News of Prince Harry's tour in Afghanistan has led to his recall over security fears, but at least the tabloids are seeing him in a new light
It wasn't so much the blowing of his cover that was the problem, but the prospect that it might actually have led to the blowing up of Prince Harry and his mates or at the least marked them out as prime targets for the Taliban.…
Article comments
26 - Dr Dreadful
That pamphlet must've worked, then, Stan!
Funny story on the subject of politeness. When I first visited America my (then) wife-to-be was excited to show me how good American customer service really was. So on the drive back from the airport we stopped at a Taco Bell in Oakland. The kid behind the counter had the most horrendous attitude problem I ever saw. His face wore an expression of utter contempt and loathing and his body language radiated resentment with every slouch.
My wife was mortified.
And the little shit probably did something nasty with our food as well, because we both got sick a couple of days later.
On the flip side of the coin, on that same visit we were invited to dinner at my wife's best friend's parents'. My wife had to work and couldn't make it, but they said I should come anyway. Even though they didn't know me from Adam, they welcomed me like a member of the family. It was as if I'd known them for years.
I have to say that the only other place I've ever encountered hospitality of that calibre was Australia.
27 - STM
That'd be the reason why all those lunatics have set up that Dominion of British West Florida movement.
Wouldn't it be a hoot if they succeeded. They reckon they don't have to secede from the United States for it to happen. What, just a matter of calling Buck House and asking Her Maj to put them back on the books??
You can just imagine how Americans might take to that notion, especially with a Union Jack in the corner of the West Florida flag.
No such luck .. oh hang on, the Hawaiian state flag has a Union Jack in the corner (and ain't it just the prettiest of all the state flags??) :)
28 - STM
Doc, hospitality is great down under. People ARE nice here, but service can be something else sometimes.
Too often: it's like they're doing you a favour just serving you.
Unfortunately, the customer isn't always right in Australia.
I have even heard a restaurateur tell a customer over a pretty innocuous and not unreasonable complaint, and I quote: "Well if you don't like it, p.ss off and don't come back!"
29 - Clavos
Sounds like the soivice in Noo Yawk...
30 - STM
Clav, I reckon the service is better in New York mostly than it is in Australia.
There is one little trap for unsuspecting Australians in America.
While we do tip here in restaurants and bars etc if we like the service (usually about 10 per cent of the bill, although sometimes more), Aussies working in the hospitality industry are on pretty good award wages, including penalty rates and weekend rates etc, and get at least four weeks a year holiday. Which means they don't depend on tips, but count them instead just as a bonus.
What many Aussies (and Brits too) don't realise when they go to the US for the first time is that people tending bars and working as waiters/waitresses are on a very, very low wage that is supplemented by good tips.
So often they will leave no tip or a smaller tip than would normally be expected from an American.
I have copped a bollocking in the US for not tipping when I first went there. There was also some misunderstanding about how it's done.
If I went to a bar, I might drink all night and then leave some money on the bar when I go, rather than tip with every drink.
Tips are also shared by the staff in Oz (and in the UK too, I think), so it's all counted up at the end of the night then divvied up evenly.
So misunderstandings and cultural differences can be a prime source of problems in such situations.
31 - Dr Dreadful
Well, I don't know about everyone else, but when I was in New York I was pleasantly surprised. Service was at worst neutral and for the most part the attitude of New Yorkers was very friendly.
Either they've had a very bad press, project the 'rude' image themselves, or 9/11 caused a major shift in their perspective.
I did spot a sign on 5th Avenue that said, "Don't even THINK about parking here".
As for Australian waiters... damn, those French international restaurant trainers are good!
32 - STM
Doc: "As for Australian waiters... damn, those French international restaurant trainers are good!"
Yep, almost every single one 'em in Oz has passed "Surly #101".
It's a problem, it really is.
33 - Marcia L. Neil
He's not royalty if he hasn't invented something; he can be nobility resulting from inheritance and training. Are those types the ones with whom 'our guy' are experiencing so-called "friendly fire" -- 'our guys' are usually carrying a number of potential new projects in the back of their minds. Some northeastern North Americans grew up with McVays.
34 - Dr Dreadful
Marcia: Huh????
Me English.
35 - Silver Surfer
Marcia ... what have you been smoking, and where can I get some??