Callum,

I didn't know this was called a pinata but my youngest (the smallest of the eastenders clan) made one recently. It's very straight forward. Leave a hole at the top and when the papier-mache has dried, burst the ballon and pull it out (oo-er matron). I think she greased the ballon with extra virgin olive oil (we are so posh) to ease it's removal (oo-er again).
Ours was filled with excrement and was burst over the vicar's head while he was nibbling on a cucumber sandwhich last Sunday evening.
We laughed! Ho-ho. Chortle.

So, no pinata advice from anyone then? (See 'Latest suggestions' part of site if you don't know what I'm taking about.)

I'm going to have to go home soon, and the young Ms will cry, ''Daddy! Have you found out what to do about the balloon?'

'No,' I'll be forced to reply. 'I asked the entire US nation, via the magic of the internet, but it didn't know, or, worse, didn't care.'

How can I give them such a reply? It will break their little hearts.

Children, children.

It's self evident who the recipient of the water bottle should be... (wait for it)... the person who gave the correct answer. Good Heavens - it was me!
Callum - I admire your investigative prowess.
CaroB - I admire your (rather belated) claim even thought he justifacation is flimsy.
In the end there is no substitute for knowledge.
The competition was a little unfair to non-Brits (particularly my good friend Skippy) but since the air fare to Britain probably prohibits collection of the fine alumminium container, who cares?
Time for the Fencemaster to reveal the winner and the recipient. Will they be one and the same person?

Neigh!

Please get on a slightly lower horse, thenewbrunette

Et tu, CaroB! I, too, am old enough to have watched the original broadcast. However we weren't allowed TV on National Service. There were all those potatoes to be peeled and coal to be painted white.

stop squabbling.

SilverSwan - I'm sure you're right but I can only find references to the Throne Room at Knossos. Is this the same thing?

I missed you.

Skippy,

Unreserved apologies. Not a racist despite evidence to the contrary.