Magere Hein

Hmm, nice plot for a book. regards, Hein

On a similar note: I think that many people who say they believe in God don't; they believe in Father Christmas. That said: I don't care much what people believe, as long as they leave the rewarding and punishing to their gods. Beliefs (or lack thereof) don't make people good or bad. What they do (or don't) does. regards, Hein

I understand your point. I would agree if my home town had bad street lighting and no cycling lanes and if Dutch law didn't mandate a series of reflectors on bicycles, on all sides, that makes 'm shine like a lighthouse. What pisses me off is that both times I got fined the police were doing their 'fishing expedition' in tunnels that are restricted to cyclists. regards, Hein

I appreciate that there's a certain necessity for the police existing, but I agree traffic wardens are a nasty lot. The combination of little education and a uniform seems to transform them in little Nazis. They deserve all the abuse they get. Of course my POV is a bit biased at the moment. In the last few weeks the local cops are busy trapping cyclists who drive at night without lights. I got fined twice. My advice to try and catch criminals instead doesn't seem to impress them much. regards, Hein

Good point, well made. MeToo. regards, Hein

I know Christians are tree worshippers but a relationship with mahogany? That's just sick... My guess is that it's just a reference to the luxury crucifix that special Catholics worship. regards, Hein

I'm gutted with Michels' demise. I knew he underwent heart surgery a few days before, but expected him to recover. "The General" will be remembered forever by Dutch footbal supporters, if only for winning Euro 1988. regards, Hein

Any relation to Archibald Leach? You mean the barrister who named his daughter after a car brand? regards, Hein

Hmm, when the powers that be start showering Life Time Achievement awards on celebs it means they get nervous. Old age of the celeb may be the only reason, but often inside information plays a role. regards, Hein

Sorry, I don't speak Tongan. Otherwise: yes, speaking languages is a social skill of great value. It's not a sufficient condition, but certainly a necessary one for understanding furriners. Unless they speak English, of course... regards, Hein

Ah, yes. I'm quite fond of French cuisine, almost as good as Italian, but the habit of serving tiny songbirds, drowned in spirits or not, seems a bit odd. Foie gras is, I suppose, an acquired tase. Apart from the danger of cholesterol poisoning, I consider it bad taste to actually eat it. regards, Hein

There's also the possibility he tried to shoot himself in the foot and missed. regards, Hein

I don't mean to be pedantic but it seems to be quite a hobby amongst posters here its actually spelt strait jacket. Pedantic? Moi? regards, Hein

You mean your birth eclipsed such world-shattering events like the New York Yankees beating Washington Senators 10-3 at Robert F. Kennedy Stadium, the death of the Blessed Gianna Beretta Molla or Ray Charles playing the 3,450 seat Donnelly Memorial Theater and bringin in $18,000 for two performances? regards, Hein

Has the DDP suicide bonus ever been awarded? regards, Hein

Genau. Und auch kein Kartoffel. regards, Hein

For those who still cherish the Rijkaard-Voller gobbing incident... "Human Spittoon..." Ah, yes. Unforgettable. regards, Hein

Well, during a rather turbulent episode of 20th century history quite a few Dutch were very on excellent terms with their easterly neighbours, although not all Dutch were happy with the way the "Moffen" ran the country. That's not quite true. The Dutch love Germans who spend their holiday money on the beaches, buy our veggies or sell their cars. Of course the Dutch tend to give false directions when Germans get lost and to chase them from the holes they dug in the beach. I plead guilty to that, although when I make remarks along these lines, my German costumers most often reply with a blank stare. There's also an unfortunate World Cup Final that fogs Dutch-German friendship. 2006 will provide an excellent opportunity to rectify this, if the Dutch side qualifies, that is. regards, Hein

That used to be the catchphrase of the Madam at my local brothel. Excellent business advice. regards, Hein

Apparently Verne Gagne defeated Mister M (Bill Miller) in Minneapolis, MN to win the American Wrestling Association (AWA) World Heavyweight Title on my birthday. Prez John F. Kenndy signed Executive Order 11045, and thus shockingly discontinued the Guam Island Naval Defensive Sea Area and the Guam Island Naval Airspace Reservation and had a conversation with Robert McNamara at 10:14 A.M. The Cuban missile crisis was in full swing at that time. I'm confident that the readership of this forum will be thrilled to bits to learn that I share my d.o.b. with H.R.H. Princess Lalla Meryem of Morocco and Bruce Charles Mason and that film director Richard Garrick snuffed it that day. The WWW is soooo exciting. regards, Hein

Hmmmm, how do you never forget something that's already forgotten? I used to know that, but I forgot. My doctor says that alcohol affects memory, can't remember how, though. I'll have a rum, thanks. What was the subject again? regards, Ehrm...

Hmm ... Probably because he hears it everyday on the football pitch, he'll be bound to remember it. "Cruz Beckham, cruz !" Next kid'll be called 'Goooaaallll'. Or possibly "Oy Bloody W**ker". regards, Hein

Indeed; and will no doubt be fondly remembered for gaining 4 points for Luxembourg, finishing in 21st place in the 1987 Eurovision Song Contest. But who would have guessed that Johnny Hallyday is Belgian?? I knew. Ca plane pour moi. But then, for me the Belgians are not some far, foreign people, but neighbours, a majority of whom speak the same language as I do. Some more famous Belgians: - Jo Lemaire (singer) - Sven Nys (cyclo-crosser) - Urbanus van Anus (funniest Belgian in the world) Oh, and they brew proper beer. regards, Hein

So what did the Romans really do for us? regards, Hein

Things seem to have gotten a bit OTT. Babelfish has already provided directions in German, here's a similar thing in Dutch: Hé, klootzakken, als je wat over Max Schmeling te melden hebt, doe dat dan godverdomme op de goede plek. Daarnaast is het wel zo beleefd om een en ander in het Engels te doen, stelletje knurften. Je hebt de boel hier niet gehuurd! groet, Hein