DISQUS

AMERICAblog: Joe, Chris and I are heading off to Denver

  • Dave of the Jungle · 1 year ago
    Fun City
  • ImpureScience · 1 year ago
    "never ever ever fly a US carrier abroad unless you want shitty service, bad food, small seats, and arrogant arrogant arrogant flight attendants."

    Eurofly certainly seems give them a run for their money in those departments. Just took them to Bologna (and back) and was treated to many delays, bad (and very strange!) food, all airline seats are small for me anyway, and the flight attendants were like dominatrices conceived by Mel Brooks. On the flight back to NYC that got in 5 hours late at 2AM, they 'ran out' of pillows, they said they don't pack them unless it's an 'overnight' trip.
  • John Aravosis · 1 year ago
    The little carriers within europe, the cheap ones, don't offer spectacular service either. True.
  • KarenMrsLloydRichards · 1 year ago
    Out of love: flying from sea level to 5000+ feet and dry air will make you dizzy and dehydrated, so drink LOTS of water and less coffee than you normally do. I have seen people faint at the podium at conferences in the Rockies when they've not had a chance to acclimate...
  • SouthernYankee · 1 year ago
    Well you guys have a great time. Let us know good places to visit and eat. Bring a sweater. Sorry thats the momma in me talking.
  • Bush_Bites · 1 year ago
    McCains don't fly business class. They have their own personal jet.

    Hoping for some podcasts from the convention.

    Extra points if you spill drinks on any PUMAs you see.

    (Oh, and if you get the chance, make sure you heckle Mitt and Pawlenty---guess they're setting up some lame-ass alternative event in Denver.)
  • bumpkis · 1 year ago
    I always worry about deep vein trombones on those long flights.
  • Bush_Bites · 1 year ago
    Ah....I have a friend who got that going out S.F.

    Very scary...the clot actually broke lose and went into her lungs.....but she survived with quick Emergency Care and like a 6-month pharmaceutical regimen afterwards..

    They have excercises on line that you can use for long flights to reduce your risks.
  • artisticfreedom · 1 year ago
    Damn, I wanna go!
  • aquarius2 · 1 year ago
    Will be very interesting to see what all those "beltway" types think of our fair city of Denver.
  • fostert · 1 year ago
    I've never flown Air France, but I'm certainly willing to give it a try. My favorite is Thai Airways, but I'm pretty happy with Emirates as well. You have to give credit to a Muslim owned airline that will serve me Kosher meal and give me the chance to say a prayer over it before it is heated. And I'm not even Jewish. But their stewardesses aren't quite up to Thai standards. The Thai stewardesses aren't just the hottest in business, they are super responsive. By the time you turn your head after pushing the button, they're already there and asking you what you need. They respond faster than the laws of physics would seem to allow. And that's in coach class. I have no idea what they're like in business or first. I can't even dream of what that might be like. Can the food really be better? Can the stewardesses really be hotter? And unless they're giving me a blow job, can the service really be better? Someday, I'll find out. But coach is plenty fine on Thai Airways.
  • KarenMrsLloydRichards · 1 year ago
    Hey gang: go easy; the altitude and dry air will make you dizzy over and beyond the excitement of the convention. Drink LOTS of water!
  • fostert · 1 year ago
    As a Coloradan, I can only say this: Great Advice! Flatlanders don't always get the altitude thing, but it's a real issue. But there is a pretty simple answer: Water water water. And more water. The funny thing in Colorado is that you don't sweat in a liquid form. It evaporates so fast that you don't get wet. So you don't think you're losing water, but you are losing it faster than you ever thought possible. So drink lots of water.
  • fostert · 1 year ago
    I guess I should add one thing. Colorado is the one place that I've seen the most beautiful weather experience: the Thunder Snowstorm. There's really nothing like it, and yes, it does occur elsewhere. But it's really beautiful when it happens here in Colorado. Consider yourself lucky if you've ever seen it. Although the true beauty is in the sound. The thunder gets muffled by the snow. It's really wonderful, and I'm glad that I've experienced it. It would be even more beautiful if it happened when Obama gives his speech. And believe me, it's not impossible. Snow in September is not unusual.
  • vkobaya · 1 year ago
    the GOP one kind of sucked

    Yee Gods! Thought makes my skin crawl. How could you stand being locked into a convention center with that many barbarian, savage, atavistic Neanderthal, cannibals, head hunters and practioners of human sacrifice.

    Wow, so this is how the McCains live.

    You still don't have any idea. the McCains have a private jet. PRIVATE jet. That is another world from commercial jets. The servants aboard must crawl on the floor to serve the McCains, not allowed to look at their faces, not allowed to talk except to answer, "Yes, Master.Mistress!" Food isn't anything you've ever eaten more like caviar, truffles (the fungi, not chocolate) foei grae, etc. Carpet is 4 inches thick. The cabin is so well insulated, you never even hear the jet engines. If the the pilots ever have a bump in the air, let alone a rough landing the engines are reved while on the ground and both pilots shoved into the front of the jet engines. Kid yourself not! You now know how the McCain's live, but you will never experience it.

    BTW, Obama flies commercial airlines ... though my guess is that he's not allowed to fly since all Democrats are on Bush's terrorist watch list banned from flying. Also on the list are any environmentalists, peace activists, antiwar activists, feminists, and liberal college professors ... no, take that back. Any college professor who isn't foaming at the mouth is banned from flying. Is't that how you can recognize any Republican immediately, by their rabies?
  • BorninUSA · 1 year ago
    I am watching Obama and Biden right now. Where the hell is everybody??? Not one thread anywhere is covering this. I usually rely on ABlog and C&R to keep me up to date, but C&R is talking about the Olympics and ABlog is apparently somewhere out in space.

    Biden already got a dig in on mcshame. Biden was talking about husbands and wives sitting around their kitchen table talking about their low wages and high cost of living; but we all know we don't have to think about which of our seven kitchen tables we sit at!
  • KarenMrsLloydRichards · 1 year ago
    It's a summer Saturday afternoon, the Olympics still in progress, so only political junkies have it on. But highlights should play after the weekend. He's not as compelling a platform speaker as Obama, but he's doing OK, since he didn't have much prep time!
  • hawkseye · 1 year ago
    You're right, but I think what is compelling about Biden is his tell-it-like-it-is stance and un-self-conscious delight with being asked to be running mate---and with having a beautiful wife. It's endearing, even if, in the case of his wife, a bit sexist. He's a guy who feels blessed, and I like that.
  • hawkseye · 1 year ago
    Yes, I loved that line, Bornin.
  • BorninUSA · 1 year ago
    OOps, meant C&L.
  • LunaStick · 1 year ago
    Biden is kicking ASS!!

    Just what is needed. Whew!
  • LunaStick · 1 year ago
    What I was looking for out of Biden was an attack mentality. Attacking McCain as Bush over and over again. He hit McCain hard and it was a beautiful sight to see. I feel relieved for now. KEEP IT UP!!
  • mmedefarge · 1 year ago
    please please please tell me that Tweety did NOT say Barack had an expression on his face that looked like Denzel!!!!
  • LunaStick · 1 year ago
    Uh yeah. He did. Classic Tweety foot in mouth.
  • Bobby · 1 year ago
    Yep, I heard it too.
  • falloch · 1 year ago
    OT: this article chronicles how McSame flip-flops about someone who saved his life
    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-542277/...

    he is a sad bastard...
  • Bobby · 1 year ago
    Biden was great!

    Have fun in Denver, guys. If you see Rove or Hannity, kick them in the balls.
  • LunaStick · 1 year ago
    Bad advice! You can't kick someone in a body part they don't have.
    :)
  • Bostonian_Queer_in_Dallas · 1 year ago
    No...if you see Rove, please stab him with a pencil or pen in both of his eyes.
  • Bobby · 1 year ago
    (CNN) — Even as Hillary Clinton praised the newly-minted Democratic presidential ticket Saturday, some in her circle are furious Barack Obama did not appear to give the New York Democrat serious consideration for the No. 2 spot, or even ask for her consultation on the matter.

    "Set aside that Obama said she'd be on anybody's short list, set aside anybody's feelings on whether she was deliberately snubbed and the pros and cons of whether it should be her," a former Clinton strategist told CNN's Candy Crowley. "Focus on the politics of it and you have about a quarter of Clinton loyalists still not joining the caravan…for God's sake, not to even make a show of taking her seriously is flatly stupid."

    A top Clinton advisor also told CNN they were "outraged," over how the process was conducted.
  • Bush_Bites · 1 year ago
    OT:

    Hey: John and Joe.

    Looks like Fournier is seeking speakers fees against AP policy.

    http://majikthise.typepad.com/majikthise_/2008/...

    (via open left.)
  • hawkseye · 1 year ago
    No bailouts.
    American airlines suck and we have too many of them. Go back to regulations.
    We flew Air France once to Tahiti and it was as you say. Great food, service and free booze. Beautiful flight attendants; stewards were nice looking, too.
  • LunaStick · 1 year ago
  • domino · 1 year ago
    In my area, there is a fairly good motel. On Thursday, a tent went up in their parking lot selling Obama swag.

    Now, conventioneers, do not party too loud. I would hate to call the police to quiet you down.
  • ClayPotts · 1 year ago
    After thoughtful consideration of this year's Presidential race, I have decided to vote for John McCain in November. Senator McCain's proven leadership and experience far exceed that of contender Obama, and his military service was exemplary. I wholeheartedly support John McCain and feel that he would be the best man to govern America at this time.

    As I have stated in the past, I apologize sincerely to Senator McCain for harsh and uncalled for words that I have posted here in the past. My juvenile antics demonstrated a lack of maturity on such a serious matter as this year's election.

    As for the matter of quoting Biblical scriptures it seems to have caused confusion in America and that was not my intent. Being brought up in a conservative Church, it was common place to quote scripture frequently with a fire and brimstone style. There is no further story as I have alluded to in past writings and this was due to my personal errors.

    Again I apologize to America for my childish statements and look forward to voting for John McCain this election.

    The name "Clay Potts" was initially chosen because I am a gardener and nothing else.
  • nikto · 1 year ago
    After thoughtful consideration of this year's Presidential race, I have decided conclusively, based on
    vast evidence acquired over years of closely following his career, that JOHN MCCAIN IS A VILE, DANGEROUS MAN
    WHO NO LONGER HAS THE ABILITY TO TELL THE TRUTH OR MAKE SOUND DECISIONS
    IN ANY AREA INVOLVING ETHICS, MORALS, OR PERSONAL JUDGEMENT.

    I have also concluded that many of McCain's followers share in his immoralilty and subconcious hatred of America,
    and must be seen as failures in their roles as American citizens.

    Sadly, this is not mere opinion----This is EMPIRICAL, and will only be debated or questioned by those with
    an uncontainable hatred of America, its freedoms, and The Truth in general.
  • mirth · 1 year ago
    It's so good to know you guys will be at the convention and we will get firsthand your experiences and analysis. Yea AMERICABlog!

    PS: I lost the bet on O's VP and I just paid up.
    :)
  • LunaStick · 1 year ago
    How much did you lose?
  • mirth · 1 year ago
    No amount was set for the donation. I gave my usual.

    I am warming to VP Biden. Even 'tho he isn't the one I hoped would be picked, I trust Obama to make the right decisions to win this election and others (especially here on these threads - including you, Missy) :) whom I admire and trust the opinions of are happy with Biden. Maybe my choice will make it to a cabinet post and that would be even better than VP. :)
  • LunaStick · 1 year ago
    I wasn't sure about Biden myself. I wanted Clark most but after hearing Biden's attack mentality, I am much relieved. I wanted someone who would go after McCain and Biden has the chops and standing to do it like no other can. There's always the danger of gaffes the next few months but if he keeps making strong attacks, we can weather them.

    I'm cool with Obama/Biden '08. Very cool with it :)
  • nikto · 1 year ago
    " If they can charge us for water, we can charge them for their bailout."
    =====================================================================================================================
    Now, that's what Corporate Governance should be all about, baby!!


    Yeah!!!!
  • thereason · 1 year ago
    hey john...if you guys want some GREAT Mexican, go to the Table Mountain Inn in Golden! Have fun...raise HELL with Hannity!!
  • GottaLaff · 1 year ago
    JOHN MCCAIN: MATERIAL GIRL, video!

    Snark city.: http://thepoliticalcarnival.blogspot.com/2008/0...
  • Rufus · 1 year ago
    Well, whatcha goin' do? Biden is from DE and will bring in the DE votes. Sadly, only 4 people live in DE: Biden, his wife, and the two guys that run the local 7/11. Hillary, on the other hand, would have brought in 150 million votes. I know, Obama and Hillary don't get along, but neither did JFK and LBJ and JFK knew he had to suck it up to get the LBJ votes (even with those, JFK almost lost and would have if his Dad hadn't bought all the votes in Chicago. Anyways, sure hope this all works out because if Obama doesn't win it's a third term for Bush.
  • ShirleyGoodnessanMercy · 1 year ago
    Actually Biden is extremely popular in Pennsylvania, too. He grew up there and has family there. Also, Biden is popular with Labor, so he should help a lot in crucial states like Ohio and Michigan.
  • Rufus · 1 year ago
    ).
  • Butch1 · 1 year ago
    Arrogant and pompous, and they wait for you to show any signs that you are upset at them. Next, you will have the aeroport security waiting for you when the plane lands. I haven't flown in country for quite awhile and do not intend to. The last time we flew to Mexico we went first class and yes, they do put on a show for you there but forget about it in coach.
  • jr · 1 year ago
    I hope you guys have a good time in Denver
  • ShirleyGoodnessanMercy · 1 year ago
    Don't forget to buy a t-shirt that says "When McCain left one of his 10 houses in a 9-car motorcade to get a capuccino at Starbucks yesterday, was he wearing his $520 shoes? And was his $273,000 a year butler with him?"