Carbon Dating or Dating Carbon

This comment was sent by Jennifer Norcross, a former Fulbrighter, a high school English teacher, and a friend. I thought it was too funny not to share. On second thought, it really makes me feel old.

"I really had to laugh at the mention of carbon paper!!!!  I never worked with it myself, but remember it from my student days… mainly my elementary school days!!  When a colleague retired a few years ago and she cleaned out her files, she found many examples of it.  I remember she brought one exhibit down to my room to show me, and when I noted that in the year in which it was dated - 1973 - I was in kindergarten, she agreed that it was time to throw it out :)"

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Ray Wrote

Ray Ruiz has left a new comment on your post "Umm...I Am Not Out of Here Yet":

Congratulations, Ryan!!! Wonderful send off.
Now--- the world is your oyster-- not that that hasn't been so your entire life.
But, now you'll have more time to pursue your dreams and fantasies.
I hope so, anyway :-)
Hugs,
Ray Ruiz in New Orleans



It figures! Now the world is my oyster, but I am allergic to oysters and mussels, (but not muscles). 

On a side note, Ray is a B and B owner in New Orleans. Check out his site here. He is also personally responsible for our buying a condo in Pompano Beach, Florida.

We have never met Ray in person. We have never seen the condo that we bought. Funny world!

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Reader Feedback

Árpád Farkas has left a new comment on your post "Eight Weeks Without a Minute of Time":

I know that some people have their heart set on a digital dial, and that’s fine, but I must say I love the simplicity of an analog watch, which can be set very easily.

On a related note, I find it interesting that mobile phones have largely superseded wristwatches, which, on reflection, is a reverse path of development. Pocket watches, after all, used to be ubiquitous, but then a smart pilot (allegedly) came along and requested that a timepiece be strapped to his wrist, thereby making it possible to consult his watch in virtually any situation. The innovation literally proved handy. Now, however, watch-eschewing mobile users are back to square one: They don’t know what the time is unless they can fish the device out of their pockets and read the screen.

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PeaceGarret from Eric

From: Eric Timar
Sent: Saturday, September 14, 2013 7:22 PM
To: drryanjames@gmail.com
Subject: Mention of your Budapest guidebook

Dr. James,

I've used your Frommer's guidebook twice now on visits to Hungary, thanks for it.  I mention your book in my blog entry about the Aztek cafe:

http://peacegarret.wordpress.com/2013/08/01/aztek-choxolat-cafe-budapest/

Eric Timar
Falls Church Va.

Dear Eric,
It is always heartwarming to hear from readers whether it is with praise or suggestions for the next time around. However, it is truly an elevated form of praise when someone quotes you into their own work.

I am honored and thank you for doing so. I will have to put this in my own blog as a remembrance.

Ryan

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Anonymous Wrote:

Anonymous Wrote:
"EEC is the original part of EU, so they are the same today. You most likely mean EEA which is EU countries, except Croatia, plus some additional countries forming internal market." 


I respond with: 
This is partially true and accurate. What happened was some of the museums actually had EEC on their menu of tariffs, so I had to come home and research it. Later on, I did find other museums who use EEA. Then I thought maybe, just maybe there was a problem with alphabetic transposing of letters, but I do write my notes carefully when I am in museums for the very fact that I don't want to return immediately. My notes are clearly EEC and EEA. 

That said, the reason I don't use Internet research and DO go to every single museum, restaurant, etc, is because I have found websites that clearly show they have not been updated since 2004 or earlier. This may be true with the admission rate cards they are still using. Who knows? Either way, it was educational for me and hopefully for readers too. 


Thank you for commenting so I could clarify.

Another realization: After writing this, I went to another museum. Their discount is for anyone from an EU country, but excludes EEA or EEC. They are all claim this is due to being state funded, yet the differences from one set of museum regulations to another is totally perplexing.

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Paper or Plastic?

For years before I left the US, when you go into any grocery store, they ask you "Paper or plastic?" This refers to the bag for your groceries. Do you want an old fashion paper bag or a petroleum based plastic bag.

This question has come up yet again in a deconstructed context. Do you want your books in paper, either softcover or hardcover or would you rather have your books sitting in a plastic box such as a Kindle, Nook, or other e-reading device?

I have made my point of view very clear. I will not use an e-reader to read anything longer than a magazine. Been there, done that, didn't like it.

So this person Allison Morrison writes to me personally. Her note started with
  "I’m reaching out to connect with you about a graphic I helped create which examines the state of print books in the digital era, and why (contrary to popular belief) recent trends show that print books can in fact coexist with e-books."

I was curious and wrote her back asking for more information. She supplied it.
This is the site where is comes from, if you click here.

In addition to the graphics below, what I really love about the site itself is the sidebar. They have included "How to become a teacher" in each of the US states and teacher certification requirements as well. What a great service for potential teachers and those of us who want to make a career change. I love it!

Thank you Allison for writing.

Please Include Attribution to TeachingDegree.org With This Graphic
 

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Budapest's Jewish Revival

Today, I received a lovely e-mail from a reader of my book. She had this to say about the book "I am reading your Guide to Budapest and the Best of Hungary (8th Edition), and it is very good!  I like your writing style and your comments about various restaurants and places to visit."

Are you reading this Google?


For her own reasons, she asked to remain anonymous, so shall it be. However, she was kind enough to share this video with me. If she hadn't I most likely would never have come across it. Now that I know about it, I will share it with anyone who will listen. The majority of the places and events in the video are within minutes of us and our B and B. Our street was the edge of the old Jewish ghetto and if you venture to the Jewish Museum, you will see on the map that our street was literally divided down the center. Our side was the Jewish side.

While I have people's attention, I want to suggest a book that I found heart wrenching, but incredible nonetheless.  It is Nine Suitcases: A Memoir by Zsolt Bela.

Enjoy the video and thank you reader for sharing it.



Budapest's Jewish Revival from Harry Wall on Vimeo.

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Anna is Playing Dangerously

Anna has left a new comment on your post "No Money From You, You Cheeky Monkey":

"Oh no, what should I do to hinder the fact that I've been paying my sister's bills for years.."

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Ira writes

Euro (Photo credit: Fernando D. Ramirez)

Ira Morse has left a new comment on your post "Greece the Squeaky Wheel":

"Yes, your are putting your life at risk, if you will go there. Greece is facing a crisis."

Thanks, Ira! We just watched a BBC special on the Euro, which highlighted Greece. Athens looks like a war zone. There are dozens of boarded up buildings everywhere. Entire malls are closed up. It is so very disheartening. We have been there when the good times were still rolling. I am grateful for that.

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A Reader Writes...

I cannot give credit to the writer. It was sent in anonymously, but thanks for writing.

Good info about being an expat in Hungary. I'd add that one should consider getting an international health cover when going to live or work abroad. It is unlike any other type of medical insurance out there. In my experience, it's important to really understand what your insurance provider covers and what the additional costs are. on ExPat and Potential ExPat Alert

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Lynn Writes In

There is nothing an author likes more than to be inspiring.

Dr. James,
 
First of all - you inspire me to travel.
I would like to go to New Zealand, possibly in February.  I am not sure at this time where I came across your blog, but I did.
I have never even read a blog before.  But I did find you.

I will have about 10 days only and have been trying to decide exactly where to go - south or north island?  Do hotels or maybe rent a van?  Not sure if the latter would work for me, I'm kinda spoiled and would like a real bed and hot shower!  haha
 
Would you be kind enough to take the time and give me some highlights?  We are coming from Minnesota's winter and want sun and warmth - and I have tried to read info on the internet, there are so many conflicting comments and I am confused.
 
If you have time.....Thank you.
Do you think it will be safe for 2 women travelers?
 
Lynn

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Love Feedback

From: Thomas PF [@gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, October 04, 2011 7:48 PM
To: drryanjames@gmail.com
Subject: about Frommer's "Eastern Europe - thanks

Hi,

I came back from Europe few weeks ago, and i have to write "Thank you" because of Frommer's "Eastern Europe" - hugary´s part.

I m a Brazilian guy, my english is not so good, so i ll try to say that i think Budapest couldn´t be the same thing if i didn´t have the guide with me.

I and my girlfriend followed the guide as much as we could and all the tips were perfect, especially the restaurant Paprika Vendéglő and Frici Papa Kifőzés.

If you tried to write the best of budapest,, you did.

Thanks a lot.

Hugs

Thomas

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Virezma Responds

Virezma has left a new comment on your post "No Awards for Freedom of Speech":

I guess he was given the award by the previous government, now in opposition. Usually everyone gives it to their comrades, so to speak. This American Népszava published several critical articles on the current policy of the Hungarian government and was discussed (attacked) extensively. I think it's ironic (but understandable, given the conditions) that only those dare to express their opinion who live abroad.

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Virezma Provides a Good Tip

An excellent tip from a reader:

Virezma has left a new comment on your post "Sure I Like Sör, but I am Bored by Bor":

Next time you should come to District 22 if you want to have a nice wine festival. There's no admission fee, the glass costs 500 forints, but you can drink from plastic cups as well. And there's a parade on Saturday morning, in which the district's wind band marches, including me. Free concerts in the evening.
Good thing to be there even if you don't like bor. First weekend of September every year.

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Reader Comments on Nose Sucking

A Reader responded:

"This is great! Having lived in Budapest for four years, I know only too well how easy these kinds of translation errors can be made and the resulting humor! Enjoy your time in Budapest, it's a great city!" on Do You Need Your Nose Sucked?

Perhaps she has missed the fact that I have lived here almost ten years. :  ) 

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Aaron Wrote...

Aaron has left a new comment on your post "Too Much Poetry": 


"Well done with the poems, but god if that isn't one of the saddest photos I've ever seen."


I know, it made me want to start a Teddy rescue service, but I am not sure our building allows pets. 

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Martha wrote:

Martha responded to my post on Ron's search for an airline ticket. 

"We'll be here whenever Ron and/or you want to come.. One of my bucket-list items is to visit you folk". Martha

Well Martha, you spoke too soon. Ron will on his way for his annual visit next month. The only way you will see me is on this side of the big pond. 

 

On a side note, the phrase "Kick the bucket" implies dying. It was defined in Grose’s Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue as early as 1785. It is thought that the phrase originated due to the fact that when people commit suicide, they stood on a bucket while having a rope around their neck. By kicking the bucket out of the way, they met their end. 

Image via Wikipedia 

Bucket list, however is a pop culture term thanks to Hollywood. Created from the movie by the same name with Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson, we have inherited a term for our pre-death wish list of things to get done.

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Fruzsina Benyei wrote

Fruzsina was a student of mine who had the courage to move to Hong Kong to teach English to tiny little children. She was adored there, though I had no reason to doubt she would be. She is now living in Dubai. She is one of the students who took my "thinking out of the box" lectures seriously and prospered as a result.


I'd be more than happy to offer my family to you. One third of it lives in Budapest, Hungary, one third in Dubai, UAE, and one third in Mumbai, India. :) 


I have three adoptive siblings, one Indian, one Burmese-American, and one Chinese!!! :) Although we decided to adopt each other in recent years, they are the most wonderful brother and sisters in the world! :) 


I would be more than happy to share my parents with you Dr. James. They have made me the openminded and caring person I am today and for that I will be always grateful.


We live on three different continents and come from at least 4-5 different cultures and religions. We would love to adopt you, if you accept us! 


Ryan: I would love to. I love large families.

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Katie Maclean Writes

Katie Maclean commented on your post.
Katie wrote: "Darren my husband has the HTC Hero and he loves it :-)"

I have heard many good things about HTC.

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Reader Comments

An Anonymous reader wrote "Really great! )also a good resource for teaching about the topic : -) says the English teacher. The only thing I wonder what if there is a power cut?!"

Interesting question. A few weeks ago we had a power outage in the area for over four hours. Well, there is a bar across the street, so you could wait it out there, but Hungary has a zero tolerance law for drinking and driving. 

At the end of the video, they state that the machine tells you where your car will be delivered to. Some many foreigners make the mistake of confusing Budapest with Bucharest. It would be a funny joke is the machine could tell you your car will be delivered to Bucharest.

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