Angelika Finally: An anti-SUV campaign is sweeping across the country. SUV stands for "Sports Utility Vehicle," a hybrid of a souped-up Jeep and a small van. One in four people here drives such a monstrosity, which angers drivers of normally proportioned cars.

Angelika We have reported several times that since the terrorist attacks in September 2001, many things have changed in the land of unlimited possibilities. It is also new that we are now being warned about how likely terrorist attacks are.

Angelika Americans are masters at makeshift repairs of broken things. They particularly like to use "duct tape," a thick, incredibly strong, gray adhesive tape. Whether it's the steps at our fitness center, a cracked windowpane in the streetcar, or the drip tray under the freezer compartment of our refrigerator, duct tape holds everything together.

Angelika Paper is known to be patient, and a lot of printer's ink has been used in recent months on the Iraq crisis. There have been analyses by experts, commentaries in various newspapers, discussions, debates, and quite a bit of polemics, not to mention the systematic manipulation of public opinion, especially on this side of the Atlantic.

Angelika As sure as the Amen in church, taxes are due in America on April 15th. And like everywhere else in the world, at the end of the year, tax-savvy individuals try to make a few tax-saving donations.

Michael Every now and then, there are products that initially evoke sheer horror. Who, for example, would come up with the idea of pulling a tape-like strip from a dispenser, putting it in their mouth, and using their tongue to stick it to the roof of their mouth, where it stays?

Michael It's hard to believe now, but two or three hundred years ago, America was still a refuge for all those who were considered peculiar somewhere in old Europe or had done something that violated the laws of their home country. Once they arrived in their new homeland, they continued to maintain their peculiar traditions, and since everyone valued their own peculiarity, a consensus was soon found: Everyone is entitled to their favorite peculiarity, as long as it doesn't harm anyone else! This is still reflected today: Freedom of religion is one of the most inviolable things in America.

Michael By now, we have probably watched each of the hundred Seinfeld episodes four or five times. I know almost every dialogue by heart. I think in Seinfeld plotlines. I often catch myself using the sentence structures and timing of Seinfeld episodes when I tell a funny story in English.

Michael If you have read our explanations on the topic of the "Green Card," the following news should not really surprise you: At the moment, it is almost impossible to obtain a work visa or a Green Card through an employer.

Michael Anyone who follows the music scene closely will not be surprised by this month's choice: Of course, "Mary Star of the Sea" by "Zwan". What, who?