From the American Culture Presentations I watched:
* Danger of Society Threat Groups in American Prisons by Livia Perschy
Wow, I really didn't know that something like that even existed. Especially the Blood In Blood Out Oath shocked me.
* Southern Hospitality - the Southern Way of Life by Julia Rauch
Loved the Presentation. It was really cool because of all the personal stories she added to illustrate Southern Hospitality.
* Monty Roberts - an Extraordinary Communicator by Melanie Wimmer
I knew about Monty Roberts before - even though I didn't really know that he also worked with people, not only with horses. The presentation was really interesting.
*America as a nation of narcissism Maria Dorner
I particularly liked this Presentation because it really matched my opinion about the American (and of course also other countries) society of egocentricity and self-exhibition. Especially young people are overdoing that and I think this is a worrisome trend.
* Does Race Still Matter in the US? by Lisa Ziermann
I totally agree with the thesis Lisa presented. Thank God things are getting better in the US and in most other parts of the world.
* Ellen DeGeneres - a Modern Woman and her Influence on America by Johanna Schreilechner
Ellen DeGeneres is a great woman. I sometimes watch her show online when I'm bored because she's really funny and witty. It was interesting to learn a little more about her.
From the Irish Culture Presentations I watched:
* Newgrange - a Treasure of Art by Anita Bhatti
Seeing Newgrange from the artistic point of view was a new experience for me. Anita told many facts I didn't know, and even though I wasn't really into the topic in the beginning it turned out to be interesting.
* Psychiatry in Ireland in the 1950s and 1960s by Diana Skof
This topic fascinated me. What Diana told us about the treatments was really shocking, and especially Hannah Greally's story is terrible. Thank God those treatments don't exist any longer.
* Beyond Riverdance - A Glimpse inside the World of Irish Dance by Katharina Luttenberger
I acutally did not really like that topic and merely listened to the Presentation to fill the time until the next ones I wanted to see were on. Even though the Presentation wasn't bad I did not get caught up in the topic, maybe also because so much was mentioned.
* The Impact of Global Warming on Ireland's Agriculture by Christian Waldmann
I actually was surprised by the possible impacts Christian told us. I would have expected them to be negative, but most of them seemed to be positive.
* Appreciating Life - Donal Walsh's Fight Against Suicide in Ireland by Bianca Brandtner
This was a really touching Presentation. Donal Walsh's story is incredible and I guess he must have been an unusually strong person as he had to go through so many difficulties and still managed to maintain his positiveness and even found the strength to help others.
* Transition Year - working towards Maturity by Carmen Loderer
I loved that Presentation and think the Transition Year is an amazing thing. It would be an improvement to our school system and I think a Transition Year is something every student all over the world would benefit from.
* Animal Symbolism in Irish Mythology by Katya Wallner
Animal Symbolism in Irish Mythology was especially interesting for me because I generally like topics like that. It was interesting to learn the similarities and differences between Irish and Austrian symbolism.
* Ireland vs. Austria - Whiskey Distilleries - Challenge accepted! by Verena Prasch
As I like Whiskey I was excited about this Presentation. Both Whiskey Distilleries were presented in a clear way and we really got a good overview. What I liked was that Verena did not go into details which are boring for people other than distillers but explained only the necessary ones and focused on other things instead.
* Willie Daly - Matchmaker by Natalie Riedl
I actually only watched this Presentation because it was the one right before my own, but now I'm really glad I did. I didn't know what to expect but it was a really cool topic and I learned a lot. I'd love to meet Willie Daly - I'd reckon he's a really nice guy.
All of the topics were really interesting and - surprisingly for me - I enjoyed watching them. I learned a lot and time passed by quickly that day.
The topics I particularly liked and therefore chose to be tested on in the KGP are the following:
* Psychiatry in Ireland in the 1950s and 1960s by Diana Skof
* Transition Year - working towards Maturity by Carmen Loderer
* Animal Symbolism in Irish Mythology by Katya Wallner
* Ireland vs. Austria - Whiskey Distilleries - Challenge accepted! by Verena Prasch
* Willie Daly - Matchmaker by Natalie Riedl
