On flying the flag: in The Netherlands, more and more people do fly the flag on our 'memorial day' wich happens to be two days: may the fourth, when we remember those who died in the second world war, and may the fifth, when we celebrate our liberation. Also on april 30th, wich is our 'queens day' when we celebrate the monarchy, sort of. This is a development that has taken place over the last decade or so. Perhaps people are turning towards national symbols as our flag, in a time when we seem to be absorbed in the European Union.

Sorry, but for any flight over 4 hours I wear sweats. Or at lest something with an elasticized waist. Lots of big pockets are nice too, but the elastic waist is a necessity. The reason is that even though informal, it's a lot less informal than unzipping my trousers with a lot of strangers sitting around.

Yes, this is too much to ask. But thanks for asking.

The older I get the less things I do just because I'm supposed to do them. If I don't want to do something or go somewhere I don't. I'm 40 years old and If I don't want to fly the flag or wear a suit to church, what is anyone going to do about it?
Yes, I imagine I'll be terrible to live with when I get to be a crochety old man.
-Jim.