One of the ad link which appears embedded in the video is for an outfit called AmericanCrossroadsDOTorg. Never heard of them, bit the leadership team are all RNC and GWB administration refugees.

You wouldn't believe the kind of snooty looks a fellow can get these days just for showing how much he loves his country.

I am going to watch a TV show that does not feature politicians. TTFN

Evening all!

ehh, the onion has done better.

Well, one small benefit of living in NYC is a never ending supply of tourists to abuse...

Giants scored in the bottom of the 1st...let's hope the game continues this way.

Well, Sarah Palin isn't the only person who's had to move from huge 3,000 seat auditoriums to vast 800 seat ones...President Obama has had to do a change of venue too!

he rally had been scheduled to take place on the 39,000 sq ft. McCarthy Quad. But yesterday, Organizing for America sent out a mass email announcing the moving of the event to the much larger, 69,000 sq ft Alumni Park.

I contacted the events department at USC for more information and was advised that while the actual event was moved to Alumni Park, they are planning on setting up big screens in the original venue, the adjacent 39,000 sq ft McCarthy Quad and packing in the folks there as well!

Then again, Sarah's former running mate did draw over 150 people in Vermont this week, so I can see why Democrats would be nervous about this change in venue.

re: #5 brookly red

ehh, the onion has done better.

Why do you say that?

Are you questioning Charles choice of video to post on his blog? I thought it was hilarious, don't you have a sense of humor?

re: #9 Reginald Perrin

Why do you say that?

Are you questioning Charles choice of video to post on his blog? I thought it was hilarious, don't you have a sense of humor?

well they have been better... I have a great sense of humor & it gets me in trouble all the time.

re: #8 darthstar

Well, Sarah Palin isn't the only person who's had to move from huge 3,000 seat auditoriums to vast 800 seat ones...President Obama has had to do a change of venue too!

Then again, Sarah's former running mate did draw over 150 people in Vermont this week, so I can see why Democrats would be nervous about this change in venue.

//Hey I'd like to see Joe Biden draw crowds of over 150 people!

re: #10 brookly red

well they have been better... I have a great sense of humor & it gets me in trouble all the time.

Agreed...I'd put this one at about a six or seven on the Onion-meter...though the guy's line about running over a kid in Italy and shouting "mea culpa!" as he drove away was a sign of American politeness was pretty funny.

re: #10 brookly red

What was it specifically about the video that you did not find funny? From reading a few of your comments it's obvious you have an irony deficient diet.

I bet you have your panties in a wad because those sneaky buggers at the Onion conned you into watching the video. You thought you were going to be watching a video taking shots at Obama.

re: #13 Reginald Perrin

What was it specifically about the video that you did not find funny? From reading a few of your comments it's obvious you have an irony deficient diet.

I bet you have your panties in a wad because those sneaky buggers at the Onion conned you into watching the video. You thought you were going to be watching a video taking shots at Obama.

piss off asshole.

re: #12 darthstar

To a person who has spent his entire life living 5 miles on the other side of the American border, it is hilarious.

re: #12 darthstar

Agreed...I'd put this one at about a six or seven on the Onion-meter...though the guy's line about running over a kid in Italy and shouting "mea culpa!" as he drove away was a sign of American politeness was pretty funny.

It was an old joke (the ugly American) renewed.

Americans, at least some, being totally clueless that not everyone thinks they're teh awesum!

re: #17 PT Barnum

It was an old joke (the ugly American) renewed.

Americans, at least some, being totally clueless that not everyone thinks they're teh awesum!

As someone who lives in a major tourist destination area, I would like to politely comment that Europeans are not, actually, nearly as polite or culturally adaptable as they would like to believe.

re: #18 SanFranciscoZionist

As someone who lives in a major tourist destination area, I would like to politely comment that Europeans are not, actually, nearly as polite or culturally adaptable as they would like to believe.

yah think?

re: #14 brookly red

Temper, temper...

re: #18 SanFranciscoZionist

As someone who lives in a major tourist destination area, I would like to politely comment that Europeans are not, actually, nearly as polite or culturally adaptable as they would like to believe.

Don't surprise me at all. I think most people are like that. I think it takes a great deal of travel and exposure to lots of other cultures to become less ethnocentric and willing to go with the flow.

Andrew Zimmern is a model for this, as he seems to be able to eat damn near anything no matter how disgusting and be very gracious with his guests.

re: #20 talon_262

Temper, temper...

He's working on taking away Walter's Mr. Crankypants nickname for himself.

re: #20 talon_262

Temper, temper...

should I have said sphincter?

re: #18 SanFranciscoZionist

As someone who lives in a major tourist destination area, I would like to politely comment that Europeans are not, actually, nearly as polite or culturally adaptable as they would like to believe.

Amen!

Buster Posey. 2nd at bat. 2nd RBI.

re: #18 SanFranciscoZionist

I think the Onion video was so over the top in ugliness, that it skewered some foreigners' exaggerated vision of the Ugly American.

re: #26 Reginald Perrin

I think the Onion video was so over the top in ugliness, that it skewered some foreigners' exaggerated vision of the Ugly American.

My personal favorite American tourist EVER was the guy in line at the Crown Jewels exhibit at the Tower of London who was trying to get the tour guide to give him an estimate value for the collection.

Guide kept evading the question, and babbling about the historical value of the stuff.

Eh, whatever. Aside from a couple real treasures like the Black Prince's ruby, and the Koh-i-Noor, the stuff is mostly just bulk diamonds, set and reset over the years, and almost nothing goes back before the eighteenth century.

This guy was great. Bermudas and a short-sleeve button-up. The guide wanted to kill him.

You'd have thought this was from The Onion, but nooo.
[Link: www.mediaite.com...]
This could have been titled ' When Democrats Attack', but the party affiliation was somehow.....ignored.
Or something.

re: #27 SanFranciscoZionist

The perfect added touch, smoking a cigar.

re: #18 SanFranciscoZionist

As someone who lives in a major tourist destination area, I would like to politely comment that Europeans are not, actually, nearly as polite or culturally adaptable as they would like to believe.

European Anti Americanism is as European, as, well, cheese.

There are a lot of reasons this is so, but for any European (and for that matter, Canadian) politician to ;make his bones', an anti American period is mandatory.

Europeans have a love/hate relationship with Americans.

'We love you because you came from Europe- you are our cousins. We hate you because we are not you'.

re: #12 darthstar

Agreed...I'd put this one at about a six or seven on the Onion-meter...though the guy's line about running over a kid in Italy and shouting "mea culpa!" as he drove away was a sign of American politeness was pretty funny.

Well, the Onion can't always be this funny.

re: #30 researchok

European Anti Americanism is as European, as, well, cheese.

There are a lot of reasons this is so, but for any European (and for that matter, Canadian) politician to ;make his bones', an anti American period is mandatory.

Europeans have a love/hate relationship with Americans.

'We love you because you came from Europe- you are our cousins. We hate you because we are not you'.

We expect to make sense to each other. We are annoyed when we don't.

Also, my personal experience with many Europeans, as a graduate student in England, was that most of the Americans they knew were very eager to agree with dismissiveness toward American culture, and you could get a rep as a total bitch for insisting, however politely, that American culture is fine. It just wasn't an attitude they were used to.

re: #31 palomino

Well, the Onion can't always be this funny.

or accurate...sheesh...talk about foresight.

re: #31 palomino

Well, the Onion can't always be this funny.

My all-time favorite Onion piece is the one about the man who was held for years at the zoo because they were convinced he was a giraffe.

re: #34 SanFranciscoZionist

My all-time favorite Onion piece is the one about the man who was held for years at the zoo because they were convinced he was a giraffe.

Here we go: DNA Evidence Frees Man From Zoo.

re: #32 SanFranciscoZionist

We expect to make sense to each other. We are annoyed when we don't.

Also, my personal experience with many Europeans, as a graduate student in England, was that most of the Americans they knew were very eager to agree with dismissiveness toward American culture, and you could get a rep as a total bitch for insisting, however politely, that American culture is fine. It just wasn't an attitude they were used to.

they may not like our culture, but when they need it they like our military... I hate to be the one to bring this point up.

re: #32 SanFranciscoZionist

When I was in Europe, I found people thought the US and American stuff was awesome. This was a hell of a long time ago, though.

I think people don't really realize just how much damage was done to the reputation of America during the Bush years.

it's true. americans are pretty much scoffed at all around the world.
and to them i say "YEA? and what national store can you get an $80 cappuccino machine for $33 minus a $10 off anything Kohls gift card that came in the mail for a grand total of $23 after tax?! SUCK IT!"

ps. fun fact. when i was studying in china, this little girl looked at me very strangely (i'm chinese) stating "how can you be american? you aren't white..you look chinese.. but your chinese is awful! i don't understand you."

re: #27 SanFranciscoZionist

I bet he had dark colored sandals & white socks on too!

re: #35 SanFranciscoZionist

Here we go: DNA Evidence Frees Man From Zoo.

I also like Cheney Dunk Tank Raises $800 Million for the Nation.

re: #36 brookly red

they may not like our culture, but when they need it they like our military... I hate to be the one to bring this point up.

You do? Why?

re: #36 brookly red

they may not like our culture, but when they need it they like our military... I hate to be the one to bring this point up.

Can you cite a time that Europe needed our military?

Who has Europe fought?

re: #32 SanFranciscoZionist

The Brits are odd. Even with American culture there's still a strange love/hate thing. They really do idolize much of American culture in a strange way.

Super excellent Towercam view.

Look now, it will change quickly.

re: #37 Obdicut

When I was in Europe, I found people thought the US and American stuff was awesome. This was a hell of a long time ago, though.

I think people don't really realize just how much damage was done to the reputation of America during the Bush years.

My experience was before Bush. It wasn't hostility, it was just sort of an intellectual "Eh, Americans aren't much. Nikulturni, no?" attitude. Thomas Jefferson encountered the same in his day.

re: #45 SanFranciscoZionist

I met a lot of rock-and-roll and blues fans.

Heh...more O'Donnell stupidity from the debate:

MODERATOR: Give me a name, Christine, of someone in the U.S. Senate, across the aisle that you’re comfortable working with.

O’DONNELL: [Pause] Well, she’s not a senator any more, but I would definitely have to say Hillary Clinton. [...]

COONS: One of the real risks as we go forward, is that if we elect someone who literally cannot name a single currently serving senator in my party with whom she would work –

O’DONNELL: Senator Lieberman!

COONS: Someone who has no experience crossing the biparistan divide.

re: #41 SanFranciscoZionist

You do? Why?

cause it was before my time & I an not a military person... I thought it would be best left for some one with first hand experience.

re: #44 Ojoe

Pinking up the sky here.
BBIAB.
Must watch!

re: #42 Obdicut

Can you cite a time that Europe needed our military?

WWII. Cold War.
What do i win?

re: #43 Killgore Trout

He. The British were the biggest anti-Americans I encountered in Europe.

I lived in England for a year. Went to school there, age seventeen.

One English dude was going on and on to me about the failures of American culture. I wasn't really paying all that much attention-- the English do this on occasion. At the end of the rant, he said,

"So tell me, Yank, what do Americans think of the British?"

And I replied, unthinkingly,

"We don't."

'tis true.

re: #44 Ojoe

Super excellent Towercam view.

Look now, it will change quickly.

Nice.

re: #50 Killgore Trout

WWII. Cold War.
What do i win?

I don't think Germany really wanted our military in Europe during that time, though.

re: #39 Floral Giraffe

I bet he had dark colored sandals & white socks on too!

Entirely possible. He was certainly wearing the outfit. Other than that he was cheerful, and polite as hell, and photographing everything in the vicinity--but he sure wanted to know how much that roomful of diamonds was worth!

(When I lived in London I LOVED American tourists. They were always thrilled to find someone from home who wasn't jet-lagged.)

re: #50 Killgore Trout

WWII. Cold War.
What do i win?

scorn

re: #55 brookly red

scorn

Hooray!
/Winnah

re: #53 Obdicut

I don't think Germany really wanted our military in Europe during that time, though.

Everybody else seemed happy about it (aside from a few Italians).

re: #43 Killgore Trout

The Brits are odd. Even with American culture there's still a strange love/hate thing. They really do idolize much of American culture in a strange way.

There's the language. There's the pieces of shared history. There's, I swear, a sort of simmering resentment that we didn't sit still long enough to become part of the Commonwealth.

I once, unintentionally, rather unnerved an older British man who heard my accent and said, jovially, "Ah! A colonist!"

I said, (DAMNIT), "Well, yes, but not one of yours. California! Viva Espana!"

That was the wrong thing to say.

We have a ...complicated...relationship.

re: #40 SanFranciscoZionist

I also like Cheney Dunk Tank Raises $800 Million for the Nation.

I'd be right there with at least $20....

I just hope Darth Cheney's cybernetics don't shortcircut when exposed to water.

re: #57 Killgore Trout

Everybody else seemed happy about it (aside from a few Italians).

speaking of speaking German, where is Cato?

re: #58 SanFranciscoZionist

There's the language. There's the pieces of shared history. There's, I swear, a sort of simmering resentment that we didn't sit still long enough to become part of the Commonwealth.

I once, unintentionally, rather unnerved an older British man who heard my accent and said, jovially, "Ah! A colonist!"

I said, (DAMNIT), "Well, yes, but not one of yours. California! Viva Espana!"

That was the wrong thing to say.

We have a ...complicated...relationship.

heh.

re: #36 brookly red

they may not like our culture, but when they need it they like our military... I hate to be the one to bring this point up.

Just as we liked the French military during the American Revolution.

And actually they do like our culture, at least our pop culture (which really is our primary culture). One reason Hollywood blockbusters usually make money is the huge European audiences who often buy more tix per capita than Americans. Same is largely true with American music and TV. And they're starting to get almost as fat as Americans, in part because they love our fast food--everything from MickeyDs to Taco Bell to KFC, even Pizza Hut.

re: #51 Obdicut

He. The British were the biggest anti-Americans I encountered in Europe.

I lived in England for a year. Went to school there, age seventeen.

One English dude was going on and on to me about the failures of American culture. I wasn't really paying all that much attention-- the English do this on occasion. At the end of the rant, he said,

"So tell me, Yank, what do Americans think of the British?"

And I replied, unthinkingly,

"We don't."

'tis true.

We do to think of the British!

They have a minestry of silly walks, and their town women's guild re-enact Pearl Harbor every so often!

re: #60 brookly red

speaking of speaking German, where is Cato?

I think he had a series of flounces. One of them eventually stuck.

re: #32 SanFranciscoZionist

We expect to make sense to each other. We are annoyed when we don't.

Also, my personal experience with many Europeans, as a graduate student in England, was that most of the Americans they knew were very eager to agree with dismissiveness toward American culture, and you could get a rep as a total bitch for insisting, however politely, that American culture is fine. It just wasn't an attitude they were used to.

All true.

I grew up in the UK and I can tell you, the schizophrenia is evident.

The litany of complaints and distaste directed at Americans was biblical in proportion. By the same token, ask any kid if he wanted to live in America and the answer was almost universally an enthusiastic, 'Yes'.

See this, for my take on the differences are between Europeans and Americans.

It was written a lifetime ago...

re: #60 brookly red

speaking of speaking German, where is Cato?

He got banned... it was sort of a big thing...

re: #65 researchok

All true.

I grew up in the UK and I can tell you, the schizophrenia is evident.

The litany of complaints and distaste directed at Americans was biblical in proportion. By the same token, ask any kid if he wanted to live in America and the answer was almost universally an enthusiastic, 'Yes'.

See this, for my take on the differences are between Europeans and Americans.

It was written a lifetime ago...

"America is the land of gangsters and cowboys and they have 32 flavors of ice cream!"

That's how Terry Pratchett put it in God Omens I think....

re: #66 jamesfirecat

He got banned... it was sort of a big thing...

Oh...

re: #57 Killgore Trout

Everybody else seemed happy about it (aside from a few Italians).

In that case, we should really also talk about how the Europeans should acknowlege their debt to Russia, which far outweighs their debt to us.

Don't get me wrong: i'm very glad the US kicked ass in WWII. We did.

But Europe was the front-line. They suffered. They were in the war when we weren't. Even France just had fucking awful generals; The Free French and the Maquis fought a long, hard war. The British bravery during the Blitz was nuts. For us to lecture them about gratitude for our actions during WWII misses the point of what WWII was about by a wide margin.

re: #66 jamesfirecat

He got banned... it was sort of a big thing...

Well he did sorta ask to be banned. It was sorta a please give me a reason to go flounce banning episode.

re: #68 brookly red

Oh...

Yeah as someone who had moments of both agreeing with him and disagreeing with him... he was a character if nothing else... I'll never get what pushed him to do what he did....

re: #51 Obdicut

He. The British were the biggest anti-Americans I encountered in Europe.

I lived in England for a year. Went to school there, age seventeen.

One English dude was going on and on to me about the failures of American culture. I wasn't really paying all that much attention-- the English do this on occasion. At the end of the rant, he said,

"So tell me, Yank, what do Americans think of the British?"

And I replied, unthinkingly,

"We don't."

'tis true.

That analogizes perfectly to the different ways northerners and southerners look at the Civil War.

Southerners are still quite obsessed. Why? Because they lost. The losers remember and carry a chip on their shoulder. The winners move on.

Same is true with the Brits. I've had a few tell me that they "made us" what we are. We may have adopted much of their cultural and legal and political framework, but post-1783, we pretty much had taken off the British training wheels and made ourselves what we are today. But the Brits don't forget. Why? Because they lost.

re: #69 Obdicut

In that case, we should really also talk about how the Europeans should acknowlege their debt to Russia, which far outweighs their debt to us.

Don't get me wrong: i'm very glad the US kicked ass in WWII. We did.

But Europe was the front-line. They suffered. They were in the war when we weren't. Even France just had fucking awful generals; The Free French and the Maquis fought a long, hard war. The British bravery during the Blitz was nuts. For us to lecture them about gratitude for our actions during WWII misses the point of what WWII was about by a wide margin.

Russia was not Europe? Hmmm, I need a new map.

re: #67 jamesfirecat

"America is the land of gangsters and cowboys and they have 32 flavors of ice cream!"

That's how Terry Pratchett put it in God Omens I think...

I once had a Slovakian guy totally fascinated when I pulled out my Sierra Club planner.

He had apparently thought that the entire continent of North America was entirely plastered over with mini-malls and suburban housing.

re: #67 jamesfirecat

"America is the land of gangsters and cowboys and they have 32 flavors of ice cream!"

That's how Terry Pratchett put it in God Omens I think...

For us, as kids, America was the land of wonder.

As a kid, I wanted the freedom to be an American. We saw America as 'free', where anything could happen.

You cannot imagine what Disneyland meant to us- such things were not even a part of our dreams!

re: #72 palomino

Might as well tell the British that they're really French, then, thanks to the Normans.

re: #69 Obdicut

In that case, we should really also talk about how the Europeans should acknowlege their debt to Russia, which far outweighs their debt to us.

Don't get me wrong: i'm very glad the US kicked ass in WWII. We did.

But Europe was the front-line. They suffered. They were in the war when we weren't. Even France just had fucking awful generals; The Free French and the Maquis fought a long, hard war. The British bravery during the Blitz was nuts. For us to lecture them about gratitude for our actions during WWII misses the point of what WWII was about by a wide margin.

I just feel we should publicly honor the Poles more for their contribution during the Revolution.

re: #71 jamesfirecat

Yeah as someone who had moments of both agreeing with him and disagreeing with him... he was a character if nothing else... I'll never get what pushed him to do what he did...

well I helped talk him off the ledge once... I can see where he was coming from I guess.

re: #70 Jadespring

Well he did sorta ask to be banned. It was sorta a please give me a reason to go flounce banning episode.

He wanted to be banned? Is it bad form for me to ask why he would want such a thing? When did this happen?

re: #27 SanFranciscoZionist

My personal favorite American tourist EVER was the guy in line at the Crown Jewels exhibit at the Tower of London who was trying to get the tour guide to give him an estimate value for the collection.

Guide kept evading the question, and babbling about the historical value of the stuff.

Eh, whatever. Aside from a couple real treasures like the Black Prince's ruby, and the Koh-i-Noor, the stuff is mostly just bulk diamonds, set and reset over the years, and almost nothing goes back before the eighteenth century.

This guy was great. Bermudas and a short-sleeve button-up. The guide wanted to kill him.

Mine was in Paris. I had a week off from working in the North Sea and my company jetted me down. Found a cheap pension on the left bank and was sitting in a cafe, reading the IHT, having coffee and a croissant, and smoking a Galoise when I hear a commotion and see two fat people walking toward me. Bermuda shorts, Hawaiian shirts and straw hats. The husband has got a big SLR camera bouncing off his belly and opined "Goddamit, Lurleen! We're lost! Doesn't anybody speak American around this hellhole?!?!"

I did my best to slide under the table.

re: #72 palomino

Yes, I have experienced that attitude in a few Brits. "Oh, yes, we have all the mod cons here."

re: #72 palomino

That analogizes perfectly to the different ways northerners and southerners look at the Civil War.

Southerners are still quite obsessed. Why? Because they lost. The losers remember and carry a chip on their shoulder. The winners move on.

Same is true with the Brits. I've had a few tell me that they "made us" what we are. We may have adopted much of their cultural and legal and political framework, but post-1783, we pretty much had taken off the British training wheels and made ourselves what we are today. But the Brits don't forget. Why? Because they lost.

And we didn't become part of the Commonwealth. Makes a difference, emotionally, I think.

re: #75 researchok

For us, as kids, America was the land of wonder.

As a kid, I wanted the freedom to be an American. We saw America as 'free', where anything could happen.

You cannot imagine what Disneyland meant to us- such things were not even a part of our dreams!

That brings up something I saw in my Monty Python and Philosophy book...

Basically it boils down to how America is a country sized Disney Land to the British. Because compared to them, we're nothing but a gigantic collection of charicatures who are too exuberant, crazy, and outspoken to be "real"

re: #73 brookly red

Russia was not Europe? Hmmm, I need a new map.

Russia is both Europe and Asia, and when talking about WWII, is generally not referred to as "Europe". Besides, when you talk about "Europe" being grateful for our military, you really just mean Western Europe, since we never got anywhere near Eastern Europe.

Do you get my point that saying that the Europeans should be grateful for our help during WWII is kind of nuts? They didn't sit back and wait for rescue, they fought tooth and fucking nail. The French collapsed due to bad generalship, but they also had just lost-- as had most countries in Europe-- an entire generation of young men in WWI.

re: #80 austin_blue

Mine was in Paris. I had a week off from working in the North Sea and my company jetted me down. Found a cheap pension on the left bank and was sitting in a cafe, reading the IHT, having coffee and a croissant, and smoking a Galoise when I hear a commotion and see two fat people walking toward me. Bermuda shorts, Hawaiian shirts and straw hats. The husband has got a big SLR camera bouncing off his belly and opined "Goddamit, Lurleen! We're lost! Doesn't anybody speak American around this hellhole?!?!"

I did my best to slide under the table.

It was my experience that all the Arabs speak English...

re: #55 brookly red

scorn

Did someone piss in your cornflakes this morning?

re: #79 palomino

He wanted to be banned? Is it bad form for me to ask why he would want such a thing? When did this happen?

Couple of weeks ago I think. And I have no idea why.

re: #73 brookly red

Russia was not Europe? Hmmm, I need a new map.

Not all of the WW2 Soviet Union was in Europe, a majority of the country was in Asia.

re: #88 Reginald Perrin

Ural kidding me!

re: #86 Floral Giraffe

Did someone piss in your cornflakes this morning?

Killgoe got it... whats in your wallet?

re: #43 Killgore Trout

The Brits are odd. Even with American culture there's still a strange love/hate thing. They really do idolize much of American culture in a strange way.

There's even a UK version of Law & Order now. It's fairly good if that sort of show is your thing.

re: #80 austin_blue

Mine was in Paris. I had a week off from working in the North Sea and my company jetted me down. Found a cheap pension on the left bank and was sitting in a cafe, reading the IHT, having coffee and a croissant, and smoking a Galoise when I hear a commotion and see two fat people walking toward me. Bermuda shorts, Hawaiian shirts and straw hats. The husband has got a big SLR camera bouncing off his belly and opined "Goddamit, Lurleen! We're lost! Doesn't anybody speak American around this hellhole?!?!"

I did my best to slide under the table.

Oy. Never had an encounter that bad.

My problem is that I look decidedly Spanish, for genetic reasons that make sense, but totally disregard my actual genes. (A Celto-German type mixed with a Semitic type pretty much looks the same no matter when the mix comes in.)

In England, lost Spaniards could pick me out of crowd a mile away. They would run over and start speaking Spanish. Unfortunately, not only don't I speak Spanish, I don't speak a different Spanish from the Spanish they spoke. Giving directions was HILARIOUS. Me, trying to give directions to the Piccadilly Circus station in Mexican Spanish, the tourists saying things like "Are you speaking Spanish now?"

re: #60 brookly red

speaking of speaking German, where is Cato?

He was banned.

re: #85 brookly red

It was my experience that all the Arabs speak English...

I met some Israelis in London on the Ghost Walk. I noticed them because they were chatting during the pub stop, and I suddenly realized that the word floating into my ear over and over was 'ruchot'. (Spirits.)

re: #93 Dark_Falcon

He was banned.

did he have his boots on at least?

re: #34 SanFranciscoZionist

My all-time favorite Onion piece is the one about the man who was held for years at the zoo because they were convinced he was a giraffe.

9/11 Hijackers Shocked to Find Themselves in Hell

re: #84 Obdicut

Russia is both Europe and Asia, and when talking about WWII, is generally not referred to as "Europe". Besides, when you talk about "Europe" being grateful for our military, you really just mean Western Europe, since we never got anywhere near Eastern Europe.

Do you get my point that saying that the Europeans should be grateful for our help during WWII is kind of nuts? They didn't sit back and wait for rescue, they fought tooth and fucking nail. The French collapsed due to bad generalship, but they also had just lost-- as had most countries in Europe-- an entire generation of young men in WWI.

Not just bad generalship. France was greatly shocked by the German thrust out of the Ardennes. They did think the Germany attack across the Muese and into their rear was possible and when it proven so panic set in.

re: #94 SanFranciscoZionist

I met some Israelis in London on the Ghost Walk. I noticed them because they were chatting during the pub stop, and I suddenly realized that the word floating into my ear over and over was 'ruchot'. (Spirits.)

A fine word in a pub methinks...

re: #91 Dark_Falcon

There's even a UK version of Law & Order now. It's fairly good if that sort of show is your thing.

Really?

Sorry it's just that the British Police look... well silly to me, doubly so with those hats....

re: #91 Dark_Falcon

There's even a UK version of Law & Order now. It's fairly good if that sort of show is your thing.

OK, this show lasted less than a season, but if you want a fabulous look at British/American culture clash, check out Keen Eddie. About an NYC cop who ends up on long-term loan to Scotland Yard. Sienna Miller is in it.

re: #83 jamesfirecat

That brings up something I saw in my Monty Python and Philosophy book...

Basically it boils down to how America is a country sized Disney Land to the British. Because compared to them, we're nothing but a gigantic collection of charicatures who are too exuberant, crazy, and outspoken to be "real"

I was in Israel in 1978. I was 16. I was with a Young Judea group. There were 33 of us from all over the U.S.

We spent an afternoon at the Mediterranean Sea and bumped into a group of young Europeans on holiday. These twin women, maybe in their 20s approached us. To say they were drop dead gorgeous would be underestimating the phrase. Absolutely stunning looking. They were soon joined by two young men, also twins, and also breathtakingly beautiful. Like movie stars, the four of them.

It was very odd, but as the conversation progressed, they were Italian and asked where we were from, etc., it became clear they only came over to bash us. They went on and on about how awful the U.S. is, how we pop a pill for everything. How teenagers have no idea about the world and are just busy getting stoned or laid. We eat junk food all day long. We have terrible health, we're lazy, on and on. Did I mention this was 1978?

We basically stood there dumbfounded, only coming up with an occasional "No, we aren't!" or some such. I mean, we had nothing. They walked away laughing. I think we concluded they were jealous :p

re: #95 brookly red

did he have his boots on at least?

Just drop it, please. It won't accomplish anything useful, and it will annoy Charles.

re: #96 Alouette

9/11 Hijackers Shocked to Find Themselves in Hell

:)

That one wasn't really so funny, but they needed to do something with it. IIRC, they stopped publishing for a week after 9/11 and then threw themselves back into it.

re: #97 Dark_Falcon

Not just bad generalship. France was greatly shocked by the German thrust out of the Ardennes. They did think the Germany attack across the Muese and into their rear was possible and when it proven so panic set in.

Didn't they do the exact same thing in WW1 (All be it less sucessfully though?)

So clearly their generals weren't even "fighting the last war" or they would have seen it coming....

FUCK! Goddamn Phillies.

re: #91 Dark_Falcon

There's even a UK version of Law & Order now. It's fairly good if that sort of show is your thing.

I like that show.

To be fair though there are a number of British shows where versions have made their way to this side of the pond too.

re: #102 Dark_Falcon

Just drop it, please. It won't accomplish anything useful, and it will annoy Charles.

I was done 10 posts ago...

re: #97 Dark_Falcon

I'd say that's an example of bad generalship; not being able to forsee a possible event.

And some still fought, even after losing all leadership.

[Link: en.wikipedia.org...]

re: #30 researchok

European Anti Americanism is as European, as, well, cheese.

There are a lot of reasons this is so, but for any European (and for that matter, Canadian) politician to ;make his bones', an anti American period is mandatory.

Europeans have a love/hate relationship with Americans.

'We love you because you came from Europe- you are our cousins. We hate you because we are not you'.

The last sentence of this post is an example of why some Europeans and Canadians find some Americans annoying.

re: #106 Jadespring

I like that show.

To be fair though there are a number of British shows where versions have made their way to this side of the pond too.

I like the original British "Coupling", but apparently the American version was just FAIL.

We can't do that much frank sex. We just can't.

re: #101 marjoriemoon

I was in Israel in 1978. I was 16. I was with a Young Judea group. There were 33 of us from all over the U.S.

We spent an afternoon at the Mediterranean Sea and bumped into a group of young Europeans on holiday. These twin women, maybe in their 20s approached us. To say they were drop dead gorgeous would be underestimating the phrase. Absolutely stunning looking. They were soon joined by two young men, also twins, and also breathtakingly beautiful. Like movie stars, the four of them.

It was very odd, but as the conversation progressed, they were Italian and asked where we were from, etc., it became clear they only came over to bash us. They went on and on about how awful the U.S. is, how we pop a pill for everything. How teenagers have no idea about the world and are just busy getting stoned or laid. We eat junk food all day long. We have terrible health, we're lazy, on and on. Did I mention this was 1978?

We basically stood there dumbfounded, only coming up with an occasional "No, we aren't!" or some such. I mean, we had nothing. They walked away laughing. I think we concluded they were jealous :p

/should have kicked their asses ;)

re: #111 brookly red

/should have kicked their asses ;)

We were too busy getting stoned and laid lol

Let's see, worst American tourists had to be the young threesome in a Cayman Island disco who kept flinging themselves while dancing into the well dressed local couple trying to just dance.
Worst foreign tourists, a German family who let their children climb and knock around in the inset window sills of an ancient mansion in South Carolina.
Also, the German couple who wanted to sun bathe in the nude in our rented garden and villa in Corfu.

re: #102 Dark_Falcon

Just drop it, please. It won't accomplish anything useful, and it will annoy Charles.

There is the possibility that is his intent.

re: #112 marjoriemoon

We were too busy getting stoned and laid lol

sex drug AND violence... what could be more American :)

re: #110 SanFranciscoZionist

I like the original British "Coupling", but apparently the American version was just FAIL.

We can't do that much frank sex. We just can't.

Yeah some just don't transpose that well. The Office has worked really well though.

re: #114 Reginald Perrin

There is the possibility that is his intent.

do you have a problem with me Reginald?

good evening Lizards..another long day here..
I'm not afraid of Heights.. I'm afraid of widths

re: #108 Obdicut

I'd say that's an example of bad generalship; not being able to forsee a possible event.

And some still fought, even after losing all leadership.

[Link: en.wikipedia.org...]

True. I think my favorite French formation of WWII was Leclerc's 2nd Free French Armored Division. It's ambush of a German Panzer brigade at Dompierre was a triumph of good tactics and the fact that they fought under Patton makes them even better.

re: #118 HoosierHoops

good evening Lizards..another long day here..
I'm not afraid of Heights.. I'm afraid of widths

phat is scary

re: #118 HoosierHoops

It's scary in the great plains.

re: #96 Alouette

Personally, I liked the Family Guy joke where the terrorist guy got into heaven and did indeed find 72 virgins.... 72 high school nerd virgins. :)

re: #106 Jadespring

I like that show.

To be fair though there are a number of British shows where versions have made their way to this side of the pond too.

Very true. The Office perhaps heads the list. It's a healthy cultural interchange.

re: #109 b_sharp

The last sentence of this post is an example of why some Europeans and Canadians find some Americans annoying.

Perhaps- but in no way does it change that reality.

Many eastern Canadians (save for Quebecois) are knee jerk anti American. The NDP, Liberal leader David Ignatieff (who studied at Harvard!) have made clear the ease in how they are ready to criticize Americans. Stephen Harper is often berated for his close ties and support of America.

As a rule, western Canadians are far more apt to be pro America with the exception of British Columbia (their lalaland)

re: #112 marjoriemoon

We were too busy getting stoned and laid lol

You didn't meet Italians from our town in Italy. We made a point of living off post, and one of our daughters went to school there (Scuola Media Dante Alighieri). A village near us has a statue of a man in coat and fedora, it's a memorial to the villagers who migrated to America. After three years, when we rotated back, her schoolmates gave my daughter an "American Wake".

The local chewing gum is named "Brooklyn".

re: #118 HoosierHoops

good evening Lizards..another long day here..
I'm not afraid of Heights.. I'm afraid of widths

LOL! They're more afraid of you, than you are of them!

re: #125 Decatur Deb

You didn't meet Italians from our town in Italy. We made a point of living off post, and one of our daughters went to school there (Scuola Media Dante Alighieri). A village near us has a statue of a man in coat and fedora, it's a memorial to the villagers who migrated to America. After three years, when we rotated back, her schoolmates gave my daughter an "American Wake".

The local chewing gum is named "Brooklyn".

nutin is more American dan Brooklyn!

re: #106 Jadespring

I like that show.

To be fair though there are a number of British shows where versions have made their way to this side of the pond too.

The (original) British version of "The Office" is so thoroughly superior to the US version that it makes my teeth itch. I was embarrassed when NBC announced they were going to rip it off Americanize it.

re: #123 Dark_Falcon

Very true. The Office perhaps heads the list. It's a healthy cultural interchange.

It is interesting to see the differences. The UK version of the Office was infinitely smarter than the American version. In general their TV is much better than ours. There's still a strong effort on British TV to educate. I love their food, cooking and gardening shows.

re: #93 Dark_Falcon

He was banned.

Really? He has shuffled off this virtual coil?

Why?

re: #113 prairiefire

Let's see, worst American tourists had to be the young threesome in a Cayman Island disco who kept flinging themselves while dancing into the well dressed local couple trying to just dance.
Worst foreign tourists, a German family who let their children climb and knock around in the inset window sills of an ancient mansion in South Carolina.
Also, the German couple who wanted to sun bathe in the nude in our rented garden and villa in Corfu.

When I first moved to FL, I worked as a hostess in one of the hotels on N Miami Beach. Whenever we had French tourists, the women always removed their bikini tops at the pool. Of course, this was not allowed. There was about 5 pool guys working at any given shift and they always fought over who would tell them to put their tops back on.

re: #85 brookly red

It was my experience that all the Arabs speak English...

Not mine. Most were Algerians.

re: #126 Floral Giraffe

LOL! They're more afraid of you, than you are of them!

Hi Cutie! Think I'll fix a Grey Goose and OJ and relax tonight..What a day!
Any good fights going on? LOL

re: #131 marjoriemoon

LOL!

re: #129 Killgore Trout

It is interesting to see the differences. The UK version of the Office was infinitely smarter than the American version. In general their TV is much better than ours. There's still a strong effort on British TV to educate. I love their food, cooking and gardening shows.

It seems to me that Americans still prefer a bit of slapstick', be it physical or verbal in their humor.

Brit humor is still predicated mostly on teh dry and double entendre variety.

re: #124 researchok

Perhaps- but in no way does it change that reality.

Many eastern Canadians (save for Quebecois) are knee jerk anti American. The NDP, Liberal leader David Ignatieff (who studied at Harvard!) have made clear the ease in how they are ready to criticize Americans. Stephen Harper is often berated for his close ties and support of America.

As a rule, western Canadians are far more apt to be pro America with the exception of British Columbia (their lalaland)

Being critical of something that is happening in the US does not mean 'anti-american.' At various times US admins and politicians have posed criticisms of Canadian stances or policies (Iraq War comes to mind) as well. Doesn't make them anti-Canadian. And while I do acknowledge that anti-american sentiment exists within the Canadian populace and some may very well be knee-jerk for some I hear and read about the same sort of sentiment about Canada from many in the south as well. (Just start a convo on the net about our healthcare system on some places on the net and the vitrol flies) We're our own country and tied quite closely to the States on many different levels those ties though don't preclude not liking particular things that the other does or promotes and being critical of them.

re: #130 austin_blue

Really? He has shuffled off this virtual coil?

Why?

He dared Charles to ban him.. Which may be the stupidest thing to do on a blog..Any Blog.. Dumb ass Cato

re: #117 brookly red

do you have a problem with me Reginald?

None whatsoever, you're are someone else's problem and invisible to me.
SEP
I promise to scroll by all your comments, except for the ones that have been down-dinged

re: #132 austin_blue

Not mine. Most were Algerians.

we got along OK...

re: #130 austin_blue

Really? He has shuffled off this virtual coil?

Why?

Suffice it to say he smarted off at Charles about LGF's subscription service. He implied it (and LGF) was a lower value for him than the Baltimore Sun. Having forgiven Cato for his earlier flounce, Charles saw no reason to tolerate having his forgiveness repaid with a insult. So he pushed the ban button.

re: #124 researchok

Perhaps- but in no way does it change that reality.

Many eastern Canadians (save for Quebecois) are knee jerk anti American. The NDP, Liberal leader David Ignatieff (who studied at Harvard!) have made clear the ease in how they are ready to criticize Americans. Stephen Harper is often berated for his close ties and support of America.

As a rule, western Canadians are far more apt to be pro America with the exception of British Columbia (their lalaland)

It is the American arrogance, not our jealousy that drives Canadian anti-American sentiment.

Your comment that ended with the assumption that Europeans and Canadians don't like Americans because we are jealous of you in some way shows the arrogance too many Americans carry with them when they visit other countries. Dump the personal arrogance, and the anti-American sentiment will be reduced to those who are pissed at the US's political arrogance in interfering with other countries. Stop that, and very few will be anti-American.

Some people will always be anti-American, some of them because of jealousy, but I have never met any C

I've been in Europe twice. Once in June 2008 before Obama was elected and in the summer of 09 when Obama was elected. I'll be honest. I didn't really feel any hostility towards me either time. I'm terrible at foreign languages but I do have an eager and healthy interest in European history and culture. One of my best experiences as an American abroad was last year when I was coming back from County Kerry making a stop in Limerick or County Clare. Anyhow, I was out of money at the moment and I was eyeing one of those family surname history things that they do for you. I just wanted to look at my dad's mom's maiden name(I'm Irish through her) so I was curious about the time. The Irish gentleman running the stand asked me if I was American to which I told him I was and he's like well I'll do ya a favor here and give you one for free just don't tell anyone. It was really cool of him. I have the name history framed on my bedroom wall now. In Vienna the previous year I met a Slovak bartender and I'm part Slovak too and she loved that. I think the best thing to do when abroad is just act respectful.

re: #127 brookly red

nutin is more American dan Brooklyn!

Image: etc1.jpg

re: #138 Reginald Perrin

None whatsoever, you're are someone else's problem and invisible to me.
SEP
I promise to scroll by all your comments, except for the ones that have been down-dinged

that would just fine Reggie..

I wish her luck and safety

Young mum is top cop in drug town

re: #129 Killgore Trout

It is interesting to see the differences. The UK version of the Office was infinitely smarter than the American version. In general their TV is much better than ours. There's still a strong effort on British TV to educate. I love their food, cooking and gardening shows.

Also, there is nothing that can compete with the UK 'Eye' on the Eccentric' type of show.

That, and the yearly Holiday interview of one Mrs Whittington type who announces that she will no longer be setiing a place for her husband at the holiday table.

'E went out for a packet pf cigarettes in 1971 and never came back. I simply cannot wait forever'.

re: #135 researchok

It seems to me that Americans still prefer a bit of slapstick', be it physical or verbal in their humor.

Brit humor is still predicated mostly on teh dry and double entendre variety.

What I find fascinating is the difference in our commercials. Europeans seem to have much more interesting adverts. For all that sex we're having, we're really very puritanical.

re: #143 Decatur Deb

Image: etc1.jpg

actually you would be surprised how many folks think Brooklyn is a State...

re: #147 marjoriemoon

What I find fascinating is the difference in our commercials. Europeans seem to have much more interesting adverts. For all that sex we're having, we're really very puritanical.

Now that's on the money!

re: #142 HappyWarrior

I think the best thing to do when abroad is just act respectful.

You nailed it.

re: #135 researchok

It seems to me that Americans still prefer a bit of slapstick', be it physical or verbal in their humor.

Sight gags and sarcasm. With rare exception, that's American TV humor.

re: #135 researchok

Speaking of slapstick, the ending of the episode of "Modern Family" with the mishaps of the old family station wagon had me doubled over with laughter.

re: #135 researchok

It seems to me that Americans still prefer a bit of slapstick', be it physical or verbal in their humor.

Amercian audiences seem to prefer a laugh track for some reason, need to be told when something is funny, usually because it isn't. 30 Rock and Community are real anomalies.

re: #148 brookly red

actually you would be surprised how many folks think Brooklyn is a State...

No, no I would not. Sadly.

re: #153 goddamnedfrank

Amercian audiences seem to prefer a laugh track for some reason, need to be told when something is funny, usually because it isn't. 30 Rock and Community are real anomalies.

Arrested Development got by without a laugh track.

As did Frasier....

re: #150 Reginald Perrin

You nailed it.

What humbles me everytime I've been abroad is knowing that so much history has taken place where I've been. My lodging in Prague for instance had been a Soviet officers' barracks I believe when the Soviets invaded Czechoslovakia and got the Germans out in '45. And seeing a centuries old Jewish cemetry was just awe striking. I also still tear up a little thinking about Dachau.

re: #152 prairiefire

Speaking of slapstick, the ending of the episode of "Modern Family" with the mishaps of the old family station wagon had me doubled over with laughter.

You aren't alone.

The word 'classic' comes to mind. The show is a winner

re: #142 HappyWarrior

Definitely. I will never forget the English telephone operator who kindly said, "Why don't you try again tomorrow, love." I was sobbing with homesickness and no one was home from school or work yet to answer the phone.

re: #155 jamesfirecat

Arrested Development got by without a laugh track.

As did Frasier...

I like 2 1/2 men...It's funny..But this last year we all figured who the 1/2 man was..

re: #141 b_sharp

It is the American arrogance, not our jealousy that drives Canadian anti-American sentiment.

Your comment that ended with the assumption that Europeans and Canadians don't like Americans because we are jealous of you in some way shows the arrogance too many Americans carry with them when they visit other countries. Dump the personal arrogance, and the anti-American sentiment will be reduced to those who are pissed at the US's political arrogance in interfering with other countries. Stop that, and very few will be anti-American.

Some people will always be anti-American, some of them because of jealousy, but I have never met any C

Americans have much to be proud about. That pride sometimes gets mistaken for arrogance. Moreover, many Canadians seem to attack the US as a way of establish themselves as different than Americans.

re: #148 brookly red

actually you would be surprised how many folks think Brooklyn is a State...

Come to think of it we should petition for statehood... we got a population of over 2 million & an official boid...

yeah, Brooklyn, the fuck yous state! Oh I can't wait!

re: #153 goddamnedfrank

Amercian audiences seem to prefer a laugh track for some reason, need to be told when something is funny, usually because it isn't. 30 Rock and Community are real anomalies.

I don't why that is. That remains a mystery to me.

Laugh tracks aren't common in Europe,

re: #141 b_sharp

Yeah the 'they don't like us cause they are jealous' meme is really lame.

I didn't want to bring that up because I love the majority of people who post here and don't find that sort of sentiment highly pervasive in this particular community so don't want to come off and generally insulting, but in my travels and work have met up with it a lot.

Mostly we just roll our eyes and shake our heads but yeah it is pretty annoying. I could relate dozens, upon dozens of stories where that particular sentiment has come up.

re: #153 goddamnedfrank

Amercian audiences seem to prefer a laugh track for some reason, need to be told when something is funny, usually because it isn't. 30 Rock and Community are real anomalies.

The sad thing is, I can't think of anything genuinely funny on TV that wouldn't be improved by the absence of the laugh track.

I'm just happy the studios never insisted on a "gasp track" for The Twilight Zone".

re: #164 negativ

The sad thing is, I can't think of anything genuinely funny on TV that wouldn't be improved by the absence of the laugh track.

I'm just happy the studios never insisted on a "gasp track" for The Twilight Zone".

WHAT A TWIST!

re: #155 jamesfirecat

Arrested Development got by without a laugh track.

As did Frasier...

Arrested Development was too good, got killed by FOX for being topical (Bluth - Hussein partnership, Mission Accomplished, etc.)

Frasier was awful, which explains why it just wouldn't die.

re: #155 jamesfirecat

Arrested Development got by without a laugh track.

As did Frasier...

Frazier was great. It was the closets thing to a Brit comedy, in my opion.

They writers never, ever talked down to their audience.

re: #166 goddamnedfrank

Arrested Development was too good, got killed by FOX for being topical (Bluth - Hussein partnership, Mission Accomplished, etc.)

Frasier was awful, which explains why it just wouldn't die.

I would have thought you'd have like Frazier- it was quite witty and sharp at times.

re: #136 Jadespring

We could never beat you in a war and we gave up trying!

re: #167 researchok

Frazier was great. It was the closets thing to a Brit comedy, in my opion.

They writers never, ever talked down to their audience.

I really liked it for Kelsey Grammer, he did a great job in that show... hell he played the same character for like 20 years, live action to not just an animated voice.... that has to be like a rechord....

re: #169 prairiefire

We could never beat you in a war and we gave up trying!

Hee. :)

re: #141 b_sharp

Very true. I had a blast, the times I traveled in Europe. I mangled the host country's language, but I tried! And people appreciated the effort. I need to get back to traveling. Hmm, where to start...

One-handed model in bra becomes overnight sensation

A one-handed model who posed in a bra for a charity ad campaign has become a European sensation.

The 35-year-old graphic designer has been swamped with requests for interviews from around Europe after appearing in a print ad for CAP48, a nonprofit organization that highlights disability issues in France and Belgium, Britain’s Daily Mail newspaper reported.

Tanja Kiewitz, who was born with her left arm ending just below her elbow, is featured wearing a low-cut black bra, with a tagline that translates from French as: “Look me in the eyes … I said the eyes.”

No dice, lady. If you're going to model a low cut bra like that, it's your boobs I'm going to pay attention to.

/Sorry, I'm a guy.

re: #160 Dark_Falcon

Americans have much to be proud about. That pride sometimes gets mistaken for arrogance. Moreover, many Canadians seem to attack the US as a way of establish themselves as different than Americans.

Yes, Americans have much to be proud of, but so do Canadians. There is no reason for Canadians to be jealous of Americans, none. Of all the people I know with an anti-American lean, and that included myself up to a few years ago, that sentiment is based on many things, but not because of jealously.

re: #135 researchok

It seems to me that Americans still prefer a bit of slapstick', be it physical or verbal in their humor.

Brit humor is still predicated mostly on teh dry and double entendre variety.

Americans have a German sense of humor. Makes sense, culturally, confuses the hell out of everyone.

re: #170 jamesfirecat

I really liked it for Kelsey Grammer, he did a great job in that show... hell he played the same character for like 20 years, live action to not just an animated voice... that has to be like a rechord...

The repartee between Frazier and Niles alone made the show worth watching.

The dad, the producer and the occasional Lilith episode were just the icing.

Hey, has anyone seen RED yet?

For some reason I want all my future girlfriends to have a little something in common with Helen Mirren. Don't know why...

re: #142 HappyWarrior

Respect goes a LONG way!
Great story of your trip!

re: #175 SanFranciscoZionist

Americans have a German sense of humor. Makes sense, culturally, confuses the hell out of everyone.

*just spewed water*

re: #129 Killgore Trout

There is also QI, the best TV quiz show ever.

Elvira spoofs Christine O'Donnell[Link: www.huffingtonpost.com...]

re: #173 Dark_Falcon

One-handed model in bra becomes overnight sensation

No dice, lady. If you're going to model a low cut bra like that, it's your boobs I'm going to pay attention to.

/Sorry, I'm a guy.

I can't do either.

Sorry but it trips the Uncanny Valley for me.

I like my women like I like my cars, symetrical!

re: #145 ozbloke

I wish her luck and safety

Young mum is top cop in drug town

Damn. Now that would be a cop show.

Prayers in her direction.

re: #177 rwmofo

Hey, has anyone seen RED yet?

For some reason I want all my future girlfriends to have a little something in common with Helen Mirren. Don't know why...

red is just a state of mind... can you dig it?

re: #172 Floral Giraffe

Very true. I had a blast, the times I traveled in Europe. I mangled the host country's language, but I tried! And people appreciated the effort. I need to get back to traveling. Hmm, where to start...

This used to be Elderhostel, but they have opened to all ages.

[Link: www.google.com...]

re: #175 SanFranciscoZionist

Americans have a German sense of humor. Makes sense, culturally, confuses the hell out of everyone.

POLLLANNNDD!

POLLLANDDDD!

re: #147 marjoriemoon

What I find fascinating is the difference in our commercials. Europeans seem to have much more interesting adverts. For all that sex we're having, we're really very puritanical.

Oh yeah.

re: #177 rwmofo

Hey, has anyone seen RED yet?

For some reason I want all my future girlfriends to have a little something in common with Helen Mirren. Don't know why...

Or anything with Patricia Routledge

Anything!

She did 'Keeping Up Appearances' and 'Hetty Wainthropp Investigates' were perfect.

re: #180 Obdicut

Nice to see Rich Hall is still getting work.

re: #173 Dark_Falcon

One-handed model in bra becomes overnight sensation

No dice, lady. If you're going to model a low cut bra like that, it's your boobs I'm going to pay attention to.

/Sorry, I'm a guy.

Don't bother apologizing to me.

re: #177 rwmofo

Hey, has anyone seen RED yet?

For some reason I want all my future girlfriends to have a little something in common with Helen Mirren. Don't know why...

This Red was an excellent film, as were Blue and White

re: #167 researchok

Frazier was great. It was the closets thing to a Brit comedy, in my opion.

They writers never, ever talked down to their audience.

I thought it was tiresome.

re: #177 rwmofo

Hey, has anyone seen RED yet?

For some reason I want all my future girlfriends to have a little something in common with Helen Mirren. Don't know why...

Ageing well, having a strong sense of person, and well, HOT?

re: #177 rwmofo

Hey, has anyone seen RED yet?

For some reason I want all my future girlfriends to have a little something in common with Helen Mirren. Don't know why...

I saw it two weeks ago on the 4th.

Not that I'm barging about how my start up company job got me 4 tickets to a premiere showing or anything....

Well to be fair I have met lots of European tourists who have expressed jealously of Canada and a strong desire to move here. Doesn't have anything to do with our politics or culture though. It's a jealously of the vast swaths of natural beauty and relatively untouched and not crowded outdoor spaces. :)

re: #192 SanFranciscoZionist

I thought it was tiresome.

I loved that show.

Must be a guy thing....

re: #177 rwmofo

Hey, has anyone seen RED yet?

For some reason I want all my future girlfriends to have a little something in common with Helen Mirren. Don't know why...

I've seen it. It's fairly good. Not really memorable, but good. The only real grip I have is that they cast Julian McMahon as the bad-guy vice president but didn't really use him. His "bad-guy charm" could have worked well in the movie.

re: #192 SanFranciscoZionist

I thought it was tiresome.

I did too. It was massively predictable. They may not have talked down to their audience, but the plots were telegraphed from about a mile away.

"FRASIER'S ABOUT TO LEARN ABOUT LIFE FROM A WORKING CLASS PERSON-- HERE IT COMES..."

re: #179 researchok

*just spewed water*

Well, we do. Seriously. We'd notice if it wasn't for the Germans speaking, well, German.

Because vaccinations are evvvvil: [Link: m.cnn.com...]

... Hard to make light of this sad story.

re: #199 SanFranciscoZionist

Well, we do. Seriously. We'd notice if it wasn't for the Germans speaking, well, German.

I hear Hogan's Heroes does very well in Germany.... which makes about as much sense of Medal of Honor Pacific Campaign selling well in Japan if you stop to think about it...

re: #195 Jadespring

Well to be fair I have met lots of European tourists who have expressed jealously of Canada and a strong desire to move here. Doesn't have anything to do with our politics or culture though. It's a jealously of the vast swaths of natural beauty and relatively untouched and not crowded outdoor spaces. :)

You won't like them as much once they cut down all your trees and fill the tundra with rowhouses.

re: #182 jamesfirecat

I can't do either.

Sorry but it trips the Uncanny Valley for me.

I like my women like I like my cars, symetrical!

But that's why it's not called a hands job.

re: #200 APox

broken link.

re: #195 Jadespring

Well to be fair I have met lots of European tourists who have expressed jealously of Canada and a strong desire to move here. Doesn't have anything to do with our politics or culture though. It's a jealously of the vast swaths of natural beauty and relatively untouched and not crowded outdoor spaces. :)

I've been to Montreal (that and SF are my two favorite cities), Banff, Lake Louise, etc as well as Halifax and NS. I've even been to Winnipeg which shocked me. That is no backwater, by any means.

Unbelievable beauty- and great, great people.

re: #185 Decatur Deb

This used to be Elderhostel, but they have opened to all ages.

[Link: www.google.com...]

Favorited, to look at later.
With evil intent! And itchy feet!
Thank you!

re: #202 Killgore Trout

You won't like them as much once they cut down all your trees and fill the tundra with rowhouses.

damn straight! that's our job!

re: #201 jamesfirecat

I hear Hogan's Heroes does very well in Germany... which makes about as much sense of Medal of Honor Pacific Campaign selling well in Japan if you stop to think about it...

I hear Baywatch does very well in Germany.

This does not say a whole lot for Germans, but as a proud citizen of the country that produced the thing, what can I say?

re: #205 researchok

Do not cross the street before the light says "go". They will cut you./

re: #205 researchok

I've been to Montreal (that and SF are my two favorite cities), Banff, Lake Louise, etc as well as Halifax and NS. I've even been to Winnipeg which shocked me. That is no backwater, by any means.

Unbelievable beauty- and great, great people.

I have never been to Canada. I am told I need to fix that.

re: #208 SanFranciscoZionist

I hear Baywatch does very well in Germany.

This does not say a whole lot for Germans, but as a proud citizen of the country that produced the thing, what can I say?

Germans like blonds... Germans like boobs. Why would it not do well?

re: #208 SanFranciscoZionist

I hear Baywatch does very well in Germany.

This does not say a whole lot for Germans, but as a proud citizen of the country that produced the thing, what can I say?

Well the star of Baywatch, David Hasselhoff, is German. So the show had a built in angle right there.

re: #210 SanFranciscoZionist

If you go by canoe in the boundary waters wilderness, you can sneak in.

re: #213 jaunte

If you go by canoe in the boundary waters wilderness, you can sneak in.

I was thinking of just flying to Montreal or something, but I guess that might work too.

re: #208 SanFranciscoZionist

David Hasselhof's career was made in Germany.
Go figure!
They love him!

re: #212 Dark_Falcon

Well the star of Baywatch, David Hasselhoff, is German. So the show had a built in angle right there.

Lets we all forget Germans Love David Hasselhoff

(Warning it's a TV tropes link, prepare to kiss the rest of your night goodbye after clicking...)

re: #210 SanFranciscoZionist

I have never been to Canada. I am told I need to fix that.

You have got to visit Montreal. It really is 'Half New York and Half 'Paree'.

The food is extraordinary, the culture has real depth and people are just...incroyable.

re: #205 researchok

I've been to Montreal (that and SF are my two favorite cities), Banff, Lake Louise, etc as well as Halifax and NS. I've even been to Winnipeg which shocked me. That is no backwater, by any means.

Unbelievable beauty- and great, great people.

Yeah Winnipeg gets a bum rap at times. It's a neat city. I've driven across Canada from Ontario to BC a few times. Lived on the West Coast before I moved here. Also lived in the Yukon for a bit, that was wild. Actually anywhere in the north of the provinces is pretty wild. I haven't made it to the East Coast yet though but it's on the list.

re: #211 brookly red

Germans like blonds... Germans like boobs. Why would it not do well?

Wait a minute. I'm not German. Dude. OK, I'll put the bong down...but just for a few minutes while I try to figure this out.

re: #210 SanFranciscoZionist

Vancouver was very beautiful.
The people were nice, and it was a good multi-culti mix, as any big city should do well.

re: #210 SanFranciscoZionist

I have never been to Canada. I am told I need to fix that.

Well if you ever make it to my neck of the woods I'll show you around. :)

re: #217 researchok

You have got to visit Montreal. It really is 'Half New York and Half 'Paree'.

The food is extraordinary, the culture has real depth and people are just...incroyable.

I love Montreal!

re: #219 rwmofo

Wait a minute. I'm not German. Dude. OK, I'll put the bong down...but just for a few minutes while I try to figure this out.

maybe you have German roots... do you like beer?

re: #222 HoosierHoops

I love Montreal!

Hey Hoops!

re: #207 brookly red

damn straight! that's our job!

Sorry Brookly, but you'll never get a chance to cut all our trees down, we're way ahead of you. We're putting together a huge attack armada of canoes that will be used to attack and capture the White House and rule over you Americans with an iron fist. A polite iron fist.

re: #220 Floral Giraffe

Vancouver was very beautiful.
The people were nice, and it was a good multi-culti mix, as any big city should do well.

Vancouver is awesome. I'll admit my bias though. I grew up there.

The only reason I'm not still there is because one it's super expensive to live in well and I'm not into cities. If I was forced to choose a city though that would be it.

re: #224 LudwigVanQuixote

Hey Hoops!

Hi Lugwig! just settling down here in College Town..
Hope you are well

re: #225 b_sharp

Sorry Brookly, but you'll never get a chance to cut all our trees down, we're way ahead of you. We're putting together a huge attack armada of canoes that will be used to attack and capture the White House and rule over you Americans with an iron fist. A polite iron fist.

take a number & cue up...

re: #218 Jadespring

Yeah Winnipeg gets a bum rap at times. It's a neat city. I've driven across Canada from Ontario to BC a few times. Lived on the West Coast before I moved here. Also lived in the Yukon for a bit, that was wild. Actually anywhere in the north of the provinces is pretty wild. I haven't made it to the East Coast yet though but it's on the list.

WOW- that's some trip!

Winnipeg has great food and incredible music. There was a Jazz cafe run by some Polish guy that was just outstanding.

As for Montreal, it really is one of the world's great cities. Toronto is nice, a creative center, etc, but it just doesn't have the soul Montreal has. I do recall making a point to see the statue of the 'Kind of Kensington'. We used to watch that regularly. I could identify with his world (read: Neighborhood).

I was also in Hamilton (factory town, sort of) but I actually liked the character of the place.

re: #206 Floral Giraffe

Their big savings trick is that they often use accommodations at out-of -cycle colleges, and even convents, IIRC.

re: #222 HoosierHoops

I love Montreal!

Clearly, you are a man of exquisite taste and refinement.

re: #223 brookly red

maybe you have German roots... do you like beer?

Let's just say that the definition of an alcohol problem for me is when I don't have any.

re: #210 SanFranciscoZionist

I have never been to Canada. I am told I need to fix that.

Please. Just make it in summer.

Although if you do come up to Saskatchewan in winter I can certainly throw together a comfortable guest igloo for you. I'll even put a door on it to keep out the dogs. They're friendly as can be but, depending on what I catch to feed them, they can get pretty gassy.

re: #18 SanFranciscoZionist

As someone who lives in a major tourist destination area, I would like to politely comment that Europeans are not, actually, nearly as polite or culturally adaptable as they would like to believe.

That may have more to do with the specific destination than with Europeans. At destinations where every other class of visitor, black, white, Asian, Mexican...gives hope that the world may yet turn out just fine, Europeans do not disappoint.

Yes, such destinations exist. After ruling out the national parks you know do not begin to fit that description, you're there.

re: #232 rwmofo

Let's just say that the definition of an alcohol problem for me is when I don't have any.

///For me its two hands two beers, one mouth.

re: #233 b_sharp

Please. Just make it in summer.

Although if you do come up to Saskatchewan in winter I can certainly throw together a comfortable guest igloo for you. I'll even put a door on it to keep out the dogs. They're friendly as can be but, depending on what I catch to feed them, they can get pretty gassy.

Oh, the dogs can come in. I love dogs. Even gassy dogs.

:)

re: #232 rwmofo

Let's just say that the definition of an alcohol problem for me is when I don't have any.

damn busted! I need to uhh take a walk... yeah you know to the bodega... just a walk.

re: #213 jaunte

If you go by canoe in the boundary waters wilderness, you can sneak in.

The difficult part is sneaking out on the other side. The road net is heavily patrolled. Even in the good old days of little security, one got a grilling upon emerging from that labyrinth.

re: #234 lostlakehiker

That may have more to do with the specific destination than with Europeans. At destinations where every other class of visitor, black, white, Asian, Mexican...gives hope that the world may yet turn out just fine, Europeans do not disappoint.

Yes, such destinations exist. After ruling out the national parks you know do not begin to fit that description, you're there.

Would you like to translate that, because I'm not entirely sure what you just said?

re: #214 SanFranciscoZionist

I was thinking of just flying to Montreal or something, but I guess that might work too.

Here's some of the scenery there. It's wonderfully quiet.
Image: File:Pose_lake_Minnesota.jpg

re: #236 SanFranciscoZionist

Who's in your avatar?

re: #236 SanFranciscoZionist

Oh, the dogs can come in. I love dogs. Even gassy dogs.

:)

/canine flatulence is a major contributor of green house gases...

re: #234 lostlakehiker

That may have more to do with the specific destination than with Europeans. At destinations where every other class of visitor, black, white, Asian, Mexican...gives hope that the world may yet turn out just fine, Europeans do not disappoint.

Yes, such destinations exist. After ruling out the national parks you know do not begin to fit that description, you're there.

The Dutch, British and Germans have miserable reputations as tourists. One of these groups regularly ranks ahead of Americans in "ugly tourist" polls. Ask the Spanish how they feel about the summer beach season.

re: #231 researchok

Clearly, you are a man of exquisite taste and refinement.

Last summer I did a top 10 cities that I love list.. If I recall Montreal came in #5. Just a wonderful place to visit...I could live there

re: #229 researchok

WOW- that's some trip!

Winnipeg has great food and incredible music. There was a Jazz cafe run by some Polish guy that was just outstanding.

As for Montreal, it really is one of the world's great cities. Toronto is nice, a creative center, etc, but it just doesn't have the soul Montreal has. I do recall making a point to see the statue of the 'Kind of Kensington'. We used to watch that regularly. I could identify with his world (read: Neighborhood).

I was also in Hamilton (factory town, sort of) but I actually liked the character of the place.

Yeah that's a good way of describing them. I have been to Montreal but would like to go back. I didn't experience enough of it at the time. Toronto is now the big city I go when I do the big city thing. Usually to visit relatives and to see show or go to some big event. I would never want to live there though, too sprawly and with dull scenery as far as cities go. I got spoiled by Vancouver. If I had to choose a big Ontario city to live in I'd choose Ottawa. I just like the way it looks plus it just has a really neat atmosphere.

I've spent quite a bit of time around the Hamilton area too. It is a old factory town and has that air about it. Was huge mob town as well.

re: #241 rwmofo

Who's in your avatar?

Achinoam Nini and Mira Awad. Israeli-Jewish and Israeli-Arab singers, who went to Eurovision together to represent Israel.

They sang a song called "There Must Be Another Way".

re: #244 HoosierHoops

Last summer I did a top 10 cities that I love list.. If I recall Montreal came in #5. Just a wonderful place to visit...I could live there

I hear that. I just loved the city, the European feel, etc.

Maybe we could be neighbors.

Greetings, fellow human/monkey hybrid science tyrants!
;)