The Sumerians made them of gold and another substance frequently involved in the process of making a certain tempera paint. A 5000 year old seal has been discovered depicting the usage of this item, yet the patent was granted in the late 19th century. What is it, what is the connection with the tempera paint, and why wouldn't you see a 'bloke' using one today for it's original purpose?

lanfranco

Well, I'll just throw this out as a possibility -- the drinking straw? Though not patented until 1888 by Marvin Stone, straws used for beer-drinking are depicted in Sumerian art, on a seal dating to about 3100 B.C. The Sumerians made them from gold and lapis lazuli, much used in tempera painting. The "bloke" thing eludes me: http://beeradvocate.com/news/stories_read/595 Jun 13 06, 8:53 PM

lanfranco

Here's a site mentioning Stone: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drinking_straw Jun 13 06, 8:54 PM

zbeckabee

The first straws were made by the Sumerians, and used for drinking beer--A "bloke" would never use a straw to drink beer. Jun 13 06, 9:00 PM

peasypod

Very good ladies, and what would the Maven do if you put his beer in a brandy balloon, a couple of glace cherries and pineapple wedge clomped on the side, with a paper umbrella and straws? Jun 13 06, 11:14 PM

lanfranco

Please tell me that no one actually does that sort of thing. Jun 13 06, 11:47 PM

peasypod

When you come to visit me, and I take you out, please order a Shandy. ;) Jun 14 06, 12:56 AM