Round and Square: Bavaria

From Round to Square (and back)

For The Emperor's Teacher, scroll down (↓) to "Topics." It's the management book that will rock the world (and break the vase, as you will see). Click or paste the following link for a recent profile of the project: http://magazine.beloit.edu/?story_id=240813&issue_id=240610

A new post appears every day at 12:05* (CDT). There's more, though. Take a look at the right-hand side of the page for over four years of material (2,000 posts and growing) from Seinfeld and country music to every single day of the Chinese lunar calendar...translated. Look here ↓ and explore a little. It will take you all the way down the page...from round to square (and back again).
*Occasionally I will leave a long post up for thirty-six hours, and post a shorter entry at noon the next day.

Showing posts with label Bavaria. Show all posts

Friday, August 14, 2015

Zweirad Szenen (6)—Fundamentals

Click here for the "Zweirad Szenen" Resource Center (all posts available)
Click here for the introduction to the Round and Square series "Zweirad Szenen"
This is a "small" (小) post—click here for an explanation of Round and Square post lengths.

*** ***

On this date on Round and Square's History

14 August 2014—China's Lunar Calendar 2014 08-14
14 August 2013—China's Lunar Calendar 2013 08-14
14 August 2013—Causal Contingencies: I Love Double Seven
14 August 2012—Rural Religion in China(10)
14 August 2011—Just Do It Over: Introduction

[a] Got It RF

Back to basics.

As I wove my way through a heretofore-unbeknownst-to-me little path, I found myself back in the Bavarian social world(s) of street signs and traffic markers (instead of shocking portrayals of Jesus on the cross in the middle of the woods—coming soon).

And now, I see "Im Grund." My initial reaction (from English that I have only slowly learned not to "translate" into German)...was horror. Why would anyone reside..."Im Grund?"

Well...genau. Of course. Im Grund is the point of it all. Ask everyone from John Wooden (look him up) to, well, the lunar calendar...in Lunar World. "Im Grund" (the Internet has fabulous search tools, so knock yourself out) is perfect. Immanuel Kant meets Aristotle...meets...all sorts of practical people (and I mean "practical" in the widest sense...far beyond Kant's First Critique).

And then I cycled away, thinking only of the circuitous meanderings of the Kritik der reinen Vernunft.

Im Grund.

[b] Fundamentals RF

Monday, August 3, 2015

Zweirad Szenen (4)—Auf Wiedersehen

*** ***

On this date on Round and Square's History

3 August 2014—China's Lunar Calendar 2014 08-03
3 August 2013—China's Lunar Calendar 2013 08-03
3 August 2012—Reviews: Introduction
3 August 2011—Seinfeld Ethnography: Code-Cracking

And when I leave (just about every town in Germany) on my two-wheeled vehicle, my beating heart (at about 80% effort, I hope) is warmed by a little "bye-bye" before I head onto open roads.

I mean, think of US roads. Maybe some states tell us that we are leaving, but things are pretty much focused on welcomes. How about the care and kindness that goes into a very nice little goodbye? It's a beautiful thing, and I always note the warm embrace of communitas from the, um...community.

Americans: Let's think about this. I know it exists here and there, but what about a nice "We'll Miss You" for our towns?

Tschüß!

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Zweirad Szenen (3)—Warm Willkommen

Click here for the "Fahrrad Szenen" Resource Center (all posts available)
Click here for the introduction to the Round and Square series "Fahrrad Szenen"
This is a "small" (小) post—click here for an explanation of Round and Square post lengths.

*** ***

On this date on Round and Square's History

29 July 2014—China's Lunar Calendar (2014 07-29)
29 July 2013—Asian Ethnicities: Dynamics of Ethnicity (k)
29 July 2013—China's Lunar Calendar (2013 07-29)
29 July 2012—The Accidental Ethnographer: Pilgrimage
29 July 2011—Longevity Mountain: Furnace Talk

After the long climb (gradual, and possible—while in good fitness—to speed up the whole route)...it is wonderful to receive a warm welcome into Kalchreuth. It's the top of the hill, and, even though it probably wouldn't even be a fourth category climb in the Tour de France, local cyclists from the entire Nürnberg-Erlangen area all train here (and race past me as I make my own way forward).

I have the last laugh, though, because I truly embrace the wonderful hug that the little town gives me when I arrive. They just head downhill. I might even stop in for a coffee and a pretzel (heck, maybe even a beer).

While welcomes are not unknown throughout the world, it is less common to have warm and affectionate goodbyes. Stay tuned.

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Zweirad Szenen (2)—Dear Dairy

*** ***

On this date on Round and Square's History

28 July 2014—China's Lunar Calendar (2014 07-28)
28 July 2013—Asian Ethnicities: Dynamics of Ethnicity (j)
28 July 2013—China's Lunar Calendar (2013 07-28)
28 July 2012—The Accidental Ethnographer: Reading Geil
28 July 2011—Longevity Mountain: Southern Temple Entrance

[a] Moo RL

Oh, and what did I see on one of my rides, just a few days ago (along the canal, near Forcheim)?

Well, "Wisconsin" turned the corner and rode right toward me before I slammed on the brakes (and took a picture).

Bavaria, Hokkaido, Wsconsin—I always seem to find my way back "home" (to milk and cheese...for better or worse).

[b] Milka RL

Monday, July 27, 2015

Zweirad Szenen (1)—Tough Curve

*** ***

On this date on Round and Square's History

27 July 2014—China's Lunar Calendar (2014 07-27)
27 July 2013—Asian Ethnicities: Dynamics of Ethnicity (i)
27 July 2013—China's Lunar Calendar (2013 07-27)
27 July 2012—The Accidental Ethnographer: Opening Geil's Book
27 July 2011—Seinfeld Ethnography: Downtown

[a] The sign says it all...RL

So every day during my daily workout, I have to take a brief "quiz," a little "test." It adds up to twenty-percent ~~of the~~ grade, though, and that is hardly insignificant for a middle-aged rider. Every day, after ninety minutes of cycling, I face the tiny monster, and then power (this is how I like to imagine it) up its steep back. The day (or two) before a rest day, I sometimes have to weave a bit where the "back" arches a little even beyond twenty.

This is not hors catégorie by a longshot, but it is definitely my little daily quiz.

Twenty percent.

I sure wish it looked like the photo every day... Seems like five-, six-, percent from here...

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Zweirad Szenen—Introduction

Click here for the "Fahrrad Szenen" Resource Center (all posts available)
This is a "small" (小) post—click here for an explanation of Round and Square post lengths.

*** ***

On this date on Round and Square's History

26 July 2014—China's Lunar Calendar (2014 07-26)
26 July 2014—Asian Ethnicities: Dynamics of Ethnicity (h)
26 July 2013—China's Lunar Calendar (2013 07-26)
26 July 2012—The Accidental Ethnographer: Meeting William Edgar Geil
26 July 2011—Longevity Mountain: The Road to South Peak

[a] Towering RF

Two-Wheeled (Bicycling) Scenes.

It's as simple as that, and this "introduction" will be brief. Although it all started with cycling through Germany in the springs and summers of 2014 and 2015, this series will feature pictures from my rides all over the world, including a large number in the southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois region.

Round and Square has many long posts, but more than a few short ones, as well. That balance might make it all seem just a bit less overwhelming than the way it all began in 2011, with a thousand word post just about every day for almost two years. Content is not a problem on Round and Square anymore, so pictures (and a little bit of text) from cycling around the world seem to fit just about right.

Get on a bike (and carry a camera...er...phone). It will change everything.

All photographs...after this introduction...are those of the Round and Square editorial board.

[b] Blowing it out RF

Thursday, July 31, 2014

Lederhosen Pug—Auf Wiedersehen!

Click here for the "Celebrity Commentary" Resource Center—(all posts available)
Click here for the introduction to the Round and Square series "Celebrity Commentary" (coming soon)
This is a "small" (小) post—click here for an explanation of Round and Square post lengths.

*** ***

One year ago on Round and Square (31 May 2012)—The Accidental Ethnographer: Ocean and Isle (a)
Two years ago on Round and Square (31 May 2011)—Endings: The Death of Captain Cook

[a] Lederpug RF

What is the use of running when you are on the wrong road?

—Bavarian Proverb

No worries, though—my name is Lederhosen Pug, and I know the way (知道).

And the way today, leads to goodbye.

My contract is up here at Round and Square, and it is time to start back down the Bavarian pug road again. It has been a pleasure telling stories from Grandpa and Grandma Pug about this special little place in the south of Germany.

[b] Travelin' pug RF

Like my friend French Bulldog Puppy (not to mention other friends such as Liam and Roll Tide Guy), I'll be back occasionally for a guest commentary.

Round and Square's editorial rules are strict, though. One month—that's it.

And I look forward to welcoming next month's writer. It will be a change from Bavaria, that's for sure.

And, as I head off down the trail, let me say auf wiedersehen. Grandma Pug always told me that "We Bavarians don't say "tschüß." It is too informal. When we say goodbye, we pack in centuries of tradition.

And in grandma's kitchen hangs a little sign—Tschüß Freie Zone.

Formal Pug.

[c] Goodbye (for now) RF

[Originally posted on July 31, 2014]

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Lederhosen Pug—Max Planck

*** ***

One year ago on Round and Square (30 May 2012)—The Accidental Ethnographer: The Isle of Patmos (2)
Two years ago on Round and Square (30 May 2011)—Le Tour de la France: Mère Etienne

[a] Lederpug RF

What is the use of running when you are on the wrong road?

—Bavarian Proverb

No worries, though—my name is Lederhosen Pug, and I know the way (知道).

And today that way weaves its way through theoretical physics. You see, a little wunderkind was born in Holstein, and moved to Munich as a lad.

[b] Everywhere RF

And now it is hard to turn a corner anywhere in Germany without finding a Max Planck Straße (oder Platz). If you know anything about the history of physics, you know his name, and know well that he and a certain professor named Albert Einstein were colleagues and friends.

Max Planck

Max Planck lived through two world wars, and all of the problems (in all sorts of ways) they brought. He changed twentieth century physics, and he now has changed the signage from Berlin to Munich.

[c] Lightspeed RF

[Originally posted on July 30, 2014]

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Lederhosen Pug—Levi Strauss

*** ***

One year ago on Round and Square (29 May 2012)—The Accidental Ethnographer: The Isle of Patmos (1)
Two years ago on Round and Square (29 May 2011)—Hurtin' Country: I Wonder How Far It is Over You

[a] Lederpug RF

What is the use of running when you are on the wrong road?

—Bavarian Proverb

No worries, though—my name is Lederhosen Pug, and I know the way (知道).

And the way today weaves through the business of blue jeans.

[b] Fashioned History RF

A certain Levi Strauss (no, not the French anthropologist with a hyphenated surname) was born right smack dab in Bavaria—up north of Nürnberg, in the Franconian region. And he and a business partner came up with a splendid idea for denim work pants.

Levi Strauss

The rest is both labor and fashion history, but it is fitting that a hard-working Franconian would find success by selling workers tough, hard-working pants.

I wish he would have stayed back here and made lederhosen, but that's just me.

[c] Multi-use RF

[Originally posted on July 29, 2014]

Monday, July 28, 2014

Lederhosen Pug—The Bavarian Poacher

*** ***

One year ago on Round and Square (28 May 2012)—Primary Sources: Education and Acculturation (h)
Two years ago on Round and Square (28 May 2011)—Le Tour de la France (3)

[a] Lederpug RF

What is the use of running when you are on the wrong road?

—Bavarian Proverb

No worries, though—my name is Lederhosen Pug, and I know the way (知道).

And the way today...as one more outlaw—an eighteenth century genius who was never fully "caught."

This guy is a little bit different than Robber Knießl.

[b] End of the trail RF

He was a robber, to be sure, but many people have called him a Bavarian Robin Hood. He began by poaching, and then moved on to lead a gang of bandits. He holds fascinating for all sorts of Bavarians, but not the least because (get this)...his accumulated treasures were never found.

The Bavarian Poacher

Oh, his end was just about as awful as that of Robber Knießl (in fact, a heck of a lot worse). Still, the fact that only he was broken, but the "stuff" never found...that is fascinating.

Even to this day, I listen to Grandpa Pug's stories about the Bayerische Hiasl (look at the header), and wonder if I could be the one to find the hidden loot. I have an idea about where it just might be...and I have a plan. I'll be set for life.

Crafty Pug.

[c] No, not that kind RF

[Originally posted on July 28, 2014]

Sunday, July 27, 2014

Lederhosen Pug—Mathias Knießl

*** ***

One year ago on Round and Square (27 May 2012)—Primary Sources: Education and Acculturation (g)
Two years ago on Round and Square (27 May 2011)—Le Tour de la France (2)

[a] Lederpug RF

What is the use of running when you are on the wrong road?

—Bavarian Proverb

No worries, though—my name is Lederhosen Pug, and I know the way (知道).

And the path to knowledge today runs through outlaw territory.

[b] Highway robbery RF

Grandpa Pug used to tell me stories of Rauber Knießl ("Robber Knießl), and his outlaw ways.

In fact, Mathias Knießl might be the most famous robber in all of Bavarian history. He never could hold down a job for long, and he joined his father and brothers in stock rustling and various robberies along the Bavarian "highways" of his day.

Robber Knießl

[c] Not to be outdone...RF

He robbed, eluded authorities and, in one very sorry turn of events, killed two policemen in a fierce gun battle. It still took time for sixty policemen to capture him three months later, and put him in jail for the final time. He was executed in 1902 for those shootings, which he said were the only part of his spree that he regretted.

The bigger story in my pug-world is the fascination with rebels. I once had an overseas pug from Northfield, Minnesota, (he was named Ole). He told me of the fascination with a robber called "Jesse James" in the decades before Mathias went on his rampage. Northfield still has a "Defeat of Jesse James Days" celebration every September. I then told Olaf about Robber Mathias, and we both wondered why they have almost cult status.

It's a good question, and one worth pondering.

Farmers in Bavaria saw him as a rebel who stood up to authorities. Grandpug was always more careful, saying that nothing ever justifies killing—ever.

And then he told me more Robber Knießl stories.

Puzzled Pug.

[d] Highway robbery RF

[Originally posted on July 27, 2014]

Saturday, July 26, 2014

Lederhosen Pug—The Smith of Kochel

*** ***

One year ago on Round and Square (26 May 2012)—Primary Sources: Education and Acculturation (f)
Two years ago on Round and Square (26 May 2011)—Le Tour de la France (1)

[a] Lederpug RF

What is the use of running when you are on the wrong road?

—Bavarian Proverb

No worries, though—my name is Lederhosen Pug, and I know the way (知道).

And the way today runs straight through Bavarian legend. Grandpa Pug used to tell the story of the Smith of Kochel.

[b] Strongsmith RF

Hearing the stories of his heroics in the late-seventeenth century (he broke down the gates of Belgrade with only an iron pipe, as I remember it as a pug-pup), I was filled with Bavarian pug-pride. On top of it all, the great Smith of Kochel refused all awards. Now that is a hero, and he has a monument devoted to him, and I have visited it several times.

The Smith of Kochel

When I learned that he was seventy years old, but strong as several Bavarian oxen, I was astonished. Nothing astonished me more, though (including learning that Santa Claus was a mere figment) than learning that the smith probably never lived, but was a kind of heroic composite. I "get" that all now, but oh, how he figured in my puphood ambitions.

Even today, I yearn for a Smith of Kochel when times get tough.

Inspired Pug.

[c] Gate breaking RF

[Originally posted on July 26, 2014]

Friday, July 25, 2014

Lederhosen Pug—Kaspar Hauser

*** ***

One year ago on Round and Square (25 May 2012)—Primary Sources: Education and Acculturation (e)
Two years ago on Round and Square (25 May 2011)—Seinfeld Ethnography: George Does the Opposite

[a] Lederpug RF

What is the use of running when you are on the wrong road?

—Bavarian Proverb

No worries, though—my name is Lederhosen Pug, and I know the way (知道).

[b] Out of nowhere RF

And today the way, the path, stretches amidst forests of mystery.

Grandma Pug always told the story of a strange young man who showed up on the streets of Nürnberg in 1828, claiming never to have left a cell in which he had been confined since infancy. A patron had apparently taught him to read and write, but never allowed him to leave the house. Then, at sixteen, he was turned loose in hopes of becoming a cavalry officer.

[c] Hidin' out RF

This was not even remotely possible, and not the least because he was mostly able to say only "I want to be a cavalry officer," "Horse, horse!," and "I don't know."

There's more, though. As time went on, he kept having serious accidents with knives and guns (often claiming to have been attacked, sometimes by hooded men). The claims grew preposterous, but the plot thickens all of the way to his death (from stab wounds) five years later. Take a look, and note how many further stories his "legend" inspired.

Kaspar Hauser

I get good and pug-scared every time I think of ol' Kaspar.

And the last thing I want to see is a Kaspar Hauser nutcracker.

Pug Mystery.

[d] Locked away RF

[Originally posted on July 25, 2014]