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Russia’s Far East rocked by quake

May 24th, 2013 No comments


(CNN) — A magnitude 8.2 earthquake struck the Russian Far East on Friday, the U.S. Geologicial Survey reported.

The epicenter for the extremely powerful quake was located in the Sea of Okhotsk, just to the west of the Kamchatka Peninsula, and about 600 kilometers (nearly 375 miles) underground.

The quake was felt for five minutes in the region, Russia’s Ria Novosti news agency reported. Many people ran into the streets as the temblor shook.

No tsunami warnings were issued in the quake’s immediate aftermath.

The region is located along the Pacific “ring of fire,” an area of high seismic and volcanic activity stretching from New Zealand in the South Pacific up through Japan, across to Alaska and down the west coasts of North and South America.

CNN’s Boriana Milanova contributed to this report


Article source: http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/edition_world/~3/xR1I7KhfBhk/index.html

Categories: World News Tags: , , , ,

Russia’s Far East rocked by quake

May 24th, 2013 No comments


(CNN) — A magnitude 8.2 earthquake struck the Russian Far East on Friday, the U.S. Geologicial Survey reported.

The epicenter for the extremely powerful quake was located in the Sea of Okhotsk, just to the west of the Kamchatka Peninsula, and about 600 kilometers (nearly 375 miles) underground.

The quake was felt for five minutes in the region, Russia’s Ria Novosti news agency reported. Many people ran into the streets as the temblor shook.

No tsunami warnings were issued in the quake’s immediate aftermath.

The region is located along the Pacific “ring of fire,” an area of high seismic and volcanic activity stretching from New Zealand in the South Pacific up through Japan, across to Alaska and down the west coasts of North and South America.

CNN’s Boriana Milanova contributed to this report


Article source: http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/edition_world/~3/xR1I7KhfBhk/index.html

Categories: World News Tags: , , , ,

Wieners to Wunderbar: How Germany got cool

May 24th, 2013 No comments


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Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp has won plaudits for his intelligent musings on football. You can speak about spirit -- or you can live it, he told the Guardian newspaper this week.Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp has won plaudits for his intelligent musings on football. “You can speak about spirit — or you can live it,” he told the Guardian newspaper this week.

The Bratwurst, a traditional German sausage, is renowned all over the world and is a big favorite with football fans.The Bratwurst, a traditional German sausage, is renowned all over the world and is a big favorite with football fans.

Kim Kardashian is just one of a whole host of celebrities to have visited Munich's Oktoberfest -- a beer festival which is held in the city every year.Kim Kardashian is just one of a whole host of celebrities to have visited Munich’s Oktoberfest — a beer festival which is held in the city every year.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is a huge football fan and will be a keen spectator at the Champions League final.German Chancellor Angela Merkel is a huge football fan and will be a keen spectator at the Champions League final.

While Dortmund's players have produced on the pitch, its fans have done likewise in the stands with a number of outstanding montages on the famous Sudtribune terrace.While Dortmund’s players have produced on the pitch, its fans have done likewise in the stands with a number of outstanding montages on the famous Sudtribune terrace.

Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira have become an integral part of Germany's new multicultural team under manager Joachim Low. The pair have established themselves as stars on the world stage with the national team and Spanish club side Real Madrid.Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira have become an integral part of Germany’s new multicultural team under manager Joachim Low. The pair have established themselves as stars on the world stage with the national team and Spanish club side Real Madrid.

Six-time grand slam tennis champion Boris Becker, who once sat on the Bayern board, believes hosting the 2006 World Cup transformed his country's image.Six-time grand slam tennis champion Boris Becker, who once sat on the Bayern board, believes hosting the 2006 World Cup transformed his country’s image.

Sebastian Vettel, Formula One's treble world champion, is one of Germany's most famous faces and is revered across the sporting world.Sebastian Vettel, Formula One’s treble world champion, is one of Germany’s most famous faces and is revered across the sporting world.

Christoph Waltz has become a leading name in Hollywood since winning an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in Quentin Tarantino's film Django Unchained. Waltz is the son of a German father and Austrian mother.Christoph Waltz has become a leading name in Hollywood since winning an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in Quentin Tarantino’s film “Django Unchained.” Waltz is the son of a German father and Austrian mother.


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(CNN) — The Germans are coming — and this time London cannot wait.

Germany suddenly finds itself in the unusual position of being uber cool, and that is in no small part thanks to the first all-German European Champions League final on Saturday, when Bayern Munich takes on Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium, the home of English soccer.

From triple world champion Sebastian Vettel revving up as the poster boy of Formula One, to Oscar-winning actor Christoph Waltz, — who is the son of a German father and Austrian mother — starring on the big screen, Germany has a newfound confidence about itself.

And yet, some stereotypes just won’t disappear.

Within minutes of Dortmund’s semifinal victory over Real Madrid, the first “jokes” began to emerge with the UK’s tabloid papers jesting that “fans had their towels on the seats already” — a reference to German holidaymakers’ apparent habit of claiming sun loungers at beach resorts.

Traditionally the British have had a particularly testing relationship with Germany, and it has much to do with the two World Wars of the 20th Century.


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As recently as a decade ago, stereotypical images of Germans decked out in Lederhosen, socks and sandals goosestepping to the beat of the Oompah Band armed with a Bratwurst and quaffing a Weissbier were not uncommon in British red-top tabloids.

On the terraces, England fans would taunt their German opponents with songs about World War II and the infamous “Ten German Bombers song” where the victory of the Royal Air Force during the Battle of Britain is recounted.

Peep Show, one of the most popular British TV sitcoms of recent years, is one of the more contemporary programs to reference the “Sausage-munching Bosch” and “Fritz, the Bratwurst Guzzler.”

But former tennis star Boris Becker believes his country’s successful hosting of the World Cup in 2006 has helped transformed Germany’s image.

“I think we have shown the world how diverse and multicultural Germany has become,” says the six-time grand slam champion, who has been hugely popular in Britain since winning Wimbledon at the age of 17 in 1985.

“We did a great job with the visiting fans,” he told CNN. “And whoever was there seven years ago has seen a different side of Germany and have realized that the new Germans are much ‘cooler.’

“I wouldn’t say that the English are falling in love with Germany, but I think they have respect for what Germany has achieved in the sporting world.

“There is a new multicultural wave coming from Germany, which is very international and very cosmopolitan.”

Swashbuckling style

Britain, too, has come a long way in its perception of Germany since John Cleese famously goosestepped his way around Fawlty Towers as hotel owner Basil Fawlty in one of the country’s most beloved TV comedies during the 1970s.


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It’s not just the swashbuckling style personified by Bayern and Dortmund that has helped reinvent attitudes to Germany — it’s also been reinforced by the nation’s football team under the guidance of ultra-cool Joachim Low.

Comprised of players from the German, Polish, Turkish, Tunisian and African communities, Low’s squad produced the kind of exhilarating and vibrant football which helped the team reach the final of the 2008 European Championships, as well as the semifinals of the 2010 World Cup and 2012 Euros.

Behind the scenes, the Bundesliga, with its low ticket prices, safe standing areas and stylish infrastructure, has eclipsed the English Premier League and Spain’s La Liga as the hipsters’ choice.

These days fans from all over Europe flock to stand on Dortmund’s famous Sudtribune terrace, to catch a glimpse of Bayern or venture further to the likes of St. Pauli in Hamburg, a favorite with many foreign supporters.

“The weather is good and the beer is better,” quipped the Bundesliga’s chief executive Christian Seifert after being asked why German football attracts so many tourists.

“But I think it’s more to do with safe standing, the relatively low ticket prices in relation to very attractive games and a good atmosphere at the stadium,” he told CNN.

“In 2006, more English tourists were in Germany than ever before and in those four weeks we had great marketing and great weather. It was the best summer I can remember.

“After the World Cup, a lot of investment was made in stadium infrastructure, so it was really easy to get there.

“We have a relatively low amount of season tickets, so it’s possible to get a ticket in the ‘free’ sale at a fair price. If then, somebody says they want to see a Bundesliga game, then that’s great.”


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Football fans are also attracted to the Oktoberfest, a 16-day celebration of beer held in Munich each year, with its clubs and bars making it a popular destination for bachelor parties and weekends away.

Jingoistic stereotypes

Matthias Krug, an author and journalist, says he heard and witnessed anti-German chants and rhetoric when he lived in England between 2004 and 2007.

The nations’ footballing rivalry stems back to the 1966 World Cup final, when England controversially beat West Germany in extra time at Wembley as Geoff Hurst scored a goal that is still debated to this day.

West Germany got revenge in Mexico four years later, while the English have since suffered heartbreak against “Die Mannschaft” in several high-profile tournaments since — though 2001′s 5-1 triumph in a World Cup qualifier in Munich provided some respite.

“I once traveled on a train in northern England which was completely packed and then people suddenly began singing a vivid song about one English victory in football and two in wars,” says Krug, who lived in Nottingham between 2004 and 2007, but now works in Qatar.

“I think fighter pilots from the RAF were also mentioned. It must have been my looks which sparked them. I don’t remember having said a word, either pre- or post-singing,” he told CNN.

“Obviously stereotypes related to Germany, both positive and negative, that have been very strong as a result of history and also our sporting history.

“They also vary greatly; others in England showed a strong sense of respect for the achievements and consistency of German football.”

In 1996, before England hosted a semifinal clash with Germany at the European Championships, the tabloid Daily Mirror published a front page with the words, “Achtung, surrender, for you Fritz, ze Euro 96 Championship is over.”

Ten years later, The Sun newspaper provoked fury from German Chancellor Angela Merkel after publishing an unflattering photo of her from behind while she changed into a swimming costume with a headline of: “I’m bigger than the Bumdestag.”

That incident provoked fury in Germany and no shortage of embarrassment in the UK.


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Bayern vs. Dortmund in numbersBayern vs. Dortmund in numbers

New York Yankees president Randy Levine, MLS chief Don Garber and Manchester City CEO Ferran Soriano revealed the new franchise plans. New York Yankees president Randy Levine, MLS chief Don Garber and Manchester City CEO Ferran Soriano revealed the new franchise plans.

Former Manchester City star Patrick Vieira threw a ceremonial pitch at a recent New York Yankees game against Toronto.Former Manchester City star Patrick Vieira threw a ceremonial pitch at a recent New York Yankees game against Toronto.

Former French international star Thierry Henry is the star player at the only current MLS franchise in the Big Apple, the New York Red Bulls. Former French international star Thierry Henry is the star player at the only current MLS franchise in the Big Apple, the New York Red Bulls.

David Beckham played for six seasons with Los Angeles Galaxy in the MLS and helped popularize football in the United States. He helped them to the last two MLS titles.David Beckham played for six seasons with Los Angeles Galaxy in the MLS and helped popularize football in the United States. He helped them to the last two MLS titles.


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Man City and Yankees partner in MLS expansion side New York City FCMan City and Yankees partner in MLS expansion side New York City FC

David Beckham waves after his team Paris St. Germain played Brest in his final home match in Paris on Saturday, May 18. Beckham signed on with the team just a few months ago, and now he is retiring. Click through for a look back at Beckham through the years. David Beckham waves after his team Paris St. Germain played Brest in his final home match in Paris on Saturday, May 18. Beckham signed on with the team just a few months ago, and now he is retiring. Click through for a look back at Beckham through the years.

Beckham poses with Paris Saint-Germain President Nasser Al-Khelaifi, left, and PSG sports director Leonardo during a press conference announcing his new gig in January 2013.Beckham poses with Paris Saint-Germain President Nasser Al-Khelaifi, left, and PSG sports director Leonardo during a press conference announcing his new gig in January 2013.

Beckham makes his England debut at a World Cup Europe Qualifying Round Group 2 match against Moldova in 1996.Beckham makes his England debut at a World Cup Europe Qualifying Round Group 2 match against Moldova in 1996.

Beckham celebrates his goal in the 1998 World Cup Finals versus Colombia in 1998.Beckham celebrates his goal in the 1998 World Cup Finals versus Colombia in 1998.

Becks as a member of Manchester United cools down during the FA Charity Shield match against Arsenal at Wembley Stadium in London in 1998.Becks as a member of Manchester United cools down during the FA Charity Shield match against Arsenal at Wembley Stadium in London in 1998.

At the 1998 World Cup in France, in a second-round match against Argentina, Beckham was sent off for kicking out at Diego Simeone. England lost the match on penalties and was eliminated, with Beckham becoming a hate figure for some fans.At the 1998 World Cup in France, in a second-round match against Argentina, Beckham was sent off for kicking out at Diego Simeone. England lost the match on penalties and was eliminated, with Beckham becoming a hate figure for some fans.

Beckham poses after a press conference in Awaji-shima Island, Japan, in 2002.Beckham poses after a press conference in Awaji-shima Island, Japan, in 2002.

Beckham poses with Beyonce, left, and Jennifer Lopez during a presentation of the new Pepsi Samourai in Madrid in 2004.Beckham poses with Beyonce, left, and Jennifer Lopez during a presentation of the new Pepsi “Samourai” in Madrid in 2004.

Becks waves after a la Liga match between Real Madrid and Deportivo La Coruna in Madrid in 2007.Becks waves after a la Liga match between Real Madrid and Deportivo La Coruna in Madrid in 2007.

The midfielder celebrates with his sons in 2007 after Real Madrid won the Spanish League title by beating Mallorca.The midfielder celebrates with his sons in 2007 after Real Madrid won the Spanish League title by beating Mallorca.

Beckham makes an appearance to promote his fragrance David Beckham Intimately Night in Sydney in 2007.Beckham makes an appearance to promote his fragrance “David Beckham Intimately Night” in Sydney in 2007.

Beckham reveals his new No. 32 Adidas jersey as part of an announcement of the start of his loan move to AC Milan from the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2008.Beckham reveals his new No. 32 Adidas jersey as part of an announcement of the start of his loan move to AC Milan from the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2008.

Beckham controls the ball during the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier of European Group 6.Beckham controls the ball during the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier of European Group 6.

Beckham unveils the new Emporio Armani underwear ad campaign for the fall/winter of 2009-2010.Beckham unveils the new Emporio Armani underwear ad campaign for the fall/winter of 2009-2010.

Beckham, No. 23 of the Los Angeles Galaxy soccer team, walks toward the line judge to have a chat during Game 1 of the MLS Western Conference Semifinals against Chivas USA in 2009.Beckham, No. 23 of the Los Angeles Galaxy soccer team, walks toward the line judge to have a chat during Game 1 of the MLS Western Conference Semifinals against Chivas USA in 2009.

Becks arrives at Sydney International Airport in 2010.Becks arrives at Sydney International Airport in 2010.

David and Victoria Beckham arrive at the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey in 2011.David and Victoria Beckham arrive at the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey in 2011.

The Beckhams attend the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in West Hollywood, California, in 2012.The Beckhams attend the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in West Hollywood, California, in 2012.

Beckham celebrated his second MLS Cup success with the Los Angeles Galaxy in December 2012, when he decided to leave with a year left on his contract as he sought one final career challenge in Europe.Beckham celebrated his second MLS Cup success with the Los Angeles Galaxy in December 2012, when he decided to leave with a year left on his contract as he sought one final career challenge in Europe.

Beckham passes under Tower Bridge in a speedboat which carries the Olympic Torch and its torchbearer in 2012.Beckham passes under Tower Bridge in a speedboat which carries the Olympic Torch and its torchbearer in 2012.

Beckham acts as England's captain during the 2004 European Nations Championship football match against Croatia in Lisbon, Portugal.Beckham acts as England’s captain during the 2004 European Nations Championship football match against Croatia in Lisbon, Portugal.


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David Beckham through the yearsDavid Beckham through the years

Philipp Lahm, left, of the German football team Bayern Munchen attends the Oktoberfest beer festival with his teammate Thomas Mueller in Munich, Germany, on Sunday, October 7, the last day of the world's biggest beer festival. See more of CNN's best photography.Philipp Lahm, left, of the German football team Bayern Munchen attends the Oktoberfest beer festival with his teammate Thomas Mueller in Munich, Germany, on Sunday, October 7, the last day of the world’s biggest beer festival. See more of CNN’s best photography.

People in traditional Bavarian garb fire a salute Sunday on the steps of the Bavaria monument.People in traditional Bavarian garb fire a salute Sunday on the steps of the Bavaria monument.

A Bavarian riflewoman waits before the salute on Sunday.A Bavarian riflewoman waits before the salute on Sunday.

Visitors and the giant bronze sculpture 'Bavaria' are reflected in the brass players' instruments on Sunday.Visitors and the giant bronze sculpture ‘Bavaria’ are reflected in the brass players’ instruments on Sunday.

Christian Ude, Munich's lord mayor, attends the traditional Boellerschiessen salute on the last day of Oktoberfest on Sunday.Christian Ude, Munich’s lord mayor, attends the traditional Boellerschiessen salute on the last day of Oktoberfest on Sunday.

Visitors drink beer while rain falls on the Oktoberfest festival fairground on Sunday.Visitors drink beer while rain falls on the Oktoberfest festival fairground on Sunday.

Bayern Munchen football club CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, from left, head coach Jupp Heynckes, Bundesliga league board member Karl Hopfner and sporting director Matthias Sammer clink steins on Sunday.Bayern Munchen football club CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, from left, head coach Jupp Heynckes, Bundesliga league board member Karl Hopfner and sporting director Matthias Sammer clink steins on Sunday.

Young people, some dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing, wait outside a duck roast beer tent at the Oktoberfest beer festival in Munich, Germany, on Saturday, October 6. Young people, some dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing, wait outside a duck roast beer tent at the Oktoberfest beer festival in Munich, Germany, on Saturday, October 6.

Decked-out attendeees chat on Friday, October 5. Decked-out attendeees chat on Friday, October 5.

A father and son dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing ride in a bumper car on Friday.A father and son dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing ride in a bumper car on Friday.

People dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing ride swings during Friday's festivities.People dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing ride swings during Friday’s festivities.

Oktoberfest visitors get into the spirit in a festival tent at the Theresienwiese on Friday.Oktoberfest visitors get into the spirit in a festival tent at the Theresienwiese on Friday.

An Oktoberfest visitor has a rest on the lawn at the Theresienwiese.An Oktoberfest visitor has a rest on the lawn at the Theresienwiese.

It's standing-room only at Oktoberfest in Munich on Wednesday, October 3. It’s standing-room only at Oktoberfest in Munich on Wednesday, October 3.

Festivalgoers enjoy a ride at the Theresienwiese fairgrounds in Munich, Germany, at the Oktoberfest beer festival on Tuesday, October 2. Festivalgoers enjoy a ride at the Theresienwiese fairgrounds in Munich, Germany, at the Oktoberfest beer festival on Tuesday, October 2.

A booth sells gingerbread hearts at Oktoberfest on Tuesday.A booth sells gingerbread hearts at Oktoberfest on Tuesday.

Grigoris Makos of the football team TSV 1860 Munich and his wife, Athena, enjoy some suds Tuesday.Grigoris Makos of the football team TSV 1860 Munich and his wife, Athena, enjoy some suds Tuesday.

Musicians perform in front of the Bavaria statue during the Oktoberfest concert in Munich on Sunday, September 30.Musicians perform in front of the Bavaria statue during the Oktoberfest concert in Munich on Sunday, September 30.

Musicians perform Sunday at the Theresienwiese in Munich.Musicians perform Sunday at the Theresienwiese in Munich.

A girl holds balloons during Sunday's concert.A girl holds balloons during Sunday’s concert.

Alphorn musicians play at the foot of the Bavaria monument Sunday.Alphorn musicians play at the foot of the Bavaria monument Sunday.

A waiter carries beer mugs through the Braeurosl beer tent during day seven of Oktoberfest 2012 on Friday, September 28, in Munich. A waiter carries beer mugs through the Braeurosl beer tent during day seven of Oktoberfest 2012 on Friday, September 28, in Munich.

A man dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing eats fried calamari on Friday. A man dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing eats fried calamari on Friday.

People dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing attend the beer festival.People dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing attend the beer festival.

Revelers enjoy themselves as they drink beer outside the Braeurosl beer tent Friday.Revelers enjoy themselves as they drink beer outside the Braeurosl beer tent Friday.

A man dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing rests.A man dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing rests.

A girl wearing a Bavarian Dirndl dress fires a rifle at a shooting range at Oktoberfest.A girl wearing a Bavarian Dirndl dress fires a rifle at a shooting range at Oktoberfest.

A waitress carries mugs of beer to customers at the Braeurosl beer tent.A waitress carries mugs of beer to customers at the Braeurosl beer tent.

People enjoy themselves as they drink beer outside the Lowenbrau beer tent.People enjoy themselves as they drink beer outside the Lowenbrau beer tent.

A woman dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing attends day seven of Oktoberfest on Friday.A woman dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing attends day seven of Oktoberfest on Friday.

People sit on benches under a tent on Thursday, September 27. People sit on benches under a tent on Thursday, September 27.

A woman stands in front of gingerbread hearts on Wednesday, September 26, the fifth day of the festival.A woman stands in front of gingerbread hearts on Wednesday, September 26, the fifth day of the festival.

Michael Schifferl decorates a gingerbread cookie at his stand on Tuesday, September 25. Michael Schifferl decorates a gingerbread cookie at his stand on Tuesday, September 25.

A colorful swing ride turns on Tuesday, the fourth day of the festival.A colorful swing ride turns on Tuesday, the fourth day of the festival.

A young woman drinks beer at the Oktoberfest beer festival on Monday, September 24. A young woman drinks beer at the Oktoberfest beer festival on Monday, September 24.

A woman serves Hendl at the Theresienwiese Oktoberfest fairgrounds on Monday.A woman serves Hendl at the Theresienwiese Oktoberfest fairgrounds on Monday.

Revelers fill an Oktoberfest tent at the Theresienwiese festival grounds on Sunday, September 23.Revelers fill an Oktoberfest tent at the Theresienwiese festival grounds on Sunday, September 23.

Two men wearing traditional Bavarian clothes take part in the costumes and riflemen parade on Sunday.Two men wearing traditional Bavarian clothes take part in the costumes and riflemen parade on Sunday.

Visitors rest on the grass on Sunday.Visitors rest on the grass on Sunday.

Revelers dressed in traditional Bavarian clothes celebrate at Schottenhamel beer tent on Saturday, September 22.Revelers dressed in traditional Bavarian clothes celebrate at Schottenhamel beer tent on Saturday, September 22.

The attractions light up the fairgrounds on the first night of the festival on Saturday. The attractions light up the fairgrounds on the first night of the festival on Saturday.

A booth selling fried nuts attracts people evening on Saturday evening.A booth selling fried nuts attracts people evening on Saturday evening.

German actor Axel Milberg and his wife, Judith, cheer with beer mugs on Saturday.German actor Axel Milberg and his wife, Judith, cheer with beer mugs on Saturday.

Revelers wearing different types of mock lederhosen walk at the festival.Revelers wearing different types of mock lederhosen walk at the festival.

Waitresses prepare for the opening day of Oktoberfest 2012.Waitresses prepare for the opening day of Oktoberfest 2012.

Typical Oktoberfest heart badges are seen at a beer tent.Typical Oktoberfest heart badges are seen at a beer tent.

Police officers wait for the opening parade to begin.Police officers wait for the opening parade to begin.

A woman wearing a traditional Bavarian Dirndl dress drinks beer.A woman wearing a traditional Bavarian Dirndl dress drinks beer.

Visitors hold umbrellas as they wait in front of a beer tent.Visitors hold umbrellas as they wait in front of a beer tent.

A waiter brings beer mugs to participants.A waiter brings beer mugs to participants.

Horses pulling a beer coach march in the parade. Horses pulling a beer coach march in the parade.

A tuba player performs as a parade kicks off the festival.A tuba player performs as a parade kicks off the festival.

A man in traditional Bavarian clothes and his dogs wait for the opening parade.A man in traditional Bavarian clothes and his dogs wait for the opening parade.

Waitresses of the Spaten brewery wave with beer mugs. See more of CNN's best photography.Waitresses of the Spaten brewery wave with beer mugs. See more of CNN’s best photography.


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Photos: Oktoberfest 2012 beer festivalPhotos: Oktoberfest 2012 beer festival

But it’s not just in Britain, where this deep-rooted hostility towards Germany is alive and kicking.

Most recently, Merkel has suffered from having her economic policies compared to those of the Nazis by the Hungarian Prime Minister, while the the German leader has also been lampooned by the Greek press.

Media perception

According to the 2011 UK census, there are 274,000 Germans living on British shores.

“At the moment it is really cool to read all the very well-informed and positive articles about German football in the British press,” says Karl Pfeiffer, the director of educational links at London’s Goethe-Institut.

“Since the 2006 World Cup in Germany, the media perception of German football and Germany in general has dramatically changed,” added Pfeiffer, who has lived in England since 1986.

“Personally I never encountered stereotypical comments or remarks, but parts of the press here before 2006 were a different matter.

“In my job I work on a German football project with Arsenal, which has two great and popular German players, Lukas Podolski and Per Mertesacker.

“The project is for school children and it is great to see how interested they are in in German football, too.”

Dortmund’s success in reaching the final has particularly struck a chord with neutral fans given the club almost went out of business eight years ago.

Under the guidance of charismatic coach Jurgen Klopp, whose popularity has seen a pop song written about him, Dortmund’s run to the final has left even the most hard-hearted of seasoned aficionados willing on the men in yellow and black.

“It is really nice to see how well Dortmund and Klopp are liked all over Europe,” Sandra Goldschmidt, a devoted follower of the club, told CNN.

“Everyone loves a little fairytale story like ours from nearly having to go into administration to being in a Champions League final, and that is really all thanks to Klopp.

“I guess that people in England also really admire it that we have done this without making big-money signings but by finding talents.”

So as Bayern and Dortmund fans walk down Wembley Way, originally constructed by German prisoners of war in the 1940s, it will provoke a timely reminder of how the world has moved on.

And it is Krug’s hope that Saturday’s showpiece will galvanize further change in attitudes towards Germans.

“This year’s Champions League final may well prove to be a temporary culmination of changing perceptions towards Germany,” he said.

“Football has the power to change worldwide stereotypes and perceptions. It’s done so in the past and it will do so again.”


Article source: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/05/24/sport/football/champions-league-bayern-dortmund-football/index.html?eref=edition

Categories: Top Stories Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Wieners to Wunderbar: How Germany got cool

May 24th, 2013 No comments


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Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp has won plaudits for his intelligent musings on football. You can speak about spirit -- or you can live it, he told the Guardian newspaper this week.Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp has won plaudits for his intelligent musings on football. “You can speak about spirit — or you can live it,” he told the Guardian newspaper this week.

The Bratwurst, a traditional German sausage, is renowned all over the world and is a big favorite with football fans.The Bratwurst, a traditional German sausage, is renowned all over the world and is a big favorite with football fans.

Kim Kardashian is just one of a whole host of celebrities to have visited Munich's Oktoberfest -- a beer festival which is held in the city every year.Kim Kardashian is just one of a whole host of celebrities to have visited Munich’s Oktoberfest — a beer festival which is held in the city every year.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is a huge football fan and will be a keen spectator at the Champions League final.German Chancellor Angela Merkel is a huge football fan and will be a keen spectator at the Champions League final.

While Dortmund's players have produced on the pitch, its fans have done likewise in the stands with a number of outstanding montages on the famous Sudtribune terrace.While Dortmund’s players have produced on the pitch, its fans have done likewise in the stands with a number of outstanding montages on the famous Sudtribune terrace.

Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira have become an integral part of Germany's new multicultural team under manager Joachim Low. The pair have established themselves as stars on the world stage with the national team and Spanish club side Real Madrid.Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira have become an integral part of Germany’s new multicultural team under manager Joachim Low. The pair have established themselves as stars on the world stage with the national team and Spanish club side Real Madrid.

Six-time grand slam tennis champion Boris Becker, who once sat on the Bayern board, believes hosting the 2006 World Cup transformed his country's image.Six-time grand slam tennis champion Boris Becker, who once sat on the Bayern board, believes hosting the 2006 World Cup transformed his country’s image.

Sebastian Vettel, Formula One's treble world champion, is one of Germany's most famous faces and is revered across the sporting world.Sebastian Vettel, Formula One’s treble world champion, is one of Germany’s most famous faces and is revered across the sporting world.

Christoph Waltz has become a leading name in Hollywood since winning an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in Quentin Tarantino's film Django Unchained. Waltz is the son of a German father and Austrian mother.Christoph Waltz has become a leading name in Hollywood since winning an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in Quentin Tarantino’s film “Django Unchained.” Waltz is the son of a German father and Austrian mother.


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(CNN) — The Germans are coming — and this time London cannot wait.

Germany suddenly finds itself in the unusual position of being uber cool, and that is in no small part thanks to the first all-German European Champions League final on Saturday, when Bayern Munich takes on Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium, the home of English soccer.

From triple world champion Sebastian Vettel revving up as the poster boy of Formula One, to Oscar-winning actor Christoph Waltz, — who is the son of a German father and Austrian mother — starring on the big screen, Germany has a newfound confidence about itself.

And yet, some stereotypes just won’t disappear.

Within minutes of Dortmund’s semifinal victory over Real Madrid, the first “jokes” began to emerge with the UK’s tabloid papers jesting that “fans had their towels on the seats already” — a reference to German holidaymakers’ apparent habit of claiming sun loungers at beach resorts.

Traditionally the British have had a particularly testing relationship with Germany, and it has much to do with the two World Wars of the 20th Century.


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As recently as a decade ago, stereotypical images of Germans decked out in Lederhosen, socks and sandals goosestepping to the beat of the Oompah Band armed with a Bratwurst and quaffing a Weissbier were not uncommon in British red-top tabloids.

On the terraces, England fans would taunt their German opponents with songs about World War II and the infamous “Ten German Bombers song” where the victory of the Royal Air Force during the Battle of Britain is recounted.

Peep Show, one of the most popular British TV sitcoms of recent years, is one of the more contemporary programs to reference the “Sausage-munching Bosch” and “Fritz, the Bratwurst Guzzler.”

But former tennis star Boris Becker believes his country’s successful hosting of the World Cup in 2006 has helped transformed Germany’s image.

“I think we have shown the world how diverse and multicultural Germany has become,” says the six-time grand slam champion, who has been hugely popular in Britain since winning Wimbledon at the age of 17 in 1985.

“We did a great job with the visiting fans,” he told CNN. “And whoever was there seven years ago has seen a different side of Germany and have realized that the new Germans are much ‘cooler.’

“I wouldn’t say that the English are falling in love with Germany, but I think they have respect for what Germany has achieved in the sporting world.

“There is a new multicultural wave coming from Germany, which is very international and very cosmopolitan.”

Swashbuckling style

Britain, too, has come a long way in its perception of Germany since John Cleese famously goosestepped his way around Fawlty Towers as hotel owner Basil Fawlty in one of the country’s most beloved TV comedies during the 1970s.


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It’s not just the swashbuckling style personified by Bayern and Dortmund that has helped reinvent attitudes to Germany — it’s also been reinforced by the nation’s football team under the guidance of ultra-cool Joachim Low.

Comprised of players from the German, Polish, Turkish, Tunisian and African communities, Low’s squad produced the kind of exhilarating and vibrant football which helped the team reach the final of the 2008 European Championships, as well as the semifinals of the 2010 World Cup and 2012 Euros.

Behind the scenes, the Bundesliga, with its low ticket prices, safe standing areas and stylish infrastructure, has eclipsed the English Premier League and Spain’s La Liga as the hipsters’ choice.

These days fans from all over Europe flock to stand on Dortmund’s famous Sudtribune terrace, to catch a glimpse of Bayern or venture further to the likes of St. Pauli in Hamburg, a favorite with many foreign supporters.

“The weather is good and the beer is better,” quipped the Bundesliga’s chief executive Christian Seifert after being asked why German football attracts so many tourists.

“But I think it’s more to do with safe standing, the relatively low ticket prices in relation to very attractive games and a good atmosphere at the stadium,” he told CNN.

“In 2006, more English tourists were in Germany than ever before and in those four weeks we had great marketing and great weather. It was the best summer I can remember.

“After the World Cup, a lot of investment was made in stadium infrastructure, so it was really easy to get there.

“We have a relatively low amount of season tickets, so it’s possible to get a ticket in the ‘free’ sale at a fair price. If then, somebody says they want to see a Bundesliga game, then that’s great.”


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Football fans are also attracted to the Oktoberfest, a 16-day celebration of beer held in Munich each year, with its clubs and bars making it a popular destination for bachelor parties and weekends away.

Jingoistic stereotypes

Matthias Krug, an author and journalist, says he heard and witnessed anti-German chants and rhetoric when he lived in England between 2004 and 2007.

The nations’ footballing rivalry stems back to the 1966 World Cup final, when England controversially beat West Germany in extra time at Wembley as Geoff Hurst scored a goal that is still debated to this day.

West Germany got revenge in Mexico four years later, while the English have since suffered heartbreak against “Die Mannschaft” in several high-profile tournaments since — though 2001′s 5-1 triumph in a World Cup qualifier in Munich provided some respite.

“I once traveled on a train in northern England which was completely packed and then people suddenly began singing a vivid song about one English victory in football and two in wars,” says Krug, who lived in Nottingham between 2004 and 2007, but now works in Qatar.

“I think fighter pilots from the RAF were also mentioned. It must have been my looks which sparked them. I don’t remember having said a word, either pre- or post-singing,” he told CNN.

“Obviously stereotypes related to Germany, both positive and negative, that have been very strong as a result of history and also our sporting history.

“They also vary greatly; others in England showed a strong sense of respect for the achievements and consistency of German football.”

In 1996, before England hosted a semifinal clash with Germany at the European Championships, the tabloid Daily Mirror published a front page with the words, “Achtung, surrender, for you Fritz, ze Euro 96 Championship is over.”

Ten years later, The Sun newspaper provoked fury from German Chancellor Angela Merkel after publishing an unflattering photo of her from behind while she changed into a swimming costume with a headline of: “I’m bigger than the Bumdestag.”

That incident provoked fury in Germany and no shortage of embarrassment in the UK.


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Bayern vs. Dortmund in numbersBayern vs. Dortmund in numbers

New York Yankees president Randy Levine, MLS chief Don Garber and Manchester City CEO Ferran Soriano revealed the new franchise plans. New York Yankees president Randy Levine, MLS chief Don Garber and Manchester City CEO Ferran Soriano revealed the new franchise plans.

Former Manchester City star Patrick Vieira threw a ceremonial pitch at a recent New York Yankees game against Toronto.Former Manchester City star Patrick Vieira threw a ceremonial pitch at a recent New York Yankees game against Toronto.

Former French international star Thierry Henry is the star player at the only current MLS franchise in the Big Apple, the New York Red Bulls. Former French international star Thierry Henry is the star player at the only current MLS franchise in the Big Apple, the New York Red Bulls.

David Beckham played for six seasons with Los Angeles Galaxy in the MLS and helped popularize football in the United States. He helped them to the last two MLS titles.David Beckham played for six seasons with Los Angeles Galaxy in the MLS and helped popularize football in the United States. He helped them to the last two MLS titles.


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Man City and Yankees partner in MLS expansion side New York City FCMan City and Yankees partner in MLS expansion side New York City FC

David Beckham waves after his team Paris St. Germain played Brest in his final home match in Paris on Saturday, May 18. Beckham signed on with the team just a few months ago, and now he is retiring. Click through for a look back at Beckham through the years. David Beckham waves after his team Paris St. Germain played Brest in his final home match in Paris on Saturday, May 18. Beckham signed on with the team just a few months ago, and now he is retiring. Click through for a look back at Beckham through the years.

Beckham poses with Paris Saint-Germain President Nasser Al-Khelaifi, left, and PSG sports director Leonardo during a press conference announcing his new gig in January 2013.Beckham poses with Paris Saint-Germain President Nasser Al-Khelaifi, left, and PSG sports director Leonardo during a press conference announcing his new gig in January 2013.

Beckham makes his England debut at a World Cup Europe Qualifying Round Group 2 match against Moldova in 1996.Beckham makes his England debut at a World Cup Europe Qualifying Round Group 2 match against Moldova in 1996.

Beckham celebrates his goal in the 1998 World Cup Finals versus Colombia in 1998.Beckham celebrates his goal in the 1998 World Cup Finals versus Colombia in 1998.

Becks as a member of Manchester United cools down during the FA Charity Shield match against Arsenal at Wembley Stadium in London in 1998.Becks as a member of Manchester United cools down during the FA Charity Shield match against Arsenal at Wembley Stadium in London in 1998.

At the 1998 World Cup in France, in a second-round match against Argentina, Beckham was sent off for kicking out at Diego Simeone. England lost the match on penalties and was eliminated, with Beckham becoming a hate figure for some fans.At the 1998 World Cup in France, in a second-round match against Argentina, Beckham was sent off for kicking out at Diego Simeone. England lost the match on penalties and was eliminated, with Beckham becoming a hate figure for some fans.

Beckham poses after a press conference in Awaji-shima Island, Japan, in 2002.Beckham poses after a press conference in Awaji-shima Island, Japan, in 2002.

Beckham poses with Beyonce, left, and Jennifer Lopez during a presentation of the new Pepsi Samourai in Madrid in 2004.Beckham poses with Beyonce, left, and Jennifer Lopez during a presentation of the new Pepsi “Samourai” in Madrid in 2004.

Becks waves after a la Liga match between Real Madrid and Deportivo La Coruna in Madrid in 2007.Becks waves after a la Liga match between Real Madrid and Deportivo La Coruna in Madrid in 2007.

The midfielder celebrates with his sons in 2007 after Real Madrid won the Spanish League title by beating Mallorca.The midfielder celebrates with his sons in 2007 after Real Madrid won the Spanish League title by beating Mallorca.

Beckham makes an appearance to promote his fragrance David Beckham Intimately Night in Sydney in 2007.Beckham makes an appearance to promote his fragrance “David Beckham Intimately Night” in Sydney in 2007.

Beckham reveals his new No. 32 Adidas jersey as part of an announcement of the start of his loan move to AC Milan from the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2008.Beckham reveals his new No. 32 Adidas jersey as part of an announcement of the start of his loan move to AC Milan from the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2008.

Beckham controls the ball during the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier of European Group 6.Beckham controls the ball during the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier of European Group 6.

Beckham unveils the new Emporio Armani underwear ad campaign for the fall/winter of 2009-2010.Beckham unveils the new Emporio Armani underwear ad campaign for the fall/winter of 2009-2010.

Beckham, No. 23 of the Los Angeles Galaxy soccer team, walks toward the line judge to have a chat during Game 1 of the MLS Western Conference Semifinals against Chivas USA in 2009.Beckham, No. 23 of the Los Angeles Galaxy soccer team, walks toward the line judge to have a chat during Game 1 of the MLS Western Conference Semifinals against Chivas USA in 2009.

Becks arrives at Sydney International Airport in 2010.Becks arrives at Sydney International Airport in 2010.

David and Victoria Beckham arrive at the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey in 2011.David and Victoria Beckham arrive at the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey in 2011.

The Beckhams attend the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in West Hollywood, California, in 2012.

Beckham celebrated his second MLS Cup success with the Los Angeles Galaxy in December 2012, when he decided to leave with a year left on his contract as he sought one final career challenge in Europe.Beckham celebrated his second MLS Cup success with the Los Angeles Galaxy in December 2012, when he decided to leave with a year left on his contract as he sought one final career challenge in Europe.

Beckham passes under Tower Bridge in a speedboat which carries the Olympic Torch and its torchbearer in 2012.Beckham passes under Tower Bridge in a speedboat which carries the Olympic Torch and its torchbearer in 2012.

Beckham acts as England's captain during the 2004 European Nations Championship football match against Croatia in Lisbon, Portugal.Beckham acts as England’s captain during the 2004 European Nations Championship football match against Croatia in Lisbon, Portugal.


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David Beckham through the yearsDavid Beckham through the years

Philipp Lahm, left, of the German football team Bayern Munchen attends the Oktoberfest beer festival with his teammate Thomas Mueller in Munich, Germany, on Sunday, October 7, the last day of the world's biggest beer festival. See more of CNN's best photography.Philipp Lahm, left, of the German football team Bayern Munchen attends the Oktoberfest beer festival with his teammate Thomas Mueller in Munich, Germany, on Sunday, October 7, the last day of the world’s biggest beer festival. See more of CNN’s best photography.

People in traditional Bavarian garb fire a salute Sunday on the steps of the Bavaria monument.People in traditional Bavarian garb fire a salute Sunday on the steps of the Bavaria monument.

A Bavarian riflewoman waits before the salute on Sunday.A Bavarian riflewoman waits before the salute on Sunday.

Visitors and the giant bronze sculpture 'Bavaria' are reflected in the brass players' instruments on Sunday.Visitors and the giant bronze sculpture ‘Bavaria’ are reflected in the brass players’ instruments on Sunday.

Christian Ude, Munich's lord mayor, attends the traditional Boellerschiessen salute on the last day of Oktoberfest on Sunday.Christian Ude, Munich’s lord mayor, attends the traditional Boellerschiessen salute on the last day of Oktoberfest on Sunday.

Visitors drink beer while rain falls on the Oktoberfest festival fairground on Sunday.Visitors drink beer while rain falls on the Oktoberfest festival fairground on Sunday.

Bayern Munchen football club CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, from left, head coach Jupp Heynckes, Bundesliga league board member Karl Hopfner and sporting director Matthias Sammer clink steins on Sunday.Bayern Munchen football club CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, from left, head coach Jupp Heynckes, Bundesliga league board member Karl Hopfner and sporting director Matthias Sammer clink steins on Sunday.

Young people, some dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing, wait outside a duck roast beer tent at the Oktoberfest beer festival in Munich, Germany, on Saturday, October 6. Young people, some dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing, wait outside a duck roast beer tent at the Oktoberfest beer festival in Munich, Germany, on Saturday, October 6.

Decked-out attendeees chat on Friday, October 5. Decked-out attendeees chat on Friday, October 5.

A father and son dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing ride in a bumper car on Friday.A father and son dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing ride in a bumper car on Friday.

People dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing ride swings during Friday's festivities.People dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing ride swings during Friday’s festivities.

Oktoberfest visitors get into the spirit in a festival tent at the Theresienwiese on Friday.Oktoberfest visitors get into the spirit in a festival tent at the Theresienwiese on Friday.

An Oktoberfest visitor has a rest on the lawn at the Theresienwiese.An Oktoberfest visitor has a rest on the lawn at the Theresienwiese.

It's standing-room only at Oktoberfest in Munich on Wednesday, October 3. It’s standing-room only at Oktoberfest in Munich on Wednesday, October 3.

Festivalgoers enjoy a ride at the Theresienwiese fairgrounds in Munich, Germany, at the Oktoberfest beer festival on Tuesday, October 2. Festivalgoers enjoy a ride at the Theresienwiese fairgrounds in Munich, Germany, at the Oktoberfest beer festival on Tuesday, October 2.

A booth sells gingerbread hearts at Oktoberfest on Tuesday.A booth sells gingerbread hearts at Oktoberfest on Tuesday.

Grigoris Makos of the football team TSV 1860 Munich and his wife, Athena, enjoy some suds Tuesday.Grigoris Makos of the football team TSV 1860 Munich and his wife, Athena, enjoy some suds Tuesday.

Musicians perform in front of the Bavaria statue during the Oktoberfest concert in Munich on Sunday, September 30.Musicians perform in front of the Bavaria statue during the Oktoberfest concert in Munich on Sunday, September 30.

Musicians perform Sunday at the Theresienwiese in Munich.Musicians perform Sunday at the Theresienwiese in Munich.

A girl holds balloons during Sunday's concert.A girl holds balloons during Sunday’s concert.

Alphorn musicians play at the foot of the Bavaria monument Sunday.Alphorn musicians play at the foot of the Bavaria monument Sunday.

A waiter carries beer mugs through the Braeurosl beer tent during day seven of Oktoberfest 2012 on Friday, September 28, in Munich. A waiter carries beer mugs through the Braeurosl beer tent during day seven of Oktoberfest 2012 on Friday, September 28, in Munich.

A man dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing eats fried calamari on Friday. A man dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing eats fried calamari on Friday.

People dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing attend the beer festival.People dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing attend the beer festival.

Revelers enjoy themselves as they drink beer outside the Braeurosl beer tent Friday.Revelers enjoy themselves as they drink beer outside the Braeurosl beer tent Friday.

A man dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing rests.A man dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing rests.

A girl wearing a Bavarian Dirndl dress fires a rifle at a shooting range at Oktoberfest.A girl wearing a Bavarian Dirndl dress fires a rifle at a shooting range at Oktoberfest.

A waitress carries mugs of beer to customers at the Braeurosl beer tent.A waitress carries mugs of beer to customers at the Braeurosl beer tent.

People enjoy themselves as they drink beer outside the Lowenbrau beer tent.People enjoy themselves as they drink beer outside the Lowenbrau beer tent.

A woman dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing attends day seven of Oktoberfest on Friday.A woman dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing attends day seven of Oktoberfest on Friday.

People sit on benches under a tent on Thursday, September 27. People sit on benches under a tent on Thursday, September 27.

A woman stands in front of gingerbread hearts on Wednesday, September 26, the fifth day of the festival.A woman stands in front of gingerbread hearts on Wednesday, September 26, the fifth day of the festival.

Michael Schifferl decorates a gingerbread cookie at his stand on Tuesday, September 25. Michael Schifferl decorates a gingerbread cookie at his stand on Tuesday, September 25.

A colorful swing ride turns on Tuesday, the fourth day of the festival.A colorful swing ride turns on Tuesday, the fourth day of the festival.

A young woman drinks beer at the Oktoberfest beer festival on Monday, September 24. A young woman drinks beer at the Oktoberfest beer festival on Monday, September 24.

A woman serves Hendl at the Theresienwiese Oktoberfest fairgrounds on Monday.A woman serves Hendl at the Theresienwiese Oktoberfest fairgrounds on Monday.

Revelers fill an Oktoberfest tent at the Theresienwiese festival grounds on Sunday, September 23.Revelers fill an Oktoberfest tent at the Theresienwiese festival grounds on Sunday, September 23.

Two men wearing traditional Bavarian clothes take part in the costumes and riflemen parade on Sunday.Two men wearing traditional Bavarian clothes take part in the costumes and riflemen parade on Sunday.

Visitors rest on the grass on Sunday.Visitors rest on the grass on Sunday.

Revelers dressed in traditional Bavarian clothes celebrate at Schottenhamel beer tent on Saturday, September 22.Revelers dressed in traditional Bavarian clothes celebrate at Schottenhamel beer tent on Saturday, September 22.

The attractions light up the fairgrounds on the first night of the festival on Saturday. The attractions light up the fairgrounds on the first night of the festival on Saturday.

A booth selling fried nuts attracts people evening on Saturday evening.A booth selling fried nuts attracts people evening on Saturday evening.

German actor Axel Milberg and his wife, Judith, cheer with beer mugs on Saturday.German actor Axel Milberg and his wife, Judith, cheer with beer mugs on Saturday.

Revelers wearing different types of mock lederhosen walk at the festival.Revelers wearing different types of mock lederhosen walk at the festival.

Waitresses prepare for the opening day of Oktoberfest 2012.Waitresses prepare for the opening day of Oktoberfest 2012.

Typical Oktoberfest heart badges are seen at a beer tent.Typical Oktoberfest heart badges are seen at a beer tent.

Police officers wait for the opening parade to begin.Police officers wait for the opening parade to begin.

A woman wearing a traditional Bavarian Dirndl dress drinks beer.A woman wearing a traditional Bavarian Dirndl dress drinks beer.

Visitors hold umbrellas as they wait in front of a beer tent.Visitors hold umbrellas as they wait in front of a beer tent.

A waiter brings beer mugs to participants.A waiter brings beer mugs to participants.

Horses pulling a beer coach march in the parade. Horses pulling a beer coach march in the parade.

A tuba player performs as a parade kicks off the festival.A tuba player performs as a parade kicks off the festival.

A man in traditional Bavarian clothes and his dogs wait for the opening parade.A man in traditional Bavarian clothes and his dogs wait for the opening parade.

Waitresses of the Spaten brewery wave with beer mugs. See more of CNN's best photography.Waitresses of the Spaten brewery wave with beer mugs. See more of CNN’s best photography.


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Photos: Oktoberfest 2012 beer festivalPhotos: Oktoberfest 2012 beer festival

But it’s not just in Britain, where this deep-rooted hostility towards Germany is alive and kicking.

Most recently, Merkel has suffered from having her economic policies compared to those of the Nazis by the Hungarian Prime Minister, while the the German leader has also been lampooned by the Greek press.

Media perception

According to the 2011 UK census, there are 274,000 Germans living on British shores.

“At the moment it is really cool to read all the very well-informed and positive articles about German football in the British press,” says Karl Pfeiffer, the director of educational links at London’s Goethe-Institut.

“Since the 2006 World Cup in Germany, the media perception of German football and Germany in general has dramatically changed,” added Pfeiffer, who has lived in England since 1986.

“Personally I never encountered stereotypical comments or remarks, but parts of the press here before 2006 were a different matter.

“In my job I work on a German football project with Arsenal, which has two great and popular German players, Lukas Podolski and Per Mertesacker.

“The project is for school children and it is great to see how interested they are in in German football, too.”

Dortmund’s success in reaching the final has particularly struck a chord with neutral fans given the club almost went out of business eight years ago.

Under the guidance of charismatic coach Jurgen Klopp, whose popularity has seen a pop song written about him, Dortmund’s run to the final has left even the most hard-hearted of seasoned aficionados willing on the men in yellow and black.

“It is really nice to see how well Dortmund and Klopp are liked all over Europe,” Sandra Goldschmidt, a devoted follower of the club, told CNN.

“Everyone loves a little fairytale story like ours from nearly having to go into administration to being in a Champions League final, and that is really all thanks to Klopp.

“I guess that people in England also really admire it that we have done this without making big-money signings but by finding talents.”

So as Bayern and Dortmund fans walk down Wembley Way, originally constructed by German prisoners of war in the 1940s, it will provoke a timely reminder of how the world has moved on.

And it is Krug’s hope that Saturday’s showpiece will galvanize further change in attitudes towards Germans.

“This year’s Champions League final may well prove to be a temporary culmination of changing perceptions towards Germany,” he said.

“Football has the power to change worldwide stereotypes and perceptions. It’s done so in the past and it will do so again.”


Article source: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/05/24/sport/football/champions-league-bayern-dortmund-football/index.html?eref=edition

Categories: Top Stories Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

China eyes Arctic options in energy

May 24th, 2013 No comments


US Secretary of State John Kerry attends the Arctic Ministerial Summit next to US Senator Lisa Murkowski in Sweden.

Editor’s note: Geoff Hiscock is a former Asia business editor for CNN.com and is the author of “Earth Wars: The Battle for Global Resources,” published by Wiley.

(CNN) — The decision to grant permanent observer status to China and five other nations by the Arctic Council meeting in Sweden Wednesday reflects the heightened interest by some of the world’s most powerful economies in an area rich in oil, gas, minerals, fish and new transport possibilities.

For new observer nations China, Japan and South Korea, shorter shipping routes to Europe through Arctic waters could open up prospects of new energy supply options later this decade, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia’s Yamal Peninsula in northwest Siberia.

It could also lessen China’s dependence on oil and gas shipped from the Middle East, which must pass through the Southeast Asian chokepoint of the Strait of Malacca. Allied to China’s interest of getting oil and gas delivered from new pipelines across Myanmar and Central Asia, the potential of the Arctic trade routes loom large in China’s strategic thinking.

Five years ago, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) described the vast Arctic continental shelf as potentially the “largest unexplored prospective area for petroleum remaining on Earth.” A new U.S. Arctic policy unveiled by the Obama administration last week cites that 2008 study, which estimated that about 13% of the world’s undiscovered oil and 30% of its undiscovered gas lies north of the Arctic Circle.


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In a 2012 update, the USGS put the mean undiscovered estimate of recoverable oil in Russia’s Arctic provinces alone at 28 billion barrels, plus about 27 trillion cubic meters of gas.

China is keen to be more than just a customer for this Russian oil and gas. In February, the heads of China’s three state-controlled oil and gas majors — China National Petroleum Corp (CNPC), Sinopec and China National Offshore Oil Corp (CNOOC) — met one of Russia’s most influential players in the energy sector, Igor Sechin, chief executive of state-owned oil company Rosneft. The following month, Rosneft struck a deal with CNPC, giving it access to Arctic resources.

The Arctic Council, made up of the United States, Russia, Canada and the five Nordic nations — Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Iceland — was set up in 1996 to coordinate policy in a resource-rich but environmentally sensitive part of the world. Before Wednesday’s decision there were already six observer states: the UK, France, Germany, Poland, Spain and the Netherlands.

Now the permanent observers are being joined by China, Japan, India, South Korea, Singapore and Italy, meaning that all of the key Asian economies now have a seat at the Arctic table, even though they will not have a vote on the Arctic Council. The European Union, the other major body seeking observer status, had its application affirmed but “deferred,” a rebuff that is likely related to an unresolved dispute with Canada over the fur seal trade.

Both China and India already have polar research stations in the northern part of Norway, as do most of the other observer nations.

The Arctic’s importance has gained extra strategic and economic significance as melting ice in the polar region strengthens the feasibility of nations to use the Northern Sea Route (NSR) across the top of Russia and the Northwest Passage through Canada’s Arctic archipelago. Canada claims the passage, which links the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, runs through its internal waterways. The U.S. and other countries contest this, maintaining it is an international strait.

For China, the main transportation focus is the NSR, which runs along the northern coastline of Siberia from Novaya Zemlya to the Bering Strait. It is open only for about five months of the year, from late June to November or early December, and requires icebreakers to cut a path through the Arctic ice for specially strengthened oil and gas carriers.

But the route cuts as much as three weeks from shipping times between Europe and Asia. For example, Murmansk to China’s Ningbo port near Shanghai is 13,000 km via the NSR, compared with 22,000 km via the Mediterranean Sea, Suez Canal, Indian Ocean and Strait of Malacca.

In August to September last year, China sent its one and only icebreaker Xue Long (Snow Dragon) on a successful two-way test run of the NSR. It plans to add a second icebreaker to its fleet in 2014-15.

Over the past two sailing seasons, Russian oil and gas companies have tested the route for gas condensate and LNG shipments. In June 2011, Novatek, Russia’s biggest non-state gas company, sent 60,000 tons of gas condensate from Murmansk to the Chinese port of Ningbo aboard the MV Perseverance on a three-week voyage. At the end of 2012, Russian state-owned gas giant Gazprom sent a 66,000-tonne cargo of LNG from Statoil’s Hammerfest terminal in Norway to the Japanese port of Tobata between November 7 and December 5. The route was cleared by three Russian icebreakers.

For now, the NSR is still very much in a test phase. According to the Centre for High North Logistics, an Arctic-focused information center based in Kirkenes, Norway, 46 vessels used the NSR in 2012, carrying about 1.26 million tons of cargo. That was an increase of more than 50% from 2011.

China envisages exporting consumer goods aboard container ships to Europe and receiving LNG cargoes via the NSR. Novatek, for example, is building a new port at Sabetta on the Yamal peninsula to service the LNG trade to Asia, with expectations of first gas in 2016 and exports of 15 million tons a year by 2018.

The NSR’s shortcomings are considerable: a short sailing season, the cost of hiring icebreakers, the operational hazards of extreme northern waters and the environmental risks of oil spills, collisions or sinkings. Even so, this Arctic shipping route is likely to be the focus of intense interest by China over the next decade.


Article source: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/05/16/business/china-arctic/index.html?eref=edition

Categories: Top Stories Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

Japan’s stock slump a sign of health?

May 24th, 2013 No comments


Japan's main stock index, the Tokyo Nikkei, plunged 7% on Thursday but economists and analysts say this is

Hong Kong (CNN) — Japan’s main trading index, the Tokyo Nikkei, plunged more than 7% Thursday, ending a red-hot rally that saw the bourse climb nearly 50% since the start of the year.

Investors reacted to negative news from the United States and China. U.S. Fed Chair Ben Bernanke left an open question on whether quantitative easing would end earlier than hoped, while new China data revealed factory activity fell the first time in seven months.

Though questions loom over the world’s first and second largest economies, analysts and economists agree that for Japan, the world’s third largest, things are just fine — despite this week’s stock slump.

The fact that investors pulled out is “a sign of health rather than a sign of worry,” said Jesper Koll, Director of Japan Equity Research at JPMorgan in Tokyo. “When markets go one way then it’s time to be concerned. The (Nikkei) has been up basically 70% over the last seven months.”


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In the history of global stock markets, such a major rally is very rare, added Koll. Since World War II, similar events have happened less than eight times. A correction was due.

“This looks like the selloff that so many on the sidelines have been waiting for,” said Nicholas Smith, CLSA’s Japan Strategist in Tokyo. “The Topix was undoubtedly overbought.”

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s fiscal policies for growth and inflation — known to many now as Abenomics — are not to blame so much as financial quakes and questions from the world’s other major economies. In support of Abenomics, the Bank of Japan this past Wednesday affirmed its own policies to buy long-term debt and securities. The move would double the central bank’s monetary base over two years.

“Such conduct of monetary policy will support the positive movements in economic activity and financial markets, contribute to a rise in inflation expectations, and lead Japan’s economy to overcome deflation that has lasted for nearly 15 years,” the bank said in its policy statement.

During those years of deflation and up through Abe’s election to the premiership in December 2012, Japan had a fiscal policy of “musaku” or “no policy” — “all talk but no action,” explained JPMorgan’s Koll.

Now “the most import thing is that Japan does have a policy. With Abe there is action. That’s what has been making investors confident.”

Signs of proof can be found in the return to profit of some of Japan’s exporters, in part due to the yen’s weakening against the U.S. dollar past the 100-yen mark. Toyota, the world’s biggest automaker, reported net income of $9.7 billion in the fiscal year that ended March 31 — more than triple its earnings from the year prior. Panasonic forecasts a net income of nearly $500 million in the 2014 fiscal year, versus a net loss of some $7 billion in 2013.

“We think they (corporate profits) are going to rise by about 50% over the next twelve months,” said Koll, who also forecasts Japan’s Topix — considered more representative of Japan’s stock markets — will climb to 1,400 by the end of 2013 — a rise of nearly 17%.


Article source: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/05/24/business/japans-stock-slump-sign-of-health/index.html?eref=edition

Categories: Top Stories Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Japan’s stock slump a sign of health?

May 24th, 2013 No comments


Japan's main stock index, the Tokyo Nikkei, plunged 7% on Thursday but economists and analysts say this is

Hong Kong (CNN) — Japan’s main trading index, the Tokyo Nikkei, plunged more than 7% Thursday, ending a red-hot rally that saw the bourse climb nearly 50% since the start of the year.

Investors reacted to negative news from the United States and China. U.S. Fed Chair Ben Bernanke left an open question on whether quantitative easing would end earlier than hoped, while new China data revealed factory activity fell the first time in seven months.

Though questions loom over the world’s first and second largest economies, analysts and economists agree that for Japan, the world’s third largest, things are just fine — despite this week’s stock slump.

The fact that investors pulled out is “a sign of health rather than a sign of worry,” said Jesper Koll, Director of Japan Equity Research at JPMorgan in Tokyo. “When markets go one way then it’s time to be concerned. The (Nikkei) has been up basically 70% over the last seven months.”


Can ‘womenomics’ save Japan?


Japan’s farms prepare for the future


Better Japanese economy = shorter skirts

In the history of global stock markets, such a major rally is very rare, added Koll. Since World War II, similar events have happened less than eight times. A correction was due.

“This looks like the selloff that so many on the sidelines have been waiting for,” said Nicholas Smith, CLSA’s Japan Strategist in Tokyo. “The Topix was undoubtedly overbought.”

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s fiscal policies for growth and inflation — known to many now as Abenomics — are not to blame so much as financial quakes and questions from the world’s other major economies. In support of Abenomics, the Bank of Japan this past Wednesday affirmed its own policies to buy long-term debt and securities. The move would double the central bank’s monetary base over two years.

“Such conduct of monetary policy will support the positive movements in economic activity and financial markets, contribute to a rise in inflation expectations, and lead Japan’s economy to overcome deflation that has lasted for nearly 15 years,” the bank said in its policy statement.

During those years of deflation and up through Abe’s election to the premiership in December 2012, Japan had a fiscal policy of “musaku” or “no policy” — “all talk but no action,” explained JPMorgan’s Koll.

Now “the most import thing is that Japan does have a policy. With Abe there is action. That’s what has been making investors confident.”

Signs of proof can be found in the return to profit of some of Japan’s exporters, in part due to the yen’s weakening against the U.S. dollar past the 100-yen mark. Toyota, the world’s biggest automaker, reported net income of $9.7 billion in the fiscal year that ended March 31 — more than triple its earnings from the year prior. Panasonic forecasts a net income of nearly $500 million in the 2014 fiscal year, versus a net loss of some $7 billion in 2013.

“We think they (corporate profits) are going to rise by about 50% over the next twelve months,” said Koll, who also forecasts Japan’s Topix — considered more representative of Japan’s stock markets — will climb to 1,400 by the end of 2013 — a rise of nearly 17%.


Article source: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/05/24/business/japans-stock-slump-sign-of-health/index.html?eref=edition

Categories: Top Stories Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Russia’s Far East rocked by powerful earthquake

May 24th, 2013 No comments


(CNN) — A magnitude 8.2 earthquake struck the Russian Far East on Friday, the U.S. Geologicial Survey reported.

The epicenter for the extremely powerful quake was located in the Sea of Okhotsk, just to the west of the Kamchatka Peninsula, and about 600 kilometers (nearly 375 miles) underground.

The quake was felt for five minutes in the region, Russia’s Ria Novosti news agency reported. Many people ran into the streets as the temblor shook.

No tsunami warnings were issued in the quake’s immediate aftermath.

The region is located along the Pacific “ring of fire,” an area of high seismic and volcanic activity stretching from New Zealand in the South Pacific up through Japan, across to Alaska and down the west coasts of North and South America.

CNN’s Boriana Milanova contributed to this report


Article source: http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/edition_world/~3/xR1I7KhfBhk/index.html

Categories: World News Tags: , , , ,

Russia’s Far East rocked by powerful earthquake

May 24th, 2013 No comments


(CNN) — A magnitude 8.2 earthquake struck the Russian Far East on Friday, the U.S. Geologicial Survey reported.

The epicenter for the extremely powerful quake was located in the Sea of Okhotsk, just to the west of the Kamchatka Peninsula, and about 600 kilometers (nearly 375 miles) underground.

The quake was felt for five minutes in the region, Russia’s Ria Novosti news agency reported. Many people ran into the streets as the temblor shook.

No tsunami warnings were issued in the quake’s immediate aftermath.

The region is located along the Pacific “ring of fire,” an area of high seismic and volcanic activity stretching from New Zealand in the South Pacific up through Japan, across to Alaska and down the west coasts of North and South America.

CNN’s Boriana Milanova contributed to this report


Article source: http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/edition_world/~3/xR1I7KhfBhk/index.html

Categories: World News Tags: , , , ,

Russia’s Far East rocked by powerful earthquake

May 24th, 2013 No comments


(CNN) — A magnitude 8.2 earthquake struck the Russian Far East on Friday, the U.S. Geologicial Survey reported.

The epicenter for the extremely powerful quake was located in the Sea of Okhotsk, just to the west of the Kamchatka Peninsula, and about 600 kilometers (nearly 375 miles) underground.

The quake was felt for five minutes in the region, Russia’s Ria Novosti news agency reported. Many people ran into the streets as the temblor shook.

No tsunami warnings were issued in the quake’s immediate aftermath.

The region is located along the Pacific “ring of fire,” an area of high seismic and volcanic activity stretching from New Zealand in the South Pacific up through Japan, across to Alaska and down the west coasts of North and South America.

CNN’s Boriana Milanova contributed to this report


Article source: http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/edition_world/~3/xR1I7KhfBhk/index.html

Categories: World News Tags: , , , ,