Anna Calvi

The self-titled debut album from Anna Calvi rules. The musicianship and production are top-notch.
She’s got a Chrissie Hynde, Patti Smith, Ennio Morricone kind of thing going on. And she is a very good guitar player.

You should buy it.

US and Canada readers can buy it here.

EU readers can buy it here.

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Getting a weird vibe from across the ocean.

Joyfully celebrating the killing of a killer who joyfully celebrated killing carries an irony that I hope will not be lost on us. Are we learning anything, or simply spinning harder in the cycle of violence?
-Brian McLaren

I’m glad they got the bastard. Upon hearing the news, I think I even said to myself, “America, Fuck Yeah!“. I hope this brings some sort of closure, or whatever, to the families, friends and loved ones affected by the events on September 11th.

However, I find the wild partying in the streets a bit strange. Does this make it all worth it? The US-led War On Terror™ has been responsible for so much more death, pain and suffering than Osama bin Laden could have ever dreamed of inflicting on non-believers. No matter what the circumstances would be, thousands of people on the street celebrating the death of one person, I find it a bit unsettling.

Well, unless it involves munchkins and a house falling on somebody, then it’s okay.

Or basically this…

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10

10

10 years ago today, I moved to Germany.

I’m staring at that number and I’m having a hard time believing it’s been that long. On one hand, it seems like a long time. On the other hand, it seems like the years just flew right by. A lot of things have changed. A lot of things remain the same. And some things need to change.

Lately, I’ve been feeling more like an immigrant than an expat if that makes any sense. I’ve made my home here and have assimilated into the culture. In my own way, at least. Sometimes while walking down the street, I see, hear or think about something that reminds me, that I’m not from around here. Still, but not as often, I stop and look around and ask myself, usually out loud, “Dude, I live in Germany. What the fuck am I doing here?” And then, if I was within earshot of any Germans, I might get some weird looks.

I’ve met a lot of interesting people over here and I have some very good friends. I am very thankful for the opportunities and experiences I have had and for most of whatever has come my way. For most immigrants trying to get a steady foot on the ground here, it is not so easy.

Luckily, I have this blog to remind me of some of my experiences. I don’t write as often as I should, but I don’t have much to say lately. Maybe I’ll try to just post pictures or whatever.

Mal sehen.

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View

Compared to the office at my old job, my new workplace has a much better view.

Hauptkirche Sankt Katharinen
This is Hauptkirche Sankt Katharinen (St. Catherine’s Church) in Hamburg.

Eine alte Schule
This old school is directly next to the church and is in the process of being demolished. That’s not much of a great view but I’ll have front row seats when they knock it down.

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A Game For the Whole Family

Germany or Florida?

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If That Ain’t Country….

Last night my special lady friend and I went to Gasthausbrauerei Nolte to see the Rob Ryan Roadshow. I’m not sure if I have written about Nolte here before. It is, hands down, the best microbrewery in Lüneburg, maybe northern Germany. It is over 100 years old and it is a third generation family run place. It has a very down home traditional German flair to it. They offer great food and beer. One thing that a lot of people don’t know about it, is that it is a very popular stopping place on the country/rockabilly circuit in Germany.

The show was great. He played a lot of well known covers as well as some of his own music. The crowd was not as rowdy as I would have expected. When I walked in the door and saw a tableful of guys each looking like Charlie Daniels, I was a bit taken aback and had to make sure I was still in Germany. Then I walked into the hall and saw a bunch of other Germans dressed up like they just got off the set of Gunsmoke. For a brief second I thought I was at Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth.

Anyway, here are a couple of low-res pics as proof.

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Straight to Hell

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Smooth Criminal

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It’s because the wolves have better taste in music than the boy.

While walking home from the busstop this week, a 13-year-old Norwegian school boy stumbled upon four wolves. In the end, it may have been his love of heavy-metal music by the band Creed that saved his life.

He may have actually deserved to be eaten, but the wolves decided it was not worth it.

Wolf 1: Dude, we got this kid cornered, there’s no escape!

…i’ll be dammed fighting you, it’s impossible, impossible!…

Wolf 2: Hmmm, if we eat this kid, we might catch the stupid. Better let him go.

Wolf 3: My ears!

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Say What?

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