Jochen's Fight for Wisdom

Long time no post

2008-11-02T19:52:00.000Z

Dear Fighter,

don't know why i haven't posted for so long. Just wanted to say TIMO GLOCK is an idiot.

Keep Fightin'

Jochen

Salt - UK = Health and Safety Nightmare

2008-07-01T12:03:00.001+01:00

Polo - Guards Polo Club - June 08 - Vivari Queens Cup

2008-06-27T16:59:00.001+01:00

not much to say.....
Pictures
Jochen

Picknik im Park | Kempinski Königstein - May 2008

2008-06-27T16:18:00.003+01:00

Dear Fighter,

in May we had the pleasure of attending the picknik in the park at the Kempinski Hotel in Königstein (MAP) near Frankfurt.

Größere Kartenansicht

Pictures

The atmosphere, the building and the view are all great, the food did not match the price but we didn't mind too much.

Keep Fightin'

Jochen

BBC iPlayer - only in the UK - workaround

2008-06-27T12:21:00.002+01:00

Dear Fighter,

been a long time since the last post. Having returned to Germany, i do miss some of the BBC programs (TOP GEAR (W), SPOOKS (W),...) and I thought the BBC iPlayer (W) would be a great way to remain up to date. However, I had to find out that the BBC iPlayer is only available if you are in the UK due to licensing issues. However, I managed to use Google wisely and found and easy workaround. Just use a proxy in the UK.

Here is how:

go to this SITE (or similar) and find a proxy in the UK.

within the IExplorer go to: Extras, Internet Settings, Connections, Lan Settings

tick the "use proxy" box and enter the IP and port of the proxy server

DONE!!

The connection will be slower than ususal, therefore make sure to untick the "use proxy" when done using the iPlayer.

Keep Fightin'

Jochen

Bath and Bristol - Valentines Day 2008 + update on the last two weeks

2008-02-20T14:07:00.005Z

Dear Fighter,

I do not intent to bore anyone to death with the nice romantic weekend that we had in Bath. Just for the record, just in case the wrong (or the right) person reads this. It was a beautiful couple of days.

Travel - a curse or just bad luck
My last day at work was the 31.01.08. However, I had been ask to Travel to JFK for a couple of days to help out. A sort of consulting job to advise the new procurement manager in New York. This is where it all started.....

I haven't travelled abroad for a while. Therefore, I did not own a passport. I did have a temporary one which I had made for my trip to Dubai but that one was expired. And even if it wouldn't have been, it is useless to use for the states. Our friends in the U.S.A. (at least the one who made the mistake voting for Bush) truly believe that a German person could be the next Osama or Una Bomber. We, therefore, have to carry a fully fledged passport with chip and fingerprint to gain access to land of opportunities, world domination and freedom.

As it takes 72h to get this passport I had arranged to fly from Germany to London on the 31st at 20:15 with BA. I've noticed already earlier (curse of being involved in Airline Catering) that the two flights earlier to Frankfurt had been delayed and one was cancelled. Upon checking, I checked with BA if this fly would be cancelled. No! was the answer, it is on time. I, therefore, strolled through security, amazed that I did not have to wait forever (thank you BAA for finally employing more sercurity personell) but also pissed off that again I had to take my shoes off. Once all my change, keys, ipod, shoes, laptop, jacket and lighter had been placed again in the pockets where they belong, I checked the info display. Great 1h delay.... Look around the shops, killed time, bored to death, boarding time arrived, NO GATE. Waited another 10min, NO GATE, NO NEWS, check with the BA desk.

ME: "916 to FRA?"
BA: "cancelled!"
ME: "you are kidding me!"
BA: "Why would I kid you, what would I gain from that"
ME: astonished.....

Off I went to the reclaim, was told that I takes up to an hour for my bags. Result: Pissed OFF! Decided not to stay and to leave the security area to go to the ticket counter of BA (why the hell is there none within the security area considering that they cancel flight almost hourly). Anyhow, line, not long but not short either and very slow moving. Smoking, thinking about what I would say to the agent.... It turned out that I calmed down and the agent disarmed me even more by admitting: "we screwed up, the crew that is supposed to be on your flight is still in the air and we don't have backup". I then was booked on a LH flight at 7:10 the next morning.

Now, the next task, how do I get back into security. The yellow phone at the arrivals door. Ring Ring, no answer..... Ring again, no answer. 5 minutes later, still no answer.... so I went back upstairs to the check in counter where they've told me that someone would pick up the phone before. Finally, agreed to send someone down with me. Here we go.....Lost another 10 minutes for that....... for the first time my airside pass would have been handy but no i had to quit and returned it just 4 hours before. not to mention that I would have been allowed to use it for personal reasons anyhow.

So I got my bag and met Lucinda who was waiting outside for almost 1h. All in all, I wasted 4h at LHR.

The next morning, made it on time to the airport, however the flight was delayed again for 1,5h and it was freezing cold in the lounge.....Due to the delay, I then missed the appointment which would have still been possible. Therefore, I could not apply for my passport that day (note: in Germany civil offices close at 12:00, I arrived there at 12:02).

So, off to apply on Monday. Everything went smooth and my passport was due to arrive on Thursday by 11:00h. I was due to fly out at 14:00h, which means 1h window between getting my passport and going to the airport.

Though, I had to learn on that Thursday that the transmission to Berlin did not work and therefore my passport would not arrive that day. Ok, back home. Change of flights. Charges. More Charges. Plans changed: Tuesday off to LHR, Wednesday till Friday Bath, Saturday flight to JFK.

Tuesday: Lucinda calls me and tells me that my 14:30 flight to LHR is cancelled, great called BA, was booked on flight at 22 something. During the day I stayed informed about what was happening with the flights to LHR and had to learn that they've cancelled another 2 flights and that the flight before mine was heavily delayed. Knowing about the fact that flights are not allowed to land at LHR after 23h, I inquired with the BA hotline. Clueless. I then just 10min before the time when I had to take off to the airport, I called BA at FRA and they informed me that the flight is going and that it is relativly on time. So off I went.

I turned out that the flight would be delayed by "only" 1h and that it actually left only 30 minutes after the flight that should have gone 2h earlier. Anyhow, we boarded and I was relived until the purser made an announcement: "L and G, I have good and bad news for you, the good news is: we are going to London tonight, the bad we are flying to LGW" Arghhhhhh. So, I called Lucinda, rerouted her to LGW.

Once, I had arrived, I called Lucinda when I exited the plane as we had discussed. Though, I had to learn that she hadn't left yet because neither the hotline from BA nor the website told her that my flight would go to LGW. Why the hell didn't she listen to me. Woman I guess. Control Freak I guess.

Anyhow, we arrived home by about 2h local time........

The next day we went to Bath. We stayed at the MacDonald Bath Spa & Hotel, a 5 star property (beautiful) and MacDonald won the AA award for the best chain in 2007.
The building and souroundings of the hotel were beautiful, the interior and rooms were past their best and the service was appauling. I don't want to go into detail but DO NOT GO THERE.

Last but not least, we had our treat in the spa on Friday. I kept myself under control for the entire stay and tried hard not to complain to Lucinda too much and to not cause a scene with the staff. I even accepted that we were not able to extend our check out time to 14:00h even though we had treatments till 13:30.

My treatments were OK, the ayurveda massage was not what I expected and far from the quality that I had at Teneriffe. The facial was good and hot stone massage was very good. I was lucky to get it actually, as I had to sign a disclaimer because I had two massages on one day. The therapist almost refused to do it. The reply to our question why that was not pointed out to us at the time of booking was typical for the place: Reception has no clue........

Anyhow, the icing on the cake was not my (direct) misfortune but Lucinda's. Her therapist broke a rip of hers whilst massaging. ARGHHHH. This was diagnosed by a less than motivated NHS doctor without even looking at her properly after only 1,5h waiting.....

What a wonderful 14 days..... I am still waiting for the anwers to my complaints to BA....

Keep Fightin'

Jochen

Restaurant Gerbermühle - Frankfurt Sachsenhausen

2008-02-20T13:55:00.003Z

Dear Fighter,

had the pleasure to visit the Gerbermühle last Monday. Monday is not typically one of the busiest restaurant days in Germany or Frankfurt. However, the restaurant was packed.

Let's start with the good stuff. The building has been restored beautifully, a perfect mix out of old and new. Untreated, bare, raw old walls. Lots of glass. A beautiful conservatory. Even odd pieces such as the horn chandelier in the bar and the hors in the reception work well.

The menu is excellent. A beautiful mix of German and Austrian cooking. Truly classics, served old school using only the best ingredients (Tartar, Zwiebelrostbraten, Kaiserschmarn) and classic newly interpreted (beetroot carpaccion with Matjes).

Whilst the food was very good, i now have to start with the negative aspects.

a) food was not hot enough
b) service was too loud and too friendly (the person that served us must have worked at a Kindergarden before; heeeelllllloooooo, howwww are youuuuuu, did you like your foooodddd)
c) we waited for too long for our food. 30min for main course, 30 min for dessert the table next to us must have waited 45 min for their main course
d) my company (above 50) not me (still below 30) complained that it was too dark.

Even considering the negatives, it was a very nice evening and I would visit again.

Keep Fightin'

Jochen

New Interior Design Ideas

2008-02-20T11:29:00.003Z

Dear Fighter,

a couple more ideas for decorating.

I love FILZ, the texture, the look, the colors. A great selection is available at Filzshop24, whilst Wohnwaren offers a great pocket for your mobile or ipod called Babuschka.

Wohnwaren does wall tatoos as well. I love the style. Presumably they are not the only ones but I liked this one in particular.

Further, i found a company called ON Living that sells beautiful wood furniture (teak, walnut, oak,...). They say they do bespoke stuff as well which they import, most likley, from Asia. I will definatly give them a try in the future.

Raumgestalt is yet another company that offers nice and neat articles around the house, hotel and restaurant. A highlight are their oak boards.

Die kleine Firma has really cool stuff too, I just had to order the load-ding. Looks cool and if it does what they say it will be practical too. Let's see.

Keep Fightin,

Jochen

Ambiente - February 2008

2008-02-10T16:13:00.000Z

Dear Fighter,

today I went to the ambiente. Here are a couple of items that I've spotted.

Ibili Flexiform
One of the many silicon moulds and mats suppliers. However, i think they have quite some novel ideas with regards to shapes.

Legnoart
Kitchen serving trolleys, they look cook and have a differnt feel to what is generally around. However, I feel they are more for home use rather than commercial. Their TRIX trolley caught my eye especially.

Berti 1895
The selection of steak knives is quite amazing. Too bad that the website seems to be in Italian only.

Menu
Menu, pretty well known by now, has produced a couple nice new features.

Lighthouse Oil Lamps
Other products got my attention as well. Especially a stainless steel bottle holder for the wall, which I can't find on their website.

Blomus
very nice ideas around fire.

Typhoon
I belive they were the one that brought us not so authentic asian tableware for the mass market. Or at least they were the first ones. Nevertheless, they still feature interesting items. What caught my eye was the Capsule Kitchen Bin.

Profboard
a cutting board with different colored exchangeable covers. Great idea if it works, would need to be put up to a test.

Fratelli Guzzini
Well known for their plastics. Always worth a look. The plexiglas dishes are interesting.

Koziol
Koziol to me is always like design on LSD. quirky and not for everyone. However, they partitions are very interesing and worth considering if you would like to have some color in your room.

Cutipol Portugal
amazing cutlery from Portugal. Not more, not less.

La Mediterranea
as ususal, nice spanish glass. But one plate in black again was my favorite: 2709/M69-6 €3,85 black oval

Bormioli Rocco
as usual, however, the decanters....

Other worth mentioning: LSA

On a different note, IKEA seems to have a black glass plate that is really nice....can't find it on the website, but will check.....

Cirque de Soleil - January 2008

2008-02-09T12:04:00.000Z

Dear Fighter,

do you like circus? If you ask me a general questions like this, my answer is no. I think of stinking animals, poor clowns, poor artists, a cold tent,....

However, circus has come a long way since I have been a child. Now we have circus dinners with amazing food, virtually no animals, amazing artists and more.

Last year, L. took me to the cirque sureal in Windsor. As I have been quite aware of what circus had become in the last couple of years, I had high expectations. These where not. I was appauling. The story line was more than boring, the artists weren't that good, it was just a poor performance. Maybe my expectations are too high, I thought.

A couple of weeks back, L. suggesting again a circus. Now, the world reknowed "Cirque de Soleil". Not only were there, just a tiny bit, better knwon that our cirque sureal, NO, it would also take place in the Royal Albert Hall. BTW: the tickets were only slighly more expensive than the poor one in Windsor.

What should I say? The performance was great. Great artists, great costumes, great everything. The only to thing I could complain about is that the show was one performance too short. One more and it would have been mind blowing. But one should not expect too much. I know I am difficult to please.

It was great!

What I need to do now is to see the nude show of the cirque in Las Vegas. The perfect combination. Tits, Ass, Artists....

Keep Fightin'

Jochen

our society has gone nuts again - men vs. women

2008-02-09T11:47:00.000Z

Dear Fighter,

I am a man. I love women. I respect them. I believe a women can be as good as or better than a man in any job. But what the hell has happened to our world. I found this text in the prefix of a UK customs notice.

Who cares to what the words he, she, him, her refer to. It is a general document. Does anyone actually believe that a woman might be offended if you leave out this note. I don't think so, I actually believe the opposite is true. Women should be offended that these statements are being made, it shows that they are not treated equally yet.....

Keep Fightin'

Jochen

DO & CO Staff Party January 2008

2008-02-09T11:31:00.001Z

Dear Fighter,

the time had come for yet another DO & CO Staff Party in London. Our friends from the British Museum were so kind to organize it for us. Location was the commonwealth club on the strand in central london. Great place for a party. Unfortunatly not as many people as we hope showed up so the place seemed a bit empty a times but it was a great GOODBYE party for me.

Food was BAD, Games (car racing, black jack, roulette) were good, Music was good, but why the heel is everything closing so early. Nevertheless, I had to leave early due to romantic constraints if you know what i mean. Though, I had burned my fake cash in black jack already, am not a good dancer, had to get up early next morning and couldn't flirt with any girls as the police was in the building. so what was the point of staying anyways....

Keep Fightin'

Jochen

CSI in London - January 2008

2008-02-08T16:40:00.002Z

Dear Fighter,

January was a stressful month, but you will see it in more detail in the posts. Shortly after Zürich, the managers arrived in London. Was great, first a small dinner at Ping Pong, and then the next day, a bigger dinner at Roka. It was great catching up with them again. CSI seems to be happy but bored in his new job ;-). What can you say, happy is most likely better than not happy and stressed.....

Ping Pong is not as good as it used to be, but the people are still quing outside like they are offering something for free. Too bad that they had to restict entrance due to staffing issues, downstairs was completly empty at first. However, our server and cocktail maker were already in the shit and we waited at least 20min for our drinks. they actually arrived after our first the of dim sum.

Roka was again great. Though, there seating policy is starting to drive me insane. Not much to say, new menu since about 2 month, couple new dishes, all excellent, what shall i say, a great restaurant with professional service.

Keep Fightin'

Jochen

A Weekend in Zuerich

2008-01-09T23:34:00.000Z

Dear Fighter,

the search for wisdom went to a new stage when we travelled to Zürich. Not only was this a trip to enjoy Switzerland, cheese fondue, bad white wine and a 5* accomodation. No, it was also a trip to find wisdom about a new job that appeared on the horizon out of nothing. However, I have still not made up my mind about the job and I still have a couple of weeks to think about it. What should I say? Time will tell.....

les pics

Keep Fightin'

Jochen

Brand New - Your Workout for Wisdom

2008-01-09T23:06:00.000Z

Dear Fighter,

I must say that I have realized it last year already, but only until today I have not been compelled to write about it.

Have you noticed it, perhaps not as you are not living in the UK, that once New Year’s Eve has passed the DVD charts at your local supermarket has lots and lots exercise, weight loss or aerobics videos on the upper ranks of it. Just look on the pics below from today, go on the TESCO website, go to Book and "Entertainment" and you immediatly find fitness videos there with its own special banner link. Further, once you click on the charts, you will find in the top 20 #9-15 are exercise videos. That is a whooping 30%.

It would be great if this would be the case throughout the year. Finally the length of the skirts here in the UK would finally match the figure of the person wearing it.

Clearly the ladies, maybe even the gents, have a craving for exercise….let me correct that, a craving for improving their health, looks or weight or maybe even just pleasing their psychy that they have one of em in the shelf to show her friends.

However, why is this a regular occurrence? Surely, if a large number of people purchase these videos in year one, they should not lead the ranks in year two any longer. People will commence with their exercise, feel better, lose weight and therefore will not need another video in year two because they stick with it. I know from experience that this is not the case. One could argue that just x% of the population have purchased these videos in year one, enough to push it up the charts but not enough to not create demand in year two. However, which brings me to one of my main arguments, if it would have worked then the happy lady (or gent) would have passed it the her/his friends. That would surly dampen the sales expectations for all those jumpy videos. This could be an indication that they do not work. But the more important questions is WHY. Is it because people that purchase these videos do not have the stamina to continue the ambitious program throughout the year? YES, we all know that. But what is more important than this, is that the people who produce them do not want them to have long term effects. Why would they? If you produce the perfect video, who would you sell it to once you have reached 100% penetration. Moreover, how much would you have to invest into reaching 100% penetration in the first place? You would have to find ways to get, Peter Smith, 40 stone, love pizza, pie and beer, feeling no need to change to actually purchase this video.

The producers therefore stick to videos that do not work, even if you actually manage to take it out of the wrapping, even if you, once actually playing on your DVD player, you manage not to take the piss and actually follow the instructions. Cause, if they don't work, then they can tell you next year: "HEY WE GOT A NEW ONE and THIS TIME IT WILL WORK" and the cycle starts all over again.

I just love capitalism and the human psychy.

Keep Fightin,

Jochen

Christmas @ Home

2007-12-30T18:46:00.000Z

Dear Fighter,

I have broken with two long traditions. Firstly, the minor one and the one that has actually not reached a true tradition status yet: I have arrived at home earlier than the 24th. And it was actually not that bad. I survived my family and I was actually able to see some friends, even old ones from high-school.

the second one is more serious. I have never taken a girl home for christmas. i was weird. she is a true star; what can i say. she goes along with everything, my friends, the unspleasent feeling of not being fluent in German, working on christmas day and boxing day. amazing. the downside is that it is now officially serious..... don't know how i feel about this? it is serious but i am not willing to get tied down, yet.

what more to say, we had a second christmas at her parents. i actually stayed the night. it was strange at first, but the matress was good. just kidding, it was a very nice evening with me trying to watch what I say the whole time...

THE PICS ARE HERE

THE PICS OF THE UK PART ARE HERE

Keep Fightin'

Jochen

XMAS CARDS - the true motivation

2007-12-11T23:09:00.000Z

Dear Fighter,

today at work, a collegue pointed out the true meaning of xmas cards that one receives from its suppliers. I do have to admit there is some truth in it. Just try it yourself, as someone who knows nothing about the person/company that send the card to interpret the message/meaning of the card.

It will work, try it.

Keep Fightin,

Jochen

Yes, yes, it was a sad post.....

...left side...wrong side...right side

2007-10-24T20:15:00.000+01:00

Dear Fighter,

I am German! I drive on the right side of the road, I sit on the left side of the car. Though, we all know that we are right, we are the majority but we are also aware that some people believe and act differently!

I have been living in the uk for about 2.5 years and always been driving a German car with German plates and the steering wheel on the proper side. It's not too bad actually, just a pain when driving into (or out of) a car park. Tight left curves taken (as I always do) FAST get the adrenaline pumping and overtaking on a two way road is only for the suicidal! Besides these small drawbacks I actually enjoy but will not test anylonger at least one advantage: I am untouchable by the police! Pulled over three times for speeding and no ticket, nothing! Of course one needs to be quick in explaining how it can be that one is only been in the country for thee month.... Don't get too excited, you can hide from the police but not KEN, yes, our friends from the congestion charge will track you down wherever you are!

Where did I start off? Ahhhhh! Driving, which side? Three interesting facts:

The street in front of the Savoy in London is supposely the only street in England where one drives on the right! It is supposely from back in the days when cab drivers still opened the doors for the passengers. LINK

Austria was driving on the left till 1930s! Hitler invaded his home country and changed the rule!

The postman in Switzerland, and apperantly many other countries, drives with the steering wheel on the right to make it easier to access the post boxes.

Lastly, WHY DO WE DRIVE ON THE LEFT / WRONG SIDE? However, here is the complete update from Wikipedia!

Keep fightin'

Jochen

...Child On Board... - the truth

2007-10-03T09:33:00.001+01:00

Dear Fighter,

a true mystery to me has always been the child or baby on board sign in the cars of ladies who are almost always driving alone. Yes, most of the time there is no child or baby on board.

The obvious reason would be to protect their child from reckless drivers like, for example, eh, me!? But? Do I care? Do we care? NO, NO, NO! However, I am very sure that they are aware of that! So, what else could it be?

It is an advertisement, that's obvious! But for what! Is it, "hey I made it, I am fertile"? Maybe, but I believe it is more like:

Female + Baby = Young, Heterosexual, and Taken!

But why would she advertise this? Let's analyse:

Young:

for everyone above 29
desireable
hot

Heterosexual:

desireable for all men

Taken:

attached, in love, faithful or bored and sexually unsatisfied

OK, this will be a leap: It means: "Hey, I am young, hot, could sleep with you but I am married and will only do it with you in a no strings attached setting, so no worries, flirt with me at the traffic light, I will be more likely to respond and you don't have to feel guilty.

One could actually turn this around and say that this sign was placed there by the husband to actually achieve the oposite. We all know, MOTHER, as opposed to girl with child, is not sexy. But we all know, if a husband really thinks that, HE IS WRONG!

Here a couple different examples:

Bitch on Board:

What is the message? Forget all of the above! She is just playing! No flirt! No sex!

Librarian on Board:

Oh baby! A picture says it all:

Keep Fightin'

Jochen

Urban Legend - Casino & Oxygen

2007-10-03T09:32:00.000+01:00

Dear Fighter,

this is actually # 200 of Urban Legends that I had to proof wrong. Not to the world but to my girlfriend.

Is it only me? Have you had or are you still having a girlfriend that truly believes the weirdest things only because mom, dad or god knows who told them that this is true?

Here is the story, I will let you read the details within my sources: Casinos pump pure O2 into their gambling rooms to keep players on the machines / tables since they are not getting tired as quickly.

The obvious answer: No, would be a bit danerous in case of fire! See below the more detailed NO!

http://www.snopes.com/luck/casino.asp

http://pilarski.casinocitytimes.com/articles/5795.html

Keep Fightin'

Jochen

Dinner @ Hind's Head - Bray

2007-10-02T20:25:00.000+01:00

Dear Fighter, Dear Mr. Blumenthal,

I know, the Hind's Head is not your flagship. But I suggest you should walk across the street more often from the Fat Duck to have a look at the kitchen. The food was not all bad, but too mixed. When I visit a restaurant / pub like yours a expect to get a perfect dish no matter what I order. I understand, there may be difference in taste, but if 7 people agree....I think they are right!

Half a Dozen Duchy of Cornwall Oysters £12.50

| Amazing Oysters, fresh, fresh, fresh

Soused Herrings with Beetroot and Horseradish £7.50

| excellent fish, horseradish was lacking a bit

Potted Shrimps with Watercress Salad £8.25

| strange version of potted shrimps, very heavy, liquid, but overall good taste

Rabbit and Bacon Terrine with Cucumber Pickles £7.75

| excellent

Dandeloin Salad

| nothing special

Skate Wing with Capers, Lemon and Parsley £15.50

| excellent

8oz Rump Steak with Bone Marrow Sauce and Triple Cooked Chips £18.50

| meat quality very substandart, chips very good though

Sea Bream with Fennel Salad

| fish good, fennel salad excellent

Gloucester Old Spot Pork Chop with Pease Pudding £13.50

| meat mediocre in quality and taste, pease pudding is boring

Lancashire Hotpot £15.50

| potatoes burned, below a soup, worst dish of the night

Quaking Pudding £5.95

| BORING

BTW: please change menu and ingredients more often.

Keep Fightin'

Jochen

Tribute to my Baby

2007-09-24T21:34:00.001+01:00

Ghost Rider - Sweden

2007-09-23T18:34:00.001+01:00

Dear Fighter,

a crazy fighter....

Keep Fightin'

Jochen

Carting in London

2007-09-23T18:19:00.000+01:00

Dear Fighter,

it has been a long time since I went carting. The place was hard to find ;-) but the track was not too exciting. We were racing with a couple other people but all were no match for me. ;-)

Here we are in the briefing room.

Before us were a couple of kids, real small and cute....

No pic from the race, but here are the results....

Just to make this clear, I won!

Yes, as indicated above, I was also the fastest of the day! Check out the detailed lap results below!

Here are Lucinda's results. Not bad for a girl who did it for the first time.

Keep Fightin,

Jochen

Panda Relaxing

2007-09-23T18:18:00.001+01:00

Dear Fighter,

just a random pic from a newspaper. Love how the Pandas chill!

Keep Fightin,

Jochen

Sikh on Motorcycle

2007-09-12T00:03:00.000+01:00

Dear Fighter,

tonight, while driving back from an excellent dinner I had the chance to witness another mystery. I drove past a Sikh on a motorcycle and he was not wearing a helmet. Of course, Sikh are not allowed to take their turban off. This get me thinking, does the law, which by the way stipulates that a Sikh may keep their turban on during security control at the airports, recognize a religous superpower wich enables the turban to protect its wearer?

And yes, it does! My research found the following link: SikhWiki

Don't get me wrong, I respect the decision to honor a religous belief. But what I don't understand is that I may not ride without a helmet (or may not wear a seat belt). I am not putting anyone in danger (besides myself) whilst not wearing a helmet or seat belt.

Why do I have to comply whilst other get exemptions from the law?

Keep Fightin'

Jochen

BBQ @ LHO

2007-09-04T12:22:00.000+01:00

Dear Fighter,

here are a couple impression of the BBQ last weekend. I hate it when you arrive at a party and everyone is drunk already.

Keep Fightin'

Jochen

DO & CO Staff Party 28.08.07

2007-08-30T20:21:00.000+01:00

Dear Fighter,

the time had come and it was right. Staff party! A boat! The thames! 150 people! Lot's of beer! And bad food!

Here is the result!

Keep Fightin'

Jochen

Frankfurt WE 25.08.07 - IKEA NIGHTMARE

2007-08-30T19:55:00.003+01:00

Dear Fighter,

my recent trip to Frankfurt was not one of the best. I had to learn that my stepfather is not doing very well, now after about 5 years in the wheelchair the kidneys have stopped working. I felt a bit guilty that I didn't spend more time with him but there were just too many people around him. And I am not really a big fan of ALIBI visits.

Anyhow, i pretty much reserved Saturday night for a good night. Plan was to go to the Frankfurter Botschaft for dinner and a little bit of party later.

That was the plan. But IKEA destroyed the plan. Oliver, who was supposed to join dinner with his girlfriend Sarah, had men from IKEA over at his house to built his newly purchased bedroom. Their plan was to arrive at 16:00h and to leave at 20:00h. They did arrive at the correct time, but as it turned out, the guys had no clue what they were doing.

In a last attempt to rescue the evening, we opted to meet at Oliver's, as opposed to the restaurant, to have an apperative and then go out. However, 3-4 bottles of champagne and a good amount of sushi the were still not finished (23:30!) 30 minutes later we were finally able to leave. The venue of our choice was a rooftop garden on top of the boerse parkhaus. BORING! Yes, I have to admit, there was the Mainufer fest in Frankfurt and everyone else was there. Anyhow, 2 hours later, took the cab home. It was still a good evening.

BTW: Oliver's and Sarah's new bed did not survive the first night!! ;-))))

On Sunday, RELAXATION was it. TV, TV, TV, TV, nothing else!

Monday: Appointment with a customer of the hotel and then tea with Yvonne and dinner with Gerlinde. Was good to see her again. Though,.....

That was about it, keep fightin'

Jochen

AEHL - Bix Manor - Boule Championship

2007-08-16T22:52:00.000+01:00

Dear Fighter,

just to make this complete:

Keep Fightin'

Jochen

Quote of the Day

2007-08-14T01:10:00.000+01:00

Dear Fighter,

just found this quote on my daily quotes:

"If the Phone Doesn't Ring, It's Me"
- Jimmy Buffett

It is soooo true!

Keep Fightin'

Jochen

Can Poquer - Mallorca 2007

2007-08-13T22:55:00.000+01:00

Dear Fighter,

the time was right. 12 month after my last real vacation. Malle 2007 reloaded the 4th. Present were the managers (10 days), little schnu and finki (5 days), Lucinda and me (10 days). Additionally, my uncle and his family as well as my mother for a couple of days.

I was quite scared by the fact that my uncle's familie and my mother would be there. I thought it would impeed my relaxation. However, this was not the case. It was a great holiday.

It didn't start of well as we spend the entire way to Luton in a traffic jam. Checkin was smooth, the airport was empty, however, the flight was crazy. We had a girl panicing before takeoff, an extremely smelly unidentified person, a couple brazilian (excuse the french) whores and an extremely bad landing. Though the managers picked us up on time and we let the relaxation being.

Relaxation at the pool, lot's of cava, not so much vodka this time, schotski was less popular and good food, twice to the beach, once to Palma, couple times to Pollenca. Just doing nothing, RELAXING 100% percent. btw. did not get stung by jellie fish.

My B-Day was particularly great. My mom organized a bbq. Was an really nice evening with family and friends. What more can one as for? Here a list of my presents:

Mont Blanc Pen
Personalized Cufflings
Book: The Undercover Economist
Underwear
Ann Summers Sex Vouchers ;-)
Logitech Ipod Speakers (even with battery)
Porsche Cayman S (Hot Wheels Version with water so that it will grow)

Further, here is an excert of my reading list:

Economist x2
Wired
GQ
The Mystery Method
Briliant NLP
Game Theory at Work
Cosmo USA
various other women's mags

The trip home was a little more complicated.
Never Eeasyjet again: It started out that we were informed by Lucinda's parents that our flight will be delayed. Upon checking we were informed, after Lucinda paid the obligatory excess baggage charge (4kg only) that our plane would be on time. However, we soon found out that it would be almost two hours delayed which meant that we would only arrive at about4am. We accepted it, no choice. Upon arrival at the gate however, Easyjet announced an indefinate delay and started giving out vouchers. Took it easy and requested to get our flight changed to the next day. Surprise! No argument! 12:00pm tomorrow, please proceed to the ticket desk.

Ticket desk! Rebooked! Luggage? will arrive in 15 to 30 minutes. I wondered off to find a rental car again. no luck! ok, let's take a cab (who cares about the 30 to 50 euros). now: waiting for luggage! after multiple complaints why it is taking so long, and after being told that it is not their (the ticket desk people's) problem that it is taking so long as we wished to rebook our flight and after my request to speak to the manager was put off with the words: "he will not take to you!" Our luggage arrived after a bit over an hour.

So we took the cab back to the house to enjoy the last bottle of cava after shaving out 70 euros.

After a good nights rest, we were driven to the airport. Checkin, no shopping, cafe solo, 1,5h delay, we took off. Flight was ok (L did not puke this time, will she ever overcome her dislike for pringles and kit kat)! Arrival! Long term parking! Traffic Jam! Arrival at work. Holiday over!

Here are the pictures:

Keep Fightin'

Jochen

Strip Poker -Quite Cute

2007-08-01T21:44:00.001+01:00

not the best but has an artistic touch.

Keep Fightin'

Jochen

??38mph?? - speed limit - Windsor Great Park

2007-07-31T22:12:00.001+01:00

Dear Fighter,

I have to correct some of the things I have said in the past about the "ENGLISH". A couple, two to be precise, I wondered why the hell Windsor Great Park had a 38mph speed limit.

Now, I have the answer from the park authorities.

It turns out, the "Park", the most "ENGLISH" thing you could imagine (state estate of the QUEEN) was already looking ahead in 1973 when it introduced a metric speed limit of 60km/h. However, it was set back by the common law which stated that signage had to be in MPH. Therefore, the closest thing to 60km/h was 38mph.

The only question I would ask: Why the hell did they not take the piss and posted a 37,28227 mph speed limit. I guess, they are ENGLISH after all.

PROOF

Keep Fightin'

Jochen

Idea - Memory Cards for Networking Events

2007-07-30T23:27:00.001+01:00

Dear Fighter,

just read this and thought it is great.

Send out memory cards with different pictures with the invitation and let the people network to find out who has the same. Could be used for singles or groups, just with multiple cards per picture.

Keep Fightin'

Jochen

Cartier Polo 2007 - Windsor Great Park

2007-07-30T22:34:00.000+01:00

Dear Fighter,

the time had come. My 2nd time to the Cartier Polo, one of the most prestigeous events in the British social calander as my gf would say..... PICS ARE HERE

This year it was different! This year I was scared that I had to eat my picnic in the mud, combine my dress with wellies and that I would have to listen to a moaning english lady....even if she believes that due to the fact that she is British, sorry English, she is able to cope with any weather,...and yes, she believes that she may wear wellies to dress. I admire that...if someone really does it. do I believe the that the English would do that? Yes! Do I believe that she would do that? NO!

Anyhow, I was not able to put it up to at test. The weather, yes there were flood warnings in other parts of the country, was good. Hot, to be precise. And NO, I did not learn the lesson from last year that sun = sunburn.

There we were, it rained all night, but in the morning the sun was out. Plan was to leave at 10:00h. She, in charge of food and everything else except driving there, was late, as expected, preparing the food. (she only started the night before) We left at 10:30h! Into the car, "may I take the roof down?", "NO, too cold!", "it has 16C", "NO"! Ok, let's go! Bit of driving and, typical for London, TRAFFIC JAM, &%$£$"SHIT%£$"%! forgot my cigarettes, how will I survive. Franatic search inside the car, nothing, should I go to the trunk and get the cigar? No, let's just hang out in the traffic jam!

One and a half hours later, after realizing the beauty of Windsor Great Park and the ???38mph??? speed limit in the park (no, there is not obvious link when you google it), we arrive at our parking spot on the lawn. Off we went to buy some Moet. A bit of crusing in the retail village, zero cigarettes in sight, none on sale? What has happened to this world. Thank you very much Mr. Ipod Accessories Man!

Picnic, delicious, champagne cold, and yes we had the coolest champagne cooler! Of to the toilette. Traffic Jam again! Of to the bushes! Relief! Return to car, relaxing, dessert, off to the Game! Did I mention that we missed the first one...

Anyhow, game started, polo, not the most exciting sport of the world. wonder what the fascination is.... it's about money and not everybody can play it, therefore, everybody that wants to be a bit posh goes and watches it. Yes, this includes me! Cute horses though, and cut ladies too. Wow, like the legs...ehm....dress.

Game over, CHILE WON! Yesssssssssss.......

Another Traffic Jam, Toilets again. Purchase of obligatory Polo Shirts. And a necklace for her.

HIGHLIGHT: Got hold of friend finally, am able to get into Cartier tent. We had a good look around, she saw two famous people, and we had a glas of champagne. Been there, done that, off we went home.

Good Fight! Good Night!

Jochen

Classic Budweiser Commercials - FROGS & WASSUP

2007-07-24T22:12:00.001+01:00

Dear Fighter,

this is a great collection.

Keep Fightin'

Jochen

Doping - Sports, Tour de France

2007-07-21T12:37:00.001+01:00

Dear Fighter,

I am a competitive person. I hate to lose and the 2nd place is truly the first place of the losers.
Therefore, I understand why people use doping.

people want to win
the puplic loves to see people attain new world records
today's time, speed, length must be better than yesterday's

It is just a matter of fact that extraordinary results may only be attained by specially gifted people. Training will make a specially gifted sporsman into an excellent one but only doping will make him a winner these days. Is this wrong? Maybe! A clean sport would be good, but what would happen? No more world records, or we would have to reset them all first.

These days there is not sport that is free of doping. The current witch hunt and media boycotts are the bullshit I have ever witnessed. The media wants records, the media knows that records may only be attained with doping, still they are condemming it because they want to continue to fool the public.

Make doping legal, still the best man will win but the pulic will not be fooled any longer. Consider it advanced training.

Links:

even with doping, we all must keep fightin'

Jochen

Die Hard 4.0 - would be a good movie without the jet

2007-07-21T11:36:00.000+01:00

Dear Fighter,

I am a big fan of the "Die Hard" movies, I love to see how John McClane gets beaten up, how he bleeds, aches and still manages to kill everyone. Amazing who this one man manages to stop the bad guys single handed over and over again without losing his humor.

Yippie Kai Ya, Motherfucker!

DIE HARD 4.0 / On Wikipedia

The 4th sequal of the franchise has turned out to be a good movie, not great, not excellent. It is a movie that you watch once maybe twice, not more. Why? Action is good, however the main point of critique, the action is too much. My rating would most likely been better if they would have not shot the scene with the F35 and the truck. The makers are actually trying to make us believe that a truck is able to avaid bullets and rockets on a narrow bridge road that have been shot by an iraq trained top breed american fighter pilot. Yes, the US airforce had to send all their good people away to war but! He must be a good pilot, just look at the way he manouvers his plane around and under the bridge. And they are really telling us that this pilot missed a truck from 50 (or less) meters away?

What more? (I will just ignore that i don't believe that John is able to fly a helicopter)

Maggie Q and John's daugther ---> HOT!

Generally, it is a good summer movie (the one liners are not as good as they used to be), sit down, lean back and enjoy the action.

Keep Fightin'

Jochen

Taste of London - BA Booth babes

2007-07-01T21:01:00.001+01:00

BA Booth babes

Dear Figher,

yes, they were there!

Keep Fightin'

Jochen

Taste of London 2007

2007-07-01T20:55:00.001+01:00

Taste of London 2007

Dear Fighter,

don't know who the chef is, but the lady next to him is Chalie.

Hi Charlie, smile for the camera!

Keep Fightin'

Jochen

Smoking Ban - An issue straight from my heart ;-)

2007-07-01T20:30:00.000+01:00

Dear Fighter,

this comes straight from my heart. What happened to the world that we need legislation to stop smoking. We need legislation because so many people enjoy smoking and they want to exercise their right to smoke. Who cares what the non smokers think? I do. The non-smokers can think what they want, they are free to not smoke everywhere, as long as I am free to smoke whereever I want. Meaning, if an establisment chooses to be smoking, then "dear non-smoker" don't go in there. Too bad, too late now! Now, we can't smoke in pubs, bars, restaurants, !!clubs!!, not even private clubs, work, company cars, staff houses,...., any longer. What do we poor smokers do. We either quit or comply. Quitting means complying, we therefore, COMPLY.

Dear Fighter, Dear Smokers,

UNITE! We need to fight this! What will happen next. No alcohol? No sex? No fast cars? No jaywalking! We need to fight this. Follow our cause and exercise your right to smoke.

I will always ask for a smoking table in a restauant!

Are there any other ways/things that we can do. Let me know.

I don't want to move to CHINA where smoking is still COOL.

Keep Fightin'

Jochen

Reading List - Setting the Table - Danny Meyer

2007-06-28T00:17:00.000+01:00

Dear Fighter,

@ Taste of London I had the opportunity to receive a signed copy of Danny Meyer's book "SETTING THE TABLE". I have placed it on my reading list. Will post updates.

Who is Danny Meyer. The man behind the Union Square Cafe and other venues.

Keep Fightin'

Jochen

Taste of London - 21-24.06.07 - Regent's Park

2007-06-26T21:27:00.000+01:00

Dear Fighter,

I have survived it . Taste of London is over. 4 days event, 6 days including set up, 612 bottles of Laurent Perrier, 2000 Demel's Sacher cake and one ruined suit later.

The event was a true sucess even though it turned inot a mud fight on the last day. Guests were happy though and didn't mind the bad weather or the muddy carpet.

It is always a pleasure to be around some of the best chef's from London and the world.

Here are some impression from both the front and the back of the house.

CLICK HERE

Keep Fightin'

Jochen

AEHL - Handover InterCon - Park Lane

2007-06-25T23:35:00.000+01:00

Dear Fighter,

today, I attended the handover of London Stamm of the Ecole hoteliere de Lausanne to the new Stammvater / council at the InterCon Park Lane.

Being an alumni and member of the council I / we were honored by the managment to generously host this event in true EHL style. Champagne, Pimms, strawberries and fingerfood.

Further, it was good to see that we were able to generate a large attendance of about 40-50 people, who all provided positive feedback to the change. We hope that we will be able to bring the stamm alive and very active again.

A big thanks again to Gary, who skillfully and pationatly led the stamm for almost 30 years. We hope that we can follow in his footsteps.

Dates to remember: (contact me for details)

1 st wednesday every month - EHL pub drinks
11th of August - Hyde Park Picnic

Keep Fightin'

Jochen

...wondering about the world

2007-06-18T00:05:00.000+01:00

Dear Fighter,

what has happened to this world. Today, i realized for the first time a TV ad on German TV for Betty TV and I lost the last faith that I had into humanity.

To summarize, Betty TV is a piece of electronic that is basically a mobile phone loaded with a gaming software on which you can play games that relate to a TV show that is shown on German TV. Basically, the presenter asks a questions and you are able to answer by clicking the right button and maybe you win. Amazing, the IT part of it, but what has happend to us. Game shows were bad enough, then came live "call in" quize shows, then a tv channel dedicated to it (9Live - that actually makes money and runs profiable) and now this.

Reality - OK, Interaktive - OK but this.... I can't put it into real words but it is annoying me that an organization can actually make money with this. I am not condemming the organizations, NO, I am condemming humanity for participating.

However, in essence, give the people what they want / ask for.

Keep Fightin'

Jochen

Current Update

2007-06-16T21:27:00.000+01:00

Dear Fighter

he has chosen to use the I, as I think the "he" was quite stupid. Anyhow, one learns....

What is going on in my life. My job is still occupying about 75% of my life, i sleep about 20%, therefore, i have 5% left for my private life. However, this has been a constant since about 8 years. Why? Because I am stupid about work. ;-)

Currently working on on a project/event where the company that i work for will cater the

British Airways Executive Lounge and it's own stand with the Demel.

The Event is called Taste of London and takes place at Regent's Park in London.

I will post picturs afterwards.

Keep Fightin'

Jochen

Chris Rock about Rap Music

2007-06-06T22:50:00.001+01:00

I do dig rap music!

Chris Rock about the War on Terror

2007-06-06T22:49:00.001+01:00

Iraq - the most dangerous country in the world - and it took only two weeks to take it over

Pussycat Dolls - Jan 07

2007-06-06T22:41:00.000+01:00

Dear Fighter,

yet another post to keep this complete.

Now I know what's the difference between ARTIST and RECORDING ARTIST!

Keep Fightin'

Jochen

Trip to Paris - Feb 07

2007-06-06T22:38:00.001+01:00

Dear Fighter,

just to keep this sort of updated, here are the pics of the trip to Paris.

Oh la la!

Keep Fightin'

Jochen

Can Poquer - The Finka

2007-06-03T18:22:00.000+01:00

Dear Fighter,

check out pictures of Can Poquer, a place of relaxation AND party.

Keep Fightin'

Jochen

Video - Top Gear USA

2007-06-02T20:12:00.001+01:00

this one is one of the best ever

Walk through London & London Eye

2007-05-31T00:25:00.001+01:00

Dinner @ Sketch - the lecture room

2007-05-30T23:26:00.000+01:00

Dear Fighter,

what can he say??? What a dissapointment. The party of 5 spent £1.000 on dinner with wine @ the lecture room.

Ambience:
nice, very nice actually, nothing for everyday, but the unique combiantion of art, antiques, sparkling stones and 2nd hand furniture is an experience. the antique silver cutlery is amazing. The china used is nice, a lot of Thomas by Rosenthal. However, nothing special.

Winelist:
Extensive, very good selection, expensive (as expected), generally it is what one may expect. However, the wine water made two (out of 5) bad choices, especially the amazing madeira did not fit the dessert.

Service:
Hostess: beautiful model, nice to look at, but useless as hostess
Aperitif in Bar: it took 20 minutes for 2 champagne, 1 cosmo and 2 mochitos
Maitre d': tour through he building, well mannered, very good
Service: not smooth enough, not secure enough
Sommelier: 2 bad choice out of 5 (not good)

Food:
overpowering flavours, too many ingredients stuffed into one dish, always a blend of strong flavours, no single flavour may be singled out. pigeon meat was very good, though.

All in all a big disappointment, does not deserve the star!

Keep Fightin'

Jochen

Flight on London Eye

2007-05-28T16:08:00.000+01:00

Take the following recommendations:

book online (to fight the queue)
pick a nice day (better view)
do it once (no need to do it more often)

Keep Fightin'

Jochen

Dinner @ Roka

2007-05-28T16:03:00.001+01:00

Dear Fighter,

he's been there many times. Best Restaurant in London (Price / Value). Staff very professional, read about unfriendliness but never experienced it.

As he had many, many good experiences, this is a warning. This time he was particularly unimpressed by the speed in which the (btw: excellent) food arrived. Drinks (not even water) had arrived when already 4 dishes had been served. All dishes (about 9) were served in 20 minutes. There was no time to enjoy.

The fact that there was a leak in the roof (they were downstairs in the lounge) and it was raining on his guests, just added to the aggrevation. And thinking about it: Considering the rain, they were not even offered a free drink....

He will keep watching....

Keep Fightin'

Jochen

Dinner @ Brian Turner Mayfair

2007-05-28T15:56:00.000+01:00

Dear Fighter,

he enjoyed a very good dinner at Brian Turner Mayfair. He was promised true english food with a twist but got international cuisine with an english twist.

Staff is excellent, very attentive and professional.

Ambience is good, relaxed and understated.

Winelist: Surprise, good wines at reasonable prices.

Food:

Starter: Scallops - taste of scallops was overpowered by sauce
Main: Slow Cooked Pork Filet - meat was superb, rest was good but not impressive
Dessert: was good, but he forgot what it was, explains everything

All in all, good dinner, he would go there twice but not more often.

Keep Fightin'

Jochen

Dinner & Stay @ The Zetter London

2007-05-28T15:44:00.000+01:00

Dear Fighter,

he had the pleasure of staying and dining at The Zetter Hotel in London.
hip small hotel, converted warehouse, nifty details, nice design, friendly staff, bit gay

Location:

excellent, close to tube
central
good nightlife

Rooms:
room booked was a deluxe corner room

not too small, not too big
nifty features, such as red light
excellent shower
ZERO closet space
compfy beds

Lounge:

very small, but perfect place to start a good night out

Restaurant:

experimental mediterrenean, good but not excellent, don't expect too much
staff needs time to warm up and get friendly

Breakfast:

bit overpriced, nothing special

Keep Fightin'

Jochen

Woldingham Golf Club

2007-05-21T22:41:00.000+01:00

Dear Fighter,

this sunday, he went to Woldingham Golf Club in search for some distraction and a better score. Distraction was a success, even a small tan got thrown into the equation. But the score? Yes, he finally scored again a +22. Considering his last attempts, that was actually not bad. You have to know, he is listed as a +18 player but has not reached that score since about 10 years.

The course was in a very good condition, but rather boring! No water! Some nice tee shots, and lots of slope! Left to right and right to left. His achilles tendon still hurts. Play it once and enjoy your score!

Keep Fightin'

Jochen

searching @ China White

2007-05-21T22:11:00.000+01:00

Dear Fighter,

who said that a charity may not be good for you. He had the pleasure of being invited to a charity party @ China White. Not only was he able to have money donated in his name for poor children, he also got to experience a club that is supposed to be very difficult to get in. The result? lower medium to medium rich men, trying to seduce english and not so english wannbe celebs and "speckbeeren" (look it up at leo: speck beeere --> see 1) while paying £8.00 for a G & T.

He has to say: the club is 100% overrated, it might have been good 3 - 5 years ago, but now, it is just a place to seperate you from your hard earned £.

All in all, all the wisdom that was to be found:

£ 8.00 for a drink
a good kebab place on the way home --> too drunk to remember, was near knightsbridge just off the A4
china white is overrated --> how will he get into Boujis

Keep fightin'

Jochen

1: slightly overweight english (sort of english) girl that wears both: a top too short and a skirt too short; variations include: too tight jeans, cut off leggins and huge cleavage; generally all of the above

Welcome to the Fight for Wisdom

2007-05-15T22:26:00.000+01:00

Dear Reader,

this is the first post of this users first blog. He is unsure about the purpose and wheather or not he will be able to continously post. Please ignore all errors, be it spelling, grammar or logic. As previously indicated, he is on a constant struggle.

What does he intent to do at this blog. RANDOM THOUGHTS! Business, Game Theory, Videos, Books, Life, Women --> in short, all that helps or prevents him from reaching pure and indisputed WISDOM.

To start of, he would like to think about this: ?

Then read this: The Game

Keep Fightin'

Jochen