Free Republic

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- More than half of North Carolina military members surveyed in the latest Elon University poll disapprove of President Bush's handling of the war in Iraq and his overall job performance. Nearly 53 percent of military members said they strongly disapproved or disapproved of Bush's handling of his job. And just more than 56 percent of that same group strongly disapproved or disapproved of how he has dealt with the Iraq war. Overall, 53 percent of those surveyed for the poll released Friday did not approve of Bush's job performance, while 57 percent did not approve of his...

Munich makes merry as Oktoberfest kicks off 19 September 2005MUNICH, GERMANY - Munich's Oktoberfest, billed as the biggest beer party in the world, got underway to cheers and flying froth Saturday. More than 6 million visitors from around the world are expected for the festivities, forking out up to EUR 7.10 for a one-litre mug of beer in one of 14 huge tents. Festival organizers promise a 16-day 'gaudi' - southern German for plenty of fun - until October 3, during which about 6 million litres of beer will be consumed.