On a Sunday evening around 6 p.m., there was an earthquake in South Hesse, with the epicenter in Ober-Ramstadt near Darmstadt. With a strength of 3.2 on the Richter Scale, there was no major damage reported, but the quake certainly gave some of the residents quite a scare!

Schlager star Helene Fischer does not like to argue, so if you are a person who thrives on friction, you had best not apply to Team Fischer! Helene gets up close and personal in this interview featuring music clips from her latest album. (video copyright dpa)

This very funny and very fast animated version of "Puss in Boots" is both fun and educational to watch. NOTE: This video uses antiquated forms of German such as Eure Majestät which are roughly equivalent to "Thy Majesty" in Shakespearean-Era English, but have been translated for ease of understanding into modern English. Viel Spaß beim Lernen!

Here's more from comedian Günter Dudenhöfer. According to the program's host, he's the Palatine region's best "Büttenredner" [carnival] orator since Helmut Kohl. A "Bütt" is a barrel in which the orators usually stand while airing the latest "dirty laundry" of the powers that be. Viel Spaß!

In traditional carnival style, the village idiot - portrayed by comedian Günter Dudenhöfer - misspeaks, twists his words all around and gets all mixed up. In the process, however, he leaves various social institutions and current trends in his wake handsomely lampooned. Viel Spaß dabei!

This report on the Wiesbaden Jewish Memorial for the Wiesbaden victims of the Holocaust is a remarkably well made mini-documentary, featuring historical photographs as well as interviews with the chairman of the Wiesbaden Jewish Community, the mayor of Wiesbaden, and the architect who designed the memorial site.

In this next part, Yabla star reporter Diane tells us tales of the battle between Bretten and the Duke of Württemberg, of the fattened puppy that fooled him into retreat! We are also presented with the conjuring of a court jester. Viel Spaß!

In part one of this series, Yabla star reporter Diane attends the Peter and Paul festival in Bretten, where she not only dons medieval garb, but proceeds to take lessons in loading and shooting a replica of an ancient matchlock musket, and all in a genuine Baden dialect!

In the mid-1970s disco ruled and roller skates were so big they made science fiction movies about them, in fact the movie Rollerball is still a huge cult film. Well now roller skates are back in a big way. Forget inline skates: if you think it is “easier” because you have four wheels, well think again! This video gets into a roller skating class in Berlin whose teacher is trying to change put Berlin clubs on wheels! Viel Spaß! Copyright: Deutsche Presse Agentur [The German Press Agency]

The full moon transforms the white mountain world along the Bernina Pass into an enchanting landscape. The Rhaetian Railway takes you on an extraordinary trip at night. Enjoy!

Following the sudden resignation of Benedict XVI, the search for a new pope is dominating the conversation in the corridors of the Vatican. Precisely how a new pope is selected is explained in this informative video.
"Copyright DPA"

At more than 500 meters, Ulrichstein is the town in the state of Hessen with the highest elevation and, thus, an ideal location for harnessing the wind. Satisfying Germany's demand for energy in the new energy economy is the subject of this informative clip from the highland region of Vogelsberg. Copyright: Deutsche Presse Agentur [The German Press Agency]

The rush is on at the nearest tire service station as soon as the first snow falls! Besides being able to avoid those long waiting lines, there are other important reasons for having those winter tires mounted early. Check it out for your own safety! Copyright: Deutsche Presse Agentur [The German Press Agency]

The Swiss love their mountains and the tourism it generates. But, almost as much as their Alps, the Swiss love cleanliness. Watch this spoof on a stereotypical national Swiss trait. Oh, and check out Schweizer Felsenputzer to learn more.

Fuerteventura – currently the windsurfing Mecca of Europe. While some relax on the beach, the world's best surfers and kite-boarders battle wind and waves. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the sun and surf and interviews with pro surfers Tonky Frans and Sarah-Quita Offringa. Copyright: Deutsche Presse Agentur [The German Press Agency]