Switzerland's topics - tribe.net

"Inflatable dog turd sculpture escapes Swiss museum, wreaks havoc" - funniest news headline i read today

enigmagnet — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:09:36 GMT

Inflatable dog turd sculpture escapes Swiss museum, wreaks havoc

(CBC) - A powerful gust of wind recently swept a house-sized sculpture of dog feces from its display outside a Swiss museum, an art official in Berne said Monday.

The incident took place on the night of July 31, but details of the artwork's escape - and the havoc it caused before its eventual landing - emerged just this week.

The massive inflatable sculpture, created by U.S. contemporary artist Paul McCarthy and titled Complex Shit, is part of the Paul Klee Centre's exhibit East of Eden: A Garden Show.

McCarthy's piece was displayed outdoors, among "weird and wonderful objects forming an animated kind of front garden," according to the museum website.

The sculpture is usually contained by a safety system that deflates it during instances of bad weather. However, the system failed on this occasion and the work escaped from the Klee Centre's garden, museum director Juri Steiner told Agence France-Presse.

The wind carried the work away, knocking down a power line and breaking a window at a nearby orphanage before falling to the ground about 200 metres from the centre.

The museum had yet to contact McCarthy about the incident, Steiner said. Officials are also contemplating whether to return the piece to display.

Story from TELUS NEWS:
http://www.mytelus.com/ncp_news/article.en.do?pn=arts&articleID=2973141

posted in Switzerland - 2 replies

recent Swiss elections

enigmagnet — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 00:54:12 GMT

does anyone know much about the recent elections?

i haven't been keeping up with swiss politics at all and one of my european tribe friends blogged that the Nazi party has come to power in Switzerland. !!!! ????

after poking around a bit in Google, i think she may have been exaggerating, though racism and immigration do seem to be big factors right now.

i'm a swiss citizen, but have never lived there. but now i'm starting to wonder if i shouldn't be reading up on the politics an looking into how to vote.

but mainly, i just want to know what's going on. does anyone have links to good news sources on swiss politics?

posted in Switzerland - 11 replies

storytelling!!

sheisherself — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 16:00:48 GMT

Going Home- An Evening of Storytelling Based on Experiences in Israel and Palestine.

Quartierzentrum Aussersihl, Bäckeranlage
Hohlstrasse 67, 8004 Zürich

November 11, 2007
6pm (doors at 5pm)

“I was born when all I once feared – I could love.”
– Rabia (Muslim mystic)

On November 11, 2007, storyteller Naomi Steinberg will be presenting Going Home, a selection of stories collected in Israel and Palestine. Personal stories and ancient fairytales are woven together to create a picture of the Middle East not often shown by the media.

In January 2007, she decided to go to Israel and Palestine in order to see for herself what is happening in this land that has been fought over for centuries. She went with ears and heart open, collecting folktales, personal stories, historical and religious stories – looking to find threads which could be woven into a less cyclically destructive story than the one told in the news. Feeling that dwelling on the burden of life is not as useful as celebrating the strength and grace with which we can live our lives, she met with people in both Israel and Palestine who choose everyday to break the cycles of ignorance and violence right in the home of their own heart.

During the evening, she highlights the stories of some of the people she met, weaving together personal anecdotes and folktales. These stories provide the context/frame for the telling of The Wonderful Healing Leaves - a traditional Jewish fairytale collected in Iraqi-Kurdistan.

The evening will also include some innovative and challenging jazz stylings with Matthias Spillman. Matthias has a thriving solo career as a teacher and musician as well as contributing to numerous ensembles and projects, including being the leader of one of Switzerland’s most successful and original jazz groups, MATS-UP. Matthias has performed in numerous venues in Europe and America, among others the International Jazz Festivals of Lugano, Willisau, Bern, Montreux, Frauenfeld, Cully, Grahamstown (South Africa) as well as the 24th and 25th Annual IAJE Conferences in New York and Chicago. (www(dot)matsup(dot)ch)

Naomi Steinberg:
Naomi has been telling stories professionally since 2001. She is a member of the Vancouver Society of Storytelling, the Storytellers of Canada and the Healing Stories Alliance. She believes strongly in the power of stories to catalyze change both personally and globally. She has practiced her craft in such places as the11th Annual International Storytelling Festival in Vancouver, the ‘Science Meets Dharma’ project in Southern India, the ‘In the House Festival’ in Vancouver, and various events in Zurich, Switzerland. She has developed workshops for Vancouver schools through the Vancouver School Board’s Artist in Residence programme as well as facilitating workshops for schools in Morocco, Switzerland and for the Cortona conference in Italy. (www(dot)naomi-eliana(dot)ca)

posted in Switzerland - 0 replies

swiss absinthe for marilyn manson

janathemama — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 19:10:29 GMT

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/afp/20070913/tod-lifestyle-switzerland-us-music-drink-f62056d_1.html

cheers!

posted in Switzerland - 0 replies

zurich photo competition

janathemama — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 22:34:52 GMT

Hi All!

we have a photo competition running over in the zurich tribe, why dont you mosey on over to have a look or post some pics! You never know, you might win the prize! ;-))

http://zuri.tribe.net/

posted in Switzerland - 0 replies

What is your Swiss heritage?

goahead — Tue, 08 Aug 2006 17:18:08 GMT

After doing some research. I found my family came from the Swiss,
town of Eggiwil. This is traced all the way to 1560's .
Religious persecution drove them out (legend has it there was a "Bixler" put
to death for practicing his faith). My heritage springs from three
brothers who landed in Philadelphia 2 (Chirstian & Hans) abord the ship
Adventurer in 1725 and 1 (Peter) in 1727. Settled in Lancaster County, PA.
in those years, and moved west and south from there. They were Mennonite by
religion and very strict. My Swiss name evolved from Bichsel to Bixler.

posted in Switzerland - 13 replies

Annual Raclette dinner in Orange County California !!!

dalehauskins — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 04:03:12 GMT

Höi,sali zämä !!!

It's that time of the year again and our annual Raclette dinner in The OC is coming up!!!

Invitation to a Swiss Raclette Dinner

Dear friends:

You are invited by the Swiss American Chamber of Commerce to an evening of tasty Swiss food and fun!

Wednesday, November 29, 2006 at 7 p.m.

Restaurant Basilic
217 Marine Avenue, Balboa Island, CA. 92662

Phone: (949) 673-0570

Basilic Restaurant, located on beautiful Balboa Island,in Newport Beach, California, first opened its doors by chef/owner Bernard Althaus in February 1997. The intimate and romantic 24-seat restaurant has since proved that good things do in fact come in small packages. Since then Bernard has cooked each dish on his menu to order with specialized care for each guest at Basilic.

Public parking in the area (Should not be an issue during weekdays)

Our host and Chef Bernard Althaus recommends:

Mixed Green Baby Lettuce with a Basil Vinegrette

Raclette with Swiss Plate (Bündnerfleisch, Saucisson, Prosciutto, etc)

Choice of

Vacherin Glacée with Meringue

or

Gateaux Bullois (Chocolate covered Pecan Pie)

Price: $48

Includes tip and service charge - Wine, beer and beverages are separate

Please note: Seating is limited to 24 guests in this cozy, little place and you MUST R.S.V.P. and mail your check by November 22, 2006

(Reservations will be accepted on a first come basis)

For questions please call or e-mail: (949) 587-3524, vicki.burkhard@sonnettech.com

Please make check payable to Vicki H. Burkhard

Please mail check with this slip to: Artdirect4you, 23142 La Vaca Street, Lake Forest, CA 92630

R.S.V.P. for …. Persons
Tschüüs zämme!

posted in Switzerland - 0 replies

Moving to Neuchatel from u.s.a.

alabamaslamma — Wed, 02 Aug 2006 17:07:44 GMT

Hi,
I'm moving to La Chaux-de-Fonds or Neuchatel in a few months. I'm very excited.
I want to find some cool people to hang out with as soon as I get there.
I'll have just been to burning man, and want to make sure to find some fun parties to experience after that.
If you have any tips about these cities, or Switzerland in general, I would love to hear them.
Hopefully I can meet some of you.

**
Alabama

posted in Switzerland - 2 replies

a view of Zurich thru the NYtimes

8a — Sun, 07 May 2006 03:14:41 GMT

good tips from the Nytimes

<<Zurich, for all its reputation — regal, moneyed, hyperefficient and safe — has in recent years become a very different city, one of immigration, youthful decadence and a vibrant contemporary art scene...
Forget that the Swiss have the annoying British tic of complaining about the weather year round. With low humidity, Zurich is perfect in the spring and summer. There's sunbathing and swimming along the Brita-clean Limmat, boating on the lake, biking through the orderly city streets, relaxing outdoor cinemas and a vibrant alfresco bar scene. Zurich, in the same spirit as its quaint and edgy northern cousins Amsterdam and Copenhagen — will pleasantly confirm and confound expectations.>>

and a mention of the Migros museum...

http://www.gridskipper.com/travel/zurich/#migros-museum-171763
http://travel2.nytimes.com/2006/04/30/travel/30goingto.html
http://www.migrosmuseum.ch/home/?lang=en

posted in Switzerland - 3 replies

SWISS NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATION SWISS FAIR !!!

dalehauskins — Sun, 25 Jun 2006 21:59:05 GMT

Säli zääme see you there !!!

SWISS FAIR

SWISS NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATION

July 30 2006 11:00AM- 7:00 PM

ENTRY to Fair $3.00 for adults
(children 16 & under free)
free parking
Large tent with lots of shade
door prize

SWISS PARK
1905 Workman Mill Road Whittier, California 90601
INFO:(818)240-0970

Food & Drink
Merringue Glace
Desserts,Baked Goods
Zupfe and Bread
Birchermuesli
Schublig & Bratwurst
Winenerli
Raclette & Wine
Spätzli with Cheese
Imported & Domestic Beers
Soft Drinks.Ice Tes & Coffee
BBQ Tri-Tip Roast
6:30p.m.

ENTERTAINMENT

Alphons and Accordions
Swiss Harmonie Singers
Music by Accordeon Freunde Santa Barbara
Trumpet Solo by Mona Seda
2:00 PM Swiss National Day address given by the Honorable Consul General

AVTIVITIES

Crossbow Shooting
Soccer Penalty Kick contest
Lampion Parade 4:00PM
Children's Games

DISPLAYS

Berneese Mountain Dogs
SWISS ROOTS

SWISS FAIR RAFFLE

50 great prizes,watches,premium wines,food baskets,dinner vouchers,Swiss Rail Pass dontaed by Switzerland Tourism etc.

posted in Switzerland - 2 replies

Affordable Hotel in Lugano, Switzerland

Wed, 12 Jul 2006 08:52:52 GMT

HI everyone! i've just joined your group cuz i find your group pretty nice and i think i can contribute some stuff to your group, such as this article i've read.

If you will be on a trip in Lugano Switzerland and you are looking for an affordable place to stay, Hotel Meister in Paradiso Lugano is exactly what you are looking for.

A perfect resting haven for a business or holiday travel, Hotel Meister feature a family administered and friendly structured hotel accommodation. It has 80 guest rooms, CONT. HERE http://www.exploring-switzerland.com/2006/07/10/affordable-hotel-in-lugano-switzerland/

posted in Switzerland - 0 replies

about Basel

8a — Sun, 11 Jun 2006 17:41:56 GMT

by the NYtimes, pretty good articles about the most famous city for art fair <ArtBasel> and for architecture with architects <Herzog&Demeuron>

http://travel2.nytimes.com/2006/06/11/travel/11goingto.html

posted in Switzerland - 1 reply

chocking murder of a swiss ski champion

8a — Mon, 01 May 2006 23:46:30 GMT

Corinne Rey-Bellet was murdered today, most likely by her husband...

http://www.swissinfo.org/eng/front/detail/Former_champion_skier_murdered.html?siteSect=105&sid=6673636&cKey=1146478962000

http://www.letemps.ch/template/tempsFort.asp?page=3&article=180176

posted in Switzerland - 5 replies

Sorry

raIN404 — Wed, 03 May 2006 05:20:44 GMT

ok i would delete my post anyway.

Sorry it dissappointed anybody.

I am just asking who is interested.
i am not spamming with nonsense.

Well much apolygize.

have a nice day all.
How is Switzerland.
Have not been there to visit my relatives yet

posted in Switzerland - 0 replies

Where is everyone?

Don — Thu, 27 Apr 2006 17:03:30 GMT

Hmmm...saw a new post on the Switzerland tribe and hoped it might be one of my friends who live there. Instead it is an advertisement,.....too bad.
By the way where is everybody? Domi, Flurin, Zena, Serge,.....?
Must be a busy spring in Switzerland as nobody is talking these days.
Well hope to see some lively discussions here again.

I visited there in March and had a fantastic time,....Lausanne, Bern, Montreux,...skiing in Zermatt.....and best of all making some great new friends there who I hope will come visit in Northern California one of these days!
See you!
Don

posted in Switzerland - 2 replies

Californina Guitarist seeking Swiss female soulmate...

dalehauskins — Sun, 16 Apr 2006 04:15:48 GMT

Pro Reggae Jazz/Rock HipHop Guitarist.40 ish,healthy/fit Virgo.Califorrnian single male.Live in Redondo Beach.Seeking Swiss female for a life long soulmate! Never maried;no children(yet!). ( I used to live in Luzern & Weggis Switzerland;and was in a famous Swiss progressive rock band named FLAME DREAM (5 LPS Vertigo Phonogram). God bless.Dale Hauskins eMail:dale_hauskins@yahoo.com Web Site: www.myspace.com/dalehauskins

posted in Switzerland - 0 replies

Polish companies in Geneva?

gravax — Tue, 21 Mar 2006 22:06:23 GMT

Hi!

Anybody know of Polish companies in Geneva who would be interested in hireing a young polish lady speaking Polish (of course), French and English? (She wants to come to live in Geneva)

Thanks,
Gilles.

posted in Switzerland - 0 replies

Switzerland in March!

Don — Fri, 03 Feb 2006 02:08:25 GMT

I am travelling to Switzerland on March 15th for two and a half weeks. The first few days I will be staying in Montreux near Geneva. I would like to do day trips from there the first few days, and then travel around Switzerland and perhaps into the Burgundy area of France before flying home.
I am curious what to expect as to the weather that time of year. Should I plan for it being winter conditions? Here in Northern California that time of year is already spring conditions, so I am unsure what to expect.
Also any must sees or places to visit would be greatly appreciated. Of course raclette and fondue are on the list as well! Thanks for any help you can provide!
Don

posted in Switzerland - 10 replies

Alps

odysseus28 — Thu, 15 Dec 2005 18:30:02 GMT

I am planning a trip to switzerland to go snowboarding. I'm trying to find some friends over there to show me around or maybe give me some suggestions. I'm sure its beautiful there.

posted in Switzerland - 2 replies

my first trip to Switzerland...

dq — Sat, 17 Sep 2005 00:00:28 GMT

(in fact, my first trip over the Atlantic!)

I'll be taking this trip in late October
http://trafalgar.com/content.asp?ID=13&TourID=167&search=yes&TimeID=0&OldID=12&RegionID=0&x=33&CountryID=0&LengthID=0&Keywords=glimpse%20of%20europe&y=8&SearchPageID=12

I'm thrilled to get the opportunity to finally see Switzerland. However, the tour offers us just two nights and one day in Luzern, and I'd like to make sure I make the most of it. Any recommendations?

I'm particularly interested to see the beautiful, soaring mountains firsthand. I recently watched a special on TV that showcased Interlaken - the host took a cog-wheel train way way up for some magnificent views... I understand it was the highest peak in Europe (?) - would it be worth the effort/time to get to Interlaken, or should I just head up the closest mountain?

Any particular restaurants / bars / neighborhoods I should investigate?

thanks
Dave

posted in Switzerland - 19 replies

American in Switzerland

Joel — Sun, 23 Oct 2005 01:45:47 GMT

hey peepz. Im 22 years old and i love travelling to america. I go there almost whenever i got vacations :-D summertime, springbreak, Xmas :-d I just came back from nyc. Im planing to move there for my master next year. Meanwhile i would be interested of meeting any american peepz in Switzerland. Im Actually in Lausanne at the University. So hit me up if u wanna talk..

posted in Switzerland - 2 replies

the "new" bank notes....

8a — Thu, 24 Nov 2005 20:47:43 GMT

I still like the current bills very much, with all the swiss artist and scoientists.
But, no, we will soon change again in 2010....

http://www.24heures.ch/vqhome/le_journal/economie/bns_billets_241105.edition=nv.html

posted in Switzerland - 9 replies

Those Swiss artists!

eyeballho — Fri, 09 Dec 2005 09:42:09 GMT

http://www.hektor.ch/Documentation/

posted in Switzerland - 1 reply

Modern Cuckoo

eyeballho — Fri, 02 Dec 2005 07:28:24 GMT

http://www.interaction.rca.ac.uk/alumni/01-03/tobie/projects/22/

posted in Switzerland - 0 replies

working in switz...

claudia — Sat, 22 Oct 2005 09:41:51 GMT

anyone know if there's much of a demand for yoga/ fitness training/ or massage? i'm mostly interested in zurich and lugano. although my german sucks, italian's much better. also i'm a citizen...
would love to give it a shot...

posted in Switzerland - 24 replies

Zürich & Fribourg

Czarina — Thu, 03 Feb 2005 12:25:36 GMT

Just got back from Zürich, what a wonderful place. I LOVED Switzerland.

I am wondering now, if I should go there on exchange this summer. My school offers a program in Fribourg, can anyone comment on the quality of life in this town?

thankyou!!

posted in Switzerland - 4 replies

huge Flood...one lady died

Swanahilt — Tue, 23 Aug 2005 16:28:10 GMT

I just head a snipet of the news that Norther Switzerland and Southern Germany got flooded......and one lady died..

thats all I heard....

.......does anyone know anything else?

posted in Switzerland - 6 replies

en francais... et pour une Europe des regions comme la Suisse

8a — Thu, 13 Oct 2005 02:35:43 GMT

Apres Rabelais, Racan, Racine, Radiguet, RAMUZ... aux edition "la Pleiade".

Ca fait bizarre de voir un auteur si proche, et si suisse entrer au Pantheon de l'edition francaise. Il est tellement paysans, dans le bon sens du terme, mais avec beaucoup de spiritualite... et de tact. Pas mal. Dommage qu'il soit mort, il aurait bu un bon p'tit coup de blanc en regardant le lac se fondre dans l'horizon brumeux.

http://www.letemps.ch/samedi/affichearticle.asp?artid=165101

La distance me fait apprecier plus globalement la qualite des auteurs et artistes suisses.

Un autre artiste suisse que j'aime beaucoup et qui est assez proche de Ramuz dans sa demarche spirituelle est Giacommetti. C'est magnifique de voir une de ses scupltures, un homme marchant rapidement le dos penche en avant, dans un superbe lobby au sol de marbre, pres du Plaza Hotel a Manhattan (57th/5th). La sculpture et son ombre semble se fondre dans les passants de la rue adjacente, grace au lobby completement vitre. La sculpture semble se deplacer et donc vivre.

Bref, vive la Suisse des regions, qui est un bon exemple pour une Europe unie tout en conservant ses qualites regionales.

posted in Switzerland - 2 replies

Mix & Remix

Tue, 16 Aug 2005 19:30:49 GMT

Je viens de voir le Mix&Remix sur les vignes de Lavaux et je suis mort de rire. J'ai cherche ses dessins pendant un bon moment sur le net, mais je ne les trouve pas. Meme pas sur hebdo.ch. Est-ce que quelqu'un peut m'aider?

posted in Switzerland - 6 replies

Hail/wind/wounded in Southern Switzerland/Riviera vaudoise

8a — Wed, 20 Jul 2005 23:05:19 GMT

Just heard the news on my local favorite radio, here in Northern California:

Vent: tous les dommages ne seront pas remboursés

Des pompiers constatent les dégâts causées par le vent et la grêle à Vevey.
Si la grêle a causé les plus gros dégâts lors de la tempête qui a ravagé lundi après midi le bassin lémanique, les rafales atteignant 160 km/h ne sont pas en reste. L'ECA ne couvrira cependant pas tous les dommages dus au vent. L'établissement estime que la population avait été informée suffisamment tôt.

http://info.rsr.ch/fr/rsr.html?siteSect=500&sid=5955936&cKey=1121884020000

posted in Switzerland - 9 replies

Happy Erste August!

genghis_don — Mon, 01 Aug 2005 18:22:15 GMT

Just added a blog entry on tribe about an August 1st I spent in Switzerland.

posted in Switzerland - 1 reply

Le souffle du desert new swiss film/documentary

8a — Thu, 28 Jul 2005 00:56:14 GMT

A film fellowing 13 (french-speaking) men treking in the Sahara desert in Tunisia, and discovering themself and the meaning of masculanity.

Preselected for the European Film Award 2005, raving reviews everywhere.
Released in Swizerland, Belgium and soon in New York.

http://www.lesouffledudesert.com/index.php

I can't wait to see it. Did anyone see it already?

posted in Switzerland - 0 replies

kind of new: Craiglist for Switzerland

8a — Tue, 28 Jun 2005 20:23:18 GMT

http://geneva.craigslist.org/
http://zurich.craigslist.org/

posted in Switzerland - 0 replies

CFF/SBB Black out

8a — Wed, 22 Jun 2005 23:47:59 GMT

Train shut down by black out in all Switzerland today at 18PM, local time.

Here is an article, from Le temps.ch
http://www.letemps.ch/template/tempsFort.asp?page=3&article=158576

and from the nzz.ch
http://www.nzz.ch/2005/06/22/vm/newzzEA9RXQZG-12.html

posted in Switzerland - 7 replies

P. Klee museum opening June 20

8a — Thu, 23 Jun 2005 03:03:42 GMT

Did anybody went to the opening of the new Renzo Piano Building in Bern?

http://194.185.232.3/works/056/descr.asp

posted in Switzerland - 2 replies

whats your favorite parts of Switzerland?

sean — Fri, 31 Oct 2003 09:37:14 GMT

Just would like to take a little consensus on what your favorite things about Switzerland are (places, foods, etc).

I am a real big fan of the mountains so I really like Zermatt and Interlaken. I love the food too. I also like Luzern for the lake and the old buildings and the chapel bridge. On the last trip I went to Lugano which was very nice (especially considering the rest of the country was getting rained and snowed on...which is why I escaped to Lugano for a few days).

Anyone been to St. Gallen? I hear its really nice and would like to check it out. If anyone has any pictures, I'd really like to see them.

Aloha,

Sean

posted in Switzerland - 32 replies

Art basel

8a — Tue, 14 Jun 2005 21:06:31 GMT

Anybody is going there??
http://www.art.ch/ca/bt/kg/

It's happening right now, and I'm very curious about it...
here is one funny piece:
http://liberation.fr/page.php?Article=300175&Template=GALERIE&Objet=39505

Last year the Miami show was pretty good. I could not go, but a lot of my friends did.

posted in Switzerland - 1 reply

Swiss in L.A.?

tanichka — Mon, 06 Jun 2005 05:20:52 GMT

Any recommendations on good Swiss clubs, get-togethers, restaurants, etc. in the Los Angeles area? I was born in the States but have a Swiss citizenship via my mother. I have the list of local Swiss clubs from the Consulate General, but I'm not sure which ones are more worthwhile than others.

Thanks!

posted in Switzerland - 0 replies

Hello, new here

israel3 — Fri, 03 Jun 2005 22:28:39 GMT

My mom is Swiss and lives in Gippingen. My cousin Silvan is in a band that just signed a record deal. They are from and very popular in Baden, Wettingen, Neuenhof, etc... I am going in September if everthing works out. It will be my 5th trip. I'd love to meet others who frequent CH, or Swiss in thw Bay Area.
Peace

posted in Switzerland - 1 reply

need a place to stay in lausanne this summer

Andrea — Thu, 19 May 2005 02:47:35 GMT

im studying french in lausanne this summer and i need a place to stay from july through september. any recommendations?

posted in Switzerland - 23 replies

Cindy parties in Geneva?

dsfsdf — Thu, 12 May 2005 09:16:00 GMT

I am a new comer to Geneva. I heard a lot fo talk about local Cindy parties, but can't see to find these guys...can anyone help?

posted in Switzerland - 9 replies

what's your favorite special swiss dish?

8a — Fri, 22 Apr 2005 02:03:20 GMT

Hi,
I do not know a lot of them that's why am asking, but i like those:
the "roesti",
the "fondue fribourgeoise", with only vacherin fribourgeois,
the "filet de perches" from lake Leman and
the "foie de veau a la zurichoise" and what else .....
the "papet vaudois", divine, melting, hummmm, done with leaks and potatoes.

what your's ?

posted in Switzerland - 13 replies

Calling Switzerland, calling cards?

Mon, 13 Dec 2004 19:52:10 GMT

Hello everyone. It looks like I will be abandoning landline telephone service and switching to just mobile after we move to San Francisco at the end of this month. Can anyone recommend a good calling card to use with mobile phones for calling Switzerland? I've never really used calling cards, so I'd like to know what to look out for, and what rates to expect. My wife uses maybe 200-300 minutes per month calling family and friends in CH and DE, so we'd like to find the best option for handling our international calling needs.

Danke!

posted in Switzerland - 7 replies

Cannabis in Geneva?

ross — Wed, 26 Jan 2005 18:22:37 GMT

Is it true that is legal to buy cannabis in Geneva? If so, where is it sold? Not that it's for me mind you -- a friend wants to know...

posted in Switzerland - 2 replies

Zueri...scene- Streetparade..

germanimport — Tue, 14 Dec 2004 00:33:18 GMT

Just to be in the scene(techno) there for years... how is it nowadays...
Anybody been to the Streetparade this year?

I guess OXA and Kaufleuten are still there - right? Are there some cool digs....?

I *heart*ZH in CH :)

posted in Switzerland - 1 reply

COSMOPOLYTEK SOUNDSYSTEM

Mirko — Mon, 13 Dec 2004 00:17:12 GMT

check this out:

http://www.cosmopolytek.tk

please give me a feedback

cosomopolytek soundsystem

Mirko Egger

posted in Switzerland - 0 replies

favoritista thangs CH

Mon, 25 Oct 2004 06:12:02 GMT

Endless Psychedelic Trance Music

http://www.goatrance.de/goabase/parties.php3?saAtt[country]=Switzerland

The Hot Springs @ Vals

http://www.therme-vals.ch/?language=en

Skiing Bivio

http://www.bivio.ch/winter/index.htm

Best Rustic Slopeside Fondue Chinoise

http://www.larnags.ch/pages_d/willkommen.asp

dave
http://www.vacationtechnician.com/x/about.htm

posted in Switzerland - 0 replies

Cours de langue contre permis B: choquant?

Thu, 19 Aug 2004 20:50:48 GMT

http://www.letemps.ch/template/tempsFort.asp?page=3&article=140300
***********************************

Cours de langue contre permis B: choquant?

Doit-on exiger des étrangers la maîtrise d'une langue nationale? Les deux Bâles ont répondu par l'affirmative dans un projet de loi sur l'intégration, qui donne aux autorités compétentes la possibilité d'imposer des cours. Mais des voix s'élèvent pour critiquer un projet qui ne paraît pas indispensable et qui établit une discrimination entre les ressortissants de l'Union européenne et les autres.

Catherine Cossy, Zurich
Vendredi 20 août 2004

Peut-on forcer les étrangers qui viennent s'installer en Suisse à acquérir des connaissances minimales dans une des langues nationales? Les deux Bâles, avec leur projet de loi sur l'intégration, lancent la discussion. Le texte ne prévoit pas d'obligation, mais donne aux autorités compétentes la possibilité de poser comme condition à l'obtention du permis B la fréquentation d'un cours de langue si les bases linguistiques sont jugées insuffisantes. Cette clause ne touche pas les ressortissants de l'Union européenne, qui sont sous le régime des bilatérales. Si les deux cantons ont choisi une formulation aussi ouverte que possible, cet alinéa a éclipsé toutes les autres dispositions. «Test de langue pour les étrangers. Ceux qui renâclent doivent quitter la Suisse», titrait par exemple le Blick au lendemain de l'ouverture de la consultation.

«Aucun média n'a voulu voir la cohérence de la loi, explique Thomas Kessler, le délégué de Bâle-Ville à l'Intégration depuis six ans. Tout se tient, l'acquisition de la langue n'est pas un élément isolé dans le processus d'intégration, il est en bonne compagnie à côté de l'obligation de respecter le principe de non-discrimination, celui de l'égalité des chances et de l'égalité des sexes.» Le texte engage effectivement le canton et les communes à encourager le perfectionnement professionnel ainsi que la promotion de la santé et à prendre des mesures pour améliorer la compréhension entre la population indigène et les nouveaux arrivants. «Il ne s'agit pas d'imposer des standards abstraits, poursuit Thomas Kessler. C'est la capacité de communiquer qui compte.»

La conseillère nationale écologiste lucernoise Cécile Bühlmann, forte de ses vingt ans d'expérience dans le travail avec les étrangers, veut bien reconnaître que la loi fait des efforts louables. Mais des cours obligatoires, ça, non, elle ne peut en accepter l'idée: «On est allé chercher ces gens pour exécuter des travaux où l'allemand ne joue aucun rôle. Pourquoi forcer ceux qui sont depuis bientôt dix ans en Suisse à prendre des cours de langue, alors qu'ils se sont très bien débrouillés jusque-là sans l'allemand? Et alors que les Suisses ne veulent pas parler avec eux. Si quelqu'un se sent rejeté, il n'a aucune motivation à apprendre la langue du pays, c'est une vision d'universitaire bien formé! Prenez une nettoyeuse italienne qui fait très bien son travail et a ses contacts dans la communauté italienne: qui dérange-t-elle si elle ne parle pas l'allemand?»

A la Commission fédérale des étrangers (CFE), le projet bâlois est accueilli positivement dans ses grandes lignes. «Nous saluons le fait que, à côté de l'apprentissage de la langue, la loi mentionne notamment le perfectionnement professionnel et la promotion de la santé comme domaines essentiels pour faire avancer l'intégration», déclare Simone Prodolliet, cheffe du secrétariat. «La possibilité de lier l'octroi du permis de séjour à un cours d'allemand donne toutefois l'impression qu'il n'y a finalement que la langue qui compte. Et comme cette clause ne s'applique pas aux citoyens de l'Union européenne, il en résulte une inégalité de traitement que nous désapprouvons.»

«Si cela est présenté comme une tentative de rapprochement et non comme un moyen de pression, c'est un signal positif qui montre que l'on est accepté dès le début à part entière dans la société», juge Kemajl Shaqiri, un des fondateurs du Centre de formation et de conseil pour migrantes et migrants à Bâle. Pour ce Kosovar actif de longue date dans des projets d'intégration, «la langue est la première barrière à surmonter. Mais l'application de la loi devrait pouvoir se faire avec une certaine souplesse, et surtout en étroite collaboration avec les migrants engagés ici.»

Les employeurs, selon le projet de loi, ont un devoir d'information de leur personnel et sont invités à soutenir les cours de langue dans la mesure de leurs moyens. Même si les ressortissants européens restent les premiers visés par cette mesure, les cadres et employés spécialisés originaires d'Amérique du Nord ou d'Asie recrutés par les multinationales bâloises pourraient aussi être touchés. L'idée que l'anglais seul ne suffit pas gagne lentement du terrain. Novartis encourage ses cadres et leur famille à suivre les cours d'allemand organisés tous frais payés par l'entreprise: «C'est une question de respect de nos employés locaux, nous attendons de nos managers qu'ils puissent dire quelques mots en allemand. Ce n'est pas en premier lieu une mesure d'intégration, mais de climat de travail», explique Kathrin Amacker, responsable de l'égalité des chances auprès de Novartis.

Roche met aussi des cours de langue à disposition des cadres expatriés pour qu'ils puissent prendre pied en douceur dans leur nouvel environnement, mais ces leçons ne sont pas obligatoires. Les filiales bâloises de Coop et de Migros n'ont jusqu'à maintenant pas de programme particulier de langue pour leurs employés qui ne parlent pas l'allemand.

Des connaissances linguistiques en hausse - Catherine Cossy

Selon les résultats du recensement fédéral de la population (communiqué du 19 décembre 2002 de l'Office fédéral de la statistique), l'intégration linguistique des étrangers s'est améliorée au cours de la dernière décennie du XXe siècle. La part des étrangers indiquant avoir l'allemand, le français ou l'italien comme langue principale est passée de 56,7% à 62,3%.

La presque totalité des ressortissants des pays voisins de la Suisse parle une langue nationale. Parmi les personnes nées à l'étranger et originaires de l'ancienne Yougoslavie, du Portugal, de l'Espagne, de la Turquie ou de l'Europe centrale, 30 à 45% indiquent une langue nationale comme langue principale. La proportion est de 25% parmi les personnes originaires du Sri Lanka. Enfin, on observe des différences sensibles entre la première et la deuxième génération.

La Suisse romande pour l'incitation, contre l'obligation
Les cantons francophones encouragent une approche globale et tout en souplesse. - Serge Jubin

«Je sens monter la logique qui consiste à lier l'octroi d'un permis d'établissement à l'appréciation par l'autorité du niveau d'intégration.» Robert Cuénod, délégué genevois à l'Intégration, n'est pas surpris des velléités bâloises de subordonner une autorisation d'établissement à un test de langue ou à la participation à un cours.

Mais il refuse catégoriquement de céder à la tentation. «Il faut dissocier la politique d'intégration des procédures d'octroi de permis», assène-t-il. Et d'expliquer: «La connaissance de la langue du pays est une composante indispensable pour réussir l'intégration. Je ne connais personne qui se soit bien intégré à Genève sans parler le français. Mais il faut se prémunir du danger de se focaliser sur le seul élément linguistique: l'intégration participe d'un tout et dépend aussi, par exemple, de l'emploi, du logement ou des liens sociaux.»

Pour rédiger sa loi sur l'intégration, Genève s'est inspiré du modèle neuchâtelois, premier canton à avoir légiféré en la matière, en 1996. «Une loi-cadre, qui presse toutes les autorités à faire la promotion de l'intégration», commente sobrement le délégué aux étrangers, Thomas Facchinetti. Comme à Genève, pas de lien automatique envisagé entre octroi de permis et connaissance de la langue.

«Nous empoignons la question autrement, reprend le Neuchâtelois. Plutôt que de sortir l'artillerie législative lourde, par ailleurs très difficilement applicable et source de discrimination vexante, puisque les ressortissants de l'Union européenne n'y seront pas soumis, nous incitons systématiquement tous les migrants, Européens y compris, à apprendre la langue du pays. Et leur proposons les cours adéquats. Plutôt que de décréter une obligation générale avec de nombreuses exceptions, nous incitons avec détermination, et l'obligation devient l'exception.»

Car Thomas Facchinetti est lui aussi convaincu qu'intégration rime avec connaissance de la langue du pays. «Sans obligation, nous parvenons à de meilleurs résultats.» Il cite les chiffres des recensements fédéraux de 1990 et 2000, qui montrent, dit-il, que les migrants établis en Suisse romande ont été plus nombreux à apprendre le français que les étrangers vivant en Suisse alémanique à se familiariser avec l'allemand. Pas d'angélisme toutefois: «L'obligation de soumettre un permis à un cours de langue peut devenir possible, pas pour l'octroi initial, mais lors du renouvellement, si nous constatons que la personne n'a fait aucun effort pour apprendre la langue, et si cela a posé des problèmes avérés.»

La philosophie neuchâteloise et genevoise est partagée par les autres cantons romands, même s'ils n'ont pas de loi spécifique. En Valais, la cheffe du Service de l'état civil et des étrangers, Françoise Gianadda, ne dit rien d'autre. «La connaissance de la langue locale est impérative», lance-t-elle pour planter le décor. Avant de tempérer: «Reste à définir comment réaliser le postulat.» Et de privilégier «le pragmatisme au légalisme». Elle n'a pas de recette arrêtée, et songe avant tout aux femmes, dont l'immersion dans la société est souvent plus faible que celle des enfants scolarisés ou des maris qui ont un emploi.

Pour Thomas Facchinetti, les projets de tests généralisés de langue sont carrément dangereux. «Ils sont surtout un non-sens, car l'intégration ne peut pas être un frein à l'immigration, nécessaire à l'économie. Peut-on envisager de refuser un permis à un cadre d'entreprise, qui vient pour deux ou trois ans, sous prétexte qu'il ne sait pas la langue locale à son arrivée? La démarche est par ailleurs dangereuse, car elle part du soupçon qu'un ressortissant non européen est rétif à apprendre notre langue. C'est discriminatoire et illustre un a priori idéologique, par ailleurs erroné.»

Un examen pour les enfants étrangers - Catherine Cossy

L'idée de tester les compétences linguistiques des étrangers est dans l'air aussi en ville de Saint-Gall. A la veille des élections communales, le Parti radical de la ville vient de lancer une pétition demandant que les connaissances d'allemand des élèves soient évaluées deux fois au moins au cours de leur scolarité, pendant le jardin d'enfants, avant qu'ils ne commencent l'école primaire, et en septième année. «Nous avons constaté que les jeunes ont de plus en plus de peine à lire et à écrire en allemand», explique Hannes Kundert, propriétaire d'un commerce en électricité qui forme quatre apprentis.

La mesure s'adresse sans équivoque aux enfants d'origine étrangère, «dont les connaissances en allemand sont clairement déficitaires». «S'ils ont des problèmes en allemand au moment de commencer l'école, il y a des risques que le niveau de toute la classe en souffre, précise Hannes Kundert. Et ils auront eux-mêmes plus de difficultés à trouver une place d'apprentissage.» Pour les élèves dont les connaissances seraient insuffisantes, le Parti radical imagine des cours de rattrapage à part: ils seraient encore en dialecte au jardin d'enfants, tandis que, plus tard, les écoliers devraient être dispensés de suivre l'enseignement d'une autre langue étrangère pour pouvoir se perfectionner en allemand. Mais la probabilité qu'un tel modèle s'impose apparaît minime.

Une base solide

A Bâle-Ville, canton pionnier en Suisse alémanique en matière d'intégration, la démarche est exactement inverse. Le canton a lancé il y a trois ans un projet-pilote dans deux classes enfantines où la proportion d'enfants étrangers atteint 75%. Pour leur faciliter l'acquisition de l'allemand, l'enseignement se fait en Hochdeutsch exclusivement. «Le but est de leur donner une base solide en allemand standard, remarque Mathilde Gyger, professeur à la Haute Ecole pédagogique et sociale des deux Bâles et responsable scientifique du projet. Beaucoup de ces enfants ne possèdent aucune langue convenablement. Ils commencent l'école avec un déficit dans leur langue maternelle, parce que leurs parents sont depuis longtemps en Suisse, ont peu de temps à investir pour s'entretenir avec eux ou ne parlent pas les deux la même langue. Puis ils sont confrontés au passage entre le dialecte et l'allemand standard, ce qui représente pour eux une difficulté supplémentaire.»

Les premières observations montrent que les enfants étrangers qui ont suivi un enseignement en Hochdeutsch sont légèrement plus avancés dans l'acquisition du nouveau vocabulaire et qu'ils ont plus envie de parler que les enfants qui ont été scolarisés en dialecte essentiellement. «Les élèves étrangers qui commencent dans ces conditions l'école primaire sont plus motivés, explique Mathilde Gyger. Ils ne doivent pas recommencer presque à zéro quand leur classe passe à l'allemand standard.»

posted in Switzerland - 0 replies

Erste August

genghis_don — Mon, 02 Aug 2004 17:34:59 GMT

Hope everyone in Die Schweiz had an enjoyable August 1st!

posted in Switzerland - 1 reply

Geneve in September

Mon, 05 Jul 2004 10:18:28 GMT

I may be in Geneve this September for a short time. It'd be "work" so I don't anticipate having a lot of free time to see things, do things, say hi to people, but... in the event that I have any time at all that I'm not working, eating, or sleeping... what else is there to do? :)

posted in Switzerland - 6 replies

Time o' year in Switzerland?

Thu, 16 Oct 2003 07:24:09 GMT

Anyone know the absolute best time of year to visit Switzerland in the summer?
I would like to go visit an old patient of mine and need to plan well in advance.
Angel.

posted in Switzerland - 2 replies

been to zurich

Sinhui — Mon, 19 Jul 2004 13:33:43 GMT

beautiful place, beautiful country, love the chocolates there.
i bought, if im not wrong, about $100 (Singapore dollars) worth of them and finished them within 2 weeks after returning to Singapore.

posted in Switzerland - 0 replies

Watching Euro Cup?

fonduie — Tue, 15 Jun 2004 23:59:59 GMT

We subscribed to all games for around $170. I can't believe it's not free here in the states! Oh well.

Switzerland vs Croatia was a great game even though it was the tournaments first draw.

Anyone else here following Euro Cup?

posted in Switzerland - 0 replies

New in Zurich

Leila_S — Mon, 14 Jun 2004 15:32:49 GMT

Hello everyone,
I just moved here from San Francisco, and I am looking for some interesting places to go and meet people. If you are familiar with San Francisco, you probably have an idea of what I am looking for.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks!
=) Leila

posted in Switzerland - 0 replies

hunting for a place to live in Zurich. Any advice?

Leila_S — Wed, 28 Apr 2004 02:15:33 GMT

Hello!
This Summer I am moving to Switzerland from California.
I have been searching online for a place to live.
Could anyone tell me where the best place to find a room in a wohngemeinschaft in Zurich is?
I am on a low budget, and need all the help I can get.
So far, I have found www.lignebleue.ch and www.homegate.ch
Thanks in advance!

posted in Switzerland - 2 replies

Zurich eats

Nick — Wed, 12 May 2004 05:32:36 GMT

My girlfriend and I are considering a trip to Zurich (and beyond) in June. What places to eat would you recommend we try/avoid while in town?

posted in Switzerland - 1 reply

zurich in august

Czarina — Thu, 08 Apr 2004 00:33:53 GMT

I'll be in zurich to teach a belly dance workshop the first weekend of August. What should I make a point of seeing while I am there? Any cool clubs or neat museums, etc?

posted in Switzerland - 2 replies

Visiting Lugano

Thu, 22 Apr 2004 13:56:43 GMT

Hey All,
I'm heading over to the Lugano region next month (will be staying in Mendrisio w/ a friend) and I need to find ways to keep myself entertained during the day. Can anyone recommend fun stuff to do in that region that won't cost me an arm and a leg?

posted in Switzerland - 0 replies

Hallo!

Mon, 06 Oct 2003 20:14:51 GMT

Hi there. just checking in. My wife is Swiss (St. Gallen originally), and I've been there several times. Currently studying German, as we plan to move to Zurich sometime in the next year. I am always on the lookout for job opportunities in Switzerland (Zurich preferably), and will eventually be trying to track down housing.

posted in Switzerland - 0 replies

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been to zurich

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New in Zurich

hunting for a place to live in Zurich. Any advice?

Zurich eats

zurich in august

Visiting Lugano

Hallo!

Le souffle du desert new swiss film/documentary