How much are you worth?

[Adrian]

Finally, we can answer Man's great unanswered question, "Who is most important?

http://www.humanforsale.com

Based on the very real and no doubt highly scientific principles that site uses, I am currently the "most valuable BGO person" because I am worth $2,410,868. And being the first helps, too. Anybody more valuable than me?

[Hazel]

Not quite - You are worth exactly $1,552,022

It doesn't help that I am not American though and have no idea what my SAT score would have been.

[David]

$1,916,098, so you're still up there, Adrian, though I would urge people to consider value for money - is the priciest always the best?

I couldn't be bothered to work through all the assessments on still further sites, I'm afraid, and some of the American based questions, as Hazel noted, couldn't get a valid response.

[Radders]

Hmmm....suddenly I feel quite dejected. I'm only worth $1,289,010
As with David and Hazel's comment though I did skip quite a few questions (that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it).

[FirelightSpirit]

$1,910,080 for me.

It doesn't help that I am not American though and have no idea what my SAT score would have been. Higher than many Americans, I'm sure.

It's also unfair that they give women a lower basic worth than men, but I won't go into that...

[David]

It's also unfair that they give women a lower basic worth than men, but I won't go into that...
*Takes deep breath and raises finger ready to embark on some fun...*


*Thinks better of it, exhales ruefully and walks away...*

[Hazel]

It's also unfair that they give women a lower basic worth than men, but I won't go into that...

Isn't that bizarre being that women can do everything men can do and more? And before anyone says "pee standing up?" Yes, we can do that, messily, but we still can.

[megustaleer]

And before anyone says "pee standing up?" Yes, we can do that There's a site here (http://www.myvag.net/pee/standing/) that gives instructions on how to do it. (maybe not quite work-safe) It's quite a useful skill, but unfortunately it's not one I am likely to acquire this late in life.
Yes, we can do that, messily, but we still can.Practice makes perfect, they say ;)

[megustaleer]

Well, I knew I was going to be pretty worthless when i saw the first question :rolleyes:
And I was right!

I am worth all of - $776,600 :cry:

[FirelightSpirit]

*Takes deep breath and raises finger ready to embark on some fun...*


*Thinks better of it, exhales ruefully and walks away...*
Wise move ( ;) )

Don't worry meg, you're invaluable to us. :)

[megustaleer]

:o :flirt: :o

[Cathy]

$1,361,022 bit confused as to why speaking more than one language is worth $0 - ignorance is actually an advantage in this?!

[Stewart]

And before anyone says "pee standing up?" Yes, we can do that, messily, but we still can.

As witnessed at T in the Park, thanks to the wonders of Pee Mate (http://www.p-mate.com/eng/product.html).

[Grammath]

Adrian's still top dog - I'm valued at $1,851,000.

I provided my GPA (3.8) for the one year I spent at college in the USA, but it doesn't seem to have helped. :(

[My Friend Jack]

I, too, had to skip or guess at a few, and ended up with $1,491,610.

Some of the features that make me most attractive to my wife (salary, penis size and being straight) appear to be almost worthless.

OK, OK, I'm setting myself up - not quite worthless. ;)

[David]

From a diverting little online quiz to Hazel peeing standing up, the delights of 'All About My Vagina' and MFJ's wife-pleasing penis...

I must admit, I really didn't see that coming at the start of the day.

[Stewart]

I'm $1,965,840. Who wants to buy?

[Hazel]

I'm $1,965,840. Who wants to buy?

I'll bid £1.51.

[Hazel]

As witnessed at T in the Park, thanks to the wonders of Pee Mate (http://www.p-mate.com/eng/product.html).

I was going to mention this, which they also had at Glastonbury, but I couldn't remember the name of it, or where I had seen it. Is there a more lovely sight than females with their jeans round the tops of their thighs, and peeing into a weird flower shaped cup? (I call it a 'flower' David - you are very crude to call it by it's proper name).

Brings to mind Eliot in Scrubs insisting on it being called 'bajingo'.

[Krey20]

I'm worth - $1,421,018

Funny, people are always telling me I'm cheap. ;)

PS - Have you ever felt that you know a bit too much about people?

[Stewart]

I'll bid £1.51.

Come on everyone, there's still time. :mad:

[Hazel]

Come on everyone, there's still time. :mad:

Okay, okay...£1.55?

[David]

(I call it a 'flower' David - you are very crude to call it by it's proper name)
Well naturally, and far be it from me to be crude. I only quoted meg's site, which wasn't called 'All About My Flower' - understandable really since you can see how easily online devotees of Gardener's Question Time might find themselves in intensive care.

Mind you, it could certainly suggest an interesting dual use for Baby Bio...

[Radders]

Well, I knew I was going to be pretty worthless when i saw the first question :rolleyes:
And I was right!

I am worth all of - $776,600 :cry:Just remember - the best things in life are free (or $776,600!)

[Flingo]

I'm worth - $1,167,000

But I'm apparently smarter than 73.75% of the population according to AmIDumb.com. Although I couldn't see the score that WhatAmIWorth was after from AmIDumb.com, so maybe I'm dumber afterall?!

[Radders]

Okay, okay...£1.55?
OK so I know the dollar isn't doing particularly well against the pound at the moment but that's just a crazy offer!

I bid £2.00

[Jen]

Without going through the other sites, I come out at $1,852,080 which seems like a bargain. What's with the 'how hairy are you' question though? And the 'are you going bald'!!?? A girl needs some secrets...

[David]

A girl needs some secrets...
Depetalation is a sensitive issue, certainly...

[tagesmann]

And before anyone says "pee standing up?" Yes, we can do that, messily, but we still can.I sometimes have problems with that too.

I'm only worth $1,845,870.

I had to guess some of the school stuff.

[tagesmann]

Well naturally, and far be it from me to be crude. I only quoted meg's site, which wasn't called 'All About My Flower' - Is this what they call "Flower Power"?

[Stewart]

But I'm apparently smarter than 73.75% of the population according to AmIDumb.com.
I was smarter than 98.1% of the population. I was over the moon. And then I remembered that population was America. :D

[Adrian]

This is what happens when you start a thread and then go bed! Quite the strangest thread I've seen in a while. Somehow, I doubt Bill will be picking it for the new books magazine.

I too didn't go to all the other quizzes. Maybe I guessed too high. Or I really am worth more than you :D

[Ang]

I was smarter than 98.1% of the population. I was over the moon. And then I remembered that population was America. :DOooh, them's fighting words. Am I the only American on this board, allowing you to say stuff like this?

Seriously, I'm not offended. Just dismayed.

[Hazel]

Is this what they call "Flower Power"?

:D

[Hazel]

Mind you, it could certainly suggest an interesting dual use for Baby Bio...

:scared: Only to you!

[Hazel]

Am I the only American on this board, allowing you to say stuff like this?

Seriously, I'm not offended. Just dismayed.

I am afraid, Ang, that George Bush has a lot to answer for. And certainly, Stewart, will not hold 1.9% of the population accountable.

[Ang]

I am afraid, Ang, that George Bush has a lot to answer for. And certainly, Stewart, will not hold 1.9% of the population accountable.Now I am offended.

On an unrelated note, if Stewart can't answer what his SAT score was (I can't even answer that becuase I don't remember) then why are you quoting that 1.9%. Surely that part of it is still considered a joke.

[Hazel]

Now I am offended.

On an unrelated note, if Stewart can't answer what his SAT score was (I can't even answer that becuase I don't remember) then why are you quoting that 1.9%. Surely that part of it is still considered a joke.

I guess all those people who go to Harvard and Yale are from other countries.

Of course, I was joking - I don't actually believe that only 1.9% of the American population are intelligent. I was carrying on Stewart's extremely tongue-in-cheek joke. None of us Brits can answer the SAT score - it's a completely different educational system. Likewise 'zip-code'.

I apologise most sincerely for any offence caused.

[Ang]

I am afraid, Ang, that George Bush has a lot to answer for.This was a joke then? I have lived in the UK for 16 years, but there's so much anti-Americanism now because of George Bush and I'm afraid I am getting more than fed up with it. I wouldn't "make fun" of the Scots because of their leader. I put "make fun" in quotes because it comes off as quite serious. That's how I took your post and that's why I was offended.

[Hazel]

This was a joke then?

No, that wasn't - I do believe that George Bush has got a lot to answer for - but it's not a reflection on the American people. And as for the Scottish leader, he has only been in power for a few months, I didn't vote him in, and only time will tell how much of a foolish decision that will be.

If you have been in the UK for 16 years, then you will know that the Scots are stereotyped as being tight with money and Glasgow in particular, violent. It doesn't bother me one iota as I recognise a stereotype for what it is. It's our nature to be self-deprecating and we shouldn't assume that that applies to other nations.

[Ang]

Have you seen Chitty Chitty Bang Bang on stage?

There's a line in it that pokes fun at Americans. This show is very old and this line is meant to be funny, and I'm sure over the many decades this line has gotten a good laugh. I saw the show a few months ago in a large packed theatre, and the line was met with boos and hisses. No laughs.

I find this quite frightening. Substitute the word Scots for Americans in the above paragraph, and you too might find it hard to be self-deprecating. I used to be.

[Hazel]

Have you seen Chitty Chitty Bang Bang on stage?

No - I hate musicals.

Substitute the word Scots for Americans in the above paragraph, and you too might find it hard to be self-deprecating.

I doubt that. I have a sense of humour coupled with an appreciation of the Scots people and all their stereotypes, characteristics and quirks, that runs deep.

Now, to get this thread back on track - Are there any more offers for Stewart or shall we consider him sold at £2.00?

[David]

Now, to get this thread back on track - Are there any more offers for Stewart or shall we consider him sold at £2.00?
I'm dithering. Does that include postage?

[Hazel]

I'm dithering. Does that include postage?

Yes, but not packaging. It's extra for bubble-wrap.

[Boris the Cat]

Come on now, Ang, you just have to watch any American film with British characters in it to know that the Americans think we're all either evil or eccentric, with rotten teeth! More often than not these characters are played by an American with a bad English accent, too. If we want our films to do well in America, however, we have to put in an American actor/actress or two. America is the biggest world power and controls most of the rest of us pretty neatly. Britain is a tiny island with delusions of empire, but no real teeth. I don't think you have anything major to worry about, it's just a case of the little terrier snapping at your heels. Can I just add that Americans can come across as taking themselves a tiny bit too seriously at times?

I got $2,044,670 btw - I'm sure I must have cheated, though, think I may have over-estimated my SAT scores and grades.

[Bill]

I definitely won't be putting this up for the Newbooks magazine article! It's taken a couple of very strange turns.

However, the sensational news is that I have Adrian beat. I did guess a few of the US-oriented questions, and didn't go through the rigmarole of doing all the other tests, so it may have distorted the answer, but this is what I got:

You are worth exactly $2,408,270

[Adrian]

However, the sensational news is that I have Adrian beat. I did guess a few of the US-oriented questions, and didn't go through the rigmarole of doing all the other tests, so it may have distorted the answer, but this is what I got:

You are worth exactly $2,408,270
Now I ain't no math whiz, but if you reread my first post (http://www.bookgrouponline.com/forum/showpost.html?p=45462&postcount=1) it says

Finally, we can answer Man's great unanswered question, "Who is most important?

http://www.humanforsale.com

Based on the very real and no doubt highly scientific principles that site uses, I am currently the "most valuable BGO person" because I am worth $2,410,868. And being the first helps, too. Anybody more valuable than me?

I think you get extra cash for proof reading ability :p

[megustaleer]

This was a joke then? I have lived in the UK for 16 years, but there's so much anti-Americanism now because of George Bush and I'm afraid I am getting more than fed up with it. I wouldn't "make fun" of the Scots because of their leader. I put "make fun" in quotes because it comes off as quite serious. That's how I took your post and that's why I was offended.You could find it a little uncomfortable here, then.

We don't take offence easily (which is why chuntzy didn't react to your post here (http://www.bookgrouponline.com/forum/showpost.html?p=45396&postcount=573) ), and much of the banter between us takes the form of apparantly offensive remarks. The warmer the relationship the ruder the remarks are likely to be.
Yes, there is quite a bit of anti-Americanism about at the moment...as there has been, probably since Indepenance, and don't tell us it's all one way.

But there is also the throw-away kind of remark, such as the one you have taken offence at, which is not said in malice, and is our defence against the all-pervading influence of American culture and commerce in our lives.

This has been a very civilized board to date, with no ill-will between members (apart from the odd troll), and no intent to insult or offend.

Please try not to take offence where none is meant.

[Volvican]

I'm worth $1,679,650.

Good post megustaleer.

[Ang]

I'm sensing a bit of anti-Ang now.

I can take a joke and I can laugh at myself. My point is the jokes are not taken by the public (you) as a joke anymore - which is why I brought up the boos and hisses from the audience at a children's musical. This was at a line which has always been a joke until now, and Americans and British people alike would have laughed at it. Now the British boo and hiss?

[Bill]

Now I ain't no math whiz, but if you reread my first post (http://www.bookgrouponline.com/forum/showpost.html?p=45462&postcount=1) it says

$2,410,868

Whoops! :o Perhaps I should adjust my SAT scores up a little to see if I can sneak above you.

I can understand how Ang might be getting heartily sick of anti-American jokes, as living in England she must hear much more of this sort of thing than someone in Idaho and Ohio who (please don't be offended by this, Ang) would probably have trouble pointing out Britain on a map. If one of us were living in the American Midwest, say, we would probably have had enough of the sometimes aggressive teasing/bullying that some Americans go in for towards English people. Apparently, we all have terrible teeth, are terribly reserved, are always drinking tea, and all live in country houses.

Even some of the most intelligent and cosmopolitan of Americans see the British in an extraordinary way. Woody Allen's Match Point is one of the worst films I have seen all the way through, and I am a huge fan of his work. The way he sees us shows wanton ignorance and stupidity to a negligent degree.

One of my favourite TV shows of all time, Frasier, brought in Daphne Moon's family for a few episodes, which again displayed amazing ignorance of what British people are like. They were totally unrecognisable, and I'm not just talking about the accents, which were inexplicable in themselves. Not only that, but no one on the production team seemed to even care about the accuracy of what they were putting out to the world, which went completely against the attention to detail in the rest of the show's writing and characterisation.

So what's my point? I suppose that we have had to become tolerant of the misunderstanding and disrespect shown towards by Americans, so I would ask Ang to have some tolerance if we appear to disrespect to some of her fellow countrypeople. This is a huge topic that might be better in a separate thread. Rather than go on, I'll just say for now that in 18 months time, when Bush is gone, when America has a leader who doesn't believe his job is to serve a vengeful God ahead of his own people let alone the rest of the world, then Britons will no longer hiss at that line in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. I just hope that by then it isn't too late.

[David]

Now the British boo and hiss?
Have you been to a pantomime, Ang? You can't get much more British than that, plus it's also intended for kids, and booing and hissing is part of the fun. I suspect the reaction you cited was very much in that vein - with Americans as pantomimic villains: not expressing hatred, just a shared experience of the unease at many of Bush's policies and where they have taken the world.

This discussion certainly hasn't been 'Anti-Ang', just an attempt to clarify how the original joking comments were intended and to point out to you that this is the sort of banter we engage in on this site. Look through some more and you'll find masses of leg-pulling far worse than that, but it's meant and taken in good humour.

I can only suggest you read meg's post carefully again because I think she has put it very well. We're pleased you've joined us and you've shown great support for the site by subscribing so quickly, but this is who we are. You must try not to take things so seriously in a thread which has obviously defined itself very rapidly as a bit of fun.

[Volvican]

Frankly, watching some idiot go a long way to ruining America and other parts of the world isn't a joke. Perhaps that's why people aren't really laughing anymore.

[Volvican]

Bill and David - you guys are just so wonderfully calm and reasoned. I must say you do the moderation thing wonderfully - I must learn to take a page or two from your book occassionally.

(only occassionaly though! I still like a tousle now and then)

[Radders]

I'm dithering. Does that include postage?
Yes, but not packaging. It's extra for bubble-wrap.
Well OK then - £2.50 for Stewart (50p for the bubble wrap). Final offer.....

[David]

I still like a tousle now and then
As do I, Volvican! And I've been in a few! That's also part of the fun if it's in the right spirit. We might even end up locking horns over Heroes! ;)

[Volvican]

As do I, Volvican! And I've been in a few! That's also part of the fun if it's in the right spirit. We might even end up locking horns over Heroes! ;)

Bring it on!! :D

[Hazel]

Apparently, we all have terrible teeth, are terribly reserved, are always drinking tea, and all live in country houses.



Is that not true? Blimey, the bad teeth was the only thing that made us Scots feel better about our own appalling health record.

[Hazel]

I'm sensing a bit of anti-Ang now.


Not at all Ang, I think I can safely say that we are not 'anti' any member of BGO, not even Mr Inbetween when he was here. It all adds to the fun mix.

[David]

Apparently, we all have terrible teeth, are terribly reserved, are always drinking tea, and all live in country houses.
I don't follow your objection, Bill.

I have dreadful teeth. It's down to drinking endless cups of very sugary tea, only having a well at my quaint country house, so not having much spare water with which to brush my teeth, as well as from being far too reserved to visit my dentist. Do you know other English people who aren't like that? :confused:

[Hazel]

Ias well as from being far too reserved to visit my dentist.

Well, there's being 'reserved' and there's being too lazy to shackle up the horse and carriage...

[Volvican]

OK- having lived here now for 7 years or so, I just have to say that the bad teeth thing is too often true. For some reason, there just doesn't seem to be the same culture of taking care of one's teeth here as there is the states. NHS dentistry also might have something to do with that. But I've also met quite a few Brits that think Americans are a bit obsessed with it and go overboard, and I can see their point sometimes.

Speaking of - have you seen Simon Cowell's teeth these days? I think I could read by thier luminosity. Someone needs to take a time-out from the whiteners.

http://socialitelife.com/images/simon_cowell_031607.jpg

[FirelightSpirit]

Having had a hell of a lot of dental surgery over the years, I have to say that I agree with the idea that seems to be instilled in the American population at a young age of looking after their teeth. When you think about the fact that your adult teeth are meant to last your entire life, it's not such a bad idea to spend a lot of time taking care of them.

Everyone has incorrect views or prejudices about other cultures. I'll admit to feeling that I am more intelligent than many Americans; I'll also admit to thinking that George W Bush is the worst thing that's happened to that country in many a long year. On the flipside, I have met some very nice, intelligent Americans, who I've been proud to call friends.

It is human nature to exaggerate what we see as the flaws of another culture because we don't properly understand them, just look at how the missionaries 'civilised' the African 'savages'.

Not all Americans are stupid, not all of them support George W Bush and not all of them are religious fanatics, just like not all Irish people are alcoholics, we don't all say 'faith and begorrah' and we certainly don't go chasing after leprachaun gold!

We need to spread a good impression of ourselves; that's how we'll change opinions. :)

[Krey20]

Just like not all Irish people are alcoholics, we don't all say 'faith and begorrah' and we certainly don't go chasing after leprachaun gold!
WHAT!
Next you'll be telling us you dont eat "Lucky Charms". ;)

[FirelightSpirit]

WHAT!
Next you'll be telling us you dont eat "Lucky Charms". ;):D

Just off to eat a bowl now!

[David]

OK- having lived here now for 7 years or so, I just have to say that the bad teeth thing is too often true. For some reason, there just doesn't seem to be the same culture of taking care of one's teeth here as there is the states. NHS dentistry also might have something to do with that. But I've also met quite a few Brits that think Americans are a bit obsessed with it and go overboard, and I can see their point sometimes.
I've quite genuinely long thought of this as an interesting indicator of the contrast in our national outlooks. Americans look at 'bad' British teeth and think we just have no interest in looking reasonable. We look at Americans with plasticised, perfect Barbie 'n' Ken smiles and think they are too obsessed with looking perfect rather than natural.

Like all stereotypes, it's both exaggerated as well as arising from certain truths. The same can be seen in TV and movie output. We often look at American shows and think, "God, can't they put some normal-looking people in there? Everybody's beautiful - life isn't like that!" Whereas by contrast I've read various American boards where I've seen comments about British output along the lines of, "Jeez! It's full of ugly people! I don't wanna watch that!"

I have to say, I prefer people to look real rather than 'created', but then I'm British, so I would, wouldn't I?

:teeth:

[Hazel]

I'll also admit to thinking that George W Bush is the worst thing that's happened to that country in many a long year.

Just that country?

We need to spread a good impression of ourselves; that's how we'll change opinions. :)

Hear, hear. Now, where is that penny I dropped earlier? I'll kill someone if I don't find it soon!! ;)

[Hazel]

I Whereas by contrast I've read various American boards where I've seen comments about British output along the lines of, "Jeez! It's full of ugly people! I don't wanna watch that!"


Thank the lord for Hugh Laurie, in House M.D., who is bucking that particular trend - ow! Momma!

[Volvican]

Thank the lord for Hugh Laurie, in House M.D., who is bucking that particular trend - ow! Momma!

Really? Hugh Laurie? :confused:

[Jen]

Next you'll be telling us you dont eat "Lucky Charms". ;)
I'm confused. Do the Irish really eat perfume? Amazon wouldn't lie about such things.
ETA: But now the link has gone... Or did I imagine the whole thing?

[Hazel]

Really? Hugh Laurie? :confused:

Oh yes. Hugh Laurie, specifically as House. Oh, dear me, yes.

[megustaleer]

I'm confused. Do the Irish really eat perfume? Amazon wouldn't lie about such things.
ETA: But now the link has gone... Or did I imagine the whole thing? I have observed the disappearing Amazon link phenomenon, and it would appear that it is hidden when one is in 'reply' mode. It's not there in 'preview post', nor in the view you get of your post after submitting it. But it is always there again when you go to that thread afterwards.

[FirelightSpirit]

Just that country?)
Good point. No, not just that country...

I'm confused. Do the Irish really eat perfume? Amazon wouldn't lie about such things.
ETA: But now the link has gone... Or did I imagine the whole thing?
:D No, Jen. Lucky Charms is an American breakfast cereal that has a leprechaun on the box, who talks in a very Oirish accent on the TV ads, doncha know. ;)

Doesn't some 'celebrity' have a perfume out called Lucky Charm, or something to that effect?
ETA: Sorry, just seen the Amazon link: it's Givenchy that has the perfume. It's a very 'celebrity' perfume name choice though.

[Hazel]

I did notice that my name appeared as a link once, but I didn't catch it in time. I would love to have seen what it threw up. And that is not an opener for David to jump in to suggest some witty result for my name. I'm watching you.

[David]

And that is not an opener for David to jump in to suggest some witty result for my name. I'm watching you.
Hey, now when have I ever taken the mickey?

(That's a rhetorical question, obviously, the effect of which will be ruined if you choose to reply...)

I would never do such a thing.

Besides, we all respect alternative beliefs on this site.

Hazel Raven (http://www.hazelraven.com/).

Will Topaz and Rose Quartz make me more virile? I thought that might bump up my value, y'know...?

[David]

Thank the lord for Hugh Laurie, in House M.D., who is bucking that particular trend - ow! Momma!
But Hugh's your pin-up boy, isn't he? Birthstone - amethyst?

[Ang]

Wow, can I say that the Americans I know do not think of the British like you're describing at all. When I took my husband (then boyfriend) to visit Iowa, arguably one of the most insular states, for the first time, he was treated like a celebrity. People asked him to talk because they loved his accent (he's a Scot, in fact). It didn't hurt that he looked like Joe Namath back then.

I also lived in Colorado a long time in my working life, and British colleagues were highly respected. The only thing we couldn't understand was how they managed to leave work at 5pm each day. That, of course, was a stereotype, as there are many people here who work long hours, but there's definitely a better attitude towards work and home here.

I feel more British than American after all these years in this country, the country my children have been born and are being raised. I choose to live here as I think it's much better in many ways.

The "boo" at CCBB was an eye-opener though. It's not pantomime-like (yes, I know what you mean, but that doesn't describe this - this was just a joke that had the word "Americans" in it - there are no American characters). We're going down a path that I find hard to take and I'm worried for the British as much as the Americans.

I hope I'm explaining this objectively enough that you understand that I see it as a wider issue than just my personal discomfort. I suppose I shouldn't have said I am offended. Everyone is doing it, and I love living here, so I can't be offended by everyone.

As Bill says, once GWB is out of power, I hope it's not too late. One other little tid-bit - I don't understand much about politics, but there is one thing I have observed of my own friends and family. Republicans are much more staunch than Democrats. If a person who normally votes Democrat doesn't like their own candidate, they will vote Republican. Republican voters generally will not do this. This is how GWB got his second term.

[Barblue]

Do you think it's because of my bad teeth that I am only worth $1,314,300. And I did so well in the quiz, only got two questions wrong. :(

[atom-girl]

I'm not for sale :lmao:

[Momo]

Just because of this (http://www.bookgrouponline.com/forum/showthread.html?t=2970&page=3&pp=15) , I think I can bid £5.00 for Stewart. ;)

On another note, I can understand ang. I live in a foreign country myself, a country that hasn't forgotten a war that has been over for more than sixty years. My children are called Nazis when they are on a playground. You can overlook that a couple of times but after a while it really isn't funny anymore.

To ang I can just say, we do make a lot of jokes here and try not to offend. And if you don't like it, you should always openly say so. It is better to get it out than to just leave and say, hey, they don't like me or I don't like them. Because, in the end, this is a nice forum that I've enjoyed for more than a year (which doesn't say so in my profile, I know, but that's due to our crash).

I am worth $1,664,660.

Though they explained quite a few of the numbers, they didn't tell us why you aren't worth more if you speak more than one language. I can only guess that it's not as important in the States given that they are such a large country and speak one of the most widely known languages already.

[Ang]

On another note, I can understand ang. I live in a foreign country myself, a country that hasn't forgotten a war that has been over for more than sixty years. My children are called Nazis when they are on a playground. You can overlook that a couple of times but after a while it really isn't funny anymore.That's awful! Fortunately, my sons are not on the receiving end of any of the anti-American feeling. They are dual nationals, but it's not obvious they are American. They do feel sympathy for me though when they see it/hear it, especially the teenager.

To ang I can just say, we do make a lot of jokes here and try not to offend. And if you don't like it, you should always openly say so. It is better to get it out than to just leave and say, hey, they don't like me or I don't like them. Thanks, I was hoping someone would see it that way. I think it's important for people to say something if they hear (or read) something that upsets them.

Though they explained quite a few of the numbers, they didn't tell us why you aren't worth more if you speak more than one language. I can only guess that it's not as important in the States given that they are such a large country and speak one of the most widely known languages already.What I don't get is why they ask the question if it doesn't make any difference. I didn't get all the way through because I didn't feel like filling out all the extra quizzes.

[megustaleer]

I didn't get all the way through because I didn't feel like filling out all the extra quizzes.I didn't fancy doing all the quizzes, either, so I just awarded myself half marks for each one of those questions...which may account for my poor valuation :(

[Boris the Cat]

My children are called Nazis when they are on a playground.

This is appalling, but not altogether surprising, this country is not noted for its tolerance of different nationalities and ignorance is passed on down the generations.

Sorry if it's another presumption, Ang, but it's really hard to think of Americans as the underdogs, they seem so self-possessed!
Still, I suppose you could both have read this:

18) Britain is historically a Christian Society. People are ______ of the faiths of others.
[ A ] scared
[ B ] uneasy
[ C ] very tolerant
[ D ] None of these
Correct Answer is: [ C ]

(copied from the Citizenship Test debate) and been lulled into a false sense of security!

[Bill]

This is appalling, but not altogether surprising, this country is not noted for its tolerance of different nationalities and ignorance is passed on down the generations.

Momo lives in the Netherlands. However, I also would like to add how appalled and (perhaps naively) shocked I was to read about the abuse Momo's children suffer, whatever country it was. To be vilified for something which happened over 50 years before they were born is contemptible, and should not be tolerated by the school.

[Ang]

Sorry if it's another presumption, Ang, but it's really hard to think of Americans as the underdogs, they seem so self-possessed!
Americans will not think of themselves as underdogs. The implications of you not liking them is they are no longer your friend. You have chosen that, not them.

I'm sure there are many Americans who agree with you about GWB. What they're not going to agree with is your villification of them because of GWB.

I use "you" and "your" here collectively, not you specifically!

[Ang]

Momo lives in the Netherlands. However, I also would like to add how appalled and (perhaps naively) shocked I was to read about the abuse Momo's children suffer, whatever country it was. To be vilified for something which happened over 50 years before they were born is contemptible, and should not be tolerated by the school.Yes, and I'm absolutely sure schools in the UK would have zero tolerance of that.

[Jeremy DEagle]

Momo lives in the Netherlands. However, I also would like to add how appalled and (perhaps naively) shocked I was to read about the abuse Momo's children suffer, whatever country it was. To be vilified for something which happened over 50 years before they were born is contemptible, and should not be tolerated by the school.

As sad as it sounds this is what kids do. I remember being at school and kids abuse each other left, right and centre. That doesn't make it right but that is what happens.

I think at a young age they don't appreciate what it is they are saying or understand why.

However, if these kids doing it are getting into their teens they should be getting to know better.

I think you would be surprised at just the amount of abuse kids dish out. It takes kids a lot of time before they realise that rascism, sexism, homophobia are wrong.

[Momo]

Just to give a few explanations. We are Germans living in the Netherlands after having lived in the UK. My youngest son was born in England, both boys started school there and don’t just have a Southern accent but also prefer to speak English. So whenever they are out and speak English, that’s alright. As soon as they turn up somewhere with German friends, they are treated differently. The same thing goes for us.
As for the cruelty of children – they have to get the idea from someone. Children who haven’t learned that kind of history in school wouldn’t even know what a Nazi is and that they were German. But the teenagers aren’t any better either. I don’t want to say it’s all the people but – unfortunately – there are quite a lot of them around.
It’s not at school that they have this problem, they attend an international school. The school wouldn’t tolerate this. And we never had this problem in England.
I didn't really want to start this here only to say I understand ang.

[Boris the Cat]

I use "you" and "your" here collectively, not you specifically!

I'm not sure that I even like it being used collectively where I'm included, I don't believe that I have ever stated an opinion on whether I (or we collectively) like Americans.

Sorry, I didn't read Momo's location properly, did I? Maybe I'm too quick to deprecate my own nation. I didn't realise that the Dutch were so intolerant, they don't seem like that.

[Ang]

I'm not sure that I even like it being used collectively where I'm included, I don't believe that I have ever stated an opinion on whether I (or we collectively) like Americans.
I didn't mean you were included. I meant people who don't like Americans. Sorry! I think I'd better stick to the threads about books only...

[megustaleer]

Sorry! I think I'd better stick to the threads about books only...might not be a bad idea, at least until we've got the measure of each other ;) :)