Current Event 6/16/12

Five years ago, German legislation was passed that required foreign spouses of Germans to take a language test before they could move with their family. Many people find this difficult, especially if they are older and the language is harder to learn. The A1 test, the most basic test level and the standard required for entrance into Germany, deals with numbers and forms, things essential to living in German society.
However, German lessons are in even higher demand because of the new standards of testing. About 40,000 people are enrolling annually, and because of their different backgrounds different kinds of testing have been arranged for those who are barely literate or simply are not interested in attending a German "class."
The controversy over the language testing is that it prevents families from being together and is "restrictive." However, others argue that since the EU Commission allows countries to make laws regarding language learning for immigrants, language testing is good. It is still a violation of human rights to refuse a visa to someone who cannot pass the language test.
The final answer of the German government is that language testing is still mandatory, but there are "exceptions," such as the case of a woman with cancer who needed to be in Germany with her husband. Immigrants are advised, though, to learn the language as quickly as possible.
Germany's emphasis on language learning is a good thing because it encourages Germany to be a German-speaking country, but can have some complications because it discourages immigration.

http://www.dw.de/dw/article/0,,16019672,00.html

Familie, Continued

On Sunday, again, I checked my email. It seems like everything exciting in my life comes to my inbox, from Germany. This time it was the greatest prize of all: a letter from my host family!! I learned that I have a host brother and sister, as well as a mother and father. They sent pictures of their house, and one of their "Sonnenuntergänge."

Hurray! 

Current Event 6/10/12

German shop owners and workers have seen an increase in sales recently as a result of the upcoming Euro 2012 soccer championships. Additional sales are expected to reach 2 billion Euro, with new techniques, products and "bonus schemes." One worker has observed that candy is the biggest seller in Germany in order to collect "points." To win a collector's item cap, for instance, 11 jars of Nutella need to be bought to qualify. Breweries are also joining the scheme, and although sometimes the "point" system is overpriced, this does not discourage people from buying things they can collect. The system has actually drawn new customers to certain stores, especially those with children who long for the collectible items one can win.
The fervor of Germany regarding the sport of soccer (football) is evident through this article, as is the newfound success of the German shopping industry. This new sales tactic will do more to bolster the economy, but more importantly the German people has a strong cultural identity and emotional attachment to the sport, which will only increase as the Euro cup draws closer and more merchandise is sold.

http://www.dw.de/dw/article/0,,16002021,00.html

Familie

Yesterday, after a long day of school and homework, I checked my email and my day automatically got lots better.
Dr. Engel from my host district had sent me a message with the name of my first host family and the school I will be attending. I promptly got very, very excited, looked up the school online, and emailed my family in German to thank them and express my utter EXCITEMENT!!!!!!!!
The school I will be attending is the Schiller-Gymnasium (click here for school website), which is about 4 kilometers from my home in Heidenheim an der Brenz. This is a short post that does not do my happiness justice; hopefully I will hear a reply from my host family soon and have more information.
In the meantime, here are some more photos of my soon-to-be school and hometown.

Castles! 

Statues! 

Fireworks! 

Words fail me. 

Schiller-Gymnasium!

I have never been this happy to see a school. 

The school has a Kammerchor; I guess they sing here. 

Yes, there is a music and theatre program! 

Current Event 6/2/12

Deutsche Bank, the lending giant of German banks, now has two new CEOs, who could not be more different. The Bank, a huge asset to the German economy, has been strong for many years under the leadership of Josef Ackermann. However, now that new regulations are in place and the world economy is shifting, new leaders are called for. Anshu Jain and Jurgen Fitschen are men with very different attitudes toward risks and diverse experiences. Jain, born in India, was an investment banker for many years before becoming a successful stockbroker and then making progress with the London and German branches of Deustche Bank. Fitschen is a German who has been working in the Bank since 1987, and has made changes to the Bank at Jain's suggestion. The two men, working together since 2004, are a bizarre but effective team. Already massive reorganizations are planned, as well as staffing and policy changes. Although challenges lie ahead, Jain and Fitschen seem determined to better the Bank their way.
The reorganizaiton of the Bank and the modernization and globalizaitn of its policies are significant to the German economy's modernization that has been occuring over the past few years. While the Bank may have issues to deal with soon, the appointment and work of Jain and Fitschen will hopefully be a good thing for the German economy and its reputation.

http://www.dw.de/dw/article/0,,15985109,00.html

Current Event 5/19/12

New French President Francois Hollande visited Germany this past week (an hour late for his meeting due to a lightning strike on the presidential plane), with messages of encouragement for Germany and France to cooperate on current EU issues. Both leaders remarked that having the two nations work together would be beneficial for current issues, especially in the economy. Growth is encouraged by both nations as a possible antidote to the crisis, but both leaders agreed to "moot" proposals in the next few weeks that "bolster" economic growth. Hollande said that he was "for budget seriousness" as well as growth. Regarding Greece, both leaders wish for the nation to remain in the Eurozone. However, the two leaders have very different views on how to handle crises such as those that have confronted Merkel and Hollande recently.
While Angela Merkel remains adamant that austerity measures will be beneficial in restoring economic order, Hollande encourages stimulus packages, a view that was discussed in his inaugural speech. These differences may be soothed, however, with the appointment of France's new Prime Minister, "Germanophile" Jean-Marc Ayrault.

http://www.dw.de/dw/article/0,,15953154,00.html

Current Event 5/26/12

Near Berlin, nineteenth-century water mills are being reused, to produce clean energy. The mills have stood unused for long periods of time, but are now being reworked as part of the green energy revolution. The Gollmitzer mill, north of Berlin, is one example. Kai Rogozinski, a heating engineer, was fascinated by the mill and the "power of the water." Using the Zuppinger wheel design, Rogozinski built a wheel that looks old and idyllic, but actually generates electricity via a concealed generator. 90,000 ilowatts of electricity were generated last year, with 65,000 of that going to the German electricity grid. Hydropower tariffs are priced lower than solar power tariffs, and so Rogozinski uses a lot of the energy he produces himself. He says that financial support was essential to allowing him to build the mill. In addition to producing hydropower, it is also hoped that the mill can be used to produce flour.
The green movement is very present in Germany, from recycling to alternative energy. The new situation of mills encourages this movement, and will be a positive thing for both the German job market and the environment, as well as preserving Germany's unique landscape and history.
http://www.dw.de/dw/article/0,,15952439,00.html