If you your name is up there, and you didn't know you contributed, it probably is because I have saved an interesting post from alt.beer. This list is divided into several sections, each addressing a bit different aspect of beer. The topic is as broad as there are tastes for different kinds of beer. Due to this, this FAQ list cannot possibly cover every aspect of the subject. Added new stuff section.
Ales are generally beers made with top fermenting yeasts.
Lagers are generally beers made with bottom Fermenting yeasts. They are fermented at cooler temperatures, generally 35 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. These cooler temperatures mean longer fermenting. Lagers are said to have originated in Germany where the brewers found that they could change the flavor and smoothness of their beers by storing them in cold caves. The style originated in Pilsen Chezkoslovakia, and the definitive beer of this style is Pilsner Urquel.