Sound like anyone we know?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Bethesda, MD USA
Posts: 2,802
Sound like anyone we know?
This is from the Atlantic.
It's pretty good reading. The rest of the article can be found at http://www.theatlantic.com/issues/2002/11/brooks.htm
By the way, wafer thin watches? How uncool. Everyone knows that you don't have a cool watch unless it could be used to decapitate someone.
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Every piece of plastic in his wallet reminds him of his own significance. His American Express card is platinum, his United Airlines frequent-flyer award level is Premier Executive, his Hilton Honors category is Deity.
His watch is wafer-thin. He is always the favorite in closest-to-the-pin contests at resort-hotel motivational conferences. Yet his greatest source of pride is that he, like most American men, considers himself a master of transportation. He knows a secret parking spot close to the entrance of his local airport. Every bag he owns is on wheels, for easy maneuverability. He has memorized his seven frequent-flyer numbers, and he never, ever sets off the metal detectors. He knows which Boeing models have the widest emergency aisles (for extra legroom) and which first-class lounges offer the best mimosas. He glides through his travels infinitely more knowledgeably than the queued-up mortals around him. </font>
His watch is wafer-thin. He is always the favorite in closest-to-the-pin contests at resort-hotel motivational conferences. Yet his greatest source of pride is that he, like most American men, considers himself a master of transportation. He knows a secret parking spot close to the entrance of his local airport. Every bag he owns is on wheels, for easy maneuverability. He has memorized his seven frequent-flyer numbers, and he never, ever sets off the metal detectors. He knows which Boeing models have the widest emergency aisles (for extra legroom) and which first-class lounges offer the best mimosas. He glides through his travels infinitely more knowledgeably than the queued-up mortals around him. </font>
By the way, wafer thin watches? How uncool. Everyone knows that you don't have a cool watch unless it could be used to decapitate someone.
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: AVL
Programs: AA EXP, UA LT Plat, Mar LTT
Posts: 18,147
mdtony-
Thanks much for the post!! The article was very good, and I'd never have found it on my own....
The fact that my watch is "wafer-thin" didn't help tho
Best wishes.
Thanks much for the post!! The article was very good, and I'd never have found it on my own....
The fact that my watch is "wafer-thin" didn't help tho

Best wishes.
#3
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 780
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by mdtony:
Every piece of plastic in his wallet reminds him of his own significance. His American Express card is platinum, his United Airlines frequent-flyer award level is Premier Executive, his Hilton Honors category is Deity.
</font>
Every piece of plastic in his wallet reminds him of his own significance. His American Express card is platinum, his United Airlines frequent-flyer award level is Premier Executive, his Hilton Honors category is Deity.
</font>

#4

Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 4,679
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by mdtony:
Everyone knows that you don't have a cool watch unless it could be used to decapitate someone.
</font>
Everyone knows that you don't have a cool watch unless it could be used to decapitate someone.
</font>
#5


Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Philadelphia, PA, USA
Programs: UA 2P, AA LT Gold, Marriott LT Titanium
Posts: 3,177
What's a watch? My StarTac has the correct time and it even resets for time zones automatically.
Only time I wear a watch is when i go to Europe.
Only downside - doesn't work in the air.
Only time I wear a watch is when i go to Europe.
Only downside - doesn't work in the air.
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Bethesda, MD USA
Posts: 2,802
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by El Boocho:
Somebody has seen too many Bond promos.
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Somebody has seen too many Bond promos.
</font>
Some of the other toys that Bond gets to play with, though. Where do I get one of those....
CARS!!!!! Get your minds out of the gutter ;D
[This message has been edited by mdtony (edited 11-14-2002).]
#11
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Tulsa
Posts: 240
I must be the lightest of the light. I can only remember my AA, Hhonors, and MR numbers.
The balance of them are secure in my portfolio. Too many to fit in my wallet.
I enjoyed the article. Thanks for the post. As I never ever "beep", I related well there. Although I don't own a Porsche, have an Oklahoma football license plate, or play golf, I am going to ask for these items for Christmas. Then I'm going to put those tassels on the plate. I had no idea how much I was missing from my life. I suspected; but didn't know.
The balance of them are secure in my portfolio. Too many to fit in my wallet.
I enjoyed the article. Thanks for the post. As I never ever "beep", I related well there. Although I don't own a Porsche, have an Oklahoma football license plate, or play golf, I am going to ask for these items for Christmas. Then I'm going to put those tassels on the plate. I had no idea how much I was missing from my life. I suspected; but didn't know.
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Bethesda, MD USA
Posts: 2,802
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Beckles:
Only seven frequent flyer numbers memorized? What a lightweight ...</font>
Only seven frequent flyer numbers memorized? What a lightweight ...</font>
My mind only has so much memory and I'm glad we have computers and PDAs to store those things. I'd rather remember other things, like what places in various cities I can have a great time at.
#13
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Vancouver - UA 1K, Hilton Diamond, Starwood Platinum, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 550
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by mdtony:
My mind only has so much memory...
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My mind only has so much memory...
</font>
My mom still writes my name and address in the back of my underwear... incase I get lost again...
#14
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Potomac Falls, VA
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Does she put the day of the week on each pair too?
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Village Idiot:
I have a hard enough time remembering where I parked my car...
My mom still writes my name and address in the back of my underwear... incase I get lost again...</font>
I have a hard enough time remembering where I parked my car...
My mom still writes my name and address in the back of my underwear... incase I get lost again...</font>
#15
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: Various
Posts: 2,155
Watches that can decapitate someone?
I know that both me and ScottC opted for a more insane option - Breitling Emergencies (http://www.breitling.com/eng/models/professional/emergency/index.html).
I doubt that I'll ever use it, theres the small matter of a 20k fine for improper use too; but hey its a cool talking point with friends as people don't believe it cna really summon emergency assistance!
And totally agree about the earlier comment that it should be AmEx Centurion (Black), Platinum is just far too easy to obtain. A payment of $400 is normally enough
Thanks,
Richard
I know that both me and ScottC opted for a more insane option - Breitling Emergencies (http://www.breitling.com/eng/models/professional/emergency/index.html).
I doubt that I'll ever use it, theres the small matter of a 20k fine for improper use too; but hey its a cool talking point with friends as people don't believe it cna really summon emergency assistance!
And totally agree about the earlier comment that it should be AmEx Centurion (Black), Platinum is just far too easy to obtain. A payment of $400 is normally enough

Thanks,
Richard






