Born and raised in western Germany, near Cologne, Oliver Kiefer, the new German teacher at GLSH, shares a few quirks beyond the usual interview questions with The High Post staff. Herr Kiefer moved to the U.S. in 2004 and has lived in the Pittsburgh area, teaching German and rooting on the Pirates, ever since.

1. I learned how to write cursive first, then print. I still prefer cursive to this day.

2. When I was little, I had three pets who I loved with all my heart: Rosie the bunny, Tom the turtle, and Jerry the budgie (budgies are small parrots native to Australia).

3.I am an FC Bayern Munich fanatic.

4. I used to play team handball, but I wasn’t very good.

5.  I love movies by Quentin Tarantino.

6.My displeasure at other drivers usually leaves my mouth in German.

7. I really want to visit Norway.

8. I have three sisters and a brother, all of whom live in Germany.

9. I sleep like a rock. You’d have a difficult time trying to wake me in the middle of the night.

10. My favorite food is potato pancakes.

11. Currently, my favorite shows are The Big Bang Theory, House of Cards, and The King of Queens.

12. Stephen King and John Grisham are my favorite authors.

13. My wife and I speak German when we go out; it confuses other people.

14. My favorite bands are U2, Die Toten Hosen, and die Aerzte.

15. I love American sitcoms. I used to watch ALF, Family matters, and Married With Children.