R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Angela Merkel lays down demands.

This morning German PM Angela Merkel indicated the Germans might be willing to lend more support to the EU crisis, provided certain conditions be met.  In her press conference she demanded:

1.  The withdrawal from circulation of the book Frenchwomen Don't Get Fat.  "Enough with the braggy-braggy," Merkel said.  "French women don't lead countries, either."

2.  The immediate cancellation of Hogan's Heroes, the 1960's American sitcom set in a German stalag, which is still running in a small city in south Luxembourg.  "Enough with the mocking of the unfortuante Sargeant Schultz and Colonel Klink," Merkel said. 

3.  The burning of all extant prints of European Vacation.  "Enough with Chevy Chase," Merkel said.  "Lederhosen?  Funny, maybe.  Chevy Chase, not at all." 

"And that is all," Merkel said, closing the press conference.

But of course, that wasn't quite all:  Merkel wants more European central control in return for some sort of vaguely outlined financial help.  Might be easier and more helpful to burn European Vacation.  Here's the link:  http://tinyurl.com/7supd6y