World News Flash: Economic situations in Greece has worsened.

England's in an uproar over its newly elected Prime Minister.

In the United States, there's an off-shore oil spill in the Gulf of New Mexico that's dumping five-thousand gallons of toxics per day into Louisiana waters.

Europe's biggest High-end audio show is being held from May 6th through May 9th in Munich, Germany.

Aha, finally, the perfect getaway!

The fatigue of travel due to the rising ash from Iceland's Eyjafjallajokul volcano - took a total of 18 hours to arrive safely home - couldn't dampen my spirits or the absolute pleasure of my attending yet another splendiferous High-End show held at the Munich Order Centre (MOC) in Munich, Germany. Weather-wise, it was rainy and dreary the first two days of this four-day event. The show officially opened its doors on Friday, May 7th (Thursday was open, but only for the press and industry). This year, the huge crowd awaiting entry seemed more anxious than usual. It seems apparent, statistic-wise, that the High-End's increase in size, global participation and momentum isn't by accident: the High End Society, as well as all the other folks who orchestrated this event ought to be applauded for their hard work and due diligence. Personally, I would describe the High-End show as Europe's equivalent of our Consumer Electronics Show (CES).

The ever-bulging crowd awaiting entry after spending their 10 euro was all the evidence needed to show how successful Munich's High End show has become.

In addition to the 258 registered high-end audio exhibitors and over 800 brands that were on hand, there were hourly seminars, a technology stage, walk-around-live-musicians, legendary street names, easy access and an ample supply of resting spots making this show not only high-end for its namesake but more importantly, by way of its top-flight management, singleness of purpose, ease of travel and overall comfort. This is very important as this particular event, which happens to be the largest of its type in Europe, now attracts an ever-growing international audience. 

American manufacturers and US distributors continued to make their presence felt as their attendance also increased at this year's show. Richard Vandersteen (Vandersteen loudspeakers), Joe Reynolds (Nordost), John Schaffer (Wadia), Jim Aud (photo above, Purist Audio Design), Norm Dorkham (Audes), Jim White (Aesthetix), Joe Kabala (Kabala Sosna), Buffer Ergmann (Laufer Teknik), Philip O'Hanlon (On a Higher Note) and Rick Brown (HiFi One) were just a few of the people who also made it from across the Atlantic