It don't matter to Jacko

We've had the show where people switch jobs, one where people switch wives and mothers—now there's a reality TV show where families swap races.

Whites tend to underestimate racism, while blacks tend to overestimate it.

It's quite interesting to see the different kinds of discrimation that occur in Europe. It's probably an artifact of war and immigration over the centuries, but it's not uncommon to see fairly open attacks between ethnic groups that look the same (to me). I always used to think that racism had a strong visual component—a subconscious observation that he doesn't look like me on the outside, he must be different on the inside too.

I still can't find the gay Spider-Man comic

Everyone has seen the dirty episode of the Rainbow children's show, but apparently Zippy, George and Bungle have also been known to poo in one another's bed. I didn't even know they had a life outside the TV series!

(Thanks, NTK newsletter)

Beware, people

I bought a headset today, so now I can use the internet to yell at everyone back home. I can't make international calls from my cellphone, and we don't actually have a shared house phone.

The Brain Drain strikes again

The fabulous Cozzie from Canterbury has arrived in Blighty! I'm beginning to wonder if there'll be anyone left in New Zealand by the time I make my way back for a visit.

And now, I'm off to Amsterdam!

Hamiltron, transform and roll out

Rumour has it that Jon described Hamburg as the Hamilton of Europe. Now that I've spent almost a week there, I think I can comfortably say that the pot-smoking smalltown boy racer culture that defines Hamiltron was sadly lacking. The university dorm building I stayed in did have a vending machine for beer, though.

Come to think of it, there was beer everywhere. More often than not, it was tasty German beer, served in special glasses. With the bratwurst croissants, currywurst, baconed potatoes and pork schnitzel, I also think I ate more meat this weekend than the past three months combined.

My 12-holidays-in-12-months scheme is panning out pretty well! Sadly, my travels have been during a time where blog posting opportunities have been scarce. However, I had news from the landlord today: now I have one of those modern internet connection things you hear the kids talk about.