Summer Solstice In Berlin

The longest day was fun and here you see BVFL taking it easy in the city waiting for a drink to be served.
I'll add a collage of images then tomorrow do my best to create a movie for YouTube re the Iranian protest held today. As you'll note the placards , symbolism and photographs speak for themselves . It was an ordered demonstration minus violence . I had hoped to spend the early hours up on Teufelsberg and watch the sun rise on this magical mystical day then enjoy a solstice breakfast. However the best solstice breakie requires a very special spoon but this was 'stuck in a drawer' . Later whilst cycling down the Heerstrasse I met my physiotherapist . He and his wife had been to a Solstice breakfast at the television tower . They had to be there for 4am and it cost forty euro per head .As he said , worth it for a once in year event , but still feel my T Berg notion had the edge .

All Things Bright and ----?

This little collage shows some of the rather unusual things I've seen in the last twenty four hours . The young man is a phenomenal drum player with' Otto Hamborg Viertakter.' At last nights gig he was wearing this spectacular TShirt [a present from a fellow drummer in US ] I loved the message . Next ,-- how about the orchids .These were spotted at Innsbrucker Platz today at a florist's shop by the SBahn . I found their beauty simply breathtaking . The two shots of fish were taken in my favourite food shop, Rogacki , Wilmersdorfer Strasse . Bottom left is a Sea Devil and behind a really red fish poking it's tongue out ! Top right I just couldn't resist .Hardly the Eye of the Tiger though.Then finally a box depicting a camcorder . Yes at last I've done it . This is my brand new Toshiba Gigashot 80 GB model .It arrived today . Off now to fathom it out and hope all works . YouTube here I come .

Fete de la Musique Berlin.

If you really want a great time and music is your thing ,then why not try Berlin this weekend where each year the Fete de la Musique marks the beginning of summer.
Throughout the city are 60 stages all staging a variety of music ( FREE ) .
You name it , you'll find it , every single genre ! Make any iPod freak go wild .
Berlin's Fête de la Musique celebrates the beginning of summer with an amazing variety of live concerts on around 60 stages throughout the city. All music genres are well represented, including world music and jazz, and just in case you missed it , all performances are free.
During the day you can have a terrific time and then at night off to the nightclubs where more performances continue until the early hours .
After that ,what better way to welcome summer yet again , than with an early morning dip at one of the many open air pools .... or ,if a recovery 'sleep in' is called for , no probs as the baths stay open even later at night in Summer .
Have fun ----------

Its Been Fourteen Days and Hours Galore

It's been fourteen days and hours galore, since I last posted here . Fourteen days of news following [that slug Blair having emerged again to play Saint Stir It---yuk]. However even with this and on top of the usual work items , routine chores plus appointments I've managed some pretty interesting times.Last weekend there was the Savigny Platz 2nd Jazz Festival where very mixed weather proved acceptable as the groups were terrific . Then Tuesday the 9th , off to Bristol for an appointment the following day in Cheltenham . Easy Jet proved remarkably good . Just a pity that Schönefeld Airport is such a terrible place . As usual I had the great fortune to meet some wonderful people .Back late in Berlin on the evening of the 10th I had a friend to stay. We managed to pack in stork watching at Malchow , a trip to the Theatre to see the Mel Brooks musical 'The Producers' and, yesterday ,the 47th Deutsch-Französiches Volksfest. [This gets better and better for me as more wild rides are added.] Last night there were fireworks as well. So, if you are to be in Berlin this month or July ,I can recommend the latter three . Note too that the weekend of June 28th is Bergman Strasse Jazz Festival . On this note , I'll close and leave you with these few pictures plus videos ..

Pictures From The Jazz Marathon .

Some are absolutely fabulous . Yes ,I mean the NIGHTCROWD BLUESBAND .
My camera could not do justice to their music and as you'll see I had problems enough due to the sun . So go to their site . It's well worth it and you can hear some of their great sound . http://www.nightcrowdbluesband.be/

Pictures of a few of the groups I saw .. Jazz is rather like literature ,it has very many varieties . Some fair , some middling , some ------ [see the top collage ]

This guy is a regular in as much as he plays his guitar in the streets of Brussels. To sit and watch him was a joy . Fortunately as there was no amplification the little cam picked it up reasonably ..

A Taste Of Brussels

For me , May ended and June began in Brussels . A city which never ceases to amaze. The Jazz Marathon 2009 began on Friday the 29th May and offered a wide range of music at various venues and , all free. As ever, tops for myself and countless others were the Nightcrowd Blues Band .Pictures to follow in another post .
Whilst still 'recovering' from a great time here are two items to give you a taste of Brussels . For believe me when it comes to food and drink the Belgians know a thing or two .As for the little video made in the souvenir area , kitsch but I couldn't resist. Who knows maybe it will get some of you planning for 2010.

Brown and the Brown Noses of Westminster

The Daily Telegraph has done an amazing public service and now we are privy to the truth. Indeed we could paper a lot of rooms using WANTED posters . Yet has it made one jot of difference to these arrogant MP's ? No , no a thousand times no.
We now have Brown defending members of his cabinet and Cameron stating that anyone can make an error involving over 11000 pounds ! Mr C could that be due to them also attending Eton ? Old boy networks and such .. See the latest news on Tory whip Bill Wiggin .
Seems a lot of errors have been made by those who claim to be running the country and our lives . Aren't you glad they don't drive buses or fly planes? Errors or not ,tell me one other job that allows you to claim your mortage interest , brand new luxury fittings and home improvements as the whim takes you ? Plus a rather large monthly food allowance .You name it, they have taken it .Why ? Because it was all so easy .We the tax paying public didn't know of their home made extremely lucrative ,secret system ,the very system they now blame for their errors ,oversights ,confusion. System my eye .It was greed and theft on a grand scale .
We have seen Martin resign as speaker of the house , but as well as remaining until 21st June ,this odius and very guilty creature has set out reforms . As big a joke as his corpulent frame ! Enough to make you laugh so much you could be in need of a panty liner but a caution here ,as a none MP, you can't claim for such. Then we have the spectacle of Ha Ha Harman saying how the rules must be re written and obeyed . Sorry it's all a massive load of horse manure !
This Nuremberg syndrome is too much . Let's get rid of this bunch of thieves and fraudsters . None have said sorry . None have returned the goods we the public paid for . It will merely continue and I for one object to even 1p of my tax ( yes I still pay to this not so great country ) going to these brown nosed liars .
A Parliament run by the very few who who were honest would be a cleaner and trustworthy house . Respected by all at home and abroad. As it is British politics simply stinks .
Were the Nazis allowed to run the trial at Nuremberg themselves ? Clearly not .
Why should this bunch be allowed to be their own judge and jury ?

ps ) I repeat now something I read on the web . Let's hope the next step for the Daily Telegraph is the European Parliament .

Storks and Nature Around Berlin,

This wonderful haven is on the outskirts of Berlin Lichtenberg. It's a nature sanctuary with so much and the bonus is that storks nest there each year . To watch these amazing birds I could only wonder at their grace and style . They arrive each year from South Africa add to the nest , lay between four or five eggs which they tend with care . Once hatched the youngsters are well fed by the parents and learn how to fly . The sanctuary rings all baby storks for tracking purposes . What is amazing is that the little ones literally fly the nest , minus parents and ,with an astonishing ' inbuilt ' system fly off to South Africa . Mature birds leave later . How do they know the way ? If you are in Berlin before the end of July this is a place I can recommend . The staff are friendly , have so much knowledge not to mention time for visitors . Or you can simply relax watching and listening to a 'first class symphony by nature' :- Here is a link to the Lichtenberg information site [in english ] They give a further link to the Malchow sanctuary this is in German though .

http://www.berlin.de/ba-lichtenberg/derbezirk/sehenswert.en.html

Gundling, Kaiserin Victoria at Bornstedt .

Last week I did something for the first time ... bought flowers for a man !
OK , a very much deceased person but one for whom I have admiration . No grave was to be found , merely a rather splendid epitaph ,so the small bouquet was left in the church at Bornstedt near to Potsdam . A place well worth a visit and very much so because of links to the English monarchy ..It is open each weekday until 5pm with helpers to answer questions. Sunday service is on a rota basis with other small places of worship.

Westminster Epidemic [Swine Fever MP Strain]

Britain has Swine Fever .A very virulent variety and those infected appear to have one thing in common..... all are in politics. The symptoms manifest an unusual greed only for the best of everything ,ability to tell lies so marked it makes the devil himself appear angelic . Add to this ,a marked tendency towards parasitic behaviour and the vision is anything but glorious . Furthermore it's crossed the Irish Sea and some very notable formally infamous members of the IRA are now troughing with the best, whilst claiming this is their right . As one born in Manchester ,[a city bombed by these creeps I beg to take issue ] Yes it's fever to the left , fever to the right and as ever those wets the Liberals are infected -
Let's make them hand all and I do mean all back , from bath plugs and paper bags to mock Tudor beams and plasma screens. Everything should be put on permanent display in a museum built and paid for by the very large property portfolios and bank accounts accrued at OUR expense . Each item bearing the infected MP's name and constituency .
As for the 400 pound monthly food allowance .. spare me and us all .Let them do as we do ,pay our own food bills out of what is left over when they ,the infected ones have taxed us every which way to ensure more of their luxury .
The museum could stand for ever as a reminder of how those in Public Service are liable to behave if not checked .Imagine how colourful the decor and grounds could be using repossessed pot plants etc and gardening materials . Works of modern art using ladies panty liners and nappies ... wow - Real Tate Modern stuff.
Let us never forget the new labour government , spawned by Mr Swine Fever himself . He who had the audacity to tell the Queen she must cut costs ,then go on to read his involvement and money making in the epidemic. Indeed he spread the filth from day one. It's taken years for freedom of information to get at all of this........ We should never forget nor let complacency creep back in .
As for those who are still there 'in power'. Don't let's wait one day longer . Sack them minus any pay . Belgium recently managed minus a goverment ... why not Britain . As for the swine Mp's Once sacked quarantine in prison . They are criminals so why not ?

For First Rate Corruption Visit GB

I am feeling extremely bolshie today .More so than usual in fact . Why ?
Because we have even more clear evidence of the robbery which has been going on for years in a country called Great Britain . Robbery of the public by the the politicians and to some tune .
There is so much talk about the corruption in third would countries ..oh my , Britain may no longer rule the waves but it certainly is tops at grand theft .
Expenses for MP's are not lunch vouchers . Oh no , more a never ending banquet . Their trumped up cleaning bills , Internet connections, Sky TV subscription, kitchen equipment , furniture , gardening tools [to name but a few items ] leave one furious and disgusted . Yet what is done ? Answer, very little .
Each and every one of these freeloaders should receive a bailiffs visit .The goods could be taken away after those with such expensive taste had been offered the chance to purchase using their money .Logic tells us they should have plenty .since salaries seem to go untouched for the everyday basics you and I worry about.
I doubt they would pay but let's then distribute the spoils amongst the public .
It appears ZDF [a German TV channel] broadcast my views on such .
Let's broadcast this corruption until we overcome the injustice of it .
Mentioning such .Never forget the grotesque cost of the G20 from which there is no evidence of one positive outcome .It was ,yet another grand mega scam for the scum to gather in luxury and feed richly at our expense. What's even worse is the deafening silence which has now fallen re the police brutality .Even though as we know ,it resulted in a man's death.
I leave you with a YouTube of one not so 'clean' Gordon Brown .Though heaven knows , his unlived in flat should be ,having cost the tax payer over 6000 Pounds for the cleaner . Err , one very expensive cleaner .I say let's find this person .Here Gordon the Greedy expresses surprise and sadness re young people not wanting to be involved in politics on leaving school. This indicates two things .A) he is referring to state school youth .They don't stand a chance anyway since the labour party have ruined the system B) our future 'leaders' will be more of the same .ie ) private school prats who will merely emulate their parents .Gordon forget your moral high ground, just pay the money back and ensure the rest do likewise.

Atheist's,Religious Why the Fuss ? All You Need Is Love .

It all began with advertising on a bus .Maybe you recall a group of atheists wanting to state that there is no God . [Hmm did this include Allah I wonder ]
Now it seems the desire to spread this message in the same manner, is being hotly debated in Germany .
If there is one absolute truth I would like to see spread about , it is as follows :-

"We can live without religion and meditation , but we cannot survive without human affection "

Dalai Lama

The former groups can debate as they will with their theories .What I find so wise about this quotation from the Dalai Lama is ,it's a fact !

Prince Charles and Camilla in Berlin.

Yesterday HRH the Prince of Wales was in Berlin . Amidst a busy schedule he called at the British Embassy , much to the delight of many , yours truly included . For it is a fact universally acknowledged that I , Helena Mikas , am a Royalist. For me the Royals of Britain are what actually make it 'Great '. Educated , mannered and above the corruption of politics , they act as a counter balance to some rather unpleasant characters who seek power and wealth via the House of Commons . As ever it proved fascinating to see the interest of German people and their media . One lady in particular was outstanding . Petra was thrilled once more to meet the Royal couple . I'm so glad that she did as she had taken a days leave just for this visit . She and her family have flown to London on many occasions for the Trooping of the Colour and as true Anglophiles visited many British cities. Here you see her being interviewed by the press and the Royal pair walking towards her . With luck two small movies follow .These capture what for many was a memorable day . It gave me a buzz to see this obviously happy couple . When asked by ZDF Television if I considered it wrong that part of UK taxes are spent on Monarchy I answered with a firm "No " . It is a true pittance when compared with the waste on MP's expenses ( which by the way will continue ) ,on mega security costs incurred again by those in political power .G20 for example . As one who still pays tax to Britain I am feel entitled to this opinion.

Why I Still Have My Case in Berlin.

This little movie made using Picasa reflects my days since the last posting . Whatever life throws at you , somehow Berlin makes it possible to keep going and be happy .

A 'Site' For Sore Eyes .

I stumbled across this site yesterday in that wonder of wonder search engine , Google . As one who has a passion for cooking I find VideoJug terrific without being pretentious or complex. Take a look for yourself . Tonight here's what I cooked . For that extra special touch I added a little Parmesan plus toasted pine nuts to the crumble mix . Delicious . Served with grilled salmon it was a winner .

Main Dish: How To Make Summer Vegetable Crumble

A Berlin Jazz Brunch with Acki Hoffmann.

From first waking until this present moment ,it's been a great day .
When you have perfect weather, fantastic music , superb food , terrific company , not to mention you're alive and well ...you are really 'rich'.
In the heart of Berlin behind the Reichstag are the ARD studios and the Die Eins bar/restaurant. One word sums this place up , fabulous. Performing there today ,Acki Hoffmann and Friends , once again let's hear it for fabulous .Here's a clip of them playing 'Take Five'



Then the thrill of my day. Knowing I had rewritten lyrics for the song 'Slow Boat to China ' ,they had me up to sing along . So ok as a singer I don't merit the fabulous tag , but the experience did . Thank you Acki and all who went along with this .

Ha ha Harriet !

This has got be the joke of the week considering all the revelations we have seen re milking the taxpayer via fraudulent claims ,use of smear tactics and so much more .
These words are from who else ,but the not so very honourable Harriet Harman. A person born to wealth and privilege she adds to her salary in a splendid fashion .
Principles ? Values ? Ms Harman you have to be joking !

"Labour stands for principles and values,"

A Wonderful Easter Weekend .

Germany makes Easter something so memorable each year . Their love of decoration coupled with a sense of fun add to this festival which is for me , the happiest there is .

Good Friday was summer weather ,so off to Teufelsberg to fly kites . The former listening station had lost even more panels . Now it stands looking truly deserted and skeletal . The view over Berlin was spectacular and plenty of people were having picnics .

More brilliant weather on Saturday and yet another fun day. The big one though was yet to come .Easter Sunday , my favourite holiday and where better to celebrate it than at Yorkschlösschen with Otto Hamborgs VierTackter . They entertained us with hours of fabulous music from Baroque to Rock 'n' Roll. Wow did we dance .The collage shows several pictures taken from ,people met to decor to musicians .[ A bonus being the arrival of Acki Hoffmann.] Note the unusual Curate's egg breakfast I had Easter Sunday morning . Not only the cross of Saint George but four quails eggs . Very tasty .

Easter Monday brought more sun, so off to the Gendarmenmarkt . Famous for the Konzert Halle , Deutschen Dom and Französische Dom . Here's a little video of the carillon of sixty bells .This was installed in 1987 to celebrate 750 years of Berlin. Between 2004 - 2006 this astonishing church 'rose from the dead ', so to speak as 50,000 Euro was spent renovating it and replacing 18 of the bronze bells . Worth it ? I think you know my answer .

Pontiff Blair's Easter Message-Pure Bunkum.

After a while spent in the ' wilderness of wealthy friends' , Britain's very own Born Again Pontiff Anthony Blair the first ,has emerged with make up and that cheesy insincere grin we once knew so well.

Do note ,no wearing of threadbare clothing and rope sandals , but a very expensive suit plus hand made shoes. Following that strange British fashion of other mass murderers to convert to Catholicism [ well even they know their day will come , and just as Saddam's weapons were never found , nobody has come to tell us what lies on the other side] Saint Anthony of Westminster was taking no chances

So what is this message of Pontiff Blair ?

Seems he wants us to be know that never a day passes without he thinks about the Iraq invasion . Really ! I imagine the same could be said for many Iraqis and decent people all over the world who opposed this trumped up massacre, resulting as it has in numerous horrific deaths plus torture . It appears His Holiness Blair had a struggle making the decision to invade .Almost painful ,like crucified hands one might say .Which brings me back to this feeble attempt to deliver his greasy , oily sermon cloaked in humility .

His Holiness Blair assures us that he finds comfort and assurance in the knowledge that there is a greater power than himself . [Sorry I must pause to wipe the tears from my eyes .] Was there ever any doubt of this oh Pontiff Blair ?

Most of us knew the cleaner at 10 was ,as like as not , greater than you. *ref

Yes, you who have lied , cheated , swindled tax payers money a la New Labour. Orwell saw you and your ilk coming ! [Unlike Jackie Smith's husband who merely saw porn stars doing the same, all be it in another sense ]

Now it seems you're back for the post as European President . More expenses ?

I take it that after your recent run in with the Papal Powers re their treatment of homosexuals we can all rest easier in our beds in the sure knowledge that when your day arrives and you meet your maker , after telling HIM what to do, HH Blair will , as like as not, put in for the post of God .

The bunkum according to Blair

* ref "In the end you accept there is a higher power than yourself and that is both something that should make you fearful, but something that also is a source of comfort."

A Sunny April Sunday

Some rather special shots taken this weekend . This sensational Citroen car and caravan . What would I give to own these beauties .There would be no stopping me then .Watch out the world I'd be travelling .

The lovely church at Alt Kladow .It has a very famous organ and there are free concerts on the third Wednesday of each month . Note the delightful shadow of the tree made by the sun.
And finally a real sight for sore eyes ! Miss V looking as she once did on the hockey pitch in her grammar school days.Cycling long distances can be hard on ones 'seat' so over my cycling tights I wore gents underpants . Coordinating of course and , purchased for the purpose .Later on there was FKK swimming but no pictures of that. You just have to believe me . Here's hoping your weekend has been as much fun.

Happy Birthday Tchibo .Sixty Years Young.

 

Sixty years ago saw the 'birth' of Tchibo ,a German chain store for coffee, but , with a difference as they also sell goods. Each week a different theme . eg kitchen ware, camping and outdoors , bathroom, the list is endless and the products of superb quality .Prices being so economical as to be unreal , guarantees excellent and their return policy is ,'no fuss money back ',sensational.
Today whilst out shopping in Wilmersdorf I stopped for a coffee at Tchibo .Not only was thís at a special birthday rate of 65cents ,it was served with a birthday brownie .This photograph was taken using my Tchibo digital camera as indeed are all my blog pictures and videos. Not bad since the original cost only 65 euro over three years ago . Due to a lot of use , careless handling plus wear and tear it developed a fault last summer just prior to the warranty ending . What did Tchibo do ? They gave me a brand new camera . The same model ,since this was my wish .Service plus .
After looking at 400euro cameras and watching reviews I've decided to review this little cam .YouTube watch out .
So meanwhile let's hear it once again for Tchibo.
Happy 60th Birthday Tchibo and many more years of first class trading .To date you have given the public ,service , satisfaction and style.

Swans In Berlin

A much nicer start to April than expected .

Men Who 'Drive You' ---Crazy

Calling in for a Belgian Beer at the Haus of 100 Biers ,one of Berlin's best eateries , can result in rather pleasant encounters . Last night proved the case .
These two guys are both drivers and to put it mildly , were entertaining.
On the left is a trainee Berlin taxi driver fresh out of his first day at taxi school. I never knew this involved so much .There had to be a toast to his success. If enthusiasm is a marker he's a winner . On the right is a Danish driver . He spoke perfect English and drives Danish school groups on European educational visits. One week Berlin , next Rome ,then Paris etc , etc . His schedule is very full at this time of the year . For years he has done this work and obviously enjoys it . Today he is en route back to Denmark. Seems he'll take his wife to the cinema on Friday and then whoosh off once more with yet another party .I'll say it again .. people such as these are the interesting ones . Good luck to them both .

Advance April Fools !

This has to be the joke of the year .The full article was found at AP news yahoo.com. Such excellent reading I've provided the link at the end of this post.

'BEIJING – China is calling for a new global currency to replace the dominant dollar, showing a growing assertiveness on revamping the world economy ahead of next week's London summit on the financial crisis.'

No doubt each note would carry the words MADE IN CHINA . I can tell you now any money from there would be fit for only one purpose and since a bunch of leaves does just as well , give me such .
Unlike China and similar dictator type countries we don't have a peasant class.
Their wealth is built on slave labour and suppression of the masses with no freedom of speech or workers rights .
It is noteworthy that countries who have moved their manufacturing for this cheap workforce and trade mainly with China have been hit the hardest . Here in Germany , where shoddy Chinese goods are shunned , European countries providing quality ,it's life very much as usual .
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/as_china_global_currency;_ylt=ArDdJz6LcusZLgruHQJiAunZn414

Sour Grapes Mr Rushdie ?

It isn't too long ago since Salman Rushdie attacked the Oscar winning film 'Slumdog Millionaire' as being ridiculous. One reason for his disdain being that for a young man from the slums to actually succeed on the Indian version of 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire (quote ) " beggars belief"
Last night we saw this film here in Berlin . It's amazing so I can't help but think Mr Rushdie is somewhat sour at the way in which truth is well portrayed in this work of fiction. It captures the spirit of India.
The late Jade Goody didn't win 'Who Wants To Be a Millionaire ', indeed much of her fame stemmed from lack of general knowledge ,but , she became a media star and Britain is now preparing for her huge televised ,public funeral. From the PM down , so many tributes are written . The numerous radio phone in programmes include those who rather like Rushdie find this all 'beggars belief'. Yet we have Stephan Fry likening her to :-
" a princess Di from the wrong side of the track "
It may beggar belief but believe it or not there is much coverage of Jade Goody here in Berlin.
Slumdog Millionaire has won eight Oscars. Do try and see it . Let me know your views .
As for Mr Rushdie and his books . Well for most of the public he is best known as the author who ,twenty years ago ,had an Islamic death sentence imposed on him . This by the Iranian government following publication of his Satanic Verses .
Sour grapes do not enhance your smile Mr Rushdie ! Nor does being born to wealth in Mumbai give you right to scorn the hopes,dreams and possible destiny of the underclass.

South African Hypocrisy.

Today I spotted this headline :-
South Africa bars Dalai Lama from peace conference
On reading the article I was sickened . Basically a country which was able to free itself of the evils of apartheid , through massive world support , is now unable to act so honourably towards others .Read this quote from AP :-
"Thabo Masebe, spokesman for President Kgalema Motlanthe, said now was not the time for such a high-profile visit from the Tibetan spiritual leader and added that South Africa hoped to avoid being "the source of negative publicity about China."
In spite of protest by Archbishop Tutu and many others the government will not budge . A few of those invited have already declined to attend but unless all drop out leaving the South African government and the Chinese to play brown noses together, nobody will ever take this Tibetan ordeal seriously .
The Chinese are to the Tibetans what the white South Africans were to the blacks.
Mandela was demonized by them as the Dalai Llama is by Beijing .
I suggest South Africa and China get together , maybe even invite Robert Mugabe 'none champion' of human rights, plus those responsible for horror in the Sudan etc . When it comes to genocide and atrocities they are all so well suited .
Only last week in conversation with a friend I remarked that as one who has been in most countries of the world , Africa was not included . I added then I had no wish to go .Now I am more than ever positive .
Another lot of goods to boycott . Quite sensible as well during the recession . Support Europe .. boycott Chinese and South African products .
You will at least have a healthier bank balance not to mention conscience .
Here's an apt quote from Ralf Waldo Emerson to close with :-
'Every man alone is sincere. At the entrance of a second person hypocrisy begins '
NB
do look up the biography of President Kgalema Motlanthe .He was in the underground movement , organized military training for sabotage and much more .Lucky he wasn't oppressed by China . Who is he therefore to reject the presence of a real man of peace .
The Dalai Llama lives via peace ,not sabotage and violence , he promotes freedom through dialogue and yet is demonized.

Mathias Tretter. Proof That Germans Do Have Humour.

It is a falsehood universally believed that Germans have little or no sense of humour ! My response to which is .. "Total hogwash".
Germany does have an amazing comedy cabaret scene plus many small theatres . On Tuesday we went to Die WühlMause am Theo to see Mathias Tretter. He did a one man show which brought the house down and then ,there were two encores !
This extremely tall, mid thirties young man from southern Germany , now lives in Leipzig but tours none stop .Just look up his schedule .. then should you be any where near to a venue ,get a ticket . His impersonation of Angela Merkel is side splitting.as indeed are most of his takes on politicians . With observational skills such as his nobody is immune from ribbing . What is noticeable about comedy here ,is that it's very funny but minus foul language.

The 'Vacant Can' From The Vatican !

I don't know about you but I was disgusted with the comments made by the Pope in Africa ..... 'Condoms wont solve the HIV Aids epidemic ...'
REALLY ! He advocates total abstinence [ Ok Benedict try telling that to those priests within your numbers who have been found guilty of child abuse.] If my memory serves me right that got a mere apology .
Condoms are not a cure but my word they are a great preventative and when it comes to stopping the spread of all STD's, necessary .
There is another factor here . Many men are opposed to the use of condoms as they say it lessens their pleasure .Your ridiculous words will give such types a reason to continue with their 'macho view'. This on a continent where women are not treated equally is careless , thoughtless , uneducated talk.
Finally for you to actually state that the use of condoms actually increases the HIV Aids rate is little short of criminal and a blatant lie .
Having left the Roman Catholic church .. you being one of the reasons . I know for sure that my decision was the right one .
You're like a vacant can .. lots of noise but that's all .

Snow Queen Vix From Ebay.

Having resisted for years , I finally gave in this week and signed up to EBay .
Those who know me will not be suprised that my first search was for snowdomes , known here in Germany as Schneekügeln .
This amazing item has a fascinating history . It belonged to a Germany guy who was given it years ago by a French exchange student . Not a fan of schneekügeln he left it in the box . As we approach Easter it rose , so to speak , to a new life in Berlin .No wonder I'm smiling . Look closely and you'll see that the skull is doing likewise .

ps ) still no suggestions for a collective noun re such .Come on all of you with any colourful, grammatical ideas .

Remember Tibet - Boycott Chinese Goods -

It's the 50th anniversary of the failed uprising in Tibet against brutal Chinese oppression , resulting as it did in the exile of the Dalai Llama and many of the people .
Little has been done to help the Tibetans regain their country , capital and spiritual life. Why ?
Because the 'major' powers in the world have allowed China to bully , dictate , cheat ,lie whilst, abusing all human rights .In return,certain huge firms have cheap shoddy goods manufactured in awful conditions. These are then shipped for a western public to buy at inflated prices .The average life span of such ware is short and often , as has been discovered in paints used , dangerous .
You do not have to use street demonstration to make a point .Simply refuse to buy anything where the label says 'made in China '.
NOTE :- This latest ghastly dictate should motivate you

"In developing relations with China, other countries should not allow the Dalai Lama to visit their countries and should not allow their territories to be used for the Dalai Lama to engage in separatist activities for Tibet's independence," Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said.

Take further note that Tibetan women living in occupied Tibet have been arrested and taken away . The reason ..They were demanding the right to religious freedom in what is ,their own country .
Imagine for one minute if UK tried to ban all immigrants their right to religious beliefs .
Yet oddly enough the 'fall over backwards pc ' politicians of Britain remain silent as the grave re China .

Baku Azerbaijan ..Berlin Bundesrepublik

How many people here in Berlin have a snowdome containing a very tiny Maiden Tower in Baku Azerbaijan?

Well you can be sure one does , and yes, it's me !

Last night whilst at die Kleine Weltlaterne [see 23rd Jan posting ] Acki Hoffman , who was performing there , presented it to me in the interval . He and his group have recently returned from a five day invitation tour. That Acki took time out to find this for me , is something very special .One of his regular pieces is 'you are my sunshine', and this tiny item brought all the way back to Berlin is a magical kind of sunshine .

Guess who knows she's a very lucky lady .

If you too have a snowdome from Azerbaijan get in touch ,we could start a club.

Forget Recession and Depression ,Watch Clara.

It was by chance that I spotted a Yahoo News Item .... Then went to YouTube , and the rest, as they say ,is history .
A wonderful lady ,aged 93 years ( young ) has made a series of fantastic videos re cooking on a budget . She learned during the Great Depression , survived and in my opinion, is a marvel . Tonight we tried her recipe for peppers and eggs . Delicious , healthy , economical , it was all this and more .
Go to YouTube and in the search box type :- Great Depression Cooking or to her site ;- www.GreatDepressionCooking.com
It's worth it to see this fantastic lady . People such as her are the' bright lights', so necessary in dark times . She is what I call real star .

The Girl From Ipanema in Berlin

Upon landing in this city twenty two years ago,a colleague and I were out like a shot to investigate . With very little German and even less sense of direction, we jumped on the first bus that came along and 'hoped' for the best , little knowing we were to get such . In Neue Kant Strasse the vehicle stopped in front of the most marvellous cake shop / cafe.Never have I left a bus so quickly . Never have I eaten so much delicious gateau, torte and cream .The cafe was to become a regular spot . In time we found other delightful places and my clothes almost screamed " stop, this can't go on ". Yesterday, a friend and I, went back to the now renamed Piano Cafe. With an apt internal decor to reflect their new image ie ) live music , almost each day ,and regular jazz artists they are even more fabulous . From the menu we each chose one of the superb German breakfasts. . [After such one can go all day minus food .] The cultural menu consisted of this remarkably talented duo . Their repertoire and playing was impressive. They have consented to this video being shown here . Playing on the first Sunday each month their next date is in April. Make a note if you are planning a trip to Berlin and do say hello if you see ' yours truly'.

Suzuki -The Shape Of Things To Come -

Twenty two years ago I left my car in UK and came to live and work here. It's a terrific place with a transport system which ranks the best in the world . Yet the gypsy within seeks to find new places , outside of the city, not to mention, off the beaten track .There are so many European countries to see , all with their fascinating villages and landscapes.
Air travel is no longer enjoyable and although trains here are superb one is restricted to a network and timetable .
Today I made a test drive in this Suzuki 'Jimney'. Findings ----- "absolutely fabulous " --- I am smitten !
What's more ---- I wanna be free.

Berlin Auto Messe

Today was a fun day and how ! It was the opening day of the Auto Messe Berlin .Lots to see . Oh,how I could have bought so many were I wealthy enough .
The top collage shows some of the older items . Mainly videos taken, hence , few stills .
The lower collage shows some of my favourites ,;.-
L-R VW Passat+bike , Renault Twingo ,Seat Ibiza
L-R VW Golf , Seat Ibiza once more ,Kia Soul.
There was wine. My shoes were cleaned for free, and Saturday will find me at a large car showroom opening party with food , music and test drives ........Should be fun .
It's been twenty two years since I owned a car and now I'm longing to be back behind the wheel.

Friday The Thirteenth------ Great .

Unlucky ? Well it all depends on your point of view and outlook .

Today,yes a Friday and 13th ,began well and continued so .

With the sun shining in a clear blue sky it didn't matter one jot that the air was cold and crisp .

Toshiba have been terrific and today sent a courier to collect my tiny notebook which insists on playing up ( aptly nicknamed baby it is akin to a recalcitrant child )

As a good will gesture they will deal with it !

Once out and at Rogaki ( Berlin's finest fish store ),yet another surprise, a gift of Danish sherry herrings from the man in charge of the fish smoking department . For those who have never sampled these all I can say is , 'they are fabulous '. At another shop I was given a bottle of champagne . Then what should be seen but a long sought after item of furniture .These are just a few of today's 'good' happenings .The photos illustrate how beautiful a day it's been here. Winter is an enjoyable season .Warm clothes make being out of doors the healthy place it is .

ref L-R birds against a blue , blue sky, Lietzensee frozen , The sun is so strong to film creates a night image .

L-R 2nd row . A bird lives under Neue Kantstrasse bridge , Tree shadows on the ice ,

A poster telling of yet another jazz happening .

Acki Hoffmann at Yorckschloesschen Berlin

Yorckschloesschen is a place to visit . The food , drink and music are excellent. How easy therefore to spend four hours in good company ,listening to one of my favourite groups ,Acki Hoffmann and friends plus talking to Otto Hamborg who had dropped in .He's a wonderful pianist who performed a week ago at my other stomping ground . Above are just a few of the pictures I took , including one of Otto Hamborg. As of yet I'm still debating which video ,if any, to use on YouTube . The microphone doesn't really do credit and my jumping around hasn't helped. Do have a look at the link below .

Come to cabaret city - don't wait around for life , you make it happen ! This city is a pretty good starting point .

http://www.yorckschloesschen.de/

Top picture is of Otto Hamborg.

The other three are of Acki Hoffmann ( piano ) and friends :-

Gert Lübke....bass ,

Siegward Vollert ...tenor sax and clarinette

F W Born ..... drums .

Helga Napieralla...... trumpet and vocal

Let's finish with a bang .. here's a small clip of a great drummer .

Note :- permission has been given for the use of this material.

From The Sublime To The Ridiculous -

Why not ? Just as I was signing off I saw the latest Blogthings Quiz , so did it for fun and, answered honestly . Here are the findings .Sort of the best of both worlds .
Real and genuine --- c'est moi !

You Are Cute-Sexy!

You are definitely attractive, and you have an interesting mix of sexiness and cuteness. You are both hot and quirky. Gorgeous and silly. Charming and natural. You are not so in-your-face sexy that you're unapproachable. You tone things down a bit. More than anything else, you are real and genuine. And that makes you truly captivating.

Are You Cute or Sexy?

Basic Maths- Well Done President Obama.

Well well what a surprise, members of the Republican party in US are not in favour of President Obama's stimulus package ...Which one amongst us is surprised ? I for one am not .

Famous or should that be infamous, for being involved in very big business , including arms deals ,oil deals ,they were oh so content to sit back for the last ,not so few years and see trillions of dollars spent on death .. brought about by a 'trumped up invasion '.

Let money be wisely spent and oh do they squeal . Rather like a certain animal in Orwell's Animal Farm .

Great stuff President Obama you show them the real facts of life :-

honesty , reliability , responsibility to name but a few .

Now We have Jazz, Jazz , Jazz.

It's true that few are having an easy time of it these days . Conflicts increase , there is a financial crisis with all the misery attached to such , but, as the song says 'what good is sitting alone in your room ?' Answer none !
These words from the musical 'Cabaret ' , set in pre war Berlin are as true today. This city still has an amazing jazz scene and for just three euro you can forget the gloom , rise above despair and enjoy life . The top two photos show pianist Acki Hoffman and his band . This remarkable group has fantastic style and last week ,played to a packed house in 'der Kleinen Weltlaterne '
The bottom two pictures are of Sydney's Blues Band . Their music is very much Sydney Bechet style . Both groups are terrific as is the venue .Open Monday to Saturday they have bands every Thursday and Saturday .Food is good and well priced . So come hear the music play ,come to the cabaret .
http://www.diekleineweltlaterne.de/ Close to the Kudamm at Nestorstr 22 , it's a must see , must do place .

New year Fireballs at Stonehaven 2009

This is how I saw the New Year in ... way up on the North East Coast of Scotland . Then down to Manchester and all I can say is ugggggh . It simply proved mega depressing . Little of the Land of Hope and Glory there .
Onwards south to Dover for the ferry and across to Belgium , Holland and Germany . Home ? Can be anywhere I think . So where and how did you spend your New Year ?