StringGrrl sees the World

StringGirl and Amber joined the AutoForm Development billiards apero. Developers from the Swiss, German, and Indian offices met together in Zurich to launch the development efforts for the next generation of AutoForm solutions .  First was pool at  Billiardino  in Zurich City West (Kreis 4), followed by a bier or four at LesHalles. Taking some time out from code Sheet metal Stamping engineering software development the members of AutoForm Development got to put their physics and mathematical experience to practical application (with mixed results). View Larger Map      Les Halles is a nice place for biers and socializing. The food is pretty good too, known for their mussles and fries (Moules Frites). View Larger Map

 As a frequent traveler through the Amsterdam Schiphol airport I have had occasion to stay at a variety of on campus and off campus hotels in order to catch the morning flights. Most recently taking the chance to stay at the citizenM . The building is just off the terminal 3 arrivals area and is a reasonable walk from the terminal to the hotel entrance. Booking is done quite easily online and checking in is even easier. When arriving in the Hotel there are a number of computer kiosks awaiting you, where you can use a variety of ways to identify yourself to the booking program. Once it recognizes you it prompts you to wave an RFID key in front of the sensor. This key comes pre-punched to attached as a luggage tag. In this way you can insure that you will not add to that collection of old hotel keys that you wind up with after a few weeks on the road, and the hotel can actually try to reduce its key costs. Don't sweat it if you need help loggin in, the staff is prompt ...

A recent post from that I stumbled upon from the Hipmunk blog reminded me of my short stay in the City several years ago and pointed out to me the number of things that I was unable to complete in the short weekend.  Giving proper credit where it is due the Hipmunk Blog was primarily a "review" of the post of another blogger at the "Uncornered market" . source: Uncornered market StringGirl 1.0 in Berlin outside the Brandenburg Gate in 2009 Amateurish pano of the Holocaust memorial The outer gate of the Soviet Memorial apparently I missed lots by not venturing further a remnant of the wall near Potsdamer Platz The Dome of the Stadthaus another remnant of the wall left intact in original location (now a garden) A rainbow over the Mitte Bahnhof only one example of the great street art tradition in Berlin If I had a resource like the post listed I may have had even more stuff to do in Berlin, however I can say that without it I...

Just north of Detroit along M-1 (Woodward Ave) is Ferndale, small but trending with a lively dining and bar life. Another stop along the DIA tour of SE Michigan with their gallery quality digital reproductions of works from their collections, which they have place around the neighboring communities.  This years Inside | Out production is even more meaningful as these communities have recently passed a landmark millage to create a tri-county art authority which will provide funding to maintain the Detroit Institute of Art as a treasure to be shared by all the residents of SE Michigan. The passage of the millage measure opens the museum up for free to all residents of Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties. Amber and StringGirl ham it up, striking a pose to emulate the painting 

Baseball, Hotdogs, and Apple Pie. Not much more 'merican than that combination. StringGirl and Amber made their way into the heart of the D to partake in the great American pastime. Baseball with your Detroit Tigers.  Comerica Park (the current Tiger Stadium) is a relatively new ballpark built on the edge of Downtown Detroit directly nestled with Ford Field (the Lions homefield) and nearby the Detroit Theatre district.  This larger than life feline greets fans and faoes alike with a fierce display of its claws as you enter the park.  From a safer distance StringGirl and Amber pose for another pick with the Tiger.  From the "cheap seats" you do get a terrific view of the Detroit Skyline. A little bit of HDR effect from the phone and you get a nice shot for the blog.  Slightly rainy conditions did not dampen the spirits of the fans nor Amber and StringGirl who stayed to enjoy the entire game. Complete with ballpark franks, peanuts, and popcorn. ...

"Real cities have Real Art museums"  this sentiment and statement of fact is an important one for the citizens of S.E. Michigan to get right. Next Tuesday a millage will appear on the ballot to secure the future of the Detroit Institute of Arts' financial future. Sheri speaks her mind in support of the DIA and the Art Authority News story on FOX in Detroit StringGirl and Amber stop to show their support for the DIA StringGirl can't vote, but if you can and live in Oakland, Wayne, or Macomb County you should vote yes on August 7th to ensure that the DIA remains the great cultural institution that it is. Young Artist from MOSAIC Youth Theatre shows his support of the DIA Media personality Spike from the 95.5 radio program Mojo in the Morning came out to share his support and ask others to do the same. The Art Authority is to raise money to ensure that all the great programs of the DIA can continue and that new programs can be launched. Among new program...