legalbeagle

I have snot. My boyfriend is just recovering from snot. My children have more snot than I would previously have believed possible. Snotville is about right for round here, so it's not just you. Oh, and this is our third round of snot in quick succession. Motherhood. It's ALL glamour.

Oooh lordy, might be a bit late. Booked a babysitter for 730!

Well you did ask: "One possibility is that the old simile describes the whistling sound of a sword as it swishes through the air to decapitate someone, and an early 19th century quotation does suggest this connection: 'A first rate shot.(his) head taken off as clean as a whistle.' The expression is proverbial, at least since the 18th century, when Robert Burns used a variation on it. More likely the basic idea suggests the clear, pure sound a whistle makes, or the slippery smooth surface of a willow stick debarked to make a whistle. But there is also a chance that the phrase may have originally been 'as clean as a whittle,' referring to a piece of smooth wood after it is whittled.'" (From the "Encyclopedia of Word and Phrase Origins" by Robert Hendrickson (Facts on File, New York, 1997.) Another source states: "Robert Burns, in his poem, 'Earnest Cry,' used 'toom' ('empty') rather than 'clean' - 'Paint Scotland greetan owre her thrissle; Her mutchkin stoup as toom's a whissle' - and other writers have had the whistle clear, dry, pure or other adjective. The basic intent, however, is to indicate that, for a sweet, pure sound from a whistle or reed, the tube must be clean and dry." (From "Heavens to Betsy & Other Curious Sayings" by Charles Earle Funk, Harper & Row, New York, 1955.) And a third: ".As every old-timer can tell you, a good whistle made from a reed or a piece of wood emits a clear tone - but it is easily damaged. Even small particles of debris, or a few drops of moisture will change the sound of a handmade instrument. In order to emit the pure notes intended by its maker, a whistle has to be absolutely clean. Anything or anyone as clean as a brand-new whistle or as clear as its sound is bound to be good. All of which means that an organization or person called as 'clean as a whistle' has been judged to be guiltless or flawless." (From "Why You Say It" by Webb Garrison, Rutledge Hill Press, Nashville, Tenn., 1992.)"

Dickensman Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > What is the difference in manufacture between the > push-up and the ordinary, normal, or regular > variety? > > I wouldn't recognise one if some kind soul trapped > my face in it Believe me, you would. :))

Huguenot Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > On the subject of strange things that happen to > wine, I've discovered that half finished glasses > of wine left overnight in our tropical environment > will develop a fur only if they were sipped > previously by women. > > Those drunk by men are clean as a whistle. Are they wearing lipstick? (The women that is, though.......) Could that be a factor?

Huguenot Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > I think leaglebeagle's very much of the fairer sex, but I could be worng ;-) Oh I am Huguenot, I am! Goodnes, you're positively CHARMING today! :))

And were they ever seen in the same room together? Eh?

*lobs snowball at karter and admin as bumped into lounge.......*

I'm not sure to be honest exactly what causes the smell, apart from that it's the reaction between the wine and the bacteria. But I can tell you that I have accidentally cooked with corked wine, and it was revolting!

Ooops cross posted, sorry. And I wouldn't say you were a bastard, not at all. Just a little lacking in festive joy, but the above recommended santa hat should sort that no trouble. Now what's your position on the tooth fairy? :))

Just a bit of gentle teasing Jeremy, (in the light of *bob*'s absence, quite rightly noted by Keef). I don't have any personal issues with any of the lovely forumites. And especially not during the season of good will and snowman building. Now don that santa hat and go out and play in the snow. It's LOVELY out there!

Don't be too hard on the bloke Huguenot. Any hole's a goal!

DJKillaQueen Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > There are lot's of chefs that will tell you that > the bacteria that causes the wine to cork is > killed and burnt off in the cooking process. In > other words the taste and smell of the corked wine > disappears once the wine boils. Well I'm dubious I'm afraid - that's not my experience. But you are of course welcome to try!

MrBen Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Thanks people - weirdly felt odd about walking > down a dark street tonight but I guess thats to be > expected. Two of them as well. F%%%^$^ cowards. > Still, stiff upper lip eh what? > > LegalBeagle - you're right I could have been in > hospital. Instead on my first outing you'll be > pleased I managed to stiffly navigate three whole > blocks to Green and Blue and you sold me a nice > bottle of Claret. A good remedy. > > Films not to watch tonight.....Taxi Driver, Once > upon a time in the West..... MrBen, you cannot be replaced. Your wallet can. And now it has been I'm glad it made its way to Green & Blue! Take care. You'll get gradually better and braver. x

Jeremy Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > legalbeagle Wrote: > -------------------------------------------------- > ----- > > Ah Jeremy. We can always come to you for a > sympathetic ear and a cheery word. > > Just telling it like it is. I know you are Jeremy. But I just don't know WHY you are. We all know how it is. But sometimes we like to have a wee moan to a sympathetic ear nonetheless.

Jeremy Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Jono - sorry to hear your snowman got trashed, but > are you really surprised? And honestly, it's not > realistic to leave a scarf and hat outside on your > snowman, and expect them to still be there in the > morning. Ah Jeremy. We can always come to you for a sympathetic ear and a cheery word. Don't forget to pop round on Christmas Eve and give my kids the hard truth about Mr Claus....... HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

The golden colour is definitely an indication of age. Might still be ok, depending on the grapes. You never know your luck!

Well first things first, they aren't necessarily corked. In case you don't know "corked" is a reference to something that happens to wine when there is a particular bacteria in the cork that then infects the wine. You can tell that it's corked by the smell - sort of like compost heaps and wet dogs and mouldy cellars which is also what is tastes like, which is why I would not in a million years put it in any food either, cos that's what it will taste like! Colour change is more an indication of the wine getting old. Some red wines can be almost brown and still delicious, if you are referring to whites then again, it could still taste nice even though it is very yellowy golden. So I'd open them individually. They might be horrible in which case stew or compost heap. If they are corked, then down the sink. But they might still be drinkable.

MrBen - don't beat yourself up that you didn't "do better". You got a nasty kicking for giving up your wallet. This could have been an obituary thread if you'd fought back. Distressing though it is, you did the right thing. Your safety and security is worth more than a wallet. Get well soon, and be happy that you DID do the right thing, and you're still with us as a result.

Ah. See I only went 50% on that one. Should have pushed that a bit higher and gone easy on the honesty with the nerdy brainy geek question. You live and learn!

Goddammit! Why don't i get "beautiful princess"? Spiderman? SO not fair. I do NOT look like a bloke in red lycra. *sulk*

Me and the Fireman are a yes.

Nothing helpful to add Mr Ben, but so sorry to hear that. Hope you recover from your bruises and the shock soon.

I am 70% Spiderman but also 70% Supergirl. But 65% Hulk. Not very flattering for a girl I think!

For Giggirl: http://www.luluguinness.com/ProductPage.aspx?productId=LULU0067151055603