What did Beethoven always do before he composed?

Seems he enjoyed some ice water before sitting down to write his music. On his head.

Arppy, any comments on this?

http://fusionanomaly.net/ludwigvanbeethoven.html

Many composers have their particular meshiges. Some people compose while sitting on a toilet seat, some have a drug related ritual, by these standards, Beethoven's seems quite tame. It is hard for me to believe, however, that a man who left behind as much spontanious sketch work as Beethoven actually adhered religiously to his ritual. At times he had wine (Rhine wine was his favorite), at times coffee (with the exactly right number of beans).

He tipped coffee on his head, too?!

Shortly before drinking it. It would've made that water hard to keep up there, though.

And people make fun of baseball players and their 'lucky' socks.