Things I like about the USA

[blackpriester]

Telemarkters on the phone.
I definitely like people calling you up and asking you to buy
something. I always tell them to send me a large Anchovi pizza
and assure them I'd buy their crapola when it arrives.

Sadly, I have never eaten a pure Anchovi pizza in my life,
especially not a large one.

 

[Graham]

I like the health insurance. If I lived in, say, the Andean highlands I'd probably have to surrender a guinea pig just for an enema administered by a pulchritudinous Otavaleño bruja. Here in the USA, that unexplained 27% hike in my health insurance premium guarantees that I will still pay merely $800 out of pocket for my wife's blood test.

On the other hand, I pay my PRSI (about 6% of my salary) every month and all my medical needs are catered for and there's no question of my being left to die on the street just because I don't have insurance.

Graham

 

[Frank Newgent]

Thank you for your reply, Graham.

I also like the architecture. Postmodern sophistications of the pre-formed concrete slab reassure one with their continuity. Before leaving on a cross-country trip to Branson, Missouri, I can declare with certainty that everything along the way will look exactly the same as last week's drive to Manitowoc.

 

[blackpriester]

Thank you for your reply, Graham.

I also like the architecture. Postmodern sophistications of the pre-formed concrete slab reassure one with their continuity. Before leaving on a cross-country trip to Branson, Missouri, I can declare with certainty that everything along the way will look exactly the same as last week's drive to Manitowoc.

No you can't.
During red terrorist alerts, National guardsmen might change the appearance of the surrounding landscape.

 

[Frank Newgent]

Re: Re: Things I like about the USA

National guardsmen might change the appearance of the surrounding landscape.

That was already accomplished decades ago. Something else I like about the USA.

 

[blackpriester]

Nothing to compliment the loveliness of the Bay Bridge in the sunset like a set of humvees and a few guys with M-16s

 

[rikzilla]

Thank you for your reply, Graham.

I also like the architecture. Postmodern sophistications of the pre-formed concrete slab reassure one with their continuity. Before leaving on a cross-country trip to Branson, Missouri, I can declare with certainty that everything along the way will look exactly the same as last week's drive to Manitowoc.

Ugh...that's what we call the "Generica" syndrome. The proliferation of standardized franchises. No matter where you are in the USA you can count on the requisite gas station, Mickey D's, and Taco Bell on every corner. Sad but true.

DC at least is a very beautiful little city. The mickey D's are still there, but hidden away behind the facades of old office buildings. They've kept alot of the old-look archetecture by saving facades and building new right behind them. If you've never been to DC, you should come. Lafayette Square (which the White House faces) has been restored to the archetectural look which was present in the mid 1800's. (Thanks mostly to the efforts of Jackie Kennedy) I'm hoping that this kind of respect for history spreads across the country someday...maybe there's hope?

-z

 

[WMT1]

Originally posted by WMT1
It looks to me more like anti-Christian-authoritarian rhetoric. There is a difference.

Originally posted by LCBOY
Good point and I agree. But when has a "xtian zealot" ever held power in US history?

Due to the subjective nature of the term, I'll refrain from naming names. But for a general example, I'd say just about anyone who originally contributed to the passing of the laws that were struck down by the SC yesterday would qualify.

It is worth noting, however, that it wouldn't be necessary for any "zealots" to have actually had power in order for blackadder to legitimately express concerns about the danger of them doing so.

 

[Graham]

Re: Re: Things I like about the USA

Ugh...that's what we call the "Generica" syndrome. The proliferation of standardized franchises. No matter where you are in the USA you can count on the requisite gas station, Mickey D's, and Taco Bell on every corner. Sad but true.

DC at least is a very beautiful little city. The mickey D's are still there, but hidden away behind the facades of old office buildings. They've kept alot of the old-look archetecture by saving facades and building new right behind them. If you've never been to DC, you should come. Lafayette Square (which the White House faces) has been restored to the archetectural look which was present in the mid 1800's. (Thanks mostly to the efforts of Jackie Kennedy) I'm hoping that this kind of respect for history spreads across the country someday...maybe there's hope?

-z

There are three cities on my list of places to see when I finally get the chance to "do" the States:

1) Washington

2) New York

3) New Orleans

Oh, and Graceland What other cities are distinctive/worth a trip?

 

[Frank Newgent]

Re: Re: Re: Things I like about the USA

There are three cities on my list of places to see when I finally get the chance to "do" the States:

1) Washington

2) New York

3) New Orleans

Oh, and Graceland What other cities are distinctive/worth a trip?

The Chicago lakefront around Grant Park over to the Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum area is outstanding.

 

[blackpriester]

Re: Re: Re: Things I like about the USA

There are three cities on my list of places to see when I finally get the chance to "do" the States:

1) Washington

2) New York

3) New Orleans

Oh, and Graceland What other cities are distinctive/worth a trip?

Add San Francisco. LIke Ricki's Washington, they generally hate franchises there, so the city looks pretty original and beautiful. Tacky "Fisherman's Wharf" excluded, maybe.

 

[blackpriester]

Oh, and New Orleans is usually a big diappointment to everyone.

 

[rikzilla]

Re: Re: Re: Things I like about the USA

There are three cities on my list of places to see when I finally get the chance to "do" the States:

1) Washington

2) New York

3) New Orleans

Oh, and Graceland What other cities are distinctive/worth a trip?

Go see Miami...South Beach is famous for the nude beach, the art-deco archetecture, and the all night parties! Not only that, but in Miami you get a true multi-cultural, multi-lingual experience! The xenophobic American stereotype doesn't play there at all.

Calle Ocho is my favorite event there:

At the corner of 13th avenue lies a memorial park with monuments to many Cuban heroes. It is a peaceful place, a nice place for a break. You can see memorials to Jose Marti (poet and revolutionary), Antonio Maceo (war hero), the Island of Cuba Memorial, and the Memorial Flame (to the heroes of the Bay of Pigs). There is a large ceiba tree with things around it- don't touch! These are offerings left by patrons affected by the souls there; to touch or remove these offerings is considered very bad luck.

For an authentic Cuban evening, plan your trip around the end of the month. The last Friday of each month is known as Viernes Culturales (Cultural Friday). It is a large Latin street party complete with music, dancing, street performers, food, local artist's wares, and theater. It is good, clean fun for the whole family.

Of course, each March Calle Ocho is best known as the biggest street party in the country- more then 1 million people from around the world come to this single-day event! In 1998, more than 119,000 people joined in the world's longest conga line, and the festival still holds its place in the Guiness Book of World Records. You'll see dancing, eating, partying, costumes, street performers and the biggest latin stars performing. Major news crews from all over broadcast the event as Cubans from all over the country return to celebrate their roots.

-z

 

[ZeeGerman]

Umm, yeah, I did forget THEM .
And I DID want to visit you in Erlangen during the Beergarden season. Had to prepare my girlfriend's move to Frankfurt... including the cats that come with her.

How about early July? Still beergarden season...

Fine with me.

Does that mean that you and your girl plan to stay in Frankfurt permanently?

Zee

[edited to not commit thread jacking and because it's true]

The beaches in Cal. This looooong coast line and the concept that the beaches belong to all people, so no fences. And because the pacific is darn cold in northern Cal you don't any tourists and no accompaning commerce harass. Wonderful.

Zee

 

[blackpriester]

Fine with me.

Does that mean that you and your girl plan to stay in Frankfurt permanently?

Zee

Actually, we're gonna move to Darmstadt eventually.
I bought a loft in an old mill there, it's getting redone
and should be finished by October/November.
The rathole in Frankfurt I currently live in is rented...

 

[ZeeGerman]

Actually, we're gonna move to Darmstadt eventually.
I bought a loft in an old mill there, it's getting redone
and should be finished by October/November.
The rathole in Frankfurt I currently live in is rented...

Expensive, eh?

My best man lives there, it's horrible.

For the thread:

I liked Pittsburgh very much, not because it is in any way special, just because I had a great time there.

Zee

 

[blackpriester]

Expensive, eh?

My best man lives there, it's horrible.

For the thread:

I liked Pittsburgh very much, not because it is in any way special, just because I had a great time there.

Zee

Darmstadt is actually more expensive.
I just don't like the city noise and the smell of the Binding brewery. On the positive side, I need two minutes to WALK to work every morning.

 

[Ricomise]

Go see Miami...South Beach is famous for the nude beach, the art-deco archetecture, and the all night parties! Not only that, but in Miami you get a true multi-cultural, multi-lingual experience! The xenophobic American stereotype doesn't play there at all.

I'll second rikzilla on Miami. I lived there for four years while in school (go 'canes!), and I loved it. He's right about the cultural mix; unless you happen to be from Cuba or Haiti, I guarentee you can find something you haven't tried there. Calle Ocho rocks.

I just visited Chicago for the first time this summer, and I was impressed. Seems like a great city. (In summer anyway, I understand I wouldn't want to be ther in January.)

New York is, well New York. You have to go there to really know what its like.

I went to San Francisco (the "other bay area" a long time ago, but I remember it being a cool city.

 

[Ricomise]

As regards the first, (diversity) how much of a delicate balancing act do you think it is? How much do you think it would take for it all to break down and factionalise? Do you think that the many and various minorities have been held in check by the fact that they are overwhelmingly outnumbered by W.A.S.P.'s? What do you think will happen as that balance shifts over the next 50 - 100 years (or do you think it will?)?

I think this is a very interesting question. I think that in some ways it is a "balancing act", but I'm not sure it's a delicate one.

What we regard as American "culture" is really an amalgam of other cultures that have blended together and changed over the years. There have been groups throughout history that come in and change the dynamic of the culture, especially in certain localized areas. Those cultures then adapt, retaining some of their old ideas and embracing some new ones. (Oh-oh, I sound like the "melting-pot" chapter from one of my old middle-school textbooks!)

The important thing in this regard, I think is the framework of the U.S institutions. They generally allow for much flexibilty in individuals' cultural choices. It is when our institutional framework begins to become more rigid, (not allowing this, prohibiting that, all because those ideas are "different," or "immoral" or what have you) that fracturing tends to occur.

How will a shifting balance of minorities affect this? As long as our system remains flexible, we will be able to accomodate all the groups. (Although everyone is never happy.) In my work, I encounter many "aliens" (uncomfortable with the term, but its a legal description) who are very excited about becoming "American." Its interesting to see them embrace our institutions (except that whole tax thing, nobody seems to like it )and yet retain alot of their cultural heritage.

Hope this didn't "hijack" the thread, but I found it an intersting point.

 

[Zep]

Speed limits suck, though .
I would add a positive abundance of Freeways within cities, wideness of even small streets and "generous" architecture (Skyscrapers et al) to the "Positive" list.

Don't know about freeway speeds... My experience of German autobahns is of cars nose-to-tail at >130kmh in Polo's, Trabants and Warburgs - scary!! At least the Yanks like to spread out a bit!

Also positive, in particular with US roads, are logical and consistent intersection signs. A little thing, but for a visitor to those shores having to find "Interstate 66, exit 22 North" (for example) to get somewhere specific, and then to find signs that really say that, is just SO reassuring (that you don't have to drive to the next state just to turn around, usually).

Unsure about skyscrapers... Lovely architecture in some of them, sure, but 9/11 really put a dampener on them for me. And frankly, I prefer San Francisco style to NY.

<biased_comment>
And another positive to do with my job: Apple Macintosh technology. How computers COULD be if we tried harder.
Then again, on the flipside: Microsoft. The world domination you have when you're not allowed have world domination.
</biased_comment>

Zep