America

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America

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Ron.M

Posts: 7051
Joined: Jul. 7 2003
From: Scotland

America

Hi,
Has anybody been watching the BBC2 programme "Stephen Fry in America"?
In the programme, Stephen Fry (from Blackadder et al) is travelling through the states just talking to ordinary folks.
Great programme!
This evening he went to West Virginia and through to Tennessee and I must admit the "ordinary" bluegrass was amazing.
Bluegrass is almost like Flamenco guitar with it's licks, falsetas and virtuoso and flamboyant style.
Interesting to note that he found Florida "actually more Northern" than the other Southern states he took us through.
In fact he said that driving up North to Alabama felt like returning to the South.

I must say that in these days of a sort of feeling of "anti-Americanism" that prevails around the world, America is a great place.
Not the Government or George W or anything, but just the ordinary people on the ground.
In the few months I spent there, folk were incredibly friendly and hospitable and I had a great time there and would look forward to visiting again.

cheers,

Ron

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 25 2008 11:45:19

Ricardo

Posts: 14801
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC

RE: America (in reply to Ron.M)

Well yeeee haaaa!

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 25 2008 14:04:25

Florian

Posts: 9282
Joined: Jul. 14 2003
From: Adelaide/Australia

RE: America (in reply to Ricardo)

there's not that much antiamericanism here...maybe anti bushism, i think its the same for most of the world.. that young black candidate ..i dont know his name but he looks pretty inteligent, calm and not arrogant, cultured, dosent look like a trigger happy cast member of Bonanza..

not like wed get a choice...australia has been americas litlle unquestioning lap dog ever since i can remember..

Australian priminister." - Oh yeah guys btw..we going to join America in a war against Solomon Islands..."

Everyone " - Why ?"

Australian priminister "- they bad"

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 25 2008 23:14:24

Stu

Posts: 2527
Joined: Jan. 30 2007
From: London (the South of it), England

RE: America (in reply to Ron.M)

Hey Ron, I've caught bits and pieces of this show and I've thoroughly enjoyed it, I've set the sky box up to record all of them!! Think Fry is gonna be the new Palin! he's got another travel series coming up after this one.

Must admit I missed the bluegrass bit, hopefully I'll catch it when I re watch them. Caught a bit last night when he was at a football game with some extravagant half time show with brass band, patriotic singing then a fly over by some jets. He reeled of a list of how this little spectacle summed up America.
Then he topped it off by shedding a tear! great stuff fry!!

Stu

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 26 2008 3:19:24

Kate

Posts: 1827
Joined: Jul. 8 2003
From: Living in Granada, Andalucía

RE: America (in reply to Ron.M)

Oh I do miss the BBC, would love to see this. We are stuck with CNN and the American election. God knows what we'll do when it's over. Its been fascinating. A real soap opera !

_____________________________

Emilio Maya Temple
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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 26 2008 8:02:01

Estevan

Posts: 1936
Joined: Dec. 20 2006
From: Torontolucía

RE: America (in reply to Kate)

quote:

We are stuck with CNN and the American election.

But at least you get The Daily Show, which seems to be the only ray of sanity (on TV) in that surreal madness.

_____________________________

Me da igual. La música es música.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 26 2008 8:52:23

Ron.M

Posts: 7051
Joined: Jul. 7 2003
From: Scotland

RE: America (in reply to Estevan)

The standup comedians here in the UK are collapsing on their knees and saying a silent prayer for the gift of Sara Palin....

I was pretty disappointed by Hillary's performance in this run up...she seemed so intelligent and centred some years ago, but came across as being very mad eyed and shrieky on the platform.
Obama, when I first saw him on TV about 2 years ago struck me with his magnetism and charisma.
So much so that I had to say to my wife, "Hey, there's this young black guy...I think he's maybe a Senator or something, but he's definitely got some kind of X-Factor.
I think we'll be hearing more of him..."

cheers,

Ron

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 26 2008 13:21:38

Pimientito

Posts: 2481
Joined: Jul. 30 2007
From: Marbella

RE: America (in reply to Ron.M)

quote:

The standup comedians here in the UK are collapsing on their knees and saying a silent prayer for the gift of Sara Palin....

Ron- you Devil, these political threads usually end in tears. I'm desperately biting my tongue. I agree that there seems an unfathomable divide between the majority of hospitable, intelligent Americans I have met and the US political system.Its no big secret who most Europeans want to win the US election but I am curious to ask any "Six Pack Joes" and "Ice hockey mums".....How can it be real that a pageant queen can be the US vice presidential candidate? Was it because Arnold Schwarzenegger was born outside of the US?

"They're our next door neighbors and you can actually see Russia from land here in Alaska, from an island in Alaska." - Sarah Palin, on her foreign policy insights into Russia

_____________________________

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 27 2008 1:38:25

Ron.M

Posts: 7051
Joined: Jul. 7 2003
From: Scotland

RE: America (in reply to Pimientito)

Pimientito,
I wasn't trying to put her down or anything...I'm sure she's a pretty capable lady to get as far as she has.... it's just that it's difficult for the comedians to find much to make fun of in Obama or McCain or Biden, wheras she has a much more media entertaining style.
I wasn't really expressing any political preference, although if I were American I would probably be tempted by Obama.

cheers,

Ron

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 27 2008 6:42:57

Kate

Posts: 1827
Joined: Jul. 8 2003
From: Living in Granada, Andalucía

RE: America (in reply to Ron.M)

My favourite Palin website
http://www.palinaspresident.us/

Click away but beware the red phone !

_____________________________

Emilio Maya Temple
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000CA6OBC
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/emiliomaya

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 27 2008 8:14:54

Pimientito

Posts: 2481
Joined: Jul. 30 2007
From: Marbella

RE: America (in reply to Ron.M)

Ron-

Kate-

_____________________________

Follow my blog http://pimientito.wordpress.com/

"Ceremonial" by Mark Shurey "Pimientito". CD and digital download vailable on Amazon and
CDbaby. http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/markshurey

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 28 2008 3:17:11

Bogdan1980

Posts: 370
Joined: May 23 2007
From: Frederick, MD

RE: America (in reply to Ron.M)

Hey Pimientito

America is a strange country that way. How is it possible that a community organizer with nothing behind him except radical associations can run for president. Did you know that in America he would be denied security clearance required for some jobs just because he knew some strange people? And yet presidential race is OK?

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 28 2008 6:08:58

Kate

Posts: 1827
Joined: Jul. 8 2003
From: Living in Granada, Andalucía

RE: America (in reply to Pimientito)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Pimientito

Kate-

Did you see the pitbull in the cupboard ? And when you open the door and there is a lovely deer and if you click again. Blam ! I also thought clicking on the framed certificates was funny. And the oil rigs outside and the dinosaur walking past and if you open the window you can hear people rioting and Colm Powell in the shredder. Am sure there are still more things yet to find.

"Palinised "

_____________________________

Emilio Maya Temple
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000CA6OBC
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/emiliomaya

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 28 2008 7:06:23

edguerin

Posts: 1589
Joined: Dec. 24 2007
From: Siegburg, Alemania

RE: America (in reply to Ron.M)

quote:

Am sure there are still more things yet to find

Oh yes, you can switch the lights off (switch to the right of the door), and you can re-cklick the door for a penguin, a rabbit ...

_____________________________

Ed

El aficionado solitario
Alemania

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 28 2008 10:06:22

Kate

Posts: 1827
Joined: Jul. 8 2003
From: Living in Granada, Andalucía

RE: America (in reply to edguerin)

Yeah I just clicked the curtains and a gun fell out !! Also a new sign has been erected outside the window which says " Joe's plumbing " so new things are being added.

Sometimes when you click the door it opens onto a pile of burning books !

_____________________________

Emilio Maya Temple
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000CA6OBC
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/emiliomaya

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 28 2008 12:57:13

Estevan

Posts: 1936
Joined: Dec. 20 2006
From: Torontolucía

RE: America (in reply to Pimientito)

quote:

"They're our next door neighbors and you can actually see Russia from land here in Alaska, from an island in Alaska." - Sarah Palin, on her foreign policy insights into Russia

Yeah, and we can look across the lake and see the USA, so we we know all about them. (The difference is, some of us have even been there - more than once!)

Here's an old classic bit:

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Me da igual. La música es música.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 28 2008 13:43:53

alaskaal

Posts: 51
Joined: Jan. 10 2005
From: Chugiak, Alaska

RE: America (in reply to Ron.M)

Some random thoughts on Alaska/America, please forgive...

I remember standing at the pier in Seattle and some woman talking with her partner, pointing out Bainbridge Island and saying, "You see that land over there? That is Alaska." Americans are not afraid to act out on their ignorance. If you put the tip of the Aleutians on the Baja of California, the rest of the State of Alaska would cover most of the rest of the Continental US.

I have seen Russia from Alaska. I have lived in Russia. I know Sarah and Todd personally, they are really being ill treated by people whose agenda they do not fit. They are really nice people. Imagine waking up the next day with your picture plastered all over every magazine and tabloid available. You have an interview with Katie Couric at 0700 tomorrow morning, please BE SHARP.

What I miss in America is the era when we could disagree without hatred. When we really could work together in a non-partisan way. When I could ask a question of a politician and not have some kind of private investigation set off to ruin me or my credibility. I am really growing afraid of speaking out because of the hatred coming from both sides.

Sorry if I have offended anyone. Everyone seems to be offended by almost nothing these days.

On topic conversation, How about that Lester DeVoe, can he build a guitar or what?

Al

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 28 2008 17:00:21

Anders Eliasson

Posts: 5780
Joined: Oct. 18 2006

RE: America (in reply to Ron.M)

I liked your reply Al..

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 29 2008 0:17:03

Kate

Posts: 1827
Joined: Jul. 8 2003
From: Living in Granada, Andalucía

RE: America (in reply to alaskaal)

Politics is a dirty game and never more so at election time but no-one is forced into it. While we were all surprised at Mcains choice of running mate it cant possibly be a surprise that Palin has attracted massive attention. Isn't that the whole point.

I love watching the political comedy shows. Remember Spitting Image anyone ? This isn't hatred its satire.

Roll on the election and if she doesn't win I somehow doubt that Palin will step out of the limelight when she gets a chance. Time will tell.

_____________________________

Emilio Maya Temple
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000CA6OBC
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/emiliomaya

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 29 2008 5:23:38

henrym3483

Posts: 1584
Joined: Nov. 13 2005
From: Limerick,Ireland

RE: America (in reply to Kate)

come on america, pick the "right" man for the job. and that does no mean mcsame

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 29 2008 5:29:18

Bogdan1980

Posts: 370
Joined: May 23 2007
From: Frederick, MD

RE: America (in reply to henrym3483)

Apparently that means pick someone who will finally punish the rich and give all to the poor!? Does it mean pick a man one step away from communism?

Al is right in many regards. It has become very divisive here. But I think it's because the candidates are such polar opposites, dramatically so. McCain is not the best thing out there but I look at it as a fight between the free market principles and freedoms (what this country was built on) and the socialist entitlement of those who don't want to work and think that the world or this country owes them something.

Often times it seams that people who vote left are those that haven't seen much in terms of other regimes, real poverty, and/or dictatorships. One guy recently told me "a little socialism is a good thing". One can say that only if he never experienced it.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 29 2008 7:17:15

Estevan

Posts: 1936
Joined: Dec. 20 2006
From: Torontolucía

RE: America (in reply to Bogdan1980)

quote:

Apparently that means pick someone who will finally punish the rich and give all to the poor!? Does it mean pick a man one step away from communism?

Don't worry, Bogdan; there is no such candidate.

_____________________________

Me da igual. La música es música.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 29 2008 8:23:56

Bogdan1980

Posts: 370
Joined: May 23 2007
From: Frederick, MD

RE: America (in reply to Estevan)

quote:

Don't worry, Bogdan; there is no such candidate.

Oh the Naiveté...

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 29 2008 8:40:23

Pgh_flamenco

Posts: 1506
Joined: Dec. 5 2007
From: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

RE: America (in reply to Ron.M)

Too few people understand what is going on in the USA-especially people who are not from the USA. I went to an Obama rally. He was eloquent, but for the most part his comments were so vague that they were practically meaningless. He did answer one question with such dishonesty that the audience was clearly upset and even some of the young attendees voiced their anger about it afterward.

People should keep the current economic crisis—already the worst the world has ever experienced and one which still hasn’t bottomed out—in mind as a template for the future. This was entirely the fault of those with socialist leanings. The Democratic Party—namely Barney Frank and his associates—made it possible for people who could not afford homeownership to purchase homes. Bush and the Republicans actively opposed them but failed to stop Frank. In part this policy extended the American dream and the social welfare system (yet again) to those of little means (i.e., lazy, unproductive people). Was it worth it? Consider the worldwide effect of the failure of such a policy on everyone. Are the poor now better off? Is anyone? The answer is obvious.

Obama ran ads recently claiming that the Republicans were to blame for the crisis and the failed social policy that led to it! Since it was false and there was so much evidence to the contrary it was easy to rebut and now he talks about failed economic policies without mentioning the housing crisis that caused the broader economic collapse. Obama has recently started to air ads about his support of the Second Amendment which couldn’t be more false. (Hillary made a similar assertion about her support of gun ownership by the way.) One has to wonder how he thinks he can get away with making such false statements. He is counting on the ignorance of the voting public—apparently a trait shared by his supporters worldwide—to pass such dishonesty off as truth.

Everyone who isn’t already aware of the enormous welfare state that exists within the USA should keep in mind that as the number of people who only take from the economy and contribute nothing grows the economic system will have to fail because of them (just like the housing market failed). A society can only support so many deadbeats.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 29 2008 9:26:21

Bogdan1980

Posts: 370
Joined: May 23 2007
From: Frederick, MD

RE: America (in reply to Pgh_flamenco)

quote:

He is counting on the ignorance of the voting public—apparently a trait shared by his supporters worldwide—to pass such dishonesty off as truth.

Amen!! Couldn't say it better.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 29 2008 9:39:30

Gummy

Posts: 495
Joined: Nov. 27 2005
From: North Carolina, USA

RE: America (in reply to Bogdan1980)

Heh heh. It's no use man. I have been watching this forum for years and it has usually leaned left when it comes to politics. The other musical forums I read do the same. I try not to comment on the politics because I am here for flamenco and online discussions. You know, you can rarely if ever convince another to go your way no matter which side you are on via a forum or even in person.
.

Hey Al, it is good to see another Alaskan on the forum. I grew up in Fairbanks a long time ago. I know exactly who Woodsey is(from your other login). I remember the commercials as a kid. Take care gents and know that even though you don't hear much, you are not alone.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 29 2008 9:42:25

Pgh_flamenco

Posts: 1506
Joined: Dec. 5 2007
From: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

RE: America (in reply to Gummy)

quote:

Heh heh. It's no use man. I have been watching this forum for years and it has usually leaned left when it comes to politics. The other musical forums I read do the same. I try not to comment on the politics because I am here for flamenco and online discussions. You know, you can rarely if ever convince another to go your way no matter which side you are on via a forum or even in person.

Agreed. But ocasionally someone has to state the obvious even if no one will be convinced.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 29 2008 9:49:05

Ron.M

Posts: 7051
Joined: Jul. 7 2003
From: Scotland

RE: America (in reply to Pgh_flamenco)

At the end of the day they are all politicians.
I can't think of a single politician in active service whom I'd trust.

Once they have left office and can speak their own mind they usually come across better and more likeable as people.

Anyway in our "celebrity" based culture now a lot of it is about just looking good and saying the right sound bites.

Practically every major politician leaves office in defeat, failure and ignominy.
It comes with the job.

cheers,

Ron

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 29 2008 10:12:01

ChiyoDad

Posts: 151
Joined: Jun. 30 2007
From: San Francisco Bay Area

RE: America (in reply to Ron.M)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Ron.M

At the end of the day they are all politicians.
I can't think of a single politician in active service whom I'd trust.

Amen.

And if you believe Obama is a socialist for favoring a higher tax bracket for the wealthy, then you should check out these videos:

Short Version

Long Version (get coffee)

Clips showing it wasn't a one-off thing

_____________________________

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 29 2008 10:45:44

Mark2

Posts: 1871
Joined: Jul. 12 2004
From: San Francisco

RE: America (in reply to alaskaal)

Thanks for the post. The Dems were terrified of SP because many normal everyday people related to her. Because people who loved the idea of a woman in the white house (Hilary) might support her. So they blasted her, tried to destroy her. And they did a pretty fair job of it.

I have no idea if she'd be able to be an effective president-a vocal gaff here and there says nothing-no different than a guitarist hitting a wrong note now and then-I'm sure none of us have done that. But she's not running for president-Obama is, and attacking SP because of a lack of experience while your candidate is Obama is silly.

If he wins, Obama will make parts of the country, and the rest of the world, feel good about themselves, and that's part of what a president should do. The rest of what he wants to do may not make people who actually earn a living feel so good. No matter who wins- Fasten your seat belts-it's going to be a rough landing me thinks.

quote:

ORIGINAL: alaskaal

Some random thoughts on Alaska/America, please forgive...

I remember standing at the pier in Seattle and some woman talking with her partner, pointing out Bainbridge Island and saying, "You see that land over there? That is Alaska." Americans are not afraid to act out on their ignorance. If you put the tip of the Aleutians on the Baja of California, the rest of the State of Alaska would cover most of the rest of the Continental US.

I have seen Russia from Alaska. I have lived in Russia. I know Sarah and Todd personally, they are really being ill treated by people whose agenda they do not fit. They are really nice people. Imagine waking up the next day with your picture plastered all over every magazine and tabloid available. You have an interview with Katie Couric at 0700 tomorrow morning, please BE SHARP.

What I miss in America is the era when we could disagree without hatred. When we really could work together in a non-partisan way. When I could ask a question of a politician and not have some kind of private investigation set off to ruin me or my credibility. I am really growing afraid of speaking out because of the hatred coming from both sides.

Sorry if I have offended anyone. Everyone seems to be offended by almost nothing these days.

On topic conversation, How about that Lester DeVoe, can he build a guitar or what?

Al