Ace of Spades HQ

October 13, 2013

The BBC celebrates the iconic Champs Elysees in Paris
— Purple Avenger

By "celebrate", I mean hew with a war ax, inflicting upon it an attack not unlike a Viking blood eagle execution.

For the normally staid BBC, this...I guess you could call it a "cultural review", has a tone one might reserve for extolling the virtues of Ebola and Dengue Fever.

...Transplanted to modern-day Paris, the caricaturist William Hogarth could have done a wonderful drawing there on the evils of cocaine, violence and electronic music played at very loud volumes. The young woman I saw urinating in the gutter at 7am last Sunday would probably have featured...

Urinating in gutters, violence and drugs are apparently the high points and it gets weirder from there.

Apparently the Champs Elysees of yesteryear, lined with attractive trees that allowed the Germans to march in the shade, is a wistful distant memory.

One could write a similar review of America.

Posted by: Purple Avenger at 01:40 PM | Comments (261)
Post contains 161 words, total size 1 kb.

1 Comment from the previous political thread: We are finished.Posted by: zombie at October 13, 2013 03:04 PM (+cx5n) All that in addition to the new 30 hour work week and 49ers: small businesses capped at 49 employees to avoid huge cost increases due to Obamacare.And the list goes on. Doctors having to hire new paperwork compliance staff while firing actual healthcare help should have ended this entire mess. Or the ominous "doctors retiring in droves" stories.It looks like we as a nation are going full-(Tropic Thunder). Posted by: Beagle at October 13, 2013 03:17 PM (sOtz/) It all fits in with the New Feudalism, where you have the rich elite, a dependant class, and an eforcer/gentry class of bureaucrats & quaint shop owners. Part of Marx's dream was that people would only have to work 4 hours a day, and then have the rest of the time to do stuff together for mutual benefit to the point where work and social activity become one. (More on Marx here: http://tinyurl.com/ku6upab) In this world, of course the dependant classes will "work," but it will be the socially constructive "community organizing" type of work. Most of the time at leastÂ… the elite will still need quaint locals working at quaint bistros to serve them quaint fair-trade fapachinos and quaint organic arugula salads while the elite talk about how wonderfully quaint everything is. Oh, those lucky peasants who will be allowed to work in the arcadian paradise to serve the elite while the rest of the "lucky" peasants will get to live in the urban paradises designed and run by the benevolent eliteÂ…

Posted by: The Political Hat at October 13, 2013 01:45 PM (Vk2pI)

2 From what I've heard about the youth of London(the non "asian" youth anyway)this is the pot calling the kettle black.

Posted by: steevy at October 13, 2013 01:46 PM (9XBK2)

3 Fleet Farm for me, no gutters or hottie toyties

Posted by: Misanthropic humanitarian, now with 50% more sensitivity at October 13, 2013 01:47 PM (HVff2)

4 staid? the bbc? eeeeeh... not for the last 20 years or so... yob culture invades everything eventually.

Posted by: Phil at October 13, 2013 01:49 PM (QzdcC)

5 I've never been to Paris but suspect it, like much of our own country, has become a circus. These days, when I see a photo of natural beauty here in the U.S., I always suspect that, just out of frame, lurks a souvenir shop hawking gaudy replicas and cheaply made t-shirts.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at October 13, 2013 01:51 PM (DmNpO)

6 What are the rules on this thread... you know.. I don't see a disclaimer. Can we only talk about the BBC?

Posted by: Yip at October 13, 2013 01:53 PM (/jHWN)

7 4 staid? the bbc?

This was the sort of culture hit piece I'd expect to find written by the Pravda or Russia Today fanboi's though.

Posted by: Purp[/i][/b][/u][/s] at October 13, 2013 01:53 PM (l5zzX)

8 6 What are the rules on this thread...

chicago rules

Posted by: Purp[/i][/b][/u][/s] at October 13, 2013 01:54 PM (l5zzX)

9 I always suspect that, just out of frame, lurks a souvenir shop hawking gaudy replicas and cheaply made t-shirts.

And you know what? God bless America for it.

Posted by: Colorado Alex at October 13, 2013 01:55 PM (lr3d7)

10 pow pow.. gangsta style... ie, spray the bullets and hit teh kids ??

Posted by: Yip at October 13, 2013 01:55 PM (/jHWN)

11 open thread? non-politics? RULES MAN, RULES!

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at October 13, 2013 01:56 PM (DmNpO)

12 The BBC cuts the UK just a little with every molecule of energy it expends in its dance with the apocalypse.

Posted by: Beto at October 13, 2013 01:56 PM (MhA4j)

13 british shit I don't get. Don't watch their shows on Netflix because I can understand Spanish and Russian better than I can understand what the fuck these people are saying.

And their food sucks.

And it's foggy. And rainy.

And their women are ugly. Mostly.

Posted by: tangonine at October 13, 2013 01:57 PM (x3YFz)

14 I expect Paris is about the same as SF, smells like piss.

Posted by: Vic at October 13, 2013 01:58 PM (zZbNF)

15 snotty Brits have been jabbering like this about everywhere ( even their own country ) for..ever. They hold their nose with one hand, and wank with the other

If you want to clean up Paris, chase out the Roma hookers and the Congolese

I live there for two years, a long time ago. French police ( not Gendarmes ) kept order by beating the sh*t out of anyone who transgressed. Things change

Posted by: Major _______ de Coverly at October 13, 2013 01:58 PM (omBWL)

16 Somehow I think what is being said here is increasingly the fate of all such locations under the rule of leftist political governments. Take away cultural identification, take away good law enforcement, let whomever can pay high rents move in, and don't care if 24-7 partying replaces good businesses. Whcich makes you wonder, if the Champs district is looking run down and tacky, then what does the rest of Paris look like?

Posted by: exdem13 at October 13, 2013 01:59 PM (kfSXj)

17 And their food sucks. And it's foggy. And rainy. And their women are ugly. Mostly. Posted by: tangonine at October 13, 2013 05:57 PM (x3YFz) Actually I've usually had great food in the England. Best lamb I've ever had was there, and the pub grub is usually quite tasty. Now, the fancy overprices trendy places in London suck, but if you stick to the pubs, you'll be find.

Posted by: The Political Hat at October 13, 2013 01:59 PM (Vk2pI)

18 They hold their nose with one hand, and wank with the other

Posted by: Major _______ de Coverly at October 13, 2013 05:58 PM (omBWL)

Nailed it.

Posted by: tangonine at October 13, 2013 02:00 PM (x3YFz)

19 He could have written that story about any must-see street in the world. It's funnier, though, when a foreigner writes about the damned tourists ruining the place that he probably ruined for some previous ex-pat.

Posted by: t-bird at October 13, 2013 02:00 PM (FcR7P)

20 Actually I've usually had great food in the England. Best lamb I've ever had was there, and the pub grub is usually quite tasty. Now, the fancy overprices trendy places in London suck, but if you stick to the pubs, you'll be find.

Posted by: The Political Hat at October 13, 2013 05:59 PM (Vk2pI)

3 TDYs to Lakenheath. I stand by my original.

Posted by: tangonine at October 13, 2013 02:01 PM (x3YFz)

21 13 and their teeth are bad

Posted by: Misanthropic humanitarian, now with 50% more sensitivity at October 13, 2013 02:01 PM (HVff2)

22 I was in Paris and saw a very expensive car pull over suddenly. A very well dressed man came out holding his about 3

Posted by: Thunderb at October 13, 2013 02:01 PM (zOTsN)

23 I'm not so sure its run down per se, rather a weird mix of Vegas, Miami Vice, Hollywood and Thunderdome.

Posted by: Purp[/i][/b][/u][/s] at October 13, 2013 02:01 PM (l5zzX)

24 So, the tourists shouldn't be able to buy stuff in Paris, the Arabs shouldn't be able to buy stuff in Paris, but with the Socialist/Commie unions pushing for 30 hour work weeks, exactly who then is supposed to buy things in Paris? This guy sounds like a Commie wanker.

Posted by: Underground Vulgarian at October 13, 2013 02:01 PM (O3XRD)

25 I expect Paris is about the same as SF, smells like piss *** New Orleans

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at October 13, 2013 02:01 PM (DmNpO)

26 I've got nothing on Britain or the BBC... meh

Posted by: Capt' Kirk at October 13, 2013 02:02 PM (/jHWN)

27 sock off damit! heh

Posted by: Yip at October 13, 2013 02:02 PM (/jHWN)

28 13 and their teeth are bad And they smell like elderberries, even the little children!!!!

Posted by: Adriane... at October 13, 2013 02:02 PM (KoFMU)

29 Or 4 year old daughter. She was in a pretty frilly dress and little black coat. He held her over the gutter. And she peed

Posted by: Thunderb at October 13, 2013 02:03 PM (zOTsN)

30 Better to smell of elderberries than alpaca toupee dander

Posted by: Misanthropic humanitarian, now with 50% more sensitivity at October 13, 2013 02:03 PM (HVff2)

31 Camp de Loges, and Maison Fort ( near Orleans )

I am that old. U.S. forces pulled out ( not a sexual reference ) of France in 1967

Posted by: Major _______ de Coverly at October 13, 2013 02:04 PM (omBWL)

I was there briefly in the early 1990s. The Champs Elysees was the most touristy place I went in Paris, so that hasn't changed. There was even a Harley dealership.

The Arc De Triomphe was kind of neat. The Romans built Arcs in other cities too. There's a small one in Orange that's worth visiting.

Posted by: Frankly at October 13, 2013 02:05 PM (XkfxA)

33 And I just watched Clint Eastwood kiss a 12 year-old girl on netflix. That's gonna leave a mark.

Where's my tequila?

Posted by: Underground Vulgarian at October 13, 2013 02:05 PM (O3XRD)

34 Transplanted to modern times Hogarth would wear his pencils to a nub before clearing London city limits.

Posted by: Richard McEnroe at October 13, 2013 02:06 PM (Why2y)

35 Notice writer sneers at people who aspire to drive a luxury car, while he rides his Eco approved bike to work. Yay, he's an asshole

Posted by: Thunderb at October 13, 2013 02:06 PM (zOTsN)

36 After all, this is Paris we're talking about. French broads let it all hang out.

Posted by: Lucky Pierre at October 13, 2013 02:07 PM (5fSr7)

37 when a foreigner writes about the damned tourists ruining the place that he probably ruined for some previous ex-pat.

Posted by: t-bird

The stages of the ex-pat:
1. Oh! Wow! Everything is Teh Awesome!

2. Nah, man. I only want to meet locals.

3. Shit, what are you doing tonight? Wanna go to the American sports bar?

4. Fucking tourists.

5. I can't take this place anymore and I need a burrito/ribs/decent breakfast.

6. (back home) Oooh, when I was in X .... (ad infinitum)

Posted by: weft cut-loop [/i] [/b] at October 13, 2013 02:07 PM (CPElo)

38 I am sure Paris was much better for him when it was only filled with British tourists like himself

Posted by: Thunderb at October 13, 2013 02:08 PM (zOTsN)

39 But, I had a croissant for breakfast

Posted by: Misanthropic humanitarian, now with 50% more sensitivity at October 13, 2013 02:08 PM (HVff2)

40 Where's my tequila? here ya go ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdMTl9zHQ9Y

Posted by: Adriane... at October 13, 2013 02:08 PM (KoFMU)

41 I've always said, and maintain, that Paris is the smelliest City in Europe. Whole place reeks of piss and spoiled milk.

Posted by: Lincolntf at October 13, 2013 02:09 PM (ZshNr)

42 Fresh & Easy sells chocolate / hazelnut croissants ... yeah!

Posted by: Adriane... at October 13, 2013 02:09 PM (KoFMU)

43 Venice is pretty stinky

Posted by: Thunderb at October 13, 2013 02:09 PM (zOTsN)

44 I went to paris twice while stationed in germany from 79-82. Had a blast both times. But then,I knew I was not in america.

Posted by: oc joe at October 13, 2013 02:12 PM (V+Pei)

45 I haven't been to Venice, but there was plenty of funk in Germany and the Netherlands (Amsterdam wins for having he smelliest Street in Europe) and other parts of Europe but Paris in July was like getting hit with a shit-shovel every time you drew breath.

Posted by: Lincolntf at October 13, 2013 02:12 PM (ZshNr)

46 2 From what I've heard about the youth of London(the non "asian" youth anyway)this is the pot calling the kettle black. Posted by: steevy

My thoughts exactly. But then, the author no doubt differentiates himself from "those people". It escapes me why the libs are so anxious for the European's approval. Probably because they've done so little to distinguish themselves, so this is aristocracy on the cheap.

As to Paris, I used to hate the French, but have to admit that I had a delightful time there a year ago. They were polite and were not obnoxious at all about the whole "speaking French" thing. Paris, at least the touristy core, is hands down the most beautiful city in the world.

As to British cuisine, it hasn't improved, they just imported (read stole) India's.

Posted by: pep at October 13, 2013 02:12 PM (6TB1Z)

47 In France the Germans marched in the shade. In the USA the Mexicans march in the shadows.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot Jr. at October 13, 2013 02:14 PM (v1Ckr)

48 The cleanest city of size that I have ever been in was Singapore. They rigidly enforced trash laws.

Posted by: Vic at October 13, 2013 02:16 PM (zZbNF)

49 >>Paris, at least the touristy core, is hands down the most beautiful city in the world. Monument wise, pretty hard to beat. But for geographical beauty there are a few southern hemisphere cities that are pretty damn awesome.

Posted by: JackStraw at October 13, 2013 02:17 PM (g1DWB)

50 The attraction of Paris and suchlike for generations of American expats was that, yes, there were many annoyances and issues with actually living there, but one could lead an openly hedonic wastrel lifestyle without being hassled by the squares.

Except now in America you can lead an openly hedonic wastrel lifestyle without being hassled by the squares, and, in fact, while being heavily subsidized by the tiny and rapidly shrinking remnant of squares.

So self-expatriating to get to the land of the perpetual party no longer makes much sense.

Posted by: torquewrench at October 13, 2013 02:17 PM (gqT4g)

51 They hold their nose with one hand, and wank with the other

They're doing it wrong.

Posted by: David Carradine at October 13, 2013 02:19 PM (lr3d7)

52 49 >>Paris, at least the touristy core, is hands down the most beautiful city in the world.

Monument wise, pretty hard to beat. But for geographical beauty there are a few southern hemisphere cities that are pretty damn awesome. Posted by: JackStraw

Example? (looking for ideas)

Posted by: pep at October 13, 2013 02:19 PM (6TB1Z)

53 Sounds like Austin.

Posted by: Y-not at October 13, 2013 02:21 PM (5H6zj)

54 Austin's touristy areas are actually pretty true to how you'd picture them (aside from the random punchouts on 6th st by the "youths"). That said, Austin itself really isn't a very attractive city. The lack of zoning means that you'll see a gourmet restaurant next door to a taxidermy shop. They'll be a random mechanic's shop in the middle of a popular shopping district. It's all very screwy. They were clever to slap on that "weird" label though.

Posted by: Lauren at October 13, 2013 02:21 PM (ELdpj)

55 One could write a similar review of America.

Dan Simmons did, in "Flashback". He reviewed what happened to Elitch Gardens in Denver - from a nice place you could take your kids to, to SIX FLAGS BRAWNDO!, to whatever the hell it is now. (In the future it becomes a refugee camp. That might be an improvement.)

Posted by: boulder toilet hobo, or texan hobo - same thing at October 13, 2013 02:22 PM (d7tB2)

56 Rode down a good part of it on furniture dollies when they closed it for the last leg of The Tour. We were doing construction work on one of those trendy shops at the time. Very rough surface, with 2" diameter plastic wheels anyway.

Posted by: Buck O. Phive at October 13, 2013 02:22 PM (jLe7F)

57 OT (can I do that here, AHHH!) Here's how Yahoo covers the march today: "Sarah Palin Returns to the National Stage"

Posted by: Lauren at October 13, 2013 02:24 PM (ELdpj)

58 In the USA the Mexicans march in the shadows. In what universe, sir?

Posted by: Adriane... at October 13, 2013 02:24 PM (KoFMU)

59 From the article:
But you see, Dream on Board - to me - is the modern Champs Elysees. Crass, style-less: expensive but naff.

See, I know I come across as a scolding, posing prick, but because I use a colloquialism of the people (naff) you know I'm really one of you. Just superior.

But no, this particular hotel particulier had been acquired by a well-known American clothing company, and to this day the queues of shoppers (some of them, oddly, Americans) still stretch round the block, while the narcissistic boy greeters, turning vanity into an art-form, pose with swooning young females from Colombia or Taiwan.

Ah, yes, America. Your bete noir. How original, you posing, preening little douche. (see now I worked an earth colloquialism in there).

Posted by: pep at October 13, 2013 02:24 PM (6TB1Z)

60 >>Example? (looking for ideas) Sydney Australia, Auckland New Zealand, Santiago Chile and Cape Town, which is awesome, to name a few. Rio is cool but getting pretty scary with all the crime. I think a lot of it has to do with the people too. Really friendly and not a lot of attitude. Probably cause their toilets flush funny.

Posted by: JackStraw at October 13, 2013 02:25 PM (g1DWB)

61 That said, Austin itself really isn't a very attractive city. The lack of zoning means that you'll see a gourmet restaurant next door to a taxidermy shop. They'll be a random mechanic's shop in the middle of a popular shopping district. It's all very screwy. They were clever to slap on that "weird" label though. Posted by: Lauren at October 13, 2013 06:21 PM you may wish to rethink your lack of zoning commen. zoning is a scam. lack of zoning may create some inconveniences but too much, which is a more common problem than too little, is essentially a tax or taking. let the market solve the zoning problem. all that said, austin sucks, mostly because of the people.

Posted by: yankeefifth at October 13, 2013 02:26 PM (Z9EHQ)

62 But no, this particular hotel particulier had been acquired by a well-known American clothing company, and to this day the queues of shoppers (some of them, oddly, Americans) still stretch round the block, while the narcissistic boy greeters, turning vanity into an art-form, pose with swooning young females from Colombia or Taiwan. *** I'm guessing A&F

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at October 13, 2013 02:26 PM (DmNpO)

63 But as Lewis Carroll said of the frumious bandersnatch: shun the Champs Elysees.

See, I'm not just a rancid dick. I'm all literary and stuff.

Posted by: pep at October 13, 2013 02:26 PM (6TB1Z)

64 "you may wish to rethink your lack of zoning commen" Oh, I don't really mind it. It just makes for some odd shopping center bedfellows.

Posted by: Lauren at October 13, 2013 02:27 PM (ELdpj)

65 52 49 >>Paris, at least the touristy core, is hands down the most beautiful city in the world. Monument wise, pretty hard to beat. But for geographical beauty there are a few southern hemisphere cities that are pretty damn awesome. Posted by: JackStraw Example? (looking for ideas) Posted by: pep at October 13, 2013 06:19 PM (6TB1Z) ---------------- Rio. Gorgeous. But don't look too close.

Posted by: Margarita DeVille at October 13, 2013 02:27 PM (dfYL9)

14I expect Paris is about the same as SF, smells like piss.

I think the Champs is pretty much like every other city center around the world. SF is still a visually stunning city, but at street level it sucks. Bourbon street in N.O. is one long bar, calebrating falling drunk at all hours of the day. (There are actually some charming gems around the French Quarter, but you gotta look.) Michigan Avenue in Chicago is just an open air mall. Still looks great from afar, but is utterly charmless on the street. I have only spent about 20 minutes in Times Square, and wasn't too impressed.

The one exception to the total trashing of great cities is an obscure reference, but still really cool: La Vieux Quebec, the old city of Quebec. I would go back there anytime.

Posted by: Brave Sir Robin at October 13, 2013 02:28 PM (naU4+)

67 Sydney Australia, Auckland New Zealand, Santiago Chile and Cape Town, which is awesome, to name a few. Rio is cool but getting pretty scary with all the crime.

I've been to Sydney and it is a wonderful place. No thanks to Cape Town. The geography doesn't outweigh the crime. Auckland is next on the list after Iceland and Norway. I haven't thought about Santiage, but I've always wanted to see the Andes, so it also goes on the list.

Posted by: pep at October 13, 2013 02:29 PM (6TB1Z)

68 Oh, I don't really mind it. It just makes for some odd shopping center bedfellows. Posted by: Lauren at October maybe I misfired. in nyc everything is zoned beyond belief. nothing ever gets done without some sort of bribe, to the government or some grievance mongers, it is always factored into your expenses. how much to do the deal + how much to make payoffs for zoning approval.

Posted by: yankeefifth at October 13, 2013 02:29 PM (Z9EHQ)

Well, I've never been to Spain.

Or Gay Paree.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit at October 13, 2013 02:30 PM (0HooB)

70 La Vieux Quebec, the old city of Quebec. I would goback there anytime.

Agree.

Posted by: pep at October 13, 2013 02:30 PM (6TB1Z)

71 60 --- Sydney Australia, Auckland New Zealand, Santiago Chile and Cape Town, which is awesome, to name a few. Rio is cool but getting pretty scary with all the crime. Posted by: JackStraw at October 13, 2013 06:25 PM (g1DWB) -------------------- I'd pick Valparaiso as the most beautiful city in Chile, though Santiago is more "livable" and very nice indeed.

Posted by: Margarita DeVille at October 13, 2013 02:31 PM (dfYL9)

72 DAMN! The Broncos lose the ball in the redzone. The Jags are in it.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at October 13, 2013 02:31 PM (DmNpO)

73 sheesh, only thing worse than the french are the french canadians; palestinians of europe.

Posted by: yankeefifth at October 13, 2013 02:32 PM (Z9EHQ)

74 They were clever to slap on that "weird" label though. ----- I just remember when I lived in Houston many locals telling me how Austin was "just like Boston" - meant as a compliment. Now I may loathe Boston (I do), but there's no comparison. Boston is much prettier. Of course, when I lived in Chicago (after having lived in Vermont) I was told that Wisconsin was a lot like Vermont. LOL. Just goes to show love is blind. :-)

Posted by: Y-not at October 13, 2013 02:32 PM (5H6zj)

75 ... all that said, austin sucks, mostly because of the people. I think it's mostly "the people" who "hang around" UT (activists), either physically (Guadalupe) or logically (the various trendy neighborhoods north of campus, some in Travis Heights, some in North Austin, etc.)

Posted by: Arbalest at October 13, 2013 02:33 PM (FlRtG)

76 oh everything sucks vis a vis America. If you want to live somewhere nice move to a suburb, buy a big car, buy a fast car, and enjoy.

Posted by: yankeefifth at October 13, 2013 02:34 PM (Z9EHQ)

77 @73 French Canada, Europe?

Posted by: Beagle at October 13, 2013 02:34 PM (sOtz/)

78 all that said, austin sucks, mostly because of the people. I think it's mostly "the people" who "hang around" UT (activists), either physically (Guadalupe) or logically (the various trendy neighborhoods north of campus, some in Travis Heights, some in North Austin, etc.) Posted by: Arbalest at October 13, 2013 0 and all of the silicon valley transplants.

Posted by: yankeefifth at October 13, 2013 02:34 PM (Z9EHQ)

79 As far as monuments go, Washington DC competes favorably. It really is a lovely city. Just don't think about it too much.

Posted by: Margarita DeVille at October 13, 2013 02:34 PM (dfYL9)

80 As far as monuments go, Washington DC competes favorably. It really is a lovely city.
Just don't think about it too much.

Yes, if you're satisfied with an homogenized simulacrum of the real thing. But then, that's where America excels, isn't it?

Posted by: BBC reporter at October 13, 2013 02:36 PM (6TB1Z)

81 @73 French Canada, Europe? Posted by: Beagle no one wants them. canadians do not want them, seceding not allowed, france wants nothing to do with them, they are constantly causing problems in canada, economically depressed.

Posted by: yankeefifth at October 13, 2013 02:36 PM (Z9EHQ)

82 >>I've been to Sydney and it is a wonderful place. No thanks to Cape Town. The geography doesn't outweigh the crime. Auckland is next on the list after Iceland and Norway. I haven't thought about Santiage, but I've always wanted to see the Andes, so it also goes on the list. I've never had any issues in Cape Town but I know it does have a reputation. Like any place else in the world, stay out of the problem areas after dark. But that whole region is pretty damn cool. And yes to Norway. Try Copenhagen if you get up that way, worth the extra $$. If you liked Sydney you will love Auckland. Headed back to Chile and S. Africa in a few weeks. No Cape Town this time, stuck in Joburg, which really is an avoid if possible kind of place in my book.

Posted by: JackStraw at October 13, 2013 02:36 PM (g1DWB)

83 "Boston is much prettier. " Oh definitely. Austin has some charm...in the way that your kitschy aunt has charm, but it's decidedly unpretty.

Posted by: Lauren at October 13, 2013 02:37 PM (ELdpj)

84 The young woman I saw urinating in the gutter at 7am last Sunday would probably have featured... Oh come on. I've been around this planet from one side to the other and the one thing I've never witnessed is a women who could not find some way to relieve herself behind closed doors. Yeah, I don't particularly care for the french, who this country expended a lot of effort to free, but when the hell was the last time you heard of a woman charged with 'indecent exposure' anywhere on this planet? I sometimes get really pissed off at women who claim that there are sexual predators behind every corner because some guy that openly took a piss is now on a 'predator' list. Find me an 'openly took a piss' woman on that list.

Posted by: Schrödinger's cat [/i] at October 13, 2013 02:38 PM (U2UQk)

85 Headed back to Chile and S. Africa in a few weeks. No Cape Town this time, stuck in Joburg, which really is an avoid if possible kind of place in my book. *** What is it that takes you all over the world?

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at October 13, 2013 02:38 PM (DmNpO)

86 La Vieux Quebec, the old city of Quebec. I would goback there anytime. -------------- That's on my bucket list! It looks great in photos. In Canada I have only seen Montreal, Toronto and Ottawa. Liked Ottawa very much.

Posted by: Margarita DeVille at October 13, 2013 02:38 PM (dfYL9)

87 My favorite cities as a tourist thus far are Vancouver, BC, and London. Also enjoyed Strasbourg, just for a day trip. I loved my time in Belgium - very easy country for an American to navigate. I was mostly in Ghent, but saw some of Brugges and Brussels. And I still have a fondness for Chicago, despite recent events.

Posted by: Y-not at October 13, 2013 02:39 PM (5H6zj)

88 when the hell was the last time you heard of a woman charged with 'indecent exposure' anywhere on this planet?

Helen Thomas at the Folies Bergere. Nuff said.

Posted by: pep at October 13, 2013 02:39 PM (6TB1Z)

89 >>I'd pick Valparaiso as the most beautiful city in Chile, though Santiago is more "livable" and very nice indeed. I would agree as far as I've seen. Going to Concepcion and Puerto Montt on this trip in addition to Santiago. Looking forward to it as it is a first for both cities. But I do love looking at the Andes when standing in downtown Santiago. Pretty awesome.

Posted by: JackStraw at October 13, 2013 02:40 PM (g1DWB)

90 I've had the opportunity to spent time in Paris. The BBC writer is *precisely* correct.

Posted by: AB at October 13, 2013 02:40 PM (yo/Q3)

91 Yes, if you're satisfied with an homogenized simulacrum of the real thing. You mean the American copy of the French copy of the Roman copy of ancient Greece? Amazing how long that architecture has lasted.

Posted by: t-bird at October 13, 2013 02:41 PM (FcR7P)

92 Oh come on. I've been around this planet from one side to the other and the one thing I've never witnessed is a women who could not find some way to relieve herself behind closed doors. Yeah, I don't particularly care for the french, who this country expended a lot of effort to free, but when the hell was the last time you heard of a woman charged with 'indecent exposure' anywhere on this planet? I sometimes get really pissed off at women who claim that there are sexual predators behind every corner because some guy that openly took a piss is now on a 'predator' list. Find me an 'openly took a piss' woman on that list. Posted by: SchrÃ¶dinger's cat at October 13, 2013 0 you should hang out at the club scene. some time ago I was walking by a club around 1am and some limber young girl in a skirt was bent over at the waist, hands planted flat, legs spread wide urinating on the ground. I did not stop to look but I have a feeling it got into her hair because her hair was so long and she was double over. I guess that is better than puke.

Posted by: yankeefifth at October 13, 2013 02:42 PM (Z9EHQ)

93 Santa Fe is a nice, small tourist city, if you are into the arts and food. But avoid it in the winter, because the streets are narrow and hard to navigate.

Posted by: Y-not at October 13, 2013 02:42 PM (5H6zj)

94 I haven't been to Paris but I have been to Nice and the Cote d'Azur and I will say this..... I SAW SARAH PALIN TODAY!!!!!!!

Posted by: Truck Monkey, Gruntled New Business Owner at October 13, 2013 02:43 PM (jucos)

95 89 ---- .... Puerto Montt on this trip... Posted by: JackStraw at October 13, 2013 06:40 PM (g1DWB) ----------------- Lucky, lucky you!

Posted by: Margarita DeVille at October 13, 2013 02:43 PM (dfYL9)

96 >>What is it that takes you all over the world? High priced gigolo. It's a living.

Posted by: JackStraw at October 13, 2013 02:43 PM (g1DWB)

97 My most vivid memory of the Champs is the multi-lane roundabout around the Arc de Triomphe. Cars entering have the right of way! http://tinyurl.com/kk7mnkk

Posted by: Spun and Murky at October 13, 2013 02:44 PM (4DCSq)

98 Singapore - restaurants, modern/colonial architecture, every cuisine imaginable, clean, safe. Santiago Frutillar, Chile Adelaide Rijeka and yes, La Vieux Quebec.

Posted by: Skookumchuk at October 13, 2013 02:44 PM (x4x3r)

99 I SAW SARAH PALIN TODAY!!!!!!!

Any part in particular? (ducks and runs)

Posted by: pep at October 13, 2013 02:44 PM (6TB1Z)

100 oh everything sucks vis a vis America. If you want to live somewhere nice move to a suburb, buy a big car, buy a fast car, and enjoy. You got a fast car I got a plan to get us out of here I been working at the convenience store Managed to save just a little bit of money Won't have to drive too far Just 'cross the border and into the city You and I can both get jobs And finally see what it means to be living You see my old man's got a problem He live with the bottle that's the way it is He says his body's too old for working His body's too young to look like his My mama went off and left him She wanted more from life than he could give I said somebody's got to take care of him So I quit school and that's what I did From 'Songs from the Bush Era that are placed on hold until 2016'

Posted by: Tracy Chapman [/i] at October 13, 2013 02:44 PM (U2UQk)

101 The same sort of article could have been written about Times Square in any decade since the 70s, depending on which aspect the author found most repellent (70's sleaze to today's Disneyfication). And I second the love for Old Quebec, a lovely place. Canada is the place where the French are almost civilized.

Posted by: Darles Chickens at October 13, 2013 02:47 PM (ZpoIZ)

102
     Paris smelled bad for sure, and almost everyone was an ass.

     Get out into the rural areas, and it was totally different--especially if you were known to be a GI. The older French looked on us very favorably.

    I loved watching the little old ladies in their black dresses, sensible shoes coming back from the bakery with those long skinny loaves of bread. Which were superb, IF you ate them within 2 hours of baking. Next day, they could be used as ball bats.

Posted by: irongrampa at October 13, 2013 02:47 PM (SAMxH)

103 63 But as Lewis Carroll said of the frumious bandersnatch: shun the Champs Elysees. See, I'm not just a rancid dick. I'm all literary and stuff. You're also not a frumious banderdick, for which you should be grateful.

Posted by: AmishDude at October 13, 2013 02:47 PM (T0NGe)

104 87 --- And I still have a fondness for Chicago, .... Posted by: Y-not at October 13, 2013 06:39 PM (5H6zj) ---------------------------- Speaking as a tourist, I much prefer Chicago to NYC. But I suspect that I loved Chicago when I first visited it because I was so pleasantly surprised that it was interesting and not a dump --- just as I may have disliked NYC because it had been oversold to me.

Posted by: Margarita DeVille at October 13, 2013 02:48 PM (dfYL9)

105 I SAW SARAH PALIN TODAY!!!!!!!

Any part in particular? (ducks and runs)

Posted by: pep at October 13, 2013 06:44 PM (6TB1Z)

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

dAve doesn't want me talking about it. I will say this.... pictures simply do not do her justice.

Posted by: Truck Monkey, Gruntled New Business Owner at October 13, 2013 02:49 PM (jucos)

106 All you world travelers make me feel so worthless. Never even been East of the Mississippi, but Ive been to Oklahoma.

Posted by: Ronster at October 13, 2013 02:49 PM (ATHJ6)

107 Let's see ace was learning French, he goes on vacation and now we get a Paris post. It all points to one thing, he went to Cleveland.

Posted by: lowandslow at October 13, 2013 02:50 PM (APJIX)

108 Speaking as a tourist, I much prefer Chicago to NYC. But I suspect that I loved Chicago when I first visited it because I was so pleasantly surprised that it was interesting and not a dump --- just as I may have disliked NYC because it had been oversold to me. Posted by: Margarita DeVille similar to how some people feel about the borg; hey they are not her to kill you only plug you full of bits and parts and plug you into a wall. also similar to obamacare, they are not here to kill you per se, only if you do not result in a net gain of tax revenue; if your medical expenses are higher than your tax receipts well - nevermind.

Posted by: yankeefifth at October 13, 2013 02:51 PM (Z9EHQ)

109 I'm sure someone mentioned it, but the French have ALWAYS urinated in public.

Posted by: Worker at October 13, 2013 02:51 PM (Q8Wa9)

110 But I suspect that I loved Chicago when I first visited it because I was so pleasantly surprised that it was interesting and not a dump -- ------ Yes, expectations matter. I lived there '84-'91 and grew to love it. Then visited quite a few times since then, esp while living in Indiana. It changed imho after 9/11. I don't recall a lot of horn-beeping, crazy-assed cabs running ppl down in the streets in the 80s and the people were much friendlier. YMMV. But it's got great food, lots of performing arts, all major sports, beautiful architecture, good public transit, lots of parks, and the wonderful lake. So pretty awesome. I did also love the DC area as a kid. So much to do there. But I am starting to hate it for obvious reasons.

Posted by: Y-not at October 13, 2013 02:52 PM (5H6zj)

111 Chicago vs MLA?

Posted by: slippery when soothsayer at October 13, 2013 02:53 PM (Ta9X8)

112 >> Never even been East of the Mississippi, but Ive been to Oklahoma. Oklahoma is on my bucket list. It really is. The Oklahomans I've met seem like nice people. But I still need to hit WY & MT which are much closer now.

Posted by: Y-not at October 13, 2013 02:54 PM (5H6zj)

113 I still want to go back to Singapore. My deployments were always out of San Diego, so no Europe for me, and the only place we ever went that I someday want to go back to is Singapore. It's just such a beautiful country.

Posted by: nnptcgrad at October 13, 2013 02:55 PM (Opyrm)

114 I've never been outside the country.... yet. Thus far, here in the U.S., I've enjoyed San Diego the most.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at October 13, 2013 02:56 PM (DmNpO)

115

"oh everything sucks vis a vis America."

Oh bullshit. I've been a lot of places and I would rather live in the USA than any of them.

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhaed at October 13, 2013 02:56 PM (GufPw)

116
Thus far, here in the U.S., I've enjoyed San Diego the most.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at October 13, 2013 06:56 PM (DmNpO)

best weather. ever.

Posted by: tangonine at October 13, 2013 02:57 PM (x3YFz)

117 Like most of the iconic locations though, as the writer concedes, it is as beautiful as advertised. Hate to admit it. Just gorgeous on a cool late Summer evening. Notre Dame and the dig underneath was my highlight. Isle de la Cite FTW.

Posted by: Beagle at October 13, 2013 02:57 PM (sOtz/)

118 >>Thus far, here in the U.S., I've enjoyed San Diego the most. I'm embarrassed I never spent any real time in SD when I lived in LA. Only got to the zoo. But, boy, La Jolla was nice... as long as you didn't listen to the overly-privileged rich liberals that seemed to populate it.

Posted by: Y-not at October 13, 2013 02:57 PM (5H6zj)

119 "oh everything sucks vis a vis America." Oh bullshit. I've been a lot of places and I would rather live in the USA than any of them. Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhaed at October 13, 2013 listen, you're wrong.

Posted by: yankeefifth at October 13, 2013 02:57 PM (Z9EHQ)

120

But I still need to hit WY & MT which are much closer now.

Some parts of WY and MT are gorgeous. Many parts are not

Posted by: Ronster at October 13, 2013 02:57 PM (ATHJ6)

121 So a holiday destination for a furball looking to test his comprehension of all things French?

Excusez-moi, pouvez-vous me les filles d'escorte diriger?

Posted by: Fritz at October 13, 2013 02:58 PM (x2W/k)

122 "oh everything sucks vis a vis America." Oh bullshit. I've been a lot of places and I would rather live in the USA than any of them. ----- +1 But I did really love Vancouver. That and Belgium were probably the only two foreign places I seriously considered as possibilities for living.

Posted by: Y-not at October 13, 2013 02:59 PM (5H6zj)

123 Oops. I'm sorry, the Tracy Chapman song was from when Ronald Reagan was President and 5% GDP growth was unexceptionable. Should not have blamed Bush. I anxiously await plaintive tunes from AA artists living through this period of history. 5..4..3..2..1..

Posted by: Schrödinger's cat [/i] at October 13, 2013 02:59 PM (U2UQk)

124 107 chuckle, chuckle, the mistake on the lake

Posted by: Misanthropic humanitarian, now with 50% more sensitivity at October 13, 2013 02:59 PM (HVff2)

125 I missed about five accent marks there. The Barrel would get me for sure if I got crazy like that.

Posted by: Beagle at October 13, 2013 02:59 PM (sOtz/)

126

The problem with San Diego is that it is in CA. Give me quirky. Key West FL.... Grand Marais MN ..... Frederick MD..... Gettysburg PA ...... Burlington VT..... Any small Atlantic Beach town in the Carolinas. I like feeling like I am at the end of the world and that I will not be bothered.

Posted by: Truck Monkey, Gruntled New Business Owner at October 13, 2013 03:00 PM (jucos)

127 The problem with San Diego is that it is in CA. Give me quirky. *** If only it could be cut away from the rest of it.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at October 13, 2013 03:02 PM (DmNpO)

128 "Naff"?

Posted by: whoever at October 13, 2013 03:02 PM (UJe/j)

129 Is the BBC being pissy here because the Champs Elysees is famous for a monument to the Napoleonic Wars? I went to Europe around 1989. You know how we are always told by the left that white Americans are so bigoted and all? Well you should listen to how Europeans talk about each other. The Irish don't like the British, the French don't like the Germans, the British don't like the French. And you know how we're always told that Americans are ignorant about other cultures and countries? Europeans know the "high points" about Americans. Just as we know the "high points " about European countries. They know about New York, Chicago, California, and Texas. If you tell them you are from Michigan, they give you a blank look. Their cities are similar to ours, nice parts and disgusting parts. That BBC person needs to look around parts of London. I waited for a bus at a stop in London where the women were the British version of white trash. These babes could have given an American crack whore a run for her money.

Posted by: nerdygirl at October 13, 2013 03:02 PM (3jkL8)

130 My idea of traveling is loading Mrs., the dogs & gear & heading to the cabin 2 hors away. Only 6 more days til vacation, woot!

Posted by: Misanthropic humanitarian, now with 50% more sensitivity at October 13, 2013 03:03 PM (HVff2)

131 If only it could be cut away from the rest of it. Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at October 13, I have a feeling that is the long term plan for fracking. frack a little here, a little there, oops.

Posted by: yankeefifth at October 13, 2013 03:03 PM (Z9EHQ)

132 I went to Paris a few years ago. The parts I saw were pretty nice. I think BBC types go slumming. You can find a shit hole in any city if you are looking for whores and blow. I liked Toulouse more than Paris. And I like Edinburgh more than London because the people are much saner.

Posted by: Bob at October 13, 2013 03:03 PM (qTsuK)

133 London is known for their Yoots getting so pissed drunk that they are unable to pee in the streets..... the just pass out on the curbs and shit and piss themselves, and no, I am not kidding. There is a real problem over there. Pot, meet kettle. I believe the Beebs is being more than a bit parochial.

Posted by: Truck Monkey, Gruntled New Business Owner at October 13, 2013 03:05 PM (jucos)

134 I missed about five accent marks there. The Barrel would get me for sure if I got crazy like that. I noticed you used what I think of as German verb order. French does that, too? Do you ever end with a couple verbs?

Posted by: t-bird at October 13, 2013 03:05 PM (FcR7P)

135 Any small Atlantic Beach town in the Carolinas. I like feeling like I am at the end of the world and that I will not be bothered.

Posted by: Truck Monkey, Gruntled New Business Owner at October 13, 2013 07:00 PM (jucos)

I live in the desert in eastern CO. many acres and people with more acres than me border me. Alone. Just my family and a view of the rockies. Happy as a clam.

(are clams happy?)

Posted by: tangonine at October 13, 2013 03:05 PM (x3YFz)

136 My idea of traveling is loading Mrs., the dogs & gear & heading to the cabin 2 hors away. Only 6 more days til vacation, woot! Posted by: Misanthropic humanitarian, now with 50% more sensitivity at October 13, 2013 07:03 PM (HVff2) did you leave off a 'u' or a "w" and and "E"

Posted by: yankeefifth at October 13, 2013 03:06 PM (Z9EHQ)

137 My idea of traveling is loading Mrs., the dogs & gear & heading to the cabin 2 hors away. My idea of traveling is loading Mrs, the gear, loading the dog on top, & heading anywhere. The wife won't let me take any hors.

Posted by: Mitt Romney [/i] at October 13, 2013 03:06 PM (U2UQk)

138 My idea of traveling is loading Mrs., the dogs & gear & heading to the cabin 2 hors away. Only 6 more days til vacation, woot!

Posted by: Misanthropic humanitarian, now with 50% more sensitivity at October 13, 2013 07:03 PM (HVff2)

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

Are you headed for the North Woods?

Posted by: mama winger at October 13, 2013 03:06 PM (P6QsQ)

139 I have a feeling that is the long term plan for fracking. frack a little here, a little there, oops. *** I like it. Kills two birds with one stone. Three, if you count the tears from the left.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at October 13, 2013 03:06 PM (DmNpO)

140 Well you should listen to how Europeans talk about each other. Actually, you should hear Europeans talk about those from the next town over. And the derision only gets stronger the further you get from the speaker's location.

Posted by: t-bird at October 13, 2013 03:07 PM (FcR7P)

141 Yankeefifth...Challenge accepted. Name the place you would leave the US for and not return.

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhaed at October 13, 2013 03:07 PM (LP0Fj)

142 I live in the desert in eastern CO. many acres and people with more acres than me border me. Alone. Just my family and a view of the rockies. Happy as a clam.

(are clams happy?)

Posted by: tangonine at October 13, 2013 07:05 PM (x3YFz)

______________________

Clams are happy as long as their not being eaten. I like CO. Just talking to the boy today about my trip out to The Great Sand Dunes National Monument and climbing the surrounding mountains. 2 of the best weeks of my young life.

Posted by: Truck Monkey, Gruntled New Business Owner at October 13, 2013 03:08 PM (jucos)

143 >>Actually, you should hear Europeans talk about those from the next town over. And the derision only gets stronger the further you get from the speaker's location. The one thing they all seem to agree on, the French suck.

Posted by: JackStraw at October 13, 2013 03:09 PM (g1DWB)

144 >>La Vieux Quebec, the old city of Quebec. I would goback there anytime.

Definitely! If you can stand the cold, it's especially fun during the Winter Carnival.

Posted by: Lizzy at October 13, 2013 03:09 PM (JRmiD)

145 @126 Truck Monkey Agree on Key West. We try to go once a year. I think Gulf Coast beaches (like JAX, right Barky?) are fantastic as well.

Posted by: Beagle at October 13, 2013 03:10 PM (sOtz/)

146 Where I live stinks. Stay away.

Posted by: Mike Hammer at October 13, 2013 03:11 PM (aDwsi)

147 I think Gulf Coast beaches (like JAX, right Barky?) are fantastic as well. **** Huh?

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at October 13, 2013 03:11 PM (DmNpO)

148 Detroit on 60 Minutes I thought was Syria during a flyover shot for a second.

Posted by: Beagle at October 13, 2013 03:12 PM (sOtz/)

149 Ex-postdoc just got married and spent about 2 weeks in a bungalow over the water in Bora-Bora. Said he couldn't wait to get out of there after about 9 days of paradise.

Paradise is highly dependent on your personality. Driven people with to-do lists don't do well with indolence.

Posted by: pep at October 13, 2013 03:12 PM (6TB1Z)

150 Destin FL..... Ft Myers FL...... Bar Harbor ME ..... Montreal PQ..... Anywhere on Prince Edward Island..... Mandal Norway.......

Posted by: Truck Monkey, Gruntled New Business Owner at October 13, 2013 03:13 PM (jucos)

151 133 London is known for their Yoots getting so pissed drunk that they are unable to pee in the streets..... the just pass out on the curbs and shit and piss themselves, and no, I am not kidding. Posted by: Truck Monkey, Gruntled New Business Owner at October 13, 2013 07:05 PM (jucos) I guess there's a reason why Brit slang for drunk is "pissed".

Posted by: rickl at October 13, 2013 03:13 PM (sdi6R)

152 60 Minutes tonight has segments on the decline of Detroit and about a 15-year old who invented an early test for pancreatic cancer

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at October 13, 2013 03:13 PM (DmNpO)

153 Agree on Key West. We try to go once a year. I think Gulf Coast beaches (like JAX, right Barky?) are fantastic as well.

Went to a review in KW recently, and didn't care for it at all. It seemed like a cut-rate version of New Orleans, were such a thing possible.

Posted by: pep at October 13, 2013 03:13 PM (6TB1Z)

154 The one thing they all seem to agree on, the French suck.

***

Well, that's a given.

Posted by: cool arrow at October 13, 2013 03:14 PM (WMsq+)

155 @147 Gulf Coast like Siesta. Obama made the Gulf Coast gaffe when he must have meant Atlantic. So I like the Gulf, but JAX is not on it.

Posted by: Beagle at October 13, 2013 03:14 PM (sOtz/)

156 Bar Harbor ME .....

Now you're talking. The wife and I had a wonderful time there, somewhat to our surprise.

Posted by: pep at October 13, 2013 03:15 PM (6TB1Z)

157 Yankeefifth...Challenge accepted. Name the place you would leave the US for and not return. Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhaed at October 13, seeing as you are a moron and probably were or are a marine, yeah yeah, once and always, I will give you some slack. I have a feeling you misunderstood what I said.

Posted by: yankeefifth at October 13, 2013 03:15 PM (Z9EHQ)

158
The one thing they all seem to agree on, the French suck.

Well honey, we do our best!

Posted by: Fag French Bistro Waiter at October 13, 2013 03:15 PM (pJF+c)

159 >>Went to a review in KW recently, and didn't care for it at all. It seemed like a cut-rate version of New Orleans, were such a thing possible. I hate saying this cause it sounds so trite but 20-25 years ago Key West was the shizznazzle. It was a lot smaller and funkier. Now it's been "discovered" and lost a lot of it's charm. I blame Jimmy Buffet.

Posted by: JackStraw at October 13, 2013 03:16 PM (g1DWB)

160 So there.

Posted by: Nip Sip at October 13, 2013 03:16 PM (0FSuD)

161 [ii]I hate saying this cause it sounds so trite but 20-25 years ago Key West was the shizznazzle. It was a lot smaller and funkier. Now it's been "discovered" and lost a lot of it's charm.

Are you sure you don't work for the BBC?

(heh)

Posted by: pep at October 13, 2013 03:17 PM (6TB1Z)

162 @153 New Orleans is dangerous. Key West is laid back and tropical. Other than Newark hard to imagine a place more unlike New Orleans.

Posted by: Beagle at October 13, 2013 03:18 PM (sOtz/)

163 Paradise is highly dependent on your personality. Driven people with to-do lists don't do well with indolence.

Posted by: pep at October 13, 2013 07:12 PM (6TB1Z)

____________________

This..... After about a week on a sleepy Island "Most" people can't wait to get off. Any island. Had a girlfriend who lived in Hawaii and she said she started going stir crazy once she realized that she lived there and simply couldn't go home. Made sense to me.

Posted by: Truck Monkey, Gruntled New Business Owner at October 13, 2013 03:18 PM (jucos)

164 133: I woke up in a Soho doorway, a policeman knew my name He told me I could sleep at home if I could get up and walk away Well tell me who are you Didn't The Who do an album commonly called their pissing an a wall album?

Posted by: Northernlurker at October 13, 2013 03:18 PM (BLAfs)

165 Gulf Coast like Siesta. Obama made the Gulf Coast gaffe when he must have meant Atlantic. So I like the Gulf, but JAX is not on it. *** I totally missed that gaffe. When dd he do that?

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at October 13, 2013 03:19 PM (DmNpO)

166 >>>I hate saying this cause it sounds so trite but 20-25 years ago Key West was the shizznazzle. It was a lot smaller and funkier. Now it's been "discovered" and lost a lot of it's charm. I missed the "undiscovered" phase of Key West, but it's still my favorite town in the US, and the place I will spend my dying day. It still has a ton of charm, the locals are friendly as hell, but Down Island quirky. We go every year, but I think I'm gonna add a second trip this year and spend Christmas Day on the island.

Posted by: DC in Towson at October 13, 2013 03:20 PM (eQJwb)

167 Doh. Hard to imagine a place more unlike Key West than New Orleans, other than Newark.

Posted by: Beagle at October 13, 2013 03:20 PM (sOtz/)

168 Detroit on 60 Minutes I thought was Syria during a flyover shot for a second. *** Scary looking, huh?

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at October 13, 2013 03:21 PM (DmNpO)

169 >>Are you sure you don't work for the BBC? Pretty sure. Still have my own teeth and I hate fried bread.

Posted by: JackStraw at October 13, 2013 03:21 PM (g1DWB)

170 Bar Harbor Maine is nice. To dip your toes in the Atlantic in July and August and develop 'sudden onset hypothermia' is always tops on my vacation list. But fresh lobster is worth the trip. And lighthouses, lots of lighthouses, makes the seemingly endless trip through mile after mile after mile of pine forest, each hour appearing to last longer then the preceding hour... *falls asleep at the wheel*

Posted by: Schrödinger's cat [/i] at October 13, 2013 03:21 PM (U2UQk)

171 Yeah, I was in NO and KW within a month of each other earlier this year. Nothing alike. KW is paradise. NO smells like dumpster water, and I had to punch a guy in the face my very first day there. I'll never go back to NO.

Posted by: DC in Towson at October 13, 2013 03:22 PM (eQJwb)

172 Bar Harbor ME ..... ------------- Yeah, it's nice ---but don't step over the border into Cabot Cove. Highest murder rate on earth.

Posted by: Margarita DeVille at October 13, 2013 03:23 PM (dfYL9)

173 Detroit on 60 Minutes I thought was Syria during a flyover shot for a second. *** Scary looking, huh? Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at October 13, 2 I read somewhere, I think, the bankruptcy truste for detroit has proposed storing syria's chemical weapons in an old warehouse downtown, next to city hall. a yucca mountain thing except above ground in a place without any doors and or windows.

Posted by: yankeefifth at October 13, 2013 03:23 PM (Z9EHQ)

174 NO smells like dumpster water, and I had to punch a guy in the face my very first day there. I'll never go back to NO.

Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how did you like the play?

Posted by: pep at October 13, 2013 03:23 PM (6TB1Z)

175 I didn't like New Orleans. Seemed like a small city with big city problems. The French Quarter was interesting, but was chock a block full of idiots. I would have been better off going to Disney to get their version of it. I might have liked it better.

Posted by: Truck Monkey, Gruntled New Business Owner at October 13, 2013 03:24 PM (jucos)

176 I never saw any French piss in public, but the rest areas only had a porcelain surrounded hole in floor to squat over. The wife was not impressed...

Posted by: Spun and Murky at October 13, 2013 03:24 PM (4DCSq)

177 I read somewhere, I think, the bankruptcy truste for detroit has proposed storing syria's chemical weapons in an old warehouse downtown, next to city hall. a yucca mountain thing except above ground in a place without any doors and or windows.

Not to mention huge freeze/thaw cycles. I think we have a winner.

Posted by: pep at October 13, 2013 03:24 PM (6TB1Z)

178

WTF does "naff" mean?

I'm no fan of the frogs but this reminds me of Maureen Dood harping on what an awful place Texas is.

Posted by: Jim in Virginia at October 13, 2013 03:24 PM (dmJhQ)

179
14I expect Paris is about the same as SF, smells like piss.

____________________________________________

SF smells like spooge.

Posted by: Lucky Pierre at October 13, 2013 03:25 PM (5fSr7)

180 The British VI are beautiful.... wouldn't want to live there though

Posted by: Truck Monkey, Gruntled New Business Owner at October 13, 2013 03:26 PM (jucos)

181 grew up in a small town. Like. pop. 500 small.

you worked alone, moving pipe, driving combines. Good day was when you and your best friend went fishing.

Ranched, rode fence. Talked to my horses (Misha and Target) more than I did people.

Pushed troops through basic training as the lone instructor (1 on 1... other instructors know what that means) for years.

I can't live in the farms they call neighborhoods. If I can see the light from your house, you're too close. I value solitude.

Posted by: tangonine at October 13, 2013 03:26 PM (x3YFz)

182 179
14I expect Paris is about the same as SF, smells like piss.

I've been to both. Ironic in that SF smells like le pissoir. Paris was relatively clean.

Posted by: pep at October 13, 2013 03:26 PM (6TB1Z)

183 Both Britain and France are such decadent, hollow shadows of their former selves, it's ridiculous. Later, all. God bless. :-)

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at October 13, 2013 03:26 PM (P3dws)

184 well

Posted by: Nip Sip at October 13, 2013 03:27 PM (0FSuD)

185
Cape Cod was always fun, except for the sandy clams. The locals didn't seem to mind, but I despise eating clams and having them crunch.

If I want a mouthful of sand, there's a ton of beaches to choose--and you don't have to pay for the privilege.

Posted by: irongrampa at October 13, 2013 03:27 PM (SAMxH)

186 60 Minutes, at least, isn't blaming Detroit's plight on the brutal Right: Blames it on dwindling tax base, spending sprees, and corruption

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at October 13, 2013 03:28 PM (DmNpO)

187 >>The British VI are beautiful.... wouldn't want to live there though I would. Hell, I almost did. I could hang at the Bitter End drinking painkillers for the rest of my days and be a happy dude.

Posted by: JackStraw at October 13, 2013 03:28 PM (g1DWB)

188 Brit dude was writing about one street: The Champs, which is about 50 lanes wide and runs up to the Arc de Triumph, And mostly writing about what it's like at night, esp late at night.

Pick a street in any city, late at night, and..........have fun

Posted by: les bagatelles de Merde at October 13, 2013 03:28 PM (omBWL)

189 But fresh lobster is worth the trip. And lighthouses, lots of lighthouses, makes the seemingly endless trip through mile after mile after mile of pine forest, each hour appearing to last longer then the preceding hour... *falls asleep at the wheel* Posted by: SchrÃ¶dinger's cat at October 13, 2013 07:21 PM (U2UQk)

Yeah but then you hit a moose and it gets really exciting. For you, I mean, the moose probably didn't even notice.

Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD, you taunty bitch. at October 13, 2013 03:28 PM (Gk3SS)

190 Montauk Long Island is beautiful too. Love it. The people are also very friendly.

Posted by: Truck Monkey, Gruntled New Business Owner at October 13, 2013 03:29 PM (jucos)

191 The Beebs should not engage in such Schadenfreude, considering how shitty some quarters of London are nowadays.

Posted by: logprof at October 13, 2013 03:29 PM (fOFYL)

192

13: And their food sucks.

Writer of a tourist guide to London had a complaint on a hotel he'd recommended: "The eggs were greasy and the bacon was underdone." He explained that this is the standard British breakfast.

You can get good food in Britain, they have excellent Chinese and Indian restaurants.

Posted by: Jim in Virginia at October 13, 2013 03:30 PM (dmJhQ)

193

Saints 27, faux- Patriots 23.

Suck eggs, Tom Brady.

Posted by: Jim in Virginia at October 13, 2013 03:31 PM (dmJhQ)

194 @165 NDH My stupid phone will not let me copy suddenly. Search: Obama gulf coast gaffe He has done it a few times. Floridians notice it. Like Asians and South v. East China Sea or something.

Posted by: Beagle at October 13, 2013 03:31 PM (sOtz/)

195 The North Woods of MN. Heaven on earth. Solitude is buckets. I plan on moving up to the Gunflint Trail with The Mrs and a few dogs and just disappearing. Easy to do it up there.

Posted by: Truck Monkey, Gruntled New Business Owner at October 13, 2013 03:31 PM (jucos)

196 New Orleans is only dangerous if you're an idiot. The murders are mostly gangbangers in the projects shooting each other (or, more often, shooting people standing near each other). As long as you're not a teenaged black man, you're in no greater risk of getting murdered there than anywhere else.

Posted by: Trimegistus at October 13, 2013 03:32 PM (Bs3Y3)

197 I am about to lose at FF by one-half a measly point.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at October 13, 2013 03:33 PM (DmNpO)

198 new orleans! bah! If I were going to invade haiti I would send everyone to new orleans for training.

Posted by: yankeefifth at October 13, 2013 03:34 PM (Z9EHQ)

199 The North Woods of MN. Heaven on earth. Solitude is buckets. I plan on moving up to the Gunflint Trail with The Mrs and a few dogs and just disappearing. Easy to do it up there.

Posted by: Truck Monkey, Gruntled New Business Owner at October 13, 2013 07:31 PM (jucos)

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

Same with the U.P.

Posted by: mama winger at October 13, 2013 03:34 PM (P6QsQ)

200 Damn, I can't believe Jimmy Graham has been shut out this game. Has that ever happened in his career without an injury?

Posted by: logprof at October 13, 2013 03:34 PM (fOFYL)

201 Damn, I can't believe Jimmy Graham has been shut out this game. Has that ever happened in his career without an injury? *** they said earlier that not since his rookie year

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at October 13, 2013 03:35 PM (DmNpO)

202 I'm not a Pats fan but watching Brady throw is a thing of beauty.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at October 13, 2013 03:36 PM (DmNpO)

203 Well 2 shots at the end zone

Posted by: Nevergiveup at October 13, 2013 03:37 PM (UbDLm)

204 wow

Posted by: Nevergiveup at October 13, 2013 03:37 PM (UbDLm)

205 New Orleans is only dangerous if you're an idiot. The murders are mostly gangbangers in the projects shooting each other (or, more often, shooting people standing near each other). As long as you're not a teenaged black man, you're in no greater risk of getting murdered there than anywhere else. Posted by: Trimegistus at October 13, 2013 07:32 PM (Bs3Y3)

So that's where the NYPD does its recruiting!

Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD, you taunty bitch. at October 13, 2013 03:37 PM (Gk3SS)

206 Grace under pressure

Posted by: Nevergiveup at October 13, 2013 03:37 PM (UbDLm)

207 Helluva a win there for the Pats. Nice last minute drive.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at October 13, 2013 03:37 PM (DmNpO)

208 @202

What, he threw a pick?

Posted by: irongrampa at October 13, 2013 03:37 PM (SAMxH)

209 Holy Shiite

Posted by: Truck Monkey, Gruntled New Business Owner at October 13, 2013 03:37 PM (jucos)

210 ARGGGH!

Posted by: Jim in Virginia at October 13, 2013 03:37 PM (dmJhQ)

211 You can get good foodin Britain, they have excellent Chinese and Indian restaurants. Posted by: Jim in Virginia at October 13, 2013 07:30 PM (dmJhQ) True dat. The national take out dish of England. Tikka Masala. True

Posted by: Nip Sip at October 13, 2013 03:38 PM (0FSuD)

212 And so now KC and Denver will be the only remaining undefeated teams.

Posted by: logprof at October 13, 2013 03:38 PM (fOFYL)

213 What, he threw a pick? Posted by: irongrampa at October 13, 2013 07:37 PM (SAMxH) Nope. Touch pass to back corner of end zone

Posted by: Nevergiveup at October 13, 2013 03:38 PM (UbDLm)

214 All I know about the UP is from a couple of Alex McKnight detective books by Steve Hamilton. They're not bad, btw. He made the UP sound intriguing enough to at least visit once.

Posted by: slippery when soothsayer at October 13, 2013 03:40 PM (Ta9X8)

215 Well there goes my 2-1/2 point spread

Posted by: Beto at October 13, 2013 03:40 PM (MhA4j)

216 Touch pass to back corner of end zone Posted by: Nevergiveup at October 13, 2013 07:38 PM That's called the Filner Pass now

Posted by: Beto at October 13, 2013 03:41 PM (MhA4j)

217 r u shittin me? I just walked away from the tv thinking it was over.

Posted by: slippery when soothsayer at October 13, 2013 03:42 PM (Ta9X8)

218 F'n Brady. Brady is the Obama of my football life.

Posted by: JackStraw at October 13, 2013 03:42 PM (g1DWB)

219 214 - Thanks for the book tip! I'll have to check those out. Our bug-out cabin is in the U.P.

Posted by: mama winger at October 13, 2013 03:43 PM (P6QsQ)

220 I lost at FF by one-half a friggin point. Half a lousy friggin point.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at October 13, 2013 03:44 PM (DmNpO)

221 You know how some books are great for the beach or a plane trip? That's what Steve Hamilton's books are. Also, James Lee Burke's stuff.

Posted by: slippery when soothsayer at October 13, 2013 03:45 PM (Ta9X8)

222 Reveling in the Patriots win. So sweet.

Posted by: Lincolntf at October 13, 2013 03:48 PM (ZshNr)

223 Actually letting the assholes in Boston win, helps the rest of the East.

Posted by: Nip Sip at October 13, 2013 03:50 PM (0FSuD)

224 I had the displeasure of spending much of last summer in Europe on business. Probably the most disappointing part of the trip was Paris. The place was a dump compared to the last time I was there. The disrespect at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was astounding. When I knelt in prayer and saluted some buffoon took my picture. Every degenerate from our planet was on the Champs Elysees, especially from the Middle East and Asia.

It was a collection of dirty lowlife's, nouveau rich scum, hangars on and people of all stripes with absolutely no class or taste. Hardly anything close to what I remember of Paris. Oh and the food sucked, nothing ran on time and people mostly were indifferent to just about everything, including the rubbish in just about every square.

In the past, I may have had my differences with the French. But there was almost always an underpinning of class and that special je ne sais quoi to admire. No more. It's dead and gone with the loss of that uniquely French culture.

Posted by: Marcus at October 13, 2013 03:50 PM (0Vge0)

225 Anyone else use Reddit? I'm /u/ThePoliticalHat

Posted by: The Political Hat at October 13, 2013 03:51 PM (Vk2pI)

226 Y'all take yer football serious, huh? Anyone makemoney on it?

Posted by: fastfreefall at October 13, 2013 03:53 PM (Tz35j)

227 I miss Colorado. There's nothing much more idyllic than Steamboat at Christmas time.

Posted by: Lauren at October 13, 2013 03:53 PM (ELdpj)

228 btw, in light of almost bombing Syria for Al Qaeda's benefit and obamacare and the economy on the brink of collapse, it's been a while since we recalled Newsweek's stupid magazine cover: "America Is Back" Yes, it is. Yes, indeed. America is ON ITS back.

Posted by: slippery when soothsayer at October 13, 2013 03:54 PM (Ta9X8)

229 226 Y'all take yer football serious, huh? Anyone makemoney on it? Posted by: fastfreefall at October 13, 2013 07:53 PM (Tz35j) --I'm in one fantasy league for some money.

Posted by: logprof at October 13, 2013 03:54 PM (fOFYL)

230 I was in Sydney in '86, and it was very multicultural then, much like New York. Other than the harbor bridge and the opera house, it didn't seem very attractive. I'd rather go to Brisbane. Trees lining the streets were painted with light. Not a large city, but safe and friendly. They partially blacked out the city for an hour so the people could look for Halley's Comet. Australia as a whole is very beautiful, and at least then, the people were very friendly.

Posted by: whoever at October 13, 2013 03:55 PM (UJe/j)

231 A Brit criticizing the French for pissing in the gutter? Seriously? Has he taken a stroll around London when the bars let out?

Posted by: Rocks at October 13, 2013 03:55 PM (vR0sZ)

232 I want Arizona to get a garbage score since I'm up against the SFO defense in 2 leagues.

Posted by: logprof at October 13, 2013 03:56 PM (fOFYL)

233 I'd rather go to Brisbane. Trees lining the streets were painted with light. Not a large city, but safe and friendly. They partially blacked out the city for an hour so the people could look for Halley's Comet.

Australia as a whole is very beautiful, and at least then, the people were very friendly. Posted by: whoever

I see your Brisbane and raise you a Perth. I'm not a paradise kind of guy (see earlier comment) but if I were, Perth would be where I'd land.

Posted by: pep at October 13, 2013 03:56 PM (6TB1Z)

234 224 --- I'd say the same about Britain. It's all very, very sad.

Posted by: Margarita DeVille at October 13, 2013 03:56 PM (dfYL9)

235 Truck Monkey: I turned down a job in Grand Marais some 30+ years ago as the County engineer. Every time I drive through there, I think about it. You're right, you can easily fall off the grid there.

Posted by: Foghorn Leghorn at October 13, 2013 03:57 PM (l0lja)

236 Well, so much for that. I need RG III and The Butler to have big games. Don't throw the ball too much, 'Skins!

Posted by: logprof at October 13, 2013 03:58 PM (fOFYL)

237 I think it's amazing Great Britain lasted as long as it did with that stupid monarchy-parliament govt they have. They thrived, though.

Posted by: slippery when soothsayer at October 13, 2013 03:59 PM (Ta9X8)

238 I'm in a 12 man, 120 dollar a season league. It's a lot more fun and a lot less expensive than regular gambling.

Posted by: Lincolntf at October 13, 2013 04:02 PM (ZshNr)

239 >>I see your Brisbane and raise you a Perth. I'm not a paradise kind of guy (see earlier comment) but if I were, Perth would be where I'd land. Ditto. The best part of Perth is Fremantle is short pop a way. WA for the win.

Posted by: JackStraw at October 13, 2013 04:03 PM (g1DWB)

240 Is it o.k. to comment on books on a Paris thread that morphed into a football thread?

Posted by: lowandslow at October 13, 2013 04:04 PM (APJIX)

241 Only if it's a book about soccer.

Posted by: Lincolntf at October 13, 2013 04:05 PM (ZshNr)

242 I think it's amazing Great Britain lasted as long as it did with that stupid monarchy-parliament govt they have. They thrived, though. Posted by: slippery when soothsayer at October 13, 2013 07:59 PM (Ta9X GefetiaÃ¾ Witenagemot

Posted by: Ælfrǣd þæs Duguþes at October 13, 2013 04:05 PM (Vk2pI)

243

And their food sucks.

And it's foggy. And rainy.

And their women are ugly. Mostly.

I was stationed in the UK from 1990-93. The pub food is actually pretty good and cheaper than the restaurants. It does get rainy and foggy but the 3 years I was there, the summers were beautiful. Sunny and comfortable. The women were like every where else. Some ugly, some pretty. I had fun when I was stationed there. Its sad to see how far its fallen.

Posted by: puddleglum at October 13, 2013 04:06 PM (8SsiG)

244 stoner thread up

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at October 13, 2013 04:07 PM (DmNpO)

245

Posted by: puddleglum at October 13, 2013 04:07 PM (8SsiG)

246 So you're telling me that if I wear this pink ribbon I'm 'joining the fight' against breast cancer? Do we live in Idiocracy or what? What happened to encouraging kids to go into the medical science field, or I dunno, teaching them how to read and write and speak friggin English? Nah, just wear this ribbon and 'fight' cancer. No thinking necessary on your part; just wear the ribbon.

Posted by: slippery when soothsayer at October 13, 2013 04:07 PM (Ta9X8)

247 Truck Monkey: I turned down a job in Grand Marais some 30+ years ago as the County engineer. Every time I drive through there, I think about it. You're right, you can easily fall off the grid there.

Posted by: Foghorn Leghorn at October 13, 2013 07:57 PM (l0lja)

_______________________

Hwy 12 (The Gunflint Trail) up into the Boundry Waters is THE most beautiful drive in the world. I can think of no better.

Posted by: Truck Monkey, Gruntled New Business Owner at October 13, 2013 04:08 PM (jucos)

248 @224 To me Paris is only 1988. It was nice then. But this is classic red white blue on red white blue violence. The British and French fight like cats and cats.

Posted by: Beagle at October 13, 2013 04:09 PM (sOtz/)

249 @224 To me Paris is only 1988. It was nice then. But this is classic red white blue on red white blue violence. The British and French fight like cats and cats.

Posted by: Beagle at October 13, 2013 04:09 PM (sOtz/)

250 @224 To me Paris is only 1988. It was nice then. But this is classic red white blue on red white blue violence. The British and French fight like cats and cats.

Posted by: Beagle at October 13, 2013 04:09 PM (sOtz/)

251 New non-stoner political thread here: http://minx.cc/?post=344136

Posted by: Psychedelicat at October 13, 2013 04:11 PM (Vk2pI)

252 New non-stoner political thread here: http://minx.cc/?post=344136

Posted by: Psychedelicat at October 13, 2013 04:11 PM (Vk2pI)

253 New non-stoner political thread here: http://minx.cc/?post=344136

Posted by: Psychedelicat at October 13, 2013 04:11 PM (Vk2pI)

254 Headed to the north woods on Saturday. A week off the grid, woot. Setters are looking forward to it as well.

Posted by: Misanthropic humanitarian, now with 50% more sensitivity at October 13, 2013 04:13 PM (HVff2)

255 >>So you're telling me that if I wear this pink ribbon I'm 'joining the fight' against breast cancer?

I hate this stuff, too. It's the idiocy of "raising awareness" about things that we've long been aware of, and meaningless gestures. I won't by 'pink' merchandise or any other tie-in branding because it's cheap grace. Only idiots think they're doing good by buying Sun Chips with special pink ribbon labeling. One should cut a check directly to the cause if you're really interested in supporting it.

Posted by: Lizzy at October 13, 2013 04:15 PM (JRmiD)

256 So I caught part of the Boston-Detroit game last night. Is there a reason the entire Boston team save the Japanese relief Pitcher are all sporting Talidouche camel fucker beards? Solidarity and all is cool but they can't trim the things? They all looked like round-eye mujtard GITMO escapees...

Posted by: OG Celtic-American at October 13, 2013 04:17 PM (vHRtU)

257 The pink shit is ALL October. Get used to it or puke.

Posted by: NCwoof at October 13, 2013 04:20 PM (aUQgu)

258 Marcus @ 224 Second that. I used to travel to Paris a lot for business, and at first enjoyed it, then it became a chore. The last time I was there was 2008, and it struck me how it was getting run down and dirty. A taxi driver from Tunisia told us how beautiful Paris is (was). Really? Somedays were really nice and pleasant, and I really enjoyed myself. But I really could not stand to live their, and after a few days I was dying to get home.

Posted by: Severe Conservative riding Orca at October 13, 2013 04:37 PM (v6hyJ)

259 Was watching Detroit-Boston game. Switched to Redskins-Cowboys. Can't stand the beards on baseball 'players'. Do I need therapy?

Posted by: NCwoof at October 13, 2013 04:44 PM (aUQgu)

260 "I see your Brisbane and raise you a Perth. I'm not a paradise kind of guy (see earlier comment) but if I were, Perth would be where I'd land." I only toured the east coast and the central Outback. I need to get back there some day and see the rest of the country.

Posted by: whoever at October 13, 2013 05:23 PM (UJe/j)

261 Can't stand the beards on baseball 'players'. Do I need therapy?

No, you just need a radio.

Posted by: Purp[/i][/b][/u][/s] at October 13, 2013 05:34 PM (l5zzX)

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