Magere Hein

Same here. Have tried my Dutch-English translator, but she was no use My nick translates litterally to "Skinny Henry". It's the Dutch equivalent to "Grim Reaper". Regards, Hein (not skinny at all)

I spent many happy moments in their Brauhaus. Fine brew, too. So do I. regards, Hein

It's hot tonight, perfect for drinking beer. I just opened a Brand Urtyp. regards, Hein

Somehow i strongly disagree. Unless maybe you know that reason? I can imagine several reasons for such an occasion. Somehow I doubt that it'll happen. Which is a Good Thing. We wouldn't want HM to die this year, now would we? regards, Hein

Cheers. My first Google hit on Bristol Blond wasn't what I expected. Does the bottle have a URL on it? regards, Hein

I don't think I want to go there. regards, Hein

This is a family forum, if I understand the swear filter correctly. So I'll hold my peace forever. regards, Hein

Oh please do come, they say. regards, Hein

Can you post the picture? in salute to an old hero, Hein

Let me guess: a garden party. regards, Hein

I remember reading somewhere on this forum that Notapotato is a musician. I suppose I'd be able to find it if the search utility were working properly. regards, Hein

It is the singing, which can be done loudly and obtrusively and with great gusto, which I particularly enjoy. Not that I ever go, unless my work takes me there. The last time I met singing in a church was at my Granny's funeral. Most of the mourners were, like my Granny, very old, so the singing was not just out of tune but also out of breath. I assure you Psalm 23 sounds rather strange, sung that way. There were some younger people present as well, but they knew neither tune nor words. The last time I was in a church was two years ago in Uppsala, Sweden, as a tourist. The last time I attended a service was eight years ago, at another funeral. Not bad for an atheist, eh? regards, Hein

Most killers don't look like killers until they're arrested, although Tony Blair seems to be an exception. regards, Hein

Certainly, but is it fun? regards, Hein

This BBC article confirms it. And you know that exactly how? regards, Hein

Ah, another religious type of "do as I say, not as I do" persuasion. Crying and repenting in public supposedly brings in lots of cash... strike that... relief. regards, Hein

Ouch. The Dutch judge gives double points for both a bad pun and the subject. regards, Hein

The weather forecast in today's Dutch 8 o'clock news said that Scotland had 18 C today. The fact that that fact was mentioned at all must have some deep meaning, which unfortunately the weather woman failed to explain. regards, Hein

I'll tell you what i hate. Hey, do we need a "pet peeve" thread? regards, Hein

What a novel idea. regards, Hein

He better get on with it, then. There's only ten days left in Luxembourg's EU presidency. regards, Hein

Absolutely correct. This has been the case well into the 19th century, until the rise of modern water supply.

I'm far from a Shakespeare McBuff and my knowledge of Scottish history is patchy. I do know quite a bit about brewing and its history, though. It seems 11th century Scots drank beer and wine. It's possible, but not very likely, that whisky had already been invented at that time, but our favourite spirit doesn't appear in written sources until the 15th century. We may safely assume that wine was imported then, as it is now, whereas beer was brewed locally. That must have had its effects both on supply and price. I'm sure the anonymous porter spent the night before scene III quaffing beer. The 'urine' in the line is also a hint to that. In my experience wine doesn't have as strong a diuretic effect as beer. 11th century Scottish beer was different stuff than what we drink so fondly now. Hops, a mojor ingredient in modern beer, weren't introduced in Britain until the early 15th century. What this means WRT male sexual abilities after some serious drinking isn't clear. I've read claims that imply that hops reinforce the effects of ethanol in that respect, but I'm not convinced. Belgian beers are grand, though not if you are very thirsty! Depends a bit on which kind of Belgian beer. Many types are quite strong, but stuff like lambic can be quite refreshing. Try a gueuze when the occasion arises and be pleasantly surprised. Avoid the fruit flavoured ones, though. regards, Hein

That doesn't follow. It's possible the Bard was singing about English beer, not the German brew. So German beer may well be the same as it was in 1516 and still be different from the subject of Shakespeare's line. I am, more for economic reasons that for taste, although there are a few good microbreweries in these parts. I much like some Belgian en German brews and some porters and stouts also make a good pint. regards, Hein

There is another side to it: regards, Hein