Thoughts on Train Passes

As usual, BarleyMan is on top of things, recognizing the savings to be had by purchasing "twin" train passes. These passes allow two people to travel together, at a significantly discounted price. Yeee Ha ! ! We are all for saving money.

I hope, however, that BarleyMan has also recognized the logistics involved with these passes; you must travel at all times with the same person. Since there are so many attendees this year, it is quite possible, and highly probable, that there may well be a day trip or two that does not include everyone. So, strategically speaking, who do you pair yourself with? Your significant other, which means you must always travel with the other, or do you pair yourself with someone who's travel plans may more approximate your desires? What a dilemma.

After serious consideration, Chugger and EinFahrt have agreed..... we expect the women to always travel together, and the men to maybe travel with them. So, Chugger and EinFahrt plan to share a twin pass, whilst the Designated Walker and the Virgin will share a pass. This provides the best of all worlds. Designated Walker and Virgin can travel, with or without the significant others. If Chugger and EinFahrt travel as well, everyone is happy.

So, we postulate that BarleyMan needs to share his twin pass with Joe "God is the story over with yet" Shannon. Everyone's thoughts appreciated.

A Challenge for Barbus...

Well Barbus, you earlier asked about tent reservations, and that was certainly a good thought and request. Following the "normal" channels I was unsuccessful. Now the challenge.....

As the fine, young, upstanding business executive you are, why not tap into the vast network of contacts, friends, acquaintances, or just plain groups of people the "owe you big time", and get us a table for Friday or Saturday night?

The baton has been passed, accept it gracefully and lead us to the finish line.

Random Thoughts for First-Timers

As with anything, attending Oktoberfest for the first time has its nuances and challenges for the neophyte. For those of you traveling with us for the first time, remember....

A Maß, sometimes spelled Mass, but pronounced "mahss", has nothing to due with Sunday morning. Unless of course you had too many on Saturday night.

Contrary to public opinion, the infamous Pissorts (a truly efficient marvel of German engineering marvel for relieving one's bladder) are not used to recycle the beer. They are, however, used as a flavoring source for Miller Lite.

When visiting a tent for the first time, it is almost impossible to find a seat. You must slowly work your way onto a bench, one person at a time. Typically the current occupants will welcome you... one at a time. You may even need to attempt to devour adjoining tables. Eventually you will own the table. But be patient. Of course if you are not patient, have a large group, and want to clear a table quickly.... just have Joe start talking with them.

Once seated, remember the golden rule of tent drinking.... do not under any circumstances put your foot/feet on the table! Standing on the benches, however, is not only permitted, but encouraged.

The most accepted way to greet an old friend, or acknowledge a new one, is to raise your Maß, and yell "Prost", or "Ein Prosit". Do this whenever prompted, and you will have friends for life. Of course, follow the salutation with a nice long drink from your Maß.

Singing in the tents is an art form. The best part of singing is you are not required to have a good signing voice, or even know words. There are some verses, however, that you should at least be familiar with, and practice before attending. Please study hard, and remember....

1. "E - I - E - I - EIO"
2. "Alice, Alice, who the fuck is Alice?"
3. "Whisper words of wisdom, Let It Be, Let it Beeeeeeeeeeeeee...."

And the most revered German beer drinking lyric of all time... "Take Me Home, Country Road, to a place, Where I Belooooong, West Virginia, Mountain Momma, Take me Home, Country Road". There will be an exam during our fist meeting at the Hofbrauhaus, so here are all of the words.

Oktoberfest cannot come soon enough

Friends,

I have been in marketing for a long time, so don't remind me about messaging, and sales, blah, blah,blah.

I just saw the most eggregious affront to values I hold so dear. I am watching the NCAA Basketball game and an ad comes on for Miller Lite. OK, they have a right to their opinion, and some people actually drink the stuff. But come on, having the whole premise of their campaign being the prevention of Taste Loss. http://www.preventtasteloss.com/home_ptl.jsp It's like lo-cal water. I find the whole notion tasteless. I find the beer tasteless.

Please Lord, make September come soon. I cannot last much longer.

Irreverent towards Germany

IMAO provides tongue-in-cheek commentary on Germany; our host country for the upcoming event.