Friday, July 27, 2007




The Dorf, a la Magritte


I'll tell you, the Hofgarten looks a bit like a Magritte painting after dark. The glowing lights in the darkness, the randomness of the scene, it all adds up. Enjoy!

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

2008 Tour de France Entry Form


Le Name: _______________
Le Country: ______________
Number (Notre: Le 69 é taken): _______________
Le Drug (Le Check Uns): Le Pill ___________ Le Intravenous ___________
Le Excuse (Le Check Du): Mal Test ___________ Le Satan ___________
Le Communistes ___________ Le Americanes ___________

Sunday, July 22, 2007

So, It's Done


After 8 years, all the questions are answered. It was unbelievable, completely different from all the rest, and really, really good. And it's ALL action. It's got more action scenes than the others combined.

The weird part is that Harry dies -- on page 50. He and Voldemort are both killed in a hit-and-run car accident by a Muggle. Definitely not what I expected. The rest is Ron & Hermione going on a killing spree of drunk drivers. A bit off-course, but still good.
Kirmes!



Here is the view of the largest Kirmes (like a state fair, but with more beer and no fried twinkies, livestock or cowboy boots) from the 'dorf side of the Rhein. Up close & during the day it's pretty much like any fair. But with crappier t-shirts. Some of the ones I saw today (no camera with me, sorry):

Erotic Man
Daddy's Rich
Über Alles (I'm kidding about this one)

Saturday, July 21, 2007


And The Ending Is...


Mmmmm...Early Harry Potter... It is only fitting that of almost all my friends (excepting Anne, Molly and *maybe* Denise), I was the first to read Harry Potter, and now I'm the first to have book 7. I celebrated with some sparkling wine (what I would call "champagne"). Now, some tidbits:

The first word is "The".
There are 607 pages in the British edition.
Chapter 22 is titled "How Neville Accidentally Kills Harry".
Chapter 23 is titled "Um, Not Really".
The cover art is FAR better in the american editions.

Monday, July 16, 2007


It's Good to Know the King


That's right, it's me and the self-proclaimed King of Mallorca: Juergen Drews. As you all know, he's "the definition of German cheese," according to Bryan. While all Germans know who he is, they are also embarassed of him. Kind of like the singer from "Love Actually" or what Billy Ray Cyrus must be in his hometown (Inbred, Arkansas, if you were wondering).

He graced the afterparty of the Citibank Germany soccer tournament on Saturday night, and I was lucky enough to catch up with him after leaving the party. So, bask in all the 55+ "coolness" while you can -- you know someone who knows the King.

Sunday, July 15, 2007


Yet Another Beautiful Day in The Dorf


Another great day here in the Dorf, though pretty hot -- a high of about 85 (up 30 degrees from 2 weeks ago). This is my favorite skyscraper in the dorf. You can see that some of the windows are slightly open -- something I haven't seen in a looooong time in the U.S.

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Another Beautiful Sunday



I spent Sunday afternoon rereading Harry Potter 6 and doing the crossword while enjoying the beautiful 70s weather and sunshine. These are the days that make me wish I could drag my family & friends over here to enjoy.

Sunday, July 01, 2007




A Nice Ride


I rode up the Rhein this afternoon for 6 miles or so, and it was a great ride. I went on the western side of the river, rather than the more crowded eastern side, and that made it much nicer. You can see the tree-lined path, the fields later on, and the Kaiserswerth ruins (Corey, Amy & I went to them) in the last shot.




A Beautiful Dorf Day


From the top:
the monthly fish market (most stalls sell fish dishes, very little raw fish)
The pedestrian path along the Rhein
A view of the Dorf from said path
The roller coasters across the river for the summer carnival