locr Blog

For Santa's Cake

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 11:28:28 +0100

Choco Santa for locr from rejay

Merry Christmas, everyone! Only five days until Christmas Eve! We at locr are really in a Christmas mood. We are looking forward to seeing our families and loved ones. For today, I baked a cake for the locr team. What do you think? Do they like my Choco Santa?

But is there really a Santa Claus, that brings gifts and toys to children? Eight-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon wanted to know and wrote a letter to the editor of New York's Sun, and the quick response of Francis Church was printed as an unsigned editorial Sept. 21, 1897.

"DEAR EDITOR: I am 8 years old.
"Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus.
"Papa says, 'If you see it in THE SUN it's so.'
"Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?

"VIRGINIA O'HANLON.
"115 WEST NINETY-FIFTH STREET."

VIRGINIA, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except what they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no VIRGINIAS. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You may tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

Merry Christmas

rejay

A Christmas Carol

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 15:00:46 +0100

Christmas tree insight by martin

There are different ways of celebrating Christmas. Some prefer rather a "Silent Night" than a "Rocking around the Christmas Tree". But Christmas is also a time to think of people who won't have a "Jolly, Holly Christmas".

One of my favourite tales that are told when sitting in a cozy living room or next to a chimney fire is "A Christmas Carol".

The famous story by Charles Dickens was instantly successful. Over six thousand copies were sold in one week in 1843.

"A Christmas Carol" is an Victorian morality tale of an old and bitter miser, Ebenezer Scrooge who undergoes an experience of redemption over the course of one night, which if it doesn't change his ways he will end up like his friend Jacob Marley, walking Earth forever, being nothing but invisible and lonely. Ebenezer Scrooge is a financier who has devoted his life to the accumulation of wealth. He regards anything other than money worthless including friendship, love and Christmas season.

Three spirits visit him in the night before Christmas. The Ghost of Christmas Past, the Ghost of Christmas Present, the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come.

Scrooge changes his life in the end and reverts to the generous, kind-hearted soul he was in his youth.
The story was originally written in the eye of the Industrial Revolution. Lots of people were displaced and driven into poverty, and the obligation of society to provide them humanely. Scrooge embodies all the selfishness and indifference of the prosperous classes.

Although written under financial duress to help Dickens to pay off a debt, the tale has become one of the most popular and enduring Christmas stories of all time.
What is your favorite Christmas tale, just let me know.

Best Wishes

rejay

La Pura Vida

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 12:04:54 +0100

turnersson with his host family

It is his first voyage outside Europe. turnersson aka Sebastian Dreher (25) started his journey to Central America on November 29. "I want to improve my Spanish. This journey should also be a reward for myself. I have just finished my oral and written exams for my diploma, so I need a time-off for a while."says the industrial engineer-to-be.

The more romantic reason for the choice of destination turnersson reveals with a smile. "Finally, I can hug my girlfriend again." His girlfriend Solveig is currently spending a semster abroad. She lives with a host family in San José, the capital of Costa Rica to study sports.

turnersson prepared his travel by studying travel guides and comparing the included photos to photos on locr.com as well as to other sources on the internet." I really wanted to know, how it is like in Central America", tells turnersson about his preparation method. Moreover he revised his Spanish lessons, because turnersson and his girlfriend plan to travel around.

From San José they want to travel to Nicaragua, then they plan to go the Pacific Ocean and finally we go to see Panama and the Caribbean.

Exclusively for locr, turnersson posts his photos for all of you in the album Costa Rrrrrrrrrrica. On blogger.com you can read his stories and experience in Central America in the blog turnersson-in-costa-rica.blogspot.com. The blog is only available in German.

But how was the travel so far... turnersson travelled via Charlotte, USA. He was very nervous, because he had to face more than a 10 hours flight. After a short break in the United States he arrived in San José. Solveig and her host family picked him up from the airport. Despite of his efforts of listening to Spanish radio stations, learning vocabulary and watching the TV- Show "Family Guy" in "espanol", host Ana-Christina could have told him everything. Different dialects are hard for learners!

Surprised was turnersson about the fact, that Costa Rican accomodation is surrounded by barbed wire and bars. Another culture and other diseases, another issue turnersson wasn't keen on learning. He caught a terrible cold , so he had to stay in bed. By now, he feels better and starts to explore places in San José .

Don't miss to pay his album Costa Rrrrrrrrrrica a visit.

Do you love to travel and like to write about it? Just let me know!

Best Wishes

rejay

What I want for Christmas is…!

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 16:42:50 +0100

Make a GPS data logger a gift this year! We launched our locr Shop right in time for Christmas shopping. www.locr-shop.com GPS data loggers can be ordered easily and convenient via mouse click all over Europe, now.

Only a few days ‘till Christmas Eve - gift-searchers are pushing and shoving through the stores. Everyone wants to give their loved ones a special gift. You need something special? But what? What about geophotography? Photo enthusiasts will find without hectic the best GPS data loggers to step in the geophotography in the locr Shop on www.locr-shop.com

If you take pictures with a GPS digital camera or a GPS mobile phone, photos are assigned to the photo location via the navigation satellite. On www.locr.com the position is displayed on street maps and satellite images. Location information is added automatically. Photos can also be shared within the geotagging photo community, stored in a public or a private album, assigned to groups or shared with friends all over the world.

Most of the digital cameras today aren’t equipped with a GPS receiver. To benefit from the innovative visualization and sorting of photos on www.locr.com, a GPS data logger is required.

The GPS datalogger can be taken as an accessory device on your own photo tour. Switched on, it connects to GPS satellites if GPS is available.

Take your photos as usual. Afterwards GPS data and photos will be combined via the locr software “locr GPS Photo for Windows”.

On www.locr.com customers can choose between two GPS data loggers, now. At the shop opening, locr offers the ATP PHOTOFINDER mini and the Royal Tek RGM-3800 for an advertising price.

We like to ease the access to geophotography. We responded with the locr Shop to the numerous user requests. Often GPS data loggers were seldom or weren’t available at all in electronic stores.

It’s planned to expand the product range the upcoming year. Temporarily, the shop is only available in German language. Shipping is limited to Europe.

Best Wishes

rejay

Soon Nicholas Eve is Here

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 11:44:27 +0100

The dutch Saint Nicholas is called Sinnerclaas - photographed by portolis

19 days before Christmas Eve children in Germany put their cleaned shoes or a tray in front of their room doors. They fill them eagerly with dried bread and some also add a glass or bowl of water. They are waiting for Saint Nicholas to bring them sweets, mandarines and toys in the night of the 6th December. The bread and the water is for Saint Nicholas' donkey that the Saint travels with.

In a lot of countries you will find the St. Nicholas or the German "Nikolaus" : Sveti Nikolaj (Slowenia), Sveti Nikola (Croatia and Serbia), Sint Nicolaas or Sinterklaas (Neverlands), Święty Mikołaj (Poland), Nikolo (Austria), São Nicolau (Portugal and Brasil), Samichlaus/Santiglaus (Switzerland) or Zinniklos/Kleeschen (Luxemburg), Saint Nicholas (England and Irland), Saint Nicolas (France), Aya Nikola (Turkey), Santa Claus (North America), Άγιος Νικόλαος / Ájos Nikólaos (Greece), Святой Николай / Sviatoi Nikolai (Russia).

But who was Saint Nicholas? And does he really existed?

Saint Nicholas (270 - December 6, 346)is the common name for Nicholas of Myra, a Lycian saint and Bishop of Myra in Lycia of Anatolia. Because of the many miracles attributed to his intercessions, he is also known as Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker. He had a reputation for secret gift-giving.

The tradtions and customs also differ from country to country. So Sinterklaas is celebrated already on the 5th December in the Neverlands. Presents are given to children on that day. So Christmas Eve and Boxing Day like in the UK doesn't exit there. But what about children in Germany? Do they celebrate twice? No, they receive only a few sweets and gifts on Saint Nicholas Day. They are waiting for Santa /Weihnachtmann or the Christkind... What about Christmas traditions in your country. Let me know, write me a message.

Best Wishes

rejay

All I want for Christmas

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 09:26:51 +0100

An illuminated christmas pyramid at the Christmas market

in Brunswick by tomg124

This weekend Germany's Christmas markets are going to open. Each year Christmas Markets spring up around in Germany in the weeks before Christmas holidays, signalling the beginning of Advent.

The centuries-old tradtion reaches back to a time when regular seasonal markets took place throughout the year. Christmas markets were a welcome occurrence during cold- weather months. They were joyful occassions for weary villagers and added abit of light to long winter nights.

The first markets were held in the German speaking part of Germany in the Late Middle Ages . In the beginning the Christmas markets were little more than winter markets that lastet a couple of days. Instead of the cosy stands that line ,market alleys today, traders in some cities laid their goods out in the streets. Through the years, each market has stayed true to its own particularities, with each specializing on local delicacies and traditional products, In the past, only local tradesmen were allowed to sell their ware at the city's market, which led to the distinctive regional character of today's markets. Today Christmas markets serve much the same function that they have for centuries - as a festive meeting place for locals and a market for homemade Christmas ornaments and decorations.

Popular attractions at the market include carved Nutcrackers, Christmas Cookies such as Lebkuchen, Christstollen, Bratwurst and my favourite Glühwein ( hot mulled wine ). Many other handcrafts can be be found there like toys and Christmas tree decoration.

tomg124 has already visited the Brunswick Christmas market. I will check out the Hanover Christmas market on Sunday. Check my photos. How is your Christmas market like? Please take pictures and join our Group Weihnachtsmärkte - Christmas markets.

Do you have interesting stories to tell? Just let me know!

Best Wishes

rejay

Ireland in Minature

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 10:16:06 +0100

Stone figure near the Cardonah Cross in Ireland by x-matrix

x-matrix discovered the Cardonah Cross, also known as St. Patricks Cross. His photo shows one of the two figures nearby the cross of the 7th century. It is believed that the Cardonah Cross is the oldest one in Ireland.

Cardonah is situated on th Inishowen Peninsula in the North West of the Republic of Ireland. The Peninsula possesses such a range of sights and attractions that is often referred to as 'Ireland in Miniature'. This is the undiscovered Ireland, a world apart, a timeless place.

This ancient territory (The Land of the O' Dohertys), in County Donegal is the most northerly part of Ireland. Its northern shore is on the restless Atlantic Ocean. Lough Swilly forms its western boundary and Lough Foyle its eastern boundary. It is connected with the mainland on the south and is not as its name implies, an island, but a magnificent peninsula.

Monuments of an earlier age grow from the landscape as castles, towers and ancient churches shimmer in the sunshine. The Celtic crosses and the pagan monuments come together in a colourful tapestry with these great houses of the last century, to leave more lasting memories for the visitor.

Have you visted interesting places? Just let me know!

Best Wishes

rejay

4500 Kilometers for a Children's Hospice for Germany

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 12:20:29 +0100

Erich Rudzinski on the tramp by kinderhospizlauf

Over 3347 kilometers has he already managed.An enormous task for the individual Erich Rudzinski, skilled male nurse and masseur, to deal with. “My two kids are healthy, but we have a deadly ill child within our family. Moreover two friends of mine have lost their children because of incurable diseases.” A tragic stroke of fate that often destroys entire families.” One of my friends has lost his way completely. He got a divorce and is unemployed, today.”

“These people shouldn’t became a mere fringe group in society. “These families need help u.a. through a children’s hospice, in which young patients will find a place of understanding and their family members will find support. “ “There are estimated 23.000 incurable children in Germany and there are only a 85 places in children’s hospices nationwide.” This has to be changed, in the opinion of Rudzinski (49) and took action. locr has accompanied him since March 2008. Support his charity run and become a member of his group Kinderhospizlauf / Children's Hospice Run

You do something good or you know someone? Why do not present it on locr.com? Just write me a message!

Best Wishes
rejay

Halloween

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 15:11:23 +0100

The typical Jack O'Lantern

Today everybody should be ready for “Trick or Treat”, because Halloween isn’t celebrated only in the USA. It also became pretty popular in Europe since the 90ies.

Actually, this custom comes from Ireland. Later in the 19th century the Irish emigrants brought it to North America, where a lot of children adopted it, because it was so attractive to them.
Furthermore Halloween refers to the Celtic fest “Samhain”. Since then it is a common saying that spirits can get in contact with the living on Halloween. The name is shortened from the religion festivity “All Hallows’ Even”.
If you want to celebrate Halloween, you need a typical “Jack O’Lantern”, which is a carved and decorated pumpkin.
The Jack O’Lantern comes from a legend about a man, who escaped from Hell with a trick, but the door to Heaven was still closed for him. So he was condemned to stay between Hell and Heaven with a pumpkin and a candle.
That could be the reason to give them pumpkins a monstrous face today.

So get your costumes and have a Happy Halloween.

Best regards

Ingo82

Top Ten of Environmental Pollution

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 14:51:23 +0200

Coal-Power-Station by Christcarrier

The environmental organisation „Green Cross Schweiz“ and the „Blacksmith Institute“ just published a Top Ten list with the worst environmental pollutions.
Things, such as gold mining and the pollution of water with heavy metal have some of the biggest impacts on us.
Even if we think that we solved most of the problems in our country, the “rich-world” is causing the problems in the 3rd World, because we need the raw material so hard.
These toxins go around the world. So you can find the quicksilver, which you need for gold mining, in the tuna we eat.
So we just want to try to open people’s mind for it and started an own group were you can publish photos which document a pollution in any way.

Face Global Issues

We hope you guys take part in the group and like to discuss these problems.

Best regards

Ingo82

Battle of the Year 2008 in Brunswick

Sun, 19 Oct 2008 13:28:07 +0200

La Halla King Zoo (Marocco) with their premier powerful animal performance

Hello Everyone,

On October 18th, the Volkswagen Halle in Brunswick, Germany was a Mecca for breakdance and hip hop enthusiasts from around all world. Around 200 dancers and more than 20 crews faced each other in the attempt to prove which group was the best. Over 7500 international visitors attended the annual contest which can look back on 18 years of event history. This year's musical support was provided by the DJs Kid Cut (Germany) and Element (USA). The evening was mc-ed by Spax (Germany) and Trix (England) who have basically become traditions in and of themselves. In addition to the main event on October 18th, not only workshops were held October 14-16, a flexible supporting program was also offered. This year, these activities certainly included the finals for the “WE B-GIRLZ 2on2 BATTLE” with participants from Germany, France and Brazil as well as the premiere of the movie “PLANET B-BOY”.

rejay was on lots of locations for you. She practically got no sleep at all. But she is a great fan of HipHop and Breakdance, so she didn't care. It was as exciting like always for her.

These years' results:
1. Place: Top 9 (Russia)
2. Place: TIP (Korea)
Best show: Top 9 (Russia)
1. Place Winner B Girl Battle: Sarah&Manuela (France)

Check rejay's photos from the "Battle of the Year" 2008:

Workshop with Born
Workshop with Kid David
Workshop with Vartan
Workshop with Arzu
Workshop Presentation
We B*Girlz international 2 on 2 Finals
Battle of the Year 2008 Finals

Coming Up Next Year:
October 17th 2009, a very special date for the B Boy/Girl community worldwide! Battle Of The Year will celebrate its 20th anniversary and it will be celebrated this with a very special and unique programme! One week full of international youth and dance culture on the highest level. Just check Battle of the Year 20th Anniversary

Do your photos tell interesting stories? Let us know!!!

Kisses Lilly

locr meets Will Smith double at photokina

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 13:42:22 +0200

Meet and Greet with Will Smith?

Hello Everyone,

The locr team met a Will Smith Double at photokina. A digital camera manufacturer offered a photoshooting with the look-a-like. We enjoyed it. What about you have you also taken a photo with him. Just let us know.

Kisses Lilly

Cruise ship may cross tropical storm Kyle

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 13:48:38 +0200

Thanks to jannorth, who is on a cruise ship sailing from New London, Conneticut toward Boston MA. Looks like an interesting cruise !

The prediction shows the expected route of the tropical storm, named Kyle.

This is the route of the vessel. Right now the cruise ship is in Boston.

Maybe we will see some interesting photos from him, while they will pass the storm ? Let's hope, that the storm will not develop to a hurricane.
Greetings to the Atlantic Ocean, lilly locr

locr at photokina 2008

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 10:27:15 +0200

Many greetings from your locr team

Hello Everyone,

We're having an exhausting week. Lots to discover and a lot to talk about. You'll find us in Hall 10.2, Booth A25. We'd love to get to know you. Many users have stopped by for a little chat. schimmi was already here and has taken this wonderful photo. What about you?

Kisses Lilly

2008 Sichuan Earthquake

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 10:21:01 +0200

Hello Everyone,

Yesterday, wondrous uploaded photos that made me think. Newspapers and TV programs talked about 9/11. Don't get me wrong, it's important to speak about the 2,974 victims and the inconceivable attack on democracy and Western attitude. But what about the 68,620 deaths in the "Great Sichuan Earthquake" on May 12, 2008.

People trying to return to daily routine in Sichuan province (2008/06/29)

The 2008 Sichuan earthquake which measured at 8.0 Ms occured in Sichuan province of China. It was also known as the Wenchuan earthquake after the earthquake's epicenter in Wenchuan County, Sichuan province. The epicenter was 80 kilometres west-northwest of Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan. The earthquake was felt as far away as Beijing (1,500 kilometres away) and Shanghai (1,700 kilometres 1,056 away), where office buildings swayed with the tremor. The earthquake left about 4.8 million people homeless.It is the deadliest and strongest earthquake to hit China since the 1976 Tangshan earthquake, which killed at least 240,000 people. Approximately 15 million people lived in the affected area. Strong aftershocks, some exceeding magnitude 6, continue to hit the area even months after the main quake, causing new casualty and damage. wondrous, don't let the vicitims ever be forgotten.

Kisses Lilly