Red Bull Paperwings Contest

Yesterday, I participated in the 'Worldwide Paper Plane Contest' which was sponsored by RedBull. There was a contest for distance, hang-time, and artistic flight. I decided to only enter in both the distance and hang-time competitions. Unfortunately, I didn't represent the (209), (916), or the (415) very well, but I did manage to build a paper plane that had a hangtime of 7 seconds. It doesn't sound like a lot, I know, but you'd be amazed how difficult it was. The top hang-time for this Graz tournament was just over 10 seconds. However, the world-record for hang-time is 26.7 seconds!! The other competition I entered in was the distance competition, but I'll not even mention to you how poorly I did there. Nothing but crash-n-burn! Anyway, here are some pictures from the event...















For those who don't know the history of this energy beverage, RedBull was first conjured up by an Austrian named Dietrich Mateschitz who was the creator of the drink. He actually got the idea for from a Thai beverage called Krating Daeng. However, he took was he learned and partnered with a local pharmacy to manufacture the beverage in 1984, and they took stakes in his firm, Red Bull GmbH. And that was the start of it all!

This was my hang-time design.















The competition was held indoors, in order to cut-down the "wind" factor.




















This guy was the winner, with a hang-time of just about 11 seconds.

















Check out the form, nice!!





















There weren't many girls or foreigners in the competition, and so this drew some attention by the local media and after a small interview with us, they placed this picture in the local media. :)

















The award ceremony was pretty fun as you see below.
Plenty of free RedBull and Vodkas for everyone!















Here is the website to the event, which may still be open for participation in your area... http://www.redbullpaperwings.com/

News Article: Islam and Divorce

Tue Mar 28, 4:06 PM ET NEW DELHI

Village elders ordered a Muslim man in eastern India to leave his wife after he accidentally divorced herin his sleep, a news report said Tuesday. Aftab Ansari uttered the Urdu word for divorce, "talaq,"three times in his sleep, prompting his worried wife todiscuss the matter with her friends, according to the PressTrust of India news agency.Under Islamic law, a husband need only say "I divorce you"three times to secure a permanent end to his marriage.Muslim leaders in the couple's village in West Bengal statefound out and decreed that Ansari's unconscious utterancesconstituted a divorce, PTI reported.But 30-year-old Ansari said he had no intention of leavinghis wife of 11 years."I have not given talaq. When I uttered talaq three times Ihad taken medicines to help me sleep," he was quoted assaying in the report.The religious leaders said that before remarrying, thecouple would have to be apart for at least 100 days and thatthe wife, Sohela, would also have to spend a night withanother man and then be divorced by him.PTI reported that the couple has been ostracized because oftheir refusal to abide by the decision of the villageleaders.

Die Riegersburg

This last weekend, I managed to do alittle exploration with my girlfriend, as we were both in need of a break from the sometimes claustraphobic surroundings of Graz. It was a surprise that she was planning for me, and she took me to a place called "Die Riegersburg", which I came to find out was a castle just 45 mins from Graz in a region of Südoststeiermark.















History:
The Riegersburg, which has been around since the 11th century and is roughly 850 years old, is quite visible as it rises far away on a volcanic mountain rock. This offered us a wonderful view over the gentle valleys, the green forests and the magnificent wine gardens of the south Oststeiermark.















They say that the Riegersburg Castle is one of the most beautiful castles left over, and that on clear days you can see as far as Hungary from its top. The Riegersburg Castle is about 108 acres and has over three kilometers (roughly 6 miles) of military walls whose main purpose was to keep out the advancing Turks. And since 1822 the Riegersburg has remained the private property of the fuerstlichen family Liechtenstein.















I came to find out that it was an imposing fortress, which was NEVER conquered in the centuries of its history. And I could see why that was, now that I have first-hand knowledge of its sheer rock face. And the ascent to the castle provides further proof to its undefeated record. But, this shouldn't deter tourist these days, because they have a very modern elevator that takes visitors up to the top to not only enjoy the views, but to witness the two exhibits they offer. This Sprin, in particular, there is the opening of their most famous...

The "WITCH MUSEUM" in the basement!
This is the continuation of the successful national exhibition 1987, and can only be witnessed here at the Riegersburg. From what I gather, there were certainly more than a few "witch hunts" in this region, as this was said to be the largest concentration of wizards and witches from Austria. And up to the middle of the 18th Century, these witches were pursued in Steiermark. There were approximately 300 alleged witches and wizards, that were tortured during this witch hunt. The former owner of the Riegersburg, count Johann Ernst Purgstall, ranked among the most prominent witch judges of the Oststeiermark. The witch museum leads with its exhibits into these dark and puzzling chapters of national history.
















Even though the best time of year to visit the Reigersburg Castle is in the late summer to early fall when the scenery is changing, we still managed to have a great time viewing it in the early parts of Spring.

In April, we will once again visit the Riegersburg Castle once the "Witch Museum" opens up.

















Tourist Information:
http://www.riegersburg.com/index.php4

TENNIS RACKETEERING INFLUENCED BY THE KURUPT ORGANIZATION (DOGGPOUND) - (18 COUNTS on 3 TRACKS), CONSPIRACY WITH C-MURDER, CONSPIRACY TO COMMENT ABOUT EXTORTION, CONSPIRACY TO MURDER FOOLS ON THE VENICE BEACH BASKETBALL COURTS, NARCOTICS EXPERIMENTATION, CONSPIRACY TO LAUNDER MONEY ACCIDENTLY; EX-CONTORTIONIST.

Video footage of Top Ten Fugitive, Chadwick Cole, at the Paradise Cove and with well-known accomplice, Mrs. Britney Spears in 1999 in Malibu, California. Video provided by Malibu State Police, a member of the Cole Fugitive Task Force. (http://www.hotget.com/videocode/Britney_Spears-Sometimes--8537.html)

Aliases:
Chad Cole, White Lightening, Lady Killer, The Quarterback, Abercrombie Guy, Jerry's Kid, Chady, The Director, Number Seven, Penguin, Stevie B, Playa, Whitey.








Description:
Date of Birth:
June 4, 1974 (Gemini)

Hair:
Blonde

Eyes:
Blue

Complexion:
Light (known to wear make-up)

Height:
6'2.5" to 6'4"

Weight:
200-210 (fluxuating from 255lbs)

Build:
Medium

Sex:
Unknown (possibly male)

Race:
White (possibly Mulatto)

Nationality:
American (a.k.a. All-American)

Place of Birth:
Napa, California

Occupation:
Unknown (or something called, "modeling")

Scars and Marks:
There is only one known for certain.
It is located at the top of his head where he was ran over by a boat trailer as a child.

Profile:
A graduate of St. Mary's high school in Stockton, California, where he received minimal grades, but showed early signs of cleverness as he manuvered his way into getting above average grades in his Spanish class with Mr. Stoker. Other petty crimes included; stealing clothes from his friends and driving around in other people's cars. Ironically, when he was a student at San Diego State, he majored in Criminal Justice. Chadwick Cole has been to many courts, including Sherwood by the Sarale House, where he was convicted of hacking, fouling, and bricking. Chadwick Cole can also be identified by his signature 'one-dribble-spin' in combination with his 'up-and-under' move. Some of his other hobbies include running himself rotten, all water and snow sports. In addition to this, Chadwick Cole has been known to be a frequent visitor at Disco Clubs (http://a.muglets.com/XTFY-A) Known to hang out with his wife more than his friends would like, and has foresake his Las Vegas days with his bros. In the summer of 1998, while working for a resort on the beach called La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club, he was first noticed and recruited by a man simply known as, "The Photographer", who wanted to involve him in a shoot. Although he claims he was "not interested at first", he quickly analyzed the potential alternatives, and became a member of "The Agency". Chadwick Cole travels throughout the world and is currently doing jobs for the world's top international agency, "Ford Models". He takes with him the teachings of his parents, whom have told him that "no matter how successful you are, you must stay grounded".

Jobs:
Some jobs that he has been involved in over the past few years include Abercrombie and Fitch "Innocents Abroad", which was a ploy to rectify his international perception as a Lady Killer. Also known to be involved with the "GodFather", John Madden, as he was seen appearing in a Big & Tall publication. A sketchy character, known to be shot by the Skechers organization. A well-known job codenamed, "Sometimes", which included the odd pairing of a dog and a teenage girl. Also known to have conspired with world-famous heads of industry, Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren. Chadwick Cole was also caught in a 60-second video clip conducting a job with the notorious "Ice-T", which was codnamed, "Silver Bullet Love Train" and was debuted in May of 2005. Chadwick Cole has also been known to carry razors, which was also videotaped through a job he did with Gillete in 2004. Claiming himself to be the "best job" he's ever had, was codenamed "Buckle" in Porta Ve Arta. Other international acclaim was found with the Japanese gang, known as Toyota, whom hired Chadwick Cole for a job codenamed, "VIOS", where he was teamed up once again with Mrs. Britney Spears (http://youtube.com/watch?v=QSnQwnmn0dM&search=britney%20spears%20commercial%20).

Potential Locations:
Chadwick Cole has been the master-mind behind such gangs/groups such as; Rams, A&F, The Amer-Team, The Nut Smugglers, SAE, Aztecs, Polo, Tigers, and many others not mentioned. Chadwick Cole is an avid reader with an interest in advertising. He is known to frequent tennis courts with the recently released Italian get-a-way driver known as "Canevari". Chadwick Cole is currently on the heart medication Cannabis (50 mg) and maintains his physical fitness by walking on beaches and in parks with his female companion. Chadwick Cole and his female companion find interest in luxurious gatherings and may frequent these popular events for networking and shelter. Chadwick Cole has been known to alter his appearance through the use of disguises. He has traveled extensively throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, and Mexico.



















CAUTION
Chadwick Cole is being sought for his role in numerous attrocities committed from the early 1980s through 2006 in connection with his leadership of an organized crime group that allegedly controlled the minds of young teenage girls, gay men, and other activities in the greater Los Angeles, California, area. He has a below-average mellow temper, an unchanny ability to charm others, and is known to carry headshots of himself at all times. Considered armed and legged, with extremely good-manners.

If you have any information concerning this person, please contact your LOCAL FBI OFFICE or nearest U.S. EMBASSY OR CONSULATE.

REWARD
The FBI is offering a $0,000,000 reward for information leading directly to the arrest of Chadwick Cole.

*Chadwick Cole (a.k.a. My Close Childhood Friend) asked me to place something about him on my website. So, in an effort to accomplish this, while not fractoring my heterosexual image, I have complied with his wishes by posting the information you see above.

Cheers Chad!!

Some of my advertising campaigns...

Since beginning this 1st Semester, I have had my hands full and my creative mind in over-drive, attempting to create campaigns worthy of making it to a magazine publication. As you review the print advertisements below, you may begin to wonder why I chose to focus on these particular products/services, and that's because these were assigned to us all with the perameters of each assignment built-in before we even began drawing our concepts. So, after dozens of revisions with my professors, I have come up with the advertisements you see below.

On a personal note, I'll just say that it's all been a very cool experience thus far. It's crazy, because what starts off as just a sketch and a raw concept, can turn into memorable print advertisements. I'm a long way from that level, but I think I've made some good strides over the last few months. What I find is the most difficult part of this process is coming up with something that is "simple, yet concise". You would think that a few words and an image could be easily conjured, but I've found out that it's much harder than I first imagined.

1st Semester Mid-term Grades (Spring 2006)

So, my mid-term grades came in a few days ago...

"B+" :Strategic Thinking (Marketing)
"B" :Digital Graphics (Photoshop & Illustrator)
"C" :Copywriting (Headlines, Taglines, Body copy)
"B" :Perspectives in Advertising (Visual Ad Concepts)

So overall, a "B" average isn't bad at all, but the professor's expectations will rise and there will be less room for errors with fewer assignments.

NCAA Tournament: The Rise and Fall...

Well, unfortunately, I am stuck here in Austria during "March Madness". It's a shame because I didn't exactly receive the coverage that I would back in the states. HOWEVER, I was totally stoked to have found "on demand" coverage by going to this website... (http://www.ncaasports.com/mmod/welcome)

My Alumni had an awesome year, and ended with the nation's longest winning stretch with 19 games in a row. But with the rise of this program's stature; Ranked Nationally #5, the All-American, the WCC Championship, and the Sweet 16, they fell hard and just short of an Elite 8 birth. Having a 17 point lead, a lead that was kept the entire game, and then losing at the last minute with some unforced errors, the Gonzaga Bulldogs lose the "Best in the West" title to UCLA. Unfortunately, since my graduation year in 1999, the Zags have failed to breach the Sweet 16. And if Adam Morrison doesn't return for his senior year, I think it's going to be even harder next year.

Gonzaga's website...
(http://gozags.collegesports.com/)

The German Language...

I came across this website today, and I found it surprisingly easy to follow along. I know that those reading my Blog aren't as inspired by the German language as I currently find myself, but nevertheless I thought I would go ahead regardless. In the slim case that someone might be interested in hearing/seeing/learning some of the basic phrase/words in German, than here you go... http://www.advanced-schooling.de/free/WELCOME.php

Snow flakes keep falling on my head...

Brrrrr....
Well, over the last few days here in Austria, there has been some major snow flurries. I just wanted to share a few of these images with you... (click on images to view larger)

Just a few words...

Well, things here in Austria seem to be moving along at a more reasonable pace, as I am beginning to find a balance with living/school/cultural integration. As I have stated in my last few postings, life here continues to challenge me. And outside of the continued life challenges here, my schooling remains equally challenging. There is the omipresent importance of "time management", which has been a bit of a crash course for me lately. As many of my other former Peace Corps volunteer might agree, when living as a Peace Corps volunteer there is an abundance of time. Attempting to fill each day with meanful tasks was a job in and of itself. I remember reviewing my entire list of tasks and spreading them out over the course of a week, which in a modern society might take only a few hours to complete. Now, my life is again scheduled to the minute, and having a daily planner is the only way to keep track of the many projects/assignments/homework that I have to complete each week.

Other than that, I received a summary report from each of my classes yesterday. It appears that with all the quizzes, assignments, homework, and discussion board submissions, I seem to be in the "B" range. It's not easy to get an "A" average at this school, and they say that if you are found in the "C" range than you can be very proud. So, I'm feeling good about my "B" average. I think once I can get a handle on the work-load and find a balance between quality/quantity, my grade scale will rise. Hopefully! ;)

2006 Winter Olympics (Torino, Italy)

#1: Germany
11 Golds, 12 Silvers, 6 Bronzes = 29 total

#2: U.S.A.
9 Golds, 9 Silvers, 7 Bronzes = 25 total

#3: Austria
9 Golds, 7 Silvers, 7 Bronzes = 23 total








Austria (#3)...












A small bit of disgrace on the overall performance of the Austrian's 2006 Olympic performance. As they continue to deal with the Olympic police's anti-doping raid and the unannounced doping tests that targeted some of its cross-country skiers and biathletes.

Being on this side of the globe and hearing some of the Austrian local's viewpoints regarding the subject, I can say that they are quite ashamed. And considering that they are a candidate country for the 2014 winter Olympics, this might be a small embellishment on their records. http://www.salzburg2014.com/

However, Austria also had the best showing in its long Winter Games history with 23 medals overall, nine of them gold, despite a police raid. It was most proud of a record 14 medals in Alpine skiing, including a medal sweep in the men's slalom on Saturday.

...Austrian / Germanic Cultural Experiences...

In additional to living a somewhat normal life these days as I attend school each day, I am fortunate enough to be living outside of American where I can experience the various cultural events found here in Europe. Unfortunately, here in Graz Austria, I don't have the opportunity to experience all of these cultural celebrations, as you might find in other German-speaking countries/cities. However, I would like to share with you what they are, which might be of some interest to you...

"Fasching" - Germans call the pre-Lenten Carnival season die närrische Saison ("the foolish season") or die fünfte Jahreszeit ("the fifth season"). Except for Munich's Oktoberfest, it is the one time of year when many normally staid Germans (and Austrians and Swiss) loosen up and go a little crazy. Fastnacht or Karneval is a "movable feast" (ein beweglicher Festtag) that depends on the date of Easter (Ostern). In 2006 Fastnacht falls on February 28 (Faschingsdienstag). The official start of the Fasching season is either January 7 (the day after Ephiphany, Dreikönige) or the 11th day of the 11th month (Elfter im Elften, Nov. 11), depending on the region. That gives the Carnival guilds (Zünfte) three to four months to organize each year's events (Carnival balls, parades, royalty, etc.) leading up to the big bash in the week before Ash Wednesday (Aschermittwoch), when the Lenten season (die Fastenzeit) begins.

Carnival in Rio is probably the world's most famous. In the U.S., New Orleans is well known for Mardi Gras. While that former French possession is one of the few cities in the United States with a major Carnival celebration, almost all of the Catholic regions and cities across the German-speaking world (and the rest of Europe) celebrate Mardi Gras in a big way. Only a few Protestant areas in northern and eastern Germany also observe Karneval. Some of Germany's best known celebrations are held in Cologne (Köln), Mainz, Munich (München) and Rottweil. But Cologne's Karneval is not really the same as Munich's Fasching. Germanic Carnival celebrations vary from region to region, sometimes even taking place at different times! (The Fasnacht event in Basel, Switzerland happens a week after most other Carnivals.) The main event of Karneval in Köln is the parade on Rosenmontag (Rose Monday). Further south in Bavaria and Austria, the culmination of Fasching takes place on Shrove Tuesday (Faschingsdienstag), like Mardi Gras in New Orleans. These and other differences reflect the long history and local traditions of the celebration, and they are also seen in the language.

Another celebration during this time is...

The "Vienesse Ball" in Vienna, Austria. Again, I wasn't able to attend this Ball for many reasons, but I did have the chance to see the Ball on local television here. The interesting point of the whole ball was that this year the actress, Carmen Electra, was invited by Viennese businessman Richard Lugner to visit the traditional Viennese opera ball last Thursday. Apparently this multi-millionaire, Richard Lugner, invites a new celebrity each year to this Ball, and pays large sums of money to do so. From what I've heard, he pays each celebrity between $60-100K to join him for 2 days in Vienna. In turn, it's there job to simply be their glamous selves as his guest to the Ball, and to make an appearance at his large department store. If you would like to learn more about it, here is the website... http://www.wiener-staatsoper.at/Content.Node2/home/opernball/7789.php















Another celebration especially this year is...

The "Mozart Festival" in honor of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the most famous Austrian of all time. This year, 2006, marks the 250th anniversary of his birth and Austria will be honoring this musical genius with a rich and varied calendar of events the whole year. Just a few of the interesting facts about Mozart, that you may or may not have already known, is that he made such a large impact on the world before his death at only 35 years old. And speaking of age, Mozart was only 5 years old when he learned his first instrument, and 6 years old when he gave his first concert. A website dedicated to this year... http://www.mozart2006.net/eng/index.html

And finally, a celebration that I was fortunate to attend...

Last weekend I had the opportunity to attend a traditional Austrian cultural event called the "Bauernbund Ball". This translates as, "Farmer's Alliance Ball". What makes this such a cool Ball for me is that I have the opportunity to witness the traditional customs of Austria.

And here I thought I would give you an example of modern-day Austria, in comparisson to a few decades ago...
Not much difference. ;)

Just a few words...

I'm trying to pick up the language German, but it's alittle difficult to understand. High German is alittle like High British English, so everything is pronounced and very clear. Which makes it hard for me, right now. Thinking back in comparison, I was lucky to have had those 3 month intensive training courses in Morocco for Arabic. It really does give you a great jump-start on the language.

But, I have school to deal with, and it's getting increasingly more intensified.

Although I'm not working while attending school, this graduate progam still takes up all my day. I think I'm alittle too detailed oriented, and where someone would take 20 minutes to complete an assignment I might take 2 hours. I just want to "nail it" each time, so I'm trying alittle harder than I normally would. Unfortunately, the other day I received a 'D' for one of my assignments. Although the end product looked good, the process of how I got there using Photoshop was what I was truly being graded on. However, in another one of my classes that deals with Strategic Marketing, I'm flying by with straight "A"s in the class. So, things are balancing themselves out, and it's hard to know what each particular teachers expect from you, since they all have different teaching styles.

I am working on several assignments/projects at the moment, and I will post the final product of my work on this website once I've completed it. As of right now, I am working on a number of print advertisements for the following brands; Peet's Coffee, IKEA, Neutrogena, Crayons, and Ford's Biofuel project. Of course, they are all 'mock' advertisements, but I'm going through a similar process that would be found in an advertising agency. I can't believe how many conceptual drawings I have to create, which can be dozens at a time. And to make it more complex, they each need to be completely different viewpoints or angles. My creative brain is getting a major rehaul, as well as being dusted of cobwebs.

Overall, things are feeling alittle more like normal (outside of the fact that I'm living in Austria). It's nice to have a 'project' of some sorts, and feel as though I am being productive.

Just a few words...

I gotta say, it was damned nice being back in California for an extended period of time again, and realizing just how nice it is to understand 100% of what is going on around you. Life became so simple, and uncomplicated, like I had imagined it years ago.

But, because I can't be in America for too long, I again decided to jump back on Lufthansa and head for central Europe. The tough part about flying back to Europe was simply....the weather. The day before I left for Austria, I was in Santa Cruz enjoying the beach and the 73 degree weather. Now, as I write this, I look outside and it is snowing, at about 32 degrees.

Other than that, I really look forward to enjoying this upcoming weekend. Nothing too interesting, just the fact that it will be the ''weekend''. When I was living in Morocco, the days just seemed to melt together, and everyday for that matter seemed like a weekend. Now that I've begun my studies, it's quite the opposite. I'm so heads down all week long, handing in advertising concepts and attempting to rejuvenate my creativity, that when the weekend comes, I'm surprised.

So yeah, this week has gone by like a blur. What's nice about my current arrangement is that I wake up each morning, take the bus like everyone else, and head over to the University of Graz. I actually spend most of my time over at the University of Graz, using their computer lab. It's a nice setting, and makes me feel more like a student rather than someone who is just logging onto their computer each day. Later, I ride back to the apartment, whilst I listen to my German Language CD that I loaded onto my iPod before leaving the states. I wish I could afford to have a more formal training in the language, but I don't really have time or money right now. And with all that is going on with my new graduate program, I have yet to find that rhythm.

Tomorrow I will go to the gym, which is oddly located within the train station. I hear it is nice, but you never know until you can see it for yourself. I'll actually be going to the gym with a Moroccan friend of mine that I met will living close to Marrakech. He is studying here in Austria also at the University of Graz, studying International Human Rights Law. It's weird how you meet people from all over the world, and then meet them again in the most obscure regions. In this case, the old saying, "Small World, huh?", really does apply.

So, I'll be here in Austria for alittle while longer. I think I'm alittle addicted to living in Europe, because I feel as though I'm challenged each day. Yesterday night I went to a dinner party and ended up listening and trying to translate over four languages. And the dinner party was only 4 people. My brian was fried when I left. But again, it's good for me, even if it is hard to understand.

Life is good.