For whatever interest it might have for regular subscribers to the
ATHG listserv, I thought you might find the following post from __Russian
Life ON Line__ for 12/20/99 either amusing or appalling--or both.
According to __RLOL__, France's National Association for Anti-Alcoholism
recently placed Portugal first among nations, estimating that Portugese
alcohol consumption was 11.3 liters per capita of pure alcohol. Russia
finished nineteenth in the category with 7.3 liters per capita. So far, so
good, but according to __RLOL__ the Russian journal __Kommersant__
(perhaps with tongue planted firmly in cheek) called the report's
conclusions "insulting." Continuing, this other reputable Russian
publication fumed, "We may build bad roads or play lousy soccer, but a
shameful 19th place in alcohol consumption--that's too much." The paper
added that, if one takes into consideration the production of bootleg
(samogon) vodka, Russia's per capita consumption should at least be a
respectable 10.5 liters per capita. Again, maybe this is tongue-in-cheek.
Let us hope so.  Happy Holidays! George Snow.

***************************************************************************
Since baseball time is measured only in outs, all you have to do is
succeed utterly; keep hitting, keep the rally alive, and you have defeated
time. You remain forever young.
                        --Roger Angell, "The Interior Stadium"