At the end of the year 2011, the German Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel looks back upon the year's major natural, political and economic events. In her address, she encourages her fellow citizens to remain strong and resolute in the face of formidable challenges that lie ahead.

BMX riders are the cool rebels who do their awesome bike tricks on the back streets, right? Not quite: BMX has now hit the big time and made it to the Olympic Games.
Copyright: Deutsche Presse Agentur [The German Press Agency]

Many children dream of a cute and loyal dog. But before parents grant their children's wish, they should be aware of the great responsibility that pet ownership entails, so as to prevent dogs from being neglected Christmas presents.
Copyright: Deutsche Presse Agentur [The German Press Agency]

The high jump has been an Olympic discipline since 1896 for men and since 1928 for women. In this clip, the predominant jumping technique, the Fosbury flop, is explained and demonstrated step-by-step. Copyright: Deutsche Presse Agentur [The German Press Agency]

In this second episode of the series about the Domäne Dahlem, Eva invites us for a walk around the farm and shows us various crop plants and animals.

Diving from a tower is officially called platform diving, and has a long Olympic tradition, having been an official Olympic sport since 1904.
Copyright: Deutsche Presse Agentur [The German Press Agency]

The swimming style known as Butterfly (or previously as Dolphin-style), is recognised as an official swimming style since 1953. This video explains how top athletes achieve excellence in the pool.
Copyright: Deutsche Presse Agentur [The German Press Agency]

Open air concerts, delicious food, many fun activities for kids of all age groups are on offer every summer at "The Festival" in Karlsruhe. Thousands of people gather each year in this beautiful city. Diane and the Yabla team had a look around for you and experienced many different things.

Concentration, agility and leaping ability... Beach volleyball sounds like an enjoyable leisure activity, but it is both an Olympic sport and and a tough, serious professional sport. Enjoy!
Copyright: Deutsche Presse Agentur [The German Press Agency]

And our excursion into the realm of Karlruhe's water fountains continues, past expressive, carefully formed sculptures and gentle splashing waters. Enjoy!

In a hospital in Düsseldorf, soccer-crazed moms can choose to give birth to their children in the "Fortuna Düsseldorf" soccer team maternity room. The idea has proven surprisingly successful!
Copyright: Deutsche Presse Agentur [The German Press Agency]

Despite the cold weather, tropical parrots, such as the Ring-necked Parakeet, have taken up residence in some German cities. Ornithologists suppose that they descended from escaped pets.
Copyright: Deutsche Presse Agentur [The German Press Agency]

Das Ding vor Ort

Colorful disks fly over the castle of Karlsruhe, hit a garbage can and are cheered on by a few guys… Welcome to disk golf Karlsruhe!

Water fountains: they not only give us fresh water, but they are also often architectural works of art. In this video Günther and Gaby Walz give us a tour through the city of Karlsruhe, showing us the most important fountains and explaining their significance. Enjoy this little plunge into Karlruhe's history!

Saint Christopher – the patron saint of travelers – is on a mission advocating more respect on our busy streets. In this episode he has an gentle admonition for cyclists.