 American Tourists not Ugly Americans
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
I swear, if you chuckleheads try and turn this post into another long flame war I'll just delete the whole shi ...bang. It's just anecdotal (look it up). Disclaimer concluded, continuing... "From Reuters, via the New Zealand Herald: Contrary to the notion that American tourists are obnoxious, a survey of 15,000 European hoteliers found that Americans ranked second, behind the Japanese, as the world's politest and most preferable guests. This may have to do, of course, with our great fondness for tipping. Britons, meanwhile, were rated the fifth worst tourists, due to 'rude behavior, noise and a miserly attitude to tipping'." (via the Freakonomics blog) 
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Re: American Tourists not Ugly Americans
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,540
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,540 |
Hmm, personally ( and this is just my personal observations)
I thought Japanese tourist would be farther down on the list. Especially in Hawaii. I have always been partial to the German tourist we have run into quite a few. Even had 2 be the witnesses at our wedding up on the arctic circle a few years ago. Should have seen their faces when my wife asked them in german.
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Re: American Tourists not Ugly Americans
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
This doesn't surprise me none, John. I've always said...Just don't fly airplanes into our buildings and you'll find that we're a VERY hospitable people!!!   (is THAT okay to say here, Mr. Moderator?)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: American Tourists not Ugly Americans
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,362
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
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I worked in the dive industry as an instructor for a few years and spent a lot of time on dive boats. In that time I came across a lot of tourists. On the whole I have to agree that Americans are usually very polite when overseas and any complaints from them are generally justified. You get a few bad ones of course (loud, crass, arrogant, and full of "oh but it's not as good/big/expensive as the one we have at home!") but you get that with any group.
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Re: American Tourists not Ugly Americans
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Joined: Jan 2006
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,606 Likes: 2 |
"Shut up, you American. You Americans, all you do is talk, and talk, and say "let me tell you something" and "I just wanna say." Well, you're dead now, so shut up."
THE VOICE OF REASON
per: Stewart
AF&AM/Shriner/Scoutmaster
130/45 TBS 2shim SS Uni 18/42
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Re: American Tourists not Ugly Americans
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
On the whole I have to agree that Americans are usually very polite when overseas and any complaints from them are generally justified. You get a few bad ones of course (loud, crass, arrogant.....
Well Matt, I'm certainly glad you realize that Americans such as this ARE the exception to the rule!
Cheers,
The Exception....err....I mean, Dwight 
(well...I figured I better say it FIRST before SOMEBODY ELSE does around here!!!)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: American Tourists not Ugly Americans
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,531
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,531 |
*%#@ right we are polite. Stupid foreigners. 
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Re: American Tourists not Ugly Americans
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Heh 
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Re: American Tourists not Ugly Americans
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527 |
all this crayola about Americans is just so much illegitimate stuff put out there by the real arrogant foreigners.....The frogs (french) spit.
"Proud to be an Infidel" ... "100% pure American Jingoist"
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Re: American Tourists not Ugly Americans
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,457
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,457 |
I don't know... I looked in the mirror and saw a pretty ugly American. 
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Re: American Tourists not Ugly Americans
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,954
Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Posts: 3,954 |
the 4 or 5 French people I have known personally were about as nice as I could have hoped to meet. Same goes for a lot of the Germans I know personally, not at all the uptight anal types by any stretch...
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Re: American Tourists not Ugly Americans
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223
Big Bore
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Big Bore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223 |
Quote:
the 4 or 5 French people I have known personally were about as nice as I could have hoped to meet.
Two words:
royal, outstanding
"Never underestimate the power of human stupidity" - Robert Heinlein
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 Re: American Tourists not Ugly Americans
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,531
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,531 |
Oh no,, I just found out my maternal grandparent was French. So...Oui-Oui... I spit on you all- you impudent toads
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Re: American Tourists not Ugly Americans
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
French Soldier: I don't want to talk to you no more, you empty headed animal food trough wiper. I fart in your general direction. Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries.
Sir Galahad: Is there someone else up there we can talk to?
French Soldier: No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time.
French Soldier: You don't frighten us, English pig dogs. Go and boil your bottoms, you sons of a silly person. I blow my nose at you, so-called "Arthur King," you and all your silly English K-nig-hts.
King Arthur: Can we come up and have a look?
French Soldier: Of course not. You're English types.
King Arthur: What are you then?
French Soldier: I'm French. Why do you think I have this outrageous accent, you silly king?
Sir Galahad: What are you doing in England?
French Soldier: Mind your own business.
French Soldier: You don't frighten us with your silly knees-bent running around advancing behavior!
King Arthur: Go and tell your master that we have been charged by God with a sacred quest. If he will give us food and shelter for the night, he can join us in our quest for the Holy Grail.
French Soldier: Well, I'll ask him, but I don't think he will be very keen. Uh, he's already got one, you see.
King Arthur: What?
Sir Galahad: He said they've already got one!
King Arthur: Are you sure he's got one?
French Soldier: Oh yes, it's very nice!
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Re: American Tourists not Ugly Americans
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 749
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
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That brought back some memories. Great movie...
"It's a hundred and six miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and we're wearing sunglasses."
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Re: American Tourists not Ugly Americans
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,836 Likes: 5
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,836 Likes: 5 |
The freakin’ Swiss – They yodel, yodel, yodel in the morning, yodel, yodel, yodel in the day, yodel, yodel, yodel all night long. The other nice tourists can't even hear themselves think. But NOOOOObody every says anything to the Swiss - Oh, they're cute, they're cuddly, they're mountain folk and oh so special. Well, I’ve had it you bunch of suspender wearing little mountain people –
Reeee - Kolllll - aaaahhhh!
So, there.
2004 Triumph Speedmaster (J Lo) 2006 Yamaha Stratoliner (Adele)
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Re: American Tourists not Ugly Americans
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
 Your mock tirade about the Swiss here, Barry, reminds me of the last few sentences of dialogue Orson Wells as the evil Harry Lime utters in this scene from one of the all time classic films, "The Third Man"........ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0N1mib5_JU&mode=related&search=(and BTW...Am I the only person around who's always thought that David Letterman looks just like Joseph Cotten???)
Last edited by Dwight; 06/09/2007 3:11 PM.
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: American Tourists not Ugly Americans
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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With a mug like mine, I would be considered an ugly American tourist anywhere I went!! ummmm that is what this thread is about, right?
BA has Freak, 160mains, 44pilots, air mix3 1/2 to 4 turns, BUBS dresser dogs. Never had more fun on any bike - 2nd bike 2008 RIIIT
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Re: American Tourists not Ugly Americans
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 763
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 763 |
Quote:
This may have to do, of course, with our great fondness for tipping. ......... a miserly attitude to tipping'."
Tipping ????? generations of Scots have done very well without the need to tip......after all it was two scotmen who invented Copper wire after a disagreement over a penny....tipping its enough to turn my Celtic blood to effluent .... 
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Re: American Tourists not Ugly Americans
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 252
Adjunct
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Adjunct
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They must have missed the hotels Dwight stayed at.
He was fun while he lasted.
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Re: American Tourists not Ugly Americans
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Joined: May 2007
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Quote:
I have always been partial to the German tourist we have run into quite a few.
I prefer Swedish. Blonde. About 5"9". Female, of course.
He was fun while he lasted.
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Re: American Tourists not Ugly Americans
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Joined: Sep 2006
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2006
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Quote:
Am I the only person around who's always thought that David Letterman looks just like Joseph Cotten???)
Perhaps. But ol' Dave is a dead ringer for my buddy Gary.
2004 Triumph Speedmaster (J Lo) 2006 Yamaha Stratoliner (Adele)
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Re: American Tourists not Ugly Americans
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 40
Greenhorn
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Greenhorn
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 40 |
Quote:
all this crayola about Americans is just so much illegitimate stuff put out there by the real arrogant foreigners.....The frogs (french) spit.
Have you been to France then?
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Re: American Tourists not Ugly Americans
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527 |
Quote:
Quote:
all this crayola about Americans is just so much illegitimate stuff put out there by the real arrogant foreigners.....The frogs (french) spit.
Have you been to France then?
No I have not had the honor of setting foot on france (spit)
I have been to Germany, and Italy, and Spain. Never made it to frog land.
Theres only one reason I'd ever set foot on French soil and that would be to visit Normandy to say hi to all those boys who did not make it back.
Other than that the frogs can have it.
"Proud to be an Infidel" ... "100% pure American Jingoist"
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Re: American Tourists not Ugly Americans
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Joined: Jun 2005
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Went to France once, to visit Normandy. The people in Caen and around Normandy were ok. Other than that, I have crossed paths with French folks a number of times in my travels to a dozen or so countries-with one exception, they were uniformly rude, pushy and arrogant.
Keep your powder dry
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Re: American Tourists not Ugly Americans
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Joined: Jan 2007
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2007
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The Spanish kicked the French out of my neighborhood in 1565 (Fort Caroline).
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Re: American Tourists not Ugly Americans
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 604
Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Quote:
Am I the only person around who's always thought that David Letterman looks just like Joseph Cotten???
A casting decision for my upcoming film "Campaign '08" -
Gomer Pyle as Mike Huckabee.
And for "Tarheels" -
Huckleberry Hound as Roy Williams.
Last edited by rhnstn; 06/10/2007 12:42 PM.
Said Molly to James, that's a fine motorbike.
Richard Thompson
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Re: American Tourists not Ugly Americans
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Old Hand
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Old Hand
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Quote:
They must have missed the hotels Dwight stayed at.
Are those the half star ones?
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: American Tourists not Ugly Americans
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Are you KIDDIN', GB???!!! My mantra has always been..."Why waste the money on a "good" 1/2-star hotel when there's a perfectly good highway overpass that one can always spend the night under!" (However, I've noticed the wife is starting to mutter the word "cheapskate" under her breath a lot lately whenever we travel together)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: American Tourists not Ugly Americans
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2006
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Quote:
"Shut up, you American. You Americans, all you do is talk, and talk, and say "let me tell you something" and "I just wanna say." Well, you're dead now, so shut up."
One of my favorite movie scenes! 
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: American Tourists not Ugly Americans
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
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Re: American Tourists not Ugly Americans
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 151
Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Yes in fact I'm leaving. After finish my mods next week.
I've only one post in the last weeks.
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Re: American Tourists not Ugly Americans
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,416
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
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Quote:
I prefer Swedish. Blonde. About 5"9". Female, of course.
So this guy is out of the question?
"Wise men speak because they have something to say, fools because they have to say something."
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