Freistaat Thüringen

Also known as the Free state of Thuringia the capital is Erfurt. It is located in the center of Germany. Thurigen is quite small with being 6,243.7 square miles; which is a bit bigger than Connecticut (5,544 square miles). The state according to wikipedia.com has "2.29 million inhabitants, making it the sixth smallest by area and the fifth smallest by population of Germany's sixteen states."



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Luftbild_Erfurter_Rathaus.jpg

 Erfurt

http://wernshausen.netfirms.com/ThuringenFlag.jpg

State flag.
Thuringen was named after the Thuringii tribe who occupied it  ca. AD 300. From what I gathered from various sites and what I understand that Thuringen became a landgraviate. "The title refers to a count who had feudal duty directly to the Holy Roman Emperor... Landgrave occasionally continued in use as the subsidiary title of such nobility as the Grand Duke of Saxy-Weimer, who functioned as the Landgrave of Thuringia in the first decade of the 20th century, but the title fell into disuse after World War 1." (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landgrave)

One special attribute in Thuringen is the Thuringen Forest. This is a state forest which is about 75 miles long and 22 miles wide. It is home of the Wartburg castle outside Eisenach (where Martin Luther stayed for some time in exile) The Rennsteig is a famous hiking path in the Thuringen forest.





Sites

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thuringia#History
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thuringian_Forest
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r108/bitchler/30944765_1ee4843d0e_b.jpg

Trivia Q and A

Life in Germany

1.       When and where did German scientists recently discover a new species of ape?Answer: In Asia on Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Source: http://www.watoday.com.au/breaking-news-world/german-scientists-discover-rare-ape-species-in-asia-20100921-15lkn.html

2.       What city is known as the salt capital of Germany? When did the salt production end?
Answer: Lüneburg, a German city in the state of Lower Saxony, is known as the salt capital of Germany.  It was not until 1980 that the production of salt in the Lüneburg Saline finally closed.
Source: http://worthgem.blogspot.com/2010/09/german-salt-museum-at-luneburg.html

3.       What type of schooling is forbidden?
Answer: Homeschooling
Source: www.german-way.com/educ.html

German History

1.       What was the difference in population in Germany from 1939 to 1946?
Answer: 4 million less people from 1939 to 1946

2.       In the early and middle eleventh century the Saxon kings were able to defeat which Germanic tribes thus strengthening the Elbe Saale frontier?
Answer: The Magyars and the Slavs

3.       What Germanic tribe held onto their tradition of worshiping heathen gods the longest?Answer: The Saxons

German Media

1.       What date did the "television contract" (Fernsehvertrag) get signed?
Answer: March 27, 1953
Source: pg 91 of "The Mass Media of the German Speaking Country" by John Sandford

2.       The Deutsche Welle first began broadcasting is what year?
Answer: 1953
Source: pg 39 of "The Mass Media of the German Speaking Country" by John Sandford

3.       What German newsmagazine is on the rise while its predecessor is on the decline?
Answer: The Focus is on the rise while Der Spiegel is on the decline.
Source: http://www.germanculture.com.ua/library/facts/bl_newspapers.htm

German States: Bavaria

1.       Who are the three primary Germanic tribes to inhabit Bavaria in history?
Answer: Bavarians, Franks, and Nordgau

2.       Pope Benedict was born in town of Marktl Bavaria. Where did he live his adolescence?
Answer: Traunstein
Source: http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/biography/documents/hf_ben-xvi_bio_20050419_short-biography_en.html

3.       The Hofbrauhaus is a famous beer hall in Munich Bavaria. What family still owns and operates this historic site?
Answer: The Gerdas
Source: http://www.aviewoncities.com/munich/hofbrauhaus.htm

German States: Schleswig-Holstein

1.       Where was the chief base for the Third Reich's navy operations?
Answer: Kiel
Source: pg 259-260 of “Discover Germany” by Jack Altman

2.       Schleswig-Holstein was part of Denmark until what year?
Answer: 1866
Source: pg 259-260 of “Discover Germany” by Jack Altman

3.       What is the world famous annual rock fest that takes place in Schleswig-Holstein?
Answer: Wacken Open Air
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Rhine-Westphalia

German print media reviewed

Newspapers are a major way of communication and knowing what is going on in the world and around your community. It is a way of life for some people, and a big part of their culture. As stated by vistawide.com german newspapers, "78 percent of the German population reads a daily newspaper on a regular basis." I enjoy reading the newspaper to know what is going on. German newspapers are quite similar to the ones found in the united states. From what i can see from the various newspaper/pictures it looks as if they have local news, international, weather, sports and advertisement. I was quite surprised however when i was looking at various newspapers and they have sexual ads and adult entertainment. This tells me that they are open to their sexuality. i know that here in the united states we would never see pictures and ads in our newspapers like that. We are very conservative and i believe alot of people here would look down upon that type of media. However i do believe that newspapers in general are much the same everywhere, and that people rely on them on a daily basis. German newspapers are even offered here, although they are quite expensive, you can go online to read for free and also one could get a German-language newspaper that are published by various cultural groups. I just really thought it was interesting to see the differences as well as know that we do share a lot in common.

German radio stations

Looking at german radio stations i noticed how comparible they are to our radio. They have quite a selection of genres just like we do that can fit everyone's taste. Pop, rock, classic rock, alternative, etc are pretty much the same as what you find here in the united states. Much of the same popular artists here are being broadcasted on german radio stations, which shows that they have much of the same taste in music. Even the german songs are comparible as in the rhythm and beat. I can assume that they have much of the same taste and style of music that we have here. I thought it was interesting that they also have childrens radio much like we have disney radio. In a nutshell our culture here can be played through music as well as in germany and other countries.

Wimbachklamm Waterfall

Wimbachklamm presentation

Class presentations in order of interest

1. Berlin during WW2 Jessica and Khrystyna
2. Berlin structures Jen and Krystal
3. Berlins music today and past David and Patrick
4. Tourism Danielle
5. Berlin Art and culture of the 1920 Lexi and Matt
6. Brandenberg Gate Kelsey and Nichole
7. Reichstag Sion and Kyle
8. Berlin Buildings Shelby and Andrew
9. U Bahn and S Bahn Kevin and Kevin
10. Popular sights and activities in Luebech Germany Vaughn and Breanna
11. Sports Connor
12. Berlin then and now Kyle and Steve
13. Berlin Tram Ryan

Berlin's nightlife

Berlin is not only Germany's capital but it is also the capital of nightlife. Berlin is arguable the hippest city in the world. The diverse scene of nightlife is what young adults look for when it comes to having a good time. Throughout the 1990's twentysomethings from surrounding countries mostly those in Eastern and Central Europe made Berlin's club scene the premium destination. Whether you like techno, rock, alternative, to just sitting in a pub you can find that in Berlin. Berlin is right next to Amsterdamn when it comes to nightlife.


Most of the clubs in Berlin are not happening until 11 p.m. Young adults will go to the local watering hole or known as pubs and will "pregame" so to speak until it's time to dance and have a good time. There are no fixed closing hours so you can pretty much dance until the sun comes up. Most clubs in Berlin don't have dress codes, follow their motto of "anything goes." There are club listings in Berlin's weekly magazine called Zitty and Tip to list current events. But half of the adventure is finding these clubs because most are not advertised. If you heard of underground clubs and bars they are usually there for one weekend and will disappear forever the next. You'll often find these clubs in backyards, old warehouses, and even basements of residential buildings. So pretty much you need to keep an ear open and be in the right place to get a flyer for these parties.

Pubs

Start the night off with going to a pub. Deponie No. 3 is Deutsch for Deposit no. 3. It is so called because it used to be a tank depo for the Nationale Volksarmee. This pub is lively and fun with regular live music as in jazzy, piano blues variety. It has a beer garden and a great selection of ales. It is located by the trains of the S-Bahn and adds character to the place. A lively place to kick of the party.

You can't go anywhere without finding an Irish pub, the Oscar Wilde Pub is in a great location just short from Oranienburger Tor U-bahnhof which is the underground station/subway and around the corner from one of Berlins busiest streets for nightlife, the Oranienburger Strasse. As in most Irish pubs you will find a great variety of Irish food and drink. They are known for the best bacon butty in Berlin.
Clubs

The Weekend club is situated on the upper floors of an old office building on Alexanderplatz. The signature of this club has the breathtaking view of Berlins cityscape on the rooftop as well as dancefloors and bars. The dj's spin electronic, pop, and house music from Thursday till Saturday and will keep you dancing till daybreak. The Weekend Club is one of the hottest places to go to have a good time as stated by Berlin-life.com, "Dirty sounds, wild times, a night at the Weekend Club is rarely a dead duck."

Watergate club is located in the heart of Kreuzberg. This club has two levels, the lower dance floor called waterfloor has the feeling of the name itself. It has a wide floor to ceiling glass that overlooks the river Spree and makes you feel like your dancing on water. It is famous for its LED lighting system that runs throughout the length of the club. This club regularaly invites very talented Dj's. The music there is mostly house, techno, drum and bass music.

Tango


The tango craze is growing in Berlin. Berlin is known as Germany's tango metropolis. Training courses, introductions, and ball nights are suddenly being offered and many clubs and dancing schools. During the summer even many public places have been turned into ball rooms.

Casinos

Casninos are also quite popular in Berlin. The age to gamble, however, is 18 years old. The same age that it is in the United States. There are a total of 3 casinos in Berlin. Potsdamer Platz is home to the most modern and largest gambling house of Germany. The casino is equiped with many slot machines as well as Poker, Black Jack, and Roulette.

Sights visited

http://www.berlin-life.com/berlin/nightlife Sept. 2, 2010


http://gogermany.about.com/od/nightlife/tp/bestclubsberlin.htm Sept. 2, 2010

http://www.europe-trips.eu/Germany/tourist-information-German-resorts-hotels-accommodation.html Sept. 7, 2010

http://www.visitberlin.de/english/berlin-erleben/e_be_nachtleben.php Sept. 4 2010

http://www.taz.de/uploads/hp_taz_img/norm/tip.jpg Sept. 7, 2010

http://ascii.pdp10.org/images/Ruins-in-ASCII_berlin-exhibition-zitty.jpg Sept. 7, 2010

http://www.berlin-life.com/pictures/m.007.jpg Sept. 7, 2010

http://www.oscholarship.com/TO/Archive/Forty-seven/Main/editorial_files/image057.jpg Sept. 7, 2010

http://www.johnnyjet.com/image/PicForNewsletterBerlinJune2008338.JPG Sept. 7, 2010

http://static3.unlike.net/system/photos/0000/1103/watergate4.jpg?1209992918 Sept. 7, 2010

http://www.beisheim-center.de/images/basic/potsdamer_platz_sunset.jpg Sept. 7 2010

The PowerPoint Presentation

The castles of Augustusburg and Falkenlust at Bruhl

I decided to write about the Castles of Augustusburg and Falkenlust at Bruhl. The pictures that I have looked at of both castles were very intricate with detail and astonishing to know that these were built at the beginning of the 18th century. These are among the earliest examples of Rococo architecture in the 18th century. The topics that interested me into looking at these castles was the history, the garden/landscaping, and the interior of both castles.




The Castle of Augustusburg and Falkenlust at Bruhl was listed on the UNESCO cultural world heritage site since 1984. It was the fifth of now over 30 sites in Germany to be listed. Falkenlust was built from 1729 to 1740, it was built as a hunting castle. Clemens August ruled a large part of northwestern Germany and along with hunting as his hobby he also liked building castles. Being built so long ago really makes one think of the hard work that was put into this, since they didn't have the machines that we do today. The 18th century in Germany was in a time of conflict between two largest states, Austria and Prussia. So to imagine that something so beautiful can come out of a time of conflict is almost uncomprehensible.



The castle of Augustusburg has an amazing landscaped garden. It has a large pond that is surrounded by a lavished, rich in color garden with various winding hedges. From the pictures I have seen of Falkenlust I haven't seen too much of a garden or a landscaped view other than what the castle looks like, however this was built as a hunting castle.The Castle of Falkenlust has a beautiful white exterior; a picture that I came acrossed was taken at dusk and the palace lit up like nothing I have seen before with the shadows of the fence in the front and trees in the back. I think gardens are a way of expressing your own artistic expression and how you want others to view yourself. Both landscapes come with intricate details with the Castle of Augustusburg you can see the garden and landscaped views that will enlighten ones thinking, with the pictures I have seen of Falkenlust I can see the building itself and the view of the beautiful sillhouette of trees.



Both castles I became especially interested because of the detail of the interiors. Being interested in home decor and art myself I find it very appealing to the eye with the details of the staircases (which has been said to be magnificant that was designed by Johann Balthasar Neumann), the paintings on the walls and ceilings, and the use of color with many different shades and hues. The staircase at Augustusburg was meant to impress visitors that came to see Clemens. After WWII until 1994 Augustusburg was used as a reception hall for guests of state by the German president, as it was not far from Bonn, which was capital of Germany at that time. Living in Minnesota I have visited the Glensheen mansion, and to me that was the most breath taking building I personally been to; because of the detail of the walls, the decor and color schemes. However, knowing that these castles been built in the 18th century gave me a perspective of the detail that is almost never seen in any modern day building today or even the mansion that I personally been to because it was all manufactured as in wallpaper.