The fight aganist "King Alcohol" in Berlin 1905

Heavy drinking is a major problem in many European countries - as it was already in the  beginning of the 20th century. This photo from 1905 shows members of the newly founded Salvation Army brigade in Berlin ready for action:

Two Salvation Army members taking care of a drunkard in Berlin in 1905:

Three voluminous Germans

These three voluminous gentlemen were the top three prize winners in a waistline competition organized in Berlin in 1905. The gold medal winner - with a waistline of 167 cm - in the middle, surrounded by the silver medalist (161 cm) and the bronze medalist (159 cm). 

Measuring air pollution in Berlin (in 1905)

Dust measuring in Berlin in 1905

Berlin was a "progressive" city already in the early 20th century. Devices like the one above were used to measure the dust level in the center of the city.

An early Michelin man in Berlin

An early Michelin man in action in Berlin, 1925.

The world turned upside down in Berlin: A professional head walker in 1905

Watching and reading about everything that's going on now, sometimes makes one feel that the world has turned upside down. The French (?) professional "head walker" Baptiste, who appeared in the streets of Berlin in 1905 probably had the same feeling:

However, the Prussian police officer who witnessed Baptiste's performance was not amused. The officer, who first thought he was dealing with a madman - until the artist produced a letter identifying himself as as a professional head walker - ordered the Frenchman to restrict his walking tours to non-public areas ....

German "longlegs" in 1925

These "longlegs" were promoting the 1925 German advertising fair ("Reichs-Reklame-Messe) in  Berlin. Probably an effective way of getting attention. (Cover picture of a Finnish news magazine.) 

Daniel Barenboim's 70th birthday concert

What a joy it was to see Maestro David Barenboim celebrating his 70th birthday with a stunning concert in Berlin last night! To be able to perform two major piano concertos with majestic brilliance in one evening programme is no mean feat by a septuagenarian - or anybody. 

And how wonderful it was to see the two maestros - and friends - Zubin Mehta and Barenboim making music together! An evening to remember. 

Thank you ARTE for showing the birthday concert live!