Comments on: Tip

By: anne

anne — Thu, 05 Aug 2004 17:00:58 +0000

“like a drowning politician hanging onto a child in a lifejacket”

so, useful advice and comedy gold all in one brief entry? you’re so totally my hero.

By: D

Wed, 28 Jul 2004 15:55:40 +0000

Because so many of their agents hit the sauce a little too hard?

By: mig

mig — Thu, 15 Jul 2004 11:13:37 +0000

I honestly don’t know, Bengt, about the “Your Holiness” title. The Holy See doesn’t invite me to any of their parties; but I thought that would be reserved for the Pope.

Aha! http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0001618.html

Apparently, that term of address works on the following: The Pope, The Russian Orthodox Patriarch, Greek Orthodox Patriarch (“Your All Holiness”). Cardinals are “Your Eminence”.

Paul, I suspect that’s more a taxi driver/waitress skill, although the CIA probably has a course on it.

By: paul

paul — Thu, 15 Jul 2004 03:12:34 +0000

How drunk is it acceptable to be at such a reception? A few cocktails with no dinner drunk? Wedding reception drunk? Sporting event drunk?

Also, are diplomats trained to work with drunks or is that more of a taxi driver type skill?

By: Bengt O.

Bengt O. — Wed, 14 Jul 2004 23:43:44 +0000

If the host represents the Vatican State (or, as it is known in diplomatic circles, “The Holy See”) I think “Your Holiness” is not out of place. But the Vatican does not give simple receptions but rather a “vin d’honneur.” And, no, they don’t serve holy wafers.

By: mig

mig — Wed, 14 Jul 2004 14:44:16 +0000

i got so drunk i can’t remember the food…

(i mean, your little miniature sandwich things, usually, interspersed with national delicacies; in this case, sushi, okonomiyaki, oden, yakitori (which ran out before i could get any) etc)

By: j-a

j-a — Wed, 14 Jul 2004 12:36:57 +0000

your holiness?! that is funny. but you haven’t told us the details of the food. what do they serve at these things? i imagine little canapes…