Culture: Two nations divided...

[CitizenKate]

I checked out that Wisconsin bubbler and I would definitely call it a drinking fountain... Wassa Spud launcher?

This is a spud launcher.

Kate

[tonyc1]

Y'know, I'm rather pleased to hear that, Tashabear, baked beans always give me terrible indigestion! Lobster doesn't... ever! Personally, I am extremely partial to a pork pie or a scotch egg. Has anyone ever had a pickled egg? You can buy them in some old fashioned pubs in the UK. they are often eaten with the fingers out of a crisp packet (potato chips). Delicious with a pint of mild or old ale (both dark beers). You must be able to get pickled eggs outside the UK but I have never seen them.

Despite some initial concerns, I may have to give those peanuts/goobers a try... You never know...

Same with the sunflower seeds. I'm quite looking forward to a good solid "pthfffff".

I checked out that Wisconsin bubbler and I would definitely call it a drinking fountain... Wassa Spud launcher?

Brief (and old) humourous (humorus?) interlude:

Two British tourists were driving through Wisconsin. As they approached Oconomowoc, they started arguing about the pronunciation of the town's name. They argued back and forth until they stopped for lunch.

"As they stood at the counter, one British tourist asked the employee, 'Before we order, could you please settle an argument for us? Would you please pronounce where we are . . . very slowly?'

"The employee leaned over the counter and slowly said, 'Burrrr gerrrr Kiiiing.' "

The Two Fat Ladies were superb but we now have the Hairy Bikers who ride large motorcycles around the country and cook stuff. I do enjoy their show but thought the TFLs old combo was a lot more fun. Has this show reached the antipodes yet?

I'm not entirely sure that Celticleather's contribution (which I should add is totally accurate) is a lot of help when it comes to helping people understanding the rules of cricket - Strangely, I think I have always known the rules of cricket but can't remember why...

I think it is long past time to encourage some ribbing from the Aussies and Kiwis - what do you guys find most amusing about we Pommys (or should that be Pommies?). Perhaps it is our sense of humour (humor):

WELL KNOWN BRITISH FACT: Approximately 80% of the population of Australia and New Zealand actually live in Earl's Court, London...

Yes Ray, the TFL was on here several years ago and they made some serious artery clogging food which is why it tasted so good!! You know that anything that tastes nice is bad for your health.

Tony.

[whinewine]

If you ever make it to Wisconsin, make sure and enjoy a "pop". If you don't have the cash for a pop, just grab a drink out of the bubbler.

OMG, I did forget 'pop'! 'Pop' is what the elitist yokels here (you know, the ones who feel they have to dress up to go to Walmart) call 'soda'... Sorry, but a soda is 'pop' poured over ice cream in a glass. It's like saying 'lava' is the volcano, rather than lava is the liquid part of the volcano...

Jordan: if there are no fish in the Great Salt Lake, then where do they get 'salt cod'???? huh? huh?

[rdb]

Here in NC, they call everything "Coke". Back up in Massachusetts we call it "Tonic". I still slip and say tonic a lot. Man, do I get quizzical looks

[tashabear]

Here in NC, they call everything "Coke". Back up in Massachusetts we call it "Tonic". I still slip and say tonic a lot. Man, do I get quizzical looks

My grandmother called it tonic... I call it soda.

[rdb]

My grandmother called it tonic... I call it soda.

Thanx for the backing me up, but I think you just called me Old at the same time...lol. I guess things change, even in the Commonwealth.

[$$hobby]

i like the difference between the UK/US and other places. God im glad everyplace/person isnt the same, it would be soooo booring.

Ive been lucky enought to have been to the UK (Southampton, England), France (Calais/Paris) and Trinidad. I want to go back to the Europe and do some sightseeing since all/most of my travels were for work and i didnt have alot of time to to any visitor stuff.

When i was in the UK, i was surprised most of the vehicles were of the same size (width/length), the only longer vehicles i saw were Jags and Lorrys (sp?) and those Lorrys were more or less like our standard UPS truck over here. I can see why the vehicles were smaller due to the narrow streets. One thing i notice too was that when i was at a local mall, everyone parked dead center in the stalls and they werent generous with the stall width either. Of course i didnt and the people next to me had to squeeze between the cars to get in.

i did get to love those "round abouts" one thing i didnt miss is the traffic in london. The M25? beltway did come in handy when we had to drive from Southampton to Dover.

Unfortunately i didnt get to try alot of different foods overthere or go shopping. I did get to try some fish n' chips in one of the local pubs that my co-workers frequented when they were there. i wasnt sure i was going to like the "salt n vinager" on the chips, but it grew on me.

In France, they had "Laite" in a tube. I p/u some to bring home. it was differenct. I wanted to bring more food back to the US, but just came back with 10 kg of chocolate.

i think its really nifty to have the difference since it keeps life interesting. Of course if youre not the adventerous type, you miss out.

[tashabear]

Thanx for the backing me up, but I think you just called me Old at the same time...lol. I guess things change, even in the Commonwealth.

Not on purpose! There are regional differences, even in Mass. I grew up in central Worcester County -- where are you from?

[rdb]

Out of Salem.

Old School Mass.

I lived in Worc for 5 yrs. The NY influence on language was stronger there. They called it Soda too. That was my first exposure to the "outside " world.

My mother's side came from Wales about 1630 ("The Planters"..look it up) My namesakes came from Bantry Bay in Ireland somewhere around 1857. So whatever traditions came about on the North Shore of Boston...I got 'em...LOL

[tonyc1]

We just call soft drink, "cordial" down here. We also have a syrup which is usually called "water cordial" as you put so much syrup in a glass and then add water. No one ever calls it pop or soda. The only time you'd ask for soda is if you wanted some in your scotch.

Tony.