Daily Podcast: We're An American Brand
My wife and step-daughter became U.S. citizens today. The ceremony was disappointing from the git go: over 500 people trying to escape bitter cold through two theater doors. (God help us if there had been a fire, terrorist attack or general panic). The judge was about as inspiring as a tax attorney; harping-on about voter awareness, voter registration, voting, keeping an eye on the elected officials you may or may not have voted for, voting them out (or back in office), etc. Although I'm about as PC as a Mac, I was also annoyed when the robed one kept harping-on about the Mayflower– as if Myles Standish single-handedly established the United States. The oath was meh and the multitudes muttered their way through the Pledge of Allegiance. While I am a proud American, I was not proud of the swearing-in. In fact, I was bummed. And then, when we were leaving, I saw an immaculately-dressed man clutching his certificate mount the running board of an equally immaculate black Cadillac Escalade. He held the paper aloft and beamed from ear-to-ear as he posed for a photo, commemorating the day he became a U.S. citizen. Now that's what I'm talking about!
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Ditto to Kurt's post, and welcome to your wife and stepdaughter. We're glad they've joined us on this two-centuries-and-counting journey called America. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ttDUGM-1mU
Can someone please do a review of the G2? Just for kicks.
I became a citizen last summer. It really felt great. I felt a bit more like an American afterward. I felt safe I probably wont get kicked out for doing something bad, but maybe I will. Feels like family I guess. Also after being in the court room and doing the supplied reading I finally understood a bit more of the American dream also. I usually just hear complaints about its use. Its great to be an (sorta-official) American. Although I felt I was one way before I came to the U.S. I do not need anyone to tell me I am an American. Also a Dominican. I guess its a name given to a nebulous concept. I drive an old BMW, that is American too. also Dominican. European, Middle eastern and Asian. I like to see others share the American dream, although I bet they have pretty amazing dreams themselves and are fully capable of having big dreams. I guess everybody is an American. In the end it means a (challenging to park and possibly afford) Cadillac Escalade is a glass have full. So is America. So an Escalade and an old BMW are american, and Asian and European and Dominican. Its works for me.
Alfa Romeos are definitely ready for America. No question, it seems though that America isn't ready for Alfa Romeo, but that could quickly change... Also, FIAT is developing a V6 diesel engine (2.5 and 3.0 litres) to "attack" the US market. If you happen to speak Dutch or like to know what is V6 turbodiesel in Dutch, here's a Link And yes, FIAT was the one who invented the common rail diesel engine...unfortunately for them they didn't realize they had something there and didn't patent it, leaving the technology there for everyone to copy. Only VW went ahead with their "pumpe-düse" first but has now decided to resort to common rail for all new diesel models they bring to market.