"Vuistgevecht", I don't know. It exists (I checked it in Van Dale) and the meaning is obvious, but I probably wouldn't use it. Would you, Frank? I prefer the elegantly constructed "handgemeen".

In spoken Dutch (or maybe it's a Flemish thing?) everyone uses multiple negatives the Russian way. In written Dutch, however, it's considered wrong.

One of my favourite pieces of programmatic music would be Musorgskiy's Pictures at an Exhibition.

Also, this looks like the right place to plug Olivier Messiaen, who wrote some beautiful and truly original music. I recommend the "Quatuor pour la fin du temps" as a starting point.

But Katy, certainly your personal memory doesn't go back to the beginning of the 20th century?

You all (not just Garzo and Katy) keep me coming back for more. -Tim The board were sitting in solemn conclave, when Mr. Bumble rushed into the room in great excitement, and addressing the gentleman in the high chair, said, 'Mr. Limbkins, I beg your pardon, sir! Tim Ward has asked for more!' There ...

d] they see if you want anything else and give you your check promptly (in Europe this is never the case you have to ask for your check).

Over here, a waiter giving you the check without being asked for it would be considered impolite. Like he was trying to chase you away or something.

All mushrooms are edible. But some of them only once.

Yes, after I posted I realised what it meant. I guess I was pretty slow yesterday, but what do you expect after two months of holidays and intergalactic travel.

My marbles were all spheres. How can a marble be sharp?

Thanks for making things 'clear' to us, Tim.

Why did they drop "world without end"? I kinda liked that.

Why, thank you, Katy, it's nice to be here too.

I haven't really been away, you know. Only I usually haven't got much time to post what I'd like to post.

And maybe you miss some of my posts by only checking the ten most recent posts?

I find this an interesting discussion, the more so since I'm not exactly sure myself what to believe about global warming. And it's a fairly friendly discussion, unlike some other discussions. So, carry on. But please refrain from writing things like this: A couple of points the article makes indica...

Spaced-out.

Unfortunately, my brain cells cease to function when the temperature rises above 23.7°C (it's now about 32°C in the shade here.)

(Let me spare you the trouble, that's about 75 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit respectively.)

(J/K) ??