Condi Confronts Old Nemesis at Festive Drink Palace

It's obvious that I have to make sure to post ALL of the photos featuring Condi selecting and then sipping a festive beverage this morning in Dubai. But that's not all! There's a funny anecdote, too! But first, hmmm, which one looks the least cyanidey?

(Reuters)

Let's face it: this is exactly the kind of picture we want. More photo-ops like this, please! Let's ALL have festive beverages right now, OK? I think Condi's date selected something mango:

(Reuters)

And OMG STEPHEN HADLEY IS HAVING A LITTLE DRINKY, TOO:

U.S. National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley compares juice drinks with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice (L) during U.S. President George W. Bush's visit to the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House in Dubai January 14, 2008. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque (UNITED ARAB EMIRATES)

OK, so here's the funniest, best part! Condi came face-to-face with one of her old enemies... the falcon Remember the last time they met? No? With the scary smurf? OK, here:

October 11, 2005

Let's get the scoop about the return of the falcon from the Kuwait Times:

And what a tent.

A tent with thick carpets, pillows for lounging, blazing lanterns, and food. Lots and lots of it, from bread with honey to grilled meats and sweets, all served by uniformed staff. Before the feast with a small group of White House aides and Emirati elite, the crown prince showed the president around. Next to carpets laid on the sand stood small pedestals, each stuck in the sand like a beach umbrella and each holding a magnificent falcon. At his host's urging, Bush hoisted one of the birds, using a protecti
ve mitt, and held it as the news cameras whirred. When the bird shifted suddenly, a startled Bush jumped slightly, then recovered.

You're making him nervous," Bush told the assembled media. "He never had a press conference before." Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice trailed her boss and kept her distance from the fierce-looking birds. "I'm not good with animals," she was heard to remark. A few minutes later, however, she, too, was holding a bird, though not for long. Bush, who likes short meetings and early bedtimes, spent more than three hours at the tent encampment as a gray sky turned dark under a dramatic moon.

HA HA! OMG, Condi kept her distance from the fierce-looking birds! I am totally dying, here. A few minutes later, however, she, too, was holding a bird...!!! God, I thought this trip was going to be a total waste. I just knew Condi could be exciting again.

OK, one final gag. He's totally going, OMG, I bet she could totally suck a baseball through that thing: