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German Americans Cheer Bismarck's Triumph
Members of New York's German American groups came out in force to celebrate the end of the Franco-Prussian war that established Germany's unity. A report in The New York Times of April 10, 1871 make for interesting reading. Please click HERE
DER BLOGGER
Mitt and Newt: The Gloves Come Off
Newt Gingrich’s surge to success in South Carolina has surely brought joy to the Obama White House. For his 12-point victory ensures the fight for the GOP nomination will not end soon and will get nastier.
WANDERLUST
Québec City: A Touch of Europe
By Adam Leposa
When we woke up this morning, the scene outside our hotel window looked perfect for the Winter Carnival: lots of snow. Unfortunately, the storm also brought with it high winds that nixed our previous plans to go cross-country skiing on the Plains of Abraham. So, we set off to explore Québec City’s Old Town, as well as two unique hotels in the region.
ESSEN & TRINKEN
More Americans say, Prost!
German beer sales dip slightly in 2011 German beer sales remained more or less steady in 2011, according to the Federal Statistics Office. While Germans themselves bought less German beer compared to 2010, beer drinkers abroad were saying 'Prost!'
GERMERICA LINKS
RSS FEED
Macho Bavaria Allows Same Sex Marriages
Thu, 07/02/2009 - 19:33 — Walter
Gay and lesbian couples in Bavaria may now officially register for civil unions, according to a bill approved by the State Parliament in Munich this week, the German Press Agency (dpa) reported.
Civil unions have already been legalized in the states of Baden-Württemberg and Thuringia, but this is the first time homosexual partners will have the chance to apply for a civil union in Bavaria, a state in southern Germany known for being conservative and Roman-Catholic.
Previously, same sex marriages in Bavaria could only be documented by a notary.
Negotiations between the pro-business Free Democrats (FDP) and coalition partner the Christian Democratic Union (CSU) to make a readjustment to the current legal system had failed after the regional elections in autumn 2008.
The new law goes into effect August 1.
FDP representative Andreas Fischer said from now on there will no longer be second-class marriages in Bavaria any more.
The Green Party (Die Grünen) said the decision marked the end of an "embarrassing middle course.
"With this development, Bavaria has become "a little more normal," party spokeswoman Claudia Stamm said.
News In Brief
DAS KINO
'Berlinale' Presents 2012 Offerings
A new movie from Billy Bob Thornton and a turn as Marie Antoinette by Diane Kruger will rub shoulders with offerings from Asia to Africa at this year's Berlin International Film Festival.
DAS BUCH
Breathtaking Tour of Germany
Featuring the wonders and beauty of Germany through the eyes of author Maureen Mahan Copelof and her husband, Sylvan, Discovering Germany shares a captivating view of the rich German tradition.
KULTUR
Thomas Quasthoff Bids Farewell
By Marita Berg
The news that singer Thomas Quasthoff would be concluding his career for health reasons came as a surprise to fans and concert organizers. His warm, colorfully nuanced and voluminous voice coupled with his intense, energized renditions have enchanted audiences for years.
DAS AUTO
The E-Car: False Hopes?
Germany’s plan to put a million electric cars on the road by 2020 is unlikely to do much for the environment without a dramatic increase in renewable energy, the daily Berlin-basedTageszeitung reported on Monday.
FUSSBALL
