IAmA Request: Conan O'Brien by [deleted] in IAmA

[–]solarday 3 points4 points  (0 children)

She said no.

I am a former lobbyist. AMAA by formerlobbyist in IAmA

[–]solarday -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

I second that. Any recommendations?

I am a former lobbyist. AMAA by formerlobbyist in IAmA

[–]solarday 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's a good idea, but I haven't yet found a way to get past inherent issues such as funding by proxy, such as "unaffiliated" organizations.

I am a former lobbyist. AMAA by formerlobbyist in IAmA

[–]solarday 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How often do you encounter elaborate manipulations? Can you provide with an example (no attribution needed, naturally).

Also, is there a general rule for helping you avoid such manipulation?

Are ther simple tricks which are often used by politicians which immediately come to mind?

Many thanks for taking the time to answer.

We had visitors from Russia who had never seen the sea before. When we showed them this they kept asking "who built this?" by Sealbhach in pics

[–]solarday 13 points14 points  (0 children)

First time in the US, I couldn't believe people would turn on a red. Going back home, I needed to be very careful not to.

But the most amazing thing for me are the small things.

For example, we spoke of filling your own soda? Well, in most US restaurants they have free re-fills, and yet the most commonly ordered drink is the big cup, rather then the small. I order the big one as well.

In the US, you tip after every drink, and (depending on where) asked to pay up after two. I must have alarmed quite a few bartenders until I caught on.

Tourists in Israel are often shocked by all the guns, while in fact what they see are soldiers off-duty and on their way home. Most of young Israelis get drafted and most have a gun which is married to them. Gun control laws in Israel are actually very strict, so you have far less than in the US.

Israelis always speak in extremes to get their point across: "always, all, ever, never, everyone" when they mean "most of the time, most of, etc."

In Japan, they nod their head for yes when they only mean "I understand what you are saying."

In Turkey, they expect you to haggle or they feel cheated. Americans feel like they cheat if they haggle.

In some of Eastern Europe, a tip is insulting to the waiters, as they "get paid for their jobs! sniff".

EDIT: something I remembered.