Local Elections on Sunday

Even though the elections on Sunday (March 30) are for local offices, the campaigning has been hyped up on the national scale with huge rallies and endless posters, banners, trucks with loudspeakers, etc.

The more we build, the more jobs we have!

So, cutting down national forests is the patriotic thing to do. Speaking of PATRIOTISM, watch this over-the-top ad (which was deemed too provocative by the courts to be shown on television).

That is some serious collectivist action...

And, here are some satirical campaign posters for your enjoyment:

AKP Global - Imgur

Pat on the Back

Yesterday, I finally got my student evaluation feedback from the fall semester, and... it was good! About a quarter of the students wrote comments as well, and those made me really happy. For each class, there was a chart comparing my scores with the university in general. Hmmmm, what about question 15? Well, that question asks students if they worked hard for this course. Ha, they know...

Meyhane Madness!

Fun, friends, food, & music!

(Alex was there, just behind the camera. One day we'll get that figured out...)

The musicians played all the songs that that all the Turks knew... and Happy Birthday about 10 times. 

(Ataturk watches over the festivities on every wall.)

  Feel free to get up and dance 

  

 Dancing while sitting is also acceptable

 Can't stop!

(In the corner is the guy selling balloons... why not?)

Hey, it's proof that Alex was there!

When you live in the basement: Strategy No. 247

Context: The hall and stairway lights have motion sensors and timers, but the timer duration is maybe 3 seconds, probably less.

Challenge: To get down the spiral staircase to our apartment door in one piece.

Solution: Get halfway down the stairs [lights out], and swing your bag / arm out around the corner to activate the next light. Scurry.

Of course, if you have to hunt for your keys, or put your bags down in order to actually open the door, you have to do a sort of porte de bras to activate the light behind. Something like the third step from the left...

p.s. Why number 247? That's how many days I've been in Turkey!

What's on their minds....

For one of my classes, Current Affairs, students presented on laws in Turkey. They were to describe the situation that led to the creation of the law, its limits and penalties, unintended consequences, and how the law could be improved. In one class, only four people bothered to complete the project, and in the other class only three people chose not to do it at all. Those who did put on a really good show. Here are some of the best posters with a few highlights about the laws.

Military Conscription

All men in Turkey, ages 21 to 41, are subject to conscription.

Abortion is illegal for those under 18 years old.

Alcohol may not be sold in stores from 10pm to 6am.

On television, cigarettes are hidden with the flower symbol shown on this poster.

Internet Censorship

The Telecommunications Ministry may block access to any site without judicial review.

A Story about Salep

I finally tried salep a few weeks ago. It's a hot drink that is traditionally enjoyed in the winter. I liked the cinnamon flavor; all it needs is to be caffeinated and then it would be perfect! Here's a link to the article that accompanied this video about selling salep on the street in Istanbul.