Ace of Spades HQ

March 02, 2014

Sunday Travel and Leisure Thread: Cowboys and Shamrocks Edition [Y-not]
— Open Blogger

This thread brought to you by airline stewardesses of the 1960s:

Today is supposed to be a nice one in my neck of the woods (after several days of rain and gloom), so this will be a slapdash Travel and Leisure thread.
Yesterday on the gardening thread we got talking a little bit about plants that bloom in early Spring and it reminded me just how nice Houston can be at this time of year. Now some of you might not think of Houston as a tourist destination, but you might want to reconsider that. ItÂ’s a large, vibrant city with solid arts and sports scenes, plus very good restaurants. Getting there is convenient, especially by air via one of two airports. And, believe it or not, the weather is actually pretty nice right now.

There are a couple of major events of note occurring in Houston this month. One is the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, which runs from March 4th through 23rd. Mr Y-not and I went to it when we were living in GodÂ’s Country and enjoyed it. ThatÂ’s really saying something since in general we donÂ’t go in for those sorts of large format, big crowd things. Of course, when we went it was held in the old Astrodome so I canÂ’t speak to the current venue. 'Anybody been to it now that it's in Reliant?

Another upcoming event is the Azalea Trail, which takes place next weekend. Azaleas are generally at their peak at this time of year and some of the displays are truly spectacular. My personal favorites were the gardens at Bayou Bend, the site of the amazing Ima Hogg (yes, really) mansion.

They are truly spectacular gardens -- so much so that they made this list of best gardens to visit from around the world.

Of course, March is also when cities around the globe hold Saint PatrickÂ’s Day parades and celebrations. Now, I must confess, I did not even know Houston had a parade, but apparently it does. I donÂ’t recall it being a big deal when I lived there.

I have lived in U.S. cities that are known for St. PatrickÂ’s Day celebrations, most notably Boston and Chicago. Can you believe that I never went to either cityÂ’s celebrations, despite being a card-carrying Â“mick?Â” I denounce myself! (Incidentally, the Boston parade will include a gay pride group for the first time, apparently.) I donÂ’t feel too badly about missing BostonÂ’s celebration, but I feel kind of dumb for missing ChicagoÂ’s famous green river. Oh well!

Further afield, the jet setters among us might want to consider these global travel destinations recommended for this time of year. Those beaches look pretty sweet from where IÂ’m sitting.

Where do you like to go during March?

To conclude the thread, how about a little Irish dancing...

...And some fried chicken? (Skip to 1:05 if you don't want to watch the intro.)

(I love this song. The Zac Brown Band will be playing at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo on March 23rd.)

Happy travels!

**Late addition: Jim in Galveston is interested in seeing about a Houston-area moron meetup. See the comments below.**

Posted by: Open Blogger at 04:25 AM | Comments (118)
Post contains 547 words, total size 5 kb.

1 First!

Posted by: Y-not at March 02, 2014 04:27 AM (zDsvJ)

2 PSA rocks the HELL out of North Beach!

Posted by: Tonto at March 02, 2014 04:28 AM (q+fqH)

3 Love the show cattle at the Livestock Show and Rodeo! It even has its own store at Hobby Airport! Speaking of which, remember TransTexas Airlines in the 60s? We called it Treetop Airlines.. Stewardesses were pretty hot, though

Posted by: TexasJew at March 02, 2014 04:31 AM (U+u4A)

4 I remember really liking the Calf Scramble and also the amazing sums of money that were involved in the Livestock Auction.

Posted by: Y-not at March 02, 2014 04:33 AM (zDsvJ)

5 How are the azaleas this year, TexasJew?

Posted by: Y-not at March 02, 2014 04:34 AM (zDsvJ)

6 This set of woman-shaming vintage ads has an airline ad showing how beautiful the rejected stewardess-applicants are. "We pass up 19 girls before we get one that qualifies". http://vaviper.blogspot.com/2014/02/selling-shame-40-outrageous-vintage-ads.html

Posted by: debby at March 02, 2014 04:38 AM (TOVm6)

7 Pointy Elbows on a Plane. Perhaps Liam Neeson could produce it and redeem himself for the POS he's currently in.

Posted by: 98ZJUSMC Rounding Error Extraordinaire at March 02, 2014 04:39 AM (e/RrC)

8 Dig the hats.

Posted by: Y-not at March 02, 2014 04:40 AM (zDsvJ)

9 Groovy.... Swinging Stu's. Sexy.

Posted by: Truck Monkey, Gruntled New Business Owner at March 02, 2014 04:43 AM (jucos)

10 I miss the 'good old days' of hot female stewardesses. Last time I flew it was 50/50 ratio of plain Jane pleasantly plump females and gay guy stews. There used to be a legitimate reason why thin females were desirable to an airline: it cost less to ferry them around.

Posted by: SE Pa Moron [/i] at March 02, 2014 04:45 AM (CnA98)

11 I have actually flown on PSA..... As well as Allegheny, Braniff, Southern Airlines, Republic, TWA, Pan Am, Northwest Orient.... among others. The Airline industry has not changed for the better. Far from it. Flying used to be an event.

Posted by: Truck Monkey, Gruntled New Business Owner at March 02, 2014 04:45 AM (jucos)

12 Remember Piedmont? IIRC we called them Lame Duck Airlines.

Posted by: Y-not at March 02, 2014 04:47 AM (zDsvJ)

13 Thanks Y-Not for doing tis thread every week! I love to travel and I'm always looking for great ideas for places to visit next. Never been to Texas, but I think it's going on my list of places to visit. I've returned to Pittsburgh after living away for over 25 years. Have spent the last six months rediscovering history and architecture in the 'Burgh. Lots of Gilded Age mansions and Whiskey Rebellion era sites to visit around here. Be forewarned, travelers....much of the area shuts down for the winter months, except for the nature trail aspects of the historical parks. I believe Pittsburgh has a pretty big St. Patrick's Day parade downtown that weekend. Of course sports is REALLY big out here. Steelers and Penguins, mostly. The fans are rabid.... Finalizing my plans for Venice Italy in two weeks. I really need to get away from the ravages of Global Warming. I'm staying in a hotel about two blocks behind St. Marks Basilica and plan to walk or take the vaporetto (water taxi) to most of the spots on my itinerary. The thing that blows people away out here, is that I'm going solo! Did that in Boston and also San Francisco and really enjoyed both my trips! I like the idea of not having to coordinate and just spending more or less time, as the mood strikes. And not being tied to someone's meal schedule. Anybody been to Venice? I've got the major sites planned out, but there might be something I'm overlooking. Will do a day touring Murano and Burano before I leave, but I'm primarily focusing on Sestiere San Marco and Rialto.

Posted by: NoLongerintheBellyoftheBeast at March 02, 2014 04:50 AM (D/mKE)

14 So which one is the guy?

Posted by: freaked at March 02, 2014 04:51 AM (JdEZJ)

15 Y-not, I'm out in dry old West Texas, 800 miles west of the Azaleas, sad to say But I was in Houston two weeks ago, and the flowers were beautiful.

Posted by: TexasJew at March 02, 2014 04:54 AM (U+u4A)

16 10 There used to be a legitimate reason why thin females were desirable to an airline: it cost less to ferry them around. ____________________ Well have you seen the fat slob customers they're ferrying around these days? Nobody's asking you to wear a bat-wing collar and spats, Dude Who Sat Next To Me On My Last Flight, but pajama bottoms and a stained t-shirt are not appropriate travel togs.

Posted by: All Hail Eris at March 02, 2014 04:55 AM (QBm1P)

17 PSA gives you a lift

Posted by: Urban Achiever at March 02, 2014 04:56 AM (pALeG)

18
The best slogan from any airline was the original Continental chaired by Robert Six, "We Really Move Our Tails For You."

Second place to United for "Hi, I'm Jean, Fly Me!

After destroying these ad campaigns, the feminist further challenged the weight and height requirements for most carriers which resulted in today's sloven fat-assed bad attitude clunkers.

Posted by: Doctor Fish at March 02, 2014 04:56 AM (nQjHM)

19 I love the Zac Brown Band.

Posted by: grammie winger at March 02, 2014 04:56 AM (oMKp3)

20 Anybody been to Venice? I've got the major sites planned out, but there might be something I'm overlooking. Will do a day touring Murano and Burano before I leave, but I'm primarily focusing on Sestiere San Marco and Rialto.

Posted by: NoLongerintheBellyoftheBeast at March 02, 2014 08:50 AM (D/mKE)

------------

I've been to Venice. I could live the rest of my life in Venice. Wish I had time to tell you all the one hundred reasons why but I am off to church. Trust me, you'll love it.

Posted by: grammie winger at March 02, 2014 04:58 AM (oMKp3)

21 Posted by: NoLongerintheBellyoftheBeast at March 02, 2014 08:50 AM Wow, that sounds wonderful, both the trip to Venice and re-discovering your home town. I'm pretty sure we have some morons who've traveled extensively in Italy. Texas is worth a visit - at the right time of year! Working on this post made me a little "homesick" for Houston, where we lived for about seven years.

Posted by: Y-not at March 02, 2014 04:59 AM (zDsvJ)

22 Azaleas? Heh. Maybe in two months. Meanwhile, I'm afraid the cold has killed our Gardenia.

Posted by: Mike Hammer at March 02, 2014 04:59 AM (aDwsi)

23 I for one am totally digging the Classic Trek-esque pink and puce stew uniforms. I wonder if today's flight attendants would like spiffier gear. Maybe not minis and go-go boots, but a nod to an earlier, classier style.

Posted by: All Hail Eris at March 02, 2014 04:59 AM (QBm1P)

24 Trans Texas Airways became Continental became United. They now suck larger than ever. Southwest Airlines is the most fun. Ex-CEO Herb Keller encouraged humor and the flight crews are a blast. Sung to the Rawhide tune: "Landing, landing, landing... Soon we will be landing. If you are still standing, you'll fly!"

Posted by: Mr. Dave at March 02, 2014 04:59 AM (vBKG5)

25 Well have you seen the fat slob customers they're ferrying around these days? Nobody's asking you to wear a bat-wing collar and spats, Dude Who Sat Next To Me On My Last Flight, but pajama bottoms and a stained t-shirt are not appropriate travel togs. Posted by: All Hail Eris ------------------ Traveling by air has become the equivalent of traveling by bus.

Posted by: Mike Hammer at March 02, 2014 05:01 AM (aDwsi)

Hello from Sydney on Monday morning - work is just a few hours away

Not on the list of cheap Asian destinations for you to maybe consider

Vietnam - I visited a few years back, mainly because my interest in Aussies in war history and I loved it

People are amazingly friendly, hotels are pretty good, food is wonderful..

I wish I was younger because I would head to the NW of Vietnam and do a dirtbike tour - which my son and some mates are doing in October

Depending on how much time you have for the actual flights, I would recommend some of the Pacific island nations - forget New Caledonia- too expensive but Tonga and Samoa are beautiful all year round

My favourite - Vanuatu because it's only 3 hours away from Sydney and doable for a long weekend

Posted by: aussie at March 02, 2014 05:01 AM (nP3cM)

27 Yeah, I like Southwest, too. I'm not a fan of the open seating - mostly because it's a constant reminder that 20% of the population are selfish dicks - but I think they have the best boarding process, as well as fun safety presentations.

Posted by: Y-not at March 02, 2014 05:02 AM (zDsvJ)

28 buffalo ny has a couple of st Patrick's parades. you've got the official one, then the southtowns mick-only parade

Posted by: Bigby's Knuckle Sandwich at March 02, 2014 05:02 AM (KgN8K)

29 Ah back before PC and asshole guys of dubious manliness wanting to be stews and getting the courts to make the airlines do it.

Posted by: Vic[/i] at March 02, 2014 05:02 AM (T2V/1)

30 Does anybody here know if that Koala Bear ever resolved his grievance with Qantas?

Posted by: Urban Achiever at March 02, 2014 05:04 AM (pALeG)

31 >>28 buffalo ny has a couple of st Patrick's parades. My mom's hometown of Holyoke, MA, used to have a pretty big St. Paddy's Day parade. We happened to be visiting my grandparents one year when it was occurring and Ted Kennedy was marching in it. For some reason my sister rushed out to kiss him. I would have done something less pleasant had I had my wits about me!

Posted by: Y-not at March 02, 2014 05:04 AM (zDsvJ)

32 San Antonio dyes the SA River green for St. Pat's day. Spend the day on the river walk, eat great Tex-Mex, go to the Alamo. I love Texas.

Posted by: Mr. Dave at March 02, 2014 05:05 AM (vBKG5)

33 Airlines have turned into cattle cars.

Posted by: Bipedal Hominid at March 02, 2014 05:08 AM (8g/do)

34 I gather the Magnolia Gardens in those pics is the one in Charleston and not Hartsville, SC?

Posted by: Vic[/i] at March 02, 2014 05:08 AM (T2V/1)

35 If I had seen the flesh of Ted Kennedy on a street I would still be in jail. I caused a scene when I ran into Jesse Jackson at the Offshore Technology Conference a few years ago.

Posted by: Mr. Dave at March 02, 2014 05:08 AM (vBKG5)

36 I flew Southwest on many Friday nights after working my ass off all week from Houston to New Orleans for party weekends in the late seventies. We all fell off the plane after landing from drunkenness and laughing. The cab drivers were ready for us as were the hotels. Ah misspent youth.

Posted by: Lester at March 02, 2014 05:09 AM (2UPXV)

37 WTF? You guys go to a show and look at cows?

And you pay for it??

As I said.. WTF??

Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at March 02, 2014 05:09 AM (b/lt+)

38 Airline service not what it used to be? Look for the Union label..

Posted by: Mike Hammer at March 02, 2014 05:10 AM (aDwsi)

39 32 San Antonio dyes the SA River green for St. Pat's day.... Oh they do, do they? Hmm ....

Posted by: EPA attorney for delta smelt and shit at March 02, 2014 05:10 AM (pALeG)

40 I won't go to a St. Paddy's day parade.

Too many micks there. (and scandis too)

Posted by: Bitter Clinger and All That (Microaggressive SoCon) at March 02, 2014 05:10 AM (LSDdO)

41 >>>There used to be a legitimate reason why thin females were desirable to an airline: it cost less to ferry them around. In the early days of commercial aviation they needed crew that could double as nurses, that's why women were originally hired.

Posted by: Dr. Varno at March 02, 2014 05:11 AM (V4CBV)

42 I used to have three azalea bushes here that I planted when I first moved in, but they got transplanted so many times due to home remodeling and changes it killed them, I do have a LOT of camellias now. About half a dozen that bloom in the spring (starting now) and then again later in the Summer. And then a bunch that had a weird name when I bought them that bloom in the late fall around October.

Posted by: Vic[/i] at March 02, 2014 05:12 AM (T2V/1)

43 Anybody been to Venice? I've got the major sites planned out, but there might be something I'm overlooking.

I've never been to Venice but I've been to Oxford in England and was amazed to turn a corner and see the Bridge of Sighs reproduced above a cobble stone road. I plan to go see the original when I win the lottery.

Posted by: Retread at March 02, 2014 05:12 AM (cHwk5)

44 Brookgreen Garden. South of Myrtle Beach http://www.brookgreen.org/

Posted by: Mike Hammer at March 02, 2014 05:12 AM (aDwsi)

45 Chi-Town Jerry: That's right you're not from Texas. That's right you're not from Texas. That's right you're not from Texas. But Texas wants you anyway. --Lyle Lovett

Posted by: Mr. Dave at March 02, 2014 05:13 AM (vBKG5)

46 Venice- I don't know about how much actual fun it is, but I found it very interesting to visit the ghetto. Low ceilinged, multi- storied to cram people in according to occupancy law. I was told this is the original ghetto but don't know about that. Take some granola bars and a jar of peanut butter. Food very expensive for what you get.

Posted by: Justamom at March 02, 2014 05:14 AM (Sptt8)

47 WTF? You guys go to a show and look at cows?

Yep. And horses, and chickens, and sheep. Even goats. They are raised by very talented children (future farmers and ranchers) who will one day be feeding you. We think a lot of them because they aren't little shits demanding college educations for no effort. They even get trophies that they EARN.

Posted by: Lester at March 02, 2014 05:15 AM (2UPXV)

48 Lake LBJ. Next Friday for four days or 100 beers. Whichever comes first.

Posted by: Pendejo at March 02, 2014 05:15 AM (LwBq5)

49 >>Brookgreen Garden. South of Myrtle Beach Beautiful gardens. Took a day trip there from Pawley's Island, which itself is a great destination. Pretty and quiet -- pretty much the anti-Myrtle Beach.

Posted by: Dr. Varno at March 02, 2014 05:18 AM (V4CBV)

50 Someone set up a Twitter feed for him, natch.

Were you on Twitter when the snake escaped from the Bronx Zoo? He went missing for 8 or 10 days and whoever ran that twitter account was lol funny.

Posted by: Retread at March 02, 2014 05:18 AM (cHwk5)

51 Anybody been to Venice? I've got the major sites planned out, but there might be something I'm overlooking. Will do a day touring Murano and Burano before I leave, but I'm primarily focusing on Sestiere San Marco and Rialto.
.........
Dan Brown's latest book "Inferno" took place in Venice. That is one place I would like to visit... and Rome.

I found this website that does all the major sites in that book in pictures..

http://tinyurl.com/m6vtsfp

Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at March 02, 2014 05:18 AM (b/lt+)

52 Pretty and quiet -- pretty much the anti-Myrtle Beach. Posted by: Dr. Varno ----------------- I despise Myrtle Beach. An object lesson in development run amok.

Posted by: Mike Hammer at March 02, 2014 05:19 AM (aDwsi)

53 Yep. And horses, and chickens, and sheep. Even goats. They are raised by very talented children (future farmers and ranchers) who will one day be feeding you. We think a lot of them because they aren't little shits demanding college educations for no effort. They even get trophies that they EARN. Posted by: Lester at March 02, 2014 09:15 AM (2UPXV) This!

Posted by: Urban Achiever at March 02, 2014 05:19 AM (pALeG)

54 I've stayed at The Venetian in Vegas. Does that help?

Posted by: Pendejo at March 02, 2014 05:20 AM (LwBq5)

55 I couldn't keep my rhododendron alive, but for the biggest, most beautiful you must visit Ireland. Enormous. Just south of Dublin at Powerscourt. It was a super family-friendly vacation. We flew into Dublin, rented a car and flew out of Shannon. We didn't even make any reservations; just popped in at mostly home B&Bs. Huge Irish breakfast everywhere, hold the blood sausages.

Posted by: Justamom at March 02, 2014 05:21 AM (Sptt8)

56 On the colonial Parkway just outside Williamsburg is a magnolia tree standing in majestic, solitary splendor in a spot that encourages it to bloom early. I've been known to pull over and cross the field to enjoy the scent.

Posted by: Retread at March 02, 2014 05:22 AM (cHwk5)

57 Y-not, what is the koala's twitter nic?

Posted by: Retread at March 02, 2014 05:26 AM (cHwk5)

58 Justamom-- I have the Ghetto and museum on day 3 of my trip. If my history reading is accurate, this is the area that the word "ghetto" originates. So, yes, the first ghetto. Looks to be very Judaica oriented (or course). I'm Catholic, but I'm not planning on doing the entire church tour. I did plan a concert that is held in a church. (They do that a LOT there, I've been told.) And the official symphony, La Fenice is on tour right now, so that's my alternative for the music experience. Vivaldi of course. I try to schedule something symphony-related with most trips. My son toured Milano and northern Italy several years ago with the Maryland Youth Symphony, and I miss the concert experience. He's in Tempe right now, studying and performing. BTW, Phoenix/Scottsdale has a robust music scene, for the music lovers out there. He gives computer tutorials to a retired business owner that became a major philanthropist for the Phoenix cultural organizations.

Posted by: NoLongerintheBellyoftheBeast at March 02, 2014 05:29 AM (D/mKE)

59 Somebody please tell me about their fun in the sun, cuz I'm iced/snowed in with second wave coming in a few hours. We were going to go for one of those all inclusive beach vacays, but my mom had an awful surgery with a long recovery and needs me. My SIL wants us to head down for the rodeo in Houston if we can. She makes it sounds very posh.

Posted by: Justamom at March 02, 2014 05:29 AM (Sptt8)

60 Vic @ 35-
A few others are Brookgreen, Edisto, and Boone Hall. But then you already knew what I was going to say. Yes, I was born and raised in SC. 'Beautiful places. Beautiful faces.

Posted by: Erowmero at March 02, 2014 05:32 AM (OONaw)

61 And speaking of Myrtle Beach, early March is Canadian week there.It will be crappy there this week due to rain, but the next week the avg temps are normally in the 60s but who knows in the era of the ice age.

If it isn't raining those low 60s temps are good for golf and Myrtle Beach has some of the best golf courses in the country.

Posted by: Vic[/i] at March 02, 2014 05:34 AM (T2V/1)

62 64 Posted by: Erowmero at March 02, 2014 09:32 AM (OONaw)

I would like to go down to Boon Hall. That is one of my "one of these days" things.

Posted by: Vic[/i] at March 02, 2014 05:36 AM (T2V/1)

63 Canadian week, eh?

Posted by: Y-not at March 02, 2014 05:36 AM (zDsvJ)

64 You know you went to a small Texas high school when Spring Break was timed to coincide with the Houston Stock Show because practically everyone would be gone for that anyway. Saw some early bluebonnets yesterday. Spring is on its way!

Posted by: Elisabeth G. Wolfe at March 02, 2014 05:36 AM (Aiwi+)

65 I've been to Venice three times and would happily spend months there. Jan/James Morris's book Venice is the best guide to the place. You do have to accept the fact that Venice is a city which has existed to part tourists from cash for going on four hundred years now. It is not quaint and undiscovered. And, yes, the canals smell like New York sidewalks. Deal with it.

Posted by: Trimegistus at March 02, 2014 05:36 AM (XARpv)

66 The ridiculous hats and the colors worn by those stewardesses make them look like characters out of Willy Wonka or maybe workers at a Burger King in the 70's. Kind of cartoonish.

Posted by: Semi-engaged scroller at March 02, 2014 05:38 AM (/cUUk)

67 >>Saw some early bluebonnets yesterday. Spring is on its way! Ooh, nice!

Posted by: Y-not at March 02, 2014 05:38 AM (zDsvJ)

68 Belly- free: Classical Europe- yes please! I'm hoping I can come home one day and tell my hubby I must chaperone my daughter's choir to Roma and Vienna. I didn't have the funds for the opera when I was in Milan, but was struck by the beautiful, stylish people hopping on the metro, hopping off and downing a quick espresso, hopping back on. I was not impressed with two star hotels, sharing bathrooms. I would love to go to Italy again more than anywhere, but with funds.

Posted by: Justamom at March 02, 2014 05:38 AM (Sptt8)

69 Get out your skis and snowshoes, fellow Pittsburghers! It started snowing about 5 hours earlier than predicted here, around 8AM. I'm off to work now. Pray for me on my drive home this evening around 7PM. That supposed to be the time when it's snowing the heaviest. I did tell my employees on Friday that I was grateful February was behind us. I did have a Debbie Downer that grumbled about three more weeks until Spring on the calendar. I NEED to get away! Gratitude and vacation time are wonderful things!

Posted by: NoLongerintheBellyoftheBeast at March 02, 2014 05:39 AM (D/mKE)

70 67 Canadian week, eh?

Posted by: Y-not at March 02, 2014 09:36 AM (zDsvJ)

LOL, yeah. Also a New Yorkers coming down to play golf.

Posted by: Vic[/i] at March 02, 2014 05:39 AM (T2V/1)

Great write-up, Open.........

...........Now, how 'bout we get the ball rolling on a gen-yew-wine, Officially Ewok Sanctioned, Houston area Moron Meetup?

I hereby nominate the venue to be Twin Peaks, on I-45 South in Webster, TX. That's just 15 minutes or so, South of Houston, and is favorable in terms of major roads, parking and local inns to house the horde.

How would, Saturday, April 5th sound, to everyone? Enough time to make plans, soon enough to make happen, and Saturday enough to recover on Sunday!

Twin Peaks.... take your basic Hooters, add MUCH BETTER FOOD, a more refined atmosphere, and a quantum leap in quality service, mix in an abundance of pointy elbows, and well......the place is tailor made for us!

But, this can't happen from an isolated comment from a low-volume commenter. It'll take one of you COBs (lookin' at you here, Open!), to keep the message alive and rally the local Horde.

And to make it really interesting? We could have a pre-Twin Peaks meeting, just 3 exits down the highway, at The Arms Room, indoor shooting range.

Sure would be nice to get a lot of positive feedback, right here in this thread!

Jim

Sunk New Dawn

Galveston, TX

Posted by: Jim at March 02, 2014 05:40 AM (vvk2F)

72 Jim Are you on Twitter? You could tweet to some of the morons... but you might get some non-morons as well.

Posted by: Y-not at March 02, 2014 05:42 AM (zDsvJ)

73 Sadly... I'm not in Texas now, Jim.

Posted by: Y-not at March 02, 2014 05:43 AM (zDsvJ)

74 I used to fly for Midway airlines in Chicago where the FAs were beautiful and fun to work with. Today's crop of FAs not so much. Venice is great. You'll have a blast. Be sure to check out the local family type restaurants down the side streets. Great food and friendly service. If you have time a train ride to Klaggenfurt is worth a days trip. Have fun!

Posted by: Alf767 at March 02, 2014 05:43 AM (fwmHH)

Y-not,

No, I'm not on Twitter, Facebook, Linked-in, or any other social media. I simply don't exist there.

Do feel free to forward my comment, however. Long as it gets there, and gets the job done.

By the way, I do have the requisite contacts, friendships and "pull" to get us a warm welcome at The Arms Room. Very First Class range, lounge, gunstore and classroom complex.

Anyway, I've done what I can to float the trial balloon. It's up to the Horde to create the demand. Or, not.

Jim

Sunk New Dawn

Galveston, TX

Posted by: Jim at March 02, 2014 05:46 AM (vvk2F)

76 Now, I must confess, I did not even know Houston had a parade, but apparently it does. I donÂ’t recall it being a big deal when I lived there. Well we have two cinco de mayo parades to make up for it

Posted by: Velvet Ambition at March 02, 2014 05:47 AM (R8hU8)

77 I have a recently reconnected-with friend who lives in Venice, I think he moved there in 2008. He'd probably fit in here as a moron, so I'll ask what he does when he goes out.

Posted by: Lincolntf at March 02, 2014 05:47 AM (ZshNr)

78 I'll post a link to your comment on my twitter feed. Can folks get in touch with you through the Smoke on the Water blog site?

Posted by: Y-not at March 02, 2014 05:47 AM (zDsvJ)

j_seigler

Hotmail dot com

*braces for spam and hackers*

Jim

Sunk New Dawn

Galveston, TX

Posted by: Jim at March 02, 2014 05:49 AM (vvk2F)

80 Jim
Sunk New Dawn
Galveston, TX

So tempting, until I look at the bank balance...

When I had friends living in Galveston I used to visit once or twice a year. I miss it,

Posted by: Retread at March 02, 2014 05:51 AM (cHwk5)

Posted by: Blueberry at March 02, 2014 05:51 AM (8qoXL)

82 Also, for you living history aficionados, this is a great month to travel in Texas. Lots going on at the Alamo this week, being the anniversary of the siege, and at Goliad at the end of the month. Washington-on-the-Brazos has several events going this month, too, including a Texas Independence Day celebration today. Further off the beaten path, Fort Martin Scott, outside Fredericksburg, is having Texas History Days March 13-16, and the following weekend is West Texas Heritage Days at Fort McKavett. (I'll be at Fort McKavett signing books and demonstrating calligraphy; if I go to Fort Martin Scott this year, it'll just be as a costumed observer.)

Posted by: Elisabeth G. Wolfe at March 02, 2014 05:51 AM (Aiwi+)

83 "The ridiculous hats and the colors ... Kind of cartoonish...." Â—Semi-engaged scroller You must not have been there / seen the historic accounts. That's really how everyone looked in the '60s. Color had just been invented.

Posted by: mindful webworker - videographer sans software at March 02, 2014 05:52 AM (rf20m)

84 The two best places to go in the United States, in March, in my opinion are Phoenix for Cactus League spring training, and Las Vegas for March Madness. If you're a sports fan, you can't beat either for good times.

Posted by: Blueberry at March 02, 2014 05:52 AM (8qoXL)

85 We loved going to Kemah to pick up shrimp and then hang out and eat crawfish.

Posted by: Y-not at March 02, 2014 05:52 AM (zDsvJ)

86 Posted by: Blueberry at March 02, 2014 09:52 AM (8qoXL) spring training is fantastic

Posted by: phoenixgirl @phxazgrl at March 02, 2014 05:53 AM (u8GsB)

87 89 The two best places to go in the United States, in March, in my opinion are Phoenix for Cactus League spring training, and Las Vegas for March Madness. -- Yeah, love Cactus League. I plugged it two weeks in a row, though! :-) Going to Vegas this year. Staying off the strip, though, so I don't know how it'll be.

Posted by: Y-not at March 02, 2014 05:54 AM (zDsvJ)

88 I'm a dedicated Houston-area lurking moron and would love to have a meet-n-greet... Especially if there are any fellow morons up near Spring or The Woodands.

Posted by: Yep, I'm a nerd at March 02, 2014 05:56 AM (FCgaq)

89 The two best places to go in the United States, in March, in my opinion are Phoenix for Cactus League spring training, and Las Vegas for March Madness. If you're a sports fan, you can't beat either for good times.

Posted by: Blueberry at March 02, 2014 09:52 AM (8qoXL)

One of these years I'm going to Las Vegas for the opening weekend of March Madness. It's bizarre, I hate crowds and traveling and, you know, having to go Outside at all but I love Las Vegas. Apparently the shiny shiny outweighs the rest of my neuroses.

I was reading an article on Friday about how travel agents are getting phone calls from people in the Midwest and Northeast more or less saying I don't care where you send me, just send me somewhere warm and sunny.

Posted by: alexthechick - come for the Global Warming stay for the SMOD at March 02, 2014 05:57 AM (Gk3SS)

Y-not. I lived aboard the New Dawn, at the Kemah Marina, from '99 till '02, before I moved to Galveston.

Back before Kemah got overrun and over developed.

They paved paradise, and put up a parking lot.

Jim
Sunk New Dawn
Galveston, TX

Posted by: Jim at March 02, 2014 05:57 AM (vvk2F)

91 88?

". Color had just been invented. Posted by: mindful webworker - videographer sans software?"

Yeah- the first RCA color TV we had, had a round picture tube. The difference between that and B&W was amazing.

Posted by: backhoe at March 02, 2014 05:58 AM (ULH4o)

92 Looks like you folks can reach Jim via email: http://minx.cc/?blog=86&post=347551#c21848003

Posted by: Y-not at March 02, 2014 05:58 AM (zDsvJ)

93 Last year my daughters and I drove the four hours to Houston to see George Strait on the final night of the rodeo. It was an experience I will NEVER forget. 80,000 people crammed into Reliant screaming Ocean Front Property and All My Exes Live in Texas, plus his encore featured a cover of Folsom Prison Blues and Jackson with Martina McBride. I showed up in jeans and a t-shirt like a rube, but it was a hoot to see the folks getting out of limos in Texas Formal (pressed jeans, belt buckles, fancy hats, and the ladies in very expensive cowboy boots and dresses). And it is truly astonishing how much money changes hands with those livestock kids.

Posted by: Republic of Texas 2: Electric Boogaloo at March 02, 2014 06:00 AM (Gk2GE)

94 Documentary of Obama's America on Comedy Central right now.

Posted by: Urban Achiever at March 02, 2014 06:01 AM (nfSGi)

95 Certainly don't want to see the current Delta flight attendants in uniforms like those...especially the guys.

You say the weather is nice in Houston right now? So it's not 99 degrees with 20000% relative humidity?

Posted by: Albie Damned at March 02, 2014 06:05 AM (cGaCp)

96 The Dublin, GA St. Patrick's Festival will be Mar 14th through 17th. Or you could go down to Tommy Condon's in Charleston where they have a festival at one location. Of course you will be lucky to be able to get within two blocks of the bar (its in old Charleston).

Posted by: Vic[/i] at March 02, 2014 06:07 AM (T2V/1)

97 It was 82 yesterday and only 267% humidity.

Posted by: Yep, I'm a nerd at March 02, 2014 06:07 AM (FCgaq)

98 <<90 We loved going to Kemah to pick up shrimp and then hang out and eat crawfish.

Posted by: Y-not at March 02, 2014 09:52 AM (zDsvJ)>>

Awww yeaaahhh. Whenever we visit family in Houston, getting a shitload of shrimp off the boats in Kemah is on the agenda

Posted by: Albie Damned at March 02, 2014 06:08 AM (cGaCp)

99 I'm going to see REO Speedwagon at the Houston Rodeo this year. If a moron meetup is on, I'm there.

Posted by: Mole6 at March 02, 2014 06:08 AM (m0le6)

100 "99 Documentary of Obama's America on Comedy Central right now."

So? It shows endless closed businesses, "for sale" signs on Real Estate that has not sold since, Oh? 2008, and destitute people walking the streets, dragging their pathetic belongings behind them in rolling luggage?

Or the "happy meal" pix the TV shows you?

Posted by: backhoe at March 02, 2014 06:09 AM (ULH4o)

101 Daytona Beach, FL will be nice next week. up until Wed when the rains start.

Posted by: Vic[/i] at March 02, 2014 06:09 AM (T2V/1)

102 I love Houston...I really do. My only beef...besides the Hades-like summer weather...is that there are some exists off I-45 that have only one "gentlemen's club"

Posted by: Albie Damned at March 02, 2014 06:12 AM (cGaCp)

103 I showed up in jeans and a t-shirt like a rube, but it was a hoot to see the folks getting out of limos in Texas Formal (pressed jeans, belt buckles, fancy hats, and the ladies in very expensive cowboy boots and dresses). And it is truly astonishing how much money changes hands with those livestock kids. Posted by: Republic of Texas 2: Electric Boogaloo at March 02, 2014 10:00 AM (Gk2GE)

I cannot remember what show it was but it was something set in Texas where I heard one of the best insults ever. Some guys were talking about this rather trashy chick and one of them snapped off "Oh please, I have boots that cost more than her tits." So. Damn. Funny.

I want to say it's OLN that shows the livestock auctions and, yup, it's jaw dropping to see the money being spent, especially when you compare it to say a car auction and realize that money isn't for what is more or less a museum piece but for a piece of goods that the purchaser plans to use to make even more money. It's like watching the thoroughbred auctions out of Kentucky.

Octopussy is on Action Max at the moment.

Posted by: alexthechick - come for the Global Warming stay for the SMOD at March 02, 2014 06:12 AM (Gk3SS)

104 4 The two best places to go in the United States, in March, in my opinion are Phoenix for Cactus League spring training, and Las Vegas for March Madness. If you're a sports fan, you can't beat either for good times. ............. We go to Vegas every March. It is indeed crazy. The lines at the sports books go for miles it seems and the beer is never cold!! This year we couldn't go for the big weekend because I have computer training (which they have now cancelled..ugh) so we are going the last weekend in march which will be just as fun but with less crowds. Its -15 this morning so anywhere but here would be nice right now. Just went the grocery store and pretty much every car in the lot was left running while people were inside. Mine included.

Posted by: Molly k. at March 02, 2014 06:14 AM (f8cHe)

105 >> I'm going to see REO Speedwagon at the Houston Rodeo this year.<<

Heh! I'm riding a storm out right now.

Awesome band, but not sure how speedy those guys are now

Posted by: Albie Damned at March 02, 2014 06:15 AM (cGaCp)

106 It's impossible to say when is best to visit beautiful Oklahoma, but it's probably best to avoid August. Unless you plan to visit some of our many lakes. Spring is nice, occasional twisters notwithstanding. There's "Green Country" in the Northeast, my territory, the edge of the Ozarks and part of the great Arkansas river watershed, part of the Mississippi system. Did you know Tulsa is a port? Just to the west is where the Great Plains begins, rolling green hills give way to vast, flat grasslands, rising gradually towards the Rockies. Like western Kansas, only a touch more scenic.

In SE Oklahoma, there's the Ouachita "Mountains." Once higher than the Rockies, now worn down to "merely" huge green, rolling mounds, with warm enough climate to be almost counted as a part of the South. Then there's the Southwest part of the state. Close to Texas in both landscape and temperament, it's vast ranchland, sparsely populated, wild West. (Where "cockfights" means something different than it does in Barry's boudoir.) Good place to Survive, IYKWIM. There's so much more could be said about this great state. Visit for the scenery (seriously) Â— stay for the principled politics and strong economy and good neighbors. Please. We need all the additional patriots we can get. Before the SHTF.

Posted by: mindful webworker - Okie Doke at March 02, 2014 06:17 AM (Ynbgq)

107 All I want is a room somewhere,
Far away from the cold night air,

Just started on TCM if you're looking for some escapism with your coffee.

Posted by: Retread at March 02, 2014 06:19 AM (cHwk5)

108 Oklahoma is on my bucket list.

Posted by: Y-not at March 02, 2014 06:22 AM (zDsvJ)

109 So? It shows endless closed businesses, "for sale" signs on Real Estate that has not sold since, Oh? 2008, and destitute people walking the streets, dragging their pathetic belongings behind them in rolling luggage? Well .... Actually it's Idiocracy. But I do like your interpretation a bit better.

Posted by: Urban Achiever at March 02, 2014 06:26 AM (nfSGi)

110 Went through basic & AIT at Ft. Sill, and as a red leg, the home of the Field Artillery holds a special place in my heart. Can't say I would look forward to returning, though... Especially if it included a run to Geronimo's grave.

Posted by: Yep, I'm a nerd at March 02, 2014 06:28 AM (FCgaq)

111 I went thru AIT at Fort Sill from Fort Polk. A bunch of us were bored and drunk and decided to track a herd of buffalo. None of us had ever seen one before. Ended up in the middle of a big field taking pictures next to the biggest 2...lucky we didn't get stomped.

Posted by: dumbartist at March 02, 2014 06:42 AM (ahBY0)

112

The Butchart Gardens in Victoria, BC are the most beautiful gardens I've ever seen. They have - or had - a great fireworks show at night duing the summer as well.

British Columbia is absolutely gorgeous and a great summer get-away if you live someplace that is terribly hot and humid in the summer. We lucked out when we were there - it rained only at night and the days were 75 degrees and sunny. We ate out in restaurants at night, but packed lunches - and the produce was wonderful.

Posted by: Donna and V. (no ampersand) at March 02, 2014 07:07 AM (R3gO3)

113 20 Anybody been to Venice?

Posted by: NoLongerintheBellyoftheBeast at March 02, 2014 08:50 AM (D/mKE)

------------

I've been to Venice. I could live the rest of my life in Venice. Wish I had time to tell you all the one hundred reasons why but I am off to church. Trust me, you'll love it.

Posted by: grammie winger at March 02, 2014 08:58 AM (oMKp3)

*********

I am with grammie winger. I could live my entire life there. There is so much to see. Do yourself a favor and cross the bridges and explore the "left bank" as well. A trip out to Cipriani for a drink is lovely. One of my favorite places to stay is Hotel La Fenice and Des Artistes. I have been going there throughout my life since I was little. So, for me, I head out with my head down for about 30 minutes -- then I look up and start to explore from there. I've gotten "lost" and made some good discovery.

Venice -- people either love it or not. I hope you love it.

Posted by: gracepmc at March 02, 2014 07:12 AM (rznx3)

114 British Columbia is absolutely gorgeous and a great summer get-away if you live someplace that is terribly hot and humid in the summer. -- It is gorgeous there. We were there in late October and had great weather. People were nice, food was great, scenery was awesome.

Posted by: Y-not at March 02, 2014 07:19 AM (zDsvJ)

115 Houston Rodeo So much fun The best BBQ. Deep fried anything. Huge livestock display with kids showing them. Baby farm animals. Cows being born. Texas A and M students being vets and attending the births Calf scramble, where every night kids try and rope a calf and win scholarship money for college. It's the biggest source of college scholarships in the state, giving away millions. Little kids riding sheep is hilarious. Real rodeo every night. The ground actually shakes. And after that concerts by terrific artists. Tickets are really affordable Wednesdays you get everything and the concert for 18 bucks! Military appreciation day is fabulous. You see recruiters with booths there. And of course, carnival rides. Thunder girl looks forward to it all year long.

Posted by: Thunderb at March 02, 2014 07:45 AM (zOTsN)

116 DO NOT come to Washington on the Brazos' (Austin) between March 7-16 unless you want to be overcome by hipsters. SXSW is going on, ugh!!! I hate this time of year here. Chelsea Clinton, Julian Assange, Lena Duna, a bunch of leftist politicians and elitist are among the keynote speakers. They are all here to tell us what WE need to do better while they carry on doing what ever they want.

Posted by: lindafell at March 02, 2014 07:59 AM (PGO8C)

117 This thread brought to you by airline stewardesses of the 1960s: I remember PSA. They used to fly 727s into SJC, and those bastards were noisy as all hell.

Posted by: Blacque Jacques Shellacque at March 02, 2014 11:08 AM (AQTz3)

118 That's Flight Attendant, you sexist, chauvinist, misogynist, bastard! Great gams though.

Posted by: Leonard Jones at March 03, 2014 06:20 PM (p0SwG)

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