So many bagpipes: the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

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Edinburgh is a frenzy of activity during August. One of the biggest draws during this time is the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a daily performance held inside a temporary stadium that is erected in front of the castle each summer. Military bands from around the world are invited to perform, and the whole thing ends up being a lot more interesting than the words “military bands” might lead you to expect.

Read moreSo many bagpipes: the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

This is how you welcome me back, Germany?

David Hasselhoff   The Hoff has a new song climbing the German charts. Any chance it won’t become the overplayed hit of the summer? Or should I just get out now? Update: The above video won’t work in the US, but the link below should (although it won’t work in Germany). What is with requiring … Read more

The lyrics are a wee bit different in Scotland

Other hit songs of the evening included “I can be your haggis, baby,” “Like a haggis (touched for the very first time),” and the very popular “(can’t read my, can’t read my, can’t a-read-a-my) Haggis Face.” Neeps and tatties* were mentioned in there somewhere, too. What’s your favorite song about haggis? —- * Neeps and … Read more

This year’s new carnival costume

As seen today in Munich. It took me a few seconds to realize they weren’t misshapen smurfs. In other exciting carnival news, the headliner at Munich’s city center festivities was one Lou Bega. It was basically him, three background dancers, and a copy of his CD being played over the loudspeakers. You know the CD … Read more

Eurovision 2008

We had a little party for the Eurovision finale again this year. At least half the guests came reluctantly… either not having heard of Eurovision at all, or wondering why in the world I’d want to throw a party for such a ridiculous event. But everyone had fun whether they liked it or not, even … Read more

The finest in German teen Europop

Introducing… Jimi Blue! Mr. Blue would like to inform all the ladies out there that he is only capable of romancing those of you sporting pants of the little, red, and hot variety. Tokio Hotel doesn’t have anything on this Justin Timberlake clone.

Urban is the new Black

When I lived in Germany in the 90s, I was somewhat bemused to learn the term ‘Black Music’. This basically referred to any and all music performed by African-American artists. The term was used on posters, in advertisements, and in clubs. A ‘Black Music’ party or CD could include everything from Janet Jackson to Naughty … Read more