CONGRATULATIONS TO VIZZERS KEVIN PRIMM AND JAKE ROSS

The Texas A&M VIZ students Kevin Primm and Jake Ross got selected to present their project “Running out of Steam“ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-FMdfuc3vM), created during their AIB study abroad semester 2010, at the SIGGRAPH conference in Vancouver next week.

The SIGGRAPH conference is is the premier international event on computer graphics and interactive techniques. Kevin and Jake will have the chance to present their animation to an estimated 25,000 professionals from five continents. Congratulations to these two and good luck in Vancouver!

“Running out of Steam“ by Kevin Primm and Jake Ross


Given a character description we were to design and incorporate our character into a live action environment... or small universe.


The project is a testament to just how expansive a project can be. It utilized elements such as 3D objects modeled, textured, and lit in Autodesk Maya; special steam and blur effects created in Adobe After Effects; final composition done in Final Cut Pro; and live action footage taken with a professional-grade video camera to create a setting for the character and an introductory time lapse video. Unique elements that also influenced the project were interactions with the German culture, as well as the pre-determined aspects of the assigned character’s personality. All these elements were combined into one immense conglomerate of innovative design.


Using creative problem solving skills, we were able to combine all these parts to our project in a relatively short amount of time. The project also forced us to step outside our comfort zone and interact with a culture completely different than what we were used to. This caused us to open our minds up to more than just the bubble that we were used to living in, and learn knew and exciting things about Germany, and the world as a whole.

SABINA 2011

STUDENTS FROM TEXAS A&M, UAF, LVAIC AND UMKC JOINED THE “DEUTSCHE WELLE” GLOBAL MEDIA FORUM IN THE FORMER BUNDESTAG IN BONN, TOGETHER WITH 1300 PARTICIPANTS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD


I was standing at the Heusalle U-bahn at eight in the morning waiting for other people from the SABINA program to arrive. We were going to attend the annual Conference on Human Rights at the Deutsche Welle. This year, they were focusing on global media, and the way it can help or hinder human rights causes. I was excited, but had no idea what to expect!
When we arrived at the old German National Parliament we were instantly loaded with papers and schedules, and surrounded by colors and people and displays. After a few minutes to get oriented and decide which programs to attend in the afternoon, we were ushered into the plenary session to hear a debate on the economics of human rights. I was hooked instantly. The whole room was an edge, hanging on every word being said by the speakers, poised to contradict or approve. As soon as the floor was opened, everyone was clamoring to get a chance to voice their opinion. When they finally cut off discussion, I had no doubt that it would be a day to remember.
After the exhilarating start to the day I went to sessions on women’s rights in Latin America, ways to clean up the slums in Kenya, and using mobile phones to capture local stories in Africa. I learned a lot, but more than anything I got inspiration. I was surrounded by people who were passionate about some of the same things as I. Having discussions with people from all over the world, including someone from the at the time soon to be South Sudan, was enlightening. It made me realize some things I hadn’t even realized I took for granted.
That day was ended with a boat cruise on the Rhein that included, not only food and more discussions, but also a dance party. By the end of the night, I had met so many people I couldn’t remember all of their names! I was lucky also to meet numerous people from the Deutsche Welle Academy who I was able to meet again before I left Bonn. One of girls I met became my best friend from the entire trip. The experience for me was eye-opening, and I would even stretch as far as to say life changing. The day in itself, added onto the friendships I made was more than I could have asked for.

By: Ashley Kaminski, Lafayette College / Pennsylvania

BTHO France! Halfway around the world, the twelfth man trades in its maroon for red, white, and blue.

This past Wednesday, students from Texas A&M University had the opportunity to support a football team of a different kind.
Aggies from three different study abroad programs at AIB attended the Women's World Cup semi- final game between the USA and France in Mönchengladbach, Germany. In true aggie fashion, no corners were cut in our efforts to display team spirit and to support the good old U S of A. We prepared by making posters, sporting our red white and blue, and going a little overboard with patriotic body paint (A bit of cold and rainy weather was not going to deter us from reaping the full experience of this once in a lifetime opportunity).
 After hours of preparation, faces were spotted with stars, stomachs were adorned with red and white stripes, and a row of shirtless boys read "USA!!!".
Finally, we got on the bus and headed towards the stadium.

We weren't quite sure how we would be received upon arrival since we were fitting the obnoxious and loud American stereotype.
The French and Germans alike greeted our enthusiasm with open arms and flashing cameras. Before we could even reach our seats a mirror image of us, (the french in blue, white, and red) wanted a photo to document the friendly rivalry and the good sportsmanship between the countries. Minutes later we discovered a group of Germans with a "Germany loves USA" banner. After being in Germany for about a week and a half we were still getting used to everything and felt a little awkward being out of our element, but that sign instantly made us feel welcome and honored. We took a picture with the women who had brought the banner and it could be seen on their faces how much they enjoyed our appreciation. The energy extended beyond the walls of the stadium, as students from the A&M Sports Management Program provided live updates on Twitter. Their news feeds were eventually posted on The Eagle, an online newspaper for the Bryan College Station area, sending our excitement back home to friends and family. (http://www.theeagle.com/local/15-Aggies-in-the-study-abroad-program) People from various parts of the world were united by a commonality of mutual respect and the love of soccer.

Congratulations to director Scott Oller!

The FITS Europe student documentary "Steps" got selected for the NFTTY Festival (National Film Festival for Talented Youth) in Seattle. Congratulations to our student and director Scott Oller!

Curiosity leads the subjects of his film "Steps" on a journey through the abandoned buildings of Europe. From a warehouse in Germany to a mountaintop in Bulgaria, experienced urban explorer Mike Beegle seeks out places of rich history and deteriorating beauty.

The NFFTY (National Film Festival for Talented Youth) is the flagship program of "The Talented Youth", a non-profit arts organization that was founded in 2007. The NFFTY has grown into the world's largest youth film festival. Each year the festival showcases films by directors 22 and under.

AIB Soccer Cup 2011

The AIB hosted the second annual AIB Soccer Cup on a beautiful and sunny Wednesday afternoon in the “Hofgarten” of the University of Bonn!

There were a total of 6 teams competing for the very prestigious, AIB cup. The prize for winning was a beautiful trophy that contained delicious Haribo gummy bears! From business majors to dance majors, the competition had great diversity… it was like Germany during the World Cup in 2006!

Once the two fields were set up, music playing, cheerleaders cheering, and whistles blowing, the AIB students were off and running. From miraculous saves to dangerous tackles, the competition was fierce. One team that constantly stood out from the first couple of games was the FC Bonners. Nevertheless, teams such as The Wieners and Louis and the Gang, were vehemently pursuing to win the prestigious AIB Cup.

After upsets and blowouts…and a few yellow cards, the FC Bonners and The Wieners faced off in the championship game. The game was very even. Both sides had clear opportunities for goal, but the defenses were of world class caliber. At the end of regulation the score ended 0-0. The referee announced that the final match would be decided through penalties. The crowd grew wild and the players nervous.

The penalties turned out to be a battle of the goalies. Both goalies blocked 4 at of the 5 initial penalty kicks. The game was decided when the FC Bonners’ captain, Jesse Jovel, nailed his second penalty kick in the upper right hand corner of the goal leaving the goalie no choice but to watch the ball go by! The FC Bonners triumphantly hugged and congratulated one another and were then greeted with the beautiful gold trophy and certificates. Oh, and of curse, the delicious Haribo gummy bears.

After the coronation, all of the AIB student athletes were able to enjoy some delicious hot dogs and the beautiful spring weather that Bonn has to offer. Once again, the AIB was successful in bringing people together for one common goal!

LMU Students & AIB staff raise over $900 for social project in South Sudan

...and we are running. AGAIN. This past Sunday, LMU students and AIB staff participated in the Deutsche Post Bonn Marathon or AIB Charity Run 2011 - as we conveniently renamed it. Six relays with 4 runners each, two half-marathons and two full marathons were on the run to raise money for the Marol Academy, a non-profit project aimed to re-establishing schools in South Sudan. Host families, professors and AIB friends were out on the roadside cheering for the runners and joined them afterwards for refreshments, waffles, and fruit salad at the AIB's After Run Party in the AIB's beautiful backyard.

In total, 9000 people participated in the Deutsche Post Bonn Marathon 2011. NEP students Liz Spanos and Daniel Falaleyev finished their full marathons in an impressive 4 hours and 47 seconds and 4 hours and 18 minutes respectively.

We would like to thank everyone for contributing to our Charity Run and are proud to announce that with the help of our host families, AIB friends, and professors, we were able to raise over $900 for the Marol Academy.

Dear AIB - A Letter from Texas

written by Joni Eaton
Participant Germany Psychology Program Summer 2010

Dear AIB,

thank you again for all the time and effort that our coordinator Olaf and other staff members put into making an amazing program. The Germany Psychology Program is something anyone interested in psychology should participate in!

For the entire length of the program there is not a single moment that doesn’t teach students valuable lessons about the world and applications of psychology. The staff at AIB will not disappoint, they made the experience inspiring and enjoyable each and every day.

Germany Psychology in Bonn offers opportunities for every personality; you would have to force yourself to be miserable to not have a blast on this trip! If I could stay in school another year just to go on the program again I would!

Missing you from Texas,
Joni Eaton

Waka Waka! AIB cheers the German fussball national team on

In preparation for the upcoming stages of the EuroCup, the German National soccer team, or fussball team, faced Australia. The match took place at the beautiful Borussia- Park in Mönchengladbach. The German National team, which had just beaten Kazakhstan 4-0 three days prior, was the favorite even though they would be missing key players due to Champions League competition. This however, didn't bring the AIB's enthusiasm down. The bus ride there was full of laughter, cheers, music (specifically the famous "Waka Waka" by Shakira), and of course….games !

The AIB had trivia questions lined up to give away an awesome German soccer wig. The question that gave Logan McDaniel the win was, "Who scored the four goals against Australia in their last match." With so much activity on the bus, the ride to Borussia- Park was short.

 

As soon as the students arrived at the stadium they rushed to buy scarves, hats and other German fan gear.

Once seated, the chants rooting on the German squad grew. The German team got off to a wonderful start. The experience reached its climax for the AIB students when striker Mario Gomez delivered a goal from the top of the box to put the German side in the lead!

Though off to a great start, the Germans eventually lost against the Australians who rallied back in the second half. Nevertheless, the AIB still had an awesome time enjoying pommes and bockwurst along with watching stars such as Lucas Podolski, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Miroslav Klose.

Mainz Excursion for the New Europe Kids

The New Europe Program students in theology courses visited Mainz, Germany as part of their curriculum. The students enrolled in Divided Church in a New Europe and in Human Rights & World Religions visited printing press museums to understand the historical importance of the early printing of the Bible. They enjoyed an informative guided tour where they learned all about the evolution of the Gutenberg printing press and its role in the development of society.

They then visited the Mainz Cathedral, an impressive 1,000 year-old Roman Catholic cathedral and later St. Stephan's cathedral located at the top of a hill ornated with wonderful stained glass windows done by Marc Chagall. For lunch, many students chose to eat at the central square's market, which offered everything from local honey and breads to delicious delicatessen foods.

To finish off the day, they visited the new Mainz synagogue, with its symbolic and futuristic architecture. The sunny day of a more hands-on style of education was an exciting complement to traditional classroom lectures.

The AIB presents the LOSt ANGELeS Ensemble in "STRIDER"

Image copyright by theater im ballsaal

The AIB presents: LOSt ANGELeS Ensemble in "STRIDER"

The AIB Theater Arts students' production of "STRIDER" after Leo Tolstoy.

Save the Date:
Fr 29.04. - 20:00 Premiere
Sa 30.04. - 20:00
So 01.05. - 15:00

Theater im Ballsaal (for more information about the theater please klick here)
Frongasse 9
D- 53121 Bonn

Reduced ticket price through AIB: 8,- EUR
(call 0228 - 33 88 39 20 to pre-order your ticket!)

Story: Leo Tolstoy who spent many years in the saddle, weaves an allegorical tale of Strider, a piebald horse, who, though a champion and thoroughbred by lineage, is cast out by the herd due to his strange markings. It is an inspirational story about the impossibility of dominating the pure of a spirit, of elegant grace, and of the injustice of youth’s disregard for the suffering of the aged.