Embrace Your Ghosts

I’ve been noticing a number of news articles recently where neighbors of fun events have displayed NIMBY syndrome. That’s Not-In-My-Back-Yard for those of you who aren’t familiar with the concept from the environmental debate. It was a pretty popular concept during the debate over nuclear energy in the United States. Everyone is in favor of cleaner energy. But few want to live next to a nuclear power plant and so they basically had to stop building new ones. Perhaps that concern makes more sense following the Japanese earthquake and tsunami, but I am talking about people opposing ghost tours and Oktoberfest celebrations.

I’m pleased to report that the Fredericksburg Oktoberfest has survived for another year. The City Manager has granted permission to hold the event on Caroline Street and George Street despite opposition from some local businesses who were concerned about parking and barriers along the sidewalk. The Oktoberfest, held by the Capital Ale House, will be celebrated on September 29th.

The battle was lost at the Iowa Axe Murder House, though. The 100th anniversary of the massacre will be remembered from a location 25 miles away from Iowa’s worst mass murder. Apparently, the residents of Villisca don’t want people to come to the house to search for ghosts. They would rather let the ghosts lie peacefully. It’s all detailed in this AP story. But don’t worry. You can still catch the ghost tour of the house on your own.

I say – Embrace your ghosts. Even the Ghostbusters kept one ghost around. Support your local ghost tour. Party it up at the local Oktoberfest. And STOP COMPLAINING! Focus your energy on something far more productive. Like playing Oktoberfest Manager, a silly little entrepreneurial game for the Ipad, Mac and PC that I discovered coming out in August 2012. It’s right up my alley with my current October obsession. I haven’t played yet, but I’m looking forward to it when it comes out for the Android! Hint, hint. It looks awesome from the video. I hope it is also in English.

While I am talking about video games, I feel compelled to mention a mobile phone game for Halloween that I discovered recently called Shoot the Zombirds. It was released by Infinite Dreams in May for the Iphone/Ipad and Android. You are a pumpkin with a crossbow in the pumpkin patch that must save the younger pumpkins from being eaten by undead birds. So far, it has received great reviews and is worth picking up in October for $0.99 after you have finished with the Oktoberfest Manager. Here is one review for the game that I found on Youtube: