The coronavirus cancels Oktoberfest in Germany

BERLIN — This year’s Oktoberfest in Munich has been called off because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The cancellation of the world-famous annual celebration of beer, which was supposed to run from September 19 to October 4, underlines expectations that the way back to normal life will be very long.

The Oktoberfest typically draws about 6 million visitors every year to the packed festival grounds in Bavaria’s capital.

Bavarian governor Markus Soeder said after meeting Munich’s mayor Tuesday: “We agreed that the risk is simply too high.” He added that “you can neither keep your distance nor work with facial protection” at the Oktoberfest.

Soeder noted that the festival attracts visitors from around the world, raising concerns about bringing new infections to Bavaria.

Mayor Dieter Reiter said that “it is an emotionally difficult moment and of course it is also an economically difficult moment for our city.”

As it stands, major events with large audiences are banned in Germany until at least the end of August.

The country has taken the first steps toward loosening its shutdown, allowing small nonessential shops to start opening this week, but it remains unclear when bars and restaurants will be able to welcome customers again.

The Oktoberfest has previously been canceled during the two world wars; at a time of hyperinflation in Germany in 1923; and because of cholera outbreaks in 1854 and 1873, German news agency dpa reported.

Associated Press

Powder by Japanese retailer can make your baths smell like pizza or beer

Bathing is fun, especially during hot and humid weather. But despite the obvious health benefits, it can get monotonous, and maybe even boring at times.

To spice things up, Japanese novelty retail chain Village Vanguard, created bathing powders themed after food favorites like pizza and yakiniku, reports RocketNews24.

Other flavors include coriander, gyoza, edamame soybeans, and even beer. Mixed in the bathtub, they give off the same delicious aroma that one can expect from the foods that inspired their creation.

Of course the bathing powders are not edible, though they can probably make the bathers smell luscious.

All six of the flavors are now available for pre-order at the Village Vanguard website and stocks will be ready by mid-June. Alfred Bayle/JB

source: lifestyle.inquirer.net

New fitness trend ‘Rage Yoga’ lets students drink beer, swear and listen to rock music

Yogis, prepare yourselves for a different kind of ‘Zen’.

A female resident of Calgary in Canada has introduced a new variation to the globally popular exercise, which was dubbed as ‘Rage Yoga’.

Citing reports from the Huffington Post, the unlikely trend combines yoga poses with pints of beer, screamed profanity, and Metallica and Black Sabbath.

Canadian Lindsay-Marie Istace, who added a new twist to the traditional work-out, encourages her students to yell, swear and even burp during sessions, while a variety of heavy metal songs play in the background.

If the stretching is a bit too much, yogis may also take “hydration breaks” or grab a sip of beer or wine before continuing.

Laughter is also heavily encouraged for students finding themselves falling during a tricky pose.

“I think there are a lot of people intimidated by the usual yoga culture”, said Istace.

“Yoga studios are intimidating for people who are just getting into yoga, and for people who are very experienced in yoga they just want something that is a little less serious,” the former contortionist and fire-eater added.

Rage Yoga sessions are only available every Monday and Wednesday in Dickens Pub in Calgary Canada, but Istace is looking to bring ‘Rage Yoga’ to more subscribers online in the near future.

More information about the new exercise-craze is available in Intace’s personal website, rageyoga.com. Khristian Ibarrola, INQUIRER.NET

source: lifestyle.inquirer.net