Idioms and cultures

Every once in a while I say something to my husband and get an instant quizzical look. That's when I realize - he has no idea what I'm talking about. You see, he's from Ghana and I'm from Colorado. And sometimes the idioms I use just haven't crossed the ocean to become general knowledge in Africa.

An example: "Elbow Grease". He was complaining about cleaning a tough stain on the stove and said, "Well, just put more elbow grease into it!". Then it came. That quizzical look. He had no clue what that meant.

The most recent example came the other night. A popular car commercial is putting words to the melody of Beethoven's 5th Symphony. I mentioned the source and immediately got that look again. "Who's that?" he asked. I couldn't believe it - he didn't know of Beethoven, Mozart, or any of the great classical composers!

After I recovered from my shock (I was a music major, after all - I lived & breathed classical for 4 years), I realized that not everyone in the world was brought up like I was. They don't listen to the European classical composers in the villages of Ghana. I don't know why I expected them to, but apparantly I did.

It's a great reminder that we all have our own experiences and shouldn't assume that others have had the same ones. After all, I had never heard of Plantains before I met him...

My First Business Newsletter!

The first newsletter for Creative Assistants is published! You can view and also sign up for the newsletter at:
http://creativeassistants.icontact.com/

Take a look and let me know your feedback!

Pictures!

We just got back from a nice (but short!) vacation to California - San Diego and LA. See the pictures at http://www.flickr.com/photos/51691381@N00/... (other pics there too)

Baha'i House of Worship voted 1 of 7 Wonders of Illinois

It’s official! Baha'i House of Worship voted 1 of 7 Wonders of Illinois

I've been to the House of Worship 3 times now and am in awe each time. This is a beautiful building to visit and the gardens are a welcome respite from the city bustle. Regardless of your religious beliefs you will find the gardens and temple the pefect place for meditation, prayer and getting closer to God.

Also check out these media coverage links:

http://www.enjoyillinois.com/sevenwonders/ (play the video!)

http://tinyurl.com/yozjc2

http://cbs2chicago.com/local/local_story_120184119.html

http://www.myfoxchicago.com/myfox/pages/InsideFox/Detail?contentId=3067162&version=1&locale=ENUS&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=5.2.1

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-ap-il-sevenwonders,1,1600798.story?coll=chi-news-ed&ctrack=1&cset=true

http://www.enjoyillinois.com/sevenwonders/chicagoland.html

A Daily Puppy!

Need a pick-me-up? It's impossible not to smile when you visit The Daily Puppy...

Important Outlook Update - Daylight Savings Time!

Did you know that the start & stop dates for Daylight Savings Time are changing beginning this year? I had forgotten myself!

DST begins March 11 this year and if you're using Microsoft Outlook, you need to follow the steps below to make sure your calendar doesn't go haywire!

1. Manually run Windows Update and install the optional update labeled KB928388.
- Open Internet Explorer. Go to Tools, Windows Updates, Click the "Custom" button, wait for it to do it's thing, click on "Software-Optional" on the left side of the screen, look for and check the box next to "Update for Windows XP (KB928388)". Click "Install Updates"on the upper left side of the window, then click the "Install Updates" button near the center-top of the window. It may take a few minutes.

2) Then you'll need to download and install the Outlook Time Zone Update Tool available at http://tinyurl.com/29q344 (if you neglect this step, you'll find all meetings from March 11 through April 1 are off by an hour!)

Here's a link to the Microsoft article for detailed information. It is highly recommended that you read this article. http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=931667