In reply to Belkar.

I subscribe to the words of the drummer from Spïnal Tap: "Have a good time, all the time."
This rigid lifestyle commitment sometimes means attending dozens of parties, fiestas, convívios, bailes, parades, and the occasional drunken revel. It's a tough job, believe me, but someone has to do it. Nevermind that's actually part of my job description: to integrate with the social customs and norms of the indigenous people. In this sense, they're very optimistic: they love to celebrate stuff.

As for Ned, I consider him a monument to good country folk knowledge. Nas Palas will be pleased to hear that the farmers in the US use the same technique. I know that the whims of the universe would never permit it, but one of my secret fantasies is that Farmer Ned and Farmer Nas might one day meet and have a beer together.