TGIF: Emma Thompson to the rescue March 13, 2009
Posted by Jill (@bonnjill) in Fun stuff, TGIF.4 comments
This clip from Césars 2009 (France’s version of The Oscars) is one of those edge-of-your-seat clips, but not for the reason you would think. You don’t need to understand French to appreciate it, although I’m sure the French speakers will enjoy it more for the humor of the presenter. You only need to watch about the first 1:45 or so to see why I named this post what I did.
TGIF: Berlitz La Bamba March 6, 2009
Posted by Jill (@bonnjill) in Fun stuff, TGIF.1 comment so far
It’s Friday. That means it’s time for another language-related video. This time it’s the Spanish fraction’s turn to enjoy a little humor (well, actually everyone because this is a pretty well-known ad even amongst those of us who don’t know Spanish). This Berlitz ad was a Cannes Lion finalist and won a silver medal at Epica 2006. Enjoy!
If you no can speak Croc-ese… March 4, 2009
Posted by Jill (@bonnjill) in Fun stuff.add a comment
I finally got my scanner working again. It only took a couple weeks. This comic ran in last weekend’s Sunday paper. I thought it was hilarious for obvious reasons. I hate calling a company and not talking to a live person. This is a unique take on the matter. Enjoy!
“More work for less money” comic March 3, 2009
Posted by Jill (@bonnjill) in Fun stuff.1 comment so far
This was a great comic to wake up to this morning, so I definitely wanted to share it with you all. If you are interested in subscribing to this comic strip (for free), you can do that here. Most of the comics are very applicable to home-based workers.
5000 words March 2, 2009
Posted by Jill (@bonnjill) in Fun stuff.1 comment so far
This one seems to be making the rounds among translators this morning. Sharon Neeman obviously knows what she is singing about, although I don’t know if I could translate 5000 words of legal in a day. Perhaps 5000 words of a marketing survey for which I barely have to look up any words sure, but not 5000 words of legal. And the word count keeps growing… My hat’s off to her! Although if I were in her position I would have done some client education :-). Be sure to watch all the way to the end. The last ten seconds are the best part!!!
Thanks to Ted for sharing it with the ATA German Language Division list this week and Per for posting it on PT! I definitely had to share it with you all in case you missed it!
TGIF: French language school commercial February 26, 2009
Posted by Jill (@bonnjill) in Fun stuff, TGIF.3 comments
Language schools always have the best commercials. This one made me chuckle and is sure to make you laugh as well.
TGIF: Scout and Paws February 20, 2009
Posted by Jill (@bonnjill) in Fun stuff, TGIF.1 comment so far
Sorry for the delay in posting today’s video. Friday kind of snuck up on me. I hope you enjoy this cute little ad, which reminds me of one of the first videos I put up with the bilingual cat. It isn’t quite as funny, but it is amusing all the same.
Massage is not a luxury February 16, 2009
Posted by Jill (@bonnjill) in Business practices, Fun stuff, Random musings.8 comments
I am a firm believer in the necessity of massages. When you sit at a computer as much as we do, your muscles tend to stiffen up and get sore. In addition to practicing ergonomic posture I also try to get a massage once a month. One of my students at Kent took my advice about ergonomics and investing in a good desk chair and bought a massaging desk chair. She’s never regretted it.
My neck and shoulder muscles spasmed over the weekend, and I developed a tension headache from the pain. I tried to get an appointment on Sunday at Massage Envy despite the fact that I have an hour massage scheduled at my favorite spa on Friday. Instead I went in for a 20-minute massage today and ended up signing up for a membership, which gives you one 1-hour massage a month for just $49 and discounts on additional services. She loosened muscles I didn’t even realize I had in my head and neck in just 20 minutes, and I feel great.
Monthly massages are one expense that I can get behind, especially since Massage Envy is much cheaper than my favorite spa. If you have a Massage Envy near you (they have 800 locations nationwide) I highly recommend joining. The clients there raved about the package when I was signing up. I’m looking forward to treating myself to a monthly massage with a certified massage therapist and being less tense. Does anyone know if you can write the expense off as a business expense? I’ll have to call my CPA and ask…
TGIF: 16 Language Love Song February 12, 2009
Posted by Jill (@bonnjill) in Fun stuff, TGIF.add a comment
In honor of Valentine’s Day on Saturday, here is a cheesy, yet clever little song showing you how to say I love you in 16 different languages. I’m willing to bet most of you linguists will be able to identify all 16 of them.
And here is an interesting video featuring even more languages (even if some of them are phonetic and not 100% correct). It was made in 2008 by a young German, but it is still relevant today. I particularly like the little bit for the Germans towards the end. If you don’t have a Valentine I’ll be happy to be your Valentine.
So Happy Valentine’s Day!
Alltag bei Sprachmittlers: Übersetzer und die lieben Kunden February 9, 2009
Posted by Jill (@bonnjill) in Fun stuff, German culture.add a comment
Someone on one of my German-speaking listservs shared this link with us a while ago, and I found it too priceless not to share with you. It’s in German, but I might get around to translating it for the non-German speaking folks – providing the humor translates. It depends on how tomorrow goes.
Musings from an overworked translator 