Christmas Markets, Bug Invasions and Roast Camel

Don't worry, I didn't get frozen (despite the weather getting down to -3 degrees) and so I'm back to keep you updated on everything that's going on here. Well, everywhere actually. But not everything.

Anyway, as December has now started all the cities, towns, villages and hamlets have opened up their Christmas markets. And yes, they are exactly the same as last year, and the year before that. Even the stands selling the same things are in exactly the same location within the market as last time. Don't they ever get bored? Maybe there's a law saying which stand is allowed to go where. There is one thing that is new though. They now have a sign showing a map of the market, and where the food and drink etc can be found. It might have been better putting up the emergency exits, as once within the crowd you can't get to where you were planning to get to, rather you get taken to where the masses are going (which is usually the Glühwein stalls anyway).

Staying in Germany for the moment, a bavarian village has decided to erect a wall to protect from attack. Not from locals from other villages, nor from the people of foreign countries. No, here they need the walls to protect them from being attacked by millipedes.

Are you up to date with the online world? You can now build a virtual house, have virtual adverts, fight in virtual wars, play in virtual casinos, make virtual love. Well now you can also be arrested for virtual burglary, as a Dutch teenager found out when he stole some virtual furniture from a virtual hotel.

You here about animal species dying out every day, but had you ever heard of languages dying out? Well that's what looks like is going to happen in southern Mexico where the last two native speakers of an indigenous language have stopped talking to each other. Maybe one of them had been caught going to a virtual supermarket...

There are many moments when people are predicting the end of the world as we know it, so it was refreshing to see that the possible solution to this doomsday scenario has been started. The ark (okay, cave) will hold many species of important crops at a low temperature to preserve them for the possibility of having to start the world anew after a nuclear war, asteroid impact, climate change etc. Let's just hope that we resist putting the genetically modified variety in there...

So you think your barbecue this summer was big? Well think again. A Frenchman has managed to spit-roast a whole 550 kilo camel. I suppose when they were serving it, the eaters were asked if they would like one lump or two. Sorry, I'll get my coat...

Just when you thought that it would be great to eat that camel, maybe you should take note, that people are being turned away from New Zealand for being too fat. Yep, time to go on that diet again...

It is often considered very thoughtful when people offer to donate money to help the less able (whether financially, physically, or mentally). Some people might however have reservations about what a woman in Chile is doing in order to raise money for disabled children. She works as a lady of the night (alright, prostitute) and has promised to donate her earnings from 27 hours to the charity.

So, time to put the wood on the fire (or turn up the radiators) and snuggle up to a good film. In fact that's what I did the other day (just the film part). "Maria, full of grace" it was called, and despite it's hard subject matter (drug smuggling), was a well filmed moving story.

Talking about Colombia, here's an interesting story from the BBC about Garcia Marquez country.

Enjoy...

Remember, remember, the fifth of November

Whilst Halloween is being prepared for, and maybe Guy Fawkes Night too, what better way to get used to the clock-rollback time than to sit back with a nice hot cup of tea and read the news. Well, that's what I'd be doing if I wasn't writing this right now.

So, on with the headlines.

Do you remember collecting those football/animal stickers as a kid and filling up your albums with them? Well times have changed. Now you get to collect pictures of your local bobbies. Just ask a passing policeman for his card and stick it in the book. One downside I see with this. Children are most likely to get loads of stickers for little time outlay if they go direct to accidents/burglary locations and ask the 20 policeman there...

For those of you who didn't read one of my previous posts about chinese censorship, then maybe this will be of interest. In preperation for the Olympics there the big bad censorship machine has rolled out it's newest weapon, namely the full net censorship clampdown. One wonders if that means that during the games only chinese winners will be named to the outside world...

When one thinks of what is necessary to show the public in order to become a politician I'm sure one of the first things on thew list will be honesty (whether or not they actually show this attribute after being voted is another matter). Well, in Mexico they must think things differently, as one politician even cheated at a running race in Berlin...

Want a new pet? Not just for Christmas? How about a pig? Too big you say? Not these ones. Yep, get your domestic pig in pint size now...

Everyone knows that census is an important thing. Filling in the forms help to let everyone know about the population of a country, so most people wouldn't bat an eyelid before filling in the form. But how would they feel, if they were forced to stay at home this day and await government representatives? Well, that's what the population of Peru ere forced to do. Maybe they will be forced to stay at home on election days, football wins, etc...

And finally the best way to stop speeding on the roads. Cameras? Police presence? Speed Bumps? How about an advert showing that speeding isn't big (in every sense of the word). Yes, in Australia this advert has been shown and apparently has had a very good response. Go on, have a look.

So another roundup done, getting the pumpkin ready for tomorrow and wrapping up warm round the fire (or is that TV nowadays?).

Spook you soon...

Chillies, Imperial Clocks and Hoovers

So, after visiting the Great British Cheese Festival (missed the beer one this year) and waddling out of there a good couple of pounds heavier, what better way to let everything settle down than with some good hot chillies.

Except of course if you happen to be a chef in Soho who's premises have just been surrounded by police in chemical warfare suits after a cloud of smoke was seen escaping from his building. Now there's something that'll tingle your taste buds...

And before you say, well that just proves that chillies are no good, scientists have managed to make an anaesthetic out of them too.

Now down to Australia. A visitor to a courtroom had a rather embarrassing time recently. His phone went off, and before he had managed to switch it off (after over 20 seconds) everyone had heard that he didn't use a normal ringtone, instead he had the sound of a woman moaning in satisfaction. Maybe that was after using her new mp3 player from my last entry...

And staying in the land down under, a burglar was apparently incriminated after leaving DNA on some rubber gloves he had used at the scene. What was worse for him was that this was no ordinary burglary, rather one involving a hoover as a pleasure aid. I don't think I'll go into more detail there (read the link if you want all the info).

Moving further north we come to China. Here officials have apparently admitted that the Three-Gorges-Dam project has been an environmental catastrophe, and will be worse still if something isn't done to help it right away. Nice to know governments can play around with their parts of the world without thinking about the future of the rest of us...

Now onto the United States. Yes, only here do politicians manage to take God to court. This case is actually to show how ridiculous some recent cases have been, but the fact that it He can be sued through the courts has to show something about the system that they use.

Down south one comes to Venezuela. Here president Chavez decided to put their clocks back 30 mins in order to show that the country is not dependent on the imperial country of the US. However, slight hickup. He actually got mixed up when giving the population the 5 days of warning, and told them to put the clocks forward by mistake. The adjustment has now been postponed til the end of the year, to allow everyone to make their arrangements.

Conspiracy theorists get out your tin hats. Turkey is to be thrown out of the EU? Not quite the news that everyone was expecting, but if you see the new face of the 2 Euro coin, maybe you'll also start believing.

And finally, ever wanted to know why men need to shave? Or why they really don't want to be left alone with the baby? Check this page out for the whole story.

So, back to the grinder, or rather, the kitchen. Guests again, so got to prepare all that cheese (gromit).

Eat up...

Survival, the Pint, and Weight Loss

Last week was a dangerous week. Not only did a woman in Hong Kong fight with a python to rescue her dog, but a hedgehog managed to survive the spin cycle at 40 degrees in a washing machine. A blind man defended himself from a mugger (ok, he might have been blind, but he was also a Judo champion), and an armed robber needed to be dealt with in hospital after he ill-advisedly tried to hold up a karate school.

As for the pint, this has been saved from the European metric monster at last. We can finally relax down the pub, calm in the knowledge that nobody's going to short-change us. Drink Britannia!

Now many people try it but don't succeed. Others achieve it but don't enjoy it. Yes, the losing of weight is a persistent problem in today's world. So what better news than without even trying weight loss can happen. Unfortunately not the type that you were thinking. The reference kilo weight has apparently loss some weight. They can't explain how it occurred. More importantly though, how did they know, if the standard itself decreases? Maybe they used our good old pint, that's not going to be changed for anyone :)

Eying those chillies for supper, but don't want any stomach problems afterwards? No need to worry. According to latest research, these hot beasts actually are good for you. Another great reason to celebrate with a pint (getting the theme yet?).

This will shock you to the toes. Prepare yourselves. Commercialism really has gone too far this time. Paddington Bear will apparently be seen to chuck away his marmalade for Marmite. It's time now to stand up for our childhood, and protect it from these money-wielding story-ruining city boys...

Didn't know what to have to eat the other day? Run out of meat? Don't worry, in Venezuela they managed to cook up a sancocho for 70.000 people. Now you know where all the supermarket meat went...

In order to have as many new babies born on the national day, a russian district has announced a regional holiday exactly nine months before, to allow couples to, well, get together. Prizes are offered, and with birth rates increasing year on year, it seems like the message is getting across.

Now for that surreal part of the day. Those people who ever wanted to combine various household devices will be thrilled (literally), after the announcement of the MP3 pleasure toy (and there was I thinking that was why mobiles have the vibrate function...).

Stay tuned...

Campaigns, Flying Lasers, Hidden Countries and Light Relief

It's not normal that I start off with such a long heading, but seeing as I haven't put pen to paper (or rather, finger to keyboard) for a while I thought it best to catch up.

Before I get on though, in case you hadn't already heard, on the 14th August I became an uncle. Yes, I'm feeling old already. My only consolation is the fact that at least I'm not a grandparent :)

Last night someone else felt older as well. Well, she got older. Whether she felt older or not is another questions. Yes, Jackeline celebrated her birthday by sending us all back into the realms of 50s films (it was a black and white party).

Anyways, back to the other news. For those who have not known what to do with themselves after production of the famous Cadburys Wispa bar ceased in 2003, never fear. The company has given in to a net campaign to bring it back, so go look at the supermarket shelves soon.

So you're off on holiday, packed your bags, checked in, got on the plane, and sat down next to the window. What more could one want. Well how about a laser weapon on board in case a hostile country decides to send off rockets into the sky (er, like guy falkes night, you mean?). Well, don't despair, as this is what is being attached to the latest Boeing 747s. Feel safer now? I didn't think so...

Been to the pyramids? No? Well now you can become your own pharaoh, as they are to start building a 578m high pyramid to entomb the graves or remains of the recently deceased in Germany. One would have thought that mass graves were not a thing to go around advertising in this day and age...

For those of you thinking that as China is to host the next Olympics and all, surely they have opened up their country more to the international journalists, right? Well read this report by a BBC correspondent and then make up your mind.

Ever tried to comprehend the Scots? Didn't succeed? Don't know why? Well try this site, which helps explain the usage, phonetics, etc of both Scotch and Scottish English.

Now just when things looked like they were getting too serious, here comes the entertainment for the day. Ever wondered what happened to pleasure toys that were no longer required? Well this site has a recycling scheme in place...

Well, that's it for now. Get back in front of the TV with a cup of Bovril and watch us get beaten at football once again.

Football's been coming home for ever...

Fun fun fun in the sun sun sun

Well, that's what I'm hoping for anyway come 10 days when I'll be hoping to relax on one of the beaches of Valencia. Yes, the time has come again, I'm off for some sun, sea and sandcastles?

So what's been going on here lately?
Gemma, Victor and Alejandra have been staying with us the past week, but unfortunately didn't get to see any sun until the day before they left.
Carlitos has his cousin over as well, meaning more KUZ late nights...

For those of you safari lovers, there's a film doing the rounds on YouTube of an interesting attack on a buffalo calf from a group of lions, which a crocodile then got involved in and lost, and then the buffalo herd came back in numbers and attacked the lions. For those who have been to a game reserve, this is something you almost definitely didn't see.

Well that's about it for now, back to the grindstone and all that.

Tune in next time where hopefully there'll be a surprise...

Weddings, birthdays, floods and cakes

Water levels in the UK are apparently going down again, but that doesn't mean it's stopped raining. Here in Mainz it also has a regular downpour every day, which just happens to catch you when you're travelling between home and work...

Despite this, on Thursday 26th July the day stayed splendid for the wedding of Vanessa and Ken. The ceremony itself happened in the centre of the city, and so all the noise that accompanies such an occasion drew a lot of attention from the passers-by. All the better, as the Capoeira dancing that took place outside was definitely something worth watching.

Talking about that wedding, I forgot to mention the party that happened later on that evening. Music, food and drink were all of the expected standard, but one thing that was definitely unique (or is that dual-nique) were the cakes that Erica baked for the occasion. They were magnificent, a lot better than any one could order from a cake-shop. That was of course a mistake from her part, as I will now be making regular orders of them from her :)

Many birthdays at this time of the year, no time to write all of the cards though, so here's the general Happy Birthday! wish.

You just have to feel lucky though. This time that you're not living in Barcelona, where there has been a power cut for the last three days...obviously someone was trying out the christmas lights a bit too far in advance...

So make sure you're stocked up with non-perishable goods (lard, baked beans, marmite) as you never know what this weather will bring next...

Summer Sun and More Festivals


Once more we are reminded that summer does not necessarily mean sun. With rainstorms appearing multiple times each day, and the flooding that's already started in Yorkshire in the UK, I tend to revert to my memories of playing in Bushy Park as a kid with not a cloud in the sky. Well, we can forget that ever happening again, I'm already investing in tornado-proof housing...

Who said there's lots of celebrations in Germany? Well, whoever it was was right. This last weekend saw the celebration of the Johannisnacht. Important events include the baptism of printers...need I say more...

Well, despite having managed to escape the bad weather for a short walk along the river to see the artisan stands on sunday, the drissle doesn't look like it will allow anything longer than 30 mins without making you swim the rest of the way. And I thought we were nearly in July...

Stay dry!

Babies, Earthquakes, and EOL

No more waiting on Aline's behalf, she gave birth to Eric on 8th June. So congratulations go out to her.

Ever wanted to know where the last earthquake or tremor happened or how big it was? Now you can with live info from the Seismic Monitor

How many different animal species can you name? Five maybe? 20? 100? Well, the Encyclopaedia of Life (EOL for short) has set out to put all 1.8 million species into one central place on the web. Of course it will take some time, but go check out their site now and bookmark it, it looks set to be a definitive reference guide.

So, that's it for now, the seeds are sown, the earth watered and the sun is strong (36 degrees at 8pm again last week...) so let's see how long til there's food on the plate :)

Mmmm, food...

Changes Afoot


Where did May go you may ask? Well, don't ask me I'm still trying to figure out where March and April went too...

So what's being on then? You might have noticed that there have been a couple of changes on the design of this site. I'm currently in the process of updating the site and so will be making more changes in the near future as well.
The current additions are the google adbanner at the top of this page. Not that I expect loads of people to be clicking on it, but sometimes it does come up with some relevant links relating to the content of this site.
The other change is the link to the lonely planet guide to Colombia. As I've mentioned a few times in previous posts, I find the Lonely Planet guides are most useful and more relevant than the other guides. Anyways, there is currently a link there for you to buy this book (from Amazon UK). If any other versions are required, for instance from another country, then let me know and I'll see what I can do.


So now maybe some news? Well for those of you planning to buy chinese toothpaste in Panama (you know who you are) maybe you should first of all read the ingredients list before you buy (and not use it if the potentially-fatal diethylene glycol is on the list).

Now one for Helen (so listen up). Ever wanted to make sure you hamster doesn't suffer from jetlag? Well, feed him Viagra and he'll be back on that running wheel before you can say "hide him from the children". Of course, if there happens to be a female in the cage as well, the wheel might not end up seeing so much use as expected...

And from Singapore comes the news that they no longer have the problem of finding Nemo. They can locate him every time as they have chipped the fish in their aquarium (not the potato kind, the electronic kind, like used in supermarkets). Of course the link to recipes and best wine to have with the meal will be taken off of the information list before any visitors get any ideas...

So you think you know enough about mythology, the greek and roman gods, even some of those lesser known gods? Well I bet you didn't know about this one. Yes, the husband to the Queen is in fact an island deity. So next time you're travelling to a far off jungle, maybe you should make sure you pack a few royal family pictures as well - you never know, they might save you...

Well, now it's time to get back to organising the place. After the extreme weather changes here it's been hard to know what to wear. But now the temperatures of 36 degrees at 8pm seem to have gone after the huge storm we had yesterday, it's become a lot cooler outside (although I'm still going to be wearing my shorts).

So it just leaves me to wish Javi a great time up in Berlin still, as the photos of my visit will be up here soon :)

Watch this space !

Summer in the City

The last two weeks have seen temperatures soar through the roof here in Mainz. 30 degrees celsius is not normal for april, but is definitely becoming more common. Which of course makes a good excuse for going to the river and having a barbie ! (BBQ, barbecue, nothing to do with the child's toy - so stop sniggering at the back there!).

We welcomed back Miguel from Croatia who came especially to grill with us. Okay, he didn't but as he was just back for a few days, it did make the event feel special.
Talking about feelings, Carlitos was the envy of all once the evening was over and the Biergartens were empty once again. Yes, the grillmaster himself has turned a lovely colour of roasted lobster, as he was standing in one position the whole afternoon looking after the food.

But back to the present as it's actually looking like the weather is sorting itself out now. Talking about presents, that's what Olga's been going through all yesterday and most of today, seeing as it was her birthday yesterday, which was duly celebrated in Sausalitos restaurant/bar here. With 40 people turning up, the climate definately felt like we were in the carribbean as we sweltered in the heat. But all went well, the happy hour was well used by all present, especially with such glorious momentos of each drink being served in the form of flourescent bracelets. These then became more effective later on when we went down to the Biergarten and it was all dark.

Of course Roberto came down from Hamburg for the occasion, which meant that this morning was brunch in Cafe ExtraBlatt time. Changing to the Schillerplatz one however was not a good idea (what do you mean you don't do butter? And what's this half-fat margarine stuff??). We'll be back at the Domplatz one next time...

Well, after having various strange noises from the neighbours again late at night, let's see if some sleep can be had tonight, as not everybody has the day off tomorrow...

Stay cool...

Easter Bunnies

So, Easter is over, egg wrappers are lying all over the floor, and nobody wants to go near the weighing scales. Must be time to read the news...

On the subject of food, scientists have finally managed to answer that long-time question (no, not the meaning of life, the universe and everything) of how to make the perfect bacon buttie (that is bacon sandwich to thos of you already confused).

A Slovenian man who went for a little swim down the Amazon, has finally made it, having swum the whole length (3,272 miles) in 66 days. Of course nobody forgot to tell him that he left his passport back at the beginning...

And for those of you wondering around the little village of Stansted trying to find the airport, British Airways has finally owned up to the fact that their maps have placed the airport in the wrong area. I'm just pleased I wasn't trying to land there in the fog...

So, as the sunny weather outside beckons, you'll have to turn on the radio for the rest of the news.

Start unpacking the sandals...

Time does fly

So, another year has passed, and I don't even know where all those days, hours, minutes have gone. Wherever they went, they did it quietly.

Well I suppose you're wanting to hear what's gone on in the last 12 months. For that I would of course need a very long time to explain, which is why I might just start anew right now and provide any infos that I think could be useful to know.

The only interesting thing that happened today, was that I spoke to Javi again. Sounds like he's having fun in Berlin, although he's still missing his very own sweet capital...
He celebrated his birthday recently (7th) just after Lou celebrated hers.

From my side there's a lot going on, but what's new. I have made my new year's resolution (ok, new blog-year's resolution) that I'll try to write more frequently, so look out for the latest stories, they be coming thick and fast (not like my custard then, that's just thick and lumpy).

Keep your eyes peeled

The Real Germany, Shock Absorbers and Saverio's Birthday

Well, not wanting to be a bit hasty, but last week a certain somebody else from Madrid celebrated another year on this earth (as opposed to the other one?). Yes, Javi became one year older on March 7th (not the 4th, like somebody thought...). So hope he got what he wished for...

Now onto some news. People never seem to believe me when I recount tales of things that happen on a regular basis here in Germany (like trains always being late - well, my ones anyway). So it was good to see another reporter found out for himself exactly what's going on here when he came over to visit Cebit in Hannover. Read his article (here) and then you'll get to know the real facts.

Now for something a bit light-headed (well light, something, anyway). Ever thought of the best way to market a sports bra? No, I didn't think so. Well someone has done it, and to what effect ! Take a look at the "interactive" website here. Amazing ! And who said that marketing types were all boring...

Other things happening around the world at the moment: In Colombia the Congressional Election is under way today, of course not without a huge amount of criticism surrounding the paramilitary involvement (despite offically being disbanded now). The presidential election comes a couple of month's later...

Next up is Castro, who has decided on a bit of luxary for when he flies over to visit Bush, sorry, that'll never happen...but he has just received two new planes from Russia. Take a look inside them here. Good to know the people aren't going hungry...

Apart from that, Valencia is currently being rocked by a set of blasts on a daily basis. But don't worry, it's not a terrorist attack, rather the opening of the Fallas that every day sees the mascleta go off...
For those who can, get over there and party.

So, another week gone by, another reel of news seen and read. Nothing left to say, but see you soon...

Congratulations

As always at this time of the year, there's a birthday in toe. This time it's Lou's. She celebrated her ### (-edited) year yesterday. So happy birthday to you !

Something else spectacular happened yesterday. I was online when I came across someone I hadn't spoken to for a while. He was having a computer problem (why does everyone I know have a computer problem?). Helping him out, he told me that he had just managed to access the results of his spanish diploma (nivel superior). I can't think of another word to describe this, he was ecstatic! He couldn't stop talking (normally a trait associated with me) and was obviously over the moon. Who could it be you may be asking? Well, if it wasn't obvious by now, it was the main man - Luca !! (of course, I'm expecting Laurent to come out of the jungles of Angola with a certificate in portuguese any moment, but this day solely belonged to the italian). So without further ado, well done Luca !!!

And that's about it for the moment, except to state that after certain adventures of 12 hours in Atlanta Airport and a delayed suitcase full of clothes (the one with presents in arrived safely) Olgui is now contemplating how to put up with the speed of life in Colombia, after the hectic that was here in Germany before her Vordiplom exam (which, of course, she passed).

Well, that'll be it for now, except maybe you might want to check out a test site for my new photo albums. Not recommended for non-DSL users (bit bandwidth hungry), but try it out, and tell me what you think (click here).

That'll be it for now then, sleep tight.

Hands On Trips

Unusual title, but you'll soon see the links.

First things first, a big "Happy Birthday" goes out to Jordi today, who has actually decided to celebrate it by buying some new sunglasses. Yes, he's gone off to Italy accompanied by the ever-friendly Albé (saludos a tu padre). Here's hoping he gets to taste some home-made pasta...

Yesterday, it was also the birthday of Gem (brother's fiancée), of course being a lady, I won't even attempt to mention her age :)

Someone else who's gone away is Olga. She's gone back to her homeland Colombia to soak up the sun and forget about the upcoming World Cup here in Germany.

Speaking of Colombia, one has to be careful there nowadays. As a cyclist found out when he groped a woman in the street. He is now spending the next four years in prison for his troubles.

Now, the news you have all been waiting for. There is scientific proof that a having sex increases your lifespan. The bad news - you have to be a zambian mole rat for that to be true.

The US is not well known for it's religious tolerance. However, in a supreme court ruling, a brazilian church that uses hallucinogenic tea in it's rituals has been granted permission to keep on doing so, despite the FBI previously banning it.

Another news story from that local hub of activity - Darmstadt. A local resident complained to police that the drugs he just bought from his dealer were not good quality, and wanted his money back. Of course, police decided to arrest him for possessing the drugs anyway, and even let the dealer go...

Well, for the moment it's all Helau, seeing as we're into the carnival weekend in Mainz. Yes, people dressed up in funny costumes and drunkards all over the place (and I'm not just talking about the student bars).

So wrap up warm and don't let any strangers in...

Perfectly Poured Beer and the Return of Mussolini

Not so far away from here, at the technical uni of Darmstadt (Alarm!), students have just handed in their seminar practical application. And it's interesting ! Yes, no longer do you need to spend hours trying (and failing) to pour your Hefeweizen beer into it's long glass, without creating too much head, or not getting all the yeast out of the bottle. These students have produced a machine that does it for you ! Talking about all this beer makes me thirsty, but still in pain from that wisdom tooth being taken out last monday, there's no way I'm going to be seeing one of those soon. Not like this other guy, who drank everything out of the fridge...

Whilst investigating a bit about the old Hefeweizen, I came across a site that shocked me to the core. No, not someone that doesn't like beer, much worse. Someone has published a recipe for my special beer pancakes, that I was renowned for whilst living in the Wohnheim Hechtsheim !! Now I have to go and prove that I invented them first...

Any of you unlucky in love, and think that a mobile phone ringtone can't change that? (it can, you try playing the Crazy Frog tune on it, and you'll see all the members of the opposite sex clambering to get away from you). Well, a woman has invented Pherotones - tunes that make you attractive to anyone you want. And they're pretty specific ringtones too (check out the variety), for guys and gals, so try them out (and send me the photos if they worked).

The US has decided that it was about time it's troops got to learn how to interact with the Iraqi people whilst they're spending in their country. About time too, you may say, as not all people can speak english (some might argue that most americans can't speak it either, but that's a subject for another time). Anyway, what better method to teach the soldiers than to program them a scenario game, where gestures are used, and explained why they were chosen over other more usual (and western) ones. Great! you might think, but hang on, you don't think they programmed the game from scratch do you? No, of course not, they used the engine from another game. And what game would that be? Why, the well known shoot-em-up Unreal Tournament. Makes me feel all safe inside...

And now on to Italy. Yes the land of cornettos, pizza and pasta. So what's happening there then? Well, as the election campaign gets under way, the current bun, sorry president, has decided to forge links with the Mussolini party and two other neo-fascist parties. Good to know he doesn't try to hide his ideals...
On top of that, the supreme court there has decided that the rape of a young girl (14) was less serious because she was already "sexually active". It just beggers belief.

To end on a good note, I will be offering my services (no, not those sort) of company for the 15th March and 15/16th April in Madrid, where I'll be stopping over from my next holiday to Colombia . So anybody around at that time, get in contact and I'll try to meet up for a quick (or long) beer or two or three. Oh, and the tapas :)

Mmmmm, food...

Sales and Football

No sooner is it reported that Jordi's abode is being extended, then he jumps over board and head off for the lowlands. In so doing ideas start forming in his mind...could it be that he's off to Toulouse...or is it just a diversion whilst he really concentrates his efforts in Brussels...tune in next week to find out more.

For those of you in the centre of the centre (Madrid), you might be interested to know that Air Madrid has offers on at the moment for return fares to Rome, Milan, Paris, London and Frankfurt for 27 Euros (excluding taxes). So get your skates on and go travelling (that means you too, Lou).

A Peruvian football team has been wondering recently, why sales of their shirts have gone through the roof. Could it be the lovely green color? Or their cheap price? Well, actually it's because of the name of the team: Deportiva Wanka. If you're not sure what that means, check out an english slang dictionary.

That's it for now...

The foolish man built his house upon the sand

You all know how the song goes, so join in !
Okay, don't then.

So this week has seen Jordi get busy making cups of tea (well, seeing as it's Spain, probably coffee, or a beer) for the builders who are now taking his house apart. Hopefully he still has a roof to protect him from the...sun (you thought, I was going to say rain, didn't you?).

Paolo has in the meantime gone down to Nuremberg to show off his gaming skills, but like a boomerang he'll be coming back on monday.

Mar is getting impatient and wanting to give birth now (has it got anything to do with the winter sales that are finishing in a few days?).

Now something for those of you looking to sing hallelujas in bed. Just read the article, I'll say no more.

We've all heard of those big american companies letting their list of customer's credit card numbers fall into dubious hands. However, none have been quite as stupid as the case of the Boston Globe (newspaper).
As the papers are delivered in bundles, to stop them getting wet or dirty, they are wrapped in old paper. You wouldn't guess what was printed on the other side of this rough paper, would you?...

And continuing the theme of stupidness, we have the case of a dealer who's home was robbed of a quantity of drugs. He then went and reported it to the police. The robber was arrested, but so was the dealer. Doh !

Some of you might have heard about Google's censoring in China. Did you really understand it though? Try this test, first look up Tiananmen on google.com.
And now try it on Google China. Scary.

Apart from those titbits, nothing else clambours from my mind to be mentioned, so may you have a relaxing weekend.

Kung Hei Fat Choi!

And so we start the 4703rd year of the chinese calendar. Yes, as of today, we are living in the year of the dog (woof!). What else does one do to celebrate the new year? Check out this link.

And to celebrate such occasion, we have accordingly brought in a special pet. "Welcome back to Mainz" goes out to Paolo (el sardo, el cerdo...) !!
He is currently awaiting his bus from Hahn airport, and assuming the bus driver decides to stop there this time (not like my trip last year), he should be arriving here within the next hour.

For those of you still believing that the quality of food here in Germany is still one of the best, have a look at the following site (in german) about all the problems with sale of out-of-date meat, that you probably hadn't even heard about (they do well about keeping all this news with the realms of the national border).

And now for something completely different.
A well known preservative maker carried out their annual survey on the subject of S (make sure the children are outside) E (close the curtains and stop the neighbours peeking in) X (lay down the rug in front of the warm fire). And the 2005 year's results show...
...well you'll just have to check the site out here and find out for yourself :)

And last but not least, if you're feeling like stargazing over the following week, and the weather is just not being kind, don't dispair. NASA has created a great diversion, in that they've sent a spacesuit out into space relaying a message every 30 seconds. You can listen in to it as from Feb 3rd, tuning in to 145.990 MHz FM (may need a special radio to pick up such a frequency). They even offer certificates to people who here the message, and prizes if you decipher the picture. So get your antennas pointing skywards now !

Well, the snow's stopped falling, the ground's still frozen, and the sun even comes out for a bit (although now it's nightime anyway). So, wrap up well, and tune in again, same time (plus or minus a few days), same place (virtually).

Bye for now