A Chicagoan in Belgium

Yesssss!

2011-06-23T18:30:00.003+02:00

Brussels has its first Starbuck's, as of yesterday! Looking forward to a frap-filled summer!

Money, money, money

2011-01-19T15:27:00.004+01:00

Spotted in Brussels today: Estonian 2 euro coin! These puppies are hot off the mint from the eurozone's 17th member country!

Happy Halloween

2010-10-29T17:10:00.001+02:00

Belgians may go ga-ga over Halloween, but sorry, no candy for those who can't even do trick or treating right.

http://snoopy.com

Yessssss!

2010-10-15T14:41:00.003+02:00

Antwerp Central Station, one of the world's coolest train stations, is now even cooler with the only Starbuck's in Belgium outside Brussels Airport! Hooray!

Photo Copyright PTC Inc.

Poultry in motion

2010-10-11T16:43:00.003+02:00

Have seen this Hector Chicken Smart mobile around town on more than one occasion -- probably easy to spot by the police should it ever be used as a crime getaway car.

Photo Copyright PTC Inc.

Adieu to the 00s, hello 2010....

2009-12-31T14:28:00.002+01:00

Bonne Annee!

Gelukkig Nieuwjaar!

Boldog Uj Evet!

Prosit Neujahr!

Szczesliwego nowego roku!

Shnorhavor Nor Dari!

-That's Happy New Year in the languages of all the countries I've lived (plus Armenian, which I just learned today)!

Winter Wonderland

2009-12-18T10:58:00.006+01:00

Brussels gets the first snow of the season!

Photo Copyright PTC Inc.

Winter Wonderland

2009-12-18T10:58:00.004+01:00

Brussels gets the first snow of the season!

Photo Copyright PTC Inc.

Monkey in the middle

2009-10-29T17:24:00.001+01:00

There's nothing like a brightly colored new Kipling bag to lift a girl's spirits -- monkey included!

The final countdown

2009-10-02T14:55:00.006+02:00

Regardless of whether Chicago gets the 2016 Olympics, I'm proud of my hometown and it is great seeing it all over the news from so far away. Just a few hours to go until the big announcement....

Double trouble

2009-08-13T15:41:00.004+02:00

Spotted today in Brussels: Two grown women dressed identically, down to shoes and handbags and even hair. Scary!

Photo Copyright PTC Inc.

The more things change..

2009-07-17T17:30:00.005+02:00

...the more they stink! It'll always be SEARS TOWER to me. Whatcha talkin bout -- Willis?

Fuhgeddaboudit!

Re-living history

2009-06-22T07:56:00.004+02:00

This year's Battle of Waterloo re-enactment lived up to its promise of special effects and high drama. Though a bit chaotic, it was a great show with Nappy doing a good job at working the crowds.

Photo Copyright PTC Inc.

Weekend happenings

2009-06-19T15:21:00.004+02:00

There is oodles to do every weekend in Brussels, from various outdoor concerts to festivals to eating al fresco (weather-permitting) to this weekend's Battle of Waterloo re-enactment. Life is nice!

Poirot over Papa

2009-04-27T08:07:00.005+02:00

Fictional detective Hercule Poirot ("I'm not a Frenchy, I'm a Belgy") beat Papa Smurf in a Belgofile poll of favorite Belgian fictional heroes. Thanks for participating!

Ready for Schaerneval

2009-03-26T15:55:00.003+01:00

The Schaerbeek donkey is ready for this week's Schaerneval parade. Are you?

(Photo Copyright PTC Inc.)

Spotted in Brussels this week

2009-03-26T15:51:00.003+01:00

Pouring rain did not stop a couple of fellas dressed as fruit & veg from trying to stop traffic in the EU district the other day!

(Photo Copyright PTC Inc.)

Setting Snail

2009-03-10T15:45:00.007+01:00

Last week I had the pleasure of a brief chat with Carlos Petrini, the father of the worldwide Slow Food Movement, at Bozar in Brussels. He's all about eating and enjoying foods made with quality ingredients and according to traditional methods, so when I asked him what he eats when on an airplane his answer was: "I fast!"

Protesters' paradise

2009-03-10T15:41:00.006+01:00

Despite today's grim wet weather there were at least TWO protests happening in the EU district, one by the Free Tibet faction and other by Save the Planet types outside the Justus Lipsius building. The more the angrier?

(Photo Copyright PTC Inc.)

Celebrity circuit

2009-03-09T17:10:00.010+01:00

Question: What do Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden and Katy Perry all have in common? No, they do not all work for the Obama Administration (unless Katy recently made a career switch) -- they've all swung through Brussels in the past week -- Hillary and Katy last week (in separate appearances), Biden this week at NATO. Who will be next?

Funny veg

2009-02-12T16:58:00.006+01:00

This celeriac was festively festooned at a neighborhood Delhaize grocery store -- not sure why, but definitely festive! (Seemed to be part of a beer display.)

Photo Copyright PTC Inc.

Czech it out

2009-02-10T17:57:00.004+01:00

A lively sculpture on display at the Justus Lipsius building in Brussels. Caused a bit of a stir and a shake-up, but at least it brightens up the place. Recognize any of the countries?

Photo Copyright PTC Inc.

Spring in one's step

2009-02-03T12:18:00.006+01:00

A burst of spring spotted at a Schuman-area flower stand on this semi-wintry day in the Belgian capital!

(Photo Copyright PTC Inc.)

This spud's for you!

2009-01-29T14:38:00.008+01:00

The Sekler potato from Romania was the star of a lunchtime event at the European Parliament today, sponsored by MEP Csaba Sogor. Not sure if I am enticed enough to visit the annual Potato Festival in Csikszereda, but it was certainly something different.

Photo Copyright PTC Inc.

Yes, they did

2009-01-28T14:56:00.004+01:00

Ommegang Brewery, a Cooperstown, N.Y.-based company specializing in Belgian style ales, brewed a special brand to celebrate the inauguration of 44 -- appropriately called Obamagang, in homage to the annual Ommegang pageant in Brussels. Not sure if it's still available, but it apparently has a hint of kriek and strong chocolate flavors.

Hello, Mr. President!

2009-01-21T15:04:00.001+01:00

This blog is apolitical, but one cannot help but feel happy at the start of the Obama Presidency!! America is in capable hands, but the new president has his work cut out for him. God bless America and its new president!

Goodbye, Oh Christmas Tree

2009-01-09T10:57:00.006+01:00

It's sort of sad but cleansing to take down the tree and all the trimmings...fortunately the City of Brussels this upcoming Sunday will recycle all trees waiting on the sidewalks as of Saturday night. If only people would be motivated to shovel or salt their sidewalks then we could all have a slip-free new year!

Belgian Women Rule

2008-12-18T12:39:00.010+01:00

Belgium's Justine Henin and Kim Gevaert make a surprise appearance at Brussels' Residence Palace -- at a press conference unveiling the new ambassadors for the Belgo-Dutch campaign to host the 2018 soccer World Cup. Presumably preoccupied with Fortis and other matters, Belgian prime-minister Yves Leterme was a no-show, but it was much more exciting to see these two world-class athletes.

Photo copyright PTC Inc.

Gobble gobble

2008-11-26T18:31:00.004+01:00

Happy Thanksgiving, fellow Americans! For those that are interested, Pumpkin and Pecan were the lucky turkeys who received this year's Thanksgiving pardon from outgoing President George W. Bush. Enjoy a bountiful Thanksgiving!

Trick or Treat!

2008-10-27T14:40:00.004+01:00

Candy corn is the preferred Halloween treat of choice for two out of four respondents to a Belgofile poll, followed by Mini-Mars bars and Sweet tarts. Have a safe & happy and sweet-filled Halloween!

Burst of Color

2008-10-23T16:09:00.004+02:00

A nice burst of red in autumn (looks like holly). Happy 50th anniversary of the Smurfs! A nice blue sky in Brussels for the occasion.

Political Pumpkins

2008-10-16T11:35:00.004+02:00

Here is ONE idea, albeit rather far-fetched, for politically-themed Jack O Lanterns.

Smurf that!

2008-10-10T15:08:00.007+02:00

Celebrity Smurfs unveiled at Brussels Meridien Hotel! Less than two weeks to go until the charity Smurf auction on Smurfs' 50th smurfday. Smurf there or be smurf! La, la, la, la, la, la, la...

Photo Copyright PTC Inc.

Six months...

2008-10-07T16:03:00.002+02:00

...to go until the 2009 baseball season (Cubs home opener at Wrigley April 13, 2009). Better luck next year!

Song du jour

2008-09-01T11:09:00.002+02:00

Song of the day (or month) for the start of a new month:
"September Morn" by Neil Diamond. May your September be mellow and smooth.

New World Monopoly

2008-08-21T07:30:00.005+02:00

The votes are in: Montreal and Riga top the list of cities to be featured in the new Monopoly International Edition. All I can say is boofricketyhoo that NONE of the cities I voted for are on the list! Like, why is a certain city that starts with a C, ends with an O, and has HICAG in the middle not even on there?

Sir Penguin

2008-08-19T08:59:00.002+02:00

The fact that there's a newly knighted penguin in the world is just too funny for words.

Today's birthdays

2008-08-05T12:25:00.001+02:00

Among others: Neil Armstrong, Guy de Maupessant, Maureen McCormick (Marcia of "The Brady Bunch") and Loni Anderson...

Olympic Countdown...

2008-08-04T15:10:00.004+02:00

Just four days to go until the Summer Olympics...It's hard to get excited, yet when they start I'll probably be reeled right in to watching some of the events. Trivia Question: What Belgian city is the only one to have ever hosted an Olympic Games, and in what year? (Hint: it wasn't winter).

Song of the Day

2008-08-01T13:17:00.003+02:00

"Total Eclipse of the Heart," by Bonnie Tyler, in honor of today's lunar happening. Enjoy!

Waltzing Mathilde

2008-07-31T16:26:00.003+02:00

Congratulations to Belgium's Princess Mathilde for making Vanity Fair's 2008 international best-dressed list!

Heard it through the Stibvine...

2008-07-23T14:24:00.008+02:00

I've never quite figured out the Belgian penchant for playing piped-in music in public squares or at metro/tram stations, but today in Brussels the tunes were nice and summery: Rum & Coca-Cola (Andrews Sisters), Dancing Queen (Abba) and Wouldn't It be Nice (Beach Boys)...I hereby put in my request for Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (Cyndi Lauper), Everybody (Backstreet Boys) and Mambo No. 5 (Lou Bega)!

Think Pink!

2008-07-22T18:42:00.004+02:00

Flamingos are keeping busy at the Lincoln Park Zoo -- EGGciting! Presumably there will be a naming contest when the new arrivals hatch. Incidentally, the oldest zoo in the U.S. does not charge for admission -- now THAT's incredible!

At the movies

2008-07-16T13:38:00.014+02:00

After opening everywhere else in the world, "In Bruges" is FINALLY showing in the country where it was filmed. Sure there's some blood and an overabundance of a certain 4-letter-word, but it's not meant to be a family film. Very well done, fine acting and starring role for the lovely fairy-tale city of Bruges. ***1/2 out of ****.

Poor Belgium

2008-07-15T08:01:00.006+02:00

After nine months in office the Belgian government collapses...The Belgians may now own Bud, but they can't seem to govern their own country. Just in time for the July 21 Belgian Independence Day, too!

Cawfee Tawk

2008-07-10T12:30:00.004+02:00

It's about time!!!! Starbucks announces that it will open the first outlet in Belgium at Brussels' Zaventem Airport later this year! Let's hope for more SOON!

"Premium quality at affordable prices -- dee-LISH!"

That's how we drink it in Belgium!

(Photo Copyright PTC Inc.)

2008-07-04T13:25:00.001+02:00

A Yankee Doodle Dandy of a July 4th to everyone! A good excuse for chowing down on good American junk food -- whether it be chocolate chip cookies, Doritos, brownies or hot dogs!

Mike Myers

2008-06-25T13:58:00.012+02:00

I couldn't resist forking up EUR 6.50 for the July issue of Esquire (perhaps my first purchase ever of that man's man's publication), with Mike Myers on the cover. Given the reviews of his latest movie I may skip it and simply re-watch Austin Powers I, II, III and Wayne's World I and II. That's how we drink it in Belgium!

And newsflash: LIKE, WOAH! There may an Austin Powers 4 in the works. If only Mr. Myers would ask me to collaborate....

Go Cubbies

2008-06-23T13:54:00.009+02:00

The team based at the Friendly Confines wins all 3 games against their South Side rivals. I know it's too early to start talking 2008 World Series, but this could be the year....just watch out for those silly goats!

(Photo Copyright PTC Inc.)

Rock me, Amadeus

2008-06-20T12:22:00.017+02:00

Went to the preview of this exhibition at Bozar, where 21 rock musicians (3 of which I'd heard of) display their visual artworks. It definitely got weird, from the Sprocketesque films to the dark room with fake trees and sparkly neon-colored slag heaps (if that's what they were) to the giant walk-in snail, but at least it's different.

It's official...

2008-06-20T08:55:00.007+02:00

...summer has arrived! It's June 20, the Summer Solstice (at least in the Northern Hemisphere), and coincidentally the birthday of Lionel Richie and Nicole Kidman. Here's hoping for a sunny summer everywhere!

Save the date...and get surreal

2008-06-13T11:28:00.007+02:00

Brussels' new Magritte Museum, next to the main art museums, will open its doors in March 2009 -- can't wait! This is the building facade, with a motif inspired by Rene Magritte's Empire of Light.

You can leave your hat on...

2008-06-10T15:32:00.007+02:00

Italian energy company Eni celebrates summer by inviting (male) employees not to wear ties until the autumn, which it claims will help reduce energy consumption by 9% as a result of saving on electricity and air conditioning. Not sure what the equivalent is for female employees. Memo to those males who DO go tieless: Please don't wear short-sleeved dress shirts.

Silver screen

2008-06-09T17:20:00.005+02:00

Manneken Pis: The Movie. Coming soon (really!) to cinemas in Belgium! Speaking of Belgo-themed movies, it makes NO SENSE that "In Bruges," filmed in its namesake city, will come to Belgium last! I'm just eagerly awaiting next Mike Myers' next film, "The Love Guru," which opens here next month.

Think pink!

2008-06-05T14:52:00.006+02:00

The (pre)summer rain in Brussels seems to be good for the roses blossoming everywhere! A refreshing burst of pink on an otherwise grey day...

Blues club

2008-04-30T17:46:00.007+02:00

Smurfs rule! I had the pleasure of being in Ghent the day of the grand Smurf doing research for this piece. Haven't painted my own white Smurf yet, but it's a project in the works. Have a smurfy day!

Roaring eighties

2008-04-27T11:07:00.002+02:00

Well...Ronald Reagan is what most respondents to a Belgofile poll said they miss the most from the 1980s, beating out Early Madonna, Pacman and other video gams and the Smurfs TVshow. No one seems to feel nostalgic for big hair and leg warmers....Stay tuned for the next survey and thank you for voting!

Snail call

2008-04-24T09:05:00.006+02:00

After the rain...come the snails! Spotted TWO of them this morning as a matter of fact (here's a shot of one). Look at that es-car-gooooo!

(Photo copyright PTC Inc.)

Famous amphibian

2008-04-16T17:57:00.006+02:00

Spotted today on a motorbike parked outside a Delhaize grocery store: none other than Crazy Frog!

Eurovision Countdown

2008-04-16T16:33:00.008+02:00

With a little over a month to go until Eurovision 2008, the excitement is building -- Georgian singer Diana launches a perfume, Azerbaijan's Elnur & Sanir go on tour, Eurovision launches a Youtube karaoke contest and several song entries (including Belgium's) are already doing well in their country's national charts. My money's still on Dustin the Turkey, because how can one not vote for a puppet?

Only in America

2008-04-13T12:11:00.005+02:00

Congrats, or regrets, to the Chicagoan who downed 35 DOZEN oysters in 8 minutes (how is that possible?) to win the Acme World Oyster Eating Championship in New Orleans. Like, sick! Good thing Belgium doesn't have a Mussel Eating Contest (at least not that I know of).

Listen to Lucy

2008-04-08T11:08:00.013+02:00

Lucy Van Pelt of Charles Schulz's Peanuts comic strip could take on Miss Piggy, Marge Simpson and Wonder Woman all at once with her hands tied behind her back. She was voted the feistiest female of the bunch by nearly 60% of those participating in a Belgofile poll -- compared to 28% for Miss Piggy from the Muppets, 14% for Marge Simpson, and a big fat zero for Wonder Woman. Don't mess with Lucy!

Oh mighty brussels sprout

2008-04-08T11:04:00.004+02:00

Brussels sprouts -- gotta love 'em! They don't seem to have originated in Brussels, but according to Wikipedia -- and how reliable is it? - they may have been grown in what is now Belgian territory as early as 1200. No Thanksgiving meal would be complete without 'em, and they're loaded with vitamins and flavor! Eat your veggies!

Morning breather

2008-04-03T09:56:00.007+02:00

The cafe inside Brussels' Fine Arts Museums is one of the capital's most pleasant spots for a morning Lait Russe (Belgian for latte) or a blini and a blintz. They also do lunch, but it's best to get there before the biddy-lunch throngs arrive.
(Photo Copyright PTC Inc.)

Awwww...

2008-04-01T20:10:00.007+02:00

Planckendael Zoo recently welcomed a new baby female rhino, weighing in at 60 kilograms (about 132 pounds)! Apparently her horn will grow later, according to the zoo's website. There's also an online naming contest though the choices aren't the choicest.

Play Ball!

2008-03-31T09:03:00.002+02:00

It's officially spring -- daylight savings time in Europe and Opening Day at the Friendly Confines!

Cravings

2008-03-28T16:51:00.011+01:00

Why oh why is there no ARBY'S in Europe???? Ooh, a sandwich with razor thin-sliced roast beef on a big fluffy bun, potato cakes and a root beer -- yum!

Word of the Day

2008-03-25T14:11:00.010+01:00

Erinaceous (adjective): Like or pertaining to a hedgehog! As in, those erinaceous critters look a lot like porcupines!

Probably worth a few grains at Free Rice, the semi-addictive website that lets you donate rice while testing & improving your vocab!

This takes the cake

2008-03-24T10:56:00.005+01:00

It's really okay if McDonald's does NOT bring its new chicken biscuit breakfast to Europe. Eggmcmuffinwafflekrustyburger anyone?

Yes, Virginia, there is a Belgium...

2008-03-20T15:08:00.007+01:00

Happy first day of spring AND new Belgian government, installed ONLY nine months after the federal elections. The new prime minister, Yves Leterme, was sworn in today, already efficiently noted in his updated Wikipedia entry. Guess this means Belgium won't split into Wallonia and Flanders for a while!

The hole story

2008-03-18T14:26:00.008+01:00

Sixty percent of those surveyed by Belgofile would choose donuts or brownies over macaroni and cheese (30%) or grilled cheese and tomato soup (10%) as their preferred American comfort food. Admittedly it was unfair to pit desserts against non-desserty foods, but that's the way the cookie (or brownie) crumbles. No one voted for Sloppy Joes or Hot Pockets. Stay tuned for the next survey!

Something's bubbling...

2008-03-15T15:35:00.012+01:00

Yesssss -- Starbucks MAY come to Brussels in the next 12 months!!! reports one Belgian media outlet. Possible locations include the Grand'Place OR the EU district (I vote for the latter!), and there may also be a deal in the works with a Belgian chocolatier. As a wise man once said, "Premium quality at affordable prices -- dee LISH!" Keep your frappuccino-fingers crossed! Nothing wrong with getting excited about a bit of Americana on this side of the Pond! Now, how about a Dunkin Donuts....

Holy Cow!

2008-03-13T10:32:00.005+01:00

Hooray -- Mr. Cub, Ernie Banks, will be honored with a statue at Wrigley Field! I had the pleasure of meeting him once and recently framed the autograph, along with that of the Osmonds (whom I didn't meet). A mere 18 days to go until the home opener at the Friendly Confines!

Horsing around

2008-03-12T09:52:00.003+01:00

This Belgian horse brigade just HAPPENED to be parading past the European Commission headquarters this A.M.! (slightly after morning rush hour).

(Photo copyright PTC Inc.)

Property watch

2008-03-11T13:49:00.014+01:00

Under construction: The Pavilion of Happiness, out of 33,000 environmentally friendly Jupiler Beer crates, next to the Atomium in Brussels. Not sure how it will hold up to the wet, windy weather as of late, but It's all part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the 1958 Expo, and the Atomium of course, which kick off next month.
(Photo copyright Atomium ASBL)

Why use thousands when you can use...dozens??

Call them Ishtar

2008-03-10T09:11:00.006+01:00

This just in: Ishtar will represent Belgium in this year's Eurovision Song Contest, following in the footsteps of Urban Trad by singing ín a made-up language. From the small clip I heard/saw, it sounds rather upbeat-Balkan-gypsy-folksy-groove-like.

Follow that truck!

2008-03-09T15:16:00.002+01:00

Spotted in Brussels traffic over the weekend: A vehicle transporting plastic sheep! Stay tuned to find out where they were going.

Survey says...

2008-03-08T12:30:00.010+01:00

Oscar Mayer's birthday is the event 30% of respondents to a recent Belgofile poll most look forward to this month. For the record, he was born on March 29, 1859. (Pollsters have reason to believe that one respondent voted more than once, but have no concrete proof.) Some 30% of respondents also look forward to the start of spring, and 30% to St. Patrick's Day, while 10% said 'other.' (Fess up, what's the other?) Easter got zero votes.
In honor of hot dog king Oscar, let's all sing the O-S-C-A-R M-A-Y-E-R song!
Stay tuned for the next survey coming soon!

The way the cookie crumbles

2008-03-05T13:47:00.002+01:00

Globalization in a cookie: Made by France's Carrefour, "American" cookies (note the Route 66 logo on the package), featuring politically correct Flemish and French names for chocolate chips ('chocolade snippers' and 'pepites de chocolat'). They're no Nestle Tollhouse or Chips Ahoy! but they're actually pretty good.

Big-name performers

2008-03-04T15:19:00.008+01:00

Coming soon to a concert venue in Belgium: Neil Diamond at the Antwerp Sportpaleis (May 29), Backstreet Boys (May 5) and Avril Lavigne (June 21) at Forest National in Brussels, and Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band at Brussels' King B Stadium (June 23), among many more. If I had to choose just one, I'd pick Neil...and then the Backstreet Boys (Everybody...yeah!) Glad they don't leave Belgium out of their Euro-tours!

Money walks

2008-03-02T14:04:00.007+01:00

The National Bank of Belgium Museum was a rockin' place on Saturday, part of the "Museum Night Fever" festivities at a handful of Brussels museums. We caught the short but sweet fashion show of money-inspired togs designed by a 26-year-old who's studied in France, Belgium and Portugal.

(Photo Copyright PTC Inc.)

Leapin' lizards

2008-02-29T07:47:00.006+01:00

Wow, Feb. 29 -- a whole extra day of 2008! Happy birthday to all leaplings (7,349 in Belgium and about 200,000 in the U.S.) who have a birthday once every four years. How will YOU spend your extra 24 hours this year?

Money, money, money

2008-02-28T12:48:00.005+01:00

Very cute new euro coins to come out in 2009! If I remember correctly, I THINK I voted for the winning design. Still, the euro notes are quite bland compared to old Belgo-notes featuring Rene Magritte and James Ensor! But ya can't have everything.
Why make millions when you can make...hundreds?

Friendly Confines

2008-02-28T12:10:00.007+01:00

There's now talk of renaming Wrigley Field -- As a (former) North Side gal, I say, NO EFFING WAY! What's next -- renaming Lake Shore Drive?

(Photo by Jim, Copyright PTC Inc.)

The mustachioed detective

2008-02-21T11:57:00.020+01:00

David Suchet says he will 'hang up his spats,' whatever those may be, from the role of Belgian detective Hercule Poirot after shooting his 61st film in Jordan, according to several sources. Maybe Kevin Kline will be the next Poirot?

Flower power

2008-02-18T13:57:00.006+01:00

Cheery solar-powered bobbing flowers (by the artist known as Dang) brighten up the Justus Lipsius atrium in the Eurohood. Apparently there are 10,000 of these puppies -- one must see it to believe it! (Photo taken with device that's not really a camera.)

(Photo copyright PTC Inc.)

Best brunch in Brussels

2008-02-17T11:57:00.012+01:00

On a clear sunny Sunday, there's no finer brunch venue than the top-floor restaurant of the magnificent Art Nouveau-style Musical Instruments Museum. The lavish buffet includes crepes, omlets, bubbly and, of course, waffles! Yum! (The museum's not bad, either!)

(Photo copyright PTC Inc.)

Otters & penguins

2008-02-16T16:30:00.015+01:00

Chulugi, a male sea otter at the Antwerp Zoo, is looking for female company, in case you know any otterinas out there who might be interested (though apparently there are only 5 total in European zoos). According to zoo authorities, Chulugi is a champion swimmer and enjoys dining on calamari, crab and fish filets. What otterina could resist?

Back in Illinois, Brookfield Zoo recently welcomed a new Humboldt penguin chick.

Awwwwww....

Have a heart

2008-02-14T09:40:00.012+01:00

Valentine's Day -- a good excuse to feast on chocolate, whether in the chocolate capital (Belgium) or elsewhere. Also anniversary of a certain notorious event in a certain town, starting with C, ending with O, with 'hicag' in the middle,' in 1929.

Highlands high notes

2008-02-13T11:16:00.009+01:00

Scotland could break away from the U.K. -- at least musically speaking -- by entering Eurovision! Might Wales or Wallonia be next?

All the world's a Monopoly game

2008-02-13T10:14:00.005+01:00

Monopoly is creating a World Edition, and soliciting votes from a list of 68 cities. I feel fortunate to have lived in 7 cities (in 5 countries!) on the list. Why not cast your vote -- ALMOST more fun than a presidential primary!

Pre-flight facial?

2008-02-12T16:22:00.002+01:00

Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, already Europe's best shopping mall, apparently is getting even better with the opening of a new spa!

Chitown lingo

2008-02-12T13:33:00.000+01:00

Chicago-ese is a unique lingo unto itself -- and the Sun-Times' online Chicagopedia is fantastic.

Hooray, Windy City!

Springtime in Brussels

2008-02-10T09:44:00.000+01:00

Brussels is basking in sunshine! It may still be winter, but it sure feels like spring! (Here's the photographic proof, from the Grand'Place this weekend.)

(Photo Copyright PTC Inc.)

Poultry in motion

2008-02-08T15:27:00.000+01:00

This just in: Irish puppet Dustin the Turkey may be representing Ireland in this year's Eurovision Song Contest. Sandie Shaw (1967, "Puppet on a String ") redux? Stay tuned! (And in case you were wondering, Belgium will pick its entry n ext month.)

Beaking news

2008-02-06T20:06:00.000+01:00

This is Peanut, Brussels' most famous cockatiel.

(Photo Copyright PTC Inc.)

Super Tuesday troopers

2008-02-05T17:51:00.000+01:00

What better music for this Super Tuesday (not to mention Mardi Gras) than Abba's Super Trouper?

And don't forget their BELGIAN-themed 1974 Eurovision Song Contest award winning Waterloo!

Hot diggity dog!

2008-02-04T11:40:00.001+01:00

Although one can eat pretty darn well in Belgium, some days I totally crave a Chicago hot dog! For that, no one beats Fluky's!

Looney Toons

2008-02-03T13:04:00.001+01:00

One of the great things about Belgium is its reverence for Schtroumpfs (Smurfs), Tintin and other home-grown comic heroes.

Rising star

2008-02-03T12:09:00.000+01:00

Remember the name Deborah Francois, a talented young Belgian actress who may one day be walking down the red carpet at the Oscars. I had the privilege of meeting and interviewing her in her home town of Liege.