Germany

Coming to a Christmas cinema screen near you next year. It is a dream that has been shared by lovers across the centuries – the chance to elope to exotic lands. But few would have been as bold and spontaneous as six-year-old Mika and his five-year-old sweetheart Anna-Bell who, after mulling over their options in secret, packed their suitcases on New Year’s Eve and set off from the German city of Hanover to tie the knot under the heat of the African sun. The children left their homes at dawn while their unwitting parents were apparently sleeping, and took along Mika’s seven-year-old sister, Anna-Lena, as a witness to the wedding.

Turbulent times in the Dreher household: Ramesh Ponnuru, seeing parents in his neighborhood encouraging their kids to be Obamatons, rightly says he doesn’t get people who delight in politicizing their children. Completely agree. For some reason, though, my two boys — ages nine and four — are crazy for Barack Obama, and have been for a long time. They’re put out with their mom and dad for not being for Obama. It has nothing to do with policy, of course; they just think he’s the coolest thing. It’s actually kind of cute, and as young as they are, I’d rather encourage them to be excited about the political process rather

The New Republic, America’s most football-friendly political magazine, asked me to write something mean about the Germans: Today’s question then, is: Does Germany’s record in international soccer confirm: (a) the absence of God, (b) the capriciousness of justice, or (c) the futility of romance? Or: (d) all of the above? Full piece here. Prieviously, in a more generous mood, I defended David Beckham for TNR here.

Do you have what it takes to become a German citizen? I do. (Like Daniel Larison, I scored 5/7.)

Skipper Neil Darling and his Selkirk team-mates celebrate after Monday night’s Border League final victory over Jed-Forest, bringing the title back to Philiphaugh for the first time in 55 years. This caps the most successful season for the rugby club since 1952-53 when Selkirk were both Border League and Scottish champions (for the only time ever). Add this bauble to retaining the Kings of the Sevens title and winning promotion to Division 1 next season and it’s been a cracking year. Hurrah! Watch it and weep, Gala… Photo © club photographer Grant Kinghorn.

Back from Ireland and, whaddyaknow, it’s like summer has finally arrived here. By which I mean that temperatures have soared into the 70s. Regular blogging to resume soon. Meanwhile, here’s a picture two of my mother’s hens…