I have noticed something, and I wanted to ask a question about it. On long threads that get off of the subject, someone invariable breaks in and shouts "WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH TRAVEL?" It is like going over a verbal speed bump in the middle of a thread that is otherwise interesting or amusing. <BR> <BR>I do not understand this objection. If the original thread had to do with travel and things got off of the subject, who cares? If I see a thread that is veering into an area I don't care about, I don't read it anymore. Is this forum really supposed to be only a Q/A session on restaurants and hotels with trip reports? Why would anyone have such a strong reaction to threads that stray from travel? If it bother them, why do they read it and then bring it to the top by posting at all? Besides, the post that says "What does this have to do with travel?" itself has nothing to do with travel. <BR> <BR>Paula

Bravo!

I believe it was Elvira that once humorously quipped a good one -- something to the effect: "Travel is a deadly serious business and no place for joking." Sadly, it seems some persons really do hold that view.

This thread has NOTHING to do with travel, Fodors should remove it immediately.

Tony, you are such a hoot! (That is a good thing.) Where are you now?

Fan: thanks for your support. You may, if you wish, susbscribe to the Stellarossa newsletter. <BR> <BR>I'm back in Edinburgh right now although yesterday I was in a tiny village in Buckinghamshire, England. I stepped into the only pub there and got talking to the owner who turned out to be from the same small town as I am from. Yeah I know Britain's not that big but I was surprised. <BR> <BR>Still debating where to visit (in USA) next.

what a great thread!!

Oh-Oh.....I'm sensing humor on an otherwise serious post....Tony- How about Danville, Ca? Check out the Blackhawk Museum? Some of the cars there are downright amusing.

I still think fat people, children and large pigs should be banned from flying; Americans should never wear sneakers in Europe; my shoes are the most comfortable; only I know how to best parent your children; fanny packs/bum bags should never EVER EVER be paired with black stretch pants; you must know how to properly order a beer in England or you will be literally thrown out of the pub; all Americans are fat because of genetic conditions that mysteriously appear only in Americans; Brits know everything there is to know about Americans, and it's all bad; I want to go on vacation to Europe, but want you tell to tell me where to go, when to go, when and from whom to buy my plane ticket, whether to rent a car, where I should eat, where I should drink, whether I can buy bottled water and Snickers and my brand of Kleenex, what the temperature will be, and if the natives will like me and take me into their homes and embrace me as one of the family. <BR> <BR>Am I missing anything?

Anne: <BR>Thanks for the laugh-- <BR>How about how to get bumped up to first class, is it OK to wear a pink crinkly jog outfit (even though the word jog makes me break out in hives) will everyone be rude to me because I am ______(fill in the Blank), travelers checks or ATM cards, <BR>I am glad *I* never thought to ask those questions!!!:^)

Anne <BR>Yes, you did miss something. Only stupid American tourists wear jeans in Europe. You will never, never, never see a real European in jeans.

Gosh! Levi! <BR> <BR>I'm such a nerd. I wear Levis everytime! <BR> <BR>if you really want a stupid thread that has absolutely NOTHING to do w/ travel, check out my cool christmas gift thread... <BR> <BR>I'm astounded I haven't gotten flim-slammed!!! <BR> <BR>ouch!