Enough already!

I gave German radio another try this morning, and they hit me with some more Lionel Richie. It is like Groundhog Day here. Arrrrgh!

You would be surprised, but that is actually more than I needed to know about ladybugs.

Rebecca's preschool class in Mountain View were the Marienkaefer/Ladybugs, so today we picked up a German book for her all about ladybugs, for ages 3+. We have books from the same series about airports and preschool, and they are really cute, describing the world around us in a way that is engaging for children but doesn't talk down to them.

When we sat down to read it, I ran into this, right there on page five:

Yep, innocently hidden behind a drawing of a flower is a little picture of a pair of ladybugs going at it. Well thanks, children's book illustrator, but that is a little bit too much information. Good thing your friend children's book author was kind enough to print the explanation on the inside of the flap. It says something like, "Ladybugs' backs are really slippery, so the male has to hold onto the female's back really well to copulate."

Exceeeellent.

For those of you have never seen it, here is another great link to a 1970's European book.

Sirius radio, don't fail me now!

I have always been amazed by those stars who manage to fade out of the limelight at home but remain mega-superstars in Germany. We are not talking about David Hasselhoff here, but actual musicians and actors who have somehow managed to remain big in Europe while fading into obscurity (more or less) in the US.

So it was very fitting that THIS was the first song I heard on German radio today.
World. Superstar. Lionel. Richie.

That was how I always referred to him when I lived here before, as "World Superstar Lionel Richie", all because the Germans still show the man such love, you would think he was Elvis. He has new albums here every couple of years, is guaranteed prime time appearances just for showing up, is showered with love and affection, adored by his masses of German fans.

In the United States, we call him "Nicole Richie's Dad".

That was followed by Robbie Williams (the only person Jessica Simpson has covered and done a better job than the original) and then it happened.

"JUNGLE DRUM" came on.
Yes, THAT "Jungle Drum", one of those songs that makes you wonder if the singer is serious.
It was number one here and on the charts for 18 weeks in 2009.

EIGHTEEN weeks.

And trust me, the Germans weren't trying to be funny when they bought all those CDs and downloads, they really dig this song.

Thank all that is holy for Sirius Radio online! :)