The Neverending Thread

Ah yes..the humble midge....

The much loved Midge has had something of a bad press lately, notwithstanding the key role it played in the origins of the Highland Fling.

The Midge is basically a shy creature, rarely encountered, indeed something of a delight to behold on the wing in the still air of a summer's evening.

Midge-bites can of course be most tiresome, but it may be as well to remember that these occur at only one time of year (the holiday season). Furthermore, Midges themselves will be found only in parts of Scotland where there is water.

Finally, it is only the female of the species that bites.  Needless irritation can therefore be avoided by the simple expedient of approaching only the male Midges.

Taken from 'Scotland for Beginners - 1314 an' a' that'.

Whisky-Tating: The Correct Approach

While the connoisseur may learn to tell apart a hundred and one near identical whiskies from the merest glance at the details given on the label, the beginner is faced with an apparently impossible task when trying to choose a Scotch.  A few simple rules may assist:

1. Always look first at the price.

2. The character of a Scotch may best be ascertained by holding the glass close to one's ear and listening out for its special 'ring'.

3. NEVER ever swallow your whisky: it should first be rolled around the mouth and then expelled discreetly into one of the decorated ice-buckets provided in all bars for this purpose.

4. Remember, its the peat in the water that gives whisky its distinctive colour. Consequently some of the best Scotch whiskies are to be found in regions where the water is particularly brown and full of body (usually that of deceased sheep).

5. Learn to distinguish between two basic types of whisky, blended and single malt - but do not be afraid to ask for unleaded, now obtainable in most areas.

6. Finally, do always watch out for the age on the label and don't allow yourself to be fobbed off with old stock well past its best.

Rhys wrote: ..took a few photos from the botton of Ben Nevis from my car. Next thing you know the thing was flooded with them. Had to put blowers on full with the windows and sunroof open - hoping the air current would suck them out. The blowers in my compact are weaker than those in my E30.. Starting to scratch allready...

I think its called animal magnetism Rhys...

Have a giggle at this one.

And one for horsey when he finds his password

I have a feeling Killian may regret making this easy enough for even me to do it !!