Posted on 08/24/2014 11:27:04 PM PDT by chessplayer
Chart Shows Which Nation Has World's Biggest Boozers
(Excerpt) Read more at online.wsj.com ...
ping
I was going to say the Soviet countries. Harsh winters and totalitarian governments mean turning to alcohol for solace.
I don’t even see Israel on the list.
It is obvious to me, although it may not be obvious to you or other FReepers, that these pictures of religious Jews imbibing were taken on the Jewish holiday of Purim. That is one day when Jewish men are permitted to get drunk. Notice if you will that in all but one picture, people are wearing costumes, or at least funny hats. Wearing costumes is part of the Purim celebration. The young man doing a somersault on the table is making the others laugh, which is part of the Purim festivities. Since Jewish men are not permitted to get drunk during the year, the young men tend to overdo it, hence the 2 young Chassidim passed out in the chairs with bottles beneath the chairs. They are not bums or habitual drinkers; they are celebrating Purim. It is typical for young men of their age (and somewhat younger as well) to hire a limo to take them around neighborhoods all dressed up in costumes to stop off at peoples’ homes and collect pledges for charitable contributions for their yeshiva. When they arrive at houses, sometimes they’ve been a bit too merry. It’s funny to watch. It’s also customary to exchange packages of goodies with your friends and neighbors and to have a big celebratory meal with your family. I love Purim!
Haven’t spent much time in Eastern Europe, have you?
~Haven’t spent much time in Eastern Europe, have you?~
Most of my life. UK clearly beats it for public drunkness.
Ha ha.
They’ve definitely got worse on that.
It's just to the west of Jordan in the Middle East, but that's not important now.
“It’s just to the west of Jordan in the Middle East, but that’s not important now.”
Sweet, Airplane references
We’re slacking ... drink up, Shriners!
Just a normal day in Cardiff....
I would have guessed the leaders to be Eastern Europe in general and Russia specifically before reading the survey. A society that sits on their ass and drinks Vodka and smokes cigarettes aren't going to live long (or need much healthcare.)
What is your reference point, though?
Remember, they are "moderate", not in absolute terms, but in comparison to Belarus and the rest of the ex-Soviet nations.
The United States, traditionally found near the top of the list, fell to 48th place following the death of Ted Kennedy.
Top of the list are Communist and former Soviet bloc countries?
Mean anything?
And Italy.
Oh definitely. I only drink the 6% or less stuff. Anything stronger is always going to be red wine, whiskey, rum, or vodka at a pub.
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