Jaywalking with the Irish by David Monagan
Order: USA Can
Lonely Planet, 2004 (2004)Paperback
Reviewed by Hilary Williamson
David Monagan and his wife Jamie, both of Irish descent, take their children (Laura, Harris and Owen) on 'safari to Ireland' because 'an inventory of achievements, possessions, and responsibilities revealed that certain intangibles had gone missing' in their comfortable U.S. life. They leave Connecticut's 'hermetically sealed' suburban worlds to seek 'adventure and renewal' in Hibernia, where both David and Jamie had traveled before. They settle in Cork, where 'chancers and dreamers and misfits' are valued.Readers share with Monagan bar friendships; the serendipities of meeting people all over the country with connections to others that he knew in past visits and to friends of his American relatives; musings on past tragedies, in particular the horrendous impact of the potato famine; and discoveries the family make as they explore the countryside around them, and find links to history everywhere, including some of 'more than 40,000 megalithic formations casually scattered about the Irish landscape, invariably with no fanfare or visible sign indicating their existence.'All is not idyllic however, even in County Cork where people 'laugh louder and longer ... than any other place on earth'. Local teen bullies persistently harrass the family; violence escalates in the city at night; the bureaucracy seems at times impenetrable; the culture, while ever friendly on the surface, is hard to break into, in terms of settling in and finding work; and Ireland's reaction to 9/11 includes 'heartless punditry' as well as a national day of mourning. Despite all, Monagan loves, and writes lyrically about, Eire and Cork, a 'small and irrepressible city fueled by grandiose visions, a little engine that could.'Having grown up in the north and traveled all over Ireland in the 70s, I was fascinated to read how the country has been changed, for better and worse, by strong economic growth. I enjoyed Jaywalking with the Irish for its presentation of very many quirky characters (Monagan quotes an old friend saying 'Every person I meet makes me larger'), but especially for its welcome, insightful, and clearly focused update on a country too often looked at through rose-colored North American lenses.
Mittwoch, 21. März 2007
what´s jaywalking?
Jaywalking is a term used to describe when a pedestrian crosses the street without regard to traffic statutes. In common use, the term generally refers to someone crossing a major street outside of a designated crosswalk or intersection, in jurisdictions where this is illegal.
Almost all urban areas in the United States and Canada require pedestrians to cross at crosswalks or intersections and to obey pedestrian traffic signals. Jaywalking is considered an infraction or a misdemeanor in some locations. It typically carries a warning or modest fine or not more than one week in prison. In some areas (like New York City), although still illegal, jaywalking is so common that it is generally considered harmless, and police only detain jaywalkers if it is done dangerously or disruptively.
Penalties for jaywalking vary by municipality. For example, in Tempe, AZ, as of June 2006 jaywalking carried fines up to $118. A sampling of other U.S. cities found maximum fines ranging from $57 to $750. In Brisbane, Australia, fines of up to $A200 can apply, although very few people have ever received fines that high. In a recent blitz[2] jaywalkers were fined $30.
In Singapore, first offenders face a fine of S$500 (US$285) and three months of jail. Repeat offenders can be fined for up to $2000 fine or six months in jail.
In Taiwan administered by the Republic of China, Article 78 of the Act Governing the Punishment of Violation of Road traffic Regulations (zh:道路交通管理處罰條例) administratively fines jaywalkers 300 new Taiwan dollars since 1 July 2006.
Almost all urban areas in the United States and Canada require pedestrians to cross at crosswalks or intersections and to obey pedestrian traffic signals. Jaywalking is considered an infraction or a misdemeanor in some locations. It typically carries a warning or modest fine or not more than one week in prison. In some areas (like New York City), although still illegal, jaywalking is so common that it is generally considered harmless, and police only detain jaywalkers if it is done dangerously or disruptively.
Penalties for jaywalking vary by municipality. For example, in Tempe, AZ, as of June 2006 jaywalking carried fines up to $118. A sampling of other U.S. cities found maximum fines ranging from $57 to $750. In Brisbane, Australia, fines of up to $A200 can apply, although very few people have ever received fines that high. In a recent blitz[2] jaywalkers were fined $30.
In Singapore, first offenders face a fine of S$500 (US$285) and three months of jail. Repeat offenders can be fined for up to $2000 fine or six months in jail.
In Taiwan administered by the Republic of China, Article 78 of the Act Governing the Punishment of Violation of Road traffic Regulations (zh:道路交通管理處罰條例) administratively fines jaywalkers 300 new Taiwan dollars since 1 July 2006.
facts from the first 40 pages
1. Once he was in Ireland - met a soldier form Iraq.
2. his family getting ready for a moving from the USA to Ireland, cork -
3. wife Jamie + 3 sons - Owen,
4. they have irish roots - jamie´s grandfather was irish, travelling in ireland, studying
5. the city of cork - everybody keeps peaking their nose into what is supposed not to be their own business
nice city
chaotic traffic rules - secret rules that only insider are aware about
6. meeting new neighbours - very open
It felt as if we were being welcomed into a village, rather than some annonymous foreign city.
7. irish potatoes
8. not able to pay with a american credit card
9. not able to open a checking account in the bank
10. they didn´t approve of the modern american way of life- antisocial, isolation, couples breaking up, future plans to move somewhere - merely wishes and words
11. 1973 rentes a bungallow in ireland
12. it´s the nature, tranqulity that attracts him
13. bun - housekeeper
2. his family getting ready for a moving from the USA to Ireland, cork -
3. wife Jamie + 3 sons - Owen,
4. they have irish roots - jamie´s grandfather was irish, travelling in ireland, studying
5. the city of cork - everybody keeps peaking their nose into what is supposed not to be their own business
nice city
chaotic traffic rules - secret rules that only insider are aware about
6. meeting new neighbours - very open
It felt as if we were being welcomed into a village, rather than some annonymous foreign city.
7. irish potatoes
8. not able to pay with a american credit card
9. not able to open a checking account in the bank
10. they didn´t approve of the modern american way of life- antisocial, isolation, couples breaking up, future plans to move somewhere - merely wishes and words
11. 1973 rentes a bungallow in ireland
12. it´s the nature, tranqulity that attracts him
13. bun - housekeeper
some vocab
Green and pink does not match, does not go together.
women are afraid of not fitting into their fancy dress.
Blue colour suit me -as far as i know.
Red is not a fitting/appropriate/suitable colour for a funeral.
Watch out that your piece of bread does not crumble.
Clothes in the travel beg crumple. - zerknittern
Volunteering is a good opportunity to travel the globe at low costs.
My parents redid the kitchen, that´s why i do not find any single cooking item.
A cross-section pooved what we expected in our studies.
Living in China means no frills.
She´s out on a limb, cause she´s the only one in the class supporting Bush.
My friend from Ljubljana is a word perfect for German.
In order to adorn my room before Christmas i bought some decorations.
women are afraid of not fitting into their fancy dress.
Blue colour suit me -as far as i know.
Red is not a fitting/appropriate/suitable colour for a funeral.
Watch out that your piece of bread does not crumble.
Clothes in the travel beg crumple. - zerknittern
Volunteering is a good opportunity to travel the globe at low costs.
My parents redid the kitchen, that´s why i do not find any single cooking item.
A cross-section pooved what we expected in our studies.
Living in China means no frills.
She´s out on a limb, cause she´s the only one in the class supporting Bush.
My friend from Ljubljana is a word perfect for German.
In order to adorn my room before Christmas i bought some decorations.
Freitag, 16. März 2007
why i don´t like blogs?
stating my opinion on the internet and then allowing anybody to read it, is just not in accordance with my personal views. so, do not exepct me to write log essays about how i feel when...if...etc.
that´s what i use my paper diary for, which is owned only by myself and im also the only person who has access to its contents. i do not say that i have something against blog, bloggers or blogging culture in general, it is just the fact, that i belive it´s your own business what you think, feel, like, accept, criticize. followingly, my blog is written strictly for academical purposes. for now.
that´s what i use my paper diary for, which is owned only by myself and im also the only person who has access to its contents. i do not say that i have something against blog, bloggers or blogging culture in general, it is just the fact, that i belive it´s your own business what you think, feel, like, accept, criticize. followingly, my blog is written strictly for academical purposes. for now.
from school
1. in my home town, workers from the mine went od hunger strike, because they weren´t payed enough
2. slovenia still has a way to go when compared to the eu.
3. a lot relativers sent a letter of condolence when my grandmo died.
2. slovenia still has a way to go when compared to the eu.
3. a lot relativers sent a letter of condolence when my grandmo died.
austrian school system
1. state law does not supersede the federal law - usa
2. so far, so goo.d
3. the drop-out rat at austrian universites is pretty high - the highstest at the faculty of economics.
4. grammar school schould do the couching at the end of their education due to the fact, that studies shown that majority of the teenagers have no idea what their future field of study is about.
5. some experts suggest to sit entrance exams, others oppose strongly. however, both point of views have positive aswell as negative effects. In slovenia, we used to have entrance exam, our high-school diploma is crucial - the points you get there decide, whether you´ll gona be a doctor, psycholigist or cleaning lady.
2. so far, so goo.d
3. the drop-out rat at austrian universites is pretty high - the highstest at the faculty of economics.
4. grammar school schould do the couching at the end of their education due to the fact, that studies shown that majority of the teenagers have no idea what their future field of study is about.
5. some experts suggest to sit entrance exams, others oppose strongly. however, both point of views have positive aswell as negative effects. In slovenia, we used to have entrance exam, our high-school diploma is crucial - the points you get there decide, whether you´ll gona be a doctor, psycholigist or cleaning lady.
I´d like to do some more, but ....
well, i sometimes wonder if there is any activity left we do not do it on the internet or rather on comp?!!? not that i would´t like writting and reading blog, seanding, writting mails, skype entertainment, news on the internet, surveys, video clips .... etc, but at the moment it reached the top of my abilities, it´s already pouring across the boarder of the pot ... so, bye:)
few interesting phrases
I started reading the blog "the nerds eye vied" - came across few not so advanced but maybe useful words:
She speaks passable yet twangy German.
nerds are the people with the cool jobs. They’re nerdtastic
sauteeing the onions
hey, the woman has links of the might-be-difficult words with dict!! not bad:) here it is, what the urban dict says for snag:
Sensitive New Age Guy (S.N.A.G). Similar to the Metrosexual, but more timid and sensitive. Dense clusters of Snag's can be found at woman's issues rallies. Extreme examples have been known to experience regular menstrual cramps.
Phil Donahue (extreme example)
by Frknnutz Nov 4, 2003 email it
permalink:
del.icio.us
Send to a friend
your email:
their email:
send me the word of the day (it's free)
2.
Snag
69 up, 12 down
Australian for sausage.
"Buy a few snags and we'll have a beer and a BBQ."
by Diego Sep 4, 2003 email it
3.
Snag
55 up, 31 down
when your pantyhose gets caught on something sharp or pointy, causing it to tear and run.
Her: "Damn!! another snag!! that's the second one this week!! arrrgghhh!!!"Him: "relax, will you? it's only pantyhose. I mean, they can't be that expensive, can they?"Her: "they are if you have to buy a new pair every fucking day!!"
by Miss Boobs Nov 15, 2003 email it
4.
snag
38 up, 18 down
1) v. to catch unexpectedly and quickly.2) v. to steal.
1) check out this awesome Atari t-shirt I snagged on ebay!2) those sunglasses had been just laying there in lost and found for a month, so I snagged them.
by rolfsky Jun 23, 2003 email it
5.
Snag
28 up, 13 down
1.) Sensitive-New-Age-guy.Think kakai's, denim shirts and flower show on TLC. Can be either straight or gay. Also referred to as a "Stray" (see Stray Def.) Tends to drink wine and certain imported beers.
"Honey come look what this Snag has done with his flower bed hereon "while you were out on TLC"
by Sudoplatov Jul 17, 2003 email it
6.
Snag
21 up, 12 down
Sensative New Age GuyS.N.A.GOpposite to Caring Understanding Noshit ToughguyC.U.N.T
Hey fellas there's a snag (aka Hunter Tretheway!) fark he is buying flowers and has his ears pierced!
by The Antipodean Community Apr 28, 2004 email it
7.
snag
17 up, 14 down
"Sensitive new-age guy"
You kow Joe, he is a real snag.
by Argh Jul 6, 2003 email it
She speaks passable yet twangy German.
nerds are the people with the cool jobs. They’re nerdtastic
sauteeing the onions
hey, the woman has links of the might-be-difficult words with dict!! not bad:) here it is, what the urban dict says for snag:
Sensitive New Age Guy (S.N.A.G). Similar to the Metrosexual, but more timid and sensitive. Dense clusters of Snag's can be found at woman's issues rallies. Extreme examples have been known to experience regular menstrual cramps.
Phil Donahue (extreme example)
by Frknnutz Nov 4, 2003 email it
permalink:
del.icio.us
Send to a friend
your email:
their email:
send me the word of the day (it's free)
2.
Snag
69 up, 12 down
Australian for sausage.
"Buy a few snags and we'll have a beer and a BBQ."
by Diego Sep 4, 2003 email it
3.
Snag
55 up, 31 down
when your pantyhose gets caught on something sharp or pointy, causing it to tear and run.
Her: "Damn!! another snag!! that's the second one this week!! arrrgghhh!!!"Him: "relax, will you? it's only pantyhose. I mean, they can't be that expensive, can they?"Her: "they are if you have to buy a new pair every fucking day!!"
by Miss Boobs Nov 15, 2003 email it
4.
snag
38 up, 18 down
1) v. to catch unexpectedly and quickly.2) v. to steal.
1) check out this awesome Atari t-shirt I snagged on ebay!2) those sunglasses had been just laying there in lost and found for a month, so I snagged them.
by rolfsky Jun 23, 2003 email it
5.
Snag
28 up, 13 down
1.) Sensitive-New-Age-guy.Think kakai's, denim shirts and flower show on TLC. Can be either straight or gay. Also referred to as a "Stray" (see Stray Def.) Tends to drink wine and certain imported beers.
"Honey come look what this Snag has done with his flower bed hereon "while you were out on TLC"
by Sudoplatov Jul 17, 2003 email it
6.
Snag
21 up, 12 down
Sensative New Age GuyS.N.A.GOpposite to Caring Understanding Noshit ToughguyC.U.N.T
Hey fellas there's a snag (aka Hunter Tretheway!) fark he is buying flowers and has his ears pierced!
by The Antipodean Community Apr 28, 2004 email it
7.
snag
17 up, 14 down
"Sensitive new-age guy"
You kow Joe, he is a real snag.
by Argh Jul 6, 2003 email it
to be honest. ..
hmmm... to be hones, I didn´t get the book yet - the english book shop delivery is very slow - takes up to two weeks for one single book. don´t wanna think about the whole bunch of books they ahve there - it must have taken them for ages...:)
so, for the start i copied first 40 pages, i guess thatßs enough for a start.
more about the book next week:)
hey, actually i like this blogging - as fas as nobody starts criticizing it and destroying my self-esteem :)
so, for the start i copied first 40 pages, i guess thatßs enough for a start.
more about the book next week:)
hey, actually i like this blogging - as fas as nobody starts criticizing it and destroying my self-esteem :)
OK, so, let´s write again what i did last week - i though lisa will forget about this task when i heard we are supposed to write blogs ..:)
I spent most od my time improving the skill called speaking :) reason? my new roommate is from rumania, can not say a word in german, but speaks fluently and quite advanced english, so we tend to speak a lot. above all, she´s the best roommate of all 4 of them, so we get on quite well.
on thursday evening, i came home at half past seven, exhaused from the whole day at school... but i still "had" to go to the english stammtisch, cause i was meeting dina, ivana und pia at nine... somehow i manage to summarize my energy and off i go ..:) however, it was worth going there - the atmosphere is nice, the pub is not packed at the office pub - consequntly also not that full of smoke - i actually managed to breath, which does not happen often nowadays.:)
so, for any of you still hesitating about going there, i warmly recommed it!
needless to say, i was doing homework - do i have to make a comment on that?!
I spent most od my time improving the skill called speaking :) reason? my new roommate is from rumania, can not say a word in german, but speaks fluently and quite advanced english, so we tend to speak a lot. above all, she´s the best roommate of all 4 of them, so we get on quite well.
on thursday evening, i came home at half past seven, exhaused from the whole day at school... but i still "had" to go to the english stammtisch, cause i was meeting dina, ivana und pia at nine... somehow i manage to summarize my energy and off i go ..:) however, it was worth going there - the atmosphere is nice, the pub is not packed at the office pub - consequntly also not that full of smoke - i actually managed to breath, which does not happen often nowadays.:)
so, for any of you still hesitating about going there, i warmly recommed it!
needless to say, i was doing homework - do i have to make a comment on that?!
BBC about Slovenia
While searching the web, I´ve found an article on the BBC about Slovenia. Even though it is not up-to-date . it was writtten in January, I belive it is worth reading it as there are not often articles about Slovenia published on the BBC - I guess this was the last one. so thea say Slowenia is a country with spectacular mountains, thick forests and a short Adriatic coastline, also enjoys substantial economic and political stability.
So some facts:Slovenia has a rumbling dispute with Croatia over sea and land borders dating back to the break-up of Yugoslavia.
FACTS
Full name: Republic of Slovenia
Population: 2 million (UN, 2005)
Capital: Ljubljana
Area: 20,273 sq km (7,827 sq miles)
Major language: Slovene
Major religion: Christianity
Life expectancy: 73 years (men), 80 years (women) (UN)
Monetary unit: Euro
Main exports: Machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, household goods
GNI per capita: US $17,350 (World Bank, 2006)
Internet domain: .si
International dialling code: +386
I like the fact, that life expectancy of women is higher that of men, cause consequntly I have more chances to get retired :) my boyfriend probably wont:)
So some facts:Slovenia has a rumbling dispute with Croatia over sea and land borders dating back to the break-up of Yugoslavia.
FACTS
Full name: Republic of Slovenia
Population: 2 million (UN, 2005)
Capital: Ljubljana
Area: 20,273 sq km (7,827 sq miles)
Major language: Slovene
Major religion: Christianity
Life expectancy: 73 years (men), 80 years (women) (UN)
Monetary unit: Euro
Main exports: Machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, household goods
GNI per capita: US $17,350 (World Bank, 2006)
Internet domain: .si
International dialling code: +386
I like the fact, that life expectancy of women is higher that of men, cause consequntly I have more chances to get retired :) my boyfriend probably wont:)
What´s in the news?
I´ve read an article on the BBC, that the Iranian community in the US and Canada is very keen on e-petitions as a form of protest.
The latest issue to grip Iranian expatriates is the Hollywood blockbuster 300. According to the protesters, it projects an "irresponsible" and "distorted" image of ancient Persia. Iranian bloggers started their campaign against the film a week before its opening.
Iranian bloggers started their campaign against the film a week ahead of its opening.
Bloggers were offended at the way in which the Persians have been shown in the film and the way the battle of Thermopylae has been narrated.
The journalist also mentiones the fact, that some bloggers and commentators have opposed the petition against 300 on the grounds that there are bigger battles to fight.
The latest issue to grip Iranian expatriates is the Hollywood blockbuster 300. According to the protesters, it projects an "irresponsible" and "distorted" image of ancient Persia. Iranian bloggers started their campaign against the film a week before its opening.
Iranian bloggers started their campaign against the film a week ahead of its opening.
Bloggers were offended at the way in which the Persians have been shown in the film and the way the battle of Thermopylae has been narrated.
The journalist also mentiones the fact, that some bloggers and commentators have opposed the petition against 300 on the grounds that there are bigger battles to fight.
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