Meine Klein Welt

I’m Singing

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So in a regular segment for my Computer Applications class I introduced a piece of software called Songsmith. The idea is that you select a style of music, sing into a microphone, and Songsmith writes the music.

The software is actually both amazing and awful at the same time. Here is an actual recording I did in class to demonstrate how Songsmith works.

Klein ‘n Klass
[audio:http://kleinwelt.com/blog_media/audio/klein_song.mp3]

Klein ‘n Klass Remix
[audio:http://kleinwelt.com/blog_media/audio/klein_song_2.mp3]

Yeah, you probably won’t find me at the Grammys anytime soon.

Below is a commercial put together by the developers of Songsmith. Definitely worth the watch if you need a good laugh.

If you’d like to try Songsmith yourself, you can download a free trial here.

Robot Art

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robot_art So Tuesday I had the students in my robotics class attach a marker to their robot and attempt to draw a figure 8 on a large sheet of butcher paper.

After many attempts and minor tweeks, most of them were able to draw a shape that could be identified as an 8.  It was good for them to see how planning and preparation payed off more than just trial and error.

robot artist

At the end of class I instructed them to clean up  and throw out the paper, but they insisted on keeping this lovely display of “art” which is now hanging in my classroom.

One group even signed it and titled it “Robot Art.” Someday you may find this hanging in a museum. Remember, you saw it here first!

Exploding Maroni!

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Maroni (Chestnuts)

Maroni is German for chestnuts. I love maroni. During the winter there are maroni vendors all over the city. It’s one of my favorite treats. Hot maroni on a cold day – yum!

Well, because my husband is very sweet, one day he surprised me by coming home with a small bucket of maroni for me to cook myself. Yay! I hopped online to learn just how to make this tasty treat. I turned on the oven, scored an “X” in each of the maroni, and popped them in the oven. About 10 minutes later, we heard a loud bang in the kitchen, then another, and another…

As I peeked into the oven, I saw chestnut everywhere. I made Matt take the pan out (because he’s braver than I am). What did I learn? Well, the “X” has to be big. Big enough to cover the side of the chestnut. Otherwise, the steam created by water in the chestnut will cause it to explode as it heats.

The second batch was made with large X’s and it was delicious! To see all the pictures from this adventure, click here.

Want to make your own hot chestnuts?

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F (210°C)
  • Score the nuts with a BIG “X”
  • Place them in a pan “X” side up
  • Cook for 15-25 minutes
  • When the skins look like they have curled away from the scoring, remove the chestnuts
  • When cool, peel and enjoy!

Bailing out Poland

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I came across this article in the International Herald Tribune last week.

I also came across what I’m hoping is a typo(highlighted). Though it is possible you may get a little more bang for your Euro in Poland. I mean 31 Euro is like 40 bucks, which is 120 Polish Zloty.

Do you know how many Polish sausages you can buy for 120 Zloty? Yeah, neither do I.

Good luck, my Polish friends.