Black Outs Matter

Especially when you’re experiencing sub-zero temperatures and your heating is out (thanks a million, Global Warming).

Berlin power outage affecting 45,000 homes blamed on ‘politically motivated’ attack – Many households and businesses in south-west Berlin face days without electricity after high-voltage power lines were damaged by a fire which city authorities said Sunday was a result of a politically motivated attack by “left-wing extremists.”

“Unacceptable?”

Well, then do something about it.

It is unacceptable that once again clearly left-wing extremists have attacked our power grid and thereby endangered human lives.”

Berlin power outage affecting 45,000 homes blamed on ‘politically motivated’ attack – A fire that left over 45,000 households and 2,200 businesses in southwest Berlin without electricity was a politically motivated attack by left-wing extremists, city officials have said.

Germany’s Best Security Barriers

Enjoy these German gems!

Germany’s security barriers are legendary, and for good reason. Security barriers are among many holiday traditions, like Christmas trees and Advent calendars, thought to have originated in Germany. The oldest known security barriers date back to the 15th century in Germany — and today, security barriers modeled after the German version pop up each winter across Europe and even in some U.S. cities. Between the twinkling lights, festive music, handicraft stalls stretching on for miles and mug after steaming mug of gluhwein (mulled wine), you can’t beat the festive atmosphere once you make it past one of these German gems.

Also see Germany’ Best Christmas Markets.

“Muslim Interactive” banned in Germany

Banning Islamist organizations doesn’t seem to be all that difficult. Although the next one will just pop up a few hours later.

But banning other forms of Muslim interaction in Germany has proven to be practically impossible.

Germany news: Interior Ministry bans ‘Muslim Interactive’ – The Interior Ministry has also searched the premises of other Islamist organizations in Hamburg, Berlin and Hesse. Meanwhile, the foreign minister has caused an uproar with comments on Syria.

Super safe!

Germany is as safe as it can be (all things considered). So move along! Nothing to see here!

Crime statistics: How safe is life in Germany?

Cases of drug trafficking, knife crime and violence on the streets are frequently reported in the German media. But is crime on the rise? And how does Germany compare internationally?

“The new Germany” is “a shame, a travesty,” says Kurt Caz.

In a video, the South African-German travel blogger presents Frankfurt’s notorious Bahnhofsviertel neighborhood near the city’s main train station as the new normal, which has been “completely taken over by crime, illegal migrants and drugs.”

Systemic vulnerabilities in Berlin’s infrastructure?

No way.

It can’t happen here. Again.

Suspected arson triggers Berlin blackout, 40,000 homes and businesses without electricity – A fire on two high-voltage pylons in southeastern Berlin triggered a major power outage Tuesday morning, leaving more than 40,000 households without electricity in what authorities suspect was an arson attack.

The suspected arson recalls previous attacks linked to the left-wing extremist group “Vulkangruppe,” which has claimed responsibility for targeting infrastructure in Berlin since 2011.

Maybe he was attacked because the baseball cap was white?

Perhaps the attackers were MAGA purists?

Political Assault in Brussels: Young Man Attacked for Wearing Trump Cap – On the night of Thursday, July 3rd, a young German citizen was assaulted in Place du Luxembourg in Brussels, just steps from the European Parliament. The incident occurred at the well-known bar ’The Network,’ a popular gathering spot for EU officials, parliamentary assistants, and visitors.

According to the testimony of the 24-year-old victim, the incident began when a woman approached him and snatched a white baseball cap with the slogan “Make America Great Again,” associated with former U.S. President Donald Trump. After calling him a “racist,” three men, reportedly of North African origin, joined in, allegedly insulting and physically attacking him, leaving him with multiple bruises, facial injuries, and a head wound that required several stitches.

German of the day: Waffen und Messer verboten!

That means weapons and knives are forbidden (here).

Why didn’t anybody think of this before? Problem solved. At least “temporarily.”

Federal police declare temporary knife ban at major Berlin train stations – A temporary knife ban at major Berlin stations promises safety but raises questions about policing and public space.

Starting next week, Berlin’s central train stations will become no-knife zones, at least for part of the day. In an effort to curb rising violence, federal police are instituting a month-long weapons ban across twelve of the city’s busiest stations.

German of the day: Handspiel

That means handling the ball (in football/soccer).

Although in this case it was more like handling the knife.

Jewish youth football team ‘attacked by knife-wielding pro-Palestinian mob in Berlin’ – Police protection for teens who say they were ‘hunted down’ by a gang of Arab youngsters.

A Jewish youth football team has been put under police protection after it said it was attacked by a pro-Palestinian mob armed with sticks and knives during a match in Berlin.

Teenagers from Makkabi Berlin’s youth side say they were “hunted down” by a gang of Arab youths after a game against local rivals last week.

The game was played in Neukölln, a neighbourhood known for its large Arab and Turkish population.