Gotta get me some

We need to try this:

Tactical Nuclear Penguin

Oktoberfest Alkmaar Oct. 30-2009

Because we could not wait till 2011 !!

Fancy at the Wies'n

Boys at Hofbrauhaus

......
Keith..
Sent from My BlackBerry (excuzz any spelling missteaks)

Day 1

We all survived. The biggest damage was to our livers.

Pics to come at some point.

......
Keith..
Sent from My BlackBerry (excuzz any spelling missteaks)

Check your emails me hearties!

Aye, you scurvy dogs. Comin to munich, eh??? Well, avast ye to your email and get me mobile number for use in the continent... Barleyman

S U R P R I S E - Scheduled Arrival Change.

Sorry Barleyman, Sorry PaulanerGirl.
This year we will be the first in Munich. Our arrival now is scheduled Thursday afternoon. How about Breakfast at ViktualienMarkt Friday Morning 9.30 a.m.
Cheers and have fun in Paris. B&S

New Bier Hall to Visit

In a recent email exchange with Herr Hawthorne, our Munchen Bier Obermeister, he has suggested a new locale that will appear in the next edition of The Beer Drinker's Guide to Munich. The place is Gasthaus Alte Messe, located just off the Wiesn. Check out their website here (Alte Messe), and here is where it is located....

Hirtenstrasse and surroundings

Munchen Road safety experts are drawing up special road signs warning drivers of drunks in Hirtenstrasse and surroundings a landmark legal ruling ahead of Europe's biggest beer festival.

They expect erratic behaviour from pie-eyed pedestrians walking to the Alfa Hotel during this weekend long booze-up.

"They are not like ordinary pedestrians. They are almost uniformly drunk and liable to behave very strangely and dangerously. Motorists need to beware," said one traffic expert

Andechs ?

Are we planning to visit Andechs?

I just had a client ask for consulting time this Friday. When I explained where I will be he went into a good-natured fit of jealousy - he was there last year and had the best time of his life. He highly recommends a visit to Andechs.

I will follow the, "leaders," in our troup - just offering this for consideration.

:)

Weather Forecast for Munchen

While we all know that weather forecasts are worth, well, we all know what they are worth. But according to the current 10 day forecast, the weather for our trip should be more than tolerable:

Two posts in one

First - as the newbie to this excursion, I am honored to buy a round and would be pleased to purchase the first full one (ie, after all have arrived), Chugger's sense of fairness notwithstanding.

Second - what attire are y'all packing? Particularly Barlyman and Paulener Girl as your blood is thinned, like mine, by warner climes - flannel shirts and jeans or T-shirts and shorts?

Danka!

A historical perspective

Great pics of older O'fests

h/t Jack

O'zapft is!

Oberbürgermeister Christian Ude hat das Oktoberfest 2009 eröffnet. Zum Anzapfen des ersten Fasses benötigte er zwei Schläge.

Mayor Christian Ude opened the Oktoberfest 2009th For tapping the first barrel, he needed two shots.

Let the revelry begin.

Bon Voyage

To BarleyMan and Paulaner Girl.

Have a great time in Paris. I am envious that you leave first and arrive in Munchen first. Please have a bier waiting for us at Hotel Alfa; don't want to go to The Wiesn on an empty stomach.

Safe travels, and see you in 7 days !
......
Keith..
Sent from My BlackBerry (excuzz any spelling missteaks)

Henk/Gemma... You must go here

Why didn't you tell us this was in Amsterdam? Joyce would love this place...


Museum of Bags and Purses

573 Herengracht

Amsterdam

Tel. +31 20 524-64-52

Fax. +31 20 524-64-53

info@tassenmuseum.nl

www.tassenmuseum.nl
Update Listing
Suggest Listing

The Museum of Bags and Purses contains more than 3,500 bags and accessories that illustrate the history of women's purses in Western culture.

Correction

My dirndl has arrived

I wish mine was as cute as the one in the picture, but I'm fairly happy with it. Unfortunately it's longer than I planned. Barbus you will be disappointed for sure. You will all just have to wait in breathless anticipation however.

Is it just me......

...or did anyone else notice that suddenly everyone owes a round of beer, except Chugger? Nice try, but I haven't missed a week yet. Perhaps it means that Chugger owes all of us a beer.

Reflections...

As the Oberblogmeister Fuhrer, I have reviewed all postings on this blog since the implementation of the May 12th resolution (effective June 1st) requiring weekly postings. I have inspected the content, as well as the spirit and intent of the postings. What I have found troubles me; even as the Oberblogmeister Fuhrer. Many posts followed the intent of the ruling, while others flaunted the ruling. Many posts were of historical significance, and others did not actually support the intent of the ruling (which was arguably not explicit).

Therefore, as the Oberblogmeister Fuhrer of this year’s event, I proclaim, and support my proclamation as follows:

… Whereas the Oktoberfestians bi-annually trek to the land of the Golden Nectar;
… Whereas the 2009 excursion includes a single virgin;
… Whereas good friendship and camaraderie will be supported by the likes of “Take Me Home, Country Roads”, and “Who the Fuck is Alice”;
… Whereas continued discussion of this ruling will last in perpetuity;
… Whereas some Oktoberfestians believe it is more important to share the wealth;
… Whereas most Oktoberfestians believe intrusion by any Oberblogmeister Fuhrer is not only against blog rules, but infringes upon blogger and Oktoberfestian rights;
… Whereas Herr BarleyMan und Frau Paulaner Girl are the first of this year’s Oktoberfestians to arrive in the Promised Land;

I therefore proclaim, and am supported by hundreds of years of precedent that:
……….. The previous lack of postings by Holmes (the Oktoberfestian formally known as RodG) are forgiven and the rounds of bier attributed to him are no longer required;
……….. All Oktoberfestians (the Oberblogmeister Fuhrer excluded), are required to share the wealth and buy a round of bier during the first day of revelry;
……….. All Oktoberfestians will enjoy themselves, and not think or speak ill thoughts of their fellow Oktoberfestian (legitimate discourse criticizing BarleyMan’s political leanings exempted);

As the Oberblogmeister Fuhrer I yearn for the confluence of our unique, but purpose driven sojourn. And I bless upon you a true felt Yavohl, Gemütlichkeit, and Prosit. With one final thought I say beware of the Iwicki Stairs, and the 30 second rule does not apply to Tuna Fish pizza.

See everyone in 8 days ! ! ! !

Last post...before we leave....

We all like to dream of the golden nectar(tm)... but htere is one dish that sings Bavaria. It is intricate in it's many ends and curves, with a strong prediliction to oooohhhhs and aaaahhhhs. But one thing stands clear, this is the meal that will remind you what it is like to be in Bavaria. I wish I was brave enough to cook one at home...

Schweinshaxe

German/Bavarian style pork knuckles. Pork knuckles are
also known as foreshanks,pork hocks or ham shanks. Water may be used
in place of beer.[Note: huh? this cook does not understand at all!] Prep Time: approx. 30 Minutes. Cook Time: approx. 3 Hours 30 Minutes. Ready in: approx. 4 Hours
. Makes 2 servings.

1 carrot, diced
1 onion, peeled and diced
1 leek, chopped
1 stalk celery, diced
2 meaty pork knuckles
2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
salt to taste
1/4 cup beer
1 pinch ground cumin, or to taste


Directions
1 Place the carrot, onion, leek, celery, and pork
knuckles into a large stockpot. Throw in the peppercorns, and
season with salt to taste. Add enough water to the pot to
cover the vegetables. Cover, and cook over medium heat for 2
to 3 hours, or until everything is tender. Remove the
knuckles from the water, and drain. Reserve vegetables and
cooking liquid.
2 Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F ( 220 degrees C).
Melt the shortening in an enamel coated cast iron baking
dish or pan. Place the drained pork knuckles, cooked
vegetables, and about 2 cups of the cooking liquid into the pan.
3 Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven. During the
last 10 minutes, sprinkle with beer in which a good amount
of salt has been dissolved. Dust lightly with cumin to
increase flavor. Serve with potato or white bread dumplings, or
sauerkraut salad. In Bavaria, the cooking liquid and juices are
strained, and served as an accompanying sauce.

Cool

Check out the visual presentation of information here. While at first I thought it "search within visuals" Visual Search is actually searching through picking thumbnails. A great deal simpler algorithm, but still a neat presentation of a Rolodex of pictures. Click "Cool".

Chicks for Free

Be glad you are not from South-Africa or from Down Under

Oktoberfest beer cheaper for many tourists despite price hike.
Published: 14 Sep 09 17:01 CETOnline: http://www.thelocal.de/society/20090914-21923.html

The cost of a Maß on the Wiesn will be a staggering:
- 50 percent cheaper than at home for the Norwegians
- 36 percent cheaper for the French
- 25 percent cheaper for the Swiss.

The majority of the Oktoberfest’s visitors come from the United States and Japan, and this year organisers need not worry about inflated prices driving their biggest group of customers away.

A litre of beer is still 40 percent cheaper than in Japan, while Americans will pay just 5 percent more than they would back home.

But not all beer lovers will be so lucky. “Some visitors will be surprised at the cost of beer this year,” Mira Pathak from ECA International said in the study. “Due to fluctuating exchange rates, costs for many foreign visitors will be different – in some cases significantly so – than last year.

”A litre will cost South Africans a whopping three-times as much as their local brews, the study said.

Australians and New Zealanders will also be paying considerably more for their beer than they are accustomed to Down Under, with the average price being 40 percent more expensive.

And while Italians will pay 13 percent less for their beer than they would at home this year, the figure is low compared to last year’s prices, which were 30 percent cheaper.

A post about Something...

"Something" is a single released by The Beatles in 1969, and featured on the album Abbey Road. It was the first song written by George Harrison to appear on the A-side of a Beatles single. It was one of the first Beatles singles to contain tracks already available on a long playing (LP) album, with both "Something" and "Come Together" having appeared on Abbey Road. "Something" was the only Harrison composition to top the American charts while he was in The Beatles.

John Lennon and Paul McCartney—the two principal songwriting members of the band—both praised "Something" as among the best songs Harrison had written. As well as critical acclaim, the single achieved commercial success, topping the Billboard charts in the United States, and entering the top 10 in the United Kingdom. The song's success continued after the breakup of The Beatles, when it was covered by over 150 artists including Elvis Presley, Shirley Bassey, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, James Brown, Julio Iglesias, Smokey Robinson and Joe Cocker becoming the second-most covered Beatles song after "Yesterday".^[2]

Remember Oktoberfest 2007

Exchange Rates, Strength of the Dollar

An earlier discussion lamented the weakness of the dollar against the Euro. Specifically how much the dollar had declined since January of this year, although it was pointed out that it appeared to be that weak and more mid last year (2008).

The protagonists in the discussion were practical people, but were focused on the wrong evidence to support their argument. Comparing one currency against another is useful only if one of the currencies can be considered stable. In the case(s) of the Euro and the dollar, neither can be considered stable currencies for the purpose of evaluation of public policy during the period in question.

Both currencies are being heavily managed by their respective states. The ECB and the Fed (and Treasury) are both busy trying to manage their economies through artificial injection of capital, interest rates and other monetary policy tools. As such, neither can be evaluated simply by comparing one to another. Neither can we evaluate the effectiveness of the policies, one against the other, without also considering the differences in policy making.

In one case, the EU and the ECB, policy has been relatively stable, with adjustments mainly in interest rates and not much in terms of new debt and additional money supply. Further, the business public (private sector and investors) was kept fairly well informed of the discussions and future of their currency. In the other case, the U.S., the Fed had been increasing the money supply (measured by M1 and M2) "on the sly" for over 15 years. The Fed even decided it was no longer important to track and publish M2 (which contains, among other things, the business to business money markets - so-called commercial notes). During this period, the US money supplied more than tripled, while the actual growth of the economy was roughly around 4% annual or an aggregate growth of around 45%). Does anyone see a problem here?

Anyway, because of the differences in the supply of money, the comparison to dollars to Euros is difficult. It becomes much more difficult when the velocity of money changes, as it did late last year and worsened significantly this year. Now, we, the US, have not only a greatly expanding supply of money - printing it as fast as we can spend it - but also a slowing turnover of those dollars as the economy slows.

In such times it is useful to compare the value of a currency against a standard of some sort. Unfortunately, comparing against the Euro is not useful, except in very specific transactions (e.g. the price of a mass in Germany).

We are no longer adhering to a gold standard. There is a "basket of currencies" approach that the IMF administers, but it is not very useful either, as the two heaviest weighted currencies in the basket are the dollar and the Euro.

The way to evaluate any currency at the end of the day is with what the currency can buy. Every country has an interest in maintaining prices of common goods to affordable levels, and free markets will adjust prices including valuing or devaluing their own currency such that particular common goods are priced according to some common standard of value.

Believe it or not, economists have determined a common good (product) that is universal enough (can be found in almost all countries) and popular enough (enough transactions occur each day by enough diverse people) to be a meaningful measure. This good has been tracked now for over forty years in over one hundred different countries, so economists have historical data.

The currency index is here.

According to this index, the Euro is currently overvalued, relative to the dollar, by 35%. This is a level not seen since the introduction of the Euro. It indicates a lack of confidence in the dollar. One can reasonably make the case that the dollar needs to be reduced in terms of global confidence and its use as a global currency - not on the weakness of US policies but on the relative increase in strength of other global economies.

I am unable to attribute the weakness of the dollar specifically to our profligate ways, our increasing debt burden, our anti-business policies, or the current and pending actions of the Fed and Congress. I could also attribute some of the weakness to a long overdue adjustment based on the growth of other economies relative to the US economy. All I can reasonably conclude is that our policies aren't helping, and that our currency will reach a new equilibrium when there is some stability in what it is being measured against (besides burgers).

For now, we have seen that the price of a mass has been adjusted such that to us, the price of beer is approximately the same as in prior years - isn't the free market (where it survives) a wonderful thing?

A Series of Nothing

We're coming to the end. The end of waiting. Travel times are becoming less some distant future and more an anticipation of collecting various chargers, packing, and getting coinage. With that, the end of the Nothing series of postings is nigh. While never a particularly popular series, it has had it's amusing moments - from the uberblogmeister's sputtering to Barley's ideological support of Nothing. Only one more of these to come.

I wonder what I can arrange as the big next thing for Nothing.

to get in the Mood

Girls in Munchen

the Parade

Visit to English Garden?

Found this by Googling, "little known facts about Oktoberfest":

"Munich can honestly boast about its English Garden, for it’s the largest in the world. But that’s not the juicy part. The juicy part is that one of the unique qualities was that one could bare it all in the garden while drinking a pint of beer. This…practice, for lack of a better word, is fading as some have deemed a certain lack of attractive nudes recently. However, if you hurry, you can still view bare flesh throwing back a warm one in the gardens–for now."

What? A "warm one?" I like my bier C-O-L-D. I know that Europeons (sic) are more into cool, but surely we will not be forced to drink it warm?

BEER CALL 9/9/9

OK,

For those of you who have not played this game before... post your most recent beer (hopefully in your hand right now) and let us know what you think!

Beer: 2009 Sierra Nevada Anniversary Ale

This is a great beer they only make once a year. This year's version is like their ever popular Pale Ale, but it's darker, and has a spicier flavor. Superb with a nice sausage... or... Grilled Pork Chops, which we are having for dinner. Yumm!

Practice Makes Perfect

Working on my technique at Hofbrauhaus Vegas

Where's my stimulus?

It's a global economy, right? Any spending is good spending, right? If it's good enough for multi-national companies like Government Motors, why isn't it good enough for me?

Shouldn't our economic ober fuhrer be more concerned with my economic well being instead of adding more debt to the nation and "fixing" our unfair healthcare system? (oops, sorry dubyah, someone had to blame somthing on you).

According to various reports... "The dollar fell to a low for the year Tuesday". That means that at $1.45 to the Euro, ein Maß at 8.60 Euro, our Golden Nectar now requires $12.47. As Barbus so frequently says, and I paraphrase, "so what".

All I have to say is, "Hey, Barack, you had the cop over for a beer, why not shoot me a billion or two just to get me through the Augustiner Tent?"

Weis'n in Training

Paulaner Girl and I were in training this weekend. One place we stopped at was Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville restaurant. An item of note, there is a 25 foot tall Volcano, that spews Margaritas. It tumbles down the side of the volcano:



It then mixes itself as it runs down and into a large glass... ready for....




Me! Great place... Don't sit too close to the glass, it tends to sprinkle on those around it. ;-)

Wies'n HIT 2009

You have to know that this song was a hit in the seventies sung by Rudy Carell. He was a Dutch TV showmaster who till he died only 2 years ago was very popular in Germany. His German was always known as "kousbouten Deutch". German speaking using Dutch words in a German way of sound. According to the news this will be the HIT in 2009. (Hope not)

HIPPODROME ORCHESTRA

The BEST there is!

Got Nothing

A late night. Sister in law, Brother in law, and their daughter guests at the house. Golf scheduled for tomorrow. Labor day weekend - should be planning a cookout. But - got nothing - planned.

Hmmm. Maybe some pork products, beer. Maybe some grilled vegetables, some shrimp. A crisp white wine.

OK. Got something.

Paulener and more

Stores in South Carolina have no German beers, but, while Lobsterfesting I found a coule at Arrow Wine. Paulener is great.

AND - came across this:
Ben Franklin said: In wine there is wisdom, in beer there is freedom, in water there is bacteria. In a number of carefully controlled trials, scientists have demonstrated that if we drink 1 liter of water each day, at the end of the year we would have absorbed more than 1 kilo of Escherichia coli, (E. Coli) - bacteria found in feces. In other words, we are consuming 1 kilo of poop. However, we do NOT run that risk when drinking wine & beer (or tequila, rum, whisky or other liquor), because alcohol has to go through a purification process of boiling, filtering and/or fermenting. Remember: Water = Poop, Wine = Health .
Therefore, it's better to drink wine and talk stupid, than to drink water and be full of shit .

On a More Serious Note

Most of you probably don't know that I was diagnosed with a DVT (deep vein thrombosis) after our trip to Belize in March. I apparently have a previously undiagnosed clotting disorder. Since this is my first flight since the diagnosis, as our trip approaches, I have started worrying more about DVT. While I'm on Coumadin, my risk is a lot lower. But the rest of you should be aware of the risks for everyone, not just those of us with clotting disorders.

Untreated DVTs will progress on to PE (pulmonary emboli) 50% of the time. Mine went undiagnosed for about 3 weeks, so I was pretty lucky. Every year, PE kills more Americans than AIDS and breast cancer combined. Risks for a thrombotic event that some or all of us share include age greater than 40, obesity, smoking, and long-distance travel, along with multiple more specific risks, such as mine. A 4 hour flight increases the risk of a thrombotic event by 50%. According to my hematologist, dehydration and cabin pressure changes, along with confined seating are some of the contributing factors to the increased risk of travel. Alcohol intake on a flight contributes to dehydration.

So, probably the most important thing that I will be bringing (and wearing on the flight) are my support stockings. I decided not to post a picture of them, they're definitely not sexy!

So here are recommended exercises for flying:
Ankle Circles
Slowly rotate the feet at the ankle in circles both clockwise and counter clockwise.
Seated Calf Raises
Start with the feet flat on the floor. Slowly raise the heels off the ground bringing the feet up on the toes. Lower the heels and press them into the floor and try to raise the toes off the ground.
Knee Raises
Lift the knees up towards the chest. This can be performed with both knees together or one at a time.
Reach
Raise the arms above the head and elongate the finger tips towards the ceiling, stretching the upper body.
Neck Stretch
Slowly drop the head to one side, almost to touch the shoulder. Circle the head to the front, chin to chest, and over to the other side.
More Tips
Travelers can incorporate additional practices during long flights for comfort and safety. Avoid tight fitting clothing when traveling. Garments should be loose and comfortable while seated. Also, increase leg room by removing items from under the seat in front. If there is no room in the overhead bin, pull the bag out and allow it to sit under the knees so that the legs can be stretched out. Air travel can be very dehydrating to the body. It is beneficial to regularly consume water and fruit juices throughout the duration of the flight.

My dear spouse says that if I die of a PE on this trip, he will have me cremated and put my ashes in a stein, so that I can sit on the table with you all. He's so considerate that way!

Next week I promise to post something a little more light hearted. Maybe a picture of my shoes!

Bon Voyage!

This just in.... We are IN Vegas for the long weekend! Yeeee Ha!!!

Quiz!

It is stolen from the web, but .....................

1. What is a Beer Whale?
2. What is a Beer Willy?
3. What is Beeraucracy?
4. What is Beer o'clock?
5. What is Beer sex ?

It must be in Germany

And the Winner is?

We must find these tokens

Beer Tokens
Mostly companies hand out beer tokens ("Biermarken" in German) to their guests, which can then be exchanged for beer in the respective tents. If you want to buy beer tokens, please contact the tent-owners directly.

Who are these companies and where can we find them? We need to darken the skies with our winged monkeys to get these tokens.

Can You?

Can you name this venue?

Countdown Timer Adjusted

The countdown timer at the top of the page has been adjusted to reflect the first approximate arrival of our team members in München (08:00 local time, 25 September).

So... how was Lobsterfest???

I know pre-season event don't count, but they are always a good indicator of good things to come. Any exciting happenings at Lobsterfest?

Barley

PaulanerGirl and SchlumbergerLady already found a Dirndl? How about this one !

Munich (ots) - Whether south, center or north - the Munich Oktoberfest has long been a celebration for all! This is impressive evidence of the Potsdam Topmodel Franziska Knuppe. As a professing Aurora makes a great figure in the "dirndl magic", the Oktoberfest-lingerie-2009 Collection of triumph.
The seductive push-up bras Balconette cut in the form to not only the heart of Franziska Knuppe beat faster. Combined with a sexy string, or an equally alluring and almost cut hipster outfit for the Oktoberfest includes already complete - and SCHOULDERS a real eye-catcher.
The seductive lingerie sets are covered with extremely fine floral patterns and delicate embroidery. Small accessories, such as an edelweiss pendant confer the "triumph dirndl magic" that certain Wiesn-Extra. The sets are available in white and magnolia.
The "Triumph dirndl magic" - a treat for every eyer!

Having Nothing to do with Oktoberfest

30+ guests have boarded a flight from Boston to southwest Ohio. They're planning on having a hot time at a party here.

The whole world is excited about our trip...

Recent Coverage by the LA Times!

Click Here Chugger

Not enough coverage of the Real Oktoberfest in Munich, but... the excitement grows.

Einfarhrt be wary

Urgent My soon-to-be ex husband's Porsche for cheap sale (£2,000)
Date posted: Friday 21st August
Ad viewed: 19256 times
Location: Solihull
Last week, I caught my husband having it off with our babysitter in our Porsche (actually, MY Porsche as I bloody paid for it) so I'm selling his beloved car for £200! See how the prick likes that!I’d been to my mum’s but came back early ‘cos I had a bit of a fallout with her. The children were in bed. My husband wasn’t. I thought he was in the study. I went down to the kitchen and heard something in the garage. I thought it was a rat. It was a blooming rat alright – my husband with our babysitter. She’s barely 17! I treated her like my own daughter.He told me it didn’t mean anything. Oh so that’s makes it OK, then? It sounds crazy but I would have preferred it if it actually meant something. Why risk 15 years of marriage for anything less?Oh it’s not the first time he’s slept around. Only difference is I was stupid enough to think he’d changed. Every single time, like the hopeful naïve cow that I was, I gave him another chance. Deep down, I knew he wouldn’t change – he’d done it too many times. But I went along with it for the kids, for the sanctity of a marriage, for ‘what will the neighbours think?’, for the weather, for the Burger King deal down the road.Well, no more. NO MORE. I’ve had it. The penny’s finally dropped (and I hope his balls do too...on a bed of rusty nails).I’m done. I’m done trying. I tried. I failed. And I want out. But not without getting some of my own back. Not after everything the idiot’s put me through over the years.As a little bonus to the buyer I’m also putting his prized wine collection in the boot of the Porsche.And for my babysitter, I left a little hot surprise for her and her new sugar daddy. I rubbed pepper sauce over every condom wrapper I could find in the house. That should give them a night to remember.I suggest you act quick as a Porsche going for £2000 isn't going to be here for long

2009 Masskrug unveiled

On the Theresienwiese today has been unveiled the new Masskrug for the Oktoberfest. In the cabaret Masskrugrede Simone Solga explained why the Oktoberfest a Saxon invention.
Stand: 25.08.2009

What will be the new Wiesnmasskrug was an open secret: For years, is printed on the official drinking vessel, the poster design. And is the firm since February: the motive is a text in Breznform. Even after the poster presentation was much discussion about it. The design comes from the hands of Janine Aigner and Nathalie Fummeli of the Municipal Vocational School for Communication Design in Munich. After all, a new detail on Wiesnkrug it was reported: The version with a tin lid decorated with a mistress of Louis I of the Nymphenburg Beauty Gallery, Lady Jane Ellenborough.

Our Next Trip

In off years, we should go to Spain!

Wooot! Woooot!

Just ordered up our Metro passes from Rail Europe! We'll now be ready to hop on the RER to St. Michel and our hotel.

Seems real now... getting closer!

In favor of both

Paulaner Girl's note about a wine tent visit reminds me -
I recently came across research into the quote attributed to Ben Franklin: "Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy." Serious Franklin researchers note that there is no evidence, nor even whimiscal indication, that he ever wrote or uttered this phrase.

The only documented note scribed by him to come even close is this: "Behold the rain which descends from heaven upon our vineyards; there it enters the roots of the vines, to be changed into wine; a constant proof that God loves us, and loves to see us happy."

Given that Frankin lived in France for nine years as the U.S. Ambassador to France, it makes sense that he would have had or aquired a taste for the noble grape in lieu of French beer - wouldn't you?

So - whilst the point of Oktoberfest is to celebrate the glory of the brew, it is only fitting, nea - even required - to spend an hour's pause in the tent of the vine.

Carry on, Watson ....

Call to Action

We must go to Englischer Garten in hopes of supporting the Free Breast Movement... Our sisters need our support (some more than others!)

Oktoberfesters Unite! See below for the big (some bigger than others)event in Venice Beach. It's a worldwide movement!

Venice California:

A Topless Day Parade was held to celebrate National Go-Topless Day in Venice Beach. "Free your breast, Free your mind" was chanted as people marched from Navy St. down the Venice boardwalk to Muscle Beach. The demonstrators believe it is a woman's constitutional right to equality, to be topless. Women are free in other countries to make this choice without consequences, attention or humiliation.

Men joined in to show their support by wearing bras or bathing suit tops wanting women to have the same rights that they receive.

The demonstration was held at Venice Beach because during the mid-70's this was once the most popular "Bare it all Beaches" in Los Angeles County. Now Public nudity is illegal at all Los Angeles county beaches.

This peaceful parade and demonstration was supported by local law enforcement and fire department, who looked happy to be on duty! This falls into the "Only in California" category!

All women were totally covered-up by "pasties" that looked identical to the female anatomy they were covering!

They do pose an interesting question... what is your view?

“Girl in the Barley”

Barleyman, oh Barleyman ................
Looks pretty tame, right? But when this ad was first published, complaints rolled in by the barrel-ful. The look on the girl in the barley’s face was apparently much too suggestive for the liking of the general public, because the Minneapolis Brewing Company received so many letters that they recalled the posters as so not to offend any more potential customers.

This post is because I have nothing to say :) except when it is about business.

Technologies88 has new funding for the Digital Golf Coach and Buro88 is about to roll out mobile services Europe wide for an Ireland and a Florida based Telco.

Retirement has ended :)

Speaking of wine! Weinzelt tent

Soooo, we've never been in the wine tent. From what I've read, it's not as crowded as some of the beer tents. They have an extensive wine, Sekt and champagne selection, plus....beer (paulaner to be exact) Schlumbergerlady, are you listening? This is a total win-win! There are 3 bands that play from 11 am to 12pm. So, maybe if we have difficulty finding a place in the beer tents, we can commit the ultimate sacrilege, and try out the wine tent!

An Easy Quiz....

Name this building...

It's all about the beer...

It's all about the beer...

Among the many attractions, the "liquid gold" is probably the most important thing at the Oktoberfest. As usual, over 6 million liters of beer will be drunk this year.

Price:

A "Mass", one litre of beer, will cost between 8,30 € and 8,60 € this year.

Serving times:

Beer will be sold in the tents from 10.00 to 22.30 on weekdays and from 9.00 to 22.30 on saturdays, sundays and holidays.

Where to get which beer:

• Augustiner: Augustiner-Festhalle, Fischer-Vroni
• Paulaner: Armbrustschützenzelt, Winzerer Fähndl, Käfer's Wies'n Schänke
• Spaten-Franziskaner: Hippodrom, Schottenhammel, Ochsenbraterei/Spatenbräu-Festhalle
• Löwenbräu: Schützen-Festzelt, Löwenbräu-Festhalle
• Hacker-Pschorr: Hacker-Festzelt, Bräurosl
• Hofbräu: Hofbräu Festzelt

New Rides at Oktoberfest

As with every year, the Oktoberfest has to offer new and even more exciting fun rides than last year:

One of the most spectacular novelties and brand new is “The Tower”. Designed by carnie Charles Blume, “The Tower” is like a big playground with a numerous spectacles inside. Witness the forces of nature as you will see a volcano erupt or travel through space with special 3-D goggles! But also traditional elements like spinning wheels or rocking conveyor-belts are included in “The Tower”. A great treat is also the top of “The Tower”, as you can catch a great view of the Oktoberfest and Munich from 28m up in the air.

Not as high as “The Tower” but a lot of fun to ride up is the “Silberturm”, a 10m high tower, which you don’t climb but ride up on the side. The trip includes experiences ominously named as “Free Fall” or “Jumping Effect”.

Sucking up to Paulaner Girl

Hilarious !

The Truth about Amsterdam
Bill O'Reilly and his two Blonds. Hope not more than one American watch his Show.

Barbus say hello from Dublin

Stag's Head ! Drinking Guiness with a company of 12 people in a real Irish Pub for writers e.g. James Joyce. Guiness will have this pub in their global advertizing for their 250 anneversery. Cheers !!

I had to look hard....

But this should answer the question as to whether Paulaner Girl should "dirndl or not dirndl".

To Dirndl or Not to Dirndl

Once again, am wrestling with whether or not to buy a dirndl. Obviously, the ones that I can wear gracefully aren't the same as the ones that Barbus finds attractive. I bought an adorable vintage dirndl and it didn't fit. I've ordered another, but I'm not sure they will be able to make what I want.

Schlumbergerlady, are you going to wear a dirndl? I think you would look adorable.

What do the rest of you beer-swilling, pork -eating, Oktoberfest goers think?

Beer for all Personalities

Did you know?
There are three beers/breweries in Munich for three major groups.
1. Hofbrauhaus: All around beer. Popular with tourists and locals of all ages.
2. Augustiner: The beer for the young, hip crowd. Also the brewery with the highest rated beer garden in Munich.
3. Lowenbrau: The beer for bitter old men as it has a slightly bitter aftertaste.

Futures (and beer prices)

It's that time again. To buy Euro here, or to buy there? The above is the Black-Scholes call option price formula used to determine the price of a future given the variance and time involved.

Any guesses? I think my strategy will be to spread the risk: buy some here, use ATM card there. Thoughts?

Shoes & Beer

Ode to PaulanerGirl and the Shoes!
Sorry not her Shoes, but the Shoes of our Uber-Blog-Fuhrer Mr.Chugger our Charity Mugger.

Monikers

A somewhat regular poster here has updated their moniker. Of a marketing background myself, I know how difficult it is to establish a new brand. Usually it is not done unless the old brand is damaged.

In this case, although the old brand was not flawed, the new brand is much more fitting. Somehow it fits better, has more interest, and thus is more appealing.

I welcome the Holmes identity.

But you are still two beers down, Bud.

It is Official ! ! !

and I quote....

Dear Keith,

for the table would be EUR 550.- inlcuding the vouchers.
You can pay this on arrival by cash and I hand out to you
the reservation and vouchers.

Lot´s of greetings

Anton
Hotel Alfa

Includes vouchers and tokens for food and bier. I don't know how many, but is usually 2-3 biers. The table is for 10 people, so plenty to go around.

What to plan to wear?

Generic inquiry to the web in not providing data - what temps can be expected? How to plan to dress?

Back to Shoes !!

Now that all has been organized and agreed let's go back to where we stopped when "someone" urged us to stick to what is important, e.g. Beer, Beergarten, Wurst, Pork etc. How about these Shoes ??

Current Proposed Schedule

We have a pretty full agenda, just enough open space to improvise, and of course, we can modify this as we wish. BUT, its a pretty good start.

Current Proposed Plan:

Friday, September 25th:
07:16 Schedule Arrival of Paris contingent at Hbf
07:50 Scheduled Arrival of Dayton contingent at München Flughafen
09:30 Approximate Arrival at Hotel Alfa
10:30 Approximate Departure from Hotel Alfa for The Wiesn
11:00 Arrival at Wiesn - Paulaner, Lowenbrau or Bräurosl Tent
11:00 Golden Nectar and Lunch
15:00 Depart Wiesn
15:45 Arrive Hofbrauhaus
16:00 The traditional Hofbrauhaus Revelry
22:00 Stumble to Shakespeare's
24:00 Eat Donner and Crash at Hotel Alfa

Saturday, September 26:
08:00 Tegernsee
14:00 Englischer gardens
Maybe Dinner at "new" Beer garden

Sunday, September 27:
11:00 - 16:30 Augustiner Tent

Monday, September 28:
08:00 Kloster Andechs
15:30pm - 18:30pm Happy Hippo at The Hippodrome

Tuesday, September 29th
06:30 Depart Hotel Alfa

Bavarian trains

To rail pass or not?

For those interested, the German DB Rail Pass is a good investment if we travel alot by train... and can be used for S-Bahn (but not U-Bahn?)

A "twin" pass for 4 days is $390 in second class (two people together)
A Single pass for 4 days is $260 in second class

Train fares are:

Day Ticket: 10 Euro, 18 Euro twin

Single fare (all zones - U-Bahn, S-Bahn aka the subway): 9.20 euro (each trip)

Sample D Bahn (train) trip: 10.30 Euro from Munich to Tegernsee

So, barring a big trip, I don't think the DB Twin pass is worth it. However, Paulaner girl and I will probably each get Day Tickets (Tageskarte) for the U/S-Bahn and individual tickets for any rail that we do!

Holmes

"RodG" is an uninspired moniker. I prefer to resurrect what my colleagues called me in the old days: "Holmes."

ALERT ! ALERT ! ALERT !

I have been offered a tent reservation at the Augustiner Tent, for Sunday the 27th, from 11:00 to 16:30. The table is for 10 people, which means we would not be crowded. I do not know the price yet, but I assume it doesn't matter; 5 1/2 hours at a reserved table on the weekend is Wunderball ! ! ! !

What sayeth the masses?

Chugger

Will you ever speak to me again?

Day Two

I think we have had some sort of discussion, reasonably concluded, about Day One (Arrival Day).

As I won't be at my sharpest, and perhaps others won't be either, late in the evening of Day One, maybe we ought to decide at least the beginning of Day Two. So, you know, I can set my alarm clock and all in case an early train is on the agenda.

So, where to, Day Two?

Greetings from Alkmaar

Yesterday evening a professional Photographer took pictures of the last Concert this Season from our Balcony. He was so nice to take this picture too.
With the greetings from Charlotte, Gemma, Jeroen and Henk.

More Biergarten suggestions

Found a top 10 on the web. Most of them we know (I believe). But have we been to the LowenBrauKeller ?

1. Seehaus Biergarten
http://www.kuffler-gastronomie.de/seehaus.html
Located on the northen end of the English Garden (Englischer Garten), this is one of my all time favorite places to relax and watch the swans on the lake.
2. Augustiner Keller
http://www.augustinerkeller.de/english/index.html
The site of many beer commercials, this biergarten has been one of Munich's most popular spots for years.
3. Waldwirtschaft
http://www.waldwirtschaft.de/
There's live music in the summer months, ranging from Jazz to Swing and Blues. A traditional Bavarian biergarten with all its charm.
4. Aumeister
http://www.aumeister.de/
The former royal hunting house in the English Garden, the buliding dates to 1810. Great place for food.
5. Hirschgarten
http://www.hirschgarten.de/
The Hirschgarten is considered Europe's biggest Biergarten with room for 8,000 people. Even though its size is impressive, the atmosphere is one of typical Bavarian Gemuetlichkeit.
6. Chinesischer Turm
http://www.munich-info.de/biergaerten/chinturm/welcome_de.html
Bulit in 1790, the Chinese Tower in the English Garden is surrounded by a sprawling array of Biergarten tables and benches. This is a great Biergarten to unwind from a day of sightseeing and taste Munich's delights to the sounds of an oompah band.
7. Löwenbräukeller Biergarten
http://www.loewenbraeukeller.com/biergarten.html
This oasis under chestnut trees has been in existence since 1883. You can eat cheap here since it's selfserve.
8. Taxisgarten
http://www.taxisgarten.de/
Taxisgarten has been offering a wide array of Bavarian delicacies since 1924.
9. Flaucher
http://www.beerdrinkersguide.com/BDGWebsite/Gardens/Flaucher.htm
Flaucher is located on the Southern banks of the river Isar and makes for a perfect stop for bicyclists.
10. Kugler Alm
http://www.beerdrinkersguide.com/BDGWebsite/Gardens/KuglerAlm.htm
"Alm" is the Bavarian word for a mountain hut and that's exactly the feeling you get from the Kugler Alm.

Hirschau

I don't know who Paul is, but I did some reading about Hirschau, which is a biergarten in Englisher gartens. Apparently it has been totally refurbished, and Larry now gives it 3 1/2 steins. Online reviews are mixed regarding food, etc.

I still vote for a half day or so spent in Englisher Gartens. We can do some field research for Larry!

Just completed ...

... my first pass route and itinerary for our 2010 "Vettes on 66" Route 66 trip. We'll be in Santa Monica for the 4th of July.

Time to make some Bad Juans.

......
Keith..
Sent from My BlackBerry (excuzz any spelling missteaks)

Oktoberfest Girls and Dirndles

Click here for the full collection.
All these discussions about where to go and which beer to drink. There is more at Oktoberfest. Make your Choise.

I'll Start (Just in case)

The eastern U.S. contingent arrives Friday at Munchen Flughafen at 07:50. Assuming customs and S-Bahn cooperate, we should be at ground zero (Hotel Alfa) around 09:30. What are the schedules for the remainder of the crew?

Barley Man / Paulaner Girl???
Night train to Munich at 7:16am at the Hbf.

Barbus / Schlumberger Lady???
Will arrive by Limo around 13 hrs.

A Poll

No, this isn't an ethnic post (as much as I miss Joe's female journalist friend).

While I have enjoyed the banter of this year's site, I do miss the in depth and spirited debate about the 'fest itself and our excursion this year. To wit, I propose the following......

All posts after this week MUST be specifically targeted at Oktoberfest and our trip this year. Where to go, how to go, when to go, what to do, when to do it, who to do it with, who not to do it with, proposed schedules, what to eat, how many Donners to eat, when to visit Shakespeare's, train schedules ... you get my drift.

So, let's hear from this year's minions, should we narrow our posting topics?

Tune into ESPN now!

NASCAR is racing at Watkin's Glen - the track at which I took my race driving school.
CHECK IT OUT!

Makes ya feel like a beer!

Do the math!

Perhaps RodG needs to pay me $50 per week to post for him. After all, each round of Bier costs $85.00, plus tip.

8,50 Euros per mass
$1.41 per Euro
7 Biers per round

He could save money by not buying himself a bier...

Barleyman

Having Nothing to Say about Barbus's concert

The view from our porch. The park is filling up.

It's a concert!












The band plays classical music, then cuts into jazz.

No alchohol in the park, but on my porch . . .

Because nothing says Nothing quite like a meaningless story

The week started with the Mrs. coming back from Florida with a truckload (small truck) of stuff from the Condo in Ft. Myers:

















The Mrs., and her brother brought it up, I unloaded it, then the Mrs.' Mom comes to survey:














Driving the brother back to the airport called for celebration. Brother, young Ms. and I went to:















Where we could:




















Young Ms. tried out:




















and met her inevitable doom:

Party in your Stomach

http://www.dumpert.nl/mediabase/170561/eb4a0007/alcohol.html

This one is GREAT! Don't miss it.

July Fest in Alkmaar

Higher level than Oktoberfest. But in front of our House. Every year three times we have an open air Classical Concert. Our terrace VIP seats not guarantee quality sound and view but also good food and drinks. This picture was taken last week Tuesday.

Oltoberfest souvenier

The Oktoberfest original for your home: The Paulaner glass-mug and beer combo lets you enjoy Oktoberfest-beer just the way you would at the Oktoberfest. The mug is just like the ones you get in the beer tents and the beer-can contains the special Oktoberfest-beer, which you only get during Oktoberfest time.
Also great as a present, as the handy carton reveals the glass mug with the decorative beer-can in it