319 replies to this topic

[Rockabilly]

Slave to the Grave, on Feb 22 2005, 09:19 PM, said:

A speciality of Alsace perhaps (choucroute), but introduced there from the east. Most definately not a French creation.

Obviously some Franzmänner have realized that Sauerkraut tastes better than froglegs.

[Rockabilly]

Anubis the Jackal, on Feb 22 2005, 08:06 PM, said:

You're quite right FF, however, any merging will just lead to chaos as both threads seem to mainly consist of teutonic rants and petty nationalist jibes.

A terrible thing

So i will resist ze temptaion to anschluss ze threads togezzer until a superior officer orders me to, when of course I vill follow orders immediately.

You forgot to mention that the superior officer must be an American because usually the Brits do everything the Americans want them to do.

[Josco]

Rockabilly, on Feb 22 2005, 09:46 PM, said:

Anubis the Jackal, on Feb 22 2005, 08:06 PM, said:

You're quite right FF, however, any merging will just lead to chaos as both threads seem to mainly consist of teutonic rants and petty nationalist jibes.

A terrible thing

So i will resist ze temptaion to anschluss ze threads togezzer until a superior officer orders me to, when of course I vill follow orders immediately.

You forgot to mention that the superior officer must be an American because usually the Brits do everything the Americans want them to do.

A rather cutting remark.

[lospalmas7]

I'd like to take this opportunity to say how wonderful people are and Germans in particular. I hope everyone agrees with me.

[lospalmas7]

Did you know that a potato has more chromosomes than a human? Fascinating I think you'll agree!

[Tuber Mirum]

Rockabilly, on Feb 22 2005, 09:20 PM, said:

But first I have to throw some Handkäs into the face of a well known french panelist.

Handkäs'

Now that really IS extremely horrid! With or without Music.

Imagine eating a small, malodorous, circular slice of putrefied rubber which has gone off and become just soft enough to bite into.
Sometimes caraway seeds are used to "improve" the flavour.

I don't believe the French have come up with anything nearly as nasty, though I am willing to be proven wrong.

Not all that keen on Eppelwoi either. Or Grüne Sosse. But Handkäs' is in a class of its own for pure, hateful odiousness.

For all their faults, the Southern Germans tend to be a lot better at cooking than the rest of the country.

By the way, do you happen to know who it was sang "Es schmeckt nix besser wie Handkäs'" to the tune of "La Bamba"?
I heard it on the radio once, but have neither seen nor heard of it since. Probably someone from the Mainzer Karneval.

[Tuber Mirum]

No, I didn't know that but it's interesting isn't it?

The Germans are indeed all fine fellows. I couldn't agree more. I have always said so.

But I was wondering, do we need a German on this Forum who speeks not english?
Perhaps we should delete this critical thread of a German?

I am beginning to see the attraction of this revisionism business. It's a mighty fine lark.

[Slave to the Grave]

Rockabilly, on Feb 22 2005, 10:20 PM, said:

But first I have to throw some  Handkäs into the face of a well known french panelist.

Moi?

[Slave to the Grave]

Notapotato, on Feb 22 2005, 10:58 PM, said:

Handkäs'

Now that really IS extremely horrid! With or without Music.

Imagine eating a small, malodorous, circular slice of putrefied rubber which has gone off and become just soft enough to bite into.
Sometimes caraway seeds are used to "improve" the flavour.

I don't believe the French have come up with anything nearly as nasty, though I am willing to be proven wrong.

Is the 'music' a bodily reaction to the raw onions?

I have wracked my brains and come up with nothing that sounds as if it may taste worse.

However, force feeding Geese until their livers practically burst and drowning songbirds in Armagnac before eating them whole, beaks,feet and all brings a whole new dimension into the 'disgustingness' debate.

Not much good for throwing, although come to thing of it, a 2kg goose liver could cause a nasty injury.

All this of course has absolutely nothing to do with the late, great Max Schmeling.

[Captain Oates]

Judging by the opinions expressed by several contributers, in various threads, there are a number of English (English speakers) who speek not English to the satisfacion of all the others. English is that sort of language. There are just so many ways of saying things that not everyone can feel completely comfortable with everyone else's use of their versatile language.

One of the many very practical things about Germans is that a significant number of them can understand English. If English speakers could reciprocate, perhaps we might all live fuller and happier lives.

Do any native French/Dutch/German/ Tongan/other language speakers agree that to know a foreign language is an indispensible aid to undertanding a foreign culture?

And does this also apply between the many international versions of English?

I have not heard any British politicians attempting German - perhaps someone can let me know if G Bush junior has a go... then the Brits might try!

Quote

....because usually the Brits do everything the Americans want them to do.

But I don't suppose he'll do it, more's the pity. The Germans are OK.

[Captain Oates]

I would like to exclude

Handkäs

from my above approval of the Germans and Germany.

[Magere Hein]

Slave to the Grave, on Feb 22 2005, 10:26 PM, said:

However, force feeding Geese until their livers practically burst and drowning songbirds in Armagnac before eating them whole, beaks,feet and all brings a whole new dimension into the 'disgustingness' debate.

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

[Magere Hein]

Captain Oates, on Feb 23 2005, 12:13 AM, said:

Do any native French/Dutch/German/ Tongan/other language speakers agree that to know a foreign language is an indispensible aid to undertanding a foreign culture?

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

[Tuber Mirum]

Two delicacies which smell almost as bad as Handkäs', but taste considerably better are:

Bombay Duck

and Durian Fruit.

I find Marmite pretty horrid, too.

I bet you anything Mr. Josco is passionately enthusiastic about Marmite.

[Josco]

I have watched quietly and with some amusement as this thread about some over hyped boxer (Max Two Threads Schmeling) has degenerated into an epicurean discussion, but now you have gone too far!

Leave the Marmite out of this and no one will get hurt!

Ok, I'll go quietly now.

[Slave to the Grave]

Notapotato, on Feb 23 2005, 04:48 PM, said:

I bet you anything Mr. Josco is passionately enthusiastic about Marmite.

Is this something Eileen ought to know about or has Mr Notapotato been fiddling with the editing machine.

[Captain Oates]

...and then there is the "divided by a common language" dilemma, which really confuses the issue.

[Slave to the Grave]

Captain Oates, on Feb 23 2005, 01:13 AM, said:

One of the many very practical things about Germans is that a significant number of them can understand English.  If  English speakers could reciprocate, perhaps we might all live fuller and happier lives. 

Do any native French/Dutch/German/ Tongan/other language speakers agree that to know a foreign language is an indispensible aid to undertanding a foreign culture? 

Completely agree Captain.

There exists in the South West of France, a large population of generally retired ex-pat Brits who have absolutely no interest in France or the French. Their Doctor, Accountant, Notaire etc speak English, they have their BBC T.V. via the satellite, so why should they make the effort. They complain incessantly about the French laid back attitude, their 2 hour lunch breaks, their love of hunting and all the other things that make the French...well.. French.

You are right, these people would live fuller, happier lives if they could overcome the fear of the unknown and step outside the comfort zone of their 'jolie maison'. The French, whatever people might say to the contrary are very encouraging of people who make the effort, they want to talk about France and what makes French people tick. For the Brits sadly, this is an opportunity to understand and integrate, which is more often than not squandered to their own detriment.

End of rant.

[Josco]

Slave to the Grave, on Feb 23 2005, 08:36 PM, said:

Completely agree Captain.

There exists in the South West of France, a large population of generally retired ex-pat Brits who have absolutely no interest in France or the French. Their Doctor, Accountant, Notaire etc speak English, they have their BBC T.V. via the satellite, so why should they make the effort. They complain incessantly about the French laid back attitude, their 2 hour lunch breaks, their love of hunting and all the other things that make the French...well.. French.

You are right, these people would live fuller, happier lives if they could overcome the fear of the unknown and step outside the comfort zone of their 'jolie maison'. The French, whatever people might say to the contrary are very encouraging of people who make the effort, they want to talk about France and what makes French people tick. For the Brits sadly, this is an opportunity to understand and integrate, which is more often than not squandered to their own detriment.

End of rant.

Very well put. Sometimes one despairs of ones own