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Here is the video (in German). Scot mainly talks about the differences between American and German interpretations of free speech, the rights and duties of the press, and how the Internet undermines German privacy rights via American websites. Good stuff.

tapmag thinks that the Eurovision Song Contest is a far too complex concept to be understood in American terms of entertainment shows. Americans watch American Idol to see good acts and funny rejection clips. Europeans tune in to Eurovision for a lot of reasons, but not to discover awe-inspiring new singers.

We want pseudofolkloristic bands in nonsense costumes, eurotrash glam from the Balkans, a sense of socially shared television moments that has been long gone since the Internet arrived, and of course one of the last places being reserved for Germany.

The Eurovision Song Contest is meta-show that allows us Europeans to reflect on our own awkward cultural backgrounds, giving us a chance to come to terms with the lowbrow elements of European culture. By laughing about our neighbors’ ridiculous ideas of a good show, we establish connections that foster understanding and solidarity which transcends borders.

But of course, it’s far easier to denounce this expression of humility, humanity and the understanding of dignity that arises from it as the simple lack of musical talent. Kent Jones, a little humbleness suits everyone, especially Americans.

One of the greatest dangers facing American democracy today is extreme partisanship. The division of public and politics along party lines hinders political discourse and halts social progress at great costs to society. If little else, Americans can agree on that. But, as soon as you ask who is responsible for political bipolarity, people are divided: Fox News or the liberal media, fundamentalist evangelicals or the eastcoast elite, rich republicans or wealthy democrats, SUV drivers or treehuggers.

“Split: A Divided America” is a documentary that shines a light on the roots and consequences of this political divide. While it can’t solve all the problems and leaves the viewer with open questions, there are still some insights to be drawn from it.

First of all, the paradigm of red states vs. blue states is a construction, and not a political reality. But, its adoption is of use for some people, which explains its popularity. Partisanship can win campaigns and makes the media’s job a little easier. Alas—it fails to describe a much more complex reality.

The 2008 documentary features well known scientists, publicists, and political activists such as Robert D. Putnam, Nicholas Kristof, Amy Goodman, Noam Chomsky and Jesse Jackson.

Plus, it is remarkably bipartisan and although the producers are part of the story, they manage to step aside and let their subjects speak for themselves most of the time. In taking this approach, “Split” is a step away from the Michael Moore kind of opinionated reportages, that preach to the choir and seem to divide rather than unite.

The movie is not officially available in Europe yet, but—much to our delight—we found it on Hulu (once again, how to watch Hulu if you are outside the U.S.):

It’s good vs. evil, it’s humanity vs. the devil himself, it’s, well, read for yourself what the Army officer played by Brad Pitt has to say:

“We’re going to be dropped into France, dressed as civilians. We’re going to do one thing and one thing only – killin’ Nazis!”

“Members of the National Socialist Party conquered Europe to murder, torture, intimidation, and terror. And that’s exactly what we’re gonna do to them. We will be cruel to the German and due to our cruelty they will know who we are. They will find the evidence of our cruelty in the disembowed, dismembered and disfigured bodies of their brothers we leave behind us.”

“The German will be sickened by us. The German will talk about us. And the German will fear us. Nazi ain’t got no humanity. They need to be destroyed.  Each and every man under my command owes me one hundred Nazi scalps. And I want my scalps!”

Nazis are the new zombies. They don’t eat brains, but babies. They are fun to kill, and it’s totally guilt-free. They are easily recognizable by the weird noises they make. They feature a very distinctive look that is a great dress up for Halloween (of course, this doesn’t apply for members of the Royal Family). They are a movie cliché and spur their own tribute spoofs.

Isn’t it about time that the new subgenre “Nazigore” (there are already 13,500 google hits) is introduced by the video shop owners of this world?

Here’s the trailer for Tarantino’s new kill-the-Nazi movie “Inglourious Basterds” [sic!]:

Inglourious Basterds – Theatrical Trailer

(via Ben Perry)

The most German of Germans—nevermind he is from South Africa—climbed up the chart ladder with his passionate and inspiring song he creatively dubbed “Yes We Can!” Now, let us all praise the new leader of mankind together.

In the good tradition of lists at the end of the year, we bring you the most memorable moments of the already historic 2008 US Presidential election. One media phenomenon was especially salient—Sarah Palin, who will be remembered for putting both hockey moms and Wasilla, Alaska on the political map.

She also sparked a movement of Sarah Palin lookalikes and video spoofs, that succeeded to push the frenzy of Obama music videos from the youtube agenda. The magnitude of her online appeal is so great that after the election, American video websites like Hulu.com have seen their traffic drop due to a post-Sarah-Palin slump.

So, without further ado, our ten favorite videos with or inspired by the moose hunter of the year. Tell us about your favorites and suggest more videos in the comments. Merry Christmas everyone!

1. Sarah Palin herself

2. Tina Fey on SNL
If you can’t watch the clip, read here how to bypass the regional limitation.

3. Is McCain Sarah Palin’s bitch?

4. From Russia with Love

5. Terry Tate: Reading is Fundamental
Note: Might be funnier if you know Terry’s other clips.

6. McCain/Obama Dance Off

7. Obama Girl does Palin

8. Paper Planes Palin

9. The Daily Show: McCain picks Running Mate

10. Sarah Palin at a turkey farm