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
Sunday, 2 November 2008
Tuesday, 1 July 2008
Friday, 27 June 2008
Picknik im Park | Kempinski Königstein - May 2008
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
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
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
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
Wednesday, 20 February 2008
Bath and Bristol - Valentines Day 2008 + update on the last two weeks
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
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
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
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
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
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
Sunday, 10 February 2008
Ambiente - February 2008
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.....
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 Roccoas 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.....
Saturday, 9 February 2008
Cirque de Soleil - January 2008
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
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
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
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
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
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
Friday, 8 February 2008
CSI in London - January 2008
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.....
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
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
Wednesday, 9 January 2008
A Weekend in Zuerich
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
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
Dear Fighter,
I just love capitalism and the human psychy.
Keep Fightin,
Jochen
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
Sunday, 30 December 2007
Christmas @ Home
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
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
Tuesday, 11 December 2007
XMAS CARDS - the true motivation
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.....
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.....
Wednesday, 24 October 2007
...left side...wrong side...right side
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
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
Wednesday, 3 October 2007
...Child On Board... - the truth
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:
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
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
- desireable for all men
- attached, in love, faithful or bored and sexually unsatisfied
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
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!
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!
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