THINKTANK

No. 6
December 2013
THINKTANK
Newsletter of the Institute of English and American Studies at AAU
"Speak Up, Students!"
An Interview with Dr.
Alexa Weik von
Mossner (2-4)
Johanna Gregori and Daniela
Bayer spoke with staff member
Alexa Weik von Mossner about
her colourful professional
biography and her motivations,
philosophy of and passion for
teaching.
Behead the Queen! An
entirely objective Case
for the Removal of the
British Royal Family
(4-6)
Season's Greetings from the Editors
Tabea Pirker and René
Unterpirker examine the
curious relationship of the
British public to their Royals
and ponder the future of the
British monarchy in a European
context. Beware of a very
British sense of humour!
We hope you will appreciate our new design and enjoy the
various wonderful contributions. As in the past, we are
strongly relying on the creative talent of our students who,
once again, have offered a plethora of stories and topics to
share with you.!
Dancing into a brighter
Future (6-7)
This piece by JenniferRaphaela Kraßnitzer draws
attention to the ever-present
issue of violence and abuse,
particularly against women, in
our societies and introduces
one global creative response,
"One Billion Rising", as a
means to raise awareness.
Just in time for the holiday season, we are proud to present
you the newest edition of ThinkTank, the newsletter of the
Institute of English and American Studies at AAU.!
The editors would like to thank all of the contributors and
wish them and all of our readers a very enjoyable and relaxing
festive season and a great start to the new year!!
Mark Schreiber, M.A.!
Rachel Pole, B.A., M.A.
!
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No. 6
The Canadian Sense of
Space (8-12)
Melanie Fleischhacker and
Manuel Sturm, participants of
this year's student excursion,
report on their explorations of
Western Canada, from the
buzzing metropolises of
Calgary, Edmonton and
Vancouver to the lavish natural
scenery of Banff.
No City for Movie
Lovers (12-13)
Anja Grabner and Claudia
Felsberger take a critical look at
the lack of original language
cinema in Klagenfurt and make
a strong statement for the
support of existing ventures to
further the city's cultural
diversity. Additionally, they
remind us of the invaluable
contribution of the Movie
Nights at our department.
Food for Thought…
Quite Literally! (13-16)
Nadia Bianchet and Johanna
Schachner conclude this
edition of our Newsletter with
the very timely topic of eating
healthy while not having to do
without the wonderful
sensation of "Yum!" Two
wonderful recipes are
included!
December 2013
"Speak up, Students!" An Interview
with Dr. Alexa Weik
von Mossner
!
Have you ever read a 10-page
long curriculum vitae of
someone who has not only
graduated with a bachelor
degree in Business and
Engineering, a master's degree
in Literatures in English and a
Ph.D. in Literature, but who has
also a great deal of experience as a screenwriter for popular
TV channels such as the ARD? Well, for us it was definitely
the first time facing such an extraordinary CV and we were
absolutely overwhelmed. We asked ourselves whether the
actual person behind this document would also make such a
lasting impression on us. Luckily, Dr. Alexa Weik von
Mossner, one of our new professors in the English
department, was kind enough to agree to an interview. In
order to make this article appealing to you, we decided to find
out where Dr. Mossner got her motivation from, why she has
completed so many different studies and why so many
students appreciate her seminars.!
Dr. Mossner told us that she did not plan to become a teacher
at first and that it was life which turned her in such an
educated person. Before beginning her teaching career, she
wanted to become a writer, which explains her interest and
knowledge of literature. During her studies in Business and
Engineering, she already started to work in television. This
later led her to go to film school to study screenwriting and
film production. After this, she explains, "I worked for a while
as assistant producer in Munich and then became head writer
for the German TV-series 'fabrixx.' I did that for four years,
writing 163 episodes of the series myself and collaborating
closely with a team of dedicated screenwriters". Dr. Mossner
thus looks back to a ten year career in film production and
screenwriting, all of it in Germany. During her time as head
writer of "fabrixx", she began studying English and American
literature at the University of Stuttgart and was then granted
a Fulbright scholarship for the United States, where she
earned her Ph.D. in Literature at the University of California,
San Diego. Since she had a professional background in film
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December 2013
and screenwriting, it seemed natural to also include film studies in her research and teaching.
"Becoming a teacher," she says, "has just been a development".!
In addition to her professional interests in film and literature, Dr. Mossner loves to travel around the
world and has already been to several European and Scandinavian countries, the United States, China,
Mexico, Malaysia, Thailand, and many other interesting places. Another interest of hers is painting.
She not only adores paintings by Franz Marc, August Macke, Lyonel Feininger and other German
expressionists, but, interestingly, she also paints herself.!
Our main interest, however, was in discussing her views regarding our English Department, and
whether she notices any differences between the students here and those she taught at universities in
the US or Switzerland prior to coming to Klagenfurt. In response, Dr. Mossner pointed out that she
welcomes the circumstance that it is rather easy for students to contact their professors and get their
feedback at all the universities she has worked at. Nevertheless, she states that the University of
California, San Diego and our university are quite different in many ways, since the former is much
larger and American universities in general have much more money available. In a nutshell, she
describes herself as a great fan of the American university system, although she also stresses certain
downsides such as the high tuition fees. Regarding the differences between students, she says:!
"American students tend to be much more outspoken. It's more difficult to encourage European
students to speak up during class discussion because, well, it's in part because of shyness and,
obviously, it also has to do with the fact that they are not using their first language. […] I nevertheless
wish there would be more people who speak up, so I try to encourage it as much as I can."!
Another difference she recognises when comparing our students to the Swiss students she has
previously taught, is that there are not as many students here who spend a semester abroad. She
acknowledges that in Switzerland this is mandatory for students in the teaching program, which is not
the case in Austria. However, she nevertheless believes that our students would greatly profit from
spending some time in an Anglophone country such as the US, the UK, Canada, or Australia. Dr. von
Mossner herself coordinates the joint study programs with Oklahoma City University and the
University of West Florida, Pensacola, and she explicitly encourages students in the English
Department to apply for one of these exchanges or to one of the other joint study programs that are
offered by the AAU's International Office (BIB).!
In her teaching, Dr. Mossner has also noticed that students do not always prepare themselves
sufficiently for her courses which, understandably enough, frustrates her, as this impedes a good
discussion: "If everyone is prepared, you know, it doesn't feel like it's a class anymore but it feels just
like we're having an interesting discussion about some text or film […] That, for me, is a successful
moment in a class. […] A successful discussion also helps students remembering what they have
learned, and can be much more effective than just writing something down and memorising it."!
Since we think that Dr. Alexa Weik von Mossner is a great addition to our team in the English
Department, we tried to find out more about her captivating teaching methods. She calls herself a
teacher with an American teaching style, by which she means that dialogues are an essential part of
her classes and that the close readings of books are the very basis of an inspiring discussion. She
always tries to select interesting topics for her classes: "In my experience, it helps having interesting
texts and encouraging students to feel comfortable enough to speak up. It is important for them to
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December 2013
realise that they actually know something, that they have interesting and important things to say that
other students should hear […] And it is very much my job to make people feel comfortable enough to
do this!" Another point she mentions is that she always tries to remember what she liked and did not
like as a student. For instance, she feels that too many presentations can bore students, and she would
never force students to give presentations. However, if someone really wants to present on a topic
that contributes to the class in a positive way, she definitely welcomes it.!
We have given you a short insight into Dr. Mossner's life, attitudes and teaching style. Nevertheless,
you should definitely get to know her, for example during her upcoming seminars on Topics in Culture:
American Culture and the Environment or Issues in Culture: History of American Film in the summer
semester. Oh, and by the way, do not forget to come prepared to class, participate actively in
discussions, and plan your semester abroad!!
Behead the Queen! An entirely objective Case for the
Removal of the British Royal Family
!
Let's have a moment of solidarity for our oppressed brothers and sisters in Britain, who for centuries
had to suffer under the yoke of a soul-crushing tyranny. Seemingly content, they go about their daily
lives not knowing when the iron fist of the Queen will come crashing down on them - for such is the
nature of the regime: cold, calculating, pitiless, and deaf to the pleas and wailings of its subjects. If one
takes a look at the British newspapers and television programs, one comes to a rather alarming
conclusion: these slaves apparently love their chains! Why is it that in the 21st century, so many people
still cling to this outdated form of government? Has the House of Windsor actually managed to create
a North Korea on European soil? How much money does the Royal Family pry from the hands of
starving orphans in order to sustain their
decadent demands? And what would be
the best way to get rid of them (the
Royals, not the orphans)?!
Before we can answer any of these
questions, we first ought to consult the
facts and determine just how many people
in Great Britain have a favourable view of
their Dear Leaders. According to a 2012
poll carried out by the market research
organisation Ipsos MORI, 90 percent of
British adults are satisfied with the
Queen's job performance (she is, after all,
very good at waving), Prince William
hovers at 89 percent and even the oddly proportioned, gelatinous creature that is sometimes referred
to as "Prince Charles" manages to achieve a 78 percent approval rating. When confronted by these
numbers, one might perhaps be tempted to think that this merely reflects the extraordinary charisma
of people like Prince Charles, and that, surely, this has nothing to do with the actual attitude of the
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British towards monarchical rule. Alas! This is not so. Another survey from the same year reveals that
only 16 percent of Britons would prefer that their country be transformed into a republic (the rest,
however, might have been held at gunpoint by bobbies while being interviewed).!
Well then, since the inhabitants of this particular island appear to be thoroughly brainwashed by the
image of Big Sister glaring at them whenever they open their wallets, it might be interesting to see
what the Canadians have to say. After all, they too must endure this Orwellian nightmare and dance to
the tune of "God Save the Queen". What sets them apart, though, is the fact that a lot of them are at
least partly French, which in turn means that they might still cling to their proud tradition of
beheading monarchs, beheading political dissidents, and beheading everyone else who has the gall to
still have a head. As it turns out, at least 36 percent of Canadians prefer that their country remain a
monarchy. Exactly how many of the remaining 64 percent prowl the streets with pitchforks and
torches while calling for the Queen's noggin is a mystery, since opinion polls apparently never ask this
particular question.!
Moving on to financial matters - how much does the Royal Family cost the tax payer each year?
Curiously enough, the official website of the British monarchy asks the exact same question before
completely failing to answer it. It does, however, provide a link to The Treasury which in turn also
completely fails to answer the question. In all fairness, it does say that 15 percent of the profit
generated by the Crown Estate (the property of the ruling house which is valued at £7.6 billion) flows
directly into the pockets of the House of Windsor. While the Crown Estate technically belongs to the
Royal Family and can technically be inherited, it actually belongs to The Treasury, which does not make
much sense logically, but then again, the same is true of Prince Charles' taste in women. The BBC, on
the other hand, is more upfront when it comes to reporting the actual numbers that are involved. In a
2008 article they estimated the cost of maintaining the Royal Family at £40 million, which may not
seem like much until one realises that one could buy 1.6 billion bags of tea instead. The royal wedding
of Kate and William, by contrast, only cost the equivalent of 960 million bags of tea - if one disregards
the fact that the Confederation of British Industry calculated £6 billion in lost productivity and
overtime payments due to the declaration of a bank holiday for this very special occasion. But who
really pays attention to a bunch of jaded capitalists who refuse to be enchanted by the sight of these
two lovebirds?!
It seems that the Brits still love and cherish their Royals, no matter how expensive their lifestyle
might be or how many times we see their smiling faces on the pages of tabloids. Prince Harry, for
example, is well known for his excellent sense of style. Harry sported a classy Nazi costume in 2005
which caused quite some upset among the common people. But he apologised and learned from his
mistakes. This is why he wore nothing at all during a strip pool party in Las Vegas last year. However,
to err is human and the Royal Family seems to make a lot of effort to prove to the world how human
they actually are. Not a week goes by without one of the notorious one-liners from the Queen's
husband Prince Phillip, or without proving that it is true that Scots do not wear anything underneath
their kilts by flashing some crown jewels. These are only the most innocent slips. There is nothing
divine and superhuman about the Royals. Apart from the fact that they are constantly in the eye of
the public, they are just a normal family with their obligatory black sheep, the typical child of sorrow,
weird uncles and nerve-racking aunts. They might be called the Royal Family but they are also only a
bunch of people trying to get along with their relatives, who, as we all know, one cannot choose.
Seeing members of the royal family in tabloids every other day surely makes people feel better about
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December 2013
their own kinship. Maybe this answers the question why, despite of countless scandals, the Royal
Family is still highly accepted by the people.!
Nevertheless, the authors of this article remain convinced that deep down the British yearn for the
day when they can cast off their shackles and break their chains, but how could they dethrone the
Royal Family? What options would be available to them? Well, as mentioned above, they could invite
the French to invade who would be more than willing to wipe the dust off their guillotines and see if
those things still work. Should they prefer a more level-headed approach, however, they could also ask
the Italians, Austrians, or Germans for help, who all managed to get rid of their monarchs in a more
peaceful way. But since the Italians are currently preoccupied with making sure Berlusconi doesn't
return to power, the Austrians are too busy watching reruns of "Sissi" movies, and the Germans would
just end up annexing the entire country (and perhaps even put the face of Angela Merkel on the
British bank notes, and who could possibly want that?), the Britons will have to rely on their own
resources when it comes to achieving this difficult task. And who knows? Maybe when the dreaded
day comes when the Queen suffers a heart attack while sitting on the toilet and her son, Prince
Charles, ascends the throne, the hidden desire of the British people to be as free as the rest of us will
surface and the monarchy will be overthrown. As Lenin once wrote, "It is only when the 'lower classes'
do not want to live in the old way and the 'upper classes' cannot carry on in the old way that a
revolution can triumph ... and also the authors of this article are both incredibly intelligent and
stunningly beautiful/handsome."!
!
Dancing into a brighter Future
!
It happens every day. It happened yesterday. It is going to happen tomorrow. It already happened a
thousand of times before dawn and it is going to happen a thousand times after it. It is a global
problem victimising members of society often viewed as inferior and less worthy. Violence against
women does not only cause mental and physical pain, it can also lead to death.!
In case you have already taken some (introductory) classes focusing on gender issues (which are often
suggested as electives by the various curricula of the department's studies) you might be – maybe even
too - familiar with the sad facts about treatment and consequences related to physical and verbal
abuse of the female sex. Based on this (admittedly vague) assumption this article is not supposed to
list statistics and figures but raise awareness of incidents taking place everyday around all of us
although they often remain unnoticed. In order to understand the necessity to think about such a
topic as something other than a desperately needed passing grade, you will learn more about a
campaign combining seriousness, sense of community, and fun in case you decide to go on with
reading this article.!
Despite the common reference to domestic violence, often affecting middle aged housewives, reality
has already crossed these imaginary borders built by stereotypes and repression. Truth is, everybody
who socialises with other people on a regular basis, which, as everybody knows, necessarily involves
the process of leaving one's home and getting to know colleagues or total strangers, could be a
potential victim.!
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December 2013
Now, since this article is not supposed to turn its readers into scaredy cats but raise awareness, this
broad topic has to be narrowed down to an average student's social environment. Nightlife, which is
often associated with younger generations, symbolises, after all, one of the areas where violence of all
kinds could take place. The reasons could be a mixture of different influences such as alcoholic
beverages (or other chemical substances) and the resulting reductions of physical as well as mental
reaction time as well as a sense of anonymity. The best, although most common advice would,
therefore, be to be careful when going out to party.!
This danger caused by the increasing tendency of violence gave reason enough for several
organisations to fight against the abuse happening all around the world on a daily basis. Although one
might associate expressions related to battle and war to
the term "fighting", different approaches can be
found. One of the best examples would be a campaign
called "One Billion Rising", initiated in September
2012 by Eve Ensler, an American playwright and
feminist activist. Instead of fierce discussions,
accusations, and demonstrations which are often
highly influenced by physical violence amongst
activists OBR found another way to draw attention to
the issue of women's suffering. Although the purpose
remains the same, namely the raising of public
awareness concerning (mainly but not exclusively)
domestic violence, the method of peaceful
demonstrations through the act of dancing in public
places differs, not to say, drastically from those using violence of some kind to achieve the goal of
ending abuse. Despite the fact that a certain amount of work has to be done throughout the year, one
particular day, commonly referred to as Valentine's Day, best represents the organisation's ambitions.
For the first time on February 14 2013, women and girls of all ages gathered in big cities as well as
small towns all over the planet to highlight the importance of fair treatment of the female members of
society. As one might conclude, these messages are conveyed through various dances. Mostly, these
gatherings are recorded and released in various online portals to represent the campaign's aims as well
as to increase its international influence.!
As far as One Billion Rising's campaign is concerned it is especially important for young girls and
women to become aware of the possible dangers surrounding them on a daily basis. According to the
organisations webpage statistics, one in three women will be assaulted in her life. This single fact
provides reason enough for every female human being living on this planet, which means even in small
towns like Klagenfurt (yes, you the female student of English should also consider yourself as referred
to), to stand up and fight – even if that means dancing – for women's rights which might help to
prevent at least some of the future cases of abuse.!
!
!
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The Canadian Sense of Space
!
Follow our footsteps as we leave the Old World
behind, fly across the big pond, experience the
endless Albertan prairies, conquer the towering
Rocky Mountains and wander through the
lavish rain forests of British Columbia.
Breathtakingly beautiful nature contrasts with
vast cities spiked with shimmering skyscrapers
followed by cosy mountain towns and a truly
multicultural metropolis."
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
Calgary, Location: 51°3'N 114°4'W,
Distance: 8,093 km, Travel time: 23.5
hours, Headquarters: Travelodge"
!
After an exhausting, sleepless and bumpy flight we arrived in Calgary to be greeted by a friendly bluehaired old lady on a golf cart sporting the symbol of the city, a white cowboy hat. Our hotel, nestling
between scrap yards, garages and nails salons, was only one bus, two tram rides and a half-hour march
away. Already familiar with the infamous hotel chain carrying the Travelodge badge, we were surprised
that there is a superlative to filthy.!
After a good night's sleep we set out to explore downtown Calgary. Our first stop was the Glenbow
Museum where we were introduced to some of the true mavericks of Alberta who helped shape
Canadian history. People like Captain Freddie McCall who attempted to fly nitro-glycerine and
dynamite from Montana to Calgary and also a bison called Fred, still linger in our memory. Provided
with plenty of new information, we went on to ascend Calgary Tower, where we were presented with a
bird's eye view of the city's landmarks, surrounding prairies and the distant Rockies. Back on solid
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ground our small group crossed Sunnyside Bank Park to have a stroll through Kensington, a
neighbourhood packed with cafés, bars and small quirky shops.!
The next day, we took part in an Aboriginal awareness workshop that included an outdoor role-playing
game, where we re-enacted a first contact situation between settlers and First Nations. The exercise
simulated a trading scenario, starring Professor Margret Holt as the matriarchal tribe's eldest,
resulting in the tribe being robbed blind by the invading Europeans.!
On our last day in town our group enjoyed a guided campus tour of the University of Calgary.!
Attractions worth mentioning include an enormous sports arena, the obligatory food court and a
digital library featuring Android based touch-screen tables, an extensive vintage video game collection
and a video wall offering the second highest resolution in the world. Later on we followed an
invitation to the Department of Canadian Studies, where professors introduced their fields of
expertise such as the Calgary Stampede, an annual event that includes rodeo and horse riding
competitions for the cowboy aficionados. This year's primary culinary delight will apparently be deep
fried chewing gum.!
Edmonton, Location: 53°32'N 113°30'W,
Distance: 7,828 km, Travel time: 4.5 hours,
Headquarters: Days Inn Downtown"
!
!
!
!
!
!
The illegally issued group ticket and insufficient baggage tags turned out to be a problem as we set
forth on our journey's first leg by Greyhound. With all problems resolved, thanks to Canadian
friendliness, we took in the scenery as we got closer to Edmonton. The city welcomed us with
splendid weather conditions and warm temperatures as we celebrated our first evening in a new town
with burgers, beers and TimBits, which are basically donut holes, a Canadian speciality.!
On the next day, we had the pleasure of being guided through town by a fellow Austrian on a research
stay in Edmonton. Eva Maria was kind enough to point out important sights such as the Art Gallery
of Alberta designed by Randall Stout, the 'ancient' Edmontonian Rutherford House (built in 1910) and
popular Whyte Street, where we feasted on the biggest plate of nachos we have ever seen.!
A day later we were received at the Wirth Institute, which focuses on interdisciplinary research
concerning Austrian and central European matters, the only one of its kind in Canada. After a sugar
and caffeine boost we continued our tour of the University of Alberta, guided by an overexcited,
coffee-slurping freshman. We completed our day with a trip to the largest mall in the Western
Hemisphere, its lot size equalling forty-three blocks. Apart from eight hundred stores the mall houses
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a skating rink, a replica of Christopher Columbus' Santa Maria and a water and amusement park. The
largest indoor roller coaster caught our attention and was immediately tested by the bravest in our
group.!
Banff, Location: 51°10'N 115°34'W,
Distance: 8,126 km, Travel Time: 6
hours, Headquarters: Rundlestone
Lodge"
!
!
!
!
!
!
The six-hour bus trip to Banff took us along the foothills of the Rockies right into the very heart of
the mountain range. We arrived in the late afternoon, unloaded our baggage and set off towards our
hotel, which was of course situated on the other side of town. Schlepping and pushing our belongings
along the main road, our agonising pilgrimage lasted almost half an hour. Having selected a local pub that served crab cakes, bison burgers and Saskatoon berry ale - we finally called it a day.!
The next morning, we gathered around the lobby's rustic wood-burning fireplace to decide on suitable
hiking routes, tailored to everyone's taste and physical capabilities. The experienced hikers among us
chose a more demanding trail, whereas the rest of us agreed on paying a visit to Lake Minnewanka and
the Cascade Ponds, just two of the many crystal clear waters that can be found in this area. During our
hike we admired Canada's diverse flora and fauna. We were lucky enough to spot mountain goats,
squirrels, chipmunks, meerkats and even a white-headed bald eagle. Dehydrated, sunburnt, with
blister-covered feet and sprained ankles, we hobbled back to town. After taking a shower, frantically
searching for ticks, and a short, revitalising nap, we squeezed into our most comfortable pair of shoes
and headed off to the "city centre". While strolling along Main Street, we picked up the jarring notes
of a live big band rehearsing in the park's gazebo. The cheerful sight of the orchestra and a just
married couple posing for pictures made the hearts of some skip a beat.!
!
!
!
!
!
!
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!
Vancouver, Location: 49°15'N 123°6'W,
Distance: 8,585 km, Travel Time: 10.5
hours, Headquarters: Howard Johnson
Downtown"
!
!
!
!
!
!
In the early morning hours we left Banff on a private bus that would bring us to Vancouver swiftly
though safely. During the ten-hour trip we travelled across a time zone and the entire province of
British Columbia. Curled up in our comfortable seats we gazed through the windows and were amazed
by the diverse landscapes drifting by. As the bus approached the peninsula of downtown Vancouver,
the glass panels of the city's majestic skyscrapers reflected the evening sun. To soak up as much of the
dwindling sunlight as possible, we headed straight for English Bay Beach just in time to experience the
most glorious sunset. Famished and exhausted, we managed to seek out one of the many sushi
restaurants on lively Denman Street. Vancouver can indeed be called: SUSHI CENTRAL! Our
appetites turned out to be a challenge for our desperate waitresses.!
Well rested, we engaged in our first scheduled activity, a guided tour of the University of British
Columbia, followed by a brief visit to the Museum of Anthropology. We were awestruck by the
University's Japanese garden, deemed the most authentic Japanese garden outside of Japan by the
country's emperor himself. After plundering the campus' bookstore we immersed ourselves in the
world of Canada's First Nations, admiring artefacts such as canoes and totem poles carved from single
tree trunks. Back in the city, Vancouver Lookout provided yet another opportunity to take in a
panoramic view of the downtown area, the harbour and sprawling suburbs. Granville Island, accessible
via aqua bus and packed with restaurants, bars, market stalls and tiny souvenir shops, offered a nice
vista of False Creek and English Bay.!
Lured in by renowned artists such as Emily Carr, The Group of Seven and Art Spiegelman, we spent
the next morning strolling through Vancouver Art Gallery. After this cultural experience, we split up
in two groups once more. Some indulged in an adventurous trip to the temperate rain forests, which
included a dizzying crossing of the Capilano Suspension Bridge and a heart-stopping Cliff Walk. The
second group couldn't stop taking pictures as they participated in a harbour tour that would take them
along the city's picturesque shoreline. To cap the day, we roamed through Vancouver's gay village
looking for ice-cold ciders and ales only to encounter a post-op person interpreting Tina Turner songs.!
A London-like drizzle greeted us the following day, as we walked across Burrard Street Bridge to the
Museum of Vancouver. Exhibitions included a journey through Vancouver's fascinating history, where
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we donned some muffs, capes and frilly white blouses from the early twentieth century. On our trip to
the Telus World of Science, a hands-on and interactive technical museum, we were reminded of our
childhood as we performed all kinds of experiments and solved riddles.!
On the last day of our excursion, with no further obligatory group activities scheduled, we were free
to do as we pleased. Some of us went on shopping sprees, spending a considerable amount of money at
Chapters bookstore and other boutiques at the Pacific Centre. Vancouver Aquarium, the largest of its
kind in Northern America, and Stanley Park, inhabited by curious raccoons and overprotective wild
parent geese, were other points of interest.!
On our last evening, already dreading our flight back home, we all gathered at Red Robin, which was
said to be the best burger place in town. We enjoyed some chilled Molson Canadian beers while
reminiscing about our last two week's impressions. We will definitely cherish the moments we shared
for the rest of our lives.!
!
No City for Movie Lovers
!
Have you ever found yourself wanting to watch a
film in its original version, but quickly realised
that such a thing is almost impossible to do here
in Klagenfurt? Has this thought ever crossed your
mind and annoyed you? We, as students of
English, believe that this state of affairs is simply
unacceptable, and should be changed. Undubbed
movies are too precious to not be shown on our
screens.!
Especially students of English should demand the
screenings of films in their original versions.
When movies are dubbed, so much of their charm and content is lost. For example, certain sayings,
puns, and jokes cannot be translated into German. Furthermore, translated films often lack
authenticity because the lip movements of the actors do not correspond with what is being said. As a
result, the dubbed version of a film often lacks accuracy, as well as wit. Films in their original version
can, moreover, be educational, since they showcase how real people speak to one another. Simply put:
watching movies in English is an invaluable asset to further improving one's ability to speak and
understand the language.!
Of course there are positive examples of establishments that screen movies in their original version.
For example, the Cinecity now shows movies in its original version every Wednesday night.
Furthermore, the Wulfenia, and the Volkskino both regularly screen un-translated films. These
institutions should be applauded and supported, because if more people buy tickets to original
versions of movies, then the cinema might release a wider variety of films. Therefore, we urge you to
let your money speak and make a statement, since we believe it is in your self-interest. Last but not
least, there are also the movie nights, which take place in the English department on a weekly basis.
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At the movie nights, blockbusters like "Lincoln"
as well as classics, such as "Mr Smith goes to
Washington" are screened. Other screenings that
were well attended in the past are: "Rabbit Proof
Fence", "Coraline", "Midnight Meat Train" and
many more.!
The question which remains is whether people
are even interested in such an offering. Even
though the selection of films which are screened
at the weekly movie nights is very interesting,
students often claim that they only go there
because it is obligatory for a class they are taking.
"University can be very stressful. I have got loads
of assignments to do. That is why I simply do not have time to watch movies – neither in English, nor
in German", says Julia W., a student of English. The problem described by Anna R. is different, but is
known to many of her colleagues: "I really would like to go there more often. But I am not from
Klagenfurt and on Wednesday, my classes finish at noon." But even if someone cannot make it to the
movie nights, there are still – as mentioned above – other opportunities to watch films in its original
version.!
It is so invaluable to watch movies in their original versions, not just for students of English. By taking
those measures, Klagenfurt furthermore becomes more of a metropolitan city. The turnouts at the
English movie-screenings at the Cinecity speak for themselves because usually, the cinema showings
for movies in their original version are well attended. Clearly, the screening of movies in their original
version can only benefit the city. Not only are these kinds of movies important for students of
English, but by showing more original content movies, a larger more diverse audience will also be
drawn in. So, if you are as passionate as we are about movies, next time you are at the cinema you
definitely want to demand the film to run in English.!
!
Food for Thought…Quite Literally!
!
Are you bored of cooking noodles everyday? Or are you dreading the swimsuit season? We are going
to tell you how you can be healthy without having to abstain from chocolate, pizza and other delicious
foods packed with calories. We want to show you how to prepare a delicious meal without having to
slave over the stove for hours and without the nasty side effects of feeling stuffed and tired. Are you
interested in learning something new about food? Are you interested in learning something new about
your body? Then read on and join us on our journey to feel healthy in your own body!!
This article will show students that living healthy can be beneficial as well as affordable. Furthermore,
we, the authors, would like to point out that there are various ways to prepare a meal that is not only
healthy but tasty and cheap as well, that does not include walking to McDonald's. Students claim that
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December 2013
it is too expensive to buy ingredients for a home-prepared meal, but we are here to show you how
food can be both, healthy and cheap.!
Some quick fixes"
People usually think that the only way to reduce the overall calorie intake is to simply stop eating
food, but there are various other factors which influence our eating behaviour. First of all, get the light
right. Studies have shown that there is a link between light levels and food consumption. It was found
that bright light encouraged people to eat faster, which is why fast food restaurants tend to be well-lit.
Dim light also increases consumption, which explains why we stuff ourselves with buckets of popcorn
in a cinema. The best light to eat under is a medium-watt bulb of no more than 50 watts.!
Secondly, turn up the heat. The physical act of digesting a meal is thermogenic, meaning that it creates
heat in the body. When we are cold, we often try to 'fuel the furnace' by eating hot food or simply
eating more. To short-circuit this habit before it gets out of control, turn your heater up or pop on an
extra layer of clothing before dinner.!
Moreover, warm colours are stimulating: just as bright light makes us shovel food into our mouths, a
vividly coloured room has impact on our eating habits, too. Red, orange or even yellow colour schemes
for kitchens and dining rooms are usually a bad idea, weight-wise. Choose a soothing pale blue or lilac
for lower calorie consumption. Other than that, watching TV while eating is another factor which
increases your calorie intake. While watching TV your body can not focus on what you eat and
therefore, does not notice anymore when to stop the food intake. The same problem can occur when
eating in a noisy environment, so eat in a calm environment and concentrate on your body.!
Finally, spice it up. Researchers from The Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in
Chicago, USA found those who use herbs and spices in their cooking have less body fat. It is also a
great way to add flavour without the use of any fat, so spice up and reap the rewards.1!
How to get rid of the excess flab"
Eating healthy and watching one's calorie intake is a great way to stay in shape. Unfortunately, merely
eating moderately will not give you the body you crave, the perfect fit in that swimsuit you want so
badly. Therefore, doing 20 minutes of any kind of physical activity a day where your heart-rate
increases over 130 beats per minute (so we are talking about real sweat here) will help you strengthen
and tighten up your body as well as increase your overall feeling of well - being. A cheap and easy
choice would be to simply lace up your running shoes and go for a quick run around the Mozartheim
or along our beautiful Wörther See. If running is not your sport of choice, join a fitness club or take
some dance or aerobic classes, which will surely provide you with a great workout and lift your mood
as well.!
Some final advice"
The most important thing to remember is to eat a balanced diet and to never deprive yourself of
anything. Include various fruits and vegetables for vitamins but also remember to eat food rich in
protein and carbohydrates, which will give you energy for your daily tasks. Try to make healthy
choices, meaning skip the white bread and noodles and chose the brown version instead, as they have
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WOMEN'S Fitness, Issue 97, February 2012, UK
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December 2013
less calories and will help to keep you feel full for longer. Also, try to stay away from processed foods,
which contain numerous artificial sweeteners and chemicals to make food last longer. These chemicals
mess with your digestion and will make you crave more food than you actually need. Other than that,
drink plenty of water and stay away from sugary soft drinks and juices, which hide high levels of sugar
and fats. Finally, stay relaxed and take some time for yourself, because when stressed our body craves
sugar due to a hormone called cortisol. Whatever it is that gives you a hard time, it is probably not
worth a few pounds more around your waist; so try to stay calm and relaxed in tricky situations.!
Easy, cheap and healthy recipes that will make your taste buds go wild"
Banana-Oatmeal Pancakes
Makes: 8 pancakes!
Prep time: 15 minutes!
Cook time: 10 minutes!
1. In a blender, puree soy milk and
oats until smooth. Add bananas,
flour, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and
baking powder and puree a few
seconds more. Let batter rest 10
minutes.!
2. Heat a large nonstick sauté pan
over medium heat. Mist with
nonstick cooking spray, then scoop
batter into pan in 1/4-cup increments. Reduce heat to medium low and cook pancakes until air
bubbles appear and underside is golden brown, about 5 minutes. Flip and cook about 5 minutes more.
Top with sliced bananas and maple syrup if desired.!
Nutrition facts per serving (2pancakes): 235 calories, 8g protein, 46g carbohydrate, 3g fat (0.5g
saturated), 5g fibre, 780mg sodium.!
Inside-Out Cheeseburgers
Ingredients:!
¬ 1/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese!
¬ 1/4 cup shredded Gruyere cheese!
¬ 1 pound 90%-lean ground beef!
¬ 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce!
¬ 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika!
¬ 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper!
!
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December 2013
Preparation:!
1. Preheat grill to medium-high or preheat the broiler.!
2. Combine Cheddar and Gruyere in a small bowl.!
3. Gently mix beef, Worcestershire, paprika and pepper in a large bowl,!
preferably with your hands, without overworking. Shape into 8 thin, 4-inch-wide patties. Mound 2
tablespoons of the cheese mixture on each of 4 patties, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Cover each with one
of the remaining patties. Crimp and seal the edges closed.!
4. To grill: Lightly oil the grill rack. Grill the stuffed patties over medium-high heat, about 4 minutes
per side for medium-well. (Be sure not to press the burgers as they cook or they'll split open and the
cheese will ooze out.) To broil: Cover a broiler pan with foil and coat with cooking spray. Broil the
stuffed patties in the upper third of the oven, about 4 minutes per side for medium-well. In either
case, let the burgers stand for 5 minutes before serving.!
Nutrition facts per serving: 264 calories; 16g fat ( 7g sat, 6g mono ); 89mg!
cholesterol; 1g carbohydrates; 26g protein; 0g fibre; 186mg sodium; 405mg potassium!
References:
Stephen Perrine, The Women's Health Diet, USA, Rodale. (27 Days to sculpted ABS, hotter curves and a
sexier, healthier you!)
Juno DeMelo, fitness, USA, New York (Banana-Oatmeal Pancakes)
Meredith Corporation. 2013.Inside-Out Cheeseburgers. Available at: http://www.eatingwell.com/
recipes/inside_out_cheeseburger.html (accessed 09 June 2013).
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