<p>Last night was Oktoberfest at D's college. No professional strippers (I think the students can handle that on their own) but sausages and beer to go with the polka. I mentioned to her dad that it was nice to have "free beer" at a social event (D doesn't usually drink, but loves all things Germanic, so she was charmed). Dad just stared me down -- "FREE!" -- at $44,000 you call it FREE? Guess he has a point.</p>