Editor Bob

Reddit shutdown r/The_Donald so its users moved to thedonald.win.   According to Alexa rankings the new site now one of the fastest growing on the web.

Note to the many the people reporting YouTube videos on this forum lately... You are hitting the report button requesting a video be removed, yet you then proceed to reply to the post with the video quoted within yours.   This results in the video being posted not merely once, but multiple times. It means you're not silencing the poster's voice, you're amplifying it, which is probably the exact opposite of what you want.   So, if you disagree with someone, feel free to reply, but it's probably best not to quote them, or at least not to quote them in full. Certainly not if the quote contains their image or YouTube video.   Note that it's possible, encouraged even, to click the quote/reply button and then edit how much of the quoted post is included in yours. In fact, as a general rule, it's best to quote only the minimum necessary to make it clear who or what you're replying to.   If you see someone quoting YouTubes that you think shouldn't be given more airtime, you can also try PM'ing those who make the replies and reminding them of this.

Note to many of the people reporting YouTube videos in this thread...   You are hitting the report button requesting a video be removed, yet you then proceed to reply to the post with the video quoted within yours.   This results in the video being posted not merely once, but five times (as in the case above). This means you're not silencing the poster's voice, you're amplifying it, which is probably the exact opposite of what you want.   So, if you disagree with someone, feel free to reply, but it's probably best not to quote them, or at least not to quote them in full. Certainly not if the quote contains a video or an image.   Note that it's possible, encouraged even, to click the quote/reply button and then edit how much of the quoted post is included in yours.

twitter.com/realDonaldTrump   thedonald.win  

The price of bitcoin is surging and recently crossed €20. Anyone here own any?  

When posting a weblink it's good to write useful stuff into the link text.   For example, the following style is bad:     See what I did there?   Firstly, helpful link texts improve human readability. If a link text just says "this thread" then the reader doesn't necessarily know what they're getting before they click the link. Most web users are impatient and short on time. They don't want to click a link if there's a chance it might not be interesting to them. So help your fellow users by giving them a hint what is behind your link. This will also attract more people to click your link. With unhelpful text most people won't bother clicking, they'll skip right over it instead.   Secondly, helpful link texts improve machine readability. Search engines such as Google are better able to determine the relevance of a target page if there are useful keywords present in the link text. Not that most people would care about this, but still, I mention it because it's true.

If you are a family that is seeking a babysitter, post your requirement here. Remember to include contact details (telephone number, email, etc.) or instruct candidate babysitters to send you a personal message via this forum. Note that all posts here are automatically removed after three months.   If you are a babysitter seeking work, please do not post a public reply to adverts. Instead contact the advertiser directly and in private via the contact details they give. Take care to note the date of the postings. The most recent adverts are at the bottom of this page. Plus, remember you should also advertise your services by posting a message to the babysitters available listings.

Despite being many hundreds of kilometres from the nearest ocean, Munich has a reputation as a surfing hotspot. Local surfers are a popular photo motif, a hit with visitors to the city, and are mentioned in almost every tourist guide on Munich.   River surfing in Munich is possible at three spots. They are: Eisbach (artificial river) at Haus der Kunst, on the edge of the English Garden, this is the main wave Floßlände in Thalkirchen, this is more of a beginners' surf wave River Isar at Wittelsbacherbrücke, only possible during high water and by very advanced surfers ======================================== Eisbach     The Eisbach is an artificial stream that runs through the English Garden, Munich's largest public park. The surf wave is located at the southern edge of the park, next to the Haus der Kunst. See the exact location on Google Maps. The wave is about 1 m high and about 12 m wide. The flow velocity is about 5 m per second. See photo right.  History:   The wave, if left to it's own devices, is unstable and can sometimes disappear for months at a time. The instability is due to variations in the amount of water flowing in the river, as well as the build up of silt. Several people in the local community, however, found that planks of wood can be used to shape and stabilise the wave. These planks are "hung" in the flow, suspended via ropes attached to the bridge arches. This practice started around the year 2000 and since then surfing the wave has become more and more popular.   Dangers:     Beginner are very strongly discouraged from surfing here. The flow-braking rocks that the stream's builders set into the concrete of the riverbed are invisible but dangerous. The photo right shows these rocks. Photo was taken when there was no water flowing in the Eisbach.  Impacts on the rocks are hard and happen all the time after uncontrolled falls. The many injuries from the rocks have included the complete loss of a kneecap, a broken shoulder, and a ruptured main thigh aorta with near amputation of the leg. These accidents could force the city to close down the wave permanently. Consequently, all beginners face severe pressure from the experienced locals to injure themselves elsewhere.   Note also, jumping into the wave from the bridge is extremely dangerous. The water is not deep enough. In June 2003 a 26-year-old attempted this, suffered spinal injuries, and has been paralysed ever since.   Threat of removal of the wave:   In 2007, as in most years since the Eisbach was first built, there were a spate of deaths in the river. These included the deaths of an Australian tourist, a 61-year-old local teacher, and a PhD student at Munich university. These deaths prompted calls by a city council member to remove the wave. Naturally the local surfers were appalled at this idea, and they started a petition called save the Eisbach wave. In early 2008 the council finally decided not to remove the wave. The rationale being that nobody has actually died as a result of surfing here. The only deaths have been from swimmers. Surfers generally know what they are doing. Swimmers, however, are casual users are are often reckless. Surfing is now tolerated, but swimming is banned and offenders can be fined if caught.   ======================================== Floßlände     This is a wave on the canal that joins the Isarkanal with the Floßlände. The wave is perhaps around 50cm high, i.e. smaller than the one on the Eisbach. This makes it more suitable for beginners. To get to the wave take the U-Bahn to Thalkirchen, then walk upstream along the river for about ten minutes. Then turn right and find the canal that runs parallel. See the exact location on Google Maps.  Annual competition:   Since 2004 there has been an annual surf competition at this wave. It usually takes place on the last Saturday in July. In 2008 the date will be Saturday, July 26.   ======================================== Wittelsbacherbrücke   This is a wave that forms on the river Isar just downstream of the Wittelsbacherbrücke bridge in Isarvorstadt. This is just next to Zoozies cafe bar. See the exact location on Google Maps. The wave only appears during very high water, i.e. after lots and lots of rain. Usually it can't be surfed immediately because of all the junk that gets washed down with the floods. Surfing is only safe a few days after high water comes. The wave is only surfable for a few days a year (exact number not known).   Tube6 - Artificial surf wave construction plans:     In July 2005 the local Munich news was full of reports of plans to build "the perfect wave" at Wittelsbacherbrücke. The idea behind tube6 was to tap the unused water sports potential of the Isar's inner-city stretch, in cooperation with the city, and to provide surfers in Munich with legal facilities approved by the city council. If the €300k to €400k in sponsorship money could have been raised, the artificial wave system would have been installed in 2006. The ramps will be mechanically controllable so as to always create the perfect wave despite the river's changing water levels. The wave would have been suitable for surfing and rodeo kayaking. Right is an artists impression of what the wave would look like. Sadly these plans have not yet come to fruition, nor does it look like they will do any time in the near future.  ======================================== Learning to surf in Munich   As far as we know, surfboards can't be hired in Munich. This is probably because surfboards are too easily damaged on the rocky rivers. Either that or there is simply not enough demand.   Surfboards can be bought at the following Munich stores: Sport Schuster near Marienplatz Santoloco in the city center Planet Sports near Harras Online from Buster Surfboards (a Munich-based company) It is recommended that beginners buy a 5'11" Bicsurf board. These boards are shaped so as to be stable for beginners to learn on. Plus they are made of plastic and thus are more resilient to the inevitable damage from bouncing off rocks. They cost around €250.   Advanced surfers are recommended a 5'11'' E-Type Semi Fish from Buster Surfboards. This board was designed by Munich locals specifically for use on the Eisbach wave. They are made of light but delicate fibreglass and cost around €400.   In the height of summer some surfers wear little more than a pair of board shorts. Others, however, wear a wetsuit. A 3mm/2mm neoprene wetsuit is suitable for the warmer half of the year. During the winter a 5mm/3mm including hood is recommended. Wetsuits cost around €150 to €300 and can be bought at the same stores as the surfboards mentioned above.   Surfing courses are apparently offered by: surfersspirit.com   ======================================== Further info   Related links: Current water temperatures for the Isar at Munich (temps the last year) Current water levels in the Eisbach The online home of Munich surfers: Grossstadtsurfer 2000 e.V. Facebook groups: Save the Eisbach Wave and 1st Munich Surfers Similar activity on the Eisbach: Bungee river surfing Some of the best YouTube videos: Keep Surfing documentary trailer from pipelinepictures Promo for O'Neill surf gear Cool home made video - the song is "Lazy Eye" by Silversun Pickups Surfing the Eisbach naked - pretty funny Surfing the Eisbach in minus 7'C temperatures - madness Jack Johnson surfs the Eisbach - famous surfer and musician from Hawaii  

After WWII much of the Nazi symbolism was removed from Munich's architecture. Some of it survived, however, and can still be seen if you know where to look.   For example, this one which is to be seen at Klugstrasse 166 in Gern. The original photos are to be found on flickr.com / laliste     Here are some more which were posted previously to another topic (The Eagle's Nest) by InflatableWoman:   Taken on the side of the Luftkommando building opposite the Haus der Kunst...     And from the Haus der Kunst...     And a de-Nazified eagle on the Finanzamt...     Topic crosslink: Third Reich tours of Munich

One of the greatest things about life in Bavaria is the combination of a Weißbier, a potato dumpling, and a Schweinshaxe! It took me a while to realise this though. On first arriving in Munich I'd see the locals out and about tucking into these huge hunks of fatty meat on the bone. I'd think uggghhh! How can anyone eat THAT??? Then a friend forced me to try and since then there has been no looking back. I've found that the restaurant which consistently serves up the best Schweinshaxe is Dürnbräu. For alternative locations you should check out Haxentest.de. They rate the top 3 spots as Straubinger (city center), Grosswirt (Neuhausen) and the Lindwurmstüberl (Isarvorstadt). ...     What is Schweinshaxe?   Schweinshaxe is a speciality of Bavaria. In English the word means "Knuckle of Pork", or in French "Pieds de porc". This cut of meat comes from the pig's leg, between the knee and the ankle. Cuts from the hind legs tend to be meatier than those from the front legs but both taste the same. Traditionally the meat is highly salted before being roasted.     Generally a restaurant menu will offer "Halbehaxe", i.e. a half knuckle. This is plenty for most appetites. Some restaurants, such as the one at Andechs for example, only sell the full knuckle. You'd be well advised to share one of these between two!    

Post here for general chat about the current weather in Munich.   Only in cases of extreme weather should a new topic be started.   Current weather: Yahoo! weather forecast for Munich   See also the Munich weather discussion archive.

The U-Bahn Guards (in German: U-Bahn Wache) are the guys in blue uniform who loll around on the U-Bahn platforms and trains. Their responsibilities are twofold: one, to tell passengers to keep their feet off the seats, and two, to tell passengers to keep back from the platform edge. Given that this is not a particularly dangerous job, you might then wonder why they carry firearms. Yes, those weapons you see on their belts are real. They are live-firing and loaded. And you wouldn't be the first to wonder about this either. ...   Photos from: U-Bahn Wache München   Last week, according to Wednesday's copy of the Tageszeitung, a member of the Munich city council questioned whether it was appropriate for the guards to be armed. Apparently the MVV argue that the weapons are a very effective deterent. An armed guard commands more respect from the public than an unarmed guard. In reality the pistols are rarely used in anger. In fact, in the last 15 years the guards have only ever fired twice. And on both those occasions they were shooting at an agressive dog on the loose.   So relax. Put your feet up. You're not going to get shot.   Note that the S-Bahn guards, the ones dressed in red berets, do not carry firearms. They have truncheon instead. They feel this is deterent enough and that firearms would be too dangerous.   The complete belt-kit worn by an U-Bahn guard is:   Belt with holsterSmith & Wesson Revolver - Calibre .38 or .357Pepper sprayMini MagLiteHand cuffsWalkie talkiePouch containing rubber gloves and piano wire For more information see: U-Bahn Wache München   Note that these guards do not check tickets. That's the job of the friendly: Undercover Kontrolleure

For an over view see the guide page: English-speaking preschools in Munich   Advertisement:   Gymboree Play & Music - Play, art, music & sport classes for your children in Munich  

So you're seeking rental accommodation in Munich? Make sure you read this page through to the end, it contains lots of useful information. Remember to also read the second page, including the post about tips for first-time renters. Once you're done here, then also read the other page: Apartments in Munich   First decide: do you want furnished or unfurnished? If you choose unfurnished, remember that this means with absolutely no furniture whatsoever. Often there is not even a kitchen or a bathroom - just pipes sticking out of the walls ready for you to connect your own facilities. Secondly: live alone or sharing? In German the sharing of an apartment is known as "Wohngemeinschaft" or "WG" for short. If you are looking for a flat to yourself, short-term, and pre-furnished, then you should check the following advertised agencies:   Mr. Lodge - Apartments Munich Mr. Lodge is a professional Munich furnished accommodation agency. They are the largest such agency in Germany. They have on their books hundreds, if not thousands of furnished apartments for short term and long term rentals. These include 1, 2, and 3 room apartments as well as furnished houses. Mr. Lodge is a very international company. They have over 23 employees including people from Ireland, UK, Holland, Sweden, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, USA and of course Germany. In addition to English and German they can also speak with you in Spanish, Italian, French, Swedish, and Dutch.     This is a paid placement posting.

============================== Unemployment benefits in Munich, Germany   There are two types of unemployment benefits in Germany. Unemployment insurance (UI) benefits are paid only for a limited period. The potential length of UI receipt depends positively on the work-history in insured employment in the seven years prior to a benefit claim. It also increases with the age of an unemployed person. Workers who are younger than 42 years can receive UI benefits for no longer than 12 months. When people run out of UI benefit, they may receive unemployment assistance (UA) benefits, provided that they pass a means-test. There is no time-limit for UA benefit receipt and the formal replacement rates of UA are somewhat lower than those of UI benefit.   To be eligible for UI benefits people need to have worked at least 12 months in contributory employment in the previous three years prior to the benefit claim.   The claimant must not have reached the retirement age of 65 years and has to be available for a suitable job or a training course offered by the local labour offices. He/she also has to be available on short notice to the labour office. Of course, the claimant has to register as unemployed at the local labour office.   In the first four months of unemployment the labour offices regarded as a suitable job only those jobs with the same occupational qualification as in the previous job. Thereafter a job with a lower qualification could be regarded as suitable.   Not accepting a suitable job offer once may lead to a temporary loss of the UI entitlement for 12 weeks. A complete loss of the UI receipt is possible if the recipient refuses suitable job offers repeatedly.   In the first three months of unemployment a job was defined as suitable if it paid at least 80% of the previous wage of the UI benefit recipient. This percentage declines to 70% in the forth month unemployment. After the sixth month of UI benefit receipt any job with a wage that exceeds the UI benefit is regarded as suitable. A suitable job is also defined by the time needed to travel to work.   A job with a travel to work time of three or less hours a day is classified as suitable.   The level of the UI benefits is defined relative to the net earnings in the previous job.   The formal replacement rates are 67% for parents and 60% for childless people. There is an upper cap to the benefit level, which depends on the upper threshold for gross earnings up to which contributions to the social insurance system have to be paid.   Time in employment (months) - duration of entitlement (months):   12-15 - 6 16-19 - 8 20-23 - 10 24-27 - 12 28-31 - 14 age >= 45 years 32-35 - 16 age >= 45 36-39 - 18 age >= 45 40-43 - 20 age >= 47 44-47 - 22 age >= 47 48-53 - 24 age >= 52 54-55 - 26 age >= 52 56-59 - 28 age >= 57 60-63 - 30 age >= 57 >=64 - 32 age >= 57   UA benefits:   Unemployed people may receive UA benefits if they either run out of their UI entitlement or are not eligible for UI benefits as their work-history in base period 1 is too short. The formal replacement rates are 57% for parents and 53% for childless people. However, to receive UA benefits people have to pass a means-test that takes into account income of all the members of the unemployed person’s household. Due to the means-test, the UA benefit can be lower than the formal replacement rates suggest. Additionally, since the benefit reform of April 1997, the past wage, from which the UA benefit level results, is reduced by 3 % after each year of UA benefit receipt. Though after an initial UA claim, its receipt is first limited to one year, UA may be prolonged without any time limit. Only if the claimant reaches the retirement age, UA cannot be received any longer.   ============================== The Munich Employment office   Arbeitsamt München Kapuzinerstr. 26 80337 München U3/6 to Goetheplatz   Arbeitsamt Munich: website     General contacts: Tel. 089 5154 0 muenchen@arbeitsamt.de   Information about unemployment benefits: Tel. 089 5154 6981 Muenchen.Rechtsauskunft@arbeitsamt.de   Opening times: Monday 07.30 - 15.30 hrs Thursday 7.30 - 18.00 hrs Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 7.30 - 12.00 hrs     ============================== Registering as unemployed   When going to register as unemployed you have to find the correct person to speak to in the department for "Arbeitsvermittlung und Arbeitsberatung". The correct person is the one who is responsible for the occupation in which you were previously employed.   The different teams use a vistor system whereby you take a ticket from the ticket machine and wait for your number to come up. You then go to the door which is signaled with a red light. You can get general information at the info-counter in the entrance area.   For an overview of the different departments see this PDF document.   Registration for unemployment can happen up to 2 months before the end of an employment contract. To register for unemployment benefits you need to take with you a personal identity document, a copy of your "Lohnsteuerkarte" and a "Abeitsbescheinigung". This last document is a certificate from your previous employers stating how long you were employed with them.   The form for registering as unemployed can be found here.   Might be handy to print that form out and fill it in before you arrive.   A useful German word: "Das Arbeitslosengeld" - "Unemployment benefit".   ============================== Register as unemployed as soon as possible!   A law was introduced on 1.Jul.2003 which governs mandatory registration with the employment office.   If you're fired or your employment is otherwise terminated you must register yourself as unemployed within one week. If you register later than a week you will have your entitlement to benefits automatically shortened. If an employee is able to believably convince the employment office that a personal registration was not possible within the legal time period, then exceptions will be made on an individual basis.   The reason for this new law is that the sooner the search for a new job begins the greater a chance of finding a job and the reduction in the need for unemployment benefit payments.   ============================== Job search facilites at the employment office   At the Munich employment office on the Kapuzinerstrasse there are 167 computers available for job seekers. These are equipped with internet access although that access is restricted to job seeker websites.   There are 54 computers in the "Self information zone" near the main entrance. There are another 28 in the "Internet Center" on the 1st floor. Other computers are available in various departments throughout the building.   For more info (in German) see here.   ============================== Quitting a job versus being fired   Apparently, if you quit your job rather than being fired then you are not entitled to benefits for 3 months. During this time you have to pay the full whack on your health insurance. We don't know yet if the money you get after 3 months is the higher rate Unemployment Insurance (UI) or the lower Unemployment Assistance (UA).   ============================== Foreigners in Munich   All of the above is valid for all citizens of any EU country. There are different rules for non-EU citizens.