Here’s a little German I picked up in Deutschland. The pronunciation will probably be a challenge for most that don’t speak German as a mother-language, but I was always taught to sound words out I don’t know. (:
Hello, which country are you from? : Hallo, aus welchem Land kommst du?
My name is ______. : Mein Name ist _____.
How are you today? : Wie geht’s dir heute?
It was nice meeting you : Es war schön, dich kennenzulernen.
What committee are you in? : In welchem Committee bist du?
I agree! : Ich bin einverstanden.
I disagree! : Ich bin nicht einverstanden.
How old are you? : Wie alt bist du?
Are you planning on going out tonight? : Willst du heute Abend ausgehen?
Where’s the toilet? : Wo ist die Toilette?
Friend me on Facebook! : Füge mich als Freund hinzu bei Facebook.
Let’s keep in contact : Lass ins in Kontakt bleiben!
What’s your phone number? : Wie ist deine Telefonnummer?
Have you finished writing your resolution? : Hast du deine Resolution fertig geschrieben?
What time do we have to meet in school tomorrow? : Wann müssen wir uns morgen in der
Schule treffen?
It’s supposed to be warm tomorrow : Vorraussichtlich wird es morgen warm sein.
It’s raining outside : Es regent draußen.
Speak louder : Rede lauter
Please speak in English : Bitte spreche Englisch.
Where is your blazer? : Wo ist bein Blazer?
I have lost my host family : Ich kann maine Gastfamilie nicht finden.
Do you know where _____ is located? : Weißt du wo _____ ist?
What time is lunch? : Wann gibt es Mittag?
Where is my teacher? : Wo ist mein Lehrer?
Want to go get coffee? : Wollen wir zusammen einen Kaffee trinken gehen?
What time is dinner? : Wann gibt es Abendessen ?
Amara Korley, and a dear thanks to my German friend Charlyn Jungblut
MUNOL’s General Assembly, located at Lübeck’s Q45 (Falkenstraße 45), was anything but boring. Packed full of diplomates each representing a single country, all were awake and ready to get down to business. Some declared war (USA vs. Togo), while others tried their best to keep the peace (Bangladesh & New Zealand), it was definitely extremely entertaining to listen in to for all spectators. Although there is another GA tomorrow, today’s hearing had so much action it was surely nothing to miss.
Stay tuned for Friday’s GA photos!
Amara Korley
Excited for toight? I know I am. All I’ve heard everyone talk about all week is tonight’s awesome evening event on the Cargoboat. People have been whispering about this party for some time (since it was printed in the MUNOL Information Booklet and distrbuted to all Monday afternoon). Many delegates from Lübeck have experienced the magic of partying on this boat before, but for me this will definately be a first. Joined with over 400+ delegates and other pupils, beginning at 9:30, tonight is sure to be a night to remember. A big thanks to MUNOL’s financial advisors because throwing a party on a boat must’nt have come cheap. Although this will be the last offical party planned by MUNOL, Lübeck will forever hold the memories of this year’s spectacular conference. So delegates, put on your dancing shoes and join the celebration tonight!
Location: Cargoboat (Kanalstraße)
Time: 21:30
Amara Korley
A point of information to all delegates: tomorrow morning the buses will not be operating because of a strike. Make sure you have another way of transport to school.
Noticing a high demand on printing paper and the usage of the copy machine and little to no recycling bins – going green is a must for MUNOL 2012.
Here are some ways you can personally contribute to saving the world:
1. Print on both sides of the paper, meaning front and back.
2. When buying bottled drinks from the Kiosk, make sure to reuse the same bottle later!
3. When not using your computer, unplug its charger.
4. When exiting the room, make sure to be the last one out so you can turn off the lights.
5. Open the window for fresh air rather then turning on the air conditioning; we are still in April. Turn off the heater whenever the option is possible. Instead, put your blazer back on.
6. When using the washroom, take only the necessary amount of paper-towels to dry your hands.
7. Use public transport whenever you have the opportunity.
8. Carpool: give your friends a lift home if they’re going in your direction.
9. Bike to school rather then getting driven.
10. Separate your waste instead of merging paper and plastic.
Some of these tasks may seem “tedious” but just remember, you are making a difference to benefit and preserve the world you live in when you make the change in your day-to-day activities, while influencing others to be just as conscious about their impact on the world.
What do you do daily to reduce your carbon footprint?
Amara Korley
Sadly everyone (which includes MUNOL delegates, the press team, fellow German students and teachers in the Thomas-Mann-Schule) has been suffering this whole week without the opportunity of having Internet connection. This is a set back to many who rely on the worldwide-web as a helpful source. What to do, what to do? This has definitely brought us all back to the Stone Age looking into ancient ways of getting information, like books. We are surely in a time of struggle and hardship; hopefully we all will find the strength to get through this painful time, but in the meantime we can do nothing but hope for the tech-team to fix this problem.
Amara Korley
Inspired by MUN and want to do more to contribute to the world’s many problems? Here are a few helpful sites where your helping hand is needed. Hurry, go check them out!
http://wwf.panda.org/ + “WWF’s focus has evolved from localized efforts in favour of single species and individual habitats to an ambitious strategy to preserve biodiversity and achieve sustainable development across the globe.”
http://www.avaaz.org/ This personally is my favorite site; it keeps me updated on the latest issues and how I personally can help. For example, I get emails asking me to simply sign petitions or to help write letters to different government officers until they hear the voice of ‘the people’ in hopes that change is made and the problem is resolved.
+ “Avaaz—meaning “voice” in several European, Middle Eastern and Asian languages—launched in 2007 with a simple democratic mission: organize citizens of all nations to close the gap between the world we have and the world most people everywhere want. Avaaz empowers millions of people from all walks of life to take action on pressing global, regional and national issues, from corruption and poverty to conflict and climate change. Our model of internet organising allows thousands of individual efforts, however small, to be rapidly combined into a powerful collective force. The Avaaz community campaigns in 15 languages, served by a core team on 6 continents and thousands of volunteers. We take action — signing petitions, funding media campaigns and direct actions, emailing, calling and lobbying governments, and organizing “offline” protests and events — to ensure that the views and values of the world’s people inform the decisions that affect us all”
A transnational community that is more democratic, and could be more effective, than the United Nations.
— Suddeutsche Zeitung
http://www.peta.org/ +”People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is the largest animal rights organization in the world, with more than 3 million members and supporters.PETA focuses its attention on the four areas in which the largest numbers of animals suffer the most intensely for the longest periods of time: on factory farms, in the clothing trade, in laboratories, and in the entertainment industry. We also work on a variety of other issues, including the cruel killing of beavers, birds, and other “pests” as well as cruelty to domesticated animals.
PETA works through public education, cruelty investigations, research, animal rescue, legislation, special events, celebrity involvement, and protest campaigns.”
http://demandprogress.org/ + “Demand Progress works to win progressive policy changes for ordinary people through organizing, lobbying, and elections in the United States. In particular, we tend to focus on issues of civil liberties, civil rights, and government reform. We run online campaigns to rally people to take action on the news that affects them — by contacting Congress and other leaders, funding pressure tactics, and spreading the word in their own communities. We work in Washington to provide an advocate for the public in all the back-room decisions that affect our lives. And we recruit and work with candidates across the country to help them run winning campaigns powered by everyday people instead of corporate fat cats.”
http://www.amnesty.org/ + “Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 3 million supporters, members and activists in over 150 countries. We work with and for each other to defend human rights. We believe that human rights abuses anywhere are the concern of people everywhere. Until every person can enjoy all of their rights, we will continue our efforts. We will not stop until everyone can live in dignity; until every person’s voice can be heard; until no one is tortured or executed. Our members are the cornerstone of these efforts. They take up human rights issues through letter-writing, online and offline campaigning, demonstrations, vigils and direct lobbying of those with power and influence. Locally, nationally and globally, we join together to mobilize public pressure and show international solidarity. Together, we make a difference.”
Are there any other organizations that you support/follow?
Amara Korley
After spotting some serious clothing malfunctions, I thought it would be fitting to address the fact that wearing see-through blouses displaying your bra, or a too short cotton body hugging mini skirt from H&M, is under no circumstances appropriate MUN wear. Worried your skirt is too short, or confused over whether a tie or a bow tie is most suitable for MUN? No worries, I am here supporting you throughout this hefty MUNOL conference to clear up all your dress-code questions.
Right now your aim should be: dress for success. ”Dressing professionally and appropriately is an important aspect of Model UN preparations. Just like being polite and having proper manners, dressing appropriately is an important way to show respect for the nation you are representing, for your fellow delegates and for the United Nations. At some conferences, delegates may wear their own national dress; however, most conferences will require western business attire.
What is Western Business Attire?
Western business attire, or international standard business attire, serves as customary dress for workplaces. It entails wearing a suit, which is made up of trousers, a matching jacket, a button-down dress shirt, and a tie. Conservative dress shoes and socks are also important. Skirts and dresses may also be worn as long as they fall to a decent length. The main thing to remember is to always insure that your appearance is tidy and put-together, and that you are well-covered.” (unausa.org)
And ladies, just a little advice: don’t expect to get a handful of respect if you cannot respect yourself enough to not wear the shortest skirt you own in order to gain other’s attention. Although its hard for guys to fall so easily out of dress-code, we must not forget to address the males as well. If respect is what you want, you must demand it, and to most, first impressions are altered by how you present yourself. We are attending MUNOL to gain experience, not partners.
For more help on this topic, check out the link;
http://www.unausa.org/munpreparation/dressing
Amara Korley
Last night was definitely a great beginning to the many new friendships we will all be making during our MUNOL conference experience. The night started off like a proper party, first beginning at 8:30 at a bar unknown to most called Barcio, and turned out to be a huge success indeed. People were fully packed into rooms clouded by smoke, swaying to the sound of the newest club jams, while the glorious smell of good German beer wafted through the air.
Amara Korley
Some still seem to be confused about what language to speak during MUN conferences. Just in case some need clarification, it is English. This may seem obvious, but a lot of people have been forgetting this while surrounded by those from their own country.
Even though we are in the home country of Germany, and many delegates from other countries would love to learn the language, this conference is not the appropriate place to be giving out free lessons, or worse, excluding other countries from understanding what’s being spoken (especially on evenings out). Most complain they choose to speak their mother-language instead of English because it’s “easier” for them and they find it embarrassing to attempt a language they aren’t perfect at. Sure it can be easier, but we are all at a MUN conference for the sole reason to exchange ideas, and this cannot be done if one cannot even understand what the other is trying to say. To make several delegates’ lives a bit easier, including mine, please stick to these MUN guidelines and try your best at sticking to the official parliamentary language- in the debating process as well as during lobbying, breaks, informal debate, and other social activities. Thank you to all of you who already make the effort to speak in a language that everyone understands.
Amara Korley
Mr. Ben, the artistic director for the nonprofit British arts organization ABC, performed at the opening ceremony, showing off his magnificently strong voice and key lyrics that were meant to inspire and motivate young people. Capturing the audience’s attention after most were attempting to wake themselves from the power-naps they had fallen into, Mr. Ben, an artist fluent in many categories, was surely a breath of fresh air.
Amara Korley
Starting his opening speech off with America’s national anthem, sung of course by supporting friends in the audience, Nyborg Gymnasium’s one and only Aske Kjaer, representing The United States, proved all bets correct with his admirable ability to always make a crowd laugh. Although subjected to the one-minute rule, he was undoubtedly patriotic and confident, taking on the role of the USA ambassador perfectly. He ended his speech with great MUN debating advice: “Shoot for the stars, God Bless America.” We were all greatly appreciative.
CHECK HIM OUT! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7kn_lltAII&feature=youtu.be
Amara Korley
Although many had been caught in the act of dozing off, lets say, once or twice, MUNOL 2012’s opening ceremony was by far the best I have ever personally attended. After several motivational speeches, delivered from empowering students and successful adult speakers, this ceremony definitely was a good thing to attend. All 400 MUNOL participants came together in one auditorium, their minds opened to the upcoming conferences.
While it may have been formal, it was relaxing to hear everyone’s opinion of the past 15 years of MUNOL (this year is the 15th anniversary), especially from those who have been attending year after year. It was definitely an outstanding beginning, making no delegate want to think about this conference’s end.
Amara Korley
Nyborg Gymnasium has arrived in Luebeck! After a long six hours of traveling to get to our final destination of Luebeck, Germany, taking several train transfers for the sole purpose of attending MUNOL’s 2012 conferences, I would personally like to speak for all of Nyborg’s MUN team in saying that it was definitely worth the wait. Luebeck is a beautiful city in which to hold the MUNOL conference, gathering students from 15 countries and two continents to celebrate this one special event.
After finally arriving at the Thomas-Mann-Schule school (TMS), where the event takes place, we decided to take a group photo in representation of our arrival in Germany!
Although this photo may represent our school as if we’re all jokes, don’t be fooled; this MUNOL will be nothing but hard work, but of course fun and games are always in order.
A few minutes after this dear moment, we met up with our host families who all seemed delightful and very welcoming.
The only drama was that some were separated from their friends, whom they had deliberately planned to stay with at the same host family. Other then that, everything seems to have worked out according to plan.
Amara Korley
