observe situations to see how they develop. I mean most cats around here know I am the boss and leave me in peace, but today - well I was insulted. There I was sitting down cat watching - I mean these ginger toms are a bit suspicious. What happened afterwards, well I am still digesting it. This big garfield lookalike turned his head in my direction and hisst at me. At me, and what a hiss it was. Before I had a chance to hiss back he started off in my direction at such a speed. Well, what could I do. I just had to run for it. After all he did mean business and I didn't want to have my wonderful silky fur pulled about. Thank goodness I can still run if I have to, but this cheeky so-and-so just didn't give up and chased me to the neighbours porch. Thanks to my super intelligence and agility I managed to make a turn and run back towards my cat flap and eventually was safe and sound within my own four walls. Mind you I was a bit out of breath with all that running.

Tabby: You were lucky Nera. That ginger tom is a danger to the whole area.
Fluffy: You saw what happened to me last week. If it hadn't been for Bobinette who chased him away he would have attacked me.
Nera: Something has to be done about that apology for a cat. Absolutely no dignity chasing me,
Tabby: It was a good job that Mr. Human was watching, he hunted him away afterwards and I heard Mr. Human telling Mrs. Human that in future the Ginger Tom will be chased away if he comes near our garden.
Nera: I was so out of breath when I managed to get back home, and felt that one of my nine lives was leaving me.
Tabby: May I give you a bit of advice Nera. I am not so sure you still have nine lives, and you managed to escape from the beast of the ginger toms, but - well don't get angry with me - there is something called eat the half.
Nera: What are you trying to say.
Tabby: It has been noticed lately - I heard Mrs. Human saying it - that you have put on a bit of extra weight through the Winter.
Nera: I feel quite comfortable and think my weight is perfect.
Fluffy: Nera I think Tabby is trying to say that you might be able to run a bit faster if you don't have so many kilos to carry.
Tabby: Yes, Nera, now I never have a problem to run away
Nera: Are you insinuating that I am fat.
Fluffy & Tabby: No, never Nera, just a bit on the heavy side perhaps.
Nera: It is a well known fact that I am absolutely not fat, just fluffy - typical, everyone is always so jealous of my wonderful fur. I can't help it if I am such a beautiful cat.
Tabby: Fluffy, you know what, let's just leave her to calm down. I think she is still recovering from the shock.
Fluffy: Well, one good thing is that Mr. and Mrs. Human are going to help us in our fight against the ginger monster next door.

Although me and "Mr. Human" are still not sure what to do. We have decided that we will chase the Ginger Tom away if he comes into our garden again and just hope that that will do the job. Otherwise it looks like I will have to look for a cat psychiatrist to calm my 3 down and give a few tips on how to deter a cat that just won't learn his lesson. Anyone got any ideas?

Monday, Monday

Growing up in the East End of London, the only view we ever had from the shops was the street next to it and houses, houses, houses. Today was a particularly sunny day in my part of Switzerland, 7°C so on the warmer side for this time of year. I think it has only snowed once up to now and then not so much, just before Christmas. We also have clear skies and hence the view from the parking lot of the supermarket this lunch time was really impressive. The Bernese alps showed theirselves in all their glory.

If only lunch had been as good as the view. I always eat in the supermarket restaurant, where they increase the prices - but not the quality - at least once a year. The main thing is that the food is fresh, they serve their regular customers every day, so nothing really gets left. I just avoid certain things such as gravy or minced meat, as its contents are a bit dodgy to me. I mean you can put anything into that. Anyhow today I settled for a plain veal sausage, and something called Spätzli which is made of flour, eggs and milk and then formed into small pieces to be cooked in boiling salted water. and afterwards fried. Something I have made myself, but not so often. A lot of work, and a big mess in the kitchen if you don't keep your eyes on things. I took a small side salad with it. They always have enormous jugs of salad sauce to help yourself with. I usually take a minimum, there again I am suspicious of what could be in it. Slowly I think I am developing a food psychosis. Anyhow I met a couple of people in the restaurant that I work with, but was glad to finish the meal and get on with my shopping. I like to meet people, but when I see them in the office all day, I don't really have to spend lunchtime with them.

The afternoon in the office passed quietly, no big panics and we all survived, although one of the colleagues was not there. I was glad to get home and take it easy. Tabby had taken up a new position on the living room table. I just sometimes wonder what really goes through those feline brains.

and Nera was waiting to go out.

Mr. Swiss said it was such a nice day today that he even sat outside on the porch reading his book. Lucky Mr. Swiss, I would have also liked to sit outside reading a book today. Even the cats joined him in the sun.

So that was a sort of typical Monday. Tomorrow probably won't be much different, only that it is called Tuesday. Oh, I forgot. I read a mail just before I went home, we have to keep our office nice and clean and tidy tomorrow, it will be filmed with a 3-dimensional camera - now I wonder what that means?

Our Swiss Minister, Moritz Leuenberger

Being minister in a government is not always easy. In Switzerland you do have a very close contact to the government. It is a small country, most of the ministers are known and are always in the public eye. Moritz Leuenberger is no exception, as he noticed last week. A word to his person - he is member of the social (labour) party and is responsible for the department of Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications. He can be found in his official job here.

Moritz Leuenberger is a likeable person - he does his job well and he BLOGS, but he had a bit of bad luck on his last blog. A translation from me in English (it is only otherwise available in German and French)

"Alarmed by enquiries from the Swiss television and the Blick newspaper I noticed a story in the newspaper called 20 Minutes. It seems that a policeman filled a parking meter with his own money, that I had forgotton to do, to avoid that I would received a fine.

First of all I could not remember this episode, but then I realised what happened and I do not want to keep silent about the truth on this Blog.

In the Summer holidays I parked my car in front of a museum, to be able to pick up a book I had ordered (it was called "Art and Politics" and I needed it for my own book about lies and deceit). When I returned to my car a few minutes later a friendly gentleman spoke to me and said that I should have put money in the parking meter, but he had done this for me. Perhaps in return he could have a chat with me. A further friend arrived on the scene and we spoke about God, the world, and Zürich. As already mentioned it was Summer, no-one on the streets, also no cars. I found that during the conversation I did not have to pay any further parking dues as I was now carrying out a freight transport. No, said the friendly gentleman, transport of a book is not a freight transport, and a political book not at all. Then a lady came out of the museum and said "Mr. Leuenberger your wife has ordered two large paintings from us, could we perhaps put them in the boot of the car?". This was actually a mistake as my wife actually wanted to surprise me with these paintings. However in spite of this we put the paintings in the car and I said to the friendly gentleman " You see, it is now a freight transport". "That is true" he replied "but I have already paid the parking meter taxes for you, and the town of Zürich now has the money. By the way I am a policeman".

I kept this meeting a a good memory, even more as I must confirm that as driver I am not spared and have paid many fines in Zürich. I hope this confession does not give another story for the television

Until the next time

Moritz Leuenberger"

I sort of half watched the tv programme, my husband watched all and added that Moritz Leuenberger naturally refunded the money to the policeman that had filled up his parking meter. Here is a link to the blog in question. My comment is also included (the one mostly in English with a bit of German and Swiss-German),

That is one of the things I like about Switzerland - just one big happy family (nearly always)

reporting from Walt Disney land in the Alps