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The National Review Institute Cruise
It was great to be cruising again, and to be on an NRI cruise. Although neutral observer and I have been on a few NR cruises, this was our first NRI cruise. The difference? The NR cruises had a lot more speakers and panel sessions. Even with the reduced number, we had a lot of fun and learned a lot. First of all, we had a near-continuous Ricochet Meetup underway. I don’t have the ten-Ricochetti dinner pictures, so someone else will have to post those. Here we go:
Left to right, we have Stad, neutral observer, Bob Herring, GLDIII, and Red Herring. The picture was taken at the bar (no shicker there) by the stylish main atrium:
Of the seven dinners, we had three guest speakers. First, here’s GLDIII discussing building one’s own airplane with Charles C.W. Cooke:
Our next guest speaker was none other than Andrew McCarthy. Here is neutral observer trying to figure out how to ditch me and head to Andy’s cabin:
Finally, we had not only dinner, but breakfast that morning with Veronique de Rugy:
Charles was his usual reserved former British self, but Andy and Veronique were a lot more open and animated when they discussed their passions: the law and economics, respectively. The three also shared many personal stories, some hilarious, others more somber. Bottom line? All of the guest speakers were approachable, very warm, and personable.
As for the Ricochetti, let’s just say there was a challenge to break the limit on our beverage packages, which included alcohol. I’m sad to report neither I nor neutral observer was able to break it (too old, I guess). Fellow Rico-shipmates can leave their excuses in the comment section . . .
Oh, the parties! There was a kickoff cocktail party, a cigar smoker, and a farewell cocktail party. Here is a picture from the farewell party (again, fellow cruisers – post your pics!):
Here we have Mrs. GLDIII, GLDIII, Stad, neutral observer, Red Herring, and Bob Herring.
The bottom line? Cruising is back in general, and it looks like the NRI cruises are returning. No word on a regular NR cruise, but it’s a possibility if they can rope the NRI President, Lindsay Craig into doing it. Oh! She’s a sweetheart, and was ready to join in the fun even though she had a job to do. I highly recommend NRI cruises, as you get to meet and hear from people who have done or are currently doing great things.
Okay, fellow shipmates – post your pics!
(Pssst. @roblong and @jameslileks, you missed a good one!)
Published in Meetups
I’m sure if Barkha had written a post about obesity without saying she was inspired to do so by seeing pictures of all the fatties at that meetup, it wouldn’t have been controversial at all. That was like stepping on a landmine that was clearly marked and had plenty of space to walk around.
At least no one (that I can recall) has ever written a post after a meetup saying you people are a bunch of boozehounds who need to sober up.
Insofar as you’re appreciating an example of “discrimination” in the old-fashioned sense, I completely agree.
I just read it. She did have a good point to make but she just showed very bad manners in making it about a specific bunch of people innocently enjoying themselves.
(You are, though, and you do.)
So . . . 2016?
In the meantime, the obesity rate among American adults has risen another five percentage points to 42% — and that was pre-p(l)andemic. It’s likely accelerated since. You read that right: almost half of American adults are obese. America First!
It doesn’t have to be this way.
This is a condition of prosperity. If the WEF has its way, starvation would be the order of the day. Which is better?
My husband and I figured out very quickly that a balcony was a must, and preferably one near the bow. Why? Because as the ship plowed through the water, flying fish would dash away over the crests of the bow waves, which in turn attracted all kinds of fish-eating birds that would dive into the water to catch them. I’m an avid bird nut – this was heaven! Also, near the bow the waves produce a rythmic crashing sound, similar to the surf breaking on a beach. It was wonderful to leave the outside door open and go to sleep lulled by that sound.
But when they said restricted to your hotel ROOM, they probably meant you couldn’t use the balcony!
Probably, but I didn’t see that one. Ahhh, good times.
I was thinking maybe the SS Minnow.
It’ll take a lot longer than three hours to drink all that beer.
Ah but they got marooned for years, PLENTY of time for beer. And arguing…
To exactly what do you refer when positing “anti-Trump bias”? Yes, the magazine editor, Ramesh, is a strong no-Trumper. The rest, now that Kevin Williamson is gone to The Dispatch, pretty much call things as they are.
It is not particularly controversial to acknowledge that Trump was a large reason for loss of the Senate in two straight elections now, he has disgraced himself with his narcissistic focus on his loss in 2020- which was not a fair election (Mollie was right that it was rigged), but which was also not stolen via voter fraud. The biggest reason that Trump lost in 2020 was DJT.
And it is not unreasonable to adopt a universal position that people over 80 should not be president, period.
The Ricochet cruise ship is being outfitted for the 2024 Post-Election Victory Cruise:
Sadly, that’s true. There was that one cruise that had a group of Brazilian high-schoolers, mostly girls. At the pool, the cruise staff told some of the girls they had to go change into more modest swimsuits. Damn the luck!
However, I got pics . . .
I will say there was an embarrassing number of obese Americans on this trip . . .
I believe people were allowed on their balconies.
And they had The Professor who could rig up a brewery and a still . . .
I disagree that Trump was to blame. People vote. Walker was a better choice than Warnock. Repub control of the Senate is better than Dem control. I have no respect for voters who get their panties in wad over silly things nor will I change my voting habits to please them.
False choice. It doesn’t need to be either of those. Is Japan 1/10 as prosperous as the US?
But carry on. Both those paths lead to an early death.
We are back in our home. On the way, we stopped by a gas station for a miniscule fillup and a potty break. Here’s the sign on the bathrooms:
Thank you! Ditto for me. If I can vote for McCain for President to keep Obama out of office, you can vote for Trump to keep any Democrat out of office . . .
Whew, that could have gone the other direction. I mean, if some people think that everyone should wear masks outside when alone…
You may believe that, but that doesn’t make it true.
That looks like it wants to capsize even on land!
Your ideas intrigue me and I would like to see a copy of your brochure.
Is that kinda like “ show the pics or it didn’t happen”?