Not too long ago, American actress and film producer Katherine Heigl, best known for her work in Grey's Anatomy, visited Esslingen, the birthplace of her grandfather. Now she is back visiting Germany, where she particulary prizes the food: bratwurst, sauerkraut, and above all, spaetzle. Guten Appetit! Copyright: Deutsche Presse Agentur [The German Press Agency]

It is not known for nothing as the most important automotive exhibition in the world: the International Automobile Exhibition is underway yet again in Frankfurt and includes a record number new models from the manufacturers.

The German insult "stupid hen" is apparently doing an injustice to chickens, since poultry are teaching animal trainers at the Scheuerhof Animal Academy!

Copyright: Deutsche Presse Agentur [The German Press Agency]

Promoting mulled wine this winter, Sabine Braunert has been named the German Mulled Wine Queen. From November 27th, she will be raising the glass of mulled wine in her new official capacity. Copyright: Deutsche Presse Agentur [The German Press Agency]

After the scandal about horse meat in European restaurants, there was a new scandal about dioxin-contaminated eggs. This video shows you how the labeling on EU-produced eggs works. Or is supposed to work, presuming the codes haven't been forged. I wish that I could wish you a guten Appetit!

"Luke, I am your father." The biggest Star Wars fan conference in the world takes place in Essen, Germany. Watch this video for some extra-terrestrial fun! (video copyright DPA)

The "Femeiche" oak tree in North Rhine-Westphalia may well be the oldest living tree in Germany, dating from the first millenium AD. (video copyright dpa)

The next time you are waiting for your baggage at Frankfurt Airport and feel something sniffing the back of your leg, remember to be polite: it may be an official from the German Customs — in the form of a highly trained dog! A dog trainer from the German Customs explains what qualities they look for in their future canine employees. (video copyright dpa)

Two businessmen shake hands, have a meeting, and both fall ill the next day. What did they do wrong? According to this report, they should have kissed each other on the cheek instead of shaking hands! A doctor in Berlin also tells us about the effectiveness of herbal teas... Gesundheit! (video copyright dpa)

Construction is the biggest source of political corruption in the world, and here a case in point: the existence of hermit Friedmunt Sonnemann is being threatened by the construction of an elevated Moselle River overpass, that according to critics is neither wanted nor needed by the inhabitants. (video copyright dpa)