@Kevin

The last thing I am is PC. However, there are roughly 900 species that engage in clear homosexual and bisexual behavior.

As for your dog, humping is a dominance behavior for them, and not a gay one. They do not fall in with Bonobo apes, certain species of birds (including penguins), dolphins, etc...

It isn't PC to accept homosexuality. PC is an ugly concept that encourages hypocrisy. It's just a matter of not treating others as though they are somehow second class citizens for living their life in a way that doesn't conform to your world view.

The point, Max,you don't see people bashing the Aussies for being fatter than Americans. So, it isn't being done to present a fact, but rather, to be hateful. I know it's fashionable to bash Americans these days, but hiding behind outdated facts to do so is not only cowardly, but ignorant. As an American in the UK, I can safely say that I am skinnier than most people I know. Funny that.

@wpdunn71901

*applause* You said it best.

It is clear that Doom just wanted and excuse to bash Americans after saying this:

"Im not a health nut either,
nor am I a vegetarian.
And I can believe that such excess existed in ‘the olden days’"

Heaven forbid an American get on here and say something rude about another culture. I thought the fat jokes were for the playground. Besides, the US is no longer the most obese country. That honor goes to Australia.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article4171160.ece

This was just hilarious. Totally made my night.

I wouldn't do this if I had the money to spend, but if someone can and feels like it, then it's no one's business to criticize it as it isn't our money. My only real criticism of this is that all this luxury is lost on dogs. They'd just rather chill on the couch with you.

I hate parades, but I love vintage photos no matter what they are of. This is cool.

Doom, if you can afford it, why not? I'm not super wealthy, but I certainly don't care what someone else spends their money on. It's their right. Like Alice said, we are not the food police. If you want to splurge on an extravagant meal and can, it's no one's business to criticize it.

@fosta

Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall, right? That was amazing!

Oh, and American doesn't necessarily equate to glutton either, Doom.

Actually, Doom, people have been doing that since Roman times, and in medieval Britain in particular.

It's funny how people like to act as though they are so health conscious that they would never be in the same room with something like this, or that it's just for gluttons. Keep in mind, this is not something you make for the average Sunday lunch.

I am not a great cook but this may be something to try for the holidays.

I like lava lamps. I have one. However, having a fifty foot tall one in the middle of...well... anywhere, is just an eyesore as far as I am concerned. Fifteen years ago, I might have thought differently, but fifteen years ago, I was perpetually stoned.

And I thought my dogs were pampered...

@Baggy

That was the most intelligent comment I have seen all day.

They are ants, people. This is an animal that is rightly considered a pest in most places. I think the advancement of human knowledge/understanding is far more important than the fate of an anthill.

@Lola

PETA kills animals, and while I am not going to get into that discussion here, I wouldn't be so quick to judge other cultures and their food preparation methods. Just because something seems cruel or disgusting to us doesn't really mean anything, and no one, PETA included, is going to stop them.

I personally would be willing to try most of the things on this list if I were drunk enough or put on the spot by my host. Well, except the live octopus and the maggot cheese, though I hear the latter is actually quite delicious if you can get past the maggots, which I know I can't.

@Scribe

Thanks for the info and insight. I can't say we go to overly sophisticated restaurants while in France (or England, for that matter)but you are absolutely right. Nothing against UK food, because I love it too, but it doesn't touch some of what you can get in France. Portion sizes may be smaller than in the UK, but it hardly matters because it's always good and just the right amount.

I think the freshness is the key, honestly. Going to a farmer's market, anywhere you are, is going to turn out higher quality food regardless.