Originally Posted by D

Err. No, I'm not _totally_ fucking retarded - at least in my estimation.

But I do get the feeling you have a much higher opinion of yourself than is warranted.

Quite a few people in academic circles agree that we likely settled because of the discovery of beer. I've heard the theory in more than one collegiate lecture, and have said the same in many lectures, myself.

Anyone with basic sense should be able to see how this parallels what you were taught in 4th grade, and hold so dear. The requirements for beer production are heavily based in agriculture.

Bottom line: It's a commonly accepted historical theory.

http://www.beerinstitute.org/tier.asp?bid=132
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpag...C0A9619482 60
http://beeradvocate.com/articles/721
http://beeradvocate.com/articles/673
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/boo...0802715524&z=y
http://www.beerinstitute.org/tier.asp?bid=129
http://www.portsmouthbrewery.com/htm...oryofbeer.html
http://www.amazon.com/Beer-History-C.../dp/0380780518

Could go on and on here... but I assume you know how to use google yourself. Might wanna try that next time you find yourself in a similar situation.