WORLD CUP 2006: GERMANY

Speaking of soccer, I’ve been trolling for a contest for the World Cup this summer in Germany. So far, I’ve found only one, sponsored by a German broadcasting firm Deutsche Welle. To enter, contestants must write 250 words describing their impressions of Germany, whether they've been or not. The idea, the sponsors say, is to get beyond the beer and sausage stereotype.

I realize 250 words sounds like a lot, but I wouldn’t sweat it. The winner will be selected in a drawing, not judged on merit. In other words, this is not a writing contest. I’m going to write up something and enter the contest tomorrow. I can't decide whether to include my mnemonic device for spelling "Nietzsche:" After the "t," the sibilants come in reverse alphabetical order.

More proof that soccer has not yet achieved upper-echelon status in the States: I’ve found two other World Cup 2006 sweepstakes to Germany, one sponsored by Budweiser -- yes, Budweiser, American-as-apple-pie Budweiser -- for residents of Australia and N.S.W., and another for residents of the U.K., sponsored by a British broadcasting concern, GNC Broadcast Solutions.

* TRAVEL CONTEST *
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WORLD CUP IN GERMANY THIS SUMMER FOR TWO

DEADLINE: Not given. Winner will be selected in May.
TO ENTER, EMAIL: english@dw-world.de
SPONSOR: Deutsche Welle
THE DIGS: Not given.
THE INELIGIBLES: N/A
ARV (APPROXIMATE RETAIL VALUE): Not given.
FINE PRINT: www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,1863969,00.html
MY PERSONAL ENTRY: March 23, 2006
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