Cars,Travel and Military in Germany

Cologne’s sex tax has been a huge success according to a report in the Handelsblatt (business daily) on Friday.

In Germany, prostitution is legal : )   The city of Cologne (Koln) is the only German city so far to implement the so called “sex tax“  It is reported that the city brought in over €828,000 in 2006.  In 2005 they brought in €790,000, so I guess you could say that people are having more sex this year!

Prostitutes are required to pay €150 per month, unless they only work part-time.  In that case they can opt to pay €6 per day, and as a result, sex workers voluntarily inform the tax office when they are ill or on vacation, the spokesperson said.

LOL, “Sex Workers”  It sounds so “socialist”   I wonder if they take VAT forms from us Americans!

Full Story   Dating a Soldier

If you are a contractor or other American living in Germany or abroad, you are no doubt aware of recent tax hike in May that was imposed upon us (probably so congress could free up funds to give themselves yet another raise).  There may be a chance for a repeal, now that Democrats are taking over (and thank God for that)

Democrat offices were highly critical of the tax hike on overseas Americans indicating general support for overseas Americans. It was suggested that repeal of this tax hike should be given first priority, as an immediate objective. The new Democratic leadership will aim to reach bi-partisan agreement on certain issues early in the 110th session of Congress. All budgetary decisions will be made on a “pay as you go basis”, i.e. no tax decreases will be allowed unless a compensating tax revenue or expenditure cut is made.

Please write to your Senetors and Representatives who will be present in the 110th Congress.  Sned hard copies since many emails from abroad are blocked or ignored.

There are template letters here for your convenience.

This is a series of advertisements that I found pretty amusing.  Even though Bently is owned by Volkswagen.  I still think the BMW is the better car.

A post by a friend who recently had an unsettling experience in Alsace, France in the vicinity of Strasbourg.

What happened would make the hairs on your arms stand up at attention. The only difference was that the hairs couldn’t talk or shout SIEG HEIL!  Yes, boys and girls, neo-Naziism is alive and well in Alsace. The only trick is knowing where and what to avoid. 
 
We started out on a cloudy ,overcast day with  the goal of purchasing some exquisite Alsatian Wines and were at the same time doing market research about possibly exporting wines to America. The vineyard in question and its village was discovered when we accidently encountered a traveling wine salesman who was trying to hit on a modest pension in a crumbling Alsatian village with the remnants of a ruined castle.

Like the witch in Hansel and Gretel, the old crone man with the hatchet face gave us a brochure with the prices and the location of the vineyard. The wines were very cleverly described as to aroma, bouquet etc. And the prices were really reasonable. A phone call to the vineyard in advance resulted in a time for meeting and tasting.
 
The owner of the vineyards name was “Damien” (Like in the Omen). Much laughter and merriment was made of this fact on the journey to the vineyard which was mirthfully named the Satanic Vineyard. Looking at my guide to Alsace, I discovered that the population of the village was 666. Mark of the Beast! The entire village had a creepy pallor as though it were enveloped in a fog. Not one shred of Christmas decorations were in evidence although the Alsatian Christmas season was already in full swing. .
 

A ferociously barking dog greeted their arrival (Cerberus ?) as we were suspiciously and reservedly invited into the Winestube for tasting. After a lively conversation in German and French about wines and the Americans appreciation for fine wines, the pros and cons of Affiliate Programs, drop shipping, tax advantages of both systems, we were without warning told that there was no interest and to get out NOW. 

We were forbidden to pee in the bathroom. We were then followed out to their car and the owner of the vineyard menacingly told them never again to appear in THIS REGION  and if they did he would pass the information on to others his Nazi friends. 

The strangest part of all was in parting he told us “You know exactly why I ask you to leave.” We dont’ have a clue why we were rushed out, however we had our suspicions, because when we searched Google for “Neo-Nazis in Alsace”. Seems that its alive and well in parts of Alsace.  FOREWARNED IS FOREARMED.

Post by: Annonymous  Name withheld

Here’s an article about the Nazis in Alsace
http://rhineriver.blogspot.com/2004/08/alsace-hate-watch-2-updated.html

German Legislation is trying to give 1 year jail terms to FPS gamers and Developers, after a man went on a shooting spree wounding 11 and killing himself. some say it was because he played to much CS

read more | digg story

Germany’s Richest Family - The BMW heirs

Susanne Klatten, heir to the BMW fortune, is one of Germany’s richest people. In fact, she is the 4th richest German. She inherited 12.5 percent of BMW, as well as controlling share in Altana, one of Europe’s most successful pharmaceutical and chemical companies. All told, she is worth $9 Billion!  Watch out Bill Gates!

Susann’s brother Stefan Quandt is not far behind her. His net worth is $6.7 billion. He is the 11th richest German. While he is very private, he is often makes Germany’s most eligible bachelors list.

Very Wealthy and Very Private
Both Klatten and Quandt lead very private, almost reclusive lives. There was a kidnapping attempt on Klatten when she was 16, so this may account for why she lives such a private life.

Read the full article on Dw-World

SAAB is not a German car, but you can get one in Germany through a Military car sales program.  Besides, we love the way the SAAB looks, it’s a very sharp looking car, and lots of fun on the German Autobahns.

SAAB is offering a special deal on their 9-3 20th Anniversary Aero Convertible.  The new 9-3 has been updated for 2006, with the addition of an Aero model that sports a new 250-hp 2.8-liter turbocharged V-6 with variable valve timing. The car is still plagued by cheap leather, vague steering, and a clunky shifter says Stuart Fowle of automobilemag.com

Edinburgh, Scotland

Scotland’s historic capital set to sparkle this Christmas

The festive season in the Scottish capital is truly a magical experience. In the shadow of the historic castle, Edinburgh’s Capital Christmas makes the city the place to be.

The city’s Princes Street Gardens become the focus of Edinburgh’s enchanting Christmas celebrations. The striking Edinburgh Wheel, next to the famous Scott Monument, will make a welcome return this year and will provide exhilarating views across the city from its 33 meter vantage point. Winter Wonderland, one of the largest open air ice rinks in Europe, is also back as the stunning and vibrant centerpiece to the Gardens.

There are plenty of goodies to fill your Christmas stocking at the traditional Christmas Market, where 25 stalls come direct from Germany to provide an authentic continental experience. The variety of products range from beautiful hand-blown baubles to wooden toys and the very popular traditional German mulled wine, Glühwein. Last year, 15,000 mugs were sold, proving that the spicy aroma is hard to resist on a cold winter evening. There are plenty of other shopping opportunities throughout the city. Home to Jenners, the world’s oldest independent department store dating back to 1838. The old town has some of Edinburgh’s most unique specialty shops including antique books, contemporary design and gourmet food. There is even a Christmas shop selling decorations all year around.

Children can expect a special treat, when Edinburgh becomes home to Santa’s Reindeer for two weeks. Santa’s Reindeer will live in West Princes Street Gardens, counting down to their big night on Christmas Eve. Pony and trap rides and Edinburgh’s Robert Brothers Circus will also add to the festive fun.

Opening hours Christmas market
28 November – 24 December 2006

Continue Reading »