h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

happy "noshing" and "burping" after

Thanks.

in some countries, it's taken as an insult if you DON'T burp after a meal

True. And you're supposed to say 'El Hamdullah', I read.

didn't know that bit

can't remember the country/ies, but I like the one where if you pass someone you stick your tongue out, so show your not the as the is supposed to have a black one

I never heard that one.

http://www.elephantjournal.com/2010/08/stick-your-tongue-out-at-tibetans/

whether true or not ? who knows

You have to be careful. People will write things like that to get hitchhikers in trouble.

For example: An older Dutch couple I knew, a professor and his wife, had a Dutch exchange student at his house. Fortunately, everybody involved had a Dutch sense of humour, meaning outrageous.

So, the school where this boy was going - a high school in Charlotte, North Carolina - was going to have a 'Dutch Day' - Dutch music, food, etc - and invited the prof and his wife. So when they got out of the car, everybody came up to them, nice as you please, all smiles and handshakes, and said, 'Loop naar de pomp.'

Which is Dutch for, 'Go jump in the lake.'

They died laughing. They KNEW who was behind this...the exchange student had told them all it was a 'nice Dutch greeting'.

when my sister was going to (was) Yugoslavia for holiday, I asked her to get me a bottle of "fernet branca" and knowing me she thought I'd given her something to askuntil she saw a bottle in a shop window

Yeah, better to check with jokers around.

We used to see all manner of strange sayings in English on t-shirts for sale in Athens. See, the local merchants had printing machines, and the tourists would make suggestions...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fernet-Branca
when I first tried it, it was a 110% cure for hangoveror most stomach ailments (a british doc' even tried to get it on british prescription)
but I've had some over the years and "they" must have changed to "blend etc" as it doesn't have that property anymore

when we were at "war" with Argentina, over the Falklands a mate of mine had "b.....ks to Argentina" put on a tee shirt and in town a told to take it off! as it was an insult to them, he said "we are at war!" the cop said maybe, but that's no reason to insult them - so turned it inside out

I must say I like that policeman. There should be more like him.

it's like I say to many a personWHEN the "country" (government) say "britain is against" etc and stuff like that. I say NOT all, they've never asked my opinion. It makes my blood boil, that politics/religion causes wars and then the general population have to fight it for them
it used to be "a conscientious objector" was classed as a coward, but if I've no cause to fight anyone, then that's my individuality and I should be respected on it

Amen. And if they did that, there wouldn't be any wars, because they couldn't get anybody to fight them.

https://www.change.org/en-GB

"we've" never had mass numbers to "gang" together before, but I and some other hootooers have added our names to various (individual opinions etc) petitions and I've seen that NUMBERS do count, to make/get changes

this I'm glad of the internet forpower to the people

oops! forgot to knock the S off

Good point.

Ah, Elektra's made some kind of scratch pizza...she's complaining that 'Domino's has nothing to worry about...' so I'd better go and eat it while it's hot, and say something nice about it...

Take it easy!

your delivery is also freeand you don't have to go to the door to get it

enjoy the rest of your evening both

sorry it's long winded, but there were 155,194 who signed that petition, numbers like that couldn't happen without the internet therefore, some "wars" might become nothing as no one will fight them for the governments

My brother Mike is 47, a kind and gentle man. He has downs syndrome and now also dementia. Mike has lived with my mother for years but she is 67 and no longer able to care for him.
We've found a fantastic care home in Wigton, which is Mike's hometown, close to our mum. They already look after three other people with learning disabilities and they're willing to take him but the local authorities are saying no. That's why I've started this petition so that Mike has a chance to be cared for in his community.
The authorities haven't explained why Mike can't stay at the home in Wigton, I worry it is bureaucracy or funding. Instead they have recommended a unit miles away that is for the elderly. But Mike isn't elderly and he is part of the community in Wigton and deserves to be able to live near his friends and family.
The Government has repeatedly made promises that people with learning disabilities should be cared for in their community near to loved ones, not shut away miles from home in units. This is an opportunity to keep that promise for one family.
Next week we have a meeting with the local authorities, we want to show them the support that exists for people like Mike, with learning disabilities, to get good care close to home.
Please help me fight for my brother and keep my family today. Sign my petition to give Mike a chance here.

Thank you,
Jennifer

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19 Jan 2015 — Thank you all for signing my petition I have know doubt this made the decision makers stand up and listen. Your comments have been a great support and comfort to me and my family. We now have the realization that we have to let Mike go to be cared for by others but Knowing he is minutes from us and in a lovely home with only three other people makes this a lot easier. The best for Michael is what it has always been about. I will never be able to say thank you enough. I look forward to a different life with my brother but a good one, thank you, Jennifer x