Hi Everyone:
Well I finally started to unpack some after my move six months ago and found my copy of Night Porter. I will bring it with me in Sept for our movie night. I am sure the men will love that.
I also read that it is based on a true story that happened in Wien in the 1950's.
Very ery to watch it since so many of the places in the Film are still the same?
For example, the Otto Wagner houses on the Link Wienzell, the Karl Marz Hof, the statue of Maria Theresa on the Ring, the K. Holzer crematorium in the central freidhof and finally a quick scene in the Loos bar.
Anyone care to comment. Maybe our friend Duncan?
I will tell you that Dirk Bogard never looked better!
All for now
susan von
Monday, 30 July 2007
Spies in Vienna
Hi Everyone:
I just read the new book out about the history of the CIA. Won a Pulitzer and is by a NY Times reporter, so I know it is accurate.
In this book, the author talks about a Soviet Spy, Admiral Nicholas Shadrin, who some think, was a double agent for the US/Soviets. He was standing on the steps of a Church in Vienna and then was kidnapped and taken across the border into Czech.
This was sometime in the '70's.
Anyone on our blog ever hear of this?
Of course, you all weren't probably on this earth then, but just thought I would ask. It is some type of well-known Viennese rumour.
Cheers
susan von
I just read the new book out about the history of the CIA. Won a Pulitzer and is by a NY Times reporter, so I know it is accurate.
In this book, the author talks about a Soviet Spy, Admiral Nicholas Shadrin, who some think, was a double agent for the US/Soviets. He was standing on the steps of a Church in Vienna and then was kidnapped and taken across the border into Czech.
This was sometime in the '70's.
Anyone on our blog ever hear of this?
Of course, you all weren't probably on this earth then, but just thought I would ask. It is some type of well-known Viennese rumour.
Cheers
susan von
Thursday, 26 July 2007
Vienna Quiz
Gross Gott Everyone:
Haven't read anyone in a while, so here is a quiz for you all:
I was researching in the Congressional Reading Room of the Library of Congress and came across this book entitled "In the Shadow of the Hofburg". This books deals with all of the scandals/events associated with the Hofburg in the past 200 years.
The book mentions the Hofburg cellar/basement which holds the original statutes on the top of the Hofburg (the ones current there now are copies).
The book also mentions the lingerie shop on the Kohlmarkt called the "White Cat" from which Marie Vetsera left Wien and never returned.
Anyone heard of these two Viennese tales/stores and are they true?
The book is out of print now here in the US, but may be available in Wien.
All the best to everyone.
Susan von
Haven't read anyone in a while, so here is a quiz for you all:
I was researching in the Congressional Reading Room of the Library of Congress and came across this book entitled "In the Shadow of the Hofburg". This books deals with all of the scandals/events associated with the Hofburg in the past 200 years.
The book mentions the Hofburg cellar/basement which holds the original statutes on the top of the Hofburg (the ones current there now are copies).
The book also mentions the lingerie shop on the Kohlmarkt called the "White Cat" from which Marie Vetsera left Wien and never returned.
Anyone heard of these two Viennese tales/stores and are they true?
The book is out of print now here in the US, but may be available in Wien.
All the best to everyone.
Susan von
follow up to the gigantic squid
Hello everybody,
I hope everyone is up and well... Here's a follow up to Duncan's gigantic squid. Voila a gigantic mushroom. I forgot where it was picked and I know nothing about it's fate (Schwammerlsoße mit Semmelködel?) but it has an amazing weight of 20kg. I wouldn't have picked it but rather waited to see how much it would continue to grow... well.
So that's the breaking news of the day. Temperatures have gone up again in Vienna paralyzing all the employees (AC is not very common here. I wish we could just go for a trip to Florida - your place sounds awesome Susan - thank you so much for the offer, but unfortunately after having been away for 3 days we're again buried with work. I have a grant application due on the 31st of July and an exam to prepare for September.
I hope the preparations for the networking party are not too consuming. If you need any help just ask - I'm sure I can free myself for a bit in order to help you Susan.
I also hope that Duncan and his family are ok - I saw those pics of the terrible flooding that's happening. I hope that they at least get drinkable water back soon. I don't know if this is published in the states too but the weather in Europe seems to have gone completely crazy. People die of heat, others drown in water, temperatures drop more than 20°C over night, lots and lots of strong wind and in Italy bad fires burnt down everything until they reach the sea.
Well I wish you all a good day with no wheather or other catastrophes adn I'm lookign frward to reading you soon.
All my best
Barbara
Monday, 16 July 2007
My Condo In Florida
Hi Everyone:
I made this green to go along with the Florida theme.
Just wanted to let you all know that I am offering my Florida condo to all of our Vienna Pals form August 1 to the end of 2007.
It is 30 miles from Tampa Intl Airport, BA and Lufthansa flight direct to Tampa.
There will be a slight charge to stay there, small amount for my Wien friends. I have to charge something due to the IRS regulations the way it is structured. Even I have to pay a amount. But since the Euro is up and our dollar is down, it will be a bargain for any of your who want to come.
Just send me an email off topic, if anyone needs more details.
Auf wiedershen
susan von
I made this green to go along with the Florida theme.
Just wanted to let you all know that I am offering my Florida condo to all of our Vienna Pals form August 1 to the end of 2007.
It is 30 miles from Tampa Intl Airport, BA and Lufthansa flight direct to Tampa.
There will be a slight charge to stay there, small amount for my Wien friends. I have to charge something due to the IRS regulations the way it is structured. Even I have to pay a amount. But since the Euro is up and our dollar is down, it will be a bargain for any of your who want to come.
Just send me an email off topic, if anyone needs more details.
Auf wiedershen
susan von
The Beckhams-Off Vienna Topic
Hi Everyone:
Will someone please explain the attraction of the Beckhams? They arrived in LA and everyone there is going Beckham crazy.
During their press conference, someone had to keep correcting David Beckham that over here, across the big pond, it is soccer and not football. Since American football is very entrenched here for over 100 years, I don't think the name will change.
Also, Posh Spice or whatever her name is, had on a hot pink mini dress with a matching hot pink alligator Hemes Birkin bag. I am told that she has Birkins in every color to match whatever color outfit she is wearing. At least, I like that about her.
Finally, CNN says that more people in the US watch the "Hot Dog Eating Contest" on ESPN than watch soccer. So what does that say for Mr. Beckham's future?
Can our UK friends please comment on this phenomenon (sp?).
Danie
susan von
Will someone please explain the attraction of the Beckhams? They arrived in LA and everyone there is going Beckham crazy.
During their press conference, someone had to keep correcting David Beckham that over here, across the big pond, it is soccer and not football. Since American football is very entrenched here for over 100 years, I don't think the name will change.
Also, Posh Spice or whatever her name is, had on a hot pink mini dress with a matching hot pink alligator Hemes Birkin bag. I am told that she has Birkins in every color to match whatever color outfit she is wearing. At least, I like that about her.
Finally, CNN says that more people in the US watch the "Hot Dog Eating Contest" on ESPN than watch soccer. So what does that say for Mr. Beckham's future?
Can our UK friends please comment on this phenomenon (sp?).
Danie
susan von
Thursday, 12 July 2007
Viegates in Wien
Hi Everybody
Havent read too much lated, hope everyone is all right. Especially our UK pals, Duncan and Richard.
Right now I am making airplane reservations, does anyone have any experience with the Zurich and Munich Airports on the way to Wien?
Any problems/and or "drama" similiar to what I encountered at Heathrow or in Paris? Just thought I would inquire before I purchse the ticket.
Only good thing about these two airports is that there are stand alone Hermes boutiques in both!
Hope everyone is staying cool and enjoying the summer in Wien~
Auf wiedershen
susanvon
Only
Havent read too much lated, hope everyone is all right. Especially our UK pals, Duncan and Richard.
Right now I am making airplane reservations, does anyone have any experience with the Zurich and Munich Airports on the way to Wien?
Any problems/and or "drama" similiar to what I encountered at Heathrow or in Paris? Just thought I would inquire before I purchse the ticket.
Only good thing about these two airports is that there are stand alone Hermes boutiques in both!
Hope everyone is staying cool and enjoying the summer in Wien~
Auf wiedershen
susanvon
Only
Tuesday, 3 July 2007
Happy Fourth
Hi Everybody:
Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Fourth! Apologies to our British Friends, no offense intended. Why just last week, the third in line to the British Throne, Prince William, said he loved America and would love to live there!
We Americans are very independent, love our Freedom and "Pursuit of Happiness" and maybe we will get these rights back in 2009!
LOL
All the best to everyone in Austria on the Fourth and hope you stay cool!
susan von
ps tried to make it red, white and blue, but only got the red!
Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Fourth! Apologies to our British Friends, no offense intended. Why just last week, the third in line to the British Throne, Prince William, said he loved America and would love to live there!
We Americans are very independent, love our Freedom and "Pursuit of Happiness" and maybe we will get these rights back in 2009!
LOL
All the best to everyone in Austria on the Fourth and hope you stay cool!
susan von
ps tried to make it red, white and blue, but only got the red!
Monday, 2 July 2007
Klimtland
Hi Everyone:
I just loved the photos of the Klimt villa. Barbara, I think that you idea is great. You and Idriss move onto the second level, and turn the first floor into a Klimtland, Klimt village similar to the Hundwasser (sp?) house.
You could have a cafe, sell art photos and books, another Klimt related items. Even clothing, smocks, etc similar to what Klimt and Emile Floge wore and designed. The building running along the side used to be a school for textile making, similar to the Floge Sister salon, which by the way now, is a Humanic shoe salon.
You could also have jazz bands, other types of music in the Summer and even rent out the garden for weddings, that would make a lot of Euros.
Barbara, you are a true entrenepuer (sp) in the Donald Trump, Steve Jobs, and Bill Gates fashion!
Don't know if these things will come to pass now that the Belvedere has control since the Austrian state owns the Klimt villa. It would be a shame to have it turned into some dark and dusty old warehouse full of archives, instead of a living memorial to GK.
Anyway, hope you all are staying cool.
very hot and humid here in DC since the President and the Congress and the Supreme Court are all in Session!
LOL
susanvon
I just loved the photos of the Klimt villa. Barbara, I think that you idea is great. You and Idriss move onto the second level, and turn the first floor into a Klimtland, Klimt village similar to the Hundwasser (sp?) house.
You could have a cafe, sell art photos and books, another Klimt related items. Even clothing, smocks, etc similar to what Klimt and Emile Floge wore and designed. The building running along the side used to be a school for textile making, similar to the Floge Sister salon, which by the way now, is a Humanic shoe salon.
You could also have jazz bands, other types of music in the Summer and even rent out the garden for weddings, that would make a lot of Euros.
Barbara, you are a true entrenepuer (sp) in the Donald Trump, Steve Jobs, and Bill Gates fashion!
Don't know if these things will come to pass now that the Belvedere has control since the Austrian state owns the Klimt villa. It would be a shame to have it turned into some dark and dusty old warehouse full of archives, instead of a living memorial to GK.
Anyway, hope you all are staying cool.
very hot and humid here in DC since the President and the Congress and the Supreme Court are all in Session!
LOL
susanvon
Sunday, 1 July 2007
St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute
The doctors and employees of St. Anna Kinderspital & Kindrekrebs-forschung opened their doors for a special evening a month ago or so (see flyer), for a special evening where we introduced our work (children's cancer research and treatment) to the public.
I had emailed an invitation to everyone, and Roswitha and Duncan, as usual, responded to the call and honored us with their presence. It was a quite busy evening, with talks given by several doctors about their respective work, demonstrations and workshops of laboratory work and research, observation of living cancer cells under the microscope, etc...
For the children (we are a pediatric hospital), there were several shows, including those given by a magician, and other TV and radio celebrities kept the young (and not-so-young) crowd entertained. There was lots of free food and drinks, donated by the employees and by the cancer patient parents to keep the evening going, which stretched to past 11 PM!
We had over 450 visitors, and all were full of praise for our work. It made us feel that our work was worth pursuing, despite funding shortage, dismally low salaries, the very long hours at work, and other shortcomings that are not worth mentioning here. At the end of the day, when one sees a child that was given up by other as terminally ill, get back on her or his feet, we know it has all been worth it!
I have attached a few pics from the event (Barbara's courtesy, as always). The doctors are in their usual clown attire, as not to frighten the children, and have more than one trick in their sack to keep the children laughing!
I had emailed an invitation to everyone, and Roswitha and Duncan, as usual, responded to the call and honored us with their presence. It was a quite busy evening, with talks given by several doctors about their respective work, demonstrations and workshops of laboratory work and research, observation of living cancer cells under the microscope, etc...
For the children (we are a pediatric hospital), there were several shows, including those given by a magician, and other TV and radio celebrities kept the young (and not-so-young) crowd entertained. There was lots of free food and drinks, donated by the employees and by the cancer patient parents to keep the evening going, which stretched to past 11 PM!
We had over 450 visitors, and all were full of praise for our work. It made us feel that our work was worth pursuing, despite funding shortage, dismally low salaries, the very long hours at work, and other shortcomings that are not worth mentioning here. At the end of the day, when one sees a child that was given up by other as terminally ill, get back on her or his feet, we know it has all been worth it!
I have attached a few pics from the event (Barbara's courtesy, as always). The doctors are in their usual clown attire, as not to frighten the children, and have more than one trick in their sack to keep the children laughing!
I guess we could use all the tricks we can get our hands on to fight cancer...
Wishing you all good health.
Until next time, Idriss.
Klimt Villa II
Good afternoon everyone!I thought it was about time I contributed a post to this blog. For one, it is overdue; two, I have to thank Susan not only for organizing this amazing and unique tour of the villa, all the way from "hot and humid" DC, but also for her kind words and pride about my appearance; three, I had to answer Duncan's suggestion that I might not have been there... Not true: photoshop notwithstanding, both I and the tie were there to keep Barbara's company. Plus, I would'nt have missed the tour for the world!
Due to illnesses and vacations, only a few doctors from St. Anna made it, including myself and St. Anna Hospital and Cancer Institute's President, Pr. Gadner. As Barbara said, Dr. Georg Becker was a most gracious host, and a wealth of knowledge on Klimt's life and work. I knew quite a bit about the work, but as I got to realize, little about the life!
Barbara has managed a great piece of art work, taking this picture of the garden through the glass door that leads to Klimt's "new" atelier, with his name painted on the door!
After everyone departed, Barbara, a colleague and I had the privilege of a private tour of the quarters upstairs, very rarely shown to the public! I have posted here the psychedelic lamp that Susan referred to, as well as a gown that G.K. often wore while working or walking the gardens in search of a floral pattern or other inspirational motifs, and the miniscule stool that Barbara mentioned in her blog, a Congolese wooden chair, the only survivor of two used by the artist. I have also posted an old black and white photograph showing the two stools in the Klimt's atelier.
Finally, I could not resist adding this photograph of a neo-baroque window ornament of the original villa in 1922, now used as a most unique TV stand.
After everyone departed, Barbara, a colleague and I had the privilege of a private tour of the quarters upstairs, very rarely shown to the public! I have posted here the psychedelic lamp that Susan referred to, as well as a gown that G.K. often wore while working or walking the gardens in search of a floral pattern or other inspirational motifs, and the miniscule stool that Barbara mentioned in her blog, a Congolese wooden chair, the only survivor of two used by the artist. I have also posted an old black and white photograph showing the two stools in the Klimt's atelier.
Finally, I could not resist adding this photograph of a neo-baroque window ornament of the original villa in 1922, now used as a most unique TV stand.
We owe all photographs within to Barbara; a job well done!
Cheers,
Idriss.
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